Winding machine and method providing improved shielding relative to debris that may be encountered in a winding operation

摘要

Winding machine and method for shielding the winding machine relative to debris during a winding operation are provided. The method allows providing at least one winding assembly. The method further allows feeding a respective strand of wire to the winding assembly, wherein the strand of wire is fed into the assembly through the bottom thereof. A shield is provided for the winding assembly. The shield is configured to include a window at the bottom thereof for allowing passage of the strand of wire. The shield further includes lateral and top sections configured to partially enclose the assembly, wherein the lateral section extends sufficiently beneath the assembly so that any debris therein egresses from the assembly through the window and is prevented from being propelled into any adjacent assemblies, thus reducing the occurrence of debris-induced faults.