Unwinding system with an unwinding apparatus for unwinding elongate materials

Abstract

The invention relates to an unwinding mandrel (1b) for connecting to an unwinding apparatus (1a) for unwinding elongate materials, such as cables or pipes, from a bundle, wherein the unwinding mandrel (1b) has a main part (1c) for arranging in the center of the bundle and a connecting portion (11) for detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel (1b) to the unwinding apparatus (1a), characterized in that the unwinding mandrel (1b) has at least one, preferably four movable bodies (18) which are pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part (1c) transversely to a main extension axis (2) of the main part (1c).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing system with a dispensing device for unwinding elongated materials such as cables or pipes from a bundle, with a base plate for standing on a surface, wherein the dispensing system has at least one unwinding mandrel for connection with the dispensing device for unwinding elongated materials such as cables or pipes from a bundle, wherein the unwinding mandrel has a main body for arrangement in the center of the bundle and a connecting section for detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel to the dispensing device.

[0002] Long, elongated materials such as cables, tapes, or pipes are often stored or transported in coils, i.e., wound into bundles. These coils may have a core, such as a cable drum or spool, or the material may be supplied without a core.

[0003] To quickly and easily wind or unwind these bundles, unwinding devices are often used. These devices are positioned below the horizontally lying bundle so that it can be rotated and unwound by pulling on one end of the material. During winding, the bundle or a part of the unwinding device is rotated, thus winding the material. A mandrel is positioned centrally within the bundle to prevent it from slipping on the device. In the context of the present invention, a mandrel is understood to be an elongated component that rotates with the bundle or spool when the material is unwound or wound.

[0004] When using large bundles of cable on drums, which can have a diameter of up to several meters, the unwinding device is positioned at a suitable distance from the central opening of the upright bundle. The bundle is then tilted over and onto the unwinding device. This inserts the unwinding mandrel at least partially into the central opening, preventing the bundle from rolling away while being unwound. However, this is difficult and time-consuming, as the distance must be measured precisely to ensure the central opening aligns perfectly with the unwinding mandrel.

[0005] When smaller bundles, such as cable bundles without spools, are used, they often slip very easily on the unwinding device during unwinding, which can lead to jamming. Therefore, the cable can only be unwound slowly or must be readjusted repeatedly.

[0006] Holders suitable for supporting spools or similar items for unwinding material are known from US patent 2013 / 0126664 A and DE 100 45 361 A. Since no unwinding mandrels are provided, considerable friction always occurs, significantly hindering unwinding.

[0007] In DE 201 06 881 U1, DE 20 2004 018906 U1, DE 197 41 499 A1, CN 201 478 740 U, ​​CN 202 848 742 U, GB 575 842 A and US 2008 / 848 742 A1, unwinding systems are disclosed which have unwinding mandrels with movable bodies. If the system is to be transported, the movable bodies can be unfolded and the unwinding mandrel pulled out of the unwinding device. The slim unwinding mandrel and the flat unwinding device are then easy to store and transport. The movable bodies can easily grip the bundle and, due to their angle, prevent the elongated material from slipping off the bundle when the material is not being pulled. However, with a heavy bundle, the connection between the unwinding mandrel and the unwinding device is subjected to considerable stress.

[0008] CN 202 260 366 U proposes providing a turntable on the unwinding mandrel, on which the movable bodies can rest. This relieves the load on the movable bodies, but makes the embodiment very bulky and difficult to transport. Furthermore, the connection between the unwinding mandrel and the unwinding device is not relieved of stress.

[0009] German patent DE 10 2004 008 550 A1 proposes arranging a frame loosely on a turntable, which also results in a bulky design. The object of the invention is to avoid the problems described and to provide a mandrel that enables accelerated unwinding or winding and is particularly portable and durable.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a rolling system according to claim 1, wherein the rolling mandrel has at least one, preferably four, movable bodies which are pivotably connected to the main body via at least one joint transversely to a main extension axis of the main body and wherein the rolling device has a connector for non-destructively detachable connection to the connecting section of the rolling mandrel.

[0011] A detachable connection is one that can be detached without causing damage during normal operation.

[0012] The bodies can be positioned in a lying position during transport, making the unwinding mandrel as easy to transport as possible. When swiveled out of this lying position, they can be used to hold the bundle, thus enabling improved unwinding and winding, as they can better stabilize the bundle.

[0013] Furthermore, the bodies can serve as a connection between the unwinding mandrel and the bundle, especially the spool of the bundle, and better secure the unwinding device to the bundle. This is particularly advantageous for bundles with a core, such as cable drums. This allows the unwinding mandrel to be inserted into the stationary bundle (i.e., cable drum) and fixed in place, reinforcing this connection with the bodies through positive locking and / or friction locking. Thus, the bundle, along with the unwinding mandrel and attached unwinding device, can be tilted so that the unwinding device is positioned between the bundle and the surface. This eliminates the need for complicated measuring and positioning of the unwinding device.

[0014] Preferably, the body forms a bearing surface for the collar to support it. Therefore, in its operating position, the bearing surface is essentially horizontal. Essentially horizontal in this context means that the deviation from the horizontal plane is so small that the collar can rest without slipping.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the bodies can be brought into a situating position in which they essentially run along the main axis of extension of the main body. This allows for a particularly compact form of transport. Furthermore, it can be provided that, in the situating position, the bodies at least partially, and preferably at least at their end opposite the joint, abut the main body.

[0016] The joint can be located in the area of ​​the connecting section. This allows the bodies to unfold in the direction of the rolling device.

[0017] It is advantageous if at least one body is pre-tensioned in at least one position and preferably at least one spring exerts a force on the body in at least one direction. This allows the body's position to be more precisely defined and prevents unintentional movement.

[0018] In this respect, it is particularly advantageous if the body is pre-tensioned away from its contact position towards a receiving position, whereby in the receiving position the ends of the brackets opposite the joint are further away from the main body than in the contact position. This allows the body to be designed to be self-clamping. Thus, the body can also connect to the coil when inserted and secure the unwinding mandrel in the coil.

[0019] It is particularly preferred that the body is pre-tensioned from a transition point along its movement between the support position and the receiving position in the direction of the receiving position, and that the body is preferably pre-tensioned into the support position before the transition point. This holds the body in its transport position and prevents it from unintentionally unfolding during handling. When the body is moved to the transition point, it automatically moves into the receiving position. This facilitates and improves the positioning of the body.

[0020] To improve the contact of the ligament with the body, it may be provided that the body can be brought into a receiving position in which it runs essentially transversely to the main axis of extension.

[0021] In a simple-to-manufacture embodiment, the movable body is designed as a bracket. A bracket is defined as a shaped piece with a substantially uniform profile, comprising at least two bracket sections that connect the joint to the end of the body opposite the joint. The bracket is preferably made of a metal such as steel or aluminum and particularly preferably has a uniform profile.

[0022] To improve the connection between the band and the body, it is preferably provided that at least one body has a termination at its end opposite the joint, which, when in contact with the body, points in the direction of the main axis of extension. This termination creates a raised area relative to the longitudinal axis of the bodies. The termination prevents any part of the band from slipping over the body.

[0023] The end piece can be formed by a part molded from the body. This is particularly simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture, especially if the body is designed as a stirrup.

[0024] It can also be advantageous if the end cap has a molded part applied to the end of the body. This molded part could, for example, be a non-slip plastic or rubber coating.

[0025] It is preferable that the body be telescopic, preferably along its main extension. This allows the length of the body to be adjusted depending on the size of the waistband.

[0026] Furthermore, it can be provided that at least one body has a termination at its end opposite the joint, and that the termination is telescopic, preferably in a flush position in the direction of the main extension axis.

[0027] To improve the reception of the bundle in the receiving position, the body can have a bearing surface for the support of the bundle, which preferably points in a position in contact with the main body.

[0028] To be more usable for bundles of different sizes, at least two bodies can be provided and the bodies can have at least partially different lengths.

[0029] Preferably, at least the main body is made at least partially of plastic. This allows for a low weight and a robust construction.

[0030] The main body is preferably telescopic, particularly preferably along its main axis of extension. For this purpose, a telescopic section of the main body can have a locking mechanism for fixing at least one position on the main body, and the locking mechanism can preferably be locked by a snap lock after extension from the main body.

[0031] The connecting section can have a snap connector for a positive-locking connection with the unwinding device, and the connection can be released by a push button on the unwinding mandrel. A snap connector or snap fastener is an element for positive-locking components to one another, whereby joining parts are hooked together when a certain position is reached and can be released from this position again by pressing on one joining part against a preload.

[0032] The invention comprises a unwinding system with an unwinding device for unwinding elongated materials such as cables or pipes from a bundle, with a base plate for standing on a surface.

[0033] According to the invention, the unwinding system comprises at least one unwinding mandrel of the type described above. The unwinding mandrel is rotatably mounted relative to the base plate.

[0034] According to the invention, a rotating turntable, rotatable about a pivot axis, is mounted on the base plate to receive the bundle of elongated material. In this case, the unwinding device can optionally be used without the unwinding mandrel of the type described above, for example by placing a spool on the turntable, or by placing a loose bundle on the movable bodies of the unwinding mandrel attached to the turntable.

[0035] For easier handling, the unwinding device is designed to have a connector for non-destructive detachable connection to the connecting section of the unwinding mandrel.

[0036] Furthermore, the turntable can be rotatably connected to the base plate centrally, preferably along the axis of rotation.

[0037] The turntable can be rotatably connected to the base plate via bearings, preferably arranged horizontally.

[0038] The base plate can have a receptacle for various additional devices, preferably length measuring devices for the elongated material.

[0039] The bodies can extend at least partially beyond the turntable in the recording position.

[0040] In an alternative, non-inventive embodiment, the unwinding mandrel is attached to the base plate without a rotating plate. In this case, only one swivel bearing is provided to ensure the rotation of the unwinding mandrel. Such an embodiment can, in particular, be designed as an extension of an unwinding device that has a swivel plate with an unwinding mandrel attachable to it and, next to it, one or more swivel bearings for receiving further unwinding mandrels. It is then possible to unwind several wires, each on a coil, simultaneously.

[0041] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a rolling mandrel according to the invention in a contact position in a side view; Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment in a receiving position; Fig. 3 shows the first embodiment in a receiving position with the telescopic body extended; Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a rolling system according to the invention in a second embodiment in a receiving position in a side view; Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a rolling device of the second embodiment.

[0042] In Figs. 1 bis 4 A first embodiment of a rolling mandrel 1b is shown, which has an elongated, substantially round main body 1c extending along a principal axis 2. At one end, a connecting section 11 is arranged, which has a connecting surface perpendicular to the principal axis 2 and a receiving opening for connecting to a rolling device 1b and receiving a pivot pin 3 of the rolling device 1b. Thus, the pivot pin 3 also acts as a connector. When the pivot pin 3 is inserted, a positive-locking connection is established by a snap connection, which can be released by pressing the push button 8 against a preload of an elastic spring element.

[0043] In the area of ​​connection section 11, a total of four bodies 18 are connected via a joint, each designed as a one-piece bracket. All brackets are identical and arranged radially symmetrically around the principal axis of extension 2. The joints allow pivoting about axes normal to the principal axis of extension 2. The opposing pivot axes of the joints are parallel.

[0044] Each body 18 is bent into shape from a single piece of steel rod and has a substantially uniform, round profile. At the end opposite the joint, each body 18 has a termination 15, which is triangular in shape and perpendicular to its main extent.

[0045] The main body 1c is made of plastic and has a telescopic body 7 which is inserted into the end opposite the joint. This is in a folded position as shown in Figs. 1 or 2shown by pulling it out into an unfolded position (as in Figs. 3 and 4 (shown), in which a snap lock 9 fixes the position of the telescopic body 7 in relation to the rest of the main body 1c. This can be released by means of another push button, as with the snap connection.

[0046] The bodies 18 are in Figs. 1 and 2 The bodies are shown in a reclining position. In this position, the bodies 18 lie parallel to the principal extension axis 2 and against the main body 1c.

[0047] When the bodies 18 are pivoted, the ends 15 move away from the main axis of extension 2. The pivoting of the bodies 18 is preferably limited to a maximum angle starting from the resting position, particularly preferably a maximum of 180° and most preferably 90°.

[0048] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 In the shown position, the bodies 18 are perpendicular to the main axis of extension 2 and thus form receiving surfaces on which a bundle can be placed. The end caps 15 point upwards and can prevent slippage from the edge areas of the bundle.

[0049] In Fig. 5 A winding device 1a is shown, on which a winding mandrel 1b according to the invention is connected in a ready-to-use state. In this winding system, the bodies 18 project beyond a rotary table 1 of the winding device 1a. The bodies 18 rest against the rotary table 1. The main axis of extension 1c is coaxial with the pivot pin 3 and the axis of rotation 3a, which connects the rotary table 1 to a base plate 4. In other embodiments, the rotary table 1 and the base plate 4 can also be designed differently, for example not as continuous plates but only as strips or rod elements.

[0050] Turntable 1 and base plate 4 are rotatable relative to each other via the axis of rotation 3a and are additionally supported by bearings in the form of plastic rollers.

[0051] The base plate 4 has a receptacle 6 to which, for example, a length measuring device can be attached to measure the length of the unrolled material.

Claims

1. Unwinding system comprising an unwinding apparatus (1a) for unwinding elongate materials such as cables or pipes from a bundle, having a base plate (4) for standing on a base, wherein the unwinding system comprises at least one unwinding mandrel (1b) for connecting to the unwinding apparatus (1a) for unwinding elongate materials such as cables or pipes from a bundle, wherein the unwinding mandrel (1b) has a main part (1c) for arranging in the center of the bundle and a connecting portion (11) for detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel (1b) to the unwinding apparatus (1a), wherein the unwinding mandrel (1b) has at least one, preferably four, movable bodies (18) which are pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part (1c) transversely to a main extension axis (2) of the main part (1c), characterised in that a turntable (1) rotatable about an axis of rotation (3a) is mounted on the base plate (4) for accommodating the bundle of elongate material and in that the unwinding apparatus (1a) comprises a connector (3) for non-destructively releasable connection to the connecting portion (11) of the unwinding mandrel (1b).

2. Unwinding system according to claim 1, characterised in that the body (18) forms a support surface for supporting the bundle in order to carry the bundle.

3. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that at least one body (18) is pretensioned into at least one position and preferably at least one spring exerts a force on the body (18) in at least one direction and in that preferably the body (18) is pretensioned away from its contact position towards a receiving position, wherein in the receiving position the ends of the brackets opposite the joint (18) are further away from the main part (1c) than in the contact position.

4. Unwinding system according to claim 3, characterised in that the body (18) is pretensioned from a transition point along its movement between the contact position and the receiving position in the direction of the receiving position, and in that the body (18) is preferably pretensioned before the transition point into the contact position.

5. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at least one body (18) has a termination (15) at its end opposite the joint, which termination (15) faces in the direction of the main extension axis (2) in the contact position.

6. Unwinding system according to claim 5, characterised in that the termination (15) comprises a molded part applied to the end of the body (18).

7. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least one body (18) has a termination (15) at its end opposite the joint, and in that the termination is of telescopic design, preferably in the contact position in the direction of the main extension axis (2).

8. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the main part (1c) is of telescopic design.

9. Unwinding system according to claim 8, characterised in that a telescopic body (7) of the main part (1c) has a locking mechanism for fixing at least one position to the main part and the locking mechanism is preferably lockable by a snap lock (9) after extraction from the main part (1c).

10. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the body (18) is of telescopic design, preferably along its main extension.

11. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the connecting section (11) has a snap connector (8) for positive connection to the unwinding apparatus (1a), and in that the connection can preferably be released by a pushbutton (8a) of the unwinding mandrel (1a).

12. Unwinding system according to claim 1 to 11, characterised in that the turntable (1) is rotationally connected to the base plate (4) centrally, preferably along the axis of rotation (3).

13. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the turntable (1) is rotatably connected to the base plate (4) via preferably horizontally arranged bearings (10).

14. Unwinding system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the bodies (18) extend at least partially beyond the turntable (1) in the receiving position.

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