EP1033429A2 - Adjustable fabric stretcher - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustable fabric spreader has rigid end pieces (2,3) at a fixed angular position in relation to each other but with a linear adjustment through a setting system. The end pieces (2,3) have a triangular shape, with their points downwards, and a quadrilateral is fitted to their upper corners, which can be adjusted for length but not for width, and is a square when in the center setting. The adjustable fabric spreader, especially for tubular knit goods from a circular knitter, has rigid end pieces (2,3) at a fixed angular position in relation to each other but with a linear adjustment through a setting system. During adjustment, the end pieces retain their shape and alignment. The shifts from the ideal square shape are relatively small. The gaps between the ends (11,12;14,15) of the end piece members (4-7) are the same for both end pieces (2,3), at the corners of the quadrilateral. The setting mechanism moves the end pieces (2,3) towards and away from each other, and holds the end pieces (2,3) in their alignment without a swing shift. The sliding members (4-7) have a fixed length, linked together without a swing movement.. The lower ends of the sliding members (4-7) are linked together by a U- or V-shaped connector (8,9). Each sliding member (4-7) has a carrier (21,22) at the center zone, to link each end piece (2,3) with the setting mechanism. The setting mechanism has a remote control or remote operation. The setting system has a drive (41) and a gearing which moves each end piece (2,3) in opposite directions for their relative linear positioning. The gearing has a spindle, cogwheel, cam or cable system. The setting mechanism can have a fluid drive or a handwheel (41) drive, or an electrical drive. The setting action brings a sprung and pliable positioning to the end pieces (2,3).

Description

The invention relates to a fabric spreader, in particular for circular knitting machines or circular knitting machines or for other machines that are tubular goods submit, which is to be combined into a volume.

Create circular knitting machines or circular knitting machines a hose that is used for further processing is to be wound up. Understandably, this should be done if possible Wrinkle-free and without delay. Will the goods warped, this can lead to significant quality losses further processing, especially when cutting to lead.

Wrap the tubular goods on a wrap to be able to spread it flat. she will thereby folded into a double-ply band that For example, is guided by two or more take-off rollers. To ensure that the goods are free of wrinkles and warpage runs through the take-off rollers are usually so-called goods spreader provided that the Pull the goods hose from the inside and go to the flat one Lead band form. Such spreaders are common adjustable to adapt to different Hose diameter and hose qualities, To enable goods tensions etc.

E.g. is a fabric spreader from DE-OS 2130660 known that in the goods hose above the Take-off rollers are to be arranged. The fabric spreader points two rigid end pieces on one Adjustment device away from and towards each other are adjustable. The end pieces are each through an arcuate crossbar that is approximately horizontal is arranged and one from the center obliquely below extending guide bracket formed. The two horizontally arranged bracket of the end pieces define a oval goods form, from which the hose through the Guide bar is laid out flat.

The oval defined by the brackets is a priori and relatively elongated in each adjustment position, so that the goods hose is subject to a relatively large delay.

In addition, EP 0003697 B1 Goods spreader known that the goods from a Square shape starting from the double band shape. This fabric spreader has four telescopic trained sliding rods, each in pairs together a triangle standing on top establish. With their upper ends, the slide bracket is on mounted a bracket that is a horizontal aligned square. The lower ends of the Slide brackets are also held by a bracket, which are the triangles defined by the slide bars spreads away from each other.

The bracket forms an adjusting mechanism that the upper ends of the slide bracket along the diagonal of the Squares shifts so that the top square shrinks or is enlarged. Accordingly, the lower ones Ends of the slide bracket adjusted in height, the Length of the slide bracket changes. Resulting accordingly Changes in the angle of the slide bracket are caused by articulated Allows connections between the temple ends.

It is a relatively complex adjustment mechanism required.

Proceeding from this, it is an object of the invention to simple goods spreader to specify one Low-warpage goods allow.

This task is solved with a fabric spreader, which has the features of claim 1.

The fabric spreader according to the invention has two rigid Tails on what a simple construction and a robust construction enables. Both end pieces are with two brackets arranged at an acute angle to each other provided, the two parts of the goods hose towards each other lead until they lie against each other. Joints or other Devices for pivoting the slide bracket are not required. The slide bars are, for example Rods formed, the upper ends of which are in one fixed bracket distance are arranged, which is not adjustable is. In addition, the bar length is preferred unchangeable, i.e. the respective slide bracket is not telescopic.

The adjustment device is designed so that the two end pieces in their most approximate position, measured between the rod ends, a distance from each other that is less than that Distance between bars. In their farthest from each other distant position is the distance of the end pieces from each other, measured between the rod ends, greater than the bar end spacing. The adjustment device allows it thus to bring the end pieces into a close position in the rod ends define a rectangle, its short Edges aligned approximately parallel to the direction of adjustment are. In another adjustment position, the upper ones Set a square to the ends of the bars. In others Adjustment positions in which the end pieces continue are separated from each other, insert the upper rod ends Rectangle fixed, the long edges of which are parallel to the Direction of adjustment are oriented.

By defining the adjustment range ultimately a low distortion in all adjustment positions Collapse of the goods hose reached. The deviation the square defined by the upper ends of the slide bracket of the square shape are not too big. Thus, the initially round goods hose without major warping to the Spreaders are created. This is especially true if the overall adjustment range is not too large. The adjustment range is preferably not greater than that Distance between bars. He can also be on half Bar end spacing must be limited.

The rigid end pieces allow due to the elimination of joints or other places of discontinuity, such as Telescopes or the like, a particularly smooth goods run. Ultimately, this also serves quality.

The slide bracket can be at their respective lower ends with a V- or U-shaped connector be connected to each other or by a corresponding continuous pipe bent in the connection area be educated. This also serves to ensure a good flow of goods.

The fabric spreader is in the interior of the fabric hose arranged. If the adjustment device is remotely operable, an adjustment can overlying goods hose take place without this would have to be cut open. The adjustment device can for this purpose have an adjustment drive which is a Includes gearbox. This serves one Arite drive movement in a synchronous actuating movement of the implement both end pieces. These are preferably linear movable, so that only their distance, but not whose angular position to each other is changed. As Adjustment drive can be a servomotor, a compressed air drive or serve a mechanical drive, for example a traction device is effected.

Details of advantageous embodiments of the Invention emerge from the drawing, the description or subclaims.

Fig. 1 einen Warenbreithalter in perspektivischer Prinzipdarstellung,

Fig. 2 den Warenbreithalter nach Figur 1, in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 den Warenbreithalter nach den Figuren 1 und 2, in Perspektivdarstellung,

Fig. 5 den Warenbreithalter nach den Figuren 1 bis 4, in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6 den Warenbreithalter nach den Figuren 1 bis 5, in einer Ansicht von unten her gesehen,

Fig. 7a bis Fig. 7c eine schematisierte Draufsicht auf den Warenbreithalter in unterschiedlichen Verstellpositionen zur Veranschaulichung des Verstellbereichs,

Fig. 8 eine Verstelleinrichtung für den Warenbreithalter nach den Figuren 1 bis 6, in einer schematisierten Seitenansicht,

Fig. 9 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform einer Verstelleinrichtung mit Handantrieb, in einer schematisierten Seitenansicht,

Fig. 10 eine Verstelleinrichtung mit einem Zahnstangengetriebe und einem Steilmotor, in schematisierter Darstellung,

Fig. 11 eine Verstelleinrichtung mit einem Druckluftantrieb, in schematisierter Prinzipdarstellung,

Fig. 12 und Fig. 13 jeweils eine Verstelleinrichtung mit einem Zugmittelgetriebe, in schematisierter Darstellung, und

Fig. 14 eine Verstelleinrichtung mit einem Kurvengetriebe, in schematisierter Darstellung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing. Show it:

1 is a perspective view of a fabric spreader,

2 shows the fabric spreader according to Figure 1, in a plan view,

3 and Fig. 4, the fabric spreader according to Figures 1 and 2, in perspective view,

5 the fabric spreader according to FIGS. 1 to 4, in a side view,

6 shows the fabric spreader according to FIGS. 1 to 5, viewed from below,

7a to 7c show a schematic plan view of the fabric spreader in different adjustment positions to illustrate the adjustment area,

8 shows an adjustment device for the fabric spreader according to FIGS. 1 to 6, in a schematic side view,

9 shows a modified embodiment of an adjusting device with a manual drive, in a schematic side view,

10 is an adjustment device with a rack and pinion gear and a steep motor, in a schematic representation,

11 shows an adjustment device with a compressed air drive, in a schematic basic illustration,

FIGS. 12 and 13 each show an adjusting device with a traction mechanism gear, in a schematic representation, and

Fig. 14 is an adjustment device with a cam mechanism, in a schematic representation.

1 shows a fabric spreader 1, which is used for tubular goods, e.g. knitted goods or knitted fabric from the transition from the knitting or Knitting machine suitable to take-off rollers. The Material spreader 1 is not further within one illustrated goods hose arranged in the figure 1 runs vertically from top to bottom and on top of it. ways from the fabric spreader 1 from the tubular shape in one Flat form is transferred.

The fabric spreader 1 has two end pieces 2, 3, which are each approximately triangular. Each End piece 2, 3 each have two sliding brackets 4, 5; 6, 7 which are connected to each other at their lower end and thus stand at an acute angle to each other. You can via a separate V or U-shaped connector 8, 9 or a V- or U-shaped bending area be connected. Your upper ends 11, 12, 14, 15 are angled into the horizontal. The Ends 11, 12, 14, 15 in pairs towards each other. she can, as illustrated in Figure 2, by Connecting rods 15, 17 connected together or how Figure 1 indicates not to be connected to each other. The Connecting rods 16, 17 are telescopic around one Adjustment of the end pieces 2, 3 towards each other and to allow each other away. The connectors 8, 9 are carried by the slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 and otherwise with no other elements connected.

The upper ends 11, 12, 14, 15 of the slide rods 4, 5, 6, 7 can by appropriately curved connectors be formed in the open ends of the pipes formed slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 inserted or are plugged in. The same applies to the corresponding ones Connecting pieces 8, 9. Thus, the slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 and the connectors 16, 17 in total Hexagon with two corners angled downwards. This lie on a line with the adjustment direction of the two end pieces 2, 3 (arrow 18 in Figure 2) matches.

Each slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 is approximately in the middle with one Carrier plate 21, 22 connected, the two at an acute angle mutually arranged slide bracket 4, 5; 6, 7 at their lower end are connected to each other, approximately in the middle sums up. The carrier plates 21, 22 are rigid with the Sliding brackets 4, 5, 6, 7 connected and hold them like Figure 5 illustrates so that the end pieces 2, 3rd are spread apart. The end pieces 2, 3 form approximately a right angle with each other, that opens down.

The whole through the slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 and Connectors 16, 17 formed frame is of the Carrier plates 21, 22 worn, which in turn by a Adjustment device 24 are held or carried. To the adjusting device 24 belong in particular from FIG 3 visible linear guides 25, 26, for example open ends of a continuously trained Box profile can be formed. In this box profile or some other tube is telescopic extendable carrier pieces 27, 28 (Figure 4), the end the support plates 21, 22 carry.

The displacement of the carrier pieces 27, 28 is carried out by one belonging to the adjusting device 24 Adjustment gear 31 causes. One belongs to this obliquely to the vertical side of the box profile away extending threaded spindle 32 on which a nut 33rd sits (Figure 2). This is with handlebars 34, 35 with lateral extensions 36, 37 connected by the Support pieces 27, 28 go out and the linear guides 26, 27 with corresponding lateral slots 38, 39 protrude. The rotatably mounted threaded spindle 32 carries at its free end a handwheel 41, which the Positioning of the end pieces 2, 3 is used.

For rotatable storage of the entire fabric spreader 1 serves a rotary bearing 42, from which a holder 43 leads to the box profile. One rotatable against the holder 43 mounted shaft 44 extends from the Pivot bearing 42 vertically upwards and is used for suspension of the entire goods spreader 1.

The adjustment range of the so far described Goods spreader 1 is shown in particular in FIGS. 7a to 7c, which is greatly exaggerated there is illustrated. In a middle position, the upper ends 11, 12, 14, 15 a square solid that in figure 7b is illustrated. Based on this in Figure 7b illustrated position, the end pieces 2, 3 through corresponding rotation of the handwheel 41 closer to each other be brought up. It is then the in extreme position Figure 7a illustrated position reached. The top Ends 11, 12, 14, 15 no longer lay a square, but rather a rectangle that runs across the Adjustment direction 18 is oriented. By turning the Handwheel in the opposite direction can the in Figure 7c illustrated position can be reached. Put in this the upper ends 11, 12, 14, 15 of the slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 again a rectangle, which is parallel to the Adjustment direction 18 is oriented.

The end pieces 2, 3 are thus adjusted based on the square shape (Figure 7b) below Maintaining the distance between the connecting rods 16, 17 and the length of the slide bracket 4, 5, 6, 7 and their Alignment to each other. It is only the distance of the End pieces 2, 3 and thus the length of the connecting rods 16, 17 changed, which can also be omitted if necessary. By defining the adjustment range so that starting from the square illustrated in FIG. 7b to adapt to narrower hoses the square into one transverse rectangle and to adapt to others Tubing the square into a longitudinal rectangle is adjusted, the deviations from the square are also in extreme adjustment positions relatively low and it becomes a good flow of goods achieved. The adjustment range is preferably so small that the change in area of the the ends 11, 12, 14, 15 described rectangle of a Extreme position only half the square area to the other which is in the middle position from the ends 11, 12, 14, 15 is set.

The adjustment drive is shown in FIG. 8 again schematically illustrated. He is also so far modified as the carrier pieces 27, 28 not in one Grab box profile, but on a guide element 51st are led. A scale 52 be provided, the distance between the threaded spindle 32 and thus the center of the fabric spreader 1 from the end of one Carrier piece, here indicates the end of the carrier piece 28. The scale can serve as an adjustment aid and thus, especially if access to the handwheel 41 is difficult is spare multiple attempts.

9 schematically illustrates one further modified embodiment of a Adjustment device 24. It has an adjustment gear 31 to which a double threaded spindle 61 belongs. This has a right-hand part 62 and a left-hand part Part 63 on. During the right-hand part 62 the Carrier piece 28 is assigned is the left-hand part 63 the carrier piece 27, not further illustrated assigned. The threaded spindle 61 is a Bevel gear 65 driven by the handwheel 41. Alternatively, a crown gear or a Worm gear find application. Both for the Embodiment according to Figure 8 or Figures 1 to 6 as also applies to the embodiment according to FIG. 9 that instead of the handwheel 41 a power operated Drive device, for example an electric motor Compressed air drive or the like can be provided.

Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment the adjusting device 24. This has two opposing directions movable racks 71, 72 on the adjusting gear 31 form and at the end the respective support plates 21, 22 wear. Both racks 71, 72 mesh diametrically on each other opposite sides with a pinion 73, the can be driven by an electric motor 74, for example. The electric motor 74 can be a geared motor Stepper motor or other electrical drive. This enables a particularly simple way Remote control and an adjustment of the width of the Fabric spreader 1, i.e. the distance between the end pieces 2, 3 from each other without direct access to the fabric spreader 1.

Figure 11 schematically illustrates another Adjustment device 24, which is fluid-operated. The Adjustment device 24 has a pressure medium cylinder 81 on, via a connection nipple 82 with compressed air is acted upon. The connection nipple 82 has one Fluid channel 83 on the ball valve 84 in the Interior of the fluid cylinder 81 leads. In this is a Piston 85 sealed slidably mounted on the Piston rod 85 carries the carrier plate 22. On corresponding piston, not further illustrated carries the carrier plate via a corresponding piston rod 21. Via one in or outside of the cylinder 81 arranged tension spring 87 are the carrier plates 21, 22 biased towards each other. By getting in Pressure medium via the connection nipple 82 can Carrier plates 21, 22 are expanded from one another. This Embodiment offers the peculiarity that not only the rigid positioning of the end pieces 2, 3, but also the resilient mounting is possible. For example, a Force can be adjusted, taking into account the specific distance between the end pieces 2, 3 then according to the Conditions of the goods hose. Deviating from the otherwise usual rigid mounting of the end pieces 2, 3 can automatically adapt to the knitted fabric surrender. It is therefore not just the start of one desired position, but also the setting of a desired force possible. If necessary, this effect can but also with a mechanical actuator and one acting between the end piece 2, 3 and the gears Spring can be reached.

Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment an adjusting device 24. As an adjusting gear 31 is a traction mechanism gear with toothed belt or chain 91. This runs over two at a fixed distance from each other held, rotatably mounted, rollers 92, 93. At least one of the two rollers 92, 93 is equipped with a drive, for example. connected to a handwheel or an electric motor. about corresponding link pieces 94, 95 is the chain 91 rod-like holders 96, 97 connected, which are linearly displaceable are guided and the carrier plates 21 at the ends, 22 wear. One of the two rollers 92, 93 can be resilient be stored to cause tension of the chain 91. Furthermore, as FIG. 13 illustrates, it is possible to use the Adjustment device 24 according to FIG. 12 according to FIG. 13 to modify. Here is the chain 91 or equivalent other traction means such as a belt, a steel wire or a rope (steel rope) from the actual fabric spreader led away upstairs. There are two rotatably mounted, closely spaced rollers 98, 99, which are freely rotatable and between which the Traction means guided vertically upwards to a drive 101 is. This can be done by a rope drum, a chain wheel or another suitable for driving the traction device Element 102 may be formed, for example on a motor shaft or the output shaft of a gearbox. Besides, is the drive via a handwheel directly or via a Reduction gear possible. The two vertical sections of the traction device, which from the element 102 to the Rolls 98, 99 lead, each freely or in an envelope, such as a Bowden cable, through a appropriate machine can be led, the goods hose generated. In this way, a handwheel can be used Adjustment of the fabric spreader, e.g. above the Knitting area can be arranged.

Finally, there is another one in Figure 14 Embodiment of an adjusting device 24 schematically illustrated. Starting from any drive the gear 31 is replaced by a cam 111 educated. Two of the adjustment movement of the end pieces 2, 3 appropriately designed curves 112, 114 each lead Sliders 115, 116, which have corresponding rods 117, 118 with moving parts of the linear guides 25, 26 are connected.

An adjustable fabric spreader has rigid End pieces 2, 3 on that in a fixed angular position to each other, but are linearly adjustable. To serves an adjusting device 24 which the end pieces 2, 3rd positioned accordingly. The end pieces 2, 3 are each formed approximately triangular and point with their Peaks down. They insert with their upper corners Square solid. This is only in length, but not in changeable in width. In the middle position it is a Square. The adjustment does not change Alignment of the end pieces and their shape. Just that rectangle defined by the top ends of the end pieces gets shorter or longer. The deviations from the almost The ideal square shape is in all adjustment positions relatively low, so with a simple device good storage of goods is achieved.

Claims (18)

Fabric spreader (1), in particular for circular knitting machines for circular knitting machines, with a first rigid end piece (2), which has at least two slide brackets (4, 5) arranged at an acute angle to one another, the upper ends (11, 12) of which are arranged at a fixed distance from one another, with a second rigid end piece (3), which has at least two sliding brackets (6, 7) arranged at an acute angle to one another, the upper ends (14, 15) of which are arranged at a fixed distance from one another, with an adjusting device (24) which holds the end pieces (2, 3) in a set position at a fixed distance from one another and by means of which the end pieces (2, 3) can be adjusted towards and away from one another, that the end pieces (2, 3) in a first position have a distance (11-14; 12-15) from one another which is less than the bow end distance (11-12; 14-15), and that the end pieces (2, 3) in a second position have a distance (11-14; 12-15) from one another which is greater than the distance between the ends of the stirrups (11-12; 14-15). Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized that the temple end distances (11-12; 14-15) of the two end pieces (2, 3) match each other. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the temple ends (11, 12, 14, 15) the Define corner points of a rectangle. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) the End pieces (2, 3) towards and away from each other keeps adjustable. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) the End pieces (2, 3) cannot be swiveled in a fixed position Holds angular alignment to each other. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the slide bracket (4, 5, 6, 7) a have a fixed length. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the slide bracket (4, 5, 6,7) each End piece (2,3) non-pivotally connected to each other simd. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the slide bracket (4, 5, 6, 7) with their lower end with each other by a U or V-shaped Connection piece (8,9) are connected. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the slide bracket (4, 5, 6.7) each connected approximately centrally with a carrier element (21, 22) are over which the respective end piece (2, 3) with the Adjustment device (24) is connected. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) is remotely controllable or remotely operable. Goods width leader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) a Has adjustment drive (41, 74, 81, 85). Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) Has adjustment gear (31). Goods spreader according to claim 12, characterized characterized in that the adjustment gear (31) from a Drive movement directed against each other Linear movements of the two end pieces (2, 3) generated. Goods spreader according to claim 13, characterized characterized in that the adjustment gear (31) Spindle gear, a gear transmission, a cam gear or is a traction mechanism transmission. Goods spreader according to claim 11, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) a Has fluid drive (81, 85). Goods spreader according to claim 11, characterized characterized in that the adjustment drive (41) Is manual drive. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjustment drive (74) electric drive is. Goods spreader according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the adjusting device (24) a resilient storage of the end pieces (2, 3) he brings.

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