Ring spinning machine for spinning

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for improving and simplifying the guiding and traversing of a fiber roving (13) in a drafting unit (1) of a ring spinning machine. The drafting unit (1) comprises lower and upper drafting rollers (3-8), a compactor roller (9) and a compactor part (10), which comprises at least two compactor channels (100) for compacting the fiber rovings (13), and a guide device (11), which is arranged between the lower and upper drafting rollers (3, 5, 7; the guide device (11) is arranged upstream of the guide device (4, 4, 6, 8) for positioning the fiber rovings (13) relative to one of the compactor channels (100), the guide device (11) comprising a first collection bell mouth (110) and a subsequent second collection bell mouth (111), which are held in a fixed mutual position. An adjusting device (16) is shown, which is suitable for detecting the transverse position of the fiber roving (13) in the drafting unit (1) as input information for the transverse positioning of the guide device (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drafting unit in a ring spinning machine for spinning, a ring spinning machine comprising the drafting unit, and a spinning method. Background Art

[0002] On a ring spinning machine, fiber rovings made of, for example, cotton, (artificial) linen or wool are spun into yarn. A ring spinning machine usually comprises a plurality of spinning positions. A spinning position is here understood to be a position at which the fiber roving is spun into yarn. Thus, at each spinning position, the fiber roving passes through a drafting unit, is then twisted to form a yarn and is collected on a spindle in the spinning unit. In the drafting unit, the fiber roving is drafted so as to achieve the desired fineness. After leaving the drafting unit, the fiber roving is in the form of a relatively wide sliver. This sliver is then twisted together (by means of spinning twist) to form the finished yarn. However, in this conventional ring spinning method, the fibers arranged at the periphery of the fiber roving are locked under high tension, while the central fibers are under low tension. As a result, in the finished yarn, the fibers located at the periphery are broken first.

[0003] In order to avoid these disadvantages as much as possible, the drafting unit of modern ring spinning machines also includes a compacting device. In the compacting zone of this compacting device, the fibers are arranged more closely and parallel to each other, which helps to form a uniform structure and dense fiber roving. After leaving this compacting zone and passing through the downstream spinning zone, a yarn with an overall finer surface and a smoother surface is obtained.

[0004] WO2006005207 discloses a mechanical compacting device known in the prior art, which relates to a pressure roller unit for a compacting zone installed downstream of a drafting zone of a ring spinning machine. The pressure roller unit includes a geometric mechanical compactor having two compactor channels used in parallel for drafting the yarn. The compactor is held in a non-contact manner between an outlet roller and an additional compactor roller and is positioned by a fixed stopper so as to have almost no radial and axial play.

[0005] Another compacting device known in the prior art is disclosed in EP3124660, which relates to a continuously traversable compacting device. The continuously traversable compacting device allows the position of the collector and the double compacting device to be changed, wherein the drafting roller remains fixed between the collector and the double compacting device. One disadvantage is that the fiber roving in the drafting unit can only traverse a certain distance within a short distance. Therefore, in the compacting devices known in the prior art, the fiber roving only runs on a very small width of the roller of the corresponding drafting unit. Therefore, the rollers, especially the elastic rubber sleeves of the rollers, wear faster, and the rollers can only be used for a limited time and need to be replaced more frequently. In addition, due to the lateral movement of the collector and the compacting device relative to the fixed drafting roller, the fiber roving is laterally tensioned. Another disadvantage is that the force required to continuously traverse a large number of collectors and compacting devices arranged along the traversing device may become too large. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for improving and simplifying the guidance of fiber rovings in the drafting unit of a spinning machine, in particular a ring spinning machine, and a method for spinning fiber rovings into yarns. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Some embodiments are given in the dependent claims and claim combinations and further developments are provided.

[0007] Throughout this application, the term "spinning machine" and more specifically "ring spinning machine" broadly covers any ring spinning machine comprising a drafting unit for drafting a fiber roving, and comprising a spinning unit, such as a ring spinning unit, which is arranged subsequent or downstream with respect to the path of the fiber roving through the drafting unit, for spinning the drafted fiber roving into yarn. The yarn may be of any type, for example, it may include any of the following: a yarn consisting of or including a natural yarn, such as cotton or wool; a core yarn having synthetic continuous filaments forming a stretchable core and a natural fiber roving providing volume to the core. Examples of synthetic fiber materials are polyester fibers, polyurethane fibers, elastic fibers, polyamide fibers, viscose or rayon fibers, acrylic fibers, nylon fibers.

[0008] Throughout the present application, a drafting unit has a roller with an axis of rotation oriented in the x-direction or x-axis and has a length extension in the z-direction. The length extension of the drafting unit may also correspond to the length extension of its top weighting arm (when arranged in a horizontal position). The path of the fiber roving through the drafting unit extends mainly or essentially in the z-direction. The x-direction is also referred to as the transverse direction and is particularly used to define the transverse position of the fiber roving within the drafting unit along the x-axis. The term collecting bell broadly covers guiding and concentrating the fiber rovings and may also be referred to as a guiding bell. Similarly, the terms guiding device and collector device (which may involve a double bell guide device or a pair of double bell guide devices arranged in parallel) are used as synonyms.

[0009] The present invention relates to a drafting unit for a ring spinning machine, for drafting a fiber roving before ring spinning the fiber roving into yarn, the drafting unit comprising:

[0010] a. a lower roller and an upper roller, arranged so that during operation the upper roller is pressed against the lower roller and is driven by the lower roller,

[0011] b. The lower roller and the upper roller are each rotatable about their respective rotation axes extending in the x direction; and wherein

[0012] c. The drafting unit further comprises a compact roller arranged downstream relative to the upper outlet roller, so that during operation the compact roller is pressed against the lower outlet roller and driven by the lower outlet roller;

[0013] d. a compactor member, which during operation is at least partially arranged between the upper exit roller and the compactor roller and comprises at least two compactor channels, preferably three or four or five or six compactor channels, for compacting the fiber rovings, the compactor channels being laterally spaced apart in the x-direction to provide alternative lateral positions for the path of the fiber rovings through the drafting unit during operation; and

[0014] e. A guide device arranged upstream of the lower roller and the upper roller for positioning the fiber roving relative to at least one compacting channel, in particular exactly one compacting channel; and

[0015] f. The guiding device comprises at least one first collective bell mouth and at least one subsequent second collective bell mouth, which bell mouths are held in fixed positions relative to each other.

[0016] The drafting unit according to the invention has various advantages over previously known systems. The guiding device provides a double collecting bell mouth to improve the guiding of the fiber rovings into the compactor channel of the compactor member arranged further downstream, wherein the first collecting bell mouth provides primary or coarser guiding and focusing of the fiber rovings, and the second collecting bell mouth provides secondary or finer guiding and focusing of the fiber rovings. Both the primary and secondary bell mouths are maintained in a mechanically fixed relationship, which ensures their correct or optimal mutual alignment and simplifies the adjustment of the double bell mouth guiding or collecting device as a whole. Such adjustment can be performed, for example, during the initial setup of the drafting unit or the ring spinning machine and / or during operation (for example during regular control actions during operation).

[0017] Thus, the drafting unit or the ring spinning machine allows to improve the overall life of the rollers by controlling local wear, in particular along a wider width range of the rollers of the drafting unit. In order to evenly utilize the individual rollers of the drafting unit, the compacting element of the drafting unit includes a plurality of (preferably at least two, more preferably three, four, five or six) laterally spaced compactor channels. Thus, each compactor channel provides an alternative lateral position for the path of the fiber roving passing through the drafting unit during operation. Thus, each alternative path can be associated with a different operating state of the ring spinning machine. More alternative paths through the drafting unit have the following advantages: the wear of the rollers can be better distributed on the surface of the rollers or on the surface of the elastic rubber sleeves of the rollers, and the rollers can be used for a longer time. This also allows to increase maintenance intervals and reduce downtime of the ring spinning machine.

[0018] Depending on the application, the double bell mouth guide device of the present invention provides an improved readjustment of the path of the fiber roving from one compactor channel to another compactor channel and / or an improved adjustment of the path of the fiber roving through the drafting unit toward one of the compactor channels. The improvement can be reflected in the mechanical precision, as well as simplifying the operation of (readjusting) the fiber roving relative to the compactor channel. In this way, the service life of the roller can be significantly extended, and the operating costs of the ring spinning machine can be reduced.

[0019] In an embodiment, the guide device comprises an integral first bell and a second bell. This further simplifies the manufacture, operation, including storage, installation, adjustment and readjustment of the double bell guide device. This may further improve roving positioning and roving repositioning within the or each drafting unit or within the entire ring spinning machine.

[0020] In an embodiment, the drafting unit does not have any other additional lateral positioning device for (re)positioning the fiber roving relative to one of the compactor channels. This further improves the simplicity and operability of (re)positioning the fiber roving in the drafting unit or the ring spinning machine.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first collective bell mouth is an inlet bell mouth comprising a hanging saddle surface, and the second collective bell mouth is an outlet bell mouth comprising a sitting saddle surface, both saddle surfaces are designed for friction-induced guidance and concentration of the fiber roving. The arrangement of the saddle surfaces oriented in opposite directions subsequently allows for very efficient and precise friction guidance of the fiber roving.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first collective flare comprises a convex top guide surface and first right and first left lateral guide surfaces, in particular wherein the surfaces are shaped as an upper half flare for providing a first narrowing path for primary centering and / or focusing of the fiber rovings.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first collective flare provides an open bottom for initially inserting the fiber roving from below the first collective flare. Alternatively, the first collective flare comprises a mouthpiece for holding the fiber roving from below, in particular when not under tension. Further alternatively, the first collective flare comprises a mouthpiece formed as a lower rod, which is held on one side, in particular closed on one side, and is bent upwards and comprises a lateral opening on the other side. This allows inserting the fiber roving into the first collective flare through the lateral opening.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second collective bell mouth comprises a convex bottom guide surface and second right and second left lateral guide surfaces, in particular the second right and second left guide surfaces are V-shaped or U-shaped, for providing a secondary narrowing path for further centering and / or concentrating the fiber rovings. In an embodiment, the second collective bell mouth provides an open top for initially inserting the fiber rovings from above the second collective bell mouth.

[0025] In an embodiment, the guide device comprises two parallel first collecting bell mouths and two parallel second collecting bell mouths for guiding and collecting two parallel fiber rovings, wherein each first collecting bell mouth and its subsequent second collecting bell mouth are kept in a fixed mutual position. This allows to provide two parallel double bell mouth guide devices, for example for guiding, collecting, drafting and compacting two parallel fiber rovings in one drafting unit, and subsequently siro-spinning them into yarns.

[0026] In an embodiment, the guide device comprises a mounting element for positioning the guide device in the drafting unit along the x-direction. The mounting element may, for example, comprise a through hole for enclosing the traversing rod. Alternatively, it may comprise a clamping mechanism for clamping the guide device on or to the traversing rod. Furthermore, the mounting element may further comprise a fixing device for fixing (preferably manually fixing) the position of the guide device in the drafting unit along the x-direction.

[0027] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a drafting unit for a ring spinning machine for drafting a fiber roving before ring spinning the fiber roving into yarn, in particular a drafting unit as disclosed herein, the drafting unit comprising, relative to the path of the fiber roving through the drafting unit:

[0028] a. a lower roller and an upper roller, arranged so that during operation the upper roller is pressed against the lower roller and is driven by the lower roller,

[0029] b. The lower roller and the upper roller are each rotatable about their respective rotation axes extending in the x direction; and wherein

[0030] c. The drafting unit further comprises a compact roller arranged downstream relative to the upper outlet roller, so that during operation the compact roller is pressed against the lower outlet roller and driven by the lower outlet roller;

[0031] d. a compactor member, which during operation is at least partially arranged between the upper exit roller and the compactor roller and comprises at least two compactor channels, preferably three or four or five or six compactor channels, for compacting the fiber rovings, the compactor channels being laterally spaced apart in the x-direction to provide alternative lateral positions for the path of the fiber rovings through the drafting unit during operation; and

[0032] e. A guide device arranged upstream of the lower roller and the upper roller for positioning the fiber roving relative to at least one compacting channel, in particular exactly one compacting channel; and

[0033] f. A regulating device for detecting the transverse position of the fiber roving in the x-direction in the drafting unit downstream of the guiding device.

[0034] The adjusting device is very suitable for working in conjunction with the guiding device disclosed herein. To this end, the adjusting device can be installed in the drafting unit when setting or (regularly) controlling the drafting unit and / or when aligning the fiber roving with a specific compactor channel or realigning the fiber roving when switching from one compactor channel to another compactor channel. These actions should be performed when the drafting unit or the ring spinning machine, respectively, is in operation (usually running at a reduced speed).

[0035] In an embodiment, the regulating device may comprise a detecting device for detecting a lateral position, in particular a lateral misalignment, of the fiber roving within the drafting unit, and an indicating device for indicating a lateral position, in particular a lateral misalignment, of the fiber roving within the drafting unit.

[0036] In an embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a swivel mechanism, which comprises a swivel fork, which partially surrounds the fiber roving and can be rotated about a swivel axis, so that a swivel angle can be caused by a lateral misalignment of the fiber roving. The swivel mechanism is very advantageous for mechanically detecting the lateral position or lateral misalignment of the fiber roving with high sensitivity and high precision. In particular, the fork-like design of the swivel mechanism allows easy threading of the fiber roving, for example during setting or (regular) control or (re)alignment of the lateral position of the fiber roving in the drafting unit or when mounting the swivel mechanism on the drafting unit, while providing a very precise detection of the lateral position of the fiber roving within the drafting unit, in particular its lateral position relative to fixed parts of the drafting unit, such as the lower roller and the upper roller of the drafting unit.

[0037] In an embodiment, the guide means is movable in the x-direction to reduce lateral misalignment and to set a desired rotation angle corresponding to a target position given by one of the compactor channels. Preferably, the desired rotation angle is selected to be 0° relative to the vertical.

[0038] In an embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a rotation angle indicator for visually indicating the rotation angle from the equilibrium position. Preferably, the equilibrium position corresponds to a rotation angle of 0° relative to a vertical line. The visual indicator facilitates manual alignment of the guide device, in particular by moving the guide device in the x direction, i.e. in a horizontal plane and orthogonal to the length extension z of the drafting unit or its top weighting arm. After the alignment of the guide device, the adjustment device can be removed from the drafting unit.

[0039] In an embodiment, the adjustment device includes a scanning device for controlling the lateral position of the compactor component including the compactor channel, and for defining at least one equilibrium position of the rotation angle indicator, which corresponds to the lateral target position given by at least one compactor channel. Preferably, a single equilibrium position of the rotation angle indicator is selected, which further preferably corresponds to a 0° rotation angle relative to the vertical line and corresponds to a single compactor channel. Such a mechanical scanning device allows accurate mechanical detection of the lateral position of the compactor channel, for example, when the adjustment device is mounted to the drafting unit, by bringing the scanning device into contact with a reference point of the drafting unit.

[0040] In an embodiment, a good effect is obtained when the scanning device includes a right side position detection component and / or a left side position detection component provided at a compactor unit including a compactor roller and a compactor component or provided at an upper exit roller.

[0041] In an embodiment, the right side position detection component and / or the left side position detection component can be arranged to contact one or both end surfaces of the shaft of the upper outlet roller. This allows the lateral position of the compactor channel to be detected with good accuracy.

[0042] In an embodiment, the right side position detection component and / or the left side position detection component can be arranged to contact one or both sides of a compactor wedge providing at least two compactor channels, and / or one or both sides of a compactor clamp for clamping the compactor element to the drafting unit (particularly the compactor roller shaft). This allows the lateral position of the compactor channel to be detected with improved accuracy.

[0043] In an embodiment, the adjustment device includes a mounting plate that is movably mounted to the drafting unit for extending the z-positioning adjustment device along the length of the top weighted arm of the drafting unit. This allows the position of the adjustment to be adjusted in the z direction so that the scanning device can properly contact the compactor unit, in particular, the side of the compactor wedge or the side of the upper exit roller.

[0044] In an embodiment, the adjusting device comprises a mounting surface for mounting on a mounting plate, in particular, the mounting surface is releasably mounted on the mounting plate, for example by magnets. Such releasable mounting has the advantage of easy handling, mounting or retrofitting of the adjusting device to a drafting unit or a corresponding spinning unit of a spinning machine.

[0045] In an embodiment, the adjusting device comprises a suspension shaft extending in the x-direction for releasably mounting the adjusting device on a mounting surface and carrying the rotating mechanism and the scanning device in a rotatable manner around the x-axis. Such a rotatable suspension mounting allows further providing a flexible mounting of the adjusting device in the drafting unit, in particular adjusting the angular position of the adjusting device so that the scanning device is in contact with the compactor unit or the upper inlet roller. The releasability allows the adjusting device to be installed to align the guide device and then removed. This is usually done when the drafting unit or the ring spinning machine, respectively, is running at a reduced speed.

[0046] In the embodiments of the drafting unit disclosed herein and throughout this application, the lower roller and the upper roller may include:

[0047] a. a lower entrance roller and an upper entrance roller, which are arranged so that during operation the upper entrance roller is pressed against the lower entrance roller and driven by the lower entrance roller;

[0048] b. a lower intermediate roller and an upper intermediate roller arranged downstream of the lower and upper inlet rollers with respect to the path of the fiber rovings, and such that during operation the upper intermediate roller is pressed against the lower intermediate roller and is driven by the lower intermediate roller; and

[0049] c. A lower exit roller and an upper exit roller, arranged downstream of the lower and upper intermediate rollers with respect to the path of the fiber rovings, and such that during operation the upper exit roller is pressed against and driven by the lower exit roller.

[0050] In an embodiment, the guide device can be arranged before the lower and upper inlet rollers. In a further embodiment, the rotating mechanism of the adjustment device is arranged after the lower and upper inlet rollers and before the lower and upper intermediate rollers. Such an arrangement of the guide device and / or the rotating mechanism saves space, is suitable for retrofitting existing drafting units, and allows good coordination of the lateral adjustment of the guide device (i.e. in the x-direction) in cooperation with the rotation angle indication, which accurately refers to the lateral position of the compactor channel in the drafting unit (i.e. in the x-direction). In particular, the guide device and the rotating mechanism can be arranged for a certain time on each spinning unit of the ring spinning machine.

[0051] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a ring spinning machine comprising a plurality of drafting units as disclosed herein and further comprising a support rod for holding the plurality of drafting units in a row along the x-direction.

[0052] In an embodiment thereof, the ring spinning machine comprises a traverse rod for holding a plurality of guide devices, in particular two guide devices for each drafting unit, and an actuating device for actuating the traverse rod in the x-direction.

[0053] In an embodiment, the actuator may be arranged at one end of a traverse rod in a ring spinning machine. In a further embodiment, the actuator may be or may include a mechanical actuator, for example, the mechanical actuator may be manually actuated. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator may be or may include an electric motor for moving stepwise and / or within a specific time window, preferably, the electric motor is equipped with a sensor, for example, for monitoring the position of the traverse rod.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the traverse rod can be actuated so that the guide device moves together between discrete positions along the x-direction relative to the fixed part (including the upper roller and the lower roller of the drafting unit). In a further embodiment, the traverse rod can be actuated according to a discrete traverse distance a or m*a along the x-direction, where m=even number, which corresponds to or is equal to the distance between adjacent compactor channels of the compactor part included in the drafting unit, or is twice or a multiple of this distance, in particular an even multiple.

[0055] This actuating mechanism for the traverse rod allows the guiding devices and the guided fiber rovings in multiple drafting units of a ring spinning machine to be moved simultaneously from one lateral position to another lateral position in a coordinated manner, in particular from a first lateral position corresponding to a first compactor channel to a second lateral position corresponding to a second compactor channel.

[0056] In particular, the compactor unit including the compactor roller and the compactor element can remain stationary. This is in contrast to previously known traversing mechanisms, which provide spatially continuous traversing rather than traversing in discrete steps, and the traversing rod also moves the compactor together with the associated collector in each drafting unit. The traversing disclosed herein is advantageous because only the guide device traverses at discrete distances between fixed compactor channels, thereby reducing or minimizing the tensile stress applied to the fiber roving in the running drafting unit during traversing.

[0057] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of ring spinning yarn from fiber roving and possibly other components by using a ring spinning machine as disclosed herein.

[0058] In an embodiment, the method includes performing the following steps in each drafting unit: scanning the lateral position of the compactor unit using a scanning device, guiding the fiber roving into one of the compactor channels, determining the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving using a rotation angle indicator of the rotating mechanism, and fine-tuning the lateral position of the guiding device by moving the mounting element along the traverse rod until the rotation angle indicator indicates a rotation angle close to 0°, thereby correcting the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving. These steps can be performed while the ring spinning frame is running (usually at a reduced speed) and the fiber roving is drafted in the drafting unit. In a subsequent step, the adjusting device can or should be disassembled before the ring spinning frame continues normal operation.

[0059] In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of actuating a transverse rod in each drafting unit for repositioning the guide device between discrete transverse positions in the x-direction, thereby laterally moving the fiber roving to a new target position corresponding to a new target compactor passage of the associated compactor component. Here, associated shall mean that the compactor component and the guide device are arranged in the same drafting unit or spinning station of the ring spinning machine.

[0060] In particular, in this method, the compactor unit including the compactor roller and the compactor element may remain stationary. Traversing between compactor passages of a stationary compactor unit in discrete steps is advantageous because tensile stresses in the fiber roving are reduced or minimized, as described above.

[0061] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description both present embodiments including various optional features and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention described herein will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings, which merely show or relate to exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings show:

[0063] Figure 1 An embodiment of a pair of drafting units of a ring spinning machine is shown in a perspective view.

[0064] Figure 2 The top view shows Figure 1 Drafting unit.

[0065] Figure 3 Shown in a partially cutaway top view Figure 1 There is no drafting unit with a weighted arm.

[0066] Figure 4a Show Figure 3 Detailed view of a double-bell mouth fiber roving guide device according to the present invention;

[0067] Figure 4b , Figure 4c An embodiment of a compacting element having three compactor channels is shown in perspective and top view (along the y-axis);

[0068] Figure 5 The side view (along the x-axis) shows the Figure 1 Drafting unit;

[0069] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Detailed view of

[0070] Figure 7 An embodiment of a double flare guide is shown in perspective view;

[0071] Figure 8 Shown in cross-sectional view FF Figure 7 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0072] Fig. 9 Shown in cross-sectional view JJ Figure 7 a first bell mouth of a double bell mouth guide device;

[0073] Fig.10 Shown in top view (along the y-axis) Figure 7 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0074] Fig.11 Shown in cross-sectional view HH (along the z-axis) Fig.10 a second bell mouth of a double bell mouth guide device;

[0075] Fig.12 Show Fig.11 Detailed view M;

[0076] Fig.13 , 14 Shown in close perspective Figure 7 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0077] Fig.15 Shown in top view (along the y-axis) Figure 7 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0078] Fig.16 Shown in bottom view Figure 7 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0079] Fig.17 , Fig.18 Another embodiment of a double bell mouth guide device is shown in a perspective view;

[0080] Fig.19 Shown in top view (along the y-axis) Fig.17 , Fig.18 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0081] Fig. 20 Shown in bottom view Fig.17 , Fig.18 Double bell mouth guide device;

[0082] Figure 21-23 Shown in a partially cutaway top view (along the y-axis) Figure 1 A drafting unit showing three lateral positions of the guide device and the guided fiber roving relative to the three compactor channels;

[0083] Fig.24 Another embodiment of a pair of drafting units of a ring spinning machine is shown in a perspective view;

[0084] Fig.25 by Fig.24 Detailed view of the drawing unit shows an embodiment of an adjusting device for detecting the transverse position of a fiber roving;

[0085] Fig.26 The side view (along the x-axis) shows the Fig.24 Drafting unit;

[0086] Fig. 27 Show Fig.26 Detailed view of

[0087] Fig.28 An exploded perspective view showing Fig.25 Embodiment of the regulating device;

[0088] Fig.29 An exploded perspective view showing Fig.25 Embodiment of the regulating device;

[0089] Fig.30a , Fig.30b An embodiment showing the rotating mechanism of the adjusting device in a deflected state and a balanced state;

[0090] Figure 31a-Figure 31c An embodiment showing a portion of a ring spinning machine is shown, the ring spinning machine comprising Figure 1 a drafting unit and a traverse rod with an actuating device for laterally moving the fiber roving between three discrete positions corresponding to the three compactor channels;

[0091] Figure 32a-32cAnother embodiment of a compacting element having three improved compactor channels is shown in perspective view, top view (along the y-axis) and cross-sectional view SS (along the x-axis) respectively;

[0092] Figure 33-Figure 34 Another embodiment of a double bell guide is shown in perspective, and

[0093] Figure 35-Figure 36 A further embodiment of a paired double-bell guide device, suitable for example for siro spinning, is shown in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, features are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in a variety of different forms, may include variations in one or more features or aspects, and may generally be combined with one another. The embodiments should not be construed as limiting; rather, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the present disclosure satisfies applicable legal requirements. Generally, the same reference numerals shall refer to the same or similar components or parts.

[0095] Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of a pair of drafting units 1 is shown in overview, which can be mounted on a support rod 2 of a ring spinning machine and can constitute a part of a ring spinning unit of the ring spinning machine (not further shown). The drafting unit 1 comprises a lower inlet roller 3 and an upper inlet roller 4 (hereinafter also referred to as inlet rollers 3, 4), a lower intermediate roller 5 and an upper intermediate roller 6 (hereinafter also referred to as intermediate rollers 5, 6) and a lower outlet roller 7 and an upper outlet roller 8 (hereinafter also referred to as outlet rollers 7, 8) relative to the path of the fiber roving 13 through the drafting unit 1. The inlet rollers 3, 4, the intermediate rollers 5, 6 and the outlet rollers 7, 8 can each be rotated about a respective rotation axis (e.g. 80 for the upper outlet roller 8), which extends in the axial direction x of the ring spinning machine. Therefore, the respective rotation axes of the rollers 3-8 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0096] In addition, if Figures 4a to 4c As shown in more detail in FIG. 1 , the drafting unit 1 includes a compactor 9, 10 for compacting the fiber roving 13 when it leaves the drafting unit 1, and the compactor 9, 10 includes a compactor roller 9 and a compacting element 10. The compactor roller 9 rotates around a corresponding rotation axis 90 that also extends in the axial direction x. The compacting element 10 includes at least two compactor channels 100, in particular three or four or five compactor channels 100, and is at least partially arranged between the upper outlet roller 8 and the compactor roller 9 during operation. At least two compactor channels 100 are spaced apart laterally in the axial x direction. The compacting element 10 can take the form of a compactor wedge 101, which can be mounted on the compactor roller shaft 90, for example, clamped to the compactor roller shaft 90 by a transverse compactor clamp 102.

[0097] For example Figure 5 As shown, during operation, the fiber roving 13 of the drafting unit 1 first travels between the inlet rollers 3, 4, then between the intermediate rollers 5, 6 and finally between the outlet rollers 7, 8. Thus, with respect to the path of the fiber roving 13 extending through the drafting unit 1 along the length of the drafting unit 1 or its top weighting arm 12 in the z direction, the intermediate rollers 5, 6 are arranged downstream of the inlet rollers 3, 4, while the outlet rollers 7, 8 are arranged downstream of the intermediate rollers 5, 6. The compactor roller 9 may be arranged downstream of the outlet rollers 7, 8 and downstream of the upper outlet roller 8, respectively. In order to convey the fiber roving 13 through the drafting unit 1, the lower rollers 3, 5, 7 are usually drive rollers, wherein the upper rollers 4, 6, 8 and the compactor roller 9 are driven and arranged to be rotatable about the respective shafts or axes of the rollers 4, 6, 8, 9. Thus, the lower inlet roller 3 and the upper inlet roller 4 are arranged so that during operation the upper inlet roller 4 is pressed against the lower inlet roller 3 and driven by the lower inlet roller 3; the lower intermediate roller 5 and the upper intermediate roller 6 are arranged so that the upper intermediate roller 6 is pressed against the lower intermediate roller 5 and driven by the lower intermediate roller 5; the lower outlet roller 7 and the upper outlet roller 8 are arranged so that the upper outlet roller 8 is pressed against the lower outlet roller 7 and driven by the lower outlet roller 7. The compactor roller 9 is arranged so that during operation it is also pressed against the lower outlet roller 7 and driven by the lower outlet roller 7. The upper rollers 4, 6, 8, in particular the upper inlet roller 4 and the upper outlet roller 8, may also include elastic sleeves. The elastic sleeves are used to better grip and convey the fiber roving 13 through the drafting unit 1. The intermediate rollers 5, 6 may also each include an apron 50, 60 held by a corresponding apron structure 51, 61.

[0098] Figures 5 to 20 An embodiment of the above-mentioned drafting unit 1 is shown, which comprises a guiding device 11 for guiding the fiber roving 13 in the or each drafting unit 1. Here, the guiding may include guiding in the z-direction or length direction of the fiber roving 13, and positioning or repositioning or moving the fiber roving 13 in the drafting unit 1 in the x-direction. The guiding may also include guiding in the height direction y at least for a short distance in or near the guiding device 11. The guiding may also include focusing or grouping the fiber strips or rovings 13.

[0099] According to the invention, the guide device 11 is a double-bell guide device 11, which comprises a first collective bell 110 and a subsequent second collective bell 111, which are kept in a fixed mutual position. Preferably, the guide device 11 comprises a first bell 110 and a second bell 111 integrated into one. The double-bell guide device 11 allows to simplify the design of the drafting unit 1, in particular so that no other transverse positioning device is needed to position the fiber roving relative to the compactor channel 100.

[0100] Figures 5 to 16A first embodiment of a double-bell fiber roving guide 11 is shown in more detail. The guide 11 is arranged in the drafting unit 1 before the lower and upper inlet rollers 3, 4 or upstream of the lower and upper inlet rollers 3, 4 with respect to the fiber roving path through the drafting unit 1 ( Figure 5-Figure 6 The guide device 11 can be mounted on a traverse rod 14 of the spinning machine by means of a support 15, which in particular provides a through hole 151 for the traverse rod 14. The guide device 11 can be moved in the drafting unit in the transverse or x-direction, in particular relative to fixed components (e.g. rollers 3-9 of the drafting unit 1), and can be positioned and fixed by means of a fixing device 150 (e.g. a manually rotatable screw 150). Figure 7 ).

[0101] The double bell mouth guide device 11 is provided with a convex top guide surface 110c in the first bell mouth 110 for bending the fiber roving 13 downward, and a convex bottom guide surface 111c in the second bell mouth 111 for bending the fiber roving 13 upward ( Figure 8 ). This allows guiding, ie centering and pre-centering, the fiber roving 13 by means of friction forces exerted mainly by the top and bottom guiding surfaces 110c and 111c when the fiber roving 13 passes through the drafting unit 1 .

[0102] Furthermore, in the first bell mouth 110, the fiber rovings 13 are guided laterally (i.e., in the x-direction) by the first right lateral guide surface 110a and the first left lateral guide surface 110b, which gradually narrow along the path of the fiber rovings 13 (i.e., in the downstream direction) through the first bell mouth 110 ( Fig. 9 , Fig.13 , Fig.16 ); and in the second bell mouth 111, the fiber roving 13 is guided laterally (i.e., in the x-direction) by the second right lateral guide surface 111a and the second left lateral guide surface 111b, which further narrows along the path of the fiber roving 13 (i.e., in the downstream direction) ( Fig.10 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 ). The first bell mouth 110 is relatively wide and is used for primary collection and assembly of the fiber roving 13, while the second bell mouth 111 is relatively narrow and is used for further or secondary assembly of the fiber roving 13. Fig. 9 It can also be seen in Fig. 9 The top semicircular, still relatively wide outlet profiles 110a, 110c, 110b of the first bell mouth 110 are shown. Figure 11-Figure 12A narrower U-shaped or quasi-U-shaped outlet profile 111a, 111c, 111b is shown, the width dimension of which is in particular only slightly larger than the width of the fiber roving 13 at this stage; a V-shaped or V-like or other shape is also possible. Fig.12 It is also shown that the (quasi) U-shape or (quasi) V-shape can be asymmetrical so as to provide a roving insertion channel at the upper right of the U-shape or V-shape.

[0103] In general, the double bell-mouth guide device 11 may be designed to provide an open bottom in the first bell-mouth 110 and an open top in the second bell-mouth 111 to initially thread the fiber roving 13 from below and above, respectively.

[0104] Figures 17 to 20 A second embodiment of a double-bell-shaped fiber roving guide 11 is shown in more detail. Here, the guide 11 can be arranged in the drafting unit 1 as before. The guide 11 can have bells 110, 111 of a shape different from the previous shape. The first collective bell 110 can have a mouthpiece 110d for holding the fiber roving 13 also from the bottom (e.g. for holding the fiber roving from below when the fiber roving is not under tension, e.g. in an initial or preparatory phase) and can have first right and left lateral guide surfaces 110a, 110b, which comprise a recessed surface area at the bottom ( Fig.17 , Fig. 20 ). This can further support the bell-mouth effect for primary narrowing of the fiber roving path. The second collective bell-mouth 110 can have steeper and / or higher second right and left lateral guide surfaces 111a, 111b (compared to before) to better ensure the bell-mouth effect and secondary narrowing of the fiber roving path ( Fig.18 , Fig.19 ).

[0105] Figure 33 to Figure 34 Another embodiment of a double-bell mouth fiber roving guide 11 is shown, in which the mouth 110d is formed as a lower rod, which is held on one side and bent upwards and is open on the other side. This allows the fiber roving 13 to be inserted laterally and held, and prevents it from falling downwards when it is not under tension.

[0106] Figure 17 to Figure 18 and Figure 33 to Figure 34 A variant of the bracket 15 is also shown, which can be formed as a clamping bracket 152 for releasably mounting the guide device 11 on the traverse rod 14 of the spinning machine. The clamping bracket 152 facilitates the mounting and removal of the guide device 11. Likewise, the guide device 11 can be moved in the drafting unit in the transverse or x-direction, in particular relative to fixed parts (e.g. rollers 3-9 of the drafting unit 1), and can be positioned and fixed by means of a fixing device 150 (e.g. a manually rotatable screw 150).

[0107] Figure 21 to Figure 23 It is shown how the double-bell fiber roving guide device 11 can be aimed at a specific purpose or target compactor channel 100. This can be achieved by actuating the traverse rod 14 in the x-direction so as to move the guide device 11 and thereby the fiber roving 13 so as to use the middle, right or left compactor channel 100. Thus, the rollers 3-8 as well as the compactor roller 9 can draft the fiber roving 13 at different lateral positions on the roller surface, and the associated wear of the rollers 3-8, 9 or their elastic rubber sleeves can be better distributed on the roller surface and their service life can be extended.

[0108] Figure 24 to Figure 30b An embodiment of an adjustment device 16 according to the invention is shown, which is very suitable for cooperating with the guide device 11 for guiding the fiber roving 13 in the drafting unit 1, in particular for (re)positioning the fiber roving 13 transversely in the x-direction. The adjustment device 16 can be arranged in the drafting unit 1 after the lower and upper inlet rollers 3, 4, or downstream of the lower and upper inlet rollers 3, 4 with respect to the fiber roving path through the drafting unit 1; and / or it can be arranged in the drafting unit 1 before the lower and upper intermediate rollers 5, 6, or upstream of the lower and upper intermediate rollers 5, 6 with respect to the fiber roving path through the drafting unit 1 ( Fig.24 , Figure 26-Figure 27 ).

[0109] The adjustment device 16 may be mounted on a mounting plate 21 which is movably mounted to the stretching unit 1 for z-positioning the adjustment device 16 along the length extension of the top weighting arm 12 of the stretching unit 1. To this end, the adjustment device 16 may include a mounting surface 20 for releasably mounting to the mounting plate 21, in particular for releasably mounting the body 160 of the adjustment device 16 carrying the rotating mechanism 17 and the scanning device 19 to the mounting plate 21. For example, the mounting surface 20 may be releasably mounted to the mounting plate 21 by providing a mounting magnet 220 held in a hole 22 to releasably fix the mounting surface 20 to the mounting plate 21 ( Figure 24-25 , Figure 28-Figure 29 ).

[0110] In an embodiment, the adjustment device 16 may include a rotating mechanism 17, the rotating mechanism 17 includes a rotating fork 170, the rotating fork 170 partially surrounds the fiber roving 13 and can rotate around a rotating axis 171, so that the rotation angle ( Fig.24 , Fig.25 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 The associated guide means 11 may then be moved in the x-direction to reduce the lateral misalignment, for example by about 5° to 10° relative to the vertical ( Fig.30a), and set the desired rotation angle corresponding to the target position of one of the compactor channels 100, in particular, the desired rotation angle relative to the vertical line is 0° ( Fig.30b The rotating mechanism 17 is highly sensitive to transverse misalignments of the fiber roving 13 and thus controls the transverse positioning or repositioning of the fiber roving 13 in the drafting unit 1 very precisely.

[0111] In an embodiment, the adjustment device 16 may further include a scanning device 19 for controlling the lateral position of the compactor component 10 including the compactor channel 100, and for defining at least one equilibrium position of the rotation angle indicator 172, the equilibrium position corresponding to the lateral target position ( Fig.25 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 ). It is also shown that the scanning device 19 may include a first or right side position detection component 190 and / or a second or left side position detection component 191, which are arranged at a compactor unit 9, 10 including a compactor roller 9 and a compactor component 10, or arranged at an upper exit roller 8.

[0112] More specifically, the right side position detection component 190 and / or the left side position detection component 191 may be arranged in contact with one or both sides of the compactor wedge 101 providing at least two compactor passages 100, and / or with the compactor clamp 102 ( Figure 4b , Fig.32a ) is arranged in contact with one or both sides of the compacting device, and the compacting device clamp 102 is used to clamp the compacting element 10 to the drafting unit 1, especially to the shaft 90 ( Figure 1 , Figure 24-25 , Fig.29 Alternatively, the first right side position detection component 190 and / or the left side position detection component 191 may be arranged in contact with one or both end surfaces of the shaft 80 of the upper outlet roller 8 ( Fig.26 , Fig.28 ).

[0113] The adjustment device 16 may further include a suspension shaft 23 (extending along the x direction), which is rotatably mounted on the mounting surface 20 and rotatably carries the rotating mechanism 17 and the scanning device 19 ( Fig.25 , Fig.28 , Fig.29 ). This allows the adjustment device 16 to rotate about the suspension shaft 23 so that the scanning device 19 (especially its first side position detection component 190 and / or its second side position detection component 191) contacts the compactor wedge 101 (especially its side) or the upper exit roller 8 (especially its axial side).

[0114] Based on the drafting unit 1 and the spinning machine, in particular the ring spinning machine, disclosed herein, a method for ring spinning yarn from a fiber roving 13 and possibly other components can be performed ( Fig.31a , Fig.31b , Fig.31c ).

[0115] The method may include performing the following steps in each drafting unit 1: scanning the lateral position of the compactor units 9, 10 using the scanning device 19, guiding the fiber roving 13 into one of the compactor channels 100, determining the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving 13 using the rotation angle indicator 172 of the rotating mechanism 17, and fine-tuning the lateral position of the guiding device 11 by moving the mounting element 15 along the traverse rod 14 until the rotation angle indicator 172 indicates a rotation angle close to 0°, thereby correcting the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving 13. This step may be an initial setting step for preparing the drafting unit 1 of the spinning machine before putting it into operation, or may be an intermediate maintenance step when the ring spinning machine is stopped.

[0116] In addition, as shown in Figure 31- Fig.31c As shown, the method may comprise the step of actuating a transverse rod 14 in each drafting unit 1 of the spinning machine for repositioning the guide device 11 between discrete transverse positions along the x-direction, thereby laterally shifting the fiber roving 13 to a new target position corresponding to a new target compactor channel 100 of the associated compactor component 10. This transverse shifting may be performed during operation of the ring spinning machine.

[0117] In another aspect of the present invention, the compactor member 10 may be further modified to facilitate lateral displacement of the fiber roving 13 within the drafting unit 1 during operation of the ring spinning machine.

[0118] Figure 4b , Figure 4c The compactor component 10 shown in the drawing includes a pyramid-shaped wall element, which is arranged between the compactor channels 100 and is shaped to generally have relatively sharp top edges or teeth. During the operation of the drafting unit 1 disclosed herein, when the fiber roving 13 is laterally shifted from one compactor channel 100 to another compactor channel 100, that is, when the fiber roving 13 passes through the drafting unit 1, by the transverse (re)positioning guide device 11, such sharp top edges or teeth may cause the fiber roving 13 to break. The reason is that when the fiber roving 13 is laterally moved from the starting compactor channel 100 to the target compactor channel 101, the sharp edges or teeth may sometimes tend to split the running fiber roving 13 into two parts, thereby breaking it.

[0119] like Figures 32a to 32cAs shown, this problem can be alleviated by modifying the compactor member 10 or compactor wedge 101, respectively, by providing the wall elements between the compactor passages 100 with top edges or teeth 26 having multi-faceted surfaces 27. The multi-faceted surfaces 27 cut off the sharp tops and provide smoothed top edges 26, such as Figure 32a to Figure 32b shown.

[0120] exist Fig.32c In the embodiment shown, the facet angle α extending between the tangent line of the upper outlet roller 8 and the facet surface 27 should be selected in the range between 0° and 45°, preferably in the range between 10° and 45°, more preferably in the range between 20° and 45°. Specifically, the facet angle α is defined in the cross-sectional yz plane orthogonal to the viewing direction along the x-axis.

[0121] In an embodiment of a compactor useful for the present invention, the compactor may include a right compactor unit and a left compactor unit arranged in parallel, which are used for two spinning stations or drafting units respectively. The right compactor component and the left compactor component may be integrated, and / or the right compactor roller and the left compactor roller may be integrated.

[0122] Figure 35-Figure 36 An embodiment is shown, wherein the guide device 11 comprises two parallel arranged first collecting bell mouths 110 and two parallel arranged second collecting bell mouths 111 for guiding and collecting two parallel fiber rovings (not shown). The reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts as before.

[0123] The first collective bell mouth 110 on the right side and its subsequent second collective bell mouth 111 are kept in a fixed mutual position, thereby forming a first double bell mouth guide device 110, 111. Similarly, the first collective bell mouth 110 on the left side and its subsequent second collective bell mouth 111 are kept in a fixed mutual position, thereby forming a second double bell mouth guide device 110, 111. This allows to provide two parallel double bell mouth guide devices 110, 111, for example, for parallel guiding, collecting, drafting and compacting two fiber rovings in one spinning station or drafting unit 1, in particular for subsequently siro-spinning them into yarn.

[0124] Such a pair of double-bell guide devices 110, 111 can be realized, for example, by providing a first partition wall or a center ridge arranged between the two first collective bells 110 and a second partition wall or a center ridge arranged between the two second collective bells 111. The first partition wall can be or can form a part of the first right guide surface 110a of the left first collective bell 110 and / or a part of the left guide surface 110b of the right first collective bell 110. In addition, the second partition wall can be or can form a part of the first right guide surface 111a of the left second collective bell 111 and / or a part of the left guide surface 111b of the right second collective bell 111.

[0125] like Figure 35 to Figure 36 As shown, each double-bell guide device 110, 111 can have a mouth 110d, for example a mouth 110d with a transverse opening for threading the fiber roving or a closed mouth 110d (not shown).

[0126] When the guide device 11 includes two parallel double-flared guide devices 110, 111, at least four or six or more even-numbered compactor channels 100 can be used to traverse two parallel fiber rovings between different lateral positions. To this end, the traversing distance can be selected to be twice or an even-numbered multiple of the distance a between adjacent compactor channels 100.

[0127] Reference numerals list

[0128] 1 Drafting units for ring spinning machines

[0129] 2 Support rods

[0130] 3-8 drafting roller

[0131] 3 Lower entrance roller

[0132] 4 Upper entrance roller

[0133] 5 Lower middle roller

[0134] 50 Leather ring

[0135] 51 Leather ring structure

[0136] 6 Upper middle roller

[0137] 60 Leather ring

[0138] 61 Leather ring structure

[0139] 7 Lower exit roller

[0140] 8 Upper exit roller

[0141] 80 Axis and end surface of upper exit roller

[0142] 9.10 Compactor, compactor unit

[0143] 9 Compactor Roller

[0144] 90 Shaft and end surface of compacting roller

[0145] 10 Tightening elements and tightening parts

[0146] 100 Compactor channel

[0147] 101 Compactor Wedge

[0148] 102 Tightener clamp, mounting clamp

[0149] 11 Guiding device, roving positioning device, double bell mouth device, double bell mouth guiding device, collecting device

[0150] 110 first collection bell mouth, entrance collection bell mouth, wide first bell mouth, convex top bell mouth

[0151] 110a, 110b first lateral guide surfaces,

[0152] 110a First right guide surface

[0153] 110b first left guide surface

[0154] 110c Top guide surface

[0155] 110d First set of bell mouthpieces

[0156] 111 Second collective bell mouth, outlet collective bell mouth, narrow second bell mouth, (similar) V-shaped bell mouth, (similar) U-shaped bell mouth, convex bottom bell mouth

[0157] 111a, 111b second lateral guide surface

[0158] 111a Second right guide surface

[0159] 111b Second left guide surface

[0160] 111c Bottom guide surface

[0161] 12 Weighted Arm, Top Weighted Arm

[0162] 13 Fiber roving

[0163] 14 Traverse rod for guide device, operable traverse rod

[0164] 15 Mounting elements, lateral positioning elements, brackets for guide devices

[0165] 150 Fixings for guides, lateral set screws

[0166] 151 Crossbar groove, through hole, sliding structure

[0167] 152 Crossbar groove, clamping structure, sliding structure

[0168] 16 Adjustment device

[0169] 160 Adjustment device body

[0170] 17 Rotating mechanism, aiming device

[0171] 170 Rotating fork, roving position detection device

[0172] 171 Rotation axis

[0173] 172 Rotation angle indicator

[0174] 18 Rotating mechanism bracket, rotating axis mounting seat

[0175] 19 Scanning device, compactor position detection device

[0176] 190 Right side position detection component, lateral position detection surface (for compactor roller or compactor wedge)

[0177] 191 Left side position detection component, lateral position detection surface (for compactor roller or compactor wedge)

[0178] 20 Mounting surface

[0179] 21 Mounting plate, shift plate

[0180] 22 Holes for mounting the magnet

[0181] 220 Mounting Magnet

[0182] 23 Suspension shaft for adjustment device

[0183] 24 Suspension shaft bearing

[0184] 25 Actuating device for traverse rod

[0185] 26 Sharp edges and teeth between the compactor channels

[0186] 27 Multi-faceted surfaces

[0187] a Discrete distance in the horizontal x direction

[0188] x,y,z coordinate axes, directions

[0189] α Polyhedral Angle

Claims

1. A drafting unit (1) for a ring spinning machine, for drafting a fiber roving (13) before ring spinning the fiber roving (13) into yarn, the drafting unit (1) comprising: a. a lower roller (3, 5, 7) and an upper roller (4, 6, 8), the lower roller and the upper roller being arranged so that during operation the upper roller (4, 6, 8) is pressed against the lower roller (3, 5, 7) and is driven by the lower roller (3, 5, 7), b. The lower rollers (3, 5, 7) and the upper rollers (4, 6, 8) are each rotatable about their respective rotation axes extending along the x-direction (x); and wherein c. The drafting unit (1) further comprises a compacting roller (9) which is arranged downstream relative to the upper outlet roller (8) so that during operation, the compacting roller (9) is pressed against the lower outlet roller (7) and is driven by the lower outlet roller (7); d. a compactor component (10), which during operation is at least partially arranged between the upper outlet roller (8) and the compactor roller (9), and comprises at least two compactor channels (100) for compacting the fiber roving (13), the compactor channels (100) being laterally spaced apart in the x-direction (x) for providing alternative lateral positions for the path of the fiber roving (13) through the drafting unit (1) during operation; and e. A guide device (11) arranged upstream of the lower and upper rollers (3, 5, 7; 4, 6, 8) for positioning the fiber roving (13) relative to at least one compactor channel (100), wherein f. The guiding device (11) comprises a first collective bell mouth (110) and a subsequent second collective bell mouth (111), which are maintained in a fixed position relative to each other.

2. The stretching unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The guiding device (11) comprises an integrated first bell mouth (110) and a second bell mouth (111).

3. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The drafting unit (1) does not have any other transverse positioning means for positioning the fiber roving (13) relative to one of the compactor channels (100).

4. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first collective bell mouth (110) is an inlet bell mouth (110) including hanging saddle surfaces (110a, 110b, 110c), and the second collective bell mouth (111) is an outlet bell mouth including sitting saddle surfaces (111a, 111b, 111c), both saddle surfaces are designed to guide and concentrate fiber rovings (13) in a friction-induced manner.

5. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first collective flare (110) comprises a convex top guide surface (110c) and first right and first left lateral guide surfaces (110a, 110b), in particular the surfaces (110c, 110a, 110b) are shaped as an upper half flare for providing a first narrowed path for primary centering and / or focusing of the fiber rovings (13).

6. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first collective bell mouth (110) includes an open bottom for initially inserting the fiber roving (13) from below the first collective bell mouth (110); or the first collective bell mouth (110) includes a mouth piece (110d) for holding the fiber roving (13) from below; or the first collective bell mouth (110) includes a mouth piece (110d) formed as a lower rod that is held on one side and bent upward and is open on the other side.

7. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second collective bell mouth (111) includes a convex bottom guide surface (111c) and a second right lateral guide surface and a second left lateral guide surface (111a, 111b), and in particular, the second right lateral guide surface and the second left lateral guide surface (111a, 111b) are V-shaped or U-shaped, for providing a secondary narrowing path for further centering and / or concentrating the fiber roving (13).

8. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second collective bell mouth (111) provides an open top for initially inserting the fiber roving (13) from above the second collective bell mouth (111).

9. A stretching unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding device (11) comprises two parallel first collective bell mouths (110) and two parallel second collective bell mouths (111), for guiding and collecting two parallel fiber rovings (13), wherein each first collective bell mouth (110) and its subsequent second collective bell mouth (111) are maintained in a fixed relative position.

10. The stretching unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guiding device (11) comprises a mounting element (15) for positioning the guiding device (11) in the stretching unit (1) along the x-direction (x), in particular wherein the mounting element (15) comprises a through hole (151) for enclosing a traversing rod (14) or comprises a clamping mechanism (152) for clamping on the traversing rod (14), and the mounting element (15) further comprises a fixing device (150) for fixing the guiding device (11) in position in the stretching unit (1) along the x-direction (x).

11. A drafting unit (1) in a ring spinning machine for drafting a fiber roving (13) before ring spinning the fiber roving (13) into yarn, in particular a drafting unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the drafting unit (1) comprising, relative to the path of the fiber roving (13) through the drafting unit (1): a. a lower roller (3, 5, 7) and an upper roller (4, 6, 8), which are arranged so that during operation the upper roller (4, 6, 8) is pressed against the lower roller (3, 5, 7) and is driven by the lower roller (3, 5, 7), b. Among them, The lower rollers (3, 5, 7) and the upper rollers (4, 6, 8) are each rotatable about a respective rotation axis extending along the x-direction (x); and wherein c. The drafting unit (1) further comprises a compacting roller (9), which is arranged downstream relative to the upper outlet roller (8) so that during operation, the compacting roller (9) is pressed against the lower outlet roller (7) and driven by the lower outlet roller (7); d. a compactor component (10), which during operation is at least partially arranged between the upper outlet roller (8) and the compactor roller (9), and comprises at least two compactor channels (100) for compacting the fiber roving (13), the compactor channels (100) being laterally spaced apart in the x-direction (x) for providing alternative lateral positions for the path of the fiber roving (13) through the drafting unit (1) during operation; e. a guide device (11) arranged upstream of the lower and upper rollers (3, 5, 7; 4, 6, 8) for positioning the fiber roving (13) relative to at least one compactor channel (100); and f. A regulating device (16) for detecting the transverse position of the fiber roving (13) in the x-direction (x) in the drafting unit (1) downstream of the guiding device (11).

12. The stretching unit (1) according to claim 11, wherein the adjustment device (16) comprises a detection device (17, 19) for detecting the lateral position, in particular the lateral misalignment, of the fiber roving (13) in the stretching unit (1), and an indicator device (17) for indicating the lateral position, in particular the lateral misalignment, of the fiber roving (13) in the stretching unit (1).

13. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the adjustment device (16) comprises a rotating mechanism (17), which comprises a rotating fork (170), which partially surrounds the fiber roving (13) and can be rotated around a rotating axis (171), so that the rotation angle can be caused by a lateral offset of the fiber roving (13).

14. A stretching unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the guiding device (11) is movable in the x-direction (x) for reducing lateral misalignment and setting a desired rotation angle corresponding to a target position given by one of the compactor channels (100), in particular a desired rotation angle of 0° relative to a vertical line.

15. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: The adjustment device (16) comprises a rotation angle indicator (172) for visually indicating the rotation angle from the equilibrium position, in particular the rotation angle from 0° relative to the vertical line.

16. A stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the adjusting device (16) includes a scanning device (19) for controlling the lateral position of a tightening component (10) including a tightening channel (100) and for defining at least one equilibrium position of a rotation angle indicator (172) corresponding to a lateral target position of at least one tightening channel (100).

17. The stretching unit (1) according to claim 16, wherein the scanning device (19) includes a first or right side position detection component (190) and / or a second or left side position detection component (191), and the components are arranged at a compactor unit (9, 10) including a compactor roller (9) and a compactor component (10) or at an upper exit roller (8).

18. A stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the first or right side position detection component (190) and / or the second or left side position detection component (191) are arranged to contact one or both end surfaces of the shaft (80) of the upper outlet roller (8).

19. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the right side position detection component (190) and / or the left side position detection component (191) are arranged to contact one or both sides of a tightener wedge (101) providing at least two tightener channels (100), and / or to contact one or both sides of a tightener clamp (102) for clamping the tightening element (10) to the stretching unit (1).

20. A stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the adjustment device (16) comprises a mounting plate (21) which is movably mounted to the stretching unit (1) for positioning the adjustment device (16) along the length extension (z) of the top weighting arm (12) of the stretching unit (1).

21. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the adjustment device (16) comprises a mounting surface (20) for releasably mounting to a mounting plate (21), in particular the mounting surface (20) is releasably mounted to the mounting plate (21) via a magnet (220).

22. The stretching unit (1) according to claim 21, wherein the adjustment device (16) comprises a suspension shaft (23) mounted to the mounting surface (20) and carrying the rotating mechanism (17) and the scanning device (19) in a rotatable manner.

23. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The lower rollers (3, 5, 7) and the upper rollers (4, 6, 8) include: a. a lower entrance roller (3) and an upper entrance roller (4), arranged so that during operation, the upper entrance roller (4) is pressed against the lower entrance roller (3) and is driven by the lower entrance roller (3); b. a lower intermediate roller (5) and an upper intermediate roller (6), arranged downstream of the lower and upper inlet rollers (3, 4) with respect to the path of the fiber roving (13), and such that during operation the upper intermediate roller (6) is pressed against the lower intermediate roller (5) and is driven by the lower intermediate roller (5); and c. A lower outlet roller (7) and an upper outlet roller (8), which are arranged downstream of the lower and upper intermediate rollers (5, 6) relative to the path of the fiber roving (13), and so that during operation the upper outlet roller (8) is pressed against the lower outlet roller (7) and driven by the lower outlet roller (7).

24. The stretching unit (1) according to claim 23, wherein the guide device (11) is arranged before the lower and upper entry rollers (3, 4).

25. The stretching unit (1) according to any one of claims 23 to 24, wherein the rotating mechanism (17) of the adjusting device (16) is arranged after the lower and upper inlet rollers (3, 4) and before the lower and upper intermediate rollers (5, 6).

26. The drafting unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The wall element present between the compactor channel (100) comprises a multi-faceted surface (27) at its top edge to provide a smoothed top edge (26), in particular wherein the face angle (α) extending between a tangent to the upper outlet roller (8) and the multi-faceted surface (27) is selected in the range between 0° and 45°.

27. Ring spinning machine comprising a plurality of drafting units (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and further comprising a support rod (2) for holding the plurality of drafting units (1) in a row in an x-direction (x).

28. The ring spinning machine according to claim 27 comprises a traverse rod (14) for holding a plurality of guide devices (11), in particular for holding two guide devices (11) per drafting unit (1), and an actuating device (25) for actuating the traverse rod (14) along the x-direction (x).

29. A ring spinning machine according to claim 28, wherein the actuator (25) is arranged at one end of a traverse rod (14) in the ring spinning machine; and / or the actuator (25) can be or can include a mechanical actuator, which is manually actuatable, or can be or can include an electric motor for moving step by step and / or within a specific time window, preferably the motor is equipped with a sensor for monitoring the position of the traverse rod (14).

30. The ring spinning machine according to any one of claims 28 to 29, wherein: The traverse rod (14) is actuatable so that the guide device (11) is jointly displaced between discrete positions in the x-direction (x) relative to fixed components comprising upper and lower rollers (3, 5, 7; 4, 6, 8) of the drafting unit (1).

31. A ring spinning machine according to claim 30, wherein the traverse rod (14) can be actuated along the x-direction (x) at a discrete traverse distance (a, 2a), and the discrete traverse distance corresponds to, is equal to, or is a multiple, in particular an even multiple, of the distance (a) between adjacent compactor channels (100) of the compactor component (10) included in the drafting unit (1).

32. Ring spinning machine according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the compactor unit (9, 10) comprising the compactor roller (9) and the compacting element (10) also remains stationary during actuation of the traverse rod (14).

33. Method for ring spinning yarn from fiber roving (13) and possibly other components by using a ring spinning machine according to any of the preceding claims 27 to 32.

34. The method according to claim 33 comprises the following steps in each stretching unit (1): scanning the lateral position of the compactor unit (9, 10) using a scanning device (19), guiding the fiber roving (13) into one of the compactor channels (100), determining the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving (13) using a rotation angle indicator (172) of the rotating mechanism (17), and fine-tuning the lateral position of the guiding device (11) by shifting the mounting element (15) along the traverse rod (14) until the rotation angle indicator (172) indicates a rotation angle close to 0°, thereby correcting the lateral misalignment of the fiber roving (13).

35. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 34 comprises the step of actuating a transverse rod (14) in each drafting unit (1) of the ring spinning machine for repositioning the guide device (11) between discrete lateral positions along the x-direction (x), thereby laterally shifting the fiber roving (13) to a new target position corresponding to a new target compactor channel (100) of the associated compactor component (10).

36. Method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the compactor unit (9, 10) comprising the compactor roller (9) and the compactor element (10) also remains stationary during the actuation of the traverse rod (14).

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