EP4353643A1

EP4353643A1 - Yarn winding apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP4353643A1
Application number: EP23202014.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Noriyoshi Takeshima
Original assignee: Murata Machinery Ltd
Current assignee: Murata Machinery Ltd
Priority date: 2022-10-07
Filing date: 2023-10-06
Publication date: 2024-04-17
Also published as: JP2024055547A; CN117842776A

Abstract

A winder unit 2 includes a yarn feeding unit 6 configured to feed yarn Y, a yarn storage device 40 configured to store the yarn Y, a package forming unit 8 configured to wind the yarn Y to form a package 30, a yarn splicing device 14 configured to splice the yarn Y on the yarn feeding unit 6 side and the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side, and a yarn guide unit 7 configured to guide the yarn Y between the yarn storage device 40 and the yarn splicing device 14. The yarn guide unit 7 includes a yarn ejection unit 60 configured to pull out the yarn Y and eject the same to the yarn feeding unit 6 side, a catching device 13 configured to catch the yarn Y ejected by the yarn ejection unit 60, a yarn guide pipe 80 configured to guide the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 to the catching device 13, and a restriction lever 95 configured to restrict the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 from being guided to the yarn winding position. The winder unit 2 appropriately guides the yarn Y to the yarn winding position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a yarn winding apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there is known a yarn winding apparatus equipped with a yarn feeding unit that supports a yarn feeding bobbin, a yarn storage device that unwinds yarn from the yarn feeding bobbin supported by the yarn feeding unit and winds the unwound yarn, a yarn splicing device that splices an end of the yarn on the yarn feeding bobbin side and an end of the yarn on the yarn storage device side, and a yarn winding unit that winds the yarn so as to form a package. This yarn winding apparatus includes a pull-out unit (an air sucker device) that catches the yarn on the yarn storage device side and blows the same to a yarn guide path, so as to pull out the yarn along the guide path and to allow a catching unit to catch the same, when the yarn is disconnected between the yarn bobbin and the yarn storage device (see, for example, JP2016-050053A ).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The yarn pulled out by the pull-out unit is caught by the catching unit, and then moves from the yarn guide path toward the yarn splicing device. The yarn that has moved toward the yarn splicing device is guided to the yarn splicing device or another device such as a yarn monitoring device that detects a defect of the yarn. In other words, the yarn that has moved toward the yarn splicing device is guided to a position where the yarn can be wound (a yarn winding position).
In the conventional apparatus, during the pulling-out process by the pull-out unit, guiding of the yarn to the position where the yarn can be wound may be completed. In this case, the yarn guided to the yarn monitoring device during the pulling-out process by the pull-out unit is moved in a direction opposite to moving direction (winding direction) of the yarn determined by the yarn monitoring device. The yarn guide mechanism of the yarn monitoring device is not designed to move the yarn in the direction opposite to the given moving direction of the yarn, and hence tangling of the yarn may occur. A chunk of the yarn generated by this tangling may move to the yarn storage device side when the yarn after the splicing process is wound.
It is an object of the present invention to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

Hereinafter, as means for solving the problem, a plurality of embodiments are described. These embodiments can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.
A yarn winding apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a feeding unit, a yarn storage device, a winding unit, a yarn splicing device, and a yarn guide unit. The feeding unit feeds yarn. The yarn storage device stores the yarn fed from the feeding unit. The winding unit winds the yarn stored in the yarn storage device so as to form a package. The yarn splicing device splices the yarn on the feeding unit side (the yarn at the side of the feeding unit) and the yarn on the yarn storage device side (the yarn at the side of the storage device), when the yarn is disconnected between the feeding unit and the yarn storage device. The yarn guide unit guides the yarn between the yarn storage device and the yarn splicing device.
The yarn guide unit includes a yarn ejection unit, a yarn catching unit, a yarn guide pipe, and a restriction lever. The yarn ejection unit pulls out the yarn stored in the yarn storage device and ejects the same to the feeding unit side. The yarn catching unit is disposed between the yarn splicing device and the feeding unit, and catches the yarn ejected by the yarn ejection unit. The yarn guide pipe is disposed between the yarn ejection unit and the yarn catching unit, and guides the yarn ejected from the yarn ejection unit to the yarn catching unit. The restriction lever temporarily restricts the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe from being guided to the yarn winding position for winding the yarn by the yarn catching unit.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe is temporarily restricted from being guided by the yarn catching unit to the position where the yarn is wound (the yarn winding position), by the restriction lever. In this way, the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe is not guided at inappropriate timing to the yarn winding position (for example, the yarn monitoring device or the like). In other words, the yarn can be guided to the yarn winding position at timing when the pull-out unit has completed the pull-out operation.
The yarn winding apparatus described above may further include a moving unit. The moving unit moves the restriction lever between a restriction position, at which the yarn is restricted from being guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit, and an introducing position at which the yarn can be guided to the yarn winding position. In this way, the restriction lever can be switched between a state of restricting the yarn from being guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit and a state of enabling the yarn to be guided to the yarn winding position.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the moving unit may move the yarn ejection unit between a yarn guide position, at which the yarn fed from the feeding unit is guided to the yarn storage device, and a yarn pull-out position at which the yarn stored in the yarn storage device is pulled out and ejected to the feeding unit side. In this way, the movement of the restriction lever and the movement of the yarn ejection unit can be performed simultaneously by the moving unit.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn guide pipe may be detachable and attachable to the yarn guide unit. In this way, the yarn winding apparatus can be easily maintained.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn guide pipe may have an inlet portion and a bent portion. The inlet portion sucks the yarn ejected from the yarn ejection unit into the guide path. The bent portion changes moving direction of the yarn sucked into the guide path. In this case, the guide path from the bent portion of the yarn guide pipe to the yarn catching unit side may have a larger section area than the guide path from the inlet portion to the bent portion. In this way, the yarn is not pulled out from middle part of the yarn guide pipe.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn guide pipe may have a flat side surface. In this way, the visibility of the yarn winding apparatus can be improved.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn guide pipe may have a slit configured to guide out the yarn guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit, from the guide path to the yarn catching unit side, and a fin standing at the slit. In this way, the yarn can be prevented from being guided off the yarn winding position.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn guide pipe may have a slit configured to guide out the yarn guided to the yarn catching position by the yarn catching unit, from the inner guide path to the yarn catching unit side. In this case, the slit may be parallel to extending direction of the yarn guide pipe. In this way, the yarn guide pipe can be easily produced.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the feeding unit may feed the yarn unwound from a yarn feeding bobbin. In this way, in an automatic winder having the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the feeding unit may feed the yarn spun by air. In this way, in an air spinning machine including the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the feeding unit may feed the yarn spun by rotation of a rotor. In this way, in an open-end spinning machine including the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

The yarn can be appropriately guided to the yarn winding position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an automatic winder.
Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a winder unit.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a yarn storage device.
Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device and a detection unit.
Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device and a light emission unit.
Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device and a detection unit.
Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed structure of a moving unit.
Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where a first arm rotates along with rotation of a cam.
Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of a yarn guide pipe.
Fig. 8 is a front view of a cylindrical member.
Fig. 9 is a side view of the cylindrical member.
Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a package forming operation by the winder unit.
Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where the yarn is positioned in the yarn winding position.
Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state where the yarn is restricted from moving by a restriction lever.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1. First Embodiment

(1) Automatic Winder

Hereinafter, a first embodiment is described in detail. Note that the same or corresponding element is denoted by the same numeral or symbol in the description of the drawings, and overlapping description is omitted. Terms "upstream" and "downstream" respectively mean upstream and downstream in a running direction of a yarn.
With reference to Fig. 1, an automatic winder 1 is described. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the automatic winder 1. The automatic winder 1 includes a plurality of winder units 2 (an example of a yarn winding apparatus) arranged next to each other, a machine control device 3, a yarn feeding bobbin supply device 4, and a doffing device 5. In addition, the automatic winder 1 is equipped with a blower box.
The winder unit 2 winds yarn Y around a winding bobbin 22 to form a package 30. The winder unit 2 unwinds the yarn Y from a yarn feeding bobbin 21, temporarily stores the unwound yarn Y in a yarn storage device 40, and then pulls out the yarn Y stored in the yarn storage device 40, and winds the same around the winding bobbin 22, to form the package 30.
The machine control device 3 is configured to communicate to each winder unit 2. An operator of the automatic winder 1 can centrally manage the plurality of winder units 2 by appropriately operating the machine control device 3. The machine control device 3 controls operations of the yarn feeding bobbin supply device 4 and the doffing device 5.
The yarn feeding bobbin supply device 4 sets the yarn feeding bobbin 21 one by one on a transport tray 26. The yarn feeding bobbin supply device 4 supplies the yarn feeding bobbin 21 set on the transport tray 26 to each of the plurality of winder units 2.
When the package 30 is fully wound (a state where a predetermined amount of the yarn Y is wound) in the winder unit 2, the doffing device 5 travels to a position of the winder unit 2, and removes the full wound package 30. The doffing device 5 sets the winding bobbin 22 without the yarn Y to the winder unit 2 from which the package 30 was removed.

(2) Winder Unit

(2-1) Structure of Winder Unit

Hereinafter, a structure of the winder unit 2 is described. First, with reference to Fig. 2, a schematic structure of the winder unit 2 is described. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of the winder unit 2. The winder unit 2 includes a yarn feeding unit 6 (an example of a feeding unit), the yarn storage device 40, a yarn guide unit 7, a package forming unit 8 (an example of a winding unit), and a control unit 25.
The yarn feeding unit 6 is configured to support the yarn feeding bobbin 21 set on the transport tray 26 at a predetermined position, and configured to unwind the yarn Y from the yarn feeding bobbin 21. When all the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn feeding bobbin 21, the yarn feeding unit 6 ejects a core tube of the yarn feeding bobbin 21 without the yarn Y, and receives a new yarn feeding bobbin 21 supplied from the yarn feeding bobbin supply device 4.
The yarn storage device 40 is disposed on a yarn running path formed between the yarn feeding unit 6 and the package forming unit 8. The yarn storage device 40 is disposed at a position on an upstream side of a wax applying device 70 in the running direction of the yarn Y The yarn storage device 40 winds the yarn Y unwound by the yarn feeding unit 6 and temporarily stores the same. The yarn storage device 40 feeds the stored yarn Y to the package forming unit 8.
The yarn guide unit 7 is disposed between the yarn feeding unit 6 and the yarn storage device 40, and guides the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 between the yarn feeding unit 6 and the yarn storage device 40. When the yarn Y is disconnected between the yarn feeding unit 6 and the yarn storage device 40, the yarn guide unit 7 splices an end of the yarn Y on the yarn feeding unit 6 side and an end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side to each other.
The package forming unit 8 winds the yarn Y fed from the yarn storage device 40 around the winding bobbin 22 to form the package 30. The package forming unit 8 includes a cradle 23 and a traverse drum 24. The cradle 23 supports the winding bobbin 22 (or the package 30) in a rotatable manner. The cradle 23 is configured to make contact between an outer periphery surface of the supported package 30 and an outer periphery surface of the traverse drum 24.
The traverse drum 24 drives the winding bobbin 22 while traversing the yarn Y. Specifically, the traverse drum 24 is driven to rotate by a drive source (such as an electric motor), in a state of contacting with the outer periphery surface of the winding bobbin 22 or the package 30, so that the winding bobbin 22 is driven to rotate. In this way, it is possible to unwind the yarn Y stored in the yarn storage device 40, to pull out the same, and to wind the same around the winding bobbin 22.
The outer periphery surface of the traverse drum 24 is provided with a traversing groove (not shown), and this traversing groove enables the yarn Y to be traversed at a predetermined width. With the structure described above, the yarn Y is traversed and wound around the winding bobbin 22, so that the package 30 having a predetermined shape can be formed.
The control unit 25 is a computer system including hardware such as a CPU, a storage device (such as a ROM and a RAM), and various interfaces. The storage device stores software such as a control program. The control unit 25 controls individual elements of the winder unit 2 by cooperation between the hardware and the software. The control unit 25 is configured to communicate with the machine control device 3. In this way, the machine control device 3 can centrally manage operations of the plurality of winder units 2 of the automatic winder 1.
The winder unit 2 includes the wax applying device 70. The wax applying device 70 is disposed between the yarn storage device 40 and the package forming unit 8. The wax applying device 70 applies wax to the yarn Y running from the yarn storage device 40 to the package forming unit 8.

(2-2) Yarn Storage Device

Next, a detailed structure of the winder unit 2 is described. First, with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, a detailed structure of the yarn storage device 40 is described. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the yarn storage device 40. The yarn storage device 40 includes a storage roller 41 around which the yarn Y can be wound, a drive motor 45 that drives the storage roller 41 to rotate, a cover 47, and a detection unit 50. The storage roller 41 winds the yarn Y around a storing area A on an outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41, so as to temporarily store the yarn Y. The storage roller 41 is supported by a machine base (frame) of the automatic winder 1, in a rotatable manner about a rotation axis C1 a little inclined from the horizontal direction. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, both end sides of the storage roller 41 in an axial direction are provided with tapered parts 41a and 41b, respectively, whose diameters become larger as being closer to the end edges. The part between the two tapered parts 41a and 41b is a cylindrical part 41c having a constant diameter, and the outer periphery surface 41d thereof is the storing area A around which the yarn Y is wound. The outer periphery surface 41d of the cylindrical part 41c is mirror finished. The two tapered parts 41a and 41b on the both end sides prevent the yarn Y wound around the cylindrical part 41c from dropping off.
A ring member 42 is wound around the outer periphery surface 41d of the cylindrical part 41c of the storage roller 41. The ring member 42 is formed by a ring-shaped rubber, for example. The ring member 42 is attached to a boundary between the cylindrical part 41c and the tapered part 41b on the distal end side. The ring member 42 surrounds the yarn Y pulled out from the storage roller 41 by the package forming unit 8, and contacts with the yarn Y so as to give resistance to the same. The ring member 42 is attached to the cylindrical part 41c by its elasticity to contract in a radial direction. The ring member 42 gives resistance to the yarn Y pulled out from the storage roller 41 by its elasticity. The ring member 42 gives moderate tension to the yarn Y pulled out from the storage roller 41, so that unwinding of the yarn Y from the storage roller 41 can be stabilized.
On the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41, a region covering the attached position of the ring member 42 in the direction along the rotation axis C1 is provided with a first recess (recess) 43a. In other words, viewed from outside of the storage roller 41 in the radial direction, the first recess 43a is formed to pass and cross the attached position of the ring member 42, and a part of the first recess 43a overlaps the attached position. Here, the first recess 43a is a groove extending from one end to the other end of the storage roller 41 in the direction along the rotation axis C1. The first recess 43a has a constant cross-sectional shape in its longitudinal direction, for example, which is a substantially rectangular shape. The outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41 is further provided with a second recess (recess) 43b. The second recess (recess) 43b is a recess (so-called downgage) to prevent a depression (so-called sink mark), which may be formed when molding a boss for embedding a magnet for sensor or a rib for reinforcement on an inner periphery surface 41g of the cylindrical part 41c.
The drive motor 45 rotates the storage roller 41 in a winding direction of the yarn Y from the yarn feeding unit 6. In addition, the drive motor 45 can rotate the storage roller 41 in a direction opposite to the winding direction, too. The drive motor 45 is a position controllable motor such as a DC brushless motor, a stepping motor, or a servo motor.
The yarn Y wound around the storage roller 41 is pulled out from the tapered part 41b on the other end side of the storage roller 41 (the upstream side of the storage roller 41), and is sent to the downstream side (the package forming unit 8 side). In the tapered part 41b, the yarn Y on the storage roller 41 is pulled out to the downstream side via a pull-out guide 37 positioned on an extension line of the rotation axis C1 of the storage roller 41. The yarn Y wound around the storage roller 41 is unwound between itself and the ring member 42. In this way, the unwound yarn Y is given a moderate tension.
The detection unit 50 is disposed near the outer periphery surface 41d of the cylindrical part 41c of the storage roller 41. For instance, the detection unit 50 can detect that the yarn Y of the storage roller 41 has become a predetermined upper limit amount or more, and that it has become less than a predetermined lower limit amount. The detection unit 50 may have a detection range from the upper limit amount to the lower limit amount. Note that the detection range may be a wider range including a part above the upper limit amount and a part below the lower limit amount. In this way, for example, it is possible to detect an excess amount above the upper limit amount. In this embodiment, within the detection range, it is detected that the yarn Y of the storage roller 41 has become a predetermined upper limit amount or more, and that it has become less than a predetermined lower limit amount. Note that "a predetermined upper limit amount or more" and "less than a predetermined lower limit amount" in the above description may be "more than a predetermined upper limit" and "a predetermined lower limit amount or less" as necessary. A result of the detection by the detection unit 50 is received by the control unit 25. Based on the result of the detection by the detection unit 50, the control unit 25 controls the drive motor 45 so that a storage amount (wound amount) of the storage roller 41 becomes within the upper limit amount and the lower limit amount.
The detection unit 50 detects the yarn Y wound around the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41. As illustrated in Figs. 4A to 4C, the detection unit 50 includes a detection unit 53 together with a light emission unit 55 that emits light to the storage roller 41. In other words, the detection unit 50 includes the detection unit 53 and the light emission unit 55. The detection unit 53 and the light emission unit 55 are housed in a casing 51, which is fixed to the machine base of the automatic winder 1. Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device 40 and the detection unit 53. Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device 40 and the light emission unit 55. Fig. 4C is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the yarn storage device 40 and the detection unit 50.
The detection unit 53 includes a line sensor 53A, which detects presence or absence of the yarn Y in a straight section ST1 connecting an upstream side end 41f and a downstream side end 41e in the running direction of the yarn Y, in the storing area A formed on the outer periphery surface 41d of the cylindrical part 41c, and a lens 53B for condensing incident light. The line sensor 53A is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor, which receives light quantity using photodiodes arranged in a line. The line sensor 53A receives light through the lens 53B that condenses incident light. In this embodiment, the line sensor 53A is disposed so that the extending direction of the straight section ST1 becomes parallel to the extending direction of the rotation axis C1. However, it may be possible to dispose the line sensor 53A so that the extending direction of the straight section ST1 crosses the extending direction of the rotation axis C1.
The light emission unit 55 includes two light sources 55B and 55B, and an optical waveguide 55C that converts the light emitted from the two light sources 55B and 55B into surface-emitting light, and emits the light to the storage roller 41. Structural elements of the optical waveguide 55C include an acrylic panel or the like for guiding light, and a diffuser panel or the like for diffusing light. The two light sources 55B and 55B are, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and are disposed on an LED substrate 55A. Note that the number of the light sources is not limited to two.
The line sensor 53A is disposed at a position such that the light emitted from the light emission unit 55 and reflected by the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41 does not enter it, and that the light emitted from the light emission unit 55 and reflected by the yarn Y stored on the storage roller 41 enters it. For instance, the light emission unit 55 emits light at an emission angle θ in a range of 0 to 30 degrees as illustrated in Fig. 4C. The wording "line sensor 53A is disposed at a position such that the light emitted from the light emission unit 55 and reflected by the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41 does not enter it" means that the light emitted from the light emission unit 55 at the above-mentioned angle is totally reflected by the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41, and that the line sensor 53A is disposed at a position such that the reflected light does not enter it.
Here, a first straight line L1 is imaginarily set, which is one of straight lines perpendicular to the rotation axis C1, and a second straight line L2 is imaginarily set, which is one of straight lines parallel to the first straight line L1 and contacting with the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41. The line sensor 53A is disposed between the second straight line L2 and the first straight line L1. The line sensor 53A has a light receiving direction that is substantially parallel to the first straight line L1. In other words, the line sensor 53A receives light entering from a direction substantially parallel to the first straight line L1.
The cover 47 is disposed to face a part of the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41. The cover 47 is disposed to cover at least a part of the propagation direction of the light emitted from the light emission unit 55 and reflected by the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41.
Note that it may be possible to configure the periphery of the yarn storage device 40, so that there is no structure that may reflect light from the light emission unit 55 to the light receiving direction of the line sensor 53A, without disposing the cover 47.

(2-3) Yarn Guide Unit

Next, with reference to Fig. 2, a detailed structure of the yarn guide unit 7 is described, which guides the yarn Y between the yarn feeding unit 6 and the yarn storage device 40. The yarn guide unit 7 is disposed in a yarn path of the yarn Y (in the yarn running path), and includes an unwind assist device 10, a lower yarn feeler 11, a tension applying unit 12, a catching device 13, a yarn splicing device 14, a yarn monitoring device 16, a yarn ejection unit 60, and a yarn guide pipe 80.
The unwind assist device 10 assists unwinding of the yarn Y by allowing a moving member 27 to contact with a balloon formed above the yarn feeding bobbin 21 when the yarn Y unwound from the yarn feeding bobbin 21 is swung, so as to appropriately control a size of the balloon.
The lower yarn feeler 11 is disposed at a position near the unwind assist device 10 on the downstream side of the unwind assist device 10. The lower yarn feeler 11 defines presence or absence of the yarn Y fed from the unwind assist device 10.
The tension applying unit 12 applies a predetermined tension to the running yarn Y Based on the tension of the yarn Y detected by a tension sensor, the tension applying unit 12 applies a predetermined tension to the running yarn Y The tension applying unit 12 has a gate structure in which movable comb teeth are disposed against fixed comb teeth, and the yarn Y runs through the comb teeth so as to be applied with a predetermined resistance. The movable comb teeth are configured to be moved by a solenoid so that the teeth are engaged or released. In this way, the tension applying unit 12 can adjust the tension to be applied to the yarn Y Note that the structure of the tension applying unit 12 is not particularly limited, and may be a disc type tension applying unit, for example.
The catching device 13 (an example of a yarn catching unit) is disposed between the yarn splicing device 14 and the yarn feeding unit 6, more specifically on the downstream side of the tension applying unit 12. The catching device 13 includes a first catching unit 13A and a second catching unit 13B. In this embodiment, the first catching unit 13A and the second catching unit 13B are integrated and formed as one component. Each of the first catching unit 13A and the second catching unit 13B is connected to a negative-pressure source.
The first catching unit 13A is formed as a cylindrical member having an open distal end. The first catching unit 13A generates a suction airflow when performing yarn splicing, and sucks the inner space of the yarn guide pipe 80 (guide path) described later, to suck and catch the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60.
The second catching unit 13B is formed as a cylindrical member having an open distal end. The second catching unit 13B is disposed to be capable of swinging. The second catching unit 13B swings between a catching position for catching the yarn Y fed from the unwind assist device 10 (a position shown by a solid line in Fig. 2) and a guiding position for guiding the yarn Y to the yarn splicing device 14 (a position shown by a broken line in Fig. 2). The catching position may be a waiting position of the second catching unit 13B.
At the catching position, the second catching unit 13B is close to the yarn path on the downstream side of the lower yarn feeler 11, and in this state, generates a suction airflow on the distal end side thereof, to suck and catch the end of the yarn from the yarn feeding bobbin 21. When the yarn Y is cut by a cutter 15, the second catching unit 13B sucks and catches the end of the cut yarn Y on the yarn feeding bobbin 21 side. In addition, the second catching unit 13B may be configured to generate the suction airflow on the distal end side, so as to suck and remove fluff or the like adhered to the running yarn Y
When the second catching unit 13B catches the yarn Y, if it is just after the yarn feeding bobbin 21 has been newly supplied to the yarn feeding unit 6, there is an assist blow-off unit 28 that blows off the end of the yarn to a position on the downstream side of the lower yarn feeler 11 (to the distal end of the second catching unit 13B).
The assist blow-off unit 28 ejects compressed air into the transport tray 26 and the yarn feeding bobbin 21, which have hollow shapes, so as to form an airflow at the distal end of the yarn feeding bobbin 21, which blows off the yarn Y of the yarn feeding bobbin 21 to the lower yarn feeler 11 side. When the newly supplied yarn feeding bobbin 21 is supported by the yarn feeding unit 6, the assist blow-off unit 28 operates so that the end of the yarn on the yarn feeding bobbin 21 side can be securely sent to the lower yarn feeler 11 side.
The yarn splicing device 14 splices the disconnected yarn Y. The yarn splicing device 14 splices an end of the yarn Y on the yarn feeding bobbin 21 side and an end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side, when the yarn Y is disconnected between the yarn feeding bobbin 21 and the yarn storage device 40, such as when the yarn monitoring device 16 detects a defect of the yarn and the cutter 15 cuts the yarn Y, or when the yarn Y during being unwound from the yarn feeding bobbin 21 breaks, or when the yarn feeding bobbin 21 is replaced. The yarn splicing device 14 is disposed at a position a little apart from the yarn path. The yarn splicing device 14 splices the caught ends of the yarn so that the yarn Y can be continuous. As the yarn splicing device 14, a device using fluid such as compressed air, or a mechanical device can be used.
The yarn monitoring device 16 monitors thickness or the like of the yarn Y using an appropriate sensor, so as to detect a defect of the yarn such as mixing of slab or a foreign object. The cutter 15 is disposed at a position near the yarn monitoring device 16 on the upstream side of the yarn monitoring device 16. When the yarn monitoring device 16 detects a defect of the yarn, the cutter 15 promptly cuts the yarn Y. The cutter 15 and the yarn monitoring device 16 are housed in a common housing 19. The housing 19 that houses the yarn monitoring device 16 is disposed on the downstream side of the yarn splicing device 14.
The yarn monitoring device 16 (the housing 19) is provided with a hole H (Fig. 5) through which the yarn Y passes when the yarn Y is wound to form the package 30, and a yarn guide slit SL (Fig. 5) that guides the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 to the hole H. The hole H has a structure in which the yarn Y can easily move from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side, while it can hardly move from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side.
The yarn ejection unit 60 is disposed near the tapered part 41a on the one end side of the storage roller 41 (the upstream side of the storage roller 41), and is formed as a thin cylindrical member that enables the yarn Y to pass through the inside. The compressed air can be ejected from an opening of the yarn ejection unit 60 on the yarn feeding unit 6 side, in the direction from the yarn storage device 40 to the yarn feeding unit 6. When the yarn Y is disconnected between the yarn feeding bobbin 21 and the yarn storage device 40, the yarn ejection unit 60 sucks and catches the end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side to the inside thereof, and blows off the same to the guide path of the yarn guide pipe 80.
On the other hand, in normal yarn winding, the yarn ejection unit 60 guides the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 to the tapered part 41a on the one end side of the storage roller 41. When the drive motor 45 drives the storage roller 41 to rotate in one direction, the yarn Y guided by the yarn ejection unit 60 to the tapered part 41a of the one end side of the storage roller 41 is sequentially wound from one end side (upstream side) of the cylindrical part 41c, while pushing up the former yarn layer. As a result, the yarn Y that has been wound around the outer periphery surface 41d of the storage roller 41 is pushed by the yarn Y that is newly wound and sent to the other end side (downstream side) sequentially. In this way, on the outer periphery surface of the cylindrical part 41c of the storage roller 41, the yarn Y is aligned in a helicoidal manner and is wound regularly from the one end side to the other end side.
As described later in detail, the yarn ejection unit 60 can be moved by the moving unit 90, between an optimal position for guiding the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 to the storage roller 41 (referred to as a yarn guide position), and an optimal position for guiding the end of the yarn Y stored in the yarn storage device 40 to the yarn splicing device 14 (the guide path of the yarn guide pipe 80) by sucking and pulling out the same (referred to as a yarn pull-out position).
The yarn guide pipe 80 is disposed between the yarn ejection unit 60 and the first catching unit 13A, so as to guide the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 to the first catching unit 13A. The yarn guide pipe 80 is a curbed cylindrical member, and an opening is formed at each end in the longitudinal direction. One opening of the yarn guide pipe 80 is disposed to be close to the opening of the yarn ejection unit 60 on the yarn feeding unit 6 side. The other opening is disposed to face the first catching unit 13A. In other words, one opening of the yarn guide pipe 80 is an inlet portion IN (Fig. 8) for the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60. On the other hand, the other opening is an outlet OUT (Fig. 8) for the yarn Y.
The guide path is formed inside the yarn guide pipe 80. The guide path connects the openings on both ends of the yarn guide pipe 80 (i.e., the inlet portion IN and the outlet OUT), so as to detour the yarn monitoring device 16, the yarn splicing device 14, and the like. The yarn guide pipe 80 has a slit formed to penetrate to the guide path over the entire length thereof.
When the yarn Y is disconnected between the yarn feeding bobbin 21 and the yarn storage device 40, the yarn guide pipe 80 guides the yarn Y, which is blown off by the yarn ejection unit 60 to the guide path, to the first catching unit 13A along the guide path, so that the guided yarn Y can be caught by the first catching unit 13A. The yarn guide pipe 80 has the slit formed to penetrate to the guide path over the entire length, and hence the yarn guide pipe 80 allows the yarn Y caught by the first catching unit 13A to be pulled out from the guide path of the yarn guide pipe 80 and guided to the yarn splicing device 14 side.

(2-4) Moving Unit

Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 5, a detailed structure of the moving unit 90 that moves the yarn ejection unit 60 is described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed structure of the moving unit 90. The moving unit 90 includes a cam 91, a first arm 92, a second arm 93, a position sensor 94, and a restriction lever 95. The cam 91 is attached to a casing CH in a rotatable manner about a first axis A1. Note that the casing CH is fixed on the housing 19 that houses the cutter 15 and the yarn monitoring device 16.
A first pulley 91Ais fixed to the cam 91. A belt 91B is wound around the first pulley 91A. The belt 91B is wound around a second pulley 91C at the opposite side to the first pulley 91A. The second pulley 91C is fixed to an output rotation shaft of a motor 91D. When rotation of the output rotation shaft of the motor 91D is transmitted to the cam 91 via the second pulley 91C, the belt 91B, and the first pulley 91A, the cam 91 rotates around the first axis A1. The rotation of the motor 91D is controlled by the control unit 25.
Aside surface PH of the cam 91 with which the first arm 92 contacts is formed to have a distance to the first axis A1 (i.e., a radius of the cam 91) that increases as being apart from a reference position (referred to as an origin O) in a counterclockwise direction in Fig. 5.
The first arm 92 is an elongated member. The first arm 92 has an end that contacts with a periphery of the cam 91. On the other hand, the other end of the first arm 92 is pivoted to the casing CH in a rotatable manner about a second axis A2 parallel to the first axis A1. The distance between the side surface PH of the cam 91 and the first axis A1 increases as being apart from the origin O, and hence a distance between the first axis A1 and the contact position between the first arm 92 and the cam 91 is increased along with rotation of the cam 91 (in a clockwise direction in Fig. 5). As illustrated in Fig. 6, along with the rotation of the cam 91, the distance between the first axis A1 and the contact position between the first arm 92 and the side surface PH of the cam 91 is increased, and hence as illustrated in Fig. 6, the first arm 92 rotates about the second axis A2 along with the rotation of the cam 91. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state where the first arm 92 is rotated along with the rotation of the cam 91.
The second arm 93 is an elongated member, and the yarn ejection unit 60 is fixed to one end side thereof. On the other hand, the other end of the second arm 93 is attached to the first arm 92 in a rotatable manner about the second axis A2. In this way, the second arm 93 is rotated about the second axis A2 along with the rotation of the first arm 92. When the second arm 93 rotates about the second axis A2, the yarn ejection unit 60 fixed to one end of the second arm 93 is moved.
The position sensor 94 detects the second arm 93 so as to detect whether or not one end of the first arm 92 is contacted with a position of the origin O of the cam 91. When allowing one end of the first arm 92 to contact with the origin O of the cam 91, the control unit 25 rotates the cam 91 so that one end of the first arm 92 enters a semicircular part on the origin O side of the cam 91. When the position sensor 94 detects the second arm 93, it is determined that one end of the first arm 92 is contacted with the position of the origin O of the cam 91. The position sensor 94 is a magnet sensor, for example.
The restriction lever 95 is formed to extend from the other end of the second arm 93 (the end on the second axis A2 side) in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second arm 93. As the restriction lever 95 and the second arm 93 are integrated, when the second arm 93 rotates, the yarn ejection unit 60 fixed to the second arm 93 and the restriction lever 95 can be simultaneously rotated.
Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 5, if one end of the first arm 92 is contacted with the position of the origin O of the cam 91, the yarn ejection unit 60 is disposed at a position for guiding the yarn Y from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side (referred to as the yarn guide position). On the other hand, the restriction lever 95 is disposed at a position out of the yarn guide slit SL of the yarn monitoring device 16. As described later, if the restriction lever 95 is at a position out of the yarn guide slit SL, the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 is guided to the hole H of the yarn monitoring device 16, and is guided to a position at which the yarn Y can be wound around the winding bobbin 22 (referred to as a yarn winding position). Therefore, the position of the restriction lever 95 out of the yarn guide slit SL is referred to as an introducing position.
Note that, more specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the yarn winding position means a position of the yarn Y in the state where the yarn Y is guided as a straight line in the shortest distance from the yarn ejection unit 60 to the yarn feeding unit 6.
On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 6, if one end of the first arm 92 is contacted with a midpoint of the side surface PH of the cam 91 (referred to as a first peripheral position PH1), the yarn ejection unit 60 is disposed at a position for pulling out the end of the yarn Y stored in the yarn storage device 40 so as to eject the same to the yarn feeding unit 6 side (referred to as the yarn pull-out position). On the other hand, the restriction lever 95 is disposed to partially overlap the yarn guide slit SL of the yarn monitoring device 16. As described later, in the state where the restriction lever 95 is partially overlapped with the yarn guide slit SL, the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 is restricted from moving by the restriction lever 95, and hence it is not guided to the hole H of the yarn monitoring device 16. In other words, the restriction lever 95 in this case restricts the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 from being guided to the hole H. Therefore, the position of the restriction lever 95 when the restriction lever 95 is partially overlapped with the yarn guide slit SL is referred to as a restriction position.

(2-5) Yarn Guide Pipe

Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 7 to 9, a specific structure of the yarn guide pipe 80 that guides the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 to the first catching unit 13A is described. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an overall structure of the yarn guide pipe 80. Fig. 8 is a front view of a cylindrical member 81. Fig. 9 is a side view of the cylindrical member 81. The yarn guide pipe 80 includes the cylindrical member 81, a pull-out slit 82 (an example of a slit), and a fin 83.
The cylindrical member 81 is a hollow cylindrical member. The cylindrical member 81 has an inner space forming the guide path that guides the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 to the first catching unit 13A. One end of the cylindrical member 81 is the inlet portion IN that is disposed near the yarn ejection unit 60 to guide the yarn Y ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 into the guide path. The other end of the cylindrical member 81 is the outlet OUT that is disposed near the first catching unit 13A for the yarn Y guided in the guide path to be ejected to the first catching unit 13A.
The cylindrical member 81 has a substantially U-shape. Specifically, the cylindrical member 81 first extends from the inlet portion IN to the outside of the yarn guide unit 7, and changes its extending direction at a first bent portion 81a to extend downward (to the upstream direction), and further changes its extending direction at a second bent portion 81b to extend to the first catching unit 13A.
As illustrated in Fig. 9, the cylindrical member 81 has a side that faces individual structural elements of the winder unit 2, on which an area expansion part 81c is disposed from the first bent portion 81a to the outlet OUT. The guide path in the part of the cylindrical member 81, where the area expansion part 81c is provided (i.e., the part from the first bent portion 81a to the first catching unit 13A side), has a larger sectional area than the guide path in the part where the area expansion part 81c is not provided (i.e., the part from the inlet portion IN to the first bent portion 81a).
Since the guide path of the cylindrical member 81 has the structure described above, the gas flow ejected from the yarn ejection unit 60 and the gas flow generated in the guide path by suction at the outlet OUT cause a gas flow along the cylindrical member 81 in an outer side of the guide path, while in an inner side of the guide path (on the side where the pull-out slit 82 is provided), they can cause a gas flow directed to the inside of the guide path (i.e., a gas flow in the direction from the pull-out slit 82 to the guide path). In this way, the yarn Y cannot be pulled out from the pull-out slit 82 on the way in the cylindrical member 81, before the yarn Y is guided to the first catching unit 13A, and hence the yarn Y can be appropriately guided to the yarn winding position.
As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, the cylindrical member 81 has a flat side surface. Specifically, when the cylindrical member 81 is fixed to the winder unit 2, the width of the cylindrical member 81 viewed from the outside to the inside of the winder unit 2 is smaller than the width of the cylindrical member 81 viewed from the side. In this way, the visibility of the winder unit 2 can be improved. In other words, the individual structural elements of the winder unit 2 can be easily viewed from the outside of the winder unit 2.
Further, the cylindrical member 81 is provided with a pair of rotation fixing members 84, and a snap member 85. One of the pair of rotation fixing members 84 is fixed to the housing 19 near the inlet portion IN of the cylindrical member 81 in a rotatable manner about an axis. The other of the pair of rotation fixing members 84 is fixed to an attaching unit 7a near the outlet OUT of the cylindrical member 81 in a rotatable manner about an axis. Since the cylindrical member 81 is provided with the pair of rotation fixing members 84, the cylindrical member 81 can rotate about an axis in the yarn guide unit 7.
The snap member 85 is a U-shaped member disposed near the inlet portion IN of the cylindrical member 81. The snap member 85 enables the cylindrical member 81 to be detached and attached to the yarn guide unit 7. Specifically, the snap member 85 pinches a protrusion member 86 provided to the housing 19, between arms forming the U shape, so that the cylindrical member 81 can be fixed (mounted) to the yarn guide unit 7. On the other hand, by releasing the pinching of the protrusion member 86 by the snap member 85, the cylindrical member 81 can be detached from the yarn guide unit 7.
As described above, the structure in which the cylindrical member 81 can be easily detached from the yarn guide unit 7 facilitates access to the individual structural elements of the winder unit 2. As a result, the winder unit 2 can be easily maintained.
The pull-out slit 82 is formed on the side of the cylindrical member 81 that faces the individual structural elements of the winder unit 2, along the extending direction of the cylindrical member 81, to connect the guide path inside the cylindrical member 81 to the outside space. The pull-out slit 82 allows the yarn Y caught by the first catching unit 13A to be pulled out from the guide path to the first catching unit 13A side (i.e., to the yarn winding position).
As illustrated in Fig. 8, the pull-out slit 82 is formed in parallel to the extending direction of the cylindrical member 81. As described above, in this embodiment, since the cylindrical member 81 is provided with the area expansion part 81c, the yarn Y is not pulled out through the pull-out slit 82 before being caught by the first catching unit 13A. Therefore, in the cylindrical member 81 of this embodiment, it is not necessary to form the pull-out slit 82 in a twisted shape with respect to the extending direction of the cylindrical member 81. Therefore, the pull-out slit 82 can be formed in a straight line shape (in parallel to the extending direction of the cylindrical member 81), which is manufactured more easily than the twisted shape.
The fin 83 is disposed to stand from the pull-out slit 82 to the side of the winder unit 2 facing the individual structural elements. In the up and down direction, the fin 83 extends in a straight line shape along the pull-out slit 82 that extends in a straight line shape. When the yarn Y is pulled out from the guide path to the outside (to the yarn winding position) through the pull-out slit 82, the fin 83 guides the yarn Y to be pulled out along the pull-out slit 82 (i.e., along the extending direction of the cylindrical member 81). Since the fin 83 is formed along the pull-out slit 82, the yarn Y can be prevented from being guided out of the yarn winding position. Specifically, when being pulled out through the pull-out slit 82 of the yarn guide pipe 80 and guided to the yarn splicing device 14, the yarn Y is guided to an appropriate position.

(3) Operation of Winder Unit

Hereinafter, an operation of the winder unit is described. When the winder unit 2 is activated, an initial operation is performed for the winder unit 2 to form the package 30. In this initial operation, the yarn ejection unit 60 is moved to the origin O. Specifically, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the control unit 25 controls the cam 91 to rotate so that one end of the first arm 92 contacts with the origin O on the side surface PH of the cam 91, to move the restriction lever 95 to the introducing position, and moves the yarn ejection unit 60 to the yarn guide position. In this way, the origin of the restriction lever 95 is the introducing position, and the origin of the yarn ejection unit 60 is the yarn guide position.
After the initial operation, the winder unit 2 starts forming the package 30. The package 30 is formed in accordance with a flowchart illustrated in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of forming the package 30 by the winder unit 2. Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart when one package 30 is formed.
After starting forming the package 30, the control unit 25 controls the cam 91 to rotate so that one end of the first arm 92 contacts with the origin O on the side surface PH of the cam 91, to move the restriction lever 95 to the introducing position, and moves the yarn ejection unit 60 to the yarn guide position (Step S1). Note that as described above, in the initial state, the restriction lever 95 is at the introducing position, and the yarn ejection unit 60 is at the yarn guide position. Therefore, when forming the package 30 for the first time after the winder unit 2 is activated, the control unit 25 does not move the restriction lever 95 and the yarn ejection unit 60.
When the yarn ejection unit 60 is moved to the yarn guide position, the yarn ejection unit 60 can guide the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 to the yarn storage device 40. In this case, the restriction lever 95 is moved to the introducing position at which the yarn Y can be guided to the yarn guide slit SL and the hole H (i.e., the yarn winding position). In this way, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 is not restricted from moving by the restriction lever 95, and is guided to the yarn guide slit SL and the hole H. In other words, the yarn Y fed from the yarn feeding unit 6 is guided to the yarn winding position. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the state where the yarn Y is set to the yarn winding position.
After the restriction lever 95 is moved to the introducing position, and the yarn ejection unit 60 is moved to the yarn guide position, so that the yarn Y can be guided to the yarn winding position, winding of the yarn to form the package 30 is started (Step S2). In Step S2, the yarn Y unwound from the yarn feeding bobbin 21 is set at the yarn winding position by the yarn guide unit 7, and in this state it is guided to the yarn storage device 40, to be temporarily stored in the yarn storage device 40 (the storage roller 41). The yarn Y stored in the yarn storage device 40 is wound around the winding bobbin 22, and the package 30 is formed.
Note that, in Step S2, when the yarn storage device 40 starts storing the yarn Y, the control unit 25 monitors the tension of the yarn Y guided by the yarn guide unit 7. If the tension of the yarn Y exceeds a predetermined threshold value, rotation of the storage roller 41 may be stopped, or the yarn Y may be cut. In this way, if the tension exceeds just after splicing the yarn, for example, the yarn Y is cut, and occurrence of entanglement can be prevented.
During winding of the yarn Y, in Step S3, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the disconnection of the yarn Y has occurred due to cutting of the yarn Y by the cutter 15, or cutting of the yarn Y during unwinding of the yarn from the yarn feeding bobbin 21, or replacement of the yarn feeding bobbin 21. If the disconnection of the yarn Y has not occurred ("No" in Step S3), the operation of forming the package 30 proceeds to Step S8.
On the other hand, if the disconnection of the yarn Y has occurred ("Yes" in Step S3), the control unit 25 stops winding of the yarn Y around the winding bobbin 22 in Step S4. After that, in Step S5, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the control unit 25 controls the cam 91 to rotate so that one end of the first arm 92 contacts with the first peripheral position PH1 on the side surface PH of the cam 91, to move the restriction lever 95 to the restriction position, and moves the yarn ejection unit 60 to the yarn pull-out position.
When the yarn ejection unit 60 is moved to the yarn pull-out position, the yarn ejection unit 60 can pull out an end of the yarn Y from the yarn storage device 40, and can eject the same to the yarn guide pipe 80. In this case, the restriction lever 95 is moved to the restriction position at which the yarn Y is restricted from moving to the yarn guide slit SL and the hole H. In this way, as illustrated in Fig. 12, the yarn Y, which is pulled out from the yarn storage device 40 by the yarn ejection unit 60 to be caught by the first catching unit 13A and then is pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80, is restricted from moving to the yarn guide slit SL and the hole H by the restriction lever 95. In other words, the yarn Y pulled out from the yarn guide pipe 80 cannot move to the yarn guide slit SL and the hole H, and is not guided to the yarn winding position. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the state where the yarn Y is restricted from moving by the restriction lever 95.
After the yarn ejection unit 60 is moved to the yarn pull-out position, the yarn ejection unit 60 sucks the end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side to the inside, so as to pull out the same from the yarn storage device 40, and ejects the pulled-out yarn Y to the yarn guide pipe 80 (Step S6). As a result, the end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side moves along the guide path inside the yarn guide pipe 80 to the first catching unit 13A, and is caught by the first catching unit 13A. After that, the yarn Y inside the yarn guide pipe 80 is pulled out through the pull-out slit 82 of the yarn guide pipe 80 by the suction force of the first catching unit 13A, and is guided to the yarn splicing device 14. In addition, the end of the yarn Y on the yarn feeding unit 6 side is caught by the second catching unit 13B at the catching position and is guided to the yarn splicing device 14.
When the end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side is guided to the yarn splicing device 14, the yarn Y moves from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side (i.e., from downstream to upstream). As described above, the hole H of the yarn monitoring device 16 has a structure that makes it difficult to move from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side. Therefore, when the yarn Y guided to the hole H moves from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side, a "lump of yarn" may occur and may be accumulated at the hole H and its vicinity, for example, which is a state where the yarn Y is caught in the hole H and the yarn that cannot move forward stays there. After that, when the yarn Y is guided from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side, the "lump of yarn" accumulated at the hole H and its vicinity may be moved and stored in the yarn storage device 40 due to movement of the yarn Y to the yarn storage device 40 side.
Therefore, when the yarn Y is moved from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side, the restriction lever 95 prevents the yarn Y from being guided to the hole H, and thus the yarn Y is not guided to the yarn winding position (the hole H of the yarn monitoring device 16) at inappropriate timing, such as timing when the yarn Y is moved from the yarn storage device 40 side to the yarn feeding unit 6 side (as a result, "shaving" of the yarn Y is generated).
The end of the yarn Y on the yarn storage device 40 side and the end of the yarn Y on the yarn feeding unit 6 side are guided to the yarn splicing device 14, and then these ends of the yarns Y are spliced by the yarn splicing device 14 (Step S7).
After the splicing is finished, forming of the package 30 is restarted. In other words, the operation of forming the package 30 returns to Step S1. Specifically, the control unit 25 controls the cam 91 to rotate so that one end of the first arm 92 contacts with the origin O on the side surface PH of the cam 91, to move the restriction lever 95 to the introducing position, and moves the yarn ejection unit 60 to the yarn guide position. As a result, the yarn Y, which moves from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side, is guided to the hole H (i.e., to the yarn winding position), and is guided to the yarn storage device 40 by the yarn ejection unit 60. After that, winding of the yarn Y around the winding bobbin 22 (the package 30) is restarted.
In this way, when the yarn Y is moved from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side, the restriction lever 95 is at the introducing position, and the yarn Y is guided to the hole H. The hole H is formed so that the yarn Y can be easily moved in the direction from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side. Therefore, even if the yarn Y, which moves from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side, is guided to the hole H, the "lump of yarn" is not generated. In other words, the winder unit 2 can guide the yarn Y to the yarn winding position (such as the yarn monitoring device 16), at an appropriate timing when the yarn Y moves from the yarn feeding unit 6 side to the yarn storage device 40 side.
During winding of the yarn Y, the control unit 25 determines in Step S8 whether or not a predetermined amount of the yarn Y has been wound around the winding bobbin 22 so that formation of the package 30 is finished. If the formation of the package 30 is not finished ("No" in Step S8), the control unit 25 continues to wind the yarn Y.
On the other hand, if the formation of the package 30 is finished ("Yes" in Step S8), the control unit 25 stops winding of the yarn Y (Step S9), and the formation of the package 30 is finished. The formed package 30 is detached from the package forming unit 8 by the doffing device 5 and is conveyed to a predetermined position. After that, if another package 30 should be formed by the winder unit 2, Steps S1 to S11 described above are executed again.

2. Other Embodiments

Although one embodiment of the present invention is described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified within the scope of the invention without deviating from the spirit thereof. In particular, the plurality of embodiments and variations described in this specification can be variously combined as necessary.

(A) The process contents of individual steps in the flowchart of Fig. 10, which indicates operations of the winder unit 2, and execution order of the steps can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the invention without deviating from the spirit thereof.
(B) In the first embodiment described above, the yarn feeding unit 6 feeds the yarn Y that is unwound from the yarn feeding bobbin 21. In other words, the winder unit 2 in the first embodiment is the automatic winder. Without limiting to this, other types of the yarn feeding unit 6 can also be used. The yarn feeding unit 6 may be one that feeds the yarn Y spun by air, for example. In other words, the winder unit 2 may be an air spinning machine.
(C) Other than that, the yarn feeding unit 6 may be one that feeds the yarn Y spun by rotation of a rotor. In other words, the winder unit 2 may be an open-end spinning machine.
(D) The moving unit 90 may have any structure that can move the yarn ejection unit 60 and the restriction lever 95, other than the structure described above with reference to Figs. 5 and 6.
(E) The moving unit for moving the yarn ejection unit 60 and the moving unit for moving the restriction lever 95 may be different moving units.

3. Features of Embodiments

The above embodiments can also be described as follows.

(1) A yarn winding apparatus (for example, the winder unit 2) includes a feeding unit (for example, the yarn feeding unit 6), a yarn storage device (for example, the yarn storage device 40), a winding unit (for example, the package forming unit 8), a yarn splicing device (for example, the yarn splicing device 14), and a yarn guide unit (for example, the yarn guide unit 7). The feeding unit feeds yarn (for example, the yarn Y). The yarn storage device stores the yarn fed from the feeding unit. The winding unit winds the yarn stored in the yarn storage device so as to form a package (for example, the package 30). The yarn splicing device splices yarn on the feeding unit side and yarn on the yarn storage device side when the yarn is disconnected between the feeding unit and the yarn storage device. The yarn guide unit guides the yarn between the yarn storage device and the yarn splicing device.

The yarn guide unit includes a yarn ejection unit (for example, the yarn ejection unit 60), a yarn catching unit (for example, the catching device 13), a yarn guide pipe (for example, the yarn guide pipe 80), and a restriction lever (for example, the restriction lever 95). The yarn ejection unit pulls out the yarn stored in the yarn storage device and ejects the same to the feeding unit side. The yarn catching unit is disposed between the yarn splicing device and the feeding unit so as to catch the yarn ejected by the yarn ejection unit. The yarn guide pipe is disposed between the yarn ejection unit and the yarn catching unit so as to guide the yarn ejected from the yarn ejection unit to the yarn catching unit. The restriction lever temporarily restricts the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe from being guided to the yarn winding position for winding the yarn by the yarn catching unit.
In the yarn winding apparatus described above, the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe is temporarily restricted by the restriction lever from being guided by the yarn catching unit to the position where the yarn is wound (the yarn winding position). In this way, the yarn pulled out from the yarn guide pipe is not guided to the yarn winding position (such as the yarn monitoring device) at inappropriate timing. In other words, the yarn can be guided to the yarn winding position at an appropriate timing when the pull-out unit has completed the pull-out operation.
(2) The yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) may further include a moving unit (for example, the moving unit 90). The moving unit moves the restriction lever between a restriction position for restricting the yarn from being guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit, and an introducing position for enabling the yarn to be guided to the yarn winding position. In this way, the restriction lever can be switched between the state for restricting the yarn from being guided to the yarn winding position and the state for enabling the yarn to be guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit.
(3) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (2), the moving unit may move the yarn ejection unit between a yarn guide position for guiding the yarn fed from the feeding unit to the yarn storage device, and a yarn pull-out position for pulling out the yarn stored in the yarn storage device so as to eject the same to the feeding unit side. In this way, the movement of the restriction lever and the movement of the yarn ejection unit can be simultaneously performed by the moving unit.
(4) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (3), the yarn guide pipe may be detachable and attachable to the yarn guide unit. In this way, the yarn winding apparatus can be easily maintained.
(5) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (4), the yarn guide pipe may include an inlet portion (for example, the inlet portion IN) and a bent portion (for example, the first bent portion 81a). The inlet portion sucks the yarn ejected from the yarn ejection unit into a guide path inside. The bent portion changes moving direction of the yarn sucked to the guide path. In this case, sectional area of the guide path from the bent portion to the yarn catching unit side of the yarn guide pipe may be larger than that from the inlet portion to the bent portion. In this way, the yarn is not pulled out from middle part of the yarn guide pipe.
(6) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (5), the yarn guide pipe may have a flat side surface. In this way, the visibility of the yarn winding apparatus can be improved.
(7) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (6), the yarn guide pipe may include a slit (for example, the pull-out slit 82) configured to guide out the yarn guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit, from the guide path to the yarn catching unit side, and a fin (for example, the fin 83) disposed to stand from the slit. In this way, the yarn can be prevented from being guided out of the yarn winding position.
(8) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (7), the yarn guide pipe may include a slit configured to guide out the yarn guided to the yarn catching position by the yarn catching unit, from the inner guide path to the yarn catching unit side by the yarn catching unit. In this case, the slit may be parallel to an extending direction of the yarn guide pipe. In this way, the yarn guide pipe can be easily produced.
(9) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (8), the feeding unit may feed the yarn unwound from a yarn feeding bobbin. In this way, in the automatic winder including the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.
(10) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (8), the feeding unit may feed the yarn spun by air. In this way, in the air spinning machine including the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.
(11) In the yarn winding apparatus described above in (1) to (8), the feeding unit may feed the yarn spun by rotation of a rotor. In this way, in the open-end spinning machine including the yarn storage device, it is possible to appropriately guide the yarn to the yarn winding position.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention can be widely applied to yarn winding apparatuses.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: automatic winder
2: winder unit
3: machine control device
4: yarn feeding bobbin supply device
5: doffing device
6: yarn feeding unit
7: yarn guide unit
7a: attaching unit
8: package forming unit
10: unwind assist device
11: lower yarn feeler
12: tension applying unit
13: catching device
13A: first catching unit
13B: second catching unit
14: yarn splicing device
15: cutter
16: yarn monitoring device
19: housing
21: yarn feeding bobbin
22: winding bobbin
23: cradle
24: traverse drum
25: control unit
26: transport tray
27: moving member
28: assist blow-off unit
30: package
37: pull-out guide
40: yarn storage device
41: storage roller
41a: tapered part
41b: tapered part
41c: cylindrical part
41d: outer periphery surface
41e: end
41f: end
41g: inner periphery surface
42: ring member
43a: first recess
45: drive motor
47: cover
47a: opposing surface
50: detection unit
51: casing
53: detection unit
53A: line sensor
53B: lens
55: light emission unit
55A: LED substrate
55B: light source
55C: optical waveguide
60: yarn ejection unit
70: wax applying device
80: yarn guide pipe
81: cylindrical member
81a: first bent portion
81b: second bent portion
81c: area expansion part
82: pull-out slit
83: fin
84: rotation fixing member
85: snap member
86: protrusion member
90: moving unit
91: cam
91A: first pulley
91B: belt
91C: second pulley
91D: motor
92: first arm
93: second arm
94: position sensor
95: restriction lever
A: storing area
A1: first axis
A2: second axis
C1: rotation axis
CH: casing
H: hole
IN: inlet portion
L1: first straight line
L2: second straight line
O: origin
OUT: outlet
PH: side surface
PH1: first peripheral position
SL: yarn guide slit
ST1: straight section
Y: yarn
θ: emission angle

Claims

A yarn winding apparatus (2) comprising:
a feeding unit (6) configured to feed the yarn (Y);

a yarn storage device (40) configured to store the yarn (Y) fed from the feeding unit (6);

a winding unit (8) configured to wind the yarn (Y) stored in the yarn storage device (40) to form a package (30);

a yarn splicing device (14) configured to splice yarn on the feeding unit (6) side and yarn on the yarn storage device (40) side, when the yarn (Y) is disconnected between the feeding unit (6) and the yarn storage device (40); and

a yarn guide unit (7) configured to guide the yarn (Y) between the yarn storage device (40) and the yarn splicing device (14), characterised in that

the yarn guide unit (7) includes:
a yarn ejection unit (60) configured to pull out the yarn (Y) stored in the yarn storage device (40) and eject the same to the feeding unit (6) side,

a yarn catching unit (13) disposed between the yarn splicing device (14) and the feeding unit (6) so as to catch the yarn (Y) ejected by the yarn ejection unit (60),

a yarn guide pipe (80) disposed between the yarn ejection unit (60) and the yarn catching unit (13) and configured to guide the yarn (Y) ejected from the yarn ejection unit (60) to the yarn catching unit (13), and

a restriction lever (95) configured to temporarily restrict the yarn (Y) pulled out from the yarn guide pipe (80) from being guided to the yarn winding position for winding the yarn (Y) by the yarn catching unit (13).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit (90) configured to move the restriction lever (95), between a restriction position for restricting the yarn (Y) from being guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit (13), and an introducing position for enabling the yarn (Y) to be guided to the yarn winding position.
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to claim 2, wherein the moving unit (90) moves the yarn ejection unit (60) between a yarn guide position for guiding the yarn (Y) fed from the feeding unit (6) to the yarn storage device (40), and a yarn pull-out position for pulling out the yarn (Y) stored in the yarn storage device (40) to eject the same to the feeding unit (6) side.
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the yarn guide pipe (80) is detachable and attachable to the yarn guide unit (7).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the yarn guide pipe (80) includes an inlet portion (IN) configured to suck the yarn (Y) ejected from the yarn ejection unit (60) into a guide path inside, and a bent portion (81a) configured to change moving direction of the yarn (Y) sucked to the guide path, and

sectional area of the guide path from the bent portion (81a) to the yarn catching unit (13) side of the yarn guide pipe (80) is larger than that from the inlet portion (IN) to the bent portion (81a).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the yarn guide pipe (80) has a flat side surface.
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the yarn guide pipe (80) includes a slit (82) configured to guide out the yarn (Y) guided to the yarn winding position by the yarn catching unit (13), from the inner guide path to the yarn catching unit (13) side, and a fin (83) disposed to stand from the slit (82).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
the yarn guide pipe (80) includes a slit (82) configured to guide out the yarn guided from the inner guide path to the yarn catching unit (13) side by the yarn catching unit (13), and

the slit (82) is parallel to an extending direction of the yarn guide pipe (80).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feeding unit (6) is configured to feed the yarn (Y) unwound from a yarn feeding bobbin (21).
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feeding unit (6) is configured to feed the yarn (Y) spun by air.
The yarn winding apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the feeding unit (6) is configured to feed the yarn (Y) spun by rotation of a rotor.