EP0171516A2 - Yarn storage feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a thread storage and delivery device (1) with a stationary storage drum on which a thread supply (26) can be formed from the thread (27), the size of which can vary between a minimum and a maximum by means of at least one mechanical sensing element (28, 28 ', 28 ", 28 ‴, 28' '' ') is monitored, which can be moved from the thread supply between two positions (I, II) and is connected to a switching device arranged outside the storage drum. Usually, a mechanical and outside the storage drum is stored According to the invention, the sensing element is movably supported in the storage drum between the one position projecting above the surface and the other position terminating with the storage drum surface (15) against a restoring force, and The switching device contains a sensing element (20.20 ', 21.21', 20 ", 20 ‴), which is non-contact to the change in position of the sensing element responds with a reaction signal.

Description

The invention relates to a thread storage and delivery device of the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

In such thread storage and delivery devices, the switching device controls the drive which is responsible for the addition of the thread supply. If the size of the thread supply is reduced to a minimum, the thread supply is increased again, if necessary up to a maximum size, when this drive is stopped again. It is also possible to carry out the control in such a way that the addition of the thread supply is always carried out in such a way that its size fluctuates between the maximum and the minimum value without ever reaching it. However, if the size of the thread supply reaches the minimum or maximum size value, this is a sign of a malfunction, whereupon the switching device not only stops the drive for the thread storage and delivery device, but also for devices that cooperate with it, possibly downstream devices. In the case of thread storage and delivery devices with a stationary storage body, a finger-like sensor fastened outside the storage body is usually used, the end of which is immersed in an axial recess in the storage body and is loaded by a spring. The sensor either works with a switching device or has contacts that work with counter-contacts for signal generation. As soon as the thread supply becomes so large that it deflects the sensor to a certain extent, a signal is generated which interrupts the increase in the thread supply. The disadvantage here is that the sensor exerts a certain load on the thread turns when pulling each thread turn is felt as a jerk. In textile processing in particular, however, it is necessary that the thread tension of the drawn thread not only remains small, but also constant, which is one of the main tasks of the thread storage and delivery device. When the thread is pulled off, it should form a so-called balloon, if possible, which is prevented by the sensor which engages from the outside. Furthermore, it is unfavorable that the sensor or its suspension is to be set to the respective thread type or characteristic and that the sensor must also be adjusted depending on the thread thickness, for which a comparatively large amount of effort is required. For this reason, more and more people have switched to optical or opto-electronic sensors, which are able to scan the thread size without contact. In these, the directed light beam is reflected by a mirror surface fixed to the storage body and then scanned, for example, for its intensity. It is very difficult to permanently generate a strong and significant and reliably scannable signal.

The invention has for its object to provide a thread storage and delivery device of the type mentioned, in which the control or monitoring of the size of the thread supply is achieved without interfering influence on the thread withdrawal from the storage body.

The object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

With this training, an extremely light: and easily movable sensing element can be used, which gets dirty. tongue-insensitive works and has the advantage that it no longer noticeably affects the denabzug and the thread feed because in the one position in which the sensing element protrudes from the surface of the storage body, the thread is lifted from the surface of the storage body and above the sensing element or is already lifted from the surface of the storage body at a relatively large distance in front of the sensing element, and because in in the other position, the sensing element is already flush with the surface of the thread body or even lies behind it under an extraordinarily low restoring force, so that it is practically not present for the thread. The sensing element does not directly actuate any contacts or switching devices, so that it imposes a barely perceptible load on the thread. However, the sensing element detects a change in position of the sensing element without contact and generates the reaction signal which actuates the switching device, since the movement of the sensing element determined by the sensing element signals that the thread supply has become too large or too small.

An advantageous embodiment emerges from claim 2. The proximity initiator determines, for example on the basis of an influence on the field generated by him _/ the change in position of the sensing element that has taken place, and generates the signal. Commercial proximity initiators respond extremely sensitively to changes in position associated with changes in distance and can easily stand so far from the surface of the storage body that they do not hinder the thread movements. Other electrically or magnetically conductive elements that are not directly in the sensing range are ignored.

The embodiment of claim 3 is also expedient because a metal leaf spring can be easily bent into the optimum shape in each case at a low weight, the restoring force permanently applies itself and is easy to attach. Together with the small and light proximity initiator, this creates a reliable, light, and space-saving sensing unit.

Alternatively, an embodiment is also expedient, as indicated in claim 4. Every change in the position of the sensing element requires a change in the position of the magnetic field, which the sensing element detects as a change in the field strength and is used to emit a signal.

An important idea continues to emerge from claim 5. Since no external forces act on the sensing element when it is returned, the restoring force can be designed to be extraordinarily low, which makes the sensing element easy to move from one position to the other against the restoring force. Since the thread windings are loaded only to a negligible extent, the thread pull tension or the feed movement of the thread supply is not influenced.

Another useful embodiment is set out in claim 6. This axis, about which the sensing element pivots, can be relatively close to the surface of the storage body, so that the mass of the sensing element is concentrated around the axis, together with the permanent magnet, which benefits the easy mobility of the sensing element. It is favorable that the tilting movement leads to a defined tilting movement of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, which is felt by the sensing element with a sudden and relatively strong change in the strength of the magnetic field. In the leaf spring, the respective tilt axis for the end can be arranged so that a large lever arm and thus a small force for moving the end can be achieved.

As an alternative to this, an embodiment as claimed in claim 7 is also advantageous. Such a spiral spring is durable and can be loaded with a uniformly low resistance and has the advantage that it can simultaneously secure the position of the sensing element in the storage body.

Alternatively, an embodiment is also expedient, as can be seen from claim 8. The tension spring takes over the resilient property of the spiral spring and ensures that the sensing element returns to the one position in which it protrudes over the surface of the storage body when the thread supply has released the sensing area.

Another, advantageous embodiment is evident from claim 9. Here, the sensing element is not acted directly in the sense of a reset, but again only in a magnetic manner, which can easily be accomplished in such a way that the initial force for deflecting the sensing element from one position is very low, which is favorable for the thread turns.

Another alternative embodiment follows from claim 10. In this case, the sensing element is displaced in a linear direction by the thread turns, the weakening of the magnetic field strength occurring then also being determined by the sensing element and used for signaling is pulled. It is favorable here that the sensing element can be accommodated in a small opening in the storage body, which can be shielded well against contamination.

A further alternative embodiment emerges from claim 11. Here the sensing element has no fixed tilt axis in the storage body, but is held in an unstable equilibrium position by the restoring force, from which it can be rolled into another, possibly stable, equilibrium position under the action of the thread turns. The oval shape of the disc then ensures that the sensing element no longer protrudes beyond the surface of the storage body in the second position.

Alternatively, an embodiment is also expedient, as can be seen from claim 12. The step in the guideway ensures that the sensing element protrudes above the surface in one position and no longer protrudes above the surface in the other.

It is important here if the measures of claim 13 are also provided, since then the end positions of the sensing element are precisely defined from the outset and thus also the position of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, which the sensing element must sense exactly.

The measure of claim 14 is also important so that the thread turns can easily move the sensing element from one position to the other.

Even small changes in the strength of the magnetic field can be sensed with a sensing element, as is contained in claim 15.

A further, particularly expedient embodiment emerges from claim 16. Thanks to the polarity of both The tilting element is slave magnetically forced to follow a tilting movement of the sensing element. The tilting element can easily be designed so that it actuates a switching device or cooperates with an optoelectronic switching element protected against dirt, which would not be possible for the sensing element. The sensing element gives, so to speak, the magnetic pulse for the tilting element, which causes it to move with which a signal is generated.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 is also particularly expedient because it eliminates the need for its own spring or permanent magnet to set up the sensing element and the magnetic effect between the two permanent magnets of the sensing element and the tilting element is used to generate the mutual force.

In practice, an embodiment has proven to be particularly expedient, which emerges from claim 18. This form of the sensing element is not only simple and inexpensive to manufacture, easy to accommodate in the storage body, but also allows a quick response to contact with a thread turn to be achieved. The penetration of dirt, which may impair the function of the sensing element, can be effectively prevented according to claim ¹ 9.

An embodiment is almost completely maintenance-free, as can be seen from claim 20, because the recess receiving the sensing element is hermetically sealed from the outside, so that no contamination can impair the function of the sensing element.

The embodiment of claim 21 is also favorable because each sensing element thus monitors a limit on the size of the thread supply and a total of two Signals can be generated, which can be further processed in analog or digital form and used to control various devices.

Furthermore, claim 22 specifies a structurally simple embodiment in which both sensing elements are formed on the leaf spring.

Another useful embodiment is set out in claim 23. The change in position of the sensing element is used to also shift a light beam reflected by the sensing element, which comes from a light beam directed onto the sensing element. Compared to conventional optical sensors, there is the advantage that a very powerful light beam can be used and that, due to the displacement of the reflected light beam, a very strong signal is produced because the receiver does not detect the change in the intensity of the light intensity of the reflected beam, which is relatively weak for certain reasons , as before, but clearly differentiates between the presence of a strong reflected light beam and its absence. For this reason, this optical device is much less sensitive and reliable than previously known.

Another important idea emerges from claim 24. The receiver is positioned at a point along the path through which the reflected light beam travels when the sensing element changes position. At one point in the movement of the sensing element, the receiver receives the light beam while it is not being acted upon over the rest of the movement path. The signal that can be generated is significant and strong.

Another, alternative embodiment stands out by the measure 'from claim 25. In one of the two positions, between which the position of the sensing element changes, the light beam is applied to the receiver. If the sensing element moves out of this position, the receiver receives no reflected light beam and is clearly informed of the change in position that has taken place.

Finally, the feature of claim 26 is also important, because with the respective choice of the direction of the light beam, which is reflected by the sensing element, an optimal control behavior can be selected, or because the designer of the device changes in the assignment of the individual interacting components in a larger one Area is enabled.

• Fig. 1 einen Teillängsschnitt durch eine Fadenspeieher und -liefervorrichtung mit einem Maximal- und einem Minimalfühler für die Größe des Fadenvorrats,
• Fig. 2a eine erste Abwandlung eines Minimal- und Maximalfühlers gemäß Fig. 1,
• Fig. 2b einen Schnitt in der Ebene II-II,
• Fig. 3a eine zweite Abwandlung eines Minimalfühlers von Fig.1,
• Fig. 3b eine Schnittansicht in der Ebene III-III von Fig. 3a,
• Fig. 4a,4b einander zugeordnete Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Minimalfühlers von Fig. 1,
• Fig. 5a eine weitere Ausführungsform der beiden Fühler,
• Fig. 5b eine um 90° gedrehte Ansicht des Maximalfühlers von Fig. 4a,
• Fig. 6a,6b zwei einander zugeordnete Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Fühlers,
• Fig. 7a,7b zwei einander zugeordnete Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Fühlers,
• Fig. 8 eine weitere Ausführungsform der beiden Fühler von Fig. 1,
• F_ig. 9a,9b zwei einander zugeordnete Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführungsform des Maximalfühlers von Fig. 1, ^»
• Fig. 10 den Maximalfühler von Fig. 9a und 9b in einer ausgelenkten Stellung, und
• Fig. 11a,11b, 11c drei weitere Ausführungsformen eines auf optischer Basis betriebenen Maximalfühlers.

Embodiments of the subject matter of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 is a partial longitudinal section through a thread feeder and delivery device with a maximum and a minimum sensor for the size of the thread supply,
• 2a shows a first modification of a minimum and maximum sensor according to FIG. 1,
• 2b shows a section in the plane II-II,
• 3a shows a second modification of a minimal sensor from FIG. 1,
• 3b is a sectional view in the plane III-III of Fig. 3a,
• 4a, 4b associated views of another embodiment of the minimum sensor of FIG. 1,
• 5a shows a further embodiment of the two sensors,
• 5b is a view rotated by 90 ° of the maximum sensor from FIG. 4a,
• 6a, 6b two mutually associated views of a further embodiment of a sensor,
• 7a, 7b two mutually associated views of a further embodiment of a sensor,
• 8 shows a further embodiment of the two sensors from FIG. 1,
• F _i g. 9a, 9b two mutually associated views of a further embodiment of the maximum sensor from FIG. 1, ^»
• Fig. 10 shows the maximum sensor of Fig. 9a and 9b in a deflected position, and
• 11a, 11b, 11c three further embodiments of a maximum sensor operated on an optical basis.

In Fig. 1, a thread storage and delivery device 1 is shown schematically and in partial section, which has a lower housing part 2 with a lateral holding arm 3, to which a carrier 4 is attached with a thread take-off eye 5. The lower housing 2 contains a drive motor (not shown) for a tubular thread winding member 6, which rotates with a drive shaft 7 which passes through the device 1 in the axial direction. On the drive shaft 7, two halves 10 and 11 of a drum-shaped storage body are rotatably mounted in separate bearings 8 and 9 with mutually inclined axes of rotation (not shown), which have interlocking rods 12 and 13 which define an approximately cylindrical surface 15 of the storage body. Due to the angular displacement between the axes of rotation and, if appropriate, an eccentricity of the axes of rotation of the two halves which is not shown, a feed movement in the axial direction away from the winding member 6 is given via the drive shaft 7 in a conventional manner to a thread supply 26 lying on the surface 15.

The thread designated 27 is fed through the thread winding member 6 and wound in the tangential direction onto the surface 15, where it forms the thread supply 26 with several turns, from which the thread then passes over a head part 22 of the storage body or its thickened edge through the thread eyelet 5 is withdrawn again.

In a longitudinal recess 16 of the storage body, which is delimited by a wall 17, are a Maximum sensor 18 and a minimum sensor 19 are arranged, with which the respective size of the thread supply 26 can be scanned. At a distance from the sensors 18 and 19, sensing elements 20 and 21 are aligned with the sensors 18 and 19, which scan the respective position of each sensor and generate signals therefrom, with which the drive motor in the lower housing part 2 is started or stopped, for example to increase the thread supply 26 wind up more thread or stop winding the thread.

Since the storage body wants to rotate with the drive shaft 7, but this is absolutely to be avoided, a magnet 24 is fastened in the head part 22, which is aligned with a magnet 23 accommodated in a holder 25. Between these magnets 23 and 24, a holding force is built up which keeps the storage body still, so that the drive shaft 7 rotates in it and thereby excites the two halves 10 and 11 of the storage body to the feed movement. A filler 14 is also contained in the storage body, which has to prevent the ingress of contaminants into the cavity of the storage body and to the bearing points 8 and 9.

The thread supply 26 should have a certain size, which changes depending on how much new thread the thread winding member 6 winds up and how much thread is drawn off by the thread take-off eye 5. The size should fluctuate between a maximum and a minimum value, both of which must not be exceeded. Accordingly, in FIG. 1 the minimum value sensor 19 is actuated, which indicates that the thread supply is larger than the minimum value, while the maximum sensor 18 is not actuated, which indicates that the thread supply 26 is correctly still smaller than the maximum value.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2a, 2b, the maximum and minimum sensors 18, 19 are formed by sensing elements, which are the two ends 65, 65 'of an integral metal leaf spring 66. The metal leaf spring 66 is fixed with a flat base part 67 in the recess 16 with a screw 68 easily replaceable. Vertical legs 71 extend from the base part 67 in the direction of the surface 15 of the storage body, the ends 65, 65 'of which are bent laterally in such a way that each end 65, 65' projects above the surface 15 without the contact pressure of the turns 27 . The end 65 'is bent relative to an intermediate part 70 in such a way that it does not lie above the surface 15 in the unloaded state, but rather forms an oblique run-up surface for the turns 27, while in the loaded state it is pushed into the depression about a tilt axis 69' (Fig. 2a) that the intermediate part 70 is approximately flush with the surface 15. The tilt axis 69 'of the end 65' could also lie at the lower end of the rear leg 71 in the transition to the base part 67. The other end 65 has its tilt axis 69 either - as shown - in the transition from the right leg 71 to the base part 67 or in the transition from the end 65 to the right leg 71. The sensing elements 20 _. , 21 'are proximity initiators which generate an electromagnetic or an eddy current field which is influenced by changing the position of the electrically conductive sensing element 28', 28 "for signal generation. Such proximity initiators are commercially available and are available in different sensitivity levels. They also work flawless if there are other metallic elements nearby. Therefore, the one-piece design of the leaf spring 66 does not impair the proper operation of both initiators 20 ', 21'. However, the two sensing elements 28 ', 28 "could also be formed by separate leaf springs.

3a, 3b and 3c, the maximum and minimum sensors 18a and 19a are designed such that a block-shaped sensor element 28, in which a permanent magnet 29 is structurally incorporated with a certain polarity, is mounted on a spiral spring 30, which on a Abutment 31 is attached. The spiral spring 30 can consist of soft rubber or an elastomer and bends in a region 35 when the sensing element 28 is loaded by the thread turns of the thread supply. In FIG. 1, the sensor elements are fastened to spiral springs approximately radial to the axis of the device 1, while according to FIGS. 3a-c they are fastened to spiral springs 30 running approximately in the axial direction. Each spiral spring 30 simultaneously secures the position of the sensing element 28 in its two positions, whereby in the one position under the restoring force of the spiral spring 30, the sensing element 28 with a wedge-shaped tip 34, a bearing surface 33 lying approximately perpendicular to the surface 15 and an inclined surface 32 over the Surface 15 protrudes, approximately at the height of the diameter of the thread turns. In the other position, in which the spiral spring is kinked (FIG. 3c), the tip 34 of the sensing element 28 is approximately flush with the surface 15, so that the thread turns of the thread supply can slide forward essentially unimpeded.

According to FIG. 3 ^b , the sensor element 28 is seated in the recess 16 of the storage body which is closely matched to the width of the sensor element 28. The wedge-shaped tip 34 has a convex shape. The permanent magnet 29 is arranged, for example, in such a way that, in the position shown in FIG. 2a, it generates a magnetic field with magnetic lines M, which are aligned with the sensing element 20 in the middle of the magnetic field. The sensing element 20 is expediently a Hall element which immediately detects changes in the strength of the magnetic field and can derive a signal therefrom.

It is obvious that in the other position of the sensing element 28 (Fig.3c) the magnetic field with the magnetic lines M is tilted to the side, so that the sensing element 21 of the minimum sensor 19a is acted upon by the magnetic field much weaker than in one Position according to Fig. 2a. In this way, the sensing element 20 or 21 can develop a signal either when the sensing element 28 is tilted away or when the sensing element 28 is tilted back, or in both cases.

The F _i g in the embodiment of the minimal sensor 18b according to. 4a and 4b, the block-shaped sensor element 28 is in turn provided with the integrated permanent magnet 29, which can be tilted about a pivot axis 36 lying approximately parallel to the thread turns in a bearing 37 in the storage body. The axis 36 is expediently in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the sensing element with the permanent magnet 29, so that only a small force is required to tilt the sensing element 28. It would also be possible to mount the pivot axis 36 directly in the center of gravity. The restoring force, which returns the sensing element 28 from the downward tilted position (FIG. 4c) to the position shown in FIG. 3a, is generated in this embodiment by a further permanent magnet 38 arranged in the storage body, which, for example, has the opposite polarity to that Permanent magnet 29 in the sensing element 28. The magnets 29 and 38 cooperate in such a way that the sensing element 28 is pivoted back into the position shown in FIG. 3a as soon as the load from the thread turns has ceased.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5a, the minimum and maximum sensors 18c, 19e are designed as oval, disk-shaped sensor elements 39, into which the permanent magnets 29 are incorporated in the center. The positioning force for each sensor element 39 is generated by a further permanent magnet 38 with reverse polarity. Fig. 5b illustrates that each sensor element 39 is relatively wide and can thus roll stably on a guideway 43 which is arranged in the recess 16 of the storage body and extends axially. In the upright position of the sensing element 39 caused by the permanent magnet 38, an expediently structured, for example cross-ribbed, surface 40 projects beyond the surface 15 of the storage body, where it can be easily acted upon by the thread 27 such that the sensing element, for example the minimum sensor 19c, is rolled to the side and its surface 40 is flush with the surface 15. Stops 41 and 42 can be provided on the guideway 43, which positively fix the two positions of each sensor element.

In the embodiment of the minimum sensor 18b according to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a sensor element 46 is provided in the form of a circular disk of a certain width, in which the permanent magnet 29 is integrated. A guide track 44 with a step 45 is provided in the storage body, on which the sensor element 46 can roll in such a way that it projects over the surface 15 in one position and is flush with the surface 15 in the other position (indicated by dashed lines). The positioning force or the positioning force returning the sensor element 46 from the other position to the one position is generated by the further permanent magnet 38. The stops 41 and 42, which fix the two end positions in a form-fitting manner, are again provided on the guide track 44. Furthermore, recesses 48 can be formed in the sensor element 46, which cooperate with teeth 47 on the guide track 44 in such a way that the sensor element 46 cannot rotate relative to the guide track 44.

Otherwise, the sensing element 46 could also have a spherical shape. ,

Furthermore, it would be possible to use 38 springs instead of the other permanent magnets in the aforementioned embodiments, which generate the raising force for the sensing element.

In the embodiment, the minimum probe according 18e to F _i g. 7a and 7b, in turn, the block-shaped sensing element 28 with the integrated permanent magnet 29 is provided and is mounted such that it can be tilted about the axis 36 in the bearing points 37 in the storage body. An extension pin 64 is arranged on the underside of the sensor element 28, on which a tension spring 49 engages, the free end of which is anchored to an abutment 50 fixed in the storage body. The tension spring 49 provides the set-up force for the sensing element 28. A stop (not shown) arranged in the storage body could be provided in order to positively determine the position according to FIG. 6a for the sensing element 28.

In the embodiment of the minimum and maximum sensors 19f, 18f according to FIG. 8, a block-shaped sensor element 28 is again provided, which, however, is arranged rotated by 180 ° with respect to the advancing movement of the turns of the thread 17 relative to the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, so that its oblique ramp surface 32 of the feed movement is directed opposite. Each sensor element 28 is also rounded off at 51.

Both sensor elements 28 are mounted in radial shafts 52 of the storage body such that they can be displaced radially to the axis thereof, namely by means of the pressure bolts 54 which push through a support 53. Under the support 53 is a widened on each pressure bolt 54 Shaped collar 55, on which a compression spring 56 is supported, the free end of which rests on an abutment surface 57. The shafts 52 are hermetically sealed from the outside by a thin skin 58.

The minimum sensor 19f is inserted so far through the thread supply that its tip 51 is approximately flush with the surface 15 and the collar 55 from the _. Support 53 is pushed away. The sensing element 28 of the maximum sensor 18f, on the other hand, is pushed out of the shaft 52 by the compression spring 56 until the collar 55 abuts the support 53, so that the run-up surface 32 protrudes above the surface 15 and the skin 58 is arched up.

The sensing elements 20 and 21 here are Hall elements which respond to the weakening of the strength of the magnetic field which occurs when each filling element 28 is displaced.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 9a 9b, the block-shaped sensing element 28 is again provided with its permanent magnet 29, which is mounted so as to be tiltable about the axis 36 in the bearing points 37 of the storage body. A further permanent magnet 38 is indicated in FIG. 9 a, which can be provided for generating the raising force, but in this embodiment this further permanent magnet 38 is also unnecessary.

The sensing element aligned with the sensing element 28 is namely a tilting element 58, in which a permanent magnet 60 is integrated, which has the same polarity as the permanent magnet 29 in the sensing element 28. The tilting element 58 has an upstanding arm 59, which is integrated into an opto-electronic Sensor 63 engages. The tilting element 58 is mounted such that it can be tilted about an axis 61 parallel to the axis 36 in a bearing 62.

The two permanent magnets 29 and 60 attract each other and act on one another such that when the sensing element 28 (FIG. 10) of the minimum sensor 18g is tilted, the permanent magnet 60 of the tilting element 58 is also tilted about the axis 61 because the magnetic lines of the two Attempt to align the magnetic fields of both magnets in parallel, as a result of which the arm 59 tilts out of the optoelectronic sensor 63 and the latter is excited to generate a signal. As a result of the magnetic effect between the two magnets 60 and 29, these together have the tendency to move back into the position according to FIG. 8a when the tilting load on the sensing element 28 has been reduced. For this reason, a permanent magnet 38 which causes the lifting force is not required here.

The embodiments of FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c show an optical principle with one maximum sensor 18 each.

11a, the maximum sensor 18 is formed by the sensing element 28 '", which is formed by the resilient end 65 of a leaf spring 66' fastened behind the surface 15 of the storage body in a manner not shown in detail. The end 65 is inclined in the unloaded position I. over the surface 15, while it can be pushed away flush in two by the thread turns 27 into the loaded position II with the surface 15. The end 65 has a reflecting surface 74, which can also be formed by a mirror surface provided there 3 of the device 1, an element responsive to light, for example a phototransistor, is arranged as a sensing element 20 ″, to which a light source 72, for example a light diode, is associated. The light source 72 generates a light beam 73, for example from infrared light, which is directed so that it strikes the surface 74 of the end 65 and is reflected in the position I of the sensing element 28 '"in the direction 73 I. In the direction 73 I of the reflected light beam, the sensing element 20 "is aligned. Will go shifted towards the end 65 through the turns into position II, the light beam 73 is reflected in a direction 73 II in which it no longer strikes the sensing element 20 ″.

In the embodiment of FIG. 11b, the light source 72 is structurally integrated in the sensing element 20 "', which thus also contains a receiver for the light beam 73 in addition to the light source. The light source of the sensing element 20" "sends a light beam 73 approximately radially to the storage body and perpendicular to the surface 15, which is reflected in the position I of the end 65 in a direction 73 1, in which direction it does not hit the sensing element 20 "'. On the other hand, the end 65 is shifted to the position II in which it Aligns approximately with the surface 15, the light beam 73 is in turn reflected radially and perpendicularly to the surface 15 in a direction 73 II in which it hits the sensing element 20 ′ ″. The sensing element 28 '", which in turn is used as the maximum sensor 18, is thus scanned for signal generation in its second position II, in which the light beam 73 is reflected in the direction 73 II on the sensing element 20" ".

In the embodiment of FIG. 11c, the sensing element 28 "" is designed as a block which can be displaced radially into the storage surface 15 and which has an oblique run-up surface 74 'for the thread turns, the surface 74' being either reflective or with a reflective insert. The sensing element 28 "" here also belongs to a maximum sensor 18. In the fixed part 3 of the device, the light source 72 is arranged, which emits a light beam 73 onto the surface 74 'of the sensing element 28 "", which is approximately radial and perpendicular to the surface 15 runs. In position I of the sensing element 28 "" in which it protrudes above the surface 15, the light beam 73 is reflected in a direction 73 'in which it strikes the sensing element 20 ', which in turn is a photodiode or a light-sensitive signal generator. In position II, in which the sensing element 28 "" is approximately aligned with the surface 15, the reflected beam from the light beam 73 is displaced downward in the drawing and emerges in a direction 73 II in which it does not have the sensing element 20 " able to meet.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 11c, the light beam directed onto the sensing element can have practically any direction. It is only necessary to ensure that the reflected light beam is reflected on the sensing element in any position of the sensing element and cannot reach the sensing element in other positions of the sensing element. It is irrelevant in which direction relative to the surface 15 or to the axis of the storage body the sensing element can be displaced by the thread turns (either radially or about a tilt axis parallel to the storage body axis or parallel to the thread turns), provided that it is ensured that the Change in position of the sensing element, the reflected light beam also carries out a change in position, which the sensing element can use to generate signals.

Claims (26)

1 .. thread storage and delivery device (1), with a stationary drum-shaped storage body, on the surface (15) of which a thread supply (26) consisting of a plurality of turrets (26) can be formed, the size of which is seen in the axial direction of the storage body between a minimum and a maximum is monitored by at least one mechanical sensing element (28, 28 ', 28 ", 28'", 28 "") which can be moved between two positions (I, II) by the windings and with one outside the Storage body arranged switching device is in working connection, characterized in that the sensing element (28,28 ', 28 ", 39,46) in the storage body between the one position in which it protrudes over the storage body surface (15), and the other position lung, in which it closes with the surface of the storage body or withdraws behind it, is movably mounted and is loaded by a restoring force in the direction of the one position, and that
the switching device contains a sensor element (20, 20 ', 21, 21'; 58) which responds without contact to the change in position of the sensing element between the two positions with a reaction signal. 2. Thread storage and delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensing element (28 ') made of an electrically or magnetically conductive material, e.g. Metal, and that the sensing element (20 ', 21') is a proximity initiator with which a magnetic, electromagnetic or eddy current field which can be influenced by this change in position can be generated in the sensing element (28 '). 3. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized gekennzeich-net that the sensing element (28 ', 28 ") in a relaxed position on the storage body surface (15) protruding end (65,65') one metal leaf spring (66) fitted in the accumulator body. 4. thread storage and delivery device according to claim 1, characterized in that in the sensing element (28, 39, 46) a permanent magnet (29) is structurally incorporated, and that the sensing element (20,21,58) when changing the position of the sensing element responsive to a change in the magnetic field strength caused by the change in position of the permanent magnet. 5. thread storage and delivery device according to claim 4, characterized in that the restoring force is only slightly greater than that for Movement of the mass of the sensing element (28) containing the permanent magnet (29) from one force to the other position. 6. Thread storage and delivery device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensing element (28, 28 ', 28 ") in the storage body about an axis parallel to the thread turns (27) in the sensing region (36 , 69) can be tilted. 7. thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensing element (28) on a spiral spring (30), preferably made of rubber, is attached. 8. Thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensing element (28) is loaded approximately tangentially to the tilt axis (36) by a tension spring (49). 9. thread storage and delivery device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensing element (28,39,46) is freely movable and that the restoring force is applied by a further permanent magnet (38) attached in the storage body. 10. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized gekennzeich-net that the sensing element (28) has an inclined run-up surface (32) for the thread turns (17) and in the radial direction - based on the storage body axis - against the Force of a compression spring (56) is displaceable. 11. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 1, 4 and 10, characterized in that the sensing element (39) is designed as an oval disk which is supported in a rollable manner on a guide track (43) running in the axial direction of the storage body. 12. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 1, 4 and 10, characterized in that the sensing element (46) is designed as a round disk which is supported on a step (45) having a guide track (44) in a rollable manner. 13. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that the guideway (43,44) has stops (41,42) at which the sensing element (39,46) is intercepted in both positions. 14. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that in the one position of the sensing element (39, 46) over the surface (15) of the storage body, the surface (40) of the sensing element is structured. 15. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the sensing element (20, 21) is a Hall element aligned with the sensing element (28, 39, 46). 16. Thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1, 4 and 15, characterized in that the switching device as a sensing element (58) around a to the tilt axis (36) of the Sensing element (28) parallel axis (61) rotatable tilting element with a structurally integrated, the permanent magnet (29) of the sensing element with the same permanent magnet (60), which reacts to a tilting movement of the magnetic field of the sensing element (28) with a tilting movement, and with a switching element (63), for example an opto-electronic switching element, is in working connection. 17. Thread storage and delivery device according to claim 16, characterized in that the positioning force for the sensing element (28) and a positioning force for the tilting element (sensing element 58) are generated by the magnetic action between the two permanent magnets (29, 60). 18. Thread storage and delivery device according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensing element (28) has the shape of a wedge-shaped tip (34) having blocks and consists of a plastic material in which the permanent magnet (29) is embedded. 19. Thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the sensing element (28, 28 ', 28 ", 39,46) in one of the shape of the sensing element or the metal leaf spring (66) adapted recess (16,52) of the storage body. 20. Thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the recess (52) is sealed by a thin skin (58), optionally made of non-elastic plastic, which in one position of the sensing element (28) h _o chgewölbt and in the other position with the surface (15) of the storage body is flush. 21. Thread storage and delivery device according to at least one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that two sensor elements monitoring the minimum and the maximum size of the thread supply (28, 28 ', 28 ", 39, 46) one behind the other in the axial direction of the storage body are arranged. 22. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 3 and 21, characterized in that the two sensing elements (28 ', 28 ") from the two ends (65,65') of approximately in a U-shape with outwardly turned leg ends bent metal leaf spring (66) can be formed. 23. Thread storage and delivery device according to claim 1 and at least one of claims 3,6,7,8,10,11,12,13,19, 21,22, characterized in that the sensing element (28 '", 28"" ) is light-reflecting or with a light-reflecting surface (74), and that the sensing element (20 ", 20"') is an optical or optoelectronic receiver which points in the direction of a light beam reflected by the sensing element (28'",28"") (73 _I , 73 _II ) is aligned. 24. Thread storage and delivery device according to claim 23, characterized in that the sensing element designed as a receiver (20 ", 20 '") is aligned with a direction of the reflected light beam (73 _I , 73 _II ) which it changes during the change of position Sensing element (28 "', 28"") between the two positions I, II. 25. thread storage and delivery device according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that the receiver on the direction of the sensing element (28 "', 28"") in one or the other position (I or II ) of the sensing element reflected light beam (73 _I , 73 _II ) is aligned. 26. Thread storage and delivery device according to claims 23 to 25, characterized in that a light source (72), preferably an infrared light source, is provided outside the storage body, the light beam (23) of which is directed onto the sensing element (28 "', 28 '"') aims.

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