A bearing journal (21), which is introduced into a central opening (22) in the reel (10) and is anchored releasably inside a reel core (11), serves for automatically receiving reels (10). Provided for the connection between the bearing journal (21) and the reel core (11) are clamping webs (23) which are extended laterally and take up a connection with the inner side of the reel core (11) in a non-positive and/or positive-locking manner. The bearing journal (21) is provided with a plurality of mechanical monitoring members which indicate any incorrect position of the bearing journal (21). The movements of the bearing journal (21) are controlled automatically by means of a camera (38).