A silk cake transfer system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a silk cake transfer system and method. By designing a stackable dedicated silk cake transfer unit, one unit can transfer one type of large-variety silk cake at a time or simultaneously transfer two smaller varieties of the same large-variety silk cake. One AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) can transfer multiple silk cake transfer units at a time. The buffer storage system features a layered or compartmentalized frame structure, allowing for multi-layered and multi-column silk cake transfer units to be stored three-dimensionally. This solves the problems of traditional silk cart transfer and whole-cart buffering methods in handling the transfer, storage, and orderly packaging of multiple varieties of silk cakes. The system's transfer efficiency, buffer space utilization, and packaging efficiency are all improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of textile machinery technology, specifically relating to a yarn cake transfer system and method. Background Technology

[0002] A typical spandex workshop consists of a polymerization workshop, a spinning workshop, and a packaging workshop. my country's spandex industry is now expanding its production capacity. The final spandex product is produced by first polymerizing various raw materials in the polymerization workshop, where the liquid spandex yarn is converted into a solid state via a "tunnel." Then, the spinning workshop's winding machine completes the winding process, and finally, the packaging workshop boxes and packages the spandex yarn cakes.

[0003] Currently, a typical spinning line categorizes spandex yarn cakes into 2-3 major varieties. A single automated packaging line can only handle these 2-3 categories, while the subcategories must be manually sorted and packaged. With advancements in spandex technology and equipment, spandex factories now employ more refined management, requiring more precise classification of yarn cake varieties and types. For example, the spandex workshop may further subdivide the yarn cakes based on the different winding machines following each spindle. This would increase the number of categories per spinning line from 2-3 to 8-12. If all these subcategories were automated, the automated packaging workshop would occupy a very large area. While the subdivision of spandex yarn cake types has little impact on polymerization and spinning, it significantly affects yarn cake transfer and final automated packaging.

[0004] The existing automated yarn unloading and transfer process is as follows: yarn unloading station in the spinning workshop → full yarn buffer station in the packaging workshop → automated packaging line → empty yarn buffer station in the packaging workshop → yarn unloading station in the spinning workshop. The main problems are as follows:

[0005] 1. For finely sliced ​​shredded cakes, manual packaging is inefficient and has high labor costs.

[0006] 2. Automatic unloading and transfer yarn carts are automatic unloading equipment used in spinning to unload yarn cakes from the winding machine into each yarn cart according to major varieties. Generally, each yarn cart will not carry more than one major variety or two minor varieties of the same variety. If there are more than two varieties, a single automatic packaging line cannot automatically classify and package them. Therefore, the varieties on a yarn cart can only be classified according to major varieties, and cannot meet the needs of more subdivision of minor varieties.

[0007] 3. The existing method of transferring silk cakes, which corresponds to each silk cake variety, involves fixed silk carts, fixed buffer spaces, fixed AGV transfer carts, and fixed packaging lines. For more large varieties or subdivided small varieties, the number of silk carts, buffer space, and packaging lines need to be increased exponentially, which is neither reasonable nor economical. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the above problems, this invention designs a yarn cake transfer system and method, using stackable yarn cake transfer units as the smallest transfer unit for yarn cakes of the same type, to achieve detailed classification of spandex yarn cakes during yarn cake transfer in the upstream spinning workshop, and to meet the transfer needs of automatic doffing and automatic packaging of yarn cakes of various varieties.

[0009] This invention discloses a silk cake transfer system, wherein the silk cake is transported by an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle). Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) transport yarn from the dosing area through the buffer area to the packaging area. The dosing area and the buffer area, as well as the buffer area and the packaging area, are each equipped with a transfer channel, including a yarn cake transfer unit (the smallest transfer unit, equivalent to a traditional yarn cart). Each AGV transfers at least one yarn cake transfer unit at a time. Through stacking, one AGV can typically transfer 3-4 or more yarn cake transfer units simultaneously. One yarn cake transfer unit can transfer one type of yarn cake at a time (without distinguishing between smaller varieties) or simultaneously transfer two smaller varieties of the same type of yarn cake (different varieties are distinguished by their storage location). The dosing area includes a yarn cake transfer unit positioning frame (also called a stacking frame, used to position and stack multiple yarn cake transfer units), a palletizer, and a trolley positioning area. The yarn cake is removed from the winding machine by the dosing machine and placed into the corresponding yarn cake transfer unit. The palletizer places the yarn cake transfer unit onto the positioning frame or trolley. The trolley picks up and delivers the yarn cake transfer unit in the positioning area. The positioning frame or trolley can stack several yarn cake transfer units.

[0010] The buffer area includes a buffer storage unit, a skein inlet (the inlet for skein transfer units containing skein, where a trolley waits for the buffer area's robotic arm or robot to unload), a skein outlet, an empty frame inlet (the inlet for empty skein transfer units, where a trolley transports empty skein transfer units from the packaging area to the empty frame inlet, where the buffer area's robotic arm or robot places the empty skein transfer units into empty spaces in the buffer storage unit), and an empty frame outlet. The skein inlet and empty frame outlet are located on one side of the buffer area, generally near the skein dropping area, while the skein outlet and empty frame inlet are located on the other side of the buffer area, generally near the packaging area.

[0011] The cache library includes a layered or compartmentalized frame structure, wherein the height of the layer or compartment is not less than the height of a single silk cake transfer unit and the width is not less than the width of a single silk cake transfer unit.

[0012] The packaging area includes several packaging lines, where trolleys complete the packaging of the silk cake transfer units and transport the empty silk cake transfer units back to the buffer storage.

[0013] Furthermore, the silk cake transfer unit includes a transfer frame or a transfer drawer.

[0014] Furthermore, the silk cake transfer unit is provided with a stacking structure, which includes at least two grooves at the top of the silk cake transfer unit and a protrusion at the corresponding position at the bottom. The protrusion and the groove cooperate to play a stacking and positioning role.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper side of the bottom support of the positioning frame and / or the upper side of each layer of the support are provided with grooves corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit; the upper side of the trolley base or the transfer support is provided with grooves corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the silk cake transfer unit is equipped with an identification code, which includes at least one or any combination of QR code, barcode and radio frequency identification code (RFID).

[0017] Furthermore, an identification device is provided in the wire dropping area, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an identity recognition device, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver.

[0019] Furthermore, the buffer area is equipped with a palletizer, robotic arm, or robot to complete the inbound and outbound operations of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0020] Furthermore, the cache 3D library establishes a grid area index, which includes a coordinate index, that is, a two-dimensional plane (x,y) coordinate index established according to the vertical and horizontal directions, or an identification code, that is, an independent identification code is established for each grid area, and each grid area is a placement area for a silk cake transfer unit.

[0021] On the other hand, a method for transferring yarn cakes is characterized in that a positioning frame is set at the original position of the automatic yarn doffing trolley at the end of each spinning line in the doffing area. A movable yarn cake transfer unit is set on the positioning frame, and several yarn cake transfer units are stacked vertically (also called a stacked positioning structure). The yarn cake is transferred from the doffing area through a buffer area to the packaging area via the yarn cake transfer unit and an AGV trolley. The yarn cake transfer method includes the following steps:

[0022] S1. The unloading machine unloads yarn according to the classification of yarn cakes, that is, according to the settings, the corresponding yarn cakes are unloaded to the corresponding yarn cake transfer unit.

[0023] S2. AGV trolley transfer and loading: After the silk cake transfer unit is fully loaded, the line-side palletizer will take the corresponding fully loaded silk cake transfer unit from the positioning frame to the line-side AGV trolley transfer support. The transfer support is located in the trolley positioning area and is used for fixed-point pick-up and delivery.

[0024] S3. The AGV trolley transfers the goods into the warehouse. According to the predetermined number of silk cake transfer units per transfer, after the transfer tray is fully loaded, the system calls the AGV trolley to transfer the goods to the silk cake inlet of the buffer area.

[0025] S4, Buffered Silk Cake Transfer Unit: The buffer palletizer stores the fully loaded silk cake transfer unit in the empty space of the buffer automated warehouse, and records the corresponding location coordinates and silk cake variety in the system, waiting for silk cake requests from the packaging line.

[0026] S5. Silk cake out of the warehouse: According to the silk request on the packaging line and the system scheduling strategy, the buffer palletizer takes out the silk cake transfer unit with the corresponding requested specifications and models and places it on the transfer tray of the AGV trolley at the silk cake out of the warehouse.

[0027] S6. The AGV cart is transferred to the packaging area. According to the predetermined number of single packaging and transfer units, once the transfer tray is full, the system calls the AGV cart to transfer the goods to the corresponding packaging port.

[0028] S7. Wire drawing and packaging: The wire drawing of the current wire cake transfer unit is completed (wire cake unloading), and the packaging line is completed. For empty wire cake transfer units, AGV trolleys are called for transfer (generally called immediately after wire drawing is completed).

[0029] S8. Empty wire cake transfer unit enters the warehouse. The AGV trolley transfers the empty wire cake transfer unit to the empty frame warehouse entrance. The buffer area palletizer stores the empty wire cake transfer unit in the empty space of the buffer 3D warehouse and records the coordinate position of the empty unit in the buffer 3D warehouse.

[0030] Furthermore, in step S3, after the AGV trolley removes the fully loaded transfer tray, it simultaneously replenishes the empty yarn cake transfer unit with the subsequent step S4, including:

[0031] S3a, Issue a request for replenishment of empty yarn cake transfer unit (generally, the empty yarn cake transfer unit is called immediately after the trolley leaves the fixed pick-up and drop-off area of ​​the yarn dropping zone), and wait for system response;

[0032] S3b: Empty wire cake transfer units in the buffer area are taken out of the warehouse. According to the replenishment request, the palletizer in the buffer area takes out the corresponding number of empty wire cake transfer units and places them on the transfer tray at the empty frame outlet.

[0033] S3c, Empty yarn cake transfer unit transfers yarn doffing area. The system calls AGV trolley to transfer the empty yarn cake transfer unit to the corresponding spinning line trolley positioning area.

[0034] S3d, the empty yarn cake transfer unit is positioned on the positioning frame. The spinning thread stacking machine picks up and places the empty yarn cake transfer unit into the corresponding empty position required by the positioning frame.

[0035] Furthermore, after the AGV trolley transports the silk cake out of the buffer area and / or the empty frame out of the buffer area once, the palletizer automatically moves the empty transfer tray from the inlet to the outlet, or takes one out of the transfer tray storage area and places it at the outlet.

[0036] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The yarn cake transfer system and method designed in this invention, through improvements in facilities and equipment and a reasonable allocation and usage strategy, realizes the following in the spandex yarn cake production process:

[0037] (1) Save labor costs: It greatly reduces the need for manual on-site operation, especially the automatic packaging of many sub-categories, which saves labor.

[0038] (2) Improve product quality: The new system adapts to the segmented needs of spandex yarn cakes and can achieve precise control, thereby improving product quality.

[0039] (3) Traceable loading and unloading process: The entire process from unloading, warehousing, outbound to packaging is marked and tracked to achieve traceability.

[0040] (4) Improve site utilization: The three-dimensional buffer design allows different transfer units to share the buffer space, which improves site utilization and reduces site restrictions.

[0041] (5) Reduce human intervention: Automatic drum transfer can reduce human error in the production process and improve product consistency and stability.

[0042] (6) High adaptability: Automated drum dropping can adapt to different products and production needs, improving production flexibility.

[0043] (7) Enhance enterprise competitiveness: It can improve the enterprise's production efficiency and product quality, reduce production costs, and thus enhance the enterprise's competitiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a traditional automatic spool transfer machine;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a layout diagram of a silk cake transfer system;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a layout diagram of a single set of winding and doffing equipment in the doffing area. Figure 2 (A magnified view of a portion of the image);

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking of the silk cake transfer unit;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for transferring silk cakes.

[0049] Marked in the image:

[0050] 1. Wire feeding area; 2. Buffer area; 3. Packaging area;

[0051] 1.1 Winding machine, 1.2 Top rail, 1.3 Coil dropper, 1.4 AGV trolley, 1.5 Transfer support, 1.6 Trolley positioning area, 1.7 Palletizer, 1.8 Palletizer track, 1.9 Silk cake transfer unit, 1.10 Positioning frame, 1.11 Silk cake;

[0052] 2.1 Cache 3D warehouse; 2.2 Silk cake inlet; 2.3 Silk cake outlet; 2.4 Empty frame inlet; 2.5 Empty frame outlet;

[0053] 3.1 Packaging line. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] For the detailed classification of spandex yarn cakes, after the yarn cakes are received from the winding machine by the automatic doffing equipment in the spinning workshop, they are unloaded onto the transfer yarn cart in the spinning workshop (see appendix). Figure 1 This step begins.

[0056] The existing automatic yarn unloading and transfer process is as follows: yarn unloading position in the spinning workshop → full yarn buffer position in the packaging workshop → automatic packaging line → empty yarn buffer position in the packaging workshop → yarn unloading position in the spinning workshop.

[0057] This type of automatic yarn transfer cart is placed at the end of each spinning line, with 4-5 carts per line. When a cart is full, an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) transports it to the yarn cart buffer point in the automatic packaging workshop. When the automatic packaging line is ready to package the yarn cakes on the cart, it calls the cart, and the AGV then transports it from the buffer point to the calling automatic packaging line for automatic packaging. After automatic packaging, the AGV transports it from the automatic packaging line to the empty cart buffer point. When a full yarn cart is transported out of the spinning workshop, the empty cart is transported by the AGV into the spinning workshop for yarn unwinding.

[0058] Needs to be resolved:

[0059] (1) The issue of detailed classification and transportation of spandex yarn cakes;

[0060] (2) The utilization rate of the spandex spinning workshop and the automatic packaging workshop;

[0061] (3) Automatic packaging addresses the issue of retrieving finely categorized silk cakes.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] This invention designs a silk cake transfer system, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the silk cake 1.11 is transferred from the silk dropping area 1 to the packaging area 3 by an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) trolley 1.4 via the buffer area 2. The silk dropping area and the buffer area, as well as the buffer area and the packaging area, are each provided with a trolley transfer channel, including a silk cake transfer unit 1.9 (the smallest transfer unit, equivalent to a traditional silk cart; an AGV can only transfer one traditional silk cart at a time, and each silk cart can hold a maximum of two small-variety silk cakes at a time. However, this invention can transfer multiple silk cake transfer units simultaneously, and each silk cake transfer unit can hold two small-variety silk cakes of a large variety at a time). Each trolley transfers at least one silk cake transfer unit at a time. Through stacking, generally one AGV trolley can transfer 3 to 4 or more silk cake transfer units simultaneously. One silk cake transfer unit transfers at a time... The system can transfer a large variety of silk cake (without distinguishing between smaller varieties) or two smaller varieties of silk cakes of the same large variety simultaneously (different varieties are distinguished by their storage locations); the silk dropping area includes a silk cake transfer unit positioning frame 1.10 (also called a stacking frame, used to position and stack multiple silk cake transfer units), a palletizer 1.7, and a trolley positioning area 1.6. The silk cake is taken out from the winding machine 1.1 by the unloading machine 1.3 and placed into the corresponding silk cake transfer unit 1.9. The unloading machine 1.3 runs on the overhead rail 1.2, and the palletizer 1.7 runs on the palletizer track 1.8. The palletizer places the silk cake transfer unit onto the positioning frame or trolley. The trolley picks up and delivers the silk cake transfer unit in the positioning area. The positioning frame or trolley can stack several silk cake transfer units.

[0064] The buffer area 2 includes a buffer storage unit 2.1, a silk cake inlet 2.2 (the inlet for silk cake transfer units, where a trolley waits for the buffer area's robotic arm or robot to unload), a silk cake outlet 2.3, an empty frame inlet 2.4 (the inlet for empty silk cake transfer units, where a trolley transports empty silk cake transfer units from the packaging area to the empty frame inlet, where the buffer area's robotic arm or robot places the empty silk cake transfer units into empty spaces in the buffer storage unit), and an empty frame outlet 2.5. The silk cake inlet and empty frame outlet are located on one side of the buffer area, generally near the silk dropping area, while the silk cake outlet and empty frame inlet are located on the other side of the buffer area, generally near the packaging area. In this embodiment, the three-dimensional buffer storage unit is a multi-compartment three-dimensional frame.

[0065] The cache library 2.1 includes a layered or segmented frame structure, wherein the height of the layer or segment is not less than the height of a single silk cake transfer unit, and the width is not less than the width of a single silk cake transfer unit.

[0066] The packaging area 3 includes several packaging lines 3.1, where trolleys complete the packaging of the silk cake transfer unit and transport the empty silk cake transfer unit back to the buffer warehouse. Different packaging lines correspond to different large or small varieties of silk cakes. Generally, one packaging line can package two small varieties of the same large variety at the same time. Therefore, one silk cake transfer unit is allowed to carry two small varieties of the same large variety of silk cakes.

[0067] Preferably, the yarn cake transfer unit includes a transfer frame or a transfer drawer. This embodiment designs the yarn cake transfer frame with 4 horizontal layers and 5 vertical columns, totaling 20 yarn dropping rods. The transfer frame can be adjusted according to the actual needs of the spandex factory, including yarn dropping rod configurations such as 4*5, 3*6, and 2*6, for example... Figure 4 The image shows a 4*5 silk cake transfer frame, which can be stacked vertically to fully utilize vertical space and increase the variety of silk cakes that can be sorted. The silk cake transfer frame uses tapered positioning pins for quick docking.

[0068] Preferably, the silk cake transfer unit is provided with a stacking structure. The stacking structure includes at least two grooves at the top of the silk cake transfer unit and a corresponding protrusion at the bottom (not shown in the figure). The protrusion and the groove cooperate to play a stacking and positioning role. In particular, the groove has a large opening at the top and a small opening at the bottom, and at least one section at the bottom has the same size opening at both the top and bottom, which is a straight-up-straight-down structure. The protrusion has a corresponding structure, that is, there is a straight-up-straight-down section at the bottom, which becomes thicker at the top, and the bottommost end is a rounded chamfer structure. Whether or not the corresponding chamfer structure is provided at the bottom of the groove is optional and has little impact. The design of the large top and small bottom and the chamfer makes it easy for the palletizer or robotic arm to quickly and smoothly stack the silk cake transfer unit, while the straight-up-straight-down structure section can ensure the stability of the stacking.

[0069] Preferably, the upper side of the bottom support of the positioning frame and / or the upper side of each layer of the support are provided with grooves corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit; the upper side of the trolley base or the transfer support 1.5 is provided with grooves corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit. The trolley base or the transfer support 1.5 is located in the trolley positioning area 1.6.

[0070] Preferably, the silk cake transfer unit is equipped with an identification code, which includes at least one or any combination of QR code, barcode, and radio frequency identification code (RFID). Although in principle, different varieties of silk cakes can be identified by the relative positioning of the silk cake transfer unit in the silk dropping area, the trolley, and the buffer storage, or by identification through video, the reliability of the above methods may be problematic. By encoding the silk cake transfer unit, and distinguishing and recording the variety of silk cake stored each time at the initial silk dropping, and then positioning it in the corresponding buffer compartment, the reliability of the system can be greatly improved.

[0071] Preferably, the doffing area is equipped with an identification device, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver, corresponding to the setting method of the identification code of the silk cake transfer unit. It is used by the system to identify what variety of silk cake (including major variety information and / or minor variety information) is stored in the corresponding silk cake transfer unit. The distinction of silk cake varieties is mainly achieved through the operation and positioning of the doffing machine.

[0072] Preferably, the trolley is equipped with an identification device, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver, corresponding to the setting method of the identification code of the silk cake transfer unit, and is used to record the object being transported when the trolley transports the silk cake transfer unit.

[0073] Preferably, the buffer area is equipped with a palletizer, robotic arm, or robot to complete the inbound and outbound operations of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0074] Preferably, the cached three-dimensional library establishes a grid area index. This area index includes a coordinate index, i.e., a two-dimensional (x, y) coordinate index established vertically and horizontally, or an identification code, i.e., an independent identification code is established for each grid area. Each grid area is the placement area for one silk roll transfer unit. The grid does not necessarily require physical separation using frames or boards; it only needs to be able to fix and identify the storage location of each silk roll transfer unit. Especially horizontally, this can be achieved by using labels or lines to separate areas. Of course, using frames or partitions to achieve physical grid division, with each grid storing one silk roll transfer unit, is more in line with most people's habitual working methods and thinking patterns.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the silk cake transfer unit is set as a transfer drawer, which is not shown in the figure.

[0077] Preferably, guide rails are provided on both sides of the bottom of the transfer drawer, and corresponding guide rail grooves are provided on its upper part.

[0078] Preferably, the bottom support of the positioning frame is provided with guide rail grooves on both sides and / or on both sides of each layer of the support, corresponding to the bottom guide rail of the silk cake transfer unit; the trolley base or the transfer support is provided with guide rail grooves on both sides, corresponding to the bottom guide rail of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0079] Example 3

[0080] like Figure 5As shown, a method for transferring yarn cakes involves setting up a positioning frame at the original position of the automatic yarn doffing trolley at the end of each spinning line in the doffing area. A movable yarn cake transfer unit is mounted on the positioning frame, and several yarn cake transfer units are stacked vertically (also called a stacked positioning structure). The yarn cake is transferred from the doffing area through a buffer area to the packaging area via the yarn cake transfer unit and an AGV trolley. The yarn cake transfer method includes the following steps:

[0081] S1. The unwinding machine unloads yarn according to the yarn cake classification, that is, according to the settings, it unloads the corresponding yarn cake to the corresponding yarn cake transfer unit; after the winding machine is fully wound, it sends a call signal. After receiving the call signal, the unwinding machine goes to the winding machine to receive yarn. After receiving the yarn, it unloads the yarn cake into the corresponding yarn cake transfer unit according to the specifications and model of the winding machine position.

[0082] S2. AGV trolley transfer and loading: After the silk cake transfer unit is fully loaded, the line-side palletizer will take the corresponding fully loaded silk cake transfer unit from the positioning frame to the line-side AGV trolley transfer support. The transfer support is located in the trolley positioning area and is used for fixed-point pick-up and delivery.

[0083] S3. The AGV trolley transfers the goods into the warehouse. According to the predetermined number of silk cake transfer units per transfer, after the transfer tray is fully loaded, the system calls the AGV trolley to transfer the goods to the silk cake inlet of the buffer area.

[0084] S4. Buffered Silk Cake Transfer Unit: The buffer palletizer stores the fully loaded silk cake transfer unit in an empty space in the buffer automated warehouse and records the corresponding location coordinates and silk cake type in the system, awaiting silk cake requests from the packaging line. The general process for the silk cake transfer unit to enter the warehouse is that the inbound and outbound palletizers transport the fully loaded silk cake transfer frame to the docking position of the horizontal palletizer. The horizontal palletizer then transfers the silk cake transfer frame to the corresponding storage position according to the empty space indication in the buffer automated warehouse. The outbound process is the reverse. The subsequent inbound and outbound processes for empty silk cake transfer units are the same and will not be described in detail. The buffer automated warehouse is used to store silk cake loading units containing silk cakes and / or empty silk cake transfer units.

[0085] S5. Silk cake out of the warehouse: According to the silk request on the packaging line and the system scheduling strategy, the buffer palletizer takes out the silk cake transfer unit with the corresponding requested specifications and models and places it on the transfer tray of the AGV trolley at the silk cake out of the warehouse.

[0086] S6. The AGV cart is transferred to the packaging area. According to the predetermined number of single packaging and transfer units, once the transfer tray is full, the system calls the AGV cart to transfer the goods to the corresponding packaging port.

[0087] S7. Wire drawing and packaging: The wire drawing of the current wire cake transfer unit is completed (wire cake unloading), and the packaging line is completed. For empty wire cake transfer units, AGV trolleys are called for transfer (generally called immediately after wire drawing is completed).

[0088] S8. Empty wire cake transfer unit enters the warehouse. The AGV trolley transfers the empty wire cake transfer unit to the empty frame warehouse entrance. The buffer area palletizer stores the empty wire cake transfer unit in the empty space of the buffer 3D warehouse and records the coordinate position of the empty unit in the buffer 3D warehouse.

[0089] Preferably, after the AGV trolley transports the silk cake out of the buffer area and / or the empty frame out of the buffer area once, the palletizer automatically moves the empty transfer tray from the inlet to the outlet, or takes one out of the transfer tray storage area and places it at the outlet.

[0090] Preferably, the silk cake transfer unit is equipped with an identification code, which includes at least one or any combination of QR code, barcode, and radio frequency identification code (RFID). Although in principle, different varieties of silk cakes can be identified by the relative positioning of the silk cake transfer unit in the silk dropping area, the trolley, and the buffer storage, or by identification through video, the reliability of the above methods may be problematic. By encoding the silk cake transfer unit, and distinguishing and recording the variety of silk cake stored each time at the initial silk dropping, and then positioning it in the corresponding buffer compartment, the reliability of the system can be greatly improved.

[0091] Preferably, the doffing area is equipped with an identification device, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver, corresponding to the setting method of the identification code of the silk cake transfer unit. It is used by the system to identify what variety of silk cake (including major variety information and / or minor variety information) is stored in the corresponding silk cake transfer unit. The distinction of silk cake varieties is mainly achieved through the operation and positioning of the doffing machine.

[0092] Preferably, the trolley is equipped with an identification device, which includes at least one or any combination of a video camera, a barcode scanner, and an RF receiver, corresponding to the setting method of the identification code of the silk cake transfer unit, and is used to record the object being transported when the trolley transports the silk cake transfer unit.

[0093] Preferably, the silk cake is unloaded into the silk cake transfer unit by the unloading machine, and the system records its variety information (including major varieties and minor varieties) and corresponds it with the identification code of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0094] Preferably, the silk cake transfer unit includes a transfer frame or a transfer drawer; the silk cake transfer unit can transfer up to two sub-variety silk cakes of the same major variety at a time. In this embodiment, the silk cake transfer frame is configured with 4 horizontal layers and 5 vertical columns, totaling 20 silk drop rods.

[0095] Preferably, the stacking structure includes at least two grooves at the top of the silk cake transfer unit and a protrusion at the corresponding position at the bottom, wherein the protrusion and the groove cooperate to play a stacking and positioning role; the bottom support of the positioning frame is provided with a groove corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit; and the trolley base or transfer support is provided with a groove corresponding to the bottom protrusion of the silk cake transfer unit.

[0096] Preferably, the cached three-dimensional library establishes a grid area index. This area index includes a coordinate index, i.e., a two-dimensional (x, y) coordinate index established vertically and horizontally, or an identification code, i.e., an independent identification code is established for each grid area. Each grid area is the placement area for one silk roll transfer unit. The grid does not necessarily require physical separation using frames or boards; it only needs to be able to fix and identify the storage location of each silk roll transfer unit. Especially horizontally, this can be achieved by using labels or lines to separate areas. Of course, using frames or partitions to achieve physical grid division, with each grid storing one silk roll transfer unit, is more in line with most people's habitual working methods and thinking patterns.

[0097] Example 4

[0098] The difference from Embodiment 3 is that an operation step of transferring the empty yarn cake back to the doffing area by the empty transfer unit is added. In step S3, after the AGV trolley removes the fully loaded transfer tray, the empty yarn cake transfer unit is replenished simultaneously with the subsequent step S4, including:

[0099] S3a, Issue a request for replenishment of empty yarn cake transfer unit (generally, the empty yarn cake transfer unit is called immediately after the trolley leaves the fixed pick-up and drop-off area of ​​the yarn dropping zone), and wait for system response;

[0100] S3b: Empty wire cake transfer units in the buffer area are taken out of the warehouse. According to the replenishment request, the palletizer in the buffer area takes out the corresponding number of empty wire cake transfer units and places them on the transfer tray at the empty frame outlet.

[0101] S3c, Empty yarn cake transfer unit transfers yarn doffing area. The system calls AGV trolley to transfer the empty yarn cake transfer unit to the corresponding spinning line trolley positioning area.

[0102] S3d, the empty yarn cake transfer unit is positioned on the positioning frame. The spinning thread stacking machine picks up and places the empty yarn cake transfer unit into the corresponding empty position required by the positioning frame.

[0103] The basic principle of this invention is:

[0104] This invention utilizes a stackable yarn cake transfer unit design, enabling a single trolley to simultaneously transport multiple types of yarn cakes (traditional yarn carts can only transport a maximum of two minor yarn cakes of the same major variety at a time). This enhances the flexibility and efficiency of the trolley's transport, allowing for the transport of multiple major and minor yarn cakes simultaneously. It solves the problem of detailed classification and transfer of spandex yarn cakes, eliminating the need for traditional yarn carts where each AGV can only carry one yarn cart containing a single major variety at a time. Regarding the utilization of the yarn dropping area, previously, for each major variety, at least several yarn carts were stationed at fixed locations waiting to drop yarn, and once full, they were transported to the buffer area by AGVs, resulting in low space utilization and difficulty in implementing multiple subdivided varieties. The yarn cake transfer unit solves this problem. Furthermore, once a unit is full during yarn dropping, a palletizer retrieves it from the AGV and replaces it with a new empty yarn cake transfer unit, eliminating the need to consider whether different units contain the same major or minor yarn cake; the system automatically records and retrieves the variety.

[0105] The shared buffer space significantly improves space utilization. Traditional methods of buffering the entire yarn cart require a separate physical buffer area for each new yarn cake variety, hindering overall factory or workshop planning. This invention establishes a three-dimensional buffer warehouse for yarn cake transfer units. Different yarn cake varieties are distinguished by identification codes or different storage locations, greatly improving buffer space utilization. Simultaneously, all independent buffer areas (divided into compartments) can be shared by all yarn cake transfer units. Regardless of whether yarn cakes are loaded, the system automatically records the information of the yarn cake transfer units stored in that area for subsequent adjustments in the packaging or unloading areas, solving the problem of detailed classification and buffering of spandex yarn cakes. Even with the same traditional buffering capacity, the physical buffer area of ​​this invention will be smaller. In fact, to accommodate more subdivided varieties, more yarn cake transfer units (including empty units), continuous packaging or buffering of the same subdivided variety, and production line expansion needs, the capacity design of the three-dimensional buffer warehouse should be appropriately expanded.

[0106] While the existing packaging lines can be used in the packaging area, with one line capable of packaging two different sub-categories of the same major product (or even the same sub-category) simultaneously, the scheduling mode can be further optimized with the support of the new transfer system. For example, when total capacity is limited, priority can be given to transferring silk cakes of the same sub-category from the buffer automated warehouse for continuous packaging. After packaging of one type of silk cake is completed, the system switches to packaging another type. Furthermore, with the assistance of identification systems, where previously a single packaging line could only package two sub-categories of the same major product at a time, by rationally allocating the placement of packaging boxes and programming the robotic arm operations, it can now simultaneously package four sub-categories of the same major product. This significantly improves the continuity of the production line and packaging.

[0107] For the entire spinning workshop, the yarn cake transfer system of this invention supports the automatic transfer of more varieties of yarn cakes, which can meet the spinning needs of more subdivided varieties, effectively improve the overall production efficiency, and also improve the utilization rate of the production line.

[0108] The above description is only a part of the more systematic and comprehensive embodiments of the silk cake transfer system and method of the present invention. In fact, several preferred solutions of each of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 3 can be combined with each other to form more combinations. Furthermore, Embodiments 2 and 4 also have more preferred and combined solutions. These combinations or preferred solutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not be listed one by one here.

Claims

1. A system for transporting a cake of yarn from a doffing area to a packing area via an intermediate staging area by means of a trolley, characterised in that, The trolley transfers no less than one cake transfer unit at a time, and one cake transfer unit transfers one large-specification cake or two small-specification cakes of the same large-specification at a time. The doffing area comprises a cake transfer unit positioning rack, a stacker, and a trolley positioning area, the stacker places the cake transfer unit on the positioning rack or trolley, and the trolley picks up or drops off the cake transfer unit in the positioning area, and the positioning rack or trolley stacks several cake transfer units. The buffer area comprises a buffer stereoscopic warehouse, a cake warehouse inlet, a cake warehouse outlet, an empty frame warehouse inlet, and an empty frame warehouse outlet, the cake warehouse inlet and the empty frame warehouse outlet are arranged on one side of the buffer area, and the cake warehouse outlet and the empty frame warehouse inlet are arranged on the other side of the buffer area; the buffer stereoscopic warehouse comprises a layered or gridded frame structure, the height of the layered or gridded frame structure is not less than the height of a single cake transfer unit, and the width of the layered or gridded frame structure is not less than the width of a single cake transfer unit. The packaging area comprises several packaging lines.

2. A wire cake transfer system according to claim 1, wherein, The cake transfer unit comprises a transfer frame or a transfer drawer.

3. A wire cake transfer system according to claim 1, wherein, The cake transfer unit is provided with a stacking structure, the stacking structure comprises not less than two grooves arranged at the top end of the cake transfer unit, and a protrusion arranged at the corresponding position of the bottom end.

4. A wire cake transfer system according to claim 3, wherein, The top side of the bottom support of the positioning rack and / or the top side of each layer of support are provided with grooves corresponding to the protrusion at the bottom end of the cake transfer unit; the top side of the trolley base or the transfer support is provided with a groove corresponding to the protrusion at the bottom end of the cake transfer unit.

5. A wire cake transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cake transfer unit is provided with an identity code, and the identity code comprises at least one or any combination of a two-dimensional code, a bar code, and a radio frequency identity code.

6. A wire cake transfer system according to claim 5, wherein, The doffing area is provided with an identity recognizer, and the identity recognizer comprises at least one or any combination of a video camera, a code scanner, and a radio frequency receiver.

7. A wire cake transfer system according to claim 5, wherein, The trolley is provided with an identity recognizer, and the identity recognizer comprises at least one or any combination of a video camera, a code scanner, and a radio frequency receiver.

8. A wire cake transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The buffer area is provided with a stacker or a mechanical arm or a robot.

9. A wire cake transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The buffer stereoscopic warehouse establishes a gridded area index, and the area index comprises a coordinate index or an identity code, and each gridded area is a placement area of a cake transfer unit.

10. A method of transferring a cake of filaments, characterized by, A positioning rack is arranged at the end of each spinning line in the doffing area, a movable cake transfer unit is arranged on the positioning rack, and an up-down stacking structure is arranged when several cake transfer units are placed up and down; the cake is transferred from the doffing area to the packaging area through the buffer area by the cake transfer unit and the trolley, and the cake transfer method comprises the following steps: S1, the doffer discharges the cake according to the cake classification; S2, the trolley transfers and loads, after the cake transfer unit is fully loaded, the line-side stacker takes the corresponding fully loaded cake transfer unit from the positioning rack to the line-side transfer support, and the transfer support is located in the trolley positioning area; S3, the trolley transfers and enters the warehouse, according to the predetermined number of cake transfer units transferred at a time, after the transfer support is fully loaded, the system calls the trolley to transfer, and the trolley transfers the goods to the cake warehouse inlet of the buffer area; S4, the cache cake transfer unit, the cache area stacker stores the full cake transfer unit to the empty position of the cache stereoscopic warehouse, and records the corresponding position coordinates and cake varieties in the system, and waits for the silk request on the packaging line; S5, the cake out of the warehouse, according to the silk request on the packaging line and the system scheduling strategy, the cache area stacker takes out the cake transfer unit of the corresponding request specification and model and puts it on the cake out of the warehouse car transfer support; S6, the car transfer to the packaging area, according to the predetermined single packaging transfer cake transfer unit number, the transfer support is full, the system calls the car transfer, and the car transfer takes the goods to the corresponding packaging port; S7, the silk drawing and packaging, the current cake transfer unit silk drawing is completed, the packaging line completes the packaging, and the empty cake transfer unit calls the car transfer; S8, empty cake transfer unit into the warehouse, the car transfers the empty cake transfer unit to the empty frame into the warehouse port, and the cache area stacker stores the empty cake transfer unit in the empty position of the cache stereoscopic warehouse, and records the coordinate position of the empty unit in the cache stereoscopic warehouse.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: After the full transfer support is taken away by the car in step S3, the empty cake transfer unit supplement is synchronized with the subsequent step S4, including: S3a, issue an empty cake transfer unit supplement request, and wait for the system response; S3b, empty cake transfer unit out of the warehouse, according to the supplement request, the cache area stacker takes out the corresponding number of empty cake transfer units and puts them on the empty frame out of the warehouse transfer support; S3c, empty cake transfer unit transfer to the spinning line, the system calls the car to transfer the empty cake transfer unit to the corresponding positioning area of the spinning line trolley; S3d, empty cake transfer unit positioning frame, the spinning line stacker takes out the empty cake transfer unit and puts it on the positioning frame.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the wire cake is transported by a wire cake transport mechanism. After the car carries away the cache area cake out of the warehouse port and / or the empty frame out of the warehouse port, the stacker automatically moves the empty transfer support of the warehouse port to the out of the warehouse port, or takes one from the transfer support storage and puts it into the out of the warehouse port.

13. A method of transporting a cake according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The cake transfer unit is provided with an identity recognition code, and the identity recognition code includes at least one or any combination of two-dimensional code, bar code and radio frequency identity code.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wire cake is transported by a wire cake transport mechanism. The drop wire area is provided with an identity recognizer, and the identity recognizer includes at least one or any combination of video camera, code scanner and radio frequency receiver.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the wire cake is transported by a wire cake transport mechanism. The car is provided with an identity recognizer, and the identity recognizer includes at least one or any combination of video camera, code scanner and radio frequency receiver.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein, The cake is unloaded into the cake transfer unit by the lap former, and the system records the variety information thereof.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises: The cake transfer unit includes a transfer frame or a transfer drawer; the cake transfer unit transfers up to 2 small variety cakes of the same large variety at a time.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein, The stacking structure includes not less than 2 grooves at the top end of the cake transfer unit and protrusions at the corresponding positions at the bottom end.

19. The method of claim 10-12, wherein, The cache stereoscopic warehouse establishes a grid area index, and the area index includes a coordinate index or an identity recognition code, and each grid area is a placement area of a cake transfer unit.

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