Fancy yarn manufacturing equipment

Abstract

This production apparatus for producing fancy yarn from an ornamental thread and first and second threads mutually interlaced to form a main thread comprises: a first thread feeding creel for sending the first thread; a second thread feeding creel for sending the second thread; a confluent region in which the first thread and the second thread are merged along the axis direction; a cutter for intermittently cutting the ornamental thread to provide an ornamental fiber; an injection nozzle for feeding the ornamental fiber toward the confluent region; and a processing device for bundling the merged first thread, second thread, and ornamental fiber.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following disclosure relates to an apparatus for producing a fancy yarn consisting of a main yarn and decorative fibers entangled with the main yarn. [Background technology]

[0002] For the purpose of creating decorative effects in woven or knitted fabrics, yarns are sometimes given periodic or aperiodic variations such as loops or slubs. Yarns with such variations are often called fancy yarns. Many fancy yarns have been proposed to date.

[0003] The manufacturing method of fancy yarn is not fixed, and sometimes the yarn is changed during the spinning process, and sometimes it is changed by processing after it has been spun into yarn. Even when processing is done, sometimes one yarn is processed, and sometimes one yarn is entangled with another yarn.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a related technique. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Patent Application Publication WO2020 / 044493A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, decorative fibers are supplied to the side of a running main yarn and then entangled with a secondary yarn, thereby producing a decorative yarn entangled with decorative fibers. While this technology allows for the production of decorative yarns using a simple device, the decorative fibers may not always be entangled accurately in the desired position, and in extreme cases, the decorative fibers may fall off without being entangled with the main yarn.

[0007] The device disclosed below has been created in view of the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] According to one aspect, a manufacturing device for producing a first and second yarn that are to be entangled with each other to form a main yarn, a decorative yarn, and a twisted fancy yarn includes a first yarn supply creel that feeds the first yarn, a second yarn supply creel that feeds the second yarn, a joining region where the first yarn and the second yarn join along an axial direction, a cutter that intermittently cuts the decorative yarn to form decorative fibers, an injection nozzle that supplies the decorative fibers toward the joining region, and a processing device that bundles the joined first yarn, second yarn, and decorative fiber. The ejection nozzle is oriented in a direction that coincides with the axial direction, the axial direction is oriented vertically, and the ejection nozzle is disposed vertically above the confluence region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of an apparatus for producing a fancy yarn according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of an ejection nozzle for dispensing decorative fibers. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a guide that guides the main yarn and decorative fibers. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an elevational cross-sectional view showing an interlacing nozzle, which is an example of a processing device, and a yarn being processed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an elevational cross-sectional view that schematically shows how the main yarn and the decorative yarn are entangled within the guide. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the state of the main yarn and decorative fibers after passing through the joining region. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the state of the main yarn and decorative fibers before passing through the twisting device. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing the state of the design yarn after it has passed through the twisting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Several exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following description and claims, unless otherwise stated, the terms upstream and downstream refer to the direction in which the main yarn runs, and the term axial refers to such direction.

[0011] 6A to 6C, the device according to this embodiment can be suitably used to produce a fancy yarn 10 including at least main yarns 1, 3 and decorative fibers 5c intermittently cut and entangled therewith. Such fancy yarn 10 is used in, for example, woven or knitted fabrics to provide them with a decorative effect.

[0012] 1, the apparatus generally includes first and second yarn feed creels 11 and 13 that feed first and second yarns 1 and 3 that constitute the main yarn, a joining region 17 where the yarns 1 and 3 and the decorative fiber 5c join, a twisting device 23, and a winder 31. After joining, the yarns 1 and 3 travel through the joining region 17 to a processing device 29.

[0013] The yarn supply creels 11, 13 do not necessarily need to be arranged symmetrically as shown in the drawing, but preferably, the elements are arranged so that the yarns 1, 3 run axially symmetrically and join at least in the joining region 17. To guide the yarns 1, 3 in this manner, yarn guides such as rings or rollers can be appropriately arranged.

[0014] 2 in combination with FIG. 1, the apparatus further includes an assembly for supplying decorative yarn 5c to the confluence region 17. Such a supply assembly includes, for example, a third yarn supply creel 15 that delivers decorative yarn 5, an injection nozzle 19 that guides air flow A1, and a cutter 21. Decorative yarn 5 delivered from the third yarn supply creel 15 is passed through the injection nozzle 19 and intermittently cut by cutter 21 to form decorative yarn 5c, which is then supplied to the confluence region 17 by air flow A1 and merges with the yarns 1 and 3.

[0015] The injection nozzle 19 is, for example, a long, thin hollow tube, and is connected, for example, near its upper end to a blower or other air blowing device, with its lower end opening toward the confluence region 17. When the device is in operation, an air flow A1 from the air blowing device flows through the injection nozzle 19 from the upper end to the lower end. The decorative yarn 5 is drawn from the decorative yarn creel 15, introduced into the injection nozzle 19 from the upper end, and discharged from the lower end on the air flow A1.

[0016] The cutter 21 is disposed, for example, between the injection nozzle 19 and the joining region 17. The cutter 21 is, for example, a sickle with a blade. Although the cutter 21 is depicted in FIG. 2 as being installed outside the injection nozzle 19, it may alternatively be installed inside the injection nozzle 19. The decorative yarn 5 is tensioned by the air flow A1, and is easily cut when it comes into contact with the cutter 21.

[0017] To facilitate cutting, the decorative yarn 5 can be fed intermittently, and for this purpose, for example, the decorative yarn creel 15 can be equipped with a servo motor. Alternatively, the rollers that guide the decorative yarn 5 can be equipped with a servo motor. Furthermore, an intermittently operating clamp can be used. The clamp can be installed outside the injection nozzle 19 or can be built into the injection nozzle 19. When the running decorative yarn 5 is stopped by these means, it comes into contact with the cutter 21 and is cut.

[0018] Alternatively, the cutter 21 may be a pair of scissors or clippers instead of a sickle, and may be provided with a driving device such as a motor mechanism or a solenoid mechanism for driving the cutter 21. Furthermore, the decorative yarn 5 may be cut by thermal means or a laser.

[0019] Further alternatively, the device for cutting the decorative yarn 5 may be upstream of the ejection nozzle 19 .

[0020] The device may also include a clamp downstream of any of these cutting devices to temporarily hold the decorative fibers 5c. With this configuration, pre-cut decorative fibers 5c are prepared and held in the clamp, and the clamp releases the decorative fibers 5c, allowing them to be sequentially supplied to the joining region 17.

[0021] The cut decorative fiber 5c is carried by the air flow A1 and flies toward the joining region 17. The direction of the injection nozzle 19 should be adjusted so that the decorative fiber 5c arrives exactly at the joining point of the yarns 1 and 3. This particularly encourages the decorative fiber 5c to become entangled with the yarns 1 and 3 without falling off.

[0022] The direction of the injection nozzle 19, i.e., the direction of the air flow A1, and the running direction of the yarns 1 and 3 after they join may be aligned. This further encourages the decorative fiber 5c to become entangled with the yarns 1 and 3. In particular, either or both of the direction of the injection nozzle 19 and the running direction of the yarns 1 and 3 may be vertical, in which case the injection nozzle 19 may be positioned vertically above the joining region 17. This will further encourage the decorative fiber 5c to become entangled with the yarns 1 and 3. Of course, vertical orientation is not essential; the direction may be oblique or horizontal, and in this case the decorative fiber 5c can still reach the joining region 17 by riding on the air flow A1.

[0023] The apparatus may have more than one such supply assembly, and if the apparatus has multiple supply assemblies, each supply assembly may supply a different type of yarn, such as a different color, thickness, or other attribute.

[0024] As long as the above-described positional relationship can be ensured, the joining region 17 may be an open space or may be appropriately enclosed. When the joining region 17 is enclosed, for example, as shown in Figure 3, a guide for guiding the yarns 1 and 3 and the decorative fiber 5c can be used.

[0025] The guide may comprise, for example, a hollow tube 39 extending along the axial direction. The tube 39 is open at one end (usually the lower end) so that the introduced yarns 1 and 3 are discharged together with the decorative fiber 5c. Referring to Figure 5 in combination with Figure 3, the interior of the tube 39 has an internal space extending along the axial direction, and this internal space is dimensioned so that the yarns 1 and 3 can rotate somewhat around the axial direction within it. The tube 39 may also have openings 41 and 43, for example on its side, for introducing the yarns 1 and 3, respectively.

[0026] The decorative fiber 5c is introduced from the other end (usually the upper end) of the tube 39 and guided to the yarns 1, 3. For the introduction, the other end of the tube 39 may be continuous with the injection nozzle 19 or may be open away from the injection nozzle 19.

[0027] Alternatively, the other end of the tube 39 may be provided with tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c as shown. This may be a single tube, or, as shown, multiple tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c may be provided corresponding to multiple supply assemblies. The tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c may be continuous with the corresponding injection nozzles 19 or may open away from the injection nozzles 19. Each of the tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c is continuous with the tube 39 and spatially communicates with its interior space. The cutter 21 and the clamp described above may be incorporated into the tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c, or may be interposed between the tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c and the tube 39. The combination of the tubes 45a, 45b, and 45c and the tube 39 guides the decorative fiber 5c to the yarns 1 and 3.

[0028] To promote the joining and entanglement of the yarns and fibers in the joining region 17, a swirl nozzle 23 can be used, located immediately downstream of the joining region 17, particularly immediately downstream of the guide. The swirl nozzle 23 is an air nozzle that generates a swirling air flow around the yarns. The swirl nozzle 23 causes the yarns 1 and 3 to swirl in the joining region 17, promoting the incorporation of the decorative fibers 5c into the yarns 1 and 3.

[0029] To focus the combined yarns and fibers, a processing device 29, such as an entangling nozzle, may be used. The entangling nozzle is positioned downstream from the confluence region 17 and downstream from the swirl nozzle 23.

[0030] 4, the entanglement nozzle used as the processing device 29 can be a known one. For example, the entanglement nozzle includes a guide hole 51 through which the yarn passes and an air duct 53 communicating with the guide hole 51. The air duct 53 is connected to an external air blowing device such as a blower and narrows at least on the guide hole 51 side, so that a relatively high-speed air flow A4 is ejected into the guide hole 51. The air flow A4 ejected into the guide hole 51 generates a relatively high-speed turbulent flow at its outlet, which entangles the yarns passing through the guide hole 51. To further enhance entanglement, the entanglement nozzle may include a water nozzle that applies a small amount of water to the yarns, or the water nozzle may be installed upstream of the entanglement nozzle.

[0031] As the water-added yarns 1 and 3 and the decorative fiber 5c pass through the entanglement nozzle, the yarns 1 and 3 converge together with the decorative fiber 5c and become firmly entangled with each other, thereby producing the fancy yarn 10 shown in Figure 6C. The fancy yarn 10 is taken up by the winder 31.

[0032] Alternatively, instead of the above-mentioned interlacing nozzle, a known interlacing nozzle may be used, or a false twisting device such as a hollow spindle or a combination of a friction type twisting device and a heating device may be used.

[0033] Alternatively, instead of these false twisting devices, a true twisting device may be used. The true twisting device is, for example, a combination of a twister and a spindle. In this case, the spindle can also function as a winder. True twisting allows the decorative fibers 5c to be more firmly entangled in the yarns 1 and 3, and the yarns 1 and 3 to be more tightly bundled.

[0034] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to using these twisting means, heating or adhesion may be used. Examples of heating means include a heater, a laser, and an ultrasonic generator.

[0035] Referring back to Figure 6C, the fancy yarn 10 according to this embodiment has a relatively long, fluffy structure made up of short cut decorative fibers 5c. Although each structure is fluffy, it is tightly entangled with the yarns 1 and 3, and therefore does not easily fall off as fluff.

[0036] The size of such structures can be freely changed by varying the length to which the decorative yarn is cut, and the spacing between adjacent structures can also be freely changed by varying the spacing between the decorative yarns. Needless to say, the size and spacing can be varied for each structure. Furthermore, as already mentioned, two or more decorative yarns can be used, allowing, for example, different colors for each structure.

[0037] According to this embodiment, the decorative fiber 5c is introduced into the yarns 1 and 3 that are circling and merging at the exact position where the yarns 1 and 3 are entangled with each other. This prevents the decorative fiber 5c from not being entangled accurately at the desired position or from falling off without being entangled.

[0038] Although several embodiments have been described, modifications or variations of the embodiments can be made based on the above disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0039] A manufacturing device is provided that offers new options in fancy yarn technology.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for producing first and second yarns to be entangled with each other to form a main yarn, a decorative yarn, and a twisted yarn, a first yarn supply creel that delivers the first yarn; a second yarn supply creel that delivers the second yarn; a joining region where the first yarn and the second yarn join together in an axial direction; a cutter for intermittently cutting the decorative yarn into decorative fibers; an ejection nozzle that supplies the decorative fibers toward the joining region; a processing device that bundles the first yarn, the second yarn, and the decorative fiber that have joined together; A manufacturing apparatus comprising: the ejection nozzle is oriented in a direction that coincides with the axial direction; The axial direction is oriented vertically, and the ejection nozzle is disposed vertically above the joining region.

2. a hollow guide disposed in the joining region, the guide comprising an internal space extending along the axial direction and allowing the first yarn and the second yarn to rotate around the axial direction, and a passage communicating with the internal space and guiding the decorative yarn to the first yarn and the second yarn; The manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The manufacturing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ejection nozzle is configured to eject an air flow toward the joining region and to entrain the decorative yarn on the air flow.

4. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing device comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an entangling nozzle, an interlacing nozzle, a hollow spindle, and a twisting device.

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