EP2845827B1 - Method for splicing webs by double bonding end-to-end and splicing device suitable for implementing said method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of machine feeding or production lines in strips, especially in cardboard strips, more particularly narrow cardboard strips, or other strips made more particularly from a semi-rigid material, and attaching two strips to one another wound on reel mandrels, one of which is a replacement web awaiting unwinding and the other the pull-up web carrying out said feed and relates to a method connecting strips, by double bonding, butt. It also relates to a band connecting device, by double bonding, end to end, suitable for the implementation of said method.

By narrow cardboard strips, we mean cardboard strips whose width is in particular between about 25 mm and 500 mm.

The principle of bonding by bonding a replacement band waiting, called upstream band, wound on the mandrel of a full spool to a drop-down strip, said downstream band, wound on the mandrel of a coil that ends or finishes at the end Unwinding to allow continuous feeding of a machine or a production line is already known from the state of the art. It consists in particular to connect between them an end of the upstream band corresponding to its free end with an end of the downstream band formed by a transverse cutting in this behind arriving at the end of unwinding, so that the upstream band take the relay of the downstream strip down.

Each upstream or downstream strip has two opposite faces respectively internal and external, whose inner face is the one that is in contact with the mandrel, and terminates at each of its connection ends by a joined edge, whose contiguous edge of the strip downstream results from its transverse cutting.

The connection between the two upstream and downstream strips is achieved by the fixing between them of their respective connection ends by means of a single-sided adhesive tape which comprises an adhesive face which is intended to be applied with pressure on the outer faces of the two connecting ends joined to each other by their contiguous edges, so that that said tape extends on either side of the seal thus formed by the junction of the respective contiguous edges by fixing said ends to one another by their external faces. Specifically, the adhesive side of the tape is generally bonded so that about half of said face is adhered to one of the connecting ends and the other half to the other connecting end.

On the other hand, we already know a connection device, also commonly called connection box or splicer, for implementing such a method and to automatically perform the connection of a connection end of an upstream band waiting unwinding with a connecting end of a downstream strip down which terminates. Such a device is intended to be traversed longitudinally by the downstream band guiding the latter and has two parallel reference planes between them, namely a waiting plane and a connection plane between which plans runs, in operation, the downstream band . It comprises a fixed frame, a single-sided adhesive tape having an adhesive face, two first axis cylinders perpendicular to said planes and a second axis cylinder parallel to said planes fixed on the frame, a movable support surface provided to support, in operation, the connecting end and the adhesive tape stuck on the outer face of the latter extending on either side of its contiguous edge, a cutting head provided to cut transversely along a substantially parallel cutting line or parallel to said reference planes, the downstream band for making its connection end, two guide rollers, also called return rollers, fixed on the frame and guiding the downstream band, axes parallel to said planes of reference, stop or blocking means fixed on the frame and provided to stop or boquer the unwinding of the downstream band.

In addition, the device comprises a rectangular-shaped pressing element comprising two opposite inner and outer faces, the outer face of which forms a connecting face enabling it to be connected to the rods of the first two jacks and the inner face forming the support surface. In addition, to support the connecting end, provided with adhesive tape, applied flat against the support surface, the latter comprises at least one suction opening of a suction cup allowing to retain by suction the outer face of said end applied against the support face.

The movable support surface is provided to be displaced, by means of the first moving means, along an axis perpendicular to said reference planes, between a waiting position in the waiting plane and a connection position in the connection plane.

The cutting head comprises a wool and a blade against which passes the downstream band in operation, arranged on either side of the connection plane and oriented parallel to the axes of said guide rollers. The counter blade is generally arranged between the connection plane and the waiting plane, and is made movable to be displaced, thanks to the second displacement means, along an axis parallel to said planes and perpendicular to the axis of the or each roller. guide, between a withdrawal position, remote from the plane of the blade, said cutting plane, to allow the passage of the support surface during its movement to the connection plane and an advanced position in the cutting plane.

More particularly, the blade is mounted on a fixed support fixed on the chassis comprising a bearing face so that, once the cutting of the downstream band made in the cutting plane, the counter blade can be moved into the position of withdrawal leaving the connection end thus cut bearing by its inner face on said bearing face of the blade support. The retracted position then makes it possible to bring, by the displacement of the support surface from its standby position to its connection position, the connection end of the upstream band provided with the adhesive tape in the connection plane. which has the effect of end-to-end junction connecting ends of the two respective strips and to apply with pressure the free portion of the adhesive face against the outer face of the connecting end of the downstream strip.

However, it is known that this type of end-to-end join does not systematically position the two respective adjoining edges exactly end-to-end, but leaving a more or less large space or gap between them, or even forming an overlap of the two contiguous edges. one over the other. In the case where the joint forms a covering, this creates a recess, or a sharp edge, apparent on the side opposite to that covered by the adhesive tape and which can come to the contact during feeding of a machine element or the production line, such as a glue squeegee, which may lead to degradation of the gluing, with the effect that the take-off or the separation of the ribbon may cause the separation of the two respective bands. In addition, in the case where the joint leaves a space or a gap, this inevitably creates a zone of weakness or sharp edges, which can lead, for example in the case of the passage of the junction on a return roller having the effect to fold the junction of the side of the adhesive tape, to the degradation of the bonding, to the separation of the joined ends, or even the tearing of the connecting ends and their separation. Finally, even in the case where the contiguous edges are in contact with each other without overlapping, the passage on a return roller causing a folding on the side of the adhesive tape, can also cause detachment of the contiguous ends of the adhesive tape. weakening the connection and may lead to tearing and separation of the two bands. These effects have the consequence of interrupting the progress of the strip thus connected and the continuity of the supply of the machine or the production line and increase the cost of production. The closest state of the art is described in the patents US 4,190,483 , EP1 199 271 A1

The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a method, and a connecting device that is suitable for implementing said method, making it possible to reinforce the resistance of the joint of the connection between them of a replacement strip and of a pull-down strip that terminates and prevent any delamination, tearing or separation effects of their respective connection ends.

• coller le premier ruban par sa face adhésive sur la face externe de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont en laissant une partie, de préférence la moitié, de sa face adhésive, dite partie de face adhésive apparente, dépasser de son bord jointif,
• positionner et soutenir l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban dans le plan de soutien, ce de sorte que la partie de la face adhésive apparente soit en vis-à-vis de la face externe de la bande aval,
• positionner et soutenir le second ruban dans le second plan de soutien de sorte que sa face adhésive soit en vis-à-vis de la face interne de la bande aval et dans l'axe de la face adhésive du premier ruban,

puis, à réaliser, dans un deuxième temps, les étapes de raccordement suivantes :

• arrêter le déroulement de la bande aval,
• couper la bande aval dans le plan de raccordement selon une ligne de coupe transversale située dans l'axe ou sensiblement dans l'axe du bord jointif de la bande amont et s'étendant parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement audit bord jointif, ce afin de former l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval,
• déplacer l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban et le second ruban jusqu'au plan de raccordement de sorte à mettre bout à bout les extrémités de raccordement des bandes aval et amont respectives par la jonction de leurs bords jointifs respectif et à appliquer avec pression, de part et d'autre de ladite jonction, la face adhésive du premier ruban sur les faces externes des extrémités de raccordement des bandes amont et aval et la face adhésive du second ruban sur les faces internes des extrémités de raccordement des bandes aval et amont.

For this purpose, the method of joining strips by butt by double bonding for connecting a connecting end of an upstream strip pending unwinding with a connecting end of a downstream strip down which ends, each end of the two bands ending in a contiguous edge and said strips each having two opposite outer and inner faces, is essentially characterized in that it consists in producing, in a first step, the following preparation steps, starting from one part of a first single-sided adhesive tape and a second single-sided adhesive tape, and, on the other hand, of a cutting head, of three parallel or parallel parallel or substantially parallel reference planes, namely a first plan of support, a second support plan and a connection plan between these two:

• sticking the first ribbon by its adhesive face on the outer face of the connecting end of the upstream band leaving a part, preferably half, of its adhesive side, said apparent adhesive face portion, protrude from its joined edge,
• positioning and supporting the connecting end provided with the first ribbon in the support plane, so that the portion of the apparent adhesive face is vis-à-vis the outer face of the downstream strip,
• positioning and supporting the second ribbon in the second support plane so that its adhesive face is vis-à-vis the inner face of the downstream band and in the axis of the adhesive face of the first ribbon,

then, to perform, in a second step, the following connection steps:

• stop the flow of the downstream band,
• cutting the downstream strip in the connection plane according to a cross-sectional line located in the axis or substantially in the axis of the contiguous edge of the upstream strip and extending parallel or substantially parallel to said joined edge, in order to form the connecting end of the downstream band,
• moving the connecting end provided with the first ribbon and the second ribbon to the connection plane so as to butt the respective connecting ends of the respective downstream and upstream strips by joining their respective contiguous edges and applying pressure , on either side of said junction, the adhesive face of the first ribbon on the outer faces of the connecting ends of the upstream and downstream strips and the adhesive face of the second ribbon on the inner faces of the connecting ends of the downstream and upstream strips .

• un support mobile en translation portant la tête de coupe qui s'étend au niveau du plan de raccordement ou de part et d'autre de ce dernier,
• deux surfaces de soutien disposées en vis-à-vis et mobiles en translation suivant un axe de déplacement respectif perpendiculaire ou sensiblement perpendiculaire auxdits plans, à savoir une première surface de soutien prévue pour soutenir à plat, en fonctionnement, l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont munie du premier ruban collé sur cette dernière en dépassant de son bord jointif et une seconde surface de soutien mobile en translation prévue pour soutenir à plat le second ruban dans l'axe du premier ruban,
• des premiers moyens de déplacement prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation de la première surface de soutien entre une position d'attente dans le premier plan et une position de raccordement dans le plan de raccordement,
• des seconds moyens de déplacement prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation de la seconde surface entre une position dans le second plan et une position de raccordement dans le plan de raccordement,
• des troisièmes moyens de déplacement prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation du support portant la tête de coupe de sorte à déplacer ladite tête entre une position avancée située entre les première et seconde surfaces de soutien, dans l'axe ou sensiblement dans l'axe du bord jointif de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont à l'état de son soutien par la première surface de soutien, permettant de couper transversalement la bande aval et une position de retrait autorisant le passage desdites surfaces de soutien lors de leur déplacement entre les premier et second plans d'attente respectifs et le plan de raccordement.

The device for connecting strips of butt by double bonding according to the present invention suitable for implementing said method, said device making it possible to automatically connect a connection end of an upstream strip waiting to unwind with a connection end of a downstream strip which ends and is intended to be traversed longitudinally by the downstream band guiding the latter, said strips each having two opposite faces external and internal and ending at their connecting end by a joined edge , said device comprising, on the one hand, a fixed frame, at least one guiding roller fixed on the frame and being provided for guiding the downstream band, a cutting head provided for cutting the downstream strip along a cross-sectional line. so as to form its connecting end, stop or blocking means provided for stopping or blocking the unwinding of the downstream strip, is characterized in that it has three parallel or substantially parallel reference planes between them, namely a first waiting plane, a second waiting plane and a connecting plane extending between said first and second planes, the axis of the or each guide roller extending parallel or substantially parallel to said planes and in that it further includes:

• a movable support in translation carrying the cutting head which extends at the level of the connection plane or on both sides of the latter,
• two support surfaces disposed facing each other and movable in translation along a respective displacement axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said planes, namely a first support surface provided for flatly supporting, in operation, the connecting end of the upstream band provided with the first tape glued on the latter protruding from its joined edge and a second movable support surface in translation provided to support flat the second ribbon in the axis of the first ribbon,
• first displacement means provided for translational movement of the first support surface between a waiting position in the first plane and a connection position in the connection plane;
• second displacement means provided for translational movement of the second surface between a position in the second plane and a connection position in the connection plane,
• third moving means provided for translational movement of the support carrying the cutting head so as to move said head between an advanced position between the first and second support surfaces, in the axis or substantially in the axis of the joined edge of the connecting end of the upstream band in the state of its support by the first support surface, for transversely cutting the downstream band and a withdrawal position allowing the passing said support surfaces as they move between the first and second respective waiting planes and the connection plane.

• la figure la montre une vue schématique de profil du dispositif selon l'invention à l'état de fonctionnement recevant la bande en cours de déroulement et le second ruban adhésif simple face appliqué par sa face opposée à celle adhésive contre la seconde surface de soutien en position dans le second plan d'attente,
• la figure 1b montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure la à l'état de réception de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont munie du premier ruban adhésif simple face, ladite extrémité étant appliquée par sa face externe, sur laquelle est collée une partie de la face adhésive dudit premier ruban, contre la première, surface de soutien en position dans le premier plan d'attente, avec le premier ruban situé dans l'axe ou en vis à vis du second ruban,
• la figure 1c montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1b dans la position avancée de la tête de coupe,
• la figure 1d montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1c à l'état de blocage du déroulement de la bande aval mise ainsi à l'arrêt,
• la figure le montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1d à l'état de découpage transversal de la bande aval en fin de déroulement par la tête de coupe pour former son extrémité de raccordement,
• la figure 1f montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1e à l'état de retrait de la tête de coupe du plan de coupe,
• la figure 1g montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1f à l'état où la seconde surface de soutien mobile est déplacée jusqu'au plan de raccordement avec application d'une partie de la face adhésive du second ruban contre la face interne de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval ainsi découpée,
• la figure 1h montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1g à l'état où la première surface de soutien est déplacée jusqu'au plan de raccordement, avec application, d'une part, de la partie de la face adhésive apparente du premier ruban adhésif contre la face externe de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval et, d'autre part, de l'autre partie de la face adhésive du second ruban contre la face interne de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont, et à l'état de mise bout à bout des bords jointifs desdites extrémités de raccordement respectives,
• la figure 1i montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1h à l'état de retour des première et seconde surfaces de soutien dans leurs plans de d'attente respectifs,
• la figure 1j montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 1i à l'état de libération du déroulement de la bande aval ainsi raccordée à la bande amont prenant le relai de cette dernière en vue de réaliser l'alimentation en continue,
• la figure 2a montre une vue schématique de détail d'un dispositif de raccordement de l'état de l'art actuel, à l'état de la bande déroulante arrivant en fin de déroulement et étant mise à l'arrêt, à l'état avancé de la contre lame pour réaliser la découpe transversale dans la bande aval déroulante en vue de former l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval, et à l'état de réception dans un plan d'attente de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont, munie d'un ruban adhésif, à l'état de soutien contre la surface de soutien mobile,
• la figure 2b montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 2a à l'état découpée de la bande aval et de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval ainsi découpée s'étendant dans le plan de raccordement en reposant sur la face d'appui du support fixe de la lame,
• la figure 2c montre le dispositif représenté sur la figure 2b à l'état où la surface de soutien mobile est déplacée jusqu'au plan de raccordement et où la partie adhésive apparente du ruban adhésif est appliquée avec pression contre la face externe de l'extrémité de raccordement aval, et à l'état de mise bout à bout des bords jointifs desdites extrémités de raccordement aval et amont des deux bandes respectives raccordées par simple collage sur leurs faces externe grâce au ruban adhésif,
• la figure 2d est vue de détail de la figure 1b dans l'espace de soutien, de coupe et de raccordement,
• la figure 2e est une vue de détail de la figure 1d dans l'espace de soutien, de coupe et de raccordement,
• la figure 2f est une vue de détail de la figure 1f dans l'espace de soutien, de coupe et de raccordement,
• la figure 2g est une vue de détail de la figure 1h dans l'espace de soutien, de coupe et de raccordement,
• la figure 3a montre une vue de détail du raccordement des deux bandes amont et aval dans le cas d'une jonction parfaite mettant exactement bout à bout leurs bords jointifs respectifs, sans interstice ou espace entre ces derniers,
• la figure 3b montre le raccordement des deux bandes représentées sur la figure 3a, dans le cas d'une première forme de jonction imparfaite laissant un interstice entre les bords jointifs, mais recouverts, grâce au dispositif selon la présente invention, sur chaque face dés bandes par l'un des deux rubans adhésifs supprimant toute arrête ou décrochement apparent non souhaité ou non acceptable au niveau de ladite jonction,
• la figure 3c montre le raccordement des deux bandes représentées sur la figure 3a, dans le cas d'une seconde forme de jonction imparfaite créant un chevauchement des deux bords jointifs l'un sur l'autre recouverts, grâce au dispositif selon la présente invention, sur chaque face des bandes par l'un des deux rubans adhésifs supprimant toute arrête ou décrochement apparent non souhaité ou non acceptable au niveau de ladite jonction,
• la figure 4 montre une vue de face de la partie frontale du dispositif selon la présente invention dans un mode de réalisation préférentiel,
• la figure 5 montre une vue de profil du dispositif représenté sur la figure 4, à l'état de retrait de la tête de coupe,
• la figure 6 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif représenté sur la figure 5, selon un premier angle de vue, à l'état de réception de la bande aval et de l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban adhésif en attente de son raccordement, à l'état de la tête de coupe dans sa position de retrait par rapport au plan de coupe entre les première et seconde surface de soutien,
• la figure 7 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif représenté sur la figure 6, selon un deuxième angle de vue,
• la figure 8 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif représenté sur la figure 6, selon un troisième angle de vue,
• la figure 9 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif représenté sur la figure 6, selon un quatrième angle de vue,
• la figure 10 montre une vue en perspective du dispositif représenté sur la figure 6, selon un cinquième angle de vue,
• la figure 11 montre une vue en perspective de trois quart du dispositif représenté sur la figure 6, selon un sixième angle de vue,
• la figure 12 montre le dispositif tel que représenté sur la figure 9, selon le même angle de vue, à l'état de la tête de coupe dans sa position avancée dans le plan de coupe.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to at least one preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1a shows a schematic side view of the device according to the invention in the operating state receiving the strip being unwound and the second single-sided adhesive tape applied by its face opposite to that adhesive against the second support surface; position in the second waiting plane,
• the figure 1b shows the device shown in Figure la in the receiving state of the connecting end of the upstream band provided with the first single-sided adhesive tape, said end being applied by its outer face, on which is glued a portion of the face adhesive of said first ribbon, against the first support surface in position in the first waiting plane, with the first ribbon located in the axis or opposite the second ribbon,
• the figure 1c shows the device shown on the figure 1b in the advanced position of the cutting head,
• the figure 1d shows the device shown on the figure 1c in the state of blocking the unwinding of the downstream band thus stopped,
• the figure shows it the device represented on the figure 1d in the state of transverse cutting of the downstream strip at the end of unwinding by the cutting head to form its connecting end,
• the figure 1f shows the device shown on the figure 1e in the state of withdrawal of the cutting head from the cutting plane,
• the figure 1g shows the device shown on the figure 1f in the state where the second movable support surface is moved to the connection plane with application of a portion of the adhesive face of the second ribbon against the inner face of the connecting end of the downstream strip thus cut,
• the figure 1h shows the device shown on the figure 1g in the state where the first support surface is moved to the connection plane, with application of, on the one hand, the portion of the apparent adhesive face of the first adhesive tape against the outer face of the connecting end of the the downstream band and, on the other hand, the other part of the face adhesive tape of the second tape against the inner face of the connecting end of the upstream tape, and in the abutting state of the contiguous edges of said respective connection ends,
• the figure 1i shows the device shown on the figure 1h in the return state of the first and second support surfaces in their respective holding planes,
• the figure 1j shows the device shown on the figure 1i in the state of release of the unwinding of the downstream band thus connected to the upstream band taking the relay of the latter in order to carry out the continuous supply,
• the figure 2a shows a schematic view of detail of a connection device of the current state of the art, the state of the scrolling strip arriving at the end of unwinding and being stopped, in the advanced state of the against the blade for performing the transverse cutting in the downstream strip downstream to form the connecting end of the downstream strip, and the receiving state in a waiting plane of the connecting end of the upstream strip, provided with adhesive tape, in the support state against the movable support surface,
• the figure 2b shows the device shown on the figure 2a in the cut-out state of the downstream strip and the connecting end of the downstream strip thus cut out extending in the connection plane while resting on the bearing face of the fixed support of the blade,
• the Figure 2c shows the device shown on the figure 2b in the state where the movable support surface is moved to the connection plane and the apparent adhesive portion of the adhesive tape is applied with pressure against the outer face of the downstream connecting end, and in the end-to-end contiguous edges of said downstream and upstream connection ends of the two respective strips connected by simply bonding on their outer faces by means of the adhesive tape,
• the figure 2d is detail view of the figure 1b in the support, cutting and connection space,
• the figure 2e is a detail view of the figure 1d in the support, cutting and connection space,
• the figure 2f is a detail view of the figure 1f in the support, cutting and connection space,
• the figure 2g is a detail view of the figure 1h in the support, cutting and connection space,
• the figure 3a shows a detailed view of the connection of the two upstream and downstream strips in the case of a perfect junction exactly end to end their respective adjoining edges, without gap or space between them,
• the figure 3b shows the connection of the two bands represented on the figure 3a , in the case of a first imperfect junction form leaving a gap between the contiguous edges, but covered, thanks to the device according to the present invention, on each side d strips by one of two adhesive tapes eliminating any stop or apparent recess undesirable or unacceptable at said junction,
• the figure 3c shows the connection of the two bands represented on the figure 3a , in the case of a second imperfect form of junction creating an overlap of two contiguous edges one over the other covered, thanks to the device according to the present invention, on each side of the strips by one of the two adhesive tapes deleting any undesirable or unacceptable apparent stop or step at said junction,
• the figure 4 shows a front view of the front part of the device according to the present invention in a preferred embodiment,
• the figure 5 shows a profile view of the device shown on the figure 4 in the state of withdrawal of the cutting head,
• the figure 6 shows a perspective view of the device shown on the figure 5 according to a first angle of view, in the state of reception of the downstream band and of the connection end provided with the first adhesive tape waiting for its connection, in the state of the cutting head in its retracted position. with respect to the cutting plane between the first and second support surfaces,
• the figure 7 shows a perspective view of the device shown on the figure 6 , according to a second angle of view,
• the figure 8 shows a perspective view of the device shown on the figure 6 , according to a third angle of view,
• the figure 9 shows a perspective view of the device shown on the figure 6 , according to a fourth angle of view,
• the figure 10 shows a perspective view of the device shown on the figure 6 , according to a fifth angle of view,
• the figure 11 shows a perspective view of three quarters of the device shown on the figure 6 , according to a sixth angle of view,
• the figure 12 shows the device as shown on the figure 9 , according to the same angle of view, the state of the cutting head in its advanced position in the cutting plane.

Subsequently all of them Figures 1a, 1b, 1c , 1d, 1e, 1f , 1g, 1h , 1i, 1d will be called figure 1 and all Figures 3a, 3b, 3c will be called figure 3 .

The figures 1 , 2d , 2 F , 2g , 3 and 4 to 12 show a connecting device, according to the present invention, butt-bonded strips suitable for implementing the method according to the present invention, for automatically connecting a connection end 3 of an upstream band; 1 waiting unwinding with a connecting end 4 of a downstream strip 2 which terminates and being provided to be traversed longitudinally by the downstream band 2 guiding the latter, said strips 1, 2 each having two opposite faces external and internal 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and ending at their connecting end by a joined edge 5, 6, said device comprising, on the one hand, a fixed frame 20, at least one guide roller 17a, 17b fixed on the frame 20 and being provided for guiding the downstream band 2, a cutting head 11, 12 provided for cutting the downstream strip 2 along a cross-sectional line so as to form its connection end, stop or blocking means 18 provided for stopping or blocking the unwinding of the downstream band 2.

According to the present invention, such a device has three reference planes P1, P2, P3 parallel or substantially parallel to each other, namely a first plane P1 waiting, a second plane. P2 waiting and a connection plane P3 extending between said first and second planes, the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b extending parallel or substantially parallel to said planes ( figures 1 , 2d , 2 F , 2g ).

• un support 14c mobile en translation portant la tête de coupe qui s'étend au niveau du plan de raccordement P3 ou de part et d'autre de ce dernier,
• dieux surfaces de soutien 9a, 10a disposées en vis-à-vis et mobiles en translation suivant un axe de déplacement X respectif perpendiculaire ou sensiblement perpendiculaire auxdits plans et, à savoir une première surface de soutien 9a prévue pour soutenir à plat, en fonctionnement, l'extrémité de raccordement 3 de la bande amont 1 munie du premier ruban 7 collé, sur cette dernière en dépassant de son bord jointif 5 et une seconde surface de soutien 10a mobile en translation et prévue pour soutenir à plat, en fonctionnement, le second ruban 8 dans l'axe du premier ruban 7,
• des premiers moyens de déplacement 15 prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation de la première surface de soutien 9a entre une position d'attente dans le premier plan P1 (figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1i, 1j, 2d, 2e, 2f, 4 à 12) et une position de raccordement dans le plan de raccordement P3 (figures 1h, 2g),
• des seconds moyens de déplacement 16 prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation de la seconde surface 10a entre une position dans le second plan P2 (figures 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1i, 1j, 2d, 2e, 2f, 4 à 12) et une position de raccordement dans le plan de raccordement P3 (figures 1g, 1h, 2g),
• des troisièmes moyens de déplacement 14a prévus pour assurer le déplacement en translation du support 14c portant la tête de coupe 11, 12 de sorte à déplacer ladite tête entre une position avancée (figures 1c, 1d, 1e, 2e, 12) située entre les première et seconde surfaces de soutien 9a, 10a, dans l'axe ou sensiblement dans l'axe du bord jointif 5 de l'extrémité de raccordement 3 de la bande amont 1 à l'état de son soutien par la première surface de soutien 9a, permettant de couper transversalement la bande aval 2 et une position de retrait (figures 1a, 1b, 1f, 1g, 1h, 1j, 2d, 2f, 2g, 4 à 11) autorisant le passage desdites surfaces de soutien lors de leur déplacement entre les premier et second plans d'attente P1, P2 respectifs et le plan de raccordement P3.

Still in accordance with the present invention, the device further comprises:

• a support 14c mobile in translation carrying the cutting head which extends at the connection plane P3 or on both sides of the latter,
• gods support surfaces 9a, 10a disposed vis-a-vis and movable in translation along a respective axis of displacement X perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said planes and, namely a first support surface 9a provided to support flat, in operation, the connecting end 3 of the upstream strip 1 provided with the first tape 7 bonded on the latter protruding from its joined edge 5 and a second support surface 10a movable in translation and provided to support flat, in operation, the second ribbon 8 in the axis of the first ribbon 7,
• first displacement means 15 provided for translational movement of the first support surface 9a between a waiting position in the first plane P1 ( Figures 1a, 1b, 1c , 1d, 1e, 1f , 1g , 1i, 1d , 2d , 2nd , 2 F , 4 to 12 ) and a connection position in connection plane P3 ( figures 1h, 2g )
• second displacement means 16 provided for translational movement of the second surface 10a between a position in the second plane P2 ( Figures 1a, 1b, 1c , 1d, 1e, 1f , 1i, 1d , 2d , 2nd , 2 F , 4 to 12) and a connection position in connection plane P3 ( figures 1g, 1h , 2g )
• third displacement means 14a provided for translational movement of the support 14c carrying the cutting head 11, 12 so as to move said head between an advanced position ( figures 1c , 1d , first , 2nd , 12 ) located between the first and second support surfaces 9a, 10a, in the axis or substantially in the axis of the joined edge 5 of the connecting end 3 of the upstream strip 1 in the state of its support by the first support surface 9a, for transversely cutting the downstream band 2 and a withdrawal position ( Figures 1a, 1b , 1f , 1g, 1h , 1d , 2d , 2 F , 2g , 4 to 11 ) allowing the passage of said support surfaces during their movement between the first and second respective holding planes P1, P2 and the connection plane P3.

In a preferred embodiment, the third displacement means 14a may be provided to translate the support 14c carrying the cutting head 11, 12 in translation so as to move said head along an extending axis of translation, a parallel to or substantially parallel to the reference planes P1, P2, P3 and, on the other hand, perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b, or not shown on the appended figures, parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b.

Preferably, the first support surface 9a may comprise at least one suction opening, for example an opening of a suction cup 9d (visible at least in part in particular on the figures 1 , 2d , 2nd , 2 F , 2g , 6 , 7 , 10 , 11 ), to ensure by suction the flattening of the connecting end of the upstream band 1 provided with the first ribbon 7 against said first support surface and the second support surface 10a may comprise at least one suction opening ( especially figures 1 , 2d , 2nd , 2 F , 2g , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 11 ) for ensuring by suction the flattening of the second adhesive tape 8 against the second surface 10a, that is to say by being applied against the latter by its opposite side to that adhesive 8a.

It will be understood that the connecting end provided with the first ribbon 7, similarly to the current device ( Figures 2a , 2b , 2c ), will be applied against the first support surface 9a by its outer face and the first ribbon 7 will be applied by its opposite side to that adhesive against the first support surface 9a.

In a preferred embodiment, in the case where the axis of translation of the cutting head 11, 12 extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b, the cutting head 11, 12 may comprise, on the one hand, fourth displacement means 14b, a blade 11 and a counterblade 12 movable relative to one another, thanks to said fourth means of displacement, in spacing and in approximation , in the plane or substantially in the plane of the blade 2, for cutting, in the manner of a pair of scissors, transversely the downstream strip 2. In addition, the blade 11 and against the blade 12 can be arranged from and else the connection plane P3 and can be oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b provided (s) for guiding the downstream band 2 so that the latter can pass between the blade 11 and against blade 12 ( figures 1 , 2d , 2 F , 2g , 6 to 12 ). On the other hand, the support 14c can be made in one piece or from an assembly of several parts.

In a preferred embodiment, the support 14c of the cutting head 11, 12 may consist of a rectangular plate fixed by one of its sides to the cutting head 11, 12 (see in particular figures 9 and 12 ) possibly by means of support pieces, not visible ensuring the attachment of the blade 12 against said plate forming the support 14c, while the blade 11 is mounted on the blade 12, in a manner known from the prior art.

In a preferred form, the device may comprise slides 14d parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes P1, P2, P3 and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b. Furthermore, the support 14c of the cutting head 11, 12 can be mounted (e) sliding (e) along the axis of translation, on the slideways 14d. Such slides 14d may be constituted by two elongated rectangular plates fixed on the frame 20 extending facing each other, each in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the reference plane P1, P2, P3, and to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b and each having a groove 14e forming a slider formed longitudinally in the inner face of the corresponding plate. Each groove 14e may be adapted to receive one of the lateral sides of the rectangular plate forming the support 14c of the cutting head, where appropriate one of the sides perpendicular to the side on which the cutting head 11, 12 is mounted. so as to allow sliding of the rectangular plate-shaped support 14c by sliding its corresponding lateral sides in said grooves, in the manner of a drawer.

If we now turn to Figures 2a , 2b , 2c it can be seen that in the cutting head of a device of the prior art, which does not comprise a second support surface 10a, or second adhesive tape 8, only the counter blade 12 is movable in translation while being carried by a support 14 'movable using a double-acting jack not shown and that the blade 11 is mounted on a fixed support 14 "having a bearing face so that, once the cutting of the downstream band made in the cutting plane, the counter blade 12 can be moved to a retracted position ( figure 2b ) leaving the connecting end 4 of the downstream strip 2 thus cut bearing by its inner face on said bearing surface of the blade holder. The retracted position then makes it possible to cause, by moving the support surface from its waiting position to its connection position, the connecting end 3 of the upstream band 1 provided with adhesive tape 7 in the connection plane, which has the effect of end-to-end junction connecting ends 3, 4 of the two respective strips 1, 2 and apply with pressure the free part of the adhesive face 7a against the external face of the connecting end of the downstream band ( Figure 2c ).

Referring again to the figures illustrating the device according to the present invention, it can be seen that, in a preferred embodiment, the device may comprise a first pressing element 9 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape or in the form of a rectangular or round plate, comprising two opposite external faces parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes P1, P2, P3, one of which forms, directly or indirectly, the first support surface 9a and the other a first connection face 9b connected to the first support means displacement 15 and, secondly, a second pressing element 10, of generally parallelepipedal shape rectangle or rectangular or round plate-shaped, comprising two opposite external faces, one of which forms the second support surface 9a and the other a second connecting face 10b connected to the second moving means, 16 ( figures 1 , 2d , 2 F , 2g , 5 to 12 ).

Preferably, the first pressing member 9 may be in the form of a rectangular or round plate and may be traversed by an elongate slot 9e, formed through its thickness, and extending parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guide roller 17a, 17b in the axis of the advanced position ( figures 6 and 10 ). The light is provided to form a visual cue for the operator allowing him to position the connecting end of the upstream band 1 provided with the first ribbon 7 against the first support surface 9a so that its contiguous edge 5 is located in the axis of said light.

Furthermore, the present invention may provide that the device according to the present invention further comprises a compensation plate 19, like the device of the prior art ( Figures 2a , 2b , 2c ) having two opposite inner and outer faces and being able to be made from a foam, or a rubber or other flexible material ( figures 1 , 2d , 2nd , 2 F , 2g , 5 to 12 ).

Such a compensation plate may be provided to be fixed flat, by its internal face, against the first support face 9a and the or the suction openings 9c can be provided to be positioned in the same plane as the outer face of the compensation plate 19, so that the support of the connecting end of the upstream band 1 provided with the first ribbon 7 can be performed indirectly by the first support face 9a by applying the outer face of said connecting end against the or the suction openings 9c and the outer face of the compensation plate 19. Thus the support plate forms a thickness of flexible material between the support face and the connecting end provided with the first ribbon 7 which improves the quality of the connection by compensating for all the irregularities or defects of the strips and tapes.

The first and second displacement means 15, 16 may consist of at least one actuator of the jack type, preferably of the double-acting jack type, for example a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical cylinder, preferably having an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the planes. P1, P2, P3, where appropriate axis substantially perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first and second connecting faces 9b, 10b. In addition, the third displacement means 14a may consist of at least one actuator of the jack type, preferably of the double-acting cylinder type, for example a pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical cylinder, with an axis parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes P1. , P2, P3.

If we refer to figures 6 , 8 , 10 , 11 it can be seen that the present invention can provide, in the case where the support 14c of the cutting head 11, 12 consists of a rectangular plate, a spacer 21 in the form of a rectangular plate fixed to extend parallel or substantially parallel to said rectangular plate forming the support 14c and leaving between a space allowing the passage of the downstream band 2 and reinforcing its maintenance to improve its guidance in the cutting head 11, 12.

On the other hand, if we refer in particular to figures 8 and 10 it can be seen that the locking or stopping means 18 may comprise a jack 18a, preferably double acting, for example a pneumatic jack, hydraulic or electric, of axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the reference planes P1, P2, P3 and the unwinding plane of the strip 2 and abutments 18b, preferably cylindrical, mounted at the end of the rod of the jack 18a via a stop support 18c and counter-stops, not visible in the figures, mounted on a counter-abutment support 18d. The abutments 18b and the abutments 18d can be positioned behind the cutting head 11, 12. The abutment and abutment abutments 18c and 18d can be provided to be disposed on either side of the plane containing, in use, the downstream band 2. The stops 18b can thus be provided to come, under the effect of the output of the rod of the cylinder 18a, in pressure contact against the outer face of the downstream band 2 by clamping between them and the Against abutments, which has the effect of blocking the unwinding of the downstream strip 2. Preferably, if necessary, the spacer 21 may comprise elongate through-slots 21a perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the or each roller. 17a guide, 17b and the rectangular plate forming the support 14c of the cutting head 11, 12 can also lights, not visible in the figures, extending opposite and along the lights 21a of the spacer 21 so as to allow the passage of the stops 18b through the spacer 21 to come to tighten the downstream band 2 against the abutments that can be positioned in the slots of the rectangular plate forming the support 14c of the cutting head 11 , 12. The lights of the rectangular plate forming the support 14c of the cutting head 11, 12 can thus enable the abutments to be positioned in the axis of the stops 18b while allowing the support 14c of said head to slide during the blocking. downstream band 2.

Finally, we can see on Figures 4 to 12 that the present invention can provide, in a known manner in a device of the prior art, centering means 22a, 22b of the positioning of the connecting end 3 of the upstream band 1 against the first support surface 9a. Such centering means may comprise two lateral guiding pieces 22a adjustable in spacing against the first support surface 9a by means of two levers 22b.

Such a device is suitable for implementing the connection method, according to the invention, butt-bonding strips.

The method of joining butt-bonding strips according to the invention allows the connection of a connection end 3 of an upstream strip 1 unwinding with a connecting end 4 of a downstream strip 2 drop-down which ends, each end of the two strips 1, 2 ending in a joined edge 5, 6 and said strips 1, 2 each having two opposite outer and inner faces 1a, 1b; 2a, 2b.

• coller le premier ruban 7 par sa face adhésive 7a sur la face externe la de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont 1 en laissant une partie, de préférence la moitié, de sa face adhésive, dite partie de face adhésive apparente, dépasser de son bord jointif 5,
• positionner et soutenir l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban dans le plan de soutien P1, ce de sorte que la partie de la face adhésive 7a apparente soit en vis-à-vis de la face externe de la bande aval (figure 1b),
• positionner et soutenir le second ruban 8 dans le second plan de soutien P2 de sorte que sa face adhésive 8a soit en vis-à-vis de la face interne de la bande aval 2 et dans l'axe de la face adhésive 7a du premier ruban 7 (figures 1a, 1b).

According to the invention, the method consists in producing, in a first step, the following preparation steps, starting on the one hand with a first single-sided adhesive tape 7 and a second single-sided adhesive tape 8, and, on the other hand, a cutting head 11, 12, of three parallel or substantially parallel parallel reference planes, namely a first support plane P1, a second support plane P2 and a connection plane located between these two last ones:

• sticking the first ribbon 7 by its adhesive face 7a on the outer face 1a of the connecting end of the upstream band 1 leaving a portion, preferably half, of its adhesive face, said apparent adhesive face portion, to exceed its joined edge 5,
• positioning and supporting the connecting end provided with the first ribbon in the support plane P1, so that the portion of the adhesive face 7a apparent is vis-à-vis the outer face of the downstream band ( figure 1b )
• positioning and supporting the second ribbon 8 in the second support plane P2 so that its adhesive face 8a is vis-à-vis the inner face of the downstream band 2 and in the axis of the adhesive face 7a of the first ribbon 7 ( Figures 1a, 1b ).

• arrêter le déroulement de la bande aval 2 (figure 1d),
• couper la bande aval 2 dans le plan de raccordement selon une ligne de coupe transversale située dans l'axe ou sensiblement dans l'axe du bord jointif 5 de la bande amont 1 et s'étendant parallèlement ou sensiblement parallèlement audit bord jointif 4, ce afin de former l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval 2 (figure, 1e),
• déplacer l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban 7 et le second ruban 8 jusqu'au plan de raccordement P3 de sorte à mettre bout à bout les extrémités de raccordement des bandes aval et amont respectives par la jonction de leurs bords jointifs 5, 6 respectif et à appliquer avec pression de part et d'autre de ladite jonction la face adhésive 7a du premier ruban 7 sur les faces externes 1a, 2a des extrémités de raccordement des bandes amont et aval 1, 2 et la face adhésive 8a du second ruban 8 sur les faces internes 1b, 2b des extrémités de raccordement des bandes aval et amont 1, 2 (figure 1h).

Still in accordance with the invention, the method consists in producing, in a second step, the following connection steps:

• stop the unwinding of the downstream band 2 ( figure 1d )
• cut the downstream strip 2 in the connection plane in a cross-sectional line located in the axis or substantially in the axis of the contiguous edge 5 of the upstream strip 1 and extending parallel or substantially parallel to said joined edge 4, this to form the connecting end of the downstream band 2 ( figure, 1st )
• moving the connecting end provided with the first ribbon 7 and the second ribbon 8 to the connection plane P3 so as to end the end ends of the respective downstream and upstream strips by the junction of their contiguous edges 5, 6 respective and to apply with pressure on either side of said junction the adhesive face 7a of the first ribbon 7 on the outer faces 1a, 2a of the connecting ends of the upstream and downstream strips 1, 2 and the adhesive face 8a of the second ribbon 8 on the internal faces 1b, 2b of the connection ends of the downstream and upstream strips 1, 2 ( figure 1h ).

• le déplacement du second ruban 8 depuis le second plan de soutien P2 jusqu'au plan de raccordement P3 de sorte à appliquer avec pression une partie, de préférence la moitié, de sa face adhésive 8a, contre la face interne 2b de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval 2 ainsi découpée (figure 1g), puis
• le déplacement de l'extrémité de raccordement munie du premier ruban 7 depuis le premier plan de soutien P1 jusqu'au plan de raccordement P3 de sorte à appliquer avec pression, d'une part, la partie de sa face adhésive apparente sur la face externe 2a de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande aval 2 et, d'autre part, l'autre partie de la face adhésive 8a du second ruban 8 contre la face interne de l'extrémité de raccordement de la bande amont (figure 1h).

In a preferred embodiment, the method may consist in the displacement step, to be successively carried out:

• the displacement of the second ribbon 8 from the second support plane P2 to the connection plane P3 so as to apply with pressure a portion, preferably half, of its adhesive face 8a, against the inner face 2b of the end of connection of the downstream band 2 thus cut ( figure 1g ) and then
• the displacement of the connecting end provided with the first ribbon 7 from the first support plane P1 to the connecting plane P3 so as to apply with pressure, on the one hand, the part of its apparent adhesive face on the outer face 2a of the connecting end of the downstream band 2 and, on the other hand, the other part of the adhesive face 8a of the second ribbon 8 against the inner face of the connecting end of the upstream band ( figure 1h ).

Thus, thanks to the method and the device according to the present invention allowing the application of two adhesive tapes on the two inner and outer faces of the connecting ends of the two strips, each extending on either side of their contiguous edges, it is possible to obtain an overlap of the junction of the two bands on their two internal and external faces ( Figures 3a, 3b, 3c ) for reinforcing said joint and covering any edge formed by the contiguous edges, especially when they are spaced ( figure 3b ) or form an overlap ( figure 3c ) at the end of the bonding, which may cause during the unwinding of the new strip thus connected effects of delamination, tearing or separation of the strips.

Note that Figures 6 to 12 do not show the second ribbon 8 applied against the second support surface 10a, so as to see the suction openings 10c.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (12)

1. Method for splicing bands end-to-end by double bonding making it possible to splice a splicing end (3) of an upstream band (1) waiting to be unwound with a splicing end (4) of an unwinding downstream band (2) which is ending, each end of the two bands (1, 2) ending with a butt-jointing edge (5, 6) and said bands (1, 2) each having two outer and inner opposing faces (1a, 1b; 2a, 2b),
   a method characterized in that it consists in performing, in a first stage, the following preparation steps, from, on the one hand, a first single-sided adhesive strip (7) and a second single-sided adhesive strip (8), and, on the other hand, a cutting head (11, 12), three mutually parallel or substantially parallel reference planes, namely a first supporting plane (P1), a second supporting plane (P2) and a splicing plane situated between the two:

   - bonding the first strip (7) by its adhesive face (7a) onto the outer face (1a) of the splicing end of the upstream band (1) leaving a part, preferably half, of its adhesive face, called visible adhesive face part, extending beyond its butt-jointing edge (5),

   - positioning and supporting the splicing end provided with the first strip in the supporting plane (P1), such that the visible adhesive face part (7a) is facing the outer face of the downstream band,

   - positioning and supporting the second strip (8) in the second supporting plane (P2) such that its adhesive face (8a) is facing the inner face of the downstream band (2) and in the axis of the adhesive face (7a) of the first strip (7),

   then, in performing, in a second stage, the following splicing steps:

   - stopping the unwinding of the downstream band (2),

   - cutting the downstream band (2) in the splicing plane of a transverse cutting line situated in the axis or substantially in the axis of the buttjointing edge (5) of the upstream band (1) and extending parallel or substantially parallel to said butt-jointing edge (4), so as to form the splicing end of the downstream band (2),

   - displacing the splicing end provided with the first strip (7) and the second strip (8) to the splicing plane (P3) so as to place the splicing ends of the respective downstream and upstream bands end-to-end by the joining of their respective butt-jointing edges (5, 6) and to apply, with pressure on either side of said join, the adhesive face (7a) of the first strip (7) onto the outer faces (1a, 2a) of the splicing ends of the upstream and downstream bands (1, 2) and the adhesive face (8a) of the second strip (8) onto the inner faces (1b, 2b) of the splicing ends of the downstream and upstream bands (1, 2).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that it consists, in the displacement step, in successively performing:

   - the displacement of the second strip (8) from the second supporting plane (P2) to the splicing plane (P3) so as to apply, with pressure, a part, preferably half, of its adhesive face (8a), against the inner face (2b) of the splicing end of the duly cut downstream band (2), then

   - the displacement of the splicing end provided with the first strip (7) from the first supporting plane (P1) to the splicing plane (P3) so as to apply with pressure, on the one hand, the visible part of its adhesive face onto the outer face (2a) of the splicing end of the downstream band (2) and, on the other hand, the other part of the adhesive face (8a) of the second strip (8) against the inner face of the splicing end of the upstream band.
3. Device for splicing bands end-to-end by double bonding suitable for implementing the method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, making it possible to automatically perform the splicing of a splicing end (3) of an upstream band (1) waiting to be unwound with a splicing end (4) of an unwinding downstream band (2) which is ending and being designed to be passed through longitudinally by the downstream band (2) by guiding the latter, said bands (1, 2) each having two outer and inner opposing faces (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) and ending at their splicing end with a butt-jointing edge (5, 6), said device comprising, on the one hand, a fixed frame (20), at least one guiding roller (17a, 17b) fixed to the frame (20) and being designed to ensure the guiding of the downstream band (2), a cutting head (11, 12) designed to cut the downstream band (2) along a transverse cutting line so as to form its splicing end, stopping or immobilizing means (18) designed to stop or immobilize the unwinding of the downstream band (2),
   the device being characterized in that it has three mutually parallel or substantially parallel reference planes (P1, P2, P3), namely a first waiting plane (P1), a second waiting plane (P2) and a splicing plane (P3) extending between said first and second planes, the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) extending parallel or substantially parallel to said planes and in that it further comprises:

   - a translationally mobile support (14c) bearing the cutting head (11, 12) which extends to the level of the splicing plane (P3) or on either side thereof,

   - two supporting surfaces (9a, 10a) arranged facing one another and translationally mobile along a respective axis of displacement (X) at right angles or substantially at right angles to said planes and, namely a first supporting surface (9a) designed to support flat, in operation, the splicing end (3) of the upstream band (1) provided with the first strip (7) bonded onto the latter extending beyond its butt-jointing edge (5) and a second translationally mobile supporting surface (10a) designed to support flat the second strip (8) in the axis of the first strip (7),

   - first displacement means (15) designed to ensure the translational displacement of the first supporting surface (9a) between a waiting position in the first plane (P1) and a splicing position in the splicing plane (P3),

   - second displacement means (16) designed to ensure the translational displacement of the second surface (10a) between a position in the second plane (P2) and a splicing position in the splicing plane (P3),

   - third displacement means (14a) designed to ensure the translational displacement of the support (14c) bearing the cutting head (11, 12) so as to displace said head between an advanced position situated between the first and second supporting surfaces (9a, 10a), in the axis or substantially in the axis or in the axis of the butt-jointing edge (5) of the splicing end (3) of the upstream band (1) in the state in which it is supported by the first supporting surface (9a), making it possible to transversely cut the downstream band (2) and a retracted position allowing the passage of said supporting surfaces in their displacement between the respective first and second waiting planes (P1, P2) and the splicing plane (P3).
4. Device, according to Claim 3, characterized in that the third displacement means (14a) are designed to ensure the translational displacement of the support (14c) bearing the cutting head (11, 12) so as to displace said head along a translation axis extending, on the one hand, parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes, and, on the other hand, either at right angles or substantially at right angles to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b), or parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b).
5. Device, according to any one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the first supporting surface (9a) comprises at least one suction opening (9c) making it possible to ensure, by suction, that the splicing end of the upstream band (1) provided with the first strip (7) is held flat against said first supporting surface (9a) and in that the second supporting surface (10a) comprises at least one suction opening (10c), making it possible to ensure, by suction, that the second adhesive strip (8) is held flat against said second surface.
6. Device, according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the translation axis of the cutting head (11, 12) extends at right angles or substantially at right angles to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) and in that said cutting head comprises, on the one hand, fourth displacement means (14b), a blade (11) and a counter-blade (12) that can move away from and towards one another, by virtue of said fourth displacement means, in the plane or substantially in the plane of the blade (11), to transversely cut, in the manner of a pair of scissors, the downstream band (2), the blade (11) and the counter-blade (12) being arranged on either side of the splicing plane (P3) and oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) designed to guide the downstream band (2) such that the latter passes between the blade (11) and counter-blade (12) and, on the other hand, a support (14c) bearing the blade (11) and counter-blade (12) assembly and being driven in translation by virtue of the third displacement means (14a).
7. Device, according to Claim 6, characterized in that it comprises guideways (14d) parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes (P1, P2, P3) and at right angles or substantially at right angles to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) and in that the cutting head, if appropriate the support (14c) of the blade (11) and of the counter-blade (12), is slidingly mounted, along the translation axis, on the guideways (14d).
8. Device, according to Claim 7, characterized in that the support (14c) of the cutting head (11, 12) consists of a rectangular plate fixed by one of its sides to the cutting head (11, 12) and in that the guideways (14d) consist of two elongate rectangular plates fixed onto the frame (20) extending facing one another, each in a plane at right angles or substantially at right angles to the reference planes (P1, P2, P3), and to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) and each comprising a groove (14e) forming a slide formed longitudinally in the inner face of the corresponding plate and being suitable for receiving one of the lateral sides of the rectangular plate forming the support (14c) of the cutting head so as to allow the sliding thereof by sliding its corresponding lateral sides into said grooves, in the manner of a drawer.
9. Device, according to any one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a first pressing element (9), of globally rectangular parallelepipedal form or of rectangular or round plate form, comprising two opposing outer faces parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes (P1, P2, P3), of which one forms, directly or indirectly, the first supporting surface (9a) and the other forms a first link face (9b) linked to the first displacement means (15) and, on the other hand, a second pressing element (10), of overall rectangular parallelepipedal form or of rectangular or round plate form, comprising two opposing outer faces, of which one forms the second supporting surface (9a) and the other forms a second link face (10b) linked to the second displacement means (16).
10. Device, according to Claim 9, characterized in that the first pressing element (9) has the form of a rectangular or round plate and is passed through by an elongate hole (9d) extending parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the or each guiding roller (17a, 17b) in the axis of the advanced position, said hole forming a visual marker for the operator making it possible to position the splicing end of the upstream band (1) provided with the strip against the first supporting surface (9a) such that its butt-jointing end (5) is situated in the axis of said hole.
11. Device, according to any one of Claims 9 or 10, each taken in combination with Claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a compensation plate (19) having two inner and outer opposing faces and being produced from a foam, or a rubber or any other flexible material, said compensation plate being fixed flat, by its inner face, against the first supporting face (9a) and in that the suction opening (9c) is positioned in the same plane as the outer face of the compensation plate (19), such that the supporting of the splicing end of the upstream band (1) provided with the first strip (7) is performed indirectly by the first supporting face by applying the outer face of said splicing end against the suction opening (9c) and the outer face of the compensation plate (19).
12. Device, according to any one of Claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the first and second displacement means (15, 16) consist of at least one actuator of the cylinder type, preferably of the dual-acting cylinder type, of axis at right angles or substantially at right angles to the reference planes (P1, P2, P3), if appropriate of axis at right angles or substantially at right angles to the first and second link faces (9b, 10b) and in that the third displacement means (14a) consist of at least one actuator of the cylinder type, preferably of the dual-acting cylinder type, of axis parallel or substantially parallel to the reference planes (P1, P2, P3) linked to the second support (9).

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