Maintenance device for a ring spinning machine for determining measured values of spinning components, handling means and method for generating measured values

Abstract

The invention relates to a maintenance device (1) for a ring spinning machine, wherein the ring spinning machine comprises a plurality of spinning stations and each of these spinning stations comprises a plurality of different spinning components, and wherein the maintenance device comprises at least one handling means (2) for performing a service operation at a defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine; and wherein the maintenance device is configured such that it can be positioned in front of a defined spinning station for performing a service operation; and wherein the maintenance device comprises a measuring device (3) for determining at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of the defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine. The invention further relates to a handling means and a method for determining the at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of a spinning component.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a maintenance device for a ring spinning machine for determining measured values ​​regarding the spatial position of the spinning components of a spinning station of the ring spinning machine. Furthermore, a method for measuring a spinning station of the ring spinning machine is disclosed. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Maintenance devices are used for every type of spinning machine in modern spinning mills and perform tasks such as repairing yarn breaks on, for example, a ring spinning machine, or other maintenance work like cleaning machine components. The maintenance device travels along one side of the ring spinning machine and stops at the abnormal spinning point, i.e., the spinning point that is no longer spinning to the desired quality because, for example, the yarn has broken or maintenance is required. In order for the maintenance device to repair the yarn break at the abnormal spinning point of the ring spinning machine, the spindle must first be stopped, a yarn end located, a replacement yarn wound onto the spool on the spindle if necessary, the drafting mechanism or the lever of the tensioning unit manipulated so that the yarn end can be fed to the flute, and further actions / operations performed.To achieve this, the maintenance device must be positioned correctly in front of / at the spinning station (e.g., centered on the spindle axis), and the spinning components of the spinning station, such as the spindle, spinning ring, ring runner, yarn guide, drafting unit, etc., must be precisely aligned so that the movement paths / trajectories of the handling device(s) of the maintenance device can be successfully executed and, for example, yarn breakage can be rectified. In the prior art, this is achieved, for example, by a handling device according to EP 3 987 090 A1 as follows: EP 3 987 090 A1 discloses a service robot for a ring spinning machine with a vertical frame equipped with a first vertical linear guide and a second vertical linear guide.The first vertical linear guide is equipped with a vertically reversible 3D thread handling device and a vertically reversible thread insertion device, connected to a controllable drive and control unit. The second vertical linear guide is equipped with a vertically reversible cop handling device and a vertically reversible thread end detection device, also connected to a controllable drive and control unit. The use of a service robot as described in this document requires that the spinning components are precisely aligned and that the service robot is precisely positioned. For positioning, the spindle is used, for example, as a reference for the spinning position by the maintenance device – as described, for instance, in EP 3 461 939 A1, which describes a method for positioning a maintenance trolley of a ring spinning machine.The maintenance carriage moves back and forth along the numerous spinning stations on one side of the ring spinning machine and is positioned in front of a spindle in the event of a yarn break. The distance between the maintenance carriage and the spindle is measured using at least one inductive sensor.

[0003] Even if the maintenance equipment is positioned precisely in front of the spinning unit, this does not guarantee that the spinning components, such as a balloon constriction ring, yarn guide, compaction unit, etc., are in their intended position. Vibrations and / or temperature fluctuations occurring during spinning operations can affect the spatial position of these components over time. The exact position (intended position) of the spinning components cannot be guaranteed, which can lead to collisions between a handling device of the maintenance equipment and the corresponding spinning component.

[0004] Accordingly, the invention is based on the objective of providing a maintenance device that is improved compared to the prior art, ensures operation on a ring spinning machine that is as collision-free as possible, and is also cost-effective, efficient, and accurate with regard to position determination - regardless of visibility conditions at the respective spinning location and regardless of the degree of contamination of the respective components on the spinning machine. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a maintenance device, a handling device and a method for measuring a spinning point of the ring spinning machine according to the independent claims.

[0006] The essence of the invention lies in a maintenance device for a ring spinning machine, wherein the ring spinning machine comprises a plurality of spinning stations and each of these spinning stations comprises a plurality of different spinning components. The maintenance device comprises at least one handling means for performing a service operation at a defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine. Furthermore, the maintenance device is designed such that it can be positioned in front of a defined spinning station for performing a service operation and the maintenance device comprises a measuring device for determining at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of the defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine.

[0007] In the context of the invention, a maintenance device is understood to be a service cart or service robot that moves within the ring spinning mill in various ways and approaches and is positioned by a spinning station to perform service operations. It serves to automate a ring spinning mill and, for example, repairs a yarn break fully automatically.

[0008] As is well known, ring spinning machines are built and used in double rows with up to 1,824 spinning positions or more, arranged in a row. Components extend the entire length of such a double row, such as a ring bank, a spindle bank, and a driven lower roller of a pair of rollers in a drafting unit, or the yarn guide tube. Depending on the length of the ring spinning machine or the double rows, sections can also be formed, requiring additional drives and controls.

[0009] The components described above, which extend over the entire length of a ring spinning machine or a double row of a ring spinning machine, constitute spinning components of a spinning station. In the context of this invention, the term "spinning components" is to be defined as follows: all components of a spinning station necessary to produce yarn from a fiber bundle, also called roving, on a ring spinning machine. The ring bank, extending over the entire length of the ring spinning machine or a section thereof in the area of ​​the corresponding spinning station, is to be considered a spinning component belonging to the spinning station. Spinning components also include the spinning ring, which is arranged on a ring bank and usually has a ring runner. Alternatively, the spinning ring is suspended and does not have a ring runner. One or more yarn guides and one or more balloon constriction rings are also considered spinning components.At least the output roller pair, i.e., cylinder and pressure roller, of the drafting unit is also considered a spinning component. If a compacting unit is located downstream of this (downstream in the sense of along the yarn / fiber path during the spinning process), it is also considered a spinning component. Likewise, all other components of a drafting unit, such as the input roller pair, center cylinder, lower and upper belts, levers on the loading unit, the loading unit itself, etc., are considered spinning components. The spindle, which can be fitted with a sleeve, is another spinning component of a spinning station in a ring spinning machine. This list is not exhaustive and also includes, for example, a cleaning roller, etc.

[0010] A defined spinning point, at / in front of which the maintenance equipment is stopped and positioned, refers to a spinning point on the ring spinning machine that requires servicing or, in other words, is an abnormal spinning point. The maintenance equipment is called to the defined spinning point. This is done, for example, via the central machine control. Alternatively, a defined spinning point can also be a spinning point that has not undergone servicing for a defined period and is to be measured for the purpose of readjusting the various spinning components, or at least one measurement regarding the spatial position of at least one of the spinning components is to be determined. This period can be defined, for example, in the machine control, directly in the control of the maintenance equipment, or in a higher-level control system.

[0011] Within the scope of the invention, a service operation includes, firstly, repairing a yarn break at the spinning point, cleaning a spinning component of the spinning point, replacing a spinning component of the spinning point, or checking whether all spinning components of the spinning point are in their target position, i.e., measuring the spinning point. The defined spinning point is identified, for example, by the central machine control of the ring spinning machine, whereby the data from an Individual Spindle Monitoring System, a yarn sensor, a ring runner sensor, or another sensor capable of detecting the need for a service operation at the spinning point are evaluated.The measurements obtained by the measuring device can also lead to a spinning point being classified as a defined spinning point – for example, if during a service procedure it is determined that, based on the measurements, a spinning component is not in its target position, and it should therefore be checked whether other, different spinning components also deviate from the target position. If the defined time since the spinning point has undergone any service is exceeded, the maintenance device is called to the corresponding spinning point, for example, via the machine control system. Spinning points that tend to have high defect rates or are located in particularly exposed areas subject to increased vibrations or temperature fluctuations can also be measured after a defined period.

[0012] The maintenance device according to the invention is designed such that it can be positioned in front of a defined spinning point and perform a service operation at that point. For positioning in front of the defined spinning point, at least one inductive sensor or another sensor (e.g., LiDAR) is provided, which orients itself using reference points, e.g., made of metal, and positions the maintenance device accordingly, centrally in front of the spinning point. Lasers or mechanical means for positioning the maintenance device are also conceivable. As a rule, the maintenance device is positioned centered on the spindle axis.

[0013] Positioning the maintenance equipment in front of the spinning station introduces a certain degree of inaccuracy / tolerance that must be overcome. If a fixed point is defined at the spinning station, which is present at every spinning station (e.g., a cylinder bank), or even better, two or three such fixed points, the position in front of the spinning station can be determined more precisely, thereby compensating for the inaccuracy / tolerance inherent in the positioning.

[0014] To perform a service operation, the maintenance device comprises at least one handling device. The handling device is attached to or within the maintenance device and is generally controlled by it. The handling device can be mounted on a linear vertical guide. Alternatively, the handling device can be mounted in or on the frame of the maintenance device, for example, on a base surface of the frame of the maintenance device that is parallel to the spinning floor. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the handling device is designed in the form of a thread handling device. This is a device that moves the thread (the thread end wound onto the spool located on the spindle, or the thread end of the spare thread) away from the spindle or...The yarn is guided along the spinning point by the sleeve located thereon, passing through spinning components such as the ring runner, yarn guide, balloon constriction ring, and drafting unit. For this purpose, the corresponding yarn end is drawn in or clamped by the yarn handling device. The handling device, for example, in the form of a yarn handling unit, follows defined paths of movement / trajectories that enable successful threading. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that parts of the measuring device, such as a sensor, are attached to the handling device, such as the yarn handling unit – for example, an inductive sensor, a laser, LiDAR, etc.

[0015] If a LiDAR is used, it does not necessarily have to be located on the handling device, but can also be permanently mounted on the maintenance equipment, e.g., on the frame of the maintenance equipment. A 2D LiDAR could, for example, be mounted vertically on the frame of the maintenance equipment. A 3D point cloud can be created in this way while the maintenance equipment moves along the spinning points. However, such a cloud can only be created while moving, not during the service operation itself. If the LiDAR is fixed on a movable axis, e.g., on the handling device, the point cloud can also be created during the service operation and, for example, determine whether the yarn guide is open or closed, or whether a spinning spool is present, etc.

[0016] As with positioning, every handling device also exhibits a certain degree of inaccuracy / tolerance, which directly influences the position of the measuring device in front of the corresponding spinning component and thus the measurement result. The degree of inaccuracy / tolerance is known in most cases and can be taken into account by the system, or more precisely, the data processing unit, when evaluating the measured values. This also applies to any known inaccuracies / tolerances in the positioning of the maintenance device.

[0017] If the handling device is equipped with a sensor, the sensor comes into contact with the spinning components relevant for starting or repairing a yarn break (e.g., spindle fitted with a sleeve, spinning ring, ring runner, yarn guide and rollers of the drafting unit, as well as possibly the balloon constriction ring and compacting unit) and can acquire measurement data during the service operation to determine at least one measured value. Proximity to the spinning component is particularly crucial when using an inductive sensor.

[0018] Due to the proximity to the respective components, the measurement data generated in this way is very precise – and even more precise when the inaccuracies / tolerances described above are taken into account. Depending on the sensor type, such as an inductive sensor, the measurement data is determined independently of the degree of contamination of the respective spinning components and independently of the prevailing light or visibility conditions at the defined spinning location.

[0019] The measuring device for determining measured values ​​regarding the spatial position of the spinning components detects various characteristics of a spinning component, or the spinning component itself, with respect to its spatial position within the spinning area. Spatial position refers to the positioning of one or more characteristics of a spinning component, or the spinning component itself, in three-dimensional space, in particular the distance to the sensor and / or the position in a three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0020] If a part of the measuring device, namely a sensor, is attached to the handling device of the maintenance equipment, the sensor, as already described, comes into close proximity to all spinning components during the service procedure (e.g., repairing a yarn break) and can measure them, thus acquiring spatial measurement data. The determination of the measured values ​​based on this data takes place in another part of the measuring device, e.g., in measuring electronics. The entire process of acquiring measurement data and determining the measured values ​​based on it can also be referred to simply as measurement.

[0021] The measured value provides information about the relative position of the spinning component in comparison to the sensor intended for recording measurement data, or alternatively about the absolute position of the spinning component in three-dimensional space.

[0022] The measurement allows for verification that, for example, the yarn guide is in its correct three-dimensional position when open. Furthermore, it can determine whether the ring bank is horizontally aligned correctly, and consequently, whether the ring mounted on the ring bank is also correctly aligned. In this way, collisions with spinning components that are not in their correct positions can be avoided during servicing. This type of measurement can also be performed when the maintenance equipment is not carrying out a service operation such as yarn breakage repair, cleaning, or maintenance, but rather checking the correct alignment of the spinning components at the spinning station.

[0023] The spatial position of a spinning component, i.e., its location in three-dimensional space, is relevant, among other reasons, because the handling equipment, in particular, must be able to orient itself at the spinning point in order to perform a service operation. For example, the handling equipment follows trajectories, which, for a successful service operation, requires that the spinning components are in their intended spatial position and that there is no collision or misalignment between the handling equipment and the spinning component. Aside from avoiding collisions, the handling equipment of the maintenance facility must, for example, know where the yarn guide is located in order to thread the yarn into it when repairing a yarn break. In short, the service operations performed by the maintenance equipment must be coordinated with the spinning components at the spinning point.Therefore, the exact position of the spinning components is of central importance for control, whether via trajectories or other means. This prevents damage to the handling equipment as well as to the spinning component(s).

[0024] The fact that part of the measuring device is located directly on the at least one handling device is advantageous insofar as the at least one handling device moves along the entire spinning area and can thus measure the exact position of the spinning component or feature of the spinning component in three-dimensional space.

[0025] The handling device of the maintenance equipment is advantageously designed with multiple axes. Such a design allows the handling device to perform a variety of different service operations, potentially eliminating the need for additional handling devices. For example, the handling device can be designed with 3 to 6 axes and is movable in all three dimensions and rotations. This allows for versatile positioning of the handling device within the maintenance equipment.

[0026] Advantageously, the measuring device of the maintenance equipment includes a sensor. This can be, for example, a touch sensor, an eddy current sensor, an inductive sensor, an optical sensor, a laser, an ultrasonic sensor, or a LiDAR. Within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that one handling device is equipped with one type of sensor and another handling device is equipped with a second type of sensor. The use of an inductive sensor proves particularly advantageous, as it is characterized by its high performance, compact design, and high-precision measurement down to the micrometer range. Furthermore, inductive sensors are extremely reliable even in adverse environments, such as those found in a spinning mill, where the spinning component is contaminated, visibility is poor, etc.

[0027] Advantageously, the sensor of the measuring device is arranged on the handling device of the maintenance equipment. The resulting advantages are, in particular, that the measurement of the spinning sections or their components is carried out simultaneously with the service operation, and the sensor, e.g., the inductive sensor, is positioned in close proximity to the spinning components. The measurement can also be performed during a service operation in which the yarn does not need to be guided along the entire spinning section – for example, during the cleaning of the spindle or the spinning ring with and without the ring runner or another spinning component.

[0028] Alternatively, the sensor of the measuring device can be attached to the maintenance equipment itself, as described above. For example, it can be attached to the frame of the maintenance equipment.

[0029] The measuring device of the maintenance equipment advantageously includes measuring electronics that communicate with both the sensor of the measuring device and a data processing unit for evaluating the measured values. The measuring electronics can be housed in the sensor or in the maintenance equipment, e.g., in a bracket. Alternatively, the measuring electronics can be housed in the handling device of the maintenance equipment—for example, if the handling device is a multi-axis swivel arm. Based on the measurement data acquired by the sensor, the measuring electronics determine measured values. These measured values ​​are forwarded to a data processing unit, e.g., in the control system of the maintenance equipment and / or the central machine control system, to be compared with target values. The data processing unit can also be part of a higher-level control system.To transmit the measurement data, communication links are provided, for example, data transmission lines between the sensor and the measuring electronics, as well as between the measuring electronics and the data processing unit. The shorter the communication link, the less material is required for data transmission. Alternatively, the data can also be transmitted via Wi-Fi.

[0030] Advantageously, the measuring device of the maintenance equipment determines measured values ​​at spinning component-specific reference points. These reference points depend on the type of sensor used in the measuring device. For example, an inductive sensor requires a metallic component on the spinning component. In the case of a laser, a light-reflecting marker on the spinning component is necessary. For a LiDAR sensor, the entire spinning component serves as the reference point, with the component being captured as a 2D or 3D point cloud and the measured values ​​being calculated with respect to the spatial position of the spinning component.

[0031] Furthermore, the essence of the invention lies in a handling device for use in a maintenance facility as described above. The handling device comprises at least one sensor for acquiring spatial measurement data of the spinning components and, depending on the embodiment, measuring electronics that communicate with the sensor and subsequently with the data processing unit. In general, the handling device is designed such that, in addition to determining spatial measurement data, it can perform a service operation or a partial step thereof. A partial step of the service operation is, for example, locating the yarn end on the head (the yarn-filled spool located on the spindle), threading the yarn end into the individual spinning components present at the spinning station, or simply braking the spindle or opening and, if necessary, holding open the yarn guide, etc.This means that if several handling devices are necessary to carry out the service operation, each handling device performs one part of it.

[0032] Furthermore, in accordance with the nature of the invention, a method for determining at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of a spinning station of a ring spinning machine is provided, wherein the determination of the at least one measured value is carried out by a maintenance device as described above or according to the invention, wherein the maintenance device is positioned at a defined spinning station and wherein at least one measuring device installed in the maintenance device determines the at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of the at least one spinning component of the defined spinning station.

[0033] The maintenance device is positioned centrally in front of a defined spinning point using specially attached sensors (e.g., inductive, LiDAR, laser). From this position, at least one handling device performs the service operation. During the service operation, if it is not the service operation itself, the measuring device acquires spatial measurement data based on which measurements regarding the spatial position of at least one spinning component at the defined spinning point are determined.

[0034] Advantageously, at least one measured value is determined by measuring electronics from the measurement data of a sensor in the measuring device and forwarded to a data processing unit connected to the measuring electronics of the measuring device, where it is compared with a target value. Accordingly, the measuring device comprises a sensor for acquiring measurement data and measuring electronics for determining measured values. Both parts of the measuring device are connected via a communication link, enabling data transmission. The measured value is transmitted to a data processing unit – also via a corresponding communication link for data transmission.

[0035] Advantageously, during commissioning of the maintenance equipment, measured values ​​are recorded for all spinning components at all spinning stations, with these values ​​representing the target values. They are stored, for example, in the data processing unit. Here, they serve as a comparison to the subsequently determined measured values. This approach offers the advantage that the maintenance equipment can be tailored to the spinning components, meaning that, for example, the trajectories of the handling equipment can be executed precisely. If necessary, the spinning components can be readjusted even before commissioning to prevent collisions or misalignments of the handling equipment with at least one spinning component. Maintenance equipment is not always commissioned on a new ring spinning machine, but also on ring spinning machines that have already been in operation for several years.Especially on ring spinning machines that are already in operation, measuring the spinning components is of high relevance for the collision-free and error-free operation of the maintenance equipment.

[0036] Advantageously, the difference between the measured value and the target value is displayed. For this purpose, a corresponding display is installed at the relevant spinning station itself, at the maintenance equipment, or on the machine control system. Alternatively, the difference is transmitted via Wi-Fi to a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or smartwatch belonging to the operator, and displayed there, or shown in the higher-level control system or a central monitoring system. The display can therefore also be a mobile device or the screen of a user of the higher-level control system / central monitoring system.

[0037] Advantageously, at least one measurement regarding the spatial position of at least one spinning component of the defined spinning point is determined during the execution of a service operation at the defined spinning point. This approach proves to be efficient, as the maintenance device only needs to be positioned once in front of a defined spinning point, and two operations, namely the service operation and the measurement, can be performed. This approach also allows the measuring device to acquire measurement data on all spinning components involved in the service operation. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the maintenance device determines at least one measurement regarding the spatial position of at least one spinning component of a spinning point that has not undergone a service operation for a defined period of time.The time to be defined can be set in the central control unit of the ring spinning machine or in a higher-level control system. Depending on the design, it can be recorded directly in the control unit of the maintenance device. The aforementioned control units or the control system monitor whether the defined time has been exceeded and inform the maintenance device accordingly.

[0038] Advantageously, the difference between the measured value and the target value is used to readjust at least one spinning component at the defined spinning point. That is, based on the difference, the corresponding spinning component is readjusted to match the target value. This readjustment is usually performed by an operator, but can also be carried out by the maintenance equipment as a service procedure. BRIEF EXPLANATIONS OF THE FIGURES

[0039] Further advantages of the invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. These show, schematically: Figure 1: A view of a maintenance device according to the invention; Figure 2: A view of an embodiment of the handling means according to the invention with a measuring device in front of a spinning station of the ring spinning machine; Figure 3: A view of an embodiment of the handling means according to the invention with a measuring device; Figure 4: A detail of a further embodiment of a maintenance device according to the invention showing a handling means with a measuring device; Figure 5: Flowchart with process steps for a possible method according to an embodiment of the invention WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0040] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of a maintenance device 1 according to the invention, wherein the maintenance device 1 can be positioned in front of a defined spinning point of a ring spinning machine. For this purpose, the illustrated embodiment of a maintenance device according to the invention shows a sensor 1.1, wherein several sensors, e.g., 3 inductive sensors, are conceivable. The sensor(s) – here inductive – detect, for example, the spindle as a reference and thus position the maintenance device 1 exactly in front of the spinning point.

[0041] The maintenance device further shows several handling devices 2, which are optionally mounted on vertical guide rods 4, in particular the handling device 2 which suctions or clamps the yarn end and moves along the spinning section (e.g., according to predetermined movement paths / trajectories), thereby threading or inserting the suctioned or clamped yarn into the relevant spinning components such as the runner, the yarn guide, and the drafting unit. The handling device 2 is designed with multiple axes and, in the illustrated embodiment, can perform both vertical and horizontal movements. Depending on the embodiment, tilting and rotational movements are also possible. The measuring device 3 comprises a sensor 3.1 – here: inductive – and measuring electronics 3.2. Both elements of the measuring device 3 are in communication communication. The sensor 3.Sensor 1 is positioned on handling device 2 such that at least one spinning component of the spinning station of the ring spinning machine, such as a ring, runner, spindle fitted with a sleeve, balloon constriction ring, etc., or corresponding spinning component-specific reference points, can be detected by sensor 3.1, and measurement data on the spatial position of the corresponding spinning component or the spinning component-specific reference point can be acquired. A spinning component-specific reference point can be, for example, the eyelet or the guide slot of a yarn guide. The yarn guide itself is large compared to sensor 3.1 and cannot be detected in its entirety by it. The position of the eyelet or the guide slot is crucial for the most error-free operation of the spinning station – therefore, this is to be considered a spinning component-specific reference point and is detected by sensor 3.1.

[0042] For an inductive sensor 3.1 shown here, the reference point must be metallic. If the spinning component is metallic, the spinning component itself can be the spinning component-specific reference point.

[0043] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the handling means 2 according to the invention with a measuring device 3, more precisely an inductive sensor 3.1 in front of a spinning station of the ring spinning machine.

[0044] The sensor 3.1 is attached to a holder 3.3 on the handling device 2 and, during the execution of the service operation, is brought into close proximity to the respective spinning components 0 by the handling device 2. The term "close proximity" means that the sensor is brought close enough to the spinning component or the spinning component-specific reference point 0 to be able to acquire measurement data on its spatial position. In the illustration shown, the ring, which is made of metal, is the spinning component 0, from which measurement data is acquired by the sensor 3.1. The measuring electronics (not shown) can be located in the holder 3.3 or on the handling device 2.

[0045] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the handling means 2 according to the invention, here in the form of a suction tube for drawing in the yarn end, with a measuring device 3 in front of a spinning station of a ring spinning machine. The spinning component 0 shown is a yarn guide in the open position, with the sensor 3.1 of the measuring device 3 capturing measurement data on the spatial position from the yarn guide flap as a spinning component-specific reference point. As already mentioned, the spinning component-specific reference point could also be the eyelet or the guide slot of the yarn guide. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the sensor 3.1 is mounted on a holder 3.3, and the measuring electronics of the measuring device 3 are not visible.

[0046] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a detail of an embodiment of the maintenance device 1 according to the invention, comprising a handling device 2 and a measuring device 3, more precisely a sensor 3.1 in the form of a laser, positioned in front of a spinning station of the ring spinning machine. The handling device 2 does not differ from the handling device shown in Figure 2. Fig. 3 The handling device 2 is attached to a vertical guide rod 4 and has a laser sensor 3.1 with integrated measuring electronics (not visible here). The laser sensor determines the distance to the spinning component at the point where the laser 3.1' hits the spinning component 0, here the spring-loaded closure of the compacting unit.

[0047] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a flowchart illustrating the process steps of an embodiment of the inventive method. According to the inventive method, the maintenance device 1 is positioned in front of the defined spinning point, and, depending on the embodiment, the service operation is initiated – this could be repairing a yarn break or measuring the spinning point. Measurements of the spatial position of at least one spinning component or a spinning component-specific reference point are then determined. This determination can also be carried out before and / or after the service operation. For the purpose of determining measurement data regarding the spatial position of at least one spinning component or a spinning component-specific reference point, measurement data concerning the spatial position of the spinning component (or a spinning component-specific reference point) are acquired by sensor 3.1 of the measuring device 3, which is transmitted to the measuring electronics 3 via a communication link.2. The measured value is forwarded to determine the measured value. The measured value for the spatial position of the spinning component (or, if applicable, the spinning component-specific reference point) is transmitted via a communication link to a data processing unit for comparison with a target value. The difference between the measured value and the target value is then output.

Claims

1. Maintenance device(1) for a ring spinning machine, wherein the ring spinning machine comprises a plurality of spinning stations and each of these spinning stations comprises a plurality of different spinning components, wherein the maintenance device(1) comprises at least one handling means for performing a service operation at a defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine; and wherein the maintenance device(1) is designed such that it can be positioned in front of a defined spinning station for performing a service operation; and wherein the maintenance device(1) comprises a measuring device for determining at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of the defined spinning station of the ring spinning machine.

2. Maintenance device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the handling means is designed to be multi-axial.

3. Maintenance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (3) comprises a sensor (3.1).

4. Maintenance device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the sensor (3.1) of the measuring device (3) is arranged on the handling means (2) of the maintenance device.

5. Maintenance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (3) comprises measuring electronics (3.2) which is in communication connection both with the sensor (3.1) of the measuring device and with a data processing unit for evaluating the measured values.

6. Maintenance device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (3) determines measured values ​​of spinning component-specific reference points.

7. Handling means for use in a maintenance facility according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for determining at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of a spinning station of a ring spinning machine, wherein the determination of the at least one measured value is carried out by a maintenance device claimed according to claims 1-6, and wherein the maintenance device is positioned at a defined spinning station; and wherein at least one measuring device installed in the maintenance device determines the at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of the at least one spinning component of the defined spinning station.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one measured value is determined by a measuring electronics from measurement data of a sensor (3.1) of the measuring device (3) and forwarded to a data processing unit connected to the measuring electronics (3.2) of the measuring device in order to be compared there with a target value.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein, upon commissioning of the maintenance device (1), measured values ​​of all spinning components of all spinning stations are recorded and these measured values ​​represent the target values.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein a difference between measured value and target value is displayed on a screen.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the at least one measured value with respect to the spatial position of the at least one spinning component of the defined spinning point is determined during the performance of a service operation at the defined spinning point.

13. Method according to claim 11, wherein at least one measurement is determined with respect to the spatial position of at least one spinning component of a spinning station which has not undergone any service operation for a defined period of time.

14. Method according to one of claims 8 - 13, wherein the difference between measured value and target value serves to readjust the at least one spinning component of the defined spinning location.

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