| 摘要 |
<p>An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film (14) to a form, fill and seal packaging machine (M) with two spindles (20, 24) alternately operating as the active spindle (20) to feed the film (14) from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds (32, 34) are operative to splice the tail-end (E1) of the film (14) from the active roll (12) to the head-end (E2) of the film (18) from the standby roll (16). The opposed manifolds (32, 34) pivot in opposite directions away from the machine (M) to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller (48) controls the splicing operation. Valves (44) operated by the controller (48) connect a vacuum source (35) to one of the manifolds (32, 34) to hold the head-end (E2) at a splicing station (11) and to the other to maintain tension on the active film (14) after the tail-end (E1) leaves the spindle (20). An end-of-roll detector (45) near the spindle (20) triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold (32, 34) is adjustable to accommodate different width film (14). A photocell detector (80, 100) and encoder (85) in the circuit (C) allow tracking of the tail-end (E1). When it arrives at the splicing station (11), the appropriate control valve (44) rapidly switches to apply an air blast generated by positive pneumatic pressure to blow the tail-end/head-end (E1, E2) together so that adhesive tape (T) pre-applied to the head-end (E1) is securely attached to the tail-end (E1) to complete the splicing operation. The programmable controller (48) continues to track the splice through the packaging machine (M) to initiate a dry cycle and removal of the splice section. <IMAGE></p> |
