Yarn package supply apparatus

Abstract

 The present invention provides a yarn package supply apparatus including a compactly configured yarn end cutting device that allows a yarn end to be reliably processed using only a small number of cutters. The yarn package supply apparatus 1 includes a parts feeder conveyor 2, a parts feeder 3 that aligns and supplies a plurality of yarn packages P dropped from the parts feeder conveyor 2, and a yarn end cutting device 4 that cuts a yarn end Q extending from each of the yarn packages dropped into the parts feeder 3 so as to straddle between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3. The yarn end cutting device 4 includes a yarn end cutting section 21 having a cutter 20 that cuts the yarn end Q, a linear guide 22 that guides the yarn end cutting section 21 along a single track R extending along a width direction of the parts feeder conveyor 2, and a rodless cylinder 23 that drives the yarn end cutting section 21 guided by the linear guide 22 so that the yarn end cutting section 21 reciprocates along the single track R (Fig. 1).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a yarn package supply apparatus that aligns and supplies a plurality of yarn packages.

Description of Related Art

[0002] As a technique of this kind, the Unexamined Japanese Utility Model Application Publication (Jikkai-Hei) No. 6-65370 discloses a yarn package supply apparatus that cuts yarn ends extending from yarn packages dropped from a parts feeder conveyor into a parts feeder. In this yarn package supply apparatus, a large number of V-shaped guide grooves 10 are formed in a line at a yarn package chute leading to the parts feeder of the parts feeder conveyor. A scissors-like upward-facing cutter 14 is arranged at a bottom portion of each of the guide grooves 10. In this configuration, where the yarn ends of yarn packages 1 dropped from the parts feeder conveyor 2 into the parts feeder 4 extend onto the parts feeder conveyor 2, the yarn ends of yarn packages 1 are guided into the guide grooves 10, and the yarn ends are cut by the cutter 14.

[0003] The Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication (Tokkai-Sho) No. 57-121514 discloses a yarn package individuating unit 11 having a yarn cutter 53 arranged therein and which, if a yarn end portion is wound out from a yarn package into a delivery section 52 that delivers the yarn end portion from a second loader 17 to a first individuater 18, cuts the dragging yarn end portion.

[0004] The yarn cutter 53 has a plurality of moving scissors 54. Each of moving scissors 54 has two scissor blades 56, 57 coupled together by a turning joint 55. One of the scissor blades, the blade 56, is fixed to a movable endless chain 59 by a connectible and blockable motorized driving device 58. The other scissor blade 57 is kept open by a spring 60. The scissor blade 57 has an actuating arm 61 that, while the endless chain 59 is circulating, abuts against a plurality of stoppers 62 arranged on a bottom plate 40 near a circulating path of the chain 59. Every time the actuating arm 61 abuts against the stoppers 62, the moving scissors 54 are closed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] However, in the configuration of the Unexamined Japanese Utility Model Application Publication (Jikkai-Hei) No. 6-65370, the yarn end having entered the guide grooves 10 is cut. Thus, disadvantageously, the yarn end is not cut unless the yarn end enters the guide grooves 10. This problem can probably be solved by increasing the number of combinations of the guide grooves 10 and the cutter 14. However, this increases the number of parts required and is thus not economically practical.

[0006] Furthermore, in the configuration of the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication (Tokkai-Sho) No. 57-121514, the moving scissors 54 may be housed below the second loader 17. In this case, the yarn end cannot be cut.

[0007] Furthermore, this configuration requires parallel tracks and thus a large space.

[0008] The present invention solves these problems. A main object of the present invention is to provide a yarn package supply apparatus comprising a compactly configured yarn end cutting device that enables the yarn end to be reliably processed using only a small number of cutters.

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a yarn package supply apparatus configured as follows. That is, the yarn package supply apparatus includes a yarn package conveying device that conveys a plurality of yarn packages in a predetermined direction, a yarn package aligning device that aligns and supplies the plurality of yarn packages dropped from the yarn package conveying device, and a yarn end cutting device arranged between the yarn package conveying device and the yarn package aligning device to cut a yarn end wound out from each of the yarn packages so as to straddle between the yarn package conveying device and the yarn package aligning device. The yarn cutting device includes a yarn end cutting section having a cutter that cuts the yarn end, a yarn end cutting section guiding means for guiding the yarn end cutting section along a single track extending along a width direction (the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction) of the yarn package conveying device, and a yarn end cutting section driving means for driving the yarn end cutting section guided by the yarn end cutting section guiding means so that the yarn end cutting section reciprocates along the single track. In this configuration, the cutter itself reciprocates, allowing the yarn end to be processed using only a small number of cutters. Furthermore, the yarn end cutting section reciprocates along the single track and thus can be compactly configured.

[0010] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the track is linear. This configuration enables a reduction in the time required to reciprocate the yarn end cutting section. Furthermore, the structure of the yarn end cutting section guiding means can be simplified.

[0011] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting section has a pair of the cutters, and the paired scissors are arranged at opposite ends of the single track so as to lie opposite each other. This configuration enables the yarn end to be cut regardless of in which direction the yarn end cutting section travels on the track.

[0012] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting device includes a line sensor arranged along the single track to sense presence of the yarn end. The yarn end cutting section driving means is controlled on the basis of a sensing result from the line sensor. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting section to travel on the basis of the presence of the yarn end.

[0013] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the cutters are configured like scissors. The yarn end cutting device further includes a cutter driving means for drivingly opening and closing the scissors-like cutters, and the line sensor arranged along the single track to sense the presence of the yarn end. The cutter driving means is controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the line sensor. This configuration allows the cutter to be opened and closed on the basis of the presence of the yarn end.

[0014] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the cutters are configured like scissors. The yarn end cutting section further includes a yarn end sensing means for sensing the presence of the yarn end in the cutters. The yarn end cutting device further includes a cutter driving means for drivingly opening and closing the scissors-like cutters. The cutter driving means is controlled on the basis of a sensing result from the yarn end sensing means. This configuration allows the cutters to be opened and closed on the basis of the presence of the yarn end.

[0015] The yarn package supply apparatus is preferably configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting device comprises a yarn end cutting section arrival sensing means for sensing that the yarn end cutting section has reached a start point and an end point of the single track. The yarn end cutting section driving means is controlled so as to reverse a traveling direction of the yarn end cutting section every time the yarn end cutting section arrival sensing means senses that the yarn end cutting section has reached the start point or end point of the single track. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting section to reliably reach the start point and end point of the single track.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a yarn package supply apparatus configured as follows. That is, the yarn package supply apparatus includes a yarn package conveying device that conveys a plurality of yarn packages in a predetermined direction, a yarn package aligning device that aligns and supplies the plurality of yarn packages dropped from the yarn package conveying device, and a yarn end cutting device arranged between the yarn package conveying device and the yarn package aligning device to cut a yarn end wound out so as to straddle between the yarn package conveying device and the yarn package aligning device. The yarn cutting device includes a yarn end cutting section having a cutter that cuts the yarn end, a yarn end cutting section guiding means for guiding the yarn end cutting section so that the cutter is always positioned in an area in which the yarn end is possibly present, and a yarn end cutting section driving means for driving the yarn end cutting section guided by the yarn end cutting section guiding means so that the yarn end cutting section travels within the area. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting device to always cut the yarn end.

[0017] Other features, elements, processes, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION 0F THE DRAWINGS

[0018] 

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an entire yarn package supply apparatus.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the direction of arrow A in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing a yarn end cutting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a partly enlarged diagram of the yarn end cutting device in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a variation of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a variation of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 2.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing that a yarn end cutting section has reached a start point (or an end point) of a track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0F PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Now, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an entire yarn package supply apparatus.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, in the present embodiment, a yarn package supply apparatus 1 is composed of a parts feeder conveyor 2 (yarn package conveying device) that conveys a plurality of yarn packages P produced by a spinning machine, in a predetermined direction, a parts feeder 3 (yarn package aligning device) that aligns the plurality of yarn packages P dropped from the parts feeder conveyor 2, and supplies the yarn packages P to a yarn package inserting and standing device (not shown in the drawings), and a yarn end cutting device 4 arranged between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 to cut yarn ends Q extending from the yarn packages P dropped into the parts feeder 3 so as to straddle between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3. Moreover, the yarn package supply apparatus 1 comprises a batch type doff box 5 that simultaneously supplies the plurality of yarn packages P to the parts feeder conveyor 2.

[0021] The parts feeder conveyor 2 stabilizes the supply of the yarn packages P to the parts feeder 3. The parts feeder conveyor 2 is configured to convey the yarn packages P downstream side (the parts feeder 3 side) by being vibrated by a schematically shown vibrating motor 2a. The parts feeder 3 is also vibrated by a schematically shown vibrating motor 3a and is configured to carry out the yarn packages P dropped to a central bottom portion of the parts feeder 3, in alignment along a spiral passage having a height increasing gradually toward an outer periphery side of the parts feeder 3. The configuration of the yarn end cutting device 4 will be described below. The batch type doff box 5 is configured to be pivotable by a hydraulic cylinder 5a that pivots around a rotating shaft 5b, to feed the plurality of yarn packages P accommodated in the batch type doff box 5, onto the parts feeder conveyor 2 in piles when required.

[0022] The yarn package supply apparatus 1 further comprises a vibrating conveyor inlet sensor 6 as a sensor that senses whether or not any yarn package P is present on an upstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2 or senses the number of the yarn packages P present, a vibrating conveyor outlet sensor 7 as a sensor that senses whether or not any yarn package P is present on a downstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2 or senses the number of the yarn packages P present, and a parts feeder level sensor 8 that senses whether or not any yarn package is present in the parts feeder 3 or senses the number of the yarn packages P present. The vibrating motors 2a and 3a, the hydraulic cylinder 5a, the vibrating conveyor inlet sensor 6, the vibrating conveyor outlet sensor 7, and parts feeder level sensor 8 are connected to a schematically shown control device 9 composed of a CPU and a RAM, a R0M, and the like (not shown in the drawings) and operate as described below.

[0023] That is, when the parts feeder level sensor 8 senses that for example, only a few yarn packages P are left in the parts feeder 3, the control device 9 drives the driving motor 2a to start conveying the yarn packages P on the parts feeder conveyor 2 to supply an appropriate amount of yarn packages P to the parts feeder 3. When the vibrating conveyor outlet sensor 7 detects that for example, only a few yarn packages P are left on the downstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2, the control device 9 drives the driving motor 2a to start conveying the yarn packages P on the parts feeder conveyor 2 to convey the yarn packages P on the upstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2, to the downstream side. When the vibrating conveyor inlet sensor 6 detects that for example, only a few yarn packages P are left on the upstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2, the control device 9 drives the hydraulic cylinder 5a to allow the batch type doff box 5 to pivot to supply the yarn packages P in the batch type doff box 5 to the upstream side of the parts feeder conveyor 2. In short, the yarn packages P are stably supplied to the parts feeder 3 by the cooperation among the parts feeder conveyor 2, the batch type doff box 5, the vibrating conveyor inlet sensor 6, the vibrating conveyor output sensor 7, and the parts feeder level sensor 8.

[0024] Now, see Figure 2. Figure 2 is a figure showing an embodiment of the present invention as viewed in the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the yarn end cutting device 4 comprises a yarn end cutting device cover 10 arranged between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 to cover the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 from above. The yarn end cutting device cover 10 is bent so as to incline downward as the yarn end cutting device cover 10 leaves a terminal of the parts feeder conveyor 2 so as to smoothly drop the yarn packages P conveyed on the parts feeder conveyor 2 into the parts feeder 3 (see also Figure 7 that is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 2). The yarn end cutting device cover 10 has a plurality of open slits 11 formed therein so as to extend in the same direction as a conveying direction of the yarn packages P. A width-direction end of the slits 11 provided in a line is aligned with a width-direction end of the parts feeder conveyor 2 (see a positional relationship indicated by reference character F in Figure 2). A round portion of a predetermined diameter is additionally formed at an inner end of each of the slits 11. Moreover, the yarn end cutting device 4 comprises a line sensor 12 located opposite a side on which the yarn packages P pass through, across the yarn end cutting device cover 10 to sense the presence of the yarn ends Q extending so as to straddle between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 (a sensing direction of the line sensor 12 is shown by reference character E in Figure 7, that is, the sensing direction is parallel to a forming direction of the slits 11). The line sensor 12 is arranged along a track R described below and connected to a control section (control section 30; see Figure 3) described below. The line sensor 2 outputs information on the presence or absence of the yarn end Q having entered the slits 11, the number of the yarn ends Q having entered each of the slits 11, and the positions of the yarn ends Q (hereinafter simply referred as the " distribution information on the yarn ends Q") to the control section.

[0025] Now, see Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the yarn end cutting device (however, the yarn end cutting device cover 10 and the line sensor 12 are shown by alternate long and two short dashes lines). As shown in Figure 3, the yarn end cutting device 4 comprises a yarn end cutting section 21 having a cutter 20 that cuts the yarn ends Q, a linear guide (yarn end section guiding means) 22 that guides the yarn end cutting section 21 along a single track R along the width direction of the parts feeder conveyor 2, and a rodless cylinder (yarn end cutting section driving means) 23 that drives the yarn end cutting section 21 guided by the linear guide 22 so that the yarn end cutting section 21 reciprocates along the track R (as shown by a thick arrow in the figure).

[0026] The yarn end cutting section 21 has a pair of cutters 20 arranged at the opposite ends of the track R so as to lie opposite each other. The cutters 20, 20 are shaped like scissors, and each have a fixed blade 20a fixed to the yarn end cutting section 21 and a movable blade 20b pivotably supported by the yarn end cutting section 21. The yarn end cutting section 21 of the yarn end cutting device 4 comprises an air cylinder (cutter driving means) 24 that drivingly opens and closes the scissors-like cutters 20, 20. The yarn end cutting section 21 comprises a pair of photoelectric sensors (yarn end detecting means) 25 that senses the presence of the yarn ends Q in the cutters 20, 20 (that is, the presence of the yarn ends Q between the fixed blade 20a and the movable blade 20b). The photoelectric sensors 25 are arranged in association with the respective cutters 20, 20. The yarn end cutting device 4 further comprises proximity sensors (yarn end cutting section arrival sensing means) 26, 26 that sense that the yarn end cutting section 21 has reached a start point and an end point of the track R.

[0027] The rodless cylinder 23 and the air cylinder 24, the photoelectric sensors 25, 25, and the proximity sensors 26, 26 are connected to the schematically shown control section 30, composed of a CPU and a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The control section 30 is configured to be able to control the rodless cylinder 23 and the air cylinder 24 using a pump and a solenoid valve (not shown in the drawings) provided in the control device. The control section 30 is also configured to be able to appropriately process output signals from the photoelectric sensors 25, 25, the proximity sensors 26, 26, the line sensor 12, and the like using an A/D converter (not shown in the drawings) arranged in the control section 30.

[0028] The configuration of the yarn end cutting section 21 will be described below in further detail. See Figure 4. Figure 4 is a partly enlarged view of the yarn end cutting section 21 in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the yarn end cutting section 21 comprises a main body 27, the above-described pair of cutters 20, 20, attached to a top surface of the main body 27, and the above-described air cylinder 24, drivingly opening and closing the cutters 20, 20. The main body 27 is a thin plate forming yarn end guide edges 28, 28 that are each open toward a traveling direction to enable the yarn ends Q to be captured.

[0029] The main body 27 has a slit G in an area in which the yarn end guide edges 28, 28 cross each other. The fixed blade 20a and the movable blade 20b are arranged to sandwich the slit G between the fixed blade 20a and the movable blade 20b when the cutters 20 are open. Closing the fixed blade 20a and the movable blade 20b allow the cutting of the yarn ends Q captured by the yarn end guide edges 28, 28 and introduced into the slit G. The movable blade 20b is provided so as to be pivotable by a shaft 20c with respect to the main body 27 and is attached to a shaft 20f so as to be restricted in a circumferential direction and has clearance in a radial direction, with respect to a T-shaped coupling member 20d. The coupling member 20d is provided so as to be pivotable by a shaft 20e with respect to the main body 27 and is attached to the shaft 20f so as to be restricted in the circumferential direction and has clearance in the radial direction, with respect to the other, movable blade 20b. The coupling member 20d is attached to the tip of a rod 24a of the air cylinder 24 by a shaft 20g.

[0030] In the above configuration, when the rod 24a of the air cylinder 24 is drivingly retracted in a direction shown by reference character H, the coupling member 20d pivots counterclockwise in Figure 4, and the movable blades 20b, 20b, attached to the coupling member 20d, both pivot clockwise to cut the yarn ends Q in the slit G. In the present embodiment, the air cylinder 24 is controlled on the basis of a sensing result from the photoelectric sensor 25. Specifically, when the photoelectric sensor 25 senses that the yarn ends Q are present in the slit G, the sensing result is transmitted to the control section 30, and in response to the received sensing result, the control section 30 controls the air cylinder 24 so that the rod 24a is retracted in a direction shown by reference character H. Moreover, a predetermined time (for example, 1 [ms]) later, the control section 30 controls the air cylinder 24 so that the rod 24a advances in a direction opposite to that shown by reference character H. This control prevents the cutters 20, 20 from operating idly, allowing the cutters 20, 20 to last long.

[0031] See Figure 3 again. The above-described rodless cylinder 23 is controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the above-described line sensor 12. Specifically, upon receiving a signal relating to the distribution information on the yarn ends Q from the line sensor 12, the above-described control section 30 controls the rodless cylinder 23 so that the yarn end cutting section 21 travels appropriately for the distribution information. The expression " appropriately for the distribution information" means that the yarn end cutting section 21 "travels toward an area in which the yarn ends are present, while avoiding an area in which no yarn end Q is present" or "travels more slowly in an area in which the yarn ends Q are densely present than in the other areas". This control allows the cutters 20, 20 to last long and makes it possible to inhibit the yarn end cutting section 21 from traveling uselessly.

[0032] Figure 8 is a diagram showing that the yarn end cutting section 21 has reached the start point (or end point) of the track R. The above-described rodless cylinder 23 is controlled on the basis of sensing results from the proximity sensors 26, 26. That is, as shown in Figure 8, the rodless cylinder 23 is controlled so as to reverse the traveling direction of the yarn end cutting section 21 every time the proximity sensors 26, 26 sense that the yarn end cutting section 21 has reached the start point or the end point of the track R. Specifically, upon receiving, from the proximity sensors 26, 26, a signal relating to the arrival of the yarn end cutting section 21, the control section 30 controls the rodless cylinder 23 so that the traveling direction of the yarn end cutting section 21 is reversed. This control allows the yarn end cutting section 21 to reliably reach the start point and the end point of the track R, and makes it possible to prevent the yarn ends Q at the opposite ends of the track R from failing to be cut.

[0033] On the basis of the above-described control, the yarn end cutting device 4 operate as described below. That is, when the yarn ends Q extending from the yarn packages P dropped into the parts feeder 3 so as to straddle between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 enter the slits 11, the presence of the yarn ends Q is sensed by the line sensor 12. The line sensor 12 transmits the distribution information on the sensed yarn ends Q to the control section 30, and the control section 30 allows the yarn end cutting section 21 on the basis of the received distribution information to guide the yarn ends Q to the slit G. Upon sensing the presence of the guided yarn ends Q, the photoelectric sensor 25 transmits the distribution information on the presence of the yarn ends Q to the control section 30. Upon receiving the distribution information, the control section 30 controls the air cylinder 24 to drive the rod 24a backward in order to cut the yarn ends Q the presence of which has been detected by the photoelectric sensors 25. Thus, the movable blade 20b is caused to pivot via the coupling member 20d and thus cuts the yarn ends Q through cooperation with the fixed blade 20a. Then, a predetermined time later, the control section 30 controls the air cylinder 24 so that the rod 24a is drivingly advanced to open the closed cutters 20, 20 again.

[0034] As described above, according to the above-described present embodiment, the yarn package supply apparatus 1 is configured as described below. That is, the yarn package supply apparatus 1 comprises the parts feeder conveyor 2 that conveys the plurality of yarn packages P in the predetermined direction, the parts feeder 3 that aligns and supplies the plurality of yarn packages P dropped from the parts feeder conveyor 2, and the yarn end cutting device 4 arranged between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3 to cut the yarn ends Q from the yarn packages P extending so as to straddle between the parts feeder conveyor 2 and the parts feeder 3. The yarn end cutting device 4 includes the yarn end cutting section 21 having the cutter 20 that cuts the yarn ends Q, the linear guide 22 that guides the yarn end cutting section 21 along the single track R along the width direction of the parts feeder conveyor 2, and the rodless cylinder 23 that drives the yarn end cutting section 21 guided by the linear guide 22 so that that the yarn end cutting section 21 reciprocates along the single track R. In this configuration, the cutter 20 itself reciprocates. Consequently, the yarn ends Q can be reliably processed using only a small number of cutters 20. Furthermore, the yarn end cutting section 21 reciprocates along the single track R, making the yarn end cutting device 4 compact. The single track R may be shaped like a straight line or a circular arc.

[0035] Even when the yarn end cutting device cover 10 with the large number of slits 11 formed therein is used as is the case with the above-described embodiment, the number of the slits 11 need not be equal to that of the cutters 20. The present embodiment is thus excellent in solving the problem of the Unexamined Japanese Utility Model Application Publication (Jikkai-Hei) No. 6-65370, described above, that is, the problem of failing to allow an increase in the number of the slits 11 for an economical reason. That is, the present embodiment implements a configuration that allows only the number of the slits 11 to be increased without the need to increase the number of the cutters 20.

[0036] Furthermore, there is no area where the yarn end cutting section 21 can not cut the yarn ends Q in the area in which the yarn end cutting section 21 travels. Also in this sense, the yarn end cutting device 4 according to the above-described embodiment is very efficient. This allows the yarn ends Q to be consecutively cut without the need to suspend the supply of the yarn packages P to the parts feeder 3.

[0037] The above-described yarn package supply apparatus 1 is configured as described above. That is, the track R is linear. This configuration enables a reduction in the time required to reciprocate the yarn end cutting section 21. The structure of the linear guide 22 can also be simplified. Moreover, since the cutter 20 moves along the reciprocating linear track, the yarn package supply apparatus 1 achieves space saving and simplification compared to the configuration of the Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication (Tokkai-Sho) No. 57-121514, in which the moving scissors move along the ellipsoidal track.

[0038] The above-described yarn package supply apparatus 1 is further configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting section 21 has a pair of the cutters 20, 20 arranged at the opposite ends of the single track R so as to lie opposite each other. This configuration allows the yarn ends Q to be cut regardless of in which direction the yarn end cutting section 21 travels on the track R. Furthermore, the yarn ends Q at the opposite ends of the track R can be cut.

[0039] The above-described yarn package supply apparatus 1 is further configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting device 4 includes the line sensor 12 arranged along the single track R to sense the presence of the yarn ends Q. The rodless cylinder 23 is controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the line sensor 12. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting section 21 to travel on the basis of the presence of the yarn ends Q.

[0040] The above-described yarn package supply apparatus 1 is further configured as follows. That is, the cutters 20 are configured like scissors. The yarn end cutting section 21 comprises the photoelectric sensor 25 that senses the presence of the yarn ends Q in the cutters 20, 20. The yarn end cutting device 4 further includes the air cylinder 24 that drivingly opens and closes the scissors-like cutters 20. The air cylinder 24 is controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the photoelectric sensor 25. This configuration allows the cutters 20 to be opened and closed on the basis of the presence of the yarn ends Q.

[0041] The above-described yarn package supply apparatus 1 is further configured as follows. That is, the yarn end cutting device 4 comprises the proximity sensors 26, 26 that sense that the yarn end cutting section 21 has reached the start point and the end point of the single track R. The rodless cylinder 23 is controlled so as to reverse the traveling direction of the yarn end cutting section 21 every time the proximity sensors 26, 26 sense that the yarn end cutting section 21 has reached the start point or the end point of the single track R. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting section 21 to reliably reach the start point and end point of the single track R.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the yarn package supply apparatus 1 is configured as follows. That is, the yarn cutting device 4 includes the yarn end cutting section 21 having the cutter 20 that cuts the yarn ends Q, the linear guide 22 that guides the yarn end cutting section 21 so that the cutter 20 is always positioned in the area in which the yarn ends Q are possibly present (the area located opposite the parts feeder conveyor 2 across the linear guide 22), and the rodless cylinder 23 that drives the yarn end cutting section 21 guided by the linear guide 22 so that the yarn end cutting section 21 travels within the area. This configuration allows the yarn end cutting device 4 to always cut the yarn ends Q.

[0043] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the above described embodiment may be varied as described below.

[0044] That is, in the above-described embodiment, the cutters 20, 20 are configured to be opened and closed on the basis of the sensing results from the photoelectric sensors 25, 25. However, instead, the cutters 20, 20 may be configured to be repeatedly opened and closed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every one second). This configuration makes it possible to omit the photoelectric sensors 25, 25.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the yarn end cutting section 21 is configured to travel on the basis of the sensing result from the line sensor 12. However, instead, the yarn cutting section 21 may be configured to simply reciprocate at an equal speed. This configuration makes it possible to omit the line sensor 12.

[0046] Moreover, the air cylinder 24 may be configured to be controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the line sensor 12. Specifically, upon receiving the above-described distribution information on the yarn ends Q from the line sensor 12, the control section 30 increases or reduces the time intervals at which the cutters 20, 20 are opened and closed, in accordance with the distribution information, to control the air cylinder 24. Here, specifically, the expression "in accordance with the distribution information" means that "the time intervals of opening and closing of the cutters 20, 20 are reduced for areas in which the yarn ends Q are densely present and increased for areas in which the yarn ends Q are not densely present". This control allows the cutters 20, 20 to be opened and closed on the basis of the presence of the yarn ends Q. That is, the cutters 20, 20 avoid simultaneous cutting of a large amount of yarn ends Q but can cut every small amount of yarn ends Q. This allows the cutters 20, 20 to last long.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the cutters 20, 20 are drivingly opened and closed by the air cylinder 24. However, instead of the air cylinder 24, for example, as shown in Figure 5, a cam mechanism may be adopted which is composed of a disc member 41 rotated by a schematically shown motor 40 (a stepping motor or the like; this also applies to the description below) and the rod 24a. Moreover, instead of the air cylinder 24, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a configuration may be adopted which includes a DC electromagnetic solenoid 42.

[0048] Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the yarn end cutting section 21 is driven by the rodless cylinder 23 so as to reciprocate. However, instead of the rodless cylinder 23, for example, as shown in Figure 5, a configuration may be adopted which is composed of a schematically shown motor 43 and a ball screw 44 rotationally driven by the motor 43. Moreover, instead of the rodless cylinder 23, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a configuration may be adopted which is composed of a timing pulley 46 rotationally driven by the motor 45 and a timing belt 47 wound around the timing pulley 46.

[0049] While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than those specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intented by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the present invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) comprising a yarn package conveying device (2) that conveys a plurality of yarn packages in a predetermined direction, a yarn package aligning device (3) that aligns and supplies said plurality of yarn packages dropped from the yarn package conveying device (2), and a yarn end cutting device (4) arranged between said yarn package conveying device (2) and said yarn package aligning device (3) to cut a yarn end wound out from each of said yarn packages, the apparatus being characterized in that:

said yarn cutting device (4) includes a yarn end cutting section (21) having a cutter (20) that cuts said yarn end, a yarn end cutting section guiding means (22) for guiding said yarn end cutting section (21) along a single track extending along a width direction of said yarn package conveying device (2), and a yarn end cutting section driving means (23) for driving said yarn end cutting section (21) guided by the yarn end cutting section guiding means (22) so that said yarn end cutting section (21) reciprocates along said single track, and

said yarn end cutting section (21) has a pair of said cutters (20), and said paired cutters (20) are arranged at opposite ends of said single track so as to lie opposite each other.

2. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that said track is linear.

3. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that said yarn end cutting device (4) includes a line sensor (12) arranged along said single track to sense presence of said yarn end, and said yarn end cutting section driving means (23) is controlled on the basis of a sensing result from the line sensor (12).

4. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said cutters (20) are configured like scissors, said yarn end cutting device (4) further includes a cutter driving means (24) for drivingly opening and closing the scissors-like cutters (20), and the line sensor (12) arranged along said single track to sense the presence of said yarn end, and said cutter driving means (24) is controlled on the basis of the sensing result from the line sensor (12).

5. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said cutters (20) are configured like scissors, and said yarn end cutting section (21) further includes a yarn end sensing means (25) for sensing the presence of said yarn end in said cutters (20), and in that and said yarn end cutting device (4) further includes a cutter driving means (24) for drivingly opening and closing said scissors-like cutters (20), and said cutter driving means (24) is controlled on the basis of a sensing result from said yarn end sensing means (25).

6. A yarn package supply apparatus (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said yarn end cutting device (4) comprises a yarn end cutting section arrival sensing means (26) for sensing that said yarn end cutting section (21) has reached a start point and an end point of said single track, and said yarn end cutting section driving means (23) is controlled so as to reverse a traveling direction of said yarn end cutting section (21) every time said yarn end cutting section arrival sensing means (26) senses that the yarn end cutting section (21) has reached the start point or end point of said single track.

Drawing