Spinning preparatory machine and a housing for a drafting assembly of a spinning preparatory machine

Abstract

The present invention concerns a spinning preparatory machine (1) with a drafting assembly (4) encompassing multiple roll pairs (5, 6, 7) by which a fiber band (FB′) can be drafted. The roll pairs (5, 6, 7) possess upper rolls (5a, 6a, 7a) and under rolls (5b, 6b, 7b). The roll pairs (5, 6, 7) are installed in a housing (15), wherein the roll pairs are protected from ambient atmospheric conditions about the preparatory machine (1) and from components thereof. A temperature controller (20) functions with the housing (15) to bring about internally a desired operational temperature, which is independent of temperature external to the housing (15).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a spinning preparatory machine, especially a draft system or carding system, wherein the machine possesses a drafting section having multiple roll pairs in which a fiber band can be drafted. The roll pairs possess, in this arrangement, upper rolls and under rolls. Further, the invention concerns a housing for a draft system suitable for a spinning preparatory machine in accord with the invention.

BACKGROUND

In the production and the work-up of fiber bands, especially for carding and drafting, the over stepping of certain specified temperatures, which may be harmful for given materials under treatment, must not occur in order to assure the maintenance of a constant process and uniform quality. Especially where polyester materials are involved, or sticky substances such as cotton, which may be coated with honeydew or certain chemical-fiber mixtures, drafting at a temperature exceeding 70° C. is scarcely possible. In a case of very high delivery speeds, greater than, for instance, 600 meters/minute, relatively high temperatures are produced, possibly by increased roll-action in the drawing rolls, which generally lead to process interruptions because of wind-ups. During the starting of the machine, on the other hand, the temperature at the rolls is often too low, so that, even so, in this case wind-ups can occur. Moreover, the air temperature/humidity conditions in spinning plants are subjected to great variations, due to lack of air conditioning, often large temperature and humidity differences can be found in the course of a working day. These conditions lead likewise to interruptions in operation during drafting.

Usually, draft systems are provided with vacuuming apparatuses, which remove fibers from the draft system and therewith also the associated heat. However that may be, at high delivery rates, temperatures of up to 100° C. can be reached on the rolls, so that drafting cannot be carried out for all materials.

DE 37 03 357 A1 proposes to provide the upper rolls of the draft system with a cooling system. The upper roll, in this case, can be cooled by an air stream, which is guided through the internals of the roll core. The temperatures at all upper rolls can be reduced by this means. However, it has proved itself as true, that the heat cannot be removed in satisfactory quantities, to maintain an appropriate temperature for the drafting of sticky materials.

DE 1 921 208 teaches that for the operation of a textile process machine, especially a web machine, under artificially atmospheric conditioning, to encapsulate a hood over the machine, which isolates the entire equipment. For this climatic effect, the hood is connected to air conditioning equipment by inlet and outlet conduits. In order to assure accessibility to the machine, the hood can be lifted or lowered by means of a thrusting apparatus. By means of flaps in the hood itself, the machine can be serviced without the necessity of displacing the entire hood. A hood for encapsulating an entire machine is, however, very complex and cost-intensive. The service of the machine suffers by the opening and closing of the individual flaps. In order to establish the temperature of one, individual operational requirement, moreover, maintaining air conditioning of the entire room which contains the machine is not logical on an energy cost basis.

SUMMARY

Thus a principal purpose of the present invention is to create a preparatory machine for spinning, which, in a simple manner, enables a drafting of all materials independently of the surrounding climatic conditions, even at high rates of delivery speeds. Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

The objects are achieved with a preparatory machine for spinning and a housing with features in accord with independent claims.

In the drafting assembly of a preparatory machine for spinning, in accord with the invention, a band of fiber can be drafted. The invention concerns itself in regard to drafting or carding with an assigned draft system. However, the invention is applicable in other preparatory machines for spinning that possess a draft system, for instance, a combing machine. The draft system possesses several roll pairs, which consist of upper and lower rolls. In accord with the invention, the roll pairs are arranged in a housing, wherein, for the lowering of the temperature in the interior of the housing, at least one temperature controller is assigned, whereby the enclosed draft system is isolated from the driving units of the machine. The operational temperature in the drafting assembly, in particular on the rolls thereof, by this means and with simple operation, can be held at an appropriate value, without engaging the service personnel of the machine.

The sought after temperature control of only a relatively small zone of the operation can, in this way, be brought about with small energy and cost expenditure. Any supplemental warming of the drafting machine by encompassing, heat generating components, such as, for example, the driving motors of the draft system, is prevented by the described housing. The housing serves, in this way, as a temperature shield against heat producing sources, which may be found in those parts of the preparatory machine for spinning which lie outside of the housing.

It is also of advantage if the housing separates the roll pairs from the atmospheric conditions of the working space of the machine. The housing can be made of plastic or built of metal. For the separation, it is possible that an insulation layer can be applied to the housing surface. Such insulation would also prevent loss of cooling potential into the ambient space, as well as block the inward migration of heat from the surroundings.

Likewise, it is also possible to furnish the housing walls with a reflecting coating. The distancing effected by the pair of housing walls in blocking out the ambient room conditions enables, in a particularly favorable manner from an energy standpoint, the maintenance of an optimal operational temperature. By this means, control over the source of temperature regulation is considerably simplified.

In accord with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, provision has been made that the at least one temperature controller is designed to hold the internal temperature at a constant approximation to, at best, 40° C. A temperature in a draft system of 40° C. has proved itself to be optimal for a drafting operation. Substantially higher temperatures (e.g. 60° C. to 70° C.), in the case of chemical fibers, generally lead to changes in the fiber structure, including incipient melting. In the case of cotton fibers, problems with honeydew accompany increasing temperatures. Temperatures of 25° C. and lower lead, however, likewise to problems with winding and balling. By means of a continuously constant temperature maintenance, with the aid of a source of temperature control, it is possible that upon the start-up of the machine the draft system can be very simply brought to an optimal, operational temperature for the drafting. An integral temperature controller is thus of use also for the heating up of the machine during the start-up phase. In this way, a uniform quality of the received fiber band can be achieved, independently of the operational condition of the preparatory machine for spinning. The build-up of windings and balling, likewise can be considerably avoided.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one temperature controller is designed to allow the generation of different, adjustable temperatures. The temperature, in this way and in a simple manner, can be made to fit the operational conditions of the machine. A warm-up of the draft system to the operational temperature is made very quickly in this manner. Likewise, the optimal operational temperature and climatic conditioning can be quickly adjusted for each fiber in accord with its material. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one temperature controller can be installed both as a source of cooling as well as heating. As a source of temperature control, it is possible that Peltier elements can serve, which, in accord with polarity, produce a heating and a cooling side.

Likewise, even a heating unit can be additionally provided with a cooling source, in order to bring the draft system up to operational temperature upon start-up. Installed elements, which serve principally as a sole source of cooling, are also available.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one temperature controller is a main air conditioning unit capable of the servicing of multiple machines. The cooling of a draft system of multiple machines is likewise similar to a warm-up of the starting phase or is particularly of advantage in an economical manner after operational interruptions.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one temperature controller be decentralized, or at least placed on (external to) the preparatory machine for spinning. In this way, it becomes possible to reach an individual operational temperature in draft system of separate machines. Energy consumption and cooling load can thus be made to fit the individual machine, as well as be in compliance with the material to be worked.

In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, an air cooling source is placed on the preparatory machine for spinning to serve as the temperature controller. The cold air therefrom can advantageously be accurately directed against the heat producing components, namely the upper rolls, whereby a particularly fortunate cooling is achieved. Since the working of rolls in the elastic circumferential covers of the upper rolls for the draft system leads to an especially high development of heat within these covers, it is advantageous to have the direction of the cooling air centered directly on the upper rolls for a particularly efficient cooling. If, additionally, the entire interior space of the housing is subjected to the flow of cooling air, then additionally, a sufficient removal of heat from the total operational zone is achieved.

In an advantageous manner, a feed opening for the inlet of the temperature adjusted media from the cooling system is provided through an opening in the housing and another opening is made for the exit of the used cooling medium from the housing. In this way, an operationally favorable through-put of tempered air for the temperature control of the draft system can be attained.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one temperature controller is located within the housing, which makes possible an especially compact, simple and well designed arrangement of the invention.

In a corresponding embodiment, it is possible that at least a part of the housing wall—that is to say, in addition to other means for the cooling of the interior space within the housing—can be cooled, in order to reduce the temperature within the housing.

It is likewise of advantage if the at least one temperature controller is in connection with the interior of a hollow pressure bar, whereby the cooling medium produced by the cooling source can exit into the hollow space and from there, be released through at least one opening from the hollow pressure bar. The pressure bar, which serves for the guidance of so-called floating fibers between two drafting roller pairs, also allows a preset temperature control of the housing, especially the two drafting rolls between which it is located. It is possible that more than one such connecting conduit can be placed in the housing, so that the cooling medium can be accurately directed onto more than one roll. A hollow pressure bar, appropriate for the inlet of a cooling medium, in accord with the invention, is at least made partially hollow and possesses an outlet opening for the cooling medium. It is also possible that a plurality of openings for the cooling medium can be furnished in order that the infeed of cooling air is distributed in a uniform manner. A specifically directed heating of the rolls up to their operation temperature at the start of operations is also possible.

For a predetermined feed of cooling medium, it is possible that one or more apparatuses for inlet of cooling medium in the housing can be advantageously placed between, respectively, two upper and lower rollers of two neighboring roll pairs, which, as in the previously described pressure bar, are connected to the temperature controller. The cooling medium produced by the one only temperature controller releases itself by one or more outlet openings of the respective, advantageously hollow feeding apparatus. Advantageously, the cooling medium is directed to flow over the total, or nearly total breadth of a roll, which is to say, the width of the fiber band which lies on the corresponding circumferential roll surface.

A particular advantage of the invention provides that the cooled air from the at least only one temperature controller, that is to say, cold air, is directed to flow counter current to the fiber-drawing direction in the housing. Since the temperature development at the downstream rolls is higher than at the upstream rolls, a through-flow in the direction of the drop in temperature within the housing creates an especially efficient cooling.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the cooling medium from the at least one temperature controller, in particular, cooling air, can be conducted through the housing in the direction of the draw of fiber. Since, in the main drawing field, a greater flight of fiber particulate arises than in the upstream predrawing field, suction devices are frequently installed in known machines in the drafting/drawing direction following the initial rolls. In the case of a through-flow of the housing in the drawing direction, in this case, the use of a suction system can be advantageously supported.

The above described advantage, namely that the cold air flowing through the housing—in general, the cooling medium—removes fibers and/or dirt from the area of the drawing field, is also achievable by a suction, which induces flow counter to the direction of drawing. Instead of, or in addition to, a source of vacuum, which is responsible for removal by suction, by means of a corresponding, fitting geometry of the housing, also a compressed air source can find use, which, advantageously, is bound to the temperature controller in order that the air produced by the center can transport fibers and/or dirt out of the housing.

In a development of the invention, the proposal is made that the at least one temperature controller be attached to a an electronic control apparatus. The load for the cooling can then be continually adjusted to be dependent upon the ambient conditions and on the characteristics of the material to be treated. At the same time, at the start of the operation, the machine can be brought up to the operational temperature quickly and simply since, as required at the start, heat or warm air can be immediately introduced.

Another particularly advantageous development of the invention provides that the temperature controller itself can be regulated. That is to say, the maintenance of a preset temperature level and an optimal fitting to various operational conditions may be automatically programmed. Advantageously, for this purpose, at least a sensor can be installed for the determination of the temperature and/or to include additional parameters in or on the housing. Thus, the operational temperatures in various areas of the draft system can be determined and accurately set at a predetermined level.

A housing, in accord with the invention, for a draft system of a preparatory machine for spinning is so constructed that roll pairs of the draft system, which consist of upper and under rolls, are encapsulated by the housing. In enabling this, the housing isolates the roll pairs from the ambient room climate around the machine and protects them from further components of the machine itself. At least one temperature controller is ascribable to the housing, so that in the housing a temperature may be generated, which is not dependent in any significant way on the surrounding room temperature whereby an independent temperature may be developed. By means of the positioning of the roll pairs in the housing, it becomes possible to bring temperature control only to an active working zone of the draft system and do this in an economical manner.

Advantageously, in the housing are placed openings for the input of a cooling medium generated by the temperature controller and for the outlet thereof. Further respective openings for the inlet and outlet of a fiber band are provided. With this situation, a circulation of the cooling medium is made possible so that the developed heat can be optimally led away.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the openings for the inlet and outlet of the cooling medium are so arranged that the through-flow in the housing can be in the upstream direction of the drawing field, whereby an optimal coaction with an eventually additional, attached apparatus for the removal of fiber material becomes possible. Suction based or blow through devices of this type transport fibers and dirt, normally in the upstream direction out of the drawing field. A through-flow in the housing in the downstream direction of the drawing field can, however, be of advantage since the cooling medium first reaches those components, which show the greater development of heat.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the housing be made somewhat transparent in order that a visual control of the drafting procedure is possible. Likewise, for the visual control, a transparent window or an observation flap can be placed on the housing.

Further, it is of advantage if the housing is constructed of at least two parts, so that for the purposes of maintenance or upkeep, opening is easily carried out. Advantageously, the housing would exhibit an upper part and an under part, whereby the upper part is made to be relatively movable away from the under part. If the upper part of the housing is constructed to be pivotally parted, relative to the under part, then the manipulation is relatively simple. It is also of advantage if the upper part of the housing is connected to a structural arm on which the upper rolls of the draft system are placed. The opening and the closing of housing, in this case, is directly connected with the lifting/lowering of the structural arm so that additional work steps in regard to the machine servicing and maintenance are not necessary. The constructive design of such a housing is made easier by this measure.

Another likewise advantageous development of the invention provides that the upper part of the housing is bound to a topping, which extends itself over the entire draft system. The opening of the housing is done, in this case, directly with the lifting of the topping. Alternatively, the upper part of the housing is itself designed as a topping.

A further, advantageous embodiment of the invention characterizes itself in that the housing possesses yet another opening, which acts with an external pressure or suction source. In this case, it is possible to reliably remove and transport away fiber material and dirt from the drawing section.

Further advantages relative to the invention are described in the following, based on illustrated embodiments serving as examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a schematic presentation in profile view of a preparatory machine for spinning in accord with the invention,

FIG. 2 a schematic presentation of a housing in accord with the invention for a draft system with a cooling air source as temperature controller,

FIG. 3 a detail presentation of a draft system with a temperature controller, which connects with a hollow pressure bar,

FIG. 4 a further embodiment example of a housing in accord with the invention in a schematic presentation,

FIG. 5 an additional embodiment example of a housing in accord with the invention in a schematic presentation,

FIG. 6 a schematic presentation of a housing, in accord with the invention, showing a two-part, pivotal design, and

FIG. 7 a schematic presentation of a cooling air source for the cooling of a housing in accord with the invention.

DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment.

In FIG. 1 is shown, in schematic profile view, a draft system as an example of a preparatory machine for spinning 1. In accord with this example, one or more fiber bands FB are presented next to one another on the operating draft. Principally, these bands, for the sake of clarity, are shown in plan view. At the start of the draft system is placed a compaction apparatus 19 for the fiber bands FB. After running through a mechanical scanning device 2, 3, the now compacted fiber band FB′, which is comprised of the original several bands FB, is guided into a draft system 4, which constitutes the core piece of the drafting. The draft system 4 possesses, as a rule, three drawing organs, these being normally roll pairs, between which the force of the drawing is generated. These three roll pairs are the entry roll pair 5a, 5b, the middle roll pair 6a, 6b and the output (or delivery) roll pair 7a, 7b. These turn in this given series, each providing an increase in rotational speed. By means of these successive roll pairs, the fiber band FB′ is drawn, in accord with the corresponding circumferential speeds. The entry roll pair 5a, 5b and the middle roll pair 6a, 6b form the so-called predrawing field VF, the middle roll pair 6a, 6b and the delivery roll pair 7a, 7b establish the so-called main drawing field HF. In the main drawing field HF, additionally a pressure bar 8 is located, which causes the fiber band FB′ to divert its direction of travel to achieve a better guidance of the fibers. This action applies to the fibers (also known as floating fibers) which are not clamped between the roll pairs 6a, 6b and 7a, 7b. The drawn fiber band FB′ is consolidated with the aid of a turn-around, upper roll 9, a band forming apparatus 10 and by means of a calender roll pair 11, 12. Finally, an adjustable band conducting tube 13 stores the band FB′ in a can 14.

The roll pairs 5, 6 and 7 of the draft system are to be found in a housing 15, which isolates them from both the ambient room climatic conditions as well as the additional components of the machine. In the present example, only the drawing rolls are shown within the housing, however, it is still possible to locate the calender rolls 11, 12 in the housing, as may be seen in FIG. 6. The fiber band FB′ runs through an opening 22 into the housing 15 and correspondingly exits the housing through another opening, namely 23.

The housing 15 possesses additional openings 16, 17 for the inlet and outlet of the cooling medium K, which openings are, in the present design, respectively bound by lines 18 to a temperature controller 20, which produces the cooling medium K. In order to achieve a particularly uniform temperature control within the housing 15, the inlet and the outlet of the cooling medium K can also be directed over two or more openings, as shown in FIG. 4. In a not shown alternative embodiment, principally the inlet opening 16 is directly connected to the temperature controller 20, while the outlet opening 17 yields the warmed cooling medium into the surrounding ambient room conditions. In the present example, the temperature controller 20 is not located for service to multiple units, but is dedicated to the given machine 1. A general temperature controller 20 for common supply to multiple machines 1 is likewise a possibility. By means of the temperature controller 20 as shown, it is further possible that, in the draft system 4, appropriate temperatures may be specially adjusted for higher delivery speeds (for example, above 500 m/min for polyester or sticky cotton).

By means of the temperature controller 20 it is possible that in certain operational conditions, for instance upon the start-up of the machine 1, i.e., of the draft system 4, the contained air within the housing 15 can be heated. The temperature controller 20, in such a case, may be furnished with an auxiliary source of heat or possess a cooling means which can also be converted to heat production. If the temperature controller 20 generally delivers a constant temperature, it is also possible that thereby the interior of the housing 15 can be heated therewith, insofar as the temperature within the housing 15 lies below this temperature.

A further variant of the invention provides that by employing the cooling medium K issuing from the housing 15, the drive motors (not shown here), of the machine 1 may be cooled. The line 18 for the outlet of the cooling medium K is, in this case, not connected to the temperature controller 20, but rather an additional line 40 leads to the cooling drive units. Especially in the case of higher surrounding temperatures of about 40° C., which are not to be found in air conditioned spinning plants or in lands of high temperatures, the outlet cooling medium can still be relied upon for a satisfactory cooling of the drive units. Additionally, the cooling medium K, which is not yet exposed to heat, that is, the cold air, i.e. unused cooling medium K, can be branched off over an additional line 41 from the feed line 18 and likewise used for the cooling of the said driving units.

By means of the positioning of the roll pairs 5, 6, 7 in the housing 15, it becomes necessary to cool only a relatively smaller zone, so that an appropriate operational temperature can be achieved economically and with a small consumption of energy. Thermal influences of neighboring components and issuing heat from the surroundings are blocked by the housing 15. The drafting of optional material of fiber bands FB′ is, in this individual manner, entirely possible even at high delivery rates. Operational process interruptions by swinging climatic conditions in the surroundings of the preparatory machine for spinning 1 are likewise greatly repressed, so that a machine of this type, in comparison with other known machines, assures increased production loads. If the drafting of colored material is to be expected, then it is possible that by means of the cooling, alterations of temperature sensitive coloring pigments can be prevented.

The temperature controller 20 incorporates a control apparatus 21 so that the operational temperature in the draft system 4 can be regulated within defined parameters. The loading of the cooling, in such a situation, can be dependent upon the temperatures at the upper rolls 5a (or 6a) and 7a, which are provided with sensors 25 for this purpose. Additionally, the humidity in the drafting zone can be adjusted to a specified level. The temperature controller 20 can, however, be interconnected with a control apparatus, which enables a simple matching to different operational conditions. If the temperature controller 20 is formed from an air conditioning unit, this can be used in a very simple way, in order that the draft system can be warmed to a specified temperature level before start-up of operation. In this way, in any operational state of the machine, optimal conditions can be brought about for drafting.

A particular effective cooling of the roll pairs 5, 6, 7 can be reached if the cooling medium K of the temperature controller 20 is directed directly upon the upper rolls 5a, 6a, 7a of the draft system 4. This is shown in FIG. 2. In this arrangement, a cold air source is placed in the housing 15, which produces coolant flow through a plurality of diversion ducts to the upper rolls 5a, 6a, 7a. In accord with the arrangement of the cold air source, it is possible that individual areas can be targeted for cooling, whereby even an arrangement of several cold air sources within the housing 15 becomes possible. Likewise, the cold air source can be so positioned that the roll pairs 5, 6, 7 can be subjected to flow from only one duct of cold air. A cold air source of this nature can be placed for defined cooling of individual components and be installed auxiliary to a central or a decentralized temperature controller 20.

In the present embodiment, the openings 22, 23 to accommodate the fiber material are sealed off by rubber collars or rounded off stainless steel edges 27 to block out incursion of outside interfering influences. For the opening of the housing 15, for instance for maintenance purposes, the housing is designed to be of two parts, with a removable upper part 15a as well as an under part 15b integrated with the machine 1.

At the opening 17 in the presented embodiment, an outlet 18 is connected. This can be, for instance, connected to a suction source, in order that the cold air, which has been warmed within the housing can be removed. Alternative to this (but not shown), the opening 17 can lead directly to the surrounding free air, that is, no outlet line is provided. By means of the opening 16, it is possible for the source of cold air to feed in air which has not yet been cooled. Instead of the cold air source which is depicted here, another temperature controller 20 can be provided in or on the housing 15, whereby the opening 16 would be connected to the temperature controller 20. The opening 17 can, as explained above, be connected to a suction source, discharge directly to the room surroundings, or be run back by an outlet line 18 to the temperature controller 20 as is demonstrated in FIG. 1. Also, the supplied air source can, for instance, serve for warming the housing 15 at the beginning of the process.

FIG. 3 shows a detail presentation of the roll pairs 5, 6, 7 of a draft system 4. The roll pairs 5, 6, 7 are also mounted within the housing 15 (housing not shown). The temperature controller 20 for the cooling of the rolls 5, 6, 7 and the housing 15, in this case, is so connected to the interior of an at least partially hollow pressure bar 8, that the cooling medium K can be introduced through at least one outlet opening into a higher thermally-loaded zone of the main draw field of the main drawing field. In order to achieve a uniform cooling of the roll pairs 5, 6, 7, it is possible that a plurality of pressure bars 8 can be put to use at or between each two of the roll pairs 5, 6, 7. This is indicated in FIG. 3 by dotted lines. The inlet apparatuses 24 can, for example, be of hollow, rigid construction with one or more outlet openings 29. By means of these openings 29, the cooling medium K can be targeted onto the to-be-cooled rolls so that an effective cooling results. The outlet openings 29 of an inlet apparatus 24 can be aimed directly upon the upstream and downstream rolls. The output openings 29 for the one and the other rolls can thus be angularly located, relative to one another (seen by cross-sectional observation.)

It is of particular advantage if the inlet apparatuses 24 are placed in pairs between the rolls, so that the upper rolls 5a, 6a, 7a and the under rolls 5b, 6b, 7b are subjected to cooling medium K at each inlet apparatus. The inlet apparatuses 24 possess, in accord with an advantageous embodiment contour, no touching contact with the fiber band FB′, as may be seen in FIG. 3.

Above the draft system is a conventional suction collection line 30, which, with the aid of a remotely attached suction source 31 (this source being only schematically indicated) transports fibers, dirt and heat away from the draft system zone. Along with the cooling, this arrangement allows a satisfactory removal of fiber material and dirt out of the principal drawing field HF, since contamination and foreign particulate is eliminated by the cooling medium K feeding into the suction collection line 30.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a housing 15. The openings 16, 17 for the inlet and outlet of the cooling medium K are so ordered in this case that the housing 15 experiences a through-flow from upstream, i.e., the same as the drawing direction. In order that an especially uniform through-flow and cooling of the draft system 4 can be reached, the housing 15 is provided with two openings, namely 16, 17, for the inlet and the outlet of the cooling medium K. The cooling medium K passes through a least one temperature controller 20 by means of the openings 16 into the said housing 15. By means of this design, two parallel flows are formed, so that the upper rolls 5a, 6a, 7a and the under rolls 5b, 6b, 7b are evenly cooled. The air flow, that is the flow of cooling means, reliably removes the accumulated heat in the draw fields VF, HF. Moreover, fibers and contamination from the draw fields VF, HF are removed by the flow of cooling medium so that no additional suction or blower apparatuses need be used. The flowing cooling medium K, as well as the therein carried fiber and contamination particulates, find exit through openings 17, so being freed of the housing 15.

A housing 15 in a further alternative embodiment in accord with the invention is of two parts, as presented in FIG. 5, wherein the interior of the housing 15 is subjected to the through-flow of a cooling medium K from upstream. Additionally, above the rolls 5, 6, 7 is installed a suction collection line 30 with a remote suction source 31 for the removal of fibers and contamination out of the drawing fields VF HF. The housing 15 possesses in this instance, an additional opening 40. Instead of the suction removal line 30, it is possible to substitute a direct blowing source.

FIG. 6 demonstrates an embodiment of the two-part housing 15 wherein the top part 15a, in which the inlet and the outlet openings 16, 17 are provided, is pivotal (see arrow “f₁”). The top part 15a is connected to a structural arm 32 so that by the pivoting upward of the structural arm 32 about an axis 35, the interior of the housing 15 is made available. The top part 15a can be solidly affixed to the structural arm 32, or it can be releasably fastened thereto. The bottom piece 15b is integral with the preparatory machine for spinning 1. In the present example, even the calendar rolls 11, 12, where substantial amounts of heat are generated, are placed within the housing 15. In order to assure access to the draft system 4 from the top side as well as proximal to the structural arm 32, the housing 15 has been furnished with a pivotal flap 33 rotating about an axis 34 (for this see FIG. 6, designation f₂). This flap 33 may be of a transparent material to enable visual monitoring of the drafting process when the housing 15 is in the closed position. The reference number 36 represents a plastic, spacing gasket, which serves as a sealing device to maintain a high degree of tightness for the housing 15.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic presentation of the at least one temperature controller 20 for the temperature adjustment of an invented housing 15. The temperature controller 20 is supplied with compressed air by a connection piece 37. By an irreversible, adiabatic expansion in the interior of the said temperature controller 20, the cold air K is generated, which can flow out of the temperature controller 20 through outlet fitting 38. With incoming, raw air at a constant pressure and temperature, it is possible that resulting cold air K itself can also be produced at a reliable, constant temperature. By means of an adjusting valve 39 the temperature as well as the rate of generated flow of the cold air K can be regulated. With such a temperature controller 20, it is possible that operational temperature in the interior of the housing 15 can be maintained in a simple space saving, economical manner. The temperature controller 20, in this case, can be located in or on the housing 15. Likewise, arrangements of a plurality of temperature controllers 20 is possible.

This invention is not limited to the here presented embodiment examples. There are many more alternatives of the invention and combinations acceptable within the framework of the invention.

Claims

1-36. (canceled)

37. A spinning preparatory machine for drafting fiber bands, comprising:

a plurality of drafting roll pairs, wherein each said roll pair comprises an upper roll and a lower roll, said machine comprising drive units for said roll pairs;

a housing, said roll pairs disposed within said housing, said housing having a configuration so as to isolates said roll pairs from said drive units; and

at least one temperature controller associated with said housing to supply a conditioning medium to heat or cool an interior space of said housing.

38. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said housing further isolates said roll pairs from ambient air around said machine.

39. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller supplies said medium to maintain a generally constant desired temperature within said interior space of said housing.

40. The machine as in claim 39, wherein said temperature controller is adjustable between different desired temperatures within said interior space of said housing.

41. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller comprises a heat source.

42. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller comprises a cooling source.

43. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller is a remotely located central conditioning unit associated with a plurality of said machines.

44. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller is a dedicated controller for said machine and is disposed on or in said machine.

45. The machine as in claim 44, wherein said temperature controller is disposed within said housing.

46. The machine as in claim 37, further comprising at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening in said housing for supply and removal of said conditioning medium from said temperature controller.

47. The machine as in claim 37, further comprising at least one generally hollow pressure bar within said housing adjacent a main draft zone between said roll pairs, said pressure bar supplied with said conditioning medium and having at least one opening for directing said conditioning medium into said interior space of said housing.

48. The machine as in claim 37, further comprising at least one generally hollow entry bar within said housing adjacent a pre-drafting zone between said roll pairs, said entry bar supplied with said conditioning medium and having at least one opening for directing said conditioning medium into said interior space of said housing.

49. The machine as in claim 48, wherein said opening is oriented so as to direct said conditioning medium directly onto a roll of one of said roll pairs.

50. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said conditioning medium is a cooling air flow directed within said interior of said housing onto said upper rolls of said roll pairs.

51. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said conditioning medium is an air flow directed within said interior of said housing contrary to a conveying direction of the fiber band through said roll pairs.

52. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said conditioning medium is an air flow directed within said interior of said housing along a conveying direction of the fiber band through said roll pairs.

53. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said conditioning medium is an air flow directed within said interior of said housing at locations so as to entrain and remove loose fibers and contaminants from said interior of said housing.

54. The machine as in claim 53, further comprising a suction device in communication with said interior of said housing.

55. The machine as in claim 53, wherein said conditioning medium is a pressurized air flow from said temperature controller.

56. The machine as in claim 37, wherein said temperature controller comprises an electronic regulating system.

57. The machine as in claim 37, further comprising at least one sensor disposed within said interior of said housing and in communication with said temperature controller, said temperature controller supplying said conditioning medium as a function of conditions within said interior of said housing sensed by said sensor.

58. A housing for a draft system of a spinning preparatory machine having a drafting system that includes a plurality of roll pairs, said housing a configuration so as to encapsulate and isolate the roll pairs from ambient air and drive components of the spinning preparatory machine, said housing comprising at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening for a fiber band drafted by the roll pairs, and at least one inlet opening for supply of a conditioning medium into an interior space of said housing and one outlet opening for removal of the conditioning medium.

59. The housing as in claim 58, wherein said conditioning medium inlet and outlet openings are disposed such that flow of the conditioning medium through said housing is contrary to a conveying direction of a fiber band through said housing.

60. The housing as in claim 58, wherein at least a portion of said housing is generally transparent.

61. The housing as in claim 58, wherein said housing comprises a bottom part and a top part movable relative to said bottom part to provide access into an interior space of said housing.

62. The housing as in claim 61, wherein said top part is pivotal relative to said bottom part.

63. The housing as in claim 58, wherein said housing comprises a top part and a bottom part, said top part attached to a structural arm, said structural arm supporting top rolls of the drafting system roll pairs.

64. The housing as in claim 63, wherein said top part further comprises a pivotal flap to provide access into an interior space of said housing.

65. The housing as in claim 58, wherein said housing comprises at least one additional opening for communication with a suction source.

66. A pressure bar use in a drafting system of a spinning preparatory machine having a plurality of roll pairs wherein said pressure bar is placed in a draft zone between roll pairs, said pressure bar comprising a generally hollow interior configured for communication with a source of conditioning air flow, and at least one opening for directing the conditioning medium out from said hollow interior and towards a roll pair of the drafting system.