阅读说明：本技术 用于通过在内部施用粘合剂将护套连接在一起的装置、对应的粘合剂卷和对应的连接方法 (Device for joining sheaths by applying adhesive internally, corresponding roll of adhesive and corresponding joining method ) 是由 E·法兰斯内尔 于 2018-07-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种用于将两个扁平管状护套连接在一起的装置,装置包括：-用于阻挡第一护套的一个端部的阻挡器(22a、22b、22c、22d),阻挡器具有用于打开第一护套的端部的装置；-用于将粘合剂施用到护套的打开端部的内侧的粘合剂施用器系统；一旦粘合剂已经施用到第一护套的端部,则阻挡器布置成授权在第二护套的端部上关闭第一护套的端部。本发明还提供了对应的粘合剂卷和对应的连接方法。(The present invention provides a device for connecting together two flat tubular sheaths, the device comprising: -a stopper (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for stopping one end of the first sheath, the stopper having means for opening the end of the first sheath; -an adhesive applicator system for applying adhesive to the inside of the open end of the sheath; once the adhesive has been applied to the end of the first sheath, the stopper is arranged to authorize closing of the end of the first sheath over the end of the second sheath. The invention also provides a corresponding adhesive roll and a corresponding connecting method.)

1. A roll of adhesive for a device for connecting two flat tubular sheaths together, the device comprising:

-a stopper (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) for stopping one end of a first sheath, said stopper having an opener for opening the end of the first sheath; and

-an adhesive applicator system for applying adhesive to the inside of the open end of the first sheath;

the stopper is arranged to authorize closing of the end of the first sheath on the end of the second sheath once adhesive has been applied to the end of the first sheath

The roll of adhesive comprising a support tape and a double-sided adhesive carried by the support tape, the adhesive being pre-cut at regular intervals along the length of the roll of adhesive,

wherein the support tape comprises a central area (70) free of adhesive, and two border areas (71, 72) covered in the double-sided adhesive and located on either side of the central area, the central area not being pre-cut.

2. Adhesive roll according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive comprises a series of markings (74) arranged at regular intervals along the length of the adhesive roll in order to detect the connection between two flat tubular sheaths.

3. Adhesive roll according to claim 2, characterized in that the marking (74) is an element made of a metallic material.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for connecting two flat tubular sheaths by applying an adhesive to the inside of the end of one of said sheaths.

The invention also provides a corresponding adhesive roll and a corresponding joining method.

Background

In the field of placing sleeves (for example, heat shrink sleeves) on travelling objects, the sleeves are generally obtained by cutting from a tubular sheath which is wrapped in a flat state in the form of a reel and then opened by a shaper before being cut transversely.

The problem of replacing the reel repeatedly occurs each time the reel runs out, in view of the productivity of the machine for placing the sleeve on the travelling object.

In the relatively older technique, two reels are manually connected together.

However, at very high production rates of machines for placing sleeves on travelling objects, it is almost impossible to envisage this.

More recently, attempts have been made to automate the process of connecting the sheaths together.

Proposals have therefore been made to connect together the two ends of two flattened tubular sheaths by: arranging the two ends so that the free edges of the two ends of the sheath face each other and are in contact without overlapping, and applying an adhesive element across the ends of the sheath for joining.

In this context, reference may be made to patent FR 2880329 in the name of the applicant, which describes such a process.

Reference is also made to patent EP 2825370 in the name of Fuji Seal International, which also proposes the external connection of the two ends of two flattened tubular sheaths. By means of a complex series of multiple movements, the machine described in this patent makes it possible to arrange the end of one jacket with respect to the end of the other before connecting the two ends together by means of an adhesive.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to propose a sheath connecting device which makes it easier to connect the sheaths together. The present invention also seeks to provide a roll of adhesive and a corresponding method of attachment.

To achieve this object, there is provided a device for connecting together two flattened tubular sheaths, the device comprising:

-a stopper for stopping one end of the first sheath, the stopper having an opener for opening the end of the first sheath; and

-an adhesive applicator system for applying adhesive to the inside of the open end of the sheath;

once the adhesive has been applied to the end of the first sheath, the stopper is arranged to authorize closing of the end of the first sheath over the end of the second sheath.

Thus, the connection between the two sheaths is provided by applying adhesive to the inside of the end of one of the two sheaths, and then closing the end onto the end of the other sheath.

The sheaths can thus be connected together quickly and relatively easily, since it is not necessary to bring the two ends of the two sheaths into contact with each other in the same exact way as in the prior art.

In particular, the adhesive applicator system includes an adhesive dispenser.

In particular, the device comprises a frame on which the stopper is arranged.

In particular, the device comprises a carriage for moving the end of the second sheath relative to the first sheath.

In particular, the carriage comprises a base for supporting the second sheath, the base being arranged in the device in such a way that it is movable in translation, and only in translation, with respect to the frame of the device.

Specifically, the carriage carries an adhesive applicator system for applying adhesive to an end of the first sheath.

In particular, the carriage has two adhesive applicator systems arranged at opposite ends of the carriage.

In particular, the carriage comprises an extension carrying a motor drive wheel, the carriage being therefore arranged in such a way that, when the carriage is aligned with one of the stops, the drive wheel is in alignment with the reel formed by the sheath, so as to be able to drive the reel in rotation, either directly or via an element limited to rotation with the reel.

In particular, the carriage comprises means for preparing the end of the second sheath.

In particular, the means for preparing the end of the second sheath comprise a cutter member for cutting the end of the second sheath.

In particular, the means for preparing the end of the second sheath comprise a strip movably mounted on the carriage so as to be movable between a lowered position, in which the strip is positioned so as to extend substantially from the rest of the carriage, and a raised position, in which the strip extends transversely towards the top plate of the device.

In particular, the strip is shaped as a suction rod.

In particular, the opener comprises two suction bars arranged one above the other and between which the end of the first sheath is to be inserted.

In particular, each of the two suction bars is mounted movably with respect to the frame of the device so as to move between:

-a closed position, in which the two bars are arranged so that the suction holes in one bar face the suction holes in the other bar; and

a blocking position, in which the two rods are arranged so that the suction holes of the two rods are oriented towards the outside of the blocker.

In particular, at least one of the bars is also mounted to move with an additional movement with respect to the frame so as to be movable between:

-a spaced apart position wherein the bar is offset from the other bar; and

a standby position, in which the two suction bars are placed opposite each other.

In particular, the device further comprises a cutting instrument for preparing the end of the first sheath, the cutting instrument comprising snap fastener means adapted to cooperate with corresponding snap fastener means of the device frame.

In particular, the cutting implement comprises a slot and a movable blade movable with respect to the slot, the slot being arranged in such a way as to present a rectilinear central portion extending at both ends by symmetrical steps.

In particular, the frame of the device comprises boxes for storing the reels, the boxes having drawers mounted to slide with respect to the frame and each carrying one reel.

The invention also provides an adhesive roll comprising a support tape and a double-sided adhesive carried by the support tape, the adhesive being precut at regular intervals along the length of the adhesive roll.

In particular, the support tape comprises a central region free of adhesive and two edge regions covered in double-sided adhesive and located on either side of the central region.

In particular, the adhesive comprises a series of marks arranged at regular intervals along the length of the roll of adhesive in order to detect the connection between two flat tubular sheaths.

In particular, the marker is an element made of a metallic material.

The invention also provides a method of joining two flattened tubular sheaths together, the method comprising the successive steps of:

-blocking one end of the first sheath;

-opening an end of the first sheath;

-applying an adhesive to the inside of the end of the first sheath; and

-closing the end of the first sheath on the end of the second sheath.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear upon reading the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood in light of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a schematic view of a facility for placing sleeves on a travelling object, which in a particular embodiment of the invention comprises connection means;

figure 2 is a three-dimensional view of the connection means of the installation schematically shown in figure 1;

figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the frame of the device shown in figure 2, in particular showing the stopper of said device;

figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the device shown in figure 2, in particular comprising a carriage of said device;

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view of the carriage of the device shown in FIG. 2, in which only a portion of the second adhesive applicator system of the carriage is shown;

figure 6 is a three-dimensional view of a cutting implement for cutting the end of a sheath arranged in the device of figure 2;

figure 7 is a schematic view of the end of the sheath after it has been cut by the cutting instrument shown in figure 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of a roll of adhesive used in the device shown in FIG. 2; and

figures 9a to 9i are schematic views showing the various steps of joining two sheaths together using the device shown in figure 2.

Detailed Description

With reference to figure 1, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation for placing sleeves on a travelling object comprises connection means for connecting together flat tubular sheaths, said means being given the general reference numeral 1, and a machine 3 for preparing and cutting the sheaths in order to form sleeves M for subsequent placement on the travelling object O, said machine 3 being located downstream of the means. The jacket is typically made of a heat shrinkable material.

The machine 3 comprises a former 4, typically in the form of a vertical axis torpedo, held by a pair of wheels 5 facing each other, some of which are motor-driven.

The sheath G, which travels in its flattened tubular form from the device 1 to the former 4, opens gradually when it reaches the top of the former 4. Thereafter, the sheath G passes between the former and the wheel 5, so that the former 4 remains suspended in the air as the now cylindrical open sheath G travels along the wall of the former 4.

Immediately downstream of the former 4, the sheath G is subjected to a cutting operation by means of a cutting tool, here indicated by the arrow 6, thereby producing a sleeve M, which is placed in position directly on the objects arranged on the conveyor 7 travelling below the former 4.

The machine 3 and the connection between the device 1 and the machine 3 are well known per se and they will therefore not be described in detail here.

Attention should now be paid to the device 1 and the problem of connecting together the sheath, which in this example is packaged in the form of a reel, each time when the reel used is finished.

Thus, with reference to fig. 2 to 8, the device 1 comprises a frame 10 extending longitudinally along the first axis X. The frame 10 comprises a connection table 11 extending in a plane containing a first axis X and a transverse second axis Y, perpendicular to said first axis X. The frame 10 is shaped in such a way that said plane extends substantially parallel to the ground on which the frame stands. The frame 10 therefore has a defined height in the direction of a substantially vertical third axis Z, which is perpendicular to the first axis X and to the second axis Y.

The frame 10 comprises a reel storage box 12 arranged below the connection station 11. For example, the case 12 is shaped to receive four reels. This example is naturally not limiting, and the case 12 may be shaped to receive some other number of reels.

In a particular way, the box 12 is shaped so as to present four compartments 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d each receiving a respective reel. The compartments 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d are juxtaposed and thus extend one after the other along the first axis X.

Preferably, each compartment 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d comprises a drawer 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d mounted to slide in the associated compartment and carrying the associated reel. For example, each drawer 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d is mounted to slide in the associated compartment along a sliding axis parallel to the second axis Y.

Thus, it is easier for the operator to refill the cartridge 12.

Typically, each drawer 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d has a main shaft 15 (only one of which is labelled) on which the reel is mounted so that it can be unwound about the axis of the main shaft 15. The spindle of the cartridge 12 is arranged so that its axis extends parallel to the first axis X.

In particular, the individual reels are arranged one after the other in the box 12 along a first axis X and are unwound in this way about a main axis parallel to said first axis X.

In order to limit the undesired movements of each reel along the axis of the associated spindle, each drawer 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d comprises a disc 16 (only one of which is labelled), said disc 16 being placed on the corresponding spindle once the reel is in position on said disc 16, wherein the disc 16 is stationary with respect to the spindle to prevent translational movements along its axis.

The frame 10 also has a deflection roller associated with each of the compartments 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d in order to bring each reel from its compartment to the connection station 11.

In a particular embodiment, for each compartment 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, a first roller (not shown) is arranged in the bottom part of the compartment and at the bottom of the compartment, a second roller 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d is arranged in the bottom part of the corresponding compartment 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and at the end of said compartment, and a third roller 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d is arranged in the top part of the corresponding compartment 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d and at the end of said compartment so as to overlie the second roller 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and be substantially flush with the boundary of the first longitudinal edge 19 of the connection station 11.

Thus, the sheath is unwound from the reel to the first roller, and then travels substantially horizontally towards the outside of the compartment (13d) and the outside of the device 1 from the first roller to the second roller (for example 17d), and then travels from the second roller (17d) to the third roller (18d) so as to rise substantially vertically to the joining station 11, and then extends substantially horizontally and therefore parallel to the joining station 11 from the third roller 18d to the second longitudinal edge 20 (opposite to the above-mentioned first longitudinal edge 19) of the joining station 11.

Each compartment 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d preferably comprises an arm 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d carrying a sensor (not shown) for detecting the end of the associated reel. Typically, the sensor detects the presence of a marker disposed on the end of the reel.

Thus, in the associated compartment, each arm 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d extends substantially parallel to the first axis X at the edge of said compartment so as to face the associated jacket when it is raised vertically between the second and third associated rollers.

In addition, the frame 10 includes a stopper for stopping the initial ends of the various sheaths present in the cassette 12.

Preferably, the frame 10 comprises the same number of stops 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d as the number of compartments 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d present in the cassette 12, so that each initial jacket end is stopped by a dedicated stop.

In this example, each stop 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is arranged at the second longitudinal edge 20 of the joining station 11, i.e. the position reached by each initial end of the reel. Thus, each stopper 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d extends facing the third associated deflection roller 18a, 18b, 18c, 18 d.

Each stopper 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d comprises an opener (i.e. a device for opening the initial end of the associated sheath).

Since all the blockers 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d are identical, only one of the opening devices will be described below. The description naturally applies equally to other opening devices.

The opening means thus comprise two suction bars 23 and 24. Each rod 23, 24 extends longitudinally parallel to the first axis X, with the two rods being arranged one above the other.

The suction bars 23 and 24 are connected, for example, to a common vacuum pump (not shown) of the device 1, which is generally arranged in the bottom part of the frame 10 and behind the cassette 12.

In this example, the two suction bars 23, 24 of the opening device are each mounted to move on the connecting station 11 between:

a closed position, in which the two bars 23, 24 are arranged so that the suction holes in one bar face the suction holes in the other bar; and

a blocking position (as shown in fig. 3), in which the two bars 23, 24 are arranged so that the suction holes in both bars 23 and 24 are oriented towards the outside of the connection station 11 (and therefore away from the first longitudinal edge 19).

The two suction bars 23 and 24 are generally mounted so as to pivot on the connection station 11 about a common pivot axis a parallel to the first axis X.

In a particular manner, the top suction bar 23 is also mounted to move on the connection station 11 by an additional movement, so as to be movable between:

a spaced-apart position in which the top suction bar 23 is spaced apart from the bottom suction bar 24 at least in a direction parallel to the third axis Z; and

a standby position (in which the two suction bars 23, 24 are placed against each other).

This additional movement is provided, for example, by additionally rotating the top suction bar 23 on the connecting table 11 about a pivot axis B parallel to the first axis X.

Typically, the rotary movement of the two suction bars 23 and 24 about the pivot axis a is driven by an electric motor and automatically controlled by the device 1. In contrast, the additional rotational movement of the top suction rod 23 about the pivot axis X is not motor-driven; the operator manually causes it to move between the spaced-apart position and the standby position in order to make it easier to insert the initial sheath end between the two suction bars 23, 24 when preparing a new reel.

The device 1 comprises control means 25 for controlling the various elements of the device 1, such as the respective stoppers 22a, 22b, 22c, 22 d. In particular, said control means 25 control the motor drive of the pairs of suction bars 23, 24 of the respective stoppers 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and the connection of the vacuum pump to the suction bars 23, 24. A sensor for detecting the end of the reel is also connected to the control member 25.

In a preferred embodiment, frame 10 includes rulers 26a, 26b, 26c, 26 d. Each stop 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d is associated with a respective ruler 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, each ruler 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d extending between a stop 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d and an associated third deflector roller 18a, 18b, 18c, 18 d. Each ruler 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d thus extends parallel to the second axis Y on the connecting station.

This enables one of the longitudinal edges of the sheath to be caused to contact the associated ruler in order to guide the advancement of the sheath. Thus, the sheath is placed in a predetermined position along the second axis Y, making it easier to connect it with the old sheath.

Preferably, each ruler 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d has a measuring scale which makes it easier to position the associated sheath with respect to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11.

In a particular manner, the connection station 11 also has a measuring scale 27a, 27b, 27c, 27d, which is arranged on the connection station 11, in particular along each of the scales 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, so as to also make it easier to position the respective associated sheath with respect to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11.

In a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a cutting implement 30 for cutting the initial end of the new reel in a predetermined manner for connection.

Advantageously, the cutting means 30 are shaped so as to be able to move with respect to the connection station 11 in the vicinity of each stop 22a, 22b, 22c, 22 d. For this purpose, the frame 10 comprises, associated with each stop 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, a snap fastener device 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d, which is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding snap fastener device 31 of the cutting implement 30.

It is therefore sufficient to release the cutting implement 30 from one of the stops and snap-fasten it quickly to the other stop in order to cut the new initial end of the sheath.

Advantageously, when having sheaths of different sizes, it is sufficient to associate a new cutting implement with the frame 10 without having to modify the entire frame 10.

Preferably, the connection station 11 comprises protection pads 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d associated with respective snap fastener means 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the frame 10. Thus, each protection pad 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d extends on the connection table 11 parallel to the first axis X in the vicinity of the corresponding snap fastener device 28a, 28b, 28c, 28 d. For example, each of the protection pads 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d may be made of a rubber material.

Thus, when the cutting implement 30 is snap-fastened to one of the stops, the bottom face 33 of the cutting implement 30 rests on the protection pad associated with the stop, whereby the associated protection pad protects the connection station 11 from the blades of the cutting implement 30 when cutting the initial sheath end.

Furthermore, each protection pad 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d advantageously also serves as a marker to facilitate the positioning of the sheath with respect to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11.

Referring to fig. 6, the cutting implement 30 more particularly comprises a substantially planar body 32 and two handles 33 for manipulating the body 32 in order to make it easier to move the cutting implement 30 and temporarily attach it to the various snap fastener devices 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the frame 10.

The cutting implement 30 also has a blade mounted to slide in the cutting implement 30 between a low position in which the blade projects from a slot 35 formed in the bottom surface 33 of the cutting implement 30 and a high position in which the blade does not project from the slot 35.

The cutting implement 30 has an additional handle 34 for manually actuating the blade between its high position and its low position to cut the initial end of the sheath.

Alternatively, the blades of the cutting implement 30 may be arranged such that the additional handle 34 causes the blades to move translationally along the slot 35 so as to travel along the entire path defined by the slot 35 rather than performing the downward movement described above.

In a particular manner, the slot 35 of the cutting implement 30 is not perfectly rectilinear. In this example, the slots 35 are arranged to present a central portion which is rectilinear and extends at both ends by symmetrical steps of substantially L-shape.

More precisely, each step comprises successively:

-a convexly curved portion connected to the central portion;

-a straight portion connected to the convexly curved portion, the straight portion being substantially perpendicular to the central portion;

-a concave circular arc shaped portion connected to a linear portion; and

-a linear portion connected to the concave circular arc shaped portion, said linear portion being parallel to the central portion and having a length shorter than the length of the central portion.

Thus, and as can be seen in fig. 7, the initial end of the sheath G' cut in this way is not rectilinear but exhibits two undercuts (setback).

More precisely, the grooves 35 are shaped in such a way that each undercut comprises successively:

a convexly rounded portion 36 connected to the rectilinear central portion P of the sheath G';

a straight portion 37 connected to the convexly curved portion 36, the straight portion 37 being substantially perpendicular to the central portion P;

a concave circular arc shaped portion 38 connected to the rectilinear portion 37; and

a straight portion 39 connected to the concave circular arc-shaped portion 38, said straight portion 39 being parallel to the central portion P and having a length shorter than the length of the central portion P.

Thus, said initial end of the sheath has two lips (extending against each other due to the sheath having a flat shape) which extend from the rest of the sheath G 'and terminate in a rectilinear central portion P of the sheath G'.

The particular shape of the cut at the initial end of the sheath makes the connection with the terminal end of the reel easier to unwind, as described below.

Preferably, the device 1 has a carriage 40 which makes it possible to bring the terminal end of the old sheath facing the initial end of the new sheath.

In this example, the carriage 40 is mounted so as to slide on the frame 10 along the first axis X facing the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11. Thus, the carriage 40 is arranged to be brought to each stopper 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d of the frame 10. For example, the frame 10 has rails extending parallel to the first axis X and next to the second longitudinal edge 20, and the carriage 40 is mounted to slide between the rails along the first axis X.

The control member 25 is also arranged to control the various elements of the carriage 40 and the translational movement of the carriage 40 along the first axis X.

The carriage 40 is described below.

Thus, the carriage 40 comprises a base 41, said base 41 having a first longitudinal edge (not marked) and a second longitudinal edge 43, said second longitudinal edge 43 being opposite to the first longitudinal edge and facing the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11.

The carriage 40 also has a bracket 42, said bracket 42 extending substantially perpendicular to the base 41 towards the top plate of the device 1 at a first longitudinal edge of the base 41.

The carriage 40 typically includes a drive roller 44 for driving the sheath for unwinding. Thus, the drive roller 44 is driven by the motor and controlled by the control member 25.

The drive roller 44 is mounted on the base 41 so as to extend parallel to the first axis X over the entire length of the base 41. The drive roller 44 is also arranged in the carriage 40 substantially at the junction between the base 41 and the bracket 42. The drive roller 44 is inherently mounted for rotation on the carriage 40 about an axis of rotation parallel to the first axis X.

The carriage 40 preferably includes other rollers that facilitate unwinding of the jacket. In this example, these other rollers are not motor driven.

In a particular way, the carriage 40 comprises a first secondary roller 45 (visible only in fig. 9 e) arranged to extend parallel to the first axis X and mounted to rotate parallel to the first axis X, said first secondary roller 45 being mounted on the base 41 and being located between the drive roller 44 and the second longitudinal edge 43 of the base 41.

The carriage 40 preferably also comprises a carousel 46 of secondary and backing rollers, which together form an arc, the various rollers and backing rollers both extending parallel to the first axis X and both being mounted for rotation on the base 41 parallel to the first axis X. In this example, a carousel 46 is arranged between the first secondary roller 45 and the drive roller 44.

Thus, the sheath for unwinding extends substantially horizontally from the connection station 11 to the carousel 46 and again horizontally from the carousel to the drive roller 44.

The support 42 preferably has a deflection roller 48, said deflection roller 48 extending transversely to the support 42 at the top of the support 42 along the axis E. In this example, the deflection roller 48 lies in a vertical plane, but it extends obliquely with respect to the first axis X and the third axis Z. Typically, the deflection roller 48 extends at about 45 degrees relative to the first axis X and at about 45 degrees relative to the third axis Z. The deflection roller 48 is not motor driven.

Thus, the sheath extends from the drive roller 44 of the carriage 40 substantially perpendicularly towards the ceiling of the device 1 (substantially parallel to the support 42) and then from the deflection roller 48 towards the outside of the device 1 in a plane orthogonal to the second axis Y. The deflecting rollers 48 thus make it possible to change the direction of travel of the sheath in order to make it easier to remove it from the device 1.

Of course, depending on the rest of the installation (e.g. the relative positions of the device 1 and the machine 3), the device 1 may comprise a plurality of other optionally motor-driven rollers in order to change the orientation and/or direction of travel of the sheaths, so as to ensure good tension between the sheaths towards the outlet of the device 1. Since these devices are well known from elsewhere, they will not be described in detail here.

At the outlet of the device 1, the device comprises an accumulator 2 through which the sheath passes before reaching the machine 3.

In a particular embodiment, the carriage 40 has an extension 49 extending towards the floor of the frame 10, said extension itself carrying a motor-driven drive wheel 50. The carriage 40 is therefore arranged so that when the carriage 40 is at one of the stoppers, the drive wheel 50 is located in the compartment of the reel in question, so as to be able to directly drive the reel in rotation or to drive a compartment element limited to rotate with the reel once it is put in place on the spindle, for example the disc 16 arranged on the spindle.

This makes it easier to unwind the sheath.

In addition to or instead of the detection sensors on the arms 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, the carriage 40 may comprise detection sensors (not shown) for detecting the ends of the reels, which sensors are connected to the control member 25. The sensor typically detects the presence of a marker arranged at the end of the reel and triggers a process for connecting a new reel when this information is communicated to the control member 25. Thus, the sensor is arranged on the carriage 40 and on the path followed by the sheath in the carriage 40, so as to be above said sheath. For example, the sensor is carried by a rod extending over the secondary roller and backing roller of the carriage 40.

At a second longitudinal edge 43 of the base 41, the carriage 40 comprises means for preparing the terminal end of the sheath being unwound to enable its connection to a new sheath.

The device comprises a cutter member 51 for cutting the end of the sheath being unwound.

For this purpose, the cutter member 51 has a first strip 52, said first strip 52 being arranged in the carriage 40 so as to extend along an axis C parallel to the first axis X over the entire length of the base 41.

The first strip 52 is pivotally mounted on the carriage for pivoting between an active position in which the first strip 52 is in contact with the sheath and a passive position in which the first strip 52 is offset from the sheath (as shown in figure 4). For example, the first strip 52 may be mounted to move between an active position and a passive position on the carriage 40 by pivoting about the axis C.

The first strip 52 is provided with a blade (not numbered) mounted to slide in the first strip 52 along the axis C. The first strip 52 preferably also comprises blade actuator means for causing the automatic movement of the blade along the axis C. For example, the actuator device includes an actuator for driving the blade. The control member 25 controls the pivoting movement of the first strip 52 about the axis X and the translation movement of the blade. Alternatively, the blade may be arranged in such a way that the associated actuator means causes the blade to move downwardly in translation rather than along axis C as described above.

Furthermore, the means for preparing the terminal end of the sheath comprise a second strip 53, said second strip 53 being arranged to extend along an axis D parallel to the first axis X over the entire length of the base 41. In this example, the second strip 53 extends substantially below the first strip 52 on the carriage 40.

The second strip 53 is pivotally mounted on the carriage 40 and pivots between a lowered position in which the second strip 53 is substantially aligned with the remainder of the base 41, and a raised position in which the second strip 53 extends transversely relative to the base 41 towards the top plate of the apparatus 1. For example, the second strip 53 is mounted to move between the lowered position and the raised position by a pivoting movement about the axis D. The pivoting movement is preferably motor-driven.

The second strip 53 is preferably shaped as a suction rod with suction holes which are naturally arranged facing the sheath when the second strip 53 is in the lowered position.

This makes it possible to press the sheath against the second strip 53 as well as possible when preparing the terminal end of the sheath, thereby making it easier to connect the sheaths together, as will be described below.

The control member 25 controls the pivoting movement of the second strip 53 about the axis D and also its suction from the vacuum pump.

The carriage 40 itself is preferably used to enable the lip of the new sheath to have adhesive applied internally thereto.

For this purpose, in this example, the carriage 40 has a first adhesive applicator system constituted by a first adhesive dispenser 54, and a second adhesive applicator system constituted by a second adhesive dispenser 55 (only part of which is shown in the figures), each having a respective platform. Each platform extends generally from the base 41 (along the first axis X) and is fixed to said base 41 in such a way that a first platform 56 extends on one side of the base 41 and another platform 57 extends on the other side of the base 41.

Advantageously, the presence of the two dispensers 54 and 55 and their arrangement make it possible to apply the adhesive to the lip of a new sheath more quickly. Furthermore, this also makes it possible to shorten the length of the device 1 (along the first axis X).

In certain embodiments, dispensers 54 and 55 are shaped in such a way that each dispenser 54, 55 can act independently to apply adhesive internally to both lips of a new sheath at the same time.

Preferably, each dispenser 54, 55 is arranged in such a way that a single roll of adhesive can apply adhesive to the inside of both lips of a new sheath at the same time.

Since the two distributors 54 and 55 are identical, only one distributor 54 is described here, which naturally also applies to the other distributor 55.

In certain embodiments, the dispenser 54 operates on the same principle as the roller corrector.

Thus, the dispenser 54 is not motor driven. Due to the arrangement of the carriage 40 and the dispenser 54, only movement of the carriage 40 relative to the new sheath results in application of adhesive to the new sheath.

The dispenser 54 generally has: a first reel 58 on which the roll of adhesive is mounted to unwind the roll of adhesive; and a second reel 59 for winding a tape supporting the roll of adhesive, the two reels 58, 59 being arranged on the platform 56 so as to be movable in rotation on the platform 56 about an axis of rotation parallel to the third axis Z.

The dispenser 54 also has an applicator cylinder 60 for applying adhesive from the roll of adhesive, which is designed to come into contact with the inner face of the lip of the initial end of the sheath. The applicator cylinder 60 is arranged on the platform 56 so as to be movable in rotation on the platform 56 about an axis of rotation e parallel to the third axis Z.

Thus, the dispenser 54 is arranged such that, in operation, a roll of adhesive is positioned on the first reel 58 and a corresponding support tape passes from the first reel 58 to the applicator cylinder 60, passes around said applicator cylinder 60 and is then wound onto the second reel 59. Furthermore, the dispenser 54 is arranged such that the width of the support tape of the roll of adhesive extends parallel to the third axis Z.

To facilitate application of the adhesive carried by the support tape, the dispenser 54 in this example comprises a tensioning wheel. Thus, a first tensioning wheel 61 is arranged on the platform between the first reel 58 and the applicator cylinder 60, and a second tensioning wheel 62 is arranged on the platform 56 at the second reel 59. Two tensioning wheels 61 and 62 extend in the path followed by the support belt to ensure that the belt is well tensioned.

In a particular way, a belt 63 surrounds the two reels 58 and 59 in order to mechanically synchronize their rotation. This further facilitates the application of adhesive on the inner face of the lip at the initial end of the new sheath.

In a particular manner, the dispenser 54 has return fingers 64 arranged on the platform 56 at the applicator cylinder 60 and at the first tensioning wheel 61, causing the support tape to advance with respect to the applicator cylinder 60 at the end of the application of adhesive to the initial end lip. Thus, it is ensured that adhesive is present on the applicator cylinder 60 for the next adhesive application sequence. For example, the return finger 64 may be automatically actuated or mechanically actuated by a spring.

Typically, the dispenser 54 is mounted for movement relative to the base 41 between an application position in which the applicator cylinder 60 is in contact with the lip at the initial end of the sheath (i.e. substantially flush with the two suction bars 23, 24 of the frame 10 facing each other), and a retracted position in which the dispenser 54 is slightly offset towards the rear of the base 41 so as to provide a small offset between the applicator cylinder 60 and the suction bars 23, 24 of the frame 10. For example, the distributor 54 is mounted for translational movement relative to the base 41 between these two positions along an axis parallel to the second axis Y.

Thus, once the adhesive has been placed on the lips, the dispenser 54 may be transferred back in order to make it easier to retract the lips from the applicator cylinder 60 on which the support tape of the adhesive roll is pressed.

Alternatively, the dispenser 54 is rigidly secured to the base 41. In another alternative, only a portion of the dispenser 54 (e.g., the applicator cylinder 60) is mounted to be movable relative to the base 41 to provide this retracting movement of the applicator cylinder 60.

Referring to fig. 8, the adhesive roll is described in more detail. The roll of adhesive carries a double-sided adhesive to provide internal application of the adhesive on both jackets.

The roll of adhesive is preferably shaped such that the tape supporting the roll of adhesive comprises a central area 70 (indicated by an arrow) without adhesive over the entire length of the roll of adhesive, and two edge areas 71 and 72 covered with adhesive on either side of the central area 70. Thus, over the width of the support tape (and for the entire length of the roll of adhesive) one edge region 71 with adhesive, a central region 70 without adhesive and another edge region 72 with adhesive will be found in succession.

This makes it easier to apply the adhesive to the inner face of the lip of the initial end of the sheath, since each edge region comes into contact with a respective one of said inner faces.

Preferably, the edge regions 71 and 72 are precut at regular intervals along the length of the roll of adhesive. Such precuts are provided, for example, by micro-cuts formed at regular intervals in the adhesive along the roll of adhesive. The pre-cut is defined in such a way that two pre-cut lines 73 (only one of which is given a reference number) together define a length of adhesive corresponding to the length of the lip of the sheath to which the adhesive is to be applied.

This makes it easier to separate the edge regions 71, 72 at the micro-cuts, thereby further facilitating retraction of the applicator cylinder 60 from the lips to receive adhesive. In particular, the connection means in this particular embodiment of the invention thus do not require a cutting tool dedicated to cutting the adhesive.

Preferably, the roll of adhesive is also shaped so that each of the edge regions 71, 72 has markings 74 (only one of which is labelled in fig. 8), said markings 74 being arranged at regular intervals along the length of the corresponding border region in order to detect the connection between the two flat tubular sheaths. The marker may be an element made of metal, for example.

In one variation, only one of the two edge regions 71, 72 has a series of markings 74 along its length.

The roll of adhesive is shaped such that each adhesive portion defined between two pre-cut lines 73 comprises an indicia 74.

With reference to fig. 9a to 9i, how the above-described apparatus is used is described in detail below.

Fig. 9a shows the device when the connection procedure is not initiated.

Only one sheath G is being deployed from the cassette 12 to the exit of the device 1 and, in this example, it passes through the connection station 11 and the carriage 40.

The other compartments are empty or contain sheaths waiting to be connected.

The operator can then operate on the cassette 12 to prepare a new initial sheath end.

As can be seen in fig. 9b, the operator arranges a new reel of jacket H in the empty compartment (e.g. 13a) by, for example, placing the reel on the spindle and then arranging the holder disc against the reel.

The operator then places the top suction bar 23 of the stopper 22a (which is associated with the compartment 13a in which the reel has been placed) in a spaced position.

Thereafter, the operator pulls the initial end of the sheath H from the compartment 13a, winding it around the first, second and third deflection rollers 17a, 18a, so as to place it on the joining station 11 between the two suction bars 23 and 24 of the stopper 22 a.

The operator then replaces the top suction bar 23 in the blocking position so as to block the initial end between the two suction bars 23 and 24 with respect to the frame 10.

The operator then engages the cutting implement 30 on the connection station 11 via the snap fastener arrangement 28a associated with the stopper 22a, and then actuates the additional handle 34 so as to sever the initial end, thereby forming an initial end lip.

The operator can advantageously use the ruler 26a and/or the markings 27a on the connection station 11 in order to position the initial end portion in a predetermined manner with respect to the cutting instrument 30, so as to cut it in a predetermined position (in the direction of travel of the sheath H). The operator can also use the protective pad 29a for this purpose.

As shown in fig. 9c, the cutting implement 30 is then removed and the operator places the top suction bar 23 in the spaced-apart position so as to correctly position the initial end again in a suitable manner with respect to the connecting station 11, after which the top suction bar 23 is again placed in the blocking position so as to block the initial end between the two suction bars 23 and 24. Typically, the operator arranges the initial end in such a way that only the lips L1 and L2 of the initial end extend beyond the stopper 22a and thus beyond the connection station 11 with respect to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the connection station 11.

The two lips L1 and L2 are thus arranged one above the other and they are pressed against each other, taking into account the way in which the initial end is cut.

The sheath H is then ready for connection to the sheath G being unwound.

It is thus possible to prepare the individual reels in the box 12 in this way without obstructing the travel of the reel being unwound and without needing to stop the movement of the sheath G being unwound.

Thereafter, upon detection of the end of the reel being moved, the control member 25 cuts off the power supply to the actuator roller 44 and the drive reel 50 of the carriage 40, so that the reel stops unwinding. However, the presence of accumulator 2 in device 1 enables machine 3 to continue normal operation without interruption in the time required to make the connection.

Unwinding of the reel is stopped so that the reel is stopped at a predetermined position in the carriage 40.

With reference to fig. 9d, the second strip 53 of the carriage 40 is controlled to suck the sheath G being unwound so as to press it against the second strip 53.

The blades of the first strip 52 of carriage 40 then cut the sheath G so as to separate the sheath G present in carriage 40 from the rest of the corresponding reel G' present in box 12. The second strip 53 advantageously serves to hold the sheath G in place during cutting and then once the terminal end of the sheath G is severed.

As shown in fig. 9e, the second strip 53 is then raised to its raised position so that when the carriage 40 is brought to one of the initial sheath ends in the stand-by state, the terminal end can be raised and thus prevented from obstructing the movement of the carriage 40.

Referring to fig. 9f, the various suction bars of the connection station 11 are then operated. At the suction rod between which the initial sheath ends are inserted, the suction moves the lips of a given initial end away from each other. In particular, in view of the arrangement of the initial ends, the suction via the suction bars presses the top lip L1 of each initial end against the top suction bar 23 of the associated stopper and the bottom lip L2 of each initial end against the associated bottom suction bar 24.

It should be observed that the shape of the initial end (i.e. its lip) makes it easier to open.

Opening all the lips of the home ends of the sheath in the standby state avoids said home ends from obstructing the movement of the carriage 40 when the carriage 40 is brought to one of these home ends.

Referring to fig. 9g, the carriage 40 is then moved along the first axis X, wherein the control member 25 determines at which initial end in the standby state the carriage 40 will be positioned. The movement of the carriage 40 is indicated by an arrow.

During the movement of the carriage 40, the advance and retreat movements of the dispensers 54, 55 with respect to the rest of the carriage 40 are advantageously used, so as to apply the adhesive only inside the intended initial end of the control member 25.

At the intended initial end, the upstream dispenser of the carriage 40 (upstream in the sliding direction of the carriage 40), in this example the dispenser 54, is therefore in its application position. Because the lips are open, only the associated applicator cylinder 60 carrying the roll of adhesive is pressed and the dispenser 54 is moved relative to the lips along the first axis X for depositing adhesive on both lips simultaneously.

Thus, both lips L1, L2 have adhesive applied thereto from adhesive rolls a1, a2, respectively.

The carriage 40 continues its sliding movement along the first axis X until the terminal end is aligned with the initial end.

It should be observed that in a given movement when the carriage 40 is translated, the adhesive is applied to the initial end before the terminal end is made to face the initial end. This makes it easier to connect the two ends together by limiting the relative movement within the device 1, in particular between the carriage 40 and the frame 10.

The second strip 53 of the carriage 40 is then placed in its lowered position so that the terminal end is lowered into alignment with the initial end. The terminal end is then arranged between the two opening lips of the initial end, as shown in fig. 9h (the carriage 40 is omitted for greater visibility, and the old sheath G is only indicated by a dotted line, again for the purpose of making the figure easier to read).

With reference to fig. 9i, the two suction bars 23, 24 of the stopper 22a are then tilted into the closed position.

This causes the lip of the initial end to close onto the terminal end, thereby sealing the two sheaths G and H together from the inside.

It can therefore be observed that the base 41 is movable with respect to the frame only by a translational movement (in particular along the first axis X). In this example, the carriage 40 also has a second strip 52, said second strip 52 being mounted so as to move with respect to the base 41, so that it can move the terminal end facing the initial end only when pivoted. Therefore, the configuration of the carriage 40, and in particular the carriage base 41, is very simple, so that the two sheaths can be connected together.

It should be observed that due to the shape of the cut of the initial end, there are two holes in the side of the connection. These holes are advantageously used to facilitate opening of the joint and the new sheath when the latter is passed through the former 4. This also serves to make it easier to detect the joint in the machine 3, so that it can be discarded without being placed on one of the travelling objects O. Furthermore, the marking carried by the adhesive at the connection between the two sheaths also enables the joint to be detected in the machine 3, so that it can be discarded without being placed on one of the travelling objects O.

Thereafter, the suction in the suction bars 23, 24 and in the second strip 53 of the carriage 40 is stopped.

The drive roller 44 and drive wheel 49 of the carriage 40 can then be restarted to unwind a new reel that has been connected to the old reel.

A device 1 is therefore proposed which enables an effective and rapid connection. In particular, the presence of adhesive on the lip of the initial end is sufficient to connect it to the terminal end, and the carriage 40 performs only one sliding movement to apply the adhesive and cause the two sheaths to face each other.

It should be observed that with the device 1 as described above, engaging the two ends with each other is relatively simple, since it is sufficient to manage the relative longitudinal position (along the first axis X) between the carriage 40 and the stop associated with the new jacket so as to cause the jackets to face each other.

The invention is not limited to the above description but on the contrary covers any variant falling within the scope defined by the claims.

In particular, although in this example the carriage directly carries a dispenser for applying adhesive to the initial end portion before having the terminal end portion face the initial end portion, the carriage may be arranged to have only the two end portions face each other and/or may be arranged to apply adhesive only to the first end portion. For example, if the carriage is used only to move the terminal end, the device may include other means for applying adhesive to the lip, such as a tilt clamp that applies adhesive to the lip after opening and before movement of the carriage. For example, if the carriage is arranged to apply adhesive only to the initial end, some other element (such as another carriage) may be used to move the two ends so that they face each other.

Furthermore, the carriage may be arranged to perform a movement for bringing the two sheaths towards each other instead of a sliding movement of the base relative to the frame.

Although in this example the adhesive is naturally applied, only by the carriage moving relative to the lip that is to receive the adhesive, the dispenser of the carriage may instead be driven by a motor for depositing the adhesive.

Although a single roll of adhesive is used to apply adhesive to both lips in this example, it is possible to rely on rollers, adhesive, and/or adhesive applicator systems generally different from the adhesive dispensers described above for applying adhesive to both lips simultaneously or otherwise, such as adhesive applicator systems that deposit liquid glue on the lips.

Instead of using cutting implements that are movable on the frame, it is possible to use a respective cutting implement that is associated with each blocker and that cannot be moved from one blocker to the other.

It is also possible to not have such a cutting implement. Once the initial end of the sheath has been cut, a new step of positioning the sheath may not be performed. For example, the sheath may be pulled until a fixed reference mark or sensor of the device reaches an index provided for this purpose on the initial end of the sheath, which is then cut in that location and then directly in the appropriate standby position.

Although in this example the accumulator forms part of the device, the device need not have any accumulator and may optionally be connected to an accumulator external to the device.

Of course, the device may include elements other than those described. For protection purposes, the device may therefore comprise a protective cover for isolating the carriage and the track on which the carriage slides from the operator. The operator may then access only a portion of the frame or the entire frame to be able to change the reel. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive dispenser may further comprise a protective housing for isolating the adhesive roll from the outside. The housing may be naturally removable so that an operator can open it and change the roll of adhesive.

In order to make the jacket easier to guide as it travels, the various rollers of the device and the backing roller, deflection roller, actuation roller, secondary roller, etc., may all (or only some of them) include respective wheels arranged on the associated roller so as to be positioned in contact with one of the jacket edges. It should be observed that it is easy to change the position of the wheels in order to accommodate sheaths of some other width, thereby making the installation adjustable.

The apparatus may include one or more cutting templates (e.g., associated with each mat stop) to further facilitate placement of the sheath end in a predetermined position for cutting and/or placing the starter end in a standby state for connection with the sheath being unwound.

Other suction elements may be associated with the frame and/or the carriage. For example, the connection station should be shaped so that there is a suction hole in its second longitudinal edge in order to press the sheath firmly against the suction station when engaging with the sheath being unwound.

It may be a carriage carrying the stopper and the corresponding opening device. It is thus possible to apply adhesive to the inner face of the terminal end in order to close it on the initial end. For example, an adhesive dispenser may be disposed at an end of the frame and the carriage may begin traveling thereto to apply adhesive to a lip at the end of the sheath it carries prior to placing the sheath in a position facing a new sheath.