Automatic winder

Abstract

This system facilitates the movement of bobbin trays between two conveyors with opposite conveying directions using a simple configuration. [Solution] The automatic winder comprises a winding unit for winding yarn, and a bobbin transport device for transporting a bobbin tray 10 on which yarn bobbins are set between a bobbin preparation device and the winding unit. The bobbin transport device includes a first conveyor 31 for transporting the bobbin tray 10 in a first direction DR1, a second conveyor 32 arranged parallel to the first conveyor 31 with a gap G between them for transporting the bobbin tray 10 in a second direction DR2 opposite to the first direction DR1, a guide member 81 that forms a U-turn path 3e through which the bobbin tray 10 passes between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, and a protruding part 62 arranged in the gap G so as to contact the bobbin tray 10 from below as it passes through the U-turn path 3e, and which promotes the bobbin tray 10 to rotate along the U-turn path 3e while in contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic winder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an automatic winder provided with a bobbin conveying device that conveys a bobbin tray between a bobbin preparation device and a winding unit is known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of automatic winder.

[0003] The bobbin conveying device for an automatic winder of Patent Document 1 includes a main line disposed between the bobbin preparation device and the winding unit, a bypass line provided parallel to the main line and having a conveying direction opposite to that of the main line, and a connection line that connects both lines. This bobbin conveying device is provided with an assist mechanism for assisting the movement of the bobbin tray that travels on the connection line.

[0004] In paragraphs 0039 to 0040 and the like of Patent Document 1, as one specific example of the assist mechanism, an assist mechanism composed of a raising plate and a relay plate is disclosed. The raising plate is disposed below the flat belt at the connecting portion between the bypass line and the connection line, and brings the bobbin tray conveyed on the flat belt into an inclined posture. The relay plate is disposed in the intermediate portion of the connection line. According to this assist mechanism, the bobbin tray that is brought into the inclined posture by the raising plate is prompted to move along the connection line by the inclination, and the base portion thereof is placed on the relay plate. The bobbin tray placed on the relay plate rotates around the ground contact portion on the relay plate, and is displaced to a transfer posture in which most of the base portion is placed on the flat belt of the main line. Then, from this transfer posture, the bobbin tray flows along the main line under the conveying force from the conveyor constituting the main line.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] To implement the assist mechanism described in the specific example above, it is necessary to provide two components: a riser plate and a relay plate. Therefore, there was room for improvement in terms of increasing the number of parts and manufacturing man-hours.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to facilitate the movement of a bobbin tray between two conveyors having opposite conveying directions with a simple configuration. Means and effects for solving the problem

[0008] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and next, the means for solving these problems and their effects will be explained.

[0009] According to the aspects of the present invention, the following automatic winder is provided. That is, the automatic winder comprises a winding unit and a bobbin transport device. The winding unit winds yarn. The bobbin transport device transports a bobbin tray on which yarn bobbins are set between a bobbin preparation device and the winding unit. The bobbin transport device has a first conveyor, a second conveyor, a guide member and a protruding portion. The first conveyor transports the bobbin tray in a first direction. The second conveyor is arranged parallel to the first conveyor with a gap between them. The second conveyor transports the bobbin tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The guide member forms a U-turn path through which the bobbin tray passes between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The protruding portion is positioned in the gap so as to contact the bobbin tray from below as it passes through the U-turn path. The protruding portion, while in contact, facilitates the bobbin tray to rotate along the U-turn path.

[0010] As a result, in the bobbin conveying device, the bobbin tray can be conveyed in the order of first conveyor, U-turn path, and second conveyor, and / or second conveyor, U-turn path, and first conveyor. In this case, in the U-turn path, the force acting on the bobbin tray is directed in a first direction from the first conveyor and a force acting on it is directed in a second direction from the second conveyor, which may cause the bobbin tray to rotate in place and substantially stop between the two conveyors. In contrast, in the automatic winder according to the aspects of the present invention, a protruding part that contacts the bobbin tray from below as it passes through the U-turn path is positioned in the gap between the first conveyor and the second conveyor. This protruding part promotes the rotation of the bobbin tray along the U-turn path while in contact with the bobbin tray from below. To explain in detail using the example of the situation in which the bobbin tray is conveyed in the order of first conveyor, U-turn path, and second conveyor, first, the protruding part contacts the bobbin tray from below as it enters the U-turn path from the first conveyor. As a result, the bobbin tray, receiving force from the first conveyor, rotates around the contact point with the protruding part and moves smoothly along the U-turn path towards the second conveyor. Just before and after separating from the first conveyor, the bobbin tray begins to receive force from the second conveyor. This force from the second conveyor also causes the bobbin tray to rotate around the contact point with the protruding part, facilitating its movement along the U-turn path. The bobbin tray then moves onto the second conveyor and is continued to be transported by it. In this way, the effect of facilitating the transport of the bobbin tray along the U-turn path can be achieved with a simple configuration that only requires the provision of a protruding part.

[0011] In the above-mentioned automatic winder, it is preferable that the protruding portion is located in the area surrounded by the first conveyor, the second conveyor, and the U-turn path when viewed from above.

[0012] As a result, the protruding portion is positioned on the inner circumference side of the U-turn path. The bobbin tray, which is in contact with the protruding portion positioned in this way, rotates along the U-turn path while tilting so as to fall outward. At this time, the outer edge of the bobbin tray comes into contact with the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor, so a large torque is generated by the conveying force received from both conveyors, which can make the rotation of the bobbin tray smoother.

[0013] In the above-mentioned automatic winder, it is preferable that the height position of the upper end of the protruding portion is higher than the height position of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor and the second conveyor.

[0014] This ensures that the protruding portion makes reliable contact with the bobbin tray flowing on the first and / or second conveyor.

[0015] In the above-mentioned automatic winder, it is preferable that the difference between the height position of the upper end of the protruding portion and the height position of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor and the second conveyor be 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0016] This ensures reliable contact between the bobbin tray and the protruding part, and allows for an appropriate tilt of the bobbin tray. As a result, smoother rotation of the bobbin tray can be achieved.

[0017] In the aforementioned automatic winder, it is preferable that the protruding portion has an upwardly convex dome shape.

[0018] This enables micro-area contact with the bobbin tray across the entire protruding portion, allowing for even smoother rotation of the bobbin tray.

[0019] In the aforementioned automatic winder, it is preferable that the protruding portion has a surface that extends from its lower end to its upper end, with its height continuously increasing as it moves away from the first or second conveyor located on the upstream side of the U-turn path corresponding to itself.

[0020] Thereby, the bobbin tray entering the U-turn path can smoothly ride up onto the protruding portion.

[0021] The automatic winder described above preferably has the following configuration. That is, the bobbin conveying device includes a first guide member, a second guide member, and a pair of plate members. The first guide member and the second guide member each form the U-turn path. The pair of plate members respectively have a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion. One of the plate members is arranged such that the first protruding portion comes into contact with the bobbin tray passing through the U-turn path formed by the first guide member. The other plate member is arranged such that the second protruding portion comes into contact with the bobbin tray passing through the U-turn path formed by the second guide member.

[0022] Thereby, the plate members of the same type can correspond to the U-turn paths of both the first guide member and the second guide member, so that the manufacturing cost of the automatic winder can be reduced.

[0023] The automatic winder described above preferably has the following configuration. That is, in the region where the U-turn path exists in the first direction, the upper surface of the first conveyor is flat. In the region where the U-turn path exists in the second direction, the upper surface of the second conveyor is flat.

[0024] Thereby, since separate measures such as partially raising the height of the first conveyor or the second conveyor are not adopted to allow the bobbin tray to smoothly pass through the U-turn path, the manufacturing cost and manufacturing man-hours of the automatic winder can be reduced. In addition, local wear of the first conveyor and / or the second conveyor caused by the height raising can be avoided. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] A schematic plan view of the automatic winder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Configuration diagram of the first supply path, the second supply path, and the return path. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a plate member, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view. [Figure 4] Plan view showing the left U-turn path and its periphery. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Figure 4. [Figure 6] Plan view showing the right U-turn path and its periphery. [Figure 7] Plan view showing the bobbin tray passing through the left U-turn path. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view from the same viewpoint as Figure 5, showing the bobbin tray passing through the left U-turn path. [Figure 9] Plan view showing the left U-turn path and its periphery according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 9. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Next, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the automatic winder 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the first supply path 3a, the second supply path 3b, and the return path 3d. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the plate member 60, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a vertical cross-sectional view. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the left U-turn path 3e and its periphery. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the right U-turn path 3e and its periphery. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the bobbin tray 10 passing through the left U-turn path 3e. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view from the same viewpoint as Figure 5, showing the bobbin tray 10 passing through the left U-turn path 3e.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the automatic winder 1 comprises a bobbin preparation device 2, a bobbin transport device 3, a plurality of winding units 4, and a control box 5. The plurality of winding units 4 are arranged in a line along a horizontal straight line. In the following description, the direction in which the plurality of winding units 4 are arranged will be referred to as the parallel direction.

[0028] The bobbin preparation device 2 transports the bobbin tray 10 on which the yarn supply bobbin 11 is set, and performs preparatory processing on the yarn supply bobbin 11 for winding yarn. In this embodiment, the preparatory processing involves cutting the back-wound yarn wound around the outer circumference of the yarn supply bobbin 11 to form a yarn end, and inserting the formed yarn end into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin 11. However, the above-described preparatory processing is just one example, and different preparatory processing will be performed if the specifications of the winding unit 4 are different. The bobbin preparation device 2 transports the bobbin tray 10 on which the prepared yarn supply bobbin 11 is set to the bobbin transport device 3.

[0029] The bobbin transport device 3 transports the bobbin tray 10, on which the yarn bobbins 11 are set, between the bobbin preparation device 2 and the multiple winding units 4. That is, the bobbin transport device 3 receives the bobbin tray 10 on which the yarn bobbins 11 are set from the bobbin preparation device 2 and transports it to the winding unit 4. The bobbin transport device 3 also transports the bobbin tray 10 on which the yarn bobbins 11 that have been wound by the winding unit 4 are set back to the bobbin preparation device 2.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the bobbin transport device 3 includes a first supply path 3a, a second supply path 3b, a plurality of unit paths 3c, a return path 3d, and two U-turn paths 3e. The first supply path 3a is a path that transports the bobbin tray 10 in a parallel direction from the bobbin preparation device 2 side to the opposite control box 5 side. This transport direction is the first direction DR1 in this embodiment. The second supply path 3b is a path that transports the bobbin tray 10 in a parallel direction from the control box 5 side to the opposite bobbin preparation device 2 side. This transport direction is the second direction DR2 in this embodiment. Each unit path 3c, which is arranged for each winding unit 4, is connected to the second supply path 3b. The unit paths 3c are paths for positioning the yarn bobbin 11 at the yarn winding position of the winding unit 4. The return path 3d is a path for returning the yarn bobbin 11, which has been wound in the winding unit 4, back to the bobbin preparation device 2. The U-turn route 3e is a route that connects the first supply route 3a and the second supply route 3b.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the bobbin transport device 3 comprises a first conveyor 31, a first supply motor 31a, a first drive pulley 31b, a first driven pulley 31c, and a first idler pulley 31d as components constituting the first supply path 3a. The first supply motor 31a and the first drive pulley 31b are located at the end on the control box 5 side (downstream side in the transport direction) in the parallel direction. The power generated by the first supply motor 31a is transmitted to the first drive pulley 31b and then to the first conveyor 31 which is wrapped around the first drive pulley 31b. The first driven pulley 31c is located at the opposite end in the parallel direction and is wrapped around the first conveyor 31. A first idler pulley 31d for adjusting the tension of the first conveyor 31 is located near the first drive pulley 31b and the first driven pulley 31c.

[0032] Furthermore, a stopper 39 is provided at the downstream end of the first supply path 3a, which can switch between a state that blocks the bobbin tray 10 and a state that allows the bobbin tray 10 to pass through.

[0033] The bobbin transport device 3 comprises a second conveyor 32, a second supply motor 32a, a second drive pulley 32b, a second driven pulley 32c, and a second idler pulley 32d as components constituting the second supply path 3b. Since the components constituting the second supply path 3b are simply the components constituting the first supply path 3a reversed in the parallel direction, a detailed explanation is omitted. The second conveyor 32 is arranged parallel to the first conveyor 31 with a gap G between them.

[0034] The bobbin transport device 3 comprises a third conveyor 33, a return motor 33a, a third drive pulley 33b, a third driven pulley 33c, and a third idler pulley 33d as components constituting the return path 3d. Since the components constituting the return path 3d are almost the same as those constituting the second supply path 3b, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0035] The bobbin transport mechanism of the bobbin transport device 3 described above is just one example; for example, two paths could be driven by a single motor. Also, although the bobbin transport device 3 in this embodiment is driven by electricity, it could be driven by other means (for example, fuel or compressed air).

[0036] Each of the multiple winding units 4 is positioned so as to overlap with the unit path 3c when viewed from above. The winding unit 4 unwinds the yarn from the yarn supply bobbin 11 positioned at the yarn winding position and winds it onto the winding bobbin to form a package. In addition to the yarn winding position, each unit path 3c also has a standby position. The standby position is located upstream of the yarn winding position and is a position where yarn supply bobbins 11 that will be wound in the future are kept waiting.

[0037] The control box 5 houses a control device 50 that controls each part of the automatic winder 1. The control device 50 includes a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory, a processing unit such as a CPU, and a communication device. The storage device stores a program for controlling each part of the automatic winder 1. The processing unit executes this program, allowing the control box 5 to control each part of the automatic winder 1. The communication device exchanges information with the unit controller that controls the winding unit 4 and with other devices located in the bobbin transport device 3.

[0038] An operation panel 51 is located on the front of the control box 5. The operation panel 51 includes a display and operation keys. The operator can give instructions to the control box 5 by operating the operation panel 51. The side of the automatic winder 1 on which the operation panel 51 is located corresponds to the front of the automatic winder 1.

[0039] The bobbin transport device 3 further includes a plate member 60 as shown in Figure 3. The plate member 60 comprises an elongated plate body 61 and a first projection 62 and a second projection 63 formed on the plate body 61. The first projection 62 and the second projection 63 can be formed by press-forming the plate body 61, but are not limited to this. For example, the plate body 61 and the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 may be formed separately. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, a pair of identical plate members 60 are provided in the bobbin transport device 3. The first projection 62 and the second projection 63 are examples of projections.

[0040] The first projection 62 and the second projection 63 each have an upwardly convex dome shape. Here, a dome shape refers to a shape in which the outer dimensions continuously decrease from the bottom edge to the top edge. In this embodiment, the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 have a tapered shape in which the outer dimensions decrease linearly from the bottom edge to the top edge, but the corresponding part may be curved. Also, in this embodiment, the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 have a flat surface 64 at the top edge, but such a flat surface is not required. The shape of the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 may be determined by the shape of the tool used for press forming, etc.

[0041] The first projection 62 has a surface (in this example, an inclined surface 65) that extends from its lower end to its upper end, with its height continuously increasing as it moves away from the first conveyor 31 or second conveyor 32 (in this example, the first conveyor 31) located upstream of the U-turn path 3e corresponding to it (or the U-turn path 3e through which the passing bobbin tray 10 comes into contact with the first projection 62). The second projection 63 also has a surface (in this example, an inclined surface 65) that extends from its lower end to its upper end, with its height continuously increasing as it moves away from the first conveyor 31 or second conveyor 32 (in this example, the second conveyor 32) located upstream of the U-turn path 3e corresponding to it (or the U-turn path 3e through which the passing bobbin tray 10 comes into contact with the second projection 63). Figure 5 shows that the height of the inclined surface 65 of the first projection 62 increases continuously as it moves away from the first conveyor 31 (as it moves to the right in the figure). Although a similar figure is omitted for the inclined surface 65 of the second projection 63, it can be understood in the same way as the inclined surface 65 of the first projection 62.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 each have the inclined surface 65 around their entire circumference, resulting in a dome shape. However, such an inclined surface 65 may be formed only on a portion of the entire circumference of the first projection 62 and the second projection 63. In this case, preferably, the inclined surface 65 is formed in the region of the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 that includes the portion that the bobbin tray 10 first contacts.

[0043] The first projection 62 and the second projection 63 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the plate body 61. More specifically, the first projection 62 is located at one end of the plate body 61 in the longitudinal direction, and the second projection 63 is located in the middle of the plate body 61 in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The plate body 61 has a first through hole 66 and a second through hole 67 that penetrate through it in the thickness direction. The first through hole 66 and the second through hole 67 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the plate body 61. More specifically, the first through hole 66 is located between the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63, closer to the second protrusion 63, and the second through hole 67 is located at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the plate body 61. The first through hole 66 and the second through hole 67 are circular in shape, but are not limited to this.

[0045] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the bobbin conveying device 3 further includes a first guide member 81. The first guide member 81 is positioned between the first supply path 3a and the second supply path 3b, at the downstream end (left side in Figure 1) of the first direction DR1. The first guide member 81 is positioned above the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, with vertical spacing from each conveying surface. The first guide member 81 includes a first outer peripheral member 82 and a first inner peripheral member 83. Each of the first outer peripheral member 82 and the first inner peripheral member 83 is formed in a horizontal plate shape. In the first direction DR1, the first outer peripheral member 82 is positioned downstream of the first inner peripheral member 83. The first outer peripheral member 82 and the first inner peripheral member 83 have curved portions 82a and 83a that face each other with a gap between them. A U-turn path 3e is formed between the curved portion 82a of the first outer peripheral member 82 and the curved portion 83a of the first inner peripheral member 83, through which the bobbin tray 10 passes. The width dimension of this U-turn path 3e is larger than the diameter D of the guided portion 10a of the bobbin tray 10 (the cylindrical portion that is guided by contacting each guide member 81, 84, etc.; see Figure 8). In this way, the first guide member 81 forms a U-turn path 3e through which the bobbin tray 10 passes between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. The first guide member 81 is an example of a guide member.

[0046] Below the first guide member 81 (in this example, below the first inner circumference member 83), one plate member 60 is positioned. The plate member 60 is positioned in the gap G between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 with its longitudinal direction coinciding with the parallel direction. The plate member 60 is fixed to the base plate 90 that supports the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 by bolts 69 inserted through the first through holes 66 and 67. The base plate 90 has a first rectangular hole 91 formed below the first inner circumference member 83, and the plate member 60 is positioned so that the first rectangular hole 91 is located between the first through hole 66 and the second through hole 67. The plate member 60 is positioned so as to contact the bobbin tray 10, which passes through the U-turn path 3e formed by the first guide member 81, from below via the first protruding portion 62.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the first protruding portion 62 of the plate member 60 is located in the region enclosed by the first conveyor 31, the second conveyor 32, and the U-turn path 3e when viewed from above. In other words, the first protruding portion 62 of the plate member 60 is located below the first inner circumferential member 83, near the tip of its curved portion 83a, when viewed from above. More specifically, the first protruding portion 62 is located between both ends of the curved portion 83a of the first inner circumferential member 83 in the first direction DR1, in the region below the first inner circumferential member 83 (shown by dot hatching in Figure 4). In this embodiment, when viewed from above, the first distance D1 between the tip of the curved portion 83a of the first inner circumferential member 83 and the center of the first protruding portion 62 is less than or equal to the radius R of the base portion 10b of the bobbin tray 10 (the horizontal disc-shaped portion that constitutes the base of the bobbin tray 10; see Figure 8).

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, in the region A where the U-turn path 3e exists in the first direction DR1, the upper surface of the first conveyor 31 is flat. Similarly, in the region A where the U-turn path 3e exists in the second direction DR2, the upper surface of the second conveyor 32 is flat. Here, "flat" does not mean that the surface shape of the belts forming the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 is, for example, as flat as a mirror, but rather that there are no undulations such as those caused by the riser plate in Patent Document 1, on which the bobbin tray 10 would tilt as it rides. Therefore, even if there are undulations on the upper surfaces of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 that do not substantially affect the posture of the bobbin tray 10, they are interpreted as being flat.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the height of the upper end of the first protrusion 62 of the plate member 60 (in this example, the height of the flat surface 64) is higher than the height of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. In this embodiment, the difference between the two heights is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less, preferably about 1.5 mm, but is not limited to this. On the other hand, the height of the upper surface of the plate body 61 of the plate member 60 is lower than the height of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. Therefore, as will be described later, the first protrusion 62 contacts the bobbin tray 10 passing through the U-turn path 3e from below, while the plate body 61 does not. The height relationship described in this paragraph also holds true in the region shown in Figure 6.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the bobbin conveying device 3 further includes a second guide member 84. The second guide member 84 is positioned between the first supply path 3a and the second supply path 3b, at the downstream end (right side in Figure 1) of the second direction DR2. The second guide member 84 is positioned above the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, with vertical spacing relative to their respective conveying surfaces. The second guide member 84 includes a second outer peripheral member 85 and a second inner peripheral member 86. Each of the second outer peripheral member 85 and the second inner peripheral member 86 is formed in a horizontal plate shape. In the second direction DR2, the second outer peripheral member 85 is positioned downstream of the second inner peripheral member 86. The second outer peripheral member 85 and the second inner peripheral member 86 have curved portions 85a and 86a that face each other with a gap between them. A U-turn path 3e is formed between the curved portion 85a of the second outer peripheral member 85 and the curved portion 86a of the second inner peripheral member 86, through which the bobbin tray 10 passes. The width dimension of this U-turn path 3e is greater than the diameter D of the guided portion 10a of the bobbin tray 10. In this way, the second guide member 84 forms a U-turn path 3e through which the bobbin tray 10 passes between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. The second guide member 84 is an example of a guide member.

[0051] Below the second guide member 84 (in this example, below the second inner circumference member 86), one plate member 60 is positioned. The plate member 60 is positioned in the gap G between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, with its longitudinal direction coinciding with the parallel direction. The plate member 60 is fixed to the base plate 90 by bolts 69 inserted through the first through hole 66 and the second through hole 67. The base plate 90 has a second rectangular hole 92 formed below the second inner circumference member 86, straddling the U-turn path 3e, and the plate member 60 is positioned so that the second rectangular hole 92 is located between the first through hole 66 and the second through hole 67. The plate member 60 is positioned so as to contact the bobbin tray 10, which passes through the U-turn path 3e formed by the second guide member 84, from below via the second protruding portion 63.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the second protrusion 63 of the plate member 60 is located in the region enclosed by the first conveyor 31, the second conveyor 32, and the U-turn path 3e when viewed from above. In other words, the second protrusion 63 of the plate member 60 is located below the second inner circumferential member 86, near the tip of its curved portion 86a, when viewed from above. More specifically, the second protrusion 63 is located between both ends of the curved portion 86a of the second inner circumferential member 86 in the first direction DR1, in the region below the second inner circumferential member 86 (shown by dot hatching in Figure 6). In this embodiment, the second distance D2 between the tip of the curved portion 86a of the second inner circumferential member 86 and the center of the second protrusion 63 when viewed from above is less than or equal to the radius R of the base portion 10b of the bobbin tray 10.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the process by which the bobbin tray 10 is transported from the first conveyor 31 to the second conveyor 32 via the U-turn path 3e will be explained. Note that the information provided here also applies to the process by which the bobbin tray 10 is transported from the second conveyor 32 to the first conveyor 31 via the U-turn path 3e. Furthermore, in Figures 7 and 8, the outline of the bobbin tray 10 located on the first conveyor 31, i.e., immediately after entering the U-turn path 3e, is shown with a solid line, while the outline of the bobbin tray 10 moving towards the second conveyor 32 while rotating along the U-turn path 3e is shown with a dashed-dot line.

[0054] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the bobbin tray 10, on which the yarn bobbins 11 are set, is transported on the first conveyor 31 in the first direction DR1. When the bobbin tray 10 passes the beginning of the U-turn path 3e, guided by the curved portion 82a which is inclined with respect to the first direction DR1, the bobbin tray 10 moves toward the second conveyor 32. As a result, the base portion 10b of the bobbin tray 10 rides onto the first protruding portion 62 of the plate member 60. In other words, the first protruding portion 62 of the plate member 60 contacts the base portion 10b of the bobbin tray 10 from below. As a result, the bobbin tray 10 tilts so that the portion in contact with the first protruding portion 62 is raised, and the opposite side of the contact portion comes into contact with the first conveyor 31. As a result, the contact area of ​​the base portion 10b with the first conveyor 31 is significantly reduced. Even after the base portion 10b rides onto the first protruding portion 62, the bobbin tray 10 moves toward the second conveyor 32, guided by the curved portion 82a. At this time, the bobbin tray 10 exhibits a behavior that, in plan view, pivots around the first protruding portion 62 or its vicinity.

[0055] As the bobbin tray 10 proceeds along the U-turn path 3e, it passes through the gap G between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. Even as it passes through this gap G, the bobbin tray 10 is in a position where its inner circumference is lifted by the first protrusion 62. This state can be considered a two-point support state, with the base portion 10b resting on the first protrusion 62 at the first contact point, and the second contact point being the edge of the disc-shaped base portion 10b located on the opposite side of the central axis of the bobbin tray 10 from the first contact point. In this two-point support state, the orientation of the base portion 10b can easily change three-dimensionally around the first contact point, and the second contact point (ground contact point) can easily move in conjunction with this change in orientation. Since the gap G is a transient point where the conveying forces of both the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 act simultaneously, the bobbin tray 10 is likely to get stuck in this gap. In this respect, the configuration of this embodiment allows the contact point of the base portion 10b to be easily moved by inertia from the first conveyor 31 through the gap G to the second conveyor 32 by utilizing the above-mentioned unstable state. In this embodiment, the shape of the U-turn path 3e is determined such that its turning point 3f is located slightly downstream of the first protruding portion 62. This allows the contact point of the bobbin tray 10 to smoothly transition to the second conveyor 32.

[0056] After the base section 10b is placed on the second conveyor 32, the bobbin tray 10 moves toward the end of the U-turn path 3e, guided by the curved section 83a. During this process, the bobbin tray 10 releases itself from riding on the first protruding section 62. Having passed the end of the U-turn path 3e, the bobbin tray 10 is transported along the second conveyor 32 in the second direction DR2.

[0057] As described above, the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment comprises a winding unit 4 and a bobbin transport device 3. The winding unit 4 winds the yarn. The bobbin transport device 3 transports the bobbin tray 10, on which the yarn bobbins 11 are set, between the bobbin preparation device 2 and the winding unit 4. The bobbin transport device 3 has a first conveyor 31, a second conveyor 32, a first guide member 81 and a second guide member 84, and a first protrusion 62 and a second protrusion 63. The first conveyor 31 transports the bobbin tray 10 in the first direction DR1. The second conveyor 32 is arranged parallel to the first conveyor 31 with a gap G between them. The second conveyor 32 transports the bobbin tray 10 in the second direction DR2, opposite to the first direction DR1. Each of the first guide member 81 and the second guide member 84 forms a U-turn path 3e through which the bobbin tray 10 passes between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. Either the first projection 62 or the second projection 63 is positioned in the gap G so as to contact the bobbin tray 10 from below as it passes through the U-turn path 3e. The first projection 62 or the second projection 63, while in contact, facilitates the bobbin tray 10 to rotate along the U-turn path 3e.

[0058] As a result, in the bobbin conveying device 3, the bobbin tray 10 can be conveyed in the order of the first conveyor 31, the U-turn path 3e, and the second conveyor 32, and / or in the order of the second conveyor 32, the U-turn path 3e, and the first conveyor 31. At this time, in the U-turn path 3e, the force from the first conveyor 31 toward the first direction DR1 and the force from the second conveyor 32 toward the second direction DR2 act on the bobbin tray 10, causing the bobbin tray 10 to rotate in place and potentially come to a standstill between the two conveyors 31 and 32. In contrast, in the automatic winder 1 according to this embodiment, the first projection 62 or the second projection 63 that contacts the bobbin tray 10 from below as it passes through the U-turn path 3e is positioned in the gap G between the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. The first projection 62 or the second projection 63, while in contact with the bobbin tray 10 from below, promotes the bobbin tray 10 to rotate along the U-turn path 3e. To explain in detail using the example of a situation in which the bobbin tray 10 is transported in the order of the first conveyor 31, the U-turn path 3e, and the second conveyor 32, first, the first projection 62 makes contact from below with the bobbin tray 10 as it enters the U-turn path 3e from the first conveyor 31. Then, the bobbin tray 10, receiving force from the first conveyor 31, rotates around the contact point with the first projection 62 and moves smoothly along the U-turn path 3e towards the second conveyor 32. At the timing before and after separating from the first conveyor 31, the bobbin tray 10 begins to receive force from the second conveyor 32. This force from the second conveyor 32 also causes the bobbin tray 10 to rotate around the contact point with the first projection 62, promoting its movement along the U-turn path 3e. The bobbin tray 10 then moves onto the second conveyor 32 and is subsequently transported by the second conveyor 32. In this way, the effect of accelerating the transport of the bobbin tray 10 along the U-turn path 3e can be achieved with a simple configuration that only requires the provision of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63.

[0059] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63 are arranged in the region surrounded by the first conveyor 31, the second conveyor 32, and the U-turn path 3e when viewed from above.

[0060] As a result, the first projection 62 and the second projection 63 are positioned on the inner circumference side of the U-turn path 3e. The bobbin tray 10, which is in contact with the first projection 62 or the second projection 63 positioned in this manner, rotates along the U-turn path 3e while tilting so as to fall outward toward the outside of the U-turn path 3e. At this time, the outer edge of the bobbin tray 10 is in contact with the first conveyor 31 and / or the second conveyor 32, so that a large torque is generated by the conveying force received from both conveyors 31 and 32, which allows the rotation of the bobbin tray 10 to be performed more smoothly.

[0061] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the height position of the upper ends of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63 is higher than the height position of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32.

[0062] This ensures that the first projection 62 or the second projection 63 can reliably contact the bobbin tray 10 as it flows along the first conveyor 31 and / or the second conveyor 32.

[0063] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the difference between the height position of the upper ends of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63 and the height position of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32 is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0064] This ensures reliable contact between the bobbin tray 10 and the first projection 62 or the second projection 63, and allows for an appropriate tilt of the bobbin tray 10. As a result, even smoother rotation of the bobbin tray 10 can be achieved.

[0065] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the first protruding portion 62 and the second protruding portion 63 have an upwardly convex dome shape.

[0066] This enables minute-area contact with the bobbin tray 10 across the entire length of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 63, thereby enabling even smoother rotation of the bobbin tray 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the first protruding portion 62 and the second protruding portion 63 have a surface (inclined surface 65) that extends from the lower end to the upper end, with the height continuously increasing as they move away from the first conveyor 31 or the second conveyor 32 located on the upstream side of the U-turn path 3e corresponding to themselves.

[0068] This allows the bobbin tray 10 entering the U-turn path 3e to smoothly ride onto the first protrusion 62 or the second protrusion 63.

[0069] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the bobbin transport device 3 includes a first guide member 81 and a second guide member 84, and a pair of plate members 60. The first guide member 81 and the second guide member 84 each form a U-turn path 3e. The pair of plate members 60 each have a first projection 62 and a second projection 63. One plate member 60 is positioned so as to contact the bobbin tray 10 passing through the U-turn path 3e formed by the first guide member 81 by the first projection 62. The other plate member 60 is positioned so as to contact the bobbin tray 10 passing through the U-turn path 3e formed by the second guide member 84 by the second projection 63.

[0070] As a result, the same type of plate member 60 can accommodate both the U-turn paths 3e of the first guide member 81 and the second guide member 84, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the automatic winder 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the upper surface of the first conveyor 31 is flat in the region where the U-turn path 3e exists in the first direction DR1. The upper surface of the second conveyor 32 is flat in the region where the U-turn path 3e exists in the second direction DR2.

[0072] As a result, since additional measures such as partially raising the first conveyor 31 or the second conveyor 32 are not required to allow the bobbin tray 10 to pass smoothly through the U-turn path 3e, the manufacturing cost and man-hours of the automatic winder 1 can be reduced. In addition, localized wear of the first conveyor 31 and / or the second conveyor 32 caused by raising the conveyor can be avoided.

[0073] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the left-side U-turn path 3e and its surroundings according to this embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 9. In the description of this embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the previously described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in this embodiment, instead of the first and second protrusions 62 and 63 provided on the plate member 60, a third protrusion 71 having a male screw 72 extending downward is provided for each U-turn path 3e. The basic shape of this third protrusion 71 is the same as that of the first and second protrusions 62 and 63 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted. As shown in Figure 10, the third protrusion 71 can be fixed to the base plate 90 by inserting the male screw 72 through a through hole 93 formed in the base plate 90 and tightening a nut 74 on the protruding portion. The third protrusion 71 is positioned in the same location as the first protrusion 62 in the first embodiment. Alternatively, instead of fixing with a nut 74, the base plate 90 may have a female screw that the male screw 72 of the third protrusion 71 screws into. Alternatively, another engagement means such as a rivet may be provided instead of the male screw 72. The third projection 71 is an example of a projection.

[0075] As described above, in the automatic winder 1 of this embodiment, the third projection 71 has an engaging means (in this example, a male screw 72 extending downward) that engages with the base plate 90. This allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the third projection 71 by devising the arrangement of the mating part of the engaging means (in this example, a through hole 93 or a female screw) on the base plate 90.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In each of the embodiments described above, the first projection 62, the second projection 63, or the third projection 71 has an upwardly convex dome shape, but these shapes can be arbitrarily set insofar as they facilitate smooth movement of the bobbin tray 10 along the U-turn path 3e. For example, the first projection 62, the second projection 63, and / or the third projection 71 can be made into a pyramidal or conical shape.

[0078] In each of the embodiments described above, a U-turn path 3e is provided between the first supply path 3a and the second supply path 3b. Alternatively, or in addition to this, a return path 3d may be formed in a loop shape including the U-turn path. It goes without saying that the technology of the present invention can also be applied to a return path 3d having such a U-turn path.

[0079] The shape of the transport path in the bobbin transport device 3 is not limited to those described above. For example, a shape in which the transport path of each embodiment described above is reversed left to right is conceivable. As another example, a bobbin transport device that can handle multiple types of package formation can be conceivable that includes a loop-shaped transport path corresponding to a part of the multiple winding units 4 and a loop-shaped transport path corresponding to another part of the multiple winding units 4. In both examples, the technology of the present invention can be applied to the region where the U-turn path is formed.

[0080] In each of the embodiments described above, only one first supply path 3a is provided as a path for supplying the bobbin tray 10 from the bobbin preparation device 2, but multiple supply paths for the bobbin tray 10 may be provided. For example, in addition to the first supply path 3a, at least one auxiliary supply path may be provided in parallel. The same applies to the number of return paths 3d.

[0081] The height position of the upper end of the first protrusion 62 and / or the second protrusion 63 may be the same as the height position of the upper surface of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32. Also, if the first guide member 81 and / or the second guide member 84 have a shape that interferes with the bobbin tray 10 and pushes it down, the height position of the upper end of the first protrusion 62 and / or the second protrusion 63 may be lower than the height position of the upper surface of the first conveyor 31 and the second conveyor 32, within the range in which it contacts the bobbin tray 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1 Automatic Winder 2. Bobbin preparation device 3. Bobbin transport device 3e U-turn route 4. Winding Unit 10 Bobbin Trays 11. Thread feeding bobbin 31. First Conveyor 32. Second Conveyor 60 Plate members 62 First protruding part (protruding part) 63 Second protruding part (protruding part) 65 Slope 71 Third protruding part (protruding part) 81 First guide member (guide member) 84. Second guide member (guide member) DR1 1st direction DR2 2nd direction G Gap

Claims

1. A winding unit that winds up the thread, Between the bobbin preparation device and the winding unit, there is a bobbin transport device that transports the bobbin tray on which the thread bobbins are set, Equipped with, The bobbin transport device, A first conveyor that transports the bobbin tray in the first direction, A second conveyor is positioned parallel to the first conveyor with a gap between them, and transports the bobbin tray in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A guide member that forms a U-turn path through which the bobbin tray passes between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, A protruding portion is positioned in the gap so as to contact the bobbin tray from below as it passes through the U-turn path, and while in contact, it promotes the bobbin tray to rotate along the U-turn path. An automatic winder characterized by having the following features.

2. An automatic winder according to claim 1, The automatic winder is characterized in that the protruding portion is located in an area surrounded by the first conveyor, the second conveyor, and the U-turn path when viewed from above.

3. An automatic winder according to claim 1 or 2, The automatic winder is characterized in that the height of the upper end of the protruding portion is higher than the height of the upper surfaces of the first and second conveyors.

4. The automatic winder according to claim 3, An automatic winder characterized in that the difference between the height position of the upper end of the protruding portion and the height position of the upper surfaces of the first conveyor and the second conveyor is 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

5. An automatic winder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The automatic winder is characterized in that the protruding portion has an upwardly convex dome shape.

6. An automatic winder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The automatic winder is characterized in that the protruding portion has a surface that extends from its lower end to its upper end, with its height continuously increasing as it moves away from the first conveyor or the second conveyor located on the upstream side of the U-turn path corresponding to itself.

7. An automatic winder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The bobbin transport device, The first guide member and the second guide member each form the U-turn path, A pair of plate members having a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion, Equipped with, One of the plate members is positioned so as to contact the bobbin tray, which passes through the U-turn path formed by the first guide member, by the first protrusion. The other plate member is arranged so as to contact the bobbin tray, which passes through the U-turn path formed by the second guide member, by the second protruding portion, in an automatic winder.

8. An automatic winder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, In the region where the U-turn path exists in the first direction, the upper surface of the first conveyor is flat. An automatic winder characterized in that, in the region where the U-turn path exists in the second direction, the upper surface of the second conveyor is flat.

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