CA1172809A - Glue application system for a collating machine - Google Patents
Glue application system for a collating machineInfo
- Publication number
- CA1172809A CA1172809A CA000401763A CA401763A CA1172809A CA 1172809 A CA1172809 A CA 1172809A CA 000401763 A CA000401763 A CA 000401763A CA 401763 A CA401763 A CA 401763A CA 1172809 A CA1172809 A CA 1172809A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- nozzle
- glue
- tip
- valve
- source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42C—BOOKBINDING
- B42C3/00—Making booklets, pads, or form sets from multiple webs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
- B05C5/027—Coating heads with several outlets, e.g. aligned transversally to the moving direction of a web to be coated
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S118/00—Coating apparatus
- Y10S118/21—Wire and cord striper
Abstract
Abstract An improved glue application system includes at least one flexible tapered nozzle (32) having a tubular body (90) and a tip (94) having an end (95) which contacts a supported surface (96) of a selected web (20) at an angle normal to the supported surface, the nozzle being mounted on the collating apparatus such that the tubular body flexes in response to variations in distance from the supported surface to the tubular body so that the end remains in contact with the supported web during operation of the apparatus. The nozzle communicates with a source of glue by a feed line (46).
Description
8~g ~
GLUE APPLICA'rION SYSTi3M FOR A COLLATING i`lACHINE
The present invention relates to glue applicators for collating machines, and more particularly, to glue applicators utilizing glue nozzles which contact the moving web.
- 5 Collating machines, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,682,468 which issued to the assignee of the present invention, are used to fabricate paper forms comprising a plurality of sheets which are glued together, typically at their 10 longltudinal édges. Such collating machines typically include horizontally spaced spindles on which are mounted paper supply rolls and feed cylinders around which the webs from the paper supply rolls are threaded to be collected in over-15 lapping relation along a horizontal path, typically a pin conveyor. Those feed cylinders located adjacent the horizontal path include peripherally' spaced r outwardly projecting, retractable pins which engage longitudinally spaced marginal perforations 20 within the webs to assure registration and positive feeding of the assembled webs along the path. These cylinders are often called "pin cylinders". In other col!ating rnachines, pin cylinders are not used. Instead, pinless back-up rolls are used, but 25 those collators still employ pin conveyors to trans-port the web~
Collating machines also include glue systems the basic elements of which consist of one or more glue nozzles, a source of glue under 30 pressure, and a supply line connecting the nozzles with a source of glue and including a valve which can be opened and closed to start and stop the flow o~ glue through each nozzle. Each nozzle is directed toward a moving web at a location prior to
GLUE APPLICA'rION SYSTi3M FOR A COLLATING i`lACHINE
The present invention relates to glue applicators for collating machines, and more particularly, to glue applicators utilizing glue nozzles which contact the moving web.
- 5 Collating machines, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,682,468 which issued to the assignee of the present invention, are used to fabricate paper forms comprising a plurality of sheets which are glued together, typically at their 10 longltudinal édges. Such collating machines typically include horizontally spaced spindles on which are mounted paper supply rolls and feed cylinders around which the webs from the paper supply rolls are threaded to be collected in over-15 lapping relation along a horizontal path, typically a pin conveyor. Those feed cylinders located adjacent the horizontal path include peripherally' spaced r outwardly projecting, retractable pins which engage longitudinally spaced marginal perforations 20 within the webs to assure registration and positive feeding of the assembled webs along the path. These cylinders are often called "pin cylinders". In other col!ating rnachines, pin cylinders are not used. Instead, pinless back-up rolls are used, but 25 those collators still employ pin conveyors to trans-port the web~
Collating machines also include glue systems the basic elements of which consist of one or more glue nozzles, a source of glue under 30 pressure, and a supply line connecting the nozzles with a source of glue and including a valve which can be opened and closed to start and stop the flow o~ glue through each nozzle. Each nozzle is directed toward a moving web at a location prior to
-2-its engaging a second moving web so that glu0 may be applied prior to the overlapping of the webs.
Prior art glue systems are, in general, of two basic types: those utilizing nozzles touching 5 the moving web to which glue is applied, and those utilizing noncontacting nozzles, in which the glue nozzle is spaced slightly away from the moving web and the glue traverses a slight air gap before it contacts the moving web. With either system it is 10 desirable to employ a glue nozzle with a small diameter orifice, typically the size of a hypodermic needle, to provide a thin, continuous glue line of uniform width. This line must be consistent in quality to allow high speed collating without glue 15 build-up and tenting of folded forms. The two systems have different advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of glue systems utilizing noncontacting nozzles are: (a) the glue nozzle does not create drag upon the web, (b) the lack of 20 contact between the nozzle and the web eliminates nozzle wear problems caused by the abrasion of the web against the tip of the nozzle, (increasing nozzle life) and ~c) presence of an air yap between the tip o the nozzle and the sur~ace o~ th~ moviny 25 web can accommodate variations in the distance between the surface o~ the web and the tip oE the noncontacting nozzle. To maintain close spacing between the tip of the noncontactiny nozzle and the moving web, noncontacting nozzles are usually 30 positioned on the collating machine to deposit glue on a supported area of a web, as where the web passes over a pin cylinder or back-up roll.
Disadvantages of noncontacting nozzles resul~ from the necessity of the glue having to 35 traverse the air gap before contacting the moving web. Since the glue is not restrained by the nozzle ~l~Z~3~9
Prior art glue systems are, in general, of two basic types: those utilizing nozzles touching 5 the moving web to which glue is applied, and those utilizing noncontacting nozzles, in which the glue nozzle is spaced slightly away from the moving web and the glue traverses a slight air gap before it contacts the moving web. With either system it is 10 desirable to employ a glue nozzle with a small diameter orifice, typically the size of a hypodermic needle, to provide a thin, continuous glue line of uniform width. This line must be consistent in quality to allow high speed collating without glue 15 build-up and tenting of folded forms. The two systems have different advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of glue systems utilizing noncontacting nozzles are: (a) the glue nozzle does not create drag upon the web, (b) the lack of 20 contact between the nozzle and the web eliminates nozzle wear problems caused by the abrasion of the web against the tip of the nozzle, (increasing nozzle life) and ~c) presence of an air yap between the tip o the nozzle and the sur~ace o~ th~ moviny 25 web can accommodate variations in the distance between the surface o~ the web and the tip oE the noncontacting nozzle. To maintain close spacing between the tip of the noncontactiny nozzle and the moving web, noncontacting nozzles are usually 30 positioned on the collating machine to deposit glue on a supported area of a web, as where the web passes over a pin cylinder or back-up roll.
Disadvantages of noncontacting nozzles resul~ from the necessity of the glue having to 35 traverse the air gap before contacting the moving web. Since the glue is not restrained by the nozzle ~l~Z~3~9
-3-orifice as it contact3 the web, the resul~ant glue line may vary in width and in thickness, and if the flow rate of glue does not ma~ch the web speed at a given instant, portions of the deposited glue line 5 may contain an excessive or an insufficient amount of glue~ Adjustment of the air gap is critical, and the maintaining of a proper air gap may result in excessive down time. The maximum speed a collator may reach may be reduced, due to the inherent sensi-10 tivity of this type of nozzle.
Glue systems utilizing a contacting nozzlecan more easily produce a glue line on a moving web that is consistent in width and thickness. The glue flows through the tip of the nozzle onto the paper 15 in a thin film, constrained by the dimensions of the orifice of the nozzle. The viscosity of the glue causes the glue which has contacted the paper to draw glue from the nozzle at a rate that equals the speed of the web, thereby reducing inconsistencies 20 in glue flow rate However, contacting nozzles cause drag on a moving web which can disrupt Eeeding of the web through the collating machine, and may cause weaving of the web and/or glue line. A wear factor is 25 introduced since the mo~ing web can abrade the nozzle tip, and lt i~; neces.sary to make contacting nozzles of abrasion-resistant materials, such as metal, to prolong the useful liEe o~ a nozzle. But metal noæzles tend to have high spring rates and low 30 flexibility, thus decreasing the capability of the glue nozzle to compensate for variations in the distance of the web surface from the body of the nozzle. In addition, contacting nozzle systems require high system pressures which tax the indivi-35 dual components, c~uch as pumps, valves, andfittings, leading to low reliability and flow control problems.
- 1~7Z~30 To eliminate these disadvantages, con-tacting type glue nozzles are usually positioned such that glue is applied to a moving web as it passes between two cylinders and is relatively 5 unsupported. The flexibility of this space of web serves to compensate for variations in tautness, which causes flutters of the web. Another means of compensating for the inflexibility of noncontacting nozzles is to fix a brush in contact with the moving 10 web opposite the glue nozzle, to provide a flexible support for the web and accommodate web flutter. In addition, positioning of the nozzle and brush requires precise adjustment and the maximum speed at which a collator may function effectively is reduced 15 if a brush and nozzle combination is used. Neither arrangement enhances the consistency or quality of the glue line, nor facilitates feeding paper through the collator.
In both contacting and noncontacting nozzle 20 systems, high system pressure causes glue to seep through the nozzle after the machine has stopped and the line pressure has returned to atmospheric. If the web is no longer in motion, this causes a larye deposit o~ glue to be made on the web which may 25 render that porkion of the web useless and Eoul the mechanical part~ of the collator.
Accordingly, a need exis-ts for a glue system which can apply a consistent line of glue to a moving web with a quality comparable to that of 30 glue systems utilizing contacting nozzles, yet can easily compensate for variations in distance between the web and nozzle body, has a low drag factor on the web comparable to that of systems utilizing noncontacting nozzlest and which terminates flow at 35 the nozzle tip when the flow of glue through the supply conduit is stopped. Such a system must be ~L~L72~0~
quick and easy to set up, result in high quality forms free of glue build-up and tenting, and be capable o high speed operation.
The improved glue application system 5 embodying the present invention is used with a collating machine, and employs contacting nozzles that minimize the disadvantages of prior art contacting nozzles yet retain the capability of producing a thin, uniform glue line on a moving 10 web. This system also includes an apparatus for retracting the nozzles from the web when operation of the collating machine is interrupted or completed to facilitate working in the area of the nozzle and control valves.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a glue application system is designed to be used in combination with a collating apparatus of the type having a plurality o rolls of paper mounted on spaced spindles, pin cylinders or back-up 20 rolls to direct webs from the rolls to be collected in overlapping relation, and a drive train to rotate the pin cylinders and the rolls in unison~ The system includes a flexible glue nozzle, a r~servoir of glue, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the 25 nozzle, a pump to force the glue from the reservoir to the nozzle, a valve to regulate the flow of glue ~rom the reservoir to the nozzle, and hardware to move the noæzles to a predetermined "off" position.
The nozzle is of the contacting variety and 30 is rigidly mounted to a wall of the collatiny apparatus and positioned so that its tip contacts the moving web as it passes over a supported surface, preferably a back-up roll. The nozzle is improved over prior art noæzles in that it is made 35 from a flexible material having a low spring con-stant and has a tubular-tapered body that narrows ` ~7Z809 ~6-gradually toward its tip which contacts the web. A
glue nozzle of this type is able to apply a line of glue directly onto a supported web surface so that movement of the paper toward or away from the nozzle 5 tip is minimized thereby enhancing the quality of the glue line. In addition, elimination of an air gap between the nozzle and the paper reduces the criticality of the nozzle placement, thus facili~
tating set up.
It is important that the nozzle be suffi-ciently flexi~le so that it can follow variations in the paper thickness as well as variations in the position of the web caused by the rotation of the back-up roll about an axis slightly off-center from 15 its central axis and flutter of the web. The natural frequency of the nozzle must be considerably higher than the rotational frequency of the back-up roll as it rotates about its central axis. If the natural frequency of the nozzle approaches the rota-20 tional frequency of the back-up roll the resulting driving frequency of the back-up roll will cause the glue nozzle ~o bounce and create an erratic and inconsi.stent glue line.
At the same time, the spring con~tant o~
25 the glue nozzle must be low so that the drag force is minimized throughout the entire range oE deElec~
tion of the glue nozzle. Since the natural frequency of the glue nozzle is directly propor-tional to the square root spring constant and 30 inversely proportional to the square root of the mass of the nozzle, the desired glue nozzle must have a nozzle of very slight mass. Thus, massive glue nozzles mounted on a spring or other resilient arrangements are undesirable. For this reason, the 3S preferred glue nozzle is made of a flexible elas-tomer such as polyurethane.
- Huwever, a nozzle made o a resilient elastomer would possess bad wear characteristics ancl would be quickly worn down by the abrasiveness of the moving web, despite the slight drag. In the 5 preerred embodiment, the nozæle consists of a flexible, plastic tube which has a metal tip mounted in its end~ The metal tip preferably is similar to a section of a hypodermic needle of approximately 19 gauge tapproximately 0.070 cm I.D.). It is also lO preferable to bevel the end of the tip; that is, to cut the end of the tip at an angle to the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Thus, when the no~zle is mounted at an angle to the point of contact of the web on the pin cylinder, the beveled 15 end will be substantially parallel to the web at the point of tangency. By maintaining the beveled end parallel to the moving web, the end can direct the glue to promote a smooth line of uniform thickness.
It is desirable to have a glue line which 20 is not only thin in height but thin in width as well. The fac-t that the nozzle of the present invention contacts the web insures a glue line having a minimal height with little build-up or tenting. The width oE the glue line is determined 25 by the width of the orifice opening. Use oE an inserted metal tip made o l9 gauge hypodermic ; needle will be suEeiciently narrow in cliameter to produce a line o~ the desired width. However, the conduit connecting the nozzle with the glue reser-30 vior must be larger in diameter, preferably l/4 inch (0.735 cm) inside diameter, to reduce the friction of the glue against the conduit so that the opera-ting pressure required to convey glue from the reservoir to the tip is within the range of conven 35 tional pumps.
~ ~l7~809 There exists a problem in necking down from a conduit oE 1/4 inch inside diameter to a 19 gauge hypodermic needle opening in that a sudden change in diameter of this magnitude would cause great resis-5 tance in glue flow and would require operatingpressures of approximately 110 p.s.i. (7.73 kg/cm2) to provide a sufficient glue flow rate during operation. The glue nozzle of the present invention eliminates this problem by utilizing a 10 body which gradually tapers from the connection to the conduit to the modified hypodermic needle tip.
The pressure required to provide a suficient glue flow rate is thereby reduced to approximately 20 p.s.i. (1.4 kg/cm2), which is well within the 15 range of standard pumps. Thus, component reliabil-ity is greatly enhanced.
Other nozzle embodiments may be imple-mented, provided they possess the requisite flexi-bility, low mass, hard tip, and smoothness of an 20 interior passage. For example, the nozzle body may be made of a single-piece, abrasion resistant material such as nylon. The body would have thin walls to insure proper spring constant and include a beveled tip.
In another Eorm, the nozzle may be a single piece thin walled tube made of metal. The tube has opposing flat sides which extend along its length and necks down to a narrow tip. The flat sides give increased flexibility to the body to 30 enable it to ride against a web and back-up roll.
Another variation of nozzle body consists of a relatively short conical tubular body having a relatively long tip press-fitted into a narrow end.
The long tip resembles a hypodermic needle and has a 35 beveled end. The long needle provides the requisite flexibility of the nozzle.
1~L72~
g An alternate embodiment o~ the nozzle may consist of a single-piece body having a generally tubular shape conveying to a narrow tlp. The body includes a crimped section in which the walls have a 5 bellows-type configuration which adds flexibility to the nozzle. This embodiment preferably is made by electroforming a metal such as nickel.
The valve of the glue system of the present invention may be a three-way valve or two two-way 10 valves operated simultaneously so that glue may be directed to a return conduit and flow back to the reservoir when the glue nozzles are not in use.
However, when the valve or vaIves are activated to direct the flow of glue back to the reservoir, the lS glue between the valve and the tip of the nozzle continues to flow through the tip of the nozzle.
The glue is somewhat compressible, and, when the system pressure is reduced to atmospheric in that section of conduit, the glue expands back to its 20 original volume with the excess running out the nozzle.
The system embodying the presen-t invention provides a means to eliminate this 10w o-~ glue through the tip of the nozzle after the collatlng 25 process is completed. The means includes the~ use o~
a three-way val~e havlny "suck-back" capabilities;
that is, when the valve is activated to direct the flow of ylue from the nozzle back to the re~ervoir, there is a vacuum created within the valve that 30 causes the glue between the valve and the tip of the nozzle to be drawn back toward the valve bodyO If two two-way valves are utilized the valve immedi-ately upstream of the nozzle should have the suck-back capability.
~l~Z~(39 To facilitate webbing of the paper, general housekeepiny and cleaning of the collator, and adjusting the various components of the collator and glue system, the invention includes a positioning 5 mechanism which carries the nozzles and tilts them away from the back-up rolls and web so that the tips of the nozzles point upward. The positioning mechanism preferably includes mounting brackets which hold the nozzles at a desired angle to their 10 respective back-up rolls, and collars which receive the mounting brackets and are slidably positionable along rods positioned parallel to the back-up rolls. The rods are rotatably journalled through the ends of arms whose other ends are rotatably 15 journalled into a wall of the collating apparatus by pins. The pins extend through the wall and are fitted to the ends of second arms which are connected at their other ends by a linkage to the rod of a pneumatic cylinder. In this fashion, extension or retraction of the cylinder rod causes the first and second arms to rotate abou-t their pins mounted in the wall thereby causing the rods carrying the nozzles to rotate toward or away from their respective back-up rolls.
To increase the rotation Oe each n~zzle so that its tip points in an upward direction, the corresponding rod which is rotatably journalled into an end of the arm extends through the arm and i5 fitted to an end of a lever. The other end of the 30 lever contains a longitudinal slot which fits over a dowel extending outwardly from the wall of the collating apparatus. Thus, as the arm moves the rod away from the cylinder, the lever is rotated about the dowel and causes the rod to rotate with respect 35 to the arm so that the nozzle points upward.
The preferred embodiment of the glue system includes a mechanism to regulate the flow of glue through the conduit so that glue flows through the tips of the nozzles only when the drive train of the 5 collating apparatus is propelling the webs through the apparatus. The valves which regulate the flow of glue from the reservoir and pump of the preferred embodiment to each nozzle consists of two air-piloted two-way valves: a first valve that is lO normally closed which connects the conduit to the nozzle, and a second valve which is normally open that connects the conduit to a return line to the reservoir. Both valves are contolled by a single air line which, if pressurized, causes the first 15 valve to open and the second valve to close so that glue flows from the reservoir to the nozzle.
Conversely, if the air line is depressurized, the first valve returns to its normally closed position and the second to its normally open position so that 20 glue flows from the reservoir to the return line and back to the reservoir.
The mechanism includes a solenoid in the air line to the valves which is activated by an electrical signal from an optical encoder o a ~ype 25 well-known in the art. The encoder consisks oE a glass disk rotationally driven by the drive train of the collator. A light source is directed throuyh a series of transparent and opaque portions on the disk to a phototransistor forming part of the 30 optical encoder. When the drive train of the collating apparatus is activated to cause the webs to move through the collating machine, the glass disk rotates to allow pulses of light to hit the photodetector. The encoder generates a signal in 35 the form of electrical pulses in response to the light pulses which is sent to a control circuit.
~728~g The control circuit causes the solenoid to be positioned to pressurize the air line to the valves, permitting the glue to flow through the nozzle. It is preferable to utilize air-pilated valves with 5 suck-back capability.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a glue system for use in combination with a collating apparatus which utilizes a flexible contacting-type nozzle that 10 results in a low system pressure, produces a uniform glue line and compensates for eccentricities in the rotation of the adjacent back-up roll, web flutter, and variations in thickness of the moving web, a glue system utilizing a contacting-type nozzle that 15 is inexpensive yet wear-resistant and can be changed easily, a glue system utilizing a nozzle that can be retracted from the adjacent pin cylinder such that the tip is elevated above the body, a glue system utilizing a tapered nozzle to reduce pressure 20 losses, and a glue ~ystem that can be set up easily and retain its setting.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent rom the following description, the attached drawings, and the appended claims.
In order that the invention may be rnor~
readi].y understood, re~erence will now be mad~ to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fiy. 1 is a somewhat schematic side eleva-tion of a typical collator incorporating the glue 30 system embodying the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation of a glue nozzle against a pin cylinder on the collator of Fig. 1 broken away to show the positioning mechanism;
Fig. 3 is the view of Fig. 2 with the positioning mechanism adjusted so that the glue nozzle is retracted from the pin cylinder;
~Z~31)9 Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a glue nozzle embodying the invention in sec~ion flexing against a pin cylinder;
Fig. 5 is a partial side elevation, in 5 sectionl of the glue nozzle of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a somewhat schematic view of the glue system o~ the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the ylue supply system of the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 8 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention, in section;
Fig. 9 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention;
Fig. 10 is an alternate embodiment of a lS nozzle embodying the present invention;
Fig. lOa is a side elevation, in section, of the nozzle of Fig. 10; and Fig. 11 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 1, the glue application system embodying the present invention can be integrated with a collating apparatus, generally designated 10. A typical collating apparatus 10 ls more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,682,~68 ~5 which i5 issued to the assignee of the presenk invention. ~lowever, it should be understood the invention is also applicable to other types of apparatus having a collating function. The collating apparatus lO includes an elongated base 12 30 from which extends a vertical frame or wall 14. A
series of horizontally arranged parallel spindles 16 are supported and extend outwardly from the wall 14 for free rotation and receive corresponding rolls 18 of paper webs 20, each having longitudinally spaced 35 marginal perforations or feed holes. It is under-stood that the web 20 may also be a carbon tissue ~17~309 web. Typically, tlle paper webs 20 are dlrected by a series of rotatable spindles 22 to corresponding back-up rolls 24. The back-up rolls are positioned above an endless pin conveyor 26 which is car~ied by 5 pulleys 28. The pin conveyor 26 is fitted with a series of protrusions or pins 29 spaced apart to matingly engage the feed holes of the paper web 20.
The rotatable spindles 22, back-up rolls 24, and pulleys 28 are cantilevered outwardly from the wall 10 14 of the collating apparatus 10. Movement of the pin conveyor 26 and back-up rolls 24 causes the paper webs 20 to move along the pin conveyor and become collected in overlapping relationship as the collated form progresses through the collating 15 apparatus 10.
The glue application system embodying the present invention includes a series of nozzles 32 mounted on positioning means 34 which is mounted to wa.l 14. The nozzles 32 communicate with a source 20 of glue such as a reservoir 36 by a conduit 380 The conduit 38 carries a valve means which can be a three-way valve 40. The valve 40 also communicates with the reservoir 36 by way oE a rekurn line 42.
The conduit 38 includes a supply line 44 which runs 25 from the reservoir 36 to the valve 40, and a eed line 46 which extends Erom the valve to the nozzles 32. In order to putnp the ylue through the conduit 38, a pump such as a gear pump 43 is positioned on the supply line 44. The valve 40 includes a control 30 50 which may be an air-piloted solenoid of a type well-known in the art.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a nozzle 32 is joined to a feed line 46 by a mounting bracket 52~
The mounting bracket 52 is joined to a support bar 35 54 by a bolt 56 which allows the mounting bracket and nozzle 32 to be positioned at difEerent angles ~17Z~
to the support bar. The support bar 54 ls held to a collar 58 by a bolt 60. I~ is preferable to have a longitudinal slot (not shown) formed in the support bar 54 so that the bolt 60 may pass through ~he slot 5 at different positions to allow the support bar ~o be adjusted relative to the collar 58. The collar 58 is fitted over a rod 62 which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the adjacent pin cylinder 24 thereby allowing movement of the nozzle 10 32 in a plane parallel to the axis of the back-up - roll 24. The collar 58 is adjustably mounted to the rod 62 and can be positioned to accommodate webs of varying widths.
The rod 62 passes through an end of an arm 15 64 and is rigidly mounted in an end of a lever 66 adjacent the end of the arm on a side opposite the collar 58. The opposite end of the arm 64 has an opening which holds a pin 68 which passes through the wall 14 of the collating apparatus 10. On the 20 opposite side of the wall 14 the pin is rigidly mounted to an end of a second arm 70. Second arm 70 is connected by a linkage 72 to the rod 74 oE a double-acting cylinder 76 which is preferably pneumatically operated. The double-acting cylinder 25 76 is operated by a solenoid 78 which directs compressed air from supply lines 80 to the cylinder by way oE lines 82. The solenoid 78 is pre~erably an electrical solenoid which can be remotely operated by a control 84 which preferably is 30 integrated with the electrical controls of the entire collating apparatus 10 in a manner well-known in the art.
The lever 66 has a longitudinal slot 86 formed in an opposite end to the end receiving the 35 rod 620 The slot 86 is fitted over a dowel 88 which preferably is press fitted into the wall 14. The Z~
-16~
slot 86 is sized so that the lever 66 may move relative to the dowel which slides along the slot.
In Fiy. 3, the positioning means 34 is shown in a retracted position in which the nozzle 32 5 has been displaced away from pin cylinder 24. To retract the nozzle 34 from pin cylinder 24, the control 84 activates solenoid 78 which permits compressed air to flow through lines 82 so that rod 74 extends from cylinder 76. Extension of rod 74 10 pushes second arm 70 by means of linkage 72 and cause the second arm to rotate pin 68 which is journalled within wall 14. The rotation of pin 68 causes arm 64 to rotate about the axis of the pin and draw the nozzle 32 away from pin cylinder:24.
At the same time, movement of arm 64 causes lever 66 to rotate about dowel 88. Since the distance from dowel 88 to rod 62 is less than the distance from the rod to the pin 68, rotation of arm 64 causes lever 66 to rotate to a greater extent 20 than the arm thereby causing the rod to rotate relative to the arm. In this fashion, the nozzle 32 is rotated so that its end points upward to a greater degree than if the rod was rigidly mounted to the arm 64.
The nozzle design is shown most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. A typical nozzle 32 consists of a tapered tubular body 90 and a beveled end 92. The body 90 is molded to include a recess 93 in its end sized to receive a hollow, cylindrical tip 94 having 30 a beveled end 95 which contacts the surface 96 of a : paper web 20 as the paper web passes over a back-up roll 24. The surface 96 is considered a "supported surface" in that it is supported by the back-up roll 24 and does not move substantially with respect to 35 the tip 94 of the nozzle 32. The recess 93 is shaped to receive the body 90 so that there is a 2~0~
smooth trallsition from the inside wall Oe the body to the opening 97 in the tip 94. The tip 94 is cemented to the recess 93 by a suitable adhesive.
At the opposite end o the nozzle 32 is a 5 mouth 98 which fits over a tube 100 which is integral with mounting bracket 52 and forms a passage 102 extending through the mounting bracket and a second tube 104 on an opposite side of the mounting bracket. The second tube 104 is sized to 10 receive an end of a feed line 46 of conduit 38 (as shown in Fig. 1)~ Both the mouth 98 of nozzle 32 and the feed line 46 are held to tubes lO0 and 104, respectively, by means of the elastic properties of the nozzle end supply line materials. However, if 15 desirable, a suitable clamp (not shown) may be employed to fit over the nozzle mou-th 98 and feed line 46 to prevent slipping with respect to the tubes lO0, 104.
The nozzle 32 preferably is made from a 20 flexible material such as polyurethane or other elastomer~ The tip 94 i5 made of an abrasion resis-tant material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, or brass and is approximately the same sixe as an 19 gauge hypoc~ermic needle.
As shown in E'ig. 4, the noæ~le 32 is posi-tioned adjclaent the surf~ce 96 o the moviny weh 20 so that the tapered body 90 is def.Lected slightly when the tip 94 contacts the surface 96 in the direction of the arrow 'IA''. Thus, as the back-up 30 roll 24 rotates during the collating operation, the tip 94 is held in contact with the surface 96 of the moving web 20 at all times by the resiliency of the tapered body 90. It is preferable that the tapered body 90 and tip 94 have a small combined mass and a 35 small spring constant so that the tip can track the surface 96 with a minimum of pressure which reduces 2~
drag on the web 20 and substantially reduces the chance of te~ring the web or creating a condition oE
imbalance.
As shown in Fig. 6, the preferred embodi-5 ment of the glue application system includes a means for controlling the flow of glue from a reservoir 36 to the nozzle 32 so that glue i5 supplied to the nozzle under pressure only when the collating apparatus 10 is operating. Preferably, the valve 10 means includes a first two-way valve 106, a second two-way valve 108, and a three-way connection 110.
The first valve 106 is a normally closed air-piloted valve and controls the flow of glue from the supply line 44 to the feed line 46 and the nozzle 32. The 15 second valve 108 is a normally open air-piloted valve and controls the flow of glue from the supply line 44 to the return line 42 and back to the reser-vior 36 which is partially filled with a water-based glue 112.
The air-piloted valves 106, 108 are acti-vated by a source of compressed air 114 which communicates with the valves by means of an air line 116. A solenoid valve 118 is mounted on the air line 116 and is of the type having an ^'on" position 25 and an "off" position so that the air line 119 to the valves 106, 108 is alternately pressuxized and depressu.riz0d. The solenoid valve 118 i.s electri-cally operated and i5 activated by control circuitry 120.
The control circuitry 120 includes an optical encoder 122 which is driven by a gear drive 124 from the drive train 126 of the collator 10.
The encoder 122 is of a type well known in the art and contains a glass disk (not shown) which is 35 rotated about its central axis by the gear drive 124. The disk contains a pattern of opaque and L7~)9 -lg~ .
transparent portions. The encoder 122 also contains a ligh~ source and a photoreceptor (not shown) arranged so that rotation of the disk by the gear train in response to drive train movement causes 5 pulses of light to impinge upon the photoreceptor.
The photoreceptor sends electrical pulses to the control circuitry 120 which activates solenoid valve 118 to adjust its position. The control circuitry 120 is programmed to position solenoid 118 in the 10 "on" position only when the drive train of the collating apparatus 10 is moving which occurs only when web 20 moves through the apparatus 10. Thus, the air line 116 is pressurized only during opera-tion of the collator 10.
The air line 116 may also carry a second solenoid valve 128 which is operated manually by a toggle switch 130. The second solenoid valve 128 has an "on" position and an "off" position so that different nozzles of a multiple nozzle collator can 20 be selectively turned "on" or "off".
The operation of the glue application system of the preerred embodiment is as follows.
After the rolls 18 have been mounted on the parallel, spindles 16 of the collating apparatus 10, the paper 2S webs 20 are unwound ancl threaded throuyh the appro~
priate ~pirldles 22 and over their respective back-up rolls 24 to be arranged in overlapping relationship on pin conveyor 26 (Fig. 1). The gear pump 48 is activated to pump glue from reservior 36 through 30 supply line 44 to valves 106, 108 (Fig. ~. At this time, air line 116 is not pressurized because sole-noid 11~3 is in the "off" mode. As a result, the first two-way valve 106, which is normally closed, does not permit glue to flow through feed line 46 to 35 nozzle 32, The second two-way valve 108, which is normally open, allows glue to flow through return line 42 and back to reservior 112.
17Z130~
The positioning means 34 is presently in the retracted position as shown in Fig. 3, so that the nozzle 32 is displaced away from back-up roll 24 and its tip 94 is elevated above its body 90. When 5 the threading process has been completed, control 84 is activa~ed to position solenoid valve 78 to allow compressed air to flow through supply line 80 to cylinder 76 so that rod 74 is moved inwardly. This rotates arm 64 about pin 68 in the manner discussed lo previously so that nozzle 32 is brought into contact with the surface 96 of paper web 20, as shown in Fig. 2.
When the collating apparatus 10 is acti-vated and the drive train begins to advance the web 15 through the apparatus, the optical encoder 122 sends a signal to the control circuitry 120 which acti-vates solenoid valve 118, placing it in the "on"
position. The air line 116 is pressurized from the source of compressed air 114 which opens the 20 normally closed first valve 106 and closes the normally open second valve 108. Glue is permitted to flow from the supply line 44 through the three-way connection 110 and first valve 106 to the nozzle 32 and onto the surface 96 of the moving web 20.
When the collating process is completed, the encoder 122 no longer sends signals to control circuitry 120, and the control operates to close solenoid valve 118 thereby depressurizing air line 116. The depressurization of air line 116 allows ; ~o the first valve 106 to resume its normally closed mode and the second valve 108 to resume its normally open mode, thus permitting glue to flow through the return line 42 and back to the reservoir.
As shown in Fig. 7, the system oE the 3s preferred embodiment can be implemented in a collatiny apparatus having a number oE nozzles 32".
-21~
Glue 112" Erom reservoir 36" flows through a valve 132 and fiLter 134 to gear pumps 4~" driven by motor 136. Pumps 48" develop a sufficient pressure head to pump glue through its respective supply line 5 44". It should be noted that, although Fig. 7 depicts a system utilizing three nozzles 32", this system can be expanded to accommodate any desired number of glue nozzles~
Each supply line 44" commwnicates with a 10 three-way connection 110" which, in turn, communi-cates with the inlet port of a first normally closed two-way valve 106" and a second normally open two-way valve 108". The normally closed valve 106"
comm~nicates with nozzle 32" by feed line 46". The 15 second normally open valve 108" communicates with reservoir 112" by a common return line 42". A check valve 138 may be included which has a resealing pressure slightly above zero to hold a residual pressure in the lines, thereby urging the glue to 20 flow at start up before the pumps have built up full operating pressure.
As shown by broken line 140, the reservoir 112", filter 132, valve 134, pump ~8", motor 136, anc~ check valve 138, may be packaged as a single 25 unit which can readil~ be connected to supply lines 44" and return lines ~2".
The valves 106", 108" are air-piloted valves operated by air line 116" which communicates with a source 114" of compressed air, similar to the 30 configuration of Fig. 6. Second solenoid valves 128" can be positioned by an operator to activate selected nozzles 32" in accordance with the specific type of collating process to be performed.
By placing the solenoid valve 118" at a 35 common portion of air line 116", all nozzles in the system shown in Fig. 7 can be turned on or off ~7Zt~V~
simultaneously by control circultry 120", upon the appropriate signal from encoder 122".
Although the two-way valves or the three-way valves o~ the previously discussed embodi-5 ments may be a standard type used for applicationsinvolving the use of water-based glue, it is preferred to employ valves upstream of the nozzles having "suck-back" capabilities; that is, upon the closing of the valve a slight vacuum is created to 10 draw the glue in the line downstream of the valve back toward the valve. This suck-back capability will prevent excessive glue from flowing out of the tip of the nozzle after the glue application step of the collating process is completed.
Figs. 8, 9, lO, and 11 show alternate nozzle embodiments. Those reference numerals used in the figures greater than 200 correspond to those used to describe the preferred embodiment discussed previously. Each o those reference numerals used 20 in describing the embodiments comprises three digits, the last two of which correspond to the reference numeral used to denote the corresponding portion of the previously discussed preeerred - embodiment. Additional elements with no counteryart 25 in the preEerred embodlment are given reerence numerals less than 200.
As shown in F'ig. 8, an alternate embodirnent o a nozzle 232 consists only of a single-piece body 290 made of a flexible, abrasion resistant material 30 such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the beveled end 292 would contact a surface of a moving web in the same manner as the nozzle 32 shown in Fig. 4~
Such a nozzle 232 would have to have thinner walls to insure an appropriate spring constant and mass to 35 minimize drag on the surface of the moving web.
As shown in Fig. 9, a nozzle 332 has a body 390 which is relatively thin-walled and made of metal. The body 390 is circular in shape at its mouth 398 so that it may be inserted over a tube 5 which is integral with a mounting bracket. The cross sectional shape of the body 390 is circular at its mouth 398 and becomes flattened as it extends toward its beveled end 392. The width of the nozzle 332 decreases toward the tip 392, giving an overall lo "duck bill" shape to the nozzle. Tnus, the nozzle shown in Fig. 9 can be distinguished from the nozzles previously discussed in that the body 390 includes opposing flat surfaces 142. These flat surfaces 142 give flexibility to the nozzle 332 so 15 that it may ride against a web and back-up roll.
As shown in Figs. 10 and lOa, a nozzle 432 may have a relatively short body 490 having a mouth 498 sized to fit over a tube on a mounting bracket.
The nozzle 432 includes an elongated tip 494, 20 resembling a hypodermic needle, which attaches to the end 492 of the body 490. The tip 494 terminates in a beveled end 495 which is shaped to lie flat against a moving web.
The nozzle 432 is distirlguishable from 25 previousl.y discussed nozzle~ in that the tip 494 includes a cup 144 for receiviny the end 492 of the body 490. The ~ip 494 may be attached to the body 490 by a press fit so that there is a smooth transition between the walls 145 of tapered base and 30 the mouth 146 of the tip 494.
E~ig. 11 shows an additional embodiment of a nozzle 532 having a thin-walled tubular metallic body 590 which terminates in a beveled end 592. The mouth 598 o~ the body 590 is sized to be placed over 35 a tube of a mounting bracket. The body S90 of the nozzle 532 is distinguishable from previously ~1~7~ 9 discussed no~zle e~bodiments in that it inclwdes a crimped section 146 in which the wall 148 of the body has a bellows-type configuration in longitud-inal cross section.
The bellows~type configuration of the crimped section 146 allows the body 590 of the nozzle 532 to have greater flexibility than if the wall 148 was merely a straight piece. Thus, the end 592 of the body 590 is better able to accommodate 10 any variations in the distance between the mounting bracket and the supported surface of the mo~ing web during operation. The nozzle 532 is preferably manufactured by electro-forming and a desirable material is nickel.
While the apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise methods and forms of apparatus and that changes may be made in either 20 without departing from the scope of -the inventicn as defined in the appended claims.
Glue systems utilizing a contacting nozzlecan more easily produce a glue line on a moving web that is consistent in width and thickness. The glue flows through the tip of the nozzle onto the paper 15 in a thin film, constrained by the dimensions of the orifice of the nozzle. The viscosity of the glue causes the glue which has contacted the paper to draw glue from the nozzle at a rate that equals the speed of the web, thereby reducing inconsistencies 20 in glue flow rate However, contacting nozzles cause drag on a moving web which can disrupt Eeeding of the web through the collating machine, and may cause weaving of the web and/or glue line. A wear factor is 25 introduced since the mo~ing web can abrade the nozzle tip, and lt i~; neces.sary to make contacting nozzles of abrasion-resistant materials, such as metal, to prolong the useful liEe o~ a nozzle. But metal noæzles tend to have high spring rates and low 30 flexibility, thus decreasing the capability of the glue nozzle to compensate for variations in the distance of the web surface from the body of the nozzle. In addition, contacting nozzle systems require high system pressures which tax the indivi-35 dual components, c~uch as pumps, valves, andfittings, leading to low reliability and flow control problems.
- 1~7Z~30 To eliminate these disadvantages, con-tacting type glue nozzles are usually positioned such that glue is applied to a moving web as it passes between two cylinders and is relatively 5 unsupported. The flexibility of this space of web serves to compensate for variations in tautness, which causes flutters of the web. Another means of compensating for the inflexibility of noncontacting nozzles is to fix a brush in contact with the moving 10 web opposite the glue nozzle, to provide a flexible support for the web and accommodate web flutter. In addition, positioning of the nozzle and brush requires precise adjustment and the maximum speed at which a collator may function effectively is reduced 15 if a brush and nozzle combination is used. Neither arrangement enhances the consistency or quality of the glue line, nor facilitates feeding paper through the collator.
In both contacting and noncontacting nozzle 20 systems, high system pressure causes glue to seep through the nozzle after the machine has stopped and the line pressure has returned to atmospheric. If the web is no longer in motion, this causes a larye deposit o~ glue to be made on the web which may 25 render that porkion of the web useless and Eoul the mechanical part~ of the collator.
Accordingly, a need exis-ts for a glue system which can apply a consistent line of glue to a moving web with a quality comparable to that of 30 glue systems utilizing contacting nozzles, yet can easily compensate for variations in distance between the web and nozzle body, has a low drag factor on the web comparable to that of systems utilizing noncontacting nozzlest and which terminates flow at 35 the nozzle tip when the flow of glue through the supply conduit is stopped. Such a system must be ~L~L72~0~
quick and easy to set up, result in high quality forms free of glue build-up and tenting, and be capable o high speed operation.
The improved glue application system 5 embodying the present invention is used with a collating machine, and employs contacting nozzles that minimize the disadvantages of prior art contacting nozzles yet retain the capability of producing a thin, uniform glue line on a moving 10 web. This system also includes an apparatus for retracting the nozzles from the web when operation of the collating machine is interrupted or completed to facilitate working in the area of the nozzle and control valves.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a glue application system is designed to be used in combination with a collating apparatus of the type having a plurality o rolls of paper mounted on spaced spindles, pin cylinders or back-up 20 rolls to direct webs from the rolls to be collected in overlapping relation, and a drive train to rotate the pin cylinders and the rolls in unison~ The system includes a flexible glue nozzle, a r~servoir of glue, a conduit connecting the reservoir to the 25 nozzle, a pump to force the glue from the reservoir to the nozzle, a valve to regulate the flow of glue ~rom the reservoir to the nozzle, and hardware to move the noæzles to a predetermined "off" position.
The nozzle is of the contacting variety and 30 is rigidly mounted to a wall of the collatiny apparatus and positioned so that its tip contacts the moving web as it passes over a supported surface, preferably a back-up roll. The nozzle is improved over prior art noæzles in that it is made 35 from a flexible material having a low spring con-stant and has a tubular-tapered body that narrows ` ~7Z809 ~6-gradually toward its tip which contacts the web. A
glue nozzle of this type is able to apply a line of glue directly onto a supported web surface so that movement of the paper toward or away from the nozzle 5 tip is minimized thereby enhancing the quality of the glue line. In addition, elimination of an air gap between the nozzle and the paper reduces the criticality of the nozzle placement, thus facili~
tating set up.
It is important that the nozzle be suffi-ciently flexi~le so that it can follow variations in the paper thickness as well as variations in the position of the web caused by the rotation of the back-up roll about an axis slightly off-center from 15 its central axis and flutter of the web. The natural frequency of the nozzle must be considerably higher than the rotational frequency of the back-up roll as it rotates about its central axis. If the natural frequency of the nozzle approaches the rota-20 tional frequency of the back-up roll the resulting driving frequency of the back-up roll will cause the glue nozzle ~o bounce and create an erratic and inconsi.stent glue line.
At the same time, the spring con~tant o~
25 the glue nozzle must be low so that the drag force is minimized throughout the entire range oE deElec~
tion of the glue nozzle. Since the natural frequency of the glue nozzle is directly propor-tional to the square root spring constant and 30 inversely proportional to the square root of the mass of the nozzle, the desired glue nozzle must have a nozzle of very slight mass. Thus, massive glue nozzles mounted on a spring or other resilient arrangements are undesirable. For this reason, the 3S preferred glue nozzle is made of a flexible elas-tomer such as polyurethane.
- Huwever, a nozzle made o a resilient elastomer would possess bad wear characteristics ancl would be quickly worn down by the abrasiveness of the moving web, despite the slight drag. In the 5 preerred embodiment, the nozæle consists of a flexible, plastic tube which has a metal tip mounted in its end~ The metal tip preferably is similar to a section of a hypodermic needle of approximately 19 gauge tapproximately 0.070 cm I.D.). It is also lO preferable to bevel the end of the tip; that is, to cut the end of the tip at an angle to the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle. Thus, when the no~zle is mounted at an angle to the point of contact of the web on the pin cylinder, the beveled 15 end will be substantially parallel to the web at the point of tangency. By maintaining the beveled end parallel to the moving web, the end can direct the glue to promote a smooth line of uniform thickness.
It is desirable to have a glue line which 20 is not only thin in height but thin in width as well. The fac-t that the nozzle of the present invention contacts the web insures a glue line having a minimal height with little build-up or tenting. The width oE the glue line is determined 25 by the width of the orifice opening. Use oE an inserted metal tip made o l9 gauge hypodermic ; needle will be suEeiciently narrow in cliameter to produce a line o~ the desired width. However, the conduit connecting the nozzle with the glue reser-30 vior must be larger in diameter, preferably l/4 inch (0.735 cm) inside diameter, to reduce the friction of the glue against the conduit so that the opera-ting pressure required to convey glue from the reservoir to the tip is within the range of conven 35 tional pumps.
~ ~l7~809 There exists a problem in necking down from a conduit oE 1/4 inch inside diameter to a 19 gauge hypodermic needle opening in that a sudden change in diameter of this magnitude would cause great resis-5 tance in glue flow and would require operatingpressures of approximately 110 p.s.i. (7.73 kg/cm2) to provide a sufficient glue flow rate during operation. The glue nozzle of the present invention eliminates this problem by utilizing a 10 body which gradually tapers from the connection to the conduit to the modified hypodermic needle tip.
The pressure required to provide a suficient glue flow rate is thereby reduced to approximately 20 p.s.i. (1.4 kg/cm2), which is well within the 15 range of standard pumps. Thus, component reliabil-ity is greatly enhanced.
Other nozzle embodiments may be imple-mented, provided they possess the requisite flexi-bility, low mass, hard tip, and smoothness of an 20 interior passage. For example, the nozzle body may be made of a single-piece, abrasion resistant material such as nylon. The body would have thin walls to insure proper spring constant and include a beveled tip.
In another Eorm, the nozzle may be a single piece thin walled tube made of metal. The tube has opposing flat sides which extend along its length and necks down to a narrow tip. The flat sides give increased flexibility to the body to 30 enable it to ride against a web and back-up roll.
Another variation of nozzle body consists of a relatively short conical tubular body having a relatively long tip press-fitted into a narrow end.
The long tip resembles a hypodermic needle and has a 35 beveled end. The long needle provides the requisite flexibility of the nozzle.
1~L72~
g An alternate embodiment o~ the nozzle may consist of a single-piece body having a generally tubular shape conveying to a narrow tlp. The body includes a crimped section in which the walls have a 5 bellows-type configuration which adds flexibility to the nozzle. This embodiment preferably is made by electroforming a metal such as nickel.
The valve of the glue system of the present invention may be a three-way valve or two two-way 10 valves operated simultaneously so that glue may be directed to a return conduit and flow back to the reservoir when the glue nozzles are not in use.
However, when the valve or vaIves are activated to direct the flow of glue back to the reservoir, the lS glue between the valve and the tip of the nozzle continues to flow through the tip of the nozzle.
The glue is somewhat compressible, and, when the system pressure is reduced to atmospheric in that section of conduit, the glue expands back to its 20 original volume with the excess running out the nozzle.
The system embodying the presen-t invention provides a means to eliminate this 10w o-~ glue through the tip of the nozzle after the collatlng 25 process is completed. The means includes the~ use o~
a three-way val~e havlny "suck-back" capabilities;
that is, when the valve is activated to direct the flow of ylue from the nozzle back to the re~ervoir, there is a vacuum created within the valve that 30 causes the glue between the valve and the tip of the nozzle to be drawn back toward the valve bodyO If two two-way valves are utilized the valve immedi-ately upstream of the nozzle should have the suck-back capability.
~l~Z~(39 To facilitate webbing of the paper, general housekeepiny and cleaning of the collator, and adjusting the various components of the collator and glue system, the invention includes a positioning 5 mechanism which carries the nozzles and tilts them away from the back-up rolls and web so that the tips of the nozzles point upward. The positioning mechanism preferably includes mounting brackets which hold the nozzles at a desired angle to their 10 respective back-up rolls, and collars which receive the mounting brackets and are slidably positionable along rods positioned parallel to the back-up rolls. The rods are rotatably journalled through the ends of arms whose other ends are rotatably 15 journalled into a wall of the collating apparatus by pins. The pins extend through the wall and are fitted to the ends of second arms which are connected at their other ends by a linkage to the rod of a pneumatic cylinder. In this fashion, extension or retraction of the cylinder rod causes the first and second arms to rotate abou-t their pins mounted in the wall thereby causing the rods carrying the nozzles to rotate toward or away from their respective back-up rolls.
To increase the rotation Oe each n~zzle so that its tip points in an upward direction, the corresponding rod which is rotatably journalled into an end of the arm extends through the arm and i5 fitted to an end of a lever. The other end of the 30 lever contains a longitudinal slot which fits over a dowel extending outwardly from the wall of the collating apparatus. Thus, as the arm moves the rod away from the cylinder, the lever is rotated about the dowel and causes the rod to rotate with respect 35 to the arm so that the nozzle points upward.
The preferred embodiment of the glue system includes a mechanism to regulate the flow of glue through the conduit so that glue flows through the tips of the nozzles only when the drive train of the 5 collating apparatus is propelling the webs through the apparatus. The valves which regulate the flow of glue from the reservoir and pump of the preferred embodiment to each nozzle consists of two air-piloted two-way valves: a first valve that is lO normally closed which connects the conduit to the nozzle, and a second valve which is normally open that connects the conduit to a return line to the reservoir. Both valves are contolled by a single air line which, if pressurized, causes the first 15 valve to open and the second valve to close so that glue flows from the reservoir to the nozzle.
Conversely, if the air line is depressurized, the first valve returns to its normally closed position and the second to its normally open position so that 20 glue flows from the reservoir to the return line and back to the reservoir.
The mechanism includes a solenoid in the air line to the valves which is activated by an electrical signal from an optical encoder o a ~ype 25 well-known in the art. The encoder consisks oE a glass disk rotationally driven by the drive train of the collator. A light source is directed throuyh a series of transparent and opaque portions on the disk to a phototransistor forming part of the 30 optical encoder. When the drive train of the collating apparatus is activated to cause the webs to move through the collating machine, the glass disk rotates to allow pulses of light to hit the photodetector. The encoder generates a signal in 35 the form of electrical pulses in response to the light pulses which is sent to a control circuit.
~728~g The control circuit causes the solenoid to be positioned to pressurize the air line to the valves, permitting the glue to flow through the nozzle. It is preferable to utilize air-pilated valves with 5 suck-back capability.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a glue system for use in combination with a collating apparatus which utilizes a flexible contacting-type nozzle that 10 results in a low system pressure, produces a uniform glue line and compensates for eccentricities in the rotation of the adjacent back-up roll, web flutter, and variations in thickness of the moving web, a glue system utilizing a contacting-type nozzle that 15 is inexpensive yet wear-resistant and can be changed easily, a glue system utilizing a nozzle that can be retracted from the adjacent pin cylinder such that the tip is elevated above the body, a glue system utilizing a tapered nozzle to reduce pressure 20 losses, and a glue ~ystem that can be set up easily and retain its setting.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent rom the following description, the attached drawings, and the appended claims.
In order that the invention may be rnor~
readi].y understood, re~erence will now be mad~ to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fiy. 1 is a somewhat schematic side eleva-tion of a typical collator incorporating the glue 30 system embodying the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation of a glue nozzle against a pin cylinder on the collator of Fig. 1 broken away to show the positioning mechanism;
Fig. 3 is the view of Fig. 2 with the positioning mechanism adjusted so that the glue nozzle is retracted from the pin cylinder;
~Z~31)9 Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a glue nozzle embodying the invention in sec~ion flexing against a pin cylinder;
Fig. 5 is a partial side elevation, in 5 sectionl of the glue nozzle of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a somewhat schematic view of the glue system o~ the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the ylue supply system of the preferred embodiment;
Fig. 8 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention, in section;
Fig. 9 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention;
Fig. 10 is an alternate embodiment of a lS nozzle embodying the present invention;
Fig. lOa is a side elevation, in section, of the nozzle of Fig. 10; and Fig. 11 is an alternate embodiment of a nozzle embodying the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 1, the glue application system embodying the present invention can be integrated with a collating apparatus, generally designated 10. A typical collating apparatus 10 ls more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,682,~68 ~5 which i5 issued to the assignee of the presenk invention. ~lowever, it should be understood the invention is also applicable to other types of apparatus having a collating function. The collating apparatus lO includes an elongated base 12 30 from which extends a vertical frame or wall 14. A
series of horizontally arranged parallel spindles 16 are supported and extend outwardly from the wall 14 for free rotation and receive corresponding rolls 18 of paper webs 20, each having longitudinally spaced 35 marginal perforations or feed holes. It is under-stood that the web 20 may also be a carbon tissue ~17~309 web. Typically, tlle paper webs 20 are dlrected by a series of rotatable spindles 22 to corresponding back-up rolls 24. The back-up rolls are positioned above an endless pin conveyor 26 which is car~ied by 5 pulleys 28. The pin conveyor 26 is fitted with a series of protrusions or pins 29 spaced apart to matingly engage the feed holes of the paper web 20.
The rotatable spindles 22, back-up rolls 24, and pulleys 28 are cantilevered outwardly from the wall 10 14 of the collating apparatus 10. Movement of the pin conveyor 26 and back-up rolls 24 causes the paper webs 20 to move along the pin conveyor and become collected in overlapping relationship as the collated form progresses through the collating 15 apparatus 10.
The glue application system embodying the present invention includes a series of nozzles 32 mounted on positioning means 34 which is mounted to wa.l 14. The nozzles 32 communicate with a source 20 of glue such as a reservoir 36 by a conduit 380 The conduit 38 carries a valve means which can be a three-way valve 40. The valve 40 also communicates with the reservoir 36 by way oE a rekurn line 42.
The conduit 38 includes a supply line 44 which runs 25 from the reservoir 36 to the valve 40, and a eed line 46 which extends Erom the valve to the nozzles 32. In order to putnp the ylue through the conduit 38, a pump such as a gear pump 43 is positioned on the supply line 44. The valve 40 includes a control 30 50 which may be an air-piloted solenoid of a type well-known in the art.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a nozzle 32 is joined to a feed line 46 by a mounting bracket 52~
The mounting bracket 52 is joined to a support bar 35 54 by a bolt 56 which allows the mounting bracket and nozzle 32 to be positioned at difEerent angles ~17Z~
to the support bar. The support bar 54 ls held to a collar 58 by a bolt 60. I~ is preferable to have a longitudinal slot (not shown) formed in the support bar 54 so that the bolt 60 may pass through ~he slot 5 at different positions to allow the support bar ~o be adjusted relative to the collar 58. The collar 58 is fitted over a rod 62 which is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the adjacent pin cylinder 24 thereby allowing movement of the nozzle 10 32 in a plane parallel to the axis of the back-up - roll 24. The collar 58 is adjustably mounted to the rod 62 and can be positioned to accommodate webs of varying widths.
The rod 62 passes through an end of an arm 15 64 and is rigidly mounted in an end of a lever 66 adjacent the end of the arm on a side opposite the collar 58. The opposite end of the arm 64 has an opening which holds a pin 68 which passes through the wall 14 of the collating apparatus 10. On the 20 opposite side of the wall 14 the pin is rigidly mounted to an end of a second arm 70. Second arm 70 is connected by a linkage 72 to the rod 74 oE a double-acting cylinder 76 which is preferably pneumatically operated. The double-acting cylinder 25 76 is operated by a solenoid 78 which directs compressed air from supply lines 80 to the cylinder by way oE lines 82. The solenoid 78 is pre~erably an electrical solenoid which can be remotely operated by a control 84 which preferably is 30 integrated with the electrical controls of the entire collating apparatus 10 in a manner well-known in the art.
The lever 66 has a longitudinal slot 86 formed in an opposite end to the end receiving the 35 rod 620 The slot 86 is fitted over a dowel 88 which preferably is press fitted into the wall 14. The Z~
-16~
slot 86 is sized so that the lever 66 may move relative to the dowel which slides along the slot.
In Fiy. 3, the positioning means 34 is shown in a retracted position in which the nozzle 32 5 has been displaced away from pin cylinder 24. To retract the nozzle 34 from pin cylinder 24, the control 84 activates solenoid 78 which permits compressed air to flow through lines 82 so that rod 74 extends from cylinder 76. Extension of rod 74 10 pushes second arm 70 by means of linkage 72 and cause the second arm to rotate pin 68 which is journalled within wall 14. The rotation of pin 68 causes arm 64 to rotate about the axis of the pin and draw the nozzle 32 away from pin cylinder:24.
At the same time, movement of arm 64 causes lever 66 to rotate about dowel 88. Since the distance from dowel 88 to rod 62 is less than the distance from the rod to the pin 68, rotation of arm 64 causes lever 66 to rotate to a greater extent 20 than the arm thereby causing the rod to rotate relative to the arm. In this fashion, the nozzle 32 is rotated so that its end points upward to a greater degree than if the rod was rigidly mounted to the arm 64.
The nozzle design is shown most clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. A typical nozzle 32 consists of a tapered tubular body 90 and a beveled end 92. The body 90 is molded to include a recess 93 in its end sized to receive a hollow, cylindrical tip 94 having 30 a beveled end 95 which contacts the surface 96 of a : paper web 20 as the paper web passes over a back-up roll 24. The surface 96 is considered a "supported surface" in that it is supported by the back-up roll 24 and does not move substantially with respect to 35 the tip 94 of the nozzle 32. The recess 93 is shaped to receive the body 90 so that there is a 2~0~
smooth trallsition from the inside wall Oe the body to the opening 97 in the tip 94. The tip 94 is cemented to the recess 93 by a suitable adhesive.
At the opposite end o the nozzle 32 is a 5 mouth 98 which fits over a tube 100 which is integral with mounting bracket 52 and forms a passage 102 extending through the mounting bracket and a second tube 104 on an opposite side of the mounting bracket. The second tube 104 is sized to 10 receive an end of a feed line 46 of conduit 38 (as shown in Fig. 1)~ Both the mouth 98 of nozzle 32 and the feed line 46 are held to tubes lO0 and 104, respectively, by means of the elastic properties of the nozzle end supply line materials. However, if 15 desirable, a suitable clamp (not shown) may be employed to fit over the nozzle mou-th 98 and feed line 46 to prevent slipping with respect to the tubes lO0, 104.
The nozzle 32 preferably is made from a 20 flexible material such as polyurethane or other elastomer~ The tip 94 i5 made of an abrasion resis-tant material such as stainless steel, nickel alloys, or brass and is approximately the same sixe as an 19 gauge hypoc~ermic needle.
As shown in E'ig. 4, the noæ~le 32 is posi-tioned adjclaent the surf~ce 96 o the moviny weh 20 so that the tapered body 90 is def.Lected slightly when the tip 94 contacts the surface 96 in the direction of the arrow 'IA''. Thus, as the back-up 30 roll 24 rotates during the collating operation, the tip 94 is held in contact with the surface 96 of the moving web 20 at all times by the resiliency of the tapered body 90. It is preferable that the tapered body 90 and tip 94 have a small combined mass and a 35 small spring constant so that the tip can track the surface 96 with a minimum of pressure which reduces 2~
drag on the web 20 and substantially reduces the chance of te~ring the web or creating a condition oE
imbalance.
As shown in Fig. 6, the preferred embodi-5 ment of the glue application system includes a means for controlling the flow of glue from a reservoir 36 to the nozzle 32 so that glue i5 supplied to the nozzle under pressure only when the collating apparatus 10 is operating. Preferably, the valve 10 means includes a first two-way valve 106, a second two-way valve 108, and a three-way connection 110.
The first valve 106 is a normally closed air-piloted valve and controls the flow of glue from the supply line 44 to the feed line 46 and the nozzle 32. The 15 second valve 108 is a normally open air-piloted valve and controls the flow of glue from the supply line 44 to the return line 42 and back to the reser-vior 36 which is partially filled with a water-based glue 112.
The air-piloted valves 106, 108 are acti-vated by a source of compressed air 114 which communicates with the valves by means of an air line 116. A solenoid valve 118 is mounted on the air line 116 and is of the type having an ^'on" position 25 and an "off" position so that the air line 119 to the valves 106, 108 is alternately pressuxized and depressu.riz0d. The solenoid valve 118 i.s electri-cally operated and i5 activated by control circuitry 120.
The control circuitry 120 includes an optical encoder 122 which is driven by a gear drive 124 from the drive train 126 of the collator 10.
The encoder 122 is of a type well known in the art and contains a glass disk (not shown) which is 35 rotated about its central axis by the gear drive 124. The disk contains a pattern of opaque and L7~)9 -lg~ .
transparent portions. The encoder 122 also contains a ligh~ source and a photoreceptor (not shown) arranged so that rotation of the disk by the gear train in response to drive train movement causes 5 pulses of light to impinge upon the photoreceptor.
The photoreceptor sends electrical pulses to the control circuitry 120 which activates solenoid valve 118 to adjust its position. The control circuitry 120 is programmed to position solenoid 118 in the 10 "on" position only when the drive train of the collating apparatus 10 is moving which occurs only when web 20 moves through the apparatus 10. Thus, the air line 116 is pressurized only during opera-tion of the collator 10.
The air line 116 may also carry a second solenoid valve 128 which is operated manually by a toggle switch 130. The second solenoid valve 128 has an "on" position and an "off" position so that different nozzles of a multiple nozzle collator can 20 be selectively turned "on" or "off".
The operation of the glue application system of the preerred embodiment is as follows.
After the rolls 18 have been mounted on the parallel, spindles 16 of the collating apparatus 10, the paper 2S webs 20 are unwound ancl threaded throuyh the appro~
priate ~pirldles 22 and over their respective back-up rolls 24 to be arranged in overlapping relationship on pin conveyor 26 (Fig. 1). The gear pump 48 is activated to pump glue from reservior 36 through 30 supply line 44 to valves 106, 108 (Fig. ~. At this time, air line 116 is not pressurized because sole-noid 11~3 is in the "off" mode. As a result, the first two-way valve 106, which is normally closed, does not permit glue to flow through feed line 46 to 35 nozzle 32, The second two-way valve 108, which is normally open, allows glue to flow through return line 42 and back to reservior 112.
17Z130~
The positioning means 34 is presently in the retracted position as shown in Fig. 3, so that the nozzle 32 is displaced away from back-up roll 24 and its tip 94 is elevated above its body 90. When 5 the threading process has been completed, control 84 is activa~ed to position solenoid valve 78 to allow compressed air to flow through supply line 80 to cylinder 76 so that rod 74 is moved inwardly. This rotates arm 64 about pin 68 in the manner discussed lo previously so that nozzle 32 is brought into contact with the surface 96 of paper web 20, as shown in Fig. 2.
When the collating apparatus 10 is acti-vated and the drive train begins to advance the web 15 through the apparatus, the optical encoder 122 sends a signal to the control circuitry 120 which acti-vates solenoid valve 118, placing it in the "on"
position. The air line 116 is pressurized from the source of compressed air 114 which opens the 20 normally closed first valve 106 and closes the normally open second valve 108. Glue is permitted to flow from the supply line 44 through the three-way connection 110 and first valve 106 to the nozzle 32 and onto the surface 96 of the moving web 20.
When the collating process is completed, the encoder 122 no longer sends signals to control circuitry 120, and the control operates to close solenoid valve 118 thereby depressurizing air line 116. The depressurization of air line 116 allows ; ~o the first valve 106 to resume its normally closed mode and the second valve 108 to resume its normally open mode, thus permitting glue to flow through the return line 42 and back to the reservoir.
As shown in Fig. 7, the system oE the 3s preferred embodiment can be implemented in a collatiny apparatus having a number oE nozzles 32".
-21~
Glue 112" Erom reservoir 36" flows through a valve 132 and fiLter 134 to gear pumps 4~" driven by motor 136. Pumps 48" develop a sufficient pressure head to pump glue through its respective supply line 5 44". It should be noted that, although Fig. 7 depicts a system utilizing three nozzles 32", this system can be expanded to accommodate any desired number of glue nozzles~
Each supply line 44" commwnicates with a 10 three-way connection 110" which, in turn, communi-cates with the inlet port of a first normally closed two-way valve 106" and a second normally open two-way valve 108". The normally closed valve 106"
comm~nicates with nozzle 32" by feed line 46". The 15 second normally open valve 108" communicates with reservoir 112" by a common return line 42". A check valve 138 may be included which has a resealing pressure slightly above zero to hold a residual pressure in the lines, thereby urging the glue to 20 flow at start up before the pumps have built up full operating pressure.
As shown by broken line 140, the reservoir 112", filter 132, valve 134, pump ~8", motor 136, anc~ check valve 138, may be packaged as a single 25 unit which can readil~ be connected to supply lines 44" and return lines ~2".
The valves 106", 108" are air-piloted valves operated by air line 116" which communicates with a source 114" of compressed air, similar to the 30 configuration of Fig. 6. Second solenoid valves 128" can be positioned by an operator to activate selected nozzles 32" in accordance with the specific type of collating process to be performed.
By placing the solenoid valve 118" at a 35 common portion of air line 116", all nozzles in the system shown in Fig. 7 can be turned on or off ~7Zt~V~
simultaneously by control circultry 120", upon the appropriate signal from encoder 122".
Although the two-way valves or the three-way valves o~ the previously discussed embodi-5 ments may be a standard type used for applicationsinvolving the use of water-based glue, it is preferred to employ valves upstream of the nozzles having "suck-back" capabilities; that is, upon the closing of the valve a slight vacuum is created to 10 draw the glue in the line downstream of the valve back toward the valve. This suck-back capability will prevent excessive glue from flowing out of the tip of the nozzle after the glue application step of the collating process is completed.
Figs. 8, 9, lO, and 11 show alternate nozzle embodiments. Those reference numerals used in the figures greater than 200 correspond to those used to describe the preferred embodiment discussed previously. Each o those reference numerals used 20 in describing the embodiments comprises three digits, the last two of which correspond to the reference numeral used to denote the corresponding portion of the previously discussed preeerred - embodiment. Additional elements with no counteryart 25 in the preEerred embodlment are given reerence numerals less than 200.
As shown in F'ig. 8, an alternate embodirnent o a nozzle 232 consists only of a single-piece body 290 made of a flexible, abrasion resistant material 30 such as nylon. In such an embodiment, the beveled end 292 would contact a surface of a moving web in the same manner as the nozzle 32 shown in Fig. 4~
Such a nozzle 232 would have to have thinner walls to insure an appropriate spring constant and mass to 35 minimize drag on the surface of the moving web.
As shown in Fig. 9, a nozzle 332 has a body 390 which is relatively thin-walled and made of metal. The body 390 is circular in shape at its mouth 398 so that it may be inserted over a tube 5 which is integral with a mounting bracket. The cross sectional shape of the body 390 is circular at its mouth 398 and becomes flattened as it extends toward its beveled end 392. The width of the nozzle 332 decreases toward the tip 392, giving an overall lo "duck bill" shape to the nozzle. Tnus, the nozzle shown in Fig. 9 can be distinguished from the nozzles previously discussed in that the body 390 includes opposing flat surfaces 142. These flat surfaces 142 give flexibility to the nozzle 332 so 15 that it may ride against a web and back-up roll.
As shown in Figs. 10 and lOa, a nozzle 432 may have a relatively short body 490 having a mouth 498 sized to fit over a tube on a mounting bracket.
The nozzle 432 includes an elongated tip 494, 20 resembling a hypodermic needle, which attaches to the end 492 of the body 490. The tip 494 terminates in a beveled end 495 which is shaped to lie flat against a moving web.
The nozzle 432 is distirlguishable from 25 previousl.y discussed nozzle~ in that the tip 494 includes a cup 144 for receiviny the end 492 of the body 490. The ~ip 494 may be attached to the body 490 by a press fit so that there is a smooth transition between the walls 145 of tapered base and 30 the mouth 146 of the tip 494.
E~ig. 11 shows an additional embodiment of a nozzle 532 having a thin-walled tubular metallic body 590 which terminates in a beveled end 592. The mouth 598 o~ the body 590 is sized to be placed over 35 a tube of a mounting bracket. The body S90 of the nozzle 532 is distinguishable from previously ~1~7~ 9 discussed no~zle e~bodiments in that it inclwdes a crimped section 146 in which the wall 148 of the body has a bellows-type configuration in longitud-inal cross section.
The bellows~type configuration of the crimped section 146 allows the body 590 of the nozzle 532 to have greater flexibility than if the wall 148 was merely a straight piece. Thus, the end 592 of the body 590 is better able to accommodate 10 any variations in the distance between the mounting bracket and the supported surface of the mo~ing web during operation. The nozzle 532 is preferably manufactured by electro-forming and a desirable material is nickel.
While the apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise methods and forms of apparatus and that changes may be made in either 20 without departing from the scope of -the inventicn as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (23)
1. For use in a collating apparatus of the type in which a plurality of rolls are mounted on spaced spindles and webs unwound therefrom are collected in overlapping relation, an improved glue application system comprising:
at least one nozzle having a flixible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
at least one nozzle having a flixible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said tip has a beveled end such that said beveled end may be oriented substantially parallel to a supported surface at a point of contact when said nozzle is disposed nonperpendicularly to a supported surface.
3. The system of claim 2 further comprising a back-up roll for supporting a selected web, and said nozzle being positioned such that said beveled end contacts a selected web at a nonperpendicular angle as it passes about said back up roll.
4. The system of claim 3 wherein said nozzle has a natural frequency substantially higher than a rotational frequency of said back-up roll.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for rigidly mounting said nozzle to a collating apparatus.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said body is made from a elastomeric material, said tip is made from an abrasion resistant material and said body includes an interior wall that intersects an opposite end of said tip such that there is a smooth transition therebetween.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said interior wall tapers toward said opposite end of said tip.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said abrasion resistant material is a metal selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and brass.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said nozzle is made of a polyurethane.
10. The system of claim 14 wherein said valve means comprises a three-way valve and said conduit means includes a supply line extending from said source to said valve means and a feed line extending from said valve means to said nozzle.
11. The system of claim 14 wherein said valve means comprises a first and a second two-way valve, and a three-way connection joining said first and said second valves; and said conduit means includes a supply line from said source to said connection and a feed line from said first two-way valve to said nozzle, and said return line extends from said second two-way valve to said source.
12. The system of claim 11 wherein said first two-way valve is an air-piloted normally closed valve and said second valve is an air-piloted normally open valve; and said means for activating said valve means includes an air line carrying compressed air and a solenoid valve on said air line such that said solenoid valve is open for said first mode pressurizing said air line and thereby closing said second normally open valve and opening said first normally closed valve, and said solenoid valve is closed for said second mode depressurizing said air line thereby opening said normally open valve and closing said normally closed valve.
13, The system of claim 1 wherein said body tapers toward said tip and defines a pair of opposing flat surfaces extending from said tip toward a mouth.
14. For use in a collating apparatus of the type in which a plurality of rolls are mounted on spaced spindles and webs unwound therefrom are collected in overlapping relation, and improved glue application system comprising:
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle;
valve means located on said conduit means;
a return line extending from said valve means to said source of glue; and optical encoder means for detecting the movement of a selected web through a collating apparatus and control means responsive to said encoder means for opening said solenoid valve when said encoder means detects movement of a selected web, whereby glue flows from said source through said valve means to said nozzle, and for closing said solenoid valve when said encoder means detects cessation of movement of a selected web, whereby glue flows from said source through said valve means and through said return line back to said source.
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle;
valve means located on said conduit means;
a return line extending from said valve means to said source of glue; and optical encoder means for detecting the movement of a selected web through a collating apparatus and control means responsive to said encoder means for opening said solenoid valve when said encoder means detects movement of a selected web, whereby glue flows from said source through said valve means to said nozzle, and for closing said solenoid valve when said encoder means detects cessation of movement of a selected web, whereby glue flows from said source through said valve means and through said return line back to said source.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein said tip has a beveled end and said pair of opposing flat surfaces are positioned with respect to a collating apparatus on which said nozzle is mounted such that they are normal to a plane in which said body flexes.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein said tip comprises an elongated tube having a beveled end and an opposite end terminating in a cup portion, and said body includes an end mounted within said cup means, said body having an interior wall tapering toward said opposite end of said tube such that there exists a smooth transition between said interior wall and said opposite end.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein said body includes a wall having crimped portion, said crimped portion defining a plurality of bellows-type deformations in said wall, thereby adding flexibility to said body.
18. For use in a collating apparatus of the type in which a plurality of rolls are mounted on spaced spindles and webs unwound therefrom, are collected in overlapping relation, and improved glue application system comprising:
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
said tip made of an abrasion resistant material selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and brass;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contact with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
said tip made of an abrasion resistant material selected from the group consisting of steel, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and brass;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
19. In combination with a collating apparatus of the type in which a plurality of rolls are mounted on spaced spindles and webs unwound therefrom are collected in overlapping relation, and having means for guiding webs along predetermined paths and into overlapping relation, an improved glue application system comprising:
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end which contacts a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point at an angle other than normal to the supported surface; said nozzle being mounted on said collating apparatus at an opposite end thereof and being sufficiently flexible such that said body flexes in response to variations in the distance between said application point and said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip remains in contact with the supported surface during operation of said collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling the flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
at least one nozzle having a flexible body, a tip at one end which contacts a supported surface of a selected web at a glue application point at an angle other than normal to the supported surface; said nozzle being mounted on said collating apparatus at an opposite end thereof and being sufficiently flexible such that said body flexes in response to variations in the distance between said application point and said opposite end;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip remains in contact with the supported surface during operation of said collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling the flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
20. The collating apparatus of claim 19 wherein said tip is made of an abrasion resistant material and has a beveled end oriented substantially parallel to a supported surface at a point of contact.
21. The collating apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a back-up roll for supporting a selected web, and said nozzle being positioned such that said beveled end contacts a selected web as it passes about said back-up roll.
22. The collating apparatus of claim 21 wherein said nozzle has a natural frequency substantially higher than a rotational frequency of said back-up roll.
23. For use in a collating apparatus of the type in which a plurality of rolls are mounted on spaced spindles and webs unwound therefrom are collected in overlapping relation, an improved glue application system comprising:
at least one nozzle having a flexible body made of polyurethane, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at an angle other than normal to a supported surface, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite ends;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contat with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
at least one nozzle having a flexible body made of polyurethane, a tip at one end for contacting a supported surface of a selected web at an angle other than normal to a supported surface, and an opposite end for mounting to a rigid support, said body extending at an angle other than normal to the supported surface and being sufficiently flexible that said body is capable of flexing between said ends in response to variations in the distance between said application point and to said opposite ends;
means mounting said nozzle body for biasing said one end into contact at said glue application point so that said tip may remain in continuous contat with a supported web surface during operation of a collating apparatus;
a source of glue;
conduit means for conveying glue from said source to said nozzle; and means for controlling flow of glue through said conduit means and said nozzle.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/259,120 US4426072A (en) | 1981-04-30 | 1981-04-30 | Glue application system for a collating machine |
| US259,120 | 1981-04-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1172809A true CA1172809A (en) | 1984-08-21 |
Family
ID=22983614
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401763A Expired CA1172809A (en) | 1981-04-30 | 1982-04-27 | Glue application system for a collating machine |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4426072A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0064340B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1172809A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3269776D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4481068A (en) * | 1983-12-20 | 1984-11-06 | Harris Graphics Corporation | Selective spot glue system |
| US4564185A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1986-01-14 | Xerox Corporation | Copying apparatus with finisher having stapler and adhesive binder stations |
| JPH0633128B2 (en) * | 1987-05-22 | 1994-05-02 | 守男 水谷 | Gluing device |
| US5028193A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1991-07-02 | Misicka James A | Saddle-bound books, magazines and the like and process for manufacture same |
| US5294100A (en) * | 1992-06-22 | 1994-03-15 | Brown Printing Company | Method and apparatus for securing plural printed material with peelable tabs |
| WO1994027738A1 (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1994-12-08 | Tybar Engineering Pty Ltd | Adhesive application system |
| TW339840U (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1998-09-01 | Lintec Corp | Coating applicator |
| GB2320903B (en) * | 1993-12-22 | 1998-08-12 | Lintec Corp | Coating applicator |
| US6952801B2 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2005-10-04 | R.R. Donnelley | Book assembly process and apparatus for variable imaging system |
| US6327599B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2001-12-04 | R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company | Apparatus for controlling an electronic press to print fixed and variable information |
| US6332149B1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 2001-12-18 | R. R. Donnelley & Sons | Imposition process and apparatus for variable imaging system |
| US6205452B1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 2001-03-20 | R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company | Method of reproducing variable graphics in a variable imaging system |
| US6088710A (en) * | 1997-10-29 | 2000-07-11 | R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company | Apparatus and method for producing fulfillment pieces on demand in a variable imaging system |
| US6246993B1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 2001-06-12 | R. R. Donnelly & Sons Company | Reorder system for use with an electronic printing press |
| US7278094B1 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2007-10-02 | R. R. Donnelley & Sons Co. | Variable text processing for an electronic press |
| US20050233073A1 (en) * | 2004-04-19 | 2005-10-20 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Method and apparatus for applying coatings, for instance for sanitary products |
| CN115069507B (en) * | 2022-06-21 | 2024-01-12 | 贵州永吉盛珑包装有限公司 | Glue outlet variable proportioning assembly for glue dispensing machine |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH315140A (en) * | 1952-10-02 | 1956-07-31 | Hesselmann Willy | Device for applying dripping substances to flat objects |
| US2858794A (en) * | 1956-03-30 | 1958-11-04 | Pearce Dev Company | Liquid dispensing device |
| US2953285A (en) * | 1958-08-25 | 1960-09-20 | Henry P Mckelvey | Extension nozzle |
| FR1411198A (en) * | 1964-08-06 | 1965-09-17 | Dourdouille Teurnier | Improvements to multipart paper gluing machines |
| DE1289767B (en) * | 1964-12-12 | 1969-02-20 | Henkel & Cie Gmbh | Adhesive application device for workpieces moving on a stationary surface |
| US3420208A (en) * | 1966-12-02 | 1969-01-07 | Lockwood Tech | Pneumatically controlled applicator system for adhesive and the like |
| US3895748A (en) * | 1974-04-03 | 1975-07-22 | George R Klingenberg | No drip suck back units for glue or other liquids either separately installed with or incorporated into no drip suck back liquid applying and control apparatus |
| DE2558049C3 (en) * | 1975-12-22 | 1981-04-23 | Gruner + Jahr Ag & Co, 2210 Itzehoe | Printed product with an insert that can be removed from the composite of the printed product by opening at least one perforation |
| US4244319A (en) * | 1978-08-07 | 1981-01-13 | Carstedt Howard B | Fluid dispensing apparatus |
-
1981
- 1981-04-30 US US06/259,120 patent/US4426072A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1982
- 1982-04-15 DE DE8282301942T patent/DE3269776D1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-04-15 EP EP82301942A patent/EP0064340B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-04-27 CA CA000401763A patent/CA1172809A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3269776D1 (en) | 1986-04-17 |
| US4426072A (en) | 1984-01-17 |
| EP0064340B1 (en) | 1986-03-12 |
| EP0064340A1 (en) | 1982-11-10 |
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