EP0078550B1 - Yarn furnishers group - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a thread feeder group for attachment to a textile machine, in particular a ring knitting machine, with electrically controllable switching or actuating elements in each feeder, which are connected to a central control device in a signal-transmitting switching connection via a line bundle common to all feeders.

From EP-A-0028412 it is known to design the line bundle as a flat multi-conductor cable, in which at least as many conductors or wires are arranged next to one another as suppliers in the supplier group. For example, since fourteen or more feeders are assigned to a knitting machine, and since several leads or wires may be required in the wire bundle for each feeder, the wire bundle is given considerable dimensions and is difficult to accommodate due to the extremely restricted space. Furthermore, the functionally appropriate connection and marking "of the suppliers before the first start-up of the textile machine or after changes or the connection or" marking of one or more exchanged suppliers is extremely complex. It is then necessary for an operator to manually insert one or more contact pins inside of the supplier is positioned accordingly so that the appropriate switching connections are formed between the switching or actuating elements and the central control device. This manual marking is also time-consuming and causes an undesirably long downtime for the textile machine.

The invention is the technical problem. to form a thread feeder group of the type mentioned in such a way that the structural effort for connecting the feeders to the central control device is considerably reduced and that, above all, the adjustment or "marking of the feeders in the feeder group is simplified and faster becomes feasible.

The problem posed is solved according to the invention by the features specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. In this embodiment, the manual marking of each supplier is omitted due to the electronic switching device, to which an address can be assigned by the central control device. As soon as the operation is to be started, the central control device assigns an address to each electronic switching device, under which each supplier can then be controlled individually during operation. This means that the suppliers of the group only need to be fixed mechanically without "marking" and that the textile machine is then ready for operation immediately. Another important advantage is that the line bundle now contains only a small number of lines, since all suppliers are connected to the same lines in the same way, so that the connection can be carried out relatively easily and the construction effort and the space for the accommodation of the line bundle is considerably reduced, since it is no longer necessary to select specific lines or a specific line for each supplier. The line bundle can be structurally integrated into the supplier group or the accommodation of the group without difficulty, so that little space is required for the line bundle and it no longer hangs around between the individual suppliers and the central control device. The downtimes of the textile machine before the start of operations, after breakdowns, after installation work, in which individual suppliers of the group may have been exchanged, after repair or exchange work and in the event of process changes can be drastically reduced.

An embodiment is particularly advantageous, as can be seen from claim 2. When the adapters of the group are adjusted for the first time, no special care needs to be taken when connecting the individual lines to the switching device, as after swapping the positions of adapters of the groups, since the interchanged adversaries in turn have the same positions with respect to the lines of the line bundle take, as the feeders, were previously provided in these places. With the series connection in one line of the line bundle, the addresses can be allocated to the individual suppliers in the manner of a relay circuit, so that even after such a swap, suppliers of the group can again be individually controlled by the central control device without them had to be marked again.

Another useful embodiment of the invention is set out in claim 3. Microprocessors are simple, prefabricated and inexpensive electronic components that can be programmed for their respective purpose. They are commercially available and claim, e.g. B. as a chip, extremely little space for accommodation. It would of course be conceivable to use a customized electronic switching device instead of a microprocessor; however, this would be considerably more complex than a microprocessor which can be used for many other purposes and which is programmed with regard to the known steps to be expected.

Since with such a textile machine under certain operating conditions, for. B. when starting up to the normal work program, or When a certain quality of goods expires, the suppliers of the group should only work according to a simplified program, or since it is necessary to leave one or a few of all existing suppliers passive, the idea of claim 4 is also essential, since when this switching device is switched off the passage in one line of the line bundle, in which the switching devices are arranged in series, remains, the assignment of the addresses to the other suppliers and their individual control is not affected by the switching off of the switching device. Another useful embodiment is set out in claim 5. Fixed programs can be accommodated in this read memory or the read memories, which programs can be called up either by activation by the central control device or by processes in the respective supplier itself. With this training, the applicators can be used universally.

Furthermore, the features of claim 6 are useful. In this way it is not only possible to simplify the construction and the universal applicability of the central control device for different working methods, but also to ensure that the central control device and the deliverers in the group are in strict and desired dependence on the work cycles or the speed of work during each work cycle are operable. As a result of this actuation of the central control device, the latter and also the suppliers remain independent of fluctuations in the number of work cycles or the work speed during each work cycle. It is also favorable that the coupling between the textile machine and the central control device is also electrical or. takes place electronically, which is not susceptible to faults and takes up little installation space.

Another useful idea emerges from claim 7. Here again the central tax facility is given the opportunity from the outset to adapt the suppliers to certain circumstances and to steer them uniformly in certain steps that deviate from normal working operations.

A further, expedient measure which leads to a simplification of operation can be found in claim 8. This additional device in each supplier fulfills the task of localizing and analyzing errors that occur at each supplier and making them recognizable to the central control device so that the latter can stop the textile machine and at the same time indicate the type of error. It has proven to be expedient if the measure of claim 9 is also given, since the type of error can then be identified in the area of the central control device and, in addition, it is also indicated with which supplier the error occurred. This makes troubleshooting and troubleshooting much easier.

An embodiment which is particularly protected against damage, contamination and other external influences can be seen from claim 10. Especially when using a microprocessor, the space available in conventional suppliers is by far sufficient to accommodate the switching device.

Finally, the embodiment of FIG. 11 is also useful. The bundle of lines can be accommodated in the ring-shaped carrier on which the central control device is also attached. This eliminates annoying and space-consuming line connections between the central control device and the suppliers. As is known, the correct connection between the control device and the switching device can be established when the feeders are attached to the ring-shaped carrier.

A particularly advantageous application of the subject matter of the invention results in connection with an electronically or electrically controlled ring knitting machine, in which the individual ringing devices are controlled centrally by a so-called model computer. This model computer can be connected upstream of an interface circuit to the central control unit of the suppliers, whereby the central control unit and also the microprocessors in the suppliers can be controlled in parallel with the signals from the model computer, which are also intended for the stripes and, for. B. display the respective color or a color change. As a result, the individual suppliers do not have to take the step required for mechanical control of the ringing devices, with which the thread guide arms on the output side are raised to a central position, from which a signal is generated via a thread guide that is moved under the thread tension on the part of the ringing device Microprocessor in the feeder indicates which color must now be delivered. This step is carried out analogously with every machine cycle, even if there is no thread change. With the electronic control of the ringing devices, this step simplifies the process because the microprocessors in the feeders for fewer switching operations are used and the central control unit also has to carry out fewer switching operations since the microprocessors in the feeders can each be controlled directly with the command for a color change and for the respective color.

The invention is described with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

• Figur 1 eine Seitenansicht, teilweise im Schnitt eines Ausführungsbeispieles eines Fournisseurs ;
• Figur 2 einen Schnitt längs der Linie II-II in Fig. 1 ;
• Figur 3 eine Rückansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels von Fig. 1, teilweise im Schnitt ;
• Figur 4 ein Blockdiagramm der elektronischen Schaltung in jedem Fournisseur:
• Figur 5 ein Blockdiagramm einer elektronischen Steuereinheit, die zum Steuern aller Fournisseurs nach Fig. 1 benutzt wird ;
• Figur 6 eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine vierzehnsystemige Ringelstrickmaschine ;
• Figur 7 ein Zeitdiagramm für die Steuerung der Fournisseure.

Show it :

• Figure 1 is a side view, partially in section, of an embodiment of a feeder;
• Figure 2 shows a section along the line II-II in Fig. 1;
• Figure 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of Figure 1, partially in section;
• Figure 4 is a block diagram of the electronic circuitry in each supplier:
• Figure 5 is a block diagram of an electronic control unit used to control all of the feeders of Figure 1;
• Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a fourteen-system ring knitting machine;
• Figure 7 is a timing diagram for the control of the feeders.

A feeder for positive thread delivery has a housing 1 with a clamping part 3 which can be fastened to a support ring 2 of the knitting machine, specifically with a screw 4. The support ring 2 carries a number of feeders above the knitting systems, _ that of the number of systems corresponds to the machine (Fig. 6).

The clamping part 3 extends with a projection 3a into the housing 1 and divides it into chambers 1a and 1b. The projection 3a extends beyond the housing 1 in FIG. 1 and forms a support plate 3b for a vertical, non-rotatable axis 3c. With bearings (not shown), several (here four) thread guide wheels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D are rotatably mounted on the axis 3C. A belt 6A, 6B, 6C or 6D runs over each wheel and is driven in synchronization with the knitting machine. The number of yarn guide wheels corresponds to the number of preferably different colored threads for the associated ringing device.

In the housing 1 are at the same height with the wheels 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, four times two = eight thread guide arms 7A inwards, 7A outwards, 7B inwards, 7B outwards, 7C inwards, 7C outwards, 7D inwards, 7D outwards, with axes extending horizontally into the housing 1.

All arms 7A inwards, 7B inwards, 7C inwards and 7D inwards for the incoming threads are identical, as are the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards and 7D outwards for the outgoing threads, so that only the arms 7A inwards and 7A outward, to be described below.

An armature plate 8A is fixed on the axis of the arm 7A inwards and cooperates with an "engagement" electromagnet 9A which, when energized, pivots the armature plate 8A clockwise against the action of a spring 10A (upwards in Fig. 1) . When the solenoid 9A is de-energized, the spring pulls the arm 7A counterclockwise (downward in Fig. 1) against a stop 11A.

On the axis of the arm 7A outward, a support plate 12A (see 12D in Fig. 1) for a tension spring 13A (see 13D in Fig. 1) is fixed, the other end of which is fixed to a support plate 14A (see 14D in Fig. 1) , which in turn is attached to the housing 1 by means of a screw 15A. The tension spring 13 pulls the arm 7A outward counterclockwise (i.e. upward in Fig. 1).

On the axis of the arm 7A outwards is an i. w. L-shaped plate 16A with a stop surface 17A for limiting the counterclockwise movement of the arm 7A outwards, an actuating surface 18A and a contact plate 19A. Ultimately, a contact cam 20A is attached to the axis of the arm 7A outwards. The contact plate 19A of the L-shaped plate 16A cooperates with a fixed contact plate 21A of a protrusion 22A. With a screw 23A, a contact tongue 24A is fastened to the projection 22A, which extends vertically downward and interacts with the contact cam 20A. The actuating surfaces 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D of the other arms 8B outwards, 8C outwards and 8D outwards cooperate with further actuating surfaces 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D of a vertical pull rod 26 which is not attached to an anchor (in FIGS. 1 to 3) shown) of a lifting electromagnet 27 is attached. When the electromagnet 27 is energized, the pull rod 26 is moved upwards by a small distance, whereby the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards, in the counterclockwise direction, are pivoted into a central position, since the pull rods 26 with their surfaces 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D act on the plates 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D on the axes of the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards and 7D outwards. The contact cams 20 do not yet work together with the contact tongues 24 in the middle position of the arms.

When the electromagnet 27 is de-energized, the pull rod 26 falls back into the rest position due to its weight and the weight of the armature (FIG. 1).

The contact plates 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D and the contact tongues 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D are connected (not shown) with electrical leads to a contact pin 28S of an electrical circuit board 28 which contains a switching device in the form of a microprocessor, which will be described below .

With further lines (not shown), further contact pins of the electrical circuit board 28 are connected to contact sockets 29 and 30, which are located here on opposite sides of the housing (see FIG. 2). A flat cable with preferably six conductors is connected to each socket, which is used as a so-called «bus line to supply and receive command signals and a supply current from an electronic central control unit CU, which is preferably fixed on the support ring 2 and contains a microprocessor. Instead of the sockets 29, 30, a contact pin arrangement could also be provided in the chamber 1, with which the conductors of the bus line in the support ring 2 can then be tapped.

Also attached to the housing 1 are plates 31 and 32 which extend outwards and each have four solid ceramic eyelets 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D for guiding the threads FA, FB, FC and FD and four solid ceramic eyelets 34A, 34B, 34C and 34D for guiding the threads FA ', FB', FC 'or FD'. The threads become positive through the Wheels 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D feed the tapes 6A, 6V, 6C and 6D and leave the feeder down to a ringing device in which they are gripped by fingers and guided further down to the needles of the knitting machine. Between the eyelets 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D and the wheels 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D, the incoming threads FA, FB, FC and FD pass through ceramic eyelets 35A, 35B, 35C and 35D at the free ends of the arms 7A inwards, 7B inwards, 7C inwards and 7D inwards.

The unwinding threads FA ', FB', FC 'and FD' run through ceramic eyelets 36A, 36B, 36C and 36D on the free ends of the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards and 7D outwards, respectively, after they have passed the eyelets 34A, 34B, 34C and 34D, respectively.

In Fig. 1, a lamp 37 is used for optical error display, while a manual switch 38 is used to switch off the microprocessor in the supplier.

Fig. 5 shows the microprocessor FMP (delivery microprocessor), e.g. B. a so-called "one-chip" microprocessor, in a supplier FU _" (n in this case lies between one and fourteen). The microprocessor is above a voltage threshold, not shown, which results from the 24V voltage supply for other switching devices in the supplier passes only 5V, is supplied with a voltage of 5V (direct voltage), and is connected via the "bus cable in the form of a flat cable with six conductors to identical microprocessors of the two neighboring suppliers. The first supplier FU1 and the last supplier FU14 of the group are connected to the Control unit CU connected, which is shown in Fig. 5. The "bus line" contains a line for the voltage supply and five signal lines for controlling the microprocessor in each. Supplier or for monitoring the system for errors of various kinds. These lines are designated by -: RESET, STOP SIGNAL, CLOCK, DATA and STAFETTE are described later. It is important that the microprocessors FMP are connected in series in the STAFETTE line, while they are connected in parallel in the remaining lines.

The microprocessor FMP is the supplier of the "trig" contacts 19A / 21A, 19B / 21B, 19C / 21C and 19D / 21 D and of the "stop" contacts 20A / 24A, 20B / 24B, 20C / 24C and 20D / 24D connected.

The microprocessor FMP controls the electromagnets 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D, the lifting electromagnet 27 and the lamp 37 via a driver circuit to which 24V is applied. With the hand switch 38, all functions in the microprocessor FMP can be switched off, with the exception of the transmission of the STAFETTEN- Signal. When the switch is in the “off” position, the FMP microprocessor does not notice any other information that appears on the “bus line”.

The central control unit CU in Fig. 5 consists i. w. from a microprocessor CMP (central microprocessor), which is also a «one-chip» microprocessor with a 5V DC supply.

In order to synchronize the operation of the microprocessor CMP in the central unit CU with the operation of the ring knitting machine, a position sensor SYNC is provided (e.g. a reed switch), which interacts with the drive shaft of the ribbed cylinder of the knitting machine to generate a pulse per revolution of the knitting machine to deliver the microprocessor. A z. B. Photoelectric sensor FREQU works with a toothed disk on the drive shaft of the knitting machine in order to deliver a pulse train at a frequency corresponding to the current speed of the knitting machine to the microprocessor CMP in the control unit CU.

The microprocessor CMP is connected to a display DISPLAY in the control unit. C, which only shows two characters, which serve for the optical code display of the type of an occurring error, z. B. a thread break with the code «1 1 and an error in the signal transmission with the code« 2 2 is displayed.

The microprocessor CMP in the control unit CU is connected to the “six-wire bus line” mentioned in connection with FIG. 4 for the communication connection with the respective microprocessor FMP in each supplier of the system according to the invention.

T1, T2, T3 and T4 denote four hand switch buttons in the area of the central control unit, the function of which is described below.

6 shows the feeders FU1 to FU14 and the control unit CU on the support ring 2 of the knitting machine. It can be seen how the feed belts 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are driven by a shaft 39 via a roller 40 with a variable diameter (for changing the belt speed) and a tensioning device 41 with a drive belt 42.

• Wenn die Spannungsversorgung für die Ringel- Strickmaschine eingeschaltet wird, wird jedem Fournisseur FU1... FU_n... FU_m in der Gruppe von der Steuereinheit CU eine bestimmte Adresse gegeben, wobei m gleich der Gesamtzahl der Fournisseure ist und vierzehn beträgt. In anderen Worten wird jedem Fournisseur eine einheitliche Nummer gegeben, die er beibehält, bis die nächste adressierende Betriebsweise stattfindet, d. h., bis die Ringel-Strickmaschine das nächste Mal eingeschaltet wird.

The described embodiment works as follows:

• When the power supply for the ring knitting machine is switched on, each supplier FU1 ... FU _n ... FU _m in the group is given a specific address by the control unit CU, where m is equal to the total number of suppliers and is fourteen. In other words, each supplier is given a unique number which he keeps until the next addressing mode of operation takes place, ie until the next time the ring knitting machine is switched on.

The addressing is carried out by the control unit CU, which generates a signal, e.g. B. sends out a binary zero (equals low potential) on the STAFETTEN line when it starts sending out pulse trains on the CLOCK line. The signal on the STAFETTEN line enters the supplier's microprocessor FMP1 Number 1 (FU1), which is programmed so that it begins to count and stores in an internal memory the number of clock pulses that have occurred on the TAKT line up to this point in time, ie "one" in this case. The signal on the STAFETTEN line continues from the STAFETTEN output of the microprocessor FMB1 in the supplier FU1 to the STAFETTEN input of the microprocessor FMP2 in the supplier FU2, which reads on receipt of the STAFETTEN signal that two pulses have so far been on the TAKT- Line occurred, this number being stored in its internal memory. The Stafetten signal consists continue to keep running from feeder to feeder until it _m the last feeder FU group has happened, the microprocessor FMP _m reads or counts that m pulses on the occurred CLOCK line, so that this feeder receives the address «m (eg« fourteen •).

The main advantage of this addressing operation or "designation of the suppliers" is that the suppliers can, if this should be desired for one reason or another, be freely moved or exchanged within the system. The position of each feeder in the group can be changed freely or, alternatively, a feeder can be replaced by a new feeder without having to carry out a “marking” by hand, as in the known system according to EP-A-0 028 412 was required. There the contactors must be matched to a specific wire in the flat multi-conductor cable.

The automatically addressing mode of operation in the system according to the invention also eliminates the disadvantage of marking by hand for the first time before the first. Start of operation of the ring knitting machine.

Now in the described embodiment z. B. the knitting station No. 12, d. H. the supplier FU12. At a certain moment, the needles of the ring knitting machine were working with the thread FD ', which is fed positively through the top thread guide wheel 5D, by means of the thread guide belt 6D. A change to thread FA 'is currently taking place in the associated ringing device.

• 1) wenn der Vergleich eine positive Antwort ergibt, auf das aufrufende Signal durch Rücksendung eines Empfangssignals auf der STOP- Signal-Leitung zu der zentralen Steuereinheit CU antworten, während sie,
• 2) falls der Vergleich eine negative Antowrt ergibt, nicht auf das aufrufende Signal ansprechen.

Immediately before this point in time, the control unit Cu, which works in synchronization with the knitting machine, sends out an addressing or calling signal in the form of a 6-bit word (the largest possible number of addresses being sixty-four), in this case the number “twelve”, on the DATA line. The microprocessors in all the feeders FU1 to FU14 read the information appearing on the DATA line every time they receive a pulse on the CLOCK line. They are programmed to compare the calling signal sent out by the central control unit with the address stored in their internal memory and,

• 1) if the comparison gives a positive answer, to the calling signal by returning a received signal on the STOP signal line to the central control unit CU while they,
• 2) if the comparison gives a negative answer, do not respond to the calling signal.

Upon receipt of such a received signal, the central control unit CU sends one or more commands or command signals on the DATA line, each command signal being a 4-bit word (possible total number of commands sixteen), but only the microprocessor FMP12 which was enabled to read or receive the command signal or the signals appearing on the DATA line. If the central control unit does not receive the reception signal immediately after the addressing or calling signal has been sent, it generates an error display or a STOP signal for the knitting machine according to the programming.

• 1) Ausschalten des Stromes zu allen « Eingriff »-Elektromagneten 9A, 9B, 9C und 9D in dem Fournisseur ;
• 2) Einschalten des Stromes zum « _Hebe-Elektromagneten 27 ;
• 3) Ausschalten der Stopfunktion aller Arme 7A auswärts, 7B auswärts, 7C auswärts und 7D auswärts, d. h. der zusammenwirkenden Kontaktnocken 20A, 20B, 20C und 20D und der Kontaktzungen 24A, 24B, 24C und 24D.

Exactly at this moment, the command or the instruction to the microprocessor in the feeder FU12 is "switch off the positive feed" (command I). Upon receipt of command I, the microprocessor FMP of each supplier performs three different operations, namely:

• 1) turning off the current to all the "engaging" electromagnets 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D in the supplier;
• 2) switching on the current to _"H ebe electromagnet 27;
• 3) Deactivation of the stop function of all arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards and 7D outwards, ie the interacting contact cams 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D and the contact tongues 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D.

Operation 1) swings the “working” arm 7D in counterclockwise direction, i. H. downward in Fig. 1, thereby pulling the thread FD on the guide wheel 5D under the guide belt 6D and stopping the positive delivery.

Operation 2) moves the pull rod 26, causing the working arm 7D outwards, as well as the other arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards and 7C outwards, which may be in their lower position at this moment, e.g. B. due to the elasticity of the threads, a piece in the counterclockwise direction, d. H. in Figure 1 upwards, in a predetermined middle position. However, the contacts 20, 24 are not closed.

• 4) alle Arme 7A auswärts, 7B auswärts, 7C auswärts, 7D auswärts werden freigegeben, da der Hebe-Elektromagnet 27 entregt wird ; und
• 5) der Strom zum demjenigen « Eingriff » - Elektromagneten 9A, 9B, 9C oder 9D wird eingeschaltet, dessen zugehöriger Arm 7A auswärts, 7B auswärts, 7C auswärts oder 7D auswärts durch einen Faden FA', FB', FC' oder FD' in eine sogenannte « trig-Lage » gebracht wurde, wobei dieser Faden nun zur Verarbeitung gebracht kommt und daher gespannt wird. Die « trig-Lage » entspricht der Kontaktlage der Platten 19A/21A, 19B/21B. 19C/21C oder 19D/21D, in diesem Fall der Kontakplatten 19A/21A, wie in Figur 1 gezeigt ist.

Now the central control unit CU in turn sends the address signal "twelve on the DATA line. The microprocessor in the supplier FU12 operates by returning a received signal to the central control unit on the STOP signal line, whereupon the control unit CU sends a new command II on the DATA line, which is again only by the Supplier FU12 is running. The command II is «Change color •. The microprocessor FMP of each supplier is programmed as follows when command II is received:

• 4) All arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards, 7D outwards are released because the lifting electromagnet 27 is de-energized; and
• 5) the current to that "engagement" electromagnet 9A, 9B, 9C or 9D is switched on, the associated arm 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards or 7D outwards through a thread FA ', FB', FC 'or FD' in a so-called "trig-ply" was brought, whereby this thread is now being processed and is therefore tensioned. The “trig position” corresponds to the contact position of the plates 19A / 21A, 19B / 21B. 19C / 21C or 19D / 21D, in this case the contact plates 19A / 21A, as shown in Figure 1.

Through this operation, the corresponding arm 7A inwards, 7B inwards, 7C inwards or 7D inwards, in the present case 7A inwards, the thread FA, FB, FC or FD, in the present case FA, upwards into a position under the corresponding guide band move on the guide wheel so that it is fed positively, d. H. at constant speed in synchronization with the stripe knitting machine.

• Das oberste Signaldiagramm in Fig. 7 zeigt die rückwärtige Kante des Betätigungspulses für den « Hebe- » Elektromagneten 27 des Fournisseurs, d. h. dieser Elektromagnet ist zum Zeitpunkt t1 entregt und läßt die Arme 7A auswärts, 7B auswärts, 7C auswärts und 7D auswärts frei, so daß sie für die nächste, ein « trig-Signal erzeugende, Operation vorbereitet sind. Im Fall 1, d. h. zum Zeitpunkt t2, wurde der Arm 7A aufgrund eines Farbwechsels auswärts in die « trig-Lage gebracht, da im Ringelgerät ein neuer Faden FA' aufgegriffen würde. In diesem Fall erzeugt der Mikroprozessor FMP programmgemäß zum Zeitpunkt t2 ein Betätigungssignal und schaltet den Strom zum Elektromagneten 9A ein.

An internal program routine runs in the supplier's microprocessor FMP to ensure that the correct thread is delivered positively regardless of the fact; that disturbances can occur in the supplier, e.g. B. due to increased tension due to the elasticity of the thread just stopped. It can also happen that two output arms are brought into the "trig position" and each generate a trig sign. Then, if the FMP microprocessor had no internal program routine (as described below), would. two threads delivered positively. In four possible different cases, the internal program routine works as follows (see FIG. 7):

• The uppermost signal diagram in FIG. 7 shows the rear edge of the actuation pulse for the "lifting" electromagnet 27 of the supplier, ie this electromagnet is de-energized at time t1 and releases the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards and 7D outwards, so that they are prepared for the next operation generating a trig signal. In case 1, ie at time t2, the arm 7A was brought out into the “trig” position due to a color change, since a new thread FA ′ would be picked up in the ringing device. In this case, the microprocessor FMP generates an actuation signal according to the program at time t2 and switches on the current to the electromagnet 9A.

In case 2 the arm 7D was also brought out into the trig position with the old thread FD at time t3. In this case, there will be no color change in the striping device during this knitting machine revolution, but the needles will continue to knit the old thread FD '. At time t3, a "timing routine in the microprocessor FMP now begins, during which the microprocessor FMP waits for a possible" trig signal for a new thread, i. H. for the yarn FA. If such a "trig signal" does not occur during this "timeout routine" (duration 20 ms), the microprocessor FMP generates an actuation signal at the time t3 + 20 ms, in accordance with the programming. H. it switches on the current to the electromagnet 9D for the old thread again, so that this has priority and is again supplied positively.

In case 3 the arm 7D is brought out again at the time t4 with the old thread FD into the “trig” position. The «timeout routine is started again in the microprocessor FMP. However, a short time later, at time t5, a trig signal is also received from arm 7A with the new thread FA. This can only mean that arm 7D was erroneously brought into the "trig position" at time t4, presumably due to remaining tension in thread FD ', which cannot be the case with the new thread FA'. In accordance with the programming, the microprocessor FMP gives the trig signal a priority for the new thread and generates an actuation signal for the electromagnet 9A at time t5.

In case 4 no trig signal occurs at all, neither for the old thread FD nor for the new thread FA, which means that there is an error, e.g. B. a thread break. The microprocessor FMP in this supplier now generates and sends a stop signal on the STOPSIGNAL line back to the control unit CU, which, in turn, then sends a stop signal to one at the time t6, defined by a third command signal III from the central control unit CU, “GIVE STOPSIGNAL” Stop motion relay in the knitting machine to stop the machine. At this point, the power to the fault indicator lamp 37 in the supplier in question is turned on so that the operator can easily find the knitting station in which the fault occurred. The microprocessor CMP in the central control unit CU also sends a signal to its type of fault display, in the present case, for. B. the code «1 1».

In each of cases 1, 2 and 3, the microprocessor FMP in the supplier automatically switches on the stop function according to the programming for the respective output thread guide arm only for the thread which gave the "trig signal", ie. H. in case 1 for the new thread FA, in case 2 for the old thread FD and in case 3 for the new thread FA. The stop function, i. H. that the power supply to the contact cams 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D and the contact tongues 24A, 24B, 24C and 24D is programmed so that it is switched on in all Fournisseren immediately after the trig signal appeared in the supplier.

In cases 1, 2 and 3, the microprocessor FMP responds accordingly The supplier did not respond to the command signal 3 "GIVE STOP signal" because a "trig signal was received, which means that no error, such as. B. a thread break was present.

On the other hand, the microprocessor FMP is programmed for normal operation in every researcher so that it immediately sends a stop signal back to the "STOPSIGNAL" line to the central control unit if a thread break occurs in the thread being knitted, so that the knitting machine is stopped and the error display 37 and the display lights up. In addition, at the same time, the current to all "engaging" electromagnets is switched off, so that the positive supply of the threads stops in order to prevent a temporary overfeed. After the fault has been eliminated, for example the thread breakage at one of the feeders, the Operator turns on the restart switch T4 in the central control unit CU (see Fig. 5), whereby the microprocessor CMP in the control unit, according to the programming, switches off the current to the stop movement relay of the knitting machine and at the same time gives the command to the microprocessor FMP in the supplier in which the error occurred to turn off the error indicator lamp 37, provided that the stop contact in question is open again, in which case the program routine was not reset in the control unit, but the system, according to the programming, starts again with the execution of the operation which the would have been next when the error occurred.

With the switch T1, the operator can reset the entire program in the microprocessor CMP of the central control unit CU and the microprocessors FMP in all suppliers, whereupon the entire program is automatically started again when the. Control unit receives the next synchronization pulse from the SYNC position sensor (see Figure 5).

The switch T2 causes the central control unit CU to issue a certain common command to the microprocessors in all the suppliers, so that all the electromagnets 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are de-energized so that no thread is delivered positively. However, the trig signal of the "trig contacts" 19A / 21A, 19B / 21B, 19C / 21C and 19D / 21D is designed so that, as before the stop function, it only affects the thread that is being knitted can be of considerable importance when starting a new fabric quality in the machine, ie before the speed of the belts 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D (ie the thread speed) is correctly set in relation to the speed of the knitting machine.

Ultimately, the switch T3 in the control unit CU causes an additional specific command to the microprocessors FMP of all suppliers, which causes the current to one of the electromagnets 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, which was actuated by a "trig signal", to remain switched on , whereas the lifting-engaging electromagnets 27 are not excited during a machine revolution as in the normal operating mode. This means that the thread in question is always delivered positively. This special function can be used if the striped knitting machine is to be used for knitting smooth waze.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, which was shown in the drawing, but a number of other variants are possible within the scope of the invention.

The exemplary embodiment described is intended for a mechanically controlled striping knitting machine in which the striping devices are controlled mechanically by a central control unit.

However, the invention can be used particularly advantageously for an electronically controlled ring knitting machine in which the ring devices are controlled electrically by the central control unit. The information about the color change or thread change is electrically accessible in the central pattern program system of the knitting machine itself. This means that in this case there is no need for a temporary raising of the arms 7A outwards, 7B outwards, 7C outwards or 7D outwards into a “middle position” and for lowering the arms by the new thread. Since the temporary lowering of the output thread guide arms is no longer necessary, no “lifting” electromagnet 27 is required. It is then also unnecessary to block the stop function for the output yarn guide arm at the moment when the central control unit sends a command to end the positive delivery in the respective supplier.

In an electrically controlled ring knitting machine, the microprocessor CMP is programmed to give a command for positive delivery to the respective supplier and at the same time to inform the microprocessor FMP in the supplier which actuates the four “engagement” electromagnets 9A, 9B, 9C or 9D shall be.

Then the stop function is switched on only for the thread that has been commanded by the central control unit CU for positive delivery.

When using the feeder group in a mechanically controlled ring knitting machine, depending on the type of ring knitting machine, the microprocessor CMP of the central control unit CU is designed or programmed from the start with various tabular information in its internal memory (the tabular information depending on the number of knitting stations of the machine, the distances between the knitting stations and the like may vary), that it is determined which operations are to be carried out in total in all suppliers, in which order of these operations are to be carried out and at what times these operations must be carried out. The times at which these operations have to be carried out are determined by determining at which pulse in the pulse train the pulse generator FREQ must start, counting the synchronization pulses that the microprocessor receives from the position sensor SYNC.

When using the invention counter. As is the case with an electronically controlled ring 1 knitting machine, this tabular information for the microprocessor CMP in the central control unit CU does not need to be as extensive, since in this case the microprocessor CMP works “online” with the knitting machine pattern computer, specifically via an interface circuit IC (Fig. 5, indicated by dashed lines) and therefore continuously receives information from this model computer PC, which give him the necessary color change data with each machine revolution.

In this case, all other functions are essentially the same as in the previously described exemplary embodiment, which is used in a mechanically controlled striping machine.

Claims (11)

1. A yarn feeder group for mounting on a textile machine, particularly on striping knitting machine, comprising electrically controlable switching or actuating elements (9 ; 27 ; 20 ; 24, 19, 21), in each feeder (FU_n) arranged in a signal- transmitting switching connection with a central control unit (CU) via a conductor bundle common to all furnishers, characterized in that in association with said switching or actuating elements (9 ; 27 ; 20 ; 24 ; 19, 21), respectively, for each said furnisher (FU_n) there is provided an electronic switching unit containing an inscribable and readable memory, each said switching unit being adapted to have an individual address ascribed thereto by said central control unit (CU) and to be controlled by utilizing said address after said address has been so ascribed, and in that said switching units of all feeders are each connected in the same manner to the same conductors of the conductor bundle.

2. A yearn feeder group according to claim 1, characterized in that said switching units are connected in series to a conductor (named RELAY) in said conductor bundle for ascribing said addresses while being connected in parallel to the further conductors of said conductor bundle.

3. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each switching unit contains a microprocessor.

4. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each switching unit comprises a manually operable breaker switch (38) by means of which said microprocessor (FMP_n) is adapted to be disconnected from said further conductors.

5. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in addition to said inscribable and readable memory said microprocessor comprises a readonly memory (ROM) for at least one fixed program for controlling said switching and actuating elements of the associated furnisher, or for a fixed supervising program, re-. spectively.

6. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said central control unit contains a microprocessor adapted to be fed with signals from at least one, preferably two associated timing control element(s) responsive for instance to the operating cycles, the operating position, the operating speed and the like of the textile machine.

7. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said microprocessor of said central control unit is adapted to have inscribed therein at least one fixed program for a uniform control of all switching units, whereby said program is adapted to be selectively activated (T1-T4).

8. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each switching unit includes means for sensing, encoding and transmitting fault conditions to said central control unit and in that a fault-type identification and indication means is provided in said central control unit.

9. A yarn feeder group according to claim 8, characterized in that in association with each furnisher there is provided a fault indicator means adapted to be controlled by the microprocessor.

10. A yarn feeder group according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said switching unit is accommodated in the housing of the furnisher.

11. A yarn feeder group according to any of claims 1 to 10, said group being releasably mounted on an annular carrier and adapted to be connected to conductors of the conductor bundle by means of connector means at the mounting location, characterized in that said central control (CU) unit is likewise mounted on said annular carrier and in that said conductor bundle comprises six conductors extending side-by-side and connected to the switching unit of each furnisher at the mounting location thereof, the conductor for ascribing the addresses being connected to an input terminal respectively to an output terminal separate thereform of each switching unit.

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