Fiber bundle focusing device for spinning machines

Abstract

To provide a fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine that can reduce the accumulation of blown cotton and the jamming of foreign matter in the drive parts while maintaining engagement between all drive parts and passive parts. [Solution] The fiber bundle focusing device has a drive gear 31 for transmitting the rotation of the countershaft 30 to the deliver bottom roller. The drive gear 31 is connected to an intermediate gear that transmits power to the deliver rotating shaft. The plurality of countershafts 30 include a first countershaft 30A located on the countershaft drive unit 104 side in the axial direction, and a second countershaft 30B located on the opposite side of the countershaft drive unit 104 from the first countershaft 30A. The axial length of the first drive gear 311 of the first countershaft 30A is shorter than the axial length of the second drive gear 312 of the second countershaft 30B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine.

Background Art

[0002] The fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine pre-converges the fiber bundle drafted by a drafting device before twisting. By this convergence, yarn quality such as reduction of hairiness and yarn strength is improved. Such a fiber bundle converging device has, for example, a plurality of condenser units and a plurality of countershafts as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Each condenser unit has a rotating shaft and a plurality of delivery bottom rollers. The plurality of delivery bottom rollers are provided on the rotating shaft and rotate integrally with the rotating shaft. A passive gear is provided on the rotating shaft. A driving gear is provided on the countershaft. The driving gear meshes with the passive gear of the rotating shaft. When the driving gear rotates together with the countershaft, the passive gear of the rotating shaft is rotated. As the passive gear rotates, the delivery bottom rollers rotate together with the rotating shaft. When the delivery bottom rollers rotate, the fiber bundle is conveyed at the locations where each delivery bottom roller is provided in the condenser unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a fiber bundle focusing device, for example, the countershaft expands axially due to rising ambient temperature and contracts axially due to falling ambient temperature. As a result, the position of the drive gear also shifts axially relative to the countershaft. To maintain the meshing between the passive gear and the drive gear even with axial displacement of the drive gear, it is preferable to lengthen the drive gear axially to account for the displacement of the drive gear due to the axial thermal expansion and contraction of the countershaft. However, the longer the drive gear is axially, the more likely it is that blown cotton will accumulate on the drive gear or that foreign matter will get caught in it, which is undesirable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A fiber bundle concentrator for a spinning machine to solve the problem is provided on a rotating shaft and has a plurality of deliverable bottom rollers for transporting fiber bundles, a suction unit for applying a suction action to the fiber bundles, a ventilation apron that rotates along the suction unit, and a deliverable top roller that rotates together with the deliverable bottom rollers and contacts them via the ventilation apron, and a plurality of condenser units for concentrating the drafted fiber bundles, a counter shaft for rotating the rotating shaft, a plurality of counter shafts arranged in the axial direction of the counter shaft, a drive source for driving the plurality of counter shafts from the first end side, and a connection between the axially adjacent counter shafts and the counter shaft The system includes a coupling that rotates integrally with the bottom roller, the second ends of the plurality of countershafts being movable in the axial direction, each of the plurality of countershafts having a drive unit for transmitting the rotation of the countershaft to the delivery bottom roller, the drive unit being connected to a passive unit that transmits power to the rotating shaft, the plurality of countershafts having a first countershaft positioned on the drive source side in the axial direction, and a second countershaft positioned on the opposite side of the drive source side from the first countershaft, the axial length of the drive unit of the first countershaft being shorter than the axial length of the drive unit of the second countershaft being shorter

[0006] According to this, during thermal expansion or contraction, each of the multiple countershafts expands or contracts in the same way. During thermal expansion or contraction, the second end of each of the multiple countershafts is displaced axially by an amount equal to the sum of the axial displacement of the first countershaft and the displacement of the second countershaft. Therefore, the displacement of the second countershaft during thermal expansion and contraction is greater than that of the first countershaft. In other words, the first countershaft, located on the drive source side, experiences less axial displacement due to thermal expansion and contraction compared to the second countershaft. Therefore, even if the length of the drive unit on the first countershaft is shorter than the length of the drive unit on the second countershaft, the connection between the drive unit and the passive unit can be maintained. For example, unlike the case where the axial length of all drive units is the same as the length of the drive unit on the second countershaft in order to maintain the connection between the drive unit and the passive unit, the area of ​​the drive unit relative to the entire countershaft can be reduced. As a result, for all drive units, while maintaining engagement with the passive unit, the accumulation of blown material and the jamming of foreign objects on the drive unit can be reduced.

[0007] Regarding the fiber bundle converging device of a spinning machine, if the axial length of the part consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling is L1, and the axial length of the part consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling is L2, and the coefficient of linear expansion of the coupling, the first countershaft and the second countershaft is α, and the temperature rise from the reference temperature is ΔT, and the temperature drop from the reference temperature is ΔT', and the amount of axial elongation of the part consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling due to the temperature rise is s1, and the amount of axial elongation of the part consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling is s2, then s1 = L1 × ΔT × α is set. Furthermore, it is preferable that s2 = (L1 + L2) × ΔT × α be set, and that the amount of axial contraction of the part consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling due to the temperature drop be t1, and the amount of axial contraction of the part consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling be t2, then t1 = L1 × ΔT' × α and t2 = (L1 + L2) × ΔT' × α be set, and that the length in the axial direction of the drive part in the first countershaft be w1, the length in the axial direction of the drive part in the second countershaft be w2, and the length in the axial direction of the passive part be u, then w1 = u + s1 + t1 and w2 = u + s2 + t2 be set.

[0008] According to this, only two types of drive units are needed: one with length w1 and one with length w2. By setting a minimum number of drive units, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of blown material on the drive units and the jamming of foreign objects on the drive units while maintaining engagement with the passive units.

[0009] Regarding the fiber bundle focusing device of a spinning machine, if the axial length of the combined portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling and the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling is defined as the total length, then the boundary between the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling and the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling is preferably located at a position that is approximately half of the total length.

[0010] According to this, the first countershaft and the second countershaft can be switched at approximately the halfway point, making the installation of multiple countershafts easier.

[0011] Regarding the fiber bundle converging device of a spinning machine, the countershaft is positioned between the out-end head and the gear-end head, the first end of the countershaft is connected to the drive source on the gear-end head side, and the second end is movable in the axial direction on the out-end head side. The maximum length of the countershaft is defined as the axial length of the countershaft when the number of spindles is at its maximum, and the total length is defined as the axial length of the combined portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling and the second countershaft and the coupling. It is preferable that the portion of the total length that is half the maximum length from the first end of the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling is formed by the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling, and the remaining portion of the total length is formed by the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling.

[0012] According to this, among the multiple countershafts, the number of first countershafts will be greater than the number of second countershafts. In other words, the number of drive units in the first countershaft will be greater than the number of drive units in the second countershaft. As a result, the accumulation of blown material and the jamming of foreign objects in the drive units can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention makes it possible to reduce the accumulation of blown cotton and the jamming of foreign objects in the drive unit while maintaining engagement between the drive unit and the passive unit for all drive units. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a spinning machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing the condensation unit removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the condensation unit and power transmission device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the coupling and countershaft. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the first drive gear and the intermediate gear. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the second drive gear and the intermediate gear. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a fiber bundle focusing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] This document describes one embodiment of a fiber bundle consolidation device for a spinning machine. <Spinning machine> As shown in Figure 1, the spinning machine 10 includes a drafting device 11 (only the front roller pair 111 is shown), a fiber bundle concentrator 20, a plurality of roller stands 50, an integrated support plate 51 on each roller stand 50, an out-end head 101, and a gear end head 102. The direction in which the out-end head 101 and the gear end head 102 face each other is defined as the longitudinal direction X of the spinning machine 10.

[0016] The gear end head 102 incorporates a front bottom roller drive unit 103 and a countershaft drive unit 104. Both the front bottom roller drive unit 103 and the countershaft drive unit 104 are motors. The front bottom roller drive unit 103 rotates the rotating shaft 112a of the front bottom roller 112 of the drafting device 11 to be described later. The countershaft drive unit 104 rotates the countershaft 30 of the fiber bundle converging device 20 to be described later. Therefore, the countershaft drive unit 104 is a drive source for driving the countershaft 30. The axial direction of the countershaft 30 coincides with the longitudinal direction X.

[0017] The plurality of roller stands 50 are arranged between the out end head 101 and the gear end head 102 in the longitudinal direction X, and the plurality of roller stands 50 are arranged at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction X. The support plates 51 are fixed one by one to both sides of each roller stand 50 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0018] Each roller stand 50 rotatably supports a plurality of rotating bodies via bearings not shown. In FIG. 1, each roller stand 50 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 112a of the front bottom roller 112 and the countershaft 30.

[0019] <Drafting device> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the drafting device 11 has a front roller pair 111. Although not shown, the drafting device 11 has a back roller pair and a middle roller pair in addition to the front roller pair 111. The front roller pair 111 is arranged on the downstream side in the delivery direction of the fiber bundle F than the back roller pair and the middle roller pair.

[0020] The front roller pair 111 includes a front bottom roller 112 and a front top roller 113. The front top roller 113 is made of rubber, while the front bottom roller 112 is made of metal. The front bottom roller 112 is formed by enlarging the diameter at multiple points in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 112a. Therefore, the front bottom roller 112 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 112a. The rotating shaft 112a, and consequently the front bottom roller 112, are rotated by the front bottom roller drive unit 103. The front top roller 113 is rotatably supported by a support arm (not shown).

[0021] The drafting device 11 drafts the fiber bundle F by utilizing the difference in peripheral speed between the front roller pair 111, the middle roller pair (not shown), and the back roller pair. The fiber bundle F drafted by the drafting device 11 is sent from the front roller pair 111 toward the fiber bundle concentrator 20.

[0022] <Fiber bundle focusing device> As shown in Figure 1, the fiber bundle focusing device 20 is positioned between the out-end head 101 and the gear end head 102 in the longitudinal direction X. The fiber bundle focusing device 20 includes a plurality of condensing units 21, a plurality of countershafts 30, the countershaft drive unit 104 described above, and a plurality of couplings 70. The fiber bundle focusing device 20 has a plurality of countershafts 30 such that eight weights constitute one unit, and one countershaft 30 corresponds to one unit.

[0023] <Condensing Unit> The condensing unit 21 focuses the fiber bundles F that have been drafted by the drafting device 11. The condensing unit 21 focuses the fiber bundles F that have been delivered by the front roller pair 111 while sucking them up.

[0024] The condensing unit 21 includes a plurality of delivery bottom rollers 23, one suction section 24, the same number of ventilation aprons 25 as the number of delivery bottom rollers 23, the same number of guide sections 29 as the number of delivery bottom rollers 23, a plurality of delivery top rollers 26 as the number of delivery bottom rollers 23, and a pair of end caps 21a. In one embodiment, the condensing unit 21 has eight delivery bottom rollers 23, eight ventilation aprons 25, eight guide sections 29, and eight delivery top rollers 26.

[0025] Multiple delivery bottom rollers 23 are provided on the circumferential surface of a delivery rotation shaft 23a that rotates integrally with the multiple delivery bottom rollers 23. The multiple delivery bottom rollers 23 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the delivery rotation shaft 23a. The delivery rotation shaft 23a is the rotation shaft that rotates the delivery bottom rollers 23.

[0026] The delivery rotating shaft 23a has a passive gear 23b on its circumferential surface. The passive gear 23b rotates integrally with the delivery rotating shaft 23a, and consequently with the delivery bottom roller 23. The delivery bottom roller 23, together with the delivery top roller 26, nip the fiber bundle F and the breathable apron 25, and conveys the bundled fiber bundle F while sending it out in the delivery direction.

[0027] The suction unit 24 is a long pipe in the longitudinal direction X. The suction unit 24 has multiple suction holes 24a. The multiple suction holes 24a are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X. The suction unit 24 exerts a suction action on the fiber bundle F that has been sent out in the delivery direction by the front roller pair 111, and concentrates the fiber bundle F while sucking it up.

[0028] The breathable apron 25 is made of an endless woven fabric that ensures breathability. Each breathable apron 25 is wrapped around the delivery bottom roller 23, the area where the suction holes 24a are formed in the suction section 24, and the guide section 29. The suction section 24 exerts a suction action on the conveyed fiber bundle F via the breathable apron 25. The breathable apron 25 rotates along the suction section 24, the delivery bottom roller 23, and the guide section 29.

[0029] The Deliberi top roller 26 is a rubber roller. Each Deliberi bottom roller 23 is positioned opposite the Deliberi top roller 26. The ventilation apron 25 passes between the Deliberi top roller 26 and the Deliberi bottom roller 23. Each Deliberi bottom roller 23 rotates together with the Deliberi bottom roller 23 that it contacts via the ventilation apron 25.

[0030] The end caps 21a are located at both axial ends of the delivery rotation shaft 23a and the suction section 24. The end caps 21a rotatably support the delivery rotation shaft 23a and also support the suction section 24.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the condensation unit 21 is supported by support plates 51 facing the longitudinal direction X between adjacent roller stands 50 in the longitudinal direction X. More specifically, the condensation unit 21 is supported by the roller stands 50 by its end caps 21a being supported by a pair of support plates 51.

[0032] <Countershaft> As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the multiple countershafts 30 are arranged in the axial direction of each countershaft 30. Furthermore, the multiple countershafts 30 are positioned between the gear end head 102 and the out end head 101 in the spinning machine 10. The multiple countershafts 30 are also arranged in the longitudinal direction X so as to be aligned in a straight line. Each countershaft 30 rotates the delivery rotation shaft 23a of the delivery bottom roller 23 via a power transmission device 40, which will be described later.

[0033] The countershaft 30 has a long, large-diameter section 301 and small-diameter sections 302 extending from both axial ends of the large-diameter section 301. Note that Figure 4 is a schematic diagram, so the small-diameter sections 302 are shown with the same diameter as the large-diameter section 301. The large-diameter section 301 and the small-diameter sections 302 are located coaxially. The large-diameter section 301 has the same diameter in the axial direction, and the small-diameter sections 302 also have the same diameter in the axial direction. The axial length of the large-diameter section 301 is longer than the axial length of the small-diameter section 302. Each countershaft 30 is rotatably supported by the roller stand 50, with the large-diameter section 301 inserted into the roller stand 50. The countershaft 30 may also be supported by the roller stand 50 so as to be rotatable, by having one of its axially smaller diameter portions 302 be longer in the axial direction than the other smaller diameter portion 302, and by inserting the smaller diameter portion 302 into the roller stand 50.

[0034] The small-diameter portion 302 of each countershaft 30 is connected to the small-diameter portion 302 of another countershaft 30 that passes through the adjacent roller stand 50 on the gear end head 102 side by a coupling 70.

[0035] The output shaft 33 of the countershaft drive unit 104 is connected by a coupling 70 to the countershaft 30 closest to the gear end head 102 among a plurality of countershafts 30 arranged in a row. The output shaft 33 has a large diameter portion 301 and a small diameter portion 302 provided at one end of the large diameter portion 301 in the axial direction. The axial length of the output shaft 33 is shorter than the axial length of the countershaft 30, but may be longer than or equal to the axial length of the countershaft 30. The output shaft 33 is connected to the countershaft drive unit 104 at the end of the large diameter portion 301 opposite to the small diameter portion 302. The output shaft 33 rotates when driven by the countershaft drive unit 104. In addition, the output shaft 33 is connected by a coupling 70 to the small diameter portion 302 of an adjacent countershaft 30 in the longitudinal direction X at the small diameter portion 302. The fiber bundle focusing device 20 is located on the out-end head 101 side of the output shaft 33.

[0036] Furthermore, the support shaft 34 is connected by a coupling 70 to the counter shaft 30 closest to the out-end head 101 among the multiple counter shafts 30 arranged in a row. The support shaft 34 has a large diameter portion 301 and a small diameter portion 302 provided at one end of the large diameter portion 301 in the axial direction. The axial length of the support shaft 34 is shorter than the axial length of the counter shaft 30, but may be longer than or equal to the axial length of the counter shaft 30. The large diameter portion 301 of the support shaft 34 is rotatably supported on the out-end head 101 via a bearing 35 held on the out-end head 101, and the small diameter portion 302 is connected by a coupling 70 to the small diameter portion 302 of an adjacent counter shaft 30 in the longitudinal direction X. The support shaft 34 is supported on the out-end head 101 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction X (axial direction of the counter shaft 30). Therefore, among the multiple counter shafts 30 arranged in a row, the end of the counter shaft 30 closest to the out-end head 101 (the second end) is movable in the longitudinal direction X (the axial direction of the counter shaft 30). The fiber bundle focusing device 20 is positioned closer to the out-end head 101 than the support shaft 34.

[0037] <Coupling> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the coupling 70 includes a first connecting member 72, a second connecting member 73, and a bolt 80. The first connecting member 72 and the second connecting member 73 are semi-cylindrical in shape. Each of the first connecting member 72 and the second connecting member 73 is provided with a receiving recess 74. The receiving recess 74 is a recess for accommodating the small diameter portion 302. Each of the first connecting member 72 and the second connecting member 73 has a mating surface 75 that radially sandwiches the receiving recess 74.

[0038] The first connecting member 72 has through holes 72b formed therein. The through holes 72b open to the outer surface and mating surface 75 of the first connecting member 72. The through holes 72b are arranged in a line along the axial direction of the first connecting member 72 along the receiving recess 74. The through holes 72b are positioned on both sides of the receiving recess 74, so as to sandwich the receiving recess 74.

[0039] The second connecting member 73 has a female thread 77 formed on it. The female thread 77 communicates the outer surface of the second connecting member 73 with the mating surface 75. The female thread 77 is arranged in a single line along the axial direction of the second connecting member 73 along the housing recess 74. The female thread 77 is positioned on both sides of the housing recess 74 so as to sandwich it. A positioning pin 78 protrudes from the second connecting member 73, protruding from the inner surface that defines the housing recess 74.

[0040] The bolt 80 is inserted through the insertion hole 72b of the first connecting member 72 and screwed into the female thread 77 of the second connecting member 73. By screwing the bolt 80 into the female thread 77, the first connecting member 72 and the second connecting member 73 are tightened so that they are close to each other. This tightening by the bolt 80 forms the coupling 70.

[0041] The small-diameter portions 302 of adjacent countershafts 30 are sandwiched between the receiving recesses 74 of the first connecting member 72 and the receiving recesses 74 of the second connecting member 73, between adjacent output shafts 33 and the small-diameter portions 302 of countershafts 30, or between adjacent support shafts 34 and the small-diameter portions 302 of countershafts 30. As a result, the output shaft 33, the multiple countershafts 30, and the support shaft 34 are all connected and can rotate as a single unit. Therefore, the coupling 70 connects adjacent countershafts 30 in the axial direction of the countershaft 30 and rotates as a single unit with the countershaft 30. Note that the movement of the countershaft 30 toward the gear end head 102 in the axial direction of the coupling 70 is restricted by the contact of the positioning pin 78 with the small-diameter portion 302 of the countershaft 30.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the countershaft 30 has a drive gear 31 at the end closer to the out-end head 101, which is one of its axial ends. The drive gear 31 transmits the rotation of the countershaft 30 to the delivery bottom roller 23. In other words, the drive gear 31 transmits power to the passive gear 23b provided on the delivery rotating shaft 23a via the intermediate gear 41, which will be described below. Thus, the countershaft 30 rotates in order to rotate the delivery bottom roller 23 of each condensation unit 21.

[0043] Then, when the output shaft 33 rotates due to the drive of the countershaft drive unit 104, the multiple countershafts 30 and the support shaft 34 rotate in synchronization with the output shaft 33. In other words, the countershaft drive unit 104 drives the multiple countershafts 30 from their first ends. Of the multiple countershafts 30 arranged in a row, the end of the countershaft 30 closest to the gear end head 102 that faces the output shaft 33 constitutes the first end of the multiple countershafts 30. Therefore, the first end of the countershaft 30 is connected to the output shaft 33 of the countershaft drive unit 104 on the gear end head 102 side. In addition, of the multiple countershafts 30 arranged in a row, the second end of the countershaft 30 closest to the out-end head 101 that is opposite the countershaft drive unit 104 in the axial direction is movable in the longitudinal direction X (axial direction of the countershaft 30) on the out-end head 101 side.

[0044] <Power transmission system> The power transmission device 40 includes a passive gear 23b provided on the delivery rotating shaft 23a, a drive gear 31 provided on the countershaft 30, and an intermediate gear 41 that meshes with the passive gear 23b and the drive gear 31. The countershaft 30 and the delivery bottom roller 23 are connected via the power transmission device 40.

[0045] The intermediate gear 41 is fixed to the support plate 51 via a gear bracket 42. The gear bracket 42 is fixed to the support plate 51 closer to the drive gear 31 of the pair of support plates 51.

[0046] All countershafts 30 rotate synchronously due to the countershaft drive unit 104. When the countershafts 30 rotate, the drive gear 31 rotates together with the countershafts 30. The rotation of the drive gear 31 is transmitted to the intermediate gear 41, which in turn rotates. The rotation of the intermediate gear 41 is transmitted to the passive gear 23b. As a result, the delivery rotating shaft 23a, which is integrated with the passive gear 23b, and consequently the delivery bottom roller 23 also rotate. Therefore, the drive gear 31 is connected to the intermediate gear 41, which acts as a passive unit that transmits power to the delivery rotating shaft 23a.

[0047] <Countershaft and power transmission system> As shown in Figure 4, among the multiple couplings 70, the coupling 70 closest to the gear end head 102 and connecting the output shaft 33 and the counter shaft 30 is designated as the gear-side coupling 70G. Also, among the multiple couplings 70, the coupling 70 closest to the out-end head 101 and connecting the support shaft 34 and the counter shaft 30 is designated as the out-side coupling 70F. The distance between the gear-side coupling 70G and the out-side coupling 70F is defined as the pitch. The pitch is the distance between the center positions of the gear-side coupling 70G and the out-side coupling 70F in the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the pitch is the distance between the gear-side coupling 70G and the out-side coupling 70F. This pitch is defined as the total length L.

[0048] Let's explain the total length L. As shown in Figure 1, adjacent deliverable bottom rollers 23 in the longitudinal direction X are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X. The deliverable bottom rollers 23 are present at equal intervals throughout the longitudinal direction X of the spinning machine 10. The interval between the deliverable bottom rollers 23 in the longitudinal direction X is denoted as interval KL. The number of deliverable bottom rollers 23 in one unit, i.e., the number of spindles, is denoted as "m". In this embodiment, m is 8. The number of countershafts 30 in the spinning machine 10 is denoted as "n". In this embodiment, the number of countershafts 30 is even. The total length L is defined by the following equation (1).

[0049] L = KL × m × n …(1) The total length L is determined by the spacing of the delivery bottom rollers 23 in the longitudinal direction X, the number of weights, and the number of counter shafts 30.

[0050] Furthermore, the intermediate point HP is defined as the position between the gear-side coupling 70G and the outer-side coupling 70F, where the total length L is halfway between them. The intermediate point HP is located on coupling 70. The number of countershafts 30 located on the gear end head 102 side of the intermediate point HP is the same as the number of countershafts 30 located on the outer end head 101 side of the intermediate point HP. The coupling 70 located on the intermediate point HP is defined as the intermediate coupling 70H.

[0051] The distance between the center position in the longitudinal direction X of the gear-side coupling 70G and the intermediate coupling 70H is defined as the first length L1, and the distance between the center position in the longitudinal direction X of the outer-side coupling 70F and the intermediate coupling 70H is defined as the second length L2. The countershaft 30 positioned between the gear-side coupling 70G and the intermediate coupling 70H is defined as the first countershaft 30A, and the countershaft 30 positioned between the outer-side coupling 70F and the intermediate coupling 70H is defined as the second countershaft 30B. Therefore, the first length L1 is the axial length of the portion consisting of the first countershaft 30A and the coupling 70. The second length L2 is the axial length of the portion consisting of the second countershaft 30B and the coupling 70. The countershaft 30 has a first countershaft 30A positioned on the countershaft drive unit 104 side in the axial direction, and a second countershaft 30B positioned on the opposite side of the drive source from the first countershaft 30A, that is, on the opposite side of the countershaft drive unit 104.

[0052] The first length L1 and the second length L2 are the same. Since the first length L1 and the second length L2 are the same, the number of countershafts 30 defining the first length L1 is the same as the number of countershafts 30 defining the second length L2.

[0053] The portion between the gear-side coupling 70G and the intermediate coupling 70H is designated as the first countershaft group 30L, and the portion between the outer-side coupling 70F and the intermediate coupling 70H is designated as the second countershaft group 30R. The first countershaft group 30L consists of the first countershaft 30A and the coupling 70, and the first length L1 is the axial length of the first countershaft group 30L.

[0054] The second countershaft group 30R consists of the second countershaft 30B and the coupling 70, and the second length L2 is the axial length of the second countershaft group 30R. The total length L is the axial length of the combined portion consisting of the first countershaft 30A and the coupling 70, and the portion consisting of the second countershaft 30B and the coupling 70. In other words, the total length L is the axial length of the entire portion consisting of the first countershaft group 30L and the second countershaft group 30R. Furthermore, the midpoint HP, which is the boundary between the portion consisting of the first countershaft 30A and the coupling 70 and the portion consisting of the second countershaft 30B and the coupling 70, is located at a position that is half the total length L.

[0055] The first countershaft 30A, which forms the first countershaft group 30L, and the second countershaft 30B, which forms the second countershaft group 30R, have different lengths of drive gears 31 in the axial direction. The drive gear 31 on the first countershaft 30A is designated as the first drive gear 311, and the drive gear 31 on the second countershaft 30B is designated as the second drive gear 312. The axial length of the first drive gear 311 is shorter than the axial length of the second drive gear 312.

[0056] When there is no thermal expansion or contraction of the countershaft 30, the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 each protrude toward the out-end head 101 and gear-end head 102 sides relative to the intermediate gear 41.

[0057] Here, let α be the coefficient of thermal expansion of the countershaft 30 and the coupling 70. Since both the countershaft 30 and the coupling 70 are made of the same carbon steel, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the countershaft 30 and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the coupling 70 are the same.

[0058] The temperature of the countershaft 30 rises with the operation of the spinning machine 10 and with the rise in ambient temperature. Conversely, the temperature of the countershaft 30 decreases in cold weather. All countershafts 30 experience the same temperature rise and fall. When a reference temperature Tb is set, the temperature rise from the reference temperature Tb is denoted as ΔT. Similarly, the temperature drop from the reference temperature Tb is denoted as ΔT'. The reference temperature Tb can be appropriately changed depending on the location and factory where the spinning machine 10 is installed.

[0059] When the countershaft 30 undergoes thermal expansion in the axial direction due to rising temperature, if the axial extension of the first countershaft group 30L is denoted as s1 and the axial extension of the second countershaft group 30R is denoted as s2, then the respective extensions s1 and s2 are defined by the following equations (2) and (3).

[0060] s1 = L1 × ΔT × α ... (2) s² = (L1 + L2) × ΔT × α ... (3) As the temperature rises, all countershafts 30 expand similarly in the axial direction, and the amount of expansion of each countershaft 30 accumulates for each countershaft 30. In other words, the second end of each of the multiple countershafts 30 is displaced axially by an amount equal to the sum of the axial displacement of the first countershaft 30A and the displacement of the second countershaft 30B. Therefore, the amount of expansion s2 (displacement) in the second countershaft group 30R is greater than the amount of expansion s1 (displacement) in the first countershaft group 30L. In other words, the displacement of the first countershaft 30A is relatively smaller than that of the second countershaft 30B.

[0061] Furthermore, if all countershafts 30 shrink axially due to the temperature drop, and the amount of axial shrinkage of the first countershaft group 30L is denoted as t1, and the amount of axial shrinkage of the second countershaft group 30R is denoted as t2, then the respective shrinkage amounts t1 and t2 are defined by the following equations (2) and (3).

[0062] t1 = L1 × ΔT' × α ... (4) t² = (L1 + L2) × ΔT' × α ... (5) During temperature reduction, all countershafts 30 undergo similar thermal contraction in the axial direction, and the amount of contraction of each countershaft 30 accumulates for each countershaft 30. In other words, the second end of each of the multiple countershafts 30 is displaced axially by an amount equal to the sum of the axial displacement of the first countershaft 30A and the displacement of the second countershaft 30B. Therefore, the amount of contraction t2 (displacement) in the second countershaft group 30R is longer (larger) than the amount of contraction t1 (displacement) in the first countershaft group 30L. In other words, the displacement of the first countershaft 30A is relatively smaller than that of the second countershaft 30B.

[0063] Here, let u be the length of the intermediate gear 41 in the longitudinal direction X. The length u of the intermediate gear 41 is the same for the intermediate gear 41 that meshes with the first drive gear 311 of the first countershaft 30A and the intermediate gear 41 that meshes with the second drive gear 312 of the second countershaft 30B.

[0064] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the axial length of the first drive gear 311 is denoted as the first gear length w1 and the axial length of the second drive gear 312 is denoted as the second gear length w2, then the respective gear lengths w1 and w2 are defined by the following equations (6) and (7).

[0065] w1 = u + s1 + t1 ... (6) w² = u + s² + t² ... (7) At reference temperature Tb, with the intermediate gear 41 meshed with the first drive gear 311, the end face of the first drive gear 311 on the out-end head 101 side is located at a distance of contraction amount t1 from the end face of the intermediate gear 41 on the out-end head 101 side. At reference temperature Tb, with the intermediate gear 41 meshed with the first drive gear 311, the end face of the first drive gear 311 on the gear end head 102 side is located at a distance of extension amount s1 from the end face of the intermediate gear 41 on the gear end head 102 side.

[0066] Furthermore, at reference temperature Tb, when the intermediate gear 41 is meshed with the second drive gear 312, the end face of the second drive gear 312 on the out-end head 101 side is located at a distance of contraction amount t2 from the end face of the intermediate gear 41 on the out-end head 101 side. At reference temperature Tb, when the intermediate gear 41 is meshed with the second drive gear 312, the end face of the second drive gear 312 on the gear end head 102 side is located at a distance of extension amount s2 from the end face of the intermediate gear 41 on the gear end head 102 side.

[0067] Therefore, at the reference temperature Tb, both the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 mesh with the intermediate gear 41 with width on both sides in the longitudinal direction X. Also, in both the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312, the second end of the countershaft 30 is shorter in the axial direction than the intermediate gear 41 than the first end, which is on the countershaft drive unit 104 side.

[0068] [Effect of the Embodiment] As the spinning machine 10 operates, the temperature of the countershafts 30 rises above the reference temperature Tb, causing each countershaft 30 to expand axially due to thermal expansion. At this time, the expansion of each countershaft 30 toward the gear end head 102 is restricted by contact with the positioning pins 78 of each coupling 70. Therefore, each countershaft 30 expands thermally toward the out end head 101. Consequently, the position of the second ends of the multiple countershafts 30 is displaced.

[0069] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 are displaced toward the out-end head 101, but the first drive gear 311 of the first countershaft 30A is displaced toward the out-end head 101 with an extension amount s1 to its maximum. Also, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6, the second drive gear 312 of the second countershaft 30B is displaced toward the out-end head 101 with an extension amount s2 to its maximum. In other words, the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 are displaced by the amount of width that has been increased to account for expansion. Therefore, even if each of the first countershaft 30A and the second countershaft 30B is displaced due to thermal expansion, the meshing state with the intermediate gear 41 is maintained for each of the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312.

[0070] When the temperature of the countershaft 30 drops below the reference temperature Tb, such as in cold weather, each countershaft 30 shrinks axially due to thermal contraction. At this time, each countershaft 30 is prevented from being displaced beyond the positioning pin 78 toward the gear end head 102 by contact with the positioning pin 78 of each coupling 70.

[0071] The first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 also displace toward the gear end head 102, but the first drive gear 311 of the first countershaft 30A displaces toward the gear end head 102 with a maximum contraction amount t1. Similarly, the second drive gear 312 of the second countershaft 30B displaces toward the gear end head 102 with a maximum contraction amount t2. In other words, the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 displace by the amount of width that has been increased to account for contraction. Therefore, even if the first countershaft 30A and the second countershaft 30B are displaced by thermal contraction, the meshing state with the intermediate gear 41 is maintained for both the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312.

[0072] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The first countershaft 30A, located on the countershaft drive unit 104 side, has less axial displacement due to thermal expansion compared to the second countershaft 30B, located on the second end side which is movable in the axial direction. Therefore, even if the axial length of all drive gears 31 is not the same, that is, even if the length of the first gear w1 is shorter than the length of the second gear w2, the connection between the drive gear 31 and the intermediate gear 41 can be maintained. As a result, unlike the case where the axial length of all drive gears 31 is the same as the length of the second drive gear 312, the area of ​​the drive gears 31 in the overall structure can be reduced. Consequently, for all drive gears 31, while maintaining meshing with the intermediate gear 41, the accumulation of cotton and the jamming of foreign matter on the drive gears 31 can be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost for processing the drive gears 31 can be reduced.

[0073] (2) The first gear length w1 is set by equation (6), and the second gear length w2 is set by equation (7). In other words, the first gear length w1 and the second gear length w2 are set according to the position of the countershaft 30 between the out-end head 101 and the gear-end head 102. Since the drive gear 31 only requires two types, a first drive gear 311 with the first gear length w1 and a second drive gear with the second gear length w2, by setting the minimum number of drive gears 31 and countershafts 30, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of cotton on the drive gear 31 and the jamming of foreign objects into the drive gear 31 while maintaining meshing with the intermediate gear 41.

[0074] (3) The multiple countershafts 30 that form the total length L are set by two types: a first countershaft 30A and a second countershaft 30B. The first gear length w1 is set corresponding to the first countershaft 30A, and the second gear length w2 is set corresponding to the second countershaft 30B. Therefore, by employing only two types of countershafts 30, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of cotton on the drive gear 31 and the jamming of foreign objects while maintaining meshing with the intermediate gear 41.

[0075] (4) The spinning machine 10 is equipped with an even number of countershafts 30. The multiple countershafts 30 that form the total length L are divided into a first countershaft 30A and a second countershaft 30B at a position that is half the total length L. Therefore, the spinning machine 10 only needs to be equipped with the same number of first countershafts 30A and second countershafts 30B. Furthermore, since the first countershaft 30A and the second countershaft 30B can be switched at a position that is half the total length L, the installation work of the countershafts 30 is made easy.

[0076] (5) For example, when the axial length of all drive gears 31 is minimized and the countershaft 30 is installed in the spinning machine 10, it is extremely difficult to adjust the position of the countershaft 30 in consideration of temperature changes, etc., or to adjust the assembly position of the countershaft 30 with respect to the coupling 70. However, as in this embodiment, by making the axial lengths of the first drive gear 311 and the second drive gear 312 different, it is possible to reduce the accumulation of blown cotton on the drive gear 31 and the jamming of foreign matter on the drive gear 31 while maintaining the meshing between the intermediate gear 41 and the drive gear 31.

[0077] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, in the spinning machine 10, the length in the longitudinal direction X between the gear-side coupling 70G and the out-side coupling 70F when the number of spindles m is at its maximum is defined as the maximum length Lmax. The maximum length Lmax is the same as the total length L. Of the total length L, the portion of the first countershaft 30A and coupling 70 (first countershaft group 30L) that is half the length of the maximum length Lmax from the first end is formed by the portion of the first countershaft 30A and coupling 70. At this time, the remaining length of the total length L is formed by the portion of the second countershaft 30B and coupling 70 (second countershaft group 30R). When the number of spindles m is at its maximum, L1 = L2, and as the number of spindles m decreases, the first length L1 remains the same while the second length L2 shortens. Therefore, the axial length of the drive gear 31 is short, and the number of first counter shafts 30A, which are less prone to the accumulation of cotton on the drive gear 31 and the jamming of foreign matter, can be secured regardless of the number of weights in meters.

[0079] In this case, the second length L2 of the second countershaft group 30R is shorter than the first length L1 of the first countershaft group 30L, out of the total length L. As a result, among the multiple countershafts 30, the number of first countershafts 30A is greater than the number of second countershafts 30B. In other words, the number of first drive gears 311 is greater than the number of second drive gears 312. As a result, the accumulation of foam on the drive gears 31 and the jamming of foreign matter can be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing cost for processing the drive gears 31 can be reduced.

[0080] ○When the number of countershafts 30 is odd, the boundary between the first countershaft group 30L and the second countershaft group 30R is located at a position that is half the length of the total length L, but is closer to the countershaft drive unit 104 by half the length of the total length L. Therefore, when the number of countershafts 30 is odd, the boundary between the first countershaft group 30L and the second countershaft group 30R is located at a position that is close to half the total length L, approximately half the length of the total length L.

[0081] ○The number of counter shafts 30 may be changed. ○In the fiber bundle focusing device 20, the counter shaft 30 does not have to be divided into units, and there does not have to be one counter shaft 30 per unit.

[0082] ○The countershaft 30 and coupling 70 may be made of materials other than carbon steel, such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. In this case, the coefficient of linear expansion α of the material used will be applied when setting the length of the first gear w1 and the length of the second gear w2.

[0083] ○At least one of the first countershaft 30A and the second countershaft 30B may be formed by connecting a plurality of shaft forming members with a coupling 70. ○The passive gear 23b and the drive gear 31 may be directly meshed without the intermediate gear 41, and the rotation of the countershaft 30 may be directly transmitted to the passive gear 23b provided on the delivery rotation shaft 23a. In this case, the passive part is the passive gear 23b.

[0084] ○The drive unit of the countershaft 30 does not have to be a drive gear 31, but for example, a roughened friction surface or an uneven surface, and the passive unit may be a friction belt or a toothed belt connected to the friction surface or uneven surface.

[0085] ○The number of drive gears 31 in the countershaft 30 may be three or more, and the axial length of the drive gears 31 may be increased as it moves toward the side opposite the drive source. In this case, it is preferable to have a first countershaft 30A with a first drive gear 311 for half of the total length L, and to increase the length of the drive gears 31 for the remaining half of the countershaft 30.

[0086] ○For multiple countershafts, at least one of the output shaft 33 and the support shaft 34 may be replaced with the countershaft 30. ○The fiber bundle focusing device 20 may have the first end of each of the multiple countershafts connected to the output shaft 33 or the end of the countershaft 30 on the countershaft drive unit 104 side, or the second end of each of the multiple countershafts connected to the support shaft 34 or the end of the countershaft 30 on the out-end head 101 side.

[0087] [Additional Claim] The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. [Note 1] The fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine according to claim 2, wherein the countershaft is positioned between the out-end head and the gear-end head in the spinning machine, connected to the drive source at the gear-end head, and the out-end head side is movable in the axial direction, and at the position of the passive part and the drive part at the reference temperature, the amount of extension is secured on the gear-end head side of the passive part, and the amount of contraction is secured on the out-end head side of the passive part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] F...fiber bundle, X...longitudinal direction, 10...spinning machine, 20...fiber bundle concentrator, 21...condensing unit, 23...delivery bottom roller, 23a...delivery rotating shaft as a rotating shaft, 24...suction section, 25...ventilated apron, 26...delivery top roller, 30...countershaft, 30A...first countershaft, 30B...second countershaft, 31...drive gear as a drive section, 41...intermediate gear as a passive section, 70...coupling, 104...countershaft drive section as a drive source.

Claims

1. Multiple condensing units are provided on a rotating shaft and have a plurality of deliverable bottom rollers for transporting fiber bundles, a suction unit for applying a suction action to the fiber bundles, a ventilated apron that rotates along the suction unit, and a deliverable top roller that rotates together with the deliverable bottom rollers that come into contact with the deliverable bottom rollers via the ventilated apron, for gathering the drafted fiber bundles. A countershaft for rotating the aforementioned rotating shaft, comprising a plurality of countershafts arranged in the axial direction of the countershaft, A drive source that drives the multiple counter shafts from the first end side, It has a coupling that connects adjacent countershafts in the axial direction and rotates integrally with the countershafts, The second ends of the plurality of countershafts are movable in the axial direction, and each of the plurality of countershafts has a drive unit for transmitting the rotation of the countershaft to the delivery bottom roller. The drive unit is connected to a passive unit that transmits power to the rotating shaft. The plurality of countershafts include a first countershaft positioned on the drive source side in the axial direction and a second countershaft positioned on the opposite side of the drive source from the first countershaft. A fiber bundle concentrator for a spinning machine, wherein the axial length of the drive unit of the first countershaft is shorter than the axial length of the drive unit of the second countershaft.

2. The axial length of the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling is defined as L1, and the axial length of the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling is defined as L2. Let α be the coefficient of linear expansion of the coupling, the first countershaft, and the second countershaft. Let ΔT be the temperature rise from the reference temperature, and ΔT' be the temperature drop from the reference temperature. If we let s1 be the amount of axial extension of the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling due to the temperature rise, and s2 be the amount of axial extension of the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling, s1 = L1 × ΔT × α It is set as follows, s2=(L1+L2)×ΔT×α It is set as follows: If we let t1 be the amount of axial contraction of the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling due to the temperature drop, and t2 be the amount of axial contraction of the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling, t1 = L1 × ΔT' × α It is set as follows, t2=(L1+L2)×ΔT'×α It is set as follows: The length of the drive unit in the first countershaft in the axial direction is defined as w1, and the length of the drive unit in the second countershaft in the axial direction is defined as w2. If the length of the passive part in the axial direction is u, w1=u+s1+t1 It is set as follows, w2=u+s2+t2 A fiber bundle concentrator for a spinning machine according to claim 1, which is set as follows.

3. If the total length is defined as the axial length of the combined portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling, and the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling, then The fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the boundary between the portion comprising the first countershaft and the coupling and the portion comprising the second countershaft and the coupling is located at a position that is approximately half the total length.

4. The countershaft is positioned between the outer end head and the gear end head, the first end of the countershaft is connected to the drive source on the gear end head side, and the second end is movable in the axial direction on the outer end head side. The maximum length of the countershaft in the axial direction when the number of weights is at its maximum is defined as follows: If the total length is defined as the axial length of the combined portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling, and the portion consisting of the second countershaft and the coupling, then Of the total length, the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling, extending from the first end to half the maximum length, is formed by the portion consisting of the first countershaft and the coupling. The fiber bundle converging device for a spinning machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the remaining portion of the total length is formed by the portion comprising the second countershaft and the coupling.

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