Method and device for connecting two material webs, each running off a bobbin

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting two material webs (A) and (B), each running off a bobbin (B1, B2), which method is characterized by the steps: providing the first material web (A) running off the bobbin (B1) and the second material web (B) running off the bobbin (B2); conveying a leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) in the conveying direction T2 into a connecting station (15); producing a trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A); conveying the produced trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) in the conveying direction (T1) into the connecting station (15); connecting the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) to the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B). The invention also relates to a corresponding device (10).

Description

[0001] Method and device for joining two material webs each running from a reel

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for joining two material webs A and B, each running off a reel B1, B2. For this purpose, two material webs A, B are provided and conveyed to a joining station in order to join the two material webs A, B together for a continuous production process. A first material web A runs off a first reel B1. So that the production process does not have to be interrupted when the first reel B1 runs out, the second material web B is provided so that after the two material webs A, B have been joined, the production process can be continued with the second material web B.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device designed and configured for joining two material webs A and B each running off a reel B1, B2, comprising means for providing the first reel B1 with the first material web A and for providing the second reel B2 with the second material web B, conveying means for conveying the material webs in the conveying direction T1 or T2 into a joining station, a joining station for joining the material webs A and B, namely a trailing end E1 of the first material web A with a leading end E2 of the second material web B to form an overlapping region, and a control device for controlling the joining process.

[0005] Such methods and devices are used in all industrial sectors where two material webs are joined together for a continuous production process. An exemplary and preferred application for joining, also known as splicing, is the tobacco processing industry. For the uninterrupted production of endless webs, ropes, and the like, material webs of finite length, e.g., paper, tobacco, or foil, especially so-called recon foils, are wound onto reels.Before a first reel B1 with a first material web A of finite length has been completely run out by conveying it in the conveying direction T1 in the production process or is unwound or unwound, i.e. runs idle, a second, full reel B2 is provided and the second material web B of finite length of the full reel B2 is conveyed in the conveying direction T2 and positioned in the area of ​​the connecting station to the first material web A. The material webs can be conveyed into the connecting station simultaneously or one after the other. The two material webs A, B lie opposite each other at a distance from each other in the area of ​​the connecting station. The two material webs A, B can indeed be conveyed further during the connecting process itself, whereby the two material webs A, B then have a relative speed of 0 m / s to each other in the area of ​​the connecting station during the connecting process.In other words, the material webs A, B in the joining station move at the same conveying speed in the conveying direction T1 or T2 during the joining process, whereby the conveying speed of the material webs A, B in the joining station during the joining process is preferably 0 m / s, i.e. the material webs A, B are both stationary.

[0006] In the known methods, the first material web A, which is still connected to the first reel B1, is conveyed into the connecting area of ​​the connecting station so that the area of ​​the material web A to be connected is positioned in the connecting station. In order to ensure a smooth connecting process, the second material web B is or has already been positioned in the connecting station with the area of ​​the second material web B to be connected, preferably with a leading end of the second material web B. Then, a trailing end E1 of the first material web A is produced within the connecting station by severing the connection between the first material web A and the reel B1. The produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A, which is to form the area of ​​the first material web A to be connected, is already located in the connecting station.The trailing end E1 of the first material web A is therefore only created when the area of ​​the first material web A which is to form the trailing end E1 and thus the area to be joined is already in the joining station. The remaining connection of the first material web A to the reel B1 until the trailing end E1 is created is necessary in order to keep the material web A under tension or guided for the positioning and creation of the trailing end in the joining station. The first material web A is - with the remaining connection to the reel B1 - severed from the reel B1 in the area of ​​the joining station so that in the joining station a trailing end E1 of the material running off or coming from the idle reel B1 is formed.A strip of material A is created that lies opposite the leading end E2 of the second material web B in the splicing station, while a remaining strip of the first material web A is still connected to or attached to the reel B1. This splicing process is also called splicing.

[0007] A disadvantage of the known splicing process and the corresponding devices is that long residual strips remain on the reel. Because the section of the first material web A to be spliced ​​is first conveyed to the splicing station, and the trailing end E1 is only created in the splicing station, the entire residual strip extending from the splicing station to the reel remains unused during each splicing process. In other words, the idle reel is not completely unwound, leaving a residual strip between the reel and the splicing station that cannot be used. Due to this known splicing method, several meters of material web are lost during each splicing process. Since several hundred reels can be changed per day in an ongoing production process, the waste of unusable material web accumulates significantly. Rising material costs are exacerbating this effect.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a method that enables a more efficient joining process with fewer rejects. Furthermore, the object is to create a corresponding device.

[0009] This object is achieved by the method mentioned at the outset, which is characterized by providing the first material web A running off the reel B1 and the second material web B running off the reel B2, conveying a leading end E2 of the second material web B in the conveying direction T2 into a joining station, producing a trailing end E1 of the first material web A, conveying the produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A in the conveying direction T1 into the joining station, and joining the trailing end E1 of the first material web A with the leading end E2 of the second material web B. The provision of running off material webs A, B describes that these can run off the reels B1, B2. This also expressly describes that the material webs A, B can be stationary, in particular during the preparation of the joining process and during the joining process itself.While the first material web A is still in the production process and is therefore running off the reel B1, the second material web B can be conveyed into the joining station or partially through the joining station and then positioned. Preferably, the second material web B is conveyed into the joining station with the leading end E2 and positioned in the joining station with this end as the area of ​​the second material web B to be joined. The leading end of the second material web B is preferably the first few meters, particularly preferably the first 2m to 3m, of the material web B.With the conveying of a leading end E2 of the second material web B in the conveying direction T2 into a connecting station, in addition to the conveying of the free end of the material web B into the connecting station, the conveying of the free end through the connecting station is also expressly described, such that the free end is located behind the connecting station, but the material web B is nevertheless positioned in the connecting station with the leading end, namely a section of the leading end located at a distance from the free end.When the first reel B1 runs empty or the first material web A located thereon is nearing its end, a trailing end E1 of the first material web A is created by interrupting the connection to the reel B1 - close to the reel B1 and in the conveying direction T1 before the connecting station - which is then conveyed into the connecting station and positioned before it is then connected to the leading end E2 of the second material web B. By means of the sequence of steps according to the invention, the remaining strip on the unwinding or unwound reel B1 can be reduced to a minimum of 0m to 0.5m.

[0010] Advantageously, the method comprises the further steps of: aligning the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B with respect to one another at least in the region of the joining station, and / or separately fixing the spaced-apart trailing ends E1 of the first material webs A and E2 of the second material web B in the joining station, wherein the two aligned and separately fixed ends E1 and E2 of the two material webs A and B are joined to one another by means of the joining station, forming an overlapping region. By aligning the two regions of both material webs A, B to be joined, i.e. in particular the resulting trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B, a splice misalignment is prevented - as a prevention of a splice tear.In other words, the areas to be joined are precisely aligned to one another transversely to the conveying direction T1, T2 and in the conveying direction T1, T2. By fixing them, the aligned material webs A, B are held in position in the joining station. In other words, the material webs A, B, at least with their areas to be joined, i.e. in particular the created trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B, are lowered to a conveying speed of 0 m / s, so that the joining process is carried out while the material webs are at a standstill. This ensures an optimal joining result with minimal waste of residual material.

[0011] A preferred development of the method is characterized in that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is produced by completely idle running of the reel B1 or by a predetermined breaking point in the first material web A or by cutting the first material web A. During complete idle running, the entire material web A - without residual winding - is unwound from the reel B1, whereby the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is inevitably produced without additional measures. In this variant, the waste of residual material is reduced to a maximum. In the event that a predetermined breaking point leads to the production of the trailing end E1, a perforation is formed in the material web A transverse to the conveying direction T1, for example.If the material web A is tightly wound around the reel B1 and / or attached to the core of the reel, conveying the material web A in the conveying direction T1 causes the material web A to tear off from the reel B1 in the area of ​​the perforation. The closer the perforation is to the core of the reel B1, the smaller the residual strip remaining on the reel B1. Alternatively, the trailing end E1 can also be created by cutting, whereby the material web A is separated from the reel B1 using a release agent as close as possible to the core of the reel B1. In all cases, the created trailing end E1 is located as the free / loose end of the material web A in the conveying direction T1 before the joining station and is only conveyed to the joining station after production for an efficient and low-waste joining process.Particularly advantageously, the leading end E2 of the second material web B is already positioned and secured in a splicing position in the splicing station, while the first material web A is conveyed to and through the splicing station. While the first material web A is still being unwound from reel B1 for production purposes, the second material web B on reel B2 can already be prepared for splicing, ensuring efficient and delay-free splicing. Instead of the leading end E2, this can also be conveyed through the splicing station, so that a portion of the material web B spaced apart from the leading end E2 is positioned and secured in the splicing station.

[0012] A particularly preferred development of the method is characterized in that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and / or the leading end E2 of the second material web B are cut before joining. The cutting preferably takes place in the joining station, shortly before the actual joining process or during the joining process. Preferably, both ends E1, E2 are cut transversely to the longitudinal extent of the material webs A, B before joining. A smooth cut, for example, is possible. Particularly preferably, different cutting paths are selected for the two ends E1, E2 such that the ends E1, E2 of the material webs A, B to be joined are non-complementary, in particular inversely complementary, i.e. mirrored in the conveying direction.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the method is characterized in that the defined end of the first material web A is recognized by detecting a marking, in particular a print mark, applied to the first material web A, wherein, in particular after the detection of the marking, in particular the print mark, the conveying speed of the first material web A is reduced such that the relative speed to the second material web is zero when the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is located in the connecting station. The defined end can be the physical, actual end of the material web A or the end created by perforation or separation. Due to the marking applied, for example, during production of the material web, the remaining length of the material web is exactly known. In other words, the remaining length of the material web A up to the defined end is known.After the marking is detected, the material web A is braked. The braking can occur immediately or with a delay. This is done by a control device which, based on the parameters “remaining length” and “conveyor speed” (e.g. via the speed of the reel B1) of the material web A, calculates when the trailing end E1 reaches the joining station and reduces the conveying speed until the relative speed of the first material web A compared to the second material web B in the joining station is 0 m / s. The braking and stopping time for the material web A is selected such that the material web A comes to a standstill with the last section, i.e. the trailing end E1, in the joining station. The absolute speed of the material web A and in particular of the trailing end E1 in the joining station is preferably also 0 m / s.In the connecting station for the connecting process, the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B are therefore preferably stationary. The connecting of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A with the leading end E2 of the second material web B can therefore take place when both ends E1 to be connected are stationary or when both material webs A, B have the same speed of greater than 0 m / s, namely the trailing end E1 of the first material web A in the conveying direction T1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 in the conveying direction T2 of the second material web B.

[0014] Optionally - particularly if there is no marking on the material web A - the defined end of the material web A can be detected, e.g. by means of sensor detection. This queries whether or not material web is present. The braking of the material web is controlled, e.g. via the diameter of the reel B1 using the control device. When the trailing end E1 reaches the joining station, the material web A is stopped, e.g. via a signal from the sensor. It is then joined to the likewise stationary leading end E2 of the second material web B. This procedure ensures that the material web A is used to its maximum, since the trailing end E1, which was created before the joining station, is actually conveyed to the joining station and positioned there for the joining process.

[0015] Advantageously, with or without marking, the time and / or distance until the trailing end E1 of the first material web A reaches the joining station and in particular is then fixed, is measured and / or determined with the aid of the control device. A particularly advantageous development of the method is characterized in that the alignment and / or separate fixing of the ends E1, E2 of the two material webs A, B to be joined takes place in the joining station by means of at least one vacuum station. The alignment of the material webs A, B with the ends E1, E2 to be joined can start before the joining station, but takes place at the latest in the joining station, where the ends E1, E2 are also separately fixed. The vacuum station can be used to create a vacuum by means of which the material webs A, B can be aligned and / or fixed.Instead of the vacuum station, other clamping and / or tensioning means and / or guiding means or the like can also be used to align and / or fix the ends E1, E2 to be connected.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one vacuum field of the vacuum station is activated for braking and / or during the braking of the conveying speed of the first material web A, by means of which the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is not only braked but also aligned and / or fixed in the area of ​​the connecting station. As soon as the trailing end E1 of the material web A has been created, i.e. the connection to the reel B1 has been severed, e.g. by it completely unwinding, tearing in the area of ​​the perforation or cutting, the material web A no longer has any tension. So that the tension-free, "fluttering" end of the material web A can be aligned and guided into the connecting station in a targeted manner, the negative pressure on the vacuum field assigned to the material web A is switched on before or during the creation of the trailing end E1, by means of which the material web A conveyed through the connecting station and finally also the trailing end E1 are sucked in.Depending on the level of the negative pressure, the material web is aligned and / or slowed down or brought to a standstill.

[0017] Advantageously, at least one second vacuum field of the vacuum station, arranged downstream in the conveying direction T1, is activated to decelerate and / or, in particular, to fix the trailing end E1 of the first material web A in the connecting position. The two vacuum fields assigned to the material web A can be controlled jointly or separately, in particular with different levels of negative pressure.

[0018] Not only is the braking and / or aligning and / or fixing of the first material web A preferably carried out via vacuum fields within the joining station, but preferably at least a third vacuum field of the vacuum station is also activated for aligning and / or fixing the leading end E2 of the second material web B. This or each vacuum field assigned to the second material web B is preferably controlled separately from the vacuum fields assigned to the first material web A, since the first material web A can still be unrolled for the production process and conveyed through the joining station without braking, while the second material web B can already be prepared for the joining process.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the level of the negative pressure applied to the vacuum fields of the vacuum station is actively controlled. In particular, the negative pressure is individually adjusted such that, with respect to the first material web A, a tear in the material web A is initially avoided during deceleration, and, secondly, the material web A can be aligned with the trailing end E1 and securely and reliably fixed. The level of the negative pressure can be controlled, for example, via secondary air, for example, by means of a throttle valve or the like.

[0020] Advantageously, each vacuum field of the vacuum station is controlled separately. The separate control of the vacuum and its level therefore applies not only to the vacuum fields assigned to one and / or the other material web A, B, but to all vacuum fields.

[0021] A particularly advantageous development of the method is characterized in that the first material web A and in particular the produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A is guided by means of a guide device during conveyance to the connecting station. For this purpose, the material web A or its trailing end E1 can be conveyed by the guide device, which is activated shortly before or during the production of the trailing end E1. For activation, for example, two guide rollers, which are positioned in the conveying direction T1 of the material web B between the reel B1 and the connecting station, can be moved from a waiting position towards each other into a guide position and back for selective guidance.For a flat guidance of the "fluttering" end of the material web A, a suction belt or the like can be moved, in particular pivoted, before or during the creation of the trailing end E1 of the material web A from a waiting position in which the suction belt is spaced from the material web A still connected to the reel B1, into a guide position in which the suction belt rests against the material web A and back. By guiding the "fluttering" end of the created trailing end E1, tension is created in the trailing end E1, which on the one hand facilitates alignment and fixing and on the other hand optimizes the joining process.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the method provides that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and / or the leading end E2 of the second material web B are moistened and / or pressed and / or heated for joining. For joining, the two ends E1, E2 can be moved towards one another. However, one end E1 or E2 can also be moved towards the other end E2 or E1 and vice versa. Other ways of joining the two material webs A, B are also possible. When joining the trailing end E1 of the first material web A with the leading end E2 of the second material web B, a residual piece of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is severed from the latter. In other words, a residual piece of the first material web A is formed during joining, regardless of whether this is done by pressing, embossing, gluing or the like.

[0023] A practical embodiment of the method is characterized in that after the first material web A has been joined to the second material web B, the fixation of the second material web B is deactivated so that the second material web B is unwound from the full reel for the ongoing production process, while the remaining piece of the first material web A is further fixed by means of at least one vacuum field assigned to the first material web A. After the splicing process, the second material web B runs off the second reel E2 to continuously continuate the production process, since the negative pressure of the vacuum field assigned to the second material web B is reduced or switched off entirely. The remaining piece of the first material web A continues to be held in place by negative pressure, in particular at the first vacuum field as seen in the conveying direction T1.

[0024] Advantageously, the remaining piece of the first material web A is released after joining and automatically removed from the joining station. Optionally, the remaining piece of the first material web A is first sucked up using a vacuum gripper, then the vacuum of the vacuum field for the first material web A is deactivated, and the remaining piece is then removed from the joining station using the vacuum gripper. Other options for removing the remaining piece, e.g., by blowing, gripping and holding using an adhesive / bonded connection, etc., are also possible.

[0025] In a practical development of the method, the vacuum gripper is pivoted from the connecting station over a collecting container, with the remaining piece falling into the collecting container after the vacuum on the vacuum gripper is deactivated. Other handling devices can also be used instead of the pivoting vacuum gripper.

[0026] After the splicing process, i.e., after the first reel B1 has run empty and its material web A is connected to the material web B of the provided full reel B2, the second material web B becomes the first material web A, such that the new first material web A is connected to a new second material web B. This allows an endless connection process to be carried out.

[0027] A particularly preferred method is characterized in that, before the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is produced, the first material web A is guided through a loop storage device between a provision position of the first reel B1 and the connecting station. A loop storage device is a device designed and configured to store, i.e., receive, a specific length of the material web, and to release the stored length of the material web. Because the first material web A is guided through the loop storage device, the size of which is variable, before the connecting station, the distance traveled by the first material web A between the provision position of the first reel B1 and the connecting station is extended.In other words, the time period is extended to produce the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and to connect the trailing end E1 of the first material web A to the leading end E2 of the second material web B. In particular, more time remains to react, for example, to a tear in the first material web A near the first reel B1.

[0028] Advantageously, the diameter of the first reel B1 is monitored, and when a defined degree of unwinding of the first material web A unwinding from the first reel B1 is reached, a signal is generated that activates the loop accumulator. This ensures controlled creation of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A from a first reel B1 that has been unwound as far as possible. By monitoring the reel diameter, it is known when the first material web A has unwound as completely as possible from the first reel, so that, for example, a targeted tearing of the material web can be initiated to create the trailing end E1.

[0029] The unwinding material web A is conveniently tensioned in and / or by the loop accumulator. The tension created ensures, on the one hand, a smooth unwinding of the first material web A from the first reel B1. On the other hand, the tensioned first material web ensures the safe and reliable detection of print marks, tears, etc., to initiate the creation of the trailing end E1.

[0030] A preferred development is characterized in that the unwinding material web A is monitored between the provision position of the first reel B1 and the loop storage, preferably close to the provision position, in such a way that a marking, in particular a print mark, a tear, a defect or the like, or the end of the unwinding material web A is detected. With the combination of monitoring the first material web and guiding the first material web A through the loop storage, there is more time to process the information determined during the monitoring and, in particular, to produce the trailing end E1 in preparation for the joining process.

[0031] Advantageously, a tear of the material web A for producing the trailing end E1 of the first material web A between the first reel B1 and the loop storage is generated by braking the first reel B1 at a constant speed of the material web A. By this procedure, the tension in the first material web is increased to such an extent that the first material web A tears between the provision position of the first reel B1 and the connecting station at any desired point or at a point weakened by tearing or at a deliberately generated predetermined tear point in order to produce the trailing end E1.

[0032] Conveniently, the resulting trailing end E1 of the first material web A is joined to the leading end E2 of the second material web B in the joining station, while the remaining piece on the first reel B1 is either removed by means of a handling device or the like or wound up by driving the first reel B1 in the opposite direction. This ensures a clean and trouble-free joining of the two ends E1 and E2.

[0033] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 29 to 46.

[0034] The object is also achieved by a device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the control device is designed and configured to convey the trailing end E1 of the first material web A into the connecting station after the trailing end E1 of the first material web A has been produced. The control device is preferably connected to all controllable components. In particular, the control device has electronic and / or electrical line connections and / or data connections - wired or wireless - to the drives of the reels B1, B2, optional tension force adjustment devices for tensioning the material webs A, B, optional force- or torque-controlled dancers, optional sensors or other detection means. The control device according to the invention ensures that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is produced first.This resulting trailing end E1 is then conveyed to the joining station, so that the first material web A is conveyed with its last end into the joining station and positioned there. This ensures maximum efficiency in the utilization of the first material web A. The remaining portion of the first material web A that cannot be utilized is reduced to a minimum.

[0035] Preferably, means for aligning and / or securing the spaced-apart material webs A, B are provided in the splicing station. These means can easily prevent splice misalignment, resulting in an optimized splicing result. The means for aligning and / or securing can also be connected to the control device.

[0036] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that the control device comprises at least one program module which is designed and configured, in particular programmed, in such a way that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is braked and brought to a relative speed of 0 m / s to the second material web B in the connecting station. Particularly advantageous is programming by means of which the material web A is braked and brought to a standstill in the connecting station with the trailing end E1 produced, so that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B are stationary opposite each other for joining.

[0037] Advantageously, a vacuum station with at least one vacuum field is arranged in the connecting station. The vacuum station with the at least one vacuum field enables gentle braking of the material webs A, B and ensures alignment and guidance without mechanical baffles, guides, or the like. Instead of the vacuum station, other means for braking, aligning, and guiding the material webs A, B can also be provided.

[0038] A preferred development of the device is characterized in that the vacuum station comprises at least two vacuum fields connected to a vacuum unit. A common vacuum unit can be provided for two or all vacuum fields. However, each vacuum field can also be assigned a separate vacuum unit. The vacuum station with all vacuum fields can preferably also be connected to the control device.

[0039] The assignment of individual vacuum fields to the material webs A, B can be variable. Preferably, a first vacuum field is assigned to a conveying path of the first material web A, and a further vacuum field is assigned to a conveying path of the second material web B. Advantageously, a second vacuum field is arranged behind the first vacuum field in the conveying direction T1, which is assigned to the first material web A on the first conveying path. Additional vacuum fields can be provided. The same applies to the conveying path of the second material web B.

[0040] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the connecting station comprises a cutting device designed and configured to cut a free, trailing end E1 of the first material web A and / or a free, leading end E2 of the second material web B. Particularly advantageously, the cutting device is designed and configured to perform non-complementary, in particular inverse-complementary, cuts of the two ends E1 and E2.

[0041] An expedient further development of the device is characterized in that a detection means is arranged in the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station, which detection means is designed and configured to detect markings, in particular print marks, on the material web A and is connected to the control device. This makes it particularly easy to detect or calculate the end of the material web A in order to initiate braking in good time. Optionally, sensors can also be provided, for example to detect the end of the material web. Other detection means can also be used. Particularly preferably, a sensor device is arranged between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station, which sensor device is designed and configured to detect, in particular, defects in the material web A.This sensor device is positioned as close as possible to the idle reel B1. The sensor device is connected to the control device in such a way that a material-saving connection can be produced in the area of ​​the joining station by positioning the defect or defects as close as possible to the joining station during joining, namely in particular at a distance of less than 1 m and preferably less than 50 cm, or less than 20 cm, or less than 10 cm, or less than 5 cm. In other words, the device is controlled such that the connecting seam is created as close as possible to or at the defect or defects.

[0042] Optionally, and in addition to the vacuum station for guiding and / or aligning the material webs A, B within the connecting station, a guide device is arranged in the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station, which guide device is designed and configured to guide and / or align the free trailing end E1 of the first material web A that has been released from the idle reel. The guide device can be designed and configured to guide and / or hold the "fluttering" end of the first material web A in a point-by-point or planar manner. The guide device or parts thereof are designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position into a guide position and back.A particularly advantageous development of the device is characterized in that the means for providing the first and the second bobbins B1, B2 are assigned to a bobbin plate which is rotatable about an axis of rotation D which is oriented transversely to the conveying direction T1, T2 and on which a first receiving mandrel is arranged as a means for receiving and providing the first bobbin B1 and a second receiving mandrel is arranged as a means for receiving and providing the second bobbin B2, wherein central axes M1 and M2 of the receiving mandrels are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation D of the bobbin plate. In this way, a compact provision of two bobbins B1, B2 and the pivoting of the bobbins B1, B2 to different positions are ensured in order to initiate and support the joining process without stopping the machine.

[0043] Advantageously, a loop storage device comprising at least one deflection element is arranged in the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the joining station. By guiding the first material web A around at least one deflection element that is not a vacuum channel or another vacuum-based element, the path of the first material web upstream of the joining station can be varied and, in particular, extended in order to optimally initiate the joining process and, in particular, to have more time to produce the trailing end E1 of the first material web A.

[0044] Advantageously, the loop storage device has a storage capacity for the first material web A of at least 1 m or preferably of at least 2 m or particularly preferably of at least 3 m or preferably of at least 5 m.

[0045] To form the loop storage and to receive and store the first material web A, at least one deflection element is preferably provided. In particularly preferred embodiments, the loop storage comprises at least two or at least three or at least four or at least six deflection elements. Advantageously, the or each deflection element is designed as a deflection pulley, deflection cylinder, deflection pin or the like. The or each deflection element is preferably designed and configured to be movable. The deflection elements dip into the material web as a result of the movement and thus form the storage loops. The end of the material web entering the loop storage and the end of the material web exiting the loop storage optionally run essentially parallel to one another. The same applies to the sections of the material web forming the loop. The end running or exiting in the direction of the deflection elementThe supplied section of the material web section forming the loop runs essentially parallel to the section of the material web section forming the loop running away or being guided away from the deflection roller.

[0046] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the loop storage device comprises at least three deflection rollers, of which one deflection roller is arranged stationary on a frame of the device outside the effective range of the bobbin plate, while two deflection rollers are designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position outside the effective range of the bobbin plate to a working position in front of the bobbin plate and back. The effective range is essentially defined by the bobbin plate itself and comprises the area that is essentially swept over by the bobbin plate when it rotates. Ultimately, the area outside the effective range is also divided from the effective range itself by the material web A and its path, along which the material web A is guided from the first bobbin B1 to the connecting station. The first deflection roller is always fixedly positioned outside the effective range and thus away from the bobbin plate.The fixed deflection roller can be designed to be movable, e.g. from a retracted position within the frame into the deflection position and back, in particular to avoid collisions with the movable deflection rollers. The stationary deflection roller can optionally also be arranged on a cantilever arm or the like that reaches around the path of movement of the movable deflection rollers. The two movable deflection rollers are located on one side, to the left of the material web, i.e. on the side facing away from the joining station, in the waiting position outside the effective area of ​​the reel plate. On the other, right-hand side of the material web, i.e. on the side facing the joining station, lies the effective area of ​​the reel plate, with the movable deflection rollers being designed and configured accordingly to cross the path of the material web A from the area outside the effective area into the effective area in front of the reel plate and back.The movement of the movable deflection rollers transverse to the conveying direction of the material web can be linear and / or, for example, by pivoting / folding around a pivot point.

[0047] Advantageously, the two movable deflection rollers are arranged on a base body, which is designed and configured to be movable from the standby position to the working position and back. Thus, the base body is designed and configured to cross the path, enabling the deflection rollers to be moved from the standby position to the working position and back in a confined space, stably, and reliably. The deflection rollers assigned to the base body can be moved linearly and / or pivoted / folded together with the base body.

[0048] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the two deflection rollers are designed and configured to be movable relative to the base body in such a way that they can be moved, preferably foldably, from a transport position, in which the center axes M3 and M4 of the deflection rollers are aligned transversely to the center axes M1 and M2 of the holding mandrels, into a storage position in which the center axes M3 and M4 are aligned parallel to the center axes M1 and M2, and back. This allows the base body with the deflection rollers to cross the first material web A without collision in order to move from the waiting position to the working position. The base body can then be moved back to the waiting position outside the active area with the deflection rollers in their storage position. The deflection rollers catch the first material web A and guide it into the loop storage in such a way that the material web A is guided around the three deflection rollers.

[0049] The base body, with the two deflection rollers arranged thereon in a movable and preferably foldable manner, is expediently designed and configured as a tensioning device for the first material web A. Particularly in operative connection with the stationary deflection roller, the unit forms a kind of dual function as a storage and tensioning device.

[0050] Particularly preferably, the control device comprises at least one program module which is designed and configured, in particular programmed, in such a way that the tearing of the material web A between the first reel B1 and the loop storage can be generated by braking the first reel B1 at a constant speed of the material web A.

[0051] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that a handling device is arranged in the region of the connecting station, which is designed and configured for the automatic removal of residual pieces of the first material web A. The handling device can be designed and configured as a vacuum gripper, as a mechanical gripper arm, or in any other way that allows it to be moved into the connecting station, grip / suction the residual piece, and moved out of the connecting station with the residual piece.

[0052] In addition to the loop storage device in the conveying direction T1 of the material web A upstream of the connecting station, a further loop storage device can be provided, which is arranged downstream of the connecting station in the conveying direction T1, in order to drain the formed supply when the connection of the material webs A, B is created in the connecting station. Advantageously, the additional loop storage device in the conveying direction T1 downstream of the connecting station has a storage capacity for the first material web of at least 1 m or preferably of at least 2 m or particularly preferably of at least 3 m or preferably of at least 5 m.

[0053] Particularly preferably, the device for carrying out the method is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 28.

[0054] The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with the method, which is why, in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant passages, which also apply to the device.

[0055] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the method and device for joining two material webs are evident from the subclaims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device and method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0056] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device for joining two material webs in a perspective view obliquely from the front,

[0057] Fig. 2 shows a section of the device according to Figure 1 with a cutting device, Fig. 3 a+b shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a guide device between the reel and the connecting station in two different positions,

[0058] Fig. 4 a+b a schematic representation of another embodiment of the guide device between the reel and the connecting station in two different positions,

[0059] Fig. 5 a to i schematic representation of the sequence of steps of the connection process, and

[0060] Fig. 6 a to g schematic representation of the loop storage in different

[0061] positions.

[0062] The device and method schematically illustrated in the drawing serve to join two material webs made of Recon film. However, the invention equally applies to joining two material webs made of other materials, such as cigarette paper, tobacco film, filter material, for example, made of nonwoven or paper, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0063] The device 10 is designed and configured to join two material webs A and B, each running off a reel B1, B2, and comprises means 11, 12 for providing the first reel B1 with the first material web A and for providing the second reel B2 with the second material web B, conveying means 13, 14 for conveying the material webs A, B in the conveying direction T1 or T2 into a joining station 15, a joining station 15 for joining the material webs A and B, namely a trailing end E1 of the first material web A with a leading end E2 of the second material web B, forming an overlapping region, and a control device 16 for controlling the joining process.

[0064] The device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the control device 16 is designed and configured to convey the trailing end E1 of the first material web A into the connecting station 15 after the trailing end E1 of the first material web A has been produced. The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features that are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawing or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above and the method.

[0065] The control device 16 comprises at least one program module designed and configured, in particular programmed, such that the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is decelerated and brought to a relative speed of 0 m / s to the second material web B in the connecting station 15. The control device 16 is connected via electronic and / or electrical line connections 17 and / or data connections 18 - wired or wireless - to the drives of the reels B1, B2, optional tension adjustment devices for tensioning the material webs A, B, optional force- or torque-controlled dancers, optional sensors, or other detection means.

[0066] Means 19, 20 for aligning and / or fixing the material webs A, B which are spaced apart from one another are provided in the conveying direction T1, T2 upstream of the connecting station 15 and / or in the connecting station 15. A vacuum station 21 with at least one vacuum field 22 is arranged in the connecting station 15. In the embodiment shown, several vacuum fields are provided, preferably three vacuum fields 22, 23, 24. The vacuum fields 22 to 24 are designed and configured, on the one hand, to align and / or fix the material webs A, B or sections thereof, in particular within the connecting station 15. On the other hand, the vacuum fields 22 to 24 are designed and configured to brake the material webs A, B in the connecting station 15 and / or assist the braking of the material webs A, B. Each vacuum field 22 to 24 is connected to a vacuum unit 25.The vacuum station 21 with the vacuum fields 22 to 24 and the corresponding vacuum units 25 are connected to the control device 16.

[0067] A first vacuum field 22 is assigned to the first material web A along a first conveying path. The first vacuum field 22 can be activated in particular for aligning and braking the material web A conveyed through the connecting station 15. A second vacuum field 23, which is assigned to the first conveying path, is arranged downstream of the first vacuum field 22 in the conveying direction T1. The second vacuum field 23 can be activated in particular for aligning and securing the material web A conveyed through the connecting station 15 in a decelerated manner. The third vacuum field 24 is assigned to the second material web B along a second conveying path and can be activated in particular for aligning and securing the material web B conveyed into the connecting station 15 or the leading end E2 thereof.

[0068] As means 19, 20 for aligning and / or guiding the material web A upstream of the connecting station 15, i.e. in the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station 15, a guide device 26 is arranged, which is designed and configured to guide and / or align, in particular, the produced, "fluttering" trailing end E1 of the first material web A. The guide device 26 is connected to the control device 16. In the embodiment according to Figure 3, the guide device 26 comprises a pair of rollers 27, 28. At least one of the rollers 27, 28, preferably both rollers 27, 28, are designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position - at a distance from the material web A - into a guide position - in guide contact with the material web A - and back.In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the guide device 26 comprises a suction belt 29 which is designed and arranged to be movable, in particular pivotable, from a waiting position - at a distance from the material web A - into a guide position - in guide contact with the material web A - and back.

[0069] To produce the trailing end E1 of the first material web A, a separating means (not explicitly shown), e.g., a knife, may be provided, which is then preferably positioned close to the reel B1. A cutting device 30 is arranged in the connecting station 15 itself, which is designed and configured to cut the free, trailing end E1 of the first material web A and / or the free, leading end E2 of the second material web B. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting device 30 comprises two separate cutting tools 31, 32. Each cutting tool 31, 32 has two cutting blades 31.1, 31.2; 32.1, 32.1. At least one of the cutting blades 31.1, 32.1 of the cutting tools 31, 32 is preferably designed to be movable, foldable or pivotable and is positioned outside the conveying path of the material webs A, B, so that the threading of the material webs A, B into or out of the conveying path is possible.the conveyance of the material webs A, B through the connecting station 15 can be carried out without problems. To cut the free ends of the trailing ends E1, E2, the movable and preferably pivotable cutting blades 31.1, 32.1 can be moved from the waiting position into the working position in the direction of the respective other blade 31.2, 32.2 until the cut is made. The contour of the cutting blades 31.1, 31.2; 32.1, 32.2 is preferably designed such that a non-complementary, in particular inversely complementary, cutting path can be formed.

[0070] In the advantageous embodiment according to the drawing, a detection means 33 is arranged in the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station 15. This detection means 33 is designed and configured to detect markings on the material web A, in particular print marks, tears, defects, or the like, and is connected to the control device 16. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the end of the material web A can also be provided, which is also connected to the control device 16.

[0071] In a preferred development of the device 10, see in particular Figures 6 a to g, the means 11, 12 for providing the first and second reels B1, B2 are assigned to a reel plate 37 rotatable about a rotation axis D oriented transversely to the conveying direction T1, T2. Arranged on the reel plate 37 are a first receiving mandrel 38 as means 11 for receiving and providing the first reel B1 and a second receiving mandrel 39 as means 12 for receiving and providing the second reel B2, wherein center axes M1 and M2 of the receiving mandrels 38, 39 are aligned parallel to the rotation axis D of the reel plate 37. The reel plate 37 can be driven in rotation by means of a drive (not shown) in order to move the receiving mandrels 38, 39 and thus also the reels B1, B2 placed thereon to different positions. Optionally, further deflection and / or guide elements 40 are arranged on the reel plate 37.

[0072] In the conveying direction T1 between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A (in Figure 6a, the reel plate 37 with the first receiving mandrel 38 for the first reel B1 is in the 9 o'clock position, for example), and the connecting station 15, a loop storage device 41 comprising at least one deflection element is arranged. In the preferred embodiment according to Figure 6, the loop storage device 41 comprises three deflection rollers 42, 43, 44, of which one deflection roller 42 is arranged stationary on a frame 45 of the device 10 outside the effective range of the reel plate 37, while two deflection rollers 43, 44 are designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position outside the effective range of the reel plate 37 (see, for example, Figure 6a) into a working position in front of the reel plate 37 (see, for example, Figure 6b) and back.For this purpose, the two movable deflection rollers 43, 44 are arranged on a base body 46, which is designed and configured to be movable from the waiting position to the working position and back. The stationary deflection roller 42, which is arranged next to the reel plate 37 on the frame 45, has a central axis M5 that extends parallel to the central axes M1 and M2 of the receiving mandrels 38, 39 and transversely to the conveying direction T1, T2. The deflection roller 42 is optionally designed to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction of its central axis M5 in order to ensure the movement of the base body 46 with the deflection rollers 43, 44 from the waiting position to the working position and back.

[0073] The two deflection rollers 43, 44 assigned to the base body 46 are designed and configured to be movable relative to the base body 46 in such a way that they can be folded from a transport position, in which the center axes M3 and M4 of the deflection rollers 43, 44 are aligned transversely to the center axes M1 and M2 of the holding mandrels 38, 39, into a storage position, in which the center axes M3 and M4 are aligned parallel to the center axes M1 and M2, and back again. The base body 46 itself is preferably guided along linear guides and is continuously movable. Due to the movable nature of the base body 46, the base body 46, with the two foldable deflection rollers 43, 44 arranged thereon, is designed and configured as a tensioning device for the first material web A.

[0074] In the described and preferred embodiment of the device 10, the control device 16 comprises at least one program module which is designed and configured, in particular programmed, in such a way that the tearing of the material web A between the first reel B1 and the loop storage 41 can be generated by braking the first reel B1 while the speed of the material web A remains constant. The mode of operation of the loop storage 41 for guiding and tensioning the material web A is described further below. In the area of ​​the connecting station 15, a handling device 34 is arranged which is designed and configured for the automatic removal of residual pieces AR of the first material web A. The handling device 34 comprises a vacuum gripper 35 which is connected to a vacuum unit (not shown). The vacuum gripper 35 can be moved from a waiting position outside the connecting station 15 for receiving orRemoval of the remaining piece AR of the material web A from the vacuum field 22 into a working position and back. A collecting container 36 is positioned in the waiting position area to receive the remaining pieces AR of the material web A. The handling device 34 is preferably also connected to the control device 16.

[0075] The method according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and the sequence of figures 5 a to i and 6 a to g. The method is used to join two material webs A and B, each running off a reel B1, B2. Firstly, the first material web A running off the reel B1 and the second material web B running off the reel B2 are prepared. While the reel B1 is running off for the production process, the second reel B2 is prepared for the joining process. For this purpose, the leading end E2 of the second material web B is conveyed in the conveying direction T2 into the joining station 15 (see figure 5a). The leading end E2 of the material web B running off the full reel B2 is fixed in the same by switching on the third vacuum field 24 of the vacuum station 21.A marking on the first unwinding material web A is detected by the detection means 33, thereby indicating the approaching end of the first material web A (see Figure 5b). Alternatively, the last end of the material web A can also be detected. When the marking is detected, the braking of the first material web A is initiated, for example by throttling the conveyor means 13 of the first reel B1. In other words, the speed of the reel B1 is reduced. During the braking process of the material web A, the first vacuum field 22 of the vacuum station 21 is switched on (see Figure 5c). This not only assists the braking but also ensures that the material web A is aligned and guided in the connecting station 15 in a positionally accurate manner.

[0076] The trailing end E1 of the first material web A is then produced. This is preferably achieved by the material web A completely running off the reel B1, so that the material web A is released from the reel B1 without leaving any residue. The trailing end E1 of the material web A can also be produced by cutting using a release agent or by tearing along a perforation in the material web A. The produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A is then conveyed in the conveying direction T1 into the joining station 15 and brought to a stop in the joining station 15 in a precisely positioned position opposite the leading end E2 of the second material web B. For this purpose, the second vacuum field 23 of the vacuum station 21 is switched on (see Figure 5d). The ends E1, E2 of the material webs A, B which are thus aligned with one another are then located separately and fixed opposite one another.Preferably, the trailing end E1 of the first material web A and the leading end E2 of the second material web B are cut before joining, so that a non-complementary, in particular inversely complementary cutting path of the two ends E1, E2 is created. Then, the cut, trailing end E1 of the first material web A is joined to the cut, leading end E2 of the second material web B to form a residual piece AR of the first material web A. For this purpose, the two ends E1, E2 are pressed together, preferably under the influence of moisture and / or heat, so that a connection is created in the overlapping area of ​​the ends E1, E2 (see Figure 5e). For example, a heating device can be moved into the joining station 15 and moved out of the joining station 15 again for the joining and pressing process.

[0077] After the joining process, the second material web B, which then becomes the first material web A, runs off the second reel B2 for the production process. The remaining piece AR of the first material web A is still held by the first vacuum field 22 of the vacuum station 21 (see Figure 5f). The remaining piece AR of the first material web A is then released and automatically removed by the vacuum gripper 35 being pivoted into the joining station 15 and sucking in the remaining piece AR (see Figure 5g). The vacuum of the first vacuum field 22 for the first material web A is then deactivated in order to then remove the remaining piece AR from the joining station by means of the vacuum gripper 35 (see Figure 5h). The vacuum gripper 35 is pivoted out of the joining station 35 over a collecting container 36, whereby the remaining piece AR falls into the collecting container 36 after the vacuum on the vacuum gripper 35 is deactivated.

[0078] Upon detection of the marking on the material web A by means of the detection means 33 and / or the end of the material web A by means of the sensor, the time and / or the distance is measured and / or determined until the trailing end E1 of the first material web A reaches the connecting station 15 and, in particular, is then fixed. The level of the negative pressure applied to the vacuum fields 22 to 24 of the vacuum station 21 is actively controlled. Each vacuum field 22 to 24 of the vacuum station 21 is controlled separately. After the first material web A has been separated from the reel B1, regardless of whether the separation occurs by unwinding, tearing, cutting, or otherwise, the trailing end E1 created thereby forms a "fluttering" end.In order to convey this “fluttering” end in an aligned and guided manner into the connecting station 15, the first material web A and in particular the produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A is guided by means of a guide device 26 during conveyance to the connecting station 15.

[0079] In order to give the joining process more time and / or to prepare and support the creation of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A, for example by controlled tearing, the first material web A can be guided through a loop accumulator 41 between a preparation position of the first bobbin B1 and the joining station 15 before the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is created. For this purpose, the bobbin plate 37 is rotated into a position in which the first, unwinding bobbin B1 is in the 9 o'clock position (see Figure 6a). The unwinding material web A is freely unwound and transported for processing. When the first, unwinding bobbin B1 has fallen below a certain diameter, the base body 46 with the deflection rollers 43, 44 is moved into the effective range of the bobbin plate 37, i.e. in front of the bobbin plate 37 (see, for example, Figure 6b).For this purpose, the diameter of the first reel B1 is monitored, and when a defined degree of unwinding of the first material web A running off the first reel B1 is reached, a signal is generated which activates the loop storage device 41. When the base body 46 is moved from the waiting position to the working position, the deflection rollers 43, 44 are still folded in, so that the central axes M3 and M4 extend transversely to the central axes M1 and M2 of the holding mandrels 38, 39. As soon as the base body 46 is in the working position (see, for example, Figure 6c), the deflection rollers 43, 44 are folded out, so that the central axes M3 and M4 extend parallel to the central axes M1 and M2 of the holding mandrels 38, 39.

[0080] In the next step, the base body 46 with the raised deflection rollers 43, 44 is moved to the left out of the effective range of the reel plate 37, whereby the material web A is picked up and wrapped in a loop around the deflection rollers 42, 43, 44 (see, for example, Figure 6d). In the process, the material web A is also tensioned in and / or by the loop storage 41. In the tensioned position of the material web A, the unwinding material web A is monitored between the provision position of the first reel B1 and the loop storage 41, preferably close to the provision position, in such a way that a marking, in particular a print mark, a tear or the like, or the end of the unwinding material web A is detected. For example, with the aid of the detection means 33 via a light grid or the like, a tear or the end of the film, among other things, can be detected.

[0081] The tearing of the material web A to create the trailing end E1 of the first material web A between the first reel B1 and the loop storage 41 is preferably achieved by braking the first reel B1 while maintaining a constant speed of the material web A (see, for example, Figure 6e). As a result of the tearing, the first material web A is divided into a residual strip, which hangs on the reel B1, and into the trailing end E1, which is still guided through the loop storage 41 and conveyed to the connecting station 15, in which the leading end E2 of the second material web B is already waiting.Then, the produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A is connected to the leading end E2 of the second material web B in the connecting station 15, while the remaining piece remaining on the first reel B1 is optionally removed by means of a handling device (34) or the like or wound up by driving the first reel B1 in the opposite direction (see, for example, Figures 6f and g).

[0082] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 according to one or more of claims 29 to 46.

[0083] The joining of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A with the leading end E2 of the second material web B - i.e. the splicing process - takes place when the trailing end E1 of the first material web A is at a standstill or at a speed greater than 0 m / s of the trailing end E1 of the first material web A in the conveying direction T1 of the material web A. When the splicing process takes place - preferably when the material webs A, B are at a standstill - a first loop accumulator (not explicitly shown) is provided, for example. The material web A, which is unwound from the reel B1 for production and conveyed in the conveying direction T1, is guided in a meandering manner by deflection pins in order to create a supply of material web A. The first loop accumulator is arranged downstream of the joining station 15 in the conveying direction T1 in order to allow the formed supply to run off when the connection of the material webs A, B is created in the joining station 15.The second loop storage 41 is positioned, as described above, between the idle reel B1 of the first material web A and the connecting station 15. The second loop storage 41 can also be the first loop storage, while the first loop storage can also be the second loop storage. The storage capacity of the or each loop storage can vary. Advantageously, each loop storage has a storage capacity of at least 1 m, or preferably of at least 2 m, or particularly preferably of at least 3 m, or preferably of at least 5 m. The two loop storages can also have different storage capacities.

Claims

Claims 1. Method for joining two material webs (A) and (B) each running off a reel (B1, B2), characterized by the steps: Providing the first material web (A) running off the reel (B1) and the second material web (B) running off the reel (B2), conveying a leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) in the conveying direction T2 into a connecting station (15), Producing a trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A), conveying the produced trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) in the conveying direction (T1) into the connecting station (15), Connecting the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) with the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Aligning the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) and the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) to each other at least in the region of the connecting station (15), and / or separately fixing the spaced-apart trailing ends (E1) of the first material webs (A) and (E2) of the second material web (B) in the connecting station (15), wherein the The two aligned and separately fixed ends (E1) and (E2) of the two material webs (A) and (B) are connected to one another by means of the connecting station (15) to form an overlapping area.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) is produced by completely running the reel (B1) idle or by a predetermined breaking point in the first material web (A) or by cutting the first material web (A).

4. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) is already in a connecting position in the connecting station (15) is placed and fixed, while the first material web (A) is conveyed to and through the connecting station (15).

5. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) and / or the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) are cut before joining.

6. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the defined end of the first material web (A) is recognized by detecting a marking, in particular a print mark, applied to the first material web (A), wherein in particular after detecting the marking, in particular the print mark, the conveying speed of the first material web (A) is reduced such that the relative speed to the second material web (B) is zero when the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) is located in the connecting station (15).

7. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the time and / or the distance until the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) reaches the connecting station (15) and is then fixed, in particular, is measured and / or determined.

8. Method according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the alignment and / or separate fixing of the ends (E1, E2) of the two material webs (A, B) to be joined in the joining station (15) is carried out by means of at least one vacuum station (21).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that for braking and / or during braking of the conveying speed of the first material web (A) at least one vacuum field (22) of the vacuum station (21) is activated, by means of which the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) is aligned and / or fixed in the region of the connecting station (15).

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that for braking and / or in particular for fixing the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) in the connecting position, at least one second vacuum field (23) of the vacuum station (21) arranged downstream in the conveying direction T1 is activated.

11. Method according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that at least one third vacuum field (24) of the vacuum station (21) is activated for aligning and / or fixing the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B).

12. Method according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the level of the negative pressure applied to the vacuum fields (22 to 24) of the vacuum station (21) is actively controlled.

13. Method according to one or more of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that each vacuum field (22 to 24) of the vacuum station (21) is controlled separately.

14. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) and / or the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) are moistened and / or pressed and / or heated for joining.

15. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that after the first material web (A) has been connected to the second material web (B), the fixing of the second material web (B) is deactivated, so that the second material web (B) is unwound from the full reel (B2), while the remaining piece (AR) of the first material web (A) is further fixed by means of at least one vacuum field (22) assigned to the first material web (A).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the remaining piece (AR) of the first material web (A) is detached and removed automatically.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the remaining piece (AR) of the first material web (A) is first sucked in by means of a vacuum gripper (35), then the vacuum of the vacuum field (22) for the first material web (A) is deactivated in order to then remove the remaining piece (AR) from the connecting station (21) by means of the vacuum gripper (35).

18. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that the vacuum gripper (35) is pivoted from the connecting station (21) over a collecting container (36), wherein the remaining piece (AR) falls into the collecting container (36) after the vacuum on the vacuum gripper (35) is deactivated.

19. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the first material web A and in particular the produced trailing end E1 of the first material web A is guided by means of a guide device (26) during conveyance to the connecting station (21).

20. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the joining of the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) to the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) takes place at a standstill or at a speed greater than 0 m / s of the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) in the conveying direction (T1) of the material web (A).

21. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that after the first material web (A) has been joined to the second material web (B), the second material web (B) becomes the first material web (A) in such a way that the new first material web (A) is joined to a new second material web (B).

22. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the first material web (A) is guided through a loop storage device (41) between a provision position of the first reel (B1) and the connecting station (15) before the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) is produced.

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the diameter of the first reel (B1) is monitored and when a defined degree of unwinding of the first material web (A) running off the first reel (B1) is reached, a signal is generated by means of which the loop storage (41) is activated.

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the running-off material web (A) is tensioned in and / or by the loop storage device (41).

25. Method according to one or more of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the unwinding material web (A) is monitored between the provision position of the first reel (B1) and the loop storage (41), preferably close to the provision position, in such a way that a marking, in particular a print mark, a tear or the like, or the end of the unwinding material web (A) is detected.

26. Method according to one or more of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that a tearing of the material web (A) for producing the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) between the first reel (B1) and the loop storage (41) is produced by braking the first reel (B1) at a constant speed of the material web (A).

27. Method according to one or more of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) produced is connected to the leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) in the connecting station (15), while the remaining piece (AF) remaining on the first reel (B1) is optionally removed by means of a handling device (34) or the like or wound up by driving the first reel (B1) in the opposite direction.

28. Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 46.

29. Device (10), designed and arranged to connect two material webs (A) and (B) each running off a reel (B1, B2), comprising means (11, 12) for providing the first reel (B1) with the first material web (A) and for providing the second reel (B2) with the second material web (B), conveying means (13, 14) for conveying the material webs (A, B) in the conveying direction (T1) or(T2) into a connecting station (15), a connecting station (15) for connecting the material webs (A) and (B), namely a trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) with a leading end (E2) of the second material web (B) to form an overlapping region, and a control device (16) for controlling the connecting process, characterized in that the control device (16) is designed and configured to convey the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) into the connecting station (15) after the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) has been produced.

30. Device (10) according to claim 29, characterized in that means (19, 20) for aligning and / or fixing the spaced-apart material webs (A, B) are provided in the connecting station (15).

31. Device (10) according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the control device (16) comprises at least one program module which is designed and set up, in particular programmed, in such a way that the trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) is braked and brought to a relative speed to the second material web (B) of 0 m / s in the connecting station (15).

32. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that a vacuum station (21) with at least one vacuum field (22, 23, 24) is arranged in the connecting station (15).

33. Device (10) according to claim 32, characterized in that the vacuum station (21) comprises at least two vacuum fields (22 to 24) which are connected to a vacuum unit.

34. Device (10) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a first vacuum field (22) is assigned to a conveying path of the first material web (A) and a further vacuum field (24) is assigned to a conveying path of the second material web (B).

35. Device (10) according to claim 34, characterized in that in the conveying direction (T1) behind the first vacuum field (22) a second vacuum field (23) is arranged, which is assigned to the first conveying path.

36. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 35, characterized in that the connecting station (15) comprises a cutting device (30) which is designed and arranged to cut a free, trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) and / or a free, leading end (E2) of the second material web (B).

37. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 36, characterized in that a detection means (33) is arranged in the conveying direction (T1) between the idle reel (B1) of the first material web (A) and the connecting station (15), which detection means (33) is designed and configured to detect markings on the material web (A), in particular print marks, tears, defects or the like, and is connected to the control device (16).

38. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 37, characterized in that a guide device (26) is arranged in the conveying direction (T1) between the idle reel (B1) of the first material web (A) and the connecting station (15), which guide device is designed and configured to guide and / or align the free trailing end (E1) of the first material web (A) released from the idle reel (B1).

39. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 38, characterized in that the means (11, 12) for providing the first and the second reel (B1, B2) are associated with a reel plate (37) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation D which is oriented transversely to the conveying direction T1, T2), on which a first receiving mandrel (38) as means (11) for receiving and providing the first reel (B1) and a second Pick-up mandrels (39) are arranged as means (12) for picking up and providing the second bobbin (B2), wherein central axes M1 and M2 of the pick-up mandrels (38, 39) are aligned parallel to the rotational axis D of the bobbin plate (37).

40. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 39, characterized in that a loop storage device (41) comprising at least one deflection element (42, 43, 44) is arranged in the conveying direction (T1) between the idle reel (B1) of the first material web (A) and the connecting station (15).

41. Device (10) according to claim 40, characterized in that the loop storage (41) comprises at least three deflection rollers (42, 43, 44), of which one deflection roller (42) is arranged stationary on a frame (45) of the device (10) outside the effective range of the reel plate (37), while two deflection rollers (43, 44) are designed and arranged to be movable from a waiting position outside the effective range of the reel plate (37) into a working position in front of the reel plate (37) and back.

42. Device (10) according to claim 41, characterized in that the two movable deflection rollers (43, 44) are arranged on a base body (46) which is designed and arranged to be movable from the waiting position into the working position and back.

43. Device (10) according to claim 42, characterized in that the two deflection rollers (43, 44) are designed and arranged to be movable relative to the base body (46) in such a way that they are designed and arranged to be movable, preferably foldable, from a transport position in which the central axes M3 and M4 of the deflection rollers (43, 44) are aligned transversely to the central axes M1 and M2 of the receiving mandrels (38, 39), into a storage position in which the central axes M3 and M4 are aligned parallel to the central axes M1 and M2, and back.

44. Device (10) according to claim 43, characterized in that the base body (46) with the two movable, preferably foldable arranged deflection rollers (43, 44) is designed and arranged as a tensioning device for the first material web (A).

45. Device according to one or more of claims 40 to 44, characterized in that the control device (16) has at least one Program module which is designed and configured, in particular programmed, in such a way that the tearing of the material web (A) between the first reel (B1) and the loop storage (41) can be generated by braking the first reel (B1) at a constant speed of the material web (A).

46. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 29 to 45, characterized in that a handling device (34) is arranged in the region of the connecting station (15), which is designed and configured for the automatic removal of residual pieces (AR) of the first material web (A).

Images