Cleaning device for traveling flats of a carding machine

A carding machine comprising

• (a) a traveling flats assembly including
• (1) a plurality of flat bars traveling in an endless path;
• said flat bars being spaced from one another in a travel direction thereof;
• each flat bar having a length oriented transversely to said travel direction and opposite ends defining said length;
• (2) first and second end roll assemblies for periodically reversing said travel direction;
• each said end roll assembly having first and second end rolls spaced from one another parallel to the flat bar lengths;
• each said end roll having a radial wall;
• at any time a plurality of flat bars being situated in a circular array about each said end roll for being carried in a circular path thereby;
• and
• (3) first and second drive shafts carrying and rotating respective said first and second end roll assemblies;
• and
• (b) an apparatus for cleaning said flat bars;
• said apparatus being arranged in a region of at least said first end roll assembly;
• said apparatus comprising
• (1) a throughgoing, eccentric aperture provided in said radial wall of said first and second end rolls of said first end roll assembly;
• at least two mutually adjoining flat bars, situated about said first end roll assembly, being aligned at least partially with said aperture of said first and second end rolls of said first end roll assembly;
• (2) a respective suction inlet adjoining said radial wall of said first and second end rolls of said first end roll assembly for being periodically brought into alignment with said throughgoing aperture upon rotation of said first end roll assembly;
• and
• (3) suction chambers formed by a space bounded by said adjoining flat bars and a peripheral surface of said first drive shaft.

A carding machine comprising

• (a) a traveling flats assembly including
• (1) a plurality of flat bars traveling in an endless path;
• said flat bars being spaced from one another in a travel direction thereof;
• each flat bar having a length oriented transversely to said travel direction and opposite ends defining said length;
• (2) first and second end roll assemblies for periodically reversing said travel direction;
• each said end roll assembly having first and second end rolls spaced from one another parallel to the flat bar lengths;
• each said end roll having a radial wall;
• at any time a plurality of flat bars being situated in a circular array about each said end roll for being carried in a circular path thereby;
• and
• (3) first and second drive shafts carrying and rotating respective said first and second end roll assemblies;
• and
• (b) an apparatus for cleaning said flat bars;
• said apparatus being arranged in a region of at least said first end roll assembly;
• said apparatus comprising
• (1) a throughgoing, eccentric aperture provided in said radial wall of said first and second end rolls of said first end roll assembly;
• at least two mutually adjoining flat bars, situated about said first end roll assembly, being aligned at least partially with said aperture of said first and second end rolls of said first end roll assembly;
• (2) a suction inlet adjoining said radial wall of said first end roll of said first end roll assembly for being periodically brought into alignment with said throughgoing aperture upon rotation of said first end roll assembly;
• (3) a pneumatic pressure outlet adjoining said radial wall of said second end roll of said first end roll assembly for being periodically brought into alignment with said throughgoing aperture upon rotation of said first end roll assembly;
• and
• (4) suction chambers formed by a space bounded by said adjoining flat bars and a peripheral surface of said first drive shaft.