Pipe supply device and system

Abstract

The invention discloses a pipe supply device and system. The invention relates to a bobbin supply device (1) for providing a spinning machine (3) with a spinning bobbin (2), and to a system (18) comprising at least one winding machine (19), at least one spinning machine (3), and a transport device (11) for transporting a spinning bobbin (2) between the at least one winding machine (19) and the at least one spinning machine (3). According to the invention, the tube supply device (1) comprises at least two containers (4) for receiving the spinning tubes (2), a dispensing unit (5) for dispensing the spinning tubes (2), and at least one separating device (6). The containers (4), the dispensing unit (5) and the separating device (6) are arranged such that the spinning tube (2) can be selectively fed from one of the containers (4) to the dispensing unit (5) by means of the separating device (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tube supply device for providing spinning tubes for a spinning machine. Background Art

[0002] In a machine network (e.g., having at least one winding machine and at least one spinning frame), a spinning tube with yarn is automatically transferred, for example, between the spinning machine and the winding machine for rewinding on the winding machine. The spinning machine is designed here, for example, as a ring spinning machine. For technical reasons, the spinning tube in the ring spinning machine has a relatively low capacity for spinning yarn. Therefore, after the spinning process, the yarn is rewound from the spinning tube onto a larger bobbin using the winding machine. This makes the subsequent processing of the yarn much easier. For example, the spinning tube unwound from the winding machine is automatically transferred back to the spinning machine to be rewound with textile yarn.

[0003] This large-scale automated process is subject to errors. For example, the bobbin may not be completely unwound from the winder. It can also happen that the spinning tube is damaged or incorrectly positioned on the transfer device that connects the winder to the spinning machine. This transfer device can, for example, work with a transfer plate onto which the spinning tube is placed.

[0004] For example, if one of the spinning tube errors described above occurs, it must be manually corrected by the operator. To do this, the faulty spinning tube must be removed from the transmission device and replaced with a non-faulty tube. For this manual post-processing, the faulty spinning tube is (for example) removed from the transmission device for a suitable processing position.

[0005] In modern spinning mills, for example, a spinning frame can produce different yarns, which may require different types of spinning tubes. It is also conceivable to include a plurality of spinning frames and a machine network that may include a plurality of winding machines, wherein the machine is connected by a comprehensive transmission system. Of course, different spinning frames can produce different yarns, which in turn require different spinning tubes. For the operator who has to manually replace the spinning tube of a fault-free spinning tube with a fault-free spinning tube, this results in the problem of having to provide the fault-free spinning tube of the corresponding spinning tube type for the corresponding batch (i.e., the production of the specific yarn with specific production parameters). Due to the increasing number of parallel workstations that contemporary spinning frames have and the fact that the operator who can obtain the fault-free spinning tube manually is less and less, this problem has aggravated. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially automate the provision of trouble-free spinning tubes of a specific spinning tube type.

[0007] This object is achieved by a tube supply device and a system having the features of the independent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a tube supply device for providing spinning tubes for a spinning machine comprises at least two containers for receiving the spinning tubes, a distributing unit for distributing the spinning tubes, and at least one singulation device. The containers, the distributing unit, and the singulation device are arranged so that a spinning tube can be selectively fed from one of the containers to the distributing unit via the singulation device.

[0009] The design of the tube supply device according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to provide a single type of spinning tube in each container. The tube supply device can then assign a spinning tube of a specific spinning tube type, for example, upon request from an operator or automatically. This allows for at least partial automation of the process of replacing a faulty spinning tube with a healthy one during the return transport of the spinning tubes (e.g., from the winding machine to the spinning machine). This increases the efficiency of the process and, on the other hand, reduces the error rate of accidentally assigning the wrong spinning tube type.

[0010] The operator's request to allocate a spinning tube of a specific spinning tube type from the tube supply device can be made, for example, by inputting an input at a corresponding input device. Automatic allocation of the spinning tubes can be achieved, for example, by reading the data carrier of the transfer plate (on which the defective spinning tube is transferred) and thereby identifying or specifying the specific batch to which the transfer plate should be transferred. Accordingly, the tube supply device can allocate spinning tubes of the spinning tube type appropriate for the corresponding batch.

[0011] When the tube supply device is used as expected, the container can for example be arranged above the distribution unit.In this way, gravity can be used so that the spinning tube is transferred to the distribution unit.

[0012] It is also advantageous if the separating device comprises a first slider. The first slider can be used, on the one hand, to separate the spinning tubes and, on the other hand, to transfer the spinning tubes from one of the containers to the distribution unit. The slider can, for example, be designed to perform a purely linear movement. As already mentioned, gravity can be used to bring the spinning tubes stored in the container into the area of ​​influence of the first slider. When the tube supply device is used as intended, the first slider can, for example, be arranged so that it drives the spinning tubes in a purely horizontal movement. In that case, gravity can also be used to feed the spinning tubes moved by the first slider to the distribution unit. The tube supply device can, for example, have a separating device having a first slider for each container.

[0013] The dispensing unit can be arranged, for example, in a plane of symmetry of the tube supply device, wherein the containers and the separating device are aligned symmetrically about the plane of symmetry. The first slide or slides can thus be arranged so that they can push a tube from one of the containers to the plane of symmetry and thus to the dispensing unit.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the separating device includes a second slide and, in particular, a third slide. In this case, the task of selecting or separating the spinning tubes and transferring them to the distribution unit can be divided between the multiple slides. In this case, the second slide and, if applicable, the third slide can, for example, be used to separate and select the tubes from the multiple containers allocated thereto. Each slide can, for example, have its own drive, in particular a pneumatic drive.

[0015] It is also advantageous that the first slider, the second slider and / or the third slider include a recess for the spinning tube. The recess allows the spinning tube to be better controlled during separation or transmission. Uncontrolled rolling of the substantially cylindrical spinning tube is prevented. The slider can, for example, be designed to be substantially plate-shaped, wherein the spinning tube located in the recess, for example, contacts a fixed surface, relative to which the spinning tube moves. Movement is particularly present in a spinning tube that is being pushed or rolled over a surface by the relevant slider. The fixed surface can also be a component of another slider, which is stationary at that moment. The slider can, for example, be made of metal.

[0016] It is also advantageous that the first, second, and / or third sliders and the recesses of the first, second, and / or third sliders are arranged relative to each other so that the spinning tube is removed from one of the containers depending on the position of the first, second, and / or third sliders. The sliders can thus be used to selectively allocate a single spinning tube from multiple containers assigned thereto. For example, two containers can be allocated to the second and third sliders. The second and third sliders can be arranged relative to the containers so that, depending on the position of the second and third sliders, the tube is allocated from either one container or the other. In that case, the first slider can be used purely for transporting the spinning tube.

[0017] Advantageously, the channel is arranged between the separating device and the distribution unit, wherein the channel is particularly designed to taper so that the spinning tube rotates 90 ° substantially when passing through the channel. The channel allows the use of gravity to transfer the spinning tube to the distribution unit. For example, the spinning tube can be stored lying down in a container, i.e. its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to gravity, therefore saving space. By passing through the channel by substantially rotating 90 °, the spinning tube can be distributed in an upright position, i.e. its longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to gravity. The orientation during distribution by the distribution unit therefore corresponds, for example, to the orientation that the spinning tube must be placed on a transmission device (particularly on a transmission plate of a transmission device). On the one hand, this makes it easier for the operator to handle, and on the other hand, it allows the spinning tube to be automatically distributed, wherein the spinning tube is placed on a transmission device or a transmission plate of a transmission device, for example, by falling out of the distribution unit.

[0018] It is also advantageous that the separating device comprises an electric drive and / or a pneumatic drive. The electric drive and / or the pneumatic drive can be used to drive the slide block already described or to drive other parts of the separating device described below. Compressed air supply is common in textile machines, particularly in spinning machines. Therefore, it is possible to use a pneumatic drive in this environment without major adjustments. The pneumatic drive is simple in design and can move with a short response time. The electric drive may be more expensive, but it is easier to control. The electric drive is particularly suitable for the rotary motion described below.

[0019] Advantageously, the separating device comprises a rotatable cylinder, which preferably has a recess for the spinning tube. The cylinder can be used in a simple manner to separate the spinning tubes and remove the independent spinning tubes from a plurality of allocated containers. For example, the cylinder can be directly connected to the container allocated there so that the spinning tube slides into the recess by gravity. By rotating, the cylinder can transfer the spinning tube (for example) to the first slider. For this purpose, when the tube supply device is used as expected, the first slider is, for example, arranged below the cylinder. For rotation, the cylinder can be connected in particular to the electric drive already described.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the drum can be driven in both directions of rotation, wherein the drum is arranged relative to at least two of the containers such that the spinning tube is removed from one of the containers depending on the direction of rotation. Depending on the position of the recess described above, the spinning tube slides into the recess from either one of the associated containers or the other, and can thus be transferred (for example) to the first slide, to the channel, and ultimately to the distribution unit by further rotation of the drum. The connected electric drive is particularly reversible for this purpose.

[0021] Also advantageously, the distribution unit is designed to taper so that the spinning tube is centered on the axis in the distribution unit. Centering the spinning tube in the distribution unit ensures accurate distribution in a specific location and a specific position. This is particularly advantageous for the automatic placement of the spinning tube on the transmission device or transmission plate described above. For this purpose, the distribution unit can, for example, be designed to be funnel-shaped or have a funnel-shaped part, which is used to center the spinning tube. The distribution unit can also be partially cylindrical, wherein the diameter of the cylindrical part is (for example) slightly larger than the diameter of the spinning tube to be distributed. The distribution unit can, for example, be designed to support the spinning tube to be distributed against gravity with one or more movable areas of the distribution unit, and the support can be removed by the movement of the movable area.

[0022] In this context, it is advantageous if the distribution unit comprises two movable wings. The wings can help ensure that the spinning tubes are accurately distributed from the distribution unit. By accurately distributing the spinning tubes, automatic loading of the transmission device is possible, as described above. The wings can, for example, release the spinning tubes evenly by symmetrical movement, so that the position of the spinning tubes (for example due to friction) hardly changes or does not change at all during the release. The wings can, for example, be at least partially designed to be funnel-shaped so that the spinning tubes are centered. For example, the wings can be aligned with the mirror symmetry already described.

[0023] It is also highly advantageous if the dispensing unit includes at least one drive. The drive is used, in particular, to release the spinning tube from the dispensing unit. The drive can, for example, be connected to both of the wings already described. However, it is also conceivable to provide one drive for each wing. The drive can be designed, in particular, as a pneumatic drive or an electric drive. The drive is in particular attached to a fixed part of the dispensing unit and connected to a movable part of the dispensing unit, in particular to the wings already described.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the wings are connected to at least one drive so that they can be opened linearly. Compared to a pivoting movement, linear movement of the wings causes less disturbance in the position of the spinning tube when the dispensing unit is opened, for example. In that case, the wings move apart linearly. The movement of the wings is particularly symmetrical about the mirror plane described. The one or more drives described above are particularly designed as one or more linear drives. When using multiple pneumatic drives, they can be coupled, for example, via a common compressed air supply.

[0025] It is also very advantageous if the tube supply device includes at least four containers and at least two separating devices, with one separating device being assigned to every two containers. This means that a total of, for example, four different spinning tube types can be provided by the tube supply device. The tube supply device can, for example, still have a common distribution unit and possibly a common channel. The separating devices can, for example, each have one of the described cylinders. In that case, the tube supply device thus includes a total of two cylinders. Additionally or alternatively, the separating devices can each have a first slider, and possibly a second slider and a third slider. The tube supply device can therefore have two first sliders, and possibly two second sliders and, in particular, two third sliders. It is conceivable for the tube supply device to include more than four containers to accommodate the additional spinning tube types. In this context, it is also conceivable that more than two containers are assigned to the separating devices. However, it has been proven that assigning two containers to each separating device is efficient.

[0026] The system according to the invention, comprising at least one winding machine, at least one spinning machine and a transmission device for transmitting spinning tubes between the at least one winding machine and the at least one spinning machine, is characterized by a tube supply device designed according to the previously described. The described features of the tube supply device can be implemented independently or in any combination. As already described, with the tube supply device according to the invention, the post-processing of faulty spinning tubes on the system becomes more efficient and exhibits a lower error rate. The tube supply device can be arranged at a processing station, for example, for faulty spinning tubes. The system can in particular have a plurality of such stations and therefore, for example, also a plurality of tube supplies. The processing station can be part of the transmission device. The system can in particular include a plurality of spinning machines, on which, for example, different yarns are produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages of the present invention are described in the following exemplary embodiments. In the accompanying drawings, schematically:

[0028] Figure 1 A first exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device according to the present invention is shown,

[0029] Figure 2 A second exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device according to the invention is shown,

[0030] Figure 3 A third exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device according to the present invention is illustrated, and

[0031] Figure 4 The diagram shows a system according to the invention with a winder, a spinning machine, a transfer device and a tube supply device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals are used in the various figures for identical and / or at least comparable features. Individual features, their design and / or mode of operation are generally explained in detail only the first time they are mentioned. If an individual feature is not explained in detail again, its design and / or mode of operation corresponds to that of an already described feature having the same effect or the same name.

[0033] Figure 1 The diagram shows a spinning tube 2 for providing a spinning machine 3 (see Figure 4 ) is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device 1 according to the present invention. The tube supply device 1 includes two containers 4, in which the spinning tubes 2 are arranged. In this exemplary embodiment, the spinning tubes 2 are arranged horizontally in the containers 4, i.e., their longitudinal axes are perpendicular to gravity. For example, spinning tubes 2 of different spinning tube types can be arranged in the two containers 4.

[0034] In this example, the tube supply device 1 has a distributing unit 5 at its lower end for distributing the spinning tubes 2. In order to separate the spinning tubes 2 from the containers 4 on the one hand and to transfer them to the distributing unit 5 on the other hand, the tube supply device 1 also includes two separating devices 6. One separating device 6 is assigned to each container 4. The containers 4, the distributing unit 5 and the separating devices 6 are arranged so that a spinning tube 2 can be selectively fed from one of the containers 4 to the distributing unit 5 via the separating device 6.

[0035] Each of the separating devices 6 comprises a first slide 7, each of which has a recess 8 for receiving a spinning tube 2. The first slides 7 are arranged so that they can receive a single spinning tube 2 from one of the containers 4 using their recess 8 and feed it into a channel 9. The spinning tube 2 reaches the distribution unit 5 via the channel 9 and by gravity. One of the first slides 7 is actuated depending on the desired spinning tube type. Each of the first slides 7 is connected to a drive, which is designed, for example, as a pneumatic drive 10. Each of the first slides 7 performs a purely horizontal, linear movement.

[0036] The channel 9 is designed so that the spinning tube 2 is rotated substantially by 90° when passing through the channel 9. The spinning tube 2 is thus aligned in the distribution unit 5 with its longitudinal axis parallel to the force of gravity. Figure 3 The described rotation can be achieved by means of a channel 9 which is, for example, designed to be tapered, in particular designed to be at least partially funnel-shaped. The spinning tubes 2 thus have an orientation in the distribution unit 5 in which they can be fed directly to the transfer device 11 in the correct orientation (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0037] The distribution unit 5 is designed to taper so that the spinning tube 2 is centered about an axis 12 via the distribution unit 5. This axis 12 is illustrated in the figures using a dashed line. For this purpose, the distribution unit 5 is designed, for example, to be at least partially funnel-shaped. This centering of the spinning tube 2 allows the tube 2 to be distributed at a precisely defined position. As a result, the feeding of the spinning tube 2 to the transmission device 11 via the distribution unit 5 can be potentially automated. In this exemplary embodiment, the dashed line also corresponds to a section of the mirror plane about which the tube supply device 1 is mirror-symmetrical.

[0038] The distribution unit 5 further comprises two wings 13 which, when closed, support the spinning tube 2 in the distribution unit 5 against the force of gravity. The wings 13 are designed in particular to open by a linear movement and thus release the spinning tube 2, which thus moves the tube supply device 1 by means of gravity. For this purpose, the wings 13 are in particular connected to a drive, which is in particular designed as a pneumatic drive 10.

[0039] Figure 2A second exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device 1 is shown. This exemplary tube supply device 1 includes four containers 4 and illustrates an alternative design of a separating device 6. This design makes it possible to provide, in particular, four types of tubes. A separating device 6 is assigned to every two containers 4 and is designed to selectively remove a spinning tube 2 from one of the assigned containers 4.

[0040] For this purpose, the separating device 6 in this example comprises a rotatable drum 14 having a recess 8 for the spinning tubes 2. Depending on the direction of rotation of the drum 14, the spinning tube 2 slides from one of the associated containers 4 into the recess 8 of the drum 14. The received spinning tube 2 can be fed to the first slide 7, which is also present in this exemplary embodiment, by further rotation of the drum 14. The transfer of the spinning tube 2 from the first slide 7 to the distribution unit 5 then takes place as previously described. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the rotatable drums 14 is connected to an electric drive 15, which causes the drum 14 to rotate. The direction of rotation depends, in particular, on an operator input or on automatic identification of the batch intended for the respective spinning tube 2.

[0041] It is conceivable for the tube supply device 1 to have sensors for detecting the presence of the spinning tubes 2 in the container 4, the separating device 6 and / or the dispensing unit 5. It is conceivable that in different designs of the cylinder 14 of this exemplary embodiment, the dispensing can be performed with the first slides 7, although in the present case they are used purely for the horizontal transport of the spinning tubes 2.

[0042] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of a tube supply device 1 is shown. In this example as well, the tube supply device 1 has a total of four containers 4 and two separating devices 6, one separating device 6 being assigned to each two containers 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the separating devices 6 include a known first slide 7. Furthermore, each separating device 6 includes a second slide 16 and a third slide 17. Each of these slides 16, 17 also has a recess 8 for a spinning tube 2. Depending on the individual position of these slides 16, 17 or the recess 8 in each slide 16, 17, a spinning tube 2 can be selectively removed from one of the associated containers 4 and, for example, fed to the first slide 7.

[0043] In the illustrated positions of the sliders 16 and 17, no spinning tube 2 has been removed from any of the containers 4. In this example, the first slider 7, the second slider 16, and the third slider 17 each have their own drive, which is designed, for example, as a pneumatic drive 10. The slider positions, in turn, depend, for example, on operator input or on automatic identification of the batch intended for the respective spinning tube 2. This illustration also shows a spinning tube 2 in the dispensing unit 5. This spinning tube 2 is in an upright position and is dispensed, for example, as soon as the wings 13 of the dispensing unit 5 are opened. This spinning tube 2 is rotated 90° in advance as it passes through the channel 9 and is centered by the tapering structure of the dispensing unit 5.

[0044] Figure 4 The system 18 is shown, comprising a spinning machine 3, shown here on the right, a winding machine 19, shown here on the left, and a transport device 11 connecting the spinning machine 3 and the winding machine 19. The spinning machine 3 and the winding machine 19 each include a plurality of workstations 20. At the workstations 20 of the spinning machine 3, yarn is produced, for example, using a ring spinning process and wound onto a spinning tube 2. At the workstations 20 of the winding machine 19, the yarn is unwound from the spinning tube 2 and wound onto a cross-wound bobbin 21. The wound and empty spinning tubes 2 are transported from the spinning machine 3 to the winding machine 19 and from the winding machine 19 to the spinning machine 3 via the transport device 11. The illustrated transport device 11 is to be understood as a diagram only.

[0045] As already described, if a defective spinning tube 2 is transferred from the winding machine 19 to the spinning machine 3, it is necessary to replace the defective spinning tube 2 with a non-defective spinning tube 2. For this purpose, the transfer device 11 includes, for example, a processing station (not shown). To at least partially automate this process, the system 18 includes the previously described tube supply device 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spinning tubes 2 of a specific spinning tube type (the tubes are stored in one of the containers 4 of the tube supply device 1) can be directly distributed to the transfer plate 22 of the transfer device 11 by the distribution unit 5 of the tube supply device 1.

[0046] Reference Signs List

[0047] 1 tube supply device

[0048] 2 spinning tubes

[0049] 3 Spinning Machine

[0050] 4 containers

[0051] 5 allocation units

[0052] 6 Separation device

[0053] 7First Slider

[0054] 8 notches

[0055] 9 slots

[0056] 10 pneumatic actuators

[0057] 11Transmission device

[0058] 12 axis

[0059] 13 Wings

[0060] 14 cylinder

[0061] 15 Electric drives

[0062] 16 second slider

[0063] 17Third Slider

[0064] 18 systems

[0065] 19 Winding Machine

[0066] 20 workstations

[0067] 21 cross-wound bobbins

[0068] 22 transmission plates.

Claims

1. A tube supply device (1) for providing a spinning tube (2) for a spinning machine (3), comprising - at least two containers (4) for receiving the spinning tubes (2), - a distribution unit (5) for distributing the spinning tubes (2), and - at least one separating device (6), wherein the containers (4), the dispensing unit (5) and the separating device (6) are arranged such that a spinning tube (2) can be selectively fed from one of the containers (4) to the dispensing unit (5) via the separating device (6).

2. Tube supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The separating device (6) comprises a first slider (7).

3. Tube supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The separating device (6) comprises a second slide (16) and in particular a third slide (17).

4. Tube supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first slide (7), the second slide (16) and / or the third slide (17) comprise a recess (8) for the spinning tube (2).

5. Tube supply device (1) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that The first slider (7), the second slider (16) and / or the third slider (17) and the recesses (8) of the first slider (7), the second slider (16) and / or the third slider (17) are arranged relative to each other so that the spinning tube (2) is removed from one of the containers (4) depending on the position of the first slider (7), the second slider (16) and / or the third slider (17).

6. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A channel (9) is arranged between the separating device (6) and the distribution unit (5), wherein the channel (9) is particularly designed to be tapered so that the spinning tube (2) rotates substantially 90° when passing through the channel (9).

7. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The separating device (6) comprises an electric drive (15) and / or a pneumatic drive (10).

8. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The separating device (6) comprises a rotatable cylinder (14), which preferably has a recess for the spinning tube (2).

9. Tube supply device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The cylinder (14) can be driven in two directions of rotation, wherein the cylinder (14) is arranged in relation to at least two of the containers (4) such that the spinning tube (2) is removed from one of the containers (4) depending on the direction of rotation.

10. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The distribution unit (5) is designed to taper so that the spinning tube (2) is centered on the axis (12) in the distribution unit (5).

11. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing unit (5) comprises two movable wings (13).

12. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dispensing unit (5) comprises at least one drive (10, 15).

13. Tube supply device (1) according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that The wings (13) are connected to the at least one actuator (10, 15) such that the wings (13) can be opened in a linearly movable manner.

14. Tube supply device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The tube supply device (1) comprises at least four containers (4) and at least two separating devices (6), wherein one separating device (6) is assigned to every two containers (4).

15. A system (18) comprising at least one winding machine (19), at least one spinning machine (3) and a transfer device (11) for transferring spinning tubes (2) between the at least one winding machine (19) and the at least one spinning machine (3), characterized in that Tube supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

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