WO2005064053A1

WO2005064053A1 - Universal machine for the production of continuous yarn

Info

Publication number: WO2005064053A1
Application number: PCT/IT2004/000733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carmelo Angelo Cortese
Original assignee: Cortese S.P.A.
Priority date: 2003-12-30
Filing date: 2004-12-29
Publication date: 2005-07-14
Also published as: ITBO20030793A1

Abstract

The universal machine for the production of continuous yarn comprises a frame (10) extending mainly in a vertical way, which defines one frontal bace at least, on which a plurality of shafts (11, 12, 13) project, fit to be associated with operational organs of the machine, having axes orthogonal to the same frontal face ond fit to be input in rotational motion by means of independent drive. The shafts (11, 12, 13) are able to define a working pathway for a yarm (2) in process of being unwound from a bobbin (25), which defines a linear, subtantially vertical ascending branch, developed until at least one upper towing roller, and a descending branch placed side by side to the ascending branch, developd from said upper towing roller, for the conveyance of the said worked yarn (2) to a bobbin take-up device (30). Working devices for the said yarn (2) are fit to be associated in a modular way to the said frame (10) at respectively said ascending branch and said descending branch of the working pathway.

Description

Description UNIVERSAL MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CONTINUOUS YARN Technical field The present invention relates to a universal machine for the production of continuous yarn. Background Art

It is known that yarns used in the textile industry, i.e. nylon, polyester and similar, are subjected to suitable processing for providing the same yarns with desired features.

In particular, according to a known technique, yarns undergo a thermomechanical texturing process suitable for producing an increase in elasticity and volume. The texturing process is realized by making yarns, in process of being unwound from respective bobbins, pass at high speed through a heated zone, suitable for producing an appropriate fiber softening. The yarns are successively cooled and taken through a mechanically deforming group which provides for twisting and deforming the same yarns. To this aim apparatus are known which, by means of a set of suitably motorized shafts, define a pathway for the production of yarns which are unwound from a respective spool and are rewound in a take-up bobbin at the end of the said working pathway. The cited shafts realize, along the yarn working pathway, suitable stretching phases on the same yarns. In the known apparatus the yarns to be worked are obliged to perform a generally complex working pathway which can compromise the product quality. For example the yarns are first taken upwards, to an upper zone occupied by the heating device which performs the texturing operation, positioned substancially horizontal, then descend from the opposite side towards the take-up package device, usually passing through at least one stabilizing oven.

Moreover it is known that combined yarns with a high level of elasticity are manufactured, constituted by an inner elastic yarn, in particular an elastomer of the type known by the commercial name of Lycra, externally coated with a covering yarn provided with less elasticity, as for example nylon, polyester and similar. In order to realize such combined yarns, the process known as interlacing is now diffused, consisting substantially in taking the elastomeric yarn and the covering yarn through a reciprocal joining device by means of pressurized air, usually called air covering jet, as disclosed for example by the patents EP 0269184 and US 5008992. This air covering jet provides for a nozzle which emits a jet of pressurized air into a pipe through which the elastomeric yarn and the covering yarn are guided. The turbolence generated inside the pipe by the jet of pressurized air causes the intermingling of the fibers of both yarns. The covering yarn is preferably subjected in advance to a texturing process, as above described.

In fact, plants working on an industrial scale usually provide for several tens of apparatus of the type described, also called positions, arranged in parallel and tightly placed against each other. All different positions are operated simultaneously by the cited shafts which extend to reach all the apparatus positioned in parallel and are driven in rotation by respective motor drives positioned at one end of the production line. According to a known solution, the frame of the single apparatus or position realizes a sort of tunnel provided with a central passage along which the operators move to accomplish the necessary control and maintenance operations of the plant, such as the take-up of the the bobbins of processed yarns and the substitution of the reels on which the bobbins are formed. Such an apparatus is disclosed for example by the patent EP 1448819. So the traditional plants imply a large space claiming, as well as they result lacking from an ergonomic perspective, as the operators often have to intervine at relatively great height with the aid of suitable carriages. Moreover the intervention of the operators may show risks for the safety.

A heavy drawback which appears in the cited traditional plants is the great productive rigidity. In fact these plants are generally able to accomplish only one type of production, that is the one relating to the specific yarn for which they have been designed, mainly in huge quantity. On the contrary the current market requires the production of a lot of different items, even in relatively small quantity. Moreover this plant rigidity appears even in the maintenance or cleaning phases, as every intervention involves the stop of the entire line, being all positions in parallel operated by the same shafts. For example the periodical cleaning of the single apparatus implies the stop of the line for one or more working days, depending on the dimensions of the plant, causing heavy damage for the productivity. Disclosure of the invention The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by devising a machine provided with a multifunctional and modifiable structure according to the requirements so as to operate the production of substantially every type of continuous yarn. Within this scope, it is a further aim of the present invention to provide a universal machine for the production of continuous yarn characterized by very reduced space claiming and rational design from an ergonomic perspective too. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a machine of real constructive simplicity, reliable operation and safe use.

The above-cited aims can be reached, according to the present invention, by the universal machine for the production of continuous yarn, which is characterized by the fact that it comprises a frame extending mainly in a vertical way which defines at least one frontal face on which a plurality of shafts projects, fit to be associated with operational organs of the machine, having axes orthogonal to the same frontal face and fit to be put in rotational motion by means of independent drive, being the said shafts able to define a working pathway for a yarn in process of being unwound from a bobbin, which defines a linear, substantially vertical ascending branch, developed until at least one upper towing roller, and a descending branch placed side by side to the said ascending branch, developed from said upper towing roller, for the conveyance of the said worked yarn to a bobbin take-up device; and a set of working devices for the said yarn, fit to be associated in a modular way to the said frame at respectively said ascending branch and said descending branch of the said working pathway.

Brief Description of Drawings

Description details of the invention shall be further evident in the illustrations of a preferred type of a universal machine for the production of continuous yarn, in the guideline drawings attached and wherein: fig. 1 illustrates a frontal view of the machine for the production of continuous yarns in suit; fig. 2 illustrates a corresponding side view.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention With reference to such figures, 1 refers to the machine for the production of continuous yarn 2.

The machine 1 is constituted by an independent unit provided with a frame 10 with a mainly vertical development, which defines a frontal face at least, on which a plurality of shafts projects, fit to be associated with operational organs of the machine, having axes orthogonal to the same frontal face and fit to be put in rotational motion by independent drive. More specifically, the machine carries rotating a first unwinding shaft 11 , a second towing shaft 12, called master, and a third stretching shaft 13 for the yarn 2. The yarn 2 is unwound from a bobbin 25 positioned rotating on a respective bearing organ 26, in a lower zone of the frame 10, and engages a plurality of rollers fitted on the said shafts, coinciding in the drawing with the respective shafts, for reasons of clarity. The shafts 11, 12 and 13 are suitable for defining a working pathway for the yarn 2, which defines a linear, substantially vertical ascending branch, developed until an upper towing roller fitted on the second master shaft 12, and a descending branch placed sideways on the ascending branch, which is developed from the said upper towing roller. In practise the ascending branch is defined between the first shaft 11 and the second shaft 12, while the descending branch is defined between this second shaft 12 and the third shaft 13.

At the ascending branch of the working pathway for the yarn 2 a heating device 3 is provided, positioned in a substantially vertical way above the first shaft 11, fit to subject the yarn 2 to a thermomechanical texturing process, so as to give the filaments greater elasticity and volume. The textured yarn 2 is successively guided through a cooling device 4, positioned in a substantially vertical way above the texturing device 3, and a mechanical deformation device 5 for twisting the same yarn 2, positioned at its turn in a substantially vertical way above the cooling device 4. The cooling device 4 has tubular shape and usefully shapes a longitudinal slot communicating with a zone involved by an air flow produced by a suitable fan, for the forced cooling of the yarn 2. This allows to reduce the longitudinal dimensions of the cooling device 4 itself and to proportionally reduce the height of the frame 10, so as to make the operational organs of the machine more accessible and consequently make the interventions to operators easier.

At the descending branch of the yarn working pathway, a stabilizing oven 6 for the textured yarn 2 is provided, positioned suitably inclined at one side of the cooling device 4. Downstream the stabilizing oven 6, a further shaft 14 for stretching the textured yarn 2 can be provided. The textured yarn 2 is taken to a device 30 for the take-up of the same yarn on a bobbin 27, passing through a suitable oiling device 9. The take- up device 30 provides for a arm 31 swinging on an axis 32 and carrying rotating a trestle 33 which carries at one end a cop 34 around which the yarn 2 is fit to be wound. The suitably operated angular rotation of the trestle 33 allows to take the completed bobbin 27 to a lifted position 27a of disengagement, so as to take it up and substitute it on the trestle 33 with a new cop, and successively to the lowered position 27b again for the formation of the take-up bobbin of yarn. As it is shown in fig. 1, the presence of two devices of the type described is suitably provided, able to operate at alternating phases, so as to assure the machine of a working continuity.

The take-up bobbin 27 of the yarn, in process of being formed on a respective cop 34, is put in rotational motion by the contact with a roller 35, which is suitably driven in rotation. Obviously the swinging arm 31 allows to progressively displace the position of the trestle 33, according to the diameter increase of the bobbin 27 in process of forming. This solution substantially prevents any thread discard, thus eliminating the need to provide for any take-up devices for the discard thread, which, on the contrary, are present in the traditional machines.

The shafts 11, 12 and 13 are provided with independent drive, by means of respective electrical motor drives fitted inside the frame 10, and project overhanging on parallel horizontal axes on a frontal face of this frame 10. More precisely, the frame 10 preferably carries four working positions of the type previously described, positioned specularly in pairs on opposite frontal faces of this frame 10.

In practise, on each frontal face of the frame 10 a unique texturing device

3 is usefully provided, positioned on a median vertical axis between the two working positions present on this side and shaping for example two channels placed side by side, through which respective yarns 2 to be textured, in process of being unwound from respective bobbins, are taken.

Then these two yarns 2 respectively follow the ascending branch and the descending branch of the respective working pathways, as defined above, which are specular to the said median vertical axis. The shafts 11, 12, 13 of the four working positions are preferably operated independently by the cited motor drives. It is still possible that the shafts are fitted through the frame 10 and are each operated by a single drive, so that they simultaneously drive the rollers of the two opposite working positions; moreover the shafts of the two specular working positions, placed on each frontal face of the frame 10, can be as well driven by a single drive, by means of a suitable motion inverting device, for example constituted by a gear.

The operation of the machine easily results from the above description.

The yarn 2, in process of being unwound from the bobbin 25, follows the working pathway defined by the shafts 11, 12 and 13. Along the linear ascending branch, the yarn 2 undergoes the provided textured treatment; on the contrary along the descending branch placed side by side, it is subjected to the stabilizing treatment.

Obviously the yarn 2 is also subjected to the necessary stretching phases, suitably regulating the speed of the shafts 11, 12 and 13. The described machine can be modified, in a substantially modular way, in order to allow the production of the different types of yarns. A specific implementing embodiment of the machine provides for example the production of composite yarns, called interlaced, obtained from a covering yarn 20 of the type of the nylon and from an elastomeric yarn 21. In this case an air covering device 7, called air covering jet, is positioned along the descending branch of the working pathway, downstream the stabilizing oven 6. The covering yarn 20, in process of being unwound from the bobbin 25, is subjected to the cited phases of texturing, cooling and stabilization along the ascending and descending branches of the working pathway and then is supplied to the air covering jet 7 in a continuous way. The elastomeric yarn 21 is simultaneously supplied to the air covering jet 7 in a continuous way, so as to obtain the interlacing of the covering yarn on the elastomeric yarn 21. The elastomeric yarn 21 is unwound from a respective bobbin 23 provided at a working position on the frame 10 of the machine. A second bobbin 24 of elastomeric yarn 22 is suitably provided for use in a second air covering jet 7 in case the supply of the first elastomeric yarn 21 is interrupted. Getting out of the air covering jet 7, over the stretching shaft 13, the air covering yarn 2 is sent to the take-up device 30 for taking up the same yarn in a bobbin.

However it is possible to realize different types of air covering yarns, for example from a yarn of the type of the polyester and from an elastomeric yarn. In this case the machine provides a stabilizing oven 6 longer than that used in the case of the nylon, placed along the descending branch of the working pathway for the textured polyester yarn. A further implementing embodiment of the machine is provided for the realization of the yarns called Taslan. In this case, each working position is supplied with two different yarns, commonly named "core" and "effect", for reasons of simplicity indicated again by 2 and 20, in process of being unwound from respective bobbins positioned in parallel in a lower zone of the frame 10. These two yarns 2, 20 are taken along the ascending branch of the working pathway through two different heating devices 3a, 3b, positioned vertically side by side, operating different types of heating in order to realize the thermomechanical texturing process of the two yarns. Actually, if the machine provides four working positions, as shown in the drawing, on each side of the frame 10 it is preferable to place a central heating device 3a, positioned on a median vertical axis between the two working positions on this side and shaping two channels placed side by side, through which respective first yarns 20 of each position are taken, and two side heating devices 3b, having single channels, through which the second yarns 2 of each position are taken. Coming out of the respective texturing devices 3a, 3b, the two yarns 2, 20 of each position engage the rollers of respective upper shafts 12 and then are taken to a Taslan treatment device 8, supplied in known way with pressurized water in order to combine the two yarns 2, 20 by means of a process of fiber break of the same yarns. For greater clarity of the drawing the Taslan treatment device 8 has been shwon only at one position of the machine. Coming out of this device 8, the Taslan yarn is taken through a further stabilizing oven 16, on a linear segment of the descending branch of the working pathway, and then directed to the take-up device 30. The described machine reaches so the aim of allowing the production of every type of continuous yarn, thanks to a multifunctional structure, modifiable according to the users' needs, in a practically modular way. An essential advantage of the machine in suit is the fact that it is constituted by a unit which is completely independent from a constructive and functional perspective. This fact allows a great operational versatility, as this independent unit is not bound to the operation of the other units of the plant. For example it is possible to change the type of production easily, according to the specific requirements, by operating only the units that are needed, instead of the entire line. In practise the machine allows to perform the production of several different types of yarns even in relatively small quantity, according to the specific needs of the market. Moreover the cleaning and maintenance operations can be accomplished on the single unit, without stopping the operation of the entire plant, obviously to the profit of the productivity. This independent unit has a very reduced and rational space claiming, thanks to an innovatory structure with respect to the traditional plants. This is particularly due to the fact that the yarn working pathway is developed substantially on a unique vertical plane, providing an ascending branch, along which the the yarn texturing is performed, and a descending branch, placed side by side. An essential advantage provided by this structure is the fact that it permits to realize a simple, substantially linear working pathway, practically constituted by a linear vertical ascending branch and by a descending branch placed side by side, so as to prevent anomalous stress on the yarns, which could cause yarn break or compromise the product quality. This solution also results ergonomic and safe, as all the organs of the machine are easily accessible to the operators thanks to the dimensions of the machine as well as to the the particular position of the operational organs, in particular the shafts which are orthogonal to the frontal face and projecting overhanging on it. The safety of the machine can be advantageously completed by means of the application of a protective casing for each frontal face.

The reduced space claiming of the structure offers a further advantage, that is to make the transport of the machine easier, so that it can be supplied to the users ready for use, instead of being supplied in pieces to be mounted during the installation. In fact the machine is practically constituted only by one block whose dimensions are compatible with any usual transportation.

Materials adopted for the actual realization of the invention, as well as their shapes and sizes, can be various, depending on the requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1) Universal machine for the production of continuous yarn, characterized in that it comprises a frame (10) extending mainly in a vertical way, which defines one frontal face at least, on which a plurality of shafts (11, 12, 13) project, fit to be associated with operational organs of the machine, having axes orthogonal to the same frontal face and fit to be put in rotational motion by means of independent drive, being the said shafts (11, 12, 13) able to define a working pathway for a yarn (2) in process of being unwound from a bobbin (25), which defines a linear, substantially vertical ascending branch, developed until at least one upper towing roller, and a descending branch placed side by side to the said ascending branch, developed from said upper towing roller, for the conveyance of the said worked yarn (2) to a bobbin take-up device (30); and a set of working devices for the said yarn (2), fit to be associated in a modular way to the said frame (10) at respectively said ascending branch and said descending branch of the said working pathway.

2) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that along said linear substantially vertical ascending branch of the working pathway of said yarn (2), at least one heating device (3) is positioned, able to subject the said yarn (2) to a thermomechanical texturing process, and along said descending branch placed side by side to said ascending branch at least one stabilizing oven (6) for said textured yarn (2) is positioned.

3) Machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that said frontal face of the said frame (10) is defined by a substantially vertical wall. 4) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of shafts comprises at least a first shaft (11) for a first roller unwinding said yarn (2) from said bobbin(25), positioned lowerly at said ascending branch of the working pathway of the yarn (2); a second shaft (12) for a second roller for towing said yarn (2), positioned at the top of said working pathway of the yarn (2); and a third shaft (13) for a third roller for stretching said yarn (2), positioned lowerly at said descending branch of the working pathway of the yarn (2).

5) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said frame (10) defines two parallel frontal faces on which said shafts (11, 12, 13) respectively project, fit to be associated with the operational organs of the machine, with axes orthogonal to the same frontal faces, in order to operate two opposite working positions able to define respective working pathways for respective yarns (2).

6) Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, on each of said frontal faces of the frame (10), it provides two working positions able to define respective working pathways for respective yarns (2), positioned in a specular way with respect to a median vertical axis and defining a linear substantially vertical ascending branch and a descending branch placed side by side to said ascending branch. 7) Machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, on each of said frontal faces of the frame (10), only one heating device (3) is provided, positioned on said median vertical axis between said two specular working positions and shaping a pair of channels placed side by side, through which the said yarns (2) are respectively taken. 8) Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said shafts (11, 12, 13) are positioned through said frame (10), on parallel horizontal axes, so as to project overhanging at opposite ends on said parallel faces of the same frame (10), in order to simultaneously operate the said two opposite working positions. 9) Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, along said linear ascending branch of the said treating pathway for the yarn (2), it comprises a cooling device (4) for the same yarn (2), positioned in a substantially vertical way above said heating device (3).

10) Machine according to claim 9, characterized in that said cooling device (4) has a tubular shape and shapes a longitudinal slot communicating with a zone involved by an air flow produced by fan means, for the forced cooling of the said yarn (2).

11) Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an air covering device (7), positioned downstream said stabilizing oven (6) and fit to be supplied continuously with the said textured yarn (2) and with an elastomeric yarn (21) being unwound from a respective bobbin (23), so as to produce the interlacing of the same textured yarn (2) with the said elastomeric yarn (21).

12) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said bobbin take- up device (30) provides an arm (31) swinging on an axis orthogonal to said frontal face of the frame (10) and carrying rotating a trestle (34) which carries at least a cop (34) on which said yarn (2) is fit to be wound, being said trestle (33) fit to be operated in angular rotation to alternatively take a completed bobbin (27) to a lifted position (27a) of disengagement, for the take-up and substituion on the same testle (34) with a new cop (34), and to a lowered position (27b) for forming the take-up bobbin (27) of the yarn, where said bobbin is fit to be put in rotation by the contact with a roller (35), operated in rotation on an axis orthogonal to said frontal face of the frame (10). 13) Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises an air covering device (7), positioned downstream said stabilizing oven (6) and fit to be continuously supplied with said textured yarn (2) and with an elastomeric yarn (21) in process of being unwound from a respective bobbin (23), so as to obtain the interlacing of the same textured yarn (2) with the said elastomeric yarn (21).

14) Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a double heating device (3a, 3b), able to subject a pair of yarns (20, 21), in process of being unwound from respective bobbins (25), to a thermomechanical texturing process, positioned in a substantially vertical way along said linear ascending branch of the said working pathway for the yarns (20, 21); a device (8) for a treatment called Teslan, for combining the said yarns (20, 21) by means of a fiber break process on the same yarns, positioned downstream respective upper towing rollers; a stabilizing oven (6) for the said yarn produced by the treatment called Teslan, positioned downstream said treatment device (8), at one side of said heating device (3a, 3b), along said descending branch of the said working pathway.