EP2522609A2 - Can changer for a spinning preparation machine and method for changing cans - Google Patents

Abstract

The can changer has two possible gripping units by which the can (1) is brought between two positions. Each possible gripping portion has a stop surface for the can and a holding element movably mounted relative to the stop surface. The holding element is provided with an actuating device between closed position, in which the can is fixed with the aid of holding element and the associated stop surface of the respective gripping portion, and an open position in which no fixing of the can takes place and the can movable. An independent claim is included for method for changing can at spinning preparation machine.

Description

The present invention relates to a can changer for a spinning preparation machine, preferably for a track, carding machine or comber, wherein the can changer has at least two Kannengreifeinrichtungen, each with a jug between a first position and a second position can be brought, each Kannengreifeinrichtung a stop surface for the jug and a relative to the stop surface movably mounted retaining element. Furthermore, a method for changing cans on a spinning preparation machine, preferably a line, carding machine or comber, with the aid of a can changer is proposed with which the cans are spent during the can change between a first position and a second position.

Dual head sections are known in which two cans stand next to one another and are pushed by a cross strut under the drafting systems from one waiting position to the next or to the respective filling position, the cross strut being connected to respective chain drives on both sides.

In a further development, for example, the DE 31 33 438 A1 a double head section, wherein the means for replacing the cans are adapted to move the empty cans in a straight line against the working direction of the stretching heads in the filling stations and the filled cans in the same direction in adjacent removal stations. From the unloading stations, the cans are finally ejected transversely to the working direction on both sides of the route.

Finally, there are proposals that cans on corresponding spinning preparation machines to replace with the aid of rotatable changing devices, but in these cases usually various support rails must be present to keep the cans despite the centrifugal forces occurring safely in the changing device.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved changing device and a corresponding can change method, wherein it should be ensured that the cans are securely held during their movement without disturbing guide rails and can be quickly removed after the change process again from the changing device.

The object is achieved by a can changer and a method having the features of the independent claims.

With regard to the can changer, it is proposed according to the invention that each holding element can be fixed by means of an actuating device between a closed position in which a jug can be fixed by means of the holding element and the associated abutment surface of the respective jug gripping device, and an open position in which no fixing of the jug takes place. is movable. This makes it possible to actively fix the respective can during the can change, whereby the term fix is not necessarily meant a clamping. So it is sufficient if it is ensured by the interaction of stop surface and retaining element that the pot is guided safely during a movement of the can changer. Thus, the can changer preferably comprises two can-gripping devices with the aid of which two cans can be moved simultaneously between said positions as required. Due to the active fixation, in particular by positive locking, the cans can therefore also be guided on a circular path, so that the can changer can preferably be used in connection with so-called double-head sections, which are capable of using two drafting two stretched fiber strands to create in parallel. The fiber strands are in turn deposited simultaneously in two cans, so that it is particularly advantageous in this case if two cans can be changed at the same time. The holding elements may in this case be designed tiltable, rotatable or displaceable relative to the respective stop surfaces. In any case, it should be ensured that the cans in the open position of the respective holding element can be introduced into or removed from the can changer, while they are fixed in the closed position thereof relative to the can changer.

It is advantageous if the can changer comprises a rotatable by means of a drive turnstile with a plurality of rotating arms, which extend radially outwardly starting from a rotation axis of the turnstile, wherein the stop surfaces and the holding elements are formed by portions of the rotating arms. Such an embodiment allows the fixing of a jug between two rotating arms. If a double-head section is used, it would be conceivable, for example, to equip the turnstile with four rotating arms so that two cans in the region of the filling positions of the line and two cans can be fixed on corresponding empty can places. Finally, when the turnstile is turned through 180 ° after filling the two cans fixed on the filling stations, two empty cans are available at the filling stations, while the filled cans can be removed from the empty can places. Below the turnstile also a rigid or rotatable with the turnstile platform can be placed, which can be arranged, for example sunk in a foundation. The foundation, for example, a hall floor supporting the multi-head section, is in this case just in the platform (which may be formed, for example, by a flat, in particular disc-shaped pad) over. The cans can be moved in this case without much effort in the area of the rotating platform or the hub, without causing corresponding unevenness or sloping ramps would have to be overcome.

Likewise, it is advantageous if at least a part of the rotating arms has an end region facing away from the axis of rotation in the radial direction, in each of which an actuating device is arranged. The actuating device, with the aid of which the respective holding elements can be moved between their open and closed positions, are thus easily accessible from the outside. They can therefore be operated manually by the operator of the corresponding spinning preparation machine without the risk of injury threatens.

It is also advantageous if the holding elements of two adjacent Can gripping devices are movable by a common actuator. This allows a particularly fast opening or closing of two holding elements by a single movement. In this case, the holding elements can be arranged, for example, on both sides of the actuating device in order to ensure an equilibrium of forces when closing or opening the holding elements.

It is also extremely advantageous if only every second rotary arm has at least one actuating device and two retaining elements, wherein the retaining elements are movably mounted in opposite directions with respect to the actuating device and each form a can gripping device with the abutment surfaces formed by the corresponding adjacent pivot arms. For example, if the turnstile has four pivot arms, then in this case two of the pivot arms would each have one actuator and two support members aligned in opposite directions, while the pivot arms between those pivot arms would provide only the corresponding stop surfaces. If now the turnstile is always rotated by 180 ° when changing cans, an actuating device is accessible from a single point, so that the operation of the same is simplified. It is also advantageous if in each case two holding elements are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to an actuating device. During the movement of the actuator occurring forces are thus neutralized. A corresponding jamming can be effectively excluded. Preferably, the holding elements and the associated actuating element are arranged in the radial end region of a corresponding rotary arm in order to ensure the above-mentioned accessibility.

It is also advantageous if the holding elements are movably mounted around a respective pivot bearing of a rotary arm. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for the respective rotary bearings to have corresponding axes of rotation which run vertically. The holding elements can be tilted or rotated in this case in the horizontal direction about the associated axes, so that a closing or opening of the holding elements is made possible by a simple mechanism.

It has particular advantages when the actuating device comprises an actuating element with the aid of which a force can be transmitted to at least one holding element, by means of which it can be moved between its open position and its closed position. The actuating element may in this case be designed, for example, as a lever to be operated manually. Also, cables, gears or other power transmission mechanisms are conceivable, with the help of which the necessary movement of the holding elements can be achieved.

It is also advantageous if the actuating element is in operative connection with at least one retaining element via a lever device. In addition to the possible power transmission can be generated by the lever device and a reversal of motion. The holding elements can thus be moved in principle from any point, as long as they are connected via corresponding coupling members, such as the said lever devices, be in operative connection with the actuator. Also, the lever means may be installed such that a tilting or rotational movement of the actuating element can be converted into a corresponding, usually linear movement of the retaining element.

It is advantageous if the actuating device has a sliding element with the aid of which a movement of the actuating element to the lever device and from the lever device to the retaining element is transferable. The sliding element, z. B. in the form of a sliding block, for example, can be performed on or in an associated guide. With the sliding element, the actuating device finally has a movable on a predetermined path intermediate element, in turn, the one or more holding element (s) and a corresponding actuator can be connected. The sliding element thus prevents the retaining element can be brought into a position which would oppose the desired fixation of a pot. In addition, it is preferred that frictional forces existing by the sliding element are kept as low as possible during the movement of the holding element.

It is also advantageous if the lever device has a dead center, which can be overcome by moving the actuating element. If, for example, by a correspondingly fixed jug, a force exerted on the retaining element before the dead center is overcome, the force causes an opening of the retaining element. However, if the dead center is overcome, the said force causes the holding element to be moved in the direction of its closed position or held there. Inadvertent opening of the retaining element is excluded in this case.

It is also extremely advantageous if the actuating device comprises a foot pedal with the aid of which the retaining element can be moved between its open position and its closed position. The actuator can in this case easily by the operator of the spinning preparation machine be actuated, the necessary effort can be easily generated by the foot control. The foot pedal can z. B. by said lever means with the or the holding element (s) to be connected to ensure the necessary force transmission.

It is particularly advantageous if the actuating device comprises a drive unit which can be activated, in particular by means of a control device, for example in the form of a pneumatic cylinder, by means of which the retaining element can be moved between its open position and its closed position. The holding elements can be moved automatically in this case between its open and its closed position, the operation can be done depending on the parameters of the spinning preparation machine. If this signals, for example, that the cans placed at the filling positions are sufficiently filled, the command from the control unit to the drive unit can be made to set the can changer in motion to remove the full cans and to provide the filling positions with empty cans.

It is also advantageous if the actuating device comprises a sensor, for example in the form of a contact sensor, for monitoring the position of the holding element. For example, contact sensors are conceivable which monitor a contact between a movable section of the holding element to be monitored and a correspondingly rigid counterpart, for example the rotating arm of a turnstile. The associated control unit may finally be programmed so that a movement of the can changer is only possible if the corresponding sensor signals that the holding element is in its closed position. A movement of cans without prior fixation is thereby reliably prevented. Likewise, it is conceivable to equip the can changer according to the invention with a safety device which prevents or only permits unintentional rotation of the can changer in the case in which one or more of the can stands in the area of can catching devices empty (ie without jug) is. In this way it can be prevented that there is injury, in particular bruising, of an operator who is staying during the change process in the area of one of the lack of can accessible can stands. A possible embodiment provides in this case to equip the can changer with one or more sensors, which detects the presence of a pot in the region of the respective Canengreifeinrichtungen. If the respective sensor detects a lack of one or more cans, the can changer is prevented from pending movement, ie, movement thereof is prevented. If the corresponding square is finally filled again with a jug, the can changer is released again and can be moved again if necessary, for example rotated. In order to be able to move the can changer in spite of the signal from the sensor that one or more cans are missing, the can changer or the textile machine controlling it can additionally be equipped with a switching element (for example a pressure or toggle switch) whose actuation independently controls a movement of the can changer allowed by the signals of the sensor (s). It would also be conceivable to allow the movement not only manually (for example, by decoupling the can changer from a corresponding drive unit or by ignoring the respective sensor signal), but to actively initiate a movement by actuating the switching element. In this case, the switching element, for example, with the drive device of the can changer or an intermediate control and / or regulating unit, coupled, so that an actuation of the switching element would cause an actuation of the drive device and thus a movement of the can changer. Finally, the actuator may also be present independently of the above-mentioned sensor to generally allow operator-initiated movement of the can changer.

Finally, a method for changing cans on a spinning preparation machine, preferably a line, carding machine or comber, proposed by means of a can changer, with which the cans are spent during the can change between a first position and a second position. The inventive method provides that prior to the can change two cans are fixed by means of a common actuating element with respect to the can changer. As a result, the operating cost of the can changer significantly reduced, preferably a can changer is used with one or more of the features described above.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht einer Doppelkopfstrecke,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht des Ausgangsbereichs einer erfindungsgemäßen Strecke,

Fig. 3 bis 8

jeweils eine Draufsicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Kannenwechslers,

Fig. 9 bis 11

jeweils eine teilweise geschnittene Draufsicht auf die Halteelemente eines erfindungemäßen Kannenwechslers in unterschiedlichen Betriebszuständen, und

Fig. 12 bis 14

jeweils eine geschnittene Seitenansicht eines Dreharms eines erfindungsgemäßen Kannenwechslers.

Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. It shows:

Fig. 1

a side view of a Doppelkopfstrecke,

Fig. 2

a top view of the output range of a route according to the invention,

Fig. 3 to 8

each a top view of a can changer according to the invention,

Fig. 9 to 11

in each case a partially sectioned plan view of the holding elements of a erfindungemäßen can changer in different operating conditions, and

Fig. 12 to 14

in each case a sectional side view of a rotary arm of a can changer according to the invention.

It should be noted in advance that in the figures, which show several similar components or objects, sometimes only one of several similar components or objects is provided with reference numerals in order to ensure a good overview.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a Doppelkopfstrecke in the side view. During operation of the route, a fiber composite 17 is removed from each of a plurality of so-called feed cans 16 and fed to the respective drafting system 18, the individual drafting systems 18 of the double-head section being arranged one behind the other with a view of the drawing plane. This also applies to the original cans 16, as per drafting system 18 at least one row of feed cans 16 is present. The drafting system 18 is usually made of three or more pairs of rollers 19, each comprising a lower roller and a top roller and cause by different speeds a delay and thus a homogenization of the fiber composite 17.

Following the drafting unit 18, the drawn fiber material 20 is finally fed by means of a pair of calender rollers 21 to a rotating storage tray 22 and placed in an empty can 1 by this loop.

In FIG. 2 is a plan view of the output range of a corresponding route shown, wherein the portion of the route, which contains the tray 22 and the tray plates 22 itself are indicated by a dashed line only to allow the view of the underlying areas.

As in the example shown, the exit area can have a lower platform 23 which is only a few centimeters high, on which four empty cans 1 are placed, the area on which the left cans 1 were parked representing the empty can places. Correspondingly, the cans 1 parked to the right are located in the region of the filling places below the storage plates 22 of the double-head section.

In order now to move the cans 1 between the empty can places and the filling stations, as well as after filling the cans 1 from the filling stations again to allow the empty can places (of which the cans 1 are finally removed again), an inventive can changer is provided.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the can changer according to the invention is in the FIGS. 3 to 8 shown. The illustration of the associated components of the spinning preparation machine (for example the storage tray 22) has been omitted for reasons of clarity. Basically, however, that also in this case, the filling stations are arranged on the right side of said figures and on the left side of the empty can places.

FIG. 3 now shows the position of the can changer, which he occupies, for example, at the beginning of the operation of the spinning preparation machine to which no filing of the fiber material 20 takes place. In the example shown, the can changer has a turnstile 5 rotatable about an axis of rotation 7 with four radially extending rotating arms 6. The rotating arms 6 may have a height of a few centimeters and are preferably arranged just above a platform 23 or the ground to give the cans 1 during the can changing operation described below a guide. It is conceivable in this case, the shown storage area 26, which preferably has a two-dimensional extent, in the underlying foundation below the hub 5 (for example, a hall floor) flush, so that a smooth transition from the foundation to the shelf 26 is created. In this case, a separate platform 23 can be dispensed with (however, as an alternative, a flush transition between the foundation and platform 23 is also possible). Such a transition finally allows a displacement of the cans 1 from the foundation to the shelf 26 or the platform 23 and thus in the can changer and vice versa, without annoying edges or slopes would have to be overcome.

In order to securely fix the cans 1 in relation to the can changer and thus to be able to keep them in the given circular path when rotating the turnstile 5 despite occurring centrifugal and inertia forces, the individual rotating arms 6 have corresponding stop surfaces 2 and associated holding elements 3. FIG. 3 shows the holding elements 3 in its open position, in which the cans 1 can be pushed into the region of the can-gripping devices formed from stop surfaces 2 and holding elements 3. As soon as two empty cans 1 in the FIG. 3 have taken position shown, the holding elements are moved to its closed position, as shown on the left side of FIG. 4 is shown. The holding elements 3 is associated with a corresponding actuator 4, which in connection with the FIGS. 9 to 14 will be explained in more detail.

Once the empty cans 1 are now fixed by the movement of the holding elements 3 together with the corresponding stop surfaces 2, there is a rotation of the turnstile 5 with a drive mechanism, not shown, so that this in FIG. 5 shown position occupies. In this position, the filling of the empty cans 1 by the spinning preparation machine (in FIG. 6 indicated by the loop-shaped deposited fiber material 20). At the same time, two new empty cans are placed in the can changer in the area of the empty can places placed on the left, which are likewise fixed by closing the associated holding elements 3 with respect to the stop surfaces 2 (see FIG FIG. 6 ).

Are the in FIG. 6 filled cans 1 according to the respective specifications, so there is a further rotation of the turnstile 5 by 180 °, so that the in FIG. 7 shown position is taken.

After opening the on the left side of the FIG. 7 arranged holding elements 3, the full cans 1 are finally removed, while the placed on the right side cans 1 are filled. The corresponding Situation after removal of the filled cans 1 and before setting two new, empty cans 1 shows FIG. 8 ,

A possible mechanism for opening and closing corresponding holding elements 3 show the FIGS. 9 to 11 in which a partially cutaway plan view of the end portion 8 of a rotary arm 6 is shown (the holding members 3 and the associated actuator 4 are hereby drawn by solid lines, while the corresponding end portion of the rotary arm 6 is indicated by dotted lines).

As can be seen from the synopsis of said figures, the actuating device 4 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a guide 24, by means of which a sliding element 15 is movably mounted. The sliding element 15 is in turn connected by means of two lever devices 10 to two holding elements 3 arranged on both sides of the actuating device 4, so that two holding elements 3 are jointly connected between their respective open position (FIG. FIG. 9 ) and their corresponding closed position ( FIG. 11 ) can be moved.

Was the can changer now in the in FIG. 9 shown position with two (not shown) empty cans 1 filled, the slider 15 is moved to the right. Here it reaches shortly after passing the in FIG. 10 shown position a position in which the lever means 10 are perpendicular to the direction of movement of the sliding element 15. There is thus a dead center of the lever devices 10, which can be overcome by further movement of the sliding element 15, so that ultimately the in FIG. 11 shown position is taken. In this position, the sliding element 15 finally abuts against a stop 25, so that further movement of the sliding element 15 to the right is prevented.

Now presses an above or below the respective holding element 3 arranged can 1 in the direction of the adjacent holding element 3, so will this force is forwarded to the stop 25. A movement of the sliding member 15 to the left, however, is excluded.

Finally, the show Figures 12 and 13 a partial section through a rotary arm 6 of a can changer according to the invention. From this it is apparent a possibility to move the already mentioned sliding element 15 such that the holding elements 3 can be moved between their open and their closed position (the hierein and also in FIG. 14 Of course, shown actuator 4 is also on the in the FIGS. 3 to 8 shown can changer transferable).

The actuating device 4 in this case has an actuating element 9, which in the case of Figures 12 and 13 a foot pedal 11 and in the case of FIG. 14 a, for example, controlled by means of a control unit, pneumatic cylinder 12 includes. The derivable from the figures movement of the foot pedal 11 and a linear movement of the pneumatic cylinder 12 finally takes place a linear movement of the sliding member 15, which in turn passes the movement of the actuating element 9 via the lever means 10 to the adjacent holding elements 3. These are connected for this purpose, for example via corresponding pivot bearing 14 with the rotary arm 6 of a turnstile 5.

Finally, in order to monitor the position of the respective holding elements 3, a sensor 13, for example in the form of a contact sensor comprising two contact elements, can be provided. If the two contact elements come into contact with one another by corresponding movement of the associated retaining element 3 from its open position into the closed position, the control unit receives a corresponding signal. This signal can serve, for example, to allow rotation of the turnstile 5 of a can changer according to the invention only when all holding elements 3 are in their closed position.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiment. Variations within the scope of the claims are just as possible as a combination of features, even if they are shown and described in different embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

pot

2

stop surface

3

retaining element

4

actuator

5

turnstile

6

rotating arm

7

axis of rotation

8th

end

9

actuator

10

Lever means.

11

pedal

12

pneumatic cylinder

13

sensor

14

pivot bearing

15

Slide

16

feed can

17

fiber composite

18

drafting system

19

roller pair

20

stretched fiber material

21

calender rollers

22

coiler plate

23

platform

24

guide

25

attack

26

shelf

Claims (15)

Can changer for a spinning preparation machine, preferably for a line, carding machine or combing machine, wherein the can changer has at least two docking devices with the aid of which a can (1) can be moved between a first position and a second position, each can catching device having a stop surface (2). for the pot (1) and a relative to the stop surface (2) movably mounted holding element (3), characterized in that each holding element (3) by means of an actuating device (4) between a closed position, in which a pot (1) Help of the holding element (3) and the associated abutment surface (2) of the respective Canengreifeinrichtung is fixed, and an open position in which no fixation of the can (1) takes place, is movable. A can changer according to claim 1, characterized in that the can changer comprises a turntable rotatable by means of drive turnstile (5) with a plurality of rotating arms (6) extending from an axis of rotation (7) of the turnstile (5) extend radially outwards, said Stop surfaces (2) and the holding elements (3) by sections of the rotating arms (6) are formed. Can changer according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least a part of the rotating arms (6) has an axis of rotation (7) facing away in the radial direction end region (8), in each of which an actuating device (4) is arranged. Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding elements (3) of two adjacent Can gripping devices by a common Actuator (4) are movable. Can changer according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that only every second rotary arm (6) has at least one actuating device (4) and two holding elements (3), wherein the holding elements (3) with respect to the actuating device (4) opposite Directions are movably mounted and in each case with the through the corresponding adjacent pivot arms (6) formed stop surfaces (2) form a can gripping device. Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case two holding elements (3) with respect to an actuating device (4) are arranged mirror-symmetrically. Can changer according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the holding elements (3) are each movably mounted about a pivot bearing (14) of a rotating arm (6). Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (4) comprises an actuating element (9) by means of which a force can be transmitted to at least one holding element (3), by means of which it is between its open and its closed position is movable. Can changer according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating element (9) is in operative connection with at least one holding element (3) via a lever device (10). Can changer according to one or more of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the actuating device (4) has a sliding element (15) with the aid of which a movement of the actuating element (9) on the lever device (10) and of the lever device (10) on the holding element (3) is transferable. Can changer according to one or more of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the lever device (10) has a dead center, which can be overcome by moving the actuating element (9). Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (4) comprises a foot pedal (11) by means of which the holding element (3) is movable between its open and its closed position. Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (4) comprises, in particular by means of control device, controllable drive unit, for example in the form of a pneumatic cylinder (12), by means of which the holding element (3) between its open and its closed position is movable. Can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (4) comprises a sensor (13), for example in the form of a contact sensor, for monitoring the position of the holding element (3). Method for changing cans (1) on a spinning preparation machine, preferably a line, carding machine or combing machine, with the aid of a can changer, in particular with the aid of a can changer according to one or more of the preceding claims Claims, with which the cans (1) are spent during the can change between a first position and a second position, characterized in that prior to the can change two cans (1) by means of a common actuating element (9) are fixed with respect to the can changer.

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