Thread guide assembly and spinning station equipped with it of a ring spinning machine

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a thread guide arrangement.

[0002] Furthermore, a ring spinning machine with at least one spinning station for the production of yarn is described, wherein the spinning station has a thread guide arrangement for guiding a strand-shaped fiber assembly running between a drafting unit and a spindle unit of the spinning station that can be equipped with a sleeve.

[0003] Furthermore, a set for upgrading a spinning station for the production of yarn from a ring spinning machine is described. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0004] Yarn guides for guiding a moving fiber assembly (e.g., in the form of a so-called roving, wick, or yarn) are used in a wide variety of designs in spinning and winding machines. A typical yarn guide assembly used at a spinning station of a ring spinning machine is usually located between a drafting unit and a ring or spindle bank of the spinning station and is typically detachably connected to a fastening device, such as a yarn guide tube or yarn guide rod, of the spinning station of the ring spinning machine via a screw or other fastener. In this case, the yarn guide assembly's function is to guide the fiber assembly between the drafting unit and the ring or spindle bank and to prevent any rotation introduced into the fiber assembly from propagating through the yarn guide assembly into the drafting unit area.

[0005] Known designs of a yarn guide assembly for a spinning station of a ring spinning machine comprise a holding device and a yarn guide flap to which a yarn guide element is detachably attached. The yarn guide assembly is mounted on a fastening device (yarn guide tube or yarn guide rod) of the spinning station of the ring spinning machine. In order to fulfill the task of the yarn guide assembly outlined above, the yarn guide element, in particular the area through which the fiber runs, must be positioned in the spindle axis. The yarn guide flap is designed such that the yarn guide element remains in the spindle axis during operation as well as after manipulations at the spinning station of the ring spinning machine, in which the yarn guide element or the yarn guide flap is, for example, pivoted into an open position (as explained below).

[0006] Examples of a yarn guide assembly for a spinning station of a ring spinning machine are shown in EP 3 521 490 A1 and EP 4 023 799 A1. EP 3 521 490 A1 shows a yarn guide assembly comprising a bracket attached to the ring spinning machine frame and a support arm connected to the bracket. The yarn guide can be detachably attached to the support arm. A control arm is also provided for opening the assembly. This can be operated and held, for example, by an operating robot in the event of a yarn breakage, or alternatively manually by an operator. EP 4 023 799 A1 shows the same yarn guide assembly, but with a different yarn guide. This embodiment also has a control arm or support for manipulating the yarn guide assembly.

[0007] The fiber composite is an elongated fiber structure with partially parallel individual fibers that are twisted into a yarn in the area between the drafting unit exit and the spinning ring or spool.

[0008] Both the fiber composite coming from the drawing machine and the yarn are referred to as a fiber composite within the scope of the invention.

[0009] During a doffing process at a spinning station of the spinning machine or along the entire spinning machine, the holding devices at a single spinning station or along the entire spinning machine are manipulated such that the yarn guide elements (or, as referred to in the prior art, the yarn guides) are in an open position, i.e., in a position outside the yarn path, in order to, for example, allow access to the spindles and / or heddle. The doffing process can be carried out automatically or manually.

[0010] When a yarn breaks at the spinning point, the spun fiber bundle usually separates between the drafting unit and the ring or spindle bank. This necessitates re-spinning, either manually by an operator or with a robot. For this purpose, the free end of the fiber bundle coming from the drafting unit can be connected to the already spun yarn from the spindle bank, to the spindle mounted on the spindle bank and fitted with a ferrule, or to the free end of an auxiliary yarn. In the event of a yarn break, access to the spindle or the ferrule on the spindle is essential (re-spinning process). Therefore, the yarn guide element is moved to an open position and should remain at least partially open during the processes (re-spinning or un-spinning process).

[0011] The opening of the yarn guide elements or the yarn guide flap to which the yarn guide element is attached is achieved via a joint provided in the holding device and the yarn guide flap. The subsequent closing of the yarn guide element or yarn guide flap is effected by a pre-tensioned spring in the area of ​​the joint. This spring also ensures that all yarn guide elements or yarn guide flaps remain securely closed during the spinning process. Modern spinning machines have an automatic doffing system. During the doffing process, a tube running the length of the spinning machine (also called a mounting device such as a yarn guide tube or rod), to which the holding devices are fixed in position and rotation, is rotated upwards (i.e., against the yarn flow, towards the drafting unit), thereby closing all yarn guide elements or yarn guide flaps.All thread guide flaps are brought into a quasi-open position without the individual thread guide elements or flaps opening (here meaning opening relative to the thread guide tube / rod, to the mounting device). During the opening process, it must be ensured that the thread guide elements or the thread guide flap do not open individually; this is ensured by a pre-tensioned spring in the area of ​​the joint of the holding device or the thread guide flap.

[0012] However, there are operations performed at a spinning station of the spinning machine that require holding the yarn guide elements or the yarn guide flap in an open position. Examples include repairing a yarn break or performing an analysis and subsequent repair at one or more spinning stations of the spinning machine. Holding the yarn guide elements or yarn guide flaps in an open position is achieved, for example, by a so-called yarn guide opening mechanism of an operating robot, whereby the yarn guide assembly must always be actuated. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide a thread guide arrangement optimized compared to the prior art and a spinning station of a ring spinning machine equipped therewith.

[0014] The problem is solved according to the invention by a yarn guide arrangement and a ring spinning machine (or one or more spinning stations of such a machine) equipped or upgraded therewith, according to the features of the independent claims. A set comprising the components of the yarn guide arrangement according to the invention required for upgrading a spinning station is also proposed.

[0015] The essence of the invention lies in a thread guide assembly for a ring spinning machine, comprising a holding device that can be fixed in position and rotation to a mounting device of the ring spinning machine and a thread guide flap. The thread guide flap is connected to the holding device via a hinge and is pivotable relative to the mounting device between an open and a closed position, with the thread guide flap being pressed into the closed position by a spring. Furthermore, the thread guide flap is designed such that a thread guide element can be mounted to it. The thread guide assembly is characterized by the fact that it includes a magnet which can be attached in an area where the holding device is fixed in position and rotation to the mounting device, the magnet being positioned such that it is in operative contact with a thread guide flap in an open position.

[0016] The mounting device is that part of the spinning unit of the ring spinning machine, or of the ring spinning machine itself (in the sense of the machine frame of the ring spinning machine), to which the yarn guide assembly according to the invention is attached. This is, for example, a tube extending across the entire ring spinning machine, also called a yarn guide tube or rod, arranged between the ring / spindle table and the drafting unit. A plurality of yarn guide assemblies, in particular the holding devices for these yarn guide assemblies, are attached to the yarn guide tube. The yarn guide tube, mentioned as an example of a mounting device, can have recesses at certain intervals for receiving the holding devices of the yarn guide tubes. Each spinning unit is assigned a section of this yarn guide tube, which is thus part of the spinning unit.

[0017] A holding device is designed to enclose a mounting device of a ring spinning machine, such as a rotatable thread guide tube. For example, the holding device has two disc-shaped / cuff-shaped holding areas connected by a mounting area. The inner diameter of these holding areas is dimensioned to enclose the thread guide tube / mounting device. Between the two disc-shaped holding areas is an exemplary section in which the holding device is fixed to the mounting device in a positionally and rotationally fixed manner. In addition to the holding and mounting area, the holding device of the thread guide assembly has a connection area for the thread guide flap. This connection area consists of tabs arranged at the junction with the two disc-shaped holding areas, each of which is provided with a bore for receiving a joint, more precisely, a joint rod.The mounting area, for example, has a bore for receiving and guiding a screw, which securely and rotationally connects the holding device of the thread guide assembly to the mounting device of the ring spinning machine. Advantageously, the aforementioned areas—namely the holding, mounting, and connection areas (= thread guide arc)—are manufactured as a single piece. Thus, the thread guide arc can be made from a stamped and then bent sheet of metal. This type of manufacturing is correspondingly cost-effective.

[0018] The fixed and rotationally stable connection between the fastening device and the holding device of the thread guide assembly is mechanical in nature and, in particular, a clamping connection. For this purpose, the holding device has an opening which, for example, accommodates a screw to create a clamping connection between the fastening device and the holding device. Alternative connections, such as snap-fit ​​connections, are not excluded.

[0019] The thread guide flap is connected to the holding device via a hinge and can pivot between an open and closed position relative to the fastening device. The corresponding pivot axis runs parallel to the axis of the fastening device. In this context, "open" means that the thread guide element attached to the thread guide flap is not located on the spindle axis. More precisely, the opening or eyelet of the thread guide element intended for the fiber assembly is not located on the spindle axis. The thread guide flap, with or without the attached thread guide element, opens upwards via the hinge (here: against the thread direction, i.e., towards the drafting unit). The hinge has a pre-tensioned spring (for example, a torsion spring or leg spring) which ensures that the thread guide flap, with or without the attached thread guide element, pivots back into a closed position.The spring presses the thread guide flap into the closed position, preventing it from moving into an open position. In the closed position, the thread guide flap, or thread guide element, is located on the spindle axis. More precisely, the opening / eyelet of the thread guide element intended for the fiber binding is located on the spindle axis, and the thread guide flap is in a corresponding position. From a vertical perspective, the closed position is defined by a limit on the holding device. This limit is located, for example, in the area of ​​the connection point of the holding device of the thread guide assembly. Commercially available thread guide assemblies have such limits.

[0020] To press the thread guide element or thread guide assembly into the open position, a counterforce must be applied to the spring. The term "counterforce" refers to any force that overcomes the spring force of the pre-tensioned spring in the joint of the thread guide device, as well as the force of gravity, which naturally acts on the thread guide flap with or without the thread guide element attached. This counterforce can be applied by the operator or by a suitable device. The operator manually flips the thread guide flap upwards towards the drawing unit, so that the thread guide element, or the opening / eyelet of the thread guide element intended for the fiber assembly, is no longer located on the spindle axis.

[0021] As mentioned, the thread guide flap is advantageously designed to accommodate a thread guide element. For this purpose, it has, for example, an opening for receiving a screw, which in turn fixes the thread guide element to the thread guide flap. Various solutions for fixing a thread guide element to a thread guide flap are known to those skilled in the art.

[0022] The expression "in an area where the holding device can be attached to the mounting device in a positionally and rotationally fixed manner" in this context means the section of the mounting device of the spinning unit, or the section of the mounting device of the ring spinning machine associated with the spinning unit, which is covered or enclosed by the holding device and faces the yarn guide flap. As mentioned, the holding device of the yarn guide assembly includes, among other things, a holding area. Depending on the embodiment, this holding area completely encloses and covers the mounting device. Alternatively the image Two disc-shaped / cuff-shaped retaining elements secure the retaining element and enclose the fastening device. The area of ​​the fastening device located between the two disc-shaped retaining elements is an area in which the retaining device can be attached to the fastening device in a positionally and rotationally fixed manner.

[0023] The invention provides that a magnet is arranged in the area where the holding device can be attached to the mounting device in a positionally and rotationally fixed manner. This magnet is positioned such that it is in operative contact with the thread guide flap when it is in an open position.

[0024] The term "active connection" refers to the fact that the thread guide flap remains in the open position, with or without the thread guide element. This means that the magnet provides the counterforce to the spring force and gravity, moving the flap from the open position to the closed position, thus overcoming the spring force and gravity.

[0025] The magnet must be positioned so that it can exert its optimal holding force on the thread guide flap. As mentioned, the magnet is located in the area where the holding device can be securely and rotationally fixed to the mounting device, and also in the area opposite the end of the thread guide flap facing the mounting device – at least in the open position. As soon as the thread guide flap interacts with the magnet, the connection is established and the magnet exerts its holding force.

[0026] The holding force of a magnet depends on the material of the magnet and its magnetization (e.g., neodymium N45), its volume and geometry, especially the aspect ratios and the positioning of the magnet relative to the base – here: the fastening device or, alternatively, the holder of the magnet described below.

[0027] Preferably, the holding force generated by a magnet is selected to such an extent that the thread guide flap is held in an open position. This prevents it from pivoting into a closed position.

[0028] Preferably, the holding force generated by a magnet is selected in such a magnitude that it overcomes the gravitational force acting on the thread guide flap as well as the spring force acting on the thread guide flap from the pre-tensioned spring, and holds the thread guide flap in the open position.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if the magnet is a permanent magnet. The advantage of a permanent magnet is that the holding force remains constant and it requires no maintenance. Wear and tear is correspondingly low.

[0030] It is highly advantageous to have the magnet mounted in a holder. The holder allows the magnet's position relative to the mounting device and the thread guide flap to be precisely defined. Furthermore, the holder can be designed to simplify assembly. For example, it can feature cylindrical tabs for engagement with the connecting rod (a tab-hinge-like design).

[0031] Furthermore, attaching the magnet holder to the holding device offers particular advantages. The magnet holder is, for example, connected to the articulated rod, which, depending on the design, forms the joint between the thread guide flap and the holding device. This ensures that the magnet's position allows for effective contact with the thread guide flap when open. Advantageously, the holder also allows the magnet to adhere to the mounting device.

[0032] Another alternative is that the magnet holder is manufactured as part of the holding device - depending on the design, this can be integral with the holding device.

[0033] Besides its precise positioning, the holder and its integrated magnet facilitate the easy upgrading of a ring spinning machine or other spinning machine. Depending on the design of the thread guide flap and the holding device for the thread guide assembly, measuring to find the correct position may be unnecessary. Nevertheless, it is ensured that the thread guide flap, when open, is in contact with the magnet, thus holding the flap in the open position.

[0034] The holder is advantageously made of plastic, making it inexpensive to produce. If the holder needs replacing, the magnet can be removed and inserted into a new one. Alternatively, the magnet can be directly encapsulated in the holder, thus permanently bonding it. This reduces the risk of the magnet falling out.

[0035] The invention essentially provides a ring spinning machine with at least one spinning station for producing yarn. The spinning station includes a yarn guide assembly for guiding a strand-like fiber assembly running between a drafting unit and a yarn spool unit of the spinning station, which is designed according to the invention. This means that the spinning station has at least one magnet positioned such that the yarn guide flap can be held in an open position, with or without a yarn guide element. Advantageously, the corresponding magnet is located in a holder provided for this purpose. The yarn spool unit is understood to be a spindle equipped with a sleeve and optionally arranged on a spool bank.

[0036] Furthermore, a set for upgrading a spinning station of a ring spinning machine with a yarn guide arrangement according to the invention is described, wherein the set comprises at least one magnet. Additionally, a holding device and a yarn guide flap may be included. Depending on the design of the existing yarn guide arrangement, in particular the holding device and yarn guide flap, it is sufficient to provide a magnet with or without a corresponding holder for the magnet for upgrading a spinning station. Alternatively, the set additionally includes a suitable holding device (for example, as described above) and / or a yarn guide flap. BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF THE FIGURES

[0037] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show, schematically: Figure 1 shows a spinning station with a thread guide arrangement; Figure 2 shows a view of an embodiment of the thread guide arrangement according to the invention in the closed position; Figure 3 shows a view of an embodiment of the thread guide arrangement according to the invention in the open position; Figure 4 shows a section of a preferred embodiment of the thread guide arrangement according to the invention; and Figure 5 shows another view of an embodiment of the thread guide arrangement according to the invention in the open position. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0038] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a spinning station of a ring spinning machine 0 with a schematically represented thread guide arrangement 1 for guiding a strand-shaped fiber assembly 0.2 running between a drafting unit and a spindle unit (together yarn spool unit) 0.3 of the spinning station which can be equipped with a sleeve.

[0039] The yarn guide assembly 1 is arranged between the drafting unit and a spindle bank or, optionally, a ring bank (not shown). A corresponding spinning station 0 of a ring spinning machine can be equipped with a yarn guide assembly 1 according to the invention. The arrangement is the same, such that the yarn guide assembly 1 is arranged between the drafting unit and a spindle or ring bank (not shown). The yarn guide assembly 1 is in Figure 1 with a thread guide flap 4 shown in both a closed and an open position (in dashed lines). The mounting device on the machine frame of the ring spinning machine is shown in Fig. 1 not shown. However, it can be deduced by a person skilled in the art from the position of the thread guide arrangement 1 and, in particular, the holding device 3.

[0040] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the yarn guide assembly 1 according to the invention in the closed position. The yarn guide assembly 1 is shown in the closed position, attached to the mounting device 2 (here, the yarn guide tube in the machine frame of the ring spinning machine). The yarn guide assembly 1 is shown fixed to the mounting device 2 via the holding device 3, preventing rotation and preventing movement. The yarn guide flap 4 is connected to the holding device 3 via a joint 5 and a spring 6 (not shown here), with the yarn guide flap 4 being pivotably connected to the holding device 3 about the joint 5 between an open and a closed position. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a yarn guide element 7 in the form of a so-called "pig's tail" is shown, which is detachably connected to the yarn guide flap 4 via a screw. The shape of the yarn guide element 7 can be freely selected.Examples are known, for instance, from EP 3 521 490 A1 and EP 4 023 799 A1. On the side of the thread guide flap 4 facing the fastening device 2, a magnet 8 is positioned in the area where the holding device 3 is fixed to the fastening device 2 in a position- and rotation-resistant manner. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the magnet 8 is held in a holder 9. This holder engages with the thread guide arrangement 1, in particular with the holding device 3. The magnet 8 is positioned such that, as soon as the thread guide flap 4 is opened, it is in operative contact with it. The spring force of the spring 6, which is located in the Figure 2It is not apparent how the thread guide flap 4 is forced into a closed position (taking gravity into account) with a sufficiently large holding force. The holding force of the permanent magnet shown here remains constant over a long period. This means that the thread guide flap 4 remains in the open position.

[0041] In the Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, both the holder 9 of the magnet 8 and the holding device 3 serve to position the magnet. As already mentioned, the magnet 8 must be positioned in the area of ​​the holding device 3 and / or fastening device 2 of the ring spinning machine in such a way that it can hold the thread guide flap 4 in an open position, i.e., is in operative contact with it.

[0042] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the thread guide arrangement 1 according to the invention in the open position. Figure 3It becomes particularly evident how the thread guide flap 4 is held in an open position by the holding force of the magnet 8. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the end of the thread guide flap 4 facing the fastening device 2 is in direct contact with the magnet 8. The magnet 8 is held in a holder 9 and arranged between the two holding areas 3.1 (here: cuff- or disc-shaped holding areas enclosing the fastening device).

[0043] Also in Figure 3 The boundary 3.4 is visible, upon which the thread guide flap 4 rests in the closed position in order to remain in a specific horizontal position. In this position, the thread guide element 7 is optimally located in the spindle axis and guides the fiber assembly 0.2.

[0044] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the thread guide arrangement 1 according to the invention, which in particular shows a possible attachment of the holder 9 of the magnet 8 to the holding device 3. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the holder 9 is attached to the joint 5, more precisely to the joint rod. Figure 1 also shows Figure 4 The direct contact of the thread guide flap 4 with the magnet 8. The operative connection between magnet 8 and the thread guide flap 4 can also be created without direct contact. In this case, the end of the thread guide flap 4 facing the fastening device 2 is in direct contact or operative connection with the magnet 8.

[0045] It also shows Figure 4The spring 6 interacts with the joint 5. This can be, for example, a torsion spring or a leg spring. It is essential that, when no counterforce is exerted (e.g., holding force from the magnet), the spring 6 ensures that the thread guide flap 4, with or without the thread guide element 7, pivots back into the closed position. In this position, the thread guide element 7, or the opening / eyelet provided for guiding the fiber assembly 0.2, is located in the spindle axis.

[0046] Figure 5A further view of an embodiment of the thread guide arrangement according to the invention in the open position. In this view, the four areas of the holding device 3 are shown again: Holding area 3.1, which holds the holding device 3 fixedly and rotationally to the mounting device 2, the fixing being effected in the illustrated embodiment of the invention by the screw received in mounting area 3.3. An opening for receiving the screw is provided for this purpose in mounting area 3.3 of the holding device 3. In the respective connection area 3.2, an opening is provided for receiving the joint, more precisely the joint bearing. The thread guide flap is connected to the holding device 3 via this joint between an open and a closed position.The precise design of these four areas is relevant only with regard to the pivotability of the thread guide flap, the fixed connection, and the design of the area in which the holding device 3 can be fixed to the mounting device 2. This is because these areas enable the positioning of the magnet 8 so that it can engage with the thread guide flap 4 when it is in an open position (i.e., pivoted in an open position). This means that the holding force of the magnet, with which, for example, the end of the thread guide flap 4 facing the mounting device 2 is engaged, overcomes both the spring force of the spring 6 (restoring force) and the force of gravity acting on the thread guide flap 4 with or without the thread guide element 7.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are possible.

Claims

1. A yarn guide assembly (1) for a ring spinning machine, comprising a holding device (3) which can be attached to a fastening device (2) of the ring spinning machine in a stationary and rotationally fixed manner, a yarn guide flap (4), wherein the yarn guide flap (4) is connected to the holding device (3) via a joint (5) and can be pivoted relative to the fastening device between an open and a closed position, wherein the yarn guide flap (4) is pushed into the closed position by a spring (6), and wherein the yarn guide flap (4) is designed such that a yarn guide element (7) can be mounted thereon, characterized in that the yarn guide assembly comprises a magnet (9) which can be attached in a region in which the holding device (3) is attached to the fastening device (2) in a stationary and rotationally fixed manner, and wherein the magnet (9) is positioned such that it is in operative connection with a yarn guide flap (4) located in an open position.

2. The yarn guide assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a magnitude of an adhesive force generated by the magnet (9) is selected such that the yarn guide flap (4) is held in the open position.

3. The yarn guide assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet (8) is a permanent magnet.

4. The yarn guide assembly (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnet (8) is arranged in a holder (9).

5. The yarn guide assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the holder can be fastened to the holding device (3).

6. The yarn guide assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the holder (9) is made of a plastic.

7. A ring spinning machine having at least one spinning unit (0) for producing a yarn (), wherein the spinning unit () has a yarn guide assembly (1) for guiding a strand-like fiber structure running between a drafting system and a yarn spooling unit of the spinning unit, characterized in that the yarn guide assembly is designed in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims.