Device and method for splicing and continuously providing a film web

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for splicing and continuously providing a film web. The device comprises a splicing unit for splicing a first or a second input film web with an output film web, and a clamping unit and a film buffer for the output film web behind the clamping unit. The splicing unit comprises a first sealing cheek with a first holding device for the output film web and a first cutting device for separating the output film web in the area of the first sealing cheek. Furthermore, the splicing unit comprises a second sealing cheek with a second holding device for the first or the second input film web alternately and a second cutting device for separating the input film web. The first sealing cheek with the first holding device and the second sealing cheek with the second holding device are movable from their first and second cutting device action areas into their mutual action area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for splicing and continuously supplying film webs. Background Technology

[0002] In many applications, film webs are processed as a continuous material and pulled out by vorratsrolles. In such a continuous process that depends on the continuous supply of such film webs, a solution must be provided for situations where the vorratsrolles are tilted and replaceable relative to another vorratsrolle.

[0003] Known methods involve joining an old, tilted film web with a new, additional film web from an additional roller. Here, the end of the output film web is connected to the beginning of the new input film web in such a way that a seemingly continuous film web is formed. This may include the joined portion being conveyed into a subsequent machine.

[0004] A particular application is the manufacture of filled film packages made of water-soluble film. For this, the film sheet is guided through a machine, where it is deeply drawn to form a receiving cavity. The cavity is filled with a product, for example, in the form of a cleaning or rinsing agent, and then tightly sealed with a cover film. Finally, the different sealed cavities are separated by cutting, resulting in partial packages, for example, for applications in rinsing or washing machines. Such partial packages can be placed into a suitable machine where the film dissolves and releases its contents upon contact with rinsing water.

[0005] Meanwhile, the aforementioned principle itself has long been known, and recently, increasingly continuous processes have been put into use, in which water-soluble films are continuously, i.e., without pulses, transported through the machine. Occasionally, splicing becomes necessary, and this is performed manually. For this, according to existing technology, the end sections of new and / or old film webs are wetted and pressed together, thereby sealing them. Loose end strips (sometimes called end sags) are left on both sides of the seal, which are manually secured with tape. Such spliced ​​sections can then be transported even continuously and uninterrupted to subsequent machines. High-quality deep drawing and sealing processes, however, are not feasible in this area. As a result, filling of the cavity must be interrupted in the spliced ​​section area, as the filling of loosely packed units, which typically occurs here, escapes and contaminates the machine.

[0006] The partially interrupted filling process is followed by a separating process, in which longitudinal and transverse cutting is performed continuously without the use of a cutting grid. Unlike filling, cutting can be uninterrupted because packaging units are typically not removed from the machine, either filled or unfilled. The sealing areas are therefore cut in the same way as the film width filled with the product, which leads to numerous difficulties. In particular, the loose, tape-secured end strips in the splicing area form loose film fragments after cutting, which propagate uncontrollably within the machine and can cause blockages and other process disturbances, even leading to machine downtime. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to create an apparatus for splicing and continuously providing output thin film webs, thereby avoiding the problems mentioned above.

[0008] This task is solved by an apparatus for splicing and continuously supplying output film webs, comprising a first film supplier for supplying a first input film web, a second film supplier for supplying a second input film web, a splicing unit for splicing the first or second input film web with an output film web, and a clamping unit and a film buffer for the output film web subsequently placed in the clamping unit. The splicing unit includes a first sealing cheek (Siegelbacke, sometimes also called a sealing side plate) with a first holding device for the output film web and a first cutting device for separating the output film web in the region of the first sealing cheek. The splicing unit further includes a second sealing cheek with a second holding device alternately for the first or second input film web and a second cutting device for separating the first or second input film web. The first sealing cheek with the first holding device and the second sealing cheek with the second holding device are movable relative to each other from the working regions of their first and second cutting devices into their mutual working regions.

[0009] Furthermore, based on the objective of this invention, a method for operating such a device is described, which enables problem-free cutting of the film width, particularly in the area of ​​the splicing section.

[0010] This task is solved by a method for operating an apparatus for splicing and continuously supplying output film webs, wherein the splicing apparatus includes a first film supplier for supplying a first input film web, a second film supplier for supplying a second input film web, a splicing unit for splicing the first or second input film web with an output film web, and a clamping unit and a film temporary storage unit for the output film web subsequently placed in the clamping unit, wherein the splicing unit includes a first sealing cheek with a first holding device for the output film web and a first cutting device for separating the output film web in the region of the first sealing cheek, wherein the splicing unit further includes a second sealing cheek with a second holding device alternately for the first or second input film web and a second cutting device for separating the first or second input film web, wherein the first sealing cheek with the first holding device and the second sealing cheek with the second holding device are movable relative to each other from the working regions of their first and second cutting devices to their mutual working regions, wherein the method includes the following method steps:

[0011] - In normal operation, one of the two input thin film webs continuously passes through the thin film register as the output thin film web and is guided out of the device;

[0012] - Once it is identified that one of the two input film webs is tilted, the output film web is fixed by means of the clamping unit and guided out of the device from the film buffer on the output side of the clamping unit.

[0013] - The output film width is held at the first sealing cheek by means of the first holding device and separated in the region of the first sealing cheek by means of the first cutting device;

[0014] - The other of the two input film webs is held at the second sealing cheek plate by means of a second holding device and separated in the region of the second sealing cheek plate by means of a second cutting device;

[0015] - A first sealing cheek plate with a film web that is held at a first holding device and separated from the output, and a second sealing cheek plate with a film web that is held at a second holding device and separated from the second or first input, move relative to each other from the working area of ​​their first and second cutting devices into their mutual working area, and the separated second or first input film web is attached to the separated output film web by means of the co-acting sealing cheek plate.

[0016] - The clamping unit opens again, and normal operation continues with the spliced ​​output film web.

[0017] According to the present invention, an apparatus for splicing and continuously supplying output film webs is provided, comprising a first film supplier for supplying a first input film web, a second film supplier for supplying a second input film web, a splicing unit for splicing the first or second input film web with an output film web, a clamping unit, and a film temporary storage unit for the output film web subsequently placed in the clamping unit. The splicing unit includes a first sealing cheek with a first holding device for the output film web and a first cutting device for separating the output film web in the region of the first sealing cheek. Furthermore, the splicing unit includes a second sealing cheek with a second holding device alternately used for the first or second input film web and a second cutting device for separating the first or second film web. The first sealing cheek with the first holding device and the second sealing cheek with the second holding device are movable relative to each other from the working regions of their first and second cutting devices into their mutual working regions.

[0018] In the subordinate method according to the invention, during normal operation, one of the two input film sheets, as the output film sheet, is guided out of the device through a film register. During this normal operation, the film register is merely a passageway and has no other function.

[0019] Once it is identified that one of the two input film webs supplied from which the output film web is being fed is tilted, the output film web is secured by a clamping unit and guided out of the device from the film register at the output side of the clamping unit. Thus, the film supply is interrupted at the input side of the clamping unit. At the output side of the clamping unit, film supply or output can continue continuously by pulling out the required amount of film from the film register. The capacity of the film register is designed for operation within a time interval sufficient for the splicing process described later.

[0020] On the input side of the clamping unit, the output film web is held at the first sealing cheek by means of a first holding device and separated in the region of the first sealing cheek by means of a first cutting device. The other of the two input film webs, i.e., the newly arrived input film web, is held at the second sealing cheek by means of a second holding device and separated in the region of the second sealing cheek by means of a second cutting device. This ensures that only so much film material is retained at the two sealing cheeks, as required for the subsequent sealing process. Film protrusion is completely avoided, or except for technically meaningless excess.

[0021] A first sealing cheek plate with an output film web held and separated at a first holding device, and a second sealing cheek plate with a second or first input film web held and separated at a second holding device, then move relative to each other from the working area of ​​their first or second cutting devices into their mutual working area. The separated second or first input film web is then fitted onto the separated output film web by means of the cooperating sealing cheek plates. The clamping unit eventually opens again, and normal operation continues with the fitted output film web.

[0022] The application of two opposing, movable sealing cheeks, along with a subordinate retaining device, in the first opposing position allows for accurate cutting of the film web dimensions while avoiding protrusion. In the second opposing position, the two film webs are ultimately joined by sealing them together, with the joining area limited to the direct sealing area. Such joined film webs result in only a very small interference area in subsequent machine operations, where protruding film sections unnecessarily increase this interference area. The absence of protruding film end sections prevents the formation of loose fragments during final cutting. This reliably avoids interference at the machine or even downtime.

[0023] The advantages of the present invention thus come into play particularly when the output film web and the two input film webs are water-soluble and, in particular, composed of PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), and the output water-soluble film web is supplied to a machine that operates particularly continuously for the manufacture of filled water-soluble bags.

[0024] For the relative movement of the two sealing cheeks with their retaining devices described above, a movable support relative to the device frame may be suitable for both or only one of them. In a preferred improvement, however, the first sealing cheek with the first retaining device and the second shearing device alternately travel into the working area of ​​the second sealing cheek with the second retaining device. The second sealing cheek is thus substantially kept in place with its retaining device, while, depending on the method steps, either the second shearing device or the first sealing cheek equipped with the output diaphragm is brought closer. Higher positioning accuracy can be obtained with less machine consumption.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the splicing unit has a first preparation stage for a first input film web and a second preparation stage for a second input film web, wherein the first and second preparation stages are reciprocating between an active running position and a passive preparation position. The first and second preparation stages each have a holding device for a free end section of the first or second input film web and a separation region for separating the respective free end sections. A second cutting device is arranged in the separation region of one of the two preparation stages, while a mating bracket for the second cutting device is arranged in the separation region of the other of the two preparation stages, and a second sealing cheek plate with a second holding device is arranged adjacent to it.

[0026] The reciprocating mobility of the preparation table allows for positional changes so readily possible for the preparation of the splicing process, providing a sufficient safety distance relative to the running position in the preparation position. A new film sheet can be pulled in and secured at the preparation table in the appropriate preparation position without interfering with the travel process. After returning to the active running position, everything is ready for the actual commencement of the splicing process. The splicing process itself can then be performed very quickly, within seconds, without replenishing the film reserve in the film stowage tank. In the two separation zones of the preparation table, the cutting device and mating support are positioned directly opposite each other, allowing the separation shearing to be performed without delay and directly following the sealing process.

[0027] In a suitable improvement, the retaining device for the free end section resists movement of the spring prestress relative to the separation area of ​​the preparation table. This achieves several objectives. On the one hand, the clamped film end is held under stress, thereby preventing folding or bulging. On the other hand, the spring prestress can be used to pull out the separated end section during the splicing process and thus reliably retain it remotely by the sealing area. Furthermore, the presence of the film and its readiness for possible splicing processes can be monitored, particularly through mobility combined with suitable sensors.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the preparation table is horizontally movably supported, while the first sealing cheek plate with a first retaining device is vertically movably supported. This results in simple kinematics, which on the one hand enables exchange between an active operating position and a passive preparation position, and on the other hand allows for simple repositioning for the sealing process.

[0029] For the first or second cutting device, a suitable cutting tool system is considered. Preferably, the first and / or second cutting device is formed by heating the wire. In particular, the combination with the already mentioned PVOH film can achieve a clean and rapid separation cut without subjecting the cutting edges to the risk of edge abrasion.

[0030] For the construction of the retaining device, mechanical clamping devices are suitable. Preferably, a vacuum plate is used to form the first and / or second retaining device. By means of vacuum holes distributed in such a plate, the corresponding film sections are adsorbed in a flat and regular manner under high retaining force, wherein the unfolded sealing surface is provided without interference, for example, by a protruding mechanical gripper. The sealing process itself can be achieved in a very close proximity. With appropriate pneumatic control, the retaining action can be initiated and closed quickly. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention for splicing and continuously providing output of thin film webs, including splicing units and a rear thin film register.

[0033] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view shows the preparation table, pulled out to its passive ready position, in the region of its mounting unit according to... Figure 1 The device,

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a system with two preparation tables in their active operating position and a ready state for the subsequent joining process. Figure 2 Components,

[0035] Figure 4 The following is illustrated: A method for initiating the splicing process using separate end sections of the film web. Figure 3 Components,

[0036] Figure 5 The same assembly is shown, featuring a cutting device that travels on both sides and a sealing cheek plate that travels together.

[0037] Figure 6 Showing the alternatives Figure 2 The aforementioned components in the state are pulled into their passive ready position by another preparation table. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view shows an apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention for splicing and continuously supplying output film webs 3. The term “output” film webs 3, chosen herein, means that the latter are continuously produced by the apparatus 1 and supplied, in particular, to a machine 2 arranged behind it.

[0039] The machine 2 arranged in the rear is known in this application and is therefore only shown as a box symbol. Here it is machine 2, in which a single portion of a washing or rinsing agent is packaged in a water-soluble film by a film web 3 in a continuous, i.e., uninterrupted process. Accordingly, the film web 3 processed here is made of a water-soluble material, i.e., composed of PVOH. Within the scope of this invention, however, other film materials may also be used and similarly other products may be packaged.

[0040] The apparatus 1 includes a first film feeder 6 for supplying a first input film web 4 and a second film feeder 7 for supplying a second input film web 5, wherein the two input film webs 4, 5 are held on rollers in their respective film feeders 6, 7 and drawn into the apparatus 1 from there. Similarly, the two input film webs 4, 5 are made of PVOH.

[0041] The device 1 further includes a splicing unit 8, a clamping unit 9, and a thin film temporary storage unit 10, wherein, according to Figure 1 In the diagram, the mounting unit 8 and the clamping unit 9 are covered by the housing 27 and are therefore not visible. However, two more are subsequently... Figures 2 to 6 It is shown and described in more detail in this regard.

[0042] Figure 1 The initial state is shown, in which the first input film web 4 is guided through the splicing unit 8 and the output film web 3 is pulled out from there. The output film web 3 is supplied to the film register 10 via deflection and tension rollers, which is positioned rearward in the pull-out direction of the clamping unit 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the film register 10 is constructed as a so-called "film dancer," which has a pair of fixed arms 24, a pair of swing arms 25, and a row of rollers 26, 26' fixed therein. The output film web 3 is guided alternately around the rollers 26 of the fixed arms 24 and around the rollers 26' of the swing arms 25, and here presents a meandering trajectory. The pair of swing arms 25 hold their rollers 26' at the maximum possible spacing relative to the rollers 26 of the fixed arms 24, so that a defined amount of the output film web 3 is located in the film dancer or in the film register 10.

[0043] In normal operation, the output film sheet 3 is simply pulled out through the film register 10 to the machine 2, while the amount of film in the film register 10 remains unchanged. However, once the clamping unit 9, described in more detail below, is activated and the output film sheet 3 is secured near the splicing unit 8, a limited amount of output film sheet 3 can continue to be supplied to the machine 2 for a limited time period. Here, the output film sheet 3 is removed from the film register 10 and guided from the device 1 toward the machine 2. During removal, a pair of swing arms 25 perform a swinging motion such that the distance between the associated roller 26'' and the roller 26 of the fixed arm 24 is reduced, thereby freeing and making available a corresponding amount of output film sheet 3 despite the activated clamping unit 9. The film register 10 is designed for such a removal duration that is sufficient for performing the splicing process described later. In the illustrated embodiment, the removal duration is based on, for example, ten seconds. After splicing is completed, the clamping unit 9 is released again, so that the output film sheet 3 can be pulled out again as before. At the same time, a pair of swing arms 25 can also slowly swing back to the initial position shown, thereby filling the thin film temporary storage 10 for the next splicing process.

[0044] During normal operation, the roller with the first input film width 4 tilts at a certain time. Prior to this, the roller with the second input film width 5 is supplied in the second film supplier 7. This has already been determined according to... Figure 3 The second input film web 5 is shown in the pulled-in state and can be attached to the free end of the output film web 3 at the appropriate time. Once this is achieved, the second input film web 5 is then pulled out as the output film web 3 and supplied to the processing in machine 2. Alternately, the first film supply 6 then uses a new roller of the first input film web 4 as a reserve for attachment to the output film web 3 in the event that the second input film web 5 is exhausted. By alternately attaching the first or second input film webs 4, 5, a continuous supply of output film webs 3 can be provided, pulled out and supplied to the subsequent machine 2 without interruption.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the filling status of the two rollers with the first or second input film width 4, 5 is monitored by an instrument 28 for roller diameter identification, so that the splicing process, which quickly becomes necessary in the case of not exceeding a determined minimum diameter, can be prepared and introduced.

[0046] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view is shown according to Figure 1 The area of ​​the mounting unit 8 of device 1, wherein, in this and also in the following figures, according to Figure 1 The casing 27 is not shown for a better overview. To achieve this, according to... Figure 1 The initial state, the preparatory activities, and its subsequent reference especially Figure 2 To describe in more detail.

[0047] according to Figure 2 On the right side, the first input film width 4 is supplied from the first film feeder 6. Figure 1 The film web 4 is vertically deflected upwards around the deflection roller and guided upwards through the splicing unit 8. There, it exits upwards as the output film web 3 and then passes immediately after being placed in the clamping unit 9 of the splicing unit 8. In this state, neither the splicing unit 8 nor the clamping unit 9 is activated, so the output film web 3 is continuously supplied from the input film web 4 and corresponding to the... Figure 1 The diagram can be continuously pulled out.

[0048] The apparatus 1 includes a first preparation stage 17 for a first input film web 4 and a second preparation stage 18 for a second input film web 5, as part of the splicing unit 8. Another part of the splicing unit 8 is located above the two preparation stages 17, 18 and includes a first sealing cheek plate 11 with a first holding device 12 for an output film web 3 and a first cutting device 13 for separating the output film web 3 in the area of ​​the first sealing cheek plate 11. To the right of the output film web 3, there is the first sealing cheek plate 11, and directly below it, i.e., on its input side, is the first holding device 12 for the output film web 3. The first holding device 12 is a vacuum plate that, through an array of vacuum-drilled holes, adsorbs and holds the output film web 3 under corresponding vacuum loading. Directly below it, i.e., on its input side, there is a mating bracket 22 for the first cutting device 13, which is implemented here as a heating wire, positioned opposite to it on the other side of the output film web 3, i.e., on its left side. The first sealing cheek plate 11, the first holding device 12, and the first cutting device 13, together with their associated mating brackets 22, extend over the entire width of the output film web 3, which also corresponds to the clamping unit 9 located thereon. A further structural feature is that the first sealing cheek plate 11 and the first holding device 12 are located on the carrier 33 and, together with the clamping unit 9 also fixed thereon, can travel vertically on the linear guide.

[0049] Apart from the differences described in more detail later, the two preparation stations 17 and 18 are mirror images of each other and are otherwise identical. The first preparation station 17 and the second preparation station 18 can reciprocate horizontally between an active running position and a passive preparation position. Figure 3 In the middle, two preparation stations 17 and 18 occupy their active operating positions, where they are placed directly side by side. According to... Figure 2 In the diagram, the second preparation platform 18 on the left moves to its passive preparation position, while the first preparation platform 17 on the right remains in its active operating position. The reverse is also true in... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram, the first preparation station 17 on the right moves to its passive preparation position, while the second preparation station 18 on the left retains its active operating position.

[0050] The two preparation tables 17, 18 each have a holding device 19 for a free end section 21 of the first or second input film web 4, and a separation region 20 for separating the corresponding free end section 21. The separation regions 20 of the two preparation tables 17, 18 are directly opposite each other. Here, the two input film webs 4, 5 are guided substantially vertically.

[0051] According to Figure 2 In the passive ready position, as a preparatory measure for the subsequent splicing process of the free end section 21, the second input film width 5 is fed from the first film feeder 6. Figure 1 The film is pulled out, pulled upward through the separation area 20 of the second preparation table 18, and then guided horizontally to the left through the holding device 19 and finally fixed in the holding device 19, which is composed of two clamping sides. On the output side of the holding device 19, there is also a shearing groove 29 that extends laterally across the entire width of the film. The cutter can be pulled through the shearing groove 29 to cut off the protruding end of the end section 21.

[0052] The holding device 19 can move horizontally relative to the base 31 of the preparation table 18 against the spring prestress, which acts on the holding device 19 in the direction of arrow 32, pointing forward from the separation region 20. The end section 21 clamped in the holding device 19 is thus pulled forward from the separation region 20. Once the free end section 21 is clamped in the holding device 19, the second input film web 5 rolls back onto the film roller of the second film feeder 7 to such an extent that a sufficiently high spring tension or a sufficiently large spring travel is set at the holding device 19. The spring force and / or spring travel can be acquired by an optional sensor 30, which generates a suitable signal when the desired target value is reached and thus indicates that the desired prestress is reached in the end section 21. Since such prestress cannot be generated without the end section 21, the sensor 30 can also be used to monitor the presence of the end section 21.

[0053] Further structural details of the two preparation tables 17 and 18 can be described as follows: Preparation tables 17 and 18 are further provided with a second sealing cheek plate 14, a second holding device 15, and a second cutting device 16. The assembly consisting of the second sealing cheek plate 14, the second holding device 15, and the second cutting device 16 is rotated 180° relative to the assembly consisting of the first sealing cheek plate 11, the first holding device 12, and the first cutting device 13 and is otherwise constructed identically.

[0054] Below the separation area 20 of the second preparation stage 18 on the left, there is a second sealing cheek plate 14, which extends laterally across the entire width of the second input film web 5. Consequently, on the output side of the second sealing cheek plate 14 and directly adjacent to it, there is a second holding device 15, also implemented as a vacuum plate, for the second input film web 5, which also extends across its entire width. Directly above the second holding device 15, i.e., directly on its output side, there is also a mating bracket 23 for the second cutting device 16, located in the opposing separation area 20 of the adjacent first preparation stage 17. The second cutting device 16 is also configured here as a simplified heating wire, which, like the opposing mating bracket 23, extends across the entire width of the input film webs 4, 5. Unlike the second preparation stage 18, the first preparation stage 17 has neither a sealing cheek plate nor a holding device in this area.

[0055] Refer to the above, especially in combination Figure 1 The physical characteristics described in section 2, the function of device 1, and the method flow according to the present invention are as follows: (As already combined) Figure 1 As mentioned, the initial position, exemplarily described here, is based on the following, wherein the output film web 3 is continuously supplied by the first input film web 4. In preparation for the necessary presentation of the splicing process, therefore, firstly, as described above, the free end segment 21 of the second input film web 5 is clamped in the holding device 19 and pre-tensioned relative to the previously described spring force. All this is according to... Figure 2 The passive preparation position of the second preparation stage 18 is achieved, while the output thin film width 3 is supplied by the first thin film supplier 6. Figure 1 The film is continuously and uninterruptedly pulled out with the first input film width 4.

[0056] According to Figure 2 After clamping and pre-tightening, the second preparation platform 18 returns to its active operating position, as it is in Figure 3 Presented in [the text]. According to [the text] Figure 3 In the ready state, normal operation can be performed, in which the output film width 3 is continuously pulled out. However, once the roller diameter recognizer 28 ( Figure 1 When a signal is given, the film roller of the first film supplier 6 tilts, and the actual splicing process begins as follows:

[0057] First, according to Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the output film web 3 is fixed by means of the clamping unit 9, in such a way that the clamping cheeks of the clamping unit 9 move together when the output film web 3 is in the middle. Continuous film supply from the first input film web 4 is thus interrupted, and correspondingly for... Figure 1The above description describes that the output film width 3 is taken from the film buffer 10 and supplied to the downstream machine 2 within a limited time period.

[0058] Once the output film web 3 is fixed by the clamping unit 9, the first cutting device 1 is put into use. The first holding device 12 is vacuum-loaded, so that the output film web 3 is directly corresponding to the input side of the first sealing cheek plate 11 according to... Figure 4 The diagram is held. Then, the output film web 3 is separated along its entire width in the region of the first sealing cheek plate 11, more precisely on the input side of the first sealing cheek plate 11 and the input side of the first holding device 12, by means of the first cutting device 13, in the form of heated wire, and pressed against the mating support 22 while the output film web 3 is in the middle. The first input film web 4 ( Figure 3 The film portion, in the form of ) located below and separated at this time, is then pulled back into the first film feeder 6. Figure 1 And therefore according to Figure 4 The diagram is removed from the area of ​​the splicing unit 8. Only the free end 34 of the output film web 3 is adhered to the first holding device 12.

[0059] Furthermore, the second cutting device 16 is also put into use at this time. Similar to the method steps described above, the second holding device 15 is first vacuum-loaded, so that the corresponding area of ​​the second input film web 5 is adhered or held therein. When the second input film web 5 is in the middle, the second cutting device 16 is activated in such a way that the heating wire is heated and travels relative to the associated mating support 23. Therefore, the second input film web 5 is divided along its entire width, so that its clamped end section 21 separates and is pulled out along the spring stroke described above. The separated end section 21 ( Figure 2 ) can be retrieved and therefore corresponding to the following: Figure 4 The diagram is removed from the area of ​​the splicing unit 8. Only the free end 35 of the second input film width 5, formed by the separation section, is held directly at the second holding device 15 on the output side of the second sealing cheek plate 14.

[0060] At this time, it is reached according to Figure 4 After the preparation state is reached, implement according to Figure 5 The diagram shows the reconfiguration of the splicing unit 8. According to... Figure 4In the past, the first sealing cheek plate 11, together with the output film web 3 held and separated at the associated first holding device 12, was also located within the working area of ​​its associated first cutting device 13. Significantly, the same applies to the second sealing cheek plate 14, with its associated second holding device 15 and the second input film web 5 held and separated thereat, located within the working area of ​​the associated second cutting device 16. In accordance with... Figure 5 During the transition of the configuration, relative movement occurs between the first sealing cheek plate 11 with the output held in its area and the second sealing cheek plate 14 with the second input held in its area. This relative movement causes them to be removed from the working areas of their associated first and second cutting devices 13, 16 and to reach their mutual working areas.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, this is based on Figure 5 First, the first preparation table 17 is pulled from the active operating state to the passive preparation state, thereby removing the second cutting device 16 located therefrom the area where the second sealing cheek plate 14, the second holding device 15, and the second input film web 5 are held. Immediately afterwards, the carrier 33 travels downward together with the clamping unit 9, wherein the corresponding section of the output film web 3 is removed from the film temporary storage 19 ( Figure 1 The unit, consisting of the first sealing cheek plate 11, the first holding device 12, and the free end 34 of the output film web 3, is pulled down so far that it lies directly in the overlap with the unit consisting of the second sealing cheek plate 14, the second holding device 15, and the end of the second input film web 5, which is attached thereto.

[0062] In Figure 5 In the presented state, the two sealing cheek plates 11, 14 are activated, thereby sealing the free end 35 of the second input film web 5 onto the output film web 3 and sealing the free end 34 of the output film web 3 onto the second input film web 5. The two sealing portions are located at a relatively small distance from each other, so that the free ends 34, 35 overlap to some extent, and even, however insignificant protrusions are fixedly sealed. No free film ends or free film ends that are technically meaningless in any case are left remaining, which in other cases may be independent as free film segments in a later process.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the two sealing cheek plates 11, 14 are positioned with an overlapping spacing. However, it is also suitable for the two sealing cheek plates 11, 14 to meet directly over each other, resulting in only a continuous sealing seam. In this case, it is sufficient that only one of the two sealing cheek plates 11, 14 is heated, while the opposing sealing cheek plates remain thermally passive and function only as mating supports.

[0064] Regardless, the splicing process ends at this point when the second input film web 5 is spliced ​​at its free end 35 to the free end 34 of the output film web 3. The clamping unit 9 then opens. The output film web 3 is then pulled out of the device 1 and supplied to the machine 2 during normal operation. Figure 1 Once the aforementioned splicing portion is pulled out, the output film width 3 is then supplied from the second film supplier 7 with the corresponding second input film width 5. Furthermore, the carrier 33 and the first preparation stage 17 are also supplied from... Figure 5 Its sealed position comes out and returns to travel according to Figure 3 In its usual operating position. At this time, it generates its combination. Figure 1 and 2 The initial situation is the same as described above. The only difference is that the output film width 3 is no longer pulled out from the first film feeder 6, but from the second film feeder 7.

[0065] As long as at some point at this time, the second film supply 7 ( Figure 1 The reserves in ) are tilted, similar to those in ) Figure 2 The diagram is re-executed to prepare for the next splicing process; details of this are in... Figure 6 Presented in the diagram: Here, the second preparation stage 18 remains in its active operating position, while the first preparation stage 17 is pulled outward horizontally into its passive preparation position. Similar to... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the end section 21 of the newly inserted first input film width 5 is clamped in the holding device 19 and placed under preload. Immediately afterwards, the first preparation table 17 travels back to its active operating position, thus creating a position similar to... Figure 3 The operating state. Based on this, the next splicing process, similar to the method described above, is performed with the only difference that the free end of the first input film web 4 is spliced ​​to the free end 34 of the output film web 3. By alternating splicing, either the first input film web 4 or the second input film web 5, the output film web 5 can be provided continuously and without interruption. The splicing points that only occasionally occur are due to their characteristics in the subsequent machine 2 ( Figure 1 The reprocessing in ) has a minimal reduction effect.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for splicing and continuously supplying output film webs (3), comprising a first film feeder (6) for supplying a first input film web (4), a second film feeder (7) for supplying a second input film web (5), a splicing unit (8) for splicing the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5) to the output film web (3), a clamping unit (9), and a film temporary storage (10) for the output film web (3) subsequently disposed in the clamping unit (9), wherein the splicing unit (8) comprises a first sealing cheek plate (11) with a first holding device (12) for the output film web (3) and a first sealing cheek plate (11) for holding the first sealing cheek plate (3). The first cutting device (13) that separates the output film web (3) in the region of the plate (11) further includes a second sealing cheek plate (14) with a second holding device (15) for alternating use with the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5) and a second cutting device (16) for separating the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5), wherein the first sealing cheek plate (11) with the first holding device (12) and the second sealing cheek plate (14) with the second holding device (15) are respectively accessible from their respective working regions of the first and second cutting devices (13, 16) to their respective working regions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sealing cheek plate (11) with the first retaining device (12) and the second cutting device (16) are alternately movable into the working area of ​​the second sealing cheek plate (14) with the second retaining device (15).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The splicing unit (8) has a first preparation stage (17) for the first input film web (4) and a second preparation stage (18) for the second input film web (5), wherein the first preparation stage (17) and the second preparation stage (18) are reciprocating between an active running position and a passive preparation position, wherein the first preparation stage (17) and the second preparation stage (18) each have a free end section for the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5). The second cutting device (16) is arranged in the separation region (20) of the holding device (19) of the two preparation tables (17, 18) and the second sealing cheek plate (14) with the second holding device (15) is arranged in the separation region (20) of the other of the two preparation tables (17, 18).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retaining device (19) for the free end section (21) is movable relative to the separation region (20) against spring prestress.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The preparation table (17, 18) is horizontally movable and the first sealing cheek plate (11) with the first holding device (12) is vertically movable.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cutting device (13) and / or the second cutting device (16) are formed by heating wire.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first holding device (12) and / or the second holding device (15) are formed by a vacuum plate.

8. A method for operating an apparatus for splicing and continuously providing output film webs (3), wherein the apparatus for splicing comprises a first film feeder (6) for supplying a first input film web (4), a second film feeder (7) for supplying a second input film web (5), a splicing unit (8) for splicing the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5) to the output film web (3), a clamping unit (9), and a film buffer (10) for the output film web (3) disposed in the clamping unit (9), wherein the splicing unit (8) comprises a first sealing cheek plate (11) with a first holding device (12) for the output film web (3) and a holding device for the first sealing cheek plate. (11) A first cutting device (13) for separating the output film web (3) in the region, wherein the splicing unit (8) further includes a second sealing cheek plate (14) with a second holding device (15) alternately used for the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5) and a second cutting device (16) for separating the first input film web (4) or the second input film web (5), wherein the first sealing cheek plate (11) with the first holding device (12) and the second sealing cheek plate (14) with the second holding device (15) are respectively movable from the working regions of their first and second cutting devices (13, 16) into their mutual working regions, wherein the method includes the following method steps: - In normal operation, one of the two input film sheets (4,5) continuously passes through the film buffer (10) and is guided out of the device (1) as the output film sheet (3); - Once the tilt of one of the two input film surfaces (4,5) is identified, the output film surface (3) is fixed by means of the clamping unit (9) and guided out of the device (1) when removed from the film temporary storage (10) on the output side of the clamping unit (9). - The output film width (3) is held at the first sealing cheek plate (11) by means of the first holding device (12) and separated in the region of the first sealing cheek plate (11) by means of the first cutting device (13); - The other of the two input film widths (5,4) is held at the second sealing cheek plate (14) by means of the second holding device (15) and separated in the region of the second sealing cheek plate (14) by means of the second cutting device (16); - The first sealing cheek plate (11) with the output film web (3) held and separated at the first holding device (12) and the second sealing cheek plate (14) with the second or first input film web (5,4) held and separated at the second holding device (15) travel relative to each other from the working area of ​​their first and second cutting devices (13,16) into their mutual working area, and the separated second or first input film web (5,4) is joined at the separated output film web (3) by means of the co-acting sealing cheek plate (11,14); - The clamping unit (9) opens again, and the normal operation continues with the spliced ​​output film web (3).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The output film width (3) and the two input film widths (4,5) are water-soluble, and the output water-soluble film width (3) is supplied to the machine (2) for manufacturing filled water-soluble bags.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The output film area (3) and the two input film areas (4,5) are composed of PVOH.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The machine (2) is constructed to operate continuously.

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