Method for supplying a spinning preparation machine with fibre slivers from a plurality of fibre sliver cans, and arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting sliver jumps at withdrawal devices (9) of an arrangement comprising: a creel device (2) for supplying a spinning preparation machine (3) with fibre slivers (5) from a plurality of fibre sliver cans (4) that can be provided on a surface (8) supporting the creel device (2); and a control unit (13), wherein, within the surface (8), each withdrawal device (9) is associated with a first can location (16) located closest to the withdrawal device and a second can location (17) located further away from the withdrawal device.

Description

[0001] Title: Method for feeding a spinning preparation machine with fiber ribbons from a multitude of fiber ribbon cans and arrangement

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a method for feeding a spinning preparation machine with fiber slivers from a plurality of fiber sliver cans, wherein the fiber sliver cans are provided on a platform of a creel device, the creel device comprising a longitudinal beam that can be arranged or is arranged along a vertical axis above the platform and discharge devices arranged on the longitudinal beam, wherein within the platform each discharge device is assigned a first can position nearest to the respective discharge device and a second can position remotely from the respective discharge device. The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.

[0004] The spinning preparation machine fed by such a creel assembly can be a fiber-drawing machine, such as a drawing machine or a spooling machine. The creel assembly for a drawing machine, also called a drawing creel, has six or eight of the draw-off devices when designed for, for example, 6- or 8-fold doubling. It is known to arrange the draw-off devices either individually or in pairs one behind the other along the longitudinal beam.

[0005] It is also known to design the gate assembly with one longitudinal beam (single row) or with two longitudinal beams (double row). In a double-row configuration, the longitudinal beams can be arranged parallel or at an angle to each other. For the gate assembly of a belt winding machine, it is common to provide several longitudinal beams equipped with take-off devices. For example, in the gate assembly for the Trützschler TSL 12 belt winding machine, depending on the can size, two of the longitudinal beams are arranged one behind the other or in a V-shape to each other, and two further longitudinal beams, located closer to the belt winding machine, are arranged in a V-shape to each other.

[0006] From DE 100 03 861 A1, a creel device for a production line is known. The creel device has several take-off devices for drawing fiber slivers from fiber sliver cans, with a can position provided for each take-off device on the installation surface of the creel device. Each take-off device has a driven feed roller. Furthermore, each take-off device is associated with a sliver break sensor device, also called a sliver break sensor, whose beam path is essentially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the respective fiber sliver. The sliver break sensor devices each have a measuring chamber enclosed by a ring body and through which the respective fiber sliver passes. The ring body serves as a guide to redirect the fiber sliver coming from the fiber sliver can, also called a spinning can, towards the respective feed roller.The tape break sensors can be used to monitor whether all the fiber tapes entering the track are present and whether the fiber tapes are moving or stationary.

[0007] Such creel systems have proven their worth. However, a potential drawback is that the operator must independently recognize and assess whether and when work steps are required. The operator must therefore incorporate various manual steps into their workflow to ensure uninterrupted operation of the sliver-taking spinning preparation machine. These steps include preparing subsequent cans of fiber slivers at the creel system in a timely manner; piecing the sliver ends together promptly; removing the empty cans so that the subsequent cans can be fed in; and positioning the subsequent cans under the creel system to guarantee reliable sliver take-off. Operating errors or misjudgments by the operator inevitably lead to interruptions and stops in the production process.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method that supports the operator in his work steps at the gate device and can be integrated into automated processes within a spinning mill.

[0009] The problem is solved by a method of the type mentioned above, comprising the following steps: drawing a fiber tape from a fiber tape can located on the first can position of the respective drawing device using the respective drawing device, wherein one tape end of the fiber tape can located on the first can position of the respective drawing device is connected to a tape beginning of a fiber tape can located on the second can position of the respective drawing device; detecting an object in a detection area of ​​a detection device assigned to the respective drawing device; receiving signals by the control unit, wherein the signals are provided by at least one of the detection devices;and, based on the received signals, the control unit recognizes whether the respective fiber tape can, from which the fiber tape is drawn at the respective dispensing device, is located on the first can position of the respective dispensing device or the second can position of the respective dispensing device.

[0010] Regardless of which can holder the fiber tape can is located on, the fiber tape can from which the respective dispensing device is currently drawing the fiber tape is also referred to as the active fiber tape can.

[0011] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that up to two fiber sliver cans filled with fiber sliver can be lined up one after the other at each take-off device of the creel assembly. In this way, a subsequent can is always ready at each take-off device. This prevents downtime of the spinning preparation machine due to a lack of material or fiber sliver supply. In the process also known as "piecing," spinning mill employees typically manually connect one fiber sliver end of the fiber sliver can in the first can position, also called the main can, to the fiber sliver beginning of the fiber sliver can in the second can position, also called the subsequent can. Instead of the manual piecing process, automatic piecing devices can also be provided on the creel assembly.In principle, each fume hood can also be equipped with additional can holders, for example a third can holder, to accommodate more than just one subsequent can. However, experience has shown that, both in terms of space requirements and efficiency, it is advantageous if each fume hood has exactly two can holders permanently assigned to it.

[0012] The gate device can have, for each dispensing device, a detection device connected to the control unit for detecting an object in a detection area of ​​the respective detection device, wherein the respective detection device is oriented such that its detection area is arranged along the vertical axis below the associated dispensing device, and wherein the control unit is configured to recognize, based on signals received from the detection devices, whether the respective fiber tape can, from which the fiber tape is dispensed at the respective dispensing device, is on the first can position or the second can position.

[0013] An advantage is that the control unit, thanks to the detection devices, is now able to recognize for each dispensing device whether the fiber tape canister from which the fiber tape is being drawn—i.e., the active fiber tape canister—is located in the first or second canister position. When the fiber tape is drawn, centrifugal forces act on it, causing its path to form a balloon-like shape, also known as the "draw-off balloon." To avoid unnecessary damage to the fiber tape during drawing, it is advantageous if the draw-off balloon does not extend beyond the rim of the fiber tape canister. This is advantageously the case when the respective fiber tape canister is located in the first canister position. The first canister position is the one of the two canister positions closest to the dispensing device and is preferably the position where the active fiber tape canister is located.For example, the first can position is located directly below the associated take-off device. Once the fiber tape has been completely drawn from the main can, the fiber tape provided by the next can follows. This change of fiber tape from the main can to the next can is also referred to as a tape jump. Since the next can is now the active can and is positioned in the second can position, and thus at least the width of the first can position away from the respective take-off device, the fiber tape is now drawn diagonally over the first can position from the point of the tape jump onwards. The advantageous take-off balloon is therefore absent, or the fiber tape is pulled over the rim of the next can.

[0014] This allows for a timely response to a belt skip. This can be done manually by employees on-site in the spinning mill, by pushing the empty main reel away from the first reel position and moving the next reel from the second reel position to the first reel position. In an automated spinning mill, the control unit can transmit a message about the belt skip to a higher-level control system, which in turn can initiate the removal of the empty main reel and the advancement of the next reel. For this purpose, the fiber reel reels can be driverless or self-propelled, or moved by automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The control unit can be connected to the control system. This arrangement is therefore particularly suitable for spinning mills where self-propelled spinning reels are used to transport fiber reels.Deploy self-driving vehicles that move spinning cans.

[0015] Depending on the design of the creel assembly, it can include one or more longitudinal beams. A single-row creel assembly has exactly one longitudinal beam, while a double-row creel assembly has exactly two. Other configurations with more than two longitudinal beams are also possible. For example, the creel assembly for a spinning preparation machine designed as a strip winding machine can include three or more longitudinal beams. For all configurations, an associated storage area is defined below each longitudinal beam, so that within each storage area, each take-off device has a first can storage position closest to its respective take-off device and a second can storage position furthest away from it.

[0016] The respective detection device can be arranged, at least indirectly, on the longitudinal beam. Furthermore, the respective detection device can be oriented such that its detection range is located above the first canister position of the associated take-off device. "Above the canister position" is understood to mean along the vertical axis above the canister position, i.e., towards the longitudinal beam. This ensures that the respective first canister position, i.e., the corresponding portion of the installation area, is not within the detection range of the respective detection device. This enables reliable detection of the tape jump and prevents false triggers. The first canister position is the one of the two canister positions on which the active fiber tape can is predominantly located. Thus, during take-off, the fiber tape is located above the first canister position for most of the time.

[0017] For example, in each extraction device, the first can holder can be located directly under the extraction device and the second can holder can be located along a transverse axis extending from the longitudinal beam behind the first can holder.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit can start a time window with a defined duration when an object is detected within the detection range of the respective detection device. The control unit then recognizes that if a new detection occurs within this time window, the fiber tape canister, from which the fiber tape is drawn at the respective dispensing device, is located in the first canister position. If no new detection occurs within this time window, the control unit recognizes that the fiber tape canister, from which the fiber tape is drawn at the respective dispensing device, is located in the second canister position. This allows the control unit to determine, for each dispensing device, which canister position currently holds the fiber tape canister from which the fiber tape is being drawn. The object detected by the respective detection device can be the fiber tape itself, which is at least temporarily within the detection range.

[0019] It is sufficient for the fiber tape to pass through the respective detection area only every few seconds, sometimes even very briefly. The time window can be less than 30 seconds, for example, 25 seconds. If a new object is detected within this time window, the control unit recognizes that the fiber tape canister, from which the tape is drawn at the respective dispensing device, is in the first canister position. The control unit then restarts the time window. However, if no new object is detected within this time window, the control unit can recognize that the fiber tape canister, from which the tape is drawn at the respective dispensing device, is in the second canister position.

[0020] The respective detection area can cover at least a portion of an open space between the associated dispensing device and the fiber tape canister positioned at the first canister position. "Open" in this context means that the space has no physical barriers such as walls or other obstacles that could restrict movement or visibility within the space. For reliable detection of the tape skipping, it is sufficient if the partial area is selected such that the fiber tape only repeatedly crosses this partial area during dispensing when the active fiber tape canister is positioned at the first canister position. In a further embodiment, the respective detection device is oriented so that it detects at least the partial area that the fiber tape crosses during dispensing. In particular, the respective detection device is oriented so that it "sees" over the respective fiber tape canister.Alternatively, the detection area can also cover the entire space between the assigned extraction device and the fiber tape canister positioned at the first canister location. For all orientations, it is advantageous if the detection device is positioned so that the fiber tape canister is outside or below the detection area. This prevents false detections during the delivery and removal of the fiber tape canisters.

[0021] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to perform a check after the time window has elapsed to verify that the spinning preparation machine is feeding in the fiber slivers. Only then will the control unit recognize that the respective fiber sliver can is in the second can position when the spinning preparation machine begins feeding in the slivers. This prevents false detections. For example, the spinning preparation machine may have stopped feeding in the fiber slivers due to an unplanned event such as a sliver breakage.

[0022] Furthermore, each take-off device can be equipped with a strip break sensor device arranged on the longitudinal beam and connected to the control unit. Using these strip break sensors, the control unit can monitor whether all fiber strips entering the spinning preparation machine are present and whether the fiber strips are moving or stationary. Preferably, the detection area of ​​each detection device is arranged along the vertical axis below the measuring chamber of the respective strip break sensor device. Alternatively, each detection device can be arranged along the vertical axis below the associated strip break sensor device.

[0023] The respective tape break sensor device can include a tape break sensor configured to monitor a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber can be delimited by guides for directing the fiber tape, which is pulled off by the respective take-off device, through the measuring chamber. The respective tape break sensor can be arranged in the transport direction of the fiber tape between the associated fiber tape can and the associated take-off device. Furthermore, the detection areas and the measuring chambers can be spaced apart from one another. Thus, the detection areas and the measuring chambers can be separated not only spatially but also functionally.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the gate assembly can include at least one display device, wherein the control unit, based on the signals received from the detection devices and optionally based on the signals received from the strip break sensor devices, indicates on the at least one display device whether manual intervention is necessary, particularly at the gate assembly or the respective gate position or the associated take-off device. This could, for example, be a necessary piecing operation when the next follow-up can is ready, or when a strip break needs to be repaired. This increases the ease of use of the arrangement for the employee in the spinning mill.

[0025] Each dispensing device can be equipped with at least one indicator device. This further improves ease of use and is particularly advantageous when the fiber tape cans are driverless or self-propelled, controlled by a higher-level control system. The indicator device can be a light unit, for example, an LED (light-emitting diode). In its simplest form, different colors can indicate the different states of the respective dispensing device. For example, the light unit can glow green when a tape skip has been detected at the associated dispensing device, but no subsequent can is yet available for the currently active fiber tape can. In this case, manual intervention to perform the piecing process is not yet possible.When the next canister is ready and the active fiber tape canister is in the first canister position, the indicator light can, for example, glow yellow to signal the necessary piecing process. In case of a malfunction, the indicator light can glow red, for example. Other color patterns or configurations of the indicator lights, beyond those mentioned here as examples, are also possible. After performing the manual intervention, the operator can acknowledge it, for example, via an acknowledgement button on the gate device or via an application on a mobile device.

[0026] Furthermore, based on the sensor signals from the detection devices, the control unit can send a message to a higher-level control unit when the respective fiber tape canister, from which the fiber tape is drawn at the respective take-off device, is positioned at the second canister position. This is particularly advantageous when the fiber tape canisters are driverless or self-propelled and controlled by the higher-level control unit. The higher-level control unit can then instruct the canister movements at the respective take-off device of the gate assembly. For example, the higher-level control unit can transmit the instruction to the fiber tape canister at the first canister position to leave the first canister position, and the (instructed) fiber tape canister can execute the instruction by automatically leaving the first canister position and, in particular, the installation area.

[0027] For example, the now-empty main reel moves away from the first reel position and, for instance, towards a fiber sliver-delivering spinning preparation machine, such as a carding machine, an integrated line, etc., to be refilled. Furthermore, the higher-level control unit can, for example, transmit the instruction to the fiber sliver reel located at the second reel position to move to the first reel position, and the (instructed) fiber sliver reel can execute the instruction by automatically moving to the first reel position. During this movement, the respective take-off device can continue to draw the fiber sliver from the moving fiber sliver reel. In other words, the follower reel, currently located at the second reel position and now the active fiber sliver reel since the sliver jump, can move into the now-vacant first reel position.Furthermore, for example, after issuing a command to move another fiber tape canister, particularly one arriving from outside the designated area, the higher-level control system can transmit a command to move to the second canister position. Following this command, the additional fiber tape canister will then automatically move to the second canister position. In other words, the higher-level control system can instruct a full fiber tape canister to move to the now-vacant second canister position as the next canister. Once the second canister position is occupied by the next fiber tape canister, the piecing process begins, for example, in the form of manual intervention by an employee at the respective dispensing device.

[0028] Furthermore, it may be provided that no moving or moving components of the gate assembly are present within the detection range of the respective detection device. Specifically, no components of the gate assembly are present within the detection range of the respective detection device. In particular, the detection device has no guides that guide the fiber tape within the respective detection range. Rather, the fiber tape is pulled off freely within the detection range. Furthermore, the detection range can extend over a detection length of at least 30 centimeters and / or a maximum of 150 centimeters. This further improves the detection rate of tape skips and avoids false detections.For example, the spatial limitation of the detection area also prevents movements by fiber tape cans that are located on can storage areas that are assigned to adjacent extraction devices, or by people walking along the gate area, from not being detected.

[0029] For example, the detection device can have a detection axis along which the detection area extends. This detection axis can be oriented at an angle or parallel to the mounting surface. In other words, the detection device does not look down at the assigned first can position. This improves the detection rate. With an angled arrangement, the detection axis can form an angle of less than 75 degrees with the mounting surface. In a further embodiment, the angle is greater than 0 degrees and / or a maximum of 45 degrees. This further improves the detection rate of the conveyor belt skip and avoids false detections. For example, the orientation of the detection device can be adjustable.Furthermore, the respective detection device can be arranged along a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal beam at a longitudinal distance from the associated trigger device. This allows the respective detection device to view the fiber tape laterally and at a distance from the associated trigger device. This also improves the detection rate.

[0030] The respective longitudinal distance can correspond to the distance between the respective detection device and a vertical line. The vertical line can be a tangent running parallel to the vertical axis and touching the outer edge of the deflecting element. Depending on the application, the longitudinal distance can also correspond to the distance between the respective detection device and a vertical line, which, for example, can run through the associated guide ring.

[0031] In particular, the longitudinal spacing is at least 5 centimeters and / or a maximum of 100 centimeters. The longitudinal spacing can depend on the diameter of the fiber tape cans used. In a further development, the longitudinal spacing can be adjustable to allow the creel mechanism to be adapted to fiber tape cans of different sizes.

[0032] Furthermore, the respective detection area along the vertical axis can have a first vertical distance of at least 4 centimeters to the associated discharge device and / or a second vertical distance of at least 100 centimeters to the installation surface. This easily prevents components of the gate assembly or the fiber tape can from being within the detection area of ​​the respective detection device. The respective vertical distance can depend on the can height of the fiber tape cans used. The respective vertical distance can be adjustable to allow the gate assembly to be adapted to different sized fiber tape cans.

[0033] Furthermore, the detection devices can each be attached to a mounting element. The mounting elements can project downwards from the longitudinal beam. In particular, the mounting elements can be attached to the longitudinal beam itself. In a further development, the respective belt break sensor device and the respective detection device can also be arranged together on a common mounting element. This improves accessibility for work below the longitudinal beam. The common mounting element can be a mounting element of the belt break sensor device. The detection devices can thus be integrated without complex redesign of the gate assembly by attaching them to existing mounting elements of the existing belt break sensor devices. This simplifies retrofitting and reduces costs and installation effort. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting elements can be arranged upright on the installation surface.In particular, the holding elements can be designed in a column shape. Each holding element can be equipped with an acknowledgement button, which is manually pressed by the employee after a manual intervention, such as piecing the tape ends. In this way, the control unit can receive information about the manual intervention on the respective dispensing device.

[0034] Furthermore, each detection device can include a transmitter and a receiver. To provide particularly compact detection devices, the transmitter and receiver can be housed in a single unit.

[0035] Alternatively, the transmitter and receiver can also be housed separately, for example along the vertical axis one above the other or distributed on both sides of the first can holder, the second can holder, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, the detection devices can include photoelectric sensors or reflective photoelectric sensors, light barriers, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, microwave sensors, and image sensors. This allows for the simple detection of a moving object, particularly the fiber tape, during its movement within the respective detection area. In a simpler configuration, the detection devices can be motion sensors. For optical sensors, the measured quantity could be the intensity of the received light or another optical quantity influenced by the interaction with the object. For example, the detection device in question is a reflective photoelectric sensor that emits light and receives reflected rays. Fiber tape, especially light-colored fiber tape made of cotton, is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it reflects sufficient light for the reflective photoelectric sensor to receive.In a detection device, the measured quantity can be, for example, the intensity of the reflected light. In a light barrier, the measured quantity can be the intensity of the light emitted by a light source and interrupted by an object in the detection area. The measured change in light intensity can be used to detect the presence or absence of the object. Thus, the fiber optic tape does not necessarily have to be used as the reflective object. The light beam from the transmitter could be directed at a stationary reflective surface. The reflected beam could be received by the receiver, which can be located on the same side as the transmitter. For this purpose, a reflective surface could, for example, be located on the back of the adjacent mounting element.When an object comes between the transmitter and the reflecting surface, the reflected beam is interrupted, which is detected by the receiver to conclude that a band jump has not yet occurred. When implemented as image sensors (cameras), pixel values ​​could be recorded, representing the intensity of light in different areas of an image. The measured quantity would then be the light intensity at various points in the image. For example, in a simpler configuration, the detection devices can transmit signals to the control unit only when an object or motion is detected. It is also possible for the detection devices to transmit regular or continuous signals to the control unit, such as "motion detected: yes / no".

[0037] By designing the gate device, in particular selecting the detection device, adjusting its sensitivity, adjusting its alignment, adjusting its longitudinal and vertical spacing, etc., the gate device can thus be adjusted for different can sizes and a wide variety of belt materials, for example natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, etc., chemical fibers, recycled fibers from textile waste or mixed fibers.

[0038] Furthermore, the arrangement can include the spinning preparation machine. The control unit can also be configured to control the spinning preparation machine. Additionally, the control unit can be installed within the spinning preparation machine. The connection between the control unit and the components to be controlled can include a suitable communication interface and can be a wired or wireless connection. For example, communication can take place via a BUS connection, a serial interface, a WiFi connection, etc. Furthermore, the control unit can be provided with a communication interface to the higher-level control system. The higher-level control system is configured to issue commands to the vehicles. The arrangement can include the higher-level control system.

[0039] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below together with a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures.

[0040] They show:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an arrangement according to a first embodiment comprising a single-row gate device for feeding a spinning preparation machine designed as a line with fiber strips from a plurality of fiber strip cans that can be provided on a mounting surface of the gate device and a control unit;

[0042] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a gate position in the arrangement;

[0043] Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the arrangement;

[0044] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the creel position where the fiber ribbon is drawn from a fiber ribbon can, also called the main can, located at a first can position; Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the creel position where the fiber ribbon is drawn from the main can and another fiber ribbon can, also called the follower can, is ready at a second can position;

[0045] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the gate position where the fiber ribbon is pulled from the main can, the subsequent can is ready, and a piecing operation has been carried out;

[0046] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of the gate position where the fiber strip is now pulled from the subsequent can after the strip has jumped over;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the gate position after the next can has been moved to the first can position following the belt jump, and the main can is now at the gate position;

[0048] Figure 9 shows a schematic top view of an arrangement according to a second embodiment comprising a two-row creel device for feeding a spinning preparation machine designed as a double-head unit with fiber strips from a plurality of fiber strip cans that can be provided on a mounting surface of the creel device and a control unit;

[0049] Figure 10 shows a schematic top view of an arrangement according to a third embodiment comprising a gate device for feeding a spinning preparation machine designed as a tape winding machine with fiber tapes from a plurality of fiber tape cans that can be provided on a mounting surface of the gate device and a control unit;

[0050] Figure 11 shows a detailed view of a gate position of a further embodiment, which is an alternative to the gate position shown in Figure 2; and

[0051] Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a flowchart of a method according to the invention with one of the aforementioned arrangements.

[0052] Figure 1 shows an arrangement 1 with a creel assembly 2 and a control unit 13 according to a first embodiment. The creel assembly 2, as is known per se, serves to feed a downstream spinning preparation machine 3, here a drawing unit or drawing unit, with a plurality of fiber slivers 5 that can be provided in movable fiber sliver cans 4. The fiber sliver cans 4 are shown as round cans by way of example. On a stationary floor 6, in particular the floor of a spinning mill, on which the arrangement 1 is set up, a mounting surface 8 is defined at or below the creel assembly 2, on which the fiber slivers 5 are provided. The drawing unit 3, as is known per se, serves to even out the fiber slivers 5 provided by the upstream creel assembly 2.The control unit 13 is configured here to control the spinning preparation machine 3 and the creel device 2 together, and can be installed in the spinning preparation machine 3.

[0053] To illustrate the orientation of arrangement 1 in space, a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y, and a vertical axis Z are shown, defined according to a fixed Cartesian coordinate system and indicated by corresponding arrows. The vertical axis Z is perpendicular to the ground 6. Terms such as "below," "below," "above," or "below" represent spatial references to arrangement 1.

[0054] Arrangement 1 is specifically designed for the use of self-propelled vehicles 14 in spinning mills, by means of which the fiber spools 4 can be moved autonomously. As shown here, the vehicles 14 can be permanently connected to the fiber spool 4, so that the unit consisting of vehicle 14 and fiber spool 4 can be referred to as a "self-propelled spinning spool." Such a self-propelled spinning spool is shown in European patent application EP4276228 A1 filed by the applicant. Instead of a fixed or permanent connection, it can also be provided that the vehicle 14 can, for example, pick up and put down the fiber spool 4 or position and move it laterally. In principle, however, arrangement 1 is also suitable for use in spinning mills where the fiber spools 4 are moved manually by the operator.

[0055] The creel assembly 2 has a longitudinal beam 7 arranged along the vertical axis Z above the support surface 8. The creel assembly 2 has, by way of example, six creel positions 38 for a 6-fold doubling, which are designated with reference numerals 38.1, 38.2, 38.3, 38.4, 38.5, and 38.6. For this purpose, six draw-off devices 9 are arranged one behind the other on the longitudinal beam 7 along the longitudinal axis X, in order to be able to draw the fiber slings 5 ​​simultaneously from up to six of the fiber sling cans 4. The creel assembly 2 shown here is a single-row creel. A configuration as a double-row creel assembly is also possible, in which the draw-off devices 9 can be arranged in pairs one behind the other on the longitudinal beam 7. At one end of the gate device 2, which is remote from the track device 3, a motor 11, in particular an electric motor, is attached to the longitudinal beam 7, which is connected to the pull-out devices 9 for drive.For example, a drive train can be integrated into the longitudinal beam 7, which is coupled to the respective extraction devices 9. The control unit 13 can be configured to control the motor 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the gate device 2 can include at least one display device 24, wherein the control unit 13 is configured to display information on the at least one display device 24, for example, to indicate whether manual intervention by the operator on the gate device 2 is necessary. In a further embodiment, a separate display device 24 can be arranged adjacent to each extraction device 9. The respective display device 24 can, for example, be arranged on top of the longitudinal beam 7 so that the display information is clearly visible from a distance. The display information can, for example, be represented by different colors.

[0057] Each fume hood 9 has several, here two, fixed can storage positions 16, 17 within the installation area 8, namely a first can storage position 16 closest to the respective fume hood 9 and a second can storage position 17 furthest from the respective fume hood 9. The can storage positions 16, 17 are indicated by dashed circles. The first can storage position 16 can be located directly below the assigned fume hood 9. The respective second can storage position 17 is located along the transverse axis Y, extending from the longitudinal beam 7 behind the respective first can storage position 16.

[0058] Each can storage location 16, 17 is integrated into a track network 18 of the spinning mill, in which the driverless or self-driving vehicles 14 can move under the control of a higher-level control unit 33. The connection between the control unit 33 and the vehicles 14 is preferably a radio connection. The control unit 13 can communicate with the control unit 33 via a radio connection and / or a wired connection.

[0059] The route network 18 can include a guide track 19 arranged on the ground 6, which may be formed from magnetic strips. Furthermore, the route network 18 includes reference points 20, which may be marked, for example, by RFID tags. For the sake of clarity, the numerous reference points are only partially marked with the reference symbol 20. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology allows the contactless transmission of data stored on the RFID tags or transponders. Alternatively, the markers can be a barcode or a two-dimensional code – also known as a QR code (quick response code). Each RFID tag contains, for example, a unique identifier for the respective reference point 20. Using a reading device attached to the vehicle 14, the address information, for example, can be read and transmitted to the higher-level control system 33.This can transmit commands to vehicle 14, which vehicle 14 is to execute at the respective reference point 20. Furthermore, vehicle 14 can follow the guide track using the reading device. For example, the reading device has a track reader, here for following the magnetic strips, and a point reader, here in the form of an RFID reader unit for reading the RFID tags. At each waypoint in the route network 18 where vehicle 14 might be able to execute a command, such a reference point 20 can be provided, which can be equipped with its own RFID tag. The arrangement can also be used for autonomous vehicles, which typically use technologies such as lasers, cameras, LiDAR, or GPS to perceive their surroundings and move autonomously without being dependent on fixed paths or magnetic strips.

[0060] Figure 2 shows the gate assembly 2 in detail in the area of ​​one of the extraction devices 9. The details shown here apply equally to all extraction devices 9 of the gate assembly 2.

[0061] Each take-off device 9 is equipped with a deflecting element 10 for diverting the fiber strip 5 coming from the respective fiber strip can 4 towards a longitudinal end 15 of the longitudinal beam 7, to which the spinning preparation machine 3 is connected. The deflecting elements 10 can be feed rollers that are coupled to the drive train of the motor 11 and can thus be driven by rotation. A rotating upper roller 12 can be associated with the driven deflecting element 10, with which the respective deflecting element 10 forms a pair of rollers between which the respective fiber strip 5 can be guided. Furthermore, each take-off device 9 can be equipped with a strip break sensor device 21 arranged on the longitudinal beam 7 and connected to the control unit 13.The tape breakage sensor device 21 can, for example, comprise an optical sensor 30 directed towards a guide means 31, wherein a measuring chamber 22 is defined between the optical sensor 30 and the guide means 31, which the sensor 30 monitors. The guide means 31 serves to guide the fiber tape 5, which is taken off by the respective take-off device 9, through the measuring chamber 22. For example, the optical sensor 30 can be directed towards a guide means 31 designed as a wall, along which the fiber tape 5 is moved. Alternatively, the tape breakage sensor device 21 can, for example, comprise contact rollers which, together with the deflecting element 10 designed as a feed roller, form a pair of rollers between which the respective fiber tape 5 can be guided.The respective tape break sensor device 21 can, for example, be arranged downstream of the associated take-off device 9 in the transport direction A of the associated fiber tape 5, although positioning upstream of the associated take-off device 9 is also possible. A guide ring 23 can be arranged upstream of the respective take-off device 9 in the transport direction A, through which the respective fiber tape 5 is guided during take-off. The respective guide ring 23 can also serve as a deflection element 10, particularly if no feed rollers are provided. The respective tape break sensor device 21 processes the signal received from the optical sensor 30 and converts it into an electrical signal, which is then forwarded to the control unit 13.

[0062] Below the longitudinal beam 7, a detection device 25 connected to the control unit 13 is provided for each pull-off device 9 for detecting an object in a detection area 26 of the respective detection device 25. The detection areas 26 and the measuring chambers 22 of the tape break sensor devices 21 are spaced apart from each other. They are separated not only spatially but also functionally.

[0063] The respective detection device 25 is oriented such that its detection range 26 is located along the vertical axis Z below the associated dispensing device 9. The dispensing devices 9 are therefore located outside the detection ranges 26. The control unit 13 is configured to recognize, based on signals received from the detection devices 25, whether the respective fiber tape can 4, from which the fiber tape 5 is dispensed at the respective dispensing device 9, is located in the first can position 16 or the second can position 17. When the fiber tape 5 is dispensed, centrifugal forces act on the fiber tape 5, so that the path of the fiber tape 5 forms the geometry of a balloon, which is also known as a "dispensing balloon" 34. The respective detection device 25 is oriented such that at least a part of the trigger balloon 34 that forms during the pulling action is detected by the detection area 26.As explained in more detail below, it is sufficient if the fiber tape 5 occasionally crosses the detection area 26. In other words, the fiber tape 5 is not permanently located in the detection area 26, at least when it is being removed.

[0064] In the embodiment shown here, the detection device 25 is oriented such that its detection area 26 is arranged above the first can holder 16 of the associated extraction device 9.

[0065] Each detection device 25 has a detection axis 27 along which the detection area 26 extends. No components of the gate assembly 2 are present within the detection area 26 of the respective detection device 25. The respective detection device 25 is also oriented such that the fiber tape can 4 on the associated dispensing device 9 is located outside, or below, the respective detection area 26. The detection axis 27 can be oriented obliquely or parallel to the mounting surface 8. Here, the detection device 25 is oriented obliquely to the mounting surface 8, with the detection axis 27 forming an angle 28 of less than 75 degrees with the mounting surface 8. The respective detection area 26 can extend over a detection length 29 of at least 30 centimeters and / or a maximum of 150 centimeters.This makes it easy to prevent the movement of adjacent fiber tape cans 4 from not being detected.

[0066] Furthermore, the respective detection device 25 can be attached to a holding element 42. The holding elements 42 can project downwards from the longitudinal beam 7. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 11, which will be discussed further below. Alternatively, the holding elements 42 can be arranged standing on the mounting surface 8, like a column. The holding elements 42 are spaced apart from the trigger devices 9 so that the detection devices 25 can view the respective trigger balloon 34 laterally. Specifically, the respective detection device 25 can be arranged along a longitudinal extension of the longitudinal beam 7, which here extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X, at a longitudinal distance 32 from the associated trigger device 9. The longitudinal distance 32 can be at least 5 centimeters and / or a maximum of 100 centimeters.Figure 2 shows that the longitudinal distance 32 corresponds to the distance between the respective detection device 25 and a vertical 44. The vertical 44 can be a tangent 44 running parallel to the vertical axis Z, which touches the outer edge of the deflecting element 10. The respective guide ring 23 is arranged adjacent to the associated dispensing device 9, so that, depending on the application, the longitudinal distance 32 can also correspond to the distance between the respective detection device 25 and a vertical that can, for example, run through the associated guide ring 23. The respective detection area 26 can have a first vertical distance 35 to the associated dispensing device 9 of at least 4 centimeters along the vertical axis Z and / or a second vertical distance 36 to the mounting surface 8 of at least 100 centimeters. Thus, the respective detection device 25 extends beyond the respective fiber tape can 4.

[0067] The respective detection device 25 is thus aligned, due to its angular orientation and detection length 29, in such a way that the respective fiber tape 5 cannot be detected or does not cross the respective detection area 26 when the active fiber tape can 4 is on the second can position 17.

[0068] Each detection device 25 comprises a transmitter and a receiver, both of which are housed in a common casing 37. The detection devices 25 are designed as reflective photoelectric sensors. As is known per se, the transmitter emits light or a light beam into the surroundings, here the associated detection area 26. When an object enters the path of the light beam, the light is reflected from the object's surface. The receiver in the reflective photoelectric sensor registers the reflected light. The respective detection device 25 processes the received light signal and converts it into an electrical signal, which is then forwarded to the control unit 13.

[0069] Thus, the control unit 13 can indicate, for each gate position 38 individually, based on the signals received from the detection devices 25 and optionally based on the signals received from the tape break sensor devices 21, on the display device 24 assigned to the respective gate position 38, whether manual intervention is necessary. The display devices 24 are designed here, in particular, as rod-shaped signal lights. The gate assembly 2 also has at least one acknowledge button 39, one for each gate position 38. The operator can press this button to inform the control unit 13 that manual intervention has been carried out. The display on the respective display device 24 can then change.

[0070] Figure 11 shows an embodiment that essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The only difference lies in the arrangement of the detection device 25, which here is arranged together with the tape breakage sensor device 21 in the transport direction A behind the take-off device 9. The remaining design features are the same as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, and the components are the same as in the embodiment according to Figure 2, are provided with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are not repeated.

[0071] The detection device 25 is shown here as an example attached to the tape break sensor device 21, in particular to its lower end. Accordingly, no separate retaining element 42 is required for the detection device 25, as shown in the embodiment according to Figure 2. Rather, the detection device 25 can be attached to the existing retaining element of the existing tape break sensor device 21. The joint arrangement of the two devices 25, 21 improves accessibility below the longitudinal beam 7. However, it is also possible in principle for the detection device 25 and the tape break sensor device 21 to be arranged on a common retaining element.The acknowledgement button can be located in a place easily accessible to the operator, for example adjacent to the associated take-off device 9, whereby, as with the other embodiments, acknowledgement of the manual intervention can be made via mobile device, handheld device, at the control of the spinning preparation machine, the creel device or the like.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the arrangement 1. During operation of the arrangement 1, the spinning preparation machine 3 draws off the fiber slivers 5 supplied by the creel unit 2. For this to occur, at least one fiber sliver can 4 filled with fiber sliver 5 must always be available at the respective creel position 38. The fiber sliver cans 4 from which the fiber sliver 5 is currently being drawn are referred to as active fiber sliver cans 4, regardless of which of the can positions 16, 17 they are currently located in. The active fiber sliver cans 4 are designated by reference numeral 4.1 in Figure 3. The subsequent fiber sliver cans 4, filled with fiber slivers 5, which supply the creel unit 2, are referred to as follower cans and are designated by reference numeral 4.2 in Figure 3. Empty fiber tape cans 4, whose fiber tapes 5 have already been removed at the gate device 2, are marked with reference numeral 4.3.The directions of travel of the self-propelled fiber belt cans 4 are marked with arrows F.

[0073] Figures 4 to 8 show exemplary states that can occur during the course of a process according to one embodiment of the invention, for example, at one of the gate positions 38 of the arrangement 1. In principle, the method is also applicable, at least analogously, to other arrangements, in particular the arrangements 51 and 61 shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0074] The fiber tape can 4 positioned at the first can position 16 is designated as the main can, and the can at the second can position 17 is designated as the follow-up can. The fiber tape can 4 from which the fiber tape 5 is currently being drawn off at gate position 38 is designated as the active fiber tape can 4.

[0075] At the start, at each creel position 38, the respective fiber sliver can 4, filled with fiber sliver 5, is positioned at the first can position 16, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 1, respectively. The fiber sliver 5 is drawn from the main can. During the drawing of the fiber sliver 5, centrifugal forces act, so that the path of the fiber sliver 5 forms the geometry of the draw-off balloon 34, as can be seen in Figure 2. The higher-level control unit 33 coordinates the movements of all fiber sliver cans 4 and will always strive to provide two fiber sliver cans 4 at the creel positions 38, i.e., a main can and a follower can, in order to ensure an uninterrupted production process of the spinning preparation machine 3.

[0076] As long as the control unit 13 has not yet received notification from the higher-level control unit 33 that the respective second can holder 17 has been occupied with a follow-up can, no piecing process can be carried out, which is why it may be provided that the respective display device 24 lights up in green.

[0077] When the control unit 13 is informed by the higher-level control device 33 that the respective second can position 17 has been occupied by another fiber tape can 4, i.e., the follow-up can, as shown in Figure 5, then the control unit 13 controls the respective indicator device 24, whose assigned second can position 17 is occupied by the follow-up can 4, to light up yellow. The change to yellow signals to the operator that manual intervention, in this case the piecing process, is necessary. During the pending piecing process, the operator must connect the tape end 40 of the active fiber tape can 4 with the tape beginning 41 of the follow-up can, which is located in the second can position 17, as shown in Figure 6.In principle, the control unit 13 can also take a certain time delay into account after the belt jump before illuminating yellow, to ensure that the belt end 40 is accessible to the operator for the pending piecing operation. Once the piecing operation has been carried out, the operator confirms this by pressing the associated acknowledgement button 39. The control unit 13 then activates the respective indicator device 24, causing it to illuminate green. The further sequence of the process is shown schematically in Figure 12, which is also referred to below. Step 70 starts the further sequence at the respective take-off device 9, for which both can positions 16, 17 are equipped with filled fiber belt cans 4, the belt start 40 of the active fiber belt can 4 (main can) is connected to the belt end 41 of the subsequent can 4, and the associated indicator device 24 illuminates green.

[0078] The respective detection device 25 monitors its detection range 26 (step 80), with its transmitter transmitting and its receiver ready to receive. Furthermore, the fiber tape 5 is unwound from the respective take-off device 9 (step 71). The fiber tapes 5 are fed, for example, via a feed roller of the spinning preparation machine, such as a section, with the deflection elements 10, optionally designed as driven feed rollers, supporting the feeding of the fiber tapes 5 to the spinning preparation machine.

[0079] When the fiber tape 5 is pulled from the fiber tape can 4 (main can) standing on the first can position 16, the fiber tape 5 crosses the detection area 26 of the respective detection device 25, as shown in Figure 6. This occurs separately for each gate position 38, without having to happen synchronously or simultaneously at all gate positions 38.

[0080] In optional step 71, the signals generated by the receiver of the respective detection device 25 are analyzed. This analysis can include, for example: determining the signal intensity of the reflected light; comparing the current intensity with a reference value or a previous value; and detecting significant changes that indicate movement in the monitored area. This processing step serves to determine, based on the reflected light signals, whether there is a change in the detection area 26 that can be interpreted as movement. If no relevant change is detected, the evaluation continues (step 82, "No" path). If such a change is detected (step 82, "Yes" path), a corresponding signal is transmitted to the control unit 13. Due to the orientation of the detection device 25, the change is highly likely to be caused by the detached fiber tape 5.However, it is also possible in principle that the respective detection device 25 regularly or continuously transmits signals to the control unit 13, such as motion detected: yes / no.

[0081] In step 83, the control unit 13 starts a time window with a defined duration for gate position 38, whose detection device 25 has detected an object or the fiber tape 5. This time window can be, for example, 25 seconds. If, within the current time window, the same detection device 25 detects another object in the detection area 26 and transmits a corresponding signal to the control unit 13 (step 84, "Yes" path), the control unit 13 restarts the time window for this detection device 25. The control unit 13 can also transmit this information to the higher-level control unit 33.

[0082] If, on the other hand, the time window expires because, for example, no object has been detected by this detection device 25 for 25 seconds, the control unit 13 starts a test step (step 85). Here, it is checked whether the spinning preparation machine 3 is actually pulling in the fiber strips 5. This can be the case, for example, if there is a fault, such as a strip break detected by one of the strip break devices 21, a manually triggered stop, etc. If the pulling is stopped (query 72, "Yes" path), a corresponding signal is generated in step 73 and transmitted to the control unit 13. If the fiber strips 5 are being pulled in, query 72 follows the "No" path.

[0083] When the spinning preparation machine 3 pulls in the fiber spools 6, test step 85 follows the "no" path. In step 90, the control unit 13 recognizes that the active fiber spool can 4 is located at the second can position 17. A spool transfer has therefore taken place from the fiber spool can 4 located at the first can position 16 to the fiber spool can 4 located at the second can position 17, as shown in Figure 7. Step 90 can include various intermediate steps. For example, the control unit 13 can transmit this information to the higher-level control unit 33 in step 90. The latter can then transmit movement requests to the two fiber spool cans 4. The empty fiber spool can 4 located at the first can position 16 can be instructed, for example, to move to a location outside the setup area 8, which it then does.The now active fiber belt can 4 can receive a movement request to move from the second can position 17 to the first can position 16. In other words, the active fiber belt can 4 is instructed to move from the second can position 17 to the first can position 16, and the fiber belt can 4 executes this instruction by moving autonomously to the first can position 16. Figure 8 shows that the moved fiber belt can 4 is now located at the first can position 16. Furthermore, the higher-level control unit 33 can instruct a subsequent can to occupy the now vacated second can position 17.

[0084] When the active fiber tape can 4 is moved to the first can position 16, the fiber tape 5 again crosses the detection area 26 of the respective detection device 25. The process then begins again as explained above in connection with Figure 4.

[0085] If, however, test step 85 reveals a fault, for example, a tape break detected by one of the tape break devices 21, a manually triggered stop, etc., then the indicator device 24 is activated to light up red, and the process stops at step 100. After the cause has been rectified, the operator can indicate this by pressing the associated acknowledge button 39 of the control unit 13. The process can then generally be continued from the point where it was interrupted, for example, test step 85 or the subsequent step 90.

[0086] The described procedure represents only an exemplary sequence. In particular, the steps that occur in response to the detection of a tape skip can be optional. For example, the signal generated in step 73 can also influence the sequence at other points. Thus, the procedure can be aborted upon transmission of the signal from step 73, regardless of its current position. Therefore, no prior detection is required, and consequently, no time window needs to have been started. Test step 85 can be optional. Figure 9 shows an arrangement 51 with a gate assembly 52 and a common control unit 13 according to a second embodiment. The gate assembly 52 is designed with two rows and, as is known per se, serves to feed the downstream spinning preparation machine 53, which here is configured as a double-head unit.The foregoing statements are applicable analogously to this embodiment.

[0087] Figure 10 shows an arrangement 61 with a gate assembly 62 and a common control unit 13 according to a third embodiment. The gate assembly 62, as is known per se, serves to feed a downstream spinning preparation machine 63, which here is designed as a strip winding machine. The foregoing descriptions are applicable analogously to this embodiment.

[0088] Reference sign

[0089] 1 Arrangement 37 Housings

[0090] 2 Gate assembly 38 Gate position

[0091] 3 Spinning preparation machine 39 Acknowledge button

[0092] 4 fiber tape can 40 tape end

[0093] 5 Fiber tape 41 Tape start

[0094] 6 Floor 42 Holding element

[0095] 7 longitudinal beams

[0096] 8 Footprint 44 Vertical

[0097] 9. Extraction device

[0098] 10 Deflection element 51 Arrangement

[0099] 11 Motor 52 Gate device

[0100] 12 Upper roller 53 Spinning preparation machine

[0101] 13 Control unit

[0102] 14 Vehicle 61 Arrangement

[0103] 15 Longitudinal end 62 Gate device

[0104] 16 Canning positions 63 Spinning preparation machine

[0105] 17 pitches

[0106] 18 route network 70 start

[0107] 19 Guide lane 71 step

[0108] 20 Reference point 72 Step

[0109] 21 Tape breakage sensor device 73 Step

[0110] 22 Measuring room 80 steps

[0111] 23 guide ring 81 step

[0112] 24 Display device 82 Step

[0113] 25 Detection device 83 Step

[0114] 26 detection range 84 steps

[0115] 27 Detection axis 85 step

[0116] 28 angles 90 steps

[0117] 29 Detection length 100 End

[0118] 30 Sensor

[0119] 31 Management tools

[0120] 32 Longitudinal distance A Transport direction

[0121] 33 Guide device F Direction of travel

[0122] 34 Trigger balloon X Longitudinal axis

[0123] 35 Height difference Y Transverse axis

[0124] 36 Height difference Z Vertical axis

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for feeding a spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63) with fiber strips (5) from a plurality of fiber strip cans (4), wherein the fiber strip cans (4) are provided on a mounting surface (8) of a creel device (2; 52; 62), wherein the creel device (2; 52; 62) has a longitudinal beam (7) which can be arranged or is arranged along a vertical axis (Z) above the mounting surface (8) and discharge devices (9) arranged on the longitudinal beam (7), wherein within the mounting surface (8) each discharge device (9) is assigned a first can mounting position (16) nearest to the respective discharge device (9) and a second can mounting position (17) remote from the respective discharge device (9), wherein the method comprises the steps: - Pulling (80) a fiber ribbon (5) with the respective pull-off device (9) from a fiber ribbon can (4) standing on the first can position (16) of the respective pull-off device (9), wherein a ribbon end (40) of the fiber ribbon can (4) standing on the first can position (16) of the respective pull-off device (9) is connected to a ribbon start (41) of a fiber ribbon can (4) standing on the second can position (17) of the respective pull-off device (9), - Detection (81) of an object in a detection area (26) of a detection device (25) assigned to the respective extraction device (9), - Receiving (83) signals by the control unit (13), wherein the signals are provided by at least one of the detection devices (25), and - Detect (90) by the control unit (13) based on the received signals whether the respective fiber tape can (4), from which the fiber tape (5) is drawn at the respective dispensing device (9), is on the first can position (16) of the respective dispensing device (9) or the second can position (17) of the respective dispensing device (9).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the respective detection device (25) is oriented such that its detection area (26) is arranged above the first can placement position (16) of the associated extraction device (9).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (13) starts a time window with a defined duration (83) when an object is detected in the detection area (26) of the respective detection device (25), wherein the control unit (13) recognizes (84) if a new detection occurs within the time window that the respective fiber tape can (4), from which the fiber tape (5) is drawn off at the respective dispensing device (9), is on its first can position (16), and if no new detection occurs within the time window that the respective fiber tape can (4), from which the fiber tape (5) is drawn off at the respective dispensing device (9), is on its second can position (17).

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (13) checks in a test step (85) after the time window has elapsed whether the spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63) is drawing in the fiber spools (5), and only then recognizes that the respective fiber spool can (4) is on the second can position (17) when the spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63) is drawing in the fiber spools (5).

5. Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the control unit (13) sends a message to a higher-level control device (33) (90) when the control unit (13) has recognized that the respective fiber tape can (4), from which the fiber tape (5) is drawn at the respective take-up device (9), is on its second can position (17).

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the superior control device (33) transmits instructions (90) to the fiber belt cans (4) located at the first can position (17) and the second can position (18) at the respective extraction device (9), wherein the fiber belt cans (4) are driverless or self-driving cans.

7. The method of claim 6, characterized in that the method comprises at least one of the following steps: - the higher-level control unit transmits (90) to the fiber tape can (4) standing on the first can position (16) the instruction to leave the first can position (16) and the fiber tape can (4) executes the instruction by leaving the first can position (16) and in particular leaves the installation area (8) automatically; - the superior control unit transmits (90) to the fiber belt can (4) standing on the second can position (17) the instruction to move up to the first can position (16) and the fiber belt can (4) executes this instruction by automatically moving to the first can position (16), in particular whereby the respective take-off device (9) continues to take off the fiber belt (5) during the move-up; and - the higher-level control unit (90) transmits the instruction to move a further fiber tape can (4) filled with fiber tape (5) from outside the setup location (8) to the second can position (17), whereby the further fiber tape can (4) automatically moves to the second can position (17) following this instruction.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the gate device (2; 52; 62) comprises at least one display device (24), wherein, based on the signals received by the at least one detection device (25), it is indicated on the at least one display device (24) whether or when manual intervention is necessary.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a tape breakage sensor device (21) is provided for each pull-off device (9) arranged on the longitudinal beam (7) and connected to the control unit (13).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the respective tape break sensor device (21) has a tape break sensor (30) configured to monitor a measuring chamber (22).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the detection areas (26) and the measuring spaces (22) are spaced apart from each other.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the respective detection device (25) is arranged along the vertical axis (Z) below the measuring space (22) of the associated tape break sensor device (21).

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the Detection devices (25) each comprise a transmitter and a receiver, in particular wherein the respective transmitter and receiver are housed in a common housing (37).

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the detection devices (25) are from the group comprising light sensors, light barriers, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, capacitive sensors, microwave sensors, and image sensors.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the arrangement (1 ; 51; 61) comprises the spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63), wherein the control unit (13) controls the spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63).

16. Arrangement (1; 51; 61) for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the arrangement (1; 51; 61) comprises a creel assembly (2; 52; 62) for feeding a spinning preparation machine (3; 53; 63) with fiber slivers (5) from a plurality of fiber sliver cans (4) that can be provided on a mounting surface (8) of the creel assembly (2; 52; 62) and a control unit (13), wherein the creel assembly (2; 52; 62) has a longitudinal beam (7) that can be arranged or is arranged along a vertical axis (Z) above the mounting surface (8) and discharge devices (9) arranged on the longitudinal beam (7), wherein within the mounting surface (8) of each discharge device (9) there is a first can mounting position (16) nearest to the respective discharge device (9) and a second can holder (17) is assigned, located away from the respective extraction device (9).

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