YARN SPINNING AND/OR TWISTING MACHINE

Abstract

A yarn spinning and/or twisting machine with multiple balls, comprising a yarn-feeding means (1), a yarn collection means for the yarn (4) with a rotation axis (V), a yarn guide (8) located between the yarn-feeding means (1) and the yarn collection means (4), means for the generation of the diameter of the ball (DB), motorised means linked to the yarn collection means (4), where the internal diameter of the yarn guide (8) is greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) for each type of yarn, and smaller than 1.1 times the diameter of the ball generator (DB). Preferably, the internal diameter of the yarn guide (8) is between 0.01 and 0.9 times the diameter of the ball generator (DB). Preferably, the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine comprises several yarn guides (8, 8, 8), at least one of these with an internal diameter greater than the diameter of the standard yarn guide (8) for each type of yarn and smaller than 1.1 times the diameter of the ball generator (DB).

Claims

1. A yarn spinning and/or twisting machine that operates with multiple balloons, comprising: yarn feeding means (1), yarn picking means (4) for the yarn with an spin axis (V), a yarn guide (8) located between the yarn feeding means (1) and the yarn picking means (4) for the yarn balloon diameter generating means (DB), such as a traveller-ring assembly (5) drive means connected to the yarn picking means (4) for the yarn characterised in that the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) is greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) for each type of yarn and less than 1.1 times the diameter of the balloon diameter generating means (DB).

2. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) is between 0.01 and 0.9 times the diameter of the balloon diameter generating means (DB).

3. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) is at least 3 mm.

4. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises several yarn guides, (8, 8, 8), at least one of them with an inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) for each type of yarn and less than 1.1 times the diameter of the balloon diameter generating means (DB).

5. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means for changing the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) during the spinning and/or twisting process so as to allow the inner diameter of the yarn guide to be, at any moment of the spinning process, greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) for each type of yarn and less than 1.1 times the diameter of the balloon diameter generating means (DB).

6. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises means for knowing the stress of the yarn and/or the position of a traveller and/or the shape of the balloons, and programmable control means changing the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) in real time by means of the means for changing the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) based on the stress of the yarn and/or other parameters of the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine.

7. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a traveller stabiliser element (9) located inside the length of a tube (2) of the yarn picking means (4) and with a diameter greater than the tube (2) and less than 1.1 the diameter (DB).

8. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the machine is a machine with rings and comprises: yarn feeding means (1) with a yarn exit point (Y1) not aligned with the spin axis (V) of the yarn picking means for the yarn (3) balloon generating means (DB) consisting of a traveller-ring assembly (5) that are vertically movable and concentric with the axis (V) means for moving the relative position of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) with a path (T) not aligned with the spin axis (V) during a spinning cycle such that the spinning angle () is less than 60 with respect to the vertical at all times and such that the path of the yarn along (LB) forming at least 2 balloons does not collide with the picking means for the yarn (3) so that the spinning process is stable.

9. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is linear.

10. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is not linear.

11. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) has a first segment which moves the yarn guide (8) onto the spin axis (V) of the yarn picking means for the yarn (3) and a second segment which moves the yarn guide (8) away from the spin axis (V) of the yarn picking means for the yarn (3).

12. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the orientation of the yarn guide (8) is not horizontal.

13. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises means for changing the orientation of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the horizontal position.

14. The yarn spinning and/or twisting machine according to claim 8, characterised in that it comprises means for knowing the position of the traveller-ring assembly (5) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) and/or means for knowing the stress of the yarn, and programmable control means changing the position of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the position of the traveller-ring assembly (5) based on the stress of the yarn and/or position of the traveller-ring assembly (5).

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] To complete the description provided herein, and for the purpose of helping to make the features of the invention more readily understandable, this description is accompanied by drawings constituting an integral part of the same, which by way of illustration and not limitation represents the following:

[0095] FIG. 1A shows a schematic view of the depiction of a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine with the yarn guide located at the lower point of its rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis of the picking means and the traveller-ring assembly located in the minimal initial position.

[0096] FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of the depiction of the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine shown in FIG. 1A, in this case with the yarn guide located at the upper point of its rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis and the ring located in the maximum end position.

[0097] FIG. 2A again shows a schematic view of the depiction of a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine, herein depicted with the yarn guide located at the lower point of its rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis of the picking means and the ring located in the minimal initial position, where in this case, the yarn guide furthermore has an angle of inclination of several degrees with respect to the horizontal.

[0098] FIG. 2B shows a schematic view of the depiction of the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine shown in FIG. 2B, in this case depicted with the yarn guide located at the upper point of its rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis of the picking means and with the ring located in the maximum end position, the yarn guide having an angle of inclination of several degrees with respect to the horizontal.

[0099] FIG. 3A likewise shows a schematic view of the depiction of a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine, in this case, with the yarn guide located at the lower point of its non-rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis of the yarn picking means and the ring located in the minimal initial position.

[0100] FIG. 3B shows a schematic view of the depiction of the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine shown in FIG. 3B but, in this case, with the yarn guide located at the upper point of its non-rectilinear path and not aligned with the spin axis of the yarn picking means and the ring located in the maximum end position.

[0101] FIG. 4 shows an elevational view of another schematic depiction of another example of a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine with more than one balloon, according to the state of the art, where the main parts and elements it comprises, as well as the relative arrangement thereof, can be seen.

[0102] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 4, in this case with a yarn guide with an inner diameter of the yarn guide being greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides and less than 1.1 times the balloon generating diameters which causes vibrations between the yarn feeding means and the yarn guide.

[0103] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view similar to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this case in an example with several yarn guides with an inner diameter of the yarn guide being greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides and less than 1.1 times the balloon generating diameters which cause different vibrating areas between the yarn feeding means and the yarn guide.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 6, in this case in an example with a traveller stabiliser element located inside the spindle of the yarn picking means.

[0105] The number of balloons (B) depicted in the figures within the area (LB) is not limited to two balloons.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0106] In view of the mentioned figures, different embodiments of the invention can be observed in a schematic depiction of a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine, in accordance with the numbering adopted according to the following list of reference numbers: [0107] 1. Yarn feeding means. [0108] 2. Tube. [0109] 3. Fibre structure. [0110] 4. Spindle or yarn picking means. [0111] 5. Traveller-ring assembly. [0112] 6. Ring frame. [0113] 8. Yarn guide. 8 Intermediate yarn guide, 8 upper yarn guide. [0114] 9. Traveller stabiliser element. [0115] 10. Traveller [0116] 12. Yarn [0117] Y1. Yarn exit point of the feeding means. [0118] V. Spin axis of the spindle or yarn picking means and of the balloon diameter generating means. [0119] V. Axis of the yarn guide which is off-centred with respect to axis V [0120] T: Path of the yarn guide between the lower point (X) and the upper point (Y) [0121] X. Lower point of the path of the yarn guide [0122] Y. Upper point of the path of the yarn guide [0123] Z. Point of minimal initial position of the traveller-ring assembly. [0124] W. Point of maximum end position of the traveller-ring assembly. [0125] B. Balloons. [0126] B. Vibrations of the yarn or false balloons [0127] DB. Balloon generating diameter. [0128] DB. Diameter of the traveller stabiliser element (9) [0129] LB. lower balloon generating area, between the yarn guide and the yarn picking means or the balloon diameter generating means. [0130] LC. Upper area between the yarn exit point of the feeding means and the yarn guide. [0131] LA. Area close to the ring between the traveller stabiliser element and the traveller-ring assembly. [0132] LT. Total sum area of the lower area and the upper area, between the yarn exit point of the feeding means and the picking means. [0133] . Angle of inclination of the yarn guide with respect to the horizontal. [0134] . Spinning angle between points (Y1) and (Y) with respect to the vertical

[0135] As seen in FIG. 4 depicting a yarn spinning and/or twisting machine with rings, a fibre structure (3) or roving is fed to a drawing device and drawn as it passes through the drawing device. In this embodiment, the yarn feeding means (1) are considered the drawing device. The fibre structure (3) or roving leaves the yarn feeding means (1) through an exit point (Y1) and is guided by a yarn guide (8) towards the mobile traveller-ring assembly (5) (balloon generating means (DB)), usually incorporated in a ring frame (6). Between the yarn guide (8) and the traveller-ring assembly (5), the fibre structure (3) or roving creates at least two balloons (B), twisting the fibre structure and producing a yarn (12). Finally, after going through the traveller-ring assembly (5), the yarn (12) is wound on the yarn picking means, such as a tube (2) which is coupled on a spinning spindle (4) which spins about a usually vertical axis (V).

[0136] The object of the invention is also applicable to other yarn spinning and/or twisting machines that work with balloon; among others, cabling twisting machines, 21 or TFO double twisting machines, and mills. All the yarn spinning and/or twisting machines that work with balloon comprise balloon generating means (DB) and a yarn guide (8).

[0137] The object of the invention is to use a yarn guide with an inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) and less than 1.1 times the generating diameter (DB), instead of a standard yarn guide, in yarn spinning and/or twisting machines that work with multiple balloons.

[0138] The use of a yarn guide with an inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) and less than 1.1 times the balloon generating diameter (DB) allows creating two areas with different functions.

[0139] A first area or upper area (LC), which is the one located between the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) for the yarn and the yarn guide (8), where vibrations or a false balloon (B) which, by means of continuous collapses, absorbs the differences in stress during spinning, are created, allowing the balloons (B) of the second area to be more stable.

[0140] A second area or lower area (LB), which is the one located between the yarn guide (8) and the balloon diameter generating means (DB), which is where multiple stable balloons (B) are generated.

[0141] The selection of the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) depends on the stress and the stability produced in the system during the time of spinning package formation.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) is between 0.01 and 0.9 times the diameter of the balloon diameter generating means (DB).

[0143] In another preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) is at least of 6 mm and at most 30 mm.

[0144] In an optional embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, instead a single area with false balloons (B), several areas with false balloons (B) are present by means of the placement of several yarn guides, (referred to as the lower yarn guide (8), the intermediate yarn guide (8), and the upper yarn guide (8)), with an inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) being greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) and less than 1.1 times the balloon generating diameter (DB), achieving a more precise regulation of the system with the same purpose, variable or not variable in each yarn guide (8, 8, 8).

[0145] In a preferred embodiment, the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine comprises means for changing the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) during the spinning and/or twisting process so as to allow the inner diameter of the yarn guide to be, at any moment of the spinning process, greater than the diameter of standard yarn guides (8) and less than 1.1 times the balloon diameter generator (DB).

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, as seen in the example of FIG. 7, the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine comprises a traveller stabiliser element (9) located inside the length of the tube (2) of the yarn picking means. To that end, it is necessary for the inner diameter of the traveller stabiliser element (9) to be greater than the diameter of the tube (2) of the picking means and less than the balloon diameter generator (DB) and preferably less than diameter (DB). The traveller stabiliser element (9) can be considered a yarn guide since the diameter (DB) is less than 1.1.

[0147] With the traveller stabiliser element (9) located close to the balloon diameter generating means (DB) an area is generated close to the ring (LA) between the traveller stabiliser element (9) and the traveller (10).

[0148] The traveller stabiliser element (9) has the same capacity of movement with respect to the traveller-ring assembly (5) as described above.

[0149] The inner diameter of the traveller stabiliser element (9) can change during the spinning process.

[0150] In this embodiment, the area (LB) where multiple stable balloons are generated is the one located between the traveller stabiliser element (9) and the yarn guide (8).

[0151] In this case, a false balloon (B) which absorbs the differences in stress during spinning is created in the area close to the ring (LA), allowing the balloons (B) of the upper area (LB), between the traveller stabiliser element (9) and the upper yarn guide (8), to be more stable.

[0152] Another advantage of this embodiment (shown in FIG. 7) is the reduction of the balloon generating diameter (DB) from which the multiple balloon area (LB) is generated. In other words, in this embodiment, the balloon generating diameter is the diameter (DB) of the traveller stabiliser element (9). The reduction of the balloon generating diameter allows generating multiple balloons with an area (LB) having a smaller length.

[0153] Another advantage of this embodiment is the reduction of the balloon generating diameter (DB) from which the multiple balloon area (LB) is generated. In other words, in this embodiment, the balloon generating diameter is the diameter of the traveller stabiliser element (9). The reduction of the balloon generating diameter allows generating multiple balloons with an area (LB) having a smaller length.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, a fibre structure (3) or roving is fed to a drawing device and drawn as it passes through the drawing device. In this embodiment, the yarn feeding means (1) are considered the drawing device. The fibre structure (3) or roving leaves the yarn feeding means (1) through an exit point (Y1) and is guided by a yarn guide (8) towards the mobile traveller-ring assembly (5), usually incorporated in a ring frame (6). Between the yarn guide (8) and the traveller-ring assembly (5), the fibre structure (3) or roving creates at least two balloons (B), twisting the fibre structure and producing a yarn (12). Finally, after going through the traveller-ring assembly (5), the yarn (12) is wound on the yarn picking means, such as a tube (2) which is coupled on a spinning spindle (4) which spins about a usually vertical axis (V).

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine with rings, the yarn guide (8) follows a path (T) between a lower point (X) and an upper point (Y) which does not coincide with the axis (V) of the picking means.

[0156] In order to prevent the path of the yarn along the multiple balloon generating area (LB), between the yarn guide (8) and the yarn picking means, from colliding with the picking means for the yarn (3) and to prevent an excessive increase in the spinning angle ((3), i.e., the yarn exit angle (Y1), with respect to the vertical or spin axis (V) of the picking means, when said yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) is not aligned with said spin axis (V) of the yarn picking means, the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) will never be entirely aligned with the spin axis (V) of the spindle (4) or the yarn picking means.

[0157] Specifically, FIGS. 1A and 1B show, respectively, the two positions of the traveller-ring assembly (5) and of the yarn guide (8), at the start of the spinning cycle (points Z and X, respectively) and at the end of the spinning cycle (points W and Y, respectively), and in this case the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is a straight line inclined with respect to the spin axis (V) of the spindle (4) or the picking means.

[0158] Specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B show, respectively, the two positions of the traveller-ring assembly (5) and of the yarn guide (8), at the start of the spinning cycle (points Z and X, respectively) and at the end of the spinning cycle (points W and Y, respectively), and in this case the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is a straight line inclined with respect to the spin axis (V) of the spindle (4). The difference with the machine depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B is that the machine depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B comprises a yarn guide (8) inclined with an angle (a) of certain degrees with respect to the horizontal position to enable the improved orientation thereof in the position of the upper point (Y), close to the exit point (Y1).

[0159] Furthermore, specifically, FIGS. 3A and 3B show, respectively, the two positions of the traveller-ring assembly (5) and of the yarn guide (8), at the start of the spinning cycle (points Z and X, respectively) and at the end of the spinning cycle (points W and Y, respectively), and in this case the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is not linear. The path (T) of the yarn guide (8) has an inclination with an angle (a) of certain degrees with respect to the horizontal position, and this causes the inclination of the yarn guide (8) at its upper point (Y) and the improved orientation thereof.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment, according to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the initial part of the path (T) of the yarn guide (8) is straight and centred with the axis (V) and allows the yarn guide (8) to be moved up vertically in a sufficient manner so as to prevent the yarn from contacting the yarn picking tube (2) before starting to decentre the yarn guide (8) with respect to the axis (V) by means of the final part of the curved path (T).

[0161] The path (T) depicted in the figures must be drawn on the yarn guide (8) and not at the opposite end of the actuator comprising the yarn guide. It has been decided to draw the path at this point so as not to make it harder to understand the figures. Accordingly, in the case where the angle (a) is changed during the spinning process, the path (T) may not coincide with that depicted in the figures.

[0162] Optionally, the orientation of the yarn guide (8) is not horizontal.

[0163] Optionally, the yarn spinning and/or twisting machine comprises means for changing the orientation of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the horizontal position.

[0164] Preferably, in one embodiment, as the yarn guide (8) moves along the path (T) from the lower point (X) to the upper point (Y), said yarn guide (8) is inclined with respect to the horizontal line with an angle () which is within a range of between 45 and +45.

[0165] The way for obtaining non-linear movement paths is not specified in this application, since devices moving parts of a machine following said paths are well known in the state of the art.

[0166] This stress of the yarn, the position of the traveller, or the shape of the balloons can be changed during the spinning and/or twisting process in three ways: [0167] a) Changing the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) [0168] b) Changing the diameter of the yarn guide (8) [0169] c) Using the combination of ways a) and b)

[0170] By changing one variable, the other variable, or all two variables at the same time, the stress of the yarn in the system is changed by increasing or decreasing it, causing the changes in the state or transition between balloons to be eliminated.

[0171] By means of this technique, the balloon state change transition time can also be minimised by changing the stress of the system, such that the balloon change occurs immediately due the high stress that is supplied.

[0172] Therefore, as mentioned above, the yarn passing through the traveller is caused to always have an angle greater than 90 with respect to the base of the ring, with the traveller working in a stable position, rubbing against the ring in the common contact area.

[0173] Premature wear of the traveller and breakages of yarn are thereby reduced.

[0174] This new way of changing and adjusting the balloons can be performed in three ways: [0175] In real time [0176] By means of a prior test [0177] By setting the previously obtained parameters for a specific spinning [0178] The way to perform a change in real time consists of capturing the yarn stress parameters and/or the position of the traveller, and/or the shape of the balloons obtained by means of a sensor for that purpose using any system or optical means, electrical means, electronic means, mechanical means, load cell, etc., which provides a digital signal, analogue signal, mechanical signal, or signal of any type that can be processed and using mechanisms of any type, PLC, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electric, electronic, magnetic, etc., and changing, in real time, the position of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) and/or changing the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) such that the stress which has been changed keeps the shape of the balloons constant.

[0179] One of the ways to change the position of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) is by means of gear motor, PLC screen, and specific software which transforms the signal into movement.

[0180] In this manner, the stress is changed in real time when the occurrence of interferences or changes in the state of the balloons is detected, thereby preventing the traveller from sustaining premature wears.

[0181] The system can also be used to perform balloon state shifts in a very quick manner without the traveller being affected by the interferences for a prolonged time, which causes premature wear of the traveller.

[0182] By means of a prior test, what the position of the yarn guide (8) should be with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) and/or what the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) should be can be determined based on the position of the traveller-ring assembly (5). This learning can be programmed in programmable control means (not depicted) so that, during the spinning cycle, the position of the yarn guide (8) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1) can be kept constant, increased, or reduced, as appropriate, and/or the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) can be changed based on the position of the traveller-ring assembly (5) with respect to the yarn exit point (Y1) of the yarn feeding means (1).

[0183] Among other systems, these adjustments can be made by means of an electromechanical movement operated through software and a PLC, and a stress sensor, or optical sensor, etc., which provides the parameters in each position.

[0184] This system allows adjusting the distance and/or the inner diameter of the yarn guide for each variable affecting the stress and the shape of the balloon such as, the titre, the twisting, the material (100% cotton, PES. PA, mixtures . . . ), the spinning process (combing, carding, etc.), the diameter of the ring, the height of the tube, the model of the machine, the brand of the machine, the compact system, and a large number of variables.

[0185] In the case that the exact parameters of the spinning are known and according to a specific traveller-ring diameter, both the lower area (LB) and the upper area (LC) can be established and set, and the inner diameter of the yarn guide (8) can be pre-established.

[0186] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the ways of implementing it, it is not considered necessary to expand its explanation for any person skilled in the state of the art to understand its scope and the advantages which derive from it.