SE537734C2 - sleeve adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

13 ABSTRACT An adapter for reducing the inner diameter of a core (3) of a rollcomprises a first part (1) and a second part (2) arranged coaxiallyinside the core. The first adapter part comprises an inner bore (4) forreceiving a spind|e of a machine, the second part comprises an outercy|indrica| surface (7) for fitting on the inside of the core, and the firstand second adapter part comprises a common conical surface (6, 8)along which the first and second adapter part are guided when pressedagainst each other. (Fig 1)

Description

Within paper industries sheet products are provided on large heavyand bulky rolls having an inner core. The core on Which the sheetmaterial is wound has a suitable inner diameter to fit the machine onwhich the roll is mounted. Heavy grades of material require windingupon a core having a large internal diameter. However, these rollsmust be usable on available printing or processing machinery having asmaller diameter capability. Thus it is desirable to adapt to a small diameter even before the material is wound upon the core.

Long cylindrical cores made of plastic or spirally wound paperboard arecommonly used to wind large quantities of web material such as, forexample, paper or film into rolls for storage and transport. Some coreshave an inner diameter that is larger than those of other cores.

Common such inner diameter is 150 mm, which correspond to six 2 inches, and 76 mm, corresponding to 3 inches. It is desirable to mountrolls with cores of both large and small inner diameter on existingwinding machines. One such machine is double drum winders thathave spindles or chucks configured to accept cores with smaller innerdiameter only. It is thus known to install core adapters that havecentral bores that can be mounted on the smaller inner diameterspindles or core chucks of winding or other machine. Traditional coreadapters take many forms such as, for instance, leaf adapters withleafs that can expand to lock the adapter in the end of the core, rubberair or pneumatic adapters that are inserted in the core ends andinflated to lock them in place, and others. Core adapters made ofwound paper in the form of one or multiple concentrically arranged components are also known.

Several known devices and methods are used in the industry to adaptthe inside diameter to a usable size. However, most of these known methods and devices have drawbacks and are limited in scope.

From US 2006/0196990 (Wallace) a paper roll adapter is previouslyknown. The adapter is capable of handling a variety of sizes for bothoutside and inside diameter cores. It is economical to manufacture and is recyclable with other waste generated by the printing process.

The adapter includes an outer tube and an inner tube with the annulusfilled with a polymer based adhesive such as a thermoplastic adhesivematerial that becomes solid at normal environmental temperatures ora thermosetting resin. The outer tube is perforated and the inner tubeis counter-drilled. This arrangement of holes and counter-drills allowsthe adhesive to enter and form sections that increase the strength of the device. 3 From US 2012/0111990 (Kervinen et al) a self centering adapter ispreviously known. The object of the adapter is to ensure a preciselycentered smaller central opening and ensure precise concentricity of the smaller opening of the adapter with the larger opening of the core.

The adapter is made of wound paper and includes a generallycylindrical or annular body having walls that surround a central boresized to receive a spindle or chuck. The body has an outer diametersized to fit into the end of a core having a larger inner diameter andthe central bore is sized to receive a spindle or chuck having a smallerinner diameter. An axially extending discontinuity in the form of a slitis formed and extends completely along the length of the body andalso extends completely through the wall of the body from the centralbore to the outer surface of the body. In one embodiment, a series ofattachment holes is drilled either at an angle through the end of theadapter or through the walls of the core at its ends. Attachment holes also need not be drilled.

To install the core adapter of this embodiment in a larger innerdiameter core, the adapter is slid into the ends of a core and attachedwith screws or other fasteners. In the embodiment with attachmentholes drilled through the end of the adapter, screws may be insertedthrough the attachment holes and treaded into the core. In theembodiment with attachment holes formed in the core, screws may beinserted through the attachment holes and threaded into the body ofthe adapter. When no attachment holes are present, screws maysimply be threaded through the core and into the adapter or viceversa. In either case, the screws preferably are installed in apredetermined sequence that causes the adapter to expandprogressively outwardly facilitated by a widening of the axiallyextending slit in the adapter. When all the screws are installed, the adapter is lodged tightly in the end of the core, the slit is widened 4 from its normal or rest width, and the central bore of the core adapter is precisely centered within the core.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to seek ways to improvethe mounting of a roll on a spindle, where the inner diameter of the roll core is larger than the outer diameter of the spindle.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an adaptercharacterized by the features in the independent claim 1 or by amethod characterized by the steps in the independent claim 5.

Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

According to the invention the adapter comprises two interactingcylindrical parts. The two parts are coaxially arranged inside the coreof the roll. A first adapter part comprises a central body having acylindrical inner surface and an outer conical surface forming a wedge-shaped cross section. The inner surface is defining a bore arranged tofit the spindle on which the roll is to be mounted. A second adapterpart comprises a coaxial outer body having an outer cylindrical surfaceand an inner conical surface forming a wedge-shaped longitudinalcross section. The outer cylindrical surface is arranged to fit the innersurface of the core. The inner surface of the second adapter part isarranged to fit and interact with the wedge-shaped outer surface of thefirst adapter part. The first and second adapter parts thus have acommon conical surface. When pressed against each other inside thecore the two wedge-shaped surfaces interact in a concentric manner.Further pressing makes the outer adapter part expand and thusinterlock firmly with the inside of the core. When in position the inner diameter of the core is replaced by the adapter bore.

In an embodiment of the invention the adapter parts have the samelength as the core. In an embodiment the common conical surfaceextend along the whole length of the adapter. In one embodiment atool is used to press the two adapter parts together. The toolcomprises two gripping elements and a common threaded rod passingthrough the bore. In an embodiment the gripping means comprisestwo gable plates. Thus when turning the rod the two gripping elementsare narrowing each other and pressing the two adapter parts tointeract. There is no need for any hydraulic equipment, compressed air or external presses.

In an embodiment of the invention two adapters are used one at eachend of the core. The two adapter parts and the tool are looselyassembled before being stuck into one end of the core. In thisembodiment the inner gripping means of the tool is replaced by anumbrella construction having a plurality of hocks or claws grabbing theinner side of the first adapter part. By turning the rod the two adapterpart are pressed towards each other. The outer conical surface of thefirst adapter part thus will excite a radial force on the second part that will expand and interact with the core.

By pressing two conical adapter parts together the concentricity isconfirmed which will avoid out-of-balances-forces. High contact forcesare achieved by the wedge forces between adapter and core forsufficient torque transmission. Application of the adapter in the core isoptional before winding or after winding. With the corresponding toolthe application by hand is quick and easy. Since the extension of thegable plates are smaller than the core there will be no deformations of the wound paper. 6 In a first aspect of the invention the object is achieved by an adapterfor reducing the inner diameter of a core of a roll comprising a firstpart and a second part arranged coaxially inside the core. The firstadapter part comprises an inner bore for receiving a spindle of amachine. The second part comprises an outer cy|indrica| surface forfitting on the inside of the core. The first and second adapter partcomprises a common conica| surface along which the first and secondadapter part is guided when pressed against each other. In anembodiment the bore comprises a diameter of 76 mm. In anembodiment the outer surface of the second adapter part comprises150 mm. In an embodiment the common surface comprises a stepped shape.

In a second aspect of the invention the objects are achieved by amethod for reducing the inner diameter of a core of a roll using anadapter having a first adapter part and a second adapter part, whereinthe first adapter part is formed to comprise an inner bore for receivinga spindle of a machine, the second part is formed to comprise an outercy|indrica| surface for fitting on the inside of the core, the first andsecond adapter part are inserted from opposite sides into the core, andthe first and second adapter part are axially pressed against each otherguided by a common conica| surface such that the second adapter partexpands and make a firm joint with the core. In an embodiment thepressing step is achieved by using a tool comprising a first gable plateabutting the first adapter part, a second gable plate abutting thesecond adapter part, and a threaded rod by which rotation the first andsecond adapter parts are pressed against each other. In an embodiment the surfaces are covered with glue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 7 Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: Fig 1 is a plan and a cross section of an adapter according to the invenüon, Fig 2 is a cross section of an adapter being mounted with a hand operated tool, and Fig 3 is a cross section of adapter being mounted at one end of a COFe .

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An adapter according to the invention is shown in fig 1. The adaptercomprises a first part 1 and second part 2 coaxially arranged in acylindrical core 3 of a roll. The first part 1 has an inner cylindrical bore4 defined by an inner cylindrical surface 5 and an outer conical surface6. The second part has an outer cylindrical surface 7 and an innerconical surface 8. The inner cylindrical bore 4 defined by the innercylindrical surface 5 is arranged to receive a not shown spindle of amachine to which the roll is to be mounted. The outer cylindricalsurface 7 of the second adapter part is adapted to interlock with theinner surface of the core 3. The outer conical surface 6 of the firstadapter part and the inner conical surface 8 of the second adapter part are aligned with each other along a common conical surface.

In a longitudinal cross section of the adapter the first and secondadapter part form two interacting symmetrical wedges. Thus whenpressed together the wedge forces will make the second adapter part expanding and thus making a firm joint with the core. To achieve a 8 sufficient expansion the second adapter part is made of an elastic orplastic material. In an embodiment the material comprises a boardmaterial. In an embodiment the material is wound paper. In an embodiment the material includes cellulose or wood pulp.

When applying the adapter to a core the first and second adapter partis inserted into the inside of the core from opposite sides. As the partsare pressed together the central bore of the first adapter part will bealigned coaxial with the core axle. In an embodiment two adapters aremounted one at each end of a core. In an embodiment the adapter isdispersible and may thus be reused. In an embodiment glue is usedbetween the surfaces thus working as a lubricant when mounting andmaking an indispensible adapter when the glue has cured. In any case the adapter is recyclable.

When mounting the adapter any of the two adapter parts may beinserted first into to core. In fig 2 the first adapter part is inserted intothe core. A tool comprising a threaded rod 9 and first 10 and second11 gripping means is inserted through the bore of the core. In theembodiment shown the gripping means comprise gable plates. Thesecond adapter part is then inserted from the opposite side. The toolplates are preferably circular and in the embodiment shown the firstplate somewhat bigger than the second plate. The two plates mayhowever have the same size. Preferably the size of the plates shouldbe the same as the core in order to abut the core. However the platesshould not be greater than the core in order to not damage the paperwound on the core. As the tool rod is screwed the plates presses thetwo adapter parts together. When pressed together the wedge forceswill make the second adapter part expand and thus interact firmly withthe inner surface of the core. A joint with high strength and acylindrical bore concentric with the core will be formed. The tool is remover after assembly.

When using two adapters, one at each end of the core, the adapterparts and the tool may be loosely assembled in advance. In fig 3 thepackage of adapter parts and the tool is inserted into the core. Thesecond gripping means 11 comprises in this embodiment a plurality ofhooks including claws 12 on moveable links 13 and a joint 14 holdingthe links. The assembled adapter parts are stuck into the core. Thefirst gable plate 10 rests on the second adapter part 2 and on the core3. The claws 12 of the tool are resiliently forced to grab onto the innerpart of the first adapter part. By turning the threaded rod the clawswill put the first adapter part into the second adapter part. Since thetwo adapter parts have a common conical surface they will approacheach other in concentric manner. Thus when fully assembled the adapter will replace the core diameter by the bore 4.

Reel weight and core length will vary from case to case. For instancethe core length may vary from 20 cm to 3 m. Web speed of printingpresses may be up to 17 m/s. The adapter may be used with cores andspindles of different diameters. For instance the bore may be 45 mm ina core of 100 mm diameter. For instance the bore may be 125 mm in acore of 200 mm diameter. Thus the bore may vary between 40 to 125mm and the wall thickness may vary between 25 to 40 mm. Thelength of the adapter should be adjusted according to the chucklength. Commonly used chucks in the market have a length between100 mm and 280 mm.

Although favorable the scope of the invention must not be limited bythe embodiments presented but contain also embodiments obvious toa person skilled in the art. For instance a plurality of adapters may bearranged inside the core. Likewise the common conical surface of thetwo adapter parts may be arranged in steps or in a progressive shape.

The tool may comprise any mechanical device capable of pulling the gripping means together. The tool may comprise a lever construction.Also the second gripping means may comprise any construction capable of being folded together and drawn back through the bore.

Claims (8)

1. Adapter for reducing the inner diameter of a core (3) of a rollcomprising a first part (1) and a second part (2) arranged coaxiallyinside the core, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the first adapter partcomprises an inner bore (4) for receiving a spindle of a machine,that the second part comprises an outer cy|indrica| surface (7) to fitthe inside of the core, and that the first and second adapter partcomprises a common conica| surface (6, 8) along which the first and second adapter part are guided when pressed against each other.

2. Adapter according to c|aim 1, wherein the bore (4) comprises a diameter in the range of 45 - 125 mm.

3. Adapter according to c|aim 1 or 2, wherein the wall of the adapter comprises a thickness (t) in the range of 25 - 40 mm.

4. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the common surface comprises a stepped shape.

5. Method for reducing the inner diameter of a core (3) of a roll usingan adapter having a first adapter part (1) and a second adapter part(2), c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y forming the first adapter part tocomprise an inner bore (4) for receiving a spindle of a machine,forming the second part to comprise an outer cy|indrica| surface (7)to fit the inside of the core, arranging the first and second adapterpart coaxially with a common conica| surface (6, 8), inserting thefirst and second adapter part into the core, and axially pressing thefirst and second adapter part against each other guided by thecommon conica| surface (6, 8) such that the second adapter part expands and make a firm joint with the core. 12

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the pressing step is achievedby using a tool comprising a first gripping means (10) abutting thefirst adapter part, a second gripping means (11) abutting the secondadapter part, and a threaded rod (9) by which rotation the first and second adapter parts are pressed against each other.

7. Method according to any of claim 5 or 6, wherein glue is put on the surfaces to lubricate during pressing and to fix when finished.

8. Use of an adapter according to any of the claims 1 to 4 or a methodaccording to any of the claims 5 to 7 for reducing the size of a bore of a paper roll.