Method for manufacturing an adhesive roller equipped with adhesive elements and a refilled cartridge unit.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an adhesive roller fitted with adhesive elements (10), comprising the following process steps: a) a step of manufacturing or providing a distributor material tape (12) in a distributor equipment (14), wherein the distributor material tape (12) comprises a plurality of adhesive elements (10), and the distributor equipment (14) is adapted to separate the adhesive elements (10) from a web-like first release material (16) in a distribution area (18) and to discharge them from the distributor equipment (14); b) a step of manufacturing or providing two or more receiving equipment (20a~e) comprising i) a supply roller (22), ii) a receiving roller (24), iii) a guiding equipment (26), and iv) a web-like second release material (28), wherein the web-like The method comprises the steps of: a) guiding the second release material (28) within the guiding equipment (26) between the supply roller (22) and the receiving roller (24) and passing it through the receiving area (30) of the receiving equipment (20a-e); c) guiding the distributor material tape (12) through the distribution area (18) within the distributor equipment (14); d) winding the web-like second release material (28) onto the receiving roller (24) in each of the receiving equipment (20a-e); and e) discharging the adhesive elements (10) from the disassembly equipment (14) in the distribution area (18) and transferring a portion of the discharging adhesive elements (10) to the receiving area (30) of each of the receiving equipment (20a-e).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates, in particular, to a method for manufacturing an adhesive roller equipped with adhesive elements when replenishing a cartridge unit, a dispensing device for use in a corresponding method, the use of a corresponding dispensing device when replenishing a cartridge unit, and a replenished cartridge unit that can be manufactured by the method. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of adhesive elements is now a crucial component in many modern manufacturing methods. In this context, appropriate adhesive elements are used not only to fix components to a substrate, but also, in particular, to seal openings in the substrate. Such openings are usually present due to manufacturing processes and can become weak points in subsequent products, for example, through which moisture or contaminants may penetrate. The use of appropriate adhesive elements, usually adhesive on one side, to seal such openings in the substrate is a simple, time- and cost-effective solution to seal such openings and prevent the penetration of undesirable contaminants. In the prior art, such adhesive elements are already commonly used for the aforementioned purposes today, and based on their manufacturing methods, they are also referred to as die-cuts.

[0003] In principle, such adhesive elements could be considered to be placed on the substrate manually. However, in the process of increasing automation, and considering the ongoing interest in executing processes with as few errors as possible and as efficiently as possible, automated application devices have been developed to help apply adhesive elements to the adherend. In this process, various requirements are imposed on the corresponding application devices. For example, the application devices must enable reliable and reproducible application of adhesive elements to the substrate, and ideally, high throughput should be achieved.

[0004] To optimize handling efficiency and avoid cumbersome supply systems, an application device was conceived that integrates a distributor for adhesive elements, where the adhesive element dispenser and application device can be configured together, for example, as part of the end effector of a robot head. In this case, the application device with an integrated distributor often uses a refill system for efficient supply of adhesive elements, and the adhesive rollers with the adhesive elements attached are incorporated into the distributor, which can be removed and replaced again after the adhesive elements contained on the adhesive rollers have been applied. Many current application devices are based on the concept of using so-called refill cartridges, in which the adhesive rollers with the adhesive elements attached are usually located within a housing. The corresponding refill cartridges often include an integrated guide system, such as a guide roller and a deflection element, which optimally guides the material tape present in the refill cartridge and allows the material tape in the refill cartridge to be fed out using an external drive unit. The use of corresponding refill cartridges typically allows for the exceptionally rapid, reliable, and error-free supply of the necessary adhesive elements to the application device, and such refill cartridges offer particular advantages in terms of storage and transportation.

[0005] Despite the advantages of using replaceable adhesive rollers with adhesive elements and especially refillable cartridges, their use can sometimes be perceived as disadvantageous from other perspectives. In particular, adhesive rollers with detached adhesive elements—that is, typically empty carrier rollers and remaining liner after dispensing—often become waste after use, and these can only be reused with considerable effort, especially in relatively older systems. In this regard, handling empty refillable cartridges is often considered more advantageous due to the integrated guide equipment and the normally present rollers for winding up the dispensed liner. However, even with refillable cartridges, reuse or replenishment is often cumbersome, usually due to the housing of the refillable cartridge, as it is often difficult to open the housing from the outside, for example, when trying to remove an empty adhesive tape roller and replace it with a new one. In addition, the new material tape often needs to be passed through the guide equipment of the refillable cartridge and connected to the winding roller. For these reasons, refilling cartridges is often time- and / or cost-inefficient, and in many cases difficult to automate.

[0006] In addition to the problems mentioned above, the time- and cost-efficient manufacturing of new adhesive rollers equipped with adhesive elements, which can be directly incorporated into application devices or refill cartridges, is often recognized as difficult. Application devices, which are mostly used as end effectors, are usually limited in terms of the maximum weight they are allowed to carry, and as a result, the adhesive rollers used with adhesive elements are usually limited in width. In many cases, such application devices are designed to accommodate adhesive tape rollers that have only one row of adhesive elements on the release liner. However, for reasons of manufacturing efficiency, in the manufacture of adhesive rollers equipped with adhesive elements, such as die-cut adhesive rollers, it is preferable to manufacture them with a large manufacturing width, for example, 400 mm or more, in order to obtain as many adhesive elements as possible per unit of time and area, and in addition, to select the densest possible packing of the adhesive elements on the liner. The manufacture of adhesive rollers suitable for application devices and / or refill cartridges from these starting materials, also known as master rollers, often requires the execution of complex systems and / or processes, and / or results in reduced time and / or cost efficiency. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The primary objective of the present invention was to eliminate or at least reduce the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] In particular, an object of the present invention was to provide an advantageous method for manufacturing adhesive rollers equipped with adhesive elements, especially a method that can be used when replenishing cartridge units.

[0009] In this regard, the object of the present invention was to enable the manufacture of adhesive rollers or refill cartridges equipped with adhesive elements in a time- and cost-efficient manner by using the method presented.

[0010] In this context, a complementary objective of the present invention was to enable the manufacture of an adhesive roller equipped with adhesive elements suitable for use in an application device configured as an end effector, by using the presented method, and to enable the manufacture to be carried out even starting from a master roller having a wide manufacturing width and a high packing density of adhesive elements.

[0011] Furthermore, a further objective of the present invention was to enable the simultaneous manufacture of a large number of adhesive rollers equipped with adhesive elements, or to enable the simultaneous replenishment of a large number of reusable cartridge units, by using the presented method.

[0012] Furthermore, an additional object of the present invention was to provide a favorable dispensing device for use in the presented method, and to present the use of a corresponding dispensing device when replenishing cartridge units. In addition, an object of the present invention was to provide a replenished cartridge unit that can be manufactured using the presented method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The inventors of the present invention have now found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved when a method for manufacturing an adhesive roller with adhesive elements attached is carried out using a dispensing machine, and this dispensing machine transfers the adhesive elements of a dispensing machine material tape onto a web-like release material by two or more receiving machines, as defined in the claims, and when an adhesive roller with adhesive elements attached is manufactured in these receiving machines. In this regard, the inventors have succeeded in identifying a particularly suitable structural design that enables efficient distribution of adhesive elements from the dispensing machine to a number of receiving machines, even from a master roller that is wide and has dense packing.

[0014] Therefore, the above-mentioned problems are resolved by the present invention as defined in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the lower claims and in the following detailed description.

[0015] Such embodiments described below as preferred are, in particularly preferred embodiments, combined with features of other embodiments described as preferred. Therefore, combinations of two or more embodiments from those described below as particularly preferred are especially preferred. Embodiments combining features of one embodiment described as preferred to any degree with one or more further features of another embodiment described as preferred to any degree are also preferred. Preferred dispensing devices, features of used and replenished cartridge units arise from features of the preferred method.

[0016] The present invention relates in particular to a method for manufacturing an adhesive roller fitted with adhesive elements, the following process steps: a) A step of manufacturing or providing a distributor material tape in a distributor equipment, However, the distributing material tape includes a plurality of adhesive elements having a carrier layer and an adhesive layer bonded thereto, in which case the adhesive elements are arranged on the web-like first release material on the adhesive layer side, and The distribution equipment is adapted to separate the adhesive elements from the web-like first release material in the distribution area and to discharge them from the distribution equipment; b) The step of manufacturing or providing two or more receiving equipment, However, each of the two or more receiving facilities mentioned above is: i) Supply roller, ii) Acceptance of Laura, iii) Information facilities, and iv) A web-like second peeling material, partially wound onto the supply roller and fixed at one end to the receiving roller, The web-like second peeling material is positioned within the guiding equipment between the supply roller and the receiving roller, and is guided through the receiving area of ​​the receiving equipment; c) A step of guiding the distribution material tape in the distribution equipment through the distribution area; d) winding the web-like second release material onto the receiving roller in each of the receiving facilities, where the web-like second release material is fed from the supply roller and guided through the receiving area to the guiding facility; and e) feeding the adhesive element from the dispensing equipment in the dispensing area and transferring a part of the fed adhesive element to the receiving area of each receiving facility respectively, and placing the transferred adhesive element onto each web-like second release material; relating to the method including the above steps.

[0017] The method according to the invention is used for the manufacture of an adhesive roller fitted with an adhesive tape. The corresponding adhesive roller can be incorporated directly, for example, into an application device or can be used for the manufacture or replenishment of a cartridge unit. In addition, by using the method according to the invention, the cartridge unit can be advantageously replenished directly, i.e., an empty cartridge unit can be replenished using the method according to the invention, and as a result, an adhesive roller fitted with an adhesive element is directly manufactured in the cartridge unit.

[0018] In process step a), first, a so-called dispenser material tape is prepared. This dispenser material tape contains adhesive elements which are to be dispensed onto a subsequent receiving facility for manufacturing an adhesive roll fitted with the adhesive elements.

[0019] The dispenser material tape is preferably provided in a wound form, which is also referred to by those skilled in the art as a so-called master roller. The corresponding master roller is generally manufactured with a wide manufacturing width, thereby enabling a large number of adhesive elements to be provided per master roller. The method according to the invention is preferred when the dispenser material tape is preferably provided on a master roller, and the master roller has a width in the range particularly preferably from 300 to 500 mm, particularly preferably from 350 to 450 mm.

[0020] The method according to the invention is advantageously suitable for a wide variety of possible adhesive elements. However, considering the industrial importance of the corresponding adhesive elements, the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the processing of so-called die cuts, in which case, in particular, the processing of pressure-sensitive adhesive elements is important. Therefore, for substantially all embodiments, the method according to the invention in which the adhesive element is a die cut is important. Also, in most cases, the method according to the invention in which the adhesive element is a rectangular or circular, preferably circular, adhesive element is advantageous, in which case the adhesive element can in particular have rounded corners. Furthermore, in practice, the method according to the invention in which the adhesive element is a pressure-sensitive adhesive element and / or the adhesive layer contains a pressure-sensitive adhesive is common, in which case the adhesive layer preferably consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0021] As the adhesive layer of the adhesive element, a person skilled in the art can use conventional adhesives known in the field of adhesive technology, for example systems based on poly(meth)acrylates and / or rubbers. The corresponding adhesive layer is arranged on the carrier layer by industry-standard methods, and the carrier layer is usually formed from plastic. Even if it is theoretically possible to process a double-sided adhesive adhesive element using the method according to the invention, in practice the method according to the invention is used especially for single-sided adhesive adhesive elements. An example is the method according to the invention in which the carrier layer contains one or more materials, and the one or more materials are selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyacrylonitrile, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyether sulfone, and polyimide, preferably selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate, in which case the carrier layer preferably consists of these materials. In most cases, the method according to the invention in which the opposite side of the adhesive layer of both sides of the adhesive element is formed from the carrier layer is preferred.

[0022] The adhesive elements are placed on a release material of the dispensing material tape. The corresponding web-like release material, often also called a liner, is widely known to those skilled in the art of adhesive technology and is referred to in this invention as a release material because the adhesive elements placed on it can be easily separated from it as a result of reduced adhesion to its surface. The function of the release material can be achieved by a conventional release layer, known to those skilled in the art, applied to the surface of the release material, which covers a base layer made of, for example, plastic or paper. In other words, this is the method according to the present invention, which is usually a web-like first release material and / or a web-like second release material, preferably all web-like release materials are liners. Typical of the method according to the present invention, the web-like first release material and / or web-like second release material, preferably all web-like release materials, are coated on the side facing the adhesive elements with a release layer, preferably a silicone-based release layer, where the silicone-based release layer can preferably be produced by crosslinking a crosslinkable silicone system containing one or more polysiloxanes.

[0023] The distributor material tape is manufactured or supplied in a so-called distributor equipment. This distributor equipment is adapted to separate the adhesive elements from the web-like first release material by appropriate means and discharge them from the distributor equipment, and a particularly suitable structural design for achieving this function is disclosed below. The area of ​​the distributor equipment from which the adhesive elements separated from the release material are discharged is referred to within the framework of the present invention as the distribution area. In a preferred embodiment, the distributor equipment includes, in addition to a master roller containing the distributor material tape, a winding roller and a guide device for guiding the distributor material tape into the distributor equipment. The distributor material tape extends from the master roller to the winding roller under tension from the guide elements of the guide device, passing through the distribution area in the process. The guide device may be, for example, a guide roller. Those skilled in the art will understand that in this structure, after the distribution area in the web direction, only the web-like first release material remains, from which the adhesive elements have been (usually completely) detached, and this is wound onto the winding roller. The web-shaped first peeling material, and therefore the separator material tape, can be driven through the distribution equipment by driving a winding roller which can be optionally combined with the driving of a master roller, and as a result, the new adhesive elements can be guided from the master roller to the distribution area. In this regard, the distribution equipment, i.2) Master roller having a distribution material tape, ii.2) A winding roller for winding up the web-shaped first release material from which the adhesive elements have been attached and detached, iii.3) A guiding device adapted to guide the distribution material tape from the master roller through the distribution area, and to guide the web-like first release material, from which adhesive elements have been attached in the decomposition area, to the winding roller. A method according to the present invention, including the above, is preferred. Furthermore, a method according to the present invention in which the master roller and / or winding roller, preferably the winding roller, are electrically driven is preferred.

[0024] The present invention, complementary to the above, is a distributor device for use in the method according to the present invention for forming a distributor equipment, m) A first roller support for rotatably mounting and supporting a master roller containing a distribution material tape, wherein the distribution material tape includes a plurality of adhesive elements having a carrier layer and an adhesive layer bonded thereto, and the adhesive elements are disposed on a web-like first release material on the adhesive layer side of the first roller support, n) A second roller support for rotatably mounting and supporting a winding roller for winding up a web-like first release material with adhesive elements attached and detached, o) A guiding device adapted to guide the distribution machine material tape from the master roller through the distribution area, and to guide the web-like first release material, from which adhesive elements have been attached in the distribution area, to the winding roller. Includes, The dispensing device is adapted to separate the adhesive elements from the web-like first release material in the dispensing area and to distribute them simultaneously or alternately to two separate receiving devices. Regarding distribution equipment.

[0025] In this regard, a distributor device according to the present invention is preferred in which the first roller support and / or the second roller support, preferably the second roller support, are electrically driven.

[0026] One of the advantages of the method according to the present invention is that this can be automated particularly easily and efficiently. In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that, for this purpose, an electronic data processing device is usually used to control or assist in the control of the method. In a preferred embodiment, this electronic data processing device is part of a distribution system. Therefore, a method according to the present invention is preferred in which the distribution system includes an electronic data processing device for controlling the method.

[0027] In process step b), two or more receiving units are manufactured or provided, in which adhesive rollers fitted with adhesive elements are manufactured. These receiving units include a supply roller containing wound web-like second release material, the web-like second release material being guided from the supply roller to the receiving roller via a guiding unit, the guiding unit may also include a guiding roller or other guiding elements. Thus, the web-like second release material can be guided into the receiving unit by winding it onto the receiving roller and correspondingly unwinding it from the supply roller. In this case, the web-like second release material passes through a so-called receiving area of ​​the receiving unit. Therefore, within the framework of the present invention, a portion of the receiving unit is shown, where adhesive elements dispensed from a distributor unit are transferred to the receiving unit and, accordingly, received thereby. In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that within the framework of the method according to the present invention, web-like second release material, which does not yet contain adhesive elements, is guided through the receiving area, where the adhesive elements are fitted, and then wound onto the receiving roller. A method according to the present invention is preferred in which the supply roller and / or receiving roller, preferably the receiving roller, are electrically driven. Similarly, a method according to the present invention is also preferred in which, additionally or alternatively, the guiding equipment and / or guiding unit includes one or more guiding elements, preferably guiding rollers.

[0028] In this case, the manufacture of the receiving equipment is particularly important for the method according to the present invention, which manufactures an adhesive roller with adhesive elements attached, which is then used further as an adhesive roller, for example, by being incorporated into an application device or to replenish cartridge units in a subsequent filling process. In this case, the receiving equipment is manufactured by incorporating, for example, a supply roller with new web-like second release material, and a roller suitable for receiving the adhesive roller, into a device provided for that purpose, such as a guiding device and a drive device for each roller. The web-like second release material can then be passed through the guiding device and connected to the receiving roller so that it is wound onto the receiving roller. In the manufacture of the corresponding adhesive roller, it is advantageous that the web-like second release material is supplied from a large material roller. Using such a material roller, multiple adhesive rollers can be manufactured one after another, so that after a sufficiently replenished adhesive tape roller is achieved, the liner can be cut and the manufactured adhesive roller can be removed. The free end of the web-like second release material can then be connected to a new receiving roller to restart the process. In this embodiment, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the manufactured adhesive rollers with adhesive elements attached are manufactured as separate adhesive rollers. In this case, the method is described in the following process steps: f) The web-like second release material of each receiving device is cut when a predetermined replenishment level of the receiving roller is achieved, and each receiving roller is removed from the receiving device in order to obtain an adhesive roller with the adhesive element attached. A method according to the present invention that further includes is preferred.

[0029] A preferred method according to the present invention, characterized in that separate adhesive rollers are obtained, can be efficiently carried out using a filling device in which a dispensing device incorporated according to the present invention is combined with specific components of a receiving device. The corresponding components of the receiving device included in the filling device are components that are not usually regularly replaced in practice, such as corresponding roller supports for incorporating a supply roller or receiving roller, and necessary guiding equipment. Accordingly, a preferred method according to the present invention is carried out using a filling device, in which case the filling device is u) Distribution equipment, and v) Two or more roller support systems including the following i), ii), and iii): i) A third roller support for rotatably mounting and supporting the supply roller, ii) A fourth roller support for rotatably mounting and supporting the receiving and feeding roller, iii) Information facilities, Includes.

[0030] As an alternative to the manufacturing method described above for separate adhesive rollers, the direct manufacture of adhesive rollers fitted with adhesive elements within a cartridge unit can be considered, particularly when replenishing a reused cartridge unit. In this case, the receiving equipment is formed by a cartridge unit comprising a supply roller, a receiving roller, a guiding device, and a web-like second release material. The corresponding cartridge unit can be incorporated into a suitable cartridge-type application device after replenishment. Accordingly, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which two or more receiving devices are cartridge units, preferably reused cartridge units, in which case the cartridge units are particularly preferably reversibly and non-destructively replaceable cartridge units for the application device, and the manufactured adhesive roller fitted with adhesive elements is a component of the replenished cartridge unit. In this case, the method further comprises the following process steps: g) The replenished cartridge unit is incorporated into the cartridge housing of the application device, where the application device is preferably an end effector, step, A method according to the present invention, including the above, is preferred.

[0031] A pre-filled cartridge unit, which can be incorporated into an application device, contains a second release material to which adhesive elements are attached, and is continuously emptied during use in the application device. In this process, the web-like second release material is wound onto a supply roller that, when emptied, performs the opposite function to that of replenishment. Therefore, after the cartridge unit is completely emptied, the web-like second release material remains wound onto the supply roller but is still connected to the receiving roller. Advantageously, the emptied cartridge unit is then in a state where it is intended for use as a receiving device in the method according to the present invention, in which case the direction of the roller's movement is reversed between use in the application device and use in the refilling process.

[0032] To improve handling, the corresponding cartridges are typically provided with a housing to protect internal components from direct external interference and environmental influences. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the web-like second release material needs to be accessible in the receiving area so that the adhesive elements provided by the dispensing equipment can be transferred onto the web-like second release material in the receiving area. In this regard, the inventors have succeeded in identifying a particularly advantageous form of the cartridge unit, namely, that it utilizes a so-called cartridge dispensing edge as part of the guiding equipment in the receiving area. This is part of the guiding equipment that ensures the web-like second release material is guided around the edge in the receiving area, usually with a change of direction of 90° or more. The appropriate cartridge dispensing edge enables advantageous web stretching for replenishment in the receiving area, allowing for particularly good transfer of adhesive elements to it. Furthermore, when the direction of travel is reversed during use in an application device, the cartridge dispensing edge causes or facilitates the detachment of adhesive elements from the release liner, thereby enabling advantageous delivery of adhesive elements from the cartridge unit. Here, the dispensing is performed with the adhesive layer facing downwards, and as a result, when used in an application device, the adhesive elements from the cartridge unit can be dispensed with the adhesive layer facing downwards, thereby allowing the adhesive elements to be transferred to, for example, a circulating conveyor element, or a surface with reduced adhesion, such as a suction belt, from which the adhesive elements can be received from the application element and placed on the adherend, particularly efficiently. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is preferred, in which the cartridge unit includes a housing, in which case the housing is preferably configured so that the adhesive elements can be attached to the web-like second release material from the outside, essentially only in the receiving area.Furthermore, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the cartridge unit includes a fixed-position cartridge distribution edge as part of the guiding equipment, wherein the cartridge unit is adapted to guide a material tape provided on a receiving roller, which includes a plurality of adhesive elements arranged on a web-like second release material on the adhesive layer side, to a supply roller via the cartridge distribution edge so that the adhesive elements can be separated from the release material in the receiving area and dispensed from the cartridge unit.

[0033] For this purpose, the present invention complementarily provides a refillable cartridge unit manufactured or that can be manufactured by the method according to the present invention, i) Supply roller, ii) Acceptance of Laura, iii) Information facilities, and iv) A material tape comprising multiple adhesive elements arranged on a web-like second release material on the adhesive layer side, The housing is placed and includes, The material tape is partially wound onto the receiving roller and secured at one end to the supply roller. The web-like second peeling material is positioned within the guiding equipment between the supply roller and the receiving roller, and is guided through the receiving area of ​​the receiving equipment, The aforementioned guidance equipment includes a fixed-position cartridge distribution edge, particularly a knife edge. The cartridge unit is adapted to guide the material tape provided on the receiving roller through the cartridge distribution edge to the supply roller so that the adhesive element can be separated from the web-like second release material in the receiving area and dispensed from the cartridge unit. This also relates to the cartridge unit.

[0034] The inventors propose that a particularly efficient method can be implemented if a specific holding position is provided in the dispensing equipment that allows for the optimal incorporation of the cartridge unit, for example, because this allows for at least partial molded placement of the cartridge unit within the dispensing equipment. In the inventors' evaluation, it is particularly preferable that the cartridge unit itself be designed without a drive unit. This can considerably simplify the initial manufacturing of the corresponding cartridge unit and reduce the need for complex components. The rollers of the corresponding cartridge unit are driven by the drive unit of the dispensing equipment during subsequent use in the dispensing equipment.

[0035] To enable efficient refilling in the method according to the present invention, a drive unit responsible for driving the rollers in the method according to the present invention can be provided in a holding position for the cartridge unit in the dispensing equipment, and it is conceivable that multiple cartridge units may be driven by the same drive unit. In this case, it is preferable that the dispensing equipment includes two or more holding positions in which two or more cartridge units can be arranged to be reversibly and non-destructively interchangeable for implementation of the method. Similarly, it is preferable that the method according to the present invention is designed as non-driven rollers in the cartridge unit, either additionally or alternatively. Furthermore, it is preferable that the dispensing equipment includes a drive unit for driving the supply roller and / or receiving roller of the cartridge unit positioned in the holding position of the dispensing equipment. Furthermore, it is preferable that the supply roller and / or receiving roller, preferably the supply roller and receiving roller, include a structured central engagement recess, where this structured central engagement recess preferably has a toothed structure. Alternatively, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the drive unit includes one or more coupling elements positioned in the region of the holding position, wherein the coupling elements are adapted to create a molded coupling in which the supply roller and / or receiving roller engage with the engagement recess when the cartridge unit is positioned in the holding position, thereby enabling the drive unit to drive the guiding equipment.

[0036] Regardless of the method by which the adhesive rollers with adhesive elements are manufactured, a major advantage of the method according to the present invention is that it is suitable for simultaneously manufacturing a larger number of adhesive rollers. In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that the number of adhesive rollers or cartridge units to be manufactured or refilled simultaneously correlates with the number of receiving devices. In this regard, according to the inventors' assessment, it is generally preferable to provide as many receiving devices as possible, and in this case, the maximum number of receiving devices that can be efficiently mounted probably depends on the width of the master roller in practice. Accordingly, it is preferable that in process step b), three or more, preferably four or more, receiving devices are provided, and / or in step e), the adhesive elements are transferred to the receiving areas of three or more, preferably four or more, particularly preferably five or more receiving devices.

[0037] The present inventors have disclosed below preferred structural designs suitable for carrying out the method according to the present invention. In this regard, the individual structural measures can be combined with each other to optimize the apparatus and equipment used in the method according to the present invention to the requirements of their respective applications and to adapt to the efficient handling of the adhesive elements used, in particular with respect to their adhesive properties and their placement on the web-like first release material.

[0038] The inventors propose that a so-called delamination region can be set before the distribution region, which is useful for reducing the adhesion of the adhesive elements to the web-like first release material before the actual delivery of the adhesive elements from the distribution equipment in the distribution region. This is advantageous in order to enable simpler transfer, in particular when dealing with adhesive elements that exhibit relatively strong adhesion to such surfaces, despite the reduced adhesion of the web-like first release material. In addition, this design is suitable for combination with transfer elements in use, as disclosed below. These transfer elements are based on lifting the adhesive elements away from the web-like first release material, which is advantageously facilitated when a delamination region is provided and the required bonding strength to the transfer element when it is received can be reduced. Structurally, the corresponding delamination region can be realized, for example, as follows: the web-like first delamination material is deflected using three guide elements and guided through these first, second, and third guide elements, wherein the first and third guide elements are positioned close to each other such that the adhesive elements cannot follow the deflection and extension of the travel path, but instead are transported directly to the liner side, which reappears at the third guide element via the edge formed by the first guide element. In other words, the method according to the present invention is preferred, wherein the distribution equipment includes a delamination region in the web direction of the distribution material tape, wherein this delamination region is adapted such that the adhesion of the adhesive elements to the web-like first delamination material is reduced before the distribution region, preferably by temporary delamination of the adhesive elements from the web-like first delamination material and subsequent re-contact. In this case, the peeling region includes a deflection apparatus equipped with three or more deflection rollers, the deflection rollers being arranged as follows: the adhesive elements are separated from the web-like first peeling material at the first deflection roller and transported over the first deflection roller, so that they come into contact with the web-like first peeling material again at the second deflection roller, and the web-like first peeling material is guided via a third deflection roller which is offset from the first and second deflection rollers to create a difference in the travel path between them.

[0039] In addition to or alternative to the peeling region, the dispensing equipment may be configured to include a position-adjustable dispensing edge in the dispensing region. The corresponding position-adjustable dispensing edge is also known to those skilled in the art in the field of adhesive technology as a shuttle dispensing edge ("pendelnde Spendekante"). The corresponding concept for implementing the shuttle dispensing edge is known to those skilled in the art based on their general expertise. For this implementation, the dispensing equipment includes at least one movable element that can move forward and backward, which guides the web-like first peeling material into and out of the dispensing region, thereby providing adhesive elements placed on the web-like first peeling material, and so that the adhesive elements can be received by a transfer element, for example, particularly efficiently. Accordingly, the method according to the present invention is preferred, in which the dispensing equipment includes a position-adjustable dispensing edge in the dispensing region, wherein the position-adjustable dispensing edge is preferably formed by three or more deflection elements that guide the dispensing material tape, where at least two of the deflection elements are reversibly and nondestructively position-adjustable.

[0040] As an alternative to shuttle-type distribution edges, the distribution equipment may be equipped with a fixed-position distribution edge in the distribution area. In this case, the term "distribution edge" is clear to those skilled in the art, and the concept of a distribution edge is well known to those skilled in the art in the field of adhesive technology. A material tape comprising a web-like first release material and adhesive elements placed thereon is supplied onto the distribution edge, in which case the web-like first release material curves sharply around the edge of the distribution edge at its end. Due to the inherent rigidity of the adhesive elements, which is stronger than the adhesion to the web-like release material, the adhesive elements cannot follow this movement of the release material, and rather, the material tape is continuously peeled away from the release material as it is guided through the distribution edge.

[0041] In this case, the corresponding distribution edge is doubly advantageous. On the one hand, it ensures favorable stretching of the web-like first release material in the distribution area, thereby allowing the adhesive elements to be removed particularly efficiently by the transport element. In addition, the functions described above enable the adhesive elements guided through the edge of the distribution edge to be separated from the release material without the use of a transport element, thereby enabling direct transfer, in particular, with the combination of circulating conveyor elements disclosed below. In this regard, the method according to the present invention is preferred, in which the distribution equipment includes a fixed-position distribution edge, particularly a knife edge, in the distribution area, wherein the distribution equipment can guide the distribution material tape guided to the distribution equipment through the fixed-position distribution edge, so that the adhesive elements are separated from the web-like first release material in the distribution area and the adhesive elements are transported beyond the fixed-position distribution edge.

[0042] For example, even when it is possible in principle to receive the adhesive elements directly from the distribution area at a shuttle-type distribution edge or a fixed-position distribution edge by using an appropriate transfer element, the inventors have found that it is essentially preferable in all embodiments for the adhesive elements to first be transferred onto a circulating conveyor element, such as a conveyor belt, after being detached from the web-like first release material. In this case, the transfer of the adhesive elements to the fixed-position distribution edge is particularly efficient because it allows for a reliable and controlled transfer to the circulating conveyor element, and the movable form of the shuttle-type distribution edge becomes advantageously unnecessary when a circulating conveyor element is used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the simplest embodiment of the method according to the present invention is to transfer the adhesive elements onto the circulating conveyor element, then receive them with a transfer element, and then transfer them to a receiving facility. For this purpose, it is advantageous to configure the surface of the circulating conveyor element as a surface with reduced adhesion, mimicking a typical liner, so that the adhesive elements can be easily detached from the circulating conveyor element. Accordingly, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the distribution equipment includes a circulating conveyor element having a surface with reduced adhesion in the distribution area, wherein the distribution equipment is adapted so that the adhesive elements conveyed therefrom via the distribution edge are transported with their adhesive layer facing the surface of the conveyor element with reduced adhesion. An example is the method according to the present invention in which the circulating conveyor element includes a circulating conveyor belt or a transport belt, preferably a conveyor belt.

[0043] In this context, the previously defined form of the surface of the circulating conveyor element as a surface with reduced adhesion is readily implementable for those skilled in the art, as they are familiar with the concept of a surface with reduced adhesion from many other fields of adhesion technology, such as those commonly used with respect to typical liners. Without knowledge of the use of Praktis, it is difficult to determine the absolute value of the applied force and the required degree of adhesion reduction. The acceptable adhesive strength between the adhesive element and the surface with reduced adhesion of the conveyor element essentially depends on the physical-chemical properties of the adhesive used, particularly its cohesive force, and the adhesive strength that can be generated in a short time by the transport element used against the carrier layer of the adhesive element. In Praktis, the selection of the adhesive used for the adhesive layer usually depends on the requirements of the later application, which are imposed on the bonding strength to the adherend. Those skilled in the art who have identified an adhesive suitable for interaction with a substrate can then make an appropriate selection for the material of the conveyor element or its coating, each adhesive should exhibit sufficiently low adhesion to such material or coating to allow acceptance of the adhesive element by the transport element or peeling using the conveyor distribution edge. The method according to the present invention is preferred in which the reduced-adhesion surface is coated with a release layer, preferably a silicone-based release layer, wherein the silicone-based release layer is preferably manufactured by crosslinking of a crosslinkable silicone system containing one or more polysiloxanes. The method according to the present invention is also preferred in which the reduced-adhesion surface is designed such that the adhesion force of the adhesive element to the reduced-adhesion surface is preferably more than 50%, particularly preferably more than 70%, and especially particularly preferably more than 90%, than the bonding force between the transport element and the adhesive element when the adhesive element is accepted by the transport element.

[0044] The circulating conveyor element can be designed as a suction belt in an advantageous configuration, in which case negative pressure acting through openings in the surface with reduced adhesion allows for additional fastening of adhesive elements to the circulating conveyor element, which also allows for guidance of adhesive elements in directions other than horizontal. Accordingly, for certain applications, the method according to the present invention is preferable in which the circulating conveyor element includes a suction function for fastening adhesive elements to the surface of the circulating conveyor element. However, for the majority of applications, the method according to the present invention is preferable in which the circulating conveyor element does not include a suction function for fastening adhesive elements to the surface of the circulating conveyor element.

[0045] The use of circulating conveyor elements in the distribution area also enhances process reliability, particularly by ensuring the correct placement of adhesive elements on the circulating conveyor elements using sensor units, such as cameras. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is preferred, wherein the distribution equipment includes one or more sensor units, which are adapted to detect the position of adhesive elements on the surface of the circulating conveyor elements, and preferably, process control is performed based on data recorded by the one or more sensor units.

[0046] In the method according to the present invention, the transfer of adhesive elements is carried out starting from a manufactured or supplied dispensing and receiving equipment, which includes process steps c), d), and e). That is, on the dispensing equipment side, the dispensing material tape is guided through the dispensing area, where the first release material is separated from the adhesive elements. On the receiving equipment side, the web-like second release material is fed from each supply roller and guided through the receiving area, where the adhesive tape is received and then wound onto the receiving roller. As the dispensing material tape is guided through the dispensing area, the adhesive components are discharged from the dispensing equipment, and the discharged adhesive elements are transferred to the receiving area of ​​the receiving equipment, where they are placed on each of the web-like second release materials. In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that process steps c), d), and e) are generally carried out at least partially simultaneously, and that depending on the structural configuration of the dispensing equipment, particularly almost continuous operation is also possible. However, alternatively, a stepwise process can also be performed, in which case the adhesive elements are supplied into the distribution area and transferred to the receiving area, but each release material is not moving at the time of supplying or receiving, and the release material is further guided only after the transfer is successfully completed in order to supply new adhesive elements or to make space for receiving further adhesive elements. However, in this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that the faster such a stepwise process can be performed, the less distinct the difference from a continuous process becomes, and in some cases, almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which process steps c) and / or d) and / or e), preferably process steps c) and d) and e), are performed at least partially simultaneously. Alternatively, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which process steps c) and / or d) are performed discontinuously.

[0047] In our evaluation of the transport of adhesive elements, particularly high-performance forms are obtained by using appropriate transport elements. These transport elements receive adhesive elements in a distribution area and transport them to a receiving area of ​​a receiving facility. To this end, the transport elements can form reversibly and nondestructively detachable bonds with the adhesive elements and then receive them. After receiving the adhesive elements, the transport elements can be moved by an automated movable unit, such as a robotic arm, to place the adhesive elements on a web-like second release material and thereafter peel off the reversibly and nondestructively separable bonds. Accordingly, a preferred method according to the present invention includes one or more transport elements, wherein the transport elements are adapted to separate the adhesive elements placed in the distribution area from the web-like first release material in the form of reversibly and nondestructively detachable bonds, receive them, and transport them to one of the web-like second release materials in the receiving area of ​​the receiving facility. In this case, the method according to the present invention is particularly preferred in which the distribution equipment includes two or more, preferably three or more, particularly preferably four or more, and most preferably five or more transfer elements, and in this case, the distribution equipment particularly preferably includes at least one transfer element for each receiving equipment.

[0048] When using a transfer element, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the transfer element comprises an automated movable unit and one or more receiving units positioned on the movable unit, wherein the receiving unit is adapted to form a reversibly and nondestructively peelable bond with the carrier layer of the adhesive element. The method according to the present invention is also preferred in which the receiving unit comprises one or more controllable suction grippers, wherein the dispensing equipment preferably comprises one or more vacuum pumps connected to the suction grippers. Furthermore, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the automated movable unit is an industrial robot, preferably a SCARA robot or a Delta robot.

[0049] The corresponding transfer element can, advantageously, be combined with all the forms of the distribution region described above. In particular, the adhesive element can be received from a variable-position or fixed-position distribution edge or—particularly preferably—from a reduced-adhesion surface of a circulating conveyor element. Accordingly, depending on the configuration, this is a method according to the present invention in which the transfer element is applied to receive the adhesive element from a variable-position distribution edge, or the transfer element is adapted to receive the adhesive element from a fixed-position distribution edge, or the transfer element is adapted to receive the adhesive element from a reduced-adhesion surface of a circulating conveyor element.

[0050] In our evaluation, a particularly advantageous alternative to the use of transport elements can be realized in the case of the circulating conveyor elements described above. For this purpose, the transport elements are designed to have a distribution edge on the opposite side of the transport area of ​​the adhesive elements from the web-like first release material onto the circulating conveyor element, such a distribution edge is referred to as a conveyor distribution edge within the framework of this invention. Consistent with the understanding of those skilled in the art, this is a structural form of the circulating conveyor element in which the surface with reduced adhesion is sharply redirected depending on the type of distribution edge, and the adhesive elements cannot follow its movement due to their rigidity, and as a result the transported adhesive elements are transported via the conveyor distribution edge. In this particularly preferred form, the receiving equipment can be positioned near the conveyor distribution edge so that the adhesive elements transported over the conveyor distribution edge are pushed into the receiving area and there into contact with the web-like second release material. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the circulating conveyor element includes a conveyor distribution edge, and the distribution equipment is adapted so that the adhesive elements being transported on the circulating conveyor element are transported over the conveyor distribution edge at the point of the conveyor distribution edge and then discharged from the distribution equipment.

[0051] The configuration described above is advantageous because it does not use a transfer element, and is therefore particularly simple and less prone to failure. In our evaluation, a similar configuration can be realized in principle without using a circulating conveyor element if the distribution equipment has a fixed-position distribution edge through which the adhesive elements are pushed out and transferred to the receiving area in the same manner as described above. However, omitting the use of a circulating conveyor element is not particularly advantageous from the viewpoint of isolating the adhesive elements, as disclosed below.

[0052] Even in the case of adhesive elements with weak adhesion to the web-like second release material, in order to ensure that they do not undesirably detach from the release material after transfer, the inventors propose that additional pressing elements, such as pressing rollers, may be provided to press the transferred adhesive elements against the web-like second release material and ensure sufficient adhesion. Accordingly, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the distribution equipment includes one or more pressing elements, preferably pressing rollers, and in this case, the pressing elements are adapted to press the transferred adhesive elements against one of the web-like second release materials in the receiving equipment in the receiving area.

[0053] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will understand that, in a preferred embodiment, the delivery and transfer of adhesive elements are mediated by a transfer element or by direct transfer at the distribution edge from the distribution equipment to the receiving area. In addition, from the viewpoint of simultaneous loading to two or more receiving equipment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the delivery and transfer of adhesive elements to different receiving equipment may occur almost simultaneously or at least alternately, in which case a configuration in which different receiving equipment is continuously filled is also conceivable. That is, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the delivery and transfer of adhesive elements are performed by a transfer element or via a fixed-position distribution edge or via a conveyor distribution edge of a circulating conveyor element. Furthermore, the method according to the present invention is also preferred in which the delivery and transfer of adhesive elements to different receiving equipment are performed at least partially simultaneously or alternately, preferably at least partially simultaneously.

[0054] One of the important aspects of the present invention and one of the particularly significant advantages of this method is that a wide master roller with multiple rows of adhesive elements extending in the web direction can be used as the distributor material tape, even when the adhesive elements are arranged to achieve the highest possible coverage density within the frame of the closest packing, as would be assumed in the case of, for example, circular or elliptical adhesive elements. The method according to the present invention eliminates the need to cut the master roller, and in this case, the adhesive elements of two or more rollers of the master roller can be advantageously transferred to each receiving equipment. Therefore, the method according to the present invention is essentially preferred in all embodiments, in which the adhesive elements in the distributor material tape are arranged in two or more, preferably three or more, rows extending in the web direction, and the adhesive elements of adjacent rows are preferably offset from each other along the web direction. In this case, the method according to the present invention is preferred in which the distributor material tape for each receiving equipment includes two or more, preferably exactly two, rows of adhesive elements extending in the web direction per receiving equipment. Furthermore, in process step e), a method according to the present invention is also preferred in which adhesive elements from two or more, preferably exactly two rows, of the adhesive elements of the dispensing material tape extending in the web direction are each transferred onto the web-like second release material of each receiving device.

[0055] The transfer of adhesive elements allows for changes in the arrangement of the transferred adhesive elements, and in particular, the ability to generate a single row of adhesive elements on a web-like second release material from two or more rows of adhesive elements on a master roller can be considered a particular advantage of the method according to the present invention. The corresponding adhesive roller can be designed with a minimum effective width, which is particularly preferable from a weight-technical standpoint for use in end effectors. In addition, the simple row-like arrangement of adhesive elements on the adhesive roller with the adhesive elements mounted on it enables a relatively simple method of supplying adhesive elements to the application device. Accordingly, the relative arrangement of the conveyed adhesive elements is changed during conveyance, preferably such that the adhesive elements are arranged linearly, particularly alternately, on the web-like second release material from two or more, particularly two exact rows, of adhesive elements on the distributor material tape extending in the web direction, and / or the conveyed adhesive elements are arranged on each web-like second release material in fewer numbers than on the distributor material tape, preferably in exactly one web-like row, and / or the conveyed adhesive elements are arranged on each web-like second release material in a number lower per unit length with respect to the web direction than on the distributor material tape.

[0056] The previously described embodiment, in which adhesive elements densely arranged on a master roll are altered during transport with respect to their relative arrangement (particularly to achieve simplified arrangement on a web-like second release material), can certainly be realized, for example, by the use of a transport element, such a transport element can alternately remove the adhesive elements from two rows and then subsequently place them on the web-like second release material, in which case those skilled in the art will understand that the web speed of the web-like second release material is faster than the guide speed of the distribution material web.

[0057] However, a particularly advantageous configuration can be achieved when using a circulating conveyor element. By selecting a conveying speed of the circulating conveyor element that is faster than the guiding speed of the distribution material tape, it becomes possible to isolate each adhesive element along the web direction as it is delivered from the circulating conveyor belt to the distribution edge. Even when this effect can be used, at least theoretically, to facilitate the acceptance of adhesive elements by the transport element, the inventors propose that a faster circulating conveyor element can be combined with a guide element placed on top of the circulating conveyor element, so as to shift the position of the adhesive elements being transported on the circulating conveyor element on a surface with reduced adhesion. By combining a faster circulating conveyor element with a guide element, each adhesive element densely packed on the master roller can be isolated along the transport direction and rearranged laterally relative to the transport direction, and as a result, they can be transported to the receiving equipment in the form of individual rows at the conveyor distribution edge, for example. In this regard, the inventors propose that, in this case, when guide elements are designed according to types that can be positioned on a circulating conveyor element depending on the master roller used, in order to position the corresponding adhesive elements on a circulating conveyor element for optimal transfer to the receiving equipment, the distributor equipment used in the method according to the present invention can be flexibly adapted with respect to various shapes and arrangements of adhesive elements on the master roller. In this case, for example, the type of guide element for a circular adhesive element is different from that for an elliptical adhesive element. That is, the transport speed v of the circulating conveyor element F However, the guidance speed v of the distribution material tape in the distribution equipment M Faster than, in this case, the conveying speed of the conveyor elements is preferably at least 2 × v M In particular, at least 3 × v M In particular, at least 4 × v M In particular, at least 5 × v MThe method according to the present invention is preferred, wherein the distribution equipment includes one or more guide elements, preferably at least two guide elements per receiving equipment, wherein the one or more guide elements are adapted to adjust the position of adhesive elements placed on a circulating conveyor element.

[0058] Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of a dispenser device according to the present invention when replenishing adhesive elements to empty adhesive rollers, particularly when replenishing cartridge units, and especially preferably when simultaneously replenishing two or more empty adhesive rollers.

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0060] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a first preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a second preferred embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the component shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a third preferred embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a fourth preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a fifth preferred embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of the component shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the component shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the components used in the method of the present invention in a sixth preferred embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a top view of the component shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the component shown in Figure 9. [Examples]

[0061] Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9 schematically show components of different preferred embodiments used in the method of the present invention for manufacturing an adhesive roller fitted with adhesive element 10. Figures 3, 8, and 11 or 7 and 10 show individual perspective or top views of these six embodiments, respectively.

[0062] The distributor equipment 14 used in the method of the present invention includes, in each embodiment, at least one first roller support 48 and a second electrically driven roller support 52, as well as a guide device 56. In the method of the present invention, the distributor material tape 12 is guided from a master roller 50 rotatably mounted on the first roller support 48, through the guide device 56 and through the distribution area 18 to a winding roller 54. This winding roller 54 is rotatably mounted on the second roller support 52.

[0063] The distribution material tapes 12 of the master roller 50, in the shown example, each have a width of approximately 400 mm perpendicular to the web direction and include a web-like first release material 16, which in the shown example is formed as a liner coated with a silicone-based release layer. On this liner, a plurality of circular adhesive elements 10, each having an adhesive layer on the liner side, are arranged in a dense packing. This means, for example, that the adhesive elements 10 are arranged in a total of 10 rows extending in the web direction, offset from each other, such that the non-attached free space between each adhesive element is as small as possible. In this shown example, the adhesive elements 10 are adhesive circular die-cuts, such as those used in the automotive industry to cover recesses.

[0064] Within the framework of the method according to the present invention shown in Figure 1, in the distribution area 18 of the distribution equipment 14, the distribution material tape 12 is guided around the fixed distribution edge 38 at such an acute angle that the essentially rigid adhesive element 10 cannot follow the movement of the liner, thereby partially peeling the adhesive element 10 from the liner at the fixed distribution edge 38. The corresponding adhesive element 10 is received by the transfer element 34 slightly before or at the fixed distribution edge 38, and thereby discharged from the distribution equipment 14 in the distribution area 18, resulting in only the liner, i.e., only the web-like first peel material 16, being wound onto the winding roller 54.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, which may be particularly advantageous for strongly adhesive elements 10, a delamination region 32 is additionally provided in front of the distribution region 18 in the web direction to weaken the adhesion between the liner and the adhesive element 10. In the delamination region 32, which consists of a total of three deflection rollers, temporary delamination of the adhesive element 10 from the liner is induced by a similar principle similarly known from the distribution edge. However, unlike this, the adhesive element 10 is placed back on the same liner, and in this case, the arrangement of these deflection rollers creates a difference in the travel distance between the delamination position of the adhesive element 10 and the new contact position of the adhesive element 10 on the liner. This aspect and function of the delamination region 32 is similarly shown in a perspective view in Figure 3.

[0066] Alternatively, the delivery of adhesive elements 10 from the distribution area 18 of the distribution equipment 14 can also be achieved by a position-adjustable distribution edge 36, as shown in Figure 4. The position-adjustable (so-called shuttle-type) distribution edge 36 includes a movable deflection roller, which is provided with an action arrow in Figure 4 in the example shown.

[0067] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9, the distribution equipment 14 additionally includes a circulating conveyor element 40 configured as a conveyor belt in the distribution area 18, the conveyor element 40 having a surface coated with a silicone-based release layer and therefore reduced adhesion. In these embodiments, the adhesive elements 10 delivered from the fixed-position distribution edge 38 are directly transported to the circulating conveyor element 40, where they are received by the transport element 34 as shown in Figures 5 and 6, or directly delivered from the distribution equipment 14 via the conveyor distribution edge 42 by the conveyor element 40, as shown in Figure 9. At this time, the circulating conveyor belt 40 is transported at the conveying speed V of the circulating conveyor element 40. F and the guide speed V of the distribution material tape 12 M The speed difference between them allows each adhesive element 10 to be isolated on the conveyor element 40 along the transport direction.

[0068] To carry out the method of the present invention, in addition to the distribution equipment 14, at least two receiving equipment 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and 20e are required. The receiving equipment 20a to e each include a rotatably mounted supply roller 22 and an electrically driven receiving roller 24, and a guiding equipment 26 for guiding the web-like second release material 28, the web-like second release material 28 being formed as a liner similar to the web-like first release material 16, similarly comprising a silicone-based release layer.

[0069] Within the framework of the method of the present invention, in all embodiments shown, the adhesive elements 10 delivered from the distribution equipment 14 are transferred to one of the five receiving equipment 20a to e by being positioned on a web-like second release material 28 in a receiving area 30 of one of the receiving equipment 20a to e, during which the web-like second release material 28 is guided from the supply roller 22 through the distribution edge and guiding equipment 26 and then wound onto the receiving roller 24.

[0070] In the examples shown in Figures 1-8, the distributor equipment 14 includes a plurality of transfer elements 34, each configured as a suction gripper, for the transfer of the adhesive elements 10, although for clarity only one transfer element 34 is shown for each transfer element. Through a reversible and non-destructively detachable bond between the transfer elements 34 and the adhesive elements 10, the adhesive elements 10 can be detached from the liner of the distributor equipment 14 in the distribution area 18 and precisely positioned on the liners of the receiving units 20a-e in the receiving area 30.

[0071] In other words, within the framework of the method according to the present invention, the adhesive element 10 is transferred from the liner of the master roller 50 onto one of the liners of different receiving devices 20a to e, and together with this liner, it is wound onto each of the receiving rollers 24. Therefore, in the shown example, the liners of the five receiving devices 20a to e in total are narrower than the liner of the master roller 50. In the shown example, when the adhesive element 10 is transported, the relative arrangement of the adhesive elements 10 is changed such that the transported adhesive elements 10 are arranged in only one row on each of the liners of the receiving devices 20a to e.

[0072] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1-5 and 9-11, the receiving equipment 20a-e are designed as cartridge units 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, and 46e, respectively, which can be used in typical application devices for adhesive elements. However, for clarity, in Figure 1, only cartridge unit 46a is additionally characterized as the corresponding receiving equipment 20a.

[0073] The cartridge units 46a to e, as part of the guidance equipment 26, have a fixed-position cartridge distribution edge 60, in which the above components of the receiving equipment 20a to e are located in the cartridge unit 46a within the housing 58. Using these housings 58, the cartridge units 46a to e are reversibly and non-destructively replaced in receiving positions designed for this purpose and equipped with drive units.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the receiving equipment 20a-e is not configured as cartridge units 46a-e. In this embodiment, the adhesive rollers on which the adhesive elements 10 are mounted in the method according to the present invention can be obtained separately by cutting the web-like second release material 28 between the rollers and, after reaching a predetermined degree of filling, removing the receiving rollers 24 from the receiving equipment 20a-e. Figures 7 and 8 show different perspective views of this embodiment, respectively.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, which the inventors consider particularly preferred, the advantage is that the transfer element 34 is not required. In this embodiment, the rearrangement of the adhesive elements 10 on the surface of the conveyor element 40 is achieved not only by the speed difference between the conveyor element 40 and the dispensing material tape 12, but also, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, in the direction lateral to the web direction, particularly by the guide elements 44a and 44b. The guide elements 44a to 44b can adjust the position of the adhesive elements 10 on the conveyor element 40 so that the adhesive elements 10 can be directly transported from the conveyor dispensing edge 42 onto the dispensing edges of the individual receiving equipment 20a to e as a single example of the newly positioned adhesive elements 10.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the method according to the present invention can be operated particularly efficiently as a continuous process, and as a result, the guidance of the distributor material tape 12 in the distributor equipment 14, the winding of the web-like second release material 28 onto the receiving rollers 24 in the individual receiving equipment 20a to e, the delivery of the adhesive elements 10 from the distributor equipment 14, and the transfer of each portion of the delivered adhesive elements 10 to the receiving areas 30 of the receiving equipment 20a to e are performed substantially simultaneously. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10 Adhesive elements 12 Distributor Material Tape 14 Distributor equipment 16 Web-like first release material 18 Distribution area 20a~e Reception equipment 22 supply rollers 24 Accepted Laura 26 Information facilities 28 Web-like second release material 30 Reception area 32. Detachment area 34 Transport elements 36 Position-adjustable distribution edge 38 Fixed-position distribution edge 40 Circular Conveyor Elements 42 Conveyor distribution edge 44a~b Guidance elements 46a~e Cartridge Unit 48 First Roller Support 50 Master Roller 52 Second Roller Support 54 Take-up Roller 56 Guide Device 58 Housing 60 Position-fixed Cartridge Dispensing Edge V F Transport Speed of Rotary Conveyor Element V M Guide Speed of Dispensing Machine Material Tape

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an adhesive roller fitted with an adhesive element (10), comprising the following process steps: a) A step of manufacturing or providing a distributor material tape (12) in a distributor equipment (14), However, the distributor material tape (12) includes a plurality of adhesive elements (10) having a carrier layer and an adhesive layer bonded thereto, and in this case, the adhesive elements (10) are arranged on the web-like first release material (16) on the adhesive layer side, and The distributing equipment (14) is adapted to separate the adhesive element (10) from the web-like first release material (16) in the distribution area (18) and to discharge it from the distributing equipment (14); b) The step of manufacturing or providing two or more receiving equipment (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e), However, the two or more receiving facilities (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e) are each, i) Supply roller (22), ii) Acceptance Laura (24), iii) Information equipment (26), and iv) A web-like second peeling material (28) that is partially wound onto the supply roller (22) and fixed at one end to the receiving roller (24), The web-like second peeling material (28) is located within the guiding equipment (26) between the supply roller (22) and the receiving roller (24), and is guided through the receiving area (30) of the receiving equipment (20a to e); c) A step of guiding the distribution material tape (12) through the distribution area (18) in the distribution equipment (14); d) The web-like second peeling material (28) is wound onto the receiving roller (24) in each of the receiving equipment (20a to e), where the web-like second peeling material (28) is unwound from the supply roller (22) and guided through the receiving area (30) to the guiding equipment (26); and e) Distributing adhesive elements (10) from the distribution equipment (14) in the distribution area (18), and transferring a portion of the distributed adhesive elements (10) to the receiving areas (30) of the receiving equipment (20a to e), and placing the transferred adhesive elements (10) on each of the web-shaped second release materials (28); The method, including the method described above.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in process step e), each adhesive element (10) of the distributor material tape (12) is transferred from two or more rows extending in the web direction of the adhesive elements (10) onto the web-like second release material (28) of each receiving equipment (20a to e).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyed adhesive elements (10) are arranged on each of the web-shaped second release material (28) in a number less per unit length than on the distributor material tape (12) in the web direction.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distributor equipment (14) includes a peeling region (32) in the web direction of the distributor material tape (12) in front of the distribution region (18), and the peeling region (32) is adapted such that the adhesive force of the adhesive element (10) to the web-like first peeling material (16) is weakened in front of the distribution region (18).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distribution equipment (14) includes one or more transfer elements (34), the transfer elements (34) being adapted to separate adhesive elements (10) placed in the distribution area (18) from the web-like first release material (16) in such a way that they form a reversibly and nondestructively peelable bond, to receive them, and to transfer them to one of the web-like second release material (28) among the receiving equipment (20a to e) in the receiving area (30).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distribution equipment (14) includes a position-adjustable distribution edge (36) in the distribution area (18).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distributor equipment (14) includes a fixed-position distribution edge (38) in the distribution region (18), and the distributor equipment (14) is adapted to guide the distributor material tape (12) guided by the distributor equipment (14) through the fixed-position distribution edge (38) so that the adhesive element is separated from the web-like first release material (16) in the distribution region (18) and the adhesive element (10) can be transported beyond the fixed-position distribution edge (38).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the distribution equipment (14) includes a circular conveyor element (40) having a surface with reduced adhesiveness in the distribution area (18), and the distribution equipment (14) is adapted such that the adhesive element (10) being transported beyond the distribution edge (36, 38) is transported with its adhesive layer facing the surface of the conveyor element (40) with reduced adhesiveness.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the circulating conveyor element (40) includes a conveyor distribution edge (42), and in this case, the distribution equipment (14) is configured such that the adhesive element (10) being transported on the circulating conveyor element (40) is transported beyond the conveyor distribution edge (42) at the point of the conveyor distribution edge (42) and then discharged from the distribution equipment (14).

10. The conveying speed V of the aforementioned circular conveyor element (40) Ｆ However, the guide speed V of the distribution material tape (12) in the distribution equipment (14) Ｍ The method according to claim 8 or 9, which is faster than the method according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the distribution equipment (14) includes one or more guide elements (44a, 44b), wherein the one or more guide elements (44a to b) are adapted to adjust the position of the adhesive elements (10) arranged on the circulating conveyor element (40).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the two or more receiving devices (20a to e) are cartridge units (46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e), and the manufactured adhesive rollers fitted with adhesive elements (10) are components of the replenished cartridge units (46a to e).

13. A distributor device for use in the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 for forming a distributor equipment (14), m) A first roller support (48) for rotatably mounting and supporting a master roller (50) including a distributor material tape (12), wherein the distributor material tape (12) includes a plurality of adhesive elements (10) having a carrier layer and an adhesive layer bonded thereto, and in this case, the adhesive elements (10) are arranged on a web-like first release material (16) on the adhesive layer side of the first roller support (48), n) A second roller support (52) for rotatably mounting and supporting a winding roller (54) for winding up the web-shaped first release material (16) from which the adhesive elements (10) have been attached and detached, o) A guide device (56) adapted to guide the distribution machine material tape (12) from the master roller (50) through the distribution region (18), and to guide the web-shaped first release material (16), on which the adhesive elements (10) have been attached and detached in the distribution region (18), to the winding roller (54). Includes, The dispensing device is adapted to separate the adhesive element (10) from the web-like first release material (16) in the dispensing region (18) and to distribute it simultaneously or alternately to two separate receiving devices (20a to e). The aforementioned distribution device.

14. Use of the distributor device according to claim 13 when replenishing the cartridge units (46a to e).

15. A refillable cartridge unit (46a to e) manufactured or manufactured using the method of claim 12, i) Supply roller (22), ii) Acceptance Laura (24), iii) Information equipment (26), and iv) A material tape comprising a plurality of adhesive elements (10) arranged on the web-like second release material (28) on the adhesive layer side, wherein the material tape is partially wound onto the receiving roller (24) and fixed at one end to the supply roller (22), and the web-like second release material (28) is arranged in the guiding equipment (26) between the supply roller (22) and the receiving roller (24), and is guided through the receiving area (30) of the receiving equipment (20a to e), The housing (58) includes the following: The guiding equipment (26) includes a fixed-position cartridge distribution edge (60), and the cartridge units (46a to e) are adapted to guide the material tape provided on the receiving roller (24) to the supply roller (22) via the cartridge distribution edge (60) so that the adhesive element (10) can be separated from the web-like second release material (28) in the receiving area (30) and discharged from the cartridge units (46a to e). The replenished cartridge units (46a to e).

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