Möbius tape forming device, forming machine using the forming device, and fabric chain forming method

Abstract

Forming device (20) for forming the shape of the links of a chain, comprising a rotating module (1) with an internal path, with a widening (18) for rotating by 180° the strip (100) introduced into the rotating module (1). Second object is a fabric chain forming machine (200) in which each link (300) is a strip, therefore it has excellent wear performance and withstands very high loads, and comprises the previous forming device (20). Another object of the invention is a fabric chain forming method (200) which uses the forming device and comprises steps for pre-tensioning the links (300), sewing and final tensioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The first object of the present invention is a method for forming A forming device for strip-shaped chain links. A second object of the invention is a fabric chain forming machine, wherein each link in the chain is... The strip material, therefore, exhibits excellent abrasion resistance and can withstand very high loads, and is produced using a forming device. Finally, another object of the present invention is a method for forming the fabric chain using a forming device. Background Technology

[0002] When transporting goods, it is often necessary to secure and / or lift very heavy loads in order to move them from one point to another. For this purpose, a crane is typically used, which is hooked to the load via chains, usually made of metal.

[0003] This type of metal chain has many disadvantages, making moving goods complicated and laborious. Specifically, the metal chain is very heavy, which adds an extra load to the crane.

[0004] In addition, they are very susceptible to wear and tear because, in addition to the strong impacts they may experience during use, they are often exposed to weather conditions, which can cause them to rust or otherwise change, and if this happens, it can have serious consequences.

[0005] The alternative to metal chains is fiber belts, made of highly durable materials. By including a set of fibers in the same belt, they can have better properties than metal chains, thus enabling the transport of heavier loads.

[0006] Furthermore, these fiber tapes are lighter, making them easier to use and move. Finally, by including a group of fibers in the same tape, if the tape wears out, the fibers will break off one by one in a very noticeable manner. In this case, the tape can be replaced, thus preventing accidents.

[0007] In addition, it must be highlighted. Strips or rings are curved surfaces with one face and one edge. They possess the mathematical properties of non-orientable objects. They are also ruled surfaces. Due to their unique characteristics and applicability in many fields, strips have been extensively studied over time.

[0008] In order to form For strip material, you must start with a strip of a certain material, rotate one end by half (i.e., rotate it 180°), and finally connect the two ends together.

[0009] The invention described below utilizes The properties of the strip material are used to construct textile chains with excellent abrasion resistance and load-bearing capacity. Invention Overview

[0011] A first object of the present invention is a strip shaping device configured to build, starting from a fabric strip made of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers a chain of links shaped like a strip.

[0012] To this end, the shaping device comprises a rotating module having an inlet through which the strip end is introduced, a strip outlet and an internal path through which the strip circulates from the inlet to the outlet.

[0013] In the internal path, preferably at the end opposite the inlet, it has a widening for rotating the strip. The strip is introduced through the inlet, circulates in the internal path until it reaches the widening, where the strip end rotates 180° on itself, thus forming a characteristic curve of the strip. Then, the strip continues to advance through the internal path until it reaches the outlet of the rotating module, the end of the strip being rotated 180° with respect to its position of entry into the rotating module.

[0014] In addition, The strip shaping device can comprise a gas injector located at the inlet of the rotating module. The gas injector helps the strip to pass more easily through the interior of the rotating module.

[0015] In addition, The strip shaping device can comprise a detection member intended to detect the strip as it begins to exit through the outlet of the rotating module, thus causing the strip to no longer be supplied to the device.

[0016] A second object of the present invention is a fabric chain shaper which first comprises a fixed structure which serves as support for the rest of the elements.

[0017] Connected to the fixed structure, the shaper comprises a strip shaping device of the first object of the invention. In addition, it comprises a series of elements which will be explained below and which are able to form a chain in which each link is a strip.

[0018] In particular, the fabric chain shaper comprises a strip supply assembly, preferably with a shuttle and a distributor, both connected to the fixed structure, responsible for supplying the strip to the strip shaping device.

[0019] The distributor provides the strip necessary to make up each link, bringing it close to the inlet of the rotating module. In addition, the shuttle helps to introduce the strip through the inlet of the rotating module. The shuttle can also comprise an additional gas injector which provides a directed gas flow that enables the strip to easily enter the interior of the rotating module.

[0020] Moreover, the textile chain forming machine comprises temporary connecting means for connecting the end of the strip to the links, in order to prevent it from falling off once it has left the forming device, and connecting means, also connected to the fixed structure, intended to connect the strip, thus forming a link, once it has left the rotating module.

[0021] The forming machine also comprises a fixing element, connected to the fixed structure and movable with respect to the fixed structure, intended to hold the links and maintain their shape once they have been extracted from the rotating module, while closing the links with the connecting means.

[0022] It also comprises a cutting mechanism, connected to the fixed structure, intended to cut the links and separate them from the rest of the strip.

[0023] In order to position the links that have been formed and separated from the rest of the strip, and to be able to connect them with the new strip that is going to be introduced into the forming device, The strip forming device is connected so that they form a chain, the textile chain forming machine comprising a fixing element, also connected to the fixed structure.

[0024] Finally, the textile chain forming machine comprises a pre-tensioning assembly, intended to apply tension to the links, so that the fibres of the strip that make up each link are reordered, compacted and aligned, thus improving the performance of the chain.

[0025] Finally, a third object of the present invention is a textile chain forming method using the textile chain forming machine described.

[0026] In a first step of the method, the strip is supplied to the rotating module of the forming device, the end of the strip is rotated 180°, thus forming a first link of the strip shape.

[0027] Then, the arrival of the strip at the exit of the rotating module is detected by a detection means. At this point the supply of the strip ends.

[0028] In a second step, the end of the strip is connected to the rest of the strip, in order to prevent the first link from separating.

[0029] In a third step, the rest of the strip is pulled over the first link by a pulling means, adding an extra loop of strip to said first link, so that a structure with more resistance and better performance is obtained.

[0030] The first formed link is extracted from the forming device and the link is fixed with the fixing element, at which point, in a fourth step of the method, the link is separated from the rest of the strip by the cutting mechanism.

[0031] At the end of all these steps, the first link in the chain will have been made. Then, the end of the strip is connected to the link and the first link is positioned in order to connect the new strip that is going to be introduced into the forming device, thus constituting the chain.

[0032] These steps can be repeated until a chain of the desired length is formed.

[0033] Subsequently, the method can also comprise the step of pre-tensioning the chain in a pre-tensioning assembly to re-orient the fibres that make up the tape, to obtain better performance of the chain.

[0034] Finally, the final connection of the end of the tape is made on the very chain link and the final tensioning step is carried out at a temperature between 10°C and 150°C, depending on the physical properties of the chain to be obtained. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] As a complement to the description provided herein and in order to help make the features of the application easier to understand, the description is accompanied by a set of drawings constituting an integral part of it, which by way of illustration and not limitation represent the following, according to a preferred practical exemplary embodiment of the application:

[0037] FIG. 1A A general view of the fabric chain forming machine is shown.

[0038] FIG. 1B A plan view of the fabric chain forming machine is shown.

[0039] FIG. 2 The movement of the forming device and the shuttle when the tape is supplied to the rotating module is shown.

[0040] FIG. 3 A detailed view of the positioning of the connecting member and the first chain link fixing peg is shown.

[0041] FIG. 4 A detailed view of the movement of the fixing element when the chain link leaves the forming device is shown.

[0042] FIG. 5 A detailed view of the connecting member closer to connecting the chain link and the cutting mechanism that separates the chain link from the rest of the tape is shown.

[0043] FIG. 6 A detailed view of the fixing element when it holds the first chain link is shown.

[0044] FIG. 7 A side view of the pre-tensioning assembly is shown.

[0045] FIG. 8A A top view of the forming device when the rotating module is closed is shown.

[0046] FIG. 8B A front view of the forming device when the rotating module is closed is shown.

[0047] FIG. 9 A general view of the forming device when the rotating module is open is shown.

[0048] FIG. 10A A general view of the strip is shown.

[0049] FIG. 10B A general view of the chain is shown. A general view of one link of the chain of strip and a pair of links of the chain of strip.

[0050] FIG. 11 A general view of the basic steps of the method object of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with the aid of FIGS. 1A-11 The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with the aid of

[0053] FIG. 10A A strip (100) is shown, which will be used for the first object of the present invention A strip forming device (20) and a fabric chain forming machine of the second object of the present invention, to form a textile chain (200) of natural, synthetic or artificial fibers.

[0054] The particularity of this chain (200) is that each of its links (300) is A strip, which gives the chain (200) excellent resistance and load capacity.

[0055] The first object of the present invention, A strip forming device (20), as FIG. 8A , 8B and 9 are shown. In particular, the forming device (20) comprises a rotating module (1) with an upper half (13) and a lower half (23). FIG. 9 A general view of the two halves (13, 23) of the rotating module (1) separated is shown, while FIG. 8B A general view of the two halves (13, 23) closed is shown. When the two halves (13, 23) are closed, the rotating module (1) is formed.

[0056] The rotating module (1) also comprises an inlet (8) for the strip (100) and an outlet (16) for the strip (100). Inside the rotating module (1) there is an internal path, which can be seen in FIG. 9 from the inlet (8) to the outlet (16). In the internal path, at the end opposite to the inlet (8), it has a widening (18) for the rotation of the strip (100). In this way, when the upper half (13) and the lower half (23) of the rotating module (1) are closed, the strip (100) is introduced through the inlet (8). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the internal path for the rotation and the widening (18) have a negative shape of the strip.

[0057] The strip (100) circulates in the internal path until it reaches the widening (18), where the strip (100) end turns 180° on itself, thus forming The characteristic curve of the strip. The strip (100) continues to advance through the internal path until it reaches the exit (16) of the rotation module (1), the end of the protruding strip (100) being rotated 180° with respect to the position in which it entered the rotation module (100).

[0058] As FIG. 8A and 8B illustrated, The strip forming device (20) also comprises a gas injector (11) located at the inlet (8) of the rotation module (1). By expelling gas, the gas injector (11) helps the strip (100) to pass more easily through the interior of the rotation module (1).

[0059] In addition, The strip forming device (20) comprises a detection member (12) for detecting the strip (100) as it exits through the exit (16) of the rotation module (1). The detection member (12) is as illustrated in FIG. 8B .

[0060] A second object of the present invention is a fabric chain forming machine, which is represented in FIG. 1A general and FIG. 1B in plan. The fabric chain forming machine first comprises a fixed structure (19) which serves as support for the rest of the elements.

[0061] Connected to the fixed structure (19), the forming machine comprises a strip forming device (20), which is the first object of the present invention, which is described in detail in FIG. 8A , 8B and 9. In addition, it comprises a series of elements, as described below, which are capable of forming a chain (200) in which each link (300) is a strip obtained from said forming device (20). FIG. 10B As illustrated in

[0062] In particular, the fabric chain forming machine comprises a strip supply assembly, with a shuttle (2) and a distributor (3), both connected to the fixed structure (19), as illustrated in FIG. 1A and 1B , responsible for supplying the strip (100) to the strip forming device (20).

[0063] The distributor (3) is connected to the supply roller (17), as illustrated in FIG. 1AAs shown, the strip (100) required to make up each link (300) is provided always close to the inlet (8) of the rotating module (1). Furthermore, the shuttle (2) facilitates the introduction of the strip (100) through the inlet (8) of the rotating module (1).

[0064] The shuttle (2) also comprises an additional gas injector which provides a directional gas flow, thus enabling the strip (100) to easily enter the interior of the rotating module (1).

[0065] Furthermore, the fabric chain forming machine comprises a connecting member (4), such as FIG. 4 As shown, the connecting member is likewise connected to the fixed structure (19) and is intended to connect the strip (100) forming the link (300). The connecting member (4) is composed of FIG. 4 staples (41), intended to fix the ends of the strip (100) after it has assumed the shape, facilitating the connection.

[0066] The forming machine also comprises fixed elements (5, 6, 7) connected to the fixed structure (19) and movable with respect to the fixed structure, such as FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 As shown. In particular, a first pivot (5), a second pivot (6), such as FIG. 4 As shown, and a finger with a roller (7), such as FIG. 5 As shown, are intended to hold the link (300) while it is being closed by the connecting member (4), once it has been extracted from the rotating module (1).

[0067] The forming machine likewise comprises a cutting mechanism (10) connected to the fixed structure (19) and intended to cut the link (300) and separate it from the rest of the strip (100). The cutting mechanism (10) is such as FIG. 5 As shown.

[0068] In order to position the link (300) that has been formed and cut and to connect it with the strip (100) that is going to be introduced into the strip forming device (20), so that they form FIG. 10B the chain (200) shown, the fabric chain forming machine comprises fixed elements (9, 14 and 15) also connected to the fixed structure (19). In particular, these fixed elements are FIG. 5 a pulling member (9), such as FIG. 6 a lower fixed element (14), such as FIG. 6 and a chain fixing element (15), such as

[0069] Finally, the fabric chain forming machine comprises a pre-tensioning assembly (24), such as FIG. 7As shown, aimed at exerting a pulling force on at least one chain link (300), or, if the chain (200) comprises a plurality of chain links (300), to exert a pulling force on the shaped chain link (300) so that the fibers of the strip (100) constituting the chain (200) are reordered, thus improving its performance.

[0070] A third object of the present application is a method for shaping a fabric chain, wherein the chain (200) comprises a series of chain links (300), and wherein each chain link (300) is constituted by a fabric strip (100) and has the shape of the strip. The method uses the above-mentioned fabric chain shaper, comprising the following steps:

[0071] The first step comprises supplying the strip (100) to the rotating module (1) of the shaping device (20). To this end, the shaping device (20) enters the central position, as shown in FIG. 2 the left side.

[0072] The shuttle (2) is then activated. In particular, the brake (21) of the shuttle is activated, which fixes the strip (100) to be supplied, as shown in FIG. 2 the left side. The shuttle (2) then advances to the inlet (8) of the rotating module (1), as shown in FIG. 2 the right side, pulling the strip (100).

[0073] The distributor (3) comprising the fixing element is then closed. In this step, the strip (100) end is rotated 180°, thus forming a first loop of the first chain link (300) having the shape of the strip.

[0074] To facilitate the entry of the strip (100), the additional gas injector of the shuttle (2) and the gas injector (11) of the shaping device (20) are activated, as shown in FIG. 2 the left side. Both gas injectors expel a flow of gas to facilitate the entry of the strip (100) through the inlet (8) of the rotating module (1). In addition, simultaneously the distributor (3) advances to supply a certain amount of strip within the rotating module (1).

[0075] The strip (100) is detected at the outlet of the rotating module (1) by means of the detection device (12) of the shaping device (20), as shown in FIG. 8B the left side. This indicates that the strip (100) has flowed correctly within the rotating module (1) and the supply of gas can be stopped.

[0076] In the second step, the strip (100) end is connected to the rest of the strip (200) by means of the connecting member (4) to prevent the first loop of the chain link (300) from coming off.

[0077] In the third step, the remainder of the strip (100) is pulled onto the first link (300), which contains 2 to 10 additional strip (100) loops. This gives each link greater resistance.

[0078] FIG. 3 The overall diagram is shown, in which the connecting member (4) is moved to a position close to the forming device (20), and the sew pin (41) of the connecting member (3) is activated to hold the first link (300) and control all loops, such as FIG. 3 As shown.

[0079] Next, once you already have The strip (100) in strip shape is firmly fixed, the rotating module (1) is opened, and the upper half (13) and lower half (23) of the rotating module (2) are separated, thereby releasing the strip (100).

[0080] Then, as FIG. 4 As shown, the fixing elements, particularly the first pivot (5) and the second pivot (6), are introduced into specific positions, thereby moving them until they are within the first link (300).

[0081] FIG. 5 The image shows an overall view of the fabric chain forming machine as another fixed element moves, in which case the finger moves to a specific position along with the roller (7) to maintain the shape of the chain link (300).

[0082] Then, the excess strip (100) is collected in the distributor (3). In this way, it is ensured that the first link (300) of the chain (200) has the correct length, which is between 60 mm and 600 mm.

[0083] In the fourth step of the method, the strip cutting mechanism (10) is activated, as follows: FIG. 5 As shown, the link (300) is separated from the rest of the strip (100).

[0084] In the fifth step, a temporary joint is performed on the strip end forming the link (300) to prevent it from unraveling.

[0085] FIG. 6 The forming machine is shown, while the pivots (5 and 6) that release the tension of the chain link (300) move closer and retract to their stationary position.

[0086] In the sixth step, the preceding steps are repeated to form a new link (300) connected to the first link (300), thereby forming a chain (200). For this purpose, the lower fixing element (14) of the fixed link (300) is rotated 90° so that it can be connected to the next link (300).

[0087] Then, the chain fixing element (15) and the lower fixing element (14) place the chain link (300) in the indicated position, so as to be pre-tensioned by means of the pre-tensioning assembly (24) shown, the load of which is between 5% and 40% of the breaking load of the strip (100). FIG. 7

[0088] After pre-tensioning, the final connection of the strip ends is made on the chain link (300) just as it is, and the chain is finally tensioned. The final tensioning is carried out at a temperature of between 10°C and 150°C, at a load of between 25% and 80% of the breaking load of the strip (100).

[0089] The pre-tensioning and tensioning of the chain (200) enable the fibres of the strip (100) that make up the chain to be compacted and aligned, and the fact that the final tensioning is carried out at a certain temperature enables the chain (200) to be obtained.

[0090] FIG. 11 The basic steps of the method object of the present application are shown schematically in outline, i.e. forming a chain link in the shape of a strip from a fabric strip, pre-tensioning, forming a fabric chain, sewing the chain links and final tensioning.​

Claims

1. A strip forming apparatus (20) includes a rotating module (1) having an inlet (8) for one end of a strip (100), an outlet (16) for the strip (100), and an internal path from the inlet (8) to the outlet (16), and a widening portion (18) for rotating the strip (100) is located in the internal path, the widening portion (18) being adapted to rotate the end of the strip (100) about its longitudinal axis by 180°, and wherein the forming apparatus (20) further includes a gas injector (11) located at the inlet (8) of the rotating module (1) for driving the strip (100) through the internal path of the rotating module (1).

2. The claim 1 The strip forming apparatus further includes a detection member (12) connected to the rotating module (1) for detecting the end of the strip (100) at the outlet (16) of the rotating module (1).

3. Fabric chain forming machine, designed to form fabric chains with... The chain (200) of the strip-shaped links (300) is characterized in that, It includes: - Fixed structure (19), - Used to form The strip-shaped link (300) as described in claim 1 The strip forming device (20) is connected to the fixed structure (19). - Supply components (2, 3) for supplying strip (100) to the rotating module (1) of the forming device (20), - A connecting member (4), connected to and movable relative to the fixing structure (19), is designed to connect the end of the strip (100) exiting the forming device (20) to the remainder of the strip, thereby forming a link (300), and - A cutting mechanism (10) connected to the fixed structure (19) is designed to cut the link (300) and separate it from the rest of the strip (100).

4. The forming machine of claim 3 further includes a pre-tensioning assembly (24) designed to apply tension to the links (300) of the formed chain (200).

5. A method for forming fabric chains using the forming apparatus (20) of claim 1, comprising the following steps: - The strip (100) is supplied to the rotating module (1) of the forming device (20), and the end of the strip (100) is rotated 180° to form The first link (300) of the strip shape, - Attach the end of the strip to the strip (100), - Cut the strip (100), - The end of the strip (100) is temporarily connected to the link (300), and - By repeating the aforementioned steps, a new link (300) is formed and connected with the first link (300) to form a chain (200).

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the steps of pre-tensioning the chain (200) including at least one link (300) and finally attaching the end of the strip (100) to the link (300).

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising a final tensioning step of the chain (200).

8. The method of claim 5 further comprises the step of: after temporarily connecting the end of the strip to the strip (100), introducing at least one additional strip (100) loop on the first link (300) in order to pull the remainder of the strip (100) onto the first link (300).

9. The method of claim 5, wherein when the strip (100) is supplied to the rotating module (1), gas is injected to drive the strip (100).

10. The method of claim 5, after the first step of supplying the strip (100) to the rotating module (1), includes the step of adjusting the length of the link (300).

11. The method of claim 6, wherein the step of pre-tensioning the chain (200) is carried out under a load of up to 40% of the breaking load of the strip (100).

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the final tensioning step of the chain (200) is performed under a load between 25% and 80% of the breaking load of the strip (100).

13. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of temporarily connecting the end of the strip (100) to the link (300) is performed by sewing.

14. The method of claim 7, wherein the final tensioning step of the chain (200) is performed at a temperature between 10°C and 150°C.

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