EP4180558B1 - A compaction device on a spinning machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for compressing a fiber sliver on a spinning machine with a compression element which is supplied with suction air and rotates, which is held in a housing, wherein the suction air is fed to the compression element via a suction air channel provided in the device with a first section and a second section, wherein the first section of the suction air channel is delimited by the compression element and a connection of the first section to a vacuum source is provided via the second section of the suction air channel.

A large number of designs are already known from practice, with a compression device being arranged downstream for compacting the fiber material (fiber strand) delivered by a drafting unit. Following such a compression device, the compressed fiber material is fed to a twist-generating device after passing through a clamping point. Such a twist-generating device consists, for example, in a ring spinning machine of a rotor which rotates on a ring, with the yarn produced being wound onto a rotating sleeve. The compression devices used are essentially suction-fed rotating, perforated suction drums or rotating aprons provided with perforations. A special suction area is defined on the compression element using appropriate inserts within the suction drum or within the rotating aprons. Such inserts can, for example, B. be provided with appropriately shaped suction slots to which a negative pressure is applied, whereby a corresponding air flow is generated at the periphery of the respective compaction element. This air flow, which is essentially directed transversely to the transport direction of the fiber material, binds in particular protruding fibers.

Devices of this type for compacting a fibre band are known, for example, from CH 704 137 A1 or the CH 705 307 A1 known. The EN 10 2017 130 215 A1 a compression device with a rotating compression element in the form of a sieve belt which is supplied with suction air.

The known devices have the disadvantage that it is not possible to check the functionality of the compression device or the suction air supply and that a lack of suction air at the compression element can only be determined by checking the compressed fiber band.

The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a device for the simple indication of the application of suction air to the compression element.

To solve the problem, a device for compressing a fiber sliver on a spinning machine is proposed with a compression element that is acted upon by suction air and rotates, which is held on a housing, wherein the suction air is fed to the compression element via a suction air channel provided in the housing with a first section and a second section, wherein the first section of the suction air channel is delimited by the compression element and a connection of the first section to a vacuum source is provided via the second section of the suction air channel. An air channel independent of the suction air channel is provided with a first channel part, a display channel and a second channel part, wherein the display channel is arranged between the first channel part and the second channel part and is at least partially transparent and the first channel part is connected to the first section of the suction air channel and the second channel part is connected to the environment with an opening in the housing and a display element that is freely movable over the length of the display channel is provided in the display channel.

So-called suction drums or sieve belts can be used as rotating compression elements. The compression element is supplied with suction air through a suction air channel which is connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum source can be designed as a channel running along a spinning machine to which the suction air channel of the individual compression device is connected. This suction air channel is held in a housing at least in the area of the compression element or is formed by the housing itself. The suction air channel consists of two sections, with a first section connecting to the compression element and the suction air thus being drawn through the compression element from the environment of the compression element through the vacuum source. is sucked in. The first section of the suction air channel is therefore designed with an opening towards the compression element. The design of the compression element provides a corresponding limitation of the opening of the suction air channel.

The air duct that is independent of the suction air duct can be integrated into the housing or provided separately from the housing. Designs are also conceivable in which parts of the air duct, such as the display duct, are at least partially formed by a housing wall. The air duct is connected to the suction air duct in the area of the compression element via a first duct part and to the environment via a second duct part, with the display duct being arranged between the first and second duct parts. The first duct part creates a connection between the display duct and the first section of the suction air duct. A connection point between the first duct part of the air duct and the first section of the suction air duct is advantageously arranged close to the boundary of the suction air duct by the compression element. The opening provided in the housing for connecting the second duct part of the air duct is provided at a point in the housing that is not covered by other units and that allows for simple duct routing. The opening in the housing can lead to a chamber in the housing from which the connection to the display duct is made. The channel routing and the geometric shape of the second channel are not important as long as there is a connection to the environment. The second channel can have a smaller diameter at the connection to the display channel than at the connection to the opening or can have a widening between the intake channel and the opening in the housing. If it widens to form a chamber, it is possible for the second channel part of an adjacent device to be connected to the same widening or chamber with its second channel part.

The display element provided in the display channel and freely movable over the length of the display channel is adapted in its geometric shape to an inner free cross-section of the display channel so that the element can be moved through the display channel by the suction air flow without the display element becoming wedged in the display channel. It is also important to ensure that a a stable position of the display element within the display channel is achieved by the negative pressure applied to the display element through the opening to the first section of the suction air channel. For this reason, it is advantageous if the display element is made of a lightweight plastic. By positioning the display element, it can then be determined whether or not there is a negative pressure in the first section of the suction air channel. If there is a negative pressure on the compression element or at the connection point between the air channel and the suction air channel, the display element in the display channel is moved in the direction of the first section of the channel and remains in a position in the display channel at which the display channel merges into the first section of the channel. If the negative pressure on the compression element drops, for example due to a lack of or insufficient negative pressure being applied to the suction air channel or due to a blockage in the suction air channel, the display element in the display channel is moved in the direction of the second section of the channel and remains in a position in the display channel at which the display channel merges into the second section of the channel.

The geometric arrangement of the display channel must be designed according to the desired movement of the display element and depends on its structural design. If the negative pressure in the first section of the suction air channel at the point where the first channel part is connected falls below a certain limit, the display element should move from one end of the display channel to the other end of the display channel. This can be done, for example, by the influence of gravity if the display channel is arranged accordingly in the room, whereby the weight of the display element must be adjusted to the limit value of the negative pressure. In another example embodiment, the display element is moved against a spring by the applied negative pressure, so that when the negative pressure drops, the display element is moved by the spring to a certain position in the display channel.

Preferably, the display channel is limited on at least one side by the housing and the housing is transparent in an area of the display channel. In this type of design, the display element is visible from outside the housing through the transparent housing. Integrating the display channel into the housing has the advantage that fewer components have to be used and cost-effective production is possible. If only If part of the display channel is visible, this has the advantage that it can be arranged in such a way that the part of the display channel in which the display element is located is visible when there is a fault or the negative pressure on the compression element has fallen below a certain limit. Alternatively, part of the display channel is covered by other components provided on the housing, for example the compression element. For an operator of the spinning machine, this means that as soon as the display element is visible, there is a fault and the corresponding compression device must be cleaned or replaced.

The display channel is advantageously designed in such a way that the display element is arranged at an end of the display channel facing the second channel section when the first section of the suction air channel is depressurized. This design has the advantage that when there is negative pressure at the point where the first channel section connects to the suction air channel, the display element is sucked against the first channel section of the air channel and thus leaves a position defined for displaying a fault. With this design, a position of the display element in the display channel which corresponds to a negative pressure for the compression device to operate in accordance with the regulations does not necessarily have to correspond to an end position of the display element in the display channel. This makes it easy to distinguish between a slight drop in the negative pressure and a drop below a limit value for the negative pressure.

It is also advantageous if the display element is arranged at an end of the display channel facing the first channel part when the first section of the suction air channel is subjected to suction air. This arrangement allows the functionality of the compression device to be clearly assessed.

If the display channel with the display element is designed in such a way that the display element is at one end of the display channel in normal operation and at the other end of the display channel in the event of a fault, a clear and simple assignment of the display is possible in any case. In addition, if the display element remains between the two end positions, it can be used to indicate that the device is not functioning properly to indicate a fault.

The display element preferably provides at least partial closure of the display channel from the first channel section. Since the display channel is connected to the environment on one side via the second channel section and to the suction air channel on the other side via the first channel section, the negative pressure in the suction air channel results in a constant air flow through the air channel. In order to reduce or completely prevent this air flow, which is unnecessary for operation of the compression device, it is advantageous if the display element, held in place by the negative pressure in the first channel section, is used to seal the transition from the display channel to the first channel section. Due to the large number of compression devices in a spinning machine, even a partial seal can achieve considerable energy savings by reducing the constant air flow.

In a preferred embodiment, the first channel part has a smaller cross-section than the display channel. By designing the cross-sections of the various channel parts accordingly, the display element does not get into the first channel part or can become wedged in the transition from the display channel to the first channel part. It is also advantageous if the second channel part has a smaller or at least differently shaped cross-section than the display channel, so that the display element cannot leave the display channel.

As an alternative to the different cross-sections of the individual channel sections, a change in the direction of the channel sections at the respective transition from one channel section to the next is also possible. However, with such a construction, particular attention must be paid to the shape of the display element in order to avoid impeding the freedom of movement of the display element in the display channel.

The display element is advantageously colored to make it visible. By coloring the display element, for example with a luminous color or a contrasting color to the transparent housing or display channel, a fault can be indicated at first glance and even from a greater distance.

In a preferred embodiment, the display element is a ball. Due to the movements of the display element within the display channel, it has been found that a ball is the least susceptible to jamming when turbulence occurs.

In a further development of the device, a sensor is provided to determine the position of the display element. By equipping the device with a sensor, it is possible to set up a control system or a higher-level monitoring system to detect a fault. This makes it possible to switch off individual spinning stations on a spinning machine that are affected by improper compaction. The operating personnel can also be alerted to a corresponding fault with widely visible or audible alarm signals activated by the sensor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the opening of the second channel part in the housing towards the environment is provided with a filter. The filter prevents fiber dust or other foreign bodies from the environment from penetrating the air channel or the display channel and the display element from being restricted in its freedom of movement, which would make it impossible to reliably display a fault. The filter is removable or firmly connected to the housing in order to cover the opening of the second channel part in the housing.

Furthermore, a spinning machine with a device for compacting a fiber sliver according to the above description is proposed.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Spinnstelle einer Ringspinnmaschine mit einer Streckwerkseinheit und einer anschliessenden Verdichtungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung der Verdichtungsvorrichtung nach Figur 1, gesehen in Richtung X, mit einem erfindungsgemässen Luftkanal und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Luftkanals.

The invention is shown and explained in more detail using the following exemplary embodiment. Shown are:

Fig.1

a schematic representation of a spinning station of a ring spinning machine with a drafting unit and a subsequent compacting device;

Fig.2

a schematic representation of the compaction device according to Figure 1 , seen in direction X, with an air duct according to the invention and

Fig.3

a schematic representation of an embodiment of an air duct according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a spinning station 15 of a ring spinning machine with a drafting unit 16 and a subsequent compacting device with a compacting element 2 according to the prior art. A fiber material in the form of a sliver 17 fed to the drafting unit 16 is subjected to drafting between the roller pairs of the drafting unit 16 and leaves the drafting unit 16 as a fiber band 1. Following an output bottom roller 18 of the drafting unit 16, the fiber band reaches the compacting element 2. In Figure 1 The compaction element 2 is shown as an example in the form of a screening drum, which is driven by the output lower roller 18.

The fiber band 1 stretched by the drafting unit 16 is deflected downwards by the output bottom roller 18 and reaches the area of a first suction section 5 of a suction air channel 4 of the subsequent compression element 2. The compression element 2 is provided with perforations or suction openings 29 running along its circumference. The stationary first section 5 of the suction air channel 4 is arranged within the rotatably mounted compression element 2. The fiber band is held on the compression element 2 with the aid of the suction air and guided to a clamping roller 19. After the clamping roller 19, the fiber band 1 is fed in the conveying direction in the form of a compacted thread 20 to a ring spinning device shown schematically while being rotated. This is provided with a ring 23 and a traveler 24 rotating on the ring 23, wherein the thread 20 is wound onto a sleeve located on a spindle 26 to form a cop 27 (spool). A thread guide 21 is arranged between a clamping line formed by the compacting element 2 and the clamping roller 19 and the traveler 24. The ring 23 is attached to a ring frame 22, wherein the ring frame 22 performs an up and down movement 28 during a spinning process. The spindle 26, on the other hand, is held stationary and rotatable in a spindle bank 25.

The compression element 2 is rotatably held in a housing 3. The housing 3 in turn is held on a channel, whereby the channel represents the vacuum source 7 by way of example. A suction air channel 4 is provided within the housing 3. The suction air channel 4 consists of a first section 5, which leads to the compression element 2, and a second section 6, which establishes a connection to the vacuum source 7.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the compaction device according to Figure 1 , seen in direction X, with an air duct 8 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown, two compression elements 2 are shown, which are held by a common housing 3. The compression elements 2 are provided with a bearing 32 on an axis 31 held in a rotationally fixed manner in the housing 3. To prevent dirt from penetrating the bearings 32, the compression elements 2 are closed by a cover 33. A friction wheel 29 is provided on each compression element 2, which rests on an output bottom roller 18 and causes the compression element 2 to rotate. The output bottom rollers 18 are driven by a common shaft. A fiber band 1 arriving via the output bottom rollers 18 is guided around the compression element 2 and leaves it as a compacted thread 20 in the direction of the spinning station 15 (see Figure 1 ).

In the area of the fiber band 1, the compression element 2 is provided with suction openings 30. A suction air duct 4 is integrated in the housing 3. The first section 5 of the suction air duct 4 borders on the compression element 2 at the point where the compression element 2 has the suction openings 30. The second section 6 of the suction air duct 4 is connected to a vacuum source 7 via a connection 35. The vacuum source 7 is shown as a vacuum duct in the embodiment shown. The negative pressure prevailing in the suction air duct 4 sucks air in through the suction openings 30 of the compression element 2, resulting in a suction air flow 34 from the compression element 2 to the vacuum source 7. An air duct 8 is also provided in the housing 3. The air duct 8 is connected with a first duct part 9 to the first section 5 of the suction air duct 4 and is connected with its second duct part 11 to the environment via an opening 12 in the housing 3. A display duct 10 is provided between the first duct part 9 and the second duct part 11. A display element 14 is installed in this display duct 10, which is arranged freely movable in the display duct 10. The display element 14 is shown as a ball and is located in the illustrated embodiment at the lower end of the display duct 10, this is the case when in the first section 5 of the Suction air duct 4 at the point of connection with the first duct part 9 of the air duct 8 there is no or only a slight negative pressure.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an air duct 8 according to the invention. The housing 3 of the compression device is shown with the suction air duct 4 arranged in the housing 3. The suction air duct 4 has a first section 5 which is directed towards the compression element 2. The compression element 2 is provided with suction openings 30 in the area of the first section 5 of the suction air duct 4. A second section 6 of the suction air duct 4 is connected to a vacuum source (not shown). The vacuum source creates a suction air flow 34 in the suction air duct 4, which causes ambient air to be sucked in through the suction openings 30 of the compression element 2. The air duct 8 is also shown, which is made up of the first duct part 9, the second duct part 11 and the display duct 10 located between them. The first duct part 9 of the air duct 8 is connected to the first section 5 of the suction air duct 4. The second channel section 11 of the air channel 8 is connected to the environment at an end opposite the display channel 10 via an opening 12 in the housing 3. This results in a suction effect in the air channel 8 from the opening 12 to the first section 5 of the suction air channel 4 when a suction air flow 34 is present. This suction effect results in a display element 14 which is freely movable in the display channel 10 being sucked against the first channel section 9 of the air channel 8. The display element is freely movable over a length 13 of the display channel 10 and is located at a specific point on the display channel 10 depending on the prevailing negative pressure in the first section 5 of the suction air channel 4. A transparent window 36 is provided in the housing 3 through which part of the display channel 10 is visible. The display channel 10 is arranged such that when there is a low or completely absent negative pressure in the first section 5 of the suction air channel 4, the display element 14 reaches that area of the display channel 10 which is visible from the outside through the transparent window 36.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described. Modifications and a combination of the features in the Scopes of the patent claims are also possible, even if they are shown and described in different embodiments.

legend

1

Sliver

2

Compaction element

3

Housing

4

Suction air duct

5

First section of the suction air duct

6

Second section of the suction air duct

7

Vacuum source

8

Air duct

9

First channel section

10

Display channel

11

Second channel section

12

opening

13

Length display channel

14

Display element

15

Spinning station

16

Drafting unit

17

fuse

18

Output bottom roller drafting system

19

Clamping roller

20

thread

21

Thread guide

22

Ring bench

23

ring

24

runner

25

Spindle bench

26

spindle

27

Head

28

Up and down movement

29

Friction wheel

30

Suction openings

31

axis

32

Warehouse

33

cover

34

Suction air flow

35

Connection of vacuum source

36

Transparent window

Claims (10)

1. Device for compacting a fiber strip (1) on a spinning machine with a revolving compaction element (2) that is supplied with suction air and is held on a housing (3), wherein the suction air is guided to the compaction element (2) via a suction air duct (4), provided in the housing (3), with a first section (5) and a second section (6), wherein the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4) is delimited by the compaction element (2), and a connection of the first section (5) to a vacuum source (7) is provided via the second section (6) of the suction air duct (4), characterized in that an air duct (8) that is independent of the suction air duct (2) and has a first duct part (9), an indicator duct (10), and a second duct part (11) is provided, wherein

   - the indicator duct (10) is arranged between the first duct part (9) and the second duct part (11) and is at least partially transparent;

   - the first duct part (9) is connected to the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4);

   - the second duct part (11) is connected to an opening (12) in the housing (3) to the environment;

   - an indicator element (14) that is freely movable over the length (13) of the indicator duct (10) is provided in the indicator duct (10).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator duct (10) is delimited on at least one side by the housing (3), and the housing (3) is transparent in the region of the indicator duct (10).
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the indicator duct (10) is designed in such a way that the indicator element (14), in an unpressurized state of the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4), is arranged at an end, facing the second duct part (11), of the indicator duct (10).
4. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the indicator element (14) is arranged on an end, facing the first duct part (9), of the indicator duct (10) when the first section (5) of the suction air duct (4) is in a state in which suction air is applied.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the indicator element (14) provides at least a partial closure of the indicator duct (10) against the first duct part (9).
6. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first duct part (9) has a smaller cross-section than the indicator duct (10).
7. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the indicator element (14) is colored for visualization.
8. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the indicator element (14) is a sphere.
9. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a sensor is provided for determining a position of the indicator element (14).
10. Spinning machine with a device according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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