Device and method for monitoring the production of a knitting machine

Abstract

Device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine (1), with yarn feeding devices of one or more delivery types for one or more yarn qualities, with one or more sensor devices each for determining a delivery variable which is a yarn length (LA , LB , LC , LD) delivered within a time interval Δ T by at least one yarn feeding device or from which this can be determined, with, if necessary, one or more evaluation devices for determining the delivered yarn length (LA, LB, LC, LD) from the delivery size, with a monitoring device (13) with a control unit (60) for providing the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) and / or production quantities determined from the delivered yarn length and, if necessary, for controlling the knitting machine (1), and with communication links (14) to which the sensor devices, if applicable the evaluation devices, and the monitoring device are connected, and via which the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) can be transmitted to the monitoring device, if applicable, and the delivery quantities to the evaluation devices, characterized in that the device has positive thread feeding devices (4a, 4b) and the control unit (60) is designed to send a signal (T) for synchronization to the corresponding sensor devices and, if applicable, to the evaluation devices, wherein the time elapsed between two signals (T) forms the time interval (Δ T), and wherein the control unit (60) is designed to send a signal (R) sent by a positive yarn feed device (4a, 4b) or by a separate measuring device (MRT) which is connected to a drive of the positive yarn feed devices (4a, 4b) per revolution of a yarn feed wheel (40) or a pulley (42, 57b) or a measuring wheel (51) as a clock signal (T).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding method according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] In knitting technology, monitoring of ongoing production is often desired. For this purpose, EP 0 752 631 B1 discloses monitoring the feed of a plurality of threads into a textile machine. Sensor devices are provided to detect the feed status of the threads as they are fed into the machine, in particular the movement or stopping, tension, and speed of the threads. The sensor devices are connected to a control unit, which controls the operation of the machine based on the sensor signals. The control unit is connected to the sensor devices via at least one communication conductor.

[0003] The control unit individually queries the sensor devices for data regarding the thread feed status based on a periodic reference signal that is a function of the operating position of the textile machine. The control unit uses the data from the sensor devices to control the operation of the textile machine. It interrupts the operation of the textile machine if a discrepancy occurs between the data received from at least one sensor device and the corresponding stored data.

[0004] A production monitoring / adjustment device and a corresponding method for a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine, are described in EP 1 370 720 B1. The device comprises a plurality of knitting systems, a plurality of feeders, and a computerized unit, wherein the feeders are connected to the computerized unit.

[0005] During operation, yarn is fed to the active knitting systems by several non-positive feeders according to at least two different yarn conveying principles. The individual yarn quantities are continuously measured using sampled actual rotation signals on the feeders. The individual yarn quantities are compared in the computerized unit with target yarn quantities, for example of a masterpiece, and information and / or adjustment measures are derived from the comparisons. Tolerance ranges are defined for the comparisons, the width of which is tailored to yarn quality and / or yarn path parameters. Exceeding the various tolerance ranges is used to trigger various measures, such as alarm signals, adjustment measures, or switching off the knitting machine. The individual yarn quantities are also used to determine a total yarn quantity and / or yarn weight, whereby they are divided into equal quantities orWeight units are converted or converted.

[0006] The knitting machine with its machine control system, the production monitoring / adjustment device and the delivery devices, e.g., their sensor devices that record the actual rotation signals, are linked via a bus system, e.g., a CAN bus system or a daisy chain.

[0007] Further prior art is represented by the documents DE 199 23 802 A1, DE 10 2005 057 352 B3, CH 452 771 A and DE 34 29 207 A1.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is to provide improved monitoring of production for deviations and the determination of total yarn quantities and, if necessary, other production quantities during ongoing operation.

[0009] The problem is solved by the characterizing features of claims 1 and 7.

[0010] A device according to the invention for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine, comprises yarn feeding devices of one or more delivery types for one or more yarn qualities, one or more sensor devices, each for determining a delivery variable, which is a yarn length delivered within a time period ΔT by at least one yarn feeding device or from which this can be determined, optionally one or more evaluation devices for determining the respectively delivered yarn length from the delivery variable, and a monitoring unit with a control unit. The control unit is designed to provide the delivered yarn lengths and / or production variables determined from the delivered yarn length. The system comprises communication links to which the corresponding sensor devices, optionallythe evaluation devices and the monitoring unit are connected and via which the delivered yarn lengths can be transmitted to the monitoring unit and, if applicable, the delivery sizes to the evaluation devices.

[0011] The system comprises yarn feeders of one or more of the following feed types: storage yarn feeders, tension-controlled yarn feeders and positive yarn feeders.

[0012] With a storage yarn feeder, for example, the yarn is drawn from a stationary storage drum. Storage yarn feeders are designed for yarn with uneven thread consumption, which occurs when knitting patterns and motifs.

[0013] In a tension-controlled yarn feeder, the yarn is delivered, for example, by a yarn feed wheel, which is driven by a drive motor depending on the yarn tension. Tension-controlled yarn feeders are designed for yarns whose yarn tension can vary within a knitted fabric. Examples include knits designed for mattress covers with harder and softer areas, or functional underwear with locally stronger and weaker compression.

[0014] With positive yarn feeders, the yarn is fed positively at a predetermined speed. One type of positive yarn feeder is designed for hard yarn, where the yarn is fed positively by a driven yarn feed wheel. Another type of positive yarn feeder is designed for elastic yarn, where the yarn is unwound from the yarn spools, for example, with the help of two driven shafts on which at least one yarn spool is rotatably mounted. Positive yarn feeders are used to achieve even yarn consumption and thus a uniform machine appearance. With elastic yarn, the use of positive yarn feeders enables uniform elasticity of the knitted piece.

[0015] A device on a knitting machine, in particular on a circular knitting machine, which is provided with at least some of the various types of yarn feeding devices, makes it possible to produce seamless (seamless) or jacquard knits.

[0016] Different combinations of these yarn feeding devices can be provided on a knitting machine, whereby different types of yarn are processed, e.g. elastane, nylon, polyester, cotton, wool and many more.

[0017] In complex knitted fabrics with patterns, the thread consumption of individual yarns varies considerably during production, up to a factor of approximately three, depending on whether the knitting is done in loops, loops, or float. The weaves can vary depending on the type of yarn. Providing variables such as thread lengths and the production variables derived from them, particularly when divided into functional groups, enables detailed production monitoring. In an example in which the threads are not cut, they always run into the knitting machine, with at least the length of thread consumed per machine revolution corresponding to the circumference of the knitting machine. This information can be used to determine target values for the delivered yarn lengths, for example.

[0018] Yarn feeders of different delivery types can each be assigned to a knitting station. Several yarn feeders of the same or different yarn qualities can be connected to each knitting station. At some stations, only yarn feeders of specific delivery types and / or certain delivery types may not be available.

[0019] A device and a corresponding method are particularly well suited for the production of home textiles, e.g. mattress fabrics, and for fashionable textiles, e.g. functional underwear, jacquard knits or fashion items such as quilted jackets.

[0020] As is known, several positive yarn feeders, e.g., their drive shafts, are jointly driven, e.g., by a belt drive. A common sensor device is preferably provided for jointly driven positive yarn feeders.

[0021] Alternatively, if necessary to increase the measuring accuracy, several sensor devices for jointly driven positive yarn feeding devices are also provided.

[0022] In an alternative, a sensor device for determining a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeder with a yarn feed wheel is designed as a sensor for determining the number of revolutions of its yarn feed wheel or a variable proportional to the number of revolutions of the yarn feed wheel. An evaluation device connected to the sensor device is preferably designed to determine the yarn length LC delivered within the time interval from the number of revolutions C of the yarn feed wheel according to the following formula: LC = C W, where W is the circumference of the yarn feed wheel.

[0023] In a further alternative, a sensor device for determining a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device with shafts on which a yarn spool is unwound is designed as a sensor for determining the number of revolutions of its drive shaft or a variable proportional to the number of revolutions of the drive shaft. An evaluation device connected to the sensor device is preferably designed to determine the yarn length LD delivered within the time interval from the number of revolutions D of the drive shaft according to the following formula: LD = D V X, where V is the ratio of the diameter, e.g., of a pulley on the drive shaft to the diameter of the shaft, and X is the circumference of a shaft.

[0024] In an alternative, the sensor is designed as a speed sensor and is arranged, for example, on the yarn feed wheel or on its drive shaft.

[0025] In an alternative, the sensor is designed as a measuring device arranged on a drive belt of the belt drive.

[0026] The control unit is preferably designed to send a signal for synchronization to the corresponding sensor devices and to the evaluation devices, wherein the time elapsed between two signals forms the time interval.

[0027] The control unit is designed to transmit a signal sent by a positive yarn feeder or by a measuring device connected to a drive of the positive yarn feeder as a clock signal per revolution of a yarn feed wheel, pulley, or measuring wheel. The drive of the positive yarn feeder is, for example, a belt drive. Alternatively, the positive yarn feeders are equipped with drive motors.

[0028] The control unit is designed to determine at least two groups of yarn feeding devices, wherein the groups may have different delivery types and / or different yarn qualities. The control unit is also designed to provide the delivered yarn lengths and / or the production sizes of each group and / or several groups. In one embodiment, the control unit has, for example, a display unit for displaying the provided sizes. The device makes a variety of production sizes available to the user during operation. In addition to the yarn consumption of individual yarn feeding devices, the consumption of groups of yarn feeding devices is also provided. The device and the method make it possible to observe the consumption of different yarn types during production and to intervene if necessary.Given that yarn costs account for up to 90% of total production costs, monitoring yarn quantities is a major economic advantage.

[0029] Another significant advantage of the device and the corresponding method is that the yarn consumption and yarn costs can be determined in a very simple way even during the patterning of complex knitwear.

[0030] In a method according to the invention for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine, which is carried out, for example, using a device according to the invention and which has corresponding advantages, yarn feeding devices of one or more delivery types for one or more yarn qualities are used. One or more sensor devices are used to determine a delivery variable, which is the yarn length delivered by at least one yarn feeding device within a time interval ΔT or from which this can be determined. If necessary, one or more evaluation devices are used to determine the respectively delivered yarn length from the delivery variable. A monitoring device with a control unit provides the delivered yarn lengths and / or production variables determined from the delivered yarn length and, if necessary, uses these to control the knitting machine. Communication connections to which the sensor devices, if necessary, are connectedthe evaluation devices and the monitoring devices are connected, the delivered yarn lengths are transmitted to the monitoring device and, if applicable, the delivery sizes to the evaluation devices.

[0031] In one embodiment, yarn feeders of one or more of the following feed types are used: storage yarn feeders, tension-controlled yarn feeders, and positive yarn feeders.

[0032] In an alternative, a sensor device is used to determine a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeder with a yarn feed wheel. A sensor measures the number of revolutions of the yarn feed wheel or a variable proportional to the number of revolutions of the yarn feed wheel. An evaluation device connected to the sensor device determines the yarn length LC delivered within the time interval from the number C of unwound yarn turns using the following formula: LC = C W, where W is the circumference of the yarn feed wheel.

[0033] In a further alternative, a sensor device is used to determine a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device with shafts on which a yarn spool is unwound. This is done by using a sensor to determine the number of revolutions of its drive shaft or a variable proportional to the number of revolutions of the drive shaft. An evaluation device connected to the sensor device determines the yarn length LD delivered within the time interval from the number of revolutions D of the drive shaft according to the following formula: LD = D V X, where V is the ratio of the diameter of, for example, a pulley on the drive shaft to the diameter of the shaft, and X is the circumference of a shaft.

[0034] Preferably, the control unit sends a signal for synchronization to the corresponding sensor devices and to the evaluation devices, wherein the time elapsed between two signals forms the time interval.

[0035] The control unit uses a signal sent by a positive yarn feed device or by a separate measuring device connected to a drive of the positive yarn feed devices per revolution of a yarn feed wheel or pulley as a clock signal.

[0036] In one embodiment, at least two groups of yarn feeding devices are determined with the control unit, wherein the groups may have different delivery types and / or different yarn qualities and the delivered yarn lengths and / or the production sizes of each group are determined and provided and may be used to control the knitting machine.

[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit is used to determine, provide and, if necessary, use one or more production variables that describe ratios of the yarn lengths delivered by different delivery types of yarn feeding devices or the delivered yarn lengths of different yarn qualities, or variables derived therefrom, to control the knitting machine.

[0038] In one embodiment, the control unit compares yarn quantities delivered by the yarn feeders and / or the groups and / or one or more production quantities with corresponding target quantities, each within at least one tolerance range. The results of the comparisons are provided and, if necessary, used to control the knitting machine.

[0039] In one embodiment, the control unit uses the results of the comparisons determined to switch off the knitting machine if the tolerance range of at least one intended variable is exceeded.

[0040] The invention is further explained using examples schematically illustrated in the drawing. They show: Fig. 1 a circular knitting machine with elements of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2a a storage yarn feeding device in which a sensor device and an evaluation device are indicated; Fig. 2b shows a tension-controlled yarn feeding device in which a sensor device and an evaluation device are indicated; Fig. 2c a positive yarn feeding device in which a sensor device and an evaluation device are indicated; Fig. 2d a sensor device of the positive yarn feeding devices designed as a measuring device in which an evaluation device is indicated, Fig. 2e an alternative positive yarn feeding device, in which a sensor device and an evaluation device are indicated; and Fig. 3 a block diagram of a device according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows, using a schematically illustrated circular knitting machine 1, elements of a device according to the invention for monitoring the production of the circular knitting machine 1. The device has thread feeding devices of several delivery types, namely as storage thread feeding devices 2, as tension-controlled thread feeding devices 3 and as positive thread feeding devices 4a.

[0042] Yarn feeders of different delivery types are designed, for example, to deliver different yarn qualities: the storage yarn feeders 2 are designed for cotton yarn, the tension-controlled yarn feeders 3 for elastane yarn, and the positive yarn feeders 4a for polyester yarn. A circular knitting machine 1 equipped with yarn feeders of these delivery types is suitable for producing seamles or jacquard knits.

[0043] The yarn feeding devices are arranged on several support rings 5 of the circular knitting machines 1. In Fig. 1 only some of the yarn feeding devices are shown, with three storage yarn feeding devices 2 on an upper support ring 5, three tension-controlled yarn feeding devices 3 on a middle support ring 5 and three positive yarn feeding devices 4a on a lower support ring 5.

[0044] For example, to produce a Jacquard knit, 72 storage yarn feeders 2, 36 tension-controlled yarn feeders 3 and 24 positive yarn feeders are provided.

[0045] The circular knitting machine 1 has, for example, for the production of a Jacquard knit, several knitting stations 6 on its knitting device 7, with at least one yarn feeder being assigned to each knitting station 6. The knitting device 7 comprises, for example, a knitting cylinder and a dial. Fig. 1 shows that at least one knitting station 6 is assigned several, namely two, yarn feeding devices. In the example shown, a yarn 8 is fed to the knitting station 6 by a storage yarn feeding device 2 and a yarn 9 is fed by a positive yarn feeding device 4a. In an alternative, several yarn feeding devices of one feeding type are assigned to one or more knitting stations 6.

[0046] In alternative embodiments, one thread of one yarn type or two or more threads of the same or different yarn types are fed into each knitting station. In one alternative, certain yarn types, for example, are not fed into one or more knitting stations.

[0047] In a circular knitting machine 1, the knitting device 7 is known to be rotatably mounted in a frame 10, which is surrounded by a housing 11 in the area below the knitting device 7 and to which the support rings 5 are attached in the area above the knitting device 7. A machine control 12, among other things for a non-visible drive of the knitting device 7, is arranged next to the housing 11.

[0048] In addition to the yarn feeding devices, the system according to the invention comprises a monitoring device 13 and communication connections 14. The monitoring device 13 is designed, for example, as a control device which, as Fig. 1, is attached to a central part of the frame 11. The communication connections 14 are designed as lines and are guided on the support rings 5 and on parts of the frame 11. This is shown in Fig. 1 roughly sketched.

[0049] Data is exchanged between the connected devices via the communication connections 14. The communication connections 14 are implemented, for example, as two CAN bus lines, via which serial data transmission takes place.

[0050] As an alternative, alternative serial communication connections are provided instead of CAN bus connections. Alternative wired communication connections, for example, have different bus protocols or different structures, such as daisy chain connections. Alternative wireless communication connections include radio-based connections, such as Zigbee.

[0051] In this example, the storage yarn feeders 2, the tension-controlled yarn feeders 3, and at least one positive yarn feeder 4a, as well as the monitoring device 13 and the machine control 12, are connected to the communication links 14. These yarn feeders connected to the communication links 14 are each provided with a sensor device for determining a delivery variable, from which a yarn length LA, LB, LC delivered by the respective yarn feeder within a time interval ΔT can be determined, and with an evaluation device that determines the delivered yarn length LA, LB, LC from the delivery variable. The yarn feeders are connected to the communication links 14 via the evaluation devices.

[0052] The sensor devices are connected to the corresponding evaluation devices, which are connected to the communication connections 14. In this example, where CAN-BUS connections are provided, the evaluation devices are designed to be CAN-BUS-capable and include, for example, a microprocessor.

[0053] In Fig. 1 further indicates that the yarn feeding devices are divided into groups G1, G3 and G5, whereby in this case a group G1 includes storage yarn feeding devices 2, a group G3 includes tension-controlled yarn feeding devices 3 and a group G5 includes positive yarn feeding devices 4a.

[0054] The yarn feeding devices are divided into more than three groups, namely six groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, e.g., if the yarn quality, elasticity, color, or another size differs within the yarn feeding devices of a delivery type, or if a larger number of the same yarn feeding devices are to be divided into one yarn quality. Several groups of a delivery type are divided into Fig. 3 indicated.

[0055] Fig. Figure 2 shows the yarn feeding devices of the three delivery types, with the respective sensor device and the evaluation device being outlined.

[0056] The Fig. The storage yarn feeding device 2 shown in Figure 2a has a stationary storage drum 20 arranged in front of a housing 21 and at one end of which a winding element 22 is arranged for winding yarn turns onto the storage drum 20. At the other end of the storage drum 20, for example, a cone brake 23 is provided, which is supported by a boom 24 of the housing 21.

[0057] The sensor device of the storage yarn feeder 2 is designed, for example, as a sensor 25 for determining the number A of yarn windings unwound from the stationary storage drum 20 within a time interval ΔT. The sensor 25 is designed, for example, as an optical sensor that generates a pulse for each unwound yarn winding. The number A of unwound yarn windings is determined as the number of pulses per time interval ΔT. The evaluation device is designed as a unit 26 that can be connected to the communication links 14. The unit 26 is integrated into the housing 21 and in Fig. 2a shown separately for clarification.

[0058] The unit 26 receives from the sensor 25 the number A of yarn windings unwound in the time interval Δ T and determines the unwound, ie the delivered, yarn length LA per time interval Δ T according to the following formula: LA = A·U, where U is the circumference of the storage drum 20.

[0059] The Fig. The tension-controlled yarn feeding device 3 shown in Figure 2b has a yarn feeding wheel 30, which is driven depending on the yarn tension determined by a tension sensor 31. A drive motor (not shown) of the yarn feeding wheel 30 is controlled by a motor controller 32, which receives the tension determined by the tension sensor 31. The sensor device of the tension-controlled yarn feeding device 3 is designed, for example, as a speed sensor 33 for determining the speed of the drive motor, which is connected to the motor controller 32. The evaluation device of the tension-controlled yarn feeding device 3 is designed as a unit 34 connected to the motor controller 32 and connectable to the communication links 14. The speed sensor 33, the motor controller 32, and the unit 33 are integrated into a housing 35 of the tension-controlled yarn feeding device 3 and in Fig. 2b shown separately for clarification.

[0060] The unit 34 receives from the motor control 32 the number B of revolutions of the drive motor within the time interval Δ T, as determined by the speed sensor 33, and determines the unwound yarn length LC per time interval Δ T according to the following formula: LB = B V, where V is the circumference of the yarn feed wheel 30.

[0061] The Fig. The positive yarn feed device 4a shown in Figure 2c has a yarn feed wheel 40 arranged at a lower end of a shaft 41. The shaft 41 is driven at its opposite end, e.g., via a drive belt 43 engaging a pulley 42. The shaft 41 is mounted in a housing 44. An inlet eyelet 45, a yarn brake 46, and an inlet yarn sensor 47 are provided in front of the yarn feed wheel 40, and an outlet yarn sensor 48 is provided after the yarn feed wheel 40, upstream of the circular knitting machine 1.

[0062] The sensor device of the positive yarn feeder 4a is designed as a speed sensor 49, which is arranged on the shaft 41. The speed sensor 49 determines the number C of rotations of the shaft 41 and thus of the yarn feed wheel 40. The evaluation device of the positive yarn feeder 4a is designed as a unit 50, which can be connected to the communication link 14. The unit 50 is integrated into the housing 44 and in Fig. 2c shown separately for clarification.

[0063] The unit 50 receives from the speed sensor 49 the number C of revolutions of the shaft 41 within the time interval Δ T and determines the delivered yarn length LC per time interval Δ T according to the following formula: LC = C W, where W is the circumference of the yarn feed wheel 40.

[0064] In an alternative, the speed sensor 49 is arranged on the yarn feed wheel 40.

[0065] In an alternative, the sensor device of the positive yarn feeding devices 4a is designed as a separate measuring device MSR arranged on the drive belt 43 with at least one measuring wheel 51 driven by the drive belt 43. Such a measuring device MSR is shown in Fig. 2d. The evaluation device, which is designed as a unit 52, can be connected to the communication links 14 and is integrated into a housing 52 of the measuring device MSR.

[0066] The unit 52 receives from the measuring device MSR the number C' of revolutions of the measuring wheel 51 within the time interval Δ T and determines the delivered yarn length LC per time interval Δ T according to the following formula: where DR is the diameter of the pulley 42 of the positive yarn feeding device 4a, DM is the diameter of the measuring wheel 51 and W is the circumference of the yarn feeding wheel 40.

[0067] In a further alternative, the sensor device of the positive yarn feeders 4a is designed as a speed sensor and arranged on a motor shaft of a motor of the belt drive, i.e., a motor that drives the drive belt 43. The evaluation device is designed as a unit connectable to the communication links 14. It is integrated, for example, in the motor housing. It receives the number of revolutions C'' of the motor shaft from the speed sensor and, with the aid of the diameter of a drive wheel acting on the drive belt and driven by the motor, determines the delivered yarn length LC according to the principle described above.

[0068] In a further alternative, the sensor device for the positive yarn feeders 4a is designed as part of the machine control system 12, which stores the number of revolutions of the circular knitting machine 1. The evaluation device is designed as a unit connectable to the communication links 14. The unit receives, for example, a revolution signal R per revolution or partial revolution of the knitting device 7 sent by the machine control system 12 and, with the aid of the corresponding diameter or partial diameter, determines the delivered yarn length LC according to the principle described above. If the revolution signal R is used to determine the time interval ΔT, the unit determines the delivered yarn length Lc per time interval ΔT according to the following formula: Lc = F W, where F is the number of revolutions of the yarn wheel 40 per revolution or partial revolution of the knitting cylinder 7 and W is the circumference of the yarn feed wheel 40.

[0069] In an alternative, the evaluation device is integrated into the machine control 12.

[0070] In an alternative to the described embodiments of the invention, the evaluation devices of the yarn feeding devices are integrated into the yarn feeding devices 2, 3, 4a. The evaluation devices of at least one group G3 of positive yarn feeding devices 4a are arranged alternatively in the described, separate measuring device, which is also known as a measuring roller tower, or in the motor housing of the described belt drive.

[0071] In an alternative, the evaluation devices of all yarn feeding devices are arranged in the machine control 12.

[0072] In a further alternative, the evaluation devices are each designed as separate units connectable to the communication links 14. The evaluation devices are designed, for example, as separate devices. Alternatively, several or all evaluation devices are integrated into one evaluation device.

[0073] In a further alternative, one or more or all evaluation devices are integrated in the monitoring device 13.

[0074] In a further alternative, one or more sensor devices are configured for directly measuring the delivered yarn lengths LA, LB, or LC. These sensor devices are themselves configured to be connectable to the communication links 14.

[0075] The monitoring device 13 of the system according to the invention is controlled by a Fig. 3 shown block diagram.

[0076] The monitoring device 13 is provided with a control unit 60, an input unit 61, a display unit 62, an element 63 for data input / output, and a data carrier 64 corresponding to the element 63. The control unit 60 is designed to be connectable to the communication connections 14, ie, it is designed to be CAN bus-capable and is provided, for example, with a microprocessor.

[0077] The monitoring device 13 is in the Fig. 3, the device is designed as an electronic device, wherein the input unit 61 has input keys, the display unit 62 has a display panel, and the element 63 has an interface, e.g. a USB interface, and the data carrier 64 is designed, e.g., as a USB data carrier.

[0078] Alternatively, the control unit 60 additionally has one or more elements for data input / output, e.g., a further CAN interface and / or interfaces to wireless connections, e.g., a WLAN, and / or interfaces to a printer or similar media for documenting the provided variables, such as sampling data or production quality, and / or interfaces to a management system of a knitting machine.

[0079] An alternative or additional data carrier 64 is designed as a barcode scanner for recording, for example, yarn qualities and may have, for example, a USB interface. A barcode scanner is alternatively provided as an additional data carrier.

[0080] In an alternative, the monitoring device 13 is integrated into the machine control 12, wherein the input unit 61, the display unit 62, the element 63 and the data carrier 64 are formed by corresponding elements of the machine control 13.

[0081] The control unit 60 of the monitoring device 13 and the evaluation devices of the yarn feeding devices are connected to the communication connections 14, namely to the CAN bus.

[0082] The control unit 60 is configured as master and the evaluation devices are configured as slaves.

[0083] The control unit 60 supports or controls the identification of the evaluation devices and the corresponding sensor devices, ie the sensor devices which are designed for the direct measurement of the delivered yarn lengths LA, LB or LC.

[0084] The control unit 60, the master, sends a clock signal T to the evaluation devices and the corresponding sensor devices, the slaves, whereby the time interval Δ T, to which the quantities to be determined are related, is defined by two successive clock signals T.

[0085] The transmission of the clock signal by the control unit 60 serves to synchronize the devices connected to the communication links and, as mentioned, to determine the time interval ΔT.

[0086] In an alternative, the control unit 60 uses a revolution signal R sent by the machine control 12 per revolution or per partial revolution of the knitting cylinder 7 as the clock signal T.

[0087] Alternatively, the control unit 60 forms a clock signal T in dependence on a signal from the machine control or independently thereof.

[0088] Alternatively, the control unit 60 uses a rotation signal R of a sensor device of the positive yarn feeders 4b per revolution of a yarn feed wheel 40 as a clock signal T.

[0089] To monitor the knitting machine's production, the devices connected to the system according to the invention are first synchronized. For this purpose, the control unit 60 sends a clock signal T via the communication links 14, which determines the time interval ΔT.

[0090] During a time interval ΔT, sensor devices of the yarn feeding devices in operation determine the delivery variables from which the yarn lengths LA, LB, LC delivered within a time interval ΔT can be determined, and transfer or send them to the corresponding evaluation devices. The yarn lengths LA, LB, LC determined from this in the evaluation devices are sent via the communication links 14 to the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 13.

[0091] In the control unit 60, the values of the yarn length delivered per time interval ΔT are converted into values of production quantities and made available. The transmission of the determined values, evaluation, and provision take place in the next time interval ΔT, i.e., in the time interval ΔT following the measurement interval ΔT.

[0092] It is carried out in master-slave operation, ie the monitoring device queries the individual devices via the communication connections 14.

[0093] Production quantities include, for example, the total yarn lengths, the corresponding yarn weights, or the corresponding yarn costs, as well as total values, e.g., after a certain total time, after a certain number of revolutions, after a sample section, or after a repeat. Production quantities also include, in particular, ratios of delivered yarn lengths, e.g., of different yarn qualities, and quantities derived from them.

[0094] A device according to the invention for feeding threads for producing a mattress fabric comprises, as mentioned: - 72 storage yarn feeders for a cotton yarn Nm 50 M of different colors for knitting the pattern (stitch or float) - 36 thread tension controlled yarn feeding devices for elastane 44 dtex, whereby different thread tensions create different degrees of hardness in the mattress fabric (always stitch), and - 24 positive yarn feeders for polyester Nm 167 / 300 dtex (always float).

[0095] According to the invention, the control unit 60 determines groups, e.g., six groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, of yarn feeding devices, i.e., the active yarn feeding devices are divided into the groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6. The determination of the groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 is carried out by a division present in the control unit 60, by a division transmitted from the machine control 12, or by input via the input unit 61.

[0096] For example, some of the storage yarn feeding devices 2 are assigned to the first group G1 and another part to the second group G2, some of the tension-controlled yarn feeding devices 3 are assigned to the third group G3 and another part to the fourth group G4, and some of the positive yarn feeding devices 4a are assigned to the fifth group G5 and another part to the sixth group G6. Fig. For the sake of clarity, only a few yarn feeders are shown in the block diagram shown in Figure 3. As mentioned, in many embodiments, more yarn feeders are assigned to the individual groups, e.g., 12, 36, or 76 yarn feeders.

[0097] The control unit 60 determines production sizes for the individual groups G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 of the yarn feeding devices.

[0098] For example, during operation the yarn length P1 (G1, G2) of the yarn lengths delivered in groups G1 and G2 and the yarn length P1 (G4, G5) of the yarn lengths delivered in groups G4 and G5 are determined. The yarn length P1 (G1, G2) describes the yarn length delivered by all active storage yarn feeders 2, i.e. the length of the cotton yarn used, and the yarn length P1 (G4, G5) describes the corresponding yarn length of the positive yarn feeders 4a, i.e. the length of the polyester yarn used. A further production variable PV is the ratio of these variables P1 (G1, G2) to P1 (G4, G5), which contains information about the quality of production and is also used to control the circular knitting machine 1 if necessary. The control also includes switching off the circular knitting machine 1.

[0099] For this purpose, the control unit 60 compares variables such as the delivered yarn quantities LA, LB, LC, LG1 - LG6 and / or the production variables PV with corresponding target values, each within at least one tolerance range. The results of the comparisons, e.g., deviations from target values within or outside the tolerance ranges, are provided in the control unit 60 and, if necessary, used to control the knitting machine.

[0100] If the tolerance ranges of at least one specified variable are exceeded, the results of the comparisons determined are used to switch off the circular knitting machine 1 by the control unit 60.

[0101] A variable intended for shutdown is, for example, the production variable PV, the ratio of the yarn lengths P1 (G1, G2) to P1 (G4, G5). Further variables intended for shutdown are the yarn lengths LA, LG1, LG2 of individual storage yarn feeders 2 or groups G1, G2 of storage yarn feeders 2. A yarn length LA of a storage yarn feeder 2 determined within the time interval ΔT to be too short, i.e. outside the corresponding tolerance range, indicates, for example, a yarn breakage and leads to the circular knitting machine 1 being switched off by the control unit 60. A different comparison is carried out, for example, for threads that are not cut during the knitting process. These threads always run into the circular knitting machine LA, LB or LC, with at least the yarn length LA, LB or LC that corresponds to the circumference of the knitting cylinder of the knitting device 7 being used per machine revolution.If the determined yarn lengths LA, LB or LC deviate significantly from their target values, ie the tolerance range is exceeded, the circular knitting machine 1 is switched off by the control unit 60.

[0102] A second example of the invention corresponds to the first example except for the following features. In this device, positive thread feeding devices 4b for elastic yarns are provided in addition to or as an alternative to the positive thread feeding devices 4a.

[0103] The Fig. The positive yarn feeding device 4b shown in Figure 2e has two driven shafts 54 arranged parallel to each other, on which at least one yarn spool 55 is arranged. The shafts 54 are mounted in a support 56 and can be driven via a gear. The gear is formed by at least one pulley 57b arranged on a drive shaft 57a.

[0104] The shafts 54 are driven via the gear box by a drive belt 57c engaging the pulley 57b.

[0105] A sensor device of the positive yarn feeder 4b is designed as a speed sensor 58, which is arranged on the drive shaft 57a. The speed sensor 58 determines the number D of rotations of the drive shaft 57.

[0106] An evaluation device of the positive yarn feeding device 4b is designed as a unit 59, which can be connected to the communication link 14. The unit 59 is integrated into a housing of the carrier 56 and in Fig. 2e shown separately for clarification.

[0107] The unit 59 receives from the speed sensor 58 the number D of revolutions of the drive shaft 57a within the time interval ΔT and determines the yarn length LD delivered by the positive yarn feeder 4b per time interval ΔT according to the following formula: LD = DVX, where V is the ratio of the diameter of the pulley 57b and the diameter of the shaft 54 and X is the circumference of a shaft 54.

[0108] If this condition, ie if a corresponding yarn length LA , LB , LC is outside its tolerance range during the time interval, the circular knitting machine 1 is switched off by the control unit 60.

[0109] The terms switch off and turn off are used synonymously. List of reference symbols 1 circular knitting machine 2 storage thread feeder 3 Tension-controlled yarn feeding device 4a Positive thread feeder 4b Positive thread feeder 5 carrier ring 6 knitting points 7 knitting cylinders 8 threads 9 threads 10 housings 11 frame 12 Machine control 13 Monitoring unit 14 Connection connection 20 storage drums 21 housings 22 Winding element 23 Cone brake 24 booms 25 sensors 26 units 30 yarn feed wheel 31 Voltage sensor 32 Engine control 33 Speed sensor 34 units 35 housings 40 yarn feed wheel 41 Wave 42 pulley 43 drive belts 44 housings 45 inlet eyelet 46 Thread brake 47 Inlet sensor 48 outlet sensors 49 Speed sensor 50 units 51 measuring wheel 52 units 53 housings 54 Wave 55 thread spools 56 carriers 57a drive shaft 57b pulley 58 Speed sensor 59 Unit 60 control unit 61 Input unit 62 display unit 63 elements 64 data carriers

Claims

[1] Device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine (1), with yarn feeding devices of one or more delivery types for one or more yarn qualities, with one or more sensor devices each for determining a delivery variable which is a yarn length (LA , LB , LC , LD) delivered within a time interval Δ T by at least one yarn feeding device or from which this can be determined, with, if necessary, one or more evaluation devices for determining the delivered yarn length (LA, LB, LC, LD) from the delivery size, with a monitoring device (13) with a control unit (60) for providing the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) and / or production quantities determined from the delivered yarn length and, if necessary, for controlling the knitting machine (1), and with communication links (14) to which the sensor devices, if applicable the evaluation devices, and the monitoring device are connected, and via which the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) can be transmitted to the monitoring device, if applicable, and the delivery quantities to the evaluation devices, characterized by , that the device has positive thread feeding devices (4a, 4b) and the control unit (60) is designed to send a signal (T) for synchronization to the corresponding sensor devices and, if applicable, to the evaluation devices, wherein the time elapsed between two signals (T) forms the time interval (Δ T), and wherein the control unit (60) is designed to send a signal (R) sent by a positive yarn feed device (4a, 4b) or by a separate measuring device (MRT) which is connected to a drive of the positive yarn feed devices (4a, 4b) per revolution of a yarn feed wheel (40) or a pulley (42, 57b) or a measuring wheel (51) as a clock signal (T). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit (60) is designed to determine at least two groups (G1, G2, ...) of yarn feeding devices, whereby the groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) may have different delivery types and / or different yarn qualities, and the control unit (60) for providing the delivered yarn lengths (L G1 , L G2 ...) and / or the production sizes of each group (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) and / or several groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) and, if appropriate, is designed to control the knitting machine. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that the control unit (60) is designed to provide one or more production variables (PV) which describe the ratios of the yarn lengths delivered by different delivery types of yarn feeding devices, or to determine variables derived therefrom, and if necessary to use them to control the knitting machine. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the device, in addition to the positive yarn feeders (4a, 4b), has yarn feeders of one or more of the following feed types: Storage yarn feeding devices (2) and tension-controlled yarn feeding devices (3). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat a sensor device for determining a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device (4a) with a yarn feeding wheel (40) is designed as a sensor for determining the number (C) of revolutions of its yarn feeding wheel (40) or a variable which is proportional to the number (C) of revolutions of the yarn feeding wheel (40). [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a sensor device for determining a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device (4b) with at least one shaft (54) on which at least one yarn spool (55) can be unwound is designed as a sensor for determining the number (D) of revolutions of a drive shaft (57a) for the shafts (54) or a variable which is proportional to the number (D). [7] Method for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine (1), with yarn feeding devices of one or more delivery types for one or more yarn qualities, in which with one or more sensor devices, a delivery variable is determined which is the yarn length (LA , LB , LC , LD ) delivered within a time interval Δ T by at least one yarn feeding device or from which this can be determined, the delivered yarn length (LA, LB, LC, LD) is determined from the delivery size using one or more evaluation devices, with a monitoring device (13) with a control unit (60) which provides the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) and / or production quantities determined from the delivered yarn length and which are optionally used to control the circular knitting machine (1), and with communication links (14) to which the sensor devices, if applicable the evaluation devices, and the monitoring devices are connected, and via which the delivered yarn lengths (LA, LB, LC, LD) are transmitted to the monitoring device and, if applicable, the delivery sizes to the evaluation devices, characterized by , that Positive yarn feeding devices (4a, 4b) are used and with the control unit (60) a signal (T) is sent for synchronization to the corresponding sensor devices and optionally to the evaluation devices, wherein the time elapsed between two signals (T) forms the time interval (Δ T), and wherein with the control unit (60) a signal (R) sent by a positive thread feeding device (4a, 4b) or by a separate measuring device (MRT) which is connected to a drive of the positive thread feeding devices (4a, 4b) per revolution of a thread feeding wheel (40) or a belt pulley (42, 57b) or a measuring wheel (51) is used as the clock signal (T). [8] Method according to claim 7, characterized by that at least two groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) of yarn feeding devices are determined by the control unit (60), whereby the groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6) may have different delivery types and / or different yarn qualities, and the delivered yarn lengths (L G1, L G2 ...) and / or the production sizes of each group (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6), are determined and made available and, if necessary, used to control the knitting machine. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that with the control unit (60) one or more production variables (PV) which describe the ratios of the yarn lengths delivered by different delivery types of yarn feeding devices, or variables derived therefrom, are determined, provided and, if necessary, used to control the knitting machine. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized bythat yarn quantities supplied by the yarn feeding devices and / or the groups (LA, LB, LC, LD, L G1, L G2 ...) and / or one or more production variables (PV) are compared with corresponding target variables, each within at least one tolerance range, with the control unit (60), the results of the comparisons are made available and, if necessary, used to control the knitting machine. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the control unit (60) uses the determined results of the comparisons to switch off the knitting machine if the tolerance range of at least one intended variable is exceeded. [12] Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that in addition to the positive yarn feeding devices (4a, 4b), yarn feeding devices of one or more of the following delivery types are used: storage yarn feeding devices (2) and tension-controlled yarn feeding devices (3). [13] Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized by that a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device (4a) with a yarn feeding wheel (40) is determined by a sensor device in that the number (C) of revolutions of the yarn feeding wheel (40) or a variable which is proportional to the number (C) is determined by a sensor. [14] Method according to claim 11, characterized by that a delivery variable of at least one positive yarn feeding device (4b) with at least one shaft (54) on which at least one yarn spool (55) can be unwound is determined by a sensor device in that the number (D) of revolutions of a drive shaft (57a) for the shafts (54) or a variable which is proportional to the number (D) is formed.

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