EP0765831A1 - Web butt-splicing apparatus - Google Patents
Web butt-splicing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0765831A1 EP0765831A1 EP96202666A EP96202666A EP0765831A1 EP 0765831 A1 EP0765831 A1 EP 0765831A1 EP 96202666 A EP96202666 A EP 96202666A EP 96202666 A EP96202666 A EP 96202666A EP 0765831 A1 EP0765831 A1 EP 0765831A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- web
- vacuum
- drums
- drum
- cut
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- 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
- B65H19/1805—Flying splicing, i.e. the expiring web moving during splicing contact
- B65H19/1826—Flying splicing, i.e. the expiring web moving during splicing contact taking place at a distance from the replacement roll
- B65H19/1836—Flying splicing, i.e. the expiring web moving during splicing contact taking place at a distance from the replacement roll the replacement web being accelerated or running prior to splicing contact
-
- 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
- B65H2301/4602—Preparing splicing process
- B65H2301/46024—Preparing splicing process by collecting a loop of material of the fresh web downstream of the splicing station
-
- 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
- B65H2301/4623—Spaced article or web portions, i.e. gap between edges
-
- 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
- B65H2301/464—Splicing effecting splice
- B65H2301/46414—Splicing effecting splice by nipping rollers
- B65H2301/464145—Splicing effecting splice by nipping rollers at least one of the rollers having additional feature, eg. knife or at least partly non-cylindrical shape
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to apparatus for splicing flexible materials, such as webs, and the like. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus for splicing a leading end of a first web with a trailing end of a second web to form a new continuous web under high speed operating conditions and without the necessity of frequent interruption of the web conveyance process.
- Apparatus for splicing flexible material are well known in the art.
- a typical apparatus and method for forming butt joints between webs or flexible material the webs are cut while in an overlapping relations to form abutting ends.
- One end of one of the webs is separated while being conveyed so that the two cut ends to be joined are in abutting relations with one another.
- splice tape is applied to the abutting ends to form the butt joint.
- US-A-4,363,695 discloses one such device for splicing together rolls of web.
- the device includes means for accelerating a new stockroll of film up to the speed of an expiring web while discarding the potentially damaged outer convolutions of the webs.
- Splicing tape is applied to overlapping end portions of the webs in a rolling motion by entrapping air bubbles between the splicing tape and the webs to be joined so as to avoid weakening the splice.
- An object of the present invention is, for example, to provide an apparatus for splicing abutting ends of webs substantially free of a gap or overlap.
- Another object of the present invention is, for example, to provide an apparatus for alternatingly feeding rolls of webs into one of two conveyance arrangements and ultimately splicing just-cut ends of both webs without having to interrupt the conveyance process.
- an apparatus for splicing a first, expiring web to a second, fresh web comprising a first, ported, full circumference vacuum drum and a second, ported, full circumference vacuum drum which is capable of being urged toward the first drum.
- the apparatus includes means for supplying the expiring web to one of the first and second vacuum drums as well as means for supplying the fresh web to another of the first and second vacuum drums.
- the first and second vacuum drums are enabled to transport in alternating sequence the other of the expired and fresh webs.
- a first cutting member is mounted on one of the first and second vacuum drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied.
- a second cutting member is mounted on the other of the first and second vacuums drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied.
- the cutting members are capable of cooperating with one another for cutting the webs.
- the apparatus includes a third, full circumference vacuum drum and a fourth, at least partial circumference vacuum drum. Means for applying a first strip of splice tape to the fourth drum is also provided.
- means are provided for moving the first and second drums into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate for cutting the first and second webs between the first and second drums, so that a just-cut leading end of the expiring web remains with one of the first and second vacuum drums and a just-cut trailing end of the fresh web remains with the other of the first and second vacuum drums. Also, means for moving the first and third vacuum drums into proximity is provided.
- the splicing apparatus also includes means cooperating with the moving means, as described above, for causing a just-cut trailing end of the expiring web and a just-cut leading end of the fresh web to transfer from the first drum to the third drum.
- this embodiment of the invention includes means for moving the third and fourth drums into proximity to cause the first strip of splice tape to be applied across the trailing end of the expiring web and leading end of the fresh web, to form a spliced web.
- a method of butt-joining webs comprises the steps of providing elements including a first and second vacuum drum for supporting the web and providing first and second cutting members, each being mounted on the first and second vacuum drums, respectively, in a portion of the circumference where vacuum is applied, each element as described above. Further, the step of supplying an expiring web to one of the first and second vacuum drums and supplying a fresh web to another of the first and second drum is included in the invention. The first and second drums are moved into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate to form a just-cut leading end and a just-cut trailing end of the webs.
- the trailing end of the just cut expiring web and the leading end of the just cut fresh web are moved in abutting alignment for subsequent joining.
- Splicing tape is provided for engageably joining the ends of the webs into abutting alignment.
- the just-cut leading end of the expiring web, and alternately the just cut trailing end of the fresh web are deflected away from the splicing tape so as to provide easy access to one side of the ends of the webs to be joined.
- a first strip of splice tape is applied across one side of the trailing end of the expiring web and the leading end of the fresh web thereby forming a spliced web.
- the apparatus 10 for splicing a first, expiring web 47 to a second, fresh web 48 comprises first and second, ported, full circumference vacuum drums 21 , 20 .
- Means for supplying the expiring web 47 to one of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 is provided.
- means for supplying the fresh web 48 to another of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 is provided.
- the expiring web 47 and fresh web 48 are sequentially transported by one of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 at the end of a splicing cycle, as described below.
- a first cutting member, or knife, 42 is mounted on one of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied.
- a second cutting member, or counter-knife, 40 capable of cooperating with the first cutting member 42 is mounted on the other of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied.
- third, at least partial circumference and fourth, full circumference vacuum drums 32 , 33 are provided.
- a just-cut leading end 47a of the expiring web 47 remains with one of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 and a just-cut trailing end 48a of the fresh web 48 remains with the other of the first and second vacuum drums 21 , 20 .
- the apparatus 10 also includes means for moving the third and fourth drums 32 , 33 into proximity to cause the first strip of splice tape to be applied across the trailing end of the expiring web 47 and leading end of the fresh web 48 , to form a spliced web.
- a first web supply stockroll 31 delivers web to a continuous running process and is guided through the splicing apparatus over web supports 25 and 26 .
- Figure 4 depicts a second web supply stockroll 30 delivering web to the continuous running process and is guided through the splicing apparatus over web supports 28 and 26 .
- Web support 25 and idler roller 23 are independently attached to thread-up guide 2 7.
- Thread-up guide 27 is arranged to pivot about the center of web support 28 for urging idler roller 23 alternately into engagement with stationary idler roller 22 and idler roller 29 .
- drums 20 , 32 and 34 are preferably belted together for rotating in a counterclockwise direction at a common peripheral velocity.
- drums 21 , 33 and 35 , or second drum triad, mounted for transalational movement, as described below are preferably belted together for rotating in a clockwise direction at a common peripheral velocity substantially equal to that of drums 20 , 32 and 34 .
- peripheral velocities of the drums may vary and that the velocity of drums 20 , 32 and 34 may be greater than or less than the velocity of drums 21 , 33 and 35 .
- a cam actuated linear actuator 46 displaces block 45 supporting drums 21 , 33 and 35 toward stationary drums 20 , 32 and 34 .
- the upward displacement of block 45 is synchronized with the rotation of the vacuum drums 21 , 33 and 35 such that the expiring web 47 does not contact drum 35 until after adhesive tape segment 44 has rotated pass its engagement point with the expiring web 47 .
- This sequence of events can be achieved with a timing sequence such as the one illustrated in Fig. 10 which shows the operations of the various components of the invention as well as vacuum and air ports.
- first and second drum triads are synchronized such that first cutting member, or knife, 42 cooperates with second cutting member, or counter knife, 40 , to sever both the new and expiring webs 48 , 47 at a common longitudinal position.
- drum 32 rotates splice tape segment 43 into contact with the upper surface of the two webs 47 , 48 to apply a first segment of splice tape, centered over the just-cut ends of the new and expiring webs 47 , 48 .
- drum 35 rotates splice tape 44 into abutment with the underside of the new and expiring webs 47 , 48 , centered on their freshly joined ends.
- the rotational positions of the first and second drum triads are further synchronized with the downward displacement of the linear actuator 46 such that support block 45 begins to separate drums 21 , 33 and 35 from drums 20 , 32 and 34 when drums 21 , 33 and 35 are in the angular positions depicted in Figure 3.
- a full revolution of drums 21 , 33 and 35 after contacting drums 20 , 32 , and 34 , results in drums 20 and 21 separating an amount sufficient to prevent knife 42 and counter knife 40 from cooperatively engaging one another and thereby cutting the two webs 47 , 48 a second time.
- drum 20 (Fig. 2)is automatically fed web from a first web supply stockroll 30 in cooperation with stationary idler roller 22 and movable idler roller 23 such that the web end is acquired by drum 20 about a portion of its periphery through the aid of vacuum ports 0 , 1 , 2 and 3 (Fig. 9).
- the web enters an upper scrap chute 24 (Figs. 2-4) and remains in this position until a splice is requested.
- the new stockroll 30 is accelerated to match the web speed of expiring web 47 through vacuum assisted frictional contact with driven drum 20 . This removes the potentially damaged outer convolutions of web from stockroll 30 and discards them into first scrap chute 24 .
- stationary disk 62 comprises at least one opening 66 for communicating air and vacuum to various ports.
- rotating disk 64 includes at least one arcurate recess 70 communicating with sources of vacuum or compress air (not shown). Vacuum ports 6 and 7 in drum 21 will be ported to a vacuum source just before severing the webs in order to acquire the just-cut leading end of expiring web 47 and divert it around drum 21 into second scrap chute 41 . Simultaneously, the freshly cut trailing end of new web 48 continues around drum 20 and into first scrap chute 24 .
- the just-cut trailing end 47b of web 47 and the just-cut leading end 48b of web 48 are brought into butted alignment against the surface of drum 33 .
- a segment of splicing tape carried on drum 32 is brought into rolling contact with the two webs 47 , 48 , centered longitudinally across one side of the just-cut web ends to form a spliced web illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14.
- a second segment of splicing tape carried on drum 35 may be brought into rolling contact with the underside of the two webs, centered longitudinally across the just-cut spliced web ends (Figs. 13 and 14).
- drum 21 is automatically fed web from a second web supply stockroll 31 in cooperation with stationary idler roller 29 and movable idler roller 23 .
- the web end is acquired by drum 21 about a portion of its periphery through the aid of vacuum ports 5 , 6,and 7 .
- the web enters a lower scrap chute 41 and remains in this position until a splice is requested.
- the new stockroll 31 is accelerated to match the web speed of the expiring web 48 through vacuum assisted frictional contact with driven drum 21 . This removes the potentially damaged outer convolutions of web from stockroll 31 and discards them into second scrap chute 41 .
- Vacuum port 6 in drum 21 will be ported to a source of compressed air just before severing the webs in order to divert the freshly cut leading end of new web 47 away from drum 21 toward the contact point between drums 20 and 33 .
- an auxiliary source of compressed air or a film guide 49 is preferred at high speeds with very thin and flexible webs in order to reliably divert the film end away from drum 21 and onto the vacuum ported periphery of drum 33 in butted alignment with the just-cut trailing end of expiring web 48 (Fig. 12).
- a segment of splicing tape carried on drum 32 is brought into rolling contact with the two webs, centered longitudinally across the freshly cut web ends.
- a second segment of splicing tape carried on drum 35 may be brought into rolling contact with the underside of the two webs, centered longitudinally across the freshly spliced ends (Figs. 13-14).
- the second drum triad begins to move away from the first drum triad and thread-up chute 27 begins to rotate toward idler roller 22 to deflect expired web 48 out of the straight line path of the new web 47 across web supports 25 and 26 (Fig. 6).
- the vacuum drums continue to rotate in the open position until all of expired web 48 has been removed from the core of stockroll 30 and eliminated through scrap chute 24 .
- vacuum ports 0 , 1 , 2 , and 3 are supplied with vacuum to acquire a free end of the fresh web 47 .
- vacuum ports 6 and 7 of vacuum drum 21 are ported to vacuum (by a valve arrangement of the type shown in Fig. 14) to adhere the just-cut leading end of the expiring web 48 to vacuum drum 21 and thus divert it into a scrap chute 41 while vacuum port 2 is switched to compressed air to divert the just-cut leading end of the fresh web 47 onto drum 33 .
- the just-cut trailing end of the fresh web 47 adheres to vacuum drum 20 and follows it into a scrap chute 24 .
- the just-cut trailing end of the expiring web bends around vacuum drum 20 and continues onto vacuum drum 33 (Fig. 12) where splice tape 43 is applied, joining it to the just-cut lead end of the fresh web 47 thereby forming an web butt-splice.
- Vacuum drum 35 applies a second length of tape 44 to the opposite side of the web butt splice (Fig. 14). After the splice, ports 5 , 6 , and 7 are supplied with vacuum to enable drum 21 to pull the core waste off of the right stockroll.
- Vacuum ports 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , and 14 are not needed at low speeds and become useful only at higher web speeds, for example, web speeds greater than about 400 ft./min.
- ports 5 , 6 , and 7 are supplied with vacuum to acquire and accelerate the new web end.
- ports 6 and 7 remain ported to vacuum to retain the freshly cut trailing end of the new web and channel it into a waste chute 41 .
- Ports 1 , 2 and 3 are supplied with vacuum in order to retain the freshly cut lead end of the expiring end and divert it into a second scrap chute 24 .
- the just-cut lead end of the new web 48 must be diverted to follow drum 20 instead of its otherwise straight line path generally toward the center of drum 33 by a blast of air from port 9 or by a diverting chute 49 .
- the just cut trailing end of the expiring web 48 bends around drum 20 and continues onto drum 33 where splicing tape 43 is applied, joining it to the just-cut lead end of the new web 47 .
- Drum 6 applies a second length of tape to the opposite side of the splice. After the splice has been accomplished, ports 0 , 1 , 2 and 3 are supplied with vacuum to enable drum 20 to pull the core waste web off of the left stockroll.
Abstract
An apparatus and method for web butt-splicing at high speeds has a series of vacuum drums (20,21,32,33,34,35) which sequentially supports an expiring web (47) and a fresh web (48). Cutting members (40,42) are provided on each drum (20,21) which cooperate with the movement of the drums into proximity for cutting the webs forming just-cut ends of both the fresh and expiring webs. The just-cut ends of the web, once in abutting relations, are then transferred to a splicing means and splice tape (43,44) is applied across a side of the abutting ends thereby forming a spliced web.
Description
- The invention relates generally to apparatus for splicing flexible materials, such as webs, and the like. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus for splicing a leading end of a first web with a trailing end of a second web to form a new continuous web under high speed operating conditions and without the necessity of frequent interruption of the web conveyance process.
- Apparatus for splicing flexible material, such as web, are well known in the art. In a typical apparatus and method for forming butt joints between webs or flexible material the webs are cut while in an overlapping relations to form abutting ends. One end of one of the webs is separated while being conveyed so that the two cut ends to be joined are in abutting relations with one another. Then, splice tape is applied to the abutting ends to form the butt joint. A problem with existing web butt splicers of the type described is that precise splicing at high web velocity, and with thin webs often produces unsatisfactory joints.
- US-A-4,363,695 discloses one such device for splicing together rolls of web. The device includes means for accelerating a new stockroll of film up to the speed of an expiring web while discarding the potentially damaged outer convolutions of the webs. Splicing tape is applied to overlapping end portions of the webs in a rolling motion by entrapping air bubbles between the splicing tape and the webs to be joined so as to avoid weakening the splice.
- Other representative devices for splicing web include those disclosed in US-A-3,939,031; US-A-3,654,035; and US-A-3,717,057 and US-A-4,234,365, each of which generally describes devices that attempt to accelerate a new web stockroll (N') to match the velocity of an expiring web (E')over 180 degrees of rotation of a cutting drum (D') having cutting member (C') (Refer to prior art illustration in Fig. 1). It is our belief that the aforementioned devices are not capable of efficient operations at very high web velocities (that is, greater than about 100 ft./min.) because there is such a limited time to accelerate a large web stockroll without the necessity of a film reserve device positioned between the stockroll and the splicer or between the splicer and the continuous downstream process. A further shortcoming of the above-identified type splicing devices is that they require that a new web stockroll be loaded onto a turreting unwind as illustrated, for instance in US-A-3,717,057, US-A-4,492,609 and US-A-4,097,323. Alternatively, prior art devices use a non-driven, displaceable unwind such that the new web is always presented to the splicing apparatus in one and only one position.
- The aforementioned shortcomings presented by existing splicing apparatus are solved with an important feature of our device wherein a fresh web is alternately presented to the splicing apparatus in either of two positions in the conveyance process. This capability eliminates the need for space consuming and costly turreted unwinds, taught in the above references. Also, this novel feature of the present invention is especially useful with webs having light sensitive emulsion coatings or which require a high degree of cleanliness in that it enables the use of web stockroll delivery systems using closed cassettes such as the one described in US-A-5,193,759, hereby incorporated herein by reference. An obvious advantage of closed cassettes is that they house and protect the sensitive webs from light and dust damage and the like. Moreover, since closed cassettes provide limited access to the film, the use of additional devices, such as turrets and displaceable unwinds, is precluded.
- Therefore, there persists a need for an efficient web butt-splicer capable of operating at high web speeds in an environment substantially free of contaminants, such as damaging dust and light, and which does not require frequent downtime associated with changing web feed stockrolls.
- An object of the present invention is, for example, to provide an apparatus for splicing abutting ends of webs substantially free of a gap or overlap.
- Another object of the present invention is, for example, to provide an apparatus for alternatingly feeding rolls of webs into one of two conveyance arrangements and ultimately splicing just-cut ends of both webs without having to interrupt the conveyance process.
- It is a feature of the invention that a just cut trailing end of an expiring web is moved into abutting alignment with a fresh cut lead end of a fresh web where the two ends of the webs are joined without interrupting the conveyance process.
- To accomplish these and other objects and advantages of the invention, there is provided, in one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for splicing a first, expiring web to a second, fresh web, comprising a first, ported, full circumference vacuum drum and a second, ported, full circumference vacuum drum which is capable of being urged toward the first drum. Further, the apparatus includes means for supplying the expiring web to one of the first and second vacuum drums as well as means for supplying the fresh web to another of the first and second vacuum drums. With respect to both webs at the end of a splicing cycle (defined below), the first and second vacuum drums are enabled to transport in alternating sequence the other of the expired and fresh webs. Additionally, a first cutting member is mounted on one of the first and second vacuum drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied. Similarly, a second cutting member is mounted on the other of the first and second vacuums drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied. The cutting members are capable of cooperating with one another for cutting the webs. Still further, the apparatus includes a third, full circumference vacuum drum and a fourth, at least partial circumference vacuum drum. Means for applying a first strip of splice tape to the fourth drum is also provided. Moreover, means are provided for moving the first and second drums into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate for cutting the first and second webs between the first and second drums, so that a just-cut leading end of the expiring web remains with one of the first and second vacuum drums and a just-cut trailing end of the fresh web remains with the other of the first and second vacuum drums. Also, means for moving the first and third vacuum drums into proximity is provided.
- The splicing apparatus also includes means cooperating with the moving means, as described above, for causing a just-cut trailing end of the expiring web and a just-cut leading end of the fresh web to transfer from the first drum to the third drum. Finally, this embodiment of the invention includes means for moving the third and fourth drums into proximity to cause the first strip of splice tape to be applied across the trailing end of the expiring web and leading end of the fresh web, to form a spliced web.
- In another aspect of the invention, a method of butt-joining webs comprises the steps of providing elements including a first and second vacuum drum for supporting the web and providing first and second cutting members, each being mounted on the first and second vacuum drums, respectively, in a portion of the circumference where vacuum is applied, each element as described above. Further, the step of supplying an expiring web to one of the first and second vacuum drums and supplying a fresh web to another of the first and second drum is included in the invention. The first and second drums are moved into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate to form a just-cut leading end and a just-cut trailing end of the webs. Moreover, the trailing end of the just cut expiring web and the leading end of the just cut fresh web are moved in abutting alignment for subsequent joining. Splicing tape is provided for engageably joining the ends of the webs into abutting alignment. The just-cut leading end of the expiring web, and alternately the just cut trailing end of the fresh web are deflected away from the splicing tape so as to provide easy access to one side of the ends of the webs to be joined. Then, a first strip of splice tape is applied across one side of the trailing end of the expiring web and the leading end of the fresh web thereby forming a spliced web.
- 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:
- Figure 1 is a front elevation view of a prior art splicing apparatus;
- Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of the invention;
- Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the apparatus showing the upper drum assemblage and lower drum assemblage in cooperating relations for splicing;
- Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the apparatus showing its position after a first splicing sequence;
- Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the apparatus prior to initating the second splicing sequence.
Web stockroll 30 is about to expire. - Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the apparatus showing it position after a scond splicing sequence.
- Figure 7 is a side elevation view of the apparatus showing its position after a second splicing sequence.
- Figure 8 is an isomeric view of an adhesive tape dispensing apparatus adapted for use with the invention;
- Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of the ported vacuum drums;
- Figure 10 is a timing diagram showing the sequencing of the ported chambers in the vacuum drums of Fig. 9;
- Figs.
11and 12 are side elevation views showing the just-cut web ends in different sequence; - Fig. 13-14 are cross-sectional views of the abutted spliced joint formed during two different cycles;
- Fig. 15 is an side elevation view of the valve porting arrangement; and,
- Fig. 16 is an elevational end view of the rotary valve arrangement for governing the sequencing of vacuum and air porting shown in Fig. 15.
- Turning now to the drawings, and particularly to Figs. 2-4, the apparatus, or web butt-splicer, 10, as claimed in the principles of the invention is illustrated. Broadly defined the
apparatus 10 for splicing a first, expiringweb 47 to a second,fresh web 48, comprises first and second, ported, fullcircumference vacuum drums web 47 to one of the first andsecond vacuum drums fresh web 48 to another of the first andsecond vacuum drums web 47 andfresh web 48 are sequentially transported by one of the first andsecond vacuum drums - A first cutting member, or knife, 42, is mounted on one of the first and
second vacuum drums member 42 is mounted on the other of the first and second vacuum drums 21,20 in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied. Moreover, third, at least partial circumference and fourth, full circumference vacuum drums 32,33 are provided. Further, means for applying a first strip of splice tape to thefourth drum 33 and means for moving the first andsecond drums second cutting members second webs second drums web 47 remains with one of the first and second vacuum drums 21,20 and a just-cut trailing end 48a of thefresh web 48 remains with the other of the first and second vacuum drums 21,20. Further, means are provided for causing a just-cut trailing end 47b of the expiringweb 47 and a just-cut leading end 48b of thefresh web 48 to transfer fromdrum apparatus 10 also includes means for moving the third andfourth drums web 47 and leading end of thefresh web 48, to form a spliced web. - According to Figure 2, a first
web supply stockroll 31 delivers web to a continuous running process and is guided through the splicing apparatus over web supports 25 and 26. Figure 4 depicts a secondweb supply stockroll 30 delivering web to the continuous running process and is guided through the splicing apparatus over web supports 28 and 26.Web support 25 andidler roller 23 are independently attached to thread-up guide 27. Thread-upguide 27 is arranged to pivot about the center ofweb support 28 for urgingidler roller 23 alternately into engagement withstationary idler roller 22 andidler roller 29. When thread-up guide 27 is engaged withstationary idler roller 22, threading of a newweb supply stockroll 30 arounddrum 20 is enabled. On the other hand, when thread-up guide 27 is engaged withidler roller 29, threading of a newweb supply stockroll 31 arounddrum 21 is enabled. - As shown in Figs 3 & 4, drums 20,32 and 34, or first drum triad, are preferably belted together for rotating in a counterclockwise direction at a common peripheral velocity. Similarly, drums 21, 33 and 35, or second drum triad, mounted for transalational movement, as described below, are preferably belted together for rotating in a clockwise direction at a common peripheral velocity substantially equal to that of
drums drums drums linear actuator 46 displaces block 45 supportingdrums stationary drums block 45 is synchronized with the rotation of the vacuum drums 21,33 and 35 such that the expiringweb 47 does not contactdrum 35 until afteradhesive tape segment 44 has rotated pass its engagement point with the expiringweb 47. This sequence of events can be achieved with a timing sequence such as the one illustrated in Fig. 10 which shows the operations of the various components of the invention as well as vacuum and air ports. The rotational positions of the first and second drum triads are synchronized such that first cutting member, or knife, 42 cooperates with second cutting member, or counter knife, 40, to sever both the new and expiringwebs webs drums drums drum 32 rotates splicetape segment 43 into contact with the upper surface of the twowebs webs drums drums drum 35 rotates splicetape 44 into abutment with the underside of the new and expiringwebs - The rotational positions of the first and second drum triads are further synchronized with the downward displacement of the
linear actuator 46 such thatsupport block 45 begins to separatedrums drums drums drums drums drums knife 42 andcounter knife 40 from cooperatively engaging one another and thereby cutting the twowebs 47,48 a second time. - Referring again to Figs. 2,3,4 and 9, drum 20 (Fig. 2)is automatically fed web from a first
web supply stockroll 30 in cooperation withstationary idler roller 22 andmovable idler roller 23 such that the web end is acquired bydrum 20 about a portion of its periphery through the aid ofvacuum ports new stockroll 30 is accelerated to match the web speed of expiringweb 47 through vacuum assisted frictional contact with drivendrum 20. This removes the potentially damaged outer convolutions of web fromstockroll 30 and discards them intofirst scrap chute 24. Whenfresh web 48 reaches the same velocity as expiringweb 47, the lower triad of drums is brought into contact with the upper drum triad, the drums being in the angular positions shown in Figure 2 at the time of contact. An additional 80 degrees of rotation ofdrums webs rotating disks stationary disk 62 comprises at least oneopening 66 for communicating air and vacuum to various ports. Further, rotatingdisk 64 includes at least onearcurate recess 70 communicating with sources of vacuum or compress air (not shown).Vacuum ports drum 21 will be ported to a vacuum source just before severing the webs in order to acquire the just-cut leading end of expiringweb 47 and divert it around drum 21 intosecond scrap chute 41. Simultaneously, the freshly cut trailing end ofnew web 48 continues arounddrum 20 and intofirst scrap chute 24. The just-cut lead end ofweb 48 continues arounddrum 20 until reachingport 2 which has been ported to compressed air instead of vacuum at the moment the webs were cut. An air blast transfers the lead end ofnew web 48 fromdrum 20 to a portion ofdrum 33 supplied with vacuum fromvacuum port 10 across a narrow gap shown in Fig. 11. - After the two scrap web ends are removed, as described above, the just-cut trailing end 47b of
web 47 and the just-cut leading end 48b ofweb 48 are brought into butted alignment against the surface ofdrum 33. A segment of splicing tape carried ondrum 32 is brought into rolling contact with the twowebs drum 35 may be brought into rolling contact with the underside of the two webs, centered longitudinally across the just-cut spliced web ends (Figs. 13 and 14). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various means of transferring tape todrums transportable tape 44 and cutting member 43'(Fig. 8), as described in USP 5,053,096, hereby incorporated herein by reference. As soon as the second segment of splice tape has been applied, the lower drum triad begins to move away from the upper triad and thread-upchute 27 begins to rotate towardidler roller 29 to deflect expiringweb 47 out of the straight line path of thenew web 48 across web supports 28 and 26 (Fig. 3). The vacuum drums continue to rotate in the open position, that is, with first and second triad separated from one another, until all of expiringweb 47 has been removed from the core ofstockroll 31 and eliminated throughscrap chute 41. - In a similar manner, referring again to Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 8, drum 21 is automatically fed web from a second
web supply stockroll 31 in cooperation withstationary idler roller 29 andmovable idler roller 23. In this configuration, the web end is acquired bydrum 21 about a portion of its periphery through the aid ofvacuum ports lower scrap chute 41 and remains in this position until a splice is requested. At this time, thenew stockroll 31 is accelerated to match the web speed of the expiringweb 48 through vacuum assisted frictional contact with drivendrum 21. This removes the potentially damaged outer convolutions of web fromstockroll 31 and discards them intosecond scrap chute 41. When thenew web 47 reaches the same velocity as expiringweb 48, the lower triad of drums is brought into contact with the upper triad, the drums being in the angular positions shown in Figure 5 at the time of contact. An additional 80 degrees of rotation ofdrums knifes Vacuum ports drum 20 will be ported to a vacuum source just before severing the webs in order to acquire the just-cut leading end of expiringweb 48 and divert it around drum 20 intoscrap chute 24. Simultaneously, the freshly cut trailing end ofnew web 47 continues arounddrum 21 and intoscrap chute 41.Vacuum port 6 indrum 21 will be ported to a source of compressed air just before severing the webs in order to divert the freshly cut leading end ofnew web 47 away fromdrum 21 toward the contact point betweendrums film guide 49 is preferred at high speeds with very thin and flexible webs in order to reliably divert the film end away fromdrum 21 and onto the vacuum ported periphery ofdrum 33 in butted alignment with the just-cut trailing end of expiring web 48 (Fig. 12). Thereafter, a segment of splicing tape carried ondrum 32 is brought into rolling contact with the two webs, centered longitudinally across the freshly cut web ends. Similarly, a second segment of splicing tape carried ondrum 35 may be brought into rolling contact with the underside of the two webs, centered longitudinally across the freshly spliced ends (Figs. 13-14). As soon as the second segment of splice tape has been applied, the second drum triad begins to move away from the first drum triad and thread-upchute 27 begins to rotate towardidler roller 22 to deflect expiredweb 48 out of the straight line path of thenew web 47 across web supports 25 and 26 (Fig. 6). The vacuum drums continue to rotate in the open position until all ofexpired web 48 has been removed from the core ofstockroll 30 and eliminated throughscrap chute 24. - In operations, referring to Figs. 1-3, & 8, during thread-up of a
new web stockroll 30,vacuum ports fresh web 47. When the expiredweb 48 andfresh web 47 are cut,vacuum ports vacuum drum 21 are ported to vacuum (by a valve arrangement of the type shown in Fig. 14) to adhere the just-cut leading end of the expiringweb 48 tovacuum drum 21 and thus divert it into ascrap chute 41 whilevacuum port 2 is switched to compressed air to divert the just-cut leading end of thefresh web 47 ontodrum 33. The just-cut trailing end of thefresh web 47 adheres to vacuumdrum 20 and follows it into ascrap chute 24. The just-cut trailing end of the expiring web bends aroundvacuum drum 20 and continues onto vacuum drum 33 (Fig. 12) wheresplice tape 43 is applied, joining it to the just-cut lead end of thefresh web 47 thereby forming an web butt-splice.Vacuum drum 35 applies a second length oftape 44 to the opposite side of the web butt splice (Fig. 14). After the splice,ports drum 21 to pull the core waste off of the right stockroll. -
Vacuum ports - Referring again to Figs. 5-7 and 9, during thread-up of a new stockroll,
ports ports waste chute 41.Ports second scrap chute 24. The just-cut lead end of thenew web 48 must be diverted to followdrum 20 instead of its otherwise straight line path generally toward the center ofdrum 33 by a blast of air fromport 9 or by a divertingchute 49. The just cut trailing end of the expiringweb 48 bends arounddrum 20 and continues ontodrum 33 wheresplicing tape 43 is applied, joining it to the just-cut lead end of thenew web 47.Drum 6 applies a second length of tape to the opposite side of the splice. After the splice has been accomplished,ports drum 20 to pull the core waste web off of the left stockroll. - 10
- apparatus, or web butt-splicing apparatus
- 30, 31
- alternatingly fresh or expired web stockroll
- 25
-
roller supporting web 47 - 47
- alternatingly fresh and expiring webs
- 48
- alternatingly expiring and fresh web
- 26
- exit
roller supporting webs - 28
-
roller supporting web 48 - 22
- stationary idler roller
- 29
- stationary idler roller
- 23
- idler roller cooperates with
idlers - 27
- thread-up guide
- 21, 33, 35
- displaceable vacuum drum arrangement supporting expiring
web 47 - 20, 32. 3
- 4 fixed vacuum drum arrangement supporting
fresh web 48 - 46
- cam actuated linear actuator for displacing
block 45 - 45
- support block for
vacuum drums - 5,6,7, 8
- vacuum ports of
drum 21 - 0,1,2,3,4
- vacuum ports in
drum 20 - 9,10, 11
- vacuum ports in
drum 33 - 12,13,14
- vacuum ports in
drum 34 - 40,42
- cutting members or knives
- 41
- second scrap chute
- 43
- splice tape segment on
drum 32 - 24
- first scrap chute
- 44
- splice tape segment on
drum 35 - 49
- film or web guide
- 60
- rotary valve
- 62
- stationary disk
- 64
- rotating disk
- 66
- opening
- 70
- recess
- 44a
- tape transfer device
- 431
- cutting member
Claims (10)
- Apparatus for splicing a first, expiring web to a second,
fresh web, comprising:a first, ported, full circumference vacuum drum;
a second, ported, full circumference vacuum drum;
means for supplying the expiring web to one of the first and second vacuum drums;
means for supplying the fresh web to another of the first and second vacuum drums, the expiring web and fresh web being further transportable by either one of the first and second vacuum drums in alternating sequence after the webs are spliced;a first cutting member mounted on one of the first and second vacuum drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied;a second cutting member capable of cooperating with the first cutting member, the second cutting member being mounted on the other of the first and second vacuum drums in a portion of a circumference of the drum where vacuum is applied;a third, full circumference vacuum drum;a fourth, at least partial circumference vacuum drum;means for applying a first strip of splice tape to the fourth drum;
means for moving the first and second drums into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate for cutting the first and second webs between the first and second drums, so that a just-cut leading end of the expiring web remains with one of the first and second vacuum drums and a just-cut trailing end of the fresh web remains with the other of the first and second vacuum drums
means for moving the first and third vacuum drums into proximity;
means cooperating with the moving means for causing a just-cut trailing end of the expiring web and a just-cut leading end of the fresh web to transfer from the first drum to the third drum; and
means for moving the third and fourth drums into proximity to cause the first strip of splice tape to be applied across the trailing end of the expiring web and leading end of tile fresh web, to form a spliced web - Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising:a fifth vacuum drum; andmeans for moving the third and fifth vacuum drums into proximity to cause the spliced web to move from the third to the fifth vacuum drum, thereby isolating application of the first tape strip from tension transients downstream of the fifth vacuum drum.
- Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, further comprising:a sixth, at least partial circumference vacuum drum;means for applying a second strip of splice tape to the sixth drum; and
means for moving the fifth and sixth drums into proximity to cause the second strip of splice tape to be applied across the trailing end of the expiring web and leading end of the fresh web opposite the first strip. - Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising means for rotating the other of the first and second vacuum drums before they are moved into proximity, to remove outer convolutions from a stockroll of the fresh web.
- Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising means for rotating the one of the first and second vacuum drums after they have been moved from proximity following splicing, to remove a remaining portion of the expiring web from a stockroll.
- The apparatus recited in Claim 1 wherein the means for supplying the fresh web and the expiring web to one of the first or second vacuum drums comprises a corresponding arrangement of support rollers and idler rollers positioned relative to one another so as to enable the webs to follow a substantially, fully extended path to the drums.
- A method of butt-joining webs, comprising the steps of:
providing a first and second vacuum drum for supporting the web;
providing first and second cutting members, each being mounted on the first and second vacuum drums, respectively, in a portion of the circumference where vacuum is applied;
supplying an expiring web to on of the first and second vacuum drums;
supplying a fresh web to another of the first and second drum;
moving the first and second drums into proximity to cause the first and second cutting members to cooperate to form a just-cut leading end and a just-cut trailing end of the webs; and,
moving the trailing end of the just-cut expiring web and the leading end of the just-cut fresh web in abutting alignment for subsequent joining;
providing splicing tape for engageably joining the ends of the webs in abutting alignment;
deflecting the just cut leading end of the expiring web, and alternately deflecting the just cut trailing end of the fresh web, the respective ends of the webs being deflected away from the splicing tape so as to provide easy access to one side of the ends of the webs to be joined;
applying a first strip of splice tape across one side of the trailing end of the expiring web and the leading end of the fresh web thereby forming a spliced web.. - The method recited in Claim 7 further comprising the step of deflecting the just-cut trailing end of the fresh web, and alternately deflecting the just-cut leading end of the expiring web, so as to provide easy access to an opposite side of the ends of the webs to be joined.
- The method recited in Claim 7 further comprising the step of applying a strip of tape to the opposite side of the ends of the web.
- The method recited in Claim 7 wherein the step of deflecting comprises moving the just-cut trailing end of the fresh web by vacuum porting on one of the first and second drums.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4530 | 1979-01-18 | ||
US453095P | 1995-09-29 | 1995-09-29 | |
US572322 | 1995-12-14 | ||
US08/572,322 US5698060A (en) | 1995-12-14 | 1995-12-14 | Web butt-splicing apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0765831A1 true EP0765831A1 (en) | 1997-04-02 |
Family
ID=26673123
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96202666A Withdrawn EP0765831A1 (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1996-09-24 | Web butt-splicing apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0765831A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH09136747A (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102005037182A1 (en) * | 2005-08-06 | 2007-02-15 | Bwg Bergwerk- Und Walzwerk-Maschinenbau Gmbh | Method of taping a tape connection and tape applicator |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2745464A (en) * | 1952-12-18 | 1956-05-15 | Champlain Company Inc | Automatic butt splicer |
GB1400684A (en) * | 1972-01-27 | 1975-07-23 | Hanssen Cie Const Mec | Devices for connecting two strips |
GB2135283A (en) * | 1983-02-15 | 1984-08-30 | Gd Spa | Splicing webs |
US4492609A (en) * | 1981-03-12 | 1985-01-08 | Windmoller & Holscher | Apparatus for splicing the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll to the leading end of a web from a new supply roll |
EP0625474A1 (en) * | 1993-04-09 | 1994-11-23 | AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE-A.C.M.A.-S.p.A. | Reel change device for feed devices supplying strip material to a user machine |
-
1996
- 1996-09-24 EP EP96202666A patent/EP0765831A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1996-09-26 JP JP25473496A patent/JPH09136747A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2745464A (en) * | 1952-12-18 | 1956-05-15 | Champlain Company Inc | Automatic butt splicer |
GB1400684A (en) * | 1972-01-27 | 1975-07-23 | Hanssen Cie Const Mec | Devices for connecting two strips |
US4492609A (en) * | 1981-03-12 | 1985-01-08 | Windmoller & Holscher | Apparatus for splicing the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll to the leading end of a web from a new supply roll |
GB2135283A (en) * | 1983-02-15 | 1984-08-30 | Gd Spa | Splicing webs |
EP0625474A1 (en) * | 1993-04-09 | 1994-11-23 | AZIONARIA COSTRUZIONI MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE-A.C.M.A.-S.p.A. | Reel change device for feed devices supplying strip material to a user machine |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102005037182A1 (en) * | 2005-08-06 | 2007-02-15 | Bwg Bergwerk- Und Walzwerk-Maschinenbau Gmbh | Method of taping a tape connection and tape applicator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH09136747A (en) | 1997-05-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5698060A (en) | Web butt-splicing apparatus | |
US5277731A (en) | Method of and apparatus for forming a butt splice in a web unwinder | |
US4120739A (en) | Butt splicer for butt-joining a fresh web to a progressing web | |
US4097323A (en) | Butt-splicer | |
KR850001544B1 (en) | Apparatus for conveying and shaping rubber sheet materials | |
JPH05262307A (en) | Process and device for avoiding downtime on packaging machine | |
EP0780331A2 (en) | Apparatus and method for aligning webs | |
EP0273286A2 (en) | Apparatus for splicing a replacement web to a web having a programmed movement without interrupting such movement | |
EP0525075B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for splicing at least two single or multiple layer materials comprising air permeable soft paper webs | |
EP0198495A3 (en) | Web winding machine and method | |
US4720320A (en) | Apparatus for splicing a trailing end of a web from a depleted coil to the leading end of a fresh coil | |
JP2004142950A (en) | Winding device and winding method for replacing winding sleeve of winding device | |
US5474252A (en) | Unwinding machine with splicer | |
US5692698A (en) | Web feeding and transition assembly | |
CA1258612A (en) | Method and apparatus for applying a bead filler material to a bead | |
TWI510360B (en) | Bag machine and winder | |
US5346150A (en) | Tail gap winder | |
EP0129297B1 (en) | Device for taking a sample from a continuously advancing web | |
US6701992B1 (en) | Automatic butt splicer for converting machine | |
JPH06293454A (en) | Method and device for joining belt-like material | |
EP0765831A1 (en) | Web butt-splicing apparatus | |
US4954205A (en) | Joining device for cord-reinforced belt-shaped materials | |
US3873393A (en) | Machine for splicing tape form material | |
GB2260532A (en) | A device for splicing strips of limited transverse dimensions automatically | |
US20090250544A1 (en) | Tail Free Transfer Winder |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): BE DE FR GB NL |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19970825 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19970924 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19980205 |