Web splicing device, label application device, and web splicing method

Abstract

A web joining device (30) is provided with: a first conveyance mechanism; a second conveyance mechanism; a joining mechanism (340); a first detection unit (317) that detects a terminal of a first web; a second detection unit (328) that detects a tip of a second web; and a movement information detection unit (350) that detects movement information on the first web. The second conveyance mechanism causes the second web of which the tip has been detected by the second detection unit (328) to be on standby. When the terminal of the first web is detected by the first detection unit (317), the first conveyance mechanism and the second conveyance mechanism convey the first web and the second web so that the terminal of the first web and the tip of the second web are continuous in this order at a joining position (P1) on the basis of a detection result of the movement information detection unit (350). The joining mechanism (340) affixes a joining tape so as to spread over the terminal of the first web and the tip of the second web that are continuous at the joining position (P1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a web splicing device that splices a plurality of webs, a label application device including the same, and a web splicing method for splicing a plurality of webs. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional web splicing device, when the remaining first web transported from the winding roll to the subsequent process becomes small, the first web is switched to the second web to continue continuous processing. At this time, the end of the first web and the leading edge of the second web are spliced ​​in a state where the transport of the first web is temporarily stopped. In such a case, the transport of the web is stopped, resulting in a large time loss.

[0003] In order to reduce such time loss, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-62874 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for connecting the end of a first web and the front end of a second web with tape without stopping the transport of the first web.

[0004] In the web splicing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the leading end side of the second web is adsorbed to a cutting drum, and the overlapping portion of the first web and the second web is cut in a state in which the end side of the first web and the leading end side of the second web are overlapped. As a result, the first web and the second web are continuous at the cutting location, and the first web and the second web are transported in a continuous state to a predetermined splicing position. Meanwhile, the remaining cut portion of the second web located on the leading end side of the cutting location remains adsorbed to the cutting drum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-62874 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the web joining device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the overlapping portion of the first and second webs is cut while the first and second webs are overlapped, so a cut remnant of the second web is formed in front of the cut location. In addition, the cut remnant of the second web needs to be removed, which is time-consuming.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a web joining device, a label application device, and a web joining method that are capable of joining a second web to a preceding first web without loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A web splicing device according to the present disclosure includes a first conveying mechanism for conveying a first web through a first conveying path toward a splicing position provided on a common path along which a first web and a second web are commonly conveyed, a second conveying mechanism for conveying the second web through a second conveying path toward the splicing position, a splicing mechanism for splicing an end of the first web and a front end of the second web at the splicing position, a first detector for detecting the end of the first web passing through the first conveying path, a second detector for detecting the front end of the second web passing through the second conveying path, and a movement information detector for detecting movement information of the first web. The second conveying mechanism causes the second web, the front end of which has been detected by the second detector, to wait in the second conveying path. When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism convey the first web and the second web waiting on the second conveying path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in that order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position.

[0009] In the above description, the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 being continuous in this order at the joining position P1 includes a state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are arranged with no gap between them, a state in which they are arranged with a small gap between them in the web transport direction, and a state in which the tip of the second web 21 is arranged so as to overlap the end of the first web.

[0010] The web splicing device according to the present disclosure may further include a cutting mechanism that is disposed upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web and cuts the first web.

[0011] The web joining device according to the present disclosure may further include a cut detection unit that is disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web and detects whether the first web can be cut.

[0012] In the web joining device according to the present disclosure, the first web may be transported intermittently.

[0013] In the web joining device based on the present disclosure, it is preferable that the first web is continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the joining tape is adhered to the end of the first web and the tip of the second web.

[0014] In the web joining device based on the present disclosure, it is preferable that the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second conveying path is transported to the joining position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit to the joining position.

[0015] In the web splicing device according to the present disclosure, the first transport mechanism may include a first transport roller that is disposed on the first transport path between a position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detector and the splicing position and transports the first web. In this case, the web splicing device may further include a pressure roller that is disposed opposite the first transport roller so that the first transport path is located between the pressure roller and the first transport roller. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the pressure roller presses the first web against the first transport roller when the end of the first web is detected by the first detector.

[0016] In the web splicing device according to the present disclosure, the second transport mechanism may include a second transport roller that transports the second web toward the splicing position. In this case, the second transport roller may rotate with a rotational driving force applied thereto when transporting the second web waiting in the second transport path to the splicing position, and may rotate following the rotation of the second transport roller without a rotational driving force applied thereto when transporting the second web spliced ​​to the first web.

[0017] The web splicing device according to the present disclosure may further include a third detector for detecting a leading end of the first web passing through the first transport path and a fourth detector for detecting a trailing end of the second web passing through the second transport path. In this case, the third detector is preferably disposed downstream of the first detector in the transport direction of the first web, and the fourth detector is preferably disposed upstream of the second detector in the transport direction of the second web.

[0018] A label application device according to the present disclosure includes the above-described web splicing device. The first web and the second web are strips having a plurality of labels peelably attached thereto.

[0019] A web joining method according to the present disclosure includes the steps of: transporting a first web through a first transport path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which a first web and a second web are commonly transported; detecting the end of the first web passing through the first transport path with a first detection unit; detecting the leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position with a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web with a movement information detection unit; transporting the second web waiting on the second transport path to the joining position; and joining the end of the first web transported to the joining position and the leading end of the second web. In the step of transporting the first web and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit. In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web which are continuous at the joining position.

[0020] The web joining method according to the present disclosure may further include a step of cutting the first web with a cutting mechanism disposed upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web.

[0021] The web joining method according to the present disclosure may further include a step of detecting whether or not the first web can be cut by a cut detection unit arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web.

[0022] In the web joining method according to the present disclosure, in the step of transporting the first web, the first web may be transported intermittently.

[0023] In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, in the step of transporting the first web, the first web may be continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the end of the first web reaches the joining position.

[0024] In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, in the step of having the second web wait on the second conveying path, it is preferable to have the second web wait so that the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second conveying path is transported to the joining position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit to the joining position.

[0025] In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, the step of transporting the first web preferably includes a step of pressing the first web, which is transported by a first transport roller arranged on the first transport path between the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, against the first transport roller by a pressure roller arranged opposite the first transport roller.

[0026] The web joining method according to the present disclosure may further include a step of transporting the second web joined to the first web. In this case, in the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, a rotational driving force may be applied to a second transport roller arranged in the second transport path so as to abut against the second web, thereby rotating the second transport roller, or in the step of transporting the second web joined to the first web, the second transport roller may be rotated without being applied with a rotational driving force. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a web splicing device, a label application device, and a web splicing method that are capable of splicing a second web to a preceding first web without loss. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a label attachment device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a web joining device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 5 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method using the web joining device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting a first web and a step of setting a second web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a schematic view showing a step of making a second web wait on a second transport path in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting whether or not the first web can be cut in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a schematic view showing a step of cutting a first web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting an end of a first web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting an end of a first web to a joining position and a step of transporting a second web to the joining position in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state after the step of transporting the end of a first web to a joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position in the web joining method of embodiment 1, as well as the step of joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web. [Figure 11] 5A to 5C are views showing a state after a step of joining the end of a first web and the front end of a second web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference characters in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0030] <Embodiment 1> (Labeling device) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a label application device according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, a first web 11 being conveyed (described later) is indicated by a solid line, and a second web 21 (described later) in a standby state is indicated by a dashed dotted line. The label application device 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a label application apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is an apparatus that sequentially applies labels to containers 91 as objects to be adhered that are sequentially conveyed along a conveyor line 90. The label application apparatus 100 is an apparatus that sequentially applies labels to containers 91 as objects to be adhered that are sequentially conveyed along a conveyor line 90.

[0032] The label application device 100 includes a first supply roller 10 as a first supply section, a second supply roller 20 as a second supply section, a web joining device 30, a peel plate 40 as a peeling section, a take-up roller 50 as a recovery section, a first conveying section 60, a second conveying section 70, and a third conveying section 80.

[0033] The first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 are arranged such that the web splicing device 30 is located between them. The first supply roller 10 is arranged on one side of the web splicing device 30. The second supply roller 20 is arranged on the other side of the web splicing device 30.

[0034] A first roll 13 around which a first web 11 is wound is replaceably attached to the first supply roller 10. The first web 11 is, for example, a carrier sheet serving as a strip with a plurality of releasably attached labels 12. The plurality of labels 12 are attached to the carrier sheet at intervals of, for example, about 3 mm. The plurality of labels 12 are, for example, a synthetic resin film or paper with an adhesive layer laminated thereon. The first supply roller 10 supplies the first web 11 toward the first transport section 60.

[0035] The first transport section 60 transports the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 toward the first transport path 31 of the web joining device 30. The first transport section 60 includes a plurality of transport rollers 61, 62, and 63. The number of the plurality of transport rollers is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] The multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the first web 11. The transport roller 62 is configured to be movable, and can adjust the tension acting on the first web 11 being transported.

[0037] The multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are configured to rotate in a driven manner and do not need to be driven to rotate. When the first web 11 is transported through the first transport section 60, the first transport path 31, and the third transport section 80, the multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are rotated in a driven manner by the first web 11 that is transported by the driving roller 85, which will be described later, being driven to rotate.

[0038] A second roll 23 around which a second web 21 is wound is replaceably attached to the second supply roller 20. The second web 21 is, for example, a carrier sheet serving as a strip with a plurality of labels 22 peelably attached thereto. The plurality of labels 22 are, for example, a synthetic resin film with an adhesive layer laminated thereon. The second supply roller 20 supplies the second web 21 toward the second transport section 70.

[0039] The second transport section 70 transports the second web 21 supplied from the second supply roller 20 toward the second transport path 32 of the web joining device 30. The second transport section 70 includes a plurality of transport rollers 71, 72, and 73. The number of the plurality of transport rollers is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] The multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the second web 21. The transport roller 72 is configured to be movable, and can adjust the tension acting on the second web 21 being transported.

[0041] The multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are configured to rotate in a driven manner and do not need to be driven to rotate. When the second web 21 is transported through the second transport section 70, the second transport path 32, and the third transport section 80, the multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are rotated in a driven manner by the second web 21 transported by the driving roller 85, which will be described later, being driven to rotate.

[0042] When the remaining first web 11 transported from the first supply roller 10 to the subsequent process becomes small, the web splicing device 30 splices the leading end of the second web 21 supplied from the second supply roller 20 to the trailing end of the first web 11. This enables continuous processing.

[0043] In addition, the web joining device 30 can also connect the leading end of the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 to the trailing end of the second web 21 when there is only a small amount of the second web 21 remaining being transported from the second supply roller 20 to the subsequent process.

[0044] The web joining device 30 is provided with a first conveying path 31, a second conveying path 32, and a common path 33. The common path 33 is a path along which the first web 11 and the second web 21 are commonly conveyed, and is provided downstream of the first conveying path 31 and the second conveying path 32.

[0045] When the first web 11 is transported, the first web 11 passes through the first transport path 31 and the common path 33 in this order, and is transported to the third transport section 80. On the other hand, when the second web 21 is continuously transported, the second web 21 passes through the second transport path 32 and the common path 33 in this order, and is transported to the third transport section 80.

[0046] The third transport section 80 reverses the first web 11 or the second web 21 that has passed through the common path 33 at the peel plate 40 and transports it toward the winding roller 50. The third transport section 80 includes a plurality of transport rollers 81, 82, 83, 84, and a drive roller 85. The number of the plurality of transport rollers is not limited to four and can be changed as appropriate. The plurality of transport rollers 81, 82, 83, 84 are arranged in order from the upstream side along the transport path. The drive roller 85 is arranged to face the transport roller 82, for example.

[0047] The driving roller 85 is driven to rotate, thereby applying a driving force to the first web 11 or the second web 21 located in the third transport section 80, thereby transporting the first web 11 or the second web 21.

[0048] The peel plate 40 is provided so as to be able to peel the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 from the first web 11 or the second web 21 transported by the third transport section 80, and to feed the peeled label portion 12 or the label portion 22 from the leading end of the peel plate 40 above the transport line 90. The peel plate 40 has a generally plate-like shape.

[0049] The first web 11 or the second web 21 is wrapped around the peel plate 40 so as to be turned around at the tip of the peel plate 40. When the first web 11 or the second web 21 is turned around, the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 is peeled off from the tip of the peel plate 40 and fed upward on the conveyor line 90. The label portion 12 or the label portion 22 fed upward on the conveyor line 90 is attached to a container 91.

[0050] The winding roller 50 is disposed, for example, below the second supply roller 20. By disposing the winding roller 50 and the second supply roller 20 one above the other in this manner, the installation area of ​​the label application device 100 can be made smaller than when the winding roller 50 and the second supply roller 20 are disposed side by side.

[0051] The winding roller 50 winds up the carrier sheet from which the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 has been peeled off, thereby recovering the carrier sheet.

[0052] (Web joining device) Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the web joining device according to the embodiment 1. With reference to Fig. 2, the web joining device 30 according to the embodiment 1 will be described.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the web joining device 30 according to the embodiment includes a first conveyance mechanism, a second conveyance mechanism, a third guide 330, a joining mechanism 340, and a movement information detection unit 350.

[0054] The first transport mechanism transports the first web 11 through the first transport path 31 toward a splicing position P1 provided on the common path 33. The first transport mechanism may transport the first web 11 continuously or intermittently. Note that the first transport mechanism continuously transports the first web 11 at least from a position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 until a splice tape 341 (see FIG. 9 ) is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the front end of the second web 21, as described below.

[0055] The first transport mechanism is made up of, for example, a first transport guide 310, a transport roller 313, and a first transport roller 314. It should be noted that the first transport guide 310 may be omitted.

[0056] The first transport guide 310 includes an upstream guide 311 and a downstream guide 312. Each of the upstream guide 311 and the downstream guide 312 is configured by a pair of plates extending along the transport path. The first transport path 31 is formed between the pair of plates.

[0057] The transport roller 313 is disposed upstream of the transport roller 314 in the transport direction of the first web 11. Specifically, the transport roller 313 is disposed upstream of the upstream guide 311. The transport roller 313 transports the first web 11 toward the first transport guide 310.

[0058] The transport roller 314 is disposed downstream of the downstream guide 312. Specifically, the transport roller 314 is disposed in the first transport path 31 between a position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by a first detector 317 (described later) and the joining position P1. The transport roller 314 transports the first web 11 toward the joining position P1.

[0059] The transport rollers 313 and 314 are provided so as to be rotatable in response to the rotation of the transport rollers 313 and 314. When the first web 11 is transported through the first transport section 60, the first transport path 31, and the third transport section 80, the transport rollers 313 and 314 are rotated in response to the rotation of the drive roller 85, which will be described later, which drives the first web 11 to be transported.

[0060] The transport roller 314 may be configured to be driven to rotate. As described later, the transport roller 314 rotates with a rotational driving force applied thereto when the object transported along the common path 33 shifts from the second web 21 to the first web 11 and the first web 11 waiting on the first transport path 31 is transported to the joining position P1. The transport roller 314 may be configured to be driven to rotate only when the first web 11 waiting on the first transport path 31 is transported to the joining position P1.

[0061] The second transport mechanism transports the second web 21 through the second transport path 32 toward a joining position P1 provided on the common path 33. The second transport mechanism is configured, for example, by a second transport guide 320, a transport roller 323, and a transport roller 324 serving as a second transport roller. Note that the second transport guide 320 may be omitted.

[0062] The second transport guide 320 includes an upstream guide 321 and a downstream guide 322. Each of the upstream guide 321 and the downstream guide 322 is configured by a pair of plates extending along the transport path. The second transport path 32 is formed between the pair of plates.

[0063] The transport roller 323 is disposed upstream of the transport roller 324 in the transport direction of the second web 21. Specifically, the transport roller 323 is disposed upstream of the upstream guide 321. The transport roller 323 transports the second web 21 toward the second transport guide 320.

[0064] The transport roller 324 is disposed downstream of the downstream guide 322. Specifically, the transport roller 324 is disposed in the second transport path 32 between a position where the end of the second web 21 is detected by a fourth detector 327 (described later) and the joining position P1. The transport roller 324 transports the second web 21 toward the joining position P1.

[0065] The transport roller 324 rotates with a rotational driving force applied thereto when transporting the second web 21 waiting in the second transport path 32 to the joining position P1, as described below. The transport roller 324 rotates without being applied with a rotational driving force when transporting the second web 21 joined to the first web 11, as described below. The transport roller 324 may be configured to be driven to rotate only when transporting the second web 21 waiting in the second transport path 32 to the joining position P1.

[0066] The third guide 330 is disposed downstream of the transport roller 314 on the first transport path 31 and downstream of the transport roller 324 on the second transport path 32. The third guide 330 has a first guide portion 331 and a second guide portion 332. The first guide portion 331 guides the first web 11 transported from the transport roller 314 to the joining position P1. The second guide portion 332 guides the second web 21 transported from the transport roller 324 to the joining position P1.

[0067] The joining mechanism 340 is a mechanism for joining the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 at a joining position P1 when the target to be sent onto the common path 33 shifts from the first web 11 to the second web 21. The joining mechanism 340 includes a rotator configured to be able to adsorb and hold a joining tape 341 (see FIG. 9).

[0068] The rotating body is provided with a plurality of suction holes. The splice tape 341 needs to be changed according to the sizes of the first web 11 and the second web 21. When the splice tape 341 is small, if there are many suction holes that are not blocked by the splice tape 341, the suction performance may be reduced. For this reason, it is preferable that the rotating body has an inner collar that adjusts the number and positions of the suction holes used for suction holding.

[0069] The splicing mechanism 340 feeds the splicing tape 341 to the splicing position P1 at a predetermined timing, and adheres the splicing tape 341 to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the leading edge of the second web 21, which are continuous, at the splicing position P1.

[0070] When transferring from the second web 21 to the first web 11, the joining mechanism 340 joins the end of the second web 21 to the front end of the first web 11 at joining position P1. In this case, the joining mechanism 340 sends the joining tape 341 to joining position P1 at a predetermined timing, and attaches the joining tape 341 so as to straddle the end of the second web 21 and the front end of the first web 11 at joining position P1.

[0071] The movement information detection unit 350 detects movement information including at least one of the conveying speed and the movement amount of the first web 11. Specifically, the movement information detection unit 350 detects the speed and / or the movement amount of the web conveyed on the common path 33. More specifically, the movement information detection unit 350 detects the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of the first web 11 when the first web 11 is conveyed, and detects the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of the second web 21 when the second web 21 is conveyed on the common path 33.

[0072] The movement information detection unit 350 includes a rotating body that comes into contact with the web transported on the common path 33. The rotating body functions as an encoder. The rotating body is rotated by the transported web to measure the transport speed and / or the movement amount of the transported web.

[0073] In the embodiment, the movement information detection unit 350 is provided on the common path 33, and measures the conveying speed of one of the first web 11 and the second web 21 transported on the common path, but this is not limited to the above.

[0074] The movement information detection unit may be composed of a first movement information detection unit provided on the first conveying path 31 and a second movement information detection unit provided on the second conveying path 32 so that the conveying speeds and / or movement amounts of the first web 11 and the second web 21 are each measured independently.

[0075] The web splicing device 30 includes a first cutting mechanism 315 and a second cutting mechanism 325 as cutting mechanisms.

[0076] The first cutting mechanism 315 is provided to be able to cut the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31. The first cutting mechanism 315 is disposed upstream of the first detector 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11. Specifically, the first cutting mechanism 315 is disposed on the first transport path 31 between the upstream guide 311 and the downstream guide 312.

[0077] The second cutting mechanism 325 is provided to be able to cut the second web 21 passing through the second transport path 32. The second cutting mechanism 325 is disposed upstream of the fourth detector 327 in the transport direction of the second web 21. Specifically, the second cutting mechanism 325 is disposed between the upstream guide 321 and the downstream guide 322 on the second transport path 32.

[0078] The first cutting mechanism 315 and the second cutting mechanism 325 each include a rotating body and a cutting blade fixed to the rotating body. The rotating body rotates, and the cutting blade hits the first web 11 or the second web 21, thereby cutting the first web 11 or the second web 21.

[0079] By providing the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 can be cut at a desired timing. At the end of the first web 11, an excess portion consisting of a continuous region to which the label 12 is not attached may be formed. In such a case, by cutting the excess portion of the first web 11 with the first cutting mechanism 315, it becomes unnecessary to wait for the excess portion to be transported. This makes it possible to shorten the transition time from the first web 11 to the second web 21.

[0080] The web joining device 30 includes a first cut detection unit 316, a first detection unit 317, and a third detection unit 318 on the first transport path 31 side.

[0081] The first cut detection unit 316 detects whether the first web 11 can be cut. The first cut detection unit 316 is disposed upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the transport direction of the first web 11. When the first cut detection unit 316 detects that the first web 11 can be cut, the first cutting mechanism 315 can be operated appropriately.

[0082] For example, when the first cut detection unit 316 detects the rear end of the last label 12 attached to the first web 11, the first cut detection unit 316 detects that the first web 11 can be cut.

[0083] The first cut detection unit 316 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The first cut detection unit 316 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The first cut detection unit 316 detects the rear end of the label unit 12 when light that is emitted from the light-emitting unit and blocked by the first web 11 is received by the light-receiving unit. Whether or not the label unit 12 is the last can be determined, for example, from the transport speed and movement amount of the first web 11.

[0084] The first cut detection unit 316 may also determine that the first web 11 can be cut by detecting the absence of a label unit 12. In this case, if there is no change in the light receiving unit for a predetermined time after the rear end of the label unit 12 is detected as described above, it is determined that the next label unit 12 is not being conveyed.

[0085] Furthermore, the first cut detection unit 316 may detect that the first web 11 can be cut when detecting a predetermined mark provided on the first web 11. In this case, the first cut detection unit 316 may include an imaging unit such as a camera.

[0086] The first detector 317 detects the end of the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31. The first detector 317 is mainly used when the first web 11 transitions to the second web 21. The first detector 317 is disposed downstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the transport direction of the first web 11. This allows the first detector 317 to detect the end of the first web 11 that is formed when the first web 11 is cut by the first cutting mechanism 315.

[0087] The first detection unit 317 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The first detection unit 317 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The first detection unit 317 detects the end of the first web 11 by receiving light from the light-emitting unit that has been blocked by the first web 11.

[0088] The third detector 318 detects the leading edge of the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31. The third detector 318 is mainly used when the first web 11 transitions from the second web 21 to the first web 11. The third detector 318 is disposed downstream of the first detector 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11.

[0089] The third detection unit 318 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The third detection unit 318 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit and received by the light-receiving unit is blocked by the first web 11, thereby allowing the third detection unit 318 to detect the leading edge of the first web 11.

[0090] When the third detector 318 detects the leading edge of the first web 11, the transport of the first web 11 set on the first transport path 31 is stopped, so that the first web 11 waits on the first transport path 31. The leading edge of the waiting first web 11 is located at a position overlapping the first detector 318 or downstream of the first detector 318.

[0091] The web joining device 30 includes a second cut detection unit 326, a second detection unit 328, and a fourth detection unit 327 on the second transport path 32 side.

[0092] The second cut detection unit 326 detects whether the second web 21 has been cut. The configuration of the second cut detection unit 326 is substantially the same as the configuration of the first cut detection unit 316. The second cut detection unit 326 is mainly used when transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11.

[0093] The second detector 328 detects the leading edge of the second web 21 passing through the second transport path 32. The second detector 328 is mainly used when the second web 21 transitions to the first web 11. The second detector 328 is disposed downstream of the fourth detector 327 in the transport direction of the second web 21.

[0094] The second detection unit 328 is configured, for example, by a transmission type sensor. The second detection unit 328 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the second transport path 32 therebetween. The second detection unit 328 detects the leading edge of the second web 21 as light emitted from the light emitting unit and received by the light receiving unit is blocked by the second web 21.

[0095] When the second detection unit 328 detects the leading edge of the second web 21, the transport of the second web 21 set on the second transport path 32 is stopped, and the second web 21 is put on standby on the second transport path 32. The leading edge of the waiting second web 21 is located at a position overlapping the second detection unit 328 or downstream of the second detection unit 328.

[0096] The fourth detector 327 detects the end of the second web 21 passing through the second transport path 32. The fourth detector 327 is mainly used when the second web 21 transitions to the first web 11. The fourth detector 327 is disposed downstream of the second cutting mechanism 325 in the transport direction of the second web 21. This allows the fourth detector 327 to detect the end of the second web 21 that is formed when the second web 21 is cut by the second cutting mechanism 325.

[0097] The fourth detection unit 327 is configured, for example, by a transmission type sensor. The fourth detection unit 327 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the second transport path 32 therebetween. The fourth detection unit 327 detects the end of the second web 21 by receiving light that is emitted from the light emitting unit and blocked by the second web 21 at the light receiving unit.

[0098] The web joining device 30 includes, on the first transport path 31 side, a pressure roller 361, a movable arm 362, and a motor M1.

[0099] The pressure roller 361 is disposed opposite the transport roller 314 such that the first transport path 31 is located between the pressure roller 361 and the transport roller 314. The pressure roller 361 is supported by a movable arm 362.

[0100] The movable arm 362 is moved by the motor M1 in a direction toward or away from the first transport path 31. By switching the movement of the movable arm 362, it is possible to switch between a state in which the pressure roller 361 presses the first web 11 toward the transport roller 314 and a state in which the pressure roller 361 is separated from the first web 11.

[0101] When the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317, the pressure roller 361 presses the first web 11 against the transport roller 314. This makes it possible to prevent the end side of the first web 11 from flapping.

[0102] The web joining device 30 includes, on the second transport path 32 side, a pressure roller 371, a movable arm 372, and a motor M2.

[0103] The pressure roller 371 is disposed opposite the transport roller 324 such that the second transport path 32 is located between the pressure roller 371 and the transport roller 324. The pressure roller 371 is supported by a movable arm 372.

[0104] The movable arm 372 is moved by the motor M2 in a direction toward the second transport path 32 or a direction away from the second transport path 32. By switching the movement of the movable arm 372, it is possible to switch between a state in which the pressure roller 371 presses the second web 21 toward the transport roller 324 and a state in which the pressure roller 371 is separated from the second web 21.

[0105] The pressure roller 371 presses the second web 21 against the transport roller 324 at least when the second web 21 is waiting on the second transport path 32.

[0106] (Web joining method) Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method using the web joining apparatus according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 to Fig. 11 are schematic diagrams showing a predetermined step or a state after the predetermined step shown in Fig. 3. The web joining method using the web joining apparatus 30 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 11.

[0107] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting a first web and a step of setting a second web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0108] 3 and 4, in step (S11) on the side of the first web 11, the first web 11 is transported through a first transport path 31 toward a joining position P1 provided on a common path 33 along which the first web 11 and the second web 21 are commonly transported. The first web 11 may be transported continuously or intermittently.

[0109] On the other hand, in the step (S21) for the second web 21, the second web 21 is set on the second transport path 32. Specifically, the second web 21 is attached to the second supply roller 20, and the leading end of the second web 21 is caused to pass between the transport roller 324 and the pressure roller 371.

[0110] At least in a state after the leading end of the second web 21 has passed between the transport roller 324 and the pressure roller 371, the second web 21 is pressed against the transport roller 324 by the pressure roller 371. This makes it possible to prevent the leading end of the second web 21 from flapping when the second web 21 is transported toward the joining position P1.

[0111] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a step of making the second web wait on the second transport path in the web joining method according to the first embodiment.

[0112] 3 and 5, on the second web 21 side, in step (S22), the leading edge of the second web 21 transported through the second transport path 32 toward the joining position P1 is detected by the second detector 328, and the second web 21 is made to wait on the second transport path 32. Specifically, the set second web 21 is transported on the second transport path 32 by the second transport mechanism, and when the second detector 328 detects the leading edge of the second web 21, the second transport mechanism is stopped. As a result, the second web 21 is made to wait on the second transport path 32.

[0113] At this time, the second web 21 is kept waiting so that the distance over which the leading end of the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 is transported to the joining position P1 is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web 11 is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit 317 to the joining position P1, as described below.

[0114] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting whether or not the first web can be cut in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, only the last label unit among the multiple labels 12 attached to the first web is shown in black in Fig. 6.

[0115] 3 and 6, in step (S12), the first web 11 determines whether or not the first web 11 can be cut. Specifically, a first cut detection unit 316 disposed upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the transport direction of the first web 11 detects whether or not the first web 11 can be cut.

[0116] When the first cut detection unit 316 detects the trailing end of the last label unit 12, it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut. As described above, the first cut detection unit 316 may determine that the first web 11 can be cut by detecting a predetermined mark or by detecting that there is no label unit 12. On the other hand, when the first cut detection unit 316 does not detect the trailing end of the last label unit 12, it is determined that the first web cannot be cut.

[0117] If it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut (step S12: YES), the next step (S13) is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first web 11 cannot be cut (step S12: NO), the transport of the first web 11 continues until it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut.

[0118] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a step of cutting the first web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, in Fig. 7, only the last label unit among the multiple labels 12 attached to the first web is shown in black.

[0119] 3 and 7, in step (S13), the first web 11 is cut. Specifically, a first cutting mechanism 315 disposed upstream of a first detector 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11 cuts the first web 11. At this time, the first cutting mechanism 315 cuts the first web 11 at a portion that is located upstream of the last label portion 12 in the transport direction.

[0120] After the first web 11 is cut by the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 located upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 may be transported back toward the first supply roller 10 and collected by the first supply roller 10.

[0121] On the downstream side of the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 is transported to the first transport path 31 and the common path 33 as it is after being cut.

[0122] Next, in step (S14), the conveying speed of first web 11 is detected. Specifically, the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of first web 11 conveyed downstream of first cutting mechanism 315 is detected by movement information detector 350. Note that in the first embodiment, the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of first web 11 is detected after cutting of first web 11. However, in the case where first web 11 is conveyed at a constant speed before and after cutting, the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of first web 11 may be detected before cutting of first web 11. In addition, the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of first web 11 may be constantly detected downstream of first cutting mechanism 315.

[0123] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting an end of a first web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, the last label unit 12 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is omitted in Fig. 8 and subsequent figures.

[0124] 3 and 8, in step (S15), the end of first web 11 passing through first transport path 31 is detected. Specifically, the end of first web 11 formed by being cut is detected by first detector 317.

[0125] Next, in step (S16), the end of first web 11 detected by first detector 317 is transported to joining position P1. At this time, first web 11 transported by transport roller 314 arranged in first transport path 31 between the position where the end of first web 11 is detected by first detector 317 and joining position P1 is pressed against transport roller 314 by pressure roller 361 arranged to face transport roller 314. As a result, as described above, flapping of the end side of first web 11 can be suppressed when first web 11 is transported.

[0126] Furthermore, the first web 11 is continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 until the splice tape 341 is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the front end of the second web 21. This allows the end of the first web 11 to be stably transported to the splice position P1.

[0127] On the other hand, on the second web 21 side, in step (S23), it is determined whether or not the end of the first web 11 has been detected by the first detection unit 317. If the end of the first web 11 has not been detected (step S23: NO), the second web 21 is made to wait on the second transport path 32 until the end of the first web 11 is detected. If the end of the first web 11 has been detected (step S23: YES), step (S24) is performed. In step (S23), the detection information in step (S15) can be used.

[0128] In step (S24), second web 21 waiting on second transport path 32 is transported to joining position P1.

[0129] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting an end of a first web to a splicing position and a step of transporting a second web to the splicing position in the web splicing method according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a state after the step of transporting an end of a first web to a splicing position and the step of transporting a second web to the splicing position, and a step of splicing the end of the first web and the front end of the second web in the web splicing method according to the first embodiment. For convenience, mechanisms surrounding the splicing mechanism 340 are omitted in Figs. 9 and 10.

[0130] Here, in steps (S16) and (S24), as shown in the changes on the web side in Figures 9 and 10, based on the detection results of the movement information detection unit 350 described above, the first web 11 and the second web 21 are transported so that the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 are continuous in that order at the joining position P1.

[0131] Specifically, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web 11 and the second web 21 in synchronization with each other.

[0132] When the second web 21 is transported to the joining position P1, a rotational driving force is applied to the transport roller 324 of the second transport mechanism to rotate the transport roller 324.

[0133] As described above, the distance that the leading end of the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 is transported to the joining position P1 is shorter than the distance that the trailing end of the first web 11 is transported from the position where it is detected by the first detection unit 317 to the joining position P1.

[0134] Therefore, when the second web 21 is transported to the joining position P1 by synchronizing the second transport mechanism with the first transport mechanism, the second web 21 can be appropriately transported to the joining position P1.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 10, after the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 are continuous at the joining position P1.

[0136] In addition, the state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are continuous in this order at the joining position P1 includes a state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are arranged with no gap between them, a state in which they are arranged with a small gap between them in the web transport direction, and a state in which the tip of the second web 21 is arranged so as to overlap the end of the first web.

[0137] In this state, the splicing tape 341 adsorbed and held by the splicing mechanism 340 is also transported to the splicing position P1. That is, as shown in the change in the splicing mechanism 340 side from Fig. 9 to Fig. 10, in the process of splicing the end of the first web and the front end of the second web, the splicing mechanism 340 transports the splicing tape 341 to the splicing position P1. Specifically, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, the splicing mechanism 340 transports the splicing tape 341 to the splicing position P1 in synchronization with the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism.

[0138] Note that the bonding tape 341 only needs to be adsorbed to the bonding mechanism 340 by the time of the step (S24), and may be adsorbed and held before the step (S21) or in the step (S22). The bonding tape 341 is held so that the adhesive surface 341a faces outward.

[0139] 3 and 10, in a step (S30), the end of first web 11 and the front end of second web 21 are joined together. Specifically, a joining tape 341 is attached to straddle the end of first web 11 and the front end of second web 21, which are continuous, at a joining position P1.

[0140] As described above, when the joining mechanism 340 transports the splice tape 341 to the joining position P1 in synchronization with the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism, the rotating body constituting the joining mechanism 340 rotates so that the transport speed of the splice tape 341 at the joining position P1 is the same as that of the first web 11 and the second web 21.

[0141] This allows the adhesive surface 341a of the splice tape 341 to come into contact with the first web 11 and the second web 21, so that the splice tape 341 can be attached to the first web 11 and the second web 21 with high precision.

[0142] When the splicing tape 341 contacts the first web 11 and the second web 21 at the splicing position P1, the adhesion force of the splicing tape 341 to the webs exceeds the suction force of the splicing mechanism 340 to the splicing tape 341. As a result, the splicing tape 341 separates from the rotating body of the splicing mechanism 340 and sticks to the webs. The suction and holding of the splicing tape 341 by the splicing mechanism 340 may be released.

[0143] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a state after a step of joining an end of a first web and a front end of a second web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, mechanisms surrounding joining mechanism 340 are omitted in Fig. 11.

[0144] As described above, the joining mechanism 340, the first conveying mechanism, and the second conveying mechanism are synchronized, so that when the end of the continuous first web 11 and the end of the second web 21 have passed the joining position P1, as shown in FIG. 11, the joining tape 341 is affixed so as to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the end of the second web 21.

[0145] 3, in step (S31), the second web 21 joined to the first web 11 is transported. At this time, the transport roller 324 in the second transport mechanism is rotated by the rotation of the transport roller 324 without applying a rotational driving force to the transport roller 324. This can reduce power consumption.

[0146] Through the steps described above, the first web 11 and the second web 21 can be joined together.

[0147] As described above, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment, when the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detection unit 317, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism convey the first web 11 and the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 so that the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 are continuous in this order at the splicing position P1 based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, and the splicing mechanism 340 applies the splicing tape 341 so as to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 which are continuous at the splicing position P1. As a result, the second web 21 can be spliced ​​to the first web 11 without cutting the second web 21. In addition, since the second web 21 is not cut, the operation of removing the cut remaining portion of the second web 21 can be eliminated.

[0148] In general, when a web has a carrier sheet and a label portion, the web is often transported intermittently. When the web is transported intermittently, it is often difficult to precisely join the end of the first web 11 and the front end of the second web 21 during the transition from the first web 11 to the second web 21, compared to when the web is transported continuously.

[0149] In the first embodiment, as described above, the first web 11 is continuously transported from the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 until the splice tape 341 is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the leading edge of the second web 21, while the first transport mechanism, the second transport mechanism, and the splicing mechanism 340 are synchronized based on the detection result of the movement information detector 350. Therefore, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment and the label application device 100 including the same, the first web 11 and the second web 21 can be spliced ​​together with high precision even when the webs are transported intermittently.

[0150] Furthermore, as described above, the web joining device 30 according to the first embodiment includes, on the first conveying path 31 side, the first cut detection unit 316, the first detection unit 317 which detects the end of the first web 11, and the third detection unit 318 which detects the leading end of the first web 11, and, on the second conveying path 32 side, the second cut detection unit 326 which determines whether the second web 21 can be cut, the second detection unit 328 which detects the leading end of the second web 21, and the fourth detection unit 327 which detects the end of the second web 21. In addition, the conveying speed and / or the movement amount of the second web 21 can be detected by the movement information detection unit 350 provided on the common path 33.

[0151] Therefore, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment, unlike the conventional web splicing device, it is possible to move from the second web 21 to the first web 11 without revolving the first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 so that the positions of the first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 are interchanged. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the label application device 100.

[0152] When transferring from the second web 21 to the first web 11, the same operation as that performed on the first transport path 31 side when transferring from the first web 11 to the second web 21 is performed on the second transport path 32 side, and the same operation as that performed on the second transport path 32 side when transferring from the first web 11 to the second web 21 is performed on the first transport path 31 side.

[0153] Specifically, when the end of the second web 21 is detected by the fourth detection unit 327, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, the second conveying mechanism and the first conveying mechanism convey the second web 21 and the first web 11 waiting on the first conveying path 31 so that the end of the second web 21 and the tip of the first web 11 are continuous in that order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism 340 applies joining tape so as to straddle the continuous end of the second web 21 and the tip of the first web 11 at the joining position P1.

[0154] Even in this case, the first web 11 can be joined to the second web 21 without cutting the first web 11.

[0155] In this way, since the transition from the second web 21 to the first web 11 can also be performed, the label application device 100 can apply the labels 12 to the containers 91 continuously for a long period of time by alternately repeating the transition from the first web 11 to the second web 21 and the transition from the second web 21 to the first web 11. As a result, the work efficiency can be significantly improved.

[0156] <Embodiment 2> 12 is a diagram showing a flow of the web joining method according to the embodiment 2. The web joining method according to the embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0157] 12, the web joining method according to the second embodiment differs from the web joining method according to the first embodiment in that the order of the step of detecting movement information of the first web and the step of detecting the end of the first web is swapped, and in that the step of determining whether or not the first web 11 can be cut and the step of cutting the first web 11 are omitted. The other steps are almost the same.

[0158] In the web joining method according to the second embodiment, first web 11 is transported in step (S11), and then it is determined in step (S15A) whether or not the end of first web 11 has been detected.

[0159] If the end of the first web 11 is not detected (step S15A: NO), the first web 11 is transported until the end of the first web 11 is detected. If the end of the first web 11 is detected (step S15A: YES), step (S14) is performed. The operations in step (S14) and each step from step (S16) onwards, and the operations in each step on the second transport path side are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Note that the step (S14) of detecting movement information of the first web 11 may be performed before the step (S15A) of detecting the end of the first web.

[0160] As described above, the web joining method according to the second embodiment provides substantially the same effects as the web joining method according to the first embodiment. Since the first web 11 is not cut, the first web 11 can be used up.

[0161] (Other variations) In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the first cut detection unit 316 and the second cut detection unit 326 are provided in the web splicing device 30, and are respectively disposed on the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first cut detection unit 316 and the second cut detection unit 326 may be provided in the label application device 100, and may be respectively disposed on the transport path from the first supply roller 10 to the first transport path 31 and on the transport path from the second supply roller 20 to the second transport path 32.

[0162] Furthermore, when the first web 11 and the second web 21 are not cut as in the above-described second embodiment, the first cut detection unit 316, the second cut detection unit 326, the first cutting mechanism 315, and the second cutting mechanism 325 can be omitted.

[0163] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 10 first supply roller, 11 first web, 12 label portion, 13 first roll, 20 second supply roller, 21 second web, 22 label portion, 23 second roll, 30 web joining device, 31 first conveying path, 32 second conveying path, 33 common path, 40 peel plate, 50 winding roller, 60 first conveying section, 61, 62, 63 conveying roller, 70 second conveying section, 71, 72, 73 conveying roller, 80 third conveying section, 85 drive roller, 90 conveying line, 91 container, 100 label application device, 310 first conveying guide, 311 upstream guide, 312 downstream guide, 313, 314 conveying roller, 315 first cutting mechanism, 316 first cut detection section, 317 first detection section, 318 third detection section, 320 second conveying guide, 321 Upstream guide, 322 downstream guide, 323, 324 transport rollers, 325 second cutting mechanism, 326 second cutting detection unit, 327 fourth detection unit, 328 second detection unit, 330 third guide, 331 first guide unit, 332 second guide unit, 340 joining mechanism, 341 joining tape, 341a adhesive surface, 350 movement information detection unit, 361 pressure roller, 362 movable arm, 371 pressure roller, 372 movable arm.

Claims

1. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position; a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position; a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path; a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path; a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web, the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path; When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position, a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web and configured to cut the first web; a cut detection unit disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web, the cut detection unit detecting whether the first web can be cut or not.

2. The web splicing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first web is transported intermittently.

3. The web joining device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first web is continuously transported at least from a position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the joining tape is adhered to the end of the first web and the front end of the second web.

4. A web joining device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second transport path is transported to the joining position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit to the joining position.

5. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position; a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position; a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path; a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path; a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web, the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path; When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position, the first transport mechanism is disposed on the first transport path between a position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, and includes a first transport roller that transports the first web; a pressing roller disposed opposite the first conveying roller such that the first conveying path is located between the pressing roller and the first conveying roller, The pressure roller presses the first web against the first transport roller when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit.

6. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position; a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position; a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path; a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path; a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web, the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path; When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position, the second transport mechanism includes a second transport roller that transports the second web toward the joining position, The second transport roller rotates with a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web waiting on the second transport path to the joining position, and rotates passively without a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web joined to the first web.

7. a third detection unit that detects a leading end of the first web passing through the first transport path; a fourth detection unit that detects an end of the second web passing through the second transport path, the third detection unit is disposed downstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web, The web splicing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth detection unit is disposed upstream of the second detection unit in a transport direction of the second web.

8. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position; a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position; a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path; a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path; a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web, the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path; When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position, a guide member provided in common to the first transport path and the second transport path upstream of the joining position; the guide member has a first guide portion that guides the first web to the joining position and a second guide portion that guides the second web to the joining position, and the second detection portion is provided on the guide member, the joining mechanism includes a rotating body having a plurality of suction holes and holding the joining tape such that an adhesive surface of the joining tape faces outward; A web splicing apparatus, wherein the rotating body rotates at the splicing position at the same speed as the first web and the second web.

9. A web joining device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The first web and the second web are strips having a plurality of releasably attached labels.

10. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit; a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit; conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position; transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit; and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position, In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position; The method further includes a step of cutting the first web by a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web, The web joining method further comprises a step of detecting whether or not the first web can be cut by a cut detection unit disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web.

11. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit; a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit; conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position; transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit; and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position, In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position; A web joining method, in a process of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position, the first web is transported by a first transport roller arranged on the first transport path between the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, and the first web is pressed against the first transport roller by a pressure roller arranged opposite the first transport roller.

12. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit; a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit; conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position; transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit; and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position, In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position; The method further includes the step of conveying the second web joined to the first web, In the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, a rotational driving force is applied to a second transport roller disposed in the second transport path so as to contact the second web, thereby rotating the second transport roller; A web splicing method, comprising: transporting the second web spliced ​​to the first web, the second transport roller being rotated by the rotation of the second transport roller without applying a rotational driving force to the second transport roller.

13. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed; detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit; a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit; conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position; transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit; and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position by using a joining mechanism, In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position; In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are guided to the joining position using a guide member provided upstream of the joining position and common to the first transport path and the second transport path; The guide member includes a first guide portion that guides the first web to the joining position and a second guide portion that guides the second web to the joining position, and is provided with the second detection portion. The joining mechanism includes a rotating body that is provided with a plurality of suction holes and that holds the joining tape so that the adhesive surface of the joining tape faces outward, A web joining method, wherein in the joining step, the rotating body rotates at the joining position at the same speed as the first web and the second web.

Images