| (11) | EP 3 515 616 B1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION |
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| (54) | COILING HEAD WICKELKOPF TÊTE DE BOBINAGE |
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| Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). |
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] In general, the present invention relates to an apparatus and or system used to coil lengths of hoses, cable, tubing, wiring and the like. More particularly, the present invention provides an improved coiling head that reduces and or eliminates damage such as indentations and kinks made from coiling around paddles with gaps between paddles as known in the prior art.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002] In general, lengths of material that are usually relatively long and flexible are wound on large reels and or spools by a manufacturer. It is known for redistribution to take these large reels and or spools of materials into smaller amounts for redistribution. The machines associated with such are often referred to as automatic cut and transfer coiling and or spooling machines. See Prior Art in Figure 1. Spooling is typically a reference to taking the elongated material from a large spool and or reel to a smaller desired length for redistribution then wrapped around another spool and or reel for redistribution. Coiling is typically a reference to taking the elongated material from a large spool and or reel to a smaller desired length for redistribution and wrapping it freely into a coil with no spool and or reel.
[0003] Coiling is performed by wrapping the elongated materials around paddles having a circumference. Although the number of paddles on prior art coiling heads vary, it is typically four. This wrapping process is typically relatively tight around the paddles such that the coiled materials may not be easily removed from the coiling head. When the coiling is finished, the paddles are hinged such that they may collapse to a smaller circumference thus allowing the coiled material to be removed from the paddles.
[0004] In the prior art, the paddles are spaced such that the elongated materials do not have full contact around the circumference of the coil as may be seen in the Prior Art in Figure 1. This may lead to damage such as but not limited to indentations and or kinks where the material sags between the paddles where the material is unsupported. Obviously, this is not desirable depending on the elongated material being coiled.
[0005] By example, but not to be considered limiting, medical tubing is often relatively small and flexible for use in medical, surgical, catheter, hypodermic applications, and so forth. This tubing is typically made by extrusion in large quantities wrapped around spools and or reels. Needless to say, the manufactured tube may be very long and a desired length for redistribution of the tubing may be just a few feet. Considering that medical tubing quality and precision may be a matter of life and death, it is highly undesirable to have tubing that gets kinked or otherwise damaged in the coiling process. US 777 780 A discloses a coiling head and forms the basis for the preamble of claim 1.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for a new and improved coiling head with zero and or near zero gaps in the circumference such that the elongated material being coiled is not damaged in the coiling process. It is desirable to fill these needs with a reliable alternative that is affordable and functional. The above discussed limitations in the prior art is not exhaustive. The current invention provides an inexpensive, time saving, more reliable apparatus where the prior art fails.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of coiling heads now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved apparatus.
[0008] As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved coiling head for use with elongated materials, which has all the advantages of the prior art devices and none and or fewer of the disadvantages.
[0009] It is, therefore, contemplated that the present invention is an improved coiling head that may expand for a zero and or near zero gap while coiling, but may collapse for a smaller circumference for unloading the coiled elongated materials from the head.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0011] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the appended claim, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.
[0012] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved coiling head for use with elongated materials where it is desirable to prevent and or reduce indentations in same during the coiling process and the removal from the head.
[0013] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coiling head , which allows for quick removal of the coiled materials from the head with a simple pull to collapse the head without the need of any tools.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coiling head , which may be manufactured with three-dimensional printing and made from plastics.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved coiling head , which is of a durable and reliable construction and may be utilized in numerous types of coiling applications.
[0016] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coiling head , which is susceptible to a low cost of manufacture, which accordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consuming industry, thereby making such a system economically available to those in the industry.
[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved coiling head , which provides all of the advantages of the prior art while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
[0018] These, together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in claim 1 annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS, GRAPHS, DRAWINGS, AND APPENDICES
[0019] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, graphs, drawings and appendices.
Figure 1 is a general illustration of a prior art automatic cut and transfer coiling machine and coiling head with two spindles and associated paddles.
Figure 2 is a perspective view illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a coiling head fully expanded to receive an elongated material.
Figure 3 is a cross section view of the embodiment of Figure 2 illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a coiling head fully expanded to receive an elongated material.
Figure 4 is a cross section view of the embodiment of Figure 2 illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a coiling head collapsed for removing an elongated material.
Figure 5 is a cross section perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 2 illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a coiling head fully expanded to receive an elongated material.
Figure 6 is a cross section perspective view illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a coiling head fully expanded to receive an elongated material and generally depicting the back of the wedge that would engage the coiling machine.
Figure 7 is a perspective view partial illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a wedge not attached to the leaves.
Figure 8 is an end view partial illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a fully expanded coiling head with an elongated material being received thereon.
Figure 9 is an end view partial illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a partially collapsed coiling head with an elongated material thereon.
Figure 10 is an end view partial illustration of a preferred embodiment of the invention generally depicting a fully collapsed coiling head with an elongated material ready to be removed from the coiling head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0020] Referring to the illustrations, drawings, and pictures, and to Figure 2 through 10 in particular, reference character 10 generally designates a new and improved coiling head apparatus, system and method of using the same constructed in accordance with the present invention. Invention 10 is generally used with elongated materials 15 needing to be made into smaller segments for distribution from a larger spool and or reel. Elongated materials 15 may be but is not limited to electrical cables, steel cables, wire cables, hoses and so forth. It is contemplated that invention 10 may be utilized with prior art devices 5 such as depicted in Figure 1. For purposes of convenience, the reference numeral 10 may generally be utilized for the indication of the invention, portion of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention and so on.
[0021] Invention 10 may generally include coiling head 20 that may be mounted to a prior art automatic cut and transfer coiling machine 5 as depicted in Figure 1. Head 20 may have a front and or first end 30, a back and or second end 40, a side wall 50 with a length 60 defined as between first end 30 and second end 40. Head 20 may have an expanded and or first position 70 with a first diameter 80 and a collapsed and or second position 90 with a second diameter 100 that may be smaller than first diameter 80 when desired.
[0022] Head 20 may be configured from leaves 110 such as but not limited to eight in configuration to make head 20. It is understood that more or less leaves 110 may be utilized. Leaves 110 may have a top 120, a first side 140, a second side 150 and a bottom 160. Leaves 110 may further have a slot 170 on said first side 140, and a tongue 180 on said second side 150.
[0023] Coiling head 20 may further have a wedge 190 having a length 200. According to the invention, wedge 190 has twisted wedge surface 210, ridge 220, and ramps 240. Twisted wedge surface 210 may have, but is not limited to, eight surfaces in configuration. Ridge 220 may have, but is not limited to, eight ridges in configuration. It is understood that more or less twisted wedge surface 210 and ridge 220 may be utilized. Horizontal axis 250 runs along the length 200 of wedge 190. According to the invention, wedge 190 further contains a first or larger diameter 260 and a second or smaller diameter 270.
[0024] Wedge 190 may move in and out along the axis 250. When wedge 190 moves in, the leaves 110 fully expand to first position having larger diameter 260 creating a solid circumference for the elongated material 15 to wrap around. When the leaves 110 are expanding, tongue 180 slides in slot 170 and may lock in place. When wedge 190 moves out, leaves 110 collapse to second position having smaller diameter 270 as springs 230 pull leaves 110 inward. When leaves 110 collapse, the bottom 160 slides along ramps 240. As the bottom 160 slides along ramps 240, the tongue 180 also slides along slot 170 until smaller diameter 270 is reached. According to the invention, wedge surface 210 imparts a twisting motion on leaves 110 as they travel along ramps 240 to smaller diameter 270 and larger diameter 260. According to the invention, ridge 220 also imparts a twist and or rotation to leaves 110 as they expand and collapse, which will prevent relative rotation of the leaves 110. It is contemplated wedge 190 may further contain an inner radius and an outer radius.
[0025] It is understood that as wedge 190 drops away from the leaves 110, leaves 110 may slide under each other. Springs 230 and the rotation of leaves 110 may be caused by the loss of support and/or guided support of wedge 190. It is also contemplated that if the sliding of leaves 110 into each other does not follow the wedge 190 exactly, springs 230 may allow compliance so the leaves 110 can keep from binding.
In Operation
[0026] Automatic cut and transfer coiling machine 5 may be fitted with coiling head 20 on each spindle as known in the art. When coiling head 20 is ready to receive elongated material 15, coiling head 20 wedge 190 is generally pushed in to expand leaves 110 thereby eliminating and our reducing any gaps between leaves 110.
[0027] When it is time to remove elongated material 15 from coiling head 20, wedge 190 is pulled out allowing leaves 110 to collapse thereby removing the tension of elongated material 15 around leaves 110.
[0028] After removal of elongated material 15, wedge 190 is pushed back again for fully expanding leaves 110 in preparation for receiving more elongated material 15.
at least two leaves 110 each having a bottom 160, a first side 140, a second side 150 and a rounded top 120 wherein said rounded tops have a first side having a tongue 180 and a second side having a slot 170, wherein rounded top of said at least two leaves are adapted to selectively form a circumference for engaging elongated material, and wherein said circumference has a perpendicular axis 250;
a cylindrical wedge 190 having an axis 250 along said axis 250 of said circumference for engaging said elongated material, said cylindrical wedge adapted to engage a spindle of said automatic cut and transfer coiling machine, and a conical outer surface adapted to engage said bottom of said at least two leaves; and
springs 230 adapted to pull the leaves inwardly, wherein said cylindrical wedge is adapted to selectively push said at least two leaves away from said axis of said cylindrical wedge when pushed in one direction along said axis of said cylindrical wedge and to allow movement of said at least two leaves toward said axis of said cylindrical wedge when pushed in opposite of said direction,
characterized in that said cylindrical wedge 190 comprises twisted wedge surface 210, ridge 220 and ramps 240,
in that said wedge 190 comprises a larger diameter 260 and a smaller diameter 270, in that said twisted wedge surface 210 imparts a twisting motion on the leaves 110 as they travel along said ramps 240 between said smaller 270 and larger 260 diameters, and
in that said ridge 220 also imparts a twist or rotation to the leaves 110 as they expand and collapse to prevent relative rotation of the leaves.
mindestens zwei Segmente 110, die jeweils eine Unterseite 160, eine erste Seite 140, eine zweite Seite 150 und eine gerundete Oberseite 120 aufweisen, wobei die gerundeten Oberseiten eine erste Seite mit einer Zunge 180 und eine zweite Seite mit einer Nut 170 aufweisen, wobei die gerundeten Oberseiten von mindestens zwei Segmenten dazu angepasst sind, selektiv eine Peripherie für den Eingriff mit langgestrecktem Material zu bilden, und wobei die Peripherie eine senkrechte Achse 250 aufweist;
einen zylindrischen Keil 190 mit einer Achse 250 entlang der Achse 250 der Peripherie für den Eingriff mit dem langgestreckten Material, wobei der zylindrische Keil für den Eingriff mit einer Spindel der automatischen Schneide- und Überführungs-Wickelmaschine angepasst ist, und einer konischen Außenoberfläche die für den Eingriff mit der Unterseite der mindestens zwei Segmente angepasst ist; und Federn 230, die dazu angepasst sind, die Segmente nach innen zu ziehen,
wobei der zylindrische Keil dazu angepasst ist, die mindestens zwei Segmente selektiv von der Achse des zylindrischen Keils weg zu drücken, wenn er in einer Richtung entlang der Achse des zylindrischen Keils gedrückt wird, und die Bewegung der mindestens zwei Segmente auf die Achse des zylindrischen Keils zu zuzulassen, wenn er der Richtung entgegengesetzt gedrückt wird,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zylindrische Keil 190 eine verdrillte Keiloberfläche 210, einen Wulst 220 und Schrägen 240 umfasst,
dass der Keil 190 einen größeren Durchmesser 260 und einen kleineren Durchmesser 270 umfasst,
dass die verdrillte Keiloberfläche 210 eine Verdrillbewegung auf die Segmente 110 überträgt, wenn sie sich entlang der Schrägen 240 zwischen dem kleineren 270 und dem größeren 260 Durchmesser bewegen, und
dadurch, dass der Wulst 220 ebenfalls eine Verdrillung oder Drehung auf die Segmente 110 überträgt, wenn sie sich aufweiten und zusammenziehen, um die relative Drehung der Segmente zu verhindern.
au moins deux battants 110 ayant chacun une partie inférieure 160, un premier côté 140, un deuxième côté 150 et une partie supérieure arrondie 120, dans laquelle lesdites parties supérieures arrondies ont un premier côté ayant une languette 180 et un deuxième côté ayant une fente 170, dans laquelle les parties supérieures arrondies desdits au moins deux battants sont adaptées pour former de manière sélective une circonférence servant à des fins de mise en prise d'un matériau allongé, et dans laquelle ladite circonférence a un axe perpendiculaire 250 ;
une cale cylindrique 190 ayant un axe 250 le long dudit axe 250 de ladite circonférence servant à des fins de mise en prise dudit matériau allongé, ladite cale cylindrique étant adaptée à des fins de mise en prise d'une broche de ladite bobineuse à découpe et à transfert automatique, et une surface extérieure conique adaptée à des fins de mise en prise de ladite partie inférieure desdits au moins deux battants ; et
des ressorts 230 adaptés pour tirer les battants vers l'intérieur,
dans laquelle ladite cale cylindrique est adaptée pour pousser de manière sélective lesdits au moins deux battants à distance dudit axe de ladite cale cylindrique en cas de poussée dans une direction le long dudit axe de ladite cale cylindrique et pour permettre le mouvement desdits au moins deux battants vers ledit axe de ladite cale cylindrique en cas de poussée à l'opposé de ladite direction,
caractérisée en ce que ladite cale cylindrique 190 comporte une surface de cale tordue 210, une nervure 220 et des rampes 240,
en ce que ladite cale 190 comporte un diamètre plus grand 260 et un diamètre plus petit 270,
en ce que ladite surface de cale tordue 210 communique un mouvement de torsion sur les battants 110 alors qu'ils se déplacent le long desdites rampes 240 entre lesdits diamètres plus petit 270 et plus grand 260, et
en ce que ladite nervure 220 communique également une torsion ou rotation sur les battants 110 alors qu'ils se déploient et s'affaissent pour empêcher une rotation relative des battants.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description