Load carrier and drafting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a load carrier for upper rollers of a drafting unit of a textile machine, comprising at least one receptacle with a support for receiving at least one of the upper rollers. To improve the handling of a drafting unit and thus also of a corresponding spinning machine, the load carrier is provided to have a base body pivotable about a holder for the load carrier and a load arm connected thereto, wherein the at least one receptacle can be positioned on the load arm. The base body is designed and arranged to receive at least a part of a pre-compressor, in particular, wherein the pre-compressor is designed to pre-compress the fiber strip to the upper roller arranged first on the load carrier in the fiber strip transport direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a load-bearing structure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a stretching device.

[0002] Drafting units are known from the prior art. Document WO 2017 / 191515 A1, for example, describes a drafting unit of a textile machine, wherein the drafting unit comprises at least one roller and at least one corresponding counter-roller, between which a fiber assembly can be guided by clamping. The roller and the counter-roller each have a roller body and an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation of the roller and / or the counter-roller being supported only on one side. The roller is movably mounted between a rest position, in which the roller bodies of the roller and counter-roller do not touch, and a loaded position, in which the roller bodies of the roller and counter-roller are pressed against each other. During the transition from the rest position to the loaded position, the roller is movable into an intermediate position in which the roller bodies of the roller and counter-roller merely touch.It is proposed that the axes of rotation of the roller and counter roller be aligned in the intermediate position such that the roller bodies of the roller and counter roller have a common contact area which, viewed axially from the roller's axis of rotation, is smaller than in the loaded position. The proposed design is considered unsatisfactory, particularly with regard to handling the drafting unit, especially during maintenance and / or, for example, when changing from one type of fiber tape to another.

[0003] Therefore, a particular objective of the invention is to improve the handling of a drawing machine and thus also of a corresponding spinning machine.

[0004] The problem is solved by a load-bearing structure with the features of claim 1. The problem is solved by a stretching device with the features of claim 19.

[0005] Further features and details are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the load-bearing element also apply in connection with the textile machine, its use, and the methods. Conversely, this also applies, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects is always, or can always be, mutually referenced. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, the problem is solved in particular by a load carrier with the features of claim 1.

[0007] For the purposes of the present invention, a roller of a drafting unit according to a preferred embodiment, which is arranged on the load carrier, is understood to be an upper roller. A counter roller of the drafting unit, which is associated with the roller to form a roller pair in the drafting unit, is understood to be a lower roller. In a cross-sectional view of the drafting unit along the conveying direction of the fiber strip, the upper roller thus forms, from a perspective perspective, the roller arranged on top of the roller pair, and the lower roller forms, from a perspective perspective, the counter roller of the roller pair arranged below it. The lower roller can preferably be arranged in a conventional manner on a lower roller carrier of the drafting unit or the textile machine.

[0008] According to the invention, the load carrier has a base body that can be pivoted about a holder for the load carrier and a load arm connected thereto, wherein the at least one receptacle can be positioned on the load arm and, more preferably, fixed to it, as described by way of example elsewhere.

[0009] Preferably, the base body has a bearing point on the bracket to allow the base body to pivot around the bracket. The bearing point is designed to define a pivoting range for the load carrier, thus enabling the load carrier to pivot around the bracket. This further stiffens the load carrier's structure. In this way, the amount of material used can be increased compared to other preferred embodiments. The bearing point can be formed as part of the base body of the load carrier. In particular, the bearing point can function as a pivot joint to allow the load carrier to pivot around its bracket on the spinning machine.

[0010] According to the invention, the base body is designed and arranged to accommodate at least a part of a pre-compressor, in particular, the pre-compressor being designed to pre-compress the fiber strip to the upper roller, which is arranged first on the load carrier in the fiber strip transport direction. This allows the pre-compressor to be connected to the base body in a defined position.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that the bracket forms a permanently fixed part of the pre-compressor. The load-bearing element is pivotably arranged around the bracket. It is also possible that the bracket, together with the base body, can form at least one fiber belt feed section of the pre-compressor. This allows the pre-compressor to be connected to the structure in a defined position.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the pre-compressor may have a pivotable part. This part may be designed and arranged on the base body in such a way that, when transitioning to a position corresponding to an open state of the load carrier, it moves with the base body during the movement around the support, and in a further position corresponding to a closed, in particular locked, state of the load carrier, it fully forms the pre-compressor with the permanently fixed part of the pre-compressor, in order to guide the fiber strip unhindered through the permanently fixed part into the pivotable part of the pre-compressor, in order to transfer the pre-compressed fiber strip to an input roller of the load carrier located downstream along the fiber strip transport direction.By designing a pivotable section of the pre-compressor with the base body, combined with the permanently fixed section of the pre-compressor with the mounting, it is possible, in particular, to clamp the fiber belt when the two parts move relative to each other. This reliably prevents the fiber belt from slipping out of the pre-compressor, for example, when maintenance work needs to be carried out on the load-bearing structure or the stretching unit.

[0013] Preferably, the pre-compressor can have an extension. This extension can be designed, in particular, as a fiber belt nozzle whose inner diameter is narrower than that of the rest of the upstream guide structure of the pre-compressor. This allows the fiber belt to be transported and further compressed in a controlled manner. The extension can extend beyond a section where the pre-compressor is formed as another component. This other component can be, for example, the load carrier, the load arm, the base body, and / or the bearings. In other words, the extension forms a final component of the pre-compressor in the fiber belt transport direction. This allows the fiber belt to be guided precisely toward the input roller, thereby reducing vibrations and / or lateral movements of the fiber belt.

[0014] The extension can be designed as a hollow body, such as a tube-like structure, and may, for example, have a cylindrical shape. This improves guidance and provides protection against external influences. Alternatively, or additionally in sections, the extension can preferably be open on one side, particularly on the top. This allows access to or viewing of the pre-compressor or the extension. Furthermore, the extension can preferably have an inner diameter that tapers in the fiber belt transport direction to enable further, demand-based pre-compression of the fiber belt. The tapering can be continuous or in sections.

[0015] Preferably, the extension can be arranged on the pre-compressor in a tool-free interchangeable manner. This makes it easy to use different compressor diameters for different fiber materials without replacing the entire pre-compressor. For example, the extension and / or the pre-compressor can have a snap-fit ​​and / or clip connection for arranging and securing the extension to the pre-compressor.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the load-bearing structure can be further developed by means of a first and second reference structure, as described below. This improves handling and facilitates the insertion of the fiber tape.

[0017] The first reference structure can be formed and arranged on the load carrier, and the second reference structure on the at least one mounting. The first and second reference structures are designed and arranged in such a way as to define the position of the at least one mounting relative to the load carrier and thus relative to the drafting unit when the at least one mounting is positioned adjacent to the first reference structure. This allows for improved and more precise positioning and adjustment of the mounting position, and thus of the upper roller, as disassembly of the load carrier can be avoided, thereby further improving handling.

[0018] The term reference structure refers specifically to a contact surface or a defined part of the load carrier or fixture that can be used to define the positions and distances of the roller fixtures relative to the first and second reference structures. The first reference structure on the load carrier thus forms a starting point for positioning the rollers in the drafting unit, enabling accurate and precise positioning of the fixtures and therefore the upper rollers. This avoids the need to remove the load carrier to use calipers or other (mechanical) measuring devices to precisely set the distance between the rollers in a drafting unit.

[0019] The rollers can be, in particular, round bodies (cylinders, cones, especially truncated cones) that can be used in a drafting machine to draw the fiber strip. The structure of a roller includes, in particular, a roller body with an axis of rotation and can also have a bearing at one or more points by means of which it can be rotatably arranged on a support, the support being designed to arrange the rollers on the load-bearing support. The receptacle can be designed and arranged to accommodate at least a part of the roller's support. This allows the roller to be arranged on the load-bearing support.

[0020] The load carrier can preferably be designed and arranged to transition from an open state, such as a maintenance state, to a closed state, such as a force-acting state, for example, a load state. To assume the maintenance state, the load carrier can be, or may have been, moved at least partially or completely to open the drafting unit, allowing access to both the counter-rolls and the rollers of the load carrier. In a preferred fixed position, which can be assumed between the open and closed states, the drafting unit may be closed, but the rollers and counter-rolls may only touch, i.e., they are only laid on top of each other, but not pressed together. This fixed position is advantageous for checking the alignment of the rollers and counter-rolls relative to each other.Additionally, this protects the upper rollers, especially when the workstation or machine is at a standstill, as they could otherwise be damaged by pressure on the structure of the associated lower roller. It is only under load, also known as the stretching state, that the necessary force for active operation of the textile machine can be exerted between the rollers and counter rollers to enable stretching in the drafting unit. This load state can also be referred to as the operating state.

[0021] In a load carrier according to a preferred embodiment, rollers, and further preferably in a drawing unit according to a preferred embodiment also counter rollers, can preferably be mounted on both sides of an associated receptacle by means of two laterally projecting support (axes) extending laterally from the receptacle. Alternatively, a continuous support or a continuous support axis can be provided. In preferred embodiments, rollers supported on only one side can also be provided, guided by at least one bearing, so that they are rotationally movable on their support with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein the support can be received by a receptacle of the load carrier only on one side. The axes of rotation of the rollers are arranged, in particular, such that they are collinear with the axes of rotation of the roller bodies of the respective associated counter rollers.In other preferred embodiments, the axes of rotation of the roller and counter roller can be at an angle to each other, which can be defined and selected according to the requirements of the fiber strip to be transported and stretched.

[0022] When a fiber strip is guided between a roller and its counter-roller in the loaded position of the drawing unit, as can occur during operation, the respective roller bodies exert a compressive force in the form of a clamping force on this fiber strip, with the exerted force acting perpendicular to their axis of rotation. However, this clamping force can be inconsistent due to the bending elasticity of the axes of rotation, play between the roller body and the axis of rotation, and / or play between the axis of rotation and the corresponding bearing, and can influence both the drawing result and the fiber strip transport. This can be adjusted by modifying the load acting on the roller bodies, thereby adjusting the load and thus the clamping force accordingly, as described elsewhere.

[0023] According to a further preferred aspect, the first reference structure may have at least one reference surface, in particular a milled one, as a stop, and the second reference structure may have at least one reference counter surface, in particular a milled one, as a counter stop. This improves handling and facilitates the adjustment of the rollers, as described in more detail herein.

[0024] A reference surface or a reference counter-surface is, in particular, a surface in or on the load carrier or in or on the receptacle, which is preferably machined (e.g., by milling) to serve as a reference for the arrangement of the receptacles. The at least one receptacle can be configured to have a support for receiving at least one upper roller, thereby enabling the roller to be positioned on the load carrier in a position appropriate to the requirements in the fiber strip transport direction.

[0025] The stop or counter-stop is an exemplary, special form of the reference structure, in particular the reference surface. The stop or counter-stop is, in particular, a surface or component used to establish a connection between a part of the load carrier and the at least one receptacle, and more preferably between the at least one receptacle and a further receptacle, in order to achieve a defined positioning of the receptacle to be positioned, and thus of the corresponding support of the roller, and thus of the corresponding roller itself. The receptacle can preferably be arranged on the load carrier such that it forms a contact at the stop or counter-stop.at the counter stop or relative to these, an arrangement is made to hold the roller in the desired position and preferably to fix it precisely in that position (the roller remains rotatable, only its relative position to the load carrier can be fixed).

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the reference surface and the reference counter-surface are configured to define the positioning of the at least one receptacle by mutual contact between the reference surface and the reference counter-surface during the installation of the at least one receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, the reference surface and the reference counter-surface are configured to define the positioning of the at least one receptacle by interposing a calibration element during the installation of the at least one receptacle, wherein the calibration element is configured to be positioned between the reference surface and the reference counter-surface and to come into contact with it in order to define and set the position of the at least one receptacle relative to the load-bearing element.

[0027] According to the preferred aspect, at least one calibration piece can be assigned to the load carrier in order to define and adjust the distance between two mounts and / or between the at least one mount and the first reference structure, and thus the position of the rollers in the drawing unit, as required. This improves handling and facilitates the replacement of the fiber tape.

[0028] A calibration element is, in particular, an insert with a defined thickness that can be arranged between the reference structure and the adjacent receptacle and / or the receptacles for the roller supports on the load-bearing structure in order to define the relative positions of the receptacles relative to the reference structure, in particular designed as a reference surface. Calibration elements can be designed with different thicknesses to allow for different distances (when used individually; corresponding combinations are possible), depending on which relative position of the roller to the reference structure is desired for a specific application. Calibration elements preferably have a thickness between 20 mm and 5 mm, with the thickness also preferably being in the range of 15 mm to 7 mm. In other preferred embodiments, calibration elements with a thickness between 12 mm and 9 mm can be used.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, one of the first and second reference structures is designed as a projection, wherein an end-face projection surface, which points in the direction of the fiber belt transport direction or against this direction, forms the reference surface or the reference counter-surface, and the other of the first and second reference structures forms a recess congruent to the projection for receiving the projection, wherein an end-face recess surface points in the direction of the projection surface and accordingly forms the reference counter-surface or the reference surface.The reference surface and the reference counter-surface are preferably configured to align with each other for positioning the at least one receptacle, or with the insertion of a calibration piece. The calibration piece is configured to be positioned between the reference surface and the reference counter-surface and to align with them in order to define and set the position of the at least one receptacle relative to the load-bearing element. This further improves handling and facilitates fiber tape replacement.

[0030] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two receptacles can be provided, each receptacle having a second reference structure as described herein, and one of the two receptacles having either a further second reference structure or a first reference structure as described elsewhere, wherein the second reference structure is formed and arranged at one of the at least two receptacles to define the position of that one receptacle relative to the load-bearing structure when that one receptacle is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure of the load-bearing structure, and the second reference structure is formed and arranged at the other of the at least two receptacles to define the position of the other receptacle relative to the already positioned one receptacle or relative to the load-bearing structure when that other receptacle is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure or relative to the load-bearing structure.to define a second reference structure for the already positioned image. The principle of positioning the image using reference structures can thus also be applied to the positioning of further images, thereby further improving handling and simplifying the replacement of the fiber tape. In particular, the reference structures are preferably arranged and formed on opposite end faces of the images. This allows the reference structures of two adjacent images to be easily positioned opposite each other, in order to simplify the precise positioning as described elsewhere.

[0031] It may be further preferably provided that at least one calibration piece is assigned to and designed for the load carrier in order to be arranged between the reference structures, be it a first and second reference structure or two second reference structures, of two adjacent mounts and to come into alignment with them in order to define the position of one mount relative to the other adjacent, already positioned mount or relative to the load carrier, as described above.

[0032] The concept described above preferably allows for the arrangement of several receptacles in the load carrier relative to one another by initial orientation to the first reference structure of the load carrier. This first reference structure preferably forms the reference point for all receptacles. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle for a (first) roller to be inserted, in particular an output upper roller, can be arranged on the load carrier such that it assumes a defined relative position to the first reference structure. According to a preferred embodiment, it can, for example, abut this first reference structure, which can preferably be designed as a reference surface.The device can preferably form a single assembly, in particular one composed of several parts, to accommodate the carrier and, more preferably, a spring, as described in more detail below, and to combine them in an assembly.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one recess extending along a fiber belt transport direction of the drawing device can be laterally bounded by a rail in the load carrier, wherein the at least one receptacle can be fixed to the load carrier along the fiber belt transport direction after assuming a defined position by means of the at least one recess and the rail.

[0034] The rail is preferably provided and designed within the load-bearing structure to accommodate the receptacles and, more preferably, a calibration piece on the load-bearing structure. The calibration piece can be clamped, in particular, between two receptacles (as corresponding assemblies) or between the at least one receptacle and the load-bearing structure. The rail can serve as a rigid structure that allows the position of the rollers relative to each other to be fixed, for example, by screwing the receptacles at a specific relative position from above the load-bearing structure. This facilitates the insertion and replacement of the fiber tape, as only one opening of the load-bearing structure (corresponding to the drafting unit) is required, allowing the rollers and their supports to be removed and replaced with new or different rollers and supports.A corresponding change in positioning can be made, particularly when necessary or desired. Otherwise, positioning can be achieved via the rail in such a way that a position is maintained relative to the reference structure. The rail can be oriented with a specific longitudinal direction to arrange the rollers in a specific sequence along the fiber tape transport direction. This arrangement can help improve the handling of the load carrier and facilitate fiber tape changes.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a spring can be arranged in a spring holder on the load carrier. This spring can be designed to apply a defined load to a specific position of the roller after it has been positioned on the carrier, in a direction of contact leading away from the load carrier. This direction of contact is the direction along which the roller is intended to come into contact with an associated counter-roller of the drafting unit via pressure contact for fiber sliver transport. This allows for a load to be applied between the roller and counter-roller, for example, for drafting, without requiring a correspondingly complex and / or expensive setup. This further simplifies handling and reduces resource consumption.

[0036] The term "spring" refers specifically to a component of the load-bearing device that can be designed to generate a specific load between the roller and counter roller, particularly during the loading state of the drafting unit, in which the textile machine can stretch the fiber sliver to spin a yarn from the stretched fiber sliver, to perform a spinning operation via a defined fiber sliver feeder, or to carry out other operations of the textile machine. This load can help to stretch and / or stabilize the fiber sliver to achieve the desired production parameters for the manufacturing process to be carried out by the textile machine. The spring can be arranged and designed accordingly to provide a defined force in a specific direction, as described herein, to define the load between the roller and counter roller.

[0037] Overall, both the reference structures and the spring offer possibilities for improving the handling of the load carrier for rollers in the drafting unit of a textile machine by enabling precise positioning and efficient loading between the roller and counter roller. In preferred embodiments, the reference structures and the spring can be provided independently of each other, but alternatively, they can also complement each other, particularly when present simultaneously. This allows for the application of a suitably appropriate load at the correct spatial position along a fiber sliver's direction of movement in a drafting unit, in order to adjust the parameters of the manufacturing process, such as a fiber sliver for yarn production.

[0038] According to a preferred aspect, the spring holder may be provided with at least two clamping positions for adjusting the load on the roller interacting with the spring. This allows for a simpler and lower-maintenance mechanical design, thereby improving handling.

[0039] A spring retainer is, in particular, a structure, component, and / or assembly that can accommodate and secure a spring to enable a specific load. In the context of a load-bearing element for rollers, the spring retainer can serve to hold a spring that is used to exert a compressive force on the roller and, via that, on an associated counter-roller.

[0040] A spring tension position is, in particular, a specific arrangement or configuration of the spring on / in the spring holder, whereby the spring can be tensioned to exert a specific load, i.e., a compressive force that correlates with the clamping force, onto the counter-roller via the tensioned roller. These tension positions are preferably selected such that a defined clamping force associated with each of these tension positions is generated in order to distort or stabilize the fiber strip in the drawing unit as required, as desired for use in a specific manufacturing process. Each tension position can be assigned its own clamping force; that is, the clamping forces of the individual tension positions are preferably different from one another.

[0041] Adjusting the load specifically refers to modifying the clamping force at the clamping line between the roller and counter roller to achieve the required load. This is accomplished by selecting one of the spring's tension positions to transmit the desired force to the counter roller. Precise load adjustment ensures improved processing of the fiber strip and prevents potential damage or insufficient stretching.

[0042] According to a preferred aspect, the load carrier can have a torsion spring, wherein one spring arm of the torsion spring can be adjusted between the at least two clamping positions without tools, and wherein the other spring arm is arranged to apply a spring force to the carrier, particularly directly. The torsion spring can be adjusted (i.e., reversibly adjusted) between the clamping positions described above, particularly without tools. This improves handling, especially by allowing for easy adjustment of changes in the load (and thus changes in the contact pressure between the roller and counter roller). Alternatively or additionally, the spring can be designed and arranged as a compression spring to apply a compressive force to the carrier. This minimizes friction points and thus tolerance influences.

[0043] A torsion spring, also known as a torsion or leg spring, is in particular a spring that is capable of rotating and is adjustable between at least two tension positions. The torsion spring preferably comprises a spring body, such as a coil spring, from which two spring arms or legs can extend. In the case of the load carrier, the torsion spring can serve as a spring to generate a defined load between the roller and the counter roller, particularly depending on the selected tension position.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle has a spring arm receptacle. The spring arm receptacle is preferably connected to the spring holder or formed integrally with it. More preferably, the spring holder and spring arm receptacle are formed integrally with the receptacle. The spring arm receptacle is, in particular, an assembly comprising a cavity in which at least two, in particular three, and further, in particular, more receptacles for the spring arm of the torsion spring can be formed. These receptacles make it possible to adjust the spring arm of the torsion spring between the clamping positions associated with each receptacle.In this process, one spring arm is rotated into a position relative to the main spring body, while the other spring arm interacts with a part of the support, for example by means of an engagement or a support, in order to load the support and thus the roller with compressive force according to the selected clamping position and the resulting tension, and thus to be able to clamp or press the roller against an associated counter roller in the assembled state of the stretching device with the load carrier.

[0045] The spring arm mount is arranged parallel to the rail described elsewhere, in order to allow for its precise positioning using calibration pieces. This enables precise positioning of the torsion spring, particularly in a single step involving positioning the mount relative to the first or second reference structure, thus improving the adjustment of the load between the roller and counter roller.

[0046] Using a torsion spring improves the handling of the load carrier, as changes in load can be easily adjusted without the need for special tools. The torsion spring can be adjusted between clamping positions without tools. This further simplifies handling and reduces the effort required for maintenance or roller replacement.

[0047] Alternatively, preferably, a compression spring can be provided. The compression spring is, in particular, a spring designed to generate a spring force in a linear direction, which is particularly parallel to, and coincides with, a principal direction of extension of the compression spring, in order to pre-tension the associated roller. This can be achieved, in particular, by the compression spring interacting with the associated support of the roller via a spring plunger, thereby transmitting pressure to the roller, which is movably mounted (slidably) in the tension direction. This pressure can be compensated, for example, in an assembled state of the drawing device with the load carrier, by an interaction with a counter-structure, such as a ribbon or a counter-roller, whereby the pressure on a fiber ribbon to be drawn can be increased.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the compression spring can be pre-tensioned in various positions within a spring holder, which is in particular encompassed by the at least one receptacle, in order to increase the spring tension to be transmitted to the fiber strip. For this purpose, the compression spring can, for example, be designed as a coil spring that can be compressed in its main direction of extension. The compression spring can be pre-tensioned accordingly by having a spring housing provided at the at least one receptacle, in which the compression spring body is arranged, having at least two indentations that can be arranged at different heights, and which can be connected by means of an opening in the spring housing to form, for example, an F- or an E-shape. The compression spring can have an upper part, or...It is connected to a part on which a guide element protrudes to be guided in the recess. The compression spring can be moved by a pushing motion towards the upper part, thereby compressing or relieving the spring depending on the direction of movement. A lateral movement – ​​relative to the insertion direction – pushes the guide element into the indentations (which can also be recesses in the spring housing) to hold the compression spring in a pre-tensioned position. Each indentation defines a tension position for the spring.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the carrier and the receptacle are connected to each other via a pivot joint to move the upper roller in response to the spring load. This allows the contact pressure between the roller and the associated counter roller to be generated or transmitted accordingly. This makes it possible, in particular, to introduce only a small to very small material load into the load-bearing material, since the pivot joint can transmit the movement accordingly. This improves the adaptation to a newly set load when changing the fiber strip.

[0050] A pivot joint is, in particular, a component of the load carrier that allows the carrier to rotate freely on its mounting and enables movement of the roller relative to the associated counter-roller, depending on the load applied by the spring. The pivot joint allows the roller to be positioned without introducing significant material stress into another component of the load carrier. This improves the adaptation to a newly set load when changing the fiber belt.

[0051] Material stress in a load-bearing structure refers to the force a component of the load-bearing structure must absorb to hold the roller in the desired position or move it into that position. A swivel joint can help reduce or eliminate this material stress, as movement and force transmission occur via the swivel joint. This improves the handling and durability of the load-bearing structure.

[0052] According to a preferred aspect, the load carrier can have a pressure piece for positioning the carrier of the roller to be installed (and thus the roller itself). The pressure piece can be designed and arranged preferably in at least one of the receptacles such that it positions the carrier on the receptacle, in particular locking it in place, and furthermore, in particular by engaging in a groove formed on the carrier. This facilitates handling of the roller and simplifies the exchange of the carrier with the roller.

[0053] A pressure piece is, in particular, a component that is preferably designed to position the carrier of the roller to be installed and to hold it in a specific relative position (especially as a distance position relative to the receiving device). The pressure piece is preferably arranged on the load-bearing support, and more preferably on the receiving device, in order to lock the roller carrier so that the roller can be held in a required position (especially as a distance position relative to the receiving device).

[0054] For the purposes of the present invention, "needs-based" is to be understood synonymously as "requirements-based," "appropriate," "needs-oriented," "desired," or similar. This includes, for example, a measure that is determinable, definable, selectable, or the like, in order to achieve an appropriate, needs-oriented, or desired goal or result.

[0055] To position the pressure piece in the receptacle, a groove can be formed on the carrier into which the pressure piece engages, thus locking the carrier to the receptacle that holds it. This locking can occur, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the carrier, which is parallel to a rotational axis of the roller supported by the carrier. When a force, such as a compressive or tensile force, is applied to the carrier in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the pressure piece can be pushed back, thereby overcoming the locking force that holds the carrier in place. This allows the carrier and roller to be removed, particularly without tools.

[0056] The pressure piece enables easy handling and facilitates the changing of the carrier with the roller, as it is possible to position and lock the roller in a required position on the mount, for example along the longitudinal axis of the carrier, without the need for additional tools, in particular measuring devices or measuring tools.

[0057] The pressure piece can, for example, be an engagement element for engaging the groove of the carrier, which is pre-tensioned in the receptacle under a defined spring pressure force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carrier in such a way that the carrier can be interchangeably arranged in the receptacle.

[0058] The pressure piece allows the carrier, and thus the roller, to be removed from the holder or load carrier without tools. This improves handling, particularly by simplifying roller changes, for example, in case of wear or when the spinning process changes, such as when a different fiber ribbon requires different roller properties.

[0059] Tool-free refers specifically to the fact that no tools are required to remove or position the rollers. In particular, no screwdrivers, power drills, calipers, pliers, or similar tools are needed.

[0060] Removing the at least one roller from its housing with the aid of the carrier means, in particular, that a design is provided in which the roller carrier can be easily removed from a specific point without the need for additional aids such as tools. This allows for a simple and quick replacement of the at least one roller, especially when wear has occurred or when the spinning process is to be changed. Removal can be accomplished, for example, by pulling on the carrier, without the need for separate aids such as tools to overcome a locking force, as described elsewhere.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the load carrier has a locking mechanism designed and arranged to move the load carrier, in particular by a pivoting movement about a support, between a closed state, as described by way of example elsewhere, and an open state, as described by way of example elsewhere, and to lock it in the closed state on the drawing unit or on the textile machine, wherein the locking mechanism is located either downstream of a last receiving unit or upstream of a first receiving unit in the fiber strip transport direction. This allows the structure to be stiffened in order to limit and restrict the relative movement of upper rollers to lower rollers. This can improve the drawing of the fiber strip.Furthermore, adjustment areas of the load carrier for adjusting the load on the upper rollers can remain freely accessible at least in the closed state, and preferably also in the open state, since these are not covered or concealed by the locking mechanism.

[0062] The locking mechanism can preferably be designed as a lever with a handle, wherein the handle can be connected to a gripper via a lever in such a way as to bring the gripper into contact with a counterpart by means of a pivoting or pushing movement in order to lock the load carrier, whereby in a drawing machine the upper rollers and lower rollers can be locked in a relative position to each other with the load carrier.

[0063] The upper rollers are arranged in relation to their associated lower rollers in such a way that they can be positioned higher relative to the base of a spinning machine. The load-bearing support arm allows the upper rollers to move away from the lower rollers. For this purpose, the locking mechanism can be opened, thereby releasing the load-bearing arm and thus the upper rollers from the lower rollers. The load-bearing arm can then be moved away from the lower rollers by a pivoting motion, particularly at least partially in a vertical direction, to interrupt the combination of the upper and lower rollers. This allows, for example, accessing, removing, and / or inserting the fiber sliver that is to be drawn between them, and / or performing defined maintenance measures on the load-bearing support arm or one of its components.

[0064] The locked state can be understood as one state, with a state with the lock released being understood as a further state. An open state can also be understood as a further state, particularly if the load arm is pivoted into a position that allows access to the space between the upper and lower rollers. This pivoting movement can occur around a support, such as a rod, which can connect the load carrier, its base body, and / or its load arm to a spinning machine. In preferred embodiments, the support can be bolted to a spinning machine. In other preferred embodiments, it can be welded to the spinning machine or connected in some other reversible or irreversible manner.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is located downstream of a final receiving unit in the fiber strip transport direction. This final receiving unit can be a receiving unit for a discharge upper roll. The discharge upper roll serves to discharge the fiber strip from the drawing unit in its maximally stretched form, according to the specified settings, so that it can be further processed in the spinning machine. A discharge roll pair can, in particular, be the combination of a discharge upper roll and a discharge lower roll. The discharge upper roll or the discharge roll pair can, in the operating state, contribute to the stretching of the fiber strip as the final roll or the final pair of rolls in the drawing unit along a fiber strip transport direction.

[0066] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is located upstream of a first receiving unit in the fiber strip transport direction. The first receiving unit can be a receiving unit for supporting an inlet upper roll. The inlet upper roll serves to receive the fiber strip from a fiber strip feeder and / or a pre-compressor and guide it into the drawing area of ​​the drafting unit. An inlet roll pair can, in particular, be the combination of an inlet upper roll and an inlet lower roll. It can be provided, in particular, that the inlet roll or the inlet roll pair is, in the operating state, the first roll or the first roll pair that can contribute to drawing in the drafting unit along a fiber strip transport direction.

[0067] The upstream arrangement of the locking mechanism allows the design a certain degree of fundamental flexibility in the relative positioning between the upper and lower rolls. This is primarily due to the fact that the locking mechanism is located closer to a pivoting area, for example around a support, than in other preferred embodiments. In other words, the area between the locking mechanism and the output upper roll can be less rigidly fixed.

[0068] The downstream arrangement of the locking mechanism allows the structure to achieve increased and fundamental structural stiffening in the relative positioning between the upper and lower rolls. This is primarily due to the locking mechanism's ability to engage at the outer end of the load-bearing element, ensuring reliable support. In other words, the area between the locking mechanism and the output roll can be rigidly fixed, as the locking mechanism is positioned downstream of the rolls on the load-bearing element along the fiber strip transport direction.

[0069] According to another independent aspect, a stretching system can have at least one load-bearing element, as described elsewhere. This allows the advantages, characteristics, and effects listed in this context to be used to describe the stretching system, as already explained elsewhere.

[0070] A drafting unit is, in particular, a device, as described elsewhere, that can be used to stretch or draw a fed fiber ribbon. It can also be called a roller mill and consists, in particular, of at least two pairs of rollers, each having corresponding rollers and counter rollers. The drafting unit described in this independent aspect is a drafting unit for a textile machine, used to prepare a fed fiber ribbon in a defined manner before it is processed into yarn, for example, by a device downstream of the drafting unit on the textile machine.

[0071] According to another independent aspect, a textile machine may have at least one load-bearing element, as described elsewhere, and / or at least one drafting unit, as described elsewhere. The advantages, features, and effects listed in this regard can then be used to describe the textile machine, as already explained elsewhere.

[0072] A textile machine is a machine that can be used to process or prepare raw materials for the manufacture of textiles. The textile machine is preferably a pre-spinning machine such as a carding machine or a flyer, or a spinning machine such as an air-jet spinning machine or a ring spinning machine, each of which has a drafting unit with a load carrier for processing fiber slivers. In general, the textile machine can be one that includes a drafting unit with a load carrier for upper rollers for processing fiber slivers.

[0073] According to an independent aspect, the use of a load-bearing device and / or a drawing device and / or a textile machine may take place in order to achieve or implement the advantages and effects, in particular through the features, as described in relation to the individual aspects and as already set out elsewhere in this regard.

[0074] When using the load carrier as described elsewhere and / or a drafting unit as described elsewhere and / or a textile machine as described elsewhere, a fiber strip in a closed state – particularly with respect to the drafting unit and / or the load carrier – can be guided in a pre-compressor to feed it to an infeed roller of the drafting unit. In an open state – particularly with respect to the drafting unit and / or the load carrier – the fiber strip can be clamped by pivoting a pivotable part of the pre-compressor relative to a fixed part of the pre-compressor, specifically between the permanently fixed part and the pivotable part.

[0075] According to another independent aspect, a method for changing at least one roller can be designed. The method can include the step of transferring the load carrier from a closed state, as described elsewhere, to an open state, as described elsewhere. The method can include the step of removing the at least one roller by axially moving the carrier about an axis of the carrier relative to the fixture, in order to remove the carrier from the fixture. The method can include the step of changing the roller and / or the carrier. The method can include the step of arranging the carrier (with a new roller / with a different roller) on the fixture. The advantages, features, and effects listed in this regard can then be used to describe the method, as already explained elsewhere.

[0076] One use of a load carrier, as described elsewhere, involves in particular the application of a mechanical force to a roller to create or change tension in a fiber sliver. The load carrier is used, for example, in a textile machine, as described elsewhere, to stretch the fiber sliver before producing, for instance, yarn.

[0077] One use of a drafting unit, as described elsewhere, involves in particular the application of a mechanical force to a roller to stretch or warp a fiber sliver. The drafting unit is used, for example, in one of the aforementioned textile machines to warp the fiber sliver before producing, for instance, yarn.

[0078] The use of a textile machine, as described elsewhere, specifically involves the use of a textile machine to produce roving or yarn. This may include the use of one of the textile machines described elsewhere. The textile machine is equipped with a load carrier and / or a drafting unit to enable the corresponding process steps.

[0079] According to another independent aspect, a method for positioning at least one receptacle with a carrier for receiving an upper roller on a load carrier, as described herein, can be provided. The method comprises the step of arranging at least one receptacle on the load carrier and the subsequent step of positioning the at least one receptacle relative to the load carrier adjacent to the first reference structure, wherein the positioning is carried out by placing the second reference structure against the first reference structure or by using a calibration piece with the calibration piece interposed between the first and second reference structures. The advantages, features, and effects listed in this regard can thus be used to describe the method, as already explained elsewhere.

[0080] Preferably, the method can include a further subsequent step of fixing the at least one receptacle to the load-bearing structure by means of a fastening device, which is designed and arranged to fix the receptacle to the load-bearing structure in a fixed position. This allows for a permissible positioning of the at least one receptacle.

[0081] Preferably, the method further comprises a step of arranging at least one additional receptacle on the load-bearing structure and a subsequent step of positioning the at least one additional receptacle relative to the load-bearing structure adjacent to the already positioned receptacle. The positioning is carried out using a calibration piece, with the calibration piece interposed between the second reference structure of the already positioned receptacle and the at least one additional receptacle positioned adjacent to it. This allows all receptacles of the load-bearing structure to be positioned relative to the first reference structure on the load-bearing structure and, more preferably, fixed in place on the load-bearing structure by means of an associated fastening device. The advantages, features, and effects listed above can then be used to describe the method, as already explained elsewhere.

[0082] A positioning method is, in particular, a method in which one or more recordings are positioned at specific positions relative to each other or relative to the load-bearing structure. This can be achieved by using calibration pieces that can be inserted or removed between the reference structures.

[0083] The step of removing calibration pieces – as an alternative or in addition to the step of inserting them – refers specifically to adding – as an alternative or in addition to removing – calibration pieces between the reference structures to improve the positioning of the fixtures. This step allows the positions of the fixtures, and thus ultimately the rollers, to be precisely and accurately adjusted in the direction of fiber conveyor transport to meet specific requirements or to optimize the behavior of the drafting unit during operation.

[0084] According to another independent aspect, a method for loading the roller relative to a counter roller can be designed. The method may include the step of adjusting the spring between at least two clamping positions in the spring holder, as described elsewhere. This allows the advantages, features, and effects listed in this context to be used to describe the method, as already explained elsewhere.

[0085] A method for loading a roller relative to a counter roller can be one that serves to exert a specific force on the roller in order to press the roller against the counter roller with a desired compressive force, thus creating a specific clamping force between them that can be transmitted to the fiber strip running between them. This method can be implemented by using a spring that can be adjusted between at least two tension positions.

[0086] By adjusting the spring between these clamping positions, the clamping force exerted by the roller can be set and adjusted to achieve a specific load. This method thus allows for adjustment of the clamping force between the roller and the counter roller, contributing to the proper functioning of the drafting unit or textile machine and resulting in improved product quality.

[0087] The step of adjusting the spring between at least two clamping positions in the spring holder can be carried out accordingly by moving the spring from one clamping position to the desired clamping position, as described elsewhere by way of example.

[0088] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings show, schematically: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a load-bearing structure with upper rollers; Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the structure made of Fig. 1 in top view; Fig. 3A a sectional view through the embodiment in Fig. 2Fig. 3 Legs side view of an upper roller with indication of a sectional view; Fig. 4 Representation of the embodiment from Fig. 2 Top view showing the adjustment ranges; Fig. 5A a representation of an embodiment of a load carrier with upper rollers; Fig. 5B a representation of the embodiment of the load carrier with upper rollers made of Fig. 5A in a side view; Fig. 5C a sectional view through the embodiment according to the Figures 5A and 5B Fig. 6A shows a side view of an embodiment of the load carrier with upper rollers according to the Figures 5A and 5B in closed position; Fig. 6 Legs Side view of an embodiment of the load carrier with upper rollers according to the Figures 5A and 5B in the open position; and Fig. 7 a simplified underside view of an embodiment of the load carrier with upper rollers according to the Figures 5A to 6B .

[0089] The same reference symbols are used for elements and structures that have the same effect and / or are of the same type.

[0090] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a load carrier 16 of a drafting unit 10 with several upper rolls 20. In this embodiment, the load carrier 16 is specifically designed to accommodate four upper rolls 20. The first upper roll 20, located along a fiber strip transport direction (not shown), forms an input upper roll 21 to introduce a supplied fiber strip (not shown) into the drafting area of ​​the drafting unit 10. The last upper roll 20, located along the fiber strip transport direction and in this embodiment the fourth upper roll 20, forms an output roll 23 to exit the fiber strip from the drafting unit 10. In this embodiment, the upper rolls 20 are passively driven.In other words, the upper rollers 20 are driven in an operating state of the drafting unit 10 via the lower rollers (not shown) assigned to the upper rollers 20, which are in rotating contact with them and are driven, in particular individually. According to a further embodiment, at least one of the upper rollers 20 can also be driven, in particular individually, to support the fiber strip conveying in the fiber strip transport direction or against it in a defined manner as required. This can initiate a movement to guide the fiber strip from a pre-compressor 70, in a pre-compressed manner, into the area of ​​the drafting unit 10 between the lower rollers, and optionally also between at least one belt (not shown) and the assigned upper rollers 20 (here, too, a belt may be provided, which, however, is not shown in detail for the sake of clarity), in order to stretch it in a defined manner.

[0091] The upper rollers 20, and correspondingly the inlet upper roller 21 and / or the outlet upper roller 23, can be arranged via carriers 38 on each of an associated receptacle 39 in order to connect the upper rollers 20 to the load carrier 16 and to arrange them on it.

[0092] Suction devices 36 can be arranged on the output upper roller 23 and, in this embodiment, on a belt upper roller 22 positioned upstream of the output upper roller 23 in the fiber strip transport direction. Fiber residues can be extracted via these suction devices by means of hoses 34 and funnel elements 34A connected to them (for clarity, only one funnel element 34A on the belt upper roller 23 is shown). Each funnel element 34A is connected at one end to the associated hose 34 and, at the other end, preferably has a contour congruent with the outer circumferential surface of the associated upper roller 20 for partially covering or obscuring the outer circumferential surface. The suction devices 36 can be clipped on, in particular by means of a clip device 92, especially onto a carrier 38 on which the belt upper roller 22 or the output upper roller 23 can be arranged.The clipping device 92 can have a holding device 91, which is designed and configured to hold the funnel element 34A at a defined distance from the outer circumferential surface of the upper roller 20. Furthermore, the clipping device 92 has a clip element 93 for clipping onto the carrier 38. The clipping device 92 can, in a further preferred manner, be configured to include a belt cage 22A ( FIG 2 ) to be arranged between the belt upper roller 22 and the output upper roller 23 in such a way that the belt rotates around the belt upper roller 22 and the belt cage 22A in the usual way in the operating state of the drawing unit 10 or the load carrier 16 in order to treat a supplied fiber strip in the usual way.

[0093] The load carrier 16 has, in particular, a base body 30 which can be manually, i.e., by hand, or automatically by a service robot (not shown) via a handle 32, moved from an operating state or stretching state (load state) in which the upper rollers 20 and the associated lower rollers can exert a clamping force, also referred to as a closed, locked state Z1, to an application state in which this clamping force can be lost. The base body 30 can be moved to an open state Z2 (maintenance state) to service the stretching unit 10. FIG 6BAn open state is characterized by the fact that the upper rollers 20 of the load carrier 16 are spaced apart from their respective lower rollers. The maintenance state defines one of several possible open states. The base body 30 can be attached to a textile machine via a bracket 28, wherein the base body 30 can be rotatably arranged on the bracket 28 about a longitudinal axis L of the bracket 28 ( FIG 2The handle 32 can be designed as part of a locking mechanism 31, in which a pivoting movement can be performed via a lever 35, which can be rotatably mounted on a joint 60, to bring a gripper 33 (also referred to as a gripping device) arranged on or formed with the lever 35 into a locking contact with a counterpart of the textile machine or the holder 28 in such a way as to lock the load carrier 16 with the upper rollers 20 relative to the lower rollers, in order to assume the locked, closed state Z1, which corresponds to the operating state, the stretched state, or the loaded state, from the open state Z2 or a different open state. The handle 32 thus enables a required pivoting movement of the load carrier 16 between the open state Z2 or an open state and the locked state Z1.In a preferred embodiment, further states can be provided to allow for required measures to be taken on the load carrier 16. For example, a further open state following the open state Z2 in the opening direction of the load carrier 16 can be provided to allow improved access to the underside of the load carrier 16. Furthermore, a further open state between positions Z2 and Z1 can preferably be provided, which is sufficient, for example, to handle the spring 24. Additionally, a further closed state can be provided between state positions Z1 and Z2, wherein in this further closed state the pressure force of the upper roller 20 on the associated lower roller is less than in the closed state Z1 with an identical spring position. This further closed state can, for example, be the contact state described above.

[0094] The load carrier 16 has a load arm 76 projecting from the base body 30, on which, in particular for each of the four upper rollers 20, a receptacle 39 is arranged for the one-sided reception of one of the upper rollers 20, according to this preferred embodiment. The receptacle 39 can, in an alternatively preferred manner not shown, be configured to receive two upper rollers 20. The base body 30 and the load arm 76 are preferably formed in one piece from the same material, but, in an alternatively preferred manner, can also be designed in multiple parts, more preferably from different materials.

[0095] Adjacent to the base body 30, the pre-compressor 70 is arranged on the bracket 28 such that the fiber strip to be fed to the drawing unit 10 is directed towards the clamping area of ​​the input roller pair of the drawing unit 10. The pre-compressor 70 is clipped onto the bracket 28, can alternatively be slid onto the bracket 28, or can be attached to the bracket 28 by means of a clamping bracket. The pre-compressor 70 has a funnel-shaped inlet, the opening of which tapers towards the drawing unit 10 to compress the fiber strip up to the funnel outlet 78. Downstream of the funnel outlet 78, in the fiber strip transport direction, is a fiber strip feeder 79 to guide the pre-compressed fiber strip directly towards the input upper roller 21. In this embodiment, the fiber strip feeder 79 is formed integrally with the funnel 77.

[0096] In this preferred embodiment, the receptacle 39 has a spring arm receptacle 49 for receiving a spring 24, wherein the spring arm receptacle 49 is connected to a spring holder 42 for holding the spring 24. Furthermore, the receptacle 39 includes a support bracket 54 for holding the support 38, which carries the upper roller 20. The support 38 can be configured to carry one or two upper rollers 20. The support bracket 54 is connected to the spring holder 42 via a pivot joint 55. The pivot joint 55 can be constructed and designed in a conventional manner. Essentially, the pivot joint 55 allows the support bracket 54 to rotate about an axis that runs parallel to the axis of the support 38 or the upper roller 20.The pivot joint 55 can preferably be formed by pivot pins which project into pin openings, wherein the pivot pins are arranged either on the support bracket 54 or on the spring retainer 42, and the pin openings are arranged accordingly either on the spring retainer 42 or on the support bracket 54 for mutual engagement. According to one embodiment, the pivot pins can be formed by a pivot rod 56 which projects beyond a receiving channel in the support bracket 54 at both ends in order to be received by corresponding pin openings arranged on the outside of the receiving channel, which are located in the spring retainer 42.

[0097] Preferably, a reference structure 61 can be formed and / or arranged in or on the load carrier 16, in particular on the load arm 76, in order to define the position of at least one of the upper rollers 20 (here the inlet upper roller 21, the belt upper roller 22 and the outlet upper roller 23 are also referenced, unless explicitly designed otherwise or excluded by technical logic for the person skilled in the art) relative to the load carrier 16 or to the load arm 76 and thus relative to the drafting unit 10 when the receptacle 39 is arranged on the load carrier 16 or the load arm 76. This is described accordingly in Figures 4 and 7 shown. Figure 4 This shows a schematic top view of the structure with the Figures 1 to 3 depicted load-bearing element 16, whereas Figure 7 a simplified schematic representation, incomplete with regard to the components, of a bottom view of the [unclear] with the Figures 5A to 6BThe illustrated load carrier 16 shows a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the reference structure 61 can have a reference surface 62, which can be designed and arranged such that the receptacles 39 with the respective upper roller 20 can be positioned relative to this reference surface 62. This can be achieved, in particular, by providing a fixed and defined end position for the receptacle 39 of a first or last upper roller 20 in the arrangement direction of the upper rollers 20 on the load carrier 16 or on the load arm 76. The corresponding reference structure 61 can be assigned to this end position, which can then serve as a positioning reference for the upper rollers 20, the carriers 38, or the receptacles 39.The reference structure 61 can be configured as a reference surface 62, to which an adjacent receptacle 39 can be attached, in particular directly, or alternatively indirectly via at least one calibration piece (not shown). When the receptacle 39 is correctly or desired positioned in the direction of the fiber belt transport, a screw 74 can be used, as also shown in the... Figure 1 and 2 The clamping mechanism 10 is shown to be tightened to lock the desired positioning of the mount 39 relative to a rail 25. Since the corresponding load carrier 16 has its own reference structure 61, it is possible to adjust the tensioning device 10 for a given application without measuring with a tool such as a caliper.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, as described in the Figures 4 and 7As shown, the reference structure 61 is designed as a projection in the load arm 76, preferably formed integrally with the load arm 76, and more preferably milled. Alternatively, the reference structure 61 can be arranged and attached to the load arm 76. Another alternative is that the reference structure 61 can be arranged and attached to the base body 30 or formed integrally with it. The reference structure 61 has a reference surface 62, which, according to this embodiment, serves as a stop surface for the receptacle 39 of the output upper roller 23. The receptacle 39 more preferably has a reference counter surface 63, which is arranged and designed to bear against the reference surface 62. More preferably, the reference counter surface 63 is associated with a reference counter structure, which is formed by a recess, preferably milled.Both the reference surface 63 and the reference surface 62 point in the direction of the possible displacement of the receptacles 39, which runs along the fiber belt transport direction. According to this embodiment, the reference surface 62 and the reference surface 63 are defined by a projection and a recess, the projection being formed on the load carrier 16 and the recess on the receptacle 39. It is understood that, according to an embodiment not shown, a recess can be formed on the load carrier 16 instead of the projection, and a corresponding congruent projection can be formed on the receptacle 39, without deviating from the described concept of relative positioning.

[0099] By moving the mounting 39 for the output top roller 23 until the reference counter surface 63 contacts the reference surface 62, the output top roller 23 can be positioned precisely on the load arm 76. Once this position is reached, the mounting 39 can be fixed in place using the screw 74, thus securing it with pinpoint accuracy. The positioning of the other mountings 39 for the belt top roller 22, the top roller 20, and the input top roller 21 can be carried out in the same manner, taking into account that the next top roller 20 in the sequence must be positioned adjacent to the one already positioned. The mountings 39 of these top rollers 20 can also have reference surfaces 62 and / or reference counter surfaces 63 to allow for the intermediate placement of calibration pieces, as described above.In particular, the receptacles 39 of the drawing device 10 are designed in a similar, and preferably identical, manner, which simplifies assembly of the drawing device 10. In this context, it is preferred that the receptacles 39 each have a reference counter surface 63 on opposite end faces that point along the fiber ribbon transport direction. Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one receptacle 39 has a reference counter surface 63 on an end face that, for example, points in the fiber ribbon transport direction, and a reference structure 61, in particular a reference surface 62, on an opposite end face that, for example, points in the opposite direction to the fiber ribbon transport direction. The arrangement of these can also alternatively be reversed or interchanged.

[0100] The Fig. 4 shows the representation of the embodiment Fig. 2The diagram shows a top view indicating the adjustment ranges possible through the use of the calibration pieces. Because calibration pieces, for example, have a thickness between 20 mm and 5 mm (and preferably also between 15 mm and 7 mm), corresponding distances between the receptacles 39 can be set. In other embodiments, calibration pieces with a thickness, for example, between 12 mm and 9 mm can be used. The calibration pieces can differ from each other in increments of 5 mm, particularly in increments of 2 mm, and further, particularly, in increments of 1 mm, thus enabling fine adjustments in the positioning of the respective receptacles 39.In this embodiment, the upper rollers 20 upstream of the output upper roller 23 along the fiber strip transport direction can have, in particular, a total of three adjustment ranges, one adjustment range per upper roller 20: for an adjustable distance along the fiber strip transport direction of an input field width 68, which, according to this embodiment, is assigned to the input upper roller 21; for an adjustable distance of a first intermediate field width 66, which, according to this embodiment, is assigned to the upper roller 20 downstream of the input upper roller 21 in the fiber strip transport direction; and for an adjustable distance of a second intermediate field width 64, which, according to this embodiment, is assigned to the belt upper roller 22. Although no adjustable distance of an output field width assigned to the output upper roller 23 is shown, such an adjustable distance can also be provided according to an embodiment not shown.For this purpose, for example, a calibration piece can be brought to the reference structure 61 or the reference surface 62, to which the receptacle 39 of the output upper roller 23 is brought into contact and thus positioned, and the receptacle 39 is then fixed by means of the screw 74.

[0101] Alternatively or additionally, a spring 24 can be arranged in a spring holder 42 by means of the receptacle 39 on the load carrier 16 and be designed to apply a defined load to a position of the upper roller 20 in a stretched state in one direction relative to the counter roller after the upper roller 20 has been arranged on the receptacle 39. The spring 24 can be designed as a torsion spring 90, as shown here by way of example. In the Figs. 1 , 2 , 3A and 4In particular, a situation is shown as an example for better clarity, in which a second spring arm 48 of the spring 24 is in a position corresponding to the delivery state F0 of the load carrier 16. Thus, the spring 24 is not tensioned here, in order to preserve it for delivery. An example of such a setting is shown in the Fig. 3B An adjustment of the second spring arm 48 in position F1 is shown. A person skilled in the art understands that the corresponding positions F1, F2, and F3 can be selected as needed, depending, for example, on the specific application, with each of these positions F1, F2, and F3 defining a clamping position for the spring 24. For the sake of clarity, the Fig. 3B The F0 position is only indicated but not illustrated in detail, whereby the F0 position can, for example, correspond to a position of the second spring arm 48 in the vertical, as shown.

[0102] As in Fig. 3B As shown and described in this respect, three different configurations for the spring 24 in a spring arm receptacle 49 of the spring holder 42 for the spring 24, in particular a torsion spring 90, can be provided, indicated here as a sectional view by dashed lines, lying inside. The viewing direction is shown accordingly for better understanding in the Fig. 3A Small arrows provide an example. In particular, three spring arm mounts can be seen in a top view, as shown in the... Fig. 2As shown, the spring arm 48 is provided with a recess into which it can be positioned to tension the spring 24. The tension of the spring 24 can be greater the further the second spring arm 48 is from position F0 in the delivery state when it comes to rest in positions F1 to F3. Dividing lines between the spring arm recesses 49 for the spring 24 can prevent the spring 24 from slipping from one position to another of the tension positions F1, F2, F3 or the initial position F0. In this embodiment, the dividers are designed as separating webs between adjacent spring arm recesses. The respective spring arm recesses 49 thus have a U-shape in a top or bottom view. Alternatively, the spring arm recess 49 can also be C-shaped or otherwise configured, as long as it allows for the insertion and removal of a spring arm.

[0103] The torsion spring 90 has a first spring arm 44 through which a load can be transmitted to the operatively connected upper roller 20. According to this embodiment, the receptacle 39 is articulated such that the spring holder 42 is rotatably connected to the support holder 54 via the pivot joint 55 for holding the support 38. The first spring arm 44 is operatively connected to the support holder 54 or, alternatively, to the support 38, in order to press the upper roller 20 against a counter roller or lower roller (not shown). The first spring arm 44 can bear against the support holder 54 or the support 38 with spring pressure according to the selected clamping positions F1, F2, F3. The spring holder 42 is designed to hold the spring element 43 of the torsion spring 90.

[0104] Fig. 3A shows a schematic sectional view through the embodiment, which is described in Fig. 1in a perspective side view and in Fig. 2 is shown in a top view. It can be seen in particular that the receptacle 39 has the spring holder 42 in which the spring body 43 of the spring 24 or the torsion spring 90 is arranged. The first spring arm 44 is arranged in a moving part 40 of the support bracket 54, which is connected via a joint 55, as shown in Fig. 1The upper roller 20 can be moved to release the tension or spring force introduced by the clamping positions F1, F2, F3 via the second spring arm 48 by at least partially releasing the tension or spring force through the first spring arm 44. This allows a defined load to be applied to the upper roller 20 in order to generate a defined clamping force with the associated lower roller (not shown). The carrier 38 is arranged in the receptacle 39 and can be inserted into the receptacle 39 up to a contact area 41. A pressure piece 46 provided with the receptacle 39 can engage in a groove 47 on the carrier 38 to lock it in place. This allows the upper roller 20, which is rotatably mounted on the carrier 38 in bearings 52 (which can be conventional rolling bearings), to be positioned at a defined relative distance from the receptacle 39.Here too, the load carrier 16, with its receptacle 39, forms a corresponding reference system, thus eliminating the need for external measurements and / or tools. It can be provided that, when tension is applied in a tensile direction 50 parallel to an extension of the longitudinal axis of the carrier 38, a locking force of the pressure piece 46 can be overcome, allowing the upper roller 20, together with the carrier 38, to be removed from the receptacle 39, particularly without the use of tools. According to a preferred embodiment, the pressure piece 46 can be spring-loaded in the receptacle 39 for this purpose.

[0105] For easy handling of the spring 24 from an upper surface of the load arm 76, the latter includes, in particular, a first and second recess 57, 58, through which the receptacles 39 on the load arm 76 can be fixed on the one hand, and through which the spring 24, each supported by a receptacle 39, can be handled from an upper surface of the load arm 76. Handling of the spring 24 is made possible via the first recess 57, through which the spring arm receptacle 49 projects. In this preferred embodiment, the first recess 57 is realized by an elongated hole in the load arm 76. The elongated hole is dimensioned such that the spring arm receptacle 49 can project through and be guided along the elongated hole. Parallel to and adjacent to the first recess 57, the second recess 58 is arranged, the second recess 58 also being designed as an elongated hole. This forms the rail 25 between the first and second recesses 57, 58.The second recess 58 allows a respective mounting 39 to be fixed in a desired position using fasteners such as the screws 74. The screws 74 can also be accessed from the top of the load arm 76.

[0106] Fig. 5A Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a load-bearing element 16 with upper rollers 20. Particular attention is paid to the differences compared to the embodiments described in the Figures 1 to 4 The springs 24 shown and described in this regard are addressed. The springs 24 can be designed as compression springs 80. A spring 24 or a compression spring 80 can be arranged to pre-tension at least one associated upper roller 20 by means of a linear stress transmission, as shown in the Fig. 5C This is shown and described as an example. Fig. 5B shows a representation of the embodiment of the load carrier 16 with upper rollers 20 made of Fig. 5Ain a schematic perspective side view. This makes the design of the alternative locking mechanism 31 particularly visible. Any optionally arranged extraction devices 36, including holders for the hoses 34 and the funnel elements 34A, as well as the hoses 34, are not shown for the sake of clarity, but can be implemented in the same way as in the embodiment described above.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the load carrier 16 is designed in two parts: the base body 30 and the load arm 76, which is fixed to the base body 30. As shown, the attachment can be effected, in particular, by means of a screw connection. Alternatively, and preferably, the load arm 76 can be attached to the base body 30 by means of other conventional fastening methods, such as force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit.

[0108] The load arm 76 according to this embodiment has a locking mechanism 31 which is functionally identical to the one described above. Thus, by moving the locking mechanism 31, for example by actuating the handle 32, it is possible to lock it by the gripper 33 engaging in a corresponding counter-structure (not shown). The locking mechanism 31 allows, in particular by moving the handle 32 in a different direction, the locking mechanism 31 to be released in order to move the upper rollers 20 and lower rollers into state Z2, as shown in part in Fig. 6BAs shown and described in this respect, the gripper 33 and the load carrier 16 and the load arm 76 are moved away from each other by the movement of the handle 32. The lever 35, to which the handle 32 may be connected, can move the gripper 33 out of engagement with the counterpart in order to release the locking mechanism 31 and thus the load carrier 16 or the load arm 76. This allows the load carrier 16 and thus the drafting unit 10 to be opened, whereby the load arm 76 can be moved, in particular by a pivoting movement of the base body 30 with the load arm 76 around the support 28 of the textile machine, the support 28 being able to form a bearing 37, such that the upper rollers 20 and lower rollers are moved away from each other. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the upper rollers 20 are thus lifted off the lower rollers.

[0109] The locking mechanism 31 is, in particular, arranged closer to the output upper roll 23 than to the input upper roll 21, in contrast to the exemplary embodiments shown and described in Figures 1A to 4, especially at the free end face of the load arm 76. The free end face of the load arm 76 can have a bracket 28 for the rotatable mounting of the lever 35, the bracket 28 being connected to the lever 35 via a joint 60 so that the lever 35 is movable about the joint axis relative to the load arm 76. The end-face arrangement facilitates a more reliable locking of the load arm 76, thereby enabling the formation of a particularly rigid structure that more securely fixes the relative position of the upper rolls 20 and lower rolls to each other, compared, for example, to the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 4.

[0110] According to this preferred embodiment, the base body 30 can be provided with a reinforced structure, for example by incorporating more material. Alternatively or additionally, a bearing 19 can be formed around the bearing 37, which engages the support 28. This bearing 19 can represent a material reinforcement of the base body 30, which can also move along with the load arm 76 when it pivots. As described elsewhere, a pivotable part 72 of a pre-compressor 70 can be formed in a portion of the bearing 19, particularly as part of the base body 30 of the load carrier 16. This pre-compressor 70 can include a fiber tape nozzle 75 as an extension 73 of the pre-compressor 70. The fiber tape nozzle 75 can be arranged on the pre-compressor 70 in a tool-free and non-destructively replaceable manner, for example by means of a snap-fit ​​and / or clip connection.The pre-compressor 70 can have an opening into which the end face of the fiber tape nozzle 75 can be inserted in a snap-fit ​​manner. For this purpose, locking lugs can be formed on the end face of the fiber tape nozzle 75, which, after insertion into the opening on the side of the pre-compressor 70 facing away from the upper rollers 20, grip the edge of the opening. The interchangeability allows the use of fiber tape nozzles 75 of different dimensions, which can be adapted to the fiber tape being processed and / or the yarn to be produced from it.

[0111] According to this preferred embodiment, the pre-compressor 70 further accommodates a permanently fixed part 71, which is formed in a portion of the bracket 28. In other words, the bracket 28, at the location of the pre-compressor 70, is designed with a fiber belt guide section comprising the permanently fixed part 71, which forms a functional part of the pre-compressor 70 when it is mounted on the bracket 28. In this embodiment, the permanently fixed part 71, or the fiber belt guide section, is trough-shaped and extends over a predefined surface section of the bracket 28. This ensures reliable guidance of the fiber belt from a spinning can (not shown) located below the load-bearing support 16. The trough-shaped form can be designed and adapted to the fiber belt feed.

[0112] When the base body 30 with the pre-compressor 70 moves around the support 28 in the direction of state Z2, this permanently fixed part 71 or the fiber belt guide section does not move with it, resulting in a relative movement of the opening of the pre-compressor 70 to the permanently fixed part 71 such that a fiber belt guided over the pre-compressor 70 is clamped in the open state of the load carrier 16, in order to reliably prevent the fiber belt from slipping out during an operation on the stretching device 10.

[0113] Fig. 5C shows a sectional view through the embodiment of the Figures 5A and 5B . This includes, as an alternative to the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 4Spring 24 is represented as a compression spring 80 instead of a torsion spring 90, in order to adjust the preload of the upper rollers 20 relative to the lower rollers. For this purpose, for example, a coil spring element 82 can be arranged in a spring housing 84 to press a pressure plunger 86 onto the carrier 38, thereby pressing the upper roller 20, which is arranged on the carrier 38, downwards onto the associated counter roller, such as the lower roller, possibly with an intermediate belt, as in the case of a belt roller pair. The pressure can be transmitted via a pivot joint 55, as described elsewhere. The spring housing 84 can be arranged in a spring holder 88.In particular, a spring upper part 85 is designed and arranged to be guided in the spring housing 84, wherein a guide device (not shown) is designed to be guided in a recess 87 of the spring housing 84 such that different preloads of the compression spring 80 can be selected, here exemplified by a first tension position F1 or a second tension position F2. The guide device can be guided in a vertical rail, which here is arranged on the section plane, when the coil spring body 82 is compressed or decompressed by a pressure movement by pushing the spring upper part 85 deeper or moving it outwards. By a rotational movement (or a lateral movement in other preferred embodiments), the guide device can be moved into horizontal recesses to select and fix the respective first tension position F1 or second tension position F2.A relaxed position is preferably indicated by F0 when the coil spring body 82 is maximally relaxed and the spring top 85 is thus maximally deflected upwards.

[0114] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressure plunger 86 can engage in a recess, such as a groove, of the support 38 to axially fix the support 38 within the receptacle 39 without the use of a pressure piece 46 as described above, thereby achieving the same advantages as described above in connection with the pressure piece 46. This also allows for a simpler design of the receptacle 39. In the preferred position F0, the compressive force of the compression spring 80 can also be provided such that removing the support 38 is simplified by overcoming a small remaining compression spring force. Removing the support 38 is, of course, also possible in the clamping positions F1 and F2, but requires a tensile force that must be overcome to compensate for the corresponding compression spring force.

[0115] Fig. 6A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the load carrier 16 with upper rollers 20 of the Figures 5A and 5Bin a closed, in particular locked position, corresponding to the closed, locked state Z1. Fig. 6B shows a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment of the load carrier 16 with upper rollers 20 of the Figures 5A and 5BIn an open position Z2, which is achieved by pivoting the load arm 76 together with the base body 30 and the bearing 19, and the resulting rotation around the bearing 37 of the bracket 28. In the closed, locked state Z1, the pivotable part 72, together with the permanently fixed part 71, forms a largely linear guide structure for the pre-compressor 70 to guide the fiber belt, enabling it to be guided and, in particular, pre-compressed. Pre-compression can be achieved by the pre-compressor 70 forming a tapered guide structure along the fiber belt transport direction; in other words, the opening width of the pre-compressor 70 decreases continuously or in steps along the fiber belt transport direction.

[0116] Opening the load carrier 16, or moving it towards state Z2 or generally into an open position, allows for an angled position between the permanently fixed part 71 and the pivotable part 72. The pivotable part 72 can be formed, at least partially, in at least one component such as the bearing 19 (here the exemplary case), the base body 30, or the load arm 76. The angled position causes the fiber belt guided by the pre-compressor 70 to be clamped, thus preventing the fiber belt from slipping out of the pre-compressor 70.

[0117] As also shown by way of example, the extension 73 can be configured, in particular as a fiber belt nozzle 75, to guide the fiber belt out of the other components of the pre-compressor 70 in order to extend the guidance of the fiber belt towards the drawing unit 10 in an operating position (closed and locked state Z1) and to stabilize the fiber belt, in particular during movement towards the drawing unit 10. Furthermore, this enables targeted guidance of the fiber belt towards the first upper roller 20 or the input roller 21. The fiber belt nozzle 75 can preferably have an opening width that tapers along the fiber belt transport direction, as shown, in order to achieve further compaction of the fiber belt in a defined manner depending on the selected opening diameter of the fiber belt nozzle 75.

[0118] The term "may" is used to denote, in particular, optional features of the invention. Accordingly, there are also further developments and / or embodiments of the invention that additionally or alternatively include the respective feature(s).

[0119] From the combinations of features disclosed herein, isolated features can also be selected as needed and, by dissolving any structural and / or functional relationship that may exist between the features, used in combination with other features to define the subject matter of the claim. Reference symbol list 10 Stretching 54 carrier bracket 16 Load-bearing structure 55 Swivel joint 19 storage 56 Joint rod 20 upper roller 57 first recess 21 Entrance upper roller 58 second recess 22 Belt roller 60 joint 23 Output top roller 61A first reference structure 24 Feather 61B second reference structure 25 rail 62 Reference area 28 bracket 63 Reference surface 30 Base body of the load-bearing structure 64 adjustable distance of a second 31 Locking mechanism Midfield 32 Handle 66 adjustable distance of a first 33 Grabber Midfield 34 Hose 68 adjustable distance of a 34A funnel element Input field width 35 lever 70 Pre-compressor 36 extraction device 71 permanently fixed part of the 37 Storage Pre-compressor 38 carrier 72 swiveling part of the 39 Recording Pre-compressor 40 Moving part 73 Extension of the pre-compressor 41 Contact area 74 screw 42 Spring holder 75 Fiber ribbon nozzle 43 spring body 76 Low stress 44 first spring arm 77 funnel 46 Print piece 78 funnel outlet 47 Nut 79 Fiber tape feed 48 second spring arm 80 Compression spring 49 spring arm mount 82 coil spring body 50 Direction of travel 84 spring housing 52 Storage 85 Spring top 86 Printing stamp F0 state of relaxation 87 recess F1 first clamping position 88 Spring holder F2 second clamping position 90 Torsion spring F3 third clamping position 91 Holding device L Longitudinal axis of the bracket 92 Clip mechanism Z1 closed, locked state 93 Clip element Z2 open state

Claims

1. Load carrier (16) for upper rollers (20) of a drafting unit (10) of a textile machine, comprising at least one receptacle (39) with a support (38) for receiving at least one of the upper rollers (20), characterized by the fact that the load carrier (16) has a base body (30) pivotable about a holder (28) for the load carrier (16) and a load arm (76) connected thereto, wherein the at least one receptacle (39) can be positioned on the load arm (76), and the base body (30) is designed and arranged to accommodate at least a part of a pre-compressor (70), in particular, wherein the pre-compressor (70) is designed to pre-compress the fiber strip to the upper roller (20) which is first arranged on the load carrier (16) in the fiber strip transport direction.

2. Load-bearing element (16) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe load carrier (16) is pivotably arranged around the bracket (28) and the bracket (28) forms a permanently fixed part (71) of the pre-compressor (70).

3. Load-bearing element (16) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the pre-compressor (70) has a pivotable part (72) which is designed and arranged on the base body (30) in such a way as to be moved with the base body (30) when transitioning to a position corresponding to an open state (Z2) of the load carrier (16) and in a further position corresponding to a closed state (Z1) of the load carrier (16), to fully form the pre-compressor (70) with the permanently fixed part (71) of the pre-compressor (70) on the load carrier (16) in order to guide the fiber belt unhindered through the permanently fixed part (71) into the pivotable part (72) of the pre-compressor (70).

4. Load carrier (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe pre-compressor (70) has an extension (73), in particular a fiber belt nozzle (75), which forms a final component of the pre-compressor (70) in the fiber belt transport direction.

5. Load-bearing element (16) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that The extension (73) is arranged on the pre-compressor (70) in a way that allows it to be replaced without tools.

6. Load carrier (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a first reference structure (61A) on the load carrier (16), and a second reference structure (61B) on the at least one receptacle (39), wherein the first (61A) and second reference structure (61B) are formed and arranged to define the position of the at least one receptacle (39) relative to the load carrier (16) when the at least one receptacle (39) is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure (61A).

7. Load carrier (16) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe first reference structure (61A) has at least one, in particular milled, reference surface (62) as a stop and the second reference structure (61B) has at least one, in particular milled, reference counter surface (63) as a counter stop.

8. Load-bearing element (16) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact thatthe reference surface (62) and the reference counter surface (63) are designed to define a positioning of the at least one receptacle (39) by mutual contact of the reference surface (62) and the reference counter surface (63) when arranging the at least one receptacle (39) and / or to define a positioning of the at least one receptacle (39) by interposing a calibration piece when arranging the at least one receptacle (39), wherein the calibration piece is designed to be arranged between the reference surface (62) and the reference counter surface (63) and to come into contact with them in order to define the position of the at least one receptacle (39) relative to the load carrier (16).

9. Load bearer (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least two mounts (39), each of which has a second reference structure (61B) and one of the two mounts (39) has either a further second reference structure (61B) or a first reference structure (61A), wherein the second reference structure (61B) is formed and arranged at one of the at least two mounts (39) to define the position of this one mount (39) relative to the load carrier (16) when this one mount (39) is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure (61A), and the second reference structure (61B) is formed and arranged at the other of the at least two mounts (39) to define the position of the other mount (39) relative to the already positioned one mount (39) or relative to the load carrier (16) when this other mount (39) is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure (61A) or further second reference structure (61B) of the already positioned one mount (39).

10. Load carrier (16) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one recess (57) extending along a fiber belt transport direction of the drawing device (10) is laterally bounded by a rail (25), wherein the at least one receptacle (39) can be fixed to the load carrier (16) along the fiber belt transport direction after assuming a defined position by means of the at least one recess (57) and the rail (25).

11. Load bearer (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya spring (24) arranged in a spring holder (42) on the load carrier (16) and designed to load an upper roller (20) in a defined direction of contact of the upper roller (20) after arrangement on the carrier (38) of the receptacle (39) leading away from the load carrier (16), wherein the direction of contact is the direction along which the upper roller (20) is provided to come into contact with an associated lower roller of the drafting unit (10) by means of pressure contact for the fiber strip transport.

12. Load-bearing element (16) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatthe spring (24) is a torsion spring (90), wherein one spring arm (48) can be adjusted without tools between the at least two clamping positions (F1, F2, F3), and wherein the other spring arm (44) is arranged to apply a spring force to the support (38), in particular directly; or that the spring (24) is a compression spring (80), designed and arranged to apply a compressive force, in particular directly, to the support (38).

13. Load-bearing element (16) according to one of the preceding claims 11 and 12, characterized by the fact that the carrier (38) and the receiver (39) are connected to each other via a swivel joint (55) in order to move the upper roller (20) following the load of the spring (24).

14. Load bearer (16) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe load carrier (16) has a locking mechanism (31) which is designed and arranged to move the load carrier (16), in particular by a pivoting movement about a support (28), between a closed state (Z1) and an open state (Z2) and to lock it in the closed state (Z1) on the drawing unit (10) or on the textile machine, wherein the locking mechanism (31) is located either downstream of a last receptacle (39) or upstream of a first receptacle (39) in the fiber belt transport direction.

15. Stretching system (10) comprising at least one load-bearing element (16) according to one of the preceding claims.

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