Cotton blending machine and method for blending fibers

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing machine (1) for a spinning preparation process and a method for operating the mixing machine, the mixing machine being designed for receiving and mixing fibers or loose fibers from a spinning preparation machine or a storage machine, the mixing machine comprising a container (2) with at least three mixing chambers (3), which are separated from each other laterally by partition walls (5), wherein all mixing chambers (3) are filled with fibers or loose fibers in sequence by an air flow via a single supply line (20), at the end of which at least one supply device having at least one opening is arranged which is rotatable or movable above the mixing chamber (3), wherein the fibers or loose fibers are guided from the lower region of the mixing chamber (3) to a discharge device (17) and from there to the next machine, storage machine or mixing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a blending machine for use in a spinning preparation process, to which fibers or loose fibers are fed from a cotton opener or bale opener, mixed, and discharged for further processing. The invention also relates to a method for blending fibers or loose fibers. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, it is known in the field of textile technology to mix fibers and bulk fibers before further processing. To this end, DE 8137585 U1 discloses a blending machine with multiple blending chambers arranged one behind the other. These blending chambers are filled with fibers sequentially from the top but are all emptied simultaneously from the bottom. A disadvantage is that each blending chamber has a separate discharge device with rollers and a drive. This arrangement of blending chambers and the blending machine's operating mode are quite expensive, and the blending results are unsatisfactory.

[0003] DE 10049052 also discloses a mixing machine with a plurality of mixing chambers arranged one behind the other. These mixing chambers are filled and emptied simultaneously, but the fibers and loose fibers are not mixed sufficiently evenly. In particular, during the start-up phase, the mixing is not sufficiently evenly mixed and the further transport of the fibers or loose fibers by air flow is insufficient and must be increased by means of a blower.

[0004] Another alternative blending concept is a belt blender, in which fibers or loose fibers are deposited from multiple feeders onto a circulating belt in a single large depositor, which transports the fibers or loose fibers to a lifting curtain for further processing. A comparable concept is disclosed in DE 10 2004 048 222 A1.

[0005] DE 954224 discloses a mixing machine for the textile industry having (four) mixing chambers arranged in a circle, which are separated from each other laterally by partition walls and are filled with compressed air via a single supply pipe, wherein the supply pipe is rotatable and can fill all mixing chambers.

[0006] Document US 5205018 discloses a blending machine with four bins in Figure 3, wherein the bins are supplied with air flow through a supply pipe. The supply pipe cannot rotate or move, but the feed belt arranged below it can rotate or move.

[0007] All existing concepts are insufficient in terms of storage capacity, mixing quality, and costs, and do not allow for flexible configuration and combination of one or more similar blending machines. A common feature of all these concepts is the excessive space requirement in the spinning preparation process, which is disproportionate to the storage capacity and mixing quality. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to improve a mixing machine for mixed fibers and / or loose fibers for spinning preparation in such a way that a mixing machine with multiple chambers can be flexibly combined with mixing machines of the same type. In this case, the mixing machine is more cost-effective, simpler in function and more space-saving.

[0009] The blending machine according to the present invention is configured to receive and blend fibers or loose fibers from spinning preparation machines or storage machines. The blending machine comprises a container with at least three blending chambers, which are laterally separated from one another by partition walls. All blending chambers are filled with fibers or loose fibers by air flow through a single supply conduit, at the end of which a supply device with at least one opening is provided, which is rotatable or movable above the blending chambers. From the lower region of the blending chambers, the fibers or loose fibers are directed to a common discharge device and from there to another machine, storage machine, or blending machine.

[0010] The arrangement of at least three mixing chambers reduces space requirements and, in combination with a rotating or movable supply device, improves the uniformity of the mix. The continuous supply of fibers or loose fibers using a single supply line prevents known clogging problems. Since the mixing chambers are filled sequentially but all empty simultaneously via a common discharge device, a highly uniform mix is ​​achieved. This also provides a cost-effective blending machine that is highly flexible in terms of the arrangement of its individual mixing chambers and has a compact design.

[0011] The use of the terms fiber or loose fiber includes opened fibers, loose fibers or any mixture of opened fibers and loose fibers.

[0012] The rotating or movable supply device is preferably designed as a discharge pipe having at least one opening. The discharge pipe can be arranged below the cover of the container and can be designed to precisely and sequentially fill the mixing chamber with fibers or loose fibers. Thus, the mixing chamber is not filled randomly, as is known from the prior art, but only at one side wall.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the supply device is equipped with a stopper configured to stop the rotational or translational movement above each mixing chamber within a time limit. This allows a predetermined amount of fiber or loose fiber to be introduced into each mixing chamber, thereby simultaneously controlling the filling level of each chamber. This allows the fiber density or the degree of fiber compaction relative to the height of the mixing chamber to be controlled. Alternatively, the amount of fiber delivered can be controlled by the filling level of the mixing chamber.

[0014] The partition wall is preferably perforated, thereby the transport air to be derived can be derived from the blending chamber by the partition wall. Alternatively, the container is constructed as double-layer, thereby the transport air to be derived can be derived by the perforated container wall.

[0015] The blending machine preferably has at least four mixing chambers arranged in a ring. Alternatively, the mixing chambers can be arranged one behind the other and side by side, with at least two mixing chambers arranged one behind the other in a row, and a second row of at least two mixing chambers arranged next to the first row. This results in a very space-saving design that allows for modular construction. Unlike the prior art, each blending machine can be delivered fully assembled and only requires connection to the piping on site.

[0016] Each row of mixing bins (in this case at least three mixing bins) preferably has a common discharge device. By filling the mixing bins individually and emptying them simultaneously by the discharge device, a very good mixing result is achieved.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, a collecting bell or cone is provided between the row or arrangement of mixing chambers and the discharge device, by means of which fibers from all mixing chambers are fed to the discharge device. This design is practical when using fibers, as a collecting bell. It is also practical when using loose fibers, as a cone. In this case, to prevent clogging, the cross-section of the cone must remain virtually constant from the lower end of the mixing chamber to the discharge device. This is achieved by giving the cone a rounded or convex outer contour, which, by deflecting toward the discharge device, ensures a virtually constant cross-section.

[0018] By directing the air flowing into the blender through an exhaust duct, the transport air can be used to further transport the blended fibers. Here, the incoming air originates from the container's cover and is directed through an exhaust duct provided on or in the container's outer wall to an exhaust device located below the container. Alternatively, the incoming air can be directed from the upper region of the blending chamber to below the exhaust device through a double-layered container.

[0019] The air from the exhaust duct and the mixed fibers or loose fibers discharged by the discharge device are preferably guided via a transport duct to a subsequent supply duct of a blender, a storage machine, or a subsequent machine. The transport air for the fibers or loose fibers is used to further transport the homogeneously mixed fibers. Therefore, no intermediate condenser is required.

[0020] Since the exhaust pipe and the transport pipe are arranged on or in opposite outer walls of the container, a modular structure of the mixer is obtained, which can be combined in different arrangements with little effort.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the supply line has a branching portion configured to feed at least two blenders with fibers or loose fibers. This allows the central supply line to continue to be supplied with fibers or loose fibers, thus preventing blockages. The branching portion allows two or more blenders to be filled simultaneously without requiring additional lines from the depositor or bale opener.

[0022] The container preferably has a circular, square or rectangular outer contour. Thus, the space requirement of the mixer is optimized in combination with the arrangement of the mixing chambers. Unlike the prior art in which eight to ten mixing chambers are arranged in series, the mixer according to the present invention is not long and can be retrofitted with existing machines and pipes even if the space in the cleaning room is limited. The container with a circular, square or rectangular outer contour preferably has at least four mixing chambers. It is particularly preferred that the container with a square or rectangular outer contour has at least six mixing chambers, which are filled in sequence via a single supply pipe and emptied via a common discharge device or via a common discharge device for at least three mixing chambers respectively.

[0023] The exhaust duct preferably has a rectangular cross section. Whereby, the exhaust duct can be integrated or arranged on the outer wall of the container or in the outer wall of the container in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0024] Due to the arc-shaped arrangement of the exhaust air duct from the lower region of the container to the lower part of the exhaust device, the exhaust air is guided in a flow-friendly manner.

[0025] Advantageously, the transport duct, starting from the discharge device, initially has a rectangular cross section and then transitions to a circular cross section. This provides, on the one hand, a space-saving transport duct that can be integrated at least at a defined height into or into the outer wall of the container and, at the same time, a standardized connection to the supply or transport duct of the next blender is provided.

[0026] Since the transport line is guided in an arc from the discharge device into the lower region of the container and is then arranged at least partially along or in the outer wall of the container, a flow-optimized solution for transporting the mixed fibers or loose fibers is provided. At the same time, the connections for the exhaust line and the transport line are standardized in the region of the branch line, thereby simplifying the modular design of the mixing machine.

[0027] The method according to the present invention for mixing fibers or loose fibers in the spinning preparation process is implemented by directing the fibers or loose fibers sequentially into at least three mixing chambers via an air flow through a single supply line and by means of a rotating or movable supply device. The mixing chambers are separated from one another by partition walls, with the fibers or loose fibers being discharged simultaneously from the lower region of the mixing chambers via a common discharge device and directed to the next machine, a storage machine, or a mixing machine. The method according to the present invention achieves a more uniform mixing while requiring less space due to the arrangement of the mixing chambers and the rotating or movable movement of the supply device. Another advantage is that the fibers or loose fibers are continuously fed through a single supply line, which is therefore immune to clogging.

[0028] The air flowing into the blender is directed through an exhaust duct, whereby the air is directed from the upper region of the container to the lower portion of the discharge device. This allows the transport air to be used for further transport of the mixed fibers.

[0029] The method according to the present invention involves various equipment configurations, which allow for mixing fibers or loose fibers in varying degrees and fiber combinations. The mixers used are all identical. The different mixing results are determined solely by the different methods of supplying the fibers or loose fibers, directing the exhaust air, and further processing the fibers. The modular design of the mixers allows two or more mixers to be operated in various combinations, with the associated methods for mixing the fibers or loose fibers producing corresponding mixing results. The same mixer can be operated variably using different pipe layouts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further measures that improve the invention are explained in more detail below together with the description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a cotton blending machine according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 1a An enlarged detail view of a blending machine according to the invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a cotton blending machine according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3a-Figure 3e Various views showing the combination of a blending machine according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view showing two open blending machines of another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5a-5d Other embodiments of the arrangement of the mixing bin in the container are shown;

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing another embodiment of two blending machines;

[0039] Figure 6a An enlarged cross-sectional view showing a branch pipe passing through a blending machine;

[0040] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of two blending machines is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Refer to the following Figures 1 to 7A preferred embodiment of a blending machine 1 according to the invention is described, which is used in a spinning preparation process for processing cotton, chemical fibers or the like. Identical features are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. It should be understood that the figures are only simplified and, in particular, not to scale. Figure 1 The mixing machine 1 of the embodiment has a circular or rectangular container 2, in which a plurality of mixing chambers 3 are arranged adjacent to each other. Any other outer contour that allows a plurality of mixing chambers 3 to be arranged adjacent to each other is possible. In this embodiment, the mixing chambers 3 are arranged circularly around a vertical axis 4. In this embodiment, six mixing chambers 3 are arranged around a vertical axis 4, which are each separated from each other by a partition wall 5 that can be constructed in a perforated manner. According to the invention, there should be at least three in order to optimize the current principle of uniform mixing with central filling and emptying. A collecting bell 6 or cone is provided below the container 2, which guides the fibers or loose fibers of all the mixing chambers 3 simultaneously to a branch pipe 7 provided on the vertical axis 4. The branch pipe 7 is provided below the collecting bell 6 and accommodates a discharge device 17 ( Figure 4-5a ), which will be described later. The partition walls 5 between the mixing chambers 3 preferably do not extend into the area of ​​the collecting bell 6 to avoid material bridges or slippage when discharging the loose fibers. Therefore, the branch pipe 7 with the discharge device 17 is designed to discharge fibers or loose fibers from at least three mixing chambers 3 simultaneously.

[0042] The mixing machine 1 is filled via a supply pipe 20, at the end of which at least one discharge pipe 21 is provided. This embodiment shows only one discharge pipe 21, but it may also be two opposing discharge pipes or a plurality of discharge pipes which rotate or move to fill the mixing bins 3 in sequence. The one or more discharge pipes 21 rotate or move with their openings above the individual mixing bins 3 and are thus constructed to fill the mixing bins 3 with fibers or loose fibers evenly or unevenly. The discharge pipe 21 can rotate or move continuously above the mixing bins 3 or rotate or move with a timed residence time above each mixing bin 3. According to the present invention, a plurality of mixing bins 3 arranged around a vertical axis 4 are filled via a single supply pipe 20 and the fibers or loose fibers are discharged below the container 2 via a single branch pipe 7. In Figure 1ashows an enlarged top view of the mixing machine 1. A ring 8 is provided above the mixing chambers 3 but below the discharge pipes 21. The ring 8 has a stop 8a centered between the two corresponding side walls 5 of each mixing chamber 3. The stop 8a indicates the stop position to the discharge pipe 21 so that each mixing chamber 3 can be filled with fibers or loose fibers in a predetermined time. The stop 8a can be mechanically configured, as an electrical contact or sensor, to indicate the stop position to the discharge pipe 21. Alternatively, the stop 8a can be provided in a pivot joint between the discharge pipe 21 and the supply line 20 or as a sensor in the drive of the discharge pipe. Alternatively, the movement of the discharge pipe can be controlled by a control device that processes the sensor's signal regarding the filling level of the respective mixing chamber 3. The rotation or movement of the discharge pipe 21 is preferably motor-driven, wherein the axis of rotation of the discharge pipe 21 can also be the shaft 4 of the mixing machine 1. Here, the discharge pipe 21 can also be mechanically supported on the vertical shaft 4 of the blending machine 1 or can be rotatably mounted there.

[0043] Figure 2 The mixing machine 1 is shown in its installed position within a cleaning room, with the mixing chamber 3 closed at the top by a cover 10. The cover 10 has a central opening into which a discharge pipe 21 is inserted and can be rotated or moved within the opening and beneath the cover. The container 2 is held at the transition to the collecting bell 6 by a bracket 12, which is fixedly mounted within the cleaning room. An exhaust duct 9 is provided laterally on the top side of the container 2 (preferably integrated with the cover 10). This duct conducts transport air, which is transported into the mixing machine 1 via a supply line for the fibers or loose fibers. Instead of lateral exhaust ducts 9, the walls of the container 2 can also be double-walled, allowing the transport air to be discharged through at least a portion of the double-walled container 2. As the mixing machine 1 fills with fibers 15 or loose fibers, air 16 must escape from the mixing chamber 3. This is facilitated by perforated partition walls 5 between the mixing chambers 3. To this end, air 16 is introduced laterally through the exhaust duct 9 below the branch pipe 7 into the transport duct 11, which allows the mixed fibers 15 or loose fibers to be transported onwards to the next blender 1 or the next machine. A central air guide can also be formed on the vertical shaft 4 to guide the transport air supplied with the loose fibers from the blending chamber to the cover 10 and further to the exhaust duct 9. Such a central air guide cannot independently discharge all the transport air, but can thereby support ventilation.

[0044] The multiple mixing chambers 3 of the mixing machine 1 according to the present invention can be filled via the supply line 20 by moving the discharge pipe 21 above each mixing chamber 3 continuously or with a predetermined dwell time. This ensures continuous filling of the mixing machine 1, thus preventing blockage of the supply line 20, as it operates continuously rather than in a stop-and-go manner. The mixing machine 1 now has only a single supply line 20, unlike previously, which had a filling head for each mixing chamber. By centrally and jointly transporting the fibers 15 from the multiple mixing chambers 3 via the branch pipe 7, the mixing ratio is optimized. Since the individual mixing chambers 3 are filled alternately while the fibers are continuously discharged from all mixing chambers 3, the filling levels in the mixing chambers 3 can vary. The mixing machine 1 does not generate exhaust air, but rather utilizes the existing pressure and flow rate of the air 16 from the supply line 20 to transport the mixed fibers or loose fibers to the next mixing machine 1 or the next machine. A condenser is not required to separate the fibers 15 from the air 16.

[0045] Figures 3a to 3e Different combinations of mixing machines 1 are shown in different arrangements. Figure 3a Two mixing machines 1a and 1b are shown, each being individually filled with fibers 15 and air 16 via corresponding supply lines 20a and 20b. For example, fibers 15 and air 16 are fed from a first bale opener (not shown) to the mixing machine 1a via supply line 20a, while fibers 15 and air 16 are fed from a second bale opener (not shown) to the second mixing machine 1b via its own supply line 20b. The mixing machines 1a and 1b are fed or filled independently of each other. The feed air 16 from the first mixing machine 1a is directed to the upper portion of the second mixing machine 1b via a connecting line 13 and, together with the air from the second mixing machine 1b, is directed through an exhaust line 9b to a transport line 11b, where fibers or loose fibers fall from a branch line 7b. This fiber-air mixture is transported under pressure in the transport line 11b, carrying along fibers from the first mixing machine 1a from the branch line 7a. Each mixing machine 1 a , 1 b is filled individually and independently of one another, but the fibers or loose fibers are transported further via a common transport pipe 11 b .

[0046] In contrast, Figure 3b In the embodiment of the invention, fibers 15 or loose fibers are fed into the mixers 1a, 1b via a supply line 20b together with air 16, wherein a splitter 14 separates the fiber / air flow. The two mixers 1a, 1b can be filled, for example, by a common bale opener or from a common storage machine. The mixers 1a, 1b are filled simultaneously and the fibers or loose fibers are transported further via a common transport line 11b. All other details are the same as in the embodiment of the invention. Figure 3a The embodiment corresponds to .

[0047] Figure 3cThis embodiment illustrates multi-stage mixing of fibers or loose fibers. A fiber / air flow is transported via a supply duct 20b to a first mixer 1b. Within this mixer, the fibers are distributed to multiple mixing chambers using a rotatable discharge pipe 21 and discharged collectively via a branch pipe 7b into a transport duct 11b. The transport duct 11b is connected to the supply duct 20a, directing the mixed fibers or loose fibers to the supply duct 20a of a second mixer 1a. In the second mixer 1a, the fibers or loose fibers are further distributed to multiple mixing chambers and discharged collectively via a branch pipe 7a into a transport duct 11a. This embodiment illustrates multi-stage mixing of fibers or loose fibers using two mixers 1a and 1b, which are arranged in series. In this embodiment, air is directed to each mixer 1a and 1b via separate exhaust ducts 9a and 9b, which respectively direct fiber-transporting air 16 from the upper portion of the mixers 1a and 1b to their associated transport ducts 11a and 11b.

[0048] Figure 3d The embodiment shown shows three mixers 1a, 1b, and 1c, which are arranged in series and mix the fiber / air streams in multiple stages. The fibers or loose fibers are guided via a supply line 20c to the first mixer 1c, where they are distributed among multiple mixing chambers and discharged together via a transport line 11c. The mixed fibers or loose fibers are guided to a supply line 20b and thus supplied to the second mixer 1b. Here, too, the fibers are distributed among multiple mixing chambers so that the fibers or loose fibers can be discharged together via a transport line 11b. This transport line 11b is connected to the supply line 20a and supplies the twice-mixed fibers or loose fibers to the third mixer 1a, from which the now thrice-mixed fibers or loose fibers are discharged via a transport line 11a and supplied to further processing equipment. In this embodiment, the air is guided to each mixer 1a, 1b, 1c via separate exhaust ducts 9a, 9b, 9c, which respectively guide the air 16 for transporting the fibers from above the mixers 1a, 1b, 1c into the associated transport ducts 11a, 11b, 11c.

[0049] Figure 3eThe embodiment shows an arrangement of three mixers 1a, 1b, 1c for mixing different fibers. In the first mixer 1c, a first fiber 15c or a fiber mixture, such as viscose fiber or viscose cotton, is supplied via a supply duct 20c. They are distributed to a plurality of mixing chambers and guided into a transport duct 11c. The second mixer 1b is filled with a second fiber or a fiber mixture, such as only cotton, which are also distributed to a plurality of mixing chambers. The transport air of the second mixer 1b is introduced into the upper part of the first mixer 1c via a connecting duct 13 and is supplied to the transport duct 11c together with the transport air of the first mixer via an exhaust duct 9c. The transport duct 11c is connected to the transport duct 11b so that two types of fibers 15b and 15c that are not mixed together (such as viscose fiber and cotton) are simultaneously introduced into the first mixer 1a. Here, the two fibers 15a, 15b are distributed to the mixing chambers and conveyed together via a transport line 11a to the subsequent machine for further processing as a fiber mixture 15bc. The third mixing machine 1a also has its own exhaust line 9a, via which the air used to transport the fiber mixture 15bc is conveyed to the transport line 11a. The mixing machine 1 is arranged in a double or triple concept, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in terms of the desired fiber quality. The concept described here offers the advantage that only one control device, operating unit, switch cabinet, etc. is required for multiple mixing machines. Combined with the reduction in the number of discharge devices for at least three mixing chambers, the concept described here is quite economical.

[0050] Figure 4Another embodiment of a blending machine according to the present invention is shown. Because the blending machines 1a and 1b shown here are identical in structure, there is no need to position the components differently. In the direction of fiber transport, the second blending machine 1b is located before the first blending machine 1a. The blending machines 1a and 1b shown here have a square or rectangular container 2. In this embodiment, four blending chambers 3 are arranged around a vertical axis 4 within the container 2, separated from each other by partition walls 5. The partition walls 5 can preferably be perforated. The partition walls 5 can also be arranged diagonally with respect to the shape of the container 2, thus also forming four blending chambers 3 and separating them from each other. The number of blending chambers 3 is not important here, as long as there are at least three, and these blending chambers can be filled with fibers or loose fibers via a single supply line 20 and drained via a common discharge device 17. The uniform division of the blending chambers with identical internal geometry and cross-sections in connection with the branch pipe 7 or the discharge device 17 ensures uniform emptying of the individual blending chambers. Each mixing chamber 3 has at least one filling level measuring device in the form of a pressure measuring device, a light barrier, or an alternative sensor (ultrasonic sensor). Fibers or loose fibers pass through the mixing chamber 3 into the collecting bell 6 and are simultaneously discharged through a common discharge device 17 located within the branch pipe 7. The discharge device 17 may include at least two rollers, which remix and discharge the fibers from the various mixing chambers. In this embodiment, the roller axes are arranged perpendicular to the vertical axis 4 and are therefore located horizontally above the mixer's mounting base. A vertical orientation of the discharge device 17 and rollers is also conceivable, requiring adjustments to the air guidance of the exhaust duct 9 and the transport duct 11. In this embodiment, the exhaust duct 9 is a narrow rectangular duct flanged to the outer wall of the container 2 and conveys air to the branch pipe 7. Alternatively, the container 2 may be constructed as a double-walled structure, with air being directed from the upper side of the fed fibers or loose fibers through the container to the branch pipe 7. Below the container 2, the exhaust duct 9, also a rectangular duct, extends in an arc from the outer wall of the container 2 to the branch pipe 7. In the branch pipe 7 below the discharge device 17, the air of the exhaust duct 9 carries the mixed fibers or loose fibers and transports them through the transport duct 11 to the supply duct 20 of the next mixer 1a or to a machine for further processing. The transport duct 11 also has the same contour or cross-sectional shape as the exhaust duct 9 in the area of ​​the branch pipe 7 and extends in an arc shape to the outer wall of the container 2. The cross-sectional shape of the transport duct 11 can be changed from rectangular to round, so that there is a special pipe joint at about half the height of the mixer 1. This special pipe joint can be combined with the supply duct 20 of the next mixer 1a, or the mixed fibers or loose fibers can be further guided to the spinning preparation process or downstream machines using standardized connections. Figure 4In the embodiment of the present invention, the transport pipe 11 of the mixing machine 1a is surrounded by a protective plate 18, which can be flange-connected to the container 2 or the support 12 and provides additional stability to the support 12.

[0051] Figures 5a to 5c The different arrangements of the mixing chamber 3 in the container 2 of the mixing machine are shown. Figure 5a The figure shows a total of six mixing chambers in a square container 2, three of which are arranged one behind the other and two rows of three mixing chambers each arranged side by side. Although the central axis of the previous embodiment is missing, all mixing chambers can be filled with fibers or loose fibers using a single supply line. Simultaneously, all six mixing chambers can be emptied via a common discharge device (not shown).

[0052] exist Figure 5b The figure shows a total of six mixing chambers in a square container 2, three of each arranged one behind the other and two rows of three mixing chambers each arranged side by side. The central mixing chamber has a trapezoidal outline, with adjacent mixing chambers in the same row having a corresponding partially triangular shape. Although the central axis of the previous embodiment is missing, all mixing chambers can be filled with fiber or loose fibers using a single supply line. Simultaneously, all six mixing chambers can be emptied via a common discharge device (not shown).

[0053] exist Figure 5c The rectangular container 2 shows a total of six mixing chambers, three of which are arranged one behind the other and two rows of three mixing chambers each arranged side by side. There is no central axis as in the previous embodiments, but all mixing chambers can be filled with fibers or loose fibers via a single supply line. At the same time, all six mixing chambers can be emptied via a common discharge device (not shown).

[0054] Figure 5d An alternative embodiment is shown, wherein the cross-sectional view shows Figures 5a to 5c Each row (first dimension) of at least three mixing chambers arranged one behind the other has its own discharge device 17. The second row (second dimension) of at least three mixing chambers arranged side by side also has its own discharge device 17. Since the fibers or loose fibers are discharged from the at least three mixing chambers simultaneously, a good mixing ratio is achieved.

[0055] Figure 4 The blending machines 1a and 1b are Figure 6 The second mixer 1b is located before the first mixer 1a in the direction of fiber transport. The mixers 1a, 1b shown here have a square or rectangular container 2. Figure 6 and Figure 3cThe multi-stage mixing of fibers or loose fibers is also shown. A fiber / air flow is transported via a supply duct 20 to a mixer 1b. Within the mixer, the fibers are distributed to multiple mixing chambers via a rotatable or movable discharge pipe 21. The fibers then enter a branch pipe 7 through a collecting bell 6 and are discharged into a transport duct 11. The rotatable or movable discharge pipe 21 is positioned within the central opening of the cover 10. Within the branch pipe 7 is a discharge device 17, which may include at least two rollers, which remix and discharge the fibers from the various mixing chambers. In this embodiment, the exhaust duct 9 of each mixer 1a, 1b is flanged onto the outer wall of the container 2 as a narrow rectangular duct and transports air to the branch pipe 7. Below the container 2, the exhaust duct 9, also a rectangular duct, extends in an arc from the outer wall of the container 2 to the branch pipe 7. In the branch pipe 7 below the discharge device 17, the air from the exhaust duct 9 carries the mixed fibers or loose fibers and transports them via the transport duct 11 to the supply duct 20 of the next blending machine 1a or to a machine for further processing. The transport duct 11 in the region of the branch pipe 7 also has the same profile or cross-sectional shape as the exhaust duct 9 and extends in an arcuate manner to the outer wall of the container 2. The transport duct 11 and the exhaust duct are arranged on opposite walls of the container 2. They can be at least partially external to the container 2 or at least partially integral to the relevant wall of the container 2. The cross-sectional shape of the transport duct 11 can change from rectangular to rounded, so that a dedicated pipe connection is located approximately halfway up the height of the blending machine 1b. This dedicated pipe connection can either be connected to the supply duct 20 of the next blending machine 1a or use a standardized connection to further guide the mixed fibers or loose fibers to the spinning preparation process or downstream machines. The containers 2 of the blending machines 1a and 1b have at least one vertically arranged window 19 on at least one outer side, through which the filling status of the individual blending chambers can be viewed from the outside. Figure 6a An enlarged view of the lower region of a blending machine with a branch pipe 7 is shown, in which a discharge device 17 comprising three rollers is arranged. A drive motor, not mentioned further, is arranged outside the branch pipe 7 and drives these rollers. The discharge devices 17 of the blending machines 1a, 1b are designed to operate independently of each other, so that a single blending machine or blending machines ( Figure 3a-Figure 3e , 1a, 1b, 1c) are operated at different production speeds.

[0056] Figure 7The mixer is covered by a door 22 below the container 2. The protective plate 18 of the transport pipe 11 and the protective plate symmetrically arranged in the upper area of ​​the supply pipe 20 form a closed structure that can be modularly expanded or adapted to different mixing requirements. In this embodiment, the mixers 1a and 1b are arranged as two mixers in series and in this case, mixing is achieved with 4 mixing bins per mixer. The modular structure of the mixers 1a and 1b shown here achieves a mixing degree of 16. According to the prior art DE8137585U1, in which up to 10 bins are arranged front and back, the output is increased to 3000 kg / h with the same storage volume, which is equivalent to an increase of 50%. According to the present invention, the bins and pipes will not be blocked. When the width and structural height of the machine are the same, the space requirement of the mixer according to the present invention is reduced by 30%. The modular structure can realize almost all combinations of mixers with minimal space requirement.

[0057] Unlike the prior art, in which mixing chambers are always arranged one behind the other, according to the present invention, at least three vertically arranged mixing chambers 3 are arranged one behind the other and side by side or in a circle. Therefore, the space requirement of the mixing machine can be optimized, and this arrangement allows the mixing machine to be fully assembled before being shipped to the customer.

[0058] According to the present invention, multiple mixing chambers 2 utilize a single filling mechanism, constructed as a supply line 20. This supply line is designed to sequentially fill the mixing chambers 3 with fibers or loose fibers via a rotatable or movable discharge pipe 21. Sequential filling of the mixing chambers 2 primarily ensures the necessary uniform mixing of the fibers or loose fibers. A discharge device 17 is also provided, which simultaneously discharges fibers or loose fibers from multiple mixing chambers. In this case, discharge devices 17 are provided for at least three mixing chambers 3.

[0059] Arranging the blending machine 1 in a double or triple concept allows for a high degree of flexibility with regard to the fiber quality to be achieved, wherein the concept described here offers the advantage that only one control device, operating unit, switch cabinet, etc. is required for a plurality of blending machines. In combination with the reduction of discharge devices for at least three blending chambers, the concept described here is particularly economical.

[0060] Reference Signs List

[0061] 1,1a-1c cotton blending machine

[0062] 2 containers

[0063] 3 Cotton mixing warehouse

[0064] 4-axis

[0065] 5. Partition wall

[0066] 6 Collection horn

[0067] 7,7a-7b branch pipe

[0068] 8 rings

[0069] 8a Stopper

[0070] 9,9a-9c exhaust pipe

[0071] 10 Cover

[0072] 11,11a-11c transport pipelines

[0073] 12 brackets

[0074] 13 Connecting pipes

[0075] 14 Diversion

[0076] 15,15b-c,15bc fiber

[0077] 16 Air

[0078] 17 Discharge device

[0079] 18 guard plate

[0080] 19 Window

[0081] 20,20a-20c supply pipeline

[0082] 21,21a-21c discharge pipe

[0083] 22 doors

Claims

1. A mixing machine (1) for a spinning preparation process, which is designed to receive and mix fibers from a machine of the spinning preparation process, the mixing machine having a container (2) with at least three mixing chambers (3), which are separated from each other laterally by partition walls (5), wherein: All mixing chambers (3) are filled with fibers via an air flow via a single supply duct (20), at the end of which at least one supply device is arranged which is movable above the mixing chamber (3), the supply device having at least one opening, wherein the fibers are discharged from the lower area of ​​the mixing chamber (3) via a common discharge device (17) and are directed from there to a next machine, characterized in that the air flowing into the mixing machine is discharged via an exhaust duct (9), which starts from a cover plate (10) of the container (2), is arranged on or in the outer wall of the container (2) and directs the air to the bottom of the discharge device (17).

2. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable supply device is designed as a discharge pipe (21).

3. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The supply device cooperates with a stopper (8a), which is designed to stop the rotational movement within a time limit, or the supply device cooperates with a sensor for determining the filling height of each mixing bin (3), wherein the signal of the sensor is guided to a control device, which is designed to stop the supply device above the mixing bin according to the time limit.

4. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition wall (5) has perforations.

5. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cotton mixing machine (1) has at least four cotton mixing chambers (3), which are arranged in a ring or in a front-to-back and side-by-side arrangement.

6. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: Each row of mixing bins (3) has a common discharge device (17).

7. A cotton blending machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A cone is provided between the cotton mixing bin (3) and the discharge device (17).

8. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cone is constructed with a convex profile so that the cross section of the mixing chamber (3) remains almost the same from the lower end of the mixing chamber (3) to the discharge device (17).

9. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cotton blending machine (1) comprises a double-layer container (2) which is designed to discharge the inflowing air to the lower part of the exhaust device (17).

10. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport duct (11) conducts the air from the exhaust duct (9) and the mixed fibers discharged by the discharge device (17) to the supply duct (20) of the subsequent blending machine or to the subsequent machine.

11. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The exhaust pipe (9) and the transport pipe (11) are arranged on opposite outer walls of the container (2).

12. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supply conduit (20) has a flow divider (14) which is configured to fill at least two blending machines with fibers.

13. The cotton mixing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The container (2) has a circular, square or rectangular outer contour.

14. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust duct (9) has a rectangular cross section.

15. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust gas line (9) leads in an arc shape from the lower region of the container (2) to the lower part of the discharge device (17).

16. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The transport duct (11) initially has a rectangular cross section starting from the discharge device (17), then transitions to a circular cross section and is designed to match the supply duct (20) or transport duct of a subsequent blending machine.

17. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The transport pipe (11) is led from the discharge device (17) in an arc shape to the lower region of the container (2) and is then arranged at least partially along the outer wall of the container (2) or in the outer wall of the container (2).

18. The cotton mixing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The machine from which the blending machine (1) receives the fibers is a depositor and / or the next machine to which the fibers are directed from the common discharge device is a depositor or a blending machine.

19. A method for mixing fibers in a spinning preparation process, wherein: Fibers are guided by an air flow via a single supply duct (20) in sequence via at least one movable supply device into at least three mixing chambers (3) which are arranged in a container (2) and separated from one another by partition walls (5), wherein the fibers are guided from the bottom area of ​​the mixing chambers (3) to a common discharge device (17) and from there to the next machine, characterized in that air flowing into the mixing machine (1) is discharged via an exhaust duct (9), which starts from a cover plate (10) of the container (2) and is arranged on or in the outer wall of the container (2), wherein the air is guided from the upper area of ​​the container (2) to the bottom of the discharge device (17).

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The air flowing into the blending machine (1) is discharged via a container (2) which is designed in a double layer, wherein the air is conducted from the upper region of the container (2) to the lower part of the discharge device (17).

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The fibers are supplied to at least two mixers via separate supply ducts, wherein air is supplied from a first mixer to a mixer located ahead in the fiber transport direction, wherein the air is transported out together with the air of the mixer located ahead in the fiber transport direction via an exhaust duct.

22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that Fibers are supplied simultaneously to at least two mixers through a common supply duct, wherein the fiber air flow is distributed to the two mixers by means of a splitter (14), and air is supplied from the first mixer to the mixer located in front in the fiber transport direction, wherein the air is transported out together with the air of the mixer located in front in the fiber transport direction by means of an exhaust duct.

23. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The fiber air flow is directed into a first mixer, the fibers are mixed in the first mixer and discharged via a discharge device (17) through a transport pipe, and the mixed fibers are fed to at least one second mixer and mixed again.

24. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that A fiber air flow carrying a first fiber or a fiber mixture is directed into a first mixer, the fibers are mixed in the first mixer and discharged through a transport pipe, and a fiber air flow carrying a second fiber or a fiber mixture is supplied to a second mixer, mixed inside the second mixer and discharged through a transport pipe, and the first fiber or fiber mixture is supplied together with the second fiber or fiber mixture to a next third mixer for mixing.

25. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The next machine to which the fibers are directed from the common discharge device is a depositor or blender.

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