ADHESIVE APPLICATION ROLLER

Abstract

An adhesive application roller (1) having a longitudinal axis of rotation (X). The roller (1) comprises plural separable discs (D.sub.1-D.sub.N) to provide a circumferential adhesive application surface (2) a first separable disc D.sub.1 having a different width and/or diameter to a second separable disc D.sub.N.

Claims

1. A method of applying an adhesive pattern to a sheet of material, the method comprising selecting plural separable discs to form a circumferential adhesive application surface, applying adhesive to the circumferential adhesive application surface of the discs and transferring adhesive from the circumferential adhesive application surface of the discs to a wrapping paper or tipping paper for an aerosol generating device.

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising removing one or more of the plural separable discs and exchanging it or them for one or more further separable discs, thereby to provide a different adhesive pattern.

3. A method according to claim 1 comprising securing the plural separable discs to a shaft for rotation.

4. An adhesive application station comprising an adhesive application roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the roller comprises plural separable discs to provide a circumferential adhesive application surface, wherein the adhesive application station is configured for applying adhesive to wrapping or tipping paper for an aerosol generating device.

5. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, wherein the first of the plural separable discs has a first pattern provided on its circumferential surface and the second of the plural separable discs has a second pattern provided on its circumferential surface.

6. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, wherein the first of the plural separable discs is made from a first material and a second of the plural separable discs is made from a second material.

7. An adhesive application station according to claim 4 wherein a first of the plural separable discs is spaced from a second of the plural separable discs by a spacer disc.

8. An adhesive application station according to claim 7, wherein the spacer disc has a diameter less than either of the diameter of the first and second of the plural separable discs.

9. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, wherein each of the separable discs comprises a key way for engagement with a corresponding portion of a shaft.

10. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, further comprising a first clamp and a second clamp, the plural separable discs being located therebetween.

11. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, comprising a reservoir for holding adhesive and preferably a drive for rotating the adhesive application roller in contact with adhesive within the reservoir.

12. An adhesive application station according to claim 4, wherein each of the separable discs has a width and diameter and wherein a first of the plural separable discs has a width and/or diameter different to the width and/or diameter of a second of the plural separable discs.

Description

[0033] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section side view of a prior art adhesive application roller;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section side view of an adhesive application roller according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adhesive application station comprising the adhesive application roller shown in FIG. 2;

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section side view of an adhesive application roller according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section side view of an adhesive application roller according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an adhesive application roller 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The adhesive application roller 1 comprises plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N (D.sub.1, D.sub.2 . . . D.sub.N) disposed about a shaft 4, and first and second clamps 5, 6. The adhesive application roller 1 has a longitudinal axis of rotation X extending through the shaft 4, plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N and first and second clamps 5, 6.

[0040] Each of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N comprises a central aperture 3 through its thickness, where the central apertures 3 correspond to, and are configured to receive therewithin, the outer surface of the shaft 4.

[0041] Although only the first and second discs D.sub.1, D.sub.2 of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N are described in detail in the following description it will be appreciated that the remaining discs of the plural separable discs D.sub.3-D.sub.N have similar features.

[0042] First and second discs D.sub.1, D.sub.2 of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N each comprise a circumferential surface 2a, 2b. Together the circumferential surfaces 2a, 2b (and indeed the circumferential surfaces 2a-2.sub.x of all of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N) comprise a circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1.

[0043] The first disc D.sub.1 has a first diameter d.sub.1 and a first width w.sub.1. The second disc D.sub.2 has a second diameter d.sub.2 and a second width w.sub.2. The second diameter d.sub.2 is less than is the first diameter d.sub.1. The second width w.sub.2 is greater than is the first width w.sub.1. The second disc D.sub.2 provides or comprises a spacer, configured to space the first disc D.sub.1 from further of the plural separable discs D.sub.3-D.sub.N.

[0044] The shaft 4 is generally cylindrical and extends from a first end 4a to a second end 4b. The shaft 4 is configured to be connected to a source of torque (not shown), in use. A key 40 extends from the circumferential outer surface of the shaft 4 and extends longitudinally therealong.

[0045] Each of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N comprises a key way 30 into its central aperture 3. The key ways 30 are shaped, sized and oriented to correspond to the key 40 on the shaft 4 for ensuring that the discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N are not relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft 4. The key may be provided on the disc and the keyway on the shaft 4.

[0046] The first and second clamps 5, 6 each comprise a central aperture 50, 60 through their thickness, where each central aperture 50, 60 corresponds to, and is configured to receive therewithin, the outer surface of the shaft 4. The first and second clamps 5, 6 each comprise an abutment surface, configured to abut, in use, an annular shaped surface of one of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N. Each of the first and second clamps 5, 6 also comprise a securement aperture 51, 61 through its thickness in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation X. Each securement aperture 51, 61 is threaded along at least part of its length.

[0047] Prior to use, the adhesive application roller 1 is assembled. The first clamp 5 is slid onto the first end 4a of the shaft 4. A securement, which in this embodiment is a grub screw (not shown), is threadably engaged into the first clamp's 5 securement aperture 51 and is tightened until the grub screw engages the outer surface of the shaft 4. In this way, the first clamp 5 is secured in position adjacent the first end 4a of the shaft 4.

[0048] The central aperture 3 through the first disc D.sub.1 is then aligned with the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and is moved axially thereonto. The first disc D.sub.1 and the shaft 4 are angularly aligned so that the key 40 on the shaft 4 aligns with the key way 30 in the first disc D.sub.1. In this orientation, the first disc D.sub.1 is slid axially along the shaft 5, from the second end 4b thereof toward the first end 4a, until an annular surface of the first disc D.sub.1 abuts the abutment surface of the first clamp 5. Each of the remaining plural separable discs D.sub.2-D.sub.N is then moved onto the shaft 4, in turn, in a similar manner. The second clamp 6 is then moved onto the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and moved along the shaft 4 until the abutment surface of the second clamp 6 abuts an annular surface of that of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N closest to the second end 4b of the shaft 4. The second clamp 6 is then secured to the shaft 4 in the same manner as described above in respect of the first clamp 5.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an adhesive application station 100 comprising the adhesive application roller 1 shown in FIG. 2, a guide roller G, a transfer roller T, a bath B and a sheet of material S. As will be appreciated, the adhesive application roller 1 comprises the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, and is shown in simplified form shown in FIG. 3 for the sake of illustrative purposes, only.

[0050] The transfer roller T is arranged in the bath B, such that adhesive provided in the bath B contacts the outer surface of the transfer roller T. The adhesive application roller 1 and the transfer roller T are arranged such that their respective longitudinal axes of rotation X, Y are parallel and the circumferential surface of the transfer roller T contacts the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1. The guide roller G is arranged so that its longitudinal axis of rotation Z is parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation X of the adhesive application roller 1. The circumferential surface of the guide roller G is adjacent the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1, thereby forming a nip therebetween.

[0051] In use, each of the rollers T, 1, G are driven to rotate by a source of torque (not shown). The transfer roller T and the guide roller G are driven to rotate in a first direction (e.g. a clockwise direction), while the adhesive application roller 1 is driven to rotate in an opposite direction (e.g. a counter-clockwise direction). The transfer roller T rotates in the bath B, whereby adhesive temporarily adheres to its outer surface. Adhesive is transferred to the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1 from the transfer roller T, at and adjacent the point of contact therebetween. Adhesive is only transferred to the circumferential surface 2a of those of the first disc D.sub.1 and those of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N having a relatively greater diameter. The second disc D.sub.2 and those of the plural separable discs D.sub.2-D.sub.N having a relatively lesser diameter to that of the first disc D.sub.2 do not contact the transfer roller T and, consequently, adhesive is not transferred thereto.

[0052] The sheet of material S is drawn toward the adhesive application station 100 in the direction of arrow A and is guided by the guide roller G into the nip between the guide roller G and the adhesive application roller 1, where adhesive is transferred to the sheet of material S. The adhesive is transferred in a pattern corresponding to the pattern provided on the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1.

[0053] When it is necessary to alter the pattern on the circumferential adhesive application surface 2 of the adhesive application roller 1 the combination of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N is altered.

[0054] The second clamp 6 is unsecured from the shaft 4 by undoing the grub screw securing it thereto. The second clamp 6 is then slid axially off the second end 4b of the shaft 4 and removed therefrom. One, some or each of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N is then removed from the shaft 4 by axially sliding it or them off the second end 4b thereof. A different combination of plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N is then added to the shaft 4 by sliding them axially thereonto from the second end 4b thereof. The second clamp 6 is once more slid axially onto the second end 4b of the shaft 4. The second clamp 6 is then secured to the shaft 4 by the grub screw, as described above, thereby securing the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N to the shaft 4.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an adhesive application roller 11 according to a further embodiment of the invention in which like features to those described above in respect of the adhesive application roller 1 shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by like features preceded by a 1, which will not be described further herein. The adhesive application roller 11 shown in FIG. 4 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that a shaft is not provided. Instead, the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N are secured together by bolts BO which run parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation X of the adhesive application roller 11. The clamps 15, 16 each comprise securement apertures 151, 161 through their thickness which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of rotation X. In this embodiment, the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N are not hollow and are each absent a central aperture through their thickness and are also absent a key way. Instead, each of the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N comprises securement apertures 1Da through their thickness which correspond in size, shape and location to the securement apertures 151, 161 through the clamps 15, 16.

[0056] Prior to use, the required arrangement of plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N is formed. The first and second clamps 15, 16 are positioned at either end of the arrangement of plural separable discs 1D1.sub.1-1D.sub.N and a bolt BO is fed through a securement aperture 151 through the first clamp 15 and thence through a securement aperture 1Da through each of the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N and through a securement aperture 161 through the second clamp 16 until the end of the bolt BO projects beyond the second clamp 16. Bolts BO are fed through each of the other securement apertures 151 in the first clamp 15 and their corresponding securement apertures 1Da, 161 in the plural separable discs 1 D1.sub.1-1D.sub.N and the second clamp 16, respectively. Nuts N are then secured to the free ends of the bolts BO. Tightening of the nuts N secures the clamps 15, 16 and plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N together.

[0057] The first clamp 15 is then connected to a transmission shaft (not shown) for transmitting torque to the adhesive application roller 11. The connection may be any type suitable to transmit torque from the transmission shaft to the adhesive application roller 11. The second clamp 16 is connected to a support shaft (not shown) for supporting the adhesive application roller 11 during driven rotation thereof. Adhesive can then be applied to a sheet of material S as described above in respect of adhesive application roller 11.

[0058] When it is necessary to alter the pattern on the circumferential adhesive application surface 12 of the adhesive application roller 11, the nuts N are removed from the bolts BO and the bolts BO are removed from the clamps 15, 16 and plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N. A different arrangement of plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N is then formed and secured together by the clamps 15, 16, bolts BO and nuts N as described above in respect of the previous arrangement.

[0059] As will be appreciated, in embodiments, one or more of the bolts BO may be fed through the first clamp 15 first and then each disc of the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N slid onto the bolt or bolts BO in turn in order to form the arrangement of the plural separable discs 1D. Additionally or alternatively, the clamps 15, 16 and plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N may be secured together using alternative securements, for example one or more screws.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an adhesive application roller 21 according to a further embodiment of the invention in which like features to those described above in respect of the adhesive application roller 1 shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by like features preceded by a 2, which will not be described further herein. The adhesive application roller 21 shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 of the plural separable discs 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N has a different pattern on its circumferential surface 22g than does the fifth disc 2D.sub.5. The circumferential surface 22g of the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 comprises a first portion P1 having a first diameter d.sub.P1 and a second portion P2 having a second diameter d.sub.P2, where the second diameter d.sub.P2 is less than the first diameter d.sub.P1.

[0061] Accordingly, in use, adhesive will be transferred only to the first portion P1 of the circumferential surface 22g of the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 and hence, only from the first portion P1 of the circumferential surface 22g of the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 to the sheet of material S. A pattern may thereby be formed using a relatively lesser number of plural separable discs 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N. Accordingly, the formation of a required pattern may be made relatively more rapidly. Consequently, the expense of downtime of the adhesive application station 100 within which the adhesive application roller 21 is used is relatively reduced.

[0062] It will be appreciated that although only the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 is shown as comprising different first and second portions P1, P2 of its circumferential surface 22g this need not be the case and, instead, one, some or each of the other of the plural separable discs 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may also comprise different first and second portions on its or their circumferential surface(s) 22. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration of the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 is only one example of a disc having a different pattern on its circumferential surface 22g. In embodiments, the seventh disc 2D.sub.7 (and/or one, some or each of the other plural separable discs 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N) may have more than two portions P1, P2 having different diameters d.sub.P1, d.sub.p2. In embodiments, the second portion P2 may be bound on either side by first portions P1. In embodiments, the circumferential surface of one, some or each of the plural separable discs 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may have a diameter which gradually increases and/or increases, for example in the first portion P1, in the second portion P2 and/or from the first portion P1 to the second portion P2.

[0063] While first and second clamps 5, 15, 25, 6, 16, 26 are described, these are not essential to the invention. The plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may, additionally or alternatively, be directly secured together The plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may, additionally or alternatively, be secured to the shaft 4, 24 (where provided).

[0064] In each case the discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may be selected to provide a particular adhesive application pattern. If a further pattern is required or desired, some or each of the discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N can be exchanged for other discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1 D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N, or disc positions exchanged, thereby to form a further adhesive application pattern. The exchange or change of discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N can be undertaken quickly and conveniently ensuring that the roller is ready for use applying the new pattern.

[0065] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein. For example, the connection of the plural separable discs 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N shown in FIG. 4 is equally applicable to the adhesive application roller 21 shown in FIG. 5.

[0066] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. The drawings depict one or more aspects described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of this disclosure. It will be appreciated that the particular arrangements of plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and that the number, sequence, dimensions and/or the patterns on the circumferential surfaces of the plural separable discs D.sub.1-D.sub.N, 1D.sub.1-1D.sub.N, 2D.sub.1-2D.sub.N may differ from those shown in the drawings.