Computer-implemented method for producing a textile product

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for manufacturing a textile product using a group (5) of textile machines (3). To obtain a high-quality textile product, the textile tools (2) in the textile machines (3) are regularly replaced. To ensure the regular replacement of the textile tools (2) even in large groups of textile machines (3), a control unit (6) calculates a replacement time (17) for the first textile tool (102) when it is installed in a first textile machine (103) of the group of textile machines (3). Based on a signal (7) generated by the control unit (6), the first textile tool (102) is then replaced with a new textile tool (202) at the replacement time (17).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for manufacturing a specific textile product. Textile products can be manufactured using various processes. Such processes include, for example, knitting (e.g., flat knitting or circular knitting), sewing, needling to form a nonwoven, tufting, weaving, warp knitting, or carding. Textile products are typically manufactured on an industrial scale using such processes with textile machines, which have at least one textile tool for the manufacturing process. These textile tools are usually subject to wear, which is mainly caused by friction between the textile tools and the textile product. The textile tools must therefore be replaced regularly when wear leads to failure. For example, sewing needles, knitting needles, or felting needles must be replaced when they break.In the event of such a breakage, the textile product is damaged until the breakage is detected and the textile machine with the defective tool is stopped. Due to its poor quality, the damaged textile product cannot be used further and is usually disposed of as scrap. To ensure that no fragments of broken textile tools remain in the textile product being used, textile manufacturers are typically required by their clients to collect and document all fragments to ensure that none are missing. The breakage of a textile tool therefore results in considerable additional work. Even before textile tools fail or break, worn textile tools can already lead to a deterioration in the quality of the textile product.Due to the aforementioned problems, it is known to replace worn textile tools before they fail, for example, due to breakage. To this end, it is common practice to monitor textile tools through regular visual inspections. However, wear on textile tools cannot always be detected in time for failure through simple visual inspections with the naked eye. Furthermore, particularly in the production of complex textile products manufactured using a group of textile machines, it has not yet been possible to monitor the textile tools of the group of machines closely enough through visual inspections. Therefore, especially in large groups of textile machines, individual textile tools fail repeatedly, such as a broken sewing needle. As the size of the group of textile machines increases, ensuring high quality of the textile product becomes even more difficult.

[0002] Based on the prior art, the object of the invention is therefore to provide a computer-implemented method for manufacturing a textile product with a group of textile machines, which ensures good quality of the textile product regardless of the size of the group of textile machines.

[0003] The problem is solved by a computer-implemented method with the features of claim 1. In the computer-implemented method according to the invention for manufacturing a specific textile product with a group of textile machines, which for the manufacturing process have at least one textile tool that wears during the manufacturing process, an identification code, by which the first textile machine can be identified, is sent to a control unit when a first textile tool is installed in a first textile machine of the group of textile machines. For this purpose, the identification code can be linked to the first textile machine in a database of the control unit or assigned to the first textile machine. The control unit can comprise several components that are interconnected or communicate with each other.For example, the control unit can consist of a central computer and a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone, preferably communicating wirelessly. The control unit can also include a data storage unit containing information about the group of textile machines, the textile tools used, or the textile product. This information and / or its relationships can be stored in one or more databases within the data storage unit. The installation of the first textile tool can be performed manually by an operator or automatically by a mechatronic device. The control unit stores a replacement interval for the textile tools of the first textile machine. This replacement interval can, for example, be stored in a database on the control unit's data storage unit.The replacement interval for the first textile tool is identifiable via the identification code assigned to the first textile machine. This interval specifies the operating time after which a textile tool installed in the first textile machine must be replaced. The control unit receives the transmitted identification code and uses the replacement interval to determine a replacement time for the first textile tool. The control unit then generates a signal indicating the replacement time of the first textile tool, which is assigned to the first textile machine. This assignment can be made via the identification code the control unit received when installing the textile tool. Based on the generated signal, the first textile tool is replaced with a new one suitable for its replacement.The new textile tool can be of the same type as the first. However, the new textile tool can also have different specifications. A new textile tool with differing specifications can be advantageously used, for example, to optimize the manufacturing process during ongoing production. Replacing the textile tool can be done manually by an operator or automatically by a mechatronic device. The process steps described above can also be carried out with other textile tools used in the other textile machines in the group.Preferably, for each textile tool used in the group of textile machines, a signal can be generated during installation of the textile tool using the method described above. This signal indicates when the respective textile tool needs to be replaced, allowing it to be exchanged for a new one. In this way, even in very large groups of textile machines, a reliable and regular replacement of the textile tools can be controlled and monitored.

[0004] Further advantages arise when the signal is sent to a display unit, which then links the replacement time and the location of the first textile machine. This combined output of replacement time and location provides information on when and where a textile tool needs to be replaced. This helps an operator locate the textile tool requiring replacement or maintain an overview of pending replacement processes. The replacement time can be displayed as a fixed time. The display unit could, for example, be a signal light that illuminates upon receiving the signal and is positioned near the first textile machine to indicate its location.The display unit can also be a sound generation device (for example, a loudspeaker or a siren) that produces acoustic tones in response to a signal. The sound generation device can be located near the first textile machine to provide information about its location. Alternatively, the generated tones can also be used to convey information about the machine's location. The display unit can also be electromechanical, electrical, or electronic. Preferably, the display unit is a screen. The display unit can be part of a mobile device. This mobile device can then help operators of a group of textile machines to keep track of the replacement times for the textile tools used in the machines and to adhere to these replacement times.Preferably, the display unit can also receive and output signals relating to the time of replacement and the location of other textile tools.

[0005] A particularly advantageous method is one in which the production of a textile product requires a total set N of production steps – a so-called style – wherein the production steps are preferably assigned to different subsets of the total set N of production steps. In particular, the production of complex textile products requires a multitude of production steps, the entirety of which is also referred to as a style. In the method according to the invention, each production step or subset is assigned an individual exchange interval in the control unit. Each production step or subset is then assigned in the control unit to at least one textile machine from the group of textile machines. In this way, an individual exchange interval is assigned to each textile machine via the assigned production step or subset.The control unit can use the exchange interval assigned to the first textile machine for a production step or subset to determine the exchange time of the first textile tool. Similarly, the control unit can also determine the exchange time for other textile tools on other textile machines within the group. The assignment of exchange intervals to the production steps is advantageously specified by the client to ensure the quality of the textile product. This assignment can be made by the client, for example, via wireless access to the control unit, a data storage device on the control unit, or a database stored on the data storage device. In this way, the client can specify exchange interval requirements that are preferably beyond the contractor's control.The contractor then only receives the signal that links the calculated replacement time to the relevant textile machine, but cannot influence the replacement interval and therefore the calculation of the replacement time. This gives the client a high degree of certainty that the replacement intervals they specify will be adhered to.

[0006] Advantageously, the changeover time is determined by a timer that starts when the first textile tool is inserted. The changeover time can be displayed as a countdown timer, with the changeover time being reached after the timer or countdown has expired. The timer can be paused manually or automatically as needed and resumed at a later time. This prevents the timer from running during breaks, production facility shutdowns, or when the textile machine is idle. This ensures that the maximum operating time of the textile tool is utilized.

[0007] Advantageously, the replacement time is determined based on the date and time of insertion of the first textile tool. The control unit can determine the date and time of insertion upon receiving the identification code. Since the control unit already knows the date and time, this method eliminates the need to collect additional data to determine the replacement time. This method is therefore the simplest way to determine the replacement time. In this method, the replacement interval is preferably a time interval added to the date and time of insertion of the first textile tool to determine the replacement time.

[0008] Further advantages arise when the operating time of the first textile machine is recorded by a sensor and the replacement time is determined based on the operating time of the textile machine from the moment the first textile tool is inserted. In this way, only the actual operating times of the textile tool are considered when calculating the replacement time. The replacement time can be dynamically recalculated based on the operating time of the first textile machine, so that the replacement time is postponed if the textile machine is idle. This prevents the first textile tool from being replaced prematurely due to a long downtime, thus avoiding the replacement of the textile tool even though it has not yet reached its maximum operating time.Even large groups of textile machines with varying operating times can be effectively monitored in this way. Complex textile products can therefore be manufactured to a very high quality by regularly exchanging the textile tools used, without having to replace the tools too frequently. The operating time can advantageously be added to the date and time when the first textile tool was inserted to determine the replacement time. The sensor can, for example, measure the current and / or power consumption of the textile machine to record the operating time. Alternatively, the sensor can detect the position of a switch mounted on the textile machine. Since the forces acting on the textile tool constantly change during operation, the sensor can also measure the corresponding force or the associated change in force.The operating time can then be calculated by the control unit by evaluating the measurement data, whereby periods without force change or with a very small force change (in the sense of noise in the measured value) are evaluated as the textile machine being idle. A device comprising a sensor for recording the operating time of a textile machine, adapted to perform the steps of this procedure, is correspondingly advantageous. Equally advantageous is a computer program product comprising commands that cause this device to execute the procedure steps.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment of the computer-implemented method, the first textile machine moves the first textile tool in strokes to produce the specific textile product, as is common, for example, in knitting machines, sewing machines, or needling machines. The number of strokes of the first textile machine is recorded by a sensor, and the replacement time is determined based on the number of strokes since the insertion of the first textile tool. Since the wear of textile tools that move in strokes depends on the number of strokes performed with the textile tool, the replacement time can be determined very accurately in this way, based on the actual wear of the respective textile tool. This further improves the prevention of textile tool failure during operation.The number of strokes can also be determined, for example, by measuring the force acting on the textile tool in the direction of the stroke and subsequently evaluating the measurement result. Alternatively, the number of strokes can be determined by the control unit through communication and / or data exchange with the textile machine.

[0010] Advantageously, the identification code for identifying the first textile machine is captured optically, preferably with a camera or scanner, or with a transmitter-receiver system, preferably an RFID system or a GPS system. RFID stands for "radio-frequency identification." The scanner can be, for example, a barcode scanner or a QR code scanner. The identification code can also be captured by the control unit itself. In this case, the control unit includes a device for capturing the identification code, such as a camera, a scanner, or a receiver of a transmitter-receiver system.

[0011] Further advantages arise when the identification code is stored as a machine-readable code at a production facility where the group of textile machines is located. The identification code can be located, for example, on the textile machine to which it belongs or in the vicinity of the textile machine. It can also be located on a device associated with the textile machine, such as a device used for changing textile tools. The machine-readable code can be one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or four-dimensional. A one-dimensional code is, for example, a barcode. A two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code. A three-dimensional code can, for example, be a QR code that also conveys information about color saturation or hue. The third dimension is then the hue or saturation.A four-dimensional code can, for example, be an animated three-dimensional code. The fourth dimension is then time. In this way, even very complex identification codes can be represented and captured, which makes the method applicable even to very large groups of textile machines.

[0012] Further advantages arise when a dispensing station dispenses the new textile tool suitable for replacing the first textile tool, depending on the replacement time of the first textile tool. The dispensing station can be controlled by the control unit and / or receive the replacement time, for example, via a signal from the control unit. The dispensing station stocks at least one textile tool suitable for replacing the first textile tool. Advantageously, the dispensing station stocks at least two or more different types of textile tools used in the textile machines of the group of textile machines, so that the dispensing station stocks the appropriate textile tool for at least two or more of the textile machines. The dispensing of the new textile tool can advantageously take place within a dispensing period that begins before the replacement time and / or ends after the replacement time.The dispensing period is preferably 10 to 120 minutes, but particularly preferably 15 to 45 minutes. This ensures that only textile tools requiring immediate replacement are dispensed. Even with large groups of textile machines, this prevents the use of incorrect textile tools and the resulting defects in the textile product. The dispensing station can have a cavity in which the new textile tool is stored. Advantageously, the cavity is closed by a closing device, such as a flap or door, which opens the cavity at the time of replacement. Alternatively, the new textile tool can be automatically conveyed from the cavity into a dispensing device, such as an open groove or container, at the time of replacement.The dispensing device is designed such that the new textile tool can be removed from it manually or by a mechanical device. The new textile tool can be held in a textile tool magazine from which it can be automatically conveyed into the dispensing device. Within the textile tool magazine, the new textile tool can be pre-tensioned against a closing device by pneumatic force, hydraulic force, spring force, and / or its own weight, such that the new textile tool is ejected from the textile tool magazine by these forces when the magazine is opened by moving the closing device. The automatic dispensing of the new textile tool is essentially achieved by controlling the closing device based on the replacement time. The closing device can be driven to move.For example, the closing device can be driven by an electric motor, pneumatic and / or hydraulic drive and / or a push-rod drive. Advantageously, the textile tool is thus conveyed directly into the dispensing device. However, it is particularly advantageous if the textile tool magazine is reclosed by moving the closing device, and the closing device thereby conveys the new textile tool into the dispensing device. As an alternative to a textile tool magazine with a preload on the textile tool against a closing device, the textile tool magazine can also be designed as a revolver magazine or drum magazine. The revolver magazine or drum magazine comprises a rotatable magazine body with a multitude of cavities, each of which can hold at least one textile tool.The rotating magazine body is advantageously enclosed by a housing that prevents the textile tools from unintentionally falling out of the cavities by sealing them. In this configuration, the housing thus acts as the closing device. Above the removal device, the housing has an opening through which the new textile tool is conveyed or falls out of its cavity when the rotating magazine body is turned around its axis of rotation to a position where the opening exposes or opens the cavity of the new textile tool. The rotation can advantageously be controlled depending on the exchange time. The rotating magazine body can be driven into rotation by an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and / or mechanical drive.It is particularly preferred if the rotating magazine body is driven to its rotational movement by an electric stepper motor.

[0013] Advantageously, the first textile machine stops automatically, depending on the replacement time of the first textile tool, if the first textile tool is not replaced within a predetermined replacement period. The replacement period is a period that begins before and / or ends after the replacement time. The replacement period preferably includes the replacement time itself. The control unit determines the replacement period based on the replacement time. The duration of the replacement period is advantageously 15 to 90 minutes, but particularly preferably 20 to 45 minutes. The replacement period preferably lies entirely within the output period of the output station described above, if such an output station is used.The automatic stopping of the first textile machine when the replacement period is exceeded ensures that the first textile tool cannot be used further for the production of the textile product once it is worn out. This prevents, for example, breakage of the textile tool and ensures the high quality of the textile product.

[0014] Further advantages arise when the first textile tool is automatically replaced by the new one by an exchange device, depending on the exchange time. Preferably, the first textile tool is exchanged during the exchange period described above. The exchange device advantageously includes a gripping device for grasping textile tools. The gripping device can, for example, be a pair of pliers suitable for gripping the shank of a textile tool. To enable complex movements in space, the gripping device can be arranged on a rotatable and / or swiveling robot arm. By moving the robot arm, the exchange device can also perform exchange operations alternately on several very different textile machines without having to make any modifications to the gripping device or the exchange device.The exchange device advantageously includes a communication device through which it can communicate with the textile machines of the group of textile machines and / or the control unit. To exchange a textile tool, the exchange device can advantageously request, for example, that the relevant textile machine be stopped via the communication device. Advantageously, the exchange device can also receive information about the operating status of the textile machines via the communication device. The exchange device advantageously includes a drive device suitable for moving the exchange device between the locations of different textile machines of a group of textile machines. For this purpose, the drive device can, for example, include at least one driven wheel and / or a track drive. A track drive is also known to those skilled in the art as a chain drive.The drive device preferably comprises a steering device that enables the exchange device to change direction. For example, the steering device can enable at least one wheel to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. In the case of a tracked drive, the steering device can also control the opposing direction of movement of adjacent tracked drives. The exchange device preferably comprises a navigation module that allows the exchange device to determine its own location and navigate or move independently between the locations of different textile machines within a group of textile machines. The navigation module can preferably send control commands to the drive device. The exchange device can preferably communicate with the dispensing station via the communication device to retrieve the new textile tool from the dispensing station.A tool exchange device comprising a gripping device for gripping textile tools, adapted to perform the steps of the aforementioned procedure, is advantageously advantageous. Equally advantageous is a computer program product comprising commands that cause the tool exchange device to perform the described procedure steps.

[0015] Advantageously, in the method according to the invention, a signaling device can be used to request a replacement of the first textile tool before the replacement time is reached. The signaling device can comprise a switch or button that is actuated by the operator at the textile machine with the first textile tool to request the replacement. However, the signaling device can also be a mobile device, for example, a smartphone or tablet. An app can be installed on the mobile device, which can be used to request the replacement from the control unit. For this purpose, the mobile device can communicate with the control unit. In particular, the mobile device can send information about the requested replacement to the control unit. The control unit can receive information about the requested replacement from the signaling device.Preferably, after a replacement request, the control unit calculates a new replacement date and / or replacement period for the first textile tool. Requesting a replacement of the first textile tool can be advantageous, for example, if the first textile tool breaks or wears out prematurely due to a defect and therefore needs to be replaced before the originally calculated replacement date. In this case, the use of the notification device ensures a rapid replacement of the textile tool and thus the most error-free production possible of the textile product.

[0016] Further advantages arise when the condition of the first textile tool is recorded during operation and / or after its replacement, and this condition information is sent to the control unit. The condition of the first textile tool can be captured, for example, as a photo or video. This photo or video can preferably be analyzed automatically to derive further condition information. This analysis can be AI-based. Additionally, condition information such as the weight or dimensions of the first textile tool can be recorded, for example, by weighing or measuring. This condition information can then be further processed in the control unit.

[0017] Advantageously, the control unit stores the replacement time along with the status information for the first textile tool and preferably assigns this information to the production step and / or style associated with the first textile machine. This allows the status information for the replaced textile tools to be documented. When replacing a tool, the control unit can additionally store the previously calculated and / or the actual replacement time of the first textile tool, linked to the status information. Preferably, the stored status information can be linked to the production order for the manufactured textile product. This enables automated quality monitoring and documentation for the production order.

[0018] Further advantages arise when the replacement interval is optimized based on condition information. Preferably, the replacement interval is continuously adjusted through automatic, preferably AI-based, evaluation of the condition information. For example, if the condition information indicates excessive wear of the textile tool, the replacement interval is shortened. Conversely, if the condition information indicates insufficient wear, the replacement interval is increased. This ensures optimal utilization of the service life of the textile tools. Furthermore, it prevents breakage of the textile tools and defects in the textile product caused by excessive wear.

[0019] Advantageously, the control unit determines a replacement time for each of the various textile tools on different textile machines. The signal generated by the control unit then preferably relates to the replacement times of the various textile tools and a prioritization of the different textile tools depending on these replacement times. Based on this prioritization, the textile tools are replaced sequentially. The prioritization can be carried out in priority categories, with several textile tools being grouped in one priority category. For example, all textile tools for which the replacement time has already passed can be grouped in a first priority category with the highest priority, while textile tools for which the replacement time has not yet passed are grouped in a second priority category with a lower priority.Prioritization, or priority category, can specify an order in which textile tools are to be exchanged. Preferably, however, textile tools within the same priority category do not have a predetermined order among themselves. Textile tools can also be assigned to priority categories depending on the exchange time and the location of the associated textile machine. For example, it may be advantageous to group textile tools whose associated textile machines are located close to each other in the same priority category to achieve the shortest possible distances between the textile tools to be exchanged.

[0020] Further advantages arise when a breakage sensor detects whether the first textile tool has broken during operation of the first textile machine. The breakage sensor can be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, a force sensor, or an optical sensor such as a camera. An ultrasonic or infrared sensor is particularly advantageous because these sensors can reliably and quickly detect a textile tool breakage, even during operation, especially on high-speed textile machines. Advantageously, after detecting a breakage of the first textile tool, the sensor transmits information about the breakage to the control unit, which then generates a signal to replace the first textile tool. This ensures that even with large groups of textile machines, the first textile tool is automatically replaced as soon as it breaks.This prevents lengthy downtimes of the first textile machine. Advantageously, the first textile machine stops automatically as soon as the sensor detects a break in the first textile tool. The production of textiles with quality defects is thus automatically stopped.

[0021] The object of the invention is also solved by a data processing system comprising means for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0022] The object of the invention is further achieved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to the invention. Further advantages result from a computer-readable medium on which the computer program product is stored. Fig. 1 Figure 1Figure 2 schematically shows a computer-implemented method 1 with five process steps 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, wherein a first textile tool 102 is exchanged based on a signal 7 generated by a control unit 6. Figure 2 A first alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15 using a display device 16. Fig. 3 Figure 3 A second alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15 using an exchange device 8. Fig. 4 Figure 4 A third alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15 using an output station 20. Fig. 5 Figure 5 A fourth alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15 using an exchange device 8 and a dispensing station 20. Fig. 6 Figure 6 Figure 7 showed a schematic diagram of a dispensing station 20 with a textile tool magazine 24. Figure 7 shows enlarged view of the textile tool magazine 24 from Fig. 6 Fig. 8 Figure 8 shows the opening of the textile tool magazine 24 from the Fig. 6 and 7 by moving the slider 25 to dispense a new textile tool 2. Fig. 9 Figure 9 shows the closing of the textile tool magazine 24 from Figs. 6-8 by moving the slider 25. Fig. 10 Figure 10 Fig. 11 shows a rotatable magazine body 31 with a textile tool 2. Figure 11 shows a textile tool magazine 24 designed as a revolver magazine 32 with the rotating magazine body 31 made of Fig. 10 Fig. 12 Figure 12 presents the issue of a textile tool 2 with the textile tool magazine 24. Fig. 11 dar.

[0023] Individual depicted elements, such as the textile machines 103, 203, 303 or the textile tools 102, 202, appear multiple times in the figures. Where it is necessary to distinguish between these multiple occurrences, the elements are numbered, and this numbering is placed before the reference symbol of the respective element in the figures. For example, the various textile machines 103, 203, 303 are numbered as the first textile machine 103, the second textile machine 203, and the third textile machine 303.

[0024] The Figure 1Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the computer-implemented method 1 according to the invention for manufacturing a textile product with a group 5 of textile machines 3 and textile tools 2. The group 5 of textile machines 3 includes, by way of example, a first textile machine 103, a second textile machine 203, and a third textile machine 303. However, a group 5 of textile machines 3 can also include two or more than three textile machines 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the computer-implemented method 1 is shown by way of example as a method for manufacturing a textile product by sewing. The textile machines 3 are therefore represented as sewing machines and the textile tools 2 as sewing machine needles, with the sewing machine needles being shown greatly enlarged compared to the sewing machine to ensure clear visibility of the sewing machine needles.The computer-implemented method 1 shown is of course also applicable to other textile manufacturing processes, for example circular knitting, where the textile machine would be a circular knitting machine and the textile tool, for example, a knitting needle or a sheet. Textile tools 2 are subject to wear and tear during the production of textile products and must therefore be replaced regularly. The one in the . Figure 1 The method shown therefore serves the purpose of regularly replacing the textile tools 2 used in the textile machines 3 and monitoring this regular replacement. For a better understanding of the method, process steps 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 in the Figure 1 The technical resources required for each process step 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are assigned. The assignment is represented by frames with dashed lines. The interactions between the various technical resources are shown in the Figure 1The process steps are symbolized by arrows and are described below in connection with process steps 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, which are carried out using the respective technical means. In a first process step 11, a first textile tool 102 is installed in a first textile machine 103, and an identification code 4, by which the textile machine 103 can be identified, is sent to a control unit 6. The control unit 6 is represented as a computer. The identification code 4 is shown as an example of a machine-readable QR code. As shown by the double arrow with a dashed line between the first textile machine 103 and the identification code 4, the identification code 4 is assigned to the first textile machine 103, so that the first textile machine 103 can be identified via the identification code 4.This assignment is stored in the control unit 6, enabling the control unit 6 to identify the first textile machine 103 using the identification code. Sending the identification code 4 to the control unit 6 thus informs the control unit 6 about the installation of the first textile tool 102 in the first textile machine 103. In a second process step 12, the control unit 6 receives the identification code 4 and, based on this code, selects the appropriate exchange interval for the first textile machine 103, or rather its first textile tool 102, from a group of exchange intervals stored in the control unit 6. In a third process step 13, the control unit 6 then determines an exchange time 17 for the first textile tool 102 based on the selected exchange interval.The replacement interval can, for example, be a fixed period after which the first textile tool 102 must be replaced. The control unit 6 can then determine the replacement time 17 by adding the replacement interval to the time of installation of the first textile tool 102. The time of installation of the first textile tool 102 essentially corresponds to the time of receipt of the identification code 4 by the control unit 6 and is therefore known to the control unit 6. In a fourth process step 14, the control unit 6 generates a signal 7 that relates to the previously determined replacement time 17 of the first textile tool 102 and is assigned to the first textile machine 103 in which the first textile tool 102 is installed. The assignment to the first textile machine 103 is again represented by a double arrow with a dashed line between the signal 7 and the first textile machine 103.Based on signal 7, the first textile tool 102 is replaced in a fifth process step 15 with a new textile tool 202 suitable for replacing the previously used first textile tool 102. The replacement of the first textile tool 102 is described in the . Figure 1 symbolically represented by two opposing arrows between the first textile tool 102 and the new textile tool 202.

[0025] The Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a first alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15. The first to fourth process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 correspond to the respective process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 from Figure 1. Figure 1 and the associated description above. In the Figure 2 Therefore, the description of the first four process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 was omitted. In comparison to the one in Figure 1 The embodiment shown is carried out in the fifth process step 15 according to the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the signal 7 is sent to a display unit 16, which displays the transmitted exchange time 17 for the first textile tool 102 and the installation location 18 of the first textile machine 103 on a screen 19. The installation location is the position of the first textile machine 103 in a production facility where the group 5 of textile machines 3 is located. An operator thus receives information via the display unit 16 as to where within the production facility the first textile tool 102 needs to be exchanged. The first textile tool 102 is then exchanged for a new textile tool 202 based on the output of the display unit 16.

[0026] The Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a second alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15. The first to fourth process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 correspond to the respective process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 from Figure 1. Figure 1and the associated description above. In the Figure 3 Therefore, the description of the first four process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 was omitted. In comparison to the one in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the signal 7 is transmitted according to the illustration in Figure 3 sent to an exchange device 8, which automatically replaces the first textile tool 102 with a new textile tool 202 at the exchange time 17 transmitted by signal 7. The exchange device 8 is located in the Figure 3The diagram is schematic and not to scale. The exchange device 8 includes a gripping device 9 for gripping the textile tools 2. The gripping device 9 can, for example, be a pair of pliers designed to grip the shank of the textile tools 2. To exchange the textile tools 2, the exchange device 8, using the gripping device 9, first grips the first textile tool 102 and removes it from the first textile machine 103. The exchange device 8 then uses the gripping device 9 to grip the new textile tool 202 and insert it into the first textile machine 103. The gripping device 9 is mounted on a rotatable and swiveling robot arm 23 of the exchange device 8, enabling the gripping device 9 to perform complex movements in space. This allows the exchange device 8 to perform exchange operations alternately on several very different textile machines 3.In order to move automatically between the textile machines 3 of a group 5 of textile machines 3, the exchange device 8 includes a drive means 10 which is located in the . Figure 2The exchange device 8 is exemplified by a caterpillar drive. However, it can also move automatically between the textile machines 3 of a group 5 of textile machines 3 using any other suitable drive means 10, such as a driven wheel. With the aid of the drive means 10, the exchange device 8 can automatically navigate to the first textile machine 103, to which the signal 7 is assigned, in order to perform the exchange of the first textile tool 102. The exchange device 8 could also navigate to one of the other textile machines 3 of the group 5 of textile machines 3 to exchange a textile tool 2 of another textile machine 3. The exchange device 8 can therefore also receive signals 7 relating to textile tools 2 of other textile machines 3 and automatically navigate to the relevant textile machine 3.Thus, an exchange device 8 can automatically carry out the regular exchange of the textile tools 2 of an entire group 5 of textile machines 3.

[0027] The Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a third alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15. The first to fourth process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 correspond to the respective process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 from Figure 1. Figure 1 and the associated description above. In the Figure 4 Therefore, the description of the first four process steps 11, 12, 13, 14 was omitted. In contrast to the one in Figure 1In the embodiment shown, signal 7 is sent in the fifth process step 15 according to the third alternative embodiment to an output station 20, which automatically outputs the new textile tool 202 at the exchange time 17 transmitted with signal 7. The output station 20 comprises five cavities 21, each of which can be closed with a closing device 22. In the Fig. 4 Four of the five cavities are shown closed and are accordingly covered by their associated locking device 22. For better clarity, in the Fig. 4Only one of the closed locking devices 22 and the open locking device 22 are marked with reference symbols. The dispensing station 20 can store various textile tools 2 in its cavities 21. By opening the locking device 22 of a cavity 21 with a new textile tool 202 suitable for replacing the first textile tool 102, the exchange device 20 can dispense the new textile tool 202. It can then be manually or by a gripping device 9 (in Fig. 4 (not shown) are removed from the opened cavity 21. The first textile tool 102 is then replaced by the dispensed new textile tool 202. Using the dispensing station 20, the dispensing of a suitable new textile tool 202 can be controlled in this way, thus preventing the installation of unsuitable textile tools 202 in the textile machines 3 of the group of textile machines 3.

[0028] The Figure 5shows a fourth alternative embodiment of the fifth process step 15, wherein this fourth embodiment is derived from the third embodiment. Fig. 4 is very similar. The signal 7, which relates to the exchange time 17 for the first textile tool 102 and the installation location 18, is also received by an output station 20 in this embodiment. The output station 20 then outputs in the same way as already mentioned with reference to Figure 4A new textile tool 202 is described. Subsequently, the new textile tool 202 is picked up by an exchange device 8 to replace the first textile tool 102. For this purpose, the exchange device 8 has a gripping device 9 with which it can engage the cavity 21 of the dispensing station 20 and remove the new textile tool 202. Both the exchange device 8 and the dispensing station 20 have a drive device 10 with which they can move between the different textile machines 3 of the group of textile machines 3. Since the exchange device 8 and the dispensing station 20 interact with each other in the process, it is advantageous if they move in a coordinated manner between the textile machines 3.The exchange device 8 and the output station 20 can also be connected together with a drive device 10 and thus move as a unit between the textile machines 3.

[0029] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a dispensing station 20 with a textile tool magazine 24 and a dispensing device 25. In the present embodiment, the dispensing device 25 is designed as a container for receiving a textile tool 2 (in Fig. 6 (not shown) is suitable. The textile tool magazine 24 comprises a magazine housing 26, which is connected to the frame 29 of the dispensing station 20 via two brackets 30. A closing device 22 of the textile tool magazine 26 closes the magazine housing 26 at the bottom. The structure and function of the textile tool magazine 24 are described below. Figures 7 to 9 described in more detail.

[0030] The Figures 7 to 9Figure 1 shows an enlarged representation of the textile tool magazine 24, which comprises a magazine housing 26 and a closing device 22 for opening and closing the magazine housing 26. To better explain the function of the textile tool magazine 24, the walls of the magazine housing 26 are shown transparent, so that the contents can be seen through the Figs. 7-9 Only the edges of the magazine housing 26 are visible. Furthermore, the depiction of the mountings 30 has been omitted. Figure 7 The magazine housing 26 is closed by the locking device 22. Several textile tools 2 lie stacked on top of each other in the cavity 21, which is enclosed by the magazine housing 26, resting on the locking device 22. Figure 8The illustration shows how the closing device 22 performs an opening movement 27, thereby opening the cavity 21 of the magazine housing 26. Due to the force of gravity, the stacked textile tools 2 slide downwards, so that the lowest textile tool 2 falls out of the cavity 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the lowest textile tool 2 then rests on the frame 29, on which the closing device 22 also slides. Instead of or in addition to gravity, a pneumatic force (e.g., by a pneumatic cylinder or an air cushion), a hydraulic force (e.g., by a hydraulic cylinder), or a spring force (e.g., by a coil spring or a leaf spring) could also be exerted on the textile tools 2 to remove one of the textile tools 2 from the cavity 21. Figure 9The subsequent closing process is shown. The closing device 22 makes a closing movement 28 to close the cavity 21 again. The lowest textile tool 2, which rests on the frame 29, is pushed by the closing device 22 towards the removal device 25, so that the textile tool 2 falls into the removal device 25 (in the Fig. 9 (indicated by a curved arrow emanating from the textile tool 2 in the direction of the dispensing device 25). The opening movement 27 and the closing movement 28 of the closing device 22 can be controlled depending on a specific exchange time 17 for a textile tool 2, in order to ensure that a new textile tool 2 is dispensed in time for the exchange time 17. Figures 10 to 12 These figures serve as a schematic representation of a textile tool magazine 24 designed as a revolver magazine 32. In the Figure 10The rotating magazine body 31 of the revolver magazine 32 is shown. The rotating magazine body 31 has four cavities 21 suitable for holding textile tools 2. In the Figure 10 For example, only one of the cavities 21 is filled with a textile tool 2 in order to subsequently explain the function of the revolver magazine 32 using this one textile tool 2. In the Figure 11 is the revolver magazine 32, which makes up the rotating magazine body 31 Fig. 10 and comprises a cylindrical shell 33, shown in a frontal view of the end face 34 of the rotatable magazine body 31. The rotatable magazine body 31 is rotatable relative to the stationary shell 33 about the axis of rotation 35. The shell 33 has an opening 36 on its underside, through which the cylindrical shell 33 opens and closes the cavities 21 of the rotatable magazine body 31 depending on the rotational position of the rotatable magazine body 31. This is also shown in the schematic drawing in Figure 11 As an example, only one cavity 21 is filled with a textile tool 2. The rotatable magazine body 31 is turned into a position in which the cover 33 closes the cavity 21 filled with the textile tool 2. The textile tool 2 is thus securely held in the cavity 21 and cannot fall out of or be removed from the cavity 21. A removal device 25 for collecting textile tools 2 is arranged below the opening 36. The removal device 25 is shown schematically as a container. Figure 12 Figure 31 shows how the rotatable magazine body 31 is rotated by a rotary movement 37 about the axis of rotation 35 into a position in which the opening 36 opens the cavity 21 filled with the textile tool 2, so that the textile tool 2 falls out of the cavity 21 through the opening 36 into the removal device 25 (in Fig. 12(indicated by a curved arrow emanating from the textile tool 2 in the direction of the dispensing device 25). By controlling the rotary movement 37 of the rotatable magazine body 31, a textile tool 2 can be dispensed from an exchange station 20 comprising the revolver magazine 32, depending on the exchange time 17. Reference symbol list 1 Computer-implemented method 2, 102, 202 Textile tool 3, 103, 203, 303 textile machine 4 Identification code 5 Group of textile machines 3 6 control unit 7 signal 8 Exchange device 9 Gripping device 10 drive device 11 First procedural step 12 Second process step 13 Third procedural step 14 Fourth process step 15 Fifth process step 16 Display unit 17 Exchange time 18 Installation location 19 Screen 20 Dispensing station 21 cavity 22 Locking device 23 robot arm 24 Textile tool magazine 25 Removal device 26 Magazine housing 27 Opening movement 28 Closing movement 29 Rack of the dispensing station (20) 30 bracket 31 Rotating magazine body 32 Revolver magazine 33 Revolver magazine casing (32) 34 Front face of the rotating magazine body (31) 35 axis of rotation of the rotating magazine body (31) 36 opening 37 Rotational movement

Claims

1. Computer-implemented method (1) for manufacturing a specific textile product using a group of textile machines (3) which, for the manufacturing process, include at least one textile tool (2) that is subject to wear during the manufacturing process, characterized by • that when a first textile tool (102) is installed in a first textile machine (103) of the group (5) of textile machines (3), an identification code (4) is sent to a control unit (6), wherein the first textile machine (103) is identifiable by the identification code (4), • that in the control unit (6) an exchange interval for textile tools (2) of the first textile machine (103) is stored, • that the control unit (6) receives the identification code (4) and uses the identification code (4) to select the replacement interval for the first textile tool (102), • thatthe control unit (6) determines a replacement time (17) for the first textile tool (102) based on the selected replacement interval, • that the control unit (6) generates a signal (7) relating to the exchange time (17) of the first textile tool (102) and which is assigned to the first textile machine (103) • and that the first textile tool (102) is replaced by a new textile tool (202) suitable for replacing the first textile tool (102) due to the signal (7).

2. Computer-implemented method (1) according to the preceding claim characterized by that the signal (7) is sent to a display unit (16), and that the display unit (16) outputs the exchange time (17) and the installation location (18) of the first textile machine (103) in a linked manner.

3. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by • thatThe production of a textile product requires a total set N of production steps – a so-called style – wherein the production steps are preferably assigned to different subsets of the total set N of production steps, • that Each production step or subset is assigned an individual exchange interval in the control unit (6), • where each production step or each subset in the control unit (6) is assigned to at least one textile machine (3) from the group (5) of textile machines (3), • and whereby the control unit (6) uses the exchange interval assigned to the first textile machine (103) over a production step or subset for determining the exchange time (17) of the first textile tool (102).

4. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact thatthe exchange time (17) is determined depending on a timer which is started when the first textile tool (102) is inserted.

5. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by • that the operating time of the first textile machine (103) is recorded with a sensor • and that the exchange time (17) is determined depending on the operating time of the first textile machine (103) from the time of insertion of the first textile tool (102).

6. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above. characterized by • that the first textile machine (103) the first textile tool (102) for the production of the specific textile product moved in strokes, • that the number of strokes of the first textile machine (103) is recorded by a sensor, • and thatthe exchange time (17) is determined depending on the number of strokes from the time of insertion of the first textile tool (102).

7. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the identification code (4) is detected optically, preferably with a camera or scanner, or with a transmitter-receiver system, preferably an RFID system or a GPS system.

8. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that the identification code (4) is stored as a machine-readable code in a production facility where the group (5) of textile machines (3) is located.

9. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact thatDepending on the exchange time (17) of the first textile tool (102), a dispensing station (20) dispenses the new textile tool (202) that is suitable for replacing the first textile tool (102).

10. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that The first textile machine (103) stops automatically depending on the replacement time (17) of the first textile tool (102) if the first textile tool (102) is not replaced within a specified replacement period.

11. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that The first textile tool (102) is automatically replaced by the new textile tool (202) by a replacement device (8) depending on the replacement time (17).

12. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact thata signaling device is used to request a replacement of the first textile tool (102) before reaching the replacement time (17).

13. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by that the condition of the first textile tool (102) in operation and / or after its replacement is recorded, and that Information about the condition - condition information - of the first textile tool (102) is sent to the control unit (6).

14. Computer-implemented method (1) according to the preceding claim characterized by the fact that the control unit (6) stores the exchange time (17) together with the status information for the first textile tool (102) and preferably assigns it to the production step and / or style that is assigned to the first textile machine (103).

15. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 14 above. characterized by the fact thatBased on the condition information, an optimization of the replacement interval is proposed.

16. Computer-implemented method (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized by that the control unit (6) for different textile tools (2) of different textile machines (3) determines a replacement time (17) for each, that the signal (7) generated by the control unit (6), the exchange times (17) of the various textile tools (2) and a prioritization of the various textile tools (2) depending on the exchange times (17), and that the various textile tools (2) are exchanged one after the other depending on the prioritization.

17. Data processing system comprising means for carrying out the method according to claim 1.

18. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to claim 1.

19. Computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 18 is stored.

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