wire feeding device

Abstract

A thread feeding device (1) for feeding thread to a textile machine has a support unit (2) with a fastening clamp (3), a support arm (12) with an upper leg (15) and a lower leg (16), and a housing. An intermediate space (Z) is formed between the upper leg (15) and the lower leg (16). The thread feeding device (1) is equipped with a shaft rotatably mounted on the support unit (2), which, in use, extends vertically through the upper leg (15) and the lower leg (16) of the support arm (12), the intermediate space (Z), and the housing. A bearing unit (K1) of the shaft (5) is mounted on the upper leg (15) of the support arm (12). At least one pulley (6) and a clutch with an operating unit (7) are mounted on the shaft (5) within the intermediate space (Z). A thread feeding wheel (4) is mounted on the lower end of the shaft (5). The second bearing unit (K2) for the shaft (5) is arranged inside the housing, located at the lower end of the shaft (5) and in front of the wire feed wheel (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a thread feeding device for feeding thread into a textile machine. Background Technology

[0002] WO2008 / 043371 discloses a thread feeding device for textile machines, particularly for knitting machines, comprising a support unit. The support unit has a bracket with a fastening clamp, an upper support leg, and a lower support leg. The fastening clamp is used to secure the thread feeding device to the textile machine. The support unit also has a housing. An intermediate space is formed between the upper and lower support legs.

[0003] The wire feeding device has a shaft that passes vertically through an intermediate space and support legs during use. The shaft is rotatably mounted on each of the two support legs of the bracket. Within the intermediate space on the shaft, at least one pulley for a shared drive belt and a clutch with an operating unit are arranged on the shaft. The wire feeding wheel is mounted at the lower end of the shaft.

[0004] The two bearing units of the shaft are located in the upper area of ​​the wire feeding device. The distance between the lower bearing unit and the wire feeding wheel is relatively large. This can cause the synchronization of the wire feeding wheel to be disturbed.

[0005] DE19932481A1 describes a thread feeding device, particularly for use in textile machines, the housing of which includes a fastening device. The thread feeding device has a shaft passing through the housing, and two bearings are mounted on the shaft. One end of the shaft is fitted with a thread feeding roller, and the other end is connected to a drive unit.

[0006] The housing has a generally horizontal connection that separates the first housing portion and the second housing portion. Both bearings are ball bearings, with the bearing housing of one ball bearing located in the first bearing housing portion and the bearing housing of the second ball bearing located in the second bearing housing portion. A resilient bearing support element is located between the bearing housing and the ball bearing.

[0007] The two bearing assemblies of the shaft are located inside the housing, and therefore in the lower part of the wire feeding device. This maintains a certain distance from the drive unit. However, this can lead to excessive bearing load, thus shortening the service life of the bearing assemblies.

[0008] EP2859140B1 and EP3178979B1 disclose a thread feeding device for feeding thread into a textile machine. The thread feeding device includes a drive shaft (on which a thread feeding wheel is mounted) and a support unit with at least one bearing support. The support unit consists of at least one extruded profile segment. In one alternative, the bearing support is designed as a separate bearing support with two bearing seats. A compensating element in the form of a support extrusion element is provided between the bearing support and the bracket. Another option is that the bearing support is formed by the support unit. In both alternatives, both bearing seats are located in the support unit area, and therefore also in the lower area of ​​the thread feeding device. Therefore, there is a certain distance between them and the drive unit. This can lead to excessive bearing load, thereby shortening the service life of the bearing assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to improve the wire feeding device, in which the bearing of the shaft is improved.

[0010] This problem is solved by a thread feeding device for feeding thread into a textile machine. The thread feeding device has a support unit including a fastening clamp, a support arm, and a housing. The support arm has an upper leg and a lower leg, with an intermediate space formed between the upper and lower legs. The thread feeding device has a shaft rotatably mounted on the support unit, and in use, the shaft extends vertically through the upper and lower legs of the support arm, the intermediate space, and the housing. A bearing unit for the shaft is arranged in the upper leg of the support arm. The thread feeding device has at least one pulley and a shift clutch with an operating unit mounted on the shaft within the intermediate space. The thread feeding device also has a thread feeding wheel mounted at the lower end of the shaft. The device is characterized by a second bearing unit for the shaft arranged within the housing, the second bearing unit being located at the lower end of the shaft and in front of the thread feeding wheel.

[0011] According to the present invention, a thread feeding device for feeding thread into a textile machine is provided, which is equipped with a support unit with fastening clamps. The support unit has a support arm and a housing, the support arm having an upper leg and a lower leg. An intermediate space is formed between the upper leg and the lower leg.

[0012] The wire feeding device includes a shaft mounted on a support unit, which is rotatable about its axis and, in use, passes perpendicularly through the legs of the support arm, the intermediate space, and the housing. The upper leg of the support arm has a bearing unit for the shaft. The wire feeding device has at least one pulley and a clutch with an operating unit, both arranged on the shaft in the intermediate space.

[0013] The wire feeding device includes a wire feeding wheel, which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft.

[0014] According to the present invention, the second bearing unit of the shaft is arranged inside the housing, located in front of the wire feed wheel, at the lower end of the shaft.

[0015] The support unit features a support arm and a housing to accommodate the bearing units, a design that allows for optimal spacing between the two bearing units on the shaft. The upper bearing unit is located above the pulley, and therefore above or within the drive unit's area. The lower bearing unit is located at the bottom of the shaft in front of the feed roller. This ensures that the drive unit and the feed roller operate synchronously.

[0016] In one implementation, the housing of the support arm and support unit is made of plastic. Plastic is a lightweight material, making it easier for the operator to handle the wire feeding device. This is especially true considering that the wire feeding device is typically suspended.

[0017] The fork-shaped support arm has upper and lower legs, with a bearing unit mounted on the upper leg. This design allows for a degree of flexible compensation for manufacturing tolerances. The shape of the support arm transforms the upper bearing unit into a flexible floating bearing. Additional measures, such as the use of shaft compensation discs or pressing elements, are no longer necessary.

[0018] In one embodiment, one or both bearing units are formed, for example, using inserts (such as corresponding ball bearings) during injection molding. The use of injection-molded bearing units simplifies the production process.

[0019] In one implementation, the upper leg of the support arm carrying the first bearing unit is V-shaped. The V-shaped design makes the upper leg more robust. This further improves the synchronization of the drive unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing has a first housing component and a second housing component, wherein the first housing component includes a second bearing unit.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first housing component is connected to the lower leg of the support arm by screws.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first housing component and the second housing component have corresponding contact surfaces and corresponding alignment devices for connection in the correct position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second housing component has a first cylindrical section that extends below the shaft and surrounds a second cylindrical section of the first housing component having a second bearing unit. An annular internal space is formed between the first and second cylindrical sections for accommodating at least one circuit board.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least the first cylindrical section of the second housing component is made of transparent plastic. This allows for the installation of a lighting device behind the cylindrical section, which can be activated, for example, by an inlet or outlet sensor at the switch line exit.

[0025] In one embodiment, a reinforcing element is provided in the fastening clamping area between the support arm and the first housing component. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the examples shown in the schematic diagrams.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a simplified side view of the wire feeding device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a further simplified exploded view of the wire feeding device with support unit;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a simplified side view of the support unit;

[0030] Figure 3a yes Figure 3 A sectional view showing a simplified vertical section of the bearing unit area;

[0031] Figure 4 It is a simplified vertical sectional view of the wire feeding device;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a simplified perspective view of the support arm of the support unit; and

[0033] Figure 6 This is a simplified top view of the wire feeding device and support arm. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A thread feeding device 1, designed according to the present invention, is shown for feeding thread F into a textile machine. In this example, the textile machine is a circular knitting machine.

[0035] The wire feeding device 1 has a support unit 2 with a fastening clamp 3. From Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 On the right side, you can see the fastening clamp 3.

[0036] The wire feeding device 1 has a wire feeding wheel 4, which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft 5. The shaft 5 is mounted on the support unit 2, so that the shaft 5 can rotate around the shaft D. Figure 2 Shaft 5 passes through support unit 2. Shaft 5 has at least one pulley 6 (two pulleys 6 in this example) and a clutch with operating unit 7.

[0037] An inlet eyelet 8, a knot catcher 9, a line brake 10, and an inlet sensor 11 are arranged on the support unit 2 in the path of the line F in front of the line feeder 4.

[0038] The support unit 2 includes a support arm 12 and a housing, the housing having a first housing component 13 and a second housing component 14. The support arm 12 includes an upper leg 15 and a lower leg 16. An intermediate space Z is formed between the upper leg 15 and the lower leg 16. A shaft 5 passes through the upper leg 15 of the support arm 12, the intermediate space Z, the lower leg 16 of the support arm 12, and the housing. The shaft 5 is supported by a bearing unit K1 in the upper leg 15 of the support arm 12.

[0039] In the path of the wire F below the wire feed roller 4, a first wire guide element designated as take-off element 20 and a second wire guide element designated as run-out element 21 are arranged. The wire guide elements are used to guide the wire F supplied by the wire feed roller 4. The wire feeding device 1 has an outlet sensor 22, which is mounted on the support unit 2.

[0040] The housing, namely the first housing component 13, is designed to house the second bearing unit K2 at the lower end of the shaft 5 in front of the wire feed wheel 4.

[0041] In other words, shaft 5 is supported by bearing unit K1 in the upper leg 15 of support arm 12 and bearing unit K2 in the first housing component 13.

[0042] Figure 2 The simplified exploded view shows the support unit 2 with support arm 12 and a two-part housing. The fork-shaped support arm 12 has a U-shaped form, which is rotated 90° counterclockwise in the figure. The rounded ends of the two legs 15 and 16 of the support arm 12 meet in the middle. In the left-hand region of the figure, legs 15 and 16 have openings 30 and 31 for alignment with shaft 5. The upper leg 15 forms a bearing unit K1 around the upper opening 30.

[0043] The area of ​​the lower opening 31 has a screw dome 32.

[0044] The first housing component 13 includes a first plate-shaped section A1 that is generally parallel to the lower support leg 16. A second cylindrical section A2 is formed on section A1 in the region of shaft 5. A third elongated section A3, extending downward from the first plate-shaped section A1, is formed from the distance from the second cylindrical section A2 to the fastening clamp 3. This section carries the wire guide element, the wire take-up element 20, and the wire exit element 21.

[0045] The second bearing unit K2 is located inside the lower region of the second cylindrical section A2.

[0046] In the region between section A2 and the fastening clamp 3, section A1 has a contact surface and alignment device on its surface 33 facing the lower support leg 16 to ensure proper connection with the lower support leg. The lower support leg 16 has a corresponding contact surface and alignment device. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0047] For example, the alignment device of the first housing component 13 is a protrusion, dome, or bump that protrudes into the corresponding opening of the lower support leg 16.

[0048] In the area of ​​the fastening clamp 3, the support unit 2 has a reinforcing element 36. The reinforcing element 36 is made of metal (such as steel). The reinforcing element 36 has a first section 37 and a second section 38. The first section 37 extends horizontally in the assembled state and is located between the first housing component 13 and the lower support leg 16. The second section 38 is at an angle to the first section 37, and in the assembled state, the second section 38 carries the clamping screws 39 of the fastening clamp 3.

[0049] The second housing component 14 has a first cylindrical section B1 and a bearing section B2. The first cylindrical section B1 is approximately cylindrical and is arranged at a certain distance around the second cylindrical section A2 of the first housing component 13. The first cylindrical section B1 forms an annular interior around the second cylindrical section A2. Electrical and electronic components are arranged inside. In this example, one or more circuit boards are arranged inside (not shown in the figure). In this example, an illumination device is installed inside the annular interior to indicate the switching of the inlet sensor 11 and / or the outlet sensor 22.

[0050] The bearing section B2 of the second housing component 14 is adjacent to the lower part of the first section A1 of the first housing component 13 along the direction of the fastening clamp 3, and extends to the beginning of the third section A3 of the first housing component 13. Between the bearing section B2 of the second housing component 14 and the first section A1 of the first housing component 13, the groove 40 on the bearing section B2 and the groove 42 on the first section A1 constitute the bearing of the outlet sensor 22.

[0051] The three parts of the support unit 2, namely the support arm 12, the first housing component 13, and the second housing component 14, are made of plastic. The second housing component 14 is made of transparent plastic, at least in its first cylindrical section B1. The lighting device arranged in the first cylindrical section B1 is visible through the first cylindrical section B1 when it is turned on.

[0052] The three parts of the support unit 2 are connected to each other by screws 50, 51, 52 and 53.

[0053] Two screws 50 and 51 secure the second housing component 14 to the first housing component 13 in the first cylindrical section B1 region. Screw 51 extends to the screw dome 32 of the lower leg 16 of the support arm 12, thereby securing both housing components 13 and 14 to the lower leg 16. Screw 52 secures the first housing component 13 to the lower leg 16 of the support arm 12 in the third section A4 region. Screw 53 secures the reinforcing element 36 to the lower leg 16.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a simplified side view of support unit 2. Figure 3a yes Figure 3 A simplified vertical cross-sectional view of the K2 region of the bearing unit.

[0055] The bearing assembly of shaft 5 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the wire feeding device 1.

[0056] Bearing unit K1 includes a ball bearing 60, and bearing unit K2 includes a ball bearing 61. Bearing units K1 and K2 are formed by inserting ball bearings 60 and 61 during the injection molding process.

[0057] Ball bearings 60 and 61 are clamped together by screws 62 and nuts 63, with nut 63 acting as a bearing shoulder. Screws 62, protruding from below and passing through the feed wheel 4, are used to tension the bearing unit on the shaft 5. As is typical, tensioning is achieved by sleeves arranged on the shaft 5 and ball bearings, specifically ball bearings for the pulley 6 and for the clutch bearing unit with the operating unit 7.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a simplified perspective view of the support arm 12 of support unit 2. Figure 6 This is a simplified top view of the wire feeding device 1 and the support arm 12. As can be seen from the figure, the upper leg 15 of the support arm 12 is V-shaped and extends downward to the lower leg 16. This increases the stability of the support arm 12.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 1. Wire feeding device

[0061] 2 Support Unit

[0062] 3 Fastening clamps

[0063] 4. Wire feed rollers

[0064] 5-axis

[0065] 6. Belt pulleys

[0066] 7. Control Unit

[0067] 8. Entrance holes

[0068] 9. Knot Catcher

[0069] 10-wire brake

[0070] 11. Inlet Sensor

[0071] 12 support arms

[0072] 13 First housing component

[0073] 14 Second housing component

[0074] 15. Upper support leg of the support arm

[0075] 16. Lower support legs of the support arm

[0076] 20 Wire take-up components

[0077] 21 Outgoing components

[0078] 22 Export Sensors

[0079] 30 Opening

[0080] 31 Opening

[0081] 32 Screw Dome

[0082] 33 Surface

[0083] 34 Alignment device

[0084] 36 Reinforcing Components

[0085] 37 Section 1

[0086] 38 Second Section

[0087] 40 grooves

[0088] 42 Grooves

[0089] 50 screws

[0090] 51 screws

[0091] 52 screws

[0092] 53 Screws

[0093] 60 ball bearing

[0094] 61 Ball bearing

[0095] 62 screws

[0096] 63 Nuts

[0097] F line

[0098] The axis of D

[0099] Z Intermediate Space

[0100] K1 bearing unit

[0101] K2 bearing unit

[0102] A1 First plate-shaped section of the first housing component

[0103] A2 Second cylindrical section of the first housing component

[0104] A3 The third elongated section of the first housing component

[0105] B1 First cylindrical section of the second housing component

[0106] B2 Bearing section of the second housing component

Claims

1. A thread feeding device (1) for feeding thread into a textile machine, The wire feeding device (1) has a support unit (2), the support unit (2) includes a fastening clamp (3), the support unit (2) has a support arm (12) and a housing, the support arm (12) has an upper leg (15) and a lower leg (16), wherein an intermediate space (Z) is formed between the upper leg (15) and the lower leg (16). The wire feeding device (1) has a shaft (5) which is rotatably mounted on the support unit (2) and, in use, extends vertically through the upper leg (15) and lower leg (16) of the support arm (12), the intermediate space (Z), and the housing, wherein the bearing unit (K1) for the shaft (5) is arranged in the upper leg (15) of the support arm (12). The wire feeding device (1) has at least one pulley (6) and a shift clutch with an operating unit (7), the pulley (6) and the shift clutch with the operating unit (7) being mounted on a shaft (5) within an intermediate space (Z), and The wire feeding device (1) has a wire feeding wheel (4), which is mounted on the lower end of the shaft (5). Its features The second bearing unit (K2) for the shaft (5) is arranged inside the housing. The second bearing unit (K2) is located at the lower end of the shaft (5) and in front of the wire feed wheel (4).

2. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housings of the support arm (12) and the support unit (2) are made of plastic.

3. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bearing unit (K1) in the upper leg (15) of the support arm (12) and / or the second bearing unit (K2) in the housing are formed by inserts during the injection molding process.

4. The wire feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The upper leg (15) of the support arm (12) is V-shaped.

5. The wire feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The housing has a first housing component (13) and a second housing component (14), wherein the first housing component (13) includes a second bearing unit (K2).

6. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first housing component (13) is connected to the lower support leg (16) of the support arm (12) by screws (50, 51, 52).

7. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first housing component (13) and the second housing component (14) have corresponding contact surfaces and corresponding alignment devices (34) for connection in the correct position.

8. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second housing component (14) has a first cylindrical section (B1) that extends below the shaft (5) and surrounds a second cylindrical section (A2) of the first housing component (13) having a second bearing unit (K2), forming an annular internal space for at least one circuit board between the first cylindrical section (B1) and the second cylindrical section (A2).

9. The wire feeding device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least the first cylindrical section (B1) of the second housing component (14) is made of transparent plastic.

10. The wire feeding device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, A reinforcing element (36) is provided in the area of ​​the fastening clamp (3) between the support arm (12) and the first housing component (13).

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