High-Speed Core Loading

Abstract

A core loading apparatus 30 for delivery of cores (12 figure 1) into a winding apparatus (9 figure 2) comprises a turret 42, a delivery carriage 66 and one or more intermediate transport devices 34, 3

Description

Technical Field The invention relates to high-speed core loading, and in particular an apparatus and a method therefor. Background It is known to provide a core loading and label winding apparatus, as shown generally at 8 in Figure 1 (PRIOR ART). The apparatus 8 has a label winding apparatus 9 (for winding a label onto a blank core), and a bowl 10 which is loaded with cardboard cores 12. The bowl 10 is vibrated so as to move the cores 12 upwards and into a line as shown at 14; that is, the cores 12 are caused to advance in succession as a train. Each core 12 then rolls down an inclined ramp 16, and the cores 12 are then moved upwards by a lift device 18 in succession - to be loaded onto one of four mandrels 20. The four mandrels 20 are mounted on a turret 22 at different angular positions and extend parallel to the axis of rotation of the turret 22. The turret 22 is rotatable into position so that labels 24 can be wound onto each carboard core 12. When the cores 12 are full they are removed from the mandrel 20. While the apparatus 10 in Figure 1 (PRIOR ART) can be used for loading multiple cardboard cores with labels at the same time, an increased speed and flexibility of operation is desired. For example, the requirement for each core to be loaded onto a mandrel separately may lead to a relatively slow cycle time for loading the cores. Furthermore, if cores of a different diameter are required, additional flexibility of operation would be desirable. It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the previously known core loading apparatus. Summary What is required is a core loading apparatus and a method which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a core loading apparatus for delivery of cores into a winding apparatus, the core loading apparatus comprising a turret, a delivery carriage and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret and the delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having at least one radially extending mandrel for receiving one or more cores in a batch, the delivery carriage operable to receive the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices for delivery to the winding apparatus. Such an apparatus provides the advantage that cores can be transported in batches at a time, giving a higher throughput through the apparatus from supply of cores to the winding apparatus. Preferably the or each mandrel has an axis of elongation so as to accommodate a plurality of axially-aligned cores in the or each batch. An advantage is that multiple cores can be dispensed at a time from the mandrel through axial motion thereof, thereby increasing speed. In an embodiment, the turret is rotatable between a batch-receiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of said one or more intermediate transport devices. Advantageously, a mandrel can be positioned via rotation of the turret, and multiple cores can be dispensed at a time through axial motion thereof, thereby increasing speed. Preferably the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of the intermediate transport devices under the action of gravity. Preferably, the angle between the batch-receiving position and the dispensing position is 90 degrees. Preferably the turret has N mandrels and wherein the angle between the one or more mandrels is 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of mandrels. In embodiments, the turret has N mandrels, where (i) N lies in the range 1 to 8, (ii) N lies in the range 2 to 6 or (iii) N is 4. The apparatus provides the advantage that, with multiple mandrels, less angular rotation is required between mandrels carrying batches of cores that can be transported at a time, giving a higher throughput through the apparatus from supply of cores to the winding apparatus. It has been found that the use of four mandrels provides an advantageous increase in speed while not adversely imposing complexity. In embodiments, the or each mandrel (i) is removably attachable to a hub of the turret and / or (ii) has a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) has a circular transverse cross-section. Advantageously, a mandrel can be removed and replaced with a mandrel having a transverse cross-section (e.g. diameter) of the appropriate size for the required type of core, thereby increasing flexibility of use of the apparatus. Preferably, a receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel is configured to receive the batch of cores through translational movement of successive ones of the cores in the batch of cores in a first direction, and / or the delivery carriage is operable to deliver the batch of cores to the winding apparatus in a delivery direction. The delivery direction is different to the first direction. An advantage is that the winding apparatus can be flexibly disposed relative to the core loading apparatus to receive the cores in a delivery direction. Preferably, (i) the delivery direction is parallel to and in an opposite sense to the first direction and / or (ii) the delivery direction is horizontal. Advantageously, (i) the core supply can be on the same side of the core loading apparatus and / or (ii) the known horizontal-feeding core supply to the core loading apparatus may be used. In embodiments, (i) the axis of elongation of said receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel when the turret is in the batch-receiving position, (ii) the first direction and / or (ii) the delivery direction is horizontal. An advantage is that the known horizontalfeeding core supply to the core loading apparatus may be used. In an embodiment, the axis of elongation of said receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel when the turret is in the dispensing position is vertical. Such an apparatus provides the advantage that cores can be dispensed from the turret with gravitational force or gravitational assistance. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first core loading device having a first housing within which the turret is rotatable about the turret axis, wherein a dispensing aperture is defined in the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, through the dispensing aperture to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices. This advantageously provides control of the direction (e.g. downward) in which dispensing from the turret occurs. Preferably, the dispensing aperture is disposed in the base of the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, in a downward direction through the dispensing aperture. In an embodiment the delivery carriage has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves, at least one of the clamp sleeves being movable in a direction transverse to a direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves to releasably grip a batch of cores. Such an apparatus provides the advantage that cores can be securely and reliably be transported in batches at a time by clamping between clamp sleeves. Preferably, the at least two elongate clamp sleeves comprise a pair of opposing clamp sleeves, each clamp sleeve being movable to releasably grip a batch of cores. In embodiments, the elongate clamp sleeves (i) are removably attachable to the delivery carriage and / or (ii) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) have opposing grooves that are V-shaped in cross-section. Advantageously, cores (or different sizes, as appropriate) can be securely and reliably transported in batches at a time by clamping between clamp sleeves and / or held in the V-grooves. In an embodiment, the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation about a carriage axis between a delivery position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is in the delivery direction in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus, and a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is transverse to the delivery direction. Such an apparatus provides the advantage that cores can be reorientated for transport in batches at a time, allowing flexibility of apparatus layout while speeding up throughput. Preferably, the core loading apparatus comprises a second core loading device having a second housing, wherein the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation on the second housing. Advantageously, certain components (including the delivery carriage when not in use) can be disposed within the second housing, allowing them to be protected from interference. Preferably, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises a core transport device configured to receive the batch of cores in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, and to transport the batch of cores in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction. An advantage is that the winding apparatus can be flexibly disposed relative to the core loading apparatus allowing for the winding apparatus to be disposed spaced apart from the core supply, or for winding apparatus of different sizes / configurations to be used. Preferably, the core transport device comprises a spigot mounted to a core transporter carriage, the core transporter carriage being translatably movable in the third direction. Preferably, the spigot comprises an elongate member configured to receive a plurality of cores successively supplied thereto as a batch, whereby the core transporter carriage is configured to support the plurality of axially aligned cores. An advantage is that multiple cores can be stably transported in a batch while maintaining their orientation. Preferably, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the core transport device and a lifting device, and wherein the core transport device is configured to receive the batch of cores from the at least one radially extending mandrel and to transport the batch of cores to the lifting device. An advantage is that the winding apparatus can be flexibly disposed relative to the core loading apparatus allowing for the winding apparatus to be disposed spaced apart from the core supply, or for winding apparatus of different sizes / configurations to be used. In addition, separate devices within the core loading apparatus can be switched out / upgraded independently of the others. Preferably, the lifting device is configured to receive the batch of cores in the third direction, and to transport the batch of cores in a fourth direction transverse to the third direction. The third direction being the delivery direction. An advantage is that the winding apparatus can be flexibly disposed relative to the core loading apparatus allowing for the winding apparatus to be disposed spaced apart from other intermediate transport devices and / or for a winding mandrel of the winding apparatus to be disposed at a user-friendly height, for access. Preferably, the lifting device comprises a gripper hand mounted to an elevator driven by a drive device, the elevator being translatably movable in the fourth direction. Preferably, the gripper hand comprises a gripper elongate member configured to grip a plurality of axially aligned cores as a batch, whereby the elevator is configured to translatably move the batch of cores. An advantage is that multiple cores can be stably transported in a batch while maintaining their orientation. In an embodiment, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the core transport device and the lifting device, wherein the lifting device is configured to receive the batch of cores from the core transport device and to transport the batch of cores to the delivery carriage. An advantage is that the winding apparatus can be flexibly disposed relative to the core loading apparatus allowing for the winding apparatus to be disposed spaced apart from other intermediate transport devices and / or for a winding mandrel of the winding apparatus to be disposed at a user-friendly height, for access. In addition, separate devices within the core loading apparatus can be switched out / upgraded independently of the others. In embodiments, the cores (i) are elongate cores, (ii) have an internal transverse dimension that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes, (iii) have a cylindrical form and / or (ii) are made of cardboard or plastic. Flexibility is enhanced as cores of different internal transverse dimensions (diameters) can be accommodated and rapidly processed. Preferably the core loading apparatus includes a core tube cutter apparatus being operable to receive lengths of tube, and to cut them into the required sizes to deliver batches of cores to the core loading apparatus. Preferably the core tube cutter apparatus has blades to cut the lengths of tube to the required length, and an actuation device to advance the batch of cores onto the or each mandrel. In another aspect, there is provided a method of operating an apparatus according to the first aspect. In another aspect, there is provided a method for delivering cores into a winding apparatus using a core loading apparatus, the core loading apparatus comprising a turret, a delivery carriage and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret and the delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having at least one radially extending mandrel, the method comprising: receiving one or more cores in a batch on a receiving mandrel of said at least one radially extending mandrel; transferring the batch of cores from the receiving mandrel to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices; receiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices for delivery; and delivering, by the delivery carriage, the batch of cores to the winding apparatus. Preferably, the or each mandrel has an axis of elongation and the or each batch comprises a plurality of axially-aligned cores. Preferably, transferring the batch of cores comprises rotating the turret between a batchreceiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of said one or more intermediate transport devices. Preferably the method further includes moving said receiving mandrel through an angle so that the dispensing position is 90 degrees to the batch-receiving position. Preferably the method further includes providing the turret with N mandrels, where (i) N lies in the range 1 to 8, (ii) N lies in the range 2 to 6 or (iii) N is 4. In an embodiment, the delivery carriage has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves, at least one of the clamp sleeves being movable in a direction transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves, and receiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores comprises moving at least one of the clamp sleeves so as to releasably grip a batch of cores. In another embodiment, the at least two elongate clamp sleeves comprise a pair of opposing clamp sleeves, each clamp sleeve being movable in a direction transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves, and receiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores comprises moving both of the clamp sleeves so as to releasably grip a batch of cores. Preferably, the elongate clamp sleeves (i) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (ii) have opposing grooves that are V-shaped in cross-section, and the method further comprises: removing a first set of the clamp sleeves from the delivery carriage, and attaching a second set of the clamp sleeves to the delivery carriage, the second set having a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and corresponds to the transverse dimension of cores to be delivered into the winding apparatus. Preferably, the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation about a carriage axis, the method further including delivering the batch of cores to the winding apparatus comprising rotating the delivery carriage between a first position, in which the batch of cores is received at the delivery carriage, and a second position, in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus; wherein the second position is a delivery position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is in a delivery direction in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus, and wherein the first position is a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is transverse to the delivery direction. Preferably, the core loading apparatus includes a core tube cutter apparatus, the method including receiving lengths of tube at the core tube cutter apparatus, cutting the lengths of tube into the required sizes, and delivering batches of cores to the core loading apparatus. Preferably the core tube cutter apparatus has cutting blades and an actuation device, the method including cutting the lengths of tube to the required length using the cutting blades, and advancing the batch of cores onto the or each mandrel using the actuation device. According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a core loading apparatus for delivery of cores into a winding apparatus, the core loading apparatus comprising a turret, and a delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having a plurality of radially extending mandrels for receiving one or more cores in a batch, each mandrel having an axis of elongation so as to accommodate a plurality of axially-aligned cores in the or each batch, the turret being rotatable between a batch-receiving position where the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the plurality of mandrels and a dispensing position where the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel, wherein the delivery carriage is operable to receive the batch of cores from the receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel for delivery to the winding apparatus. According to another alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided a core loading apparatus for delivery of cores to a winding apparatus, the core loading apparatus comprising a turret, a delivery carriage, and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret and the delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having a plurality of radially extending mandrels for successively receiving one or more cores as a plurality of successive batches, each mandrel having an axis of elongation so as to accommodate a plurality of axially-aligned cores in the or each batch, wherein the turret is rotatable between a batch-receiving position where a respective batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the plurality of mandrels, and a dispensing position where the respective batch is slid off said receiving mandrel of the plurality of mandrels, wherein the one or more intermediate transport devices are operable to receive the successive batches from the plurality of mandrels and to transport them to the delivery carriage for delivery to the winding apparatus. Any preferred or optional features of one aspect or characterisation of the invention may be a preferred or optional feature of other aspects or characterisations of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 (PRIORT ART) shows a perspective view of a core loading and label winding apparatus according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a high-speed core loading apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a turret of a first core loading device shown in Figures 2 and 3 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a part of a core transport device of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 4 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of the core transport device of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a part of a transport device, a core lifting device and of a second core loading device of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 6 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows a side view of a part of the transport device and core lifting device of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 7 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a delivery carriage of the second core loading device shown in Figure 7 according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 shows a cross section of the delivery carriage shown in Figure 9 along line A-A according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a high-speed core loading apparatus and a core tube cutter apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description In accordance with the invention, a core loading apparatus 30 is configured for delivery of cores into a winding apparatus 9. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a high-speed core loading apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 30. In Figure 2 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 2 the highspeed core loading apparatus 30 is shown adjacent to and interoperable with the label winding apparatus 9 and bowl 10 (for supplying cores) of the prior art apparatus as shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2 the high-speed core loading apparatus 30 according to the embodiment is shown with covers and safety guards in place, i.e. in a state suitable for operation. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the high-speed core loading apparatus 30 shown in Figure 2. In Figure 3 like features to the arrangements of Figure 2 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 3 the high-speed core loading apparatus 30 is shown with covers and safety guards in place, and with the bowl 10 (for supplying cores) of the prior art apparatus. In accordance with the invention, the core loading apparatus 30 comprising a turret (not shown) and a delivery carriage (not shown) as discussed in further detail hereinbelow, and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret (not shown) and the delivery carriage (not shown). In the embodiment of Figure 3, the core loading apparatus 30 has a first core loading device 32 (e.g. incorporating the turret (not shown)), a core transport device 34, a core lifting device 36, and a second core loading device 38 (e.g. incorporating the delivery carriage 66 (not shown)), the details of which are discussed below. Here, the core transport device 34 and core lifting device 36 are examples of intermediate transport devices. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a turret 42 of the first core loading device 32 shown in Figures 2 and 3 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 4 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 and 3 are shown with like reference numerals. In accordance with the invention, the turret 42 is rotatable about a turret axis and has at least one radially extending mandrel 46 for receiving one or more cores in a batch. In an embodiment, the or each mandrel 46 has an axis of elongation so as to accommodate a plurality of axially-aligned cores in each batch. In embodiments, the turret 42 has N mandrels 46, where N lies in the range 1 to 8, more preferably lies in the range 2 to 6 and yet more preferably N is 4. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the turret 42 is rotatable about a horizontal axis as shown by arrow 44. The turret 42 has four mandrels 46 arranged as a cross on the turret 42. Each mandrel is a solid bar (of metal, e.g. steel) with one end secured to the turret 42, and the other end being a free end to receive and eject cardboard cores 12. In an embodiment, the turret 42 is rotatable, in use, between a batch-receiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel 46 of set of mandrels, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off that receiving mandrel and into one of the intermediate transport devices (e.g., core transport device 34 and core lifting device 36). The batch may be slid off that receiving mandrel and into one of the intermediate transport devices under the action of gravity. As discussed in more detail hereinbelow, in an embodiment, a receiving mandrel 46 is configured to receive the batch of cores 12 through translational movement of successive ones of the cores in a first (e.g. horizontal) direction (dl in Fig. 4), and / or the delivery carriage (not shown in Fig. 4) is operable to deliver the batch of cores 12 to the winding apparatus 9 in a delivery direction, different to the first direction. In an embodiment, the delivery direction is parallel to and in an opposite sense to the first direction dl and / or the delivery direction is horizontal. In embodiments, the axis of elongation of a receiving mandrel 46 when the turret 42 is in the batch-receiving position, the first direction and / or the delivery direction dl is horizontal. In an embodiment, the axis of elongation of a receiving mandrel 46 when the turret is in the dispensing position is vertical. In an embodiment, the angle between the one or more mandrels is 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of mandrels. Thus, as shown in Fig. 4, the turret 42 makes successive rotational movements through 90 (360 / N, where N=4) degrees. In this embodiment, in a first position of the turret 42 one of the mandrels 46 is horizontal and receives cardboard cores 12 from the bowl (not shown) via a core feeder channel 48. In a second position of the turret 42 another mandrel 46’ moves to the core loading position and receives a batch of cores. In a third position of the turret 42 another mandrel 46” moves to the core loading position and receives a batch of cores. In a fourth position of the turret 42 another mandrel 46”’ moves to the core loading position and receives a batch of cores. In an embodiment, the first core loading device 32 has a first housing (within which the turret 42 is rotatable about the turret axis), and a dispensing aperture 50 is defined in the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, through the dispensing aperture 50 to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices (34, 36). In an embodiment, the dispensing aperture 50 is disposed in the base of the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, in a downward direction through the dispensing aperture 50. Thus, returning to Fig. 4, simultaneously in the fourth position of the turret 42, the cardboard cores 12 (i.e. a batch of cores, on the first mandrel 46) drop through the aperture 50 of the core loading device 32 into the core transporter device 34. The aperture 50 may be provided with a door (not shown) so that ejection of the cores 12 through the aperture 50 can be controlled. In embodiments, each mandrel 46, 46’, 46”, 46’” has an axis of elongation and (i) is removably attachable to a hub of the turret 42 and / or (ii) has a dimension (e.g. diameter) transverse to the axis of elongation that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) has a circular transverse cross-section. Where appropriate herein, a mandrel is referred to as mandrel 46, and multiple mandrels are referred to collectively as mandrels 46. It will be appreciated that the turret 42 in the embodiment of Fig. 4 has four mandrels 46, 46’, 46”, 46’” and is rotatable into four operative positions. The four mandrels 46 preferably have the same diameter and correspond to the internal diameter of the cardboard cores 12 that they receive. It is preferred that the mandrels 46 are readily removable and replaceable with other mandrels 46 of a different diameter to receive cardboard cores 12 with a different internal diameter, which advantageously provides flexibility of operation of the apparatus 30. The Applicant has discovered that an increased speed of operation is achieved if batches of (multiple) cores 12 are loaded onto one mandrel 46 of the core loading device 32, which is then rotated for delivery of the cores 12 to the core transport device 34. Although four mandrels 46 are shown in Fig. 4, it will be understood that more or less than four mandrels 46 may be used. For example, between one and eight mandrels 46 may be used. The Applicant has discovered that a balance is required between too many and too few mandrels 46. If more than four mandrels 46 are used the speed of loading may be increased but this is at the expense of complexity. If only one mandrel 46 is used the speed of loading may be decreased and the complexity would also be reduced. The Applicant has discovered that four mandrel 46 represents a good balance between complexity and speed, providing performance advantages. Returning briefly to Fig. 3, in an embodiment, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises a core transport 34 device; and, returning to Fig. 4, the core transport 34 device is configured to receive the batch of cores 12 in a second direction d2, transverse to the first direction dl, and to transport the batch of cores in a third direction (d3) transverse to the first direction dl and the second direction d2. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a part of a core transport device 34 of the highspeed core loading apparatus 30 shown in Figures 2 to 4 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 5 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 to 4 are shown with like reference numerals. In an embodiment, the core transport device 34 comprises a spigot 52 mounted to a core transporter carriage 54, the core transporter carriage being translatably movable in the third direction d3. In an embodiment, the spigot comprises an elongate member 52configured to receive a plurality of cores 12 successively supplied thereto as a batch, whereby the core transporter carriage 54 supports, in use, the plurality of axially aligned cores 12. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 5 the batch of cardboard cores 12 from the core loading device 32 drop (in direction d2) onto the spigot 52 of the core transporter carriage 54. In this embodiment, the core transporter carriage 54 is then movable by a belt drive 56 in a direction shown by arrow 58 (corresponding to d3). Figure 6 shows a side view of the core transport device 34 of the high-speed core loading apparatus 30 shown in Figures 2 to 5 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 6 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 to 5 are shown with like reference numerals. In an embodiment, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the core transport device 34 and a lifting device 36, wherein the core transport device 34 is configured to receive the batch of cores 12 from the first core loading device 32 and to transport the batch of cores 12 to the lifting device 36. In an embodiment, the lifting device 36 configured to receive the batch of cores in the third direction (d3, Figs 5 and 6), and to transport the batch of cores 12 in a fourth direction d4 transverse to the third direction d3 and to the delivery direction. As used herein, arrows labelled dl to d4 are for the purposes of illustrating the relative orientation of directions of movement or cores at various stages. In an embodiment, the lifting device 36 comprises a gripper hand mounted to an elevator driven by a drive device, the elevator being translatably movable in the fourth direction d4. In an embodiment, the gripper hand comprises a gripper elongate member configured to grip a plurality of axially aligned cores as a batch, whereby the elevator translatably moves, in use, the batch of cores. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the core transporter carriage 54 has a recess 60 which cooperates with a pin 62 of the core lifting device 36 which operate as a stop and location arrangement for the core transporter carriage 54 when it has moved to a far left position of Figure 6. The core lifting device 36 has a drive and a lifting hand (which may be a gripper hand) 64 for moving the batch of cores upward (in direction d4). In accordance with the invention, the delivery carriage 66 is operable to receive the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices for delivery to the winding apparatus. In an embodiment, the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the lifting device 36, wherein the lifting device 36 is configured to receive the batch of cores 12 and to transport the batch of cores 12 to the delivery carriage 66. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a part of the transport device 34, the core lifting device 32, and the second core loading device 38 of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 6 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 7 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 to 6 are shown with like reference numerals. In the embodiment of Figure 7 the core loading device 32 includes the delivery carriage 66, which is in a rest condition and shown at a position prior to receiving cardboard cores 12 from the lifting hand 64 (see also Fig. 6). In an embodiment, the delivery carriage 66 is mounted for rotation, in use, about a carriage axis 65 between a delivery position (orientation), in which the direction of elongation of the delivery carriage 66 is in a delivery direction 70 in which the batch of cores 12 is delivered to the winding apparatus (not shown), and a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the delivery carriage 66 is transverse to the delivery direction 70. In an embodiment, the core loading apparatus 30 comprises a second core loading device 38 having a second housing, wherein the delivery carriage 66 mounted for rotation, in use, on the second housing. In the embodiment of Figure 7, in order to receive the cardboard cores 12 the delivery carriage 66 is first pivoted, as indicated by arrow 67, about carriage axis 65 to a vertical position (corresponding to d4). The lifting hand 64 may then be operated to deliver the cardboard cores 12 into the delivery carriage 66, which is then moved back (by pivoting about carriage axis 65 in the opposite sense) to the horizontal position. The delivery carriage 66 may then be moved (translated) in a horizontal direction onto a loaded bed 68 as shown by arrow 70. The movement of the delivery carriage 66 is provide by a drive arrangement 64. Figure 8 shows a side view of a part of the transport device 34 and the core lifting device 36 of the high-speed core loading apparatus shown in Figures 2 to 7 according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 8 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 to 7 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 8 the spigot 52 and core transporter carriage 54 are shown in position to deliver cardboard cores to the lifting hand 64. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the delivery carriage 66 of the core lifting device 36 shown in Figure 7 according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the delivery carriage 66 has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves 72 (also referred to herein as “core clamp sleeves”), at least one of the clamp sleeves 72 being movable, in use, in a direction (indicate by arrows 74 in Fig. 10; see below) transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves, so as to releasably grip a batch of cores 12. In another embodiment, the at least two elongate clamp sleeves 72 comprises a pair of opposing clamp sleeves, each clamp sleeve being movable (indicate by arrows 74 in Fig. 10), in use, to releasably grip a batch of cores. Figure 10 shows a cross section of the delivery carriage 66 shown in Figure 9 along line A-A according to an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 10 the two core clamp sleeves 72 are shown to be movable in a direction indicated by arrows 74 to grip the cardboard cores received from the lifting hand 64 (see Figs 7 and 8). In embodiments, the clamp sleeves (i) are removably attachable to the delivery carriage 66 and / or (ii) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof (e.g. transverse to arrows 74 in Fig. 9) that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) have opposing grooves 75 that are V-shaped, or substantially V-shaped, in cross-section. The two core clamp sleeves 72 shown in Figs 9 and 10 are preferably replaceable - for use with cardboard cores having a different diameter, which advantageously provides flexibility of operation to the apparatus 30. The skilled person will understand the requirements for movement and operation of the various parts of the apparatus 30 to perform the required tasks. For example, drive arrangements may be provided by known electromechanical devices such as electric motors and pneumatic actuators. Furthermore, the apparatus 30 may be operated under the control of suitable software when run on a computer device connected for control of the electromechanical devices as required, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a high-speed core loading apparatus and a core tube cutter apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention generally designated 80. In Figure 11 like features to the arrangements of Figures 2 to 10 are shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 11 the known label winding apparatus 9 is shown for use with the first core loading device 32, the core transport device 34, the core lifting device 36, and the second core loading device 38 as discussed above. In the embodiment of Figure 11 the known bowl 10 arrangement previously discussed is replaced by the core tube cutter apparatus 82. The core tube cutter apparatus 82 is operable to receive lengths of cardboard tube 84 on a loading chute 86, and to cut them into the required sizes before delivering them to the core loading device 32. The core tube cutter apparatus 82 may have blades to cut the cardboard tube 84 to the correct length, and an actuation device (not shown) to push the cardboard cores 12 onto a mandrel 46 of the core loading device 32 via the core feeder channel 48. The arrangements shown in Figure 11 provide a system that permit cardboard cores to be cut on demand in an automated workflow application, thereby enhancing flexibility of operation. The apparatus 80 is operable to cut and deliver batches of cardboard cores 12 to the mandrel 46. Figure 12 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 90. It will be appreciated that the steps may be performed in a different order, and may not necessarily be performed in the order shown in Figure 12. The method 90 is suitably carried out using a core loading apparatus described hereinabove in relation to Figs 1 to 11, or 12. The method 90 comprises, initially, receiving 92 one or more cores in a batch on a receiving mandrel of said at least one radially extending mandrel. As noted above, preferably the or each mandrel has an axis of elongation and the or each batch comprises a plurality of axially-aligned cores. Next, the method 90 comprises transferring 94 the batch of cores from the receiving mandrel 46 to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices (34, 36). As noted, the core loading apparatus preferably comprises a turret 42, and transferring 94 the batch of cores preferably comprises rotating the turret 42 between a batch-receiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel 46 of the at least one mandrel, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of said one or more intermediate transport devices (34, 36). In an embodiment, the method further includes moving said receiving mandrel through an angle so that the dispensing position is 90 degrees to the batch-receiving position. The angle between the batch-receiving position and the dispensing position may be defined by the equation (N-l) x 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of mandrels (i.e. N is equal to or greater than 1). In embodiments, the turret has N mandrels, where N lies in the range 1 to 8, more preferably N lies in the range 2 to 6 or yet more preferably N is 4. In accordance with the invention, the method 90 next comprises receiving 96, at the delivery carriage 66, the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices (34, 36) for delivery. In one embodiment, the delivery carriage 66 has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves 72, at least one of the clamp sleeves 72 being movable in a direction 74 transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves; and receiving 96, at the delivery carriage 66, the batch of cores comprises moving at least one of the clamp sleeves 72 so as to releasably grip a batch of cores 12. In another embodiment, the at least two elongate clamp sleeves 72 comprises a pair of opposing clamp sleeves 72, each clamp sleeve 72 being movable in a direction 74 transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves 72; and receiving 96, at the delivery carriage 66, the batch of cores comprises moving both of the clamp sleeves 72 so as to releasably grip a batch of cores 12. In accordance with the invention, the method 90 next comprises delivering 98, by the delivery carriage 66, the batch of cores to the winding apparatus 9. In an embodiment, the delivery carriage 66 is mounted for rotation about a carriage axis 67, and delivering 98 the batch of cores 12 to the winding apparatus 9 comprises rotating the delivery carriage 66 between a first position, in which the batch of cores 12 is received at the delivery carriage 66, and a second position, in which the batch of cores 12 is delivered to the winding apparatus 9. Here, the second position is a delivery position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves 72 is in a delivery direction in which the batch of cores 12 is delivered to the winding apparatus, and the first position is a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves 72 is transverse to the delivery direction. In an embodiment, the elongate clamp sleeves (i) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (ii) have opposing grooves that are V-shaped in cross-section. In this embodiment, the method optionally further comprises removing 100 a first set of the clamp sleeves 72 from the delivery carriage 66, and attaching 102 a second set of the clamp sleeves 72 to the delivery carriage 66, the second set having a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and corresponds to the transverse dimension of cores 12 to be delivered into the winding apparatus 9. The core loading apparatus includes a core tube cutter apparatus, the method including receiving lengths of tube at the core tube cutter apparatus, cutting the lengths of tube into the required sizes, and delivering batches of cores to the core loading apparatus. The core tube cutter apparatus has blades and an actuation device, the method including cutting the lengths of tube to the required length using the cutting blades, and advancing the batch of cores onto the or each mandrel using the actuation device. The apparatus 30, 80 described above provides an improved flexibility of operation for use with cardboard cores 12 having different diameters. Furthermore, the apparatus 30, 80 provides an improved speed of operation due to the loading and delivery of batches of cardboard cores 12 to the label winding apparatus 9. Using the apparatus 30, 80 a cycle time of about 8 seconds is provided for delivery of a batch of cores to the label winding apparatus 9.

Claims

1. A core loading apparatus for delivery of cores into a winding apparatus, the core loadingapparatus comprising a turret, a delivery carriage and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret and the delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having at least one radially extending mandrel for receiving one or more cores in a batch, the delivery carriage operable to receive the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices for delivery to the winding apparatus.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each mandrel has an axis of elongation so as to accommodate a plurality of axially-aligned cores in the or each batch.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the turret is rotatable between a batchreceiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of said one or more intermediate transport devices.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of the intermediate transport devices under the action of gravity.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the angle between the batch-receiving position and the dispensing position is 90 degrees.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the turret has N mandrels and wherein the angle between the one or more mandrels is 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of mandrels.

7. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the turret has N mandrels, where (i) N lies in the range 1 to 8, (ii) N lies in the range 2 to 6 or (iii) N is 4.

8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each mandrel (i) is removably attachable to a hub of the turret and / or (ii) has a dimension transverse to the axisof elongation that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) has a circular transverse cross-section.

9. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein, said receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel is configured to receive the batch of cores through translational movement of successive ones of the cores in the batch of cores in a first direction, and / or the delivery carriage is operable to deliver the batch of cores to the winding apparatus in a delivery direction.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the delivery direction is different to the first direction.

11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein (i) the delivery direction is parallel to and in an opposite sense to the first direction and / or (ii) the delivery direction is horizontal.

12. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any claim dependent thereon, 9, wherein (i) the axis of elongation of said receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel when the turret is in the batch-receiving position, (ii) the first direction and / or (ii) the delivery direction is horizontal.

13. An apparatus according to claim 3, or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the axis of elongation of said receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel when the turret is in the dispensing position is vertical.

14. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first core loading device having a first housing within which the turret is rotatable about the turret axis, wherein a dispensing aperture is defined in the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, through the dispensing aperture to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the dispensing aperture is disposed in the base of the first housing whereby a batch of cores is dispensed, in use, in a downward direction through the dispensing aperture.

16. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery carriage has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves, at least one of the clamp sleeves being movable in a direction transverse to a direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves to releasably grip a batch of cores.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the at least two elongate clamp sleeves comprise a pair of opposing clamp sleeves, each clamp sleeve being movable to releasably grip a batch of cores.

18. An apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the elongate clamp sleeves (i) are removably attachable to the delivery carriage and / or (ii) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (iii) have opposing grooves that are V-shaped in cross-section.

19. An apparatus according to any of the claims 16 to 18, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation about a carriage axis between a delivery position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is in the delivery direction in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus, and a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is transverse to the delivery direction.

20. An apparatus according to claim 19, comprising a second core loading device having a second housing, wherein the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation on the second housing.

21. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, when dependent upon claim 9, wherein the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises a core transport device configured to receive the batch of cores in a second direction, transverse to the first direction, and to transport the batch of cores in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction.

22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the core transport device comprises a spigot mounted to a core transporter carriage, the core transporter carriage being translatably movable in the third direction.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the spigot comprises an elongate member configured to receive a plurality of cores successively supplied thereto as a batch, whereby the core transporter carriage is configured to support the plurality of axially aligned cores.

24. An apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the core transport device and a lifting device, and wherein the core transport device is configured to receive the batch of cores from the at least one radially extending mandrel and to transport the batch of cores to the lifting device.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, when dependent upon claim 21, wherein the lifting device is configured to receive the batch of cores in the third direction, and to transport the batch of cores in a fourth direction transverse to the third direction .

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the lifting device comprises a gripper hand mounted to an elevator driven by a drive device, the elevator being translatably movable in the fourth direction.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the gripper hand comprises a gripper elongate member configured to grip a plurality of axially aligned cores as a batch, whereby the elevator is configured to translatably move the batch of cores.

28. An apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the one or more intermediate transport devices comprises the core transport device and the lifting device, and wherein the lifting device is configured to receive the batch of cores from the core transport device and to transport the batch of cores to the delivery carriage.

29. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cores (i) are elongate cores, (ii) have an internal transverse dimension that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes, (iii) have a cylindrical form and / or (ii) are made of cardboard or plastic.

30. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the core loading apparatus includes a core tube cutter apparatus being operable to receive lengths of tube, and to cut them into the required sizes to deliver batches of cores to the core loading apparatus.

31. An apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the core tube cutter apparatus has blades to cut the lengths of tube to the required length, and an actuation device to advance the batch of cores onto the or each mandrel.

32. A method of operating an apparatus according to any preceding claim.

33. A method for delivering cores into a winding apparatus using a core loading apparatus, the core loading apparatus comprising a turret, a delivery carriage and one or more intermediate transport devices between the turret and the delivery carriage, the turret being rotatable about a turret axis and having at least one radially extending mandrel, the method comprising:receiving one or more cores in a batch on a receiving mandrel of said at least one radially extending mandrel;transferring the batch of cores from the receiving mandrel to one of the one or more intermediate transport devices;receiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores from one of the one or more intermediate transport devices for delivery; anddelivering, by the delivery carriage, the batch of cores to the winding apparatus.

34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the or each mandrel has an axis of elongation and the or each batch comprises a plurality of axially-aligned cores.

35. A method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein transferring the batch of cores comprises rotating the turret between a batch-receiving position, in which the batch is slid onto a receiving mandrel of the at least one mandrel, and a dispensing position, in which the batch is slid off said receiving mandrel and into one of said one or more intermediate transport devices.

36. A method according to claim 35, and further including moving said receiving mandrel through an angle so that the dispensing position is 90 degrees to the batch-receiving position.

37. A method according to any of claims 33 to 36, and further including providing the turret with N mandrels, where (i) N lies in the range 1 to 8, (ii) N lies in the range 2 to 6 or (iii) N is 4.

38. A method according to any of claims 33 to 37, wherein:the delivery carriage has mounted thereto at least two elongate clamp sleeves, at least one of the clamp sleeves being movable in a direction transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves, andreceiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores comprises moving at least one of the clamp sleeves so as to releasably grip a batch of cores.

39. A method according to claim 38, wherein:the at least two elongate clamp sleeves comprises a pair of opposing clamp sleeves, each clamp sleeve being movable in a direction transverse to direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves, andreceiving, at the delivery carriage, the batch of cores comprises moving both of the clamp sleeves so as to releasably grip a batch of cores.

40. A method according to claim 38 or 39, wherein:the elongate clamp sleeves (i) have a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and / or (ii) have opposing grooves that are V-shaped in cross-section, and the method further comprises:removing a first set of the clamp sleeves from the delivery carriage, andattaching a second set of the clamp sleeves to the delivery carriage, the second set having a dimension transverse to the axis of elongation thereof that is one of a plurality of predetermined selectable sizes and corresponds to the transverse dimension of cores to be delivered into the winding apparatus.

41. A method according to any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the delivery carriage is mounted for rotation about a carriage axis, the method further including:delivering the batch of cores to the winding apparatus comprising rotating the delivery carriage between a first position, in which the batch of cores is received at the delivery carriage, and a second position, in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus;wherein the second position is a delivery position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is in a delivery direction in which the batch of cores is delivered to the winding apparatus, and wherein the first position is a receiving position, in which the direction of elongation of the clamp sleeves is transverse to the delivery direction.

42. A method according to any of claims 33 to 41, wherein the core loading apparatus includes a core tube cutter apparatus, the method including:receiving lengths of tube at the core tube cutter apparatus;cutting the lengths of tube into the required sizes; anddelivering batches of cores to the core loading apparatus.

43. A method according to claim 42, wherein the core tube cutter apparatus has cutting blades and an actuation device, the method including:cutting the lengths of tube to the required length using the cutting blades; and advancing the batch of cores onto the or each mandrel using the actuation device.

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