Automatic splicer for unwinder

Abstract

A splicing apparatus for an unwinder automatically splices the trailing end of a web from one roll to the leading end of a web from a second roll. A pair of roll support frames are mounted for movement between an unwinding position in which a roll on the support frame is aligned with the path of web movement and a loading position in which a roll on the support frame is laterally offset from the path of web movement. A vacuum retainer is mounted on each of the roll support frames for retaining a leading edge of the web of a new roll. A movable vacuum belt is mounted adjacent the path of web movement, and a slitter is mounted upstream of the vacuum belt. When a first roll in the unwinding position is to be replaced, the first web is secured by the vacuum belt and cut by the slitter to form a trailing end. The roll support frames are moved to bring a second roll into the unwinding position. The leading end portion of the second web is adjacent the trailing end portion of the first web. A ply bonder presses the two webs against the vacuum retainer to bond the webs as the vacuum belt advances the trailing end of the first web.