U.S. patent application number 14/391017 was filed with the patent office on 2015-03-19 for centre wheel for winding up a duct or cable on a stabilizing centre core.
This patent application is currently assigned to Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ). The applicant listed for this patent is Mikael Larsson. Invention is credited to Mikael Larsson.
Application Number | 20150076274 14/391017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49327932 |
Filed Date | 2015-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150076274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Larsson; Mikael |
March 19, 2015 |
Centre Wheel for Winding Up a Duct or Cable on a Stabilizing Centre
Core
Abstract
The present invention relates to a centre wheel for winding up a
duct or cable on a stabilizing center core. The centre wheel has a
first and a second end. The centre wheel comprises a first plate
element arranged at the first end of the centre wheel. The centre
wheel further comprises at least three curved plate elements
extending between the first plate element and the second end and
arranged at angular distance around a centre axis of the centre
wheel, so that the stabilizing center core can be fit in a space
between the first plate element and the curved plate elements,
whereby a duct or cable that is wound around the third plate
elements is supported by the third plate elements and by the
stabilizing centre core in gaps between the third plate
elements.
Inventors: |
Larsson; Mikael; (Forsa,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Larsson; Mikael |
Forsa |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson
(publ)
Stockholm
SE
|
Family ID: |
49327932 |
Appl. No.: |
14/391017 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
April 13, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE2012/050405 |
371 Date: |
October 14, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/475.7 ;
242/470; 242/476.7; 242/486.6; 242/613.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/534 20130101;
B65H 75/14 20130101; B65H 75/22 20130101; B65H 54/02 20130101; B65H
75/10 20130101; B65H 54/58 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/475.7 ;
242/613.4; 242/470; 242/486.6; 242/476.7 |
International
Class: |
B65H 54/58 20060101
B65H054/58; B65H 75/10 20060101 B65H075/10; B65H 54/02 20060101
B65H054/02; B65H 75/14 20060101 B65H075/14 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A center wheel for winding up a duct or cable on a stabilizing
center core, the center wheel having a first and a second end, said
center wheel comprising: a first plate element arranged at said
first end of said center wheel; and at least three curved plate
elements extending between said first plate element and said second
end and arranged at angular distance around a center axis of said
center wheel, so that said stabilizing center core can be fit in a
space between said first plate element and said curved plate
elements and so that a duct or cable that is wound around said
third plate elements is supported by said third plate elements and
by said stabilizing center core in gaps between said third plate
elements.
17. The center wheel of claim 16, wherein the center wheel further
comprises a second plate element removably arranged at said second
end, so that said duct or cable, when wound around said third plate
elements, is further supported by said second plate element.
18. The center wheel of claim 16, wherein said first plate element
comprises slots in a radial direction in said gaps between said
third plate elements.
19. The center wheel of claim 16, wherein said third plate elements
tilt from said first plate element towards the center axis of said
center wheel.
20. The center wheel of claim 16, comprising at least four curved
plate elements at a maximum angular distance of 90 degrees.
21. The center wheel of claim 16, comprising at least six evenly
distributed curved plate elements.
22. The center wheel of claim 16, wherein surfaces on the curved
plate elements have been treated in order to increase the friction
against the duct or cable.
23. A machine for winding up a duct or a cable, the machine
comprising the center wheel of claim 16.
24. The machine of claim 23, said machine further comprising
driving means for rotating said center wheel in order to wind up
said duct or cable on said center wheel.
25. The machine of claim 23, wherein said driving means is a
stepper motor.
26. The machine of claim 23, wherein said machine further comprises
guiding means for guiding said cable or duct while said cable or
duct is being wound up on said center wheel.
27. The machine of claim 26, wherein said guiding means is arranged
to move the cable or duct in an upward and downward direction
substantially parallel to the center axis.
28. The machine of claim 26, wherein said guiding means comprises a
step motor arranged to move said guiding means.
29. the machine of claim 24, wherein said guiding means further
comprises braking means arranged to brake said cable or duct while
said cable of duct is being wound up.
30. A method for winding up a duct or cable on the center wheel of
claim 16, said method comprising the steps of: arranging a
stabilizing center core in a space between the first plate element
and the curved plate elements, winding up said duct or cable on
said center wheel, such that the duct or cable is supported by the
third plate elements and by the stabilizing center core in gaps
between said third plate elements; applying a securing element so
that it is arranged to secure the wound duct or cable on the
stabilizing center core; and removing said center wheel, so that
said duct or cable is supported by said third plate elements.
31. A method for winding up a duct or cable, the method comprising:
providing a center wheel, the center wheel having a first and a
second end and comprising a first plate element arranged at said
first end of said center wheel, at least three curved plate
elements extending between said first plate element and said second
end and arranged at angular distance around a center axis of said
center wheel, so that the stabilizing center core can be fit in a
space between said first plate element and said curved plate
elements; arranging a stabilizing center core in a space between
the first plate element and the curved plate elements; winding up
the duct or cable on said center wheel, so that the duct or cable
is supported by the third plate elements and by the stabilizing
center core in gaps between said third plate elements; applying a
securing element so that it is arranged to secure the wound duct or
cable on the stabilizing center core; and removing said center
wheel, so that said duct or cable is supported by said third plate
elements.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement and a method
for winding up a duct or a cable.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Microducts are small ducts for the installation of fiber
optic cables. They have a size ranging from typically 3 to 16 mm
and are installed as bundles in ducts. The installation of fiber
optic cables in ducts can be done by pulling or by cable jetting.
Cable jetting is the process of blowing the fiber optic cable
through the microduct. Ducts are sensitive to impacts and bending
since this may harm the microduct inside the ducts. If the
microducts inside the duct are harmed it may be impossible to blow
the fiber optic cables through the microducts.
[0003] Ducts or cables for telecommunication use or power
distribution are normally shipped on cable drums alternatively
without drums, wrapped in coils. In many situations, it is
advantageous to deliver ducts or cables in coils since the volume
and weight of the product is significantly smaller. Cost for
shipping will therefore be dramatically reduced, especially for
overseas deliveries. In addition, customers may prefer coils since
there is no need for waste handling of used cable drums. Cost for
handling and installation for the customer will then be reduced.
There are a lot to gain by using coils; however there are several
fundamental problems associated to coiling of ducts or cables.
Coiling of ducts or cables requires special and expensive machines
not available at many duct or cable manufacturing plants. Many
manufacturing plants are built around an infrastructure that
handles reels only. Coils are also difficult to produce in vertical
position. Ducts are heavy and handling of coils of these products
is a problem due to their own weight. To optimize shipping, coils
are stacked upon each other, preferably up to 4 coils. The weight
of the upper coils may squeeze the ducts or cables in the lower
coils. Stacked coils may also slip during transportation and it is
not easy to stabilize stacked coils.
[0004] Handling of coils, e.g. lifting and shipping of coils is
difficult. Several coils need to be stacked above each other and
the pack of coils needs to be secured in a quick and easy way.
Lifting of coils by crane requires lifting straps. The weight of
the coil itself makes it hard to avoid damage of the product when
lifting.
[0005] Ducts or cables in coils also need to be kept in coils even
when the duct/cable is installed and the coil is unwound. A coil
may collapse when starting to pull out the outer end.
[0006] There is therefore a need for an improved solution for
handling coils of ducts or cable, which solution solves or at least
mitigates at least one of the above mentioned problems.
SUMMARY
[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide
arrangements and methods which solve or at least mitigate at least
one of the above mentioned problems.
[0008] In accordance with a first aspect the present invention
relates to a centre wheel for winding up a duct or cable on a
stabilizing center core. The centre wheel has a first and a second
end. The centre wheel comprises a first plate element arranged at
the first end of the centre wheel. The centre wheel further
comprises at least three curved plate elements extending between
the first plate element and the second end and arranged at angular
distance around a centre axis of the centre wheel, so that the
stabilizing center core can be fit in a space between the first
plate element and the curved plate elements, whereby a duct or
cable that is wound around the third plate elements is supported by
the third plate elements and by the stabilizing centre core in gaps
between the third plate elements.
[0009] The above stated object is thus achieved by means of a
centre wheel for winding up a duct or cable on a stabilizing center
core. The centre wheel has at least three curved plate elements
extending between the first plate element and the second end and
arranged at angular distance around a centre axis of the centre
wheel. This arrangement allows the stabilizing center core to be
fit in a space between the first plate element and the curved plate
elements. A duct or cable that is wound around the third plate
elements is thereby supported by the third plate elements and by
the stabilizing centre core in gaps between the third plate
elements.
[0010] An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that
it provides for manufacturing of a significant lighter package of
duct or cable than a traditional reel.
[0011] A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention
is that it provides for manufacturing of a package of duct or
cable, where the stabilizing centre core is easier to assemble and
disassemble than a traditional reel.
[0012] Another advantage of embodiments of the present invention is
that it provides for manufacturing of a package of duct or cable
which supports stacking of several packages above each other
without the duct or cable that is wound around the stabilizing
centre core is harmed. The stabilizing centre core relieves
pressure loads on the duct or cable when several coils are stacked
on each other, minimizing risk for damaged ducts or cables during
transport.
[0013] A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention
is that it provides for manufacturing of a package of duct or cable
that can be unwound using the same equipment used for unwinding
duct or cable on traditional reels.
[0014] Yet a further advantage of embodiments of the present
invention is that it provides for manufacturing of a package of
duct or cable where the design also supports mounting of lifting
straps so that the stabilizing centre core can be lifted with e.g.
a forklift or a crane.
[0015] Further features of embodiments of the present invention
will become apparent when reading the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a stabilizing centre
core according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows an exploded diagram of an exemplary embodiment
of a stabilizing centre core according to the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a centre wheel
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a machine according
to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connector
according to the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a base plate
according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a claw according to
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for winding up a duct
or cable according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like
reference signs refer to like elements.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a stabilizing centre core 1 for stabilizing a
coil of duct or cable, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As illustrated, the stabilizing centre core 1
comprises a centre tube 2 having a first 2a and a second end 2b.
The centre tube 1 comprises a central opening 2c so that the
stabilizing centre core 1 can be mounted on a machine (not shown)
for winding up duct or cable on the stabilizing centre core 1. The
stabilizing centre core 1 further comprises a first plate element 3
arranged at the first end 2a of the centre tube 2 and a second
plate element 4 arranged at the second end 2b of the centre tube 2.
In an exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre core 1
according to the present invention is the first and the second
plate elements 3, 4 hexagonal as illustrated in FIG. 1. The first
and second plate elements 3, 4 may however in other exemplary
embodiments have other shapes. In the exemplary embodiment of the
stabilizing centre core 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 the first plate
element 3 and the second plate element 4 each comprise a central
opening 3a, 4a of a dimension that corresponds to the dimension of
the central tube 2. The first and the second plate elements 3, 4
are thereby adapted to be thread on the centre tube 2 and can
easily be removed there from. The stabilizing centre core 1 further
comprises at least three third plate elements 5 extending between
the first plate element 3 and the second plate element 4 and
arranged at angular distances around a circumference of the centre
tube 2. The duct or cable that is wound around the stabilizing
centre core 1 is thereby supported by the third plate elements 5,
which prevents the duct or cable from being bent and thereby from
being harmed.
[0026] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention are
the at least three third plate elements wider at the first end than
at the second end. Since the at least three third plate elements
being wider at the first end than at the second end the stabilizing
centre core gets cone-shaped form. The cone-shaped formed prevents
the duct or cable from slip of when for instance the stabilizing
centre core is lifted or moved.
[0027] In other exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre core
1 according to the present invention the stabilizing center core 1
comprising at least four third plate elements 5 at a maximum
angular distance of 90 degrees. In this embodiment may the third
plate elements also be rectangular or wider at the first end than
at the second end.
[0028] In yet other exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing center
core 1 according to the present invention the stabilizing centre
core 1 comprises at least six evenly distributed third plate
elements 5. The third plate elements may also in this embodiment be
rectangular or wider at the first end than at the second end.
[0029] Having more third plate elements 5 in the stabilizing centre
core 1 results in that the duct or cable that is would around the
stabilizing centre core 1 is given more support. As mention above
ducts are sensitive to impacts and bending since this may harm the
microducts inside the ducts. If the microducts inside the duct are
harmed it may be impossible to blow the fiber optic cable through
the microduct. It is therefore important that the duct is given
enough support by the third plate elements 5 when the duct is wound
around stabilizing centre core 1. Depending of the size of the duct
and the stabilizing centre core 1 different number of third plate
elements 5 is required in order to give enough support to the duct
in order to prevent the duct from being harmed. Using fewer third
plate elements 5 makes the stabilizing centre core faster to
assemble and disassemble. Yet an advantage with fever third plate
elements 5 is lower cost and weight.
[0030] In another exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre
core 1 according to the present invention 1 the at least three
third plate elements 5 are detachably mounted on the first plate
element 3 and the second plate element 4, whereby the at least
three third plate elements 5 easily can be removed from the first
plate element 3 and the second plate element 4.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre
core 1 according to the present invention 1 surfaces on the third
plate elements 5 which support the duct or cable have been treated
in order to increase the friction against the duct or cable. The
third plate elements 5 may for instance comprise furrows or grooves
which increase the friction between the duct or cable and the third
plate elements 5. An advantage with increasing the friction between
the duct or cable and the third plate elements is that the duct or
cable is further prevented from slipping on the stabilizing centre
core 1 during handling or transportation. In yet another exemplary
embodiment of the stabilizing centre core 1 according to the
present invention at least one of the centre tube 2, the first
plate element 3, the second plate element 4 and the third plate
elements 5 are made of a material that is substantially lighter
than wood, for example cardboard, which is also recyclable.
Traditional reels are made of structural timer which is a heavy
type of tree. In this exemplary embodiment the weight of the
stabilizing center core 1 is further reduced which makes the
handling of the stabilizing centre core 1 even easier.
Transportation costs for shipping the duct or cable wound up on the
stabilizing centre core 1 is then also further reduced. Other
advantages with using cardboard for at least one of the components
2, 3, 4, 5 is that the cost for the stabilizing centre core 1 is
further reduced and the that it is easier to recycle the
stabilizing centre core with minimum waste management compared to a
complete cable reel.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre
core 1 according to the present invention 1 the centre tube 2, the
first plate element 3, the second plate element 4 and the third
plate elements 5 are made of a plastic, wood, Styrofoam or
metal.
[0033] Referring FIG. 2, the first and second plate elements 3, 4
comprise notches 3b, 4b adapted to receive and hold the third plate
elements 5. In another exemplary embodiments the third plate
elements 5 also comprises notched adapted to receive and hold the
first and second plate elements 3, 4. In the exemplary embodiment
of the stabilizing centre core 1 in FIGS. 1 and 2 the components 2,
3, 4, 5 are assembled in a form-fit manner, allowing all components
to be easily disassembled. In the exemplary embodiment of the
stabilizing centre core 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 are all components
2, 3, 4, 5 of the stabilizing centre core 1 arranged radially
inside a duct, or cable which is wound around the stabilizing
centre core 1.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiments of the stabilizing centre core
1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the duct centre core components 2,
3, 4, 5 are assembled in a form-fit manner, allowing all components
to be easily disassembled. Therefore neither glue, nails nor screws
are required in order to hold the components 2, 3, 4, 5 together,
simply notches 3b, 4b, 5b that are dimensioned so that a component
can be held by friction. In the exemplary embodiments of the
stabilizing centre core 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 the first
and second plate elements 3, 4 comprise a plurality of openings 3c,
4c arranged between the central opening 3a, 4a and the outer
circumferential edge of the plate elements 3, 4. Theses openings
3c, 4c may be used for a securing element (not shown) which is
arranged to secure the wound of duct or cable on the stabilizing
centre core 1. In an exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre
core 1 according to the present invention the openings 3c, 4c are
placed between the centre tube 2 and the third plate elements 5. An
advantage of placing the openings 3c, 4c at this position is that
the bearing stresses at the openings 3c, 4c caused by the a
securing element is reduced.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the stabilizing centre core 1
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are a diameter of the centre tube
2 between 300-1500 mm, an outer diameter of stabilizing center core
2 between 500-2400 mm and a height of the stabilizing center core 2
between 300-2000 mm.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a centre
wheel 10 for winding up a duct or cable on a stabilizing center
core 1. FIG. 3 illustrates the centre wheel 10 for winding up a
duct or cable on the stabilizing center core 1. The centre wheel 10
having a first and a second end. The centre wheel 10 comprises a
first plate element 12 arranged at the first end of the centre
wheel 10. The centre wheel 10 further comprises at least three
curved plate elements 13 extending between the first plate element
12 and the second end and arranged at angular distance around a
centre axis of the centre wheel 10. The stabilizing center core 1
can be fit in a space between the first plate element 12 and the
curved plate elements 13. A duct or a cable that is wound around
the third plate elements 13 is thereby supported by the third plate
elements 13 and by the stabilizing centre core 1 in gaps between
the third plate elements 13.
[0037] In another exemplary embodiment of the centre wheel 10
according to the present invention the centre wheel 10 further
comprises a second plate element 14 removable arranged at the
second end, whereby the duct or cable is further supported by the
second plate element 14.
[0038] In yet another embodiment of the centre wheel 10 according
to the present invention, the first plate element 12 comprises
slots 14 in a radial direction in the gaps between the third plate
elements 13. The slots 14 in the radial direction in the gaps
between the third plate elements 13 give way for belts that are
used to secure the duct or the cable in the stabilizing centre core
1.
[0039] In a further embodiment of the centre wheel 10 according to
the present invention the third plate elements 13 tilt from the
first plate element 12 towards the centre axis of the center wheel
10. Since the third plate elements 13 tilt from the first plate
element 12 towards the centre axis of the center wheel 10 the third
plate elements 13 gets a cone-shaped form. The cone-shaped formed
makes it possible to use the centre wheel 10 together with a
stabilizing centre core 1 that has a cone-shaped form. As mentioned
before winding up the duct or cable on a cone shaped stabilizing
centre core 1 further prevents the duct or cable to slip off from
the stabilizing center core 1 when for instance the stabilizing
centre core 1 is lifted or moved.
[0040] In other exemplary embodiment of the centre wheel 10
according to the present invention the centre wheel 10 comprises at
least four curved plate elements 13 at a maximum angular distance
of 90 degrees. In yet other exemplary embodiment of the centre
wheel 10 according to the present invention the centre wheel 10
comprises at least six at least six evenly distributed curved plate
elements 13.
[0041] Having more curved plate elements 13 in the centre wheel 10
makes it possible to fit a stabilizing centre core 1 having more
third plate elements 5 in the centre wheel 10. Using a stabilizing
centre core 1 having more third plate elements 5 results in that
the duct or cable that is would around the stabilizing centre core
1 is given more support. As mention above ducts are sensitive to
impacts and bending since this may harm the microducts inside the
ducts. If the microducts inside the duct are harmed it may be
impossible to blow the fiber optic cable through the microduct. It
is therefore important that the duct is given enough support by the
third plate elements 5 when the duct is wound around stabilizing
centre core 1.
[0042] In another exemplary embodiment of the centre wheel 10
according to the present invention surfaces on the curved plate
elements 13 have been treated in order to increase the friction
against the duct or cable. The curved plate elements 13 may for
instance comprise furrows or grooves which increase the friction
between the duct or cable and the curved plate elements 13.
[0043] The first plate element 12, the curved plate elements 13 and
the second plate element 14 are preferably made of steel.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows another aspect of the present invention, which
is a machine 20 for winding up a duct or a cable. The machine 20
comprises the centre wheel 10 according to previously described
embodiments. In another exemplary embodiment of the machine 20
according to the present invention the machine 20 further comprises
driving means 21 for rotating the centre wheel 10 in order to wind
up the duct or cable on the centre wheel 10. The driving means 21
can be a step motor or another type motor capable of rotating the
centre wheel 10 in order to wind up the duct or cable on the centre
wheel 10. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention the machine 20 further comprises guiding means 22 for
guiding the cable or duct while the cable or duct is being wound up
on the centre wheel 10. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the
machine 20 according to the present invention the guiding means 22
is arranged to move the cable or duct in an upward and downward
direction substantially parallel to the centre axis. In yet another
exemplary embodiment of the machine 20 according to the present
invention the guiding means 22 comprises a step motor arranged to
move the guiding means 22. In yet another exemplary embodiment of
the machine 20 according to the present invention the guiding means
22 further comprises breaking means 23 arranged to brake the cable
or duct while the cable or duct is being wound up on the centre
wheel 20.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows another aspect of the present invention.
Stabilizing centre cores 1 which comprise duct or cable that is
wound up on the stabilizing centre cores 1 can preferably be
stacked above each other during transportation. To avoid slipping
of the stabilizing centre cores 1 during transport it is essential
to secure the coils together. FIG. 5 shows a connector 50,
preferably made of cardboard, plastic or wood that is inserted in
between the stabilizing centre cores 1. The bottom of stabilizing
centre core 1 is stabilized towards a pallet with a base plate 60
as shown in FIG. 6. Several stabilizing centre cores 1 can then be
held together with a strap attached to the base 60 and another
plate mounted at the top stabilizing centre core 1. A similar plate
as the one shown in FIG. 6 can be used at the top for attaching the
strap.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows yet a further aspect of the present invention,
which is a claw 70 that grips the stabilizing centre core 1 as
shown in FIG. 7. The claw 70 is used for lifting the stabilizing
centre core 1. In the exemplary embodiment of the claw 70 shown in
FIG. 7, the claw 70 comprises 3 arms 71, but the claw 70 may in
other exemplary embodiments have more that 3 arms.
[0047] FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for winding up a duct
or cable using the centre wheel 10 according to the present
invention. In a step 810 a stabilizing centre core 1 is arranged in
the space between the first plate element 12 and the curved plate
elements 13. Next in a step 820 is then the duct or cable wound up
on the centre wheel 10, whereby the duct or cable is supported by
the third plate elements 13 and by the stabilizing centre core 1 in
gaps between the third plate elements 13. Further, in a step 830 is
a securing element, which is arranged to secure the wound of duct
or cable on the stabilizing centre core 1 applied. In a final step
840 is the centre wheel removed whereby the duct or cable is
supported by the third plate elements 5.
* * * * *