GB2151811A

GB2151811A - Control system for a carding installation

Info

Publication number: GB2151811A
Application number: GB08424447A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fritz Hosel
Original assignee: Truetzschler GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Truetzschler GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1981-05-20
Filing date: 1984-09-27
Publication date: 1985-07-24
Also published as: BR8202930A; ES512361A0; FR2506345A1; CH659087A5; GB2102593A; FR2506345B1; IT8221408A0; GB8424447D0; GB2151811B; IT1151195B; GB2102593B; ES8304227A1

Abstract

In a device for the controlling of a carding installation, sensors (21, 26) for producing speed measurement signals and an electronic control unit (7) for the formation of correcting variables which can be fed to final control elements (25, 28) are provided. Sensors (21, 26) are connected to an analogue/digital converter (22) and control unit (7) contains a microprocessor having a memory, a desired value generator 23 and elements for operating, controlling, monitoring and display functions. The installation comprises a carding machine (25, 28) and devices (46, 47) arranged upstream and downstream thereof. <IMAGE>

Description

1 GB 2 151 811 A 1

SPECIFICATION

Control system for a carding machine The invention relates to a control system for a 70 carding machine.

In a known carding machine, control and monitor ing of the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material is performed by several separate devices. Thus, for example, the delivery speed and the draft are brought about by way of one electronic motor controlling means in each case for the drive means of the feed roller and of the doffer. The sliver thickness regulation of the fibre sliver leaving the carding machine is effected, for example, indepen dently thereof by way of a pneumatic signal, which is fed to an electric three-level controller which pro vides an electrical signal by which the fibre material to be fed to the carding machine is controlled. This is ail very expensive as regards equipment. In addition, different components, such as the electronic motor controlling means or the three-level controller, are susceptible to failure.

An object of the invention is to provide a control system which mitigates the disadvantages men tioned, which allows in particular a central controll ing and monitoring of the manner of the processing of the fibre material and the amount of fibre material processed, and which is less expensive and less liable to equipment failure.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for the controlling and regulating of a carding machine in which, for the detection and adjustment of desired values relating to the machine and to the fibre technology, there is provided at least 100 one measured value sensor which is in communica tion with at last one electronic control and regulating unit to which is allocated a desired value adjuster, which control and regulating unit is connected to at least o'ne final control element, characterised in that, 105 for the detection and adjustment of all machine related and fibre technological parameters of the carding machine, the measured value sensors are connected to an analogueldigital converter which is in communication with an electronic microcomputer 110 control and regulating unit which is connected to digital/analogue output transformers to which the final control elements are assigned, wherein the control and regulating unit is able to linkthe machine-related and fibre technological parameters 115 in either direction.

According to the invention it is possible to avoid to a very considerable extent expenditure on equip ment through the use of an electronic microcompu ter control and regulating unit. In particular, it is 120 possible to avoid having to use a special control circuit with a special control apparatus for each quantity to be controlled. It should be pointed out, for example, that the output converters are not regulating units but, for example, only output tran sistors which are driven by corresponding pulses on the control unit. The regulation of machine-related and fibre technological parameters no longer takes place separately but together in the device according to the invention. The special advantage lies in the fact that thereby the machine-related and fibre parameters are combined and can influence each other mutually. For example, the actual values of the sliver thickness measuring (fibre parameter) can be processed in the control unit and be output as (machine-related) regulating variables for the speed of the take-in roller and/or the doffer of the carding machine. Furthermore, for example, the optimal fibre parameters for a specific fibre batch, such as draft, production speed and the like, can be measured and stored in the control unit so that during subsequent processing of a batch of the same material, the same machine-related regulating variables of the rollers of the carding machine can be set. Required fibre parameters can be matched to the possible machine outputs and thereby the relationship between carding technology and carding machine construction can be optimised. A further advantage is that, for other functions, for example of the drive and/or the carding technology, by providing as inputs desired operation characteristics, a specific regulation can be realised. As a result, the information (speeds, sliver thickness, speed ratios, etc.) necessary for the carding technology can be centrally ascertained, evaluated and processed in an optimum manner.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a device for the controlling of a carding machine having measured value sensors for produc- ing input variables and an electronic control unit for the formation of correcting variables which can be fed to final control elements, characterised in that the measured value sensors are connected to an analogueldigital converter which is in communication with an electronic control unit containing a microprocessor having a memory, to which control unit there is allocated a desired value generator and elements for operating, controlling, monitoring and display functions and the like, and that the control unit is connected to digital/analogue output transformers that are in communication with final control elements.

An essential feature in this aspect of the invention is the circuit, for example, for the regulation of the speed, for example of the feed roller and the doffer, by a measuring element, by the microcomputer in conjunction with output transformers, for example thyristors, and by a control element.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a control system fora carding machine in which the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material is controlled and monitored, wherein, for example, the actual speeds of the feed roller and of the doffer are compared with preset desired speeds available in a memory, and control values are formed from the variance and fed to the feed roller and the doffer in order to adjust a pre-selected delivery speed and a preselected draft, respectively, characterised in that the memory, as part of a microcomputer controlling the machine, contains a permanently read-in machine programme in a programme memory and contains all variable signals for the control and monitoring of the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material, for example actual and desired values for draft, 2 GB 2 151 811 A 2 delivery speed, sliver thickness can charge and similar values, in one or more data memories, that the microcomputer has at least one microprocessor as the central calculating unit which processes and controls the data running either way between the memories and an interface logic circuit, that the interface logic circuit receives input signals and translates them for transmission to the microprocessor, which input signals are fed to it, for example, from an input device (keyboard) for the programme input and from transmitters for the representation of the immediate machine state, and that the interface logic circuit emits output signals to a production logic for the control and monitoring of the manner and monitoring of the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material, wherein these output signals are developed from the input signals and the stored programme data by way of the microprocessor in order to control and to monitor the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material byway of the production logic in accordance with the programme.

In conjunction with the memory and the interface, the microprocessor forms a microcomputer wherein the microprocessor working between the memory and the interface serves for the development of the required computing operations, logic decisions, command signals and the like, whilst external input signals, such as keyboard signals and data about the particular state of the machine, are translated by way of the interface and passed on to the microprocessor and command signals developed or present in the microcomputer are passed on to the external devices and control logics.

The regulation of the speed, for example of the feed roller and of the doffer, is effected by the microcomputer in conjunction with output converters, for example thyristors.

An expensive and delicate electronic motor con- trolling means is not necessary. At the same time the 105 necessary inter- relationships, that is to say, the matching of the speed between feed roller, doffer and cylinder of the carding machine are realised thereby. The processing of the measuring and adjusting signals for the regulation of the fibre silver 110 is likewise performed by the microcomputer. Errors can be recognised early and localised by the constant monitoring of all essential variables. Advantageously, a direct regulation of the speed of the drive means for the feed roller, the doffer, the flock charging device connected upstream, or the like can be realised by the microcomputer at one and the same time. The use of an electronic three-level controller is therefore unnecessary. Because of the learning ability of the microprocessor, it is possible to store optimal values that.have been determined once, for example forthe draft, delivery speed and the like, for certain batches, and to use them again without fresh adjustment for processing a similar batch when required, so that additional expenditure on adjustment on changing of the batches is no longer necessary. The regulation of the drive motors is determined by the programme and can be varied as desired (proportional integral behaviour, run-up integrators, other means to provide a "soft" start and the like).

Further advantageous embodiments are described in the subsidiary claims.

By using a master computer, various tasks can be taken over:

a) error noting and localisation (shown by text in clear language) for carding works personnel and the like; b) operating data acquisition (covering data such as stoppage times, production, breaks in the sliver, errors); c) information on maintenance, cleaning, and repair work provided, for example, by an operating hours counter.

For one group of carding machines, the group being predetermined by the master computer, all carding machines can be programmed or switched to a corresponding batch. Each individual carding machine can be corrected or influenced by the master computer (production speed and the like). Because of the "intelligence" of the system, it is possible to intervene immediately when disruptions occur and not even to allow any possible detrimental effects, as the following examples show:

As a result of a cable breaking, incorrect operation or similar occurrences, a value of 50 000 m/can can be preset for a can charge, information being stored in the system that only 9 000 m/can is correct. Before the incorrect can charge of 50 000 m1can starts to become effective, the master computer is interrogated, or the operator is interrogated by another call as to whether this value is correct. Only when accuracy is expressly confirmed, for example by coiler change, is the command carried out. The memory also contains the information that a certain speed of the feed roller is part of a certain production speed. If it is established thatthe drive motor for the feed roller suddenly has a speed that has exceeded the preset limit, the machine is immediately switched off and the error is reported, localised and, if necessary, information for the remedy is given automatically. Even when, for example, in the case of sluggishness, the speed of the carding cylinder drops, this can likewise be immediately recognised, reported and evaluated.

The central control system and regulation and monitoring of all measuring signals, command signals and correcting signals in the processing of the fibre material bythe microcomputer (microp- rocessor system) is essential to the invention. The microcomputer is therefore used for automatic control functions, for example, the regulation of the speed of the feed roller, the doffer and similar devices. The microcomputer is also used for control functions, for example, switching on and off the carding machine, controlling the speed of the rollers, for example, of the taker-in, the cylinder, the doffer for starting up, high speed, low speed and the like.

By way of example, certain embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a fully automatic control system for a carding machine, illustrated as a block circuit diagram Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram for the automatic 3 control of the feed roller and the cloffer of the carding machine, Figure 3 shows a block circuit diagram of a control system for a carding machine having further control 5 and monitoring functions; Figure 4 shows a sliver thickness measuring device with a transducer for converting the pneumatic signals into electrical signals, Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing a sequence of operations performed in the control system; Figure 6 is a flow diagram showing a modification that can be made to the sequence shown in Figure 5, Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing another sequence of operations performed in the control system; and Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing a modification that can be made to the sequence shown in Figure 7.

The control system illustrated has a microprocessor 1 as the central computing unit CPU, which is in communication on the one hand with memories 2 and 3 and on the other hand with an interface 4. The parts 1 to 4 of the control system form in their entirety a microcomputer 7.

The memory 2 receives the data input by the operator through the keyboard 5 for the particular production programme. The permanently preprogrammed data effective for each production programme are stored in the memory 3 for the control sequence. This data is, among other things, data which allows or suppresses certain machine functions when certain operational states are ascertained. This data is, for example, data which determines the permitted speed ranges of the doffer.

The microprocessor 1 produces, firstly, all the control signals necessary for the operation of the microcomputer and, secondly, controlled by the programme in the PMEM - memory 3, also effects all data transfer between the memories and the external circuits and devices coupled up through the interface 4. Moreover, the microprocessor 1 carries out all the required computations and decisions, as described hereinafter.

The interface 4 is, in principle, a buffer store with input and output registers which, through com- mands of the microcomputer, enables external information to be read into the microcomputer as input signals, that is to say, for instance, keyboard signals and signals to represent the machine state, and enables the information in the microcomputer, that is to say, commands, to be fed outto the external control logics, display devices and the like as output signals.

The display 6 forms part of the external devices and it displays the essential programme data and, for example, also details of the particular production 120 speed and other machine states. Further generators 8 generate signals indicating the machine state. Such signals indicate, for example, whether the carding cylinder is running or not.

Finally, production logic 9 and variable speed motors 10 associated therewith are provided for the transport of material. The logic 9 receives its command signals from the microcomputer in automatic operation and controls the operation, for example, of the feed roller and the cloffer in dependence on the GB 2 151 811 A 3 production programme.

As already mentioned, the production programmes are passed into the memory 2 via an input device, for example, the keyboard 5. When a prog- ramming button is depressed, a code is generated which is read in to the microprocessor 1 by way of the interface 4. The microprocessor decides whether the code in question is a command, that is to say, for instance, the storing, erasing or in-putting of a signal, or information for the production programme. In the first case the appropriate command is executed. When a command signal to "store" is ascertained, the microprocessor 1 causes the transfer into the memory 2 of the last data input. In the second case figures or functions are stored in the intermediate data memory 2 for further use.

Figure 2 shows schematically a carding machine with a feed roller 11, a licker-in 12, a cylinder 13, a doffer 14, a stripper roller 15, two squeezing rollers 16,17, a sliver trumpet 18 and two calender rollers 19, 20. The feed roller 11 has allocated to it as a measured value sensor an electronic tachogenerator 21, which is connected to an analogue/digital converter 22. The analog ue/digital converter 22 is con- nected to an electronic control unit, namely, a microcomputer 7 containing a microprocessor (see Figure 1) with a memory (see Figure 1). The analogue/digital converter 22 is controlled by the microcomputer 7. The microcomputer 7 is connected to a first digital/analogue output converter 24 which is controlled by the microprocessor and which is connected to the variable speed motor 25 for the feed roller 11. As a measured value sensor an electric tachogenerator 26 is allocated to the doffer 14 and is connected to the analogue/digital converter 22. The analogue/digital converter 22 is connected to the microcomputer 7. The microcomputer 7 is additionally connected to a second digital/analogue output converter 27 which is in communication with the variable speed motor 28 for the cloffer 14.

In operation, the speeds of the feed roller 11 and the cloffer 14 are converted by the tachogenerators 21 and 26, respectively, into analogue electrical signals. These analogue signals are converted by the analogue/digital converter 22 into digital electrical signals and form the input signals into the microcomputer 7. Digital electrical output signals are developed from the input signals and the stored programme data by way of the microprocessor (see Figure 1). These digital signals are converted by the following digital/analogue output converters 24 and 27, respectively, into analogue electrical signals again and then pass into the variable speed motors 25 and 28, respectively, with which the feed roller 11 and the doffer 14 are controlled.

Figure 3 shows a control system as in Figure 2, but with additional control and monitoring functions. An electrical tachogenerator 30 is allocated to the carding cylinder as a measured value sensor and is connected to the analogue/digital converter 22. Furthermore, a test device 31 is connected to the analogue digital converter. Finally, an analogue signal from a device for measuring the thickness of the sliver is fed to the analogue/digital converter, this device being described in detail in Figure 4.

4 GB 2 151 811 A 4 Furthermore, the following devices are electrically connected to the microcomputers: Operator's con trols 33, such as onloff switches for the carding machine, etc.; a device 34 for the input, for example, of a preliminary signal and a main signal aboutthe can charge (the preliminary signal is given a few metres of fibre length before the can reaches full capacity and may be used to actuate a light indicator for the operator and/orto switch the carding machine to a slow speed; the main signal switches off the carding machine); monitoring elements 35 which report failures in the system or in the course of operation; an overriding master computer 36 which is common to a plurality of carding machines; a programming module 37 with which variable data 80 can be programmed once, or re-programmed when changes occur; a display unit 38 for displaying production state and counter state; a device 39 with which, for example, signalling lamps 40, protective devices 41 and valves 42 are directly controlled. Also 85 connected to the microcomputer are elements 46 and 47 which may for example provide, respectively, signals representing the speed of a feed device upstream of the carding machine itself and the speed of a drawing machine (or some other machine) downstream of the carding machine.

The digital/analogue output converters 24 and 27 are in communication by way of devices 43 and 44, respectively, with the variable speed motors 25 and 28, respectively. Devices 43, 44 are, for example measuring devices for the motor current and/or motor voltage; for measuring the motor current, for example, each of the devices 43,44 may contain a shunt resistor and operational amplifier.

As shown in Figure 4, the fibre sliver F passes through the card web trumpet 8, whereupon a pneumatic signal x is obtained which is converted in a converter 45 into an electrical signal y. The signal y is converted in the analogue/digital converter 22 into a digital electrical signal z which is fed into the 105 microcomputer 7 (see Figures 1 to 3). From this signal an output signal is developed which serves for the control, for example, of the feed roller 11, in order to alter the amount of fibre to be fed to the carding machine and thus to regulate the uniformity 110 of the fibre sliver leaving the carding machine.

It should be understood that the control system may be employed in a carding machine having revolving or fixed card flats such as is used predomi nantlyfor processing cotton and syntheticfibres or in a carding machine having a worker roller (a roller card unit) such as is used mainly for wool.

The flow diagram shown in Figure 5 shows the sequence of operations which are carried out by the microprocessor 1. As is generally usual in the case of this technique, the working sequence is carried out cyclically at a selected rate in order to ensure that adjustment is carried out sufficiently rapidly. Since changes in the carding process occur very slowly in comparison with the conventional microprocessor/ loop cycle time this requirement, in the present case, does not cause any difficulties, especially owing to the relatively low number of steps within the frame work of a complete working cycle.

In the sequence of operations according to Figure 130 5, the first calculating box shows that the desired value and the actual value for the speeds of the doffer 14 and the feed roller 11 are determined on the basis of values supplied by the data memory 2 and the tachogenerators 21 and 26 respectively.

The desired value and the actual value for the doffer speed are compared (f irst decision box) and the result of the comparison is supplied to the second calculating box. As long as there is not sufficient equality, a control value is calculated for the doffer speed, as shown in the second calculating box, in order to supply a control value which will bring the doffer speed to the desired value. The control value is conveyed to the output converter 27.

If the actual value and the desired value of the doffer speed are the same, or after determination of a new control value for the doffer speed, the result, which is obtained by comparison of the actual value and the desired value of the speed of the feed roller, is conveyed to the second decision box. If the result of this comparison indicates that the values are not the same, a new control value forthe feed roller is determined in the following (third) calculating box and the new control value is conveyed to the output converter 24.

If the actual value and the desired value for the speed of the feed roller are the same, or after determination of a new control value for the feed roller, the desired value and the actual value for the thickness of the sliver are stored. The desired value can be obtained by interrogating the data memory, while the actual value of the sliver thickness is derived by way of the converter 22 from the regulator 45. The values are then compared and the result of the comparison is conveyed to a further (fourth) calculating box.

If the former (third) decision box indicates that the values are not the same, the latter (fourth) calculating box shows that a new desired value for the speed of the doffer and/or the feed roller is to be calculated. This calculation is based naturally on the relation between the sliver thickness and the speeds of the doffer and the feed roller, which is already known from the prior art. The new desired value or the new desired values are then conveyed back to the first calculating box. If the last decision box indicates agreement between the actual value and the desired thickness of the sliver, the sequence of operations returns to the input of the first decision box.

Figure 6 shows a similar flow diagram to that in Figure 5. In this case, there are calculated firstthe desired value and the control value for the doffer speed and the desired value and control value for the speed of the feed roller. The results of this calcula- tion are further processed in the same manner as shown in Figure 5. In contrast to Figure 5, the sequence of operations returns to the input of the first decision box after the last calculating box. In Figure 5, actual values are determined in the first calculating box, whereas in Figure 6, control values are calculated at the input.

Figures 7 and 8 describe another sequence of operations that may be carried out by the microprocessorl.

In Figure 7, desired and actual values for the doffer GB 2 151 811 A 5 and feed roller speeds are read in (Calculation box 51); the desired and actual values of the doffer speed are compared (decision box 52) and, according to the result of the comparison, either a new control value for the signal controlling the operation of the doffer is generated (calculation box 53) and passed to the output converter 27 or the previous control value continues to be passed to the converter 27; the desired and actual values of the feed roller speed are then compared (decision box 54) and, according to the result of the comparison, either a new control value for the signal controlling the operation of the feed roller is generated (calculation box 55) and passed to the output converter 24 orthe previous control value continues to be passed to the converter 80 24; then desired and actual values of the sliver thickness are read in (calculation box 56), the values compared (decision box 57) and, according to the result of the comparison, either a new desired value for the doffer speed and/or the feed roller speed is calculated (calculation box 58) or the previous desired value is maintained; the sequence of opera tions then begins again with reading of updated actual values of the doffer speed and/or the feed roller speed and reading of the new, or unchanged, desired values for the doffer speed and/or the feed roller speed.

Figure 8 shows a process very similar to Figure 7; in Figure 8 calculation boxes 63, 65,66 and 68 correspond to calculation boxes 53, 55, 56 and 58 respectively of Figure 7 and decision boxes 62,64 and 67 correspond to decision boxes 52, 54 and 57 respectively of Figure 7. At the beginning of the sequence of operations shown in Figure 8, however, an initial control value for the doffer speed is calculated (calculation box 60) and an initial control value for the feed roller speed is calculated (calcula tion box 61); these initial control values are passed to the output converters 27 and 24 to give an initial control signal for the doffer and the feed roller respectively. Thereafter the sequence of operations is the same as in Figure 7 and it should be understand that in decision boxes 62 and 64 the actual value of each speed is compared with the desired value which at first is as calculated in the boxes 60, 61 and subsequently is as modified by the calculation box 68.

It will be seen thatthere are considerable similar ities between embodiments of Figures 5 and 7 and also between the embodiments of Figures 6 and 8 and thus it will be understood that features de scribed with reference to one embodiment may be incorporated in the other embodiment.

The microcomputer 7 may contain a stored prog ramme controller (SPQ and/or a microprocessor control system.

Stored programme controllers maytake over all the tasks of function control systems. Thay do not work in parallel as do protective control systems but run through the whole programme in a cycle. Logic linkages ofinput signals or marker memories are worked off command for command, the linkage result is directed to a marker memory or an output.

All data and operands are only one bit wide.

Specially constructed 10giG processors achieve, in this case, cycle times of from 1 to 3 ms for 1000 programme words. For this reason, the working method of the SPC appears to the user to be parallel if very rapid operations are ignored. In the case of some systems, the cycle time can be influenced by conditional or unconditional jumps. Others, on the other hand, allow the quasi-parallel working off of seve ra! p rog ra m m e cycl es.

SPC possess a, for the most part, small stock of different commands which can be readily learned with reference to application and by using symbols and taking into account mnemonic principles. In this manner, control systems for linkage, sequence and time can be achieved.

In most cases, with acceptable hardware and programming costs, the capability of logic processors is limited to this field.

Microprocessors are generally programmed in a processor-like language (for example assembly lan- guage). They work in a word-oriented manner and, for function control systems, are far inferior to the logic processor in speed and efficiency of programming. Word processing is, however, required for measuring, metering, calculating. comparison or the print-out of texts. The borders between microprocessor control systems and SPC are fluid. There are intermediate solutions in the case of which microprocessor control systems translate in interpretative manner, during the execution time, a user-like logic language into commands in its own language. In this manner, the capacity for easy programming while maintaining word processing is acquired by concessions in the processing speed. Further solutions for combining bit and word processing lie, for example, in connecting a microprocessor control system to a SPC within a machine control system, or in the common arrangement of a logic processor and a microprocessor in one system.

Signal processors are units which can be program- med, and which carry out real-time processing of analog signals, to be imagined, for example, as an arrangement of microprocessor, analog/digital converter and digitalianalog converter in one unit.

Claims

1. A system for controlling a carding machine, the system including:

at least one sensor for measuring the value of a variable parameterin the machine, an electronic control unit connected to receive signals from the sensor, and at least one control element for controlling at least one operational part of the carding machine, the control element being connected to receive signals from the electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit exercises control of the control element, taking account of both the measured value of the variable parameter in the machine and data indicative of a property of the fibre.

2. A system according to claim 1 in which the property of the fibre is a property which is constant for a specific batch of fibre.

3. Asystem according to claim 1 or 2 in which 6 GB 2 151 811 A 6 the property of the fibre is a property relating to the processing of the fibre in the machine, for example, the sliver thickness.

4. A system according to any preceding claim in which the sensor is connected via an analogue/ digital converter to the electronic control unit.

5. A system according to claim 4 in which the analogueldigital converter is controlled by the con trol unit.

6. A system according to any preceding claim in which the control element is connected via a digital/ analogue converter to the electronic control unit.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, in which the electronic control unit has a machine programme stored in a programme memory and one or more data memories to which signals representing desired and actual values of fibre parameters and machine parameters are passed.

8. A system according to claim 7, in which the electronic control unit has at least one microproces sor and an interface logic circuit, the microprocessor processing and controlling data passing between the memories and the logic circuit, the logic circuit being connected to receive signals from the sensors and transmitting them to the control elements.

9. A system according to claim 8, in which the logic circuit is connected to a keyboard connected to pass signals to the logic circuit.

10. Asystem according to anyof claims 7to 9, in which, in addition to a signal representing a value of a parameter, other signals for internal or external control processes are fed into the data memories.

11. A system according to any preceding claim, including means for passing to the electronic control unit signals representing the desired values of 100 parameters.

12. A system for controlling and regulating a carding machine in which for the detection and adjustment of desired values relating to parameters of the machine and the fibre, there is provided a sensor connected to at least one electronic control and regulating unit with which is associated a desired value adjusting means and a control element for controlling operation of a part of the carding machine, characterised in that, for the detection and adjustment of desired values relating to all the parameters of the machine and fibre that are to be adjusted, the sensors are connected to an analogue/ digital converter which is in communication with an electronic microcomputer control and regulating unit which is connected to output converters to which control elements for controlling or driving parts of the carding machine are connected, wherein the control and regulating unit is able to link the machine related parameters and fibre parameters in 120 two-way communication.

13. A system for controlling a carding machine in which the manner of processing of fibre material and amount of material processed is controlled and monitored, wherein actual values of variable para meters of machine elements are compared with desired values stored in a memory and the machine elements are controlled in accordance with the difference between the actual and desired values, characterised in that the memory is part of a 130 microcomputer controlling the machine, contains a permanently read-in machine programme in a programme memory and contains all variable data for the control and monitoring of the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material, including the actual and desired values of the variable parameters, in one or more data memories, that the microcomputer has at least one microprocessor as a central calculating unit for processing and controlling data running either way between the data and programme memories and an interface logic circuit, that the interface logic circuit receives input signals and translates them for transmission to the microprocessor, and that the interface logic circuit emits output signals to a production logic for the control and monitoring of the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material, wherein the output signals are derived from the input signals and the stored programme data by the microprocessor in order to control and monitor the manner and amount of the processing of the fibre material by the production logic in accordance with the programme.

14. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals of the actual value of measuring devices sensed by the sensor or sensors are connected to the electronic control unit.

15. A system according to claim 13 in which signals of the actual value of the speed of the feed roller are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the downstream fibre processing machine is a drawing 70 machine.

Printed in the UKfor HMSO, D8818935,6185,7102. Published by The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A l^from which copies may be obtained.

16. A system according to claim 14 or 15, in which signals of the actual value of the speed of the carding cylinder are to be fed into the electronic co ntro 1 u n it.

17. A system according to any of claims 14to 16, in which signals of the actual value of the speed of the doffer are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

18. A system according to any of claims 14to 17, in which signals of the actual value of the motor current of the drive means forthe feed roller are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

19. A system according to any of claims 14to 18, in which signals of the actual value of the motor current of the drive means forthe doffer are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

20. A system according to any of claims 14to 17, in which signals of the actual value of the motor voltage of the drive means forthe feed roller are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

21. A system according to any of claims 1 to 20, in which signals of the actual value of the motor voltage of the drive means for the doffer are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

22. A system according to any of claims 14 to 21, in which signals of a test device are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

23. A system according to any of claims 14to 22, in which signals of the actual value of the measuring signal of the card sliverthickness are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

24. A system according to any of claims 14to 23, in which signals of the actual value of the measuring signal of the actual fibre amount, for example, of the thickness of the cylinder or doffer covering, are to be 7 GB 2 151 811 A 7 fed into the electronic control unit.

25. A system according to any of claims 14to 24, in which signals from machines arranged upstream of the carding machine, for example, a flock charg ing machine, fine opener, are to be fed into the 70 electronic control unit.

26. A system according to any of claims 14to 25, in which signals from machines arrranged down stream of the carding machine, for example, drawing equipment, are to be fed into the data electronic control unit.

27. A system according to any of claims 14to 26, in which the signals are switching functions.

28. A system according to any of claims 14to 26, in which the signals are regulating functions.

29. A system according to any preceding claim, in which desired values, for example, for the speed of the feed roller, of the cylinder, of the doffer and the like, are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

30. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals for performance monitoring, for example, preliminary signal and main signal for the can charge are to be fed into the electronic control unit.

31. A system according to any preceding claim, 90 in which signals from monitoring elements are to be fed into the electronic control unit in order to indicate failures in operation.

32. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals from a and/or for an overriding master computer, an overriding control system or a similar system fora plurality of carding machines are to be fed into or from the electronic control unit.

33. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals from a and/or fora programming module with which variable data can be program med once or when changes occur are to be fed into or from the electronic control unit.

34. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals from and/or for the machine operation are to be fed into or from the electronic control unit, for example, switching on and switch ing off the carding machine, in order to change the state of the machine.

35. A system according to any preceding claim in which signals for the drive means of the feed roller are to be output from the electronic control unit.

36. A system according to any preceding claim, in which signals for the drive means of the doffer are to be output from the electronic control unit.

37. A system according to any preceding claim, in which the signals for the final control elements are fed byway of a dig itallana logue output converter to the final control elements, for example, to the drive motors.

38. A system according to any of claims 35to 37, in which signals for performance monitoring ele ments, for example, production and counter dis plays, signal lamps, and for safety switches and valves and the like, are to be output from the 125 electronic control unit.

39. A system according to any of claims 14to 38 when dependent upon claim 7, in which the signals fed into the electronic control unit are fed into.the data memory thereof and the signals fed from the electronic control unit are fed from the data memory.

40. A carding machine including a control system as claimed in any preceding claim.

41 A carding system including a plurality of carding machines as claimed in claim 40 and a master electronic control unit connected to the electronic control units of the individual carding machines.

42. A method of controlling a carding machine, the method including:

sensing the value of at least one variable parameter in the machine, processing a signal representing the sensed value in an electronic control unit, taking account of both the sensed value of the variable parameter in the machine and a property of the fibre being passed through the carding machine, and controlling at least one operational part of the carding machine in accordance with the processing of the signal.

43. A method as claimed in claim 42, employing a control system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 39.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on Superseded claims 1-43 New or amended claims:- 1. A carding installation comprising a plurality of textile machines including a carding machine, the installation including a plurality of operational parts through which fibre passes, a plurality of variable speed drives for driving respective operational parts, a plurality of sensing means for sensing the speed of operation of respective operational parts, and a common electronic control unit connected to receive signals from the plurality of sensing means representing the speed of operation of the respective operational parts and connected to transmit respective speed command signals to each of the variable speed drives, the speed command signals being dependent upon a comparison in the control unit of the signals of speeds received from the plurality of sensing means with desired values for the speed.

2. An installation as claimed in claim 1 in which one of the plurality of textile machines not being the said carding machine is a fibre processing machine arranged upstream of said carding machine, wherein the common electronic control unit is also connected to receive signals from the upstream fibre processing machine.

3. An installation as claimed in claim 2 in which the upstream fibre processing machine is a fine opener.

4. An installation as claimed in claim 1 in which one of the plurality of textile machines not being said carding machine is a flockfeed device arranged upstream of the carding machine, wherein the common electronic control unit is also connected to receive signals representing the speed of the flock feed device.

5. An installation as claimed in any preceding claim in which one of the textile machines not being said carding machine is a fibre processing machine arranged downstream of said carding machine, wherein the common electronic control unit is also 8 GB 2 151 811 A 8 connected to receive signals from the downstream fibre processing machine.

6. An installation as claimed in claim 5 wherein the downstream fibre processing machine is a drawing machine.

7. An installation as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the plurality of sensing means is arranged to provide an analogue output and is connected to the electronic control unit via a respec- tive anaiogueldigitat converter.

8. An installation as claimed in any preceding claim in which each of the speed command signals generated in the electronic control unit is a digital signal and is connected via a respective digital/ analogue converter to a respective variable speed drive.

9. An installation as claimed in any preceding claim in which the electronic control unit includes one or more data memories arranged to hold data representing the desired and actual values of fibre parameters and machine parameters, and a programme memory the contents of which influence the generation of speed command signals from the contents of the data memory or memories.

10. An installation as claimed in claim 9, in which the electronic control unit has at least one microprocessor and an interface logic circuit, the microprocessor being arranged to process data and to control the flow of data between the logic circuit and the or each memory, in accordance with the contents of the programme memory, the logic circuit being connected to receive sense signals from the sensors and arranged to transmit command signals to the speed drives.

11. A method of controlling a carding installation which comprises a plurality of textile machines including a carding machine and includes a plurality of operational partsthrough which fibre passes, the method including driving the plurality of operational parts by respective variable speed drives, sensing the speeds of operation of respective operational parts and controlling the speeds of operation of the respective parts by a common electronic control unit in dependence upon a comparison in the control unit of the sensed speeds with desired values for the speeds.

12. Amethod as claimed in claim 11 in which one of the plurality of textile machines not being said carding machine is a fibre processing machine arranged upstream of said carding machine, and the common electronic control unit also receives signals from the upstream fibre processing machine.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 in which the upstream fibre processing machine is a fine opener.

14. A method as claimed in claim 11 in which one of the plurality of textiles machines not being said carding machine is a flock feed device arranged upstream of the carding machine and the common electronic control unit also receives signals repre- senting the speed of the flock speed device.

15. Amethod asclaimed in anyof claims 11 to 14 in which one of the textile machines not being said carding machine is a fibre processing machine arranged downstream of said carding machine and the common electronic control unit also receives signals from the downstream fibre processing machine.