EP0606116A2 - Apparatus and method for cutting strip of adhesive tape - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for cutting strip of adhesive tape Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0606116A2 EP0606116A2 EP94103720A EP94103720A EP0606116A2 EP 0606116 A2 EP0606116 A2 EP 0606116A2 EP 94103720 A EP94103720 A EP 94103720A EP 94103720 A EP94103720 A EP 94103720A EP 0606116 A2 EP0606116 A2 EP 0606116A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- drum means
- drum
- strips
- web
- tape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03D15/00—Apparatus for treating processed material
- G03D15/04—Cutting; Splicing
- G03D15/043—Cutting or splicing of filmstrips
- G03D15/046—Automatic cutting
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
- B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
- B65H19/18—Attaching, e.g. pasting, the replacement web to the expiring web
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
- B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
- B65H19/18—Attaching, e.g. pasting, the replacement web to the expiring web
- B65H19/1842—Attaching, e.g. pasting, the replacement web to the expiring web standing splicing, i.e. the expiring web being stationary during splicing contact
- B65H19/1852—Attaching, e.g. pasting, the replacement web to the expiring web standing splicing, i.e. the expiring web being stationary during splicing contact taking place at a distance from the replacement roll
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H19/00—Changing the web roll
- B65H19/10—Changing the web roll in unwinding mechanisms or in connection with unwinding operations
- B65H19/18—Attaching, e.g. pasting, the replacement web to the expiring web
- B65H19/1857—Support arrangement of web rolls
- B65H19/1873—Support arrangement of web rolls with two stationary roll supports carrying alternately the replacement and the expiring roll
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H35/00—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
- B65H35/0006—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices
- B65H35/0013—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices and applying the article or the web by adhesive to a surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/461—Processing webs in splicing process
- B65H2301/4615—Processing webs in splicing process after splicing
- B65H2301/4617—Processing webs in splicing process after splicing cutting webs in splicing process
- B65H2301/46176—Processing webs in splicing process after splicing cutting webs in splicing process cutting both spliced webs simultaneously
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/462—Form of splice
- B65H2301/4622—Abutting article or web portions, i.e. edge to edge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/463—Splicing splicing means, i.e. means by which a web end is bound to another web end
- B65H2301/4631—Adhesive tape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/463—Splicing splicing means, i.e. means by which a web end is bound to another web end
- B65H2301/4631—Adhesive tape
- B65H2301/46312—Adhesive tape double-sided
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
- B65H2301/40—Type of handling process
- B65H2301/46—Splicing
- B65H2301/463—Splicing splicing means, i.e. means by which a web end is bound to another web end
- B65H2301/4632—Simultaneous deformation of the two web ends
Definitions
- the present invention concerns an apparatus for cutting stripes of adhesive tape from a web of such tape of indeterminate length and for applying such strips to a surface.
- U.S. Patent 3,245,861 discloses a web splicer for use in label printing equipment in which the lead end of the following or new length of web is manually trimmed and a length of tape is applied across the trimmed end. The preceding or old length of web is then stopped as its source spool is emptied and its tail end is trimmed. The new lead end and applied strip of tape are then pressed against the old tail end to form an overlapping joint. Such overlapping joints are acceptable in many industrial applications but present problems during subsequent handling of the web in other applications.
- U.S. Patent 3,939,032 discloses a web butt splicer in which the new lead end is trimmed manually and a length of tape is applied across the lead end.
- U.S. Application B339,446 shows a web cutting and splicing apparatus in which a hot wire is used to cut two webs and heat their ends sufficiently to facilitate formation of a fused butt joint.
- U.S.Patent 4,204,898 shows a tape winding and splicing apparatus in which side by side input platens hold tape and leader webs and an opposed, coplanar process platen holds the tail end of the tape or leader most previously cut. In use, a leader running between two reels is cut in an initial position of the input platens in which the leader's input platen is aligned with the process platen.
- U.S. Patent 4,501,630 discloses an apparatus for splicing a leader to magnetic tape in which the leader and tape are fed along parallel, coplanar guide grooves in a receiving table which is movable transversely to permit either the leader or the tape to move into a coplanar guide groove on an adjacent receiving table. After the lead end of the tape and the tail end of the leader have been trimmed in separate operations, the two ends are abutted and a strip of tape is applied.
- U.S. Patent 4,629,531 shows an apparatus for joining sheet ends such as might be used in a newspaper printing plant. The new web is stopped and trimmed manually, after which glue is applied to its lead end.
- U.S. Patent 4,801,342 discloses a method and an apparatus for forming a butt splice in which the old web and the new web are run along opposite sides of a planar cutting anvil along whose edge cutting wheels are run to trim the lead and tail ends, after which a strip of tape is rolled over the abutted ends.
- Splicers of the types shown in these patents typically require intervention by the operator for steps such as trimming the lead or tail ends or applying tape strips to applicator wheels or to the trimmed ends. While this type of operator involvement is acceptable in many applications, certain high speed web handling operations, such as the spooling of photographic film, are slowed undesirably. Particularly when the web handling must take place in the dark, as in photographic applications, the operator's involvement can significantly slow the process.
- U.S. Patent 4,328,066 shows a tape splicer in which the tape is pulled onto a rotating vacuum drum which is translated into contact with the abutted ends to complete the splice, after which the vacuum drum is withdrawn to a position where the next strip can be cut. A separate roller is used to smooth out the splice.
- U.S. Patents 4,475,970 and 4,478,674 show tape splicers in which the tape is cut to lengths on a square block and then press applied to the abutted ends.
- Patent 4,533,586 shows an apparatus for applying labels to packages in which a perforated strip of labels is moved past a rotary cutter which cuts the strip into individual labels and passes them to a transfer drum which places the labels on a heated vacuum applicator drum which presses the labels onto the packages.
- U.S. Patent 4,848,691 shows a splicer in which the new web is trimmed, a strip of tape is applied to its trimmed end and then the trimmed end and tape are pressed into a lap joint with the still moving old web.
- tape dispensers also have been used extensively.
- One type manufactured by the 3M Company, uses knurled disks to move the tape through the dispenser. The operator depresses a ratcheting crank which turns the knurled disks to meter the tape, after which the operator must cut the tape against an adjacent serrated blade.
- Another type of dispenser also made by the 3M Company, meters and cuts the tape by means of a metering wheel whose periphery comprises a series of raised ribs which contact the sticky side of the tape. Between these ribs are recesses large enough to permit the operator to insert a finger to peel away a cut strip after a plunge type knife has severed the tape near the preceding rib.
- Dispensers of these general types are shown in German Patent 963,128.
- the free end of a tape is pushed through the throat of a guillotine type cutter, which can lead to stubbing of the tape and improper operation of the dispenser.
- Other types of tape applicators are described in an article by Walter C. Larsen entitled “A study in machine development", Modern Packaging, Volume 33, No. 7, March 1960, pages 201 and forward.
- Vacuum drums again are used to carry strips of tape, sticky side out, to transfer drums or directly to the place of application of the strips.
- the primary objective of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for splicing webs of material in which operator interaction would be limited to replacement of the sources of web and splicing tape as they are consumed.
- Another objective of this invention is to provide such a method and appartus which will automatically complete the splice in a matter of seconds without intervention by the operator.
- Yet another objective of this invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which will ensure proper registration of edge perforations between new and old webs.
- Still another objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus which is modular and can be relatively simply installed in place of existing splicing equipment.
- Still another objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus and method which can splice with single or double sided tape with little sensitivity to the degree of stickiness of the tape, the flexibility of the tape support or the tendency of the support to curl.
- the apparatus is seen to comprise a rugged base plate 10 positioned preferably between an old or expiring roll or source 12 of web 14 of indeterminate length, such as conventional 35 mm photographic film having edge perforations, not illustrated; and a new or waiting spare roll or source 16 of web 18 also of indeterminate length, such a photographic film.
- Web 14 is threaded about a flanged roller 20 mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to base plate 10 and then over a flanged registration sprocket 22 aligned with roller 20.
- Sprocket 22 is attached to a ratchet wheel 24 and the assembly is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to base plate 10.
- web 18 is threaded about a pair of flanged rollers 26 mounted for rotation about axes perpendicular to base plate 10 and then over a flanged registration sprocket 28 aligned with rollers 26.
- Sprocket 28 is attached to a ratchet wheel 30 and the assembly is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular to base plate 10.
- bracket 32 Laterally spaced from ratchet wheels 24 and 30 is an elongated U-shaped bracket 32 which is rigidly mounted to base plate 10 with the open end of the U facing to the right as illustrated in Figure 1. As seen most clearly in Figure 4, affixed to the front surface 34 of bracket 32 are a pair of vertically spaced, parallel vacuum input platens 36,38.
- input platens may be provided with edge guides 40,42, shown only in Figure 4 for ease of illustration. Guides 40,42 are aligned with the flanges on sprockets 22,28 to ensure that webs 14 and 18 will run straight and parallel across input platens 36,38.
- input platens 36,38 comprise flat perforated bed plates 44 operatively connected to manifolds 46 which in turn are connected by suitable pneumatic fittings 48 to a conventional source of pressurized air or vacuum (not illustrated).
- a conventional source of pressurized air or vacuum not illustrated.
- Bracket 32 Within bracket 32 is mounted a cutting knife carrier block 50 having on its front face a vertically extending spline 52 which slidably engages a vertical slot 54 extending into the inside surface of the front wall of bracket 52, as indicated in phantom lines.
- Carrier block 50 is provided in its rear surface with a vertically extending slot 56, as indicated in phantom lines, which slidably engages a vertically extending spline 58 provided on a flange 60 attached to a side wall of bracket 32.
- a handle 62 is provided for manually moving carrier block 50 up and down; however, such movement typically is provided in operation by a pneumatic cylinder 64 having its head end 66 pivotably attached to base plate 10 by means of a cylinder mount 68 and its rod end 70 pivotably attached to carrier block 50 by means of a flange 72.
- a pneumatic cylinder 64 having its head end 66 pivotably attached to base plate 10 by means of a cylinder mount 68 and its rod end 70 pivotably attached to carrier block 50 by means of a flange 72.
- Attached to the vertical side of carrier block 50 exposed through the open end of U-shaped bracket 32 is a stiff metal plate 73 having a pair of vertically spaced, laterally extended and resilient arms 74,76 whose lower edges define a pair of cutting knives 78,80 having downwardly angled cutting edges.
- An upper bracket 86 and a lower bracket 88 extend forwardly from base plate 10 and rigidly support between them a vertically extending slide 90, illustrated only schematically, on which a rigid carrier plate 92 is mounted for movement upward and downward as viewed in Figures 1 to 3. Movement of carrier plate 92 between the positions of Figure 1 and Figure 3 is controlled by a pneumatic cylinder 94, shown positioned behind slide 90, whose head end 96 is attached to bracket 88 and whose rod end, not illustrated, is operatively connected to carrier plate 92.
- a lower trimmed end vacuum platen 98 which is directly opposite to and aligned with input platen 36 in the position of Figure 1, but below input platen 36 in the position of Figure 3.
- a central process vacuum platen 100 is mounted on the front face of carrier plate 92 directly above and parallel to trimmed end platen 98.
- Process platen 100 is directly opposite to and aligned with input platen 38 in the position of Figure 1, but directly opposite to and aligned with input platen 36 in the position of Figure 3.
- An upper trimmed end vacuum platen 102 is mounted on the front face of carrier plate 92 directly above and parallel to process platen 100.
- Trimmed end platen 102 is directly opposite to and aligned with input platen 38 in the position of Figure 3, but above input platen 38 in the position of Figures 1 and 2.
- Each of platens 98,100,102 preferably includes a perforated bed plate similar to bed plates 44.
- each of platens 98,100,102 preferably comprises edge guides similar to guides 40,42 which optionally may be provided or input plates 36,38.
- manifolds 104 connect each platen 98,100,102 via suitable pneumatic fittings 106 to a conventional source of pressurized air or vacuum (not illustrated).
- trimmed end platens 98,102 are provided at their trailing edges with pairs 108,110 of spaced locator pins for engaging the edge perforations in webs 14,18.
- the locator pins are positioned so that when perforations of the webs are placed over the pins, the following portions of the webs will also register with registration sprockets 22,30.
- ratchet wheels 24,30 are provided, respectively, with latch pawls 112,114 having slotted pivots 116 attached to base plate 10 and pneumatic pawl actuator cylinders 118,120 pivotably attached between pawls 112,114 and base plate 10.
- pawl 112 is shown disengaged from ratchet wheel 24, thereby permitting old web 14 to pass over input platen 38 and process platen 100; whereas, pawl 114 is shown engaged with ratchet wheel 30, thereby restraining new web 18 from movement across input platen 36 and trimmed end platen 98.
- the old web 14 is drawn from roll 12, around flanged roller 20, around free-wheeling flanged registration sprocket 22, across input platen 38 and process platen 100, around flanged rollers 122,124,126 and on to subsequent processing equipment.
- a flow of air is maintained through the bed plates of platens 38 and 100 to support the web during movement.
- new roll 16 sits waiting with web 18 passed around flanged rollers 26, over stopped flanged registration sprocket 28, across input platen 36 and onto trimmed end platen 98 where one set of edge perforations is placed over locator pins 108.
- a vacuum may be applied through the bed plates of platens 36 and 98 to hold the lead end of web 18 in place.
- pneumatic cylinder 120 is actuated to engage pawl 114 with ratchet wheel 24, thereby bringing web 14 to a rapid but controlled stop.
- the arrangement of cylinder 120 and slotted pivot 116 of pawl 114 provides sufficient flexibility in the linkage to enable the inherent damping and compliance characteristics of the cylinder to stop the web without damage to its perforations.
- registration sprockets 22 and 28 are positioned so that at trailing edges 82,84 of input platens 36,38, the edge perforations of webs 14,18 are in perfect registry when both webs are stopped.
- Vacuum is then applied through the bed plates of platens 38,100 and 36,98 to hold webs 14,18 securely in place on their respective platens.
- Pneumatic cylinder 64 is then actuated to cause carrier block 50 to move downward to the position shown in Figures 2 and 4. This movement causes knife blades 78,80 to pass closely over trailing edges 82,84 to cleanly cut web 14 and trim the lead end of web 18, while leaving the edge perforations on the lead end of web 18 and those on the tail end of web 14 in registry. Cylinder 64 then raises the knife assembly back to the position of Figures 1 and 3.
- splice tape dispenser and applicator 128 may be seen to comprise a rugged frame made up of a back plate 132 which is rigidly attached to carrier plate 92 in a position to permit applicator roller 130 to roll across platen 100 and either platen 36 or platen 38 to complete the splice.
- the frame also comprises a center plate 134 and a laterally elongated front plate 136. Between plates 132 and 134, a plurality of spacers 138 are provided; and between plates 134 and 136, a plurality of spacers 140.
- On the front surface of front plate 136 is mounted an L-shaped bracket 142 to which a pneumatically driven motor 144 is attached. Motor 144 is operatively connected to drive shaft 146 for dispenser and applicator 128.
- Shaft 146 is journalled for rotation in rear plate 132, center plate 134 and front plate 136.
- a manual indexing handle 148 is mounted on shaft 146 via a conventional overrunning clutch, not illustrated.
- a ratchet wheel 150 is fixed on shaft 146 to the rear of handle 148 and a leaf spring 152 is mounted on the front face of front plate 136 in position to function as a reverse rotation stop for ratchet wheel 150.
- handle 148 may be rotated in the direction indicated as needed to index the overall mechanism, as would be needed, for example, when threading a new roll of tape.
- a pneumatic cylinder 154 is mounted on the front surface of front plate 136 for the purpose of extending and retracting tape applicator wheel 130, as will be discussed in more detail shortly.
- Cylinder 154 is attached to front plate 136 by means of a pivot at the head end 156 of the cylinder.
- the actuator rod 158 of cylinder 154 passes beneath indexing handle 148 and is pivotably attached to the outboard end of a slidable carrier 160 on which applicator roller 130 is mounted, as best seen in Figures 17 and 18.
- shaft 146 fixedly supports a timing belt pulley 162, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, about which pulley a timing belt 164 extends into engagement with an idler pulley 166 and a further drive pulley 168 mounted on a shaft 170.
- Shaft 170 is journalled for rotation in center plate 134 and rear plate 136. The diameters of pulleys 162 and 168 are chosen so that shaft 170 will rotate faster than shaft 146, for a purpose soon to be discussed.
- shaft 170 fixedly supports a tape release drum 172 comprising a plurality of axially spaced disks with knurled peripheral surfaces having the general configuration shown in Figure 14A.
- the knurling preferably is a 96 TPI straight knurl pattern with an included angle alpha for the knurl ridges of about 60 degrees.
- shaft 170 also fixedly supports a knurled drive wheel 174 which engages and rotates applicator roller 130, as best seen in Figures 14 to 18.
- Drive wheel 174 is sized so that applicator roller 130 will have a peripheral velocity approximately ten per cent higher than that of release drum 172. Note, however, that the surface of applicator roller 130 is in close proximity to but does not contact the surface of release drum 172.
- shaft 146 passes loosely through a carrier block return spring 176 having a fixed end 178 positioned against a stop pin 180 extending rearwardly from center plate 134, and a movable end 182 crimped over one edge of an essentially rectangular knife carrier block 184 mounted for free rotation on shaft 146.
- carrier block 184 To the rear of carrier block 184, shaft 146 fixedly supports a ratchet wheel 186 and, further to the rear, fixedly supports a tape acquisition drum 188 comprising a plurality of axially spaced disks with knurled peripheral surfaces having the general configuration shown in Figure 14B.
- the knurling is of the same general type as used for release drum 172, except that the ridges of the knurls are flattened, preferably having a circumferential width beta of about 0.0508 cm.
- the sizes of drive pulley 162, drive pulley 168, release drum 172 and acquisition drum 188 are chosen so that release drum 172 has a peripheral velocity approximately fifty per cent higher than that of acquisition drum 188. As shown in Figures 6 and 13, the disks of drums 172 and 188 are interleaved, for a purpose to be discussed.
- carrier block 184 includes on its rear side a transverse slot 190 in which a knife carrier plate 192 is slidably mounted and secured by keeper straps 194,196.
- Knife carrier 192 includes at one end a rearwardly extending arm 198 on which a plunge knife 200, preferably pointed or arrow head shaped, is mounted.
- Knife carrier 192 also includes at its opposite end a forwardly projecting tab 202 which extends beyond the forward face of carrier block 184 and is attached to one end of a knife carrier return spring 204, the other end of which is attached to a pin 206 extending from the forward face of carrier block 184.
- a forwardly projecting cam follower pin 208 which cooperates with a flipper cam 210 pivotably mounted on a stub axle 212 extending rearwardly from center plate 134.
- Flipper cam 210 comprises a flat upper flange 214 extending rearwardly and a flat front flange 216 extending downwardly.
- a flipper cam return spring 218 is mounted on axle 212 with its fixed end 220 bearing against a stop pin 222 projecting rearwardly from center plate 134 and its movable end 224 captured in a slot 226 provided in the end of flipper cam 210 remote from axle 212. Downward movement of flipper cam 210 is limited by a stop pin 228 projecting rearwardly form center plate 134 just below slot 226.
- pawl 230 Also attached to carrier block 184 is a knife carrier return pawl 230 having a pivot pin 232 extending rearwardly from carrier block 184. At its upper end, as best seen in Figures 9 to 13, pawl 230 includes a forwardly projecting tab 234 which extends into close proximity with the rear surface of center plate 134. A pawl return spring 236 is attached to tab 234 at one end, its other end being attached to a pin 238 projecting from one edge of carrier block 184. At a location closer to pivot pin 232, pawl 230 includes a rearwardly projecting dog 240 for engaging ratchet wheel 186.
- Rear plate 132 includes an upwardly extending arm on which a source or spool 242 of single or double sided adhesive tape is mounted for rotation. As seen most clearly in Figures 14 to 16, a web 244 of tape of indeterminate length is led from spool 242 and passes, sticky side out, around a roller 246 mounted on a manually movable lever 248 pivoted to rear plate 132 on an axle 250. To thread web 244 into tape dispenser and applicator 130, lever 248 is depressed counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 14 until a stop roller 252 mounted on a side arm 254 of lever 248 contacts acquisition drum 188.
- a return spring 256 is mounted on an axle 258 projecting forwardly from rear plate 132 and has its fixed end against one of spacers 138 and is movable end bearing on lever 248. With roller 246 raised from acquisition drum 188, web 244 is then passed around roller 246 as shown in Figure 15 and lever 248 is released so that spring 256 presses roller 246 against web 244 whose sticky side then engages the flat tops 260 of the knurls on acquisition drum 188. Once web 244 has been thus engaged with acquisition drum 188, handle 148 shown in Figure 7 may be indexed to rotate shaft 146 and cause drum 188 to rotate clockwise and draw more of web 244 from roll 242.
- each rotation of shaft 146 causes four cycles of operation of these mechanisms; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that fewer or more cycles could be provided by changing the number of teeth on ratchet wheels 150 and 186.
- Figure 9 shows the mechanism as it appears when a cycle of operation has just finished. As shaft 146 rotates clockwise, ratchet wheel 186 engages dog 240 on pawl 230 and thus pulls carrier block 184 along.
- cam follower pin 208 on knife carrier 192 eventually comes into contact with the upper surface of flange 214 of flipper cam 210, thus causing knife carrier 192 to begin to move toward shaft 146 and bringing plunge knife blade 200 closer and closer to the periphery of acquisition drum 188.
- acquisition drum 188 is provided with a plurality of inwardly extending slots 189, four in the illustrated embodiment, the slots extending axially along the drum through each of its constitutent disks.
- Plunge knife blade 200 is positioned to enter one of slots 189 as knife carrier 192 is forced toward shaft 146 by flipper cam 210.
- Slots 189 and plunge knife blade 200 preferably are angled slightly away from a radial orientation toward the axis of shaft 146, in the direction so that slots 189 open toward the rotation of shaft 146. This arrangement ensures that if web 244 were to adhere to the knife blade as the blade is extended into the slot, the leading portion of the web would strip from the blade. Conversely, when the blade is withdrawn from the slot in the manner now to be discussed, the trailing portion of the web would strip from the blade.
- plunge knife blade 200 When the mechanism has reached the position of Figure 11, plunge knife blade 200 has reached the position shown in Figure 16.
- the grip of the adhesive on web 244 to flats 260 prevents the web from being drawn into slots 189 as it is being cut and results in clean, straight cuts.
- the arrow head shape of knife blade 200 helps prevent the web from being drawn into the slots, as it significantly reduces the cutting force required.
- a small additional rotation of shaft 146 then causes cam follower pin 208 to slide off the end of flipper cam 210, thus allowing knife carrier 192 to retract knife blade 200 from slot 189 under the influence of spring 204.
- a small further rotation of shaft 146 causes tab 234 of pawl 230 to engage a stop pin 264 projecting rearwardly from center plate 134.
- Pawl 230 thus is lifted so that dog 240 comes out of engagement with ratchet wheel 186. This permits carrier block 184 to rotate counterclockwise under the influence of return spring 176 until the position of Figure 9 is reached again and dog 240 has reengaged ratchet wheel under the influence of spring 236.
- the distance along the periphery of release drum 172 from acquisition drum 188 to vacuum roller 130 must be substantially less than the desired length of the strips of tape being cut; so that, the trailing edge of each strip will still be adhered to acquisition drum 188 when its leading edge is acquired by vacuum roller 130, thus preventing the strip from peeling away prematurely.
- the differential adhesion of the web to drums 172 and 188, along with the peripheral velocity overspeed of release drum 172, prevents tape from adhering to release drum 172 and also allows acquisition drum 188 to control the squareness and advance of each cut stip from web 244.
- applicator roller 130 While applicator roller 130 is positioned as shown in Figures 9 to 17, a hub 266 at its rear portion engages knurled wheel 174 to drive vacuum roller 130 approximately ten per cent faster than release drum 172. See Figure 17 for the engagement of hub 266 and wheel 174. As indicated previously, applicator roller 130 is mounted for translation into and out of contact with the abutted ends of web positioned on process platen 100 and one of input platens 36,38. For this purpose, a slide 268 is attached to the rear surface of front plate 136, within which slidable carrier 160 is mounted for movement between the two positions shown in Figures 17 and 18.
- a mounting block 270 is attached to the rear surface of carrier 160 and, in turn, supports a leaf spring mounting block 272 having parallel upper and lower surfaces from which a pair of leaf springs 274,276 extend toward release drum 172. Attached to the other ends of leaf springs 274,276 is a conventional bearing block and air fitting 278 which rotatably supports a shaft 280 for applicator roller 130. A vacuum connector 282 is attached to fitting 278 to provide the necessary vacuum for operation of applicator roller 130.
- a flange 284 extends rearwardly from the lower rear face of slide 268 and ends just below central plate 134. As shown in Figures 7, 17 and 18, flange 284 is provided in its rear face with a cam slot 286.
- cam slot 286 slopes downwardly from the position of Figure 17 in which hub 266 engages wheel 174 to the position of Figure 18 in which applicator roller 130 moves across the surfaces of platens 100 and 36 or 38, indicated in phantom.
- Leaf springs 274,276 permit this movement of applicator roller 130 and, once roller 130 contacts platen 100, also provide a continuous downward bias to the roller to ensure that each strip of tape is securely applied to the abutted ends of webs 14 and 18, even if process platen 100 and one of input platens 36,38 are not positioned in precisely the same plane. And, because applicator roller 130 is covered with a compliant silicone rubber, it tends to move rather smoothly over small irregularities and misalignments.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Replacement Of Web Rolls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention concerns an apparatus for cutting stripes of adhesive tape from a web of such tape of indeterminate length and for applying such strips to a surface.
- Over the years many apparatus and methods have been developed for joining ends of flexible, strip like materials such as paper, plastic films, metal foils, photographic film strips and the like, which are collectively referred to in this specification as webs of material. The ends of such webs have been joined by overlapped joints with glue or thermal fusion and by butt joints with tape, for example. The apparatus and methods used have been manual, automatic and combinations of the two and have enjoyed widely varying degrees of success.
- For example, U.S. Patent 3,245,861 discloses a web splicer for use in label printing equipment in which the lead end of the following or new length of web is manually trimmed and a length of tape is applied across the trimmed end. The preceding or old length of web is then stopped as its source spool is emptied and its tail end is trimmed. The new lead end and applied strip of tape are then pressed against the old tail end to form an overlapping joint. Such overlapping joints are acceptable in many industrial applications but present problems during subsequent handling of the web in other applications. U.S. Patent 3,939,032 discloses a web butt splicer in which the new lead end is trimmed manually and a length of tape is applied across the lead end. The old tail end is then trimmed at the same location and the two trimmed ends are pressed together to form a butt joint. Published U.S. Application B339,446 shows a web cutting and splicing apparatus in which a hot wire is used to cut two webs and heat their ends sufficiently to facilitate formation of a fused butt joint. U.S.Patent 4,204,898 shows a tape winding and splicing apparatus in which side by side input platens hold tape and leader webs and an opposed, coplanar process platen holds the tail end of the tape or leader most previously cut. In use, a leader running between two reels is cut in an initial position of the input platens in which the leader's input platen is aligned with the process platen. Then, the platens are moved to a second position to align the tape with the just cut tail end of the leader. A splice tape is applied and winding of the tape proceeds. When winding stops, the tape is cut; and the platens are moved back to the initial position; so that, the previously cut leader is aligned with the just cut tail end of the tape. A splice tape is applied and the process ends. U.S. Patent 4,234,365 shows a web butt joining system in which the old web and the new web are threaded between a pair of cutting wheels which trim their ends and convey the two ends in abutment to a pair of tape applicator wheels which place strips of tape on both sides of the butt joint.
- U.S. Patent 4,501,630 discloses an apparatus for splicing a leader to magnetic tape in which the leader and tape are fed along parallel, coplanar guide grooves in a receiving table which is movable transversely to permit either the leader or the tape to move into a coplanar guide groove on an adjacent receiving table. After the lead end of the tape and the tail end of the leader have been trimmed in separate operations, the two ends are abutted and a strip of tape is applied. U.S. Patent 4,629,531 shows an apparatus for joining sheet ends such as might be used in a newspaper printing plant. The new web is stopped and trimmed manually, after which glue is applied to its lead end. Then the old web is stopped and trimmed, after which the lead end of the new web is overlapped with the tail end of the old web. U.S. Patent 4,801,342 discloses a method and an apparatus for forming a butt splice in which the old web and the new web are run along opposite sides of a planar cutting anvil along whose edge cutting wheels are run to trim the lead and tail ends, after which a strip of tape is rolled over the abutted ends.
- Splicers of the types shown in these patents typically require intervention by the operator for steps such as trimming the lead or tail ends or applying tape strips to applicator wheels or to the trimmed ends. While this type of operator involvement is acceptable in many applications, certain high speed web handling operations, such as the spooling of photographic film, are slowed undesirably. Particularly when the web handling must take place in the dark, as in photographic applications, the operator's involvement can significantly slow the process.
- A variety of tape applicator devices also have been used in splicers of the general sort just described. For example, U.S. Patent 4,328,066 shows a tape splicer in which the tape is pulled onto a rotating vacuum drum which is translated into contact with the abutted ends to complete the splice, after which the vacuum drum is withdrawn to a position where the next strip can be cut. A separate roller is used to smooth out the splice. U.S. Patents 4,475,970 and 4,478,674 show tape splicers in which the tape is cut to lengths on a square block and then press applied to the abutted ends. U.S. Patent 4,533,586 shows an apparatus for applying labels to packages in which a perforated strip of labels is moved past a rotary cutter which cuts the strip into individual labels and passes them to a transfer drum which places the labels on a heated vacuum applicator drum which presses the labels onto the packages. More recently, U.S. Patent 4,848,691 shows a splicer in which the new web is trimmed, a strip of tape is applied to its trimmed end and then the trimmed end and tape are pressed into a lap joint with the still moving old web.
- Other types of tape dispensers also have been used extensively. One type, manufactured by the 3M Company, uses knurled disks to move the tape through the dispenser. The operator depresses a ratcheting crank which turns the knurled disks to meter the tape, after which the operator must cut the tape against an adjacent serrated blade. Another type of dispenser, also made by the 3M Company, meters and cuts the tape by means of a metering wheel whose periphery comprises a series of raised ribs which contact the sticky side of the tape. Between these ribs are recesses large enough to permit the operator to insert a finger to peel away a cut strip after a plunge type knife has severed the tape near the preceding rib. Dispensers of these general types are shown in German Patent 963,128. In still another type of dispenser, the free end of a tape is pushed through the throat of a guillotine type cutter, which can lead to stubbing of the tape and improper operation of the dispenser. Other types of tape applicators are described in an article by Walter C. Larsen entitled "A study in machine development", Modern Packaging, Volume 33, No. 7, March 1960, pages 201 and forward. Vacuum drums again are used to carry strips of tape, sticky side out, to transfer drums or directly to the place of application of the strips.
- The primary objective of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus for splicing webs of material in which operator interaction would be limited to replacement of the sources of web and splicing tape as they are consumed.
- Another objective of this invention is to provide such a method and appartus which will automatically complete the splice in a matter of seconds without intervention by the operator.
- Yet another objective of this invention is to provide such a method and apparatus which will ensure proper registration of edge perforations between new and old webs.
- Still another objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus which is modular and can be relatively simply installed in place of existing splicing equipment.
- Still another objective of this invention is to provide such an apparatus and method which can splice with single or double sided tape with little sensitivity to the degree of stickiness of the tape, the flexibility of the tape support or the tendency of the support to curl.
- These objectives are given only by way of illustrative examples; thus, other desirable objectives and advantages inherently achieved by the disclosed invention may occur or become apparent to those skilled in the art. Nonetheless, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.
- The embodiments of the invention achieving these objectives are described in the claims.
- The foregoing and other objectives, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a front elevation view of the apparatus according to the invention as configured when a web from an old, expiring roll is running through the splicer and a web from a new, waiting roll has been threaded in place for the next splicing operation.
- Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of the apparatus according to the invention, with the splicing tape applicator shown only fragmentarily, as configured when the web from an old, expiring roll has been stopped and the cutting knife has been lowered to trim the tail end of the web from the old, expiring roll and the lead end of the web from the new, waiting roll.
- Figure 3 shows a front elevation view of the apparatus according to the invention, with the splicing tape applicator shown only fragmentarily, as configured when the cutting knife has been raised again to the position of Figure 1 and the tape applicator carriage has been lowered to align the tail end of web from the old, expired roll with the lead end of the new, waiting roll, just as the strip of splicing tape is about to be rolled over the butted lead and tail ends.
- Figure 4 shows a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3, illustrating details of the actuator for the cutting knife.
- Figure 5 shows an enlarged front elevation view of the splicing tape applicator according to the invention.
- Figure 6 shows an enlarged top plan view of the splicing tape applicator according to the invention.
- Figure 7 shows a view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6.
- Figure 8 shows a view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6.
- Figure 9 shows a view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its fully withdrawn position.
- Figure 10 shows a view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its partially inserted position.
- Figure 11 shows a view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 6, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its fully inserted position.
- Figure 12 shows a view taken long line 12-12 of Figure 6, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its fully withdrawn position.
- Figure 13 shows a further enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 5.
- Figure 14 shows a view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 6, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its fully withdrawn position.
- Figure 14A shows a fragmentary view of the type of knurling preferred for the peripheries of the disks forming the tape release drum.
- Figure 14B shows a fragmentary view of the type of knurling preferred for the peripheries of the disks forming the tape acquisition drum.
- Figure 15 shows a simplified view of the structure of Figure 14, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its partially inserted position.
- Figure 16 shows a simplified view of the structure of Figure 14, illustrating the plunge knife carrier in its fully inserted position.
- Figure 17 shows a view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 6, illustrating the splicing tape applicator drum in its fully retracted position.
- Figure 18 shows a view taken along line 17-17 of Figure 6, illustrating the splicing tape applicator drum in its fully extended and lowered position.
- The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several Figures.
- Referring simultaneously to Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus according to the invention is seen to comprise a
rugged base plate 10 positioned preferably between an old or expiring roll orsource 12 ofweb 14 of indeterminate length, such as conventional 35 mm photographic film having edge perforations, not illustrated; and a new or waiting spare roll orsource 16 ofweb 18 also of indeterminate length, such a photographic film.Web 14 is threaded about aflanged roller 20 mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular tobase plate 10 and then over aflanged registration sprocket 22 aligned withroller 20.Sprocket 22 is attached to aratchet wheel 24 and the assembly is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular tobase plate 10. Similarly,web 18 is threaded about a pair offlanged rollers 26 mounted for rotation about axes perpendicular tobase plate 10 and then over aflanged registration sprocket 28 aligned withrollers 26.Sprocket 28 is attached to aratchet wheel 30 and the assembly is mounted for rotation on an axis perpendicular tobase plate 10. - Laterally spaced from
ratchet wheels U-shaped bracket 32 which is rigidly mounted tobase plate 10 with the open end of the U facing to the right as illustrated in Figure 1. As seen most clearly in Figure 4, affixed to thefront surface 34 ofbracket 32 are a pair of vertically spaced, parallelvacuum input platens registration sprockets Guides sprockets webs input platens input platens perforated bed plates 44 operatively connected to manifolds 46 which in turn are connected by suitablepneumatic fittings 48 to a conventional source of pressurized air or vacuum (not illustrated). Thus, when vacuum is applied tobed plates 44,webs - Within
bracket 32 is mounted a cuttingknife carrier block 50 having on its front face a vertically extendingspline 52 which slidably engages avertical slot 54 extending into the inside surface of the front wall ofbracket 52, as indicated in phantom lines.Carrier block 50 is provided in its rear surface with a vertically extendingslot 56, as indicated in phantom lines, which slidably engages a vertically extendingspline 58 provided on aflange 60 attached to a side wall ofbracket 32. Ahandle 62 is provided for manually movingcarrier block 50 up and down; however, such movement typically is provided in operation by apneumatic cylinder 64 having itshead end 66 pivotably attached tobase plate 10 by means of acylinder mount 68 and itsrod end 70 pivotably attached to carrier block 50 by means of aflange 72. Attached to the vertical side ofcarrier block 50 exposed through the open end ofU-shaped bracket 32 is astiff metal plate 73 having a pair of vertically spaced, laterally extended andresilient arms knives vertical edge 81 ofplate 73 belowknife 80 and belowknife 78 contacts the trailingedges input platens knives Arms support knives edges carrier block 50 moves downward to the position of Figure 2, thus ensuring a clean cut ofwebs carrier block 50, trailingedges arms edge 81 to guideknives - Positioned adjacent the knife carrier assembly just described are the movable output or process platens and the splicing tape applicator according to the invention. An
upper bracket 86 and alower bracket 88 extend forwardly frombase plate 10 and rigidly support between them a vertically extendingslide 90, illustrated only schematically, on which arigid carrier plate 92 is mounted for movement upward and downward as viewed in Figures 1 to 3. Movement ofcarrier plate 92 between the positions of Figure 1 and Figure 3 is controlled by apneumatic cylinder 94, shown positioned behindslide 90, whosehead end 96 is attached tobracket 88 and whose rod end, not illustrated, is operatively connected tocarrier plate 92. Mounted on the front face ofcarrier plate 92 is a lower trimmedend vacuum platen 98 which is directly opposite to and aligned withinput platen 36 in the position of Figure 1, but belowinput platen 36 in the position of Figure 3. A centralprocess vacuum platen 100 is mounted on the front face ofcarrier plate 92 directly above and parallel to trimmedend platen 98.Process platen 100 is directly opposite to and aligned withinput platen 38 in the position of Figure 1, but directly opposite to and aligned withinput platen 36 in the position of Figure 3. An upper trimmedend vacuum platen 102 is mounted on the front face ofcarrier plate 92 directly above and parallel to processplaten 100. Trimmedend platen 102 is directly opposite to and aligned withinput platen 38 in the position of Figure 3, but aboveinput platen 38 in the position of Figures 1 and 2. Each of platens 98,100,102 preferably includes a perforated bed plate similar tobed plates 44. To provide proper alignment withregistration sprockets guides input plates platens manifolds 104 connect each platen 98,100,102 via suitablepneumatic fittings 106 to a conventional source of pressurized air or vacuum (not illustrated). Thus, when vacuum is applied to the bed plates,webs - To facilitate threading the lead end from a new roll of web so that the edge perforations of the new web will be in registry with those of the old one, trimmed end platens 98,102 are provided at their trailing edges with pairs 108,110 of spaced locator pins for engaging the edge perforations in
webs registration sprockets wheels pivots 116 attached tobase plate 10 and pneumatic pawl actuator cylinders 118,120 pivotably attached between pawls 112,114 andbase plate 10. In Figure 1,pawl 112 is shown disengaged fromratchet wheel 24, thereby permittingold web 14 to pass overinput platen 38 andprocess platen 100; whereas,pawl 114 is shown engaged withratchet wheel 30, thereby restrainingnew web 18 from movement acrossinput platen 36 and trimmedend platen 98. - In operation of the structure thus far described, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the
old web 14 is drawn fromroll 12, aroundflanged roller 20, around free-wheelingflanged registration sprocket 22, acrossinput platen 38 andprocess platen 100, around flanged rollers 122,124,126 and on to subsequent processing equipment. To minimize scratching ofweb 14 as it moves, a flow of air is maintained through the bed plates ofplatens new roll 16 sits waiting withweb 18 passed aroundflanged rollers 26, over stoppedflanged registration sprocket 28, acrossinput platen 36 and onto trimmedend platen 98 where one set of edge perforations is placed over locator pins 108. If desired, a vacuum may be applied through the bed plates ofplatens web 18 in place. Whenroll 12 has nearly expired, as conventionally detected by sensors not illustrated,pneumatic cylinder 120 is actuated to engagepawl 114 withratchet wheel 24, thereby bringingweb 14 to a rapid but controlled stop. The arrangement ofcylinder 120 and slottedpivot 116 ofpawl 114 provides sufficient flexibility in the linkage to enable the inherent damping and compliance characteristics of the cylinder to stop the web without damage to its perforations. Also,registration sprockets edges input platens webs - Vacuum is then applied through the bed plates of platens 38,100 and 36,98 to hold
webs Pneumatic cylinder 64 is then actuated to causecarrier block 50 to move downward to the position shown in Figures 2 and 4. This movement causesknife blades edges web 14 and trim the lead end ofweb 18, while leaving the edge perforations on the lead end ofweb 18 and those on the tail end ofweb 14 in registry.Cylinder 64 then raises the knife assembly back to the position of Figures 1 and 3. - While a vacuum is maintained on platens 38,100 and 36,98,
pneumatic cylinder 94 is then actuated tolower carrier plate 92 to the position shown in Figure 3. Thus, the trimmed tail end of the expiring web onprocess platen 100 now comes into alignment with the trimmed lead end of the new web oninput platen 36. At the same time, as seen in Figure 2, the remainder of the old web oninput platen 38 and the trimmed end of the new web onplaten 98 are ready for subsequent removal by the operator. Then, the splice tape dispenser andapplicator 128 of the invention, to be described shortly, is actuated to extend its vacuum actuated, silicone rubber coveredapplicator roller 130 and roll a strip of tape across the abutted ends positioned betweenplatens roller 130 has been rolled back over the joint to ensure good adhesion asroller 130 is withdrawn, the vacuum acting onplatens web 14 may again be placed in motion. - The entire operation cycle just described can be accomplished in a second or two, thus yielding considerably reduced down times for splicing of webs, compared to most prior art splicing techniques, which may take a minute or so to complete a splice. After the newly spliced web has begun to move, the operator may return at any convenient time to remove the old roll and any remaining web plus the lead end trimmed from the new roll. A
fresh roll 16 may then be installed and threaded onto the available input platen and trimmed end platen, as shown in Figure 3. Thus, the new and expired rolls shift from one side to the other of the apparatus following each splicing cycle. - Turning now to Figures 5 and 6, splice tape dispenser and
applicator 128 may be seen to comprise a rugged frame made up of aback plate 132 which is rigidly attached tocarrier plate 92 in a position to permitapplicator roller 130 to roll acrossplaten 100 and eitherplaten 36 orplaten 38 to complete the splice. The frame also comprises acenter plate 134 and a laterally elongatedfront plate 136. Betweenplates spacers 138 are provided; and betweenplates spacers 140. On the front surface offront plate 136 is mounted an L-shapedbracket 142 to which a pneumatically drivenmotor 144 is attached.Motor 144 is operatively connected to driveshaft 146 for dispenser andapplicator 128.Shaft 146 is journalled for rotation inrear plate 132,center plate 134 andfront plate 136. - As seen in Figure 7, a
manual indexing handle 148 is mounted onshaft 146 via a conventional overrunning clutch, not illustrated. Aratchet wheel 150 is fixed onshaft 146 to the rear ofhandle 148 and aleaf spring 152 is mounted on the front face offront plate 136 in position to function as a reverse rotation stop forratchet wheel 150. Thus handle 148 may be rotated in the direction indicated as needed to index the overall mechanism, as would be needed, for example, when threading a new roll of tape. - As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, a
pneumatic cylinder 154 is mounted on the front surface offront plate 136 for the purpose of extending and retractingtape applicator wheel 130, as will be discussed in more detail shortly.Cylinder 154 is attached tofront plate 136 by means of a pivot at thehead end 156 of the cylinder. Theactuator rod 158 ofcylinder 154 passes beneathindexing handle 148 and is pivotably attached to the outboard end of aslidable carrier 160 on whichapplicator roller 130 is mounted, as best seen in Figures 17 and 18. - At the front side of
center plate 134,shaft 146 fixedly supports atiming belt pulley 162, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, about which pulley atiming belt 164 extends into engagement with anidler pulley 166 and afurther drive pulley 168 mounted on ashaft 170.Shaft 170 is journalled for rotation incenter plate 134 andrear plate 136. The diameters ofpulleys shaft 170 will rotate faster thanshaft 146, for a purpose soon to be discussed. Betweencenter plate 134 andrear plate 132,shaft 170 fixedly supports atape release drum 172 comprising a plurality of axially spaced disks with knurled peripheral surfaces having the general configuration shown in Figure 14A. The knurling preferably is a 96 TPI straight knurl pattern with an included angle alpha for the knurl ridges of about 60 degrees. To the rear ofrelease drum 172shaft 170 also fixedly supports aknurled drive wheel 174 which engages and rotatesapplicator roller 130, as best seen in Figures 14 to 18.Drive wheel 174 is sized so thatapplicator roller 130 will have a peripheral velocity approximately ten per cent higher than that ofrelease drum 172. Note, however, that the surface ofapplicator roller 130 is in close proximity to but does not contact the surface ofrelease drum 172. - Referring particularly to Figures 6 and 9 to 13, it can be seen that between
center plate 134 andrear plate 132,shaft 146 passes loosely through a carrierblock return spring 176 having afixed end 178 positioned against astop pin 180 extending rearwardly fromcenter plate 134, and amovable end 182 crimped over one edge of an essentially rectangularknife carrier block 184 mounted for free rotation onshaft 146. To the rear ofcarrier block 184,shaft 146 fixedly supports aratchet wheel 186 and, further to the rear, fixedly supports atape acquisition drum 188 comprising a plurality of axially spaced disks with knurled peripheral surfaces having the general configuration shown in Figure 14B. The knurling is of the same general type as used forrelease drum 172, except that the ridges of the knurls are flattened, preferably having a circumferential width beta of about 0.0508 cm. The sizes ofdrive pulley 162, drivepulley 168,release drum 172 andacquisition drum 188 are chosen so thatrelease drum 172 has a peripheral velocity approximately fifty per cent higher than that ofacquisition drum 188. As shown in Figures 6 and 13, the disks ofdrums - As seen in Figure 12 and in phantom in Figures 9 to 11,
carrier block 184 includes on its rear side atransverse slot 190 in which aknife carrier plate 192 is slidably mounted and secured by keeper straps 194,196.Knife carrier 192 includes at one end arearwardly extending arm 198 on which aplunge knife 200, preferably pointed or arrow head shaped, is mounted.Knife carrier 192 also includes at its opposite end a forwardly projectingtab 202 which extends beyond the forward face ofcarrier block 184 and is attached to one end of a knifecarrier return spring 204, the other end of which is attached to apin 206 extending from the forward face ofcarrier block 184. - On the opposite side of
knife carrier 192 from rearwardly extendingarm 198 is provided a forwardly projectingcam follower pin 208 which cooperates with aflipper cam 210 pivotably mounted on astub axle 212 extending rearwardly fromcenter plate 134.Flipper cam 210 comprises a flatupper flange 214 extending rearwardly and a flatfront flange 216 extending downwardly. A flippercam return spring 218 is mounted onaxle 212 with itsfixed end 220 bearing against astop pin 222 projecting rearwardly fromcenter plate 134 and itsmovable end 224 captured in aslot 226 provided in the end offlipper cam 210 remote fromaxle 212. Downward movement offlipper cam 210 is limited by astop pin 228 projecting rearwardlyform center plate 134 just belowslot 226. - Also attached to carrier block 184 is a knife
carrier return pawl 230 having apivot pin 232 extending rearwardly fromcarrier block 184. At its upper end, as best seen in Figures 9 to 13,pawl 230 includes a forwardly projectingtab 234 which extends into close proximity with the rear surface ofcenter plate 134. Apawl return spring 236 is attached totab 234 at one end, its other end being attached to apin 238 projecting from one edge ofcarrier block 184. At a location closer to pivotpin 232,pawl 230 includes arearwardly projecting dog 240 for engagingratchet wheel 186. -
Rear plate 132 includes an upwardly extending arm on which a source orspool 242 of single or double sided adhesive tape is mounted for rotation. As seen most clearly in Figures 14 to 16, aweb 244 of tape of indeterminate length is led fromspool 242 and passes, sticky side out, around aroller 246 mounted on a manuallymovable lever 248 pivoted torear plate 132 on anaxle 250. Tothread web 244 into tape dispenser andapplicator 130,lever 248 is depressed counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 14 until astop roller 252 mounted on aside arm 254 oflever 248contacts acquisition drum 188. Areturn spring 256 is mounted on anaxle 258 projecting forwardly fromrear plate 132 and has its fixed end against one ofspacers 138 and is movable end bearing onlever 248. Withroller 246 raised fromacquisition drum 188,web 244 is then passed aroundroller 246 as shown in Figure 15 andlever 248 is released so thatspring 256 pressesroller 246 againstweb 244 whose sticky side then engages the flat tops 260 of the knurls onacquisition drum 188. Onceweb 244 has been thus engaged withacquisition drum 188, handle 148 shown in Figure 7 may be indexed to rotateshaft 146 and causedrum 188 to rotate clockwise and draw more ofweb 244 fromroll 242. - As
shaft 146 rotates, whether under the influence ofhandle 148 orpneumatic motor 144, the various mechanisms associated withcarrier block 184 complete their respective cycles. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each rotation ofshaft 146 causes four cycles of operation of these mechanisms; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that fewer or more cycles could be provided by changing the number of teeth onratchet wheels shaft 146 rotates clockwise,ratchet wheel 186 engagesdog 240 onpawl 230 and thus pulls carrier block 184 along. As rotation continues,cam follower pin 208 onknife carrier 192 eventually comes into contact with the upper surface offlange 214 offlipper cam 210, thus causingknife carrier 192 to begin to move towardshaft 146 and bringingplunge knife blade 200 closer and closer to the periphery ofacquisition drum 188. - As seen in Figures 14 to 16,
acquisition drum 188 is provided with a plurality of inwardly extendingslots 189, four in the illustrated embodiment, the slots extending axially along the drum through each of its constitutent disks. Plungeknife blade 200 is positioned to enter one ofslots 189 asknife carrier 192 is forced towardshaft 146 byflipper cam 210.Slots 189 andplunge knife blade 200 preferably are angled slightly away from a radial orientation toward the axis ofshaft 146, in the direction so thatslots 189 open toward the rotation ofshaft 146. This arrangement ensures that ifweb 244 were to adhere to the knife blade as the blade is extended into the slot, the leading portion of the web would strip from the blade. Conversely, when the blade is withdrawn from the slot in the manner now to be discussed, the trailing portion of the web would strip from the blade. - When the mechanism has reached the position of Figure 11,
plunge knife blade 200 has reached the position shown in Figure 16. The grip of the adhesive onweb 244 to flats 260 prevents the web from being drawn intoslots 189 as it is being cut and results in clean, straight cuts. Moreover, the arrow head shape ofknife blade 200 helps prevent the web from being drawn into the slots, as it significantly reduces the cutting force required. A small additional rotation ofshaft 146 then causescam follower pin 208 to slide off the end offlipper cam 210, thus allowingknife carrier 192 to retractknife blade 200 fromslot 189 under the influence ofspring 204. A small further rotation ofshaft 146 causestab 234 ofpawl 230 to engage astop pin 264 projecting rearwardly fromcenter plate 134.Pawl 230 thus is lifted so thatdog 240 comes out of engagement withratchet wheel 186. This permits carrier block 184 to rotate counterclockwise under the influence ofreturn spring 176 until the position of Figure 9 is reached again anddog 240 has reengaged ratchet wheel under the influence ofspring 236. - While
carrier block 184 is returning to its start position,acquisition drum 188 andrelease drum 172 continue to rotate. Because of the very small area for adhesion to releasedrum 172 provided by theridge lines 262 of its knurls, the sticky side ofweb 244 adheres very little to releasedrum 172 as its disks, interleaved with and having a higher peripheral velocity than those ofacquisition drum 188, lift the leading edge of the strip of tape fromdrum 188 and guide that edge into the small radial clearance provided betweenrelease drum 172 andapplicator roller 130, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. There, the still higher peripheral velocity ofroller 130 and the vacuum acting at its surface combine to pull the strip fromrelease drum 172. Of course, the distance along the periphery ofrelease drum 172 fromacquisition drum 188 tovacuum roller 130 must be substantially less than the desired length of the strips of tape being cut; so that, the trailing edge of each strip will still be adhered toacquisition drum 188 when its leading edge is acquired byvacuum roller 130, thus preventing the strip from peeling away prematurely. The differential adhesion of the web todrums release drum 172, prevents tape from adhering torelease drum 172 and also allowsacquisition drum 188 to control the squareness and advance of each cut stip fromweb 244. - Though the use of knurling on drums 172,188 is the preferred mode for establishing such differential adhesion and is effective for most useful types of adhesive tapes, a similar effect can be achieved by providing a radially spring
biased roller 265 in contact withdrum 188 just ahead of the point wheredrum 172 lifts the tape fromdrum 188. The location for such a roller is shown for illustrative purposes only in Figure 16. By adjusting the tension on such aroller 265, the tape can readily be made to adhere more tenaciously to drum 188, in a manner similar to the differential adhesion achieved by flats 260 andridges 262. It is also within the scope of the invention to use such a biased roller in combination with knurled or plain surfaces on the disks ofacquisition drum 188 orrelease drum 172 or both. - While
applicator roller 130 is positioned as shown in Figures 9 to 17, ahub 266 at its rear portion engagesknurled wheel 174 to drivevacuum roller 130 approximately ten per cent faster thanrelease drum 172. See Figure 17 for the engagement ofhub 266 andwheel 174. As indicated previously,applicator roller 130 is mounted for translation into and out of contact with the abutted ends of web positioned onprocess platen 100 and one ofinput platens slide 268 is attached to the rear surface offront plate 136, within whichslidable carrier 160 is mounted for movement between the two positions shown in Figures 17 and 18. A mountingblock 270 is attached to the rear surface ofcarrier 160 and, in turn, supports a leafspring mounting block 272 having parallel upper and lower surfaces from which a pair of leaf springs 274,276 extend towardrelease drum 172. Attached to the other ends of leaf springs 274,276 is a conventional bearing block and air fitting 278 which rotatably supports ashaft 280 forapplicator roller 130. Avacuum connector 282 is attached to fitting 278 to provide the necessary vacuum for operation ofapplicator roller 130. Aflange 284 extends rearwardly from the lower rear face ofslide 268 and ends just belowcentral plate 134. As shown in Figures 7, 17 and 18,flange 284 is provided in its rear face with acam slot 286. Extending below and attached to bearing block 278 is anarm 288 rotatably supporting at its lower end acam follower roller 290 which rides incam slot 286. As shown in Figures 17 and 18,cam slot 286 slopes downwardly from the position of Figure 17 in whichhub 266 engageswheel 174 to the position of Figure 18 in whichapplicator roller 130 moves across the surfaces ofplatens applicator roller 130 and, onceroller 130 contacts platen 100, also provide a continuous downward bias to the roller to ensure that each strip of tape is securely applied to the abutted ends ofwebs input platens applicator roller 130 is covered with a compliant silicone rubber, it tends to move rather smoothly over small irregularities and misalignments. - The overall operation of the apparatus according to the invention should now be apparent to those skilled in the art. While the ends of the old and new webs are being trimmed and abutted using the apparatus of Figures 1 to 4, the tape dispenser and applicator or Figures 5 to 18 is actuated to advance the tape, cut a
strip 292 as shown in Figures 1 and 15 andtransfer strip 292 tovacuum roller 130.Cylinder 154 is then actuated to translatevacuum roller 130 from the position of Figure 17 to that of Figure 18 and then retractvacuum roller 130 to the position of Figure 17 to receive the next cut strip of tape. Under the influence of leaf springs 274,276, the initial translation ofvacuum roller 130 appliesstrip 292 across the abutted ends and the following retraction ofvacuum roller 130 presses the strip again to ensure good adhesion.
Claims (12)
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/471,177 US5053096A (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1990-01-26 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
US07/471,176 US5066346A (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1990-01-26 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
US471159 | 1990-01-26 | ||
US07/471,159 US5066345A (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1990-01-26 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
US471176 | 1990-01-26 | ||
US471177 | 1990-01-26 | ||
EP91903728A EP0465631B1 (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1991-01-24 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91903728.3 Division | 1991-08-16 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0606116A2 true EP0606116A2 (en) | 1994-07-13 |
EP0606116A3 EP0606116A3 (en) | 1994-09-07 |
EP0606116B1 EP0606116B1 (en) | 1997-08-20 |
Family
ID=27413170
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP94103720A Expired - Lifetime EP0606116B1 (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1991-01-24 | Apparatus and method for cutting strip of adhesive tape |
EP91903728A Expired - Lifetime EP0465631B1 (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1991-01-24 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91903728A Expired - Lifetime EP0465631B1 (en) | 1990-01-26 | 1991-01-24 | Apparatus and method for splicing webs of indeterminate length |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP0606116B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH04504554A (en) |
DE (2) | DE69104148T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1991011380A2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0806390A1 (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-11-12 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Kg | Device for replacing a first web by a second web |
EP0812792A2 (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1997-12-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Web splicing apparatus |
WO2000056645A1 (en) * | 1999-03-24 | 2000-09-28 | Jagenberg Papiertechnik Gmbh | Device for connecting material webs |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT1292802B1 (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1999-02-11 | Ima Spa | EQUIPMENT FOR FEEDING A FILM OF THERMOFORMABLE MATERIAL INTO PACKAGING MACHINES FOR PRODUCTS IN |
US7178756B2 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2007-02-20 | Eastman Kodak Company | Automatic perforated web splicing system |
NL2008498C2 (en) * | 2012-03-16 | 2013-09-18 | Fuji Seal Europe Bv | Device and method for connecting two ends of tubular foil. |
JP6707518B2 (en) * | 2014-08-01 | 2020-06-10 | アンジェロ・ドッタ | Reel changer particularly suitable for feeding machine tools |
CN112390048B (en) * | 2020-11-23 | 2024-06-18 | 苏州晟成光伏设备有限公司 | EVA cuts out spreading machine |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE963128C (en) * | 1951-12-08 | 1957-05-02 | Derby Sealers Inc | Tape dispenser |
US4533586A (en) * | 1984-03-08 | 1985-08-06 | American Bank Note Company | Web of adhesive labels |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US339446A (en) * | 1886-04-06 | maetin | ||
US4001067A (en) * | 1973-03-08 | 1977-01-04 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Butt welder cutting element temperature control |
US4204898A (en) * | 1978-06-21 | 1980-05-27 | King Instrument Corporation | Tape winding and splicing machine |
-
1991
- 1991-01-24 WO PCT/US1991/000495 patent/WO1991011380A2/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-01-24 EP EP94103720A patent/EP0606116B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-24 DE DE69104148T patent/DE69104148T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-01-24 EP EP91903728A patent/EP0465631B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-01-24 JP JP50361791A patent/JPH04504554A/en active Pending
- 1991-01-24 DE DE1991627376 patent/DE69127376T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE963128C (en) * | 1951-12-08 | 1957-05-02 | Derby Sealers Inc | Tape dispenser |
US4533586A (en) * | 1984-03-08 | 1985-08-06 | American Bank Note Company | Web of adhesive labels |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
MODERN PACKAGING, vol.33, no.7, March 1960, NEW YORK US pages 201 - 203 CHARLES A. SOUTHWICK, JR. 'A study in machine development' * |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0806390A1 (en) * | 1996-05-07 | 1997-11-12 | Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller Kg | Device for replacing a first web by a second web |
EP0812792A2 (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1997-12-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Web splicing apparatus |
EP0812792A3 (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1998-06-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Web splicing apparatus |
US5881964A (en) * | 1996-05-24 | 1999-03-16 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Web splicing apparatus having offset splicing and taping |
WO2000056645A1 (en) * | 1999-03-24 | 2000-09-28 | Jagenberg Papiertechnik Gmbh | Device for connecting material webs |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0606116A3 (en) | 1994-09-07 |
WO1991011380A2 (en) | 1991-08-08 |
JPH04504554A (en) | 1992-08-13 |
EP0465631A1 (en) | 1992-01-15 |
DE69127376D1 (en) | 1997-09-25 |
DE69127376T2 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
DE69104148D1 (en) | 1994-10-27 |
EP0606116B1 (en) | 1997-08-20 |
DE69104148T2 (en) | 1995-01-19 |
WO1991011380A3 (en) | 1991-10-17 |
EP0465631B1 (en) | 1994-09-21 |
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