Method for automatic spinning-in of sliver entering drafting mechanism and drafting mechanism for drafting carded sliver

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a drawing-in mechanism for automatically spinning-in individual combed slivers in the drawing-in mechanism before being looped in a can, the slivers being generated in a carding machine (K) and entering the drawing-in mechanism (1) without interruption, the drawing-in mechanism being arranged on the upper side of a can changer (W) associated with the carding machine (K), the method has the following steps: operating the carding machine (K) at a speed of the output sliver (FB) of 10 m / min to 100 m / min (or the speed of the cylinder); detecting the output sliver (FB) at the outlet of the carding machine (K) by means of a sensor, and activating the drafting mechanism (1) by means of a control device of the carding machine; manually putting the sliver (FB) into a first funnel (5) at the upper part of the drafting mechanism (1) by an operator; detecting the starting end of the sliver (FB) by means of an inlet measuring roller pair (6a, 6b) and generating a suction at a second funnel (14) arranged subsequently in the material flow direction by means of the introduction of compressed air; capturing the sliver (FB) by means of a first drafting roller pair (7, 8) and transferring it to a second drafting roller pair (9, 10) arranged vertically below it; the sliver (FB) is sucked in through a second funnel (14) and is pulled into a coiling tube (40) of a rotating can turntable (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for automatically spinning out a fiber sliver entering a drafting mechanism, and to a drafting mechanism for drafting a single carded fiber sliver before it is wound into a can, wherein the fiber sliver is generated in a carding machine and enters the drafting mechanism continuously, which is arranged on the upper side of a can changer associated with the carding machine. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, it is known in the field of textile technology to place the carded fiber slivers in cans. For this purpose, a drafting mechanism can be arranged between the carding machine and the coiler, which significantly saves space and reduces investment costs for subsequent processes. In addition, there is no need to control a drafting device arranged separately behind the coiler of the carding machine, and the time-consuming process of transporting the cans is eliminated. The entire production line from the carding machine to the air-spinning machine or rotor spinning machine has one less drafting link. This so-called "integrated drafting device" can be arranged in the carding machine housing (horizontally arranged in the direction of material flow) or above the coiler (vertically arranged in the direction of material flow). The integrated drafting device arranged above the coiler has the following advantages: the carding machine output can be reduced when changing cans, and the storage device arranged between the carding machine and the integrated drafting device can compensate for the speed drop of the fiber sliver.

[0003] These integrated drafting devices can be controlled or uncontrolled. Unlike the known drafting devices that draft and combine multiple fiber slivers, only a single incoming fiber sliver is processed in such integrated drafting devices. They usually have a two-zone drafting mechanism consisting of a 3-up 3-down or 3-up 4-down roller arrangement with a limited drafting zone width. Therefore, the applicability to specific fiber lengths is limited, because especially when processing short fibers (<20 mm), the textile properties of the subsequently manufactured yarn are insufficient with only one fiber sliver. Especially when processing recycled textiles, the proportion of short fibers in the fiber mixture increases, which makes the processing more complicated.

[0004] Threading the fiber sliver from the carding machine into the drafting mechanism is currently very time-consuming and error-prone, requiring extensive operator experience. According to the prior art, this involves introducing the fiber sliver from the carding machine, which is running at a low speed, into the drafting mechanism. The drafting mechanism housing must be opened and the fiber sliver manually inserted until it is caught by the rotating first drafting roller pair. Only after the fiber sliver has been correctly introduced into the coiling tube can the housing be closed, allowing the carding machine to increase the speed of supplying the fiber sliver to be produced. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to simplify and automate the threading into the drafting arrangement.

[0006] The invention achieves the stated object by a method having the features of claim 1 and a drafting arrangement having the features of claim 8. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for automatically spinning up individually combed fiber slivers in a drafting mechanism before they are coiled in cans, wherein the fiber slivers are generated in a carding machine and continuously enter the drafting mechanism, which is arranged on the upper side of a can changer (W) associated with the carding machine. During the spinning-up, the carding machine operates at a lower feed speed, so that the fiber slivers are output from the carding machine at a feed speed of 10 m / min to 100 m / min. At the carding machine outlet, a sensor detects the output fiber sliver and transmits a signal to the control device of the carding machine. The control device of the carding machine starts the drafting mechanism, and the operator places the fiber sliver output by the carding machine into a first funnel at the top of the drafting mechanism.

[0008] The starting point of the fiber sliver is then detected by the pair of inlet metering rollers. Upon detecting the fiber sliver, the sensors of the pair transmit a signal to the carding machine's control unit, which initiates the flow of compressed air into a second hopper located at the lower end of the drafting mechanism and positioned downstream in the direction of material flow. This creates suction within the drafting mechanism.

[0009] The starting end of the fiber band is captured by the first drafting roller pair and transferred to the second drafting roller pair arranged vertically below it. The fiber strip is pulled from the second drafting roller pair into the second funnel by suction and guided by the outlet metering roller arranged behind it into the coiler tube of the rotating can carousel.

[0010] Compared to the prior art, the operator can place the starting end of the fiber strip into the closed housing, where it is then automatically threaded or pulled through all the components of the drafting mechanism. This eliminates the need for the laborious threading of the fiber strip through open drafting rollers. This method reduces errors during threading of the fiber strip and enables automatic and faster threading. The continuous feed from the carding machine to the drafting mechanism means that temporary storage in the can is eliminated. In other words, the fiber strip exiting the carding machine is placed in the drafting mechanism with or without a temporary storage device.

[0011] Preferably, the fiber strip can be guided into the upper wedge-shaped region of the second drafting roller pair by a pressure bar arranged between the drafting roller pairs. The pressure bar is tilted in its longitudinal direction from the horizontal to the vertical by an angle (α) of 40° to 60° (preferably 50° to 55°). This facilitates automatic spinning-in, as the fiber strip from the first drafting roller pair strikes the inclined upper side of the pressure bar and is thereby guided along the convex profile to the second drafting roller pair. This advantage is at least realized when the drafting roller pairs are arranged with a horizontal offset.

[0012] Since the fiber sliver is drawn into the coiler tube via the exit metering roller pair, a separate drafting roller pair and a separate measuring system can be omitted, which reduces the overall height of the drafting mechanism. The exit metering roller pair and the associated control system of the carding machine make the drafting mechanism adjustable, as the deviation in grammage of the fiber sliver between the entry and exit metering roller pairs can be detected and the drafting amount of the drafting mechanism adjusted accordingly.

[0013] If the automatic spinning-in process goes smoothly, the carding machine can be accelerated to operating speed. To this end, the pair of metering rollers at the exit can have a sensor. Upon detecting the fiber sliver, the sensor's signal is transmitted to the carding machine control unit, allowing the carding machine to be accelerated to operating speed. This sensor can also be placed at another location at the drafting mechanism exit to monitor whether the fiber sliver enters the coiling tube of the rotating can carousel without sliver jams or sliver breaks.

[0014] The drafting mechanism can be stopped if the sensor of the outlet metering roller pair does not send a signal to the carding machine control unit within a predetermined time difference after the fiber sliver is detected by the inlet metering roller pair. This time difference can be from one to five seconds, depending on the sliver weight, the carding machine feed speed and the drafting amount.

[0015] Furthermore, the operation of the drafting mechanism can be stopped by the control device of the carding machine when a sensor arranged in front of the coiling tube or detecting the coiling tube detects a sliver jam or a sliver breakage of the fiber sliver.

[0016] During can changes, compressed air can be introduced into the second hopper for a predetermined period of time before, during, and after a thin spot in the fiber sliver forms. The predetermined period can be entered into the carding machine's control unit. This prevents the beginning of the fiber sliver from accumulating in the drafting mechanism after a fiber sliver breakage.

[0017] The drafting mechanism according to the present invention is designed for drafting a single, carded fiber sliver, wherein the fiber sliver is generated in the carding machine and continuously fed into the drafting mechanism. The drafting mechanism is arranged above the can changer associated with the carding machine. The drafting mechanism comprises an upper first hopper, followed in the material flow direction by an inlet metering roller pair with sensors, and a vertically arranged 2-up, 2-down drafting mechanism comprising an upper first drafting roller pair and a lower second drafting roller pair. Below the second drafting roller pair, arranged in the material flow direction, is a second hopper designed to generate suction within the drafting mechanism by introducing compressed air. Further below the second hopper is a roller pair designed to draw the fiber sliver into the coiling tube of the can carousel. The vertical arrangement of the drafting mechanism components, together with the suction within the drafting mechanism, enables automatic spinning-in even when the housing is closed. Compared to the prior art, the operator can place the starting end of the fiber sliver into the closed housing, where it is automatically threaded or drawn through all components of the drafting mechanism. Therefore, there is no need for the complex threading of the fiber strip through the open drafting rollers.

[0018] The second drafting roller pair can be arranged horizontally offset relative to the first drafting roller pair. To transfer the fiber sliver from the clamping point of the upper drafting roller pair to the clamping point of the lower drafting roller pair, a pressure bar can be arranged below the first drafting roller pair so that the fiber sliver is guided vertically from the convex surface of the pressure bar to the upper wedge-shaped area of the second drafting roller pair. This arrangement of the pressure bar and the horizontally offset drafting roller pair not only facilitates automated threading but also enables better processing of short fibers (e.g., from recycled textiles).

[0019] Since the roller pair used to draw the fiber sliver into the coiler tube can be configured as an outlet metering roller pair, this reduces the overall height of the drafting arrangement and allows it to be combined with the inlet metering roller pair to function as an adjustable drafting arrangement. To this end, the outlet metering roller pair can include a sensor whose signal is transmitted to the card control. Using this sensor signal, the card control can register the automatic spinning-in process as "successfully completed," thereby automatically increasing the card feed rate.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor can monitor sliver breakage or sliver jamming at the coiling tube inlet. Thus, in the event of sliver breakage or sliver jamming, the operation of the drafting mechanism can be stopped by the control device of the carding machine and the operating speed of the carding machine can be reduced.

[0021] The drafting mechanism is preferably designed as an adjustable drafting mechanism. The inlet and outlet metering rollers regulate and monitor the sliver weight after drafting and can also be configured to detect malfunctions, sliver breaks, or sliver jams during automatic spinning-in. To adjust the sliver weight, the upper and lower drafting roller pairs can be driven independently. The drive can be designed as a servo drive, eliminating the need to change gears when varying the drafting zone width or draft amount depending on the fiber being processed.

[0022] The sliver accumulator between the drafting arrangement and the card has no influence on the automatic spinning-in. It only functions when changing cans. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further measures for improving the invention are explained in detail below in conjunction with the description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the drawings.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] Figure 1 A carding machine with a subsequent coiler and an integrated drafting device is shown;

[0026] Figure 2a 、 Figure 2b showing perspective views of the housing with and without closing;

[0027] Figure 3 A front view showing the main components of the drafting device according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b Two views showing a drafting roller pair with a pressure bar having different drafting zone widths;

[0029] Figure 5 A first perspective view showing the support structure of the drafting roller pair;

[0030] Figure 6 Shows a top view of the drafting mechanism with the upper roller in the unlocked position;

[0031] Figure 7 A second perspective view showing the support structure of the drafting roller pair with the upper roller removed;

[0032] Figure 8 Shows a rear view of the drafting arrangement with the drive assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figure 1A carding machine K is shown, in which the produced fiber strip FB is guided to the drafting mechanism 1 via a plurality of deflection wheels R. The drafting mechanism 1 is arranged on the upper side of the can changer W and is integrated with it, so it is a component of the carding machine K. In this embodiment, a storage S for the fiber strip FB is arranged between the carding machine K and the drafting mechanism 1, which is designed to at least partially compensate for the difference in the supply speed of the fiber strip FB between the carding machine K and the drafting mechanism 1. The use or arrangement of the storage S is not important for the present invention. In order to better understand the subsequent arrangement of the various components, a Cartesian coordinate system is used here, in which the z direction is the vertical direction, in which the fiber strip FB enters the drafting mechanism 1. The y direction corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the drafting roller in the subsequent figures, and the x direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drafting roller. The key to the present invention is that the single fiber strip FB enters the drafting mechanism 1 vertically (z direction) by means of gravity.

[0034] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The cover 2 of the drafting arrangement 1 according to the present invention is shown closed and opened. It has horizontally openable flaps 2a, 2b on the front, allowing access to the drafting mechanism for maintenance work. The flaps 2a, 2b are pivotally fastened to the cover 2 by hinges. Also located on the cover 2 is a cover 3 that can be pivoted upward and has an opening 3a. The cover 3 is integrated into the flaps 2a, 2b, so that the flaps 2a, 2b have recesses that correspond to the contour of the cover 3. A deflecting wheel R is arranged on the cover 3, which deflects the fiber strip FB and guides it into the opening 3a of the cover 3 and into the first funnel 5 above. A pipe 37 is arranged on the upper side of the cover 2, to which a line for the exhaust air from the spinning preparation process can be connected. Dust and unprocessed fiber material can be removed via the pipe 37. The drafting arrangement 1 is arranged on the upper side of the can changer W, with a recessed storage area A located on this upper side. The storage area A is designed to store the upper rollers 7 and 8 of the drafting mechanism 1 during maintenance or cleaning. Unlike the prior art, no fiber-guiding or fiber-processing components are located on the inside of the wings 2a and 2b. A magnetic lock detectable by a sensor allows the cover 3 and the wings 2a and 2b to completely close the cover 2 (except for the opening 3a). This means that if the cover 2 is opened during operation, the card control system stops the drafting mechanism 1.

[0035] Figure 3A first front view of the open drafting mechanism 1 is shown, with the cover 2 and the cover plate 3 removed. Only the front part of the upper drive housing 4a is visible, which, according to the other figures, extends further behind the arrangement of rollers and funnels, not shown here. The fiber sliver FB, not shown here, enters the first funnel 5 vertically (Z direction) and is detected by the pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b. The funnel 5 is designed to be pivotable upward in the vertical direction (Z direction) away from the pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b to allow cleaning of the subsequent pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b or to eliminate incorrect spinning-in. The subsequent pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b is designed to detect deviations of the fiber sliver FB from a preset sliver weight and to transmit the measured values to a control device (not shown) and to display them on a display, which can be, for example, the control device of the carding machine K. For this purpose, one inlet metering roller 6b is rotatably supported in a fixed position, while the second inlet metering roller 6a is movably supported relative to the first inlet metering roller 6b. The movement of the second entry metering roller 6a can be detected, for example, using a moving coil sensor (Tauchspule) or other sensor, and the displacement change can be converted into a weight deviation. Not further shown, scraper-type roller cleaners can be arranged on both sides of the entry metering roller pair 6a, 6b to clean the surface of the entry metering rollers 6a, 6b. The entry metering roller pair 6a, 6b can be designed as grooved / sensor rollers or stepped rollers, or can include two smooth rollers. A scraper 16 or other guiding element can be arranged below the metering roller 6b on the left side of this view to separate the fiber strip FB from the entry metering roller pair 6a, 6b and guide it into the first drafting roller pair 7, 8. The lever 36a can release the pressure load on the movable entry metering roller 6a, which is not shown, thereby allowing it to move away from the fixed entry metering roller 6b. This makes maintenance and cleaning of the entry metering roller pair 6a, 6b and the upper drafting roller pair 7, 8 arranged below them easier. The lever 36a is shown in the locked position for the movable entry metering roller 6a.

[0036] The fiber strip FB continues to run vertically downward until it is caught by the first lower roller 7 and the first upper roller 8. These two rollers 7 and 8 form a first drafting roller pair. With a slight deviation against the x-direction, the fiber strip FB comes into contact with the pressure bar 13, is guided through the pressure bar and reaches the second drafting roller pair formed by the second lower roller 9 and the second upper roller 10. Thus, the drafting mechanism 1 according to the present invention is constructed as a vertically arranged 2-up 2-down drafting mechanism (single-zone drafting mechanism) with two lower rollers 7 and 9 and two upper rollers 8 and 10. Although the drafting roller pairs are arranged perpendicular to each other, they can still be compared here to conventional drafting mechanisms with a horizontal material flow direction of the fiber strip having upper and lower rollers, because the lower roller has a metal groove surface and the upper roller is covered with a plastic or rubber sleeve. Due to the different rotational speeds, the fiber strip FB is longitudinally drafted by the first and second drafting roller pairs and introduced into the second funnel 14. Furthermore, the first and second cylinders 11 a , 12 a can be seen, with which the upper rollers 8 , 10 are pressed at one end against the lower rollers 7 , 9 by means of the pistons of the cylinders 11 a , 12 a , counter to the x-direction.

[0037] The funnel 14 is designed as a spinning-in aid and has swirl nozzles along its inner opening, through which compressed air flows. This creates suction at the funnel opening, drawing the fiber sliver FB into the funnel and guiding it to the pair of exit metering rollers 15a and 15b. These exit metering rollers 15a and 15b are also designed to detect deviations in the sliver weight from a preset value. A fixed first exit metering roller 15a cooperates with a movably supported second exit metering roller 15b. Changes in the distance between these rollers and the fixed first exit metering roller 15a are converted into sliver weight deviation values by a sensor (not shown) (e.g., located in the carding machine control). These values are also transmitted to a control unit (e.g., the carding machine control unit), which compares them with the values of the entry metering roller pair 6a and 6b and displays them on a screen. The exit metering roller pair 15a and 15b can be configured as a smooth roller pair, a grooved / detection roller pair, or a stepped roller pair. Not further indicated, scraper-type roller cleaners can be arranged on both sides of the outlet measuring roller pair 15a, 15b to clean the surfaces of the measuring rollers. The pressure load on the movable outlet measuring roller 15a (not shown) can be relieved by lever 36b, thereby allowing it to move away from the stationary outlet measuring roller 15b. This makes maintenance and cleaning of the outlet measuring roller pair 15a, 15b and the coiler tube 40 arranged thereunder easier. Figures 5 to 7 , the lever 36b is shown in the locked position with respect to the movable outlet metering roller 15a, Figure 8 In the middle, it is shown in the release position for the movable outlet metering roller 15a.

[0038] After the pair of outlet metering rollers 15a, 15b, the drafted fiber sliver FB is wound, for example, cycloid-wise, into a can (not shown) via a known coiler tube 40 that is twisted by a can carousel 41. A sensor 17 is arranged between the pair of outlet metering rollers 15a, 15b and the coiler tube 40. The sensor is designed to monitor the inlet or opening of the coiler tube 40 for possible sliver obstruction.

[0039] The signals from the inlet measuring roller pair 6a, 6b and the outlet measuring roller pair 15a, 15b can be processed in the control unit of the carding machine K or the control unit of the spinning preparation system. When the automatic spinning-in process is proceeding smoothly, the control unit can output a signal. Consequently, both measuring roller pairs 6a, 6b; 15a, 15b generate stable signals regarding the sliver weight. If, after automatic spinning-in, only the inlet measuring roller pair 6a, 6b displays a stable signal, while the outlet measuring roller pair 15a, 15b displays no signal or a significant change in signal, this indicates a break in the fiber sliver FB.

[0040] To introduce the fiber strip FB into the drafting mechanism 1, the carding machine K operates at a low feed or operating speed. For example, the speed of the discharged fiber strip can be between 10 m / min and 100 m / min. Preferably, the carding machine speed is between 10 m / min and 50 m / min. The carded fiber web is transferred from the carding machine's doffer, for example, to a subsequent transverse conveyor belt or detaching rollers and introduced into an integrated hopper. Subsequent measuring rollers at the carding machine outlet detect the sliver weight of the formed fiber strip FB or any deviation from a reference value and process the relevant signals in the carding machine control. Using the detected sliver weight, the carding machine K control automatically activates the drafting mechanism 1 by driving the inlet measuring rollers 6a, 6b, the drafting roller pairs 7, 8; 9, 10, and the outlet measuring roller pair 15a, 15b. The drafting mechanism 1 is locked, meaning that the pneumatic load on the upper rollers 8, 10 is activated. Simultaneously, the can carousel 41 of the can changer W is set into rotation by the drive 30. The operator manually removes the fiber sliver FB from the carding machine K and, with the cover 2 closed, introduces it through the opening 3a into the first hopper 5 at the top of the drafting mechanism 1. The starting end of the fiber sliver FB is detected by the pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b and drawn into the drafting mechanism 1. Upon detection by the pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b, a signal is transmitted via associated sensors to the control unit of the carding machine K, which generates compressed air at the second hopper 14 to create suction. This suction assists the threading of the fiber sliver FB, where it is captured and drawn in by the first pair of drafting rollers 7, 8. Due to the horizontal offset of the drafting roller pairs 7, 8; 9, 10, the fiber sliver FB strikes the side of the pressure bar 13 and is guided to the upper wedge-shaped area of the second pair of drafting rollers 9, 10, where it is captured and drawn into the second hopper 14 by suction. The rotational movement of the drafting roller pairs 7, 8; 9, 10 also generates an air flow within the drafting mechanism 1, which facilitates automatic threading. The fiber sliver FB can then be captured by the exit metering roller pair 15a, 15b and guided into the coiler tube 40, where it reaches the already rotating can carousel 41. As the exit metering roller pair 15a, 15b detects the fiber sliver, the associated sensors transmit a signal to the control unit of the carding machine K. This control unit recognizes that the fiber sliver has been threaded successfully and stops the compressed air supply at the second funnel 14. Simultaneously, the carding machine's feed speed is increased to the operating speed required for the fiber quality, without operator intervention. The speeds of the drafting device 1 and can changer W are also adapted to the carding machine's production or feed speed.

[0041] If the automatic threading is not successful (for example, due to a sliver break or sliver jam), this can be recognized as follows: either no fiber sliver enters the can through the coiling tube 40, or the outlet metering roller pair 15a, 15b does not send a signal to the control device of the carding machine K. After the sensors of the inlet metering roller pair 6a, 6b detect the fiber sliver, if the outlet metering roller pair 15a, 15b does not send a signal to the control device of the carding machine within, for example, 1 to 5 seconds, the control device of the carding machine will shut down the drafting mechanism 1. Alternatively, the sensor 17 can send a signal to the control device of the carding machine to interrupt the automatic threading process when the sliver is jammed or the sliver is broken. The drafting mechanism 1 and the can changer W will stop, while at the same time, the carding machine K continues to run at a low supply speed or operating speed. That is, the fiber sliver is still slowly but continuously discharged from the carding machine. The drafting mechanism 1 is unlocked, wherein the pressure load on the upper rollers 8, 10 is released. The cover 2 of the drafting mechanism 1 is opened and the residual fiber sliver can be removed. As the cover 2 of the drafting mechanism 1 is closed, it is locked, i.e., pressure is applied to the upper rollers 8 and 10. Simultaneously, the drives 21 and 30 activate the inlet metering rollers 6a and 6b, the drafting roller pairs 7, 8; 9, 10, and the outlet metering roller pair 15a and 15b. The fiber sliver FB from the card K can be reintroduced into the upper hopper 5, and the automatic spinning-in process is restarted.

[0042] During a can change, which is also initiated by the carding machine K control, compressed air can be introduced into the second hopper 14 to create suction before a thin spot forms in the fiber sliver FB. After the fiber sliver FB breaks at the thin spot, compressed air continues to be generated until the fiber sliver FB is at least once again detected by the pair of outlet metering rollers 15a, 15b. The timing of the compressed air injection into the second hopper 14 before and after the thin spot forms in the fiber sliver FB can be set in the carding machine control. Alternatively, a separating roller can be used instead of the outlet metering rollers 15a, 15b to guide the fiber sliver into the coiler tube 40.

[0043] Figure 4a and Figure 4bThe arrangement of the drafting rollers 7, 8, 9, 10 relative to one another in combination with the pressure rod 13 is shown. The drafting zone between the clamping points P1 and P2 is offset by a distance V relative to the vertical direction in the x-direction. The value of V can be between 5 mm and 12 mm. In the first drafting roller pair 7, 8, the first upper roller 8 is arranged below the first lower roller 7 in the z-direction with an offset in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second upper roller 10 is arranged below the second lower roller 9 in the z-direction with an offset in the vertical direction. Due to the upper and lower offset V of the drafting rollers 7, 8; 9, 10, the pressure rod 13 is arranged between the first and second upper rollers 8, 10, so that the fiber strip FB is deflected to the second clamping point P2 by the pressure rod 13. The pressure rod 13 is arranged in a fixed position spaced apart from the first drafting roller pair 7, 8 and is formed by a rectangular or square base body, the outer surface of which is provided with a convex profile. The convex profile can be constructed as a semicircle or a circular arc segment with a continuous radius. By means of the pressure rod 13, the clamping line distance can be changed from L1 (35 mm) to Figure 4a ) increased to 75mm L2( Figure 4b ). The pressure bar 13 is inclined in its longitudinal direction from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction at an angle α, which can be between 40° and 60°, preferably between 50° and 55°. The center line of the pressure bar 13 can intersect with the center point of the first upper roller 8 here. The convex surface of the pressure bar 13 contacts the fiber strip FB and guides the fiber, which is shown as being inclined downward along the z direction. Preferably, the pressure bar 13 is arranged so that the fiber strip FB hits the upward and inclined side surface of the pressure bar 13 from the clamping point P1 between the first drafting roller pair 7, 8, and is vertically guided to the second clamping point P2 by the convex surface of the pressure bar 13. The convex surface of the pressure bar 13 is therefore tangent to the vertical line passing through the second clamping point P2 of the second drafting roller pair 9, 10. The pressure bar is arranged at an angle α not far behind the first drafting roller pair 7, 8, which is conducive to the automatic introduction of the fiber strip FB into the drafting mechanism 1. The convex surface of the pressure rod 13 is arranged tangentially to the vertical line passing through the second clamping point P2, which is offset by a value V relative to the first clamping point P1 in the x direction, which is conducive to guiding short fibers, which can be stretched within the range of the clamping line distance L1 = 35 to L2 = 75 mm (inclusive).

[0044] The improvements in textile technology are particularly evident in recycled fiber mixes with a high proportion of short fibers. Thanks to the fiber guidance of the pressure rods, these improvements are measurable right up to the yarn stage. Yarn tenacity has increased by up to 8%, while the IPI value (total IPI) has been reduced by 10 to 20%.

[0045] Since the first drafting rollers 7 and 8 are supported together with the pressure bar 13 on / in the upper drive housing 4a, which is separate from the lower drive housing 4b of the second drafting rollers 9 and 10, the clamping line distances L1 and L2 can be changed using a simple adjustment device without having to decouple and remove the drafting rollers 7 and 8 from the drive. The distance between the pressure bar 13 and the first drafting rollers 7 and 8 remains unchanged.

[0046] Figure 5 The drafting mechanism 1 is shown in a perspective view without the cover 2. A first drive 21 is located on the upper drive housing 4a, driving the pair of inlet metering rollers 6a, 6b and the first lower roller 7. The pivotable arrangement of the first funnel 5 in the z-direction can also be seen. Also located on the upper drive housing 4a is an upper support 22a, on which an upper counter bearing 19a with a first cylinder 11b is arranged orthogonally. The upper counter bearing 19a and the first cylinder 11b are configured to lock the first end of the first upper roller 8 in the upper bearing seat 18a. The second end of the first upper roller 8 is supported within the upper drive housing 4a. The upper bearing seat 18a, slightly obscured behind the upper counter bearing 19a, supports the first lower roller 7 and the first end of the first upper roller 8. The second end of the first lower roller 7 is also supported within the upper drive housing 4a. The first lower roller 7 is fixedly supported at its second end on / in the upper drive housing 4a. The other first end of the first lower roller 7 is also fixedly supported on the upper bearing seat 18a. The upper bearing seat 18a extends parallel to the upper drive housing 4a and is connected to it via the upper mating bearing 19a. The first upper roller 8 is supported in a manner that it can move toward the first lower roller 7 in the x direction. Figure 7 Elaborated in detail.

[0047] Not shown is the lower bearing block 18b, which is also arranged parallel to the lower drive housing 4b and connected thereto via the lower support element 22b. The second lower roller 9 and the second upper roller 10 are each supported on the lower bearing block 18b, with their first ends fixed in position and movable in the x-direction toward the second lower roller 9. The second lower roller 9 and the second upper roller 10 are each supported in the lower drive housing 4b, with their second ends fixed in position and movable in the x-direction toward the second lower roller 9. The second cylinder 12b is arranged on the lower mating bearing 19b. The lower mating bearing 19b and the second cylinder 12b are configured to lock the support of the first end of the second upper roller 10 in the lower bearing block 18b.

[0048] The lower drive housing 4b houses the second lower roller 9, the second upper roller 10, the pair of outlet metering rollers 15a, 15b, and a second hopper 14 arranged above them. The second hopper 14 is pivotably mounted horizontally on a swivel bearing 14b via a lever 14a. The lever 14a supplies compressed air, which creates a suction effect through a swirl nozzle (not shown). The pivotability of the second hopper 14 improves cleaning of the drafting mechanism 1.

[0049] Likewise, a lower support 22b is arranged on the lower drive housing 4b. This support houses the lower bearing seat 18b (shown obscured) for the second upper and lower rollers 9 and 10, as well as the lower counter bearing 19b for the second upper roller 10. The separation of the drive housings 4a and 4b, and the separate arrangement and support of the first and second drafting roller pairs 7, 8; 9, 10, allow the distance between the upper drive housing 4a and the lower drive housing 4b to be adjusted using an adjustment element 23 (obscured). To this end, the upper drive housing 4a is fastened to lateral, vertical guides, allowing it to be displaced in the vertical direction (z-axis). This displacement allows the clamping line distances L1 and L2 between the drafting roller pairs to be adjusted, allowing the drafting arrangement 1 to be adjusted with minimal effort when fiber quality varies. Lateral guide plates 24, with integrated dovetail grooves or linear guides, for example, correspond to the outer surface of the upper drive housing 4a. The adjustment element 23 can be designed, for example, as a threaded spindle or an electric drive.

[0050] The first and second lower rollers 7, 9 are fixedly and rotatably supported in the upper or lower drive housing 4a, 4b in their respective second end positions. The drive element acts on the back of the drive housing 4a, 4b, which is explained by Figure 8 Explanation. The first and second lower rollers 7, 9 are each supported in a fixed and rotatable manner at their first ends in bearing seats 18a, 18b, which are in turn fastened to associated support members 22a, 22b. The first and second upper rollers 8, 10 are also supported in the upper or lower drive housing 4a, 4b with their second ends movably and rotatably in the x-direction. The first ends of the first and second upper rollers 8, 10 are also supported in the bearing seats 18a, 18b movably and rotatably in the x-direction. The first and second upper rollers 8, 10 are each provided with a mating bearing 19a, 19b with an integrated cylinder 11b, 12b, wherein the mating bearings 19a, 19b are in turn arranged and fastened to the support members 22a, 22b. The pistons of the cylinders 11b, 12b act in the x-direction, i.e. in conjunction with Figure 3The forces of the cylinder pistons 11a and 12a in the bearings 19a and 19b are directed in opposite directions. Each mating bearing 19a and 19b has a rocker arm 20a and 20b, with the piston rods of the corresponding cylinders 11b and 12b pressing against the first end of each rocker arm. Rocker arms 20a and 20b not only secure the top rollers 8 and 10 in the bearing seats 18a and 18b, but also adjust the load pressure between the drafting roller pairs 7 and 8; 9 and 10. Figure 5 The rocker arms 20a, 20b are shown in a position in which no load pressure is applied to the upper rollers 8, 10, and the upper rollers can be removed from the bearings. The longitudinally opposite arrangement of the cylinders 11b, 12b relative to the cylinders 11a, 12a leaves a free space at the front of the drafting mechanism 1, which facilitates the assembly / disassembly of the upper rollers 8, 10 and the cleaning and elimination of sliver jams or sliver breaks.

[0051] As is known in the prior art, the lower rollers 7 and 9 are driven. The upper rollers 8 and 10 are driven directly at their second ends by cylinders 11a and 12a. At their respective first ends, they are indirectly pressed against the lower rollers 7 and 9 by rocker arms 20a and 20b via cylinders 11b and 12b, and driven by friction. Rocker arms 20a and 20b thus deflect the force of cylinders 11b and 12b by 180° from the x-direction to the opposite x-direction. The lower rollers 7 and 9 have conventional grooved metal surfaces, while the upper rollers 8 and 10 have rubber or plastic sleeves.

[0052] Figure 6 The released upper rollers 8 and 10 are shown in a top view, with only the first upper roller 8 and its upper components fully visible. The lower and upper rollers 7, 9; 8, 10 are identical to the prior art. The upper roller 8 shown here has a steel core on which an elastic roller shell 8.1 (e.g., made of rubber or plastic) is arranged. Two roller necks 8.2 and 8.3 accommodate the upper roller 8 on both sides in bearing guides 25a. The pressure required for drafting is applied on both sides by cylinders 11a and 11b to the roller bearings 8.4 and 8.5, which are arranged between the roller necks 8.2 and 8.3 and the roller shell 8.1. To reduce wear on the roller shell 8.1, the upper rollers 8 and 10 are designed asymmetrically, so that the roller shell 8.1 protrudes beyond the mating surface of the lower rollers 7 and 9. Therefore, if the first working surface for drafting the fiber strip FB wears, the upper rollers 8 and 10 can be installed rotated 180°. The second upper roller 10 adopts the same design, although this is not shown in the figure. According to the invention, the pressure on the second roller bearing 8.5 is applied by the cylinder 11a, while the pressure on the first roller bearing 8.4 is applied by the rocker arm 20a, which deflects the force of the cylinder 11b by 180°.

[0053] The upper bearing seat 18a and the upper counter bearing 19a are arranged orthogonally on the upper support member 22a. Also visible are the first lower roller 7 and the second lower roller 9, arranged below it at an offset V against the x-direction. The pneumatic cylinder 11b acting in the x-direction is visible in the upper counter bearing 19a, in its retracted position, thereby placing the rocker arm 20a in the unloaded position. The pneumatic cylinder 11a acting against the x-direction on the second roller bearing 8.5 of the upper roller 8 is obscured. In this position, the cylinder 11a is also retracted, allowing the upper roller to be pushed out of the bearing guide in the x-direction. The same applies to the other obscured components 12a, 12b, 18b, 19b, 20b, and 22b. The first and second upper rollers 8 and 10 have been displaced in the x-direction within the bearing guides 25a and 25b (not shown) in the upper and lower drive housings 4a and 4b, thereby being spaced apart from the lower rollers 7 and 9.

[0054] Figure 7 In the perspective view, the disassembled upper rollers 8 and 10 are visible. Bearing guides 25a and 25b, arranged horizontally (in the x-direction) for the second ends of the upper rollers 8 and 10, are visible in the upper and lower drive housings 4a and 4b, respectively. The roll necks at the second ends of the upper rollers 8 and 10 engage in these bearing guides 25a and 25b. The roll necks at the first ends of the upper rollers 8 and 10 are similarly arranged, engaging in bearing guides (not shown) on the corresponding bearing blocks 18a and 18b. Cylinders 11a, 12a, 11b, and 12b press the upper rollers 8 and 10 with their sleeves against the metallic upper sides of the lower rollers 7 and 9 with a constant force. As the sleeves of the upper rollers 8 and 10 wear, they press further against the lower rollers 7 and 9, causing the roll necks to gradually approach the lower rollers 7 and 9 in the bearing guides 25a and 25b against the x-direction over time.

[0055] Figure 8 The rear view of a drafting arrangement with a drive design according to the present invention is shown. The upper drive housing 4a is completely separate from the lower drive housing 4b and can be moved along a guide plate 24 using an adjustment element 23 (not shown). This allows adjustment of the clamping line distances L1 and L2 without requiring individual adjustment of the drafting rollers 7, 8, 9, and 10. The upper drive housing 4a and the lower drive housing 4b each contain separate, independent drives that are not affected by the adjustment of the clamping line distances. Since all drive components are located on the rear side of the drafting arrangement, they are freely accessible from the front, providing ample space for maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, there is no need to disassemble or adjust the drive components. Furthermore, the bearing design of the upper rollers 7 and 9 (with the front cylinders 11b and 12b positioned opposite the rear cylinders 11a and 12b) facilitates removal of the upper rollers 7 and 9. Removing the upper rollers 7 and 9 creates ample free space for maintenance and cleaning of the remaining drafting arrangement components.

[0056] The upper drive housing 4a has a first drive 21, which drives the adjustable second entry metering roller 6b and the first lower roller 7 via a first belt 26. A second belt 28 drives the first entry metering roller 6a from the driven second entry metering roller 6b and is deflected by a deflection wheel 29. The drive directions of the first and second entry metering rollers 6a, 6b are opposite, so that the fiber sliver FB is transported vertically downward through the entry metering rollers 6a, 6b. A sensor 27 is arranged on the fixed entry metering roller 6b. This sensor is designed to determine the circularity of the roller 6b and compensate for any non-circular operation using measurement technology. This allows the measurement accuracy of the determined sliver weight deviation to be controlled. The sensor 27 can be configured, for example, as a moving coil sensor or a piezoelectric element. The first upper roller 8 is frictionally driven by the pressure of the cylinders 11a, 11b on the roller bearings 8.4, 8.5, pressing the roller shell 8.1 against the first lower roller 7. The separation of the drive into an upper drive housing 4a (with the first drafting roller pair 7, 8) and a lower drive housing 4b (with the second drafting roller pair 9, 10) allows the nip line distances L1, L2 to be adjustable, while the speed of the lower rollers 7, 9 of the drafting roller pair and the load pressure of the upper rollers 8, 10 can be controlled individually. At the same time, the driven measuring rollers 6b, 15b are decoupled from each other in terms of drive technology, thus eliminating the need for cross belts.

[0057] The lower drive housing 4b also has its own second drive 30, which is also used to drive the can carousel 41. The first belt 31 drives the second lower roller 9 and the fixed outlet metering roller 15a. The second belt 32 drives the adjustable outlet metering roller 15b from the fixed outlet metering roller 15a. The second belt 32 is deflected by the deflection wheel 34, thereby driving the two outlet metering rollers 15a and 15b in opposite directions, passing the fiber strip FB between them and transporting it into the coiler tube 40. The tensioning element 35 ensures the necessary belt tension. The third belt 33 is driven by the second drive 30 and rotates the can carousel 41. The drives 21 and 30 can be designed as servo drives, so that the drafting zone width or the drafting amount can be changed according to the fiber to be processed without changing the gears.

[0058] Reference Signs List

[0059] 1 Drafting mechanism

[0060] 2 Cover

[0061] 2a, 2b wing panels

[0062] 3 Cover

[0063] 3a Opening

[0064] 4a, 4b drive housing

[0065] 5. First Funnel

[0066] 6, 6a, 6b entrance measuring roller pair

[0067] 7 First lower roller

[0068] 8 First upper roller

[0069] 8.1 Roller cover

[0070] 8.2, 8.3 roll neck

[0071] 8.4, 8.5 roller bearings

[0072] 9 Second lower roller

[0073] 10 Second upper roller

[0074] 11a, 11b first cylinder

[0075] 12a, 12b second cylinder

[0076] 13. Pressure rod

[0077] 14 Second Funnel

[0078] 14a Leverage

[0079] 14b Rotary bearing

[0080] 15a, 15b outlet measuring roller pair

[0081] 16 scraper

[0082] 17 Sensors

[0083] 18a, 18b bearing seats

[0084] 19a, 19b matching bearings

[0085] 20a, 20b rocker arms

[0086] 21 First Drive

[0087] 22a, 22b support members

[0088] 23 Regulating elements

[0089] 24 Guide

[0090] 25a, 25b bearing guides

[0091] 26 First Belt

[0092] 27 Sensors

[0093] 28 Second Belt

[0094] 29 Steering wheel

[0095] 30 Second Drive

[0096] 31 First Belt

[0097] 32 Second Belt

[0098] 33 Third belt

[0099] 34 steering wheels

[0100] 35 tensioning element

[0101] 36a, 36b levers

[0102] 37 tubes

[0103] 40 coil tube

[0104] 41 can carousel

[0105] A Storage Area

[0106] FB fiber strips

[0107] K Carding Machine

[0108] L1, L2 clamping line distance

[0109] P1, P2 clamping points

[0110] R Steering wheel

[0111] S Storage

[0112] V offset

[0113] W can changer

[0114] x, y, z directions

[0115] α pressure rod angle

Claims

1. A method for automatically spinning up individual carded fiber slivers in a drafting arrangement before they are wound into cans, wherein: The fiber sliver is generated in a carding machine (K) and continuously fed into a drafting mechanism (1) which is arranged on the upper side of a can changer (W) associated with the carding machine (K). The method comprises the following steps: - operating the carding machine (K) at a delivery speed of the output fiber sliver (FB) of 10 m / min to 100 m / min; - detecting the output fiber strip (FB) at the carding machine (K) outlet with the aid of a sensor and activating the drafting mechanism (1) via the carding machine control device; - The operator manually places the fiber strip (FB) into the first funnel (5) at the top of the drafting mechanism (1); - detecting the starting end of the fiber strand (FB) by means of an inlet measuring roller pair (6a, 6b) and generating suction by means of compressed air at a second funnel (14) arranged downstream in the direction of the material flow; - capturing the fiber strip (FB) by a first drafting roller pair (7, 8) and transferring it to a second drafting roller pair (9, 10) arranged vertically below it; - The fiber sliver (FB) is sucked in via a second funnel (14) and drawn into the coiling tube (40) of the rotating can carousel (41).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The fiber strip (FB) is guided into the upper wedge-shaped region of the second drafting roller pair (9, 10) via a pressure bar (13) arranged between the drafting roller pairs (7, 8; 9, 10).

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The fiber sliver (FB) is drawn into the coil tube (40) via an outlet metering roller pair (15a, 15b).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The pair of outlet measuring rollers (15a, 15b) has a sensor. When the fiber strip (FB) is detected, the signal of the sensor is transmitted to the control device of the carding machine (K), thereby accelerating the carding machine (K) to the operating speed.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that When the sensor of the outlet measuring roller pair (15a, 15b) does not send a signal to the control device of the carding machine (K) according to a predetermined time difference after the fiber strip (FB) is detected by the inlet measuring roller pair (6a, 6b), the operation of the drafting mechanism (1) is stopped.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When the sensor (17) in front of the coil tube (40) detects a sliver blockage or sliver breakage of the fiber sliver (FB), the operation of the drafting mechanism (1) is stopped by the control device of the carding machine (K).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that During can change, compressed air is introduced at the second funnel (14) for a predetermined time before, during and after the thin spots in the fiber strip (FB) are produced, wherein the predetermined time can be entered into the control device of the carding machine (K).

8. A drafting mechanism for drafting a single carded fiber strip (FB), wherein: The fiber strip is generated in a carding machine (K) and enters a drafting mechanism (1) without interruption. The drafting mechanism is arranged on the upper side of a can changer (W) associated with the carding machine (K). The drafting mechanism has an upper first funnel (5), a subsequent inlet measuring roller pair (6a, 6b) with sensors in the material flow direction, and a subsequent vertically arranged 2-upper-2-lower drafting mechanism in the material flow direction, including an upper first drafting roller pair (7, 8) and a lower second drafting roller pair (9, 10), and a subsequent second funnel (14) in the material flow direction, the second funnel being configured to generate suction inside the drafting mechanism (1) by introducing compressed air, and subsequently having a roller pair configured to pull the fiber strip (FB) into the coil tube (40) of the can turntable (41).

9. The drafting mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second drafting roller pair (9, 10) is arranged with a horizontal offset (V) relative to the first drafting roller pair (7, 8), and a pressure rod (13) is arranged below the first drafting roller pair (7, 8), so that the fiber strip (FB) is vertically guided by the convex surface of the pressure rod (13) to the upper wedge area of the second drafting roller pair (9, 10).

10. The drafting mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: The roller pair for drawing the fiber sliver (FB) into the coil tube (40) is designed as an outlet measuring roller pair (15a, 15b).

11. The drafting mechanism according to claim 10, characterized in that: The pair of outlet measuring rollers (15a, 15b) has a sensor, the signal of which is transmitted to the control device of the carding machine (K).

12. The drafting mechanism according to claim 8, characterized in that: A sensor (17) monitors the fiber sliver (FB) at the inlet of the sliver coiling tube (40) for sliver breakage or sliver blockage.

Images