Thread feeding bobbin preparation device

Abstract

The present invention provides a yarn bobbin preparation device equipped with two parallel chutes that can transport trays without causing them to stagnate, thereby enabling highly efficient and stable processing. [Solution] The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device 1 includes an discharge tray transport path 4 through which the transport tray 9 discharged from the automatic winder 3 is transported, a bobbin removal device 50 provided in the discharge tray transport path 4, a branching section 6 provided at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, a first bobbin supply path 61 and a second bobbin supply path 62 extending downstream from one and the other of the branching section 6, a first chute section 51 provided in the first bobbin supply path 61, and a second chute section 52 provided in the second bobbin supply path 62. The branching section 6 is provided with a distribution projection 6a facing the pre-branching transport direction D4, which is the transport direction at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a yarn feeding bobbin preparing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, there has been known a bobbin conveying system that continuously conveys trays with bobbins mounted thereon from a spinning frame to an automatic winder. In this system, there are provided a first main conveying path provided with a first bobbin preparing apparatus, and a first sub conveying path branched from the first main conveying path at a position downstream of the first bobbin preparing apparatus and provided with a second bobbin preparing apparatus. The first sub conveying path is a path for conveying the bobbin to the second bobbin preparing apparatus when a pull-out processing failure occurs in the first bobbin preparing apparatus.

[0003] Further, in this system, the first main conveying path is provided with a second sub conveying path branched from the first main conveying path at a position upstream of the first bobbin preparing apparatus. The second sub conveying path is connected to the first sub conveying path, and can convey trays to the first sub conveying path. When trays stagnate in the first main conveying path, due to the arrangement of an offset section on the first main conveying path (downstream of a branch point), a newly conveyed tray comes into contact with a rearmost tray in the offset section in a state where its track is deviated. Thereby, the newly conveyed tray is sent out from the first main conveying path to the second sub conveying path, and conveyed to the first sub conveying path via the second sub conveying path. The tray is to be processed by the second bobbin preparing apparatus. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-251814 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In the bobbin transport system described above, when a tray accumulates in the first main transport path, newly transported trays are sent to the second secondary transport path and then transported back to the first secondary transport path via the second secondary transport path. Incidentally, in a yarn bobbin preparation device, a type of device capable of supplying yarn bobbins through two chutes installed in parallel has been considered. In this device, the path through which the trays are transported is connected to a path to the first chute and a path to the second chute via a branching section. In a yarn bobbin preparation device equipped with two chutes installed in parallel in this way, the best way to transport the trays and send them to one of the chutes has not been considered.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a yarn bobbin preparation device equipped with two parallel-arranged chute sections that can transport trays without causing them to stagnate, thereby achieving highly efficient and stable processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A yarn bobbin preparation device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an discharge tray transport path through which trays discharged from a winding unit are transported; a bobbin removal device provided in the discharge tray transport path for removing bobbin tubes from trays discharged from the winding unit; a branching section provided at the end of the discharge tray transport path; a first bobbin supply path extending downstream of one side of the branching section and capable of transporting empty trays that have been processed by the bobbin removal device; a second bobbin supply path extending downstream of the other side of the branching section and capable of transporting empty trays; a first chute provided in the first bobbin supply path for supplying yarn bobbins to empty trays on the first bobbin supply path; and a second chute provided in the second bobbin supply path for supplying yarn bobbins to empty trays on the second bobbin supply path, wherein the branching section is provided with a distribution projection facing the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path.

[0008] With this yarn bobbin preparation device, empty trays that have been processed by the bobbin removal device can be transported to either the first bobbin supply path or the second bobbin supply path after passing through the branching section. Empty trays transported to the first bobbin supply path receive yarn bobbins at the first chute section. Alternatively, empty trays transported to the second bobbin supply path receive yarn bobbins at the second chute section. High-efficiency processing can be achieved by the first and second chutes being installed in parallel. The branching section is provided with a distribution protrusion facing the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path. As a result, at the branching section, empty trays are preferentially transported to the first bobbin supply path, so that empty trays are transported without stagnation and stable processing can be achieved.

[0009] The branching section is provided with a distribution projection facing the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path. The distribution projection is located between the first opening of the first bobbin supply path and the second opening of the second bobbin supply path. When viewed from the pre-branching transport direction and the center of the pre-branching transport path, the distribution projection may be formed closer to the second opening than the first opening. With this configuration, the empty tray hits the distribution projection and is then introduced (transported) to the first opening, i.e., the first bobbin supply path. No separate path switching mechanism is required.

[0010] With respect to the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path, the first post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, and the second post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, may both be at an angle greater than 25 degrees and less than 65 degrees. With this configuration, since both post-branching transport directions are at an angle close to the pre-branching transport direction, it is easy to guide empty trays into either the first bobbin supply path or the second bobbin supply path.

[0011] The second post-branch transport direction, which is the transport direction of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, may be at an angle of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the first post-branch transport direction, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point. With this configuration, since the second post-branch transport direction is at an angle of 90 degrees or less with respect to the first post-branch transport direction, distribution to the second bobbin supply path is easier compared to the above-mentioned Patent Document 1.

[0012] An empty tray stops at a first stopping position on the first bobbin supply path to receive yarn bobbins from the first chute, and M (M is a natural number) other empty trays are located consecutively on the first bobbin supply path, and when the distance between the outer edge of the Mth empty tray and the branching point is less than the radius of the empty tray, the M+1th empty tray that next arrives at the branching point may be introduced into the second bobbin supply path. With this configuration, even if the first bobbin supply path is full of multiple empty trays, starting with the empty tray that stops at the first stopping position, the next empty tray that arrives at the branching point will be introduced into the second bobbin supply path. This makes it possible to more reliably achieve highly efficient and stable processing.

[0013] At a minimum, a common flat belt conveyor may be provided at the end of the discharge tray transport path, the branching point, the first inlet of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, and the second inlet of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point. With this configuration, empty trays are transported with the same belt transport force before and after the branching point. This enables stable sorting (distribution) of empty trays.

[0014] A separate flat belt conveyor may be placed downstream from the first inlet of the first bobbin supply path, and a round belt conveyor may be placed in the second bobbin supply path. With this configuration, stable transport can be achieved in the first bobbin supply path, where a larger number of empty trays are transported. The second bobbin supply path, which is an auxiliary transport path, may require relatively complex shapes such as detours. Even in such cases, the use of a round belt conveyor can reduce layout constraints.

[0015] A first flat belt conveyor is positioned at the end and branching points of the discharge tray transport path, a second flat belt conveyor is positioned downstream from the first inlet of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, and a round belt conveyor may run between the first and second flat belt conveyors in a direction that forms an acute angle with the transport direction after the first branching point, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point. In terms of layout, even if there is a gap (a large gap) between the two flat belt conveyors that are responsible for transport in the first bobbin supply path, another round belt conveyor can be used to allow empty trays to cross that gap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, highly efficient processing can be achieved. Empty trays can be transported without accumulating, and stable processing can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of a yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an automatic winder installed downstream of the yarn feeding bobbin preparation device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a perspective view of the transport tray (empty tray) being transported in the automatic winder shown in Figure 2, Figure 3(b) is a perspective view of the bobbin tube mounted on the transport tray, Figure 3(c) is a perspective view of the yarn bobbin mounted on the transport tray, and Figure 3(d) is a perspective view of the prepared yarn bobbin mounted on the transport tray. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view of a transport tray (empty tray) being transported by a flat belt conveyor, cut by a plane perpendicular to the transport direction; Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of a transport tray (empty tray) being transported by a round belt conveyor, cut by a plane perpendicular to the transport direction; and Figure 4(c) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4(a) cut by a plane parallel to the transport direction. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the terminal end of the discharge tray conveying path, the branching portion, the first bobbin supply path, and the second bobbin supply path. [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows a conveying tray (empty tray) conveyed immediately before the branching portion, Figure 6(b) shows the conveying tray entering the branching portion, and Figure 6(c) shows the conveying tray guided to the first bobbin supply path. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the first chute portion and the second chute portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a case where the next empty tray arrives at the branching portion in a state where the first bobbin supply path is full of a plurality of empty trays with an empty tray stopped at the first stop position at the head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the conveying direction of the conveying tray 9. In addition, for convenience of description, X-Y-Z three-dimensional orthogonal axes are also shown in some drawings.

[0019] First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the overall configuration of the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device according to the present embodiment and the schematic configuration of an automatic winder 3 to which the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device is applied will be described. Figure 1 is a plan view of a yarn feeding bobbin preparing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an automatic winder provided on the downstream side of the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, a bobbin supply system S includes the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1, a yarn feeding bobbin supply unit (not shown) that supplies yarn feeding bobbins 11A to the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1, and a supply conveyor 80 connected to the downstream side of the yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 for feeding prepared yarn feeding bobbins 11B to the automatic winder 3. The yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 is a device that supplies the automatic winder 3 with yarn feeding bobbins 11A (more specifically, prepared yarn feeding bobbins 11B) each having yarn wound around a bobbin tube 12. The yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 also receives used bobbins 13 discharged from each winder unit 30 of the automatic winder 3 (a conveying tray 9 carrying the used bobbins 13).

[0020] The yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 includes a discharge tray conveying path 4 through which used bobbins 13 discharged from the winder unit 30 are conveyed, and a first bobbin supply path 61 and a second bobbin supply path 62 branched at a terminal end 4b of the discharge tray conveying path 4. The yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 further includes a first yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 63 connected to a merging portion 7 at downstream ends of the first bobbin supply path 61 and the second bobbin supply path 62, a yarn feeding bobbin distributing path 65 and a second yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 64 branched from an upstream portion of the first yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 63, and a return path 67 connected from a downstream portion of the first yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 63 (a downstream portion of a yarn end threading device 55) to an upstream portion of the second yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 64. Both a first yarn feeding bobbin outlet portion 63b of the first yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 63 and a second yarn feeding bobbin outlet portion 64b of the second yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 64 are connected to the supply conveyor 80 leading to a conveying path 69 (see Figure 2) at a lower part of the automatic winder 3. The yarn feeding bobbin preparing device 1 further includes a return path 66 connecting a downstream portion of the second yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 64 (the downstream portion of the yarn end threading device 55) and the discharge tray conveying path 4 (an upstream portion of a bobbin extracting device 50 described later).

[0021] The first yarn-feeding bobbin transport path 63 and the second yarn-feeding bobbin transport path 64 are each provided with, in order from the upstream side, a bobbin stripper 53, a tray rotating device 54, and a thread end dispenser 55. The thread end dispenser 55 separates the thread end from the surface of the yarn-feeding bobbin 11A (performing a thread end dispenser), winds the dispensed thread end around the top of the bobbin tube 12, and inserts it into the top hole of the bobbin tube 12.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the automatic winder 3 is a device that draws yarn Y from a prepared yarn bobbin 11B (see Figure 3(d)) in which a stock bunch 15, which is a top bunch for stocking, is formed on the upper part 12b of the bobbin tube 12 and the yarn end Y1 is positioned inside 12c of the bobbin tube 12, and winds it up as a package P. That is, the automatic winder 3 winds yarn Y from the prepared yarn bobbin 11B, which is prepared in the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 and supplied to the automatic winder 3, to form a package P. As shown in Figure 2, the automatic winder 3 comprises an end frame 20, a plurality (e.g., 24) of winder units (winding units) 30, and a hoisting cart 45. The end frame 20 has a display unit 21 such as a display, an operation unit 22 such as an input key, and a machine control unit 23 that controls the operation of the automatic winder 3. The display unit 21 displays the operating status of each winder unit 30. The control unit 22 allows the operator to set the operating conditions for each winder unit 30. It is also possible to replace the display unit 21 and the control unit 22 (including input keys) with a touch panel. In this case, both display and key input can be performed via the touch panel.

[0023] The machine control unit 23 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The machine control unit 23 executes various control processes in the automatic winder 3 and the yarn feeding bobbin preparation device 1. These various control processes are performed, for example, by loading a program stored in ROM onto RAM and executing it on the CPU.

[0024] The winder unit 30 is arranged in one direction as shown in Figure 2 and unwinds the yarn Y from the prepared yarn bobbin 11B as shown in Figure 3(d) to form the package P. The winder unit 30 includes known components such as a winding device, a tensioning device, a yarn monitoring device, an upper yarn capture device, a lower yarn capture device, a yarn splicing device 36, a unit control unit, etc. (none of which are shown).

[0025] The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device 1 transports the yarn feeding bobbin 11A (see Figure 3(c)) with yarn Y wound around the bobbin tube 12, the prepared yarn feeding bobbin 11B (see Figure 3(d)) described above, and the used bobbin 13 (see Figure 3(b)) from which some or all of the yarn Y has been drawn out by the winder unit 30, all mounted on the transport tray 9. Figure 3(b) shows the used bobbin 13 from which all of the yarn Y has been drawn out by the prepared yarn feeding bobbin 11B.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3(a), the transport tray 9 has a disc-shaped base portion 91, a cylindrical projection portion 92 that protrudes upward from the base portion 91, and a pin 93 that protrudes further upward from the projection portion 92. The yarn feeding bobbin 11A, the prepared yarn feeding bobbin 11B, and the used bobbin 13 are each mounted on the transport tray 9 with one end of the bobbin tube 12 facing upward by inserting the pin 93 into the lower part 12a of the bobbin tube 12. In other words, the transport tray 9 is configured to be able to hold the yarn feeding bobbin 11A, the prepared yarn feeding bobbin 11B, and the used bobbin 13 in an upright position with their axial directions being vertical.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 includes a bobbin transport device 5 for transporting the various transport trays 9 (including yarn bobbins 11A, etc.) shown in Figure 3 along the various transport and return paths described above. The bobbin transport device 5 includes multiple belt conveyors that move and transport the transport trays 9 by running an endless belt member along each of the transport and return paths. The type of these belt conveyors is not particularly limited, but examples include flat belt conveyors and round belt conveyors.

[0028] For example, the discharge tray transport path 4 is equipped with a first flat belt conveyor 71 (see Figure 5) whose transport direction is in the X direction as shown in Figure 2. The first bobbin supply path 61 is equipped with a second flat belt conveyor 72 (see Figure 5) whose transport direction is mainly in the Y direction. Each flat belt conveyor includes, for example, a motor section 71f, a plurality of pulleys (pulley 71g, etc.), and a flat belt section 71b stretched across these pulleys, as shown in Figure 5. Each flat belt conveyor advances each transport tray 9 in the transport direction by utilizing the friction between the flat belt section and the bottom surface of the base section 91 of the transport tray 9 (see Figure 4(a)).

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the second bobbin supply path 62 is equipped with round belt conveyors 73, which primarily have the Y direction as the conveying direction. Each round belt conveyor also includes a motor unit, a number of pulleys (none of which are shown), and a round belt section 73b stretched across these pulleys. Each round belt conveyor advances each conveying tray 9 in the conveying direction by utilizing the friction between the round belt section and the bottom surface of the base section 91 of the conveying tray 9 (see Figure 4(b)).

[0030] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the various transport and return paths described above are formed by slits 150a extending along each path on a path-defining plate 150 that extends along the XY plane (for example, horizontally). These slits 150a have a width slightly larger than the diameter of the protrusion 92 of the transport tray 9. The transport tray 9, supported by the flat belt section 71b or the round belt section 73b, is transported while its posture is restricted and guided by the path-defining plate 150 and its slits 150a. The position on which the base section 91 rests on each of the flat belt section 71b and the round belt section 73b is not necessarily the center position as shown in the figures. The upright state described above does not necessarily mean that the axis of the transport tray 9 or bobbin tube 12 is parallel to the vertical direction (Z direction). The axis of each transport tray 9 is transported with some swaying or tilting relative to the vertical direction.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, a bobbin extraction device 50 is provided downstream of the discharge tray transport path 4 to extract the bobbin tube 12 from the transport tray 9 discharged from the winder unit 30. The bobbin extraction device 50 is configured to extract and recover the bobbin tube 12 from the transport tray 9. The bobbin extraction device 50 uses an empty transport tray 9 that does not contain a bobbin tube 12. A known configuration can be used for the bobbin extraction device 50.

[0032] Next, with reference to Figures 5 and subsequent figures, the two chute sections of the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 and their associated transport mechanisms will be described. Figure 5 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, the branching section 6, the first bobbin supply path 61, and the second bobbin supply path 62. As shown in Figure 5, the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 includes a branching section 6 provided at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, a first bobbin supply path 61 extending downstream of one side of the branching section 6 and capable of transporting the transport tray 9 (empty tray), and a second bobbin supply path 62 extending downstream of the other side of the branching section 6 and capable of transporting the transport tray 9 (empty tray) (see also Figure 1).

[0033] The yarn bobbin preparation device 1 includes a first chute section 51 located in the middle of the first bobbin supply path 61, which supplies yarn bobbins 11A to the transport tray 9 (empty tray) that has stopped at a predetermined first stop position P1 on the first bobbin supply path 61. The yarn bobbin preparation device 1 also includes a second chute section 52 located in the middle of the second bobbin supply path 62, which supplies yarn bobbins 11A to the transport tray 9 (empty tray) that has stopped at a predetermined second stop position P2 on the second bobbin supply path 62. The yarn bobbin preparation device 1 thus includes two chute sections installed in parallel.

[0034] In the yarn bobbin preparation device 1, a unique tray sorting structure is provided at the branching section 6. The tray sorting structure will be described in detail below. As shown in Figure 5, the branching section 6 is provided with a distribution projection 6a facing the pre-branching transport direction (travel direction) D4, which is the transport direction at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4. The distribution projection 6a has, for example, a pointed tip and is formed in a position that obstructs the movement of the protruding portion 92 of the transport tray 9 being transported. The distribution projection 6a is located between the first opening 61p of the first bobbin supply path 61 and the second opening 62p of the second bobbin supply path 62.

[0035] Viewed from the pre-branching transport direction D4, the first opening 61p of the first bobbin supply path 61 is larger than the second opening 62p of the second bobbin supply path 62. These "openings" may also be defined as the horizontal width of each inlet 61a, 62a that is perpendicular to the first post-branching transport direction D61a, which is the transport direction at the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61, or the second post-branching transport direction D62a, which is the transport direction at the second inlet 62a of the second bobbin supply path 62. In other words, viewed from the pre-branching transport direction D4 and the center of the pre-branching transport path, the distribution protrusion 6a is formed closer to the second opening 62p than to the first opening 61p. "Pre-branching transport path" means the path portion immediately before the branching portion 6 at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, and "center of pre-branching transport path" means the center point in the width direction (Y direction) of that path portion. As described above, by arranging the distribution protrusion 6a, the transport tray 9 that comes into contact with the distribution protrusion 6a is easily guided to the first entrance 61a. Because the first opening 61p is larger than the second opening 62p, even if the transport tray 9 is transported along a path that is somewhat curved (in a plan view), the transport tray 9 can move smoothly (or pass through the branching section 6).

[0036] Furthermore, a trapezoidal offset section 4s is formed between the bobbin removal device 50 and the terminal 4b, bulging out on the opposite side from the first bobbin supply path 61 (in other words, on the same side as the second bobbin supply path 62). Also, immediately after the branching section 6 (downstream side), i.e., the second inlet section 62a, a trapezoidal offset section 62s is formed, bulging out on the same side as the offset section 4s.

[0037] From another perspective, the angles of each transport path have also been carefully considered. With respect to the transport direction D4 before branching, which is the transport direction at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6, D61a, is, for example, an angle α greater than 25 degrees and less than 65 degrees. Angle α may be, for example, around 45 degrees. With respect to the transport direction D4 before branching, which is the transport direction of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching section 6, D62a, is, for example, an angle β greater than 25 degrees and less than 65 degrees. Angle β may be, for example, around 45 degrees.

[0038] From another perspective, the second post-branch transport direction D62a of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching point 6 has an angle θ of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the first post-branch transport direction D61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching point 6. The angle θ may be, for example, about 90 degrees.

[0039] With the above configuration, the multiple transport trays 9 that are sequentially transported in the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 pass through the bobbin removal device 50 and are transported again as empty trays. For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), the empty transport trays 9 approach the branching section 6. At the branching section 6, the empty trays are preferentially transported to the first bobbin supply path 61. That is, as shown in Figure 6(b), they exit the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4 and enter the branching section 6. At that time, the protruding portion 92 overcomes the protruding portion 6b that protrudes in the direction approaching the first bobbin supply path 61 in the Y direction. Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), they are transported by the first flat belt conveyor 71, and more than half of the protruding portion 92 is positioned on the first entrance section 61a side with the distribution protrusion 6a as the boundary. After that, the transport trays 9 are transported to the first bobbin supply path 61.

[0040] At this time, a common first flat belt conveyor 71 (a common flat belt conveyor) extending in the X direction is arranged at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, the branching section 6, the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6, and the second inlet 62a of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching section 6. In addition, a second flat belt conveyor 72 (another flat belt conveyor) extending in the Y direction is arranged downstream of the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61.

[0041] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, a round belt conveyor 73 is located in the second bobbin supply path 62. This round belt conveyor 73 runs between the first flat belt conveyor 71 and the second flat belt conveyor 72 in a direction that forms an acute angle with the first post-branching transport direction D61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6.

[0042] Next, we will describe the transport configuration when the first bobbin supply path 61 is full with transport trays 9. As shown in Figure 8, one transport tray 9 (empty tray) is stopped at the first stop position P1 on the first bobbin supply path 61 in order to receive the supply of yarn bobbins 11A from the first chute section 51. Here, as shown in Figure 7, the first chute section 51 includes a frame section 101, a tray arrival detection sensor 102 and a bobbin detection sensor 103 provided at a position protruding upstream of the frame section 101, and a chute body 106 that can be opened and closed by an opening and closing operation cylinder 107. The direction of light transmission and reception in the tray arrival detection sensor 102 and the bobbin detection sensor 103 is the horizontal direction (for example, the X direction) perpendicular to the transport direction in the first bobbin supply path 61. Separately prepared yarn bobbins 11A are supplied from above the chute body 106. The first flat belt conveyor 71 is stopped according to the detection result of the tray arrival detection sensor 102, and the first stopping position P1 of the transport tray 9 is uniquely determined. In Figure 8, only the transport tray 9 that is stopped at the first stopping position P1 is labeled with the code "9x". In addition, only the M+1th transport tray 9, which will be described later, is labeled with the code "9y".

[0043] Furthermore, the transport tray 9 and M (M is a natural number; 4 in the illustrated example) other transport trays 9 are located on the first bobbin supply path 61, and the distance between the outer edge of the Mth (4th in the illustrated example) transport tray 9 and the branching section 6 is less than the radius of the transport tray 9. The presence of multiple transport trays 9 consecutively on the first bobbin supply path 61 means that the base portions 91 of adjacent transport trays 9 are in contact with each other, as shown in Figure 4(c). At this time, as shown in Figure 8, the shape and length of the first bobbin supply path 61 and the first stopping position P1 (the installation position of the first chute 51) are designed so that the M+1th (5th in the illustrated example) transport tray 9y that next arrives at the branching section 6 is introduced into the second bobbin supply path 62 without hitting the distribution protrusion 6a. The M+1 transport tray 9y hits the outer edge of the M transport tray 9 and is pulled by the flat belt section 71b of the first flat belt conveyor 71 into the second entrance section 62a. As a result, even if the first bobbin supply path 61 is full of multiple transport trays 9, with the transport tray 9x that stops at the first stop position P1 at the front, the next transport tray 9y that arrives at the branching section 6 is introduced into the second bobbin supply path 62. This makes it possible to more reliably achieve highly efficient and stable processing.

[0044] Furthermore, at this time, another round belt conveyor 73 can be used to move the conveyor tray 9 across the gap formed between the first flat belt conveyor 71 and the second flat belt conveyor 72.

[0045] According to the yarn bobbin preparation device 1 of this embodiment, the transport tray 9 (empty tray) that has been processed by the bobbin removal device 50 can be transported to the first bobbin supply path 61 or to the second bobbin supply path 62 after passing through the branching section 6. The transport tray 9 transported to the first bobbin supply path 61 receives yarn bobbins 11A in the first chute section 51. Alternatively, the transport tray 9 transported to the second bobbin supply path 62 receives yarn bobbins 11A in the second chute section 52. The first chute section 51 and the second chute section 52 are installed in parallel, enabling highly efficient processing. The branching section 6 is provided with a distribution projection 6a facing the pre-branching transport direction D4, which is the transport direction at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4. As a result, at the branching section 6, the transport tray 9 is preferentially transported to the first bobbin supply path 61, so that the transport tray 9 is transported without stagnation and stable processing can be achieved.

[0046] The distribution projection 6a of the branching section 6 is located between the first opening 61p of the first bobbin supply path 61 and the second opening 62p of the second bobbin supply path 62. Viewed from the pre-branching transport direction D4, the first opening 61p is larger than the second opening 62p. As a result, the transport tray 9 hits the distribution projection 6a and is then introduced (transported) to the first opening 61p, i.e., the first bobbin supply path 61. No separate path switching mechanism is required.

[0047] With respect to the pre-branching transport direction D4 at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, the first post-branching transport direction D61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching point 6, and the second post-branching transport direction D62a of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching point 6, are both at an angle greater than 25 degrees and less than 65 degrees. As a result, since both post-branching transport directions are at an angle close to the pre-branching transport direction D4, it is easy to guide the transport tray 9 into either the first bobbin supply path 61 or the second bobbin supply path 62.

[0048] The second post-branch transport direction D62a of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching point 6 is at an angle of 45 degrees to 90 degrees with respect to the first post-branch transport direction D61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching point 6. As a result, the second post-branch transport direction D62a is at an angle of 90 degrees or less with respect to the first post-branch transport direction D61a, making it easier to distribute to the second bobbin supply path 62 compared to the aforementioned Patent Document 1.

[0049] A common first flat belt conveyor 71 is provided at least at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, the branching section 6, the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6, and the second inlet 62a of the second bobbin supply path 62 immediately after the branching section 6. As a result, the transport trays 9 are transported with the same belt transport force before and after the branching section 6. This enables stable sorting (distribution) of the transport trays 9.

[0050] A second flat belt conveyor 72 is positioned downstream of the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61, and a round belt conveyor is positioned in the second bobbin supply path 62. This ensures stable transport in the first bobbin supply path 61, where a larger number of transport trays 9 are transported. The second bobbin supply path 62, which is an auxiliary transport path, may require relatively complex shapes such as detours. Even in such cases, the use of a round belt conveyor reduces layout constraints.

[0051] A first flat belt conveyor 71 is positioned at the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4 and at the branching section 6. A second flat belt conveyor 72 is positioned downstream of the first inlet 61a of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6. Between the first flat belt conveyor 71 and the second flat belt conveyor 72, a round belt conveyor 73 runs in a direction that forms an acute angle with the first post-branch transport direction D61a, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path 61 immediately after the branching section 6. In terms of layout, even if there is a gap (large gap) between the two flat belt conveyors responsible for transport in the first bobbin supply path 61, the transport tray 9 can be made to traverse that gap using the other round belt conveyor 73.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the angles and shapes of the first bobbin supply path 61 and the second bobbin supply path 62 connected to the downstream side of the branching section 6 may be appropriately changed from those exemplified in the above embodiments.

[0053] The distribution projection 6a in the branching section 6 may have a different shape from that of the above embodiment, and the position of the distribution projection 6a relative to the end 4b of the discharge tray transport path 4, and the size of the first opening 61p and the second opening 62p separated by the distribution projection 6a as viewed from the pre-branch transport direction D4 may also differ from that of the above embodiment.

[0054] Even if the first bobbin supply path 61 becomes full with multiple transport trays 9 lined up, starting with the transport tray 9 located at the first stop position P1, the next transport tray 9 that arrives may hit the distribution protrusion 6a and be guided to the second bobbin supply path 62.

[0055] The configuration (shape or structure) of the transport tray and empty tray may differ from that of the above embodiment. At least one of the first flat belt conveyor 71, the second flat belt conveyor 72, or the round belt conveyor 73 in the bobbin transport device 5 may be replaced with a configuration different from that of the above embodiment (a known transport device, etc.).

[0056] The winding unit is not limited to the winder unit 30 of the above embodiment, but may be a winding unit of another type. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1...Thread supply bobbin preparation device, 3...Automatic winder (winding unit), 4...Discharge tray transport path, 4b...End, 6...Branching section, 6a...Distribution protrusion, 9...Transport tray (empty tray), 30...Winder unit (winding unit), 50...Bobbin removal device, 51...First chute section, 52...Second chute section, 55...Outlet device, 61...First bobbin supply path, 61a...First inlet section, 61p...First opening, 62...Second bobbin supply path, 62a...Second inlet section, 62p...Second opening, 71...First flat belt conveyor (common flat belt conveyor), 72...Second flat belt conveyor (another flat belt conveyor), 73...Round belt conveyor, D4...Transportation direction before branching, D61a...Transportation direction after first branching, D62a...Transportation direction after second branching, P1...First stop position, P2...Second stop position.

Claims

1. A discharge tray transport path through which trays discharged from the winding unit are transported, A bobbin removal device is provided in the aforementioned discharge tray transport path for removing bobbin tubes from trays discharged from the winding unit, A branching section is provided at the end of the aforementioned discharge tray transport path, A first bobbin supply path extends downstream of one of the branching sections and is capable of transporting the empty tray that has been processed by the bobbin removal device, A second bobbin supply path extends downstream of the other branch and is capable of transporting the empty tray, A first chute unit provided in the first bobbin supply path for supplying yarn bobbins to the empty tray on the first bobbin supply path, The system includes a second chute section provided in the second bobbin supply path for supplying yarn bobbins to the empty tray on the second bobbin supply path, A yarn bobbin preparation device, wherein the branching section is provided with a distribution projection facing the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path.

2. The distribution protrusion is located between the first opening of the first bobbin supply path and the second opening of the second bobbin supply path. The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the center of the pre-branching transport direction and pre-branching transport path, the distribution protrusion is formed closer to the second opening than the first opening.

3. The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, with respect to the pre-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction at the end of the discharge tray transport path, the first post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, and the second post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, both form an angle greater than 25 degrees and less than 65 degrees.

4. The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point, is at an angle of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less with respect to the first post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching point.

5. A yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an empty tray stops at a first stop position on the first bobbin supply path to receive the yarn feeding bobbin from the first chute, and M (M is a natural number) other empty trays are present on the first bobbin supply path in succession to the empty tray, and when the distance between the outer edge of the Mth empty tray and the branching section is less than the radius of the empty tray, the M+1th empty tray that next arrives at the branching section is introduced into the second bobbin supply path.

6. A yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a common flat belt conveyor is provided at least at the end of the discharge tray transport path, the branching section, the first inlet of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching section, and the second inlet of the second bobbin supply path immediately after the branching section.

7. The yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to claim 6, wherein another flat belt conveyor is arranged downstream of the first inlet of the first bobbin supply path, and a round belt conveyor is arranged in the second bobbin supply path.

8. A first flat belt conveyor is provided at the end and branch of the discharge tray transport path, and a second flat belt conveyor is provided in the portion of the first bobbin supply path downstream from the first inlet immediately after the branch. A yarn feeding bobbin preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a round belt conveyor runs between the first flat belt conveyor and the second flat belt conveyor in a direction that forms an acute angle with the first post-branching transport direction, which is the transport direction of the first bobbin supply path immediately after the branching section.

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