DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to textile ring spinning machines. Particularly, the invention relates to an automatic yarn piecing unit in ring spinning machines. More particularly, the invention relates to spindle brake actuating arrangement for the automatic piecing unit of ring spinning machine, for spindle braking operation in ring spinning machines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In textile spinning mills, the cotton is converted into yarn through a series of machines. Ring spinning machines are the resultant yarn producing crucial machines in textile spinning mills. Textile roving materials produced from roving frame machines are usually fed into the ring spinning machines. The said ring spinning machines delivers the final stage of cotton in spinning line, so called yarn. During ring spinning, yarn breakage occurs frequently and it is to be continuously monitored and pieced by the manual labours. The yarn breakage occurs due to various parameters of yarn and machine and it is unavoidable. In long spinning frame sites, manual labours continuously monitor for yarn breakages and perform manual piecing of broken yarns. This has to be done for a machine frame normally consisting of more than 1600 spindles. Then, yarn spinning sequence has to be restarted then and there after yarn breakage in order to resume yarn spinning and to avoid wastage of yarn.
To overcome above problems, automatic piecing units are developed. The automatic piecing unit is in the form of a movable vehicle with wheels/rails. The said piecing vehicle stops at respective spindle unit which requires piecing attention. The piecing unit in general moves longitudinally over the ring spinning frame aisles. Before initiating piecing operation, the piecing vehicle stops in front of the broken yarn spindle’s position. The broken yarn spindle’s rotation has to be stopped to initiate piecing operation. Normally, ring spinning machines are fitted with spindle brakes for every spinning station, in the form of hand actuated lever. To employ automatic piecing units for piecing operation in ring spinning machines, the said spindle brakes fitted in ring spinning machines are removed and brake arrangement is provided in auto piecing unit itself for allowing said auto piecing unit to access the spinning station for braking action and for subsequent piecing operation. The automatic piecing unit stops the rotation of broken yarn spindle with the aid of said brake arrangement, which abuts on the front face or side face of ring spinning spindle wharve. The main problem in such type is that, special spindle braking tools are used by operating persons for stopping the spindle manually and piecing manually whenever auto piecing unit fails to perform the piecing operation, as the existing spindle brakes fitted in ring spinning machine are removed. The usage of such tools for manually braking the spindle is very difficult and cumbersome. It is also required to provide special training to the operating persons / attenders to use such tools.
To overcome the above mentioned disadvantages, the present invention provides an improved spindle brake actuating arrangement for automatic piecing unit of 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 spindle brake actuating arrangement for automatic piecing unit of textile ring spinning machines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The automatic piecing unit assists in yarn piecing operation during yarn breakage incidents in ring spinning machines. The broken yarn spindle’s rotation should be stopped, before and/or during the piecing operation. To enable the same, the present invention is provided with a spindle brake actuating arrangement in automatic piecing unit itself. The said spindle brake actuating arrangement engages with the spindle brake fitted in ring spinning machine, during the piecing operation. The plurality of spindle brakes existing in all the spindles of ring spinning machine need not be removed to allow the auto piecing unit according to the present invention. The spindle brake actuating arrangement is mounted to the automatic piecing unit through suitable connecting means and bracket. The spindle brake actuating arrangement along with the auto piecing unit is movable towards and away from the ring spinning machine through suitable pneumatic or electrical actuators which are used for providing to and fro movement to the auto piecing unit.
The spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in the auto piecing unit according to the present invention is capable of lifting and lowering the spindle brake fitted in the ring spinning machine through contact for braking action. The spindle brake actuating means encompasses the spindle brake such that the lever of the spindle brake is passed in between the brake actuating means when the brake actuating means along with the auto piecing unit is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine spindle. The spindle braking action is performed by lifting and lowering the brake actuating means in upward and downward directions respectively. The brake actuating means while lifting the spindle brake upwards, makes spindle brake to engage with spindle wharve and thereby stops the spindle rotation. Subsequently, the brake actuating means while lowering the spindle brake downwards, makes spindle brake to disengage with the spindle wharve and thereby releasing the spindle for rotation. The braking action is performed whenever required based on the yarn type and yarn count during piecing operation by providing upward and downward movements to the spindle brake actuating means through pneumatic actuator or electric actuator or rotary actuator or the like mounted in the auto piecing unit frame. The said brake actuating means is mounted with the auto piecing unit frame preferably through said pneumatic actuator and connecting bracket. Upon actuation, said pneumatic actuator provides motion to the spindle brake actuating means for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
The spindle brake actuating means is preferably in the form of two substantially horizontal plates, mounted to the pneumatic actuator and connecting bracket fitted in the auto piecing unit. The two plates are preferably made of polymer material. The plates can also be made of any metal. The two plates can also be integrally moulded as a single component with two substantially parallel / horizontal faces capable of encompassing the spindle brake when the brake actuating means along with the auto piecing unit is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine.
The spindle brake actuating means applies the spindle brake by lifting the handle lever of the spindle brake upwards and releases the spindle brake by lowering the handle lever of the spindle brake downwards. Advantageously, the spindle brake actuating arrangement can also be in the form of clamping spring / spring loaded actuating means which lifts and lowers the spindle brake in upward and downward directions respectively.
In one aspect of the present invention, an automatic piecing unit for piecing a broken yarn on a ring spinning machine having a plurality of spindles is provided. The automatic piecing unit includes a spindle brake actuating means for actuating a spindle brake of the spindle. The spindle brake actuating means includes two substantially horizontal plates. The two horizontal plates are spaced apart from each other. The two horizontal plates encompass the spindle brake of ring spinning machine actuating means, such that the lever of the spindle brake is passed in between the two horizontal plates of the spindle brake actuating means, for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means is actuated using at least one of a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator and a rotary actuator, to engage or disengage the spindle brake of the spindle.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means is mounted on the automatic piecing unit by a connecting bracket.
According to the present invention, the two horizontal plates are preferably made of polymer material.
According to the present invention, the two horizontal plates are made of metal.
According to the present invention, the two horizontal plates can be integrally formed as a single component with two substantially parallel / horizontal faces capable of encompassing the spindle brake when the brake actuating means along with the automatic piecing unit is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means includes at least one of a clamping spring and a spring-loaded actuating means.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system for piecing a broken yarn is provided. The system includes a ring spinning machine having a plurality of spindles. The spindle having a spindle brake. The system also includes an automatic piecing unit for piecing the broken yarn on the ring spinning machine. The automatic piecing unit includes a spindle brake actuating means for actuating the spindle brake of the spindle. The spindle brake actuating means includes two substantially horizontal plates. The two horizontal plates are spaced apart from each other. The two horizontal plates encompass the spindle brake of ring spinning machine actuating means, such that the lever of the spindle brake is passed in between the two horizontal plates of the spindle brake actuating means, for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means is actuated using at least one of a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator and a rotary actuator, to engage or disengage the spindle brake of the spindle.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means is mounted on the automatic piecing unit by a connecting bracket.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means includes at least one of a clamping spring and a spring-loaded actuating means.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of piecing a broken yarn on a ring spinning machine having a plurality of spindles using an automatic piecing unit is provided. The method includes moving the automatic piecing unit proximate the spindle. The method also includes actuating, by a spindle brake actuating means of the automatic piecing unit, a spindle brake of the spindle. The method further includes piecing the broken yarn on the ring spinning machine. The spindle brake actuating means is configured to include two substantially horizontal plates spaced apart from each other. The two horizontal plates are configured to encompass the spindle brake of ring spinning machine such that the lever of the spindle brake is passed in between the two horizontal plates of the spindle brake actuating means, for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
According to the present invention, the spindle brake actuating means applies the spindle brake by lifting the handle lever of the spindle brake upwards and releases the spindle brake by lowering the handle lever of the spindle brake downwards.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates the schematic view of the spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in automatic piecing unit in home position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the schematic view of the spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in automatic piecing unit in working position before lifting the spindle brake of ring spinning machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the schematic view of the spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in automatic piecing unit after lifting the spindle brake of ring spinning machine for providing braking action to spindle wharve, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to figure 1, the ring spinning machine (1) provided with automatic piecing unit (2) in home position according to the present invention is shown. The automatic piecing unit (2) moves longitudinally along the aisle of the ring spinning machine (1). The ring spinning machine (1) is capable of winding yarn (not shown) onto a bobbin / cop mounted to spinning spindle (3). When yarn breakage occurs during normal running conditions, the automatic piecing unit (2) moves to particular broken yarn spindle (3) and pieces the broken yarn with the delivery yarn from drafting zone (not shown). Before initiating the piecing sequence and/or during piecing, the spindle (3) rotation must be stopped to assist the piecing operation.
The automatic piecing unit (2) according to the present invention is provided with a spindle brake actuating means (4) mounted in the automatic piecing unit (2) itself. As shown in figure 2, the spindle brake actuating means (4) along with the auto piecing unit (2) is moved towards the spindle brake (5) fitted in the ring spinning machine spindle (3), through suitable actuating devices like pneumatic / electric cylinders or the like (not shown) provided for forward and backward movements of the auto piecing unit (2). The spindle brake actuating means (4) is mounted to the automatic piecing unit (2) through suitable connecting means and connecting bracket (6). The connecting bracket (6) is mounted to the movable member of the auto piecing unit (2) frame.
Referring figure 3, the spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in automatic piecing unit after lifting the spindle brake of ring spinning machine is shown. The spindle brake actuating arrangement provided in the auto piecing unit according to the present invention is capable of lifting and lowering the spindle brake fitted in the ring spinning machine through contact for braking action. The spindle brake actuating means (4) encompasses the spindle brake (5) such that the lever of the spindle brake (5) is passed in between the brake actuating means (4), when the brake actuating means (4) along with the auto piecing unit (2) is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine (1) spindle (3). The spindle (3) braking action is performed by lifting and lowering the brake actuating means (4) in upward and downward directions respectively. The brake actuating means (4) while lifting the spindle brake (5) upwards as shown in figure 3, makes spindle brake (5) to engage with spindle wharve (7) and thereby stops the spindle (3) rotation. Subsequently, the brake actuating means (4) while lowering the spindle brake (5) downwards as shown in figure 2, makes spindle brake (5) to disengage with the spindle wharve (7) and thereby releasing the spindle (3) for rotation.
The braking action is performed whenever required based on the yarn type and yarn count during piecing operation by providing upward and downward movements to the spindle brake actuating means (4) through pneumatic actuator (8) or electric actuator or rotary actuator or the like mounted in the auto piecing unit (2) frame. The said brake actuating means (4) is mounted with the auto piecing unit (2) frame preferably through said pneumatic actuator (8) and connecting bracket (6). Upon actuation, said pneumatic actuator (8) provides motion to the spindle brake actuating means (4) for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake (5) fitted in ring spinning machine (1) for braking action.
The spindle brake actuating means (4) is preferably in the form of two substantially horizontal plates (4a, 4b), mounted to the pneumatic actuator (8) and connecting bracket (6) fitted in the auto piecing unit (2). The two plates (4a, 4b) are preferably made of polymer material. The plates (4a, 4b) can also be made of any metal. The two plates can also be integrally moulded as a single component with two substantially parallel / horizontal faces capable of encompassing the spindle brake (5) when the brake actuating means (4) along with the auto piecing unit (2) is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine (1). The spindle brake actuating means (4) applies the spindle brake (5) by lifting the handle lever of the spindle brake (5) upwards and releases the spindle brake (5) by lowering the handle lever of the spindle brake (5) downwards.
Advantageously, the spindle brake actuating means (4) can be in the form of clamping spring / spring loaded actuating means which lifts and lowers the spindle brake (5) in upward and downward directions respectively.
The driving action to the pneumatic actuator (8) is provided by suitable air source from auto piecing unit (2) and/or from other air source in spinning machine / mill. The spindle brake actuating means (4) is mounted to the pneumatic actuator (8) externally through suitable fastening means.
Advantageously, according to the present invention, the actuation of the existing spindle brakes (5) fitted in the ring spinning machine (1) grips the spindle wharve (7) without any impact load and with lesser force. The plurality of spindle brakes existing in all the spindles of ring spinning machine need not be removed to allow the auto piecing unit according to the present invention. Therefore, the need for using special braking tools for manual braking and piecing is eliminated.
According to further embodiment, during the piecing sequences, the spindle brake is actuated and released in a short period for required number of times as per predetermined programs stored in the control panel of auto piecing unit and/or ring spinning machine to assist in working of various modules of the automatic piecing unit. The brake is applied and relieved at any sequence and any timing during piecing operation. Since the spindle is stopped by retaining the existing brakes fitted in ring spinning machine itself, the rotation of the spindle is stopped in more precise manner and held firmly. As an embodiment, the length of the existing spindle brakes (5) in ring spinning machine (1) can be shortened by cutting the excess length in front portion thereby facilitating the brake actuating means (4) to encompass the spindle brake (5) easily, if required.
According to an embodiment, the spindle brake actuating means (4) and pneumatic actuator (8) can be mounted to the bracket or housing which serves for positioning device (not shown) of the auto piecing unit (2). The positioning device positions the auto piecing unit precisely in front of the spindle (3) with the aid of position members through suitable actuating means.
Thus, the above described automatic piecing unit for ring spinning machine frame provides an effective spindle brake actuating arrangement for enabling reliable piecing operation.
In view of the present disclosure which describes the present invention, all changes, modifications and variations within the meaning and range of equivalency are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiment of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiment may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
1 Ring Spinning Machine
2 Automatic Piecing Unit
3 Spindle
4 Spindle Brake Actuating Means
4a Horizontal Plate
4b Horizontal Plate
5 Spindle Brake
6 Connecting Bracket
7 Spindle Wharve
8 Pneumatic Actuator
,CLAIMS:
1. An automatic piecing unit (2) for piecing a broken yarn on a ring spinning machine (1) having a plurality of spindles (3), the automatic piecing unit (2) comprising a spindle brake actuating means (4) for actuating a spindle brake (5) of the spindle (3), wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) includes two substantially horizontal plates (4a, 4b), the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) encompass the spindle brake (5) of ring spinning machine such that the lever of the spindle brake (5) is passed in between the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) of the spindle brake actuating means (4), for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake (5) fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
2. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) is actuated using at least one of a pneumatic actuator (8), an electric actuator and a rotary actuator, to engage or disengage the spindle brake (5) of the spindle (3).
3. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) is mounted on the automatic piecing unit (2) by a connecting bracket (6).
4. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) are preferably made of polymer material.
5. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) are made of metal.
6. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) can be integrally formed as a single component with two substantially parallel / horizontal faces capable of encompassing the spindle brake (5) when the brake actuating means (4) along with the automatic piecing unit (2) is moved forward towards the ring spinning machine (1).
7. The automatic piecing unit (2) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) includes at least one of a clamping spring and a spring-loaded actuating means.
8. A system for piecing a broken yarn comprising:
a ring spinning machine (1) having a plurality of spindles (3), the spindle (3) having a spindle brake (5); and
an automatic piecing unit (2) for piecing the broken yarn on the ring spinning machine (1), the automatic piecing unit (2) comprising a spindle brake actuating means (4) for actuating the spindle brake (5) of the spindle (3), wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) includes two substantially horizontal plates (4a, 4b), the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) encompass the spindle brake (5) of ring spinning machine such that the lever of the spindle brake (5) is passed in between the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) of the spindle brake actuating means (4), for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake (5) fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) is actuated using at least one of a pneumatic actuator (8), an electric actuator and a rotary actuator, to engage or disengage the spindle brake (5) of the spindle (3).
10. The system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) is mounted on the automatic piecing unit (2) by a connecting bracket (6).
11. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) includes at least one of a clamping spring and a spring-loaded actuating means.
12. A method of piecing a broken yarn on a ring spinning machine (1) having a plurality of spindles (3) using an automatic piecing unit (2) comprising:
moving the automatic piecing unit (2) proximate the spindle (3);
actuating, by a spindle brake actuating means (4) of the automatic piecing unit (2), a spindle brake (5) of the spindle (3); and
piecing the broken yarn on the ring spinning machine (1),
wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) is configured to include two substantially horizontal plates (4a, 4b) spaced apart from each other and wherein the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) are configured to encompass the spindle brake (5) of ring spinning machine such that the lever of the spindle brake (5) is passed in between the two horizontal plates (4a, 4b) of the spindle brake actuating means (4), for engaging and disengaging the spindle brake (5) fitted in ring spinning machine for braking action.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spindle brake actuating means (4) applies the spindle brake (5) by lifting the handle lever of the spindle brake (5) upwards and releases the spindle brake (5) by lowering the handle lever of the spindle brake (5) downwards.