DE2424845A1 - DEVICE FOR WELDING FILM ENDS USING ULTRASOUND - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for welding film ends by means of ultrasound. Among the film ends of the aforementioned type are to be understood in particular thermoplastic photographic films, the slightly overlapping film ends along a thin line substantially at right angles to the film be welded ^ by the welding energy is generated by means of ultrasound.

The use of ultrasound to weld plastic materials has long been known. An ultrasound vers welding has a number of advantages and

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$ 24843

Improvements, particularly in the sealing of photographic films. The footage is made preferably made of polyester. The two ends of the film to be joined together overlap slightly and at the point of overlap, a suitable ultrasonic welding pressure is generated. At the When the ultrasonic energy is generated in the area of the overlap point, heating occurs, which occurs through is due to the frictional forces that occur between the overlapping surfaces. This will a molecular and / or fusion bond achieved. This type of connection was also used in footage successfully used those made from cellulose triacetate exist. The various ultrasonic welding techniques used in films are described in Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Dec. I96I, Volume 70 »Page 976.

A number of devices are known in which the ends of the film are welded by means of ultrasound will. The overlap is brought between an anvil and a horn, with between these the compression zone is formed in both parts,

Here the horn is connected to an ultrasonic generator, which the horn is responsible for Excitation supplies necessary vibration energy. the Vibration energy is here over the entire width of the compression zone between anvil and horn generated. When this compression zone is present over the entire width of the filmstrip, there is it goes without saying that a relatively high energy

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must be generated over this area in order to be able to use the to achieve a perfect ultrasonic weld connection over the entire width. The ultrasound device must therefore - be dimensioned accordingly large. It would be much cheaper to have the ultrasonic energy in only one generate small area.

In the known devices, a contact pressure must be applied over a relatively large area between the anvil and the horn be generated. This means that the anvil and the horn are very precisely aligned with one another must, so that an even pressure is obtained in the welding area. Will the vibration energy not introduced uniformly, this leads to charring of the film strips in the area of the highest Contact pressure, while there is insufficient energy in the area of the lower contact pressure, to join the strips together. So the task is to apply the contact pressure evenly. However, if the contact pressure is set so that charring does not occur, it is often a Twisting detectable at the edges of the film. These ultrasonic welding devices are therefore relatively expensive, because the manufacturing tolerances must be very high in order to ensure an exact alignment between the horn and anvil obtained in order to generate a perfect contact pressure and the necessary ultrasonic energy to be applied simultaneously over the entire welding area.

Devices have already been developed in which a narrow contact area between the transducer horn

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and the anvil are present. However, these devices have the disadvantage that in the area of the compression zone a very high heat development occurs, which acts in particular on the horn and can damage this.

Most of the known devices require that prior to joining the emulsion layer and / or an antistatic coating must be scraped off. This is especially true with polyester films a conventional emulsion.

The task is to design a device for welding film ends by means of ultrasound in such a way that that a perfect welding of the film ends is possible, the device being simple in structure should be, in particular no excessively tight tolerances should be in spite of a perfect function may be necessary during manufacture.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a device of the type mentioned in that a Transducer horn is provided, which generates vibrations in the ultrasonic range and a fixed, has a narrow and elongated surface or point and a rotatable circular anvil is provided, which over and along the surface of the transducer horn migrates, with an overlapping film ends between this surface and the anvil Compression zone is formed.

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The device according to the invention has a simple structure, can be manufactured efficiently and is required low operating costs. The perfect welded connections can be made quickly. Charring or overheating of the film and thus warping of the film in the area of the weld is avoided. Excessive pressure on the film is not possible at the sealing point. aside from that it is possible to adjust the contact pressure in the area of the welding point according to the given conditions. In the case of films with a sound track, the sound track is prevented from running off in the area of the weld. In the case of undeveloped films, flocculation in the area of the weld does not occur. Farther it is possible with the device to process different film formats and different thicknesses of film. The device is designed so that it can also be operated in darkrooms. There is a bevel the ends of the film or scraping off the emulsion is not necessary, there are no dust problems on. This avoids the risk of scratching the film.

The device according to the invention is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view in perspective Opinion.

2 shows a perspective view of the underside of the circuit board.

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3 shows an exploded view of an assembly for holding, cutting off and transporting the film to the welding zone.

Fig. H is an exploded view

of the movable anvil and its storage.

Fig. 5 is an electrical diagram of the circuit as it is in the device Can be used.

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The present ultrasonic film joining device 10 consists, according to FIG. 1, of a first assembly 11 in which the film is held for cutting and from where it is subsequently transported into an ultrasonic pressure zone in which the film ends are joined together. These parts are shown in detail in FIG. The connection device 10 also consists of a cutting assembly 12, the ultrasound connection assembly 13 and the circuit board assembly Ik. In addition, the device has additional mechanical and electrical parts, which are described in detail below with reference to FIG.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the circuit board assembly 14 has an incision 20 over which the guillotine-like cutting assembly 12 is arranged. The board Ik also has an incision 21 which receives the horn 90 of the ultrasonic transducer I3. The circuit board Ik is designed so that it fits into the basic housing 22, which simultaneously serves as a housing for the various mechanical and electrical components which are arranged below the circuit board ik. At the same time, this housing prevents these parts from being touched and ensures a moisture-tight seal. Furthermore, an upper cover 23 is provided which serves as a housing for the anvil part of the ultrasonic transducer I3 'when this is in its rest position. This cover also prevents the film from being scratched when the device is operated in the dark. Furthermore, a receptacle

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ter 24 is provided for receiving the cut ends of the film.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, the first assembly 11 consists of two subassemblies 40 and 40 41, which are constructed in a mirror-inverted manner. The subassembly 40 can be used as a subassembly for the right end of the film and the subassembly 41 as an assembly for the left end of the film.

In Fig. 3, the subassembly kl is shown for the left end of the film. This assembly first has a bearing block 42 which is firmly connected to the base plate 14. The part 42 has two upwardly pointing walls 43 and 44 which are provided with bores which serve to receive the pivot pin 45. The film support part 46 is rotatably mounted on the pin 45 between the walls 43 and 44. The film support part 46 has two protruding parts 47 and 48 provided with bores, a shoulder sleeve 49 and 50 being inserted into each of the bores. The bearing pin 45 passes through the bushings 49 and 50 and in turn passes through the bores in the walls 43 and 44 of the bearing block 42. In this way, the film support part 46 is rotatably supported by the sleeves 49 and 50. Thus, the film support part 46 can be rotated backwards about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, which will be described later.

The film support part 46 is, like in particular the Fig. 3 can be seen, essentially flat

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educated. In its starting position, the undersides of the protruding parts 47 and 48 rest the horizontally extending part 51 of the bearing block 42. When the part 46 is l80 backwards is rotated, the top of the protruding part 56 of the clamping part 55 comes on the surface 52 of the Bearing blocks 42 for support. In each of these positions, the film support member 46 takes during the Work with the device in a substantially horizontal position.

That. Film support part 46 is with a groove or Groove 53 is provided in which the film to be cut off and to be connected to the other end of the film is inserted will. It is possible to use exchangeable plates in the groove, each with Holding or guide pins for different film formats are provided, so that by a simple Exchange of this plate the device can be used for different film formats. The screw 54 on the film support part 46 is used to hold such a pinned plate. In connection with the replaceable pin plates is a film format selector switch 133 is provided through which the path of the anvil portion 42 of the ultrasonic transducer I3 is changed depending on whether 8, 16 or 35 mm film is being processed. The selector switch 133 works in conjunction with three different sets of limit switches for reversible operation the drive motor for the anvil and the electric Actuation of the horn 90 of the ultrasonic transducer 13 'as will be described later.

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The clamping part 55 serves to hold the film strip in the slot 53 of the support part 46. The clamping part 55 is essentially flat and has a protruding part 56 which is provided with a bore 57 through which the pivot pin 45 passes. The protruding part 56 of the clamping part 55 fits exactly between the protruding parts 47 and 48 of the film support part 46. The clamping part 55 can be rotated together with the film support part 46 when a film strip is held between the two parts. On the other hand, the clamping member 55 can be rotated independently of the member 46 for loading and removing the film. The clamping part 55 is provided with an elastic cushion 58 for holding the film in place, this cushion fitting precisely into the groove or recess 53 of the film support part 46. The part 58 is preferably made of elastic material so that films of various thicknesses can be processed with the device without any mechanical changes.

The structural unit 4l is provided with a latch mechanism which consists of a bolt 59 which is fitted into an opening 60 of the film support part 46. The bolt 59 extends through this opening in such a way that the protruding lip 61 comes into contact with the lip of the holding part 63, which is fastened to the clamping part 55 by means of screws 64. The bolt 59 is provided with a bore 65 into which an operating pin 66 is inserted. The film support part 46 has a bore 67 through which the operator

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voltage pin 66 passes through it. By pivoting about a horizontal axis, the lips 61 and 62 can be brought into engagement or disengagement with one another. The screw 68 serves to hold the operating pin 66 in the bore 65 of the bolt 59. A spring, not shown, is arranged between the latch 59 and the front inner wall of the opening 60 of the support part 46, so that the latch 59 is always pressed into a rear position in which the film support part 46 locks with the clamping part 55. The lips 62 and 61 are each provided with inclined surfaces so that when the parts 46 and 55 are pressed together, the bolt 59 is moved forward until the two lips engage behind one another. The lips 61 and 62 can be disengaged by pressing on the part 64 of the latch 59, which is provided with a finger recess, so that it is possible to rotate the clamping part 55 backwards independently of the film support part 46. The film strip located between the parts 46 and ^ can hereby be removed.

The cam parts 7O and Jl serve to move the structural unit 6l to the right or inward as soon as the structural unit 8l is pivoted backward by 180. Here, the ends of the film to be connected come into the area of the ultrasonic pressure zone. The inside cam ring JO is provided with a cam which extends essentially over 50% of the circular area. This cam ring 70 is pinned to the protruding part 48 of the film support part 46. The outside cam ring 7I has the same appearance as the ring 7O and is attached to the bearing block 42 by means of the pin 73,

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The springs 74, which are located on the bearing pin 45 and located between the shoulder of this pin and the socket 49, causes the assembly 4l is pushed outward, i.e. away from the centerline of the connecting device. Becomes the unit When rotated 180 backward, the cam rings 70 and 71 cause the assembly inward is moved so that the left and right ends of the film overlap above the ultrasonic transducer I3.

The cutting assembly 12 consists of the fixed cutting blade 80, which is attached to the board 14 is attached on the center line. This cutting blade 80 is in the extension of the horn of the ultrasonic transducer 13 · The fixed Cutting blade 80 cooperates with the movable cutting blade 81, which through downwards the fixed cutting blade 80 is movable therethrough. The cutting edges 82 of the sheet 8l effect severing the ends of the film. The movable cutting blade 81 is attached to a cutting arm 83 by means of screws 84. That way is the cutting blade 8l easily exchangeable for the purpose of replacement or sharpening, which is important is when cutting polyester film. The cutting arm 83 also has a bore for Screw 85, by means of which the manual control button 46 is attached. The cutting arm 83 is attached to the right hinge pin 88 by means of the screw 87. The arm 83 is for this purpose with a Bore 89 is provided through which the arm 83 is mounted on the screw 87. The arm 83 can open in this way around the longitudinal axis of the screw 87

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swivels w e η.

The amount by which the film ends overlap, depends on the height of the cams of the cam rings 70 and 71 · The overlap is still depending on the width of the cutting blade 8l, which is arranged in the center line. Is the Width of the cutting blade 3i6 mm and is the displacement as a result of the cams 2.3 mm, then the overlap on the horn 90 is about 0.5 mm. For the most For film systems, an overlap area between 0.35 mm and 0.65 mm is sufficient.

The Ultraschallverschweißexnheit I3 consists of the horn 90 and the movable Amboßbaueinheit 91 'which is shown in detail in Fig. K. The subassembly 91 has an L-shaped anvil block 92 which is movable relative to the horn 90. The anvil block 92 is slidably mounted on the guide rods 93 and 9 ^. The guide rod 93 is held rigidly in its horizontal position by the support part 96, the rear end of the rod being pressed into the bore 95. The front end of the guide rod 93 fits into the bore 97 of the anvil support part 98, which is fastened to the board lk by means of the laterally protruding parts 99. The L-shaped anvil block 92 is provided with a bore 100 into which the sockets 101 and 102 These bushings 101 and 1Ο2 slide on the guide rod 93- In this way, the anvil 92 can be moved to and fro.

The anvil block 92 also has a longitudinal slot _Λ 03 _on its underside,

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which is so wide that the lower guide rod 9 ^ finds space in it. The guide rod 9 ^ in Connection to slot IO3 ensures that anvil block 92 is always in an upright position is located. The guide rod 9 ^ has a fixed constant distance from the guide rod 93, the guide rod 9 ^ being inserted into the bore 104 of the support part 96. The front one The end sits in the bore IO5 of the anvil support part 98, The anvil support member 98 has a slot 106 which passes through the bores 97 and 95, wherein by tightening the screw IO7, the slot is drawn together so that the guide rods 93 and 9 ^ are held by the holes 97 and 95.

The anvil block 92 serves with its upper arm IO9 to hold the araboss arm 1O8. The arm IO9 is provided for this purpose with a cavity or recess 110 in which the anvil arm IO8 is arranged is. The anvil arm IO8 is held in the recess 110 by means of the pin 111, the passes through the bore 112 on the arm IO9 and is inserted into the bore 113 on the anvil arm 108. Here, the anvil arm IO8 can rotate around the axis of the Turn pin 111. The anvil arm IO8 carries a rolling anvil 114, which within the slotted Part II5 of the arm IO8 is arranged. He is stored by the pin II6, which is held by the holes II7 of the arm end. The roll anvil Il4 has a hole II8 for this purpose, so that it can rotate around the longitudinal axis of the pin II6. The protruding part IO9 of the anvil block 92

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has a threaded hole for receiving the adjusting screw 119. Using this adjusting screw Il9 can set the pressure of a spring which acts on the arm IO8, so that the pressure is adjustable with which the Rolling anvil 114 acts on the film ends to be joined together. As soon as the correct contact pressure is set, the position of the adjusting screw can be adjusted by means of the adjusting screw 120 be determined.

Using the spring adjustment screw II9, a Pressure between about 1.22 to about 313 kg This constant pressure is suitable for most conventional film thicknesses, which are between 0.07 and 0.18 mm.

The anvil block 92 has laterally a rack 121 with teeth 122, this rack being horizontal runs along the lower part. From Figure 2 it can be seen that the teeth 122 with a gear pinion 123 mesh, rotation of pinion 123 causes the anvil block moves forward or backward along the guide rods 93 and 94. The direction of movement is depending on the direction of rotation of the gear pinion 123 · The gear pinion 123 is on a Shaft at the output of a gear box 124 in which a reduction gear is arranged, -which is set in rotation by the electric motor 125. Of the Gear box 124 is attached to the underside of the circuit board 14 and to the support plate 126. These

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Parts are in turn connected to the support part 96 and the support plate 127 for the horizontally extending horn 90 », with the horn 90 being fastened by means of the pillar block I28 and the screws 129, so that the horn 90 is attached. its base is encompassed on all sides. The Windier 90 is a known device which executes a vibratory movement or generates vibrational energy that occurs at the tip or the upper edges I30 of the horn 90. The transducer 90 has a piezo crystal, but it is also possible for the transducer to operate on a magnetostrictive basis. The horn 90 is dimensioned so that an oscillation frequency in the ultrasonic range occurs on the upper part I3O. A suitable converter has, for example, a lead-zirconate-titanate crystal with an energy consumption of 60 to 70 watts and a resonance frequency of 50 kHz. The transducer 90 is connected to a generator I3I · The generator I3I multiplies the mains frequency to the ultrasonic frequency for operating the transducer 90. The ultrasonic generator 131 is attached to the underside of the board Ik and electrically connected to the horn 90, as shown in the circuit diagram according to FIG 5 can be found.

The ultrasonic generator I3I provides essentially one constant energy to converter 9O. Ever however, the greater the pressure exerted by the anvil 114 on the ultrasonic horn, the greater the pressure exerted by the Generator I3I final energy amount to be delivered. The thicker the film material, the greater the distance of the anvil 114 from the horn 90, whereby the spring pressure

pressure exerted by the anvil 114 increases.

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The transformer 132 transforms the line voltage to a 10 volt voltage to operate the existing electrical components. The transformer 132 is arranged on the underside of the circuit board 14 and switched as can be seen from FIG.

The horizontally running path of the rolling anvil 114 via the tip I30 of the horn 90 can be set by means of the travel limiter switch 133. The path of the anvil assembly 9I can thus be set by means of the Fi Imfbrmat selector switch, depending on whether a film format of 8 mm, 16 mm or 35 mm is being processed. The selector switch 133 acts on three different sets of limiter switches for reversible operation of the drive motor 125 and for supplying the converter I3I. The anvil 91 moves in this way over the preset film format as a result of the drive by the geared motor 125 which is controlled by the circuit shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with the displacement path, the speed and the direction.

Fig. 5 shows the electrical circuit for operating the ultrasonic film splicing device. Of the Mains lines l40 and l4l, the mains voltage is fed to the device via plug 142. The housing is grounded. In the event of short circuits or to prevent overloads, a fuse l44 of, for example 3 amps provided. The lines 140 and 14l are connected to the transformer I32, which for example a 120VoIt input AC voltage

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stepped down to 10 volts at 3 amps Amperage. The transducer 91 is connected to the ultrasonic generator 131 connected via lines 1A5. The generator 13I in turn is connected to the lines l40 and l4l connected via lines 146 and 147. In line 146, a normally open contact 1Λ8 is connected, which via the relay 149 is actuated. In series with the line 146 there is also a fuse I50 of one ampere. To the low voltage line I52 and 153 of the transformer A diode bridge I5I is connected to I32. A voltage of 10 volts direct current is present at the output of the diode bridge. With the diode bridge I5I it is preferably a silicon diode bridge. In parallel to the diode bridge are connected the electric motor 125 and the relays 149 and 154.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, a normally closed microswitch 155 is used Actuation of the electric motor 125 is provided. The switch 155 is operated by means of the cam part 134 (Fig. 4) held in the open position. The cam member 134 is attached to anvil block 92 by screws 135. For this purpose there are 92 threaded holes in the block 136 provided. An adjusting screw 137 is also arranged on the cam part 134, which can be determined by means of the nut I38 and which acts on the actuating arm of the microswitch 155 and opens it when the anvil 92 is in its rearward position. Upon actuation of the anvil 91, the anvil block 92 moves forward, which opens switch I55. In parallel with switch 155 is a capacitor I56 for prevention the spark formation provided.

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As mentioned before, the device is equipped with a film format selector switch 133, by means of which the movement path of the armature 9I can be changed. This switch 133 works with Three-way limit switches I57ili> 8 and 159 together, their arrangement in relation to the cam part 13 ^ the Fig. 1 can be seen. When the selector switch 155 is in the position shown in FIG 35mm film material can be processed. To start the motor 125, the normally open one is used Pressure switch 160 closed, so that now the current from line 161 through the switch through the normally closed contacts I62, through line I70, through the normally closed Contact I7I through motor 125 »through the normally closed contact 172 and the Line I73 flows to line I69. The current flow to or through the motor 125 is retained despite the opening of the switch I60, since now the Microswitch 155 is closed. The anvil 91 moves forward and first touches the actuating arm of the normally open switch 157 and then continues its way to the point where the cam part 13 ^ the actuating arm of switch 159 touched. This corresponds to a film width of 35 mm. Right now is the circuit through the line 168 and the relay 15 ^ closed. The relay 15 ^ actuates the contacts 171 and 172 in the motor circuit, which thereby open while contacts 17 ^ and 175 are closed so that now the motor rotates in the opposite direction of rotation. The power is on now from line 173 through switch 175, adjustable resistor I76, motor 125,

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through switch 17 ^ and from line I7O to Line I65 · When relay 154 is energized, is the contact I62 is open, whereby the pressure switch 16O is removed from the circuit. The relay 15 ^ also closes switch 163, which together with the line I67 represents a bypass to the switch 159. This is necessary because when moving backwards the switch 159 returns to its normally open position.

At the moment when the coil of the relay 154 is energized is, the coil of the relay 149 is energized at the same time, the current via the line 176 through relay 149 and through switch I78 flows. The switch I78 was when moving forward closed by the cam member 134 at a point in time before the switch 157 is closed will. A capacitor 179 for spark quenching is provided in parallel with switch I78. Is this Closed circuit, the relay closes switch 148, so that now when the motor is running in reverse 125 the ultrasonic generator is switched on and thus the transducer 90 is excited. While moving backwards of the anvil 114 over the surface I30 of the horn 90, the two ends of the film in the open this way formed compression zone connected to each other.

When relay 149 is energized, * contact 177 closed early, which forms a bypass for relay 149 according to the switch 163 for relay 154. The bypass is established

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in relation to opening the switch 159 · On this The relays 1 ^ 9 and 15 ^ remain covered.

If a narrower film is to be put together, for example a 9mm film, then the Switch 133 set to the 8 mm position. Then the pressure switch 160 is actuated. Which The switching operations then played are essentially the same as for a 35 now film, i. the motor 125 moves the anvil unit 61 forward, The motor circuit is formed by the line 170, the contact I7I, the motor 125, the contact I72, line 173 and line 169 · The Anvil unit moves forward to the point where the cam member 13 ^ makes contact with the switch 157 closes. As a result, the relay 15 ^ is energized, whereby the direction of rotation of the motor is switched. The switches I7I and 172 are opened, while switches 17 ^ and 175 are closed. At the moment when the cam part 13 ^ makes contact I57 closes, the relay 149 is also energized, whereby the switch 177 is closed. At the same time the generator I3I is switched on, whereby the current from line I65 to line I69 over the line I66, line l67i contact 1771 line I76, ·; the relay 1 ^ 9 and the switch I78 flows. As soon the anvil unit 91 reaches the rearward position, The switch 155 is opened when it is touched by the cam part 13 ^, whereby the motor 125 is switched off will. The switch I78 is controlled by the cam member 134 opened so that the generator I3I is de-energized. Parallel A foot switch can be provided for the pressure switch I6O, which by means of a plug I8I

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can be switched on. This makes it possible to put the device into operation with a foot, so that both hands remain free.

The circuit further preferably includes an adapter plug 182 which causes after removal the circuit board 14 from the housing 26, the various electrical components are de-energized. Here one half of the plug 182 is arranged on the circuit board and the other half on the housing 26.

In order to be able to connect two film strips to one another, the switch 143 (FIG. 5), which is located on the rear of the housing 26, is switched on first. The structural units 40 and 4l are brought into their starting position, as shown in Fig.l. By pressing on the part 64 of the lever 59, the clamping part 55 is unlatched and pivoted to the rear. It must then be checked whether the pin plates suitable for the film format are inserted in the film support part 46 or in the groove 53 there and are fastened by means of the locking screw 54. The film format selector switch 133 is then set to the desired position, ie either set to 35mm, 16mm or 8mm.

The two ends of the strip can then be separated or edited together. The following steps are now based on the left Unit described in more detail.

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2Α2Λ845

The cutting blade assembly 83 is first pivoted backwards as far as possible. A The film strip is then inserted into the film platen 46, taking care to ensure that the end of the film overlaps the fixed blade 80. The film can here with its layer side be inserted upwards or downwards. The clamping part 55 is then pivoted forward and locked to the film platen 46. With one vigorous movement, the cutting unit becomes 83 is moved rapidly downwards so that a perfect cut is produced. Then will the unit 4l pivoted backwards.

The same steps are then taken with respect to the structural unit 4l.

Then the start switch I60 is for about one Second pressed. The roll anvil assembly 4i is then forward and welded at the backward movement the two ends of the film together. It should be noted here that the ultrasonic welding device should not be operated if there are no ends of the film, otherwise as a result Too much heat will destroy the horn 90 can. By providing a film format selector it is ensured that the anvil roller il4 only extends over that part of the tip I30 dee horns 90, which is covered by the film, so that the problem is avoided that a direct Contact between the tip I30 and the scooter

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which can damage the horn.

When removing the film, the two structural units 40 and 41 should not be at the same time, but rather opened one after the other, especially when welding a perforated film. With the latter In the example, make sure that the perforation is loosened from the guide pins first, before the other unit is opened. This increases the risk of damaging the perforation avoided.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present ultrasonic film splicing apparatus a very large area of application with regard to the film formats to be processed, whereby the operational safety could be increased significantly. The fact that that by adjusting the return speed (resistance I76) and the contact pressure of the anvil 114 different film thicknesses can be processed. To change the speed of the anvil To be able to, the cover 23 is removed, whereby the adjustable resistor 176 accessible located on the opposite side of the anvil block 92. By means of a With a screwdriver, this resistance 766 can be adjusted in such a way that when the Resistance the speed of the anvil is lower and with a decrease in the resistance value the anvil speed is increased. The pressure

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of the anvil, i.e. the pressure between roller 114 and surface 130, can be adjusted by turning the spring adjustment screw 119 can be set. Turning it clockwise increases the pressure while turning it counterclockwise decreases the pressure. As previously described, the various film formats can be processed.

In the case of the present device, the film ends to be connected to one another are first related to their edges brought to each other at a certain distance. Then the film strips pivoted into the ultrasonic compression zone, wherein the two film strips automatically overlap. Due to the vibration energy, the two overlapping film ends connected to each other, whereby the ultrasonic welding excellence consists of a narrow elongated horn and a rotatable anvil. Between these two parts will be the weld zone is formed, the weld point of the two overlapping film ends is perpendicular to the film strips.

150 welds were made for test purposes and the welds are then subjected to tensile stress. A 16 mm film was used, which 0.076mm thick. The overlap was 0.46 + 0.08 mm, the welding time 3 seconds and the contact pressure of the anvil 283 gr.

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Pulling force until it breaks

Pulling force (kg) 5.9 7.7 8.6 12.2 Number 112 117

13 »6 no break 3 26

The tests were performed on exposed material that was subsequently developed using im The area of the welding point became cloudy. The same experiments were also started with the unexposed Material that was subsequently exposed and developed. There were no changes here either in the properties of the emulsion or coating. It was also found that the weld showed no structural differences over its entire width.

The material used in the device is not critical as long as it has the necessary stability to achieve the to ensure correct functioning over time. However, the device is preferably made of aluminum underneath Use of various other materials if certain properties are desired, such as a minor practice qualification. The electrical components are commercially available.

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409851/0769

Claims (1)

6685 / Ol / Ch / gn - May 27-21 EXPECTATIONS Device for welding film ends using ultrasound, marked by a transducer horn, which generates vibrations in the ultrasonic range, and a fixed, has narrow and elongated surface or tip and by a rotatable circular anvil which extends over and along migrates the surface of the transducer horn, between this surface and the anvil a compression zone sealing the overlapping film ends is formed. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized geke η η ζ η et verifiable, that means are provided for adjusting the speed at which the anvil moves along the surface of the transducer horn. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that near the surface the transducer horn a film cutting assembly is arranged and that further two structural units are provided for receiving the two film ends, which around a horizontal Axis are rotatably arranged on both sides near the film cutting unit and the transducer horn, while pivoting the assembly from the film cutter assembly to the Wandlerhorn - 28 - 409851/0769 6685/01 / Ch / gn - ^2δ - May 21, 197 '* ten perform a movement to each other, in which the edges of the held in the structural units The ends of the film overlap above the tip of the Wandlerhorn. k. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the pressing force of the anvil is adjustable in the direction of the surface of the transducer horn. 5. Device according to claim h, characterized in that the pressing force can be adjusted between approximately 1.22 kg and approximately 3.3 kg. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a film format selector switch is provided, by means of which the path $ of the anvil can be adjusted along the surface, Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that along the path of the anvil Microswitches are arranged, with the setting of the film format selector switch when actuated corresponding Mxkroschalters reversed the direction of movement of the anvil by an actuator connected to the anvil will. - 29 - 409851/0769 6685/01 / Ch / gn - 29-21 May 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that g e k e η η ze I do not think that an anvil support can be moved along guide rails, the Anvil is resiliently rotatably mounted in the direction of the surface of the transducer horn. 9. Apparatus according to claim 6 to 8, characterized in that the anvil carrier is displaceable by an electric motor. 10. Apparatus according to claim 2 and one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the speed of the anvil after reversal its direction of movement is adjustable and the converter horn is activated after this reversal is. 409851/0769 , ^9d · ♦ Blank page