Splice mechanism for joining band pieces, especially adhesive cord band pieces.

Abstract

The present invention provides a splice mechanism capable of operating a splice device mounted so as to be movable laterally with respect to the conveying direction of a conveyor belt. [Solution] A splicing mechanism for joining band pieces, comprising a splicing unit that joins the front edge of a band piece being transported on a conveyor belt approaching from behind with the rear edge of a previously joined band piece to form a band, and a transport belt for transporting the splicing device, and a sensor mechanism capable of aligning the band piece being transported approaching from behind with the joined band by an alignment mechanism, is configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece, determines the lateral displacement between the detected longitudinal edge position and the position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band piece, and a driving means operates the splicing device, which is mounted so as to be movable laterally with respect to the transport direction of the conveyor belt, in order to align the two longitudinal edges in an aligned state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a splicing mechanism for joining band pieces, particularly adhesive cord band pieces, comprising a conveyor belt for transporting a first band area, a splicing device including a splicing unit that joins the front edge of a band piece conveyed from behind on the conveyor belt to the rear edge of a previously joined band piece to form a joined band, and a conveying belt for conveying the joined band; a sensor mechanism capable of detecting at least the position of the band piece conveyed from behind and aligning the band piece conveyed from behind and the joined band with each other by an alignment mechanism based on the detected position.

Background Art

[0002] Such a splicing mechanism is known, for example, from DE 10 2017 120 262 B4, and is used, for example, in the tire industry to manufacture endless bands from individual band pieces made of adhesive cord band material. For this purpose, the individual band pieces are joined to each other by a splicing device along their edges. Such a splicing device comprises, for example, a splicing tool with one or more splicing heads. In this case, the one or more splicing heads are sent from above towards the edges that have been pre-aligned with each other. After the splicing heads are installed in their respective positions, the splicing heads are pressed onto the band material along the splicing line and linearly pulled across the band material in the direction of the lateral band edges while being held in a pressed state. The splicing heads can be self-propelled or driven. When pulled across the band material, the band material is joined by being compressed. In this way, an endless band, such as required for the production of tire belt pieces, can be produced by joining a large number of individual band pieces to each other.

[0003] Each band piece is first cut in the cutting mechanism from the cord band that is sent from the unwinding station where the initial band wound on rollers is housed, and then transported by a conveyor belt to the splicing device. Here, the shape of each band section is usually a parallelogram, that is, it has a front end and a rear end, a front edge and a rear edge extending diagonally with respect to the transport direction, and two longitudinal edges extending parallel with respect to the transport direction. After being cut in the cutting mechanism, the band piece is handed over to the conveyor belt and transported by the conveyor belt to the splicing device. There, the front edge of the band section being transported from the rear is joined to the rear edge of the band piece that has been previously joined to the endless band. At this time, it is important that the band pieces to be joined are precisely aligned with each other, in particular the longitudinal edges are aligned, and it is necessary to prevent lateral edge misalignment in the completed endless band. To avoid such misalignment, a splicing mechanism known from DE No. 10 2017 120 262 B4 is provided with a sensor mechanism that enables detection and identification of information regarding the position of a band piece being transported from the rear. This information concerns how one of the two longitudinal edges of the band piece being transported from the rear is aligned and how much that longitudinal edge is misaligned with the longitudinal edge of the previously joined band piece. When such misalignment is detected, the known splicing mechanism uses an alignment mechanism with a clamping mechanism movable along the conveyor belt to grasp the longitudinal edge of the band piece being transported from the rear, and during transport, the alignment mechanism, which moves in conjunction with it, pulls it laterally to a predetermined position, at which point the longitudinal edge is aligned as closely as possible with the longitudinal edge of the previously joined band piece. While such an alignment mechanism can effectively align band pieces being transported from the rear, such an alignment mechanism is relatively complex in structure and operation.

[0004] Another method for aligning band pieces being transported from the rear is known from DE 601 01 962 T2. In this document, before the cut band pieces are sent to a transport mechanism that leads to a splicing device, a sensor mechanism detects the position of the band piece, and based on this, the centerline of the band piece is detected. This centerline needs to be aligned with the centerline of the previously joined band piece (i.e., endless band). This alignment is achieved by rotating the transport mechanism, that is, by rotating the end adjacent to the splicing device, and at the rotated position, the handover position of the band pieces being transported from the rear is adjusted so that the centerlines are aligned. Furthermore, the splicing table on which the end of the previously joined endless band is placed can also be moved laterally. Position detection is performed considerably ahead of the actual splicing surface, so it is not suitable for precise alignment. This is because the position may change due to the long transport distance on the conveyor belt, and the position of the centerline used as a reference for alignment is determined only by calculation and not by measurement, making it unsuitable for precise alignment. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved splicing mechanism.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a splice mechanism in which, in the splice mechanism described at the beginning, the sensor mechanism is a first sensor device positioned at the longitudinal position of the conveyor belt and is configured to detect the longitudinal edge position of the band piece, and a control mechanism is provided which is configured to determine the lateral displacement between the detected longitudinal edge position and the longitudinal edge position of the joined band piece, and when the displacement is determined, the control mechanism enables the drive means to operate a splice device that is mounted so as to be movable laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt in order to align the two longitudinal edges in an aligned state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The splicing mechanism according to the present invention is provided with a sensor mechanism that includes a first sensor device positioned along the longitudinal edge of the conveyor belt. This first sensor device accurately detects the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece relative to a reference edge, i.e., the lateral position of the longitudinal edge on the upstream mechanism. In other words, the actual edge detection of the longitudinal edge is performed, and alignment is carried out based on this. That is, the longitudinal edge of the band area and the longitudinal edge of the joined band are aligned with each other. The sensor mechanism communicates with a control mechanism capable of determining the lateral displacement between the detected position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece being conveyed approaching from behind and the known position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band. In other words, it is determined whether a lateral displacement is actually occurring between these longitudinal edges. If such a displacement occurs, the control mechanism activates a drive means, thereby moving the splicing device laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt so that both longitudinal edges are aligned with each other. In other words, according to the present invention, the ends of a spliced ​​band placed on the splicing device are aligned with a band piece being conveyed from behind, or the longitudinal edge of a spliced ​​band is aligned with the longitudinal edge of a band piece being conveyed from behind. The position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece being conveyed from behind is detected on the conveyor belt itself, that is, just before the band piece is actually handed over to the splicing device, so the actual position of the longitudinal edge at the time of splicing can be determined, making it possible to align the edges optimally at the splicing surface. Since no significant positional change occurs with respect to the edge position over the short conveying distance from this detection point to the splicing point, it is possible to optimally align the longitudinal edge of the spliced ​​endless band based on this positional information. To do this, the splicing device itself needs to be moved slightly laterally, that is, laterally with respect to the conveying direction, meaning that the splicing device itself becomes the alignment mechanism. Since the ends of the bands are in a fixed position on the splicing device, the fixed ends of the bands that do not move during the alignment process are aligned. Since only lateral movement occurs without moving the band itself, it is possible to align them with extreme precision.

[0008] According to the present invention, the longitudinal edge position of the band being transported approaching from the rear is determined within the transport mechanism itself, that is, immediately before the actual joining position, and by simply moving the splicing device, the band end of the immovable endless band, and consequently its longitudinal edge, is aligned with the longitudinal edge of the movable band piece being transported approaching from the rear, thereby greatly improving the alignment of the longitudinal edges. The longitudinal edges are aligned as well as possible after joining.

[0009] In an advanced form of the present invention, the sensor mechanism is provided to include a second sensor device positioned at the end of the conveyor belt adjacent to the longitudinal position of the first sensor device downstream in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, the second sensor device also configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece, and the control mechanism configured to determine the lateral displacement between the position of the longitudinal edge detected by the second sensor device and the position of the joined band piece, and to activate the drive means when the displacement is determined. Thus, the sensor mechanism includes a second sensor device positioned closer to the splice device as viewed from the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, i.e., adjacent to the end of the conveyor belt, i.e., just before the band piece is handed over to the splice device. This second sensor device again detects the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece being conveyed approaching from behind. This position information is sent to the control mechanism, which then determines again whether there is a displacement based on this information. In other words, the actual position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece being conveyed approaching from behind is measured at two separate positions. This allows for a two-stage alignment process. When the position is detected by the first sensor device, the control mechanism can immediately activate the drive mechanism to move the splice device laterally and correct any misalignment that may occur. This makes it possible to perform a kind of pre-control that moves the splice device to a first alignment position based on this initial position detection. When further position information is detected by the second sensor device, this may coincide with the first position information detected by the first sensor device. In this case, the control mechanism does not detect any misalignment between the second position and the alignment position of the splice device. This is because the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece being transported from behind has not changed, and the longitudinal edge of the end of the joined band is precisely aligned with this position.However, if the second position information shows a slight difference in position from the first longitudinal edge position information, this slight deviation of the second position relative to the actual position of the longitudinal edge on the splice device corresponding to the first longitudinal edge position is immediately detected, and a minimal additional correction of the splice device is immediately performed by activating the drive means via the control mechanism. Therefore, in this case, a post-correction is performed. Since this second position is measured, so to speak, just before handover, and the possible positional error is very small, i.e., in the millimeter range, the position correction of the splice device is performed immediately and in the shortest possible time, and the position is corrected at the moment when the band piece, which is being transported approaching from the rear, is handed over to the splice device.

[0010] The position of the longitudinal edge of the end of the joined band is known by the control mechanism because it coincides with the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece joined in the previous cycle, which was previously detected as the longitudinal edge position of the band piece being conveyed approaching from behind. Therefore, it is not always necessary to individually detect the longitudinal edge position of the joined band piece. However, for further improvement of positional accuracy or for control purposes, it may be appropriate to collect information on this point as well. For this purpose, it is possible to provide an additional sensor mechanism for detecting the position of the joined band piece. This sensor mechanism comprises an additional sensor device positioned along the longitudinal position of the conveyor belt and configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band piece. Here, the control mechanism is configured to determine the lateral displacement, taking into account the detected position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band. This additional sensor mechanism, i.e., the additional sensor device assigned to the conveyor belt, detects the position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band piece, i.e., its actual position. Here, the control mechanism determines whether there is a misalignment between the first position information and (if specified) the second position information relative to the longitudinal edge of the band being transported from behind, while taking into account the actual position information regarding the longitudinal edge of the joined band. Therefore, the actual position information directly detected by the corresponding sensor device is always available for misalignment determination, which enables extremely accurate misalignment determination and, consequently, alignment operation.

[0011] Here, the first sensor device and / or the second sensor device and / or the further sensor device may be equipped with at least one optical sensor in the form of a line sensor, or a camera, or a laser sensor, to detect each longitudinal edge position. Such an optical system enables highly accurate detection of the edge position by evaluating the sensor signal or captured image with great precision. Here, the signal transition and image content always indicate the position of the longitudinal edge with great precision, and thus can be detected by the control mechanism using appropriate evaluation software. Each sensor is installed vertically above the conveyor belt on which the band piece is placed. Of course, sensors other than those described above may be used if accurate edge detection is possible.

[0012] In an advanced form of the present invention, the first sensor device may include a sensor for detecting the front edge of a band piece being transported from the rear. This sensor detects the front edge of a band piece being transported from the rear that enters the detection area and is transported diagonally with respect to the transport direction. This signal can be used by the control mechanism as a trigger signal to initiate the next alignment operation. Since this sensor transmits a signal slightly earlier than the signal from the first sensor device, the control mechanism can pre-control the parts to be aligned upon receiving this signal, and when the first sensor device transmits its signal and any misalignment that may occur immediately thereafter is detected, the corresponding parts, i.e., the drive means, etc., can immediately become operational and the alignment process can be performed.

[0013] As described above, alignment is performed by changing the position of the splice device and, consequently, changing the position of the ends of the spliced ​​bands placed on it. To accommodate this movement, the splice device is advantageously mounted movably by linear guide means. That is, the splice device is not fixedly mounted to the floor but is movable laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt via the corresponding linear guide means. Here, the linear guide means may include, for example, rollers provided on the splice device, which run within a fixed roller guide. Thus, roller bearings and roller guides are provided to movably mount the splice device. Here, two such linear guide means, namely a roller guide and the roller associated with it, are sufficient to accurately guide the splice device. For movement, one or more drive motors are provided, which drive various drive elements such as rollers, spindles, or straps that move the splice device along the linear guide means.

[0014] In this case, a bearing plate with a roller guide may be provided, and the bearing plate may be fixed in position. This bearing plate is provided on the floor side or on a corresponding fastener and supports the roller guide. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the roller guide may be directly fixed to the floor side. A roller guide refers to a corresponding guide rail on which the roller is guided and travels.

[0015] In an effective development of the present invention, the splicing device can further be provided to be able to pivot at an angle of ±3 degrees, specifically a maximum of ±2 degrees, preferably a maximum of ±1 degree, from a base position aligned in the conveying direction. Thus, the splicing device can not only move precisely linearly and precisely laterally in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, but can also pivot at a minimum angle as needed. This makes it possible to set, for example, the degree of extension of the gap that occurs between the rear edge of the end of a spliced ​​band piece and the front edge of a band piece being conveyed approaching from behind. Ideally, there should be a small gap from one long side to the other long side, that is, the two band pieces should be closely adjacent at one edge end and a gap of a few square degrees towards the other edge end. Of course, this gap will be closed during splicing, but such a gap and gap shape are advantageous for achieving a uniform splice along the entire length of the splice. The degree of extension of each edge can be detected, for example, by a first sensor device. This is because, in addition to detecting the position of the longitudinal edge, the front and rear edges of the band area being transported from behind are also detected for a certain length, allowing the control mechanism to determine the degree of extension from the information received from the first sensor device.

[0016] If it is necessary to allow such slight rotations, it is particularly preferable that the linear guide means be configured to enable rotation. That is, the linear guide means enables the corresponding slight rotation, i.e., a roller traveling within a roller guide is guided with a certain tolerance that allows for adjustments of a few minutes of an angle.

[0017] It is reasonable for the driving mechanism itself to consist of a drive motor connected to the frame of the splice device. Since such a drive motor (preferably a servo motor) is mounted, so to speak, in the central part of the side of the frame when viewed from the direction of transport, thrust is transmitted uniformly to the frame and, by extension, the splice device itself, and the splice device moves uniformly and linearly via the linear guide means without generating any shear moment.

[0018] In one alternative configuration, the drive mechanism may comprise two independently operable drive motors connected to the frame of the splice device, wherein the two drive motors are offset from each other in the transport direction. This arrangement allows for precise linear movement by operating both drive motors in perfect synchronization, while also enabling rotation around a vertical axis by operating both drive motors independently, which allows for rotation of a few minutes of an angle.

[0019] In addition to the splice mechanism itself, the present invention further relates to a method of operating a splice mechanism for joining band pieces, particularly adhesive cord band pieces. Here, the splice mechanism is: A conveyor belt that transports the first band area, A splicing device comprising: a splicing unit that joins the front edge of a band piece being transported on a conveyor belt approaching from the rear with the rear edge of a previously joined band piece to form a joined band; and a transport belt for transporting the joined band; The system includes a sensor mechanism that detects the position of at least one band piece being transported approaching from the rear, and aligns the band piece being transported approaching from the rear with the joined band based on that position using an alignment mechanism.

[0020] This method is characterized in that the sensor mechanism includes a first sensor device arranged at the longitudinal position of the conveyor belt, the first sensor device detects the longitudinal edge position of the band piece, and the control mechanism determines the lateral deviation between the detected position of the longitudinal edge and the position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band piece. When a deviation is determined, the control mechanism activates a splicing device mounted so as to be movable in a lateral direction with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt to align the two longitudinal edges, and moves the splicing device to correct the deviation.

[0021] Furthermore, the position of the longitudinal edge of the band piece is also detected by a second sensor device arranged at the end of the conveyor belt adjacent to the longitudinal position downstream of the first sensor device in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and it is possible to determine the lateral deviation based on the position of the longitudinal edge detected by the second sensor device using the control mechanism.

[0022] The position of the joined band piece can be further detected by an additional sensor device arranged at the longitudinal position of the conveying belt, and the control mechanism can determine the lateral deviation in consideration of the detected position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band.

[0023] At this time, at least one optical sensor in the form of a line sensor, a camera, or a laser sensor can be used to detect each longitudinal edge position, but this exemplification is not limiting. That is, other sensors capable of detecting accurate edge positions may also be used.

[0024] In a development form of the present invention, the sensor of the first sensor device can detect the front edge of the band piece conveyed so as to approach from the rear.

[0025] Furthermore, in order to correct the deviation, it is also conceivable to linearly move the splicing device and / or rotate it by an angle of ±3 degrees, specifically up to ±2 degrees, preferably up to ±1 degree, from a basic position aligned in the transport direction.

[0026] As the driving means, ultimately, one or two separately operable drive motors, specifically servo motors, can be used.

[0027] All the details, features, and advantages described for the above-described splicing mechanism are equally applicable to the method according to the present invention, as long as they are appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] Further advantages and details of the present invention will be explained based on the embodiments described below and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a splicing mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the transport and joining processes. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the transport and joining processes. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the transport and joining processes. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the transport and joining processes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the splicing device of the splicing mechanism according to the present invention in a side view, showing a first sensor device, a second sensor device, and a further sensor device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed side view showing the splicing device of the splicing mechanism according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the splicing device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the splicing device of FIG. 8 as seen in the transport direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a first sensor device comprising a sensor for the alignment operation initiation process and a first sensor for determining the longitudinal edge position of the band area. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the alignment operation of a splice device equipped with a drive mechanism including a single drive motor. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the alignment operation of a splice device equipped with a drive mechanism including two drive motors. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the complete apparatus layout for manufacturing endless bands. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Figure 1 shows a splice mechanism 1 according to the present invention, which comprises a conveyor belt 2 guided by rollers and rotationally driven by a drive motor, and a splice device 3 including a splice unit 4 for joining individual band sections. The splice device 3 further comprises a transport belt 5 on which the joined endless bands are carried.

[0030] Upstream of the conveyor belt 2, a cutting mechanism 6 consisting of a lower blade 7 and an upper blade 8 is positioned, and this cutting mechanism cuts individual band sections 9 from the endless band 10. The individual band sections 9 are then placed on the conveyor belt 2 and transported to the splicing device 3 along the transport direction T. Preferably, the conveyor belt 2 is configured as a circulating belt.

[0031] The individual cut band sections 9 are transported to a splicing device 3 where the joined band 11 is located. The ends of the joined band 11 are formed by the ends of the previously joined band sections 9. The splicing unit 4 joins the front end of the band section 9, which is being transported approaching from the rear on the conveyor belt 2, to the free end of the band 11. At this time, the upper splicing tool 12 moves vertically as indicated by the double arrow P1, thereby joining the edges of the two band sections together. The position of the longitudinal edge of the band section 9 being transported approaching from the rear is detected by a first sensor device 13, including a first sensor 14, and this information is provided to a control mechanism 15. The control mechanism 15 takes into account the information regarding the position of the longitudinal edge of the endless band 11 to determine any possible misalignment between the two longitudinal edges. If such misalignment is determined, the control mechanism 15 activates a drive means 16, which allows the splicing device 3 to move in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction T. Therefore, the splice device 3 is movably mounted on the corresponding linear guide means 17.

[0032] Figures 2 to 5 schematically illustrate the transport and splicing process. A band piece 9 is shown being transported on a conveyor belt 2 in the transport direction T, approaching from the rear. Also shown is an endlessly spliced ​​band 11, which has a recently spliced ​​band piece 9. Its free rear edge 18 is located directly within the splice unit 4, i.e., below the splice tool 12, which is not shown in detail. The splice line 19 is schematically shown.

[0033] At the point shown in Figure 2, the position of the longitudinal edge 20 of the band piece 9 being transported from behind is detected by the first sensor device 13, i.e., the first sensor 14. The control mechanism 15 determines the displacement relative to the longitudinal edge 21 of the band piece 9 that was joined immediately before. Here, this longitudinal edge 21 corresponds to the longitudinal edge of the joined band 11.

[0034] As the conveyance progresses, the band piece 9, which is being conveyed from the rear, gets closer and closer to the splice device 3. The splice device 3 moves laterally with respect to the conveyance direction T, as indicated by the double arrow P2, until the longitudinal edges 20 and 21 are aligned with each other in order to correct the detected misalignment. That is, the longitudinal edge 21 is aligned with the position of the longitudinal edge 20 in its lateral position. During this process, the entire splice device 3 moves. This is because the splice device 3 is mounted so as to be able to move laterally on the linear guide means 17, as described above.

[0035] In the situation shown in Figure 4, on the one hand, the splice device 3 is perfectly aligned, meaning that the two longitudinal edges 20 and 21 are precisely aligned with each other. On the other hand, the band piece 9, which has been transported approaching from the rear, reaches its final position, with its front edge 22 positioned within the splice unit 4, making it possible for the edge 22 to be joined to the edge 21.

[0036] After the splicing is complete, the spliced ​​band 11 is further transported along the transport belt 5 by the length of the spliced ​​band piece 9, and this transport operation stops after the rear edge 23 of the newly spliced ​​band piece 9 is positioned in the splice unit 4. Then the next cycle starts again from Figure 2, that is, the new band piece 9 that was previously cut is transported so that it approaches from the rear.

[0037] Figure 6 is a side view showing the splice mechanism 1 according to the present invention. It shows a splice device 3 comprising a conveyor belt 2 and a transport belt 5. A top view of the splice mechanism of Figure 6 is shown in Figure 7. In this figure, the band pieces 9 and the joined band 11 that have been transported from the rear, as well as the splice unit 4, are additionally shown. This figure also shows that the conveyor belt 2 is slightly narrower than the transport belt 5.

[0038] A first sensor device 13, including a first sensor 14, is assigned to the conveyor belt 2 and positioned along its longitudinal side. The first sensor 14 detects the position of the longitudinal edge 20 of the band piece 9 being conveyed from the rear. This is located slightly outside the conveyor belt 2.

[0039] Optionally, a second sensor device 24 is provided, which includes a second sensor 25. This second sensor 25 also detects the position of the longitudinal edge 20 of the band piece 9 as it is being conveyed approaching from the rear. The first sensor device 13 is positioned at a distance from the end of the conveyor belt 2, whereas the second sensor device 24 is located very close to the end of the conveyor belt 2. In other words, the first sensor device 13 detects the lateral position of the longitudinal edge 20, which is located a short distance from the point where the band piece 9 is handed over from the conveyor belt 2 to the transport belt 5, but the second sensor device 24 is located directly in this handover area.

[0040] Also, as an option, an additional sensor device 26 is provided, which includes an additional sensor 27. The sensor 27 determines the position of the longitudinal edge 21 of the joined band 11, or the band area 9 that was joined immediately before. Thus, this additional sensor device 26 is located in the splicing device 3, while the first and second sensor devices 13 and 24 are located on the conveyor belt 2 or a frame or similar structure provided thereon.

[0041] All sensor devices 13, 24, 26, and their sensors 14, 25, 27 are optical sensors, particularly line sensors, or include optical sensors. Alternatively, cameras or laser sensors may be used. Since each sensor can accurately measure the position of each longitudinal edge 20, 21 in a lateral position, the control mechanism 15 can determine whether there is a misalignment.

[0042] In this case, performing the best possible misalignment correction by moving the splice device 3 laterally is basically sufficient with only the first sensor device 13. This is because the position of the longitudinal edge 21 of the joined band 11 is known. This position is detected by the first sensor device 13 at an earlier point, that is, when the band piece 9 that was joined immediately before is still on the conveyor belt 2, and the splice device 3 is aligned to this edge position. Nevertheless, it is also useful to use the second sensor device 24. This allows for post-control of the edge position at a later point, that is, a review of the initial alignment operation. Therefore, as soon as the edge position is detected by the first sensor device 13, the control mechanism 15 can align the splice device 3 if a misalignment is detected and move it laterally by the drive means 16, thereby aligning the longitudinal edges 20 and 21 with each other at this point. Edge position control can be performed by the second sensor device 24, which detects the position of the longitudinal edge 20 of the band piece 9 being conveyed from behind. If this position information matches the position information previously detected by the first sensor device 13, no further final correction is necessary. However, if they differ slightly, the control mechanism 15 can re-determine the slight discrepancy and immediately move the splice device 3 via the drive means 16 to further correct this discrepancy.

[0043] As described above, the position of the longitudinal edge 21 is basically known. However, in order to reconfirm this positional information, it is possible to provide an additional sensor 27 in the additional sensor device 26 that can detect this position again. This information can also be taken into consideration by the control mechanism 15.

[0044] Figure 8 is a detailed side view of the splicing device 3, and Figure 9 is a top view of the splicing device 3 of Figure 8. A circulating conveyor belt 5 guided via appropriate roller guides is shown. The conveyor belt 5 is rotationally driven by a drive motor 28, and the upper belt moves in the conveying direction T. The splicing device 3 comprises a frame base 29 on which the conveyor belt 5 is mounted, which is linearly movable via two linear guide means 17 as described above, and is laterally movable with respect to the conveying direction T. For this purpose, a drive means 16, preferably a drive motor, specifically a servo motor, is used. The drive means 16 is located in a separate support console 30 and is connected to the frame base 29.

[0045] The linear guide means 17 includes a roller 31 positioned on the frame base 29, which travels and is guided on or within a corresponding roller guide 32. The roller guide 32 is positioned here on a bearing plate 33 fixed to the floor. The drive means 16 allows for corresponding lateral movement, as indicated by the double arrow P2, thereby displacing the splice device 3 laterally with respect to the transport direction T, and consequently displacing it relative to the end of the conveyor belt 2, shown on the right in Figure 9. This makes it possible to perform the necessary misalignment correction.

[0046] Figure 10 shows the corresponding front view as seen from a direction opposite to the transport direction T. According to this figure, the frame base 29 is guided on a rail-shaped roller guide 32 by the arrangement of two separate rollers 31 when viewed from the side, and as a whole, a so-called four-point support and four-point guide is realized.

[0047] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the first sensor device 13. The first sensor device 13 is positioned and fixed to the frame support 35 of the conveyor belt 2 by a corresponding holder 34. The first sensor device 13 is located above the conveyor belt 2. The conveyor belt 2 is guided by pulleys 36 provided on both sides, and a cut band piece 9 is placed on the conveyor belt 2. In this example, the longitudinal edge 20 of the cut band piece 9 protrudes slightly from the edge of the conveyor belt 2, but this is not essential. Rather, the band piece may be flush with the edge or even located further inward.

[0048] The first sensor device 13 is positioned above this longitudinal edge region. This device includes, on the one hand, a first sensor 14. The first sensor 14 is positioned so that its measurement area 37 measures at least the longitudinal edge 20, as indicated by the arrow. That is, the position of the longitudinal edge can be accurately detected by the sensor signal (which may be a scan signal, a reflected signal, or an captured image) supplied from the sensor 14, and its position relative to the reference edge 38 shown here can be determined. The determination of the position relative to the reference edge 38 is preferably performed by a control mechanism 15. This reference edge 38 is defined on the system side, and more precisely, determined by the first sensor device 13.

[0049] Furthermore, a sensor 39 incorporated into the first sensor device 13 is shown, which detects the front edge 22 of the band piece 9. The front edge 22 is detected by the sensor 39 slightly earlier in time than the longitudinal edge 20. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, when the diagonally running edge 22 is detected and the control mechanism 15 receives this signal, the control mechanism 15 can initiate the alignment process, if necessary. For this purpose, for example, the drive means 16 can be prepared in advance. When the longitudinal edge 20 is detected by the first sensor device 13 and the control mechanism 15 determines the possible misalignment relative to the longitudinal edge 21, the control mechanism 15 can immediately activate the drive means 16 and move the splice device 3 laterally to correct the misalignment. This enables proactive control.

[0050] As the band piece 9 is further transported, it reaches the area of ​​the second sensor device 24, which detects the edge 20 again. This sensor device 24 also includes a corresponding second sensor 25, preferably the same sensor as sensor device 13. The detected edge position is evaluated again by the control mechanism 15 to determine any slight deviations that may remain despite the corrections already being made. If such deviations exist, the control mechanism 15 activates the drive means 16 again to immediately correct them.

[0051] Figure 12 shows a top view of the principle of a splice device 3 equipped with only one drive means 16, i.e., a drive motor. The splice device 3 is preferably centered in the longitudinal direction relative to the frame base 29 when viewed from the transport direction. In this configuration with only one drive means 16, i.e., actuator, the splice device 3 moves synchronously and uniformly through both linear guides, as indicated by the double arrow P2.

[0052] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows a modified example in which two separate drive means 16, i.e., two separate drive motors or servo motors that can be operated independently, are provided. These drive means 16 are positioned offset from the longitudinal center of the frame base 29. This makes it possible to move the splice device 3 synchronously on two linear guide means 17 when both are driven synchronously. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, it is conceivable that this can be used to achieve a slight pivoting motion. For this purpose, the two drive means 16, i.e., the drive motors, are driven, for example, slightly in opposite directions, i.e., one drive means 16 is pushed and the other drive means 16 is pulled. Alternatively, different adjustment distances of different lengths may be set. This is indicated by separate double arrows P3 and P4. In either case, as shown in Figure 13, it is possible to pivot or tilt the splice device 3 to some extent with respect to the conveying direction T of the conveyor belt 2 (again, merely illustrated). This enables a slight tilt or pivot of the rear edge 18 of the joined band 11, as shown in Figure 13. This allows the shape of the gap between the two edges 18 and 22 that will occur within the splice unit 4 to be set immediately before joining, while both band sections 9 to be joined are stationary. It is desirable that this gap widens slightly from one end to the other. That is, it is desirable that the edge 22 of the band piece 9, which is being transported approaching from the rear, contacts the rear tip region of the band 11, and that this gap widens slightly from there toward the other edge end. This minimum tilt or pivot of a few minutes of an angle is made possible by two linear guide means 17, which have a certain tolerance in this respect, and the desired setting is made possible by two drive means 16. The degree of extension of the edges 18 and 22 can be detected by the first sensor device 13 or its sensor 14, because these edges pass through the detection range of the sensor 14, and the control mechanism 15 can detect the degree of edge extension from there.

[0053] Finally, Figure 14 shows the layout of the equipment for manufacturing endless bands that will be further processed after manufacturing. A rewinding station 40 is shown from which the cord bands for processing are drawn. At the rewinding station 40, the rollers to be processed are wound up from the cord bands and hooked onto appropriate retaining parts. The rewinding station 40 is swivelable to achieve various cutting angles, as indicated by the double arrow P5.

[0054] Downstream of the rewinding station 40 is a cutting mechanism 41 that cuts the band section 9 using a suitable knife. For example, a striking knife including a fixed lower blade and a vertically movable upper blade is used for this purpose. A gripping mechanism 43 is provided to grip the front edge of the cord band and pass it through the cutting mechanism 41 in order to transport the cord band supplied from the rewinding station 40 and via the transport mechanism 42 through the cutting mechanism 41.

[0055] Downstream of the cutting mechanism 41 is the splicing mechanism 1 according to the present invention. The cut band piece 9 is placed on the conveyor belt 2 immediately after cutting, thereby transporting the band piece 9 along the transport direction T to the splicing device 3. The splicing device 3 is basically movable laterally, as described above and indicated by the double arrow P2. It is also shown that the splicing unit 4 is rotatable, as indicated by the double arrow P6, to accommodate various cutting angles. The joined band 11 on the transport belt 5 can be moved from the transport belt 5 to an optional additional transport belt 44. This transport belt 44 is also part of the splicing mechanism 1 and is movable laterally together with the splicing device 3, as indicated by the double arrow P7. It is possible to provide such an additional transport belt 44, but it is not required. The endless band 11 is then wound up to a winding station, which is not shown in detail. Upstream of the winding station, a slitter for dividing the endless band into two sub-bands may be provided, or a repair band or attachment device may be provided.

Claims

1. A splice mechanism for joining band pieces (9), particularly adhesive cord band pieces, A conveyor belt (2) transports the first band area (9), A splicing device (3) comprises a splicing unit (4) that connects the front edge (22) of a band piece (9) being transported on the conveyor belt (2) from the rear to the rear edge (18) of a previously joined band piece (9) to form a joined band (11), and a transport belt (5) for transporting the joined band (11), A splice mechanism comprising a sensor mechanism capable of detecting the position of at least the band piece (9) being transported approaching from the rear, and aligning the band piece (9) being transported approaching from the rear and the joined band (11) with each other based on that position, The splice mechanism is characterized in that the sensor mechanism comprises a first sensor device (13) positioned along the longitudinal side of the conveyor belt (2) and configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge (20) of the band piece (9), and a control mechanism (15) configured to determine the lateral displacement between the detected position of the longitudinal edge (20) and the position of the longitudinal edge (21) of the joined band piece (11), and when the displacement is determined, the control mechanism (15) can cause a drive means (16) to operate the splice device (3), which is mounted so as to be movable laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (2) in order to align the two longitudinal edges (20, 21) together.

2. The splice mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the sensor mechanism comprises a second sensor device (24) positioned at the end of the conveyor belt (2) adjacent to the longitudinal position of the first sensor device (13) downstream in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (2), the second sensor device (24) is also configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge (20) of the band piece (9), and the control mechanism (15) is configured to determine the lateral displacement between the position of the longitudinal edge (20) detected by the second sensor device (24) and the position of the longitudinal edge of the joined band piece (11), and is configured to activate the drive means (16) when the displacement is determined.

3. The splice mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a further sensor mechanism is provided for detecting the position of the joined band piece (9), the further sensor mechanism comprises a further sensor device (26) positioned along the longitudinal position of the transport belt, the further sensor device (26) is configured to detect the position of the longitudinal edge (21) of the joined band piece (9), and the control mechanism (15) is configured to detect the lateral displacement taking into account the detected position of the longitudinal edge (21) of the joined band piece (9).

4. The splice mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor device (13) and / or the second sensor device (24) and / or the further sensor device (26) comprises at least one optical sensor in the form of a line sensor, or a camera, or a laser sensor, for detecting the position of each longitudinal edge.

5. The splice mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor device (13) comprises a sensor (39) for detecting the front edge (22) of a band piece (9) being transported so as to approach from the rear.

6. The splice mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splice device (3) is movably mounted on a linear guide means (17).

7. The splice mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the linear guide means (17) comprises a roller (31) provided on the splice device (3), and the roller (31) moves within or on a fixed-position roller guide (32).

8. The splice mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the bearing plate (33) on which the roller guide (32) is provided is fixed in position, or the roller guide (32) is fixed to the bottom side.

9. The splicing device (3) is further characterized in that it can rotate by an angle of ±3 degrees, specifically a maximum of ±2 degrees, preferably a maximum of ±1 degree, from a basic position aligned in the transport direction, according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The splice mechanism according to claim 9 and any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the linear guide means (17) is configured to enable the rotation.

11. The splice mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive means (16) comprises one drive motor connected to the frame support (29) of the splice device (3).

12. The splice mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the drive means (16) comprises two drive motors that can be operated separately and are connected to the frame support (29) of the splice device (3), and the two drive motors are arranged offset from each other in the transport direction.

13. A method for operating a splice mechanism (1) for joining band pieces (9), particularly adhesive cord band pieces, wherein the splice mechanism (1) is A conveyor belt (2) transports the first band area (9), A splicing device (3) comprises a splicing unit (4) that connects the front edge (22) of a band piece (9) being transported on the conveyor belt (2) from the rear to the rear edge (18) of a previously joined band piece (9) to form a joined band (11), and a transport belt (5) for transporting the joined band (11), The system includes a sensor mechanism that detects the position of at least the band piece (9) being transported approaching from the rear, and aligns the band piece (9) being transported approaching from the rear and the joined band (11) using an alignment mechanism based on that position, The sensor mechanism comprises a first sensor device (13) positioned along the longitudinal side of the conveyor belt (2), the first sensor device (13) detects the position of the longitudinal edge (20) of the band piece (9), and the control mechanism (15) determines the lateral displacement between the detected position of the longitudinal edge (20) and the position of the longitudinal edge (21) of the joined band piece (11). When a displacement is determined, the control mechanism (15) causes a drive means (16) to operate a splice device (3) mounted so as to be movable laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (2) in order to align the two longitudinal edges (20, 21) together, and moves the splice device (3) to correct the displacement.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the position of the longitudinal edge (20) of the band piece (9) is also detected by a second sensor device (24) located at the end of the conveyor belt (2) adjacent to the longitudinal position of the first sensor device (13) downstream in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (2), and the lateral displacement is determined using the control mechanism (15) based on the position of the longitudinal edge (20) detected by the second sensor device (24).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a further sensor device (26) positioned along the longitudinal side of the transport belt (5) detects the position of the joined band piece (11), and the control mechanism (15) determines the lateral displacement taking into consideration the detected position of the longitudinal edge (21) of the joined band piece (11).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that at least one optical sensor (14, 25, 27) in the form of a line sensor, camera, or laser sensor is used to detect the position of each of the longitudinal edges.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the sensor (39) of the first sensor device (13) detects the front edge (22) of a band piece (9) being transported so as to approach from the rear.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, in order to correct the misalignment, the splice device (3) is moved linearly and / or rotated by an angle of ±3 degrees, specifically a maximum of ±2 degrees, preferably a maximum of ±1 degree, from a basic position aligned in the transport direction.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that one or two drive motors, specifically servo motors, that can be operated separately are used as the driving means (16).

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