Patent Application
20180334762
The present invention relates to a fiber feed device for a fiber blending unit comprising a blending belt, by means of which fiber material dropped onto the blending belt from a bale opener can be transported away, and comprising two guide walls arranged laterally to the blending belt for guiding the fiber material on both sides of the blending belt.
The invention further relates to a fiber blending unit for opening, weighing, and/or blending fiber material, comprising at least one bale opener for pre-opening fiber bales, and comprising a fiber feed device which includes a blending belt, by means of which fiber material dropped onto the blending belt from a bale opener can be transported away, and comprising two guide walls arranged laterally to the blending belt for guiding the fiber material on both sides of the blending belt.
Fiber blending units are utilized for manufacturing exact and intensive blends for the spinning mill and the nonwoven industry. The fibers which are blended are, for example, various chemical fibers, cotton, and/or various reclaimed waste fibers. These types of fiber blending units generally comprise multiple weighing hopper feeders arranged one behind the other in the feed direction of a blending belt. By means of these weighing hopper feeders, fiber bales are pre-opened, the opened fibers are weighed in a weighing container, in particular a bucket scale, and are dropped on a blending belt in order to be transported away. Due to the scale container being mostly arranged in the center over the blending belt, a heaped cone forms, which results in high fiber accumulations in a short period of time in the case of multiple machines arranged one behind the other. In this case, inaccurate weighings can occur due to weighing containers not having been completely emptied and material densities being too high in the center, with disruptions in the material transport and in the opening of the downstream blending roller.
DE 10 2004 048 222 A1 describes a device for blending fiber components, for example, fiber tufts, in particular in spinning preparation, fibrous web manufacture, or the like, in which the fiber material to be metered can be feed into at least two weighing containers and, after weighing, the fiber material can be dropped from the at least two weighing containers onto a blending belt. The weighing containers are arranged one behind the other—as viewed in the belt running direction—above the blending belt. The position of at least one weighing container can be displaceably adjusted transversely to the longitudinal extension of the blending belt. This solution is very expensive and structurally complex. Moreover, heaped cones are not avoided, but rather merely positioned differently in the transverse direction of the blending belt.
The problem addressed by the present invention is therefore that of creating a fiber feed device and a fiber blending unit of the type mentioned at the outset, by means of which heaped cones can be avoided and/or their height can be at least reduced.
The problem addressed by the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims and the drawings.
A fiber feed device for a fiber blending unit is provided. The fiber feed device comprises a blending belt including two guide walls. By means of the blending belt, fiber material dropped from a bale opener onto the blending belt can be transported away. The two guide walls are arranged laterally to the blending belt. Therefore, a first guide wall is arranged on a left side—in the feed direction—of the blending belt, and a second guide wall is arranged on a right side—in the feed direction—of the blending belt. Due to the fiber walls, the fiber material is guided and/or held on both sides of the blending belt. The guide walls are preferably fixed in position. Therefore, the guide walls do not move with the blending belt. The fiber feed device comprises at least one rotary distributor arranged over the blending belt. By means of the rotary distributor, the fiber material dropped onto the blending belt can be distributed between the two guide walls in the transverse direction of the blending belt by means of a rotational movement. As a result, heaped cones can be avoided and/or their height can be at least reduced. As a result, an interference-free operation of the fiber blending unit provided therefor can be ensured.
The blending belt is preferably a continuous transport belt which moves in a feed direction in order to transport the fiber material. The fiber material is preferably dropped on the blending belt in an inhomogeneously distributed manner. As a result, the fiber material is arranged, for example, on one side in the transverse direction of the blending belt, and therefore only one part of the blending belt is effectively utilized. The rotary distributor is preferably arranged over the blending belt in such a way that the fiber material can be homogeneously distributed on the blending belt in the transverse direction of the blending belt. The rotary distributor rotates for this purpose. Continuously dropped fiber material is therefore transported in the direction of the rotary distributor via the blending belt. The fiber material inhomogeneously distributed in the transverse direction of the blending belt is captured by the rotary distributor and is distributed in the transverse direction of the blending belt, in particular inhomogeneously across the entire width of the blending belt. The capture, moving, and re-dropping of the fiber material takes place automatically via the rotational movement of the rotary distributor. The fiber material drops from the rotary distributor essentially on its own. Preferably, the fiber material is displaced on the blending belt by the rotary distributor. The partially arranged fiber material is homogeneously distributed on the blending belt by the rotary distributor.
It is advantageous when an axis of rotation of he rotary distributor is aligned in the direction of the blending belt, as seen in a front view of the fiber feed device. The axis of rotation of the rotary distributor is preferably aligned perpendicularly to the blending belt. The axis of rotation preferably extends upward from the blending belt. The axis of rotation is preferably arranged in the center above the blending belt, in the transverse direction of the blending belt. Alternatively, the axis of rotation of the rotary distributor is preferably spaced apart from the center of the blending belt, in particular being offset from the center. It has been proven that the homogeneous distribution of the fiber material takes place in an easy way as a result.
Advantageously, the rotary distributor comprises at least one distributor element which can rotate about the axis of rotation and/or is radially spaced apart from the axis of rotation. The at least one distributor element therefore forms, during rotation, a hollow body of rotation, on the lateral face of which the fiber material is picked up by the rotating distributor element. The fiber material therefore cannot penetrate the interior of the hollow body of rotation. Instead, the fiber material is picked up by the distributor element and distributed in the transverse direction of the blending belt.
The distributor element is preferably spaced apart from the guide walls, and therefore the rotary distributor can rotate freely about its axis of rotation. Moreover, the hollow body of rotation preferably has an identical or different transverse distance to the two guide walls. When the rotary distributor is driven, and therefore the distributor element rotates about the axis of rotation, the fiber material arranged on one side of the blending belt is carried along by the distributor element. Due to the rotation of the distributor element about the axis of rotation, the fiber material is carried along in the direction of rotation. As a result of the rotation or due to newly picked-up fiber material, the fiber material drops from the distributor element. The fiber material is preferably displaced on the blending belt in the direction of rotation by the distributor element.
It is advantageous when the hollow body of rotation extends essentially across the entire width of the blending belt. As a result, dropped fiber material can be captured by the rotary distributor across the entire width of the blending belt and, therefore, can be homogeneously distributed on the blending belt.
A vertical distance is therefore advantageously formed in the vertical direction between the distributor element and the blending belt. The distributor element is therefore spaced apart from the blending belt. The vertical distance determines the fiber height at which the fiber material is leveled by the rotary distributor. The vertical distance varies preferably depending on the fibers to be blended. In the case of very fine fibers which, when collectively placed on the blending belt, have only a very low height, the vertical distance is preferably rather small. If the accumulation of the fiber material in the vertical direction on the blending belt is high, for example, due to coarse fibers, it is also useful to increase the vertical distance of the distributor element in order to protect the rotary distributor against overload.
It is advantageous when the distributor element has a free end on the blending-belt side. The free end is preferably oriented, as viewed in a top view, counter to a motor-powered direction of rotation of the rotary distributor. The rotary distributor is therefore driven in one of the two directions of rotation by a drive, in particular, an electric motor. The free end of the distributor element does not point in the direction of the rotational movement, but rather in the direction opposite thereto. As a result, fiber material is prevented from getting stuck on the free end and winding up on the distributor element. Instead, by way of the orientation of the free end counter to the direction of rotation, it is ensured that fiber material that has become stuck on the distributor element is wiped off of the free end.
The distributor element can preferably rotate about its own body axis, and therefore its free end can be aligned in the direction of the axis of rotation. When fiber material has become stuck on the distributor element, the fiber material can be wiped off in an easy way due to the rotation of the distributor element counter to the direction of rotation. Furthermore, the distributor element can comprise strings on its free end, which move radially outwardly as a result of the rotation of the rotary member.
The distributor element preferably includes an anchored end on its side opposite the free end. The distributor element initially extends essentially perpendicularly to the direction of rotation, preferably proceeding from the anchored end. The distributor element transitions into the free end, essentially in a C-shape, and therefore the free end is aligned counter to the direction of rotation.
Moreover, it is advantageous when the distributor element is formed from a deformed rod and/or includes at least one sharp bend. The rod is preferably an elongate hollow or solid body and/or has a round profile. The rod preferably has the same thickness across its entire length. In order to change the running direction of the distributor element from the anchored end up to the free end, the distributor element includes at least one sharp bend. The sharp bend is preferably directed radially inwardly or outwardly. In this way, it is ensured that the fiber material is carried along in an optimal way. The term “sharp bend” is understood to mean a fold and/or bend which has a small radius and extends across only a small and/or essentially punctiform portion of the distributor element.
It is advantageous when the distributor element is essentially L-shaped. The distributor element preferably comprises a first portion, a second portion, and/or a first sharp bend formed between the two portions. The first portion extends preferably in the vertical direction. The first portion extends in the direction of the blending belt, preferably proceeding from the anchored end of the distributor element. The second portion extends preferably in the horizontal and/or circumferential direction of the rotary distributor. The second portion extends preferably in parallel or obliquely to the surface of the blending belt. The shape of the distributor element makes it possible for the fiber material to be homogeneously distributed in the transverse direction, for the risk of the fiber material getting stuck on the distributor element to be reduced, and for caught fiber material to be wiped off again via the free end.
It is advantageous when the second portion extends, proceeding from the first sharp bend, radially outwardly and counter to the motor-driven direction of rotation. It is further advantageous when the second portion is curved, proceeding from the first sharp bend, radially inwardly as viewed in a top view. The second portion preferably essentially describes, in a top view, a C-shape, a half-moon shape, or a circular shape. As a result, the second portion gently engages into the fiber material in order to distribute the fiber material, without the fiber material getting stuck via the free end and/or skewered thereby. The second portion can be aligned, in this case, obliquely upward or downward with respect to the blending belt. Alternatively, the second portion can be arranged in parallel to the blending belt.
The first portion advantageously includes a second sharp bend. In a top view, a lower subarea of the first portion is therefore sharply bent counter to the motor-driven direction of rotation of the rotary distributor. The first portion extends in the direction of the lower subarea, preferably proceeding from the upper subarea of the anchored end of the distributor element.
It is advantageous when the distributor element tapers in an end portion toward the free end. Alternatively, it is also conceivable, however, that the distributor element essentially has the same thickness across its entire length. The distributor element preferably tapers to a point. As a result, caught fibers can be easily wiped off of the distributor element. The end portion of the distributor element is preferably arranged in parallel or obliquely to the blending belt. The end portion is preferably formed in the area of the second portion. When the rotary distributor rotates, the second portion preferably impacts the fiber material first. The shape of the distributor element ensures that the fiber material can easily come loose from the distributor element and does not clog the rotary distributor.
The rotary distributor advantageously comprises a drive shaft and/or a support element. The drive shaft is arranged coaxial to the axis of rotation. The drive shaft is preferably driven by a motor, and therefore the drive shaft rotates. The drive shaft and the support element are preferably connected to each other, and therefore the support element rotates when the drive shaft is driven. The support element extends away from the drive shaft in the radial direction. The at least one distributor element is arranged in a radially outer area on the support element. The support element is preferably designed as an, in particular, circular support disk. The diameter of the support element is preferably individually adapted depending on the width of the blending belt. The wider the blending belt is, the greater the diameter of the support element also preferably is.
The fiber feed device advantageously comprises a holder. The holder extends across the blending belt and/or is secured on the two guide walls. The rotary distributor is held over the blending belt by the holder. The holder preferably extends between the two side walls and is preferably connected thereto.
The vertical distance of the distributor element to the blending belt is advantageously adjustable in a ratcheted and/or stepless manner. Preferably, the vertical distance of the second portion of the distributor element to the blending belt can be adjusted. The rotary distributor and/or the at least one distributor element are/is preferably height-adjustable with respect to the blending belt.
It is advantageous when the rotary distributor comprises multiple distributor elements. The distributor elements are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotary distributor. The rotary distributor comprises, in particular, six distributor elements. The number of distributor elements is preferably dependent on the width of the blending belt and/or the diameter of the support element of the rotary distributor. The wider the blending belt and/or the greater the diameter of the support element is, the greater the number of distributor elements on the rotary distributor also preferably is. The distributor elements are preferably identically designed. The support element preferably includes openings, through which the end of the particular distributor element opposite the free end can be inserted. The distributor element is connected, in particular detachably, to the support element, and therefore its end opposite the free end is anchored on the support element. Due to the distributor elements arranged in the circumferential direction, a circle is essentially formed, wherein the individual distributor elements are preferably arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other. The end portions of the distributor elements are each spaced apart from the facing second portion of the adjacent distributor element. Alternatively, the end portions of the distributor elements are connected to each other, and therefore these end portions essentially form a closed circle or a polygon. In this way, an efficient distribution of the fiber material on the blending belt is ensured.
The speed at which the rotary distributor is set into rotation by the drive is preferably dependent on the number of distributor elements on the rotary distributor. The more distributor elements there are arranged on the rotary distributor, the lower the speed preferably is. If the rotary distributor comprises a few distributor elements, the speed is preferably higher as compared to the design comprising multiple distributor elements. When the rotary distributor comprises several distributor elements, however, the speed is also lower as compared to the design comprising fewer distributor elements.
Moreover, it is advantageous when the rotary distributor is adjustable with respect to the holder in the transverse direction and/or the longitudinal direction of the blending belt and/or in the vertical direction. The holder preferably comprises at least one guide rail which extends preferably in parallel and/or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the blending belt. The rotary distributor is preferably displaceable along the guide rail. Furthermore, it is possible that the holder and/or the rotary distributor are/is displaceable along the transverse axis. In this case, the holder preferably comprises a transverse rail which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the blending belt. In order to change the vertical distance of the distributor elements with respect to the blending belt, the rotary distributor can preferably be lowered or raised with respect to the holder.
The fiber feed device advantageously comprises multiple rotary distributors arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the blending belt. Preferably, fibers from multiple bale openers are transported and blended on the blending belt. For each bale opener, the fiber feed device preferably comprises at least one downstream rotary distributor, so that the fibers are continuously distributed on the blending belt along the entire fiber feed device.
Furthermore, a fiber blending unit for opening, weighing, and/or blending fiber material is provided. The fiber blending unit comprises a bale opener and a fiber feed device. The bale opener is designed for pre-opening the fiber bales. The fiber feed device comprises a blending belt including two guide walls. By means of the blending belt, fiber material dropped from the bale opener onto the blending belt can be transported away. The guide walls are arranged laterally to the blending belt, and therefore the fiber material is guided on both sides of the blending belt. The fiber feed device is designed according to the preceding description, wherein the mentioned features can be present individually or in combination. The fiber feed device comprises a rotary distributor arranged over the blending belt. The rotary distributor is designed for homogeneously distributing, on the blending belt, fiber material conveyed on the blending belt. The rotary distributor is preferably designed similarly to a whisk. As a result, heaped cones on the blending belt can be avoided and/or their height can be at least reduced. As a result, an interference-free operation of the fiber blending unit can be ensured.
It is advantageous when the bale opener is designed as a weighing hopper feeder and/or a bucket scale for weighing and dropping the fiber material. The fiber bales opened by the bale opener are conveyed upwardly by a conveyor. From there, the fibers drop into the bucket scale and, once a certain weight as been reached, are dropped onto the blending belt.
Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. Wherein:
In addition to the at least one bale opener 3, the fiber blending unit according to
The fiber feed device 16 comprises at least one rotary distributor 19 arranged over the blending belt 15. By means of the rotary distributor 19, the fiber material 2 dropped on the blending belt 15 can be homogeneously distributed in the transverse direction of the blending belt 15 by means of a rotational movement. The rotational movement is generated by a drive 20 which drives a drive shaft 21. The drive 20 can be an electric motor, for example. The drive shaft 21 rotates, being powered by a motor, about an axis of rotation 22 in a direction of rotation 23. The axis of rotation 22 is aligned perpendicularly to the blending belt 15 as seen in a front view. Due to a corresponding arrangement, the effective area of the rotary distributor 19 is essentially parallel to the blending belt 15 and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 22. The effective area of the rotary distributor 19 is defined essentially by at least one distributor element 24 when said distributor element rotates.
According to the present exemplary embodiment, the rotary distributor 19 comprises multiple distributor elements 24 for distributing the fiber material 2. The distributor elements 24 rotate jointly about the axis of rotation 22 when the drive shaft 21 is driven. The distributor elements 24 are arranged on a support element 25 of the drive shaft 21 which transmits the rotational movement to the distributor elements 24. The distributor elements 24 are arranged in a radially outer area of the support element 25. The support element 25 is preferably a circular plate, on the circumference of which the distributor elements 24 are connected to said plate. The distributor elements 24 are screwed or welded to the support element 25. In the connection area with the support element 25, the individual distributor elements 24 each comprise an anchored end 26, in which said distributor elements are fixedly and/or detachably connected to the support element 25.
The distributor elements 24 are each essentially formed as a deformed rod. The individual distributor elements 24 are each subdivided, proceeding from their anchored end 26, essentially into a first and a second portion 27, 28. Due to the two portions 27, 28, the distributor elements 24 are essentially L-shaped. The first portion 27 extends, proceeding from the anchored end 26, essentially vertically or slightly obliquely downward in the direction of the blending belt 15.
The first portion 27 transitions via a first sharp bend 29 into the second portion 28 (cf.
When the rotary distributor 19 is rotated, the distributor elements 24 preferably rotate in the counterclockwise direction, whereby the direction of rotation 23 is specified. The second portion 28 of the distributor element 24 takes up fiber material 2 due to its radially inwardly curved shape and homogeneously distributes said fiber material on the blending belt 14 (cf.
The rotary distributor 19 comprises a holder 31, by means of which said rotary distributor is held over the blending belt 14. The holder 31 rests on the two guide walls 17, 18 of the blending belt 15. The vertical distance 30 between the distributor elements 24 and the blending belt 15 can be adjusted preferably via the holder 31.
As is apparent in
The rotary distributor 19 can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the blending belt 15. For this purpose, the fiber feed device 16 according to
The number of distributor elements 24 on the rotary distributor 19 can vary depending on the application. Preferably, the rotary distributor 19 comprises one, two, four, six, or eight distributor elements 24. The length of the first portions 27 remains the same, preferably independently of the number of distributor elements 24. In contrast, the length of the second portions 28 of the distributor elements 24 can change. The fewer distributor elements 24 the rotary distributor 19 has, the longer the second portions 28 can be. However, if multiple distributor elements 24 are formed on the rotary distributor 19, it can be helpful to slightly shorten the second portions 28, so that said portions are spaced apart from each other. The end portions 32 of the distributor elements 24 are each spaced apart from the first portion 27 of the adjacent distributor element 24.
The first portion 27 comprises a second sharp bend 34, and therefore a lower subarea of the first portion 27 is rotated counter to the direction of rotation 23. The two portions 27, 28 therefore both extend essentially counter to the motor-powered direction of rotation 23 of the drive shaft 21.
The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which have been represented and described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are also possible, as is any combination of the features, even if they are represented and described in different exemplary embodiments.
1 fiber blending unit
2 fiber material
3 bale opener
4 fiber bales
5 feed table
6 continuous conveyor belt
7 deflecting edge
8 fiber material stripping belt
9 lower deflecting roller
10 upper deflecting roller
11 re-stripping roller
12 stop roller
13 material chute
14 bucket scale
15 blending belt
16 fiber feed device
17 first guide wall
18 second guide wall
19 rotary distributor
20 drive
21 drive shaft
22 axis of rotation
23 direction of rotation
24 distributor element
25 support element
26 anchored end
27 first portion
28 second portion
29 first sharp bend
30 vertical distance
31 holder
32 end portion
33 guide rail
34 second sharp bend
35 free end
F feed direction
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2017 110 550.6 | May 2017 | DE | national |
| 10 2017 115 161.3 | Jul 2017 | DE | national |
