US2562990A

US2562990A - Dereeling tension control

Info

Publication number: US2562990A
Application number: US754893A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ann R Peebles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1947-06-16
Filing date: 1947-06-16
Publication date: 1951-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 1968-08-07

Description

G. PEEBLES DEREELING TENSION CONTROL Aug. 7, 195] 3 Sheets-Sheet 1v Filed/June 16, 1947 lNlf'EA-V'lOR. GEORGE PEEBLES BY Qms, www d-252 ITT() NE YS Aug. 7, 1951 G. PEEBLr-:s 2,562,990

DEREELING TENSION CONTROL Filed June 16, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l J l Tura.

- INVENTOR.

GEORGE PEEBLES ATTO NEY 911921951 G, PEEBLES 2,562,990

Filed June 1 6, 1947 DEREELING TENSIONA CONTROL v3 Sheets-Sheet 3 GEORGE' PEEBL ES Patented Aug. 7, 1951' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DEREELING TENSION CONTROL George Peebles, Hopatcong, N. J.; Ann R. Peebles executrx of said George Peebles, deceased Application June 16, 1947, Serial No. 754,893

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to devices for controlling the de-reeling or unwinding tension of iilaments, such as wire, textile threads, and the like, and more particularly to an improved tension control which functions automatically to maintain the lament tension substantially constant during the de-reeling operation.

In supplying wire and other filaments to machinery, it is necessary in many instances to maintain the tension of the lament practically uniform while it is being de-reeled and fed to the machine. The tension control is generally effected by imposing a resistance to rotation of the spool or reel from which the filament is unwound, and varying the resistance to compensate for changes in the tension of the lament passing from the reel. Tension control devices for this purpose, as proposed heretofore, are objectionable for various reasons, among Which are their bulk and complexity and their inability to maintain the tension suiiiciently constant under different operating conditions Without considerable attention from the operator.

The principal object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a tension control for dereeling operations which is compact and rugged in construction, responds automatically and accurately to counteract changes in the filament tension, and is readily adjustable for different operating conditions.

A tension control device made in accordance with the invention comprises a frame for rotatably mounting the filament spool or reel, and a brake drum or other rotatable part on` the frame adapted to be driven by the reel in the de-reeling operation. Adjacent the drum periphery is a brake band secured at one end to the frame and at the other end to the arm of a crank rotatable on the frame by means of a pivoted tension arm which is engaged by the lament passing from the reel. The tension arm and the brake band ar spring loaded, as by means of an adjustable tension spring coniected to the brake band, whereby the latter is urged against the drum to exert a braking eiect upon the reel. The spring also acts to urge the tension arm against the 'filament passing from the reel, so that -when the tension increases, the tension arm moves the crank against the spring action to relieve the-braking eiect,` and when the tension decreases, the spring moves the crank and the tension arm in the opposite direction to increase the braking eiect, thereby immediately counteracting any changes in the filament tension.

. In a present form of the device, the connection 'Nna between the tension arm and the crank for the brake band includes a lever on which an adjustment nut is threaded, the tension spring being connected at one end to the adjustment nut and at the other end to the frame through a, second adjustment nut. Thus, by adjusting the nut on the lever, the moment arm of the spring force on the lever may be varied to provide a Wide range of adjustment of the braking effect and therefore the filament tension; and the second nut serves as a means for compensating or modifying the eiect of the rst adjustment and extending still further the range of adjustment. Preferably. the brake band is provided with another adjustment by means of a pin rotatable on the frame and having a slot for receiving one end of the band. By rotating the pin, the angular position of the adjacent end of the band is adjusted to vary the effective braking area of the band upon the drum, whereby jumping of the filament reel at high tensions may be prevented and suitable adjustments may be made for backlash. To prevent sharp bends in the brake band, I prefer to superimpose a plurality of leaf springs on the end portions of the band Where it is held, and braze or otherwise secure the band and the leaves to enlargements at the ends of the band. In this way, the band and the reinforcing leaves may be held in and easily removed from slots in supporting pins at the ends of the band, the enlargements preventing the band from being drawn through the slots during operation of the device.

The brake drum may be provided with an adjustable driving pin for coupling it to filament reels of different sizes. For this purpose, the drum has a crank oiiset from the drum axis, the driving pin projecting from the crank and being adapted to t into an opening in the eel. The pin is eccentric to the crank axis, so that angular adjustment of the crank will vary the radial distance of the pin from the drum axis, to accommodate the different reel sizes.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred form of the new device;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational View o1' the device `shown in Fig. 1, and

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the device, but showing the side opposite to that illustrated inFig. 1. i j

The tension control device as illustrated comprises a frame l0 having a base Il by which the frame may be secured to a machine to be supplied -The brake band is of the bra-ke band Aa crank arm 23 and is secured with the filament. An axle I2 is rotatably mounted on the upright portion of the frame, as by means of an elongated screw I2". The axle I2 is adapted to support a reel I3, shown in dotted lines, on which the wire or other lament I4 is wound, the reel being rotatable with the axle I2 on the frame.

A rotatable member I5 in the form of a brake drum is mounted on the inner part of the axle adjacent the frame, where it is secured against axial movement on the shaft. The drum I5 is adapted to be driven pling I6 during the the filament I4. As shown, in the form or' a crank mounted in-'a'n opening in one of the spokes of the drum, the --cr'a'nk 'having an eccentric driving pin I6 adapted to fit into an opening in the adjacent end of the reel. Since the crank I6 is offset from the axle I2, and the driving pin I6a is eccentric to the axis of the crank, the radial distance of the driving pin from the drum axis may be adjusted by changing the .angular position of the crank on the drum. In this way, the driving pin may be adjusted to accommodate reels of different sizes.

A brake band I8, which may be made of tempered spring steel, extends around part of the periphery of drum I5. Leaf springs I8'L vare superimposed on the end yportions of the brake -band where they are braced or otherwise secured, 'together with the band itself, to enlargements I9. held in position around the 4drum by pins 20 and -2I at the respective end por- -tions of the band. Each pin 20, 2| is transversely 'slotted to receive the corresponding end portion and the superimposed leaves I8, The enlargements I9, by engaging the sides -of the pins, prevent the brake band from being drawn lengthwise through the slots when the band is tightened against the drum. However, the band may be easily removed from the -drum .by displacing it axially from the slots in the pins.

The upper pin 20 is in the form of a screw 'threaded through part of the frame I0. The pin 20 has a slotted head 20a by which it may be rotated to diierent angular positions, for a purpose to be described presently, the pin being unwinding or Ade--reeling of the coupling I6 is clamped in its adjusted position -by a set screw 2I extends through thereto by nut 2Ia. The arm 23 is connected to one end of a crank shaft 24, as by means of a screw 25', the shaft 24 projecting through an opening in the upright portion of the frame and having at its opposite 22 (Fig. 2). The lower pin `end a radially extending lever 26 rigidly secured thereto. An adjustment nut 21 is threaded on l.the lever 26 and is connected to one end of a bias- -ng element 28 in the form of a tension spring. The other end of spring 28 is connected to a through a projection` threaded stem 29 extending II)a of the frame and having an adjustment .screw 3U.

A link 32 is pivotally connected at one end to the free end of levei- 26, and at the opposite Vend to a projection 33 extending radially from a shaft 34. The shaft 34 is rotatable in a hollow boss b integral with the frame. A crank arm 35 is connected to shaft 34 at the end of the shaft remote from link 32. The arm 35 is splined to ,shaft 34 and is secured to the spline by a screw 36 which may be loosened to adjust the angular position of the crank arm'relative to the shaft. A tension arm in the form-of a rod 31 projects laterally from crank arm 35, to which it may .be secured by a set Vscrew (not-shown) At its free by the reel through a coul end, the rod '31 carries a pulley -38 engaged by the wire or other filament I4. That is, the lament from reel I3 extends to and partly around the pulley 38, and from the pulley it extends at about right angles to its initial direction, to the machine which is to be supplied with the filament, as indicated at I4".

The operation of the device is as follows: The tension spring 28 acts 'through lever 26, link 32, 'shaft 34 and crank 35 to urge the pulley 38 of thetension arm against the filament I4. The spring 23 also acts through lever 2'8 and shaft 24 to urge the crank arm 23 clockwise, as shown in Fig. l, whereby the brake band I8 is tightened around dru'm I5. 'The filament I4, as it is drawn at zasu'bstantially uniform rate from the reel around pulley 38, causes the reel to rotate on axle I2, and this rotation of the reel is transmitted to the brake drum I5 through the coupling IB. When the tension in the filament I4 decreases, due, for example, to the action of the machine to which it is supplied, the spring 28 -causes the Vfree end of tension arm 31 to move downwardly against the filament and at the same time operates through .crank arm 23 to tighten the brake Aband-around drum I5. The brake band thus imposes a greater resistance to rotation of reel I3, which increases .the tension in the lament and 'thereby -counteracts the initial decrease in the tension. Conversely, when the lament tension increases, vdue to the action ofthe machine which it supplies, the free end of tension arm 31 4will be forced upwardly by the lament against the Vaction of lspring 28, causing the crank arm 23 to move counterclockwise (Fig. 1) and relieve the pressure of the brake band upon be adjusted to maintain any desired filamenttension within a wide range. That is, when nut 21 is rotated on the lever, the position of the upper end of spring 28 is adjusted relative to the lever pivot or shaft 24. Accordingly, when the nut 21 is moved away from shaft 24, the moment arm of the spring action on the lever is increased so that with the same pull exerted by the spring the brake band will be urged against the drum with a greater force, whereby the filament will be maintained under a higher tension. When the moment arm of the spring is increased, as described, the spring will expand or contract a greater distance and thus cause a greater change in its tension upon rotation of shaft 24 through a given angle, thereby varying the operating characteristic of the device.- The nut 30 serves as a means for modifying the effect of the adjustments by nut 21 and for extending still further therange of adjustment.

.Angular adjustment of the pin -20 will, of course, vary the angular position of the corresponding end of the brake band. The result of this adjustment is to change the effective brak- .ing area of the band upon the brake-drum. In

I5 range. It will be understood that the reenforcing leaves I8 serve to retard bending of the brake band at the end portions where it is held by the pins 20 and 2 l and to prevent sharp bends which would result in damage to the band.

If desired, the upward movement of tension arm 31 in response to an increase in the lament tension may be limited by a stop lill. As shown, the stop projects laterally from a shaft M rotatable on the frame, and a set screw 42 is pro vided to clamp the shaft and the stop in any desired position From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the new tension control is of relatively simple, compact and rugged construction. It is adapted to maintain the iilament under a substantially constant tension, even under severe conditions of use, and it is readily adjustable to accommodate different requirements of the machine to which the iilament is fed from the reel.

I claim:

1. In a device for controlling the de-reeling tension of filaments, and the like, which comprises a frame for rotatably mounting a reel, and a rotatable part on the frame adapted to be driven by the reel, the combination of a shaft rotatable on the frame, a tension arm projecting laterally from the shaft and adjustable angularly thereon, the tension arm being engageable with the lament in the de-reeling operation and movable to rotate the shaft in response to variations in the filament tension, a projection extending laterally from the shaft, a second shaft rotatable on the frame and having a crank, a lever projecting laterally from the second shaft, a link connecting said projection and lever, a brake band adjacent the rotatable part and connected at one end to the crank, a pin for securing the other end of the band and rotatable on the frame to adjust the angular position of said last end, a tension spring connected at one end to the frame and at the opposite end to the lever and operable through the lever, said second shaft and the crank to urge the brake band against said rotatable part, the tension arm being operable through the iirst shaft and said link and lever to counteract the spring in response to an increase in the filament tension, thereby relieving the braking effect of the band upon the rotatable part, and a movable member for adjusting the spring to vary the force with which the band is urged against said rotatable part.

2. In a device for controlling the de-reeling tension of filaments, and the like, Which comprises a frame for rotatably mounting a reel, and a rotatable part on the frame adapted to be driven by the reel, the combination of a tension arm pivotally mounted on the frame and engageable with the filament in the de-reeling operation, the arm being movable on the frame in response to variations in the filament tension, a brake mounted on the frame adjacent the rotatable part, a tension spring connected to the brake for urging the same to exert a braking effect upon the rotat able part, a connection between the tension arm and the brake for moving the brake to relieve said braking effect upon actuation of the arm in response to an increase in the lament tension, said connection including a lever pivoted on the frame, a screw on the lever connected to one end of the spring and adjustable to vary the position 7o of said end relative to the pivotal axis of the lever. and a second screw on the frame connected 6 to the opposite end of the spring and adjustable to vary the tension in the spring. Y

3. In a device for controlling the de-reeling tension of filaments and the like, which comprises a frame for rotatably mounting a reel, and a rotatable part on the frame adapted to be driven by the reel, the combination of a tension arm pivotally mounted on the frame and engageable with the vfilament in the de-reeling operation, the arm being movable on the frame in response to variations in the filament tension, a brake mounted on the frame adjacent the rotatable part, a biasing element connected to the brake for urging the same to exert a, braking eiect upon the rotatable part, a connection between the tension arm and the brake for mov ing the brake to relieve said braking effect upon actuation of the arm in response to an increase in the lament tension, the brake including a brake band secured at one end to said connection, and a pin rotatable on the frame and having a slot in which the other end of the band is held.

4. In a device'for controlling the de-reeling tension of filaments, and the like, which comprises a frame for rotatably mounting a, reel, and a rotatable part on the frame adapted to be driven by the reel, the combination of a tension arm pivotally mounted on the frame and engageable with the iilament in the de-reeling operation, the arm being movable on the frame in response to variations in the iilament tension, a brake mounted on the frame adjacent the rotatable part, a biasing element connected to the brake for urging the same to exert a braking effect upon the rotatable part, a connection between the tension arm and the brake for moving the brake to relieve said braking effect upon actuation of the arm in response to an increase in the iilament tension, the brake including a brake band having at each end a plurality of superimposed spring leaves, and a pair of pins having slots for receiving the respective end portions of the band, one of the pins being secured to the frame and the other being movable by said connection.

GEORGE PEEBLES.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 680,706 Edmunds Aug. 20, 1901 778,668 Hudson Dec. 27, 1904 1,302,121 Anderson Apr. 29, 1919 1,462,604 Lavalle July 24, 1923 1,598,937 Selvig Sept. "I, 1926 1,667,070 Jones Apr. 24, 1928 1,882,950 Rulon Oct. 18, 1932 1,947,826 Campbell Feb. 20, 1934 2,070,035 Weiss Feb. 9, 1937 2,149,718 Anderson Mar. 7, 1939 2,160,910 Runton June 6, 1939 2,252,247 Bjorge Aug. 12, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 582.017 Germany Aug. 7, 1933 702,346 France Jan. 20, 1931