阅读说明：本技术 粘合剂施加辊 (Adhesive applying roller ) 是由 C·阿格斯蒂尼 于 2019-01-23 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种具有纵向旋转轴线(X)的粘合剂施加辊(1)。所述辊(1)包括多个可分离圆盘(D<Sub>1</Sub>-D<Sub>N</Sub>)以提供圆周粘合剂施加表面(2),第一可分离圆盘D<Sub>1</Sub>具有与第二可分离圆盘D<Sub>N</Sub>不同的宽度和/或直径。(An adhesive application roller (1) having a longitudinal axis of rotation (X) is disclosed. The roller (1) comprises a plurality of separable discs (D) 1 ‑D N ) To provide a circumferential adhesive application surface (2), a first separable disk D 1 Having a disc D separable from a second disc D N Different widths and/or diameters.)

1. A method of applying an adhesive pattern to a sheet of material, the method comprising: selecting a plurality of separable discs to form a circumferential adhesive application surface, applying adhesive to the circumferential adhesive application surface of the discs, and transferring adhesive from the circumferential adhesive application surface of the discs to a wrapper or tipping paper for an aerosol generating device.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising: removing one or more of the plurality of separable disks and swapping the one or more separable disks for one or more additional separable disks to thereby provide different adhesive patterns.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, comprising securing the plurality of separable discs to a shaft for rotation.

4. An adhesive application roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the roller comprises a plurality of separable disks to provide a circumferential adhesive application surface, wherein each of the separable disks has a width and a diameter, and wherein a first of the plurality of separable disks has a width and/or diameter that is different from a width and/or diameter of a second of the plurality of separable disks.

5. The adhesive applicator roll of claim 4, wherein the first one of the plurality of separable disks has a first pattern disposed on a circumferential surface thereof and the second one of the plurality of separable disks has a second pattern disposed on a circumferential surface thereof.

6. The adhesive applicator roll of claim 4 or 5, wherein a first of the plurality of separable disks is made of a first material and a second of the plurality of separable disks is made of a second material.

7. The adhesive applicator roll of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a first one of the plurality of separable disks is spaced apart from a second one of the plurality of separable disks by a spacing disk.

8. The adhesive applicator roll of claim 7, wherein the spacer disk has a diameter that is less than either of a diameter of the first one and a diameter of the second one of the plurality of separable disks.

9. The adhesive applicator roll of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein each of the separable disks comprises a keyway for engaging a corresponding portion of a shaft.

10. The adhesive applicator roll of any one of claims 4 to 9, further comprising a first jaw and a second jaw, the plurality of separable discs being located therebetween.

11. An adhesive application station comprising an adhesive application roller according to any of claims 4 to 10, a reservoir for holding adhesive, and preferably a drive for rotating the adhesive application roller into contact with adhesive within the reservoir.

12. An adhesive application station according to any one of claims 4 to 11 for transferring adhesive to a wrapper or tipping paper.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an adhesive application roller and a method of applying an adhesive pattern to a sheet of material using the adhesive application roller.

Background

In many industries, it is necessary to adhere a sheet of material to another article and/or to itself. For example, in the tobacco industry, a material in the form of a wrapper or tipping paper is wrapped around and adhesively bonded to a tobacco rod and a filter component in order to secure them together.

Adhesive may be applied to the sheet of material from an adhesive application roller 1', for example as shown in fig. 1. The adhesive application roller 1 'typically has a substantially cylindrical shape with a longitudinal axis of rotation X'. The adhesive application roller 1 'extends along its longitudinal axis of rotation X' from a first end 1a 'to a second end 1 b'. The adhesive application surface 2 'is arranged on the circumference of the adhesive application roller 1'. The central bore 3 'may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of rotation X' from the first end 1a 'to the second end 1 b' of the adhesive application roller 1 'so as to receive, in use, a shaft (not shown) for driving rotation of the adhesive application roller 1'.

The adhesive application surface 2 ' generally comprises at least one area a1 ' having a relatively large diameter and at least one area a2 ' having a relatively small diameter. It will be understood that the diameters referred to are relative to the longitudinal axis of rotation X 'of the adhesive application roller 1'. The difference in diameter between the area a1 'with a relatively large diameter and the area a 2' with a relatively small diameter depends inter alia on the type of glue used and the type of material sheet onto which the adhesive is intended to be applied. The diameter difference may be in the order of microns. The configuration of the regions a1 ', a 2' provides a pattern. In use, adhesive is applied to the adhesive application surface 2' which is then rolled over the sheet of material, whereupon the adhesive is transferred to the sheet of material. The adhesive applied to the area a1 'having the relatively larger diameter is transferred to the sheet of material, whereas the adhesive applied to the area a 2' having the relatively smaller diameter is not transferred to the sheet of material. In this way, adhesive may be selectively applied to the sheets of material according to a desired pattern. Such patterns may be used to control the area of the sheet of material that adheres to another article and/or to itself.

The adhesive application roller 1' is manufactured and then installed and used in an adhesive application station. Such manufacture requires machining of the adhesive application surface 2 ' to form the desired pattern, for example, the desired diameter of the regions a1 ', a2 ' having a relatively large diameter and a relatively small diameter, respectively, and the desired arrangement of these regions a1 ', a2 '. When it is necessary to apply the adhesive in a tightly controlled amount and position, the pattern formed on the adhesive application surface 2' must be machined to tightly controlled tolerances. Furthermore, in each or all of the regions a1 ', a2 of the pattern, the surface finish of the adhesive application surface 2' may need to be particularly smooth and uninterrupted. Such surface finish may necessitate further processing of the adhesive application surface 2 ', thereby further increasing the expense and time required to manufacture the adhesive application roller 1'.

It will be appreciated that it may be necessary or desirable to change the pattern on the adhesive application surface 2', for example to use different types of adhesives and/or to adhere different types of material sheets and/or to adhere material sheets to different types or configurations of articles. For example, in the tobacco industry, the arrangement of the tobacco rod and filter element may be varied, which in turn may necessitate varying the pattern of adhesive applied to the wrapper paper band. The need for adhesive application rollers 1 'having different patterns on their adhesive application surface 2' is particularly acute when a reduced number of different types of articles are manufactured, for example for research and development purposes. However, for each desired adhesive application pattern, a different adhesive application roller 1 'having a different pattern on its adhesive application surface 2' must be provided. However, manufacturing different adhesive application rollers 1' is time consuming and expensive.

It would be desirable to provide an adhesive application roller for applying an adhesive pattern to a sheet of material and/or a method of applying an adhesive pattern to a sheet of material that at least partially alleviates one or more of the problems identified above.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of applying a pattern of adhesive to a sheet of material, the method comprising selecting a plurality of separable discs to form a circumferential adhesive application surface, applying adhesive to the circumferential adhesive application surfaces of the discs, and transferring adhesive from the circumferential adhesive application surfaces of the discs to the sheet of material.

Advantageously, the adhesive can thus be applied to the material sheets relatively faster and at relatively reduced expense in the necessary adhesive pattern. Selecting a plurality of separable disks to form a circumferential adhesive application surface having the requisite adhesive pattern takes relatively less time and is relatively inexpensive than machining the circumferential surface of an adhesive application roller to form an adhesive application surface having the desired pattern. Thus, the necessary adhesive application rollers may be provided faster and at less expense, whereby the adhesive may be applied to the material sheets with less delay and at reduced expense.

In addition, repair and/or cleaning of the adhesive application roller can be accomplished relatively faster and more easily than is the case with prior art adhesive application rollers. For example, providing a plurality of separable disks may allow only those disks that are dirty (e.g., coated with adhesive or other contaminants) to be removed for cleaning. Additionally or alternatively, providing a plurality of separable disks may allow only those disks that are damaged or worn to be removed for replacement or repair. The remaining discs can be kept in reserve, thereby reducing down time of the adhesive application roller. Further, when the plurality of separable disks are separated, cleaning and/or repair of the plurality of separable disks may be relatively faster than is possible using prior art adhesive application rollers. Thus, the down time of the adhesive application roller can be relatively reduced.

As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to an element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

As used herein, the term "separable" is intended to mean that the disks are discrete elements and are capable of moving away from each other when not in use for adhesive application. As used herein, the term "disk" refers to a generally cylindrical element having a width that is typically less than its diameter.

Each of the disks may include a central aperture for positioning the disk on a shaft for driving the disk. Each disk may include a keyway.

As used herein, the phrase "keyway" refers to a first keying feature that includes a hole or slot configured to be engaged, in use, by a second keying feature (e.g., a key disposed on a shaft). When engaged together, the keying features prevent the disk from rotating relative to and about the shaft.

The method may include removing one or more of the plurality of separable disks. The method may include swapping the removed one or more of the plurality of separable discs for one or more additional separable discs, for example, to thereby provide a different adhesive pattern.

In some embodiments, the method may include selecting one or more additional detachable discs, for example, depending on the desired additional adhesive pattern.

In some embodiments, transferring adhesive from the circumferential adhesive application surface of the disc to the sheet of material comprises transferring adhesive to a wrapper or tipping paper for an aerosol generating device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an adhesive application roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation is provided, wherein the roller comprises a plurality of separable discs to provide a circumferential adhesive application surface.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive application roller for mounting on a shaft and having a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the roller comprises a plurality of separable discs to provide a circumferential adhesive application surface.

In some embodiments, each of the separable disks can have a width and a diameter. A first one of the plurality of separable disks may have a width and/or diameter that is different than a width and/or diameter of a second one of the plurality of separable disks. A first one of the plurality of separable disks may have a first pattern disposed on a circumferential surface thereof. A second of the plurality of separable disks may have a second pattern disposed on a circumferential surface thereof. The first pattern may be different from the second pattern. The first pattern and/or the second pattern may comprise one or more depressions or grooves and/or protrusions or ribs. The first pattern and/or the second pattern may include a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, for example, where the second diameter may be less than the first diameter. The first portion and/or the second portion may be at or near a peripheral edge of the circumferential surface.

A first one of the plurality of separable disks can be made of a first material and a second one of the plurality of separable disks can be made of a second material. A first of the plurality of separable disks can be made of a first material having a first density and a second of the plurality of separable disks can be made of a second material having a second density that is different from (e.g., greater than or less than) the first density.

A first one of the plurality of separable disks may be spaced apart from a second one of the plurality of separable disks, such as by a spacer disk. Where a spacer disk is provided, the spacer disk may have a diameter that is less than either of the diameter of the first and second of the plurality of separable disks. The spacer disk may be formed of a different material than one or either of the first and second ones of the plurality of separable disks.

In some embodiments, one, some, or each of the separable disks may include a first keying feature for engaging a corresponding portion (e.g., a second keying feature) of the shaft. One of the first keying feature and the second keying feature may comprise a keyway. The other of the second keying feature and the first keying feature may comprise a key, for example configured to engage with a keyway in use. In some embodiments, each of the separable disks may include a keyway for engaging a corresponding portion of the shaft.

The adhesive applicator roll may comprise a shaft. Where a shaft is provided, the shaft may include a second keying feature. The shaft may be constructed or arranged to be driven in rotation in use. The shaft may be connected or may be connectable to a torque source.

Advantageously, the keying feature maintains, in use, a radial orientation of the plurality of separable discs relative to the shaft when the shaft is engaged with the plurality of separable discs. In this manner, in use, torque causing rotation of the shaft may be transferred to the plurality of separable discs engaged about the shaft, thereby causing the plurality of separable discs to rotate with the shaft.

The adhesive applicator roll may also include a first jaw and a second jaw, for example, wherein a plurality of separable discs may be positioned therebetween. The first clamp and/or the second clamp may be fixed (e.g., removable) or securable (e.g., removable) to one or more of the shaft and/or the plurality of detachable discs.

The adhesive applicator roll may include one or more fixtures or fixtures. The one or more fixation devices or fixtures may be configured to secure a plurality of separable disks together and/or to a shaft. Where one or more fixation devices or fixtures are provided, the method may include securing the plurality of separable discs to the shaft for rotation using the one or more fixation devices or fixtures. Where one or more securing devices or fasteners are provided, the method may include securing the plurality of separable discs together using the one or more securing devices or fasteners. The one or more fixation devices or fixtures may include one or more threaded members. In some embodiments, the method may include threadably engaging the one or more threaded members to secure the plurality of separable discs together and/or to the shaft for rotation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive application station comprising an adhesive application roller as described herein. The adhesive application station may include a shaft for rotating the adhesive application roller. The adhesive application station may include a reservoir for holding adhesive. The reservoir may comprise a bath. The bath may contain an adhesive. The adhesive application station may include a drive for rotating the adhesive application roller to contact the adhesive within the reservoir (where a reservoir is provided). The adhesive application station may include one or more transfer rollers, for example, for transferring adhesive from the bath to the adhesive application roller. The adhesive application station may include additional rollers, such as guide rollers. The further roller may be arranged or may be capable of being arranged to guide the sheet of material in use against the adhesive application surface of the adhesive application roller.

The adhesive application roller and adhesive application station may be configured for applying adhesive to a wrapper or tipping paper used in the tobacco industry.

All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

Throughout the detailed description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "comprise", and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

For the avoidance of doubt, any feature described herein is equally applicable to any aspect of the invention. Within the scope of the present application, it is expressly contemplated that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following detailed description and drawings, particularly the various features thereof, may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one aspect or embodiment of the invention are applicable to all aspects or embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a prior art adhesive application roller;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an adhesive applicator roll according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adhesive application station including the adhesive application roller shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an adhesive applicator roll according to one embodiment of the present invention; and is

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an adhesive application roller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 2, an adhesive application roll 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The adhesive application roller 1 comprises a plurality of separable discs D arranged around a shaft 4₁-D_N(D₁、D₂……D_N) And a first clamp 5 and a second clamp 6. The adhesive application roller 1 has a longitudinal axis of rotation X extending through the shaft 4, a plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NAnd a first clamp 5 and a second clamp 6.

A plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NEach of which includes a central bore 3 through its thickness, wherein the central bore 3 corresponds to and is configured to receive an outer surface of the shaft 4 therein.

Although only a plurality of separable disks D are described in detail in the following detailed description₁-D_NOf (D)₁And a second disc D₂It is to be understood, however, that the remaining disks D of the plurality of separable disks₃-D_NWith similar features.

A plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NOf (D)₁And a second disc D₂Each comprising a circumferential surface 2a, 2 b. Circumferential surfaces 2a, 2b (in fact all of the plurality of separable disks D)₁-D_NCircumferential surface 2a-2_X) Together constituting the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1.

First disc D₁Having a first diameter d₁And a first width w₁. Second disc D₂Having a second diameter d₂And a second width w₂. Second diameter d₂Smaller than the first diameter d₁. Second width w₂Is greater than the first width w₁. Second disc D₂Providing or including a spacer configured to hold the first disk D₁With a plurality of separable discs D₃-D_NSpaced apart.

The shaft 4 is substantially cylindrical and extends from a first end 4a to a second end 4 b. The shaft 4 is configured to be connected, in use, to a torque source (not shown). The keys 40 extend from and longitudinally along the circumferential outer surface of the shaft 4.

A plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NEach of which includes a keyway 30 into its central bore 3. The keyway 30 is shaped, sized and oriented to correspond to the key 40 on the shaft 4 to secure the disk D₁-D_NCannot rotate relative to the shaft 4. The key may be provided on the disc and the keyway may be provided on the shaft 4.

The first and second jaws 5, 6 each include a central bore 50, 60 through the thickness thereof, wherein each central bore 50, 60 corresponds to an outer surface of the shaft 4 and is configured to receive the outer surface therein. The first and second jaws 5, 6 each comprise an abutment surface configured to abut, in use, a plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NAn annular surface of one. Each of the first and second clamps 5, 6 further comprises a fixing hole 51, 61 passing through its thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal rotation axis X. Each fixation hole 51, 61 is threaded along at least a portion of its length.

Prior to use, the adhesive application roller 1 is assembled. The first clamp 5 is slid onto the first end 4a of the shaft 4. A fastener, in this embodiment a grub screw (not shown), is threadedly engaged into the fixing aperture 51 of the first clamp 5 and tightened until the grub screw engages the outer surface of the shaft 4. In this way, the first clamp 5 is fixed in position adjacent to the first end 4a of the shaft 4.

Will then pass through the first disc D₁Is aligned with the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and is axially displaced thereto. First disc D₁And shaft4 are angularly aligned so that the key 40 on the shaft 4 is in alignment with the first disk D₁With the key slots 30 aligned. In this orientation, the first disk D₁Axially sliding along the shaft 5 from its second end 4b towards its first end 4a until the first disc D₁Until the abutment surface of the first clamp 5. Then, the remaining plurality of separable disks D are sequentially stacked in a similar manner₂-D_NEach of which moves onto the shaft 4. The second jaw 6 is then moved onto the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and along the shaft 4 until the abutment surface of the second jaw 6 abuts the plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NIs closest to the annular surface of the disc of the second end 4b of the shaft 4. The second clamp 6 is then secured to the shaft 4 in the same manner as described above with respect to the first clamp 5.

Referring now to fig. 3, an adhesive application station 100 is shown which includes the adhesive application roller 1, guide roller G, transfer roller T, bath B and sheet of material S shown in fig. 2. It will be appreciated that the adhesive application roller 1 comprises a plurality of separable discs D₁-D_NAnd is shown in simplified form in fig. 3 for illustrative purposes only.

The transfer roll T is arranged in the bath B such that the adhesive disposed in the bath B contacts an outer surface of the transfer roll T. The adhesive application roller 1 and the transfer roller T are arranged such that their respective longitudinal rotational axes X, Y are parallel, and the circumferential surface of the transfer roller T contacts the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1. The guide roller G is arranged such that its longitudinal axis of rotation Z is parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation X of the adhesive application roller 1. The circumferential surface of the guide roller G is adjacent to the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1, forming a nip therebetween.

In use, each of the rollers T, 1, G is driven in rotation by a torque source (not shown). The conveying roller T and the guide roller G are driven to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise direction), and the adhesive application roller 1 is driven to rotate in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction). The transfer roller T is rotated in the bath B, whereby the adhesive is temporarily adhered to the outer surface thereof. Adhesive slave transfer rollT is transferred to the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1 at a transfer location at and near the point of contact between the two. The adhesive is transferred only to the first disk D₁And a plurality of separable disks D₁-D_NOf those discs having a relatively large diameter. Second disc D₂And a plurality of separable discs D₂-D_NHaving a phase comparison with the first disc D₂Those disks of relatively small diameter do not contact the transfer roller T and, therefore, the adhesive is not transferred thereto.

The sheet S of material is pulled in the direction of arrow a towards the adhesive application station 100 and guided by the guide roller G into the nip between the guide roller G and the adhesive application roller 1 where the adhesive is transferred to the sheet S. The adhesive is transferred in a pattern corresponding to the pattern provided on the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1.

When it is necessary to change the pattern on the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1, the plurality of separable disks D are changed₁-D_NCombinations of (a) and (b).

The grub screw securing the second clamp 6 to the shaft 4 is released to release the second clamp from the shaft. The second clamp 6 is then slid axially out of the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and removed therefrom. Then, a plurality of separable disks D are placed₁-D_NOne, some or each slides axially out of the second end 4b of the shaft 4 to remove it from the shaft. Then, a plurality of separable disks D are placed₁-D_NTo be slid axially onto the shaft from the second end 4b of the shaft 4 to add these combinations to the shaft. The second clamp 6 is again slid axially onto the second end 4b of the shaft 4. The plurality of separable discs D are then secured to the shaft 4 by the grub screws 6 as described above₁-D_NIs fixed to the shaft 4.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an adhesive applicator roll 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein features identical to those described above with respect to the adhesive applicator roll 1 shown in FIG. 2 are represented by the same features preceded by a '1', hereinIt will not be described further. The adhesive application roller 11 shown in fig. 4 is different from the adhesive application roller shown in fig. 2 in that a shaft is not provided. Instead, a plurality of separable disks 1D₁-1D_NFixed together by means of bolts BO which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation X of the adhesive application roller 11. The clamps 15, 16 each comprise a fixing hole 151, 161 passing through their thickness, which holes are parallel to the longitudinal rotation axis X. In this embodiment, a plurality of separable disks 1D₁-1D_NAre not hollow, each has no central hole through its thickness, and no key way. Instead, a plurality of separable disks 1D₁-1D_NIncludes a fixing hole 1Da passing through the thickness thereof, the size, shape and position of which correspond to the fixing holes 151, 161 passing through the clamps 15, 16.

Before use, a plurality of separable discs 1D are formed₁-1D_NThe desired arrangement of. The first clamp 15 and the second clamp 16 are positioned on the plurality of separable disks 1D₁-1D_NAt either end of the arrangement, bolts BO are fed through fixing holes 151 through the first clamp 15, from there through the plurality of separable discs 1D₁-1D_NAnd then passes through the fixing hole 161 penetrating the second clamp 16 until the end of the bolt BO protrudes beyond the second clamp 16. Bolts BO are fed through the other fixing holes 151 in the first clamp 15 and the plurality of detachable disks 1D, respectively₁-1D_NAnd their respective fixing holes 1Da, 161 in the second clamp 16. The nut N is then fixed to the free end of the bolt BO. Tightening the nut N clamps the jaws 15, 16 and the plurality of separable discs 1D₁-1D_NAre fixed together.

The first clamp 15 is then connected to a drive shaft (not shown) for transmitting torque to the adhesive application roller 11. The connection may be of any type suitable for transmitting torque from the drive shaft to the adhesive application roller 11. The second clamp 16 is connected to a support shaft (not shown) for supporting the adhesive application roller 11 during driven rotation thereof. Adhesive may then be applied to the sheet S of material as described above with respect to the adhesive application roller 11.

When it is necessary to change the pattern on the circumferential adhesive application surface 12 of the adhesive application roller 11, the nuts N are removed from the bolts BO, and then the clamps 15, 16 and the plurality of separable disks 1D are removed₁-1D_NThe bolt BO is removed. A plurality of separable disks 1D are then formed as described above with respect to the previous arrangement₁-1D_NAnd are secured together by means of clamps 15, 16, bolts BO and nuts N.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, one or more of the bolts BO may be first fed through the first clamp 15 and then through the plurality of separable discs 1D that are in turn slid onto the one or more bolts BO₁-1D_NSo as to form an arrangement of a plurality of separable discs 1D. Additionally or alternatively, the clamps 15, 16 and the plurality of separable disks 1D₁-1D_NAlternative fasteners (e.g., one or more screws) may be used to secure together.

Referring now to fig. 5, there is shown an adhesive applicator roll 21 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the same features as those described above with respect to the adhesive applicator roll 1 shown in fig. 2 are represented by the same features previously added with a '2', which will not be described further herein. The adhesive applying roller 21 shown in fig. 5 is different from the adhesive applying roller shown in fig. 2 in that a plurality of separable disks 2D₁-2D_NIn the seventh disc 2D₇Having on its circumferential surface 22g the fifth disc 2D₅A different pattern. Seventh disc 2D₇Has a first diameter d_P1And a first portion P1 and having a second diameter d_P2A second portion P2, wherein the second diameter d_P2Smaller than the first diameter d_P1。

Thus, in use, the adhesive will only be transferred to the seventh disc 2D₇Thus only from the seventh disc 2D, and the first portion P1 of the circumferential surface 22g₇The first portion P1 of the circumferential surface 22g is transferred to the material sheet S. So that a relatively small number can be usedMultiple separable disks 2D of volume₁-2D_NForming a pattern. Therefore, a desired pattern can be formed relatively faster. Thus, the down time expenditure of the adhesive application station 100 in which the adhesive application roller 21 is used is relatively reduced.

It should be understood that although only the seventh disc 2D is present₇Is shown to comprise on its circumferential surface 22g a first portion P1 and a second portion P2 which are different, but this is not essential and instead a plurality of separable discs 2D₁-2D_NOne, some or each of the other discs in (b) may also include different first and second portions on one or more of its circumferential surfaces 22. Additionally or alternatively, a seventh disc 2D₇Is merely one example of a disc having a different pattern on its circumferential surface 22 g. In some embodiments, the seventh disc 2D₇(and/or other multiple separable discs 2D)₁-2D_NOne, some or each) may have more than two different diameters d_P1、d_p2P1, P2. In some embodiments, second portion P2 may be bounded on either side by first portion P1. In some embodiments, a plurality of separable disks 2D₁-2D_NThe circumferential surface of one, some, or each of may have a gradually increasing and/or increasing diameter, for example, in the first portion P1, in the second portion P2, and/or from the first portion P1 to the second portion P2.

Although the first 5, 15, 25 and second 6, 16, 26 clamps are described, these clamps are not essential to the invention. A plurality of separable discs D₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NMay additionally or alternatively be secured directly together. A plurality of separable discs D₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NMay additionally or alternatively be fixed to the shaft 4, 24 (where a shaft is provided).

In each case, a disc D may be selected₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NTo provide a specific adhesive application pattern. If additional patterns are needed or desired, disk D may be used₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NIs exchanged for another disk D₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NOr the disk position is reversed to form additional adhesive application patterns. Disc D₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NCan be quickly and easily changed to ensure that the roll is ready for application of a new pattern.

It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the drawings provide significant advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention as described herein. For example, a plurality of separable disks 1D shown in FIG. 4₁-1D_NThe same applies to the adhesive application roller 21 shown in fig. 5.

The schematic drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are presented for illustrative, but not limiting, purposes. The figures depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the plurality of separable disks D shown in the drawings₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NIs for illustrative purposes only, and the plurality of separable disks D₁-D_N、1D₁-1D_N、2D₁-2D_NMay differ from those shown in the figures in number, order, size and/or pattern on the circumferential surface.