Device and Method for Sucking in, Temporarily Storing, and Leading Away a Thread, and Textile Machine

Abstract

A device (1) for drawing in and intermediately storing a thread (2), comprising a suction chamber (3), wherein the suction chamber (3) includes an entry opening (8) and an exit opening (9), which define a direction of flow, wherein negative pressure can be applied to the exit opening (9) in order to generate an air flow (4). Moreover, the device comprises a depositing surface (5) arranged in the suction chamber (3), on which the thread (2) can be intermediately stored, and a flow element (6) arranged in the suction chamber (3), with the aid of which the air flow (4) can be directed through the suction chamber (3). The suction chamber (3) is divided into a first region (14) and a second region (15) with the aid of the depositing surface (5) and the flow element (6) is displaceable between a first position, in which the air flow (4) is guided through the depositing surface (5) and through the second region (15), and a second position, in which the air flow (4) is guided past the depositing surface (5) through the first region (14). A textile machine comprising a plurality of workstations arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the textile machine is characterized in that the workstations each comprise such a device. In a corresponding method for drawing in and intermediately storing a thread (2), the thread (2) is sucked into the suction chamber (3) with the aid of an air flow (4) and is intermediately stored on a depositing surface (5) arranged in the suction chamber (3). The air flow (4) is directed through the suction chamber (3) with the aid of the flow element (6). The suction chamber (3) is subdivided into a first region (14) and a second region (15) with the aid of the depositing surface (5) and the flow element (6) is displaced between the described positions.

Claims

1. A device (1) for drawing in and intermediately storing a thread (2), comprising a suction chamber (3), in particular for withdrawing a thread (2) from a package (21), wherein the suction chamber (3) includes an entry opening (8) and an exit opening (9), which define a direction of flow of the device (1), and wherein a negative pressure can be applied to the exit opening (9) in order to generate an air flow (4) through the suction chamber (3), comprising a depositing surface (5), which is arranged in the suction chamber (3), is air-permeable, and is impermeable to the thread (2), on which the thread (2) can be intermediately stored, and comprising a flow element (6) arranged in the suction chamber (3), characterized in that the suction chamber (3) is divided into a first region (14) and a second region (15) with the aid of the depositing surface (5) and that the flow element (6) is displaceable between a first position, in which the air flow (4) is guided through the depositing surface (5) and through the second region (15), and a second position, in which the air flow (4) is guided past the depositing surface (5) through the first region (14).

2-21. (canceled)

Description

[0037] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a workstation of a textile machine during regular operation, in which a thread is being wound onto a package, FIG. 1b shows a schematic view of the workstation in a situation in which the thread has broken and is traveling on the package,

[0039] FIG. 1c shows a schematic view of the workstation in a situation in which the thread is being sucked into the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread,

[0040] FIG. 1d shows a schematic view of the workstation in a situation in which the thread has been returned into the workstation for piecing,

[0041] FIG. 2a shows a schematic sectional view of a device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in a third position,

[0042] FIG. 2b shows a schematic sectional view of the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in a second position,

[0043] FIG. 2c shows a schematic sectional view of the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in a first position, including a thread, which is being deposited,

[0044] FIG. 2d shows a schematic sectional view of the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in the first position, including an intermediately stored thread,

[0045] FIG. 2e shows a schematic sectional view of the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in the second position, including a thread to be discharged,

[0046] FIG. 2f shows a schematic sectional view of the device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread, comprising a flow element in the third position,

[0047] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the depositing of the thread on the depositing surface in the form of offset loops, and

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the formation of a thread loop, including withdrawal of the intermediately stored thread out of the suction chamber.

[0049] FIG. 1 a shows a schematic sectional view of a workstation of a textile machine, on which the device 1 for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging a thread 2 can be advantageously utilized. The device 1 is represented merely symbolically in this case and is described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2a through 2f. The workstation is designed, in this case, as a thread-producing spinning station of a spinning machine comprising a spinning element 17. The workstation could also be designed as a spinning station of a winder, however.

[0050] In this case, in addition to the device 1, the workstation comprises a suction nozzle 20, which is connected to the device 1 and with the aid of which the thread 2 can be sucked in. The sucking-in of the thread 2 can be monitored with the aid of a thread monitor 13, which, as represented in this case, can be arranged in the exit region of the suction nozzle 20, in a suction tube or intermediate piece (not represented) adjoining the suction nozzle, or directly in the device 1, as is apparent, for example, from FIGS. 2a through 2f. The device 1 could also be designed as one piece with the suction nozzle 20 in this case. The suction nozzle 20 is arranged at a package 21. With the aid of the suction nozzle 20, a thread 2 traveling on the package 21 after an interruption of production can be sucked in. The package 21 is driven by a winding roller 22 in the direction of rotation 23 this case. The thread 2 is produced by the spinning element 17 and is drawn off by delivery rollers 18. In the present representation, the thread also extends through the suction nozzle 20 during production. The thread 2 enters the suction nozzle 20 through an opening 19 and exits the suction nozzle 20 at its mouth, in order to be wound onto the package 21. The device 1 can also be utilized, however, on a workstation, at which the thread extends outside the suction nozzle 20 during the production thereof and enters the suction nozzle 20 only for piecing or splicing.

[0051] In order to be able to convey the thread 2 to the spinning element 17 again in the event of a thread break, a holder 24 comprising an eyelet 26 is arranged adjacent to the spinning element 17. The holder 24 can be swiveled through the opening 19 into the suction nozzle 20, so that the eyelet 26 is located in the suction nozzle 20. Moreover, a sealing element 25 is arranged on the holder 24, which seals the opening 19 after the eyelet 26 has been swiveled therein.

[0052] FIG. 1b shows a schematic sectional view of the workstation, in which the thread 2 (not represented here) travels on the package 21 after an interruption of production, for example, due to a thread break. In order to be pieced again, the thread 2 must be sought on the package 21 and must be unwound to a certain length, wherein the seeking takes place with the aid of the suction nozzle 20 and the device 1.

[0053] For this purpose, the holder 24, including the sealing element 25, is swiveled upward into the opening 19. The eyelet 26 arranged on the holder 24 is introduced into the suction nozzle 20, so that, when the thread 2 is drawn into the suction nozzle 20, the thread 2 is also guided through the eyelet 26. The drawing-in of the thread 2 takes place with the aid of an air flow 4. In order to generate the air flow 4, the suction nozzle 20 is connected via the device 1 to a negative pressure source (not represented here), for example, to a negative pressure duct of the textile machine.

[0054] FIG. 1c shows the workstation in a further situation, in which the end 7 of the thread 2 as well as the thread 2 are drawn off the package 21 and are directed through the eyelet 26 into the device 1.

[0055] FIG. 1d shows the workstation in a further situation, comprising a thread 2, which has been guided back to the spinning element 17. A thread loop 29 was initially formed from the thread 2 guided through the eyelet 26 by way of the holder 24 having been swiveled downward. The formation of the thread loop 29 is described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4. A cutting unit 27 is arranged in the region of the spinning element 17, which cuts the thread 2 or the thread loop presented to the cutting unit 27, in order to be pieced. As a result, two pieces result from the thread 2, namely the thread 2 cut off by the cutting unit 27, comprising a newly created end 7, which is discarded with the aid of the device 1, and a thread 2 to be pieced, which is guided to the spinning element 17 again.

[0056] While the above-described method steps are carried out, the air flow 4 must also be directed through the suction nozzle 20 and the device 1 in a different way. For this purpose, a depositing surface 5 and a flow element 6 are arranged in the device 1, the modes of operation of which are described in the following FIGS. 2a through 2f. It is to be noted with respect to FIGS. 2a through 2f that the device 1 and the air flow 4 are represented in a manner opposite to that with respect to the device 1 and the air flow 4 from FIGS. 1a through 1d. In FIGS. 1a through 1d, the air flow 4, starting from the opening 19, flows through the suction nozzle 20 and the device 1 from right to left in the drawing, whereas the air flow 4 from FIGS. 2a through 2f flows through the device 1 from left to right in the drawing.

[0057] FIGS. 2a through 2f each show a sectional representation of the device 1 during different method steps. The device 1 comprises a suction chamber 3 including an exit opening 9, at which negative pressure is applied in order to generate the air flow 4. For this purpose, the exit opening 9 is connected, for example, to a negative pressure duct of the textile machine. The thread 2 can be sucked into the device 1 and transported through the device 1 with the aid of the air flow 4. Moreover, a depositing surface 5 is arranged in the suction chamber 3, which is air-permeable and is impermeable to the thread 2 and on which the thread 2 can be intermediately stored. The depositing surface 5 can be designed, for example, as a screen or as a perforated piece of sheet metal. The depositing surface 5 can also be made of a plastic. Moreover, a flow element 6 is arranged in the suction chamber 3, with the aid of which the air flow 4 can be directed through the device. Moreover, the suction chamber 3 comprises an entry opening 8, through which the thread 2 can be sucked into the suction chamber 3 and directed to the depositing surface 5. The thread 2 can exit through the exit opening 9 and can then be discarded.

[0058] The depositing surface 5 subdivides the suction chamber 3 into a first region 14 and a second region 15. The first region 14 is utilized as a thread store, in which the thread 2 can be stored for the interim. In this case, the depositing surface 5 is arranged in parallel to the direction of flow and in a central region of the suction chamber 3. The depositing surface can also be arranged at an angle to the direction of flow, however.

[0059] The flow element 6 is arranged at the end 28 of the depositing surface 5 located at the rear in the direction of the air flow 4. The air flow 4 can be guided with the aid of the flow element 6, so that the air flow 4 can be directed through the depositing surface 5 or past the depositing surface 5. Moreover, the suction chamber 3 can be sealed off with the aid of the flow element 6, so that the air flow 4 is interrupted. In order to be able to guide the air flow 4 with the aid of the flow element 6, the flow element 6 can be rotated about a rotational axis 10 in this exemplary embodiment.

[0060] The suction chamber 3 comprises a first stop 11, against which the flow element 6 can be rotated. When the flow element 6 has contact with the first stop 11 (see FIGS. 2c and 2d), the flow element 6 is located in a first position, in which the air flow 4 is guided through the depositing surface 5 into the second region 15 and through the second region 15. The air flow 4 through the first region is blocked in this case.

[0061] The suction chamber 3 also comprises a second stop 12, against which the flow element 6 can also be rotated. The flow element 6 is located in a second position, in which the air flow 4 is guided past the depositing surface 5. When the flow element 6 has been moved against the second stop 12, the flow element 6 blocks the second region 15. When the flow element 6 seals off the second region 15 at the second stop 12, the air flow 4 can no longer flow through the depositing surface 5 and, instead, is guided past the depositing surface 5 through the first region 14.

[0062] In deviation from the shown representation, the stops 11, 12 are not absolutely necessary. It would also be possible, for example, to set the correct position of the flow element with the aid of a stepper motor.

[0063] The suction chamber 3 can also be completely blocked off with the aid of the flow element 6. For this purpose, in this case, the flow element 6 can be displaced into a third position, so that the flow element 6 completely covers the exit opening 9 of the suction chamber 3 and consequently seals it. As a result, the air flow 4 is completely interrupted.

[0064] The device 1 according to the present example also comprises a thread monitor 13, with the aid of which the thread 2 can be detected in the suction chamber 3. The thread monitor 13 can be, for example, an optical sensor, such as a light barrier sensor, and/or a microwave sensor, which can preferably contactlessly detect whether a thread 2 is located in the suction chamber 3, or not. Alternatively or also in addition to the shown arrangement of the thread monitor 13, it would also be possible to arrange a thread monitor 13 directly in front of the entry opening 8 in the suction nozzle 20 (see FIGS. 1a through 1d) or in front of an intermediate piece.

[0065] The sequence of the method for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging the thread 2 is now described with reference to the following FIGS. 2a through 2f.

[0066] FIG. 2a shows the device 1 when, for example, the thread 2 is normally spun with the aid of the spinning element 17 and is wound onto a package 21 (cf. FIG. 1a). There is no thread break or the like. The drawing-in and handling of the thread 2 is not required, and so, in order to save energy, the flow element 6 completely covers the exit opening 9 and, as a result, seals it, so that the air flow 4 is interrupted. The flow element 6 is located in the third position in this case.

[0067] FIG. 2b shows the device 1 when the thread 2 has been broken. In order to be able to piece the thread 2 again, a thread 2 traveling on the package 21 is sought with the aid of the air flow 4. For this purpose, the flow element 6 is displaced into the second position, wherein the flow element 6 is moved against the second stop 12, so that the flow element 6 blocks the second region 15 with the aid of the stop 12, in order to prevent the air flow 4 from flowing through the depositing surface 5. As a result, the air flow 4 is guided into the suction chamber 3 through the entry opening 8, past the depositing surface 5, through the first region 14, and out of the suction chamber 3 through the exit opening 9. An advantage thereof is that the air flow 4 is not decelerated by the depositing surface 5, and so a high suction effect is available for seeking the thread 2 on the package 21. The thread 2 is therefore sought on the package 21 with the aid of the air flow 4 having a maximum volumetric flow rate. Alternatively, it would also be possible, however, to guide the air flow 4 through the depositing surface 5 while seeking the thread. The advantage in this case would be a lesser control effort, since the flow element 6 needs to be displaced less often.

[0068] A thread monitor 13 is arranged in the region of the entry opening 8, which can detect the presence of a thread 2 in the region of the entry opening 8. Whether the thread seeking was successful can therefore be detected at a very early point in time. The thread monitor 13 is connected to a control system (not shown here), which can displace the flow element 6 upon detection of the thread 2 in this exemplary embodiment. After the end 7 of the thread 2 has entered, which is detected with the aid of the thread monitor 13, the control system can prompt the flow element 6 to be displaced into the first position, so that the air flow 4 is guided through the depositing surface 5. In the present exemplary embodiment, this takes place in that the flow element 6 is rotated against the first stop 11. Since the thread monitor 13 is arranged ahead of the flow element with respect to the direction of the air flow 4, the flow element 6 can be advantageously displaced even before the thread 2 has reached the first stop 11. As a result, the thread 2 can be reliably deposited onto the depositing surface 5, wherein a pinching of the thread 2 between the first stop 11 and the flow element 6 is prevented. In the alternative embodiment, in which the seeking of the thread 2 takes place with the aid of an air flow 4 guided through the depositing surface 5, this step of displacing the flow element 5 is omitted, since the flow element 5 is already located in the first position.

[0069] FIG. 2c shows the device 1 after the detection of the thread 2 with the aid of the thread monitor 13. The flow element 6 has been displaced into the first position, wherein, in this exemplary embodiment, the flow element 6 has been moved against the first stop 11, in order to guide the air flow 4 through the air-permeable depositing surface 5. Since the depositing surface 5 is impermeable to the thread 2, however, a thread ball 16 forms in the thread storage chamber 7, wherein the thread 2 is intermediately stored or deposited on the depositing surface 5.

[0070] The formation of the thread ball 16 is advantageous, since the thread ball 16 is compressed and takes up less space in a collection container as compared to the outstretched thread 2. In addition, with respect to the outstretched thread 2, there is the risk that the thread 2 will get tangled on components in the suction chamber 3 or on components of a negative pressure duct, into which the thread 2 is discharged, and, consequently, must be manually removed, which is time-consuming. In this case, the thread ball 16 is represented as a disorderly depositing of the thread 2. Preferably, however, the depositing of the thread 2 takes place in an orderly manner, in order to be able to remove the thread 2 from the suction chamber 3 again. This is represented in FIG. 3.

[0071] FIG. 2d shows the device 1 including the thread ball 16 intermediately stored in the first region 14, after the thread 2 has been cut by the cutting unit 27 (cf. FIG. 1d). The successful cutting of the thread 2 can also be detected with the aid of the thread monitor 13. This can take place in that the thread monitor 13 detects no thread 2 at all over a predetermined time period.

[0072] FIG. 2e shows the device 1 including the thread ball 16, which is being discarded. For this purpose, the flow element 6 has been displaced into the second position, so that the second region 15 is sealed off and the air flow 4 is guided past the depositing surface 5. The displacement of the flow element 5 is initiated by the control system as soon as the thread monitor 13 has detected the successful cutting of the thread 2. The air flow 4 can flow, essentially unhindered, through the first region 14 of the suction chamber 3 and, as a result, carries the thread ball 16 away through the exit opening 9. It is particularly advantageous in this case that the displacement of the flow element 5 into the second position takes place in the same direction in which the thread ball 16 is discharged. As a result, it can be ensured that the thread 2 does not become stuck on the flow element 5.

[0073] FIG. 2f shows the device 1 after the thread ball 16 has been discarded. In order to save energy, the flow element 6 has been displaced into the third position again, so that the flow element 6 seals off the exit opening 9. The thread 2 is pieced and the regular operation is started again at the workstation.

[0074] FIG. 3 shows, in a schematic representation, a loop-shaped and laterally offset depositing of the thread 2 on the depositing surface 5 in the suction chamber 3. Due to the depositing surface 5 being arranged obliquely or in parallel to the direction of flow, the drawn-in end 7 of the thread 2 is initially sucked to a first portion of the depositing surface 5, for example, the left edge region in this case, due to the still very high air flow, where the end 7 is deposited along with a first section of the thread 2. At the same time, the depositing surface 5 becomes obstructed to a small extent. Due to the turning of the thread 2, the thread 2 then forms a loop and a second section of the thread 2 is deposited on the depositing surface 5 in parallel to the first section, since the thread 2 is preferably deposited at the point where there is no thread 2 yet and the air flow 4 through the suction chamber 3 is still active. In this way, while additional thread 2 is constantly delivered from the package 21 (symbolized here with the aid of an arrow), the entire depositing surface 5 is gradually filled, in a loop-shaped manner, with sections of the thread 2 lying essentially in parallel to one another. Twists and entanglements of the thread 2 can be largely avoided as a result, so that the thread 2 can be easily withdrawn from the suction chamber again.

[0075] The withdrawal of the intermediately stored thread 2 from the suction chamber 3 is required, for example, in order to form a thread loop 29 during piecing, which is described in the following with reference to FIG. 4.

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a workstation of a textile machine, as in the case of FIGS. 1a through 1d. Identical components are provided with the same reference numbers as in FIGS. 1a through 1d, and so only the differences from the aforementioned figures will be described in the following. A situation is represented, in which a thread loop 29 has been formed from the thread 2 by the holder 24 having been swiveled downward after the thread 2 has been sucked into the device 1.

[0077] In order to form the thread loop 29, it is necessary to provide an additional length of the thread (symbolized in this case with the aid of the dotted line). This can take place, according to the present example, in that a defined length of the thread, which corresponds to this necessary additional length, has been previously sucked in. As described above, the defined length can be sucked in, in that the package 21 is rotated in reverse for a certain time period or for a certain number of revolutions. Since the flow element 6 is located in the first position during the sucking-in, a constant, uniform retention force is exerted onto the thread 2, which holds the thread 2 under a uniform tension and, as a result, prevents a lap formation in the sucked-in thread 2. In addition, the thread is deposited, in an orderly manner, in offset loops in the suction chamber 3 of the device 1.

[0078] In order to form the thread loop 29, the drive of the package 21, specifically the winding roller 22 in this case, is stopped and the holder 24 is swiveled downward. The flow element 6 remains in the first position. The thread loop is formed, with the intermediately stored thread ball 16 being opened, in the suction chamber 3 with the package 21 stopped. Since a retention force is still exerted upon the thread 2 by the air flow 4 during the downward swiveling, a constant retention force is also exerted upon the thread 2 during the formation of the thread loop 29, which prevents a lap formation.

[0079] Alternatively to the formation of the thread loop from the intermediately stored thread, which is described in connection with FIG. 4, it is also possible, of course, to form the thread loop in a known way while the thread is unwound from the package. In this case, the entire thread intermediately stored in the device is discharged after the cutting, in that the flow element is moved into the second position and, as a result, the intermediately stored thread is sucked out and discarded with the aid of the air flow.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the represented and described exemplary embodiments. Modifications within the scope of the claims are also possible, as is any combination of the features, even if they are represented and described in different exemplary embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0081] 1 device for drawing in, intermediately storing, and discharging the

[0082] thread

[0083] 2 thread

[0084] 3 suction chamber

[0085] 4 air flow

[0086] 5 depositing surface

[0087] 6 flow element

[0088] 7 end of the thread

[0089] 8 entry opening

[0090] 9 exit opening

[0091] 10 rotational axis

[0092] 11 first stop

[0093] 12 second stop

[0094] 13 thread monitor

[0095] 14 first region

[0096] 15 second region

[0097] 16 thread ball

[0098] 17 spinning element

[0099] 18 delivery roller

[0100] 19 opening

[0101] 20 suction nozzle

[0102] 21 package

[0103] 22 winding roller

[0104] 23 direction of rotation

[0105] 24 holder

[0106] 25 sealing element

[0107] 26 eyelet

[0108] 27 cutting unit

[0109] 28 rear end

[0110] 29 thread loop