WO2002034657A1

WO2002034657A1 - A bobbin related arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2002034657A1
Application number: PCT/SE2001/002340
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Wahlbeck, Hans, Gustav, Erik
Priority date: 2000-10-25
Filing date: 2001-10-25
Publication date: 2002-05-02
Also published as: SE0003878L; AU2002211153A1; SE517501C2; SE0003878D0

Abstract

A bobbin-related arrangement (1) comprising, among other things, a centrally related intermediate part (2), two end walls (3, 4) adapted for said intermediate part, and a latching device (5) for firmly latching one end part of an elongated object, such as a chain, wherein said latching device (5) includes a reciprocatingly movable latching part (5a), wherein said latching part (5a) is connected to said intermediate part (2) and is adapted to releasably latch said one end. The latch part (5a) can be urged towards a first position in which the end is firmly latched, by means of the force exerted by a spring (6). A manoeuvring device (7) is adapted for co-action with said latch part in a manner to move said latch part (5a) to a second position in which said end is released, against the action of said spring force. The manoeuvring device (7) is arranged to extend within the intermediate part (2) and out through a hole in the second end wall with the aid of an actuator (8); and in that at least one electromagnet (9, 9') is co-ordinated with said latch part (5a) for displacement of said latch part (5a) towards said second position, against the action of said spring force, in response to receiving an electric pulse.

Description

A BOBBIN RELATED ARRANGEMENT

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to a bobbin-related arrangement and more particularly to a bobbin-related arrangement that comprises, among other things, a central intermediate part, two end walls connected to said intermediate part, and a device for latching one end of an elongated object, such as one end of a chain consisting of a row of links, said latching device including a recipro- catingly movable latching part.

The latching part is adapted to latch said one end of the object in an easily released fashion, and is, to this end, connected to said intermediate part close to a first of the aforesaid two end walls.

The latching means can be urged to a first end latching position by means of a spring force.

The arrangement also includes a manoeuvring device, which is adapted for co-action with said latching device for movement of said latching means to an end releasing second position against the action of the spring force.

Description of the background art

Several different embodiments of a bobbin-related arrangement of the aforesaid kind are known to the art and have been used to wind-up and unwind elongated objects, such as chains. These arrangements have been constructed to pack together successive turns of a chain or elongated object so that they will have a compact relationship in relation to each other, and also so that superimposed turns of a chain section or elongated object section taken up on the inter- mediate part of the bobbin can be orientated in a very compact relationship.

It is also known to use such a bobbin-related arrangement in respect of a method and an apparatus for producing non-allergenic objects, particularly metal objects intended for direct contact with the skin of human beings.

In the case of such an application, there is known as a result of a public presentation or open working a bobbin-related arrangement that comprises, among other things, a centrally related intermediate part, two end walls connected to said intermediate part, and a latching device adapted for co-action with one end of a chain consisting of a row or line of links and having a reciprocatingly movable latching part, which is adapted to firmly latch said one end but which can be readily released, and which is connected to said intermediate part close to a first of said two end walls, wherein said latching part can be urged by a spring force towards a first end-latching position, and wherein the arrangement includes a manoeuvring device by means of which the latching part can be moved to an end- releasing second position against said spring force.

Summary of the invention

Technical problems

When taking into consideration the technical deliberations that a person skilled in this particular art must make in order to provide a solution to one or more technical problems that he/she encounters, it will be seen that on the one hand it is necessary initially to realise the measures and/or the sequence of measures that must be undertaken to this end, and on the other hand to realise which means is/are required to solve one or more of said problems. On this basis, it will be evi- dent that the technical problems listed below are highly relevant to the development of the present invention.

When taking into consideration the known prior art, as described above, and when observing the requirements of the aforesaid particular application of use, it will be seen that a technical problem resides in creating a compact bobbin- related arrangement with the aid of simple means.

A technical problem also resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with the provision of conditions in which a latching device that has a reciprocatingly movable latching part can be caused to take an open state and a state in which it releases one end of an elongated object or one end of said chain or embraces said end, by virtue of the latching part either being actuable manually via a pulling force, or actuable electrically through the medium of one or more electromagnets.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing said manoeuvring device to extend through the intermediate part and through a hole in one of two end walls with an actuating part orientated adjacent the other of said end walls for displacement of the latching part in the axial direction of the manoeuvring device, and co-ordinating at least one electromagnet with said latching part such that said latching part will be moved towards said second position against the action of the spring force magnetically in response to an electric activation of the magnet or magnets.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by giving said intermediate part the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve, that has a relatively thin wall thickness, such as made of aluminium.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by giving said sleeve a wall thickness of between 2 and 5 mm.

A further technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by orientating said latching device in <a cavity surrounded by the inner circular surface of the sleeve and located close to a peripheral outer part thereof.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with positioning said latching device at a dis- tance from the inner peripheral surface part that corresponds to a radius allocated to the electromagnet.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages that are gained by allowing a respective end or section of the intermediate part to extend beyond said end walls. Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing two electrically actuable magnets to be series-related to said rod.

A technical problem also resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing said intermediate part with an axially ex- tending groove, through which there extends a lever arm for co-action with a mi- croswitch positioned within said intermediate part.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in the ability of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by giving said intermediate part the form of two concentrically orientated hollow cylindrical sleeves, and ar- ranging said latching device, having one or two electrically actuable magnets, within a space defined by the inner cylindrical surface of the outer sleeve and the outer cylindrical surface of the inner sleeve.

A technical problem also resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing a spring attachment for attachment of that end of a spring (or two springs), which faces towards a circular end-wall piece associated with said intermediate part.

A further technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by giving said end wall the form of a flange, which is fastened to the intermediate part and caused to surround said part.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by positioning a first and a second spring anchoring or fastening device adjacent said latching device.

Another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing the intermediate part adjacent the end wall associated with said fastener device with an end-wall piece in the form of a cover or lid.

Yet another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by including in a plastic component an electric contact device associated with said end-wall piece for activation of the electromagnet (or magnets).

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages associated with giving said latching device a form that conforms to the form of a piston. Another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing one or more clamping sleeves, for firmly holding said two hollow cylindrical sleeves and/or electromagnets in a predetermined concentric position.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by fastening said spring in relation to a spring anchoring or spring fastening device, close to the latching device and a spring anchoring or spring fastening device associated with said end-wall piece.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing slide bearings in one of the end-wall pieces.

Yet another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by providing a protective cap or cover around a further spring, that co-acts with said electric contact device. Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by the use of a stop screw, which is adapted for co-action with an electric contact device and which includes a locking ring.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by having provided one end-wall piece with slide bearings for axial movement of the rod.

Solution

The present invention takes as its starting point a bobbin-related arrangement which comprises, among other things, a centrally related intermediate part, two end walls connected to said intermediate part, and a latching device, that includes a reciprocatingly movable latching part which is operable in latching one end of a chain consisting of a row of links, wherein said latching part is adapted to firmly hold said one end in a readily releasable fashion and is connected to said intermediate part close to a first of said two end walls, wherein said latching part can be urged towards an end-latching first position by means of a force exerted by at least one spring, wherein the arrangement includes manoeuvring means adapted for co-action with said latching part in a manner to move said part to a second position, in which said end is released, against the action of said spring force.

With the intention of solving one or more of the aforesaid technical prob- lems, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that said manoeuvring device is caused to extend through the intermediate part and through a hole in the other end wall, with an actuating part positioned adjacent said other end wall for displacing the manoeuvring device in its axial direction, and at least one electromagnet is provided for displacement of said latching part towards said second position against the action of said spring force in response to a magnet energising electric pulse.

By way of proposed embodiments that lie within the scope of the inventive concept, it is proposed in accordance with the present invention that said intermediate part has the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve of relatively thin wall thick- ness.

It is also proposed that the sleeve has a wall thickness of between 2 and 5 mm.

The latching part is positioned in a cavity surrounded by the inner surface of the sleeve and close to said surface.

The latching part is also positioned at a distance from the inner surface corresponding to the radius of an electromagnet.

The intermediate part is adapted so that a respective end section thereof is able to extend through and beyond said end-walls. Two electromagnets are series-related and connected electrically in series or in parallel.

The intermediate part may conveniently include an axially extending groove through which there extends a lever for co-action with a microswitch positioned in said intermediate part. The invention also proposes that the intermediate part may be given the form of two mutually concentric hollow cylindrical sleeves, and that said latching device and two electromagnets may be positioned in a space defined by a cylindrical inner surface of the outer sleeve and an outer cylindrical surface of the inner sleeve. It is also proposed that a spring attachment for that end of the spring proximal to the end-wall will have the form of a circular end-wall piece, associated with said intermediate part.

It is also proposed that the end wall has the form of a flange, which surrounds the intermediate part and is fastened thereto. A first and/or a second spring anchoring or spring fastening device may be positioned adjacent said latching device.

The intermediate part is provided adjacent the first end wall associated with said latching device with an end-wall piece in the form of a lid or cover.

The end-wall piece includes an electric contact device by means of which the magnet (or magnets) can be energised.

The latching part has the form of a piston.

Moreover, one or more clamping sleeves have been adapted to hold together the aforesaid two sleeves and also the electromagnets in a predetermined position. It is also proposed in accordance with the invention that the spring may be fixedly related to a spring anchoring or spring fastening device adjacent said latching device and a spring anchoring or spring fastening device associated with said end-wall piece. It is also proposed in accordance with the invention that there is used a slide bearing mounted in one of the end-wall pieces.

A protective cap or cover is arranged around a further spring that co-acts with said electric contact device.

It is also proposed that the arrangement includes a stop screw, which is adapted to co-act with the electric contact device through the medium of a stop ring.

One of said end-wall pieces shall be provided with slide bearings for axial movement of the rod.

Advantages

Those advantages that are primarily characteristic of an inventive bobbin- related arrangement reside in the creation of conditions in which a very simple construction of the arrangement can be obtained and also in the creation of conditions in which a reciprocatingly movable latching part of a latching device can be moved manually, said latching device functioning to latch in position one end of an elongated object or one end of a chain consisting of a row of links.

This is achieved by virtue of the manoeuvring device having an elongated form with an actuating part arranged adjacent an end wall, therewith enabling the latching part to be displaced manually from a first position in which it latches the end of the chain to a second position in which said end is released and in a direction opposite to the force exerted by the spring. Corresponding movement of the manoeuvring device could, alternatively, be achieved by passing an electric current through at least one electromagnet arranged to co-act with said rod.

The primary characteristic features of an inventive bobbin-related arrangement are set forth in the characterising clause of the accompanying claim 1. Brief description of the drawings

A proposed exemplifying embodiment of a bobbin-related arrangement, having features significant of the present invention, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 is a sectioned side view of the bobbin-related arrangement;

Figure 2 is an end view seen from the left of the bobbin-related arrangement show in fig. 1 ;

Figure 3 is a sectioned view in slightly larger scale of a latching device which includes a reciprocatingly movable latching part and which is adapted for co-action with one end of a chain comprising a row of links;

Figure 4 is a sectioned side view, similar to fig. 3, showing a rod belonging to a manoeuvring device in its central section, and

Figure 5 illustrates similarly to fig. 3 the manoeuvring device in the form of a rod, which co-acts with a hand-operated rod-manoeuvring part lo- cated on the outside of one of two end walls.

Description of an embodiment at present preferred

It will be noted that in the following description of an embodiment at pre- sent preferred and having the significant characteristic features of the invention illustrated in the various figures of the accompanying drawings there have been used particular terms and particular terminology with the primary intention of clarifying the inventive concept.

However, the expressions and terms here used shall not be seen as limit- ing the scope of the invention, and it will be understood that each term chosen shall be interpreted as including all technical equivalents that function in the same or in essentially the same way, so as to be able to achieve the same or essentially the same intention and/or technical effect.

Fig. 1 is thus a sectioned side view of one example of a bobbin-related ar- rangement 1 .

The arrangement 1 comprises, among other things, a centrally orientated intermediate part 2, two end-walls 3 and 4 connected to said intermediate part, the end-wall 3 being designated a first end-wall and the end-wall 4 being designated a second end-wall.

Also included is a latching or fastening device 5 for a co-action with one end of a chain comprised of a row or string of links.

The latching device 5 has a reciprocatingly movable latching part 5a and an oppositely facing plug-like surface 5b, which functions as a counter-pressure surface or anvil surface.

The latching part 5a is adapted to firmly latch said one end in a readily re- leasable manner and is connected to said intermediate part 2 close to the first end-wall 3 of said two end walls 3, 4.

The latching part 5a can be urged by the force exerted by at least one spring 6 in the direction of arrow "P", towards a first position in which the end is firmly latched (shown in fig. 1 ).

A manoeuvring device 7 is adapted to co-act with said latching part 5a for movement or displacement of the latching part 5a to a second position in which said end is completely free, against the force of the spring 6. Although this position is not shown in fig. 1 , it will become apparent when understanding that the latching part 5a shall be moved to the right in fig. 1 through a distance that corresponds to the illustrated distance 7a.

The distance between anvil 5b and the outer surface 5a' of the latching part 5a increases so as to be able to surround a terminating link. The manoeuvring device 7 may have the form of a magnetisable rod, arranged to extend within and axially along the intermediate part 2 and through a hole 4a in the second end wall 4.

The manoeuvring device 7 and the free end of the rod co-act with an actuator 8 positioned adjacent the second end wall 4, for common movement of the manoeuvring device 7 and the latching part 5a manually in the axial direction "F1 " of the manoeuvring device 7.

At least one electromagnet 9, in the illustrated case two electromagnets 9, 9', is (are) co-ordinated with the rod 7. When the electromagnet or electromagnets is/are energised by an electric current, the magnet or magnets will cause the rod 7 to move to the right in fig. 1 into said second position and against the action of said spring force, in the same way as the rod is moved manually by means of the actuator 8.

The illustrated intermediate part 2 has the form of a hollow cylindrical alu- minium sleeve of relatively thin wall thickness.

Practical experiences show that the sleeve 2 will preferably have a wall thickness "t" of between 2 and 5 mm when said sleeve is made from an aluminium material or an alloy of such material.

It will be seen from fig. 1 that the latching device 5 of the illustrated em- bodiment is positioned in the cavity 10 surrounded by the inner surface 2a of the sleeve 2 and is situated close to said surface 2a.

The rod 7 is positioned at a smallest possible distance from the inner surface 2a, said distance corresponding to the radius allocated to the outer surface of the electromagnet 9, 9'. It will also be seen from fig. 1 that the end portions 2b, 2c of the intermediate part 2 are caused to extend through and possibly beyond the outer surface parts of respective end-walls 3, 4.

Fig. 1 also shows that two electromagnets 9, 9' are series-related with the rod 7 and that these electromagnets may be coupled electrically in series or in parallel for receiving the current pulse required to energise the magnets.

The intermediate part 2 is provided with an axially extending groove 2d, diametrically opposite the latching device 5. A lever arm 1 1 extends along the groove 2d past and beyond the outer surface 2e of said intermediate part 2, for co- action with a microswitch 12, positioned in the intermediate part 2. The microswitch 12 is closed immediately when the lever 1 1 is in its outer position.

Fig. 1 also shows that the intermediate part 2 has the form of two concentric hollow cylindrical sleeves 2', 2" and that said latching device 5 and two electrode magnets 9, 9' are positioned within a space 10', delimited by the inner cylin- drical surface 2a of the outer sleeve and the outer cylindrical surface 2a' of the inner sleeve 2'.

Provided in a circular end-wall piece 4b, associated with said intermediate part, is an attachment 7b for one end 6a of the spring 6, said spring end 6a facing towards the second end-wall 4. Two springs or a pair of springs 6, 6' are placed on respective sides of the magnets 9, 9'.

In this case, the end wall 4 has the form of a flange 4', which is fastened to the end portion of the intermediate part 2 and surrounds said portion.

A first and/or a second spring anchoring device or spring attachment de- vice 7c is provided adjacent said fastener device 5.

The intermediate part 2 is provided, adjacent its first end wall 3 associated with the latching device 5, with an end-wall piece 3b made of electrically insulating material and having the form of a cover member or cap.

The end-wall piece 3 includes an electric contact device 3c for activation of the electromagnet (or electromagnets 9, 9').

The latch part 5a of the illustrated embodiment has the form of a piston, which moves in a cylinder.

One or more clamping sleeves 13, 13a is/are adapted to hold the two sleeves 2', 2" firmly in a predetermined concentric position and also to hold the magnets 9, 9'.

The aforesaid two springs, such as the spring 6, are fixedly related to a spring anchoring device or spring attachment device 7a close to the latching part, and to a spring anchoring device or spring attachment device 7b belonging to the end-wall piece. A hole 4a' for a pin 4a is provided in the first end-wall piece 3.

A protective cover 14 is disposed around a further spring 15 associated with the electric coupling device.

A stop screw 20 is adapted for co-action with the electric contact device 3c through the medium of a stop ring 21 . Although the illustrated embodiment is shown to have only one single magnet core extending through two series-connected electromagnets, it will be apparent that a short magnet core may be alternatively arranged for each electromagnet. These magnet cores will then co-act with one another for common movement. To this end, there may be used two spring units of which one end of respective spring units is fastened to the chassis with each unit positioned on a respective side of the electromagnets, and the other end of respective units is attached to the outer end of one magnet core so that said cores can be moved to a latching position by the pulling force exerted in the spring units. It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the afore described and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept illustrated in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A bobbin-related arrangement (1) comprising, among other things, a centrally related intermediate part (2), two end walls (3, 4) connected to said intermediate part, and a latching device (5) adapted for latching one end portion of an elongated object, such as a chain consisting of a row of links, wherein said latching device (5) includes a reciprocatingly movable latching part (5a), wherein said latching part is adapted to releasably hold said one end and is connected to said intermediate part close to a first (3) of said two end walls, wherein said latching part (5a) can be urged by the force of a spring (6) to a first end latching position, and wherein the arrangement includes a manoeuvring device (7), which is adapted for co-action with said latching part (5a) in a manner to move said latching part to an end releasing second position against the action of said spring force, characterized in that said manoeuvring device (7) extends inside the intermediate part and through a hole in the second end wall (4), in that an actuating device (8) is positioned adjacent the second end wall (4) and functions to move the manoeuvring device in its axial direction; and in that at least one electromagnet (9) is adapted to be energised such as to displace said latching part (5a) to a second position against the action of a spring force.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that said intermediate part has the form of a hollow cylindrical sleeve of relatively thin wall thick- ness.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the sleeve has a wall thickness of between 2 and 5 mm.

4. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that said latching device is positioned in the cavity surrounded by the inner surface of said sleeve and is located close to said surface.

5. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that said latching part is spaced from said inner surface at a distance corresponding to the radius of the electromagnet.

6. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that an intermedi- ate part is adapted to extend beyond said end-walls.

7. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that two electromagnets are series-related.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate part includes an axially extending groove through which there extends a lever arm for actuating a microswitch, positioned in said intermediate part.

9. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the intermedi- ate part is comprised of two mutually concentrical hollow cylindrical sleeves; and in that said latching device and two electromagnets are orientated in a space delimited by the inner cylindrical surface of an outer sleeve and the outer cylindrical surface of an inner sleeve.

10. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one spring attachment adapted for the end of the spring proximal to an end-wall has the form of a circular end-wall piece belonging to an intermediate part or section.

11. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the end wall has the form of a flange which surrounds the intermediate part and is fastened thereto.

12. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that a first and/or a second spring anchoring device or spring fastening device is positioned adjacent said latching device.

13. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the intermediate part has adjacent its end wall belonging to said fastener device an end-wall piece in the form of a cover member.

14. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized by an electric contact device is provided in the end-wall for activation of said electromagnet or magnets.

15. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that said latching part has the form of a piston.

16. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that one or more clamping sleeves is/are adapted to hold said two sleeves firmly together in a predetermined state.

17. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that said spring is fixedly related to a spring anchoring device or spring attachment device close to said latching part and also to an end-wall piece related spring anchoring device or spring attachment device.

18. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized by a slide bearing mounted in one of the end-wall pieces.

19. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized by a protective cover surrounding a further spring associated with said electric contact.

20. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized by a stop screw which is adapted for co-action with an electric contact device with the aid of a stop ring.

21. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that an end-wall has been provided with a slide bearing for displacement of the rod.