Rieter

Machines with four operating robots

Index

Four operating robots (2 on each side of the machine) are essential for extra long rotor spinning machines with up to 500 spinning positions, so that maximum machine efficiency can be achieved even with small package formats, high delivery speeds or high ends down rates. The higher the material throughput, i.e. the more frequently  packages need to be changed, the greater the gain in efficiency through the use of 4 robots (see Fig. 51).

Two robots each serve one side of the machine. Each robot traverses a certain length of a machine side. The travel zones overlap in the middle of the machine (Fig. 52). The central robot control system ensures that the two robots do not collide. A loop at the end of the machine and thus the use of a robot on the other side of the machine are no longer necessary. If a robot is being serviced, the other robot serves the entire side of the machine during this period. A service station – as shown in Fig. 53 – is provided for each robot at the headstock or tailstock; this is outside the range of travel and thus does not restrict the radius of action of the active robot.
The robots can be programmed in such a way that both robots serve one or more sections jointly. This is always useful if, for example, large numbers of packages need to be changed on a section. The robots can also be controlled in such a way that a robot changes direction if no spinning positions in the original direction of travel require the robot‘s services. All commands for robot control are entered via the machine control panel.

Fig. 51 – Machine efficiency with 2 and 4 robots

Fig. 52 – Travel strategy with 2 robots on each side of the machine

Fig. 53 – Rotor spinning machine with service stations for 4 robots