Improved joining head suitable for a device for joining a textile and a yarn by means of a pressurized fluid, and device for joining a textile and a yarn by means of a

Abstract

A joining head (10) adapted for use in a device (100) for joining textile threads and yarns by means of a pressurized fluid, the joining head comprising: a body (11) in which a longitudinally extending splice chamber (12) is formed, the splice chamber (12) being open at opposite ends (12a, 12b) and provided with a longitudinal slot (13) at the top; at least one nozzle (15a, 15b) for introducing a pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber (12); at least one fluid outlet opening (18) formed in the body (11) and extending transversely to a longitudinal median plane (PL) of the joining chamber (12); at least one fluid outlet opening (18) which extends transversely to the longitudinal median plane (PL) of the splicing chamber (12), the outlet opening (18) being asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal median plane (PL) and freely leading to the outside of the splicing chamber (12) at a single wall thereof, and at least one fluid outlet opening (18) which extends transversely to the longitudinal median plane (PL) of the splicing chamber (12). The pressurized fluid extraction opening (18) comprises a through opening formed in only one of the two walls (19, 20) laterally delimiting the splicing chamber (12), and the through opening has opposite ends respectively free to open into the interior and the exterior of the splicing chamber (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved splicing head suitable for use in a device for splicing textile threads and yarns by means of pressurized fluid, and to a device including such a splicing head for splicing textile threads and yarns by means of pressurized fluid. Background Technology

[0002] Devices for pneumatically joining textile threads and yarns have been known for some time. These devices include a joining chamber with a longitudinal slot at its top for introducing the threads to be joined, and a pressurized fluid jet introduced into the joining chamber to facilitate knotless joining of the threads or yarns. The pressurized fluid generally consists of pressurized air at ambient temperature or heated, or pressurized air mixed with a desired dose of water. Such joining chambers are typically designed and manufactured with a geometry symmetrical with respect to the direction of extension of the textile threads to be joined, or more precisely, a geometry symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal midplane.

[0003] Initially, the thread, which originates from the opposite side of the splicing chamber, is introduced into it through a longitudinal slot and its ends are held outside the splicing chamber by a specific locking device, is subjected to the direct action of at least one jet of compressed air within the splicing chamber. The compressed air jet is usually introduced into the center of the splicing chamber so as to cause the fibers to mix and interweave through the action of strong turbulence.

[0004] In order to improve fiber interlacing and blending by removing the original twist of the yarn, a solution was developed to generate opposing air vortices in the splicing chamber. The opposing air vortex operation causes the ends of the yarn to untwist for splicing.

[0005] Further developments include preliminary steps of pre-treating the ends of the threads to be joined before the actual thread joining operation, such as untwisting and unwinding the threads and making the fibers at the ends parallel.

[0006] Therefore, a pneumatic splicing device was developed, whose splicing chamber is adapted to retwist rather than untwist the yarn during the splicing operation by means of an air vortex operating in the same direction as the original twist of the yarn to be spliced.

[0007] However, when using this final splicing chamber, it has been found that the two opposing air vortices generated by the nozzle and directed at very close positions to the splicing chamber may have a negative impact on each other.

[0008] Such a problem was initially solved by a solution described, for example, in IT1177159 (DE3540324), in which the splicing chamber is divided into two longitudinal sections by a central transverse slit for air extraction; corresponding compressed air, which generates corresponding air vortices, is introduced into nozzles leading to each of the two sections of the splicing chamber thus divided.

[0009] This central transverse slit also allows for a reduction in the amount of air leaving through the relatively open ends of the splicing chamber, which, if excessive, can damage the yarn fibers, especially those with soft twist or very short fibers.

[0010] As described, for example, in IT1239341 (US5152131), further developments include inserting a separator plate into this central transverse slit. This separator plate allows for improved separation between the two longitudinal sections of the splicing chamber, keeping the air vortices generated therein physically separated from each other, preventing mutual interference and stabilizing the position of the yarns during splicing. However, while the latter solution yields good results, it exhibits significant limitations in the range of workable yarns or threads and is difficult to manufacture due to its construction complexity.

[0011] As described, for example, in patent IT102013902130113, a further development includes separating the two air vortices by means of an additional compressed air jet introduced into the splicing chamber at an intermediate location.

[0012] However, in the same situation, different connectors are required depending on the type of thread or yarn, which not only increases the complexity of design and manufacturing but also increases the risk of failure. In fact, different connectors must be interchangeable, which increases the likelihood that the end user may use a connector that is unsuitable for the type of thread or yarn being processed, resulting in a poor-quality joint.

[0013] Furthermore, it has been observed that even when using the same connector and the same thread or yarn, the quality of the joint can vary over time in terms of both appearance and mechanical properties.

[0014] Further developments include adding a calibrated dose of water to the compressed air to perform splicing in conjunction with compressed air and atomized water, thereby improving the visual appearance and strength characteristics of the yarn splice. Examples of such splicing devices are known from IT1316370B1, IT1403666, IT1223431, US4852339, ITMI20100198U1, and ITMI20090370U1. Negative impacts of using atomized water in compressed air jets include the need for frequent cleaning of the splice head; wet yarn fibers ejected from the transverse cracks of the splicing chamber tend to deposit on the splice head and, if not removed frequently, dry and adhere to it, forming a crust.

[0015] Specifically, damp yarn fibers mainly accumulate in four areas of the splicing device: near the longitudinal slots of the splicing chamber, at the axially opposite open ends of the splicing chamber, and near the central transverse crack of the transversely cut splicing chamber. Figure 17 and Figure 18 A known type of joint 200 is shown, wherein the splicing chamber 201 is provided with a central transverse slit 202 which is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane PL' of the splicing chamber 201 itself, and the central transverse slit 202 interrupts the continuity of the longitudinal slot 203 at the top of the splicing chamber 201. Figure 18 The engagement head 200, mounted on the body 300 of the engagement device, is shown in cross-section, depicted only partially. In such a... Figure 18 In the image, seat 301 can be seen, containing some components of the moving mechanism (not shown) of the receiving chamber cover 302 (shown schematically only). During use, fibers accumulate near the longitudinal slot 203, at the axially opposite open ends 201a, 201b of the splicing chamber 201, and near the central transverse crack of the transversely cut splicing chamber, particularly at their opposite ends, such as... Figure 18 The arrow F in the diagram indicates this.

[0016] The most problematic and troublesome buildup of damp fibers occurs near the central transverse crack 202, particularly at its side exits (arrow F), and even more so at the side exits of the motion mechanism facing the chamber cover 302 or the cover. In fact, if the joining devices are not cleaned regularly, this buildup can dry and form a crust, preventing the proper operation of the motion mechanism and damaging it. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced when the yarn to be joined is at least partially composed of cellulose, which is known to form a sticky glue when exposed to moisture. For example, cotton contains 90%–95% cellulose, while Tencel™ fiber (i.e., fiber derived from wood processing) contains 40%–45% cellulose.

[0017] A joining device is known from JP2013193883A, wherein the joining chamber has at least three transverse air venting slits formed in the two walls defining the joining chamber.

[0018] A splicing device is known from DE102016121093, wherein the splicing chamber is substantially dome-shaped, and a cover is rotatably mounted on the splicing chamber. The cover is provided with a longitudinal slot designed to overlap with a longitudinal slot of the splicing chamber to allow for the insertion and extraction of wires, and the longitudinal slot intersects with a transverse air outlet slit. Summary of the Invention

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved connector that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0020] In this overall objective, another objective is to provide a joint that allows control over the formation of material (fiber) buildup outside the splicing chamber, limits buildup in locations that could negatively impact the operation of the splicing equipment, and facilitates the removal of such buildup.

[0021] Another objective is to provide a joint that allows for the proper operation and structure of the motion mechanism of the movable parts of the engagement device (e.g., the motion mechanism of the chamber cover).

[0022] Another objective is to manufacture a joint that is simple in structure and construction, and allows for the promotion of fiber mixing and improvement of the visual quality, mechanical strength, and repeatability of the resulting joints.

[0023] Another objective is to manufacture a splice that allows for the splicing of a wide range of threads and yarns, thereby reducing the variety of splices required for the same number of threads and yarns to be processed.

[0024] These objectives are achieved by manufacturing the improved joint as described in claim 1.

[0025] Additional features are provided in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features and advantages of the improved joint according to the invention will become more apparent from the exemplary and non-limiting description following with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of a possible joint head for joining yarns and threads having Z-twist, according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top plan view of the joint;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side elevation view of the joint;

[0030] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A sectional view taken from plane IV-IV;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Bottom plan view of the joint;

[0032] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view taken from plane VI-VI;

[0033] Figure 7 This is an isometric view showing a possible engagement device equipped with an engagement head according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view;

[0035] Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are respectively an isometric view and a top plan view of a first possible alternative embodiment of the joint according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A second possible alternative embodiment of the joint according to the invention is shown in isometric view, top plan view and sectional view, respectively;

[0037] Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 A third possible alternative embodiment of the joint according to the invention is shown in isometric view, top view and sectional view respectively;

[0038] Figure 17 and 18 These are, respectively, an isometric view of a joint according to the prior art and a cross-sectional view of such a joint mounted on the body of a jointing device according to the prior art. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a splicing joint for textile threads and yarns using pressurized fluid is shown, generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0040] Pressurized fluid is intended to refer to pressurized air at room temperature or heated, or pressurized air mixed with a desired dose of liquid (usually water).

[0041] The joint 10 includes a body 11 in which a longitudinally extending splicing chamber 12 is formed. The splicing chamber 12 is open at axially opposite ends 12a and 12b and has a longitudinal slot 13 at the top for introducing the thread or yarn to be joined through the longitudinal slot.

[0042] In the embodiment depicted in the accompanying drawings, the splicing chamber 12 has a circular cross-section that is interrupted at the top by a longitudinal slot 13 and is advantageously, but not necessarily, constant along its entire length, except where transverse cracks or gaps may exist, as further described below.

[0043] However, alternative embodiments in which the splicing chamber 12 may have a cross-section with a different shape are not excluded, such as, for example, generally “U” or “V” shaped.

[0044] The opposite ends 12a and 12b of the splicing chamber 12 are advantageously flared outward.

[0045] Furthermore, the splicing chamber 12 has, in at least a portion of its longitudinal extension, a longitudinal intermediate plane indicated by reference numeral PL and a transverse intermediate plane indicated by reference numeral PT.

[0046] The splicing chamber 12 is laterally defined by two walls 19, 20, each wall 19, 20 extending between its opposite ends 12a, 12b and terminating at the top of the longitudinal slot 13.

[0047] Each of the two walls 19, 20 has at least partially defining an inner surface of the splicing chamber 12 and an outer surface facing outward from the splicing chamber 12.

[0048] It is stipulated that the longitudinal intermediate plane PL and the transverse intermediate plane PT are not necessarily symmetrical planes; in particular, the longitudinal intermediate plane PL is not a symmetrical plane of the main body 11 or the splicing chamber 12, while the transverse intermediate plane PT can be a symmetrical plane of the main body 11 or the splicing chamber 12.

[0049] The longitudinal intermediate plane PL and the transverse intermediate plane PT are orthogonal to each other and intersect along the line of intersection indicated by the reference numeral LI.

[0050] Advantageously, the longitudinal intermediate plane PL and the transverse intermediate plane PT are perpendicular to each other, and the four quadrants are marked in the volume within the splicing chamber 12.

[0051] The longitudinal intermediate plane PL is advantageously orthogonal to the plane containing the longitudinal slot 13.

[0052] In a possible embodiment, the longitudinal slot 13 is laterally defined by two lips 14a, 14b of the body 11. The upper surfaces of the two lips 14a, 14b, i.e., their outward-facing surfaces, are flat and define a support plane for a possible cover used to temporarily close the spliced ​​chamber 12, which will be described later and generally referred to as a “chamber cover”.

[0053] The joint 10 also includes at least one pressurized fluid flow inlet nozzle, which is formed in the body 11 and leads to the splicing chamber 12.

[0054] Preferably, such nozzles are defined by corresponding pipes 15, 16 for introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12.

[0055] At least one inlet conduit 15, 16 consists of preferably cylindrical holes formed in the body 11 and open at opposite ends, wherein the first ends 15a, 16a open at the splicing chamber 12, thereby forming a corresponding pressurized fluid flow inlet nozzle therein, and the second ends 15b, 16b open at a seat 17 formed in the body 11 or at its base, thereby forming a pressurized fluid flow inlet.

[0056] Advantageously, the cylindrical holes forming at least one inlet pipe 15, 16 have a circular shape in a cross-section taken along a plane orthogonal to its longitudinal axis, preferably constant along its entire length.

[0057] The nozzles formed by the first ends 15a and 16a of the inlet pipes 15 and 16 are defined by the intersecting curve between the cylindrical holes forming the inlet pipes 15 and 16 and the splicing chamber 12 or its sidewall.

[0058] The joint 10 also includes at least one pressurized fluid outlet 18 formed in the body 11, which communicates the volume inside the splicing chamber 12 with the environment outside the splicing chamber and extends laterally to the longitudinal mid-plane PL.

[0059] According to the present invention, the lead-out opening 18 is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane PL.

[0060] In other words, the lead-out opening 18 is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane PL.

[0061] The leading-out opening 18 includes a through opening formed in only one of the two walls 19, 20 (wall 19 in the figure) that laterally define the body 11 of the splicing chamber 12, wherein the through opening has opposing ends that freely open into the splicing chamber 12 and into the exterior of the splicing chamber 12, respectively. A through opening is an opening that extends through the entire thickness of the wall (wall 19) through which the opening is formed.

[0062] exist Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 11 to 13 In the depicted embodiment, the through opening forming the outlet opening 18 consists of at least one crack made in the wall 19 transverse to the longitudinal mid-plane PL, preferably at the transverse mid-plane PT. This crack interrupts the continuity of the longitudinal slot 13; therefore, in this case, the outlet opening 18 is also open at the top.

[0063] In the appendix Figures 1 to 10 and Figures 11 to 13 In the embodiment shown, the outlet opening 18 is also open at the lips 14a, 14b.

[0064] exist Figures 14 to 16In the possible alternative embodiments shown, the through opening forming the lead-out opening 18 consists of at least one through hole that is transverse to the longitudinal mid-plane PL and is formed in only one of the two walls 19, 20, in the illustrated embodiment only in wall 19.

[0065] Generally, the outlet opening 18 is formed to extend through the entire thickness of only one of the two walls 19, 20, but not through the other of the two walls 19, 20, which laterally define the splicing chamber 12, forming the flanks of the splicing chamber 12. An opening, namely a blind bottom opening 21 described further below, may exist in the wall 19, 20 (wall 20 in the figure) opposite the wall in which the outlet opening 18 is formed, which may also constitute an extension of the outlet opening 18; however, this additional opening never extends through the entire thickness of the wall 19, 20 (wall 20 in the figure) in which it is formed, and always closes at the bottom, specifically being blind.

[0066] Outlet 18 is formed in only one of the two walls 19, 20 that define the splicing chamber 12, while the other wall of the two walls 19, 20 has a “solid thickness”, which means that such another wall 19, 20 does not have a through opening through its entire thickness in a direction located in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL (in particular, a plane parallel to the plane containing the longitudinal slot 13) in order to form a corresponding outlet opening for introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12.

[0067] It should be noted that the inlet pipes 15, 16 or the orifices defining them for introducing pressurized fluid (compressed air) into the splicing chamber 12, even if they are also formed on another sidewall 19, 20, do not form outlet openings. Instead, the nozzles for introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12 are formed. The outlet opening 18 is formed in only one of the two walls 19, 20 that define the splicing chamber 12, and not in the other of the two walls 19, 20.

[0068] Advantageously, the opening 18 is formed at the transverse intermediate plane PT.

[0069] Advantageously, there is a single and only one lead-out opening 18.

[0070] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment, the body 11 further includes a blind bottom opening 21 formed in a wall of the splicing chamber 12, the blind bottom opening 21 having an end freely opening into one end of the splicing chamber 12 and an opposite end closing to form a blind bottom 21a.

[0071] The blind bottom 21a extends parallel to or laterally to the longitudinal mid-plane PL, forming an angle different from a right angle with it.

[0072] The blind bottom 21a is an obstacle that allows the pressurized fluid introduced into the splicing chamber 12 to freely extend toward the external environment.

[0073] The blind bottom 21a is a barrier that, in particular, allows pressurized fluid introduced laterally into the splicing chamber 12 to be freely drawn toward the external environment from the side (wing or sidewall) opposite to the side that is freely open to the outside from the outlet opening 18.

[0074] Preferably, the blind bottom opening 21 is formed in one of the two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12.

[0075] Preferably, the blind bottom opening 21 is formed in the walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12 and is opposite to the wall in which the outgoing opening 18 is formed.

[0076] In any case, the blind bottom opening 21, even when formed as an extension of the lead-out opening 18, never penetrates the entire thickness of the walls 19, 20 (wall 20 in the figure) in which the blind bottom opening 21 is formed, and is always closed at the bottom 21a, specifically blind.

[0077] Preferably, the blind bottom opening 21 extends laterally to the longitudinal mid-plane PL.

[0078] Advantageously, the blind bottom opening 21 is formed at the transverse intermediate plane PT.

[0079] In one possible embodiment, the blind bottom opening 21 consists of at least one gap formed in one of the two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12 and extends transversely to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL, advantageously at the transverse intermediate plane PT. In possible embodiments ( Figures 1 to 10 This gap disrupts the continuity of the longitudinal slot 13; that is, the blind bottom opening 21 also opens at the top, particularly at the lips 14a, 14b. In an alternative embodiment not depicted, the gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 may close at the top (i.e., at the lips 14a, 14b). Furthermore, as from... Figures 1 to 8 and Figures 9 to 10 The comparison is obvious, and the length and depth extension of the gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 can vary depending on the circumstances.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the blind bottom opening 21 consists of at least one blind hole formed in one of the two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12, transverse to the longitudinal median plane PL. Advantageously, the blind hole forming the blind bottom opening 21 is formed at the transverse median plane PT. Advantageously, the blind hole forming the blind bottom opening 21 is an interrupted hole starting from the top of the body 11.

[0081] Preferably, when the body 11 has both an outlet opening 18 and a blind bottom opening 21, they are formed in the walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12 and are opposite to each other relative to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL.

[0082] In this case, advantageously, the leading-out opening 18 and the blind bottom opening 21 are arranged facing each other, one aligned with the other in front.

[0083] In other words, the lead-out opening 18 and the blind bottom opening 21 are arranged facing each other, with one forming an extension of the other. Therefore, in general, when the lead-out opening 18 and the blind bottom opening 21 are arranged aligned and facing each other, they together form a transverse opening in the splicing chamber 12 that is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL. The two ends opposite to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL are actually open (the end formed by the lead-out opening 18) and closed (the end formed by the blind bottom 21a of the blind bottom opening 21).

[0084] In any case, even if the individual lead-out opening 18 is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane PL, such as Figures 11 to 16 As clearly shown in the text.

[0085] Reference Appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the lead-out opening 18 consists of a through opening formed in the form of a crack in one of the two walls 19, 20 (wall 19 in the figure) that laterally define the splicing chamber 12, extending transversely to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL at the transverse intermediate plane PT; it is open at the plane containing the longitudinal slot 13 and on the opposite side, and in cross-section, it has a maximum height or depth from the plane containing the longitudinal slot 13 toward the bottom of the splicing chamber 12, preferably equal to the height of the splicing chamber 12 itself.

[0086] The transverse crack forming the outlet opening 18 has a bottom wall 180 that is substantially tangent to the bottom of the splicing chamber 12 and has a rectangular shape.

[0087] Corresponding walls 181 extend from the edge of the bottom wall 180, which is parallel to the transverse intermediate plane PT, and these walls 181 are parallel to the transverse intermediate plane PT and face each other. Each wall 181 joins an upwardly extending open surface 182 at the lips 14a, 14b.

[0088] The blind bottom opening 21 is formed by a gap created in the other of the two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12 (wall 20 in the figure), and extends transversely to the longitudinal median plane PL and at the transverse median plane PT. Preferably, as shown in the figure, the depth of the crack forming the lead-out opening 18 is greater than the depth of the gap forming the blind bottom opening 21.

[0089] Depth is measured parallel to the direction defined by the intersection line LI.

[0090] As can be noted, the gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 never penetrates the entire thickness of the wall 20 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal midplane PL, and its end opposite to the end that freely leads to the splicing chamber 12 is always closed to form the blind bottom 21a.

[0091] In the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 10 In the embodiment depicted, the lateral gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 only affects the portion of the wall 20 that forms the corresponding lip 14b; therefore, such a gap is open along all sides except at the blind bottom 21a.

[0092] Therefore, with the exception of any possible exceptions at the slot 13 or the lip 14b that defines it, the outer surface of the wall 20 is continuous, that is, it extends seamlessly without any openings there.

[0093] The leading-out opening 18 and the blind bottom opening 21 are aligned and arranged to face each other.

[0094] In the appendix Figure 1 To be continued Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the transverse gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 is aligned with and faces the transverse crack forming the through opening 18, and both have the same width, one being an extension of the other.

[0095] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 1 to 8 The difference in the embodiment shown is that the gap forming the blind bottom opening 21 extends along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL.

[0096] Figures 11 to 13 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 1 to 10 The difference in the embodiment is that there is no blind bottom opening 21.

[0097] Figures 14 to 16 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 1 to 10 The difference in the embodiment is that there is no blind bottom opening 21 and the lead-out opening 18 is made as a through hole instead of a slit. Figures 11 to 16 In the illustrated embodiment, a through opening 18 is formed in only one of the two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12, the other of which has a “solid” thickness and advantageously has a substantially constant thickness along the longitudinal extension of the splicing chamber 12 between its two axially opposite ends 12a, 12b.

[0098] In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, advantageously, there is a single and only one outlet opening 18 formed in only one of the two sidewalls 19, 20. Preferably, this single and only outlet opening 18 is formed at the transverse intermediate plane PT.

[0099] Preferably, the joint 10 includes at least one first inlet conduit 15 and at least one second inlet conduit 16 for introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12. The first inlet conduit 15 and at least one second inlet conduit 16 extend from opposite sides relative to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL into the splicing chamber 12, are offset from each other relative to the longitudinal extension of the splicing chamber 12, and are arranged to generate corresponding air vortices with opposite directions of rotation within the splicing chamber 12. The air vortices operate to retwist the yarn or thread in a direction matching the original twist (“Z” or “S”) of the yarn or thread.

[0100] Advantageously, at least one first inlet pipe 15 and at least one second inlet pipe 16 are equal to and opposite to each other.

[0101] Advantageously, the outlet opening 18 is located between at least one first inlet pipe 15 and at least one second inlet pipe 16.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, there is a pair of first inlet pipes 15 positioned side by side and a pair of second inlet pipes 16 positioned side by side.

[0103] Preferably, at least one first nozzle 15a and at least one second nozzle 16a are also arranged on opposite sides relative to the transverse intermediate plane PT, and are therefore located in two quadrants with opposite diameters.

[0104] The longitudinal axes of the first inlet pipe 15 and the second inlet pipe 16 are inclined relative to the longitudinal intermediate plane PL, forming a non-zero angle with it, and converge toward the plane containing the longitudinal slot 13.

[0105] Preferably, the joint 10 further includes a device 22 for blowing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12, for dividing the volume inside the splicing chamber 12 into two longitudinal portions, each including at least one first nozzle and associated air vortex formed by the first end 15a of the first inlet pipe 15, and at least one second nozzle and associated air vortex formed by the first end 16a of the second inlet pipe 16.

[0106] The blowing device 22 is located at the transverse mid-plane PT.

[0107] The blowing device 22 includes at least one third pressurized air inlet nozzle 22a that leads to the splicing chamber 12.

[0108] At least one third nozzle 22a is defined by a first open end of a corresponding at least one third hole that passes through the body 11 and opens at opposite ends 22a, 22b. The first end of the opposite ends 22a, 22b defines a corresponding at least one third nozzle 22a leading to the bottom of the splicing chamber 12, and the second end 22b leads to the seat 17.

[0109] The third nozzle 22a is specifically defined at the intersection line LI between the transverse intermediate plane PT and the longitudinal intermediate plane PL, and advantageously has a longitudinal axis parallel to this intersection line LI.

[0110] The third nozzle 22a is located at the center of the bottom of the splicing chamber 12.

[0111] As is evident from the accompanying drawings, the diameter of the third nozzle 22a is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical hole forming at least one first inlet conduit 15 and the diameter of the cylindrical hole forming at least one second inlet conduit 16, which are advantageously equal.

[0112] The third nozzle 22a (i.e., the blowing device 22) introduces a flow of compressed air into the splicing chamber 12, thereby physically separating the volume within the splicing chamber 12 into two longitudinal portions, in which compressed air vortices are generated by at least one first nozzle 15a and at least one second nozzle 16a, respectively, the compressed air vortices operating to retwist the fibers of the thread or yarn in the same original twist direction.

[0113] Advantageously, the joint 10 is mounted on the jointing device 100 such that the lead-out opening 18 is freely accessible to the outside of the splicing chamber 12 on the side opposite to the side of the movement mechanism facing the closing cover (chamber cover).

[0114] The asymmetry of the outlet opening 18, or the asymmetry of the lateral opening defined by both when a blind bottom opening 21 is also provided and aligned with and facing the outlet opening 18, has the advantage of dual experimental verification.

[0115] The pressurized fluid introduced into the splicing chamber 12 exits through the opposing open ends 12a, 12b of the splicing chamber and through the outlet opening 18 (during the joining step of introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12, the longitudinal slot 13 is substantially closed by the chamber cover). This is achieved by arranging the joining head 10 such that the outlet opening 18 is on the side facing the moving mechanism of the chamber cover ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 The wall 19 is freely open to the outside on the opposite side, i.e., the side opposite to the side facing the movement mechanism of the chamber cover, preventing the formation of material build-up at the movement mechanism of the chamber cover, thereby facilitating the cleaning of fibrous residues carried by the pressurized fluid flow leaving the splicing chamber 12 from the joining device 100. This is particularly advantageous when the pressurized fluid consists of compressed air in which water is atomized.

[0116] In fact, this fiber residue mainly accumulates in front of the splicing chamber 12 and on only one side of the joint head 10 (the side opposite to the side facing the moving mechanism of the chamber cover), that is, in a more accessible location, thus facilitating cleaning of the joint head.

[0117] Another advantage comes from providing a blind bottom opening 21, which, regardless of whether it consists of a gap in the variable extension or a blind hole in the variable extension, always closes at the bottom (i.e., never penetrates the entire thickness of the wall that forms it). It has been experimentally verified that this blind bottom opening 21, which in any case makes the splicing chamber 12 asymmetrical relative to the longitudinal midplane PL, improves fiber mixing. In fact, during splicing, a primary pressurized fluid flow is generated, exiting through the outlet opening 18 and causing fiber interlacing. Additionally, a small portion of the pressurized fluid penetrates the blind bottom opening 21 (which, when made as a gap, is substantially closed at the top by the chamber cover during the splicing step by introducing pressurized fluid into the splicing chamber 12) and, finding no outlet, returns towards the center of the splicing chamber 12, generating a second flow that performs a second interlacing effect on the fibers, thereby improving the density and mechanical strength of the splice.

[0118] Then, the main body 11 includes a base 23 for attachment to the engagement device 100, which supports or integrates the main body; the main body 11 can be brought onto and fixed to the engagement device 100 or integrally formed with the engagement device 100.

[0119] The base 23 includes a slit for centering and / or securing to the engagement device 100, and a threaded hole into which a tool engages for removing the engagement head 10 from the engagement device 100.

[0120] The seat 17 is formed in the body 11 or in the base 23 on the side opposite to the longitudinal slot 13, and is configured to airtightly house a compressed air distribution fitting that mates with at least one inlet pipe 15, 16 and a possible third hole forming a third nozzle 22a.

[0121] The main body 11 has two substantially flat end faces 11A, 11B, and the splicing chamber 12 or two walls 19, 20 that laterally define the splicing chamber 12 extend longitudinally between these two end faces.

[0122] Such walls 19, 20 terminate at the top at lips 14a, 14b that define the longitudinal slot 13.

[0123] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A coupling head 10 is shown applied to device 100, which is used to join textile threads and yarns by means of compressed air.

[0124] Device 100 is of a type known to those skilled in the art, and only some parts related to understanding the invention are shown and described in general terms.

[0125] The device 100 includes a support and housing body 101, as described above, with a joint 10 fixed to the top of the support and housing body 101.

[0126] The supporting and accommodating body 101 supports and accommodates multiple components, which are designed to clamp, cut, pneumatically prepare, and extract the ends of the wires or yarns to be joined into the splicing chamber 12.

[0127] In short, near each of the two opposite ends 12a, 12b of the splicing chamber 12, there are: a guide element for the corresponding end of the thread or yarn to be joined; a preparer device 24 for pneumatically pre-treating the end of the thread or yarn to be joined; an extraction rod 25 for pulling out the pre-treated end of the thread or yarn through the corresponding preparer device 24 and entering the splicing chamber 12; a locking device 26 having a fixing component and a locking component for locking the end of the thread or yarn introduced into the splicing chamber 12; a device 27 for cutting the end of the thread or yarn leaving through the opposite ends 12a, 12b of the splicing chamber 12; and a reference and guide plate for the end of the thread or yarn.

[0128] Then, a compressed air supply conduit 28 is formed in the supporting and housing body 101, which terminates in a fitting inserted into a seat 17 formed in the body 11 or its base 23, and the second ends 15b, 16b and 22b of at least one first inlet conduit 15, at least one second inlet conduit 16 and at least one third hole lead to the compressed air supply conduit 28.

[0129] Another compressed air supply duct to the preparation equipment 24 is further defined in the support and housing body 101.

[0130] There are also one or more valves 29 that supply compressed air to the splicing chamber 12 and the preparation equipment 24 through corresponding supply pipes.

[0131] Depending on the type of wires to be joined, a metering and supply valve 30 may also be provided for adding water to the compressed air flow supplied to the splicing chamber 12.

[0132] The device 100 also includes a cover or chamber cover 31 for temporarily closing the longitudinal slot 13 of the splicing chamber 12.

[0133] The cover 31 can move between the open and closed positions of the longitudinal slot 13 by means of the motion mechanism 32.

[0134] Then there are components and parts (valves) for controlling and commanding the device 100.

[0135] As shown in the figure, the joint 10 is mounted on the support and receiving body 101, such that the outlet opening 18 is freely accessible to the outside of the splicing chamber 12 on the side opposite to the side of the motion mechanism 32 facing the chamber cover 31.

[0136] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the operation of the device 100 according to the present invention will now be briefly described.

[0137] Two ends of the wires to be joined, from opposite directions relative to the splicing chamber 12, are inserted into the splicing chamber through a longitudinal slot 13, such that the free end of each of them protrudes from a corresponding one of the two opposite ends 12a and 12b.

[0138] Then, the two ends of the wires are secured by locking device 26, and their protruding ends from the longitudinal chamber 12 are cut by cutting device 27 and introduced into preparation device 24, into which a jet of compressed air (possibly mixed with water) is introduced to prepare the ends to be joined by untwisting, spreading out the respective fibers and making the respective fibers parallel.

[0139] The prepared end is then retracted back into the splicing chamber 12 by the action of the pull-out rod 28.

[0140] After the chamber cover 31 moves to the closed position of the longitudinal slot 13, compressed air, which may be mixed with water, is supplied to the splicing chamber 12 to join the ends of the line.

[0141] The compressed air introduced into the splicing chamber 12 is led out to the outside not only through the opposite ends 12a and 12b of the splicing chamber 12, but also through the lead-out opening 18.

[0142] With the blind bottom opening 21 also provided, compressed air introduced into the splicing chamber 12 cannot find an outlet to the external environment, generating a return flow into the splicing chamber 12, which has been observed in experiments to improve the mechanical strength of the joint.

[0143] After the joining is completed, the chamber cover 31 returns to the open position, and the joining line is extracted from the spliced ​​chamber 12.

[0144] The advantage of the splice of the present invention is that it enables high-quality and repeatable splicing on a wide range of yarns or threads over time, thereby reducing the risk of incorrect use and failure due to the use of splices that are unsuitable for the type of yarn or thread being processed. The splice according to the present invention can be used to splice a wide range of yarns or threads, even those that differ significantly in properties, count, twist, and other characteristics.

[0145] The joint head according to the invention allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of the joint device by concentrating the accumulation of fiber residue in an area that is more accessible to the joint device and spaced apart from the movement mechanism, particularly the movement mechanism of the chamber cover.

[0146] Therefore, the contemplated joint for joining textile threads and yarns by means of compressed air, and the device for joining textile threads and yarns by means of compressed air including such a joint, can be modified and varied in many ways, all of which fall within the scope of the claimed invention; moreover, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A splicing head (10) adapted for use in a device (100) for splicing textile threads and yarns by means of pressurized fluid, the splicing head comprising: - A body (11) having a longitudinally extending splicing chamber (12) formed therein, the splicing chamber being open at opposite ends (12a, 12b), having a longitudinal slot (13) at the top for guiding the wire to be joined through the longitudinal slot, and having a longitudinal intermediate plane (PL) along at least one longitudinal section. - At least one pressurized fluid flow inlet nozzle (15a, 15b), which is formed in the body (11) and leads to the splicing chamber (12). - At least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) is formed in the body (11) and the pressurized fluid outlet communicates the volume inside the splicing chamber (12) with the environment outside the splicing chamber, and the pressurized fluid outlet extends transversely to the longitudinal median plane (PL). The feature is that the at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) is asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal intermediate plane (PL) and freely opens to the outside of the splicing chamber (12) at a single wall of the splicing chamber (12), the at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) includes a through opening formed in only one of the two walls (19, 20) that laterally define the splicing chamber (12), and the through opening has opposing ends that freely open to the inside of the splicing chamber (12) and to the outside of the splicing chamber (12), respectively.

2. The joint (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The through opening consists of at least one crack made transverse to the longitudinal median plane (PL) in the two walls (19, 20), wherein the crack interrupts the longitudinal slot (13).

3. The joint (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The through opening consists of at least one through hole formed transversely to the longitudinal median plane (PL) in the two walls (19, 20).

4. The joint (190) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The splicing chamber (12) includes a transverse intermediate plane that is transverse to the longitudinal intermediate plane, and wherein at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) is formed at the transverse intermediate plane (PT).

5. The joint (190) according to one or more of the preceding claims, the joint comprising a single and only one pressurized fluid outlet (18).

6. The joint (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body (11) includes a blind bottom opening (21) formed transversely to the longitudinal intermediate plane (PL) in the walls (19, 20) of the splicing chamber (12) and having one end freely opening to the splicing chamber (12) and the opposite end closing to form a blind bottom (21a).

7. The joint (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The blind bottom opening (21) consists of at least one gap formed transversely to the longitudinal intermediate plane (PL) in the walls (19, 20), wherein the gap interrupts the longitudinal slot (13).

8. The joint (10) according to claim 6, wherein, The blind bottom opening includes at least one blind hole formed in the wall (19, 20) transverse to the longitudinal median plane (PL).

9. The joint (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) and the blind bottom opening (21) are formed in the walls (19, 20) that laterally define the splicing chamber (12) and are opposite to each other relative to the longitudinal intermediate plane (PL).

10. The joint (10) according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) and the blind bottom opening (21) are arranged opposite to each other.

11. The joint (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, Each of the at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) and the blind bottom opening (21) consists of a corresponding gap or crack transverse to the longitudinal median plane (PL).

12. The joint (190) according to claim 11, wherein, The depth of the gap or crack forming the at least one pressurized fluid outlet opening (18) is greater than the depth of the gap or crack forming the blind bottom opening (21).

13. An apparatus (100) for joining textile threads and yarns by means of compressed air, said apparatus comprising: A support and receiving body (101) for a plurality of components, the plurality of components being designed to clamp (31), cut (32), pneumatically prepare (29) and extract (30) the ends of the wires or yarns to be joined within a splicing chamber (12); and an actuation device for the plurality of components, wherein the splicing chamber (12) is defined by a joining head (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, and the joining head (10) is removably associated with the support and receiving body (101).

14. The device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device also includes a cover (31) for closing the longitudinal slot (13) of the splicing chamber (12), the cover (31) being movably associated with the support and receiving body (101) between an open and closed position of the longitudinal slot (13) by means of a motion mechanism (32), wherein the engagement head (10) is removably associated with the support and receiving body (101), and the at least one pressurized fluid outlet (18) is arranged opposite to the motion mechanism (32).

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