Long-object-winding bobbin and long-object-loading method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a long-object-winding bobbin with which it is possible for a sales store to easily replace a long-wound object and with which it is possible to eliminate waste in transportation and realize reductions in disposal cost and environmental load.　The present invention solves this problem by a long-object-winding bobbin having a columnar part, a first flange part, and a second flange part and winding a long object so as to assume the form of a spiral along the generatrix of the cylindrical part and to be layered, the long-object-winding bobbin being characterized in that: a first component forming a portion equal to all or substantially all of the cylindrical part is fixed to one of the first flange part and the second flange part, and a second component that can be inserted into the first component is fixed to the other of the first flange part and the second flange part; one of the first component and the second component has a groove; the other of the first component and the second component has a projection that enters the groove; and insertion of the second component into the first component is completed when the second flange portion is rotated in a prescribed direction with respect to the first flange portion in a state in which the projection enters the start end of the groove.

Description

Long object winding bobbin and long object loading method

[0001] The present invention relates to a bobbin for winding a long object, which is used to pull out a wound long object such as a hose, tube, or signal cable at a predetermined length, cut it, and sell it, and to a method for loading a long object.

[0002] Conventionally, when manufacturers deliver long objects such as hoses, tubes, signal cables, etc. to retailers such as home improvement centers and hardware stores, they are typically delivered wound on bobbins made of paper, wood, or plastic, with a fixed length, such as 50 meters or 25 meters. The bobbins are then rotatably displayed on display shelves at the retailer, and the required length of the object for sale is pulled out and cut to sell according to customer requests (see Patent Document 1). The technology described in Patent Document 1 enables smooth installation and replacement of bobbins. Patent Document 2 also describes a display shelf in which a bobbin is supported by a pair of rollers and rotated to pull out a hose.

[0003] JP 2012-165868 A Japanese Patent No. 5348637 A

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when all the long objects to be sold are unwound, the empty bobbin is replaced with a bobbin loaded with a long object without being re-wound at the retailer. However, this empty bobbin must be returned to the manufacturer or discarded. The manufacturer receiving the empty bobbin checks the empty bobbin for damage, cleans it, and re-wraps the long object onto it if it is reusable, and then delivers it to the retailer again. Returning the empty bobbin to the manufacturer results in wasted transportation costs, and even if the damage is checked, cleaning, or disposal is also costly and has an environmental impact. This also applies to the technology described in Patent Document 2.

[0005] The present invention addresses these problems and aims to provide a bobbin for winding long objects and a method for loading long objects that allows retailers to easily replace wound long objects, thereby eliminating wasteful transportation and reducing the costs of damage detection, cleaning, and disposal, as well as the environmental impact.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a bobbin having a cylindrical portion, a first flange portion, and a second flange portion, and for winding a long object in a spiral and in layers along a generatrix of the cylindrical portion, wherein a first part forming a portion equal to all or substantially all of the cylindrical portion is fixed to one of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, and a second part insertable into the first part is fixed to the other of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, one of the first part and the second part has a groove, and the other of the first part and the second part has a protrusion that fits into the groove, and when the second flange portion is rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the first flange portion with the protrusion fitted into the groove, insertion of the second part into the first part is completed. Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by including the steps of: preparing a bobbin part with a cylindrical portion, a bobbin part without a cylindrical portion, and a long object that is wound in a spiral and layers and bound; loading the long object into the cylindrical portion of the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion; positioning the bobbin part without a cylindrical portion relative to the bobbin part with the cylindrical portion into which the long object has been loaded so that the grooves and protrusions of both bobbin parts face each other; and rotating the bobbin part without a cylindrical portion circumferentially relative to the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion with the protrusion inserted into the groove, thereby completing the engagement of the two bobbins.

[0007] 1(a) and 1(c) are explanatory views showing the overall configuration of a long object winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention, with FIG. 1(a) being a left side view, FIG. 1(b) being a front view, and FIG. 1(c) being a perspective view. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view illustrating a long object winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention, with FIG. 2(a) showing the bobbin with a hose wound thereon, FIG. 2(b) showing an empty bobbin, and FIG. 2(c) showing a hose to be loaded onto the empty bobbin. FIG. 2(c) is an exploded perspective view illustrating a long object winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention. FIG. 4(a) is a view illustrating the components of the long object winding bobbins according to embodiments A and B of the present invention, with FIG. 4(a) showing embodiment A and its components, FIG. 4(b) showing embodiment B and its components, and FIG. 4(c) showing each component individually. FIG. 4(c) is a view illustrating the mechanism of action when a second part is attached to a first part in the long object winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention. FIG. 4(c) is a photographic view illustrating the workflow when a hose is loaded onto an empty bobbin in the long object winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention. 9(a) and 9(b) are explanatory views showing only the first part for understanding embodiments C and D of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 8(a) is a view showing the component parts alone, Fig. 8(b) is a view showing a stage before the second part is attached to the first part, and Fig. 8(c) is an enlarged view of part P in Fig. 8(b).

[0035] Fig. 9(a) is a view showing the state in which the second part is attached to the first part for the long object winding bobbin for embodiment E of the present invention, Fig. 9(a) is a view showing the state in which attachment is completed, Fig. 9(b) is an enlarged view of part R in Fig. 9(a), and Fig. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view of part R in Fig. 9(a) toward the inner diameter side.

[0036] Fig. 10(a) is a view showing the state in which the first operation for removal has been performed for the long object winding bobbin for embodiment E of the present invention, and Fig. 10(b) is an enlarged view of part T in Fig. 10(a).

[0008] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings below have been created for explanatory purposes, and for ease of understanding, components unnecessary for the explanation may be intentionally omitted. Furthermore, components may be intentionally enlarged or reduced in size for explanatory purposes, and the drawings are not drawn to an exact scale. In particular, even if a single drawing is not a partial enlargement, different components may be shown at different scales. <Embodiment A> (Overall bobbin configuration) The long-item winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention is a hose bobbin used to pull out a wound hose to a predetermined length, cut it, and sell it. When the hose is completely pulled out and becomes empty, the bobbin can be reloaded with a hose at a retail store, etc.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a long material winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention, with Fig. 1(a) being a left side view, Fig. 1(b) being a front view, and Fig. 1(c) being a perspective view. Fig. 2 is a perspective view explaining the long material winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention, with Fig. 2(a) showing the bobbin with a hose wound thereon, Fig. 2(b) showing the empty bobbin, and Fig. 2(c) showing the hose to be loaded onto the empty bobbin. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view explaining the long material winding bobbin according to embodiment A of the present invention.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment A of the present invention is composed of a cylindrical portion and two flanges. Specifically, a first component 11 is fixed to the first flange 1, and a second component 21 is fixed to the second flange 2. The second component 21 is insertable into the first component 11, and when inserted, the first component 11 and the second component 21 form the cylindrical portion of the bobbin. The first component 11 is assembled into eight parts, divided into two axially and four circumferentially. The second component 21 is also assembled into four parts. However, whether or not the components are divided and the number of divisions can be set arbitrarily.

[0011] The components of the first flange portion 1, the second flange portion 2, the first component 11, and the second component 21 can be formed from thermoplastic resins such as polyolefin resin, polyamide resin, polystyrene resin, polyacetal resin, and vinyl resin; lightweight metal components such as aluminum; paper; and wood. However, any robust material can be used. Because various surface irregularities must be formed, thermoplastic resins are manufactured by injection molding. However, other materials can be used as long as they can be processed by casting, pressing, cutting, or other processes to create the irregularities. Furthermore, materials may be combined or composited for each component. Specifically, thermoplastic resins are suitable, with polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer (AES), polyacetal, and rigid polyvinyl chloride being preferred, and polypropylene being even more preferred.

[0012] The bobbin 100 loaded with a hose H shown in Figure 2(a) is pulled out to the required length in response to customer requests, cut, and sold, and eventually becomes an empty bobbin 100 as shown in Figure 2(b). After this, the bobbin 100 was replaced with a bobbin with a hose loaded therein, but as shown in Figure 3(c), only the hose H is delivered from a manufacturer, wholesaler, etc., and this hose H can be loaded into the empty bobbin 100 at the retailer. The structural features that enable this will be described below.

[0013] The first component 11 has a first component surface 111, a groove 112, and a return portion 113. The second component 21 has an outer surface 211, a protrusion 212, and an insertion surface 213. When the insertion of the second component 21 into the first component 11 is complete, the first component surface 111 and the outer surface 211 are substantially flush with each other and together form the surface of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin 100.

[0014] 3, the first component surface 111 constitutes substantially the entire cylindrical portion, and the insertion side surface 213, which occupies a large area of ​​the second component 21, is covered by the first component 11. However, the outer surface 211 of the second component 21 also constitutes a small portion of the surface of the cylindrical portion. However, the second component 21 may be configured such that the entire second component 21 is inserted into the first component 11, i.e., such that the first component surface 111 constitutes the entire surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0015] The grooves 112 of the first component 11 are formed at parallel intervals to allow the projections 212 of the second component 21 to fit into them. In embodiment A, the grooves 112 are obliquely shaped with a gradient of 14°±2° relative to the direction along the flange surface, and are set to a length of 25°±2° in the circumferential direction. Therefore, by aligning the second component 21 with the first component 11 and rotating it in the forward direction (the direction of insertion) so that the projections 212 fit into the grooves 112, the insertion of the second component 21 into the first component 11 naturally progresses and eventually completes. From the operator's perspective, the operation feels like aligning a flange with a cylindrical portion with a flange without a cylindrical portion. While the shape of the projections 212 in the illustration is cylindrical, the shape is not limited as long as they can fit into the grooves 112.

[0016] The end of the groove 112 is provided with a return portion 113 that is bent in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. Therefore, when the second component 21 is rotated 25 degrees relative to the first component 11 so that the protrusion 212 reaches the end of the groove 112, if a force that opens the bobbin 100 in the width direction is generated, the protrusion 212 will penetrate the return portion 113. In this state, even if an attempt is made to rotate the bobbin 100 in the opposite direction (the direction in which the penetration retreats), the force that opens the bobbin 100 in the width direction is prevented. With an empty bobbin 100 as shown in FIG. 1( b ), etc., no natural force that opens the bobbin 100 in the width direction is generated. However, with a fully loaded hose H as shown in FIG. 2( a ), the force that the hose H tries to expand acts as a force that opens the bobbin 100. While the return portion 113 shown in the figure is a substantially semicircular groove, the shape is not limited as long as it has the effect of opening the bobbin 100.

[0017] As mentioned above, the first component 11 is composed of eight assembled parts, and this will now be explained. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the components of the long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiments A and B of the present invention, where Fig. 4(a) shows embodiment A and its components, Fig. 4(b) shows embodiment B and its components, and Figs. 4(c), 4(d), and 4(e) show individual components. The explanation of the parts that make up the first component 11 is easier to understand using embodiment B, so the explanation will be given first with reference to embodiment B.

[0018] As can be seen by comparing Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the bobbin of embodiment B is half the width of that of embodiment A. The long object winding bobbin 100 of embodiment B is configured with four parts obtained by dividing the first component 11 into four parts in the circumferential direction. Each part is made of the same material, and as shown in Figure 4(c), each part is provided with a groove 112. In other words, the first component 11 is provided with four grooves 112.

[0019] Similarly to the first component 11, the second component 21 is also configured with four parts divided into four in the circumferential direction. Each part is made of the same material, and as shown in Fig. 4(d) , each part is provided with a protrusion 212. That is, similar to the first component 11, the second component 21 is provided with four protrusions 212.

[0020] The long material winding bobbin 100 of embodiment A has a configuration in which two sets of the first component 11 of embodiment B are connected in the generatrix direction of the cylindrical portion. However, as shown in FIG. 4( a), the two sets are connected in a state where they are offset by 22.5 degrees in the circumferential direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 4( c), engagement is achieved by fitting one engagement claw 114 into the other engagement hole 115 located 22.5 degrees away from the first engagement claw 114 in the circumferential direction. In this way, in embodiment A, eight grooves 112 are provided, but only four of them contribute to engagement with the protrusion 212 of the second component 21. Connection to the first flange portion 1 is achieved by fitting one engagement claw 114 of the first component 11 into the engagement hole FH of the first flange portion 1 (see also FIG. 4( e)). In this way, four grooves 112 are provided, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4( d ), the second flange portion 2 is connected by fitting one of the engaging claws 214 of the second component 21 into the engaging hole FH of the second flange portion 2, thereby achieving engagement (see also FIG. 4( e )). In this way, four protrusions 212 are provided, as shown in FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, the first flange portion 1 and the second flange portion 2 are common components, and the engaging holes FH provided therein are identical in shape, and the engaging claws 114 of the first component 11 and the engaging claws 214 of the second component 21 are also identical in shape. However, the engagement mode between the first flange portion 1 and the first component 11 and the engagement mode between the second flange portion 2 and the second component 21 may be configured to be different.

[0021] The assembly of the first component 11 and the second component 21 involves inserting the engaging claws into the engaging holes in the circumferentially adjacent order. The adjacent components are secured to each other using a locking mechanism, such as a resilient locking claw and a hook, to prevent easy separation. Other methods of fastening, such as screws, pins, or adhesives, can be used. The engaging holes FH in the first flange 1 and the second flange 2 are arranged in multiple circles in the outer diameter direction. By preparing the first component 11 and the second component 21 according to the arrangement diameter of each circle, a cylindrical section consisting of the first component surface 111 and the outer surface 211 of the second component 21 can be formed. This is expected to prevent or reduce breakage or crushing when winding a long object with a large outer diameter or high hardness at a large bending radius.

[0022] In this way, because the first component 11 is configured as a separate component, particularly so that it can be repeatedly connected in the busbar direction, it is possible to prepare multiple types of bobbins with different widths. Hoses vary in size and weight depending on the item, and the standard length also varies. The bobbin width is changed taking into account the wound length (standard length) and weight according to the hose size, and is selected so that the hose fits within the outer diameter of the bobbin flange. There are various types of hoses available for sale, and some products are not particularly popular but are necessary for some customers. By dividing the first component 11 into components, it is possible to prepare bobbins according to the circumstances of each product, which is convenient.

[0023] (How to refill or replace the hose) When the hose has been completely pulled out and is empty, how to refill or replace the hose at a dealer, etc. Before describing the refilling or replacement operation, first, the mechanism of how the two members constituting the long object winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment A of the present invention are attached will be described.

[0024] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the mechanism of action when the second component 21 is attached to the first component 11 in the long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment A of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, the convex portion 212 of the second component 21 abuts against the edge of the first component 11, and the insertion-side surface 213 of the second component 21 is visible. In this state, if the second component 21 is slightly rotated to the right in the drawing so that the convex portion 212 of the second component 21 faces the entrance of the groove 112 of the first component 11, the convex portion 212 can enter the groove 112. In this state, if the second component 21 is slightly pushed in and then rotated to the left in the drawing, the convex portion 212 will enter the groove 112 more and, accordingly, the second component 21 will be inserted into the first component 11.

[0025] 5(b) shows a state in which the protrusion 212 has penetrated all the way into the groove 112. In this state, if a force acts to spread the bobbin in the width direction (the generatrix direction of the cylinder), the protrusion 212 will penetrate into the return portion 113. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(c), once the protrusion 212 penetrates into the return portion 113, the second component 21 can no longer be rotated to the right in the plane of the drawing.

[0026] It can be seen from Figure 5 that the insertion of the second component 21 into the first component 11 naturally proceeds as the second component 21 rotates leftward on the page. On the other hand, a force that spreads the bobbin in the width direction does not naturally occur in an empty bobbin as shown in Figure 5. However, when a hose that is wound spirally and in layers is loaded onto the bobbin, a force that spreads the hose itself occurs, and the state shown in Figure 5(c) naturally occurs.

[0027] This will be explained using Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a photographic diagram illustrating the flow of work when loading a hose onto an empty long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment A of the present invention.

[0028] First, a hose and a bobbin part with a cylindrical portion (a member in which the first part 11 is attached to the first flange portion 1) are prepared as shown in A. The hose is packed in a spiral and layered manner so that the inner diameter is approximately the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the long material winding bobbin 100, the same as that shown in Figure 2(c), and the outer diameter is approximately the outer diameter of the flange outer periphery. To prevent the hose from collapsing during transportation or storage, a paper core is fitted into the innermost diameter, and the hose, including the core, is bound at several points (three points in Figure 6) with binding bands made of resin or the like.

[0029] Next, as shown in B, the hose is dropped into a bobbin part with a cylindrical portion (a member having a first part 11 attached to a first flange 1), and the ties are cut to release the hose from the ties (not shown). Also, a bobbin part without a cylindrical portion (a member having a second part 21 attached to a second flange 2) is prepared.

[0030] Finally, as shown in C, the bobbin part without a cylindrical portion is inserted into the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion. As described above, the insertion is performed by rotating the second flange portion 2 so that the convex portion 212 faces the groove 112. Once the convex portion 212 enters the groove 112, the second flange portion 2 is rotated while applying a small force, and the insertion of the second part 21 into the first part 11 also progresses and eventually completes. In other words, the insertion operation can be completed without visually checking the insertion portion, simply by feeling it with your hand when operating it. After insertion is complete, the barb portion 113 acts on the convex portion 212, preventing rotation in the opposite direction. The same effect is achieved by cutting the wrapper band even after the second flange 2 is assembled in place. Furthermore, cutting the wrapper band releases the load, and the force that spreads the hose acts to open the bobbin parts.

[0031] Because hoses are originally measured and sold after being unwound, the hose is designed so that the direction of hose unwinding and the direction of insertion of the protrusion 212 into the groove 112 are the same. However, situations may arise where the hose is rotated in the opposite direction to return an excessively unwound hose. In such cases, the return portion 113 and the protrusion 212 effectively function as a rotation prevention mechanism. Without this function, special measures or operations would be required to prevent the protrusion 212 from falling out of the groove 112. This is particularly effective in display shelves (Patent No. 5348637, Under-Roller Display) where the outer peripheries of the first flange 1 and the second flange 2 are supported by a pair of rollers and the bobbin rotates as the hose is unwound. Furthermore, after the entire hose has been unwound and the bobbin is empty, the protrusion 212 can be disengaged from the return portion 113 by pushing a bobbin part without a cylindrical part into a bobbin part with a cylindrical part. If you rotate it in the opposite direction in this state, you can remove the bobbin part without the cylindrical part.

[0032] <Embodiment B> The long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment B of the present invention is a hose bobbin used for pulling out a wound hose at a predetermined length, cutting it, and selling it, and is a bobbin that allows a hose to be loaded at a retail store or the like when the hose has been pulled out completely and becomes empty, but is a bobbin with half the width of embodiment A. That is, it is the bobbin shown in Fig. 4(b) already described.

[0033] Hoses vary in size, weight, and standard length depending on the item. Taking into account the standard length (standard length) and weight corresponding to the hose size, the bobbin width is adjusted to select a hose that fits within the outer diameter of the bobbin flange. Half-width bobbins allow a wide variety of hoses to be displayed in a set sales floor space. While some products are best-sellers, others are less frequently sold. However, even such products may be necessary for some customers. Having a wide selection of hoses is desirable from the perspective of customer attraction. Loading popular products onto wide bobbins and less popular products onto narrow bobbins, thus freeing up space and allowing a wide variety of hoses to be displayed and sold, is extremely convenient. In this respect, the present invention, which allows for the combined use of Embodiments A and B, is advantageous over conventional hose bobbins.

[0034] <Embodiments C and D> The long object winding bobbin 100 according to embodiments C and D of the present invention is a hose bobbin used for pulling out a wound hose at a predetermined length, cutting it, and selling it. When the hose is completely pulled out and becomes empty, the bobbin is designed so that a hose can be loaded at a retail store or the like, but the shape of the groove is different from that of embodiments A and B.

[0035] 7A and 7B are explanatory views showing only the first component for understanding embodiments C and D of the present invention, with FIG. 7A showing the groove of embodiment C and FIG. 7B showing the groove of embodiment D. For reference, FIG. 7C shows the groove of embodiment A or B. Note that although each drawing is close to a front view or a developed view of the component, it is provided solely for explanatory purposes. Therefore, some elements, such as the engaging claws and engaging holes, are omitted from the drawings.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7( a), unlike embodiments A and B, embodiment C has a shape that does not have a slope oblique to the generatrix. While rotation eliminates the advantage of the second part naturally inserting into the first part, even with the shape of embodiment C, it is possible to perform the operation by first pushing deeply into the first part and then rotating once it feels abutting. In other words, embodiment C also fully achieves the goal of enabling retailers to easily replace wound long objects. Since embodiment C also has a barb, the cooperation between the barb and the protrusion prevents rotation in the reverse direction.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7(b), embodiment D differs from embodiments A to C in that it does not have a return portion and has two circumferential divisions instead of four. Therefore, the groove length is long. Initially, the rotation operation advances the insertion of the second part into the first part, but halfway through, the degree of insertion remains the same and the rotation simply continues. Although there is no return portion, the force of the hose expanding acts as a force pressing the second part against the first part, and the resulting friction makes reverse rotation difficult. Even if some reverse rotation were permitted, the long groove length prevents the convex part from fully disengaging from the groove even when the hose is rotated in the reverse direction to return the hose to its original position. Then, if the hose is rotated forward again in the direction of withdrawal, the convex part will again penetrate deeply into the groove. In other words, embodiment D fully achieves the objective of enabling retailers to easily replace wound long objects.

[0038] <Embodiment E> The long material winding bobbin 100 according to embodiment E of the present invention is a hose bobbin used for pulling out a wound hose at a predetermined length, cutting it, and selling it, and is a bobbin that allows a hose to be loaded at a retail store, etc. The embodiments A to C described so far have a barb portion, and the cooperation of the barb portion and the protrusion prevents rotation in the opposite direction and prevents the second component from falling off the first component. However, embodiment E further enhances prevention of falling off.

[0039] When a long object is added, if the second part of the second flange portion is not completely fitted to the first part of the first flange portion, i.e., if the convex portion has not fully penetrated the return portion, the second flange portion may begin to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the first flange portion and eventually fall off. Even after the second part is completely fitted to the first part, if, for some reason, a pressing force is generated inward in the generatrix direction on the second flange portion, the convex portion may withdraw from the return portion and enter the oblique portion of the groove, causing the second flange portion to begin to rotate in the opposite direction and eventually fall off the first flange portion. Therefore, in embodiment E, a design is made to maintain the convex portion securely inserted into the return portion and prevent the convex portion from accidentally withdrawing from the return portion.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a long object winding bobbin according to embodiment E of the present invention, together with its constituent parts, where Fig. 8(a) is a diagram illustrating the constituent parts alone, Fig. 8(b) is a diagram illustrating a stage before the second part is attached to the first part, and Fig. 8(c) is an enlarged view of part P in Fig. 8(b). Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second part has been attached to the first part, for the long object winding bobbin according to embodiment E of the present invention, where Fig. 9(a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which attachment has been completed, Fig. 9(b) is an enlarged view of part R in Fig. 9(a), and Fig. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view of part R in Fig. 9(a) toward the inner diameter side. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an operation for removing the second part from the first part, for the long object winding bobbin according to embodiment E of the present invention, where Fig. 10(a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the initial operation for removal has been performed, and Fig. 10(b) is an enlarged view of part T in Fig. 10(a).

[0041] In embodiment E, the second part 21' of the second flange portion has an outer surface 211, a protrusion 212, and an insertion side surface 213. The configuration up to this point is the same as embodiments A to C. Embodiment E further has a rib 214. The rib 214 is displaceable toward the inner diameter side and serves to fix the protrusion 212 to the return portion 113 of the first flange portion.

[0042] 8A, the rib 214 is provided on the inside along the generatrix of the convex portion 212. As shown in the figure, notches are provided on both sides where the convex portion 212 and the rib 214 are located, so that the rib 214 can be displaced toward the inner diameter side.

[0043] 8(b) and 8(c), even if the protrusion 212 is attempted to enter the groove 112 of the first component, the combined width of the protrusion 212 and the rib 214 is greater than the width of the groove 112, and the rib 214 is higher than the height of the bottom end of the groove 112 at its depth, so the protrusion 212 cannot enter the groove 212. However, because the height of the rib 214 is lower than the protrusion 212, and the rib 214 has a semicircular convex shape and an inclined upper surface, if a certain amount of force is applied and the rib 214 is pushed in, the rib 214 will be displaced and slip under the first component. This will allow the protrusion 212 to enter the groove 112.

[0044] As the second component 21' is rotated from this state, the projection 212 advances further into the groove 112, and accordingly, the second component 21' is inserted further into the first component 11. FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b) show a state in which the projection 212 has advanced to the end of the groove 112, and then the second flange is pulled outward in the generatrix direction, causing the projection 212 to advance into the return portion 113. The second flange can be easily pulled up because of the force exerted by the displaced rib 214 as it tries to return to its original position. When the projection 212 advances into the return portion, the displacement of the rib 214 is eliminated, and therefore, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9(c), the projection 212 and the rib 214 are firmly fixed at the position of the return portion 113.

[0045] After the hose is completely pulled out and the bobbin is empty, by pushing the second flange portion inward in the generatrix direction, the rib 214 is displaced and re-enters the underside of the first component, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), and the protrusion 212 is released from the barb portion 113. By rotating it in the opposite direction in this state, it becomes possible to remove the bobbin component without the cylindrical portion.

[0046] In this way, in embodiment E, which includes rib 214, the second flange is completely fixed to the first flange after the bobbin is attached, as the displacement of rib 214 is released. Furthermore, the operator can sense the release of the displacement of rib 214 by a click or other tactile sensation, which reliably prevents the long material winding bobbin from being used without being attached. Furthermore, the fixation by rib 214 can adequately withstand irregular stresses that occur during use, preventing the bobbin from accidentally coming off.

[0047] (Additional Note) As explained in the section above (How to refill / replace a hose), the inventors have also devised a form of hose suitable for transportation and storage as a hose to be loaded onto a long object winding bobbin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, below we will also present inventions of hoses (inventions of long objects) and inventions of methods for storing hoses (inventions of methods for storing long objects) that can be conceived from this perspective.

[0048] (Note 1) This is a long object that is sold by being wound in a spiral and layered manner along the generatrix of the cylindrical portion of the bobbin, and is characterized in that the long object is wound around a core of the same length as the cylindrical portion of the bobbin, and the long object and the core are bound together by a binding means.

[0049] (Appendix 2) A method for storing long objects, comprising the steps of preparing a core and a long object, winding the long object around the core, and binding the wound long object together using a binding means.

[0050]

[0033] The bobbin for winding a long object according to each embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, and its structure has been explained. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first flange portion 1 has a groove 112 to which a cylindrical first component 11 is fixed, the second flange portion 2 has a protrusion 212 to which a second component 21 is fixed and which fits into the groove 112, and the second flange portion 2 is rotated to complete insertion of the second component 21 into the first component 11. However, the first flange portion 1 may have a cylindrical first component 11 fixed thereto and which fits into the protrusion 212, and the second flange portion 2 has a groove 112 to which the second component 21 is fixed with a certain width margin, and the second flange portion 2 has a groove 112 to which the protrusion 212 fits, and the second flange portion 2 is rotated to complete insertion of the second component 21 into the first component 11. Furthermore, while the first component 11 and the second component 21 have been described as being divided into four and two circumferential segments, the number of segments may be three. Furthermore, if manufacturing difficulties can be overcome, a non-divided structure is also acceptable. The long object does not have to be a hose or tube; for example, a communication cable is also eligible. In other words, the scope of the scope of the invention is any long object that is held in place by being wound in a spiral and in layers around the generatrix of the cylindrical portion of a bobbin, and that is sold by unwinding only the required length.

[0051] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Long material winding bobbin (bobbin) 1 First flange portion 11 First part 111 First part surface 112 Groove 113 Turned part 2 Second flange portion 21 Second part 21' Second part 211 Outer surface 212 Convex portion 213 Insertion side surface 214 Rib

Claims

1. A bobbin for winding a long object, comprising a cylindrical portion, a first flange portion and a second flange portion, and for winding a long object in a spiral and in layers along the generatrix of the cylindrical portion, wherein a first part constituting a portion equal to all or substantially all of the cylindrical portion is fixed to one of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, and a second part insertable into the first part is fixed to the other of the first flange portion and the second flange portion, one of the first part and the second part has a groove, and the other of the first part and the second part has a protrusion that enters the groove, and when the second flange portion is rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the first flange portion with the protrusion inserted into the groove, insertion of the second part into the first part is completed.

2. The bobbin for winding a long object according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove has a return portion at its end facing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.

3. The bobbin for winding a long material as described in claim 2, characterized in that the other of the first part and the second part has a rib on the side in the direction of insertion of the convex part into the groove, the rib is displaceable toward the inner diameter side of the other of the first part and the second part, and by displacing the rib, the convex part can insert into the groove, and by eliminating the displacement of the rib, the convex part is fixed at the return part.

4. The bobbin for winding an elongated object according to claim 3, characterized in that the height of said rib is lower than that of said convex portion and higher than the height of the lower end of said groove at its depth.

5. A bobbin for winding a long object as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the rib has a semicircular convex shape and an inclined upper surface.

6. A bobbin for winding a long object as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the groove has a gradient that is oblique to the generating line over substantially the entire length.

7. A bobbin for winding a long object as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first part is capable of varying the width of the bobbin by repeatedly connecting a plurality of identical members in the generatrix direction.

8. A bobbin for winding a long object as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first part is composed of a plurality of divided members divided in the circumferential direction.

9. A method for loading a long object, comprising the steps of: preparing a bobbin part with a cylindrical portion, a bobbin part without a cylindrical portion, and a long object wound and bound in a spiral and layered manner; loading the long object into the cylindrical portion of the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion; positioning the bobbin part without a cylindrical portion relative to the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion into which the long object has been loaded, so that the grooves and convex portions of both bobbin parts face each other; and rotating the bobbin part without a cylindrical portion in a circumferential direction relative to the bobbin part with a cylindrical portion with the convex portions inserted into the grooves, to complete the engagement of both bobbins.

Images