Texturing machine

Abstract

Texturing machine with a plurality of processing stations (24.1, 24.2) arranged side by side along a longitudinal side of a multi-part machine frame (1), wherein a process frame (2) is provided for accommodating several process units (8, 9, 10, 11), a winding frame (3) for accommodating several winding units (12), and a creel frame (5) for accommodating several feed spools (16), characterized in that the process frame (2) with the process units (8, 9, 10, 11), the winding frame (3) with the winding units (20), and the creel frame (5) with the feed spools (16) are each designed as a machine module (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) with a frame height (H), that the frame heights (H) of the machine modules (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) are of the same size, and that the machine modules (1.1, 1.2, 1.3) can optionally be arranged side by side or one above the other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a texturing machine with a plurality of processing points according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the production of synthetic yarns, the smooth yarns produced in a melt spinning process are crimped in a subsequent process, particularly for textile applications. This process is known in the industry as texturizing, and the synthetic yarns are simultaneously drawn during the texturizing process. Such texturizing processes on a large number of yarns are carried out using texturizing machines, which have a corresponding number of processing stations. At each processing station, at least one yarn is treated by several processing units. The processing units, such as texturizing units, feed units, heating units, cooling units, and winding units, are distributed across the processing stations and arranged in a multi-part machine frame, ensuring a predetermined yarn path at each processing station.In order to ensure, in particular, the operability of the processing stations, various concepts for the arrangement of the individual machine frame parts relative to each other are known in the prior art.

[0003] In a first variant, the processing stations within the machine are operated from different operating levels. Such a texturing machine is known, for example, from DE 23 50 558 A. In the known texturing machine, the process units are held on a central process frame that extends over two levels. On an upper operating level, a creel frame is associated with the process frame, on which the feed spools required for the processing stations are held. On the lower operating level, a winding frame is associated with the process frame, on which the winding units are held. Two operating aisles are formed both between the winding frame and the process frame on the lower operating level and between the creel frame and the process frame on the upper operating level.

[0004] This arrangement of the machine frame components makes operating the processing stations particularly difficult at process start-up or after a thread break. To insert a thread at one of the processing stations, the operator must operate the process units, which are distributed across two levels. This method of operation can only be achieved with a larger number of operators or additional auxiliary equipment.

[0005] A second variant for arranging the machine frame components, which has become established in practice and can be considered standard, is known, for example, from EP 0 641 877 A1. In this texturing machine, the machine frame components are arranged side by side in one plane, with some of the process units supported by a superstructure on an upper operating level. For example, the winding frame and the process frame are arranged opposite each other, forming an operating aisle between them. A superstructure is provided above the winding frame and the process frame, to which the heating and cooling units are attached. Several auxiliary devices are assigned to the process units to enable operation from the upper operating level.Furthermore, such texturing machines feature a so-called unwinding aisle, which extends along the winding frame and allows for the removal and transport of the wound solid reels. Similarly, the creel frame has an associated unwinding aisle to facilitate the delivery and loading of new feed reels. Consequently, these texturing machines require a relatively large amount of space.

[0006] Texturing machines are also known from the publications JP H11 - 107 084 A, DE 24 27 965 A1, DE 19 03 365 A and DE 23 52 027 B.

[0007] The object of the invention is now to create a texturing machine of the generic type in which the space requirement of the machine can be adapted as efficiently as possible to the available space.

[0008] Another objective of the invention is to achieve the most flexible possible arrangement of the machine frame components within the machine to ensure easy operation of the process units.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by the fact that the process frame with the process units, the winding frame with the winding units and the gate frame with the feed coils are each designed as a machine module with a frame height, that the frame heights of the machine modules are the same and that the machine modules can optionally be arranged side by side and / or on top of each other.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined by the features and combinations of features of the respective dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is characterized by the fact that the machine frame components can be combined in any configuration to realize specific thread paths and operating sequences. Due to the identical frame height of the individual machine modules, machine cross-sections with one or more levels can be formed. This allows for the utilization of the specific conditions of a machine's installation location to achieve a space-saving arrangement of the machine modules. For example, it would be possible to perform all bobbin transport operations on the machine modules with the creel frame and the winding frame from a common level. The operation of the process units on the machine module with the process frame could take place on the same level or on an upper or lower level.

[0012] To enable the installation of multiple levels of a machine within a machine hall, the frame height of the machine modules, according to an advantageous embodiment, is in the range of 2.20 m to 3.00 m, preferably in the range of 2.50 m to 2.80 m. In particular, this allows assembly work during the assembly of the machine modules to be carried out advantageously from a single level without the need for complex auxiliary equipment.

[0013] A significant advantage of the invention is achieved through a further development of the invention in which the assemblies and devices for thread guiding and thread handling, held by the machine modules, can be operated by a single operator without tools. This allows all manual tasks relevant to process control to be performed quickly and precisely by one or more operators.

[0014] In principle, all processing units and components arranged on a machine frame section can be positioned relative to each other in an arrangement favorable to thread guidance. To accommodate the often varying degrees of automation required, the machine module with the process frame and / or the machine module with the winding frame are designed in several process variants with identical frame heights. For example, the winding frame can feature automated or manually operated winding units. The process frame can incorporate texturing zones with or without a post-treatment zone.

[0015] To achieve a low-profile design that facilitates the operation of the process units, a further development of the invention is particularly advantageous in which the machine module, together with the process frame, carries a plurality of heating devices for heating the threads, and in which the heating devices are arranged at an angle on the process frame, inclined in a longitudinal direction of the machine, all within a single plane. The inclined arrangement of the heating devices side by side allows for relatively long heating sections for temperature control of the threads during the texturing process at high thread speeds, even with compact machine module arrangements. Furthermore, the heating devices can be positioned close together, thus minimizing heat loss.

[0016] In order to minimize thread friction in the processing areas, an advantageous embodiment of the invention further provides for the heating devices to be assigned several cooling devices on one outlet side, wherein the cooling devices and the heating devices each form a straight thread path in the plane for each processing area.

[0017] For ease of operation of the processing stations and for coil transport, a further development of the invention is particularly advantageous in which the machine modules are arranged at a distance from each other to form an operating aisle and / or a through aisle. In this way, the units and equipment on the creel frame and the winding frame can be advantageously operated from a through aisle. The units and equipment of the process frame, on the other hand, are preferably operated from a separate operating aisle.

[0018] Furthermore, it is common practice to manufacture texturing machines with a so-called A-side and a B-side in order to offer twice the number of processing stations. For this purpose, the inventive embodiment is used, in which a second machine half is provided with a second process frame, a second winding frame, and a second creel frame, each of which is designed as a point-symmetrical machine module with identical frame height.

[0019] The machine modules of both machine halves preferably have an identical arrangement next to and / or on top of each other, so that the thread guidance in the processing points can be identical in each machine half.

[0020] To further explain the invention, some exemplary embodiments of the texturing machine according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

[0021] They represent: Fig. 1 schematically a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the texturing machine according to the invention Fig. 2 schematically a section of a side view of the machine module with a process frame of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 Fig. 3 schematically a section of a top view of the machine module with a process frame of the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 schematically further embodiments of the texturing machine according to the invention, each in a cross-sectional view.

[0022] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the texturing machine according to the invention for texturing a plurality of threads in different views. Fig. Figure 1 shows the embodiment in a cross-sectional view and in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of a side view and a top view of one of the machine modules with a process frame. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the following description applies to all figures.

[0023] The exemplary embodiment of the texturing machine has a multitude of processing stations arranged side by side along one longitudinal side of a multi-part machine frame 1. For example, more than 100 processing stations can be arranged side by side in the machine frame 1.

[0024] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, the machine frame 1 is formed from several machine modules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, wherein machine module 1.1 comprises a gate frame 5, machine module 1.2 a process frame 2 and machine module 1.3 a winding frame 3. Each of the machine modules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 has a frame height which is specified in Fig. 1 is designated with the letter H. The frame heights H of the machine modules 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 are of equal height and range from 2.20 m to 3.00 m, preferably between 2.50 m and 2.80 m. In this embodiment, the machine modules 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 are arranged side by side in a single plane to form a machine cross-section, with the frame parts 2, 3, and 5 of the machine modules 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 potentially being partially connected to one another. In particular, the machine modules 1.2 and 1.3 are preferably connected to one another within the machine cross-section by frame parts to increase the machine's stability. Crucially, the machine modules 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 define a common frame height H of the machine cross-section in the plane of the floor.

[0025] Between machine modules 1.2 and 1.3, an operating aisle 6 is provided, which is used by an operator to operate the processing stations.

[0026] Several feed coils 16 and several spare coils 17 are held on the gate frame 5 of machine module 1.1, with one feed coil 16 and one spare coil 17 being assigned to each of the machining stations. The gate frames 5 typically hold the feed coils for a group of machining stations. In this respect, along the longitudinal side of the machine (in Fig. (1) where the machine's longitudinal side runs orthogonally to the drawing plane, usually several gate frames 5 are held side by side in the machine module 1.1.

[0027] The gate frame 5 of machine module 1.1 has a transport aisle 32 assigned to it on one outer longitudinal side of the machine. Delivery and subsequent loading of the gate frame 5 are carried out by an operator via the transport aisle 32.

[0028] Within the processing stations, the threads are unwound from the feed spools 16 and fed to the adjacent machine module 1.2 with the process frame 2 for processing. Since the setup of the processing stations within machine module 1.2 is identical, the process units and equipment are described below using a thread path within one of the processing stations as a guide, with reference to the illustration in Fig. 1 described in more detail.

[0029] The in Fig. The processing station shown in Figure 1 has a first feeder 8 on a crossbeam 4 of the process frame 2, which pulls a thread 18 from the feed spool 16 of the adjacent machine module 1.1. The first feeder 8, together with a downstream second feeder 25, forms a so-called texturing zone in which the thread 18 is stretched and textured. The second feeder 25 is located in the central area of ​​the process frame 2. Within the texturing zone formed by the feeders 8 and 25, a heating device 9, a cooling device 10, and a texturing unit 11 are arranged sequentially in the thread direction. The texturing unit 11 is located directly above the second feeder 25 on the process frame 2.

[0030] To maintain the frame height H of the machine module 1.2, and in particular to maintain a maximum operating height and to create long texturing zones for high thread speeds, the heating unit 9 and the cooling unit 10 are mounted at an inclination in the longitudinal direction of the machine on the process frame 2 and the crossbeam 4. To further illustrate the arrangement of the heating units 9 and the cooling units 10 on the process frame 2, the following is also included: Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Referenced. In Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the side view of machine module 1.2. Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of machine module 1.2.

[0031] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. The first two processing stations are designated with reference numbers 24.1 and 24.2. Since the structure of the processing stations is identical, the subsequent processing stations are not further designated.

[0032] As can be seen from the depictions in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the heating unit 9 and the cooling unit 10 form a common yarn path, with the yarn being guided in a straight line between the first feeder 8 and a guide roller 13 assigned to the texturing unit 11. Depending on the inclination angle of the heating unit 9 and the cooling unit 10, an offset occurs in the processing location 24.1 between the first feeder 8 and the second feeder 25. The feeders 8 and 25 are arranged in different cross-sectional planes of the machine module 1.2 on the process frame 2.

[0033] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. As shown in section 2, the thread 18 is then guided to a swirling unit 15 and subsequently through a post-heating unit 14 between a third delivery unit 26 and a fourth delivery unit 27. The post-heating unit 14 forms a post-treatment zone to perform a relaxation treatment on the thread 18 at low thread tension, which is adjustable between the delivery units 26 and 27.

[0034] The post-heating unit 14 and the feed unit 26 are optional only in the case of post-treatment of the yarn. If the yarn material does not require post-treatment, the processing stations are operated without post-heating units and without a third feed unit. In this respect, it is intended that machine module 1.2 be provided in two different process variants. In a first process variant of machine module 1.2, the process units and equipment for texturing and post-treatment are as shown in the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are held on the process frame 3. In a second variant of the machine module 1.2, only the process units and texturing equipment are held on the process frame.

[0035] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the afterheating device 14 is also mounted on the process frame 2 of machine module 1.2 at an angle in the longitudinal direction of the machine. The afterheating device 14 is preferably aligned with the same angle of inclination relative to the upper heating device 9. The angle of inclination for aligning the heating device 9 and the afterheating device 14 is typically in the range of 30° to a maximum of 60°. However, different angles of inclination for the heating device 9 and the afterheating device 14 can also be selected. Thus, depending on the design of the heating device, the afterheating device 14 can also be arranged with an angle of inclination in the range of 0° to 45°.

[0036] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. As shown in section 1, the operating aisle 6 is assigned to machine module 1.2 at floor level, parallel to the process frame 2. The operating aisle 6 extends parallel between the adjacent machine modules 1.2 and 1.3.

[0037] The thread 18 travels from the delivery unit 27 on the process frame 2 of machine module 1.2 to a winding unit 12 on the winding frame 3 of machine module 1.3. For this purpose, the thread 18 is guided below the operating walkway 6.

[0038] However, it is also possible to integrate the delivery unit 27 into the winding frame 3 of machine module 1.3. The interface between machine modules 1.2 and 1.3 can therefore be located in the yarn path either before or after the last delivery unit.

[0039] The winding unit 12 is arranged on the winding frame 3 of the machine module. The winding frame 3 supports several winding units 12 side by side and stacked on top of each other. Since the winding units 12 produce a coil width that is greater than the pitch between the processing stations, the winding units for several processing stations are arranged stacked on top of each other on the winding frame 2. In this embodiment, a total of three winding units 12 are held one above the other on the winding frame 3 of the machine module. In principle, several winding units can also be held one above the other on the winding frame 3.

[0040] In this embodiment, the winding units 12 in machine module 1.3 are designed as semi-automatic winding stations 28, in which the coils 19 must be changed manually after winding is complete. For this purpose, an operating walkway 6 is provided parallel to the winding frame 3. An operator uses the operating walkway 6 to perform the coil changes in the winding units 12 and to transport the full coils away.

[0041] As can be seen from the presentation in Fig. As can be seen from Figure 1, all operating procedures for the initial application of a thread or in the event of thread breakage in the process units as well as all bobbin changing procedures can be carried out by one operator from operating aisle 6.

[0042] For conveying and stretching, the feed units provided in machine module 1.2 can be designed as so-called clamping feed units or as wrapping feed units. In clamping feed units, the conveying force is transmitted by clamping the yarn. In wrapping feed units, the required conveying forces are generated by multiple wrappings of the yarn. This is how it is in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 The fourth delivery unit 27 in the processing station is shown as an example of a clamping delivery unit. The delivery units assigned to the texturing zone are designed as an example of wrap-around delivery units, consisting of a driven galette and an associated overflow roller.

[0043] However, it should be expressly mentioned at this point that the arrangement and design of the thread guiding elements and process units of the processing stations in machine module 1.2 of the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Three examples are shown. The delivery units can be varied in any combination. Likewise, thread guides without deflection are possible, particularly between the cooling unit and the texturing unit.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 4 is a further embodiment of a texturing machine according to the invention, with several machine modules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, shown schematically in a cross-sectional view. The machine modules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 are essentially identical to the machine modules 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 of the embodiment according to [reference missing]. Fig. 1. In this respect, reference is made to the aforementioned description, and only the differences are explained here.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. In section 4, machine modules 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 are arranged vertically, one above the other, to form a machine cross-section. Machine module 1.3, with the winding frame 3, is located on a lower operating level 30.1 and is positioned directly on the floor of a machine hall. Machine module 1.2, with the process frame 2, is supported above machine module 1.3 and forms an upper operating level 30.2. Machine module 1.1, with the gate frame 5, is located on an upper level 31 directly above machine module 1.2.

[0046] Within the processing stations, the threads are therefore taken from the feed spools 16 of machine module 1.1 via a floor opening 33 in the upper floor 31 and fed to the processing units at the machine module 1.2 below. A transport aisle 32 is assigned to machine module 1.1, which has a creel frame 5 for holding a large number of feed spools 16, along one longitudinal side of the machine.

[0047] Machine module 1.2 has an operating aisle 6 parallel to process frame 2 on the upper operating level 30.2. Operating aisle 6 extends along a platform 22 parallel to process frame 2. A staircase 29 is arranged at each end of machine module 1.2, connecting operating aisle 6 to the lower operating level 30.1. Fig. Figure 4 shows the staircase 29 schematically in front of machine module 1.3.

[0048] On the lower operating level 30.1, a loading platform 7 is formed on one longitudinal side of the machine module 1.3 with the winding frame 3. The loading platform 7 serves an operator for carrying out manual coil changes and for transporting the full coils.

[0049] The delivery and loading of the feed spools 16 at machine module 1.1, as well as the manual spool changes and spool removal at machine module 1.3, can be carried out independently of the operation of the process units at machine module 1.2. Thus, this embodiment of the texturing machine according to the invention enables optimal material flow. Furthermore, the space required for setting up the machine is reduced to a minimum.

[0050] In practice, such texturing machines are preferably formed as a double machine consisting of two mirror-symmetrical machine halves. One such embodiment of the texturing machine according to the invention is shown in Fig. 5 shown. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the machine frame 1 is formed from two machine halves 34.1 and 34.2 arranged approximately symmetrically to each other, each with a plurality of machining points. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the texturing machine.

[0051] Each of the machine halves 34.1 and 34.2 is formed from several machine modules 1.1, 1.1', 1.2, 1.2', 1.3 and 1.3'.

[0052] Machine modules 1.1 and 1.1' each contain a gate frame 5.1 and 5.2 for holding a number of feed spools 16. Machine modules 1.1 and 1.1' with the gate frames 5.1 and 5.2 form the respective outer longitudinal sides of the two machine halves 34.1 and 34.2. The feed spools are fed and loaded from an inner side of machine modules 1.1 and 1.1', on each of whose sides a feeder 7.1 and 7.2 extends parallel to the gate frames 5.1 and 5.2. The feeder 7.1 and 7.2 are located between machine modules 1.1 and 1.3, and 1.1' and 1.3', respectively.

[0053] Machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' each contain a winding frame 3.1 and 3.2 for accommodating several winding units 12.1 and 12.2. The design of machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' is mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical, with the winding units 12.1 and 12.2 being held in the frame frames 3.1 and 3.2 in a tiered arrangement, one above the other and side by side along one longitudinal side of the machine. Machine modules 1.1 and 1.3' feature automatic winding units 12.1 and 12.2 that perform automatic coil changes. For this purpose, each winding station 28.1 and 28.2 in machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' is assigned a coil storage unit 20.1 and 20.2, as well as a cartridge magazine 21.1 and 21.2. The auxiliary equipment for automatic coil changing is not shown in detail here. The removal of the full coils from winding stations 28.1 and 28.2 takes place via the off-tracks 7.1 and 7.2. In this respect, machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' shown here in an automated process variant.

[0054] The center of the machine is formed by the two machine modules 1.1 and 1.2', which include the process frames 2.1 and 2.2 for accommodating the process units and equipment. Machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' are positioned symmetrically opposite each other, so that together they enclose an operating aisle 6. The configuration of the machining stations in machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' is identical to the aforementioned embodiments, so no further explanation is required here.

[0055] The arrangement of machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' in the center of the machine enables centralized operation of all processing stations from a single operating aisle 6. This allows the processing stations in both machine halves 34.1 and 34.2 to be conveniently monitored and operated by a single operator. All operating operations can be performed directly from ground level by the operator. The uniform frame height H of machine modules 1.1, 1.1', 1.2, 1.2', 1.3, and 1.3' ensures that all process-related tasks can be performed from ground level without the need for auxiliary equipment.

[0056] However, it is also possible, in principle, to choose a multi-level arrangement of the machine modules in relation to each other in so-called double machines. For example, in Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment in which the machine modules are arranged on two floors, one above the other. Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the texturing machine according to the invention.

[0057] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' with the process frames 2.1 and 2.2 are arranged on an upper operating level 30.2. Here, the machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' also form a central operating aisle 6, from which all process units and equipment of the machining stations of both machine halves 34.1 and 34.2 can be operated.

[0058] Machine modules 1.2 and 1.2' are supported by machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' located on the lower operating level 30.1. Machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' contain winding frames 3.1 and 3.2 with winding stations 28.1 and 28.2. Machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' are arranged symmetrically to each other and are identical in construction to the embodiment shown in [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 1. Therefore, the structure of machine modules 1.3 and 1.3' will not be explained further at this point.

[0059] Likewise, the machine modules 1.1 and 1.1' held on the outer longitudinal sides of the machine are identical to the gate frames 5.1 and 5.2 in the aforementioned embodiment, so reference is made to the aforementioned description at this point.

[0060] Machine modules 1.1 and 1.1', also located on the lower operating level 30.1, together with machine modules 1.3 and 1.3', each form a loading bay 7.1 and 7.2. In this respect, the manual reel change and the transport of the feed reel are carried out from loading bays 7.1 and 7.2.

[0061] The in the Fig. 5 and Fig.The exemplary embodiments of the texturing machine according to the invention shown in Figure 6 each have an identical arrangement of the machine modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.1', 1.2' and 1.3' in the machine halves 34.1 and 34.2. However, it is also possible in principle to design texturing machines with differently configured machine halves.

[0062] The texturing machine according to the invention thus offers a high degree of flexibility, enabling optimized processes to be carried out at a large number of processing points depending on predetermined conditions. Operating procedures can be advantageously designed by appropriately distributing the machine modules according to the degree of automation.

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