WO2002038478A1

WO2002038478A1 - An arrangement for winding a chain onto a bobbin

Info

Publication number: WO2002038478A1
Application number: PCT/SE2001/002427
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hans Gustav Erik Wahlbeck
Original assignee: Hans Gustav Erik Wahlbeck
Priority date: 2000-11-07
Filing date: 2001-11-05
Publication date: 2002-05-16
Also published as: AU2002212921A1; SE0004063L; SE516385C2; SE0004063D0

Abstract

The present invention includes an arrangement (1) for winding a chain (4), consisting of a series of links coordinated to link sections, onto a chassis-carried bobbin (3), wherein said bobbin (3) is arranged to move axially forwards and backwards during a winding sequence, wherein a chain section (4a) close to said bobbin (3) and fed into the bobbin is arranged to pass a chain-section guiding unit (5), and wherein the chain section is arranged to pass between the unit and the bobbin via a deflecting point (6). The deflecting point (6) is located within a central or intermediate region of the chain section (4a) situated close to the bobbin, and is orientated so as to provide a deflecting angle of less than 160 degrees even when the bobbin is full.

Description

AN ARRANGEMENT FOR WINDING A CHAIN ONTO A BOBBIN

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to an arrangement for winding a chain, consisting of a series of links, onto a chassis-carried bobbin, wherein the bobbin is arranged for axial reciprocating movement during a winding sequence, so that the chain links will be wound tightly together between the end-walls of the bobbin in a first layer and then in consecutive second, third and further layers. More particularly, the invention relates to such an arrangement in which each chain section that lies close to the bobbin during the chain infeed sequence is intended to pass via a deflection point.

Although the present invention can be applied in any technical field in which it is desired to wind a chain, consisting of a series of links, around a chassis- carried bobbin, it should be mentioned that the invention has been developed to form part of a method and part of an apparatus for the production of non-allergenic elements, and then particularly metallic elements that are intended to come into direct contact with the skin of human beings.

Examples of such objects are chain necklaces, ankle chains or chain bracelets, etc., where said objects contain completely pure metals, such as pre- cious metals, e.g. gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, etc., mixed with optimised pure zinc, copper, aluminium, nickel or chromium, and where all working processes are carried out without access to air and without contact with aggressive substances, such as salts or acids.

Description of the background art

Various different arrangements for winding a chain, consisting of a series of links, onto a chassis-carried bobbin are known to the art.

In the case of these arrangements, it is also known to allow the bobbin to move forwards and backwards axially in relation to the chassis, such that consecu- tive turns of the chain will lie tightly together between the end-walls of the bobbin in a first layer, and in additional second, third and further layers.

It is also known to deflect the chain section that lies close to the bobbin during the infeed sequence.

With regard to an arrangement, constructed for the aforesaid use and in the case of a chain that has a more rectangular cross-sectional shape, with at least planar and parallel top and bottom surfaces and which shall be wound onto a bobbin, it is necessary that the chain links lie tightly adjacent one another in relation to their positions during each turn between the end-walls of the bobbin.

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 in solving one or more of said problems. On this basis, it will be evident that the technical problems listed below are highly relevant to the devel- opment of the present invention.

When considering the present state of the art, as described above, it will be evident that in respect of an arrangement for winding a chain, consisting of a series of links onto a chassis-carried bobbin, a technical problem resides in the ability to provide conditions which enable the bobbin to move accurately back- wards and forwards in an axial direction during a chain-winding sequence, so that the chain links can be wound tightly adjacent each other during each turn between the end-walls of the bobbin and in further successive layers.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by deflecting each chain extension to a special position of orientation upstream of the bobbin.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing said deflection to take place within a central or intermediate region of an elongated chain section situated upstream of the bobbin, and therewith be able to create conditions for a gentle distribution of the tightly adjacent turns with chain-associated edge surfaces lying in abutment with each other.

A technical problem also resides in the ability of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing the chain section, via said deflection, to be orientated such as to permit a deflection angle of less than 160 degrees even when the bobbin is full.

A further technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by using, adjacent said deflection point, a length- measuring device which functions to measure a distance between a fixed point re- lated to the chassis and a by-passing chain section.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by enabling the bobbin to be displaced axially to a controlled extent when an instant measured distance value deviates from a predetermined value, via a control unit, such as to obtain a specific distance value. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by effecting said deflection with the aid of a fixed, smooth axle part, preferably provided with small edge flanges.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by effecting said deflection with the aid of a fully or partially cylindrical centre or intermediate part of two rounded edge-associated and flange-connecting parts.

In addition, a technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing a chain-advancing unit to consist of two rollers that have soft peripheral surfaces and that advance mutually consecutive chain sections, and by causing a chain section connecting with the upstream chain section to pass between said rollers.

Still another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by causing said connecting chain section to pass a first roller, that has a winding angle greater than 180 degrees, and a sec- ond roller, that has a winding angle of roughly 180 degrees.

It will be seen in this respect that a technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing said connecting chain section, that has passed said two rollers, to pass a further two, mutually co-acting, rollers each having a flanged end-wall, with the two end-wall adapted to guide the chain section to a predetermined position, by abutment with mutually opposing chain-related edge extensions of each chain section.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by using an ultrasound-based length-measuring device. A further technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by proving a control unit, that co-acts with said length-measuring device, that causes the bobbin to be displaced in a direction towards the chassis when said distance increases in relation to a predetermined value.

Another technical problem is one of being able to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing said two rollers to be co-ordinated with one another so that they will be pressed harder together when a pulling force exerted by a chain section increases. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by enabling a further chain section, situated upstream of the connecting chain section, to hang down in an arcuate shape.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by determining the lowermost part or lowermost point of the arc with the aid of a position sensing or distance-measuring unit connected to said control unit, by activating a circuit for adjusting the speed at which a chain section is advanced, when the lowermost point of said arc is detected as being lower than a predetermined value, said circuit being caused to increase the rotational speed or vice versa. Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing one suspension point of the further chain section to consist of an elevator and the other suspension point of said further chain section to consist of two co-ordinated and freely running rollers.

Another technical problem resides in the ability to realise the significance of and the advantages afforded by enabling an adapted extension of a chain section to be obtained adjacent the bobbin, by actuating a circuit that functions to adjust the speed at which the bobbin rotates.

Solution The present invention thus relates to an arrangement for winding a chain, consisting of a series of links, around a chassis-carried bobbin, wherein said bobbin is arranged for axial reciprocal movement during a winding stage, so as to enable the chain links to be positioned tightly against each other in mutually related turns, and also an arrangement which in addition includes the requirements given in the introduction.

With the intention of solving one or more of the aforesaid technical problems, it is proposed, in accordance with the present invention, that deflection of a chain section shall take place within a central or intermediate region of a chain section situated upstream of the bobbin and orientated to provide a deflection angle smaller than 160 degrees, even when successively oriented extensions of a chain has completely filled the bobbin.

It is also proposed that there is placed, adjacent said deflection point, a length-measuring or distance-measuring device which is adapted to measure a distance between a chassis-fixed point and a chain section and, when a measured distance deviates from a predetermined value, to cause the bobbin to be moved axially so as to obtain said predetermined distance, through the medium of a control unit.

By way of preferred embodiments, that lie within the scope of the present invention, it is proposed that deflection is achieved by means of a fixed, smooth axle part.

It is also proposed that said deflection is effected by a cylindrical, or at least partially cylindrical, centre part, preferably having two rounded and flanged edge-parts. It is also proposed that a unit, operable in advancing each chain section, is comprised of two drive rollers that have soft peripheral surfaces, and that a chain section connected upstream of said earlier mentioned chain section is adapted to pass between said rollers.

Said connecting chain section is adapted to pass a first roller, that has a winding angle greater than 180 degrees, and a second roller that has a winding angle of roughly 180 degrees.

It is also proposed that said connecting chain section is caused to pass additional two rollers downstream of said first-mentioned two rollers, where each of said further two rollers have solely one end-wall serving as a flange, with the two end-walls being adapted to allow the chain section to be guided to a predetermined position by abutment with a respective one of mutually opposite edge extensions of said chain section.

The length-measuring device is an ultrasound-based device.

Co-acting with the length-measuring device is a control unit, which causes the bobbin to be moved in a direction towards the chassis when the distance measured value is greater than a predetermined distance value.

The aforesaid two driving or retarding rollers are mutually co-ordinated so that the rollers will be pressed harder together when the tension force exerted by a chain section increases.

It is also suggested, in accordance with the invention, that a further chain section situated upstream of the connecting chain section will hang in an arc.

The lowermost part or the lowermost point of the arc is sensed by a sensing or length-measuring unit connected to said control unit, and when the point sensed is lower than a predetermined value, the circuit regulates the rotational speed of the rollers advancing said chain section to cause an increase to speed at which the rollers rotate, or vice versa.

One suspension point of this further chain section is comprised of an elevator, and the other suspension point of said further chain section is comprised of two co-ordinated rollers.

An adapted extension of a chain section upstream of the bobbin is obtained by activation of a circuit that regulates the speed at which the bobbin rotates.

Advantages

Those advantages primarily characteristic of an arrangement, according to the present invention, reside in the creation of conditions for enabling, via adapted axial displacement of a bobbin in relation to a chassis, conditions to be created such that the links of a chain will be positioned in tight relationship in respective turns around the bobbin, by deflecting each an every chain section in an upstream central or intermediate region of said section and by measuring the distance between a chassis-associated fixed point and respective chain sections, so as to create conditions, via a measured distance and a control unit actuated in accordance therewith, in which the bobbin is moved axially such as to obtain said pre- determined distance.

The primary characteristic features of an arrangement constructed in accordance with the present invention are set forth in the characterising clause of the accompanying claim 1. Brief description of the drawings

An arrangement for winding a chain, consisting of a series of links, onto a chassis-carried bobbin will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a side view of the arrangement;

Figure 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, the co-action between a bobbin, a chain section deflection, and said chain section; Figure 3 is a somewhat enlarged side view of a chain deflection; Figure 4 is a side view of a unit that functions to advance consecutive chain sections;

Figure 5 is a horizontal view of the bobbin, fastened to the chassis and also showing means for displacing the bobbin axially in relation to the chassis during controlled rotation; and Figure 6 is a highly simplified view of a control unit, required in accordance with the invention.

Description of an embodiment at present preferred

It will be noted that in the following description of an exemplary embodiment at present 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 used shall not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention, and it will be understood that each term chosen shall be in- terpreted to include all technical equivalents that function in the same or essentially the same way, so as to be able to achieve the same or essentially the same intention and/or technical effect.

Figure 1 is a highly simplified side view of an arrangement 1 by means of which a chain 4, consisting of a series of links and coordinated into chain sections, can be wound onto a bobbin 3 carried by a chassis 2.

The bobbin 3 is arranged to move axially, backwards and forwards, in relation to the chassis 2 during a chain-winding sequence, as will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 5.

This axial displacement is thus intended for a controlled to and fro move- ment of the bobbin 3 such as to enable the links and each chain section of the chain 4 to be wound tightly adjacent each other in related turns 41 , 42 and 43, arranged between the end-walls 3a, 3b of the bobbin in a first layer 48 and in a superimposed second layer 49, a superimposed third layer and superimposed further layers.

The chain section 4a, close to the bobbin and fed into said bobbin 3 by rotation of the bobbin, is arranged to first pass a unit 5, adapted to guide each chain section 4a, wherein the chain section 4a is adapted to pass, between said unit 5 and said bobbin 3, via and over a deflecting point 6. A first sub-section 4a' is orientated between the unit 5 and the deflecting point 6, and a second sub-section 4a" is orientated between the deflection point 6 and the bobbin 3.

As will be seen form figs. 1 , 2 and 3, said deflecting point 6 is located within a central or an intermediate region of the chain section 4a and is also orien- tated to provide a deflection angle "a" of less than 160 degrees even when the bobbin 3 is filled by successively oriented chain extensions.

The deflection angle "b" shall be greater than 1 10 degrees in the case of an empty bobbin.

The deflection angle can vary within a range of 20-40 degrees during the winding process, such as by as much as 30 degrees, for example between 1 10 degrees and 140 degrees.

A length-measuring device 7 is provided adjacent said deflecting point 6, for measuring a distance value occurring between a fixed point on the chassis and a by-passing chain section. When the distance measured value deviates from a predetermined value, the bobbin is moved axially so as to obtain said predetermined distance, through the medium of a control unit 60, described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6.

The deflecting point 6 is comprised of a fixed, smooth axle part 6a, pref- erably provided with edge-associated flanges 6b, 6c.

As will be seen from fig. 5, the deflecting point 6 is comprised of a cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical centre or intermediate part 6a', that has two rounded edge-associated flanges 6b', 6c'.

According to fig. 4, the unit 5 is comprised of two rollers 5a, 5b, which have soft peripheral surfaces 5a', 5b' and which control the position of consecutive chain sections, wherein a chain section 4b is connected to or coordinated with a chain section 4a and located upstream of said section, is caused to pass between said rollers. The rollers 5a and 5b may be displaceable in an axial direction, to avoid wear.

The connecting chain section 4b is also adapted to first pass a roller 5b, that has a winding angle greater than 180 degrees, and an adjacent roller 5a, that has a winding angle of approximately 180 degrees. A chain section 4b', located downstream of said connecting chain section

4b, is adapted to pass two further rollers 5c, 5b, located downstream of said rollers 5a, 5b, wherein each of said further rollers 5c, 5d has a flange-functioning end-wall 5c', 5d', which are adapted to guide said chain section 4b' to a predetermined position relative to the chassis, by abutment with a respective opposite edge exten- sion of said chain section.

The length-measuring device 7 is an arrangement based on the technique of measuring distances by sound waves within the ultrasonic range.

The arrangement includes a control unit 60, which co-acts with the length- measuring device 7, such as to cause the bobbin 3 to be displaced in a direction towards the chassis when the distance measured is increased to an amount "c" in relation to a predetermined value 61 a.

The two rollers 5a, 5b are mutually co-ordinated so as to be pressed harder against each other in response to an increasing pulling force, exerted by a downstream oriented chain section 4c, 4b'. A chain portion 4d or chain section is adapted to hang in an arc downstream orientated form, from its connecting chain sections, as 4c,1 1 and 9,10.

The lowermost part 4d' or lowermost point of the arc 4d is determined by a distance-measuring unit 8, coupled to said control unit 60, wherein a circuit 63 is activated to increase the speed of rotation of the bobbin, and vice versa, when said lowermost point 4d" is found to be lower, than said predetermined value 4d\

One suspension point 9 of said further chain part 4d is comprised of an elevator 10, and the second suspension point 1 1 of said further chain section 4d is comprised of two co-ordinated rollers 12, 12a.

An adapted extension of the chain section or chain part 4a is obtained through activation of said circuit 63 that controls the speed at which the bobbin 3 rotates.

As shown in fig. 5, the bobbin 3 is fastened to the drive shaft 52 of a motor 51 , where the motor 51 and the shaft 52 can be moved forwards and backwards by a screw arrangement 54, via a guide system 53.

The control unit 60 co-operates with the measuring device 7 and a comparison is made between a value stored in the circuit 61a by a comparison circuit 61b, and the arrangement 54 is activated by an output circuit in response to said comparison.

The control unit 60 also co-operates with measuring equipment 8 and a comparison is made with a value stored in the circuit 64a by a comparison circuit 64b and the drive motor 51 is activated in response to said comparison.

It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the afore described exemplifying embodiment thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept as illustrated in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An arrangement (1 ) for winding a chain (4) consisting of a series of links onto a chassis-carried bobbin (3), wherein said bobbin (3) is arranged to move axially forwards and backwards during a winding sequence such that the chain links will be orientated closely adjacent each other in related turns, between end- walls of said bobbin within a first layer, and in superimposed second, third and further layers, wherein a chain section close to said bobbin and fed into the bobbin is arranged to pass a chain-section guiding unit (5), and wherein chain sections are arranged to pass between said unit and the bobbin via a deflecting point (6), characterized in that said deflecting point (6) is located within a central or intermediate region of a chain section (4a) situated or arranged close to the bobbin, and is orientated so as to provide a deflecting angle of less than 160 degrees, even when the bobbin is full, and wherein there is provided, adjacent said deflecting point (6), a length-measuring device (7), which is adapted to measure the distance value occurring between a fixed point on the chassis and said chain section (4a), and wherein should the distance value thus measured deviate from a predetermined value, the bobbin is caused to move axially, through the medium of a control unit (60), such as to obtain said predetermined distance.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the deflecting point is comprised of a fixed, smooth axle part.

3. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the de- fleeting point is comprised of a cylindrical or at least partially cylindrical centre or intermediate part, comprising two rounded, edge-associated and flange-connecting parts.

4. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that said guiding unit is comprised of two rollers, that have soft peripheral surfaces; and in that an upstream chain section connecting with the first-mentioned chain section is arranged to pass between said rollers.

5. An arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that said connect- ing chain section is adapted to pass a first roller, that has a winding angle greater than 180 degrees, and a second roller, that has a winding angle of roughly 180 degrees.

6. An arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said connecting chain section is adapted to pass two further rollers, located downstream of the first-mentioned two rollers, wherein each of said further rollers has a flange- serving end-wall portion, with the two end-wall portions adapted to guide said chain section to a predetermined position by abutment with a respective opposing edge extension of said chain section.

7. An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the length- measuring device is comprised of an ultrasound-based arrangement.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 7, characterized by a control unit which co-acts with said length-measuring device such as to cause the bobbin to be moved in a direction towards the chassis, when said distance increases in relation to a predetermined value.

9. An arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the arrangement includes two driven rollers, which are mutually co-ordinated so as to press harder against each other when a pulling force exerted by a chain section increases.

10. An arrangement according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that a further chain section, upstream of the connecting chain section, is adapted to hang in an arc shape.

11. An arrangement according to claim 10, characterized by a sensing unit, which senses the lowermost part or lowermost point of the arc shape, is connected to said control unit, wherein when the sensed lowest point of said arc is found to be lower than a predetermined value a circuit, which regulates the rotational speed at which a chain section is advanced, is activated so as to increase the speed of rotation and vice versa. 12 An arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that one suspension point of said further chain section is comprised of an elevator and the other suspension point of said chain section is comprised of two co-ordinated guide roll- ers.

13 An arrangement according to claim 1 , characterized in that an adapted extension of the chain section is obtained with the aid of a circuit, which functions to regulate the speed at which the bobbin rotates.