DE102019116482A1 - Thread connecting device for the knot-free connection of two thread ends - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a thread connecting device for the knot-free connection of two thread ends, friction disks for mechanically acting on the thread ends to be connected being rotatably mounted relative to one another in a housing and each comprising a carrier and a friction lining arranged on the carrier. According to the invention, one of the friction disks is multi-part is formed and has a central part, an inner ring and an outer ring, which are axially displaceably mounted, that the other friction disc has at least a central part and a ring, and that at least one thermocouple is present which is connected to at least one friction disc and a control unit stands.

Description

The invention relates to a thread connecting device and a textile machine producing take-up bobbins comprising such a thread connecting device.

In the textile industry, thread connecting devices have long been part of the state of the art and are described in detail in numerous patent applications. Thread connection devices produce an almost yarn-like thread connection by swirling or twisting two thread ends. Such thread connections are a decisive criterion for the yarn quality and should not only have yarn-like strengths but also have an appearance that is as similar as possible to the yarn.

If a thread break occurs during the manufacturing process on a textile machine producing take-up bobbins or if a defined cleaner cut has been made at one of the workstations of the textile machine due to a thread defect, the thread ends of the separated thread are first placed in the area of the thread splicing or splicing device by special pneumatic devices brought back. A suction nozzle fetches the so-called upper thread from the cheese and places it in the thread connecting device, if necessary after cleaning out the thread defect. Correspondingly, the so-called lower thread, which originates, for example, from a supply package positioned in the unwinding position, is also inserted into the thread connecting device by means of a gripper tube that can be subjected to negative pressure.

The principle of mechanical splicing is that the upper and lower thread are first untwisted by rotating friction disks in opposite directions and then closed / twisted again, whereby after untwisting the thread ends are shortened so that they only overlap in a limited area and are spliced together can.

Through the EP 0 140 412 A1 a thread connecting device is disclosed which comprises two friction disks which can be driven in opposite directions for the mechanical loading of two thread ends. At the beginning of a thread joining process, the thread ends are positioned between the friction disks, untwisted and torn. In order to locally limit and bundle the now brush-shaped thread ends, which no longer have any rotation and in which the fibers are almost parallel to one another, the thread ends are bundled by so-called combs and then spliced together, ie twisted together.

The thread connecting device according to EP 0 140 412 A1 comprises two friction disks, each of which comprises a twist-on and twist-off ring arrangement and a twist-off arrangement. Furthermore, the thread connecting device has adjustable cam arrangements which initiate the untwisting and closing separately from one another, as well as spacer means which at least temporarily hold the surface of the friction disks at a desired distance. For tearing or plucking the threads, devices comprising movable sections are also provided which clamp and tear the respective thread.

The purely mechanically produced thread connection often shows a lower tensile strength compared to an air splice connection, since the fibers are not swirled together by an air pressure pulse. The fibers of the yarn jacket structure are only wrapped around the edge zones of the mechanically produced thread connection. This corkscrew-like structure can be pushed open comparatively easily by friction at the deflection points in further processing, which can lead to the failure of such thread connections. Depending on the type of fiber to be processed, high ambient temperatures, for example, can also have a detrimental effect on the thread connection to be created.

A first aspect of the invention therefore relates to a thread connecting device for knot-free connection of two thread ends, friction disks for mechanically acting on the thread ends to be connected being rotatably mounted in a housing and each comprising a carrier and a friction lining arranged on the carrier.

The thread connecting device is characterized in that one of the friction disks is constructed in several parts and has a central part, an inner ring and an outer ring which are axially displaceably mounted, that the other friction disk has at least one central part and a ring, and that at least one thermocouple is present , which is in communication with at least one friction disc and a control unit.

If one of the friction disks is constructed in several parts and the individual parts are mounted so as to be axially displaceable, then both the untwisting of the thread ends and the twisting / closing of the thread can be reliably guaranteed. The axially displaceable middle part of the friction disk also ensures that the threads are securely clamped during the break. With such a configuration of at least one friction disk, the individual parts can be fed to the second friction disk or in contact at least partially together be brought with the second friction disc. The second friction disc has at least one central part and a ring, it being possible for this friction disc to be either one-part or multi-part. In the context of the invention, it is also conceivable that both friction disks are designed to be multi-part and / or axially displaceable.

During the winding or spinning process, the friction disks are positioned at a distance from one another in an open position. If a thread joining process is initiated, both the upper thread and the lower thread are inserted into the thread joining device. For untwisting and closing as well as for clamping the threads, at least parts of a friction disk are brought into contact or operative connection with the second friction disk. In the context of the invention it is conceivable that the friction disks are designed with or without so-called recesses. In the case of friction disks which comprise such recesses, these are usually provided for the engagement of guide means for bundling the fibers of brush-shaped thread ends cut to length.

If there is also a thermocouple that can be controlled via a control unit as required and is connected to one or both friction disks in such a way that they are heated or cooled, the strength behavior of the thread connections made under the influence of temperature can be positively influenced. It can be advantageous not only in general when winding yarns to splice the yarn ends by means of heated or cooled contact surfaces or friction disks when producing yarn connections. With certain types of fiber, such as animal fibers and some types of synthetic fibers, particularly good splicing results are achieved if the fibers are spliced under the influence of temperature. The temperature is adjusted to the fiber types to be spliced and optimally adjusted to them. In this context, it is essential to the invention that the friction disk can be heated or cooled; it is irrelevant whether the thermocouple is in direct contact with the friction disk or is connected to it via a supply line.

The control unit is assigned to the thermocouple. This means that by means of a control unit, both the temperature and the duration of the supplied temperature can be controlled precisely and as required. It is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the control unit can be integrated into the respective textile machine, can be formed by a computer or the like externally assigned to several textile machines, or also by a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The control of the thermocouple is essential to the invention.

To create a thread connection, a defined temperature of the friction area between the friction disks is generated. An improved thread connection can thus be created under the pressure of the friction disks.

The friction lining, which is attached to a carrier or forms this itself, can be arranged both on the central parts, the inner and outer ring and the ring. Alternatively, it is also possible to design the middle parts without a friction lining.

In an advantageous embodiment, the thermocouple is connected to at least one central part.

The middle part of the friction disks is particularly suitable as the element to be tempered. Either one of the middle parts or both middle parts can be assigned to the thermocouple and heated or cooled as required. It would also be possible to connect the thermocouple additionally or alternatively to the ring, the inner and / or outer ring, but the rotatable mounting of the respective parts would increase the design effort.

The control unit is preferably a workstation computer.

This refinement is advisable because a workstation computer is present at every workstation anyway and controls the individual thread handling devices. It would also be conceivable that the usually present central control unit of the textile machine could include the control unit, but in this embodiment the data quantities to be transported between the central control unit and the work stations would disadvantageously be increased. The control unit can be connected to the thermocouple via a control line or wirelessly.

In an advantageous embodiment, the thermocouple is designed as a thermostatically controllable electrical heating element.

Such heating elements convert electrical current into heat, are known and are often used in practice for heating objects made of metal. Usually, a thermostatically controllable electrical heating element is assigned a temperature sensor which, in conjunction with a corresponding control device, ensures that the temperature remains within predetermined limits. The temperature sensor can already be contained in the heating element or arranged outside it.

In an alternative embodiment, the thermocouple is designed as a PTC resistor element.

Such PTC thermistor elements are also known and self-regulating due to their PTC effect. In other words, with thermal splicers of this type, a constant temperature in the area of the splice area is ensured in a simple manner. In this way the technical control effort required for heating is kept low.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the thermocouple is designed as a Peltier element.

Peltier elements are compact and efficient. Such a thermoelectric cooling offers numerous advantages in addition to the exact temperature control, such as the possibility of fanless operation, space saving and low power consumption.

A second aspect of the invention therefore relates to a textile machine producing take-up bobbins with thread connecting devices for connecting two thread ends without knots.

The textile machine producing take-up bobbins is characterized in that at least one thread connecting device is formed according to one of the embodiments described above.

The advantages and effects described in this context can thus be achieved. A textile machine with at least one thread connecting device designed in this way enables a yarn to be produced which has high-quality thread connections which have a positive influence on the running behavior in the subsequent further processing.

Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures and drawings which show details essential to the invention, and from the patent claims. The individual features can each be implemented individually or collectively in any combination in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

• 1 in Seitenansicht eine Arbeitsstelle einer Spulmaschine mit einer Fadenverbindungsvorrichtung;
• 2 schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Fadenspleißvorrichtung;
• 3 schematische Darstellung eines Reibscheibenpaares mit einer beheizbaren Reibscheibe und zugeordneter Wärmequelle.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• 1 a side view of a workstation of a winding machine with a thread connecting device;
• 2 schematic representation of the thread splicing device according to the invention;
• 3 Schematic representation of a pair of friction disks with a heatable friction disk and an associated heat source.

In 1 Fig. 3 is a schematic front view, generally designated by the reference number 1 marked textile machine producing take-up bobbins, in the exemplary embodiment a winding machine, shown.

Such winding machines 1 usually have a large number of similar workplaces between their end frames (not shown) 2 on which, as is known and therefore not explained in detail, spinning cops 9 that were produced on a ring spinning machine, for example, into large-volume packages 15th be rewound.

After their completion, these cross-wound bobbins 15th by means of an automatically operating service unit, preferably a (not shown) package changer, on a machine-length package transport device 21st handed over and transported to a machine end side arranged coil loading station or the like.

Such winding machines 1 usually also have a logistics facility in the form of a reel and tube transport system 3 on, in, on transport plates 8th in vertical orientation, spinning cops 9 , or empty tubes circulate. From this package and tube transport system 3 are in 1 only the cop feed line 4th , the reversibly drivable storage section 5 , one of the most important jobs 2 leading transverse transport routes 6th as well as the case return line 7th shown.

Furthermore, such winding machines have 1 usually via a central control unit (not shown) which is connected to the workstation computers via a machine bus 29 of the individual jobs 2 and is also connected to a control device of the service unit.

As already indicated above, the delivered spinning cops 9 in the unwinding positions AS, which are each in the area of the transverse transport routes 6th at the winding units 2 too large-volume packages 15th rewound.

The individual jobs 2 For this purpose, as is known and therefore only indicated, have various facilities that ensure the proper operation of these workplaces guarantee. These devices are, for example, one about a first pivot axis 13 limited rotatable suction nozzle 12th for handling an upper thread 31 , one around a second pivot axis 20th rotatable gripper tube 25th for handling a bobbin thread 32 and a thread connecting device 10 , in the upper and lower threads 31 , 32 be inserted to carry out a thread joining process.

Such jobs 2 As a rule, they also have other devices, not shown, such as a thread tensioner, a thread cleaner, a waxing device, a thread cutting device, a thread tension sensor and a lower thread sensor.

Winding the cheeses 15th takes place on winding devices 24 . Such winding devices 24 have, among other things, a coil frame 28 around a third pivot axis 22nd is movably mounted and has a device for rotatably holding a cheese tube. During the winding process the lies in the bobbin frame 28 freely rotatably mounted cheese 15th with their surface on a reel drive drum 14th and is carried along by this via frictional engagement.

2 shows a thread connecting device 10 with a housing 11 in a schematic representation, so that one of the friction disks 16 , the area between the friction disks 16 as well as the area above and below the friction disks 16 can be seen.

For connecting two thread ends, i.e. for connecting the upper and lower thread 31 , 32 , becomes the upper thread 31 by means of the suction nozzle 12th and the bobbin thread 32 by means of the gripper tube 25th between the friction disks 16 positioned. For this purpose, the thread is guided by thread guides 30th to ensure that the thread ends are correctly inserted into the thread splicing device 10 to ensure, as well as thread separating agents 33 , for later cutting to length of the threads.

In the simplest embodiment of the thread connecting device 10 are only the parts of the multi-part friction disc 16 axially displaceable, while the other friction disc 16 is firmly stored. In principle, however, both friction disks could also be used 16 be axially displaceable. From the multi-part friction disc 16 , are in this embodiment the middle part 17th , the inner ring 18th as well as the outer ring 19th individually axially displaceable.

After positioning the upper and lower threads 31 , 32 between the friction disks 16 becomes the outer ring 19th the ring 23 the opposite friction disc 16 delivered so that the threads are directly between the friction disks 16 are located. Both friction disks 16 are driven in opposite directions of rotation, so the upper and lower threads 31 , 32 to turn it up or to free it from its rotation.

This is followed by the sliding middle section 17th the middle part 17th the opposite friction disc 16 advanced to upper and lower thread 31 , 32 to clamp. The outer ring 19th temporarily out of contact with the ring 23 brought and meanwhile tear or cut the thread separators 33 the upper and lower threads 31 , 32 . Which are in the thread separating agents 33 Remnants of thread are removed from the suction nozzle 12th and the gripper tube 25th sucked up and removed. Between the friction disks 16 remaining are the thread ends of the upper and lower thread 31 , 32 which are freed from their rotation and thereby each form a brush-shaped thread end in which the individual fibers are present.

After cutting to length, both the inner ring 18th as well as the outer ring 19th axially displaced and the opposite friction disc 16 with her middle part 17th and the ring 23 delivered. Both friction disks 16 have recesses 26th on, in the guide means 27 can intervene. This guide means 27 ensure that after removing the twist of the thread and cutting the upper and lower threads to length 31 , 32 the almost parallel alignment of the fibers is retained and the brush-shaped thread ends are centered or bundled, so that the fibers of the thread ends are rotated again in opposite directions 16 can be twisted together.

Before the friction discs 16 again in the opposite direction of rotation to twist the thread ends of the upper and lower thread together 31 , 32 or applying the rotations are driven, the middle part 17th axially displaced so that it is out of contact with the opposite central part 17th is spent.

In 3 is a pair of friction disks 16 shown, with a central part 17th a friction disc 16 in direct contact with a thermocouple 36 , which is designed as a PTC thermistor element in this example. This means that the area in which the thread ends lie and in which the thread connection is created can be controlled via the thermocouple 36 can be subjected to a defined temperature.

The thermocouple 36 is with the control unit 38 is connected and can be via a control line 37 controlled in a defined manner.

Through the control unit 38 becomes the thermocouple 36 controlled in a defined manner, the temperature level and the duration of the heating being selected so that a predetermined temperature between the friction disks 16 arises. Then the thread ends are twisted together.

The temperature introduced has an extremely positive effect on the splices, especially with difficult yarns. That is, by heating the friction disks 16 thread connections can be made even with difficult yarns, which have an almost yarn-like appearance and strength behavior.

1

Textile machine producing packages

2

Jobs

3

Spool and tube transport system

4th

Cop feed line

5

Storage range

6th

Cross transport line

7th

Sleeve return line

8th

Transport plate

9

Spinning cops

10

Thread joining device

11

casing

12

Suction nozzle

13

First pivot axis

14th

Reel drive drum

15th

Packages

16

Friction disc

17th

Middle part

18th

Inner ring

19th

Outer ring

20th

Second pivot axis

21st

Package transport device

22nd

Third pivot axis

23

ring

24

Winding device

25th

Grab tube

26th

Recesses

27

Guide means

28

Coil frame

29

Workstation computer

30th

Thread guide

31

Upper thread

32

Bobbin thread

33

Thread release agent

34

carrier

35

Friction lining

36

Thermocouple

37

Control line

38

Control unit

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 0140412 A1 [0005, 0006]

Claims (7)

Thread connecting device (10) for the knot-free connection of two thread ends, friction disks (16) for mechanically acting on the thread ends to be connected being rotatably mounted in a housing (11) and each having a carrier (34) and a friction lining arranged on the carrier (34) (35), characterized in that one of the friction disks (16) is constructed in several parts and has a central part (17), an inner ring (18) and an outer ring (19), which are axially displaceably mounted that the other friction disk (16 ) has at least one middle part (17) and a ring (23), and that at least one thermocouple (36) is present which is connected to at least one friction disk (16) and a control unit (38). Thread connecting device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermocouple (36) is connected to at least one central part (17). Thread connecting device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the control unit (38) is a workstation computer (29). Thread connecting device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermocouple (36) is a thermostatically controllable electrical heating element. Thread connecting device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermocouple (36) is a PTC resistor element. Thread connecting device (10) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thermocouple (36) is a Peltier element. Textile machine producing take-up bobbins with thread connection devices (10) for the knot-free connection of two thread ends, characterized in that at least one thread connection device (10) according to Claim 6 is trained.

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