Taping apparatus

Abstract

Provided is a tape winding apparatus adapted to wind a tape around a product, and including: a stand (101); a tape conveying mechanism (200) mounted on the stand and configured to convey the tape to a vicinity of a standby position (P); and a banding mechanism (300) configured to wind the tape around the product in a state in which the product is engaged with the tape at the standby position. The tape conveying mechanism includes a first conveying roller (210) positioned upstream of the standby position in a tape conveying direction, an outer contour of the first conveying roller defining an outer periphery thereof having a varying outer diameter in an axial direction thereof, the first conveying roller being configured to convey the tape toward the standby position in a state in which the outer periphery thereof is in contact with one of an adhesive surface and a back surface of the tape, such that the tape exiting the first conveying roller exhibits a curved profile in a width direction thereof.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wrapping adhesive tape on a product, and more particularly, to an adhesive tape wrapping apparatus that improves adhesive tape delivery. BACKGROUND

[0002] In some applications, it is often necessary to wrap adhesive tape on a product such as a wire harness for the convenience of storage, transportation and management of the product. In conventional technology, during the delivery of adhesive tape by an adhesive tape wrapping apparatus, the adhesive tape is easily adhered to the components of the adhesive tape wrapping apparatus, is difficult to separate from the adhesive tape wrapping apparatus, and even causes blocking of the adhesive tape in the adhesive tape wrapping apparatus. SUMMARY

[0003] To overcome at least one of the above and other problems and drawbacks existing in the prior art, the present disclosure is proposed.

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an adhesive tape wrapping apparatus adapted to wrap an adhesive tape having a tape face and a back face on a product, the adhesive tape wrapping apparatus comprising: a seat frame; an adhesive tape delivery mechanism mounted on the seat frame and configured to deliver the adhesive tape to a vicinity of a standby position; and a banding mechanism configured to wrap the adhesive tape on the product in a state where the product is engaged with the adhesive tape at the standby position; the adhesive tape delivery mechanism including a first delivery roll positioned upstream of the standby position in a tape delivery direction, an outer profile of the first delivery roll defining an outer periphery thereof having a varying outer diameter in an axial direction thereof, the first delivery roll being configured to deliver the adhesive tape toward the standby position in a state where the outer periphery thereof is in contact with one of the tape face and the back face of the adhesive tape, such that the adhesive tape exiting the first delivery roll assumes a curved profile in a width direction thereof.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first delivery roll is configured to deliver the adhesive tape toward the standby position in a manner that the outer periphery thereof is in contact with the tape face of the adhesive tape, such that the tape face of the adhesive tape exiting the first delivery roll faces the product.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first delivery roll has a middle portion and opposite end portions in the axial direction thereof, the outer diameter of the first delivery roll at the middle portion being different from the outer diameter at the opposite end portions.

[0007] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first delivery roll gradually increases from the middle portion toward the opposite end portions.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first delivery roll includes a first roll body and a plurality of first ribs outwardly protruding from the first roll body.

[0009] In some embodiments, each first protruding ridge extends in a circumferential direction or an axial direction of the first cylinder.

[0010] In some embodiments, the adhesive tape conveying mechanism further includes a pressing assembly mounted on the seat frame opposite to the first conveying cylinder to form a gap between the pressing assembly and the first conveying cylinder defining an adhesive tape conveying passage, and the pressing assembly is configured to press the adhesive tape against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder in a state where the adhesive tape conveying mechanism conveys the adhesive tape along the adhesive tape conveying passage.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gap between the pressing assembly and the first conveying cylinder is adjustable to accommodate adhesive tapes of different thicknesses.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pressing assembly includes a pressing plate, a fixing member mounted on the seat frame, and a biasing member disposed between the pressing plate and the fixing member, the biasing member being configured to bias the pressing plate toward the first conveying cylinder such that the pressing plate presses the adhesive tape passing through the gap against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder.

[0013] In some embodiments, the biasing member includes a spring.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pressing assembly further includes a pressing member disposed on a side of the pressing plate facing the first conveying cylinder and including a portion closer to the first conveying cylinder than a pressing surface of the pressing plate facing the first conveying cylinder, the portion of the pressing member being used to press the adhesive tape against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressing member is positioned opposite to a middle portion of the first conveying cylinder in an axial direction thereof such that a spacing between the pressing member and the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder is smaller than a spacing between the pressing surface of the pressing plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pressing member includes a pressing wheel rotatably disposed on the pressing plate such that an outer peripheral surface of the pressing wheel presses the adhesive tape against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying cylinder.

[0017] In some embodiments, the adhesive tape conveying mechanism further includes a second conveying cylinder positioned upstream of the first conveying cylinder in the adhesive tape conveying direction to convey the adhesive tape toward the first conveying cylinder in a state where an outer peripheral surface thereof is in contact with the adhesive tape, the second conveying cylinder including a plurality of protruding structures spaced apart from each other, the plurality of protruding structures contacting the adhesive tape during conveying of the adhesive tape.

[0018] In some embodiments, the protruding structures include second protruding ridges extending in a circumferential direction or an axial direction of the second conveying cylinder, and / or a plurality of protruding points disposed dispersedly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 is a front perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 is a back perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 is a side view schematically showing a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a product on which a tape is to be wound is shown;

[0023] Figure 4A is a side view schematically showing a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 4B is a partially enlarged side view schematically showing a configuration of a portion of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4C is a partially enlarged perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a portion of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5A is a partially enlarged perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a first conveying roller and a pressing assembly of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5B is a partially enlarged side view schematically showing a configuration of a first conveying roller and a pressing assembly of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure of a first conveying roller of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure of a second conveying roller of a tape conveying mechanism of a tape winding apparatus according to one example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical or similar components are indicated by identical or similar reference numerals. The following description of various embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the overall concept of this disclosure and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0032] As shown in the figure, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a tape wrapping device 10, which is adapted to wrap tape 11 having an adhesive side and a back side around a product 1. The types of products to be wrapped with tape are varied, including but not limited to various wire harnesses or cables, such as cables, filaments, and optical fibers; in the illustrated embodiment, the wrapping of tape onto a cable is described as an example. For example, for ease of storage, transportation, and management, wire harnesses such as cables, filaments, and optical fibers are typically wound into rolls, and then the rolls are bound together with tape. In use, the tape is removed from the wire harness to unwrap it.

[0033] As shown in the figure, the tape wrapping equipment 10 mainly includes a frame 101, a tape conveying mechanism 200, and a binding mechanism 300. The frame 101 can be fixed on the working surface or workbench, such as in the form of a roughly vertical plate. The tape conveying mechanism 200 is installed on the frame 101 and is used to convey the tape 11 to the vicinity of the waiting position P, such as conveying the tape to the vicinity of the binding mechanism 300. The binding mechanism 300 is used to wrap the tape 11 around the product 1 in the state of being joined or bonded to the tape 11 at the waiting position, so as to bundle the product.

[0034] The tape winding device 10 may also be provided with a tape reel 100 on which tape 11 is wound. In some examples, the position of the tape reel 100 is adjustable to tension the tape 11 that exits from the tape reel 100 and is conveyed through the tape conveying mechanism 200.

[0035] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the strapping mechanism 300 is positioned downstream of the belt conveyor mechanism 200 along the belt conveying direction, and has a receiving space 310 for partially accommodating the product 1. The opening 311 of the receiving space 310 leads to the standby position P. As an example, during operation, as... Figure 3As shown, first the adhesive tape 11 is conveyed to the vicinity of the standby position P, such as in the path through which the product 1 enters the accommodating space 310, and then the product 1 (such as a wire harness or cable in a roll) is pushed to partially enter the accommodating space 310 through the opening 311, in the process the adhesive tape 11 conveyed to the vicinity of the standby position P is engaged or bonded to the product 1; subsequently, the binding mechanism 300 is rotated while the product 1 is not rotated, the binding mechanism 300 contacts and drives the adhesive tape 11 to rotate, so as to wind the adhesive tape 11 on the product 1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1 , Figures 4A to 4C , the adhesive tape winding apparatus 10 can further include a cutting structure 400, which is disposed along the adhesive tape conveying direction downstream of the adhesive tape conveying mechanism 200 and upstream of the binding mechanism 300, to cut the adhesive tape 11 at a position between the adhesive tape conveying mechanism 200 and the binding mechanism 300 after the binding mechanism 300 has wound the adhesive tape 11 on the product 1. Downstream of the cutting structure 400 can be provided with a guide roller 250, which can guide the adhesive tape 11 exiting the adhesive tape conveying mechanism 200 or the first conveying roller 210 to be properly positioned in the vicinity of the standby position P, such as close to the opening 311 of the accommodating space 310, and can also guide and support the adhesive tape 11 being driven into the accommodating space 310 during the winding of the adhesive tape.

[0037] The adhesive tape conveying mechanism 200 includes a first conveying roller 210, which is positioned along the adhesive tape conveying direction upstream of the standby position P, such as upstream of the cutting structure 400, the first conveying roller 210 can be oriented such that its axial direction intersects (such as is orthogonal to) the adhesive tape conveying direction, for example its axial direction is substantially parallel or coincident with the width direction of the adhesive tape 11 being conveyed thereby. In operation, the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying roller 210 contacts the adhesive tape 11 to convey the adhesive tape 11 toward the standby position P.

[0038] The first conveying roller 210 can be driven to rotate by a driving mechanism to convey the adhesive tape 11. As an example, as shown in Figures 1-2 , the driving mechanism, which is mounted on the seat frame 101 for example, can include a motor 241, a roller 242 driven by the motor 241, rollers 244, 245 driven to rotate by the roller 242 via a driving belt 243, and a roller 246 engaged with the first conveying roller 210 and driven by the roller 245 to drive the first conveying roller 210 to rotate. Alternatively, the first conveying roller can be driven to rotate directly by a motor, or via other forms of intermediate mechanism.

[0039] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the outer profile of the first conveying drum 210 defining its outer circumferential surface has varying outer diameter along its axial direction to cause the adhesive tape 11 to change shape or profile when in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum 210, such as from a flat tape to a curved tape, so that the adhesive tape 11 exiting the first conveying drum 210 assumes a curved profile, such as an arched profile, in its width direction, as shown in 5C. In this way, the adhesive tape assuming a curved profile is easier to separate from the first conveying drum or other components of the adhesive tape conveying mechanism, such as the pressing assembly described below, without the adhesive tape sticking to the drum or components to cause blockage, without the need for lubrication, and thus reducing contamination.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first conveying drum 210 conveys the adhesive tape 11 towards the vicinity of the to-be-used position P with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape 11, so that the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape 11 exiting the first conveying drum 210 faces the product 1 to be pushed into the accommodating space 310 of the banding mechanism 300. In other embodiments, the first conveying drum can convey the adhesive tape with its outer circumferential surface in contact with the back surface of the adhesive tape, as described below.

[0041] The first conveying drum 210 has a middle portion and opposite two end portions along its axial direction, and the outer diameter of the first conveying drum at the middle portion is different from that at the opposite two end portions, so that at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum or the surface in contact with the adhesive tape assumes a curved profile. As an example, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C the outer diameter of the first conveying drum 210 gradually increases from the middle portion to the opposite two end portions, for example, having a minimum outer diameter Dmin at the axial middle portion and a maximum outer diameter Dmax at the axial end portions, so that the first conveying drum 210 as a whole assumes a profile of thin middle and thick ends in the axial direction. In other examples, the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum can be in contact with the back surface of the adhesive tape, in which case its outer diameter gradually decreases from the middle portion to the opposite two end portions, for example, having a maximum outer diameter at the axial middle portion and a minimum outer diameter at the axial end portions, so that the first conveying drum as a whole assumes a profile of thick middle and thin ends in the axial direction.

[0042] A protruding structure can be provided on the first conveying drum to reduce the area of the first conveying drum in contact with the adhesive tape, and to facilitate separation of the adhesive tape from the first conveying drum. In some examples, as shown in Figures 4C to 5CAs shown, the first conveying drum 210 includes a first drum body 211 and a plurality of first ribs 212 protruding outwardly from the first drum body, adjacent ribs being spaced apart from each other, the outer surfaces of the ribs 212 being in contact with the belt 11 during the belt conveying process, thereby reducing the contact area between the first conveying drum 210 and the belt 11. Each first rib 212 can extend along a circumferential direction or an axial direction of the first drum body 211. The ribs at least partially define a curved outer peripheral surface or profile of the first conveying drum, for example, the outer diameter of the ribs at an axial middle portion of the first conveying drum is different from, such as smaller or larger than, the outer diameter of the ribs at axial end portions of the first conveying drum. The protruding structure provided on the first conveying drum is not limited to the rib form, but can also take a variety of other forms of protrusions, such as scattered bumps, a sawtooth structure, etc., or even a plurality of recesses or grooves can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying drum, which can also reduce the contact area between the first conveying drum and the belt.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt conveying mechanism 210 further includes a pressing assembly 230 mounted on the seat frame 101 opposite the first conveying drum 210 to form a gap between the pressing assembly 230 and the first conveying drum 210 defining a belt conveying passage. The pressing assembly 230 is configured to press the belt 11 against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying drum 210 in a state where the belt conveying mechanism 210 conveys the belt 11 along the belt conveying passage. In some examples, the gap or spacing between the pressing assembly and the first conveying drum is adjustable to accommodate belts of different thicknesses or to provide a suitable pressing force on the belt.

[0044] In some embodiments, as Figures 3 to 5B shown, the pressing assembly 230 includes a pressing plate 231, a fixed member 232 mounted on the seat frame 101, and a biasing member 233 provided between the pressing plate 231 and the fixed member 232, the biasing member 233 being configured to bias the pressing plate 231 towards the first conveying drum 210 so that the pressing plate 210 presses the belt 11 passing through the gap between the pressing assembly and the first conveying drum against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying drum 210. As an example, the biasing member 233 can include a spring.

[0045] In the embodiment as Figures 3 to 5B shown, the pressing assembly 230 can further include a pressing member 234 provided on the side of the pressing plate 233 facing the first conveying drum 210, including a portion protruding from the pressing surface of the pressing plate 233 towards the first conveying drum 210, i.e. the portion pressing the belt 11 against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying drum 210 through which the belt 11 is pressed to facilitate the belt 11 to change into a curved shape or profile.

[0046] As an example, the pressing member 234 is positioned opposite to the middle portion of the first conveying drum 210 in the axial direction thereof, such that the spacing between the pressing member 234 and the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum 210 is smaller than the spacing between the pressing surface of the pressure plate 233 and the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum 210.

[0047] For example, the pressing member 234 can include a pressing wheel rotatably provided on the pressure plate 233 such that the outer circumferential surface of the pressing wheel presses the adhesive tape 11 against the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying drum 210. Alternatively or additionally, the pressing member can also include a protruding structure formed on the pressing surface of the pressure plate.

[0048] In some other embodiments, during the conveying of the adhesive tape, the first conveying drum contacts the back surface of the adhesive tape, while the pressure plate and / or the pressing member contacts the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape. In alternative examples, the pressure plate can include a concave pressing surface in the middle portion, while the first conveying drum includes a convex middle portion to facilitate the adhesive tape to change into a curved shape or profile for facilitating the separation of the adhesive tape from the conveying mechanism.

[0049] In the embodiment as shown in Figures 1 to 4C , the adhesive tape conveying mechanism 200 further includes a second conveying drum 220 positioned upstream of the first conveying drum 210 in the adhesive tape conveying direction, the outer circumferential surface of the second conveying drum 220 can contact the adhesive tape 11 and convey the adhesive tape 11 towards the first conveying drum 210 during the conveying of the adhesive tape. The second conveying drum 220 is also positioned opposite to the pressing assembly 230 to define a portion of the adhesive tape conveying passage.

[0050] Some structures for contacting the adhesive tape can also be provided on the second conveying drum 220, such as outwardly protruding, spaced-apart protruding structures, and / or recesses, grooves formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second conveying drum, i.e. the second conveying drum 220 has a rough, e.g. jagged, outer surface; during the conveying of the adhesive tape, it is these structures that contact the adhesive tape, thereby reducing the area of contact between the second conveying drum and the adhesive tape. Exemplarily, the protruding structures can include second ridge or jagged structures 221 extending in the circumferential direction or the axial direction of the second conveying drum (see Figure 4C ), and / or dispersedly provided protruding points 222 (see Figure 6 ). In some embodiments, similar to the first conveying drum, the second conveying drum can have an outer circumferential surface or outer profile with varying outer diameter. For example, the overall profile in the axial direction can be middle thin and both ends thick, or middle thick and both ends thin.

[0051] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 to 4CAs shown, the tape winding apparatus 10 can also include a pushing mechanism 500 for reliably pressing the tape from the tape roll 100 against the second conveying roller 220 to facilitate tensioning and further movement of the tape 11 away from the tape roll 100 by rotation of the second conveying roller 220. For example, the pushing mechanism 500 can include a pushing roller 510 positioned upstream of the second conveying roller 220 that pushes the tape 11 toward the second conveying roller 220 under the urging of a drive.

[0052] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the embodiments can be changed without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of the terms "including", "comprising", "having" and variations thereof herein is not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure to the precise contents. In addition, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A tape wrapping device (10) suitable for wrapping a tape (11) having an adhesive side and a back side onto a product (1), the tape wrapping device comprising: Frame (101); A belt conveyor (200) is mounted on a frame and configured to convey the belt to the vicinity of the ready position (P); as well as A strapping mechanism (300) is configured to wrap tape around the product when the product is engaged with tape in the ready position. The strapping mechanism (300) is located downstream of the tape conveying mechanism (200) along the tape conveying direction and has a receiving space (310) for partially accommodating the product. The opening (311) of the receiving space (310) leads to the ready position (P). The belt conveyor mechanism includes a first conveyor roller (210), which is positioned upstream of the ready position along the belt conveying direction. The outer contour of the first conveying roller, which defines its outer circumference, has a variable outer diameter along its axial direction. The first conveyor roller is configured to convey the tape toward the ready position while its outer circumferential surface is in contact with one of the adhesive side and the back side of the tape, such that the tape leaving the first conveyor roller has a curved profile in its width direction. The belt conveyor also includes a pressing assembly (230) mounted on a frame opposite to the first conveyor roller to form a gap defining a belt conveying path between the pressing assembly and the first conveyor roller. The pressing assembly is configured to press the belt against the outer circumferential surface of the first conveyor roller while the belt conveyor is conveying the belt along the belt conveying path. The extrusion assembly includes: Pressure plate (231); A fixing component (232) mounted on the bracket; A biasing member (233) is disposed between the pressure plate and the fixing member, the biasing member being configured to bias the pressure plate toward the first conveying roller, such that the pressure plate presses the tape passing through the gap against the outer circumferential surface of the first conveying roller; and An extrusion member (234) is disposed on the side of the pressure plate facing the first conveyor roller and includes a portion closer to the first conveyor roller than the extrusion surface of the pressure plate facing the first conveyor roller. The extrusion assembly is configured to press the tape against the outer peripheral surface of the first conveyor roller via this portion of the extrusion member. The extrusion component includes an extrusion wheel, which is rotatably mounted on the pressure plate such that the outer circumferential surface of the extrusion wheel presses the tape against the outer circumferential surface of the first conveyor roller.

2. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein... The first conveyor roller is configured to convey the tape toward the ready position in such a way that its outer peripheral surface contacts the adhesive side of the tape, such that the adhesive side of the tape leaving the first conveyor roller faces the product.

3. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein... The first conveying roller has a middle section along its axial direction and two opposite ends, and the outer diameter of the first conveying roller at the middle section is different from the outer diameter at the opposite ends.

4. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The outer diameter of the first conveying roller gradually increases from its middle part to the two opposite ends.

5. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The first conveying roller includes a first cylinder (211) and a plurality of first protrusions (212) protruding outward from the first cylinder.

6. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 5, wherein... Each first convex ridge extends along the circumferential or axial direction of the first cylinder.

7. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The gap between the extrusion assembly and the first conveyor roller is adjustable to accommodate tapes of different thicknesses.

8. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing component includes a spring.

9. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The extrusion member is positioned relative to the middle part of the first conveying roller along its axial direction, such that the distance between the extrusion member and the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying roller is less than the distance between the extrusion surface of the pressure plate and the outer peripheral surface of the first conveying roller.

10. The tape-winding equipment according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The belt conveying mechanism also includes a second conveying roller (220), which is positioned upstream of the first conveying roller along the belt conveying direction, so as to convey the belt to the first conveying roller while its outer circumferential surface is in contact with the belt. The second conveyor roller includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other, which contact the conveyor belt during conveying.

11. The tape wrapping equipment according to claim 10, wherein, The raised structure includes a second raised ridge extending along the circumferential or axial direction of the second conveying roller, and / or a plurality of raised points disposed in a dispersed manner.

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