SLIVER FEEDER AND METHOD

Abstract

A sliver feeder for a textile machine having at least one pick-up unit and at least one feeder unit. In order to improve the handling of fiber material and to increase the quality of a sliver to be transferred to a pre-compactor and thereby increase the process stability and thereby save resources, the pick-up is designed and arranged to pick up a sliver, in particular from a can of the textile machine, and to transfer the sliver to the feeder unit, wherein the feeder unit has a takeover section and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer the sliver to a sliver guide, in particular to a pick-up section of a pre-compactor.

Claims

1. A sliver feeder for a textile machine comprising: at least one pick-up unit; and at least one feeder unit; the at least one pick-up unit being designed and arranged to pick up a sliver from a can of the textile machine and to transfer the sliver to the at least one feeder unit, wherein the at least one feeder unit has a takeover section and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer the sliver to a sliver guide.

2. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the at least one feeder unit is designed in such a way as to take over a sliver end of the sliver from the at least one pick-up unit in one station, wherein the takeover section of the at least one feeder unit is designed as a suction section and is oriented parallel to a holding orientation of the at least one pick-up unit in order to suck in the sliver.

3. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the at least one feeder unit is designed to perform a movement in order to transfer the sliver to the at least one pick-up section, wherein the sliver undergoes a curvature upon transfer thereof.

4. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, further including at least one preparation apparatus that is designed and arranged in such a way as to pick up a sliver end from the at least one pick-up unit and to prepare the sliver end for transfer to the at least one feeder unit, and wherein at least one of the following functions can be performed by the preparation apparatus: severing of the sliver end to form a new sliver end; and sharpening of the sliver end to form a sharpened sliver.

5. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pick-up unit and/or the at least one feeder unit has a negative pressure sensor for monitoring the sliver, wherein the negative pressure sensor is designed and arranged to monitor a negative pressure in the at least one pick-up unit or the at least one feeder unit in order to initiate a further sliver search based on a threshold value.

6. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, further including a holding apparatus for the sliver, wherein the holding apparatus comprises at least one of the following: a placement structure; a guide structure; and an at least partially movable blocking apparatus arranged and designed in such a way that, in a first state, the placement structure is blocked for moving out the sliver and, in a second state, the placement structure is made accessible for inserting the sliver; wherein the at least one feeder unit is designed to insert the sliver into the at least one pick-up unit via the blocking apparatus for transferring the sliver from the at least one feeder unit to the placement structure.

7. A nozzle body formed for the sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle body comprises a vortex nozzle, wherein the vortex nozzle is formed to be arranged in the nozzle body or wherein the vortex nozzle is arranged in the nozzle body in order to pick up a sliver end from the at least one pick-up unit of the sliver feeder and to prepare the sliver end for a transfer to the at least one feeder unit of the sliver feeder, wherein the vortex nozzle has at least one pressurized fluid nozzle for feeding a pressurized fluid flow into a cavity of the vortex nozzle, wherein the at least one pressurized fluid nozzle is designed and arranged in such a way as to generate a pressurized fluid flow vortex in the cavity by the pressurized fluid flow, as a result of which a severing of the sliver end that is picked up to form a new sliver end or a sharpening of the sliver end to form a sharpened sliver end is enabled.

8. A service unit having the sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pick-up unit for picking up a section of the sliver and an intake apparatus with a suction section are arranged on the service unit, the at least one pick-up unit and the intake apparatus are assigned to one another in such a way that a sliver section with a sliver end of the sliver picked up by the at least one pick-up unit is at least temporarily and at least partially sucked into the suction section of the intake apparatus, wherein a flow section is arranged downstream of the suction section in the service unit and is designed in such a way as to form a suction flow at the suction section of the intake apparatus, wherein at least one filter is arranged in the flow section.

9. A method for picking up a sliver in a textile machine comprising: picking up a section of the sliver by a pick-up unit; transferring the sliver from the pick-up unit to a feeder unit; and transferring the sliver from the feeder unit to a pick-up section of a pre-compactor.

10. The method according to claim 9, further including: sliver monitoring, wherein a negative pressure sensor monitors a negative pressure in the pick-up unit and/or the feeder unit and initiates a further sliver search based on a threshold value.

11. The method according to claim 9, further including: severing of a sliver end to form a new sliver end; or sharpening of the sliver end to form a sharpened sliver end.

12. The method according to claim 9, further including: inserting the sliver into a holding apparatus, wherein the sliver is placed on a placement structure of the holding apparatus and/or is inserted into a guide structure of the holding apparatus for transfer to the pick-up section of the pre-compactor.

13. (canceled)

14. The sliver feeder according to claim 1, wherein the sliver guide comprises a pick-up section of a pre-compactor.

Description

[0069] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to figures, showing schematically and by way of example:

[0070] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a spinning machine;

[0071] FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of a view of a work station of a spinning machine;

[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a view of a sliver feeder;

[0073] FIG. 3A is a schematic representation of a view of a separating nozzle;

[0074] FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a view of a separating nozzle with a sliver end;

[0075] FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of a view of a separating nozzle with a fuse;

[0076] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a view of a separating nozzle designed as a vortex nozzle;

[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a view of a pick-up unit;

[0078] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a view of a holding apparatus on a pre-compactor;

[0079] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a view of a round can below a holding apparatus on a pre-compactor;

[0080] FIG. 8A is a schematic representation of a side view of a holding apparatus with an at least partially movable blocking apparatus on a pre-compactor;

[0081] FIG. 8B is a schematic representation of a front view of a holding apparatus with an at least partially movable blocking apparatus on a pre-compactor;

[0082] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a view of a service unit;

[0083] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a method;

[0084] FIG. 11A is a structural representation of a method step of picking up a sliver by a pick-up unit;

[0085] FIG. 11B is a structural representation of a method step of a sliver insertion into a suction point for severing;

[0086] FIG. 11C is a structural representation of a method step of severing;

[0087] FIG. 11D is a structural representation of a method step of a sliver insertion into a suction point for sharpening;

[0088] FIG. 11E is a structural representation of a method step of a sharpening; and

[0089] FIG. 11F is a structural representation of a method step of a feeding into a sliver guide of a pre-compactor.

[0090] The same reference signs are used for elements and structures having the same effect and/or of the same type.

[0091] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a spinning machine as an example of a textile machine 600. In particular, the textile machine 600 can have a plurality of work stations 620, which can be designed and arranged to spin a thread (also referred to as yarn) in each case. A work station 620 is shown in a schematic representation in a detailed view in FIG. 1B.

[0092] In textile machines 600, a sliver 135 can be presented in order to spin the thread in a spinning station 465 of the work station 620. Therefore, such textile machines 600 can be so-called spinning machines. Rotor spinning machines can be provided as spinning machines, as shown here as an example. Alternatively, an air-jet spinning machine (not shown) can also be provided. The sliver 135 can be transferred to the textile machine 600, but this can be effected fully automatically or at least semi-automatically. For this purpose, the sliver 135 can be delivered in a so-called can 630, presented in a can 630, or an empty can 630 can also be exchanged for a filled can 630 in order to deliver the sliver 135 for a work station 620. Textile machines 600 can also consist of a whole series of (homogeneous) work stations 620, as shown in FIG. 1A and described accordingly in this respect, with which a sliver 135 can be repeatedly fed in order to maintain the spinning process.

[0093] In order to enable the transfer from the can 630 to a pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445, a sliver feeder 100 for a textile machine 600 can be used (per work station). Alternatively, a service unit 900 can be provided, on which a sliver feeder 100 is arranged, as described elsewhere. The service unit 900 can move (freely) along the textile machine 600 between the work stations, for example to insert a sliver 135 into a spinning station 465. A sliver feeder 100 is shown in schematic representation in sections in FIG. 2. In particular, a sliver feeder 100 has at least one pick-up unit 110 and at least one feeder unit 300.

[0094] An exemplary embodiment of a feeder unit 300 is shown in its function in FIG. 11F and is also described in this respect.

[0095] The pick-up unit 110 is used in particular to pick up the sliver 135 from a can 630 in order to be able to transfer this sliver 135 to the feeder unit 300. In particular, the feeder unit 300 has a takeover section that is formed and arranged in such a way as to transfer the sliver 135 to a pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445.

[0096] The feeder unit 300 can be further designed in such a way that it can take over a sliver 135, in particular the sliver end 140, from the pick-up unit 110 in one station. The feeder unit 300 shown in FIG. 2 is structured and arranged in particular in such a way that the takeover section of the feeder unit 300 is designed as a suction section 310. The suction section 310 is oriented with its suction direction 350 in particular parallel to a holding orientation 180 (see also FIG. 5) of the pick-up unit 110. As a result, the sliver 135, in particular the sliver end 140, can be sucked in. In particular, this can be done in such a way that the sliver 135 or the sliver end 140 can be taken over directly from the feeder unit 300 without having to be deposited via an intermediate stage or intermediate structure, for example.

[0097] In order to be able to subject the suction section 310 to a negative pressure, tube systems 450 can be provided, which in particular have a plurality of segments 452, 454, 456. The suction tube 320 of the feeder unit 300 (in particular independently of the tube systems 450) can be designed to be bent, in particular carry out a bending of substantially 90, in order to transition from a supply region, in which it is connected to a feeder unit holder 340, into the substantially parallel orientation between the suction direction 350 and the holding orientation 180 of the pick-up unit 110. The suction nozzle 120 of the pick-up unit 110 can have a suction direction that deviates from a parallel orientation (not shown here due to perspective; the suction direction extends into the plane of the sheet). However, the sliver 135 that is sucked in, which the pick-up unit 110 may have picked up, can be transferred to the holding orientation 180 in order to be sucked in by the feeder unit 300, in particular in this direction (and thus parallel to the suction direction 350 of the feeder unit 300).

[0098] A rotation mechanism 480 (see also FIG. 11F) is arranged on the feeder unit holder 340 in such a way as to move the feeder unit 300 with its suction direction 350 into the vicinity of the holding orientation 180, in particular in the widest possible overlap, in order to take over a sliver 135 or a sliver end 140. After the takeover of the sliver 135 or the sliver end 140, the feeder unit 300 can be guided by a rotational movement into the vicinity of a pick-up section 460, in particular a pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445. The sliver 135 or the sliver end 140 can be transferred to a feed section 462 of a spinning station 465, in order to initiate or carry out a spinning process. With this preferred exemplary embodiment, the feed section 462 is a supply roller. The feeder unit 300 is designed to insert and transfer the sliver end 140 into the access region of the feed section 462, in particular the supply roller, so that after the transfer of the sliver end 140 from the feeder unit 300 to the feed section 462, in particular the supply roller, the sliver end 140 is transported further by the supply roller in the direction of the spinning device.

[0099] In particular, the pre-compactor 445 can prepare a sliver 135 for picking up in the feed section 462 of the spinning station 465. A pick-up direction of the feed section 462 of the spinning station 465 can in particular be antiparallel to an orientation direction of the sliver 135 or the sliver end 140. For this reason, in particular a folding over of the sliver 135 or the sliver end 140 arises upon the transfer to the feed section 462 of the spinning station 465. In other words, the feeder unit 300 is designed to perform a movement 365, in particular a rotational movement, in order to transfer the sliver 135, in particular the sliver end 140, to a pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445 and/or a feed section 462 of a spinning station 465, wherein the sliver 135, in particular the sliver end 140, undergoes a curvature upon the transfer to the feed section 462 of the spinning station 465.

[0100] The sliver end 140 is shown in FIG. 3C. It is, in particular in contrast to a normal sliver end 140, a tapered, post-compacted fiber bundle, referred to as a sharpened sliver end 140b. The sliver end 140 can fray apart (widen conically) after a severing step, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B. In particular, the diameter and/or radius at the sliver end 140 is larger (or at least the same size) compared to the average sliver diameter, or compared to the sliver diameter at a suction nozzle 120 of the pick-up unit 110. As a result, the picking up of the sliver end 140 into a feeder unit 300 could be made more difficult.

[0101] In order to better prepare the sliver 135 for takeover by a feeder unit 300 and/or by a pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445, at least one preparation apparatus 201, in particular at least one separating nozzle 200, can be provided, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3A. In particular, a separating nozzle 200 is designed and arranged in such a way as to pick up a sliver end 140 from the pick-up unit 110 (for a short time). The sliver end 140 can remain connected to the pick-up unit 110 and remain attached to its suction nozzle 120. In particular, therefore, no complete transfer takes place in order to prepare the sliver end 140 for a transfer to the feeder unit 300.

[0102] The preparing can comprise at least one of the following functions (also to be understood accordingly as steps of an associated method), which can be performed by the preparation apparatus 201:

[0103] The previous sliver end 140 can be severed, in particular cut off or severed from the sliver 135 by the suction through the suction apparatus of the feeder unit 300. As a result, a severing or a cutting of the sliver is effected in such a way as to form a new sliver end 140a. As a result, impurities or damage can be removed and a clean, undamaged sliver end 140a can be presented for the further method steps.

[0104] An exemplary separating nozzle 200 is shown in a schematic representation in a detailed view in FIG. 3A. The separating nozzle 200 is arranged with a nozzle body 220 in a nozzle assembly 210. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of an isolated vortex nozzle 205, which can be used as a separating nozzle 200 in a nozzle body 220. For example, a sleeve 230 is fitted to the nozzle body 220 by means of screws 270. The vortex nozzle 205 can have a cavity 240 for picking up a sliver end 140.

[0105] As also shown in FIG. 4, pressurized fluid nozzles 280 can be formed in the cavity 240, which pressurized fluid nozzles can be connected to a pressurized fluid source (not shown) via an aperture 282 in the outer wall 284 of the nozzle body 220. This can be effected by inserting the nozzle body 220 into a nozzle assembly 210. In particular, the pressurized fluid nozzles 280 are designed and arranged in such a way as to introduce the pressurized fluid or pressurized fluid flow at an angle relative to the inner wall of the cavity 240. In particular, a vortex of pressurized fluid is formed, which can move around the sliver end 140 in order to sharpen or separate it, as described elsewhere.

[0106] In particular, the nozzle body 220 can have a suction section 260. This suction section can form a laminar flow in the cavity 240 in order to suck the sliver end 140 into the cavity 240. A rim 286 can be designed to be beveled in order to discharge a laminar flow from the surrounding area as free as possible from vortices or to discharge an eddy current into the surrounding area as free as possible from vortices. A recess 288 can be formed and arranged so as to arrange and screw the sleeve 230 onto the nozzle assembly 210, in order to thereby arrange and fasten the insertable vortex nozzle 205 in the nozzle body 220. The pressurized fluid nozzles 280 can merge into or be arranged in a surface structuring 289, in order to support vortex formation and to support the pressurized fluid flow into the cavity 240. In particular, the surface structuring 289 itself can run in a vortex shape in the cavity 240.

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the sliver end 140 can be formed by individual fibers 130. This sliver end 140 with its fibers 130 can be guided into the cavity 240, or can be drawn into the cavity 240 by the suction along the suction direction 350 (see FIG. 2). The suction can be adjusted so strongly that the fibers 130 separate at a point between the suction section 310 of the feeder unit 300 and the suction nozzle 120 (with regard to the pick-up unit 110, a suction nozzle is referred to here, but other holders for picking up a sliver 135 can also be provided accordingly) of the pick-up unit 110. As a result, a new sliver end 140a can be formed. The sliver 135 is held on the pick-up unit 110, in particular with a correspondingly strong counter-suction. The severed fiber material (not shown) is transported away, in particular via a waste tube 250 (see FIG. 2 or FIG. 9, respectively).

[0108] Alternatively or additionally, in particular temporally after a severing 520 of an old sliver end 140, a sharpening 530 of the sliver end 140 to form a sharpened sliver end 140b can be effected. In addition to the suction section 260, pressurized fluid nozzles 280 can also be provided in the cavity 240. In particular, these pressurized fluid nozzles 280 can be arranged and oriented in such a way as to be able to produce a rotational pressurized fluid screw in the cavity 240. As a result of the rotation of the pressurized fluid that can be initiated in this way, the fibers 130 can be arranged conically in the suction direction (even without suction; in the direction of the rear part of the cavity 240) and the sliver end 140 can taper conically towards the sharpened sliver end 140b. The rotation of the pressurized fluid can also twist the fibers 130 relative to one another, which can increase the stability of the sliver end 140. Compressed air, dry air, and/or nitrogen and mixtures thereof can be used as the pressurized fluid.

[0109] FIG. 3B shows, as previously described elsewhere, a new sliver as sliver end 140 that can be reinserted into cavity 240 temporally after severing (if only slightly damaged, further separating can be omitted to save material) in order to produce compression and twisting of the fibers 130 towards a compressed sliver end 140 as a sharpened sliver end 140b, as shown in FIG. 3C, wherein the sharpened sliver end 140b is removed from the cavity 240 in FIG. 3C.

[0110] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a pick-up unit 110, which is arranged on a base plate 185 and has a rotational suspension 170 in order to be able to be pivoted reversibly between two end positions in a pivot direction 190. The orientation shown in FIG. 5 can be referred to as the transfer position, since the orientation direction 180 can be parallel to a main suction direction 350. In particular, the pick-up unit 110 rests firmly against a stop 155 in order to stabilize the position.

[0111] In contrast, a pick-up position (not shown) can be provided, with which the pick-up unit 110 can be oriented in particular largely downwards, in particular vertically downwards, in order to pick up the sliver 135 from a can 630 that can be arranged in particular below the work station 620.

[0112] The pick-up unit 110 can have a negative pressure sensor 160, which is in particular designed and arranged in such a way as to carry out sliver monitoring. The negative pressure sensor 160 is designed and arranged to monitor a negative pressure in the suction nozzle 120 of the pick-up unit 110 in order to initiate a further sliver search based on a threshold value. As a result, the pick-up unit 110 can ascertain whether a sliver 135 has been picked up, or whether the sliver 135 has been lost, or whether a search should be continued.

[0113] FIG. 6 shows a holding apparatus 400a on a pick-up section 460 of the pre-compactor 445. The holding apparatus 400a is provided for the sliver 135. In particular, the holding apparatus 400a has a placement structure 420. As shown in FIG. 6, this can be a placement hook in particular. Alternatively, a placement eyelet or other structures that enable the placement of the sliver 135 at least partially can also be provided. Furthermore, the placement structure 420 allows for a movement of the sliver 135 laterally to the machine (lateral direction), i.e. out of the plane of the sheet, to be restricted, as a result of which the tensile forces on the sliver 135 can be limited. Tensile forces can be caused by gravity, on the one hand, and by movement, on the other hand. The placement structure 420 can be arranged by an anchoring structure 430 on a plate-shaped carrier element formed as a front plate 440. Alternatively, it can be a one-piece component, which can also comprise a guide structure 410. According to this exemplary embodiment, the anchoring structure 430 is formed by a rod-shaped carrier element, which extends from the front plate 440 to the placement structure 420 in the direction of sliver transport. The anchoring structure 430 can be fastened to the front plate 440 or formed integrally therewith from the same material.

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, a guide structure 410 can be provided, which can also form a sliver guide 446 of the pre-compactor 445 to a cover plate. Through this, the movement of the sliver 135 in the direction of the textile machine length from the front end to the back end (longitudinal direction; alternatively in the direction of the immediately adjacent work stations) can be restricted. In particular, the sliver 135 has been inserted into the holding apparatus 400a prior to a transfer from the feeder unit 300 to the pick-up section 460 of the pre-compactor 445.

[0115] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a round can 720, which has a round can rim 710, which can function as the upper boundary of a wall of the round can 720. The wall can form a round can outer surface 715 along with a round can inner surface 725. A sliver 135 (not shown here) can be inserted into the round can 720, in particular in a spiral shape. As described elsewhere, the sliver 135 can be threaded into the sliver guide 446 in the form of a pick-up section 460 of the pre-compactor 445. A holding apparatus 400a, as described in detail elsewhere, can be arranged on the pre-compactor 445 in order to support the sliver 135 for pre-compaction. A triangle can be formed between a pick-up section 460, an underlying point in the round can 720, and the point of the outer radius at which a sliver 135 is picked up, the longest side of which simulates a course of the sliver 135 into the pre-compactor 445. A triangle can also be formed between the support region on the holding apparatus 400a and the underlying point in the round can 720, as well as through the support region and the outer radius at the point of picking up the sliver 135. The angle in the support region on the holding apparatus 400a can become (too?) large, which is why a slipping off of the sliver 135 from the holding apparatus 400a can occur. This can lead to a tearing of the sliver 135, in particular from a spinning station 465, which can lead to a termination of the spinning process.

[0116] FIG. 7 also shows an RFID 632 arranged on the can 630, which contains readable information about the sliver material deposited in the can 630. A read-out unit (not shown) for reading the information from the RFID 632 is arranged on the sliver feeder 100. The read-out unit is designed to provide the read-out information to an evaluation unit (not shown) for evaluation. The evaluation unit can be any unit that is suitable for evaluating information. The evaluation unit can be a component of the work station 620, the textile machine 600, the sliver feeder 100, the service unit 900, or a unit arranged separately therefrom, to which the read-out information is transmitted for evaluation and which can evaluate the transmitted read-out information in any event. The stored and readable information can be information about the sliver material deposited in the can 630, which has been assigned to the work station 620 for processing. Reading out this information by the read-out unit and providing it to the evaluation unit enables the checking of whether the correct sliver material has been assigned to the work station 620 for the production of a predetermined thread of defined quality, for which a specific sliver material is required. The evaluation unit can preferably be communicatively connected to a control and/or regulation unit (not shown), which controls the sliver feeder 100 in a defined manner. In this way, upon the evaluation that a wrong or incorrect sliver material for the production of the predetermined thread has been assigned to the work station 620 via the can 630, corresponding information can be provided by the evaluation unit of the control and/or regulation unit. The control and/or regulation unit is furthermore designed in particular to control the sliver feeder 100 in view of this information, in such a way that the sliver feeder 100 does not undertake a feeding of the sliver 135 from the can 630 to the spinning station 465 of the work station 620. In this way, it can be avoided that the work station 620 processes a wrong or incorrect fiber material for the production of the predetermined thread, as a result of which rejects and faulty production can be minimized.

[0117] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show an embodiment of a further holding apparatus 400b on a pre-compactor 445, wherein the further holding apparatus 400b substantially differs from the holding apparatus 400a shown in FIG. 6 in that the further holding apparatus 400b can be at least partially and at least temporarily closed. The holding apparatus 400a along with the further holding apparatus 400b can in each case be removably fastened to a support frame of the textile machine 600 or a work station 620 of the textile machine 600 via locking apparatuses 405, 415. As a result, the various embodiments of the holding apparatuses 400a, 400b described can be designed to be replaceable with one another. FIG. 8A shows a side view of the further holding apparatus 400b on the pre-compactor 445 with a pick-up section 460; FIG. 8B shows a front view.

[0118] In particular, a placement structure 420 is formed with a joint 425 in order to arrange a blocking apparatus 435 rotatably about the joint. In one state, the blocking apparatus 435 can limit a lateral movement of a guided sliver 135 to the side (in a front view). As a result, the sliver 135 can in particular no longer slip laterally from the support region of the further holding apparatus 400b. The feeder unit 300 and/or the sliver 135 can establish contact with the blocking apparatus 435 upon threading, wherein the feeder unit 300 and/or the sliver 135 carried by the feeder unit 300 can rotate the blocking apparatus 435 about the joint 425, wherein a distance between the blocking apparatus 435 and the guide structure 410 can be increased in order to thread the sliver 135 into the further holding apparatus 400b and the pre-compactor 445. After the release of the sliver 135 by the feeder unit 300 after threading, the blocking apparatus 435 can return to the initial position (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), in particular automatically via a return spring arranged in the joint 425, in order to block the support region. As a result, the slipping down of the sliver 135, in particular upon the use of round cans 720, can be prevented.

[0119] FIG. 9 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a service unit 900. The covers 612 shown in FIG. 1A are not shown in order to provide insight into the structure behind them. In particular, the service unit 900 has two legs 610 and a connection structure 448 on which the legs 610 are arranged. A U-shape can be formed. The sliver feeder 100, as also described in detail elsewhere, is arranged below the connection structure 448. In particular, the previously described structures comprising suction tube 150, stop 155 and suction nozzle 120 are arranged on one side of the leg, while the preparation apparatus 201, in particular with the vortex nozzle 205, in particular designed as separating nozzle 200, is arranged with the nozzle body 220 on the other side of the leg. Their function and structure have been described elsewhere and reference is made to these comments here.

[0120] The cavity 240 of the vortex nozzle 205 can in particular be connected to the waste tube 250 via the suction section 260. In particular, this is connected via a tube system 450 to a flow section 915 in a leg 610 via an inlet opening 275. The inlet opening 275 is arranged in particular in a partition wall 278. In particular, the partition wall 278 separates the flow section 915 in the leg 610. In particular, the flow section 915 is designed to guide a flow between the inlet opening 275 and an exhaust apparatus 920. In particular, a filter 950 can be arranged in the flow section 915 in such a way that the flow guided by the flow section 915 penetrates the filter in order to clean the flowing fluid of fibers and fiber fragments. The filter 950 can be inserted into a filter holder 958 through a slide-in unit 955 so that it can be removed and thus replaced. The slide-in unit 955 can be inserted into the filter 950 in particular at an angle between 20 and 70, further in particular between 35 and 55, further in particular at an angle of 45, relative to a main flow direction and/or relative to a tangential direction to the leg 610.

[0121] FIG. 10 schematically shows a method 500 for picking up a sliver in a textile machine 600. The method 500 can comprise the step of picking up 510 a sliver 135 by a pick-up unit 110, as described in detail elsewhere. The method 500 can comprise the step of transferring 540 a sliver 135, in particular a sliver end 140, from the pick-up unit 110 to a feeder unit 300, as described in detail elsewhere. The method can comprise the step of transferring 540 the sliver 135, in particular the sliver end 140, from the feeder unit 300 to the feed section 462 of a spinning station 465 and/or the pick-up section 460 of a pre-compactor 445, as described in detail elsewhere.

[0122] The method 500 can comprise a step of sliver monitoring. A negative pressure sensor 160 can monitor a negative pressure and initiate a further sliver search based on a threshold value, as described in detail elsewhere, see in particular FIG. 5.

[0123] The method 500 can comprise a step of severing 520 a previous sliver end 140 to form a new sliver end 140a, as previously described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. The method can comprise the step of sharpening 530 the sliver end 140 to form a sharpened sliver end 140b, as described in detail with reference to FIG. 3C.

[0124] Independent of the previous descriptions of the method 500, a method 500 can be provided that can comprise one of the steps of severing 520 a previous sliver end 140 to form a new sliver end 140a, as previously described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. The method 500 can comprise the step of sharpening 530 the sliver end 140 to form a sharpened sliver end 140b, as described in detail with reference to FIG. 3C.

[0125] The methods 500 can further comprise a step of inserting into a holding apparatus 400a, b, in particular a holding apparatus 400a as described with reference to FIG. 6. A sliver 135 for transferring 540 to the feed section 462 of the spinning station 465 and/or the pick-up section 460 of the pre-compactor 445 can be placed on a placement structure 420 of the holding apparatus 400a, as described with reference to FIG. 6. Alternatively or additionally, the sliver 135 can be inserted into a guide structure 410 of the holding apparatus 400a, as described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0126] A textile machine 600, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 1A and 1B and described with respect thereto, can comprise a sliver feeder 100 as described with reference to FIG. 2. Further, the textile machine 600 can be designed and configured to perform a method as described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0127] An exemplary structural image of an embodiment of a pick-up unit 110, in the step of picking up 510 (see also the exemplary schematic representation of a method 500 in FIG. 10), is shown in FIG. 11A. In particular, the sliver 135, which is stored in a can 630, is picked up. In particular, the can 630 is arranged in a can region 1100. The can 630 can have a can rim 1110 between a can inner wall 1120 and a can outer wall 1115. In particular, the sliver 135 can be placed over the can rim 1110. In particular, the suction tube 150 of the pick-up unit 110 points downwards in order to pick up the sliver 135. Suction can be formed via a suction nozzle 120 of the pick-up unit 110 in order to suck in the sliver 135.

[0128] In FIG. 11B, a preparatory step is shown as an exemplary structural embodiment, in which a severing 520 of a sliver end 140 is to be carried out. In a preparatory step, the pick-up unit 110 can reach a position, in particular a horizontal position, by moving the pick-up unit 110 up to a stop 155. The pick-up unit 110 can be moved towards the preparation apparatus 201 described elsewhere, in particular the vortex nozzle 205 and/or separating nozzle 200, until suction in a suction section 260 of a cavity 240 of the vortex nozzle 205 sucks in the sliver end 140. This can result in the severing of the sliver end 140. As a result, a new sliver end 140a can be formed, wherein a sliver remnant 131 remains in the cavity 240 in particular and can be removed through it.

[0129] A severing 520 of a sliver end 140 takes place in particular by a suction into the cavity 240 pulling a part of a sliver end 140 into the cavity 240, while the pick-up unit 110 can be moved further away from the vortex nozzle 205 in a particularly horizontal position. The sliver 135 is separated in a region of the sliver end 140. As a result, a new sliver end 140a can be formed, as shown in FIG. 11C. A sliver remnant 131 can remain in the cavity 240. In particular, this sliver remnant 131 can be disposed of via a tube system 450, which is connected to the cavity 240 in a communicating manner. A waste tube 250 can also be formed. As described with reference to FIG. 9, an exhaust apparatus 920 can also be operated both for the disposal of the sliver remnant 131 and for the application of a negative pressure to form the suction.

[0130] In FIG. 11D, a method step of sharpening 530 is shown as an exemplary structural embodiment. The feeder unit 110 can then be moved back towards the preparation apparatus 201 in order to insert the (new) sliver end 140a into the cavity 240 by the suction through the suction section 260 of the vortex nozzle 205 (see FIG. 4). A pressurized fluid flow vortex in the vortex nozzle 205, as described elsewhere, causes the sliver end 140 to be sharpened into a sharpened sliver end 140b.

[0131] In FIG. 11E, a method step of peeling off the sharpened sliver end 140b is shown as an exemplary structural embodiment. The feeder unit 110 can then be moved away from the preparation apparatus 201 again in order to remove the sharpened sliver end 140b out of the cavity 240. In particular, the feeder unit 300 can be moved in front of the sharpened sliver end 140b in order to suck in the sharpened sliver end 140b by suction. A rotation mechanism 480 can move the feeder unit 300, as described in FIG. 11F, upon the transfer of a sliver 135 to a pick-up apparatus 460. The suction section 310 of the feeder unit 300 can be smaller in diameter than the suction section 310 of the pick-up unit 110, which can save installation space.

[0132] FIG. 11F shows a feeder unit 300 as it is arranged in a transfer position. A rotation mechanism 480 can be formed by an assembly 1140, which can carry out a rotation of something around 180 at joints 1130. Rotation can be effected between 100 and 200, in particular between 150 and 190. The feeder unit 300 can be arranged on the assembly 1140 via a joint 1155 on the assembly 1140 in order to also move the feeder unit 300. It can be provided that the feeder unit 300 can be moved in coordination with the assembly 1140. As a result, a coordinated movement around the angles and/or angular ranges described above is effected. In embodiments, it can also be provided that each of the two apparatuses can be moved by the respective angles and/or angular ranges.

[0133] In particular, the feeder unit 300 is connected to a suction line 1150. As a result, a suction flow can be effected at a suction section 310 of the feeder unit 300, as a result of which a takeover of the sliver 140 into feeder unit 300, as described elsewhere, is possible.

[0134] In FIG. 11F, in particular, a threading of the sliver 135 from a can 630, here designed as a rectangular can, is shown. After a takeover of the sliver 135 from the pick-up unit 110 by the feeder unit 300, the sliver 135 can be threaded into a pick-up apparatus 460, which forms a sliver guide 446 in a pre-compactor 445.

[0135] Can in particular refers to optional features of the invention. Accordingly, there are also developments and/or exemplary embodiments of the invention which additionally or alternatively have the respective feature or the respective features.

[0136] From the combinations of features disclosed in the present case, isolated features can also be taken as needed and used by resolving a structural and/or functional relationship possibly existing between the features in combination with other features for delimiting the subject matter of the claim.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0137] 100 Sliver feeder [0138] 110 Pick-up unit [0139] 120 Suction nozzle [0140] 130 Fiber [0141] 131 Sliver remnant [0142] 135 Sliver [0143] 140 Sliver end [0144] 140a Newly formed sliver end after severing of a previous sliver end [0145] 140b Sharpened sliver end [0146] 150 Suction tube [0147] 155 Stop [0148] 160 Negative pressure sensor [0149] 170 Rotary suspension [0150] 180 Holding orientation [0151] 185 Base plate [0152] 190 Pivot direction [0153] 200 Separating nozzle [0154] 201 Preparation apparatus [0155] 205 Vortex nozzle [0156] 210 Nozzle assembly [0157] 220 Nozzle body [0158] 230 Sleeve [0159] 240 Cavity [0160] 250 Waste tube [0161] 260 Suction section [0162] 270 Screw [0163] 275 Inlet opening [0164] 278 Partition wall [0165] 280 Pressurized fluid nozzles [0166] 282 Aperture

[0167] 284 Exterior wall [0168] 286 Rim [0169] 288 Recess [0170] 289 Surface structuring [0171] 290 Screw [0172] 300 Feeder unit [0173] 310 Suction section [0174] 320 Suction tube [0175] 340 Feeder unit holder [0176] 350 (Main) suction direction [0177] 360 Pivot arm [0178] 365 Movement [0179] 400a Holding apparatus [0180] 400b Further holding apparatus [0181] 405 Locking apparatus [0182] 410 Guide structure [0183] 415 Locking apparatus [0184] 420 Placement structure [0185] 425 Joint [0186] 430 Anchoring structure [0187] 435 Blocking apparatus [0188] 440 Front plate [0189] 445 Pre-compactor [0190] 446 Sliver guide [0191] 448 Connection structure [0192] 450 Tube system [0193] 452, 454, 456 Tube segments [0194] 460 Pick-up section of the pre-compactor [0195] 462 Feed section of the spinning station [0196] 465 Spinning station [0197] 480 Rotation mechanism [0198] 500 Method [0199] 510 Pick-up of a sliver in a can [0200] 520 Suction and severing of the fuse/sliver end [0201] 525 Cutting edge to shorten the image [0202] 530 Sharpening of the sliver end [0203] 540 Transferring of the sliver to the pick-up section of the pre-compactor [0204] 600 Textile machine [0205] 610 Leg [0206] 612 Cover [0207] 614 Connection structure [0208] 620 Work station [0209] 630 Can [0210] 632 RFID [0211] 640 View recess [0212] 642 Viewing window [0213] 710 Round can rim [0214] 715 Round can outer surface [0215] 720 Round can [0216] 725 Round can inner surface [0217] 800 Bobbin winding [0218] 810 Cross-wound bobbin [0219] 900 Service unit [0220] 910 Filter point [0221] 915 Flow section [0222] 920 Exhaust apparatus [0223] 950 Filter [0224] 955 Slide-in unit [0225] 958 Filter holder [0226] 1100 Can region [0227] 1110 Can rim [0228] 1115 Can outer wall [0229] 1120 Can inner wall [0230] 1130 Joint [0231] 1140 Assembly [0232] 1150 Suction line [0233] 1155 Joint