Spool, especially for optical fiber media

territorially invention

The Invention relates to spools for storing and transporting of lengths of fibers, ribbons, Cables and other elongated flexible materials, especially optical fiber ribbons, according to the preamble of claim 1 (US-A-4657203).

General State of the art

It is well known lengths of a flexible material wound onto a spool or reel must be stored, and transported. The coil is typically of a cylindrical drum with a flange at each end, projecting radially outward. Examples of previous coils for are fiber optic media in US Pat. no. 5,908,172 to Pierro et al., issued on June 1, 1999.. <patcit><text>DE 298 07873</text></patcit> describes a winding spool with two lateral flanged discs and a winding hub. The head is out of the changing room by a lateral passage out. The passage is in a cup-like flange insert which is connected to a lateral flange disc is disposed.

If Material is wound on a reel, the inner end portion tends to to be close to the drum and the material below is wound to be covered. For certain materials, such as for fiber optic media However, access to both ends of the wound material is desirable for integrity testing, to ensure that the material is not damaged or is defective. The inner end portion of the drum of the must therefore Coil to a more accessible led away position will.

It is important, damage to either the inner end portion or the to avoid major portion of the fiber optic medium, and the formation of avoid sharp bends or kinks that accidentally could be regarded as an error, if the medium is tested.

Summary the invention

According to a Aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for winding an elongate Material ready. The winding mechanism comprises a drum with an outer surface and defining a longitudinal axis and at least one flange, which is secured to the drum and having an outer surface. The outer surfaces of Drum and the flange defining an outer space for winding a elongated Material. One of the barrel and the flange defines an interior space and an opening. The opening communicates with both the interior and the external space for passing through an end portion of the elongated material therethrough.

The Winding device further includes a material guide having a first end, located adjacent the opening and an opposite within the interior space second end is located. The second end of the material guide longitudinally outside of the flange opposite of outer space localized. The material guide defines a path for progressing through the end portion of the elongate Material between the first and the second end, wherein a portion of the Path spiral is.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a spool including a Ready drum having a hollow cylindrical wall, the opposite inner and outer surfaces defined, and a pair of flanges secured to the drum to a winding space to define between the flanges. comprises the wall of the drum an opening, communicating with the winding space. The coil further comprises a Insert having an outer cylindrical Surface, slidingly received by the inner surface of the drum wall becomes. The drum and the insert define a helical guide channel therebetween with opposite first and second ends. The first end of the helical guide channel is adjacent to the opening locates the drum wall.

Short description tHE dRAWINGS

<figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> is a side elevational view of a coil according to the present invention;

<figref idrefs="S18">2</figref> is an axial sectional view through the coil from <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S19">3</figref> is an exploded isometric view of a spool half and an end insert of the spool from <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> is an enlarged detail out <figref idrefs="S18">2</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> is an enlarged detail Part along the line 5-5 in <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S21">6</figref> is an end elevation of a coil according to a second embodiment the invention;

<figref idrefs="S21">7</figref> is a side elevation of one of the spool halves of the coil of <figref idrefs="S21">6</figref>;

<figref idrefs="S22">8th</figref> is an end elevation of a spool having an insert orienting construction, the spool shown with the insert removed;

&lt;?page 3?&gt;

<figref idrefs="S22">9</figref> is an end elevation of an insert for receiving within a End of the coil of <figref idrefs="S22">8th</figref> is adapted; and

<figref idrefs="S22">10</figref> is an axial sectional view through the insert of <figref idrefs="S22">9</figref>,

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

Among Referring to the drawings and initially to <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> to <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> includes an embodiment the coil, which in general by the reference numeral <figref>10</figref> appropriate is, two coil halves <figref>12</figref> and <figref>14</figref> and two end inserts <figref>16</figref>, Each coil <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> includes a drum <figref>18</figref>, An extending radially outward main flange <figref>20</figref> at one end, an end wall <figref>22</figref> at an opposite End and a hollow axial shaft <figref>24</figref>,

The end wall <figref>22</figref> each bobbin half <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> adds the axial wave <figref>24</figref> to the drum <figref>18</figref>, Radial ribs or may like also within a core portion of the coil between the axial shaft <figref>24</figref> and the drum <figref>18</figref> be provided if desired a increased Strength provide and stiffness. As illustrated, the end walls<figref>22</figref> With connectors <figref>26</figref>. <figref>28</figref> for quick release fasteners <figref>30</figref> provided, around the two bobbin halves <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> together to add. Suitable connectors and fasteners are described in greater detail in US Pat. no. 5,908,172.

As illustrated, each main flange <figref>20</figref> a frustoconical wall <figref>32</figref> having a smooth surface on one side, in which the central region of the coil <figref>10</figref> Is directed when the two halves <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> composite will. Radial stiffening ribs<figref>34</figref> are on the outer side the flange <figref>20</figref> positioned. However, it is noted that other forms of flanges and spools the features of the present can use the invention. The coil can, for example, radially straight flange walls or include other reinforcing structures as particularly shown. When the two Spulenhälfen <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> composite are defining drums <figref>18</figref> and the smooth walls <figref>32</figref> the main flanges <figref>20</figref> an annular portion to which a Fiberglass tape or a different length thin, flexible material to be wound.

On window <figref>38</figref> is close to the main flange <figref>20</figref> by the drum <figref>18</figref> provided. As perhaps best in <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> can be seen, the side walls of the window <figref>38</figref> in the circumferential directions with bevels <figref>40</figref>. <figref>42</figref> on two faces educated. The bevels<figref>40</figref>. <figref>42</figref> are angled and aligned so that an optical fiber ribbon <figref>44</figref> from an alignment along the outside of the drum <figref>18</figref> to an alignment along the inside of the drum without sharp can pass bends or kinks. Like maybe in<figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> to see is, the slopes are <figref>40</figref>. <figref>42</figref> symmetric on both sides of the window <figref>38</figref> formed so that a tape <figref>44</figref> in the window either from left to right or from right to left, as shown in <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> to see may occur. This in<figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> and <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> shown window <figref>38</figref> is dimensioned to receive a flat ribbon, the most of the axial length the window is, where it is fairly flat against the bevels <figref>40</figref> and <figref>42</figref> lies. It is understood that a narrower ribbon through the window <figref>38</figref> be conducted could, or that the shape of the window could be altered to to match different forms of media.

the Interior of the drum <figref>18</figref> is formed with two stages. A circular Step or shoulder <figref>46</figref>, Of the end wall <figref>22</figref> away lies, surrounds the drum between the windows <figref>38</figref> and the end wall <figref>22</figref>, Preferably fairly close to the window. If the Kitchen sink <figref>10</figref> is assembled, fits the use <figref>16</figref> within the drum <figref>18</figref> and seated against the step <figref>46</figref>,

A spiral step <figref>48</figref>, Also by the end wall <figref>22</figref> away is forms immediately adjacent to the window <figref>38</figref> on the side of the window to the end wall extends toward a tip and spirally from the top around the drum in both directions and away from the end wall <figref>22</figref>, The ends <figref>49</figref> the spiral step <figref>48</figref> to meet the axial end of the drum <figref>18</figref> almost opposite of the window <figref>38</figref>, The stage<figref>48</figref> is in <figref idrefs="S18">2</figref> in shown dotted lines because the sake of clarity only the parts the spiral step over the plane of the partial section at each end of the drum <figref>10</figref> shown will.

Of the use <figref>16</figref> has at its outer end an auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> on, disposed from the end of the drum by a distance at a distance is approximately the axial height the window <figref>38</figref> corresponds to, when the insert into the drum <figref>18</figref> used and against the shoulder <figref>46</figref> is set. An auxiliary drum<figref>51</figref> becomes through the portion of the insert <figref>16</figref> between the end the drum <figref>18</figref> and the auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> educated.

If the use <figref>16</figref> in the drum <figref>18</figref> Will be received and on the shoulder <figref>46</figref> is set so that the insert <figref>16</figref> correctly is aligned, the spiral stage is <figref>52</figref> parallel to the step <figref>48</figref> the drum <figref>18</figref>, This positions the top of the stage <figref>52</figref> immediately adjacent to one Of the window <figref>38</figref> farthest away from the end wall <figref>22</figref>, The parts of the insert <figref>16</figref> on each side of the step <figref>52</figref> are rounded to well in the parts of the drum <figref>18</figref> on their respective Sides of the spiral step <figref>48</figref> to fit.

&lt;?page 4?&gt;

As in <figref idrefs="S20">4</figref> shown is a helical channel <figref>54</figref> in between the stages <figref>48</figref> and <figref>52</figref> the drum <figref>18</figref> or. the use <figref>16</figref> educated. The depth of the channel<figref>54</figref> in the radial direction of the coil <figref>10</figref> is determined by the height of the steps <figref>48</figref> and <figref>52</figref> fixed. The width of the channel in the axial direction of the spool by the distance between the stages <figref>48</figref> and <figref>52</figref>, of the about the axial length the window <figref>38</figref> corresponding set. The stage<figref>52</figref> becomes the auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> out gradually reduced in height, so that it is in the region of the auxiliary drum <figref>51</figref> no significant Stage are.

at Use are the two coil halves <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> composed. The inserts <figref>16</figref> will then into the drum <figref>18</figref> used. The inner end of a Fiberglass tape or other flexible medium length to the outside the drum <figref>18</figref> brought and through the window <figref>38</figref> in the channel <figref>54</figref> fed. The tape is then further into the window<figref>38</figref> and along the canal <figref>54</figref> pushed until the end of the tape in the auxiliary drum <figref>51</figref> shows up. The ribbon<figref>44</figref> can then pressed both than be drawn until a sufficient length of Bands located at the area of ​​the auxiliary drum. The free end may then between the end of the main drum <figref>18</figref> and the auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> around the auxiliary drum are wound, and with tape, staples or another suitable tool to back up. The free End, by a gap <figref>56</figref> in the auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> of the auxiliary drum <figref>51</figref> derived and at the end face the coil can be taped. The sink<figref>10</figref>. wherein the inner end of the tape <figref>44</figref> effectively secured to the drum surface is where it from the window <figref>38</figref> appears, may then conventional wrapped manual or automatic coil winding full band will.

If wished is, the tape <figref>44</figref> test, the inner end can easily of the auxiliary drum <figref>51</figref> be freed, and the outer end is on the surface exposed the windings and accessible. The two ends can thus easily with the test equipment get connected. Because of the arrangement of the window<figref>38</figref> and the spiral guide channel <figref>54</figref> gives there are no kinks or sharp bends in the tape, the glass fiber, the claim or the optical transmission could otherwise impair along the fiber, and consequently erroneously as faults or defects could be detected in the band.

It is apparent that each of the coil halves <figref>12</figref>. <figref>14</figref> and the stakes <figref>16</figref> in a single operation using a mold made of two pieces that extends in the axial direction, can be made of a plastic material. Only small, simple mold inserts be for the window <figref>38</figref> needed. The sink <figref>10</figref> is thus very economical to manufacture. The skilled person understands that, when the light of applicability Forms the cylindrical portions of the coil actually be slightly tapered have to. The necessary rejuvenation but must not impair the function of the coil.

The <figref idrefs="S21">6</figref> and <figref idrefs="S21">7</figref> show a second embodiment, the invention. In<figref idrefs="S21">6</figref> and <figref idrefs="S21">7</figref> will Features, the same as or equivalent to the in <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> to <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> shown are denoted by reference numerals different from that in <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> to <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> used greater than <figref>100</figref> are. For simplicity, in <figref idrefs="S21">7</figref> just one bobbin half <figref>112</figref> shown. In order to form a complete coil, it is understood that two spool halves <figref>112</figref> With Connectors, which in the <figref idrefs="S18">2</figref> shown connectors <figref>26</figref>. <figref>28</figref>. <figref>30</figref> may be similar, are joined together.

In of the second embodiment includes a coil half <figref>112</figref> no separate application, although such can be used if desired. Radial ribs <figref>160</figref> put an axial shaft <figref>124</figref> to the inside of a drum <figref>118</figref> about the entire axial length of the drum. The drum<figref>118</figref> extends over a main flange <figref>120</figref>To an auxiliary drum surface <figref>151</figref> to form. Between two of the ribs<figref>162</figref>. <figref>164</figref> becomes a cylindrical space <figref>166</figref> educated. A window<figref>138</figref> opens through the drum <figref>118</figref> in the cylindrical space <figref>166</figref>, A gap <figref>168</figref> opens by the auxiliary drum surface <figref>151</figref> in the cylindrical space.

On spiral channel <figref>154</figref>Which in the ribs <figref>162</figref>. <figref>164</figref> educated is leading around the cylindrical space <figref>166</figref> of the window <figref>138</figref> to the gap <figref>168</figref>, Of the spiral channel <figref>154</figref> is on the side to the space <figref>166</figref> down not closed, but as a wide, shallow groove in the surfaces the ribs <figref>162</figref>. <figref>164</figref> educated. It is believed, that this arrangement is satisfactory, provided that the tape <figref>44</figref> or other charged on the coil medium is adequate rigid and resilient so that it is, by its natural tendency to smooth out, in the groove <figref>154</figref> suppressed. A cylindrical plug could alternatively in the room <figref>166</figref> be used to the tape <figref>44</figref> it to prevent, from the groove <figref>154</figref> get out.

It is understood that the coil half <figref>112</figref> because of the groove <figref>154</figref> not with a simple two-part mold can be formed. The groove<figref>154</figref> but can easily a collapsible mold insert are formed. If the groove<figref>154</figref> however a perfect cylindrical helix is, the groove could <figref>154</figref> by a rigid insert with a helical spline is formed, to form the groove. The mold insert could then perform its unscrewing along the groove <figref>154</figref> be removed, This form of coil is also simple and economical produce.

&lt;?page 5?&gt;

Although in the <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref> to <figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> coil shown <figref>10</figref> a guide channel <figref>54</figref> having, formed between steps in two components, and the variant the in <figref idrefs="S21">6</figref> and <figref idrefs="S21">7</figref> shown with a coil Guide channel, between a grooved component and a simple cylindrical is formed, has been described, these approaches could Naturally be replaced.

Among with reference to <figref idrefs="S22">8th</figref>-<figref idrefs="S22">10</figref> is a bobbin half <figref>212</figref> and an insert <figref>216</figref> for a coil according to the invention having a construction that ensures that the insert <figref>216</figref> from the coil half <figref>212</figref> in will receive a special orientation shown. such a Align the insert <figref>216</figref> is, for example, in coils such as coil <figref>10</figref> out <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref>-<figref idrefs="S20">5</figref>. in which the formation of the spiral guide channel a proper Orientation of the insert <figref>16</figref> with respect to the coil half requires desirable. As in <figref idrefs="S22">8th</figref> shown, the drum <figref>218</figref> the bobbin half <figref>212</figref> a groove <figref>270</figref>, The groove<figref>270</figref> is adapted to include a correspondingly formed projection <figref>272</figref> on an outer surface of the insert <figref>216</figref> to receive if the use by the bobbin half <figref>212</figref> in the correct orientation is received. If the in<figref idrefs="S22">8th</figref>-<figref idrefs="S22">10</figref> shown aligning structure in a coil like a coil <figref>10</figref> out <figref idrefs="S17">1</figref>-<figref idrefs="S20">5</figref> incorporated is, would the projection <figref>272</figref> preferably with the gap <figref>56</figref> in the auxiliary flange <figref>50</figref> be aligned. The groove<figref>272</figref> would preferably also with bevels <figref>40</figref> for the window <figref>38</figref> aligned be. Such positioning of the projection<figref>270</figref> and the groove <figref>272</figref> simplifies the design of the mold.

The embodiments mainly under to be wound with reference to the fiberglass tape as the reel Material described. It is understood that the coils for other Materials could be used. The material is preferably sufficiently smooth and stiff along its Press the guide channel <figref>54</figref> without Blocking to allow, and sufficiently stiff to open in the guide channel <figref>154</figref> to remain. The coil of the present invention is usually not claimed, except Access is for both ends of the material, which is wound on the spool, is needed and sharp bends or kinks should be avoided. If that Material not strip form is, should the appropriate settings to the shapes of the window <figref>38</figref> and the guide channel <figref>54</figref> or <figref>154</figref> made will.

Although embodiments as from two identical spool halves <figref>12</figref> and <figref>14</figref> or <figref>112</figref> composite have been described, could be the Coil in one piece be formed or assembled in another way. If the Coil consists of two coil halves composed, must the two spool halves not be identical. A guide channel<figref>54</figref> or <figref>154</figref> could at only one end of the coil may be provided, or different Shapes of duct could are provided at the two ends. For most purposes, however, is believed that an arrangement with identical guide channels at both Ends, each of which is capable of is a coil wound around the two-way introductory end will receive preferred. This arrangement may be less versatile to be one with different guide channels and may be slightly more expensive than a guided channel be at only one end. The use of the arrangement, however, usually easier because an operator must spend no time in the End with the desired guide channel to identify or about to worry whether the guide channel left- or right-handed is.