Creel arrangement, apparatus and method for supplying a spinning machine with a fibre strip

Abstract

The invention relates to a creel device (2; 32) for supplying a spinning machine (3) with a plurality of bobbins (5) of fibre strips (5) which are available in movable storage containers (4), wherein the creel device (2; 32) comprises a longitudinally extending beam (7) which is fixed in height and arranged above an upright face (8) for accommodating the storage containers (4), and a guide device (14) arranged on the beam (7) for guiding the fibre strips (5) drawn from the storage containers (4) to the spinning machine (3), characterized in that the creel device (2; 32) has a height adjustment device (18) which is operatively connected to the beam (7) and has a drive unit (22) for moving the beam (7) along a vertical axis (Z) which is perpendicular to the upright face (8). The invention also relates to a device and a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sliver liner device for supplying a large quantity of slivers to a spinning machine that processes slivers, the slivers being provided in a movable storage container, particularly a circular or rectangular sliver can. The liner device has a height-adjustably fixed longitudinal beam arranged above an upright surface for housing the storage container, and a guiding device arranged on the longitudinal beam for guiding the slivers drawn from the storage container to the spinning machine that processes the slivers. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a method. Background Technology

[0002] Such a sliver rapier assembly is known from DE 102017102623A1. The rapier assembly has a longitudinal beam arranged above the sliver can for transporting the fiber sliver. A guide device is fixed to the longitudinal beam for guiding the fiber sliver drawn from the sliver can to a drafting device downstream of the rapier assembly. The longitudinal beam is supported on two supports, which are manually adjustable in height. To adjust the distance from the vertical surface of the sliver can, i.e., to adjust the height of the longitudinal beam above the vertical surface, each support has a foot, a movable part, and at least two bolts for securing the movable part to the foot. The foot stands on the factory floor, and the movable part is movable relative to the foot along a vertical axis. A slit pattern extending along the vertical axis can be formed on the outer wall of the movable part, through which the bolts are inserted into holes in the foot.

[0003] The height of the support column is typically determined during the assembly of the racking system and depends primarily on the height of the storage containers used on site. Racking system manufacturers often pre-determine optimal assembly heights for storage containers of different heights, for example, in the range of 1800 mm to 2200 mm. However, because connecting strip ends (especially after strip breakage or strip replacement) at the pre-determined assembly height is either infeasible for the machine operator on site or can only be done with increased workload, the on-site installation often deviates from the pre-determined assembly height and is set at a lower, more easily accessible height at the customer's request. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a bobbin liner device that can operate at a manufacturer-preset assembly height during the supply of fiber slivers to a downstream spinning machine that processes fiber slivers, but is convenient to operate during necessary work processes (e.g., when the sliver breaks, when connecting the sliver end after changing the storage container, and during maintenance).

[0005] This task is solved by a truss device of the type described at the beginning, which has a height adjustment device effectively connected to the longitudinal beam and has a drive unit for driving the longitudinal beam to move along a vertical axis perpendicular to the vertical plane.

[0006] The advantage lies in the fact that the distance between the longitudinal beam and the vertical surface, i.e., the height of the longitudinal beam above the vertical surface, can be easily changed using the height adjustment device. The longitudinal beam is preferably always parallel to the vertical surface. A drive unit allows the longitudinal beam to be moved downwards (or closer to the vertical surface) and upwards (or away from the vertical surface) along the vertical axis. Therefore, during the operation of the sliver supplying the spinning machine downstream from the creel assembly, the longitudinal beam can be set at a height pre-set by the manufacturer and moved to an operating height only when necessary, such as when the ends of the sliver need to be connected due to sliver breakage or sliver can replacement, during scheduled maintenance, and similar situations. At this operating height, the machine operator can more easily and conveniently complete the work. Thus, both the ease of operation of the creel assembly and the quality of sliver supply are improved.

[0007] The preset assembly height can be determined by the filling height of the storage container used on-site. When the fiber strip is extracted from the storage container, it oscillates in an aerodynamic pattern above the corresponding container, especially at high extraction speeds. This aerodynamic pattern is desirable. However, these aerodynamic patterns can only form properly if the distance between the filling height of the storage container and the corresponding extraction position on the longitudinal beam is sufficiently large. The fiber cake (or mushroom shape) is the portion of the fiber strip stored in the storage container that protrudes upwards beyond the container edge. The filling height is equivalent to the height of the fiber canister plus the height of the fiber cake (typically approximately 300 mm).

[0008] Manufacturers consider the fill height when designing the optimal assembly height for the creel assembly to allow for the formation of the sliver air ring. The preset distance between the fill height and assembly height is typically at least 400 mm, and usually around 450 mm. Depending on the storage container used, the optimal assembly height can range from 1800 mm to 2200 mm, where this is generally a trade-off between the accessibility of the sliver beam and sufficient distance to the fill height. Since the sliver beam can now be easily moved to the operating height, the distance to the upright can be significantly increased. This approach is also advantageous when designing the transition from the sliver to the downstream spinning machine. Because manufacturers typically consider the transition from the sliver to the downstream spinning machine when setting the assembly height, it is expected that a defined height difference can be maintained between the delivery position of the creel assembly and the entry position of the spinning machine, at which the transition from the sliver to the downstream spinning machine is technically optimal.

[0009] According to a first embodiment, the height adjustment device may have at least one column having a foot fixed to the ground surrounding a vertical surface and a movable part arranged to move relative to the foot along a vertical axis. A longitudinal beam is supported on the movable part, wherein a drive unit is configured to move the movable part relative to the foot. The longitudinal beam is preferably fixed parallel to the vertical surface by means of the at least one column. The height adjustment device particularly has two columns. The drive unit may have a separate drive module for each column. However, in principle, the drive unit may also have a single drive module, which is effectively connected to the movable parts via a transmission system. Thus, a truss device supported on the ground is provided, whose longitudinal beam can move along a vertical axis in a simple and rapid manner.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, which is an alternative to the aforementioned first embodiment, the longitudinal beam can be suspended on a height adjustment device, wherein the height adjustment device can be arranged on a structure fixed at a position axially spaced from the ground relative to the vertical axis. The unsupported design improves the accessibility of the vertical facade and the longitudinal beam.

[0011] Furthermore, storage containers can be positioned more easily and freely under the longitudinal beams, and by eliminating supports such as supports and columns, new possibilities are available for the design and division of the facade. Compared to longitudinal beams supported on the ground, more storage containers can sometimes be placed under suspended longitudinal beams, allowing for more strip feeding positions on the suspended beams to operate more storage containers. For example, a scaffolding device installed on the ground can be designed for eight storage containers and correspondingly have eight strip feeding positions to extract fiber strips from the storage containers. Due to the elimination of supports, the space freed up under the suspended longitudinal beams can now be utilized, allowing ten storage containers (to exemplify only) to be erected on the same facade, with ten strip feeding positions correspondingly constructed on the longitudinal beams. Thus, a scaffolding device spaced from the ground is provided, whose suspended longitudinal beams can be moved along the vertical axis in a simple and quick manner.

[0012] Preferably, the entire bobbin assembly is constructed to be suspended, meaning that the entire bobbin assembly is suspended by its entire weight from a fixed structure. The fixed structure can be, for example, a factory ceiling, supports arranged below the factory ceiling, machine frames, scaffolding, etc. In a spinning mill, multiple bobbin assemblies can stand side by side. Multiple bobbin assemblies, especially longitudinal beams, can be suspended from the fixed structure. The height adjustment device can particularly have a traction device effectively connected to a drive unit, wherein the longitudinal beam is suspended and secured to the traction device and can be moved along a vertical axis by means of the drive unit. The traction device can, for example, have at least one traction belt, at least one retractable rod, and similar components, the traction belt being wound around a pulley that can be driven by the drive unit. The traction device is preferably mounted on the two longitudinal ends of the longitudinal beam so that the longitudinal beam can be moved parallel to the vertical plane.

[0013] The same applies to the above-described embodiments: the height adjustment device is connected to or can be connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit. In this way, the movement of the longitudinal beam can be controlled, or implemented automatically. The control unit is preferably the control unit of a downstream spinning machine, which is preferably a drafting machine (also called a drawing frame), a winding machine (or an overlapping winding machine), or similar equipment. In principle, it can also be the control unit of the creel assembly itself, or the control unit upstream of the equipment consisting of the creel assembly and the spinning machine, especially the main controller of the production line.

[0014] The automatic control of the drive unit ensures that the longitudinal beam is always positioned at its optimal height during the operation of the creel assembly, and only automatically moves to the operating height when necessary, such as in cases of sliver breakage or waiting for sliver can replacement. The advantage is that this maintains a technically optimal entry angle during operation, at which the fiber sliver from the creel assembly enters the feed zone of the spinning machine. In the example of the drafting unit, this means optimally winding the riding roller, which is positioned in the entry zone and rests on the driven lower roller, because the fiber sliver enters the feed zone from above, or at a positive entry angle. Conversely, this winding cannot be ensured when the longitudinal beam is too low, because the riding roller cannot be wound properly or is insufficiently wound when the fiber sliver enters horizontally or from below.

[0015] The automatic movement of the longitudinal beam, initiated by the control unit, can be determined by preset influencing variables. One such influencing variable could be the current fill level of the storage container. When the fill level falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit can manipulate the drive unit to lower the longitudinal beam to the operating height. Besides improving the accessibility of the longitudinal beam, its lower position provides the machine operator with a signal that is easily visible from a distance while awaiting sliver replacement. To determine the current fill level, a length measuring device can be installed, for example, on the sliver rack assembly and / or the spinning machine. This device measures the length extracted after the storage container is replaced and provides this value as an influencing variable to the control unit. The sliver length provided in the storage container can be stored in the control unit. This can be manually entered. Alternatively, the storage container can be equipped with RFID (radio-frequency identification) transponders, which also store information about the sliver length stored in the storage sliver can. To read the RFID transponders (commonly known as wireless tags), the sliver rack assembly can have at least one reader. Other length measurement methods are known and feasible. For example, a camera can be pointed at the storage container to determine the fill level. Another advantage of automatic movement to the operating height is that it allows for automatic can changing when using self-propelled storage containers in spinning mills. Because the longitudinal beam is in the lowered position, the automatic splicing device can easily connect the fiber ends to each other during can changing.

[0016] In addition, influencing variables could be the current supply speed of the spinning machine and / or the speed of its conveyor rollers when the crease assembly is driven. The supply rollers of the spinning machine pull in the sliver, and driven conveyor rollers can be provided to avoid or reduce traction in the crease assembly. A high supply speed of the spinning machine will result in a high output speed at each storage container. When the sliver is withdrawn from the storage container, the sliver, especially at high withdrawal speeds, oscillates in an air ring above the respective storage container. At high supply or output speeds, the diameter of the output air ring increases. To avoid friction between the sliver and the container wall of the storage container, the longitudinal beam can be lowered.

[0017] Furthermore, the sprue assembly may have at least one distance sensor to prevent contact with the storage container, and in particular with protruding sprue or mycelium, or other obstacles in the movement path, as the longitudinal beam moves. The at least one distance sensor may also be used to detect the distance of the filling height of the storage container, so that the longitudinal beam can be moved to an optimal distance to form the desired sprue aerosol. Specifically, one distance sensor may be provided on the longitudinal beam for each sprue outlet position.

[0018] The drive unit can be configured to move the longitudinal beam to a convenient operating height, especially the operating height. This allows smaller operators to more easily and comfortably remove broken strips and perform strip replacement and maintenance work on the tube rack assembly. The operating height can be freely selected within a preset range and is stored in the control unit. The preset range can correspond to a height window, ranging from a lower limit corresponding to the maximum filling height and safety distance of the storage container to an upper limit corresponding to the maximum distance to the vertical surface determined by the structural type of the height adjustment device. The operating height can be preset within the range of 1400 mm to 1800 mm for specific purposes. Different operating heights can be stored for storage containers of different sizes.

[0019] To quickly move the sliver beam to the operating height, especially by lowering it, when the sliver breaks, a sensor, particularly an optical sensor, can be placed on the sliver beam for each exit position or each fiber sliver to identify the breakage. These sensors can be connected to a control unit, which can then stop the spinning machine in a known manner when the sliver breaks and move the sliver beam to the operating height.

[0020] Furthermore, the height adjustment device can have a manually operable operating unit for switching drive units. The operating unit can be installed on or around the cradle assembly. For example, the operating unit can be mounted on at least one column. The operating unit can also be mounted on the spinning machine and / or include a mobile terminal. In this way, the distance from the longitudinal beam to the vertical surface can be changed or adjusted on-site on the cradle assembly. For example, the longitudinal beam can continue to lower if the stored operating height is too high for the current operator. One of the stored operating heights can be selected based on the size of the storage container currently used at the cradle assembly. The operating unit can also be configured with optional motors for starting the spinning machine and for driving the conveyor rollers on the cradle assembly.

[0021] Furthermore, the drive unit may include at least one electric motor. In this way, the longitudinal beam can be moved electrically, or raised and lowered. Alternatively, the drive unit may be configured as a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electromagnetic drive unit.

[0022] Another solution to the aforementioned task lies in an apparatus comprising the aforementioned creel device for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers available in a movable storage container to a spinning machine, and the spinning machine itself. The advantages obtained by the apparatus according to the invention are the same as those described in conjunction with the creel device according to the invention, and are thus briefly referred to herein. It goes without saying that all the above-described embodiments can be adapted to the aforementioned apparatus, and vice versa.

[0023] The height adjustment device is preferably connected to the control unit of the spinning machine. In cases of changes in supply speed, detection of sliver breakage, or emptying of the storage container, the distance from the longitudinal beam to the vertical surface can be adaptively adjusted as needed. During operation, the creel assembly can operate at a preset assembly height, where the optimal height difference between the creel assembly's delivery position and the spinning machine's entry position can also be considered.

[0024] Another solution to the above-described task lies in a method for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers to a spinning machine in a movable storage container. The advantages obtained by the method according to the invention are the same as those described in combination with the bobbin holder device or the apparatus according to the invention, and are thus briefly referred to here. It goes without saying that all the above-described embodiments can be converted to the method, and vice versa.

[0025] The method according to the present invention includes the following steps: providing the aforementioned bobbin holder device; automatically moving the longitudinal beam along the vertical axis by controlling the height adjustment device until it reaches a first height position; extracting fiber slivers separately from each other from multiple storage containers; and conveying these fiber slivers separately to a spinning machine.

[0026] Furthermore, the method may include the following steps: checking whether the current height position of the longitudinal beam corresponds to a preset height position for the current filling state; if the current height position deviates from the preset height position for the current filling state, adaptively adjusting the height position by automatically moving the longitudinal beam. This check can be performed continuously or at regular time intervals, thereby allowing the longitudinal beam to be lowered as the filling state decreases. The longitudinal beam is preferably held at a first height position until the filling state falls below a predetermined filling state value, thereby subsequently lowering the longitudinal beam to a second height position, particularly to the operating height, as the filling state decreases.

[0027] In addition, the method may include the following steps: providing a sensor, especially an optical sensor, preferably a sensor at each strip exit position, for identifying strip breakage; and moving the longitudinal beam to a predetermined operating height when a strip breakage is detected.

[0028] Fiber strips can be made from materials such as cotton, chemical fibers, and recycled fibers. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. (See figures:)

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective view of an apparatus having a tube frame device and a drawing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown from an obliquely upward view;

[0031] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A three-dimensional side view of the tube frame assembly, wherein the tube frame assembly is positioned at a first height position;

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A three-dimensional side view of the tube frame assembly, wherein the tube frame assembly is positioned at a second height.

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a portion of an apparatus having a truss assembly and a drawing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A side view of the equipment, wherein the cylinder frame assembly is positioned at a first height; and

[0035] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 A side view of the equipment, wherein the cylinder frame assembly is positioned at the second height. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The solutions according to the present invention include different combinations of features, particularly defined by the following sequentially numbered embodiments:

[0037] 1. A bobbin holder device (2; 32) for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) available in a movable storage container (4) to a spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, wherein the bobbin holder device (2; 32) comprises: a longitudinal beam (7) fixed in a height-adjustable manner, the longitudinal beam being arranged above an upright surface (8) for placing the storage container (4); and a guide device (14) arranged on the longitudinal beam (7) for guiding the fiber slivers (5) extracted from the storage container (4) to the spinning machine (3), characterized in that the bobbin holder device (2; 32) has a height adjustment device (18) effectively connected to the longitudinal beam (7), the height adjustment device having a drive unit (22) for driving the longitudinal beam (7) to move along a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the upright surface (8).

[0038] 2. The tube frame device (2) according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that the height adjustment device (18) has at least one column (19) having a foot (20) and a movable part (21), the foot standing on a fixed ground (6) surrounding the vertical surface (8), the movable part being arranged to move relative to the foot (20) along a vertical axis (Z), a longitudinal beam (7) being supported on the movable part, wherein the drive unit (22) is configured to move the movable part (21) relative to the foot (20).

[0039] 3. The tube frame device (32) according to embodiment 1 is characterized in that the longitudinal beam (7) is arranged on the height adjustment device (18) in a suspended manner, wherein the height adjustment device (18) is arranged on a structure (33) that is fixed at a position axially spaced from the ground (6) relative to the vertical axis (Z).

[0040] 4. The tube frame device (32) according to embodiment 3 is characterized in that the height adjustment device (18) has a traction device (34) effectively connected to the drive unit (22), wherein the longitudinal beam (7) is suspended and fastened to the traction device (34) and can move along the vertical axis (Z) by means of the drive unit (22).

[0041] 5. The tube frame device (2; 32) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4 is characterized in that the height adjustment device (18) is connected to or can be connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit (22).

[0042] 6. The bobbin holder device (2; 32) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5 is characterized in that a sensor (17), in particular an optical sensor, is arranged on the longitudinal beam (7) for each fiber strip to identify the broken end of the strip.

[0043] 7. The tube frame device (2; 32) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7 is characterized in that the drive unit (22) includes at least one electric motor (40) or a drive unit (23) configured as pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic.

[0044] 8. An apparatus comprising a bobbin holder (2; 32) and a spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, the bobbin holder being used to supply a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) that can be provided in a movable storage container (4) to the spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, wherein the bobbin holder (2; 32) is configured as a bobbin holder according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7.

[0045] 9. A method for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) available in movable storage containers (4) to a spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, the spinning machine being particularly a drafting device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a bobbin cassette device (2; 32) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7; automatically moving a longitudinal beam (7) along a vertical axis (Z) by controlling a height adjustment device (18) until a first height position is reached; drawing the fiber slivers (5) separately from each other from a plurality of storage containers (4); and conveying the fiber slivers (5) separately from each other to the spinning machine (3).

[0046] 10. The method according to embodiment 9 is characterized in that the method includes the following steps: checking whether the current height position is equivalent to the height position preset for the current filling state; if the current height position deviates from the height position preset for the current filling state, the height position is adaptively adjusted by the automatic movement of the longitudinal beam (7).

[0047] 11. The method according to embodiment 9 or 10, characterized in that the method includes the following steps: providing a sensor (17), especially an optical sensor, for identifying strip breakage at each strip exit position (9); and moving the longitudinal beam (7) to a predetermined operating height when a strip breakage is detected.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention, which includes a bobbin holder assembly 2 and a spinning machine 3 configured herein as a drafting device. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bobbin liner device 2 according to the invention, shown in more detail, is used in a known manner to supply a plurality of fiber slivers 5, which can be provided in movable storage containers 4, to the downstream drawing device 3. The drawing device 3 is used in a known manner to homogenize the fiber slivers 5 provided by the upstream bobbin liner device 2. For the sake of overview, only a portion of the eight storage containers 4 and the eight fiber slivers 5 are exemplarily denoted here.

[0049] To indicate the spatial orientation of device 1, the longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z are marked. They are defined in a spatially fixed Cartesian coordinate system and represented by corresponding arrows.

[0050] The vertical direction Z is usually fixed on the ground 6 at the location of equipment 1, especially on the floor of a spinning mill. The concepts of "below", "under", "above" or "above" refer to the spatial indication of equipment 1.

[0051] The bobbin rack assembly 2 has a height-adjustable longitudinal beam 7 positioned above a defined vertical surface 8 on which storage containers 4 on the ground 6 stand. The bobbin rack assembly 2 (exemplarily shown here) has eight sliver outlet positions 9 so that fiber slivers 5 can be simultaneously extracted from up to eight storage containers 4, as shown here. The storage containers 4 are exemplarily shown as circular sliver tubes and arranged in two rows below the longitudinal beam 6.

[0052] Explained together Figure 2 and Figure 3The creel assembly 2 according to the invention is shown in more detail, wherein, exemplarily here, the creel assembly has six sliver exit positions 9 for a total of six storage containers 4. The slivers 5 provided by the storage containers 4 are drawn out by conveyor rollers 10, which are arranged on longitudinal beams 7 and are here rotatably driven by a common motor 11, particularly an electric motor. As shown here, the motor 11 can be fastened to the end of the creel assembly 2 away from the drafting device 3 on the longitudinal beams 7 and can be connected to the conveyor rollers 10 via a transmission system preferably housed in the longitudinal beams 7. Each driven conveyor roller 10 is assigned a follower upper roller, and the corresponding conveyor roller 10 forms a roller pair 13 with the upper roller, between which the corresponding sliver 5 is guided.

[0053] To guide the fiber sliver 5 extracted from the storage container 4 to the drafting device 3, a guiding device 14 is arranged on the longitudinal beam 7. The guiding device has a guiding element 15 at each exit position 9, upstream of the corresponding roller pair 13. Each guiding element 15 may, for example, be a guide with an opening, particularly a guide in the form of annular holes, which can be secured by a fixing rod on the longitudinal beam 7. During operation of the equipment 1, the extracted fiber sliver 5 passes through the guiding element 15, where it turns longitudinally X and then passes through the gap of the roller pair 13 at the corresponding exit position 9. The guiding device 14 also has guide slots 16 open on top, through which the fiber sliver 5 passes separately from each other.

[0054] Furthermore, each exit position 9 is equipped with a sensor 17, specifically optical, which can be arranged behind the corresponding roller pair 13 and monitor the corresponding sliver 5. In this way, it can be monitored whether all slivers 5 entering the drafting unit 3 are present. The eight sensors 17 here are connected to the control unit (not shown) of the drafting unit 3. If one of the sensors 17 detects a sliver break, because one of the sensors 17 did not detect a sliver during operation or detected a stationary sliver, then the control unit can stop the rollers of the drafting unit 3 and the conveying rollers 10 of the bobbin assembly 2. Once the machine operator of the equipment 1 has ruled out the sliver break, the equipment can be operated again.

[0055] In order to move, and especially lower, the height-adjustable fixed longitudinal beam 7, for example, when a broken strip is detected, to an operating height, the tube frame device 2 may have a height adjustment device 18 connected to the control unit for driving the longitudinal beam 7 to move along the vertical axis Z.

[0056] The height adjustment device 18, effectively connected to the longitudinal beam 7, can exemplarily have two columns 19 on which the longitudinal beam 7 is supported. Each column 19 has a foot 20 that stands on a fixed ground 6 and a moving part 21 arranged to move relative to the foot 20 along the vertical axis Z. Furthermore, the height adjustment device 18 has a drive unit 22, which has an actuator 23, particularly pneumatically or electrically operated, for each column 19, wherein the moving part 21 may include, or is, a cylinder of the actuator 22. Figure 2 The image shows the cylinder in the removed position, with the longitudinal beam 7 remaining at the first height position. Figure 3 The image shows the movable part 21 in the inserted position, with the longitudinal beam 7 held at a second height position below the first height position. A corresponding actuator 23 can be mounted in the foot 20 or in the column 24 fastened to the bottom side of the longitudinal beam 7. Of course, each column 19 can have a cover plate if needed to protect the movable parts of the height adjustment device 18.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the second height position shown, the longitudinal beam 7 can be at the operating height. At the operating height, the various outlet positions 9 on the longitudinal beam 7 can be easily and conveniently reached from the factory floor 6, wherein a sufficient distance is maintained between the longitudinal beam 7 and the storage container 4. Figure 2 In the first height position shown, the longitudinal beam 7 can be arranged at the optimal height position for operation, also known as the assembly height, wherein the fiber strip 5 can enter at the optimal entry angle for the drawing device 3. Figure 1 The drawing device 3 is shown in its entry position 25. The height difference between the delivery position 26 of the bobbin cassette assembly 2 and the entry position 25 of the drawing device 3 can be adjusted by means of the height adjustment device 18. For example, the fiber sliver 5 enters from an obliquely upward direction, such as... Figure 1 As shown, this facilitates the winding of the saddle roller of the drafting device 3 at the entry position 25. In principle, the entry angle can be in the range of, for example, -15 degrees to +60 degrees. When the entry angle is negative, the fiber sliver 5 enters the drafting device 3 at the entry position 25 from a downward angle. This occurs when the longitudinal beam 7 descends to a position where the delivery position 26 is lower than the entry position 25. Furthermore, the longitudinal beam 7 can be moved along the vertical axis Z during shutdown and operation by means of the height adjustment device 18, wherein the longitudinal beam 7 is always parallel to the vertical plane 8.

[0058] An operating unit 27 can be arranged on at least one support column 19, through which the machine operator can restart the drafting device, particularly the rollers of the drafting device, and the motor 11 for driving the conveying rollers 10 on the spool assembly 2, for example, after changing the spool. The operating unit 27 is exemplarily mounted here on the column 24 closest to the drafting device 3, but it can also be located in other easily accessible positions for the machine operator. Furthermore, the machine operator can switch the drive unit 22 via the operating unit 27 to move the longitudinal beam 7 up and down. Additionally, a height (“memory function”) can be stored in the operating unit 27, and the longitudinal beam 7 moves to that height when a desired height is selected.

[0059] exist Figures 4 to 6 The diagram shows an apparatus 31 according to a second embodiment of the invention, which includes a bobbin assembly 32 and a spinning machine configured herein as a drafting device 3. This apparatus is related to... Figures 1 to 3 The devices are largely identical, thus referring to the description above in terms of common features. Here, identical or modified details are provided with... Figures 1 to 3 The same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings.

[0060] The difference lies in the design of the tube frame device 32, in which the longitudinal beam 7 is not supported on a ground-mounted height adjustment device, but is instead suspended in mid-air on a structure 33 fixed at an axial distance from the ground 6 relative to the vertical axis Z. In this way, the longitudinal beam 7, along with its accessories (such as the guide device 14, and possibly sensors 17), is suspended entirely by its own weight on the fixed structure 33.

[0061] To indicate the spatial orientation of the device, the longitudinal (X), transverse (Y), and vertical (Z) directions are marked. These are defined in a spatially fixed Cartesian coordinate system and represented by corresponding arrows.

[0062] The vertical direction Z is usually fixed on the ground 6 where the drafting device 3 is located, especially on the floor of a spinning mill. The concepts of "below", "below", "above" or "above" refer to the spatial indication of the equipment 31.

[0063] The longitudinal beam 7 is arranged above the vertical surface 8 used for storing the container 4 in a manner unsupported relative to the vertical surface 8 or the ground 6. The longitudinal beam 7 is suspended in a height-adjustable manner from a fixed structure 33 by means of a height adjustment device 18. The fixed structure can be a factory ceiling, a bracket arranged below the factory ceiling, a machine frame erected on the factory floor, scaffolding, etc.

[0064] The height adjustment device 18 may have a traction device 34 that is effectively connected to the drive unit 22, wherein the longitudinal beam 7 is suspended and fastened to the traction device 34 and can move along the vertical axis Z by means of the drive unit 22.

[0065] The traction device 34 has two traction members 35, which are attached to the longitudinal beam 7 at intervals along the longitudinal direction X. The traction members 35 bypass steering wheels 36 fixed to the longitudinal beam 7. A first end 37 of each traction member 35 can be arranged on a fixed structure 33, and a second end 38 of each traction member 35 can be wound and unwound on a traction pulley 39 provided for that traction member 35, which can be supported on the fixed structure 33. The traction pulleys 39 of the two traction members 35 can be driven to rotate by the drive unit 22 of the height adjustment device 18, thereby allowing the longitudinal beam 7 suspended on the traction device 34 to be moved along the vertical axis Z by means of the drive unit 22. Therefore, the longitudinal beam 7 can be raised or lowered by means of the drive unit 22. The drive unit 22 can have a motor 40, particularly an electric motor, for each traction pulley 39. Other known drive concepts and other designs of the traction device 34 in ceiling lifting systems are also feasible. To prevent the longitudinal beam 7 from swinging during operation of the tube frame assembly 32, the longitudinal beam 7 can be supported relative to the fixed structure 33. For this purpose, traction members 35 can be installed, for example, in telescopic hollow rods (not shown), which can be fastened to the fixed structure 33 at their upper ends and to the longitudinal beam 7 at their lower ends.

[0066] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, the traction device 34 is raised, or rather, the traction element 35 is wound around the traction pulley 39, so that the longitudinal beam 7 is in a first height position, also known as the assembly height. In this optimal operating height position, the fiber strip 5 enters the drafting device 3 from the delivery position 26 of the bobbin assembly 32 at the entry position 25 of the drafting device 3 at the optimal entry angle 44 for the drafting device 3. The fiber strip 5 enters from an obliquely upward position, so the entry angle 44 is a positive value here, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0067] exist Figure 6 In this process, the traction device 34 descends, or in other words, the traction member 35 unwinds from the traction member pulley 39, bringing the longitudinal beam 7 to a second height position, also known as the operating height. The entry angle 44 is now negative and can be between 0 degrees and, for example, -15 degrees. When the entry angle 44 is negative, the fiber sliver 5 enters the drafting device 3 from an oblique downward position to the entry position 25. The second height position is occupied shortly before the sliver can be replaced, or the second height position can be manually closed, for example, by an operating scheme (such as operating unit 27).

[0068] The following content applies not only to Figures 1 to 3 The first embodiment shown is also applicable to Figures 4 to 6 The second embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0069] To replace the storage container 4, i.e., to change the sliver can, the longitudinal beam 7 can first be moved to the second height position, or operating height, at which point the machine operator can easily connect the sliver end of the fiber sliver 5. Next, the drive unit can be switched via operation input at the operation unit 27, or via operation input at the operation terminal 41 or operation panel 42 of the drafting device 3, or via operation input at a mobile terminal or similar device, to raise the longitudinal beam 7 to the first height position, or preset assembly height. The operation unit can be, for example, mounted on at least one column 19 or the housing of the drafting device 3. At the first height position, the control unit opens the rollers of the drafting device 3 to start the drafting process and begin operation, during which the canister assembly 2;32 supplies the fiber sliver 5 to the downstream drafting device 3. When the canister assembly 2;32 is driven, as shown here, the motor 11 is also activated to drive the conveyor roller 10. A length measuring device constructed on the drafting device 3 and arranged in the area of ​​the entry position 25 measures the length of the fiber sliver 5 after the storage container 4 is replaced. Once the preset length value is exceeded, the height adjustment device 18 lowers the longitudinal beam 7 as the filling state of the storage container 4 continues to decrease, thereby reducing the distance to the storage container 4. In spinning mills, there are usually a large number of such bobbin cassette devices 3; 32 arranged side by side, so that the machine operator can easily see from a distance when a longitudinal beam 7 has been lowered. As the filling state decreases, the protrusion of the yarn package, or fiber sliver 5, beyond the edge of the corresponding storage container 4 is reduced. By lowering the longitudinal beam 7 when the filling state becomes empty, the distance between the corresponding sliver exit position 9 and the uppermost fiber sliver 5 in the storage container 4 is preferably maintained at about 450 mm. For this purpose, a distance sensor that can be arranged on the longitudinal beam 7 can be used, or empirical values ​​can be stored in the control unit, and the longitudinal beam is lowered from the assembly height to the operating height after a certain length of fiber sliver 5 has been extracted (re-measured by a length measuring device after each bobbin change). Utilizing this advantageous distance (here, for example, 450 mm), as the fiber sliver 5 is pulled from the corresponding storage container 4 to the corresponding guide element 15 on the longitudinal beam 7, an air ring 43 is formed, which rotates in an irregular shape about a virtual axis and substantially perpendicular to that virtual axis to one side. Once the longitudinal beam 7 reaches the second height position again, the next sliver can replacement is scheduled, and once one of the optical sensors 17 detects the end of the fiber sliver 5, the drafting device 3 is stopped. The above process then starts again from the beginning.

[0070] When a strip breakage is detected during operation, the rollers of the drafting device 3 and the conveyor rollers 10 of the bobbin holder 32 are stopped, and the longitudinal beam 7 is lowered from the assembly height to the operating height. After the strip breakage has been resolved, the machine operator can instruct the control unit to restart operation by manipulating the operating unit 27 or one of the aforementioned alternative operating procedures.

[0071] List of reference numerals

[0072] 1 device

[0073] 2. Cylindrical frame device

[0074] 3. Spinning machines or drafting devices

[0075] 4. Storage container

[0076] 5 fiber strips

[0077] 6 ground

[0078] 7 longitudinal beams

[0079] 8 vertical facades

[0080] 9 out of position

[0081] 10 conveyor rollers

[0082] 11 motors

[0083] 12 upper rollers

[0084] 13 roller pairs

[0085] 14 Guiding Devices

[0086] 15 guiding elements

[0087] 16 guide slots

[0088] 17 sensors

[0089] 18 Height Adjustment Device

[0090] 19 columns

[0091] 20 feet

[0092] 21 Mobile Department

[0093] 22 drive units

[0094] 23 actuators

[0095] 24 columns

[0096] 25 Enter position

[0097] 26 Delivery Locations

[0098] 27 operating units

[0099] 31 devices

[0100] 32-cylinder frame device

[0101] 33 structure

[0102] 34 Traction Device

[0103] 35 traction components

[0104] 36 steering wheels

[0105] 37 end

[0106] 38 end

[0107] 39 Traction Pulley

[0108] 40 motors

[0109] 41 Operating Terminal

[0110] 42 Operation Panel

[0111] 43 air rings

[0112] 44 entry angle

[0113] X Vertical

[0114] Y (horizontal)

[0115] Z (vertical direction)

Claims

1. A bobbin holder for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) that can be provided in a movable storage container (4) to a spinning machine (3) that processes fibers, wherein, The cylindrical rack assembly includes: a height-adjustable longitudinal beam (7) positioned above an upright surface (8) for placing the storage container (4); and A guiding device (14) arranged on the longitudinal beam (7) is used to guide the fiber strip (5) extracted from the storage container (4) to the spinning machine (3), wherein, The tube frame assembly has a height adjustment device (18) effectively connected to the longitudinal beam (7), the height adjustment device having a drive unit (22) for driving the longitudinal beam (7) to move along a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the vertical plane (8). The feature is that the height adjustment device (18) is connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit (22) so that the movement of the longitudinal beam is automatically realized according to preset influence variables, wherein the preset influence variables include the current filling state of the storage container, the current supply speed of the spinning machine and / or the speed of its conveyor roller when the bobbin device is driven, wherein when the filling amount is lower than a predetermined amount, the control unit manipulates the drive unit (22) to lower the longitudinal beam (7) to the operating height.

2. The tube frame device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height adjustment device (18) has at least one column (19) having a foot (20) and a movable part (21), the foot standing on a fixed ground (6) surrounding the vertical surface (8), the movable part being arranged to move relative to the foot (20) along a vertical axis (Z), a longitudinal beam (7) being supported on the movable part, wherein a drive unit (22) is configured to move the movable part (21) relative to the foot (20).

3. The tube frame device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The longitudinal beam (7) is suspended on the height adjustment device (18), wherein the height adjustment device (18) is arranged on a structure (33) that is fixed axially relative to the vertical axis (Z) and spaced from the ground (6).

4. The tube frame device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The height adjustment device (18) has a traction device (34) that is effectively connected to the drive unit (22), wherein the longitudinal beam (7) is suspended and fastened to the traction device (34) and can move along the vertical axis (Z) by means of the drive unit (22).

5. The cylinder frame device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A sensor (17) is arranged on the longitudinal beam (7) for each fiber strip to identify the broken end of the strip.

6. The cylinder frame device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive unit (22) includes at least one electric motor (40) or a drive unit configured as pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic.

7. The cylinder frame device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive unit (22) includes at least one electric motor (40) or a drive unit configured as pneumatic, hydraulic or electromagnetic.

8. The tube frame device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor (17) is an optical sensor.

9. An apparatus comprising a bobbin holder and a spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, the bobbin holder being used to supply the spinning machine (3) with a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) available in a movable storage container (4), wherein, The tube rack assembly is constructed as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for supplying a large quantity of fiber slivers (5) to a spinning machine (3) for processing fibers, which can be provided in a movable storage container (4), wherein, The method includes the following steps: A tube frame device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is provided; By controlling the height adjustment device (18), the longitudinal beam (7) is automatically moved along the vertical axis (Z) until it reaches the first height position; Fiber strips (5) are drawn out separately from each of the multiple storage containers (4); The fiber strips (5) are fed separately to the spinning machine (3).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Check if the current height position is equivalent to the preset height position for the current fill state; If the current height position deviates from the height position preset for the current filling state, the height position is adaptively adjusted by the automatic movement of the longitudinal beam (7).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: A sensor (17) is provided for each strip exit position (9) to identify strip breakage. When a broken strip is detected, the longitudinal beam (7) is moved to the specified operating height.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The spinning machine (3) is a drafting device.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sensor (17) is an optical sensor.

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