Apparatus for providing belt materials, particularly cord belts.

Abstract

This relates to an apparatus for providing belt materials, particularly cord belts. [Solution] The device provides a rewinding device for unwinding a belt material, comprising: a rewinding device having two holders, each for one belt material roll, and these holders being movable from a non-working position where one roll is held and a working position where the roll is unwound; a conveying device for the unwound belt material located downstream of the rewinding device; a device for joining the rear end of the unwound belt material to the front end of the unwound belt material; and a position detection device comprising a sensor device for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the belt material in the holder and a control device for acquiring position information based on the sensor information, wherein the position detection device is capable of aligning the position of the unwound belt material with respect to the unwound belt material according to the position information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing a belt material, particularly a cord belt, a rewinding device for rewinding a belt material held in the form of a roll, comprising a first holder for holding one roll of the belt material at a time and another second holder, and the first and second holders are each reversibly movable from a non-working position where one roll is held or prepared and a working position where the roll is rewound, the rewinding device, a conveying device arranged downstream of the rewinding device for receiving the rewound belt material, a device for joining the rear end of the rewound belt material arranged on the conveying device to the front end of the belt material to be rewound, a position detection device comprising a sensor device for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the belt material to be rewound in the first and second holders and a control device for acquiring position information based on the sensor information, the position detection device being capable of aligning the position of the belt material to be rewound with respect to the rewound belt material according to the position information.

Background Art

[0002] Such a device for providing a belt material is used in the belt or fiber processing industry, for example, the tire industry. The belt material is, for example, a cord belt, usually an adhesive belt material, and is a material in the form of, for example, a fabric cord or a steel cord. This device usually functions to rewind a belt material wound in a roll and supplied as an initial belt and provide it for a downstream processing step. For processing, the belt material is rewound, i.e., stretched, sent to a manufacturing process, and wound up again at the end of the equipment. Such a device is described, for example, in DE No. 2020 1310 3530U1.

[0003] The apparatus itself includes a rewinding device for unwinding a roll of belt material. The belt material is regularly wound around a coil core and held via the coil core in a holder of the rewinding device, which allows the roll to rotate and unwind the belt. Each rewinding device includes a first holder and another second holder for holding the roll of belt material, and these holders are offset from each other. Each holder is reversibly movable from a non-working position where the roll is held or prepared, and from a working position where the roll is unwound. In the non-working position, it is possible to hold, i.e., insert or prepare, a new roll in each holder. The term "prepare" is understood to mean positioning the free end of the new belt material in place, for this is because, as will be described later, the free end of the new belt material needs to be joined to the trailing end of the belt material that has already been fully or partially unwound. Meanwhile, in the working position, the belt is unwound. Both holders are reversibly movable between a non-working position and a working position; that is, one holder can be in the non-working position and a roll can be mounted, while the other holder is in the working position and the belt is unwound.

[0004] Downstream of the unwinding device is a conveying device for receiving the unwinded belt material. This conveying device typically includes roller structures that function as removal rolls and guide rolls. The conveying device, on the one hand, actively moves the belt material so that the rolls are unwound, and on the other hand, conveys the belt material to a processing device located downstream.

[0005] A device is further provided for joining the rear end of a rewound belt material, which is placed on the conveying device, to the front end of a belt material being rewound. In the case of adhesive cord belts, such as those used in the tire industry as described above, this joining device is a splicing device, which functions to join the rear end of a rewound belt to the front end of a belt material being rewound, so that two belts from different rolls are joined together, thereby obtaining an endless belt.

[0006] Furthermore, a position detection device is provided. The position detection device comprises a sensor device for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the unwinding belt material in the first and second holders, and a control device for acquiring position information based on the sensor information. Here, the position of the unwinding belt material can be aligned with the unwinding belt material according to the position information. As described above, the unwinding belt material and both ends of the unwinding belt material are joined to each other in a joining device, i.e., a splicing device. For this purpose, it is necessary to align both ends, i.e., the edges, with respect to each other so that the two belt ends are not unintentionally offset laterally from each other during joining, and the unwinding belt is then sent to the downstream processing unit at an undesirable lateral position. Such an offset can occur, as described above, when the belt material is wound around a coil core or roll core and held and mounted in the holder via it. It can also occur when the belt is wound eccentrically around the coil core. This means that a lateral offset of several millimeters to several centimeters occurs. Since the coil core is always held in the same position in each holder, a lateral offset occurs with respect to the feed, resulting in the unwinding belt being joined to the unwinding belt in an offset state. To compensate for this lateral offset, a position detection device is provided. This position detection device acquires sensor information from a sensor device, and based on this sensor information, the assigned control device acquires the position information of the unwinding belt. Based on this position information, a corresponding correction to the working position can be made. That is, the final position of the unwinding belt is corrected accordingly, and both ends are aligned with respect to each other.

[0007] In known devices, a suitable optical system detects the outer belt edge of a new material roll already in the working position. The optical system must be positioned accordingly. After the belt edge is detected, the actual current position of the new belt material at the working position is determined. Since the optical system also detects the belt edge of the rewound belt, it is possible to determine the degree of lateral offset. In this case, the actual working position is corrected accordingly, i.e., the rewinding device is readjusted accordingly. Readjustment is performed by linearly moving the holders. The rewinding device can be implemented as a shuttle device in which two holders are arranged on a linearly movable carrier frame, and the two holders move between the working and non-working positions by lateral displacement relative to the rewinding direction. Therefore, in such cases, alignment and adjustment are performed by slight lateral displacement within the range of correction of the working position. Another embodiment of the rewinding device is a swivel device. Here, both holders are arranged on a swivel frame that rotates around a rotation axis, i.e., both holders move between the non-working and working positions by rotational motion. The rotating frame is also mounted to be movable in a linear fashion overall. If the initially assumed working position needs to be corrected, this correction is made by a slight lateral displacement of the rotating frame and its associated holder, depending on the resulting offset. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While corrections and readjustments can be made in this way, this process is time-consuming. This is because it is necessary to first approach the original working position, then position the optical system accordingly, acquire and evaluate sensor information, and only then can readjustments be performed. Consequently, it naturally takes a considerable amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus for providing belt material.

[0010] To solve this problem, the type of apparatus described at the beginning is provided according to the present invention. Sensor information can be acquired by a sensor device while the first and second holders move from a non-working position to a working position, and the control device is configured to acquire position information and to control an actuator that moves the first and second holders laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying device according to the position information, and by controlling the actuator, the first and second holders are positioned so that at the end of the movement to the working position the end of the unwinding belt material aligns with the end of the unwinding belt material.

[0011] In the apparatus provided according to the present invention, the acquisition of positional information related to a new belt to be unwound later is performed while the belt is moving from a non-working position to a working position. The sensor device is positioned and configured so that each first or second holder can acquire sensor information while moving from a non-working position, i.e., after a new belt roll has been loaded into the holder, to a working position for unwinding it. The sensor information is information that determines or characterizes the position of the belt in the holder, i.e., enables the detection of the current position of the wound belt on the coil core and even within the holder. Here, the control device can use this sensor information to determine the precise positional data of the working position to which the holder should be moved while moving to the working position, and accordingly control the actuator that moves the holder laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the belt material during unwinding, thereby bringing it directly closer to the final working position. That is, within the range of a single movement from a non-working position to a working position, the new belt roll and even its end to be joined are precisely at the final joining position and even precisely aligned position for joining with the end of the unwound belt. Therefore, no unspecified approach to the work location or subsequent positional adjustments will be made.

[0012] Therefore, the apparatus according to the present invention enables the extremely efficient and rapid provision of a new belt material roll that is precisely aligned, and as a result, both ends can be joined almost immediately after entering the working position, followed by the unwinding of the new belt. In other words, the feeding process is interrupted for only a very short time.

[0013] The sensor device itself preferably includes at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor, the first sensor being positioned within the movement path of one holder and the second sensor being positioned within the movement path of the other holder. Thus, at least two separate sensors are used, one sensor assigned to one holder and the other to the other. Both sensors are positioned within the movement path of their respective holders, which means they are located where the holders and, of course, the belt material rolls pass along with the holders. Therefore, the corresponding sensor information, specifically sensor information for positioning the longitudinal edge of the belt, is acquired as the belt passes each sensor. Naturally, the sensors are positioned so that the belt can pass as close to them as possible.

[0014] In an advanced form of the present invention, the detection device may include at least one third sensor, which is assigned to a conveying device and, based on the sensor information, acquires positional information representing the position of the end of a rewound belt material in or above the conveying device. The control device is configured to acquire further positional information based on the sensor information and to control the actuators of the first and second holders in accordance with the further positional information. This third sensor, which is part of the detection device, is assigned to the conveying device. This sensor allows for the acquisition of corresponding information regarding the end of the rewound belt, thereby enabling the control device to detect the current position of the end of the outgoing belt, which ultimately represents a target position to which the end of the newly incoming belt or holder is aligned. Here, the control device, which also determines the corresponding positional information of the outgoing rewound belt, is configured to incorporate this positional information into the control of the actuators that control the movement of each holder. That is, the control device is configured to determine the corresponding control parameters for the actuators by simultaneously considering not only the positional information of the new belt being rewound but also the positional information of the old belt that has been rewound.

[0015] In a simple alternative, such a third sensor may be omitted. This is because, on the one hand, the edge position of the unwound belt is originally measured when it was first provided while still in the holder, and it can be assumed that the position of the end of the unwound belt is indistinguishable from the starting position of this belt. In other words, each holder can be aligned to the previously recorded position of the previous belt. However, slight winding errors may occur when winding the belt onto the material roll, and the belt may shift slightly during unwinding, so the possibility of an offset of several millimeters or centimeters at the end of the belt cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is useful to record the actual position of the end of the unwound belt.

[0016] When using such a third sensor, it is convenient to record the entire width of the unwound belt material. This is advantageous because the sensor can detect two longitudinal edges. Just as the position of the belt end is fixed, the position of the sensor itself is also fixed, meaning it cannot move, at least laterally.

[0017] In an advanced form of the present invention, a configuration can be further provided in which the control device can acquire the position of one or both longitudinal edges of the unwinding belt material as positional information, and / or the position of one or both longitudinal edges of the unwinding belt material can acquire as further positional information, and the actuator can be driven based on this positional information. This means that at least one longitudinal edge of the unwinding belt is detected, and if the belt width is known, the position of the second longitudinal edge is also automatically known. Naturally, it is also possible to detect the positions of both longitudinal edges by an illumination device, since both longitudinal edges move within the detection area of ​​the sensor. In any case, the positions of the longitudinal edges form the basis for determining the corresponding control information thereafter, and based on this control information, the actuator is controlled to move to the final working position in a single movement. For the unwinding, i.e., outgoing belt, positional information for one or two longitudinal edges is known from the previous work cycle or is acquired via a third sensor as described above. In either case, if the belt widths are nominally the same, the two belts or their ends can be aligned with at least one of the longitudinal edges of the two belts based on information about their longitudinal edges.

[0018] On the other hand, in an alternative embodiment, the control device is configured to acquire, as positional information, the center position of the belt being unwound based on the position of the longitudinal edge of the belt being unwound, and / or, as further positional information, the center position of the unwound belt based on the position of the longitudinal edge of the unwound belt, and to control the actuation means so that the center of the belt being unwound aligns with the center of the unwound belt. In this embodiment, the two belts or belt ends are aligned with each other's belt centers rather than with respect to a single longitudinal edge. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that, on the one hand, it is possible to slightly change the current width of two belts that are nominally the same width, and on the other hand, if the width is intentionally changed, it is possible to join a narrower belt to a wider belt. In this case, when the two ends or belts are aligned with their respective centers, it is ensured that the new belt is sent to the conveyor at an equivalent position and further conveyed through this device. The basis for determining the center of the newly unwound belt is to pre-measure the positions of the two longitudinal edges, from which the precise width and even the center can be calculated. The center of the unwound belt can be similarly determined from the position data of the longitudinal edges initially recorded, or from the position data of the longitudinal edges of the newly acquired end. This is done by a common control device.

[0019] As described above, both ends need to be joined to each other. For this purpose, a suitable splicing device is provided, namely a preparation bar and a splice bar. It is common to pre-fix the front end of the unwinding belt, which will be spliced ​​to the rear end of the unwinding belt, to the preparation bar in a non-working position, which can also be called a preparation position. In the case of a shuttle-designed unwinding device, a separate preparation bar is assigned to each holder. In the case of a rotary-frame-designed unwinding device, a separate preparation bar can also be assigned to each holder, but preferably, a swivelable preparation bar may be provided so that it can be assigned to a holder in a non-working position by swiveling when the holders are positioned facing each other. In any case, the end of the new belt material is fixed to this preparation bar. However, the new belt material is positioned so that this end is transported through each assigned sensor, i.e., the first and second sensors are positioned below the plane through which the preparation bar moves. This ensures that the belt end inevitably moves through the detection area of ​​each sensor.

[0020] As explained, there are two fundamentally different embodiments of the rewinding device: a shuttle design and a rotating frame design. In the shuttle design, both holders are positioned on a common or separate carrier frame that can be moved perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying device by an actuation means on a linear guide, and the first and second sensors are positioned offset on either side of the conveying device. The two holders are movable linearly and perpendicular to the conveying direction of the belt via a common carrier frame or two separate carrier frames, that is, they can move to corresponding positions by reciprocating motion, so that two non-working positions are spaced apart and a working position is located between them. For this reason, one or more carrier frames are mounted to be linearly movable on the corresponding linear guide means, and the actuation means perform the linear movement. This movement is performed, for example, via one or more suitable spindle drive devices controlled by a servo motor. Since both sensors are positioned offset on either side of the conveying device, i.e., in positions where each belt roll passes over its entire width, each sensor can easily detect two longitudinal edges.

[0021] In a rotating frame design, the holders are positioned on a common rotating frame rotatable around a rotation axis via a drive mechanism, and the first and second sensors are positioned on a circular path around the rotation axis. Therefore, to move between two positions, the rotating frame rotates, and both holders rotate accordingly, so that one holder moves from a non-working position to a working position and the other holder moves from a working position to a non-working position. Thus, since the two holders move along the circular path, the first and second sensors are positioned on corresponding circular paths around the rotation axis. Here again, this corresponding positioning allows the unwinding belt to move through the detection area of ​​each sensor, making the longitudinal edge detectable. It is preferable to provide a gear drive to move the rotating frame together with the holders. The gear drive comprises one or more suitable servo drives that can detect the precise position of each holder along the movement path, i.e., the precise angular position of the rotating frame and even the holders, so that the acquired sensor information and even the determined position data can be assigned to precise angles and even precise positions on the circular path.

[0022] Preferably, both holders are positioned on the rotating frame offset from each other by 180°, i.e., the two holders are positioned opposite each other. In this case, alternating movement of the holders preferably involves alternating the direction of movement and moving them 180°, i.e., no 360° rotation is performed.

[0023] In this arrangement where the holders are offset by 180°, it is convenient if the first sensor and the second sensor are arranged such that they are offset from each other by 180° at a position of 90° between the non-operating position and the operating position. In this aspect, the non-operating position is the same for both holders, and similarly, the operating position is the same for both holders, except for the correction offset that may be performed in some cases. If both sensors are arranged at a position of 90°, one is arranged with respect to one rotational direction, and the other is arranged with respect to the other rotational direction, at this position, it is advantageous in that the two longitudinal edges of the roll have the same speed when passing through the sensors. On the other hand, if both sensors are arranged close to one operating position or non-operating position, the longitudinal edges will pass through the detection area of the other sensor at different speeds due to deceleration or acceleration of the movement. Therefore, the 90° positioning performed according to the present invention facilitates position measurement.

[0024] In addition to this device, the present invention further relates to an operating method of a device for providing a belt material, particularly a cord belt. This device a rewinding device for rewinding a belt material held in the form of a roll, comprising a first holder and a second holder for holding one belt material roll at a time, and the first holder and the second holder are each reversibly movable from a non-operating position where one roll is held or prepared, and an operating position where the roll is rewound, the rewinding device; a conveying device arranged downstream of the rewinding device for receiving the rewound belt material; a device for joining the rear end of the rewound belt material arranged on the conveying device to the front end of the belt material to be rewound; a position detection device comprising a sensor device for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the belt material to be rewound in the first and second holders, and a control device for acquiring position information based on the sensor information, and the position detection device being capable of aligning the position of the belt material to be rewound with respect to the rewound belt material according to the position information.

[0025] In the method according to the present invention, while the first and second holders move from the non-working position to the working position, sensor information is acquired by a sensor device, and the control device acquires position information and controls operating means for moving the first and second holders in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the conveying device according to the position information, so that the first and second holders are arranged such that, at the end of the movement to the working position, the end of the belt material to be wound back is aligned with the end of the wound-back belt material.

[0026] A sensor device including at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor is used, wherein the first sensor is arranged within the movement path of the first holder and the second sensor is arranged within the movement path of the second holder.

[0027] Furthermore, it is expedient to use at least one third sensor. The at least one third sensor is assigned to the conveying device and acquires position information representing the position of the end of the wound-back belt material located in or on the conveying device based on the sensor information, and the control device acquires further position information based on the sensor information and controls the operating means of the first and second holders according to the further position information.

[0028] Furthermore, the control device may acquire, as position information, the position of one or two longitudinal edges of the belt material to be wound back, and / or, as further position information, the position of one or two longitudinal edges of the wound-back belt material, and the operating means may be controlled based on this position information.

[0029] In one development of the method according to the present invention, the control device acquires, as position information, the central position of the belt material to be wound back based on the position of the longitudinal edges of the belt material to be wound back, and / or, as further position information, the central position of the wound-back belt material based on the position of the longitudinal edges of the wound-back belt material, and may control the operating means such that the center of the belt material to be wound back is aligned with the center of the wound-back belt material.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the leading end of the unwinding belt material is positioned on preparation bars of first and second holders during movement, and the first and second sensors acquire sensor information in a plane located below the plane through which the preparation bars move.

[0031] In one embodiment of the rewinding device as a shuttle device, both holders may be arranged on a common carrier frame or on separate carrier frames that move perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport device by means of an actuation mechanism on a linear guide, and the first and second sensors may be arranged offset on both sides of the transport device.

[0032] Finally, in one embodiment of the rewinding device as a rotating frame device, the holders may be arranged on a rotating frame that is rotatable about a rotation axis by a driving means and movable perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport device by an operating means, the rotating frame rotates to move the holders, and the first and second sensors may be arranged on a circular path about the rotation axis.

[0033] All the features described for the apparatus according to the present invention also apply to the method according to the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] Further advantages and details of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for providing belt material, particularly cord belts. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a roll of belt material made by a belt wound in the center. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a roll of belt material made by an eccentrically wound belt. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the roll of belt material to be unwound and the end of the already unwound belt material, where both belt materials are joined together. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the device according to the present invention in the form of a shuttle device, showing linear motion for moving the holder and for replacing the center-aligned wound belt material roll. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 5, but in this diagram the belt material is wound eccentrically. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 5, but this diagram shows the process of connecting a narrow belt material to a wider belt material. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus according to the present invention in the form of a rotating frame device, showing rotational movement for moving the holder and for replacing the center-aligned wound belt material roll. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the exchange and joining processes. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the replacement and joining processes. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the replacement and joining processes. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the replacement and joining processes. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the exchange and joining processes. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the replacement and joining processes. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a holder with an eccentrically wound belt material to its working position, showing the detection of the belt material by an assigned sensor and the correction of its working position. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a holder with an eccentrically wound belt material to its working position, showing the detection of the belt material by an assigned sensor and the correction of the working position. [Figure 17]Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a holder with an eccentrically wound belt material to its working position, showing the detection of the belt material by an assigned sensor and the correction of its working position. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a holder with an eccentrically wound belt material to its working position, showing the detection of the belt material by an assigned sensor and the correction of the working position. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of a holder with an eccentrically wound belt material to its working position, showing the detection of the belt material by an assigned sensor and the correction of its working position. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the movement of both holders when the belt material is wound with the center aligned, illustrating the principle of replacing the unwound belt material roll with a new belt material roll. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows the movement of both holders when the belt material is wound with the center aligned, and is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement for replacing the unwound belt material roll with a new belt material roll. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows the movement of both holders when the belt material is wound with the center aligned, and is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement for replacing the unwound belt material roll with a new belt material roll. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus 1 for providing a belt material, particularly a cord belt, according to the present invention. Apparatus 1 includes a rewinding device 2 for rewinding a belt material 4 held in the form of a roll 3. The rewinding device 2 is equipped with separate holders, each holder functioning as a holder for one roll 3. In Figure 1, for clarity, only one holder with a roll 3 is shown, but the specific structure will be described later. In any case, each holder or roll 3 can be positioned in the working position shown in Figure 1, at which point the belt material 4 can be rewinded from the roll 3. The belt material 4 is transported from the roll 3 to a conveying device 5 located downstream of the rewinding device 2. This conveying device 5 is a corresponding roller structure over which the belt material 4 is transported and rewinded. Downstream of the conveying device 5 is a material support 6, on which the belt material 4 is mounted and further transported to a downstream processing device. The entire apparatus 1 is rotatable about a vertical rotation axis 7, so that the angle at which the belt material 4 is sent to the downstream processing device can be changed. This processing device may be, for example, a cutting device, which cuts the corresponding portion from the belt material 4 for further processing. To enable this angle adjustment, a drive device 8 is provided, which allows the entire device 1 to move along an arc-shaped path centered on the rotation axis 7. For this purpose, the device 1 is mounted to move in accordance with suitable bearing means 9.

[0036] Furthermore, a position detection device 10 is provided, which includes a sensor device 11 and a control device 12. This position detection device 10 can also control the entire operation of the operating elements of the device 1, i.e., all the operating means and drive means. Sensor information is detected by the sensor device 11. The sensor device 11 includes at least two sensors, each sensor positioned in the operating path of one of the holders described later. Based on this sensor information, the control device acquires corresponding position information for the belt material 4 that will be moved to the working position shown in Figure 1 when the preceding roll 3 is unwound, and which will be joined to the end of the unwound belt. Subsequently, based on this position information, the control device controls the corresponding operating means. Through this operating means, the holder that transports the new roll 3 is moved to the working position. This process will be described in detail below.

[0037] As described, when a new roll 3 is moved to the working position, it is necessary to join, preferably splice, the leading end of the new belt material 4 with the trailing end of the previously unwound belt material 4. For this purpose, a corresponding device 13 is provided for joining these two ends. This device 13 is preferably a splicing device. This device includes a preparation bar and a splicing bar, where the end of the new belt material 4 to be unwound is placed on the preparation bar, and the end of the unwound belt material 4 is placed on the splicing bar. By moving the splicing bar, both ends are joined together.

[0038] As described, the position detection device 10, including the sensor device 11, has the function of acquiring sensor information representing the position of the unwound belt material or its end. Based on this sensor information, the control device 12 can acquire the positions of the two longitudinal edges of the new belt material 4, and, if applicable, the center of the new belt material 4, and based on this, can control the actuation means that move each holder having the new belt material 4. The acquisition of sensor information is performed while each holder and, furthermore, the new belt material 4, moves from a non-working position to a working position, and position data and control parameters that control the actuation means of the holder drive unit based on this are also acquired in the same manner. Therefore, when the new belt material enters the working position, it is precisely aligned with the end of the unwound belt material 4, and no further correction is required.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each roll is not necessarily wound identically, so corresponding position detection and longitudinal edge detection may be necessary. Figure 2 shows a first roll 3 containing a coil core 14 in which the belt material 4 is wound center-aligned. Conversely, Figure 3 shows a roll 3 containing a coil core 14 in which the belt material 4 is wound eccentrically. However, as shown in Figure 4, the two belt materials 4, namely the new belt material 4 to be unwound and the unwound belt material 4 coming out, need to be precisely aligned with respect to their respective longitudinal edges or their respective centers. In Figure 4, the unwound belt material is assigned the reference numeral 4a, and the unwound belt material is assigned the reference numeral 4b. The unwound belt material 4a has two longitudinal edges 15a, 16a and a belt center 17a, and the unwound belt material 4b has two longitudinal edges 15b, 16b and a belt center 17b. In the illustrated example, both belts 4a and 4b are of the same width, and ideally, the longitudinal edges 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b are aligned with each other, and the two centers 17a, 17b are aligned with each other. In this example, the belt 4a is wound around the coil core 14a, centered. That is, the roll 3 in Figure 2 is provided. However, if the roll 3 in Figure 3 is provided, when the holder and the roll 3 are in the same position, the longitudinal edge 15a is positioned laterally offset on the coil core 14, and therefore, when the holder and the roll 3 are in the same position at the working position, the longitudinal edge 15a is offset laterally with respect to the transport direction T relative to the longitudinal edge 15b. The same naturally applies to the longitudinal edges 16a, 16b and the centers 17a, 17b. This lateral offset needs to be corrected. For this purpose, it is helpful to detect the position of the belt 4a or the longitudinal edges 15a, 16a. Based on this position detection, the holder moves precisely to a position aligned with the end of the unwound belt material 4b during its movement from a non-working position to a working position.

[0040] In the unwinding process, i.e., the process after the starting ends of the belt material have been joined, the belt material 4 may deviate from its track after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, in the previous process, the belt material 4 (coming from the calendar) was wound diagonally onto the coil core 14, or the starting end of the belt material was attached diagonally to the preparation bar by the operator. As a result, the belt material 4 is similarly conveyed at a slight angle towards the unwinding device 2 during unwinding. To compensate for this in the subsequent process, it is desirable to align the roll 3 to the center of the unwinding device 2. That is, it is desirable that the center 17a of the belt material 4 be aligned to the center of the unwinding device 2, rather than to the belt center 17b of the unwound belt material 4b. The centers 17a and 17b are slightly offset from each other, but this is corrected in the subsequent process. The control device 12 may take into account the possibility of such further offsets occurring during positioning when changing from a non-working position to a working position.

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the apparatus according to the present invention for explaining roll replacement. It shows a first holder 18 around which a first roll 3a made of belt material 4a is wound. This first holder 18 is shown in two positions, namely a non-working position shown by a dashed line and a working position shown by a solid line, in which the holder is positioned adjacent to the rear end 19 of the belt material 4b, as already described with reference to Figure 4. The double arrow P1 indicates this reversible linear displacement motion. Furthermore, a second holder 20 is shown which holds an additional roll 3c made of belt material 4c. This second holder 20 is in a non-working position, which can also be called a preparation position. In this position, the roll 3c to be brought into the working position at a later time is held and pre-positioned so that its free end, which will be joined to the end 19 of the belt material 4b by the joining device 13, is in a predetermined position, that is, positioned on the preparation bar assigned to the holder 20 as described above.

[0042] Both holders 18 and 20 are mounted on a common carrier frame 21, which is shown here only by dashed lines. The carrier frame 21 is movable linearly and perpendicular to the transport direction T via appropriate linear guides by a spindle drive controlled by a corresponding actuator 22, for example, a servo motor. The actuator 22 is driven via a control device 12, which is part of a position detection device 10. Part of the position detection device 10 also includes two sensors 23 and 24 shown here.

[0043] Both sensors 23 and 24 are positioned adjacent to the conveying device 5 on which the belt material 4 is placed, from the side. Each detection area 25 and 26 is oriented toward the holders 18 and 20, respectively, as indicated by the arrows. This arrangement ensures that each roll or belt material moving from a non-working position to a working position passes through the detection areas 25 and 26 of sensors 23 and 24. Sensor 23 is capable of detecting two longitudinal edges 15a and 16a of roll 3a in the example shown in Figure 5, and similarly, sensor 24 is capable of detecting two longitudinal edges 15c and 16c of a further roll 3c located within the second holder 20 as it moves toward the working position. The positions of sensors 23 and 24 are such that the acquisition of sensor information occurs while each holder and even each roll 3a and 3c are moving, and is completed before they reach the working position. The sensor information is evaluated by the control device 12 to determine the corresponding positions of the longitudinal edges and belt centers, and based on this, the corresponding control parameters for the actuator 22 are determined. This causes the actuation mechanism 22 to control the movement of each holder 18, 20, which is still in motion, to move precisely towards the determined working position. At this working position, the front end 27 of the new belt material 4a being unwound is aligned with the rear end 19 of the fixed position of the unwound belt material 4b. Therefore, each holder 18, 20 only needs to stop precisely once at the determined working position for alignment, and since the belt is already precisely aligned, no further positional adjustment is necessary.

[0044] Figure 5 also shows an optional configuration in which the conveying device 5 is assigned a third sensor 28 that detects the precise positions of the longitudinal edges 15b, 16b of the belt material 4b and even the end 19 of the belt material 4b. This sensor information is also provided to the control device 12, which detects the corresponding position information of the longitudinal edges 15b, 16b or the center 17b, i.e., the current position of the end 19. The end 27 of the belt material 4a or 4c is then aligned with this current position. Therefore, this current position of the end 19 represents the target position from which the movement of each holder 18, 20 and even each roll 3a, 3c should be aligned.

[0045] Similarly, measurement of the roll 3c is performed when the roll 3c is moved to the working position, i.e., when the belt material 4a is fully unwound. In this case, the carrier frame 21 moves in the reverse direction, the holder 18 moves from the working position to the non-working position, and the holder 20 moves from the non-working position to the working position. In this case, both longitudinal edges 15c and 16c pass through the detection area 26 of the sensor 24, thereby acquiring sensor information related to the corresponding edges and determining the corresponding control parameters for the actuation means 22. The sensor information is acquired by the control device 12 to obtain position information of the longitudinal edges 15c, 16c or the center 17c. As a result, the roll 3c also moves precisely to the aligned working position. At this working position, joining of each end can be performed by the joining device 13 shown in the figure.

[0046] Figure 5 shows the apparatus 1 or process with the belt materials 4a and 4c wound around the coil, centered. On the other hand, Figure 6 shows the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, where the belt material 4a is wound eccentrically around the coil core 14, and as an example, the same state is shown for the belt material 4c. Here as well, the first holder 18 moves together with the roll 3a and the belt material 4a from a non-working position shown by a dashed line to a working position shown by a solid line, as indicated by the arrow P1. Here as well, when passing through the detection area 25 of the sensor 23, two longitudinal edges 15a and 16a are detected, and the control device 12 acquires the corresponding position information. Similarly, position information can be acquired, for example simultaneously, based on the sensor information of the third sensor 28. Here, in order to align the longitudinal edges 15a and 16a with the longitudinal edges 15b and 16b of the belt material 4b, and similarly to align the two centers 17a and 17b, the holder 18 must necessarily be positioned in a slightly different location than in the first example shown in Figure 5. This is because it is necessary to compensate for the lateral offset 29 shown in Figure 6, which may occur if the holder is positioned in the same location as described in Figure 5, due to the lateral offset 30 relative to the eccentrically wound belt and the resulting center-aligned wound belt. In other words, the holder 18 must be moved to a slightly different working position than in the example shown in Figure 5. However, even in this working position in Figure 6, which is offset from the working position in Figure 5, the longitudinal edges 15a and 16a are positioned to align with the longitudinal edges 15b and 16b, and similarly the centers 17a and 17b are positioned to align. This is because the two belt materials 4a and 4b have the same width.

[0047] The same procedure is followed when it is necessary to move the second holder 20 to the working position. That is, since its belt material 4c is also wound eccentrically, it is necessary to move it closer to a working position that is slightly different from the working position in Figure 5.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, having the same structure as the apparatus 1 described above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, here the two belt materials 4a and 4c are clearly narrower than the already unwound belt material 4b. In the illustrated example, centering is not performed, but alignment to one longitudinal edge is performed, in this case, longitudinal edge 16a is aligned to longitudinal edge 16b. Here again, the first holder 18, which has the first roll 3a and the belt material 4a, moves from the non-working position shown by the dashed line, following the arrow P1. Here, the belt material 4a moves through the detection area 25 of the sensor 23, and here again the sensor detects the two longitudinal edges 15a and 16a. Similarly, an optional third sensor 28 also detects the longitudinal edges 15b and 16b. Here, the control device 12 acquires positional information of the longitudinal edges 15a, 16a, 15b, and 16b, and therefore control parameters, and the actuator 22 for moving the carrier frame 21 is controlled based on these control parameters so that the two longitudinal edges 16a and 16b are aligned with each other.

[0049] As further shown in Figure 7, the two belt materials 4a and 4c are also wound eccentrically around the coil core 14, as indicated by the lateral offset 30. This lateral offset 30 is also corrected, and the resulting lateral offset 29 is detected and set based on the corresponding control parameters. As a result, despite the narrower belt material 4a and its eccentric winding, it reaches the working position and the two longitudinal edges 16a and 16b are aligned with each other.

[0050] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 1 according to the present invention, in which two holders 18 and 20 are rotatably arranged around a rotation axis 31 on a rotating frame not shown in detail in Figure 8. Here again, two holders 18 and 20 are shown, each holding a roll of belt material 4a or 4c. Holder 18 is in the working position, i.e., its end 27 is joined to or already joined to the end 19 of the unwound belt material 4b. Holder 20, on the other hand, which has belt material 4c, is in a non-working or preparation position. In order to exchange these two holders 18 and 20, i.e., to receive a new roll, the first holder 18 is moved from the working position to the non-working position, and at the same time, the second holder 20, which has the new belt material to be unwound, is moved to the working position, by rotating the entire unwinding apparatus 2 around the rotation axis 31, as indicated by the double arrow P2. In other words, holders 18 and 20 and furthermore, belt materials 4a and 4c move along the indicated circular path 32.

[0051] Here, two sensors 23 and 24 are shown, each having detection areas 25 and 26, adjacent to the circular path 32. During movement, each longitudinal edge 15a and 16a moves through the detection area 25 of the first sensor 23, while the longitudinal edges 15c and 16c move through the detection area 26 of the second sensor 24. Again, corresponding sensor information representing the edge positions is detected and evaluated by the control device 12, and corresponding control parameters for controlling the drive means 33 are controlled. The drive means 33 rotates a rotating frame, which is not shown here. The drive means 33 is, for example, a servo motor that drives a gear wheel that meshes with the gear rim or gear segment of the carrier frame. Since the movement of the rotating frame is alternating 180° movements, each holder 18 and 20 moves through the sensors 23 and 24 assigned to them, respectively.

[0052] Naturally, a corresponding transport device 5 is provided, on which the unwound belt material 4b is mounted, and similarly, a third sensor 28 is provided, which can be optionally installed. Also shown is a splicing device 13, which functions to join the corresponding end 27 of belt material 4a and the corresponding end 19 of belt material 4b.

[0053] Figures 9 to 14 show an example of the roll replacement process. Figure 9 shows a roll positioned in the first holder 18 fully unwound, with the end 19 of the belt material 4b hanging freely. The second holder 20 is loaded with a new roll 3c made of belt material 4c, with the end 27 of the belt material already fixed to the preparation bar 34. A rotating frame 35, rotatable about a vertical axis 31 via a drive means 33, is shown. The rotating frame 35 is movable linearly and laterally with respect to the transport direction T by an actuation means 39, such as a spindle drive with a drive servo motor.

[0054] Next, when the belt material 4c is supplied, the rotating frame 35 rotates, causing both holders 18 and 20 to move along the circular path 32 around the rotation axis 31. Here, the belt material 4c passes through the detection area of ​​the sensor 24, which detects sensor information, and based on this, the control device 12 determines the precise working position to which the second holder 20 should be moved, and controls the movement of the rotating frame accordingly. This working position is shown in Figure 10, in which the second holder 20 and the belt material 4c are in the working position. The end 27 is positioned adjacent to the end 19, and it can be seen that the joining device 13 can join these two ends. A movable splice bar 36 is shown, which moves toward the fixed preparation bar 34. This is as shown in Figure 11 and by arrow P3 in the figure. Here, both belt materials 4c and 4b are firmly joined together, and after opening the joining device 13, that is, after retracting the splice bar 36 (see Figure 12, arrow P4), the belt material 4c is released, and then in the subsequent conveying operation by the conveying device 5 and its rewound roll, the belt material 4c is rewound.

[0055] Furthermore, Figures 10 to 12 all show the first holder 18 in a non-working position and a new roll has not yet been received. In Figure 13, the new roll is provided in the form of a roll 3a of belt material 4a and is held in the second holder 18. After receiving the roll 3a, the preparation bar 34, positioned on the swivel bracket 37, swivels as indicated by arrow P5 and is brought to the position shown in Figure 14, where it is assigned to the first holder 18. At this position, it is possible to fix the front free edge of the new belt material 4a to the preparation bar 34, and the preparation is complete. Once the belt material 4c is finally unwound, a new cycle begins, and the rotating frame 35 rotates again until the first holder 18 returns to the working position, which naturally involves corresponding position detection and control of the operating means 39 of the rotating frame for any offset corrections that may occur.

[0056] Figures 15 to 22 show the roll replacement process. In Figure 15, it is assumed that the second holder 20, which has a roll 3c made of belt material 4c, moves from a non-working position to a working position, but for clarity, the first holder is not shown. As shown, the belt material 4c is wound eccentrically around the coil core 14, i.e., there is a lateral offset 30. Moving further in the direction of arrow P6, one longitudinal edge 15c of the belt end, which is positioned on a preparation bar 34 (not shown in detail), enters the detection area 26 of the sensor 24, and a first measurement point is established. The longitudinal edge 15c, i.e., the first measurement point, is detected at a specific rotational position of the rotating frame 35, which can be measured by the actuation means 33, i.e., a servo motor, so that the detection of the longitudinal edge 15c can be assigned to a specific frame position along the rotation path.

[0057] As the movement progresses, the second longitudinal edge 16c of the end fixed to the preparation bar 34 enters the detection area 26 of the sensor 24, where a second measurement point is established. Here, the corresponding angular position of the rotating frame 35 is assigned. Thus, the corresponding measurement points are established in correlation with each rotating frame position, and the measurement points represent a predetermined lateral offset 30. This is because, in the case of a centered arrangement of the belt material 4b, these are detected at a slightly earlier time, i.e., at a slightly different angular position of the rotating frame. The same is true when the lateral offset 30 is given in other directions. Based on each detected rotating frame position, the control device 12 can accurately determine when the rotational movement should end. The rotational movement should end when the two longitudinal edges or longitudinal centers that should be aligned with respect to each other extend parallel to each other. The lateral offset is corrected by the lateral displacement of the rotating frame 35 within the range of the correction movement described later.

[0058] In any case, the control device 12 detects the corresponding lateral offset 30 after sensor information from both longitudinal edges becomes available. Referring to Figure 17, the entire rotating frame 35, along with both holders 18 and 20, moves linearly as indicated by arrow P7, i.e., corrective travel begins. This corrective travel is evident from the center line 38 extending through the rotation axis 31 parallel to the transport direction T and the center 17b of the unwound belt material 4b. At the start of corrective travel, referring to Figure 17, the center line 38 still extends below the line of the center 17b, but as the linear movement of the rotating frame 35 and even the holders 20 increases, the center line 38 moves until it reaches the working position shown in Figure 19, as already shown in Figure 18, where the detected lateral offset 30 is accurately corrected and the longitudinal edges 15c and 16c are aligned with the longitudinal edges 15b and 16b. Naturally, within the scope of corrective driving, it is also possible to consider detecting the positions of the longitudinal edges 15b and 16b using the third sensor 28, depending on the circumstances.

[0059] As shown in the example in Figure 20, when the belt material 4c is unwound, it is necessary to move the first holder 18, which holds the new belt material 4a, to the working position, as shown here in addition. The end 27 of this new belt material 4a is already fixed to a preparation bar 34, which is not shown in detail. Figures 21 and 22 show the movement relating to this. A pivoting motion begins, as shown by arrow P8, in the opposite direction to arrow P6. At some point, the longitudinal edge 15a passes through the detection area 25 of the first sensor 23, thereby assigning a corresponding predetermined position on the rotating frame to this measurement point. Since the belt material 4a is wound center-aligned, relatively speaking, the detection time of the longitudinal edge 15a is somewhat later and more advanced compared to the detection of the longitudinal edge 15c and the belt material 4c wound eccentrically thereon, as shown in Figure 15, resulting in another position on the rotating frame 35. As the movement continues, the second longitudinal edge 16a enters the detection area 25 of the sensor 23, thereby assigning a specific rotation frame position to this detection time as well. Here, the control device can accurately determine, on the one hand, the final rotation frame position where the longitudinal edges or belt centers of belt materials 4a and 4b extend parallel to each other, and also detect any deviations that may occur. This deviation necessitates moving the entire rotation frame 35 and both holders 18 and 20 together to correct the lateral offset. This lateral movement is already shown by arrow P9 in Figure 22. The control device 12 determines the corresponding control parameters, on the one hand, to control the drive means 33 so that the rotation frame 35 rotates accordingly, and on the other hand, to control the rotation frame 35 so that the actuation means 39 moves laterally to correct the lateral offset.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing belt material, particularly cord belts, A rewinding device (2) for unwinding belt material (4, 4a, 4c) held in the form of rolls (3, 3a, 3c), comprising a first holder (18) and another second holder (20) for holding one roll (3, 3a, 3c) of the belt material (4, 4a, 4c), wherein the first and second holders (18, 20) are reversibly movable from a non-working position where one roll (3, 3a, 3c) is held or prepared, and from a working position where the rolls (3, 3a, 3c) are unwound, A conveying device (5) is located downstream of the rewinding device (2) and is used to receive the rewound belt material (4, 4a, 4b, 4c), A device (13) for joining the rear end (19) of the unwinded belt material (4b) placed on the conveying device (5) to the front end (27) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), A position detection device (10) comprising a sensor device (11) for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the unwinding belt material (4, 4a, 4c) in the first and second holders (18, 20), and a control device (12) for acquiring position information based on the sensor information, wherein the device further comprises a position detection device (10) capable of aligning the position of the unwinding belt material (4, 4a, 4c) with respect to the unwinding belt material (4b) according to the position information, The apparatus is characterized in that, while the first and second holders (18, 20) move from the non-working position to the working position, the sensor device (11) can acquire the sensor information, the control device (12) is configured to acquire the position information and to control the actuators (22, 39) for moving the first and second holders (18, 20) laterally with respect to the transport direction (T) of the transport device (5) according to the position information, and by the control of the actuators (22, 39), the first and second holders (18, 20) are positioned such that at the end of the unwinding belt material (4, 4a, 4c) is aligned with the end (19) of the unwinding belt material (4b) at the end of the unwinding belt material (4b).

2. The sensor device (11) comprises at least one first sensor (23) and at least one second sensor (24), wherein the first sensor (23) is located within the movement path of the first holder (18) and the second sensor (24) is located within the movement path of the second holder (20), as described in claim 1.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the position detection device (10) includes at least one third sensor (28), the third sensor (28) being assigned to the conveying device (5) and acquiring position information representing the position of the end (19) of the unwound belt material (4b) in or above the conveying device (5) based on the sensor information, and the control device (12) being configured to acquire further position information based on the sensor information and to control the actuation means (22, 39) of the first and second holders (18, 20) in accordance with the further position information.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the third sensor (28) is a sensor capable of measuring the entire width of the unwound belt material (4b).

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (12) can acquire, as position information, the positions of one or two longitudinal edges (15a, 16a, 15c, 16c) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), and / or as further position information, the positions of one or two longitudinal edges (15b, 16b) of the unwinding belt material (4b), and can control the operating means (22, 39) based on the position information.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the control device (12) is configured to acquire, as position information, the center position of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) based on the position of the longitudinal edges (15a, 16a, 15c, 16c) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), and / or, as further position information, the center position of the unwinded belt material (4b) based on the position of the longitudinal edges (15b, 16b) of the unwinded belt material (4b), and is configured to control the operating means (22, 39) so that the center of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) aligns with the center of the unwinded belt material (4b).

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front end (27) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) is positioned on the preparation bar (34) of the first and second holders (18, 20) during movement, and the first and second sensors (23, 24) are positioned below the plane through which the preparation bar (34) moves.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both holders (18, 20) are arranged on a common carrier frame (21) or separate carrier frames, the common carrier frame (21) or the separate carrier frames are movable on a linear guide by the actuation means (22) in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (T) of the transport device (5), and the first and second sensors (23, 24) are arranged offset on both sides of the transport device (5).

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holders (18, 20) are both rotatable about a rotation axis (31) by a driving means (33) and are arranged on a rotating frame (35) perpendicular to the transport direction (T) of the transport device (5) by an operating means (39), and the first and second sensors (23, 24) are arranged on a circular path centered on the rotation axis (31).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the holders (18, 20) are arranged on the rotating frame (35) offset from each other by 180°.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and second sensors (23, 24) are offset from each other by 180° and are positioned at a 90° angle between the non-working position and the working position.

12. A method for operating an apparatus for providing belt material, particularly a cord belt, wherein the apparatus is A rewinding device (2) for unwinding belt material (4, 4a, 4c) held in the form of rolls (3, 3a, 3c), comprising a first holder (18) and another second holder (20) for holding each roll (3, 3a, 3c) of the belt material, wherein the first and second holders (18, 20) are reversibly movable from a non-working position where one roll (3, 3a, 3c) is held or prepared, and from a working position where the rolls (3, 3a, 3c) are unwound, A conveying device (5) is located downstream of the rewinding device (2) and is used to receive the rewound belt material (4b), A device for joining the rear end (19) of the unwinded belt material (4b) placed on the conveying device (5) to the front end (27) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), A position detection device (10) comprising a sensor device (11) for acquiring sensor information representing the position of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) in the first and second holders (18, 20), and a control device (12) for acquiring position information based on the sensor information, wherein the position detection device (10) is capable of aligning the position of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) with respect to the unwinding belt material (4b) according to the position information, A method characterized in that, while the first and second holders (18, 20) move from the non-working position to the working position, sensor information is acquired by the sensor device (11), and the control device (12) acquires the position information and controls the actuation means for moving the first and second holders (18, 20) laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying device (5) according to the position information, so that at the end of the movement to the working position, the first and second holders are positioned so that the ends of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) are aligned with the end (19) of the unwinding belt material (4b).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein a sensor device (11) is used, comprising at least one first sensor (23) and at least one second sensor (24), wherein the first sensor (23) is located within the movement path of the first holder (18) and the second sensor (24) is located within the movement path of the second holder (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one third sensor (28) is used, the at least one third sensor (28) is assigned to the conveying device (5), and based on the sensor information, the position information is obtained representing the position of the end (19) of the rewound belt material (4b) in or above the conveying device (5), the control device (12) obtains further position information based on the sensor information, and controls the actuation means (22, 39) of the first and second holders (18, 20) in accordance with the further position information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control device (12) acquires as position information the position of one or two longitudinal edges (15a, 16a, 15c, 16c) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), and / or as further position information the position of one or two longitudinal edges (15b, 16b) of the unwinding belt material (4b), and the operating means (22, 39) are controlled based on the position information.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the control device (12) acquires, as position information, the center position of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) based on the position of the longitudinal edge (15a, 16a, 15c, 16c) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c), and / or acquires, as further position information, the center position of the unwinded belt material (4b) based on the position of the longitudinal edge (15b, 16b) of the unwinded belt material (4b), and controls the operating means (22, 39) so that the center of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) aligns with the center of the unwinded belt material (4b).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the front end (27) of the unwinding belt material (4a, 4c) is positioned on the preparation bar (34) of the first and second holders (18, 20) during movement, and the first and second sensors (23, 24) acquire sensor information in a plane located below the plane through which the preparation bar (34) moves.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that both holders (18, 20) are arranged on a common carrier frame (21) or separate carrier frames, the common carrier frame (21) or the separate carrier frames move on a linear guide by the actuation means (39) perpendicular to the transport direction (T) of the transport device (5), and the first and second sensors (23, 24) are arranged offset on both sides of the transport device (5).

19. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the holders (18, 20) are both arranged on a rotating frame (35) which is rotatable about a rotation axis (31) by a driving means (33) and movable laterally with respect to the transport direction (T) of the transport device (5), the rotating frame (35) rotates to move the holders (18, 20), and the first and second sensors (23, 24) are arranged on a circular path centered on the rotation axis (31).

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