Feed yarn joining system

Abstract

The invention relates to a template thread connection system for connecting a thread end (11A) of a take-up spool (11) with a thread start (8A) of a reserve spool (8) in the area of ​​a spool creel (3) having at least two adjacent spool storage positions (31) for receiving the take-up spool (11) and reserve spool (8), with receiving units for receiving the thread start of the reserve spool and the thread end of the take-up spool, positioning units for positioning a thread segment connected with the thread end and the thread start in the thread splicing device (31), the thread splicing device (71) for preparing and connecting the thread start and the thread end, and a control unit for initiating the start of the splicing process and for carrying out the splicing process.Furthermore, the invention relates to a spool creel arrangement with a template thread connection system and a method for connecting a thread end of a take-up spool with a thread start of a reserve spool using a template thread connection system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a feed thread joining system for connecting a thread end of a pay-off spool to a thread start of a reserve spool in the area of ​​a spool creel arrangement having at least two spool storage positions for receiving the pay-off spool and reserve spool. The invention further relates to a spool creel arrangement with a feed thread joining system and a method for connecting a thread end of a pay-off spool to a thread start of a reserve spool by means of the feed thread joining system.

[0002] Creep mills are typically used to hold multiple fully wound feed bobbins, each containing its own feed thread, which is then fed to a textile machine for further processing. Such a creep mill can be, for example, mounted on a spooling machine and configured as a warping or skeining creel. These creep mills typically have at least two bobbin storage positions, such as bobbin mandrels (also called feed mandrels), for holding a feed bobbin. The first feed bobbin, from which the feed thread for the processing process is unwound, is called the take-up bobbin, and the second feed bobbin, from which no thread has yet been unwound, is called the reserve bobbin. To ensure a continuous or uninterrupted unwinding process after a period of running dry, or...To achieve the unwinding of the spool, the thread end of the spool must be connected to a thread start on the reserve spool beforehand, so that after the thread has unwound from the spool, the thread continues unwinding immediately from the reserve spool. As soon as the thread is pulled from the reserve spool during the processing, the reserve spool forms the unwinding spool. The empty unwinding spool or the unwinding spool housing is replaced by a new feed spool, which then forms the reserve spool. The connection of the thread start on the reserve spool to the thread end on the unwinding spool is known to be made using a thread splicer.

[0003] For example, German patent applications DE 2 048 529 A1 and EP 2 196 424 A1 each disclose a thread splicing device that can be moved along at least one creel by an operator. However, this does not enable a fully automatic splicing process. Hand splicers, which are carried and used by an operator to join the threads, are also known.

[0004] A template thread connection system according to the preamble features of claim 1 is known from document EP 3 771 674 A1.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing a template thread joining system that fully automatically joins the template threads arranged on the spools, namely the thread end of the pay-off spool and the thread beginning of the reserve spool. Furthermore, the invention is based on the objective of providing a spool creel arrangement with a corresponding template thread joining system, as well as a method for automatically joining the thread beginning of the reserve spool to the thread end of the pay-off spool by means of such a template thread joining system.

[0006] The invention solves the problem by means of a template thread connection system with the features of claim 1, a spool creel arrangement with the features of claim 11, and a method with the features of claim 13. Advantageous further developments of the template thread connection system are presented in dependent claims 2 to 10.

[0007] The inventive thread connection system serves to connect the thread end of a take-up spool with the thread beginning of a reserve spool, wherein the spools providing the template thread are received and stored in spool storage locations of a spool creel arrangement.

[0008] To connect the thread end of the pay-off spool to the thread beginning of the reserve spool, the feeder thread joining system includes a thread splicing device and a transport mechanism. The thread splicing device is a standard, well-known device whose design and function are well understood. For example, the thread splicing device can be pneumatic, in which the threads are spliced ​​together pneumatically. Alternatively, it can be thermal, in which the threads are spliced ​​together by applying heat. A so-called wet splicer is also conceivable, in which the thread connection is achieved by supplying a liquid or aerosol-containing gaseous fluid.A combination of such thread splicing devices is also possible, for example, a pneumatic thermal thread splicer in which a gaseous fluid heated to a predetermined or predeterminable temperature is supplied and used for the thread splicing process. The fluid can be selected as needed from the set of known fluids suitable for thread splicing.

[0009] The transport device serves to capture the thread start of the reserve spool and the thread end of the take-up spool and then convey them into the thread splicing device of the template thread joining system, in which the threads are fixed in their position by the thread splicing device in the usual way, for example by means of a holding unit, and then prepared in a defined manner.

[0010] The transport device allows the thread end of the pay-off spool and the thread beginning of the reserve spool to be reliably grasped and positioned in the thread splicing device, enabling an automated and reliable connection between the thread end and beginning. This ensures a continuous, uninterrupted flow of the feed thread, preventing downtime and consequently, production interruptions. Overall, the feed thread connection system according to the invention thus guarantees a reliable, automatic connection between the thread end of the pay-off spool and the thread beginning of the reserve spool, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the workstation.

[0011] The design of the transport device, by means of which the thread start of the reserve spool and the thread end of the supply spool are detected and transported into the thread splicing device, wherein preferably a sensor system for locating the thread end and / or the thread start may be provided, is realized by a first receiving device for receiving the thread end of the supply spool and a second receiving device for receiving the thread start of the reserve spool in conjunction with a first positioning unit for positioning a thread section connected with the thread start in the thread splicing device and a second positioning unit for positioning a thread section connected with the thread end in the thread splicing device.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least the first receiving unit and the first positioning unit or the second receiving unit and the second positioning unit form a suction unit, in particular a suction pipe with suction opening, which is assigned to the unwinding coil or to the reserve coil and is movable between a receiving position and a depositing position, and preferably is movable linearly or along a path curve and / or pivotable.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally preferably, at least the first or second receiving unit is formed by a stationary suction unit, in particular a suction tube with a suction opening, wherein the first or second positioning unit associated with this receiving unit is movable between the receiving and depositing positions, in particular linearly or along a path and / or pivotably. The first or second receiving unit and the associated first or second positioning unit are functionally interconnected such that a thread picked up by the first or second receiving unit can be transferred to or received by the associated first or second positioning unit and positioned in the thread splicing device by means of it. Such a functionally interconnected transport device is known in principle, for example, from the field of open-end spinning machines.

[0013] The use of a movable suction unit, in particular a suction tube with a suction opening, for receiving the thread end and the thread beginning is characterized by the fact that it ensures, in a particularly reliable manner, that the corresponding end of the thread can be received in the thread end receiving position and positioned in the thread end placement position in the thread splicing device by means of the multifunctionally designed suction unit. The suction tube preferably includes a sensor unit for thread detection, by means of which the arrangement of one end of the thread on or in the suction unit, in particular in the suction tube or in the area of ​​the suction opening, can be detected, so that malfunctions during both the reception of the thread end or the thread beginning and during their arrangement on and in the thread splicing device can be reliably avoided.Preferably, the suction unit can also include a clamping device for holding the captured thread securely within the suction unit. Such clamping devices are well known, for example, in textile machines used for producing winding bobbins, such as winding machines and open-end spinning machines.

[0014] To achieve a high-quality thread connection between the thread end and beginning, the positioning of the thread end and beginning within the thread splicing device, particularly within a splice channel of the thread splicing device, is of particular importance. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the template thread splicing system comprises a third and fourth positioning unit for the defined positioning of the separated ends of the respective threads within the splice prism. The third and fourth positioning units each serve to draw the prepared ends of the respective threads—i.e., the thread end and the thread beginning—into the splice channel of the splice prism to such an extent that they are arranged essentially at the same level, parallel to one another, but with opposite orientations.The third and fourth positioning units are preferably each configured to retract the respective ends of the threads in a defined manner, so that they are arranged parallel to each other in the splice channel as required. Furthermore, the third and fourth positioning units are preferably part of the thread splicing device.

[0015] The arrangement of the thread splicing device, the first and second receiving units, and / or the first and second positioning units within the area of ​​the spool creel assembly can, in principle, be any configuration and number. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, these components are arranged on a common support frame. This common support frame can be the same one on which the spool storage positions for the take-up and reserve spools are located. Alternatively, and preferably, the common support frame can be a different support frame. The arrangement on a common support frame allows these components to be positioned together relative to the spool creel or the take-up and reserve spools arranged on the spool creel in such a way that the thread end of the take-up spool can be reliably connected to the thread beginning of the reserve spool via the feed thread connection system.In a preferred embodiment, the support frame can be stationary in the area of ​​the spool storage positions, or in an alternatively preferred embodiment, in which the common support frame differs from the support frame holding the spool storage positions, it can be movable along the spool creel, so that it can then be used as needed at selected spool storage positions of the spool creel to connect the yarn start of a reserve spool and the yarn end of a take-up spool. In a further preferred embodiment, the support frame can be configured to form a two-dimensional guide system, which includes a guide frame spanning a travel plane within which the common support frame is movable in a defined manner, and in particular, can be moved. In other words, the guide frame preferably forms an xy travel plane for the common support frame.

[0016] Preferably, the common support frame can be fixed to the coil gate, or can be fixed in a non-destructively detachable manner, or be an integral part of the coil gate.

[0017] In the advantageous configuration of the first and second receiving units as suction units for receiving the thread end or beginning at the take-up spool or reserve spool, and in particular for transferring them to the thread splicing device, a supply of suitable suction air to the suction units is required. In principle, according to a preferred embodiment, it is possible to equip the feed thread joining system with a corresponding suction device comprising a suction air source.

[0018] According to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed thread joining system can have a coupling unit for connection to a suction air source. According to this further development of the invention, the feed thread joining system can be connected via the coupling unit, for example, to a central suction device on the creel or on a textile machine, so that a separate suction device for the feed thread joining system is not required. This preferred embodiment of the invention also allows the feed thread joining system to be designed as a mobile unit, provided that the creel or the textile machine has connection points to its suction device for supplying the feed thread joining system. The feed thread joining system can be supplied with suction air via the coupling unit as needed.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the thread splicing device, the first and second receiving units, and / or the first and second positioning units are adjustably mounted on the common support frame. According to this embodiment of the invention, the individual components can be moved on the common support frame, for example, their position relative to each other can be adjusted together in one plane, so that they can be optimally positioned relative to the spool storage locations and the feed spools stored in the spool storage locations, thus ensuring a particularly reliable connection between the thread end and the thread beginning.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, several thread splicing devices, first and second receiving units, and first and second positioning units are arranged on the support frame, the arrangement being such that each creel plane has at least one unwinding spool and a reserve spool, and one of the thread splicing devices, first and second receiving units, and first and second positioning units can be assigned or made available for a thread splicing operation. More preferably, the number of thread splicing devices, first and second receiving units, and first and second positioning units corresponds to the number of creel planes in which at least one unwinding spool and an associated reserve spool are arranged. Thus, according to the number of creel planes, or...Each level of the creel has at least one arrangement of a take-up spool and an associated reserve spool, and each level is assigned a thread splicing device, a first and second pickup unit, and a first and second positioning unit. For example, the creel can comprise three creel levels, each with at least one take-up spool and an associated reserve spool, wherein each level has a thread splicing device, a first and second pickup unit, and a first and second positioning unit for performing the splicing process of the thread end of the take-up spool with the thread beginning of the reserve spool.

[0021] A control unit is provided for controlling the components of the feed thread joining system. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, this control unit is communicatively connected to another control unit, such as a spool gate control unit, a control unit of a handling unit that operates the spool gate, or a control unit superior to the spool gate. The communicative connection can typically be implemented via cable and / or wirelessly. A communicative connection between the control units allows access to existing electronic components of the spool gate, such as sensors connected to the spool gate control unit. This facilitates improved handling of the threads to be joined, such as gripping the thread ends and transferring them to the thread splicing device.In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit of the template thread connection system is integrated into the spool gate control unit, the other control unit or the higher-level control unit, so that a separate control unit can be dispensed with.

[0022] The control unit is configured to initiate and execute the splicing process by controlling the first and second pickup units, the first and second positioning units, and the thread splicing device according to defined parameters. Initiation of the splicing process is based on a trigger signal. According to a preferred embodiment, such a trigger signal can be generated automatically by the control unit. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the trigger signal can be provided to the control unit. Such a trigger signal can be defined as required. For example, such a trigger signal could contain information about a determined time of execution or...The initiation can be triggered by the unwinding of the take-up spool, by a detected successful unwinding of the take-up spool, or by the planned or actual loading of a take-up or reserve spool into a spool storage location. Through this initiation, the template thread connection system can be reserved in a timely manner for the execution of at least one splicing operation. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured to use the initiation of the splicing process to define a specific number of splicing operations and / or a defined sequence of splicing operations to be performed.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is communicatively connected to an input unit, via which an operator manually triggers a signal to the control unit to initiate the splicing process. The transmitted trigger signal accordingly contains the trigger information sent to the control unit to initiate the splicing process.

[0024] The trigger information can generally preferably include information about the location or working position of the creel at which the splicing process is to be carried out. Alternatively, this information can be transmitted separately to the control unit before, simultaneously with, or after the generation or transmission of the trigger information. The information about the location or working position of the creel can preferably be entered manually by the operator at the input unit or generated based on automatically acquired location or position information regarding the future or completed unwinding of a spool. Furthermore, the location or position information can preferably be additionally or alternatively transmitted to a control unit of a unit transporting the template thread splicing system, such as the aforementioned movable support frame, or determined automatically by this unit.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is provided on which at least the first and second receiving units, as well as the first and second positioning units, and more preferably the thread splicing device, are arranged. The AGV according to the present invention is designed to autonomously travel to the unwinding spool for carrying out the splicing process and, more preferably, to automatically determine its destination, i.e., which unwinding spool is to be approached. AGVs are widely known. These are controlled collectively, centrally, or individually to travel to defined positions or locations. In collective control, at least two AGVs are communicatively connected to each other in such a way that the respective destinations within the collective are coordinated and determined for the individual AGVs.Each automated guided vehicle (AGV) has its own control unit. These control units communicate with each other without requiring a central control system to exchange information for the coordinated and efficient determination of destinations and routes to them. In contrast, with a central control system, the destinations and routes of the AGVs are coordinated by that system. Alternatively, each AGV can be configured to autonomously determine its own destination and route.This can be achieved in particular by equipping the automated guided vehicle (AGV) with sensors that monitor the coil gate for feed coils that are about to unwind. Preferably, these sensors are communicatively connected to the AGV's control unit, and the control unit is designed to evaluate and determine, based on the sensor data, which action, such as splicing, is due at which unwind coil, when, and what action is required. Alternatively or additionally, according to a further preferred embodiment, this information can be transmitted by a control unit located outside the AGV and communicatively connected to the AGV's control unit.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the driverless transport vehicle has a coil exchange unit with a gripper unit for loading and unloading the coil creel. The gripper unit is arranged to be movable in multiple dimensions on the driverless transport vehicle in order to be able to fill the coil storage locations with new feed coils or remove empty feed coils as needed. This allows for further automation of the process. Such a gripper unit is well known. In a further preferred embodiment, the gripper unit can be provided with a mechanism for loading and unloading the coil creel before removing an empty feed coil.The system is designed to first pull the thread from the reel creel, detachably attaching a thread guide to the reel's sleeve. This guide is temporarily stored at a defined location. After the reel storage space is filled with a spare reel, the thread guide is removed from the storage location and attached to the spare reel or its sleeve. The thread guide is a thread holder that can be detachably fixed to the sleeve end of the reel or spare reel, allowing the thread to be pulled from the reel in a more controlled manner. The storage location is a device suitable for temporarily holding the thread guide. It can be located on the reel creel and / or on the automated guided vehicle (AGV).

[0027] Preferably, the driverless transport vehicle can be equipped with a coil storage unit, which has at least two coil storage positions, each designed to store a feed coil, whether filled or empty. Preferably, one coil storage position is provided with a filled feed coil, while the other coil storage position is empty. This ensures that a full feed coil or unwind coil is available during a splicing operation and can be arranged in the coil creel, and that the unwound unwind coil or unwind coil sleeve can be removed.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the coil storage location, which holds the filled feed coil, is preferably formed by a conventional coil mandrel, which may further preferably be equipped with extendable and retractable clamping elements to reliably hold the feed coil or the coil sleeve. The coil storage location, which is intended to receive the empty feed coil or the used-up unwind coil or the coil sleeve, is preferably formed by a coil container that can receive at least one or a defined number of used-up coil sleeves. Alternatively, and more preferably, the coil storage location, which receives the used-up coil sleeve, can also be formed by a conventional coil mandrel and consequently also store filled feed coils.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the coil storage unit with its coil storage locations and / or each individual coil storage location is preferably rotatably arranged on the automated guided vehicle (AGV) either manually or automatically. This allows for improved accessibility of individual coil storage locations, particularly when a large number of coil storage locations are provided. The automated rotation can preferably be initiated by a control unit, which may be, in particular, a control unit additionally arranged on the AGV, the AGV's control unit, and / or an external control unit. To execute the rotation, a drive, in particular a rotary drive, may be provided on the AGV and communicate with the control unit.Alternatively or additionally, according to a preferred embodiment, the rotary movement can be initiated via the gripper unit, which moves the coil storage unit, for example, from one defined detent position to another. For this purpose, the coil storage unit preferably has a rotary bearing with defined detent positions.

[0030] The invention further solves the problem by means of a spool creel arrangement with a spool creel comprising at least two spool storage positions, wherein one spool storage position is designed to hold an unwinding spool and the other spool storage position is designed to hold a reserve spool, wherein the spool creel arrangement has a feed thread connection system in a manner according to the invention as described above or preferably further developed. A corresponding spool creel arrangement is characterized in that the processing process does not come to a standstill after an unwinding spool has run out or run empty, because the thread end of the unwinding spool is reliably connected to the thread beginning of a reserve spool in a timely manner.

[0031] The coil storage locations can be configured as required. In principle, each coil storage location is designed such that at least one feed coil can be accommodated and replaced with a new feed coil after it has run out of power. Preferably, each coil storage location has a coil mandrel, in a previously known manner, which is designed to engage with a feed coil.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, each coil storage location has a signaling unit for signaling a current operating state, particularly with regard to the unwinding behavior of the unwinding coil stored at that location. Preferably, the signaling unit is a display unit by which the current operating state can be visually indicated, for example, by different light colors, light pulses, letters, symbols, graphics, and / or codes, in particular machine-readable codes.A color indicator is particularly preferred, by means of which, in particular, proper operation of the unwinding coil can be indicated with a first light color, for example, a green light; an unwinding malfunction with a second light color different from the first light color, in particular an orange or yellow light; and an interruption of the unwinding with a third light color different from the first and second light colors, in particular a red light. The color indicator is more preferably a multi-colored LED unit.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each spool storage position, in particular each spool mandrel, is designed to be movable, and especially pivotable, between an operating position and a changeover position. This allows for optimal alignment of the feed thread connection system with respect to the spool storage positions or the spool mandrels and the feed spools stored therein or arranged on them. The mobility, in particular the pivotability, between the operating position and the changeover position, which enables improved accessibility from outside the spool creel arrangement, allows empty spool sleeves to be removed and loaded with full or wound feed spools manually or automatically as needed, in a simple and convenient manner. The rotational movement can preferably be implemented in a manner as described above for the spool storage or in a generally known manner.

[0034] Preferably, the spool gate includes sensors for detecting when a spool is running empty and / or when the thread is being transferred from a spool that is currently running to a reserve spool, which then defines the spool being transferred, and / or the position of the spool mandrel. The sensors can be implemented, for example, by sensors assigned to each spool storage location or pair of spool storage locations intended for storing a spool and its associated reserve spool, by a single sensor monitoring all spool storage locations, or by several sensors monitoring a defined number of spool storage locations. For example, one or more cameras can be used. This allows for the reliable and timely detection of when a spool is running empty and thus when a spool needs to be replaced with a reserve spool.The sensor is communicatively connected to a control unit, which initiates the pivoting of the coil mandrel supporting the empty unwinding coil. The position of the coil mandrel can preferably also be monitored by the sensor. The control unit can be, in particular, the coil gate control unit, the control unit of the handling unit that operates the coil gate, or the control unit superior to the coil gate. Furthermore, the sensor can be communicatively connected to the display unit described above. This allows the display unit, for example, to indicate or signal the emptying of the unwinding coil, particularly by changing the color.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the problem is solved by a method for connecting a thread end of a take-up spool with a thread beginning of a reserve spool in the area of ​​a spool creel arrangement having at least two adjacent spool storage positions for receiving the take-up spool and the reserve spool, by means of a feed thread joining system described above or further developed according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps: Initiating the splicing process, controlling the first and second pickup units to locate and pick up the thread end from the take-up spool and the thread start from the reserve spool, controlling the first and second positioning units to position the picked-up thread end and thread start in the thread splicing device, controlling the thread splicing device to prepare the thread end and thread start using the thread end preparation means associated with the thread splicing device, and controlling the thread splicing device to join the prepared thread end and thread start.

[0036] To locate the thread end on the pay-off spool and the thread beginning on the reserve spool, suitable sensors can be used, for example. These sensors indicate the correct positioning of the thread ends to the feed-in thread splicing system, allowing them to be detected by the preferably provided suction units, picked up, and transferred to the thread splicing device by means of the positioning units. The positioning units transfer the respective thread ends to the thread splicing device, where they are prepared in a known manner using suitable thread end preparation devices. In particular, they are fixed in place, then cut to length, and in particular, unraveled, i.e., processed so that they are largely free of their thread twist.

[0037] To create an optimal thread connection, the prepared thread end and beginning are pulled into the splice channel of the splicing prism of the thread splicing device until they are positioned parallel to each other at approximately the same height, but with opposite orientations. In a pneumatically designed thread splicing device, compressed air is then introduced into the splice channel through a corresponding inlet opening. This causes the fibers of the two thread ends to swirl together, creating a thread connection and thus a continuous thread.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, a step of filling a coil storage space, in particular one that has been emptied immediately beforehand, with a reserve coil takes place in a timely manner before or at the same time as the step of initiating the splicing process.

[0039] Generally, refilling an empty spool storage space can be carried out at any time, but only in good time before the spool is completely unwound or empty. "In good time" means sufficiently far in advance that the steps for refilling the empty spool storage space and for creating the splice connection between the yarn end of the unwound spool and the yarn start of the reserve spool have been completed before the spool is completely unwound or empty. Only in this way can it be reliably ensured that the yarn end of the unwound spool is connected to the yarn start of the reserve spool well before the spool is completely unwound or empty, thus reliably preventing production interruptions.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a side view of a cabling machine provided with work stations on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the machine, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a rear view of a coil creel with a plurality of coil storage positions, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a perspective view of the in Figure 2 shown coil creel with a service unit movable along the coil creel, Fig. 3A a schematic representation of an enlarged perspective view of a working position of the in Figure 3 Service unit shown, Fig. 3 Legs schematic representation of an enlarged perspective view of another working position of the in Figure 3The service unit shown in Fig. 3C is a schematic representation of an enlarged perspective view of an additional working position of the unit. Figure 3 The service unit shown in Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of the unit. Figure 3 The coil gate shown, with a driverless transport vehicle operating the coil gate, Fig. 4A, a schematic representation of a perspective view of a working position of the in Figure 4 shown driverless transport vehicle, and Fig. 4 Legs schematic representation of a perspective view of another working position of the in Figure 4 The driverless transport vehicle shown in Fig. 4C is a schematic representation of an enlarged perspective view of an intermediate position of a coil storage location of the in Figure 3shown coil gate, Fig. 4. Your schematic representation of an enlarged perspective view of a change position of the coil storage location of the in Figure 3 shown coil gate.

[0041] In the following description of exemplary embodiments, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and which have a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is largely avoided.

[0042] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. A schematic side view of a textile machine, designed as a cabling machine 1 and equipped with workstations on both sides along its longitudinal axis, is shown. On the upper side of the machine, the creels 3 serving the opposite sides of the machine are pivotably mounted. The creel 3 associated with a single cabling spindle 2 is, for example, pivotably mounted on the upper side of a machine frame 5 by means of a four-bar linkage 4.

[0043] The spool gate 3 includes a support plate 6 to which a substantially vertically oriented retaining plate 16 is attached on each side. This retaining plate carries two vertically stacked and forward-facing mounting pins defining spool storage positions 31. These pins are designed for mounting a feed spool 11 (as the unwind spool) and a reserve spool 8 (as the reserve spool). The mounting pins are inclined forward at an angle of 5° to 10° relative to the horizontal to ensure a secure fit of the mounted feed spools 8 and 11.

[0044] A forward-facing support arm 9 is attached to the support plate 6. This arm carries a thread deflection eyelet 10 to deflect the thread 14, which is taken from the unwinding spool 11, to the lower part of the machine, i.e., towards the wiring spindle 2. In accordance with the usual wiring process, this thread 14 is joined in the area of ​​a thread guide eyelet with the thread 15, which is taken overhead from a feed spool located inside the wiring spindle 2. A thread delivery unit 12 and a thread winding unit 13 are mounted above the wiring spindle 2 in the usual manner.

[0045] A feed thread joining unit 7 of the feed thread joining system is arranged on the support arm 9. This unit includes a thread splicing device (not shown) and a transport device for receiving the thread start from the reserve spool 8 and the thread end from the pay-off spool 11. The transport device comprises a first and second receiving unit for receiving a thread start from the reserve spool 8 and a thread end from the pay-off spool 11. Furthermore, the transport device is equipped with a first and second positioning unit by means of which the received thread ends can be arranged in a thread splicing device of the feed thread joining unit 7 (also not shown). The thread splicing device is equipped in the usual manner for preparing and joining the thread ends.For example, a preparation unit for the defined preparation and unbundling of the thread ends is provided, as well as a compressed air-operated splice channel with a splice prism for pneumatically swirling the thread ends arranged in the splice channel. Furthermore, the thread splicing device includes a holding unit for defining the beginnings and ends of the threads, and another positioning unit by means of which the beginnings and ends of the threads can be retracted in a defined manner before being joined, so that they are arranged side by side in the splice channel.

[0046] To ensure a continuous processing operation without interrupting the cabling machine 1's workstation in the event of the unwinding spool 11 running dry, the thread end 11A of the unwinding spool 11 and the thread beginning 8A of the reserve spool 8 are captured by the feed thread joining system via first and second receiving units (not shown) and placed into the thread splicing device by means of the first and second positioning units, where they are joined together in a known manner. After the thread 14 has completely unwound from the unwinding spool 11, the remaining empty spool sleeve is removed and a full feed spool is placed on top, the thread beginning of which can be joined to the thread end of the unwinding spool 8, which previously served as the reserve spool 8, by means of the feed thread joining system.

[0047] Figures 2 to 6 show further examples of embodiments. Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a rear view of a spool creel 3, for example, which operates a weaving machine, with a plurality of spool storage positions 31, wherein each spool storage position 31 is designed as a mounting mandrel for receiving a feed spool, wherein the feed spool defines the unwind spool 11 or the reserve spool 8 depending on the use.

[0048] The coil gate 3 is formed by a frame with several spaced-apart horizontal frame elements 32 and vertical frame elements 33, wherein the spaces enclosed by the horizontal and vertical frame elements 32, 33 form working positions in which a winding coil 11 and a reserve coil 8 are arranged. The respective coil storage positions 31 or mounting mandrels are arranged on the vertical frame elements 33 in a manner opposite each other within the space. This allows the available installation space of the space to be used efficiently and the space to be designed as small as possible.

[0049] In a given space or at a given working position, a thread splicing device 71, associated with a template thread connection system according to one embodiment, is arranged. This device is attached to the horizontal frame elements 32 in the space centrally between the spool storage positions 31 to utilize the installation space more efficiently. Other arrangements of the spool storage positions 31 and the thread splicing device 71 in a given space are conceivable, but require a larger installation space. Alternatively, the thread splicing device 71 can also be arranged outside the space on another unit, as will be described in more detail by way of example in a further embodiment not shown.

[0050] Figure 3 This shows in Figure 2The illustrated coil creel 3 has a support frame 40 arranged opposite the coil creel 3, which forms a guide frame for a service unit 50 that operates all working positions of the coil creel 3. The service unit 50 is movably arranged on the support frame 40 along the coil creel 3 within a travel plane defined by the guide frame.

[0051] As in Figures 3 to 3CAs shown in more detail, the service unit 50 has a vertical guide 51 on which a support unit 72 associated with the feed thread connection system is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction. The support unit 72 carries an articulated first suction unit 73 and an articulated second suction unit 74 spaced apart from it, each of which is designed to be rotatable or pivotable about a pivot axis running parallel to the axis of travel of the support unit 72. The first 73 and second suction unit 74 are designed to grasp and receive the thread start 8A of the reserve spool 8 and the thread end 11A of the pay-off spool 11 and to position them in a defined manner in a splicing prism 71A of the thread splicing device 71. Accordingly, the first 73 and second suction unit 74 form a first and second receiving unit and a first and second positioning unit, respectively, within the meaning of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4shows a schematic representation of a perspective view of the in Figure 3 The illustrated coil gate 3 is connected to a driverless transport vehicle 80 that operates the coil gate 3. The transport vehicle 80 comprises a wheeled transport platform 81 on which a coil storage unit 82 is arranged with a plurality of coil storage positions 31, each equipped with feed coils. The coil storage positions 31 of the coil storage unit 82 are formed by inclined mounting mandrels, which are arranged on a coil storage unit support frame.

[0053] The transport platform 81 further carries a coil storage unit 82, shaped as a container 84, for receiving, in particular, coil sleeves 17 or empty unwinding coils 11. A handling unit 83 is provided between the container 84 and the coil storage unit 82 for handling the coil storage unit 82, the feed coils 8 received therein, the container 84, and the coil sleeves 17 to be placed therein. The handling unit 83 has a multi-jointed gripper unit 85, such as a robot arm, which is linearly movable in the vertical direction along a guide rail 86 of the handling unit 83. Figures 4A and 4B ).

[0054] As in the Figures 4A and 4BAs shown, a bobbin storage position 31 of the bobbin creel 3 can be operated by the handling unit 83 by grasping a bobbin sleeve 17 with the gripper unit 85 and placing it in the container 84. The gripper unit 85 then picks up a feed bobbin from the bobbin storage 82 of the transport vehicle 80 and places it onto the empty bobbin storage position 31, where the bobbin sleeve 17 was previously stored. The feed bobbin that has just been placed on the spool then forms the reserve bobbin 8 at the working position of the bobbin creel 3, the thread start 8A of which is subsequently connected to the thread end 11A of the adjacent unwind bobbin 11 at the working position of the bobbin creel 3 by means of the feed thread connection system, as described above.

[0055] The respective coil storage location 31 of the coil gate 3 is, as in the Figures 4C and 4D shown, pivotable from an operating position to a changeover position. Figure 4CThis shows in particular an intermediate position of the coil sleeve 17 and an operating position of the adjacent unwinding coil 11 at the working position of the coil gate 3. The intermediate position is therefore a position between the operating position and the one shown in 4D Figure shown change position.

[0056] Figures 4C and 4D The figures further show that the coil storage locations 31 are equipped with a display unit 90 to indicate the current operating status. The display unit 90 of the coil storage location 31, which carries the empty coil sleeve 17, is set to red light, whereas coil storage locations 31 equipped with feed coils show green light. The red light indicator allows for immediate signaling and identification of a coil storage location 31 where a new feed coil is to be loaded. The green light indicates a proper operating status at the respective coil storage location 31.

[0057] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the display unit 90 is used to indicate the current operating status of the respective bobbin storage location 31 or the working position of the bobbin creel 3. Thus, those bobbin storage locations 31 equipped with feed bobbins are indicated by a green light, indicating proper operation of the unwind bobbin 11 in the form of its unwinding and proper operation of the reserve bobbin 8 in the form of an existing thread connection between the thread end 11A of the unwind bobbin 11 and the thread start 8A of the reserve bobbin 8. Those bobbin storage locations 31 equipped with feed bobbins are indicated by a yellow or orange light where a thread connection between the thread start 8A and the thread end 11A is pending or still needs to be established. Bobbin storage locations 31 set to red light indicate empty unwind bobbins 11 and / or missing feed bobbins.

[0058] According to an embodiment not shown, the feed thread connection system can alternatively be implemented by providing at least one thread splicing device 71 on the service unit 50, thereby significantly reducing the number of thread splicing devices 71 required for the creel 3. In this alternative embodiment, the thread splicing device 71 is positioned, in particular, between the first 73 and second suction unit 74 to facilitate the parallel laying of the thread sections of the threads 14, 15 of the unwind spool 11 and the reserve spool 8 in the splicing prism 71A of the thread splicing device 71.The thread splicing device 71, comprising the first 73 and second suction unit 74, is designed to be movable along the vertical axis of the service unit 50 in order to serve different levels of the creel 3, each of which contains several pairs of spool storage positions for receiving a pay-off spool 11 and an adjacent reserve spool 8. Alternatively, the service unit 50 can have several thread splicing devices 71, each with an associated first 73 and second suction unit 74, arranged on the service unit 50. The number of devices preferably corresponds to the number of creel levels in which a plurality of pay-off spools 11 and adjacent reserve spools 8 are arranged horizontally, in this case four levels. Thus, each creel level is assigned a thread splicing device 71 with a first 73 and second suction unit 74 for performing a splicing operation.This allows the processing times for various splicing operations to be reduced, thereby increasing productivity. The thread splicing device 71 and the associated first 73 and second suction units 74 can be designed to be movable relative to each other in order to further increase the efficiency of the splicing process. For example, the thread splicing device 71 can be movable in a defined manner along its vertical axis to move the thread segments held by the first 73 and second suction units 74 into the splicing channel of the thread splicing device 71.

[0059] According to a further, alternative embodiment not shown, at least the feed thread joining unit 7, formed by the thread splicing device 71 and the transport device comprising the first and second receiving units as well as the first and second positioning units, is arranged on the driverless transport vehicle 80. This eliminates the need for the service units 50 to be provided for each spool creel 3.

[0060] The template thread splicing system comprises a control unit (not shown) which is wirelessly or wired coupled to at least the components of the template thread splicing unit 7 to be controlled. The control unit is designed to perform the splicing process by appropriately controlling the first and second receiving units, the first and second positioning units, and the thread splicing device 71. The control unit can be positioned as required. In one embodiment, the control unit is integrated into the control unit of the creel 3 or forms a common control unit with it. In another embodiment, the control unit is arranged on the service unit 50, and in yet another alternative embodiment, on the driverless transport vehicle 80.Alternatively, the control unit is integrated into the control unit of the service unit 50 or the driverless transport vehicle 80, or forms a joint control unit with it. According to a further embodiment, the control unit is an integral component of a mobile device that is carried and / or operated by an operator.

[0061] Regardless of its location, the control unit is designed to initiate the splicing process based on its own evaluation or upon receiving a trigger signal. According to one embodiment, the control unit is designed to evaluate received information based on which the time of the unwinding or emptying of the unwinding coil 11 can be predicted or determined. Depending on this evaluation information, the control unit initiates the start of the splicing process. Specifically, the start of the splicing process is initiated at a time sufficiently far from the time the unwinding or emptying of the unwinding coil 11 occurs to ensure continuous operation of the working position.For example, the splicing process can be initiated immediately after receiving information that a spool storage location 31 of the spool gate 3 has been loaded with a new feed spool. According to the invention, however, the control unit is coupled with a detection unit that determines the amount of thread present on the take-up spool 11, based on which a take-up time of the take-up spool 11 is determined, depending on which the start of the splicing process is initiated by the control unit.

[0062] The template thread splicing system enables the automated initiation and execution of the splicing process. After initiation, the first and second pickup units are activated to locate and pick up the thread end 11A from the pay-off spool 11 and the thread start 8A from the reserve spool 8. Subsequently, the first and second positioning units are activated to position the picked-up thread end 11A and the picked-up thread start 8A in the thread splicing device 71. The thread splicing device 71 is then activated to prepare the thread end 11A and the thread start 8A using the thread end preparation device associated with the thread splicing device. Finally, the thread splicing device 71 is activated to join the respective prepared thread end 11A to the thread start 8A. Reference symbol list

[0063] 1 cabling machine 31 Coil storage space 2 Cable spindle 32 horizontal frame element 3 Coil gate 33 vertical frame element 4 Four-joint 40 support frame 5 machine frame 50 Service unit 6 support plate 51 vertical guide 7 Template thread connection unit 71 Thread splicing device 8 reserve coil 71A splice prism 8A Thread start, spare spool 72 Support unit 9 support arm 73 first suction unit 10 Thread deflection eyelet 74 second suction unit 11 Unwinding coil 80 driverless transport vehicle 11A Thread end unwinding spool 81 Transport platform 12 Thread supplier 82 Coil storage 13 Thread winding unit 83 Handling unit 14 Thread unwinding spool 84 container 15 Thread spare spool 85 Gripper unit 16 Mounting plate 86 Guide rail 17 Coil sleeve 90 Display unit

Claims

1. Feed yarn joining system for joining a yarn tail end (11A) of a yarn package (11) to a yarn head end (8A) of a reserve package (8) in the region of a package creel arrangement exhibiting at least two adjacent package storage sites (31) for receiving the yarn package (11) and reserve package (8), wherein the feed yarn joining system exhibits - a first receiving unit for receiving the yarn head end (8A) of the reserve package (8), - a second receiving unit for receiving the yarn tail end (11A) of the yarn package (11), - a first positioning unit for positioning a yarn portion joined to the yarn head end (8A) in a yarn splicing device (71), - a second positioning unit for positioning a yarn portion joined to the yarn tail end (11A) in the yarn splicing device (71), - the yarn splicing device (71), which is provided to prepare the yarn head end (8A) and yarn tail end (11A) and splice them together, - a control unit for executing the splicing operation by means of a corresponding activation of the first and second receiving unit, the first and second positioning unit and the yarn splicing device (71), wherein the control unit is provided to initiate the start of the splicing operation, characterised in that the control unit is linked for communication purposes to a determination unit to determine the quantity of yarn present on the yarn package (11) and is configured to determine an unwinding and / or changeover point of the unwound yarn package (11) based on the determined quantity of yarn for initiating the start of the splicing operation.

2. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit is linked for communication purposes to an input unit via which an operator manually triggers a signal to the control unit to initiate the start of the splicing operation.

3. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first receiving unit and the first positioning unit or the second receiving unit and the second positioning unit are provided by means of a moveable, in particular a pivotable or linearly displaceable, suction unit (73, 74), in particular a suction tube with a suction mouth, which is associated with the yarn package (11) or the reserve package (8), between a receiving position for receiving the yarn tail end (11A) or the yarn head end (8A) respectively, and a depositing position for depositing the yarn tail end (11A) or yarn head end (8A) respectively.

4. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 3, characterised in that the suction unit (73, 74) exhibits a sensor unit for detecting the presence and / or absence of the yarn tail end (11A) or yarn head end (8A) in the suction unit (73, 74).

5. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 3 or 4, characterised by a coupling unit for the optional coupling and uncoupling of the suction unit (73, 74) to or from a source of suction air respectively.

6. Feed yarn joining system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterised by a clamping device for clamping the yarn inside the suction unit (73, 74).

7. Feed yarn joining system according to any one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterised in that the yarn splicing device (71), the first and second receiving unit, and the first and second positioning unit are arranged on a common carrying frame (40), wherein said common carrying frame (40) is provided in particular adjustably within a plane tensioned by a guide frame.

8. Feed yarn joining system according to any one or a plurality of the preceding claims, characterised by a driverless transport vehicle (80), on which at least the first and second receiving unit, the first and second positioning unit and the yarn splicing device (71) are arranged, wherein the driverless transport vehicle (80) is provided to travel autonomously to the site of a splicing operation which is to be executed.

9. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 8, characterised in that the driverless transport vehicle (80) carries a handling unit (83) with a gripper unit (85) for loading and unloading the package creel (3), wherein the gripper unit (85) is provided movably in multiple dimensions.

10. Feed yarn joining system according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the driverless transport vehicle (80) carries a package buffer (82) with at least two package storage sites (31), wherein a package storage site (31) is equipped with a reserve package (8) and the other package storage site (31) is free, wherein the handling unit (83) is configured for removing and positioning the yarn package (11) is provided on the free package storage site (31) and for removing and positioning the reserve package (8) at the package creel position of the removed yarn package (11) by means of the gripper unit (85).

11. Package creel arrangement with a package creel (3) comprising at least two package storage sites (31), wherein a package storage site (31) is provided for receiving a yarn package (11) and the other package storage site (31) is provided for receiving a reserve package (8), characterised by a feed yarn joining system according to any one or a plurality of claims 1 to 10.

12. Package creel arrangement according to claim 11, characterised in that the package storage sites (31) are arranged moveably, in particular pivotably, between an operating position and a changeover position.

13. Method of joining a yarn tail end (11A) of a yarn package (11) to a yarn head end (8A) of a reserve package (8) in the region of a package creel arrangement exhibiting at least two adjacent package storage sites (31) for receiving the yarn package (11) and reserve package (8) by means of a feed yarn joining system according to any one or a plurality of claims 1 to 10, with the steps - initiate the splicing operation, - activate the first and second receiving unit for seeking and receiving the yarn tail end (11A) of the yarn package (11) and the yarn head end (8A) of the reserve package (8), - activate the first and second positioning unit for positioning the received yarn tail end (11A) and the received yarn head end (8A) into the yarn splicing device (71), - activate the yarn splicing device (71) for preparing the yarn tail end (11A) and the yarn head end (8A) by means of the yarn tail end preparation means associated with the yarn splicing device (71), and - activate the yarn splicing device (71) for joining the prepared yarn tail end (11A) and yarn head end (8A).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that promptly before, or with the step of initiating the splicing operation, a step of filling an emptied package storage site (31) with a reserve package (8) takes place, which package storage site (31) was emptied in particular immediately beforehand.

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