Suction channel end part, manufacturing method and drawing frame comprising such a suction channel end part

Abstract

The present invention relates to a suction duct end section (1) for removing fiber debris in the area of ​​a drafting unit by means of applying a vacuum, wherein the suction duct end section (1) comprises a vacuum-operated first component (2) with an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) communicating with the inlet (21). The suction duct end section (1) is characterized in that it has a vacuum-operated second component (3) designed as a cover element, which is interchangeably connectable to the first component (2). The second component (3) has an opening (33) which, in the assembled state of the suction duct end section (1), forms a suction opening communicating with the inlet (21), through which the fiber debris can be removed when a vacuum is applied to the suction duct end section (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a suction channel end part for removing fiber fly in the area of a drafting system by means of negative pressure.

[0002] Such a suction channel end part is known, for example, from the documents EP 1 601 825 A1 and EP 3 026 152 A1. The suction channel end part known from the document EP 1 601 825 A1 has suction openings associated with a pair of rollers and a spinneret, whereby a suction channel end part can be provided that can be coupled to a single vacuum source, by means of which both cleaning of the rollers or the entire drafting system and removal of the spinning air from the spinneret can be achieved.

[0003] EP 3 026 152 A1 proposes a suction channel end section by means of which fiber residues in the area of the drafting system can be efficiently removed, regardless of the fiber type of the fiber sliver to be drawn by the drafting system. The suction channel end section has a single, larger suction opening, which is adjustable in a defined manner in the arrangement direction of the roller pairs and depending on the distance between two adjacent roller pairs, which must be changed depending on the fiber type, in order to suitably accommodate the distance between the adjacent roller pairs and thus the fiber type.

[0004] Document CH 269 764 A discloses a suction channel end part according to the preamble features of claim 1.

[0005] A suction channel end part is also known from document CN 207 109 187 U. The suction channel end part is designed for cleaning top rollers by removing fluff from the vicinity of the top rollers, wherein the suction channel end part can be subjected to negative pressure. The suction channel end part comprises a first component with an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet, to which a negative pressure line is connected. The suction channel end part comprises a plurality of funnels, each of which is connected to the first component in a communicating manner for removing fluff. The funnels are arranged centrally opposite associated top rollers.

[0006] Document US 2 890 563 A discloses a suction channel extending along several drafting systems arranged along one side of a ring spinning machine. The suction channel has a suction port in the area of a drafting system for catching a yarn end in the event of a yarn breakage. The suction port is arranged at the exit of a drafting system or directly downstream of the drafting system in the yarn direction. A funnel is replaceably connected to the suction channel, communicating with the suction channel.

[0007] The document CH 705 843 A describes a plastic injection molding process for the production of components or channels in the area of drafting systems.

[0008] The present invention is intended to make it possible to remove fiber fly in the area of a drafting system by means of negative pressure in a cost-effective manner and in a way that can be adapted to different fiber types.

[0009] To this end, the present invention proposes, according to a first aspect, a suction channel end part for removing fluff in the region of a drafting system by means of vacuum application according to claim 1. The suction channel end part comprises a first component that can be subjected to vacuum and has an inlet and an outlet communicating with the inlet. The inlet is provided to introduce or admit the fluff prevailing in the region of the drafting system during operation into the suction channel end part by means of the suction flow generated by the vacuum application. The fluff is removed or discharged via the outlet when the vacuum is applied.

[0010] The suction channel end part according to the invention is designed in a defined multi-part manner. In detail, in addition to the first component, the suction channel end part also has a second component, which is designed as a cover element and can also be subjected to negative pressure. The second component can be interchangeably connected to the first component. Interchangeable within the meaning of the present invention corresponds to a non-destructive or damage-free separation and assembly of the first and second components. The first and second components can be repeatedly separated and assembled from one another using different fastening options. For example, positive-locking, friction-locking, or force-locking connecting means can be selected. Positive-locking connecting means such as snap-in connecting means are particularly preferred, since these can be easily released and closed by applying a predetermined amount of force.Furthermore, such snap-in connection means have proven particularly suitable for plastic-containing materials from which the first and / or second component can be made.

[0011] The second component comprises an opening which, in the assembled state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction mouth communicating with the inlet, through which the fiber fly can be discharged into the suction channel end part when a negative pressure is applied.

[0012] Separating the suction port from the inlet by providing separate components has proven advantageous in that different fiber types can be accommodated simply by replacing the second component, which serves as a cover element. This eliminates the need for a complex replacement of an entire suction channel end section or adjustment of the same by providing a correspondingly complex adjustment mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the design according to the invention enables adaptation of the suction to different positions of the drafting system by varying the number and / or dimensions of the suction openings. Thus, the second component can preferably have more than one opening, wherein, in the assembled state of the suction channel end part, the openings each form suction openings communicating with the inlet or with an associated inlet from a plurality of inlets formed with the first component. The openings can accordingly be dimensioned to suit the respective position of the suction and thus differ considerably from one another. The first component can also have more than one inlet or a sufficiently large inlet for communication with the respective openings.

[0014] The design of the suction channel end part can be varied in numerous ways within the scope of the inventive solution. Alternatively, the suction channel end part can preferably comprise more than one second component, each with at least one opening, wherein the respective opening, in the assembled state of the suction channel end part, forms a suction port communicating with the inlet or with an associated inlet from a plurality of inlets formed with the first component. Thus, if necessary, only the second component can be replaced, the opening of which is arranged at a position where a different opening cross-section is required for appropriate removal of the fiber fly when the fiber type to be processed changes.

[0015] The suction channel end section can therefore be designed and arranged as needed and precisely positioned to meet the requirements in the drafting system area. For example, the suction channel end section can be dimensioned to supply suction air to at least two pairs of rollers of the drafting system, with at least one suction port being assigned to at least one roller of each pair. Preferably, the suction port is assigned to a lower roller of the pair. Alternatively or additionally, the suction port can be assigned to a top roller of the pair by appropriately positioning the suction channel end section in the drafting system area.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the suction channel end part can be fixed in a stationary and replaceable manner in the region of the drafting system. For this purpose, the suction channel end part can have a fastening means. A fastening means in the sense of the present invention is understood to be a means which contributes to the fastening of the suction channel end part in the region of the drafting system. Thus, the suction channel end part can preferably comprise a locking connection means such as a locking hook or a locking hook receptacle, which cooperates with an associated further locking connection means provided in the region of the drafting system for fastening the suction channel end part. Alternatively or additionally, the suction channel end part can preferably have an external shape as a fastening means which can be at least partially encompassed by a flexible clamp for clamping and holding the suction channel end part stationary.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the suction channel end section comprises a funnel that converges toward the opening. Such a funnel advantageously enables improved application of suction air to defined drafting system areas to remove the fluff. The funnel can further preferably be designed as an insert that can be replaceably attached in or to the opening. This ensures the removal of fluff for different fiber types at defined positions in the drafting system area in a further improved manner. Should a funnel, for example, be defective, only the corresponding funnel needs to be replaced.

[0018] The funnel can also be attached to or in the corresponding opening in a variety of ways. A snap-in connection can also be provided. Alternatively, the funnel can be placed in the opening, particularly by means of a press fit.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, such a suction channel end part can be manufactured by a method in which a 3D printing method, a laser sintering method, or a plastic injection molding method is used to produce at least one of the components of the suction channel end part, such as in particular the first or second component or the funnel. The suction channel end part can thus be manufactured cost-effectively and with tight tolerances.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a drafting system is proposed which comprises at least two pairs of rollers for the defined drafting of a fed fiber sliver, wherein a suction channel end part as described above is arranged in the region of the drafting system according to claim 1. The fiber fly prevailing in the region of the drafting system during operation can thus be efficiently removed in a manner adapted to the fiber type, whereby disruptions caused by fiber fly becoming stuck to the pairs of rollers can be reduced.

[0021] Preferably, in a side view of the drafting system, the suction channel end part is arranged with at least one opening centered on a roller of an associated roller pair. Such a centered arrangement is understood to mean a positioning such that, in the side view, the pivot point of the roller forms an isosceles triangle with the opposing edge points of the opening, with the axis of symmetry of the triangle passing through the center of the opening. The centered arrangement of the suction opening enables efficient removal of fiber fly in the area of the associated roller. Preferably, the suction channel end part has a plurality of openings, each of which is assigned to a roller of a roller pair, with each opening being centered on the respective roller. This enables efficient removal of fiber fly across all roller pairs of the drafting system.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures and drawings, which illustrate details essential to the invention, and from the patent claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in combination in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] They show: Fig.1 a perspective side view in a schematic representation of a suction channel end part according to an embodiment, Fig.2 a perspective side view in a schematic representation of a first component of the in Fig. 1 shown suction channel end part, Fig.3 a perspective side view in schematic representation of a cover element of the in Fig. 1shown suction channel end part, Fig. 4 a perspective side view in schematic representation of an insert of the in Fig. 1 shown suction channel end part, Fig. 5 a schematic side view of an arrangement of the Fig. 1 shown suction channel end part in the area of a drafting system according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a suction channel end part 1 composed of several components according to one exemplary embodiment. The suction channel end part 1 comprises a first component 2 designed as a base part and a second component 3 designed as a cover element, which is replaceably connected to the first component 2.

[0026] Figure 2shows a schematic perspective view of the first component 2. The first component 2 is tubular with a longer extension along the axial tube axis than along its radial extension. According to this exemplary embodiment, the first component 2 has a longitudinal extension such that associated rollers, either lower rollers or upper rollers, of all roller pairs of a drafting system, which are provided for drawing a fiber sliver, can be subjected to suction air.

[0027] The first component 2 comprises an inlet 21 and a communicating outlet 22. The inlet 21 is designed as an elongated hole extending parallel to the axial tube axis. The inlet 21 is enclosed on its longitudinal sides by spring-like guide elements 23, which can be brought into engagement with complementary groove guide elements of the second component 3 for assembling the first component 2 and the second component 3. The spring-like guide elements 23 have an interruption 24 near the outlet 22, below which a first latching pawl 25 is arranged for latching with a first fastening means 4 holding the suction channel end part 1 in the region of a drafting device. This allows reliable radial fixation to be achieved.For axial fixing of the suction channel end part 1 in the area of the drafting system, a locking lug 27 is also provided at the end of the suction channel end part 1 opposite the outlet 22, which locking lug 27 continues in the longitudinal direction of the suction channel end part 1 for locking with a complementarily designed second fastening means 5 (cf. Figure 5 ).

[0028] The end of the spring-like guide elements 23 near the outlet 22 has a locking receptacle 26 for locking with a second locking pawl 32 formed with the second component 3, via which the first 2 and second component 3 are held stationary relative to one another in the assembled state.

[0029] The Figure 2The embodiment of the first component 2 shown is a preferred variant from which a person skilled in the art can certainly deviate according to the requirements and within the scope of his or her expert knowledge, without departing from the idea underlying the invention. The embodiments and arrangements shown of the interruptions 24, the first latching pawls 25, and / or the latching nose 27 can be positioned at a different location and / or in a different configuration on the first component 2 according to the requirements. For example, the interruptions 25 could be omitted or they could be provided at a different position along the spring-like guide elements 23. In conjunction with the first fastening means 4, the interruption has proven useful for easy assembly and disassembly of the suction channel end part 1 on or from the first fastening means 4.The first locking pawls 25 could also be arranged at a different location on the first component 2, provided the second component 3 is configured accordingly. Furthermore, the first locking pawl 25 could have a locking receptacle or locking lug, which is operatively connected to a complementarily designed locking means on the fastening means 4 in order to achieve the radial and axial fixation of the suction channel end part 1 in a combined manner using a single fastening device. The same applies to the locking lug 27 formed on the longitudinal end.

[0030] Figure 3shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of the second component 3. The second component 3 has a plate-shaped design with groove-like guide elements 31 arranged along the longitudinal side for receiving and guiding the spring-like guide elements 23. At one end of the groove-like guide elements 31, the second locking pawls 32 are arranged for locking in the associated locking receptacles 26. Along the upper side, the second component 3 has a total of three openings 33 along its longitudinal direction, each of which is delimited by an edge 34 projecting towards the upper side. The edge 34 comprises guide grooves 35 on the inside in the direction of passage of the openings 33, via which an insert 36 can be inserted into the opening 33, which insert 36 can be received in Figure 4shown in perspective in a schematic representation. The insert 36 is funnel-shaped with an inlet 38 and an outlet 39. The opening width of the inlet 38 is larger than that of the outlet 39. The outlet 39 is designed to be complementary to the edge 34 and has guide webs 37 on the outside, which are provided for engagement in the inner guide grooves 35. In an alternative manner, not shown, the guide webs can be provided on the inside of the edge 34 and the guide grooves on the outside of the insert 36. A further alternative, not shown, is conceivable, in which the edge 34 and the outlet 39 are such that the edge 34 can be inserted into the outlet 39. The outlet 39 and the edge 34 are designed according to these exemplary embodiments to hold the insert 36 in an exchangeable manner via a clamping force or a press fit.Alternatively, other fastening options such as clamping via a clamping screw, bayonet lock or similar can be provided.

[0031] The suction channel end part 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is assembled by bringing the spring-like guide elements 23 into engagement with the groove-like guide elements 31 and a subsequent relative movement along the longitudinal direction of the suction channel end part 1 until the second latching pawl 32 engages in the latching receptacle 26. Disassembly accordingly takes place in the reverse order. Consequently, different second components 3 can be combined with the first component 2 in order to adequately and easily adapt the suction channel end part 1 to different configurations of a drafting system or to different fiber types processed with the same drafting system. Different first components 2 can also be combined with a second component 3. The suction channel end part 1 provides a high degree of variability and flexibility.Furthermore, individual components can be easily replaced in the event of a defect.

[0032] The suction channel end part 1 or at least one of its components, such as the first component 2, the second component 3, and / or the insert 36, can be manufactured using a 3D printing process, a laser sintering process, or a plastic injection molding process according to requirements, taking into account the advantages inherent in these processes. This allows for a further degree of freedom in the design of the suction channel end part 1.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a possible arrangement of the suction channel end part 1 in the area of a drafting system. Figure 5The drafting system, represented purely schematically by roller pairs 6, 7 and 8, comprises an input roller pair 6, via which a fiber sliver is introduced into the drafting area. The input roller pair 6 has an input lower roller 61 and an input upper roller 62. The input roller pair 6 is followed in the fiber sliver transport direction R by a center roller pair 7 comprising a center lower roller 71 and a center upper roller 72, followed in the fiber sliver transport direction by an output roller pair 8 comprising an output roller 81 and an output roller 82. Between the individual roller pairs 6, 7, 8, drafting areas for the different drafting of the passing fiber sliver are formed in a known manner, in that downstream roller pairs rotate at different rotational speeds during drafting system operation.

[0034] Below the roller pairs 6, 7, 8 is the suction channel end part 1 with a number of openings corresponding to the number of roller pairs 6, 7, 8. The respective openings 33 are spaced apart along the fiber sliver transport direction R at the same distance as the respective pivot points of the associated lower rollers 61, 71, 81. The arrangement is shown centered in this embodiment. The centered arrangement is evident in the side view shown, in particular the pivot point of the lower roller 81 with the opposing edge points of the insert 36 or the opening 33 forms an isosceles triangle D, the axis of symmetry S of which runs through the center of the insert 36 or the opening 33. According to this embodiment, this centered arrangement is provided in the same way for the arrangement of the openings 33, which are opposite the central lower roller 71 and the input lower roller 61.

[0035] According to this exemplary embodiment, the suction channel end part 1 is held stationary in the area of the drafting system by means of two fastening means 4, 5. The first fastening means 4 is designed as a clamp which encompasses the outer circumference of the suction channel end part 1 and engages with the first latching pawl 25 provided on the suction channel end part 1. The first fastening means 4 has a fixing element 41 designed as a latching pawl, which can be fixed in the area of the drafting system to a support of the roller pairs, the drafting system, or a frame section of the work station of the textile machine via a complementary element. The second fastening means 5 is arranged in the area of the drafting system downstream of the output roller pair 8 in the fiber sliver transport direction and has a latching receptacle (not shown) into which the latching lug 27 engages when mounted.

[0036] The arrangement of the suction channel end part 1 allows for reliable and efficient removal of fiber fly occurring in the area of the roller pairs 6, 7, 8 during drafting system operation. The fiber fly is sucked into the opening 33 of the second component 3 via the funnel-shaped opening of the insert 36 by means of a suction flow caused by a negative pressure prevailing in the suction channel end part 1 and is removed via the inlet 21 of the first component 2 through the outlet 22. The outlet 22 of the first component 2 is designed according to this embodiment as a hose connection element for connecting a vacuum hose, via which a negative pressure flow can be introduced into the suction channel end part 1 by applying a negative pressure or, if necessary, an overpressure flow can be introduced into the suction channel end part 1. An introducible overpressure flow is advantageous in that the suction channel end part 1 and / or the associated rollers can be blown clear orcan be freed from fiber fly. List of reference symbols

[0037] 1 Suction channel end section 2 First component 3 Second component 4 First fastening element 5 Second fastening element 6 Input roller pair 7 Middle roller pair 8 Output roller pair 21 Inlet 22 Outlet 23 Spring-like guide element 24 Interruption 25 First latch 26 Latch receptacle 27 Latch nose 31 Groove-like guide element 32 Second latch 33 Opening 34 Edge 35 Guide groove 36 Insert 37 Guide web 38 Input 39 Output 41 Fixing element 61 Input lower roller 62 Input upper roller 71 Middle lower roller 72 Middle upper roller 81 Output lower roller 82 Output upper roller D Isosceles triangle R Fiber ribbon transport direction SSymmetry axis

Claims

1. Suction channel end part (1) for discharging fiber fly in the region of a drafting system by applying negative pressure, the suction channel end part (1) comprising a first component (2) to which negative pressure can be applied and which has an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) that communicates with the inlet (21), the first component (2) having a tubular shape with a longer extension along its axial tube axis than along its radial extension, and the inlet (1) being designed as an elongate hole extending parallel to the axial tube axis, the suction channel end part (1) having a second component (3) to which negative pressure can be applied, which is designed as a cover element and which can be exchangeably connected to the first component (2), the second component (3) having an opening (33) which, in the assembled state of the suction channel end part (1), forms a suction mouth which communicates with the inlet (21) and via which the fiber fly can be discharged into the suction channel end part (1) when a negative pressure is applied, characterized in that the inlet (21) is surrounded on its longitudinal sides by spring-like guide elements (23) which can be brought into engagement with complementary groove-like guide elements (31) of the plate-shaped second component (3) for assembling the first component (2) and second component (3), the groove-like guide elements (31) being arranged on the longitudinal sides of the second component (3), and the spring-like guide elements (23) each having a latching receptacle (26) which is provided in each case for latching with a second latching pawl (32), with the second component (3), arranged at a corresponding position, the latching receptacles (26) and the associated latching pawls (32) holding the first component (2) and second component (3) stationary relative to one another in the assembled state.

2. Suction channel end part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second component (3) has more than one opening (33), in the assembled state of the suction channel end part (1), the openings (33) each forming suction mouths communicating with the inlet (21) or with an associated inlet (21) from a plurality of inlets (21) formed together with the first component (2).

3. Suction channel end part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction channel end part (1) has more than one second component (2), each having at least one opening (33), in the assembled state of the suction channel end part (1), the relevant opening (33) forming a suction mouth communicating with the inlet (21) or with an associated inlet (21) from a plurality of inlets (21) formed together with the first component (2).

4. Suction channel end part (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction channel end part (1) comprises at least one fastening means (4; 5) for stationary fastening in the region of the drafting system.

5. Suction channel end part (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction channel end part (1) comprises a funnel which is designed to converge in the direction of the opening (33).

6. Suction channel end part (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the funnel is formed by an insert (36) which can be exchangeably fastened in or on the opening (33).

7. Suction channel end part (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction channel end part (1) is produced by a method in which a 3D printing method, a laser sintering method or a plastics injection molding method has been used to produce at least one of the components of the suction channel end part (1).

8. Drafting system comprising a plurality of roller pairs (6, 7, 8) for the defined drafting of a fed sliver, characterized in that a suction channel end part (1) according to any of the preceding claims is arranged in the region of the drafting system.

9. Drafting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, in a side view of the drafting system, the suction channel end part (1) is arranged so as to have at least one opening (33) centered with respect to a roller (61; 62; 71; 72; 81; 82) of an associated roller pair (6; 7; 8).

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