CN1758003A - A fabric dryer and guiding device and guiding blade - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a fabric drying machine and a guiding device therefor.

Description

Drying machines with guides and guide vanes used

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application No.02119881.0 filed on May 17, 2002, entitled "air nozzle, drying machine, guiding device used and method of drying fabric".

technical field

The present invention relates to the treatment of fabrics and, in particular, not only to the treatment of textile fabrics.

Background technique

Common textile fabric (cloth) drying techniques generally involve supporting a fabric cloth on a conveying wire, and then passing the cloth between an upper and a lower nozzle that sprays warm air, which causes the liquid in the fabric cloth to evaporate. However, the air flow from the lower nozzles lifts up a local section of the fabric, and this local section of fabric often gets caught between adjacent nozzles in the upper row. While the fabric snags here, the fabric continues to be fed into the drying machine and jamming can occur.

Also, in a normal drying process, the air sprayed from each nozzle is not linearly distributed over the entire width of the nozzle. As a result, the fabric cloth moves from side to side (generally perpendicular to the direction of travel), causing cloth entanglement and uneven drying.

Moreover, because the existence of the lower nozzle and the conveying net between the fabric cloths reduces the impact force of the air ejected from the lower nozzle (compared with the air ejected from the upper nozzle), the common drying technology often presents uneven drying effects.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for treating fabrics.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an air nozzle for a fabric drying machine comprising a housing having an outlet and fins extending across the outlet, the fins having a grooved structure arranged for In use, air is directed through the outlet.

Preferably, the housing is an elongated structure and has a generally quadrilateral cross-section. The outlet preferably provides a connection to an adjacent wall of the enclosure. Preferably, the outlet extends along the entire length of the junction.

The fins are adapted to be arranged such that at least one adjacent wall of the nozzle is inclined at an angle and the outlet is provided between adjacent walls of the nozzle. When the nozzle is used, the fins are adapted to be arranged inclined to the rear wall of the nozzle. The fins are adapted to be arranged at an angle to the normal direction of air flow from the nozzle (if no fins are present).

The fins are adapted to be arranged at an oblique angle to direct air in a desired direction. When the drying machine is in use, the fins are preferably arranged to direct air generally in the direction in which the fabric cloth travels through the machine. The angle at which the fins are inclined to the adjacent rear wall of the nozzle is suitably at least 10°, preferably at least 12° and most preferably at least 16°. The angle of inclination of the fins to the adjacent rear wall of the nozzle is suitably less than 30°, preferably less than 25°, and most preferably less than 20°. The preferred angle of inclination of the fins is about 18°.

A nozzle may contain multiple fins. The fins may extend across only a portion of the outlet. The fins preferably extend across substantially the entire width of the outlet.

The fins may be provided by any means suitable to deflect, in use, the flow of air leaving the nozzle. For example, the fins may be provided by a flange extending from one edge of the outlet. The flange may be provided by an extension of one of the walls of the nozzle. Alternatively, the flange may comprise a separate element attached to the nozzle. The flange may be planar. The flange may have one or more protrusions extending generally perpendicular to its surface into the air outlet to further direct the flow of air out of the outlet.

The fins are adapted to join one of the walls providing a longitudinal edge of the outlet.

The fins may comprise a long strip. The strip is adapted to extend across the full width of the outlet. The grooved strip can be supported on a flange. The grooved strips may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. The grooves preferably have a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape.

When used in a drying machine, the presence of the fins in the air outlet of the nozzle directs the air out of the nozzle in the direction of the fabric sheet's travel through the machine and thereby causes the fabric sheet to remain in contact with the conveyor web supporting the fabric sheet and thereby The fabric cloth is encouraged to travel through the machine at approximately the same speed as the conveyor web. The occurrence of clogging in the drying machine is thus reduced.

According to the second aspect, the present invention provides a drying machine, comprising a row of first air nozzles and a row of second air nozzles, wherein the nozzles of the first row are arranged opposite to the nozzles of the second row, and in use, when a cloth material passes through the second row Between one row of air nozzles and the second row of air nozzles, the cloth material can move in waves along a non-linear path in the moving direction of the cloth material.

The first air nozzles are adapted to be separated from each other. The second air nozzles are adapted to be separated from each other. The row of first air nozzles is adapted to be spaced from and opposite to the row of second air nozzles. The first and second air nozzles are adapted to be arranged with the air outlet of the first nozzle facing the air outlet of the second nozzle.

The row of first nozzles is preferably arranged not directly aligned with the row of second nozzles. In other words, the first nozzle is offset from the second nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment, the row of first nozzles is offset from the row of second nozzles by a distance substantially equal to half the width of the nozzles.

When in use, this arrangement of the first and second rows of nozzles in the drying machine causes the fabric to travel through the machine in an undulating path between the first row of nozzles and the second row of nozzles the machine. During the drying process, the undulating movement of the fabric cloth helps to reduce the tension in the fabric.

Furthermore, the space between adjacent first and second nozzles provides ventilation through which evaporated liquid can drain during the drying process.

The drying machine described above may further comprise a first conveyor web extending across the second row of nozzles and adjacent to the air outlet of the second nozzle to support the fabric sheet through the drying machine; furthermore, a web extending across the first row of nozzles and adjacent to the second row of nozzles Air outlet of a nozzle.

The web can be provided from any suitable material. The mesh is adapted to be arranged to substantially prevent fabric cloth from entering the space between adjacent first nozzles. The network may be provided by a second delivery network.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a drying machine, comprising a first row of nozzles and a second row of nozzles, the first row of nozzles and the second row of nozzles are arranged opposite to each other and separated from each other. The air outlets of the first nozzles face the air outlets of the second nozzles, a first conveyor network extends across the second row of nozzles and adjacent to the air outlets of the second nozzles to support the cloth material as it passes through the drying machine, and The air outlet is adjacent to the first nozzle. And it has a tension control device to adjust the tension in the net.

Any suitable tension control device may be used. The tension control device is adapted to move a segment of the web towards or away from the first conveying web and thereby adjust the tension in the web. The tension control means suitably comprises a rod extending across the entire width of the wire, the rod being movable towards or away from the first conveying wire. The tension control means may comprise actuating means to effectuate movement of the rod. The actuation means includes an arm extending from a control means to the rod, wherein movement of the arm causes movement of the rod.

According to the invention, the nozzle can comprise a housing with an air inlet, wherein the housing tapers from the air inlet to the housing wall opposite the air inlet.

The air inlet is adapted to be provided in the end wall of the cabinet. The air inlet may extend the full length of the end wall of the enclosure.

The enclosure preferably includes a first pair of opposing walls that are generally parallel to each other. The enclosure preferably includes a converging second pair of opposing walls. Each of the first pair of walls is adapted to be substantially perpendicular to one of the second pair of walls, but not perpendicular to the other of the second pair of walls. The enclosure preferably includes a third pair of walls generally parallel to each other as end walls, but preferably one of the third pair of walls has a greater height than the other of the third pair of walls.

The first wall of the third pair of walls is suitably larger than 200mm, preferably larger than 300mm, and preferably about 360mm. The height of the second wall of the third pair of walls is suitably less than 350mm, preferably less than 250mm, most preferably less than 200mm, and preferably about 190mm.

The height difference between the first and second walls of the third pair of walls is preferably larger than 2%, preferably larger than 10%, more preferably larger than 25%, and most preferably larger than 40%.

The height difference between the first and second walls of the third pair of walls is suitably less than 75%, preferably less than 60%, and most preferably less than 50%.

In use with a drying machine nozzle, a first pair of walls is adapted to provide the front and rear of the nozzle, a second pair of opposing walls is adapted to provide the top and bottom surfaces of the nozzle, and a third pair of walls provides the end walls of the nozzle.

Due to the different heights of the end walls, the nozzle has a converging taper, gradually decreasing from the side provided by the first of the third pair of walls to the side provided by the second of the third pair of walls.

The top and bottom walls are adapted to converge from the rear wall to the front wall of the nozzle.

The tapered profile of the nozzle slows down the incoming air flow at the air inlet and thus facilitates a more even distribution of air over the entire width of the air outlet.

The air outlet is adapted to extend generally perpendicular to the air inlet. The air outlet is adapted to extend across the full width of the nozzle. When the nozzle arrangement is used, the air outlet is adapted to be located along the rear wall of the nozzle and the junction between adjacent walls.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a drying machine comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the nozzles each having an air inlet and an air outlet, a common air source arranged to supply air to the first nozzle and the second nozzle The air inlets of the two, and a guide device are used to separate the air flow between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle, wherein the guide device includes a main body between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle extending between the air inlets into the incoming air flow.

The body is adapted to have a generally rectangular cross-section, with a curved flange projecting from one side thereof.

The curved flange of the main body is adapted to protrude from the face of the main body, which is the air inlet port of the first and second air nozzles. The curved flange is adapted to taper down to a point. This point of the flange is adapted to extend into the incoming air flow.

The radius of curvature of the curved flange of the guide vane is suitably at least 200mm, preferably at least 250mm, and most preferably about 300mm.

The guide means is adapted to extend across substantially the entire width of the air inlet.

The guide means is adapted to project at least 200mm, preferably at least 300mm and most preferably about 360mm from the air inlet of each nozzle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the air inlet of the first and second nozzles. The distance that the guide means protrudes into the air flow from the first and second nozzles affects the air distribution ratio between the first and second nozzles.

The curvilinear profile of the body increases the proportion of laminar air flow (air laminar flow) entering the first and second nozzles. Also, the flange divides the incoming air flow more evenly between the first and second nozzles.

The guide means are adapted to be arranged inside the drying machine and outside the nozzle inlet.

The first nozzle is adapted to be arranged downstream of the second nozzle. The guide device may further include a guide vane positioned upstream of the air inlet of the second nozzle. The guide vanes are adapted to have a generally rectangular profile, with curved end faces, parallel to the air inlet.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a guiding device for a drying machine, comprising a main body adapted to divide air flow between a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the main body having a substantially square cross-section with a curved A flange protrudes from one side thereof.

Curved flanges should taper down to a point.

The common air source is adapted to be arranged at a level below the first nozzle and the second nozzle.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a guide vane for a drying machine, having a generally rectangular profile, with a curved face arranged in use at the end and generally parallel to the air inlet of an air nozzle.

Any feature of any aspect of the invention may be combined with any feature of any other aspect of the invention.

Description of drawings

Now by means of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is described in more detail, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view viewed from one end of the drying device;

Fig. 2 A is a schematic sectional side view along line I-I of Fig. 1, and

Figure 2B is a schematic side view showing the nozzle of Figure 2A in more detail; and

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the nozzle of the apparatus of Figure 1, part B shown enlarged.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The drying device 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a first row of nozzles 2 and a second row of nozzles 4 . In use, the first nozzle 2 is suitable as an upper nozzle and the second nozzle 4 is suitable as a lower nozzle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second nozzles 2, 4 each have substantially the same shape and size. Each nozzle includes an air inlet 6 and an air outlet 8 . As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the air outlet 8 extends substantially across the entire width of the nozzles 2 , 4 . Fins 10 spaced apart along the length of the air outlet 8 serve to guide the flow of air emitted from the nozzles 2 , 4 , indicated by arrows C . As can be seen most easily from FIG. 2 , the fins 10 are arranged to direct the air flow through the machine in the direction of movement of the fabric cloth 12 , which direction of movement is indicated by arrow D .

Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the fins 10 in the air outlet 8 in more detail. In this embodiment, Figure 3 shows that the fins 10 are provided by an elongated sheet 34, having a generally rectangular (in this case roughly square) undulating profile, forming channels 36 through which air passes. The strips 34 are arranged at an angle suitable for directing the air in the desired direction. In this example, the strip 34 is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the channel 36 is at 18° to the adjacent rear surface of the nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 1 , each nozzle 2 , 4 tapers from the air inlet 6 to the tip 14 of the nozzle 2 , 4 .

This taper is caused by the difference in height of the end walls of the nozzles 2,4. The end wall where the air inlet 6 is located has a height of 360 mm and the opposite end wall has a height of 190 mm.

The distance of the air outlet 8 from the opposite sides 16 of the nozzles 2 , 4 gradually decreases from the air inlet 6 to the end 14 .

Furthermore, the face 18 of the nozzle where the air outlet 8 is located is arranged at an angle greater than 45° and less than 180° to the adjacent face of the nozzle 2,4.

As can be seen most clearly from FIG. 2 , the row of first nozzles 2 is arranged offset from the row of second nozzles 4 .

In this embodiment, the first nozzle 2 is offset from the second nozzle 4 by a distance approximately equal to half the width of the nozzles 2 , 4 . This is more clearly seen from FIG. 2B , where the distances X ₁ and X ₂ are approximately equal and, in this embodiment, preferably equal to about 140 mm.

In each row of nozzles 2 , 4 , adjacent nozzles 2 , 4 are separated from each other to provide a gap between adjacent nozzles 2 , 4 .

The drying device 1 further comprises a first conveyor network 20 extending across the row of second nozzles 4 and positioned adjacent to the air outlets 10 of the second nozzles 4 . The device 1 further comprises a second conveyor network 22 extending across the row of first nozzles 2 and positioned adjacent to the air outlets 10 of the first nozzles 2 .

Figure 2 also shows that the drying device 1 comprises a tension control device 24, which in this embodiment comprises a rod 26 extending across the entire width of the second conveyor network 22, and an arm 28 which can be used to move the rod 26 laterally to Change the pulling force of the second conveying net 22.

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement in which the air feed of the nozzles 2 , 4 is fed into the air inlet 6 of the nozzles 2 , 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, a common air source (not shown) is used to supply air to both the first nozzle 2 and the second nozzle 4 . The flow of air from the air source to the air inlet 6 is indicated by arrow A. As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the incoming air is divided between the first and second nozzles 2 , 4 . The drying device 1 includes an air separating member 30 , which is placed between the first and second nozzles 2 , 4 to separate the air between the first and second nozzles 2 , 4 .

The air divider 30 has a generally rectangular profile with a curved flange 38 protruding from the surface of the divider 30 at the end of the air inlet 6 . The air divider 30 extends across the entire width of the air inlet 6 . The curvature radius R of the curved flange is 300mm. The flange 38 tapers to a point at the end of the main body of the air divider 30 . The air divider 30 is arranged in the device 1 with the tip of the curved flange 38 facing the incoming air flow. The curved profile of the air partition 30 increases the proportion of the laminar air flow entering the nozzles 2 , 4 .

The air divider 30 extends a distance X substantially perpendicular to the air inlet 6 . In this embodiment, the distance X is 360 mm.

The device 1 also comprises a guide vane 32 placed below the air inlet 6 of the second nozzle 4 . The guide vanes have a generally rectangular profile, with a curved profile at the end face, parallel to the air inlet 6 .

In use of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the fabric cloth 12 is supported on a first conveyor network 20 . The rotation of the conveyor web 20 causes the fabric cloth 12 to be fed through the device 1 . Air is fed to the first and second nozzles 2, 4 from an air source (not shown), this air being generally at an elevated temperature. The air is divided by the air divider 30 and thus distributed approximately evenly between the first and second nozzles 2 , 4 .

The tapered curved flange 38 of the air divider 30 allows air to flow into the air inlet 6 smoothly. Moreover, the guide vanes 32 are also used to make the air flow into the air inlet 6 of the second nozzle 4 smoothly, reducing the formation of vortices at the inlet 6 to a minimum.

The tapering profile of the nozzles 2, 4 facilitates a more even distribution of air across the entire width of the nozzles 2, 4, and thereby reduces lateral movement of the fabric cloth 12 during passage through the drying device 1 (as indicated by arrow E in FIG. 1 ). ).

The bent fins 10 direct the air flow from the nozzles 2, 4 in the direction in which the fabric sheet 12 moves through the machine 1, thereby directing the fabric towards the first conveyor web 20 and encouraging the fabric sheet to behave substantially the same as the first conveyor web 20. The speed moves through machine 1.

The offset arrangement of the row of first nozzles 2 and the row of second nozzles 4 causes the fabric cloth to move through the machine 1 in an undulating path (as shown in Figure 2). This undulating movement of the fabric cloth during the drying process helps to reduce tension in the fabric.

Air, especially air at an elevated temperature, is blown over the fabric causing the liquid to evaporate therefrom. The space between adjacent first nozzles and between adjacent second nozzles 4 provides ventilation through which evaporated liquid can escape to an exhaust port (not shown).

The second conveyor network 22 provides a means for controlling the peaks of the wave-like movement of the fabric as it passes through the machine 1 . The second conveying net 22 constrains the fabric cloth 12 and prevents it from entering the gap between adjacent first nozzles 2 . The arm 28 of the tension control device 24 is used to move the rod 26 towards or away from the first conveying net 20 and thereby change the tension of the second conveying net 22 .

The second conveying network 22 has the additional advantage that the first nozzle 2 and the second nozzle 4 provide the same amount of air (heat flow) on the fabric cloth 12, because the outlet 8 from both the first and second nozzle 2, 4 The air needs to pass through the delivery network 20,22. Therefore, the drying of the fabric cloth 12 is more uniform.

While the foregoing relates to the use of air to dry fabrics, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any other suitable gas or mixture of gases may be used instead of or as air.

Claims (30)

1. A drying machine, comprising a first row of air nozzles and a second row of air nozzles, wherein the first row of nozzles and the second row of nozzles are arranged oppositely, in use, when a cloth material passes through the first row of air nozzles and the second row of nozzles Between the two rows of air nozzles, the cloth material can move in waves along a non-linear path in the moving direction of the cloth material. 2. The drying machine according to claim 1, wherein the first air nozzles are separated from each other. 3. A drying machine as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second air nozzles are separated from each other. 4. The drying machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the row of first air nozzles is separated from the row of second air nozzles and arranged opposite to each other. 5. The drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first air nozzle and the second air nozzle are arranged such that the air outlet of the first nozzle faces the air outlet of the second nozzle. 6. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the row of first nozzles is offset from the row of second nozzles. 7. The drying machine of claim 6, wherein the row of first nozzles is offset from the row of second nozzles by a distance substantially equal to half the width of the nozzles. 8. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein, in use, evaporated liquid is drainable between adjacent first or adjacent second air nozzles. 9. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a first conveyor network extending across the row of second nozzles, adjacent to the air outlets of the second nozzles, for use in passing a fabric cloth through the drying machine , supporting the fabric cloth, and a web extending across the row of first nozzles and adjacent the air outlets of the first nozzles. 10. A drying machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mesh is arranged to, in use, prevent cloth material from entering the spaces between adjacent first air nozzles. 11. A drying machine as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the wire comprises a second conveying wire. 12. A drying machine, comprising a first row of nozzles and a second row of nozzles, the first row of nozzles and the second row of nozzles are arranged opposite and separated from each other, the air outlet of the first nozzle faces the air outlet of the second nozzle, a first A conveyor web extends across the second row of nozzles and adjacent the air outlets of the second nozzles to support the cloth material through the drying machine, the web extending across the first row of nozzles and adjacent the air outlets of the first nozzles. 13. A drying machine as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the tension control means is operable to move a segment of the wire towards or away from the first conveying wire. 14. A drying machine as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the tension control means comprises a rod extending across the web. 15. A drying machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bar extends substantially across the entire width of the web. 16. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the tension control means comprises an actuating means. 17. A drying machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein the actuating means comprises an arm extending from a control means to the rod, wherein movement of the arm affects movement of the rod. 18. A drying machine comprising a first nozzle and a second nozzle, the nozzles each having an air inlet and an air outlet, a common air source arranged to supply air to both the first nozzle and the second nozzle Inlet, and a guiding device is used to separate the air flow between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle, wherein the guiding device includes a main body between the air inlet of the first nozzle and the air inlet of the second nozzle extend into the incoming air stream. 19. A drying machine as claimed in claim 18, wherein the main body is substantially rectangular in cross-section with a curved flange projecting from one side thereof. 20. The drying machine according to claim 19, wherein the curved flange of the air guiding device main body of the drying machine stretches out towards the upstream direction of the first and second nozzle inlets and towards the direction of the common air source . 21. The drying machine as claimed in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that, the two walls of the curved flange of the air guiding device of the drying machine are gradually narrowed to the direction of the common air source. 22. Drying machine according to claim 21, characterized in that the final edge of the curved flange of the air guide body of the drying machine is towards the direction of the common air source, ie opposite to the direction of the air flow. 23. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the air inlet of the first nozzle is arranged downstream of the air inlet of the second nozzle. 24. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the common air source is arranged at a level below the first nozzle and the second nozzle. 25. A drying machine as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the guide means are arranged inside the drying machine and outside the nozzle inlet. 26. The drying machine of claim 23, including a guide vane positioned upstream of the air inlet of the second nozzle. 27. A drying machine as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the guide vane has a substantially rectangular profile with a convex curved face at the end and substantially parallel to the air inlet of the second air nozzle. 28. A guiding device for a drying machine comprising a main body operable to divide air flow between a first air inlet and a second air inlet, the main body having a substantially rectangular cross-section with a curved flange extending from one side thereof stick out. 29. The guiding device of claim 28, wherein the curvilinear flange tapers down to a point. 30. A guide vane for a drying machine having a substantially rectangular profile with a convex curved surface arranged in use at the end and substantially parallel to the air inlet of an air nozzle.

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