Textiles: fiber preparation – Working – Picking
Utility Patent
1999-09-09
2001-01-02
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3741)
Textiles: fiber preparation
Working
Picking
C019S105000, C019S204000
Utility Patent
active
06167593
ABSTRACT:
This application claims the priority of German Application No. 198 26 071.7 filed Jun. 12, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a fiber processing machine which forms a fiber lap (fiber batt), for example, from wool or chemical fiber tufts. The machine includes a fiber feeding device composed of a slowly rotating feed roll cooperating with a feed tray array. A rapidly rotating opening roll is disposed immediately downstream of the feed roll (as viewed in the direction of fiber advance). The fiber feeding device and the opening roll withdraw the fiber material from an upper chute (reserve chute) and forward the material to a lower chute (feed chute). The feed tray is formed of a plurality of individual feed trays rotatable about an axis, and each feed tray is associated with a respective measuring member which emits signals representing the density (thickness) of the running fiber material and which is coupled to a control and regulating device that operates setting members.
In a known device of the above-outlined type as disclosed, for example, in German Offenlegungsschrift (application published without examination) 34 13 595, in a fiber tuft feeder for a card, above the opening roll which separates the upper chute (reserve chute) from the lower chute (feed chute), a feed roll is disposed which draws the fiber tufts from the upper chute in cooperation with a feed tray array composed of a plurality of closely side-by-side arranged individual feed trays. Each feed tray is pivotal about an axis which extends parallel to the feed roll axis. The individual feed trays are pivoted by the fiber tufts to an extent which depends from the mass of the fiber tufts passing through the gap defined by the feed trays and the feed roll.
Each individual feed tray is coupled with an electromagnet which, in turn, is connected with a control device. The feed trays also serve as sensors which control the control device. The air pervious wall of the reserve chute is covered by a series of sliders which are individually vertically movable by means of electromagnets coupled to the control device.
It is a disadvantage of the above described prior art arrangement that as the air passage openings are enlarged or reduced by the vertically movable sliders, the flow rate of the transporting and densifying air stream for the fiber tufts fluctuates. It is a further disadvantage that because of such a fluctuation, an undesired delay of the regulation of the fiber lap occurs, particularly as concerns the compensation of the thickness fluctuations. In the known device, in the region of the narrow lateral walls of the feed chute the height of the fiber tuft column in the chute drops. Since the height of the sides of the fiber tuft column in the chute—as viewed along the width of the feeder—is not uniform, such devices cannot be used in wide roller card feeders having a width of 3 m and more.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device of the above-outlined type from which the discussed disadvantages are eliminated and which, in particular, ensures an improved uniformity of the fiber lap and further ensures an equalization of the height of the fiber tuft column in the feed chute.
This object and others to become apparent as the specification progresses, are accomplished by the invention, according to which, briefly stated, the fiber processing machine for forming a fiber lap from fiber tufts includes a generally vertically oriented reserve chute, a generally vertically oriented feed chute having an inlet adjoining the outlet of the reserve chute, and a fiber feeding assembly drawing fiber from the reserve chute and advancing fiber into the feed chute. The fiber feeding assembly includes a generally horizontally oriented feed roll having a rotary axis extending parallel to the horizontal width of the reserve chute, and a feed tray array cooperating with the feed roll and being composed of a series of individual feed trays lined up along the feed roll and rotatable about an axis. Each feed tray defines a nip with the feed roll. Measuring elements are coupled to each feed tray for emitting signals representing an extent of excursion of the respective feed tray as the fiber material passes through the respective nip. A control and regulating device is connected to the measuring elements for receiving the signals therefrom. Movable wall elements are arranged side-by-side parallel to the reserve chute width and form part of at least one of the reserve chute walls. Setting members are connected to the wall elements for moving the wall elements in sections in a direction parallel to the reserve chute depth for varying the size thereof.
The inventive setting of the wall elements in a direction parallel to the chute depth makes possible a more intense infeed of the fiber material at locations of reduced height, that is, in the zones immediately adjacent the two side walls and further makes possible a reduced infeed at locations of greater height, so that, as a result, the height of the fiber tuft column in the reserve chute over its width is equalized and thus the production of a more uniform fiber lap is ensured.
By virtue of the fact that the measuring members which are associated with the individual feed trays and which emit signals representing the fiber material density (thickness) in the vicinity of the movable wall elements and that both are situated in the region where the fiber lap is being formed, a rapid (short period) regulation of the fiber lap is possible.
The invention has the following additional advantageous features:
The length of the wall elements is identical to the length of the individual feed trays, wherein the lengths are viewed parallel to the feed roll axis.
The wall elements extend essentially throughout the height of at least one of the chute side walls.
The wall elements surround the chute zone where the fiber lap is being formed.
The wall elements are pivotally supported wall segments of the reserve chute.
Each wall element is moved by a separate pneumatic setting element such as a pneumatic cylinder.
Air outlet openings are provided in the region of the lap forming zone.
The adjustable wall elements, the individual feed trays and the feed roll are situated at the lower end of the reserve chute.
At the lower end of the lower chute (feed chute) a feed roll and cooperating feed tray and wall elements are provided which are adjustable in sections parallel to the chute depth.
Each wall element is pivotal in cantilever fashion about its own pivotal (rotary) support.
The wall elements are outwardly swingable.
The rotary supports are mounted on one of the chute walls.
With each individual feed tray a measuring member is associated for determining the thickness of the fiber material and the respective measuring members are connected, via the control and regulating device, with the setting elements for the wall elements.
The flow rate of fiber supplied to the upper (reserve) chute is varied as a function of the deviation of an actual value from a desired value.
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Calvert John J.
Keleman Gabor J.
Tr{umlaut over (u)}tzschler GmbH & Co. KG
Venable
Welch Gary L.
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