System for tying a free end of a thread of a bobbin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for tying the free end (6) of a thread (1) of a spool (11), characterized in that it comprises: support means (3) of the spool (11); a needle (4) comprising a hook (41) at its end, said hook (41) being associated with an opening / closing mechanism (42) of the hook, said needle (4) being oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool (11); an axial pivoting and axial translation mechanism of the needle (4); a retaining mechanism (6) which retains in position a turn (122) of the thread (1) of the spool (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems for securing the free end of a spool, and more particularly to the field of systems for securing the free end without adding additional elements to the spool and the line. Background Technology

[0002] The storage of thread or rope is conventionally achieved in spherical form or in the form of spools. In the latter form, the thread is wound around a substantially straight axis along its entire length, resulting in a spool that is essentially cylindrical. In the case of industrial production or processing of thread, at the end of the operation, these threads are wound into one or more corresponding spools. These spools thus form a storage configuration that allows for convenient management of the thread until it is used at its final destination. Therefore, in the case of loading, unloading, storage, moving, and distribution operations, each spool can be handled individually, either manually or with the intervention of automated machinery.

[0003] However, it should be noted that when the thread is wound onto a spool, the first end of the thread is located at the central axis of the spool, and the second end of the thread is located at the radial or circumferential surface of the formed spool. This is not the case for the second end of the thread at the outer surface of the spool, where the first end at the center of the spool is completely secured by the different turns of the wound thread covering it. In fact, at the end of winding, this end of the thread is free on the surface of the spool. During different operations and movements of the spool, this end of the thread may then cause at least a portion of the length of the thread wound on the spool to separate from the rest of the spool. This occurs particularly when the weave of the thread wound on the spool is smooth and has limited adhesion to the surface of the turns forming the outer surface or circumference of the spool. Furthermore, this free end of the thread, besides detaching itself from the spool, poses a hazard to production, handling, or management sites. In fact, as the length of this end of the thread increases, the risk of it being sucked into machinery and causing operational problems increases. The consequences of this situation will quickly become serious.

[0004] To avoid field disasters associated with the aforementioned problem of the free ends of the thread on the spool, each spool is typically handled manually by an intervention that secures the free end by inserting it between two turns on the circumferential surface to form a slip knot. This knot thus prevents the end of the thread from detaching from the rest of the spool, while allowing the end to be easily released when the spool reaches its final destination. While this solution addresses the problem of managing the free ends of the thread wound on the spool, it requires manual intervention to manage each spool being handled. Therefore, this solution presents significant limitations for industrial-scale production lines.

[0005] To avoid the problems arising from this approach, alternative solutions have been developed, particularly based on adding adhesive / stickers to the free end of the thread and the outer peripheral surface of the spool. Alternatively, a solution based on a paper or cellophane jacket for encapsulating the spool has also been developed. Each of these solutions has the advantage of being easily mechanized and thus suitable for industrial processes. However, these solutions require supplementary components, whether adhesive / stickers or jackets, to hold the free end of the thread against the outer peripheral surface of the spool. These solutions therefore necessitate providing external components for individual spools and their threads, resulting in waste at the final point of use of the spool. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages by proposing a system that allows for the management of the free ends of the thread on the spool while reducing or even eliminating any human intervention, and allowing the avoidance of the intervention of additional elements added to the spool and its thread to secure the free ends of the thread to the spool.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to a system for securing the free end of a thread to a spool, the system comprising:

[0008] - Support device for the spool

[0009] A needle having a hook at its end, the hook being associated with a mechanism for opening / closing the hook, the needle being oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool.

[0010] - A mechanism for the axial pivoting and axial translation of the needle.

[0011] - A retaining mechanism that holds the coils of wire on the spool in place.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method of using a fastening system according to the invention, the method comprising:

[0013] The step of hooking the needle hook onto the spool of thread before the loop with the free end of the thread.

[0014] The step of pivoting the needle axially so that the hooked portion of the thread forms a loop.

[0015] The step of axially translating the needle through the loop formed by the thread, wherein the translation is performed such that the thread is released from the hook of the needle.

[0016] The step of hooking the hook of the needle onto the loop of the free end of the thread with the spool.

[0017] The step of pulling a portion of the turn of the free end of the wire on the spool through the loop of the wire, the loop being formed by a portion of the turn of the wire on the spool preceding the turn with the free end of the wire.

[0018] The step of releasing the line caught by the hook of the needle. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, which are given as non-limiting examples and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein...

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system for securing the free end of the thread on a spool according to the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an exemplary step of forming a loop by hooking the thread onto a portion of the needle through axial pivoting.

[0022] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the step of passing a needle through a loop of thread by axial translation, a step performed such that the needle hooks onto the free end of the thread on the spool.

[0023] Figure 4 The illustration schematically shows the step of passing a portion of the free end of the traction spool through a previously manufactured loop to form a second loop of the traction wire. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This invention relates to a system for securing the free end 2 of a line 1 to a spool 11, the system comprising:

[0025] Support device 3 for spool 11

[0026] The needle 4 includes a hook 41 at its end, the hook 41 being associated with a hook opening / closing mechanism 42, and the needle 4 being oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool 11;

[0027] The mechanism for axial pivoting and axial translation of the needle 4;

[0028] The retaining mechanism 6 holds the coil 122 of the wire 1 of the spool 11 in place.

[0029] The fastening system of the present invention is configured to allow the free end 2 of the wire 1 of the spool 11 to be automatically secured to a turn 122 wound around the spool 11 and disposed at the outer peripheral surface 111 of the spool 11. This mechanical securing of the free end 2 of the wire 1 of the spool 11 results in the formation of a loop 91 along a portion of the length of the free end 2 of the wire 1 of the spool 11. The loop 91 is then inserted into a turn 122 of the spool 11 such that the loop 91 is clamped by a portion of the turn 122 of the wire 1 of the spool 11. Thus, the loop 91 of the free end 2 of the wire 1 is secured to the turn 122 of the spool 11. Furthermore, the portion of the free end 2 of the wire 1 that is inserted into and clamped by the turn 122 of the spool 11 forms a loop 91. This portion of the wire 1 that is fastened to the spool 11 can then be easily released so that when the spool 11 is used at its final destination, it can be restored (used) by simply pulling the free end 2 of the wire 1 outside the loop 91 inserted into the turn 122 of the spool 11.

[0030] Within the framework of the fastening system of the present invention, the support device 3 has a preferably axial arrangement, capable of being inserted along the axis of the spool 11 of the line 1 to be processed. In fact, conventionally, the central axis of the spool 11 is manufactured in the form of a hollow cylindrical element, through which the support device 3 of the spool 11 can be inserted. Alternatively, or perhaps even supplementarily, the support device 3 has a concave arrangement, the shape of which is generally complementary to at least a portion of the circumferential or radial surface 111 of the spool 11, through which the end 2 of the line 1 to be managed. The support device 3 thus creates a housing for receiving the spool 11. It should be noted that, when processing the spool 11 using the fastening system according to the present invention, the support device 3 can be associated with a mechanism for positioning or moving the spool 11. In practice, the position of the spool 11 when receiving or removing it from the fastening system of the present invention is easily different from its position during one or more operational steps of the fastening system of the present invention.

[0031] In an embodiment corresponding to a construction variation of the fastening system of the present invention, the support device 3 of the spool 11 is arranged such that the spool 11 is oriented substantially horizontally. It should be noted that when the spool 11 is coupled to the support device 3, this arrangement may require intervention from a motorized guiding mechanism of the spool 11's axis. Within the framework of the system of the present invention, the horizontal orientation of the spool 11 has the advantage of utilizing gravity to separate the free end 2 of the line 1 from the surface 111 of the spool 11. The free end 2 of the line 1 can then be more easily handled by one or more elements of the fastening system of the present invention.

[0032] According to an example corresponding to another construction variation of the fastening system of the present invention, and which can be combined with the variation described in detail above, the support device 3 is associated with a mechanism 5 for driving the rotation of the spool 11. According to one embodiment, this rotational drive mechanism 5 is in the form of a roller that rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool 11. The outer peripheral surface of the roller is then positioned to abut a portion of the outer peripheral surface 111 of the spool 11 and is driven to rotate by friction. According to an alternative embodiment, the rotational drive mechanism 5 is formed by a motor that drives the support device 3 to rotate axially when the support device 3 takes the form of a linear axial structure, which is arranged to be inserted into (along) the central axis of the spool 11 and fixed to be able to rotate with the spool 11. Within the operational framework of the fastening system of the present invention, the rotational drive mechanism 5 of the spool 11 can control the unwinding and winding of the thread 1, particularly at its free end 2, relative to the spool 11. The rotary drive mechanism 5 also enables tensioning of the wire 1 in the spool 11 at different turns 122, which is achieved in particular through the combined operation of fixing the free end 2 of the wire 1 while rotating the spool 11 in the winding direction of the spool 1. The rotation of the spool 11 in the winding direction of the wire 1 will particularly allow for traction of the wire 1 at the turns surrounding the spool 11. When the rotary drive mechanism 5 is motorized to rotate the support device 3 axially, traction on the wire 1 is applied from the end of the wire 1 located at the central axis of the spool 11.

[0033] According to one construction example of the fastening system of the invention, the end of the needle 4 includes a hook 41, the needle being of the type used within the frame of a knitting machine. The orientation of the needle 4, generally parallel to the axis of the bobbin 11, allows the needle 4 to be inserted between the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the remainder of the surface 111 of the bobbin 11. This insertion is particularly achieved by positioning the needle 4 facing the outer peripheral surface 111 of the bobbin 11, and then separating the free end 2 of the thread 1 from the remainder of the surface 111 of the bobbin 11 by moving the needle 4 about the bobbin 11 in the same direction as the direction in which the thread 1 is wound around the bobbin 11. Thus, the needle 4 causes contact with the thread 1 at a location of a portion of its free end 2, and then displacement about the bobbin 11 between the thread 1 and the surface 111 of the bobbin 11. The hook 41, carried by the end of the needle 4, is configured to hook a portion of the surface of the thread 1 abutting the needle 4 as the needle performs axial translation away from the bobbin 11. The hook 41 is also configured to hook a portion of the surface of the needle 4 opposite to the surface of the needle 4 facing the spool 111. Furthermore, preferably, the hook 41 is also configured to allow the portion of the thread 1 positioned within the hook 41 to disengage from the hook 41 in the direction of the portion of the needle 4 located on the side opposite to the end of the hook 41 supporting the needle 4. Therefore, the hook 41 is configured such that, on the one hand, when the needle 4 is pulled and translated, the portion of the thread 1 positioned inside the hook 41 remains hooked by the needle 4 during movement; on the other hand, when the needle 4 is translated in the opposite direction, the portion of the thread 1 positioned inside the hook 41 can slide from inside the hook 41 in a direction toward the surface of the needle positioned on the side opposite to the end of the hook 41 supporting the needle 4. As an example, the hook 41 supported by the end of the needle 4 is provided with a hole located within the side surface of the needle 4. This hole has a first edge and a second edge, the first edge being located on the end side of the needle 4 and the second edge being located on the side opposite to the body of the needle 4. The first edge of the hole is formed by the joint between the recess on the inner side of the hook 41 and the protrusion at the end of the needle 4. The second edge of the hole is formed by the joint between the interior of the hook 41 and the side surface of the body of the needle 4. To facilitate the sliding of a portion of the thread 1 between the interior of the hook 41 and the surface of the body of the needle 4, the joint is arranged to have a surface with small or even non-existent protrusions or irregularities. The joint is also capable of having surface continuity between the interior of the hook 41 on one hand and the surface of the body of the needle 4 on the other hand.

[0034] A hook 41 carried by the end of needle 4 is associated with an opening / closing mechanism 42 of hook 41. This mechanism 42 allows the thread to slide against the surface of needle 4 at hook 41 without being caught by the hook 41. When the opening / closing mechanism 42 is in the closed position, hook 41 has the shape of a closed loop located at the end of needle 4. Preferably, needle 4 has surface continuity at the portion of needle 4 carrying hook 41, thereby facilitating the sliding of the thread against the surface of needle 4. Conversely, when the opening / closing mechanism 42 is in the open position, hook 41 is released and is able to catch the thread sliding against the surface of needle 4. According to an example of a particular structure of the opening / closing mechanism 42 of hook 41, this mechanism is associated with a motorized actuator that can be combined (operated) with an interface controlling the opening / closing position of hook 41.

[0035] According to one embodiment of a variation of the structure corresponding to the fastening system of the present invention, the opening / closing mechanism 42 of the hook 41 of the needle 4 is formed by a valve 42, which is mounted to pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the needle 4. Preferably, the pivot axis of the valve 42 is located on one side of the hole of the hook 41 opposite to the end of the needle 4. Similarly, the movement of the valve 42 is preferably formed in the form of a radius of rotation outside the hook 41. In a particular exemplary configuration, the valve 42 is mounted to be free to move relative to the needle 4 and includes a protrusion on its surface flush with the surface of the needle 4, which is adapted to interact with the line moving against the surface of the needle 4. Thus, the movement of the line 1 against the surface of the needle 4 is hooked by the protrusion of the valve 42 and causes the valve 42 to pivot, thereby opening or closing the hook 41 of the needle 4. According to the preferred structure of the valve 42, the valve 42 can be opened by a simple force applied to the inner surface of the valve 42 by the portion of the thread 1 located within the hook 41, which translates relative to the needle 4. This is especially true when a portion of the thread 1 has a relaxed tension within the hook 41 and the needle 4 translates axially in a direction opposite to the pulling direction of the thread 1.

[0036] In one embodiment of the fastening system corresponding to a construction variation of the present invention, which forms an alternative to the variation described in detail above, the opening / closing mechanism 42 of the hook 41 of the needle 4 is formed by a rod that slides along the axis of the needle 4 to stop abutting against the engagement between a recess on the inner side of the hook 41 and a protrusion at the end of the needle 4. This structure of the opening / closing mechanism 42 of the hook 41 is similar to a spring buckle with a locking pin. According to this example of the structure, the sliding rod is arranged to have a surface continuity on its outer surface optimized with the outer surface of the hook 41 and the surface of the needle 4, so that the line can slide against the surface of the sliding rod without difficulty as the line moves along the length of the needle 4 on the hook 41.

[0037] Within the framework of the fastening system of the present invention, the mechanism 6 for holding a turn 122 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 in place is an arrangement that prevents a portion of the thread 1 from moving away from the outer peripheral surface 111 of the spool 11 along its surface 111, especially when this portion of the thread 1 is not taut. According to one structural example of the holding mechanism 6, the holding mechanism includes at least one generally flat structure arranged between the axis of the needle 4 positioned at a distance from the spool 11 and the surface 111 of the spool 11. This holding mechanism 6 is preferably associated with a moving device so that once the needle 4 has hooked the turn 122 of the thread 1 on the spool 11, the holding mechanism 6 can be positioned between the needle 4 on one side and the surface 111 of the spool 11 on the other. The structure of the holding mechanism 6 has a slit 61 opening at one edge. This slit 61 is wide enough to allow a portion of the thread 1 on the spool 11 to pass through it. According to a preferred arrangement of a structure having a retaining mechanism 6, the slit 61 has a shape substantially corresponding to the letter "V" at least at the opening 62 of the slit 61 at the edge of the retaining mechanism 6 structure, such that the width of the opening 62 of the slit 61 is greater than the width of the rest of the slit 61. According to one embodiment of the retaining mechanism 6 in the system of the invention, the retaining mechanism 6 is positioned relative to the spool 11 such that the plane of the turn 122 of the spool 11—to which a portion of the thread 1 of the turn 122 will be held in place—is arranged to pass through the slit 61 of the "V"-shaped structure of the retaining mechanism 6. The plane of the turn 122 of the spool 11—to which a portion of the thread 1 of the turn 122 will be held in place—substantially corresponds to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the spool 11. During the movement of the flat structure of the retaining mechanism 6, where the needle 4, on one hand, hooks a portion of the thread 1 onto the turn 122 of the spool 11 and positions this portion of the thread a distance from the surface 111 of the spool 11, and on the other hand, the needle 4 moves between these two points, the "V"-shaped structure forming a guide for inserting and positioning said portion of the thread 1 into the slit 61 of the retaining mechanism 6. Therefore, when the needle 4 makes a specific axial translational movement, the slit 61 of the retaining mechanism 6 can limit the range of movement of the portion of the thread 1 positioned to pass through the slit 61 of the retaining mechanism 6, or even prevent its movement.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the fastening system of the present invention, which can be combined with the variant embodiments detailed above, the system includes a mechanism for positioning a needle 4 between, on the one hand, a portion of a turn 122 of the thread 1 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the spool 11, and on the other hand, the remainder of the spool 11 of the thread 1. The positioning mechanism is configured to rotate the free end 2 of the thread 1 relative to the spool 11 to allow a portion of the needle 4 to be inserted between the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the spool 11. The needle 4, positioned between the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the surface 111 of the spool 11, moves from a first position to a second position by movement about the axis of the spool 11, the first position being between the surface of the spool 11 and the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1, and the second position being between the surface of the spool 11 and the turn 122 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. This movement of needle 4 around the axis of spool 11 can be performed by pivoting needle 4 around the axis of spool 11 or by a series of different translations around the axis of spool 11.

[0039] According to an embodiment of another variant corresponding to the construction of the fastening system of the present invention and capable of being combined with the variants previously described in detail, the system includes a mechanism 7 for positioning at least a portion of the free end 2 of the thread 1 with spool 11 of the turn 121 at the translational axis of the needle 4. This mechanism 7 for positioning the portion of the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 is configured to perform position adjustment of the free end 2 of the thread 1 relative to the surface 111 of the spool 11. The mechanism 7 for adjusting the position of the portion of the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 with spool 11 (i.e., the portion with the thread 1 located between one free end 2 and the other surface 111 of the spool 11) can also be incorporated into a mechanism for positioning the needle 4 between a portion of the turn 122 of the thread 1 with spool 11 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the remaining portion of the spool 11 of the other thread 1. This mechanism 7 for positioning at least a portion of the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 is thus capable of performing separation between the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the surface 111 of the spool 11. According to an example of a variation of the structure corresponding to this positioning mechanism 7, the positioning mechanism is made of an element whose structure includes an axial portion oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the spool 11 of the thread 1. This element is configured to contact a portion of the free end 2 of the thread 1, while being movable in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the spool 11, such that the loop 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 (that is, the portion of the thread 1 located between the free end 2 and the surface 111 of the spool 11) moves while the spool 11 remains stationary. Moving this portion of the thread 1 located between the free end 2 and the surface 111 of the spool 1 allows adjustment of its position relative to the axis of the needle 4. Thus, the movement of this portion of the thread 1 causes the thread 1 to move away from the surface 111 of the spool 11 on the one hand, and adjusts the position of said portion of the thread 1 so that this portion of the thread is aligned with the axial translational axis of the needle 4. This alignment thus allows the needle 4 to translate to contact the portion of the thread 1 located between the free end 2 on one side and the surface 111 of the spool 11 on the other side, i.e., the portion of the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1, so that this portion of the turn 121 can be hooked by the hook 41 and pulled by the translation of the needle.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the fastening system of the present invention, which can be combined with the variant embodiments detailed above, the system includes a mechanism 8 for offset positioning of the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 relative to a turn 122 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 before the turn 121 containing the free end 2 of the thread 1. The offset formed by the positioning mechanism 8 is formed along the length of the surface 111 of the spool 11 along the axis of the spool 11. This offset is formed by translation of the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool 11. Preferably, this offset of the free end 2 of the thread 1 is spaced apart along the position of the free end 2 of the thread 1 relative to the end of the needle 4 on the surface 111 of the spool 11. This offset thus prevents a portion of the thread 1 from the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 from overlapping the turn 122 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. In fact, this overlap of the two turns 121, 122 alters the ability of the needle 4 to be correctly inserted between the surface 111 of the spool 11 and the turn 122 of the thread 1 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1, without positioning the needle 4 between the surface 111 of the spool 11 and the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. Therefore, the mechanism 8 for positioning the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 in an offset manner allows the needle 4 to be inserted only between the surface 111 of the spool 11 on the one hand and the turn 122 of the thread 1 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the other hand. According to one embodiment of the structure, the positioning mechanism 8 for the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 may require intervention from a suction device 81 associated with a nozzle 82, the opening of which is generally elongated and oriented in a generally horizontal and / or parallel manner to the axis of the spool 11. Preferably, the opening of the nozzle 82 is located on the one hand in a generally vertical plane and on the other hand substantially tangential to the surface 111 of the spool 11. The structure of the mechanism 8 for positioning the free end 2 of the thread 1 according to this embodiment allows the mechanism to retrieve the free end 2 of the thread 1 suspended on one side of the spool 11, regardless of the position of the free end along the surface 111 of the spool 11. Preferably, a suction device 81 is located at one end of the nozzle 82 to move the free end 2 of the thread 1 toward the suction device 81. According to another embodiment, the mechanism 8 for positioning the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 may require an interface for clamping the free end 2 of the thread 1, which is, for example, configured as a pair of counter-rotating rollers along a generally horizontal axis and / or parallel to the axis of the spool 11, the engagement area of ​​which is positioned in a plane that is generally vertical on one hand and generally tangential to the surface 111 of the spool 11 on the other hand. This clamping interface is also associated with a translation device for allowing the position of the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the surface 111 of the clamped spool 11 to move by a distance relative to the end of the needle 4 along the surface 111 of the spool 11.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the fastening system corresponding to the present invention and capable of being combined with the foregoing detailed embodiments, the system includes a tensioning mechanism for tensioning the free end 2 of the line 1 of the spool 11. This tensioning mechanism is configured to manage the tension or slack of the line 1 (particularly the portion of the line 1 corresponding to its free end 2 and the first turn of the line 1 around the spool 11 starting from that free end 2), particularly relative to the spool 2. Such a tensioning mechanism can also be formed by at least a portion of the previously described mechanism 8 for positioning, for example, the free end 2 of the line 1 of the spool 11 using a suction device 81 or a pair of counter-rotating rollers.

[0042] According to an embodiment corresponding to the construction of the fastening system of the present invention, and which can be combined with another variation of the previously detailed variation, the support device 3 of the spool 11 is mounted on a structure independent of other components forming the fastening system of the present invention. This variation of structure allows for the assembly of different components constituting the fastening system of the present invention at the spool 11 already positioned on the existing support device 3. The system of the present invention can therefore be assembled repeatedly on different spools carried by corresponding support devices 3. The independent structure of the support device 3 of the spool 11 carrying one or more components of the system of the present invention thus allows the use of the support device 3 of the spool 11 already used at one or more other points on the production line 1, while the spool 11 moves between multiple points on the industrial chain while remaining positioned on its respective support device 3. It should be noted that, according to its embodiment, the rotation drive mechanism 5 of the spool 11 can be carried by the same structure as the support member 3 carrying the spool 11, or alternatively by another independent structure.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a method of implementing a fastening system according to the invention, the method comprising:

[0044] The step of hooking the thread 1 of the spool 11 with the hook 41 of the needle 4, before the turn 122 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the spool 11, is described.

[0045] The step of pivoting the needle 4 axially so that the hooked portion of the thread 1 forms a loop 92.

[0046] The step of axially translating the needle 4 through the loop 92 formed by the thread 1, wherein the translation is performed such that the thread 1 is released from the hook 41 of the needle 4.

[0047] The step of hooking the hook 41 of the needle 4 onto the loop 121 of the free end 2 of the thread 1 with the spool 11,

[0048] The step of pulling a portion of the turn 121 of the free end 2 of the line 1 with the spool 11 through the loop 92 of the line 1, the loop 92 being formed by a portion of the turn 122 of the line 1 with the spool 11 preceding the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the line 1.

[0049] The step of releasing the line 1 that is caught by the hook 41 of the needle 4.

[0050] According to a specific embodiment of the method of the invention, the step of axial rotation of the needle 4 is performed by rotating the needle 4 axially by at least one full turn so that a turn 92 is formed based on the portion of the thread 1 hooked onto the needle 4. During this axial rotation step, the portion of the thread 1 hooked onto the needle 4 by the turn 122 of the spool 11 remains taut within the hook 41 of the needle 4.

[0051] In a specific example corresponding to a variant of the method of the present invention and capable of being combined with the variants described in detail above, in addition to the step of axially translating the needle 4, the method further includes the step of holding in place a portion of the loop 92 of the forming thread 1 of the turn 122 so that the needle 4 can be easily translated through the loop 92 of the thread 1. The step of holding in place a portion of the thread 1 of the turn 122 of the spool 11 forming the loop 92 around the axis of the needle 4 is performed by means of a holding mechanism 6, which is configured to prevent any movement of the portion of the loop 92 of the thread 1 of the turn 122 along the length of the surface 111 of the spool 11. According to a preferred alternative embodiment, the tension applied to that portion of the thread 1 of the turn 122 forming the loop 92 is released to facilitate the disengagement of the loop 92 of the thread 1 from the hook 41 of the needle 4 and the axial translation of the needle 4 through the loop 91 of the thread 1.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment corresponding to another variation of the method of the present invention and capable of being combined with the variation described in detail above, the pulling of a portion of the turn 121 of the free end 2 of the thread 1 with the spool 11 is completed over a length sufficient to allow the formation of a loop 91 of the thread 1 by a portion of the loop 92 of the thread 1 formed by the loop 92 of the thread 1 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the spool 11. However, this pulling step is stopped before the free end 2 of the thread 1 passes through the pre-formed loop 92 of the thread 1, such that the portion of the thread 1 positioned at the free end 2 of the thread 1 passes through the pre-formed loop 92 of the thread 1 to form a slip knot. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, it should be noted that during this pulling step, the tension of the free end 2 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 is released to facilitate the pulling of the thread 1 through the pre-formed loop 92 of the thread 1, while being controlled to prevent the portion of the thread 1 hooked onto the needle 4 from separating from it.

[0053] According to a specific embodiment corresponding to another variation of the method of implementing the invention and capable of being combined with the above-described variation, prior to the step of releasing the thread 1 hooked by the needle 4, the method includes the step of tensioning a ring 92 formed by a loop 122 of the thread on a spool, positioned by a loop 92 around a portion of a loop 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1, preceding the loop 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. Tensioning of the ring 92 can be performed by pulling the thread 1 at each portion of the thread 1 located on both sides of the ring 92. It should be noted that it is not necessary to apply tension to the thread 1 along the length between the free end 2 of the thread 1 and the portion of the thread 1 positioned through the ring 92 to prevent the free end 2 of the thread from separating from the loop 122 where the thread is inserted, the ring 92 being formed by a loop 122 of the thread on a spool preceding the loop 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1.

[0054] According to an example corresponding to a variation of the embodiment of the method of the invention described in detail above, the step of tensioning the ring 92 is performed by a portion of the traction line 1 positioned upstream of the ring 92, the portion of the turn 121 carrying the free end 2 of the line 1 held by the hook 41 of the needle 4 via the ring. In one embodiment, the step of tensioning the ring 92 is performed by positioning the portion of the traction line 1 opposite to the position of the ring 122 to the side opposite to the free end 2 of the line 1. This tensioning step of the ring 92, formed by the turn 122 of the line 1 on the spool before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the line 1, improves the retention of the ring 91 while allowing for easy removal. The ring 92 is formed by the turn 122 of the line 1 on the spool before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the line 1, and the ring 91 is formed by the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the line 1 fastened to the spool 11.

[0055] According to a specific embodiment corresponding to another variation of the method of the invention and capable of being combined with the previously detailed variation, before the step of pulling a portion of the turn 121 of the free end 2 of the thread 1 with the spool 11 through the loop 92 (the loop 92 is formed by a portion of the turn 122 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1), the method includes the step of closing the hook 41 of the hook 4 on the turn 121 of the spool 11 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. This closure of the hook 41 of the needle 4 allows the portion of the thread 1 forming the loop 92 to slide against the surface of the needle 4 and, in particular, against the portion of the hook 41 of the needle 4, without being captured by the hook 41 of the needle 4, and the loop 92 is formed by the turn 122 of the thread 1 on the spool 11 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. In one embodiment of this step of the method, the opening / closing mechanism 42 of the hook 41 includes a valve 42 with a protrusion that protrudes relative to the surface of the needle 4 when the valve 42 is in the open position of the hook 41 of the needle 4. In the step of pulling the loop 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 through the hook 41 of the needle 4, the thread 1 of the loop 92 slides against the surface of the needle 4 in the direction of the hook 41. Before reaching the hook 41 and when approaching the hook 41, the thread 1 of the loop 92 contacts and interacts with the protrusion of the valve 42 to push the valve 42 and pivot it to the closed position of the hook 41, so that once the hook 41 of the needle 4 is reached, the thread 1 of the loop 92 slides against the surface of the valve 42, and the valve 42 closes the opening of the hook 41.

[0056] According to a specific embodiment corresponding to another variation of the method of the present invention and capable of being combined with the variation described in detail above, the method preliminarily includes a step of offsetting the position of the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 relative to the turn 122 of the thread 1 of the spool 11, the turn 122 being located before the turn 122 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. Thus, prior to the aforementioned different steps, the free end 2 of the thread 1 of the spool 11 is translated along a path substantially parallel to the axis of the spool 11. Preferably, this offset of the free end 2 of the thread 1 is performed according to intervals along the position of the free end 2 of the thread 1 relative to the end of the needle 4 on the surface 111 of the spool 11. This offset thus prevents a portion of the thread 1 with the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1 from overlapping on the turn 122 of the thread 1 of the spool 11, the turn 122 being located before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1. Thus, the needle 4 can be correctly inserted between the surface 111 of the spool 11 and the turn 122 of the thread 1 before the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1, without needing the needle 4 to be positioned between the surface 111 of the spool 11 and the turn 121 with the free end 2 of the thread 1.

[0057] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the viewpoint of the constituent elements or by substitution with technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for securing the free end (2) of a line (1) to a bobbin (11), characterized in that, The system includes: Support device (3) for spool (11); The needle (4) includes a hook (41) at its end, the hook (41) being associated with a hook opening / closing mechanism (42), and the needle (4) being oriented along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the spool (11); The mechanism for axial pivoting and axial translation of the needle (4); The retaining mechanism (6) holds the second turn (122) of the wire (1) of the spool (11) in place before the first turn (121) of the free end (2) with the wire (1).

2. The fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening / closing mechanism (42) of the hook (41) of the needle (4) is formed by a valve (42) which is mounted to pivot about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the needle (4).

3. The fastening system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening / closing mechanism (42) of the hook (41) of the needle (4) is formed by a rod that slides along the axis of the needle to abut against the joint between the recess on the inner side of the hook (41) and the protrusion at the end of the needle (4).

4. The fastening system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The system includes a positioning mechanism (7) for positioning the needle (4) between a portion of a second turn (122) of the thread (1) on the spool (11) before the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1) and the remainder of the spool (11).

5. The fastening system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The system includes a mechanism for tensioning the free end (2) of the line (1) of the spool (11).

6. The fastening system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The system includes a positioning mechanism (8) for positioning the free end of the line (1) of the spool (11) for positioning the free end (2) of the line (1) of the spool (11) at a second turn (122) relative to the line (1) of the spool (11) before the first turn (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1).

7. The fastening system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The system includes a positioning mechanism (8) for positioning at least a portion of the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1) with the spool (11) at the translation axis of the needle (4).

8. The fastening system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The support device (3) of the spool (11) is arranged to orient the spool (11) approximately horizontally.

9. The fastening system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The support device (3) of the spool (11) is mounted on a structure that is independent of the other constituent elements of the fastening system.

10. A method for implementing the fastening system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method includes: The step of hooking the line (1) of the spool (11) with the hook (41) of the needle (4) to the second turn (122) before the first turn (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1), The step of pivoting the needle (4) axially so that the hooked portion of the thread (1) forms a second loop (92), The step of axially translating the needle (4) through the second loop (92) formed by the thread (1), the translation being performed such that the thread (1) is released from the hook (41) of the needle (4), The step of hooking the hook (41) of the needle (4) onto the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1) with the spool (11), The step of pulling a portion of the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the line (1) with the spool (11) through the second loop (92) of the line (1), the second loop (92) being formed by a portion of the second turn (122) of the line (1) with the spool (11) preceding the first turn (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1), The step of releasing the line (1) that is hooked by the hook (41) of the needle (4).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Before the step of releasing the line (1) hooked by the needle (4), the method includes the step of tensioning a second loop (92) formed by the second loop (122) of the line on the spool before the first loop (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1) through the second loop (92) around the portion of the first loop (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of tensioning the second ring (92) is performed by pulling a portion of the line (1) positioned upstream of the second ring (92), through which a portion of the first turn (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1) is held by the hook (41) of the needle (4).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, Simultaneously with the axial translation of the needle (4), the method includes holding the portion of the second loop (122) of the thread (1) forming the second loop (92) in place so that the needle (4) can be easily translated through the second loop (92) of the thread (1).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, Before the step of drawing a portion of the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1) with the spool (11) through the second loop (92) of the thread, and the second loop (92) being formed by a portion of the second turn (122) of the thread (1) with the spool (11) before the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1), the method includes the step of closing the hook (41) of the needle (4), the hook (41) hooking the first turn (121) of the free end (2) of the thread (1) with the spool (11).

15. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The method pre-includes a step of spacing the free end (2) of the line (1) of the spool (11) apart from the position of the second turn (122) of the line (1) of the spool (11) before the first turn (121) with the free end (2) of the line (1).

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