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(11) | EP 0 844 321 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Coiling machine with spindle and reel containing section |
| (57) A textile machine for coiling or twisting in which covering yarn (22) placed on a
supporting reel (20) is wound around a core yarn (24) by means of a reel holder spindle
(18). The machine includes a bench and a set of twisting spindles supported in a rotating
manner on the machine bench (16) in which, for each spindle (18), a spindle containing
element (46) is provided so as to contain the spindle (18) and reel (20); the latter
covering yarn is held in such a way as to twist the yarn inside the container. The
container (46) is fixed to the machine frame (16), and means are provided for admitting
air, and expelling it from the container (46) in order to remove free particles of
yarn which would otherwise be absorbed into the twisted yarn, and to cool the twisting
zone. |
[0001] This invention refers to a textile machine for spiralling or twisting in which covering yarn placed on a supporting reel is wound around a core yarn by means of a reel holder spindle. The machine also includes a supporting bench and at least one set of spiralling or twisting spindles supported in a rotating manner on the machine bench.
[0002] In twisting machines of the type described above, it has been found necessary to provide a system for removing yarn particles and dust in contact with the yarn during the twisting phase.
[0003] A system such as the above is particularly necessary for twisting cotton yarn. Cotton yarn releases a considerable amount of cotton particles which, during the twisting process, risk being deposited between the core filament and the covering yarn, thus causing imperfections in the resulting twisted yarn, and reducing the yarn quality considerably.
[0004] Another problem of twisting machines of the type described above is that, during the twisting process, the yarn is overheated; this causes problems in the removal of residual moisture in the yarn, thus leading to structural fragility of the yarn produced. This increases yarn breakages during the twisting process which - besides affecting the quality - also means having to stop the machine to re-connect the broken ends of the yarn, thus leading to a reduction in the machine's hourly yield.
[0005] Another problem involves excessive extension of the balloon that is created between the covering yarn reel and the point of insertion of this yarn on the core filament. In the textile sector, it is essential to limit the extension of this balloon as far as possible, so as to increase the working speed of the textile machine.
[0006] The scope of this invention is therefore to provide a textile machine in which residue yarn particles and fine dust can be removed from the twisting zone to prevent them from entering the yarn.
[0008] Yet another purpose of the present invention is to provide the operating conditions mentioned above, at low temperatures, to prevent the yarn becoming fragile, lowering the quality of the yarn treated, and allowing the operator to access the working area without running the risk of burns or other injury due to the high temperatures of the components in the twisting zone.
[0009] The above objectives are achieved, as described in Claim 1 (attached) by means of a textile machine; specifically, a spiralling or twisting machine in which a covering yarn on a reel supported by a rotating spindle is wound around a core filament by means of the reel holder spindle. The machine includes a frame with at least one support bench and at least one set of twisting spindles supported in a rotating manner on the bench of the machine. Each spindle has a containing element for the spindle such as to contain inside it the spindle and the covering yarn holder reel; the container is fixed to the frame, and means are provided for admitting air to the container and expelling it.
[0010] It thus becomes possible to remove free particles of yarn, while at the same time removing hot air from the twisting zone, and cooling the working zone, which is therefore kept at such a temperature as not to cause loss of the yarn's moisture, making it fragile.
[0011] Thanks to the container, lateral expansion of the balloon is limited; the dimensions of the balloon are thus considerably reduced to fit the internal dimensions of the container. The twisting speed can thus be increased.
[0012] As the container is fixed to the machine frame and the spindle and reel rotate at high speed, there is no increase in play of the rotating masses, unlike the version without a container; this is because the machine described in this invention does not lead to any reduction in the machine's working speed and/or increase in the power it requires for keeping the rotating masses in play.
[0013] The claims secondary to the main claim mentioned above refer to small structural details that confer special advantages on the invention.
[0014] For a clearer understanding of this invention, it is essential to read the attached description, which concerns a preferred version of the invention; this description must be read with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a lateral longitudinal view of the twisting machine of this invention, which shows the longitudinal cover of the machine in a sectioned condition along line 1-1 of Fig. 2, to provide a complete view of the twisting zone.
Fig. 2 is a view from the top of the twisting machine described in this invention showing the twisting zone sectioned along line 2-2 of Fig. 1 to show the spindle container;
Fig. 3 shows a transverse section along line 3-3 of Fig. 1 of the twisting machine;
Fig. 4 shows a transverse section of a single twisting spindle of the textile machine;
Fig. 5 shows the possible electrical circuit for activating the lamp indicating a stoppage in the twisting phase, which is a special feature of this invention.
[0015] Figs 1 to 4 show the textile machine configured for twisting and winding covering yarn such as cotton, on a suitable core filament, usually made of elastic.
[0016] The yarn twisting machine, identified as reference number 14, includes a supporting frame with four benches 16, each of which support, in a rotating manner, a row of aligned spindles 18.
[0017] The benches 16 are arranged in pairs on two different working tables, in which the spindles 18 of the two working tables located above are offset in order to allow the yarn to pass through towards the upper zone for collecting covered yarn.
[0018] Fig. 3 clearly shows how a respective reel 20 is placed on each spindle 18, which rotates together with the spindle, and which carries covering yarn 22; the covering yarn 22 is wound, positioned above the reel 20 and spindle 18, on a core filament 24, fed from below by spindle 18 passing through a central hole provided in spindle 18, so as to produce the covered yarn 26.
[0019] As shown in the figure, for this purpose, the machine frame supports, positioned below the benches 16, a number of spindles and spools 28 for the core filament 24 together with rotating rolls 30 of spools 28 and drive and return rollers 32 for the core filament 24; above the benches 16 a number of spools 34 are supported, which carry the covered yarn 26, together with roller 36 for rotation of spools 34 and drive and return rollers 38 for covered yarn 26.
[0020] As is clear from figures 1 and 2, spindles 18 of each work table are made to rotate together by their respective motors 40 by means of pulleys 42 and drive belts 44. However, in an identical manner, for independent activation of the spindles 18, the latter could be supplied in a motorized version, so as not to require the use of common motors and the relative parts for transmission.
[0021] Figure 4 shows how each spindle 18 is provided with its relative container 46 fixed to the respective bench 16, in this invention.
[0022] The container element 46 includes the container body in the form of hollow cylinder 48 open at the upper end, with a cover 50 that can be fitted to the opening of the body 48 to close it.
[0023] The cover 50 has a narrow central hole 52 large enough to allow the covered yarn 26 to pass through; the body 48 of the container also has a hole below for passage of the spindle 18.
[0024] The upper cover 50 can be removed completely from the container body to provide access, and for replacing reel 20 fitted on rotating spindle 18. The geometric dimensions of the container element 46 are large enough to contain the spindle 18 and the reel 20 which carries the covering yarn in such a way as to carry out the process of winding the covering yarn around the core filament inside the container 46. The tubular container 46 extends beyond the spindle 18 and its reel 20.
[0025] Another advantage of this invention is that the yarn particles produced by the covering yarn are removed from the winding zone in such a way as not to create problems or defects in the covered yarn obtained.
[0026] For this purpose, the invention provides for admitting air into the container 46 and removing it in order to eliminate fine particles of yarn and dust.
[0027] The above facility also has the advantage of enabling the winding zone to be cooled where, due to the high speed of rotation of spindles and their reels, the temperature would otherwise be very high.
[0028] Additional holes 54 are provided in the cover 50 to admit air into the container. Figure 2 shows the three aeration holes in the cover 50, located at an angle of 90°. The number of holes 54 may also differ from those shown; the air inlet holes could also be provided in the upper part of the container body.
[0029] To remove air from the container 46, there is a hole 56 in the lateral wall of the container body 48 in the lower part. This outlet hole 56 is located below the lower flange of yarn-holder reel 20 in line with the bottom 57 of container 46, allowing all the dirt particles deposited at the bottom to be collected.
[0030] Another advantage of this invention is that the body 48 can be constructed with the internal diameter slightly greater than the external diameter of the reel to be fitted on the spindle so that, while allowing the passage of air from the upper part for entry of air to the lower part for outlet of air, the transverse geometric dimensions of the covering yarn balloon 23 can be limited so that it only extends beyond the upper part of the tubular container 46; its smaller dimensions allow greater twisting speed.
[0031] It is thus possible to obtain a container 46 of extremely compact design that occupies limited space.
[0032] It may also be considered advantageous to obtain a balloon 23 with a sufficient circulation of air from above downwards, using a drum 48 with an internal diameter that is not more than 1 cm greater than the diameter of the yarn-holder reel 20 or the reel flange. Preferably, the internal diameter of the drum 48 of the container is 5 mm larger than the maximum diameter of the reel 20.
[0033] The air inside container 46 therefore circulates in the gaps 47 between the yarn packing and the internal surface of container 46 and extends outwards at the base, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 4.
[0034] The present invention includes means for forcing air into the container 46 towards outlet hole 56. In the invention, air is forced downwards inside the container by the balloon 23 itself.
[0035] Twisting operations adopting earlier techniques, the balloon had a semi-circular or semi-elliptical configuration. In the present invention, the use of a container 46 that is narrow enough to limit the balloon to a single upper branch 23, means an extension can be fitted that is almost equal to a quarter of a circle or an ellipse or - in any event, a portion of these. The balloon 23, which has its concave part towards the bottom, enables the portion of balloon 23 of the covering yarn to act as a sort of blade or device for pushing air downwards, thanks to the very high speed of rotation.
[0036] In order to obtain an air suction effect inside container 46 to the outside greater than that obtained using the "blade effect" of the balloon 23, this invention attempts also to create a real depression inside the container. This is achieved by suction collector pipe 58 kept under depression and connected to an air intake at outlet hole 56 of the container.
[0037] With specific reference to Figures 2 and 3, it is clear that each row of spindles 18 and the relative containers 46 have their respective suction collector pipes 58 arranged longitudinally to the machine; even a single collector, however, can be used for all the rows of spindles or a pair of rows of spindles.
[0038] The collector pipes 58 are supported in pairs by the central spars 60 of the machine's supporting frame, to which they are fixed by means of appropriate brackets 62.
[0040] Another feature of this invention is that filtered and/or cooled and/or damp air is admitted into container 46 through inlet holes 54, depending on the requirements of the yarn inside container 46.
[0041] The means for admitting cooled and/or filtered and/or damp air preferably include a longitudinal, tubular covering 66 enclosing the entire covering zone, that is, the rows of spindles and the relative containers 46. It may also be possible to use a separate longitudinal tubular covering for each row of spindles and containers 46, or to arrange them in pairs.
[0042] As Figure 3 shows, tubular covering 66 comprises a series of longitudinal steel support sections 68 to which are fixed upper panels 70, lower panels 72 and lateral panels 74 and a set of movable panels 78 are fitted by means of a connecting hinge 76, forming the inspection hatches, which are shown in Figure 3 (in which continuous lines indicate closing and hatching indicates opening). The fixed and movable covering panels can be made of transparent plastic or other materials.
[0043] The tubular covering 66 is supplied with air taken from the area where the textile machine is located, which is filtered, cooled, and brought to the required humidity level and then pumped into the covering in such a way as to enable a flow that extends over the entire covering; the air is then expelled to the outside of the building or is re-circulated in the machine.
[0044] Figure 1 shows a possible solution for the air circulation system for the equipment described in this invention. At the ends of the textile machine, openings or organs 80 are provided for letting in air from the area where the textile machine is located; this air is then sent along duct 82 to the air treatment system 84, which includes filtering device 86, a device for humidifying air 88 and a heat exchanger 90, for conditioning the temperature of the air, i.e. cooling it. After treatment, this air is sent by inlet pump 92, which drives the air, in optimal conditions for the type of yarn being processed, into tubular covering 66. For the sake of clarity, Fig. 1 shows only the upper 70 and lower 72 walls of tubular cover 66. The air is then collected at the opposite end and sent outside by means of at least one duct 94, located inside the head, together with motor 40, which conveys the air through a suitable connecting organ 96 to a suitable duct 98, which expels it to the outside and into the area where the machine is located.
[0045] Passage of air from the longitudinal cover 66 to the spindle container 46 is obtained thanks to the fact that the air inside the cover is under higher pressure than that inside the spindle containers 46.
[0046] Collector ducts 58 for sucking air from containers 46 are connected to suction pumps 100 which allow air to return to the treatment system 84, where the air containing yarn particles can be filtered, cooled, and humidified to a suitable level before being re-circulated inside tubular cover 66. The solutions for recirculating this air, as well as provision for expelling air coming from inside container 46, from the machine, are equally suitable for use on the machine described in this invention.
[0047] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the air circulation devices include means for adjusting the flow or pumping speed of the various delivery pumps and suction pumps, and for regulating the working temperature of the heat exchanger and the organ for regulating the humidity level of the air admitted to the container 66.
[0048] As Fig. 4 shows, container 46 - or, more precisely, its body 48 - has a thickened lower area 99 which reinforces the structure in the area where it is fixed to the supporting bench 16. Drum 48 has a lower ring-shaped flange 97, which protrudes from the thickened lower area 99, which enables thread to be made for fixing screws 101, which fit container 46 in a removable way to the underlying spindle-holder bench 16. Inside container 46, the fixing screws are held in place by corresponding nuts 103.
[0049] The container 46 for the covering zone is made of steel; its surface is ground, lapped, and chromium-plated to provide a surface in contact with the yarn, which is very smooth and does not wear out the yarn along its surface.
[0050] The container 46 is not transparent. Another feature of the invention enables the operator to detect a breakage or stoppage in the yarn supply inside the container 46; a sensor 102 is provided, to detect stoppages in the supply of covered yarn output from the container 46.
[0051] The sensor for the presence of yarn 102, which may be of any suitable type - for example, optic - as shown in Fig. 5, is connected to a switch stage, which connects or disconnects the electrical connection between a signal-emitting organ and an electric supply line, depending on the perception of the sensor for the presence or absence of covered yarn.
[0052] In the version shown here, the organ for emitting the signal comprises an indicator 106, which lights up in the event of the absence of yarn being detected by the presence sensor 102.
[0054] All the signal lights 106 and the relative switch stages 104 are connected in parallel to the conductors 105 and 107.
[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, a sensor 102 is fixed to the cover 50 by container 46 and is connected, by means of a connector 108 which protrudes from the top of the cover 50, arranged at an angle of 90° to the holes 54 for the entry of air (as shown in Fig. 2) and the cable 110 to the signal light 106.
1. A textile machine - specifically a coiling or twisting machine - in which covering
yarn (22) is placed on a reel (20), supported by a rotating spindle (18), is wound
on a core yarn (24) by means of a reel carrier spindle (18) and in which said textile
machine includes a framework having at least one supporting bench (16), and at least
a certain number of twisting spindles (18) supported in a rotary manner on bench (16)
of the machine, characterized in that of including for each spindle (18) a spindle
container element (46) for the spindle (18) and reel (20) which brings the covering
yarn to the container (46), which is fixed to the framework of the machine, characterised
by means for admitting air to the inside of the container (46) and for expelling it
from the container (46).
2. A textile machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that said container (46)
comprises a container body in the form of a drum (48) open at the top, and a container
cover (50) that can be positioned over the container body (48) to close the upper
opening of the latter, completed with a central hole (52) for allowing the yarn to
pass, in a spiral manner (26), the upper cover, can be opened to allow the reel (20)
brought by the rotating spindle (18) to be accessed.
3. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the cover (50) can be removed from the body of the container (48).
4. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said means for emitting air, comprises one or more holes (54) in the upper part of
the container (46).
5. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said emission holes are provided into the cover (50).
6. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said means for expelling air from the interior of the container include at least one
hole (56) in the container element (48).
7. A textile machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the air expulsion hole
(56) is located close to the bottom (57) of the container.
8. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said tubular container (48) extends upwards over the spindle (18) and the reel (20)
held by the former.
9. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the balloon (23) is contained in the upper part of the tubular container (48).
10. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the drum (48) of the container has an internal diameter slightly larger than the maximum
external diameter of the reel (20) to be loaded on the spindle.
11. A textile machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the body (48) of the
container has an internal diameter about 5 mm larger than the maximum diameter of
the reel (20) loaded with yarn.
12. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
means (23, 58, 100) are provided for forcing the air into the container (46) towards
the outlet holes (56).
13. A textile machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the means for forcing
the air into the container (46) towards the outlet holes (56) include the section
(23) of the covering yarn, including the reel (20) and the point at which the core
yarn is wound (24), the section of yarn (23), forming a balloon having smaller concave
dimensions towards the base.
14. A textile machine according to any preceding claims 12 and 13, characterized in that
said means for forcing the air into the container (46) towards the outlet holes (56)
include means (58, 100) for creating suction depression in the container (46).
15. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims , characterized in that
said means for creating a suction depression in the container (46), include a collector
duct (58) for suction in depression arranged longitudinally to the machine and connected
for the transmission of air to the suction holes (56) by the numerous containers (46)
for the spindles.
16. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
means (84), (66) are provided for feeding treated air, that is, filtered and/or cooled
and/or having a suitable humidity level within the spindle container.
17. A textile machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the means for delivering
treated air include a longitudinal tubular cover (66) that contains containers (46)
for the spindles so as to feed treated air and means for admitting said treated air
to the longitudinal tubular cover (66).
18. A textile machine according to claim 17, characterized in that the means (58, 100)
of sucking the air inside the container have means for recirculating the air sucked
into the longitudinal tubular cover (66).
19. A textile machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that
a sensor (102) is provided, which detects the absence of feeding of covered yarn (26)
coming out of the container (46).
20. A textile machine according to claim 19, characterized in that said sensor (102) is
connected to an electrical supply circuit (104, 105, 107) for issuing a signal in
the event of the yarn (26) breaking.
21. A textile machine according to claim 20, characterized in that the signal emitter
is an optical emitter (106); the optical emitter (106) is located on the textile machine's
longitudinal cover (66).
22. A textile machine according to claim 21, charactherized in that the sensor (102) is
located on the upper cover (50) of the container (46).