U.S. patent application number 10/564948 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for machine for yarn cabling/twisting and continuous setting.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rieter Textile Machinery France. Invention is credited to Bernard Puaux.
Application Number | 20070095043 10/564948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33561152 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070095043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Puaux; Bernard |
May 3, 2007 |
Machine for yarn cabling/twisting and continuous setting
Abstract
A machine comprising one or several processing stations,
integrates in a combined and successive manner, according to a same
work position: a spindle for twisting and/or cabling a yarn,
thermosetting apparatus comprising a rotating heating godet,
followed by an accumulator capable of cooling and relaxing the yarn
in a totally free state, without tension, and a bobbin for winding
the yarn, the bobbin being secured to yarn guiding and driving
bodies.
Inventors: |
Puaux; Bernard; (Chassieux,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI PC
5 COLUMBIA CIRCLE
ALBANY
NY
12203
US
|
Assignee: |
Rieter Textile Machinery
France
Allee Charles Baron Z.I. Les Aureats
Valence Cedex
FR
F-26014
|
Family ID: |
33561152 |
Appl. No.: |
10/564948 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR04/50321 |
371 Date: |
June 30, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
57/282 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D01H 7/86 20130101; D01H
13/28 20130101; D02G 3/285 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
057/282 |
International
Class: |
D01H 13/30 20060101
D01H013/30 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 22, 2003 |
FR |
0309195 |
Claims
1. Machine for the continuous cabling/twisting and setting of
yarns, comprising several treatment stations incorporating, in
combination and in succession, within the same work position: means
(1) for twisting/cabling a yarn; heat-setting means consisting of a
heated rotary godet (2) followed by an accumulator (3) capable of
cooling and relaxing the yarn in the completely free, tensionless
state; and means (4) for winding on or winding up the yarn (5), the
said means being subjected to means for driving and guiding the
yarn.
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, at the or
each treatment station, the twisting/cabling means (1),
heat-setting means (2) and winding-on means (4) are mounted in
combination with devices for forwarding the yarn and arrangements
of the, frame of the said machine, so as to delimit a small and
compact space that incorporates the yarn wind-off means (6), along
a yarn path of short length.
3. Machine according to either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in
that the godet (2) has configurations capable of allowing the
shrinkage of the yarn to be controlled.
4. Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the
configurations of the godet consist of a longitudinal profile
defining successive zones that extend over almost the entire length
of the said godet, namely an initial crimp pick-up zone (2a), a
residual shrinkage zone (2b) and a setting zone (2c).
5. Machine according to claim 4, characterized inthat the initial
crimp pick-up (2a) and residual shrinkage (2b) zones consist of
conical bearing surfaces, while the setting zone (2c) consists of a
cylindrical bearing surface.
6. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the two
conical bearing surfaces (2a) and (2b) have different cone angles,
the residual shrinkage zone (2b) having a smaller angle than the
initial crimp pick-up zone (2a).
7. Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the length
of the setting zone (2c) is greater than the sum of the lengths of
the two other zones (2a) and (2b).
8. Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the initial
crimp, residual shrinkage and setting zones consist of a curved
profile.
9. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the heated
godet (2) is subjected to means capable of allowing automatic
reeving of the yarn.
10. Machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the
accumulator (3) consists of a hollow straight body placed
approximately vertically, the end of which, considered on the
output side, is frustoconical in order to create, within the said
body, a buffer zone braking the output of the said yarn by
preventing it from leaving directly.
11. Machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, at the
outlet of the accumulator (3), the yarn is subjected to the action
of bars (8) capable of uncurling the yarn and giving it the tension
needed for winding-on.
12. Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the
accumulator (3) consists of a relaxation belt in which the yarn
forms a reserve, the said belt being placed between the
heat-setting godet (2) and the wind-up means (4), the wind-up speed
being regulated so that the amount of accumulated yarn in reserve
is maintained between two predetermined values, a minimum value and
a maximum value.
13. Machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the
yarn (5) is deposited in the accumulator (3) through the effect of
a relative movement between a guiding element and the accumulator
itself.
14. Machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the
relative movement is created by a displacement of the yarn guiding
element.
15. Machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the
relative movement is created by a displacement of the accumulator
itself.
16. Machine according to claims 11 to 15, characterized in that
each treatment station comprises, in succession starting from the
wind-off bobbin: a yarn twisting and/or cabling spindle (1); a
presser/deliverer member (7) limiting the tension of the yarn and
setting a level of twist downstream; the heated rotary godet (2);
the cooling accumulator (3); the uncurling bars (8); and the
winding-on or wind-up bobbin (4)
Description
[0001] The invention relates to the technical sector of the
setting, twisting and crimping of yarns in the textile field.
[0002] Many technical solutions have been proposed for carrying out
the operation of cabling and setting continuous yarns. Mention may
be made, by way of entirely non-limiting example, of the teaching
of Patent FR 2 732 043 which relates to a machine comprising a
central frame supporting a plurality of identical work positions
each comprising: [0003] a double-twist or direct cabling spindle
supporting a yarn package, the yarn being intended to be twisted or
cabled with a second yarn; [0004] yarn forwarding means for
eliminating the tension that results from the twisting or cabling
operation; [0005] yarn heating means followed by a cooling zone;
[0006] means for winding up the treated yarn; [0007] the heating
means consist of a linear oven placed vertically or approximately
vertically; [0008] the yarn performs an forward-and-return motion
inside the said oven and is introduced into and extracted from the
latter via its bottom part, a feed and return system for the said
yarn being provided in the top part; and [0009] means are provided
for keeping the yarn under a minimum tension during the cooling
phase and for delivering it to the wind-up means.
[0010] Solutions have also been proposed in which the oven, which
is of substantial size, is eliminated, to be replaced with a
cylindrical godet associated with a return guide allowing reeving
of the yarn. The godet is heated to a defined temperature and
positively driven in rotation. This solution is taken, for example,
from the teaching of Patent Application FR 02/01357 (not yet
published).
[0011] Starting from this prior art, the problem that the invention
aims to solve is that of continuously setting a single yarn at a
time, in order to have a very short path yarn, with few points of
contact, so as to obtain better twist uniformity of the yarn.
[0012] To solve such a problem, a machine has been designed and
developed for the continuous cabling/twisting and setting of yarns,
comprising several treatment stations incorporating, in combination
and in succession, within the same work position: [0013] means for
twisting/cabling a yarn; [0014] heat-setting means consisting of a
heated rotary godet followed by an accumulator capable of cooling
and relaxing the yarn in the completely free, tensionless state;
and [0015] means for winding on or winding up the yarn, the said
means being subjected to means for driving and guiding the
yarn.
[0016] The fact of combining the three cabling/twisting, heat
setting and winding-on operations makes it possible to
substantially reduce the management of material undergoing
processing between these three operations. This results in large
savings in terms of the necessary labour for management of the
in-process stocks and the immobilization of material, and also a
reduction in the production cycle.
[0017] To solve the problem posed of having the shortest possible
yarn path, at the or each treatment station, the twisting/cabling
means, heat-setting means and winding-on means are mounted in
combination with devices for forwarding the yarn and arrangements
of the frame of the said machine, so as to delimit a small and
compact space that incorporates the yarn wind-off means, along a
yarn path of short length.
[0018] The godet has configurations capable of allowing the
shrinkage of the yarn to be controlled.
[0019] In one embodiment, to solve the problem posed of controlling
the shrinkage of the yarn, the godet has a longitudinal profile
defining successive zones that extend over almost the entire length
of the said godet, namely an initial crimp pick-up zone, a residual
shrinkage zone and a setting zone.
[0020] The initial crimp pick-up and residual shrinkage zones
consist of conical bearing surfaces, while the setting zone
consists of a cylindrical bearing surface.
[0021] The two conical bearing surfaces have different cone angles,
the residual shrinkage zone having a smaller angle than the initial
crimp pick-up zone.
[0022] Advantageously, the length of the setting zone is greater
than the sum of the lengths of the two other zones.
[0023] The initial crimp pick-up, residual shrinkage and setting
zones may consist of a curved profile.
[0024] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is to keep
the yarn in contact with the godet for a certain time, in order to
set the yarn. For this purpose, the heated godet is subjected to
means capable of allowing automatic reeving of the yarn.
[0025] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is to
ensure complete cooling and relaxation of the yarn after
heat-setting in order to create a buffer zone between the
heat-setting and the winding-on, in order to continue the
heat-setting, continuously during a change of take-up bobbin.
[0026] To solve such a problem, the accumulator consists of a
hollow straight body, the end of which, considered on the output
side, is frustoconical in order to create, within the said body, a
buffer zone braking the output of the said yarn by preventing it
from leaving directly.
[0027] At the outlet of the accumulator, the yarn is subjected to
the action of bars capable of uncurling the yarn and giving it the
tension needed for winding-on.
[0028] In another embodiment, the accumulator consists of a
relaxation belt in which the yarn forms a reserve, the said belt
being placed between the heat-setting godet and the wind-up means,
the wind-up speed being regulated so that the amount of accumulated
yarn in reserve is maintained between two predetermined values, a
minimum value and a maximum value.
[0029] The yarn is deposited in the accumulator through the effect
of a relative movement between a guiding element and the
accumulator itself.
[0030] The relative movement is created by a displacement of the
yarn guiding element or by a displacement of the accumulator
itself.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each treatment
station comprises, in succession starting from the wind-off bobbin:
[0032] a yarn twisting and/or cabling spindle; [0033] a
presser/deliverer member limiting the tension of the yarn and
setting a level of twist downstream; [0034] the heated rotary
godet; [0035] the cooling accumulator; [0036] the uncurling bars;
and [0037] the winding-on or wind-up bobbin.
[0038] The invention will be explained below in greater detail with
the aid of the figures of the appended drawings in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the principle of how the
yarns are treated in one and the same work position that combines
the twisting/cabling, heat-setting and winding-on operations;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a
machine according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an illustrative example
of the heated godet;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the accumulator; and
[0043] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the
accumulator.
[0044] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, the machine comprises a
frame (B) with, preferably, a plurality of identical treatment
stations. According to the invention, each treatment station
incorporates, in combination and in succession, in one and the same
work position, means (1) for twisting/cabling a yarn, means (2) for
heat-setting the yarn, means (3) for cooling the yarn and means (4)
for winding on or winding up the yarn (5).
[0045] According to an important feature of the invention, within
each treatment station, the twisting/cabling (1), heat-setting (2)
and cooling (3) means and the means (4) for winding on or winding
up the yarn (5) are mounted in combination with arrangements of the
frame (B) of the machine so as to define a small compact space
incorporating the yarn wind-up means (6) along a path of short
length (FIG. 1).
[0046] The yarn twisting/cabling means consist, in a manner
perfectly well known to those skilled in the art, of a double-twist
cabling spindle for carrying out either a twisting or a direct
cabling operation. For example, the spindle, driven by any suitable
known means, receives a bobbin of a first yarn to be treated,
called a "can yarn". To carry out the direct cabling operation, the
spindle has a hollow shaft for feeding a second yarn, called the
"creel yarn", coming from the wind-off bobbin (6). The creel yarn
is fed through the hollow shaft of the spindle, to be joined with
the can yarn within a cabling head (7). This cabling head may be
combined with a forwarding means for eliminating the tension
resulting from the cabling or twisting. This forwarding means may
be composed of an assembly of the type comprising a capstan and a
press roll. Such arrangements are not described in detail as they
are perfectly well known to those skilled in the art. The reader
may for example return to the teaching of Patent Application FR 2
732 043.
[0047] The yarn heat-setting means consist of a heated rotary godet
(2) followed by an accumulator (3) capable of cooling and relaxing
the yarn, making it completely free and tensionless. The godet (2)
is heated to a defined temperature and is driven positively in
rotation by any suitable known means. For example, the heating
means may be of the induction type.
[0048] Importantly, the godet (2) has configurations capable of
allowing the shrinkage of the yarn to be controlled. As shown
especially in FIG. 3, the godet has a longitudinal profile shaped
so as to define successive continuous zones that extend over almost
its entire length. These zones consist of a pick-up zone (2a), a
residual shrinkage zone (2b) and a setting zone (2c).
[0049] For example, the two zones (2a) and (2b) consist of conical
bearing surfaces, while the setting zone (2c) consists of a
cylindrical bearing surface. The conical bearing surfaces (2a) and
(2b) have different angles. Thus, the residual shrinkage zone (2b)
has a smaller cone angle .alpha. than the cone angle .beta. of the
initial crimp pick-up zone (2a).
[0050] This figure also shows that the residual shrinkage zone (2b)
has a greater length than the pick-up zone (2a). Likewise, the
length of the setting zone (2c) is greater than the sum of the
lengths of the two other zones (2a) and (2b). The illustrated
example therefore shows that the three zones (2a), (2b) and (2c)
result from a succession of bearing surfaces of different length
and cone angle.
[0051] Of course, without departing from the scope of the
invention, other profiles that can produce the same functions with
a view to producing the same results may be envisaged. For example,
the godet (2) may have a curved longitudinal profile.
[0052] Owing to the features of the heated godet (2), it is
possible to set the twisted or cabled yarn so as to give it very
good crimp characteristics.
[0053] Within the initial crimp pick-up zone (2a), the contact of
the yarn on the heated godet creates a shock effect, allowing the
yarn to take up its initial crimp. This crimp is accompanied by a
controlled shrinkage resulting from the cone angle .beta. of the
conical bearing surface (2a). After the yarn has been given this
shock effect, the residual shrinkage zone (2b) allows the yarn to
complete its shrinkage gently and uniformly, given the smaller cone
angle of the conical bearing surface (2b), which is longer than the
conical bearing surface (2a).
[0054] Within the cylin drical zone (2c), the yarn is set under the
conditions to which it was subjected in the two previous zones.
Owing to the large length of the cylindrical bearing surface (2c),
the setting of the yarn takes place, gently.
[0055] Owing to these arrangements in the two conical zones, the
yarn retains its original tension, but undergoes shrinkage. The
yarn has a tendency to rotate on itself as its tension gradually
increases. It follows that all the portions of the yarn are in
contact with the godet, which ensures a completely round shape of
the yarn. The conical profile and the textile control means that
the yarn necessarily has a calculated shrinkage.
[0056] It may also be observed that, for setting the yarn, the
latter must remain for a certain time in contact with the various
zones of the godet (2). To increase this contact time, it is known
to carry out a yarn reeving operation on the godet. This reeving
operation may be performed manually or automatically.
[0057] After leaving the heated godet (2) assembly, the yarn is
subjected to the action of an accumulator (3) capable of completely
cooling and relaxing the yarn after heat-setting and of creating a
buffer zone between the heat-setting and the winding-on, allowing
continuation of the heat-setting, continuously during a change of
take-up bobbin (4).
[0058] As shown in particular in FIGS. 4 and 5, the accumulator (3)
consists of a hollow linear body, for example of quadrangular cross
section. The end of the body of the accumulator (3), considered on
the output side, is frustoconical with a cross section that
progressively decreases towards the said free end in order to
create, inside the body, a buffer zone braking the output of the
yarn, preventing it from leaving directly.
[0059] As shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, this accumulator
(3), after the heated godet, lies, within the treatment station in
question, in an approximately vertical plane, the yarn entering the
end (3b) before exiting, by simple gravity, at the frustoconical
portion (3a). At this frustoconical end (3a), the accumulator (3)
has a series of parallel bars (8) mounted on a support element (9)
fastened, for example, to the end of the accumulator (3). The bars
(8) are placed approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the accumulator (3), i.e. perpendicular to the path of the yarn,
in order to carry out an uncurling function on the said yarn,
giving it the tension needed for winding-on.
[0060] Other embodiments of the accumulator (3) may be envisaged.
For example, it may consist of a relaxation belt in which the yarn
forms a reserve. The belt is placed between the heat-setting godet
(2) and the wind-up means (4). The wind-up speed is regulated so
that the amount of accumulated yarn in reserve is maintained
between two predetermined values, a minimum value and a maximum
value.
[0061] It should also be noted that the deposition of the yarn (5)
in the accumulator (3), whatever its embodiment, may result from a
relative movement between a guiding element and the accumulator (3)
itself. This movement may be an alternating movement of the
to-and-fro type, or else a continuous or alternating rotation.
Alternatively, the relative movement is created by the displacement
of the guiding element or of the accumulator itself. Owing to the
features forming the basis of the invention, it is apparent that
each treatment station comprises, in succession starting from the
wind-off bobbin (6), in one and the same work position defining a
small compact space, also with a yarn path of short length: [0062]
a yarn twisting or cabling spindle (1), the presser/deliverer
member (7) limiting the tension of the yarn (5) and setting a level
of tension downstream; [0063] the heated rotary godet (2); [0064]
the cooling accumulator (3); [0065] the uncurling bars (8); and
[0066] the wind-up bobbin (4).
[0067] It is very clear that these various means may be mounted in
combination with any in-line quality control system, the buffer
accumulator downstream of the spindle, yarn crimping system, yarn
breakage detection system, etc.
[0068] The advantages are clearly apparent from the description, in
particular the following may be emphasized and recalled: [0069] the
continuous setting of a single yarn at a time along a short path
makes it possible to overcome the problem of scrap associated with
dispersion in the quality of the various bobbins when they are
treated jointly; [0070] the possibility of treating grades of yarns
having a high twist; [0071] the increase in productivity obtained;
[0072] the flexibility of the process; [0073] the control of yarn
shrinkage owing to the profile of the heated godet; [0074] the use
of an accumulator for cooling and relaxing the yarn in the
completely free, tensionless state; [0075] the better uniformity of
the tension in the yarn resulting from a very short path of the
yarn with contact points; [0076] the minimal distance between the
deliverer and the heated godet allows better twist control before
setting, avoiding short-term changes in twist; and [0077] the
combining of the three, cabling/twisting, heat-setting and
winding-on operations makes it possible to substantially reduce the
management of the materials being processed.
* * * * *