Automatic full winding and empty tube transport system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic full-winding and empty-core transport system (1) for combing preparation, comprising at least one transfer module (2) and at least one buffer module (3), wherein both the at least one transfer module (2) and the at least one buffer module (3) comprise a frame (4), the respective frame (4) comprising a first and second cooperating side (5.1, 5.2), and wherein the frame (4) of the at least one transfer module (2) additionally comprises a first and / or second production-cooperating side (6.1, 6.2). Furthermore, the at least one transfer module (2) and the at least one buffer module (3) comprise two conveying means (7, 8).The transport system (1) is designed such that the individual modules (2, 3) are arranged one after the other in a conveying direction (9) starting with a transfer module (2) and interfaces (10) are formed between the modules (2, 3) which in turn are designed such that at least one full coil (11) to be transported and / or at least one empty sleeve (12) to be transported pass through these interfaces (10) in a coordinated manner.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention lies in the field of yarn production, more precisely in the field of conveying full laps produced in a combing preparation machine to a downstream combing machine on the one hand and the field of conveying empty tubes to the full lap-producing combing preparation machine, which is arranged upstream of the combing machine in the process. State of the art

[0002] To date, full laps (also called laps or batt laps), which are ejected individually from a combing preparation machine (also called winding machine), have been transported either semi-automatically by an operator or automatically by means of a conveyor belt to the downstream combing machines or to corresponding transfer points. At the transfer points of a conveyor belt, the full laps are held on the inside of the tubes by gripper bars of a lap transport system and transported to one of the downstream combing machines, e.g. by means of a transfer platform. In an exemplary combing shop, 4 combing preparation machines are arranged downstream of 24 combing machines, i.e. one combing preparation machine is usually followed by 6 combing machines. In this case, 8 full laps are processed by one combing machine in one batch.

[0003] During operation of such a combing plant, it becomes apparent that the combing preparation machines must always be stopped / put out of operation when there are delays in the transport system between the combing preparation machine and the combing machine or at the combing machine, for example due to an operational malfunction.

[0004] Another problem with state-of-the-art transport systems is that the layout of a combing / spinning mill cannot be designed flexibly. As already mentioned, the systems are usually available in sets designed so that a combing preparation machine is followed by a specific number of combing machines, for example, 1 to 4 or 1 to 6. However, depending on space or production requirements, these ratios cannot always be maintained, and a combing machine is missing, resulting in too many full laps being produced, or an unused combing machine is idle.

[0005] In most cases, the full laps are conveyed from the combing preparation machine to the transfer point fully automatically via a so-called cross conveyor. This consists of a frame and a conveyor belt for conveying the full laps and a conveyor belt for conveying the empty tubes. At the transfer point of the conveyor system / cross conveyor, the full laps are grasped by gripping bars, e.g. a transfer bridge, and fed to one of the downstream combing machines. For empty tubes, the process takes place in the reverse order and direction. This means that the conveyor belts of the cross conveyor are long enough to accommodate approximately two batches. Once a batch has been produced by the combing preparation machine, it is transported to the transfer point on the conveyor belt of the cross conveyor. If the transfer point is occupied by a previously produced batch, transport is not possible and the combing preparation machine and the cross conveyor come to a standstill.The fact that the entire conveyor belt is moved at any one time represents a disadvantage in that the ejection of the full laps from the combing preparation machine and their removal at the transfer point must be perfectly coordinated—any discrepancies will result in the system coming to a standstill. Another disadvantage is the relatively high energy consumption required to operate the entire conveyor belt.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of providing an optimized transport system for full reels and empty cores, which overcomes the disadvantages identified in the prior art. Description of the invention

[0007] The object is achieved by an automatic full-wind and empty-tube transport system as defined in independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0008] The essence of the invention consists in the following: An automatic full-wind and empty tube transport system for combing preparation, which comprises at least one transfer module and at least one buffer module. Both the at least one transfer module and the at least one buffer module comprise a frame, wherein the respective frame comprises a first cooperating side and a second cooperating side. Furthermore, the frame of the at least one transfer module additionally comprises a first and / or second production-cooperating side. The at least one transfer module and the at least one buffer module comprise two conveyor means, wherein the full-wind and empty tube transport system is designed such that the individual modules are arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction, starting with a transfer module, such that interfaces are formed between the individual modules.The interfaces thus formed are designed in such a way that at least one full roll to be transported and / or at least one empty core to be transported pass through these interfaces in a coordinated manner.

[0009] Within the scope of the invention, an automatic full lap and empty tube transport system for spinning preparation is defined as a transport or conveyor system for automatically transporting at least one full lap, which is ejected from a combing preparation machine (e.g., winding machine / carding machine) and fed to the automatic full lap and empty tube transport system. The at least one full lap is transported to a transfer point, which is located substantially opposite the combing preparation machine in the conveying direction, where it is fed to a downstream combing machine via, for example, a transfer bridge. Empty tubes, which are removed from the combing machine by the transfer platform after processing, are unloaded at the transfer point onto the automatic full lap and empty tube transport system and transported to the combing preparation machine to be rewound there.

[0010] In the present invention, the automatic full-wind and empty tube transport system is modular and comprises at least one transfer module and at least one buffer module. Both module types comprise a frame, usually made of metal, among other materials. The frame has a first and a second cooperating side. A cooperating side of a module, be it a transfer module or a buffer module, essentially means a side of the frame that can be connected to a corresponding cooperating side of the frame of an upstream or downstream module. For example, the second cooperating side of the frame of a buffer module can be connected to the first cooperating side of the frame of a transfer module, as shown below.

[0011] In the context of the invention, a transfer module is understood to be a module of the automatic full lap and empty tube transport system which can essentially be positioned opposite a producing machine. In this context, producing machines are, on the one hand, the combing preparation machine and, on the other hand, the combing machine. The producing machines also include a turning module, i.e. a module which turns the full lap ejected from the combing preparation machine by approximately 90° or approximately 180°. This turning of the full lap is necessary, depending on the design of the system, so that the full laps can be arranged in their transport position on the transfer module. Alternatively, it is possible to set up the pre-drawers directly to the left and right of the combing preparation machine, thus optimising the material flow in the cans. The transport position provides for the arrangement of the full lap or its longitudinal axis parallel to the conveying direction.The transport position for the empty tubes provides the same. In order to be able to cooperate with the production machines, the transfer module has a first and / or a second production-cooperating side. This side or these sides are designed depending on the production machine. A transfer module that is essentially opposite a combing preparation machine (or an intermediate turning module as explained above), for example, has a first cooperating side of the transfer module that is freely accessible to the conveyor. The invention does not preclude the possibility of having an upwardly projecting, possibly removable, retaining plate opposite this first cooperating side. This ensures that the full lap does not fall from the transfer module due to its weight.With regard to the empty tubes, the transfer module is designed in such a way that the empty tubes can leave the conveyor unhindered and be fed to the combing preparation machine.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, a buffer module is a module that is not essentially opposite a producing machine and only needs to meet the requirements of a frame with a first and a second cooperating side. Full laps and / or empty tubes can be temporarily stored on the buffer module. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, a combing machine fails. In this way, the production of full laps is not interrupted. In another example, an additional combing preparation machine could be present with a number of downstream combing machines that do not correspond to the set – the additionally produced full laps can, for example, be fed to other combing machines.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, both the transfer module and the buffer module comprise two conveyors. One of the two independent conveyors transports the full reels, and the other transports the empty cores. This configuration is necessary in that it maintains the production cycle (removal and supply of full reels and empty cores as needed). It is also conceivable for both conveyors to transport either only reels or only empty cores.

[0014] Production in a combing / combing preparation plant typically begins with a combing preparation machine that produces and ejects full laps. Therefore, the automatic full lap and empty tube transport system according to the invention is designed starting with a transfer module. This transfer module is followed by either a buffer module or another transfer module (in the conveying direction - see below), with at least one buffer module being provided within the automatic full lap and empty tube transport system according to the invention.

[0015] The conveying direction is determined by the conveying direction of at least one full reel. Consequently, the conveying direction of the empty cores corresponds to a non-conveying direction opposite to the conveying direction of the full reel. Regarding the definition of the module arrangement, the conveying direction corresponds to the conveying direction of the full reel.

[0016] If the individual modules are aligned as described above, interfaces form between the respective modules. In the context of this invention, this means that the interfaces represent the distance between the two conveyors of a module and the conveyor of the upstream and / or downstream module. These interfaces are designed such that they can be passed through in a coordinated manner by at least one full reel and / or at least one empty core. Furthermore, the distance, i.e. the length of the interface (seen in the conveying direction), is to be selected such that a connection between the cooperating first and second sides of the frames of the two modules is possible.

[0017] In the context of the invention, "coordinated passage" means, on the one hand, that the interfaces enable passage in terms of size / spacing as explained above. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the conveyors of the two consecutive modules are coordinated with each other in terms of their movement / speed - for example, their speed must be coordinated and, on the other hand, the time at which the two consecutive conveyors are set in motion, which can occur one after the other or simultaneously. With the aim of delivering the full laps to the combing machine with as little damage as possible, resistance must be avoided and it must therefore be avoided that the full lap is pulled or pushed over the interface, which is the case when, for example, only one conveyor is in motion. This can lead to fiber damage on the full lap.

[0018] Once a certain number of full laps (= batch) have been produced and transported to the transfer point, they are transported to the combing machine by means of grippers via a transfer bridge, as is known from the state of the art. So that the grippers can grip the full laps without damaging them, they must be arranged at a certain distance - depending on the arrangement of the grippers - at the transfer point to the downstream combing machines on the transfer module. This distance between the full laps is not determined mechanically, but is determined by the movement sequence of the conveyors (= coordination of the speed between the individual modules). If a full lap is ejected from the combing preparation machine and falls onto the conveyor assigned to it in the transfer module, this conveyor moves a certain distance so that the following full lap can be accommodated on the same conveyor at a certain distance.If the full reels are now delivered via an interface to a downstream buffer or transfer module, it must be ensured that the speed of the conveyors of the modules is coordinated in such a way that the distance between adjacent full reels is not changed or, alternatively, is changed in such a way that the distance that should exist between the adjacent full reels at the transfer point is created.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two conveyors are arranged horizontally one above the other. Typically, but not necessarily, the full reels are transported on the upper of the two horizontally stacked conveyors, and the empty cores are transported on the lower of the two horizontally stacked conveyors. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the two conveyors to be arranged side by side.

[0020] Advantageously, the first cooperating side of the frame of a transfer module or a buffer module cooperates with the second cooperating side of the frame of a buffer module or a transfer module, and vice versa. Through the cooperation of the first and second sides of the frame of the respective modules, a connection can be created between the two modules. This connection must be at least stable enough that full coils being transported cannot loosen the connection. The connection ensures that the alignment of the modules remains unchanged during operation. One possible connection is to fix the modules or the frame of the modules to the ground. This alone provides sufficient stability under certain circumstances.

[0021] Since the frame of each module, whether a transfer module or a buffer module, comprises a first and a second cooperating side, the modules can be arranged in any order. This type of design of an automatic full-winder and empty-tube transport system also allows modules to be replaced as needed. This could be because a module or a producing machine (here: a combing preparation machine (with or without a turning module) or a combing machine) is defective, or because the production output needs to be changed. An example of this would be switching to combing machines with a processing capacity of 10 or 12 full winders instead of the previously mentioned 8, or to a combing preparation machine with a higher production capacity.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cooperating first and second cooperating sides of the frames of the respective modules create a mechanical connection between the modules arranged one behind the other. This mechanical connection can be in the form of a positive connection and, for example, include a locking or snap connection, a clamping connection, or a frictional connection such as a screw connection or the like, and can have corresponding means for mechanically connecting the two modules. This connection ensures the stability of the cross conveyor and is detachable. This means that, should the need arise, the order of the respective modules can be changed or a module can be replaced. As already mentioned, fixing to the floor is also conceivable.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, a first production-cooperating side of the frame of a transfer module is designed such that it can be connected to a combing preparation machine. This is particularly the case if it is the first transfer module within the automatic full-wind and empty tube transport system. It should be noted at this point that not all transfer modules are designed the same. The only relevant aspect is that the frame of a transfer module - unlike a buffer module - has at least one production-cooperating side. How this side is designed depends on the position of the transfer module within the automatic full-wind and empty tube transport system and on the producing machine substantially opposite the transfer module. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention for the different designs of the transfer modules to be variable (e.g., removable).

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second production-cooperating side of the frame of a transfer module is designed such that it comprises a storage area for empty tubes and is accessible for a delivery system. The term delivery system here means, for example, a transfer bridge with grippers. Once the full laps have been removed from the combing machine, the empty tubes are grasped by the grippers of the transfer bridge and delivered to the transfer module with a second production-cooperating side in the frame, where they are deposited. Therefore, a corresponding storage area for empty tubes is necessary. As already mentioned, it is usually intended that the empty tubes are transported on the lower of the two horizontally stacked conveyors. However, the grippers cannot deposit the empty tubes there. A corresponding transfer module therefore has a storage area for empty tubes that is accessible to the grippers.The stacker can advantageously have a tilting mechanism that serves to tip the empty tubes onto the lower of the two horizontally stacked conveyors. Alternatively, the stacker can be tilted off, allowing the empty tubes to roll toward the conveyor. A second cooperating side within a transfer module can also relate to the design of the frame in the area of ​​the upper of the two horizontally stacked conveyors and, for example, include a holding element for full laps. The holding element serves to stabilize the full lap rolling out of a combing preparation machine (with or without a turning module) on the conveyor and prevent it from falling off.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, a transfer module can have several of the just-described configurations of the first and / or second production-cooperating side within the frame, or just one. It is also conceivable for the configuration of the first and / or second production-cooperating side to be removable or changeable, so that an originally production-cooperating side becomes a second production-cooperating side, and vice versa.

[0026] Further configurations of the first and / or second production-cooperating side depend significantly on the downstream producing machine, which is essentially opposite the transfer module.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the interface is formed by the distance between the respective modules of the automatic winding and empty core transport system, and the distance is smaller than the height of the empty core to be transported. This has the advantage that both the full coils, whose height corresponds more or less to the height of the full coil, and the empty cores can pass through the interface unhindered.

[0028] Advantageously, the distance forming the interface between the respective modules of the automatic winding and empty core transport system is between 200 and 400 mm, preferably 10-100 mm. These are examples of preferred dimensions for the distance forming an interface between the conveyors of the consecutively arranged modules. Other dimensions are 30-70 mm or 5-55 mm.

[0029] It is particularly advantageous if each module comprises at least one drive for the two conveyors. The modules can be either a transfer module or a buffer module. The conveyors, for example those arranged horizontally one above the other, can be of the same type or different. If a drive is provided for each of the two conveyors in a module, they can be of different types and can be driven in the conveying direction as well as in the non-conveying direction. For example, the conveyor for conveying the full reels can be at least one conveyor belt, while the conveyor for conveying the empty cores can be designed, for example, in the form of two opposing conveyor cords guided by guide wheels. In this way, weight and costs can be saved.

[0030] According to advantageous embodiments of the invention, the drives of the respective modules are controlled individually or centrally. This increases the flexibility of the automatic full-wind and empty-tube transport system.

[0031] Advantageously, each of the respective modules of the automatic reel and empty core transport system comprises at least one optical and / or mechanical sensor. This sensor(s) can be arranged, for example, in the area of ​​the interface as defined above and can be used to control and monitor the initiation of movement of the individual conveyors, or to monitor the speed or the number of full reels and / or empty cores being conveyed. Speed ​​monitoring is relevant in that it serves to coordinate the speeds between two modules, which in turn is particularly important for maintaining the distance between adjacent full reels.The sensor(s) can also detect if the alignment of the two modules forming the interface of the automatic winding and empty tube transport system is incorrect, which has the advantage of preventing malfunctions.

[0032] Particularly advantageous are embodiments of the invention in which the two conveyors of the respective modules are movable both in the conveying direction and in a non-conveying direction. As already mentioned, the conveying direction refers to the direction in which the full laps are conveyed from the combing preparation machine to the combing machine. For the (return) transport of the empty tubes, which takes place in the opposite direction, a non-conveying direction results. The conveyors are preferably arranged horizontally one above the other. The flexibility of the individual modules and their combination within an automatic full lap and empty tube transport system is maximized by the conveyors' ability to change their conveying direction. The system can be reconfigured at any time, and transport errors can be rectified, e.g., by moving the conveyor back one position to close a gap in the conveyor chain, etc.In addition, the modules can be arranged in any direction - i.e. they can be arranged with either the first or the second cooperating side first in the conveying direction within the automatic winding and empty tube transport system (in the sense that the full roll passes the first or the second cooperating side first).

[0033] Advantageously, the two conveyors of the respective modules are of two types and move in opposite directions when in operation. For example, the conveyor for conveying the full reels can be a full-belt conveyor, while the conveyor for conveying the empty reels can be a double-belt conveyor, whereby the belts (or cords / ropes guided by wheels) are driven together. The conveyors are preferably arranged horizontally one above the other. As both conveyors of a module can be driven independently, it is possible to use different conveyors, which can potentially lead to cost savings. In addition to belt conveyors, toothed belt conveyors or chain conveyors can also be used. The counter-rotating movement of the conveyors, which are arranged horizontally one above the other, means that the full reels are conveyed in the conveying direction towards, for example, the combing machine orto the transfer bridge, while the empty tubes are transported in the opposite direction of the conveying direction, in the non-conveying direction, to the combing preparation machine. Since both conveyors of a module can be driven independently, it is possible for certain conveyors to be stationary while others are moving. This also applies to only one module, meaning full reels are transported while empty tubes are not, or vice versa.

[0034] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. It shows: figure 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a full-winding and empty-tube transport system according to the invention, figure 2 a schematic view of a transfer module according to the invention, figure 3 a section of a full-winding and empty tube transport system according to the invention, and Figure 4a schematically illustrated further embodiment of a full-winding and empty tube transport system according to the invention.

[0035] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used for identical and / or at least comparable features in the various figures. The individual features, their design, and / or mode of operation are usually only explained in detail when first mentioned. If individual features are not explained in detail again, their design and / or mode of operation correspond to the design and mode of operation of the features with the same or identical functions already described.

[0036] Fig. 1shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a full-wind and empty tube transport system 1 according to the invention. The full-wind and empty tube transport system 1 shown has three transfer modules 2 and a buffer module 3. Two of the three transfer modules 2 are positioned opposite a combing machine 14 (= embodiment of a producing machine 17), while one transfer module is positioned opposite a combing preparation machine 13 (possibly a turning module). Interfaces 10 are formed between the modules 2, 3. The interfaces are formed from the distance between a first cooperating side 5.1 of a module 2 or 3 and the corresponding second cooperating side 5.2 of the downstream module 3 or 2. The distance 10' forming the interfaces 10 is, as can be seen from Fig. 1recognizable, selected such that both a full lap 11 and an empty tube 12 can pass through the interface 10 unhindered and in a coordinated manner. Since the conveying means 7, 8 are movable in both directions (conveying direction 9 and non-conveying direction 9'), the buffer module 3 situated between the two transfer modules 2 is able to supply the transfer module 2 downstream in the conveying direction 9 with full lap 11 as well as the transfer module 2 upstream in the conveying direction 9. The producing machine sketched with reference number 17 is, in the present embodiment, a combing machine 14, which is usually preceded by a transfer bridge (in the present invention, it represents a component of the producing machine 17). The invention does not exclude the direct supply to a combing machine 14.

[0037] The individual modules 2, 3 comprise a frame 4 and two conveyors 7, 8 arranged one above the other. In the illustrated embodiment, the full reels 11 are transported on the upper conveyor 7 and the empty tubes 12 are transported on the conveyor 8 located below the upper conveyor 7. The two conveyors 7 and 8 are individually driven (drive 15 not shown) and can be operated both in the conveying direction 9 and in the non-conveying direction 9'. They may also be equipped with at least one optical and / or mechanical sensor 16 (also not shown).

[0038] Out of Fig. 1it is evident that the buffer module 3 does not have any production-cooperating sides 6.1 and 6.2, whereas this is the case with the transfer modules 2. The latter each show at least one production-cooperating side 6.1 and / or 6.2 (the curved line 6.2 symbolizes that the second production-cooperating side is not visibly located opposite the first production-cooperating side in the illustration). As can be seen from the example of the transfer module 3 arranged first in the conveying direction 9, the producing machine 17 (here: a combing preparation machine 13 (with or without turning module)) does not extend over the entire length of the transfer module 3. In this respect, it is provided within the scope of the invention that the production-cooperating side 6.1 and / or 6.2 do not have to extend over the entire length of the frame 4 of the transfer module 2.The different transfer modules 2 of a full-wind and empty-tube transport system 1 do not necessarily have to be designed in the same way.

[0039] Fig. 2shows a schematic view of a transfer module 2 according to the invention. The transfer module 2 is substantially and partially positioned opposite a producing machine 17 (here: a combing preparation machine 13), namely in the front region of the transfer module 2 in the conveying direction 9. This is the first transfer module 2 of an automatic winding and empty tube transport system since it is positioned opposite a combing preparation machine 13 and is arranged upstream of either another transfer module 2 or a buffer module 3 in the conveying direction 9. The transfer module 2 comprises a frame 4 and two conveyor means 7, 8 arranged one above the other (here a full-belt conveyor at the top and a two-part partial-belt conveyor at the bottom) on which the full reels 11 and the empty tubes 12 are transported, the full reels being transported in the conveying direction 9 and the empty tubes in the non-conveying direction 9'. In addition, the two production cooperating sides are 6.1 and 6.2 of the transfer module 2: the first production-cooperating side 6.1 facing the producing machine 17, combing preparation machine 13 shows in . Fig. 2illustrated embodiment, free access for the full laps 11 ejected from the producing machine 17 or 13, while the empty tubes 12 can be ejected at the end (in the non-conveying direction 9') of the conveyor 8 arranged below or fed to the producing machine 17 or 13. On the second production-cooperating side 6.2, there is an upwardly projecting holding element in the form of a round holding plate with the purpose of holding the full laps 11 ejected from the producing machine 17, here the combing preparation machine 13 (with or without turning module), on the conveyor 7. This may be necessary because the full laps 11 are heavy and, depending on the ejection from the combing preparation machine 13 or the producing machine 17, tend to wobble and consequently fall from the conveyor 7 or the transfer module 2. In addition, the transfer module 2 has a first cooperating side 5.1 and a second cooperating side 5.2.In the embodiment shown, the first cooperating side is attached to the producing machine 17 / combing preparation machine 13. The second cooperating side 5.2 of the transfer module 2 can be mechanically connected to a first cooperating side 5.1 of, for example, a buffer module 3. This mechanical connection is achieved, for example, when the frames 4 of the two modules 2, 3 are fastened to the floor in such a way that the arrangement is stable, i.e., withstands the transport of the full rolls. Depending on the embodiment, the areas marked with an x ​​contain, for example, sensors 16 and / or means for mechanically connecting the two modules and / or drives 15 for the conveyors 7, 8.

[0040] Fig. 3shows a section of a full-winding and empty tube transport system 1 according to the invention. More specifically, a transfer module 2 arranged downstream of a combing preparation machine 13 is shown, comprising a frame 4, two conveyors 7, 8, a first and second cooperating side 5.1 and 5.2, and a first and second cooperating production side 6.1 and 6.2. A further transfer module is arranged downstream of the transfer module 2 in the conveying direction 9. The transfer module 2 comprises a frame 4, two conveyors 7, 8, a first and second cooperating side 5.1 and 5.2, and a first and second cooperating production side 6.1 and 6.2. A combing machine 14 (not shown here) is arranged downstream of the second transfer module 2. The second cooperating production side 6.2 shows a receptacle for the empty tubes 11.The empty tubes 11 are deposited by grippers of a transfer platform from the combing machine 14 onto the transfer module 2, in particular on the second production-cooperating side 6.2. From there, the empty tubes 12 roll through specially provided openings in the frame 4 of the transfer module 2 onto the conveyor 8 located below. Since this is merely a section of a full-winding and empty tube transport system 1 according to the invention, no buffer module 3 is shown. According to the invention, this can be arranged between the two transfer modules 2 or downstream of the two transfer modules 2.

[0041] Fig. 4shows a schematically illustrated embodiment of a full-wind and empty tube transport system 1 according to the invention, wherein the following arrangement of the modules 2, 3 in the conveying direction 9 is shown: referenced with 17 is a producing machine, here a combing preparation machine 13. A transfer module 2 is arranged substantially opposite the producing machine 17, which has a frame 4 (also applies to the remaining modules), a first and a second cooperating side 5.1, 5.2 and a first and a second cooperating production side 6.1 and 6.2. The second cooperating side 5.2 cooperates with the buffer module 3 arranged downstream in the conveying direction 9, which has a first and a second cooperating side 5.1 and 5.2. The buffer module is not arranged opposite a producing machine 17 and accordingly does not have any cooperating production sides 6.1, 6.2.A second buffer module 3 is arranged downstream of the first buffer module 3 in the conveying direction 9, which second buffer module also comprises a first and a second cooperating side 5.1 and 5.2. The second cooperating side 5.2 of the first buffer module 3 cooperates with the first cooperating side 5.1 of the second buffer module. The respective modules 2, 3 are preferably stably connected to one another via a mechanical connection. An interface 10, a distance 10', is formed between the two connected modules 2, 3. A second transfer module 2 is arranged downstream of the second buffer module 3, the first cooperating side of which connects with the second cooperating side of the second buffer module 3, thereby forming an interface 10. Furthermore, the second transfer module 2 has first and a second production-cooperating sides 6.1 and 6.2.At this point it should be noted that the first and / or second production-cooperating side is not limited to one of the two conveyor means (e.g. arranged horizontally one above the other) and does not necessarily relate to both of the conveyor means 7, 8 just mentioned. This means that a first production-cooperating side 6.1 is only designed for conveying the full reels 11 (not shown) in the area of ​​the conveyor means 7 or 8 (the curved line 8 symbolizes that the conveyor means 8 is located below the conveyor means 7 and is not visible in the 2D drawing), while in the area of ​​the conveyor means 7 or 8 for conveying the empty cores 12 no such side is designed in the frame 4 (as is the case, for example, in FIG. Fig. 3shown, where the second production-cooperating side 6.2 of the downstream transfer module only affects the lower conveyor 8). This does not apply to the cooperating sides 5.1 and 5.2 of the respective modules 2.3 - these are present on all modules 2 and 3 in the area of ​​both conveyors.

Claims

1. Automatic full-winding and empty tube transport system (1) for combing preparation, comprising • at least one transfer module (2) and • at least one buffer module (3), wherein both the at least one transfer module (2) and the at least one buffer module (3) comprise a frame (4), wherein the respective frame (4) comprises a first cooperating side (5.1) and a second cooperating side (5, 2), and wherein the frame (4) of the at least one transfer module (2) additionally comprises a first and / or second production-cooperating side (6.1, 6.2) and wherein both the at least one transfer module (2) and the at least one buffer module (3) comprise two conveying means (7, 8), and wherein the full-winding and empty-tube transport system (1) is designed such that the individual modules (2, 3) are arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction (9), starting with a transfer module (2), in such a way that interfaces (10) are formed between the individual modules (2, 3), which interfaces are designed such that at least one full-winding (11) to be transported and / or at least one empty tube (12) to be transported pass these interfaces (10) in a coordinated manner.

2. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the two conveyor means (7, 8) are arranged horizontally one above the other.

3. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cooperating side (5.1) of the frame (4) of a transfer module (2) or a buffer module (3) cooperates with the second cooperating side (5.2) of the frame (4) of a buffer module (2) or a transfer module (3) and vice versa.

4. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 3, wherein the cooperating first and second cooperating sides (5.1, 5.2) of the frames (4) of the respective modules (2, 3) effect a mechanical connection between the modules (2, 3) arranged one behind the other.

5. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first production-cooperating side (6.1) of the frame (4) of a transfer module (2) is designed such that it can be connected to a combing preparation machine (13).

6. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second production-cooperating side (6.2) of the frame (4) of a transfer module (2) is designed such that it comprises a storage area for empty tubes (12) and is accessible for a delivery system.

7. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interface (10) is formed by the distance between the respective modules (2, 3) and wherein the distance is smaller than a height of the empty tube to be transported.

8. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the distance forming the interface (10) between the respective modules (2, 3) is between 200 and 400 mm, preferably between 10 and 100 mm.

9. Fully automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each module (2, 3) comprises at least one drive (15) for the two conveying means (7, 8).

10. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the drives (15) of the respective modules (2, 3) are controlled individually or centrally.

11. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the respective modules (2, 3) comprises at least one optical and / or mechanical sensor (16).

12. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two conveying means (7, 8) of the respective modules (2, 3) are movable both in the conveying direction (9) and in a non-conveying direction (9').

13. Automatic winding and empty tube transport system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two conveyor means (7, 8) of the respective modules (2, 3) are of two types and move in opposite directions in the operating position.

Images