EP3212830B1 - Combing machine with a cleaning device for a circular comb - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a combing segment consisting of combing segments of a comb that is rotatably mounted on a shaft of a combing machine, which combs a fiber beard that protrudes from a clamping point of a pliers unit, with at least one in the area of the enveloping circle of the combing segment Round comb arranged cleaning element for cleaning the comb sets of the comb segment during a comb game.

The combing machines customary today generally have eight combing heads arranged next to one another. The fiber mass fed to the respective pliers unit of the individual combing head in the form of cotton wool is clamped by the pliers unit during the combing process. The end of the fiber mass protruding from the respective pliers assembly (called "pliers" for short) during the clamping process is generally referred to as a fiber beard. When the pliers are closed, the fiber beard is gripped and combed out by a combing set of a comb segment of a round comb. The respective round comb (also called "combing cylinder") is rotatably mounted below the pliers via a shaft in the machine frame, which is driven individually or centrally by a drive unit. The combed components (short fibers, nits, dirt, etc.) are largely deposited within the comb segment and transported downwards by the rotation of the circular comb, where they reach an area in which the bristles of a brush roller engage in the enveloping circle of the comb segment. The combing segment consists, for example, of several combing sets arranged one behind the other, which have adjacent strips of clothing. The rotary movement of the brush roller is opposite to the rotary movement of the circular comb, so that in the area in which the bristles of the brush roller engage in the combing set, the absolute direction of movement of the combing set and the bristles of the brush roller are aligned. The peripheral speed of the brush roller is greater than the peripheral speed of the circular comb, which leads to a displacement (advance) of the bristles within the combing set. About the bristles of the brush roller are in the combing sets the combed components located, combed and stripped under the action of a suction effect to a suction channel. The suction channel connected to a vacuum source is connected to a housing in which the brush roller is rotatably mounted. This housing at least partially encloses the round comb attached above the brush roller. The negative pressure applied thus extends to the area above the round comb and supports the drawing of the fiber beard into the combing set during the combing process. Such a comber is in WO 2012/167390 A1 disclosed. In order to ensure a constant and optimal combing work by the combing set, it is necessary that no deposits get stuck between the set teeth of the combing set. Deposits of this kind would impede or worsen the complete penetration of the clothing teeth into the fiber beard to be combed during the combing process. In previous versions, attempts were made to keep the combing sets of deposits clean with specially programmed cleaning intervals, the combing machine being operated briefly with a lower number of combs while the speed of the brush roller was increased. If this measure was no longer sufficient to keep the combing set clean, for example as a result of wear and tear on the bristles of the brush roller, the radial distance between the brush shaft and the round comb shaft was reduced using special adjustment devices. This enabled the necessary penetration depth of the bristles into the combing set (between the set teeth) to be restored.
All of the previously described and known measures for keeping the combing set clean are carried out in part in larger periods. In most cases, the radial adjustment of the brush roller takes place at even longer time intervals and is carried out on the basis of visual observations by the operator. This can be done by visually observing the condition of the bristle roller or the condition of the contamination within the combing sets of the combing segment.
With regard to the increasing number of combs and higher wad weights to be processed, it has been shown that the known measures are no longer sufficient to keep the combing set of the combing segment of deposits clean in order to ensure consistent combing work. Also one was dependent on visual monitoring by the operator. This required increased personnel expenditure and the monitoring was dependent on the reliability of the operator and the time intervals in which the visual inspection took place.

The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a cleaning device or a monitoring device for a cleaning device for a round comb of a combing machine, with which the disadvantages of known designs are eliminated and a qualitatively constant combing work is ensured. This problem is solved on the one hand by a method in which it is proposed that the mass of the combed out components which are deposited in the combing set be continuously recorded or monitored in order to keep the combed set clean, the cleaning intensity of the at least one cleaning element being monitored on the basis of the recorded values be adjusted based on given basic values.
It is conceivable that the components deposited or fixed in or on the combing set of the combing segment directly after the combing-out process are detected by a measuring system (sensor system) even before the combing segment comes into the effective range of the first cleaning element. That is, the cleaning intensity of the cleaning element can already be set accordingly on the basis of the measured mass. If the cleaning element is a brush roller provided with bristles, z. B. at a higher mass compared to a predetermined basic value, the speed of the brush roller can be increased by a certain amount so that the cleaning effect is sufficient to completely remove the components located in the combing segment from the combing set of the combing segment and to supply a known suction. Such a method is essentially aimed at fluctuations in the combed mass (percentage combing).
However, the proposed method also relates to an embodiment in which the mass of the components located in the combing set - seen in the direction of rotation of the circular comb - is carried out directly after a cleaning element. With this, the cleaning effect of the cleaning element can be monitored directly and then corrected. Ideally, there should be no material more inside the combing set when it has been acted upon by the cleaning device or by the cleaning element. However, if a remaining mass of components (e.g. noils) is found within the combing set after passing through the cleaning element, this can include the following causes. First, the cleaning effect (or cleaning intensity) of the cleaning element itself can deteriorate due to wear on the cleaning element (e.g. shortening of the bristles in a brush roller) and secondly, the cleaning effect can also decrease if, for example, a higher combed mass has to be processed or that combed material has bonds (e.g. over honeydew) or other soiling or confusion.

Furthermore, a device is proposed to achieve the object, wherein at least one means for detecting the mass of combed components located within the comb segment is attached at a radial distance from the enveloping circle of the comb segment and in the circumferential direction of the circular comb, the means having a Control unit is connected, which is connected to a display device and / or to a controller of the at least first cleaning element, via which the cleaning intensity of the first cleaning element can be adjusted.
Through the continuous and automatic monitoring of the combing segment and the evaluation of the values determined in this way in a control unit, deviations from predetermined target values can be determined immediately and simultaneously transmitted to an operator via a display. This can then initiate immediate measures so that the combing set of the combing segment is freed from unwanted deposits in order to restore a complete combing effect. The display device can be a visual display on a monitor or via a signal lamp. It is also possible to transmit the detected fault (soiling) to the operator via an acoustic display in order to trigger immediate intervention.
Advantageously, it is further proposed that the control unit, to which the recorded values of the mass of the combed components located within the comb segment are continuously transmitted, directly to the control of a cleaning element acts to adjust the cleaning effect of the respective cleaning element according to the determined values. In this case, the cleaning device is adjusted automatically and without the intervention of an operator. In addition to the automatic adjustment of the cleaning effect, the visual and acoustic display means described above can also be used. This is particularly advantageous if the degree of soiling detected by the monitoring means cannot be eliminated by the automatic increase in the cleaning effect. In this case, manual intervention is necessary to eliminate it. This can happen if the wear of a cleaning element (e.g. the bristles of a brush roller) is so great that the cleaning effect can no longer be increased automatically.

It is proposed that the means for monitoring the contamination of the comb segment - viewed in the direction of rotation of the circular comb - is arranged between the at least first cleaning element and the clamping point of the pliers assembly. This makes it possible to monitor the cleaning effect (cleaning intensity) of the first cleaning element directly after the first cleaning stage and to initiate appropriate measures via the control unit, so that any residues of combed components remaining between the sets are also removed in the subsequent cleaning cycle. To accomplish this, when using a known brush roller as a cleaning agent, for. B. the speed can be increased via the control unit or the penetration depth of the bristles in the combing set. The latter is achieved by reducing the distance between the axis of the round comb shaft and the axis of the brush roller. If a pneumatic suction element is used to clean the combing segment, the negative pressure applied to the suction element can be increased in order to set an increased cleaning effect (cleaning intensity).
Furthermore, we proposed that the means - as seen in the direction of rotation of the circular comb - be arranged between the clamping point of the pliers unit and the at least first cleaning element. It is thus possible to adjust the cleaning action of the subsequent first cleaning element to the mass of the combed components present. This can cause larger fluctuations in mass combed components (percentage of combing material) are balanced and the combing set of the combing segment is kept clean.

Furthermore, it is proposed that - seen in the direction of rotation of the round comb - at least one further, second cleaning element is arranged in the area of the enveloping circle of the comb segment of the round comb, the control of which is connected to the control unit in order to influence its cleaning intensity and the means - seen in the direction of rotation of the round comb - is arranged between the second cleaning element and the clamping point of the pliers unit. This makes it possible to monitor the cleaning effect of the successive first and second cleaning stages. If, during this monitoring, residual components of combed material are found between the combing sets, control commands can be transmitted to one of the two controls of the cleaning elements via the control unit, in accordance with the determined values, in order to increase their cleaning intensity accordingly. It is also conceivable to increase the cleaning intensity on both cleaning elements at the same time. It is also conceivable to gradually increase the cleaning intensity of the cleaning elements that follow one another with a continuous check of the effectiveness of the control intervention or interventions.

Furthermore, it is proposed that - seen in the direction of rotation of the round comb - at least one further, second cleaning element is arranged in the area of the enveloping circle of the comb segment of the round comb, the control of which is connected to the control unit for influencing its cleaning intensity and the means - seen in the direction of rotation of the round comb - Is arranged between the first and the second cleaning element.
With this device it is possible to adjust the second cleaning stage following the first cleaning stage to the remaining mass of constituents within the combing set.
Values stored in the control unit are compared with the ascertained actual values and, in accordance with the deviations, control commands are transmitted to the control unit of the subsequent second cleaning stage in order to adapt the cleaning intensity accordingly. Of course there is also a tolerance range in the control unit defines within which no control impulses to adapt the second cleaning stage are triggered.

The first cleaning element is preferably a mechanical cleaning element and the second cleaning element is a pneumatic cleaning element.
The first mechanical cleaning stage loosens the components between the comb sets and largely removes and separates them. The subsequent second pneumatic cleaning stage removes the remaining components, some of which have already been removed at the mechanical cleaning stage.

To detect the combed components located between the combing sets of the combing segment, it is proposed that the means have one or more optoelectronic sensors which are arranged within a width of the combing segment running transversely to the direction of rotation of the circular comb.
This enables the entire width of the combing set to be recorded.

It is also conceivable that at least one line camera aligned transversely to the direction of rotation of the circular comb is used as a means for monitoring the combing set.
It is preferably proposed that the mechanical cleaning element consists of a cleaning brush rotatably mounted at a radial distance from the shaft of the circular comb, which has cleaning elements whose enveloping circle intersects with the enveloping circle of the comb segment and the pneumatic cleaning element consists of a suction element connected to a vacuum source, whose suction opening extends at a radial distance and over a portion of the enveloping circle of the comb segment.
It is proposed that the suction opening of the pneumatic cleaning element - seen in the direction of rotation of the round comb - is arranged between the interface of the enveloping circle of the comb segment with the enveloping circle of the cleaning elements of the cleaning brush and the clamping point of the pliers unit.

Fig.1

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines bekannten Kämmkopfes einer Kämmmaschine mit erfindungsgemässen Überwachungsvorrichtungen für den Rundkamm

Fig.2

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Kämmkopfes nach Fig.1 mit einem zusätzlichen pneumatischen Reinigungselement

Fig.3

eine schematische Seitenansicht X nach Fig.2

Further embodiments of the invention are described and shown in more detail using the following exemplary embodiments.
Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic side view of a known combing head of a combing machine with monitoring devices according to the invention for the circular comb

Fig. 2

is a schematic side view of a comb head Fig. 1 with an additional pneumatic cleaning element

Fig. 3

a schematic side view X after Fig. 2

Figure 1 shows a known design of a combing head (of several) of a combing machine with a pliers unit 1 (called "pliers" for short), which is pivotally mounted on the crank arms 2, 3. Two crank arms 2 are each pivotally mounted on the side of a round comb 4 (also called a comb cylinder) on its round comb shaft 5. The other end of the swivel arms 2 is rotatably attached to axes 13 on a pincer frame 8. The rear swivel arm 3 (there may also be two) is rotatably mounted on a pliers shaft 10. The opposite free end of the swivel arm 3 is rotatably connected to the pliers frame 8 via a shaft 9.
The circular comb 4 has a comb segment 7 on part of its circumference, which, as indicated schematically, is provided with combing sets 6. As already known, the combing sets 6 can consist of clothing strips S which are individually lined up next to one another ( Fig. 3 ). In addition - as seen in the direction of rotation D of the circular comb - a plurality of successive clothing sections A1 to A4 (so-called bars) can be provided, the sections being able to be provided with different numbers of teeth. As a rule, the front clothing sections A1 (bolts) have fewer teeth than the rear clothing sections A4, while the alley width of the alleys G ( Fig. 3 ) between the individual clothing strips S of the clothing sections A1-A4.
Instead of the round comb shown here, a round comb can also be provided with a tear-off segment which is additionally attached on its circumference and which can be used for Tear-off process with a tear-off roller that can be delivered to the tear-off segment forms a nip. Such an implementation (system according to Heilmann) is e.g. B. from the published EP-2 044 249 B1 refer to. In the embodiment shown there, the lower pliers plate is fixed, while the upper pliers plate pivots to form a nip with the lower pliers plate for the fiber material.

As a rule, a large number of combing heads are arranged side by side on a combing machine, each combing head having pliers 1. In the exemplary embodiments, however, the attachment of an additional suction device according to the invention is shown and described only on a single combing head.

The pliers 1 in the present example consist of a lower pliers plate 12, which is firmly connected to the pliers frame 8, and an upper pliers plate 14 (sometimes also called a pliers knife), which is fastened to two pivot arms 15, 15 '. These pivot arms are pivotally attached to the pincer frame 8 via a pivot axis 16. The swivel arms 15, 15 'are each connected to a spring strut 18 which are mounted in the machine frame via an axis 20. Seen in the material flow direction F of the fiber material W to be processed, a first pair of rollers 24 is provided behind the pliers 1. In practice, this pair of rollers 24 is also referred to as a "tear-off roller pair" and forms a tear-off clamping line KL. The first pair of rollers 24 is followed by a second pair of rollers 25, in which the soldering point generated is still solidified.
A fixed comb 11 is schematically indicated, which is attached to the pliers frame 8 by means not shown. During the tear-off process, the fiber beard FB is drawn into the clothing of the fixed comb, its end E being gripped by the clamping point KL of the subsequent first pair of rollers 24. As a result, the end E of the fiber beard FB is placed like a roof tile on the end E1 of the fiber fleece V already present and is soldered to it.

Within the pliers 1, a feed roller 27 is rotatably mounted, which is connected via a drive, not shown, and a discontinuous rotary movement is carried out in order to transport the supplied cotton wool W gradually. The feed cylinder 27 has a shaft 28, via which it is rotatably mounted at both ends via bearings, not shown, in bearing receptacles of the forceps frame. The drive of the feed roller 27 can, for. B. done via a known jack drive, which is controlled by the movement of the upper pliers plate 14. The feed roller 27 feeds the fibrous material W discontinuously in the direction of the tong lip 30 of the lower tong plate 12.

Combing takes place with the pliers 1 closed, in a rear position of the pliers, as in the exemplary embodiments in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be shown. The end E of the fiber beard FB protruding from the clamping point KS of the pliers 1 reaches the area of the combing sets 6 of the combing segment 7 of the circular comb 4 rotating in the direction of rotation D and is combed out. The clamping force for holding the fiber material W during the combing process is generated by the spring strut 18 shown schematically, which is pivotably attached to the machine frame MS via the axis 20.

After the combing-out process, the pliers 1 are pivoted into a foremost position (not shown) and at the same time opened. The combed end E of the fiber beard FB is placed on the end E1 of a previously partially returned nonwoven fabric V and then transferred to the clamping line KL of the first pair of rollers 24 by the transport movement of the nonwoven fabric. During the movement sequence described, the fiber beard FB arrives in the area of the needles of a fixed comb 11 which is fastened to the pliers frame 8. The rotation of the first pair of rollers 24 pulls the fibers of the fiber beard FB which come into the clamping line KL out of the fiber beard and soldered them to the end of the fleece V. In the process, the fiber beard is pulled through the fixed comb 11. The nonwoven fabric is discharged via the second subsequent pair of rollers 25 onto a nonwoven table and then combined into known fiber devices to form a sliver and transported onward.
The components K (combed fibers, nits, dirt etc.) combed out during the combing process are largely stored between the alleys of the combing sets and are transported downwards, where they reach the area of a brush roller 44.
The brush roller 44 is rotatably supported on the swivel arms 80 below the circular comb 4 via a shaft 46, a swivel arm being provided at one end of the shaft 46. The swivel arms 80 are pivotally mounted on the housing 50 via an axis 79, in which the circular comb 4 is also located. A swivel joint 82 is provided on one (or both) of the swivel arms 80, on which a piston rod of a cylinder 81 is articulated, the other end of which is pivotably attached to the machine frame MS via an axis 84. The actuation of the cylinder 81 to adjust the position of the or the swivel arms 80 takes place via a control SZ, which is connected to the control unit ST via the path 56. The representation of already known valves and pressure media, which can be controlled by the control SZ and serve to act on the cylinder 81, has been dispensed with. The depth of penetration of the bristles 45 into the combing set can be varied by adjusting the swivel arms 80. The cleaning intensity of the brush roller 44 can be influenced via the penetration depth. In order to ensure constant cleaning when the bristles wear out, the adjustment of the brush roller via the swivel arms is also used.
The housing 50 is completely closed and only open in the direction of the pliers 1. The brush roller 44 is connected to a motor MB via the drive element 33 and has bristles 45, with which it brushes at an immersion point ET with its enveloping circle HB into the enveloping circle HK of the comb segment 7 circular comb 4 and thus into the alleys G of the clothing strip S Intermesh comb sets 6 of comb segment 7 ( Fig. 3 ) and remove the combed components K inside. The direction of movement B of the brush roller is aligned in the region of the immersion point ET with the direction of movement D of the circular comb 4. Due to the different peripheral speeds between the circular comb 4 and the brush roller 44 in the area of the immersion point ET, there is a relative movement between the bristles of the brush roller and the combing sets of the circular comb, which supports the cleaning effect. The bristles 45 move faster (advance) than the comb sets of the round comb.

Under the action of a suction air flow SA generated by a vacuum source P, the combed out components, which were removed from the combing segment 7 by the brush roller 44, are fed to a central disposal point, not shown, via the opening 51 in the lower region of the housing 50. A suction channel 35 is attached to the opening 51 and is connected to the vacuum source P.
The air volume discharged by the suction air flow SA is fed back to the housing 50 through the openings from the ambient air of the comber above the housing 50.
The motor MB is controlled by a controller SM, which is connected to a control unit ST via the path 37. Furthermore, the control unit ST is connected via a path 38 to a further motor M (main motor) via which further units of the comber are driven via corresponding drive connections and gear units. So z. B. the motor M via the drive element 40 with a transmission G1 (or gear unit) in connection, which drives a pliers shaft 10 via the drive element 41. The gear unit can be, for example, a sliding crank gear. Furthermore, the motor M is connected via the drive element 42 to a transmission G2, which drives the round comb shaft 5 via the drive element 43.

The proportion of the combed out components, which does not settle in the alleys of the combing sets of the combing segments, is sucked down under the action of the suction flow SA directly inside the housing 50 and transferred to the opening 51.
Seen in the direction of rotation D of the circular comb 4, a sensor means S1 is attached to the housing 50 behind the immersion point ET and at a radial distance e from the enveloping circle HK. Via this sensor means S1 whether and how much combed material (combs, nits and other soiling) is still within the combing segment 7 or its combing sets. As from the embodiments of the Fig. 3 As can be seen, the sensor means S1 (or S2, S3) consist of a plurality of sensors F arranged side by side, which are arranged next to one another along the width b of the comb segment 7. So it is possible Scan comb segment 7 over the entire width b. The sensors F can be known optoelectronic sensors which convert the light 77 reflected by the combing set into an electrical signal. These signals from the individual sensors are then transmitted to the control unit ST via the line 70 and, in comparison with the values stored in the control unit, give a measure of the occupancy or soiling of the combing sets after the cleaning stage with the brush roller 44 values stored in the control unit ST, which are used to evaluate the signals from the sensors F, are e.g. B. calibration values, which were determined by the combing set via sensor means S1, when there was no combed material in the combing sets. On the one hand the color values of the surfaces of the combing sets and on the other hand the position of the clothing strips S ( Fig. 3 ) detected. On the basis of the deviating color values from the stored calibration values, the degree of contamination can be determined or calculated by the control unit ST.
However, it is also possible to design the sensors F as distance sensors which sense the height of the material still present between the individual clothing strips and transmit them to the control unit ST.
Furthermore, the attachment of one or more line cameras KZ ( Fig. 3 ) possible to detect the contamination within the combing sets 6 and to transmit them to the control unit ST.
It is also possible to use a large number of other already known sensor systems (with laser, ultrasound, infrared, etc.) which are suitable for detecting the mass of combed components located in the combing sets and transmitting them to the control unit ST for evaluation.
It would also be conceivable to only partially monitor the surface areas of the combing segment, which are then used as the basis for triggering control interventions.
The control unit ST uses the signals emitted by the sensor means S1 to trigger control signals via the control unit ST which trigger the cleaning intensity of the cleaning stage, in the present case the brush roller 44. However, these control signals are only generated if the calculated values are outside a tolerance range stored in the control unit.

If control interventions are triggered via the control unit via a contamination detected by the sensor unit S1 (remaining components K within the combing set), these can be transmitted, for example, via the path 37 to the control SM, via which the speed of the motor MB is increased, which drives the shaft 46 of the brush roller 44. This increases the cleaning effect of the brush roller, with more bristles 45 then intervening in the combing set 6 at the immersion point ET than was the case before the control intervention.
This control intervention via the control unit can take place step by step, with the effect being checked via the sensor unit S1 after each intervention.
If such a control intervention does not lead to a reduction in the detected contamination, a further control signal is triggered via the control unit ST, which is transmitted via the path 56 to a control SZ, which is used to control a cylinder 81 which is articulated on the swivel arms 80 . The two swivel arms 80 are now pivoted upward via the cylinder 81, the radial distance between the shaft 46 of the brush roller 44 and the round comb shaft 5 being reduced. This increases the immersion depth of the bristles 45 in the area of the immersion point ET, which increases the cleaning intensity by the brush roller 44. Such a measure may become necessary when the bristles 45 have shortened as a result of wear, so that an increase in the speed of the brush roller alone no longer entails the required increase in the cleaning effect or cleaning intensity. Of course, the effect of the adjustment of the immersion depth is continuously monitored via the sensor unit S1 and transmitted to the control unit ST.
If the control measures initiated are no longer sufficient to clean the combing set to a maximum degree of soiling stored and specified in the control unit, this is communicated to the operator via suitable signaling devices (e.g. via a schematically shown screen 75 or acoustic means). or the machine is stopped.
In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the dashed line shows the attachment of a further sensor unit S2, which - seen in the direction of rotation D of the circular comb 4 - is attached to the housing 50 between the clamping point KS of the pliers 1 and the immersion point ET. This sensor unit S2 is connected to the control unit ST via the line 71 connected. With this sensor unit S2, it is possible to detect the mass of the combed components K, which are on or in the combing set 6 of the combing segment 7 and to transmit them to the control unit ST. In this way, the cleaning intensity of the brush roller 44 (as described above) can be adjusted to the size of the mass obtained in comparison with the basic values stored in the control unit ST. In the ideal case, the cleaning intensity (effect) of the brush roller 44 is so great that the sensor unit S1 no longer detects contamination within the combing sets 6.
Corresponding control programs can be stored in the control unit, on the basis of which the control commands for influencing the cleaning intensity of the brush roller 44 are triggered.

It has been shown that at higher combing numbers and thus also higher speeds of the circular comb 4, the cleaning action of the brush roller 44 is no longer sufficient to remove all components K from the alleys between the combing sets 6. As a result, the combing effect of the combing sets deteriorates with every comb play.
In order to counteract this, the application of an additional, second cleaning element 58 with a suction channel 60 is proposed in exemplary embodiment 2. The second cleaning element 58 is - seen in the direction of rotation D of the circular comb 4 - the brush roller 44 and is located in the area between the immersion point ET of the brush roller 44 in the enveloping circle HK of the combing set 6 and the clamping point KS of the pliers 1. The suction channel 60 of the cleaning element 58 opens into a suction pipe 61, which is connected to a further vacuum source P1. The components extracted under the influence of the vacuum source P1 are transferred via a channel 63 into the channel 35, via which they are fed to a central collection point (not shown) under the influence of the vacuum source P.
The opening 65 of the suction channel 60 projecting towards the circular comb 4 is arranged at a distance from the enveloping circle HK of the combing sets 6 of the circular comb 4. The opening 65 can run in an arc shape corresponding to the contour of the enveloping circle HK. As from the schematic view X in the Fig. 3 can be seen extends - in the axial direction the round comb shaft 5 - the opening 65 of the suction channel 60 shown in dashed lines with the width c over the entire width b of the combing segment 7, which has the combing sets 6. This ensures that the entire peripheral surface of the combing set 7, which is guided past the suction channel 60, is captured by the suction air flow SL.

In order to generate an optimized suction air flow SL, which is matched to the geometry of the teeth of the set and which should enable an almost complete removal of the combed components K still located in the area of the set, the rear side wall 68 of the suction channel 60 is at an acute angle to Opening 65 of the suction channel 60 is arranged. This results in a suction air flow SL in the direction of rotation D of the circular comb 4, which is oriented approximately tangentially to the base body GK of the circular comb. This suction air flow SL is oriented approximately vertically to the front tooth flanks, not shown, of the teeth of the combing set.

The small distance between the suction opening 65 and the enveloping circle HK of the combing sets ensures that the air flow generated by the suction channel 60 is essentially limited to the area of the suction opening 65 and that no uncontrolled air flows are generated within the housing 50 which cause the Combing and soldering process could negatively affect.
In order to also seal off the area between the suction opening 65 and the brush roller 44, a triangular shielding element 22 is attached within the housing 50 and extends parallel to the round comb shaft 5 over the entire width of the housing. The arcuate surfaces of the shielding element 22 are at a short distance from the enveloping circle HK of the combing sets, or the enveloping circle HB of the bristles 45 of the brush roller 44. This ensures that no disturbing counterflow to the suction air flow SL of the suction channel 60 is generated by the suction air flow SA generated in the housing 50.
In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 is in contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 1 an additional, second cleaning element 58 with a suction channel 60 is provided. The remaining elements of the Fig. 2 correspond to the elements as in Fig. 1 shown.

In the Fig. 1 Sensor unit S1 described is in the embodiment of Fig. 2 between the second cleaning element 58 and the clamping point KS of the pliers 1. That is, the measured values delivered to the control unit ST via the line 70 are also used, as for Fig. 1 described, evaluated on the basis of basic values (tolerance and basic values) present in the control unit and, if necessary, corresponding control signals for increasing the cleaning intensity at the first and / or at the second cleaning stage (44, 58) generated and transmitted. The cleaning intensity at the second cleaning stage (cleaning element 58) can be increased by increasing the negative pressure applied to the suction channel 60 via the negative pressure source P1. The control SA of the vacuum source P1 is controlled by the control unit ST via the path 66 in order to adapt the vacuum accordingly.

The control commands from the control unit ST, which are triggered by the sensor unit S1 after detection of a contamination of the combing unit 6, can be transmitted using a program stored in the control unit ST. That is, in a first step, the cleaning intensity of the brush roller 44 can be increased, as already in the exemplary embodiment in FIG Fig. 1 has been described. If this is not sufficient to reduce or eliminate the contamination of the combing set 6 (following the two cleaning stages 44, 58), the control SA is activated in order to increase the negative pressure of the negative pressure source P1 in order to increase the suction line of the suction channel 60 increase.
If after all these measures there is no decrease in the contamination detected by the sensor unit S1, the control unit ST triggers corresponding optical and acoustic signals for the operator. If necessary, the entire combing machine or only the affected combing point (in the case of individually driven combing points) is stopped by the control unit ST.

In the Fig. 2 Sensor unit S2 indicated by dashed lines serves for presetting the cleaning intensity of subsequent cleaning stages, as already in the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 1 has been described. This makes it possible to adjust the intensity (cleaning effect) of the cleaning levels to fluctuations in the percentage of combing and to compensate for them.

Instead of the sensor unit S1, a sensor unit S3 shown in dashed lines can also be provided. This sensor unit S3, which is attached to the housing 50 in the area of a shield 22, is located between the successive cleaning stages 44, 58 and is connected to the control unit ST via the line 72.
The mass of the impurities detected by the sensor unit S3 (residual components of the combed components K, which have not been removed by the brush roller 44) is transmitted to the control unit ST via the line 72. If this mass exceeds predetermined limit values, control commands are transmitted from the control unit ST to the control SA and the vacuum of the vacuum source P1 is adjusted accordingly or increased. If this adaptation does not result in a reduction in the detected contamination, the cleaning intensity of the first cleaning stage, the brush roller 44, can also be increased via further control commands from the control unit ST (as has already been described). This step-by-step control of the individual cleaning stages (44, 58) can also be carried out via a predetermined program stored in the control unit ST. Of course, acoustic and / or visual warning functions are triggered for the operator in this case as well, provided that the adjustment of the cleaning levels does not remedy the degree of contamination detected.

The proposed monitoring of the combing set 6 of the combing segment 7 with combed components K, or the monitoring of the degree of soiling of the combing sets after the cleaning stages of the circular comb, enables automatic and controlled readjustment of the cleaning agents provided. This ensures that the circular comb is kept clean over a long period of time and the time intervals for manual maintenance operations are extended considerably. It also ensures a constant comb quality over a long period of time.

Under certain circumstances, with the proposed device, the cleaning cycles of the comber, which were previously carried out in certain time periods, can be dispensed with, in which the round comb of the comber is in slow gear and at an increased rate Speed of the brush roller is cleaned. The elimination of this special cleaning cycle increases the productivity of the comber.

Claims (12)

1. A combing machine with a device for cleaning a comb segment (7) of a circular comb (4), wherein the circular comb (4) is rotatably mounted in a machine frame of the combing machine via a shaft (5), the comb segment (7), during a combing cycle, combs out a fiber tuft (FB) protruding from a nipping point (KS) of a nipper assembly (1), and at least one first cleaning element (44) is arranged in the area of an enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) of the circular comb (4),
   characterized in that the device has at least one monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) for detecting the mass of combed-out components (K) which deposit within the comb segment (7), wherein the monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) is arranged at a radial distance from the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) and viewed in the circumferential direction of the circular comb (4), and is connected to a control unit (ST) and wherein the control unit (ST) is connected to a control (SM/SZ) of the at least one first cleaning element (44) so that the control unit (ST) in connection with the monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) controls the control system (SM, SZ) of the at least one first cleaning element (44) in such a way that the cleaning intensity of the first cleaning element (44) can be adjusted and/or wherein the control unit (ST) is connected to a display device (75).
2. The combing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring means (S1), as viewed in the rotational direction of the circular comb (4), is arranged between the at least one cleaning element (44) and the nip point (KS) of the nipper unit (1).
3. The combing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring means (S2), as viewed in the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4), is arranged between the nipping point (KS) of the nipper assembly (1) and the at least one first cleaning element (44).
4. The combing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, as viewed in the rotational direction of the circular comb (4), at least one further, second cleaning element (58) is arranged in the area of the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) of the circular comb (4), the control (SA) of which is connected to the control unit (ST) for influencing the cleaning intensity thereof, and that the monitoring means (S1), as viewed in the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4), is arranged between the second cleaning element (58) and the nipping point (KS) of the nipper assembly (1).
5. The combing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, as viewed in the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4), at least one further, second cleaning element (58) is arranged in the area of the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) of the circular comb (4), the control (SA) of which is connected to the control unit (ST) for influencing cleaning intensity thereof, and that the monitoring means (S3), as viewed in the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4), is arranged between the first cleaning element (44) and the second cleaning element (58).
6. The combing machine according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the first cleaning element (44) is a mechanical cleaning element and the second cleaning element (58) is a pneumatic cleaning element.
7. The combing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) has one or more optoelectronic sensors (F) which are arranged within a width (b) of the comb segment (7) extending transverse to the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4).
8. The combing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) has at least one line scan camera (KZ) oriented transverse to the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4).
9. The combing machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the mechanical cleaning element is composed of a cleaning brush (44) which is rotatably supported at a radial distance from the shaft (5) of the circular comb (4), and which has cleaning elements (45) whose enveloping circle (HB) intersects with the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7), and the pneumatic cleaning element is composed of a suction element (58) which is connected to a negative pressure source (P1), and whose suction opening (65) extends at a radial distance from and over a partial area of the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7).
10. The combing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction opening (65) of the pneumatic cleaning element (58), as viewed in the rotational direction (D) of the circular comb (4), is arranged between the interface (ET) of the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) with the enveloping circle (HB) of the cleaning elements (45) of the cleaning brush (44) and the nipping point (KS) of the nipper assembly (1).
11. Use of the device for cleaning a comb segment (7) of a circular comb (4) of a combing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 for cleaning a comb segment (7) of a circular comb (4).
12. A method for keeping clean a comb segment (7) of a circular comb (4) of a combing machine according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 by means of at least one cleaning element (44, 58), wherein the comb segment (7), during a comb nip, combs out a fiber tuft (FB) protruding from a nipping point (KS) of a nipper assembly (1),
    characterized by the following method steps:

    - continuous detection of the mass of combed-out components (K) which deposit in the comb segment (7) by means of at least one monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) which is mounted at a radial distance from the enveloping circle (HK) of the comb segment (7) and viewed in the circumferential direction of the circular comb (4);

    - controlled adaptation of a cleaning intensity of the at least one cleaning element (44, 58) based on the detected values via the monitoring means (S1, S2, S3) in comparison with predetermined basic values stored in a control unit (ST) by setting a control (SM, SZ, SA) of the at least one cleaning element (44, 58) via the control unit (ST).

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