Tape changer

Abstract

To solve a problem such that a roll tape used in box-making and sealing machines is adhesively joined to a next roll tape each time it is used up, but a conventional device that automatically performs this process is large and expensive although it is an auxiliary device.SOLUTION: A tape changer has tape holders on both ends of a rotating arm that rotates 180 degrees at a time, a tape stocker facing one holder and a used-tape ejection mechanism facing the other holder, and a feed mechanism in the stocker that pushes a new roll tape into a tape holder. A tape guide roll in a drawn-out state bonds an end of a tape to a leading edge of the next new roll tape, and a tape-cutting mechanism cuts off a remaining part of the tape. When the roll tape in use reaches a predetermined diameter, the rotating arm is rotated. Furthermore, the stocker is provided with a hinge mechanism to facilitate loading and unloading of the roll tape.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape changer that can change tapes one after another without interruption by automatically joining the end of a roll of tape approximately 15 to 65 mm wide and 200 to 1,000 m long to the end of the previous tape to the beginning of the next tape. The tape is mainly what is called kraft tape, but is not limited to other types of tape such as paper or cloth, and can also be made of resin film or aluminum foil. Adhesive tape with an adhesive coated on the inside surface of the roll, or even uncoated tape as needed, can also be used. [Background technology]

[0002] In many logistics sites, a box-making machine that applies tape to the bottom of cardboard boxes for packaging is installed at the most upstream position of the process. A sealing machine that applies tape to the top of cardboard boxes is also installed at the most downstream position. These sites primarily consume large amounts of craft tape. What needs to be improved is to eliminate the waste of stopping the line to change the tape. Therefore, there is a need for tape changers that can automatically change the tape, but conventional tape changers are large and expensive for auxiliary equipment. For example, the following is known as similar prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-133635 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a small, low-cost automated device. To achieve this, it is essential to develop a device with a rational configuration not found in conventional technology. Specifically, as is clear from the descriptions in Figures 15, 16, and 18 of the drawings in Patent Document 1, conventional devices require a floor area equivalent to at least four rolls of tape. A commonly used 500-m roll of tape has an outer diameter of approximately 300 mm, and a 1000-m roll has an outer diameter of approximately 430 mm, so the device must be four times longer in one direction. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to propose a novel configuration that can reduce the size of the device, thereby achieving a significant cost reduction and providing a tape changer that can be widely used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] That is, the tape changer of the present invention is a tape changer that bonds the tape end of a roll tape currently in use, which is fitted in one tape holder, to the tape front end of a new roll tape fitted in the other tape holder, and supplies the tape to a downstream device, and the two tape holders are disposed on a rotating arm that rotates in a vertical plane, at positions opposite to the center of rotation, and is provided with a tape stocker facing one of the tape holders, and a feeding mechanism that pushes and fits a new roll tape set in the tape stocker into the holder, and is provided with a used tape stocker facing the other tape holder. The tape changer is characterized by comprising a discharge mechanism that pushes out and discharges the roll tape from the tape holder, a guide roll that guides the tape that is being pulled out from the roll tape in use, the guide roll pressing mechanism pressing and adhering the end of the roll tape in use to the front end of the new roll tape in the next position, and a tape cutting mechanism that cuts the remaining portion of the tape while the guide roll is pressed, and then a guide roll pressing mechanism that releases the pressed state, and further comprising an arm rotation mechanism that rotates the rotating arm 180 degrees when the roll tape in use reaches a predetermined diameter.

[0006] The present invention also provides a tape changer characterized by being provided with a hinge mechanism at one end to enable opening and closing, and a tape stocker at the other end that can be positioned in a position facing the tape holder.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention provides a tape changer that is characterized by comprising a cylindrical body into which a predetermined number of new roll tapes are fitted, and a feeding mechanism is housed inside the cylindrical body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A distinctive feature of the tape changer of the present invention is that, while the above-mentioned prior art systems have a system configuration in which the roll tape is placed flat on a table, the present invention handles the roll tape in an upright position. Therefore, compared to placing four rolls of tape flat, it can be significantly more compact. This provides a cost-saving advantage to the industry. Furthermore, when a hinge mechanism is incorporated into the tape stocker to allow it to be opened and closed, it makes storing roll tape extremely easy and allows for dense storage, making it a valuable compact tape changer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a plan view of the main part of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a front view of the main part of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the back of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a right side view of the main part of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a front and rear view of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a right side view of the device according to the embodiment (same time as FIG. 5). [Figure 7] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 8]7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the device of the embodiment similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 7). [Figure 9] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 10] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 9). [Figure 11] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 11). [Figure 13] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 13). [Figure 15] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 16] 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 15). [Figure 17] 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams showing front and rear views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 5 in chronological order. [Figure 18] 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing right side views of the embodiment device similar to FIG. 6 in chronological order (at the same time as FIG. 17). [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a tape stocker of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a tape stocker of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the beginning of a roll tape used in the device of the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a used tape ejection mechanism in the device of the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a tape cutting mechanism of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of delivery of the drawn tape. [Figure 25]1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of delivery of the drawn tape. [Figure 26] 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of delivery of the drawn tape. [Figure 27] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a pushing mechanism of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a pushing mechanism of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of operation of the device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The tape changer of the present application is used in workplaces where large amounts of adhesive-coated craft tape and film tape, such as vinyl tape, are consumed. When corrugated cardboard materials are formed into boxes, tape is applied to the bottom and sides, and when the boxes are sealed, tape is applied to the top. While both are primarily used in box-making and box-sealing machines, the tape changer of the present application is used as an auxiliary device for such machines. Therefore, large, expensive machines are not suitable. It can also be used as an auxiliary device for banding machines that use non-adhesive paper tape or film tape. [Example]

[0011] The tape changer according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the main part of the device of this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a front view thereof, Fig. 3 is a rear view of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the right side view of Fig. 2. Incidentally, Fig. 3 is also a view taken along the line AA in Fig. 4.

[0012] In the figure, reference numeral 2 denotes the main part of the housing, and in this embodiment, a frame plate 3 is attached to the housing 2. Various devices are provided on the outer surface of the frame plate 3, and a roll of tape 10 in use is placed inside, with tape 1 being pulled out from the roll of tape 10. Also in the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a new roll of tape stored in a tape stocker 101, of which three are stored in the figure. Tape 1 is pulled out in the direction of the arrow by the box-making machine or sealing machine to which the tape is supplied, and is normally consumed intermittently from the roll of tape 10 in use via a diverting roll 17 and a guide roll 15.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to eliminate slack in the tape 1, which tends to occur with intermittent operation of the receiving device, and to alleviate excessive tension, the illustrated device has a deflection roll 17 attached to a sliding mechanism such as a linear slider 16, and a spring as shown in the figure is provided to balance it, but such a mechanism may also be built into the receiving device.

[0014] As is clear from these figures, the device of this embodiment is equipped with a rotating arm designated by the reference numeral 6. The rotating arm 6 rotates 180 degrees in a vertical plane and stops. That is, it is driven by a motor 4 via a timing belt 5 and is positioned and stopped at the position shown in the figure. As is customary, for accurate positioning, a positioning mechanism (not shown) may be provided, if necessary, that drives a positioning pin into the rotating arm 6 using an actuator such as an air cylinder. This allows two tape holders 7, each provided at a position opposite the center of rotation of the rotating arm 6, to accurately stop at a position where one faces the tape stocker 101 and the other faces the discharge mechanism 102 that discharges the used roll tape 10a. In the state shown in Figures 1 to 4, the used roll tape 10a has already been discharged from the tape holder 7.

[0015] The tape holder 7 has an outer shape for fitting the roll tape, and is configured to fit the cardboard tube (usually 3 inches in size) at the core of the roll tape with just enough force to press it in. The tape holder 7 and the cardboard tube are fixed so that they do not rotate with slip, and a slip mechanism (not shown) housed inside the tape holder 7 allows slip rotation. This type of holder structure is versatile and provides an appropriate amount of pull-out resistance to the roll tape 10 during use, thereby maintaining a desirable tension in the tape 10.

[0016] In the drawing, reference numeral 15 denotes a guide roll for tape 1 provided inside frame plate 3. Guide roll 15 is connected via a bearing to a pressing mechanism consisting of roll lever 14, lever 13, and air cylinder 12. That is, air cylinder 12 provided outside frame plate 3 is actuated at a timing to be described later, causing guide roll 15 to operate. Similarly, in the figure, reference numeral 9 denotes a brake lever provided inside the frame plate 3, and the bearing, lever 8, and air cylinder 11 constitute a braking mechanism for the used roll tape 10a. That is, the air cylinder 11 provided on the outside of the frame plate 3 is actuated to operate the brake lever 9 at a timing to be described later.

[0017] 1 to 4, three new rolls of tape 100 have been stored in the stocker 101, and a sufficient amount of in-use rolls of tape 100 remains, with the tape 1 being pulled out in the direction of the arrow. In other words, even if there are no new rolls of tape 100, the supply of tape 10 can continue until the in-use rolls of tape 10 are gone. Therefore, new rolls of tape 100 are replenished in the tape stocker 101 during this time.

[0018] The following detailed description will be given in order of time-series transition states shown in Figures 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, 15 and 16, and 17 and 18.

[0019] First, the states shown in Figures 5 and 6 show a state in which the diameter of the roll tape 10 being used has been reduced, and the states shown in Figures 7 and 8 show a state in which the roll tape 10 being used has nearly reached the end of its life. Needless to say, such states can be monitored using devices such as optical sensors, laser sensors, ON / OFF type or other digital sensors, and shape recognition cameras. When the roll tape 10 reaches a predetermined size, the state shown in Figures 9 and 10 is achieved. Specifically, the drive mechanism for the rotating arm 6 is activated, rotating the rotating arm 6 180 degrees counterclockwise to the state shown in Figure 9. In this state, the roll tape 10 being used is reduced, but it is still available for supply, and the other tape holder 7 is ready to receive the next new roll tape 100.

[0020] Then, the state shown in Figures 11 and 12 is reached. That is, the tape stored in the tape stocker 101 is pushed into the tape holder 7 and set. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an example in which the tape stocker 101 is configured as a cylindrical body 25 and a pushing mechanism is incorporated therein. As is clear from the figure, a pushing ring 20 is loosely fitted into the cylindrical body 25, and an engagement pin 22 is engaged with the ring 20 through an elongated hole 24. Then, the female thread slider 21 equipped with the engagement pin 22 is propelled to the left of the page by a driving male screw 23 connected to a motor 26 via a joint 27. Note that Figure 11 is a view taken along the line B-B of Figure 12, and this also applies to the figures described below.

[0021] Therefore, the state shown in Figure 12 eventually reaches the state shown in Figure 14. That is, once the leading new roll tape 100 has been loaded into the tape holder 7, the motor 26 is stopped and, if necessary, rotated slightly in reverse. In the illustrated embodiment, although this is not an essential component, spacers 110 are interposed between the new roll tapes 100. In this way, when the motor 26 is stopped or subsequently rotated in reverse, the spacers 110 fall naturally, ensuring a certain gap between the loaded roll tape and the standby roll tape. As a result, the possibility of mutual interference in subsequent operations is eliminated.

[0022] In other words, when the above-described pushing mechanism is employed, the pushing ring 20 can be used to push the tape, but it does not have a function to pull it back. In such cases, the introduction of the above-described spacer 110 provides favorable operational results. If the spacer 110 is made of metal, it will fall naturally under its own weight. In order for the spacer 110 to fall, a distance greater than the thickness of the spacer 110 is required between the edge of the tape stocker 101 (the edge on the left in the drawing) and the new roll tape 100 that has been pushed in.

[0023] Here, another embodiment of the pushing mechanism will be described with reference to Figure 27 and Figure 28, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Figure 27. In the figure, reference numeral 21 denotes an internally threaded slider that threadably engages with a drive external thread 23, and the slider 21 is equipped with a pin cylinder 20a via a slide plate 21a. The rod tip of the pin cylinder 20a is sharpened, and when the pin cylinder 20a is actuated, it abuts against the inner surface of the cardboard core of the new roll tape 100 so as to adequately pierce it. By moving the internally threaded slider 21 in this state, the new roll tape 100 can be moved back and forth freely.

[0024] In addition, all of the exemplified pushing mechanisms are configured such that the cylindrical body 25 is the main component of the tape stocker 101 and the pushing mechanism is housed inside it, and therefore are effective configurations for achieving the object of the present application of miniaturizing the device. For example, it is possible to provide a tape stocker that simply stores new roll tape 100 and provide a pushing mechanism that acts on the new roll tape 100 from the outside to fit it into the tape holder 7, but this would halve the achievement of miniaturizing the device.

[0025] Next, a preferred embodiment of the tape stocker 101 will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20, which are plan views of the main parts. These figures illustrate that the tape stocker 101 has the ability to open and close around the fulcrum shaft 29. The cylindrical body 25 can be opened and closed even while the tape 1 is being fed in the direction of the arrow. The former shows three new rolls of tape 100 loaded, and the latter shows two new rolls of tape 100 loaded.

[0026] 20(a), the pusher ring 20 is positioned on the fulcrum shaft 29 side (returned state), and in FIG. 20(b), it has moved toward the edge of the cylindrical body 25. That is, in the open state of FIG. 20(a), the motor 26 constituting the above-mentioned pushing mechanism is rotated in the reverse direction to return it farther, whereupon a new roll tape 100 and spacer 110 are fitted, and the device is returned to the closed state of FIG. 20(b), and the motor 26 is rotated forward to move the new roll tape 100 and spacer 110 toward the edge of the cylindrical body 25. Therefore, the state of FIG. 19 illustrates the process of returning from the open state to the closed state after they have been fitted.

[0027] Such an opening and closing function is achieved by the following hinge mechanism. That is, the hinge mechanism is constituted by a bracket 30 supported on the housing 2 via a stocker frame 28 at one end of the cylindrical body 25, and a fulcrum shaft 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge mechanism can open and close 90 degrees in a horizontal plane, but it can be designed appropriately taking into account the operation of replenishing the roll tape 10, such as by setting the opening and closing angle to more or less than 90 degrees, or by tilting the opening and closing plane arbitrarily from the horizontal, and a mechanical configuration other than such a hinge mechanism can also be adopted if necessary.

[0028] Next, the guide roll 15 and the guide roll pressing mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13, transitioning from Figure 12, shows the state in which, after a new roll tape 100 has been fitted into the tape holder 7, the guide roll 15, which guides the lead-out of the tape 1, adhesively bonds the end of the roll tape 10 to the new roll tape 10 (100). That is, the guide roll 15 is pressed against the roll tape 10 (100) via the bearings and roll levers 14 and 13 with a strength related to the output of the air cylinder 12, and the end of the tape 10 is connected to the start end of the roll tape 10 (100).

[0029] Therefore, new roll tapes 100 are stored in the tape stocker 101 with their leading ends aligned in advance. For example, the part indicated by 100a in FIG. 21 is the leading end, and all new roll tapes 100 to be stored are set aligned. If necessary, the adhesive area of ​​the leading end may be pre-treated to have a desirable surface. For example, the adhesive strength of the leading end can be improved by removing the release agent treatment, which is commonly applied to the outer surface of the tape, with sandpaper. Alternatively, another tape with significantly better adhesive strength on the outer surface may be partially overlapped. Alternatively, a so-called primer treatment, such as a chemical coating to improve adhesiveness, may be applied.

[0030] In any case, it is desirable to activate the pressing mechanism to perform adhesive bonding while the device to which the tape 1 is supplied is idle. In the case of machines such as sealing machines and box-making machines, tape 1 is consumed intermittently. After receiving a sensor signal indicating that the roll tape 10 in use has reached the end, the operation should be performed within a specified idle period. When controlling in conjunction with this machine, it is advisable to release the pressing force after cutting off the remaining portion of tape 1 (described later), and then issue a bonding completion signal to restart the device to which the tape is supplied. However, if the device to which the tape is supplied or this machine is equipped with a sufficient tape buffer function, such interlocking is not necessary, and the pressing mechanism can be activated at any time.

[0031] The adhesively bonded joints created by the pressure mechanism of the guide roll 15 are partially overlapped. If such joints are not acceptable from a quality standpoint, they will be discarded in a subsequent process, but they may be acceptable depending on the application. It is preferable that the length of the overlapped portion is not unnecessarily long, so the beginning of a new roll tape 100 is aligned and stored in the tape stocker 101, and at the same time, it is positioned so that pressing can begin exactly near the beginning of the tape. In other words, there is no significant practical problem if pressing begins at a point closer to the beginning or slightly further back.

[0032] Furthermore, in the device of this embodiment, a configuration example in which the guide roll 15 directly presses against the new roll tape 100 in the next position has been described in detail, but a dedicated pressing roll (not shown) that only adhesively bonds the tape 1 may be provided in addition to the guide roll 15. In this case, the guide roll 15 remains fixed, and the dedicated pressing roll is activated as needed, effectively performing the same operation. Therefore, it is also possible to configure the guide roll 15 referred to in this application using two rolls.

[0033] Next, the tape cutting mechanism included in the pressing mechanism will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 23. In the figures, reference numeral 33 denotes a blade that cuts the remaining portion of the tape while the guide roll 15 is pressing against the roll tape 10 (100). Figure 23(a) shows a sharp saw-like blade, configured as a well-known means for cutting by acting from the outer surface of the tape 1. Figure 23(b) shows a V-shaped sharp blade 33 that slides in the illustrated direction from the outer surface of the frame plate 3 (not shown) and cuts the tape 1 in a short time. Figure 23(c) also shows a sharp, inclined sickle-shaped blade that appears and disappears from the outer surface of the frame plate 3 and performs a pull cut. For example, the knife rod 33a is rotated appropriately from the position at the time of exiting, and the blade 33 pulls and cuts the tape on the return stroke.

[0034] In any case, it is desirable that a cutting mechanism constructed in this manner include a braking means, primarily a brake lever indicated by reference numeral 9. That is, as shown in Figure 2, it includes a means for braking the remaining roll tape 10 with a force related to the output of the air cylinder 11 via the bearing and lever 8. In other words, a means for applying a braking load to the driven rotation of the tape holder 7 is attached to the tape cutting mechanism.

[0035] More preferably, the guide roll 15 is configured to incorporate a one-way clutch bearing (not shown). This prevents the tape 1 from easily moving backward when the blade 33 cuts the tape 1. In other words, the tape can be cut cleanly with the braking action of the brake lever 9 and the slack in the tape 1 limited. Once the remaining portion of the tape 1 has been cut in this manner, the blade 33 and brake lever 9 are returned to their original positions, and the guide roll 15 is also returned to its original position.

[0036] Once the tape splicing is complete, the state transitions to that shown in Figures 15 and 16. That is, a brand new roll of tape 10 is inserted into one tape holder 7, from which the tape 1 is being extracted, while the used roll of tape 10a remains inserted into the other tape holder 7. The next step is to eject the used roll of tape. Figure 22 shows an ejection mechanism 102 composed of an air cylinder 31 attached to the frame plate 3, with the frame plate 3 removed for ease of explanation. In the figure, 31a is a cylinder rod, and by actuating the cylinder 31, its tip can be used to eject the used roll of tape 10a from the tape holder 7. While the illustrated ejection mechanism 102 is composed of two air cylinders 31, it can also be composed of a single cylinder or a similar actuator or mechanical mechanism. To ensure the reliable functioning of the discharge mechanism 102 and the push-in mechanism provided in association with the tape stocker 101, it is essential to accurately position and stop the rotating arm 6, which rotates 180 degrees, at the appropriate time. Therefore, as mentioned above, in addition to positioning by the motor 4 connected to the drive shaft 18 via the timing belt 5, other positioning means can also be used as needed.

[0037] Next, the timing for ejecting the used roll tape 10a will be explained with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In the figures, 10a denotes the used roll tape, shown ejected from the tape holder 7 and falling. Furthermore, if we look closely at the roll tape 10 in use, we see that it is smaller than the roll tape 10 shown in Figure 15. Even when it becomes even smaller, the used roll tape 10a can still be ejected. That is, as shown in Figure 15, the ejection mechanism 102 can be activated to eject the used roll tape 10a between the time when the new roll tape 10 (100) is inserted and the time when the rotating arm 6 is rotated 180 degrees.

[0038] As described above, through a series of steps, the states shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 transition to the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the former case, two new rolls of tape 100 are stored in the tape stocker 101, and in the latter case, three are stored. The steps during which one roll of tape 100 is consumed have been explained using the transition diagrams, but it goes without saying that the steps are repeated in the same manner thereafter. When the tape stocker 101 runs out of roll tape, a predetermined number is replenished. In the device of this embodiment, the replenishment work can be performed at any time except during the pushing process shown in FIGS. 12 to 14. The procedure for performing the work with the cylindrical body 25 constituting the tape stocker 101 in the open state is as described above.

[0039] 7 to the state shown in Fig. 9, i.e., the timing for rotating the rotating arm 6 by 180 degrees, is set by a size detection sensor (not shown) for the roll tape 10 in use, located at the lower right of the drawing. Similarly, the timing for activating the pressing mechanism of the guide roll 15 is set by a size detection sensor (not shown) for the roll tape 10 in use, located at the upper left of the drawing in Fig. 13.

[0040] The tape changer of the present invention has been described in detail above. As shown in Figure 29(a), when used in the field of cardboard boxes 40, it is utilized to supply top-attaching tape 41, bottom-attaching tape 42, and body-attaching tape 43. For example, in Figure 29(b), the present device 48 is installed in such a position relative to the flow of cardboard boxes 40 to deliver tape 1 and supply top-attaching tape 41. Figures 29(c) and (d) both show examples of arrangements for supplying bottom-attaching tape 42. That is, the former illustrates an example where the device is installed on the side of the conveyor line, and the latter illustrates an example where the device is installed below the conveyor line.

[0041] In either case, consideration must be given to whether the tape 1 is output with its adhesive side facing up or down, i.e., face alignment. For example, in the example apparatus described above, the tape is supplied to the subsequent process with its adhesive side facing down. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 29(c), the tape is output from the apparatus 48 of the present invention with its adhesive side facing down, passes under the conveyor, is turned over, and then is delivered to the top of the drawing, ultimately with the adhesive side facing up. In the example shown in FIG. 29(d), the tape is to be used as a bottom-applied tape as it leaves the apparatus 48 of the present invention, so it must be output with its adhesive side facing up. Therefore, based on FIG. 2, a turning roll (not shown) similar to the turning roll 17 is added to turn the tape over before delivery. In other words, this can be easily accommodated by adding or removing a turning roll. Incidentally, in the example shown in FIG. 29(a), the tape ultimately needs to be delivered with its adhesive side facing down, so the apparatus 48 of the present invention constitutes an example apparatus for delivering the tape with its adhesive side facing up.

[0042] When delivering tape 1, it is necessary to change the direction of tape 1 and turn it over. Therefore, the delivery procedure will be explained with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26. First, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the tape is turned over and turned 90 degrees in the direction of the arrow. In FIG. 24(a), the tape is delivered by wrapping around turning roll 35 from top to bottom, while in FIG. 24(b), the tape is delivered by wrapping around turning roll 35 from bottom to top. If the hatched areas are adhesive surfaces, it goes without saying that the outer circumferential surface of turning roll 35 that comes into contact with the adhesive surface is treated with a non-adhesive coating. Similarly, FIG. 25 shows turning rolls 36 and 37, and is an example of delivery when the tape 1 is ultimately turned 90 degrees without being turned over. When delivered as a body-attaching tape, the tape is delivered via turning roll 38, as shown in FIG. 26.

[0043] Furthermore, when supplying tape to a device that performs both top and bottom lamination in one unit, further cost reductions can be achieved by configuring the tape changer of the present invention by arranging two units configured in the manner described above in two tiers, one above the other, as necessary. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] The tape changer of the present invention is extremely small compared to conventional devices. This makes it a cost-effective device and it can be conveniently used as a tape supply device for box making machines and sealing machines, which are widely used in the logistics field. In particular, it is certain to be adopted as an excellent auxiliary device for eliminating the excessive downtime required for tape changes and establishing a system for continuous operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1 Tape, 2 Housing, 3 Frame plate, 4 Motor, 5 Timing belt, 6 Rotating arm, 7 Holder, 8 Lever, 9 Brake lever, 10 Roll tape in use, 10a Used roll tape, 11 Air cylinder, 12 Air cylinder, 13 Lever, 14 Roll lever, 15 Guide roll, 16 Linear slider, 17 Deflecting roll, 18 Drive shaft, 19, 20 Push-in ring, 20a Pin cylinder, 21 Female thread slider, 21a Slide plate, 22 Engagement pin, 23 Drive male thread, 24 Slot, 24a One-end open slot, 25 Cylindrical body, 26 Motor 27··Joint, 28··Swivel frame, 29··Fulcrum shaft, 30··Bracket, 31··Air cylinder, 31a··Cylinder rod, 33··Cutting tool, 33a··Cutting tool holder, 35 to 38··Deviating roll, 40··Cardboard box, 41··Top tape, 42··Bottom tape, 43··Body tape, 48··Apparatus of the present invention, 100··New roll tape, 100a··Starting end, 100b··Processed starting end, 101··Tape stocker, 102··Discharge mechanism, 110··Spacer

Claims

1. A tape changer that adhesively joins the end of a roll of tape currently in use, which is fitted in one tape holder, to the leading end of a new roll of tape, which is fitted in the other tape holder, and supplies the tape to a downstream device, the two tape holders are disposed on a rotating arm that rotates in a vertical plane, at positions opposite to the center of rotation; a tape stocker facing one of the tape holders, a feeding mechanism for forcing a new roll of tape set in the tape stocker into the holder, a discharge mechanism facing the other tape holder for pushing and discharging a used roll of tape from the tape holder, a guide roll for guiding the tape being pulled out from the roll of tape in use, a guide roll for using the guide roll to press and adhere the end of the roll of tape in use to the front end of the new roll of tape, and a tape cutting mechanism for cutting the remaining portion of the tape while the guide roll is pressed against the front end, and then a guide roll pressing mechanism for releasing the pressed state; and an arm rotation mechanism for rotating the rotating arm 180 degrees when the roll of tape in use reaches a predetermined diameter.

2. 2. The tape changer according to claim 1, further comprising a tape stocker at one end of which a hinge mechanism is provided to enable opening and closing, and at the other end of which a tape stocker can be positioned in a position facing the tape holder.

3. 3. The tape changer according to claim 1, wherein the tape changer comprises a cylindrical body in which a predetermined number of new roll tapes are fitted, and a feeding mechanism is housed inside the cylindrical body.

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