DEVICE FOR INDIVIDUALIZING FIBERS, AND SPINNING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for individualizing fibers of a supplied fiber sliver end and to a spinning device (2) comprising such a device (1). The device (1) comprises a first hollow body section, to which pressure can be applied and which comprises an inlet channel segment (3) for receiving and guiding a supplied fiber sliver end together with a fluid in the direction of an unraveling channel segment (6) arranged downstream thereof, and the unraveling channel segment (6), which communicates with the inlet channel segment (3) and is arranged downstream thereof, for unraveling the fiber sliver end supplied together with the fluid into individual fibers. The unraveling channel segment (6) forms an annular channel (10) which communicates with the inlet channel segment (3). The annular channel (10) has a channel inlet (11) with a first passage width and a channel outlet (12) at a distance therefrom with a second passage width, wherein in a section extending from the first passage width to a central passage width of a channel center arranged between the channel inlet (11) and the channel outlet (12), the passage width of the annular channel (10) tapers constantly or in sections such that the central passage width is smaller than the first passage width.

Claims

1. A device (1) for individualizing fibers of a fed sliver end, the device (1) comprising: a first pressurisable hollow body portion, comprising: an inlet channel segment (3) configured to enable fluid-accompanied receiving of a fed sliver end and guiding of the fed sliver end toward a downstream opening channel segment (6); and the opening channel segment (6), configured to: open the fluid-accompanied fed sliver end into individual fibers; communicate with, and is arranged downstream of, the inlet channel segment (3); and form an annular channel (10) to communicate with the inlet channel segment (3), wherein the annular channel (10) comprises: a channel inlet (11) having a first passage width; and a channel outlet (12) spaced apart from the channel inlet (11) and having a second passage width, and wherein a passage of the annular channel (10) tapers, throughout or in parts, in a portion from the first passage width to a middle passage width of a channel middle located between the channel inlet (11) and the channel outlet (12), such that the middle passage width is less than the first passage width.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet channel segment (3) comprises a conically tapered receiving portion (4) for the fed sliver end.

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inlet channel segment (3) comprises, adjacent to the conically tapered receiving portion (4), a cylindrical passage portion (5) to transfer the fed sliver end to the channel inlet (11).

4. The device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the annular channel (10) is configured such that an inside diameter of the channel inlet (11) is less than a corresponding inside diameter of the channel middle.

5. The device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a core element (8), wherein the core element (8) is configured such that it is supported in the passage of the opening channel segment (6) in order to form the annular channel (10).

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the core element (8) is supported in the opening channel segment (6) by one or more of the following: at least one supporting element (9) connecting the opening channel segment (6) to the core element (8); and magnetic supporting forces, wherein the core element (8) comprises, for a defined support of the core element (8) within the opening channel segment (6), a material configured to react to the magnetic supporting forces.

7. The device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the core element (8) is supported such that it can be rotated in a circumferential direction.

8. A spinning device (2) for spinning a thread, comprising: a device (1) configured to individual fibers according to claim 1, wherein the passage of the annular channel has a width that expands, edge-free, throughout or in parts, in a portion from the middle passage width to the second passage width, such that the middle passage width is less than the second passage width, and a second pressurisable hollow body portion (20), comprising a spinning segment (13) to spin a thread from the individual fibers, wherein the spinning segment (13): is arranged downstream of the opening channel segment (6) in a guiding direction of the fed sliver end, or downstream of the individual fibers, is in communication with the opening channel segment (6) in order to receive the individual fibers, and is assigned a swirling means for producing a vortex flow for spinning a thread, wherein the vortex flow is configured to swirl the individual fibers together.

9. The spinning device (2) according to claim 8, wherein the channel middle is arranged closer to the channel inlet (11) than to the channel outlet (12).

10. The spinning device (2) according to claim 8, further comprising a core element (8) configured to form a double cone which extends between the channel inlet (11) and the channel outlet (12) and which has congruent bases near or in a passage plane of the channel middle.

11. The spinning device (2) according to claim 10, wherein the swirling means is formed by the core element (8).

12. The spinning device (2) according to claim 11, wherein: the spinning segment (13) comprises at least two injector nozzles (14) as part of the swirling means or as the swirling means, and the injector nozzles (14) are arranged circumferentially at an inside wall of the spinning segment (13), and are provided for producing a swirling flow in the spinning segment (13).

13. The spinning device (2) according to claim 12, wherein the spinning device (2), the device (1), or the spinning segment (13) is formed as a single part or as multiple parts, by means of one or more of the following: a machining method; and an additive manufacturing method.

14. A method for spinning a thread from separated fibers, comprising: providing a spinning device (2) according to claim 8; feeding a the fed sliver end, accompanied by fluid, into the inlet channel segment (3); and operating the swirling means for production of swirling in order to spin a thread from the individual fibers, fed via the opening channel segment (6). into the spinning segment (13).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fluid comprises compressed air.

Description

[0039] A preferred embodiment example of the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In the drawings:

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a spinning device according to an embodiment example,

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective longitudinal section view, along the section plane A-A, of the spinning device shown in FIG. 1,

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective cross-section view, along the section plane B-B, of the spinning device shown in FIG. 1,

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a schematic front view of the spinning device shown in FIG. 1,

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a schematic rear view of the spinning device shown in FIG. 1, and

[0046] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective longitudinal section view, along the section plane A-A, of the spinning device shown in FIG. 1, according to an alternative embodiment example.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a spinning device 2 according to an embodiment example. The spinning device 2 is functionally divided into a plurality of portions along its longitudinal extension direction LE. An end portion shown on the left side in FIG. 1 defines an inlet channel segment 3 for the fluid-accompanied receiving and guiding of a fed sliver end. A middle portion adjoining the inlet channel segment 3 is designed as an opening channel segment 6. The end portion opposite from the inlet channel segment 3, with the opening channel segment 6 located therebetween, defines a spinning segment 13 having injector nozzles 14. These three functional portions are essential to the spinning device 2 according to this embodiment example. According to another embodiment example, which is not shown, additional portions which are functionally appropriately designed can be provided. For example, a functionally independent outlet segment for discharging or take-up portion for taking up the spun thread could be assigned to the spinning segment 13. In the embodiment example shown, at least the outlet portion is assigned to the spinning segment 13 and is a part thereof, as described in greater detail below.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective longitudinal section view, along the section plane A-A, of the spinning device 2 shown in FIG. 1. The spinning device 2 is formed as a single piece from a pressurisable hollow body symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal central axis LM, which extends along the direction of longitudinal extent LE. The end-arranged inlet channel segment 3 has a receiving portion 4, which is conically tapered toward the opening channel segment 6 along the direction of longitudinal extent LE and which transitions into a cylindrical passage portion 5 so that the sliver or sliver end received by means of the receiving portion 4 is reliably guided, with accompanying fluid, toward the opening channel segment 6. A gaseous medium such as ambient air is preferably used as the fluid. Thus, the spinning device 2 does not have to be sealed off from the ambient air. In order to support the guiding of the sliver with accompanying fluid, the inlet channel segment 3 can preferably comprise, in the region of the cylindrical passage portion 5, nozzles which are directed toward the downstream opening channel segment 6 and by means of which the fluid can be introduced into the cylindrical passage portion 5. A suction flow can thus be produced in the region of the receiving portion 4, whereby the sliver can be reliably led into the inlet channel segment 3 or into the spinning device 2.

[0049] Alternatively, according to an embodiment example not shown, it would be possible to arrange the nozzles outside of the spinning device 2 upstream of the receiving portion 4 in such a way that the nozzles are directed toward the receiving portion 4.

[0050] As another alternative, such nozzles can be absent as in the embodiment example shown, in which case the ambient air present anyway accompanies the fed sliver in the spinning device 2 and defined fluid flows within the spinning device 2 can be produced at least by means of the injector nozzles 14 arranged in the spinning segment 13, supported by a passage cross-section which changes along the direction of longitudinal extent LE. In this embodiment example, the guiding direction of the sliver is oriented substantially along the direction of longitudinal extent LE of the spinning device 2.

[0051] The inlet channel segment 3 is adjoined, in the guiding direction of the sliver that can be fed, by the opening channel segment 6 for opening the fluid-accompanying fed sliver end into separated fibers. For this purpose, according to this preferred embodiment example the opening channel segment 6 has a core element 8 in the form of a double cone, the double cone being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal central axis LM and asymmetrical with respect to a common cross-sectional plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis LM and in which the bases of the two cones forming the double cone are arranged. The core element 8 has rounded first and second cone tips 8a, 8b at respective ends of the core element 8. In this embodiment example, the core element 8 is arranged centrally within the passage portion of the opening channel segment 6 in order to form an annular channel 10 which is uniform along the direction of longitudinal extent LE at each point of the core element 8, and the core element 8 is held by means of three supporting elements 9 evenly distributed circumferentially around the core element 8 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The supporting elements 9 are arranged close to the first cone tip 8a directed toward the inlet channel segment 3 and have an aerodynamic teardrop shape running transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent LE, such that the teardrop tip is arranged on the core element 8 and the teardrop base is arranged on the inside wall 7. The teardrop width running in the circumferential direction of the core element 8 is approximately constant along the direction of longitudinal extent LE. Taking aerodynamic aspects into account, according to this embodiment example each supporting element 9 is tapered toward the inlet channel segment 3, likewise in a teardrop shape, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, turbulent fluid flows which would otherwise be possible can be prevented. As FIG. 3 also indicates, the teardrop depth running along the direction of longitudinal extent LE perpendicularly to the teardrop width is selected such that the core element 8 can be held reliably and, to the extent possible, without evasive movements and/or vibrations at the second cone tip 8b directed away from the inlet channel segment 3. At the same time, the selected teardrop depth is greater than the greatest fiber length of the fiber material to be opened, so that the risk that fibers wrap around the supporting elements 9 can be reduced.

[0052] The passage portion of the opening channel segment 6 and the core element 8 are matched to each other in such a way that a uniform annular channel 10 is formed which has a channel inlet 11 at the first cone tip 8a, the channel inlet 11 having a first passage width, and a channel outlet 12 at the second cone tip 8b, the channel outlet 12 being spaced apart from the channel inlet 11 and having a second passage width, and the passage width of the annular channel 10 tapers, throughout or in parts, in a portion from the first passage width to a middle passage width of a channel middle located between the channel inlet 11 and the channel outlet 12, such that the middle passage width is less than the first passage width. The tapering design causes the flow velocity to increase toward the channel middle.

[0053] In contrast, in this embodiment example the passage width increases from the channel middle to the channel outlet 12 (in particular throughout or in parts). This causes the flow velocity to decrease in a defined way. The degree of tapering and the degree of expansion of the passage width over the length of extent of the annular channel 10 can be selected appropriately for the sliver to be separated. The design of the annular channel 10 according to this embodiment example follows the formula below:

[00002]$D_{outside}=\sqrt{A-D_{inside}{}^2-A_{bar}}$

with [0054] D.sub.outside: outside diameter of the annular channel [0055] A: cross-sectional area of the annular channel (at any point of the annular channel along the guiding direction) [0056] D.sub.inside: inside diameter of the annular channel [0057] A.sub.bar: cross-sectional area of the supporting element (at any point of the supporting element along the guiding direction), with the condition that A.sub.bar = 0 at the points at which there is no supporting element.

[0058] The outside diameter of the annular channel 10 corresponds, in this embodiment example, to the inside diameter of the passage of the opening channel segment 6. The inside diameter of the annular channel 10 corresponds, in this embodiment example, to the outside diameter of the core element 8. The cross-sectional area of the annular channel 10 logically results from the area portion enclosed by the outside diameter and the inside diameter of the annular channel 10. At the points at which a supporting element is present, the cross-sectional area of the supporting element consists of the total of the individual cross-sectional areas of the supporting elements 9.

[0059] Observing this formula allows an aerodynamically optimised annular channel.

[0060] The inlet channel segment 3 designed, by way of example, according to this embodiment example, together with the opening channel segment 6, therefore forms a device 1 for individualizing fibers of a fed sliver end. By means of the combination of these portions, suitable devicees 1 for the defined fiber separation of a fed sliver end which are each adapted to a different sliver material can be provided.

[0061] Although the device 1 according to this embodiment example is of a single-piece design, the device 1 can also be of a multi-part design according to an embodiment example not shown, wherein, by way of example, the inlet channel segment 3 and the opening channel segment 6 each form an independent part, the independent parts being accordingly interconnected by means of common fastening/connecting measures. In the case of the multi-part design, it is also preferred that the individual parts are nondestructively exchangeable, whereby the variability can be increased.

[0062] Along the direction of longitudinal extent, the opening channel segment 6 is followed, on the side opposite from the inlet channel segment 3, by the spinning segment 13. The spinning segment 13 has an additional passage portion 15, which is communicatively connected to the channel outlet 12 and continues from the channel outlet 12 toward the end of the spinning device 2 opposite from the inlet channel segment 3. The spinning segment 13 has three injector nozzles 14 for feeding a vortex flow, in particular a compressed-air vortex flow, the injector nozzles 14 being arranged evenly around the additional passage portion 15 and being directed toward the end of the spinning device 2 opposite from the inlet channel segment 3. Thus, a suction flow is brought about in the opening channel segment 6, the suction flow extending into the inlet channel segment 3. The suction flow causes an increase in the flow velocity, whereby the fibers to be separated can be drawn. Furthermore, the circumferential arrangement and orientation of the injector nozzles 14 allows a vortex flow within the additional passage portion 15, which vortex flow extends into the passage portion between the channel middle and the channel outlet 12 of the annular channel 10. Thus, the fibers separated in the opening channel segment 6 experience a swirling impulse, by means of which the fibers can wrap around the second cone tip 8b and can join together at the end of the opening channel segment 6 to form a real-twist spinning thread.

[0063] A fluid can be fed by means of the injector nozzles 14 with closed-loop and open-loop control in a known way. Together with the fed fluid, agents such as additives for adhering to the thread to be spun can also be fed by means of the injector nozzles 14, in order to influence the thread property appropriately. Such an agent feed can alternatively or additionally be arranged by providing corresponding feeds at a different point of the spinning device 2 or upstream of the inlet channel segment 3.

[0064] The spinning segment 13 comprises, downstream of the injector nozzles 14 in the spinning direction, an outlet portion 16, by means of which the spun thread can be led out of the spinning device 2 and can be fed to a thread handling element which is downstream of the spinning device 2 along the thread path. For example, a take-up device for taking up the spun thread from the spinning device 2, another device such as a sensor device for detecting a thread property such as hairiness or thick and thin places, or a thread accumulator for the intermediate storage of the spun thread can be arranged directly downstream of the spinning device 2. The outlet portion 16 has, opposite from the portion having the injector nozzles 14, an expanded passage portion, whereby the flow velocity and the vortex flows can be relaxed for the suitable discharge of the spun thread.

[0065] As is shown particularly by FIGS. 4 and 5, which show a schematic front view and a schematic rear view of the spinning device 2 according to the embodiment example, a longitudinal central axis of the core element 8 is congruent with the longitudinal central axis LM of the hollow body or opening channel segment 6 surrounding the core element 8, and the supporting elements 9 are arranged close to the first cone tip 8a or to the channel inlet 11 of the annular channel 10. Thus, the sliver end can be spread open when it enters the annular channel 10, and this has an advantageous effect on the opening of the sliver into individual fibers. Furthermore, after the sliver has been fed, the increase in the flow velocity along the direction of longitudinal extent LE of the device 1 up to the channel middle as a result of the design according to this embodiment example can cause the individual fibers to be reliably detached from the sliver and, at the same time, drawn. In this embodiment example, the injector nozzles 14 bring about the required vortex flow during operation, so that the detaching or detached individual fibers can be led around the conical portion of the core element 8 which follows the channel middle, within the annular channel 10, in such a way that these individual fibers are swirled or spun in the region of the second cone tip 8b or just downstream thereof to form a real-twist spinning thread, which finally can be led out of the spinning device 2 by means of the outlet portion 16.

[0066] According to an embodiment example which is not shown, the swirling means is formed by the core element 8 itself or by the conical portion of the core element 8 following the channel middle. The former can be accomplished in particular by contactless support of the core element 8 within the passage of the opening channel segment 6, which contactless support can be implemented, for example, by means of a magnetic supporting device which, furthermore, preferably interacts with the core element 8 in such a way that defined rotational motions of the core element 8 can be brought about. Alternatively, the contactless support can be accomplished by means of the fed fluid flow, by means of which the core element 8 is lifted off, after the fluid flow is fed, from an idle position, in which the core element 8 is deposited on a lower inside wall of the passage of the opening channel segment 6 as a result of gravity, into an operating position, in which the core element 8 is held or supported nearly centrally or centrally within the passage of the opening channel segment 6 as a result of fluid flow. Provided that vortex flows are also introduced into the fed fluid flow, the core element 8 can be caused to rotate, in order to form the swirling means.

[0067] According to another embodiment example, which is not shown, the conical portion of the core element 8 following the channel middle forms the swirling means. This conical portion is rotatably supported by the preceding conical portion of the core element 8. The preceding conical portion is, as described above by way of example, held in the passage of the opening channel segment 6 by means of the supporting elements 9. The rotation of the following conical portion is brought about appropriately, with open-loop and/or closed-loop control, by means of a magnetically acting rotation device, by means of an introduced rotational flow, or by means of a rotation drive comprised by the preceding conical portion.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective longitudinal section view, along the section plane A-A, of the spinning device 2 shown in FIG. 1, according to an alternative embodiment example. This alternative embodiment example is distinguished from the embodiment example shown in FIG. 2 merely by an alternatively designed supporting element 9' and by an additional supporting element 9 in the region of the second cone tip 8b, the additional supporting element 9 being arranged upstream of the second cone tip 8b in the guiding direction of the sliver. The rest of the design is identical to the design of the embodiment example according to FIG. 2; identical reference signs correspond to components of the spinning device 2 which are described above accordingly, and reference is hereby made, for the alternative embodiment example, to the description of the embodiment example according to FIG. 2.

[0069] The alternatively designed supporting element 9' is arranged in the region of the front end 8a' of the core element 8, which front end 8a' faces the inlet channel segment 3. The alternative supporting element 9' has a front end 9a' which faces toward the inlet channel segment 3 and which is arranged in a passage region of the inlet channel segment 3, and the alternative supporting element 9' extends into the opening channel segment 6 in the guiding direction. The alternative supporting element 9' extends in the radial direction of the device 1 both from the inside wall of the passage of the inlet channel segment 3 and from the inside wall 7 of the passage of the opening channel segment 6 to the opposite outside wall of the core element 8 and forms a ramp 17 for the sliver to be fed to the core element 8. The ramp 17 thus connects, along the guiding direction, the surface side of the inside wall of the inlet channel segment 3 to the surface side of the outside wall of the core element 8, whereby a defined guide surface portion 18 for the sliver to be opened is provided along the guiding direction. The guide surface portion 18 is flat along the guiding direction and concave transversely thereto and has, in the guiding direction, an inclination angle that is 5° greater than the inclination angle of the surface portion of the outside wall of the core element 8 that adjoins the guide surface portion 18.

[0070] According to another embodiment example, which is not shown, the spinning device 2 preferably has a sensor system for monitoring e.g. the sliver feed, the fiber separation process, the spinning process and/or the take-up of the thread from the spinning device 2. The sensor system is arranged at suitable points of the device 1 and/or of the spinning segment 13, in or on the corresponding first or second hollow body portion. Alternatively or in addition, the portion of the spinning device 2 that comprises the annular channel portion to be monitored can be transparent. Thus, the sensor system can be arranged outside of the spinning device 2, allowing the sensor system to be economical and simplified.

[0071] The embodiment examples described above and shown in the figures are only selected by way of example. Different embodiment examples can be combined with one another completely or with regard to individual features. An embodiment example can also be supplemented with features of a further embodiment example.

[0072] If an embodiment example has an “and/or” link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be understood to mean that the embodiment example comprises, according to one embodiment, both the first feature and the second feature and, according to a further embodiment, either only the first feature or only the second feature.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0073] 1 Device for individualizing fibers [0074] 2 Spinning device [0075] 3 Inlet channel segment [0076] 4 Receiving portion [0077] 5 Cylindrical passage portion [0078] 6 Opening channel segment [0079] 7 Inside wall [0080] 8 Core element [0081] 8a First cone tip [0082] 8a' Front end of the core element [0083] 8b Second cone tip [0084] 9 Supporting element [0085] 9' Alternative supporting element [0086] 10 Annular channel [0087] 11 Channel inlet [0088] 12 Channel outlet [0089] 13 Spinning segment [0090] 14 Injector nozzle [0091] 15 Additional passage portion [0092] 16 Outlet portion [0093] 17 Ramp [0094] 18 Guide surface portion [0095] LE Direction of longitudinal extent [0096] LM Longitudinal central axis