Supply device and preparation device

Abstract

To provide a supply device that can continue supplying bobbins even if a malfunction occurs. [Solution] The supply device 1 comprises a dispensing device 11, a transport unit 12, an individualization unit 13, a handover unit 16, and a control unit 70. The dispensing device 11 dispenses a group of bobbins, each containing a bobbin wound with yarn. The transport unit 12 transports the group of bobbins dispensed by the dispensing device 11. The individualization unit 13 separates the group of bobbins transported by the transport unit 12 into individual bobbins 5. The handover unit 16 hands over the individualized bobbins 5 to the downstream. The transport unit 12 includes an upstream transport unit 30, and a first downstream transport unit 40 and a second downstream transport unit 50 branching off from the upstream transport unit 30. The individualization unit 13 includes a first individualization unit 43 and a second individualization unit 53. The handover unit 16 includes a first handover unit 47 and a second handover unit 57.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a supply device for supplying bobbins around which yarn is wound.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bobbin supply device. The bobbin supply device includes an input section, an individualized section, and a tray placement section. A plurality of bobbins around which yarn is wound are input into the input section. The individualized section separates the plurality of input bobbins into individual said bobbins. The tray placement section places the individualized bobbins on a tray. The bobbins placed on the tray are conveyed by a conveyor to a winder unit of an automatic winder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the bobbin supply device of Patent Document 1, for example, when a problem occurs in the individualized section or the tray placement section, it becomes impossible to place the bobbin on the tray. As a result, the tray is not supplied to the winder unit, and the operating efficiency may decrease. Note that this problem is not limited to the bobbin supply device associated with a tray-type automatic winder, but is a common problem for other supply devices as well.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main object is to provide a supply device capable of continuing to supply bobbins even when a problem occurs. Means and Effects for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and its effects will be described.

[0007] In view of the present invention, a supply device having the following configuration is provided. That is, the supply device comprises a dispensing device, a transport unit, an individualization unit, a handover unit, and a control unit. The dispensing device dispenses a group of bobbins, each bobbin on which yarn is wound. The transport unit transports the group of bobbins dispensed by the dispensing device. The individualization unit separates the group of bobbins transported by the transport unit into individual bobbins. The handover unit hands over the individualized bobbins downstream. The control unit controls the transport unit, the individualization unit, and the handover unit. The transport unit comprises an upstream transport unit, a first downstream transport unit, and a second downstream transport unit. The upstream transport unit is a path that receives and transports the group of bobbins dispensed by the dispensing device. The first downstream transport unit is a path branched from the upstream transport unit and transports the group of bobbins. The second downstream transport unit transports the bobbin group along a different path from the first downstream transport unit, which is a branch of the upstream transport unit. The individualization unit comprises a first individualization unit and a second individualization unit. The first individualization unit individualizes the bobbin group transported by the first downstream transport unit. The second individualization unit individualizes the bobbin group transported by the second downstream transport unit. The transfer unit comprises a first transfer unit and a second transfer unit. The first transfer unit transfers the bobbins individualized by the first individualization unit downstream. The second transfer unit transfers the bobbins individualized by the second individualization unit downstream.

[0008] As a result, there are two transport units, two individualization units, and two handover units, so even if a malfunction occurs in one of them, the supply of bobbins can continue using the other unit.

[0009] In the above-mentioned supply device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the first downstream transport unit has a first limiting unit that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. The second downstream transport unit has a second limiting unit that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released.

[0010] This allows the necessary amount of bobbins to be supplied to the first and second downstream transport units as needed.

[0011] In the above-mentioned supply device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the upstream transport unit comprises a pre-stage upstream transport unit, an upstream restriction unit, and a post-stage upstream transport unit. The pre-stage upstream transport unit receives and transports the bobbin group dispensed by the dispensing device. The upstream restriction unit is connected downstream of the pre-stage upstream transport unit and switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. The post-stage upstream transport unit is connected downstream of the upstream restriction unit and is located upstream of the first downstream transport unit and the second downstream transport unit.

[0012] This allows for adjustment of the amount of bobbin supplied downstream at the upstream point of the branching.

[0013] The supply device described above preferably has the following configuration: The supply device comprises a first downstream sensor, a second downstream sensor, and an upstream sensor. The first downstream sensor detects the bobbin located downstream of the first limiting section in the first downstream transport section, or in the first individualization section. The second downstream sensor detects the bobbin located downstream of the second limiting section in the second downstream transport section, or in the second individualization section. The upstream sensor detects the bobbin located in the upstream transport section. The control unit controls at least one limiting section, including the upstream limiting section, the first limiting section, or the second limiting section, based on the detection results of the first downstream sensor, the second downstream sensor, and the upstream sensor.

[0014] This makes it possible to control at least one of the various limiting units based on the conditions both upstream and downstream of the first and second limiting units.

[0015] In the above-mentioned supply device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, in the horizontal plane, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying section is defined as the width direction. At least one limiting section, including the first limiting section or the second limiting section, switches between a state in which the conveying of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released by moving in the vertical direction, and the contour of the upstream end of the limiting section in the conveying direction includes, in plan view, a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from one side in the width direction and extends upstream, and a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from the other side in the width direction and extends upstream.

[0016] This allows multiple bobbins to be transported separately on one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0017] In the above-mentioned supply device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, in the horizontal plane, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying section is defined as the width direction. When viewed in the conveying direction, the contour of the upper end of the limiting section in the conveying direction includes a portion that slopes upward from one side in the width direction as it approaches the center, and a portion that slopes upward from the other side in the width direction as it approaches the center.

[0018] This allows multiple bobbins to be transported separately on one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0019] In the aforementioned supply device, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the supply device comprises a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit drives the first limiting unit. The second drive unit is separate from the first drive unit and drives the second limiting unit.

[0020] This allows the first limiting unit and the second limiting unit to be switched with simple control.

[0021] In the above-described supply device, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the control unit controls the first limiting unit based on information regarding the number of the bobbins present from the first separation unit to the first delivery unit. The control unit controls the second limiting unit based on information regarding the number of the bobbins present from the second separation unit to the second delivery unit.

[0022] Thereby, based on the situation on the first side and the situation on the second side, the supply of bobbins to each can be switched.

[0023] In the above-described supply device, when, in a horizontal plane, the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the conveyance unit is defined as the width direction, it is preferable that the upstream conveyance unit has a guide that regulates the position of the bobbin group in the width direction and widens in the width direction as it approaches the downstream.

[0024] Thereby, a large number of bobbins can be stored, and a width sufficient to connect to the first downstream conveyance unit and the second downstream conveyance unit can be secured.

[0025] In the above-described supply device, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the first downstream conveyance unit and the second downstream conveyance unit are arranged adjacent to each other. Each of the first separation unit and the second separation unit has a support base, a drive unit, and a separation member. The support base supports the bobbin. The drive unit generates power to move the support base in the vertical direction. The separation member is arranged along the range in which the support base moves upward from below, and separates the bobbins so that the bobbins supported by the support base become single.

[0026] Thereby, since the two downstream conveyance units are adjacent to each other, the size of the supply device in the width direction can be suppressed. Also, since the two separation units are configured to move in the vertical direction, the size of the supply device in the width direction can also be suppressed in this regard.

[0027] In the above-described supply device, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the control unit controls the conveyance speed of the bobbin by the first separation unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins existing from the first separation unit to the first delivery unit. The control unit controls the conveyance speed of the bobbin by the second separation unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins existing from the second separation unit to the second delivery unit.

[0028] Thereby, based on the situation on the first side and the situation on the second side, the conveyance speed of the bobbin in each separation unit can be adjusted. As a result, for example, when there is sufficient stock of bobbins, the conveyance speed can be reduced to stabilize the operation of the separation unit.

[0029] In the above-described preparation device, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration. That is, the preparation device has a first receiving path and a second receiving path. The first receiving path receives the bobbin from the first delivery unit. The second receiving path receives the bobbin from the second delivery unit at the second delivery position. The delivery device has a branch point where the upstream path branches into the first receiving path and the second receiving path. The first path length from the branch point to the first delivery position is shorter than the second path length from the branch point to the second delivery position.

[0030] Thereby, on the first side where the bobbin is preferentially delivered, the path length of the supply device can be increased. Therefore, the stock on the supply device side can be increased in the path that is preferentially used.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] Plan view of a preparation device and an automatic winder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plan view of the supply device. [Figure 3] Schematic side view showing the configuration on the second side upstream and downstream of the supply device. [Figure 4] Block diagram of the supply device. [Figure 5] Front view of the upstream limiting unit. [Figure 6] Plan view of the upstream restriction section. [Figure 7] Front view of the first and second restricting sections. [Figure 8] A plan view of the supply device showing the detection positions of the first stock sensor, the second stock sensor, the first individualization sensor, and the second individualization sensor. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the individualized section. [Figure 10] Plan view of the conveyor section, direction adjustment section, and transfer section. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the process of continuing operation on only one side (the first or second side), and the process corresponding to a blockage in the direction adjustment section. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the processing based on the stock status of the first and second sides. [Figure 13] A plan view showing the situation where the bobbin is held back by the stopped second limiting unit, and the first and second stock sensors detect the bobbin. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing the processing based on the detection results of various sensors. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the preparation device 100 and the automatic winder 110 will be briefly described with reference to Figure 1.

[0033] The preparation device 100 handles the bobbin 5. The bobbin 5 has a structure in which thread is wound around a core tube and is sometimes called a thread supply bobbin. The preparation device 100 prepares the automatic winder 110 so that it can wind the thread wound on the bobbin 5. The preparation device 100 includes a supply device 1, a delivery device 2, and a lead-out device 3.

[0034] The supply device 1 supplies the bobbins 5 and hands them over to the delivery device 2. The delivery device 2 delivers the received bobbins 5 to the automatic winder 110. Specifically, the delivery device 2 is equipped with a tray 6 for transporting the bobbins 5. The supply device 1 places the bobbins 5 onto the tray 6. The delivery device 2 moves the tray 6 using a belt conveyor or the like. This delivers the tray 6 with the bobbins 5 to the automatic winder 110. The thread end release device 3 separates the thread end from the thread layer on the surface of the bobbin 5, then winds the thread end onto the core tube and inserts it into the inside of the core tube. Note that the processing performed by the thread end release device 3 in this embodiment is just one example, and the processing of the thread end release device 3 may be changed depending on the processing content of the automatic winder 110, etc.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the delivery device 2 includes a first receiving path 101, a second receiving path 102, a delivery path 103, and a return path 104. The first receiving path 101 and the second receiving path 102 are paths for receiving bobbins 5 from the supply device 1. In this embodiment, since the bobbins 5 are delivered from the supply device 1 in two separate systems, there are also two receiving systems (first receiving path 101 and second receiving path 102). The delivery path 103 is connected downstream of the first receiving path 101 and the second receiving path 102. The delivery path 103 is the path for delivering the tray 6 on which the bobbins 5 are placed to the automatic winder 110. The return path 104 is the path for returning the core tube after the yarn winding is complete. The core tube is removed by a removal device (not shown). Downstream of the return path 104, the first receiving path 101 and the second receiving path 102 are connected via a path switching unit 105. The route switching unit 105 is a component capable of switching routes. Specifically, the route switching unit 105 can switch between a state in which the tray 6 is sent to the first receiving route 101 and a state in which the tray 6 is sent to the second receiving route 102. For example, when the first receiving route 101 is filled with the tray 6, the route switching unit 105 sends the tray 6 to the second receiving route 102. The route switching unit 105 may also be equipped with a motor and a lever (not shown). The motor generates power to operate the lever, which can switch between the two states described above.

[0036] The automatic winder 110 comprises multiple winding units 111. The winding units 111 are arranged in a predetermined direction. The delivery route 103 has branches, and trays 6 on which bobbins 5 are placed are delivered to each individual winding unit 111. Each winding unit 111 winds the yarn wound on the bobbins 5 to form a package.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the supply device 1 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 10. In the following description, the direction in which the bobbin 5 is transported will be referred to as the transport direction, and the direction perpendicular to the transport direction in the horizontal plane will be referred to as the width direction. Note that the transport direction may be unidirectional throughout the entire supply device 1, or the transport direction may change along the way.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the supply device 1 comprises a housing 1a. The housing 1a is to which each component constituting the supply device 1 is attached and supported. A step 1b is positioned on the outer surface of the housing 1a in the width direction. The step 1b is a component on which the operator can place their feet. By placing their feet on the step 1b, the operator's viewpoint is raised. Therefore, the operator can easily check the bobbins 5 being transported by the supply device 1 and easily check the condition of each component constituting the supply device 1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the supply device 1 comprises a dispensing device 11, a conveying unit 12, an individualization unit 13, a conveyor unit 14, a direction adjustment unit 15, and a transfer unit 16.

[0040] The dispensing device 11 dispenses a plurality of bobbins 5 (bobbin group) contained in the container 7 to the transport unit 12. Dispensing means supplying the object to a downstream component. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, the dispensing device 11 comprises a container mounting section 21, a rotating body 22, and a dispensing motor 23. The container 7 is attached to the container mounting section 21. The rotating body 22 is rotatable about its rotational axis. The container mounting section 21 is fixed to the rotating body 22. The rotating body 22 is rotationally driven by the dispensing motor 23 shown in Figure 4. As a result, the orientation of the container 7 can be changed by driving the dispensing motor 23 while the container 7 is attached to the container mounting section 21. Since the top of the container 7 is open, the bobbins 5 contained in the container 7 can be dispensed to the transport unit 12 by turning the orientation of the container 7 downwards.

[0041] Note that changing the orientation of the container 7 to dispense the bobbin 5 is just one example. For example, the bobbin 5 may be dispensed to the transport unit 12 using a conveyor or robot. In this case, the conveyor or robot corresponds to the "dispensing device".

[0042] The conveying section 12 conveys the bobbins 5 dispensed by the dispensing device 11 to the individualization section 13. In this embodiment, the conveying section 12 is a downward slope and conveys the bobbins 5 by their own weight. A downward slope is a surface that slopes so that the conveying surface becomes lower as it approaches the downstream side. Note that the conveying section 12 is not limited to a downward slope and may be a conveying device such as a belt conveyor.

[0043] As shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 12 comprises an upstream transport unit 30, a first downstream transport unit 40, and a second downstream transport unit 50. The portion branching off to the first side in the width direction at the downstream end of the upstream transport unit 30 is the first downstream transport unit 40, and the portion branching off to the second side in the width direction is the second downstream transport unit 50. As will be described later, there are various layouts for realizing the transport unit 12.

[0044] The upstream transport unit 30 comprises a preceding upstream transport unit 31, a succeeding upstream transport unit 33, and an upstream restriction unit 35.

[0045] The upstream transport section 31 receives and transports the bobbin 5 dispensed by the dispensing device 11. The upstream transport section 31 includes an inclined surface on which the bobbin 5 rests, and an upstream guide 32 that regulates the position of the bobbin 5 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the upstream guide 32 has a shape that narrows in the width direction as it approaches the downstream side.

[0046] The downstream upstream transport section 33 is located downstream of the preceding upstream transport section 31 and transports the bobbin 5 to the branching point of the transport section 12. The downstream upstream transport section 33 includes a slope on which the bobbin 5 rests and a downstream upstream guide 34 that regulates the position of the bobbin 5 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the downstream upstream guide 34 has a shape that widens in the width direction as it approaches the downstream side.

[0047] As the downstream upstream guide 34 widens in the width direction as it approaches downstream, the number of bobbins 5 that can be stored in the downstream upstream conveying section 33 can be increased. Also, since the downstream section of the downstream upstream conveying section 33 branches, the widening of the downstream end of the downstream upstream guide 34 allows the width of the two downstream conveying sections to be increased to some extent. Furthermore, both the first and second sides of the downstream upstream guide 34 in the width direction are inclined surfaces (in other words, tapered or V-shaped). Therefore, it becomes easier to guide the bobbin toward the first downstream conveying section 40 using the downstream upstream guide 34 on the first side in the width direction. Similarly, it becomes easier to guide the bobbin toward the second downstream conveying section 50 using the downstream upstream guide 34 on the second side in the width direction.

[0048] If the upstream guide 32 were to widen in the width direction as it approached downstream, the overall width of the upstream transport section 30 would become excessively large, affecting the size of the device. In this embodiment, the upstream guide 32 narrows in the width direction as it approached downstream. As a result, it is possible to widen the upstream guide 34 in the width direction while suppressing an excessive increase in the size of the device. However, the shapes of the upstream guide 32 and the upstream guide 34 are just examples, and for example, one side in the width direction may be inclined while the other side is parallel to the transport direction. Alternatively, the first and second sides in the width direction of the upstream guide 32 or the upstream guide 34 may be parallel to the transport direction.

[0049] The upstream restriction unit 35 is positioned between the preceding upstream transport unit 31 and the subsequent upstream transport unit 33. The upstream restriction unit 35 can switch between a state in which the transport of the bobbin 5 is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the bobbin 5 can be placed on the upstream restriction unit 35. There is also a step between the preceding upstream transport unit 31 and the preceding upstream guide 32. This step restricts the transport of the bobbin 5 to the subsequent upstream transport unit 33. When the upstream cylinder 36 shown in Figure 4 is driven, the upstream restriction unit 35 reciprocates up and down as shown in Figure 3. This allows the bobbin 5 to overcome the step. In other words, the reciprocating motion of the upstream restriction unit 35 releases the transport restriction and allows the bobbin 5 to be transported.

[0050] The supply device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with various actuators such as motors and cylinders. These actuators are just examples, and various types of actuators can be used as long as the necessary power is provided.

[0051] Furthermore, a cutter and a suction device (not shown) are positioned near the upstream limiting section 35. The cutter and suction device are positioned, for example, adjacent to the upstream limiting section 35 or adjacent to the downstream limiting section 35. The cutter reciprocates vertically in conjunction with the upstream limiting section 35. With this configuration, the thread unwound from the bobbin 5 can be cut by the cutter and then sucked up by the suction device.

[0052] Note that the configuration of the upstream limiting section 35 is just one example; for example, a shutter member may be used to switch between a state in which the transport path is closed and a state in which the transport path is open. Also, the cutter and suction device are not essential components and can be omitted.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a front view of the upstream restricting section 35 (in other words, a view in the transport direction). As shown in Figure 5, the upstream restricting section 35 has multiple grooves. The cutter described above may be positioned to cut the thread that enters these grooves. Also, in a front view, the upper end (contour) of the upstream restricting section 35 includes a portion that slopes with respect to the width direction. This makes it easier for the bobbin 5 placed on the upstream restricting section 35 to move and flow downstream without accumulating in the upstream restricting section 35. In particular, in Figure 5 (i.e., when viewed in the transport direction), the upper end of the upstream restricting section 35 slopes along its entire width direction, extending upward as it approaches the center in the width direction. That is, the upper end of the contour of the upstream restricting section 35 includes a portion that slopes upward as it approaches the center from the first side in the width direction, and a portion that slopes upward as it approaches the center from the second side in the width direction. This allows the bobbin 5 located on the first side of the center in the width direction to be dropped and transported toward the first downstream transport section 40 located on the first side. Similarly, bobbins 5 located to the second side of the center in the width direction can be dropped and transported towards the second downstream transport section 50 located to the second side. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a device for distributing the bobbins 5 in the width direction upstream or downstream of the upstream limiting section 35.

[0054] Figure 6 shows a plan view (in other words, a view in the vertical direction) of the upstream limiting section 35. As shown in Figure 6, the contour of the upstream end of the upstream limiting section 35 includes a portion that slopes with respect to the width direction. This allows for a change in the amount of bobbins 5 that can be placed on the upstream limiting section 35 compared to the case where the upstream end of the upstream limiting section 35 is parallel to the width direction. In particular, in this embodiment, the upstream end slopes along the entire width direction so that it extends upstream as it approaches the center in the width direction. That is, the upstream end of the contour of the upstream limiting section 35 includes a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from the first side in the width direction and extends upstream as it approaches the center, and a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from the second side in the width direction. This allows the bobbins 5 to be transported separately to the first side and the second side, as described at the upper end of the upstream limiting section 35. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a device for distributing the bobbins 5 in the width direction upstream or downstream of the upstream limiting section 35.

[0055] The shape of the upstream limiting section 35 is merely an example and does not necessarily include the inclination described above. Furthermore, the inclination of the upstream limiting section 35 across its entire width is also just an example; it may include non-inclined portions. The groove described above is also not mandatory and can be omitted. Additionally, the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting section 35 is not limited to the vertical direction; it may also be diagonally upward and diagonally downward. Specifically, the upstream limiting section 35 may reciprocate in a direction that moves downstream as it approaches the upper direction.

[0056] Next, the portion of the conveying section 12 downstream of the upstream conveying section 30 will be described. At the downstream end of the upstream conveying section 30 (later upstream conveying section 33), the conveying section 12 branches into a first downstream conveying section 40 on the first side in the width direction and a second downstream conveying section 50 on the second side. As shown in Figure 2, the first downstream conveying section 40 is equipped with a first limiting section 41. The second downstream conveying section 50 is equipped with a second limiting section 51.

[0057] The basic configuration and movement of the first limiting unit 41 are similar to those of the upstream limiting unit 35, so the explanation will be simplified. Specifically, the first limiting unit 41 reciprocates vertically by the first cylinder 42 shown in Figure 4. While the first limiting unit 41 is reciprocating, the bobbin 5 is in a state where it can overcome the step and be transported downstream (the restriction is released). While the first limiting unit 41 is stopped, the bobbin 5 is unable to overcome the step and its transport is restricted. Similarly, the second limiting unit 51 reciprocates vertically by the second cylinder 52 shown in Figure 4. While the second limiting unit 51 is reciprocating, the bobbin 5 is in a state where it can overcome the step and be transported downstream (the restriction is released). While the second limiting unit 51 is stopped, the bobbin 5 is unable to overcome the step and its transport is restricted. Thus, in this embodiment, the first cylinder 42, which is the drive unit for the first limiting unit 41, and the second cylinder 52, which is the drive unit for the second limiting unit 51, are separate components. Therefore, the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51 can be operated independently. This allows the bobbin 5 to be transported to only one of the first or second sides, as will be described later.

[0058] The first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51 may be configured to operate as a single unit. In this case, the drive cylinder may be common, or the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51 may be an integrated unit. In this case, by performing a process such as stopping the transport on only one of the first or second side, only one of the first or second side can be operated.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51 carry the bobbin 5 and switch between a state where the transport of the bobbin 5 is restricted and a state where the restriction is released. Alternatively, the function of carrying the bobbin 5 from the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51 may be omitted. In this case, the first limiting section 41 and the first cylinder 42 are, for example, shutter members that can be switched open or closed.

[0060] In this embodiment, no boundary wall is provided between the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51. This makes it less likely for the bobbin 5 to become trapped in a narrow area, thus reducing the likelihood of bobbin clogging. However, a boundary wall may be provided. In addition, a cutter and a suction device may be provided in the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51, similar to the upstream limiting section 35.

[0061] The combined shape of the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 is similar to the shape of the upstream restricting section 35 and can produce similar effects. Specifically, Figure 7 shows front views of the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51. As shown in Figure 7, the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 each have multiple grooves. Also, in a front view, the upper ends (contours) of the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 each include portions that are inclined with respect to the width direction. In particular, the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 each have a shape that becomes higher as they approach the center in the width direction. The effects of these shapes are the same as those of the upstream restricting section 35. Although not shown in the figure, the contours of the upstream ends of the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 also include portions that are inclined with respect to the width direction in a plan view. In particular, the first restricting section 41 and the second restricting section 51 are generally inclined so that their upstream ends extend upstream as they approach the center in the width direction. The effects of these shapes are similar to those of the upstream limiting section 35.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first downstream conveying section 40 and the second downstream conveying section 50 are arranged side by side in the width direction. The first downstream conveying section 40 and the second downstream conveying section 50 are either identical in shape or symmetrical with respect to the center in the width direction. This layout is an example and can be changed as follows, for example. For example, at a branching point, the conveying direction of the first downstream conveying section 40 and the conveying direction of the second downstream conveying section 50 may be different. For example, the first downstream conveying section 40 and the second downstream conveying section 50 may be arranged in a V-shape. Alternatively, the upstream conveying section 30, the first downstream conveying section 40, and the second downstream conveying section 50 may be arranged in a T-shape.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the downstream upstream transport unit 33 is equipped with a first stock sensor 71 and a second stock sensor 72. The first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 correspond to the "upstream sensors." The first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 are photoelectric sensors and have a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit. They detect whether or not an object is present in the optical path (indicated by the arrow in Figure 8) based on whether or not the light-receiving unit has received light from the light-emitting unit. Note that using a photoelectric sensor is just one example; the first stock sensor 71 or the second stock sensor 72 can also detect the presence or absence of an object using a camera, contact sensor, weight sensor, etc.

[0064] The first stock sensor 71 detects the presence or absence of bobbins 5 in the vicinity and upstream of the first limiting section 41 and the second limiting section 51. Furthermore, since the downstream upstream transport section 33 is sloped, the bobbins 5 present in the downstream upstream transport section 33 basically accumulate from the downstream end. Therefore, even if there is a small amount of bobbins 5 in the downstream upstream transport section 33, the first stock sensor 71 will still detect the bobbins 5.

[0065] The second stock sensor 72 is located upstream of the first stock sensor 71 and near the upstream limiting section 35. To explain from another perspective, the first stock sensor 71 is located downstream of the center of the transport path of the downstream upstream transport section 33, and the second stock sensor 72 is located upstream of that center. As described above, bobbins 5 accumulate in the downstream upstream transport section 33 from the downstream end, so if the second stock sensor 72 detects a bobbin 5, it means that a large number of bobbins 5 are accumulating in the downstream upstream transport section 33.

[0066] Based on the detection results of the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72, the stagnation status of the bobbins 5 in the downstream upstream transport section 33 (upstream transport section 30) can be identified. Therefore, the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 correspond to "upstream sensors". The method of using the detection results of the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 will be described later.

[0067] The individualization unit 13 separates the multiple bobbins 5 transported by the transport unit 12 into individual bobbins 5. In other words, since the transport unit 12 in this embodiment transports multiple bobbins 5 together (or rather, without aligning them), individualization is necessary in order to hand them over to the delivery device 2. The individualization unit 13 comprises a first individualization unit 43 and a second individualization unit 53. The first individualization unit 43 individualizes the bobbins 5 transported by the first downstream transport unit 40. The second individualization unit 53 individualizes the bobbins 5 transported by the second downstream transport unit 50. In this embodiment, the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the width direction of the upstream transport unit 30. This is just one example, and the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 may be arranged in the same orientation.

[0068] Since the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 have substantially the same configuration, they will be described together below, with some corresponding components denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the first individualization unit 43 individualizes the bobbins 5 using a conveyor arranged in the vertical direction. The first individualization unit 43 has a belt 61. The belt 61 is a strip-shaped (sheet-shaped) member that is looped between two rotating rollers 62 arranged in the vertical direction. The upper rotating roller 62 is rotationally driven by a motor. Here, the motor of the first individualization unit 43 is referred to as the first motor 63, and the motor of the second individualization unit 53 is referred to as the second motor 64. The first motor 63 and the second motor 64 correspond to the "drive unit" for driving the individualization unit 13. The first motor 63 and the second motor 64 are, for example, stepping motors. The rotation of the output shaft of the stepping motor is transmitted to the upper rotating roller 62 via a drive transmission belt or the like. This causes the belt 61 to be driven in a circulating manner.

[0069] Support bases 65 are provided on the outer surface of the belt 61. The support bases 65 are provided at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the belt 61. The support bases 65 move integrally with the belt 61. Bobbins 5 are placed on the support bases 65. In this way, the support bases 65 support the bobbins 5 while transporting them. The support bases 65 have rectangular surfaces so that they can support bobbins 5 in a tilted state. These rectangular support bases 65 are attached to the belt 61 such that their longitudinal direction is aligned with the width direction of the belt 61. The length of the support bases 65 in the depth direction is such that two bobbins 5 cannot be placed side by side. The first individualization unit 43 transports the bobbins 5 upward by circulating the belt 61 and placing them one by one on the support bases 65. In this way, multiple bobbins 5 can be individualized.

[0070] Furthermore, when two or more bobbins 5 are stacked vertically on a single support base 65, the bobbins 5 are separated by the following configuration. Specifically, the first separation unit 43 includes a separation member 67. The separation member 67 is a member that can contact the bobbins 5 being transported by the support base 65. The separation member 67 is provided along the transport direction in which the support base 65 transports the bobbins 5, and separates one or more bobbins 5 by dropping them from the support base 65 so that only one bobbin 5 rests on the support base 65. In this embodiment, the separation member 67 is a metal wire. However, the separation member 67 is not limited to a metal wire as long as it can contact the bobbins 5 and drop them from the support base 65.

[0071] Furthermore, the first individualization unit 43 is equipped with a sensor for detecting the bobbin 5 being transported by the support base 65. Here, the sensor located in the first individualization unit 43 is referred to as the first individualization sensor 73, and the sensor located in the second individualization unit 53 is referred to as the second individualization sensor 74. The first individualization sensor 73 and the second individualization sensor 74 are contact-type sensors. The first individualization sensor 73 and the second individualization sensor 74 are positioned to pass through slits formed in the support base 65, and do not contact the support base 65, but do contact the bobbin 5 placed on the support base 65. Note that the first individualization sensor 73 and the second individualization sensor 74 are not limited to contact sensors, and may be, for example, photoelectric sensors. The first individualization sensor 73 can detect the bobbin 5 located downstream on the first side, so it corresponds to the "first downstream sensor". The second individualization sensor 74 can detect the bobbin 5 located downstream on the second side, so it corresponds to the "second downstream sensor". Furthermore, the first downstream sensor may be a photoelectric sensor that detects the bobbin 5 located downstream of the first limiting unit 41 and upstream of the first individualizing unit 43. The second downstream sensor may be a photoelectric sensor that detects the bobbin 5 located downstream of the second limiting unit 51 and upstream of the second individualizing unit 53. Alternatively, a camera or a contact sensor may be used instead of a photoelectric sensor. Any of the first and second downstream sensors described above can be used in the control described later.

[0072] The conveyor section 14 transports the individualized bobbins 5 one by one in the individualization section 13. The conveyor section 14 includes a first conveyor section 45 that transports the bobbins 5 individualized in the first individualization section 43, and a second conveyor section 55 that transports the bobbins 5 individualized in the second individualization section 53. As shown in Figure 10, the first conveyor section 45 and the second conveyor section 55 are each configured with multiple belt conveyors arranged in the transport direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first conveyor section 45 and the second conveyor section 55 can transport the bobbins 5 not only toward the transfer section 16, but also in the opposite direction.

[0073] Furthermore, the conveyor section 14 is equipped with multiple conveyor sensors for detecting the bobbins 5 being transported. Here, the conveyor sensor located in the first conveyor section 45 is referred to as the first conveyor sensor 75, and the conveyor sensor located in the second conveyor section 55 is referred to as the second conveyor sensor 76. The first conveyor sensor 75 and the second conveyor sensor 76 are photoelectric sensors. However, the first conveyor sensor 75 and the second conveyor sensor 76 may be cameras or contact sensors. Since multiple first conveyor sensors 75 and second conveyor sensors 76 are provided, it is possible to detect information regarding the quantity of bobbins 5 present in the first conveyor section 45 and the first orientation adjustment section 46. The first conveyor sensor 75 can detect bobbins 5 located downstream on the first side, and therefore corresponds to the "first downstream sensor". The second conveyor sensor 76 can detect bobbins 5 located downstream on the second side, and therefore corresponds to the "second downstream sensor".

[0074] The orientation adjustment unit 15 aligns the orientation of the bobbins 5 transported by the conveyor unit 14 and sends them to the transfer unit 16. The orientation adjustment unit 15 includes a first orientation adjustment unit 46 that aligns the orientation of bobbins 5 transported by the first conveyor unit 45, and a second orientation adjustment unit 56 that aligns the orientation of bobbins 5 transported by the second conveyor unit 55. The first orientation adjustment unit 46 and the second orientation adjustment unit 56 determine whether the downstream end of the bobbin 5 is the upper end or the lower end of the bobbin 5. If the downstream end of the bobbin 5 is the lower end, the first orientation adjustment unit 46 and the second orientation adjustment unit 56 maintain the orientation of the bobbin 5. If the downstream end of the bobbin 5 is the upper end, the first orientation adjustment unit 46 and the second orientation adjustment unit 56 change the orientation of the bobbin 5 by 180 degrees. This allows the transfer unit 16 to transfer the bobbins 5 to the delivery device 2 with the lower end of the bobbin 5 facing downwards when transferring them to the tray 6. Furthermore, the first direction adjustment unit 46 and the second direction adjustment unit 56 have a function to discharge a jammed bobbin 5 if the bobbin 5 becomes jammed while adjusting the direction of the bobbin 5. Since the first direction adjustment unit 46 and the second direction adjustment unit 56 are known devices, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0075] The transfer unit 16 transfers the bobbin 5 that has passed through the orientation adjustment unit 15 to the delivery device 2. The transfer unit 16 comprises a first transfer unit 47 and a second transfer unit 57. The first transfer unit 47 transfers the bobbin 5 that has passed through the first orientation adjustment unit 46 to the tray 6 in the first receiving path 101. The second transfer unit 57 transfers the bobbin 5 that has passed through the second orientation adjustment unit 56 to the tray 6 in the second receiving path 102.

[0076] Since the first receiving route 101 and the second receiving route 102 are different routes, the positions of the first handover section 47 and the second handover section 57 are also different. In this embodiment, the first receiving route 101 is located further from the supply device 1 than the second receiving route 102. Therefore, the transport distance on the first side of the supply device 1 (specifically, the transport distance from the first individualization section 43 to the first handover section 47) is longer than the transport distance on the second side of the supply device 1 (specifically, the transport distance from the second individualization section 53 to the second handover section 57). In other words, the number of bobbins 5 that can be stocked on the first side of the supply device 1 is greater than the number of bobbins 5 that can be stocked on the second side of the supply device 1.

[0077] On the other hand, in the delivery device 2, the first receiving route 101 is used preferentially over the second receiving route 102. In other words, when the preparation device 100 is operated, the number of bobbins 5 delivered to the tray 6 of the first receiving route 101 per unit time is greater than the number of bobbins 5 delivered to the tray 6 of the second receiving route 102 per unit time. The reason for this is explained below. Here, the first route length is referred to as the length from the position P0 of the route switching unit 105 to the first receiving position P1 where the bobbins 5 are received in the first receiving route 101. The second route length is referred to as the length from the position P0 of the route switching unit 105 to the second receiving position P2 where the bobbins 5 are received in the second receiving route 102. As is clear from Figure 1, the first route length is shorter than the second route length. In other words, since the distance from position P0 to the first receiving position P1 is short in the first receiving path 101, bobbins 5 are more easily supplied to fill the gap, and as a result, the first receiving path 101 is used preferentially over the second receiving path 102.

[0078] In other words, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the supply device 1 can stock a large number of bobbins 5 on the first side that supplies the bobbins 5 to the first receiving path 101 which is used preferentially. However, this is just one example, and the relationship between priority and the transport distance of the supply device 1 may be reversed.

[0079] The control unit 70 is one or more computers. Each computer comprises a processing unit, a primary storage device, a secondary storage device, and a communication device. The processing unit is, for example, a CPU, capable of performing arithmetic operations. The primary storage device is RAM or cache memory, and data is read and written at high speed by the processing unit. The secondary storage device is an SSD, HDD, or flash memory, and the programs and data necessary for control are pre-stored therein. The control unit 70 performs various operations related to the supply device 1 or the delivery device 2 by reading and executing a program from the primary storage device by the processing unit. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 70 acquires the detection results of the various sensors described above. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 70 controls the various drive units described above.

[0080] Next, the control performed by the control unit 70 will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 14.

[0081] In the following description, all or part of the equipment from the first downstream transport section 40 to the first handover section 47 will be collectively referred to as the "first side equipment," and all or part of the equipment from the second downstream transport section 50 to the second handover section 57 will be collectively referred to as the "second side equipment."

[0082] The supply device shown in Patent Document 1 has only one system for transferring bobbins. Therefore, if a malfunction occurs anywhere between the individualization unit and the transfer unit, or if the operator decides to stop any part, the supply device itself will stop. As a result, bobbins cannot be supplied to the distribution device, which may reduce work efficiency.

[0083] In contrast, the supply device 1 of this embodiment has a first device and a second device, so there are two supply paths. Therefore, even if the operation of only one of the first or second devices stops, the operation of the other can continue. As a result, the supply of bobbins 5 is not interrupted. In addition, in order to continue the operation of the distribution device 2 when the operation of only one of the devices stops, corresponding processing is required. The details of this processing will be explained below with reference to Figure 11.

[0084] First, the control unit 70 determines whether the operation of only one of the devices on the first side or the second side has stopped (S101). In the following explanation, we will assume that the operation of the device on the first side has stopped. Since the control unit 70 controls the stopping of operation, the control unit 70 can determine that the operation of the device on the first side has stopped based on the control history. Even if the operation of the device on the first side has stopped, the control unit 70 continues operation using the remaining side (i.e., the device on the second side) (S102). At this time, the control unit 70 also continues operation of the distribution device 2. This ensures that even if a malfunction occurs in the device on the first side, the supply of bobbins 5 can be continued using the device on the second side.

[0085] Depending on when the operation of the first-side device is stopped, the bobbin 5 may be located in the first-side device. This remaining bobbin 5 will continue to be stored until the operation of the first-side device is resumed. To avoid this situation, in this embodiment, the control unit 70 transports the bobbin 5 stored in the stopped first-side device to the upstream transport unit 30 (S103). Specifically, the control unit 70 drives the first conveyor unit 45 in the opposite direction to normal to transport the bobbin 5 to above the upstream transport unit 30 (for example, the downstream upstream transport unit 33 located near the first limiting unit 41) and drops the bobbin 5. This makes it possible to provide the bobbin 5 stored in the stopped first-side device to the operating second-side device.

[0086] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the bobbin 5 returned to the upstream transport section 30 is reliably supplied by the operating second-side device, a device for moving the returned bobbin 5 towards the second side (for example, a lever located in the downstream upstream transport section 33) may be provided. Note that the process in step S103 is not mandatory and can be omitted.

[0087] Next, the control unit 70 determines whether or not a bobbin jam has occurred in the direction adjustment unit 15 (S104). Since the control unit 70 controls the direction adjustment unit 15, it can make this determination based on feedback from the direction adjustment unit 15. For example, if the operation of the first side device is stopped due to a bobbin jam, operation on one side and the bobbin jam will occur simultaneously. Alternatively, a bobbin jam may occur in the second direction adjustment unit 56 while it is in operation.

[0088] If a bobbin jam occurs in the direction adjustment unit 15, the direction adjustment unit 15 will discharge the jammed bobbin 5 as described above. The discharged bobbin 5 may get caught in the belt conveyor of the delivery device 2. Therefore, it is preferable to stop the delivery device 2 at the time the bobbin 5 is discharged. If the control unit 70 determines that there is no bobbin jam in the direction adjustment unit 15, it continues to operate the delivery device 2 (S105). On the other hand, if the control unit 70 determines that there is a bobbin jam in the direction adjustment unit 15, it stops the operation of the delivery device 2 (S106). This prevents the discharged bobbin from causing an abnormality in the belt conveyor of the delivery device 2. Note that the process of the control unit 70 stopping the operation of the delivery device 2 when a bobbin jam occurs is just one example. Strictly speaking, it is sufficient if the delivery device 2 is stopped at the time the bobbin jam is cleared and the bobbin 5 is discharged. Also, the bobbin jam may be cleared by the operator operating the direction adjustment unit 15. In this situation, the control unit 70 may stop the operation of the delivery device 2 when the operator operates the direction adjustment unit 15 and gives an instruction to discharge the bobbin 5.

[0089] Furthermore, if the control unit 70 stops the operation of the delivery device 2, it is preferable to stop a part of the second-side device that is in operation (specifically, the second handover unit 57). Also, in step S104, instead of determining whether or not a bobbin jam has occurred, the control unit 70 may determine whether or not the bobbin jam clearing operation has started.

[0090] If the operation of the delivery device 2 is stopped, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the bobbin jam in the direction adjustment unit 15 has been cleared (S107). The bobbin jam is cleared when the direction adjustment unit 15 performs a bobbin jam clearing operation in response to a command from the control unit 70. Therefore, the control unit 70 makes this determination based on the control history or feedback from the direction adjustment unit 15. If the control unit 70 determines that the bobbin jam has been cleared, it restarts the operation of the delivery device 2 (S108).

[0091] Next, referring to Figure 12, we will explain the processing based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first and second devices.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51 can be operated independently, and furthermore, the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 can be operated independently. In this embodiment, the stock status of the bobbins 5 is used as information for operating these devices individually. The control unit 70 first calculates the stock status of the bobbins 5 (S201).

[0093] Here, the stock status of bobbins 5 refers to information based on the number of bobbins 5 stocked (present) in the first or second device. For example, if there are many bobbins 5 in the first individualization unit 43 or the first conveyor unit 45, the stock status of bobbins 5 on the first side is determined to be high. Depending on the number or type of sensors, it may also be possible to identify the specific number of bobbins 5. However, in this embodiment, instead of identifying such detailed information, it is estimated whether the stock status of bobbins 5 exceeds a certain standard.

[0094] Specifically, the control unit 70 calculates the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first-side device based on the detection results of the first individualization sensor 73 and the first conveyor sensor 75. For example, the stock status of the bobbins 5 can be calculated based on the number of times the first individualization sensor 73 has detected the bobbins 5 in the past few seconds, and the detection history of the bobbins 5 by multiple first conveyor sensors 75. Note that the stock status of the bobbins 5 may also be calculated based on only one of the first individualization sensor 73 or the first conveyor sensor 75. The same applies to the second-side device.

[0095] The control unit 70 individually controls the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51 based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first and second devices (S202). The control of the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51 is based on the presence or absence of reciprocating motion, or the number of reciprocating motions per unit time (hereinafter referred to as the vibration frequency). In this embodiment, the first limiting unit 41 is controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first device, and the second limiting unit 51 is controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the second device.

[0096] For example, if there is a large stock of bobbins 5 in the first device, there is little need to urgently supply bobbins 5 to the first device. Therefore, the control unit 70 stops the first limiting unit 41 or lowers its vibration frequency. On the other hand, if there is a small stock of bobbins 5 in the first device, there is a need to supply bobbins 5 to the first device. Therefore, the control unit 70 restarts the reciprocating motion of the first limiting unit 41 or increases its vibration frequency. In this way, the stock of bobbins 5 can be kept within an appropriate range. The same applies to the second device.

[0097] Next, the control unit 70 individually adjusts the transport speeds of the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first and second devices (S203). In this embodiment, the transport speed of the first individualization unit 43 is controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first device, and the transport speed of the second individualization unit 53 is controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the second device.

[0098] For example, if there is a large stock of bobbins 5 in the first device, the stocked bobbins 5 can be used to deliver them to the delivery device 2, so there is little need to transport the bobbins 5 quickly. Therefore, the control unit 70 reduces the transport speed of the first individualization unit 43. Specifically, it reduces the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the movement speed of the support base 65. This allows the first individualization unit 43 to operate stably. For example, it reduces the probability of failure in individualizing the bobbins 5 in the first individualization unit 43. On the other hand, if there is a small stock of bobbins 5 in the first device, it becomes necessary to transport the bobbins 5 quickly in order to deliver them to the delivery device 2. Therefore, the control unit 70 increases the transport speed of the first individualization unit 43. Specifically, it increases the rotation speed of the first motor 63 and the movement speed of the support base 65. This allows the first individualization unit 43 to operate at high speed, enabling the bobbin 5 to be quickly supplied to the first conveyor unit 45.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first limiting unit 41 and the first individualizing unit 43 are controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first device. Alternatively, the first limiting unit 41 and the first individualizing unit 43 may be controlled based on the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the second device, in addition to or instead of the first device. For example, if the stock status of the bobbins 5 in the first and second devices is less than that of the first device, the vibration frequency of the first limiting unit 41 may be increased compared to that of the second limiting unit 51, or the transport speed of the first individualizing unit 43 may be increased compared to that of the second individualizing unit 53.

[0100] In this embodiment, both the downstream limiting section and the individualization section 13 are controlled, but only one of them may be controlled. Alternatively, the conveyor section 14 may be controlled instead of, or in addition to, the downstream limiting section and the individualization section 13.

[0101] Next, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the processing based on the detection results of various sensors that detect the bobbin 5 will be explained.

[0102] First, with reference to Figure 13, the potential problems will be explained. The first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 described above are used to detect the accumulation of bobbins 5 in the downstream upstream transport unit 33. For example, if both the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 detect bobbins 5, it indicates that many bobbins 5 are accumulating in the downstream upstream transport unit 33. In this case, the control unit 70 stops the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 to suppress the supply of new bobbins 5 to the downstream upstream transport unit 33.

[0103] However, as shown in Figure 13, when the operation of the second-side device is stopped (especially when the second limiting unit 51 is stopped), bobbins 5 may accumulate around the second limiting unit 51. Furthermore, due to the balance or entanglement of the accumulated bobbins 5, a situation may occur where the bobbins 5 accumulated in front of the second limiting unit 51 do not flow to the first side. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the bobbins 5 accumulated in front of the second limiting unit 51 are detected by the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72. Consequently, even though the first-side device is operating and should be supplying bobbins 5 to the first side, the downstream upstream transport unit 33 is determined to be full, and no new bobbins 5 are supplied from the upstream transport unit 31.

[0104] In this embodiment, the control unit 70 performs the processes shown in the flowchart in Figure 14 to avoid this situation. The control unit 70 determines whether the first stock sensor 71 has detected the bobbin 5 (S301), and determines whether the second stock sensor 72 has detected the bobbin 5 (S302).

[0105] If the first stock sensor 71 or the second stock sensor 72 does not detect the bobbin 5, the control unit 70 performs a reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 (S307). As described above, if the first individualizing sensor 73 does not detect the bobbin 5, the control unit 70 performs a reciprocating motion of the first limiting unit 41 (S202). Similarly, if the second individualizing sensor 74 does not detect the bobbin 5, the control unit 70 performs a reciprocating motion of the first cylinder 42 (S202). This allows bobbin 5 to be supplied to locations where there is a shortage. In other words, based on the detection results of the first downstream sensor, the second downstream sensor, and the upstream sensor, the control unit 70 performs control to switch the limiting unit corresponding to the sensor that did not detect the bobbin 5 to a state where the transport of the bobbin 5 is released.

[0106] If the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 determine that they have detected the bobbin 5, the control unit 70 determines whether only one of the first or second devices is in operation (S303). As described above, the control unit 70 can identify that the operation of either the first or second device has stopped based on the control history. The situation shown in Figure 13 above occurs only when one is stopped and the other is in operation, so the control unit 70 makes this determination. Whether or not it is in operation means whether or not it is a stop due to an abnormal stop or maintenance (in other words, a stop for a long time). Alternatively, whether or not it is in operation may mean whether or not it is a temporary stop that can occur in various situations. A temporary stop is, for example, a stop in the delivery device 2 due to the first receiving route 101 taking priority, resulting in the tray 6 not being transported to the second receiving route 102.

[0107] If it is determined that only one of the devices on the first side or the second side is not in operation (for example, if it is determined that both the first and second sides are in operation), the control unit 70 stops the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 as per the general rule (S304). This prevents the situation in which more bobbins 5 are supplied to the downstream upstream transport unit 33 when it is full.

[0108] If the control unit 70 determines that only one of the first or second devices is in operation, it determines whether the stock status of the bobbins 5 on the operating side is below a threshold (S305). In other words, even if bobbins 5 are accumulating upstream of the second limiting unit 51, if there are enough bobbins 5 stocked in the first device, it is not necessary to immediately supply new bobbins 5 to the first device. Therefore, even if the stock status of the bobbins 5 on the operating side is not below a threshold, the control unit 70 stops the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 (S304).

[0109] If the control unit determines that the stock status of the bobbins 5 on the operating side is below a threshold, the situation shown in Figure 13 is considered to have occurred. Therefore, the control unit 70 performs a stagnation removal operation to remove the stagnation of bobbins 5 (S306). The stagnation removal operation is, for example, to move the limiting unit on the stopped side back and forth several times. This causes the bobbins 5 to move, allowing the stagnation of bobbins 5 to flow to the operating side. Alternatively, the stagnation removal operation is to move the upstream limiting unit 35 back and forth. This supplies new bobbins 5 to the downstream upstream transport unit 33, thereby disrupting the balance of the stagnation of bobbins 5 and eliminating the stagnation. Alternatively, the stagnation removal operation can eliminate the state in which the bobbins 5 are positioned in the optical path of the second stock sensor 72. Note that the stagnation removal operation is not limited to these. For example, it may be an operation to move the bobbins 5 by vibrating the downstream upstream transport unit 33, or an operation to press the bobbins 5 using a pressing member (not shown).

[0110] The control unit 70 performs a stagnant removal operation and also causes the upstream limiting unit 35 to reciprocate (S307). As a result, the bobbin 5 is supplied to the downstream upstream transport unit 33, so that the bobbin 5 can be supplied to the operating device.

[0111] Furthermore, even if the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 is stopped, if the first stock sensor 71 or the second stock sensor 72 subsequently stops detecting the bobbin 5, the control unit 70 will restart the reciprocating motion of the upstream limiting unit 35 (S307). This allows the downstream upstream transport unit 33 to be supplied with bobbin 5 again when the number of bobbins 5 in the downstream upstream transport unit 33, which was full, decreases.

[0112] In this embodiment, both the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72 are used to determine the state of the downstream upstream transport unit 33. Alternatively, the same control can be achieved by using only the second stock sensor 72. Or, even if a single sensor is used at a different location instead of the first stock sensor 71 and the second stock sensor 72, the same control can be achieved using the detection result of that sensor.

[0113] As described above, the supply device 1 of this embodiment comprises a dispensing device 11, a conveying unit 12, an individualization unit 13, a handover unit 16, and a control unit 70. The dispensing device 11 dispenses a group of bobbins 5, each containing a bobbin wound with yarn. The conveying unit 12 conveys the group of bobbins dispensed by the dispensing device 11. The individualization unit 13 separates the group of bobbins conveyed by the conveying unit 12 into individual bobbins 5. The handover unit 16 hands over the individualized bobbins 5 to the downstream unit. The control unit 70 controls the conveying unit 12, the individualization unit 13, and the handover unit 16. The conveying unit 12 includes an upstream conveying unit 30, a first downstream conveying unit 40, and a second downstream conveying unit 50. The upstream conveying unit 30 receives and conveys the group of bobbins dispensed by the dispensing device 11. The first downstream transport unit 40 is a path branched from the upstream transport unit 30 and transports the bobbin group. The second downstream transport unit 50 is a path branched from the upstream transport unit 30 but different from the first downstream transport unit 40 and transports the bobbin group. The individualization unit 13 has a first individualization unit 43 and a second individualization unit 53. The first individualization unit 43 individualizes the bobbin group transported by the first downstream transport unit 40. The second individualization unit 53 individualizes the bobbin group transported by the second downstream transport unit 50. The handover unit 16 has a first handover unit 47 and a second handover unit 57. The first handover unit 47 hands over the bobbin 5 individualized by the first individualization unit 43 to the downstream. The second handover unit 57 hands over the bobbin 5 individualized by the second individualization unit 53 to the downstream.

[0114] As a result, there are two transport units 12, two individualization units 13, and two handover units 16, so even if a malfunction occurs in one of them, the supply of bobbins 5 can be continued using the other unit.

[0115] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first downstream transport unit 40 has a first restricting unit 41 that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. The second downstream transport unit 50 has a second restricting unit 51 that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released.

[0116] This allows the necessary amount of bobbin 5 to be supplied to the first downstream transport unit 40 and the second downstream transport unit 50, depending on the situation.

[0117] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the upstream transport unit 30 includes a pre-stage upstream transport unit 31, an upstream restriction unit 35, and a post-stage upstream transport unit 33. The pre-stage upstream transport unit 31 receives and transports the bobbin group dispensed by the dispensing device 11. The upstream restriction unit 35 is connected downstream of the pre-stage upstream transport unit 31 and switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. The post-stage upstream transport unit 33 is connected downstream of the upstream restriction unit 35 and is located upstream of the first downstream transport unit 40 and the second downstream transport unit 50.

[0118] This allows the amount of bobbin 5 supplied downstream to be adjusted upstream of the branching point.

[0119] The supply device 1 of this embodiment includes a first downstream sensor (first individualization sensor 73 or first conveyor sensor 75, hereinafter the same), a second downstream sensor (second individualization sensor 74 or second conveyor sensor 76, hereinafter the same), and an upstream sensor (first stock sensor 71 or second stock sensor 72, hereinafter the same). The first downstream sensor detects bobbins 5 located downstream of the first limiting unit 41 in the first downstream transport unit 40, or in the first individualization unit 43. The second downstream sensor detects bobbins 5 located downstream of the second limiting unit 51 in the second downstream transport unit 50, or in the second individualization unit 53. The upstream sensor detects bobbins 5 located in the upstream transport unit 30. The control unit 70 controls the limiting unit (upstream limiting unit 35, first limiting unit 41, or second limiting unit 51, hereinafter the same) based on the detection results of the first downstream sensor, the second downstream sensor, and the upstream sensor.

[0120] This makes it possible to control at least one of the various limiting units based on the conditions both upstream and downstream of the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51.

[0121] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the width direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying unit 12 in the horizontal plane. The limiting unit switches between a state in which the conveying of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released by moving in the vertical direction, and the contour of the upstream end of the limiting unit in the conveying direction includes a portion that, in a plan view, slopes upward as it approaches the center in the width direction.

[0122] This allows multiple bobbins 5 to be transported separately on one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0123] In this embodiment, the supply device 1, when viewed in the transport direction, includes a portion of the contour of the upper end of the limiting section in the transport direction that slopes upward as it approaches the center in the width direction.

[0124] This allows multiple bobbins 5 to be transported separately on one side and the other side in the width direction.

[0125] The supply device 1 of this embodiment includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit drives the first limiting unit 41. The second drive unit is separate from the first drive unit and drives the second limiting unit 51.

[0126] This allows the first limiting unit 41 and the second limiting unit 51 to be switched with simple control.

[0127] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the first limiting unit 41 based on information regarding the number of bobbins 5 present from the first individualization unit 43 to the first delivery unit 47 (stock status, the same applies hereinafter). The control unit 70 controls the second limiting unit 51 based on information regarding the number of bobbins 5 present from the second individualization unit 53 to the second delivery unit 57.

[0128] This allows the supply of bobbins 5 to each side to be switched based on the conditions of the first side and the second side.

[0129] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, when the width direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying section 12 in the horizontal plane, the upstream conveying section 30 has a guide that restricts the position of the bobbin group in the width direction and widens in the width direction as it approaches the downstream.

[0130] This allows for the storage of many bobbins 5 and ensures sufficient width to connect to the first downstream transport section 40 and the second downstream transport section 50.

[0131] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the first downstream transport unit 40 and the second downstream transport unit 50 are arranged adjacent to each other. The first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 each have a support base 65, a drive unit (first cylinder 42 or second cylinder 52, hereinafter the same), and a separation member 67. The support base 65 supports the bobbin 5. The drive unit generates power to move the support base 65 in the vertical direction. The separation member 67 is arranged along the range in which the support base 65 moves from bottom to top, and separates the bobbin 5 so that there is only one bobbin 5 supported by the support base 65.

[0132] As a result, the first downstream transport section 40 and the second downstream transport section 50 are adjacent to each other, which helps to reduce the widthwise size of the supply device 1. Furthermore, since both the first individualization section 43 and the second individualization section 53 are configured to move vertically, this also helps to reduce the widthwise size of the supply device 1.

[0133] In the supply device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the transport speed of the bobbins 5 by the first individualization unit 43 based on information regarding the number of bobbins 5 present from the first individualization unit 43 to the first handover unit 47. The control unit 70 controls the transport speed of the bobbins 5 by the second individualization unit 53 based on information regarding the number of bobbins 5 present from the second individualization unit 53 to the second handover unit 57.

[0134] This allows the transport speed of the bobbin 5 in the first individualization unit 43 and the second individualization unit 53 to be adjusted based on the conditions on the first and second sides. As a result, for example, if there is a sufficient stock of bobbins 5, the transport speed of the individualization unit 13 can be slowed down to stabilize the operation of the individualization unit 13.

[0135] The preparation device 100 of this embodiment has a first receiving path 101 and a second receiving path 102. The first receiving path 101 is the path for receiving the bobbin 5 from the first handover section 47. The second receiving path 102 is the path for receiving the bobbin 5 from the second handover section 57 at the second handover position. The delivery device 2 has a branching point where the upstream bobbin 5 branches into the first receiving path 101 and the second receiving path 102. The length of the first path from the branching point to the first handover position is shorter than the length of the second path from the branching point to the second handover position.

[0136] This allows for a longer path length for the supply device 1 on the first side, where the bobbin 5 is preferentially delivered. As a result, the stock on the supply device 1 side can be increased on the preferentially used path.

[0137] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example. Modifications may be made individually, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0138] In this embodiment, one upstream conveying unit 30 branches into two: a first downstream conveying unit 40 and a second downstream conveying unit 50. Alternatively, one upstream conveying unit 30 may branch into three or more conveying units.

[0139] In this embodiment, the first device is used preferentially over the second device. Alternatively, the first and second devices may have the same priority.

[0140] In the above embodiment, components that provide incidental effects can be omitted as appropriate. For example, the upstream conveying section 30 in this embodiment includes a preceding upstream conveying section 31, a succeeding upstream conveying section 33, and an upstream restricting section 35, but the upstream restricting section 35 may be omitted. In this case, the distinction between the preceding upstream conveying section 31 and the upstream restricting section 35 disappears, and the upstream conveying section 30 is configured as a single slope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 Feeding device 2 Delivery device 11. Dispensing device 12 Conveying section 13. Individualization Unit 70 Control Unit

Claims

1. A dispensing device that dispenses a group of bobbins, each containing multiple bobbins on which thread is wound, A conveying unit that conveys the bobbin group dispensed by the dispensing device, An individualization unit that separates the group of bobbins transported by the transport unit into individual bobbins, The individualization unit includes a transfer unit that transfers the individualized bobbins downstream, A control unit that controls the transport unit, the individualization unit, and the delivery unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned transport unit is The upstream transport section is a path through which the bobbin group dispensed by the dispensing device is transported, This is a path branched off from the upstream transport section, and includes a first downstream transport section that transports the bobbin group, A second downstream transport unit that transports the bobbin group, which is a different route from the first downstream transport unit among the routes branching off from the upstream transport unit. It has, The individualization unit is, A first individualization unit that individualizes the bobbin group transported by the first downstream transport unit, A second individualization unit that individualizes the bobbin group transported by the second downstream transport unit, It has, The aforementioned transfer section is, The first individualization unit transfers the individualized bobbins to a downstream first transfer unit, The second individualization unit transfers the individualized bobbins downstream to a second transfer unit, A supply device characterized by having the following features.

2. A supply device according to claim 1, The first downstream transport unit has a first restricting unit that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released. The supply device is characterized in that the second downstream transport unit has a second restricting unit that switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released.

3. A supply device according to claim 2, The upstream transport section is, The preceding upstream transport unit receives and transports the bobbin group dispensed by the dispensing device, An upstream limiting unit connected downstream of the aforementioned upstream transport unit, which switches between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released, A downstream upstream transport unit is connected downstream of the upstream restricting unit and located upstream of the first downstream transport unit and the second downstream transport unit, A supply device characterized by having the following features.

4. A supply device according to claim 3, A first downstream sensor for detecting the bobbin located downstream of the first limiting section in the first downstream transport section, or in the first individualization section, A second downstream sensor for detecting the bobbin located downstream of the second limiting section in the second downstream transport section, or in the second individualization section, An upstream sensor that detects the bobbin located in the upstream transport section, Equipped with, The supply device is characterized in that the control unit controls at least one limiting unit, including the upstream limiting unit, the first limiting unit, or the second limiting unit, based on the detection results of the first downstream sensor, the second downstream sensor, and the upstream sensor.

5. A supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, In a horizontal plane, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying unit is defined as the width direction. A feeding device characterized in that at least one limiting portion, including the first limiting portion or the second limiting portion, moves in the vertical direction to switch between a state in which the transport of the bobbin group is restricted and a state in which the restriction is released, and the contour of the upstream end of the limiting portion in the transport direction includes, in plan view, a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from one side in the width direction and extends upstream, and a portion that slopes so as it approaches the center from the other side in the width direction and extends upstream.

6. A supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, In a horizontal plane, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying unit is defined as the width direction. A supply device characterized in that, when viewed in the aforementioned transport direction, the contour of the upper end of the limiting portion in the transport direction includes a portion that slopes upward as it approaches the center from one side in the width direction, and a portion that slopes upward as it approaches the center from the other side in the width direction.

7. A supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, A first drive unit that drives the first limiting unit, A second drive unit, which is separate from the first drive unit and drives the second limiting unit, A supply device characterized by being equipped with the following features.

8. A supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, The control unit controls the first limiting unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins present from the first individualization unit to the first transfer unit. The supply device is characterized in that the control unit controls the second limiting unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins present from the second individualization unit to the second transfer unit.

9. A supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A feeding device characterized in that, in a horizontal plane, when the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying section is defined as the width direction, the upstream conveying section has a guide that restricts the position of the bobbin group in the width direction and widens in the width direction as it approaches the downstream.

10. A supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The first downstream transport unit and the second downstream transport unit are arranged adjacent to each other. Each of the first individualization unit and the second individualization unit is: A support base for supporting the bobbin, A drive unit that generates power to move the support base in the vertical direction, A separating member is positioned along the range in which the support base moves from below to above, and separates the bobbins so that there is only one bobbin supported by the support base. A supply device characterized by having the following features.

11. A supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The control unit controls the transport speed of the bobbins by the first individualization unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins present from the first individualization unit to the first transfer unit. A supply device characterized by controlling the transport speed of the bobbins by the second individualizing unit based on information regarding the number of bobbins present between the second individualizing unit and the second transfer unit.

12. A supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A distribution device that receives the bobbin supplied by the supply device and delivers the received bobbin to a winding unit that winds the thread from the bobbin to form a package, Equipped with, The path length from the first individualization unit to the first delivery unit is longer than the path length from the second individualization unit to the second delivery unit. The aforementioned delivery device, A first receiving path that receives the bobbin from the first receiving section at the first receiving position, A second receiving path that receives the bobbin from the second receiving section at the second receiving position, It has, The aforementioned delivery device has a branching point where the upstream route branches into the first receiving route and the second receiving route. A preparation device characterized in that the first path length from the branching point to the first handover position is shorter than the second path length from the branching point to the second handover position.

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