Control of strand tension in cable making machine involves direct electric motor drive to each of strand reels

摘要

On a cabling machine the individual strands (16) are fed to the convergence point (4) through a take-off arm (15) from reels (10a, 10b), which are alternately emptied and refilled. Each reel has its own electric motor drive (19) that is controlled (20) to maintain constant strand tension during the accelerating, stationary and decelerating phases of the hollow drive shaft (13). An Independent claim is also included for the control of strand tension on a cabling machine comprising an electric motor drive (19) to each reel (10a, 10b) linked to a programmable controller (20). Preferred Features: Control is carried out through the signal from a tension sensor (31) to give rise to positive or negative torque as required. The drive is also used to wind on fresh strand material when refilling the reels.