Thread delivery device for a thread processing machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for feeding yarn (F) to a machine for processing this yarn (F), this feeding device (1) comprising: a frame (2); a spool (3) of yarn (F); means (4) for mounting the spool (3) so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (Xr1) relative to the frame (2); a system (5) for returning the yarn (F) coming from the spool (3) to the processing machine, this return system (5) comprising a return pulley (50); means (6) for mounting the return system (5) so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (Xr2) relative to the frame (2); means (7) for mounting the return system (5) so as to translate relative to the frame (2) along an axis of translation (Xt) and in the direction of the processing machine; and motorised means (8) for driving the translation of this return system (5) along this axis of translation (Xt) relative to the frame (2). This feeding device (1) is characterised by the fact that it comprises at least one means (9; 10) for rotating the return system (5) about the axis of rotation (Xr2) relative to the frame (2).

Description

Description Wire feeding device of a wire processing machine

[0001] The invention relates to a wire feeding device for a wire processing machine.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices which are configured to feed wire to a machine which is designed to transform such wire, more particularly a machine tool which is designed to bend such wire, in order to obtain an object corresponding to a transformed portion of this wire and resulting from the transformation of a portion of this wire.

[0003] Such wire feeding devices are already known which comprise, on the one hand, a frame, on the other hand, a wire reel which is rotatably mounted on the frame and, on the other hand, a system for returning the wire from the reel to the processing machine.

[0004] Such a feed device is configured to feed wire to a machine for processing this wire, more particularly a machine for folding this wire. Such a processing machine comprises means for driving this wire which exert traction on this wire. In fact, such traction is discontinuous so that the wire feeds the machine intermittently which, in particular due to the inertia of the reel, causes irregularities and inhomogeneities in the folds as well as between the folds of the wire.

[0005] To overcome this problem, it was thought to supplement such a wire feed device with a system for returning the wire from the spool to the processing machine. Such a return system is mounted to rotate around an axis of rotation, relative to the frame of the device.

[0006] Such a return system certainly brings an improvement but does not make it possible to avoid irregularities and inhomogeneities due to the evolution of the inertia of the reel during its unwinding and / or due to changes in section (in particular section shape and / or section diameter) of the wire when changing the reel.

[0007] Document CN114476847A discloses a wire feed device for a machine for processing this wire. This wire feed device has the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy the wire feeding devices of the state of the art.

[0009] The present invention also aims to supply the wire processing machine with wire in a more regular manner.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a wire feed device for a wire processing machine. Such a feed device comprises, on the one hand, a frame, on the other hand, a wire spool, and on the other hand, means for mounting in rotation about an axis of rotation of the reel relative to the chassis, on the other hand also, a system for returning the wire from the reel and in the direction of the processing machine, this wire return system comprising a return pulley which is configured to cooperate with the wire, on the other hand also, means for mounting in rotation about an axis of rotation of the return system relative to the chassis and, on the other hand still, means for mounting in translation, along an axis of translation and in the direction of the reel and / or the processing machine, the return system relative to the chassis as well as motorized means for driving in translation along this axis of translation of this return system relative to the chassis. This wire feed device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one means for driving in rotation about the axis of rotation of the return system relative to the chassis.

[0011] According to another characteristic, the means for mounting the return system in translation relative to the chassis comprise, on the one hand, at least one rolling or sliding track which the chassis comprises, on the other hand, rolling or sliding means which cooperate with said at least one rolling or sliding track, on the other hand again, a carriage which comprises the rolling or sliding means and which is movable relative to the chassis and, on the other hand also, means for mounting the return system on the carriage.

[0012] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the motorized translation drive means comprise, on the one hand, a motor which is integral with the chassis, on the other hand, at least one transmission means which is engaged with the motor, and on the other hand, securing means which are configured to secure the transmission means and the return system in translation.

[0013] An additional characteristic relates to the fact that the device comprises at least one means of rotational drive around the axis of rotation of the return system relative to the chassis.

[0014] In this case, said at least one means for driving the return system in rotation is configured to drive the return system in rotation, so that the return pulley, as the case may be, moves away from or towards the reel.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the return system comprises an arm, which is mounted in rotation around an axis of rotation relative to the chassis, and which has at least one free end which is equipped with the return pulley and with which said at least one rotational drive means cooperates.

[0016] Thus, the present invention relates to a wire feed device for a machine for processing this wire. This feed device comprises translation mounting means as well as motorized means for driving the return system in translation. These characteristics allow, advantageously, to synchronize the wire feed of the wire processing machine by the feed device with the wire requirement of this processing machine. These characteristics also make it possible to feed the wire processing machine of this wire in a regular and continuous manner as well as with the appropriate quantity of wire that the processing machine needs. These characteristics then make it possible to avoid irregularities and inhomogeneities in the object (in particular in the folds and between the folds of this object) which result from the transformation of a portion of wire by the wire processing machine. This results in an improvement in the quality of the objects manufactured by the wire processing machine as well as an improvement in the precision and repeatability of the manufacturing process of such an object.

[0017] These characteristics also allow, after a wire transformation cycle and obtaining an object resulting from the transformation of a portion of this wire, to drive the return system into its initial position for the completion of a new wire transformation cycle.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the return system comprises a return pulley and the feed device comprises at least one means for driving the return system in rotation.

[0019] Said at least one rotational drive means can then be configured to rotate the return system, so that the return pulley moves away from the spool, which advantageously makes it possible to bring the return system to a stop, to manage the tension of the wire and to keep the wire under tension.

[0020] Said at least one rotational drive means may also be configured to rotate the return system, so that the return pulley approaches the reel, which advantageously makes it possible to reduce the amplitude of the tilting of the return system during its movement towards the processing machine.

[0021] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will appear during the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0022] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig 1] is a schematic side view of a wire feeding device according to the invention.

[0024] [Fig 2] is a schematic view from the side opposite to that of figure 1 of the wire feed device according to the invention, this before the implementation of the feed device.

[0025] [Fig 3] to [Fig 6] are views similar to Figure 2 and correspond to the feeder illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this at different stages of the feeding of wire, by this feeding device, to a machine for transforming this wire.

[0026] With particular reference to the above-mentioned figures, the present invention relates to the field of manufacturing devices which are configured to feed wire into a machine which is designed to transform such a wire, more particularly a machine tool which is designed to bend such a wire, in order to obtain an object corresponding to a transformed portion of this wire and resulting from the transformation of such a portion of this wire.

[0027] In this regard, it will be observed that such a wire F may be made of a metallic material and / or have a diameter (in particular circumscribed) of between 1 mm and 16 mm and / or have a polygonal (in particular square or hexagonal) or circular section.

[0028] The invention then relates to a device 1 for feeding wire F which, for reasons of simplification, will be called “feed device 1” in the remainder of the description.

[0029] Such a feeding device 1 is configured to feed wire F to a machine for transforming this wire F.

[0030] Such a wire transformation machine F (not shown) is, more particularly, constituted by a machine for bending such a wire F.

[0031] The feeding device 1 comprises a frame 2 which is intended to rest on the ground.

[0032] This feed device 1 also comprises a spool 3 of wire F. Such a spool 3 of wire F usually comprises a support (particularly in the form of a reel or the like) as well as the wire F which is wound around this support. Such a spool 3 has an axis of revolution which is preferably horizontal.

[0033] This feed device 1 also comprises means 4 for rotational mounting around an axis of rotation Xrl of the coil 3 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2. This axis of rotation Xrl is preferably horizontal and / or is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the axis of revolution of the coil 3.

[0034] According to another characteristic, the feed device 1 comprises a system 5 for returning the wire F from the reel 3 and towards the transformation machine.

[0035] This feed device 1 then also comprises means 6 for rotating the return system 5 around an axis of rotation Xr2 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2. This axis of rotation Xr2 is preferably horizontal and / or is at least parallel to the axis of rotation Xrl of the coil 3.

[0036] According to the invention, the feed device 1 further comprises translational mounting means 7, along a translation axis Xt and in the direction of the reel 3 and / or the transformation machine, of the return system 5 by report to chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0037] Such translational mounting means 7 of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2 comprise, on the one hand, at least one rolling or sliding track 70 which the chassis 2 comprises (more particularly which is fixedly secured to this chassis 2), on the other hand, rolling or sliding means 71 (more particularly in the form of balls, wheels, casters, at least one sliding pad or the like) which cooperate with said at least one rolling or sliding track 70, on the other hand again, a carriage 72 which comprises the rolling or sliding means 71 and which is movable relative to the chassis 2 (more particularly in translation along the translation axis Xt and in the direction of the transformation machine) and, on the other hand also, mounting means 73 of the return system 5 on the carriage 72.

[0038] In this regard, it will be observed that the mounting means 73 of the return system 5 on the carriage 72 comprise means for mounting in rotation around an axis of rotation Xr3 of this return system 5 on this carriage 72.

[0039] As mentioned above, the feed device 1 comprises means 6 for rotating the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2, this around the axis of rotation Xr2.

[0040] Also and according to another characteristic of the invention, these means of mounting in rotation 6 of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2 then comprise the means of mounting in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr3 of this return system 5 on the carriage 72.

[0041] In this regard, it will be observed that the axes of rotation Xr2 and Xr3 are preferably coincident. In addition, this axis of rotation Xr3 is preferably perpendicular to the aforementioned translation axis Xt.

[0042] According to the invention, this feed device 1 then also comprises motorized translational drive means 8 along this translation axis Xt of this return system 5 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0043] Such motorized translation drive means 8 comprise, on the one hand, a motor 80 which is secured to the chassis 2, on the other hand, at least one transmission means 81 which is engaged with the motor 80, and on the other hand, securing means 82 which are configured to secure in translation the transmission means 81 and the return system 5.

[0044] In this regard, it will be observed that the motor 80 is, preferably, an electric motor. Said motor 80 comprises, on the one hand, a stator which is fixedly secured to the chassis 2 and, on the other hand, a rotor, which is movable in rotation relative to the stator, and which is engaged with said at least one transmission means 81.

[0045] As regards said at least one transmission means 81, this comprises a transmission belt while the motorized translational drive means 8 also comprise a return pulley 83 which cooperates with the transmission belt.

[0046] As mentioned above, the motorized translation drive means 8 comprise securing means 82 which are configured to secure the transmission means 81 and the return system 5 in translation. In fact, such securing means 82 are, more particularly, configured to secure the transmission means 81 and the return system 5 in translation, this indirectly and by means of the carriage 72. These securing means 82 are, then, more particularly configured to secure said transmission means 81 and said carriage 72.

[0047] According to another characteristic, the feed device 1 also comprises at least one rotation drive means (9; 10) around the rotation axis Xr2 of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2. In fact, said at least one rotation drive means (9; 10) is, more particularly, configured to drive the return system 5 in rotation around the rotation axis Xr3 of the return system 5 relative to the carriage 72.

[0048] In this regard, it should first be noted that the return system 5 comprises a return pulley 50 which is configured to cooperate with the wire F, more particularly on which 50 at least a portion of this wire F is wound. Such a return pulley 50 is, more particularly, configured to return the wire F coming from the reel 3, this in the direction of the transformation machine. Such a return pulley 50 is movable in rotation about an axis of rotation Xr4, this relative to the chassis 2. This axis of rotation Xr4 is, preferably, horizontal. This axis of rotation Xr4 is, preferably, at least parallel to the axis of rotation Xrl and / or to the axis of rotation Xr2 and / or to the axis of rotation Xr3.

[0049] Also and according to a first type of embodiment, said at least one rotational drive means 9 of the return system 5 is configured to drive this return system 5 in rotation, so that said return pulley 50 moves away from the spool 3.

[0050] These characteristics advantageously make it possible to bring the return system 5 to a stop (in particular at the start of the transformation cycle of the wire F and / or to put the return system 5 under stress, more particularly under prestress), to manage the tension of the wire F (in particular as a function of the section - shape and / or diameter - of the wire F and / or as a function of the unwinding stage of the reel 3, more particularly to adapt to the inertia of the reel 3) as well as to keep the wire F under tension (in particular under a constant tension).

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, said at least one rotational drive means 9 of the return system 5 comprises at least one actuator 90.

[0052] Such an actuator 90 is preferably configured to exert a constant force on the return system 5 and, therefore, on the wire F, regardless of the position (in particular angular) of the return system 5.

[0053] Such an actuator 90 is interposed between the carriage 72 and the return system 5.

[0054] A first embodiment of this first type of embodiment consists in that said at least one rotational drive means 9 of the return system 5 comprises at least one such actuator 90 which comprises at least one cylinder, preferably of the pneumatic type. Such a cylinder comprises, on the one hand, a cylinder body which is mounted (more particularly fixedly) on the carriage 72 and, on the other hand, a cylinder rod, which is movable (more particularly in translation) relative to the cylinder body, and which cooperates with the return system 5.

[0055] It will be observed that the feed device 1 may then also comprise means for controlling such a jack. Such control means may then be configured to control such a jack so that it can exert at least one determined force, or even (and preferably) a plurality of determined forces, on the return system 5. These control means are then also configured to adjust such a force. In particular and in the case of a pneumatic jack, these control means may then be configured to supply said jack with a fluid whose pressure is adjustable via these control means. The presence of such control means advantageously makes it possible to adjust the tension of the wire F.

[0056] According to another embodiment (not shown) of this first type of embodiment, said at least one rotational drive means 9 of the return system 5 may comprise at least one such actuator 90 which comprises at least one return means of this return system 5. Such a return means may be of the elastic type and / or may consist of a spring or the like. Such a return means may be supplemented by a system for adjusting the preload of such a return means. Here again, the presence of such a preload adjustment system advantageously makes it possible to adjust the tension of the wire F.

[0057] A particular embodiment consists in that said at least one rotational drive means 9 of the return system 5 comprises at least one such actuator 90 which comprises, on the one hand, said at least one return means of this return system 5 which is fixed on the carriage 72 (more particularly said at least one return means which adopts the form of a spring which has a first end which is fixed on the carriage 72), on the other hand, at least one cam which is fixed on the return system 5 (and which preferably has a variable radius) and, on the other hand, at least one cable, which cooperates with said at least one cam (more particularly which is wound around at least a part of said at least one cam),which has a first end which is fixed to said at least one cam and / or to the return system 5 as well as a second end which is fixed to the return means (more particularly to a second end which has said spring).,

[0058] According to a second type of embodiment, said at least one rotation drive means 10 of the return system 5 is configured to drive the return system 5, this ensures that the return pulley 50 approaches the spool 3.

[0059] These characteristics allow, advantageously and when the return system 5 is static, to balance this return system 5.

[0060] In addition, and during the movement (which can be done with strong acceleration) of this return system 5 in the direction of the transformation machine, these characteristics advantageously make it possible to reduce the amplitude of the tilting (or even to avoid tilting) of the return system 5 (more particularly in a direction opposite to the reel 3) and / or to reduce (or even avoid) the variations in tension of the wire F and / or to reduce (or even avoid) the variations in the traction forces exerted on the wire F. In particular, these characteristics then advantageously make it possible, during the accelerations of the return pulley 50, to ensure a constant tension of the wire F and to prevent this wire F from undergoing the acceleration force of the mass of this return pulley 50.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, said at least one rotational drive means 10 of the return system 5 comprises at least one counterweight 100, more particularly which acts as a balancing mass.

[0062] As regards said return system 5, the latter 5 also comprises an arm 51.

[0063] This arm 51 has at least one free end (510; 511), more particularly a first free end 510 as well as a second free end 511 which is opposite the first free end 510. Said at least one free end (510; 511) is equipped with the return pulley 50 which is, more particularly, mounted in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr4 on said at least one free end (510; 511).

[0064] Such an arm 51 is mounted in rotation about an axis of rotation Xr5 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly relative to the carriage 72, in particular on this carriage 72. This axis of rotation Xr5 is preferably horizontal. This axis of rotation Xr5 is preferably at least parallel to the axis of rotation Xrl and / or to the axis of rotation Xr2 (preferably merged with this axis of rotation Xr2) and / or to the axis of rotation Xr3 (preferably merged with this axis of rotation Xr3) and / or to the axis of rotation Xr4.

[0065] According to another characteristic, said at least one aforementioned rotational drive means (9; 10) cooperates with said arm 51.

[0066] As mentioned above, said at least one actuator 90 (which comprises said at least one rotational drive means 9 according to the first type of embodiment) is interposed between the carriage 72 and the return system 5. In fact, said at least one actuator 90 is interposed between the carriage 72 and the arm 51 which comprises this return system 5, more particularly fixed on this carriage 72 as well as on this arm 51.

[0067] In this regard, it will be observed that the rod of said at least one jack (which comprises said at least one actuator 90 that said at least one rotational drive means 9 comprises) then cooperates with said arm 51, more particularly by being made integral in movement with this arm 51.

[0068] It will also be observed that the counterweight 100 (which comprises said at least one rotational drive means 10 in accordance with the second type of embodiment) then also cooperates with said arm 51, more particularly by equipping this arm 51 and / or by being fixed to this arm 51.

[0069] According to another characteristic, said arm 51 comprises, on the one hand, the first free end 510 which is equipped with the return pulley 50 (more particularly in the manner mentioned above), on the other hand, the second free end 511 which is equipped with the counterweight 100 (more particularly in the manner mentioned above) and, on the other hand, an intermediate portion 512, which extends between the first free end 510 and the second free end 511, and which is mounted in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr5 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly relative to the carriage 72, in particular on this carriage 72.

[0070] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that said arm 51 comprises a first section 513 which comprises, on the one hand, a first distal end 514 (which corresponds, more particularly, to the first free end 510 mentioned above) equipped with the return pulley 50 (more particularly in the manner mentioned above) and, on the other hand, a first proximal end 515 (more particularly which comprises the intermediate portion 512 mentioned above), which is opposite the first distal end 514, and which is mounted in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr5 relative to the chassis 2 (more particularly relative to the carriage 72, in particular on this carriage 72).

[0071] This arm 51 also comprises a second section 516, which is integral (more particularly in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr5) with the first section 513, and which comprises, on the one hand, a second distal end 517 (which corresponds, more particularly, to the second free end 511 mentioned above and equipped with the counterweight 100) and, on the other hand, a second proximal end 518 (more particularly which the intermediate portion 512 mentioned above comprises), which is opposite the second distal end 517, and which is mounted in rotation around said axis of rotation Xr5 relative to the chassis 2 (more particularly relative to the carriage 72, in particular on this carriage 72).

[0072] According to another characteristic, the first section 513 of the arm 51 is mounted in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr5 on the carriage 72 while the second section 516 of the arm 51 is also mounted in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr5 on the carriage 72. This first section 513 and this second section 516 of the arm 51 are then positioned on either side of the carriage 72, more particularly so that this carriage 72 is interposed between this first section 513 and this second section 516.

[0073] Yet another feature relates to the fact that the feed device 1 comprises actuating means which are configured to actuate said at least one rotational drive means (9; 10). Such actuating means are, more particularly, configured to actuate said at least one actuator 90 which comprises said at least one rotational drive means (9; 10) according to the first type of embodiment.

[0074] These actuating means then make it possible to rotate the return system 5 so as to move the return pulley 50 away from the reel 3 and, thus, to put the wire F under tension, more particularly before the implementation of the transformation machine.

[0075] The feed device 1 may also comprise means 11 for detecting the position (in particular the angular position) of the return system 5 (more particularly the arm 51 of this return system 5) relative to the chassis 2 and / or relative to the carriage 72. The means for actuating said at least one rotational drive means (9; 10) may then also be configured to actuate said at least one drive means (9; 10) as a function of the detected position (in particular angular) of the return system 5. These characteristics advantageously make it possible to put and / or maintain tension on the wire F, in particular during the operation of the processing machine. These characteristics also make it possible to compensate for the change in the inertia of the reel 3 during its unwinding and / or changes in section (in particular section shape and / or section diameter) of the wire F when changing the reel 3.

[0076] An additional characteristic concerns the fact that the feed device 1 comprises motorized means for driving in rotation 12 around the axis of rotation Xrl of the reel 3 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0077] The feed device 1 then also comprises means for controlling these motorized means 12 for driving the reel 3 in rotation.

[0078] Such control means may be configured to control these motorized means 12 for driving the reel 3 in rotation so that they drive the reel 3 in rotation in the direction of winding the wire F onto this reel 3. Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to exert traction on this wire F, more particularly in order to put this wire F under tension, in particular before the implementation of the transformation machine.

[0079] Such control means may also be configured to control these motorized means 12 for driving the reel 3 in rotation so that they drive the reel 3 in rotation in the direction of unwinding of the wire F from this reel 3. Such a characteristic advantageously makes it possible to supply the processing machine with wire F during the operation of this processing machine.

[0080] These control means can, in particular, be configured to control the rotational drive speed of the reel 3, therefore the unwinding speed of the reel 3.

[0081] In particular, these control means can be configured to control the rotational drive speed of the reel 3 as a function of the position of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2 and / or as a function of the parameters of the motorized translational drive means 8 of the return system 5, more particularly as a function of the speed of the translational movement of the carriage 72 controlled by these motorized translational drive means 8 of the return system 5.

[0082] The feed device 1 may also comprise means for controlling the motorized translational drive means 8 of the return system 5.

[0083] These control means can be configured to control the translation of this return system 5 in the direction of the transformation machine (more particularly during the implementation of this transformation machine) or in a direction opposite to this transformation machine (more particularly after the production of an object and before the production of a new object).

[0084] These control means can also be configured to control the translational drive speed of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2, more particularly to compensate for variations in the unwinding speed of the reel 3, in particular when the motorized rotational drive means 12 of this reel 3 are controlled so that the rotation speed is constant and / or continuous.

[0085] Finally, the feed device 1 comprises means for controlling said at least one rotational drive means (9; 10) of the return system 5, more particularly as a function of the detection means 11 of the position of this return system 5 (in particular as a function of the parameters recorded by these detection means 11) and / or as a function of the motorized translational drive means 8 of the return system 5 (in particular as a function of the parameters of these means 8) and / or as a function of the motorized rotational drive means 12 of the reel 3 (in particular as a function of the parameters of these means 12) and / or as a function of the control means of the motorized translational drive means 8 (in particular as a function of the parameters of these control means) and / or as a function of the control means of the motorized rotational drive means 12 (in particular as a function of the parameters of these control means).

[0086] It will also be observed that the presence of said at least one rotational drive means (more particularly in accordance with the first type of embodiment 9, or even in accordance with the second type of embodiment 10) of the return system 5 and of the motorized translational drive means 8 of the system return 5 advantageously allows the processing machine F to be supplied with wire sequentially and / or according to demand, this from the reel 3 which can be unwound continuously (more particularly by means of the motorized means 12 for driving this reel 3 in rotation).

[0087] The invention also relates to a method for feeding wire F to a machine for processing this wire F. This method is, more particularly, implemented by means of the feeding device 1 described above.

[0088] This process is illustrated in the figures in the appendix.

[0089] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the feeding device 1, pending the implementation of this feeding device 1 for wire F, the wire F processing machine and the wire F feeding method.

[0090] Figure 3 illustrates a first step of the method for feeding wire F which consists of rotating the reel 3 around the rotation axis Xrl relative to the chassis 2, this by means of the motorized rotation drive means 12 and in the direction of winding the wire F onto this reel 3. This first step advantageously makes it possible to exert traction on this wire F, more particularly in order to put this wire F under tension, in particular before the implementation of the transformation machine.

[0091] A second step of the wire F feed method consists of driving the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 in translation along the translation axis Xt relative to the chassis 2 and in the direction of the wire F processing machine, this by means of the motorized translation drive means 8.

[0092] During this second step, the translation of the return system 5 and / or of the carriage 72 can be ensured in a synchronized manner with the traction of the wire F exerted by the transformation machine, more particularly by means of the motorized translation drive means 8 and the aforementioned control means of these motorized translation drive means 8.

[0093] Before this second step of the method and, depending on the case, prior to the first step of the method and / or after this first step of the method, the method may also comprise a step which consists of driving the return system 5 in rotation around the axis of rotation Xr2, so that the return pulley 50 moves away from the reel 3. This step is implemented by means of said at least one rotational drive means 9 (more particularly in accordance with the first type of embodiment, in particular in accordance with the first embodiment described above) around the axis of rotation Xr2 of the return system 5 relative to the chassis 2.

[0094] A third step of the process consists of rotating the coil 3 around the rotation axis Xrl relative to the chassis 2, this by means of motorized means for driving in rotation 12 and in the direction of unwinding of the wire F from this reel 3.

[0095] During this third step, the rotation of the coil 3 can be ensured continuously, this by means of the motorized rotation drive means 12 and the means for controlling these motorized rotation drive means 12.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, during this third step, the translation of the return system 5 and / or of the carriage 72 can be ensured in a synchronized and / or servo-controlled manner with the rotation of the reel 3, more particularly as a function of the demand for wire F from the machine for transforming the wire F. Such a translation can be ensured by means of the motorized translation drive means 8 and / or the motorized rotation drive means 12 as well as by means of the aforementioned control means of these motorized translation drive means 8 and / or these motorized rotation drive means 12.

[0097] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the second step and the third step of the wire feeding method F can be implemented concomitantly.

[0098] This second step and third step have been illustrated in Figures 3 to 5.

[0099] This second step and / or this third step are implemented during a manufacturing cycle of an object by the wire transformation machine F, this from a distal position in which the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 are positioned at a distal end of the rolling or sliding path 70 and / or distant from the coil 3 (as illustrated in Figure 3) and until the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 reach a proximal position in which the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 are positioned at a proximal end (opposite the distal end) of the rolling or sliding path 70 and / or close to the coil 3 (as illustrated in Figure 5).

[0100] A fourth step of the method for feeding wire F consists of driving in translation along the translation axis Xt the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 relative to the chassis 2 and in a direction opposite to that of the wire F processing machine, this by means of the motorized translation drive means 8, from the proximal position (illustrated in figure 5) and up to the distal position of this return system 5 and / or this carriage 72 illustrated in figure 6.

[0101] When the return system 5 and / or the carriage 72 adopt this proximal position and / or have reached this proximal end of the rolling or sliding path 70, the method of feeding the wire F has completed a cycle of manufacturing an object and the feeding device 1 is ready to complete a new cycle of manufacturing a new object.

Claims

Demands

1. A wire (F) feeding device (1) for a wire (F) processing machine, this feeding device (1) comprising, on the one hand, a frame (2), on the other hand, a wire (F) reel (3), and furthermore, means for rotatably mounting (4) the reel (3) about an axis of rotation (Xr1) relative to the frame (2), and furthermore, a wire (F) return system (5) from the reel (3) towards the processing machine, this wire (F) return system (5) comprising a return pulley (50) configured to cooperate with the wire (F), furthermore, means for rotatably mounting (6) the return system (5) about an axis of rotation (Xr2) relative to the frame (2), and furthermore, means for linearly mounting (7) along a linear axis (Xt) in the direction of the reel (3) and / or the processing machine,of the transfer system (5) relative to the chassis (2) and of the motorized means for translational drive (8) along this axis of translation (Xt) of this transfer system (5) relative to the chassis (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one means for rotational drive (9; 10) around the axis of rotation (Xr2) of the transfer system (5) relative to the chassis (2).

2. A feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for linearly mounting (7) the return system (5) relative to the chassis (2) comprise, on the one hand, at least one rolling or sliding track (70) included in the chassis (2), and on the other hand, rolling or sliding means (71) which cooperate with said at least one rolling or sliding track (70), on the other hand, a trolley (72) which includes the rolling or sliding means (71) and which is mobile relative to the chassis (2) and, on the other hand also, mounting means (73) of the return system (5) on the trolley (72).

3. Feeding device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting means (73) of the return system (5) on the carriage (72) comprise means for mounting the return system (5) on the carriage in rotation about an axis of rotation (Xr3). (72).

4. A power supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motorized means for translational drive (8) comprise, on the one hand, a motor (80) which is integral with the chassis (2), and on the other hand, at least a transmission means (81) which is engaged with the motor (80), on the other hand, fastening means (82) which are configured to fasten together in translation the transmission means (81) and the return system (5).

5. Feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one means of rotating the return system (9) is configured to rotate the return system (5), so that the return pulley (50) moves away from the spool (3).

6. Feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said at least one rotational drive means (9) of the return system (5) comprises at least one actuator (90), in particular which is configured to exert a constant force on the return system (5).

7. Feeding device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said at least one actuator (90) comprises at least one cylinder or at least one return means.

8. Feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said at least one means of rotating drive (10) of the return system (5) is configured to rotate the return system (5), so that the return pulley (50) approaches the spool (3).

9. Feeding device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one rotational drive means (10) of the return system (5) comprises at least one counterweight (100).

10. Feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return system (5) comprises an arm (51), which is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation (Xr5) relative to the frame (2), which has at least one free end (510; 511) which is equipped with the return pulley (50), and with which said at least one rotational drive means (9; 10) cooperates.

11. Feeding device (1) according to claims 2, 6 and 10, characterized in that, on the one hand, the arm (51) is mounted in rotation about the axis of rotation (Xr5) on the carriage (72), on the other hand, said at least one actuator (90), which comprises said at least one means of driving in rotation (9) of the return system (5), is interposed between the carriage (72) and the arm (51).

12. Feeding device (1) according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the arm (51) comprises, on the one hand, a first free end (510) which is equipped with the return pulley (50), on the other hand, a second free end (511), which is opposite the first free end (510), and which is equipped with the counterweight (100), and, on the other hand again, an intermediate portion (512), which extends between the first free end (510) and the second free end (511), and which is mounted for rotation about the axis of rotation (Xr5) relative to the chassis (2).

13. Feeding device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the arm (51) comprises, on the one hand, a first section (513) which includes a first distal end (514) equipped with the return pulley (50) and a first proximal end (515), which is opposite the first distal end (514), and which is mounted in rotation about the axis of rotation (Xr5) relative to the chassis (2) and, on the other hand, a second section (516), which is integral with the first section (513), and which has a second distal end (517) as well as a second proximal end (518), which is opposite the second distal end (517), and which is mounted in rotation about said axis of rotation (Xr5) relative to the chassis (2).

14. Feeding device (1) according to claims 2 and 13, characterized in that, on the one hand, the first section (513) of the arm (51) is mounted in rotation about the axis of rotation (Xr5) on the carriage (72), on the other hand, the second section (516) of the arm (51) is mounted in rotation about the axis of rotation (Xr5) on the carriage (72) and, on the other hand, the first section (513) and the second section (516) of the arm (51) are positioned on either side of the carriage (72).

15. Feeding device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, means for detecting (11) the position of the return system (5) relative to the chassis (2) and, on the other hand, means for actuating said at least one drive means in rotation (9; 10) according to the detected position of the return system (5).