DEVICE FOR ULTRASONIC WELDING

摘要

1357472 Seaming non-metallic sheet material GENECO Inc 23 Feb 1972 [9 March 1971 25 Aug 1971] 8293/72 Heading B5K [Also in Division B8] Apparatus for ultrasonically welding the ends of synthetic plastics tubes comprises an ultrasonically vibratable tool 1 having protuberances 2; a block 3 having grooves 4 of complementary shape to the protuberances 2, the profile of the protuberances 2 and the grooves 4 being such that, by the welding operation, the ends of the tubes are given a V-section 5 which is inscribed in the initial outer circumference of the tubes; and a guide 6 spaced from the block 3 and having grooves 7 aligned with the grooves 4 so that the tubes may be correctly aligned with the block 3. In one embodiment, Fig. 1, tubes, filled with an animal seminal fluid, are disposed along the grooves 4, 7 with the ends to be welded flush with the outer surface of the block 3. The tool 1 and a pressure member 8 having a rubber cushion 9 are lowered so that the cushion 9 presses the tubes into the grooves 7 and the tool 1 effects welding, the guide 6 preventing propagation of the ultrasonic vibrations along the tubes. An adjustable spring may urge the tool 1 downwardly. A cam operated switch may be provided to adjust the time of production of the vibrations whilst the tool 1 is in the lower position. In another embodiment, Fig. 3, the apparatus comprises rotatable cylinders 17, 18 carrying four rubber belts 19 having grooves 21 and ribs 22. The grooves 21 of the four belts are aligned by a fluted driving drum which is driven intermittently. Tubes 14 are fed singly down a tray 11 and drop into temporarily "opened" grooves 21 as they pass around the cylinder 17. As the belts 19 pass along the rectilinear part of their upper run, the tubes 14 are squeezed between adjacent ribs 22. At filling and suction stations 12, 13, respectively, needles 23, 24 penetrate into the ends of the tubes. The needles 23 are connected to a liquid source to fill the tubes and, simultaneously, the needles 24 are connected to a suction source. At the same time, two already filled tubes are disposed beneath an ultrasonic welding tool 15. The tool 15 moves down and a complementary-shaped block 16 moves upwardly to effect welding, the ribs 22 preventing propagation of vibrations along the tubes. In a modification (not shown), both ends of each tube are welded simultaneously.