JP7658904B2 - Web splicing device, label application device, and web splicing method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a web joining device for joining multiple webs, a label application device including the same, and a web joining method for joining multiple webs.

In conventional web joining devices, when only a small amount of the first web remains to be transported from the winding roll to the subsequent process, the first web is switched to the second web in order to continue continuous processing. At this time, the end of the first web is joined to the leading edge of the second web while the transport of the first web is temporarily stopped. In such cases, the transport of the web is stopped, resulting in a significant loss of time.

To improve this time loss, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-62874 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technique for connecting the end of a first web and the beginning of a second web with tape without stopping the transport of the first web.

In the web splicing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the leading end of the second web is adsorbed to a cutting drum, and the overlapping portion of the first and second webs is cut while the end of the first web and the leading end of the second web are overlapped. As a result, the first and second webs are continuous at the cutting point, and the first and second webs are transported in a continuous state to a predetermined splicing position. Meanwhile, the remaining cut portion of the second web located on the leading side of the cutting point remains adsorbed to the cutting drum.

JP 2007-62874 A

However, in the web joining device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the overlapping portion of the first and second webs is cut while the first and second webs are overlapped, so a cut remnant of the second web is formed forward of the cut location. In addition, the cut remnant of the second web must be removed, which is time-consuming.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a web joining device, a label application device, and a web joining method that can join a second web to a preceding first web without loss.

The web splicing device according to the present disclosure includes a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a splicing position provided on a common path along which the first and second webs are commonly conveyed, a second conveying mechanism that conveys the second web through a second conveying path toward the splicing position, a splicing mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the splicing position, a first detector that detects the end of the first web passing through the first conveying path, a second detector that detects the front end of the second web passing through the second conveying path, and a movement information detector that detects movement information of the first web. The second conveying mechanism causes the second web, the front end of which has been detected by the second detector, to wait on the second conveying path. When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism convey the first web and the second web waiting on the second conveying path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in that order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position.

In the above, the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 being continuous in this order at the joining position P1 includes a state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are arranged with no gap between them, a state in which they are arranged with a small gap between them in the transport direction of the webs, and a state in which the tip of the second web 21 is arranged so as to overlap the end of the first web.

The web joining device based on the present disclosure may further include a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in the conveying direction of the first web and configured to cut the first web.

The web joining device based on the present disclosure may further include a cut detection unit arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction of the first web, which detects whether the first web can be cut.

In the web joining device based on the present disclosure, the first web may be transported intermittently.

In the web joining device based on the present disclosure, it is preferable that the first web is continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the joining tape is adhered to the end of the first web and the tip of the second web.

In the web joining device based on the present disclosure, it is preferable that the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second transport path is transported to the joining position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit to the joining position.

In the web splicing device based on the present disclosure, the first transport mechanism may include a first transport roller that is disposed in the first transport path between the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the splicing position and transports the first web. In this case, the web splicing device may further include a pressure roller that is disposed opposite the first transport roller so that the first transport path is located between the pressure roller and the first transport roller. Furthermore, in this case, it is preferable that the pressure roller presses the first web against the first transport roller when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit.

In the web splicing device according to the present disclosure, the second transport mechanism may include a second transport roller that transports the second web toward the splicing position. In this case, the second transport roller may rotate with a rotational driving force applied thereto when transporting the second web waiting in the second transport path to the splicing position, and may rotate passively without a rotational driving force applied thereto when transporting the second web spliced to the first web.

The web splicing device according to the present disclosure may further include a third detector that detects the leading end of the first web passing through the first transport path, and a fourth detector that detects the trailing end of the second web passing through the second transport path. In this case, the third detector is preferably disposed downstream of the first detector in the transport direction of the first web, and the fourth detector is preferably disposed upstream of the second detector in the transport direction of the second web.

A label application device according to the present disclosure includes the web joining device. The first web and the second web are strips to which a plurality of labels are attached in a peelable manner.

A web joining method according to the present disclosure includes the steps of: transporting a first web through a first transport path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which a first web and a second web are commonly transported; detecting the end of the first web passing through the first transport path with a first detection unit; detecting the leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position with a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path; detecting movement information of the first web with a movement information detection unit; transporting the second web waiting on the second transport path to the joining position; and joining the end of the first web transported to the joining position and the leading end of the second web. In the step of transporting the first web and the step of transporting the second web to the splicing position, when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the splicing position based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit. In the splicing step, a splicing tape is attached so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web which are continuous at the splicing position.

The web joining method based on the present disclosure may further include a step of cutting the first web by a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in the conveying direction of the first web.

The web joining method based on the present disclosure may further include a step of detecting whether the first web can be cut by a cut detection unit arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction of the first web.

In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, in the process of transporting the first web, the first web may be transported intermittently.

In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, in the process of transporting the first web, the first web may be continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the end of the first web reaches the joining position.

In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, in the step of having the second web wait on the second transport path, it is preferable to have the second web wait so that the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second transport path is transported to the joining position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit to the joining position.

In the web joining method based on the present disclosure, it is preferable that the step of transporting the first web includes a step of pressing the first web, which is transported by a first transport roller arranged on the first transport path between the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, against the first transport roller by a pressure roller arranged opposite the first transport roller.

The web joining method according to the present disclosure may further include a step of transporting the second web joined to the first web. In this case, in the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, a rotational drive force may be applied to a second transport roller arranged in the second transport path so as to abut against the second web, thereby rotating the second transport roller, or in the step of transporting the second web joined to the first web, the second transport roller may be rotated without applying a rotational drive force to the second transport roller.

The present disclosure provides a web joining device, a label application device, and a web joining method that can join a second web to a preceding first web without loss.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a label application device according to a first embodiment; 1 is a schematic diagram showing a web joining device according to a first embodiment. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method using the web joining device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting a first web and a step of setting a second web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of making a second web wait on a second transport path in the web joining method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting whether or not a first web can be cut in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of cutting a first web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of detecting an end of a first web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a step of transporting an end of a first web to a joining position and a step of transporting a second web to the joining position in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the state after the process of transporting the end of a first web to a joining position and the process of transporting a second web to the joining position in a web joining method according to embodiment 1, as well as a process of joining the end of the first web and the tip of the second web. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a state after a step of joining an end of a first web and a front end of a second web in the web joining method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

<First embodiment>
(Labeling device)
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a label application device according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, a first web 11 being conveyed (described later) is shown by a solid line, and a second web 21 (described later) in a standby state is shown by a dashed dotted line. The label application device 100 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the label application device 100 of the embodiment is an apparatus that sequentially applies labels to containers 91 as substrates that are transported sequentially along a conveying line 90.

The label application device 100 includes a first supply roller 10 as a first supply section, a second supply roller 20 as a second supply section, a web joining device 30, a peel plate 40 as a peeling section, a take-up roller 50 as a recovery section, a first conveying section 60, a second conveying section 70, and a third conveying section 80.

The first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 are arranged such that the web splicing device 30 is located between them. The first supply roller 10 is arranged on one side of the web splicing device 30. The second supply roller 20 is arranged on the other side of the web splicing device 30.

A first roll 13 around which a first web 11 is wound is replaceably attached to the first supply roller 10. The first web 11 is, for example, a carrier sheet serving as a strip with multiple label portions 12 removably attached thereto. The multiple label portions 12 are attached to the carrier sheet at intervals of, for example, about 3 mm. The multiple label portions 12 are, for example, a synthetic resin film or paper with an adhesive layer laminated thereon. The first supply roller 10 supplies the first web 11 towards the first transport section 60.

The first conveying section 60 conveys the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 toward the first conveying path 31 of the web joining device 30. The first conveying section 60 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 61, 62, and 63. Note that the number of the plurality of conveying rollers is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate.

The multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the first web 11. The transport roller 62 is configured to be movable, and can adjust the tension acting on the first web 11 being transported.

The multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are configured to rotate passively and do not need to be driven to rotate. When the first web 11 is transported through the first transport section 60, the first transport path 31, and the third transport section 80, the multiple transport rollers 61, 62, and 63 are rotated passively by the first web 11 that is transported by the driving roller 85, which is driven to rotate, as described below.

A second roll 23 around which a second web 21 is wound is replaceably attached to the second supply roller 20. The second web 21 is, for example, a carrier sheet serving as a strip with a plurality of releasably attached label portions 22. The plurality of label portions 22 are, for example, a synthetic resin film with an adhesive layer laminated thereon. The second supply roller 20 supplies the second web 21 toward the second transport section 70.

The second conveying section 70 conveys the second web 21 supplied from the second supply roller 20 toward the second conveying path 32 of the web joining device 30. The second conveying section 70 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 71, 72, and 73. Note that the number of the plurality of conveying rollers is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate.

The multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction of the second web 21. The transport roller 72 is configured to be movable, and can adjust the tension acting on the second web 21 being transported.

The multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are configured to rotate passively and do not need to be driven to rotate. When the second web 21 is transported through the second transport section 70, the second transport path 32, and the third transport section 80, the multiple transport rollers 71, 72, and 73 are rotated passively by the second web 21 that is transported by the driving roller 85, which will be described later, being driven to rotate.

When the remaining first web 11 being transported from the first supply roller 10 to the subsequent process becomes small, the web joining device 30 connects the leading end of the second web 21 being supplied from the second supply roller 20 to the trailing end of the first web 11. This enables continuous processing.

In addition, the web joining device 30 can also connect the leading end of the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 to the trailing end of the second web 21 when there is only a small amount of the second web 21 remaining being transported from the second supply roller 20 to the subsequent process.

The web joining device 30 is provided with a first conveying path 31, a second conveying path 32, and a common path 33. The common path 33 is a path along which the first web 11 and the second web 21 are commonly conveyed, and is provided downstream of the first conveying path 31 and the second conveying path 32.

When the first web 11 is transported, the first web 11 passes through the first transport path 31 and the common path 33 in this order, and is transported to the third transport section 80. On the other hand, when the second web 21 is continuously transported, the second web 21 passes through the second transport path 32 and the common path 33 in this order, and is transported to the third transport section 80.

The third transport section 80 reverses the first web 11 or the second web 21 that has passed through the common path 33 with the peel plate 40 and transports it toward the winding roller 50. The third transport section 80 includes multiple transport rollers 81, 82, 83, 84 and a drive roller 85. The number of multiple transport rollers is not limited to four and can be changed as appropriate. The multiple transport rollers 81, 82, 83, 84 are arranged in order from the upstream side along the transport path. The drive roller 85 is arranged, for example, to face the transport roller 82.

The drive roller 85 is driven to rotate, thereby applying a driving force to the first web 11 or the second web 21 located in the third conveying section 80, thereby conveying the first web 11 or the second web 21.

The peel plate 40 is arranged to peel the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 from the first web 11 or the second web 21 transported by the third transport section 80, and to be able to unwind the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 from the tip of the peel plate 40 above the transport line 90. The peel plate 40 has a generally plate-like shape.

The first web 11 or the second web 21 is wrapped around the peel plate 40 so as to be inverted at the tip of the peel plate 40. When the first web 11 or the second web 21 is inverted, the label portion 12 or the label portion 22 is peeled off from the tip of the peel plate 40 and fed upward on the conveying line 90. The label portion 12 or the label portion 22 fed upward on the conveying line 90 is affixed to a container 91.

The winding roller 50 is disposed, for example, below the second supply roller 20. By disposing the winding roller 50 and the second supply roller 20 one above the other in this manner, the installation area of the label application device 100 can be made smaller than when the winding roller 50 and the second supply roller 20 are disposed side-by-side.

The winding roller 50 recovers the carrier sheet from which the label portion 12 or label portion 22 has been peeled off by winding it up.

(Web joining device)
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the web joining device according to the embodiment 1. With reference to Fig. 2, the web joining device 30 according to the embodiment 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the web joining device 30 of the embodiment includes a first conveying mechanism, a second conveying mechanism, a third guide 330, a joining mechanism 340, and a movement information detection unit 350.

The first conveying mechanism conveys the first web 11 through the first conveying path 31 toward the joining position P1 provided on the common path 33. The first conveying mechanism may convey the first web 11 continuously or intermittently. The first conveying mechanism continuously conveys the first web 11 at least from the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 until the joining tape 341 (see FIG. 9) is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21, as described below.

The first transport mechanism is, for example, composed of a first transport guide 310, a transport roller 313, and a transport roller 314 as the first transport roller. Note that the first transport guide 310 may be omitted.

The first transport guide 310 includes an upstream guide 311 and a downstream guide 312. The upstream guide 311 and the downstream guide 312 are each composed of a pair of plates extending along the transport path. The first transport path 31 is formed between the pair of plates.

The transport roller 313 is disposed upstream of the transport roller 314 in the transport direction of the first web 11. Specifically, the transport roller 313 is disposed upstream of the upstream guide 311. The transport roller 313 transports the first web 11 toward the first transport guide 310.

The transport roller 314 is disposed downstream of the downstream guide 312. Specifically, the transport roller 314 is disposed in the first transport path 31 between the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 described below and the joining position P1. The transport roller 314 transports the first web 11 toward the joining position P1.

The transport rollers 313, 314 are arranged to be rotatable. When the first web 11 is transported through the first transport section 60, the first transport path 31, and the third transport section 80, the first web 11 is transported by the driving roller 85, which is driven to rotate as described below, and the transport rollers 313, 314 are rotated.

The transport roller 314 may be configured to be driven to rotate. As described below, the transport roller 314 rotates with a rotational driving force applied when the object transported on the common path 33 shifts from the second web 21 to the first web 11 and the first web 11 waiting on the first transport path 31 is transported to the joining position P1. The transport roller 314 may be configured to be driven to rotate only when the first web 11 waiting on the first transport path 31 is transported to the joining position P1.

The second transport mechanism transports the second web 21 through the second transport path 32 toward a joining position P1 provided on the common path 33. The second transport mechanism is, for example, composed of a second transport guide 320, a transport roller 323, and a transport roller 324 as a second transport roller. The second transport guide 320 may be omitted.

The second transport guide 320 includes an upstream guide 321 and a downstream guide 322. The upstream guide 321 and the downstream guide 322 are each composed of a pair of plates extending along the transport path. The second transport path 32 is formed between the pair of plates.

The transport roller 323 is disposed upstream of the transport roller 324 in the transport direction of the second web 21. Specifically, the transport roller 323 is disposed upstream of the upstream guide 321. The transport roller 323 transports the second web 21 toward the second transport guide 320.

The transport roller 324 is disposed downstream of the downstream guide 322. Specifically, the transport roller 324 is disposed in the second transport path 32 between the position where the end of the second web 21 is detected by a fourth detector 327 (described later) and the joining position P1. The transport roller 324 transports the second web 21 toward the joining position P1.

The transport roller 324 rotates with a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web 21 waiting in the second transport path 32 to the joining position P1, as described below. The transport roller 324 rotates without a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web 21 joined to the first web 11, as described below. The transport roller 324 only needs to be configured to be driven to rotate only when transporting the second web 21 waiting in the second transport path 32 to the joining position P1.

The third guide 330 is disposed downstream of the transport roller 314 in the first transport path 31 and downstream of the transport roller 324 in the second transport path 32. The third guide 330 has a first guide portion 331 and a second guide portion 332. The first guide portion 331 guides the first web 11 transported from the transport roller 314 to the joining position P1. The second guide portion 332 guides the second web 21 transported from the transport roller 324 to the joining position P1.

The joining mechanism 340 is a mechanism for joining the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 at the joining position P1 when the object to be sent to the common path 33 shifts from the first web 11 to the second web 21. The joining mechanism 340 includes a rotating body configured to be able to adsorb and hold the joining tape 341 (see FIG. 9).

The rotating body is provided with multiple suction holes. The joint tape 341 needs to be changed according to the size of the first web 11 and the second web 21. When the joint tape 341 is small, if there are many suction holes that are not blocked by the joint tape 341, the suction performance may decrease. For this reason, it is preferable that the rotating body has an inner collar that adjusts the number and position of the suction holes used for suction retention.

The joining mechanism 340 feeds the joining tape 341 to the joining position P1 at a predetermined timing and adheres the joining tape 341 so that it spans the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21, which are continuous at the joining position P1.

When transferring from the second web 21 to the first web 11, the joining mechanism 340 joins the end of the second web 21 to the tip of the first web 11 at joining position P1. In this case, the joining mechanism 340 sends the joining tape 341 to joining position P1 at a predetermined timing, and attaches the joining tape 341 so that it straddles the end of the second web 21 and the tip of the first web 11 at joining position P1.

The movement information detection unit 350 detects movement information including at least one of the conveying speed and movement amount of the first web 11. Specifically, the movement information detection unit 350 detects the speed and/or movement amount of the web conveyed on the common path 33. More specifically, the movement information detection unit 350 detects the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the first web 11 when the first web 11 is conveyed, and detects the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the second web 21 when the second web 21 is conveyed on the common path 33.

The movement information detection unit 350 includes a rotating body that contacts the web transported on the common path 33. The rotating body functions as an encoder. The rotating body is rotated by the transported web to measure the transport speed and/or the movement amount of the transported web.

In the embodiment, the movement information detection unit 350 is provided on the common path 33, and an example is given of measuring the conveying speed of one of the first web 11 and the second web 21 transported on the common path, but this is not limited to the above.

The movement information detection unit may be composed of a first movement information detection unit provided on the first conveying path 31 and a second movement information detection unit provided on the second conveying path 32 so that the conveying speeds and/or movement amounts of the first web 11 and the second web 21 are each measured independently.

The web joining device 30 has a first cutting mechanism 315 and a second cutting mechanism 325 as cutting mechanisms.

The first cutting mechanism 315 is arranged to be able to cut the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31. The first cutting mechanism 315 is arranged upstream of the first detection unit 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11. Specifically, the first cutting mechanism 315 is arranged on the first transport path 31 between the upstream guide 311 and the downstream guide 312.

The second cutting mechanism 325 is arranged to be able to cut the second web 21 passing through the second transport path 32. The second cutting mechanism 325 is arranged upstream of the fourth detector 327 in the transport direction of the second web 21. Specifically, the second cutting mechanism 325 is arranged between the upstream guide 321 and the downstream guide 322 on the second transport path 32.

The first cutting mechanism 315 and the second cutting mechanism 325 each include a rotating body and a cutting blade fixed to the rotating body. The rotating body rotates, and the cutting blade hits the first web 11 or the second web 21, thereby cutting the first web 11 or the second web 21.

By providing the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 supplied from the first supply roller 10 can be cut at the desired timing. At the end of the first web 11, an excess portion may be formed in which there is a continuous area to which the label portion 12 is not attached. In such a case, by cutting the excess portion of the first web 11 with the first cutting mechanism 315, it becomes unnecessary to wait for the excess portion to be transported. This makes it possible to shorten the transition time from the first web 11 to the second web 21.

The web joining device 30 has a first cut detection unit 316, a first detection unit 317, and a third detection unit 318 on the first conveying path 31 side.

The first cut detection unit 316 detects whether the first web 11 can be cut. The first cut detection unit 316 is disposed upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the conveying direction of the first web 11. By detecting that the first web 11 can be cut by the first cut detection unit 316, the first cutting mechanism 315 can be operated appropriately.

The first cut detection unit 316 detects that the first web 11 can be cut, for example, when it detects the rear end of the last label section 12 attached to the first web 11.

The first cut detection unit 316 is, for example, configured with a transmission sensor. The first cut detection unit 316 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The first cut detection unit 316 detects the rear end of the label unit 12 when light emitted from the light emitting unit and blocked by the first web 11 is received by the light receiving unit. Whether or not it is the last label unit 12 can be determined, for example, from the transport speed and movement amount of the first web 11.

The first cut detection unit 316 may also determine that the first web 11 can be cut by detecting the absence of a label unit 12. In this case, if there is no change in the light receiving unit for a predetermined time after the rear end of the label unit 12 is detected as described above, it is determined that the next label unit 12 is not being conveyed.

Furthermore, the first cut detection unit 316 may detect that the first web 11 can be cut when it detects a predetermined mark provided on the first web 11. In this case, the first cut detection unit 316 may include an imaging unit such as a camera.

The first detection unit 317 detects the end of the first web 11 passing through the first conveying path 31. The first detection unit 317 is mainly used when transitioning from the first web 11 to the second web 21. The first detection unit 317 is disposed downstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the conveying direction of the first web 11. This allows the first detection unit 317 to detect the end of the first web 11 formed when the first web 11 is cut by the first cutting mechanism 315.

The first detection unit 317 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The first detection unit 317 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The first detection unit 317 detects the end of the first web 11 by receiving light from the light-emitting unit that has been blocked by the first web 11.

The third detection unit 318 detects the leading edge of the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31. The third detection unit 318 is mainly used when transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11. The third detection unit 318 is disposed downstream of the first detection unit 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11.

The third detection unit 318 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The third detection unit 318 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the first transport path 31 in between. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit and received by the light-receiving unit is blocked by the first web 11, allowing the third detection unit 318 to detect the leading edge of the first web 11.

When the leading edge of the first web 11 is detected by the third detector 318, the transport of the first web 11 set on the first transport path 31 is stopped, so that the first web 11 waits on the first transport path 31. The leading edge of the waiting first web 11 is located at a position overlapping the first detector 318 or downstream of the first detector 318.

The web joining device 30 has a second cut detection unit 326, a second detection unit 328, and a fourth detection unit 327 on the second conveying path 32 side.

The second cut detection unit 326 detects whether the second web 21 can be cut. The configuration of the second cut detection unit 326 is substantially the same as the configuration of the first cut detection unit 316. The second cut detection unit 326 is primarily used when transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11.

The second detection unit 328 detects the leading edge of the second web 21 passing through the second transport path 32. The second detection unit 328 is mainly used when transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11. The second detection unit 328 is disposed downstream of the fourth detection unit 327 in the transport direction of the second web 21.

The second detection unit 328 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The second detection unit 328 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the second transport path 32 in between. The light emitted from the light-emitting unit and received by the light-receiving unit is blocked by the second web 21, allowing the second detection unit 328 to detect the leading end of the second web 21.

When the leading end of the second web 21 is detected by the second detection unit 328, the transport of the second web 21 set on the second transport path 32 is stopped, and the second web 21 waits on the second transport path 32. The leading end of the waiting second web 21 is located at a position overlapping the second detection unit 328 or downstream of the second detection unit 328.

The fourth detection unit 327 detects the end of the second web 21 passing through the second conveying path 32. The fourth detection unit 327 is mainly used when transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11. The fourth detection unit 327 is disposed downstream of the second cutting mechanism 325 in the conveying direction of the second web 21. This allows the fourth detection unit 327 to detect the end of the second web 21 formed when the second web 21 is cut by the second cutting mechanism 325.

The fourth detection unit 327 is configured, for example, by a transmission sensor. The fourth detection unit 327 includes a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are arranged to face each other with the second transport path 32 in between. The fourth detection unit 327 detects the end of the second web 21 by receiving light from the light-emitting unit that has been blocked by the second web 21.

The web joining device 30 has a pressure roller 361, a movable arm 362, and a motor M1 on the first conveying path 31 side.

The pressure roller 361 is disposed opposite the transport roller 314 so that the first transport path 31 is located between the pressure roller 361 and the transport roller 314. The pressure roller 361 is supported by a movable arm 362.

The movable arm 362 is moved by the motor M1 in a direction toward or away from the first transport path 31. By switching the movement of the movable arm 362, it is possible to switch between a state in which the pressure roller 361 presses the first web 11 toward the transport roller 314 and a state in which the pressure roller 361 is away from the first web 11.

When the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317, the pressure roller 361 presses the first web 11 against the transport roller 314. This makes it possible to prevent the end side of the first web 11 from flapping.

The web joining device 30 has a pressure roller 371, a movable arm 372, and a motor M2 on the second conveying path 32 side.

The pressure roller 371 is disposed opposite the transport roller 324 so that the second transport path 32 is located between the pressure roller 371 and the transport roller 324. The pressure roller 371 is supported by a movable arm 372.

The movable arm 372 is moved by the motor M2 in a direction toward or away from the second transport path 32. By switching the movement of the movable arm 372, it is possible to switch between a state in which the pressure roller 371 presses the second web 21 toward the transport roller 324 and a state in which the pressure roller 371 is separated from the second web 21.

The pressure roller 371 presses the second web 21 against the transport roller 324 at least when the second web 21 is waiting on the second transport path 32.

(Web Joining Method)
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a flow of a web joining method using the web joining device according to embodiment 1. Figs. 4 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing a predetermined step or a state after the predetermined step shown in Fig. 3. The web joining method using the web joining device 30 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 11.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the process of transporting a first web and the process of setting a second web in the web joining method of embodiment 1.

3 and 4, on the first web 11 side, in step (S11), the first web 11 is transported through the first transport path 31 toward a joining position P1 provided on a common path 33 along which the first web 11 and the second web 21 are transported in common. The first web 11 may be transported continuously or intermittently.

On the other hand, in step (S21) on the second web 21 side, the second web 21 is set on the second transport path 32. Specifically, the second web 21 is attached to the second supply roller 20, and the leading end of the second web 21 is passed between the transport roller 324 and the pressure roller 371.

At least after the tip of the second web 21 has passed between the transport roller 324 and the pressure roller 371, the second web 21 is pressed against the transport roller 324 by the pressure roller 371. This makes it possible to prevent the tip of the second web 21 from flapping when the second web 21 is transported toward the joining position P1.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a process of waiting the second web on the second conveying path in the web joining method of embodiment 1.

3 and 5, on the second web 21 side, in step (S22), the leading end of the second web 21 transported through the second transport path 32 toward the joining position P1 is detected by the second detector 328, and the second web 21 is made to wait on the second transport path 32. Specifically, the set second web 21 is transported on the second transport path 32 by the second transport mechanism, and when the second detector 328 detects the leading end of the second web 21, the second transport mechanism is stopped. This causes the second web 21 to wait on the second transport path 32.

At this time, the second web 21 is kept waiting so that the distance over which the tip of the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 is transported to the joining position P1 is shorter than the distance over which the end of the first web 11 is transported from the position detected by the first detection unit 317 to the joining position P1, as described below.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a process for detecting whether the first web can be cut in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, in Figure 6, only the last label part of the multiple label parts 12 attached to the first web is shown in black.

3 and 6, in step (S12), the first web 11 determines whether the first web 11 can be cut. Specifically, the first cut detector 316, which is disposed upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 in the conveying direction of the first web 11, detects whether the first web 11 can be cut.

When the first cut detection unit 316 detects the rear end of the last label unit 12, it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut. As described above, the first cut detection unit 316 may determine that the first web 11 can be cut by detecting a specified mark or by detecting that there is no label unit 12. On the other hand, when the first cut detection unit 316 does not detect the rear end of the last label unit 12, it is determined that the first web cannot be cut.

If it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut (step S12: YES), the next step (S13) is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first web 11 cannot be cut (step S12: NO), the transport of the first web 11 continues until it is determined that the first web 11 can be cut.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the step of cutting the first web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, in Figure 7, only the last label part of the multiple label parts 12 attached to the first web is shown in black.

3 and 7, in step (S13), the first web 11 is cut. Specifically, a first cutting mechanism 315 arranged upstream of a first detector 317 in the transport direction of the first web 11 cuts the first web 11. At this time, the first cutting mechanism 315 cuts the first web 11 at a portion located upstream of the last label portion 12 in the transport direction.

After the first web 11 is cut by the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 located upstream of the first cutting mechanism 315 may be recovered by the first supply roller 10 by being transported back toward the first supply roller 10.

Downstream of the first cutting mechanism 315, the first web 11 continues to be transported to the first conveying path 31 and the common path 33 even after being cut.

Next, in step (S14), the conveying speed of the first web 11 is detected. Specifically, the movement information detection unit 350 detects the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the first web 11 conveyed downstream of the first cutting mechanism 315. In the first embodiment, the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the first web 11 is detected after the first web 11 is cut. However, if the first web 11 is conveyed at a constant speed before and after cutting, the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the first web 11 may be detected before the first web 11 is cut. In addition, the conveying speed and/or movement amount of the first web 11 may be constantly detected downstream of the first cutting mechanism 315.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the process of detecting the end of the first web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. Note that in Figure 8 and subsequent figures, for convenience, the last label portion 12 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is omitted.

3 and 8, in step (S15), the end of the first web 11 passing through the first transport path 31 is detected. Specifically, the end of the first web 11 formed by cutting is detected by the first detector 317.

Next, in step (S16), the end of the first web 11 detected by the first detector 317 is transported to the joining position P1. At this time, the first web 11 transported by the transport roller 314 arranged in the first transport path 31 between the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 and the joining position P1 is pressed against the transport roller 314 by the pressure roller 361 arranged to face the transport roller 314. This makes it possible to prevent the end side of the first web 11 from flapping when the first web 11 is transported, as described above.

In addition, the first web 11 is continuously transported at least from the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detector 317 until the splice tape 341 is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21. This allows the end of the first web 11 to be stably transported to the splice position P1.

On the other hand, on the second web 21 side, in step (S23), it is determined whether or not the end of the first web 11 has been detected by the first detection unit 317. If the end of the first web 11 has not been detected (step S23: NO), the second web 21 is made to wait on the second transport path 32 until the end of the first web 11 is detected. If the end of the first web 11 has been detected (step S23: YES), step (S24) is carried out. In step (S23), the detection information from step (S15) can be used.

In step (S24), the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 is conveyed to the joining position P1.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the process of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the process of transporting the second web to the joining position in the web joining method of embodiment 1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the state after the process of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the process of transporting the second web to the joining position, and the process of joining the end of the first web and the tip of the second web in the web joining method of embodiment 1. Note that for convenience, mechanisms surrounding the joining mechanism 340 are omitted in Figures 9 and 10.

Here, in steps (S16) and (S24), as shown in the changes on the web side in Figures 9 and 10, based on the detection results of the movement information detection unit 350 described above, the first web 11 and the second web 21 are transported so that the end of the first web 11 and the leading end of the second web 21 are continuous in this order at the joining position P1.

Specifically, based on the detection results of the movement information detection unit 350, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism convey the first web 11 and the second web 21 in synchronization.

In addition, when transporting the second web 21 to the joining position P1, a rotational driving force is applied to the transport roller 324 of the second transport mechanism to rotate the transport roller 324.

As described above, the distance that the tip of the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 is transported to the joining position P1 is shorter than the distance that the end of the first web 11 is transported from the position where it is detected by the first detection unit 317 to the joining position P1.

Therefore, when the second conveying mechanism is synchronized with the first conveying mechanism to convey the second web 21 to the joining position P1, the second web 21 can be appropriately conveyed to the joining position P1.

As shown in Figure 10, after the process of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the process of transporting the second web to the joining position, the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are continuous at the joining position P1.

In addition, the state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are continuous in this order at the joining position P1 includes a state in which the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are arranged with no gap between them, a state in which they are arranged with a small gap in the transport direction of the webs, and a state in which the tip of the second web 21 is arranged so as to overlap the end of the first web.

In this state, the splicing tape 341 adsorbed and held by the splicing mechanism 340 is also transported to the splicing position P1. That is, as shown in the change in the splicing mechanism 340 side from Figure 9 to Figure 10, in the process of splicing the end of the first web and the front end of the second web, the splicing mechanism 340 transports the splicing tape 341 to the splicing position P1. Specifically, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, the splicing mechanism 340 transports the splicing tape 341 to the splicing position P1 in synchronization with the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism.

The joining tape 341 only needs to be adsorbed to the joining mechanism 340 by the time of step (S24), and may be adsorbed and held before step (S21) or in step (S22). The joining tape 341 is held so that the adhesive surface 341a faces outward.

3 and 10, in step (S30), the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are joined. Specifically, a joining tape 341 is attached so as to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21, which are continuous, at the joining position P1.

As described above, when the joining mechanism 340 transports the joining tape 341 to the joining position P1 in synchronization with the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism, the rotating body constituting the joining mechanism 340 rotates so that the transport speed of the joining tape 341 at the joining position P1 is the same as that of the first web 11 and the second web 21.

This allows the adhesive surface 341a of the bonding tape 341 to contact the first web 11 and the second web 21, thereby allowing the bonding tape 341 to be precisely attached to the first web 11 and the second web 21.

When the splicing tape 341 contacts the first web 11 and the second web 21 at the splicing position P1, the adhesion force of the splicing tape 341 to the webs exceeds the suction force of the splicing mechanism 340 to the splicing tape 341. This causes the splicing tape 341 to separate from the rotating body of the splicing mechanism 340 and stick to the web. The suction hold of the splicing tape 341 by the splicing mechanism 340 may be released.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the state after the process of joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web in the web joining method according to embodiment 1. For convenience, the mechanisms surrounding the joining mechanism 340 are omitted in Figure 11.

As described above, the joining mechanism 340, the first conveying mechanism, and the second conveying mechanism are synchronized, so that when the end of the continuous first web 11 and the end of the second web 21 have passed the joining position P1, as shown in FIG. 11, the joining tape 341 is affixed so as to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the end of the second web 21.

Next, as shown in Fig. 3, in step (S31), the second web 21 joined to the first web 11 is transported. At this time, the transport roller 324 in the second transport mechanism is rotated by the rotation of the transport roller 324 without applying a rotational driving force to the transport roller 324. This reduces power consumption.

Through the above steps, the first web 11 and the second web 21 can be joined.

As described above, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment, when the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detection unit 317, the first conveying mechanism and the second conveying mechanism convey the first web 11 and the second web 21 waiting on the second conveying path 32 so that the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 are continuous in this order at the splicing position P1 based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, and the splicing mechanism 340 applies the splicing tape 341 so as to straddle the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21 that are continuous at the splicing position P1. As a result, the second web 21 can be spliced to the first web 11 without cutting the second web 21. In addition, since the second web 21 is not cut, the operation of removing the cut remaining portion of the second web 21 can be eliminated.

Generally, when a web has a carrier sheet and a label portion, the web is often transported intermittently. When the web is transported intermittently, it is often more difficult to precisely join the end of the first web 11 and the front end of the second web 21 during the transition from the first web 11 to the second web 21 than when the web is transported continuously.

In the first embodiment, as described above, the first web 11 is continuously transported from the position where the end of the first web 11 is detected by the first detection unit 317 until the splicing tape 341 is attached to the end of the first web 11 and the tip of the second web 21, while the first transport mechanism, the second transport mechanism, and the splicing mechanism 340 are synchronized based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350. Therefore, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment and the label application device 100 including the same, the first web 11 and the second web 21 can be spliced with high precision even when the webs are transported intermittently.

Furthermore, as described above, the web joining device 30 according to the first embodiment is provided on the first conveying path 31 side with a first cut detection unit 316, a first detection unit 317 for detecting the end of the first web 11, and a third detection unit 318 for detecting the leading end of the first web 11, and on the second conveying path 32 side with a second cut detection unit 326 for determining whether the second web 21 can be cut, a second detection unit 328 for detecting the leading end of the second web 21, and a fourth detection unit 327 for detecting the end of the second web 21. In addition, the conveying speed and/or the amount of movement of the second web 21 can be detected by a movement information detection unit 350 provided on the common path 33.

Therefore, in the web splicing device 30 according to the first embodiment, unlike the conventional web splicing device, it is possible to move from the second web 21 to the first web 11 without revolving the first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 so that the positions of the first supply roller 10 and the second supply roller 20 are interchanged. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for the label application device 100.

When transitioning from the second web 21 to the first web 11, an operation similar to the operation performed on the first conveying path 31 side when transitioning from the first web 11 to the second web 21 is performed on the second conveying path 32 side, and an operation similar to the operation performed on the second conveying path 32 side when transitioning from the first web 11 to the second web 21 is performed on the first conveying path 31 side.

Specifically, when the end of the second web 21 is detected by the fourth detection unit 327, based on the detection result of the movement information detection unit 350, the second conveying mechanism and the first conveying mechanism convey the second web 21 and the first web 11 waiting on the first conveying path 31 so that the end of the second web 21 and the tip of the first web 11 are continuous in that order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism 340 applies joining tape so as to straddle the continuous end of the second web 21 and the tip of the first web 11 at the joining position P1.

Even in this case, the first web 11 can be joined to the second web 21 without cutting the first web 11.

In this way, since the transition from the second web 21 to the first web 11 can also be performed, the label application device 100 can apply the label portion 12 to the container 91 continuously for a long period of time by alternately repeating the transition from the first web 11 to the second web 21 and the transition from the second web 21 to the first web 11. As a result, the work efficiency can be significantly improved.

<Embodiment 2>
12 is a diagram showing a flow of the web joining method according to the embodiment 2. The web joining method according to the embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in Figure 12, the web joining method according to the second embodiment differs from the web joining method according to the first embodiment in that the order of the step of detecting the movement information of the first web and the step of detecting the end of the first web is swapped, and the step of determining whether or not the first web 11 can be cut and the step of cutting the first web 11 are omitted. The other steps are almost the same.

In the web joining method of embodiment 2, after the first web 11 is transported in step (S11), it is determined in step (S15A) whether or not the end of the first web 11 has been detected.

If the end of the first web 11 is not detected (step S15A: NO), the first web 11 is transported until the end of the first web 11 is detected. If the end of the first web 11 is detected (step S15A: YES), step (S14) is performed. Step (S14) and the operations in each step from step (S16) onwards, and the operations in each step on the second transport path side are performed in the same manner as in embodiment 1. Note that step (S14) of detecting movement information of the first web 11 may be performed before step (S15A) of detecting the end of the first web.

As described above, the web joining method according to the second embodiment has substantially the same effect as the web joining method according to the first embodiment. Since the first web 11 is not cut, the first web 11 can be used up.

(Other Modifications)
In the above-described first and second embodiments, the first cut detection unit 316 and the second cut detection unit 326 are provided in the web splicing device 30, and are disposed on the first transport path 31 and the second transport path 32, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The first cut detection unit 316 and the second cut detection unit 326 may be provided in the label application device 100, and may be disposed on the transport path from the first supply roller 10 to the first transport path 31 and on the transport path from the second supply roller 20 to the second transport path 32, respectively.

Furthermore, as in the above-mentioned second embodiment, when the first web 11 and the second web 21 are not cut, the first cut detection unit 316, the second cut detection unit 326, the first cutting mechanism 315, and the second cutting mechanism 325 can be omitted.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

10 First supply roller, 11 First web, 12 Label portion, 13 First roll, 20 Second supply roller, 21 Second web, 22 Label portion, 23 Second roll, 30 Web joining device, 31 First transport path, 32 Second transport path, 33 Common path, 40 Peel plate, 50 Winding roller, 60 First transport section, 61, 62, 63 Transport roller, 70 Second transport section, 71, 72, 73 Transport roller, 80 Third transport section, 85 Drive roller, 90 Transport line, 91 Container, 100 Label application device, 310 First transport guide, 311 Upstream guide, 312 Downstream guide, 313, 314 Transport roller, 315 First cutting mechanism, 316 First cut detection section, 317 First detection section, 318 Third detection section, 320 Second transport guide, 321 Upstream guide, 322 downstream guide, 323, 324 transport roller, 325 second cutting mechanism, 326 second cutting detection unit, 327 fourth detection unit, 328 second detection unit, 330 third guide, 331 first guide unit, 332 second guide unit, 340 joining mechanism, 341 joining tape, 341a adhesive surface, 350 movement information detection unit, 361 pressure roller, 362 movable arm, 371 pressure roller, 372 movable arm.

Claims (13)

a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed;
a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position;
a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position;
a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path;
a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path;
a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web,
the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path;
When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position,
a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web and configured to cut the first web;
a cut detection unit disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web, the cut detection unit detecting whether the first web can be cut or not. The web joining device according to claim 1, wherein the first web is transported intermittently. The web splicing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first web is continuously transported at least from a position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit until the splicing tape is attached to the end of the first web and the front end of the second web. The web splicing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance over which the leading end of the second web waiting on the second transport path is transported to the splicing position is shorter than the distance over which the trailing end of the first web is transported from the position where it is detected by the first detection unit to the splicing position. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed;
a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position;
a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position;
a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path;
a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path;
a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web,
the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path;
When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position,
the first transport mechanism is disposed on the first transport path between a position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, and includes a first transport roller that transports the first web;
a pressing roller disposed opposite the first conveying roller such that the first conveying path is located between the pressing roller and the first conveying roller,
The pressure roller presses the first web against the first transport roller when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed;
a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position;
a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position;
a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path;
a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path;
a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web,
the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path;
When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position,
the second transport mechanism includes a second transport roller that transports the second web toward the joining position,
The second transport roller rotates with a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web waiting on the second transport path to the joining position, and rotates passively without a rotational driving force applied when transporting the second web joined to the first web. a third detection unit that detects a leading end of the first web passing through the first transport path;
a fourth detection unit that detects an end of the second web passing through the second transport path,
the third detection unit is disposed downstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web,
The web splicing device according to claim 1 , wherein the fourth detection unit is disposed upstream of the second detection unit in a transport direction of the second web. a first conveying mechanism that conveys the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed;
a second transport mechanism configured to transport the second web through a second transport path toward the joining position;
a joining mechanism that joins the end of the first web and the front end of the second web at the joining position;
a first detection unit that detects the end of the first web passing through the first transport path;
a second detection unit that detects the leading end of the second web passing through the second transport path;
a movement information detection unit that detects movement information of the first web,
the second transport mechanism causes the second web, the leading edge of which is detected by the second detection unit, to wait in the second transport path;
When the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit, based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit, the first transport mechanism and the second transport mechanism transport the first web and the second web waiting on the second transport path so that the end of the first web and the end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position, and the joining mechanism applies a joining tape so as to straddle the end of the first web and the end of the second web that are continuous at the joining position,
a guide member provided in common to the first transport path and the second transport path upstream of the joining position;
the guide member has a first guide portion that guides the first web to the joining position and a second guide portion that guides the second web to the joining position, and the second detection portion is provided on the guide member,
the joining mechanism includes a rotating body having a plurality of suction holes and holding the joining tape such that an adhesive surface of the joining tape faces outward;
A web splicing apparatus , wherein the rotating body rotates at the splicing position at the same speed as the first web and the second web . A web joining device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The first web and the second web are strips having a plurality of releasably attached labels. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are commonly conveyed;
detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit;
a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path;
detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit;
conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position;
transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit;
and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position,
In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit,
In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position;
The method further includes a step of cutting the first web by a cutting mechanism arranged upstream of the first detection unit in a transport direction of the first web,
The web joining method further comprises a step of detecting whether or not the first web can be cut by a cut detection unit disposed upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the first web. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are conveyed in common;
detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit;
a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path;
detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit;
conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position;
transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit;
and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position,
In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit,
In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position;
A web joining method, in a process of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position, the first web is transported by a first transport roller arranged on the first transport path between the position where the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit and the joining position, and the first web is pressed against the first transport roller by a pressure roller arranged opposite the first transport roller. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are conveyed in common;
detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit;
a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path;
detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit;
conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position;
transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit;
and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position,
In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit,
In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position;
The method further includes the step of conveying the second web joined to the first web,
In the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, a rotational driving force is applied to a second transport roller disposed in the second transport path so as to contact the second web, thereby rotating the second transport roller;
A web splicing method, comprising: transporting the second web spliced to the first web, the second transport roller being rotated by the rotation of the second transport roller without applying a rotational driving force to the second transport roller. conveying the first web through a first conveying path toward a joining position provided on a common path along which the first web and the second web are conveyed in common;
detecting an end of the first web passing through the first transport path by a first detection unit;
a step of detecting a leading end of the second web transported through a second transport path toward the joining position by a second detection unit and causing the second web to wait on the second transport path;
detecting movement information of the first web by a movement information detection unit;
conveying the end of the first web detected by the first detection unit to the joining position;
transporting the second web, which has been waiting on the second transport path, to the joining position when the end of the first web is detected by the first detection unit;
and joining the end of the first web and the front end of the second web transported to the joining position by using a joining mechanism,
In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are transported so that the end of the first web and the front end of the second web are continuous in this order at the joining position based on a detection result of the movement information detection unit,
In the joining step, a joining tape is attached so as to span the end of the first web and the end of the second web, which are continuous at the joining position;
In the step of transporting the end of the first web to the joining position and the step of transporting the second web to the joining position, the first web and the second web are guided to the joining position using a guide member provided upstream of the joining position and common to the first transport path and the second transport path;
The guide member includes a first guide portion that guides the first web to the joining position and a second guide portion that guides the second web to the joining position, and the second detection portion is provided .
The joining mechanism includes a rotating body that is provided with a plurality of suction holes and that holds the joining tape so that the adhesive surface of the joining tape faces outward,
A web joining method, wherein in the joining step, the rotating body rotates at the joining position at the same speed as the first web and the second web .

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