Yarn winder: convert the existing chain drive to more robust mechanism

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on improving the mechanism of an electrically powered yarn winder that currently utilizes a chain drive system, which frequently fails due to gear wear, chain stretching, and stress on the yarn holder. Suggestions include adding an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain proper chain tension and exploring alternative drive systems such as belts, which are known for their durability in similar applications. Participants emphasize the importance of alignment and the potential for using belt drives, which are more robust than chains and commonly used in small machine tools.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical drive systems, specifically chain and belt drives.
  • Familiarity with yarn winding machinery and its operational mechanics.
  • Knowledge of tensioning mechanisms and their role in mechanical reliability.
  • Basic skills in troubleshooting mechanical alignment issues.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implementation of idler wheels and chain tensioner sprockets in mechanical systems.
  • Explore the advantages of belt drives over chain drives in small machinery applications.
  • Investigate alignment techniques for mechanical systems to prevent operational failures.
  • Examine case studies of yarn winding machines that have successfully transitioned from chain to belt drives.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, hobbyists in textile machinery, and anyone involved in the design or maintenance of yarn winding equipment will benefit from this discussion.

yarnspinner
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I have an electrically powered yarn winder (that uses the equivalent of a bathroom fan motor) to drive a spindle which holds and turns the yarn cone, and simultaneously drives a chain mechanism which moves the yarn holder parallel to the yarn cone in a back and forth motion along the parallel axis to create a cross winding of the yarn on the cone.

My problem is that the chain often jumps off the gears driving it, either due to wear on the gears, stretching of the chain, or stress on the yarn holder when the yarn feed is interrupted, or the yarn comes under stress from slow feeding (becomes taut).

I am wondering if there is a different, hopefully better, way to convert the rotary motor motion to reciprocating linear motion, in a way that is more robust, by which I mean it is less susceptible to damage and more reliable. It does have to cope with sudden starts and stops.

Hoping for some suggestions here! Thanks in advance.
 
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Before switching to a completely different mechanism, maybe consider adding an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain a proper tension on the chain:

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https://blackaceparts.com/chain-tensioner-idlers
 
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The chain is only one part of the mechanism, the part you notice because it fails.
What size are the two roller-chain sprockets? That sprocket ratio sets the angle of the diagonal yarn on the spool.
 
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berkeman said:
Before switching to a completely different mechanism, maybe consider adding an idler wheel or chain tensioner sprocket to maintain a proper tension on the chain:
My first reaction. This isn't a heavy duty machine. Could it be out of alignment?

It's hard to comment about this without more info about your facilities and capabilities and the materials used for the job. Perhaps a photo?
 
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yarnspinner said:
I have an electrically powered yarn winder ...
What is the make and model?
Do you have a picture?
 
yarnspinner said:
more robust
more robust than a chain? ....
...you are driving a hard bargain here :wink:
I think you should ask for repair ideas instead.
With pictures.
 
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Belts are frequently used in 'upgrades' of small machine tools. Overhead Cam engines tend to use belts and they last for 70,000miles or more. Amateur machine tools ( mini lathes and mini milling machines) tend to use belt drive and the belts go on and on with heavier loads than winding yarn.