METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PACKING PAPER ROLL

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for packing a paper roll.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A paper roll may be packed as follows. Interior head discs are mounted onto the ends of the paper roll, after which a wrapping material is wrapped around the paper roll. Said wrapping material, overextending the interior head discs at opposite ends, is folded onto the interior discs of the paper roll whereafter outer head discs are mounted to both interior head discs. The head discs are mounted by means of head press unit units which are arranged to move axially towards the roll ends. An adhesive may be used to form an attachment between the interior and the outer head disc, for example.

A drawback with the said prior art solution is that the wrapping material and/or the exterior head discs may get broken when pressing the exterior head disc towards the interior head disc.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for packing a paper roll. An another object of the present invention is to provide a novel arrangement for packing the paper roll.

The invention is characterized by the features of the independent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of a method for packing a paper roll. An interior disc is arranged to the end of the paper roll, a wrapping material is wrapped around the outer roll surface of the paper roll, and the wrapping material is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the interior disc such that it partially covers the end surface of the interior disc. The method comprises forming a pathway by directing at least a portion of the wrapping material towards end surface of the interior disc. Further, the method comprises directing, by a head press unit, an exterior disc towards the interior disc in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll, during which the exterior disc comes into contact with the wrapping material. Further, the method comprises allowing air within the area between the inner disc, the exterior disc, and the wrapping material to flow through the pathway. Further, the method comprises pressing, by the head press unit, the exterior disc against the interior disc in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll, thereby attaching the exterior disc to the interior disc.

An advantage of the solution is that the paper roll can be packed more easily, thus the paper roll remains unbroken. The pathway prevents air pockets to be formed. An another advantage is that the paper roll can be packed at higher speed, for example.

Some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which

FIG. 1A shows the paper roll and the wrapping material being wrapped around the paper roll and folded,

FIG. 1B shows a pathway being formed, by a pathway-forming device to the paper roll of the FIG. 1A,

FIG. 1C shows the pathway-forming device being directed away from the pathway of the paper roll of the FIG. 1B,

FIG. 1D shows an exterior disc being pressed against the interior disc of the paper roll of the FIG. 1C,

FIG. 1E shows the paper roll of the figured 1D being packed,

FIG. 2 shows an arrangement for packing the paper roll 1 as seen from a side of the arrangement,

FIG. 3A shows a pathway-forming device of the arrangement of the FIG. 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement, and

FIG. 3B shows a pathway-forming device 20 of the arrangement of the FIG. 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement.

For the sake of clarity, the figures show embodiments of the invention in a simplified manner. Like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1E shows the paper roll 1 to be packed. FIG. 1A shows the paper roll and the wrapping material being wrapper around the paper roll 1 and folded. FIG. 1B shows a pathway being formed, by a pathway-forming device to the paper roll of the FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows the pathway-forming device directed away from the pathway of the paper roll of the FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D shows an exterior disc being pressed against the interior disc of the paper roll of the FIG. 1C. FIG. 1E shows the paper roll 1 of the FIG. 1D being packed. FIG. 2 shows an arrangement for packing the paper roll 1 as seen from a side of the arrangement. FIG. 3A shows a pathway-forming device 20 of the arrangement of the FIG. 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement. FIG. 3B shows a pathway-forming device 20 of the arrangement of the FIG. 2 as seen from a side of the arrangement.

A method is for packing a paper roll 1. An interior disc 2 is arranged to the end 1A of the paper roll 1, a wrapping material 3 is wrapped around the outer roll surface 1B of the paper roll 1, and the wrapping material 3 is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the interior disc 2 such that it partially covers the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The method comprises forming a pathway 10 by directing at least a portion of the wrapping material 3 towards end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. A pathway-forming device 20 is used for providing the pathway 10. Further, the method comprises directing, by a head press unit 30, an exterior disc 4 towards the interior disc 2 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1, during which the exterior disc 4 comes into contact with the wrapping material 3. Further, the method comprises allowing air within the area between the inner disc 2, the exterior disc 4, and the wrapping material 3 to flow through the pathway 10. For the sake of clarity, the air flows away from the said area to outer space such as to the production area. Further, the method comprises pressing, by the head press unit 30, the exterior disc 4 against the interior disc 2 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1, thereby attaching the exterior disc 4 to the interior disc 2.

Further, the method comprises directing a pathway-forming device 20 into contact with the at least portion of the wrapping material 3 in order to form the said pathway 10. The method comprises directing the said pathway-forming device 20 away from the area between the exterior disc 4 and the interior disc 2, thereby allowing the head press unit 30 to press exterior disc 4 against the interior disc 2.

The paper roll 1 of the figures comprises two opposite ends 1A. thus, the paper roll 1 has the first end and the second end. The end 1A of the paper roll 1 can be called an inner end 1A. The paper roll 1 further comprises an outer roll surface 1B locating between the two opposite ends 1A. The outer roll surface 1B is cylindrical in shape. The paper roll 1 comprises a middle axis MA around which the paper is wound.

Further, there may be a through-hole extending through the paper roll in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll. Said through-hole extends from the end 1A of the paper roll 1 to the opposite end 1A of the paper roll 1.

The interior disc 2 of the figures is mounted/attached to the end 1A of the paper roll 1. The interior disc 2 covers the end 1A of the paper roll 1. The interior disc 2 and the end 1A of the paper roll 1 may have corresponding shape. The interior disc 2 may be a cardboard, for example. The interior disc 2 has an end surface 2A facing away from the end 1A of the paper roll 1. The opposite side of the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2 is against the end 1A of the paper roll 1. The interior disc 2 has an edge locating between the said opposite end surfaces. Said edge has a determined thickness. The interior disc 2 may be called an interior head disc 2, or an inner head disc 2.

Further, the interior disc 2 may be hold in place when the wrapping material 3 is wrapped around the paper roll 1. The interior disc 2 may be hold in place by directing air towards the interior disc 2, for example.

Further, the interior disc 2 may comprise a hole at the middle of the interior disc 2. Said hole of the interior disc is in connection to the through-hole of the paper roll.

The wrapping material 3 of the figures is for covering the paper roll 1. In more detail, the wrapping material 3 is a wrapping paper 3. The wrapping material 3 is wound around the paper roll 1. The wrapping material essentially covers the outer roll surface 1B of the paper roll 1. The width of the wrapping material is greater than the distance between two opposite ends 1A of the paper roll. Said width of the wrapping material allows the wrapping material to extend beyond the interior discs 2.

The wrapping material 3 of the figures has straight edges. When the wrapping material 3 is in unwound position, the wrapping material is a rectangle in shape.

The wrapping material 3 of the figures comprises a first position (not shown in the figures), in which first position the said edge-section locates parallel relative to the wrapping material that locates on the outer roll surface 1B of the paper roll 1. Thus, the wrapping material has not been folded in its first position. Further, the wrapping material 3 comprises a second position (shown in the FIG. 1A, for example), in which second position the edge-section covers at least partially the interior disc 2. Further, the wrapping material 3 comprises a third position (shown in the FIG. 1B, for example), in which third position a portion of the said edge-section 3A is closer to the interior disc 2 than the rest of the remaining edge-section 3A. Thus, there is the pathway being formed in the third position of the wrapping material. Further, the wrapping material 3 comprises a fourth position (shown in the FIG. 1D, for example), in which fourth position the edge-section is pressed against the interior disc 2 as whole.

Further referring to the positions of the wrapping material. The folding device 42 is configured to direct/fold the edge-section 3A of the wrapping material 3 from the first position to the second position. The pathway-forming device 20 is configured to provide the third position of the wrapping material 3. In other words, the pathway-forming device 20 is configured to direct the wrapping material 3 from the second position to the third position. The head press unit 30 is configured to provide the fourth position of the wrapping material 3. In other words, the head press unit 30 is configured to direct the wrapping material 3 from the third position to the fourth position.

The exterior disc 4 of the figures is configured to be attached against/to the interior disc 2. The exterior disc 4 covers the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The exterior disc 4 and the end 1A of the paper roll 1 may have equal shape. The exterior disc 4 may be a cardboard, for example. The exterior disc 4 has an end surface 4A facing towards the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. An opposite end of the end surface 4A of the exterior disc 4 is coupled to the head press unit 30. The exterior disc 4 has an edge locating between the said opposite end surfaces. Said edge has a determined thickness. The exterior disc 4 may be called an exterior head disc 4, or an outer head disc 4.

The exterior disc 4 and/or the interior disc 2 of the figures comprises an adhesive for attaching the exterior disc 4 to the interior disc 2. The adhesive is arranged to the end surface 4A of the exterior disc 4. Alternatively, or in addition, the adhesive is arranged to the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The adhesive may be a hot glue, for example. The adhesive is molten by the head press unit. The molten glue is applied to surfaces between the exterior disc 4 and the interior disc 2. The molten glue forms a bond when the molten glue cools. For the sake of clarity, the adhesive is not shown in the figures.

FIG. 1A shows the paper roll 1, the interior disc 2, and the wrapping material 3 being wrapped around the paper roll 1. As seen from the end 1A of the paper roll 1, the wrapping material 3 covers at least partially the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. In other words, the wrapping material 3 has an edge-section 3A that is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the interior disc 2 such that it partially covers the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The wrapping material 3 is apart from the interior disc 2. In other words, the edge-section of the wrapping material is at an angle relative to the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. Said angle may variate from 5 to 85 degrees. Preferably, the angle may vary from 30 to 70 degrees.

FIG. 1B shows forming a pathway 10 by directing at least a portion of the wrapping material 3 towards end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The wrapping material 3 forms a bottom of the pathway 10. In other words, the pathway 10 has a bottom extending against the interior disc 2. The pathway 10, or the bottom of the pathway 10, extends in a radial direction of the paper roll 1, for example. Further, the wrapping material 3 forms walls of the pathway 10 extending away from the interior disc 2. In other words, the pathway 10 has walls extending away from the interior disc 2. Said bottom and walls are formed from the wrapping material 3. In more detail, said bottom and walls are formed by pressing/forcing the wrapping material to be at desired shape. The said pathway 10 is formed by a pathway-forming device 20, which is disclosed in more detail below. A portion of the exterior disc 4 forms a top of the pathway 10, when the exterior disc 4 is in contact with the wrapping material 3. The said top is apart from the bottom of the pathway 10. In other words, there is a distance between the bottom and the top of the pathway 10. Said distance between the bottom and the top decreases when the exterior disc 4 is being pressed towards the interior disc 2. When the exterior disc 4 is pressed against the interior disc 2, the exterior disc 4 extends against the wrapping material. In other words, when the exterior disc 4 is pressed against the interior disc 2, the top of the pathway 10 extends against the bottom of the pathway 10.

FIG. 1B further shows directing the exterior disc 4 towards the interior disc 2 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The exterior disc 4 comes into contact with the wrapping material 3, i.e., the exterior disc 4 forms a contact with the wrapping material 3. When the exterior disc 4 forms the contact to the wrapping material 3, the interior disc 2, the exterior disc 4, and the wrapping material 3 forms an inner space. There is air in the said inner space. The pathway 10 extends to the said inner space. The pathway 10 extends away from the said inner space. The volume of the inner space decreases as the exterior disc 4 is directed closer to the interior disc 2. The pathway allows air within the area between the inner disc 2, the exterior disc 4, and the wrapping material 3 to flow through the pathway 10. The pathway 10 prevents an air pocket to be formed. In other words, the pathway 10 allows the exterior disc 4 to be directed towards the interior disc 2 with higher speed, because the air pocket is not formed during the process.

Further referring to the FIG. 1B, the said pathway 10 can be formed before the exterior disc 4 is directed towards the interior disc. Alternatively, or in addition, the said pathway 10 can be formed when the exterior disc 4 is directed towards the interior disc.

FIG. 1C shows directing the said pathway-forming device 20 away from the at least portion of the edge-section of the wrapping material 3. The pathway-forming device 20 is directed away before the exterior disc 4 is being pressed against the interior disc 2. The pathway-forming device 20 is directed away from the area locating between the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4. The pathway-forming device 20 being directed away from the area between the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4 allows the head press unit 30 to press the exterior disc 4 against the interior disc 2.

FIG. 1D shows the head press unit 30 pressing the exterior disc 4 against the interior disc 2 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1.

FIG. 1E shows the paper roll 1 that is packed. The packed paper roll 1 comprises the wrapping material 3 around the paper roll 1. Further, the packed paper roll 1 comprises the interior disc 2, and the exterior disc 4 attached to the interior disc 2. The packed paper roll 1 comprises the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4 at both ends of the paper roll 1. A portion of the wrapping material locates between the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4.

The arrangement of the figure comprises a wrapping apparatus 40 for wrapping the wrapping material 3 around the paper roll 1. The wrapping apparatus 40 comprises a base. The wrapping apparatus 40 further comprises rolls for receiving the paper roll 1, which rolls are coupled to the base. The wrapping apparatus further comprises a drive coupled to the rolls for rotating the rolls, and thus for rotating the paper roll locating on the rolls. The wrapping apparatus 40 is shown very schematically in the FIGS. 1A and 2, for example. The wrapping apparatus 40 may be located adjacent to a conveyor line, which is disclosed in more detail below.

The arrangement of the figures, or the wrapping apparatus 40, further comprises a folding device 42 for folding the wrapping material 3 beyond the edge of the interior disc 2. The folding device 42 is configured to fold the wrapping material 3. The wrapping material 3 is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the interior disc 2 such that it partially covers the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The paper roll 1 is being rotated as the wrapping material 3 is being folded by the folding device 42. The folding device 42 may comprise folding rolls or folding plates configured to be directed against the wrapping material 3. The folding device 42 may comprise a first actuator coupled to the folding rolls, or the folding plates. The actuator is configured to direct the folding rolls, or the folding plates, in radial direction of the paper roll 1. The folding device 42 may further comprise a second actuator for directing the folding rolls, or the folding plates, in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The folding device 42 may be located adjacent to a conveyor line, which is disclosed in more detail below.

The arrangement of the figures comprises conveyor line 50 for conveying a paper roll 1. The paper roll being conveyed has the interior disc 2 arranged to the end 1A of the paper roll 1, and a wrapping material 3 being wrapped around the outer roll surface 1B of the paper roll 1. Further, the wrapping material 3 is arranged to extend beyond the edge of the interior disc 2 such that it partially covers the end surface 2A of the interior disc 2. The conveyor line 50 may comprise a plurality of conveyors. The conveyor may be a belt conveyor, for example.

The arrangement of the figures comprises the head press unit 30 for attaching/coupling the exterior disc 4 to the interior disc 2. In more detail, the arrangement comprises two head press units 30 for processing both ends of the paper roll 1. The head press unit 30 is for directing the exterior disc 4 towards the interior disc 2 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The head press unit 30 comprises a press plate 32 for receiving/handling the exterior disc 4. The head press unit 30 comprises an actuator 34 coupled to the press plate for directing the press plate 32 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The head press unit 30 comprises a side shift device 36 for navigating the press plate 32 in the width direction of the paper roll. The head press unit 30 is arranged adjacent to the conveyor line 50. In more detail, each head press unit 30 is arranged adjacent to the conveyor line 50. When the head press unit 30 locates adjacent to the conveyor line, the head press unit 30 is capable to operate the paper roll that being conveyed.

The head press unit 30 of the figures comprises a vacuum device 38 for holding the exterior disc 4 against the head press unit 30. The vacuum device 38 is configured to provide negative pressure to the press plate 32, whereby the exterior disc 4 locating against the press plate 32 stays in place.

The head press unit 30 of the figures comprises a heating device 39 for heating the adhesive in order to attach the exterior disc 4 to the interior disc 2. The heating device 39 is arranged to the press plate 32, whereby the press plate 32 heats up in order to heat the exterior disc 4 locating against the press plate 32.

The arrangement of the figures comprises a pathway-forming device 20 for forming the pathway 10. In more detail, the arrangement comprises two pathway-forming devices 20. The pathway-forming device 20 is configured to form a contact to the at least portion of the wrapping material 3 in order to form the said pathway 10. The pathway-forming device 20 is kept in contact to the portion of the wrapping material 3 when the exterior disc 4 is being directed towards the interior disc 2. The pathway-forming device 20 is directed away from the contact of the portion of the wrapping material 3 before the exterior disc 4 is being pressed against the interior disc 2. The pathway-forming device 20 is arranged adjacent to the conveyor line 50. In more detail, each head pathway-forming device 20 is arranged adjacent to the conveyor line 50. When the pathway-forming device 20 locates adjacent to the conveyor line, the pathway-forming device 20 is capable to operate the paper roll.

The pathway-forming device 20 of the figures comprises a plate 22 for being pressed against the wrapping material 3. The plate 22 is configured to be pressed against the wrapping material 3. The plate 22 is for forming the pathway 10. The plate 22 is being pressed against the wrapping material 3. The plate 22 directs the portion of the wrapping material 3 against the interior disc 2. The plate 22 may be an elongated plate. The plate 22 may have rounded edges in order to prevent breaking of the wrapping material.

The pathway-forming device 20 of the figures comprises a move unit 24 for moving the plate 22. The move unit 24 is coupled to the plate 22. In other words, the plate 22 is coupled to the move unit 24. The move unit 24 is configured to move the plate 22 against the wrapping material 3. The move unit 24 is configured to maintain the plate 22 against the wrapping material 3 when the head press unit 30 directs the exterior disc 4 towards the interior disc 2. Further, the move unit 24 is configured to move the plate 24 away from the wrapping material before the head press unit 30 presses the exterior disc 4 against the interior disc 2.

The move unit 24 of the figures is configured to move the plate 22 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The move unit 24 comprises a first directing device for directing the plate 22 in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. The first directing device is used for forming the contact between the plate 22 and the wrapping material 3.

The move unit 24 of the FIG. 3A, or the first directing device of the move unit 24, comprises a track 24A extending in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. Said track 24A provides the plate 22 to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. Said track 24A is coupled to the conveyor line, or to other base structure that is in place. The move unit 24 further comprises an actuator 24B for moving the plate 22 along the track 24A. The actuator may be an air cylinder, for example. Alternatively, the move unit 24 may comprise a motor coupled to the track 24A for providing the movement in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1.

The move unit 24 of the FIG. 3B, or the first directing device of the move unit 24, is coupled to the head press unit 30. In more detail, the move unit 24 is coupled to the press plate 32 of the head press unit 30. As the head press unit 30 is moving 4 towards the interior disc 2, the move unit 24 being coupled to the head press unit 30 directs the press plate 22 towards the wrapping material 3. The move unit 24 may comprise a suspension device for keeping the press plate 22 in place and against the wrapping material 3 as the press plate 32 moves towards the interior disc 2. Alternatively, the first directing device comprises a track extending in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. Said track 24A provides the plate 22 to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the paper roll 1. Said track 24A is coupled to the head press unit 30. In more detail, said track 24A is coupled to the press plate 32. The move unit 24 further comprises an actuator for moving the plate 22 along the track. The actuator may be an air cylinder, for example. The said cylinder, for moving the plate 22 along the tracks, is configured to keep the plate 22 against the wrapping material 3. The said plate 22 moves relative to the track, when the plate 22 is in place against the wrapping material 3, and when the head press unit 30 moves towards the interior disc 2. Said track may be a linear track, or a guide, for example.

The move unit 24 of the figures comprises a second directing device for directing the plate 22 to the area between the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4, and for directing the plate 22 away from the area between the interior disc 2 and the exterior disc 4. The second directing device may be a folding unit for folding the plate 22, which folding unit may be an electric motor, for example, which is illustrated schematically in the FIG. 2. The folding unit is configured to turn T the plate 22. The second directing device may be coupled to the first directing device, for example. Alternatively, the second direction device comprises an actuator. The actuator may be an air cylinder, for example. The second directing device further comprises a track. The plate 22 may be coupled to the track. Further, the actuator is coupled to the plate and to the track for moving the plate 22 along the track. The track may be a linear track, or a guide, for example. The second directing device may be configured to direct the plate 22 in a radial direction of the paper roll 1. The second directing device is configured to move the plate towards the middle axis MA of the paper roll 1, and the second directing device is configured to move the plate away from the middle axis MA of the paper roll 1.

The arrangement of the figures comprises a sensor unit 26. The sensor unit 26 is configured to measure a location of the head press unit 30. In more detail, the sensor unit 26 is configured to measure the location of the press plate 32 of the head press unit 30. The sensor unit 26 comprises a location sensor for measuring the location of the head press unit 30, for example. When the head press unit 30 exceeds a pre-determined location, a control signal is sent to the pathway-forming device 20. The pathway-forming device 20 is configured to direct the plate 22 away from the wrapping material when the pre-determined location is exceeded by the head press unit 30.

The pathway 10 of the figures is formed at least to the first end of the paper roll 1. When the paper roll 1 comprises the said through-hole and both interior discs 2 comprise the said hole at the middle of the interior disc 2, said holes form an air connection to both ends of the paper roll 1. This allows air to flow from one side of the paper roll 1 to other side of the paper roll 1. Therefore, at least one pathway 10 allows air to be removed from both ends of the paper roll 1. For the sake of clarity, typically the pathway 10 is formed to both ends of the paper roll 1.

The pathway-forming device may comprise a taping device (not shown in the figures) configured to insert an adhesive tape to a portion of the wrapping material 3, wherein the adhesive tape further extends to the end 1 of the paper roll 1. The adhesive tape is inserted to the wrapping material when the pathway-forming device forms the pathway. The adhesive tape maintains the wrapping material 3 in place. This ensures that there is the pathway even if the pathway-forming device is directed away from between the interior disc and the exterior disc.

It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea of the invention may be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are thus not limited to the examples described above, instead they may vary within the scope of the claims.