Load support and draft mechanism

Abstract

This relates to a load support for the top roller of a draft mechanism in a textile machine. [Solution] The present invention relates to a load support for a top roller of a draft mechanism of a textile machine, comprising at least one housing having a support for housing at least one of the top rollers. To improve the handling of the draft mechanism, and therefore the handling of the corresponding spinning machine, a spring is provided, which is located in at least one housing and is designed to load the top roller in a specified direction away from the load support after it has been placed on the support, the direction of contact being the direction in which the top roller is positioned to contact the assigned bottom roller of the draft mechanism by pressing contact for sliver transport, and the support and housing are connected to each other via a rotary joint, thereby allowing the top roller to move according to the load of the spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a load support. The present invention also relates to a drafting mechanism.

[0002] Drafting mechanisms are known from the prior art. For example, International Publication No. 2017 / 191515 describes a drafting mechanism for a fiber machine, which includes at least one roller and at least one corresponding opposing roller, and a sliver can be guided by sandwiching it between these rollers. The roller and the opposing roller each have a roller body and a rotating shaft, and the rotating shafts of the roller and / or the opposing roller are supported on only one side. The roller is movably supported between a stationary position where the roller bodies of the roller and the opposing roller do not contact each other and a load position where the roller bodies of the roller and the opposing roller are pressed against each other. When shifting from the stationary position to the load position, the roller is movable to an intermediate position where the roller bodies of the roller and the opposing roller merely contact each other. Here, it is proposed that the rotating shafts of the roller and the opposing roller are aligned with each other such that, in the intermediate position, the roller bodies of the roller and the opposing roller have a common contact area that is smaller than the load position when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating shaft of the roller. The proposed structure seems insufficient, especially regarding the handling of the drafting mechanism, particularly during maintenance and / or when, for example, changing from one type of sliver to another type of sliver.

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is, in particular, to improve the handling of the drafting mechanism and thus the handling of the corresponding spinning machine.

[0004] The above object is solved by a load support having the features of claim 1. The above object is solved by a drafting mechanism having the features of claim 21.

[0005] Other features and details will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description and drawings. In that case, features and details described in relation to the load support will also apply in relation to the textile machine, use and method, and vice versa, and so they are always referred to or can be referred to with respect to the disclosure of individual embodiments. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the above problem is solved by a load support having the features of claim 1 in particular.

[0007] In the sense of the present invention, a roller of a draft mechanism according to a preferred embodiment, arranged on a load support, is understood below to be a top roller. An opposing roller of a draft mechanism, assigned to a roller to form a roller pair in the draft mechanism, is understood to be a bottom roller. Thus, in a cross-sectional view of the draft mechanism along the sliver transport direction, the top roller forms the roller positioned above the roller pair in perspective, and the bottom roller forms the opposing roller positioned below it in perspective. The bottom roller can preferably be arranged on a bottom roller support of a draft mechanism or textile machine.

[0008] According to the present invention, the spring is arranged in at least one housing and is designed to load the roller in a specified direction in which the roller contacts the support after it has been placed on the support, so that the roller's position moves away from the load support, in which case the contact direction is the direction in which the roller is positioned to contact the assigned opposing roller of the draft mechanism by pressing contact for sliver transport. This makes it possible to load between the roller and the opposing roller for drafting, for example, without providing a considerably complex and / or expensive structure. This makes handling easier and reduces resource costs.

[0009] The term "spring" specifically refers to a component of a load support designed to generate a specific load between a roller and an opposing roller, particularly in the loaded state of a draft mechanism, allowing a textile machine to stretch a sliver, for spinning yarn from a stretched sliver, or spinning yarn through a specified sliver feeder, or for performing other processes of the textile machine. This load may contribute to drafting and / or stabilizing the sliver in order to achieve desirable production parameters for the manufacturing method performed by the textile machine. Thus, springs can be positioned and designed to provide a specified force in a particular direction and define the load between the roller and the opposing roller, as described herein.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the housing can be intended to have a spring attachment that includes at least two tension positions for adjusting the load on the roller cooperating with the spring. This provides a simpler and less maintenance-intensive mechanical structure, thereby improving handling.

[0011] A spring mount is a structure, component, and / or assembly capable of housing and securing a spring to enable a particular load. With respect to a load support, a spring mount can be used to hold a spring used to apply a compressive force to a roller and to apply a compressive force to an opposing roller assigned via the roller.

[0012] The spring tension positions are, in particular, specific arrangements or settings of the spring on / within the spring mounting fixture, thereby tensioning the spring to apply a specific load, i.e., a compressive force correlated with a nip force, to the opposing roller via the tensioned roller. These tension positions are preferably selected such that a predetermined nip force assigned to each tension position is generated at the selected tension position, thereby stretching or stabilizing the sliver in the draft mechanism as needed, as desired for use in a particular manufacturing method. Each tension position can be assigned its own nip force, i.e., the nip forces of the individual tension positions are preferably different from one another.

[0013] Load adjustment, in particular, involves adapting the nip force in the nip line between the roller and the opposing roller to apply the load as needed. This can be achieved by selecting one of the spring tension positions so that the desired force can be transmitted to the opposing roller. Precise load adjustment improves sliver handling and allows for avoidance of potential damage or (incorrect / incorrect) stretching.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the load support has a torsion spring as a spring, with one spring arm of the torsion spring positioned to be adjustable between at least two tension positions without tools, and the other spring arm positioned to introduce the spring force to the support, particularly directly. The torsion spring can be adjusted between the aforementioned tension positions, particularly without tools (i.e., reversibly, particularly forward and backward). This improves handling by allowing easy adaptation, particularly to changes in load (and thus changes in the clamping force between the roller and the opposing roller). Alternatively or additionally, the spring can be designed and positioned as a compression spring to introduce a compressive force, particularly directly, to the support. This minimizes the friction points and thus minimizes the effects of tolerances.

[0015] Torsion springs, also known as leg springs, are springs that are rotatably movable and adjustable between at least two tension positions. In this case, the torsion spring may preferably have a spring body, such as a coil spring, from which two spring arms or spring legs may extend. In the case of a load support, a torsion spring can be used as a spring to generate a specified load between a roller and an opposing roller, depending on a particularly selected tension position.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing has a spring arm housing. The spring arm housing is preferably connected to a spring mount or formed integrally with the spring mount. More preferably, a spring mount having the spring arm housing is formed integrally with the housing. The spring arm housing is an assembly having cavities which can be formed in at least two, particularly three, and more particularly multiple housings for the spring arms of a torsion spring. These housings allow the spring arms of a torsion spring to be adjusted between tension positions assigned to each housing. In this case, one spring arm is rotated to a certain position, particularly relative to the main spring body, and the other spring arm cooperates with a part of the support, for example by engagement or support, thereby applying a compressive force to the support, and thus to the roller, according to the selected tension position and the tension caused thereby, thereby tensioning or pressing the roller against the assigned opposing roller when the load support is assembled to the draft mechanism.

[0017] The spring arm housing is positioned parallel to the rail, which will be described in particular elsewhere, and can therefore be positioned together with it via a calibration piece. This allows for precise positioning of the torsion spring in a single step, particularly by positioning the housing relative to the first or second reference structure, thereby improving the adjustment of the load between the roller and the opposing roller.

[0018] By using torsion springs as springs, the load can be easily adapted to changes without the need for special auxiliary means such as tools, thereby improving the handling of the load support. In this case, the torsion spring can be adjusted between tension positions without tools. This simplifies and reduces the effort required during maintenance or replacement of the rollers.

[0019] Alternatively, a compression spring may be provided as the spring. In this case, the compression spring is designed to extend in a direction parallel to the principal extension direction of the compression spring, and more particularly in a linear direction coinciding therewith, thereby biasing the assigned roller. This can be made possible, in particular, by the compression spring interacting with the assigned support of the roller via a spring plunger, thereby transmitting pressure to the roller which is movably supported in the tension direction (slidably), and this pressure can increase the pressure on the sliver to be stretched, although this pressure can be compensated by interacting with opposing structures such as an apron or opposing roller, for example, when the load support is assembled in the draft mechanism.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a compression spring can be biased at various positions in a spring mount enclosed by at least one housing, for example, to increase the spring tension to be transmitted to a sliver. For this purpose, the compression spring can be designed as a coil spring that can be compressed, for example, in the principal extension direction. Preferably, the spring housing of the spring mount, which is provided in at least one housing and in which the compression spring body is arranged, has at least two recesses that can be positioned at different heights, which can be connected by an exception (Ausnahme) within the spring housing, so as to form an F-shape or an E-shape, thereby allowing the compression spring to be biased accordingly. In this case, the compression spring can have an upper part from which a guide element protrudes so as to be guided in a cavity (Ausnehmung), or can be connected to such an upper part. In this case, the compression spring can be deflected by the pressing motion of the upper part, thereby allowing the compression spring to be compressed or extended in the direction of deflection. Lateral movement relative to the insertion direction can push the guide element into a recess (which may also be a cavity within the spring housing), thereby keeping the compression spring biased in its biased position. Each recess defines a tensioned position for the spring.

[0021] According to the present invention, the support and the housing are connected to each other via a rotary joint to move the top roller according to the spring load. This allows a corresponding compressive force to be generated or transmitted between the roller and the assigned opposing roller. In particular, because the rotary joint can transmit motion accordingly, it is intended that only a small or very small material load needs to be introduced to the load support material. This improves the adaptation to the newly adjusted load when replacing the sliver.

[0022] A rotary joint is a component of a load support that can be used to rotatably support a support in a housing and to allow the movement of a roller relative to an assigned opposing roller in accordance with a spring load. The rotary joint allows the roller to be positioned without the need to introduce a special material load into another component of the load support. This improves the adaptation to newly adjusted loads when replacing slivers.

[0023] In the case of a support structure, material load refers to the situation where the components of the support structure must absorb the force required to hold a roller in a desired position or to move the roller to that position. In such cases, rotational joints can help reduce or avoid this material load, as motion and force transmission can be carried out via them. This can improve the handling and durability of the support structure.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the load support can be further developed by first and second basic structures, as described below. This improves handling and facilitates sliver insertion.

[0025] A first reference structure can be formed and positioned on a load support, and a second reference structure can be formed and positioned on at least one housing. In this case, the first and second reference structures are designed and positioned to define the position of at least one housing relative to the load support and therefore to the draft mechanism when at least one housing is positioned adjacent to the first reference structure. This avoids disassembly of the load support, thus enabling precise positioning and adjustment of the housing and therefore the top roller, thereby further improving handling.

[0026] The term "reference structure" refers, in particular, to a load support or a contact surface or predefined portion of a housing that can be used to define the position and distance of the housing for the rollers in relation to a first or second reference structure. Thus, the first reference structure of the load support is a starting point for positioning the rollers in the draft mechanism in order to enable the precise and accurate positioning of the housing, and therefore the top roller. In this case, in particular, it is possible to avoid the need to remove the load support in order to adjust the distance between the rollers in the draft mechanism to a predefined relative position using a caliper or other (mechanical) measuring device.

[0027] Overall, both the reference structure and the spring offer the potential to improve the handling of load supports for rollers in the draft mechanism of a textile machine by enabling precise positioning and efficient loading between the roller and the opposing roller. In a preferred embodiment, the reference structure and the spring can be provided without the presence of the other component, but alternatively, they can complement each other, especially when present together. This is because they allow for the application of appropriately needed loads at the correct spatial position along the direction of sliver movement in the draft mechanism, for example, to adjust the parameters of a method for manufacturing sliver for yarn production.

[0028] The roller may be a circular body (cylindrical, conical, and especially frustoconical) that can be used to stretch a sliver in a drafting mechanism. The structure of the roller may have a roller body with a rotation axis and may further have support parts at one or more locations, which can be used to rotatably position it on a support, the support being designed to position the roller on the load support. In this case, a housing can be designed and positioned to house at least a portion of the support of the roller, thereby enabling the roller to be positioned on the load support.

[0029] The load support can be designed and arranged to transition from an open state, such as a maintenance state, to a closed state, such as a load state or a force application state. To take the maintenance state, the draft mechanism can be opened to allow access to both the opposing roller and the roller of the load support, and the load support can be at least partially or completely moved or left moved. In a preferred abutment state where the open and closed states can be taken, the draft mechanism can be closed, but the roller and the opposing roller may only be in contact with each other in some cases, that is, in particular, only placed on each other and not pressed against each other. This abutment state is advantageous for checking the mutual alignment of the roller and the opposing roller. Furthermore, this can protect the top roller, especially when the operating part stops or the machine stops. Otherwise, in the load state, the top roller may be pushed into the structure of the bottom roller to which it is assigned and damaged. In particular, only in the load state, which can also be called the draft state, the force required for the active operation of the fiber machine can be exerted between the roller and the opposing roller, enabling stretching in the draft mechanism. This load state can also be called the operating state.

[0030] In the load support according to the preferred embodiment, preferably a roller, more preferably, in the draft mechanism according to the preferred embodiment, the counter roller can also be supported via two laterally protruding supports (shafts), that is, supports protruding laterally from the accommodating portion, on both sides of the assigned accommodating portion. Alternatively, a consistent support or a consistent support shaft can be provided. In the preferred embodiment, a roller supported only on one side can also be provided. The roller is guided by at least one bearing, whereby the roller is supported rotatably about a rotation axis in its support, and the support of the roller can be accommodated only on one side by the accommodating portion of the load support. The rotation axis of the roller, also called the rotation shaft, is arranged such that, in particular, they extend on the same straight line as the rotation axes of the roller bodies of the respectively assigned counter rollers. In other preferred embodiments, the rotation axes of the roller and the counter roller can form an angle with each other, and this angle can be selected as prescribed with respect to the requirements imposed on the slivers to be conveyed and stretched.

[0031] When the sliver passes between the roller and its counter roller at the load position of the draft mechanism, as can be the case during the operation of the draft mechanism, in particular each roller body applies a compressive force in the form of a nip force to this sliver, and the applied force extends perpendicular to the rotation axis of the roller body. However, this nip force may not be constant based on the bending elasticity of the rotation axis, the play between the roller body and the rotation axis, and / or the play between the rotation axis and the corresponding bearing, and may affect both the draft result and the sliver conveyance result. As explained elsewhere, this can be appropriately adjusted by adapting the load acting on the roller body to that load and thus the nip force accordingly.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the first reference structure may be configured to have at least one reference surface, particularly milled, as a stopper, and the second reference structure may be configured to have at least one reference opposing surface, particularly milled, as an opposing stopper. This improves handling and facilitates roller adjustment, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0033] The reference surface or reference opposing surface is, in particular, a surface within or on the load support, or within or on the housing, which is designed by machining (e.g., milling) to be used as a reference for positioning the housing. In this case, at least one housing can be designed to position the roller on the load support by having a support for housing at least one top roller, where the roller can be positioned according to the needs in the sliver conveying direction.

[0034] A stopper or opposing stopper is an exemplary special form of a reference structure, particularly a reference surface. The stopper or opposing stopper is a surface or component used to establish a connection between a portion of a load support and at least one housing, more preferably between at least one housing and another housing, thereby forming a defined positioning of the housing to be positioned, and therefore the corresponding support of the roller, and therefore the corresponding roller itself. The housing can be positioned on or against the stopper or opposing stopper to hold the roller in a desired position, and more preferably to fix it in a precise position therein (in which case the roller remains rotatable, and only its relative position to the load support is fixed).

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the reference surface and the reference opposing surface are designed to define the positioning of at least one housing by mutual contact between the reference surface and the reference opposing surface when at least one housing is to be positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the reference surface and the reference opposing surface are designed to define the positioning of at least one housing by interposing a calibration piece when at least one housing is to be positioned, the calibration piece is positioned between the reference surface and the reference opposing surface and designed to contact them in order to adjust the position of at least one housing relative to a load support.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one calibration piece can be assigned to the load support to define and adjust, according to the needs, the distance between the two housings and / or the distance of at least one housing to the first reference structure, and thus the position of the rollers in the draft mechanism. This improves handling and facilitates the replacement of slivers.

[0037] The calibration piece, in particular, is a calibration piece having a specified thickness and can be placed between the reference structure and adjacent housings, and / or between housings for roller supports in the load support, thereby defining the relative position of the housing with respect to the reference structure, particularly as a reference plane. In this case, the calibration piece can be formed with different thicknesses to allow different distances depending on which relative position of the roller is desired for the reference structure for a particular application (corresponding combinations are possible when used individually). The thickness of the calibration piece can preferably be 20 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 15 mm to 7 mm. In another preferred embodiment, a calibration piece with a thickness of 12 mm to 9 mm can be used.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, one of the first and second reference structures is designed as a convex portion, with the end face side of the convex portion facing either the sliver transport direction or the opposite direction forming a reference surface or reference opposing surface, and the other of the first and second reference structures has a recess that fits the convex portion for accommodating the convex portion, with the end face side of the recess facing the direction of the convex portion and accordingly forming a reference opposing surface or reference surface. The reference surface and the reference opposing surface are more preferably designed to abut each other for positioning at least one housing portion or with a calibration piece interposed therebetween, the calibration piece being designed to be positioned between the reference surface and the reference opposing surface and to abut the reference surface and the reference opposing surface for adjusting the position of at least one housing portion relative to the load support as specified. This further improves handling and makes sliver replacement easier.

[0039] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least two housings can be provided, each housing having a second reference structure as described herein and either another second reference structure or a first reference structure as described elsewhere, the second reference structure being designed and positioned to define the position of one housing relative to a load support when that housing is positioned adjacent to a first reference structure of the load support in at least one of the two housings, and the second reference structure being designed and positioned to define the position of the other housing relative to an already positioned housing or to a load support when that housing is positioned adjacent to a first reference structure or another second reference structure of the already positioned housing in at least one of the two housings. Thus, the principle of positioning a housing using a reference structure can also be applied to positioning another housing, thereby further improving handling and making sliver replacement even easier. In particular, the reference structures are preferably positioned and formed on opposite end faces of the housings. This allows the two housing sections, which should be positioned adjacent to each other, to be easily positioned on opposite sides, simplifying their precise positioning as described elsewhere.

[0040] In that case, more preferably, at least one calibration piece may be assigned to the load support and designed to be positioned between two adjacent reference structures, whether first and second reference structures or two second reference structures, and to abut against these reference structures, in order to adjust the position of one of the housings to the other adjacent, already positioned housing, or to the load support, as described above.

[0041] The aforementioned concept preferably allows for the arrangement of multiple housings in the load support relative to each other by an initial orientation of the load support with respect to a first reference structure. In this case, preferably, this orientation serves as a reference point for all housings. In this preferred embodiment, it can be intended that the housings for the (first) rollers used, particularly the exit top roller, can be positioned in the load support to take a predetermined relative position with respect to the first reference structure. According to a preferred embodiment, this can, for example, abut against a first reference structure which may preferably be formed as a reference surface. The housings may preferably house the support and, more preferably, the springs detailed below, and may form a single assembly consisting of multiple parts in particular to bring them together into an assembly.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one recess extending along the sliver transport direction of the draft mechanism can be formed in the load support by defining its lateral side with a rail, and at least one housing can be fixed to the load support along the sliver transport direction by at least one recess and rail after taking a predetermined position.

[0043] Rails are provided and designed on the load support, preferably for arranging housings, and more preferably for arranging each calibration piece together with the housings on the load support. In this case, the calibration pieces can be fastened in particular between two housings (as corresponding assemblies) or between at least one housing and the load support. In this case, the rails can be used as a fixing structure that allows the positions of the rollers to be fixed together, for example, by screwing the housings to the load support from above at specific relative positions. This facilitates the insertion and replacement of slivers, which can be done simply by opening the load support (corresponding to the draft mechanism), and then the rollers can be removed together with the support and replaced with new or different rollers. In this case, in particular, corresponding positioning changes can be made if necessary or desired. Otherwise, positioning relative to the reference structure can be done via the rails so that the positioning is maintained. The rails can be aligned to have a specific longitudinal direction in order to allow the rollers to be arranged in a specific order along the sliver transport direction. This arrangement can contribute to improving the handling of the load support and facilitating the replacement of slivers.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the load support may have a pressing piece for positioning the support (and consequently the roller itself) of the roller to be placed. The pressing piece can be designed to be formed and positioned in at least one of the housings, preferably by engaging with a groove formed in the support, so as to position the support in the housing, particularly to lock it in place. This facilitates handling of the roller and makes it easier to replace the support with the roller.

[0045] The pressing piece is a component that may be designed to position a support for a roller, which is preferably to be positioned, and to hold it in a specific relative position (in particular, understood as a distance position relative to the housing). The pressing piece is preferably positioned on the load support, more preferably on the housing, and locks the support for the roller so that the roller can be held in a position as needed (in particular, understood as a distance position relative to the housing).

[0046] In the context of this invention, "needs-based" is understood to be synonymous with "required," "appropriate," "needs-oriented," "desired," or "corresponding." This refers to measures that are, for example, determinable, definable, or selectable in order to achieve appropriate, needs-oriented, or desired goals or outcomes.

[0047] To position the pressing piece in the housing, a groove into which the pressing piece can engage can be formed in the support, thereby allowing the support to be locked into the housing. The locking can be performed, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the support parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller supported by the support. If a force such as a compressive or tensile force is applied to the support in the longitudinal direction, the pressing piece can be pushed back, thereby overcoming the locking force that keeps the support locked by the pressing piece, and thereby allowing the support, together with the roller, to be removed, especially without tools.

[0048] The pressing piece allows the roller to be positioned and locked in the housing at the required position, for example, along the longitudinal axis of the support, without the need for additional tools, especially measuring devices or tools, thus enabling simple handling and facilitating the replacement of the support with the roller.

[0049] The pressing piece may be, for example, an engaging element for engaging with a groove in the support, which is biased in the longitudinal direction of the support under a specified spring compression force and is positioned in the housing so that the support can be replaced and placed in the housing.

[0050] The pressing piece allows the support, and therefore the roller, to be removed from the housing or load support without tools. This improves handling, as it facilitates roller replacement, for example, when wear occurs or when the spinning method is changed, as different roller characteristics may be suitable for a different sliver.

[0051] In that case, "no tools required" specifically refers to the possibility that no special tools or other auxiliary means are needed to remove or position the rollers. In particular, tools such as screwdrivers, battery-powered screwdrivers, calipers, and pliers are not needed.

[0052] The fact that at least one roller can be removed from the housing using a support means, in particular, that a structure is provided that allows the roller support to be easily removed from a particular location without the need for additional auxiliary means such as tools. This allows for the easy and quick replacement of at least one roller, especially in the event of wear or when the spinning method needs to be changed. In such cases, removal can be performed, for example, by pulling the support, without the need for additional auxiliary means such as tools to overcome locking forces, as described elsewhere.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the load support has a locking device designed and positioned to move the load support between a closed state, as illustrated elsewhere, and an open state, as illustrated elsewhere, particularly by a pivoting motion around a fixture, and to lock the load support to a draft mechanism or textile machine in the closed state, the locking device being located downstream of the last housing or upstream of the first housing in the sliver conveying direction. This allows for structural reinforcement to restrict and limit the relative mobility of the top roller and bottom roller, thereby improving the stretching of the sliver. Furthermore, the adjustment area of ​​the load support for adjusting the load on the top roller is not covered or hidden by the locking device, so that it can be freely accessed at least in the closed state, and more preferably in the open state.

[0054] In that case, the locking device can preferably be designed as a lever having a handle, the handle can be connected to the gripper via the lever so as to cause the gripper to come into contact with an opposing piece by a pivoting or feeding motion in order to lock the load support, thereby allowing the top roller and bottom roller to be locked in their relative positions in a draft mechanism equipped with a load support.

[0055] In this case, the top roller is positioned so that it is located further above the spinning machine floor, in particular, relative to the assigned bottom roller. Thus, the load support that supports the top roller allows the top roller to be moved away from the bottom roller. For this purpose, the locking device can be opened, thereby releasing the load arm and thus the top roller from the bottom roller. Next, the load arm can be moved away from the bottom roller by a pivoting motion, particularly in part in the height direction, in order to interrupt the combination of the top and bottom rollers, thereby to reach, remove, and / or insert, for example, a sliver to be stretched between them, and / or to perform prescribed maintenance measures on, for example, the load support or its components.

[0056] The locked state can be understood as one state, and the unlocked state can be understood as another state. The open state can also be understood as another state, i.e., when the load arm is pivoted to a position where it can access the intermediate space between the top roller and the bottom roller. In this case, the pivoting motion can be performed in particular around a fixture, such as a rod to which the load support, its base and / or its load arm can be connected to the spinning machine. In a preferred embodiment, the fixture can be screwed to the spinning machine. In another preferred embodiment, the fixture can be welded to the spinning machine or otherwise connected reversibly or irreversibly.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking device is located downstream of the last containment in the sliver transport direction. The last containment may be a containment for supporting the outlet top roller. The outlet top roller is used to deliver the sliver out of the draft mechanism in a form that is maximally stretched according to the corresponding setting, so that it can be further processed by the spinning machine. The outlet roller pair may be a combination of an outlet top roller and an outlet bottom roller. In this case, the outlet top roller or the outlet roller pair can contribute to stretching the sliver as the last roller or last roller pair along the sliver transport direction in the operating state of the draft mechanism.

[0058] According to an alternatively preferred embodiment, the locking device is located upstream of the first housing in the sliver transport direction. The first housing may be a housing for supporting the inlet top roller. The inlet top roller is used to receive the sliver from the sliver feeder and / or pre-buffing unit and guide it into the stretching area of ​​the draft mechanism. The inlet roller pair may, in particular, be a combination of an inlet top roller and an inlet bottom roller. In that case, the inlet roller or inlet roller pair may be intended to be a first roller or first roller pair that can contribute to stretching along the sliver transport direction in the operating state of the draft mechanism.

[0059] The upstream placement of the locking device allows the structure to allow a certain degree of basic flexibility in the relative positioning of the top and bottom rollers. This is particularly due to the fact that the locking device is positioned closer to the pivot area, for example, around the fixture, than in other preferred embodiments. In other words, in this case, the area between the locking device and the exit top roller does not need to be fixed as rigidly.

[0060] The downstream placement of the locking device allows the structure to achieve high fundamental structural rigidity in the relative positioning of the top and bottom rollers. This is particularly due to the locking device enabling locking at the outer end of the load support to achieve secure retention. In other words, in this case, since the locking device is positioned on the load arm downstream of the rollers along the sliver conveying direction, the area between the locking device and the exit roller can be firmly fixed.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the load support comprises a base that is pivotable around a fixture for the load support, and a load arm connected to the base, wherein at least one housing is positionable on the load arm, and more preferably fixable thereto, as illustrated elsewhere.

[0062] Preferably, the base has bearing points on the fixture in order to allow the base to pivot around the fixture. The bearing points are designed to define the pivot range of the load support, thereby enabling the load support to pivot around the fixture. This is advantageous for further reinforcement of the load support structure. In this case, there may be increased material usage compared to other preferred embodiments. In this case, the bearing points can be designed as part of the base of the load support. The bearing points can, in particular, function as a rotary joint to enable the pivoting motion of the load support around the fixture in a spinning machine.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the substrate of the load support can be intended to have a pre-focuser. The substrate can preferably be designed and positioned to house at least a portion of the pre-focuser, which is designed to pre-focus and supply the slivers of the top roller, which is initially positioned in the sliver conveying direction, to the load support. This allows the pre-focuser to be connected to the substrate at a predetermined position.

[0064] Furthermore, preferably, the mounting fixture may be designed and positioned to form a permanent fixed portion of the pre-focuser. In this case, the mounting fixture may be intended to form at least one sliver supply portion of the pre-focuser together with the base. This allows the pre-focuser to be connected to the structure in a specified position.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the pre-focuser can be designed to have a swivel portion. This swivel portion can be formed together with the permanently fixed portion of the pre-focuser so that when transitioning to an open state, it moves together with the base in the process of moving around the fixture, and when closed, particularly locked, the sliver can be guided by the permanently fixed portion to the swivel portion of the pre-focuser, thereby forming and positioning the pre-focuser on the base of the load support so that the sliver is pre-focused and delivered to an inlet roller located downstream along the sliver transport direction. By combining the design of the swivel portion of the pre-focuser with the base and the design of the permanently fixed portion of the pre-focuser with the fixture, it becomes possible to grip the sliver, in particular when the two parts move relative to each other. This ensures that the sliver does not slip off the pre-focuser, for example, when maintenance work on the load support or draft mechanism is required.

[0066] More preferably, the pre-focuser may have an extension. This extension may be designed in particular as a sliver nozzle, and its inner diameter is narrower than the remaining guide structure located upstream of the pre-focuser. This allows the sliver to be transported as specified and further focused. The extension may extend beyond the area where the pre-focuser is formed in another component. The other component may be, for example, a load support, a load arm, a base and / or support for the load arm. In other words, the extension forms the last component of the pre-focuser in the sliver transport direction. This allows the sliver to be guided particularly precisely in the direction of the inlet roller, thereby reducing vibration and / or lateral movement of the sliver in particular.

[0067] The extension can be formed as a hollow body, such as a tubular structure, and may have a cylindrical shape, for example. This can improve the guide and provide protection against external influences. Alternatively or partially additionally, the extension can be designed to be open on one side, preferably the top side. This allows access to or visibility of the pre-focusing machine or the extension. More preferably, to allow for further pre-focusing according to the needs of the sliver, the extension can be designed so that its inner diameter tapers in the direction of sliver transport. This taper can be designed to be continuous or partial.

[0068] More preferably, the extension can be positioned on the pre-bundler in a tool-free, replaceable manner. This makes it easy to use different pre-bundler diameters for various fiber materials without replacing the entire pre-bundler. For example, the extension and / or pre-bundler may have locking and / or clipping connectors for positioning and attaching the extension to the pre-bundler.

[0069] In yet another independent embodiment, the draft mechanism may have at least one load support, as described elsewhere. This allows the advantages, features, and effects described in this regard to be used to describe the draft mechanism, as already described elsewhere.

[0070] A draft mechanism is a device that can be used to draft or stretch a supplied sliver, as described elsewhere. A draft mechanism can also be called a roller mechanism, and in particular consists of at least two pairs of rollers, each having a corresponding roller and an opposing roller. This independent embodiment of a draft mechanism is a draft mechanism for a textile machine for preparing a supplied sliver in accordance with the rules before it is processed into yarn by, for example, a device of the textile machine located downstream of the draft mechanism.

[0071] In yet another independent embodiment, the textile machine may have at least one load support and / or at least one draft mechanism, as described elsewhere. Thereafter, the advantages, features, and effects mentioned in this regard can be used to describe the textile machine, as already described elsewhere.

[0072] Textile machinery is a machine that can be used to process or treat raw materials for the manufacture of textiles. Preferably, textile machinery is a roving machine such as a card or flyer, or a spinning machine such as an air-jet spinning machine or a ring spinning machine, each equipped with a draft mechanism having a load support for processing sliver. Generally, textile machinery may be a machine equipped with a draft mechanism having a load support for a top roller for processing sliver.

[0073] In independent embodiments, the use of load supports and / or draft mechanisms and / or textile machinery can be used to achieve or implement the advantages and effects of their features, as will be described in particular with respect to the individual embodiments and as has already been described elsewhere.

[0074] When using a load support and / or a draft mechanism and / or a textile machine as described elsewhere, the sliver can be guided in the pre-bundler, particularly with respect to the draft mechanism and / or load support, to be supplied to the inlet roller of the draft mechanism in a closed state. Particularly with respect to the draft mechanism and / or load support, in the open state, the sliver can be clamped between the permanently fixed part and the swivel part, particularly with respect to the draft mechanism and / or load support, by transitioning to the open state by the swivel part of the pre-bundler swiveling relative to the fixed part of the pre-bundler.

[0075] In yet another independent embodiment, a method for replacing at least one roller can be designed. This method may include a step of transitioning the load support from a closed state to an open state, as described elsewhere. This method may include a step of removing at least one roller by moving the support axially with respect to the axis of the support relative to the housing in order to remove the support from the housing. This method may include a step of replacing the roller and / or the support. This method may include a step of placing the support (having a new roller / having another roller) into the housing. Thus, the advantages, features, and effects mentioned in this regard can be used to describe methods already described elsewhere.

[0076] The use of load supports, as described elsewhere, includes, in particular, applying mechanical force to rollers to generate or alter tension in the sliver. Load supports are used, for example, in textile machinery to stretch the sliver before manufacturing yarn, as described elsewhere.

[0077] The use of a draft mechanism, as described elsewhere, involves applying mechanical force to rollers, in particular, to draft or stretch the sliver. A draft mechanism is used, for example, in one of the textile machines described above, to stretch the sliver, for example, before manufacturing yarn.

[0078] The use of textile machinery, as described elsewhere, includes, in particular, the use of textile machinery for producing roving or yarn. This may include the use of one of the textile machinery described elsewhere. The textile machinery is equipped with load supports and / or draft mechanisms to enable the corresponding process.

[0079] In yet another independent embodiment, a method may be provided for positioning at least one housing having a support for housing a top roller on a load support described herein. This method includes the steps of placing at least one housing on the load support and positioning at least one housing adjacent to a first reference structure relative to the load support, the positioning being done by bringing a second reference structure into contact with the first reference structure, or by using a calibration piece interposed between the first and second reference structures. Thus, the advantages, features, and effects mentioned in this regard can be used to describe methods already described elsewhere.

[0080] Preferably, this method may include a further subsequent step of securing at least one housing to a load support by fastening means designed and positioned to fix the housing to the load support in a fixed position. This allows for an acceptable positioning of at least one housing.

[0081] More preferably, this method includes the steps of positioning at least one additional housing on a load support and positioning at least one additional housing relative to a load support adjacent to an already positioned housing, wherein the positioning is performed by using a calibration piece interposed between each of the second reference structures of the already positioned housings and the at least one additional housing positioned adjacent thereto. This allows all housings of the load support to be positioned relative to the first reference structure of the load support and, more preferably, fixed in place to the load support by assigned fixing means. Thus, the advantages, features, and effects mentioned in this regard can be used to illustrate methods already described elsewhere.

[0082] The positioning method is, in particular, a method of positioning one or more housings relative to each other or to a load support at a specific position. This can be done by using a calibration piece that can be inserted into or removed between reference structures.

[0083] The step of removing a calibration piece, in lieu of or in addition to the step of inserting a calibration piece, relates in particular to adding a calibration piece in lieu of or in addition to removing a calibration piece between reference structures in order to improve the positioning of the housing. This step allows the position of the housing, and therefore ultimately the position of the rollers, to be precisely adjusted and adapted in the direction of the sliver transport to meet specific requirements or to optimize the behavior of the draft mechanism in operation.

[0084] In yet another independent embodiment, a method may be formed for loading a roller against an opposing roller. This method may include the step of adjusting a spring between at least two tension positions in a spring fixture, as will be described elsewhere. Thus, the advantages, features, and effects mentioned in this regard can be used to describe methods already described elsewhere.

[0085] A method of loading a roller against an opposing roller may involve applying a specific force to the roller to press it against the opposing roller with a desired compressive force, thereby generating a specific nip force between the roller and the opposing roller, which is then used to transmit this nip force to a sliver moving between them. This method can be achieved by using a spring that can be adjusted between at least two tension positions.

[0086] By adjusting the spring between these tension positions, the nip force that can be applied by the roller can be adjusted and adapted to achieve a specific load. Therefore, this method can enable the adaptation of the nip force between the roller and the opposing roller, and contribute to the smooth functioning of the draft mechanism or textile machine, thereby achieving improved product quality.

[0087] Therefore, the process of adjusting the spring between at least two tension positions in the spring mounting fixture can be carried out by moving the spring from one tension position to a desired tension position, as illustrated elsewhere.

[0088] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which details exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. Herein, the features mentioned in the claims and specification are considered essential to the invention, either individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0089] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a load support having a top roller. [Figure 2] This is a schematic top view showing an embodiment of Figure 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment. [Figure 3B] This is a schematic side view of the top roller, including a cross-sectional illustration. [Figure 4] This is a schematic top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2, including an illustration of the adjustment area. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a load support having a top roller. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a load support having a top roller. [Figure 5C] These are schematic cross-sectional views of embodiments shown in Figures 5A and 5B. [Figure 6A] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic side views of the embodiment of the load support having a top roller in the closed position. [Figure 6B] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic side views of the embodiment with a load support having a top roller in the open position. [Figure 7] Figures 5A to 6B are simplified schematic bottom views of an embodiment of a load support having a top roller.

[0090] The same designation is used for components and structures of the same function and / or type.

[0091] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a load support 16 of a draft mechanism 10 having a plurality of top rollers 20. In this embodiment, the load support 16 is designed to accommodate four top rollers 20, in particular in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, where the first top roller 20 in the direction of the arrangement of the top rollers 20 along the sliver transport direction (not shown) forms an inlet top roller 21 for introducing the supplied sliver (not shown) into the stretching area of ​​the draft mechanism 10. The last top roller 20 in the direction of the arrangement of the top rollers 20 along the sliver transport direction, i.e., the fourth top roller 20 in this exemplary embodiment, forms an outlet roller 23 for sending the sliver out of the draft mechanism 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the top rollers 20 are passively driven. In other words, the driving of the top rollers 20 in the operating state of the draft mechanism 10 is done via bottom rollers (not shown) that are assigned to each of the top rollers 20, rotate in contact with them, and are driven in particular individually. According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the top rollers 20 can also be driven, in particular independently, to assist in the sliver transport in the sliver transport direction or the opposite direction as required. This allows the pre-focusing machine 70 to begin moving to guide the sliver into the area of ​​the draft mechanism 10 between the bottom rollers, optionally at least one apron (not shown) and the assigned top rollers 20 (again, an apron may be provided, again not shown in detail for clarity) in order to stretch the sliver as required.

[0092] In order to connect the top roller 20 to the load support 16 and position it thereon, the top roller 20, and therefore the inlet top roller 21 and / or outlet top roller 23, can also be positioned in their respective assigned housings 39 via the support 38.

[0093] A suction device 36 can be positioned on the outlet top roller 23 and, in this exemplary embodiment of the outlet top roller 23, on the apron top roller 22 positioned upstream in the sliver conveying direction. Through this suction device, fiber residue can be sucked up using a hose 34 and funnel elements 34A connected to the hose (for clarity, only one funnel element 34A is shown for the apron top roller 23). Each funnel element 34A has one end connected to the assigned hose 34 and the other end having a contour that preferably coincides with the outer surface of the assigned top roller 20 to partially cover or conceal its outer surface. The suction device 36 can be clipped to a support 38, particularly using a clipping device 92, on which the apron top roller 22 or outlet top roller 23 can be positioned. For this purpose, the clipping device 92 may have a retaining device 91 provided and designed to hold the funnel elements 34A at a specified distance from the outer surface of the top roller 20. Furthermore, the clipping device 92 may have a clipping element 93 for clipping to the support 38. More preferably, the clipping device 92 can be designed to hold an apron retainer 22A (Figure 2) for placement between the apron top roller 22 and the outlet top roller 23, in which case the apron surrounds the apron top roller 22 and the apron retainer 22A as usual when the draft mechanism 10 or load support 16 is in operation, and handles the supplied sliver as usual.

[0094] The load support 16 has a base 30, which can be manually, i.e., by hand, via a handle 32, or automatically by a service robot (not shown), transition from a draft state, which is a load state in which the top roller 20 together with the associated bottom roller can form a nip force, or which can also be called a closed and locked state Z1, to a contact state in which this nip force can be lost. To maintain the draft mechanism 10, the base 30 can be transitioned to an open state Z2, which is a maintenance state (Figure 6B). The open state is characterized in that the top roller 20 of the load support 16 is separated from the respective assigned bottom rollers. In this case, the maintenance state defines one of several possible open states. In this case, the base 30 can be attached to a textile machine via a fixture 28, and the base 30 can be positioned on the fixture 28 so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis L of the fixture 28 (Figure 2). In this case, the handle 32 can be designed as part of a locking device 31 that can perform a pivoting motion via a lever 35 rotatably supported on a joint 60, thereby locking a gripper 33 (also called a gripping device) located on or formed with the lever 35 into contact with a mating piece of the textile machine or fixture 28, thereby locking the load support 16 having the top roller 20 against the bottom roller, causing it to move from an open state Z2 or a different open state to a locked closed state Z1 corresponding to an operating state, draft state, or loaded state. Thus, the handle 32 allows pivoting motion of the load support 16 according to the needs between the open state Z2 or between the open state and the locked state Z1. In this case, according to a preferred embodiment, further states can be provided to allow measures to be taken according to the needs of the load support 16. To allow improved access to the underside of the load support 16, for example, another open state can be provided following the open state Z2 in the opening direction of the load support 16. Furthermore, preferably, another open state can be provided between position Z2 and position Z1, sufficient to allow handling, for example, a spring 24.Furthermore, another closed state can be provided between state position Z1 and state position Z2, in which the compressive force of the top roller 20 on the assigned bottom roller is smaller than in the closed state Z1 at the same spring position. This other closed state may be, for example, the contact state described above.

[0095] The load support 16 has a load arm 76 projecting from the base 30, and in this preferred exemplary embodiment, a sac 39 is provided on the load arm 76 for accommodating one of the four top rollers 20 on one side. In an alternatively preferred (not shown) configuration, the sac 39 may be designed to accommodate two top rollers 20. The base 30 and the load arm 76 are preferably formed integrally from the same material, but alternatively preferably in multiple configurations and more preferably from different materials.

[0096] Adjacent to the base 30, the pre-buffing unit 70 is positioned on a mounting fixture 28 so that the slivers supplied to the draft mechanism 10 are accurately guided to the nip area of ​​the inlet roller pair of the draft mechanism 10. The pre-buffing unit 70 is clipped to the mounting fixture 28, or alternatively, it can be fitted into the mounting fixture 28 or fixed to the mounting fixture 28 by bracket fixing. The pre-buffing unit 70 has a funnel-shaped inlet whose opening width tapers towards the funnel outlet 78 in the direction of the draft mechanism 10 in order to buff the slivers. A sliver supply unit 79 is positioned downstream of the funnel outlet 78 in the sliver transport direction so that the pre-buffed slivers can be accurately guided towards the inlet top roller 21. In this embodiment, the sliver supply unit 79 is formed integrally with the funnel 77.

[0097] According to this preferred exemplary embodiment, the housing 39 has a spring arm housing 49 for housing a spring 24, and the spring arm housing 49 is connected to a spring mount 42 for holding the spring 24. Furthermore, the housing 39 includes a support mount 54 for mounting a support 38 for supporting the top roller 20. The support 38 can be designed to support one or two top rollers 20. The support mount 54 is connected to the spring mount 42 via a rotary joint 55. The rotary joint 55 can be of a conventional structure and design. Basically, the rotary joint 55 allows the support mount 54 to rotate about an axis extending parallel to the axis of the support 38 or the axis of the top roller 20. The rotary joint 55 can preferably be formed by a joint pin protruding into a pin opening, the joint pin being positioned in the support mount 54 or the spring mount 42, and the pin opening being positioned to engage with the spring mount 42 or the support mount 54 accordingly. According to an exemplary embodiment, the joint pin can be formed by a joint rod 56 that protrudes beyond the housing channel at both ends of the housing channel of the support fixture 54, thereby being located outside the housing channel and appropriately allocated, and can be accommodated by a pin opening located in the spring fixture 42.

[0098] More preferably, when the housing 39 is positioned on the load support 16 or load arm 76, a reference structure 61 can be formed and / or positioned within or on the load support 16, particularly on the load arm 76, to define the position of at least one of the top rollers 20 (here, referring to the inlet top roller 21, apron top roller 22, and outlet top roller 23, unless otherwise explicitly stated or unless impossible on the basis of technical logic for those skilled in the art) relative to the load support 16 or load arm 76, and therefore to the draft mechanism 10. This is illustrated accordingly in Figures 4 and 7. In this case, Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the load support 16 shown in Figures 1 to 3, while Figure 7 shows a simplified schematic diagram that is incomplete with respect to the components of the bottom view of the load support 16 shown in Figures 5A to 6B according to another embodiment. In this case, the reference structure 61 may have a reference surface 62 that can be designed and positioned to position the housing 39, each having a top roller 20, relative to this reference surface 62. This is made possible, in particular, by providing a fixed or predetermined end position on the load support 16 or load arm 76 for the housing 39 of the first or last top roller 20 in the direction of the top roller 20 arrangement. A corresponding reference structure 61 can be assigned to this end position, and these can be used accordingly as a positioning reference for the top roller 20, support 38, or housing 39. In this case, the reference structure 61 can be designed as a reference surface 62, and the housing 39 to be positioned adjacent to it can be brought into contact with this reference surface, in particular directly, or alternatively indirectly via at least one calibration piece (not shown). In this case, when the housing 39 is in the correct or desired position in the direction of sliver transport, the screw 74 can be tightened, as also shown in Figures 1 and 2, thereby relatively locking the desired position of the housing 39 on the rail 25. Here, the corresponding load support 16 "carries together" its own reference structure 61, making it possible to adjust the draft mechanism 10 according to the requirements of use without measuring using tools such as calipers.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the reference structure 61 is formed as a protrusion on the load arm 76, and is particularly formed integrally with the load arm 76 from a single piece, and more preferably milled. Alternatively, the reference structure 61 can be positioned and fixed to the load arm 76. Even more alternatively, the reference structure 61 can be positioned and fixed to the base 30, or formed integrally with it from a single piece. The reference structure 61 has a reference surface 62, which in this exemplary embodiment is used as a stopper surface of the housing 39 of the outlet top roller 23. The housing 39 more preferably has a reference opposing surface 63 that is positioned and formed to abut against the reference surface 62. Even more preferably, the reference opposing surface 63 is assigned to a reference opposing structure formed by a recess, particularly a milled recess. Both the reference opposing surface 63 and the reference surface 62 point in the direction of possible displacement of the housing 39 extending along the sliver conveying direction. In this exemplary embodiment, the reference surface 62 and the reference opposing surface 63 are formed by a convex portion and a concave portion, the convex portion being formed in the load support 16 and the concave portion being formed in the housing portion 39. Needless to say, in an exemplary embodiment not shown, the load support 16 can have a concave portion instead of a convex portion, and accordingly, a convex portion can be formed that coincides with the housing portion 39 without departing from the concept of relative positioning described.

[0100] The outlet top roller 23 can be precisely positioned in the load arm 76 by displacing the housing 39 for the outlet top roller 23 until the reference opposing surface 63 contacts the reference surface 62. After this positioning is complete, the housing 39 can be fixed in place with screws 74. Further housing 39s for the apron top roller 22, top roller 20, and inlet top roller 21 can be positioned similarly, in which case it must be considered that the next top roller 20 adjacent to the top roller 20 to be positioned must be positioned in the sequence. The housing 39s for these top rollers 20 can also similarly have reference surfaces 62 and / or reference opposing surfaces 63 that allow for the interposition of a calibration piece, as described above. In particular, the housing 39s of the draft mechanism 10 are similarly, more preferably identically, designed so that the draft mechanism 10 can be easily assembled. In this regard, it is preferable that the housing 39s have reference opposing surfaces 63 on opposite end faces facing along the sliver conveying direction. Alternatively, at least one housing section 39 may be configured to have, for example, a reference opposing surface 63 on an end face facing the sliver transport direction, and a reference structure 61, particularly a reference surface 62, on the opposite end face, for example, correspondingly facing away from the sliver transport direction. Further alternatively, these arrangements may be reversed or swapped.

[0101] Figure 4 is a top view of an embodiment of Figure 2 showing the adjustment range possible by using a calibration piece. In this case, for example, the calibration piece may have a thickness of 20 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably in the range of 15 mm to 7 mm, so that a suitable spacing can be set between the housing sections 39. In other embodiments, for example, a calibration piece with a thickness of 12 mm to 9 mm can be used. In this case, the calibration pieces can be shifted from each other by 5 mm, especially by 2 mm, and especially by 1 mm, thereby enabling fine adjustment of the positioning of each housing section 39. In this case, the top rollers 20 located upstream of the exit top roller 23 along the sliver transport direction may be provided with a total of three adjustment areas, one adjustment area for each top roller 20: an adjustment area for an adjustable distance along the sliver transport direction of the inlet field width 68, assigned to the inlet top roller 21 in this exemplary embodiment; an adjustment area for an adjustable distance of a first central field width 66, assigned to the top roller 20 located downstream of the inlet top roller 21 in the sliver transport direction in this exemplary embodiment; and an adjustment area for an adjustable distance of a second central field width 64, assigned to the apron top roller 22 in this exemplary embodiment. An adjustable distance of the exit field width assigned to the exit top roller 23 is not shown, but such an adjustable distance can also be provided in embodiments not shown. For this purpose, for example, a calibration piece can be brought into contact with a reference structure 61 or reference surface 62, and the housing 39 of the exit top roller 23 is brought into contact with the calibration piece, thereby positioning it, and then fixed to the housing 39 using screws 74.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the spring 24 in the spring mounting fixture 42 can be positioned on the load support 16 by the housing 39, and after the top roller 20 is positioned on the housing 39, the position of the top roller 20 can be designed to load in the direction of the opposing roller as specified in the draft state. In this case, the spring 24 can be designed as a torsion spring 90, as illustrated herein. In Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 4, as an example for greater clarity, the situation in which the second spring arm 48 of the spring 24 is in the shipping state F0 position of the load support 16 is shown in particular. Thus, the spring 24 is not tensioned here to protect it for shipping. As an example of adjustment, in particular in Figure 3B, the setting of the F1 position of the second spring arm 48 is shown. In this case, those skilled in the art will understand that the corresponding positions F1, F2, and F3 can be selected according to the needs, for example according to their respective applications, and that these positions F1, F2, and F3 each define the tension position of the spring 24. For clarity, only the F0 position is shown in Figure 3B, but no further details are provided. The F0 position may correspond to, for example, the vertical position of the second spring arm 48, as shown in the figure.

[0103] As shown in and described in relation to Figure 3B, in particular, three different configurations of the spring 24 can be provided in the spring arm housing 49 of the spring mount 42 for the spring 24, particularly for the torsion spring 90, which is shown here as a cross-sectional view by dashed lines. In this case, the line of sight is illustratively shown by small arrows in Figure 3A for better understanding. In this case, in order to bring tension to the spring 24, a second spring arm 48 can be positioned as shown in Figure 2 in a top view, and in particular, three spring arm housings can be provided. In this case, the tension of the spring 24 can increase as the second spring arm 48 moves from the factory position F0 to positions F1 to F3. By creating boundaries between the spring arm housings 49 for the spring 24, it is possible to prevent the spring 24 from shifting from one of the tensioned positions F1, F2, F3 or the initial position F0 to another position. According to this exemplary embodiment, the boundary is designed as a partition between adjacent spring arm housings. Therefore, each spring arm housing 49 has a U-shape when viewed from above or below. Alternatively, the spring arm housing 49 can be formed in a C-shape or other shape, as long as it allows for the housing and removal of the spring arm.

[0104] The torsion spring 90 has a first spring arm 44 that can transmit a load to the top roller 20 to which it is actuated. For this purpose, according to this exemplary embodiment, the housing 39 is articulated such that a spring mount 42 is rotatably connected via a rotary joint 55 to a support mount 54 for mounting a support 38, and the first spring arm 44 is actuated to the support mount 54 or alternatively to the support 38 so that the top roller 20 can be pressed against an opposing roller or bottom roller (not shown). In this case, the first spring arm 44 can be rested on the support mount 54 or the support 38 by spring compression force depending on the selected tension positions F1, F2, F3. In this case, the spring mount 42 is designed to mount the spring body 43 of the torsion spring 90.

[0105] Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in the perspective side view of Figure 1 and the top view of Figure 2. In this case, it can be seen that the housing 39 has a spring mounting fixture 42 on which the spring body 43 of the spring 24 or torsion spring 90 is arranged. In this case, the first spring arm 44 is positioned on the movable member 40 of the support fixture 54, and as shown in Figure 1, the movable member can be moved via the joint connection 55 to release the tension or spring tension introduced through the second spring arm 48 through tension positions F1, F2, F3 by at least partially releasing the tension or spring tension by the first spring arm 44. This allows a specified load on the top roller 20 to be formed so that a specified nip force is formed with the assigned bottom roller (not shown). The support 38 is positioned in the housing 39 and the support can be pushed into the housing 39 up to the contact area 41. In this case, the pressing piece 46 provided with the housing 39 can engage with the groove 47 of the support 38 to lock the support. This allows the top roller 20, which is rotatably supported on the support 38 in a bearing 52 that may be a typical rolling bearing, to be positioned at a defined relative distance from the housing 39. Here again, the load support 16, in particular, together with its housing 39, forms a corresponding independent reference system to eliminate the need for external measurement and / or tools. In this case, when pulling in a tensile direction 50 parallel to the spread of the longitudinal axis of the support 38, the locking force (Arretierkraft) of the pressing piece 46 can be overcome, thereby allowing the top roller 20 to be removed from the housing 39 together with the support 38 without the use of any tools. For this purpose, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressing piece 46 can be spring-biased and positioned and held in the housing 39.

[0106] To facilitate handling of the spring 24 from above the load arm 76, the load arm includes first and second recesses 57, 58 in particular, through which the housing 39 can be fixed to the load arm 76 on the one hand, and the springs 24 supported by the housing 39 can be handled from above the load arm 76 on the other hand. Handling of the spring 24 is made possible through the first recess 57 through which the spring arm housing 49 passes. According to this preferred exemplary embodiment, the first recess 57 is realized by an elongated hole in the load arm 76. The elongated hole is sized so that the spring arm housing 49 can pass through and be guided along the elongated hole. The second recess 58 is positioned parallel to and adjacent to the first recess 57, and the second recess 58 is also designed as an elongated hole. This forms a rail 25 between the first and second recesses 57, 58. Through the second recess 58, each housing 39 can be fixed in the desired position by fastening means such as screws 74. In that case, the screw 74 can also be handled from above the load arm 76.

[0107] Figure 5A shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the load support 16 having a top roller 20. In this case, differences from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 and described in this regard will be noted in particular. In this case, the spring 24 can be designed as a compression spring 80. In this case, the spring 24 or compression spring 80 can be arranged to bias at least one assigned top roller 20 by linear tension transmission, as illustrated in Figure 5C and described in this regard. Figure 5B shows a schematic perspective side view of the embodiment of the load support 16 having a top roller 20 of Figure 5A. In this case, in particular, the alternative embodiment of the locking device 31 looks better. A suction device 36, which may be optionally arranged in some cases, can be implemented in exactly the same way as in the embodiments described above, although the hose 34 and fittings for the hose 34 and funnel element 34A are not shown for clarity.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the load support 16 is designed in two parts: a base 30 and a load arm 76 fixed to the base 30. As shown in the figure, the fixing can be done in particular by screw connections. Alternatively, preferably, the attachment of the load arm 76 to the base 30 can be done in a force-coupled, shape-coupled and / or material-coupled manner than other common types of attachment.

[0109] The load arm 76 in this embodiment has the same locking device 31 as described above. Therefore, by moving the locking device 31, for example by operating the handle 32, the gripper 33 can be locked by engaging with the corresponding opposing structure (not shown). The locking device 31 can be released, thereby moving the top roller 20 and the bottom roller apart from each other, particularly by moving the handle 32 in a different direction, to a state Z2 partially shown in Figure 6B and described in this respect. By moving the handle 32, a lever 35 to which the handle 32 may be connected can be moved away from engagement with the mating piece in order to release the locking device 31 and therefore the load support 16 or the load arm 76. This allows the load support 16 and therefore the draft mechanism 10 to be opened, and the load arm 76 can be moved apart from each other, particularly by the base 30 pivoting together with the load arm 76 around a fixture 28 of the textile machine, which is a fixture 28 that can form a bearing 37. Therefore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the top roller 20 is lifted from the bottom roller.

[0110] The locking device 31 is positioned, in particular, closer to the exit top roller 23 than to the inlet top roller 21, and especially at the free end face side of the load arm 76, contrary to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described in Figures 1A to 4. For this purpose, the free end face side of the load arm 76 may have a fixture 28 that rotatably houses a lever 35, the fixture 28 being connected to the lever 35 via a joint 60 such that the lever 35 is movable relative to the load arm 76 about a joint axis. The end face side arrangement is advantageous for more secure locking of the load arm 76, thereby forming a particularly rigid structure that more firmly fixes the relative positions of the top roller 20 and the bottom roller compared to, for example, the embodiments in Figures 1A to 4.

[0111] According to this preferred embodiment, the base 30 can be configured to form a more reinforced structure, for example, by forming more material. Alternatively or additionally, a support portion 19, which may be a material reinforcement of the base 30, can be formed around the bearing 37 surrounding the fixture 28, and this material reinforcement can also move together with the rotation of the load arm 76. As described elsewhere, a swivel portion 72 of the pre-focuser 70 can be formed in part of the support portion 19, in particular as part of the base 30 of the load support 16. This may have a sliver nozzle 75 as an extension 73 of the pre-focuser 70. The sliver nozzle 75 can be positioned in the pre-focuser 70 so as to be replaceable non-destructively without tools, for example, by locking connections and / or clip connections. Thus, the pre-focuser 70 may have an opening into which the end face side of the sliver nozzle 75 can be inserted for locking connections. For this purpose, a locking projection can be formed on the end face side of the sliver nozzle 75, which surrounds the opening edge after being inserted into the opening on the opposite side of the top roller 20 of the pre-bundling machine 70. Because it is interchangeable, it is possible to use sliver nozzles 75 of various dimensions that can be adapted to the sliver being processed and / or the yarn produced therefrom.

[0112] According to this preferred embodiment, the pre-bundler 70 further has a permanently fixed portion 71 formed on a part of the mounting fixture 28. In other words, the mounting fixture 28 is designed to have a sliver guide portion forming the permanently fixed portion 71 at the location where the pre-bundler 70 is to be placed, and this sliver guide portion forms a functional member of the pre-bundler 70 when it is placed on the mounting fixture 28. In this exemplary embodiment, the permanently fixed portion 71 or sliver guide portion is formed in a trough shape and extends over a predetermined surface portion of the mounting fixture 28. This ensures reliable guidance of slivers from a spinning can (not shown) located below the load support 16. The trough shape can be designed and adapted according to the sliver supply.

[0113] When the base 30 moves together with the pre-focusing device 70 around the mounting fixture 28 in the direction of state Z2, the permanent fixing portion 71 or the sliver guide portion does not move together, and as a result the opening of the pre-focusing device 70 moves relative to the permanent fixing portion 71, thereby tightening the sliver guided through the pre-focusing device 70 in the open state of the load support 16, thereby reliably preventing the sliver from slipping off during handling in the draft mechanism 10.

[0114] Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiments of Figures 5A to 5B. Here, instead of the torsion spring 90, a compression spring 80 is shown as spring 24, in place of the torsion spring 90, to allow adjustment of the biasing of the top roller 20 relative to the bottom roller, as in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4. For this purpose, a coil spring body 82 can be placed in a spring housing 84 to press a pressure plunger 86 against the support 38, for example, to push the top roller 20, which is positioned on the support 38, toward an assigned opposing roller such as the bottom roller, and possibly downward, through the apron, as in an apron roller pair. In this case, the pressure can be transmitted accordingly via a rotary joint 55, as will be described elsewhere. The spring housing 84 can be placed in a spring mounting fixture 88. In this case, in particular, the upper spring portion 85 is designed and positioned to be guided within the spring housing 84, and a guide device (not shown) is designed to guide within a recess 87 of the spring housing 84 so that the compression spring 80 can be selected, here exemplary, between a first tension position F1 or a second tension position F2. In this case, the guide device can guide the coil spring body 82 in a vertical rail arranged in cross-section, where the coil spring body 82 is compressed or extended by a pressing motion as the upper spring portion 85 is pushed in more deeply or moves outward. By rotational motion (or lateral motion in other preferred embodiments), the guide device can be moved within a horizontal recess so that the respective first tension position F1 or second tension position F2 can be selected and set. In this case, the de-tensioning position is preferably achieved by F0 when the coil spring body 82 is maximally de-tensioned, thereby causing the upper spring portion 85 to deflect maximally upward.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressing plunger 86 can engage with a groove or other recess in the support 38 to fix the support 38 axially within the housing 39 without using the pressing piece 46 described above, thereby achieving the same advantages described above in relation to the pressing piece 46. Moreover, this allows for a simpler design of the housing 39. Furthermore, at the preferred position F0, the compression force of the compression spring 80 can be provided so that the support 38 can be easily removed by overcoming the small remaining compression spring force. Of course, the support 38 can also be removed at the tensioned positions F1 and F2, but a corresponding tensile force is used to overcome the compression spring force.

[0116] Figure 6A shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the load support 16 having the top roller 20 in Figures 5A and 5B in a closed, particularly locked, position, and thus in a closed-locked state Z1. Figure 6B shows a schematic side view of the exemplary embodiment of the load support 16 having the top roller 20 in Figures 5A and 5B in an open position Z2, which is brought about by a transition by pivoting the load arm 76 together with the base 30 and the support portion 19, and the resulting rotation of the mounting fixture 28 around the bearing 37. In the closed-locked state Z1, the pivotable portion 72, together with the permanently fixed portion 71, forms a substantially linear guide structure of a pre-focusing machine 70 for guiding the sliver, in order to guide the sliver and, in particular, to enable pre-focusing. In this case, pre-focusing can be achieved by forming a guide structure in which the pre-focusing machine 70 tapers along the sliver conveying direction, in other words, by the opening width of the pre-focusing machine 70 decreasing continuously or stepwise along the sliver conveying direction.

[0117] By opening the load support 16, or moving it in the direction of state Z2, or generally to the open position, an angular position between the permanently fixed portion 71 and the swivel portion 72 is made possible. The swivel portion 72 can be formed at least partially on at least one component such as the support portion 19 (this is an exemplary case), the base 30, or the load arm 76. This angular position results in tightening of the sliver guided by the pre-focusing device 70, thereby preventing the sliver from slipping off the pre-focusing device 70.

[0118] Similarly, as illustrated, an extension 73, specifically designed as a sliver nozzle 75, can be designed to pull the sliver away from the rest of the pre-concentrator 70, extending the guide of the sliver in the direction of the draft mechanism 10 in the operating position (closed and locked state Z1), thereby stabilizing the sliver, especially when moving in the direction of the draft mechanism 10. Furthermore, this makes it possible to accurately guide the sliver in the direction of the first top roller 20 or the inlet roller 21. As described above, in order to achieve further convergence of the sliver as specified, depending on the selected opening diameter of the sliver nozzle 75, the sliver nozzle 75 may preferably have an opening width that tapers along the sliver conveying direction.

[0119] The word "can" specifically indicates an optional feature of the invention. Therefore, there are also variations and / or embodiments of the invention that additionally or alternatively possess one or more of each of these features.

[0120] From the combinations of features disclosed herein, individual constituent elements may be extracted as needed, and structural and / or functional relationships that may arise between the features may be resolved and used in combination with other features to differentiate the subject matter of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 10 Draft Mechanism 16 Load support 19 Bearing part 20 Top Roller 21 Entrance Top Roller 22 Apron Top Roller 23 Exit Top Roller 24 springs 25 rails 28 Mounting hardware 30 Substrate of load support 31 Rock 32 handle 33 Grippa 34 hoses 34A Funnel elements 35 Lever 36 Suction device 37 Bearings 38 Support 39. Detention Unit 40 Moving parts 41 Contact area 42 Spring mounting bracket 43 Spring Body 44. First spring arm 46 Pressing piece 47 Groove 48. Second spring arm 49 Spring arm housing 50 Tensile direction 52 Bearings 54 Supporting device 55 Rotating Joint 56 Joint Rod 57 First recess 58 Second recess 60 joints 61A First Basic Structure 61B Second Basic Structure 62 Reference plane 63 Reference opposing surface 64. Adjustable distance of the second central field width 66. Adjustable distance of the first central field width 68 Adjustable distance of the entrance field width 70 pre-focusing machine 71 Permanent fixing part of the pre-focusing unit 72 Rotatable part of the front focusing unit 73 Extension of the front focusing unit 74 screws 75 Sliver Nozzle 76 Load Arm 77 Funnel 78 Funnel Exit 79. Sliver Supply Unit 80 Compression spring 82 Coil spring body 84 Spring Housing 85 Upper part of spring 86 Pressure plunger 87 Recess 88 Spring mounting bracket 90 Torsion spring 91 Holding device 92 Clip device 93 clipping elements F0: Tension release state F1 First Tension Position F2 Second tension position F3 Third Tension Position Long axis of the L-shaped mounting bracket Z1 Closed, locked state Z2 Open

Claims

1. A load support (16) for a top roller (20) of a draft mechanism (10) of a textile machine, comprising at least one housing section (39) having a support (38) for housing at least one of the top rollers (20), A load support (16) characterized by a spring (24) positioned in at least one housing (39) and designed to load the top roller (20) in a specified direction toward contact with the top roller (20) away from the load support (16) after the top roller (20) has been positioned on the support, wherein the direction toward contact is the direction in which the top roller (20) is positioned to contact by pressing contact with the bottom roller of the draft mechanism (10) for sliver transport, and the support (38) and the housing (39) are connected to each other via a rotary joint (55) so that the top roller (20) can move in accordance with the load of the spring (24).

2. The load support (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing portion (39) has spring mounting fixtures (42, 88) including at least two tension positions (F1, F2, F3) for adjusting the load of the top roller (20) in accordance with the tension position.

3. The load support (16) according to claim 2, wherein the spring (24) is a torsion spring (90), and one spring arm (48) can be positioned to be adjustable between the at least two tension positions (F1, F2, F3) without tools, and the other spring arm (44) is positioned to introduce the spring force to the support (38), in particular directly.

4. The load support (16) according to claim 3, wherein the housing portion (39) has a spring arm housing portion (49) which is connected to or integrally formed with the spring mounting fixture (42), and the spring arm housing portion (49) has a cavity in which at least two housing portions are formed for one of the spring arms (48) of the torsion spring (90), and each of the at least two housing portions is assigned one of the tension positions (F1, F2, F3).

5. The load support (16) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring (24) is a compression spring (80) and is designed and arranged to introduce a compressive force, particularly directly, to the support (38).

6. The load support (16) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing (39) has a spring mounting fixture (88) designed to hold the compression spring (80) in at least two tension positions (F1, F2) along the compression direction of the compression spring (80).

7. A load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a first reference structure (61A) of the load support (16) and a second reference structure (61B) of the at least one housing portion (39), wherein the first reference structure (61A) and the second reference structure (61B) are designed and arranged to define the position of the at least one housing portion (39) relative to the load support (16) when the at least one housing portion (39) is arranged adjacent to the first reference structure (61A).

8. The load support (16) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first reference structure (61A) has at least one reference surface (62) as a stopper, particularly milled, and the second reference structure (61B) has at least one reference opposing surface (63) as an opposing stopper, particularly milled.

9. The load support (16) according to claim 8, characterized in that the reference surface (62) and the reference opposing surface (63) are designed to define the position of the at least one housing portion (39) by mutual contact between the reference surface (62) and the reference opposing surface (63) when the at least one housing portion (39) is positioned, and / or to define the position of the at least one housing portion (39) by interposing a calibration piece when the at least one housing portion (39) is positioned, and the calibration piece is positioned between the reference surface (62) and the reference opposing surface (63) and is designed to contact the reference surface and the reference opposing surface in order to adjust the position of the at least one housing portion relative to the load support (16) as specified.

10. One of the first and second reference structures (61A, 61B) is designed as a convex portion, and the protruding surface on the end face side facing in the direction of the sliver transport or in the direction opposite to the sliver transport direction forms the reference surface (62) or the reference opposing surface (63), and the other of the first and second reference structures (61A, 61B) has a recess that fits the convex portion for accommodating the convex portion, and the recess surface on the end face side faces in the direction of the convex portion surface and accordingly forms the reference opposing surface (63) or the reference surface (62), and the reference surface (62) and the reference opposing surface (63) are in particular designed to abut each other or with a calibration piece in between in order to position the at least one accommodating portion (39). The load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the calibration piece is positioned between the reference surface (62) and the reference opposing surface (63) and is designed to contact the reference surface and the reference opposing surface in order to adjust the position of the at least one housing portion (39) relative to the load support (16) as specified.

11. At least two housing sections (39), each of the housing sections (39) having a second basic structure (61B), and one of the two housing sections (39) having either another second basic structure (61B) or a first basic structure (61A), The second reference structure (61B) is formed and positioned in one of the at least two housing sections (39), and defines the position of the one housing section (39) relative to the load support (16) when the one housing section (39) is positioned adjacent to the first reference structure (61A). The load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second reference structure (61B) is formed and positioned on the other of the at least two housing portions (39), and comprises at least two housing portions that define the position of the other housing portion (39) relative to the already positioned housing portion (39) or the load support (16) when the other housing portion (39) is positioned adjacent to the first reference structure (61A) or another second reference structure (61B) of the already positioned housing portion (39).

12. The load support (16) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one calibration piece is assigned to the load support (16) and is positioned between the reference structures (61A, 61B) of two adjacent housings (39) to be arranged adjacent to each other, in order to adjust the position of one of the housings (39) relative to the other adjacent, already positioned housing (39) or relative to the load support, and is designed to abut against the reference structures.

13. A load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by at least one recess (57) extending along the sliver transport direction of the draft mechanism (10) and laterally defined by a rail (25), wherein the at least one housing (39), after being in a predetermined position, can be fixed to the load support (16) along the sliver transport direction by the at least one recess (57) and the rail (25).

14. The load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the pressing piece (46) is formed and arranged in the housing portion (39) to position, in particular lock, the support (38) in the housing portion (39), and more particularly lock by engaging with the groove (47) of the support (38).

15. The load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the load support (16) has a locking device (31) designed and positioned to move the load support (16) between a closed state (Z1) and an open state (Z2) by pivoting particularly around a mounting fixture (28), and to lock the load support (16) to the draft mechanism (10) or the textile machine in the closed state (Z1), wherein the locking device (31) is positioned downstream of the last housing section (39) or upstream of the first housing section (39) in the sliver conveying direction.

16. The load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising a base (30) that can pivot around a mounting fixture (28) for the load support (16), and a load arm (76) connected to the base, wherein the at least one housing portion (39) can be positioned on the load arm (76).

17. The load support (16) according to claim 16, characterized in that the base (30) is designed and positioned to house, in particular to form, at least a portion of the pre-focusing machine (70), the pre-focusing machine (70) is designed to pre-focus and supply the slivers of the top roller (20) that is initially positioned in the sliver transport direction to the load support (16).

18. The load support (16) according to claim 17, characterized in that the load support (16) is arranged on a mounting fixture (28) that forms a permanent fixing portion (71) of the pre-focusing device (70).

19. The load support (16) according to claim 18, wherein the pre-focusing device (70) has a rotatable portion (72), and the rotatable portion is formed and arranged on the base (30) of the load support (16) such that it moves together with the base (30) when transitioning to the open state (Z2) in order to guide the sliver without being obstructed by the rotatable portion (72) of the pre-focusing device (70) by the permanently fixed portion (71), and in the closed state (Z1), the pre-focusing device (70) is completely formed on the load support (16) together with the permanently fixed portion (71) of the pre-focusing device (70).

20. The load support (16) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the pre-binder (70) has an extension (73), particularly a sliver nozzle (75), which forms the last component of the pre-binder (70) in the sliver conveying direction.

21. A draft mechanism (10) comprising at least one load support (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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