JP2009523682A - Improvements in creel or creel - Google Patents

Abstract

The creel includes a rotary yarn package (2) attached to a yarn package holder (4) and a yarn guide device. The yarn guide device includes first yarn guide means (6), second yarn guide means (8), third yarn guide means (9), and fourth yarn guide means (10). The first yarn guide means is attached to the first end of the turning member (12). The pivot member pivots about a point (14) spaced from the first end (10). In use, the yarn is withdrawn from the yarn package through the first, second, third and fourth yarn guide means. By applying tension to the yarn, the yarn is unwound. During unwinding, the point where the yarn leaves the yarn package goes back and forth axially across the yarn (15) package. Since the first yarn guide means (6) is freely rotatable about the pivot axis (14), the tension of the yarn is brought to a position substantially aligned with the point where the yarn leaves the yarn package. 6) acts to move.

Description

  The present invention relates to improvements in the delivery of yarn from a creel winding yarn package.

  A creel usually comprises a winding yarn package arranged on a rotating horizontal axis. EP 0567497 discloses a creel with a horizontally mounted yarn package in which the yarn is drawn horizontally or vertically from the yarn package and via a yarn guide such as a roller or pin, Sent to further processing stages such as textile manufacturing machines. The yarn package can rotate relatively freely and is unwound by applying tension to the yarn.

  U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,134 discloses a braking mechanism for automatically stopping the axis of rotation of each yarn package even if the yarn tension is reduced by cutting the yarn or stopping the machine supplied. This braking mechanism includes two horizontal rollers, of which the second roller is mounted on the swivel arm. A flexible member wound around the mandrel of the yarn package is attached to the swivel arm. The swivel arm is biased to rotate the second roller downward, thereby tightening the flexible member and applying a braking force to the yarn package mandrel. When tension is applied to the yarn, the second roller is biased upward about the pivot axis of the connecting arm, thereby relaxing the tension of the flexible member and allowing the yarn package to be unwound.

  When the yarn package is unwound, the position where the yarn leaves the yarn package traverses across the width of the yarn package. In the creel of US Pat. No. 5,803,134, the yarn also moves across the rollers. This movement causes an axial tension in the yarn, so that in the yarn package and roller as the yarn traversing device, a vibrating shear force is generated in the lower yarn layer and the roller, respectively.

  In applications such as unwinding carbon fibers, the individual fibers that make up the yarn are highly sensitive to shear forces. Fiber damage is particularly undesirable because short fibers can cause the machine to fail and adhere to the machine during the manufacturing process. This is particularly a problem because regular repair downtime is required in the furnace to remove damaged fibers from the furnace.

  To reduce fiber damage caused by movement across the roller, the roller is typically coated with ceramic or hard anodized.

  In order to maximize the run time between yarn package changes, it is desirable to incorporate larger yarn packages in the creel. For this reason, a creel capable of unwinding a yarn package of 300 kg or more is required. The larger the yarn package, the wider the width. As a result, the creel of US Pat. No. 5,803,134 requires wider first and second rollers that allow the yarn to travel the full width of the yarn package as the yarn unwinds. This significantly increases the cost and size of the creel.

  The yarn travel across the yarn package changes the distance traveled by the yarn within the creel and causes variations in the yarn tension. Ideally, the tension should be constant.

  The same problem occurs in the winding process of winding the yarn around the yarn package. It is known to use an arcuate bar to counter the variation in distance as the yarn travels across the width of the yarn package. Arcuate bars are unsuitable for the unwinding process because large diameter bars are required to reduce damage to the yarn due to bending around a small radius. Furthermore, it is desirable to use a rolling guide instead of a fixed guide in the unwinding process. Since the arcuate bar is curved, it is not practical to use a rotating arcuate bar.

  It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

  According to an aspect of the invention, the creel comprises at least one yarn package holder for mounting a rotary yarn package, each yarn package holder comprising a movable first yarn guide means, a corresponding yarn guide device The yarn is pulled under tension from the yarn package to the first yarn guide means, and the tension causes the yarn to leave the yarn package (a position substantially aligned with the first yarn). The yarn guide means moves.

  Preferably, the first yarn guide means is movable in a substantially vertical direction in the yarn package.

  Suitably, each yarn guide device may comprise guide means, and the first yarn guide means may be slidably mounted on the guide means. Preferably, the guide means may be arranged perpendicular to the axis of the yarn package. The guide means may be substantially straight. Alternatively, the guiding means may be arched. Preferably, the guiding means may comprise a rod or tube having a substantially constant cross section.

  Alternatively, each yarn guide device may comprise a pivot member, in which case the first yarn guide means is mounted on said member. The pivot member may pivot about the axis, and the movable first yarn guide means may be spaced apart from the pivot axis. This axis may be fixed relative to the axis of the yarn package holder. This axis may be perpendicular to the axis of the yarn package holder and preferably the pivot axis may be substantially horizontal.

  Preferably, each yarn guide device may comprise second yarn guide means, and the yarn may be drawn from the first yarn guide means to the second yarn guide means.

  Preferably, the pivot member may comprise a first extension, the first yarn guide means may be disposed closer to the first end of the extension, and the pivot axis is disposed at the second end of the extension. May be.

  Preferably, the second yarn guide means may be attached to the turning member, and preferably, the second yarn guide means may be arranged closer to the rotating shaft of the turning member than the first yarn guide means. Preferably, the position of the second yarn guide means may substantially correspond to the position of the pivot axis.

  Preferably, at least one of the yarn guide means may be rotatable and preferably comprise a roller or pulley. Preferably, the axis of the roller may be parallel to the axis of the yarn package holder. Preferably, the roller may hold the yarn so that the yarn does not move significantly in the axial direction of the yarn guide. The roller may have a varying diameter to hold the yarn, or may have a constant diameter, in which case the yarn guide means comprises one or more guides to hold the yarn on the roller. . Preferably, the guide may be a pin and may be coated with ceramic.

  Preferably, the yarn package holder may be mounted substantially horizontally. Preferably, the pivot axis is mounted above the axis of the yarn package holder. Preferably, the first yarn guide means is arranged below the axis of the yarn package holder. Preferably, the pivotable member may include a second balance portion, and the second balance portion may be disposed on the opposite side of the pivot axis relative to the first yarn guide means.

  Preferably, the balance is balanced around the pivot axis so that only the rotational force applied to the yarn guide means is generated by the yarn tension.

  Preferably, the pivot axis of the pivotable member may be arranged at the same height as the center of the width of the yarn package holder axis. Alternatively, the pivot axis may be located on one side of the yarn package holder. Preferably, the turning radius may be sufficiently longer than the width of the yarn package holder. Preferably, this radius may be at least twice the width of the package holder. Preferably, this radius may be at least three times the width of the package holder. Preferably, this radius may be at least 4 times the width of the package holder. Preferably, the first yarn guide means is arranged closer to the rear of the creel relative to the yarn package holder.

  According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for unwinding at least one rotary yarn package comprises tensioning the yarn delivered from each yarn package of the creel, for each yarn package, the creel is A yarn package holder for mounting the yarn package and a corresponding yarn guide device comprising movable first yarn guide means, the yarn being pulled out of the yarn package via the first yarn guide means under tension. Due to the tension, the first yarn guide means moves to a position substantially aligned with the point where the yarn leaves the yarn package.

  The present invention includes any combination of features or limitations mentioned herein.

  While the present invention can be implemented in various ways, some embodiments will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  A creel generally comprises a plurality of yarn packages arranged in a grid on a frame. Each yarn package is mounted within a predetermined area on the frame, each area being substantially the same and corresponding to the clearance described herein.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a creel comprises a yarn package 2 attached to a yarn package holder 4 and a yarn guide device. As shown in FIG. 4, the yarn guide device includes a first yarn guide means 6, a second yarn guide means 8, a third yarn guide means 9, a fourth yarn guide means 10, and a pivot shaft 14. And a turning member 12 that rotates. Yarn 16 is drawn from the yarn package through the creel by first, second, third and fourth yarn guide means.

  The yarn package 2 is a rotary type in which the yarn 16 is spirally wound across the yarn package in a reciprocating manner. The yarn package holder 4 is a known rotary type, and the yarn package is attached to the holder so that the yarn package can freely rotate. In the first embodiment, the axis of the yarn package is substantially horizontal. The yarn package holder is attached to the frame 18.

  The turning member 12 swings around the turning shaft 14. The pivoting member 12 is substantially elongated and is shown in the drawing as a linear rod. The first yarn guide means 6 is attached to the first end of the member 12 by a stub axle. The pivot shaft is attached to the second end of the member apart from the first yarn guide means. The second end of the member is on the opposite side to the yarn guide means 6 with respect to the pivot axis and is provided with a balance 22. For example, if there is not enough space in the creel and it is necessary to remove the balance and operate the creel without the balance, the balance may be removable from the pivot member. It will be appreciated that operating the creel without a counterbalance loses the beneficial effect of having a net zero bending moment of the pivot member as described herein. However, by reducing the weight of the member, it is possible to minimize the bending moment that urges the swiveling member that has lost its balance to its center point. Thus, if the yarn has sufficient tension, the pivot member will move substantially coincident with the point at which the yarn leaves the yarn package. The counterbalance includes a rod that extends from the tip of the member 12 at an angle of approximately 90 °. A counterweight 24 is movably mounted on the rod so that the balance of the members can be changed. The counterbalance operates in any known manner.

  The pivot shaft 14 is mounted on the frame so that the pivot member swings about the axis. The pivot axis is disposed substantially perpendicular to the axis of the yarn package and in a horizontal plane so that the member 12 swings in the vertical plane. Ideally, the counterweight is arranged to act as a complete counterbalance with respect to the first end, so that the independent rotating member produces a net zero bending moment about the pivot axis; As will become apparent below, in use, the force acting on the member is generated solely by the yarn tension.

  Although the pivot axis is shown as being substantially collinear with the width center of the creel package, the present invention works similarly even if the pivot axis is located on either side. Will.

  FIG. 4 shows the position of the pivot axis and the first yarn guide 6. The pivot axis is disposed behind and above the creel package axis. The first yarn guide is disposed behind and below the creel package.

  The second yarn guide means 8 is shown in the drawing as being attached to the turning member at a position in front of the turning point 14. Ideally, however, the second yarn guide means should be placed as close to the pivot position as possible to minimize its movement, but the present invention does not require any second yarn guide means on the member 12. It will be appreciated that mounting in position or mounting in any suitable position on the frame will work as well.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the third yarn guide means 9 and the fourth yarn guide means 10 are attached to the braking member 26. The braking member is rotatable about a rod 28 having an axis fixed to the frame. The third yarn guide means is disposed on the braking member in front of the rod and at the first end of the braking member. The fourth yarn guide means is attached to the second end of the braking member behind the rod. The first end of the flexible member such as the rope 30 is fixed to the second end of the braking member. The rope is disposed so that the second end thereof is fixed to the frame and covers the radial surface of the creel package holder 4. The brake member is biased by the spring 32 so as to rotate the third yarn guide means downward. By such rotation, tension is applied to the rope 30 and braking force is applied to the creel package holder, which makes it difficult for the creel package to rotate.

  Each of the first, second, third and fourth yarn guide means is a known arrangement capable of guiding the yarn around the path while maintaining the position of the yarn on the yarn guide means, such as a fixed rod or It has a roller. The axis of the rod or roller is arranged parallel to the axis of the yarn package. 1 to 6, the yarn guide means is illustrated as comprising a known pulley-type roller of varying diameter. The diameter of the roller increases from the central part to the outer side toward the radial edge. It is well known that such a roller shape urges the yarn toward the smallest diameter portion in the center of the roller and maintains the position of the yarn relative to the roller.

  In use, the yarn is drawn back from the yarn package, around the first yarn guide means, further upward, and around the second yarn guide means. The yarns may be fed forward and through third and fourth yarn guide means, respectively, as shown in the drawings, according to known creel designs. After the fourth yarn guide means, the yarn is guided upwards by further yarn guide means and further out of the creel and guided to a production process such as a transformation furnace or a textile production machine.

  By applying tension to the yarn, the yarn is unwound. When the yarn is under tension, the fourth yarn guide means 10 is biased upward against the biasing force of the spring 32. As a result, the tension of the rope 30 is relaxed, the braking force applied to the yarn package holder by the rope 30 is released, and the yarn package holder can be rotated. In this way the yarn is unraveled. When the tension decreases or disappears, the fourth yarn guide means is biased downward by the spring, and the braking force is applied again to the yarn package holder so that the yarn package does not rotate.

  As the yarn tension is applied and the yarn is unwound, the position where the yarn leaves the yarn package moves back and forth axially across the yarn package, thus generating an axial force on the yarn package. The first yarn guide means is freely pivotable about the pivot axis 14 and can be traversed by a slightly arched path across the yarn package, so that the first yarn guide means is substantially aligned with the point where the yarn leaves the yarn package. The tension acts to move the one yarn guide means 6. As a result, the yarn is drawn from the yarn package in a straight line substantially perpendicular to the axis of the yarn package.

  The tension moves the first yarn guide means in part by friction between the yarn and the yarn guide means, and further by the pulley shape. The first yarn guide means moves to determine the force balance. Therefore, when the yarn is unwound from the vicinity of the left hand side of the yarn package, the rotating member is biased to the position shown in FIG. 2 by the tension of the yarn. As the yarn continues to unwind and back and forth to return to the center of the yarn package, the pivot member moves toward the center position shown in FIG. When the yarn is further unwound, the rotating member is biased toward the position shown in FIG. 3 by the tension of the yarn, and FIG. 3 shows the yarn unwound when it is near the right hand side of the yarn package. Is shown.

  From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the rotating member reciprocally rotates between the two extreme positions shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, during use. A stop (not shown) may be used to limit the movement of the pivot member over the tip of the yarn package due to inertia. In order to reduce the inertia effect, the rotating member may be provided with a well-known damping means (not shown), for example, a spring, which exists in the turning point or acts externally on the rotating member.

  FIG. 6 shows an additional or alternative arrangement for any yarn guide means in which the roller 34 has a constant diameter. In some applications, the tension of the yarn causes sufficient friction between the yarn and the roller to maintain the position of the yarn on the roller, and in the case of the first yarn guide means, the force required to move the roller is appear. In other applications, this frictional force is not sufficient and the yarn guide means comprises two rods 36,37. In order to limit the axial movement of the yarn, the two rods are fixed with respect to the axis of the roller and are arranged on either side of the yarn.

  In another embodiment, the pivot axis 14 is positioned perpendicular to the yarn package axis but at an angle to the horizontal position. In all cases except vertical, the member 14 may be balanced so that in use, only the rotational force applied about the pivot axis is generated by the yarn tension. When tilted with respect to the vertical position, this configuration still operates in accordance with the present invention, but the yarn tension must first exceed the inertia of the member before moving the first yarn guide means. Similarly, the balance may be configured independently so that the net bending moment of the member biases the member toward a vertical position.

  In yet another embodiment, the first yarn guide means is slidably mounted on a guide member such as a rail or rod. The rod is disposed parallel to and along the axis of the yarn package, and both ends thereof are attached to the frame. Although this embodiment operates equally independently of the position of the guide member, the present description will be described as the guide member being located behind and below the axis of the yarn package. Similar to the first embodiment, the second yarn guide means is disposed behind and above the axis of the yarn package, but is attached to the frame. The third and fourth yarn guide means are arranged substantially as described above and according to the first embodiment.

  The first yarn guide means is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment except that the first yarn guide means includes an attachment hole that matches the axis of the roller. The mounting hole is provided with a bearing so that the rod is disposed in the mounting hole and the first yarn guide means is mounted on the rod, and the bearing cooperates with the rod so that the yarn guide has minimal friction. It can slide in the axial direction along the rod. In use, the tension of the yarn acts to slide the yarn guide back and forth across the rod, substantially as in the first embodiment.

  The guide member may be straight or arched to compensate for the length of the yarn changing between the yarn package and the second yarn guide means.

  The creel of the present invention has several advantages over existing creel. The width of the yarn guide means is reduced. Variations in the length of the yarn, as measured from the yarn package through the first yarn guide means to the second yarn guide means, due to the travel of the yarn are also reduced. In addition, the yarn is unwound without moving the yarn back and forth across the roller.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of a creeled yarn package of the present invention in a first position corresponding to a yarn being unwound from near the middle of the yarn package. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the creel in a second position corresponding to the yarn being unwound from near the left end of the yarn package. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the creel in a third position corresponding to the yarn being unwound from near the right end of the yarn package. It is a side view of a creel. It is a top view of a creel. Fig. 3 shows a partial view of a creel according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Claims (11)

A creel comprising at least one yarn package holder for mounting a rotary yarn package,
Each yarn package holder has a corresponding yarn guide device comprising movable first yarn guide means,
The yarn is pulled under tension from the yarn package to the first yarn guide means,
A creel characterized in that the first yarn guide means moves toward the point where the yarn leaves the yarn package by the tension.   The creel according to claim 1, wherein the tension causes the first yarn guide means to move to a position substantially aligned with a point where the yarn leaves the yarn package.   The creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first yarn guide means is movable in a substantially longitudinal direction in the yarn package. Each yarn guide device includes a swivel member,
A creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first yarn guide means is mounted on the member. Each yarn guide device comprises second yarn guide means;
The yarn is drawn from the first yarn guide means to the second yarn guide means;
A creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the second yarn guide means substantially coincides with the position of the pivot axis.   A creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the yarn guide means is a rotatable roller.   The creel according to claim 6, wherein each roller holds the yarn so that the yarn does not move significantly in the axial direction of the yarn guide. The pivotable member has a second counterbalance,
The creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second balance portion is arranged on the opposite side of the pivot axis from the first yarn guide means.   9. A creel according to claim 8, wherein the balance is balanced around the pivot axis so that only the rotational force applied to the yarn guide means is generated by the tension of the yarn.   A creel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turning radius is sufficiently longer than the width of the yarn package holder. A method for unwinding at least one rotary yarn package comprising:
Providing tension to the yarn delivered from each yarn package of the creel;
For each yarn package, the creel comprises a yarn package holder for mounting the yarn package and a corresponding yarn guide device comprising a movable first yarn guide means;
The yarn is pulled out of the yarn package under tension via the first yarn guide means;
The method of claim 1, wherein the tension causes the first yarn guide means to move to a position substantially aligned with a point where the yarn leaves the yarn package.

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