Winding device for managing a flexible element in a working environment

Abstract

Winding device (1) for handling a flexible element (2) in a working environment, for example in an industrial installation or repair shop, wherein said winding device (1) is a cable winding device or a hose winding device for handling a cable or a hose respectively, in particular for winding and holding the cable or hose in a wound configuration, as well as for enabling controlled unwinding.The winding device (1) includes at least one spiral spring (6) arranged to provide a suitable tensile force to obtain an automatic elastic winding of the flexible element (2), wherein said spiral spring (6) has an overall shape having a non-uniform height (H) along its extension, to ensure a substantially constant tensile force throughout the winding of the flexible element (2), or in any case to ensure that the ratio between a tensile force at the end of the stroke and an initial tensile force is not greater than a value corresponding substantially to 3. [Fig.1].

Description

Title of the invention: "Winding device for managing a flexible element in a work environment",

[0001] by: ZECA SpA, of Italian nationality, Strada délia Chiaran0 25 - 10080 Feletto (TO).

[0002] Designated inventors: CHIARABAGLIO Paolo, CHIARABAGLIO

[0003] Marco, FILIPPI Andrea

[0004] Filed on: June 18, 2024 Scope of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a winding device for managing a flexible element in a work environment, for example in an industrial plant or repair shop, and / or for domestic use and / or for gardening activities. The winding device is configured to wind the flexible element in a controlled manner, as well as to hold it stably in a wound configuration when not in use. Previous Art

[0006] Winding devices of the type described above are generally designed to safely and efficiently handle flexible elements used in industrial environments, such as electrical cables, data cables, steel support cables, flexible hoses, ropes, and the like. As described above, these devices ensure that the flexible element can be wound and held stably in a desired configuration, while also allowing controlled unwinding, thus preventing the flexible element from being damaged or becoming excessively tangled, thereby maximizing operator safety and maintaining order in the work environment. In a known configuration, the flexible element is wound around a support structure that is rotatably mounted inside a containment housing.

[0007] Inside the housing, a spiral spring (also called a return spring) is provided to allow the flexible element to be wound onto the support structure by applying a tensile force that rotates the support structure. This allows the flexible element to be rewound in an orderly manner without forming tangles or knots.

[0008] According to a known configuration, the spring, when laid flat, has an overall rectangular shape with a constant height.

[0009] During operation, when the wound element is pulled out of the housing, the spring deforms elastically towards its wound configuration, thus increasing its energy elastic potential. When the cable is no longer under tension, the spiral spring begins to return to its resting configuration, causing the support structure to rotate and thus the flexible element to rewind onto the support structure.

[0010] However, currently known spiral springs have certain drawbacks, including the generation of a non-uniform tensile force. In particular, a tensile force at the end of its stroke (for example, approximately 7 kg) is generated when the spring is in its fully wound configuration, which is significantly higher than the initial tensile force (for example, approximately 2.5 kg) when the spring is in its rest position. This non-uniformity can lead to malfunctions, damage to the flexible element, or safety hazards in the workplace.

[0011] Therefore, the Applicant seeks to solve this problem by providing a winding device of the type indicated above which has innovative features to maintain a constant traction force. Object of the invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a winding device configured to handle a flexible element in a work environment and / or for domestic use and / or for gardening activities, which can meet the aforementioned requirements.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a winding device which meets the above requirements by means of relatively simple and inexpensive solutions. Summary of the invention

[0014] These objects are reached by means of a winding device having the characteristics indicated in the attached claim 1. Brief description of the figures

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0016] - [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a winding device for managing a flexible element in a work environment, according to a mode of implementation;

[0017] - [Fig.2] is another perspective cross-sectional view of the illustrated winding device in the previous figure;

[0018] - [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a spiral spring included in the device winding, according to an embodiment;

[0019] - [Fig.4] is a schematic view showing the spiral spring in a extended flat configuration, according to possible embodiments; and

[0020] - [Fig.5] and [Fig.6] are perspective views of winding devices, according to other modes of implementation.

[0021] Detailed description of various embodiments

[0022] In the following description, various specific details are provided to allow for a thorough understanding of the examples of one or more embodiments. The embodiments can be implemented without one or more of the specific details, or with other processes, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects of the embodiments. The reference to "an embodiment" in this description means that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, expressions such as "in an embodiment," which may appear in various places in this description, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, specific configurations, structures, or features can be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments and / or associated with embodiments in a manner different from that illustrated here, so that, for example, a feature illustrated in relation to one figure can be applied to one or more embodiments illustrated in a different figure. Moreover, the references illustrated here are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection or the extent of the embodiments.

[0023] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a winding device is generally designated by reference number 1. The winding device 1 is configured to handle a flexible element 2 in a working environment, for example, in an industrial plant or repair shop. The winding device 1 can also be advantageously configured for domestic use and / or gardening activities. The winding device 1 is configured to wind and stably hold the flexible element 2 in a wound configuration, as well as to allow controlled unwinding.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the winding device 1 is a cable winding device or a hose winding device configured to handle at least one flexible element, such as electrical cables, data cables, support cables (e.g., steel cables), flexible hoses for the transport of a liquid or a gaseous substance (e.g., compressed air), and the like.

[0025] With non-limiting reference to Figures 1 and 2, the winding device 1 may include a containment housing 3, inside which at least one flexible element 2, in particular a cable or a hose, is received in an ordered arrangement, in particular in a wound configuration. Optionally, the containment housing 3 may include two sheath elements 3' connected to each other, for example, fixed by means of screws or by snap-fitting.

[0026] The flexible element 2 includes an end end 2' projecting outwards from the housing 3 through a corresponding opening 3”. The end end 2' carries an actuation element, such as an electrical plug, grounding clips, lamps, spray guns, compressed air guns, connecting hooks (as shown in [Fig.6]), and / or a fixing terminal 4 for connecting said actuation element.

[0027] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the device 1 is a cable winding device comprising a containment housing 3 inside which the flexible element 2 is received in a wound configuration; according to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 5], the device 1 is a so-called "bare" cable winding device, without the containment housing 3, in which the wound flexible element 2 (and the support structure 5 described below) therefore remains visible; as shown in [Fig. 6], other embodiments of the device 1 may include a flexible element 2 in the form of a support cable, preferably made of steel, provided with an end hook 9 for attaching an object to be processed, in order to stabilize and balance the object during possible processing operations. Devices equipped with such a support cable are commonly called "balancers / retractors".

[0028] According to another feature known per se, the winding device 1 comprises a support structure 5 (inside the containment housing 3, if applicable, or exposed to view) configured to rotate about a support shaft 11 extending along a principal axis X, to allow orderly winding / unwinding of the flexible element 2, and to support the flexible element 2 in a wound configuration. Rotation of the support structure 5 about the axis X, in two opposite directions, respectively allows the flexible element 2 to be unwound for use as the actuating element, and to be rewound in an orderly manner to maintain the flexible element 2 wound around the support structure 5.

[0029] Preferably, in accordance with what is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the support structure 5 is a support drum comprising a cylindrical main wall 5' at the opposite ends of which are respectively provided two parallel flanges 5” defining respective side walls to contain the flexible element 2.

[0030] Preferably, at least one flange 5” includes a sawtooth profile 10 that can engage with a stop tooth, so as to allow the support structure 5 to rotate in one direction, and to block rotation in the opposite direction (in order to unwind the flexible element 2 to reach the desired length for use); the stop tooth is also configured to be released in a known manner, thus allowing the support structure to rotate in the opposite direction to wind the flexible element 2.

[0031] According to an essential feature of this invention, at least one spiral spring 6, also called a band spring, is associated with the support structure 5 and is arranged to provide a suitable tensile force to achieve automatic elastic winding of the flexible element 2. The spiral spring 6 is clearly visible in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, which clearly show the spiral shape of the spring which, in the final assembled configuration of the device 1, lies on a principal plane parallel to that of the support structure 5. This invention can also be applied to the case of winding devices having two or more spiral springs 6 arranged parallel to each other and associated with the support structure 5.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, as shown in [Fig.2], the spiral spring 6 can advantageously be mounted inside a defined space between one of the flanges 5” and an envelope element 3' (if the housing 3 is present), or between one of the flanges 5” and a cover element 12 (as shown in [Fig.5]).

[0033] The spiral spring 6 includes an inner end 7 arranged inside the spiral, which is fixed to a support pin 13 coaxial with the support shaft 11 (see [Fig. 2]). The support pin 13 is in turn connected to the support structure 5, preferably to one of the flanges 5” of the support structure 5. The spiral spring 6 further includes an outer end 8 arranged outside the spiral, which is fixed to an anchor point of the device 1, preferably to a part of the containment housing 3, for example to a rib.

[0034] As shown in [Fig.3], the ends 7 and 8 can be appropriately formed with hook-bent shapes to achieve the necessary attachment with the respective counterpart.

[0035] During operation, when the flexible element 2 is pulled to its fully extended configuration, the spring 6 deforms elastically into a position tightly wound around the support pin 13, thereby increasing its elastic potential energy. When the flexible element 2 is no longer under tension and begins to be wound onto the support structure 5, the spiral spring 6 begins to return elastically to its rest position, causing the support pin 13 and, consequently, the support structure 5 connected to it to rotate, thus allowing the flexible element 2 to rewind. In other words, during unwinding From the flexible element 2, the spiral spring 6 is loaded; when the user releases the flexible element 2, the spiral spring 6 rotates the support structure 5 at a high rotational speed.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the spiral spring 6 has a total length - the distance between the inner end and the outer end 7, 8 - dimensioned according to the flexible element 2 that it is intended to accompany (for example, a length of 18 meters), obtained with a certain number of turns (for example, by obtaining a spring diameter of 20 cm).

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the spiral spring 6 has a substantially uniform total thickness of approximately 1 mm. Of course, this value should be considered as a non-limiting example, as other values ​​may be considered depending on the intended application.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, in the rest configuration, the spiral spring 6 is still partially pre-stressed, some inner coils being more tightly packed around the support pin 13 compared to the progression of the outer coils. This pre-stressing condition makes it possible to develop an initial tensile force (suitable for initiating the winding of the flexible element 2), for example, of approximately 2.5 kg.

[0039] According to an essential feature of this invention, the spiral spring 6 has an overall shape with a non-uniform height H along its extension from the inner end 7 to the outer end 8. This non-uniform height H is configured to ensure a substantially constant tensile force throughout the winding movement of the flexible element 2 around the support structure 5, or in any case to ensure that the ratio between the tensile force at the end of the stroke and the initial tensile force does not substantially exceed a value of 3, in order to obtain the most regular possible winding of the flexible element 2 (without winding phases in which the flexible element is pulled with a substantially greater force than in other phases of the same winding).

[0040] For clarity, the term height H refers to a dimension of the spring 6 measured, along a specific section, between two opposite lateral end edges 6' of the spring 6.

[0041] Below, several possible embodiments are illustrated to obtain the aforementioned advantageous effect.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the height H of the spring 6 is greater in correspondence with the inner sections near the inner end 7 than in correspondence with the outer sections near the outer end 8, or vice versa.

[0043] More specifically, the non-uniformity of the height H can lead to a progressive increase, with a substantially constant tendency, from the outer end 8 to the inner end 7, or vice versa.

[0044] Other embodiments may provide for a spring section with a constant height H and a spring section with a non-uniform height H. The section with a constant height H may extend from the inner end 7 or the outer end 8. Therefore, in a flat extended configuration, the spring 6 may have a substantially rectangular portion and a trapezoidal portion.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the non-uniform height H can be obtained by giving one or both end edges 6' a profile inclined with respect to a straight direction parallel to the main extension axis of the spring. Consequently, in a flat extended configuration, the spring 6 can have a substantially right-angled trapezoidal shape or a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape.

[0046] In accordance with the aforementioned embodiments, Figures 4A to 4E are schematic views of the spiral spring 6 in a flat extended configuration, according to possible embodiments:

[0047] - with reference to Figure 4A, the height of the spring gradually decreases from the inner end 7 towards the outer end 8, where, from the inner end 7, the two end edges 6' have an inclined profile converging towards the outer end 8;

[0048] - with reference to Figure 4B, the height of the spring gradually increases by the inner end 7 towards the outer end 8, where, from the inner end 7, the two end edges 6' have an inclined profile converging towards the outer end 8;

[0049] - with reference to Figure 4C, the height of the spring gradually increases by the inner end 7 towards the outer end 8, where, from the inner end 7, one end edge 6' has an inclined profile converging towards the outer end 8, while the other end edge 6' is straight;

[0050] - with reference to Figure 4D, the height of the spring gradually decreases by the inner end 7 towards the outer end 8, where, from the inner end 7, one end edge 6' has an inclined profile converging towards the outer end 8, while the other end edge 6' is straight;

[0051] - with reference to Figure 4E, the height of the spring comprises a first section of constant height and a second section of progressively decreasing height towards the inner end, thus forming a spring part in the shape of a right-angled trapezoid or isosceles trapezoid.

[0052] Naturally, without departing from the principle of this invention, the construction details and embodiments may vary from those described and illustrated purely by way of example, without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1.

2. Demands Winding device (1) for handling a flexible element (2) in a working environment, for example in an industrial plant or repair shop, wherein said winding device (1) is a cable winding device or a hose winding device for handling a cable or a hose respectively, in particular for winding and holding the cable or hose in a wound configuration, as well as for enabling controlled unwinding, said winding device (1) comprising: - at least one flexible element (2), in particular a cable or a hose or a rope, capable of changing from a wound configuration to an unwound configuration, and vice versa, wherein said flexible element (2) includes a fixing terminal (4) for the connection of an actuating element and / or an actuating element, - a support structure (5) configured to be able to rotate along two opposite directions to allow controlled winding / unwinding of the flexible element (2), and to support the flexible element (2) in the wound configuration, - at least one spiral spring (6) associated with the support structure (5), defining an overall spiral shape extended between an inner end (7) and an outer end (8), arranged to provide a suitable tensile force to obtain automatic elastic winding of the flexible element (2) on the support structure (5), following rotation of the support structure (5), - in which said spiral spring (6) has an overall shape having a non-uniform height (H) along its extension, to ensure that the ratio between a tensile force at the end of the stroke and an initial tensile force is not greater than a value corresponding substantially to 3. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, in which the height (H) is greater in correspondence with the internal sections near the internal end (7), compared to that measured in correspondence with the external sections near the external end (8), or vice versa.

3. Winding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the height difference (H) causes a progressive increase, with a substantially constant tendency.

4. Winding device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the spring (6) comprises a first section of substantially constant height (H) from the inner or outer end (7, 8), and a second section of non-uniform height (H).

5. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the height difference (H) is obtained by providing at least one end edge (6') of the spring (6) with an inclined shape.

6. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (5) is configured as being able to rotate about a support shaft (11), wherein the inner end (7) is fixed to a support pin (13) coaxial with the support shaft (11), wherein the support pin (13) is also connected to the support structure (5).

7. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, in a rest position, the spiral spring (6) is in any case partially pre-stressed, by providing certain inner turns more tightly packed around the support pin (13), compared to the progression of certain outer turns.

8. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (5) is a support drum comprising a cylindrical main wall (5') on which the flexible element (2) is wound, and two parallel flanges (5”) spaced at opposite ends of the cylindrical main wall (5'), to define respective side walls to contain the flexible element (2).

9. Winding device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the spiral spring (6) is mounted inside a space obtained between one of the flanges (5”) and an additional containment surface defined by an envelope element (3') of a containment housing (3) or a cover element (12).

10. Winding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the ends (7,8) are made with hook-bent shapes to obtain the necessary attachment with a respective counterpart.

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