Method and apparatus for connecting resin films

Abstract

A connection method and connection apparatus for connecting long belt-shaped non-oriented resin films that are continuously advanced. A leading resin film and a trailing resin film can be connected while processing in a following step is continuously performed. The tip end of a trailing resin film ( 22 ) is joined and connected to a leading resin film { 11 ), and then a portion, immediately after the connected position, of the leading resin film is heated to a predetermined temperature range and cut.

1 . A method for connecting resin films, comprising the steps of cutting a long bell-shaped leading resin film that is continuously advanced, placing the tip end of a long bell-shaped trailing resin film on the cut end, and connecting by pressure bonding, wherein the leading resin film is heated immediately prior to cutting.  
     
     
         2 . The method for connecting resin films according to  claim 1 , wherein said leading resin film is a non-oriented film.  
     
     
         3 . The method for connecting resin films according to  claim 1 , wherein the heating is conducted to a temperature equal to or higher than the glass transition temperature and less than the melting temperature of the leading resin film.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for connecting resin films comprising unwinding means for a leading resin film, unwinding means for a trailing resin film, heating means for the leading resin film, pressure bonding means for the leading resin film and trailing resin film, and cutting means for the leading resin film.