EP3259389B1

EP3259389B1 - A machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours

Info

Publication number: EP3259389B1
Application number: EP16722394.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jitendra Ishwarbhai Mevada; Naresh MISTRY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-16
Filing date: 2016-02-12
Publication date: 2019-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-12
Also published as: WO2016132382A2; EP3259389A2; WO2016132382A3

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The invention relates to a field of textile machinery. More particularly it relates to the processing of rubber cot arbours. Specifically it relates to automatic processing of finished and unfinished rubber cot arbours. Even more precisely, it relates to a machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours.

PRIOR ART:

In textile machinery rubber cot arbours assemblies are widely used. The rubber cot arbours assembly is mainly used in producing compact yarn on ring spinning machines of textile manufacturing.
There are large quantities rubber cot arbours assemblies used in a spinning mill to run a machine for ring-spinning and similar type of applications with compact spinning system. The rubber cot arbours assembly consists of a two-part housing, big rubber cot arbour, small rubber cot arbour, a gear assembly and an Allen screw.
In existing systems, in a spinning mill at regular intervals/schedules, the grinding of big & small rubber cot arbours of the rubber cot arbours assembly or similar type assembly is being carried out. This is required due to continuous running wear-out of the surface and hence surface roughness change. For carrying out the grinding of rubber cot arbours during regular maintenance schedule, the rubber cot arbours assemblies have to be disassembled by removing the small and big cot from the assembly.
Referring to figures 1(a) and 1(b), the rubber cot arbour assembly (1) includes small (2) and big (3) rubber cot arbours. The both rubber cot arbors are in contact with each other with the help of covers (4, 5) to be fitted with Allen screw (9). The Allen screw used for holding two part (4, 5) of covers requires exact tightening torque. The rubber cot arbour assembly (1) further includes gear assembly (6) which is operationally in contact with the gear assemblies (7, 8) of the small and big rubber cot arbours respectively.
For finishing purpose it is required to remove the cover. Conventionally and in the state of art technology, the screwing and unscrewing operations are carried out manually by the operator/labourer. Apart from screwing and unscrewing, there are various other activities involved in processing of rubber cot arbours which also require human intervention. But since rubber cot arbours are very dedicated articles, there are chances of getting it damaged due to manual handling. Also manual handling is not accurate and is also time consuming. Further manual handling demands for skilled operator/labourer. In short due to manual handling production cost increases.
WO 2008/062442 A2 discloses a device for holding and guiding rubber cots, of the type used in drafting rollers, and comprises a rotary table equipped with multiple means for holding centreless rubber cots and presenting them to a grinding station. The device enables to increase grinding productivity.
The EP 2 239 355 A1 describes a preparation machine for rectification of textile machine rollers.
The apparatus has a vibratory feeding receptacle for receiving a plurality of rollers having air guides attached to the axles thereof. Said rollers are then advanced in conjunction with said vibratory feeding receptacle for delivering rollers from such receptacle through an article guide arrangement to an air guide separation device. Separated rollers are arranged in rows in a manner to be easily re-installed after maintenance. The apparatus further carries out a cleaning process for cleaning fiber fluff around the axles of the rollers. The maintenance procedure of a ring spinning machine can thereby substantially be shortened.
The SU 802 418 discloses a device for removing and putting on elastic covers on rollers of textile machines.
The JP-A-H01162830 discloses a method and jig for assembling rollers of a spinning machine.
Most of the prior art discloses devices for assembling the rubber cots on their shafts.
Hence it is necessary to develop a mechanism to handle rubber cot arbours which will be free from foregoing problems.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

The principle objective of the present invention is to provide a machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which is devoid of the deficiencies associated with the conventional rubber cot arbours processing mechanisms.
Another objective of the invention is to provide the machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which performs the processing of rubber cot arbours automatically without any human intervention.
Further objective of the invention is to provide a machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which protects rubber cot arbours from damage occurred due to manual processing.
Another objective of the invention is to provide the machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which ensures fast and error less processing of rubber cots.
Another objective of the invention is to provide the machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which ensures less manpower and thereby reduces production cost.
Still another objective of the invention is to provide the machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours which is easy to operate and maintain.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide the machine for use in processing of rubber cot arbours in which it is easy to modify the settings of the machine.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, in order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a machine for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly, the rubber cot arbours assembly includes at least a set of two rubber cot arbours namely a first rubber cot arbour and a second rubber cot arbour, the first rubber cot arbour having smaller diameter than the second rubber cot arbour, the first and second rubber cot arbours being accommodated in a housing including a top cover and a bottom cover, the top cover and bottom cover of the housing being attached to each other through a fastening means, the machine comprising:

a first rotary disc being driven rotatably by a first driving unit, the first rotary disc includes four holding stations for holding the rubber cot arbours assemblies, each of the four holding station located on the first rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;
a second rotary disc being driven rotatably by a second driving unit, the second rotary disc includes four processing stations for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours, each of the four processing stations located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent processing stations, each processing station comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours assembly for screwing and unscrewing purpose, the gripping assembly comprises:
- a gripper unit including an upper jaw and lower jaw, the upper jaw being configured to hold the top cover and the lower jaw being configured to hold the bottom cover and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours,
- a slider clamping unit to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw and lower jaw, the upper jaw and lower jaw of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit,
- a pair of vacuum units being connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit, the vacuum units being configured to control movement of the upper jaw and lower jaw and proper gripping of the top cover and bottom cover in the upper jaw and lower jaw respectively;
a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means, each of the screwing and unscrewing assembly comprises:
- a screwing and unscrewing unit to screw and unscrew the fastening means,
- a driving unit being connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit to operate the screwing and unscrewing unit,
- a sliding unit comprising a linear guide to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit;
a plurality of loading units and unloading units for loading and unloading unprocessed rubber cot arbours assemblies and finished rubber cot arbour sets and unloading processed rubber cot arbours assemblies and unfinished rubber cot arbour sets, on and from, the holding stations of the first rotary disc and the processing stations of the second rotary disc;
a master processing and controlling unit being connected to the first driving unit, second driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units; and
a mounting assembly to accommodate the first rotary disc, second rotary disc and screwing and unscrewing assemblies, first driving unit, and second driving unit.

According to an another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a machine for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly, the rubber cot arbours assembly includes at least a set of two rubber cot arbours namely a first rubber cot arbour and a second rubber cot arbour, the first rubber cot arbour having smaller diameter than the second rubber cot arbour, the first and second rubber cot arbours being accommodated in a housing including a top cover and a bottom cover, the top cover and bottom cover of the housing being attached to each other through a fastening means, the machine comprising:

a first rotary disc being driven rotatably by a first driving unit, the first rotary disc includes four holding stations for holding the rubber cot arbours assemblies, each of the four holding station located on the first rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;
a second rotary disc being driven rotatably by a second driving unit, the second rotary disc includes two processing stations for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours, each of the two processing stations located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 180° apart from adjacent processing stations, each processing station comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours assembly for screwing and unscrewing purpose, the gripping assembly comprises:
- a gripper unit including an upper jaw and lower jaw, the upper jaw being configured to hold the top cover and the lower jaw being configured to hold the bottom cover and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours,
- a slider clamping unit to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw and lower jaw, the upper jaw and lower jaw of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit,
- a pair of vacuum units being connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit, the vacuum units being configured to control movement of the upper jaw and lower jaw and proper gripping of the top cover and bottom cover in the upper jaw and lower jaw respectively;
a third rotary disc being driven rotatably by a third driving unit, the third rotary disc includes four holding stations for holding the rubber cot arbours, each of the four holding station located on the third rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;
a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means, each of the screwing and unscrewing assembly comprises:
- a screwing and unscrewing unit to screw and unscrew the fastening means,
- a driving unit being connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit to operate the screwing and unscrewing unit,
- a sliding unit comprising a linear guide to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit;
a plurality of loading units and unloading units for loading and unloading unprocessed rubber cot arbours assemblies and finished rubber cot arbour sets and unloading processed rubber cot arbours assemblies and unfinished rubber cot arbour sets, on and from, the holding stations of the first rotary disc, the holding stations of the third rotary disc and the processing stations of the second rotary disc;
a master processing and controlling unit being connected to the first driving unit, second driving unit, third driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, third driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units; and
a mounting assembly to accommodate the first rotary disc, second rotary disc, third rotary disc, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, first driving unit, second driving unit and third driving unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

Figure 1(a): : Shows perspective view of rubber cot arbours assembly being used in a spinning machine.
Figure 1(b): : Shows perspective view of rubber cot arbours assembly of figure 1 in disassembled form.
Figure 2: : Shows block diagram of a machine for use in pro-cessing of rubber cot arbours assembly in accordance to first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3: : Shows component symmetric diagram of the machine of figure 2.
Figure 4(a): : Shows perspective view of the machine of figure 2.
Figures 4(b)-4(d): : Shows different views of the machine of figure 2.
Figure 5: : Shows block diagram of a machine for use in pro-cessing of rubber cot arbours assembly in accordance to second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6: : Shows component symmetric diagram of the machine of figure 5.
Figure 7(a): : Shows perspective view of the machine of figure 5.
Figures 7(b) -7(d): : Shows different views of the machine of figure 5.
Figure 8: : Shows perspective view of the disc being used in machine of figure 5 and installed with gripping assembly.
Figures 9(a)-9(c): : Shows different views of the disc being used in machine of figures 2 and 5 and installed with holding stations.
Figure 10(a): : Shows perspective view of device suitable for use in machine of figures 2 and 5 for screwing and/or unscrewing operation during processing of finished and unfinished rubber cot arbours.
Figure 10(b): : Shows another view of device of figure 10(a).
Figures 11: : Shows perspective view of the gripping assembly being used in machines of figure 2 and 5.
Figures 12(a) to 12(u): : Shows schematic representation of the working of the device of figure 10(a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Further objective and particular features of the invention are exemplified in the embodiment shown in accompanying drawings and described below.

Meaning of terms:

Rubber cot arbour set: Rubber cot arbour set referred hereinafter means a set of two rubber cot arbours. Out of these two cots one rubber cot arbour is having a smaller diameter than the other rubber cot arbour.
Processing of rubber cot arbours: Processing of rubber cot arbours referred hereinafter includes activities like removal of the cover from the unfinished rubber cot arbour set, putting the cover on finished rubber cot arbour set, providing rubber cot arbour set automatically to buffing machine for buffing operation and automatically taking the buffed rubber cot arbour set from the buffing machine and other similar activities.
Finished rubber cot arbour: Finished rubber cot arbour referred hereinafter includes rubber cot arbours having buffing or similar operation completed.
Unfinished rubber cot arbour: Unfinished rubber cot arbour referred hereinafter includes rubber cot arbours requiring buffing or similar operation to be carried out.

First embodiment of the invention:

Referring to figure 2, block diagram of the machine (M1) for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly in accordance to the first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Mainly the machine (M1) includes first rotary disc (300), second rotary disc (400), a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) and master processing and controlling unit (600).
Referring to figures 1(a) and 1(b), The rubber cot arbours assembly includes at least a set of two rubber cot arbours (2, 3). The rubber cot arbour (2) is having smaller diameter than the rubber cot arbour (3). The rubber cot arbours (2, 3) are accommodated in a housing. The housing includes top cover (4) and bottom cover (5). The top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) of the housing are attached to each other through a fastening means (9). Preferably, the fastening means (9) is an Allen screw.
Referring to figures 2 to 4(d) and 9(a), the first rotary disc (300) is driven rotatably by a driving unit (700). The first rotary disc (300) includes four holding stations (301, 302, 303, 304) for holding the rubber cot arbours. Each of the four holding station are located on the first rotary disc (300) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations. Referring to figure 9(a), each of the four holding station (301, 302, 303, 304) of the first rotary disc includes a jaw (305, 306, 307, 308) to hold the rubber cot arbours. The driving unit (700) includes a servo motor. Typically, the first rotary disc (300) is connected to the driving unit (700) through a shaft.
The second rotary disc (400) is driven rotatably by a driving unit (700a). The driving unit (700a) includes a servo motor. Typically, the second rotary disc (400) is connected to the driving unit (700a) through a shaft. The second rotary disc (400) includes four processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours. Each of the four processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent processing stations. Each processing station (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours (2,3) for screwing and unscrewing purpose. Each processing station (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) further comprises a control unit (207, 207a, 207b, 207c) to control operation of the gripping assembly. Typically, the control unit (207, 207a, 207b, 207c) is electro pneumatic in construction.
Referring to figure 10 (a) and 10 (b), the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means (9) is illustrated. The screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) includes a screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) to screw and unscrew the fastening means (9). The screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) comprises a bit (117, 117a) fixed through ratchet (116, 116a). The screwing and unscrewing unit is driven by a driving unit (114, 114a). The driving unit (114, 114a) is preferably a servo motor (114, 114a). The servomotor (114, 114a) is operatively connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) through a shaft (105, 105a). The shaft (105, 105a) is connected to the ratchet (116, 116a) by means of ratchet adaptor (115, 115a). The screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) ensures required tightening torque for the fastening means (9). Mainly the tightening torque is predetermined based on the dimensions of the fastening means (9). A sliding unit (102, 102a, 103, 103a) is provided in the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a). The sliding unit (102, 102a, 103, 103a) comprises a linear guide (102, 102a) to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit. The screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) is operatively connected to the linear guide (102, 102a) through slider (103, 103a). The slider (103, 103a) is connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) through mounting parts (106, 104, 109, 106a, 104a, 109a) of the slider (103, 103a). The servomotor (114, 114a) is fixed on mounting part (106, 106a) by means of flange (113, 113a). The screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) further includes mounting bracket (101, 101a).
Referring to figure 11, the gripping assembly includes a gripper unit including an upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c). The upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) is configured to hold the top cover (4) and the lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) is configured to hold the bottom cover (5) and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours (2,3). A slider clamping unit (201, 201a, 201b, 201c) is provided in the gripping assembly to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c). The upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit. The gripper assembly further includes a pair of vacuum units (203, 203a, 203b, 203c, 204, 204a, 204b, 204c). The vacuum units (203, 203a, 203b, 203c, 204, 204a, 204b, 204c) are connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit. The vacuum units (203, 203a, 203b, 203c, 204, 204a, 204b, 204c) are configured to control movement of the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c). The vacuum units (203, 203a, 203b, 203c, 204, 204a, 204b, 204c) are also configured for proper gripping of the top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) in the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) respectively. The gripping assembly further includes mounting bracket (202, 202a, 202b, 202c).
The plurality of loading units and unloading units are for loading and unloading of the rubber cot arbours, on and from, the holding stations (301, 302, 303, 304) of first rotary disc and processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) of second rotary disc. Each of the loading unit includes multiple loading magazine (901, 902, 904) and unloading unit includes multiple unloading magazine (900, 903, 905). Each of the loading and unloading unit includes robotic loading/unloading arm (500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 550) for loading and unloading of the rubber cot arbours. For providing vertical and horizontal movements of the robotic arms, horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (502, 512, 522, 532, 542, 552) and vertical electric driven axis units (503, 513, 523, 533, 543, 553) are provided in the loading and unloading units. The horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (502, 512, 522, 532, 542, 552) and vertical electric driven axis units (503, 513, 523, 533, 543, 553) are driven by servo drive (504, 514, 524, 534, 545, 554). The horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (502, 512, 522, 532, 542, 552), vertical electric driven axis units (503, 513, 523, 533, 543, 553) and servo drive (504, 514, 524, 534, 545, 554) are controlled by electro-pneumatic controller (501, 511, 521, 531, 541, 551). The driving unit (700) of first rotary disc is connected to the servo drive (504) and driving unit (700a) of second rotary disc is connected to the servo drive (534).
The master processing and controlling unit (600) is operatively connected to the driving unit (700), driving unit (700a), processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (100, 100a), servo drive (504, 514, 524, 534, 545, 554) and electro-pneumatic controller (501, 511, 521, 531, 541, 551) for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units. The master processing and controlling unit (600) includes at least one processor. The tightening torque for the fastening means (9) can be controlled/changed through the master processing and controlling unit (600).The master processing and controlling unit (600) may include various sensors or like to sense and respond to various activities relating to operation of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) and gripping assembly.
The mounting assembly (800) accommodates the rotary disc (300), rotary disc (400), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (100, 100a), driving unit (700) and driving unit (700a). Typically, the mounting assembly includes a mounting table. The rotary discs (300, 400) are mounted on top region (800a) of the mounting table and drive units (700, 700a) are placed in bottom region (800b) of the mounting table. Referring to figures 12(a) to 12(u), detailed working of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) is illustrated.

i. Upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) move upward and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) move downward. Placing rubber cot arbour set (2, 3) having cover (4, 5) fitted on it, on the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(a)-12(c) ]
ii. Unscrewing, by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) set in unscrewing mode, the fastening screw (9) to separate rubber cot arbour set (2, 3) of from the cover (4, 5). After unscrewing, the cover held partially by the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and partially by the lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c). [ Figures 12(d)-12(h) ]
iii. Removing unfinished rubber cot arbours (2, 3) from separated rubber cot arbour set for further process i.e. buffing. [ Figures 12(i)-12(j) ]
iv. Upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) move upward and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) move downward. Placing the finished rubber cot arbour set on the lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) of the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(k)- 12(m)]
v. Fixing the cover (4, 5) on the rubber cot arbour using fastening screw (9). The screwing done by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) set in screwing mode. [ Figures 12(n)- 12(r)]
vi. Upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) move upward and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) move downward. Removing rubber cot arbour set (2, 3), having cover (4, 5) fitted on it, from the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(s)-12(u) ].

Working of the machine (M1) of present invention:

The operation of the proposed machine is carried out in the following manner (Figure 4(b)):

i. Placing rubber cot arbour set (2, 3), having cover fitted on it, on one of the station (303) of the first rotary disc (300).
ii. Setting one of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100) in unscrewing mode and other (100a) in screwing mode.
iii. Placing the station (303) of step (i) between upper and lower jaws (205c, 206c) of gripper unit of one of the station (201c) of second rotary disc (400).
iv. Unscrewing, by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100) set in unscrewing mode, the fastening screw to separate rubber cot arbour set (2, 3) of step (i) from the cover. After unscrewing the cover held partially by the upper jaw and partially by the lower jaw.
v. Unloading and sending the separated rubber cot arbour set of step (iv) for further finishing process i.e. buffing. Due to sending the station holding the separated rubber cot arbour gets empty and ready for collecting next to be processed rubber cot arbour set having cover fitted on it.
vi. Placing the finished rubber cot arbour set on the lower jaw of one of the station (201, 201a) of the second rotary disc (400).
vii. Fixing the cover of step (iv) on the rubber cot arbour set of step (vi) using fastening screw. The fixing is done by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (100a) set in screwing mode.
viii. Unloading, by unloading unit, of the covered rubber cot arbours set of step (vii) for further use.
ix. Repeating steps (i) to (viii) for next rubber finished and unfinished cot arbours.

Second embodiment of the invention:

Referring to figure 5, block diagram of the machine (M2) for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly in accordance to the second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Mainly the machine (M2) includes first rotary disc (3000), second rotary disc (4000), third rotary disc (3000a), a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) and master processing and controlling unit (6000).
Referring to figures 5 to 7(d), 8 and 9(a), the first rotary disc (3000) is driven rotatably by a driving unit (7000). The first rotary disc (3000) includes four holding stations (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) for holding the rubber cot arbours. Each of the four holding station are located on the first rotary disc (3000) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations. Referring to figure 9(a), each of the four holding station (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) of the first rotary disc includes a jaw (3005, 3006, 3007, 3008) to hold the rubber cot arbours. The driving unit (7000) includes a servo motor. Typically, the first rotary disc (3000) is connected to the driving unit (7000) through a shaft.
The second rotary disc (4000) is driven rotatably by a driving unit (7000b). The driving unit (7000b) includes a servo motor. Typically, the second rotary disc (4000) is connected to the driving unit (7000b) through a shaft. The second rotary disc (4000) includes two processing stations (2000, 2000a) for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours. Each of the two processing stations (2000, 2000a) located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 180° apart from adjacent processing station. Each processing station (2000, 2000a) comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours (2, 3) for screwing and unscrewing purpose. Each processing station (2000, 2000a) further comprises a control unit (2007, 2007a) to control operation of the gripping assembly. Typically, the control unit (2007, 2007a) is electro pneumatic in construction.
The third rotary disc (3000a) is driven rotatably by a driving unit (7000a). The third rotary disc (3000a) includes four holding stations (3001a, 3002a,3003a,3004a) for holding the rubber cot arbours. Each of the four holding station are located on the third rotary disc (3000a) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations. Referring to figure 9(a), each of the four holding station (3001a, 3002a, 3003a, 3004a) of the third rotary disc includes a jaw (3005a, 3006a, 3007a, 3008a) to hold the rubber cot arbours. The driving unit (7000a) includes a servo motor. Typically, the third rotary disc (3000a) is connected to the driving unit (7000a) through a shaft.
Referring to figure 10 (a) and 10 (b), the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means (9) is illustrated. The screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) includes a screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) to screw and unscrew the fastening means (9). The screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) comprises a bit (1170, 1170a) fixed through ratchet (1160, 1160a). The screwing and unscrewing unit is driven by a driving unit (1140, 1140a). The driving unit (1140, 1140a) is preferably a servo motor (1140, 1140a). The servomotor (1140, 1140a) is operatively connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) through a shaft (1050, 1050a). The shaft (1050, 1050a) is connected to the ratchet (1160, 1160a) by means of ratchet adaptor (1150, 1150a). The screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) ensures required tightening torque for the fastening means (9). Mainly the tightening torque is predetermined based on the dimensions of the fastening means (9). A sliding unit (1020, 1020a, 1030, 1030a) is provided in the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a). The sliding unit (1020, 1020a, 1030, 1030a) comprises a linear guide (1020, 1020a) to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit. The screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) is operatively connected to the linear guide (1020, 1020a) through slider (1030,1030a). The slider (1030, 1030a) is connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) through mounting parts (1060, 1040, 1090, 1060a, 1040a, 1090a) of the slider (1030, 1030a). The servomotor (1140, 1140a) is fixed on mounting part (1060, 1060a) by means of flange (1130, 1130a). The screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) further includes mounting bracket (1010, 1010a).
Referring to figure 11, the gripping assembly includes a gripper unit including an upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a). The upper jaw (2050, 2050a) is configured to hold the top cover (4) and the lower jaw (2060, 2060a) is configured to hold the bottom cover (5) and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours (2,3). A slider clamping unit (2010, 2010a) is provided in the gripping assembly to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a). The upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit. The gripper assembly further includes a pair of vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a). The vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a) are connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit. The vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a) are configured to control movement of the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a). The vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a) are also configured for proper gripping of the top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) in the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) respectively. The gripping assembly further includes mounting bracket (2020, 2020a).
The plurality of loading unit and unloading units are for loading and unloading of the rubber cot arbours, on and from, the holding stations (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) of first rotary disc, processing stations (2000,2000a) of second rotary disc and the holding stations (3001a, 3002a, 3003a, 3004a) of third rotary disc. Each of the loading units includes multiple loading magazine (9001, 9002, 9003) and unloading unit includes multiple unloading magazine (9000, 9004, 9005). Each of the loading and unloading unit includes robotic loading/unloading arm (5000, 5100, 5200, 5300, 5400, 5500) for loading and unloading of the rubber cot arbours. For providing vertical and horizontal movements of the robotic arms, horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (5002, 5102, 5202, 5302, 5402, 5502) and vertical electric driven axis units (5003, 5103, 5203, 5303, 5403, 5503) are provided in the loading and unloading units. The horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (5002, 5102, 5202, 5302, 5402, 5502) and vertical electric driven axis units (5003, 5103, 5203, 5303, 5403, 5503) are driven by servo drive (5004, 5104, 5204, 5304, 5404,5504). The horizontal pneumatic driven axis units (5002, 5102, 5202, 5302, 5402, 5502), vertical electric driven axis units (5003, 5103, 5203, 5303, 5403, 5503) and servo drive (5004, 5104, 5204, 5304, 5404, 5504) are controlled by electro-pneumatic controller (5001, 5101, 5201, 5301, 5401, 5501). The driving unit (7000) of first rotary disc is connected to the servo drive (5004) and driving unit (7000b) of third rotary disc is connected to the servo drive (5304).
The master processing and controlling unit (6000) is operatively connected to the driving unit (7000), driving unit (7000a), driving unit (7000b), processing stations (2000, 2000a), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (1000, 1000a), servo drive (5004, 5104, 5204, 5304, 5404, 5504) and electro-pneumatic controller (5001, 5101, 5201, 5301, 5401, 5501) for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, and unloading units. The master processing and controlling unit (6000) includes at least one processor. The tightening torque for the fastening means (9) can be controlled/changed through the master processing and controlling unit (6000). The master processing and controlling unit (6000) may include various sensors or like to sense and respond to various activities relating to operation of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) and gripping assembly.
The mounting assembly (8000) accommodates the rotary disc (3000), rotary disc (4000), rotary disc (3000a), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (1000, 1000a), driving unit (7000), driving unit (7000a) and driving unit (7000b). Typically, the mounting assembly includes a mounting table. The rotary discs (3000, 3000a, 4000) are mounted on top region (8000a) of the mounting table and drive units (7000, 7000a, 7000b) are placed in bottom region (8000b) of the mounting table.
Referring to figures 12(a) to 12(u), detailed working of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) is illustrated.

i. Upper jaw (2050, 2050a) move upward and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) move downward. Placing rubber cot arbour set (2, 3) having cover (4, 5) fitted on it, on the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(a)-12(c) ]
ii. Unscrewing, by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) set in unscrewing mode, the fastening screw (9) to separate rubber cot arbour set (2, 3) of from the cover (4, 5). After unscrewing, the cover held partially by the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and partially by the lower jaw (2060, 2060a). [ Figures 12(d)-12(h) ]
iii. Removing unfinished rubber cot arbours (2, 3) from separated rubber cot arbour set for further process i.e. buffing. [ Figures 12(i)-12(j) ]
iv. Upper jaw (2050, 2050a) move upward and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) move downward. Placing the finished rubber cot arbour set on the lower jaw (2060, 2060a) of the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(k)-12(m) ]
v. Fixing the cover (4, 5) on the rubber cot arbour using fastening screw (9). The screwing done by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) set in screwing mode. [ Figures 12(n)- 12(r)]
vi. Upper jaw (2050, 2050a) move upward and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) move downward. Removing rubber cot arbour set (2, 3), having cover (4, 5) fitted on it, from the gripping assembly. [ Figures 12(s)-12(u) ].

Working of the machine (M2) of present invention:

The operation of the proposed machine is carried out in the following manner (Figure 7):

i. Placing rubber cot arbour set, having cover fitted on it, on one of the station (3004) of the first rotary disc (3000).
ii. Setting one of the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000a) in screwing mode and other (1000) in unscrewing mode.
iii. Placing the station (3004) of step (i) between upper and lower jaws of gripper unit of one of the station (2000) of second rotary disc (4000).
iv. Unscrewing, by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000) set in unscrewing mode, the fastening screw to separate rubber cot arbour set of step (i) from the cover. After unscrewing the cover held partially by the upper jaw and partially by the lower jaw.
v. Unloading and sending the separated rubber cot arbour set of step (iv) for further finishing process i.e. buffing. Due to sending, the station holding the separated rubber cot arbour gets empty and ready for collecting next to be processed rubber cot arbour set having cover fitted on it.
vi. Rotate the second rotary disc (4000) by 180° and thereby the gripper unit of the station (2000a) having cover attached partially by the upper jaw and partially by the lower jaw get rotated by 180°. Due to rotation, station (2000) of the second rotary disc (4000) becomes available for next operation of unscrewing of cover as stated in steps (iii) and (iv) above.
vii. Placing the buffed rubber cot arbour set in between the lower jaw and upper jaw by one of the holding station (3002a) of the third rotary disc (3000a) in the station (2000a) of the second rotary disc (4000).
viii. Fixing the cover of step (iv) on the rubber cot arbour set of step (vii) using fastening screw. The fixing is done by the screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000a) set in screwing mode.
ix. Unloading, by unloading unit, of the covered rubber cot arbours set of step (viii) for further use.
x. Repeating steps (i) to (viii) for next finished and unfinished rubber cot arbours.

Claims

A machine (M1) for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly, the rubber cot arbours assembly (1) includes at least a set of two rubber cot arbours (2, 3) namely a first rubber cot arbour (2) and a second rubber cot arbour (3), the first rubber cot arbour (2) having smaller diameter than the second rubber cot arbour (3), the first and second rubber cot arbours (2,3) being accommodated in a housing including a top cover (4) and a bottom cover (5), the top cover (4) and the bottom cover (5) of the housing being attached to each other through a fastening means (9), the machine (M1) comprising:
a first rotary disc (300) being driven rotatably by a first driving unit (700), the first rotary disc (300) includes four holding stations (301, 302, 303, 304) for holding the rubber cot arbours assemblies, each of the four holding station located on the first rotary disc (300) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;

a second rotary disc (400) being driven rotatably by a second driving unit (700a), the second rotary disc (400) includes four processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours (2, 3), each of the four processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent processing stations, each processing station (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours assembly for screwing and unscrewing purpose, the gripping assembly comprises:
- a gripper unit including an upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c), the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) being configured to hold the top cover (4) and the lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) being configured to hold the bottom cover (5) and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours (2,3),

- a slider clamping unit (201, 201a, 201b, 201c) to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c), the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit,

- a pair of vacuum units (203, 203a, 203b, 203c, 204, 204a,204b, 204c) being connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit, the vacuum units (203, 203a,203b, 203c, 204, 204a, 204b, 204c) being configured to control movement of the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) and proper gripping of the top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) in the upper jaw (205, 205a, 205b, 205c) and lower jaw (206, 206a, 206b, 206c) respectively;

a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly (100, 100a) for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means, each of the screwing and unscrewing assembly comprises:
- a screwing and unscrewing unit (115, 116, 117, 115a, 116a, 117a) to screw and unscrew the fastening means,

- a driving unit (114, 114a) being connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit to operate the screwing and unscrewing unit,

- a sliding unit (102, 103, 102a, 103a) comprising a linear guide (102, 102a) to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit;

a plurality of loading units and unloading units for loading and unloading unprocessed rubber cot arbours assemblies and finished rubber cot arbour sets and unloading processed rubber cot arbours assemblies and unfinished rubber cot arbour sets, on and from, the holding stations (301, 302, 303, 304) of the first rotary disc and the processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) of the second rotary disc; a master processing and controlling unit (600) being connected to the first driving unit (700), second driving unit (700a), processing stations (200, 200a, 200b, 200c), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (100, 100a), loading units, unloading units for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units; and

a mounting assembly (800) to accommodate the first rotary disc (300), second rotary disc (400) and screwing and unscrewing assemblies (100, 100a), first driving unit (700), and second driving unit (700a).
The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the four holding station (301, 302, 303, 304) of the first rotary disc includes a jaw (305, 306, 307, 308) to hold the rubber cot arbours.
The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the driving unit of the screwing and unscrewing assembly includes a servo motor (114, 114a).
The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein each processing station (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) of the second rotary disc comprises a control unit (207, 207a, 207b, 207c) to control operation of the gripping assembly.
The machine as claimed in claim 4 wherein the control unit (207, 207a, 207b, 207c) is electro pneumatic in construction.
The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the master processing and controlling unit (600) includes at least one processor.
The machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the master processing and controlling unit (600) controls the tightening torque for the fastening means (9).
A machine (M2) for use in processing of a rubber cot arbours assembly, the rubber cot arbours assembly (1) includes at least a set of two rubber cot arbours (2, 3) namely a first rubber cot arbour (2) and a second rubber cot arbour (3), the first rubber cot arbour (2) having smaller diameter than the second rubber cot arbour (3), the first and second rubber cot arbours (2, 3) being accommodated in a housing including a top cover (4) and a bottom cover (5), the top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) of the housing being attached to each other through a fastening means (9), the machine (M2) comprising:
a first rotary disc (3000) being driven rotatably by a first driving unit (7000), the first rotary disc (3000) includes four holding stations (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) for holding the rubber cot arbours assemblies, each of the four holding station located on the first rotary disc (3000) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;

a second rotary disc (4000) being driven rotatably by a second driving unit (7000b), the second rotary disc (4000) includes two processing stations (2000, 2000a) for enabling the processing of rubber cot arbours (2, 3), each of the two processing stations (2000, 2000a) located on the second rotary disc at an angle of 180° apart from adjacent processing stations, each processing station (2000, 2000a) comprises a gripping assembly to hold the rubber cot arbours assembly for screwing and unscrewing purpose, the gripping assembly comprises:
- a gripper unit including an upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a), the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) being configured to hold the top cover (4) and the lower jaw (2060, 2060a) being configured to hold the bottom cover (5) and thereby to accommodate the rubber cot arbours (2, 3),

- a slider clamping unit (2010, 2010a) to enable vertical sliding movement of the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a), the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) of the gripper unit are connected to the slider clamping unit,

- a pair of vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a) being connected to the gripper unit and slider clamping unit, the vacuum units (2030, 2030a, 2040, 2040a) configured to control movement of the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) and proper gripping of the top cover (4) and bottom cover (5) in the upper jaw (2050, 2050a) and lower jaw (2060, 2060a) respectively;

a third rotary disc (3000a) being driven rotatably by a third driving unit (7000a), the third rotary disc (3000a) includes four holding stations (3001a, 3002a, 3003a, 3004a) for holding the rubber cot arbours, each of the four holding station located on the third rotary disc (3000a) at an angle of 90° apart from adjacent holding stations;

a pair of screwing and unscrewing assembly (1000, 1000a) for screwing and unscrewing of the fastening means, each of the screwing and unscrewing assembly comprises:
- a screwing and unscrewing unit (1150, 1160, 1170, 1150a, 1160a, 1170a) to screw and unscrew the fastening means,

- a driving unit (1140, 1140a) being connected to the screwing and unscrewing unit to operate the screwing and unscrewing unit,

- a sliding unit (1020, 1030, 1020a, 1030a) comprising a linear guide (1020, 1020a) to enable vertical movement of the screwing and unscrewing unit;

a plurality of loading units (9001, 9002, 9003) and unloading units (9000, 9004, 9005) for loading and unloading unprocessed rubber cot arbours assemblies and finished rubber cot arbour sets and unloading processed rubber cot arbours assemblies and unfinished rubber cot arbour sets, on and from, the holding stations (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) of the first rotary disc, holding stations (3001a, 3002a, 3003a, 3004a) of the third rotary disc (3000a) and processing stations (2000, 2000a) of the second rotary disc;

a master processing and controlling unit (6000) being connected to the first driving unit (7000), second driving unit (7000b), third driving unit (7000a), processing stations (2000, 2000a), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (1000, 1000a), loading units (9001, 9002, 9003), unloading units (9000, 9004, 9005) for controlling operations of the first driving unit, second driving unit, third driving unit, processing stations, screwing and unscrewing assemblies, loading units, unloading units; and

a mounting assembly (8000) to accommodate the first rotary disc (3000), second rotary disc (4000), third rotary disc (3000a), screwing and unscrewing assemblies (1000, 1000a), first driving unit (7000), second driving unit (7000b) and third driving unit (7000a).
The machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein each of the four holding station (3001, 3002, 3003, 3004) of the first rotary disc includes a jaw (3005, 3006, 3007, 3008) to hold the rubber cot arbours.
The machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein each of the four holding station (3001a, 3002a, 3003a, 3004a) of the third rotary disc includes a jaw (3005a, 3006a, 3007a, 3008a) to hold the rubber cot arbours.
The machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein the driving unit of the screwing and unscrewing assembly includes a servo motor (1140, 1140a).
The machine as claimed in claim 8 wherein each processing station (2000, 2000a) of the second rotary disc comprises a control unit (2007, 2007a) to control operation of the gripping assembly.
The machine as claimed in claim 12 wherein the control unit (2007, 2007a) is electro pneumatic in construction.
The machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the master processing and controlling unit (6000) includes at least one processor.
The machine as claimed in claim 11 wherein the master processing and controlling unit (6000) controls the tightening torque for the fastening means (9).