DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present invention relates to textile spinning machines. Particularly, the invention relates to an automatic piecing arrangement for broken yarn ends in the textile ring spinning machines. More particularly, the invention deals with an improved frame and its structure for the automatic piecing unit of the textile ring spinning machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISLCOSURE

In textile spinning mills, yarn breakage in ring spinning machines is a frequent problem that requires continuous attention of the work force / labour. The yarn breakage nowadays remains a major disadvantage in ring spinning machines which has forced huge number of workers / manual labour to continuously monitor the ring spinning machines at both the sides throughout the length of the machine frame, which is normally more than 1800 spindles. The broken yarns have to be pieced manually and the yarn spinning sequence has to be restarted immediately in order to avoid wastage of yarn. The production efficiency of the machine reduces, and the performance of the workers also gets affected due to continuous walking along the long ring spinning frames to manually piece the broken yarn ends throughout the day.

Automatic piecing devices are provided as an improvement towards the conventional method of manual piecing. The automatic piecing devices has in-built drive units, sensing units, support units which are normally required for automatic piecing arrangements. Such automatic piecing devices travels along the length of the machine frame and are required to be advanced towards the specific broken yarn station of ring spinning machine for piecing operation and returned back after completing the piecing operation. The automatic piecing unit consists of various modules required for piecing operation. The modules are actuated by various drive arrangements and are mounted to a frame of the automatic piecing unit structure. To increase the yarn production, the ring spinning machines are being provided with large number of spindles resulting in extension of the length of the spinning machines which comprises more than 2400 spindles. The automatic piecing unit has to travel continuously throughout the length of the machine frame for performing piecing operations. The automatic piecing unit is provided with drive arrangements for the travel movement throughout the length of the ring spinning machine. The existing housing structure and frame of automatic piecing units are made of heavyweight components such as steel and cast iron, which supports the various modules required for piecing.

The housing structure/frame is made of steel that contributes to major weight of the automatic piecing unit, which in turn increases overall weight of the automatic piecing unit. The heavy weight of the housing structure causes restriction in travel speed of the automatic piecing unit between spinning stations, resulting in lower efficiency of the automatic piecing unit. The heavy weight of the housing structure also consumes major energy for movement of the automatic piecing unit. In addition, heavy weight of the structure is undesirable during handling and transporting the automatic piecing unit to spinning mills.

In order to overcome the above shortcomings, the forthcoming invention disclosure provides a novel and improved frame and its structure for the automatic piecing unit of textile ring spinning machines.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved automatic piecing unit for textile ring spinning machines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved frame for the automatic piecing unit of textile ring spinning machines.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a novel frame and its housing/structure which reduces the overall weight of the automatic piecing unit of textile ring spinning machines.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or method are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the method as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an automatic piecing assembly for a textile ring spinning machine is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame and at least one yarn lifting module is housed in the frame. The yarn lifting module is configured to pick a broken yarn end. Further, at least one yarn inserting module is housed in the frame to insert the yarn into the traveler and at least one yarn piecing module is housed in the frame for piecing the picked yarn end with the delivering fibre. The frame is a glass fiber reinforced composite, and the composite includes a reinforcement structure of glass fibres into epoxy-based resin with hardener.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame of glass fiber reinforced composite includes the reinforcement structure of glass fiber in the range of 30 to 70 wt.% in epoxy-based polymer matrix.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the reinforcement structure is at least one of polymers, fibres, wires, fabrics, particles, rods, bars, whiskers, sections, flakes, fillers, plates, and blocks.
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the matrix is at least one of polymer matrix, metal matrix, ceramic matrix, carbon matrix, glass matrix, and graphite matrix.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame is of a metal matrix composite with the combination of the reinforcement structure and metal matrix medium.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the metal matrix medium in the metal matrix composite is made of at least one of aluminium, titanium, magnesium, and beryllium.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame is of a ceramic matrix composite with the combination of the reinforcement structure and ceramic matrix medium.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the frame is one of a particulate reinforced composites or a laminar composite.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the automatic piecing unit of ring spinning machine according to the present invention.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the automatic piecing unit without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other system for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Referring to figure 1, a ring spinning machine (1) is disclosed. The ring spinning machine (1) includes plurality of spinning stations [hereinafter referred to as the spinning stations] arranged side by side. The spinning stations are situated in a longitudinal direction of the ring spinning machine (1) between a headstock and a tailstock. Each spinning station is provided with a roving bobbin (2). A roving runs from the roving bobbin (2) over a drawing frame, where it is drawn and then be guided to a traveller. A revolving ring winds the finished yarn onto a bobbin, placed on a spindle (3). In an embodiment, the automatic piecing unit (4) travels along the ring spinning machine (1), approaches a corresponding spinning station in the event of a thread break and automatically corrects the thread break by way of piecing. Further, the frame/housing (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) can be of any shape and configuration and the geometric shape [rectangular shape] of the frame/housing (5) shown in the figure 1 shall not be considered as limitation.

In an embodiment, the automatic yarn piecing assembly comprises a yarn lifting module, a yarn inserting module, a yarn suction module and a yarn piecing module which are not shown. The yarn lifting module comprises blowing means for lifting the broken yarn end from ring cop of ring spinning machine (1). The yarn inserting module comprises gripping means for inserting the yarn into the ring traveler of the ring. The suction module comprises a top suction unit to suck and hold the lifted broken yarn end from the cop for subsequent piecing. The yarn piecing module comprises the piecing arm arrangement which is used to bring the yarn held by the yarn suction module towards the drafting unit of ring spinning machine for piecing. The above modules are mounted in a frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4).

The automatic piecing unit (4) consists of the housing/frame (5) provided with plurality of columns connected together by beams. The side plates are attached to the columns and beams to form the complete housing of automatic piecing unit (4). The various modules are enclosed inside the automatic piecing unit (4) and the housing/frame (5).

According to the claimed invention, the housing/frame (5) [hereinafter referred to as frame] of the automatic piecing unit (4) consisting of columns, beams and side plates which may be made of composite materials. In an embodiment, the frame (5) may be made of composite materials. In another embodiment, all components housed inside the frame (5) may also be made of composite materials. As an embodiment, the automatic piecing unit (4) can be transported in assembled state anywhere according to the present invention.

Further, the composite material may be a combination of reinforcement structure and matrix medium. The reinforcement structure used in composites is made of at least one of but not limed to fibres, wires, fabrics, particles, rods, bars, whiskers, sections, flakes, fillers, plates, or blocks. The matrix used in composite materials [hereinafter referred to as composites] can be of at least one of but not limited to epoxy resin, polymer matrix, metal matrix, ceramic matrix, carbon matrix, glass matrix and graphite matrix.

In an embodiment, the frame (5) of automatic piecing unit (4) is completely manufactured of composites which is at least one of but not limed to, fibre reinforced composite, laminar composites, particulate composites, polymer matrix composites, carbon matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramics matrix composites, glass matrix composites, flake composites, filler composites, hybrid composites.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame (5) is manufactured from the glass fiber reinforced composite. The glass fiber reinforced composite is a combination of the reinforcement structure and the matrix medium. The reinforcement structure in the glass fiber reinforced composite may be of glass fibres and the matrix medium may be of epoxy resin. In a preferable and exemplary embodiment, the frame (5) of glass fiber reinforced composite includes the reinforcement structure of glass fiber in the range of 30 to 70 wt.% and the matrix medium of epoxy resin material in the remaining portion. The total weight of the frame (5) of glass fiber reinforced composite may range from 75 kg to 100 kg,

The frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) according to the claimed invention is made of fibre reinforced composite, which is a combination of reinforcement structure and matrix medium. The reinforcement structure is made of fibres, which is manufactured in fabrics, sheets, continuous mats, or as continuous filaments through the one of processing techniques such as weaving, knitting, braiding, stitching, spraying, laying, bonding. Fibres used can be at least one of but not limited to, glass fibres, carbon fibres, acrylic, aramid, basalt, organic fibres, wood fibres, cotton fibres, jute fibres, flax fibres, cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, cuprammonium rayon, kevlar, metallic fiber, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, nylon 4, nylon 6, nylon 66, Pitch-based carbon fiber, polyacrylonitrile, polyester, rayon, polypropylene, etc.

In an embodiment of the claimed invention, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) is made of polymer matrix composite which is a combination of reinforcement structure and polymer matrix medium. The polymer matrix medium can be at least one of but not limited to, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamides, nylons, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, Polytetrafluoroethylene, polyoxymethylene, epoxy, phenolic polyamide resins, polyester, etc.

In another embodiment of the claimed invention, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) is a metal matrix composite which is a combination of reinforcement structure and metal matrix medium. The metal matrix medium can be at least one of but not limited to, Aluminium, Titanium, magnesium, beryllium, etc. Further, the reinforcement structure of the metal matrix composite may be made of at least one of Al2O3, silicon carbide, fly ash, zircon, boron carbide etc.

In yet another embodiment of the claimed invention, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) is made of ceramic matrix composite, which is a combination of reinforcement structure and ceramic matrix medium. The ceramic matrix medium can be at least one of but not limited to alumina, silicon carbide, carbon, mullite, etc.

In an alternate embodiment, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) of the claimed invention is made of particulate reinforced composite, which is a combination of reinforcement structure and matrix medium. The reinforcement structure is made of particles. The particles can be at least large particles or dispersion strengthened particles.

In another alternate embodiment, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) of the claimed invention is made of laminar composite, which comprises layers of same or different materials bonded together by suitable methods.

The frame (5) made of composites according to the claimed invention can be manufactured by various method and process which can be at least one of but not limed to, hand lay-up, spray-up, vacuum Bag molding, pressure bag, thermal expansion molding, autoclave molding, tape laying, robotic lay-up, open molding, close molding, compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, filament winding, vacuum infusion method, resin transfer molding, pultrusion, pulforming.

In an embodiment, the frame (5) of the automatic piecing unit (4) which may be made of composites that have strength equal to or higher than steel. In an embodiment, the automatic piecing unit (4) that is made of composites may be aesthetically appealing. The frame (5) may also provide increased wear and thermal resistance. Consequently, the overall weight of the automatic piecing unit (4) is reduced when compared to the conventional housing structure made of steel. In another embodiment of the claimed invention, the frame (5) made from composite materials results in reduction of weight, for example up to 25% to 75% of the conventional housing structure made of steel. Due to the lightweight construction of the automatic piecing unit (4), it is possible to increase the travel speed of the automatic piecing unit (4) which results in reduced travel time for automatic piecing and increased efficiency. In addition, lightweight construction of the automatic piecing unit (4) causes less energy consumption for the drive arrangements provided for its movement. Further, the frame (5) may be manufactured in a short interval of time. Since the structural members of the frame (4) is made of composites, processes such as welding, rivets and bolting of parts may not be required unlike the conventional housing made of steel. Further, the frame (5) manufactured from composites also aids in cost reduction by way of mass production. The transportation to spinning mills is also made easy according to the claimed invention.

The low weight of the frame (5) enables the automatic piecing unit (4) to be traversed at greater speeds between spinning stations. Therefore, the broken yarn may be repaired at a faster rate and the overall time required for the spinning station to be back in the operational state is reduced.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Referral numeral Description
1 Textile ring spinning machine
2 Roving bobbin
3 Spindle
4 Automatic piecing assembly
5 Frame
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. An automatic piecing assembly (4) for a textile ring spinning machine (1), the assembly comprising:
a frame (5);
at least one yarn lifting module housed in the frame (5) configured to pick a broken yarn end;
at least one yarn inserting module housed in the frame (5) to insert the yarn into the traveler and at least one yarn piecing module housed in the frame (5) for piecing the picked yarn end with the delivering fibre;
wherein, the frame (5) is a glass fiber reinforced composite, said composite comprising a reinforcement structure of glass fibres into epoxy-based resin with hardener.

2. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame (5) of glass fiber reinforced composite includes the reinforcement structure of glass fiber in the range of 30 to 70 wt.% in epoxy-based polymer matrix.

3. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the reinforcement structure is at least one of polymers, fibres, wires, fabrics, particles, rods, bars, whiskers, sections, flakes, fillers, plates, and blocks.

4. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the matrix is at least one of polymer matrix, metal matrix, ceramic matrix, carbon matrix, glass matrix, and graphite matrix.

5. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame (5) is of a metal matrix composite with the combination of the reinforcement structure and metal matrix medium.

6. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the metal matrix medium in the metal matrix composite is made of at least one of aluminium, titanium, magnesium, and beryllium.

7. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame (5) is of a ceramic matrix composite with the combination of the reinforcement structure and ceramic matrix medium.

8. The automatic piecing assembly (4) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the frame (5) is one of a particulate reinforced composites or a laminar composite.