Splicing device

The invention concerns a splicing facility for splicing material webs. The splicing facility comprises a first dispensing device for dispensing a finite first material web from a first material web roll, a second dispensing device for dispensing a finite second material web from a second material web roll, a third dispensing device for dispensing a third material web, a first splicing device for splicing together the finite first material web and the finite second material web to an endless material web and a second splicing device for splicing together the third material web and the finite first material web or the finite second material web to the endless material web. The first splicing device and the second splicing device are arranged at different heights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of German Patent Application Serial No. 10 2015 218 321.1 filed on Sep. 24, 2015, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d), the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a splicing facility for splicing material webs, in particular paper webs for producing at least one corrugated cardboard web in a corrugated cardboard plant. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for splicing corresponding material webs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known splicing facilites join a finite first material web coming to its end to a new finite second material web so that a material web is produced that is endless so to speak. This process is known in the trade as splicing and corresponding facilities are termed splicing facilities. To produce corrugated cardboard webs, the endless material webs are generally joined together one on top of the other.

Tandem splicing facilities are also known from the state of the art. DE 10 2011 115 936 A1 discloses a splicing facility of this type. A splicing facility of this type carries more than two material web rolls, whose finite material webs are used to produce the endless material web. A disadvantage of these types of splicing facility is that they require a particularly large amount of space in the direction in which the machine runs. Also in these cases, since the so-called supply unit of the material web has to be fed from underneath, it is necessary to incorporate an accessible and displaceable platform between the two splicing devices which form the tandem splicing facility so that the material web running out of the first or upstream splicing device can be threaded into the second or downstream splicing device. This has proved to be impractical and is costly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is based on the task of overcoming the disadvantages of the state of the art. In particular, the aim is to create a splicing facility with at least three dispensing devices and to join at least three material webs, requiring a very small amount of space. Also, a particularly simple retrofit of the splicing facility is to be made possible. Furthermore, a corresponding method is to be provided.

This task is resolved according to the invention by a splicing facility for splicing material webs, comprising a first dispensing device for dispensing a finite first material web from a first material web roll, a second dispensing device for dispensing a finite second material web from a second material web roll, a third dispensing device for dispensing a third material web, a first splicing device for splicing together the finite first material web and the finite second material web to an endless material web, and a second splicing device for splicing together the third material web and the finite first material web or the finite second material web to the endless material web, wherein the first splicing device and the second splicing device are arranged at different heights, and by a method for splicing material webs, comprising the following steps: dispensing a finite first material web from a first material web roll by means of a first dispensing device, dispensing a finite second material web from a second material web roll by means of a second dispensing device, dispensing a third material web by means of a third dispensing device, splicing the finite first material web and finite second material web to an endless material web by means of a first splicing device, and splicing the third material web and the finite first material web or the finite second material web to the endless material web by a second splicing device, wherein the first splicing device and the second splicing device are arranged at different heights. The main concept of the invention is based on arranging the splicing devices of the splicing facility at different heights, in particular underground, on the ground or similar The splicing facility is advantageously able to store and unwind at least two finite material webs. Moreover, the splicing facility is, in particular, able to process at least three material webs. The inventive splicing facility forms a kind of tandem splicing facility. The finite first and second material webs can be spliced to the endless material web by means of the first splicing device. The second splicing device is used to splice the third material web to the endless material web. The inventive splicing facility advantageously occupies an extremely small amount of floor area only and is particularly short in the conveying direction of the material web(s).

It is advantageous if, in the case, for example, of a fault in a printing device in the corrugated cardboard plant, it is possible to switch over to an unprinted order or order with preprinted rollers using the splicing facility.

Advantageously, the splicing devices are substantially the same in their essental construction. In particular, they work substantially in the same way also.

It is expedient if the splicing facility is a component part of a corrugated cardboard plant. Advantageously the corrugated cardboard plant comprises at least one such splicing facility.

It is advantageous if the finite material webs are finite paper webs. It is expedient if the endless material web forms a laminating web of a later corrugated cardboard web or corrugated cardboard. Advantageously the endless material web is joined to a corrugated cardboard web laminated on one side.

Advantageously the third material web differs from the finite first material web and/or the finite second material web. For example the third material web is printed, whereas the finite first and second material webs are unprinted. Alternatively, for example, the third material web is unprinted while the finite first and second material webs are printed.

The third material web is either finite or endless. To produce a finite third material web, the third dispensing device is advantageously designed as an unwinding device, arranged with a gap from or adjacent to the inventive splicing facility. To produce an endless third material web, the third dispensing device is advantageously designed as an appropriate conventional splicing device, arranged with a gap from or adjacent to the inventive splicing facility. For example, between the conventional splicing facility or unwinding device and the inventive splicing facility, at least one processing unit is arranged to process the third material web or a printing unit to print the third material web.

The tiered layout of the splicing facility such that the first splicing device and the second splicing device are arranged one over the other results in a splicing facility which occupies an extremely small floor area. Known splicing facilities with just two unwinding devices can be converted particularly simply, for example, using the inventive splicing facility since their floor areas are substantially the same in the main. Principally, their lengths are substantially identical generally in the conveying direction of the material web(s), so that no space problems occur in incorporating the inventive splicing facility into an existing corrugated cardboard plant.

The statements made in reference to the embodiment in which the second splicing device is arranged above the first splicing device apply substantially equally to the embodiment in which the first splicing device and the second splicing device overlap each other at least in certain regions.

The splicing facility in which the second splicing device projects laterally compared with the first splicing device towards the third unwinding device in particular enables the third material web to be inserted particlarly simply into the second splicing device or splicing facility.

The splicing facility in which the first splicing device and the second splicing device are supported on a common base frame can be fitted particularly simply and quickly.

In one embodiment, the first splicing device comprises at least one joining unit for splicing the finite material web requiring splicing to the endless material web, at least one displaceable supply unit for feeding the finite material web requiring splicing to the at least one joining unit and a displaceable first table unit to interact with the at least one joining unit and/or with the at least one supply unit.

It is advantageous if the at least one joining unit is able to splice the finite first and/or second material web(s) to the endless material web or to join the finite first and second finite material webs together. It is advantageous if the at least one joining unit, for example, where a finite second material web is nearing its end, joins, in particular glues the finite first material web to the endless material web or, respectively, where a finite first material web is nearing its end, joins, in particular glues the finite second material web to the endless material web.

It is expedient if the at least one joining unit also comprises at least one cutting means.

Advantageously exactly two joining units are present. A joining unit is prefeably provided for splicing the finite first material web to the endless material web, while the other joining unit is provided for splicing the finite second material web to the endless material web.

It is advantageous if the at least one supply unit can be displaced linearly.

Advantageously the first splicing device has exactly two supply units. It is advantageous if the finite first material web is associated with one supply unit and the finite second material web is associated with the other supply unit.

It is advantageous if the first table unit can be displaced linearly.

In one embodiment, the second splicing device comprises at least one splicing unit for splicing the third material web requiring splicing with the endless material web, at least one displaceable further supply unit for feeding the material web requiring splicing to the at least one further joining unit and a displaceable second table unit to interact with the at least one further joining unit and/or with the at least one further supply unit.

It is advantageous if the at least one splicing unit of the second splicing device is able to splice the third material web to the endless material web. It is advantageous if the joining unit of the second splicing device, for example, where a finite second material web is nearing its end, joins, in particular glues the third material web to the endless material web or, where a finite first material web is nearing its end, joins, in particular glues the third material web to the endless material web. Advantageously the joining unit of the second splicing device is also able, for example, to join, in particular glue the third material web to the finite second material web or to the finite first material web at a distance from the ends of the first or second material web. Advantageously it is also possible to splice the third material web to the endless material web when the finite first or second material web is not yet at its end.

It is expedient if the at least one joining unit of the second splicing device also comprises at least one cutting means.

Advantageously exactly two second joining units are present. A joining unit is provided preferably to splice the third material web to the endless material web, while the other joining unit is provided to splice the finite first and/or second material web(s) to the endless material web.

It is advantageous if the at least one supply unit of the second splicing device can be displaced linearly.

Advantageously the second splicing device has exactly two supply units. It is advantageous if one supply unit is assigned to the third material web and the other supply unit is assigned to the finite first or second material web.

It is advantageous if the second table unit can be displaced linearly.

The splicing device comprising a storage device for creating or dispersing material web loops in the created endless material web allows splicing without changing the conveying speed of the endless material web.

The splicing device in which the storage device is arranged above the first splicing device and second splicing device requires a particularly small floor area only, simplifying the incorporation of the inventive splicing facility in an existing corrugated cardboard plant.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described by way of example below with references to the attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A splicing facility illustrated in the Figures as a component part of a corrugated cardboard plant (not shown) comprises a first dispensing device3to unwind a finite first material web1from a first material web roll2and a second dispensing device6to unwind a finite second material web4from a second material web roll5. The finite first material web1and the finite second material web4can be joined together in the splicing facility to produce an endless material web7. The dispensing devices3,6are designed as unwinding devices.

The splicing facility has a base frame8with a base frame plinth9, a base frame column10and a base frame support11. The base frame plinth9is fixed to the ground12, which is a factory shop floor, for example. The base frame column10extends substantially vertically, or perpendicular to the ground12. The base frame support11is attached to the base frame column10at one end opposite the base frame plinth9and runs substantially parallel to the ground12. The base frame support11extends substantially over the first material web roll2and the second material web roll5.

The first unwinding device3and the second unwinding device6extend out from the base frame plinth9. The unwinding devices3,6are pivoted to swivel on the base frame plinth9and are arranged opposite each other in relation to the base frame column10.

In order to accommodate the first material web roll2, the first unwinding device3has a seating taper (not shown) which is guided into a central opening of the first material web roll2and is mounted between two first carrier arms13of the first unwinding device3running parallel to each other, to rotate about a first rotational axis14.

The design of the second unwinding device6corresponds to that of the first unwinding device3. In order to accommodate the second material web roll5, it has a seating taper (not shown) which is guided into a central opening of the second material web roll5and is mounted between two second carrier arms15of the second unwinding device6running parallel to each other to rotate about a second rotational axis16. The rotational axes14,16run parallel to each other.

The finite first material web1from the first material web roll2can be fed by a first feeding device17with a first feeding roll18and the finite second material web4is can be fed by a second feeding roll20of a second feeding device21of a first splicing device22or of the splicing facility. The first splicing device22is arranged on the base frame support11. The feeding rolls18,20can rotate on support arms23or24the first or second feeding device17or21respectively, which are arranged on the base frame support11above the material web rolls2or5respectively to rotate and to tension the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4respectively.

The first splicing device22serves to produce the endless material web7from the finite material webs1,4and has a first supply unit19, a second supply unit25, a first joining unit26, a second joining unit27, a first table unit28and a first guide29. The first splicing device22is arranged at a height H1above the ground12.

The first guide29runs substantially parallel to the ground12between the supply units19,25. The supply units19,25are displaceable along the first guide29. The first table unit28is displaceable along the first guide29between the supply units19,25.

The joining units26,27are arranged with gaps between each other along the first guide29. They are arranged on the base frame support11above the first guide29between the feeding devices17,21or in the region above and between the material web rolls2,5.

The supply units19,25are built identically and, relative to a vertically running symmetry plane E, are arranged symmetrically to be displaced along the first guide29.

In order to feed the finite first material web1, the first supply unit19has a first glueing roller30mounted to rotate in the first guide29and a first cross cut unit (not shown) with an actuated first cutting knife to cut the supplied finite first material web1. In order to feed the finite first material web1, the first glueing roller30is provided with an adhesive layer and is displaceable to transport the first finite material web1from the associated first cross cut unit to the second joining unit27along the first guide29.

In order to feed the finite second material web5, the second supply unit25has a second glueing roller31mounted to rotate in the first guide29and, in order to cut the supplied finite second material web5, has a second cross cut unit (not shown) with an actuated second cutting knife. In order to feed the finite second material web4, the second glueing roller31is provided with an adhesive layer and is displaceable to transport the finite second material web4from the associated second cross cut unit to the first joining unit26along the first guide29.

The joining units26,27are built identically and, relative to the symmetry plane E, are arranged symmetrically on the base frame support11.

In order to cut the finite second material web4before joining to the finite first material web1, the first joining unit26comprises a first cross cut unit32with an actuated first cutting knife33and a first nip roller34to join the finite material webs1,4to the endless material web7. The first cross cut unit32of the first joining unit26and its first nip roller34are attached, directly adjacent to the first guide29, to the base frame support11such that the glueing rollers30,31of the supply units19,25and the first table unit28can be directed along the first guide29past the first joining unit26.

In order to cut the finite first material web1before joining to the finite second material web4, the second joining unit27comprises a second cross cut unit35with an actuated second cutting knife36and a second nip roller37to join the finite material webs1,4to the endless material web7. The second cross cut unit35of the second joining unit27and its second nip roller37are attached, directly adjacent to the first guide29, to the base frame support11such that the glueing rollers30,31of the supply units19,25and the first table unit28can be directed along the first guide29past the second splicing unit27.

The first table unit28interacts with the supply units19,25and/or with the joining units26,27and is displaceable independently of the latter along the first guide29.

A second splicing device38of the splicing facility is arranged downstream of the first splicing device22relative to the conveying direction of the endless material web7. The second splicing device38is arranged above the first splicing device22on the base frame support11at a height H2above the ground12which is higher than H1. The splicing devices22,38built substantially identically. The splicing devices22,38arranged one over the other can also be attached alternatively to the underside of a bridge of the corrugated cardboard plant.

A third feeding roll39of a third feeding device and a fourth feeding roll40of a fourth feeding device are arranged on the base frame support11between the splicing devices22,38. The third feeding roll39is arranged advantageously above at least one third material web roll43. It is arranged above the first material web roll2and laterally to it. The third feeding roll39is arranged above the first and at least one third material web roll2,43and is arranged between them. The fourth feeding roll40is arranged above the second material web roll5or, respectively, the second feeding roll20.

In order to deliver a third material web44from the at least one third material web roll43, the splicing facility comprises a third unwinding device45. The third dispensing device45is arranged laterally next to the first unwinding device3and the second unwinding device6. The first unwinding device3is located between the third dispensing device45and the second unwinding device6.

The third dispensing device45extends out from a base frame plinth46. It is mounted to swivel on the base frame plinth46. The base frame plinth46is fastened to the ground12. Instead of two separate base frame plinths9,46, it is possible, for example, to have a common base frame plinth.

In order to accommodate the at least one third material web roll43, the third dispensing device45has at least one seating taper (not shown) which is guided into a central opening of the respective third material web roll43and is mounted between at least two third carrier aims47of the third dispensing device45running parallel to each other, to rotate about at least one third rotational axis48. The at least one third rotational axis48runs parallel to the first rotational axis14and the second rotational axis16.

The second splicing device38is located advantageously above the first splicing device22, so that it runs above the at least one third material web roll43or the third dispensing device45.

The third material web44from the at least one third material web roll43can be fed by the third feeding device, and the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first or, respectively second material web1,4, can be fed by the fourth feeding device of the second splicing device38.

In order to tension the third material web44or, respectively, the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first or second material web1,4, the feeding rolls39,40are arranged to rotate on carrier arms41or42of the third or fourth feeding device, which are arranged to swivel on the base frame support11above the first splicing device22.

The second splicing device38serves to produce the endless material web7from the finite first material web1or the third material web44or out of the finite second material web4or the third material web44. The second splicing device38has a third supply unit49, a fourth supply unit50, a third joining unit51, a fourth joining unit52, a second table unit53and a second guide54.

Since the second splicing device38is located above the first splicing device and extends over the third material web roll43, the third supply unit49and the first supply unit19are accessible simultaneously for manually supplying and fitting new material web rolls2or43.

The second guide54runs between the supply units49,50substantially parallel to the ground12, wherein the supply units49,50are displaceable along the second guide54. The second table unit53is displaceable between the supply units49,50along the second guide54.

The joining units51,52are arranged along the second guide54with gaps between them. They are arranged on the base frame support11above the second guide54between the third and fourth feeding devices or in the region above between the material web rolls2,5. The joining units51,52are arranged above the joining units26,27and are adjacent to them.

The supply units49,50are built identically to one another and are arranged to be displaceable along the second guide54relative to the symmetry plane E. Beside the third supply unit49, in an alternative embodiment the fourth supply unit50can also be spaced further away from the symmetry plane E compared with the second supply unit25for ease of access. The supply units49,50are designed exactly like the supply units19,25.

In order to feed the third material web44, the third supply unit49has a third glueing roller55rotatably mounted in the second guide54and, in order to cut the fed third material web44, has a third cross cut unit (not shown) with an actuated third cutting knife. In order to feed the third material web44, the third glueing roller55is provided with an adhesive layer and, in order to transport the third material web44from the associated third cross cut unit to the fourth joining unit51, is displaceable along the second guide54.

In order to feed the endless material web7consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, the fourth supply unit50has a fourth glueing roller56rotatably mounted in the second guide54and, in order to cut the fed endless material web7, has a fourth cross cut unit (not shown) with an actuated fourth cutting knife. In order to feed the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, the fourth glueing roller56is provided with an adhesive layer and, in order to transport this endless material web7from the associated fourth cross cut device to the third joining unit52, is displaceable along the second guide54.

The third joining unit51and the fourth joining unit52are built identically and arranged symmetrically to the base frame support11relative to the symmetry plane E. The joining units51,52also are built exactly the same as the joining units26,27.

In order to cut the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, before joining to the finite third material web44, the third joining unit51comprises a third cross cut unit57with an actuated third cutting knife58and, in order to join the finite third material web44and the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, to the endless material web7, comprises a third nip roller59. The third cross cut unit57of the third joining unit51and its third nip roller59are fastened directly to the base frame support11adjacent to the second guide54such that the glueing rollers55,56and the second table unit53are able to be directed along the second guide54past the third joining unit51.

In order to cut the third material web44before joining to the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, the fourth joining unit52comprises a fourth cross cut unit60with a actuated fourth cutting knife61and, in order to join the finite material web44with the endless material web7, consisting of the finite first material web1or the finite second material web4, to the endless material web7, comprises a fourth nip roller62. The fourth cross cut unit60of the fourth joining unit52and its fourth nip roller62are fastened directly to the base frame support11adjacent to the second guide54such that the glueing rollers55,56of the supply units49,50and the second table unit53are able to be directed along the second guide54past the fourth joining unit52.

The second table unit53interacts with the supply units49,50and/or with the joining units51,52and is displaceable along the second guide54independently of them.

Downstream of the second splicing device38relative to the conveying direction of the endless material web7, the splicing facility has a material web redirection arrangement63with a first redirecting roller64and a second redirecting roller65arranged adjacent to it. The material web redirection arrangement63is arranged above the second splicing facility38on the base frame support11. It is located above the fourth redirecting roll40and adjacent to it.

Downstream of the material web redirection arrangement63relative to the conveying direction of the endless material web7, the splicing facility has a storage device66for the endless material web7. The storage device66is arranged above the second splicing device38on the base frame support11.

The storage device66comprises a storage carriage67, which is arranged on the base frame support11and is displaceable along a storage carriage guide68. The storage carriage guide68extends parallel to the ground12and to the guides29,54. It is arranged at a height H3above the ground12, which is greater than heights H1and H2.

The storage carriage guide68provides a displacement path for the storage carriage67. It extends substantially along of the entire base frame support11. Thus the storage carriage67is displaceable between a first end position and a second end position. It is displaceable in opposite displacement directions. In the first end position, the storage carriage67is arranged adjacent to an outlet69where the endless material web7leaves the splicing facility, while the storage carriage67is located in the second end position with a gap or at a distance from the outlet69adjacent to the third feeding device. The storage carriage67can also occupy intermediate positions. The storage carriage67carries a material web redirecting roll70which is mounted to rotate.

Downstream from the outlet69relative to the conveying direction of the endless material web7, the corrugated cardboard plant advantageously comprises, amongst other things, a preheating device (not shown), a glueing unit (not shown) and a double facer (not shown) to join the endless material web7to at least one multi-layer corrugated cardboard web.

The way in which the splicing facility works is described in more detail below. In doing so, the splicing of the finite first material web1to the finite second material web4is described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. Afterwards, the changeover from the second material web roll5to the first material web roll2is explained when the second material web roll5, for example, is nearing its end.

The finite second material web4is first unwound from the second material web roll5and fed into the first splicing device22by the second feeding roll20, wherein the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 90°.

The finite second material web4is fed into the first splicing device22around the second nip roller37. At the second nip roller37, the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180°. It is then fed from the first splicing device22and to the fourth feeding roll40, where the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180° and is fed to the second splicing device38.

In the second splicing device38, the finite second material web4is fed around the fourth nip roller62. Here, the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180°.

The finite second material web4is then redirected from the first redirecting roller64and fed around the second redirecting roller65. In the case of the second redirecting roller65, the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180°.

The finite second material web4then runs around the material web redirecting roll70of the storage carriage67which is located in its second end position opposite the outlet69. Thus the storage device66is filled with the endless material web7. In the case of the material web redirecting roll70the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180°.

The finite second material web4is then fed to the outlet69where it leaves the splicing facility.

In this case, the supply units19,25,49,50have no functional role.

Since the finite second material web4is unwinding continuously, the second material web roll5approaches its end after a certain time so that, for example, the finite second material web4has to be joined to the finite first material web1in order to provide the endless material web7and to ensure that the corrugated cardboard plant operates continuously.

To accomplish this, the finite first material web1is first threaded by the first feeding device17through the first supply unit19. In addition, the first supply unit19is arranged adjacent to the first feeding device17. The first table unit28is arranged adjacent to the first supply unit19, so that the finite first material web1is fixed to the first supply unit19or to its first glueing roller30. Then, the finite first material web1is cut off by the first supply unit19or its first cross cut unit respectively, or manually. Then, the finite first material web1is provided, at its beginning where it has been cut, with a single-sided or double-sided adhesive strip, which is done preferably by the first supply unit19. This condition is illustrated inFIG. 1.

Next, the first supply unit19and the first table unit28are displaced along the first guide29to the second splicing unit27(FIG. 2), wherein the first splicing unit26is passed.

During this, the storage carriage67is displaced towards its first end position. By displacing the storage carriage67towards the outlet69, the loops formed by the endless material web7are dissipated in order that the endless material web7continues on to leave the splicing device without interruption or is conveyed without interruption.

Then, the endless material web7, by means of the second nip roller37of the second splicing unit27, wherein this second nip roller37is directed by a pneumatically-operated swivel unit (not shown) to the glueing roller30of the first supply unit19, is pressed against the glued end of the single-sided adhesive strip, which is applied to the start of the finite first material web1and is located at a predetermined position on the first glueing roller30of the first supply unit19. A joint is formed in this manner between the endless material web7and the finite first material web1.

Then the unwinding action of the second unwinding device6, i.e. the finite second material web4, is stopped.

In order to produce a cut edge, the first table unit28is displaced along the first guide29such that a cut by the second blade36, displaced by a linear unit (not shown), of the second cross cut device35of the second splicing unit27can plunge into a recess provided across the entire width in the first table unit28for the second cutting knife36of the second cross cut device35of the second splicing unit27in order to completely separate the finite second material web4from the endless material web7.

After the cutting operation to completely separate the endless material web7and the finite second material web4from each other, the second cutting knife36of the second cross cut device35of the second splicing unit27is displaced again back to its starting position, following which the second nip roller37of the second splicing unit27is displaced again back to its starting position. By so doing, the endless material web7now joined to the finite first material web1is released. The finite first material web1is conveyed over the first glueing roller30of the first supply unit19and over the second nip roller37.

Next, the first supply unit19is displaced back along the first guide29to a position adjacent to the first feeding roll18. In its first end position, the storage carriage67is located adjacent to the outlet69. The storage device66is empty (FIG. 3).

Since the roll length, roll weight and/or the roll diameter of the finite first material web1are known, the splicing device recognises when the first material web roll2is nearing its end. Before this occurs, the supplied finite second material web4is joined, for example, to the finite first material web1. This takes place in the same manner as the exchange of the finite material webs1,4as explained earlier. Please refer to that.

FIGS. 4 to 6are referred to below in describing the splicing of the third material web44to the endless material web7. The following explains how an exchange takes place from the first material web roll2to the third material web44when, for example, the first material web roll2is nearing its end or is changed over for other reasons to the third material web44.

The finite first material web1is first unwound from the first material web roll2and is fed to the first splicing device22by the first feeding roll18, wherein the finite first material web1is redirected by approximately 90°.

The finite first material web1is fed into the first splicing device22over a gap delimited between the first nip roller34and the second nip roller37out of the first splicing device22to the fourth feeding roll40, which redirects the finite first material web1by approximately 180° and feeds it to the second splicing device38.

In the second splicing device38, the finite first material web1is fed around the fourth nip roller62, where again it is redirected by approximately 180°.

Next, the finite first material web1is redirected from the first redirecting roller64and fed around the second redirecting roller65. At the second redirecting roller65, the finite first material web1is redirected by approximately 180°.

The finite first material web1then runs around the material web redirecting roll70of the storage carriage67, which is located in its second end position opposite the outlet69. Thus the storage device66is filled with the endless material web7. At the material web redirecting roll70, the finite first material web1is redirected by approximately 180°.

The endless material web7is then fed to the outlet69where it leaves the splicing device.

Since the finite first material web1is unwinding continuously, the first material web roll2approaches its end after a certain time so that, for example, the third material web44can be joined to the finite first material web1. An exchange between the material web rolls2,43can be due, for example, to a change in the order also.

To accomplish this, the third material web44is first threaded by the third feeding device through the third supply unit49. The third supply unit49is arranged adjacent to the third unwinding device45also. The second table unit53is arranged adjacent to the third supply unit49, so that the third material web44is fixed to the third supply unit49or to its third glueing roller55. Then, the third material web44is cut off by the third supply unit49or its third cross cut unit. Then the third material web44is provided with a single-sided adhesive strip at its beginning where it has been cut, which is done preferably by the third supply unit49. This condition is illustrated inFIG. 4.

Next, the third supply unit49and the second table unit53are displaced along the second guide54to the fourth joining unit52(FIG. 5), wherein the third joining unit51is passed.

In doing so, the storage carriage67is displaced towards its first end position. By displacing the storage carriage67towards the outlet69, the loops formed by the endless material web7are dissipated in order that the endless material web7continues on to leave the splicing device without interruption or is conveyed without interruption.

Then, the endless material web7, by means of the fourth nip roller62of the fourth joining unit52, wherein this fourth nip roller62is directed by a pneumatically-operated swivel unit (not shown) to the glueing roller55of the third supply unit49, is pressed against the glued end of the single-sided adhesive strip, which is applied to the start of the finite third material web44and is located at a predetermined position relative to the first glueing roller55of the third supply unit49. Alternatively, overlap glueing of the material web7,44can take place in the same way with a double-sided adhesive strip. Thus, the endless material web7is joined to the third material web44.

Then the unwinding action of the first unwinding device3, i.e. the finite first material web1, is stopped.

In order to produce a cut edge, the second table unit53is displaced along the second guide54such that a cut by the fourth blade61, displaced by a linear unit (not shown), of the fourth cross cut device60of the fourth joining unit52can plunge into a recess provided across the entire width in the second table unit53for the fourth cutting knife61of the fourth cross cut device60of the fourth joining unit52in order to completely separate the finite first material web1from the endless material web7.

After the cutting operation to completely separate the endless material web7and the finite first material web1from each other, the fourth cutting knife61of the fourth cross cut device60of the fourth joining unit52is displaced again back to its starting position, following which the fourth nip roller62of the fourth joining unit52is displaced again back to its starting position. By so doing, the endless material web7now joined to the third material web44is released. The third material web44is conveyed by the third glueing roller55of the third supply unit49to the fourth nip roller62.

Next, the third supply unit49is displaced back along the second guide54to a position adjacent to the third unwinding device45(FIG. 6).

The third material web44is fed to the second splicing device38over a gap delimited between the third nip roller59and the fourth nip roller61out of the second splicing device38. The third material web44is then redirected from the first redirecting roller64and fed around the second redirecting roller65. At the second redirecting roller65, the third material web44is redirected by approximately 180°.

The third material web44then runs around the material web redirecting roll70of the storage carriage67which is located in its first end position adjacent to the outlet69. Thus the storage device66is empty. At the material web redirecting roll70, the third material web44is redirected by approximately 180°.

FIGS. 7 to 9are referred to below in describing the splicing of the second material web4to the endless material web7. The following explains how an exchange takes place from the third material web44to the second material web roll5when, for example, the third material web44is nearing its end or is changed over for other reasons to the second material web4.

The third material web44is unwound from the third dispensing device44and is fed to the second splicing device38bu the third feeding roll39, where the third material web44is redirected by approximately 90°.

The third material web44is fed to the second splicing device38over a gap delimited between the third nip roller59and the fourth nip roller62out of the second splicing device38. The third material web44is redirected from the first redirecting roller64and fed around the second redirecting roller65. At the second redirecting roller65, the third material web44is redirected by approximately 180°.

The third material web44then runs around the material web redirecting roll70of the storage carriage67which is located in its second end position opposite the outlet69. Thus the storage device66is filled with the endless material web7. At the material web redirecting roll70, the third material web44is redirected by approximately 180°.

The endless material web7is then fed to the outlet69where it leaves the splicing device.

Since the third material web44is unwinding continuously, it approaches its end after a certain time so that, for example, the finite second material web4can be joined to the third material web44. An exchange between the material web rolls43,5can be due, for example, to a change in the order also.

To accomplish this, the finite second material web4is first fed by the second feeding device21to the second nip roller37, which redirects the finite second material web4by approximately 180°. The finite second material web4is threaded by the fourth redirecting roll40through the fourth supply unit50. Also, the fourth supply unit50is arranged adjacent to the fourth redirecting device. The second table unit53is arranged adjacent to the fourth supply unit50so that the finite second material web4is fixed to the fourth supply unit50or to its fourth glueing roller56. Then, the finite second material web4is cut off by the fourth supply unit50or its fourth cross cut unit. Then the finite second material web4is provided with a single-sided or double-sided adhesive strip at its beginning where it has been cut, which is done preferably by the fourth supply unit50. This condition is illustrated inFIG. 7.

Next, the fourth supply unit50and the second table unit53are displaced along the second guide54to the third joining unit51(FIG. 8), wherein the fourth joining unit52is passed.

In doing so, the storage carriage67is displaced towards its first end position. By displacing the storage carriage67towards the outlet69, the loops formed by the endless material web7are dissipated in order that the endless material web7continues on to leave the splicing device without interruption or is conveyed without interruption.

Then, the endless material web7, by means of the third nip roller59of the third joining unit51, wherein this third nip roller59is directed by a pneumatically-operated swivel unit (not shown) to the fourth glueing roller56of the fourth supply unit50, is pressed against the glued end of the single-sided adhesive strip, which is applied to the start of the finite second material web4and is located at a predetermined position on the fourth glueing roller56of the fourth supply unit50. Thus, the endless material web7is joined to the finite second material web4.

Then the unwinding action of the third dispensing device45, i.e. the third material web44, is stopped.

In order to produce a cut edge, the second table unit53is displaced along the second guide54such that a cut by the third blade58, displaced by a linear unit (not shown), of the third cross cut device57of the third joining unit51can plunge into a recess provided across the entire width in the second table unit53for the third cutting knife58of the third cross cut device57of the third joining unit51in order to completely separate the third material web44from the endless material web7.

After the cutting operation to completely separate the endless material web7and the third material web44from each other, the third cutting knife58of the third cross cut device57of the third joining unit51is displaced again back to its starting position, following which the third nip roller59of the third joining unit51is displaced again back to its starting position. By so doing, the endless material web7now joined to the finite second material web4is released.

The finite second material web4is fed by the fourth nip roller62of the fourth joining unit52.

Next, the fourth supply unit52is displaced back along the second guide54to a position adjacent to the second unwinding device6. The finite second material web4then runs around the material web redirecting roll70of the storage carriage67, which is located in its first end position adjacent to the outlet69. Thus the storage device66is empty. At the material web redirecting roll70, the finite second material web4is redirected by approximately 180° (FIG. 9).