Winder and method of use

Abstract

A winder (1) comprises a housing (2) defining a cavity and a spool (3) mounted for rotation within the cavity. Rotation of the spool (3) in either the first or second direction winds the wire element (4) around the spool (3) or unwinds the wire element (4). The wire element (4) escapes from the spool (3) through a through-hole (6) in the housing (2). The spool (3) provides a channel for receiving the wire element (4), which has a first end with at least one turn. The first end of the channel terminates in a wall. In a threshold position representing maximum unwinding of the wire element (4), the wire element (4) is clamped between the wall and a partition of the housing (2) defining the through-hole (6), thus forming a stop that prevents rotation of the spool (3) in the unwinding direction beyond the threshold position.

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a winder and a method of using such a winder. Previous technique

[0002] Various cable reel configurations are known, each featuring a wire element that winds and unwinds from a spool. The spool defines a channel that receives one or more turns of the wire element. Rotating the spool in one direction winds the wire, and rotating it in the opposite direction unwinds it.

[0003] It is common that once the wire element is fully unwound from the reel, continuing to rotate the reel in the direction associated with unwinding results in the wire element winding around the reel. Unwinding is then performed by rotating the reel in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction that was previously associated with winding. The direction of rotation associated with winding or unwinding the wire element is defined by the user when the wire element is fully unwound. This configuration is not ideal because it requires testing both directions of rotation to determine which is associated with winding and which with unwinding.

[0004] However, in a clamping device, in an adjusting device or for any other configuration having a locking device configured to prevent rotation of the coil in one direction while allowing rotation in the other direction, it is important to impose a direction of rotation associated with clamping and a direction of rotation associated with loosening.

[0005] To create a reel that defines a winding direction and an unwinding direction, a common method is to use a spool mounted for rotation within a housing. The spool and housing define a locking system with a slide and a pin. The pin slides inside the slide, which defines two end stops. This solution is unsatisfactory because it restricts the spool's rotation to less than one revolution, thus limiting the amount of usable wire and / or the overall size of the reel.

[0006] It is advantageous to use a reel capable of making multiple turns to utilize a greater length of wire element. However, this presents a problem in managing the end of the wire unwinding process. To prevent the reel from rotating inside a housing beyond a threshold position that represents the maximum allowable unwinding of a wire element while still permitting multiple turns of the reel, US patent 9,259,056 discloses a clamping mechanism in which an additional cord has one end attached to the housing and the other to the reel. As the reel rotates in the direction of wire unwinding, the additional cord winds around the reel's rotation shaft. The length of the additional cord is chosen to impose a maximum number of turns from the maximum winding position.This technical solution is not satisfactory; it requires adding an additional rope, which represents a significant volume, and it also requires additional manual steps during manufacturing.

[0007] US patent 2,868,504 describes a hoist designed to prevent cable misalignment within the hoist when the cable is unwound without applying a tensile force. One end of the cable is fixedly attached to a reel mounted for rotation inside a housing. The reel defines a channel through which the cable is wound until it exits the housing through a hole. The reel is fixedly attached to a shaft with longitudinal splines so that the shaft's rotation causes the reel to rotate. The reel moves along the shaft as the cable is wound or unwound, ensuring the cable always faces the hole. To keep the cable within the channel, a cover is installed inside the housing and rotates in the same manner as the reel. The cover is positioned above the hole through which the cable exits the housing. Object of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a winder which has a limit stop relative to the unwinding of a wire element from a reel while being compact and easy to make.

[0009] This result is achieved using a reel comprising: a body defining an exit slot; a wire element; a coil mounted movable to rotate relative to the body around an axis of rotation, the coil providing a channel for receiving the wire element; wherein the rotation of the coil in a first direction of rotation winds the wire element around the coil from the first end; in which the rotation of the spool in a second direction of rotation unwinds the wire element from the spool; in which the wire element extends from the spool through the exit slot to exit the body.

[0010] The reel is remarkable in that the first end of the channel has a wall; and in that, when the reel is in a threshold position representative of a maximum unwinding of the wire element out of the reel, the wire element is wedged between the wall and a wall of the body delimiting the exit slot to form a stop preventing the rotation of the reel in the second direction of rotation beyond the threshold position.

[0011] Advantageously, the channel is designed to accommodate more than one turn of the wire element. The channel defines a first turn from the threshold position, the first turn having at least one spiral portion offsetting the channel above or below the wall depending on the direction of rotation.

[0012] Preferably, the channel defines fewer than two turns and preferably only one turn.

[0013] In a particular configuration, the channel also includes a storage area for the wire element, the storage area being positioned after the first turn of the channel along the channel, following a winding pattern of the wire element. The storage area is offset from the wall according to the direction of rotation.

[0014] In an advantageous development, the storage area defines a volume intended to store more than one turn of the wire element in the same plane preferably perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0015] Preferably, the storage zone has a groove with a storage thickness at least equal to twice the width of the wire element, and at least one turn has a groove with an end thickness less than twice the width of the wire element. The channel groove increases from the end groove to the storage groove along the channel.

[0016] Preferably, the wire element has a circular cross-section and the wall defines an arc of a circle.

[0017] Advantageously, the winder includes a locking plate mounted integrally with the spool. Rotation of the locking plate in the first direction causes the spool to rotate in the first direction, and rotation of the locking plate in the second direction causes the spool to rotate in the second direction. The housing defines a plurality of teeth. The locking plate is equipped with at least one arm. This arm engages with at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the locking plate in the second direction, while the other arm allows rotation of the locking plate in the first direction. The winder includes a deformation device for the arm so that it disengages from the plurality of teeth.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method of using a reel which makes it possible to prevent the rotation of the reel beyond a threshold position representative of a maximum unwinding of the wire element.

[0019] This result is achieved by means of a method using a reel comprising the following steps: provide a reel according to any of the previous configurations; rotate the reel in the second direction of rotation until one end of the wire element is wedged between the wall and the body wall defining the exit slot. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a reel; Fig. 2 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of a reel of the winder shown in the figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the reel mounted in a housing in a position representative of maximum wire unwinding without the wire element; [ Fig. 4 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the reel mounted in a housing in a position representative of maximum wire unwinding with the wire element; [ Fig. 5 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the coil mounted in a housing, the coil being in a position representative of a partial winding where the coil has completed half a turn from the maximum unwinding position; Fig. 6] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the coil mounted in a housing, the coil being in a position representative of a partial winding where the coil has completed almost one turn from the maximum unwinding position; Fig. 7 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the reel in a position representative of a winding where the reel has made slightly less than two turns from the maximum unwinding position; Fig. 8 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the reel in a position representative of a partial winding where the reel has made more than two turns from the maximum unwinding position; Fig. 9 ] : schematically illustrates a top view of a reel handling two strands of wire element, the casing being in a position representative of a winding where the reel has made more than one turn from the maximum unwinding position; Fig. 10] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of the reel in a position representative of maximum unwinding, with the winder handling two strands of wire element; Fig. 11 ] : schematically illustrates a perspective view of a coil through which the wire element passes and which defines two channels managing two strands of wire element. Description of the implementation methods

[0021] THE figures 1 to 11 illustrate different views of an embodiment of a winder 1. The winder 1 comprises a body, for example in the form of a housing 2, a reel 3 and a wire element 4. The winder 1 is configured to wind the wire element 4 around the reel 3 and to allow the wire element 4 to be unwound from the reel 3. The reel 3 is mounted to rotate relative to the body.

[0022] Rotating the reel 3 in a first direction causes the wire element 4 to wind around the reel 3. Rotating the reel 3 in a second direction causes the wire element 4 to unwind from the reel 3. The reel 3 is mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation that passes through the reel 3. The axis of rotation is an imaginary axis that can be represented by the longitudinal direction of the rotation shaft 6 that passes through the reel 3.

[0023] The body preferably defines a cavity 5 for receiving the coil 3. Preferably, the coil 3 is mounted to rotate within the cavity 5. Alternatively, the housing 2 defines a rotation shaft for the coil 3. The body may define a recess for receiving the coil 3. The recess may be formed by a wall that extends continuously around the coil 3 in one direction of rotation. Alternatively, the body defines stops that trap the coil inside the cavity 5.

[0024] In the preferred embodiments illustrated, the coil 3 is mounted to rotate inside a housing 2 which can be considered fixed and the external walls are directly opposite the internal walls of the housing 2.

[0025] The housing 2 defines an exit slot, for example in the form of a through-hole 7 which opens opposite the coil 3 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The wire element 4 passes through the through-hole 7 to continuously connect the inside and outside of the housing 2. The wire element 4 extends from the coil 3 to the outside of the housing, passing through the exit slot.

[0026] In order to define a single direction of rotation associated with the winding of the wire element 4 and a single direction of rotation associated with unwinding the wire element from the reel 3, it is preferable to prevent the rotation of the reel 3 in the direction of unwinding once a threshold position representative of maximum unwinding has been reached.

[0027] To form a winder 1 which has a limit stop preventing rotation of the reel 3, in the direction of unwinding, beyond a threshold position representing a maximum unwinding allowed while remaining compact, it is advantageous to use the wire element 4 as an element preventing the rotation of the reel 3 relative to the housing 2 beyond the threshold position.

[0028] The coil 3 defines at least one channel 8, which is intended to receive a strand of the wire element 4. As the coil 3 rotates in the winding direction, the wire element 4 positions itself along the channel 8 by passing through the through-hole 7. The channel 8 extends along the circumference of the coil 3, for example, in the form of a slot. The channel 8 has a first end 8' and a second end opposite each other along the longitudinal direction of the channel 8. The channel 8 is intended to constrain the position of the wire element 4 as the coil 3 rotates. The channel 8 may have a groove, a rib, lugs, or any other feature that constrains the position of the wire element 4. The position of the wire element 4 within the channel 8 may be fixed, or the channel 8 may define a volume allowing the wire element 4 to position itself as desired.

[0029] During winding, the wire element 4 enters the channel 8 from the first end 8' of the channel 8 towards the second end.

[0030] The first end 8' of channel 8 has a wall 9 that delimits a portion of channel 8. The wall 9 rotates with the reel 3 when the reel 3 rotates in the first and second directions. When the reel 3 rotates in the unwinding direction, the wire element 4 leaves channel 8 and passes through the through-hole 7 until the wire element 4 is wedged between the wall 9 and the wall that defines the exit slot.

[0031] In the threshold position representing the maximum permissible unwinding, the wire element 4 is clamped between the wall 9 and a partition of the housing 2 that defines the through-hole 7. Once the threshold position is reached, the rotation of the reel 3 in the unwinding direction results in the application of a shear force on the wire element 4. Since the wire element 4 resists this shear force, it is not possible to exceed the threshold position. Preferably, the wall 9, the wire element 4, and the partition of the housing 2 defining the exit slot lie in the same plane, which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0032] It is advantageous for the wall 9 to be positioned as close as possible to the wall of the housing 2 that defines the exit slot, for example, at a distance less than twice the diameter of the wire element 4, and more advantageously less than the diameter of the wire element 4. This value can vary depending on the rigidity of the wire element 4, that is, its resistance to deformation in response to a given load. The closer the wall 9 can be to the wall of the housing that defines the exit slot, the better the winder 1 will be able to form an end-stop, regardless of the rigidity characteristics of the wire element 4. This allows for better consideration of any potential aging of the wire element 4.

[0033] In other words, the wall 9 and the wall defining the exit slot attempt to impose on the wire element 4 a curvature that is greater than the allowable curvature of the wire element 4. The curvature being greater than what is allowable, the wire element 4 cannot deform to follow the deformation required by the winder 1, which blocks the movement of the coil 3 relative to the body.

[0034] The wire element 4 has a first end which is connected to the coil 3 and another end which is disposed outside the housing 2. The shear force is applied between the first end and the second end.

[0035] The end stop is formed by the wire element 4, the wall of the housing 2 which defines the through hole 7 and the wall 9. This makes it possible to create an end stop without changing the dimensions of the reel 1.

[0036] Preferably, in the threshold position, the wire element 4 is presented in a straight or substantially straight line from the coil 3 to the through hole 7. More preferably, the wire element 4 is presented along a radius of the coil 3. Preferably, in the threshold position, the wire element 4 is presented in a straight or substantially straight line from the coil 3 to the through hole 7 and the extension of the wire element 4 passes through a central part of the coil 3 which represents the central half of the coil 3 in an observation along the axis of rotation, or more preferably the central third without passing through the axis of rotation.

[0037] The first end of the wire element 4 can be attached to the spool 3 or to an element fixedly positioned relative to the spool 3. In an advantageous embodiment, one end of the wire element 4 is fixedly attached to the spool 3 or to any other element that rotates in the same manner as the spool 3. The wire element 4 can be attached to the spool 3 by any suitable means, for example, by a knot, gluing, or welding. It is also possible for the wire element 4 to be fixedly attached to the spool 3 after leaving the threshold position.

[0038] For example, reel 3 defines a through hole 3' and wire element 4 has a knot 4' that is wider than the through hole 3' to prevent separation between reel 3 and wire element 4. In another configuration, the winder 1 has two strands that pass through reel 3 and wind around reel 3 by means of two channels. Wire element 4 can be attached to reel 3 or to an element fixed relative to reel 3, or wire element 4 may not be attached to reel 3.

[0039] There figure 9This illustrates an embodiment where the coil 3 defines a channel 8 whose groove is suitable for receiving two strands of the wire element 4. The wire element 4 passes around an obstacle 3a, which divides the wire element 4 into two strands. The two strands wind along the channel 8 or unwind from the channel 8 depending on the direction of rotation of the housing 2 relative to the body. The space defined in the groove and the shape of the groove are preferably configured to generate friction between the two strands and along the coil 3 to hold the two strands together. The obstacle rotates when the coil 3 rotates.

[0040] There Figure 10This illustrates an embodiment where the coil 3 defines a through hole with a diameter of the coil 3. The same wire element 4 defines two strands of wire element 4 that extend over opposite faces of the coil 3. The coil 3 defines two channels 8. When the coil 3 is in the threshold position relative to the body 2, the wire element 4 opposes the rotation of the coil 3 in the unwinding direction. In the threshold position or nearly in the threshold position, the wire element 4 can move relative to the coil 3.

[0041] As illustrated, advantageously, the winder 1 has two strands that wind and unwind from the reel 3. The two strands are advantageously arranged in two separate channels formed on the outer wall of the reel 3. Depending on the configuration, the housing 2 can define one or two through slots 7. When two through slots are present, they are preferably arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis of rotation of the reel 3. It is particularly advantageous for the wire element 4 to pass through the reel 3 along a diameter of the reel 3 and for the ends of the two channels 8 to be diametrically opposite. During the rotation of the reel 3, the two strands are wound or unwound simultaneously. It is preferable for the two strands to belong to the same wire element 4.It is also possible that the two strands which are arranged one behind the other are not fixedly attached to the reel 3. In the maximum unwinding position, the reel 3 can move relative to the wire element 4.

[0042] Preferably, the wall 9 extends along a radius of the coil 3 to provide a large contact surface with the wire element 4. This allows for a more precise definition of the position of the wire element 4 and thus a more accurate determination of the forces applied to it in the threshold position. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 9 is monolithic and permanently attached to the coil 3.

[0043] In an advantageous configuration, the wall 9 extends over a distance at least equal to twice the width of the wire element 4, the contact length is measured along the longitudinal direction of the wire element 4. The greater the contact distance between the wall 9 and the wire element 4, the more control is given over the application of shear forces on the wire element 4.

[0044] When channel 8 is intended to store more than one turn of wire element 4 around reel 3, it is preferable that wall 9 not impede the winding of wire element 4 beyond the first turn in the winding direction. It is advantageous for wire element 4 to wind below or above wall 9 during subsequent winding turns after the first. It is also advantageous for wall 9 not to extend over the entire height of the exit slot, the height being measured along the axis of rotation.

[0045] When channel 8 is intended to store more than one turn of wire element 4, channel 8 has a first turn of channel 8a extended by a storage zone 8b along the longitudinal direction of channel 8, starting from the threshold position and in the direction of winding. The first turn of channel 8a is in the form of a coil. The beginning of the first turn of channel 8a is offset from the end of the first turn of channel 8a along the axis of rotation. Preferably, the storage zone 8b is entirely located below the lower plane of the wall, which is a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The reel 3 is capable of continuously making more than one turn between two positions that lock the reel 3. One of the two positions is the threshold position, the other is a maximum winding position.

[0046] When channel 8 is intended to store more than one turn of wire element 4, channel 8 has at least one spiral portion. From the threshold position, the first turn of channel 8a has at least one spiral portion, which is a portion of channel 8 that has a component along the axis of rotation when following channel 8 around the axis of rotation.

[0047] When channel 8 is intended to store more than one turn of wire element 4, the spiral portion shifts channel 8 so that at the end of the first turn of channel 8a, channel 8 is positioned above or below wall 9. During winding from the threshold position, wire element 4 passes above or below wall 9 before the completion of the first winding turn of wire element 4. In other words, when coil 3 makes a complete turn and each time coil 3 makes an integer number of turns from the threshold position, the position of wire element 4 relative to wall 9 is shifted along the direction of rotation so that wire element 4 is below or above wall 9. Wall 9 does not obstruct winding.

[0048] When channel 8 is intended to store more than one turn of wire element 4, it is particularly advantageous for the reel 3 to have a wall that separates the first channel turn 8a from the storage area 8b along the axis of rotation. Preferably, the wall of reel 3 extends to a lateral wall of the body, specifically the lateral wall that defines the recess receiving reel 3.

[0049] Channel 8 can define at least one turn, that is, a complete, open loop in the form of a spiral. Channel 8 has at least one turn in the form of a turn, but it can have more than one. In the first turn of channel 8a, channel 8 extends along the circumference of reel 3 and also moves along the axis of rotation. When reel 3 makes its first turn from the threshold position representing maximum unwinding, channel 8 makes a complete turn around the circumference of reel 3, and the two portions of channel 8 that are opposite each other along the axis of rotation are offset along the axis of rotation.

[0050] The pitch of the spiral portion can be variable or constant from one end to the other. In the illustrated embodiment, the spiral portion extends over one or nearly one turn with a constant pitch, i.e., a constant inclination with respect to the axis of rotation. In an alternative embodiment, the first turn of channel 8a from the threshold position has the spiral portion as well as a portion without a component along the axis of rotation. It is advantageous for the spiral portion to extend continuously over at least a quarter turn of the coil 3, or even over at least half a turn of the coil 3, to have a small displacement along the direction of rotation, which allows for better control of the deformation of the wire element 4. More preferably, the pitch of the spiral is constant over at least a quarter turn of the coil 3, or even over at least half a turn of the coil 3.

[0051] During winding from the threshold position, the coil 3 rotates in the winding direction and the wire element 4 is installed in the channel 8 inside the spiral portion. The spiral pitch allows it to pass over or under wall 9 before a turn to account for the thickness of wall 9.

[0052] When the coil 3 makes a complete turn from the threshold position, the wire element strand 4 is offset from the representative strand of the previous turn, which prevents a portion of wire element 4 from being in contact with the wall 9. If necessary, the rotation of the coil 3 can continue.

[0053] THE figures 4 , 5, 6, 7 And 8 illustrate different stages of winding a wire element 4 around the spool 3. The figure 4 This illustrates the reel 1 in the maximum unwinding position, i.e., the threshold position. figure 5represents the winding of wire element 4 through half a turn from the threshold position. figure 6 represents the winding of the wire element 4 over almost one turn from the threshold position. figure 7 illustrates the winding of wire element 4 through one and three-quarters of a turn from the threshold position. figure 8 represents the winding of the wire element 4 around the coil 3 over two turns and a quarter turn from the threshold position.

[0054] Channel 8 can be exclusively in the form of a spiral. However, it is advantageous for the spiral portion to be present only in the first turn of channel 8a. This allows for a more compact configuration along the axis of rotation. In other words, channel 8 has a spiral portion that extends continuously over less than one channel turn, thus minimizing the overall length in the direction of rotation while still allowing for more than one turn of wire element 4.

[0055] The spiral portion of channel 8 can be extended by the storage area 8b, which is shaped like a groove suitable for receiving the wire element 4, preferably several strands of the wire element 4. The groove can be sufficiently wide and / or deep to receive several successive strands of the wire element 4, representing several turns of the reel 3. The strands are aligned with each other along the longitudinal direction of the wire element 4. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for a winder 1 that permits the winding of several turns, for example, at least two turns, and more preferably at least three. This allows for several turns of the reel 3 with the wire element 4 winding in the groove. The groove is offset from the end of channel 8 by at least the width of the wire element 4 so that the wall 9 is not in contact with the wire element 4.The storage area 8b is, for example, an annular groove where several strands of the wire element 4 are arranged one on top of the other in a spiral. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for compact storage of the wire element 4. Offset storage area 8b above or below wall 9 allows for the formation of a compact reel 1 with an end stop that prevents rotation beyond the threshold position.

[0056] It is advantageous for the spiral area to have between one and two turns and preferably only one turn or a little more than one turn.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 2 and 3The spiral portion represents almost a complete turn. The spiral portion is extended by the storage area 8b, which is capable of receiving several strands of the wire element 4, representing several turns of winding of the reel 3. In the configuration illustrated in figures 1 to 4 , the storage area 8b is delimited partly by coil 3 and partly by housing 2. The lower part of the storage area 8b is delimited by housing 2 and the upper part of the storage area 8b is delimited by coil 3, the reverse is possible.

[0058] Advantageously, the spiral portion is configured to receive only one strand of the wire element 4. The spiral portion defines a groove whose width and / or depth is less than twice the width and / or twice the depth of the wire element 4 to allow for better control of the wire element 4's placement during winding and unwinding when the reel 3 is close to the threshold position. It is advantageous that only the first end 8' of the channel 8 has dimensions equal to or substantially equal to the dimensions of the wire element 4 to ensure the correct placement of the wire element 4.

[0059] When the storage area is intended to hold several turns of the wire element 4, it is advantageous to form a deeper storage area 8b, i.e., with a groove that extends deeper in the direction of the axis of rotation. To properly install the wire element 4 in the groove of the storage area 8b, it is advantageous for the depth of the groove in the spiral portion to increase from the first end of the spiral, which is near the point where the wire element 4 is clamped with the body in the threshold position, to the other end of the spiral, which is extended by the storage area. The other end advantageously has a groove depth that is the same as, or substantially the same as, the groove depth of the storage area. The groove depth is measured along the radial direction of the coil 3.

[0060] In the particular configuration illustrated in figures 1 to 4The reel 3 is mounted in the housing 2 so that it can only rotate about its axis. For example, the winder 1 prevents the reel 3 from translating about its axis beyond a certain functional clearance. In other words, the reel 3 does not move about its axis relative to the housing 2 during the winding and unwinding phases of the wire element 4. The through-hole 7 extends along a first section of the housing so that the wire element 4 can exit through the outlet slot in substantially identical configurations, regardless of the number of turns already made by the reel 3. The position of the wire element 4 can change about its axis during the winding and unwinding phases. This allows for a more compact configuration. The housing 2 can define the rotation shaft of the reel 3.

[0061] Advantageously, the exit slot has a width less than twice the width of the wire element 4, and more preferably less than 1.5 times the width of the wire element 4, in order to better control the shear force applied to the wire element 4 to achieve the end-stop representing the maximum permissible unwinding. Preferably, the through-hole 7 has a width that decreases along the direction of movement of the wire element 4 from a maximum winding position to the threshold position. In other words, when the reel 3 is in the threshold position, the wire element 4 passes through the housing 2 in a portion of the through-hole 7 that has a width less than the width of the portion of the through-hole 7 when the reel 3 is in the threshold position.

[0062] This configuration of reel 1 is particularly interesting because the stop representing a maximum allowed unwinding makes it easy to impose a single direction for winding and a single direction for unwinding while allowing reel 1 to make several turns, for example at least two turns or at least three turns.

[0063] Preferably and illustrated in figures 1, 3 and 4The opposing side walls of the housing 2, which define the through-hole 7, exhibit different shapes when viewed along the axis of rotation. The first side wall has a first face extending along a radius of the coil 3 and a second face that is curved or inclined relative to a radius. When the coil 3 is in the threshold position, the wire element 4 is wedged between the first face and the wall 9. Providing a first face extending along a radius allows for a first face of significant length for a given thickness of the housing wall 2. The greater the length of the first face, the lower the risk of severing the wire element 4 and the lower the risk of wall deformation. This prevents a reduction in the lifespan of the wire element 4.

[0064] It is advantageous that the second face of the through orifice 7 be curved to facilitate the deformation of the wire element 4 so that it can enter the channel 8. It is preferable that the inclination of the wall with respect to a radius forms a straight line tangent to the curvature of the wire element 4 which deforms between the fixing of the wire element 4 and the start of the coil of the channel 8.

[0065] In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 3In the maximum unwinding position, the wall 9 and the first face of the through-hole 7 are two parallel walls. In the particular configuration illustrated, the two walls extend substantially along a radius of the spool 3. As mentioned above, it is preferable that the contact surface with the wire element 4 be large; for example, the thickness of the wall of the housing 2 around the through-hole 7 is at least one diameter of the wire element 4 to prevent the wall of the housing 2 from forming an area capable of cutting the wire element 4.

[0066] The winder 1 can be configured to wind / unwind a single wire element 4 or to wind / unwind several wire elements 4. The rotation of the reel 3 acts on all the wire elements 4. Preferably, the wire elements 4 are intended to wind into separate channels. The configuration illustrated in figures 2 to 8corresponds to a coil 3 defining a channel 8 receiving a single wire element 4. The configuration illustrated in the figure 9 corresponds to a coil 3 having a channel 8 intended to receive two strands of wire element 4. The configuration illustrated in the Figure 10 corresponds to a coil 3 having two channels 8 intended to receive two strands of wire element 4. The two strands of wire element 4 can form two end stops for the threshold position.

[0067] In one particular embodiment, each of the wire elements 4 is installed in an associated channel 8. Each channel 8 has a wall 9 such that, in the threshold position, each of the wire elements 4 forms an end stop when the reel 3 is in the threshold position. In another configuration, the winder 1 is configured to wind / unwind several wire elements 4, and only one of the wire elements 4 forms the end stop. It is also important to ensure that only some of the wire elements 4 form end stops.

[0068] These configurations are particularly useful when the winder 1 is part of a tightening or adjusting device that uses the wire element 4 to apply and maintain force. For example, the tightening or adjusting device might be installed in a mountaineering or work-at-height helmet, a shoe (e.g., a running shoe, ski boot, cycling shoe, hiking boot), an ice skate, or a roller skate. The device could also form a closure mechanism for a bag (e.g., a backpack) or a compression device for the bag when closed. It is also possible for the device to form an adjustment or tightening system for a bandage or orthosis. The adjustment or tightening device is configured to adjust a dimension of the equipment.For example, the adjustment or tightening device is configured to adjust the size of a head circumference when the adjustment or tightening device belongs to a helmet. The adjustment or tightening device is configured to close and adjust a shoe, ice skate, orthosis, bandage, backpack, or any other bag. The adjustment or tightening device is configured to define the maximum allowable volume. This allows the equipment to be tightened around a part of a user, such as a head, foot, hand, leg, or arm.

[0069] In a clamping or adjusting device, the reel 1 is associated with a locking device configured to maintain the position of the reel 3 relative to the housing 2. The locking device has a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device prevents the reel 3 from rotating to allow the wire element 4 to unwind. In the unlocked position, the locking device may allow the reel 3 to rotate in the direction of unwinding. Alternatively, in the locked position, the locking device may prevent the reel 3 from rotating to allow the wire element 4 to wind. In the unlocked position, the locking device may allow the reel 3 to rotate in the direction of winding.

[0070] It is particularly advantageous for the locking device in the locked position to be configured to allow rotation of the spool 3, representing a winding of the wire element 4, and to prevent rotation of the spool 3, representing a unwinding of the wire element 4. The locking device may be equipped with a ratchet system that allows only one direction of rotation when the locking device is in the locked position. The ratchet system may also prevent both directions of rotation as long as it is not deactivated.

[0071] The ratchet system can be equipped with a rotating shaft having teeth and a movable ratchet that allows one direction of rotation and prevents another. The ratchet can be deactivated by means of a cover that actuates the coil 3 or independently of the cover.

[0072] The ratchet system may also include at least one arm associated with the reel 3 and teeth fixedly mounted to the body. The arm(s) engage with the teeth to prevent the reel 3 from rotating in one direction, preferably in the direction representing unwinding. It is also possible for the ratchet locking device to have several arms. At least one arm acts to prevent unwinding, while at least one other arm acts to prevent rewinding.

[0073] In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figure 1 or to the figure 11The spool 3 is fixedly attached to a locking plate 10. The housing 2 defines a plurality of teeth 2a, and the locking plate 10 is provided with at least one arm 10', the distal end of which is installed in one of the teeth 2a. When at least one arm 10' is installed in the tooth 2a, the locking plate 10 prevents the spool 3 from rotating relative to the housing 2 in the unwinding direction. When at least one arm 10' is installed in the tooth 2a, the locking plate 10 allows the spool 3 to rotate relative to the housing 2 in the winding direction. This allows the spool 3 to rotate to wind the wire element 4 and prevents unwinding. Advantageously, the arm 10' can terminate in teeth 10'.

[0074] When the locking system is in the unlocked position, at least one arm 10' is deformed so that the distal end leaves the teeth 2a. The spool 3 can rotate relative to the housing 2 to allow the wire element 4 to unwind. Preferably, between the locked and unlocked positions, the arm 10' is deformed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spool 3.

[0075] The locking plate 10 can be monolithic with the coil 3, meaning it cannot be separated from the coil 3. In an alternative embodiment, the locking plate 10 and the coil 3 are removable relative to each other. The locking plate 10 and the coil 3 are functionally linked such that rotation of the locking plate 10 in either direction results in an identical rotation of the coil 3, and rotation of the coil 3 in either direction results in an identical rotation of the locking plate 10.

[0076] It is advantageous to distinguish between the coil 3 and the locking plate 10 in order to better adapt the mechanical performance, as well as the weight and volume, of these two components. The coil 3 can be made of one material, and the locking plate 10 of a second, different material. It is even possible to use different materials for the locking plate 10 between the arms 10' and the arm mounts to further fine-tune the expected mechanical performance.

[0077] In the particular configuration illustrated in the figure 1The winder 1 has a cover 11, and the cover 11 closes the cavity 5. The spool 3 and the locking plate 10 are installed between the housing 2 and the cover 11 along the axis of rotation. The cover 11 is mounted to rotate about the axis of rotation. The cover 11 has a plurality of lugs 12 that push the locking plate 10 in one direction or the other.

[0078] When the cover 11 is turned in the winding direction of the wire element 4, the cover 11 causes the locking plate 10 to rotate, which in turn causes the spool 3 to rotate in the winding direction. Advantageously, when the cover 11 is turned in the unwinding direction of the wire element 4, the cover 11 causes the locking plate 10 to rotate, which in turn causes the spool 3 to rotate in the unwinding direction.

[0079] In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 1The arms 10' only prevent rotation in the unwinding direction. The cover 11 is equipped with lugs 12 which act on at least one arm 10' of the locking plate 10 to deform at least one arm 10' when the cover 11 rotates in the unwinding direction. The rotation of the cover 11 in the unwinding direction places the lugs 12 against at least one arm 10'. The force applied by the lug(s) 12 on at least one arm 10' deforms at least one arm 10'. The deformation of the arm 10' allows the end of at least one arm 10' to come out of the teeth, and the rotation of the cover 11 in the unwinding direction causes the locking plate 10 and the reel 3 to rotate in the unwinding direction. figure 11 illustrates a locking plate 10 where at least one arm 10 is in the form of a deformable hook. Rotation in the direction of unwinding moves the tooth 10" towards the axis of rotation, which disengages the arm 10 from the teeth 2a.

[0080] In an advantageous embodiment, the cover 11 is attached to the housing 2 by means of a screw that forms all or part of the rotating shaft 6. The coil 3 defines a through-hole A that allows the passage of the screw. The coil 3 is positioned between the cover 11 and the housing 2.

Claims

1. Winder (1) comprising: - a body defining an exit slot; - a wire element (4); - a spool (3) mounted to rotate relative to the body about an axis of rotation, the spool (3) providing a channel (8) for receiving the wire element (4), the spool (3) being disposed inside the body; wherein the rotation of the spool (3) in a first direction of rotation winds the wire element (4) around the spool (3) from a first end of the channel (8); wherein the rotation of the spool (3) in a second direction of rotation unwinds the wire element (4) from the spool (3); wherein the wire element (4) extends from the spool (3) through the exit slot to exit the body; characterized in that the first end of the canal (8) has a wall (9); and in that, when the reel (3) is in a threshold position representative of a maximum unwinding of the wire element (4) out of the reel (3), the wire element (4) is wedged between the wall (9) and a wall of the body delimiting the exit slot (7) to form a stop preventing the rotation of the reel (3) in the second direction of rotation beyond the threshold position.

2. Winder (1) according to claim 1 in which the channel (8) is intended to receive more than one turn of the wire element (4), in which the channel (8) defines a first channel turn (8a) from the threshold position, the first channel turn (8a) having at least one spiral portion offsetting the channel (8) above or below the wall (9) according to the direction of rotation, in which the channel (8) further comprises a storage area intended to store the wire element (4), the storage area (8b) being disposed after the first channel turn (8a) along the channel in a winding and of the wire element (4) and in which the storage area is offset from the wall (9) according to the direction of rotation and in which the storage area defines a volume intended to store more than one turn of the wire element in the same plane preferably perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

3. Winder (1) according to claim 2 in which the channel (8) defines less than two turns and preferably a single turn.

4. Winder (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3 wherein the storage area has a groove having a storage thickness at least equal to twice the width of the wire element and at least one turn has a groove having an end thickness less than twice the width of the wire element and wherein the channel groove increases from the end groove to the storage groove along the channel.

5. Winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the wall (9) extends over a distance at least equal to twice a width of the wire element (4) along a longitudinal direction of the wire element (4) and / or the wall (9) extends along a radius of the reel (3).

6. Winder (1) according to claim 5 in which the wire element (4) has a circular section and the wall (9) defines an arc of a circle in a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wire element (4).

7. Winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which, in the threshold position, the wire element (4) extends along a radius of the spool (3) from the spool (3) to the exit slot.

8. Winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the channel (8) is intended to receive more than one turn of the wire element (4), wherein the channel (8) defines a first channel turn (8a) from the threshold position, the first channel turn (8a) having at least one spiral portion offsetting the channel (8) above or below the wall (9) along the axis of rotation, wherein the channel (8) further comprises a storage area for storing the wire element (4), the storage area (8b) being disposed after the first channel turn (8a) along the channel along a winding of the wire element (4), wherein the storage area is offset from the wall (9) along the axis of rotation, wherein the exit slot extends opposite the first channel turn and the storage area and wherein the reel (3) is devoid of translation along the axis of rotation of the reel (3).

9. Winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising two strands which are able to wind around the reel (3), the two strands belonging to the same wire element, the wire element (4) passing through the reel (3).

10. Clamping or adjusting device comprising a winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 having a locking plate (10) mounted integrally with the spool (3), the rotation of the locking plate (10) in the first direction of rotation causing the spool (3) to rotate in the first direction of rotation and the rotation of the locking plate (10) in the second direction of rotation causing the spool (3) to rotate in the second direction of rotation, wherein the housing (2) defines a plurality of teeth, wherein the locking plate (10) is provided with at least one arm (10'); wherein the at least one arm (10') engages in at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the locking plate (10) in the second direction, the at least one arm (10') allowing rotation of the locking plate (10) in the first direction;and comprising a deformation device for at least one arm (10') so that at least one arm (10') disengages from the plurality of teeth.; 11. Equipment comprising a clamping or adjusting device according to claim 10, the clamping or adjusting device is configured to adjust a dimension of the equipment, in which the equipment is selected from a mountaineering or working-at-height helmet, a shoe, for example a running shoe, a ski boot, a cycling shoe, a hiking boot, an ice skate, a roller skate, a bag closure device, for example a backpack or a bag compression device.

12. Method of using a winder (1) comprising the following steps: - providing a winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; - rotating the reel (3) in the second direction of rotation until one end of the wire element (4) is wedged between the wall (9) and the body wall defining the exit slot.

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