Device for feeding at least one sliver to a sliver-processing textile machine, corresponding method for operating the device, and spinning preparation assembly having such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for feeding at least one sliver (5), which can be provided by a storage container (4) mounted on a base (6), to a sliver-processing textile machine (3), comprising: a longitudinal beam (7) which extends along a longitudinal axis (L_7) and can be supported on the base (6) via a support assembly (18) and which can be moved parallel to an axis (Z) oriented perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (L_7); and a guide device (14) for guiding the at least one sliver (5) to the textile machine (3), the guide device being connected to the longitudinal beam (7) and movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L_7).

Description

[0001] Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0002] Device for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine with at least one fiber ribbon, corresponding method for operating the device and arrangement in the spinning mill preparation with such a device

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a device for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine with at least one fiber ribbon, which can be supplied from a feed container arranged on a floor, a corresponding method for operating the device, and an arrangement in the spinning preparation area with such a device. Such devices can also be referred to as creels.

[0005] The fiber sliver is drawn from the feed hoppers via the creel and fed to the textile machine. If fiber sliver breaks or runs out, the textile machine operator must stop the process and ensure that more fiber sliver is supplied to the textile machine via the creel, for example, by changing the feed hopper. Depending on the operator's height, the creel may be positioned so high in its operating position that the operator cannot reach it. To enable the operator to reach the creel for maintenance, height-adjustable creels are known from the prior art; these can be moved from the operating position to a maintenance position.

[0006] For example, DE 10 2022 128 352 A1 discloses a creel device for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine with a plurality of fiber ribbons that can be provided in movable feed containers, comprising: a height-adjustable longitudinal beam which is arranged above a mounting surface for setting up the feed containers, and a guide device arranged on the longitudinal beam for guiding the fiber ribbons drawn from the feed containers towards the textile machine, wherein the creel device has a height adjustment device operatively connected to the longitudinal beam with a drive device for driven displacement of the longitudinal beam along a vertical axis arranged perpendicular to the mounting surface.

[0007] The object of the invention is to propose a height-adjustable device for feeding a fiber tape processing textile machine with at least one fiber tape, which enables low-interference operation of the device and the textile machine, as well as a corresponding method for operating the device and a corresponding arrangement in the spinning preparation with such a device.

[0008] To solve the problem, a device for feeding a fiber tape processing textile machine with at least one fiber tape, which can be supplied from a feed container arranged on a floor, is proposed. The device comprises an Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0009] A longitudinal beam extending along a longitudinal axis, which can be supported on the ground by a support arrangement and can be displaced parallel to a vertical axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a guide device for guiding the at least one fiber strip towards the textile machine, which is connected to the longitudinal beam, wherein the guide device can be displaced in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0010] The device according to the invention has the advantage that the stress on the fiber strip caused by a vertical displacement of the longitudinal beam is reduced or eliminated. Vertical displacement of the longitudinal beam increases the effective clamping length between the infeed point of the textile machine and the guide device. This change in length results in a tensile force acting on the fiber strip, the magnitude of which can vary depending on the design of the guide device. This tensile force causes an unwanted stretching of the fiber strip between the infeed point of the textile machine and the guide device, which can lead to fiber strip breakage.This effect occurs particularly when the fiber tape is clamped at one or more points by the guide device, for example by a pair of take-off rollers with at least one driven roller for pulling the fiber tape from the feed container.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the support arrangement can be designed such that when the longitudinal beam is displaced along the vertical axis, both the longitudinal beam and the guide device are displaced along the longitudinal axis. The displacement of the longitudinal beam along the longitudinal axis can be equal in magnitude to the displacement of the guide device along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the longitudinal beam and the guide device can be coupled in their movement, so that they are displaced together along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the displacement of the longitudinal beam along the longitudinal axis can differ in magnitude from the displacement of the guide device along the longitudinal axis. In other words, the guide device can also be displaceable along the longitudinal beam along the longitudinal axis.

[0012] In another possible embodiment, the guide device can be slidably connected to the longitudinal beam along its longitudinal axis. For this purpose, the guide device can be mounted on the longitudinal beam via a sliding bearing. When the longitudinal beam is displaced along its vertical axis, the guide device can also be displaced along the longitudinal beam along its longitudinal axis.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the guiding device can include an outer guide section. The outer guide section can support at least one fiber strip at a contact point between the fiber strip and the guiding device closest to the textile machine. In other words, the outer guide section defines Internal File Reference P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0014] The guide section is a contact point between the fiber belt and the guide device, located closest to the textile machine. Therefore, the outer guide section can also be called the fiber belt transfer section. The outer guide section can be formed by a guide groove.

[0015] The support arrangement can be designed such that the contact point of the outer guide section is movably arranged on a circular path. The center of this circular path can be positioned in overlap with a clamping point defined by a pair of rollers on the textile machine. The fiber strip can thus be clamped between this pair of rollers. The clamping point can be the point of contact between the textile machine and the fiber strip closest to the device.

[0016] In another possible embodiment, the support arrangement can include a first pivot arm. The first pivot arm can be pivotally connected to the longitudinal beam via a first beam pivot bearing. The first pivot arm can also be pivotally connected to the ground, at least indirectly, via a first floor pivot bearing. Alternatively or in combination, the support arrangement can include a second pivot arm. The second pivot arm can be pivotally connected to the longitudinal beam via a second beam pivot bearing. The second pivot arm can also be pivotally connected to the ground, at least indirectly, via a second floor pivot bearing.

[0017] The support arrangement can include a first support that can be connected to the ground. The first support can include the first ground pivot bearing, or the first ground pivot bearing can be located on the support. The support arrangement can also include a second support that can be connected to the ground. The second support can include the second ground pivot bearing, or the second ground pivot bearing can be located on the second support.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, a drive unit can be provided that drives a displacement of the longitudinal beam parallel to the vertical axis, a displacement of the longitudinal beam along the longitudinal axis, and / or a displacement of the guide device along the longitudinal axis. The drive unit can drive both the displacement of the longitudinal beam parallel to the vertical axis and the displacement of the longitudinal beam along the longitudinal axis.

[0019] To solve the problem, a method for operating a device according to a previously described embodiment is further proposed, comprising the following steps: displacement of the longitudinal beam along the vertical axis by a stroke, and displacement of the guide device in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, which occurs particularly depending on the stroke. Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0020] To solve the problem, an arrangement in the spinning preparation is further proposed, comprising: a device for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine with at least one fiber ribbon, which can be provided from a feed container arranged on a floor, according to a previously described embodiment; and a fiber ribbon processing textile machine which can be fed with at least one fiber ribbon by the device.

[0021] The textile machine can have a pair of rollers between which at least one fiber strip can be clamped, so that a clamping point of the textile machine is defined which is closest to the device.

[0022] In the event that the support arrangement is designed such that the contact point of the outer guide section is movably arranged on a circular path, the center of the circular path can be arranged in overlap with the clamping point of the textile machine.

[0023] If the support arrangement comprises a first pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to the longitudinal beam via a first beam pivot bearing and which is at least indirectly pivotally connected to the ground via a first base pivot bearing, and if the support arrangement comprises a second pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to the longitudinal beam via a second beam pivot bearing and which is at least indirectly pivotally connected to the ground via a second base pivot bearing, then a pivot axis of the first base pivot bearing and a pivot axis of the second base pivot bearing can define a plane in which the clamping point of the textile machine is also located. In other words, the two pivot axes and the clamping point of the textile machine can be arranged in a common plane.

[0024] The devices according to the invention are described below with reference to the figure drawings. These show:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view from an oblique angle above of an arrangement with a tracker and a device according to the invention for feeding the tracker;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of the device for feeding the conveyor from Figure 1, wherein the gate device is arranged in a first height position;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a perspective side view of the device for feeding the conveyor system from Figure 1, with the gate mechanism arranged in a second height position; Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0028] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the arrangement from Figure 1, wherein the longitudinal beam is shown in both the first height position and the second height position, and the guide device does not undergo any displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and

[0029] Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the arrangement from Figure 1, wherein the longitudinal beam is shown both in a first height position with the guide arrangement in a first longitudinal position and in a second height position with the guide arrangement in a second longitudinal position, and

[0030] Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of an arrangement with a track-laying device and a device according to the invention for feeding the track-laying device in a second embodiment, wherein the longitudinal beam is shown in both a first height position and a second height position.

[0031] Figures 1 to 5, which are described together below, show an arrangement 1 comprising a textile machine, here configured as a drawing unit 3, and a device 2 according to the invention for feeding the drawing unit 3. The device 2 for feeding the drawing unit 3 can also be referred to as a creel device. The creel device 2 according to the invention, which is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, serves, in a manner known per se, to feed the downstream drawing unit 3 with one or a plurality of fiber strips 5 that can be provided in movable feed containers 4. The drawing unit 3 serves, in a manner known per se, to homogenize the fiber strips 5 provided by the upstream creel device 2. For the sake of clarity, only a subset of the, here by way of example, eight feed containers 4 and eight fiber strips 5 are provided with the reference numerals.

[0032] To illustrate the orientation of the arrangement 1 in space, a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a vertical direction Z are shown, defined in terms of a fixed Cartesian coordinate system and indicated by corresponding arrows. The vertical axis Z is perpendicular to a fixed surface 6, in particular the floor of a spinning mill, on which the arrangement 1 is to be set up. Terms such as "below," "below," "above," or "above" represent spatial references to the arrangement 1 in the direction of the vertical axis.

[0033] The gate device 2 has a height-adjustable longitudinal beam 7 extending along a longitudinal axis L_7. In this case, the longitudinal axis L_7 runs parallel to the X-axis. The longitudinal beam 7 is arranged parallel to a defined mounting surface 8 on which the feed containers 4 are placed on the floor 6. Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0034] The gate assembly 2 has, by way of example, eight draw-off points 9 in Figure 1 and six draw-off points 9 in Figures 2 and 3, in order to be able to simultaneously draw fiber strips 5 from the feed containers 4. The feed containers 4 are shown by way of example as round cans and are arranged in two rows of cans below the longitudinal beam 7.

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 show the creel assembly 2 according to the invention in more detail, which, by way of example only, has six of the discharge points 9 for a total of six of the feed containers 4. The fiber strips 5 provided by the feed containers 4 are guided to the drawing unit 3 via a guide device 14, which is arranged on the longitudinal beam 7. The guide device 14 comprises feed rollers 10, which can be driven by a common motor 11, in particular an electric motor, and by means of which the fiber strips 5 can be drawn from the feed containers 4. The motor 11 can be arranged at an end of the creel assembly 2 on the longitudinal beam 7 that is remote from the drawing unit 3 and can be driven by a drive train preferably housed in the longitudinal beam 7 and can be connected to the feed rollers 10. The motor 11 can be controlled by a control device 34.The control device 34 can also be integrated into the control device of the stretching unit 3. Each driven feed roller 10 is assigned a corresponding upper roller 12 of the guide device 14, with which the respective feed roller 10 forms a roller pair 13, between which the respective fiber strip 5 is clamped and guided.

[0036] To guide the fiber strips 5 drawn from the feed containers 4 to the drawing unit 3, the guide device 14 comprises a guide element 15 at each of the draw-off points 9, which is positioned upstream of the respective pair of rollers 13. The respective guide element 15 can, for example, have a strip guide equipped with an opening, particularly in the form of an eyelet, which can be held on the longitudinal beam 7 by a retaining rod. During operation of the arrangement 1, the drawn fiber strip 5 passes through the guide element 15, is deflected in the longitudinal direction X, and then passes through the roller gap of the pair of rollers 13 at the respective draw-off point 9. In the area of ​​the end of the longitudinal beam 7 facing the drawing unit 3, open-topped guide grooves 16 of the guide device 14 are also arranged, through which the fiber strips 5 are guided separately from one another.The guide grooves 16 define the contact point between the guide device 14 and the fiber strips 5, which is closest to the track device 3.

[0037] Each of the extraction points 9 is further assigned a sensor 17, particularly an optical sensor, which can be arranged behind the respective pair of rollers 13 and monitors the respective fiber tape 5. In this way, it can be monitored whether all the fiber tapes 5 entering the drawing unit 3 are present. The sensors 17 are identified by the internal file reference P249935WO1 dated July 18, 2025.

[0038] Control unit 34 is connected. If one of the sensors 17 detects a strip break because, during operation, one of the sensors 17 does not detect a fiber strip or detects a stationary fiber strip, the control unit 34 can stop the rollers of the drawing unit 3 and the feed rollers 10 of the creel unit 2. Subsequently, a machine operator can rectify the fault, whereby the creel unit 2 is height-adjustable from a first height position shown in Figure 2, which can also be referred to as the operating position, to a second height position shown in Figure 3, which can also be referred to as the maintenance position. The distance along the height axis Z between the first height position and the second height position can be referred to as the stroke D.

[0039] The guide device 14 is slidably mounted on the longitudinal beam 14 via a sliding bearing 35 along the longitudinal axis L_7. Thus, in particular, the roller pairs 14 and the guide grooves 16 are slidable along the longitudinal axis L_7.

[0040] In order to move the height-adjustable longitudinal beam 7 into the maintenance position, for example upon detection of a belt breakage, the gate device 2 can have a height-adjustable support arrangement 18 for driven movement of the longitudinal beam 7 along the vertical axis Z, which can be controlled in particular via the control device 34.

[0041] The support arrangement 18, which is operatively connected to the longitudinal beam 7, can have two support columns 19 on which the longitudinal beam 7 is mounted. Each support column 19 has a base 20 erected on the stationary ground 6 and a displacement element 21 arranged to be displaceable relative to the base 20 along the vertical axis Z. Furthermore, the support arrangement 18 has a drive unit 22 with an actuator 23, in particular pneumatically or electrically operated, for each support column 19, wherein the displacement element 21 can comprise or be a cylinder of the actuator 22. In Figure 2, the cylinder is shown in an extended position in which the longitudinal beam 7 is held in the operating position. In Figure 3, the displacement element 21 is shown in a retracted position in which the longitudinal beam 7 is held in the maintenance position, which is lower than the operating position.The respective actuator 23 can be housed in the base section 20 or in a column section 24 that is attached to the underside of the longitudinal beam 7. It goes without saying that the respective support column 19 can, if necessary, have a cover to shield the moving parts of the support arrangement 18.

[0042] In the maintenance position shown in Figure 3, the longitudinal beam 7 can be positioned at a height that allows the operator to reach the longitudinal beam 7 or the guide device 14 without aids. In other words, in the maintenance position, the respective pull-off point 9 on the longitudinal beam 7 is easily and conveniently accessible from the hall floor 6, with a sufficient distance between the longitudinal beam and the guide device 14. Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0043] 7 and the feed containers 4 are maintained. In the operating position shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal beam 7 can be arranged in a first height position, the operating position, which is optimal for ongoing operation. In this position, the fiber strips 5 can enter an entry point 25 of the drawing device 3 at an entry angle that is optimal for the drawing device 3, as shown in Figures 1 and 4. By means of the support arrangement 18, a height difference can be set between a discharge point 26 of the creel device 2, formed by the guide grooves 16, and the entry point 25 of the drawing device 3. For example, for wrapping around the rider rollers of the drawing device 3 arranged in the entry point 25, it is advantageous if the fiber strips 5 enter from an oblique angle above, as shown in Figures 1 and 4.Furthermore, the longitudinal beam 7 can be moved along the vertical axis Z by means of the support arrangement 18 when stationary as well as during operation, whereby the longitudinal beam 7 is always aligned parallel to the mounting surface 8.

[0044] An operating unit 27 can be arranged on at least one of the support columns 19, allowing the machine operator, for example, to restart the spreading unit 3, in particular its rollers, and the motor 11 for driving the feed rollers 10 at the gate unit 2 after a can change. The control unit 34 can be integrated into the support column. The operating unit 27 is shown here, by way of example, attached to the column section 24 closest to the spreading unit 3, but could also be located at another point easily accessible to the machine operator. Furthermore, the machine operator can use the operating unit 27 to switch the drive unit 22 in order to move the longitudinal beam 7 up and down. Additionally, heights can be stored in the operating unit 27 ("memory function") to which the longitudinal beam 7 is moved when the desired height is selected.It is also conceivable that a corresponding operating device is provided alternatively or in combination on an operating terminal 41 or an operating panel 42 of the stretching device 3 or in a mobile device.

[0045] Figures 4 and 5 each schematically depict a portion of the track assembly 3 together with the longitudinal beam 7. For clarity, only the first two discharge points 9, 9' of the longitudinal beam 7 are shown, and the support arrangement is omitted. The longitudinal beam 7 is shown in both its operating and maintenance positions, with the two positions separated vertically by the stroke D. The maintenance position is indicated in Figures 4 and 5 by the addition of an asterisk (*) to the reference symbols and the representation of the fiber band 5* as a dashed line. In the operating position, the fiber band 5 is shown as a solid line.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 show the relocation of the longitudinal beam 7 from the maintenance position to the operating position (see arrow P). In other words, the relocation of the Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0047] Figure 4 shows the longitudinal beam 7 being moved along the vertical axis Z by a stroke D from a first position to a second position, the first position being located between the floor 6 and the second position. To illustrate the problem underlying the invention, in Figure 4 the guide arrangement 14 is not moved relative to the longitudinal beam 7 along the longitudinal axis L_7, as is also the case in the prior art. In Figure 5, however, the guide arrangement 14 is moved relative to the longitudinal beam 7 along the longitudinal axis L_7 according to the invention.

[0048] In Figures 4 and 5, the fiber strips 5, 5* are drawn from associated feed containers 4 by roller pairs 13 at the discharge points 9, 9* in the operating and maintenance positions, respectively, and subsequently guided through the guide grooves 16 towards the rider rollers of the infeed point 25. The fiber strips 5, 5* are supported by the bottom of the guide grooves 16. Thus, the guide grooves 16 define a contact point between the fiber strips 5, 5* and the guide device 14, which is closest to the drawing device 13.

[0049] The fiber strips 5, 5* are clamped by the roller pairs 13, so that the roller pairs 13 each form a first clamping point at the take-off point 9, 9', where the respective fiber strip 5, 5* is fixed. The fiber strips 5, 5* are also clamped between the rider rollers of the infeed point 25, so that a second clamping point is formed there.

[0050] In the operating position, the inlet point 25, or the second clamping point, has a distance D5.0 from the bottom of the guide grooves 16, or the corresponding contact point. The bottom of the guide grooves 16 also has a distance D5.1 from the first discharge point 9 and a distance D5.2 from the second discharge point 9'. The clamping length of the fiber tape 5 between the first discharge point 9 and the second clamping point of the drawing unit 3 is therefore the sum of the distances D5.0 and D5.1. Similarly, the clamping length of the fiber tape 5 between the second discharge point 9' and the second clamping point of the drawing unit 3 is the sum of the distances D5.0 and D5.2.

[0051] In the maintenance position, the clamping length of the fiber tape 5* between the first pull-off point 9 and the second clamping point of the stretching device 3 is the sum of the distances D5.0* and D5.1*. A clamping length of the fiber tape 5* between the second pull-off point 9' and the second clamping point of the stretching device 3 is therefore the sum of the distances D5.0* and D5.2*.

[0052] Figure 4 shows that the distances D5.1, D5.1* and D5.2, D5.2* are each independent of the position of the longitudinal beam in the vertical direction Z, whereas the difference between the distance D5.0 and the distance D5.0* increases with increasing stroke D if the guide device 14 is not moved along the longitudinal axis L_7 (Internal file number P249935WO1, 18.07.2025). Thus, the clamping length of the fiber bands 5, 5* increases with increasing stroke D when the longitudinal beam 7 is moved from the maintenance position towards the operating position. This increase is the same for all fiber bands 5 and corresponds to the difference between the distance D5.0 and D5.0*. Due to the fixed clamping of the fiber tapes 5, 5* in the first clamping point and in the second clamping point of the stretching device 3, the fiber tapes 5, 5* are elongated to such an extent that the tape tension increases. This can lead to a breakage of the fiber tapes 5, 5*.

[0053] To avoid this, a tape tension compensation device is provided, designed such that when the longitudinal beam 7 is displaced parallel to the vertical axis, the tape tension of the fiber tape 5, 5* remains constant or substantially constant. The tape tension can be considered substantially constant if it changes by less than 10%, in particular less than 5%, 3%, or 1%.

[0054] In the present case, the belt tension compensation device is formed by the bearing of the guide device 14, which is movable along the longitudinal axis L_7, via the sliding bearing 35.

[0055] When the longitudinal beam 7 is moved vertically Z away from the ground, the guide device 14 is displaced along the longitudinal beam 7 in the direction of the stretching unit 3 by the amount W, according to the invention. The movement of the longitudinal beam 7 in the direction of the vertical axis Z and the movement of the guide device 14 along the longitudinal beam 7 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L_7 are coupled such that the contact point between the guide groove 16 and the fiber strip 5 follows a circular path. The center of this circular path coincides with the second clamping point, which is defined by the rider rollers of the inlet point 25. In this case, the strip tension can be assumed to be theoretically constant.

[0056] The coupling of the two movements can be achieved by a mechanical transmission or by the control-engineered coupling of the drive unit 22 with a linear drive for moving the guide unit 14 on the longitudinal beam 7.

[0057] Figure 4 also shows that if the guide device 14 is not moved along the longitudinal axis L_7, the clamping length of the fiber strips 5, 5* is reduced when the longitudinal beam 7 is moved from the operating position towards the maintenance position. Due to the fixed clamping of the fiber strips 5, 5* at the first and second clamping points, the fiber strips 5, 5* sag, which can lead to a deterioration of the uniformity in the stretching device 3. Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0058] To prevent this sagging, when the longitudinal beam 7 is moved vertically towards the ground, the guide device 14 on the longitudinal beam 7 is moved away from the stretching device 3 along the longitudinal axis L_7. The movement of the longitudinal beam 7 in the direction of the vertical axis Z and the movement of the guide device 14 on the longitudinal beam 7 along the longitudinal axis L_7 are coupled such that the contact point between the guide groove 16 and the fiber strip 5 lies on the circular path. The center of the circular path remains at the second clamping point, which is defined by the rider rollers of the inlet point 25. In this case as well, the strip tension can be assumed to be theoretically constant.

[0059] Figure 6 shows a device according to the invention for feeding the conveyor system 28 in a second embodiment, together with the conveyor system 3. The device can be referred to as a gate assembly. The gate assembly 28 comprises a longitudinal beam 7 and a guide device 14, each of which has the same features as in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. Therefore, the statements made here apply analogously. However, in this embodiment, the guide device 14 is fixedly connected to the longitudinal beam 7.

[0060] Figure 6 shows the longitudinal beam 7 in a first height position, the operating position, and in a second height position, the maintenance position. The operating position of the longitudinal beam 7, the pivot arms 31, 31', and the fiber bands 5 is indicated by solid lines in Figure 6, while the maintenance position of the longitudinal beam 7*, the pivot arms 31, 31', and the fiber bands 5* is indicated by dashed lines, and the corresponding reference numerals are marked with an additional *.

[0061] The gate arrangement 28 also includes a support arrangement 18 with a first support 29 and a second support 29', which extend in the vertical direction Z and are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L_7 of the longitudinal beam 7 and in the direction of the X-axis, respectively. The supports 29, 29' are each at least indirectly fixed to the ground 6.

[0062] The support arrangement 18 of the gate arrangement 28 further comprises a first pivot arm 31. The first pivot arm 31 is pivotally mounted at a first end via a first bottom pivot bearing 30 integrated in the first support 29. A pivot axis of the first bottom pivot bearing 30 runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L_7 and is arranged at the same height as the clamping point formed by the rider rollers in the inlet 25.

[0063] A first drive unit 33 is integrated into the first support 29, by means of which the first swivel arm 31 can be driven to pivot about the pivot axis of the first floor swivel bearing 30. The swivel angle of the first drive unit 33 is determined via the Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0064] Control device 34 is adjustable. The longitudinal beam 7 additionally includes a first beam pivot bearing 32, via which the first pivot arm 31 is pivotably mounted on the longitudinal beam 7 at a second end opposite the first end.

[0065] The support arrangement 18 of the gate arrangement 28 further comprises a second pivot arm 31'. The second pivot arm 31' is pivotally mounted at one end via a second bottom pivot bearing 30' integrated into the second support 29'. A pivot axis of the second bottom pivot bearing 30' runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L_7 and is arranged at the same height as the pivot axis of the first bottom pivot bearing 30, or rather, as the clamping point formed in the inlet 25. The pivot axes of the pivot bottom bearings 30, 30' thus define a plane in which the clamping point formed in the inlet 25 is arranged.

[0066] The longitudinal beam 7 also includes a second beam pivot bearing 32', via which the second pivot arm 31' is pivotally mounted on the longitudinal beam 7 at a second end opposite the first end. The distance between the respective base pivot bearings 30, 30' and the beam pivot bearings 32, 32' is the same for both pivot arms 31, 31'. In other words, the two pivot arms 31, 31' have the same length and are, in particular, identically designed.

[0067] A second drive unit 33' is integrated into the second support 29', by means of which the second swivel arm 31' can be driven to pivot about the pivot axis of the second floor pivot bearing 30'. The pivot angle of the second drive unit 33' is controllable via the control unit 34. The first swivel arm 31 and the second swivel arm 31' are coupled in motion, so that they pivot about their respective floor pivot bearings with the same pivot angle and in phase. In this case, the first drive unit 33' and the second drive unit 33' are coupled in motion, so that the first swivel arm 31 and the second swivel arm 31' pivot about their respective floor pivot bearings with the same pivot angle and in phase. The motion coupling can be achieved either by mechanically coupling the two swivel arms or drive units, or by coupling the control via the control unit 34.

[0068] It is also conceivable, in principle, to dispense with the drive mechanisms, in which case the swivel arms are pivoted manually. In this case, the two swivel arms can be mechanically coupled.

[0069] The belt tension compensation device described above is formed in this case by the drive units 33, 33', the floor pivot bearings 30, 30', the beam pivot bearings 32, 32', the pivot arms 31, 31', and, if applicable, the control unit 34. The belt tension compensation device is thus at least partially integrated into the support arrangement (Internal file number P249935WO1, dated July 18, 2025). By pivoting the first pivot arm 31 and the second pivot arm 31' at the same angle, the height position of the longitudinal beam 7 can be changed, whereby the longitudinal beam 7 and the associated guide device are held parallel to the floor 6.

[0070] The distance between the gate arrangement 28 and the track assembly 3 is chosen such that in the operating position the distance D5.0 from the clamping point formed at the inlet point 25 and the bottom of the grooves 16 corresponds to the distance between the respective bottom pivot bearings 30, 30' and the beam pivot bearings 32, 32', which is the same for both pivot arms 31, 31'.

[0071] When the longitudinal beam 7 is moved vertically in the direction Z, it is simultaneously moved along the longitudinal axis 7 such that the base of the grooves 16, or the corresponding contact point between the fiber band 5 and the guide device 14, pivots on a circular path. The center of this circular path coincides with the clamping point formed at the entry point 25. Thus, the distance D5.0 remains constant in all vertical positions. In particular, the distance D5.0 in the operating position corresponds to the distance D5.0* in the maintenance position. The clamping length between the clamping point formed at the entry point 25 and the respective discharge point 9, 9' is therefore the same in every vertical position of the longitudinal beam 7.

[0072] For both the embodiment described in Figures 1 to 5 and the embodiment described in Figure 6, the longitudinal beam 7 can first be moved to the second height position, or the maintenance position, for changing the feed containers 4, i.e., changing the cans. In this position, the machine operator can conveniently and easily connect the ends of the fiber strips 5. Subsequently, the drive unit can be activated by an input at the control unit 27, which can be integrated into the support arrangement or arranged, for example, in a housing of the stretching device 3, or by an input at an operating terminal 41 or an operating panel 42 of the stretching device 3, or by an input at a mobile device or the like, in order to raise the longitudinal beam 7 to the first height position, or the predetermined operating position.

[0073] It is understood by those skilled in the art that, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, it is also possible to arrange the guide device 14 so as to be longitudinally displaceable on the longitudinal beam 7. The movement of the guide device 14 is then achieved by a superposition of the movement of the pivot arms and the movement of the guide device along the longitudinal axis L_7 relative to the longitudinal beam 7. Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025

[0074] Reference sign

[0075] 1 Order 36

[0076] 2 Device 37

[0077] 3 Track direction 38

[0078] 4 storage containers 39

[0079] 5 fiber tape 40

[0080] Floor 6, 41 Operating Terminal

[0081] 7 longitudinal beams 42 control panel

[0082] 8 Installation area

[0083] 9 Deduction point D Distance

[0084] 10 Feed roller L Longitudinal axis

[0085] 11 Motor X Longitudinal direction

[0086] 12 Top roller Y transverse direction

[0087] 13 pairs of rollers Z vertical direction

[0088] 14 Guide device

[0089] 15 guide element

[0090] 16 guide groove

[0091] 17 Sensor

[0092] 18 Support arrangement

[0093] 19 pedestal column

[0094] 20 Foot section

[0095] 21 Relocation section

[0096] 22 Drive unit

[0097] 23 Actuator

[0098] 24 column section

[0099] 25 Entry point

[0100] 26 Delivery point

[0101] 27 Control unit

[0102] 28 Device

[0103] 29 support

[0104] 30 floor swivel bearings

[0105] 31 Swivel arm

[0106] 32 beam pivot bearings

[0107] 33 Drive unit

[0108] 34 Control device

[0109] 35 sliding bearings

Claims

Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025 Patent claims 1. Device for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine (3) with at least one fiber ribbon (5) which can be provided from a feed container (4) arranged on a floor (6), comprising: a longitudinal beam (7) which extends along a longitudinal axis (L_7) and which can be supported on the floor (6) via a support arrangement (18) and which can be displaced parallel to an axis (Z) oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L_7), and a guide device (14) for guiding the at least one fiber ribbon (5) towards the textile machine (3) which is connected to the longitudinal beam (7), characterized in that the guide device (14) can be displaced in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L_7).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support arrangement (18) is designed such that when the longitudinal beam (7) is displaced along the axis (Z), the longitudinal beam (7) is displaced along the longitudinal axis (L_7) and the guide device (14) is displaced along the longitudinal axis (L_7).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide device (14) is slidably connected to the longitudinal beam (7) along the longitudinal axis (L_7), and that when the longitudinal beam (7) is displaced along the axis (Z), the guide device (14) is displaced along the longitudinal beam (7) along the longitudinal axis (L_7).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the guide device (14) comprises an outer guide section (16) over which the at least one fiber belt (5) is guided on one of the textile machine (3) Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025 nearest contact point between fiber tape (5) and guide device (14) can be supported, and that the support arrangement (18) is designed such that the contact point of the outer guide section (16) is movably arranged on a circular path.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support arrangement (18) comprises a first pivot arm (31) which is pivotably connected to the longitudinal beam (7) via a first beam pivot bearing (32) and which can be pivotally connected to the ground (6) at least indirectly via a first floor pivot bearing (30), and / or that the support arrangement (18) comprises a second pivot arm (31') which is pivotably connected to the longitudinal beam (7) via a second beam pivot bearing (32') and which can be pivotally connected to the ground (6) at least indirectly via a second floor pivot bearing (30').

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the support arrangement (18) comprises a first support (29) which is connectable to the floor (6) and which includes the first floor pivot bearing (30); and / or that the support arrangement (18) comprises a second support (29') which is connectable to the floor (6) and which includes the second floor pivot bearing (30').

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a drive device (33, 33') is provided which drives a displacement of the longitudinal beam (7) parallel to the axis (Z), a displacement of the longitudinal beam (7) along the longitudinal axis (L_7) and / or a displacement of the guide device (14) along the longitudinal axis (L_7). Internal file number P249935WO1 18.07.2025 8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the drive device (33, 33') drives both the displacement of the longitudinal beam (7) parallel to the axis (Z) and the displacement of the longitudinal beam (7) along the longitudinal axis (L_7).

9. A method for operating a device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprising the following steps: Displacement of the longitudinal beam (7) along the axis (Z) by a stroke (D), and Displacement of the guide device (14) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L_7).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the displacement of the guide device (14) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (L_7) takes place depending on the stroke (D).

11. Arrangement in the spinning preparation, comprising: a device (2) for feeding a fiber ribbon processing textile machine (3) with at least one fiber ribbon (5) which can be provided from a feed container (4) arranged on a floor (6), according to one of claims 1 to 8; and a fiber ribbon processing textile machine (3) which can be fed by the device (2) with at least one fiber ribbon (5). 17

Images