Apparatus and method for winding threads onto a former

Abstract

An apparatus for winding a plurality of threads onto a former, wherein the apparatus has at least one ring traverse that at least partly surrounds the former. Via the ring traverse, threads are fed to the former from a plurality of different feed directions. With each feed direction there is associated at least one transfer element, from which the at least one thread is taken up on the former. The distance to the former axis is adjustable at least for some of the transfer elements.

1 . An apparatus for winding a plurality of threads or fibers onto a former, comprising: 
 at least one ring traverse which may at least partly surround the former, wherein the ring traverse is configured so that at least one thread can be fed to the former from each of a plurality of different feed directions, and    at least one transfer element adjustably connected to ring traverse, wherein at least one transfer element is associated with each feed direction and is configured to guide at least one thread onto the former,    wherein the distance between one or more of the transfer elements and the longitudinal axis of the former is adjustable.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein two or more of the transfer elements are of equal distance to the axis of the former.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an adjusting means connecting one or more of the transfer elements and the ring traverse, wherein the adjusting means is configured to adjust the distance between the one or more the transfer elements and the axis of the former and the one or more the transfer elements are adjusted together.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the adjusting means is a closed-track cam plate.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the adjusting means is a servo or stepping motor.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the one or more transfer elements configured to adjust together are always disposed with the same distance to the former axis.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the transfer elements has a thread guide having the shape of an arc or of a ring segment.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a transfer element is configurable as a thread guide eye.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the transfer elements and the axis of the former is adjustable with an iris aperture present in the adjusting means.  
   
   
       10 . A method for winding a plurality of fibers onto a former, comprising: 
 feeding at least one thread to the former from each of a plurality of different feed directions with one or more transfer elements associated with each of the feed directions, and    adjusting the distance between the transfer elements and the axis of the former for at least some of the transfer elements.    
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the distance is adjusted simultaneously or synchronously for at least some of the transfer elements.