U.S. patent application number 11/069992 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-29 for apparatus and method for winding threads onto a former.
This patent application is currently assigned to EHA SPEZIALMASCHINENBAU GMBH. Invention is credited to Weg, Johannes.
Application Number | 20050211811 11/069992 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34814316 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050211811 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weg, Johannes |
September 29, 2005 |
Apparatus and method for winding threads onto a former
Abstract
An apparatus for winding a plurality of threads onto a former,
wherein the apparatus has at least one ring traverse that at least
partly surrounds the former. Via the ring traverse, threads are fed
to the former from a plurality of different feed directions. With
each feed direction there is associated at least one transfer
element, from which the at least one thread is taken up on the
former. The distance to the former axis is adjustable at least for
some of the transfer elements.
Inventors: |
Weg, Johannes; (Dillenburg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
EHA SPEZIALMASCHINENBAU
GMBH
Steffenberg
DE
|
Family ID: |
34814316 |
Appl. No.: |
11/069992 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/159 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 63/105 20130101;
B29C 53/60 20130101; B29C 53/8016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/159 |
International
Class: |
B65H 018/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2004 |
EP |
04 005 981.8 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for winding a plurality of threads or fibers onto a
former, comprising: at least one ring traverse which may at least
partly surround the former, wherein the ring traverse is configured
so that at least one thread can be fed to the former from each of a
plurality of different feed directions, and at least one transfer
element adjustably connected to ring traverse, wherein at least one
transfer element is associated with each feed direction and is
configured to guide at least one thread onto the former, wherein
the distance between one or more of the transfer elements and the
longitudinal axis of the former is adjustable.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein two or more of the
transfer elements are of equal distance to the axis of the
former.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an
adjusting means connecting one or more of the transfer elements and
the ring traverse, wherein the adjusting means is configured to
adjust the distance between the one or more the transfer elements
and the axis of the former and the one or more the transfer
elements are adjusted together.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting means
is a closed-track cam plate.
5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the adjusting means
is a servo or stepping motor.
6. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the one or more
transfer elements configured to adjust together are always disposed
with the same distance to the former axis.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
transfer elements has a thread guide having the shape of an arc or
of a ring segment.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a transfer element
is configurable as a thread guide eye.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance between
the transfer elements and the axis of the former is adjustable with
an iris aperture present in the adjusting means.
10. A method for winding a plurality of fibers onto a former,
comprising: feeding at least one thread to the former from each of
a plurality of different feed directions with one or more transfer
elements associated with each of the feed directions, and adjusting
the distance between the transfer elements and the axis of the
former for at least some of the transfer elements.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the distance is
adjusted simultaneously or synchronously for at least some of the
transfer elements.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for winding a
plurality of threads onto a former. The invention further relates
to a method for winding the threads onto the former. The threads
may include at least one fiber and/or two or more fibers which are
fed and wound together.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] From practical experience it is already known how to wind
fibers or fiber strands onto a former. The threads or fiber strands
can be impregnated beforehand with a resin, after which the
impregnated fiber strand is wound onto the former. The former is in
particular a cylindrical hollow body, such as a blow-molded plastic
container. The resulting end product can be used, for example, as a
tank for liquids or gases or similar substances. In principle, it
is also known from practical experience how to feed at least one
fiber to a former from each of a plurality of different feed
directions. This feed of fibers from different directions is
accomplished by what is known as a ring traverse. The ring traverse
is provided with a plurality of transfer elements distributed
around the former. During operation of the apparatus, at least one
thread is taken up on the former from a transfer element. In the
process, the thread can be brought up to the former tangentially,
for example. The apparatuses known from practical experience have
the disadvantage that the working technique that can be achieved
therewith is poorly flexible and poorly variable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In contrast, the technical problem underlying the invention
is to provide an apparatus of the type mentioned hereinabove, with
which a very flexible and variable working technique with high
functional reliability and high precision in applying the starting
turns is possible. A further technical problem underlying the
invention is to provide a corresponding method.
[0006] To solve the technical problem, the invention includes an
apparatus for winding a plurality of threads onto a former,
[0007] wherein there is provided at least one ring traverse, which
surrounds the former at least partly, with which ring traverse at
least one thread can be fed to the former from each of a plurality
of different feed directions,
[0008] wherein at least one transfer element from which the at
least one thread is taken up on the former is associated with each
feed direction
[0009] and wherein the distance to the former axis or to the former
can be adjusted at least for some of the transfer elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter
on the basis of a drawing, which illustrates merely one practical
example that is not intended to limit the claimed invention and in
which, in schematic diagrams:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an inventive
apparatus,
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a top view of an inventive ring traverse in a
first embodiment,
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the object according to FIG. 2 in a second
embodiment,
[0014] FIG. 4 shows the object according to FIG. 2 in a third
embodiment,
[0015] FIG. 5 shows the object according to FIG. 2 in a fourth
embodiment,
[0016] FIG. 6 shows the object according to FIG. 2 in a fifth
embodiment,
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an inventive ring traverse in a sixth
embodiment, and
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an inventive distance
adjustment means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The term thread in the context of the invention means in
particular at least one fiber or two or more fibers. The at least
one fiber, preferably two or more fibers, is taken up on the former
from a transfer element. The fibers can be, for example, glass
fibers, carbon fibers, aramide fibers or even plastic fibers.
[0020] In one embodiment, the former can be what is known as a
liner, or in other words a former that remains in the product and
becomes a part of the product. In other embodiments, the former can
be a mandrel, which is withdrawn from the product after a winding
operation, and which is available once again for further winding
operations. It is within the scope of the invention for a former to
be driven in rotation during a winding operation.
[0021] The ring traverse is expediently provided with an opening
for the former. This means that the former axis passes through a
central opening of the ring traverse. At least one thread or at
least one fiber, preferably two or more fibers, is fed from each of
several feed directions with the ring traverse. For example, there
can be eight feed directions, and one or more fibers can be fed
from each of these feed directions. The number of feed directions
may be less than eight (for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) or greater
than eight if necessary. A transfer element is associated with each
of these feed directions. It is at the transfer element that the
fibers/threads being fed have their last contact with the ring
traverse, after which they are taken up on the former. Several
configurations are possible for the transfer element. In the
simplest case, the transfer element can be a deflecting pin, a
deflecting rod or a roll or the like. According to a preferred
embodiment of the invention, a transfer element is designed as a
thread guide eye. This is a ring-shaped element with preferably
circular cross section. Other shapes such as open ring, square or
polygonal may be used. The thread is fed to the former through the
ring opening of the thread guide eye. Expediently, a thread guide
eye is provided at the end of a transfer arm or transfer lever.
Relative to the circumference of the former, the transfer elements
are disposed around the former with a distance to the former.
[0022] It is within the scope of the invention for at least some of
the transfer elements to be disposed with equal distance to the
former axis. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of
the invention, all transfer elements are disposed with the same
distance to the former axis.
[0023] In a very preferred embodiment the distance to the former
axis can be adjusted together or simultaneously or synchronously
for at least some of the transfer elements. Preferably, the
distance to the former axis can be adjusted together,
simultaneously or synchronously with a single adjusting means
(e.g., an adjuster). The approach movement of the transfer elements
relative to the former expediently takes place linearly, especially
radially or tangentially relative to the former. However, the
approach movement of the transfer elements relative to the former
can also follow an arcuate path. Preferably, the distance to the
former axis can be adjusted together or simultaneously or
synchronously for all transfer elements of the ring traverse. In
principle, however, it is also within the scope of the invention
for the distances to the former axis to be adjustable independently
of one another for at least some or for all transfer elements.
[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the
invention, transfer elements that are adjusted together or
simultaneously or synchronously are always disposed with the same
distance to the former axis. The transfer elements are expediently
disposed on a circle around the former or around the former
axis.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thread
guide of the transfer elements has the shape of an arc or of a ring
segment. The threads or the fibers then run over a curved guide
surface of the transfer element. According to another embodiment, a
transfer element is designed as a thread guide eye. In this case
the threads or fibers run through the opening of the thread guide
eye, which has circular shape, for example.
[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the adjusting
means and/or adjuster is designed with the criterion that the
distance of the transfer elements from the former axis be
adjustable in the manner of an iris aperture. As an example, the
adjustment of the distances of the transfer elements can be
achieved by operating with a closed-track cam plate, to be
explained in more detail in the description of the figures.
[0027] According to a very preferred embodiment of the invention, a
suitable motor, especially a servo motor or stepping motor, can be
used for the drive of the adjusting means. However, driving or
actuation of the adjusting means for adjustment of the distance of
the transfer elements can also be accomplished pneumatically or
servo-pneumatically or hydraulically or servo-hydraulically.
[0028] As an example, a crown gear in which toothed gears mesh or a
bevel crown gear with associated bevel gears can be used for
adjustment of the distances of the transfer elements together. The
adjustment of the distances of the transfer elements can also be
accomplished via a lever mechanism. Furthermore, a plane spiral,
for example, can also be used for adjustment of the distances of
the transfer elements. The use of pinions meshing with a toothed
belt or with a cylindrical crown gear is also possible for bringing
about adjustment of the transfer-element distances. Moreover, the
adjustment of the distances of the transfer elements can also be
achieved via a wedge-bar mechanism.
[0029] Also included in the invention is a method for winding a
plurality of fibers onto a former, wherein at least one thread is
fed to the former from each of a plurality of different feed
directions by the transfer elements associated with the feed
directions, and wherein the distance to the former axis is adjusted
for at least some of the transfer elements. According to a
particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the
distance is adjusted simultaneously or synchronously for at least
some of the transfer elements and preferably for all transfer
elements.
[0030] The invention permits a very flexible, variable and at the
same time functionally reliable working technique via the inventive
adjustment of the distances of the transfer elements. In
particular, shorter movement paths can be achieved during winding.
Because of the flexible adjustment of the distances, a high working
speed and thus a high productivity can always be achieved.
Nevertheless, threads can be laid down more precisely than is
possible in the arrangements known from the prior art. The products
produced with the inventive method are therefore distinguished by
flawless quality. It can be further emphasized that the inventive
apparatus is of less expensive and less complex construction and
therefore can also be made easily.
[0031] The figures relate to an apparatus for winding fibers 1 onto
a former 2. In the practical example according to the figures,
there is provided a ring traverse 3 that completely surrounds
former 2. In other words, former 2 or its former axis F passes
through an opening 4 of ring traverse 3. Via ring traverse 3,
fibers 1 can be fed to former 2 from a plurality of different feed
directions. Expediently two or more fibers 1 can be fed from one
feed direction. Associated with each feed direction is a transfer
element 5, from which fibers 1 are taken up on former 2. In other
words, the last contact of fibers 1 with ring traverse 3 takes
place at transfer element 5, before fibers 1 are taken up on former
2. According to the invention, the distance a to former 2 or to
former axis F can be adjusted at least for some, preferably for all
transfer elements 5. FIGS. 2 to 7 show several adjustment options
or several adjustment means for this purpose. Preferably, the
distance a of all transfer elements 5 to former axis F is adjusted
together or synchronously. In principle, however, the distances of
the individual transfer elements 5 to former axis F could also be
adjusted independently of one another. Hereinabove and hereinafter,
distance a of a transfer element 5 means in particular the distance
a from former axis F of the last point of contact of a fiber 1 on
transfer element 5.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a ring traverse 3 with three transfer
elements 5. In this case, therefore, fibers 1 are fed to former 2
from three feed directions. Transfer elements 5 in this case are
designed as thread guide eyes 15, which are attached to transfer
arms 16 functioning as lever elements. Each of these transfer arms
16 can be swiveled around a swivel shaft 6. Otherwise, each
transfer arm 16 is provided with an oblong hole 7, in which a pin 8
fixed to a drive ring 9 engages. During rotation of drive ring 9,
transfer arms 16 are swiveled in the direction of the two-headed
arrows and in this way the distance a of thread guide eyes 15 to
former axis F is varied. In this embodiment, distance a is adjusted
simultaneously or synchronously for all transfer elements 5 or
thread guide eyes 15 and all transfer elements 5 always have the
same distance a to former axis F.
[0033] The embodiment according to FIG. 3 operates with a bevel
gear mechanism for adjustment of distance a. In this case, a bevel
gear 10 meshing with a bevel crown gear 11 is associated with each
transfer element 5. During rotation of bevel crown gear 11, bevel
gear 10 also rotates, as does the spindle 12 or screw attached to
it. A nut 13 seated on the male thread of spindle 12 is displaced
on spindle 12 when bevel gear 10 and spindle 12 rotate. Thereby the
distance of transfer element 5 from former axis F is varied. In
this case also, transfer elements 5 are designed as thread guide
eyes 15, each of which is attached to a nut 13. In this embodiment
also, the distances a are varied simultaneously or synchronously
for all transfer elements 5 and all transfer elements 5 always have
the same distance a to former axis F.
[0034] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 also operates with a
bevel gear mechanism. In this case also, a bevel gear 10 meshing
with a bevel crown gear 11 is associated with each transfer element
5. During rotation of bevel crown gear 11, each bevel gear 10 also
rotates, and thereby an adjusting screw 14 engaging in bevel gear
10 is displaced. For this purpose, the male thread of each
adjusting screw 14 cooperates with a female thread of associated
bevel gear 10. To each adjusting screw 14 there is attached a
transfer element 5 designed as a thread guide eye 15. In this case
also, fibers 1 are fed to former 2 through the openings of thread
guide eyes 15. In this embodiment, the distances a of transfer
elements 5 or thread guide eyes 15 are adjusted simultaneously or
synchronously and all transfer elements 5 or thread guide eyes 15
always have the same distance a to former axis F.
[0035] In FIG. 5 also, transfer elements 5 are designed as thread
guide eyes 15, each of which is attached to a transfer arm 16.
During rotation of a pinion 17 having eccentric disk 24, a cam acts
on transfer arm 16, in such a way that this can be displaced in the
direction of the two-headed arrow. Pinions 17 are expediently
driven via a circulating traction mechanism, for example via a
toothed belt 18 or via a chain. In the practical example according
to FIG. 5, toothed belt 18 is also guided over deflecting pulleys,
of which one deflecting pulley 19 expediently drives toothed belt
18 at any given time.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 5. In
this case, however, pinions 17 mesh with a cylindrical crown gear
20. During rotation of cylindrical crown gear 20, therefore,
transfer arms 16 together with their attached thread guide eyes 15
are moved in the direction of the two-headed arrow. In the
embodiments according to FIGS. 5 and 6 also, distance a of transfer
elements 5 or of thread guide eyes 15 to former axis F is adjusted
simultaneously or synchronously and all transfer elements 5 or
thread guide eyes 15 always have the same distance a to former axis
F in any given adjusted functional position.
[0037] The embodiment according to FIG. 7 operates with a
closed-track cam plate 21. To each transfer element 5 designed as a
thread guide eye 15 there is attached a transfer arm 16, on which
there is disposed an engagement element 22, such as an appropriate
pin. Engagement element 22 engages in an arcuate or curved
elongated hole 23. During rotation of closed-track cam plate 21,
transfer arms 16 are displaced in this way in the direction of the
two-headed arrow and in this way distance a of thread guide eyes 15
to former axis F is varied simultaneously or synchronously.
[0038] A method for adjustment of distance a in a manner analogous
to that of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 is indicated very
schematically in FIG. 8. In the embodiment according to FIG. 8,
distance a of transfer elements 5 is varied or adjusted in the
manner of an iris aperture.
[0039] It remains to be mentioned that former 2 or the mandrel can
be removed axially through ring traverse 3 after the end of the
winding process. According to another embodiment, however, former 2
can also be removed radially through corresponding openings in ring
traverse 3.
[0040] European application 04005981.8, filed on Mar. 12, 2004 is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0041] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *