In-line yarn paraffining process and unit for flat knitting machines

Abstract

A yarn paraffining process developed for use in a flat knitting machine comprising a knitting unit and a yarn positioning unit, characterized in that it comprises, in sequence: a) Unwinding one end of a yarn wound on a bobbin and feeding the yarn into a machine line of the flat knitting machine, b) Passing the yarn through a paraffining unit (10) positioned in-line on the machine line, c) Transferring the yarn paraffined in step (b) to the knitting line and knitting the yarn.

Description

[0001] IN-LINE YARN PARAFFINING PROCESS AND UNIT FOR FLAT KNITTING MACHINES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an in-line yarn paraffining process and unit developed for use on flat knitting machines in the textile industry.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Paraffining and similar yam coating processes play an important role particularly in yam and knitting production. This process, which is carried out for purposes such as softening the yam and increasing its elasticity, enables the yam to be processed more easily and to provide improved flexibility during knitting. In this manner, breakage rates during knitting are reduced and the resulting products are made more durable and more uniform.

[0006] In conventional coating methods, the yams are coated during the transfer process. However, since these operations are carried out at high speeds (1000 rpm), it is difficult to ensure uniform distribution of the coating material over every point of the yam. This may result in excessive coating in certain regions and insufficient coating in others, thereby leading to quality defects.

[0007] In currently used conventional production methods, a separate transfer operation is performed after winding, that is, prior to knitting, in order to coat the yams. In other words, the yams are coated at a separate station before knitting and are subsequently placed on the knitting machines when required. This situation leads to both labor and energy losses.As a result, all of the issues mentioned above have necessitated innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an in-line yam paraffining process and unit configured to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide new advantages in the relevant technical field.

[0010] The main object of the invention is to provide a yam paraffining process in which the paraffin coating efficiency on the yam surface is increased.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a yam paraffining process that enables in-line paraffin application to the yam on flat knitting machines.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a yam paraffining unit in which yarn-related quality defects in flat knitting machines are reduced.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a yam paraffining unit that allows modular positioning on flat knitting machines.

[0014] In order to achieve all of the above-mentioned objectives and those that will become apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention provides a yam paraffining process implemented on a flat knitting machine, comprising a knitting unit and a yam positioning unit. Accordingly, the features of the invention in question are, in order:

[0015] a. unwinding one end of the yam wound on a bobbin and feeding the yam into the flat knitting machine line,

[0016] b. passing the yam through a paraffining unit positioned on the line, c. transferring the yam paraffined in step (b) to the knitting line and knitting the knitwear.In this manner, deformations occurring in yarns that are paraffined separately and used when needed in the prior art, as well as solidification and shedding of paraffin, are eliminated. Furthermore, the yam to be used for flat knitting is coated with paraffin in-line during production and can be knitted directly without waiting. Thus, both storage costs are reduced and yam quality is improved.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that step (b) comprises the following sub-steps:

[0018] b-1. passing the yam through an upper opening,

[0019] b-2. bringing the yam into full contact with a paraffin block,

[0020] b-3. passing the yam through a lower opening and transmitting the yam to the knitting unit.

[0021] In this manner, the strength of the yam during the knitting process is increased without causing complete intermixing, and elasticity is imparted to the yam.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, in step b-2, the yam contacts more than one paraffin block.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of upper openings, a plurality of lower openings, and a plurality of paraffin blocks can be used, thereby enabling a plurality of yams to be coated with paraffin simultaneously. Thus, multiple yams can be paraffin-coated at the same time.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, paraffin coating is performed continuously during the entire period in which the yam advances along the line.

[0025] In order to achieve all of the above-mentioned objectives and those that will become apparent from the detailed description below, the present invention is a yam paraffining unit that can be modularly provided on flat knitting machines. Accordingly, said unit comprises a back portion, a foot portion positioned opposite the back portion, and a platform extending between the foot portion and the back portion, at least one paraffin block being positioned on the platform.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the paraffin block has a cylindrical structure with a vertically extending opening at its center. Thus, since the paraffin block does not include angular surfaces, the advancement of the yam over the paraffin is facilitated.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform includes a guide provided thereon, on which the paraffin block is seated. Thus, displacement of the paraffin block from its axis is prevented.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the unit comprises at least one heater configured to act on at least one paraffin block. Thus, in cold ambient conditions or in cases where the paraffin block has hardened due to waiting, softening of the paraffin block is ensured, thereby allowing the yam to be effectively coated.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a representative general view of the paraffining unit.

[0030] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0031] 10 Paraffining Unit

[0032] 11 Back Portion

[0033] 111 Upper Opening

[0034] 12 Platform

[0035] 121 Guide

[0036] 122 Paraffin Block

[0037] 13 Foot Portion

[0038] 131 Lower Opening

[0039] 14 HeaterDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is an in-line yarn paraffining process and a paraffining unit (10) developed for use in flat knitting machines. Said yam paraffining process and paraffining unit (10) are described by way of examples that are provided solely for a better understanding of the invention and that do not have any limiting effect.

[0041] Paraffin is used to increase the softness and elasticity of textile products. It also enables textile products to become more resistant to water. During knitting operations, particularly flat knitting processes, yams are exposed to friction, tension, and a risk of damage.

[0042] In the application according to the invention, in flat knitting machines, the yam is paraffin-coated in-line during its transfer from the yam positioning unit to the knitting unit. Thus, productivity is increased and damage occurring in the yam is minimized. The in-line paraffin coating is carried out by means of a paraffining unit (10), which can also be modularly mounted on the machine.

[0043] The paraffining unit (10), developed for use in flat knitting machines and illustrated in Figure 1, generally comprises a back portion (11), a foot portion (13) positioned opposite said back portion (11), and a platform (12) extending between said foot portion (13) and said back portion (11). Although not mandatory, the foot portion (13) and the back portion (11) are preferably positioned parallel to each other.

[0044] At least one upper opening (111), configured to have a width allowing at least one yam to pass therethrough, is provided on the back portion (11). The upper opening (111) is preferably provided in a plurality. At least one lower opening (131), configured to have a width allowing at least one yam to pass therethrough, is provided on the foot portion (13). The lower opening (131) is preferably provided in a plurality.

[0045] At least one guide (121) is positioned on the platform (12), and at least one paraffin block (122) seated on said guide (121) is arranged thereon. The paraffin block(122) essentially has a cylindrical structure with a vertically extending opening at its center. The guide (121) is located in the mentioned opening.

[0046] At least one heater (14), configured to act on at least one paraffin block (122), is provided on the paraffining unit (10). Thus, in cold weather conditions or during prolonged storage periods, if the paraffin block (122) hardens, it can be softened by heating, thereby enabling effective coating of the yarn with paraffin.

[0047] The paraffining unit (10) can be modularly mounted on flat knitting machines in a detachable manner. The paraffining unit (10) may be permanently installed on each machine, or alternatively may be externally mounted only during use on machines on which yarns to be coated with paraffin are to be knitted. Thus, a single paraffining unit (10) can be used, as needed, for a plurality of flat knitting machines.

[0048] In practice, the paraffining unit (10) is mounted on flat knitting machines used in knitwear production. The paraffining unit (10) may be seated in a recess formed on the flat knitting machine, or may be mounted by means of methods known in the art. For example, mounting may be achieved by magnets, adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening etc.

[0049] After installation of the paraffining unit (10), the paraffining process on flat knitting machines generally comprises the following steps;

[0050] a. Unwinding one end of the yarn wound on a bobbin and feeding the yarn into the flat knitting machine line,

[0051] b. Passing the yam through the paraffining unit (10),

[0052] c. Transferring the yam paraffined in step (b) to the knitting unit and knitting the fabric.

[0053] Step (b) comprises the following sub-steps:

[0054] b-1. passing the yam through the upper opening (111),

[0055] b-2. bringing the yam into full contact with the paraffin block (122),

[0056] b-3. passing the yam through the lower opening (131).In one embodiment of the invention, the yarn contacts a single paraffin block (122). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the yam advances between a plurality of paraffin blocks (122). Thus, while advancing on the knitting machine, the surface of the yam is completely coated with paraffin, and yams that absorb the paraffin can be knitted more uniformly, thereby minimizing production defects.

[0057] Since coating can be performed in-line by means of the process according to the invention, paraffin coating can be applied to the advancing yam continuously throughout its flow along the line. Thus, it is not necessary to supply pre-coated yam to the production line. This is because the yam is coated in-line and continuously, and is then transferred directly to the knitting unit without waiting.

[0058] In the configuration according to the invention, the yams are paraffin-coated before knitting without requiring an additional transfer and paraffining operation. Thus, both energy consumption and labor requirements are significantly reduced during the production process. Furthermore, by means of the invention, the paraffining operation is carried out during knitting, that is, during the knitting cycle. In this way, the yam is paraffin-coated uniformly at every point, ensuring homogeneous distribution of paraffin. This method prevents quality defects and enables the production of higher-quality products. In addition, the production process becomes more efficient, since paraffin can be applied to every point of the yam at the same intensity, thereby minimizing labor and time losses.

[0059] The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the appended claims and shall not be limited to the embodiments described herein for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art may, without departing from the main concept of the invention, develop similar configurations in light of the above disclosures.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A yarn paraffining process developed for use in a flat knitting machine comprising a knitting unit and a yam positioning unit, characterized in that it comprises, in sequence:a. Unwinding one end of a yarn wound on a bobbin and feeding the yam into a machine line of the flat knitting machine,b. Passing the yam through a paraffining unit (10) positioned in-line on the machine line,c. Transferring the yam paraffined in step (b) to the knitting line and knitting the yam.

2. The yam paraffining process according to claim 1, characterized in that step (b) comprises the following sub-steps:b-1. passing the yam through an upper opening (111)b-2. bringing the yam into full contact with a paraffin block (122)b-3. passing the yam through a lower opening (131) and transmitting the yam to the knitting unit.

3. The yam paraffining process according to claim 1 , characterized in that, in step b-2, the yam is capable of contacting a plurality of paraffin blocks (122).

4. The yam paraffining process according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of upper openings (111), a plurality of lower openings (131), and a plurality of paraffin blocks (122) are provided, thereby enabling a plurality of yams to be coated with paraffin simultaneously.

5. The yam paraffining process according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yam is continuously coated with paraffin throughout its advancement along the machine line.

6. A yarn paraffining unit (10) modularly applicable to flat knitting machines, characterized in that it comprises a back portion (11), a foot portion (13) positioned opposite said back portion (11), a platform (12) extending between the foot portion (13) and the back portion (11), at least one paraffin block (122) being positioned on said platform (12).

7. The yam paraffining unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the paraffin block (122) has a cylindrical structure with a vertically extending opening at its center.

8. The yam paraffining unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a guide (121) provided on the platform (12), on which the paraffin block (122) is seated.

9. The yam paraffining unit (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one heater (14) configured to act on at least one paraffin block (122).

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