Feed device of a fleece-forming machine

Abstract

The feed device for delivering individualized fibers to a transport device comprises a feed roller, which is configured to draw in a plurality of strands of starting material arranged adjacent to each other, and an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed roller to open the strands of starting material. The feed device also comprises a plurality of metering devices assigned to the feed roller, wherein each metering device is configured to regulate the delivery of at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller.

Claims

1. A feed device for delivering individualized fibers to a transport device, the feed device comprising: a feed roller configured to draw in a plurality of strands of a starting material consisting of fibers, the strands being arranged adjacent to each other in an axial direction of the feed roller, into the feed device; and an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed roller to open the strands of starting material; wherein the feed device comprises a plurality of metering devices assigned to the feed roller, wherein each metering device of the plurality of metering devices is configured to regulate delivery of at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller, wherein each metering device of the plurality of metering devices comprises a metering element, which is actively movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the metering element, when in the first position, is configured to allow the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller; and wherein the metering element, when in the second position, is configured to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller.

2. The feed device of claim 1 wherein at least one first metering device of the plurality of metering devices is actuatable independently of at least one second metering device of the plurality of metering devices.

3. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the feed roller is configured to extend continuously over the entire working width of the feed device.

4. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the metering element is movable into any desired intermediate position between the first and second positions.

5. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the metering element is configured as a clamping element, which, when in the second position, is configured to engage with the at least one strand of starting material at a location upstream from the feed roller relative to the feed direction in order to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller.

6. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the metering element is configured as a trough, which, when in the first position, is configured to guide the at least one strand of starting material into an engagement area of the feed roller and, when in the second position, not to guide the at least one strand of starting material into the engagement area of the feed roller in order to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the starting material.

7. The feed device of claim 1 wherein the metering element comprises a first and a second section, wherein the first section is configured as a clamping element, which, when in the second position, is configured to engage with the at least one strand of starting material at a location upstream from the feed roller relative to the feed direction thus inhibiting or stopping the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material; and wherein the second section is configured as a trough, which, when in the first position, is configured to guide the at least one strand of starting material into an engagement area of the feed roller and, when the second position, not to guide the at least one strand of starting material into the engagement area of the feed roller in order to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the starting material.

8. The feed device of claim 1 wherein each metering device of the plurality of metering devices comprises an actuating device for moving the associated metering element between the first position and the second position.

9. A fleece-forming machine for forming or profiling a material web, comprising: a transport device for conveying the material web in a transport direction; and at least one feed device for delivering individualized fibers to the transport device, wherein the at least one feed device comprises: a feed roller configured to draw in a plurality of strands of a starting material consisting of fibers, the strands being arranged adjacent to each other in an axial direction of the feed roller, into the feed device; and an opening roller, which cooperates with the feed roller to open the strands of starting material; wherein the feed device comprises a plurality of metering devices assigned to the feed roller, wherein each metering device of the plurality of metering devices is configured to regulate delivery of at least one strand of starting material to the feed rollers; wherein each metering device of the plurality of metering devices comprises a metering element, which is actively movable between a first position and a second position; wherein the metering element, when in the first position, is configured to allow the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller; and wherein the metering element, when in the second position, is configured to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the at least one strand of starting material to the feed roller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a fleece-forming machine;

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of part of a fleece-forming machine with a feed device according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first state;

(3) FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the fleece-forming machine of FIG. 2 with the feed device in a second state;

(4) FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of part of a fleece-forming machine with a feed device according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first state;

(5) FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the fleece-forming machine of FIG. 5 with the feed device in a second state;

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a fleece-forming machine with a feed device according to a third embodiment of the invention in a first state; and

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the fleece-forming machine of FIG. 6 with the feed device in a second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

(8) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a fleece-forming machine 2. Fleece-forming machine 2 is configured to form a material web 4, in particular a card web or a fleece web. Fleece-forming machine 2 comprises a transport device 6 for conveying material web 4 in a transport direction T and at least one feed device 8 for delivering individualized fibers or flocks to transport device 6. In the embodiment shown, feed device 8 forms a new material web 4. In an alternative embodiment, a material web 4, e.g., any desired intermediate fleece product, can already be arranged on transport device 6 upstream of feed device 8 relative to the transport direction T, and fleece-forming machine 2 then distributes additional fibers or flocks onto this material web to form a uniform material web 4 or a material web 4 with a desired surface profile.

(9) Transport device 6 preferably moves continuously in the transport direction T. Transport device 6 can be configured as an endless conveyor belt, preferably as a sieve belt with bottom suction. The speed of transport device 6 is preferably in the range between 0.2 and 20 m/min, more preferably in the range between 0.05 and 10 m/min.

(10) One or more measuring devices (not shown), which measure the weight per unit area of material web 4 across its width extending in the transverse direction Q, can be provided upstream and/or downstream from feed device 8 in the manner familiar to the skilled person. The transverse direction Q is transverse to transport direction T; in FIG. 1, it is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The transverse profile can be determined on the basis of the information provided by these measuring devices; and, on the basis of the movement of transport device 6 in transport direction T, the longitudinal profile of material web 4 can also be determined.

(11) The formed material web 4 can be sent by transport device 6 to various alternative processing steps. In a first alternative, material web 4 is sent to card-forming device, preferably a carding machine, and is leveled out there. In a second alternative, the material web is sent directly to a fleece former, e.g., an aerodynamic fleece former. In a third variant, the material web is opened again before further processing. In a fourth alternative, the material web is sent directly to a solidification machine e.g., a needling machine.

(12) Fleece-forming machine 2 also comprises a plurality of dispensing devices 12, each of which stores and dispenses a strand 10 of a starting material 14 consisting of fibers, e.g., a fiber sliver or a fleece strip. Dispensing devices 12 are arranged adjacent to each other in the transverse direction Q, i.e., transversely to transport direction T, and parallel to a support plane of transport device 6 and thus perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 1, for which reason only one dispensing device 12 can be seen in FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, dispensing device 12 is configured as a spool, but it could also be provided in the form of a sliver can or the like.

(13) The starting material 14 travels from dispensing device 12 to a preferably rubberized storage roller 16, which extends transversely to transport direction T and horizontally over preferably the entire width of feed device 8. One turn of a strand 10 of starting material 14 provided by dispensing device 12 is wrapped around storage roller 16. Storage roller 16 is driven, preferably by a servo motor 18 and also preferably continuously at a relatively slow speed. In certain embodiments, storage roller 16 could also be omitted.

(14) Storage roller 16 can be configured as a one-piece unit. Storage roller 16 can also simultaneously accept several strands 10 of starting material 14 adjacent to each other.

(15) Fleece-forming machine 2 also comprises a rotating, preferably toothed, feed roller 20, to which strands 10 of starting material 14 are delivered. The feed roller 20 draws a plurality of strands 10 of starting material 14 adjacent to each other in an axial direction of feed roller 20 into feed device 8. In the embodiment shown, feed roller 20 draws starting material 14 provided by the associated dispensing devices 12 either by the use of an intermediate storage roller 16 or directly. Feed roller 20 is preferably driven by a servo motor 22. Feed roller 20 is preferably configured as one-piece unit and extends in transverse direction Q over the entire width of feed device 8, preferably at least over the entire width of material web 4 to be formed. Feed roller 20 can, however, also comprise individual segments, which are preferably arranged axially adjacent to each other in transverse direction Q.

(16) The starting material 14 carried along by feed roller 20 is preferably sent via a trough 24 to a toothed opening roller 26. Opening roller 26 can also be configured as a one-piece unit and extend transversely to transport direction T over the entire width of feed device 8, preferably over the entire width of material web 4 to be formed. Opening roller 26, however, could also comprise individual segments, which are axially adjacent to each other and oriented in transverse direction Q.

(17) Opening roller 26 can be driven in the same rotational direction as feed roller 20. Opening roller 26 also comprises a set of projecting teeth. For example, each feed roller 20 comprises a set of teeth which project backwards with respect to the rotational direction of the associated feed roller 20, and opening roller 26 comprises a set of teeth projecting forwards with respect to the rotational direction of opening roller 26. The sets of teeth of feed roller 20 and of opening roller 26, however, can also be configured in some other conventional manner.

(18) Opening roller 26 cooperates with feed roller 20 to open starting material 14. In particular, opening roller 26 and feed roller 20 are especially effective at opening up twisted or compacted starting material 14 of a strand 10, e.g., a fiber sliver or a fiber fleece strip, so that loose flocks or even fine fibers are separated. These drop into an appropriate discharge shaft 28 and fall from there onto transport device 6. In addition, an optional cleaning roller 30 can be provided, which strips off the fibers or flocks adhering to opening roller 26 from the roller, so that these, too, can drop into discharge shaft 28.

(19) Each of FIGS. 2-7 shows a feed device 8 according to the invention with a plurality of metering device 32, which are assigned to an associated feed roller 20. Feed device 8 shown here can constitute part of a fleece-forming machine 2 such as that described with reference to FIG. 1. Correspondingly, all of the features of fleece-forming machine 2 according to FIG. 1 can be carried over to the embodiments according to FIGS. 2-7, which differ substantially only with respect to the embodiment of metering device 32 in question and its arrangement with respect to opening roller 26.

(20) Of the plurality of metering devices 32, only one metering device 32 can be seen in each of the side views of FIGS. 2-7. The other metering devices 32 of the plurality of metering devices 32 are arranged adjacent to the illustrated metering device 32 in a row extending in the axial direction of associated feed roller 20.

(21) In general, each metering device 32 of the plurality of metering devices 32 is configured to regulate the feed of at least one strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20. This means that each metering device 32 is configured to change the quantity of starting material 14 being delivered and opened by the cooperation between feed roller 20 and opening roller 26 without the need to change the rotational speed of feed roller 20. Each metering device 32 can also regulate the feed of a plurality of strands 10 to feed roller 20, these strands being arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction of feed roller 20, wherein the feed of this plurality or strands 10 can then be regulated jointly.

(22) It is preferred that each metering device 32 of the plurality or metering devices 32 comprise a metering element 34, which is movable between a first position and a second position. Metering element 34, when in the first position, is configured to allow the feed of the at least one strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20. In the second position, the metering element 34 is configured to inhibit the feed of the at least one strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 or to stop that feed. Metering element 34 can also be moved into any desired intermediate position between the first and second positions.

(23) Each metering device 32 can optionally also comprise a second metering element 36 (see FIGS. 2 and 3), which can be moved similarly to first metering element 34 between a first position and a second position. The advantage of providing a second metering element 36 within metering device 32 is that starting material 14 delivered to first metering element 32 can differ from starting material 14 delivered to second metering element 36 with respect to at least one property of the fibers. The at least one property of the fibers of the two starting materials with respect to which the fibers differ is preferably selected from: the color of the fibers, the type of fiber, the material of the fibers, the diameter of the fibers, the length of the fibers, the treatment of the fibers, the cross-sectional shape of the fibers, and the roughness or the crimping of the fibers. Natural or synthetic fibers, for example, represent different types of fibers. Different fiber materials can be, for example, different natural fibers or different synthetic fibers. With respect to the fiber treatment, chemical treatments of the fibers can be provided, for example. The properties of the fibers then have corresponding effects on the properties of material web 4 formed from them. It is also possible, however, to supply all of metering elements 34, 36 with the same starting material 14. Although shown only in FIGS. 2 and 3, the embodiments according to FIGS. 4-7 can also comprise a corresponding second metering element.

(24) In general, it is also conceivable that a plurality of metering devices 32 could be arranged around the circumference of opening roller 26; these additional metering devices are aligned with each other in the circumferential direction, and the same or a different starting material 14 is supplied to each one. It is also possible in this way for different fibers to be deposited in alternation at one point in transverse direction Q of material web 4 or deposited in any desired mixing ratios onto transport device 6.

(25) According to the first embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, metering element 34 is configured as a trough. In the embodiment shown here, metering device 32 comprises optional second metering element 36, which is configured in the same way as first metering element 34 and, with respect to its arrangement, is merely shifted to a different position relative to feed roller 20.

(26) FIG. 2 shows first metering element 34 in the first position, in which it allows the delivery of strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20. For this purpose, metering element 32 guides strand 10 of starting material 14 in a feed direction Z to feed roller 20 and along feed roller 20 to opening roller 26. Metering element 34 is for this purpose configured in the same way as trough 24 described with respect to FIG. 1 and has a shape which is at least partially complementary to the circumferential surface of feed roller 20. Metering element 34 guides strand 10 of starting material 14 into an engagement area of feed roller 20, in which feed roller 20, i.e., its teeth or rubberized surface, can grip strand 10 of starting material 14.

(27) As can also be seen in FIG. 2, strand 10 of starting material 14 supplied to first metering element 34 is opened in an area between feed roller 20 and opening roller 26 by the cooperation of these two rollers, and the opened fibers are deposited through discharge shaft 28 onto transport device 6, where they form material web 4.

(28) In FIG. 2, optional second metering element 36 is arranged in the second position, in which it does not guide the strand 10 of starting material 14 delivered to it into the engagement area of the feed roller. Instead, it holds the strand 10 a certain distance away from the feed roller.

(29) According to FIG. 3, the first metering element 34 is in the second position, in which it does not guide the strand 10 of starting material 14 supplied to it into the engagement area of the feed roller 20 and thus inhibits the delivery of the starting material 14 to the feed roller 20 or stops it completely.

(30) This can be achieved in that the metering element 34, when in the first position, is a certain distance away from the feed roller 20, this distance being smaller than a second distance from the feed roller 20, at which the metering element 34 is arranged when in the second position. The first distance is so small that the set of teeth or the rubberized lateral surface of the feed roller 20 can grip the strand 10 of starting material 14. The second distance, however, is so large that the set of teeth or the rubberized lateral surface of the feed roller 20 are substantially no longer able to engage with the strand 10 of starting material 14. Thus the metering element 34 no longer guides the strand 10 of starting material 14 into the engagement area of the feed roller 20. Although the feed roller 20 continues to rotate, the strand 10 of starting material 14 can no longer be conveyed by it.

(31) The metering element 34 can be shifted in a substantially linear manner between the first position and the second position, or it can be pivoted between the first position and the second position.

(32) To prevent the further infeed of strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 even more reliably and to prevent strand 10 from slipping out of feed device 8, strand 10 can also be clamped at a point upstream from feed roller 20 relative to feed direction Z. For example, metering element 34 can for this purpose comprise a first section 34a and a second section 34b, which are movable relative to each other so that strand 10 becomes clamped between them. One of these sections, i.e., either the first or second section, in particular a section which is stationary, can, however, be formed by feed device 8 or by metering element 32.

(33) FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of a metering element 32. According to this embodiment, metering element 34 of metering device 32 is configured as a clamping element. Metering element 34 is set up so that, when it is in the second position (FIG. 5), it can engage with the at least one strand 10 of starting material 14 at a location upstream from feed roller 20 relative to feed direction Z in order to inhibit or to stop the delivery of the at least one strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20.

(34) As can be seen in FIG. 4, when metering element 34 configured as a clamping element is in the first position, it allows starting material 14 to be delivered to feed roller 20 with substantially no hindrance. The cooperation between feed roller 20 and opening roller 26 has the effect of individualizing the fibers of starting material 14 from strand 10, of conveying these fibers along the circumference of opening roller 26 into discharge shaft 28, and of distribution them onto transport device 6 in order to form or to profile material web 4.

(35) According to FIG. 5, metering element 34 is arranged in the second position, in which it inhibits or stops the delivery of strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20. For this purpose, metering element 34 grips strand 10 of starting material 14. Metering element 34 can be moved into the delivery path of starting material 14, along which strand 10 is guided when metering element 34 is in first position, and press strand 10 against a corresponding companion piece. The companion piece can be part of feed device 8 or part of metering device 32. As illustrated here, however, metering element 34 can also comprise a first section 34a and a second section 34b, which are movable relative to each other, so that one of these sections 34a, 34b forms the corresponding companion piece.

(36) If metering element 34 is moved only partially into the delivery path of strand 10, the delivery of strand 10 of starting material is slowed down, so that the amount of starting material 14 arriving at feed roller 20 is reduced. Strand 10 of starting material 14, however, can also be completely clamped by metering element 34, i.e., clamped between metering element 34 and the corresponding companion piece, so that no further delivery of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 is possible. Fibers of the starting material which are located downstream from the clamping point relative to feed direction Z at the time the clamping occurs are combed out by the feed roller 20 and drawn in. Fibers which are clamped by metering element 34 at his time remain in the engagement area of feed roller 20, but they cannot be pulled farther in. When the metering element 34 is opened again and starting material 14 is thus released, these fibers can be gripped by feed roller 20, as a result of which strand 10 of starting material 14 is drawn in again.

(37) As indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5, metering element 34 configured as a clamping element can also, as an option, comprise, when in the second position, a second distance from feed roller 20 which is larger than a first distance of metering element 34 from feed roller 20 when in the first position. When metering element 34 is moved into the first position and is thus closer to feed roller 20 again, the renewed intake of strand 10 of starting material 14 is guaranteed even if these fibers are very short.

(38) In the third embodiment according to FIGS. 6 and 7, metering element 34 again comprises a first section 34a and a second section 34b. First section 34a is configured as a trough, which, when in the first position according to FIG. 6, delivers strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 and guides starting material 14 into the engagement area of feed roller 20. In area between feed roller 20 and opening roller 26, strand 10 of starting material 14 is opened, and the individualized fibers are conveyed around the circumference of opening roller 26 into discharge shaft 28 and deposited through this shaft onto transport device 6. When metering element 34 is in the first position, second section 34b of metering element 34 is arranged in such a way that it allows the delivery of strand 10 of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 with substantially no hindrance.

(39) In the second position according to FIG. 7, first and second sections 34a, 34b of metering element 34 clamp strand 10 of starting material 14, in that they engage with strand 10 at a location upstream from the feed roller relative to feed direction Z. In the embodiment shown here, first and second sections 34a, 34b are for this purpose hinged together and are rotated relative to each other into the second position, so that strand 10 is clamped between them. The first section 34a of metering element 34 can also be configured in such a way that, when in the second position, it clamps strand 10 of starting material 14 against a corresponding companion piece of feed device 8 or of metering device 32, which means that second section 34b does not necessarily have to be present.

(40) At the end facing away from second section 34b, first section 34a is preferably supported in feed device 8 or metering device 32 in an articulated manner in such a way that the movement of first section 34a relative to second section 34b into the second position simultaneously has the effect that at least a part of first section 34 moves away from feed roller 20 and ends up at a second, larger distance from feed roller 20.

(41) FIGS. 6 and 7 also show an actuating device 38 for moving metering element 34 between the first position and the second position, this device being similar to that used in the first and second embodiments.

(42) Actuating device 38 comprises a drive such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, a spindle drive, etc. Actuating device 38 can be connected directly to metering element 34 and move it between the first and second positions in either a linear or rotational manner. Actuating device 38, however, can also be connected to metering element 34 by way of an appropriate mechanism, as a result of which it is possible to combine various types of movements or to realize a movement with several components.

(43) In the embodiment shown here, actuating device 38 is connected to second section 34b of metering element 34. Second section 34b is connected in turn in an articulated manner to first section 34a of metering element 34. As can be derived from a consideration of FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the actuation of actuating device 38 has the effect of shifting the end of second section 34b of the metering element connected to actuating device 38. As a result, first and second sections 34a, 34b are pivoted relative to each other so that they engage with the strand 10 of starting material 14. In addition, first section 34a is pivoted relative to feed roller 20 so that it no longer guides starting material 14 into the engagement area of feed roller 20. Any further delivery of starting material 14 to feed roller 20 is thus reliably prevented. It is also guaranteed that strand 10 of starting material 14 will not be pulled out of feed device 8, because it is clamped at the end by metering element 34.

(44) The embodiments have been described above with a continuous feed roller 20. It is also possible, however, to provide several feed rollers adjacent to each other, each of which draws in a plurality of strands of starting material arranged next to each other in an axial direction of the feed roller.

(45) It is also possible for several feed rollers, each of which draws in a plurality of strands of starting material arranged next to each other in the axial direction of the feed roller, to be arranged in the circumferential direction, spaced a certain distance apart around the circumference of the opening roller. Each of these feed rollers can extend continuously across the width of the opening roller, or at least some of the feed rollers can also be arranged in a line extending along the circumference of the opening roller, or at least some of these feed rollers can also be arranged a certain distance apart in the axial direction of the opening roller.

(46) Any desired combinations of the possibilities described in the preceding two paragraphs are also conceivable.

(47) Finally, it is possible to arrange several feed devices according to the invention in a row, one behind the other, in the transport direction of the material web.