US2658698A - Dual spring take-up reel - Google Patents

Description

Novr l0, 1953 LEROY DUAL SPRING TAKE-UP REEL 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed June 27, 1949 .WN LVL ffff NNN.

........i...=..i...=,.... Y

Illlllm A mw M mmm www um w. .En

lille- IN1/Emol; ou/s E205/L BY @fl.. LEROY 2,658,698

DUAL SPRING TAKE-UP REEL Nov. 10, 1953 Filed June 2'?, 1949 2 Sheetss--SheefI 2 a 354. 55' jg 5P 20a i g# 5g l j@ Q6 f6@ 35 Mc 4J.

20 bf 2?b j INVENTOR. ,50u/s EQOY ,4r To/QNEK Patented Nov. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT- OFFICE DUAL SPRING TAKE-UP REEL Louis Leroy, Altadena, Calif., assignor to Mcflaf-r frey-Ruddock Tagline Corporation, Los Angoles, Calif., a corporation of `California.

Application June 27, 1949, Serial No. 101,517

8 Claims. 1

This invention relates to reels forautomatically maintaining a line, cable or the like under substantially constant tension and free of slack as the required length` of the line varies; more particularly, it relates` to spring means for driving such reels.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved spring driven reel of thisV type.

Spring driven reels or the like of the type under discussion are extensively used in connection with various types ofl material handling' equipment, cranes,` hoists and the like, which. often form an integral part of a plant. Thus, costly shut-downs thereof will result if the material handling equipment is rendered inoperative. It is thus of importance that the reel be of rugged construction and otherwise arranged to reduce possible reel failures and ensuing shut-downs from this cause, orl at least to minimize their duration. Since the driving spring is the most likely cause of failure in the reel, it is another object of this invention to provide a spring driven reel including a spare or stand-by spring for operating thereel in lieuof the usual driving spring.

It is another object of this invention to provide an automatic take-up reel having a pair of driving springs either ori both of which may be connected in driving relation with the reel.

It is anotherV object of this invention to provide an automatic take-up reel having a standby driving spring arranged to be connected in driving relation with the reel in a simple and expeditious manner.

It is still another object of this invention to provide such a reel wherein the main driving spring may be easily replaced while the standby spring is connected to drive the reel.

This invention possesses many other advantages and has other objects which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention. is best defined by the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal axial section, partly in elevation, showing an automatic take-up reel incorporating the features of the invention;

Figure 2 isa fragmentary cross section, takensubstantially as indicated by line 2-2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale, taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on FigureV 1, and showing in elevation one of the driving springs and itsl methodof anchoring; and

Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views similar to Figure 1, but showing different operating positions of the parts.

Referring to Figure 1, the reel device is shown by way of example as incorporating a double winding drum I of the type disclosed irr U; S. Patent Number 2,303,002, granted to William Ruddock on November 24, 1942, and entitled Tagline Device, wherein one section, as 2 of the winding drum I, accommodates a tagline L or the like and the other section 3 accommodates an electrical conducting cablefC for supplying power to a lifting magnet or the like, being connected with the power lines by the aid of' a slipring structure 4 and leads (not shown). The line L and the cable C are spooled on the respective drums 2 and 3 so that, as viewed from the right, Figure 1, unwinding of the lineV and cable will cause counterclockwise rotation of the drums.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the reel device comprises a support structure ID providing a pair of elongated tubular housing members II and I2 supported in spaced parallel relation by ller blocks I3 and adapted to be secured to a derrick boom, crane frame, or other suitable structure (not shown) by the aid of mounting pads, one of which is shown at III. Axially ex tending members I5 and I6 are rotatably supported respectively in the housings II and I2 by the aid of bearing structures Il and I9,l and I8 and 20, respectively, at the opposite ends of the housings II and I2.

The rotatable member I5 has an intermediate tubular portion I5-a with reduced end portions IE-b and I5-c which project respectively through the bearing structures I'I and I9, the projecting portion I5-b having the drum I mounted thereon for rotation therewith. The bearing structure I'I serves asa closure for the adjacent `end of housing l I by means of `an annular flange IfI-a which is of somewhat greater diameter than the housing II to accommodate bolts 2l which secure the bearing structure in place. As shown, the bolts 2| also mount arprotective enclosure 4-a for the slip ring structure Il.

The bearing structure I9 at the opposite end of the housing II includes a bearing element 23 which similarly serves as a closure by the aid of an annular ange 23-a attached to a flange II-a on the housing II by bolts 24. The bearing element 23 has a bore 23-b of substantially greater diameter than the end portion I-c of the rotatable member I5, a bushing or sleeve 25 being interposed between said end portion and said bore. The sleeve 25 is independentlyrotatable with respect to both said end portion housing II and about the rotatable member I5Y one end 2-a being restrained against rotation by beingrconnected to the support I, the Vother Y end 2-b being connected to the bushing 25 to impart rotation thereto with respect to the support I5.

Means are provided for connecting the bushing and member I5 in driving relation. Thus, the outer end of the bushing 25 is formed with a diametral slot 25-b (see Figure 2) adapted to be engaged optionally by lugs 28-a provided on a member 29 splined on the reduced portion I5-c of the member I5 by a key ZS-a, and secured in axially adjusted position by a set screw 35.

The rotatable member I6 comprises an intermediate tubular portion I6-a with an inserted element IG-b at one end providing a reduced bore IB-d, and a reduced portion I6-c at the other end which projects through the bearing structure 25. The bearing structure I8 comprises a cylindrical projection or pintle I8-a, which engages the bore IS-d, and is secured to a plate IB-b closing the adjacent end of the housing I2. The bearing structure 29 comprises a hub 2li-a rotatably supporting the reduced portion I6-c of the member I6 and an annular flange 2-b serving as a closure for the housing I2 and attached to a flange I2-a thereon as by bolts 32. A coiled spring 35, substantially identical with the spring 21, is accommodated in the housing I2 and about the rotatable member I6, one end 35-a being restrained against rotation by being connected to the support II), the other end 35-b being connected to the member I6 to impart rotation thereto With respect to the support I0. Thus, the opposite ends respectively of springs 21 and 35 are connected to the support Ill.

4 connected. Thus, rotation of the drum I in line unwinding counterclockwise direction Will be transmitted by member I5, clutch and gear member 26-29 and gear 36 to member I6, which will be rotated clockwise, due to the gearing 29, 36, and tighten the spring 35. Spring opposes rotation of the drum in line unwinding direction and causes the drum to turn in the opposite direction and wind the line upon a reduction of the tension therein. Accordingly, the tension in the line L is at all times determined by the force of the spring 35. V

This is the normal operating arrangement of the device, and brief consideration will show, that in the event of failure of spring 35, the spring 21 may be readily connected to operate the drum I. For this purpose, it is only necessary to remove the gear and clutch member 28-29 and replace it in reversed position with clutch member 28 in engagement with the bushing 25.V This obviously requires removal of the retaining washer II and appropriate manipula- Y tion of the set screw 35.

as the gear 36 is moved axially along the reduced. Thereafter the gear cover 40 is removed, and the bearing structure 23 removedI portion IIS-c.

from the housing I2, allowing removal and replacement of the spring 35. .As shown in Fig. 5, the gear members 29 and 36 of the clutch may be maintained in connection by sliding member 29V back and away from bushing 25 which latter engages spring 21, thereby disengaging spring 21.

and driving the assembly only through the spring 25. Thus, operation of the reel without a second or stand-by spring being readily available is necessary for only a short time.

With the gears 36 and 29 disengaged and clutch member 28 engaging the bushing 25, as shown in Figure 4, spring 35 is disconnected and spring 2l connected in driving relationwith the. Thus, rotation of the drum I in line Winding direction (counterclockwise) will.y

drum structure I.

be transmitted by member I5 to the bushing 25,

, tightening the spring 27 and tensioning the line A gear wheel 36 is detachably secured on the Y reduced portion I6-c of the member I6 as by a washer 31 and screw 38 threaded into the portion IIS-c, being constrained to rotate therewith by key 39. Gear 36 is adapted to engage a similar gear 29 formed on the clutch member 28, the arrangement being such that by appropriately positioning the gears 36 and 29 on their respective rotatable members I5 and I6, either or both springs 21 and 35 may be connected optionally in driving relation with the drums 2-3. A protective cover LI may be provided for the gears, if desired, being supported by the aid of bolts 24 and 32.

With the gears 36 and 29 engaged and clutch member 28 and bushing 25 disengaged, as shown in Figure 1, spring 35 is connected in driving relation with the drum I, spring 2'I being disas before.

are active, their forces being in assisting relation. Thus, as shown in Figure 5, the clutch and gear member 28-29 is positioned to engage the bushing 25, thus connecting the spring 2l in driving relation with member I5 and the-drum structure I and gear 36 is positioned to engage gearV 29, thus connecting the member I6 and spring 35 also in driving relation with the member I5 andV Rotation of the drum I inthe drum structure. line unwinding direction will thus wind both springs 21 and 35 simultaneously and be opposed by their combined tensions.

As pointed out in the previously identified patent, it is desirable to protect the springs 21 and 35 against excessive unwinding movement, such as would result from spinning of the drum I caused by its inertia upon breakage or disconnection of the line L. Thus, as shown in Figure 3, the ends of the spring 21 are formed as oppositely facing hooks 43 and 44 adapted to engage respecadjacent ends of the housing l.

Thus,` rotation of the member I in the direction indicated bythe arrow Figure 3 will cause the hooks43 and 44 to engage the end faces 45-a and 46-a, and wind and tension the spring 21. Rotation ofthe member l5 in the opposite direction will relieve the tension `in the spring and thereafter cause disengagement of the hooks 43 and 44 which will ride past the lugs on the sloping end portions 45-b and 46-b respectively.

Spring 35 is detachably connected to the support I0 and the rotatable member I6 in a similar manner. Thus, hooks 41 and 48 formed on the ends of the spring 35 engage respectively the lugs or projections 49 and 5U on the bearing hub 2li-a and on the insert IG-b, upon rotation of themember I6 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the right Figure 1, and disengage upon rotation in the opposite direction, after the tension in the spring has been released.

I claim:

1. In a spring driven reel device: a support; a winding drum; a member carrying said drum; means rotatably mounting said member on said support including an element interposed between said member and said support and rotatable independently of said member; a coiled spring connected at one end to said support and at the other end to said element; and means for optionally connecting said member and said element in driving relation.

2. In a spring driven reel device: a support including an elongated housing; a member extending axially in said housing; bearing means rotatably supporting said member adjacent the ends of said housing respectively and through which said member extends; a Winding drum iixed on said member exteriorly of said housing and adjacent one end thereof; the bearing means adjacent the other end of said housing including an element secured to the housing, and a bushing freely rotatable in said element and in which said member rotates; a coiled spring in said housing, one end of said spring being restrained against rotation, the other end being connected to said bushing; and means for optionally connecting said bushing and said member in driving relation.

3. In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support; a Winding drum; a member carrying said drum; means rotatably mounting said member on said support including an element interposed between said member and said support and rotatable independently of said member; means restraining one end of each of said springs against rotation, means connecting the other end of each of said springs respectively in driving relationship with said drum and said element, and means for optionally connecting said member and said element in driving relationship.

4. In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support; a Winding drum rotatably mounted on said support; a pair of independently rotatable elements mounted on said support; each spring of said pair of coiled springs being connected at one end to said support; the other ends of said springs being connected respectively to said elements; and

6, means for optionally disconnecting one of said elements and said drum from driving relation.

l 5. `In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support including an elongated housing for each spring; a member extending axially in each of said housings; bearing means rotatably supporting said members adjacent the ends of said housings and through which said members extend; a winding drum exteriorly of one of said housings and adjacent one end thereof; the bearing means secured to the other end of each of said housings including anoelement secured to said housing and in one of said housings, a bushing freely rotatable in said element in which bushing said member rotates; one end of each of said coiled springs being restrained against rotation; the other end of each of said coiled springs being connected to the respective bushing; and means for optionally disconnecting a member from driving relation with the other end of one of said coiled springs.

6. In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support; a pair of members mounted for independent rotation thereon; a Winding drum mounted on one of said members; clutch means for optionally connecting said members in driving relation; means connecting one end of each of said springs to said support; means connecting the other end of each of said springs to said members respectively to cause rotation thereof relative to said support by the influence of said springs; at least one of said connecting means for each spring including means for releasing the associated spring upon rotation of the associated member ahead of the spring and operating to reconnect said spring upon rotation of said associated member in the opposite direction.

7. In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support including a pair of elongated housings; a member extending axially in each of said housings; bearing means rotatably supporting said members adjacent to the ends of each of said housings, said members extending through the bearing means at a corresponding end of each housing, one of said members also extending through the bearing means at the opposite end of the housing; a Winding drum mounted on said one member exteriorly of said opposite end of the housing; the bearing means adjacent the other end of said housing including an element secured to the housing and a bushing freely rotatable on said housing in which said one member rotates; one end of each of said `coiled springs being restrained against rotation, the other ends of said springs being connected respectively to said bushing .and to the member in the other housing; clutch means for optionally connecting said members in driving relationship and for optionally connecting said bushing and the member mounting the drum in driving relation, whereby one or both of the springs may be connected in driving relation with the drum.

8. In a spring driven reel device provided with a pair of coiled springs to drive a reel; a support including a pair of elongated housings; a member extending axially in each of said housings; bearing means rotatably supporting said members adjacent the ends of said housings; said members extending through the bearing means at a corresponding end of said housing, one of said members also extending through the bearing means at the opposite end of one housing; a winding drum mounted on said one member exteriorly of said opposite end of said one housing; one end of each of said coiled springs being restrained against rotation; the other end of one of the coiled springs being connected to the other member; means including gearing means on said members for optionally connecting said one member in driving relation with the other member or with the spring in said one housing, the gearing means on the other of said members being demountable; and means detachably securing the bearing means for the said other member which is adjacent the gearing to the other housing to permit removal and replacement of 8 the coiled spring connected to said other mem# ber, independently of said one member.

LOUIS LEROY.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

Images