Filed Oct. ll, 1965 l N VENTOR. RICHARD C. HARE hS TTOR/VEYS United States Patent O 3,327,466 CENTER-OF-GRAVITY SPINDLE DEVICE Richard C. Hare, Whitinsville, Mass., assigner, by mesne assignments, to Whitin Machine Works Inc., Whitinsville, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Filed Get. 11, 1965, Ser. No. 494,469 11 Claims. (Cl. 57-130) This invention relates to spindles for carrying rotating elements and, more particularly, to an improved spindle and bobbin arrangement for use in textile machines such as spinning frames and twisters.

Many attempts have been made to increase the capacity of textile machinery by increasing the size of the bobbins used and the speed of rotation of the spindle and bobbin assembly. The vibration problems encountered, however, have required the use of complex damping techniques as load and speeds rise. These expedients, while satisfactory to a degree, still do not reduce vibration and noise effects to a desirable level and reduce the eliciency of the spindle assembly, particularly at higher speeds.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved spindle construction for driving a bobbin which will minimize vibration and noise effects and increase speed and load-carrying capacities.

It is the further object of the present invention to provide an improved bobbin drive assembly wherein such vibratory forces as occur during operation are concentrated at the optimum point in the assembly, whereby their deleterious action is reduced to a minimal level.

Briefly, in accordance with the invention, the rotating spindle structure and/or bobbin are so arranged that the bobbin is supported on the spindle essentially at the center-of-gravity of the rotating spindle structure. The rotational force for driving the bobbin is transmitted to the latter at the poins or line of support and the bobbin has a degree of freedom to fulcrum or rock axially about the support location. Resilient means may be provided at a point along the spindle assembly displaced from the support point to provide a weak centralizing force.

In one embodiment of the invention, a bushing is provided in the internal bore of the bobbin fitted to frictionally engage the periphery of the spindle assembly at the center-of-gravity location in driving relationship. In a second embodiment, the spindle assembly is provided with a plurality of radially extending clutch buttonsA displaced from the center-of-gravity location which engages the bobbin primarily for centralizing purposes. l

In a third embodiment, the spindle assembly is provided with a plurality of spring-biased, radially extending clutch buttons at the center-of-gravity location which engage the bobbin in driving relationship, and a further plurality of clutch buttons displaced from the center-of-gravity location for centralizing purposes.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description thereof, when taken in conjunction with the attached drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention illustrating the principles thereof;

FIG. 2 illustrates one form of button clutch suitable for use with the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates another form of button clutch that may be used with the invention as applied to a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is another form of the invention capable of supporting heavier loads.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the spindle assembly includes a base portion that may be mounted in a supporting structure 12 by means of a clamping nut 14. On the upper side of the support plate 12 is the usual post 16 for the dong guard 18.

3,327,466 Patented June 27, 1967 In conventional manner, the lspindle blade 20 has its lower end extending into the base 10 and journaled therein for rotation. The upper tapered end of the spindle blade 20 frictionally engages a complementary bore in the barrel 22 so that the blade 20 rotates with the latter. The spindle driving whorl 24, whose outer surface is tapered, is press-fitted about the lower end of the barrel 22. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the upper end of the whorl 24 extends along the barrel somewhat beyond the center of gravity of the entire rotating spindle structure.

A tubular bobbin 26 carrying a yarn mass 28 has a tapered axial bore allowing it to yslip over the upper end of the barrel 22 and the upper end of the whorl 24. A bobbin bushing 30 of limited axial length is xedly secured to the inner wall of the bobbin bore. The internal diameter of the bushing 30 is sized such that it frictionally engages the tapered outer surface of the whorl 24 at the center of gravity of the rotating spindle structure when the bobbin is lowered over the spindle assembly, as indicated in the drawing. 'I'he frictional coupling between the bushing 30 and the whorl 24 is sufficient to rotate 'the bobbin without slippage when the whorl is driven.

As will be seen, the bobbin 26 engages the spindle structure only at the center of gravity and thus is free to fulcrum about that point. Depending upon the clearance provided between the upper end of the bobbin 26 and the corresponding end of the barrel 22, the bobbin 26 will have a certain degree of freedom to axially rock about the center-of-gravity point. It has been found that a diametric clearance in the neighborhood of .001 to .006 inch provides the necessary axial freedom. The axial length along the spindle over which this clearance prevails should preferably be at least almost an inch, although this not as important as the diametric clearance.

As thus far described, the upper end of the barrel 22 would tend to beat against the bobbin 26 causing noise as well as wear of both of the contacting members. To eliminate these effects, a series of clutch buttons 32 may be provided at the upper end of the barrel.

A suitable form of conventional clutch button 32 for this purpose is shown in FIG. 2. The barrel 22 is provided with a plurality of blind end bores 36 radially disposed about the circumference where the buttons are to be placed. Ordinarily, at least three such buttons are necessary to maintain the spacing entirely about the member. A pair of undercuts 38 are provided at oppositely spaced points along each bore 36 to accommodate corresponding flange extensions`32a on the button 32. The latter is generally in the form of a double-brimmed hat having a pair of angular cut-outs 33, one on either side thereof and displaced -around the circumference from the extensions 32a. The button 32 is made of a resilient material, such as spring steel, whereby the cut-outs 33 allow the button 32 to be compressed so that the flanges 32a can be inserted into the bore. When the flanges .32a reach the undercuts 38, the compressive force on the button 32 is relieved and the anges spring out to en,-` gage the undercuts and thereby prevent removal of the button. A spring 34 is inserted with and retained by the button 32 and maintained under slight compressive stress so as to constantly urge the button 32 outwardly. It will be seen that the radial width of the slot 38 determines the amount of the play provided by the button.

When employed in the arrangement of FIG. 1, the button clutches engage the inner walls of the bobbin 26 to maintain the latter centralized on the barrel 22. Preferably, the force exerted by the springs 34 is just suicient to hold the buttons 32 in their outward position when no bobbin is mounted on the spindle unit. The springs thus absorb most of the transverse vibratory energy resulting from an unbalanced bobbin, thereby preventing most of such energy from being transmitted to the rotating spindle unit itself, and maintaining stability of the spindle unit.

The vibration isolating effect of the button clutches 32 serve to route most -of the transverse vibratory forces on the spindle structure to the driving point of the bobbin, i.e., at the center-of-gravity of the spindle unit. This location is the optimum point for minimization of vibratory eifects on the spindle unit, particularly at higher speeds. Although the button clutches serve mainly as sources of weak centralizing forces on the bobbin to absorb unbalanced loads, the centrifugal forces presented at high speeds allow them to function to a limited extent as driving or gripping units for the bobbin as well.

An alternate form of button clutch assembly suitable for use with `the arrangement with FIG. l is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this construction, the upper end of the barrel 22 is hollowed out at 40 and three or more apertures 42 provided through the wall of the hollowed-out portion at angularly displaced points. Solid clutch buttons 32 having retaining shoulders 32a' are disposed in each of the apertures 42. After insertion of the clutch buttons 32', a cap 44 is inserted to close the .hollowed-out portion 40. The cap includes a'shoulder 46 sized to tightly engage the interior wall of the chamber 40 and an extension 48 extending axially therefrom having a diameter such that a predetermined amount of radial play for the clutch buttons is permitted.

In operation, the centrifugal force generated by rotation of the spindle unit drives the 'buttons outwardly to engage the inner wall surface of the bobbin 26, thereby imparting the kcentralizing force on the bobbin and absorbing the vibratory forces as discussed above.

FIG. 4 illustrates another form of bobbin drive arrangement according to the invention suitable for use with longer spindles wherein the center of gravity of the rotating structure is too high to employ whorls long enough to reach the center-of-gravity location.

The spindle 'base structure is of conventional design such as that described in connection with FIG. l. The rotating portion of the spindle unit includes a whorl 50 press-fitted upon the elongated barrel 52. The latter is provided with a pair of circumferential bosses 54, 56y

located at axially spaced points therealong. Each of the bosses 54, 56 isprovided with a plurality of clutch buttons 32 such as the type shown in FIG. 2, which support the bobbin 26. A lower boss 54 is located at the center-ofgravity point of the rotating spindle assembly and the individual clutch buttons 32 are provided with relatively stif springs 34, (FIG. 2), whereby the bobbin is held in driving relation to the barrel 52.

The upper boss 56 is provided with a plurality of button clutches 32 havingy relatively weak or soft springs 34 to effect the vibrating isolating function described in connection with FIG. l. To provide a better drive coupling between the spindle unit and the bobbin 26, the lower boss may Ibe provided with additional clutch buttons, and in FIG. 4, the lower boss 54 is shown to have six clutch buttons whereas the upper centralizing boss 56 has four. It will be understood that the spring strength and/ or the number of button clutches on the lower boss will be chosen to produce the required driving force.

It will be seen from the foregoing, that the present invention provides an improved form of bobbin-drive arrangement wherein the bobbin is drivingly supported at the center-of-gravity location of the spindle structure assembly. By this means vibratory forces are minimized and the spindle assemblies are capable of supporting heavier yarn loads at higher speeds. Centralizing forces for the bobbin lare provided by button clutches along the spindle barrel, whereby transverse vibratory forces are absorbed to minimize undesirable effects on the spindle assembly.

Various modifications of the examples illustrated and described herein may occur to those skilled and accordingly it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for supporting and rotating a bobbin member having an axial bore comprising, elongated spindle means adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis and receivable within the axial bore of :said bobbin member, means for supporting said -bobbin memlber on said spindle means at substantially the center- `of-gravity of -Said spindle means, said supporting means coupling said bobbin member to said spindle means for rotation therewith and being of limited axial extent to allow said bobbin to fulcrum axially about said center-ofgravity, and resilient means on said spindle means, displaced from said center-of-gravity, for urging said bobbin member to maintain a concentric alignment with said spindle means.

2. Apparatus for supporting and rotating a yarn-carrying bobbin having a tapered, laxial bore, wherein the improvement comprises elongated, tapered spindle means adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis and receivable within the axial bore of said bobbin, means for releasably supporting said bobbin on said spindle means at substantially the center-of-gravity of said spindle means, said supporting means frictionally coupling said bobbin to said spindle, means for rotation therewith and being of limited axial extent to allow said bobbin to fulcrum axially about said center-of-gravity, and resilient means on said spindle means displaced from said center-ofgravity for urging said bobbin to maintain a concentric alignment with said spindle means.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said resilient means comprises a plurality of individual contact buttons radially disposed about the periphery of said spindle means and urged outwardly thereof into contact with said bobbin bore with a relatively weak force.

4. For use in textile machinery, apparatus for supporting and rotating a yarn carrying bobbin having a tapered, axial bore, wherein the improvement comprises spindle means including an elongated, tapered spindle barrel adapted to be received in said bore and a whorl having a tapered outer surface and an inner bore in tight fitting engagement with said barrel, said whorl extending beyond the center-of-gravity of said spindle means, said spindle means adapted to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of said barrel, means for frictionally coupling said bobbin to said whorl substantially at said center-of-gravity, and resilient means on said spindle barrel displaced from said center-ofgravity for urging said bobbin to maintain a concentric alignment with said spindle means.

S. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said means for frictionally coupling said bobbin to said whorl comprises a tubular sleeve of limited axial extent having an outer surface iixedly secured in the axial bore of said bobbin, and a tapered inner surface sized to iit over said spindle barrel and frictionally engage the tapered outer surface of said whorl substantially at the center-of-gravity of said spindle means.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said resilient means comprises a plurality of button clutches radially disposed about said spindle barrel and displaced from said center-o-gravity.

7. For use in textile machinery, apparatus for supporting and rotating a yarn-carrying bobbin having a tapered, axial bore, wherein the improvement comprises elongated, tapered spindle means adapted to be rotated about its longitudinal axis and receivable within the axial bore of said bobbin, a plurality of limited area contact elements carried by said spindle means substantially at the center of gravity of said spindle means, said contact elements being urged radially outwardly into driving engagementwith said axial bore with a force sufficient to rotate said bobbin with Said spindle means while allowing said bobbin to fulcrum axially about said center-of-gravity, and resilient means on said spindle means displaced from said center-of-gravity for urging said bobbin to maintain a concentric alignment with said spindle means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said resilient means comprises a plurality of individual contact buttons radially disposed about the periphery of said spindle means and urged outwardly thereof into contact with said bobbin bore with a force substantially less than the force exerted by said contact elements at said center-o-gravity.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each of said contact elements and contact :buttons comprises a spring-biased button clutch.

10. For use in textile machinery, apparatus for supporting and rotating a yarn carrying bobbin having a tapered, axial bore, wherein the improvement comprises, spindle means including an elongated, tapered spindle barrel adapted to be received in said bore and a whorl having a tapered outer surface and an inner bore in tight tting engagement with said barrel, said whorl extending beyond the center-of-gravity of said spindle means, said spindle means adapted to ybe rotated about the longitudinal axis of `said barrel, and means for frictionally coupling said bobbin to said whorl substantially at the said center-ofgravity, said spindle means and said bobbin bore being spaced from each other at a point displaced from said frictionally coupling means by an amount suciently small to maintain said bobbin in concentric alignment With said spindle means.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10` wherein said means for frictionally coupling said bobbin to said whorl comprises, a tubular sleeve of limited axial extent having an outer surface iixedly secured in the axial bore of said bobbin, and a tapered inner surface sized to t over said spindle barrel and frictionally engage the tapered outer surface of said whorl substantially at the center-ofgravity of said spindle means, and the spacing between said spindle means and said bobbin bore at said point is a diametric clearance of approximately 0.001 to 0.006 inch.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,024,584 12/ 1935 Kuwada 242-466 2,168,248 8/1939 Staufert 57-130 2,620,140 12/ 1952 Naegeli 242-466 2,835,517 5/1958 Beerli 57-129 XR 3,038,675 6/1962 Jost 242-464 3,167,262 1/196-5 Adams et al 57-130 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 618,886 9/1935 Germany. 493,734 10/1938 Great Britain.

FRANK J. COHEN, Primary Examiner. A. J. SIDOTI, D. WATKINS, Examiners.