Illumination projector, manufacturing method and projection method

Abstract

The invention relates to an illumination projector for shadow projection from an object, in particular a yarn in a textile machine. The illumination projector comprises at least one light source, in particular a light emitting diode (LED). In order to reduce resource costs, improve system capabilities and make the system more slow against interference, an illumination projector is provided. The illumination projector includes at least one waveguide and the light source is positioned such that emitted light enters the waveguide and the waveguide is configured to be positioned relative to the object such that light exiting from the waveguide on an exit side of the waveguide projects a shadow from the object to a receiving side or such that light will be reflected from the object to the receiving side.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an illumination projector. The present invention relates to a textile machine. The present invention relates to a yarn clearer. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an illumination projector. The present invention relates to a method for projection.

[0002] A yarn clearer is known in the art, for example from EP 1 655 599 B1. Therein, the yarn clearer comprises a yarn sensor for optically scanning a yarn moving longitudinally in a measuring gap, the measuring gap being supplied with light from a source, the yarn sensor having a first receiver for directly transmitted light, two further receivers for light reflected from the yarn and an element for transmitting light between the light source, the gap and the receiver. The transmission element between the source and the gap comprises a diffuse foil, an aperture and a lens located behind the source in the radiation direction, so that the aperture is imaged at infinity. The transmission elements between the gap and the reflected light receiver each contain a lens located in front of the receiver in the radiation direction, so that in the absence of yarn, the image that each receiver can recognize is located on the opposite wall of the measuring gap, so that each image of the reflected light receiver crosses on the other side of the image of the source on the wall and is located outside the image.

[0003] Combined with the complex housing, the yarn clearers of the prior art provide complex and difficult to handle optical devices, which limits the potential of the yarn clearers in terms of optical device capabilities. In addition, the yarn clearers of the prior art are complex to assemble, so the assembly is cumbersome, and resources are occupied when doing so.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to reduce resource costs, increase system capabilities and make the system more insensitive to disturbances.

[0005] This object is solved by an illumination projector having the features of claim 1. This object is solved by a textile machine or a yarn clearer having the features of claim 13. This object is solved by a production method having the features of claim 14. This object is solved by a method for projection having the features of claim 22.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features, feature combinations, technical effects and advantages described in conjunction with the housing and / or the yarn clearer also apply to the method for assembling the housing. This also applies conversely, so that with respect to the disclosure of the various aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to one another, in particular independently of the category described and / or claimed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, this object is solved by an illumination projector having the features according to claim 1 .

[0008] Wherein, the illumination projector can be configured to project shadows from an object. The object can specifically be a yarn in a textile machine. Alternatively or additionally, the object can be a sliver in a textile machine. The illumination projector specifically includes at least one light source, specifically a light emitting diode - LED for short. The illumination projector specifically includes at least one waveguide. The light source can be placed so that the emitted light (from the light source) can enter the waveguide. The waveguide can be configured to be placed relative to the object so that the light emitted from the waveguide on the exit side of the waveguide projects a shadow from the object to the receiving side, or so that light will be reflected from the object to the receiving side.

[0009] The term lighting projector refers to a device capable of transmitting light from a light source to a point of action, such as an illuminated point, an illuminated area or an illuminated volume, in particular where the yarn is placed.

[0010] The light source may be any suitable light source capable of performing the above tasks. Specifically, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED for short), a laser diode, a continuous wave laser, a pulsed laser, and the like.

[0011] The term waveguide refers in particular to its ability to transmit light in a confined space. These embodiments may include any type of waveguide that is in principle suitable for transmitting light over a certain distance, has the ability to interrupt any potential pattern in the beam path and has the ability to form a uniform wavefront at the exit aperture. In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide may be at least one of a tube having a non-mirror inner surface made of a highly reflective material. Another exemplary embodiment may be a light guide known in the art that is modified so that its outer circumference has a grounded surface.

[0012] In an embodiment, the waveguide may be provided in the form of a cavity, in particular a hollow tube, the surface of the waveguide may be uniformly matte (non-reflective and the material used has no preferred scattering direction) at the same time and the material properties of the waveguide may be highly reflective, for example, very "white". The highly reflective properties of the material may increase the efficiency of the transmitted light relative to the emitted light output.

[0013] The emission on the exit side of the waveguide may be light emitted from the waveguide. Wherein, the light beam may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the propagation direction of the light that is particularly uniformly distributed. In particular, the emission may be free of internal patterns, such as an emitter field of an LED or any other light source. In particular, the light beam emitted from the waveguide may not carry any other image of any specific optical component of the optical device. Point source-like emission may provide an illumination distribution that may be particularly symmetrical with the propagation direction of the light (z direction) on the exit side facet of the cavity of the waveguide. The illumination distribution may be a spatial illumination distribution, in particular a spatial illumination distribution that may be described by a top hat function or a Gaussian distribution function. The distribution may be free of vignetting, in particular, in any direction orthogonal to the propagation direction of the light (z direction), and on the exit side of the waveguide, the light may be collimated with a very small divergence angle or without a divergence angle in any direction orthogonal to the transmission direction, which will also be specifically described in the z direction of light propagation. The yarn guiding device may be constructed and positioned with respect to the emission on the exit side of the waveguide to project a shadow from the yarn to the receiver or to reflect light from the yarn to the receiver.

[0014] In one embodiment, an illumination projector can be configured to project light to an object in a measurement gap. Wherein, a light receiving device of a sensor can be mounted on a machine and can be used to extract at least one characteristic of an object. The illumination projector can include at least one light source, specifically a light emitting diode (LED) and at least one object guiding device. The projector can include at least one waveguide. The light source can be placed so that the emitted light can enter the waveguide. The waveguide can be placed so that the light emitted from the waveguide has an illumination distribution, in particular a uniform illumination distribution, more particularly a top hat distribution or a Gaussian distribution, in particular an illumination distribution without vignetting, in particular an illumination distribution in two directions orthogonal to the propagation direction (z direction) of the light. In particular, the light emitted from the facet of the waveguide can be collimated in two directions orthogonal to the z direction on the exit side of the waveguide, in particular with a very small divergence angle or in the absence of a divergence angle. The object guiding device can be configured and positioned relative to the emission on the exit side of the waveguide to project a shadow from the object to the receiving side or to reflect light from the object to the receiving side.

[0015] According to one aspect, an illumination projector can be constructed for shadow projection from an object, in particular a yarn in a textile machine. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination projector can be constructed to reflect light from an object, in particular a yarn. The illumination projector includes at least one light source, in particular a light emitting diode (LED). The illumination projector may include at least one waveguide. The illumination projector specifically includes at least one object guiding device, in particular a yarn guiding device. The light source can be placed so that the emitted light enters the waveguide. The waveguide can be placed so that the light emitted from the waveguide forms an emission on its exit side. The object guiding device, in particular a yarn guiding device, can be constructed and positioned relative to the emission on the exit side of the waveguide to project a shadow from an object, in particular a yarn, to a receiver, or to reflect light from an object, in particular the yarn, to the receiver.

[0016] The illumination projector may comprise an object guiding device, in particular a yarn guiding device, which is constructed and positioned relative to the exit side of the waveguide to guide an object, in particular a yarn, so that the object, in particular the yarn, is guided through an illumination point, an illumination area or an illumination volume. The waveguide may be constructed and positioned relative to the exit side of the waveguide to project a shadow from the object, in particular the yarn, to a receiving side, or to reflect light from the object, in particular the yarn, to the receiving side.

[0017] In one embodiment, the object guiding device can be a yarn guiding device, and the guiding of the yarn can be achieved so that the yarn passes relative to an illumination point, an illumination area and / or an illumination volume. In the illumination point, illumination area and / or illumination volume, the yarn can interact with the light emitted from the light source and projected by the illumination projector to project a shadow from the yarn to the receiver side or to reflect light from the yarn to the receiver side. Alternatively or additionally, the yarn, its parts or components can interact with the light and can cause scattering and / or can absorb certain wavelengths of light. All of these interactions can indicate yarn characteristics, such as impurities, defects, fiber damage, etc. Specifically, the yarn is guided between two points at which the yarn interacts with a yarn guiding device as described elsewhere herein.

[0018] The yarn guiding device is specifically at least one structure, more specifically at least two structures, which are constructed and positioned to allow guiding the yarn through at least one of the illumination point, the illumination area and / or the illumination volume. In an exemplary embodiment, the yarn guiding device comprises a first contact structure and a second contact structure, so that the yarn moves on a line, in particular a straight line, between the first contact structure and the second contact structure. The beam path is specifically implemented so that the yarn passes through the beam path specifically at a certain angle, more specifically vertically.

[0019] As described above, the light-yarn interaction allows in particular to optically detect properties of the yarn, in particular defects or impurities in the yarn. To this end, the light source is configured to transmit light via an optical device to a specific illumination point, illumination area and / or illumination volume as described elsewhere herein. Additionally, the receiver may include an optical device to transmit light from the illumination point, illumination area and / or illumination volume to a photosensitive detector system (also referred to as photosensitive electronic components). In summary, the combination of a light source, a photosensitive detector and an optical device located in at least one beam path therebetween may be referred to as an optical device.

[0020] According to one aspect, the waveguide may be a tube, in particular a light-homogenizing tube. The tube is in particular of simple construction. Thus, no special mechanical positioning tolerances have to be taken into account, nor any special mechanical dimensional tolerances (except for the tolerances for placing the waveguide in the housing as described elsewhere herein). The tube may be manufactured as a simple component by injection molding as described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0021] A particularly resource-saving embodiment can be provided by placing an LED as light source on one side of the interior of the tube and receiving a light beam on the other side of the tube, the light beam having the following two advantageous properties: having a low divergence angle and being uniformly distributed, in particular without vignetting. The tube can therefore also be referred to as a light homogenizing tube, since any image carried therein, such as the emitter pattern of an LED or any other type of image, is otherwise destroyed. This results in a point source-like emission at the exit of the waveguide.

[0022] The term tube refers in particular to any hollow cylindrical structure which is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves over a corresponding distance of expansion of the tube and thus in particular serves as a waveguide, in particular due to its geometry and in particular due to the corresponding properties of its inner surface. In other embodiments, other types of waveguides may be provided when the properties described elsewhere herein are met.

[0023] Another advantage of this tube may be that in addition to having a continuous first derivative of its projected distribution, there is no strict tolerance on the emission angle of the LED. It may not even be necessary to have the same angular emission distribution in both axes, but only a continuous first derivative in either axis.

[0024] In the case of asymmetric emission axes of the LEDs, these can be oriented according to the size of the tube. The reduced requirements on the emission angle of the LED allow a wider range of choices. The wider range of choices allows additional cost optimization.

[0025] According to one aspect, the inner cross section of the waveguide, in particular the tube, is circular, oval, rectangular or square. The cross section of the tube can vary according to requirements: circular, oval, rectangular, square, etc. For example, in case the previous tube is damaged or degraded, the tube can be easily replaced by a tube of the same type. In case the requirements in the optical device change, the tube can be replaced by a different type of tube. The specific shape can be oval.

[0026] For a given / required illumination intensity, the illumination flux of the LED increases specifically according to the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the projection tube. For asymmetric measurement requirements where the width of the defect resolution can be smaller than the maximum defect height (magnitude), a projection tube with an elliptical or rectangular shape can result in a higher illumination intensity compared to a round tube, assuming the same emitted illumination flux of the LED.

[0027] The length of the tube may (primarily) determine the resulting divergence angle. Since the tube may not require any strict mechanical manufacturing tolerances, in one embodiment, it can be produced by extrusion and can then be cut into the required length. As described elsewhere herein, this is an easy to perform method step.

[0028] According to one aspect, the inner cross-section and / or width of the waveguide is designed according to the required width of the light beam, and the inner cross-section and / or height of the waveguide is designed according to the height requirement of the light beam.

[0029] In particular, for an elliptical or rectangular inner cross section, the width of the tube can be designed according to the desired width of the light beam, and the height of the tube can be designed according to the height requirements of the light beam. The width of the tube and the height of the tube can be shaped separately and independently according to the measurement requirements. In some embodiments, the width of the light beam is adapted to the width resolution of the yarn defect to be measured (the minimum length of the yarn defect to be detected), and the height of the tube is adapted to the maximum size of the yarn defect to be measured.

[0030] According to one aspect, the width of the inner cross section of the waveguide and the height of the inner cross section of the waveguide are individually and independently shaped according to the measurement requirements, wherein the width of the light beam is adapted to the width resolution of the yarn defects to be measured. The minimum length of the yarn defects to be detected can be determined by the width of the light beam. The height of the light beam is adapted to the maximum size of the yarn defects to be measured.

[0031] According to one aspect, the waveguide may include a hollow core having an inner surface. The inner surface of the waveguide may be diffuse, i.e. non-specular and non-directional. The efficiency of the projection is determined in particular by the reflective properties of the material of the inner surface of the tube. A diffuse, non-specular and / or non-directional inner surface, in particular an inner surface made of a highly reflective material, may improve the projection of light.

[0032] The preparation of the inner surface (also referred to as the internal surface) can determine the vignetting of the resulting beam. In addition to the geometry of the waveguide, in particular the inner surface of the tube, the efficiency of the projection is also determined by the reflective properties of the material of the inner surface of the projection tube. The tube is particularly of such a length that any image that may be carried in the beam path (in particular if produced by a light source) is destroyed.

[0033] For a given / required illumination intensity, the illumination flux of the LED increases according to the inner cross-sectional area of ​​the tube. For asymmetric measurement requirements where the width of the defect resolution is less than the maximum defect height (magnitude), a projection tube with an elliptical or rectangular shape can result in higher illumination intensity compared to a round tube, assuming the same emitted illumination flux of the LED.

[0034] According to one aspect, the inner surface comprises a (high) reflective material with non-directional reflective properties. This allows reducing intensity losses when the light propagates in the waveguide, in particular in the tube. The non-directional reflective properties allow destroying any image carried in particular in the light beam.

[0035] According to one aspect, the inner surface includes at least one of barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2). Both materials can provide the inner surface with corresponding high reflectivity and non-directional reflective properties. Additionally or alternatively, barium sulfate as a filler can add favorable properties to the base material, such as improved processability, hardness and chemical resistance. As an alternative to barium sulfate, titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be used as a highly reflective filler for plastic compounds.

[0036] According to one aspect, the light source can be an LED mounted in a plane on a PCB for signal processing (thus forming a PCBA). In particular, a reflector reflecting at a 45° angle can reflect light from the light source into a waveguide. This allows the LED to be oriented in a plane with the plane of the PCBA. On the one hand, this makes assembly easy. On the other hand, it allows the stability of the entire illumination projector to be improved, because the waveguide can compensate for the divergent or deviated radiation generated by the LED, as described elsewhere herein. The system of the illumination projector can even tolerate certain vibrations or movements of the LED relative to the waveguide.

[0037] The 45° mirror can be shaped into a prism, either using total reflection in particular, or by adding a mirror coating at the 45° surface, by means of a simple first surface mirror mounted directly to an illumination projector, or even more simply by means of a second surface mirror. All of these embodiments are described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0038] By using a second surface mirror foil, a very low cost preferred means of integrating the mirror surface into a projector can be achieved. The mirror foil can be easily produced by punching large sheets of a large number of available mirror foils into the required size, in particular so that the surface mirror coating is mechanically protected. This is further described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0039] According to one aspect, the aperture of the waveguide may be at least one of the following: light absorbing, non-specular, non-directional, or shaped so that it directs any light back-reflected from its surface away from the receiver. This reduces potential stray light affecting the measurement. Thus, the corresponding quality of the measurement may be improved.

[0040] In order to reduce the sensitivity of the illumination receiving system to the ambient light in the measurement gap of the yarn and reduce the influence of back-reflected stray light from the receiving optics, the exit aperture of the tube can be light-absorbing (i.e. black). This light absorption can reduce the total stray light present in the system and therefore not able to reach the detector by any means.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the outer surface may be non-specular and in particular have a shape that directs any light reflected from its surface away from the receiver. This allows light not intended for measurement to be projected away from the receiver or any detector. Thus, the probability of the corresponding light beam reaching the receiver is reduced.

[0042] According to one aspect of the line-of-sight configuration, an additional diffuser may be located in the waveguide, in particular directly after the LED in the light propagation direction. This allows the construction of the light source such that it will likely emit in the detection direction of the photosensitive detector.

[0043] The photosensitive detector may be a receiving photosensitive electronic component with a direct line of sight to the emitting LED. The direct line of sight of the photosensitive electronic component to the LED may require an additional diffuser at the side of the LED. Without a diffuser, the photosensitive electronic component would look directly at the LED and be "shadowed" by it. The contour of the illumination light source is particularly distinguished by the photosensitive electronic component and may influence a uniform sensitivity within the measurement range of the photosensitive electronic component for yarn defects. In particular in order to maximize the working length of the tube, the diffuser may be placed directly after the LED. An alternative location is at the entrance of the receiver holding the photosensitive electronic component.

[0044] According to an independent aspect, the yarn clearer may include an illumination projector, as described elsewhere herein. According to an independent aspect, the textile machine may include a corresponding yarn clearer and / or may include an illumination projector, as described elsewhere herein. The features, feature combinations, technical effects and advantages described in conjunction with any of the illumination projectors, yarn clearers and / or methods described elsewhere herein also apply to textile machines and / or yarn clearers, regardless of the categories (methods, uses, devices and systems) described or protected by the claims. This also applies to the opposite situation, so that the disclosure of various aspects of the present invention makes or can always make mutual reference, in particular independently of the categories (methods, uses, devices and systems) described and / or protected by the claims.

[0045] According to an independent aspect, a method for manufacturing an illumination projector, in particular as described elsewhere herein, may comprise the following steps: manufacturing a prefabricated waveguide in the form of a tube. In a further step, the prefabricated waveguide, in particular the tube, may be adjusted to a suitable size, in particular by cutting and / or machining. The features, combinations of features, technical effects and advantages described in conjunction with the illumination projector, yarn clearer and / or textile machine described elsewhere herein also apply to any of the methods, regardless of the category (method, use, device and system) described or protected by the claims. This also applies to the opposite situation, so that the disclosure of the various aspects of the invention makes or can always make reference to each other, in particular independently of the category (method, use, device and system) described and / or protected by the claims.

[0046] According to one aspect, the manufacturing step of the prefabricated waveguide in the form of a prefabricated tube is performed by either extrusion or (direct) injection molding. The preferred method for manufacturing the projection tube is specifically by (direct) injection molding, in particular without secondary internal surface finishing treatments such as secondary grinding (machining) or coating of the inner surface of the waveguide as a tube. For direct injection molding, the material selection can affect the efficiency of the resulting embodiment of the illumination projector. The material can allow an inherent non-directional, non-specular and / or highly reflective (90% or higher, preferably 99% or higher) surface finish.

[0047] According to one aspect, in particular no secondary inner surface finishing treatments are applied, in particular no secondary grinding (machining) or coating of the inner surface of the core of the waveguide is applied. The non-specular, non-directional surface requirements can be influenced by the surface finish of the molding tool and the properties of the used materials (filler properties). Highly reflective materials with non-directional reflectivity can reduce the requirements on the emitted illumination flux of the light source, in particular LEDs.

[0048] According to one aspect, the length of the prefabricated waveguide is adapted to match the divergence angle at the exit side of the waveguide. As described elsewhere herein, the length of the waveguide determines the divergence angle. Therefore, adjusting the length of the waveguide already at the prefabricated waveguide level can simplify the manufacturing process.

[0049] According to one aspect, a draft angle in particular between 1 and 10 degrees, more in particular between 1 and 7 degrees, even more in particular between 3 and 7 degrees can be used for a safe tool release of internal pins for forming the inner surface and its structure. In order to enable a safe tool release of internal pins for forming the inner surface and its structure, a draft angle can be set. A suitable draft angle can range between 1 and 10 degrees. Depending on the cross-section of the inner tube and the desired structure, the draft angle can range in particular between 1 and 7 degrees, even more in particular between 3 and 7 degrees. Including this draft angle can have a minimal effect on the divergence angle of the exiting light beam, and in particular can have a small effect on the intensity of the exiting light beam.

[0050] According to one aspect, the pigment can be added to the base plastic compound. The mixture can be extruded. Alternatively or additionally, the resulting granules can be used for injection molding. This allows a stable transfer of the mixture to the inner surface of the prefabricated waveguide, in particular ultimately to the inner surface of the tube. Furthermore, providing the base plastic compound with the corresponding pigment can avoid any potential adhesion problems in the case of a coating, for example avoiding any rubbing effect of the composite, since it is an inherent part of the inner surface.

[0051] According to one aspect, the pigment that can be added is barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2). Both materials can provide very high reflective properties, and their reflectivity is particularly non-directional.

[0052] According to one aspect, a filling material, in particular a filling material comprising either barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2), can be added to the hollow core of the waveguide. Thus, the hollow core can be filled with a corresponding structural material to improve wave propagation within the waveguide.

[0053] According to an independent aspect, a method for projecting a shadow from a yarn or for reflecting light from a yarn is proposed. The method may include the following steps: providing light emitted by a light source. The method may include the following steps: collecting at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source in a waveguide. The method may include the following steps: transmitting the light from the waveguide to the yarn. The features, feature combinations, technical effects and advantages described in conjunction with the illumination projector, yarn clearer and / or textile machine described elsewhere herein also apply to any method in the method, regardless of the category (method, use, device and system) described or protected by the claims. This also applies to the opposite situation, so that the disclosure of the various aspects of the invention makes or can always make mutual reference, especially independent of the category (method, use, device and system) described and / or protected by the claims.

[0054] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically and exemplarily show:

[0055] Figure 1 An embodiment of a yarn clearer is shown;

[0056] Figure 2 An embodiment of a housing of a yarn clearer is shown in an exploded view;

[0057] Figure 3 An embodiment of a reflector holder is shown;

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an optical device;

[0059] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an optical device;

[0060] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an optical device;

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an embodiment showing an orifice with a yarn passing therethrough;

[0062] Figure 8 A schematic light diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown;

[0063] Fig. 9 A schematic light diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown;

[0064] Fig. 10A A top perspective view of an embodiment of a button is shown;

[0065] Fig. 10B A top perspective view of an embodiment of a button having a seal is shown;

[0066] Fig. 10C A bottom perspective view of an embodiment with a sealed button is shown;

[0067] Fig. 10D A partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a seal for a button;

[0068] Fig.10E A button is shown sealed and placed at the housing;

[0069] Fig.11 shows a cross-sectional view through the housing along a plane parallel to the direction of yarn propagation;

[0070] Fig. 12A showing a cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation, showing a selected portion of the housing;

[0071] Fig. 12B showing a cross-sectional view through the housing along a second plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation, showing a selected portion of the housing;

[0072] Fig.13A showing a cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation, the housing being shown complete and partially assembled;

[0073] Fig. 13B An embodiment of a window bracket having an embodiment of a light chamber is shown;

[0074] Fig. 13C An embodiment of a light chamber is shown; and

[0075] Fig.13D showing a cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation, the housing being shown complete, partially assembled and with an optical device positioned therein;

[0076] The same reference numerals are used to indicate elements and structures that function the same and / or are of the same type.

[0077] Figure 1 An embodiment of a yarn clearer 10 is shown, and its optical, mechanical and electronic components, their production process, assembly process and use process will be described below. The yarn clearer 10 can be used to measure the thickness of the yarn 34 (see Figure 4 ). In some embodiments, a light-transmitting shadow projection device may be used. In order to correctly measure the diameter of the yarn 34, a uniform, non-divergent illumination distribution without any vignetting may be provided. The yarn clearer 10 combines an illumination projector 30 with an illumination receiving system 39, both of which are described with respect to the various embodiments. Figures 3 to 6 The yarn clearer 10 provides information about Figure 2The yarn clearer 10 is configured to be placed in a textile machine and can be configured to guide a yarn 34 to optically detect a property in the yarn 34. To this end, the yarn clearer 10 can be placed after the yarn 34 is made in the textile machine and before the yarn 34 is delivered to a spindle for transport or storage.

[0078] The yarn clearer 10 comprises a housing body 3 which can be mounted on a textile machine via a mounting element 4 . Figure 1 The yarn 34, not shown in the figure, can pass through a yarn guiding device 11 for yarn guiding. The yarn guiding device 11 may include at least two yarn guides 2, which provide contact points for the yarn 34 to move in the measuring gap 9 of the window bracket 17, the measuring gap of which is located between the first window 19 on the emission side (wherein the illumination projector 30 projects light through the measuring gap in the z direction of propagation) and the second window 89 (not visible here for perspective reasons; see Fig. 12A and Fig. 13B ). In particular, between these two windows, light propagates to interact with the yarn 34. The ventilation holes 1 may be provided to reduce vibrations from the airflow and pressure buildup in the yarn guiding device 11, thereby avoiding vibrations from being transmitted to the optical components to improve the measurement quality. Figure 1 As shown, the ventilation hole 2 can be provided in the window bracket 17 alone, but in other embodiments can be formed by a combination of at least two of the window bracket 17, the yarn guide 2, the housing body 3 or the housing cover 18. The yarn outlet guide 12 can facilitate the guidance of the yarn into the measuring gap 9 during the automatic yarn placement. In addition, the yarn outlet guide 12 can prevent the yarn 34 from slipping out of the measuring gap 9 to prevent the yarn from being subsequently delivered to the delivery or storage spindle and thus quickly changing the direction.

[0079] As about FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E Described in great detail, the yarn clearer 10 can indicate certain measurement results via a button 8 with a light guide 70, wherein the button 8 is placed in the sealing dome 7. The yarn clearer 10 can include a connector plug 6 (or a corresponding data transmission cable or wireless transmission device in other embodiments not shown here) in the housing body 3, which allows data and measurement results to be transmitted to, for example, a computer. The connector plug 6 can include a connector seal 5 to avoid dust from entering the housing.

[0080] Figure 2 The housing of the yarn clearer 10 is shown in an exploded view. The housing may include at least a first housing portion and a window bracket 17. As described in detail elsewhere herein, the window bracket 17 is constructed and arranged in a first configuration at the first housing portion to provide light from the light source 32 (see for details). Figures 4 to 6) through a first window 89 for illuminating the guided yarn 34 or transmitting light from the guided yarn 34 to a receiver (for details, see Figures 4 to 6 ) of at least one of the second windows 19. In order to change to the second configuration, in particular to clean at least one window 19, 89, the window bracket 17 can be configured to be removable from the housing, in particular reversibly removable from the housing.

[0081] The housing may include a housing body 3 as a first housing part and at least one PCBA 93. In some embodiments, as shown here, a single PCBA 93 may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a housing cover 18 may be provided as a second housing part for covering and / or for sealing the housing body 3.

[0082] The window carrier 17 can carry at least one window 89 on the transmitting side and at least one window 19 on the receiving side. Figure 1 As described, the yarn guiding device 11 can be formed by a window bracket 17 to guide the yarn 34 to an illumination position between the emission side and the reception side and thus through the measuring gap 9 .

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing of the yarn clearer 10 consists of three parts: a housing body 3 carrying a single PCBA 93 and a removable part carrying windows 19, 89 (wherein the removable part is therefore referred to as a window bracket 17), a housing cover 18 covering and sealing the housing body 3 and the removable window bracket 17. The housing cover 18 is attached to the housing body 3 in particular by screws. The window bracket 17 can be held by a pressing force and by forming a connection between the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown in the exploded view in FIG. 1 , in particular, apart from the sealing dome 7 for the optional button 8 and the connector seal 5 for the connector plug 6, no separate, independent sealants or seals, for example made of elastomers, silicones and / or rubber, are used to seal the parts constituting the housing. More specifically, no glue is used between the parts. More specifically, no electronics are connected to the housing, in particular all electronics are arranged on a single PCBA 93. All internal connections can preferably be realized by using screws (not shown here) placed in screw holes 15.

[0085] Thus, the entire housing including all internal components can be easily and efficiently assembled. To align all components, the ribs 27 allow the components to be placed at the correct height and relative position within the housing body 3, referred to as recesses 78 (see Fig.11). Therefore, no special care has to be taken during alignment and no special heat treatment is required for stress relief after assembly. The window bracket 17 can therefore be easily replaced by simply removing and re-tightening a few screws. No recalibration and no stress relief process are required. Depending on the design of the housing, the removable window bracket 17 can also carry the yarn guide 2 for measuring the gap 9 of the yarn clearer 10 (see Figure 1 ) guide and stabilize the yarn 34. An alternative design can be to integrate a portion of the yarn guide 2 into the housing body 3 and another portion into the housing cover 18. The alignment structure 16 can provide corresponding support to pre-align all components to be placed inside the housing body 3 during assembly.

[0086] The window bracket 17 includes windows 19, 89 as described elsewhere. The window bracket 17 can be placed in recesses 25 that contact contact surfaces 14 for the window bracket 17 on the housing body 3 and similar contact surfaces 14 on the PCBA 93 and the housing cover 18. The window bracket 17 can interact with the housing body 3 via connector pins 13 and / or sleeves that form corresponding orthogonal sealing locking features 83, such as Fig. 12B As shown, it shows a cross-sectional view along a plane passing through the connector pin 13. It should be understood that the connector pin 13 can be implemented point by point as a separate pin or a recess for positioning and / or a sleeve with a longitudinal shape that is covered and positioned in combination with a seal.

[0087] Figure 3 An illumination projector 30 is shown with an integrated reflector housing 31 which serves as a Figure 4 Mirror holder of an exemplary embodiment of the waveguide 33 shown. Therein, the design of the exemplary illumination projector 30 shows a 45° angle for the second surface mirror attachment, where Figure 3 2 shows an offset correction for the thickness of a second surface mirror as mirror 21 and a thermal stack 22 to which a stamped mirror foil as mirror 21 can be placed and wherein the thermal stack 22 can subsequently be melted to fix the mirror 21 in place.

[0088] like Figure 4As shown, an LED as light source 32 is mounted in a plane on a PCB together with a receiving photodiode as a photosensitive electronic component 37 to form a PCBA 93, in particular for signal processing. The illumination projector 30 may have light to be emitted by the light source 32, in particular in the form of an LED, whereby the light source 32 is in particular mounted directly to the surface of the signal processing PCB, thereby forming a PCBA 93, in particular with an illumination projection angle of 90°. The 90° illumination angle of the illumination projector 30 can be achieved by using a simple 45° reflector 21, which is added to the waveguide 33, in particular in the form of a tube 26, at the side of the light source 32 (in particular an LED). Figure 3 A potential embodiment is shown where the reflector 21 is mounted together with the tube 26 as a single integrated component.

[0089] Especially using total reflection, or by adding a reflective coating at the 45° surface (such as Figure 4 As proposed), the 45° mirror 21 can be shaped and used as a prism (not shown) by means of a simple first surface reflector (not shown) mounted directly to the structure of the illumination projector 30 (not shown), or even more simply by means of a second surface reflector 21.

[0090] By using the second surface reflector foil, an exemplary low-cost means of integrating the reflector surface into the illumination projector 30 can be realized. By punching a large number of large sheets of commercial reflector foils available into the required size, the reflector foil can be particularly easily produced, specifically making it possible to mechanically protect the surface reflector coating. The base material for these foils can be one of PE, PP or PMMA, all of which have low surface tension compared to glass or aluminum. Low surface tension may be an inherent protection to prevent steam condensation. If necessary, the already low surface tension can be further reduced by additional surface coatings based on thin sheets. The thickness of the foil can be selected so that, for example, by selecting a secondary reflector foil with a thickness range of from 0.05mm to 0.15mm, the offset of the projection of the light (light beam) of the second surface is actually negligible. In the case of using a thicker foil, the offset of the secondary surface can be easily adapted by the correct optical arrangement of the actual waveguide 33, specifically in the form of the projection tube 26 of the structure of the illumination projector 30.

[0091] The secondary surface reflector can be fixed to the illumination projector 30 using, for example, glue. Direct gluing of the reflector 21 with a second surface having a particularly low surface tension to the illumination projector 30 can be avoided. The mechanical means of fixing the reflector is, for example, by means of a pit into which the reflector 21 can slide, which is then sealed, i.e., sealed with glue. This is specifically done in production, because additional sliders can be used during the manufacture of the illumination projector 30, and the sliding of the reflector 21 into the pit and the sealing of the pit can be completed. In addition, the reflector 21 may be scratched during the sliding into the pit. Another alternative method can be applied in the following way: a box is created in which the reflector 21 can be placed, and then a cover is placed and / or pressed into the box to be able to fix the reflector 21. In those embodiments, a box and a cover are particularly provided. This is further simplified (further saving resources) by the method of heat riveting: during injection molding, a heat stack 22 can be made to the side wall of the waveguide 33, specifically as a projection tube 26. Because the secondary mirror foil can be punched, holes can be made at the location of the thermal stack 22. During assembly, the mirror 21 can be placed over the thermal stack 22 of the illumination projector 30. Next, the thermal stack 22 can be fused to the backing of the mirror foil. The result is a low-cost production process that can have a very high yield, is particularly clean, and produces a robust mirror connection regardless of environmental conditions and thermal cycles.

[0092] In order to reduce the sensitivity of the illumination receiving system 39 to ambient light in the measurement gap 9 of the yarn 34 and to reduce the impact of back-reflected stray light from the receiving optics, the exit aperture of the waveguide 33, in particular the projection tube, can be light-absorbing (i.e. black). In addition, the end material can be non-specular and can have a shape that directs any light reflected from its surface away from the illumination receiving system 39 (which can be called a receiver).

[0093] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an optical device is shown. Therein, an illumination projector 30 is shown, which is configured to project shadows from a yarn 34 in a textile machine. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination projector 30 can be configured to illuminate the yarn 34 so that light is reflected from the yarn 34. The illumination projector 30 can be implemented independently of an illumination receiving device 39 as shown elsewhere herein.

[0094] The illumination projector 30 specifically comprises at least one light source 32, specifically a light emitting diode or LED for short. The illumination projector 30 specifically comprises at least one waveguide 33 and specifically a yarn guiding device 11. The light source 32 is specifically placed so that the emitted light enters the waveguide 33. The waveguide 33 is placed so that the light exiting from the waveguide 33 specifically forms an emission similar to an area source on its exit side. The yarn guiding device 11 is specifically configured and positioned relative to the emission similar to an area source on the exit side of the waveguide 33 to project a shadow from the yarn 34 to the receiving side or to reflect light from the yarn 34 to the receiving side. On the receiving side, there may be one of the different embodiments of the illumination receiving device 39 as described elsewhere herein.

[0095] The waveguide 33 specifically comprises a tube, more specifically a light homogenizing tube. The purpose of the light homogenizing tube is to destroy any pattern or image carried in the propagating light beam, such as the emitter pattern of an LED. The cross section of the tube contained in the waveguide 33 can be circular, oval, rectangular or square. In the longitudinal direction, the tube can be straight or tapered.

[0096] The cross section and the width of the waveguide 33 can be designed according to the required width of the light beam, and the height of the waveguide 33 can be designed according to the height requirements of the light beam. In particular, the width of the waveguide 33 and the height of the waveguide 33 are shaped individually and independently according to the measurement requirements, wherein the width of the light beam is adapted, for example, to the width resolution of the yarn defects to be measured. They can correspond to the minimum length of the yarn defects to be detected. The height of the light beam is adapted in particular to the maximum size of the yarn defects to be measured.

[0097] The waveguide 33 may comprise a hollow core, the inner surface of which is diffuse and / or non-specular. In this way, the maximum amount of light can be propagated through the waveguide in the form of a tube, particularly a light homogenizing tube, while destroying any pattern or image carried in the light beam. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 Different embodiments of the illumination projector 30 are shown, particularly taking into account the arrangement of the light source 32. Those embodiments can be freely combined with the different embodiments of the illumination receiving system 39 shown as an example.

[0098] After the light beam interacts with the yarn 34 moving or positioned in the measuring gap 9 (for examples of its construction, see e.g. Figure 1 or Figure 2 ), a shadow may be projected from the yarn 34 in the direction of the receiving side. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, light may be reflected from the yarn 34. The direction of light propagation may be referred to as the z direction.

[0099] The illumination receiving system 39 can be configured to receive shadow projections from the yarn 34 in the textile machine, or it can be configured to receive light reflected from the yarn 34. The illumination receiving system 39 specifically includes at least one receiving cavity 36 and at least one photosensitive electronic component 37 to form a detector. The receiving cavity 36 can be constructed and placed relative to the yarn 34 so that the light emitted from the light source 32 and projecting shadows from the yarn 34 and / or reflected from the yarn 34 enters the receiving cavity 36. The light entering the receiving cavity 36 can be transmitted to at least one photosensitive electronic component 37, which acts as a detector for measuring incident illumination. The photosensitive electronic component 37 can also be referred to as a detector. The photosensitive electronic component is capable of converting incident radiation into an electronic signal, which can be analyzed to determine at least one characteristic of the yarn 34, such as composition, impurities, defects formed by the yarn 34, etc.

[0100] The orifice 35 may be placed at the entrance of the receiving cavity 36. The orifice 35 may limit the light entering the receiving cavity 36, in particular in the form of a light chamber 59, to light that casts a shadow or is reflected from the yarn 34. Stray light or light from external light sources that are not included in the optical device as described elsewhere herein may be blocked by the orifice 35. At least the width of the orifice opening 42 of the orifice 35 may be set to a range of minimum lengths of defect sizes of the yarn to be measured. Alternatively or additionally, at least the height of the orifice opening 42 of the orifice 35 may be set to a range of maximum defect sizes of the yarn to be measured.

[0101] The opposing walls of the receiving cavity 36 may be at least diffuse, non-specular, shaped so that they direct light away from the aperture, or absorb light in the wavelength range to which the at least one photosensitive electronic component 37 (photosensitive detector) is sensitive. The aperture of the receiving cavity 36 (not to be confused with the aperture 35 in the beam path in front of the receiving cavity 36) may absorb light in the wavelength range to which the at least one photosensitive electronic component 37 is sensitive. The surface may be non-specular or shaped or positioned so that it directs light in a direction that minimizes potential secondary reflections back into the aperture of the receiving cavity 36. This may prevent stray light from reaching the photosensitive electronic component 37.

[0102] At least one inner surface of the receiving cavity 36 includes at least one of a non-mirror surface finish or a highly reflective surface finish. This can improve the propagation of light in the receiving cavity 36.

[0103] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment comprising a combination of an illumination projector 30 and an illumination receiving device 39 (receiver for short) is shown and will be described in more detail herein. Therein, both the light source 32 (here in the form of an LED) and the light-sensitive electronic component 37 can be mounted in a plane of a signal processing PCBA 93 (not shown here). This allows all electronic components to be assembled during a single soldering process. The receiving light-sensitive electronic component 37 (e.g., a photodiode or other type of light-sensitive detector) does not have a direct line of sight to the transmitting LED. With this configuration, wherein all electronic components are assembled to the PCBA 93 in a plane, and wherein the optical component (having a waveguide 33 and a reflector housing 31 (see Figure 3 ) in the PCBA 93 and the receiving cavity 36 in the form of a light chamber 59 do not need to be assembled directly to the PCBA 93, but can be attached later during the product assembly process, specifically after the PCBA 93 is placed in the housing body 3. The separate assembly of the PCBA 93 and the (passive) optical components allows for reverse assembly stacking, which shortens the time required for assembly. In addition, it allows for undercuts in the design of the housing parts, in particular the housing body 3, which facilitates light projection. These undercuts can be formed as described with respect to Fig.11 The described and shown dimples 78, as well as the ribs 27, serve to stabilize the housing body 3, but also serve as spacers for aligning the respective components to be placed therein. Another advantage of allowing undercuts in the housing portion is the sealing design of the housing. All of this is described elsewhere herein.

[0104] The illumination projector 30 may consist only of a tube as a waveguide 33. The following may also apply to waveguides 33 of different strips and structures (e.g., glass fibers, photonic crystal fibers, etc.). Here, the tube is cited only as an example. The tube may be simple in structure and may not require special mechanical positioning tolerances, nor any special mechanical dimensional tolerances. The tube may be manufactured as a simple component by injection molding as described elsewhere herein. This allows a light source 32, specifically an LED, to be placed on one side of the tube and a light beam to be received on the other side of the tube, which light beam has advantageous properties, in particular the following two advantageous properties: low divergence angle and uniform distribution and / or no vignetting.

[0105] The tube does not require strict mechanical manufacturing tolerances. In one embodiment, the tube can be produced by extrusion and then cut into the required length. The cross section of the tube can be changed as required: circular, oval, rectangular, square, etc. The specific shape can be an oval as described hereinafter.

[0106] By means of an elliptical cross section, the width of the tube can be designed according to the desired width requirements of the light beam, and the height of the tube can be designed according to the desired height requirements of the light beam. The width of the tube and the height of the tube can be shaped separately and independently according to the measurement requirements: the width of the light beam is adapted in particular to the width resolution of the yarn defects to be measured. The minimum length of the yarn defects to be detected can determine the width of the tube, while the height of the tube is adapted to the maximum size of the yarn defects to be measured. For a certain illumination intensity, the illumination flux of the light source 32 (here an LED) increases according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the tube (also referred to as the projection tube). For asymmetric measurement requirements where the width of the defect resolution can be smaller than the maximum defect height (value), a projection tube with an elliptical shape can lead to a higher illumination intensity compared to a round tube, assuming the same emitted illumination flux of the light source 32 (here an LED).

[0107] Another advantage of the waveguide 33 as a tube forming a projection tube is that, in addition to having a continuous first-order derivative of its projection distribution, a given design can avoid strict tolerances on the emission angle of the light source 32 (specifically an LED). The tube does not even need to have the same angular emission distribution on both axes, only a continuous first-order derivative on either axis. In case of asymmetric emission axes of the light source 32 (specifically as an LED), these asymmetric emission axes are oriented according to the dimensions of the waveguide 33 as a tube of the illumination projector 30. The requirements on the emission angle of the light source 32 (specifically as an LED) are reduced, allowing a wider range of choices. A wider range of choices allows additional cost optimization.

[0108] In order to achieve these favorable properties of the beam, the structure of the inner surface of the waveguide 33 as a tube needs to be diffuse and / or non-specular. The length of the tube can (mainly) determine the resulting divergence angle, while the preparation of the inner surface can determine the vignetting of the resulting beam. In addition to the geometry of the inner surface of the projection tube as described elsewhere herein, the efficiency of the projection is also determined by the reflective properties of the inner surface of the waveguide 33 as a tube.

[0109] This optical arrangement makes it possible to avoid an out-of-plane arrangement of the electro-optical components (light source 32 , in particular as an LED; light-sensitive electronic component 37 as a detector, in particular at least one photodiode) relative to the processing electronics.

[0110] To manufacture the light source 32 (particularly an LED) and the light-sensitive electronic component 37 (particularly at least one photodiode), they (for each of them) can be mounted on an additional flexible printed circuit board. Alternatively or additionally, a rigid-flexible PCB or through-hole components can be used. All these embodiments bring additional costs and complexity during manufacturing. Figure 4The described embodiments can simplify component design and can improve tolerances in their production. In addition, assembly and component maintenance and use are improved.

[0111] The illumination projector 30 producing a light beam with uniform distribution (no vignetting) combined with a low divergence angle may not be limited to application in providing a yarn sensor for detecting at least one property of the yarn 34, but may be used in any optical sensor for transmission and / or reflection measurements.

[0112] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown. In this embodiment, an alternative combination of an illumination projector 30 and an illumination receiving system 39 on the receiving side is shown. Therein, the waveguide 33 is also just a tube as a projection tube, but the light source 32 (also an LED here) is directly attached by using a through-hole LED component, or wherein the SMD LED is mounted to a flexible printed circuit board, whereby the flexible printed circuit board is separately and independently attached to the signal processing PCBA 93, or wherein the SMD LED is mounted to the flexible part of the rigid-flexible board. In each embodiment, an additional and separate mounting process of the light emitting part of the light source 32 to the waveguide 33 as a tube may be required. The receiving photosensitive electronic component 37 does not have a direct line of sight to the light source 32 as an emitting LED. In addition to the 45° reflector 21 in the reflector housing 31 (see Figure 3 ), for the waveguide 33 as a tube and for other types of waveguide 33 Figure 4 All the characteristics described remain unchanged. The light source 32 (here an LED) is no longer mounted in the plane of the signal processing PCBA 93. At least the light source 32 (here an LED) and the waveguide 33 in the form of a tube need to be pre-assembled before continuing with the assembly of the other housing parts.

[0113] about Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in particular the number of components for the illumination receiving system 39 can be reduced, which is beneficial when the photosensitive electrical component 37 has no direct line of sight to the illumination projector 30 as an illumination projection system. In the case where the photosensitive electronic component 37 has no direct line of sight to the light emitting component, the diffuser 38 may not be required because it is placed about Figure 6 In the embodiment shown. In addition, to reduce assembly overhead, the light-sensitive electronic components 37 can be placed in the plane of the signal processing PCBA 93. Placing all receiving light-sensitive electronic components 37 on the same PCB as the signal processing components (to form PCBA 93) allows the electronic device to be assembled in a single cost-saving manufacturing method step, as described elsewhere herein.

[0114] The proposed exemplary solution can achieve both by using the light chamber 59 as the receiving cavity 36. The light chamber 59 is a receiving cavity 36 in which all light transmitted therein can be integrated through multiple reflections. The photosensitive electronic component 37 can be mounted to the side of the light chamber 59 at a position without a direct line of sight to the incident illumination captured by the light chamber 59. This allows the photosensitive electronic component 37 to be placed in the plane of the signal processing PCBA 93 without a direct line of sight to the incident illumination. In addition, the light chamber 59 does not need to be pre-assembled to the single PCBA 93, but this can be done at a later stage of the assembly process, as described elsewhere herein. This allows the light chamber 59 to be placed into the housing first, whereby an undercut assembly position as a recess 78 of the light chamber 59 in the housing body 3 can be achieved. This allows an optimized optical design with a short optical path length at the illumination receiving system 39, and at the same time allows the housing design to be optimized for ease of assembly.

[0115] Placed in such a recess 78 (see Fig.11 ), inside the light chamber 59 without a direct line of sight of the incident light beam, the light-sensitive electronic component 37 can measure the brightness of the incident illumination captured by the light chamber 59. Due to this indirect measurement, the dimensions of the light-sensitive electronic component can be separated and thus can be independent of the dimensions of the object to be measured. This allows the selection of the most suitable light-sensitive electronic component 37, the criteria being one or a combination of response time, sensitivity, wavelength range, sensitivity to wavelength, noise equivalent power, effective size, packaging type, cost, etc. The selection criteria can be broader and allow for improved optimization, wherein the first criterion to be met can be the maximum defect size to be measured.

[0116] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, a waveguide 33 as a tube is shown, which is directly attached to a light source 32 as an LED by using a through-hole LED component, or where an SMD LED is mounted to a flexible printed circuit board, whereby the flexible printed circuit board is separately and independently attached to a signal processing PCBA 93, or where an SMD LED is mounted to a flexible portion of a rigid-flexible board. The light source 32 as an LED is no longer mounted in the plane of the signal processing PCBA 93. In each of these embodiments, an additional and separate mounting process of the light emitting portion of the light source 32 to the waveguide 33 as a tube is specifically required. At least the light source 32 as an LED and the waveguide 33 as a tube are specifically pre-assembled before continuing to assemble other housing parts.

[0117] The receiving photosensitive electronic component 37 may have a direct line of sight to the light source 32, specifically as an emitting LED. The direct line of sight of the photosensitive electronic component 37 to the light source 32 (specifically as an LED) may require an additional diffuser 38 on the side of the light source 32. Without the diffuser 38, the photosensitive electronic component 37 can look directly at the light source (here an LED) and be "shadowed" by it. The contour of the light source 32 can be distinguished by the photosensitive electronic component 37 and can affect the uniform sensitivity of yarn defects within the measurement range on the orifice 35. This may be similar to a human looking directly at the sun or a lamp. In order to maximize the working length of the waveguide 33 (specifically as a tube), the diffuser 38 can be placed directly after the light source (specifically an LED) in the z direction when propagating from the light source 32. An alternative position may be on the side of the photosensitive electronic component 37, and therefore in the lighting receiving system 39. However, an inefficient use of the diffuser 38 is caused, since the light-sensitive electronic component 37 can be placed at the exit of the receiving aperture 35, with the risk that the outline of the light source 32, in particular the LED, may still be noticeable in the measurement field of the light-sensitive electronic component 37. Placing the diffuser 38 directly in front of the light-sensitive electronic component 37 before the light beam hits the light-sensitive electronic component 37 may result in that the outline of the light source 32, in particular the LED, can still be noticed by the light-sensitive electronic component 37. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, a tall detector 37b is used depending on the height of the aperture 35. Specifically, the length of the tall detector 37b may exceed the size of the light beam that hits the aperture 35. Figure 5 in (and respectively in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , a small detector 37a can be used, which reduces costs and in particular can also be used at least partially as an orifice in addition to the orifice 35.

[0118] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an aperture 35 having a yarn 34 passing therethrough is shown. The aperture 35 includes a mounting ring 41 and an aperture opening 42, through which light is emitted from a light source 32 (not shown here, but see for example embodiments). Figures 4 to 6 ) through the aperture opening in the z direction. Here, the perspective view is in the z direction, so the light source 32 is behind the observer. In order to reduce the sensitivity to ambient lighting conditions, an aperture 35 can be placed at the entrance of the incident light of the light chamber 59, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown. To specifically block unwanted ambient light, the width of the receiving aperture opening can be similar in range to the minimum length of the defect to be measured. The height of the aperture 35 can be in the range of the maximum defect size to be measured. The fine aperture will allow light from all angles of the opening hemisphere to pass through the aperture opening 42. The fine aperture has no angular blocking. In embodiments where the light chamber 59 is directly attached to the aperture 35, specifically no angular blocking is used as in, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5In contrast, in order to effectively suppress ambient light, the aperture 35 is an aperture that can reduce the opening angle of light entering the light chamber 59. The receiving aperture 35 specifically reduces the opening angle of the light chamber 59 that can receive light. The precise calculation of the aperture opening size of the light chamber 59 can take into account the opening angle of the aperture 35 and the nominal distance of the yarn 34 to the aperture 35.

[0119] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, a coarse aperture is used as the aperture 35 as a solution to achieve a simple and low cost. As a numerical example of the opening angle of the coarse aperture, a mechanical opening width of only 1 mm and a depth (corresponding to the thickness) of 4 mm can have an opening angle of 28°. Any light that bounces back from the opposite wall of the illumination receiving system 39 in the direction of the light chamber aperture 86 within the 28° reception cone can pass through the aperture 35. Regardless of the exact size of the opening of the coarse aperture, it is therefore beneficial to design the opposite wall of the illumination receiving system 39 to be non-specular, in particular to have a shape that guides light away from the receiving aperture and the opposite wall can be light-absorbing in the wavelength range being measured by the photosensitive electronic component 37. Therefore, the aperture can be coated with a carbon component to make it black. In addition, in order to avoid secondary reflections, the aperture of the receiving cavity 36 itself can be light-absorbing in the wavelength range being measured by the photosensitive electronic component 37. The aperture of the receiving cavity 36 can be non-specular and can guide light in a direction where potential secondary reflections returning to the aperture of the receiving cavity 36 are minimized. When light chamber 59 is used, embodiments may include a coarse aperture in combination with light chamber aperture 86 and other opposing structures' anti-secondary reflection shapes, specifically a coarse aperture in combination with light absorbing coatings or corresponding light absorbing materials of these structures.

[0120] Figure 8 A schematic light diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown. Therein, a thin aperture 53 having a lens assembly can be placed in front of the entrance of the receiving cavity 36 in an f configuration for shadow casting. The aperture opening 42 of the aperture 35 is schematically represented as an aperture diameter 51. Even with reference to the aperture diameter 51, the corresponding aperture opening 42 need not be circular, as described in detail elsewhere herein.

[0121] In the case of shadow casting, then Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7An alternative embodiment to the described embodiment may combine a lens with a single aperture to further enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N). A fine aperture having a desired size according to the defect to be measured may be spatially very close to the focusing lens. The fine aperture together with the lens may form a fine aperture with a lens assembly 53, which may be placed in the wall of the measurement gap 9, opposite the illumination projector 30. The focal length of the lens may be selected so that the focal length f is half the measurement gap width 54 (the width of the measurement gap 9). The collimated light from the illumination projector 30 is projected onto the aperture 35 with the lens assembly 53 and is focused by the lens at its focal point ( 54 ) located within the opening diameter 51. Figure 8 Specifically, the stray light from yarn 34 ( Figure 8 The double-dotted line in the figure can be projected onto the aperture and can be converted into a parallel (collimated) beam by the lens. Stray light ( Figure 8 The dotted line in the figure can be passed through an aperture having a lens assembly 53, which specifically has an angle that is the same as the angle at which the stray light is projected. Specifically, the stray light ( Figure 8 The thick straight line in the figure can pass through the aperture and can be focused by the lens at a distance 2f behind the lens assembly 53. Figure 8 A simple pin hole with an aperture diameter of 51 is provided at the entrance of the light chamber 59 at the location of the secondary focus 60 of the lens assembly 53 to remove the light from the opposite wall ( Figure 8 The dotted and straight lines in the figure) and the yarn 34 ( Figure 8 Most of the stray light (double dotted line in FIG. 5 ) is projected. The portion holding the fine aperture of the lens assembly 53 can be connected to the light chamber 59 and the interconnection tube 58 through a tube.

[0122] Fig. 9 A schematic light diagram of an embodiment of an optical device is shown, wherein a fine aperture with a lens assembly 53 can be placed in front of the entrance of a receiving cavity 36 in a configuration greater than 2f, specifically mounted in an interconnecting tube 58 for a reflective arrangement, specifically wherein the aperture opening size of the aperture of the receiving cavity 36 matches the size of the aperture opening 42 of the fine aperture with the lens assembly 53.

[0123] In the case of a reflective arrangement, then Fig. 9 The embodiments shown and described below increase the signal-to-noise ratio (S / N). Figure 8The shadow casting arrangement of the depicted embodiment depicts the same aperture as the thin aperture with lens assembly 53, but the entrance to the light chamber 59 can be positioned at a distance greater than 2f from the lens, and the entrance 57 of the light chamber 59 can have the same opening as the thin aperture, specifically the aperture diameter 51. The distance between the light chamber 59 and the lens can be at least 4f.

[0124] The light (dotted line) reflected from the yarn 34 can be converted into a beam of parallel light (collimated light beam) by a lens after passing through the aperture 35 with the lens assembly 53. The light beam can pass through the entrance of the light chamber 59. After passing through the aperture of the aperture with the lens assembly 53, the light beam is emitted from the opposite wall ( Fig. 9 The parallel light (collimated light) back-reflected by the thin straight line in the lens is focused to the secondary focus 60 of the lens. Due to their steep angle, these rays can be absorbed by the wall of the interconnecting tube 58 between the lens and the entrance 57 of the light chamber 59. Stray light ( Fig. 9 ), specifically after passing through the fine aperture, it is focused by the lens of assembly 53 at a distance from lens 2f. Due to the focusing angle, the light spot will increase to the size of the fine aperture at a distance from lens 4f.

[0125] In other words, the described embodiments may provide means for implementing a method for casting a shadow from a yarn or reflecting light from a yarn 34. The method may include the following steps: providing light emitted by a light source 32. In one method step, at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 32 may be collected in a waveguide. Light from the waveguide 33 may be transmitted to the yarn.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, the described embodiments may provide means for implementing a method for measuring at least one characteristic in a yarn (e.g., a yarn defect). The method may include the following steps: emitting light from a light source 32 to a yarn 34 so that the light casts a shadow from the yarn 34 and / or reflects the light from the yarn 34. In one step, the light having the cast shadow or the light reflected from the yarn 34 may be collected in a receiving cavity 36. In one step, the light entering the receiving cavity 36 may be transmitted to at least one photosensitive electronic component 37 so that the incident illumination is to be measured.

[0127] Fig. 10AA top perspective view of an embodiment of a dual-purpose light guide 70 is shown, which has the purpose of transmitting a signal to an operator and the ability to provide operator feedback through a button pressing action. The light guide 70 is composed of an operator-activatable head 8 connected to a light guide shaft 71, which is used to conduct light from a signal transmission light source, specifically a signal transmission LED (not shown). The light guide shaft 71 and the head 8 are specifically placed on a base 72, wherein the light guide shaft 71 specifically forms an axis for transmitting the force that pushes the head 8. In a specific arrangement, the head 8 is used to distribute the light transmitted by the optical shaft 71 to the operator in a preferred direction, and wherein the base 72 is used to effectively collect light from the signal transmission LED (not shown). Specifically, the light guide 70 is composed of the head 8, the optical shaft 71 and the base 72, and wherein the head 8, the optical shaft 71 and the base 72 are optically interconnected and constitute a single component.

[0128] In order to indicate the status of the yarn clearer 10 to the operator, indicator lights can be used. These indicator lights can be implemented by one or more LEDs. The LEDs can have a single color or consist of multiple colors. A typical intuitive color scheme during operation can be green for normal and red for failure (corresponding to the traffic light color). In addition to these states, there may be many other states to notify the operator: the length of the yarn to be removed, the yarn clearer is blocked, the yarn parameters are incorrect, communication failures, etc.

[0129] The indication method can be implemented based on a flashing scheme using LEDs for indication. The flashing period and the flashing scheme can indicate the status. The flashing scheme can be extended to all LEDs available for indication purposes, conveying Morse type symbols to the operator. Even though messaging is not as intuitive as display communication, and some initial training may be taken to become familiar with Morse type codes, the implementation of messaging is beneficial due to the difference in timing schemes. In addition, LEDs are visible and distinguishable from a distance. In addition, displays are more expensive and more demanding in terms of space, maintenance, and specific implementation.

[0130] Instead of a display, a plurality of LEDs or a pair of LEDs combined with a flashing scheme are used, and a signaling RGB LED is specifically proposed, by which the most important states can be easily indicated by intuitive color coding. Through the RGB LED, traffic light signaling and other states can be realized. In the case of including a single timer on the signaling RGB LED, the number of states can be doubled, and in addition, closely related states or problems can be indicated by "color + non-flashing" and "color + flashing". For example, three different colors can be used to indicate the amount of yarn 34 to be removed (short, medium, long). An alternative scheme can be to select colors in combination with a timing sequence to indicate the amount of yarn 34 to be removed. In these signaling schemes, positive or negative schemes can be followed. The positive scheme can indicate the amount of yarn to be removed, while the negative scheme can indicate that the yarn is to be removed until all the yarns to be removed have been removed. In the positive scheme, a "short flash" may correspond to a "short fault", i.e. "little yarn to be removed", a "medium flash" may correspond to a "medium fault", i.e. "several meters of yarn need to be removed", and a "long flash" may correspond to a "long fault", i.e. "a large amount of yarn (i.e. 10 m or more) need to be removed". In another embodiment that complies with the negative scheme, the signaling LED may keep indicating that yarn is to be removed as long as there is still yarn to be removed.

[0131] The signaling LED may be coupled to the light guide 70. The shape of the light guide 70 may be such that it emits an elliptical lighting pattern: the sideways emission flux towards adjacent spindles is much greater than the emission angles in the upward (ceiling) and downward (floor) directions. This emission pattern gives the operator better visibility at a distance and reduces power consumption or the necessity to load the LEDs to do so. Both improve efficiency. With regard to the shape of the dome at the top of the light guide 70, in addition to improving the light distribution in the desired direction, an ellipsoidal Fresnel lens or other structure embossed onto the light emitting surface of the button 8 (specifically its head) may be incorporated. Another feature for improving the efficiency of the light guide 70 is to adjust the surface of the light guide 70 at the base 72 into which the light of the LED is coupled according to the emission distribution of the signaling RGB LED and the desired light distribution (i.e., also typically dome-shaped, or conical in shape). As Fig. 10CAs shown, in which a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of the light guide 70 is depicted, the stopper 73 can be in place. When the light guide 70 is used as a button 8, the stopper 73 constrains the movement of the head in the downward direction toward the side wall (not shown) of the PCBA and prevents excessive pressure from being applied to the (micro) switch assembled to the same PCBA. Incorporating the stoppers on both sides of the light guide 70, in the case of tilted activation of the head 8, excessive force on the (micro) switch is reliably prevented. The base 72 can also engage with the LED, specifically between the stoppers 73, to couple light into the light guide shaft 71.

[0132] In addition to indicating the status of the yarn clearer 10 to the operator, the yarn clearer 10 (or its control system, control function and / or computer program product) is generally expected to receive feedback from the operator, for example in the form of a confirmation or confirmation that a certain correction process or treatment has been completed or can be initiated. In order to obtain feedback from the operator, the button 8 can be integrated into the yarn clearer 10. The button 8 is specifically an additional component that can be placed on the housing, in particular the housing body 3. In the housing, a configuration is made for housing the button 8. In addition, these parts can be produced, assembled and inspected.

[0133] Integrating the button functionality together with the indicator light guide 70 can help reduce costs. A simple and robust alternative exemplary embodiment is one that requires a mechanical solution that allows the light guide 70 to move. If necessary, the light guide 70 can be pushed down by the operator and retracts itself when released. The mechanical solution is specifically independent of the way the button 8 is pressed. The mechanical solution can give tactile feedback to the operator who pressed the button.

[0134] An alternative exemplary embodiment for the mechanical button 8 may be an all-optical solution. In an all-optical solution, an additional photodiode may be used to measure the brightness change of the returned or back-reflected light of the light guide 70 when the light guide 70 is activated and / or blocked and / or reflected by the operator's hand. In this embodiment, moving parts are avoided, which reduces mechanical maintenance requirements. Therefore, tactile feedback cannot be given and the functionality may be dependent on environmental conditions (daylight contact).

[0135] Fig. 10BA top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a button 8 with a sealing dome 7 is shown. For an embodiment implementing a mechanical button 8, the light guide 70 is capable of moving downward when pressed by an operator and is capable of self-retracting when released. A spring-loaded action for self-retraction of the light guide 70 can be achieved by sealing. The seal may include a sealing dome 7 that compresses when pressed, which results in energy being stored in a material deformation that is used to return to its original shape when released. Tactile feedback can be achieved by activating a micro switch at the end of the stroke of the light guide 70. In order to ensure that the micro switch is not over-pressed by the operator, a mechanical stop 73 can be integrated into the PCBA 93 (not shown here) to which the tactile switch is assembled. By implementing the stop 73 on the same PCBA 93 as the tactile switch, all tolerances can be controlled during the manufacture of the PCBA 93, specifically reducing costs and improving precision. The introduction of tolerances during assembly or other tolerance stacking can therefore be avoided.

[0136] The base 72 may be integrated as a flange under the button and / or light guide, which is significantly wider than the opening in the housing body 3 where the button 8 or the button with the sealing dome 7 is to be realized. The light guide 70 and / or the button 8 may be assembled together with its sealing dome 7 from the inside of the housing before assembling the PCBA 93. By means of the integrated flange, the button 8 is constrained outwardly by the housing body 3 and inwardly by the PCBA 93 (after its assembly). The risk that the button 8 (alone or together with the sealing dome 7) may be accidentally removed from the housing body 3 can be reduced, for example by pinching the seam between the housing body 3 and the button 8 or between the sealing dome 7 and the housing body 3 with a fingernail (not shown).

[0137] Fig. 10D Shown as about FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a sealing dome 7 for a button 8 is described. The seal specifically includes a hollow core 74, which can be constructed and positioned to incorporate a light guide 70 therein. The sealing dome 7 can surround the button 8 in a circumferential direction. The spring portion 75 can support the spring action by deforming when the button 8 is pressed, thereby storing energy in the material deformation to return to the original unpressed configuration when the pressure on the button 8 is released. In addition, a sealing base 76 can be provided to mechanically and electronically insulate the button 8 and / or the light guide 70 from the PCBA 93 (not shown).

[0138] Fig.10EA button 8 is shown with a sealing dome 7 surrounding the button, which is placed at the housing body 3 as a button with a light guide 70. The perspective view is about the bottom of the housing, where the housing cover 18 is sunk into the housing body 3, as described elsewhere herein. Screws are shown in screw holes 15 to press the housing cover 18 into the housing body 3, thereby forming a seam 77. Thus, the button can be positioned so that it protrudes on the side wall of the housing body 3 when placed in a textile machine.

[0139] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view through the housing along a plane parallel to the yarn propagation direction and parallel to the z-direction is shown. The window bracket 17 can be held between the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18 by a clamping force, thereby forming a connection between the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18. The connection specifically does not include a sealant or a sealing member, which seals the parts that constitute the housing. The connection specifically does not include glue, which glues the parts that constitute the housing. In addition, no electronic devices are connected to the housing.

[0140] In order to prevent dust from entering the housing, the yarn clearer 10 may meet the dust protection level IP5X, in particular IP6X. Fig.11 The embodiment depicted in includes a seal that is a combination between a consistent profile component design and a tortuous seal.

[0141] The housing cover 18 may include a gravity seal. To this end, the yarn clearer 10, the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18 are configured such that the housing cover 18 can be arranged at the bottom of the yarn clearer 10 at the latest when it is put into operation in a textile machine. In addition, the housing cover 18 is specifically sunken into the housing body 3. Thus, as Fig.10E As shown by way of example, only at the bottom there is no covering seam 77 to the side of the housing body 3. A first seal can be produced by the tight positive fit of the housing cover 18 with the side wall of the housing body 3. By placing the housing cover 18 at the bottom and sinking it into the housing body 3, any dust that falls in the direction of gravity cannot enter the housing due to gravity (gravity seal).

[0142] Further, in order to avoid dust from penetrating the seal of the housing cover 18, a double zigzag seal 79 with a profile fit can be used. In order to penetrate the seal of the housing cover 18, the dust will have to move upwards between the side wall 69 of the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18 (overcoming gravity), specifically moving upwards to the first recess of the housing cover 18. There, the dust will have to move horizontally between the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18 until it reaches the first wall 90. There, the dust will have to move upwards again between the housing body 3 and the housing cover 18 (overcoming gravity), then move horizontally at the next recess in the housing body 3 (the top of the first wall 90), then move downwards in the direction of gravity into the recess 91 before reaching the second wall 92, and when migrating in the horizontal direction, the dust will have to move upwards again against gravity. Due to the tight profile fit of the housing cover 18 with the housing body 3 and the pressing of the housing cover to the housing body, specifically by screws, the seal can achieve an IP6X dustproof rating.

[0143] The same sealing technique can be used to seal the window bracket 17 to the housing body 3 at the top and to the housing cover 18 at the bottom. To seal the window bracket 17 to the front or rear side of the yarn clearer, the window bracket 17 can be sealed to the housing body 3 at the top and to the housing cover 18 at the bottom. Fig. 12B Two orthogonal sealing features are shown to achieve a finer tortuous seal.

[0144] Therein, the dust will have to first move laterally to the rear of the yarn clearer 10 and / or housing body 3, then horizontally to the side of the housing body 3, then forward, then horizontally again, then repeatedly to the rear of the housing, after which another horizontal stretch is required, then a third move to the rear, then a fourth horizontal move and a fourth move to the rear, after which a reverse lateral stretch will be made, and then finally a fifth move to the rear. This is also Figure 2 , where the window bracket 17 is shown from a top angle view. In this embodiment and alternative embodiments, several angles and directions of reverse movement are provided. These angles and reverse movements do not have to be complete U-turns as described above. Alternatively, several different angles can be selected, and several tortuous lengths of the path set for dust to pass can also be selected. Specific solutions can be provided so that it achieves the desired dust protection level. As Fig.11 , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The embodiment of the double zigzag seal 79 shown, in particular Figure 2 In combination, this achieves IP6x dust protection rating as defined on the filing date or priority date.

[0145] Fig. 12A A cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the yarn propagation direction is shown, showing a selected portion of the housing. Fig. 12B A cross-sectional view through the housing along a second plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation is shown, showing a selected portion of the housing. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B In both figures, the tortuosity seal is shown to prevent dust from entering the housing body 3 due to the positive fit between the housing body 3 and the window bracket 17 and the housing cover 18.

[0146] Fig. 12A Involving such as Fig.11 Described double tortuous seal 79, is only upward view, rather than sectional view.This gravity seal can be sunk in the housing body 3 by outer shell cover 18 (not shown here) to be oriented so that the bottom of outer shell cover 18 forms the shell and forms.In this embodiment and alternative embodiment, several angles and reverse motion directions are provided.These angles and reverse motion need not be the complete up and down turning as described above.Alternatively, several different angles can be selected, and also several tortuous lengths of the path that can be provided for dust to pass through can be selected.Specific scheme can be provided so that it reaches the dustproof grade of expectation.

[0147] Fig. 12B A trailing sealing arrangement with an orthogonal locking sealing arrangement 83 is shown, which forms a trailing sealing arrangement as described with respect to FIG. Fig.11 The tortuous seal already described for the window bracket 17. In this embodiment and in alternative embodiments, several angles and directions of reverse motion are provided. These angles and reverse motion need not be complete U-turns as described above. Alternatively, several different angles may be selected, and several tortuous lengths of the path provided for dust to pass may also be selected. Specific solutions may be provided so that it reaches the desired dustproof grade.

[0148] The above-described embodiment prevents the use of single and separate sealing components, which would have to be placed between housing parts such as housing body 3 and housing cover 18. The use of single and separate sealing components between housing parts may require their production and transportation to the assembly location. In the case of an elastomer, the elastomer would then have to be selected, produced, transported and subsequently assembled. The assembly of elastomers is often accompanied by problems with form fit: a little too short and the seal tends to jump out due to stretching and tensioning, a little too long and there is a tendency to bend due to the tendency of the remaining material to form a bend, which may be cut when the housing parts are tightened, thereby possibly weakening or destroying the sealing component.

[0149] During use in the field, the single and individual elastomeric seals will experience ageing of the material. As a result, the material may lose elasticity when compared to the elasticity it had during production. It also potentially creates adhesion problems to housing parts etc. In addition, upon opening the housing, the single and individual seals, despite being distinct in shape, may have lost at least some degree of their previous elasticity, which causes risks after re-tightening the housing.

[0150] When separate and individual sealants are used, the production costs are high. During maintenance, it may be necessary to destroy or open the separate and individual sealants. This can be done by heating, for example. During heating, it will be necessary to ensure that the storage temperature range of the yarn clearer 10 is not exceeded to reduce the risk of degradation of the housing material and / or the alignment of the internal components. All these disadvantages can be circumvented by the embodiment as described above.

[0151] Fig.13A showing a cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation, the housing being shown complete and partially assembled; Fig. 13B An embodiment of a window bracket 17 with an embodiment of a light chamber 59 is shown. Therein, the yarn guide 2 can guide and stabilize the yarn 34 in the measuring gap 9 of the yarn clearer 10. The yarn guide 2 can be placed in the window bracket 17. Alternatively, a part of the yarn guide 2 can be placed at the housing body 3 and another part at the housing cover 18. Fig. 13C An embodiment of a light chamber 59 is shown. Fig.13D A cross-sectional view through the housing along a first plane perpendicular to the direction of yarn propagation is shown, the housing being shown complete, partially assembled and with an optical device placed therein.

[0152] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D 1 shows a partial schematic diagram of the method of assembling the housing in their respective order. The observation point is to enter the housing body 3 from the bottom. The housing cover 18 has not yet sunk into the bottom of the corresponding housing body 3. Fig.13A shown and in Fig.13D Before assembling the optical components to set up the optical device, the button 8 as a button with the light guide 70 can be placed into the assembly hole in the housing body 3 and sealed using the sealing dome 7 with the sealing base 76. After the optical components are placed, the PCBA 93 can be placed in the housing body 3, after which the following steps are further performed: connecting the optical components and the PCBA 93.

[0153] In doing so, apart from mounting the optical components to the same plane on the PCBA 93, specifically only a rough alignment is required, and no optical (fine) alignment is performed on the optical components to be attached to the PCBA 93.

[0154] like Fig.13A As shown, the window bracket 17 can be placed in the housing body 3. In the case of an optimized lighting path of the light chamber 59 undercut to the window bracket 17, a combined insertion process of the light chamber 59 and the window bracket 17 can be provided during assembly ( Fig. 13B ). Light chamber 59 is Fig. 13C 8. The holder 80 may provide screw holes 15 for screwing the optical chamber 59 to the PCBA 93 at a later stage during assembly. The alignment pins 87 provide the necessary alignment, particularly in conjunction with the Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The ribs 27 are shown, for example, to align optical components with electronic components. The PCBA 93 can be placed in the alignment pins 87 so as to align and receive the light-sensitive electronic component 37 (not shown here because the PCBA 93 is not in place).

[0155] Since the housing has no single and separate sealing parts or seals made of elastomers, silicone and / or rubber, the housing can be assembled or disassembled many times, and since only screws are used, assembly or disassembly can be easily done. Fig.11 As shown and described, together with the undercut of the housing forming the dimple 78, no special alignment has to be performed. Furthermore, no aging process occurs. This allows the entire assembly to be completed in one go. This saves valuable floor space in the production facility, since the entire assembly can be completed in a single stage. Furthermore, the entire assembly can save production effort: no parts are handled twice. This further saves resources. As an additional benefit, the assembly process lends itself to automation during production.

[0156] As described elsewhere herein, all electronic devices are on at least one PCBA 93, in particular on a single PCBA 93. Alignment structures 16 can align the PCBA 93 with the optical components. The alignment tolerance of the waveguide 33 as a projector tube and the light chamber 59 with the aperture 35 (not visible here) is adjustable. This can avoid the need for special alignment procedures other than mounting the optical components to the same plane on the PCBA 93 and specifically ensuring overall alignment by placing pin holes in the mounting plane PCBA 93. By alignment of the alignment structure 16 on the PCBA 93, as well as by alignment of the ribs 27 and the formed recesses 78, optical components such as the waveguide 33 and / or the light chamber 59 can be placed so that they are already aligned with the PCBA 93 before it is introduced into the housing body 3. The beam inlet 88 of the waveguide can be aligned with the light source 32 (not shown), while the beam outlet 85 of the light chamber 59 can be aligned with the photosensitive electronic component 37 ( Fig.13D (not shown) alignment.

[0157] In order to improve maintainability and increase throughput during assembly, specifically only screws are used, and no gluing, as has been described elsewhere herein. Because no special alignment requirements are mandatory due to the structural design, the optical components can first be placed separately into the housing body 3 and connected to the PCBA 93 only after the PCBA 93 has been assembled into the housing body 3. This reverses any assembly process in which the PCBA 93 and the optics are first assembled into a submodule. Instead, in the exemplary embodiment depicted, the optics are first placed into the housing body (after placing the button 8, but this can be performed independently unless it is placed before placing the PCBA 93). This allows an undercut to be implemented in the housing body as a recess 78 (see Fig.11 ) for placing the optical components. This in turn allows the design of the optical components and the sealing design of the housing to be optimized independently, as described in this article on Figures 11 to 12B Described in detail.

[0158] In a further step (not shown), specifically after the step of placing the PCBA 93, the housing cover 18 is sunk into the housing body 3. There may not be any intermediate testing of the electronic submodules, since all required tests can be performed on the final assembly. If a problem is detected, the disassembly of the housing is quite fast, after which the problem can be solved (redo the ring). By this process, the assembly throughput is increased, the number of skilled operators and the floor space required in the assembly can be reduced, and production automation can be promoted.

[0159] In summary, the method for assembling a housing or a yarn clearer may include the following steps: the housing may be placed in an assembly fixture. The seal 5 for the connector 6 and / or the seal dome 7 for the button 8 may be inserted, followed by the light guide 70 and / or the button 8. These steps may also be reversed. The window bracket 17 together with the lighting receiving system 39 may be placed in the housing body 3 as an insertion combination (the window bracket 17 is slid and pressed into the housing body 3: even if the window bracket has not been screwed in, there may be a slight compression). In this process, normal production cleanliness is sufficient. Before insertion, the windows 19, 89 of the window bracket 17 may be checked for obvious dirt / stains. It may be further checked that there are no foreign particles in the receiver cavity 36, and that the orifice 35 is open and has the expected shape and structure. A subassembly may be provided because the light chamber orifice 86 may be pushed into the light chamber 56 and because the yarn guide 2 may be heat riveted to the window bracket 17. The lighting projector 30 as a component may be placed in the housing body 3. The cleanliness of the illumination projector 30 as a component can be checked, and there are no foreign particles, scratches and deformations in the waveguide 33 (specifically in the form of a tube). It can be checked whether the photodiode and LED holes are open, blocked, whether there is a flash, etc. The subassembly can be set, for example, by pushing the projector orifice to the core of the illumination projector 30 of the waveguide 33 as a tube and / or hot riveting the reflector 21 to the core of the illumination projector 30 of the waveguide 33 as a tube. The connector seal 5 is sealed into the housing body 3 to realize the connector plug 6. In all these steps, it can be ensured that the corners of the components and subassemblies are correctly placed. The PCBA 93 (not shown here) can be slid into the housing body 3 (from the right or from the bottom). In one step, it can be noted that the base of the connector seal 5 is correctly placed. In one step, the illumination projector 30 (projector) and the illumination receiving system 39 (receiver) can be screwed to the housing body using at least one screw each, specifically only a single screw each. In one step, attention may be paid to the correct alignment of each of the pins with the PCBA 93. In particular by using at least a single screw, in particular by using only a single screw, the PCBA 93 may be fixed to the housing body 3. The housing cover 18 is sunk into the bottom of the housing body and may be fixed in particular with 3 screws.

[0160] The preferred method for manufacturing the projection tube is specifically by (direct) injection molding, in particular without secondary internal surface finishing treatments such as secondary grinding (machining) or coating of the inner surface of the waveguide 33 as a tube. In order to enable a safe tool release of the internal pins of the formed inner surface and its structure, a draft angle can be set. Suitable draft angles may range between 1 degree and 10 degrees. Depending on the cross-section of the inner tube and the desired structure, the draft angle may range between 3 degrees and 7 degrees. The inclusion of the draft angle may have a minimal effect on the divergence angle of the outgoing light beam, and in particular, only a small part may have an effect on the intensity of the outgoing light beam.

[0161] For direct injection molding, material selection can affect the efficiency of the embodiment. The material can allow for an inherent non-specular and highly reflective (90% or higher, preferably 99% or higher) surface finish. The non-specular surface requirement can be affected by the surface finish of the molding tool and the characteristics of the material used (filler characteristics). Highly reflective and non-directional materials reduce the requirements for the emitted lighting flux of the light source 32 (specifically LED). A material that provides very high reflective properties and is non-directional can be barium sulfate (BaSO4).

[0162] The manufacture of the light chamber 59 can be performed by direct injection molding (specifically without secondary processing such as machining and / or coating the inner surface of the light chamber 59). As described elsewhere herein, the light captured by the light chamber 59 can be integrated by multiple non-specular reflections. The material selection of the light chamber 59 can affect the efficiency of the embodiment produced by this method. The material can have an inherent non-specular and highly reflective surface finish. The non-specular surface requirement is affected by the surface finish of the molding tool and the characteristics of the material used (filler characteristics). Highly reflective and non-directional materials improve lighting efficiency. A material that provides very high reflective properties and is non-directional can be barium sulfate (BaSO4).

[0163] Barium sulfate can be provided in powder form. When sprayed directly onto a surface, barium sulfate can be easily wiped off. Therefore, barium sulfate can be added to a coating, such as a latex having 50% weight / weight (also referred to as w / w), to improve its friction fastness. Providing barium sulfate in the coating can be achieved by subjecting the receiving cavity 36 to a secondary treatment. Secondary treatment of the receiving cavity 36 may add undesirable costs during manufacturing.

[0164] Provide a lower cost application alternative, because the barium sulfate pigment can be added to the basic plastic compound and by extruding the mixture. The resulting granules can be used for injection molding in the method steps described elsewhere herein. The precipitated barium sulfate can be used as a delivery component. Depending on the other characteristics that the receiving cavity 36 may have, the filler can be mixed with the selected base material, such as PA or ABS. In addition, barium sulfate as a filler can add more characteristics to the base material. Barium sulfate can improve processability, hardness and chemical resistance. As a substitute for barium sulfate, titanium dioxide (TiO2) can be used as a high reflective filler for plastic compounds.

[0165] In contrast to the beneficial high reflective properties of the optical chamber 59, materials with high absorption properties may be selected for the coarse apertures and for the interconnecting tube 58 between the holder 80 for the lens with fine apertures (with the fine aperture of the lens assembly 53) and the optical chamber 59. Materials with high carbon content may be highly absorptive over a wide wavelength range. In addition, when used as a filler in a plastic compound, the material may make the compound conductive. Thus, adding carbon as a filler to the material selected for the aperture may reduce ambient and stray light sensitivity and may also improve EMV and ESD susceptibility.

[0166] Specifically, the term "may" refers to an optional feature of the present invention. Therefore, there are also other aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention, which additionally or alternatively have one or more corresponding features. All features in the feature combination are also independently disclosed, and can also be selected from the feature combination disclosed herein, and used in combination with other features to specify the subject matter of any claim in the claim, thereby solving any structural and / or functional relationship that may exist between the features. "First", "second", "third" and other terms can be used to refer to a series of elements, but these features or elements are not necessarily described according to their importance, their order of appearance or importance. Therefore, unless clearly expressed, these elements or features can specify different aspects in any other specific order.

[0167] Reference List

[0168] 1: Ventilation holes

[0169] 2: Yarn guide

[0170] 3: Shell body

[0171] 4: Install components

[0172] 5: Connector sealing

[0173] 6: Connector plug

[0174] 7: Sealing the Dome

[0175] 8: Button

[0176] 9: Measuring gap

[0177] 10: Yarn Cleaner

[0178] 11: Yarn guiding device as yarn guide

[0179] 12: Yarn outlet guide

[0180] 13: Connector pin

[0181] 14: Contact surface on housing body for window bracket

[0182] 15: Screw hole

[0183] 16: Alignment Structure

[0184] 17: Window bracket

[0185] 18: Shell cover

[0186] 19: A window on the receiving side as a second window through which light passes

[0187] 21: Reflector

[0188] 22: Heat Stacking

[0189] 23: Docking pin

[0190] 24: Spacer

[0191] 25: Concave

[0192] 26: Tube

[0193] 27: Rib

[0194] 30: Illumination projector on the emission side

[0195] 31: Reflector housing

[0196] 32: As a light source for LED

[0197] 33: Waveguide as a light-homogenizing tube

[0198] 33a: Short light uniform tube

[0199] 33b: Long-light uniform tube

[0200] 34: Yarn

[0201] 35: Orifice

[0202] 36: As the receiving cavity of the integrated tube

[0203] 37: Photosensitive electronic components as detectors

[0204] 37a: Small detector

[0205] 37b: Large detector

[0206] 38: Diffuser

[0207] 39: Lighting receiving system on the receiving side

[0208] 41: Mounting ring

[0209] 42: Orifice opening

[0210] 50: Optical Devices

[0211] 51: Orifice diameter

[0212] 52: Focal length

[0213] 53: Fine aperture with lens assembly

[0214] 54: Measuring gap width

[0215] 55: Illuminate the center of the projector object

[0216] 56: Lighting Projector Objects

[0217] 57: Entrance to the Light Room

[0218] 58: Interconnection pipe

[0219] 59: Light Room

[0220] 60: Secondary Focus

[0221] 69: Sidewall

[0222] 70: Light guide

[0223] 71: Light guide axis

[0224] 72: Base

[0225] 73: Stopper

[0226] 74: Hollow core for light guide

[0227] 75: Spring part

[0228] 76: Seal base

[0229] 77: Seams

[0230] 78: pit

[0231] 79: Double zigzag seal

[0232] 83: Orthogonal locking seal feature

[0233] 85: Beam exit

[0234] 86: Light chamber opening

[0235] 87: Alignment pin

[0236] 88: Beam entrance

[0237] 89: Window on the emission side as the first window through which light passes (schematic diagram)

[0238] 90: Double zigzag seal first wall

[0239] 91: Double zigzag seal recess

[0240] 92: The second wall of the double-torque seal

[0241] 93: PCBA

Claims

1. An illumination projector (30) for projecting shadows from an object, in particular a yarn (34) in a textile machine, the illumination projector (30) comprising: - at least one light source (32), in particular a light emitting diode (LED); The illumination projector is characterized in that it comprises - at least one waveguide (33); wherein the light source (32) is positioned so that emitted light enters the waveguide (33), and wherein the waveguide (33) is constructed to be positioned relative to the object so that light emitted from the waveguide (33) on the exit side of the waveguide casts a shadow from the object to a receiving side or so that light will be reflected from the object to the receiving side.

2. The illumination projector (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The illumination projector (30) comprises an object guiding device, in particular a yarn guiding device (11), which is constructed and positioned relative to the outlet side of the waveguide (33) to guide the object, in particular the yarn (34), so that the object, in particular the yarn (34) is guided through an illumination point, an illumination area or an illumination volume, and wherein the waveguide (33) is constructed and positioned relative to the outlet side of the waveguide (33) to project a shadow from the object, in particular the yarn (34) to a receiving side, or to reflect light from the object, in particular the yarn (34) to a receiving side.

3. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The waveguide (33) is a tube (26), in particular a light-homogenizing tube.

4. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner cross-section of the waveguide (33) is circular, elliptical, rectangular or square.

5. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner cross-section and width of the waveguide (33) are designed according to the required width of the light beam, and / or the height of the waveguide (33) is designed according to the height requirement of the light beam.

6. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner width of the waveguide (33) and the inner height of the waveguide (33) are individually and independently shaped according to the measurement requirements, wherein the width of the light beam is adapted to the width resolution of the yarn defect to be measured (the minimum length of the yarn defect to be detected), and wherein the height of the light beam is adapted to the maximum size of the yarn defect to be measured.

7. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The waveguide (33) comprises a hollow core having an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface of the waveguide (33) is diffuse and / or non-specular.

8. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The waveguide (33) comprises a hollow core having an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface of the waveguide (33) comprises a (high) reflective material having non-directional reflective properties.

9. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The waveguide (33) includes a hollow core having an inner surface, and wherein the inner surface of the waveguide (33) includes at least one of barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2).

10. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The light source (32) is an LED mounted in a plane on a PCBA (93) for signal processing, and a reflector, particularly reflecting at an angle of 45°, reflects light from the light source (32) into the waveguide (33).

11. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The illumination projector comprises an aperture of the waveguide (33), the aperture being at least one of light-absorbing, non-specular or shaped so that it directs any light reflected from its surface away from a receiver.

12. The illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The illumination projector comprises a line-of-sight configuration, wherein an additional diffuser (38) is located in the waveguide (33), in particular directly after the light source (32), more particularly the LED, in the direction of light propagation.

13. A textile machine or a yarn clearer (10) comprising an illumination projector (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method for producing an illumination projector (30), in particular according to the preceding claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The following steps - manufacturing a prefabricated waveguide in the form of a tube (26); - Adjusting the prefabricated waveguide, in particular the tube (26), to suitable dimensions, in particular by cutting and / or machining.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterised by the step of manufacturing the prefabricated waveguide in the form of a prefabricated tube by extrusion or (direct) injection moulding.

16. The method according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that No secondary inner surface finishing treatments are applied, in particular no secondary grinding (machining) or coating of the inner surface of the core of the waveguide (33) is applied.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The length of the prefabricated waveguide is adapted to match the divergence angle at the exit side of the waveguide (33).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that In particular, a draft angle between 1 and 10 degrees, more particularly between 1 and 7 degrees, even more particularly between 3 and 7 degrees is used for safe tool release of internal pins forming the inner surface and its structure.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The pigment is added to a base plastic compound and the mixture is extruded and / or the resulting granules are used for injection molding.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that A pigment is added to the base plastic compound, and wherein the added pigment is any one of the following: barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2).

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that A filling material, in particular a filling material comprising either barium sulfate (BaSO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) is added to the hollow core of the waveguide (33).

22. A method for casting a shadow from an object, in particular a yarn (34), or for reflecting light from said object, in particular a yarn (34), comprising the following steps: - providing light emitted by a light source (32), in particular an LED; - collecting in a waveguide (33) at least a portion of the light emitted by said light source (32); and - transmitting said light from said waveguide (33) to said object, in particular said yarn (34).

Images