Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a bobbin processing device including a device that performs a predetermined process on a yarn feeding bobbin, and a device that feeds the above device with the yarn feeding bobbin.

BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there is known a device that performs a predetermined process such as aligning direction of a yarn feeding bobbin. For instance, in a bobbin feed system that feeds the yarn feeding bobbin to an automatic winder that winds yarn from the yarn feeding bobbin to form a package, there is known a device that feeds the automatic winder with the yarn feeding bobbin in a constant direction, for example, in such a direction that an end of the yarn feeding bobbin having a larger diameter of a core pipe faces downward (see, for example, JP2016-155632A).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0003] In the processing device that performs a predetermined process on the yarn feeding bobbin, it may be preferred to feed the processing device with the yarn feeding bobbin fed from outside (e.g., from a parts feeder), with its direction stabilized. Therefore, in the processing device described above, it has been considered to allow the yarn feeding bobbin fed from outside to fall and be placed on a predetermined placement member, so that a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin can be stabilized on the placement member, and then to feed the yarn feeding bobbin placed on the placement member to the processing device.
[0004] In the structure described above, the yarn feeding bobbin can be fed at high speed by allowing the yarn feeding bobbin to fall onto the placement member, but it has become clear that there is a problem as follows. Specifically, it was found that, if the placement member is a simple plate-shaped member, when the yarn feeding bobbin falls onto the placement member, the entire placement member receives the falling energy of the yarn feeding bobbin so that the yarn feeding bobbin bounces on the placement member, and hence it takes time until the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin is stabilized. Therefore, when using the plate-shaped member as the placement member, the yarn feeding bobbin cannot be fed to the processing device at high speed. In addition, if the yarn feeding bobbin is fed to the processing device before its direction is stabilized, for high speed feeding of the yarn feeding bobbin, it is difficult to feed the yarn feeding bobbin in its appropriate state to the processing device.
[0005] In addition, if the placement member is a simple plate-shaped member, for example, and if the yarn feeding bobbin in an inappropriate state, such as a lopsided winding of the yarn on one end of the core pipe, is placed on the placement member, the yarn feeding bobbin is supported by the placement member only at one point, and hence the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin may not be easily stabilized on the placement member.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to stabilize the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape at high speed, when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized to the bobbin processing device that performs a predetermined process on the yarn feeding bobbin.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0007] Hereinafter, as means for solving the problem, a plurality of embodiments are described. These embodiments can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.
A bobbin processing device according to the present invention includes a processing device, a first feeding unit, and a second feeding unit. The processing device performs a predetermined process on a yarn feeding bobbin. The first feeding unit includes a placement member on which the yarn feeding bobbin is placed, and is configured to feed the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device. The second feeding unit allows the yarn feeding bobbin to fall onto the placement member. In this bobbin processing device, the placement member includes a pair of protruding parts that support the yarn feeding bobbin.
[0008] In the bobbin processing device described above, the placement member includes the pair of protruding parts that support the yarn feeding bobbin. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin that has fallen from the second feeding unit is supported by the pair of protruding parts of the placement member at points in the first feeding unit. By supporting the fallen yarn feeding bobbin at points, the falling energy of the yarn feeding bobbin can be rapidly attenuated. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin that has fallen from the second feeding unit stops bouncing on the placement member in short time, and the direction thereof can be rapidly stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device at high speed, and hence the processing ability of the bobbin processing device can be improved.
[0009] In addition, by supporting the yarn feeding bobbin by the pair of protruding parts, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be supported at points. In this way, regardless of the shape of the yarn feeding bobbin, the direction thereof can be rapidly stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device at high speed.
[0010] The bobbin processing device described above may further include a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the yarn feeding bobbin to the second feeding unit. In this case, the pair of protruding parts may be disposed with a predetermined interval in a conveying direction of the conveyor. In this way, on the placement member, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be supported at points apart from each other, and hence the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be stably supported.
[0011] In the bobbin processing device described above, the pair of protruding parts may extend in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin can be supported at points at any position of the placement member.
[0012] In the bobbin processing device described above, the placement member may include a plate-shaped member on which a pair of protruding parts are disposed. In this way, the placement member can be stabilized, and hence the pair of protruding parts can support the yarn feeding bobbin more stably.
[0013] In the bobbin processing device described above, the pair of protruding parts may be formed by bending the plate-shaped member. In this way, the pair of protruding parts can be easily formed at low cost.
[0014] In the bobbin processing device described above, the first feeding unit may include a drive unit that moves the placement member in the horizontal direction to allow the yarn feeding bobbin to fall onto the processing device. In this way, an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device can be reduced, so that the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device.
[0015] In the bobbin processing device described above, the drive unit may move the placement member by an air cylinder. In this way, an impact when moving the placement member can be reduced, so that an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device can be reduced.
[0016] In the bobbin processing device described above, the processing device may be a device that determines a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin with a mechanical structure. In the processing device that determines a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin with a mechanical structure, when the yarn feeding bobbin is fed to the processing device, the direction thereof is stabilized, and a probability of failing in determining a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin in the processing device is reduced.
[0017] In the bobbin processing device described above, the yarn feeding bobbin may have a first end part and a second end part larger than the first end part. In addition, the processing device may include an end supporting part, an end movement restricting part, and a moving part. The end supporting part supports the first end part of the yarn feeding bobbin. The end movement restricting part restricts the yarn feeding bobbin from moving, which has been fed from the placement member. The moving part can move in a direction approaching or separating from the end movement restricting part.
[0018] In the bobbin processing device described above, when the moving part approaches the end movement restricting part, a gap larger than the first end part and smaller than the second end part is formed between the moving part and the end movement restricting part, and the first end part of the yarn feeding bobbin fed from the placement member may pass through the gap and be supported by the end supporting part, while the second end part may be restricted from moving by the moving part and the end movement restricting part. After that, when the moving part separates from the end movement restricting part, the yarn feeding bobbin may start falling in such a manner that the second end part falls first. In this way, the feeding direction of the yarn feeding bobbin can be determined with a mechanical structure.
[0019] In the bobbin processing device described above, the second feeding unit may push the yarn feeding bobbin in a direction toward the placement member to allow the yarn feeding bobbin to fall. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin can be fed to the placement member at high speed.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0020] In the bobbin processing device described above, the placement member of the first feeding unit, which feeds the yarn feeding bobbin to the processing device, supports the yarn feeding bobbin by the pair of protruding parts at points, and hence the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be stabilized at high speed. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device at high speed, and processing ability of the bobbin processing device can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a yarn feeding bobbin.
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bobbin processing device.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the bobbin processing device.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a placement member.
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the yarn feeding bobbin is supported by a pair of protruding parts.
Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape is supported by the pair of protruding parts.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0022] 1. First Embodiment
(1) Bobbin Processing Device
Hereinafter, a bobbin processing device 100 according to a first embodiment is described. The bobbin processing device 100 according to the first embodiment is a device that feeds a yarn feeding bobbin B fed from outside to an automatic winder. The automatic winder includes a plurality of winder units. The winder unit is a device that takes up yarn unraveled from the yarn feeding bobbin B to form a package. The bobbin processing device 100 aligns the yarn feeding bobbin B in a constant direction and feeds the same to the automatic winder.
[0023] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the yarn feeding bobbin B includes a core pipe B1 around which yarn is wound. The core pipe B1 is an elongated cylindrical member, and is formed in such a manner that its diameter increases linearly from one end part B11 to the other end part B12. In other words, the end part B12 of the core pipe B1 has a larger diameter than the end part B11. The bobbin processing device 100 feeds the automatic winder with the yarn feeding bobbin B in a state where the end part B12 of the yarn feeding bobbin B having a larger diameter faces downward. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the yarn feeding bobbin B.
[0024] (2) Structure of Bobbin Processing Device
With reference to Figs. 2 and 3, a structure of the bobbin processing device 100 is described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bobbin processing device 100. Fig. 3 is a top view of the bobbin processing device 100. In Figs. 2 and 3, the lateral direction on paper of Fig. 3 (an extension direction of a conveyor 51, and a conveying direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B by the conveyor 51) is referred to as an X direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X direction on a horizontal plane is referred to as a Y direction. A height direction perpendicular to the X direction and to the Y direction is referred to as a Z direction.
[0025] The bobbin processing device 100 includes a bobbin direction aligning device 1 (an example of a processing device), a first feeding unit 3, and a second feeding unit 5.
[0026] (2-1) Bobbin Direction Aligning Device
The bobbin direction aligning device 1 is disposed in a lower part of a cabinet CH of the bobbin processing device 100, i.e., in a lower part of the first feeding unit 3. As described later, the first feeding unit 3 allows the yarn feeding bobbin B placed on the placement member to fall to feed the yarn feeding bobbin B to the bobbin direction aligning device 1.
[0027] The bobbin direction aligning device 1 determines the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B fed from the first feeding unit 3. Specifically, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 feeds the yarn feeding bobbin B in a state where the end part B12 of the yarn feeding bobbin B faces downward to the automatic winder. The bobbin direction aligning device 1 includes an end supporting part 11, an end movement restricting part 13, and a moving part 15.
[0028] The end supporting part 11 is disposed at a lower end side of the cabinet CH. A pair of the end supporting parts 11 are disposed with a predetermined interval (an interval approximately the same as the length of the core pipe B1) in the X direction. The end supporting part 11 has a V-shaped groove 11a at the upper part. The V-shaped groove 11a can support the end part B11 of the yarn feeding bobbin B.
[0029] The end movement restricting part 13 is disposed above the end supporting part 11. A pair of the end movement restricting parts 13 are disposed with a predetermined interval (an interval approximately the same as the length of the core pipe B1) in the X direction. The end movement restricting part 13 has a protruding part 13a that protrudes in the Y direction.
[0030] The moving part 15 is disposed adjacent to the end movement restricting part 13 in the Y direction, and faces the protruding part 13a of the end movement restricting part 13. A pair of the moving parts 15 are disposed with a predetermined interval (an interval approximately the same as the length of the core pipe B1) in the X direction. The moving part 15 can pivot about an axis in the X direction (about an X axis), and can move in a direction approaching to or moving off from the protruding part 13a (in the Y direction).
[0031] The moving part 15 is provided with a guide part 15a. The guide part 15a pivots about the X axis when the moving part 15 pivots, and can move in a direction approaching or moving off from the end supporting part 11. When the guide part 15a is close to the end supporting part 11, it guides the yarn feeding bobbin B to the end supporting part 11.
[0032] As illustrated in Fig. 2, when the moving part 15 is close to the protruding part 13a, and when the guide part 15a is close to the end supporting part 11, a gap G is formed between the protruding part 13a and the moving part 15. The gap G is larger than the diameter of the end part B11 of the yarn feeding bobbin B, and is smaller than the diameter of the end part B12. In other words, the end part B11 of the yarn feeding bobbin B can pass through the gap G, while the end part B12 cannot pass through the gap G.
[0033] In the bobbin direction aligning device 1 having the structure described above, in the state where the moving part 15 is close to the protruding part 13a, and the guide part 15a is close to the end supporting part 11, as illustrated in Fig. 2, when the yarn feeding bobbin B falls from the first feeding unit 3, the end part B11 of the yarn feeding bobbin B passes through the gap G to be guided by the guide part 15a to the end supporting part 11, and is supported by the V-shaped groove 11a of the end supporting part 11. On the other hand, the end part B12 having a larger diameter than the end part B11 is restricted from moving by the protruding part 13a of the end movement restricting part 13 and the moving part 15, so that it cannot passes through the gap G, and is supported by the protruding part 13a and the moving part 15.
[0034] In this state, when the moving part 15 is moved in the direction separating from the protruding part 13a, the guide part 15a also separates from the end supporting part 11, and only the end part B12, which was supported by the protruding part 13a and the moving part 15, starts to fall. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin B starts to fall in such a manner that the end part B12 having a larger diameter falls first.
[0035] Then, during the fall of the yarn feeding bobbin B, due to restriction by a guide plate, the end part B12 having a larger diameter faces downward. As falling of the yarn feeding bobbin B proceeds, the support of the end part B11 by the V-shaped groove 11a of the end supporting part 11 is also released, and the entire yarn feeding bobbin B falls with the end part B12 facing downward. In this way, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 can feed the automatic winder with the yarn feeding bobbin B in the state where the end part B12 faces downward.
[0036] As described above, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 includes the pair of end supporting parts 11, the pair of end movement restricting parts 13, and the pair of moving parts 15, having the same structure, disposed with a predetermined interval in the X direction. In this way, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 can feed the automatic winder with the yarn feeding bobbin B in the state where the end part B12 faces downward, regardless of the longitudinal direction of the fed yarn feeding bobbin B, i.e., whether the end part B12 of the fed yarn feeding bobbin B faces the right side or the left side in the X direction.
[0037] In this way, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 of this embodiment can determine the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B to be fed to the automatic winder, with a mechanical structure without using a sensor for detecting the diameter of the yarn feeding bobbin B.
[0038] (2-2) First Feeding Unit
The first feeding unit 3 is disposed above the bobbin direction aligning device 1 to feed the yarn feeding bobbin B fed from the second feeding unit 5 to the bobbin direction aligning device 1. The first feeding unit 3 includes a placement member 31 and a first drive unit 33.
[0039] The placement member 31 is disposed adjacent to the second feeding unit 5 in the Y direction. The yarn feeding bobbin B fed from the second feeding unit 5 is placed on the placement member 31. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the placement member 31 includes a plate-shaped member 31a, a pair of protruding parts 31b, and a drive connection part 31c. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the placement member 31. The plate-shaped member 31a is a plate-shaped member that is parallel to X-Y plane.
[0040] The pair of protruding parts 31b are parts disposed at both end parts in the X direction of the plate-shaped member 31a and protrude upward from the plate-shaped member 31a. As the pair of protruding parts 31b protrude upward from the plate-shaped member 31a, the yarn feeding bobbin B fed by falling from the second feeding unit 5 is supported by the pair of protruding parts 31b. By providing the pair of protruding parts 31b to the plate-shaped member 31a of the placement member 31, the placement member 31 can be stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin B can be supported more stably by the pair of protruding parts 31b.
[0041] In this embodiment, the pair of protruding parts 31b are formed by bending both end parts in the X direction of the plate-shaped member 31a. By forming the pair of protruding parts 31b by bending both end parts in the X direction of the plate-shaped member 31a, the pair of protruding parts 31b can be easily formed at low cost.
[0042] As described above, the pair of protruding parts 31b are formed by bending both end parts in the X direction of the plate-shaped member 31a. Therefore, in the X direction (in the conveying direction of the conveyor 51), the pair of protruding parts 31b are disposed with an interval corresponding to the width of the plate-shaped member 31a in the X direction. In this way, the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B at points near the ends of the yarn feeding bobbin B, and hence it can support the yarn feeding bobbin B stably. As a result, the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B can be more stabilized.
[0043] Note that, when the yarn feeding bobbin B is placed on the placement member 31, it becomes parallel to the X direction, or a little tilted from the X direction toward the Y direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B placed on the placement member 31 is parallel to the X direction, or a little tilted from the X direction toward the Y direction.
[0044] In addition, the pair of protruding parts 31b extend in the Y direction. Specifically, the pair of protruding parts 31b have a length in the Y direction that is approximately the same as the length of the plate-shaped member 31a in the Y direction. In this way, the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B at any position on the placement member 31 in the Y direction. For instance, even if the yarn feeding bobbin B that has fallen from the second feeding unit 5 rolls to move in the Y direction, the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B at the position after the movement.
[0045] The drive connection part 31c is a part disposed at an end in the Y direction of the plate-shaped member 31a to protrude downward from the plate-shaped member 31a. As described below, the drive connection part 31c is connected to the first drive unit 33.
[0046] The first drive unit 33 is a drive mechanism that moves a shaft 33a forward and backward in the Y direction. The distal end of the shaft 33a is fixed to the drive connection part 31c of the placement member 31. In this way, the first drive unit 33 can move the placement member 31 in the Y direction. The first drive unit 33 is, for example, an air cylinder that moves the shaft 33a forward and backward by air pressure.
[0047] When the placement member 31 moves in the Y direction to move off from the second feeding unit 5, the yarn feeding bobbin B placed on the pair of protruding parts 31b of the placement member 31 falls toward the bobbin direction aligning device 1. In other words, the yarn feeding bobbin B is fed from the placement member 31 to the bobbin direction aligning device 1. In this way, by moving the placement member 31 in the horizontal direction (the Y direction) to allow the yarn feeding bobbin B placed on the pair of protruding parts 31b to fall toward the bobbin direction aligning device 1, it is possible to reduce an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin B from the placement member 31 to the bobbin direction aligning device 1, to be smaller than in the case where the placement member 31 is pivoted downward to allow the same to fall. As a result, it is possible to feed the bobbin direction aligning device 1 with the yarn feeding bobbin B with its attitude stabilized.
[0048] In addition, by using an air cylinder as the first drive unit 33 that moves the placement member 31 in the horizontal direction, compared with a mechanical drive mechanism, an impact when moving the placement member 31 can be smaller, and an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin B from the placement member 31 to the bobbin direction aligning device 1 can be smaller.
[0049] (2-3) Second Feeding Unit
The second feeding unit 5 is disposed adjacent to the first feeding unit 3 in the Y direction. The second feeding unit 5 pushes and feeds the yarn feeding bobbin B fed from outside (e.g., from a parts feeder) to the first feeding unit 3. The second feeding unit 5 includes the conveyor 51 and a pushing unit 53.
[0050] The conveyor 51 conveys the yarn feeding bobbin B, which has been fed from the parts feeder or the like, to the pushing unit 53. The conveyor 51 is a conveyor including an endless conveyor belt, which is stretched around a pair of pulleys arranged in parallel in the X direction. One of the pair of pulleys can be rotated by a motor 51a. When the motor 51a rotates the pulley, the conveyance surface of the conveyor belt of the conveyor 51 moves in the X direction.
[0051] The yarn feeding bobbin B fed from outside is placed on the conveyor 51, and is moved in the X direction when the conveyance surface of the conveyor belt of the conveyor 51 moves in the X direction. Note that, when the yarn feeding bobbin B is placed on the conveyor 51, it is fed to the conveyor 51 by the parts feeder or the like in such a manner that its longitudinal direction is in the X direction.
[0052] The pushing unit 53 pushes the yarn feeding bobbin B, which has been conveyed on the conveyance surface of the conveyor belt of the conveyor 51, to the placement member 31 of the first feeding unit 3. The yarn feeding bobbin B is fed to the placement member 31 when it is pushed toward the placement member 31.
[0053] The pushing unit 53 includes a pair of pushing members 53a, a second drive unit 53b, and a bobbin moving part 53c. The pair of pushing members 53a are disposed with a predetermined interval in the X direction. The pair of pushing members 53a are fixed to an attachment member 53d. The attachment member 53d is provided with openings OP extending in the X direction. The pair of pushing members 53a are fixed to the attachment member 53d with screws 53e penetrating the openings OP.
[0054] In addition, as the opening OP extends in the X direction, by loosening the screw 53e fastening the pushing member 53a, the pushing member 53a can move in the X direction. By moving the pushing members 53a in the X direction, arrangement positions of the pair of pushing members 53a in the X direction can be adjusted. In addition, a scale 53f is disposed near the opening OP of the attachment member 53d. In this way, the arrangement positions of the pushing members 53a, and the interval between the pair of pushing members 53a can be visually checked.
[0055] The second drive unit 53b is a drive mechanism that moves a shaft 531 in the Y direction. The distal end of the shaft 531 is fixed to the attachment member 53d. In this way, the second drive unit 53b can move the attachment member 53d in the Y direction, and can move the pair of pushing members 53a fixed to the attachment member 53d in the Y direction. The second drive unit 53b is, for example, an air cylinder that moves the shaft 531 forward and backward by air pressure.
[0056] The second drive unit 53b moves the pair of pushing members 53a toward the first feeding unit 3, so that the yarn feeding bobbin B, which has been conveyed to the position of the pair of pushing members 53a, can be pushed to the first feeding unit 3 (the placement member 31).
[0057] The bobbin moving part 53c is a plate-shaped member disposed between the placement member 31 of the first feeding unit 3 and the pair of pushing members 53a, and below the conveyor 51. The yarn feeding bobbin B, which is pushed by the pair of pushing members 53a toward the first feeding unit 3, moves on the bobbin moving part 53c and falls from the distal end of the bobbin moving part 53c to the placement member 31.
[0058] The bobbin moving part 53c is disposed at a higher position than the placement member 31. In this way, it is possible to prevent the yarn feeding bobbin B, which falls and bounces on the placement member 31, from returning to the bobbin moving part 53c and one of the pushing members 53a.
[0059] (3) Operation of Bobbin Processing Device
Hereinafter, an operation of the bobbin processing device 100 is described. First, the yarn feeding bobbin B is fed to the conveyor 51 by the parts feeder or the like. Next, the conveyor 51 moves the yarn feeding bobbin B in the X direction, so that the yarn feeding bobbin B moves to the position of the pair of pushing members 53a.
[0060] When the yarn feeding bobbin B reaches the position of the pair of pushing members 53a, the second drive unit 53b moves the pair of pushing members 53a toward the first feeding unit 3. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin B is pushed by the pair of pushing members 53a to the first feeding unit 3, and falls from the distal end of the bobbin moving part 53c onto the placement member 31 of the first feeding unit 3.
[0061] As the placement member 31 is provided with the pair of protruding parts 31b, the yarn feeding bobbin B lands on the pair of protruding parts 31b after falling from the distal end of the bobbin moving part 53c. As the pair of protruding parts 31b each have an elongated shape extending in the Y direction, the yarn feeding bobbin B that has fallen from the distal end of the bobbin moving part 53c is supported by the pair of protruding parts 31b, at points in the end parts of the yarn feeding bobbin B, as illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state where the yarn feeding bobbin B is supported by the pair of protruding parts 31b.
[0062] By supporting the fallen yarn feeding bobbin B at points, the falling energy of the yarn feeding bobbin B can be rapidly attenuated. Thus, the yarn feeding bobbin B that has fallen from the bobbin moving part 53c stops bouncing on the placement member 31 in short time, and the attitude thereof can be stabilized in short time.
[0063] In addition, by supporting the yarn feeding bobbin B at points, the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B of any shape at points. For instance, even if the yarn feeding bobbin B has a lopsided winding of the yarn on the end part B12 side as illustrated in Fig. 6, the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B at points near the end parts. In this way, as the yarn feeding bobbin B of any shape can be supported at points, the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B of any shape can be rapidly stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape with its direction stabilized can be fed to the bobbin direction aligning device 1 at high speed. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state where the yarn feeding bobbin B of any shape is supported by the pair of protruding parts 31b.
[0064] After the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B is stabilized on the placement member 31, the first drive unit 33 moves the placement member 31 in the direction separating from the second feeding unit 5. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin B placed on the placement member 31 falls downward and is fed to the bobbin direction aligning device 1. The yarn feeding bobbin B fed to the bobbin direction aligning device 1 falls in the state where the end part B12 of the yarn feeding bobbin B faces downward, by the mechanism described above, and is fed to the automatic winder.
[0065] In the bobbin direction aligning device 1, in order that the end part B11 of the yarn feeding bobbin B is securely supported by the end supporting part 11, while the end part B12 is securely not supported by the end supporting part 11, it is preferred to feed the bobbin direction aligning device 1 with the yarn feeding bobbin B with its direction stabilized. In the first feeding unit 3 of this embodiment, the placement member 31 is disposed with the pair of protruding parts 31b, so that the pair of protruding parts 31b can support the yarn feeding bobbin B at points. Thus, on the placement member 31, the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B can be rapidly stabilized.
[0066] As the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B can be rapidly stabilized on the placement member 31, it is possible to shorten the time after feeding of the yarn feeding bobbin B from the second feeding unit 5 to the first feeding unit 3, until feeding of the yarn feeding bobbin from the first feeding unit 3 to the bobbin direction aligning device 1, and hence the yarn feeding bobbin B with its direction stabilized can be rapidly fed to the bobbin direction aligning device 1. As a result, the processing ability of the bobbin processing device 100 (the number of yarn feeding bobbins B that can be fed to the automatic winder per unit time) can be improved.
[0067] 2. Other Embodiment
Although an embodiment of the present invention is described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified within the scope of the invention without deviating from the spirit thereof. In particular, a plurality of embodiments and variations described in this specification can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.
(A) The first feeding unit 3 and the second feeding unit 5 can be used not only for feeding the yarn feeding bobbin B to the bobbin direction aligning device 1 but also for feeding the yarn feeding bobbin B to a device for performing other process, which needs to stabilize the direction of the yarn feeding bobbin B when feeding the same.
[0068] (B) In the bobbin direction aligning device 1, the protruding part 13a of the end movement restricting part 13 may have an adjustable protruding amount (length). In this way, the gap G between the protruding part 13a and the moving part 15 can be adjusted. As a result, the bobbin direction aligning device 1 can support various yarn feeding bobbins B having different lengths of the shaft core around which yarn is wound.
[0069] (C) It may be possible to make the plate-shaped member 31a and the pair of protruding parts 31b as separate members, and to fix the pair of protruding parts 31b onto the plate-shaped member 31a to form the placement member 31.
[0070] 3. Features of Embodiment
The embodiment described above can also be described as follows.
(1) A bobbin processing device (e.g., the bobbin processing device 100) includes a processing device (e.g., the bobbin direction aligning device 1), a first feeding unit (e.g., the first feeding unit 3), and a second feeding unit (e.g., the second feeding unit 5). The processing device performs a predetermined process on a yarn feeding bobbin (e.g., the yarn feeding bobbin B). The first feeding unit includes a placement member (e.g., the placement member 31) on which the yarn feeding bobbin is placed, and configured to feed the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device. The second feeding unit allows the yarn feeding bobbin to fall onto the placement member. In this bobbin processing device, the placement member includes a pair of protruding parts (e.g., the pair of protruding parts 31b) that support the yarn feeding bobbin.
[0071] In the bobbin processing device described above, the placement member includes the pair of protruding parts that support the yarn feeding bobbin. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin that has fallen from the second feeding unit is supported by the pair of protruding parts of the placement member at points in the first feeding unit. By supporting the fallen yarn feeding bobbin at points, the falling energy of the yarn feeding bobbin can be rapidly attenuated. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin that has fallen from the second feeding unit stops bouncing on the placement member in short time, and the direction thereof can be rapidly stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device at high speed, and hence the processing ability of the bobbin processing device can be improved.
[0072] In addition, by supporting the yarn feeding bobbin by the pair of protruding parts, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be supported at points. In this way, regardless of the shape of the yarn feeding bobbin, the direction thereof can be rapidly stabilized. As a result, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device at high speed.
[0073] (2) The bobbin processing device according to (1) described above may further include a conveyor (e.g., the conveyor 51). The conveyor conveys the yarn feeding bobbin to the second feeding unit. In this case, the pair of protruding parts may be disposed with a predetermined interval in a conveying direction of the conveyor (e.g., in the X direction). In this way, on the placement member, the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be supported at points apart from each other, and hence the yarn feeding bobbin of any shape can be stably supported.
[0074] (3) In the bobbin processing device according to (1) or (2) described above, the pair of protruding parts may extend in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor (e.g., in the Y direction). In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin can be supported at points at any position of the placement member.
[0075] (4) In the bobbin processing device according to any one of (1) to (3) described above, the placement member may include a plate-shaped member on which a pair of protruding parts are disposed (e.g., the plate-shaped member 31a). In this way, the placement member can be stabilized, and hence the pair of protruding parts can support the yarn feeding bobbin more stably.
[0076] (5) In the bobbin processing device according to (4) described above, the pair of protruding parts may be formed by bending the plate-shaped member. In this way, the pair of protruding parts can be easily formed at low cost.
[0077] (6) In the bobbin processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) described above, the first feeding unit may include a drive unit (e.g., the first drive unit 33) that moves the placement member in the horizontal direction to allow the yarn feeding bobbin to fall onto the processing device. In this way, an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device can be reduced, so that the yarn feeding bobbin with its direction stabilized can be fed to the processing device.
[0078] (7) In the bobbin processing device according to (6) described above, the drive unit may move the placement member by an air cylinder. In this way, an impact when moving the placement member can be reduced, so that an impact when feeding the yarn feeding bobbin from the placement member to the processing device can be reduced.
[0079] (8) In the bobbin processing device according to any one of (1) to (7) described above, the processing device may be a device that determines a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin with a mechanical structure. In the processing device that determines a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin with a mechanical structure, when the yarn feeding bobbin is fed to the processing device, the direction thereof is stabilized, and hence a probability of failing in determining a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin in the processing device is reduced.
[0080] (9) In the bobbin processing device according to (8) described above, the yarn feeding bobbin may have a first end part (e.g., the end part B11) and a second end part (e.g., the end part B12) larger than the first end part. In addition, the processing device may include an end supporting part (e.g., the end supporting part 11), an end movement restricting part (e.g., the end movement restricting part 13), and a moving part (e.g., the moving part 15). The end supporting part supports the first end part of the yarn feeding bobbin. The end movement restricting part restricts the yarn feeding bobbin from moving, which has been fed from the placement member. The moving part can move in a direction approaching or separating from the end movement restricting part.
[0081] In the bobbin processing device described above, when the moving part approaches the end movement restricting part, a gap (e.g., the gap G) larger than the first end part and smaller than the second end part is formed between the moving part and the end movement restricting part, and the first end part of the yarn feeding bobbin fed from the placement member may pass through the gap and be supported by the end supporting part, while the second end part may be restricted from moving by the moving part and the end movement restricting part. After that, when the moving part separates from the end movement restricting part, the yarn feeding bobbin may start falling in such a manner that the second end part falls first. In this way, the feeding direction of the yarn feeding bobbin can be determined with a mechanical structure.
[0082] (10) In the bobbin processing device according to any one of (1) to (9) described above, the second feeding unit may push the yarn feeding bobbin in a direction toward the placement member to allow the yarn feeding bobbin to fall. In this way, the yarn feeding bobbin can be fed to the placement member at high speed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0083] The present invention can be widely applied to bobbin processing devices that performs a predetermined process on the yarn feeding bobbin.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0084] 100 bobbin processing device
1 bobbin direction aligning device
11 end supporting part
11a V-shaped groove
13 end movement restricting part
13a protruding part
15 moving part
15a guide part
CH cabinet
3 first feeding unit
31 placement member
31a plate-shaped member
31b protruding part
31c drive connection part
33 first drive unit
33a shaft
5 second feeding unit
51 conveyor
51a motor
53 pushing unit
53a pushing member
53b second drive unit
531 shaft
53c bobbin moving part
53d attachment member
OP opening
53e screw
53f scale
B yarn feeding bobbin
B1 core pipe
B11, B12 end part
, Claims:We claim:

1. A bobbin processing device (100) comprising:
a processing device (1) configured to perform a predetermined process on a yarn feeding bobbin (B);
a first feeding unit (3) including a placement member (31) on which the yarn feeding bobbin is placed, and configured to feed the yarn feeding bobbin (B) from the placement member (31) to the processing device (1), and
a second feeding unit (5) configured to allow the yarn feeding bobbin (B) to fall onto the placement member (31), wherein
the placement member (31) includes a pair of protruding parts (31b) configured to support the yarn feeding bobbin (B).

2. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a conveyor (51) configured to convey the yarn feeding bobbin (B) to the second feeding unit (5), wherein
the pair of protruding parts (31b) is disposed with a predetermined interval in a conveying direction of the conveyor (51).

3. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising a conveyor (51) configured to convey the yarn feeding bobbin (B) to the second feeding unit (5), wherein
the pair of protruding parts (31b) extends in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor.

4. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the placement member (31) includes a plate-shaped member (31a) on which the pair of protruding parts (31b) are disposed.

5. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pair of protruding parts (31b) are formed by bending the plate-shaped member (31a).

6. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first feeding unit (3) includes a drive unit (33) configured to move the placement member (31) in the horizontal direction to allow the yarn feeding bobbin (B) to fall onto the processing device (1).

7. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the drive unit (33) moves the placement member (31) by an air cylinder.

8. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processing device (1) is a device configured to determine a direction of the yarn feeding bobbin (B) with a mechanical structure.

9. The bobbin processing device (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein
the yarn feeding bobbin (B) has a first end part (B11) and a second end part (B12) larger than the first end part,
the processing device (1) includes an end supporting part (11) configured to support the first end part (B11) of the yarn feeding bobbin (B), an end movement restricting part (13) configured to restrict the yarn feeding bobbin (B) from moving, which has been fed from the placement member (31), and a moving part (15) capable to move in a direction approaching or separating from the end movement restricting part (13),
when the moving part (15) approaches the end movement restricting part (13), a gap (G) is formed between the moving part (15) and the end movement restricting part (13), the gap (G) being larger than the first end part (B11) and smaller than the second end part (B12), so that the first end part (B11) of the yarn feeding bobbin (B) fed from the placement member (31) passes through the gap (G) and is supported by the end supporting part (11), while the second end part (B12) is restricted from moving by the moving part (15) and the end movement restricting part (13), and
when the moving part (15) separates from the end movement restricting part (13), the yarn feeding bobbin (B) starts to fall in such a manner that the second end part (B12) falls first.

10. The bobbin processing device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second feeding unit (5) pushes the yarn feeding bobbin (B) in a direction toward the placement member (31) to allow the yarn feeding bobbin (B) to fall.