EP0260266A1

EP0260266A1 - Wire or cable reel

Info

Publication number: EP0260266A1
Application number: EP86903707A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leif Josefsson
Original assignee: AXJO PLASTIC AB
Current assignee: AXJO PLASTIC AB
Priority date: 1985-06-18
Filing date: 1986-06-18
Publication date: 1988-03-23
Also published as: SE8503007L; SE8503007D0; WO1986007581A1

Abstract

Bobine pour câbles ou autres articles d'une certaine longueur destinés à être déroulés et maintenus sur une bobine, la bobine (1) comprenant deux flasques (2) disposés à une certaine distance l'un de l'autre, des dispositifs d'assemblage (3) formés d'éléments d'une certaine longueur, tels que des tiges, et destinés à s'engager dans les flasques, ainsi qu'un noyau (4) destiné à s'intercaler entre les flasques (2). Les dispositifs d'assemblage (3) sont disposés, avec leurs parties terminales, de manière à pouvoir être introduits dans le flasque respectif et à s'engager dans ce dernier pour maintenir la bobine (1) ensemble. Le noyau (4) se compose de deux parties ou davantage, façonnées de manière à pouvoir être disposées entre les flasques (2) et former une bobine sur laquelle lesdits articles peuvent être enroulés, pour rigidifier la bobine (1).Reel for cables or other articles of a certain length intended to be unwound and held on a reel, the reel (1) comprising two flanges (2) arranged at a certain distance from each other, assembly devices (3) formed of elements of a certain length, such as rods, and intended to engage in the flanges, as well as a core (4) intended to be inserted between the flanges (2). The assembly devices (3) are arranged, with their end parts, in such a way that they can be introduced into the respective flange and engage in the latter to hold the coil (1) together. The core (4) consists of two or more parts, shaped so that they can be placed between the flanges (2) and form a coil on which said articles can be wound, to stiffen the coil (1).

Description

WIRE OR CABLE REEL

Technical field:

This invention relates to a reel to bear articles or materials of some length, as cables, cords, paths, bands or other articles of some length or other endless articles which can be wound and kept on a bobbin. In this respect the reel includes gables which are intended to be arranged at a distance from each other, assembling devices which are intended to be in engagement with the gables, and a core which is intended to run between the gables and upon which the article of some length can be wound, kept and unwound. An example of a device according to the invent- ion is a cable reel and an another example is a reel for wires and threads.

Background:

There is a need to reduce the costs for stock-keeping, packing and transportation of voluminous goods, for example of that kind which the device of this invention concerns. At a manufacturer of for example cable reels the reels are put in stock and possibly packed and after¬ wards transported to a customer. Considering the design of a cable reel or the like, i.a. showing arranged gables at relative long distance from each other and a bobbin between the gables, the reel or a collection of reels take up a proportionately large space and thus require relative large volume for stock-keeping, in a package or when transported. The heavy expenses today for i.a. packages and transportation said expenses involve a considerable or in any case too large part of the total cost of the cable reel. Further, there is a need to simplify the production of for example cable reels and, if possible, to construct cable reels so that they are dismountable in a simple way.

Technical problems: A suggestion to reduce the total costs for a cable reel is to produce cable reels of a material with low quality and a dimensioning to a small extent, whereby such cable reels are intended for non-returnable use. However, it has been learned that these cable reels have such a low quality that they do not always function in a satisfactory way which also depends on the fact that they are ramshackle in their construction. Further, these cable reels demand special tools when assembled. Besides, they are not dismountable but it is of value also for cable reels for non-returnable use to be dismountable so they do not take up too large space when they are discarded. Mountable cable reels are also available which thus are delivered in parts and are assembled by customers. The assembling of such cable reels demands a use of tools and often partic- ular tools. Besides, it has been learned that these cable reels are difficult to assemble and that the assembling for that reason i.a. is time-consuming. These cable reels are neither dismountable.

The solution: A reel in accordance with the present invention fulfils, however, the requirements made at the same time as the reel remove the inconveniences of known reels in question. Thus, the costs for the reel are reduced by the fact that the reel is produced in parts and can be stored, packed and transported in a compressed condition and in that respect take up only a minimal volume at the same time as the separate parts of the reel can be dimentioned to a substantial extent and shaped of material of high quality. Further, the reel is shaped in such a way that it can be easily assembled and without use of any tools, whereby the assembling can be performed so fast that the time used practically can be dis- regarded. By the construction there exists no risk for incorrect assembl¬ ing and neither that other assembling interruptions can appear. Besides, the reel in accordance with the invention shows the advantage that the reel is dismountable which can be accomplished as simple as the assembl¬ ing of the reel and effected in a time as short as the assembling of the reel or practically in a shorter time. After dismantling of the reel it can be compressed to a minimum of volume for discarding, stock-keeping, returning or reusing. When reused the assembling of the reel can be done in the same and advantageous way as previously described. Further, the reel can be manufactured in a rationally manner and to a low cost and the consumption of material for the reel is even lesser than customary for known reels of corresponding quality. A reel in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the assembling devices of the reel are formed of elements of some length, for example rods or similar, which are shaped, with their end portions, to be able to be brought into engagement with respective gable and in that respect with engaging devices shown by the gables. By these means the reel is hold together. The core shown by the reel is formed of two or more separate parts, elements or segments which, after an arrangement in the reel, stiffen the reel besides to form a bobbin on which said articles can be wound. An another characteristic of the reel in accordance with this invention is that the engaging devices of the gables show such a shaping and such a location in the gables that arranged assembling devices are going to be placed adjacent with the level of supports for the core shown by the gables, whereby the core can bear on and be supported by besides said supports of the gables also by said assembling devices.

The invention also relates to a method to achieve a mountable and in applicable cases dismountable reel, whereby the reel is intended to bear articles or materials, as cables, cords, paths, bands or other articles. In this respect the reel includes gables, a core shaped in more than one separate part and assembling devices to hold the reel together. The method is characterized in that end portions shown by the assembling devices or an assembling device are arranged in engagement with engaging devices shaped or provided in the gables after which the core or a core element is introduced between the gables and placed in an intended position in the reel, whereby the core or the core element stiffen the reel while the assembling devices or the assembling device hold the reel together.

An another characteristic for the method to achieve the reel is formed by that fact that after that the assembling devices have been arranged in engagement with the gables a first core element is introduced between the gables and arranged in an intended position, whereby the core ele- ment stabilize the reel. Then, one or more further core elements are introduced between the gables and arranged in an intended position or intended positions and in that respect preferably on one hand at a dis¬ tance from said first arranged core element on the other at a distance from each other in the circumference of the core so that openings or gaps are formed in the core, i.e. that the core elements are arranged with an interspace among themselves.

Brief description of the drawings.

Further characteristics of and advantages with the reel and the method to achieve the reel will be apparent by an emodiment in the following description, whereby simultaneous reference will be made to the accom¬ panying schematic drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows an example of a reel according to the invention which reel, however, is devoided of a couple of elements in order to improve the clearness, Fig. 2 shows from a first side an example of a gable of the reel, Fig. 3 shows in a side view an example of an assembling device of the reel, Fig. 4 a shows from a first side an example of a core element of the reel, Fig. 4 b shows from a second side the core element in accordance with Fig. 4 a, Fig. 5 shows a part of a reel according to the invention, Fig. 6 shows likewise a part of a reel according to a further embodiment, Fig. 7 shows from a second side a part of a gable of the reel according to the invention and in accordance with a second embodiment and Fig. 8 shows from a second side and in a vertical section a part of a reel according to the invent- ion.

Best mode for carrying out the invention:

The reference designation 1 in Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a reel in accordance with the invention, which reel includes gables 2, assemb- ling devices 3 and a core 4 or a core element 4. To improve the clear¬ ness of the exemplified reel, the reel 1 is shown with only one core ele¬ ment 4 arranged to the reel which core element in addition is shown in section. As it appears from the figure the gables 2 are arranged at a distance from each other. However, the gables are hold together and in the reel by the assembling devices 3 and a core 4 running between the gables stiffens the reel.

With further reference to Fig. 2 a gable 2 of the reel 1 shows a central¬ ly located opening and a shaped projection 5 around the opening. The projection is ment for a bobbin. At a radial distance from the centre of the gable 2 and around said projection 5 is arranged a support 6 for the core 4. Further, the gable 2 shows a number of engaging devices 7 into which the assembling devices 3 shall engage. The engaging devices 7 can be in form of for example recesses or slots in the gables 2 or open- ings through the gables or similar arrangements adapted for the engage¬ ment of the assembling devices. Further, the engaging devices 7 show a stop 18 for the assembling devices 3, see Fig. 8. Depending on the shape of the assembling devices 3 and their way of engagement in the gables 2, the engaging devices 7 can show an attachment portion 17 for the assemb- ling devices 3 which attachment portion can be in form of for example an enlarged or extended recess, slot, opening or the like. The other gable 2 shows a shaping corresponding to the gable described and exemplified. At least one of the gables can in addition show a driving hole 12 and holes 13 for fixing the ends of the article. According to one embodiment of the reel in accordance with the invention the gables 2 are to be produced of a relative stiff and durable material, for example a plastic material, as the example concerns that the assemb¬ ling devices 3 principally are shaped to hold the gables 2, the reel 1 and the core 4 in form of a bobbin together and therefore the assemb¬ ling devices and the core are not dimensioned to take up the necessary strength which the reel has to exhibit, i.e. the gables 2 besides to show strength have to be produced of a durable material.

With further reference to Fig. 3, 5 and 6 is illustrated that the assemb¬ ling devices 3 are formed of elements of same length, for example rods or similar. The end portions 19 of the assembling devices show fixing devices 9 which are intended to be arranged in engagement with the enga¬ ging devices 7 of the gables 2. The fixing devices 9 can be in form of any suitable type, however, with a shaping corresponding with the enga¬ ging devices 7 at the gables 2, for example in form of bent portions of the material, hooks, catches, flanges or the like. Thus, the assembling devices 3 are intended to run between or by the gables 2 and be in enga¬ gement with the gables or hold the gables at a predestinated distance from each other. As it appears from the figures the fixing devices can be arranged in the gables 2, into countersinkor in pockets arranged in the gables or for example bear on the exterior of respective gable. For a rational manufacture of the assembling devices 3 and to a low cost the assembling devices can be produced of a metal material.

The core 4 is shaped of two or more separate parts, for example three core elements 4 all with uniform shape, elements or segments which alto¬ gether shall form a bobbin upon which that article or material can be wound that the reel 1 shall bear. As the core 4 shall stiffen the reel 1, above that, the core elements have to exhibit accuracy, i.e. the width of the core or core elements is important and a determining factor to attain an intended quality of the reel 1, as well as that the gables 2 are hold together by the assembling devices 3 at the intended, predesti¬ nated distance from each other. When the interior face of the gables 2 shows specially shaped attaching portions to ensure that the core or core elements are kept to the gables, the gables or the gables at said attach¬ ing portions also ought to exhibit a certain accuracy. As the intention is that the core 4 or core elements 4 shall be produced of a plastic material, i.e. be moulded into a tool showing precision, it is easy to attain the intended precision and the tolerance of the core or core elements as well as of the gables whenever applicable. When the engaging devices 7 of the gables 2 shall show individual holder devices 21, for example in form of jumps, beads, tapered faces or the like, to keep an assembling device 3 to the gables 2 during the assembling of the reel 1, also said holder devices 21 ought to exhibit a certain accuracy or tole¬ rances which easily can be attained in the tool.

By shaping assembling devices 3 and cores 4 or core elements 4 in diffe- rent lengths, whereby unequal sizes are attained for the reel, can a vast number of different reels 1 be constructed or assembled also with the same gables 2. Of course, by shaping the gables with varying dimensions and diameters one can obtain still more variations of reeels 1 which in this case can be received in different diameters or for winding of diffe- rent lengths of articles or materials. Such an assortment is possible to stock depending on partly the small space the reel 1 takes up in a dis¬ mountable condition, partlδy that the reel is easily assembled.

Said supports 6 arranged on the gables 2 can be shaped as a flange pro- truding from one side of the gables and according to a particular embodi¬ ment of the reel in accordance with the invention said supports 6 can be shaped with holders 16, for example in form of recesses, grooves, openings or similar, see Fig. 7. The holders 16 are in this respect intended for fasten of said article or for fasten of its end to the reel 1, whereby the end portion of the article is fixed to the reel by introduction into a holder 16. By the fact that the holders 16 can be shaped along the whole circumference of the support 6 there is always a number of holders available for fasten of the article which is also depending on the fact that the core shows openings 20 or gaps, i.e. that the core elements 4 are arranged with interspaces among themselves in the circumference of the core 4.

According to a further embodiment of the reel 1 in accordance with the invention the engaging devices 7 of the gables 2 are located in such a way that they reach through and by said support 6 intended for centering the core 4. One end of the engaging devices 7 or shaped stops 18 are situated at such a distance from the support surface of support 6 and in the radial direction of the gable 2 that an arranged assembling device is going to be adjacent with the level of the supporting surface 23 of the support 6, whereby the core 4 can bear on and be supported by the supports 6 but also of the assembling devices 3.

In stock-keeping, delivering or another transportation of reels in accor¬ dance with the invention gables 2 can be stacked on each other or side by side and core elements 4 into each other and in that respect also in sepa¬ rate stacks or packages. The assembling devices 3 can similarly be kept in a compressed collection or in a package be placed in possibly empty space between the package and the stack of core elements 4. When packing a reel the volume for stock-keeping, transportation and package is mini- mal, as for example the package vertically and in breadth is limited to the diameter of a gable 2 and its thickness to the breadth of two gables 2 plus the dimension shown by a core element 4 vertically or in its radi¬ al direction.

When assembling a reel 1 a first assembling device 3 is arranged to the engaging devices 7 of the gables 2 after which the gables 2 are hold apart so that a core element 4 can be introduced between the gables and located in an intended position or located to rest against the supports 6 of the gables 2 and in the area for the placing of assembling device 3, whereby the assembling device can support the core element. After the arrangement of the core element 4 the reel 1 is rigidified and in such a way that the reel in an erected state does not require any support or hands on the reel. Thus, the core element 4 stiffens the reel 1 while the arranged assembling device 3 hold the reel together by means of the enga- gement of the fixing devices 9 shaped in the end portions 19 of the fix¬ ing devices which in this respect act as abutments.

According to one embodiment of the reel 1 in accordance with the inven¬ tion at least one assembling device 3 is furnished or shaped with holder elements 22, for example in form of an upsetting, bent part or in that the assembling device is somewhat curved along its length or shows a bent part or bent parts or deformations of the material of the assembling device. Thus, one can desire to attain that a first assembled assembling device 3 seize a bit when anchored into the gables, whereby the reel and thus partially assembled obtains such a stability that it already when assembling of the first assembling device has an erected state and the gables 2 are hold by the assembling device 3 in intended positions, whe¬ reby it is not necessary of any holding of or support for the reel during its continuous assembling. According to an another embodiment of the reel 1 in accordance with the invention an analogous effect is obtai- ned, namely, when the gables 2 are shaped with the said holder devices 21, whereby the assembling devices 3 can be brought to snap by upsets or similar which are arranged on or adjacent to the engaging devices 7 of the gables 2, squeezed in tapered engaging devices 7 or similar shaped holder devices.

When the assembling of the reel 1 is continued the remaining assembling devices 3 are arranged to the gables 2 if the assembling devices does not already have been arranged and before that the first core element 4 has been arranged to the reel. Further, the reel 1 supplied with the remain¬ ing core element or core elements 4, for example two additional core ele¬ ments which are arranged in an intended position or intended positions and preferably at a distance from the first core element 4 and arranged in such a way that openings or gaps 20 are formed in the core 4 or bet- ween the core elements 4, whereby i.a. the end of the article will be attached to the holder 16 of the reel 1. The total length of the used core elements 4 is thus short of the circumference, of the core 4. By the fact that the core elements 4 are supported by the supports 6 of the gables 2 and also in addition by the assembling devices 3, the core ele- ments can be produced of low cost material.

Dismounting of the reel 1 is accomplished by reversed assembling and the dismounting can thus be carried out without using of tools and in a simple and rapid way. By the existing interspaces 20 between the core elements 4 a natural hold of the core elements is attained when dismount¬ ing of the reel. Further, the reel 1 will not in any way be damaged when dismounting of the reel, whereby the parts or the reel can be assembled again at a convenient opportunity for a fresh utilization.

By means of the particular construction of this reel 1 an additional advantage is obtained and by that advantages in stock-keeping, packing, etc, as it is avoided to assemble the reel or reels on the premises of the manufacturer or in the machinery of production which reduces the cost of production for reels in question.

As the core or core elements can be shaped with precision and in that respect obtain the intended width or a suitable or adapted shaping of the end edf;es 11 it is ensured that the core elements 4 are kept into the reel 1 which thus is attained by restraining between and/or by friction against the interior face of the gables 2, i.e. that the core or core elements are arranged tight between the gables and show a width which is equal with or somewhat exceeds the intended distance between the interior faces of the gables.

It is possible to shape or provide the core or at least the end edges 11 of one core element 4 with bearing elements 15 which are adapted for bearing on the interior faces of the gables 2 and in the intended position in the reel. At least that side of the gables 2 which shall be turned to- wards the core 4 can at the same time or instead of using the bearing elements be shaped with protruding portions, an annular shoulder 14 or similar, behind which the core, the core elements or the core element 4 shall be located in its intended position, whereby the end edges 11 of the core element 4 thus can show an adapted shape, for example in form of tapered or oblique-angeled edges or similar, whereby the core element is going to be kept in the reel by the fact that the core element is located in an undercut groove or the like, see Fig. 6 (Fig. 9).

Without exceeding the conceptional scope of the invention modifications of the method and the reel in accordance with the invention should be possible. Thus, the assembling devices can be shaped of another material, for example a mixed material or a plastic material, and also show resting devices at a distance from the fixing devices which are intended to func¬ tion as abutments against the interior face of the gables or that at least one assembling device shows such a shape to obtain the immediate stability of the reel during its assembling. However, the assembling of the first assembling device or assembling devices will not be as easily realizable as by the assembling devices described above and shown. Further, the reel can, of course, show fixing devices for locking of the reel or for fixing with one another between two or more parts of the reel. In this case it often requires tools for the assembling of the reel and also when the reel is dismounted simultaneously as risk exists for demolition of the reel or any part of the reel when the reel is dis¬ mounted. The hub of the gables can, of course, show any adapted and pro- per shape for a bobbin. The reel and the method to achieve the reel in accordance with the invention are thus not restricted to what has been indicated and described by the embodiments but solely to the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. Reel intended to bear articles or materials of some length, as cables, cords, paths, bands or other articles of some length or other endless articles which can be wound and kept on a bobbin, whereby the reel (1) includes gables (2) intended to be arranged at a distance from each other, assembling devices (3) intended to be in engagement with the gables (2) and a core (4) intended to run between the gables (2), characterized in that the assembling devices (3) are formed of elements of some length, for example rods or similar, which are shaped, with their end portions (19), to be able to be brought into engagement with respective gable (2) and the gables shown engaging devices (7) and in that respect to hold the reel (1) together while the core (4) is formed of two or more separate parts, elements or segments which, after an ' arrangement in the reel (1), stiffen the reel besides to form a bobbin on which said articles can be wound.

2. Reel in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the gables (2) show a support (6) for the core (4), for example in form of a flange protruding from one side of the gables.

3. Reel in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the end port¬ ions (19) of the assembling devices (3) or preferably their ends are shaped or provided with fixing devices (9) which are intended to be arranged in engagement with the engaging devices (7) of the gables (2), the engaging devices form a stop (18) for the assembling devices (3) and are formed of for example recesses, openings through the gables, slots or similar and reach through and by said support (6) of the gables and in the radial direction of the gables (2).

4. Reel in accordance with clai .2 or 3, characterized in that said support (6) of the gables (2) is shaped with holders (16), for example in form of recesses, grooves, openings or similar for fasten of the said article or its end to the reel (1).

5. Reel in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that at least one of the engaging devices (7) of the gables (2) is shaped or provided with holder devices (21), for example in form of jumps, beads or the like, to keep an assembling device (3) to the gables (2) and/or in that at least one assembling device (3) is shaped or provided with holder elements (22), for example in form of an upsetting or a bent part or bent parts of the material or in that the assembling device is some curved or deformed along its length.

6. Reel in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the core (4) or end edges (11) of at least one element of the core (4) are shaped with or show bearing elements (15) which are adapted for bearing on the gables (2) when the core or the core element is in its intended position and in that respect in an engaging position with the gables.

7. Reel in accordance with claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the engag¬ ing devices (7) of the gables (2) show such a shaping and such positions that arranged assembling devices (3) are adjacent with the level of the support (6) of the gables (2), whereby the core (4) can bear on and be supported by the assembling devices (3) and the support (6).

8. Method to achieve a mountable and in applicable cases dismountable reel of the kind mentioned according to any of the preceeding claims, whereby the reel (1) is intended to bear articles or materials, as cables, cords, paths, bands or other articles and includes gables (2), a core (4) shaped in more than one separate part and assembling devices (3) to hold the reel (1) together, characterized in that end portions (19) shown by the assembling devices (3) or an assembling device (3) are arranged in engagement with engaging devices (7) shaped or provided in the gables (2) after which the core (4) or a core element (4) is introduced between the gables (2) and placed in an intended position in the reel (1), whereby the core or the core element stiffen the reel while the assembling devices or the assembling device hold the reel together.

9. Method in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the assembl¬ ing devices (3) are brought to reach between the gables (2) and in such a radial distance from the axis of the reel that the core (4), core elements (4) or the core element (4) can be introduced to bear on the assembling devices (3).

10. Method in accordance with claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a first core element (4) is introduced between the gables (2) and arranged in an intended position, whereby the core element (4) stabilize the reel (1) after which one or more further core elements (4) are introduced between the gables (2) and arranged in an intended position or intended positions and in that respect preferably at a distance from each other in the circumference of the core so that openings or gaps (20) are formed in the core or that the core elements are arranged with an inter¬ space (20) among themselves.