Tape dispenser

Abstract

To provide a tape dispensing device that allows users to easily create twist ties in their preferred colors and patterns. [Solution] A tape dispensing device 1 comprising at least one tape roll support portion 20 that rotatably supports a roll body R on which adhesive tape T is wound in a roll shape, and a core material guide portion 30 capable of guiding a linear core material W, wherein the tape dispensing device 1 further comprises a junction portion C where the adhesive tape T pulled out from the roll body R and the core material W guided by the core material guide portion 30 meet, and a covering guide portion G that guides the adhesive tape T so that the core material W is covered by the adhesive tape T.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape feeding device capable of manufacturing twist ties using decorative masking tape.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a fastener that can close the mouth of a bag simply by twisting, a twist tie in which a core material such as a wire is coated with vinyl, paper, PET resin, etc. is used. Twist ties are used for various purposes such as tying the mouth of a bag and tying a cultivated plant to a support. Conventionally, twist ties are generally manufactured by bonding a tape material made of resin, paper, etc. to a core material made of metal, resin, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a twist tie obtained by bonding a strip-shaped film having an adhesive layer to a flexible plastic wire as a core material and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0003] Since twist ties are also used for wrapping, various colored twist ties are commercially available. Further, as a method for making an original twist tie in a color pattern preferred by the user, a method using decorative masking tape is known. Decorative masking tape is a tape having a weak adhesive layer on the back surface and various designs on the front surface, and is a tape that can be decoratively attached to documents such as notes and cards and various articles.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 2 describes a method of manufacturing a twist tie by sandwiching a wire with two pieces of decorative masking tape. Further, Non-Patent Document 3 describes a method of manufacturing a twist tie by folding a single piece of decorative masking tape in half and wrapping a wire.

[0005] However, producing aesthetically pleasing twist ties using the methods described in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 requires precise operations such as folding the tape material to a certain width and accurately bonding the adhesive surfaces of the tape materials together, which limits the feasibility of manual production. On the other hand, while Patent Document 1 describes a manufacturing process for producing twist ties, it involves bonding the adhesive by pressing with heat, and the manufacturing process requires the use of a heater, making it unsuitable for users to easily produce twist ties. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4009360 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] "croccha", "Wire ties made with masking tape", [online], [searched October 4, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / web.croccha.com / magazines / maskingtape_tie> [Non-Patent Document 2] "PB Academy for Qualifications," "Using Wire Ties for Wrapping! A Summary of Methods and Arrangements," [online], [Searched October 4, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / news.pb-a.jp / wrapping-wiretie / > [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a tape dispensing device that allows users to easily create twist ties of their preferred color and pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, a tape dispensing device is provided, comprising at least one tape roll support portion that rotatably supports a roll body in which adhesive tape is wound in a roll shape, and a core material guide portion that can guide a linear core material, wherein the tape dispensing device is characterized by comprising a merging portion where the adhesive tape pulled out from the roll body and the core material guided by the core material guide portion merge, and a covering guide portion that guides the adhesive tape so that the core material is covered by the adhesive tape.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferable that the tape roll support section has two parts, and at the merging section, the core material is joined so as to be sandwiched between the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tapes drawn from each roll body, and the covering guide section is configured to press and bond the two adhesive tapes together.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the tape roll support portion is one, and the covering guide portion is configured to guide the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded along its longitudinal direction and bonded together. It is preferable that the covering guide portion guides the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded in half longitudinally with the adhesive surface facing inward. It is preferable that the covering guide portion comprises a pair of opposing guide walls spaced apart, and that each of the ends of the adhesive tape in the width direction abuts against the respective guide wall so that both ends rise vertically and the adhesive tape is folded in half.

[0012] Furthermore, the tape roll support portion is one, and the covering guide portion is configured to guide the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded along its longitudinal direction and bonded together, and it is preferable that the covering guide portion guides the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded into thirds with the adhesive surface facing inward. The covering guide portion comprises a tape passage which is a passage for the adhesive tape, and a ceiling portion which covers the top of the tape passage and slopes downward toward the front, and it is preferable that the angle of the downward slope of the ceiling portion differs on one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0013] Also, it is a linear fastener produced using the tape feeding device having any of the above-described configurations.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] In the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a tape feeding device that enables a user to easily produce a twist tie of a desired color pattern.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a right side view of the tape feeding device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. Note that it is a view showing a state of use in which a roll body and a core material are set. (b) is a plan view of a twist tie produced using the tape feeding device according to the first embodiment, and (c) is a view schematically showing a cross-section of the twist tie. [Figure 4] It is a front view of a pair of crimping rollers having a shape different from the example shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a tape feeding device provided with a pair of crimping rollers shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the tape feeding device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the right rear. [Figure 7] It is a right side view of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory view of the tape feeding device according to the second embodiment. Note that a part of the shape is different from the example shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] (a) is a front view of the ribbing roller, and (b) is a perspective view of the ribbing roller. [Figure 12]It is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a tape feeding device according to the first example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a plan view of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view showing a state in which a roll body and a core material are set for the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. Note that the cover member is shown in an open state. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an adhesive tape is folded in three and covers the core material. [Figure 18] It is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a use state in which the cover member is closed for the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram showing a state of pulling out a twist tie from the tape feeding device. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover member is open for the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 21] (a) is a right side view of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of (a), (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of (a), and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F-F of (a). [Figure 22A] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the three-fold forming portion of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 22B] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the three-fold forming portion of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 22C] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the three-fold forming portion of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 22D] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the three-fold forming portion of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 23A] It is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a cross section of the bonding portion of the tape feeding device shown in FIG. 第十三条. [Figure 23B]Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tape dispenser outlet of the tape dispenser. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view of a tape dispensing device according to a second example of the third embodiment. [Figure 25] This figure shows a partition wall according to the second example of the third embodiment. [Figure 26] (a) is a right side view of the tape dispenser shown in Figure 24, (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) at GG, (c) is a cross-sectional view of (a) at HH, and (d) is a cross-sectional view of (a) at II. [Figure 27A] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27B] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27C] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27D] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27E] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27F] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27G] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 27H] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the tri-fold forming section of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 28A] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the adhesive portion of the tape dispensing device. [Figure 28B] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section of the adhesive portion of the tape dispensing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. In this specification and drawings, identical or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0017] The tape dispensing device 1 is a device for manufacturing linear fasteners (twist ties TT) using adhesive tape T and a core material W (see Figure 3). The tape dispensing device 1 is equipped with a roll body R on which the adhesive tape T is wound in a roll shape. The roll body R is, for example, made of a cylindrical paper core material on which the adhesive tape T is wound. As the adhesive tape T, decorative masking tape consisting of a long strip with one side being adhesive is preferred. It is preferable that the adhesive tape T has an arbitrary color or pattern formed on the front surface opposite the adhesive surface. Furthermore, it is preferable that the adhesive tape T has the property of being re-peelable from the viewpoint of workability.

[0018] In the tape dispensing device 1 of the embodiment, the adhesive tape T is automatically guided to cover the core material W as the adhesive tape T is dispensed, and a twist tie TT is created. In the tape dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment, which will be described later, two pieces of adhesive tape T are bonded together to cover the core material W. In this case, the material of the adhesive tape T is not particularly limited and may be made of plastic film, for example. In the tape dispensing device 1 of the second and third embodiments, which will be described later, the adhesive tape T is folded to cover the core material W. In this case, it is preferable that the adhesive tape T is soft and easy to fold. For example, it is preferable to use decorative masking tape made of a soft material such as thin paper, Japanese paper, or nonwoven fabric as the adhesive tape T.

[0019] The core material W is a linear member having a stiffness suitable for use as a twist tie. Preferably, the core material W is a member that can be freely bent and maintains its shape. For example, wires made of metal or synthetic resin can be used as the core material W. Alternatively, commercially available twist ties, in which wires are coated with vinyl, paper, PET resin, etc., may be used as the core material W. The core material W may be pre-cut to a length suitable for twist ties. Alternatively, a long core material W may be wound in a roll around a paper core or the like.

[0020] [First Embodiment] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an overview of the tape dispensing device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, the side with the opening 103 (see Figure 3) from which the manufactured twist tie TT is pulled out will be referred to as the front side of the tape dispensing device 1, and the opposite side will be referred to as the rear side. The left-right direction (lateral direction) of the tape dispensing device 1 is defined based on the view from the front side of the tape dispensing device 1 (see Figure 2). The direction perpendicular to the front-back direction and the left-right direction will be referred to as the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the direction in which the adhesive tape T is dispensed is from the rear side to the front side.

[0021] (Overview of the tape dispenser configuration) As shown in Figure 1, the tape dispensing device 1 comprises a main body 100. The main body 100 of the first embodiment comprises a roll body housing section 101 that houses a roll body R (see Figure 3) and a cutting section 102. An opening 103 is provided on the front surface of the roll body housing section 101 at a position opposite to the cutting section 102. Preferably, the cutting section 102 is equipped with a blade (not shown) capable of cutting adhesive tape T. The main body 100 is made of synthetic resin, but is not limited to this. In this example, the main body 100 can be divided into a right case member 100a and a left case member 100b.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the tape dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment includes a tape roll support section 20, a core material holding member 30, a junction section C, and a bonding section 40 inside the main body 100. In the tape dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment, there are two tape roll support sections 20. Each of the tape roll support sections 20 rotatably supports a roll body R, and the adhesive tape T drawn from these roll bodies R, R passes through the bonding section 40 and is dispensed from the opening 103.

[0023] (Tape roll support section) As shown in Figure 3, the tape roll support sections 20, 20 of the first embodiment are positioned vertically apart and facing each other inside the roll housing section 101. The tape roll support section 20 in the example shown in Figure 3 consists of cylindrical members provided convexly on the inner walls of the right case member 100a and the left case member 100b, respectively, with one cylindrical member fitting inside the other cylindrical member to form a unified structure. By dividing the main body 100 into left and right halves, attaching the roll bodies R to the divided parts of the tape roll support section 20, and then joining the left and right case members, each roll body R is rotatably supported inside the main body 100. The shape of the tape roll support section 20 is not limited to this.

[0024] The tape roll support section 20 may be elastically movable in the vertical direction relative to the main body 100. If the tape roll support section 20 is elastically movable, the distance between the tape roll support sections 20, 20 can be slightly widened when attaching the roll body R, making it easier to attach the roll body R.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the upper roll body R is mounted on the tape roll support 20 with the adhesive tape T pulled out downwards. The lower roll body R is mounted on the tape roll support 20 with the adhesive tape T pulled out upwards. When mounting the roll bodies R to the tape roll support 20, it is preferable for the user to stick the ends of the adhesive tapes T pulled out from each roll body R together. At this time, the adhesive tapes T are stuck together with their adhesive surfaces touching each other.

[0026] (Bonded part) The bonding section 40 is located downstream of the tape roll support section 20 in the unwinding direction and functions as a covering guide section G that guides the adhesive tapes T, T so that the core material W is covered by the adhesive tapes T, T. In the example shown in Figure 3, the bonding section 40 presses together two adhesive tapes T drawn from each roll body R to bond them. As shown in Figure 3, the bonding section 40 of the embodiment includes a pair of driven rollers, which are a pair of pressure rollers 401 (upper roller 401a, lower roller 401b). The pressure rollers 401 are rotatably supported on the left case member 100b. The pressure rollers 401 in the example shown in Figure 3 are toothed rollers having multiple teeth on their outer circumference, with the tip of each tooth sharply pointed so as to make point contact with the front surface of the adhesive tape T.

[0027] The upper roller 401a is positioned directly above the lower roller 401b, with a spacing corresponding to the thickness of the twist tie TT being manufactured. The outer surface of the upper roller 401a faces the outer surface of the lower roller 401b. The upper roller 401a and the lower roller 401b are phase-adjusted so that their tooth tips face each other, and they rotate synchronously with each other as the adhesive tape T is pulled out. In the tape dispensing device 1 shown in Figure 3, the upper roller 401a rotates clockwise when viewed from the right, and the lower roller 401b rotates counterclockwise. The upper roller 401a and the lower roller 401b may be pressurized to move closer to each other by a pressurizing mechanism (not shown).

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of a different crimping roller pair 401 than that shown in Figure 3. The crimping roller pair 401 in the example shown in Figure 4 is a roller with a wire guide groove 402 formed in the center of its smooth outer surface. By allowing the core material W to enter the wire guide groove 402, the crimping roller pair 401 can press the adhesive tapes T, T more firmly. Figure 5 shows a tape dispensing device 1 equipped with the crimping roller pair 401 shown in Figure 4. The shape of the crimping roller pair 401 is not limited to these.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the adhesive tapes T, T, drawn from each roll body R, R and with their ends joined together, are pulled out through the opening 103 between the pair of pressure rollers 401. The user leaves the leading ends of the joined adhesive tapes T, T slightly protruding from the opening 103. This completes the installation of the roll body R.

[0030] (Core material holding member) As shown in Figure 3, a core material holding member 30 is provided inside the roll body housing section 101 at a position between the two roll body support sections 20. In the first embodiment, the core material holding member 30 functions as a core material guide capable of guiding a linear core material W. The core material holding member 30 in this embodiment is a long, substantially cylindrical member extending in the front-rear direction, and has a through hole 31 inside through which the core material W can be inserted. In the example shown in Figure 3, the core material holding member 30 is attached to the inner wall of the left case member 100b, but is not limited to this. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the core material holding member 30 may be formed integrally with the main body 100.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the rear end of the through hole 31 communicates with the core material insertion hole 104 which is opened on the back of the main body 100. The front end of the core material holding member 30 is located on the rear side of the bonding portion 40, and the midpoint between the upper roller 401a and the lower roller 401b is located on the extension of the central axis of the through hole 31.

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 3, the core material W is a metal wire cut to a length suitable for the twist tie TT. When the user inserts the core material W into the core material insertion hole 104, the core material W is guided by the core material holding member 30 and moves straight between the upper roller 401a and the lower roller 401b. In this way, the core material holding member 30 functions as a core material guide that guides the linear core material W.

[0033] (Confluence) The core material W, guided by the core material holding member 30, merges with the adhesive tapes T, T drawn from the roll body R, R at or behind the bonding section 40. The position where the core material W and the adhesive tapes T, T merge is called the merging section C.

[0034] In the merging section C of the first embodiment, the core material W merges so as to be sandwiched between the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tapes T, T drawn out from each roll body R, R. The front end of the core material W adheres to the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tapes T, T at the merging section C and moves downstream as the adhesive tapes T, T are drawn out.

[0035] When the user holds the front end of the adhesive tape T, T by hand and pulls it out from the opening 103, the upper roller 401a and the lower roller 401b rotate, and the adhesive tape T, T and the core material W that have merged at the confluence C are fed into the bonding section 40. In the bonding section 40, the adhesive tape T, T, with the core material W sandwiched between their adhesive surfaces, is pressed vertically as it passes between the pair of pressure rollers 401 and bonded together. In other words, in the first embodiment, as the adhesive tape T, T is pulled out, the core material W is automatically covered by the adhesive tape T, T, and a twist tie TT is created. In this way, the bonding section 40 of the first embodiment guides the adhesive tape T, T so that the core material W is covered by the adhesive tape T, T.

[0036] The manufactured twist tie TT is pulled out until the rear end of the core material W passes through the cutting section 102 and then cut. Alternatively, the cutting section 102 may be configured to be cut with scissors or the like instead of having a blade.

[0037] The tape dispensing device 1 may be provided with a core material storage section SP for storing the core material W, as shown in Figure 5. In the example shown in Figure 5, a partition wall 105 is formed on the inner wall of the left case member 100b, and the space between this partition wall 105 and the bottom surface of the left case member 100b is the core material storage section SP. Furthermore, the tape dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment may be configured to include a support section that can accommodate a core material W wound in a roll shape.

[0038] According to the tape dispensing device 1 of the first embodiment, the user can easily create twist ties TT of their preferred color and pattern. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the tape dispensing device 1, which has a relatively simple structure, can accurately bond the adhesive surfaces of two adhesive tapes T together.

[0039] [Second Embodiment] Next, the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 12. The tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment has one tape roll support section 20, and the covering guide section G guides the adhesive tape T so that it is folded and bonded along its longitudinal direction. The vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions of the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment are as shown in Figure 6. Also, in the second embodiment, the direction in which the adhesive tape T is dispensed is from the rear to the front.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment comprises a main body 100 and a cover member 500. The main body 100 and cover member 500 of the second embodiment are made of synthetic resin, but are not limited to this.

[0041] (Main unit) The main body 100 of the second embodiment is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, long in the front-to-back direction and narrow in the left-to-right direction. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the main body 100 of the second embodiment is configured to be roughly rectangular in plan view and roughly L-shaped in side view. The rear portion (upstream side in the unwinding direction) of the main body 100 is the roll body housing section 101, and the front portion (downstream side in the unwinding direction) is the tape guide section 110 (see Figure 9).

[0042] (Roll storage section) The roll body housing section 101 of the second embodiment is a recess that is open at the top and has a U-shaped cross-section along the left-right direction. Bearing recesses 101a are formed on both the left and right sides of the roll body housing section 101 (see Figures 6, 7, and 10).

[0043] In the second embodiment, one tape roll support 20 is rotatably supported in the roll housing section 101. The tape roll support 20 in the second embodiment is formed to fit inside the core of the roll body R and has shaft portions that protrude axially outward on both the left and right sides. As shown in Figure 10, the shaft portion of the tape roll support 20 is locked into a bearing recess 101a and is detachably and rotatably supported. The roll body R mounted on the tape roll support 20 is housed in the roll housing section 101 with the adhesive surface of the unwound adhesive tape T facing upward (see Figure 10).

[0044] (Tape guide section) As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the tape guide section 110 of the second embodiment includes a tape passage 111. The tape passage 111 of the second embodiment is a groove that guides the adhesive tape T drawn from the roll body R and functions as a path through which the adhesive tape T is fed out to the outside of the tape dispensing device 1. In this example, the tape passage 111 is formed on the upper surface of the tape guide section 110 and is located above the roll body support section 20.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the width dimension of the tape passage 111 is slightly larger than the width of the adhesive tape T at least at the upstream end, and decreases from the middle to the downstream. Also, the tape passage 111 is formed to be long in the front-to-back direction (tape dispensing direction). In the example shown in Figure 10, the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T is 15 mm, and the length dimension L2 of the tape passage 111 from the upstream side to the downstream side is approximately 110 mm.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 to 10, a pair of guide walls 112 are erected on both the left and right sides of the tape passage 111 in the second embodiment, separated by a gap and facing each other. As will be described later, the guide walls 112 in the second embodiment guide the adhesive tape T so that it is folded in half lengthwise with the adhesive surface facing inward.

[0047] An outlet 113 is provided at the downstream end of the guide wall 112 from which the manufactured twist tie is pulled out. In the example shown in Figure 10, the outlet 113 is an elongated groove that extends vertically in a slit-like manner, with openings at the front and top. The specific structure and operation of the tape passage 111 and the guide wall 112 will be described in detail later.

[0048] (Cover component) The cover member 500 is an opening and closing lid that is pivotally supported on the main body 100. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover member 500 of the second embodiment comprises a cover body 501 and a pair of left and right arms 502 provided at the rear end of the cover body 501. The lower ends of the arms 502 are connected to the lower rear part of the main body 100 via a pivot shaft 503. The cover member 500 is pivotally supported on the pivot shaft 502 so as to be rotatable between a closed position (see Figure 6) that covers at least a portion of the upper part of the main body 100 and an open position (see Figure 10) that opens the upper part of the main body 100.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the cover body 501 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view and is generally a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The entire bottom of the cover body 501 is open (see Figure 10). The cover body 501 of the second embodiment includes a housing cover portion 510 that covers the upper part of the roll body housing portion 101 when in the closed position, and a groove portion 504 provided in front of the housing cover portion 510.

[0050] (Ribbed area) The creasing section 504 is located on the upper front side of the cover body 501 and has a mountain-shaped appearance in side view, protruding upward (see Figures 6 and 7). A creasing roller 60 is pivotally supported inside the creasing section 504 (see Figure 9). The creasing roller 60 forms creases in the adhesive tape T. The creasing roller 60 in the example shown in Figure 11 is a gear-shaped roller with multiple teeth on its outer circumferential surface. A convex tooth 61, which is continuous in the circumferential direction, is provided approximately in the axial center of the outer circumferential surface of the creasing roller 60. Note that, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the outer circumferential surface of the creasing roller 60 may be exposed to the outside.

[0051] When the adhesive tape T, pulled from the roll body R, is set on the tape passage 111 (see Figure 10), closing the cover member 500 of the tape dispensing device 1 positions the creasing section 504 directly above the upstream side of the tape passage 111 (see Figure 12). In the illustrated example, the cover member 500 and the main body 100 engage with a pair of left and right locking sections LK, locking them in the closed position. At this time, the protruding teeth 60 of the creasing roller 60 press against the center portion in the width direction of the upper surface (adhesive surface) of the adhesive tape T.

[0052] As the adhesive tape T is pulled out, the creasing roller 60 rotates in response, forming a continuous groove (fold line FL) in the lengthwise direction in the center of the widthwise direction of the adhesive tape T (see Figure 12). By forming a fold line FL in the widthwise center of the adhesive tape T, it becomes easier to accurately fold the adhesive tape T in half.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the tape passage 111 of the second embodiment has a first groove 116 formed in the center in the width direction. This makes it easier for the adhesive tape T to be folded in half along the fold line FL.

[0054] Furthermore, as will be described later, the creasing roller 60 presses the core material W against the upper surface (adhesive surface) of the adhesive tape T to adhere it. It is preferable that the creasing roller 60 be gear-shaped, as this reduces the contact area with the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape T and suppresses the tape T from getting caught in the roller.

[0055] (Core material guide section) The cover member 500 of the second embodiment includes a core material guide groove 506 and a core material insertion opening 507 (see Figures 6 and 8). In the illustrated example, the core material guide groove 506 is a recessed groove on which a linear core material W cut to a predetermined length is placed, and in this example it is formed on the upper surface of the housing cover portion 510 of the cover body 501. The core material insertion opening 507 is a through hole provided on the mountain-shaped slope of the grooved portion 504 and is in contact with the front end of the core material guide groove 506.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the core material guide groove 506 is located on the upper surface of the cover body 501, to the right of the center of the tape passage 111 in the width direction (towards the bottom of the paper). In addition, a second recessed groove 117 is formed in the tape passage 111 in the example shown in Figure 8, at a position corresponding to the core material guide groove 506. In this example, the second recessed groove 117 is located at positions that roughly divide the tape passage 111 into four equal parts in the width direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12, the user places the core material W in the core material guide groove 506 and inserts it into the core material insertion opening 507. The front end of the inserted core material W is guided to fit between the adhesive tape T on the tape passage 111 and the creasing roller 60. In this way, in the second embodiment, the core material guide groove 506 functions as a core material guide section capable of guiding the linear core material W.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the area near the entrance (rear end) of the tape passage 111 becomes the confluence point C of the core material W and the adhesive tape T (see Figure 12). As the user pulls out the adhesive tape T, the core material W and the adhesive tape T that have merged at the confluence point C pass under the creasing roller 60. At this time, the core material W is pressed against the upper surface (adhesive surface) of the adhesive tape T by the creasing roller 60.

[0059] As mentioned above, the core material guide groove 506 and the second recessed groove 117 are positioned to divide the tape passage 111 into roughly four equal parts in the width direction. Therefore, the core material W is adhered to the adhesive tape T at positions that divide the adhesive tape T into four equal parts in the width direction. This allows the core material W to be positioned approximately in the center in the width direction in the completed twist tie when the adhesive tape T is folded in half. Note that the position of the core material guide groove 506 is not limited to a position to the right of the center in the width direction of the tape passage 111, but may also be provided at a position to the left of the center in the width direction of the tape passage 111.

[0060] (Covered guide section) An example of the configuration of the covering guide section G in the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the guide wall 112 functions as the covering guide section G and guides the adhesive tape T so that the core material W is covered by the adhesive tape T. The tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that both sides of the adhesive tape T in the width direction toward the outlet 113 come into contact with each guide wall 112, causing both sides of the adhesive tape T to rise vertically and the adhesive tape T to be folded in half.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the guide walls 112, 112 of the second embodiment are wall sections that are positioned opposite each other on both the left and right sides of the tape passage 111 and extend vertically. The guide walls 112, 112 are erected from approximately the center to the front end of the tape passage 111. The opposing inner surfaces of the pair of guide walls 112 are guide surfaces 112a that guide the adhesive tape T.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the guide wall 112 includes a rising guide section 114 where the distance between the guide surfaces 112a decreases as you move downstream in the tape-feeding direction. As a result, the width of the tape passage 111 gradually narrows in a tapered shape in plan view from approximately the middle to the front. In the example shown in Figure 8, the rising guide section 114 is formed by the wall thickness of the guide wall 112 gradually increasing as you move downstream. The shape is not limited to this, and the wall thickness of the guide wall 112 may be approximately constant, as shown in Figure 10.

[0063] At the front end of the tape passage 111, a bonding section 115 is provided where the distance between the guide surfaces 112a is constant. The distance between the guide surfaces 112a in the bonding section 115 is slightly greater than the thickness of the adhesive tape T folded in half with the core material W in between. At the exit side of the bonding section 115, a pressure-applying section 115a is provided to apply pressure to the folded adhesive tape T from the outside (see Figures 8 and 9). In this example, the pressure-applying section 115a is a pair of protrusions provided on the guide surface 112a.

[0064] (Function of the coating guide) The operation of the covering guide section G in the second embodiment will now be explained. First, as shown in Figure 10, the user opens the cover member 500, pulls out the adhesive tape T from the roll body R mounted in the roll body storage section 101, and places the front end of the adhesive tape T on the upstream side of the tape passage 111.

[0065] Next, the cover member 500 is closed, and when the user pulls the adhesive tape T downstream, a fold line FL is formed in the center of the width direction of the adhesive tape T by the crease portion 504 (see Figure 12). The user folds the front end portion of the adhesive tape T in half along the fold line FL, inserts the folded adhesive tape T between the guide walls 112, 112, and leaves it slightly protruding forward from the pull-out portion 113.

[0066] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the core material W is placed in the core material guide groove 506 and inserted onto the tape passage 111 through the core material insertion opening 507. At this time, it is preferable to insert the core material W until the front end of the core material W is below the grooving roller 60. The inserted core material W merges with the adhesive tape T at the junction C on the tape passage 111 and is pressed against the adhesive tape T by the grooving roller 60.

[0067] Next, the user holds the front end of the adhesive tape T and pulls it outwards from the outlet 113. As this pulling operation occurs, the adhesive tape T moves along the tape passage 111 under tension. At this time, fold lines FL are continuously formed on the adhesive tape T. The core material W is pressed from above by the creasing roller 60 and pressed against the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape T, moving downstream together with the adhesive tape T.

[0068] As the adhesive tape T moves forward, both the left and right ends come into contact with the guide surface 112a of the rising guide section 114, causing it to rise vertically with its adhesive surface facing inward. This guides the adhesive tape T to be folded in a V-shape along the fold line FL.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, the adhesive tape T is guided by the guide surface 112a of the rising guide section 114 and is folded in half such that the valley fold angle α gradually decreases as it moves downstream. At this time, the core material W, which is attached to the approximate center of the right half of the adhesive tape T, is displaced upward as the right half of the adhesive tape T rises and is sandwiched between the adhesive surfaces of the folded adhesive tape T.

[0070] The adhesive tape T, folded in half with the core material W in between, enters the bonding section 115 in a vertical direction. At the exit of the bonding section 115, a pair of opposing pressure sections 115a press against the outer surface of the adhesive tape T from both the left and right sides, firmly bonding the adhesive surfaces together. In this way, in the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment, a twist tie is automatically created as the adhesive tape T is pulled out. The twist tie pulled out from the outlet 113 can be cut to the desired length with scissors or the like.

[0071] According to the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment, the user can easily create twist ties of their preferred color and pattern. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the adhesive tape T can be automatically folded in half to a certain width to create twist ties. In addition, the core material W can be positioned approximately in the center of the completed twist tie in the width direction (the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 12).

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, a core material storage section SP may be provided in the main body 500. The core material storage section SP in this example is of the pull-out type, but is not limited to this. In addition, the tape dispensing device 1 of the second embodiment may be configured to include a support section that can accommodate a core material W wound in a roll shape.

[0073] [First example of the third embodiment] Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 23, a tape dispensing device 1 according to the first example of the third embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "the first example") will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, components common to the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0074] The tape dispensing device 1 of the third embodiment has one tape roll support section 20. Furthermore, as will be described later, the covering guide section G in the tape dispensing device 1 of the third embodiment guides the adhesive tape T so that it is folded and bonded along its longitudinal direction. More specifically, the covering guide section G guides the adhesive tape T so that it is folded into thirds. The vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions of the tape dispensing device 1 of the third embodiment are as shown in Figure 13. Also, in the third embodiment, the direction in which the adhesive tape T is dispensed is from the rear to the front.

[0075] The tape dispensing device 1 of the third embodiment comprises a main body 100 and a cover member 500. The main body 100 and cover member 500 of the third embodiment are made of synthetic resin, but are not limited to this.

[0076] (Main unit) The main body 100 of the third embodiment has a box shape with an open top, and is long in the front-to-back direction and narrow in the left-to-right direction. The main body 100 in the example shown in Figures 13 to 16 is roughly rectangular in plan view and roughly L-shaped in side view. The inner width dimension of the main body 100 in the illustrated example is slightly larger than the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T to be attached (see Figure 16). In the main body 100 of the third embodiment, the rear portion (upstream side in the unwinding direction) is the roll body housing section 101, and the front portion (downstream side in the unwinding direction) is the tape guide section 110.

[0077] (Cover component) The cover member 500 of the third embodiment comprises a cover body 501 that covers the upper part of the main body 100 from the front end to the rear end, and a pair of left and right arm portions 502 provided at the rear end of the cover body 501. The lower ends of the arm portions 502 are connected to the lower rear part of the main body 100 via a pivot shaft 503. The cover member 500 is pivotally supported around the pivot shaft 502 so as to be rotatable between a closed position that covers the upper part of the main body 100 (see Figure 13) and an open position that leaves the upper part of the main body 100 open (see Figure 16).

[0078] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the cover body 501 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view and is elongated in the front-to-back direction. The cover body 501 shown has a stepped top surface, but is not limited to this shape. In this example, the cover body 501 functions as a storage cover 510 that covers the roll body storage section 101, a junction cover 520 that covers the tape guide section 110, and a tri-fold forming section cover 530. In this example, the top surface of the storage cover 510 of the cover body 500 is open, allowing the roll body R to be seen from the outside. The structure and function of the junction cover 520 and the tri-fold forming cover 530 will be described later.

[0079] (Roll storage section) As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the roll housing section 101 of the third embodiment is a recess that is open at the top and has a U-shaped cross-section along the left-right direction. A tape roll support section 20 that supports a roll body R on which adhesive tape T is wound is rotatably supported in the roll housing section 101 of the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the roll body R mounted on the tape roll support section 20 is housed in the roll housing section 101 with the adhesive surface of the unwound adhesive tape T facing upwards.

[0080] Furthermore, in the roll body housing section 101 of the third embodiment, a core material support section 21 that supports a core material W wound in a roll shape is rotatably supported at a position behind the tape roll support section 20. A partition wall 120 is provided between the tape roll support section 20 and the core material support section 21. The core material W is introduced by passing over the roll body R to a position approximately in the center in the width direction of the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape T. In the illustrated example, a core material guide recess 121 for receiving the core material W is formed on the upper edge of the partition wall 120 (see Figure 16), and the partition wall 120 and the core material guide recess 121 function as a core material guide section.

[0081] (Tape guide section) As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the tape guide section 110 of the third embodiment comprises a confluence section C and a tape passage 111 provided in front of the confluence section C. In this example, the confluence section C is a recess that is open at the top and has a U-shaped cross-section. The tape passage 111 is formed on the upper surface of the main body 100. In this example, the tape passage 111 is located lower than the shaft portion of the roll support section 20.

[0082] The user pulls out the adhesive tape T from the roll R mounted on the tape dispensing device 1 and pre-folds the front end of the adhesive tape T into thirds. This third-folding process will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a view of the third-folded adhesive tape T from the upstream side (rear of the tape dispensing device 1). The user folds the adhesive tape T inward into thirds along the first fold line FL1 and the second fold line FL2, which divide the width into approximately three equal parts. At this time, the adhesive side of the adhesive tape T is facing inward.

[0083] In this example, the tape dispensing device 1 folds the adhesive tape T into three sections, with the left side being the first fold and the right side the second fold (see Figure 16). Therefore, the left piece TL, which is the first fold, is folded along the first fold line FL1, and the right piece TR, which is to the right of the second fold line FL2, is folded over it. Furthermore, in this three-fold process, it is preferable to introduce and adhere the core material W to the center of the width direction of the adhesive tape T.

[0084] The adhesive tape T, with its front end folded into thirds, is placed on the tape passage 111 as shown in Figure 16. At this time, the front end of the adhesive tape T is made to protrude forward from the outlet 113. As shown in Figure 18, when the cover member 500 is closed and locked with the locking part LK, the preparation for making the twist tie is complete.

[0085] In the first example, a pressing portion 521 that protrudes downward is formed on the lower surface of the junction cover 520 (see Figures 15 and 16). The pressing portion 521 in this example has a shape that narrows towards the lower end, and a core material guide groove 522 is provided on the lower surface (see Figures 15, 20(b), and 21). As shown in Figure 18, when the cover member 500 is locked in the closed position, the core material W is pressed against the upper surface (adhesive surface) of the adhesive tape T by the pressing portion 521 at the junction C. It is preferable to have a core material guide groove 522 on the pressing portion 521 because it makes it easier to guide the core material W straight.

[0086] (Covered guide section) In the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, a covering guide section G is provided downstream of the confluence section C. The covering guide section G of the third embodiment comprises a tri-fold forming section 70 and a bonding section 80. The tri-fold forming section 70 and the bonding section 80 are substantially cylindrical passages formed by a tape passage 111 and the lower surface 531 of a tri-fold forming section cover 530 that covers the upper part of the tape passage 111. As will be described later, the adhesive tape T is guided in the covering guide section G to cover the core material W and be folded into three.

[0087] As shown in Figure 19, when the adhesive tape T, whose front end has been folded into thirds, is pulled out from the outlet 113, the adhesive tape T is automatically folded into thirds as it passes through the folding section 70 and is pressed together at the exit of the bonding section 80. As a result, the core material W that has converged approximately in the center of the width direction of the adhesive tape T is covered on the inside of the folded adhesive tape T, and the completed twist tie is dispensed from the outlet 113.

[0088] (Tri-folded section) An example of the tri-fold forming section 70 of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. The tri-fold forming section 70 of the third embodiment is a substantially cylindrical passage formed by a tape passage 111 formed on the upper surface of the tape guide section 110 of the main body 100 and the lower surface 531 of the tri-fold forming section cover 530 that covers the upper part of the tape passage 111 (see Figures 21 and 22).

[0089] As shown in Figure 21(b), the tri-fold forming section 70 includes a first fold forming section 71 located on one side of the approximate center in the width direction, which guides the end of the adhesive tape T on the front-fold side, and a second fold forming section 72 located on the other side of the approximate center in the width direction, which guides the end of the adhesive tape T on the back-fold side. In the example shown in Figure 21(b), the right side of the tri-fold forming section 70 is the first fold forming section 71, and the left side of the paper is the second fold forming section 72.

[0090] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the first fold forming section 71 and the second fold forming section 72 extend from the rear end of the tape passage 111 to approximately the center. The triple fold forming section 70 is configured such that its height and width dimensions decrease overall as it moves downstream.

[0091] (Tape-covered passageway) The tape passage 111 constitutes the bottom of the tri-fold forming section 70. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the tape passage 111 in the third embodiment is a shallow groove formed on the upper surface of the tape guide section 110. The width of the tape passage 111 is slightly larger than the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T at its widest entrance.

[0092] In the first example, the width of the tape passage 111 narrows as it moves downstream from the rear end towards the approximate center. Furthermore, in the first example, the tape passage 111 is configured such that the width of the first fold forming section 71, which is the pre-fold side, narrows first, and then the width of the second fold forming section 72, which is the rear-fold side, narrows. More specifically, as shown in Figure 21(d), at the entrance side of the tape passage 111, the pre-fold side edge of the tape passage 111 (the left side when viewed from the front) is inclined in a direction that approaches the widthwise center of the main body 100. The rear-fold side edge of the tape passage 111 (the right side when viewed from the front) is inclined in a direction that approaches the widthwise center of the main body 100, with the point where the pre-fold side edge begins to become parallel to the left side surface of the main body 100 as the boundary.

[0093] (Tri-folded section cover) As shown in Figures 20 to 22, a groove is formed in the front-to-back direction on the lower surface 531 of the tri-fold forming section cover 530, and this groove constitutes the side wall and ceiling of the tri-fold forming section 70. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the groove provided on the lower surface 531 of the tri-fold forming section cover 530 comprises a pair of left and right inner walls 532 and a ceiling 533.

[0094] The inner wall 532 comprises a first inner wall 532a that constitutes the first folding portion 71 and a second inner wall 532b that constitutes the second folding portion 72. In a bottom view, the first inner wall 532a is inclined in a direction that approaches the center in the width direction from the rear end to approximately the middle portion of the tri-fold forming portion cover 530 (see Figure 21(c)). At least a portion of the second inner wall 532b in the direction that approaches the center in the width direction in approximately the middle portion of the tri-fold forming portion cover 530.

[0095] The ceiling section 533 comprises a first ceiling section 533a that constitutes the first fold-forming section 71 and a second ceiling section 533b that constitutes the second fold-forming section 72 (see Figures 21(b) and 21(c)). Both the first ceiling section 533a and the second ceiling section 533b are inclined downward toward the downstream, but the angle of the downward inclination is different between the first ceiling section 533a and the second ceiling section 533b.

[0096] As mentioned above, the tri-fold forming section 70 is formed such that its height and width dimensions decrease as it moves downstream. With the above-described configuration, the rate at which the height and width dimensions decrease differs between the right half and the left half of the tri-fold forming section 70 (see Figure 21(b)).

[0097] (Cross-sectional shape of the tri-folded section) The cross-sectional shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 of the first example will be described with reference to Figure 22. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 in the order of A to D, with A being the upstream. As shown in Figure 22A, the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70 of the first example opens in a flattened, approximately elliptical shape. Furthermore, the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70 of the first example opens with a width dimension slightly larger than the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T.

[0098] As shown in Figures 22A to D, the distance between the ceiling 533 and the tape passage 111 decreases as you move downstream of the tri-fold forming section 70. At this time, the distance h1 between the first ceiling portion 533a of the first folding forming section 71 and the tape passage 111 decreases faster than the distance h2 between the second ceiling portion 533b of the second folding forming section 72 and the tape passage 111.

[0099] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22A to D, the distance between opposing inner walls 532 decreases as the tape moves downstream of the tri-fold forming section 70. At this time, the distance d1 from the center of the tape passage 111 in the width direction to the first inner wall 532a of the first folding forming section 71 decreases faster than the distance d2 from the center of the tape passage 111 in the width direction to the second inner wall 532b of the second folding forming section 72.

[0100] Because the tri-fold forming section 70 has the above structure, the adhesive tape T passing through the tri-fold forming section 70 is first folded along the first fold line FL1, with the left piece TL shown in Figure 17 being guided by the inner circumferential surface of the first fold forming section 71. Then, the right piece TR is guided by the inner circumferential surface of the second fold forming section 72 and folded along the second fold line FL2. Furthermore, as mentioned above, since the core material W is pressed against the center in the width direction of the upper surface (adhesive surface) of the adhesive tape T upstream of the tri-fold forming section 70, the core material W covers the inside of the tri-folded adhesive tape T (see Figure 17).

[0101] (Bonded part) The adhesive tape T, folded into thirds in the third-fold forming section 70, passes through the bonding section 80 and is bonded together by vertical pressure at the exit of the bonding section 80. In the examples shown in Figures 20, 21, and 23, the passage width of the bonding section 80 is approximately constant. The bonding section 80 has a width dimension that is slightly larger than approximately one-third of the width of the adhesive tape T. At the exit 113, which is the exit of the bonding section 80, a pressure section 81 is provided to apply pressure to the third-folded adhesive tape T from the outside. The pressure section 81 is a pair of projections that protrude inward from the tape passage 111 and the ceiling 533.

[0102] Thus, according to the tape dispensing device 1 of the first example of the third embodiment, the user can easily create twist ties of their preferred color and pattern. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the first example, twist ties can be made by folding the adhesive tape T into thirds at a substantially constant width.

[0103] [Second example of the third embodiment] Next, the tape dispensing device 1 according to the second example of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 24 to 28. The tape dispensing device 1 of the second example has the same basic configuration as the tape dispensing device 1 of the first example described above, but the shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 and other parts are different. The following will mainly describe the configuration that differs from the first example.

[0104] As shown in Figure 24, the upper surface of the storage section cover 510 in the second example is not open, but it may be open. Also, the tape dispensing device 1 in the second example does not have a pressing section 521 on the lower surface of the merging section cover 520, but a pressing section 521 may be provided.

[0105] In the second example, the partition wall 120 (see Figure 26) provided between the roll support section 20 and the core material support section 21 has a core material guide recess 121, which is a U-shaped groove, at its upper part, as shown in Figure 25. The core material W is pulled out from the roll supported by the core material support section 21, inserted into the core material guide recess 121, and introduced into the confluence section C. Thus, in the tape dispensing device 1 of the second example, the core material guide recess 121 functions as a core material guide section.

[0106] (Tri-folded section) In the second example of the tape dispensing device 1, the tri-fold forming section 70 functions as the covering guide section G, similar to the first example (see Figure 24). The tri-fold forming section 70 of the second example has the same basic structure as the tri-fold forming section 70 of the first example, but its specific shape is slightly different. The shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 of the second example will be described below.

[0107] (Tape-covered passageway) As shown in Figure 26(d), the front-folded side (upper side of the paper) of the tape passage 111 in the second example is approximately parallel to both the left and right sides of the main body 100. On the other hand, the rear-folded side (lower side of the paper) of the tape passage 111 in the second example is inclined toward the center in the width direction of the main body 100 from the entrance of the tape passage 111 to the adhesive portion 80. The adhesive portion 80 in the second example is shorter in the front-to-back direction than in the first example.

[0108] In the second example of the tape passage 111 shown in Figures 26(d) and 27A, the width dimension of the entrance is approximately 60% of the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T. Also, the distance dL from the center of the width direction of the tape passage 111 to the edge on the pre-fold side (the left edge when viewed from the front) is shorter than the distance dR from the center of the width direction of the tape passage 111 to the edge on the post-fold side (the left edge when viewed from the front).

[0109] (Tri-folded section cover) The tri-fold forming section cover 530 of the second example is formed in a substantially U-shape in cross-section, as shown in Figure 26(b), and opens downwards. A ceiling member 5311 is fitted into the substantially U-shaped interior of the tri-fold forming section cover 530 of the second example. The ceiling member 5311 has U-shaped bent portions 5312 on both the left and right sides (see Figures 26(b) and 27A) and is a member that slides into place from the rear of the tri-fold forming section cover 530. A groove is formed on the lower surface of the ceiling member 5311, which has an inner wall 532 and a ceiling 533 that constitute the tri-fold forming section 70. In other words, in the second example, the lower surface of the ceiling member 5311 constitutes the lower surface 531 of the tri-fold forming section cover 530. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the inner wall 532 and ceiling 533 may be integrally formed on the lower surface of the tri-fold forming section cover 530, as in the first example.

[0110] (Cross-sectional shape of the tri-folded section) The cross-sectional shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 in the second example will be explained with reference to Figure 27. Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the tri-fold forming section 70 in the order of A to H, with A being the upstream. In Figures 27B to H, the cross-sectional shape of the ceiling member 5311 within the tri-fold forming section 70 is shown with a thick line.

[0111] As shown in Figure 27A, at the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70, the left and right inner walls 533 are curved surfaces facing each other. The first inner wall 532a, which is the front-folding side, has a cross-section that is convex inward, at least on the entrance side of the tri-fold forming section 70. The second inner wall 532b, which is the rear-folding side, has a cross-section that is concave inward, at least on the entrance side of the tri-fold forming section 70.

[0112] In the example shown in Figure 27A, the distance between the first inner wall 532a and the second inner wall 532b is approximately 80% of the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T. On the other hand, the width dimension of the entrance to the tape passage 111 is approximately 60% of the width dimension L1 of the adhesive tape T. In other words, at the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70, the width of the tape passage 111, which is the bottom surface, is narrower than the width of the upper space of the tri-fold forming section 70.

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27A, at the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70, the entrance of the tape passage 111 opens to the right in the width direction of the main body 100 (towards the left on the page). As a result, as shown in Figure 27B, when the adhesive tape T introduced into the tri-fold forming section 70 is guided so that the left piece TL, which is the first to be folded, stands up more easily than the right piece TR at the entrance of the tri-fold forming section 70.

[0114] Furthermore, in the second example of the tri-fold forming section 70, similar to the first example, the distance between the ceiling 533 and the tape passage 111 decreases as it moves downstream. At this time, as shown in Figures 27B to H, the distance h1 between the first ceiling portion 533a of the first folding forming section 71 and the tape passage 111 decreases faster than the distance h2 between the second ceiling portion 533b of the second folding forming section 72 and the tape passage 111.

[0115] As the tri-fold forming section 70 has the above structure, as shown in Figures 27B to H, the adhesive tape T passing through the tri-fold forming section 70 is first folded inward by the left piece TL guided by the inner circumferential surface of the first folding forming section 71, and then folded inward by the right piece TR guided by the inner circumferential surface of the second folding forming section 72.

[0116] (Bonded part) The adhesive tape T, folded into three in the three-fold forming section 70, passes through the bonding section 80 (see Figure 28A), which is narrower than the three-fold forming section 70, and is pressed and bonded in the vertical direction at the exit of the bonding section 80 (extraction exit 113, see Figure 28B), completing the twist tie.

[0117] Thus, in the second example of the tape dispensing device 1, twist ties made by folding the adhesive tape T into three sections of approximately constant width can be easily produced. Furthermore, in the third-fold forming section 70 of the second example, the adhesive tape T is guided even better to facilitate third-folding, allowing the size of the tape dispensing device 1 to be further reduced.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Tape dispenser 100 Main Unit 101 Roll storage section 111 Tape Passage 112 Guide Wall 113 Drawer 104 Core material insertion hole 20 Roll support section 30 Core material holding member 40, 115, 80 bonding section C Confluence G Covering guide section 500 Cover component 501 Cover body 510 Storage compartment cover 530 Tri-fold forming section cover 531 Bottom surface 532 Interior wall 533 Ceiling 70 Tri-fold forming section 71 First fold forming section 72 Second folding section T Adhesive Tape R Roll Body W core material

Claims

1. A tape roll support section that rotatably supports a roll body in which adhesive tape is wound in a roll shape, A tape dispensing device comprising a core material guide section capable of guiding a linear core material, A junction where the adhesive tape drawn out from the roll and the core material guided by the core material guide portion meet, A tape dispensing device characterized by comprising a covering guide portion that guides the adhesive tape so that the core material is covered by the adhesive tape.

2. The number of tape roll support sections is two. At the aforementioned merging point, the core material merges so as to be sandwiched between the adhesive surfaces of the adhesive tapes drawn from each roll body. The tape dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the covering guide portion presses and adheres the two adhesive tapes together.

3. The number of tape roll support parts is one. The tape dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the covering guide portion guides the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded and bonded together along its longitudinal direction.

4. The tape dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein the covering guide portion guides the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded in half lengthwise with the adhesive surface facing inward.

5. The aforementioned covering guide portion is It is equipped with a pair of guide walls that are separated by a gap and facing each other, The tape dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein each of the ends of the adhesive tape in the width direction contacts the respective guide walls, causing the ends to rise vertically and the adhesive tape to be folded in half.

6. The tape dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein the covering guide portion guides the adhesive tape so that the adhesive tape is folded into thirds with the adhesive surface facing inward.

7. The aforementioned covering guide portion is The tape passage, which is the passage for the adhesive tape, It includes a ceiling section that covers the above the tape passage and slopes downwards toward the front, The tape dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein the ceiling portion has different downward sloping angles on one side and the other side in the width direction.

8. A linear fastener manufactured using the tape dispensing device described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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