Surface winder

Abstract

An apparatus for continuously winding web material into a succession of rolled packages includes spaced side frames which define a transfer path leading from a first winding station to a second winding station. A plurality of rotatably driven winding drums extend between the side frames and support the cores and packages wound thereon during a winding operation which begins at the first winding station and continues during transfer of the cores to the second winding station. Tracks are fixed to the side frames which mount a transfer carriage movable on the tracks between the first and second winding stations. A first hold down mechanism and a first rider roll are carried by the carriage and a second hold down mechanism and second rider roll are located at the second winding station. The first hold down mechanism engages grooves in the ends of mandrels which are inserted into the cores to axially stabilize the mandrels. Both the first and second hold down mechanisms are simultaneously engageable with the grooves in the mandrel ends during hand off from one to the other at the second winding station. The first rider roll is applied continuously at the first winding station and as the packages are shifted along the transfer path to the second winding station. Both the first and second rider rolls are simultaneously applied to packages at the second winding station. During transfer the nipping force is maintained within acceptable limits by adjusting the forces being applied to the package by the first hold down mechanism and the first rider roll.