DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to textile industry. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a waste collection arrangement of textile spinning machine. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a suction unit for the textile machine.

BACKGROUND
Textile manufacturing is an industrial process which involves various operations such as but not limiting to converting raw fibrous materials, for example cotton. The preparatory/preliminary process involves transportation of raw fibre to processing sites (i.e. textile industry) where all the processing steps are performed to obtain the end-product. The raw stock which is transported is subjected to processes, including but not limiting to cleaning and scutching to get the raw fibre cleaned of its impurities. The cleaned stock is then subjected processes including but not limited to carding where lap of fibre is transformed into a rope (called sliver). A number of slivers (usually more than 4) are then combined into one sliver by drawing process on a draw frame. The sliver so combined is then subjected to further processes of spinning for producing yarn.

In the textile industry, textile machines, which are popularly known as speed frame machines (also known as fly frame or roving frames) are used to produce roving package from a feed sliver (i.e. a rope). Generally, sliver is an outcome product of a preparation machine, which is usually a draw frame. The draw frame combines several slivers into a single sliver having consistent size throughout its length. Since combining several slivers produces a thick rope of fibres, the slivers are transformed into rovings of small diameter. Rovings are thin fine strands/threads of fibres that are used in the spinning process. Before subjecting to spinning process, rovings are passed through roving frames which reduces the sliver to a much finer thread. This gives more twist to the fibre strand, making the strand even in thickness. The strand is then wound onto a smaller tube and is subjected to spinning.

Conventionally, the sliver delivered from the draw frame machine is stored in a sliver can, and is converted into rovings as described above. The roving is then sent to the speed/ring frame machine of the spinning industry to carry out spinning and other related operations. The steps involved in transformation of fibre from sliver into roving are as follows. A plurality of sliver cans, usually being arranged below the creel of the speed frame is used to feed the slivers through the creel guide rollers into the drafting unit of the speed frame machine. Here the feed sliver's linear density is being reduced to the required amount by giving a draft and thereby converted as a fibre band of having smaller diameter than the feed sliver. Said flyer device normally rotates at a speed of 1200 rpm (revolutions per minute) to 1800 rpm. A spindle drivingly associated with the flyer device holds the empty tube for winding the said twisted fibre band on it. This twisted fibre band is the roving or roving sliver and the whole package is called roving package or roving bobbin. Said roving bobbin is a supply feed material to the successive ring spinning machine where the roving is converted into yarn.

In the above described speed frame machine, the drafting unit plays an important role for converting the sliver into roving where majority fly waste and end breakage occur during operation. Hence, waste cleaning arrangements like ‘bottom roller cleaning apron’ and ‘broken end collection tube’ are employed in the textile machines. Such cleaning arrangements use negative pressure to collect the wastes and fly fibres. The bottom roller cleaning apron is cleaned by a suction mouth provided below the drafting arrangement. Both broken end collection tube and apron cleaning suction mouth are connected to a main suction duct of the machine. The suction is created in the main duct by a suction fan provided at one end of the machine, which is generally termed as off end of the textile machine. Since the suction fan is provided at the off end of the machine, the suction pressure in the suction duct is high at the off end and gradually decreases towards the other end (referred to as gear end). Hence, always a negative pressure variation exists along the length of the machine. This pressure drop will adversely affect the waste removal efficiency of the machine from the off end of the textile machine towards the gear end.

In recent past, efforts have been made to compensate the variation in suction pressure. Generally, textile machines are provided with heavy suction fan arrangement, so that the gear end of the machine is provided with sufficient suction pressure for effective waste removal. But this arrangement leads to unnecessary high pressure at the suction fan end and results in more power consumption, which are undesirable. Referring to FIG. 1 which illustrates a conventional waste collection duct for a textile machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the duct comprises a single passage (1) for suction flow. Since there is no means to regulate the suction pressure and subsequently, the suction flow, there is drop in suction pressure from suction end towards an opposite end of suction end/waste collection duct (50). This arrangement though leads to improved waste removal at the suction end, the waste removal efficiency gradually reduces towards the gear end, resulting in undesirable accumulation of waste for a significant length within the textile machine.

In light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved suction unit for a textile machine, to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
The one or more drawbacks of conventional waste collection arrangements in textile machines as described in the prior art are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the unit as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a suction unit for a textile machine. The suction unit comprises a plurality of suction ducts configured to receive waste from the textile machine. Each of the plurality of suction ducts is configured into a first chamber which is connectable to at least one waste outlet of the textile machine, and a second chamber which is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one suction device. The at least one suction device is configured to generate suction pressure inside the plurality of suction ducts. The unit also comprises at least one adjustable flap provisioned between the first chamber and the second chamber of each of the plurality of suction ducts.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an opening of each of the at least one adjustable flap provided in one of the plurality of suction ducts is different from opening of the at least one adjustable flap provided in at least one of other suction duct of the plurality of suction ducts.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of suction ducts is fluidly connected, and are arranged adjacent to each other along length of the textile machine.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second chamber of each of the plurality of suction ducts forms a common suction passage in the suction unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one suction device is provisioned in at least one end of the suction unit, and said end forms a suction end of the suction unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one suction device is at least one of a fan, a blower and a pump.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening of the at least one adjustable flap is gradually increased from a suction end of the suction unit towards an opposite end of the suction unit. The gradually increased opening of the at least one adjustable flap provided in each of the plurality of suction ducts facilitates uniform distribution of suction pressure from the suction end to the opposite end of the suction unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one adjustable flap is configured to be actuated by at least one of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical actuators.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the side view of a conventional suction unit configured with a duct channel comprising a single passage for suction flow.

FIG. 2 illustrates side view of the suction unit for a textile machine with adjustable flap in fully closed condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates suction unit of FIG. 2 with the adjustable flap in open condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective view of a suction duct of the suction unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome one or more limitations stated in the background, the present disclosure provides a suction unit for collection of waste generated during the processing of fibre or yarn in textile machines. A textile machine, as is well known in the art, is involved in conversion of raw fibrous material including but not limited to cotton into a usable form (mostly yarn) through a sequence of processing operations. During the conversion, waste is generated in the form of fly, lint etc. Removal of these wastes on a periodic basis is essential for proper functioning of the textile machine and proper flow of fibrous material through processing stages. To achieve the waste removal in an effective and efficient manner, the present disclosure provides a suction unit comprising a plurality of suction ducts which are fluidly connected and arranged adjacent to one another along the length of the textile machine. In other words, the plurality of suction ducts are configured in the textile machine along its length in such a way that a second end of one suction duct is fluidly connected to a first end of the adjacent suction duct. As the name suggests, suction pressure (negative pressure or vacuum) is generated in the plurality of suction ducts to pull or draw the light weight wastes into collection chambers of the plurality of suction ducts. To accomplish effective waste removal, each of the plurality of suction ducts is partitioned into a first chamber and a second chamber. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first chamber is at the top of the suction duct and is connectable to waste outlet of the textile machine. On the other hand, the second chamber which is at the bottom of each of the plurality of suction duct is in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber is provided with at least one suction device, including but not limited to a fan, a blower and a pump to create suction pressure inside it. The suction pressure so created in the second chamber also creates suction pressure in the first chamber through one or more openings called suction ports provided in between the first and second chambers of each of the suction ducts. The negative suction pressure gradient from the second chamber towards the first chamber causes suction flow to take place from the first chamber towards the second chamber. The waste generated in the waste outlet of the textile machine is forcibly drawn into the first chamber under suction pressure. The waste then moves into the second chamber through plurality of suction ports and gets collected in the second chamber.

Further, the suction device is provisioned in at least one end of the suction unit so that suction pressure is created along the entire length of the suction unit (i.e. along the entire length of plurality of suction ducts). The end at which the suction device is disposed forms the suction end where suction pressure is maximum, and the suction pressure gradually reduces towards an opposite end of the suction end. To compensate the fall of suction pressure along the length of suction unit, the suction unit of the present disclosure is equipped with at least one adjustable flap in each of the plurality of suction ports between the first chamber and second chamber. The adjustable flaps can be imparted with at least one of vertical translatory motion, angular motion, and horizontal translatory motion so that the opening between the first and second chambers is varied.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the adjustable flaps are configured to be adjusted vertically i.e. by lifting or lowering the adjustable flaps. The lowermost position of the adjustable flaps indicates closing of the suction ports where the adjustable member comes in contact with the partition which divides the suction duct into first chamber and second chamber. Similarly, when the suction flow has to take place from first chamber to second chamber, the adjustable flap is actuated by actuating mechanisms including but not limiting to mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.

The opening of adjustable flap in each of the suction device causes the opening of suction port, thereby resulting in the suction flow to take place from first chamber to the second chamber. The opening of plurality of adjustable flaps is made such that the suction pressure is maintained uniform throughout the length of the suction unit. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, opening of one of the adjustable flaps in one of the suction ducts is different from opening of other adjustable flap in another suction duct. In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening of an adjustable flap proximal to suction end of the suction unit is kept minimum, and opening of adjacent adjustable flaps towards an opposite end of the suction unit is gradually increased. In other words, the opening of adjustable flap proximal to suction end is kept minimum, and the opening of successive adjacent flaps are progressively or gradually increased towards an opposite end of the suction unit, with the opening of adjustable flap proximal to opposite end of the suction end being maximum.

In the suction unit, the plurality of suction ducts are fluidly connected and arranged adjacent to one another such that the second chamber of each of the plurality of suction ducts forms a common suction passage to the entire length of the suction unit. However, the first chamber of each of the plurality of suction ducts is intermittent i.e. a first chamber of one of the plurality of suction ducts is not in communication with the first chamber of adjacent suction duct. The construction, installation and operation of the suction unit in the textile machine are explained in greater detail in forthcoming paragraphs of the detailed description.

Use of terms such as “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof in the description are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a unit, device, assembly or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a mechanism proceeded by “comprising… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Also, in foregoing description, words such as top, bottom, above, below are used with respect to particular orientation of the assembly as shown in figures of the present disclosure. However, one should note that such terms are not limiting scope of the present disclosure, as implications of such prepositions change with the change in orientation and view of figures.

Reference will now be made to a suction unit for a textile machine, and is explained with the help of figures. The figures are for the purpose of illustration only and should not be construed as limitations on the assembly/mechanism/unit. Wherever possible, referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. It is to be noted that neither the textile machine nor the connection of suction unit to the textile machine is illustrated in the present disclosure for the purpose of simplicity. One may appreciate that the constructional features of the textile machine of various arrangements are considered to be part of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates side view of a suction unit (100) with adjustable flap (15) in closed condition. The suction unit (100) in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a plurality of suction ducts (5) configured to receive waste from the textile machine [not shown] during processing of fibrous material. The term duct used herein above and below refers to a fluid conveying member which allows fluid under pressure to flow in a predetermined direction and with a predetermined velocity. The ducts are manufactured with various cross-sections including but not limiting to circular, elliptical, rectangular and square cross-sections, and are designed suitably so as to withstand variations in fluidic pressure during the flow. The plurality of suction ducts (5) of the present disclosure is provisioned at appropriate location inside the textile machine or adjacent to the textile machine. The plurality of suction ducts (5) is fluidly connected to each other so that the flow takes place from one suction duct (5) to the other. In addition, each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is connected to adjacent suction duct (5) so that they are serially arranged along the length of the textile machine. The type of connection between each suction duct (5) is either in the form a temporary joint including but not limited to fastening, flaring, push fit, or in the form of a permanent joint including but not limiting to welding and riveting. The type of joint selected depends on the upper limit of fluidic pressure inside the suction ducts (5), so that leak-proof connectivity between the suction ducts (5) is ensured. An appropriate material including but not limiting to a metal, a metallic alloy or a composite material is selected to fabricate the suction ducts (5). The selection of material depends on forces exerted by the fluid on the inner walls of the suction ducts (5) during the flow, and maximum values of the stresses induced due to these forces are taken into consideration for safe design of the ducts (5). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of suction pipes including but not limiting to metallic pipes, metallic tubes and heavy gauge thick cylindrical pipes can be used as alternatives to suction ducts (5). The suction unit (100) can also be interchangeably referred to as waste collection unit configured to collect waste generated inside the textile machines.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is partitioned into two separate chambers by a partition member (25). In an embodiment, the chambers are referred to as a first chamber (6a) which is at the top of the suction ducts (5), and a second chamber (6b) which is below the first chamber (6a). The first chamber (6a) of each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is connectable to at least one of the waste outlet [not shown] of the textile machine through a plurality of suction inlet members (20). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the partition member (25) is a plate or a sheet like member that is either permanently or temporarily fixed inside the suction ducts (5) in a horizontal plane. Each of the suction ducts (5) of the suction unit (100) comprises a cut-out or an opening (designated as suction port (S)) which allows suction flow to take place from first chamber (6a) to the second chamber (6b) of the suction duct (5). The presence of partition member (25) and the suction port (S) facilitates suction flow to be regulated to desired values so as to maintain required suction pressure gradient between the first chamber (6a) and second chamber (6b) throughout the length of the suction duct (5).

Further, the suction unit (100) is provided with at least one suction device (10) in at least one end. The suction device (10) is used to create suction pressure inside the second chamber (6b) of the suction duct (5) so that the suction flow takes place from first chamber (6a) to the second chamber (6b). The suction device (10) includes but not limited to a fan, a blower and a pump, and is configured to create vacuum (negative pressure) inside the second chamber (6b) of the suction duct (5).

The suction unit (100) of the present disclosure facilitates regulation of pressure gradient across the second chamber (6b) towards the first chamber (6a) of each of the plurality of suction ducts (5). The regulation of suction pressure gradient is achieved by configuring each suction port (S) of the plurality of suction ducts (5) with at least one adjustable flap (15). As the name implies, the adjustable flap (15) is configured such that it can be imparted with vertical translatory motion, angular motion, and horizontal translatory motion and can be locked or positioned at any position for adjusting (or regulating) suction pressure gradient in the suction duct (5). The vertical movement/angular movement/horizontal movement of each of the adjustable flap (15) takes place between a fully closed position (as shown in FIG. 2) to a fully opened position, thereby providing a number of intermediate open positions between fully closed position and fully opened position. In the fully closed position, the adjustable flap (15) comes in contact with the partition member (25), and causes fluidic isolation of the first chamber (6a) from the second chamber (6b). In other words, the adjustable flap (15) in fully closed position prevents suction flow from first chamber (6a) to second chamber (6b). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable flap (15) is an L-shaped member with horizontal part capable of selectively contacting the partition member (25) (i.e when adjustable flap is fully closed). On the other hand, the vertical part of adjustable member (15) can slide over inner wall of the first chamber (6a), as it can be clearly seen in FIG. 2. The vertical translatory movement of the adjustable member (15A) is achieved through an appropriate mechanism (15A), including but not limited to rack and pinion mechanism and lead screw mechanism. Further, the actuation of adjustable member (15) is achieved by at least one actuator (not shown) including but not limited to mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic actuators, such as but not limited to rotary actuators where rotary motion is converted into linear movement of the adjustable flaps (15) by suitable mechanisms, or by linear actuators which directly impart linear motion to the adjustable flaps (15).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates side view of a suction unit (100) with adjustable flap (15) in partially opened condition. The adjustable flap (15) coupled with an appropriate actuating mechanism, and is actuated such that it moves vertically upwards, and suction port opens to allow the suction flow to take place from first chamber (6a) to second chamber (6b). The magnitude of suction pressure gradient from second chamber (6b) towards the first chamber (6a) [or suction flow rate from first chamber (6a) into second chamber (6b)] depends on the extent of opening of each of the adjustable flaps (15). The adjustable flap (15) provided in each of the suction duct (5) is ascended (raised) for a predetermined distance so that the suction port (S) is opened. This facilitates suction flow to take place from first chamber (6a) to the second chamber (6b). As the opening of adjustable flaps (15) is gradually increased, the suction flow rate into the second chamber (6b) gradually increases. In brief, it can be said that the suction flow rate is directly proportional to extent of opening of the adjustable flaps (15). A low magnitude suction flow rate indicates a low waste removal rate and a high suction flow rate indicates a high waste removal rate. The variation of suction pressure in the plurality of suction ducts (5) is necessary for maintaining uniform suction pressure in the suction unit (100) throughout the length of the textile machine. A uniform suction pressure inside the suction unit (100) indicates uniform rate of removal of waste from the textile machine along its entire length. This in turn indicates an improvement in waste removal efficiency of the suction unit (100) of the textile machine.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates perspective view of a section of suction duct (5) used in suction unit (100) of the textile machine. As it can be seen in FIG. 4, the first chamber (6a) of the suction duct (5) is connectable to the waste outlet of the textile machine (not shown) through a plurality of suction inlet members (20). The suction inlet members (20) include but not limited to funnels and converging-diverging nozzles, and are configured to draw fibrous wastes under suction pressure and discharge wastes into the first chamber (6a). The fluid pressure at an end of the inlet member (20) which is connected to first chamber (6a) of the suction duct (5) is more or less same as that of the fluid pressure inside the first chamber (6a) (vacuum). The fluid pressure gradually increases towards an opposite end of the inlet member (20) which is fluidly connected to waste outlet of the textile chamber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a nozzle shaped suction inlet member (20) is used so that the pressure and velocity characteristics of the fluid through the inlet member (20) are optimized, and the fibrous wastes are easily discharged from the first chamber (6a) into the second chamber (6b). FIG. 4 also shows an exaggerated view of one of the suction ports (S) which facilitates suction flow to take place from first chamber (6a) to the second chamber (6b). The number of suction ports (S) provided in each of the suction ducts (5) depends on magnitude of pressure gradient that is required to be maintained between the second chamber (6b) and the first chamber (6a). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of suction ports (S) in each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is one, and apparently, the number of adjustable flaps (15) configured in the suction port (S) will be one. The suction port (S) in the form of cut-out is formed by machining operations and is imparted with suitable geometry to provide optimum fluid flow characteristics between first chamber (6a) and second chamber (6b).

The suction unit (100) for the textile machine comprises a plurality of suction ducts (5) arranged along length of the textile machine for waste removal. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the number of suction ducts (5) provisioned in the suction unit (100) depends on the length of the textile machine. This number depends on overall length of the textile machine, so that flexibility is provided either to add or to remove one or more suction ducts (5) depending on the variation in length of textile machine. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of suction ducts (5) installed in the textile machine depends on number of spindle positions inside the textile machine. The arrangement of plurality of suction ducts (5) is such that the second chamber (6b) of each suction duct (5) forms a common suction passage throughout the length of suction unit (100) of the textile machine. In other words, the second chamber (6b) of one of the suction ducts (5) continues into the second chamber (6b) of the adjacent suction duct (5) so that there is no discontinuity between them. Hence, suction pressure induced by the at least one suction device (5) in the second chamber (6b) proximal to suction end of the suction unit (100) propagates through the second chambers (6b) of the adjacent suction ducts (5). The opening of each of the at least one adjustable flaps (15) is adjusted depending on the requirement of suction pressure along the length of the plurality of suction ducts (5). As described in previous paragraphs, the opening of an adjustable member (15) proximal to suction end is kept minimum, and the opening of adjacent adjustable flaps (15) is progressively increased towards the end opposite to the suction end. The small opening of adjustable flap (15) proximal to suction end of the suction unit (100) gives rise to a predetermined suction pressure gradient between the first and second chambers (6a, 6b) at the suction end. The fall in suction pressure along the length of the suction unit (100) is compensated by gradual increase in opening of the adjacent adjustable flaps (15) towards the opposite end. This aids in maintaining a uniform pressure along the length of textile machine, with negligible or no pressure drop. This arrangement eliminates the need of installation of multiple suction devices (10), and thereby assists in achieving significant reduction in overall power consumption by the suction unit (100). An exemplary experimental investigation reveals that an overall reduction in power consumption achieved by installing a suction unit (100) attributed in the present disclosure is upto 42%, which clearly shows advancement on technical side, as well as on economic side.

In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjustable flap (15) provided in at least one of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is configured in an angularly inclined position in between the first chamber (6a) and second chamber (6b). The angular inclined flap (15) is hinged to an actuator, and is configured to swing in clockwise or counter clock wise direction to vary the opening between the first chamber (6a) and second chamber (6b). This configuration works similar to the vertically adjustable or horizontally adjustable flaps (15) to regulate the flow rate suction flow from second chamber (6b) to the first chamber (6a).

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art would design, fabricate and assemble a suction unit for use in textile machines to remove waste, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations, provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Advantages:
The present disclosure provides a suction unit comprising a plurality of suction ducts for use in textile machines which reduces overall power consumption of the suction unit, which in turn reduces overall power consumption of the textile machine.

The present disclosure provides a suction unit comprising a plurality of suction ducts for use in textile machines, where the arrangement of suction ducts and adjustable flaps allow maintenance of uniform suction pressure for the entire length of the suction unit. This prevents pressure drop along the length of suction unit which increases its waste removal efficiency.

The present disclosure provides a suction unit comprising a plurality of suction ducts for use in textile machines, where the opening of each of the adjustable flaps is different from opening of adjacent flaps. This variable opening of adjustable flaps facilitates suction pressure to be evenly distributed along the length of textile machine, which eliminates the need of multiple suction devices (i.e. pumps, blowers and fans), thereby making the overall system compact and simplified.

The present disclosure provides a suction unit comprising a plurality of suction ducts for use in textile machines, where need of installation of multiple suction devices is eliminated. This reduces cost of assembly, cost of operation and cost of maintenance of the textile machine. This makes the system economical and allows cost-effective replacement of the system in the event of failure.

Equivalents
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

TABLE OF REFERRAL NUMERALS

Referral Numerals Description
100 Suction unit
5 Suction ducts
6a First chamber of suction ducts
6b Second chamber of suction ducts
10 Suction device
15 Adjustable flaps
15a Mechanism for actuating adjustable flaps
20 Suction inlet member
25 Partition member
S Suction port
50 Suction unit (PRIOR ART)
1 Suction duct of suction unit (PRIOR ART)
2 Suction Inlet tube (PRIOR ART)

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A suction unit (100) for a textile machine, the suction unit (100) comprising:
a plurality of suction ducts (5) configured to receive waste from the textile machine, wherein each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is configured into:
a first chamber (6a) connectable to at least one waste outlet of the textile machine; and
a second chamber (6b) configured to be in fluid communication with at least one suction device (10), wherein, the at least one suction device (10) is configured to generate suction pressure inside the plurality of suction ducts (5); and
at least one adjustable flap (15) provisioned between the first chamber (6a) and the second chamber (6b) of each of the plurality of suction ducts (5).

2. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein opening of each of the at least one adjustable flap (15) provided in one of the plurality of suction ducts (5) is different from opening of the at least one adjustable flap (15) provided in at least one of other suction duct (5) of the plurality of suction ducts (5).

3. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of suction ducts (5) are fluidly connected and are arranged adjacent to each other along length of the textile machine.

4. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second chamber (6b) of each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) forms a common suction passage in the suction unit (100).

5. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one suction device (10) is provisioned in at least one end of the suction unit (100).

6. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one end of the suction unit (100) provisioned with the at least one suction device (10) forms suction end of the suction unit (100).

7. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one suction device (10) is at least one of a fan, a blower and a pump.

8. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein opening of the at least one adjustable flap (15) is gradually increased from a suction end of the suction unit (100) towards an opposite end of the suction unit (100).

9. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein gradually increased opening of the at least one adjustable flap (15) provided in each of the plurality of suction ducts (5) facilitates uniform distribution of suction pressure from the suction end to the opposite end of the suction unit (100).

10. The suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one adjustable flap (15) is configured to be actuated by at least one of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical actuators.

11. A textile machine comprising a suction unit (100) as claimed in claim 1.