Spinning device, rotor spinning machine and method for preventing accumulation of fibers in a spinning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a spinning device for producing a yarn from a fiber material, to a rotor spinning machine having at least one spinning device, and to a method for preventing fibers from accumulating in a rotor housing of a spinning device. In order to provide a spinning device, a rotor spinning machine and a method which enable particularly reliable and error-free operation independently of the number of interruptions in the spinning operation, according to the invention the spinning device has a rotor housing, a spinning rotor which is arranged in the rotor housing and which rotates at high speed during the spinning operation, and a rotor housing cover which is arranged on the rotor housing for opening and closing the rotor housing, wherein a device for generating at least one sealing gas flow is arranged at least partially in the rotor housing in a region of the rotor housing at the rear of the spinning rotor in order to prevent fiber material and / or a fiber loop from entering behind the spinning rotor when the spinning rotor is braked and / or the rotor housing cover is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spinning apparatus for producing yarn made of fibrous material, a rotor spinning machine having at least one spinning device, and a method for preventing fibers from accumulating in the rotor housing of the spinning apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Various spinning devices are known from the prior art for producing yarn from fibrous materials. In an open-rotor spinning machine, split textile fibers are typically fed into a spinning rotor that rotates at high speed during spinning operation, in multiple spinning units formed as spinning boxes, and spun into yarn there. The yarn is then drawn out of the spinning rotor by a vacuum. The spinning device has a rotor housing in which the spinning rotor is arranged. A rotor housing cover is typically configured for opening and closing the rotor housing.

[0003] During spinning operation, most of the textile fibers supplied to the spinning rotor are spun into yarn, and a small number of unspun individual fibers are removed from the area of ​​the spinning rotor by a vacuum. However, when the spinning rotor is braked (e.g., to open the rotor housing), the rotor speed is no longer sufficient to keep the textile fibers spinning in the rotor slots. Furthermore, the vacuum must be deactivated to open the rotor housing. As a result of both situations, fiber material can spread out inside the spinning unit. Specifically, during the braking of the spinning rotor, fiber loops (so-called loops) in the spinning rotor separate. In this case, fiber material or fiber loops can enter the area behind the spinning rotor and contaminate the mounting points of the spinning rotor, or even roll up on their own, which typically causes the rotor spinning machine to malfunction shortly afterward. This problem occurs in all spinning units of rotor spinning machines. However, this is particularly problematic in spinning devices with a single drive for the spinning rotor and / or with non-contact magnetic mounts, because in such cases, when the spinning rotor accelerates again, fiber material or loops entering the bearing air gap or becoming entangled on the spinning rotor shaft can immediately cause the spinning device to malfunction.

[0004] To address this, document DE 10 2015 016 594 A1 proposes disabling the vacuum when the spinning rotor is braked at its rotational speed (at which the fiber loops remain within the spinning rotor), and pivoting the spinning rotor through at least a partial opening in the rotor housing, allowing the fiber loops to fall out of the rotor slots during further braking of the spinning rotor. Subsequently, the vacuum is reactivated to extract the fiber loops and fibrous material generated by the spinning rotor. However, this prior art solution has the following drawbacks: for a period of time, the rotational speed of the spinning rotor is no longer sufficient to hold the fiber loops within the spinning rotor; and on the other hand, the vacuum has not been reactivated, thus failing to completely ensure that the fiber loops do not reach the area behind the spinning rotor. Furthermore, the weight of the fiber loops and the position of the fiber loops generated by the spinning rotor are variable, making it impossible to generate sufficient volumetric flow rate through the vacuum in any case to reliably remove the fiber loops and fibrous material from the spinning device. In this prior art solution, operational interruptions occur due to the formation of entangled loops or contamination of bearing points. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a spinning apparatus, a rotor spinning machine, and a method that enable particularly reliable and error-free operation regardless of the number of interruptions in the spinning operation.

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a spinning apparatus, a rotor spinning machine, and a method for preventing fibers from accumulating in the rotor housing of the spinning apparatus.

[0007] The spinning apparatus according to the invention for producing yarn made of fibrous material comprises: a rotor housing; a spinning rotor arranged within the rotor housing and rotating at high speed during spinning operation; and a rotor housing cover arranged on the rotor housing for opening and closing the rotor housing, wherein means for generating at least one sealing gas flow is also arranged at least partially in a region of the rotor housing behind or at the rear of the spinning rotor, so as to prevent fibrous material and / or fiber loops from entering behind the spinning rotor when the spinning rotor is braked and / or when the rotor housing cover is opened.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a rotor spinning machine having at least one spinning device according to the invention, and preferably having multiple spinning devices according to the invention, particularly preferably being identical to each other.

[0009] The method according to the invention for preventing fiber accumulation within the rotor housing of a spinning apparatus (which has a spinning rotor arranged within a rotor housing and rotating at high speed during spinning operation and a rotor housing cover arranged on the rotor housing for opening and closing the rotor housing) comprises the following steps: before the rotor housing is opened and / or when the rotating spinning rotor is braked, specifically for subsequently opening the rotor housing, a sealing gas flow is directed to a region of the rotor housing behind the spinning rotor and / or the rear portion of the spinning rotor and / or the region of the rear wall of the spinning rotor, in order to prevent fibrous material and / or fiber loops from entering behind the spinning rotor. The guidance of the sealing gas flow is particularly preferably carried out by means according to the invention for generating at least one sealing gas flow.

[0010] Spinning apparatus can primarily be any device or structural unit for a production line, yarn, or twisted yarn. Spinning apparatus is preferably a spinning box, particularly a rotor spinning machine, and especially preferably an open-rotor spinning machine. In this case, the spinning machine may have only one or more spinning stations for the production line, provided in each case, wherein each spinning station is particularly preferably formed as a spinning apparatus and / or spinning box, and very particularly preferably has exactly one spinning rotor in each case.

[0011] In the context of this invention, the produced yarn and / or thread is a fiber bundle, which is preferably formed from individual fibers intertwined with each other. The fibers may be formed from natural materials (such as wool or cotton) and / or synthetic materials (such as polyester or polyethersulfone). The fiber material is preferably supplied to the spinning apparatus in the form of a fiber web (also known as a carding sliver), and the individual fibers are preferably split before spinning.

[0012] The rotor housing substantially surrounds the spinning rotor, which rotates at high speed during the spinning operation, and is preferably under vacuum during the spinning operation. To open the rotor housing and access the spinning rotor, the rotor housing according to the invention has a rotor housing cover, which is preferably pivotally mounted on the rotor housing. For opening and closing the rotor housing, the rotor housing cover is preferably movable and, particularly preferably, pivotable between an open and a closed position. Furthermore, the spinning rotor is preferably accessible in the open position of the rotor housing cover and / or substantially completely covered and / or inaccessible to the user in the closed position.

[0013] According to the present invention, an apparatus for generating at least one sealing gas flow is provided, the apparatus being substantially provided to deliver at least one gas flow in a defined direction. The apparatus for generating at least one sealing gas flow preferably has at least one gas outlet opening, specifically a gas outlet nozzle, which may specifically be part of a blower passage. In this case, each blower passage substantially has at least one such gas outlet opening or a gas outlet nozzle. Therefore, the apparatus for generating at least one sealing gas flow should preferably prevent the formation of entangled fibers and / or downtime due to the formation of entangled fibers or due to bearing contamination, particularly when the spinning rotor is restarted. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus for generating at least one sealing gas flow should prevent accumulation on the bearings of the spinning rotor over a prolonged period.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the device is configured to simultaneously emit multiple sealing gas streams and / or block / protect the area from the effects of fibrous materials and / or fiber loops by means of gas streams directed toward the area. This is preferably achieved by one or more sealing gas streams flowing out from the area to be protected. The sealing gas streams are preferably compressed gas streams, particularly preferably compressed air streams.

[0015] The area to be protected by the sealing gas flow and / or the area toward which the sealing gas flow is directed is preferably the rear portion of the spinning rotor and / or the area on and / or behind the rear wall of the spinning rotor. Particularly preferably, the area to be protected extends between the rear wall of the spinning rotor and the opposing wall of the rotor housing. Particularly preferably, the area to be protected also surrounds the bearings of the spinning rotor. Very particularly preferably, the sealing gas flow flows from the rear side of the spinning rotor around its entire circumference.

[0016] According to the invention, the means for generating at least one sealing gas flow is at least partially arranged within the rotor housing in a region of the rotor housing located behind and / or at the rear of the spinning rotor, in order to protect this region. For example, only the gas outlet opening or gas outlet nozzle may point towards the interior of the rotor housing, while the remaining components of the means may be arranged in the rotor housing wall and / or outside the rotor housing for generating at least one sealing gas flow. Furthermore, it is preferred that the means is arranged only on the side of the rotor housing facing the rear of the spinning rotor and optionally within the rotor housing material and / or on the outside of the rotor housing. In addition, the means for generating at least one sealing gas flow may be partially or completely integrally formed with the rotor housing.

[0017] If fibrous material not extracted during spinning remains in the spinning rotor, it specifically forms fiber clumps (especially fiber loops), which can then pass behind the spinning rotor when the rotor housing is opened and / or when the vacuum is deactivated. Fiber clumps, especially so-called loops, i.e., annular fiber composites and / or fiber loops, form during the operation of the spinning rotor and can, in particular, enter the rotor housing from the spinning rotor when the spinning rotor stops or at minimum speeds. However, in principle, fiber clumps can have any shape and size, and in particular can be formed from any number of individual fibers.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the spinning apparatus for producing yarn according to the invention has at least one blower channel arranged on the rotor housing and / or pointing towards the rear of the spinning rotor, the blower channel allowing a sealing gas flow to be directed to the area to be protected. In this case, the blower channel is primarily understood to refer to only a portion of the means for generating at least one sealing gas flow, which directs the sealing gas flow directly toward the rear of the spinning rotor. In this case, the blower channel may also extend in any desired manner inside and / or behind the rotor housing, and / or may be connected to another means, another compressed air conduit or channel, or may be connected to another blower channel of the same spinning apparatus or another spinning apparatus. One or more blower channels are preferably arranged in a region opposite to the rear of the spinning rotor, specifically on the rotor housing. Furthermore, the means for generating at least one sealing gas flow is preferably integrally formed with the rotor housing. Additionally or alternatively, the blower channel preferably extends within the wall of the rotor housing.

[0019] Although the protective function can theoretically be achieved with a single blower channel, a device for generating at least one sealing gas flow is preferred, having at least two, preferably between three and twelve, particularly preferably between four and ten, and very particularly preferably between six and eight blower channels. Preferably, each blower channel has exactly one opening, specifically an opening pointing towards the rear of the spinning rotor, which is configured to guide the sealing gas flow toward the rear of the spinning rotor.

[0020] Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the spinning apparatus for producing yarn specifies that one or more air ducts are arranged circularly and / or uniformly distributed around the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor on the rotor housing. Uniform arrangement specifically refers to the same spacing with the axis of the spinning rotor and / or the same spacing with adjacent air ducts and / or the same intervals on a circle, specifically around the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor. The air ducts are preferably arranged on the inner wall of the rotor housing relative to an opening in the rotor housing or relative to the rotor housing cover and / or on the area of ​​the rotor housing covered by the spinning rotor. More preferably, the air ducts are arranged behind the spinning rotor relative to an opening in the rotor housing or relative to the rotor housing cover.

[0021] Also preferably, the distance between one or more air ducts and the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor is less than the radius of the spinning rotor, particularly preferably less than 90% of the spinning rotor radius, very particularly preferably less than 80% of the spinning rotor radius, and particularly preferably less than 75% of the spinning rotor radius. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between one or more air ducts and the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor is greater than 10% of the spinning rotor radius, particularly preferably greater than 25% of the spinning rotor radius, very particularly preferably greater than 50% of the spinning rotor radius, and particularly preferably greater than 75% of the spinning rotor radius.

[0022] In a preferred improvement of the spinning apparatus for producing yarn according to the invention, in each case, at least in the region provided for discharging the sealing gas flow, one or more blower channels are angled relative to the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor between 0° and 45°, preferably between 0° and 30°, and particularly preferably between 5° and 20°, such that the sealing gas flow is guided toward the outer edge of the spinning rotor in each case, and / or the sealing gas flows along the rear of the spinning rotor in the direction of the outer edge of the spinning rotor. Alternatively, the blower channels may also be oriented parallel to the axis of the spinning rotor. The angle of the blower channels is the angle between the central longitudinal axis of the spinning rotor axis and the central longitudinal axis of the opening and / or end region of the blower channels for discharging the sealing gas flow.

[0023] Another preferred embodiment of the spinning apparatus for producing yarn specifies that the blower duct is connected to an annular air distributor, which is preferably formed as a structural unit or integrally formed with the rotor housing, and / or connected to a compressed air connection on the outside of the rotor housing. Particularly preferably, the air distributor is formed entirely integrally with the rotor housing. However, alternatively, the air distributor may also be formed as a component disposed on the rotor housing, and / or may form part of the rotor housing. Furthermore, the air distributor may be partially or completely disposed inside and / or outside the rotor housing.

[0024] While rotor spinning machines with a central drive for multiple spinning units, and particularly multiple spinning rotors, are also conceivable, the device according to the invention for generating at least one sealed gas flow is preferably used in one or more spinning units of a rotor spinning machine, wherein each spinning rotor is driven individually and / or preferably non-contactly, particularly magnetically. In the case of non-contact installation of the spinning rotors, it is particularly important to avoid contamination of the area at the installation point with fibrous material, as this would otherwise lead to malfunction when the spinning rotors are restarted. The drive for the spinning rotors is particularly preferably a single electric motor drive.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the method for preventing fiber accumulation within the rotor housing of a spinning apparatus provides that, during the spinning process for producing yarn from fibrous material via the spinning rotor, the sealing gas flow is deactivated and / or activated at a predetermined time before the rotor housing is opened, preferably between 0.5 s and 10 s, particularly preferably between 1 s and 5 s, and very particularly preferably between 1 s and 2 s. The rotor housing preferably opens automatically. Alternatively or additionally, manual opening is also possible after the automatic unlocking of the openable rotor housing cover, wherein the sealing gas flow is particularly preferably activated at predetermined time intervals before unlocking and / or automatic opening.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of a method for preventing fiber accumulation within the rotor housing of a spinning apparatus is also preferred, wherein the sealing gas flow is deactivated during the spinning process for producing yarn from fibrous material via the spinning rotor, and / or the sealing gas flow is activated according to the rotor speed when the spinning rotor is braked, preferably when the rotor speed drops below 50,000 L / min, particularly preferably 30,000 L / min and very particularly preferably 20,000 L / min, because from this speed onwards, the fibrous material is no longer adequately held in the fiber loops of the spinning rotor, and thus can enter the rear of the spinning rotor and / or the rear portion of the spinning rotor.

[0027] In addition, preferably, the sealing gas flow is deactivated at a predetermined time point after the rotor housing has been opened, preferably between 0.5 s and 10 s, particularly preferably between 1 s and 5 s, and very particularly preferably between 1 s and 2 s. Alternatively, the sealing gas flow can remain activated as long as the rotor housing cover is open, and is only deactivated again when the rotor housing is fully closed and / or when the spinning rotor is started, specifically when a minimum rotational speed of preferably 50,000 rpm, particularly preferably 30,000 rpm, and very particularly preferably 20,000 rpm is reached.

[0028] In principle, the spinning process takes place within a closed rotor housing and under a vacuum applied to the rotor housing. There is also a relationship between the application of vacuum and the risk of fiber material, particularly fiber loops, entering the area behind the spinning rotor. Therefore, the development of methods to prevent fiber accumulation within the rotor housing of the spinning apparatus is preferred, wherein a sealing gas flow is activated before the vacuum within the rotor housing required for spinning operation is shut off. Alternatively, the activation of the sealing gas flow can also be performed simultaneously with the deactivation of the vacuum. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Embodiments of the apparatus according to the invention for generating at least one sealed gas flow in a spinning station are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the rotor housing having a spinning rotor and a device for generating at least one sealed gas flow for the spinning apparatus, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The rotor housing shown is a perspective cross-sectional view, having means for generating at least one sealed gas flow. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1 The spinning apparatus of the rotor spinning machine shown in the partial diagram has at least one spinning rotor 2, which rotates at high speed during spinning operation, and is arranged within a rotor housing 1. For spinning operation, the rotor housing 1 is closed and a vacuum is applied. To enable opening the rotor housing 1, a rotor housing cover is provided, which is pivotally arranged on the rotor housing 1.

[0031] To spin yarn from fibrous material, the diced fibrous material is supplied to the spinning rotor 2. If the spinning operation is to be interrupted, the spinning rotor 2 is braked, allowing the rotor housing 1 to be opened. However, if the spinning rotor 2 operates at speeds below the range typically between 50,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm, the centrifugal force is no longer sufficient to hold the fibrous material within the spinning rotor 2, allowing fiber clumps, particularly loops, to reach the interior of the rotor housing 1. This is not a problem if the loops are located in the area in front of the spinning rotor 2 or between the spinning rotor and the openable rotor housing cover, as the loops are removed when the rotor housing 1 is opened. On the other hand, malfunctions can occur if the loops or fiber clumps approach the area behind the spinning rotor 2 and specifically move into the area of ​​the spinning rotor axis, the electrospinning rotor drive, and / or the magnetic spinning rotor bearings, particularly when the spinning rotor 2 is restarted.

[0032] To prevent this, a device 3 for generating a sealed gas flow is arranged behind the spinning rotor 2 in the region of the rotor housing 1 (see...). Figure 1 Through this device, when the spinning rotor 2 is braked, multiple sealing gas flows can be guided toward the area behind the spinning rotor, so that no fiber loops or fiber accumulation can enter this area protected in this way. For this purpose, eight blower channels 5 of the device 3 for generating the sealing gas flows are arranged in the correct orientation along a circle around the axis of the spinning rotor on the rotor housing 1 downstream of the spinning rotor 2 (see...). Figure 2 In this manner, through each of the blower channels 5, the sealing gas flow can be directed toward the rear of the spinning rotor 4, such that the sealing gas flow flows along the region between the rear wall of the rotor housing 1 and the rear of the spinning rotor 4, and then further radially along the rear of the spinning rotor 4 toward the front of the spinning rotor 2, so that no fiber loops can reach this region. In this case, the outlet opening of each blower channel 5 is arranged at an angle of approximately 30° relative to the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor 2, and radially away from the center of the spinning rotor.

[0033] To supply compressed air to the individual blower passages 5, these blower passages are connected inside the wall of the rotor housing 1 to an annular air distributor 6, which is supplied via a compressed air connector 7 arranged on the outside of the rotor housing 1. All blower passages 5, and specifically all openings of the blower passages 5 for discharging sealing gas, are correspondingly configured identically and / or have a circular cross-section.

[0034] List of reference numerals

[0035] 1 Rotor housing

[0036] 2 Spinning rotor

[0037] 3. Devices for generating a sealed gas flow

[0038] 4. Rear part of the spinning rotor

[0039] 5. Air duct

[0040] 6. Air distributor

[0041] 7 Compressed air connection parts

Claims

1. A spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials, the spinning apparatus comprising: - Rotor housing (1). - Spinning rotor (2), the spinning rotor being arranged within the rotor housing (1) and rotating at high speed during spinning operation, and - Rotor housing cover, which is disposed on the rotor housing (1) for opening and closing the rotor housing (1). Its features are, - A compressed air device (3) is arranged at least partially within the rotor housing (1) to generate at least one sealed gas flow as a compressed air flow in the region of the rear (4) of the spinning rotor (2) so as to prevent fibrous material and / or fiber loops from entering the spinning rotor (2) when the spinning rotor (2) is braked and / or when the rotor housing cover is opened.

2. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compressed air device (3) for generating at least one sealed gas flow has at least one blower passage (5) arranged on the rotor housing (1) and pointing toward the rear (4) of the spinning rotor (2).

3. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 2, characterized in that, The compressed air device (3) has at least two blower passages (5) for generating at least one sealed gas flow.

4. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The blower channel (5) is arranged in a circular and / or uniform manner on the rotor housing (1) around the rotation axis of the spinning rotor (2).

5. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 4, characterized in that, In each case, the angle of the blower channel (5) relative to the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor (2) is between 0° and 45°.

6. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The blower duct (5) is connected to an annular air distributor (6), which is connected to a compressed air connector (7) on the outside of the rotor housing (1).

7. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 5, characterized in that, In each case, the angle of the blower channel (5) relative to the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor (2) is between 0° and 30°.

8. The spinning apparatus for producing yarn from fibrous materials according to claim 5, characterized in that, In each case, the angle between the blower channel (5) and the axis of rotation of the spinning rotor (2) is between 5° and 20°.

9. A rotor spinning machine having at least one spinning device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The rotor spinning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each spinning rotor (2) is driven and / or mounted individually without contact.

11. A method for preventing fiber accumulation within the rotor housing (1) of a spinning apparatus, the spinning apparatus comprising: - Spinning rotor (2), the spinning rotor being arranged within the rotor housing (1) and rotating at high speed during spinning operation, and - A rotor housing cover, the rotor housing cover being disposed on the rotor housing (1) for opening and closing the rotor housing (1), wherein - Before the rotor housing (1) is opened and / or when the spinning rotor (2) is braked, a sealed gas flow formed as a compressed air flow is guided to the area of ​​the rotor housing (1) at the rear (4) of the spinning rotor (2) in order to prevent fiber material and / or fiber loops from entering the rear of the spinning rotor (2).

12. The method for preventing fiber accumulation in the rotor housing (1) of a spinning apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, During the spinning process of producing yarn from fibrous material through the spinning rotor (2), the sealing gas flow is deactivated and activated at a predetermined time between 1s and 5s before the rotor housing (1) is opened.

13. The method for preventing fiber accumulation in the rotor housing (1) of a spinning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, During the spinning process of producing yarn from fibrous material by means of the spinning rotor (2), the sealing gas flow is deactivated, and when the spinning rotor (2) is braked, the sealing gas flow is activated according to the rotor speed when the rotor speed drops below 20,000 l / min.

14. The method for preventing fiber accumulation in the rotor housing (1) of a spinning apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The sealing gas flow is stopped during a predetermined time between 1s and 5s after the rotor housing (1) has been opened.

15. The method for preventing fiber accumulation in the rotor housing (1) of a spinning apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The sealing gas flow is activated before the vacuum applied to the spinning operation within the rotor housing (1) is shut off.

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