Flexible winding mandrel with core segments for producing rolls of wound paper

Abstract

A flexible mandrel is provided for holding cores or core segments so that a roll of sheet material can be wound on the core segments in a winding machine. The mandrel and core segments are coupled through elastic interference between the mandrel and the core segments so that the core segments are arranged either adjacent to each other or spaced apart. A method for producing rolls of sheet material on the novel combination of mandrel and core segments feeds cores in an apparatus, transversely cuts the cores to form portions of core or core segments, feeds a flexible mandrel into the core segments for supporting and maintaining the axial position of the core segments. Coupling is by elastic interference between the flexible mandrel and the core segments to form an assembly in which the core segments are arranged on the mandrel spaced apart or adjacent one to the other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a flexible mandrel with core segments for producing convolutely wound rolls of web material, such as bathroom tissue and kitchen towel.[0002]The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for producing such rolls using a flexible mandrel to hold the core segments. It is especially suited for use in surface (or peripheral) type rewinders. However, specific embodiments of the invention are suited for use also in turret (or central) type rewinders.BACKGROUND[0003]Many webs are convolutely wound onto cores, or core pieces, herein referred to as core segments or split cores when mounted on a common mandrel. Typically, the web is slit into ribbons and the edges of the web ribbons approximately align with the ends of the core segments. U.S. Pat. No. 2,553,052 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,769,600 describe turret rewinders that can operate with core segments. U.S. Pat. No. 1,076,189 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,437,398 describe a surface rewi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for producing rolls with inner precut cores or split cores on a flexible mandrel in a surface winder, which can be used in dedicated container / dispenser elements. This method allows for optimal and reduction of cycle times, reducing associated costs, while ensuring a high value of reliability and ease of implementation in the production plant.

Problems solved by technology

These drawbacks stem from the mandrels having at least one relatively rigid portion, typically made of metallic alloy or fiber-reinforced polymer composite.

Thus they are relatively complex, expensive to manufacture, and expensive for maintenance.

2. They are very heavy, with high mass and high polar inertia.

This makes them difficult to immediately accelerate at the moment of insertion and difficult to control at high speeds.

It also restricts the variety of products a surface winder can produce.

It is not practical to wind low density and low firmness rolls with a very heavy mandrel inside.

The debris is akin to splinters and can be dangerous to operators cleaning them up and to end users if bits get into the finished product.

However, oscillating, deformable, and compliant accommodations are not predisposed to operation at high speed without premature wear and failure.

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