Device and method for connecting an end of a first foil and an end of a second foil

Device for connecting an end of a first foil and an end of a second foil, the device comprising:

• a frame;
• a first foil supply arranged to supply the first foil at a first position;
• a second foil supply arranged to supply the end of the second foil at a second position;
• a carriage sub frame mounted to the frame so as to be movable with respect to the frame between the first position at which the first foil is supplied and the second position at which the end of the second foil is positioned, the carriage sub frame supporting at least a foil end holding unit arranged for holding the end of the first foil supplied from the first foil supply, wherein the carriage sub frame is configured to hold the end of the first foil and the end of the second foil when the carriage sub frame has moved from the first position to the second position, and
• a foil edge sensor for detecting a longitudinal edge of the second foil at the second position is mounted on the carriage sub frame;
• whereby the exact position of the longitudinal edge of the second foil is detected by aligning the carriage sub frame with the longitudinal edge of the second foil as follows:
• detecting that the reel from which the first foil is supplied in direction at the first position runs empty;
• cutting the first foil;
• guiding the cut foil end from the first position to the second position by transferring the carriage sub frame having the foil edge sensor in a direction X;
• detecting the longitudinal edge of the second foil aligned at a guiding block by the foil edge sensor;
• stopping carriage sub frame;
• and
• positioning sensor beam of the foil edge sensor exactly, so that a longitudinal edge of the first foil and the longitudinal edge of the second foil align.