US3374617A

US3374617A - Vehicle for doffing and collecting bobbins from a spinning frame

Info

Publication number: US3374617A
Application number: US531869A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Morris M Bryan
Original assignee: Jefferson Mills Inc
Current assignee: Jefferson Mills Inc
Priority date: 1966-03-04
Filing date: 1966-03-04
Publication date: 1968-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 1985-03-26

Description

March 26, 1968 M. M. BRYAN, JR 3,374,617

VEHICLE Foa DoFFING AND COLLECTING BoBINs FROM A SPINNING FRAME Filed March 4, 1966 United States Patent O 3,374,617 VEHICLE FGR DGFFING AND COLLEC'HNG BOBBINS FROM A SPINNING FRAME Morris M. Bryan, Jr., Jefferson, Ga., assignor to The Jefferson Milis, Jefferson, Ga., a corporation of Georgia Filed lv/Iar. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 531,869 i Claims. (Cl. 57-53) i ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed herein is an apparatus for dolring and collecting bobbins from a spinning frame which includes a movable inclined plane having an edge that engages the lower edges of the bobbins so as to move each bobbin upwardly as the bobbin slides along the edge ybetween a lower portion and an upper portion by that vertical motion required to disengage the bobbin from a spindle and which includes a bin simultaneously movable with and relative to the inclined plane. The motion of the bin relative to the inclined plane serves to distribute bobbins along the length of the hin even as the bin moves with the inclined plane along a spinning frame.

The present invention relates to a vehicle for dofling and collecting filled yarn bobbins from a spinning frame.

Spinning frames are conventionally used in spinning a plurality of rovings into a corresponding equal number of yarns, each frame usually being capable of simultaneous spinning of 100 or more yarns. As the yarns are spun they are Wound on corresponding individual bohhins mounted along one of the sides of the frames. The bobbins provide convenient packages whereby the yarns may be easily transported and fed to subsequent operations such as the weaving of fabrics.

As the bobbins on a spinning frame become filled with yarn they must be removed or doffed from the frame and replaced by empty bobbins. Normally, a spinning frame is operated so that all of the bobbins on the frame at any one time become filled with yarn at the same time. As a result, complete removal and replacement of the yarn filled bobbins may be accomplished at one time rather than on a piece-meal basis.

Heretofore, it has been usual practice for the individual operating each spinning frame to remove the bobbins from the frame by hand. Due to the relatively large number of bobbins removed, the operator normally has a relatively large collecting bin mounted on wheels or casters into which the yarn-filled bobbins are randomly dropped as they are removed. As is apparent, the removal or dong of the bobbins from the spinning frame in this manner is not only tedious and time consuming but the random dispersion of the bobbins in the bin creates problems in subsequent removal of the bobbins from the bin at the next operation.

By way of the present invention there is provided a bobbin doing and collecting vehicle which Will not only remove the yarn-filled bobbins from the spindles of the spinning frame but will also deposit the bobbins in a relatively orderly manner in a collection bin forming a part of the vehicle. As a result, the operator need only provide locomotion and guidance for movement of the vehicle along the row of bobbins to be doffed from the spinning frame. T-he invention provides advantages in that the removal of the yarn-filled bobbins from the spinning frame may be accomplished at a faster rate, more bobbins per unit volume of the collection bin may be collected due to the orderly deposition of the bobbins in 3,374,617 Patented Mar. 26, 1968 the bin, and the removal of the bobbins from the collection bin at a subsequent operation is more readily accomplished. l

These and other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following discussion and the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a side elevational view illustrating the bobbin doing and collecting vehicle of the present invention.`

FIG. 2 is a top view of the bobbin doliing and collecting vehicle shown in FIG. l.

. FIG. 3 is a end view of the bobbin doing and collecting vehicle as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view in partial section of the manner in which the half gears used to impart reciprocating m0- tion to the collection bin are integrally mounted on a common axis.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative manner in which the half gears may be mounted on the vehicle for providing a reciprocating motion to the collection bin.

Briefly described, the bobbin dolling and collecting vehicle of the present invention comprises a supporting platform mounted for movement on wheels or casters, a bobbin doing or removing means secured to and extending upward of one side of the supporting platform, a collection hin movably mounted on the supporting platform for reciprocation with respect to the platform, and drive means connected between the wheels of the supporting platform and the collection bin whereby continued movement of the supporting platform in a single direction imparts a corresponding relative reciprocating motion to the collection bin.

Referring first to FIG. l, a side view of the bobbin dofling and collecting vehicle is illustrated. There is provided a supporting platform 11 having a plurality of wheels 15 mounted on its underside. The wheels are preferably mounted in groups of three as best seen in FIG. 3, there being one group positioned at each of the end portions of the platform and a third group positioned approximately mid-way between the ends of the platform. The third group of Wheels provides the driving force for reciprocating the collection bin of the vehicle as will he explained in further detail later in the description.

The Wheels of each group are iixedly mounted on an axle or shaft 13 which is preferably journaled in a series of axle supports 14 conveniently spaced on the underside of the supporting platform. In this manner, both the wheels 15 and the corresponding axle 13 rotate in the axle supports 14 as the supporting platform is moved across a floor or other substrate.

The axle 13 of the group of wheels mounted mid-way of the supporting platform is of somewhat greater length than the other axles and extends outward from underneath and beyond one of the longitudinal edges of the supporting platform. A main driving gear 31 is lixedly secured to the end of this axle and serves to engage and drive two systems of gears which provide reciprocating motion to the collection bin.

It should be understood that the groups of wheels 15 mounted at either end of the supporting platform may have different mountings than that previously described. F or example, rather than being fixed to the axle they may be bearing mounted and independently rotatable. Furthermore, they may be altogether independently mounted and may even be pivotal to allow for easier turning movement of the platform.

Also .along one of the longitudinal edges of the supporting platform and fixedly secured thereto are two vertical supporting

members

41 and 42. These supports are in spaced apart relationship on either side of the mid-point of the supporting platform. A horizontal supsupports. On the upper side of the horizontal support is secured an angular extension member 44 which extends outward from the side of the vehicle as detined by the supporting platform .and the various supports 41, 42 and 43. At the outer end of the extension member 44 is mounted an inclined plane 45 and a guide arm 47 both of which cooperate to doti the successive yarnlled bobbins from the spindles of the spinning frame and direct them to the collection bin of the Vehicle, all of which may best be understood by reference to FIGS. l and 2 wherein a plurality of yarn-filled bobbins are indicated by phantom lines in the manner in which they are Ipositioned on the spinning frame with their lower edges in sequence along a substantially horizontal line of referenoe. As illustrated', the leading edge of the inclined plane 45 is positioned in such a manner as to pass along' the line of reference and under the lower side edge of each bobbin .as the Vsupporting platform 11 is moved ahead adjacent the spindles and along a line of motion substantially parallel to the line of reference. Further lmovement of the plane 45 imparts suicient vertical motion to a bobbin as the bobbin slides along a length of the plane 45 between a lower portion and an upper portion vto cause the bobbin to slide up and oi the top of the spindle on the spinning -frame. VWhile this movement is taking place the guide arm 47, which is mounted n the rear of the inclined plane, engages the .side of the bobbin and directs it toward the collecting bin. A trough 46, aixed to the inclined plane, completes the bobbin doiiing lmeans. The trough Iserves to direct the dotted bobbins into the collection bin. v

As is apparent ,the extension member 44 must be of suflicient length to place the bobbin dofling means in a position to engage the undersides of the individual bobbins .as the vehicle of the present invention passes alongside of the spinning frame.

A collection bin 20 is positioned for independent longitudinal movement on the upper surface ofthe supporting platform 1=1. The bin comprises a generally rectangular box' having a width which is preferably substantially the same as the length of the individual 'bobbins although wider dimensions may `be employed. The volume of the bin shouldrbe at least suiicint' to accommodate lall of the bobbins which would -be removed and vcollected at one time from the spinning frame.

On the underside o f the -bin 20, preferably near the corners thereof, a plurality of Vwheels or casters 21 are mounted by means of .supports 22. The wheels 21 of the collection lbin ride in corresponding longitudinal runways 16 formed into the upper surface of the supporting platform 11. In -this manner, the collection `bin 20 is guided throughout its reciprocatory movement.

Secured to an upper longitudinal edge of the collectionl bin is .an elongated gear rack 23. Between the gear rack and the main driving gear 311, previously described, are two vrsystems of gears which lprovide the collection bin with reciproatory 'movement lOne system periodically moves the collection bin in one direction relative to the supporting platform while the other system provides the opposite .periodic movement.`

The two systems of gears may -best 'be described with reference lto FIGS. 1 and 3. One system inludes driving gear l31, intermediate gear 32, transfer gear 34 and hal-f gear 36. VThe second system includes driving gear 31., supplementary driving gear 31', intermediate gear `33, transfer gearv 35 vand-half gear '37. hAs is apparent, the systems include identical corresponding gearswith the exception yof the additional supplementary ydriving gear 31 included in the second system. The addition of vthis gear allows the

corresponding half gears

36 and 37 to rotate in opposite directions. By positioning the teeth portions of the half gears 180 outof-phase with respect` to each other, rbest seen in FIG. 2, only one gear system will be in engagement -With ythe gear rack at .any one time. As a result while half Vgear 36 of the, first system engages the gear rack the collection bin 20 is propelled in one direction. This movement stops when the toothless portion of half gear 36 rotates into an adjacent position with the gear rack. However, at the same time that half gear 36 disengages the gear racl the teeth of the oppositely rotating half-gear 37 move into engagement with the gear rack Vthus propelling the collection bin 20 in an opposite dirooiioii with rooprof, to tito ,Supporting platform than ilo previous movement caused by the lirst gear system.

The half gears 36 and 37 and gear rack 23 are .preferably of such construction and dimensions that the collection bin may be reciprocated with suicient amplitude to alternately position its opposite .ends beneath the trough 46 of the bobbid dolrig moans.-

The precise embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 Vproyidoo that both gear Systems be Subsidotidlly .Suporiiilposod .on odoli other So'fhat half gears 36 ddd 37 dro rotatably mounted `on the same axisf'lhe specifi@ mnner of tlio iiiiifoxigl mounting of half gears 36 grido-i7 ,and their corresponding Atransfer gears 3 4 and 35 Yisshown irl FIQ.- fl- Gears ,3.4 arid Y315 die .fiXodly inoiliitod onn tho ends of shaft 3S. Intermediate of the gears 34 and is a concentric hub 39 independently rotatablyindnnted oil Shaft 38.- Sooilrod to ,the opnoito orids of tho hob .aro gears 35 `and 37. v u M y Both gear systems oro mooiilod on a fixed godi rapport 12, shown in FIIG, 3, which is secured to the longitudinal edge of the supporting platform immediately above the main driving gear 31.

Ali alternative embodiment of the Present intention iS shown in IFILG. 5 which provides that both gear systems be substantially separated from ,each other. vThisis generally .indicated by the `Shaded apart relationship of .hlf gears 36 arid 37"- Of Course., this arrangement may igoossitaio on oxioiidod goor rook 2,3" .in ordor that adoqiigte ,amplitude of rooiorooatioii 'bo oliiaiiiod for rho .Collection .-biii- .Tliiis having 4rlescrilrid the Structure of tho hobbiii doiing vcollecting vehicle and the individual functions of its component parts ,the Voverall coordinatedoperatioiial featores vof the present invention are pointed out ito indioaio ,tho .adi/artigos obtaiiiod Whoo die ydliigld is aladod 111 use.

` The ibobliins .on .a .Sgiiioiiig .frame aro molmlod oli spindles .iii a long oogtioiioiio .-.row'goriorally inldiogidby the Phantom lirios ,in ,F.IGS. l .and 2 and Whioh placs thoir'lowr @rigor iii gggiiorioo along d .Substantially horizon'- tal line of reference. vWhen these bobbins become yiilled with yard arid .it ,iS .desired .to roiiioyo .or doti their from tho from@ the bolzliiri doliiiig ,arid .oollootiiig ygliiol'o of ilio protoni invention ,is rigged t the 'lidad of die .row by rho operator 'The ygliidlo ,is oriented .So .dial dio ,frodi of die iiioliiiod olado .mggilior .faces ,dor/,r1 .tho ,row .of yarri llod Dobbins .and .is iii lido with .their ioworoiitorgdgos Preferably, the .o ollootioii 'bili .on the ygliiolo iS iii ii 'position at oiilidr odierno ond of the .,oollodtioii bin will lio ,lodged immediately rliogootli tho .trough 4o .and ,a ,ooiiirloio tirs! layor of bobbiiis may their be deposited idro .dio b iii,

"The operator 'begins tho operation 4by Pddiiilg .the Yohicle along aline f motion adjacent the spindles and the row oi bobbiiisvwlioroiirori .d lowor .Portioii of the olinod plano member 45 engager tho 'lowor odgds of tlir` Bobbinis arid motion `of the ld'wr odge.s .dloiig'ilio olado member V45 between the lower lportion and :an 'uppery Portion jlif.ts rho '.lzohbiro ol'tlio ,Sgiiidloo- .This Procedure is indicated in B1G. 1 wherein the b obbins are .shown being raised "by the inclinedplane Asthe bobbins are Withdrawn fiori.i the .Spindlos'tho guido arm 47 oogagos rho Sides o f the Yliobrliiiis arid tilts them toward the trioiigli side of A`the inclined plane member. This vis most easily understood by reference to FIG. 2 When the bobbins have completely disengaged their spindles they Ifai); into the trough and are guided to the vcollection bin by the guiding means provided by the guide arm 47 and trough 46. In the bobbin collecting means provided by the collection bin, the bobbins are deposited in a somewhat orderly arrangement in the bottom of the bin.

At the same time that the bobbins are being withdrawn from the Spinning frame the movement of the supporting platform causes the interconnected series of gears to rotate and impart relative movement to the collection bin. The gears are so designed that the incremental movement of the supporting platform during the withdrawal of adjacent bobbins produces a corresponding incremental movement in the collecting bin which is approximately equal to the width of a bobbin. ln this manner, it is possible to deposit the -bobbins in side-by-side relationship during the movement of the supporting platform along the spinning frame. Upon reaching the end of a deposited row of bobbins, the relative movement of the collection bin is reversed by the interconnected series of gears. Continued movement of the supporting platform 11 produces continued relative movement in the collection bin to thereby deposit a second layer of bobbins over the first layer. Since the relative movement of the collection -bin has been reversed, the second layer of bobbins is deposited in an opposite direction to which the iirst layer was deposited.

As the vehicle continues to move down the line of bobbins on a spinning frame the collection bin reciprocates relative to the supporting platform whereby successive layers of bobbins may be deposited with the bin. Any misalignment of the bobbins as they are deposited into the collection bin may be easily remedied Iby the operator as he moves the vehicle along the spinning frame.

Thus, having described the present invention it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and therefore it is intended that the present invention be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In an apparatus for doing a plurality of bobbins from spindles on which the bobbins are positioned so that their lower edges are in sequence along a substantially horizontal line of reference and so that a vertical motion of each bobbin relative to the line of reference causes the bobbin to be dis-engaged from a spindle; a platform movable along a line of motion substantially parallel to said line of reference and adjacent said plurality of bobbins; a bobbin removing means for removing bobbins from said plurality of spindles, said bobbin removing means having an inclined edge which is positioned to pass along said line of reference and to engage a lower edge of a bobbin with a lower portion when said platform is moved along said line of motion and which is of Sufficient length between said lower portion and an upper portion to irnpart Said vertical motion to a bobbin as said inclined edge passes along said line of reference; bobbin collecting means for collecting bobbins, said lbobbin collecting means being positioned on and movable with said platform and being independently movable on and relative to said platform in response to motion of said platform along said line of motion; and bobbin guiding means for guiding a 'bobbin removed from a spindle by said bobbin removing means into said bobbin collecting means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 including reciprocating means for imparting a reciprocating motion to said bobbin collecting means in response to said motion of said platform along said line of motion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which Said bobbin guiding means comprises a guide bar positioned to deflect a bobbin toward said bobbin collecting means subsequent to said vertical motion and a trough positioned to support said bobbin between said bobbin removing means and said bobbin collecting means.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the bobbin collecting means comprises a bin mounted on Wheels and in which the upper surface of the platform is provided with grooves for guiding the movement of the wheels of the bin.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the reciprocating means comprises a gear rack secured along one side of the bin, a first System of gears adapted to engage the gear rack and provide movement to the bin in a rst direction relative to the platform, a second system of lgears adapted to engage the gear rack and provide movement to the bin in a second direction opposite to said first direction, and means to drive both first and second gear systems.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the means to drive both lirst and second gear Systems comprises a single gear which simultaneously engages both said gear systems and is driven by at least one wheel upon which the platform is mounted.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the means to drive both first and second gear Systems comprises separate gears each of which is in turn driven by at least one wheel upon which the platform is mounted.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 in which the first and second gear systems both include half gears for engaging the gear rack on the bin, the half gear of the first gear System being out-of-phase with the half gear of the second gear system.

9. The apparatus of claim y8 in which the bobbin guiding means is located substantially mid-way along the side of the platform and the rst and second gear systems are substantially superimposed on each other and are also fiXedly located approximately midway along the side of the platform.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 in which the bobbin guiding means is located substantially mid-way along the side of the platform and the first and second gear Systems are substantially separated from each other and are iixedly located beneath but proximately on either side of the bobbin guiding means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 563,754 7/1-896 Doyle 74-32 631,635 l8/ 1899 Hallberg 74-32 2,767,536 10/ 1956 Forkel 53-236 3,088,267 5/1963 Tsukumo et al 57-53 3,090,178 5/ 1963 Frst et al 242-27 X 3,245,214 4/1966 Escursell-Prat 57-53 3,307,340 3/ 1967 Nishii et al. 57--53 3,318,078 5/ 1967 Bahnson et al. 57-53 FOREIGN PATENTS 280,141 4/ 1952 Switzerland.

FRANK I. COHEN, Primary Examiner.