System for winding an end of a thread

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for winding an end of a thread on a central axis of a spool. The system includes a support means for the central axis, the support means being associated with a mechanism for driving this axis in axial rotation. The system further may have a mechanism for moving a portion of the thread to be wound, positioned downstream of the free end of the thread, and a hooking interface to catch a portion of the thread to be wound, this interface being positioned at the end of the spool central axis and fixed in rotation with the central axis to drive the winding of the thread around the central axis. Finally, the system may have a cutting mechanism of the thread upstream of the portion of the thread interacting with the hooking interface.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A system for winding a thread end from a spool central axis, characterized in that the system comprises:
 a support means for the spool central axis, the support means being associated with an axial rotational drive mechanism of the spool central axis;   a mechanism for moving a portion of the thread to be wound, positioned downstream of the free end of the thread;   a hooking interface to catch a portion of the thread to be wound, this hooking interface being positioned at the end of the spool central axis and fixed in rotation with the spool central axis associated with the support means to drive the winding of the thread around the central axis; and   a cutting mechanism of the thread upstream of the portion of the thread interacting with the hooking interface.   
     
     
         2 . The winding system according to  claim 1 , wherein the moving mechanism comprises a movable arm. 
     
     
         3 . The winding system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a movable arm which carries at least the cutting mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The winding system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a mechanism for tensioning the free end of the thread to be wound. 
     
     
         5 . The winding system according to  claim 4 , wherein the tensioning mechanism involves a suction nozzle. 
     
     
         6 . The winding system according to  claim 4 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to position the axis of the thread under tension near the end of the spool central axis which comprises a hooking interface. 
     
     
         7 . The winding system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system also comprises a thread guide mounted for translational movement along an axis parallel to the spool central axis for managing the winding distribution of the thread along the spool central axis. 
     
     
         8 . The winding system according to  claim 7 , wherein the system comprises a spacer mechanism for moving the thread away from the thread guide. 
     
     
         9 . The winding system according to  claim 8 , wherein the spacer mechanism of the thread comprises at least one axial portion arranged along an axis substantially parallel to the spool central axis mounted on the support. 
     
     
         10 . The winding system according to  claim 8 , wherein the spacer mechanism of the thread comprises a means for guiding the thread being wound close to the hooking interface. 
     
     
         11 . A method for implementing a winding system according to  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises:
 a step of gripping a portion of the thread to be wound located downstream of the free end of the thread by the moving mechanism;   a hooking step, by the hooking interface, of a portion of thread positioned downstream of the portion moved by the moving mechanism;   a cutting step, by the cutting mechanism, of a portion of the thread comprising the free end of the thread and positioned upstream of the portion held by the moving mechanism;   a releasing step of the thread by the moving mechanism;   a driving step of the thread by winding around the spool central axis; and   a removing step of the cut portion of the thread.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the method comprises, prior to the step of gripping a portion of the thread, a tensioning step of the free end of the thread. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the method comprises, prior to the step of hooking a portion of the thread, a step of setting the spool central axis, mounted on support, into axial rotation.