US3547365A

US3547365A - Turret rewinder

Info

Publication number: US3547365A
Application number: US745068*A
Authority: US
Inventors: Raymond M Loase; Glenn A Spohn
Original assignee: Harris Intertype Corp
Current assignee: Harris Graphics Corp
Priority date: 1968-06-19
Filing date: 1968-06-19
Publication date: 1970-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 1987-12-15

Description

United States Patent Raymond M. Loase Dayton;

Glenn A. Spohn, Cincinnati, Ohio [2]] Appl. No. 745,068

[72] Inventors [22] Filed June 19, 1968 [45] Patented Dec. 15, 1970 [73] Assignee Harris-Intertype Corporation Cleveland, Ohio a corporation of Delaware [54] TURRET REWINDER 16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

Primary Examiner-Leonard D. Christian Attorney-Yount, Flynn & Tarolli ABSTRACT: A turret rewinder continuously winds web material into rolls after the web material leaves a processing machine. The turret rewinder includes a rotatable turret mechanism and a pair of spindles carried thereby. Thespindles are adapted to receive and rotate cores on which the web is wound. The web material is wound successively on the cores. When the web material is being wound on one core associated with one spindle, operations are performed, such as loading a new core in the other spindle to ready the rewinder for winding the web on the new core. After the roll of material on the first core is fully wound, the web material is cut and wound on the new core. When the web is to be wound on the new core, the turret mechanism moves the new core to an acceleration station, where the core is accelerated to a predetermined speed, which is equal or slightly greater than web speed. A knife assembly is also moved and a roller on the knife assembly engages the web and positions the web at a predetermined position for all diameters of finished rolls. The new core is then brought into engagement with the web and a knife is actuated in response to that engagement to sever the web. The new core, of course, is provided with adhesive, causing the web material to adhere thereto and be wound thereon. After a predetermined period of time, the knife assembly is pivoted away from the new core, the rotation of the full core, is stopped, and the turret mechanism is rotated to move the completed roll on the full core to an unlatching station. After the completed roll is unlatched, the turret mechanism is rotated to deposit the full roll on the floor, and moves the empty spindle by which the full roll was wound to a loading station. At the loadihg station, another core is loaded into the turret rewinder and the turret mechanism is rotated to move this core to a ready station in preparation for transfer of the web thereto. At his time, the other core is at the final winding position which permits winding a roll to the maximum diameter capacity of the rewinder.

PATENTED DEM 519m SHEET 1 OF 5 INVENTORB RAYMOND M 1. 0/136 BY 6L EA/A/ A. SPOHN PATENTEU 0m 5 I970 3; 5471365 SHEET 2 BF 5 INVENTORS RAYMOND M LOASE BY GLEN/V A. SPOH/V ATTORNEYS PATENTED nan 5 19m sum 3 BF 5 INVENTORS A A YMCA/D M 1,0435 QLEN/V A. SPOHN F r W ATTORNEYS FlOZ) TURRET REWINDER The present invention relates to a mechanism for winding web material into rolls, and particularly relates to a mechanism which will continuously wind web material into rolls as the web material is received from a processing machine, such as a printing press or the like, so that the operation of the processing machine need not be interrupted for purposes of rolling the web output of the machine and removing the web output therefrom. Such web winding mechanisms are commonly referred to as turret rewinders.

Turret rewinders are known in the art and include, in general, a turret mechanism which supports a plurality of spindles which selectively hold a core on which the web is wound in a work position for receiving and winding of the web thereon. After the web is wound on one core, a second core is moved into a transfer position and the web is severed and adhered to the second core so that the web may be wound onto the second core while the previously wound roll on the first core is removed from the machine. In this manner, the rewinder is capable of continuously winding web material received from a processing machine and there is no need to interrupt the operation of the processing machine. In such turret rewinders, problems occur during the transition of the web from winding on the first core to winding on the second core. These problems become particularly acute when the web is perforated, as is frequently the case in a processing machine where business forms are being printed on the web.

The problems center around the fact that if the web is severed too early or too late relative to the positioning of the new core to receive the web, during the transition, then the web may not be properly received and wound on the new core, but instead may flow onto the base of the rewinder, or otherwise result in substantial waste material. Moreover, the entire processing system including the printing press may have to be stopped in order to rectify the problem. This results in inefficiency and waste of time and material. Furthermore, the tension in the web, particularly a perforated web, during the transition is somewhat critical. If the web tension changes substantially, then it could cause tearing of the web which would prevent the web from being transferred to the new core and also result in waste material.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved turret rewinder wherein the transition of the web for winding on a new core is effected in a highly efficient and reliable manner with a minimum possibility of the web not being effectively and efficiently trans ferred to the new core, thus minimizing the possibility of waste material and lost time.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved turret rewinder which operates through the transition period during which the web is transferred for winding from one core to a second core without the intervention of the operator of the machine, and wherein the entire transition period is automatically controlled and which control includes the actuation of a cutting knife by movement of the new core into position to engage the web without operator intervention and with a minimum change in the tension of the web.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a turret rewinder for continuously winding a web wherein the web is transferred from a rotatably driven completed roll to a new core, with the transfer being effected by rotating a turret mechanism to bring the new core into engagement with the web and thereby operate a control device which stops the rotation of the turret, actuates a knife mechanism, and initiates the operation of a timing device which, after a predetermined period of time, stops the rotation of the completed roll.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a turret rewinder for continuously winding a web which is transferred from a core upon which it is being wound to a new core by rotating the turret mechanism to bring the new core into engagement with the web at a transfer station, and wherein the rotation of the turret mechanism is stopped when the new core reaches an acceleration station at which the new core is accelerated to a predetermined speed, which is equal to or slightly greater than the web speed, whereupon the turret mechanism again automatically rotates in response to the new core reaching the predetermined speed to bring the new core into engagement with the web at the transfer station.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a turret rewinder for continuously winding a web onto cores to form rolls and wherein the turret mechanism of the rewinder is rotated to bring a completed roll to an unlatching station, whereupon rotation of the turret mechanism is stopped to enable the completed roll to be unlatched, and the turret mechanism is then rotated to a loading station at which the turret mechanism is stopped to enable a new core to be loaded in the rewinder, the finished roll having been ejected from the rewinder.

Still other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a turret rewinder constructed according to the present invention and illustrating the manner in which a web is wound onto a rotatably driven core to form a roll;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 and with parts broken;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A 4F.are a series of schematic views illustrating the sequential movements of the turret rewinder; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the circuitry for controlling the operation of the turret rewinder.

The present invention provides an improved mechanism for winding a web of material into rolls after the web has been processed by a processing machine. Such a machine is com monly referred to as a rewinder and will be so referred to in this application. The rewinder may receive a web from any type of processing machine, but is particularly adapted for use with a printing press to wind web material into rolls after the material is printed. The rewinder of the present invention is of the turret type and is capable of winding rolls of material continuously so that the printing press can be continuously operated.

Considering now in detail the FIGS. of the drawings, a turret rewinder, generally indicated 11, is shown for continuously winding a web into rolls after the web is printed in a printing press, not shown. The turret rewinder 11 is located at the end of the printing press in which the web is printed. The image printed onto the web in the illustrated embodiment is that of a series of business forms. The web after being printed is advanced through a perforator 15 (see FIG. 5) for providing a series of spaced perforations therein, and then is advanced through a number printing unit 17 which 'consecutiveiy numbers the series of business forms printed on the web. However, as noted above, the web could be a plain, unprinted perforated web or a coated web of carbon tissue. The web is then advanced through a counter 19 for measuring the footage passing through the machine. From the counter 19, the web moves through a dancer roll assembly 21 for maintaining the proper tension in the web. The web is then advanced to the turret rewinder 11. The perforator 15, number printing unit 17, and counter 19 are conventional and, therefore, will not be described.

The turret rewinder 11, in general, includes a pair of

side frame members

23, 25. The

side frame members

23, 25 rotatably support a pair of

turrets

37, 39, respectively. The turret 37 rotatably supports a pair of

spindles

41, 41 at diametrically opposite locations. The

spindles

41, 41 are adapted to receive one end of a respective shaft or bar 42 on which a core is supported and on which the core is wound. The other end of the shaft 42 is rotatably mounted and latched in any suitable manner to the turret 39. The shaft 42, of

course, rotates upon rotation of the spindle in which it is mounted so as to wind the web thereon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the web is being wound on the shaft 42 which is carried in the spindle 41, and the spindle 41 is located in a working position, generally designated I. The spindle 41 is located in a ready position, designated IV, with another shaft 42 mounted therein. When the footage counter 19 indicates that the desired length of material is on the roll on the shaft 42, the number printing unit 17 is automatically actuated in a conventional manner to stop the consecutive numbering of the printed business forms thereby. Also, the

turrets

37, 39 are rotated to bring a new core carried by spindle 41' to an acceleration station V, FIG. 48, at which the new core is brought up to speed to substantially match the web speed. Meanwhile, a knife assembly 43, FIG. 2, has moved into the position shown, whereby a roller 45 has contacted and depressed the web into a predetermined position, irrespective of the diameter of the roll being rewound. The new core is then moved by turret rotation to the transfer station VI, FIG. 4C, at which it receives the web for winding thereon. The new core has a suitable adhesive, such as adhesive tapes secured thereto, and which grip or adhere to the web upon engagement therewith. As shown in FIG. 4C, a cutoff knife 109a of the cutoff knife assembly 43 is then actuated to sever the web, and the leading severed end of the web is then wound onto the new core to which it is adhered.

The

turrets

37, 39 again rotate until the completed roll 33 is brought to an unlatching station 11, FIG. 4D, at the discharge end of the turret rewinder 11 where the completed roll 33 is unlatched by the operator. Further rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 deposits the completed roll 33 on the floor and moves the empty spindle 41 to a loading station III, FIG. 4B. A new core, suitably mounted on another shaft 42, is loaded into the turret rewinder 11 at the loading station III. With the new core properly loaded, the

turrets

37, 39 are again rotated until the new core is brought to the ready station IV to await another transfer operation, and the core being wound by the spindle 41 is brought to the final winding station.

Considering the turret rewinder 11 in greater detail and referring to FIG. 3, the turret 39 is suitably attached by bolts 47 to a central hub 49a of a large diameter gear 49 which is rotatably supported by a ball bearing assembly 50 in the frame member 25. The turret 37 on the gear side of the turret rewinder 11 is rotatably supported in the frame member 23 by an annular bushing 51 which engages a smooth cylindrical inboard portion 37 a of the turret 37.

The

turrets

37, 39 are synchronously driven by a motor 55 (FIG. I) located on the gear side of the turret rewinder 11. The motor 55 is connected through a chain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 57, to a shaft 59 having spaced

gears

61, 63 mounted thereon. The gear 63 engages the large diameter gear 49 rotatably supported by the frame member 25 while the gear 61 engages teeth 37b formed on the outboard periphery of the turret 37.

The turret 37 is held square in the frame member 23 by a shaft 65 which extends between the turret 37 and a generally Y-shaped outboard support bracket 67 which is bolted to the base plate and connected to the frame member 23 by bolts 69 inserted through spacer sleeves 71. The inboard portion of the shaft 65 is supported in an axial bore 370 formed in a central hub 37d of the turret 37 while the outboard portion of the shaft 65 is rotatably supported by a ball bearing assembly 73 in the center of the Y-shaped bracket 67. The opposite ends of the shaft 65 are threaded, and

nuts

74, 75 are threaded thereon to hold the shaft in the central hub 37d of the turret 37 and the ball bearing assembly 73 in the outboard support bracket 67. This construction provides stability for the turret 37 and prevents end play thereof.

Mounted on the turret 39 at diametrically opposite locations and equidistant from the axis thereof are latching

mechanisms

77, 77 respectively, for rotatably supporting and 1 holding an end ofa shaft 42 on which a core is mounted. The

latching mechanisms 77, 77' may be of conventional construction so as to support the end of the shaft 42 for rotation about its own axis and, yet, latches the shaft 42 to the turret 39 for rotation therewith. Accordingly, the latching

mechanisms

77, 77 are shown schematically. At corresponding locations in the turret 37, i.e., corresponding with the positions of the latching

mechanisms

77, 77 are the first and second spindles 41, 41', for receiving and supporting the opposite ends of the shafts 42, on which a core is mounted.

The spindle 41 is rotatably supported in a bore 81 formed in the turret 37 by inboard and outboard

ball bearing assemblies

83, 85. The spindle 41 has a sprocket 87 at the outboard end thereof for enabling it to be rotatably driven. The spindle 41' is identical to the spindle 41 except for the alignment of the sprocket 87 for driving purposes, as will be apparent from the description below, and is rotatably mounted in the turret 37 in the same manner as spindle 41. Accordingly, corresponding reference numerals with prime designations are placed on identical parts associated with the

spindles

41, 41.

The spindles 41, 41' are driven by rewind motors 89, 89', respectively, secured to the base platefRotatably mounted on the turret shaft 65 between the frame member 23 and theoutboard bracket 67 are two concentric and relatively rotatable sleeve assemblies 97, 97', each having a pair of axially spaced

sprockets

93, 95, and 93', respectively, attached thereto. The rewind motor 89 drives the first spindle 41 through a chain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 91, which includes the first pair of axially spaced

sprockets

93, 95, while the second rewind motor 89' drives the second spindle 41' through another chain and sprocket drive, generally indicated 91, which includes the other pair of axially spaced

sprockets

93, 95.

The cutoff knife assembly 43 is located on the press end of the turret rewinder 11 and, as noted above, operates to sever the web during the transfer of the web from one core to another core. The knife assembly 43 includes a pair of brackets 92, 93 that are secured to a shaft 96 which extends through the

frame members

23, 25 and is rotatably mounted therein. On the gear side of turret rewinder 11, one end of a crank arm 97a (FIG. 1) is secured to the shaft 96, while the opposite end 9712 is pivotally connected to a piston rod 99a of a solenoid actuated pneumatic cylinder 99. The pneumatic cylinder 99 is pivotally connected to the base plate and serves to pivot the knife assembly 43 about the axis of shaft 96.

Extending between the brackets 92, 93 of the knife assembly 43 is a roller 45 which engages the web and moves it to a predetermined transition position, as is further discussed below, when the knife assembly 43 is pivoted by actuation of cylinder 99. Normally, the knife assembly 43 is in a retracted position, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4D, 4E and 4F, and is thus out of the way so as not to interfere with other operations of the rewinder. The knife assembly 43 is moved to the transition position, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4B and 4C from the retracted position by the cylinder 99. The amount of movement of the roller 45 is the same for all diameter finished rolls and, thus, the web is always positioned in the same location for transition to a new core. Also extending between the brackets 92, 93 adjacent to the knife roller 45 is the cutoff knife assembly 100.

The cutoff knife assembly 190 includes the knife blade 100a movable relative to a support 1001; therefor. Suitable guide mechanism is associated with the knife blade 100a to guide the movement thereof. The knife blade 100a is moved by a cylinder 1.00s which has a piston rod suitably attached thereto. The cylinder Mlllc is automatically operated at the proper time in response to actuation of a solenoid, as will be described hereinbelow.

Also associated with the knife assembly 43 is a web guide roll 45a. The web guide roll 45a is rotatably supported on shaft 96. The web, as it enters the rewinder 11, is trained under the roll 45a and thus guided into the rewinder. The roll 45 is located downstream from the roll 45a, as should be apparent from the drawings. Moreover, the knife 100a is downstream of the roll 45, and when actuated, cuts the web immediately adjacent the roll 45, but in the area between the roll 45 and the core at the work station 1 on which the web is being wound.

The operation of the turret rewinder 11 is controlled by a plurality of switches located on the frame members and actuated by the movement of the turret 39 and the knife assembly 43. On the operator side of the turret rewinder 11, between the gear 49 and the frame member 25, are two sets of axially spaced cams secured to the gear 49. Certain of the switches, namely SW-l, SW-2, SW-4, are actuated by a pair of diametrically opposite cams A-l, A-2 which are located in radial alignment with the first and

second latching mechanisms

77, 77 respectively. Switch SW-l is located at the ready station IV for stopping the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 when a new core is in the ready station IV. The switch SW-Z is located diametrically opposite the unlatching station 11 for stopping the rotation of

turrets

37, 39 when a completed roll is at the unlatching station II. The switch SW4 is located at the loading station 11] for stopping the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 to enable a new core to be loaded into the turrets.

Another set of switches, namely, SW-10, SW41, are supported by the frame member 25 and are actuated by a cam B which is secured to the gear 49. The switches SW-10, SW-ll are axially spaced from switches SW-l, SW-2 and SW-4, and the cams A A-2 do not move in a path which would result in their actuation of switches SW-10, SW-.11. Likewise, cam B is located so as not to actuate switches SW-l, SW-2 and SW-4. Switch SW-11 is located adjacent the top of the turret rewinder and operates to stop the turret when one spindle 41 with a new core is at the acceleration station V, and switch SW- is located adjacent the bottom of the turret rewinder operates to stop the turret when the other spindle 41' is at the acceleration station V. v

To enable an operator to start the rotation of the turrets 37 39, a turret pushbutton switch 125 is located at the discharge end of the turret rewinder 11. In addition, a switch SW-8 is located adjacent to the unloading station for disabling the turret pushbutton switch 125 until the completed roll is unlatched. Also a switch SW-9 is located at theloading station for enabling the turret pushbutton switch 125 to be operated when a new core is loaded into the turret rewinder 11. The spindle 41 has an axial bore 410 formedtherethrough in which a spring-biased plunger 103 is mounted, and the insertion of a core-supporting shaft 42 into the spindle 41 at the loading station lll moves the plunger 103 and operates switch SW-9. Another spring-biased plunger 103' is mounted in the other spindle 41' in the same identical manner.

Furthennore, a switch SW-12 is located on the gear side of the turret rewinder 11 and is operated by the'movement of the end 97b of the crank arm when the knife assembly 43 moves to the transition position. The switch SW -12 is also actuated when a new core engages the web and moves the knife assembly 43 in a direction toward its retracted position. The function, actuation and operation of theseswitches will be more apparent upon a consideration of the operation of the turret rewinder 11, to be described below.

The switches, noted above, form part of a control circuit for controlling the operation-of the rewind motors 89, 89' for the spindles 41, 41' and the motor 55 for the turret drive. The spindle 41 is rotatably driven by the first rewind motor 89 through an eddy current clutch 105 and brake 107 which are electrically controlled by the circuit containing the switches (See FIG. 5). More specifically, the rewind motor 89 is controlled by a first rewind motor circuit 109, the clutch 105 is controlled by a clutch circuit 111, and the brake 107 is controlled by a brake control circuit 113. Initially, before the first spindle 41 is rotatably driven to wind a roll, the clutch circuit 111 is turned OFF and the brake circuit 113 is turned ON by a signal from a printing press control circuit 115 which controls the operation of the printing press. The rewind motor circuit 109 is controlled by an operator control switch, not shown,

and is normally turned ON by the operator to operate the rewind motor 89.

The actuation of the switch SW-ll starts the rotation of the spindle 41 by turning the clutch circuit 111 ON to energize the clutch and by enabling the brake circuit '113 to receive a signal from the remote governor generator which turns the brake circuit 113 OFF, thereby causing the motor 89 to drive the spindle 41. During the initial operation of the rewind motor, the clutch and brake circuits .111, 113, respectively, are operated so as to control the speed of the core driven by the spindle 41. When the first clutch circuit 111 is turned ON, it receives a predetermined bias signal from a comparator circuit 117 which controls the energization of the clutch 105 throughthe clutch circuit 111. The comparator circuit 117 produces the predetermined bias signal in response to a reference signal produced by circuitry, not shown, which may be considered to be a part of the comparator circuit 117 itself. The clutch 105, as should be apparent, controls the torque transmitted by the motor 89 to the spindle 41.The function of the comparator circuit 117 will be described in greater detail below.

As the spindle 41 is initially driven by the motor 89, the brake circuit 113 receives a signal from the remote governor generator 120 which isindicative of the linear speed of the web and another signal from the first rewind governor generator 127 which is indicative of the speed of the core. The rewind governor generator 127 is of a conventional construction. and is responsive to the rotational speed of the spindle 41. When the peripheral speed of the core, asindicated by the first rewind governor generator is equal to or slightly greater, by approximately 5 percent, than the linear speed of the web, as indicated by the remote governor generator 127, the first brake circuit 113 is turned ON to prevent further acceleration of the core and to maintain the peripheral speed of the core in relation to the linear speed of the web.

Before the core engages the web so as to wind the web into a roll, the drive for the spindle 41 is operated so as to maintain the peripheral speed of the core in relation tothe linear speed of the web,,as noted above. However, when the core engages the web so as to wind it into a roll, the drive for the spindle 41 is operated so as to maintain a substantially constant tension in the web. To operate the spindle drive in response to the tension in the web, the energization of the clutch 105 which is controlled through the clutch circuit .111 is varied by the bias signal produced by the comparator circuit to control the torque transmitted from the motor 89 to the spindle 41. The comparator circuit 117 is adapted to receive a signal from the remote governor generator 120, which is indicative of the linear speed of the web, a signal from the rewind governor generator 127, which is indicative of the speed of the spindle 41, a signal from the motor circuit 109 which is indicative of the load current of the rewind motor 89, and a signal from a tension sensor 1.16 which is indicative of the tension in the web and responsive to movement of the dancer roll 21 of the assembly. The comparator circuit responds to these signals, in addition to the reference signal, to produce the bias signal. In addition, the reference signal and the signal from the motor circuit are altered by the operation of a motor-operated potentiometer 118 to vary the bias signal produced by the comparator circuit 117 in response to the buildup of the roll on the core. The operation of the motor-operated potentiometer 118 is responsive to the signals from the remote governor generator 120 and the rewind governor generator 127 so that the alteration of the reference signal and the signal from the motor control circuit 109 corresponds to the buildup of the roll on the core.

When the switch SW-12 is actuated by engagement of a new core with the web, the operation of the clutch, and brake circuits 111, 113, respectively, is changed from controlling the speed of the core to controlling the tension in the web, as noted above. The operation of the switch SW-12 turns the brake circuit 113 OFF and enables the comparator circuit 117 to receive the signal from the tension sensor 116. Also, the operation of the'switch SW-12 enables the comparator circuit 117 to receive the signal from the motor circuit 109. In addition, switch SW-12 initiates the operation of a timer control circuit 119 for a predetermined period of time. The timer control circuit 119 is connected in controlling relation with the motor operated potentiometer 118. When the timer control circuit 119 completes its operation, it turns the motor operated potentiometer 118 ON to vary the bias signal produced by the comparator circuit 1 17. The comparator circuit 117, as controlled ,by the motor-operated potentiometer, generally serves to maintain the proper torque force on the spindle 41 in accordance with the linear speed of the web, as indicated by the remote governor generator 127, the speed of the spindle 41, and the increasing size of the roll being wound, as described above. Accordingly, as the size of the roll increases, the torque transmitted by the motor 89 to the spindle 41 is increased, and as the diameter of the roll increases, the speed of the spindle 41 is decreased. Accordingly, as the web tension increases, the bias signal produced by the comparator circuit 117 serves to reduce the energization of the clutch 105 to reduce the tension in the web, and when the web tension decreases, the energization of the clutch 105 is correspondingly increased to maintain a substantially constant web tension.

As the web is wound into a roll, the motor-operated potentiometer 118 also produces a signal indicative of the roll diameter, which signal is applied to a roll diameter limit circuit 121 connected in controlling relation with the press control circuit 115. As a result, if the roll diameter becomes too great at certain times during the rewinder operation, the press will be stopped. As the

turrets

37, 39 rotate, switches SW-Z, SW-4 and SW-l are operated and connected with roll diameter limit circuit 121 to set 10, 20 and 24-inch diameter limits, respectively, for the roll being wound by the first spindle 4]. Accordingly, the turrets must be rotated to deactuate the respective switch before the diameter of the roll being wound exceeds the limit set by the switch. Otherwise, the roll diameter limit circuit 121 will respond to the signal from the first motoroperated potentiometer 118 and turn the press control circuit OFF to stop the press.

When the roll wound by one spindle is complete, the

turrets

37, 39 are rotated to bring the core driven by the other spindle into engagement with the web at the transfer station, whereupon switch SW-12 initiates the operation of the timer control circuit 119 for a predetermined period of operation. The circuit 119 turns the first clutch circuit 111 OFF and turns the first brake circuit 113 ON to stop the rotation of the completed roll. Further rotation of the turrets operates switch SW-2 which resets the motor-operated potentiometer 118 in preparation for winding of another roll by the first spindle 41.

The

turrets

37, 39 are rotatably driven by the turret motor 55 which is controlled by a turret circuit 123 that is turned OFF and ON to move the spindles 41, 41' through a circular path past the various stations. When it is desirable to transfer the web from a completed roll being wound by the spindle 41 at the work station I to a new core associated with the second spindle 41' at the ready station IV, the turret circuit 123 is turned ON by a signal from the counter 19 to rotate the

turrets

37, 39 until the second spindle 41' is brought to the acceleration station V, whereupon cam B operates switch SW-10. Of course, this operation can be initiated by the operator if a counter is' not desired. Switch SW40 turns the turret circuit 123 OFF and causes the second spindle 41' to accelerate the new core. The switch SW- turns the clutch circuit 111 ON and the brake circuit 113 OFF for the motor 89, in the manner described above in connection with SW-I 1. When the peripheral speed of the new'core is equal to or slightly greater (105 percent) than the linear speed of the web, the brake circuit 113' turns the turret circuit 123'ON to rotate the

turrets

37, 39 until the new core engages the web at the transfer station VI. The turret circuit 123 is turned ON without operator intervention, as described above in connection with the drive for spindle 41. When the core in spindle 41 engages the web, switch SW-12 is operated in response thereto and operates to turn the turret circuit 123 OFF and initiates the operation of the timer control circuit 119.

When the timer control circuit 119 completes its period of operation, it turns the turret circuit 123 ON to move the completed roll to the unlatch station II, whereupon cam A-2 operates switch SW-2 which turns the turret circuit 123 OFF and disables turret pushbutton 125 from being operated. The unlatching of the completed roll at the unlatch station operates switch SW-8 which enables the turret pushbutton switch 125 to be operated. When the turret pushbutton 125 is operated by an operator, the turret circuit 123 is turned ON to rotate the

turrets

37, 39 and move the empty spindle to the loading station III, whereupon cam A-l operates switch SW-4 which turns the turret circuit 123 OFF and disables the turret pushbutton 125 from being operable.

At the loading station, a new core suitably mounted on a shaft 42 is loaded into the turret rewinder 11 in preparation for the winding of a new roll. The insertion of one end of the shaft into the empty spindle operates switch SW-9 which enables the turret pushbutton switch 125 to be operable. When the turret pushbutton switch 125 is operated, the turret circuit is again turned ON to move the new core to the ready station IV, whereupon cam A-1 operates switch SW-l to turn the turret circuit 123 OFF. The other half-cycle of operation is identical to that previously described except that switch SW- 11 and the first brake circuit 113 operate the turret circuit 123 instead of switch SW40 and the second brake circuit 113.

To transfer the web from a completed roll to a new core, it is necessary to move the solenoid-actuated knife assembly 43 from its retracted position to the transfer station and operate it when the new core engages the web. When cam B operates either switch SW-10 or switch SW-ll, a transition solenoid 129 is energized to cause the pneumatic cylinder 99 to pivot the knife assembly 43 toward the web until the cutoff knife assembly 43 is at the transfer station V1. The pivotal movement of the knife assembly 43 brings the knife roller 45 into engagement with the web and moves the web to apredetermined transition position in the circular path of the new core being moved to the transfer station VI. In addition, the pivotal movement of the knife assembly 43 brings a cam 131 located on the end of the crank arm 97b into engagement with switch SW-12, thereby conditioning it to operate the solenoid-actuated knife a and the timer control circuit 119. The movement of the web by the roller 45 is through a short distance and does not greatly affect the tension in the web. However, any tension change which might occur may be sensed and compensated for by the dancer roll assembly. The movement of the turret also does not greatly affect web tension, however, if any tension change does occur it may be compensated for by the dancer roll assembly.

The movement of the new core into engagement with the web at the transfer station VI, pivots the knife assembly 43 from the transition position and triggers the switch SW-12. More specifically, the new core engages the roller 45 to effect this movement of the knife assembly 43. The operation of the switch SW-l2 initiates the operation of the timer control circuit 119 for a predetermined period of time and energizes the cylinder 100a of the knife assembly 43 to sever the web and enable it to be wound onto the new core. When the timer control circuit 119 completes its period of operation, it deenergizes the knife assembly 43 and deenergizes the transition solenoid 129 to cause the cylinder 99 to pivot the knife assembly 43 away from the roll being wound on the new core.

The operation of the rewinder 11 should be apparent from the above description of the switches and circuitry. However, the sequential operation of the turret rewinder will now be described beginning with the rewinder in the position shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, the spindle 41 is located at the working station I and the spindle 41 is located at the ready station IV. The spindle 41 is being rotated and the spindle 41' is stationary due to the fact that the brake 107 is energized and the clutch is deenergized. The web moves from the printing press through the number printing unit 17, the counter 19, and the dancer roll assembly 21 onto a core rotatably driven by the spindle 41 located at the work station 1. While the roll is being wound by spindle 41, the comparator circuit 117 applies a bias signal to the clutch circuit 111 to increase torque transmitted from the motor 89 to the spindle 41 as the diameter of the roll increases. This maintains the tension in the web substantially constant. This bias signal is responsive to the operation of the motor-operated potentiometer 118 and a signal from the web tension sensor 116 which is operated by the dancer roll assembly 21, as described above.

After a period of time when a predetermined length of the web has been wound onto the roll by the first spindle 41, the counter 19 operates to deactuate the number printing unit 17 and, at the same time, turns the turret circuit 123 ON to rotate the

turrets

37, 39. The

turrets

37, 39 rotate until the new core reaches the acceleration station V, whereupon-cam B operates switch SW-l (FIG. 48) to stop the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 and energized the transition solenoid 129 to pivot the knife assembly 43 toward the web. The pivotal movement of the knife assembly 43 places the cutofi knife assembly 43 at the transfer station VI, and brings the knife roller 45 into engagement with the web and moves it to a predetermined transition position, asshown in FIG. 4B.

In addition, the pivotal movement of the knife assembly 43 conditions switch SW-l2 for the transfer operation. At the same time, the switch SW- turns the second clutch circuit 111 ON and enables the second brake circuit 113' to receive a signal from the remote governor generator 120 which turns the brake circuit OFF, thereby causing the motor 89' to drive the spindle 41. The core driven by the second spindle 41' is accelerated until its peripheral speed, as indicated by the rewind governor generator 127 is approximately approximately 105 percent of the linear speed of the web, whereupon the brake circuit 117 is turned ON to prevent further acceleration and maintain the speed of the core relative to the speed of the web. Also, the brake circuit 117' turns the turret control circuit 123 ON to move the new core into engagement with the web at the transfer station Vl, as shown in FIG. 4C, and as noted above.

When the new core engages the web, the web attaches to the adhesive on the core and thus the web immediately tends to wind up on the new core. Moreover, the new core, when it engages the web is forced to assume the speed'of the web and moves the knife roller 45 from the transition position and operates switch SW-l2 to stop the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39. Switch SW-12 also energizes the knife solenoid 1000 to effect severing of the portion of the web which is in advance of the portion of the web adhered to the new core. The knife actuation occurs extremely rapidly so as to effect severing of the proper portion of the web. The leading severed end of the web is then wound onto the new core associated with spindle 41. The switch SW-12 initiates the operation of the timer control circuit 119 to continue the rotation of the completed roll on the first spindle 41, thereby enabling the trailing end of the severed web to be wound onto the roll on spindle 41. This also ensures that tension will not be lost prematurely in the full roll. in addition, the switch SW-l2 turns the second brake circuit 113 OFF and enables the second torque circuit 117' to receive the signal from the tension sensor 116 to maintain a substantially constant web tension.

When the timer control circuit 119 completes its period of operation, it stops the rotation of the completed roll on spindle 41 by turning the first clutch circuit 111 OFF and the first brake circuit 113 ON. Also, the timer control circuit 119 turns the transition solenoid OFF to effect pivoting of the knife assembly 43 away from the web. Additionally, the timer control circuit 119 turns the turret circuit 123 ON to rotate the second spindle 41' from the transfer station. Moreover, the timer circuit 119 initiates the operation of the motor-operated potentiometer 118' to vary the bias signal produced by the comparator circuit 117' in accordance with roll buildup so as to maintain the proper tension in the web now being wound by spindle 41'.

The

turrets

37, 39 rotate until the completed roll on the first spindle 41 is brought to the unlatching station 11, as shown in FIG. 4D, whereupon cam A-2 operates switch SW-2 to stop the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 and disable the turret pushbutton switch from being operated. In addition, switch SW-2 resets the motor-operated potentiometer 118 and sets a lO-inch roll diameter limit in the roll diameter limit circuit 121'. The l0 -inch diameter provides enough time for the operator to perform the unlatching operation, but but if the operator does not unlatch the full roll, the press stops, therefore, a jam-up of the new roll with the mechanism is prevented. When the completed roll is unlatched at the loading station, switch SW-8 is operated to condition the turret pushbutton 125 for operation.

When the turret pushbutton 125 is manually operated, the

turrets

37, 39 rotate and deposit the completed roll on the floor. The

turrets

37, 39 continue to rotate until the first spindle 41 reaches the loading station lll, whereupon cam A-l operates switch SW-4, as shown in FIG. 4E. Switch SW-4 stops the rotation of the

turrets

37, 39 to enable a new core to be loaded in the turret rewinder 11. In addition, switch SW-4 sets a 20 -inch diameter limit for the roll being wound by the second spindle 41 and disables the turret pushbutton 125 from being operated. The 20-inch diameter limit provides enough time for loading a new core'in the rewinder. If the operator does not, the press will stop.

1n preparation for winding a new roll, another core suitably mounted on a shaft 42 is loaded into the turret rewinder 11 with one end of the shaft 42 being inserted into the spindle 41 and the other end being latched to the turret 37. The insertion of the shaft 42 into the spindle 41 operates switch SW-9 which conditions the turret pushbutton 125 for operation. When the turret pushbutton 125 is again operated, the

turrets

37, 39 rotate until the first spindle 41 is brought to the ready position, whereupon cam A-l operates SW-1 to stop the rotation of the turrets and sets a 24-inch diameter limit for the roll being wound by the second spindle 41', as shown in FIG. 4F. The roll diameter limits, which are set, are dependent upon the physical design of the rewinder and namely, the distance between the centers of the spindles 41, 41'. These limits could be changed by changing the physical design of the rewinder.

After a period of time, the counter 19 again causes a new roll to be wound by effecting the transfer of the web from the roll being wound by the second spindle 41' to the new core rotatably driven by the first spindle 41. The operation of the turret rewinder 11 will be similar to that previously described except that switch SW-l SW-ll will perform the functions of switch SW-10 during the previous half-cycle of operation. In this manner, the rewinder continues to form rolls of web material without requiring stopping of the press.

It should be apparent that the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in considerable detail and that certain changes, adaptations, and modifications can be made in the preferred embodiment of the present invention and it is intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and adaptations covered by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting a second core on which the web is wound after said first core is wound, second spindle drive means for rotatably driving said second spindle, turret drive means for rotating said turret to selectively position said first and second cores at a work station at which the cores are wound and at a transfer station at which the web is transferred from one coreto the other core for winding on the other core, a cutoff knife located at the transfer station and operable upon actuation to effect severing of the web, a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means and said cutoff knife, said control circuit including means operable in response to the movement of the other core into engagement with the web at said transfer station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said other core at the transfer station and for actuatling said cutoff knife to effect severing of the web.

6 2. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 1 wherein said control circuit includes timing means having a predetermined period of operation and actuated in response to the movement of the core into engagement with the web and operable to start the operation of said turret drive means upon termination of the predetermined period of time so as to move the other spindle from the transfer station.

3. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 1 wherein said control circuit is connected in controlling relation to the spindle drive means associated with the one spindle carrying said one core, and said control circuit includes timing means having a predetermined period of operation and operable in response to the movement of the other core into engagement with the web for stopping the operation of said one spindle drive means upon termination of the predetermined period of time.

4. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first and second spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentially spaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radial distances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common path upon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller and a cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer station to bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the web to a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core, power means for moving said knife carriage to the transfer station, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the second core into engagement with the web and cause said second core to move said knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, and means operable in response to movement of the knife roller by said second core to actuate said cutoff knife to sever the web.

5. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first and second spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentially spaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radial distances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common path upon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller and a cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer station to bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the web to a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core, power means for movirig said knife carriage to the transfer station, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the second core into engagement with the web and cause said second core to move said knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, and means operable in response to movement of the knife roller by said second core to actuate said cutoff knife tosever the web, said last-recited means including a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means, said control circuit being operable in response to the movement of the knife roller by the second core to stop the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said second spindle at the transfer station.

6. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 5 wherein said control circuit includes timing means having apredetermined period of operation and operable in response to the movement of the knife roller by the second core for starting the operation of said turret drive means upon termination of the predetermined period of time so as to move said second spindle from the transfer station.

7. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, said first and second spindles being supported by said turret in circumferentially spaced relation to each other and at substantially equal radial distances from the axis of said turret so as to move along a common path upon rotation of said turret, a knife assembly having a knife roller and a cutoff knife, said knife assembly being movable to a transfer station to bring said knife roller into engagement with the web and move the web to a predetermined transition position in the path of the second core, power means for moving said knife carriage to the transfer station, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move the second core into engagement with the web and cause said second core to move said knife roller away from the predetermined transition position, and means operable in response to movement of the knife roller by said second core to actuate said cutoff knife to sever the web, said last-recited means including a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said power means, said turret drive means rotatably driving said turret to move said second spindle past an acceleration station to the transfer station, said control circuit said second including further means operable in response to the movement of said second spindle to the acceleration station for actuating said power means for moving said knife assembly to the transfer station.

8. Apparatus for continuously winding a web according to claim 7 wherein said control circuit is connected in controlling relation to said turret drive means and with said further means being operable in response to the movement of said second spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop the second spindle at the acceleration station while said knife assembly is moved to the transfer station.

9. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle past an acceleration station to a transfer station where the web is transferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core, and a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuit including first means operable in response to the movement of said first spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the acceleration station and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive means so as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, and said control circuit including further means responsive to the acceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret drive means to move said first spindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station.

10. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle past an acceleration station to a transfer station where the web is transferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core, a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuit including first means operable in response to the movement of said first spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the acceleration station and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive means so as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, said control circuit including further means responsive to the acceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret drive means to move said first spindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station, and a second spindle drive means for rotatably driving said second spindle, said control circuit being connected in controlling relation to said second spindle drive means, said turret drive means being operable for rotatably driving said turret to move said second spindle past the acceleration station to the transfer station, said control circuit including second means operable in response to the movement of said second spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said second spindle at the acceleration station and for starting the operation of said second spindle drive means" so as to accelerate another core supported by said second spindle, and said control circuit including means responsive tothe acceleration of the second spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret drive means to move said second spindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station.

11. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle past an acceleration station to a transfer station where the web is transferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core, a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuit including first means operable in response to the movement of said first spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the a'ccelerationstation and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive means so as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, said control circuit including further means responsive to the acceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret'drive means to move said first spindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station, and a cutoff knife assembly movable to the transfer station and power means for moving said knife assembly to the transfer station, said control circuit being connected in controlling relation to said power means and with said first means being operable in response to the movement of said first spindle to the acceleration station for actuating said power means for moving said cutoff knife assembly to the transfer station.

12. Apparatus for continuously winding a web comprising a frame, a turret rotatably supported by said frame, a first spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a first core upon which the web is wound, a first spindle drive means for rotatably driving said first spindle, a second spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a second core upon which the web is wound, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret to move said first spindle past an acceleration station to a transfer station 'where the web is transferred from a completed roll on the second core to the first core, a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means and said first spindle drive means, said control circuit including first means operable in response to the movement of said first spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to stop said first spindle at the acceleration station and for starting the operation of said first spindle drive means so as to accelerate the first core supported by said first spindle, said first control circuit circuit including further means responsive to the acceleration of the first spindle to a predetermined speed for starting the operation of said turret drive means to move said first spindle from the acceleration station to the transfer station, said first spindle drive means including a motor for rotatably driving said first spindle, an electrically controlled clutch operable upon energization for coupling said motor to said first spindle, and an electrically controlled brake operable upon energization for retarding the rotation of said first spindle, said control circuit including means responsive to the speed of the web and operated by said first means to prevent energization of said brake, said first means operable in response to the movement of said turret to the acceleration station for energizing said electrically controlled clutch to couple said motor to said first spindle and for operating said means in response to the speed of the web to prevent said electrically controlled brake from being energized, and said further means responsive to the acceleration of said spindle to the predetermined speed being operable upon said spindle reaching the predetermined speed for energizing said electrically controlled brake to prevent said spindle from being further accelerated and to maintain said spindle at the predetermined speed.

13. Apparatus for winding a web into rolls comprising a frame, a turret mechanism rotatably supported by said frame, a spindle rotatably supported by said turret and for supporting a core upon which the web is wound, a latching means for holding the core in said turret mechanism, turret drive means for rotatably driving said turret mechanism to move said spindle past circumferentially spaced unlatching and loading stations, and a control circuit connected in controlling relation with said turret drive means, said control circuit including first means operable in response to the movement of said spindle to the unlatching station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means so as to enable the core upon which the web is wound to be unlatched, and said control circuit also including means operable in response to the movement of said spindle to the loading station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means to enable another core to be loaded thereon.

14. Apparatus for winding a web according to claim 13 wherein said control circuit further comprises movably operable turret starting means for starting the operation of said turret drive means so as to rotatably drive said spindle from the unlatching and loading stations, said first means being operable in response to the movement of .said spindle to the unlatching station for disabling said turret starting means from operating said turret drive means, and said second means being operable in response to the movement of said spindle to the loading station for disabling said turret starting means from operating said turret drive means.

15. Apparatus for winding a web according to claim 14 wherein said control circuit further comprises first enabling means operable in response to the unlatching of the first core at the unlatching station for enabling said turret starting means to operate said turret drive means, and second enabling means operable in response to the loading of another core into the turret mechanism at the loading station for enabling the turret starting means to operate said turret drive means.

16. Apparatus for winding a web into rolls according to claim 13 wherein said turret drive means is operable to rotate said turret mechanism to move said spindle from said loading station to an acceleration station, said control circuit including means operable in response to the movement of said spindle to the acceleration station for stopping the operation of said turret drive means at the transfer station so as to stop said spindle at the acceleration station and start rotation of the spindle, and means for actuating said turret drive when said spindle achieves a predetermined speed to move said spindle from said acceleration station.