US3257087A

US3257087A - Strand distributor

Info

Publication number: US3257087A
Application number: US361984A
Authority: US
Inventors: Edward W Kriete; Gordon C Schehlein; Wright Samuel
Original assignee: Western Electric Co Inc
Current assignee: AT&T Corp
Priority date: 1964-04-23
Filing date: 1964-04-23
Publication date: 1966-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 1983-06-21

Description

E. W. KRIETE ETAL June 21, 1966 STRAND DISTRIBUTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 23, 1964 S N/ E m W E G. C. SCHEHLE/N S. WRIGHT B) j A 7' TORNEV June 1966 E. w. KRIE TE ETAL STRAND DISTRIBUTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 23, 1964 FIG. 4

FIG. 5

June 21, 1966 E. w. KRIETE ETAL STRAND DISTRIBUTOR 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 23, 1964 United States Patent ice 3,257,087 STRAND DISTRIBUTOR Edward W. Kriete, Gordon C. Schelilein, and Samuel Wright, Baltimore, Md., assignors to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Apr. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 361,984 11 Claims. (Cl. 242158.4)

-This invention relates to a device for distributing a strand on a reel and particularly to a device for automatically distributing a strand on a reel.

Generally, in manufacturing operations, a strand leaves the manufacturing line at a relatively constant speed. If a take-up reel is rotated at a constant rate of speed, the rate at which the strand is taken up on the reel will increase as additional layers of the strand are taken up on the-reel. Therefore, in order to take up the strand at a constant line speed, a torque motor is generally utilized to rotate the reel to maintain a constant tension on the strand and reduces the speed of the reel as additional layers are taken up on the reel.

For each revolution of the reel, a distributor should be moved axially of the reel a distance equal to approximately the'diameter of the strand. The slower the reel rotates, the longer ittakes for the reel to complete a revolution. Thus, to properly distribute a strand on the reel, it is necessary to change the rate at which the distributor traverses the reel in response to changes in the rate at which the reel is rotated. Further, the rate at which the distributor is displaced relative to the reel must be varied to compensate for changes in diameter of the strand in order to properly distribute the strand on the reel.

As the distributor traverses the reel, it is necessary to stop the distributor when the strand reaches a flange of the reel. Rather than immediately reversing the distributor, it is desirable for the distributor to dwell substantially one revolution of the reel to lay the strand against the flange of the reel. This reduces the length of the gap between the strand and the flange. Too long of a gap is disruptive to the'distribution of'subsequent layers on the reel. In order to regain the desired helix of the convolutioris on the reel, it is necessary to move the distributor at a slightly faster rate of speed than the normal speed of reciprocation of the distributor for a predetermined number of revolutions of the reel before returning to the normal distributing rate.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide facilities responsive to the diameter of the strand and the build up of strandular material on the reel for controlling therate of speed at which a distributor traverses the reel.

Another object of the invention is to provide facilities responsive to the diameter of the strand, the build up of strandular material on the reel and the position ofthe strand on a reel for controlling the speed and direction of the distributor relative to the reel.

, to control the rate of speed at which a distributor traverses the reel to properly distribute the strand on the reel.

3,257,087 Patented June 21, 1966 Facilitiesare also provided which are responsive to the position of the strand on the reel for stopping the distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction in which the distributor traverses the reel, and correcting the helix of the strand on the reel.

A more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be obtained by consideration of the following drawings and detailed description, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device incorporating the principles of the instantinvention;

FIG. 2 is taken from FIG. 1 and shows an enlarged view of a portion of the reel;

FIG. 3 is the same view as FIG. 2 illustrating an operational sequence;

FIG. 4 is the same view as FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrating a further operational sequence;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic of a control circuit for the instant device.

In FIG. 1, a reel generally indicated by reference numeral 10 is rotated by a constant-torque type motor 11 for taking up strand 12 at a relatively constant rate of speed. Guide 13 supports distributor 14 so that distributor 14 will traverse the reel 10 along a line generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reel 10. The distributor 14 is displaced on the guide 13 by traversing screw 15. Traversing screw 15 is driven by reversible motor 16 through gear reduction box 17. The direction in which the reversible motor 16 is operated determines the direction in which the distributor 14 is moved axially of the reel 10.

A shoe 18 is positioned adjacent flange 19 of the reel 10 and a shoe 20 is positioned adjacent to the flange 21 of the reel. The shoes 18 and 20 are supported respectively on

arms

22 and 23. The

arms

22 and 23 are fixedly mounted on and secured to a shaft 24. The shaft 24 is mounted in any conventional manner (not shown) for rotation about its longitudinal axis. As layers of the strand 12 build up on the reel 10, the shoes 18 and 20 will ride on top of the layers to rotate the shaft 24 about its longitudinal axis in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIG. 2, the shoe 18 is pivotally mounted to the arm 22 and carries a mercury switch 30 thereon. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the shoe 18 is resting on a layer 31 of the strand 12 and a layer 32 is being distributed on the reel 10 towards flange 19.

As seen in FIG. 3, the layer 32 has reached the shoe 18. Due to the angled portion 33 of the shoe 18, the shoe 18 rides up over layer 32 permitting layer 32 to pass underneath the shoe 18. As seen in FIG. 4, the strand 12 has reached the flange 19 and has started a new layer 340m the reel. This pivots the shoe 18 in a clockwise direction.

Due to the manner in which the mercury switch 30 is carried on the shoe 18, the switch 30 is actuated only when the shoe 18 is pivoted in a clockwise direction. As seen in FIG. 1, the shoe 20 is mounted in a similar fashion as shoe 18 and also carries a mercury switch 35. However, the mercury switch 35 is actuated when the shoe 20 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction.

As seen in FIG. 1, the shaft 24 actuates a rheostat 36. As the shoes 18 and 20 move upwardlyv on top of addia tional layers of the strand 12, rheostat 36 is advanced to decrease its resistance. In FIG.

guides

37 and 38 of the distributor 14 are illustrated as being spring biased towards each other. As

guides

37 and 38 are advanced towards each other when the diameter of the strand 12 decreases, rheostat 39 is actuated to decrease its resistance. On the other hand, as

guides

37 and 38 move away from each other when the diameter. of the strand 12 increases, the rheostat 39 is actuated to increase its resistance.

The reel is rotated on the shaft 40 by the constant torque motor 11. Counters 41 and 42 also ride on the shaft 40 and when actuated are responsive to rotation of the shaft 40 to detect and count the revolutions of the reel 10.

The electrical schematic of FIG. 6 will now be described in detail. Switches 45 and 46 are normally closed as shown. This energizes relay 47 to close switches 48 and 49 as shown. With switches 48 and 49 closed, reversible motor 16 is actuated to displace the distributor 14 to the left as illustrated in FIG. 1. When the strand 12 reaches the flange 19 and starts the new layer 34, mercury switch is actuated to activate relays 50 and 51. Relays 50 and 52 are mechanically interlocked and upon relay 50 being electrically activated by switch 30, relay 52 is mechanically actuated by relay 50 to open switch 46. Relay 50 also closes switch 53 to energize relay 54.

Relay 50 is deactivated when mercury switch 30 opens but switch 53'remains closed untilrelay 52 is actuated by mercury switch closing. Upon switch 46 opening, relay 47 is deactivated to open switches 48 and 49. Upon relay 54 being activated, switches 55 and 56 are closed. This directs current to reversible motor 16 in the opposite direction to reverse the motor 16. However, the motor 16 is not reversed at this point but is stopped, as will be described infra.

Relay 51 closes switches 57 and 58 to energize counters 41 and 42, respectively. Counter 41 activates relay 61 to open switch and close switch 62. The opening of switch 45 delays the operation of relay 54 and leaves switches 48, 49, 55 and 56 open so that the motor 16 will stop. When switch 62 closes, the counter 41 is locked into the circuit. Counter 41 deactivates relay 61 after the reel 10 has made substantially one full revolution. This closes switch 45 to start the distributor 14 back across the reel and opens switch 62 to deactivate and reset counter 41.

Switch 58 upon closing activates counter 42 which in turn activates relay 63. Relay 63 closes switches 64 and 65 and opens switch 66. Switch 64 locks the counter 42 into the circuit until relay 63 is deactivated. By opening switch 66 and closing switch 65, resistance 67 is inserted into the circuit of the field coil 68. This weakens the field of the reversible motor 16 to increase its speed. Thus, upon switch 45 closing to actuate motor 16, the distributor 14 will move away from the flange 19 of the reel at a faster rate of speed until the counter 42 deactivates relay 63. Counter 42 detects the revolutions of the reel 10 and after the reel has rotated a sulficient number of revolutions to correct the helix of the convolutions on the reel, the counter- 42 deactivates relay 63 to remove resistance 67 from the circuit. The number of revolutions necessary to correct the helix of the strand on the reel is preset on the counter 42.

As may be more clearly seen in FIG. 1, the distributor 14 is displaced to the right until the strand 12 reaches the flange 21. When the strand 12 starts a new layer at flange 21, mercury switch 35 is actuated to energize

relays

52 and 68. Relay 52 closes switch 46 and mechanically actuates relay to open switch 53. Relay 68 closes switches 69 and 70 to activate counters 41 and 42. Counter 41 controls the dwell period of the distributor 14 as discussed supra and counter 42 controls the speed of the distributor 14 coming away from the flange 22 as described supra. Switches and 56 are opened and distributor 14 traverses the reel 10.

'Rheostats 36 and 39 are inserted in series with the generator tachometer 71. Speed regulator 72 receives current from three-phase A.C. source 73. The speed regulator 72 regulates the field current of coil 74 of DC. generator 75. The DC. generator 75 is driven by a threephase AC. motor 76. As the input current from the generator tachometer 71 to the speed regultaor 72 is increased, the field current in coil 74 will decrease; and as the input signal to the speed regulator 72 is decreased, the field current in the coil 74 will increase.

D.C. generator 75 supplies current to the reversible motor 16. Thus, as the current in coil 74 increases, the current to distributor motor 16 will increase to increase its speed; and when the current in coil 74 decreases, the current to motor 16 will decrease to decrease its speed.

As the shoes 18 and 20 are lifted by new layers of the strand being placed on the reel 10, the resistance of rheostat 36 is decreased to increase the input to speed control 72. This in turn decreases the current in field coil 68 and, therefore, to motor 16 to decrease the rate at which the distributor 14 traverses the reel 10. As the diameter of the strand decreases, the resistance of rheostat 39 is decreased to increase the input to speed control 72. This in turn decreases the input to field coil 68 and, therefore, to motor 16 to decrease the rate at which the In a like manner, an increase in the diameter of the strand will increase the rate at which the distributor 14 traverses the reel 10. In this manner, the traversal rate of the distributor 14 is controlled to properly distribute the strand on the reel.

It is to be understood that many changes can be made in elemental parts and their arrangement without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any suitable conventional speed regulator, counter, reversible motor, AC. motor, DC. motor or generator tachometer maybe used as will be understood by one skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, com prising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

a driving means for reciprocating the strand distributor at a predetermined rate of speed,

means continuously responsive to changes in the diameter of the strand being distributed on the reel for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the distributor traverses the reel, and

means actuated by'the strand starting a new layer at either flange of the reel for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

2. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

means continuously responsive to changes in the diameter of the strand being distributed on the reel for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the distributor traverses the reel,

a first shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the first shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the first shoe and pivoting in the opposide direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the first shoe,

a second shoe pivotally mounted adjacent the other flange to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the second shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the second shoe, and

means actuated only when either shoe is pivoted as a 3. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

adjacent the first shoe, j a second shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one I i the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

two mutually opposed guides carried by the strand distributor and continuously urged towards each other I and against the strand for guiding the strand on the reel as the strand distributor traverse the reel,

means responsive to the distance betwen the two guides for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the distributor traverses the reel,

a first shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one flange of the i reelto treely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the first shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the first shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange flange of taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the second shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the q flange adjacent the first shoe, and .means actuated only when eithes shoe is pivoted as a new layer is started at the shoes adjacent flange for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined I dwell period, reversing the direction of the strand distributor and moving the strand distributor at a faster rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

a driving means for reciprocating the strand distributor .at a predetermined rate of speed,

means responsive to the build up of strandular material on the reel for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor tra-' verses the reel, and

' means actuated by the strand starting a new layer at either flange of the reel for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to thepredetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

5. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

means responsive to the build up of strandular material on the reel for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor traverses the reel,

a second shoe pivotally mounted adjacent the other flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the second shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the second shoe, and

means actuated only when either shoe is pivoted as a new layer is started at the shoes adjacent flange for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor, and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

6 A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprislng:

a strand distributor mounted for movement transverse to the reel,

a first shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the first shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the first shoe :and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the first shoe,

a second shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the second shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the second shoe,

means responsive to either shoe riding up over a new layer for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor traverses the reel, and

7. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted to the reel,

a first arm pivotally mounted at" one end,

a first shoe pivotally mounted at the free end of the first arm adjacent one flange of the reel to freely for movement transverse a second arm pivotally mounted at one end, the first and second arms pivoting about their pivotally mounted end when either arm is so pivoted,

a second shoe pivotally mounted at the free end of the second arm adjacent the other flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one dimotion to ride up over a new layer approaching the second shoe and in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the second shoe, the second arm pivoting about its pivotally mounted end as the second shoe rides up on a new layer of the strand,

means responsive to pivotal movement of the first and second arms about their pivotally mounted end for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor traverses the reel, and

means actuated only when either shoe is pivoted in response to a new layer starting at the shoes adjacent flange for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor, and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

8. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

means for sensing the build up of strandular material on the reel,

means for continuously sensing the diameter of the strand, and

means responsive to the means for sensing the build up of strandular material on the reel and the means for continuously sensing the diameter of the strand for controlling the driving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor traverses the reel.

9. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel.

a first arm pivotally mounted at one end,

a first shoe pivotally mounted at the free end of the v first arm adjacent one flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the first shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer approaching the first shoe and in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the first shoe, the first arm pivoting about its pivotally mounted end as the first shoe rides up on a new layer of the strand,

a second arm pivotally mounted at one end, the first and second arms pivoting about their pivotally mounted end when either arm is so pivoted,

a second shoe pivotally mounted at the free end of the second arm adjacent the other flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the second shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer approaching the second shoe and in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the second shoe, the second arm pivoting about its pivotally mounted end as the second shoe rides up on a new layer of the strand,

means actuated only when either shoe is pivoted in response to a new layer starting at the shoes adjacent flange for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor and moving the strand distributor at a faster rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel,

a first sensing means for detecting pivotal movement of the first and second arms about their pivotally mounted end,

two mutually opposed guides carried by the strand distributor and continuously urged towards each other and against the strand for guiding the strand on the reel as the strand distributor traverses the reel,

a second sensing means for detecting the distance between the two guides, and A means responsive to the first and second sensing means for. controlling thedriving means to control the rate at which the strand distributor traverses the reel.

10. A device for distributing a strand on a reel, comprising:

a strand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

a first shoe pivotally mounted adjacent one flange of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, the first shoe pivoting in one direction to ride up over a new layer of the strand approaching the first shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when a new layer is started at the flange adjacent the first shoe,

means actuated only when either shoe is pivoted as a new layer is started at the shoes adjacent flange for stopping the strand distributor for a predeterminded dwell period, reversing the direction of travel of the strand distributor, and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to the predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on the reel.

11. A device for distributing a strand on a reel comprising:

a stnand distributor mounted for reciprocal movement transverse to the reel,

two shoes pivotally mounted adjacent opposite flanges of the reel to freely ride upon convolutions of the strand taken up on the reel, each shoe having a sloped end facing away from its adjacent flange, the sloped portion of each shoe starting at a point at the bottom of the shoe and sloping up to a point at the top of the shoe more remote than the point at the bottom of the shoe from its adjacent flange, each shoe pivoting in one direction as the sloped portion of the shoe rides up over a new layer-approaching the shoe and pivoting in the opposite direction when 7 References Cited by the Examiner a new layer is started at a shoes adjacent flange, UNITED STATES PATENTS a mercury switch mounted on each shoe and actuatd I only when a shoe pivots in response to the start of 2,660,382 11/ 1953 Wilson 242-158 a new layer at the shoes adjacent flange, and 5 2,900,145 8/1959 Hanson 242-158.2 means responsive to actuation of either mercury switch 2,912,187 11/ 1959 Rau, Jr. 242158.4

for stopping the strand distributor for a predetermined dwell period, reversing the direction of travel FOREIGN PATENTS of the strand distributor and moving the strand distributor at an increased rate of speed relative to the 10 836)412 6/1960 Great Bl'ltam predetermined rate of speed for a predetermined interval of time to correct the helix of the strand on STANLEY GILREATH Primary Exammer' the reel.

Claims

1. A DEVICE FOR DISTRIBUTING A STRAND ON A REEL, COMPRISING: A STRAND DISTRIBUTOR MOUNTING FOR RECIPROCAL MOVEMENT TRANSVERSE TO THE REEL, A DRIVING MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING THE STRAND DISTRIBUTOR AT A PREDETERMINED RATE OF SPEED, MEANS CONTINUOUSLY RESPONSIVE TO CHANGES IN THE DIAMETER OF THE STRAND BEING DISTRIBUTED ON THE REEL FOR CONTROLLING THE DRIVING MEANS TO CONTROL THE RATE OF WHICH THE DISTRIBUTOR TRAVERSES THE REEL, AND MEANS ACTUATED BY THE STRAND STARTING A NEW LAYER AT EITHER FLANGE OF THE REEL FOR STOPPING THE STRAND DISTRIBUTOR FOR A PREDETERMINED DWELL PERIOD, REVERSING THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL OF THE STRAND DISTRIBUTOR AND