Patent Publication Number: US-6340042-B1

Title: Method of and apparatus for applying light-shield member to photosensitive member

Description:
This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/211,048 filed Dec. 15, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference now U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,326. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for applying a light-shield member to a photosensitive member, and more particularly to a method of and an apparatus for applying a light-shield member to a photosensitive member by delivering the light-shield member in a direction perpendicular to the photosensitive member, which is of the type to be loaded in a bright room, joining an end of the light-shield member to an end of the photosensitive member, and thereafter winding the light-shield member on an outermost layer of the photosensitive member. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Some photosensitive products comprise a photosensitive member, which is of the type to be loaded into an exposure device in a bright room, and a light-shield member such as a light-shield film wound on an outermost layer of the photosensitive member. 
     For packaging a photosensitive member with a light-shield member, it has heretofore been customary to take out the light-shield member, cut off the light-shield member into predetermined dimensions, deliver and position the severed light-shield member with respect to the photosensitive member, cut off ends of the light-shield member and the photosensitive member, hold them in abutment against each other, and join the abutting ends to each other. In the packaging process, the light-shield member is supplied to the end of the photosensitive member in a longitudinal direction thereof. It is necessary to remove any debris cut off from the light-shield member and the photosensitive member. For carrying out the packaging process, therefore, various different technologies are required. For example, these various different technologies include, among others, (a) the delivering and positioning of the light-shield member, (b) the cutting off of the light-shield member into predetermined dimensions, (c) the joining of the light-shield member and the photosensitive member to each other, and (d) the processing of debris cut off from the light-shield member and the photosensitive member. 
     Conventional arrangements for performing (a) the delivering and positioning of the light-shield member are disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publications Nos. 59-219198, 1-256459, and 5-338877. These publications disclose that a sheet-like member is delivered by a belt conveyor and stopped and positioned by pins and nip rollers. If the light-shield member is in the form of a web, typically a light-shield film whose surface a low coefficient of friction and which is of low rigidity, then it is difficult to deliver the web with a belt conveyor and stop and position the web with pins and nip rollers. 
     Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 9-43781 reveals a known technique for carrying out (b) the cutting off of the light-shield member into predetermined dimensions. Generally, it is known to prepare light-shield members of different widths for use with photosensitive members of different widths, in relation to the cutting off of the light-shield member into predetermined dimensions. The preparation of light-shield members of different widths is necessary because a light-shield member and a photosensitive member have to be of the same width in order to hold their ends in abutment against each other and join them to each other. For a given photosensitive member, therefore, a light-shield member whose width matches the width of the given photosensitive member needs to be selected from the prepared light-shield members and then to replace any existing light-shield member. If there are many available photosensitive members of different widths, then it is highly tedious and time-consuming to select a matching light-shield member and replace any existing light-shield member with the selected light-shield member. Furthermore, a material loss tends to be large due to debris produced when light-shield members are cut off. 
     Prior processes for abutting and joining ends of a light-shield member and a photosensitive member to each other, in connection with the above process (c), are known from Japanese laid-open patent publications Nos. 54-91676 and 60-48858. According to the known processes, an end of a light-shield member having a predetermined width is positioned in abutment against an end of a photosensitive member, and then the abutting ends are joined to each other. However, these processes are disadvantageous in that when the light-shield member and the photosensitive member are delivered to a joining mechanism, they are liable to be displaced out of a desired joining position and cannot well be joined to each other. 
     FIGS. 15 through 17 of the accompanying drawings show unwanted joined states resulting from the above processes. FIG. 15 illustrates the manner in which a light-shield member “a” supplied from its blank roll is positioned obliquely with respect to a photosensitive member “b” and joined to the photosensitive member “b” by a joining tape “c”. FIG. 16 illustrates the manner in which a light-shield member “a” is transversely displaced out of alignment with a photosensitive member “b” due to poor positioning accuracy, and joined to the photosensitive member “b” by a joining tape “c”. FIG. 17 illustrates the manner in which a light-shield member “a” that is narrower than a photosensitive member “b” is joined to the photosensitive member “b” by a joining tape “c”. 
     The joined states shown in FIGS. 15 through 17 may happen at the same time to cause a combined joining failure. Any of the undesired joined states shown in FIGS. 15 through 17 should be avoided because they will impair the light shielding capability for the photosensitive member “b”. 
     As the process of carrying out (d) the processing of debris cut off from the light-shield member and the photosensitive member, a process of automatically discharging debris using a belt conveyor or an air chute is disclosed in Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 7-266291. The disclosed process is effective in discharging debris produced from highly rigid corrugated board or small-size punched debris. However, this process is not suitable for processing less rigid debris from a light-shield film, for example, and pieces of debris having different sizes, and fails to discharge debris from below members that are joined to each other. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a general object of the present invention to provide a method of and an apparatus for applying a light-shield member to a photosensitive member which has switched from another photosensitive member of a different width, by cutting off the light-shield member to a width that matches the width of the photosensitive member and joining the severed light-shield member to the photosensitive member, without having to prepare in advance another light-shield member whose length matches the width of the photosensitive member, so that high productivity and labor-saving capability can be achieved. 
     A major object of the present invention is to provide a method of and an apparatus for applying a light-shield member to a photosensitive member by smoothly delivering the light-shield member, accurately stopping and positioning the light-shield member, and reducing a material loss due to debris cut off from the light-shield member when the light-shield member and the photosensitive member are joined to each other. 
     According to the present invention, a first feeding mechanism feeds an elongate light-shield member in a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of a rolled photosensitive member, and then a first cutting mechanism cuts off a leading end portion of the elongate light-shield member into a light-shield member having a predetermined shape corresponding to the width of the rolled photosensitive member. Thereafter, a second feeding mechanism feeds the light-shield member to an overlapping position and causes a transverse end of the light-shield member to overlap a longitudinal end of the rolled photosensitive member. In the overlapping position, a joining mechanism joins the light-shield member endwise to the rolled photosensitive member. Finally, an applying mechanism winds the light-shield member around the rolled photosensitive member thereby to apply the light-shield member to an outer circumferential surface of the rolled photosensitive member. 
     Even when the photosensitive member is changed to a new photosensitive member having a different width, the length of the light-shield member can be adjusted to the width of the new photosensitive member. Since the light-shield member of fixed width can be used with all available photosensitive member having different widths, it is not necessary to replace the light-shield member. 
     It is preferable to further provide a second cutting mechanism for cutting off the overlapping ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member, and a debris discharging mechanism for automatically discharging debris produced by the second cutting mechanism. 
     According to the present invention, furthermore, the first cutting mechanism comprises a pair of cutter blades. Preferably, the cutter blades comprise fixed blades, and the first cutting mechanism has pressing means for pressing the elongate light-shield member against the fixed blades. Preferably, the pressing means comprises a pair of presser rollers, and the first cutting mechanism further comprises a suction box for attracting the elongate light-shield member, and a holder frame for holding the elongate light-shield member against the fixed blades. 
     With the above arrangement, it is possible to simultaneously cut a trailing end of the light-shield member and a leading end of the elongate light-shield member in a single cutting cycle. Since the elongate light-shield member is cut when it is pressed against the fixed blades by the holder frame, the elongate light-shield member can be cut with highly dimensional accuracy without sagging or being positionally displaced. If sides of the fixed blades are surrounded by resilient members, then when the elongate light-shield member is pressed by the presser rollers, the resilient members are compressed, allowing the elongate light-shield member to contact the fixed blades and be cut thereby. After the cutting of the elongate light-shield member, the presser rollers are elevated, and the resilient members are expanded back to surround the fixed blades. Therefore, the light-shield member is not cut or otherwise damaged by the fixed blades when the light-shield member is subsequently fed. 
     The first feeding mechanism comprises length varying means for varying the length of the light-shield member. Therefore, the length of the light-shield member can simply and accurately be adjusted to match the width of the rolled photosensitive member which may be changed. 
     Moreover, the first feeding mechanism comprises a suction drum and first suction belts. The rotational speed of the suction drum is controlled by a rotational speed control means. The suction drum is controlled by the rotational speed control means to withdraw a length of the light-shield member which matches the width of the rolled photosensitive member. The first suction belts held in rolling contact with the suction drum should preferably driven in synchronism with the suction drum. 
     The second feeding mechanism preferably feeds the light-shield member for a length corresponding to the width of the rolled photosensitive member while attracting the light-shield member. 
     The length of the elongate light-shield member can thus be fed and cut off accurately, and positioned easily in the overlapping position. 
     According to the present invention, furthermore, a second cutting mechanism cuts off the overlapping ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member. Abutting ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member, which are produced by the second cutting mechanism, are joined by the joining mechanism. The light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member can be joined at their abutting ends, rather than overlapping ends or spaced ends. 
     In this manner, the transverse end of the light-shield member and the longitudinal end of the rolled photosensitive member, which are held in the overlapping position, can be cut off in one cutting cycle and joined to each other. 
     Preferably, the second cutting mechanism comprises a plurality of suction boxes for attracting the ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member in position, and an upper rotary blade and a lower blade for cutting off the overlapping ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member in coaction with each other thereby to produce the abutting ends of the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member, the lower blade being disposed between the suction boxes. The joining mechanism comprises means for joining the abutting ends while attracting the light-shield member and the rolled photosensitive member. 
     The second cutting mechanism comprises a pair of guide rollers disposed one on each side of the upper rotary blade for pressing the upper rotary blade, and side pressure adjusting means for adjusting a side pressure of the upper rotary blade. The upper rotary blade is displaced by a ball screw or the like in a direction to cut off the overlapping ends. The light-shield member and the photosensitive member can thus be cut off with high dimensional accuracy without flexing and being positionally displaced. 
     Debris cut off the light-shield member when the overlapping ends of the light-shield member and the photosensitive member are cut off is automatically discharged by the debris discharging mechanism. The debris drops below the joined ends of the light-shield member and the photosensitive member, and hence can be discharged highly efficiently unlike the conventional arrangement in which it is difficult to discharge such debris. 
     The debris discharging mechanism comprises a suction box for attracting the debris, a chuck mechanism for holding the debris, and a stock tray for storing the debris. The debris discharging mechanism thus constructed is capable of efficiently and automatically discharging debris that is present beneath the joined ends of the light-shield member and the photosensitive member. 
     The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of illustrative example. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roll film used in the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of an applying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevational view of a first feeding mechanism, a first cutting mechanism, and a second feeding mechanism of the applying apparatus shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the first cutting mechanism; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a suction box of the first cutting mechanism shown in FIG. 4, the suction box being shown as being elevated; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of cutter blades of the first cutting mechanism; 
     FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a first cutting mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention: 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partly in cross section, of a suction belt and a suction box of the second feeding mechanism shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 9 is a plan view of a second cutting mechanism and a taping mechanism of the applying apparatus shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotary blade mechanism of the second cutting mechanism; 
     FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rotary blade mechanism shown in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of various components of a debris discharging mechanism of the applying apparatus shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 13 is a side elevational view showing the manner in which the components of the debris discharging mechanism shown in FIG. 12 operate; 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the taping mechanism shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary plan view showing an undesired joined state of a light-shield member and a photosensitive member; 
     FIG. 16 is a fragmentary plan view showing another undesired joined state of a light-shield member and a photosensitive member; and 
     FIG. 17 is a fragmentary plan view showing still another undesired joined state of a light-shield member and a photosensitive member. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     According to the present invention, a photosensitive member to which a light-shield member is to be applied is in the form of a roll film, and the light-shield member is in the form of a light-shield film. As shown in FIG. 1, a roll film  2  comprises a photosensitive film  5  wound around a spool  4 , and a light-shield film  6   a  having an end joined by an adhesive tape  7  to the end of the photosensitive film  5 . 
     The light-shield film  6   a  is severed from a light-shield film  6  supplied from a light-shield film roll. The photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a  may alternatively be joined to each other by heat sealing. 
     The spool  4  has a pair of light-shield flanges  8   a ,  8   b  disposed respectively on opposite longitudinal ends thereof, and the photosensitive film  5  is wound on the spool  4  axially between the light-shield flanges  8   a ,  8   b . The light-shield film  6   a  has a pair of wings  9   a ,  9   b  projecting laterally from respective opposite side edges thereof. When the light-shield film  6   a  joined to the photosensitive film  5  is wound on the spool  4 , the wings  9   a ,  9   b  reach the light-shield flanges  8   a ,  8   b . Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive film  5  wound on the spool  4  is fully covered with the light-shield film  6   a  and hence shielded from light by the light-shield film  6   a.    
     FIGS. 2 and 3 show an applying apparatus  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention, for cutting off a supplied light-shield film  6  into a light-shield film  6   a  and joining the light-shield film  6   a  to a photosensitive film  5  wound on a spool  4 . The applying apparatus  10  basically comprises a light-shield film supply mechanism (first feeding mechanism)  12  for supplying a light-shield film  6 , a first cutting mechanism  14  for cutting the supplied light-shield film  6  to a length matching the width of the photosensitive film  5 , a feeding and positioning mechanism (second feeding mechanism)  16  for feeding and positioning the light-shield film  6   a  severed by the first cutting mechanism  14 , a taping mechanism (joining mechanism)  100  (see FIG. 9) for joining ends of the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5 , and an applying mechanism, described later on. The applying apparatus  10  also has a second cutting mechanism  18  for severing the overlapping ends of the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5 , and a debris discharging mechanism (see FIG. 12) for discharging debris produced when the overlapping ends of the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5  are severed by the second cutting mechanism  18 . 
     The light-shield film supply mechanism  12  will first be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, the light-shield film supply mechanism  12  has a light-shield film supply system  20 , a suction drum  26 , and a suction feed system  30 . 
     The light-shield film supply system  20  comprises a light-shield film roll  22  of an elongate light-shield film  6 , and a plurality of feed rollers  24   a  through  24   g  for supplying the light-shield film  6  from the light-shield film roll  22  to the first cutting mechanism  14 . The feed roller  24   g  is movable toward and away from the suction drum  26  which is of a relatively large diameter. 
     The suction drum  26  comprises a hollow cylinder having a number of through holes defined in a cylindrical wall thereof. The interior space of the suction drum  26  is connected to an evacuating mechanism, e.g., a vacuum pump (not shown). When the evacuating mechanism is actuated, the suction drum  26  draws the light-shield film  6  toward, or attracts the light-shield film  6  against, an outer circumferential surface thereof. The suction drum  26  has an axial end connected to a servomotor  27  as an actuator through a transmission mechanism (not shown). The rotational speed of the servomotor  27  can accurately be controlled by a rotational speed controller  29 . 
     The rotational speed controller  29  is supplied with information of the width of the photosensitive film  5 , effects calculations based on the supplied width information, and sets the rotational speed of the servomotor  27  to a rotational speed setting corresponding to the supplied width information. As a result, the rotational speed of the servomotor  27  can be controlled to feed the light-shield film  6  for a length matching the width of the photosensitive film  5 . 
     The suction feed system  30  is disposed underneath the suction drum  26 . The suction feed system  30  comprises a plurality of first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  held in rolling contact with the suction drum  26 . The first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  are relatively narrow, extend parallel to each other, and are transversely spaced from each other at constant intervals. Each of the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  has a number of through holes defined therein which are connected to the evacuating mechanism. The first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  can be moved by the servomotor  27  in synchronism with the suction drum  26 . Since the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  are movable in synchronism with the suction drum  26 , the light-shield film  6  can be fed sufficiently for a desired length. 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cutting mechanism  14  is positioned downstream of the suction feed system  30  with respect to the direction in which the light-shield film  6  is fed. As shown in FIG. 4, the first cutting mechanism  14  has a pair of bases  36   a ,  36   b  spaced from each other and defining therebetween a vertical hole through which a suction box  32   a  is vertically movably inserted. The suction box  32   a  has a plurality of suction holes  31  defined longitudinally therein and connected to the evacuating mechanism. 
     The bases  36   a ,  36   b  have respective recesses  35   a ,  35   b  defined in upper portions thereof. The first cutting mechanism  14  has a pair of cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  erected in abutment against vertical walls of the recesses  35   a ,  35   b . The cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  are clamped in position by fixing blocks  37   a ,  37   b  fastened to the bases  36   a ,  36   b , respectively. Therefore, the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  serve as fixed blades fixed by the fixing blocks  37   a ,  37   b.    
     In FIG. 4, the bases  36   a ,  36   b , the suction box  32   a , and the fixing blocks  37   a ,  37   b  have respective upper surfaces lying flush with each other. Elastomeric members, preferably, urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  are fixedly mounted on the upper surfaces of the suction box  32   a  and the fixing blocks  37   a ,  37   b . The urethane rubber members  38   b ,  38   c  have respective upper surfaces lying flush with the urethane rubber member  38   a . The urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  define holes  39   a ,  39   b  therebetween which receive upper tip ends of the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  that are positioned slightly lower than the upper surface of the urethane rubber member  38   a.    
     As shown in FIG. 4, the suction holes  31  defined longitudinally in the suction box  32   a  communicate with an elongate hole  33  defined in the urethane rubber member  38   a . The upper surfaces of the urethane rubber members  38   b ,  38   c  are surrounded by a vertically movable holder frame  40   a  which has an opening  41   a  defined therein into which a pair of presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  can move vertically. The holder frame  40   a  comprises a rectangular frame, as viewed in plan, for holding an end of a light-shield film  6  positioned around the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  when the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are lowered. 
     The presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are disposed upwardly of the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  for vertical movement and also displacement in the directions indicated by the arrows Y 1 , Y 2  in FIG.  2 . The presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  can be displaced in the directions indicated by the arrows Y 1 , Y 2  by a ball screw (not shown) which is actuated by an induction motor controlled by an inverter. 
     The first cutting mechanism  14  has a returning mechanism for returning the suction box  32   a  and the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  to a pre-cutting position shown in FIG. 4 after having cut off the end of the light-shield film  6 . Specifically, after the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  have cut off the end of the light-shield film  6 , the suction box  32   a  and the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  which are disposed one on each side of the suction box  32   a  are first lowered in unison with each other. Then, for discharging the debris, only the suction box  32   a  is elevated as shown in FIG.  5 . Thereafter, the suction box  32   a  is lowered to the position as shown in FIG.  4 . The suction box  32   a  and the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  can thus be moved by a cam and crank mechanism or a link mechanism. 
     As shown in FIG. 5, a chuck mechanism  43  is provided for movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the suction box  32   a . After the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  have cut off the end of the light-shield film  6 , the chuck mechanism  43  moves in one direction, grips the debris above the suction box  32   a , and moves in the opposite direction away from the suction box  32   a  to remove the debris. 
     The cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  are shown in detail in FIG.  6 . The cutter blade  34   b  comprises a first blade segment  44   a  on one end, a second blade segment  44   b  bent from the first blade segment  44   a , a third blade segment  44   c  bent at an angle from the second blade segment  44   b  and extending substantially parallel to the first straight blade segment  44   a , a fourth blade segment  44   d  bent at a greater angle than the second blade segment  44   b  toward the same side as the second blade segment  44   b , and a fifth blade segment  44   e  bent from the fourth blade segment  44   d  and extending substantially parallel to the first straight blade segment  44   a . The cross-sectional shape of the cutter blade  34   b  is complementary to the shape of a side edge of the light-shield film  6   a  shown in FIG.  1 . That is, the cutter blade  34   b  produces the wing  9   b  on one side edge of the light-shield film  6   a  cut off from the light-shield film  6 . 
     The cutter blade  34   a  is of a structure similar to the cutter blade  34   b , except that the shape of the cutter blade  34   a  is in symmetrical relation to the cutter blade  34   b . The cutter blade  34   a  produces the wing  9   a  on the other side edge of the light-shield film  6   a  cut off from the light-shield film  6 . Each of the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  is shown as having a cutting edge that is ground on both sides, but may have a cutting edge that is ground on one side only. 
     The first cutting mechanism  14  shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be replaced with a first cutting mechanism  140  according to another embodiment shown in FIG.  7 . 
     The first cutting mechanism  140  is basically the same as the first cutting mechanism  14  shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but differs therefrom with respect to the structure of a suction box. As shown in FIG. 7, the first cutting mechanism  140  has a suction box  32   b  disposed centrally therein which is of a hollow structure and has a plurality of holes  47  defined longitudinally in a bottom wall thereof and held in communication with the evacuating mechanism. The suction box  32   b  has an opening  45  defined in an upper wall thereof. 
     Other details of the first cutting mechanism  140  are similar to those of the first cutting mechanism  14  shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Specifically, cutter blades  34   c ,  34   d  are clamped in position by fixing blocks  37   c ,  37   d  fastened to bases  36   c ,  36   d , respectively. Planar urethane rubber members  38   d ,  38   e  are fixedly mounted on the upper surfaces of the bases  36   c ,  36   d  and the fixing blocks  37   c ,  37   d . The urethane rubber members  38   d ,  38   e  have respective holes  39   c ,  39   d  shaped complementarily to the cutter blades  34   c ,  34   d . A vertically movable presser frame  40   b  is disposed on the urethane rubber members  38   d ,  38   e . The presser frame  40   b  has an opening  41   b  defined therein into which a pair of presser rollers  42   c ,  42   d  can move vertically. 
     The feeding and positioning mechanism  16  disposed downstream of the first cutting mechanism  14  will be described below. 
     The feeding and positioning mechanism  16  is of substantially the same structure as the suction feed system  30 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the feeding and positioning mechanism  16  comprises a plurality of second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  which extend parallel to each other and are transversely spaced from each other at constant intervals. The second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  are slightly longer in the direction of feed than the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  of the suction feed system  30 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, each of the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  has a number of through holes  51   a  through  51   n  defined therein. The second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  are positioned about a suction box  54  that is divided into a plurality of chambers  52   a  through  52   e  connected to an evacuating mechanism (not shown). The chambers  52   a  through  52   e  are associated with respective solenoid-controlled directional control valves (not shown) which control a fluid flow between the chambers  52   a  through  52   e  and the evacuating mechanism for thereby selectively developing a positive or negative pressure in the chambers  52   a  through  52   e . When a negative pressure is developed in the chambers  52   a  through  52   e , a film, e.g., a light-shield film  6 , on the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  is fed thereby while at the same time they are being attracted by a vacuum acting through the through holes  51   a - 51   n  in the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e.    
     The second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  are movable by a servomotor (not shown) which is different from the servomotor  27 . However, the servomotor for moving the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  should preferably be energized in accurate synchronism with the suction drum  26  and the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e.    
     The second cutting mechanism  18  which is provided at the downstream with respect to the feeding and positioning mechanism  16  will be described below. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, the second cutting mechanism  18  comprises a first suction box  60 , a second suction box  62  spaced a given distance from the first suction box  60 , and a third suction box  64  disposed between the first suction box  60  and the second suction box  62  and displaceable vertically, i.e., in directions normal to the sheet of FIG.  9 . 
     An elongate lower blade  66  fixed to the first suction box  60  is positioned between the first suction box  60  and the third suction box  64 . A rotary blade mechanism  68  shown in FIG. 10 has a rotary blade  78  which is positioned as an upper blade above the lower blade  66  in alignment therewith. 
     The rotary blade mechanism  68  will be described below. 
     As shown in FIG. 10, the rotary blade mechanism  68  has a vertical cylinder  70  held by a support plate  69 . The cylinder  70  is flanked by vertical guide rods  71   a ,  71   b  for guiding vertical movement of a cylinder rod  72  extending from the vertical cylinder  70 . 
     A holder  73  is mounted on the lower distal end of the cylinder rod  72 . The holder  73  has first and second L-shaped arms  74   a ,  74   b  extending downwardly and horizontally spaced a given distance from each other. First and second guide rollers  75   a ,  75   b  are rotatably and vertically resiliently supported respectively on lower horizontal members of the first and second L-shaped arms  74   a ,  74   b . A gear  76  is rotatably positioned between the first and second L-shaped arms  74   a ,  74   b  and held in driving mesh with a gear  77  mounted coaxially on the rotary blade  78 . 
     As shown in FIG. 11, the rotary blade mechanism  68  has a side pressure adjusting mechanism including a cylinder  79  disposed coaxially with the rotary blade  78  and housing an axially movable piston  80 . The axially movable piston  80  houses a helical spring seated in a recess defined in one axial end therein. A piston rod extends horizontally from the other axial end of the piston  80  and is coaxially joined to a shaft  81  on which the rotary blade  78  and the gear  77  are coaxially mounted. A screw  83  is horizontally threaded through a vertical side plate  82  disposed between the first arm  74   a  and the second arm  74   b . The screw  83  can axially be moved back and forth when a knob  84  on one end of the screw  83  is manually turned. When the knob  84  is manually turned, the screw  83  is axially moved horizontally to displace the gear  77  and the rotary blade  78  in unison with each other. 
     When the cylinder  79  is actuated, the piston  80  is axially moved to axially displace the shaft  81  to push the rotary blade  78  outwardly into vertical alignment with the lower blade  66 , as shown in FIG. 11. A horizontal shaft  85  coupled coaxially to the gear  76  is supported on the side plate  82 . The shaft  85  is operatively connected to a motor  86  through a transmission mechanism  87 . When the motor  86  is energized, the shaft  85  is rotated about its own axis by the transmission mechanism  87 , thereby rotating the gears  76 ,  77  and hence the rotary blade  78 . 
     The rotary blade mechanism  68  can be displaced longitudinally along the first, second, and third suction boxes  60 ,  62 ,  64  in the directions indicated by the arrows X 1 , X 2  in FIG. 12, by an actuator (not shown) such as a ball screw mechanism. The third suction box  64  is vertically displaceable by a linear actuator (not shown) such as a cylinder or the like, so that it can delivery downwardly debris  6   b  cut off the light-shield film  6  by the rotary blade  78  while attracting the debris  6   b.    
     The debris discharging mechanism for discharging the debris  6   b  will be described below. 
     As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the debris discharging mechanism has a pair of chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the third suction box  64  and movable back and forth toward and away from the third suction box  64 , a pair of light detectors  92   a ,  92   b  positioned closely to the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b , respectively, and a pair of vertical rods  94   a ,  94   b  disposed near and between the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b , respectively. 
     The chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  can grip debris  6   b , cut off the light-shield film  6 , which is attracted by the third suction box  64 , and deliver the gripped debris  6   b  away from the third suction box  64 . The third suction box  64  thus serves as a component of the second cutting mechanism  18  and also a component of the debris discharging mechanism. The debris discharging mechanism also includes a stock tray  98  for storing the debris  6   b  delivered by the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  and guided downwardly by a guide plate  96  after the debris  6   b  is released from the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b.    
     The taping mechanism  100  for joining ends of the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5  will be described below with reference to FIG.  14 . 
     The taping mechanism  100  has a base  102  movable in the directions indicated by the arrows X 1 , X 2  along a guide rail  104  which extend in the directions indicated by the arrows X 1 , X 2 . 
     On the base  102 , there are rotatably supported a joining tape roll  108  of a joining tape  106  which comprises a joining tape sheet  106   a  and a peel-off sheet  106   b , and a peel-off sheet takeup roller  110  positioned closely to the joining tape roll  108  for winding the peel-off sheet  106   b  only. 
     The taping mechanism  100  also includes auxiliary rollers  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c ,  112   d ,  112   e  which are positioned below the joining tape roll  108 . The auxiliary roller  112   a  is angularly movable to change its position by a link mechanism  114 . A cylinder  116  is positioned upwardly of the auxiliary roller  112   c  for pressing the joining tape  106  against the auxiliary roller  112   c . A presser roller  118  is angularly movably supported by a shaft  120  downstream of the auxiliary roller  112   d . A cylinder  122   a  is disposed underneath the link mechanism  114  and has a cylinder rod which supports a presser roller  124   a  on its tip end. A cylinder  112   b  is disposed parallel to the cylinder  122   a  and has a cylinder rod which supports a presser roller  124   b  on its tip end. A tape cutter  126  is disposed between the presser roller  124   b  and the presser roller  118 . The tape cutter  126  is displaceable in directions normal to the sheet of FIG.  14 . 
     The light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5  which have been joined by the taping mechanism  100  are wound on the spool  4  shown in FIGS. 2 and 9. When the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5  are wound on the spool  4 , the light-shield film  6   a  is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the rolled photosensitive film  5 . The spool  4  and a roller for rotating the spool  4  jointly serve as the applying mechanism. 
     Operation of the applying apparatus  10  will be described below. 
     A light-shield film  6  is supplied from the light-shield film supply system  20  of the light-shield film supply mechanism  12 . Specifically, the light-shield film  6  is unreeled from the light-shield film roll  22 , travels around the feed rollers  24   a  through  24   g , and reaches the suction drum  26 . 
     The evacuating mechanism, such as a vacuum pump, connected to the interior space of the suction drum  26  is actuated to attract the light-shield film  6  against the outer circumferential surface of the suction drum  26  as it is rotated by the servomotor  27 . The leading end of the light-shield film  6  is gripped between the suction drum  26  and the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e  which are moved in synchronism with the suction drum  26 , so that the light-shield film  6  is fed in the direction indicated by the arrow X 1  in FIGS. 2 and 3. The servomotor  27  is continuously energized until the leading end of the light-shield film  6  covers the urethane rubber member  38   a  on the suction box  32   a  or moves forward beyond the urethane rubber member  38   a.    
     The rotational speed of the servomotor  27  is controlled according to a control signal supplied from the rotational speed controller  29 . As described above, the control signal supplied from the rotational speed controller  29  is based on the information representing the width of a photosensitive film  5  being used, and serves to determine a rotational speed of the servomotor  27  to determine a rate at which the light-shield film  6  is fed. If another new photosensitive film  5  having a different width is used, then the rotational speed of the servomotor  27  is changed by the rotational speed controller  29  based on the information representing the new photosensitive film  5 . As a result, the length to which the light-shield film  6  will be cut, as described later on, matches the width of the new photosensitive film  5 . 
     In this manner, when the photosensitive film  5  is changed to a new photosensitive film  5  having a different width, the length to which the light-shield film  6  will be cut is automatically adjusted so as to match the width of the new photosensitive film  5 . Accordingly, only one type of light-shield film  6  needs to be prepared for use with various photosensitive films  5  having different widths. Since the existing light-shield film  6  is not required to be changed, the operation of the applying apparatus  10  offers high productivity and labor-saving capability. 
     While the light-shield film  6  is being fed, it is strongly attracted by the suction drum  26  and the first suction belts  28   a  through  28   e  against slippage, displacement, sagging, or other positional misalignment, and hence will be joined accurately to the photosensitive film photosensitive film  5  as described later on. 
     When the light-shield film  6  is fed to the point where it covers at least the suction box  32   a , the suction feed system  30  is inactivated. The leading end of the light-shield film  6  now temporarily stops on the first cutting mechanism  14  while being attracted to the suction box  32   a  through the suction holes  31 . At this time, the suction drum  26  and the first suction belts  28   a  through  28   e  are held at rest, but they keep attracting the light-shield film  6 . 
     Thereafter, the holder frame  40   a  is lowered by a linear actuator (not shown) to press the light-shield film  6  against the urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  in a pattern according to the shape of the holder frame  40   a . Then, the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are lowered by a linear actuator (not shown) into the opening  41   a  of the holder frame  40   a , pressing the light-shield film  6  and the urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  together downwardly. Specifically, the urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c  are compressed downwardly by the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b , so that the upper tip ends of the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  projects upwardly with respect to the urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c . Then, the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 1  in FIG. 2 by the ball screw, whereupon the light-shield film  6  is cut off at least by the cutter blade  34   b . At this time, be the light-shield film  6  is free of sagging as it is held under tension by the holder frame  40   a.    
     The cut edge of the light-shield film  6  is complementary in shape to the upper tip end of the cutter blade  34   b . Therefore, the cut edge of the light-shield film  6  has a wing  9   b  projecting laterally therefrom. 
     The light-shield film  6  is thus cut only by the cutter blade  34   b  when the light-shield film  6  is cut for the first time, i.e., when the leading end of the light-shield film  6  supplied from the light-shield film roll is cut. Subsequently, the light-shield film  6  will be cut by both the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b.    
     The leading end (debris) cut off from the light-shield film  6  supplied from the light-shield film roll is attracted by the suction box  32   a . The suction box  32   a  is lowered together with the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b , and then elevated alone (see FIG.  5 ). The debris on the suction box  32   a  is then gripped by the chuck mechanism  43  and discharged. Thereafter, the suction box  32   a  and the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  return to their home position. 
     After the above cutting process (first cutting process), the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are lifted and then displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 2  in FIG. 2 for return to their home position. Then, the holder frame  40   a  is elevated to and, waits in, a position out of the way of the light-shield film  6 . 
     The light-shield film  6  with the wing  9   b  formed on its distal end is fed again in the direction indicated by the arrow X 1  in FIG. 2 when the suction drum  26  and the first suction belts  28   a  through  28   e  are actuated. The leading end of the light-shield film  6  reaches a position somewhere in the feeding and positioning mechanism  16 . The distance that the light-shield film  6  is fed is exactly the same as the width of the photosensitive film  5  because a control signal sent from the rotational speed controller  29  to the servomotor  27  controls the distance that the light-shield film  6  is fed to be equalized to the width of the photosensitive film  5 . The feeding of the light-shield film  6  is stopped when the distance from the leading edge of the light-shield film  6  to a position directly above the cutter blade  34   a  (this distance excludes the widths of the wings  9   a ,  9   b ) agrees with the width of the photosensitive film  5 . 
     Then, the suction feed system  30  and the second suction belts  50   a-   50   e  of the feeding and positioning mechanism  16  stop their operation. However, the light-shield film  6  still remains attracted to the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e , the suction box  32   a , the first suction belts  28   a - 28   e , and the suction drum  26 . 
     The holder frame  40   a  and the presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  which have been in the home position are operated again. Specifically, when the light-shield film  6  is stopped, the holder frame  40   a  is lowered again to press the light-shield film  6  in a pattern according to the shape of the holder frame  40   a . The presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are also lowered again to press the light-shield film  6  between themselves and the urethane rubber members  38   a ,  38   b ,  38   c . The presser rollers  42   a ,  42   b  are thereafter displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 1 , whereupon the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  cut off a leading end portion of the light-shield film  6  as a light-shield film  6   a  whose length matches the width of the photosensitive film  5 . The light-shield film  6   a  now has the wing  9   b  on its one side which has been formed by the cutter blade  34   b  in the preceding cutting cycle and the wing  9   a  on its opposite side which has been formed by the cutter blade  34   a  in the present cutting cycle. The leading end of the light-shield film  6 , from which the light-shield film  6   a  has just been cut off, has another wing  9   b  thereon, which will be on a next light-shield film  6   a  to be cut off from the light-shield film  6 . Consequently, at the same time that the light-shield film  6   a  whose length matches the width of the photosensitive film  5  is produced, a new wing  9   b  is formed with high dimensional accuracy on the leading end of the light-shield film  6 . 
     As described above, the length to which the light-shield film  6   a  is cut is automatically adjusted into agreement with the width of the photosensitive film  5 . 
     A portion of the light-shield film  6  which lies between the cutter blades  34   a ,  34   b  is treated as debris, which will be attracted to the suction box  32   a  and gripped and discharged by the chuck mechanism  43 . 
     The first cutting mechanism  140  shown in FIG. 7 operates in the same manner as the first cutting mechanism  14 . 
     The light-shield film  6   a  thus produced is fed in the direction indicated by the arrow X 1  in FIG. 2 by the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e  of the feeding and positioning mechanism  16 , for a distance equal to the width of the photosensitive film  5  (this distance excludes the widths of the wings  9   a ,  9   b ). 
     When the light-shield film  6   a  is fed by the second suction belts  50   a - 50   e , switching between positive and negative pressures in the chambers  52   a  through  52   e  may be controlled by the solenoid-controlled directional control valves (not shown) based on the length of the light-shield film  6   a . Specifically, while the light-shield film  6   a  is being fed, a control unit (not shown) may calculate the length thereof, and control the solenoid-controlled directional control valves to develop a negative pressure in the chambers  52   a  through  52   e . When the feeding of the light-shield film  6   a  is finished, the control unit may control the solenoid-controlled directional control valves to develop a positive pressure in the chambers  52   a  through  52   e.    
     Since the feeding and positioning mechanism  16  employs a suction mechanism as with the light-shield film supply mechanism  12  as described above, the light-shield film  6   a  is prevented from being wrinkled, sagging, being warped, or otherwise positionally displaced when the light-shield film  6   a  is transferred from the light-shield film supply mechanism  12 , cut from the light-shield film  6 , and joined to the photosensitive film  5 . 
     The light-shield film  6   a  is positioned in transverse alignment with the photosensitive film  5  by the feeding and positioning mechanism  16 . At this time, the light-shield film  6   a  can be positioned with a very high positional accuracy of ±0.2 mm which also takes into account a positional error caused when it is cut off by the first cutting mechanism  14 . 
     Thereafter, the light-shield film  6   a  is fed to an overlapping position. For example, the light-shield film  6   a  is positioned directly above the first suction box  60  and the third suction box  64 . Then, the leading longitudinal end of the photosensitive film  5  is unwound from the spool  4  in the applying apparatus  10 , and placed to overlap a transverse end of the light-shield film  6   a  as shown in FIG.  9 . Then, an evacuating mechanism (not shown) connected to the suction boxes  60 ,  62 ,  64  is actuated to hold the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5 , including their overlapping ends, in intimate contact with the suction boxes  60 ,  62 ,  64 . 
     The rotary blade mechanism  68  is now displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow X 1  in FIG. 9 by the ball screw mechanism (not shown). The rotary blade  78 , whose distance from the lower blade  66  has been adjusted to an adequate value by the side pressure adjusting mechanism, is rotated by the motor  86  through the transmission mechanism  87 , the horizontal shaft  85 , the gear  76  mounted on the horizontal shaft  85 , and the gear  77  meshing with the gear  76 , while at the same time the rotary blade  78  is moved as it is guided by being pressed by the first and second guide rollers  75   a ,  75   b , as shown in FIG.  11 . During this time, the rotary blade  78  is pressed downwardly together with the first arm  74   a  and the second arm  74   b  by the cylinder  70 , and axially displaced to a position directly above the lower blade  66  by the cylinder  79 . The downward movement of the rotary blade  78  causes the rotary blade  78  to coact with the lower blade  66  to sever the overlapping ends of the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5 . At this time, since the first and second guide rollers  75   a ,  75   b  press and tension the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5 , the light-shield film  6   a  and the photosensitive film  5  are prevented from flexing and being displaced from each other. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the leading end of the light-shield film  6   a  and the end of the photosensitive film which are cut off become overlapping debris  5   b ,  6   b . The debris  5   b  cut off the photosensitive film  5 , which is positioned on the light-shield film  6   a , should preferably be removed by hand. 
     A new longitudinal end of the photosensitive film  5  and a new transverse end of the light-shield film  6   a , which are formed in the above cutting process (second cutting process), are now held in abutment against each other. After the second cutting process, the cylinder  79  is actuated to displace the rotary blade  78  laterally against the bias of the helical spring, and the cylinder  70  is actuated to lift the rotary blade  78 , for thereby returning the rotary  78  to its home position. The rotary blade mechanism  68  is then retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow X 2 . 
     In timed relation to the retracting movement of the rotary blade mechanism  68 , the taping mechanism  100 , which is actuated by the actuator of the rotary blade mechanism  68 , is advanced, i.e., displaced along the guide rail  104  in the direction indicated by the arrow X 2 . At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the joining tape  106  is unreeled from the joining tape roll  108 , travels around the auxiliary rollers  112   a ,  112   b , is pressed by the cylinder  116 , and then separated into a joining tape sheet  106   a  and a peel-off sheet  106   b  at a position downstream of the cylinder  116 . The peel-off sheet  106   b  runs around the auxiliary roller  112   e  and is wound around the peel-off sheet takeup roller  110 . 
     The joining tape sheet  106   a  travels around the auxiliary rollers  112   c ,  112   d  and then reaches the presser roller  118 . The presser roller  118  is angularly moved about the shaft  120  to press the joining tape sheet  106   a  against the abutting ends of the photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a . Upon the advancing displacement along the guide rail  104   a  of the taping mechanism  100 , the presser rollers  124   a ,  124   b  press the joining tape sheet  106   a  to apply the joining tape sheet  106   a  to the abutting ends of the photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a , thus joining the photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a  to each other. After the photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a  are joined to each other, the tape cutter  126  is actuated to cut off the joining tape sheet  106   a  at an appropriate position thereon. 
     The photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a  which are thus joined to each other are finally wound on the spool  4  on the applying apparatus  10 . 
     During a period of time after the photosensitive film  5  and the light-shield film  6   a  have been cut off by the second cutting mechanism  18  and before the taping mechanism  100  is advanced, the debris  6   b  cut off the light-shield film  6   a  is discharged by debris discharging mechanism. Specifically, the third suction box  64  which is attracting the debris  6   b  is lowered by the linear actuator (not shown). Then, the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  are advanced, i.e., displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 2  in FIG. 12, and grip a side edge of the debris  6   b  attracted to the third suction box  64 . Thereafter, the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  are retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 1 . While the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  are being retracted, the debris  6   b  gripped thereby is hit by the vertical rods  94   a ,  94   b , and falls off the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  along the guide plate  96  into the stock tray  98 . When the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  are retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow Y 1 , and the debris  6   b  gripped by the chuck mechanisms  90   a ,  90   b  is detected by the light detectors  92   a ,  92   b , the third suction box  64  is lifted back to its home position by the linear actuator. 
     After the debris  6   b  has been removed, the suction feed system  30  is actuated again to feed the light-shield film  6  from its standby state to the second cutting mechanism  18 , and a photosensitive film  5  is set in place again in readiness for being joined to a light-shield film  6   a.    
     The above cycle of operation is thereafter repeated. 
     As described above, even when the photosensitive film  5  is changed to a new photosensitive film  5  having a different width, the length to which the light-shield film  6  will be cut is automatically adjusted so as to match the width of the new photosensitive film  5 . Consequently, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of light-shield films so as to match different widths of photosensitive films that may possibly be employed. As a result, the existing light-shield film does not need to be changed. 
     The light-shield film and the photosensitive film can easily be joined to each other. The applying apparatus according to the present invention, therefore, can achieve high productivity and labor-saving capability. 
     Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.