Splicing device for web materials, unwinder including the splicing device, and operating method

A method for splicing a trailing edge of a first web material to a leading edge of a second web material, comprising:

• feeding the first web material along a feed path;
• arranging a first cutting member and a second cutting member, respectively on a first side of the feed path and on a second side of the feed path, with one cutting member in front of the other cutting member;
• arranging and retaining the leading edge of the second web material in proximity of the feed path;
• cutting the first web material generating the trailing edge of the first web material and splicing the trailing edge of the first web material to the leading edge of the second web material;
• moving one of said first cutting member and said second cutting member transverse to the feed path from an operating position, which is said first cutting member and said second cutting member positioned one in front of another, to an idle position, wherein in said idle position said first cutting member and said second cutting member are staggered transversely with respect to each other, wherein a respective one of said first cutting member or said second cutting member moves along a guide away from the feed path of the web material;
• moving the second web material toward the other of said first cutting member and second cutting member;
• returning the first cutting member and the second cutting member one in front of the other with the second web material arranged therebetween and feeding the second web material along the feed path between the first cutting member and the second cutting member.