EP3075690B1 - A method and a device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, and a knitting machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine according to the preambles of the independent claims and a corresponding knitting machine.

In knitting technology, monitoring of ongoing production is often desired. This is from the EP 0 752 631 B1 known to monitor the supply of a plurality of threads in a textile machine. Sensor devices are provided which detect the state of the feed of the threads with which they are fed to the machine, in particular the movement or the stopping, the tension and the speed of the threads. The sensor devices are connected to a control unit which controls the operation of the machine on the basis of the sensor signals. The control unit is connected to the sensor devices via at least one communication conductor.

The control unit queries the sensor devices individually on the basis of a periodic reference signal, which is a function of the operating position of the textile machine, for the data relating to the state of the feed of the threads. The control unit controls the operation of the textile machine with the data from the sensor devices. It interrupts the operation of the textile machine if there is a difference between the data received from at least one sensor device and the corresponding stored data.

A production monitoring / setting device and a corresponding method for a knitting machine, in particular a circular knitting machine, are shown in FIG EP 1 370 720 B1 described. The device comprises several knitting systems, several delivery devices and a computerized unit, the delivery devices being connected to the computerized unit. The production monitoring / setting device receives trigger signals.

In operation, yarn is delivered to the active knitting systems from multiple non-positive delivery devices according to at least two differing yarn delivery principles. The individual yarn quantities are continuously measured on the delivery devices on the basis of scanned actual rotation signals. The individual amounts of yarn are compared in the computerized unit with the desired amounts of yarn, for example a master piece, and information and / or adjustment measures are derived from the comparisons. Tolerance ranges are defined for the comparisons, the width of which is matched to yarn quality and / or yarn path parameters. Exceeding the different tolerance ranges will trigger different measures, such as alarm signals, Adjustment measures or switching off the knitting machine. The individual amounts of yarn are also used to determine a total amount of yarn and / or a yarn weight, whereby they are converted or converted into the same amount or weight units.

The knitting machine with its machine control, the production monitoring / setting device and the delivery devices are linked via a bus system, e.g. a CAN bus system or a daisy chain.

In the above-mentioned documents, individual data on the status of the thread feed ( EP 0 752 631 B1 ) or by quantities of yarn ( EP 1 370 720 B1 ) recorded. In a central control unit, to which a synchronization signal called a reference signal or Trig.Signal is fed, the data are evaluated and used for controlling and, if necessary, for interrupting the operation of the knitting machine.

In the case of the EP 1 370 720 Production monitoring described on the basis of individual amounts of yarn, amounts of yarn of a certain size are compared with their target amounts of yarn. The individual yarn quantities are determined, for example, for knitting paths that correspond to one or more revolutions of the knitting cylinder of the circular knitting machine.

It is also, for example, from the WO 2008/083691 A1 known to use mechanical thread sensors on a thread feeder for production monitoring which, for example, generate a stop signal for the knitting machine when the thread breaks.

the EP 2 270 269 B1 describes a method of detecting the stoppage of yarn unwinding from a yarn feeder to a downstream machine. The yarn feeder has a stationary drum and a sensor, the sensor signal of which generates a pulse for each loop unwound from the drum. The machine is stopped if a measured time since the last pulse exceeds a setpoint for the period between two pulses. The setpoint is updated in real time as a function of the yarn unwinding speed.

The one in the EP 2 270 269 B1 described method, it is expensive to determine the respective yarn unwinding speed very quickly in real time. In particular, it is time-consuming to determine the time between two pulses and the setpoint as a function of the withdrawal speed.

the DE 10 2012 103 535 B3 describes a method for checking production quantities of a knitting machine, which are determined from yarn lengths delivered within a time interval.

An Indian EP 2 415 916 B1 The test procedure described uses the measuring impulses of a trigger sensor. For this purpose, the time interval between 2 measuring pulses is measured and compared with a threshold value. The threshold value as a function of the yarn withdrawal speed is updated in real time. A stop signal is generated when the threshold value is overwritten.

The object of the invention is to improve a method and a device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine. In particular, it is the object of the invention to enable the knitting machine to be stopped quickly in the event of a thread standstill or thread breakage with little effort.

The problem is solved by the independent claims.

A method according to the invention relates to the monitoring of the production of a knitting machine. A knitting machine is designed, for example, as a circular knitting machine or a flat knitting machine.

A circular knitting machine has several or a large number of identical or different thread feeding devices. Yarn feeding devices are, for example, positive thread feeding devices, thread tension-controlled thread feeding devices or storage thread feeding devices. These thread feeders are used, for example, when knitting goods with patterns are made.

The thread delivery takes place with storage thread feeders, in which the thread is drawn off a winding body.

In the case of yarn tension-controlled yarn feeders, the yarn is delivered by delivering the yarn via a driven bobbin. The thread tension is measured and regulated by changing the rotational speed of the winding body.

The thread delivery of the Postiv thread feeder is a feed of the thread synchronous to the speed of the knitting machine. The bobbins of the positive yarn feeders are driven by the drive of the knitting machine, e.g. via a gear unit and toothed belt.

For example, jacquard or striping machines are used to produce knitted goods with patterns. In jacquard machines, a thread feed device is assigned to a knitting point. In ring machines, two or more thread feeding devices are assigned to a knitting point, which alternately or simultaneously deliver different, e.g. differently colored, threads to the knitting point. The thread feed devices assigned to a knitting point are referred to as a group of thread feed devices.

The invention relates to a method for monitoring the thread delivery of at least two thread feeding devices or at least two groups of at least two thread feeding devices, ie the thread delivery for at least two knitting stations.

A sensor signal with a measuring pulse per unit length of a thread delivery path is generated for each of the delivering yarn feeders by a sensor device which is arranged in the yarn feeder path of the yarn feeder. The sensor signals generated are checked by a control device. If necessary, a stop signal for the knitting machine is generated by the control device.

To monitor a group of thread feeding devices, a check is made as to whether at least one of the sensor signals from their thread feeding devices indicates a thread delivery.

In order to check the sensor signals of the thread feeding devices or the groups, the control device is provided with test events by a clock unit.

A test event is an event after the occurrence of which the checking of the sensor signals is started by the control device.

At each test event, the control device checks whether at least one measuring pulse has been generated by the sensor devices from each of the thread feed devices or each of the groups in the case of the sensor signals.

A test event is determined by the clock unit from the sensor signals from at least two yarn feeding devices or from the sensor signals from at least two groups of yarn feeding devices. The thread feeding devices, the sensor signals of which are used by the clock unit to determine the test events, are called monitor thread feeding devices. Accordingly, the groups used to determine the test events are called monitor groups.

To check the sensor signals, the number of measuring pulses is determined for each thread feeder or for each group during the determination of a test event. The number of measuring pulses is set to zero after a check.

The checking of the sensor signals is triggered by a test event which has been determined by the clock unit from the sensor signals themselves, namely from sensor signals from at least two monitor thread feeders or at least two monitor groups. This enables the knitting machine to be stopped quickly in the event of a thread standstill or thread breakage with little effort, namely with the aid of sensor signals to be checked.

Sensor signals from several, ie from at least two, monitor thread delivery devices or monitor groups are used to determine a test result. different ways of working of the knitting points such as knitting or floating can be taken into account

In one embodiment, 4 to 16 monitor thread feeders or monitor groups are used. This enables a reliable determination of the test results with different working methods of the knitting points or with failure of a monitor thread feeder or a monitor group.

In one embodiment, all thread feed devices or all groups are used as monitor thread feed devices or monitor groups. This is the case, for example, when only a few, for example up to 16, thread feed devices or groups are monitored.

In one embodiment, a test event is determined by the clock unit when the sensor signals from N of the monitor thread feeders or from N monitor groups have in each case fed to the clock unit at least M measurement pulses.

The number M of measuring pulses to be supplied by a sensor signal of a monitor thread feeder or by a monitor group is at least 2. The number M of measuring pulses is preferably 2 to 5.

The number N of monitor thread delivery devices or monitor groups, of which M measurement pulses are to be delivered, is at least 1. The number N is preferably 1 to 10.

A stop signal is generated faster the lower the numbers N and M are. With very low numbers, however, the risk of incorrect shutdown increases.

If, in one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises two thread feeding devices, then both are also monitor thread feeding devices, i.e. the sensor signals of both thread feeding devices are made available to the clock unit. A test pulse is generated, for example, when one of the sensor signals S has sent two measuring pulses to the clock unit, the number N of sensor signals being set to 1 and the number M of measuring pulses being set to 2. The same applies to an embodiment of the monitoring device with two groups of yarn feeding devices.

In one embodiment, the test events are made available to the control device as test commands by the clock unit. As a test command z. B. denotes a program command by means of which a program of the control device which carries out the checking of the sensor signals is started. A test command is generated by the clock unit if it has determined a test event.

In one embodiment, the test events are made available to the control device by the clock unit as test pulses of a test signal. A test pulse of the test signal is generated by the clock unit if a test event was determined by it.

In an alternative, the sensor signals are checked in separate control units of the control device. Each of the separate control units is assigned to a yarn feeding device, with the sensor signal from the yarn feeding device being fed to it. The control units are, for example, integrated into the yarn feeders. To check all separate control units z. B. provided a test signal with test pulses. With each test pulse, the separate control units check whether at least one measurement pulse has been generated in the sensor signal. If necessary, for example if this is not the case, the respective separate control unit generates a stop signal for the knitting machine.

In a further alternative, the sensor signals are checked in a central control unit of the control device. For this purpose, the sensor signals are sent to the central control unit. The test events determined by the clock unit are also made available to the central control unit. With each test event, the central control unit checks whether at least one measuring pulse has been generated for each sensor signal. If necessary, it generates a stop signal for the knitting machine. In one embodiment, the test events are made available to the central control unit as test pulses of the test signal.

In one embodiment, the unit of length of the thread delivery path corresponds to a yarn turn unwound from a winding body of the thread feeder or to a part of the unwound yarn turn. The yarn turns are passively unwound in storage yarn feeders, namely drawn off by the knitting machine. In the case of yarn tension-controlled yarn feeders and positive yarn feeders, the yarn windings are actively withdrawn, namely supplied by driven bobbins.

In one embodiment, different yarn feeding devices are monitored. Measurement pulses from their sensor devices that are matched to one another are used. In an alternative, the length units that are processed per measuring pulse are the same for the various yarn feeders.

The devices according to the invention described below have features and advantages corresponding to the method according to the invention.

A device according to the invention for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, hereinafter a monitoring device, comprises at least two thread feeding devices, each of which is assigned a sensor device. Each sensor device is designed to generate a sensor signal with one measuring pulse per unit length of a thread delivery path.

The monitoring device comprises a control device which is designed to check the sensor signals of the sensor devices. If necessary, the control device generates a stop signal for the knitting machine.

The monitoring device comprises a clock unit which is designed to make a test event available to the control device.

The clock unit is designed to determine test events from sensor signals from at least two of the yarn feeders, referred to as monitor thread feeders, or from at least two of the groups, referred to as monitor groups.

The control device is designed to check for each test event whether at least one measuring pulse has been generated for the sensor signals of each thread feeder or each group.

In one embodiment, the clock unit is connected to the sensor devices of 4 to 16 monitor thread delivery devices or monitor groups.

In one embodiment, the clock unit is designed to determine a test event if M measurement pulses have been supplied to it by the sensor signals from N of the monitor thread feeders or from N of the monitor groups, where N is at least 1 and M is at least 2.

In one embodiment, the clock unit is designed to provide the control unit with the test events as test commands. The clock unit is designed to generate a test command each time a test event has been determined.

In one embodiment, the clock unit is designed to provide the control device with the test results as test pulses of a test signal. The clock unit is designed to generate a test pulse each time a test event has been determined.

In an alternative, the control device has separate control units which are each connected to the sensor devices of the thread feeder devices. The separate Control units are connected to the clock unit for receiving the test signal with the test pulses.

In a further alternative, the control device has a central control unit. The central control unit is connected to the sensor devices of the yarn feeding devices for receiving the sensor signals from all monitored yarn feeding devices. The central control unit is connected to the clock unit for receiving the test events. In an alternative, the central control unit is connected to the clock unit for receiving a test signal with test pulses.

In a further alternative, the control unit is connected to the clock unit for receiving a test command. The central control unit and the clock unit are z. B. designed as program units.

In one embodiment, the thread feeding devices have winding bodies, the unit of length of the thread delivery path corresponding to a yarn turn unwound from the winding body or to a part of the yarn turn.

A knitting machine according to the invention is provided with one of the described monitoring devices according to the invention.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer Rundstrickmaschine mit Elementen erfindungsgemäßer Vorrichtungen;
• Fig. 2 ein Speicher-Fadenliefergerät;
• Fig. 3 ein Blockdiagramm einer Rundstrickmaschine (Jacquardmaschine) mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung eines ersten Beispiels;
• Fig. 4 ein Blockdiagramm der Überwachungsvorrichtung des ersten Beispiels;
• Fig. 5 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Erzeugung eines Prüfsignals durch die Takteinheit des ersten Beispiels;
• Fig. 6 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Überprüfung eines Sensorsignals durch eine separate Kontrolleinheit des ersten Beispiels;
• Fig. 7 ein Blockdiagramm der Überwachungsvorrichtung eines zweiten Beispiels;
• Fig. 8 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Erzeugung eines Prüfsignals durch die Takteinheit des zweiten Beispiels;
• Fig. 9 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Überprüfung der Sensorsignale durch eine zentrale Kontrolleinheit des zweiten Beispiels;
• Fig. 10 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Überprüfung der Sensorsignale durch eine zentrale Kontrolleinheit eines dritten Beispiels;
• Fig. 11 ein Blockdiagramm einer Rundstrickmaschine (Ringelmaschine) mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Überwachungsvorrichtung eines vierten Beispiels;
• Fig. 12 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Erzeugung eines Prüfsignals durch die Takteinheit des vierten Beispiels; und
• Fig. 13 ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Überprüfung der Sensorsignale durch eine zentrale Kontrolleinheit des vierten Beispiels.

The invention is explained further with reference to examples shown schematically in the drawing. Show it:

• Figure 1 a schematic view of a circular knitting machine with elements of devices according to the invention;
• Fig. 2 a storage yarn feeder;
• Fig. 3 a block diagram of a circular knitting machine (jacquard machine) with a monitoring device according to the invention of a first example;
• Fig. 4 a block diagram of the monitoring apparatus of the first example;
• Fig. 5 a flowchart of a generation of a test signal by the clock unit of the first example;
• Fig. 6 a flowchart of a check of a sensor signal by a separate control unit of the first example;
• Fig. 7 a block diagram of the monitoring device of a second example;
• Fig. 8 a flowchart of a generation of a test signal by the clock unit of the second example;
• Fig. 9 a flowchart of a check of the sensor signals by a central control unit of the second example;
• Fig. 10 a flowchart of a check of the sensor signals by a central control unit of a third example;
• Fig. 11 a block diagram of a circular knitting machine (ring machine) with a monitoring device according to the invention of a fourth example;
• Fig. 12 a flowchart of a generation of a test signal by the clock unit of the fourth example; and
• Fig. 13 a flow chart of a check of the sensor signals by a central control unit of the fourth example.

First example

A device according to the invention is provided for monitoring the production of a circular knitting machine 1.

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the circular knitting machine 1 with elements of devices according to the invention for monitoring the production of the knitting machine, hereinafter referred to as monitoring devices.

The circular knitting machine 1 has several yarn feeders, specifically as storage yarn feeders 2, as tension-controlled yarn feeders 3 and as positive yarn feeders 4.

The thread feeding devices 2, 3, 4 are arranged on several carrier rings 5 of the circular knitting machines 1. In Figure 1 only a few of the yarn feeders are shown, with three storage yarn feeders 2 on an upper carrier ring 5, three yarn tension-controlled yarn feeders 3 on a middle carrier ring 5 and three positive yarn feeders 4 on a lower carrier ring 5.

The circular knitting machine 1 has, for example for the production of a patterned knit, for example a jacquard knit, several knitting points 6 on its knitting device, each knitting point 6 being assigned a thread feed device, for example. The knitting device comprises e.g. B. a knitting cylinder 7, which in Figure 1 is covered by rope locks 8 and is indicated as an arrow. Figure 1 also shows that a thread 9 is fed to the knitting station 6 by a storage thread feeder 2.

In a circular knitting machine 1, the knitting device is known to be rotatably arranged in a frame 10 which is surrounded by a housing 11 in the area below the knitting device and to which the carrier rings 5 are attached in the area above the knitting device. A machine controller 12, among others. for a drive of the knitting device, which cannot be seen, is arranged next to the housing 10.

A monitoring device according to the invention of the first example is provided for a jacquard knitting machine. It comprises at least two storage thread feeding devices 2 and a control unit 13. The control unit 13 is like Figure 1 shows, attached to a central part of the frame 11 of the circular knitting machine 1, for example removable.

Figure 2 shows a storage yarn feeder 2 with a winding body designed as a storage drum 14.

The stationary storage drum 14 is arranged in front of a housing 15. At the inlet end of the storage drum 14, a winding element 16 for winding yarn turns onto the storage drum 14 is arranged. At the other end, i.e. at the outlet end, of the storage drum 14, a cone brake 17 is provided, for example. The cone brake 17 is supported by an arm 18 of the housing 15.

A sensor device 19 and a separate control unit 20 are assigned to the storage yarn feeding device 2.

The sensor device 19 is designed to generate a sensor signal with one measuring pulse I per unit length of a thread delivery path ΔXF. In this example, the unit of length of the thread delivery path .DELTA.XF corresponds to a thread turn withdrawn from the storage drum 14. The sensor device 19 is designed, for example, as an optical sensor which generates a measuring pulse I for each yarn winding that is drawn off, i.e. passively unwound. In one example, the circumference of the storage drum 14 and thus the length of a thread turn is 20 cm, i.e. the length unit of the thread delivery path ΔXF is 20 cm.

The separate control unit 20 comprises, for example, a microprocessor. It is designed as an electronic component and / or program units.

The separate control unit 20 is designed to check the sensor signal S of the sensor device 19 and, if necessary, to generate a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1. The separate control unit 20 is in the housing 15 and thus in the Storage thread feeder 2 integrated, but in Figure 2 shown separately for clarity.

Figure 3 Fig. 13 shows a block diagram of the circular knitting machine 1 with the monitoring device of the first example. In Figure 3 eight of the storage thread feeding devices 2 and the control unit 13 of the monitoring device can be seen. The storage thread delivery devices 2 are connected to one another and to the control unit 13 via a communication link 21.

The communication connection 21 is designed as two lines and guided on the carrier rings 5 and on parts of the frame 11. The communication link 21 is in Figure 1 not shown. Data is exchanged between the connected devices via the communication link 21. The communication connection 21 is designed, for example, as two lines of a CAN-BUS connection via which serial data transmission takes place.

The number J of storage thread feeders 2 is 2 to 126, or more than 126, of which at least 2, preferably 4 to 16, are used as monitor thread feeders.

In this example, the monitoring device comprises 48 storage thread feeding devices 2 with their sensor devices 19, i.e. the number J of storage thread feeding devices is 48. Of these storage thread feeding devices 2, 16 are used as monitor thread feeding devices.

The control unit 13 is connected to the circular knitting machine 1, specifically to its machine control 12, via a control connection 22. The control connection 22 is designed, for example, as a control line. Alternatively, like the communication connection 21, it is designed as a CAN-BUS connection.

The block diagram of the Figure 3 illustrates the path of a thread 9 from a thread bobbin 23 via the storage thread feeder 2 to one of the knitting stations 6 on the knitting cylinder 7 of the circular knitting machine 1.

Figure 4 FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of this monitoring device, only six of the storage yarn feeders 2, their sensor devices 19 and their separate control units 20 being visible.

A control device of the monitoring device is formed, inter alia, by the separate control units 20 of the storage yarn feeder 2. The control device also comprises a control unit K integrated in the control unit 13 for forwarding a stop signal ST to one of the separate control units 20.

The monitoring device comprises a clock unit T, which is also integrated in the control unit 13. The control unit 13 is in Figure 4 represented by a dashed line around the clock unit T and the control unit K.

The clock unit T is connected to the sensor devices 19 of the 16 monitor thread feeders. In Figure 4 it can be seen that the clock unit T is connected to the sensor devices 19 of the three left storage thread feeding devices 2 used as monitor thread feeding devices via the control connection 21.

The clock unit T is designed to determine test results from the sensor signals S of the monitor thread feeding devices and to make them available as test pulses T3 of a test signal S3. That is, the clock unit is designed to generate test pulses T3 of a test signal S3. In particular, the clock unit T is designed to generate a test pulse T3 in each case when at least M measurement pulses I have been fed to the clock unit T from at least N of the sensor signals S of the monitor thread feeder devices.

The separate control units 20 are connected to the clock unit T for receiving the test signal S3. Each of the separate control units 20 is designed to check for each test pulse T3 of the test signal S3 whether at least one measurement pulse I has been generated for its own sensor signal S. It is designed to generate a stop signal ST and to send it to the control unit K if this is not the case. The control unit K is designed to forward the stop signal ST via the control connection 22 to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1.

The control unit 13 is designed as an electronic device and is provided with a microprocessor, for example. The clock unit T and the control unit K are designed as electronic components and / or program units of the control unit 13.

In operation, the thread delivery of all storage thread delivery devices 2 is monitored in order to monitor the circular knitting machine 1. For each thread feeding device 2, the respective sensor device 19 generates a sensor signal S with a measuring pulse I per unit length of the thread delivery path ΔXF, i.e. per thread turn withdrawn from the storage drum 14 of the storage thread feeding device 2. The respective separate control unit 20 checks the sensor signal S by checking whether at least one measuring pulse I has been generated for each test pulse T3. It generates a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 if this is not the case.

The test events are determined by the clock unit T from the sensor signals S of the monitor thread supply devices and made available as test pulses T3 of a test signal S3. I. E. test pulses T3 are generated by the clock unit T. A test pulse T3 is generated when at least M measuring pulses I have been fed to the clock unit T from at least N of the sensor signals S from the monitor thread feeder.

The number N of sensor signals is at least one, preferably 1 to 10. The number M of measurement pulses is at least two, preferably 2 to 5.

In this example, the number M of measuring pulses is set to 3 and the number N of sensor signals to 2.

In an alternative, the numbers N and M can be set variably depending on the quality of the threads and / or the goods and / or other sizes.

Figure 5 shows the generation of a test pulse T3 by the clock unit T from the sensor signals S of the monitor thread feeder using a flow chart.

When a measuring pulse li of the sensor signal S of the i-th monitor thread feeder is received, the number Mi of measuring pulses of this sensor signal S is increased: Mi = Mi + 1.

If the number Mi corresponds to the specified number M or is greater, a number NF of the sensor signals S is increased: NF = NF +1. If this is not the case, the process is started again.

If the number NF of the sensor signals S corresponds to the specified number N or is greater, the clock unit T generates a test pulse T3 of the test signal S3.

Then all numbers Mi and the number NF are reset to zero. The generation of a test pulse T3 is started again.

Figure 6 shows the checking of a sensor signal S by the corresponding separate control unit 20 on the basis of a flow chart.

At the start of the monitoring process, ie at the start of the in Figure 5 Generation of a test pulse T3 shown by the clock unit T, the number of measurement pulses Mj of the sensor signal S supplied by the sensor device 19 is added up by the corresponding separate control unit 20. This is in Figure 6 not shown.

As soon as a test pulse T3 has been generated and supplied, the separate control unit 20 checks whether the number Mj of measurement pulses is greater than zero.

If this is not the case, a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 is generated by the control unit 20 and fed to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1 via the control connection 22.

After each check, the respective number Mj is set to zero by the separate control unit 20.

The checking of the sensor signal S is started again. A new test pulse T3 is waited for. Meanwhile, the measuring pulses I of the sensor device 19 are again added up in the number Mj.

The sensor signals S are checked in parallel by all of the separate control units 20.

In an alternative to the first example, the control unit 13 is integrated into the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1.

In an alternative, the monitoring device comprises a plurality of thread tension-controlled thread feeding devices 3 with driven winding bodies.

A sensor device for a yarn tension-controlled yarn feeding device 3 is designed, for example, as an encoder which is arranged on the driven winding body. The encoder is designed to generate a sensor signal with measuring pulses for a specific angle of rotation of the winding body and thus for a specific thread delivery path ΔXF. The thread delivery path ΔXF of a measuring pulse corresponds to a thread turn or part of a thread turn that is actively unwound, i.e. delivered, by the bobbin.

In a further alternative, the monitoring device comprises both storage thread feeding devices 2 and / or thread tension-controlled thread feeding devices 3 and / or positive thread feeding devices.

A sensor device for a positive yarn feeder 4 is, for example, like that of the yarn tension-controlled yarn feeder, designed as an encoder on its winding body.

In one embodiment, when different yarn feeders are used in a monitoring device, their sensor devices are designed to be coordinated with one another, the measurement pulses for the different yarn feeders corresponding to the same yarn feed paths ΔXF.

Second example

The second example corresponds to that of the first example except for the features shown below.

Figure 7 Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the monitoring device of the second example. The monitoring device also comprises 48 monitored storage thread feeding devices 2 with their sensor devices 19. 16 of these storage thread feeding devices 2 are used as monitor thread feeding devices. In Figure 7 six of the storage yarn feeders 2 and their sensor devices 19 are shown. If necessary, separate control units for further control functions cannot be seen.

A control device of the monitoring device comprises a central control unit ZK, which is integrated together with the clock unit T in the control unit 13. The central control unit ZK is connected to all sensor devices 19 and internally, i.e. within the control unit 13, to the clock unit T via the communication link 21 for receiving the sensor signals S.

The central control unit ZK is designed to check for each test pulse T3 of the test signal S3 from the clock unit T whether at least one measurement pulse I has been generated for each sensor signal S of the monitored storage thread feeder 2. It is designed to generate a stop signal ST and to forward it to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1 via the control connection 22.

During operation, the central control unit ZK checks all sensor signals S as a function of the test pulses T3 made available to the control unit 13 by the clock unit T. It checks whether at least one measuring pulse I has been generated for each sensor signal S. If this is not the case with one of the sensor signals S, it generates a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 and sends it to the machine control 12.

Figure 8 shows the generation of a test pulse T3 by the clock unit T from the sensor signals S of the monitor thread feeder, which corresponds to that of the first example and there based on the Figure 5 is explained.

Figure 9 shows the checking of all sensor signals S by the central control unit ZK on the basis of a flow chart.

At the start of the monitoring process, ie at the start of the in Figure 8 Generation of a test pulse T3 shown by the clock unit T, the numbers Mj of the measurement pulses Ij of the sensor signals S supplied to the sensor device 19 are each summed up by the central control unit ZK. This is in Figure 9 not shown.

As soon as a test pulse T3 has been generated and supplied, the central control unit ZK checks for the sensor signals of the storage thread feeder 2 from j = 1 to j = J, whether the number Mj of measuring pulses Ij is greater than zero. As mentioned, the number J in this example is 48.

If this is not the case, a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 is generated by the central control unit and fed to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1 via the communication link 22.

After each check, the numbers Mj of the measuring pulses I of the sensor signals are set to zero.

The checking of the sensor signals S is started again. This means that a new test pulse T3 is waited for. Meanwhile, the measuring pulses Ij of the sensor devices 19 are again added up in the numbers Mj.

Third example

A monitoring device and a monitoring method of the third example correspond to those of the second example except for the features presented below.

In this example, the central control unit ZK and the clock unit T are integrated together in the control unit 13. The control unit 13 is connected through its connection to the communication link 21 with all storage thread feed devices 2 for receiving the sensor signals S from all sensor devices 19.

The clock unit T of the control unit 13 is connected to the sensor devices 19 of the monitor thread feeding devices. It is designed to determine test events from the sensor signals S of the 16 monitor thread delivery devices.

The central control unit ZK is connected to all sensor devices 19. It is designed to check for each test event made available by the clock unit T whether at least one measuring pulse I has been generated for the sensor signals S of each thread feeder 2. If this is not the case, it is designed to generate a stop signal ST and to forward it to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1 via the control connection 22.

The clock unit T and the central control unit ZK are designed, for example, as program units, the test events of the clock unit T being transferred to the central control unit ZK as test commands T3 *. A test signal with test pulses is not required in this example.

In operation, the yarn delivery of all storage yarn feeders 2 is monitored by the monitoring device.

Figure 10 shows the generation of a test event as test command T3 * by the clock unit T and the checking of all sensor signals S started by the test command T3 * by the central control unit ZK using a flowchart.

In this method, too, when the monitoring method starts, ie when a test event is started as a test command T3 * by the clock unit T, the numbers Mj of the measurement pulses Ij of the sensor signals S supplied by the sensor devices 19 are each added up. This is in the Figure 10 not shown.

When a measuring pulse li of the sensor signal S of the i-th monitor thread feeder is received, the number Mi of the measuring pulses li for this monitor thread feeder is increased by the clock unit: Mi = Mi + 1.

If the number Mi corresponds to the specified number M or is greater, the number NF of the sensor signals S of the monitor thread delivery devices, in which the number Mi of the measuring pulses li has reached the specified number M, is increased: NF = NF +1. If this is not the case, the process is started again.

If the number NF of sensor signals S corresponds to the specified number N or is greater, the clock unit T generates a test command T3 * for which the central control unit ZK waits. An explicit display of the test command T3 *, as indicated in the flow chart, is not necessary. It is essential that the clock unit T makes the test command T3 * available to the central control unit ZK and that it starts with the checking of all sensor signals S.

I. E. As soon as the test event has occurred, i.e. the above query of the number NF has been answered positively, the central control unit ZK checks for all of the J storage yarn feeders 2 whether the number Mj of measuring pulses Ij is greater than zero.

If this is not the case with one of the storage yarn feeders 2, a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 is generated by the central control unit ZK and fed to the circular knitting machine 1 via the control connection 22 of the machine controller 12.

After each check, the numbers Mi, the numbers Mj and the number NF are set to zero. The checking of the sensor signals S is started again.

Fourth example (ring knitting machine)

A monitoring device and a monitoring method of the third example correspond to those of the second example except for the features presented below.

Figure 11 shows a block diagram of the circular knitting machine 1 with a monitoring device according to the invention of the fourth example, which is provided for a ring knitting machine. In this example, the thread delivery of groups G is monitored by two storage thread delivery devices 2 in each case. The two storage thread feeders 2 of a group G supply threads 9 of different colors, for example. The number of storage thread feeders 2 is also 48, and thus the number JG of groups 24. 8 of the groups are used as monitor groups.

In Figure 11 four of the groups, each with two storage yarn feeders 2 and the control unit 13 of the monitoring device can be seen. The groups G are each identified by a dashed line. The two storage thread feeders 2 of a group G are each assigned to one of the knitting stations 6. At each of the knitting points 6, the circular knitting machine 1 has a ringing device 24 which is arranged in front of the knitting point 6 in the course of the thread. The ringing device 24 is designed to select one of the threads 9 of the two storage thread feeders 2 and to feed it to the knitting station 6.

During operation , the central control unit ZK checks the sensor signals S as a function of the test pulses T3 made available to the control unit 13 by the clock unit T. It checks whether at least one measuring pulse I has been generated for the sensor signals S of a group. If this is not the case with a group, it generates a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 and sends it to the machine control 12.

Figure 12 shows, using a flow chart, the generation of a test pulse T3 by the clock unit T from the sensor signals S of the monitor groups.

When a measuring pulse li of a sensor signal S of the i-th monitor group is received, the number Gi of measuring pulses li is increased: Gi = Gi + 1.

If the number Gi equals or is greater than the specified number M, the number NG of the groups G is increased: NG = NG +1. If this is not the case, the process is started again.

If the number NG of the groups G corresponds to the established number N or is greater, the clock unit T generates a test pulse T3 of the test signal S3.

The numbers Gi and the number NG are then reset to zero. The generation of a test pulse T3 is started again.

Figure 13 shows the checking of the sensor signals S of the groups G by the central control unit ZK on the basis of a flow chart.

At the start of the monitoring process, ie at the start of the in Figure 12 Generation of a test pulse T3 shown, the numbers Gj of the measurement pulses Ij of the sensor signals S supplied by the sensor device 19 are each summed up by the central control unit ZK. This is in Figure 13 not shown.

As soon as a test pulse T3 has been generated and supplied, the central control unit ZK checks for the sensor signals S of the groups from j = 1 to j = JG whether the number Gj of measurement pulses is greater than zero. As mentioned, the number JG in this example is 24.

If this is not the case, a stop signal ST for the circular knitting machine 1 is generated by the central control unit ZK and fed to the machine control 12 of the circular knitting machine 1 via the control connection 22.

After each check, the number Gj of measuring pulses I of the sensor signals S is set to zero.

The checking of the sensor signals S is started again. This means that a new test pulse T3 is waited for. In the meantime, the measuring pulses Ij of the groups are again added up in the numbers Gj.

List of reference symbols

1

Circular knitting machine

2

Storage thread feeder

3

tension controlled yarn feeding device

4th

Positive thread feeding device

5

Carrier ring

6th

Knitting point

7th

Knitting cylinder

8th

Castles

9

thread

10

frame

11th

casing

12th

Machine control

13th

Control unit

14th

Storage drum

15th

casing

16

Winding element

17th

Cone brake

18th

boom

19th

Sensor device

20th

Control unit

21

Communication link

22nd

Control connection

23

Spool of thread

24

Ring device

Claims (13)

1. A method for monitoring the production of a knitting machine, wherein the thread supply of at least two thread feeders (2, 3, 4) or at least two groups (G) of at least two thread feeders (2, 3, 4), that is, the thread supply for at least two knitting stations (6), is monitored,

   wherein, for each of the thread feeders (2, 3, 4), a sensor signal (S) with one measurement impulse (I) for each length unit of its thread-supply path (ΔXF) is generated by a sensor device (19), wherein the sensor signals (S) are monitored by a control device and, optionally, a stop signal (ST) for the knitting machine is generated,

   wherein test events are determined by a clock unit (T) from sensor signals (S) of at least two of the thread feeders (2, 3, 4), designated as monitor thread feeders, or from at least two of the groups, designated as monitor groups, and supplied to the control device, characterised in that, with every test event, the control device monitors whether at least one measurement impulse (I) has been generated in the sensor signals (S) of every thread feeder or of every group (G) and if not the stop signal (ST) is generated.
2. The method according to claim 1,
   characterised in that a test event is determined by the clock unit (T) in each case when M measurement impulses (I) have been supplied to the clock unit (T) by the sensor signals (S) from N of the monitor thread feeders or monitor groups, wherein N is at least 1, and M is at least
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the test events are supplied to the control device by the clock unit (T) as test impulses (T3) of a test signal (S3), wherein a test impulse (T3) of the test signal (S3) is generated by the clock unit (T) in each case when a test event has been determined.
4. The method according to claim 3,
   characterised in that the sensor signals (S) are monitored in separate control units (20) of the control device, which are each associated with a thread feeder (2, 3, 4) and to which its sensor signal (S) is supplied, wherein the test signal (S3) with the test impulses (T3) is supplied to all separate control units (20).
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,characterised in that the sensor signals (S) are monitored in a central control unit (ZK) of the control device, wherein the sensor signals (S) are supplied to the central control unit and the test events are supplied to it by the clock unit (T).
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterised in that the length unit of the thread-supply path (ΔXF) corresponds to one yarn winding unwound from a winding body (14) of the thread feeder or to a part of the unwound yarn winding.
7. A device for monitoring the production of a knitting machine with at least two thread feeders (2, 3, 4) or with at least two groups (G) of at least two thread feeders (2, 3, 4), that is, for the thread supply to at least two knitting stations (5),

   wherein one sensor device (19) is associated with each of the thread feeders (2, 3, 4), wherein each sensor device (19) is constituted to generate a sensor signal (S) with one measurement impulse (I) for each length unit of a thread-supply path (ΔXF),

   with a control device which is constituted to monitor the sensor signals (S) of the sensor devices (19) and, optionally, to generate a stop signal (ST) for the knitting machine,

   and with a clock unit (T), which is constituted to determine and to supply to the control device test events from sensor signals (S) of at least two of the thread feeders (2, 3, 4), designated as monitor thread feeders, or from at least two of the groups (G), designated as monitor groups,

   characterised in that the control device is constituted to test, with every test event, whether at least one measurement impulse (I) has been generated in the sensor signals (S) of every thread feeder (2, 3, 4) or every group (G) and if not to generate the stop signal (ST).
8. The device according to claim 7,
   characterised in that the clock unit (T) is constituted to determine a test event in each case when M measurement impulses (I) have been supplied to it by the sensor signals (S) from N of the monitor thread feeders or from N of the monitor groups, wherein N is at least 1, and M is at least 2.
9. The device according to claim 7 or 8,
   characterised in that the clock unit (T) is constituted to supply the test results as test impulses (T3) of a test signal (S3), wherein it is constituted to generate one test impulse (T3) in each case when a test event has been determined.
10. The device according to claim 9,

    characterised in that the control device comprises separate control units (20), which are each associated with the sensor device (19) of one thread feeder (2, 3, 4),

    and is connected to its sensor device (19), wherein the separate control units (20) are connected to the clock unit (T) for the reception of the test signal (S3).
11. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
    characterised in that the control device comprises a central control unit (ZK) which is connected to the sensor devices (19) of the thread feeders (2, 3, 4) and to the clock unit (T).
12. The device according to any one of claims 7 to 11,
    characterised in that the thread feeders (2, 3, 4) comprise winding bodies, wherein the length unit (ΔXF) of the thread-supply path corresponds to one yarn winding or to a part of the yarn winding unwound from the winding bodies.
13. A knitting machine with a device according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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