NO127407B - - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for control of

the advance of yarn threads to a

textile machine.

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus

for controlling the feeding of yarn threads to the needles of a multiple pole forming textile machine, where threads are drawn from a number of stores and fed to the needles and where the relative displacement between the threads is determined, after which the feed rate of some of the threads fed to the needles is controlled on a predetermined way.

In the production of certain types of pile carpets, e.g. fluxed tissue, the previously known methods and devices have been far from being able to fulfill reasonable expectations. The methods that have previously been applied to form color barriers on such substances have been of the type "printing, stenciling, spraying, reservoir dyeing, etc. As will be well known by those skilled in the art, all these methods have proven insufficient when it comes to producing a weave where the contours of the different colors in the monster appear clearly, while at the same time the dyes penetrate to the desired depth into the fleece.

From US patent document 2.l86.8l>+ a method is known and

a device for measuring, on a time basis, predetermined amounts of yarn that are fed to a textile machine, so that over a certain operating time for the machine, a fixed number of monster units will be fed to the machine.

According to this patent document, it is the sorrow of the possibility

for changing the speed of the yarn feed rollers so that the feed speed of the yarn is kept at a predetermined value. However, this is not a question of a transverse "alignment of the monsters on pole yarns while the yarns are fed to the needles. There are not several yarns that are fed forward at the same time, nor is it intended to align the monsters on several yarns while they are fed to a pole-forming machine, nor is anything indicated about synchronizing the transverse alignment of the yarns while they are fed to the machine. In the easy case where there are several supply yarns, the advancement of the yarn in the respective lines is controlled independently of the advancement of the other yarns, so that no transverse synchronization of the monsters in the advanced yarns in relation to each other is achieved.

From US patent documents 3. 2^+. 300 and 2J+32,518- as well as British patent document 1,087.<1>+8<!>r it is known a speed indicator for a knitting machine, respectively a weft straightener, as well as a device for detecting a special type of index marks and synchronizing a secondary device against the passing of this mark. US Patent 2.V}2.5l8 relates to an apparatus for indicating either a difference between the speed of a yarn in motion and a predetermined speed, or a variation in the predetermined speed obtained between individual yarns so that the speed of a single gave one or the ratio between the speeds of the individual yarns can be corrected to the predetermined value. The apparatus according to this patent is such that it requires an operator who visually notes the variations and effects the correction. In US patent 3.25k.300 an apparatus is shown for determining the time interval between two points in time and for generating control signals in order to maintain this time interval precisely on

a predetermined value. However, it will not be possible to combine the principle behind US Patent 2.'+32. 5l8 and the principle behind US patent specification 3-25*+. 300, in that maintaining a predetermined speed difference between the ends of the weft threads (US patent 2.'+32.51.8) would be the opposite of the function of the apparatus shown in US patent 3-25*+. 300.

British Patent No. 1.0&7.h8\ relates to an apparatus for detecting the passage of an index mark of a desired shape on a web of material and for utilizing this mark to actuate mechanisms in synchronism with the appearance of the mark. The purpose of the device according to this patent document is to detect a special shape of the mark so that it is distinguished from all other marks on the track whereby the mark, during its passage, can be used to synchronize the action of a secondary device, e.g., a cloaking device .

The present invention is, as mentioned at the outset, based on a progress stitch and an apparatus for controlling the feeding of yarn threads to the needles in a multiple-pole-forming textile machine, where threads are drawn from a number of stores and fed to the needles and where the relative displacement between the threads are determined, after which the feed rate of some of the threads fed to the needles is controlled in a predetermined manner.

In order to make it possible to design color samples with a prominent sharpness in the color contours and excellent penetration of the different father venances in the pole, the peculiarity of the method according to the invention is that at least some of the threads in a first group of mixed yarn threads, comprising a first index thread with mutually spaced index marks, is fed to a first group of needles in the machine, while at least some of the threads of at least one further group of monster threads, each group comprising an index thread with separate index marks, are fed to another group of needles, that the respective index threads are unwound and that the results of the unwounding are compared, that a signal is produced which corresponds to the relative position of monsters in the first group of threads in relation to the monster in the second group of threads and that the control of the synchronization of the transverse arrangement of the threads that are lined up to the respective needle groups is effected in dependence on d a said signal.

Conveniently, each index thread is unwound from two positions such as

are mutually separated by a predetermined distance so that one and the same index mark is sensed simultaneously from both positions. When the two index readings do not coincide in terms of time, an alarm device can be activated.

The invention also includes an apparatus for carrying out this method and this apparatus includes devices for extracting yarn threads from a number of stores, devices for feeding the threads to the needles, devices for determining the relative displacement between the threads as well as devices for control, in a predetermined manner, by the speed of advancement of some of the threads that are fed to the needles, and the peculiarity of this apparatus consists in a first advancement device for advancing at least some threads in the first group of sampled yarn threads, comprising a first index thread with mutually spaced index marks, to a first group of needles, at least one further feeding means for feeding at least some threads of at least one further group of patterned yarns, each group comprising an index thread with separate index marks, to a further group of needles ,

a first coiling device for coiling the first index thread,

a further felting device - for defelting the second index thread, one device for comparing the output from the first felting device with the output from the second felting device and for producing a signal corresponding to the relative position of the monster in the first group of threads in relation to the monster in the second group of threads, and a device for controlling the transverse alignment of the monsters in the threads which are fed to the respective needle groups, - in dependence - on the said signal", - in that the device which reacts in. dependence on the signal causes - that the second feeding device is operated at normal speed '. when the index threads lie across; for' each other, but with ..higher, or lower' speed than the normal speed' now-r. ,the- or the-further index threads lie shifted behind, respectively -'foratt- deh.-fq-rst-é."iridex -thread. ■'..-

In a preferred embodiment, each felting device comprises a first and a second felting element located at a predetermined distance from each other so that the elements can, at the same time, feel one and the same index mark.

The apparatus according to the invention appropriately includes a device for triggering an alarm when one or the other tracking device does not register an index mark at the same time as the other, or the first tracking device.

The essential difference between the present invention and the devices according to the above-mentioned patents lies in the fact that with the present invention it is possible to continuously monitor and change the amount of yarn that is fed from a number of stores to the needles so that the monster in the yarn is synchronized

across the yarn advance direction regardless of the speed of the yarn, while the previously known devices involve regulating the speed of the yarns to a predetermined fixed value, or maintaining

a fixed speed difference between the individual yarns.

The invention shall be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawing, whereby further advantages of the invention will also be expressed. Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows the yarn boom apparatus in fig. 1 side view.

Fig. 3 is a. perspective sketch a<y> fThe lice machine in fig. 1.

Fig. - shows the detector device for the present embodiment seen from the front.

Fig. 5 is another perspective sketch of the fluxing machine in fig. 3"

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the detector and control devices in the present apparatus. Fig. 7-10a are input, output tables indicating input and output pulses for the various blocks in Fig.6.

Fig. 11 is a timing diagram.

Fig. 12 and 13 are connection diagrams for the detector and control devices in fig. 6.

A supporting framework 50 (Fig. 2) arranged on the floor near the fluffing machine carries flare shafts 515 52, 53 5 5<*>+ etc. Each of these shafts is provided with a collar 55 at each end. Respective axle pairs, such as the pair 51, 52, carry a yarn boom 60 on the claims 55 - The axle 52 is connected in a k,pit manner to a motor 61 by means of a suitable coupling 62 and is thus driven by means of said motor. The shaft 51 is in connection with and is driven by the shaft 52 by means of an endless chain which is threaded over a gear wheel (not shown) which is arranged on each of the shafts 515 52. The clutch 62 is controlled by position switches (not shown) which are affected by protrusions which are attached to a chain 63 operatively assigned to your jumping roller. 6*+, the function of which will be well known to those skilled in the art. Each of the other yarn booms which are arranged in the framework 50 is placed underneath and driven in the same way, so that a yarn supply is created in the action area of the assigned jumping roller, so that this yarn supply can be extracted with the help of feed rollers which will be described in the following.

When flushing, e.g. a 5 m wide carpet from yarn which is arranged on booms such as the boom 60 in fig. 2,. several such booms will be fed in synchronism to the fluxing machine 70 in, fig. 3- The fluff machine 70

are similar in construction and operation to conventional flux machines. The present machine, however, uses apparatus according to the invention to control the feeding rate of yarn to nearby zones of such a machine, a machine zone being defined here as the part of the width of the fluxing machine required for fluxing on a ground canvas of all yarn ends, with exception, of the index yarn thread, which is wound on one of the yarn booms 60.

The yarn from the yarn booms 60 passes through each rudder 71, which leads from the framework 50 to a frame device 73, fig. 3? mounted on the flux machine. When the yarn comes out from the rudders 71, they are threaded through the liners 7^-, a detector arrangement indicated, with the help of the arrow. 110, another liner 75, and then around a pair of feed rollers 78, 79 which are carried by shafts which are stored in the warehouse. on. frame device one 72, 72'. etc. There are separate feeding rollers for each zone. The feeding rollers 78, 79 extract from the yarn supply which is formed by the action of the jumping roller 6h, and -brings this yarn forward to the needles. f or .f the loosing machine.

Zone no. 1 in fig. 5 will be. referred to as the main zone. In working condition, the yarn is made from this. zone. fed to the fluffing machine at a rate which will be referred to as the normal rate. Qg if the yarn threads are fed to some of. or all the other zones, such as zone no. 2, zone no. 3 etc., are advanced at such a rate that they get out of synchronization with the feed rate of the yarn threads from zone no. 1, the feed rate of the yarn from the other zones will be decelerated or accelerated to bring this yarn into synchronism with the yarn from Zone No. 1. In certain cases, if the index marks of one or more of the other zones are too much out of synchronism with the main zone, no corrective action will be taken to increase or decrease the feed rate for the yarn in the zone or zones in question, but an alarm signal will be triggered to inform the machine passer for the fluffing machine about this unsynchronized condition.

The fluffing machine 70 is driven by means of a main drive shaft 76 which is connected to and driven by the motor 70 in a conventional manner. Any suitable exchange means between the main drive shaft 76 and the secondary drive shafts 80, fig. 3 and 5-, can be used for operation of said secondary drive shafts. The secondary drive shafts 80 are connected to and drive three shafts, namely, a normal or intermediate shaft 81, a decelerating shaft 82 and an accelerating shaft 83? "by means of suitable coupling arrangement in a junction box 8<*>+. In the present embodiment, the ratio between shafts 80 and 81 is 1:1, the ratio between shafts 80 and 82 is 100:98 and the ratio between shafts 80 and 83 is 98 :100, but these gear ratios may of course be made different.Disposed on the normal shaft 81 in zone No. 1, there is a conventional magnetic clutch 85 which, when energized, connects the shaft 8l with a gear 88, which is carried loosely by the shaft 8l In zone No. 1, further gears 89 and 98 are loosely arranged on pins fixed to the frame device 72', and gears 95, 96 are fixed to the shafts which carry the feed rollers 78 and 79 respectively, for zone No. 1. An endless chain 98 is suitably threaded over the gears 88, 89, 95, 96 and 93 in the order indicated, to drive the feed rollers 79 and 78, respectively, in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction, Fig. 3, when the fluffing machine is operating. The shafts 80, 81, 82 and 83 have such lengths that they stretch extends over the entire width of the fluffing machine, while the shafts carrying the feed rolls 78, 79 each have a length equal to the width of a single zone such as zone No. 1, zone No. 2, etc. in Fig, 5. I all zones of the fluxing machine except zone No. 1, the shafts 81, 82 and 83 carry couplings of the same type as the aforementioned coupling 85, these couplings, when energized, connects the said shafts to gears with the same structure and function as the gear 88. In each such zone, a gear such as the gear 102, Ibst is arranged on a pin which is mounted on the framework of the machine. Furthermore, the shafts carrying the feed rollers 78, 79 for each zone are equipped with gears of the same type as the gears 96, 95 for zone no. 1.

In zones No. 2, 3, etc., an endless chain 10*+ is threaded around the gears carried by the shafts 82, 81 and 83, the gears carried by the support shafts of the feed rollers, and the gear" 1 02 so that, when which any one of the links in any of the zones is energized, the associated feed rolls will be driven in opposite directions to feed yarn to the needles of the fluffing machine. Whenever one of the links in zone #2 is energized, the other two connections in said zone de-energized, as will be described below.

In connection with the above description of the drive mechanism in zone

No. 1, it may be suggested that it may sometimes be desirable to equip shafts 82 and 83 in zone No. 1 with couplings of the same type as couplings 82a and 83a in zone No. 2 to enable the feed rollers to be driven in zone no. 1 faster or slower than the normal speed for the shaft 81. In such a case, the operating arrangement for zone no. 2 can be advantageously applied to zone no. 1 as well.

Mounted on and arranged between the liners 7^, 75 in each zone, fig. 3, the previously mentioned detector device is arranged, as it is indicated by the arrow 110 and shown in more detail in fig. h. The detector device consists of a transparent tube 112 which is attached to the liners 7*+, '75 in a suitable manner, this tube having a pair of photosensitive devices 11*+, 115 arranged in its vicinity. Each detector device mainly consists of a light source 1 1 ^a and a photocell. 11 >+b, which is capable of determining whether the yarn part that reflects light from the light source 11 *+a towards the photocell, e.g. , "is white or black. As the materials draw yarn from each yarn boom, the index yarn thread that is drawn forward is fed through the rudder 112 of the detector unit arranged in the zone assigned to said boom, and then around the feed rollers 78, 79 for This index yarn thread is fed past the needle and through a liner 116,

fig. 5, to any suitable collection device,

which is not shown. To facilitate the following description, the photocells in the detector device are designated for any slave zone, e.g. zone No. 2 or No. 3., as a first photocell and another.."photocell, the first photocell then being the photocell in any detector device first passed by the index yarn, and the second photocell being that cell which the yarn then passes by Consequently, in Fig. h the photocell '11 Vb is the first photocell and the photocell 15b the second photocell.

Fig. 6-13 shows the detector and control devices assigned to master zone no. 1 and slave zone no. 2.

Reference must now be made to fig. 6, where the first and second slave photodetectors 11 Vb and 115b sense the index mark on the slave index yarn and emit a BLACK pulse to the logical slave decoder 132

if they register an index mark, and a WHITE pulse to the relevant logical slave decoder 132 if they do not register an index mark. The first and second main photodetectors 11 Vb' and 115b' detect the index marks on the main index yarn and emit a BLACK pulse to the main logic decoder 130 when they detect an index mark and a WHITE pulse when they do not detect an index mark. The master logic decoder emits a speed measurement pulse to the slave logic decoder 132 when an index mark is detected on the master index yarn by both the first and second master photodetectors 11 Vb1 and 115b<1>,

and emits a trial pulse for resetting the reset gate 131 under the same conditions. The logical slave decoder 132 emits a "slow" pulse to the switch selector 138 when only the first slave photodetector 11 Vb registers an index mark on the slave index yarn at the same time as the speed control pulse is applied to it,

and emits a "fast" pulse to the switch selector 132 when only the second slave photodetector 115b registers an index mark on the slave index yarn at the same time as a speed judgment pulse is applied thereto. When none of the slave photodetectors register the noo index-

mark, becomes a stop pulse. add the alarm -1 31+.. Normally it stays

no inhibit pulse applied to the reset gate 131 - Such an inhibit pulse .to inhibit the reset of the reset gate, is only applied to this port when none of the slave photodetectors registers an index mark.

The reset gate 131 normally emits a reset pulse' to the switching selector 138 when a phase shift pulse is applied to the reset gate.

The switch selector 138 emits either a deceleration signal, an acceleration signal or a normal signal, depending on which input signal is supplied to the switch selector 138 from the reset port 131 and the logical slave decoder 132 in a manner that will be described. This generation of one of the three mentioned switching signals selects one of the three switches to either accelerate the feeding of the slave zone yarn, decelerate the feeding of the slave zone yarn or maintain the feeding at the normal feeding rate.

The control device shown in fig. 6, controls the feed rate for the yarn threads from the different zones in the fluffing machine in the following way. The control device can act in different ways, depending on its purpose, to -maintain the feed rate for the slave zone yarn in synchronism with the yarn in the main zone. It will maintain the energization for the normal connection. if the slave yarn. is in synchronism with the main yarn.• It will accelerate the slave yarn if this yarn moves slower than the main yarn, and it will decelerate the slave yarn if it moves faster than the main yarn. If the slave yarn. and the main yarn is in synchronism, both the first and the second slave photo detector will -11 hb and. 11 5b register an index mark on the slave index yarn.at the same time as the first and the

-second main photodetector 1.1 Vb and 11 5'b register an index mark

on the main index yarn. The master logic decoder 130 will emit a speed assessment pulse and a trial pulse. The slave logic decoder 132 responds to the registration of a. index mark of both slave photodetectors and the simultaneous reception of a speed judgment pulse by producing no signal. The trial pulse. from the main logic decoder 130 can pass the reset gate and is fed to the switch selector 158. The switch selector. 1 38 reacts to the reset pulse and absence, of pulse from it. logical slave decoders• by selecting the normal link to.maintain the slave yarn feed in synchronism. with the main yarn feed.

If the slave index yarn is moved too fast at the instant the first and second main photodetectors 11 Vb1 and:115b' register the index mark on the main index yarn, only the second slave photodetector will . 11 5b register the index mark on the slave index yarn as the index mark has already passed the first slave photo detector 11 Vb. Only the second slave photodetector 115b will therefore emit a SORT signal to the logical slave decoder -132 at the time the main logical decoder 130 emits a speed judgment pulse to the: logical slave decoder 132. In response to the speed judgment pulse and the SORT signal from the second slave photodetector 115 b , the logic slave decoder outputs a fast pulse to the clutch selector 138. The clutch selector 138 responds to the fast pulse by selecting the deceleration clutch to slow down. the slave index yarn, which attempts to bring the slave index yarn back into synchronism with the master index yarn. The deceleration link will remain energized until the next index marks on the master and slave index yarns are detected so that it can be determined whether the slave index yarn has come into synchronism with the master index yarn. Depending on the relationships between the index marks on the slave and master index yarns at this time, corresponding measures will be taken. If the slave index yarn is in synchronism with the main index yarn at the relevant time, indicated by the two slave photodetectors 11 Vb and 115b emitting SORT signals at the same time as the two main photodetectors 11 Vb' and 115b' emitting SORT signals, the normal connection will be selected as previously described. If the slave index yarn is moved too fast, the deceleration link will be selected again, and if the slave index yarn runs too slowly, the acceleration link must be selected.

If the slave yarn is moved too slowly at the time the first and second main photodetectors 11 Vb' and 115b' register the index mark on the main index yarn, only the first slave photodetector 11 Vb will register the index mark on the slave index yarn, as the index mark

on the slave index yarn has not yet reached the second slave photodetector 111b. Just. the first slave photo detector 11 Vb therefore emits a BLACK

signal to the logical slave decoder 132 at the time when the main logical decoder 130 emits a speed assessment pulse to the logical slave decoder 1.32. As a result of the speed judgment pulse and the SORT signal from the first slave photodetector 11 Vb, the slave logical decoder outputs a slow pulse to the clutch selector 138. The clutch selector 138 responds to the slow pulse by selecting the acceleration clutch to increase the feed rate of the slave yarn, thereby attempting to bring the slave yarn back into synchronism with the main zone yarn. The acceleration link remains energized until the next index mark on the master and slave yarns is sensed to determine whether the slave and master yarns have been brought back into synchronism. The described assigned actions will then follow to bring the slave and master yarn into .synchronism or to maintain synchronism;

If no index mark is detected by either of the two slave photodetectors 11 Vb and 115b at the time the master index mark is detected, the slave logical decoder will output an inhibit pulse to the reset gate 131 and a stop pulse to the alarm circuit 13*+. The alarm circuit will immediately emit an alarm signal, and the reset gate 131 will maintain the link previously selected until corrective action is taken by the operator.

In the following description of the detailed construction of the control system, the terms "one" and "zero" signal or pulse will be used. An "ener" signal or pulse refers to a saturated positive voltage level of approx. V.5 volts, and a "zero" signal or

-pulse refers to a level of 0 volts.

In fig. 12, the logical main decoder 130 is shown. The signal from the first main photodetector 11 Vb' is amplified by an amplifier 251, and is then supplied through diode 253 to a microsecond monostable multivibrator 255, which will emit on the output seed 259 and through diode 257 the test pulse shown in fig. 11, when the first main photodetector 11 Vb' registers an index mark on the main index yarn. The Fbrsbks pulse is fed to terminal 203 in fig. 13, where it is fed to the reset port■131. The signal from the second main photo detector 115b<1> is received by the main logical decoder 130 via terminal 261, amplified by the amplifier 263 and fed through the diode. 265 to a two-microsecond. monostable multivibrator. 267_, so that this multivibrator. 267 it emits a speed assessment pulse. which is shown in fig. -1.1, when the second main photodetector 115b' registers an index mark on the main index yarn. The speed judgment pulse from terminal 269 is applied to terminal 295 for the logical slave decoder 132

in fig. 13. Neither multivibrator 255 nor multivibrator 267 will emit any pulse unless input signals are received from both main photodetectors..

NOG circuits are used to a large extent in the control device. Such NOG circuits 179, 181 and 185 are shown in Fig. logical slave decoder 132 in FIG. 13. Each NOG circuit has several input terminals, denoted by X, Y and Z in the aforementioned three NOG circuits, and an output terminal. When all three inputs receive a "one" signal (V.5 volts), the output signal is a "zero" signal (a zero voltage). On the other hand, when one or more inputs of the NOG circuit receives a "zero" signal, the output signal from the NOG circuit becomes a "one" signal.

The amplifiers, e.g. 175 and 191, are indicated as triangles in the diagram and receive an input signal on the side facing the left and emit an output signal on the right side at the top point of the triangle. Each amplifier amplifies the signal it receives and emits a signal of the opposite nature. Thus, if it receives a "zero" signal, it emits a "one" signal or pulse.

Two monostable multivibrators 255 and 267 are shown in fig. 12 in

the logical main decoder 130. On receiving a signal, they emit a pulse of predetermined duration. The trial pulse emitted from multivibrator 255 is thus of one-microsecond duration, while the speed assessment pulse generated by multivibrator 267 is two-microseconds long. This difference between the pulses is shown in fig. 11..,.

Fig. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 10A indicate operation tables for the various elements in the control system. Each vertical column under the "input" heading indicates the input state of the indicated element and each vertical column under the "output" heading indicates the output state of the respective indicated element for the combination of input signals indicated in the corresponding horizontal row. Whenever an asterisk appears in a table block, this indicates that the signal or the pulse indicated at the top of the relevant column is present, and in the blocks where such an asterisk appears, reference is made to fig. 11 where the relevant pulse characteristics are shown. In the other blocks, the DC voltage level that is present at the time in question is indicated.

In the vertical input columns in fig. 7 and 8 which are designated "photodetector", the designation BLACK indicates that the corresponding photodetector registers an index mark, and the designation WHITE indicates that the corresponding photodetector does not register an index mark. A BLACK signal is a "one" signal, and a WHITE signal is a "zero" signal.

The signal from the first slave photo detector 11 hb is supplied to terminal 171 in the logical slave decoder 132 in fig. 13, and the signal from the second slave photodetector 115b is fed to terminal 173 of the logical slave decoder 132 in fig. 13. The input signal to terminal 171 from the first slave photodetector 11 Vb is inverted by amplifier 175 and supplied to the Y terminal for the NOG circuit 177, the Z4døim for the NOG circuit 179, the Y terminal for the NOG circuit 181, the NOG circuit 183 and is inverted by this for the supplied Y terminal for the NOG circuit 185 and is also connected through the WHITE signal light 187 to +V.5 volts. The input to terminal 173 from the second photodetector is connected through WHITE light source 189 to +<!>+.5 volts, inverted by amplifier 19-1 and fed to terminal X for. NOG circuit 185, inverted by NOG circuit 193 and connected to terminal Z of NOG circuit 181, connected to terminal Y of NOG circuit 1-79 and

connected to terminal X. for the NOG circuit 1 77.

The speed assessment pulse is received, as shown in fig. TT, above clamp 165

in the logic slave decoder from the master logic decoder 130, which is shown in detail in Fig. 12 and is fed to terminal Z for the NOG circuit 185, terminal Y for the NOG circuit. 101 and terminal X for the NOG circuit T79.

The logical slave decoder 132 emits a slow pulse from -NOG circuit 185, a fast pulse from NOa circuit 181 or a stop pulse from

NOG circuit 179 (as shown in Fig. 11) in accordance with the synchronization state of the index yarn in the slave zone with the index yarn in the master zone, as recorded by the master and slave photodetectors and as will be explained below.

These pulses are applied to the coupling selector 138 in combination with a reset pulse from the reset port 131 to select the acceleration, deceleration, or normal coupling to either maintain the slave zone yarn in synchronism with the main zone yarn or to bring the slave zone yarn in synchronism with the main zone yarn.

The slow pulse from NOG circuit 185 is supplied to terminal X of NOG circuit 1 95, and the fast pulse from NOG circuit 181 is supplied to terminal X of NOG circuit 197. The stop pulse from NOG circuit 179 is supplied to terminal X for the NOG circuit 1 99 in the alarm circuit 1 3*+.

The output signal from the NOG circuit 177 is an inhibition signal which is applied to terminal X of the NOG circuit. 201 in the reset port 13^• A trial pulse which is received' across terminal 203 from ..the main logic decoder 130, as shown in fig. 11, is supplied to terminal Y: for the NOG circuit 201-, The output signal from the NOG circuit 201 is supplied to terminal Y for the NOG circuit 205 in the alarm circuit 13*+,. terminal Y for the NOG circuit 196 and terminal Y for the NOG circuit 1 9&,, The output signal from the NOG circuit 196 is fed to • terminal. Y foot. NOG circuit 195 and terminal X for NOG circuit 207_ - The output signal from NOG circuit 195 for selecting the acceleration clutch is amplified by amplifier 211, energizes the yellow signal light.213 and is transmitted via output terminal 215 to the acceleration ion clutch.. The output signal from-NOG- the circuit 195 - also becomes Tort clamp X. for the NOG circuit T96.

The output signal. from the NOG circuit 198 is fed to terminal Y for the NOG circuit 207 and to terminal Y for the NOG circuit 1 97. The output signal from the NOG circuit 197 is fed to terminal X for the NOG circuit 198, and

is also amplified by the amplifier 217, after which it is emitted via terminal 219 for selecting the deceleration coupling and energizing the yellow signal light 221.

The input signals to the NOG circuit, 207 cause an output signal which is fed to the NOG circuit 209, is amplified by amplifier 223, selects the normal connection by means of an output signal across terminal 225 and energizes the green signal light 227.

In the alarm circuit 1 3*+, the output signal from the NOG circuit 205 is fed to terminal Y of the NOG circuit 199, and the output signal from the NOG circuit 199 is fed to terminal X of the NOG circuit 205. The output signal, from NOG-199 also becomes' amplified by the alarm amplifier 129 for energizing the red signal light 231 and fed across diode 233 to energize the sound alarm relay from terminal 235.

Each of the amplifiers 211, .2,17- Pg 223 is connected to a +1 2- volt busbar 237 PS "to, an automatic busbar 239. : The output terminal 215 for the acceleration coupling is connected to an acceleration busbar - 2^1 and the output terminal :2-1"9 Tor retardas, the ion coupling is connected - directly to a retardation busbar 2V3. -.-A rotatable arm ;2l+5 is-.connected to f el I c s 10 d nh •; g r. 2' - 7 so that this can be connected either to the automatic busbar '239, • accelerated ion busbar - 2U-1-, - decelerated:s ion busbar 2V3 or - to a decoupling s.tilling - which" is. connected through a normally open switch. 2^7 to an output circuit 2U9, which can be connected to a brake as will be described in the following. When the 1 rotatable arm 27 is in the diversion position 2k-6' and the normally open switch 27 is closed, and a brake mechanism, which will be described below, is energized for locking the feed rollers for the slave zone. When: the rotatable arm 2^5 is connected to the retarder busbar 2V3, the retarder control terminal 219 is connected directly and when the arm 25 is connected to the acceleration busbar 2V3, the acceleration output terminal 215 becomes connected directly... When the swivel arm 2h5■ is. connected to the automation busbar 239, the selection of the switching output terminal depends on the input signal from the logical slave coder to the switching selector 138 in a manner that will be described.

The working function of the control device will be described for four special conditions for the main index yarn in relation to the slave index yarn. The first description will deal with the case when the main and slave index yarns are in synchronism with each other,

the other case will be when the slave index yarn goes too fast,

the third when it runs too slowly and the fourth when no coordination of the slave index yarn with the main index yarn is indicated, i.e. no special registration of whether the slave index yarn is too fast or too slow. In the first case, the normal link will be energized, in the second, when the slave index yarn goes too fast, the deceleration link will be energized to slow down the speed of the slave yarn. In the third state, when the slave yarn runs too slowly, the acceleration clutch will be energized to increase the speed of the slave yarn, and in the fourth state, an alarm signal will be emitted so that such corrective measures can be taken as cannot be taken by the control device.

The former situation is characterized by the fact that the main index yarn

and the slave index yarn are in synchronism. The first and second main photodetectors 11 Vb' and 1-1 5b' detect the presence of an index mark on the main index yarn, whereby signals are output to terminals 250 and 261, Fig. 12, of the main logic decoder 130,

as these signals are amplified by the amplifier 251 and 263 respectively,

and fed to monostable multivibrators 255 and 267. When both photodetectors register the index mark, multivibrator 255 forms

a test pulse of one microsecond, fig. 11., which is fed to terminal Y

for the NOG circuit 201 in the reset gate 131 in FIG. 13. The test pulse is a "one" pulse. The monostable multivibrator

267 forms a speed estimation pulse of two microseconds, fig. 11,

which is applied in the form of a "one" pulse to terminal Z of NOG circuit 185, terminal X of NOG 181 and terminal X of NOG 179 in the logical slave decoder 132 of FIG. 13.

BLACK "ones" signals are applied to the first and second slave photo detector inputs 171 and 173 of the logic slave decoder 132, FIG. 13,

at this point in time an index mark appears on the slave index yarn at the same time as there is an index mark on the main index yarn and both the first one. and the other slave photo detector 11 *+b and 11 5b perceives an index mark at the time in question when there is synchronism between the slave index yarn and the main index yarn. The "one" signal from the first slave photodetector 11 kb received across terminal 171 is inverted and amplified by amplifier 175

and fed as a "zero" signal to terminal Y for NOG.177, terminal Z

for NOG il 79, terminal .Y for NOG il Sl and to NOG 1 ©3 where it is Inverted and fed as a ""ener"11 signal to terminal Y far NOG il ©5. ©et BLACK ""ener^- signal from the second slave photodetector ill 5b is inverted and amplified by the amplifier il'91 .and supplied as a ""zero signal to terminal X of the NOG circuit il-77. Inhibit Y for NOG

il79., clamp .X fo.r NOG 1©5 'And to NOG il'9.3 where it. is inverted and then fed as a ""«ener1,11 signal to terminal Z for NOG 118il'.

The speed measurement pulse is fed as an "energiser" signal to terminal X for .NOG -il 7.9,' terminal Y for NOG il©il and terminal Z for NOG 'il85 at

this time...

The NOG circuit 11©5 receives a -'"zero"" signal at its X terminal, at this point so that it continues to emit a "one"" signal which is applied to terminal X for the NOG circuit 11' 95 1 the switching selector il 3©. The other terminals for the NOG circuit il'95 have previously been set to "'zero" signals,,' so that it emits a ""ener<1>" signal., so that it no change occurs in the output signal from NOG il©5..

The NOG circuit 1©'il has a "null" signal on its Y terminal at this time so that it continues to output a '"null<1>" signal,, which'

is supplied Hemme X for the NOG circuit il'9?.. 'This implies No change.

NOG circuit 179 has "zero" signals on its Y and Z terminals at this time so that it outputs one "one" signal to terminal X for NOG circuit 199 in '' the alarm circuit il3%,. This implies no." change

■ when the speed control wire in the early 1995 supplied a "'zero"' signal to terminal..Z for NOG 179.

The logical, slave decoder. thus emits neither an anxious-puis,

a fast-pulse ..or- a stop-pulse-, and this is- 1 its order as the slave and main lndex yarn are in synchronism..■

The NOG circuit 177 now applies a "one" signal to terminal X of the NOG circuit 201. The established conditions described above,

is set up in 1 tabular form in fig,. © for the BLACK hast. Ighe t's assessment pulse inputs All four outputs. lies at +*+.5 volts, or constitutes as-previously-designated, "ener"" signals". '.

The reset NOG circuit 201 with a "one" signal on its Y terminal and a "one" signal on its X terminal now outputs a "zero" signal which is applied to terminal Y for the NOG circuit 205, terminal Y for NOG circuit 196 and terminal Y for NOG circuit-198.

The alarm circuit must now first be processed, where terminal X of the NOG circuit 199 continues to have a "one" signal on its X terminal, so that the NOG circuit 199 emits a "zero" signal to terminal X of the NOG circuit 205. The NOG circuit 205 in turn emits an "one" signal to terminal Y for NOG 199. When a "zero" signal is emitted to terminal Y for NOG 205, there is thus no change in the alarm circuit 13<*>+.

The NOG circuits 195 °g 197 receive "ones" signals on their X terminals. Assuming that the NOG circuits 196 and 198 output "one" signals which are applied to the Y terminals of the NOG circuits 195 and 197, the circuits 195 and 197 normally output "zero" signals to the X terminals of the NOG circuits 196 and 198, so that NOG circuits 196 and 198 normally in turn output "one" signals to terminals X and Y, respectively, of NOG circuit 207. The resulting "zero" signal from NOG 107 is inverted by NOG 209 to a " ener" signal and is then amplified by an amplifier

223 so that the normal coupling is selected to maintain the yarn feed in the slave zone in synchronism with the yarn feed in the main zone. The selection of the normal coupling after the deceleration or acceleration coupling has previously been selected will be described later.

The other previously mentioned situation occurs when the slave index yarn is moved too fast. The first and second main photodetectors 11 Vb' and 115b<1> detect the presence of an index mark on the main index yarn, and thereby emit signals to the clamps. 250 and 261 in fig. 12 to form a trial pulse and a speed judgment pulse in the same manner as described above and shown in fig. 11. As the slave index yarn is moved too fast, the index mark has passed the first slave photodetector 11 Vb, but still has the second slave photodetector 115b in front of it. From fig. 8 it then appears that. the first slave photodetector is WHITE and outputs a "zero" signal to terminal 171 in FIG. 13, and the second slave photodetector is BLACK and outputs an "one" signal to terminal 173 in FIG. 13. The "zero" signal received on terminal 171 is inverted by amplifier 175 to a "one" signal, which is output to terminal Y for NOG 177, terminal Z for NOG 179,. terminal Y for NOG 181 and NOG 183 where it is inverted to a "zero" signal and supplied as such to terminal Y for NOG 185. The one signal received via terminal 173 is inverted by amplifier 1 91 to a "zero" signal which is transferred to terminal X for NOG 177, clamp Z for NOG 179, clamp X for NOG 185, and then inverted by NOG 193

and is fed as an "ener" signal to NOG 181.

The speed estimation pulse shown in fig. 11, is a positive "ener" signal at this time so that such an "ener" signal is supplied to terminal Z for NOG 185, terminal Z for NOG 181 and terminal X

for NOK 179.

The NOG circuit 181 thus receives "ones" signals on all three of its terminals, so that a fast pulse of "zero" veB3L is formed on

this time, by which it is indicated that the slave index yarn is moving too fast and must be decelerated. Form "zero" pulse from NOG 181 in logic slave decoder 132 is supplied to terminal X of NOG circuit 197 in switch selector 138.

In fig. 10, the conditions for switching selection are set up when a fast pulse and no slow pulse are present. As previously described, the trial pulse shown in fig. 11 that a reset pulse of "zero" value, as shown in fig. 11, is applied to terminal Y of NOG 198. As also described above, the slow pulse crosses a "one" signal at which time the speed judgment pulse transitions to a "zero" signal which, when applied to terminal X of NOG 181, causes NOG 181 forms an "one" signal again. The reset pulse applied to terminal Y for NOG 198 lasts one microsecond while the fast pulse lasts two microseconds as previously described.

The condition for the fast pulse to be applied is that terminals X and Y of the NOG circuit 197 both have "one" signals applied so that a "zero" signal is formed which is applied to terminal X of the NOG 198. Terminal Y of the NOG 198 has a "ener" signal added.

The application of the "zero" fast pulse to terminal X of the NOG 197 causes the NOG 197 to output an "one" signal which is amplified and delivered to the deceleration output terminal 219 as a deceleration switch pulse to cause the deceleration switch to be energized for engagement-with the deceleration shaft.82 in fig. 5. The feed rollers in the slave bed then move more slowly than before,

at least Until the next index mark on the master index yarn is re-registered to determine the relative position of the slave index yarn relative to the master index yarn.

The "one" signal from NOG 197 is also fed to terminal X for NOG 198,

and the reset pulse applied to terminal Y of NOG 198 is a "zero" signal at this time so that NOG 198 continues to emit a "one" signal applied to the terminal. Y for NOG 1979 so that NOG 197 continues to emit the "ener" signal-which energizes the retardation coupling. The "ener" signal emitted by NOG 198 is also fed to terminal Y of NOG 207, and since NOG 207 has a " ener" signal on its X terminal, it will continue to output the "zero" signal which is inverted by NOG 209 to a "ener" pre-energizing normal switching pulse momentarily. However, when the reset signal of "zero" value which applied to terminal Y of NOG 198, reverts to a "one" signal, it causes NOG 198 to output a "zero" signal at this time so that NOG 207 changes its output signal from a "zero" value to a "one" "—value and NOG 209 emits a "zero" signal that does not select the normal coupling at this time-, NOG 197 continues to emit a one "-signal at this time so that a signal for selection of the deceleration coupling is formed on terminal 219. " the ener" signal from NOG 197 continues when the fast pulse changes to a "ener" signal, as NOG 197 then has a A "one" signal is applied to its X terminal and a "zero" signal is applied to its Y terminal.

If the following condition is that the slave and master index yarns return to synchronism, the conditions will be as previously described with "one" signals applied to the X terminals of NOG 195 and 197. A reset signal of "zero" value is applied to the Y terminals of NOG 196 and 198. NOG 196 has continued to output a "one" signal to terminal X of NOG 207, while NOG 198 has output a "zero" signal to terminal Y of NOG 207 as the reverse phase connection has been selected.

However, the "zero" signal applied to terminal Y of NOG 198 causes NOG 198 to emit an "one" signal instead of a "zero" signal at this time and supplies this "one" signal to terminal Y of NOG 207 and terminal Y for NOG 197. As NOG 197 has a "one" signal on both terminals at this point it starts to emit a "zero" signal instead of a "one" signal so that the deceleration coupling is no longer selected. With the supply of "one" signals to both terminals of the NOG 207 at this time, the NOG 207 emits a "zero" signal which is inverted by the NOG 209 to a "one" signal, so that the normal connection is selected.

If an additional fast pulse is applied to NOG 197 or a slow pulse is applied to NOG 1 955 either a deceleration coupling signal or an acceleration coupling signal will be generated instead of the normal coupling signal.

The selection of the acceleration clutch is carried out in a similar way to the selection of the deceleration clutch. With such a choice, the slave index yarn is moved too slowly in relation to the main index yarn so that the first photo detector 11 Vb registers the index mark on the slave index yarn, but the second photo detector 115b does not register the index mark on the slave index yarn at the time when the main photo detector registers the index mark on the main index yarn. The "one" signal detected by the first photodetector 11 Vb and the "zero" signal detected by the second photodetector 1151" therefore causes a slow pulse of "zero" value to be created from the output of NOG- the circuit 185 by the supply of "ener" signals to the NOG circuit? n 185. The supply of a "zero" signal to NOG 195 causes NOG 195 to emit a "one" signal to the acceleration clutch in the same way that NOG 197 formed the deceleration clutch signal, so that the acceleration clutch is selected.

When the main photodetectors detect an index mark on the main zone's index yarn, but neither the first nor the second slave photodetector registers the presence of an index mark on the slave zone's index yarn at the relevant time, the alarm device's light and sound signal are energized.

If neither the first nor the second photodetector input terminal 171 or 173 in FIG. 13 receives a "one" signal at the same time as the test pulse is applied to terminal Y of NOG 201, the "zero" signal received at both terminals 171 and 173 inverted by the amplifiers 175 and 191 respectively, to "one" signals which are supplied to both terminals of NOG 177. NOG 177 thus emits a "zero" signal to terminal X of NOG 201. The trial pulse of "one" value is supplied to terminal Y for NOG 201 at this time as a result of the registration of

an index mark on the main index yarn in the manner previously described. The control device is not capable of carrying out correction measures as described above, as there is no indication of the position of the slave index yarn in relation to the main index yarn.

NOG 201 for the reset supplies a "one" signal to the terminal

Y for NOG 205. "ener" signals are also supplied to terminals Y and Z of NOG 170 and the speed judgment pulse is supplied in the form of a "ener" signal to terminal X of NOG 179, so that NOG 179 forms a stop pulse of "zero " value supplied to terminal X for NOG 199. NOG 199 therefore emits an alarm pulse of "one" value, which is amplified by amplifier 229 for energizing the red alarm light 231 and emitting an alarm pulse to the alarm relay to energize a alarm device 13V. The alarm devices remain energized and the previously selected link remains active until corrective action is taken.

A detailed description of the energization of the normal, deceleration and acceleration coupling for Slave Zone No. 2 is given above. Likewise, the energization of the alarm devices has been described.

It will be understood that the circuits in fig. 13 can be copied for adaptation to as many slave zones as desired in addition to zone no. 2.

The feed rollers in the main zone can be operated at either a high speed, a low speed or a normal speed by setting the rotary switch arm 2<*>+6, fig. 12. Setting the rotating coupling arm 2k6 to one of the three working positions (normal, fast or slow) selects a corresponding output terminal (normal-coupling skimme 2*+8 , quick-coupling clamp 252 or erA ang somt - coupling clamp 25^). A corresponding signal light is lit to indicate the speed of the main zone feed rollers. A green light 256

is lit to indicate normal speed, an amber light 258 is lit to indicate high speed, and another yellow light 260 is lit to indicate low speed. The rotating arm 2<*>+6 can also select one

"off" position where the power supply to the feed rollers in the main

the zone is switched off, and a corresponding red light 262 then lights up to indicate

kere the fact that the mat .lings rolleue in the main zone is not "connected to the power supply.

A manual turns 2h$'with four positions, fig. 13, can be set

as desired for automatic control of the switch selector for slave--

zone no. 2 or manual selection of acceleration or deceleration

the switch for this zone The inverter can also be connected in an "off" position to disconnect slave zone No. 2 from the power supply.

Any suitable braking device may be used in each of

the zones for braking the feed rollers for any so :e in the disengagement position. Such a braking device can take the form of a lost gear wheel of the same type as the gear wheel 89 in fig. 5? and a magnetic braking device carried by a pin on each of the frame-

parts 72', so that when a brake switch 2^+7 and 262 is closed, the 1 magnetic brake device will be energized to lock the loose sprocket and its associated 'chain' in a fixed position.

Although the present embodiment of the invention is described in

connection with feeding yarn to a multi-needle fluffing machine,

it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can also find application in connection with devices other than •

fluffing machines, e.g. knitting machines for the production of fleece fabrics.

Claims (6)

1. Procedure for controlling the feeding of yarn threads tii the needles in a multiple-pole forming textile machine, where threads is drawn from a number of supplies and fed to the needles and where it relative displacement between the threads is determined, after which the feed rate of some of the threads fed to the needles, controlled in a predetermined way, characterized v ed that at least some of the threads in a first group sampled yarn threads, comprising a first index thread with mutually spaced index marks!.', are fed to a first group of needles in the machine, and that at least some of the threads in at least one further group of sampled threads., each group comprising one. index thread with separated index mark (, is fed to another group of needles, that they respective index threads are decoiled and that the results of the decouplings are compared, that a signal is produced which corresponds to the relative position of the monster in the first group of threads in relation to the monster in the second group of threads, and that the control of the synchronization of the transverse arrangement of the threads which is carried out until the respective needle groups are actuated in dependence on said signal. 2. Procedure as stated in claim 1, characterized in that each index thread is unwound from two positions which are mutually separated by a predetermined distance so that one and the same index mark is unwound simultaneously from both positions. 3. Procedure as specified in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an alarm device is initiated when the two index changes do not coincide in terms of time. 4. Apparatus for controlling the advance of yarn threads to needles in a multiple-pole-forming textile machine according to the method in claim I including devices for extracting yarn threads from a number of stores, devices for advancing the threads to the needles, devices for determining the relative displacement between the threads as well as • devices for controlling, in a predetermined manner, the speed of advancement of some of the threads which are fed to the needles, characterized by a first feeding device (76-85, 88,89,93,95,96,98) for feeding at least some threads in a first group of aligned yarn threads, comprising a first index thread with mutually spaced index marks, to a first group of needles, at least one further feeding means (76-85, 88,89,93,95,96,98) for feeding at least some threads in at least one further group of mSn-directed yarn threads, each comprising an index thread of separated index marks, to a further group of needles, a first felter device (110) for removing the first index thread, a further felter device (110) for removing the second index thread, a device (132) f or comparing the output from the first sensing device (110) with the output from the second sensing device (110) and for producing a signal corresponding to the relative position of the monster in the first group of threads in relation to the monster in the second group of threads, and a device (131,138) for controlling the transverse alignment of the monsters in the thread which is fed to the respective needle groups, in dependence on the said signal, the device (131,138) which reacts in dependence on the signal causes the other feeding device (76-8^,102,10^) to be operated with normal speed when the index threads lie across from each other, but at a higher or lower speed than the normal speed when one or the additional index threads are staggered behind, respectively. in front of it. first index thread. 5. Apparatus as stated in requirement h-, characterized in that each felt device (110) comprises a first and a second felt element (llV, respectively 115) which are located at a predetermined distance from each other so that. the elements (11<1>+,115) can simultaneously display one and the same index mark. 6. Apparatus as specified in claims h' or 5, characterized in that it comprises a device (131,13*+,229,233,231,235) for triggering an alarm when one or the other tracking device (110) does not register an index mark at the same time with the other, respectively the first f bier device.