U.S. patent application number 10/575825 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-28 for twisting machine capable of independently controlling twisting speed and winding speed and method of same.
Invention is credited to Mehmet Agrikli.
Application Number | 20110094203 10/575825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34511450 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110094203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Agrikli; Mehmet |
April 28, 2011 |
Twisting machine capable of independently controlling twisting
speed and winding speed and method of same
Abstract
The invention relates to a twisting machine capable of
independently controlling the twisting speed of a thread or
plurality of threads and the winding speed of the twisted threads
i.e. the twisting density in a certain length and the method of the
same. Thus, a twisting machined is provided comprising: a spindle
(1) extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second
end thereof; drive means for rotatably driving the spindle (1); a
rotor coaxially mounted to the spindle adjacent the second end
thereof; winding means for winding thread onto a bobbin; a
stationary carrier supported over the rotor on the opposite side
thereof from the spindle, the carrier supporting the bobbin
thereon; and thread guide means spaced in the axial direction from
the carrier, wherein in use, thread extends from the spindle via
the radially outer edge of the rotor to the thread guide means,
characterized in that the machine comprises means for independently
moving the spindle and the winding means.
Inventors: |
Agrikli; Mehmet; (Istanbul,
TR) |
Family ID: |
34511450 |
Appl. No.: |
10/575825 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP04/00301 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
57/58.52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D01H 1/003 20130101;
D01H 1/241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
57/58.52 |
International
Class: |
D01H 1/10 20060101
D01H001/10; D01H 7/02 20060101 D01H007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 14, 2003 |
TR |
2003/01753 |
Claims
1. A twisting machine comprising: a spindle to which a thread or a
plurality of threads is/are introduced in use and from which the
thread or the plurality of threads is/are taken out in use, the
spindle being driven by a spindle driving motor; a rotor being
associated with the spindle and being in contact with the thread or
plurality of threads taken out of the spindle while rotating in
use; a winding drum for winding the thread or the plurality of
threads, which advance from the rotor and are conveyed via a thread
guide, onto a bobbin in use; and a stationary carrier carrying the
bobbin, characterized in that the machine comprises means for
independently moving the spindle and winding drum.
2. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a first
power transmission means is coaxially mounted to the spindle, said
first power transmission means being moved independently from the
spindle.
3. A machine according to claim 2, characterized in that a primary
planetary element is provided, said primary planetary element
performing planetary rotation around the spindle axis by the motion
provided by the first power transmission means.
4. A machine according to claim 3, characterized in that a spindle
element engaged to the primary planetary element is provided for
transmitting the motion of the primary planetary element.
5. A machine according to claim 4, characterized in that a
secondary planetary element is engaged to the spindle element, said
secondary planetary element performing planetary rotation around
the spindle axis.
6. A machine according to claim 5, characterized in that a second
power transmission means is coaxially mounted to the spindle, said
second power transmission means being moved independently from the
spindle and wherein said secondary planetary element transmits its
motion to said second power transmission means.
7. A machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a driving
pulley is provided for driving the winding drum, said driving
pulley being associated with the second power transmission
means.
8. A machine according to claim 7, characterized in that a winding
bobbin pulley is provided to the winding means for transmitting the
motion of the driving pulley to the winding means, and in that a
driving belt is provided to the driving pulley and to the winding
bobbin pulley.
9. A machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a yarn
feeder pulley is provided for driving a yarn feeder spindle
associated with the second power transmission means.
10. A machine according to claim 9, characterized in that a yarn
feeder spindle pulley is mounted to the yarn feeder spindle for
transmitting the motion of the yarn feeder pulley to the yarn
feeder spindle having a yarn feeder roller, and in that a driving
belt is provided to the yarn feeder pulley and to the yarn feeder
spindle pulley.
11. A machine according to claim 10, characterized in that a waxing
element is provided for waxing a thread passed through the yarn
feeder roller.
12. A machine according to claim 11, characterized in that a waxing
driving belt is provided between the waxing element and the yarn
feeder spindle for driving the waxing element by the yarn feeder
spindle.
13. A machine according to claim 2, characterized in that a driving
motor is provided for driving the first power transmission means
said driving motor being independently operated from the spindle
driving motor.
14. A machine according to claim 13, characterized in that a first
collar is mounted to the first power transmission means.
15. A machine according to claim 14, characterized in that a
planetary pulley mechanism is fixed to the first collar and said
planetary pulley mechanism is driven by the driving motor.
16. A machine according to claim 9, characterized in that a second
collar is mounted to the second power transmission means.
17. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a bearing
housing is provided for bearing the spindle element to the rotor
and to a rotor lower piece mounted to the underside of the
rotor.
18. A machine according to claim 17, characterized in that bearings
are provided inside the bearing housing for mounting the spindle
element and in that lids are provided on the bearing housing for
preventing lubricant leakage therefrom.
19. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
planetary means, said spindle element are capable of rotating about
the spindle axis and about their own axes.
20. A machine according to claim 6, characterized in that said
first power transmission means, said second power transmission
means, said primary planetary element and said secondary planetary
element are selected from the group consisting of gear, pulley,
pulley gear, magnetic gear and chain gear.
21. A machine according to claim 2, characterized in that motion
transmission from the first power transmission means to the primary
planetary element is performed by the means selected from the group
consisting of trigger belt, chain, gear and magnetic means.
22. A machine according to claim 5, characterized in that motion
transmission from the secondary planetary element to the second
power transmission means is performed by the means selected from
the group consisting of trigger belt, chain, gear and magnetic
means.
23. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: a first
power transmission means is provided to the spindle, said first
power transmission means being driven independently from the motion
of the spindle; in that at least one planetary element is
substantially perpendicularly provided to the spindle axis, the
planetary element being driven by the first power transmission
means for rotating; and in that a second power transmission means
is provided to the spindle and said second power transmission means
being driven by the planetary element.
24. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that in use,
one or more threads are fed through the thread guide head to be
covered by the thread or threads advancing from the rotor.
25. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor
device is provided for terminating winding of the threads onto the
bobbin when the thickness of the bobbin increases to a
predetermined level.
26. A machine according to claim 25, characterized in that the
sensor device comprises a signal supplier and a signal receiver so
that in use when the thickness of the bobbin increases to a
predetermined value, the signal between the supplier and the
receiver is interrupted and the winding is terminated.
27. A machine according to claim 25, characterized in that the
sensor device comprises a switch capable of contacting with an end
of a bobbin arm fixing the bobbin to the carrier; a radio signal
generator driven by the switch; and a receiver so that in use when
the thickness of the bobbin increases to a predetermined level, the
bobbin arm drives the switch for generating a radio signal to be
received by the receiver for terminating winding.
28. A machine according to claim 25, characterized in that the
sensor device comprises a reflector mounted to the end of the
bobbin arm; a beam supplier-receiver for supplying the beam to and
receiving the beam from the reflector so that when the thickness of
the bobbin increases to a predetermined level, the bobbin arm and
the reflector rotate and the reflected beam is received by the beam
supplier-receiver for terminating winding.
29. A machine according to claim 14, characterized in that a first
stationary element is mounted to the first collar and said first
stationary element is immovably mounted to a fixing platform fixed
to the body of the machine.
30. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a
secondary planetary spindle for performing planetary rotation
around the spindle axis is provided, said secondary planetary
spindle being associated with the rotor and being rotatable by the
motion of the rotor.
31. A machine according to claim 30, characterized in that a
tertiary planetary element is provided at an end of the secondary
planetary spindle, said tertiary planetary element performing
planetary rotation around the spindle axis.
32. A machine according to claim 31, characterized in that a
quaternary planetary element is provided at the other end of the
secondary planetary spindle.
33. A machine according to claim 16, characterized in that a second
stationary element is coaxially mounted to the second collar.
34. A machine according to claim 32, characterized in that the
quaternary planetary element performs planetary rotation around the
spindle axis.
35. A machine according to claim 32, characterized in that the
tertiary planetary element and the quaternary planetary element are
rotatable about the secondary planetary spindle and rotatable about
the spindle axis.
36. A machine according to claim 33, characterized in that said
stationary carrier is fixed to the second stationary element.
37. A machine according to claim 33, characterized in that the
first stationary element, the second stationary element, the
tertiary planetary element and the quaternary planetary element are
selected from the group consisting of gear, pulley, magnetic gear
and chain gear.
38. (canceled)
39. A twisting machine comprising: a spindle to which a thread or a
plurality of threads is/are introduced in use and from which the
thread or the plurality of threads is/are taken out in use, the
spindle being driven by a spindle driving motor; a rotor being
associated with the spindle and being in contact with the thread or
plurality of threads taken out of the spindle while rotating in
use; a winding drum for winding the thread or the plurality of
threads which advance from the rotor and are conveyed via a thread
guide, onto a bobbin in use; and a stationary carrier carrying the
bobbin, characterized by comprising a first power transmission
means coaxially mounted to the spindle axis and being moved in use
independently from the motion of the spindle; a primary planetary
element being drivable by the motion of the first power
transmission means and performing planetary rotation about the
spindle axis in use; a spindle element engaged with the primary
planetary element for transmitting the motion thereof; a secondary
planetary element engaged to the spindle element, said secondary
planetary element performing planetary rotation about the spindle
axis in use; an upper power transmission means coaxially mounted to
the spindle axis and being drivable by the secondary planetary
element.
40. A machine according to the claim 39, characterized by
comprising: a first stationary element mounted coaxially to a first
collar, said first collar being mounted coaxially to the spindle
axis, and said first stationary element being fixed to a fixing
platform fixed to the machine body; a secondary spindle element
associated with the rotor and performing planetary rotation about
the spindle axis by the motion of the rotor in use; a tertiary
planetary element mounted to an end of the secondary spindle
element, said tertiary planetary element performing planetary
rotation about the spindle axis; a quaternary planetary element
mounted to the other end of the secondary spindle element; and a
second stationary element the carrier being fixed thereto and being
mounted coaxially to a second collar mounted coaxially to the
spindle.
41. A machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the
twisted thread passed through the waxing element is directed to the
winding drum through an opening 47 grooved on an upper table 56
without employing any other directing means.
42. A method for twisting threads comprising: introducing a thread
or plurality of threads into a spindle having an aperture extending
along the axis thereof, said spindle being driven by a motor;
taking out the twisted thread or the plurality of threads from the
spindle and advancing the threads from the outer surface of a
rotor; and further advancing the twisted threads to a winding drum
for winding the twisted threads onto a bobbin, characterized in
that the method comprises the steps of: transmitting the movement
of a secondary motor to a primary power transmission means
rotatable independently from the spindle, said primary power
transmission means being arranged coaxially with the spindle,
transmitting the movement provided by the primary power
transmission means to a secondary power transmission means capable
of performing planetary movement with respect to the spindle axis,
transmitting the movement provided by the secondary power
transmission means to a tertiary power transmission means rotatable
independently from the spindle and said tertiary power transmission
means being arranged the spindle.
43. A twisting machine comprising: a spindle extending in an axial
direction from a first end to a second end thereof; drive means for
rotatably driving the spindle; a rotor mounted to the spindle
adjacent the second end thereof; winding means for winding thread
onto a bobbin; a stationary carrier supported over the rotor on the
opposite side thereof from the spindle, the carrier supporting the
bobbin thereon; and thread guide means spaced in the axial
direction from the carrier, wherein in use, thread extends from the
spindle via the radially outer edge of the rotor to the thread
guide means, characterized in that the machine comprises means for
independently moving the spindle and the winding means.
44. A twisting machine as claimed in claim 43, wherein the means
for independently moving the spindle and the winding means
comprise: a first gear mounted coaxially with the spindle to be
located externally of the extent of the thread in use, said first
gear being driven by further drive means independently operated
from the spindle driving means; a second gear mounted coaxially
with the spindle, said second gear being axially spaced from the
first gear to be located internally of the extent of the thread in
use; and a further gear mechanism for transferring the drive from
the first gear to the second gear in use.
45. A twisting machine as claimed in claim 44, wherein the further
gear mechanism comprises: a primary planetary element for being
driven by the first gear to perform planetary motion about the
spindle axis; a spindle element extending in the axial direction
from the primary planetary element; and a secondary planetary
element attached to the spindle element and axially spaced from the
primary planetary element, wherein the secondary planetary element
is driven by the primary planetary element and the spindle element
to perform planetary motion about the spindle axis and so drives
the second gear in use.
46. A twisting machine as claimed in claim 44, wherein the further
gear mechanism comprises: a planetary element extending
substantially perpendicular to the first and second gears and
engaging therewith.
47. A method of twisting a plurality of threads using the apparatus
as claimed in claim 42, the method comprising: supplying a
plurality of threads to the first end of the spindle such that the
threads are twisted by the spindle in use; and winding the twisted
threads on the bobbin.
48. A method of covering a thread using the apparatus as claimed in
claim 42, the method comprising: supplying a thread to the first
end of the spindle; supplying one or more threads directly to the
thread guide means such that the thread from the spindle is wrapped
around the threads supplied directly to the guide means in use; and
winding the covered threads on the bobbin.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a twisting machine capable
of independently controlling the twisting speed of a thread or
plurality of threads, i.e. the twisting density in a certain length
and the winding speed of twisted thread.
[0002] The twisting of threads defined in a commercial context
typically comprises either: covering a thread or a plurality of
threads by rotating one or more threads around the thread; or
alternatively, twisting a thread or a plurality of threads by
twisting one or more threads around each other.
[0003] Most textile articles including both knitted and woven
fabrics, clothing etc. are inherently produced from twisted
threads. One remarkable advantage of utilizing twisted threads in
producing textile articles is surprisingly their strength,
particularly their tensile strength, such that it is more difficult
to break off the thread compared to a single untwisted thread in
the same thickness. Likewise, a twisted thread is capable of
extending in its longitudinal direction much more than an untwisted
thread. In addition to these sound mechanical properties, twisted
threads are often used by textile designers for creating
cutting-edge fashion designs when for instance the threads to be
twisted are selected from a group of various colors and formations.
These advantageous properties lead the twisted threads to be widely
utilized in producing textile products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Thread twisting technology generally comprises three known
methods: the hollow spindle method, the two-for-one method; and the
ring twisting method. Various twisting configurations can be
obtained by employing these known methods. The twisting
configurations can be classified according to the twisting
direction as either "S-twisting", or "Z-twisting" and according to
the twisting technique as one or more of "covering", "fantasy
twisting", and "false twisting".
[0005] In the hollow spindle method, a first bobbin which is
rotated around its longitudinal axis by a motor and another bobbin
which is stationary are provided. A first thread released from the
stationary bobbin is introduced through an aperture extending along
the axis of the rotated bobbin and another thread released from the
rotated bobbin is simultaneously introduced through the aperture.
The threads taken up from the separate bobbins are combined
together in the aperture and twisting of the threads is
accomplished by wrapping the thread released from the rotated
bobbin around the thread released from the stationary bobbin so as
to cover the thread released from the stationary bobbin.
[0006] In a subsequent step, the twisted thread is wound onto
another bobbin for dispatching. Notwithstanding the fact that the
number of stationary bobbins must be increased to introduce a
plurality of threads into the aperture for covering thereof by the
thread released from the rotated bobbin, the major disadvantage of
the hollow spindle method is that the thread on the rotated bobbin
must be prepared in advance for the resultant twisting
configuration i.e. S-twisting, Z-twisting etc. Furthermore, the
thread must be homogenously and tightly wound on the rotated bobbin
prior to use which is a labor-intensive task. Another disadvantage
of the hollow spindle method is that the entire bobbin is rotated,
potentially causing excessive centrifugal forces depending on the
rotation speed. This is why the hollow spindle method is preferred
for covering but not for twisting threads together.
[0007] The two-for-one method equipment comprises a spindle having
an aperture extending through its axis, a rotor rotating with the
spindle, a bobbin having threads thereon and a casing surrounding
the bobbin. The reason that this method is called "two-for-one" is
that two turns are formed in the threads as the spindle performs
one turn.
[0008] The two-for-one effect is achieved only if the casing and
the bobbin are held stationary as the spindle rotates even though
the casing is coaxially mounted with respect to the spindle.
Holding the casing stationary is accomplished by providing s a
magnet couple between the casing and the body covering the casing.
In other words, opposite poled magnets are fixed to the casing and
to the body respectively.
[0009] In the two-for-one method, the threads are directed through
the aperture of the spindle so that the threads perform one turn in
the aperture of the spindle as the spindle performs one turn. In
this manner, the threads are twisted and the first step of the
two-for-one method is completed.
[0010] Once the twisted threads have passed through the aperture in
the spindle, they are advanced over the rotor to a thread guide
which is stationary as it is immovably secured to the machine body.
Since the twisted threads are advanced to the thread guide, they
perform one more turn between the rotor and the guide meaning that
two turns are formed in the threads as the spindle performs one
turn. In a subsequent step, the twisted threads are wound on a
bobbin for dispatching.
[0011] Although both S-twisting and Z-twisting configurations can
be achieved by the two-for-one method, the maximum number of
threads provided on the bobbin is generally two. In practice
employing more than two threads would not exploit the two-for-one
method efficiently, since the threads are knotted or even broken
off when released from the bobbin. Furthermore, even using two
threads may cause knotting or even breaking off when the threads
are slippery. Moreover, the threads to be twisted are wound on the
bobbin before the two-for-one twisting begins which involves extra
effort. Further, it is not possible to cover threads by the
two-for-one method.
[0012] The ring twisting method equipment comprises a plurality of
bobbins having untwisted threads provided thereon, speed-controlled
rotating cylinders through which the threads released from the
bobbins are passed, a ring through which the threads are passed, a
thread guide and a spool.
[0013] The threads provided from the bobbins are passed through the
ring thus bunching the threads together. The bunch of threads is
further advanced through the guide and wound onto the spool as it
is rotating. The threads are therefore twisted before winding on
the spool.
[0014] The immediate disadvantage of the ring twisting method is
the failure to wind the twisted threads directly onto a bobbin,
which will be dispatched to the end user. The ring twisting
requires a further step to wind the twisted threads onto a bobbin
independent from the spool. Moreover, the twisted thread is wound
on the spool during use and the spool is rotated as the twisting is
performed. As twisted threads accumulates on the spool, the
centrifugal forces increase and so the spool must be changed
regularly and the spool cannot be rotated at high speeds. Finally,
as in two-for-one twisting, covering of threads is not possible by
the ring twisting method.
[0015] The most frequently practiced twisting method over the years
has been the two-for-one method and accordingly literature shows
various studies for improving the two-for-one technology. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511 discloses a spindle having a
rotor rotatable with the spindle and a cylinder having a bobbin on
which twisted threads are wound. In the cylinder, there is provided
a rail element extending parallel to the axis of the cylinder. A
thread guide mounted transversely to the rail element and being
displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the rail element is
provided for winding the twisted threads on the bobbin.
[0016] The bobbin in U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511, is engaged to a
mandrel from its bottom end and said mandrel is associated with a
head rotating eccentrically with respect to the axis of the
spindle. The head is connected to a platform rotated by the spindle
through a spring element. The cylinder is held stationary by an
opposite poled magnet couple, one provided to the cylinder and one
provided to the body.
[0017] As the spindle and the platform connected thereto are
rotated, the bobbin rotates around the axis of the spindle. The
thread guide is continuously moved in upper and lower directions
and continuously provides twisted threads onto the bobbin so that
the twisted threads are wound thereon. As the construction
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511 comprises various
eccentrically mounted masses i.e. machine parts including the
bobbin, rail element, spring element and so on, the centrifugal
forces induced by this eccentricity can not be balanced by the
machine configuration. This failure is a major obstacle to the
spindle speed and the winding speed of the twisting machine in the
U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511 being set to higher values which leads to
inefficiency in twisting of threads.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,336 discloses a version of the machine
of U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511 and includes substantially identical
machine parts to the latter. The distinction in U.S. Pat. No.
3,368,336 is that the thread guide can be driven in a vertical
direction through magnetic force. Achievement of this movement is
performed by an opposite poled magnet couple (one magnet movably
provided on the outer surface of the body and one magnet provided
on an engagement element engaging the thread guide to the rail).
However, the same disadvantages apply to this version, i.e. the
incapability of operating the machine at high speeds due to the
extreme centrifugal forces induced.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,146 discloses a twisting machine
comprising a rotatable spindle having an aperture extending along
the axis thereof in which a plurality of threads taken from a
plurality of bobbins and incorporated together are provided. The
spindle has an opening radially extending therefrom and the threads
are taken out through the opening and advanced further via the
outer surface of a rotor to a winding drum for winding onto a
bobbin.
[0020] The rotation of the spindle and the rotor connected to it in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,146 is provided by a motor transmitting
rotational movement through a belt pulley and a gear reduction
mechanism. The rotational movement of the winding drum for winding
the twisted threads onto the bobbin is achieved by another gear
reduction mechanism. The winding speed of the twisted threads (i.e.
the rotation speed of the winding drum) is dependent upon the gear
reduction mechanism or any other power transmitting means that
would be replaced with the gear mechanism. The only way to change
the rotation speed, independently from the spindle speed, of the
winding drum is to change the dimensions of the gear reduction
mechanism, which suggests an extremely inflexible arrangement.
[0021] EP 0 867 541 discloses a twisting method operated according
to the two-for-one method on a machine having first and second
centering points. The method comprises introducing twisted threads
into a balloon formation zone from the second centering point and
then winding the twisted threads onto a bobbin. The arrangement
introduced in EP 0 867 541 is substantially identical to that of
U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,511 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,368,336 and has the
same disadvantages set forth above.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,535 discloses an arrangement providing
energy and signal transmission between a first stationary zone and
a second zone. The energy transmission is provided by a transformer
and the energy is transmitted to movable machine parts including a
spindle. The signal generated and modulated by a control unit
controls various functional outputs including thread winding
breaking, spindle rotation etc.
[0023] JP 59-106527 discloses a twisting machine comprising a
spindle, a rotor mounted on the spindle, a gear mounted to an end
of the spindle, another gear mounted on a winding drum for matching
the gear on the spindle, and a bobbin on which twisted threads from
the winding drum are wound.
[0024] As in the above mentioned references, in JP 59-106527, the
casing having the bobbin on which twisted threads are wound is kept
stationary by a magnet couple. The winding drum speed is set
through the gear couple, i.e. the gear on one end of the spindle
and the matching gear on the winding drum, so that the winding
speed and the rotor speed can be held at different respective
values while the twisting machine is operated. However, among the
most readily identifiable disadvantages of JP 59-106527, is the
fact that the winding drum speed cannot be adjusted while the
twisting machine is operating, as the dimensions of the gears on
the spindle and on the winding drum cannot be changed
simultaneously.
[0025] Since the winding drum speed can only be changed by the
replacement of the gear couple with a gear couple of different
dimensions, this would lead to an infinite number of gear couple
configurations in theory. Furthermore, the arrangement in JP
59-106527 induces extreme centrifugal forces while the twisting
machine is in operation, as the machine comprises various masses
mounted eccentrically from the spindle rotation axis.
[0026] In the light of the disadvantages pointed out above, there
is a need to provide a way of setting spindle speed and winding
drum speed independently while a twisting machine is in
operation.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0027] It is an object of the present invention to enhance the
efficiency of thread twisting by independently controlling and
altering the speed of thread twisting (i.e. the number of twists
per meter) and the winding speed of the twisted threads onto a
bobbin as desired.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to minimize the
centrifugal forces and vibrations experienced in a twisting machine
to extend the operation life cycle of twisting machines.
[0029] From a first aspect, the present invention provides a
twisting machine comprising: a spindle to which a thread or a
plurality of threads is/are introduced in use and from which the
thread or the plurality of threads is/are taken out in use, the
spindle being driven by a spindle driving motor ; a rotor being
associated with the spindle and being in contact with the thread or
plurality of threads taken out of the spindle while rotating in
use; a winding drum for winding the thread or the plurality of
threads, which advance from the rotor and are conveyed via a thread
guide, onto a bobbin in use; and a stationary carrier carrying the
bobbin, characterized in that the machine comprises means for
independently moving the spindle and winding drum.
[0030] From a further aspect, the present invention provides a
method for twisting threads; comprising introducing a thread or
plurality of threads into a spindle having an aperture extending
along the axis thereof, said spindle being driven by a motor;
taking out the twisted thread or the plurality of threads from the
spindle and s advancing the threads from the outer surface of a
rotor; and further advancing the twisted threads to a winding drum
for winding the twisted threads onto a bobbin, characterized in
that the method comprises the steps of; [0031] transmitting the
movement of a secondary motor to a primary power transmission means
rotatable independently from the spindle, said primary power
transmission means being arranged coaxially with the spindle,
[0032] transmitting the movement provided by the primary power
transmission means to a secondary power transmission means capable
of performing planetary movement with respect to the spindle axis,
[0033] transmitting the movement provided by the secondary power
transmission means to a tertiary power transmission means rotatable
independently from the spindle and said tertiary power transmission
means being arranged coaxially with the spindle.
[0034] The preferred method and machine of the present invention
further comprises a step for holding the carrier carrying the
bobbin onto which twisted threads are wound stationary without
using magnets. In order to hold the carrier, a mechanism for
performing a planetary movement with respect to the axis of the
spindle and dissipating the power transmission in its own
arrangement for preventing carrier rotation is provided.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, and with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a twisting machine according
to the invention;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the motion transmission
mechanism of the twisting machine of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the motion transmission
mechanism of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative motion
transmission mechanism of to a twisting machine according to the
invention;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative motion
transmission mechanism of a twisting machine according to the
invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the mechanism for
keeping the carrier of a twisting machine according to the
invention stationary;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the mechanism for
keeping the carrier stationary and the motion transmission
mechanism of a twisting machine according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an alternative
mechanism for keeping the carrier of a twisting machine according
to the invention stationary;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an alternative
mechanism for keeping the carrier stationary and the motion
transmission mechanism of a twisting machine according to the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an alternative
mechanism for keeping the carrier of a twisting machine according
to the invention stationary;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an alternative
mechanism for keeping the carrier stationary and the motion
transmission mechanism of a twisting machine according to the
invention;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the covering process being
carried out by the twisting machine of FIG. 1;
[0048] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lubricant housing of a
twisting machine according to the invention;
[0049] FIG. 14 illustrates the driving mechanism of the winding
drum and yarn feeder of a twisting machine according to the
invention;
[0050] FIG. 15 illustrates the motion transmission from the yarn
feeder to the thread waxing mechanism of a twisting machine
according to the invention;
[0051] FIG. 16 illustrates the twisted thread winding termination
mechanism for measuring when the bobbin has a predetermined
thickness according to the invention;
[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative twisted thread winding
termination mechanism for measuring when the bobbin has a
predetermined thickness according to the invention; and
[0053] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative twisted thread winding
termination mechanism for measuring when the bobbin has a
predetermined thickness according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] In FIG. 1, a general perspective view of a twisting machine
according to the invention is illustrated.
[0055] In general terms, the twisting machine comprises a base
portion including a hollow spindle 1 adapted to rotate about its
axis and a substantially cylindrical rotor 12 positioned coaxially
with the spindle at the upper end thereof and having a greater
diameter than that of the spindle as will be described in further
detail below. As s shown in FIG. 2, an aperture 100 is provided in
the spindle 1 to extend perpendicular to the axis thereof at a
level just below the rotor 12 to link the interior of the hollow
spindle to the exterior thereof. A thread guide head 43 is provided
a desired distance above the rotor 12 and coaxial with the spindle
1.
[0056] In the twisting machine according to the invention when
being used in a twisting configuration, the thread or plurality of
threads 70 to be twisted is/are fed into the machine through the
lower end of the spindle 1. The threads pass along the spindle, out
through the aperture 100 and over the radially outer surface of
rotor 12. The twisted threads 44 are then directed to a thread
guide head 43 secured is above an upper table 56 and through which
the threads 44 are introduced to extend downwardly. The threads
extending from the edge of rotor 12 to thread guide head 43 rotate
around the spindle 1 axis in use as the rotor 12 rotates and so
form a balloon shape around the twisting machine. The height of the
balloon can be modified by altering the height of the thread guide
head 43 above the upper table 56.
[0057] The twisted threads 44 are then passed through a pig tail 42
and further advanced to a yarn feeder pulley 49 secured to the
upper table 56. Afterwards the twisted threads are directed to a
wax 50 for waxing thereof and then fed to a winding drum 46 for
winding the twisted threads onto a bobbin 45. In the particular
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, 4 threads are being twisted together.
It will be appreciated however that the machine could be used to
twist a different number of threads of from 2 to 8 or more.
[0058] In FIG. 2, the motion transmission mechanism is illustrated
in perspective view and the same mechanism is illustrated in
cross-sectional view in FIG. 3. The spindle 1 is driven by a
driving motor 27 for rotating thereof, and a rotor 12 connected
coaxially to the spindle 1 is rotated with the same rotation speed
of the spindle 1.
[0059] A planetary pulley mechanism 4 is coaxially provided) on the
spindle 1, and this pulley 4 is rotated by a winding drum driving
motor 28 independently from the spindle driving motor 27. The
actuation provided by the winding drum driving motor 28 is
preferably transmitted to the planetary pulley mechanism 4 by a
winding drum driving belt 30. A ball bearing is provided between
the planetary pulley mechanism 4 and the spindle 1 so that the
outer ring of the ball bearing rotates with the planetary pulley
mechanism 4 and the inner ring of the ball bearing rotates with the
spindle 1.
[0060] The planetary pulley mechanism 4 is fixed to a lower collar
33 having a rotatable gear 10 (a lower rotatable gear) at one end
thereof and the lower collar 33 being coaxially arranged on the
spindle 1. Thus as the planetary pulley mechanism 4 is rotated, the
gear 10 is rotated accordingly with the same rotational speed. The
rotatable gear 10 transmits its rotational motion to a primary
planetary gear 6, capable of performing planetary motion around the
spindle 1 axis, by a lower rotatable gear belt 35. A primary power
transmission spindle 21 is provided, preferably by tight
engagement, in an opening extending along the axis of the primary
planetary gear 6 so that the primary power transmission spindle 21
can transmit its motion along its axis. As the primary power
transmission spindle 21 passes through the rotor 12 and a rotor
lower piece 11, the primary power transmission spindle 21 is
rotatably housed to a primary bearing housing 23 in which bearings
are mounted. The primary power transmission spindle 21 has a
secondary planetary gear 8 mounted at the other end being at the
upper side of the rotor 12. As the secondary planetary gear 8 is
preferably tightly engaged to the primary power transmission
spindle 21, the secondary planetary gear 8, capable of performing
planetary motion around the spindle 1 axis, rotates with the same
rotational speed as the primary planetary gear 6.
[0061] Furthermore, since the primary power transmission spindle 21
is associated with the rotor 12, which is rotated by the spindle 1,
the primary power transmission spindle 21 has a certain linear
velocity with respect to the spindle 1 axis. Consequently, both the
primary and secondary planetary gears 6,8 rotate both about the
power transmission spindle 21 axis and about the spindle 1 axis,
.sub.so performing planetary motions.
[0062] The secondary planetary gear 8 transmits its rotational
motion to a rotatable gear 17, an upper rotatable gear, mounted to
one end of an upper collar 38 being coaxially arranged on the
spindle 1 by an upper rotatable gear belt 36. A ball bearing is
provided between the upper rotatable gear 17 and the spindle 1 so
that the outer ring of the ball bearing rotates with the upper
rotatable gear 17 and the inner ring of the ball bearing rotates
with the spindle 1. The upper collar 38 has a yarn feeder pulley 14
and a winding drum driving pulley 15 at its other end, both being
arranged coaxially with the spindle 1 axis. The pulleys 14,15
preferably rotate with the same rotation speed as the upper collar
38.
[0063] Consequently, on the same machine axis, i.e. on the spindle
axis, the thread twisting speed and winding speed of the twisted
thread are independently adjusted.
[0064] The speeds of the spindle driving motor 27 and the winding
drum driving motor 28 can be adjusted as desired through a control
unit or independently without employing a control unit.
[0065] In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the mechanism used to keep the carrier
carrying the winding drum 46, and the bobbin 45 on which twisted
threads are wound, stationary without employing magnetic means is
also shown.
[0066] A lower stationary gear 9 is provided on the outer surface
of the lower collar 33, so the lower stationary gear 9 is coaxially
mounted to the spindle 1 axis with the collar 33. The lower
stationary gear 9 is fixed to a fixing platform 26 by attaching
means 25 and the fixing platform 26 is immovably connected to a
sheet metal plate 24 attached to the body of the twisting machine.
A ball bearing is provided between the lower stationary gear 9 and
the lower collar 33 and while the inner ring of the ball bearing is
rotatable with the lower collar 33, the outer ring is kept
stationary.
[0067] A lower stationary gear belt 34 is mounted between the lower
stationary gear 9 and a tertiary planetary gear 5 for performing
planetary motion around the spindle 1 axis. A first end of
secondary planetary spindle 20 is provided in an opening extending
along the axis of the tertiary planetary gear 5. The secondary
planetary spindle 20 has a quaternary planetary gear 7 provided at
the other end thereof in a substantially identical manner to the
mechanism described above for FIGS. 2 and 3. The secondary
planetary spindle performs planetary rotation around the spindle 1
axis. Since the secondary planetary spindle 20 passes through the
rotor 12, which is rotated by the spindle 1, the secondary
planetary spindle 20 has a certain linear velocity with respect to
the spindle 1 axis. Consequently, both the tertiary and quaternary
planetary gears 5,7 rotate both about the secondary planetary
spindle 20 axis and about the spindle 1 axis, so performing
planetary motions around the spindle 1 axis. An upper stationary
gear belt 37 is mounted between the quaternary planetary gear 7 and
an upper stationary gear 16 mounted on the outer surface of the
upper collar 38. A ball bearing is provided between the upper
stationary gear 16 and the upper collar 38, and while the inner
ring of the ball bearing is rotatable with the upper collar 38, the
outer ring is kept stationary. The upper stationary gear 16 keeps
its stationary position, i.e. does not rotate, for the reasons to
be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. Since the carrier 13
carrying the winding drum 46 and the bobbin 45 is fixed to the
upper stationary gear 16, the carrier also keeps its stationary
position, i.e. it does not rotate around the spindle 1 axis.
[0068] The embodiment described above is a preferred construction
of the device of the invention and preferably, the number of teeth
and/or the diameters of the lower stationery gear 9 and the upper
stationary gear 16 are identical.
[0069] However, if the number of teeth and/or the diameters of the
lower stationery gear 9 and the upper stationary gear 16 are
different from each other then the carrier might have a slight
turning motion depending on the difference in the number of teeth
and/or the respective diameters. This situation would apply when
the belts 34,37 used are the trigger or toothed kind as in the best
mode of the invention, the belts having more or less teeth to match
with the gears 9,5,7,16.
[0070] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
elements 6,8;5,7 performing planetary motion around the spindle 1
and the elements 10,17;9,16 associated with those 6,8;5,7
performing planetary motion are preferably gears and the motion
transmission belts 34,35,36,37 between these gears
6,8;5,7,10,17;9,16 are trigger belts.
[0071] An alternative mechanism providing independent adjustment of
the twisting speed and the thread winding speed without employing
belts is illustrated in FIG. 4. According to the figure, the gears
6,8 performing planetary motion around the spindle 1 directly match
the rotatable gears 10,17 coaxially mounted on the spindle 1
axis.
[0072] In this alternative, similarly, the gears 5,7 performing
planetary motion around the spindle 1 axis for preventing rotation
of the carrier without employing magnets, directly match the gears
9,16 coaxially mounted on the spindle axis 1.
[0073] In FIG. 5, an alternative mechanism comprising a bevel gear
group providing independent adjustment of the twisting speed and
the thread winding speed is illustrated. In this alternative, the
lower rotatable gear 10 and the upper rotatable gear 17 are
replaced with bevel gears. Furthermore, motion transmission between
the lower rotatable gear 10 and the upper rotatable gear 17 is
provided by primary and secondary bevel gears 6,8 matching the
lower rotatable gear 10 and the upper rotatable gear 17 and mounted
substantially radially--perpendicularly--to the spindle 1 axis. The
primary and secondary bevel gears 6,8 perform planetary motion
around the spindle 1 axis. In this alternative, the number of gears
performing planetary motion is at least one, and selected as two
preferably.
[0074] The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 comprises a
magnet couple 68, one of which is provided on the body of the
twisting machine and has an opposite pole with respect to the other
which is provided on the carrier 13 for keeping the carrier 13
stationary, while the spindle speed and the twisted thread winding
speed are adjusted independently.
[0075] As another alternative for adjusting the thread twisting
speed and twisted thread winding speed independently, the motion
transmission between the lower rotatable gear 10 and primary
planetary gear 6; and similarly the motion transmission between the
secondary planetary gear 8 and the upper rotatable gear 17 can be
provided, without a mechanical connection, by magnetic gear couples
or magnetic cylindrical means. The same motion transmission can be
employed for keeping the carrier 13 stationary. In this case, the
lower stationary gear 9 and tertiary planetary gear 5; and
similarly the quaternary planetary gear 7 and upper stationary gear
become magnetic gear couples or magnetic cylindrical means.
[0076] Alternatively, the lower rotatable gear 10, the primary
planetary gear 6, the secondary planetary gear 8 and the upper
rotatable gear 17 could be selected as pulley gears or chain gears.
In this latter case, the motion transfer between the chain gears is
provided by chains. Furthermore, all of the above-mentioned
alternatives set forth e.g. magnetic gear couples, chain gears etc.
for independently adjusting the twisting speed, i.e. the spindle
speed, and the thread winding speed, i.e. winding drum speed, apply
also to the motion transmission mechanism provided to keep the
carrier 13 stationary.
[0077] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the mechanism for keeping
the carrier of the twisting machine of FIGS. 1 to 3 stationary.
This figure is intended to describe the way in which the upper
stationary gear 16 and the carrier 13 connected thereto are
prevented from rotating without an attachment to the body of the
twisting machine.
[0078] The relative velocities of the component parts are defined
as follows, where:
[0079] w.sub.0=spindle angular velocity
[0080] w.sub.1=lower stationary gear angular velocity
[0081] w.sub.2=angular velocity of the tertiary planetary gear
around the secondary planetary spindle axis
[0082] m=number of teeth of the lower stationary gear
[0083] n=number of teeth of the tertiary planetary gear
[0084] l=number of teeth of the quaternary planetary gear
[0085] k=number of teeth of the upper stationary gear
w.sub.2=(w.sub.0+w.sub.1)*m/n [0086] and from the similarity;
[0086] w.sub.2=(w.sub.0+w.sub.3)*k/l
[0087] In this case;
(w.sub.0+w.sub.1)*m/n=(w.sub.0+w.sub.3)*k/l
[0088] So, if m/n=k/l then w.sub.1=w.sub.3.
[0089] As seen from the FIG. 3, since the lower stationary gear 9
is fixed to the body, w.sub.1=0, so the angular velocity of the
upper stationary gear becomes w.sub.3=0.
[0090] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the mechanism for keeping
the carrier of FIG. 6 stationary and the motion transmission
mechanism of the twisting machine according to the invention.
[0091] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an alternative mechanism
for keeping the carrier of the twisting machine according to the
invention stationary. The theory discussed above for FIG. 6 also
applies to this mechanism. As shown, in this alternative mechanism
each of the lower stationary gear 9, the tertiary planetary gear 5,
the quatemary planetary gear 7 and the upper stationary gear 16
comprise toothed gear wheels which interengage in respective pairs
such that no belts need to be used. The remaining parts of FIG. 8
correspond to those of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 shows the mechanism of FIG. 8
for keeping the carrier stationary combined with an equivalent
motion transmission mechanism.
[0092] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an alternative mechanism
for keeping the carrier of the twisting machine according to the
invention stationary. In this embodiment, the lower stationary gear
9 and the upper stationary gear 16 comprise ring gears having teeth
on the inner surface thereof which engage with the tertiary and
quatemary planetary gears respectively (those gears comprising
toothed gear wheels). Again, the remaining parts of this Figure
correspond to those of FIG. 6. Again, the theory mentioned for FIG.
6 applies to this mechanism.
[0093] FIG. 11 shows the mechanism of FIG. 10 for keeping the
carrier stationary combined with an equivalent motion transmission
mechanism.
[0094] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a twisting machine
according to the invention being used in a covering process. In
use, a thread or plurality of threads 70 are passed through the
thread guide head 43 from above, are covered by a thread 71 which
is passed through an opening at the lower end of the spindle 1, out
of the spindle, over the rotor 12 and upwardly to enter the thread
guide head 43 with the other threads 70. Through this process,
covering twisting is performed. In the particular embodiment shown,
5 threads are being covered using a single thread. It will be
appreciated however that one or more threads could be covered by
either a single thread, a plurality of threads twisted together or
a plurality of threads extending parallel to one another.
[0095] FIG. 13 illustrates the lubricant housing having ball
bearings of a twisting machine according to the invention. When the
spindle 1 is rotated at high speeds, centrifugal forces arise,
causing the lubricant to move to the outer most walls in the
bearing housings 22,23 in which the ball bearings of the primary
and secondary planetary spindles 20,21 are mounted. In order to
prevent the lubricant leakage from the bearing housings 22,23, lids
54 are mounted to the bearing housings 22,23.
[0096] FIG. 14 illustrates the driving mechanism of the winding
drum and yarn feeder of a twisting machine according to the
invention. The winding drum driving pulley 15 transmits its motion
received from the upper collar 38 to a winding drum pulley 51
coupled with the winding drum 46 by a winding drum driving belt 40.
Similarly, yarn feeder pulley 14 transmits its motion to a yarn
feeder spindle 41 by a yarn feeder belt 39. The yarn feeder belt 39
transmits its motion to a yarn feeder spindle pulley 48 mounted on
the yarn feeder spindle 41. A yarn feeder roller 49 is provided on
the yarn feeder spindle 41 and the twisted threads are passed
around the yarn feeder roller 49 for drawing the twisted threads by
the winding drum 46 for winding thereof on the bobbin 45.
[0097] to The winding drum 46 is secured to the carrier 13 by
fixation means and the winding drum 46, rotated by the actuation
provided by the winding drum driving pulley 15, winds the twisted
thread onto the bobbin. Rotation direction of the winding drum
driving pulley 15 is altered by a middle pulley 52 on which the
winding drum driving belt 40 is connected.
[0098] FIG. 15 illustrates the motion transmission from the yarn
feeder to the thread waxing mechanism of a twisting machine
according to the invention when used for twisting. The twisted
thread passing through the thread guide head 43 is further passed
through the pig tail 42 and advanced to the wax 50 for waxing
thereof. The wax 50 can be rotated around its own axis without
driving by another means as seen in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the wax
50 can be associated with the yarn feeder spindle 41 by a driving
belt 57 for driving the wax 50. The twisted and waxed thread is
directed to the winding drum 46 through an opening 47 in the upper
table 56 without utilizing another directing means. So, channels 53
grooved on the winding drum 46 can directly wind the twisted thread
conveyed from the upper table 56 onto the bobbin 45.
[0099] FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate the mechanisms for terminating
winding of the twisted thread when the bobbin has a predetermined
thickness.
[0100] In FIG. 16, a sensor operated according to a radio frequency
sensing method is illustrated. As the twisted threads are wound
onto the bobbin 45 the thickness thereof increases, a bobbin arm 58
securing the bobbin 45 to the carrier 13 slightly rotates and a
switch 59 mounted close to a tip of the bobbin arm 58 is forced to
move so that the radio frequency generator 61 is actuated. The
radio frequency 60 generated is received by a receiver 62 and once
the radio frequency 60 rises to a predetermined level then the
receiver 62 controls the motors to terminate the thread winding
operation.
[0101] In FIG. 17, a signal supplier 63 and a signal receiver 64
mutually positioned opposite each other are illustrated. The signal
65 permanently supplied by the signal supplier 63 to the signal
receiver 64 is interrupted when the thickness of the bobbin
increases to a certain level by the twisted threads and then the
signal receiver 64 generates a signal for controlling the motors to
terminate the thread winding operation.
[0102] In FIG. 18, a sensor mechanism having a beam
supplier-receiver and a reflector is illustrated. The reflector 66
is mounted at a tip of the bobbin arm 58. As the thickness of the
bobbin increases by the wound twisted threads, the bobbin arm 58 in
contact with the increased thickness of the bobbin slightly rotates
and the beam 67 supplied by the beam supplier-receiver 68 alters
its reflected direction so that it corresponds to the receiver
section of the beam supplier-receiver 68. The receiver then
generates a signal to control the motors to terminate the thread
winding operation.
* * * * *