Method for operating spinning machine system having at least one spinning machine and spinning machine system having at least one spinning machine

Abstract

In a method for operating a spinning machine system having at least one spinning machine (1), the spinning machine has a plurality of stations (2) of the same type arranged next to one another, the stations (2) are autonomous stations (2), and the stations can autonomously perform batch switching from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch when a batch end is reached. At least one condition for performing an autonomous batch switch from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch is determined. According to the invention, a station (2) is selected from a plurality of stations (2) of at least one spinning machine (1) for performing a batch switch, and when at least one condition occurs, the selected station (2) actively performs a batch switch regardless of whether a batch end is reached. The invention relates to a spinning machine arrangement having at least one spinning machine (1) with a plurality of autonomous stations (2) of the same kind arranged next to one another, having at least one control unit (13). The control unit (13) is used for executing the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a spinning machine device having at least one spinning machine, the spinning machine having a plurality of similar workstations arranged side by side, wherein the workstations are autonomous workstations, which are capable of autonomously performing a batch switch from a current yarn batch to other yarn batches when the end of a batch is reached. The invention also relates to a spinning machine device having at least one spinning machine, the spinning machine having a plurality of similar workstations arranged side by side, wherein the workstations are autonomous workstations, which are capable of autonomously performing a batch switch from a current yarn batch to other yarn batches when the end of a batch is reached, at least when the spinning apparatus and the fiber material are consistent, wherein the spinning machine device has at least one control unit, and / or wherein at least one spinning machine has at least one control unit. Background Art

[0002] Spinning machines with multiple similar workstations arranged side by side are already known in the prior art in various embodiments and have been described in detail in many publications. The workstations of the spinning machine each have a conveying device for conveying the fiber material to be spun, a spinning device for making yarn, a drawing device for drawing the produced yarn, and a winding device for winding the yarn onto a bobbin. The spinning device can be configured, for example, as a rotor spinning device with a spinning rotor, or as an air-type spinning device with a spinning nozzle. Here, the basic component for manufacturing the thread is the so-called spinning device, which, in a rotor spinning machine, for example, includes a spinning rotor, a thread drawing nozzle, and an opening roller. A plurality of such spinning machines are provided in a spinning machine device. The spinning machines of the spinning machine device are usually controlled by a superior device control system. But in any case, each spinning machine has a spinning machine control system.

[0003] Spinning machines with centrally driven working mechanisms are already known, wherein the workstations are maintained primarily by mobile maintenance equipment. However, spinning machines with so-called autonomous workstations are now increasingly being used. The workstations of these spinning machines have a plurality of individual drives for driving their working mechanisms, which can be operated independently of the individual drives of other workstations. In such spinning machines, different yarn batches can be produced at the individual workstations.

[0004] If a different yarn batch is now to be produced at the spinning machine or at the individual workstations, i.e. a yarn with different properties than before, a lot of retooling is required to carry out the so-called batch change. In most cases, at least part of the spinning apparatus and the supplied fiber material must be replaced. Likewise, in most cases, additional empty bobbins must be provided and some operating parameters of the spinning machine, or more precisely the workstation, must be changed.

[0005] If the spinning machine has so-called autonomous workstations as described above, a so-called "smooth" or "smooth" batch change can also be achieved. This means that when the end of the batch is reached, the workstations can end the old yarn batch and start a new yarn batch individually, independently of each other and without operator intervention. The prerequisite for this is usually that the spinning equipment and the fiber material required for the new yarn batch are consistent with the spinning equipment and fiber material of the old yarn batch. Such a spinning machine is described, for example, in document EP2 762 617 B1. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to improve the production process in a spinning machine installation having at least one such spinning machine with an autonomous workstation.

[0007] A method for operating a spinning machine device having at least one spinning machine, the spinning machine having a plurality of similar workstations arranged side by side with each other, the workstations being autonomous workstations which can autonomously perform batch switching from a current yarn batch to other yarn batches when the end of a batch is reached.

[0008] For example, when the spinning apparatus and the fiber material are consistent, the station can autonomously perform batch switching. However, it is also conceivable to automatically replace the spinning apparatus and / or the fiber material by operating a robot. In this case, the station can also autonomously perform batch switching.

[0009] It is proposed that at least one condition for performing a batch switch from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch is determined, a station for performing the batch switch is selected from a plurality of stations of at least one spinning machine, and when at least one condition occurs, the selected station of at least one spinning machine actively performs the batch switch, regardless of whether the batch end is reached. In contrast to the prior art, the batch switch is not only performed when a predetermined batch end is reached (which is usually defined by a production purpose measured in kilograms of yarn, meters of yarn or number of bobbins). Rather, the batch switch is also performed when it makes more sense to produce other yarn batches than the currently performed yarn batch due to external framework conditions and given conditions in the spinning mill. It is thus possible to flexibly respond to changed production conditions and accordingly produce yarn batches that are most suitable for the currently prevailing production conditions. The changed production conditions may include, for example, a shortage of operating personnel or movable maintenance equipment or even climate changes. The batch switch from the current yarn batch to another "new" yarn batch may also be only temporary here. If the production conditions change again, it is possible to switch back from the "new", currently current yarn batch to the "old", previous yarn batch. In this case, the partially wound bobbins of the "old" yarn batch can also be fed back to the machine under certain circumstances. By always producing a yarn batch that is suitable for the current production conditions, the production capacity of the spinning machine can be better utilized and non-productive downtimes of the workstations can be reduced.

[0010] Here, it is not necessary for all stations of the spinning machine to perform batch switching. In particular, when the spinning machine is used for multiple batches, only some stations that form a production group together can perform batch switching. Similarly, depending on the conditions, it can also be that only a part of the stations of the spinning machine or only a part of the stations of a production group perform the batch switching that has been advanced, while other stations continue to produce the old batch. Similarly, it is not necessary for all spinning machines of the spinning machine equipment to perform batch switching at some or all stations. Thus, for example, the production capacity of the spinning machine of the spinning machine equipment or the production capacity of the stations of the spinning machine can be balanced with each other according to the current manufacturing progress of the corresponding batch, and the conditions currently existing at each spinning machine or in the spinning machine equipment are matched here.

[0011] The same advantages can also be achieved with a spinning machine device as claimed, having at least one spinning machine, which has a plurality of similar workstations arranged next to one another, the workstations of the spinning machine being at least partially autonomous workstations which can autonomously perform a batch switch from a current yarn batch to a further yarn batch when the end of a batch is reached. The spinning machine device has at least one control unit and / or at least one spinning machine has at least one control unit for carrying out the above-described method.

[0012] It is advantageous for the method that at least one condition includes the arrival of a specific time. For example, the production can be matched to the normal working hours of the operating personnel. Thus, for example, simpler yarn batches with less operation or less staff-intensiveness can be produced when the staff density is low, and yarn batches requiring more operators can be produced when the staff density is high.

[0013] It is also advantageous if at least one condition includes the arrival at the end of a shift, which condition can of course also include the arrival at the start of a shift. This also allows the production to be adapted to the presence of operating personnel. For example, during the normal day shift, when a large number of operating personnel are usually present, yarn batches that require a large number of operating personnel can be produced. This can be, for example, yarn batches with a large material throughput, in which the feed tank with fiber material must be frequently changed and fully wound bobbins must be frequently replaced with empty bobbins. This can also be more sensitive yarn batches or yarn batches with higher quality requirements, in which interruptions occur more frequently during production and therefore require operating personnel. In contrast, during a shift with fewer people (usually the night shift), yarn batches with lower operating requirements can be produced.

[0014] It is also advantageous if at least one condition includes the presence of a certain number of operators and / or the presence of operators with certain qualifications. As also described above, simpler yarn batches requiring only a small amount of operator intervention can be produced during times when a small number of operators are present, and vice versa. However, unlike the previous examples, this is not related to fixed times or shift times. For example, this can also take into account operator absences due to vacation or illness. Different criteria can also be used at different points in time, for example, only a certain number of operators are present on weekdays, only operators with certain qualifications are present during the day on weekdays, etc. Here, multiple criteria can also be combined into one condition. It is also conceivable that the spinning machine device autonomously formulates conditions based on operator presence record data, or selects conditions from a stored condition pool.

[0015] It is also advantageous for the method if at least one condition includes a time period for carrying out a batch change. If a batch change is to be carried out simultaneously or sequentially by a plurality of workstations, if necessary also by a plurality of workstations of a plurality of spinning machines, then, despite the fact that the batch change is carried out autonomously, a heavy workload for the operating personnel is generated, for example, the bobbins produced by the old yarn batch have to be cleaned. If the batch change is not introduced until the end of the shift, but is already introduced in advance with a time period, it is thus possible to clean the bobbins produced during a shift when more operating personnel are present. Of course, the same applies if the conditions include the presence of a certain number of operating personnel and the arrival of a certain time. Here, too, the time period required for carrying out labor-intensive work, for example, the cleaning of bobbins, can be taken into account, and the batch change can already be introduced before the arrival of the certain time.

[0016] Likewise, if it is expected that no operating personnel will be available to perform a certain activity (such as cleaning the bobbins), for example at a shift change or at a certain point in time, the batch switch can be delayed by a certain period of time.

[0017] It is also conceivable to adapt the production to the changed climatic conditions, the changed temperature or the energy supply. For example, it is conceivable that if the air conditioning system fails, a switch to a less sensitive yarn batch can be made. In this case, the condition includes a failure of the air conditioning system.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous if at least one condition includes a minimum stock of empty tubes that is lower than the current batch and / or at least one condition includes a maximum stock of empty tubes that is higher than other batches. This allows the production at the workstation of at least one spinning machine to be matched to the availability of empty tubes of various tube types. This allows, for example, early switching to a new, or more precisely a different, yarn batch when there is a shortage of empty tubes of the type of empty tubes of the current yarn batch. This allows downtimes due to a lack of empty tubes to be avoided.

[0019] According to another embodiment, it is advantageous if at least one condition includes a maximum number of spinning station errors exceeding the current batch. For example, if during the production of a specific yarn batch, fault reports occur at a station with a higher than average frequency, it can be assumed that there is a systematic error for this specific yarn batch, which can lead to a significant reduction in efficiency when continuing to produce this yarn batch. This situation can be circumvented by switching to another yarn batch. At the same time, an error analysis can be performed during the production of the other yarn batch, which in certain cases allows the old, previous current yarn batch to be restarted at another point in time under better conditions.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method, at least one condition comprises exceeding a maximum permissible deviation from the current production target, or at least one condition comprises exceeding a maximum permissible deviation from the planned end of production. For example, if it is determined that the production purpose of a specific yarn batch or a predetermined batch end can only be achieved after a long delay, a batch switch to this specific yarn batch can be performed at a station where other yarn batches are currently being produced. The production capacity for this specific yarn batch can thereby be increased. Here, the batch switch can be performed at multiple or all stations of the spinning machine, or also at individual or all stations of multiple spinning machines. As an alternative to calculating the expected time period until the end of production is reached, if the batch end is to be reached at a specific time point, the current production target can also be determined based on the expected time point for reaching the batch end, that is, the amount of yarn (in kilograms, meters or bobbins) that should have been produced at the current time point.

[0021] In addition, it is advantageous in the method that the workstations of at least one spinning machine are divided into a plurality of production groups, wherein a plurality of workstations for manufacturing the same yarn batch form a production group accordingly, and at least one condition is determined separately for each production group. Thus, the current given conditions can be further matched. For a spinning machine device, the workstations of at least one spinning machine are preferably divided into a plurality of production groups for this purpose, wherein a plurality of workstations for manufacturing the same yarn batch form a production group accordingly. However, even if the spinning machine of the spinning machine device does not allow multiple batches to be occupied or multiple batches are not occupied at the spinning machine, the method can be executed without any problem. In a spinning machine device with multiple spinning machines, this batch switching in advance can also be performed, for example, at the entire spinning machine or at all workstations of the spinning machine.

[0022] The batch data of the current yarn batch and other yarn batches (if necessary, also multiple yarn batches) are usually stored in the control unit of the spinning machine or in the control unit of the spinning machine device connected to the spinning machine. Therefore, the spinning machine can always perform batch switching autonomously at the workstation involved.

[0023] In principle, the production management system can determine the condition and manually initiate the batch switching when the condition occurs. That is, the operator manually records the occurrence of the condition and when the condition occurs in the spinning machine device or the spinning machine or the corresponding workstation, the operator also manually issues an instruction to perform the batch switching.

[0024] However, it is advantageous in the method that at least one condition is determined in a control unit of the spinning machine device and / or in a control unit of the spinning machine. In this case, the occurrence of the condition can also be recorded manually by an operator. For the spinning machine device, the control unit of the spinning machine device and / or the control unit of at least one spinning machine has a memory for this purpose, in which at least one condition can be determined.

[0025] In this case, the operator can input the occurrence of the condition into the control unit by means of the input device, which then initiates a batch switch at the spinning machine or at the corresponding workstation. For the spinning machine device, it is correspondingly advantageous if the spinning machine device and / or at least one spinning machine has an input device in which the occurrence of the condition can be input, wherein the control device is connected to the input device. The control device can thus record the occurrence of the condition.

[0026] However, it is particularly advantageous that the occurrence of the condition is recorded by the control unit of the spinning machine device and / or the control unit of the spinning machine itself. As a result, the spinning machine device can perform a batch switch completely automatically without the involvement of an operator when at least one condition occurs. However, as an alternative to this, it is also conceivable that the control unit of the spinning machine device and / or the control unit of the spinning machine records the occurrence of the condition, but first sends a message about the upcoming batch switch, which must be confirmed again by the operator before the spinning machine device and / or the spinning machine introduces the batch switch. Other situations that may be unfavorable for an immediate batch switch can thus be taken into account. For this purpose, the spinning machine device and / or at least one spinning machine can have an input device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other advantages of the present invention are described in the following embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic overview of a spinning machine installation with a spinning machine is shown in a front view,

[0029] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a workstation of a spinning machine designed as a rotor spinning machine,

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic side view of a working station of a spinning machine designed as an air-jet spinning machine is shown, and

[0031] Figure 4 A spinning machine installation with a plurality of spinning machines is shown in a schematic top view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for features that are correspondingly identical or at least comparable in the individual embodiments or in the individual drawings. Therefore, certain features are only explained when first mentioned or only once based on the appropriate drawings. As long as these features are not explained again specifically in conjunction with other drawings, their design and / or mode of function correspond to the design and mode of function of the described identical or comparable features. In addition, for the sake of clarity, if there are several identical features or components in the drawings, only one or a small number of these identical features are marked.

[0033] Figure 1 The schematic front view of a spinning machine installation is shown in an overview. In this case, the spinning machine installation has only one spinning machine 1. The spinning machine 1 has a plurality of similar workstations 2 arranged next to each other, which are arranged between two machine frames 9. Each of the workstations 2 has a conveying device 4 for the fiber material 7, which in the case of an open-end rotor spinning machine comprises a feed roller 16 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) and opening roller 12 (see Figure 2 In the case of an air-jet spinning machine, the conveying device 4 comprises a drafting mechanism 25 (see Figure 3 ).

[0034] Furthermore, each of the workstations 2 has a spinning device 3 for producing a yarn 5, a drawing device 11 for drawing the produced yarn 5 and a winding device 19 for winding the produced yarn 5 onto a bobbin 6. In the present case, the workstations 2 are autonomous workstations 2. This means that the workstations 2 have at least a separately drivable spinning element, for example a spinning rotor 10 (see Figure 2 ) or spinning nozzle 20 (see Figure 3 ). Usually, other production mechanisms, such as the conveying device 4, the pulling device 11 and the winding device 19, are also driven separately, so that each workstation 2 can be operated independently of the other workstations 2 of the spinning machine 1. In addition, the workstation 2 can automatically remove the splice after a break or cut (Reinigerschnitt), without the intervention of an operating robot or an operator. For this purpose, other components not shown here, such as processing mechanisms and maintenance mechanisms, are also arranged at the workstation 2.

[0035] The spinning machine 1 further comprises at least one central control unit 13, which controls at least the central and superior processes at the spinning machine 1. The control unit 13 may be equipped with a memory 15 and an input device 14. In order to control the processes at the individual workstations 2, additional control units 13 may be provided at each of the workstations 2 as shown here (additional control units may also be provided for a plurality of workstations 2 together, if necessary), and these additional control units cooperate with the spinning machine 1, the central control unit 13 of the spinning machine device if necessary, and other control devices if necessary. The control unit 13 of the workstation 2 may also be equipped with a memory 15 and an input device 14. The method described below may be centrally executed by the central control unit 13, by the control units 13 of the workstation 2, or by the cooperation of these control units 13. Therefore, in the further description, only the control unit 13 of the spinning machine 1 is involved. If the spinning machine device has a plurality of spinning machines 1, a control unit 13 superior to the spinning machine 1 is generally provided as the equipment control system. The method described below can also be executed by a higher-level control unit 13 of the spinning machine installation, if necessary in cooperation with the control units 13 of the individual spinning machines 1 and, if necessary, also in cooperation with the control units 13 of the workstations.

[0036] For such a spinning machine 1 with autonomous workstations 2, multiple yarn batches can be produced simultaneously at different workstations 2. For this purpose, the workstations 2 are divided into multiple production groups 18, wherein multiple workstations 2 producing the same yarn batch each form a production group 18. In the present spinning machine 1, three production groups 18 are currently shown. It should be understood that in the case of a spinning machine 1 designed on both sides, further workstations 2 are also arranged on the longitudinal side of the spinning machine 1 opposite to the visible longitudinal side. In this case, the production group 18 can also include workstations 2 on both longitudinal sides of the spinning machine 1.

[0037] In such a spinning machine 1 with autonomous workstations 2, a batch switch from an old yarn batch, which is still the current yarn batch, to another new yarn batch can be performed at a single workstation 2 without having to wait for another workstation 2 belonging to the same production group 18 to reach the end of the batch.

[0038] Figure 2 A workstation 2 of such a spinning machine 1 is shown in a side view. The spinning machine 1 is an open-end rotor spinning machine and has a feed roller 16 and an opening roller 12 as a conveying device 4 and a spinning rotor 10 as a spinning element of a spinning device 3. The yarn 5 produced in the spinning rotor 10 is drawn by a drawing device 11 via a drawing nozzle 17 and conveyed to a winding device 19. In particular, the spinning rotor 10 and the drawing nozzle 17 as well as the opening roller 12 form important technical components that together determine the yarn quality and are referred to as a spinning device 8. In addition, an additional twisting element 22 is shown here, which also belongs to the spinning device. In the workstation 2 shown here, not only the spinning rotor 10 can be driven by means of a separate drive 21, but also other working elements of the workstation 2, such as the feed roller 16, the opening roller 12, the drawing device 11 and the winding device 19, can be driven by means of a separate drive 21. However, it is also conceivable to drive some of the other working elements centrally.

[0039] In contrast, Figure 3 A workstation 2 of an air-jet spinning machine 1 is shown in a side view. In this case, the spinning machine 1 has a drafting mechanism 25 as a conveying device 4, for which only the pair of delivery rollers 26 is indicated here. The workstation 2 has a spinning nozzle 20 as a spinning element of the spinning device 3. The produced yarn 5 is also drawn by the drawing device 11 and conveyed to the winding device 19. As spinning devices 8 that also determine the yarn quality, a spindle 24 and a fiber guide element 23 are shown in the present case. Here, the working mechanisms of the workstation 2, such as the drafting mechanism 25, the drawing device 11 and the winding device 19, are also driven by means of individual drives 21. The spinning nozzle 20 can also be controlled individually for each workstation 2.

[0040] To perform a batch change, station 2 is assigned to a new production group 18 (see Figure 1 ). This usually occurs when the end of the batch is reached. For this purpose, the workstation 2 stops operating. Subsequently, the batch data of the new yarn batch stored in the control unit 13, more precisely in the memory 15 assigned to the control unit 13, are assigned to the workstation 2 concerned. The batch data include, for example, spinning parameters such as rotor speed, twist, elongation and, if necessary, other speeds of the working mechanism. In addition, the batch data also includes information about the spinning equipment 8 required for the yarn batch and information about the fiber material 7 required for the corresponding batch. If the spinning equipment 8 and fiber material 7 of the old yarn batch, which is still the current yarn batch, are identical to the spinning equipment and fiber material 7 of another new yarn batch or can be switched completely automatically, the workstation can autonomously perform batch switching.

[0041] According to the invention, a batch switch should not be performed until the end of the batch is reached. Instead, a batch switch should be performed if the currently effective production conditions are not suitable for the current yarn batch or are no longer optimally suitable for the current yarn batch due to some changes. In this case, the production of the current yarn batch is stopped even if the end of the batch has not yet been reached, and the batch is switched to another yarn batch that is more suitable for the current production conditions. The current production conditions may include in particular the currently available operating capacity of the operating personnel and the mobile maintenance equipment, but may also include climate conditions and temperature conditions in the production plant, etc.

[0042] For the execution of a batch switch, at least one condition is determined. According to the described embodiment, the condition is determined in the control unit 13. When this condition occurs, which is preferably recorded by the spinning machine 1, more precisely by the workstation 2 involved, the workstation 2 actively executes a batch switch, regardless of whether the end of the batch is reached. It is not required that all workstations 2 of the spinning machine 1 execute an advance batch switch. Instead, a workstation 2 is selected from a plurality of workstations 2 of the spinning machine 1 to execute a batch switch, and when at least one condition occurs, only the selected workstation 2 of the spinning machine 1 actively executes a batch switch.

[0043] This can be done for the entire spinning machine 1 or preferably for each production group 18 (see Figure 1), if necessary, determine at least one condition for each workstation 2. It is also possible to determine multiple conditions that must occur together to trigger batch switching. If a plurality of production groups 18 are provided on the spinning machine 1 as in the example shown, it is advantageous that when a condition occurs, all workstations 2 of the production group 18 implement batch switching. However, depending on the type of condition and the number of production groups 18 and workstations 2 at the spinning machine 1, it is also feasible that only a portion of the workstations of the production group 18 implements batch switching in advance. For example, if the condition includes exceeding the maximum number of spinning station errors of the current batch, it is meaningful that all workstations 2 of the production group 18 implement batch switching. It may also be meaningful to use it as a condition when a specific time or shift ends. On the other hand, if at least one condition includes exceeding the maximum allowable deviation from the current production target of other yarn batches, it may be meaningful that only a portion of the workstations 2 of the production group 18 implement batch switching to other yarn batches. In this way, some workstations 2 can support faster reaching of the production target, more precisely the end of the batch, of other yarn batches, while another part of the workstations 2 continues to produce the current yarn batch in order to also be able to complete this yarn batch.

[0044] Figure 4 A further embodiment of a spinning machine device with a plurality of spinning machines 1 is shown in a schematic top view. In the present case, the spinning machine device has three spinning machines 1. It should be understood that more spinning machines 1 are usually arranged in an actual spinning machine device. The spinning machine 1 has a plurality of similar workstations 2 arranged side by side with each other, which are arranged between two frames 9. The structure of the workstations is similar to Figure 1 , so it will not be explained in detail here. Each spinning machine in the spinning machine 1 has a central control unit 13, which controls at least the central and upper processes at the spinning machine 1. In order to control the processes at each workstation 2, in the current case, an additional control unit 13 is also provided at each workstation 2 (if necessary, additional control units 13 can also be provided for multiple workstations 2 together), and these additional control units 13 cooperate with the central control unit 13, as shown symbolically by the dotted line. The spinning machine equipment also has a superior control unit 13 as an equipment control system, which is shown on the left side of the figure and also cooperates with the control unit 13 of each spinning machine 1, as shown symbolically by the dotted line. In the current case, the superior control unit 13 is equipped with a memory 15 and an input device 14. However, this does not exclude that the control unit 13 of the workstation 2 and the control unit 13 of the spinning machine 1 can also be equipped with a memory 15, and can be equipped with an input device 14 if necessary.

[0045] The spinning machine 1 shown here can realize multiple batches of occupancy. For example, a plurality of production groups 18 can be seen at the spinning machine 1. In the spinning machine shown, the workstations 2 are arranged on the two longitudinal sides of the spinning machine 1. Figure 4 It can be seen that, at least for autonomous workstations 2, it is not necessary to make the production groups of the same size or always only include workstations 2 of one longitudinal side. On the contrary, for a spinning machine 1 with autonomous workstations 2, the individual workstations 2 can be optionally and variably assigned to different production groups.

[0046] To perform a batch change, the selected workstation 2 is assigned to another production group, more precisely a new production group 18. Likewise, the batch data of the new yarn batch are assigned to the workstation 2 in question, which in the present case are stored in the memory 15 assigned to the superordinate control unit 13. Figure 1 As described, if the currently active production conditions are not suitable for the current yarn batch or are no longer optimally suitable for the current yarn batch due to certain changes, a batch switch can be performed before the end of the batch is reached. Currently, one or more conditions for performing a batch switch are determined in the superior control unit 13. When one or more conditions occur, the workstation 2 actively performs a batch switch, regardless of whether the end of the batch has been reached. Here, as already described for Figure 1 As described, all workstations 2 of a production group 18 or only a portion of the workstations 2 can perform an early batch change. Figure 1 The description related to this also applies completely to the spinning machine device shown here.

[0047] The spinning machine device currently shown allows the production capacity to be dynamically matched to the production purpose (measured in kilograms of yarn, meters of yarn or number of bobbins) not only within the spinning machine, but also on the entire spinning machine device. The superior control unit 13 continuously receives production data from each spinning machine 1 and thus recognizes their operating behavior and the current conditions at each spinning machine 1. As a result, the superior control unit 13 can calculate for each production group when each production group is expected to reach the desired production purpose, i.e., the end of the batch, with the current operating behavior. If the control unit 13 now determines that the end of the batch cannot be reached in time for a specific yarn batch, a batch switch to a specific yarn batch can be performed at some stations 2 that are currently producing other yarn batches. In this case, the number of stations 2 performing the batch switch can be increased until a new calculation shows that the batch end of the specific yarn batch is expected to be reached in time. Here, the maximum permissible time deviation from the desired end of production can also be predetermined, and the batch switch is not performed at the selected station until the maximum permissible time deviation is exceeded.

[0048] In this case, it is conceivable that only some or all of the workstations 2 of a single production group 18 perform an early batch change in a spinning machine installation. However, in principle, for a spinning machine 1 with autonomous workstations 2, other yarn batches can also be assigned to any production group 18 and to individual workstations 2 of any spinning machine 1 in order to increase the production capacity of this yarn batch. In this case, the production capacity of a specific yarn batch can not only be increased but also reduced. For example, if the end of the batch is reached too early for a specific yarn batch, the workstation 2 can be removed from the production group involved in producing this yarn batch and assigned to another yarn batch.

[0049] In addition, the production capacity can also be monitored within the spinning machine. Figure 1 The same adjustments are made, and the early batch switching is done as Figure 1 The same conditions. The adjustment of the number of workstations 2 in each production group 18 is preferably calculated automatically by the control unit 13 of the spinning machine 1 or the control unit 13 of the spinning machine device. Similarly, the workstation 2 for performing the early batch switching is preferably determined automatically by the control unit 13 of the spinning machine 1 or the control unit 13 of the spinning machine device.

[0050] In the example shown, the spinning machine 1 of the spinning machine installation has an autonomous workstation 2. However, within the spinning machine installation, the method can also be applied in principle to spinning machines 1 with non-autonomous workstations 2, which have, for example, a central drive. Depending on the type and design of the individual spinning machines 1, the longitudinal sides of the spinning machine 1 or the entire spinning machine 1 in this case form a production group accordingly. However, it should be understood that in order to adjust the production capacity, all workstations 2 of the production group must be switched to another yarn batch, or more precisely, an early batch switch must be performed.

[0051] The following describes the conditions for early batch switching, among which, specific reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 .

[0052] A particularly important criterion is the presence of operating personnel. This usually has specific, regular shift times. Thus, for example, reaching the end of a shift can be predetermined as a condition for the subsequent automatic introduction of a batch change. If less operating-intensive yarn batches are produced in shifts with fewer operating personnel, shifts with lower personnel density can also be used effectively. As soon as a new shift with higher personnel density begins or a shift with lower personnel density ends, a batch change can be implemented again, from the new yarn batch, which is now the current yarn batch, back to the previous yarn batch, i.e. the old yarn batch.

[0053] For this purpose, for example, regular shift times can be stored in the control unit 13 and specific yarn batches can be assigned to the individual shifts (for example day shift and night shift).

[0054] Of course, other times can also be stored in the control unit 13. This allows for specific conditions in a production plant or specific workflows that do not necessarily have to be related to shift times.

[0055] However, it is also conceivable that the presence of operating personnel is recorded and transmitted to the control unit 13 of the spinning machine 1 or the spinning machine device. In this case, for example, falling below a certain number of operating personnel present can be stored in the control unit 13 as a condition for switching the batch to a less operating-intensive yarn batch. If this number is fallen below, the control unit 13 preferably automatically initiates a batch switch. As a result, the batch switch is not associated with fixed times, more precisely shift times, but can also take into account current, unforeseeable changes in the number of operating personnel.

[0056] Preferably, these conditions can be defined by the production management system itself and input into the memory 15 of the control unit 13 by means of the input device 14 .

[0057] By adapting the respective produced yarn batch to the production conditions currently prevailing at the spinning machine 1, optimal and efficient utilization of the current production capacity can be achieved. As a result, non-productive downtimes at the workstation 2 can be reduced and the overall output can be increased.

[0058] As already described, the automatic, active switch to the other yarn batch is possible only if the spinning elements of the current yarn batch and the other yarn batch are identical. If this is not the case, for example because the other yarn batch requires a different spinning device at a specific station 2, then at least a corresponding indication can be given at the relevant station 2 and / or the relevant spinning machine 1, for example to use a different spinning element.

[0059] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described. Modifications and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims, even if not shown and described herein.

[0060] Reference numerals list

[0061] 1 Spinning machine

[0062] 2 stations

[0063] 3 Spinning device

[0064] 4 Conveying device

[0065] 5. Yarn

[0066] 6 Bobbin

[0067] 7 Fiber materials

[0068] 8 Spinning equipment

[0069] 9 Rack

[0070] 10 Spinning rotor

[0071] 11. Pulling device

[0072] 12 Opening rollers

[0073] 13 Control Unit

[0074] 14 Input Devices

[0075] 15 Memory

[0076] 16 Feed roller

[0077] 17 Pulling nozzle

[0078] 18 Production Group

[0079] 19 Winding device

[0080] 20 Spinning nozzles

[0081] 21 Single drive

[0082] 22 Twisting element

[0083] 23 Fiber guide element

[0084] 24 Ingot

[0085] 25 Drafting mechanism

[0086] 26 Delivery roller pair.

Claims

1. A method for operating a spinning machine installation having at least one spinning machine (1), the spinning machine having a plurality of similar workstations (2) arranged next to one another, wherein: The workstation (2) is an autonomous workstation (2) which can autonomously perform batch switching from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch when the end of the batch is reached. It is characterized in that determining at least one condition for performing an autonomous batch switch from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch, A workstation (2) for performing batch switching is selected from a plurality of workstations (2) of the at least one spinning machine (1), and when the at least one condition occurs, the selected workstation (2) of the at least one spinning machine (1) actively performs batch switching regardless of whether the end of the batch is reached.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one condition includes reaching a specific time.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition includes reaching the end of a shift.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition includes the presence of a certain number of operators and / or the presence of operators with certain qualifications.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition includes a time period for performing batch switching.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition comprises a minimum stock of empty tubes below the current batch, and / or the at least one condition comprises a maximum stock of empty tubes above other batches.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition comprises exceeding a maximum number of spinning station errors for the current batch.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition comprises exceeding a maximum permissible deviation from a current production target of other yarn batches, or the at least one condition comprises exceeding a maximum permissible deviation from a planned end of production.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The workstations (2) of the at least one spinning machine (1) are divided into a plurality of production groups (18), wherein a plurality of workstations (2) for producing the same yarn batch form a production group (18) respectively, and the at least one condition is determined separately for each production group (18).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one condition is determined in a control unit (13) of the spinning machine device and / or in a control unit (13) of the spinning machine (1).

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The occurrence of the condition is recorded by the control unit (13) of the spinning machine device and / or the control unit (13) of the spinning machine (1).

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that When the at least one condition occurs at the selected spinning station, the batch switch is performed fully automatically.

13. A spinning machine installation having at least one spinning machine (1), the spinning machine having a plurality of similar workstations (2) arranged next to one another, wherein: The workstation (2) is an autonomous workstation (2) which can autonomously perform a batch switch from a current yarn batch to another yarn batch when the end of the batch is reached, wherein the spinning machine device has at least one control unit (13), and / or wherein the at least one spinning machine (1) has at least one control unit (13), It is characterized in that The control unit (13) of the spinning machine installation and / or the control unit (13) of the at least one spinning machine (1) is designed to carry out the method according to any of the preceding claims.

14. The spinning machine device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The workstations (2) are divided into a plurality of production groups (18), wherein a plurality of workstations (2) for producing the same yarn batch respectively form a production group (18).

15. A spinning machine device according to any one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that The control unit (13) of the spinning machine device and / or the control unit (13) of the at least one spinning machine (1) has a memory (15) in which at least one condition can be determined.

16. A spinning machine device according to any one of the preceding device claims, characterized in that The spinning machine device and / or the at least one spinning machine (1) has an input device (14) in which the occurrence of conditions can be input, and the control device (13) is connected to the input device (14).

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