Yarn monitoring device and yarn winding machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a yarn monitoring device and a yarn winding machine. The yarn monitoring device is a device for monitoring a traveling yarn. The yarn monitoring device includes a discriminating unit. The discriminating unit discriminates the type of yarn defect of the yarn based on a combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn in response to the irradiation of light to the yarn.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a yarn monitoring device and a yarn winding machine. Background Art

[0002] As a technology related to the yarn monitoring device, a yarn clearer is known as described in Japanese Patent No. 5413560. In the yarn clearer described in Japanese Patent No. 5413560, the thickness of the spun yarn is detected by measuring the light (transmitted light) partially blocked by the spun yarn (yarn). In addition, in the yarn clearer described in Japanese Patent No. 5413560, the foreign matter contained in the spun yarn is detected by measuring the reflected light reflected by the spun yarn.

[0003] There are various types of yarn defects, and it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the types of yarn defects in the yarn monitoring device described above, thereby making it difficult to accurately determine the yarn defects. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a yarn monitoring device and a yarn winding machine capable of accurately determining a yarn defect.

[0005] A yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention monitors a traveling yarn and includes a discriminating unit that discriminates the type of a yarn defect based on a combination of yarn thickness and brightness of light reflected from the yarn in response to irradiation of light onto the yarn.

[0006] In the yarn monitoring device, the type of yarn defect is determined based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light from the yarn. Thus, it is possible to distinguish yarn defects that are difficult to distinguish based on only one of the thickness and the brightness, and it is possible to determine yarn defects with high accuracy.

[0007] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discriminating unit may discriminate a first yarn defect having a twist, a knot, or a tangle protruding in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the yarn as a yarn defect. It has been found that the first yarn defect having a twist, a knot, or a tangle protruding in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the yarn (hereinafter also referred to as "tangle") can be discriminated by combining the thickness of the yarn with the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn. That is, in the present invention, tangle can be discriminated as a yarn defect with high accuracy.

[0008] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discriminating unit may discriminate a second yarn defect, which is a cotton neps mixed with foreign matter, as a yarn defect. It has been found that the second yarn defect, which is a cotton neps mixed with foreign matter (hereinafter also referred to as "cotton neps mixed with foreign matter"), can be discriminated by combining the thickness of the yarn with the brightness of the reflected light reflected by the yarn. That is, in the present invention, cotton neps mixed with foreign matter can be discriminated as a yarn defect with high accuracy.

[0009] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discrimination section may include a first defect determination object determination section and a second defect determination object determination section, the first defect determination object determination section determines a first defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in a first variation signal of thickness, and the second defect determination object determination section determines a second defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in a second variation signal of brightness, the discrimination section determines the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion corresponding to each other in the length direction of the yarn, and discriminates the type of the yarn defect based on the thickness of the first defect determination object portion and the brightness of the second defect determination object portion determined as corresponding portions. Thus, the discrimination of the yarn defect based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn can be specifically realized.

[0010] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discriminating unit may discriminate that there is a first yarn defect having a twist, a knot, or a tangled portion protruding in a direction intersecting with the traveling direction of the yarn when the thickness of the first defect discrimination target portion is greater than a first thickness discrimination value and the brightness of the second defect discrimination target portion is greater than a first brightness discrimination value. It is found that when the yarn defect is tangled, not only the detected thickness becomes greater than a certain level, but also the detected brightness becomes brighter than a certain level because light is diffusely reflected by the tangled portion. Therefore, according to the present invention, tangled portions can be discriminated with higher accuracy.

[0011] In the yarn monitoring device of one embodiment of the present invention, the second defect determination target portion may be a continuous portion in the yarn whose brightness is greater than a threshold value, and may include a continuous portion that is the same as at least a portion of the first defect determination target portion. Thus, it is possible to specifically realize the determination of yarn defects based on a combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn.

[0012] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discriminating unit may discriminate that there is a second yarn defect in which a cotton nep mixed with a foreign matter exists when the thickness of the first defect discrimination target portion is greater than or equal to a second thickness discrimination value and the brightness of the second defect discrimination target portion is less than or equal to a second brightness discrimination value. It has been found that when the yarn defect is a cotton nep mixed with a foreign matter, not only the detected thickness becomes greater than a certain level, but also the detected brightness becomes darker than a certain level because light is absorbed by the foreign matter. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to discriminate the mixing of foreign matter into cotton neps with higher accuracy.

[0013] In the yarn monitoring device of one embodiment of the present invention, the second defect determination target portion may be a continuous portion in the yarn whose brightness is below a threshold value, and may include a continuous portion that is the same as at least a portion of the first defect determination target portion. Thus, it is possible to specifically realize the determination of yarn defects based on a combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn.

[0014] In one embodiment of the yarn monitoring device of the present invention, the discriminating unit may discriminate the presence or absence of cotton neps that are not mixed with foreign matter based on the length of a continuous portion of the yarn whose thickness is greater than a threshold value and the thickness of the continuous portion. Thus, the presence or absence of cotton neps that are not mixed with foreign matter (hereinafter also referred to as "cotton neps") can be discriminated with high accuracy.

[0015] In the yarn monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention, the determination section may determine the presence of foreign matter based on the length of a continuous portion of the yarn having brightness equal to or less than a threshold value and the brightness of the continuous portion.

[0016] Alternatively, a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a light-emitting element that irradiates light toward a travel area where the yarn travels; a first light-receiving element configured to receive light irradiated from the light-emitting element and partially blocked by the yarn; and a second light-receiving element configured to receive light irradiated from the light-emitting element and reflected from the yarn, wherein the thickness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the first light-receiving element, and the brightness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the second light-receiving element. Thus, the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn can be specifically calculated.

[0017] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first defect determination object determination unit may determine the first defect determination object portion based on the first change signal and the first threshold value, and the second defect determination object determination unit may determine the second defect determination object portion based on the second change signal and the second threshold value, and the determination unit may determine the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion that overlap in the length direction of the yarn as corresponding portions. Thus, the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion may be determined with high accuracy.

[0018] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the discriminating unit may determine the peak position of the first defect determination target portion, the discriminating unit may determine the peak position of the second defect determination target portion, and the discriminating unit may determine the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion whose peak positions in the length direction are within a prescribed range as corresponding portions. Thus, the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion may be determined with high accuracy.

[0019] The yarn monitoring device according to one aspect of the present invention may include a display unit that displays the determination result of the determination unit using a scatter diagram with thickness and brightness as axes. Thus, the determination result of the determination unit can be effectively displayed using the scatter diagram.

[0020] In a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit may display a first yarn defect having twist, knot or entanglement protruding in a direction intersecting with the traveling direction of the yarn, distinguishing from other yarn defects. In a yarn monitoring device according to the present invention, the display unit may display a second yarn defect, i.e., a cotton nep mixed with foreign matter, distinguishing from other yarn defects.

[0021] A yarn winding machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: the yarn monitoring device described above; a yarn feeding device provided so as to be able to supply yarn; and a winding device for winding the yarn supplied from the yarn feeding device to form a package, wherein the yarn monitoring device is provided between the yarn feeding device and the winding device.

[0022] In this yarn winding machine, since the yarn monitoring device is provided, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the effect of being able to accurately determine a yarn defect, is also exhibited.

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a yarn monitoring device and a yarn winding machine capable of accurately determining a yarn defect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a front view of the spinning machine according to the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of a yarn monitoring device in a spinning machine.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the physical structure of the device body of the yarn monitoring device.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a graph for explaining how to calculate defect thickness and defect length.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a chart for explaining the presence or absence of neps.

[0029] Fig. 6A is an enlarged view illustrating entanglement. Figure 6B is an enlarged view illustrating entanglement. Figure 6C is an enlarged view illustrating entanglement.

[0030] Figure 7 This is an enlarged photographic diagram illustrating an example of foreign matter mixed into a nep.

[0031] Fig. 8A This is a graph for explaining the determination of entanglement and is a graph showing the thickness and length of the yarn. Figure 8B This is a graph for explaining the determination of entanglement, and is a graph showing the brightness and length of the yarn.

[0032] Fig.9A This is a graph for explaining the determination of foreign matter mixed into neps, and is a graph showing the thickness and length of the yarn. Fig. 9B This is a graph for explaining the determination of foreign matter mixed into neps, and is a graph showing the brightness and length of the yarn.

[0033] Fig.10 It is a graph showing a scatter diagram as an example of the discrimination result of the discrimination unit.

[0034] Fig.11 : is a graph showing a scatter diagram as another example of the discrimination result of the discrimination unit.

[0035] Fig.12 This is a graph showing a scatter diagram as still another example of the discrimination result of the discrimination unit.

[0036] Fig.13 It is a front view of the automatic winder according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in each figure, and repeated description is omitted.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a spinning machine (yarn winding machine) 1 includes a plurality of spinning units 2, a yarn joining trolley 3, a yarn doffing trolley (not shown), a first end frame 4, and a second end frame 5. The plurality of spinning units 2 are arranged in a row. Each spinning unit 2 generates a yarn Y and winds it into a package P. When the yarn Y is cut in a certain spinning unit 2 or the yarn Y is disconnected for some reason, the yarn joining trolley 3 performs a yarn joining operation in the spinning unit 2. When the package P in a certain spinning unit 2 becomes fully wound, the yarn doffing trolley does away the package P and supplies a new bobbin B to the spinning unit 2.

[0039] The first end frame 4 contains a recovery device, etc., which recovers fiber scraps and thread ends generated in the spinning unit 2. The second end frame 5 contains an air supply unit and a drive motor for supplying power to each part of the spinning unit 2. The air supply unit adjusts the air pressure of the compressed air (air) supplied to the spinning machine 1 and supplies air to each part of the spinning machine 1. The second end frame 5 is provided with a machine control device 5a, a display 5b and an input key 5c. The machine control device 5a centrally manages and controls each part of the spinning machine 1. The display 5b can display information related to at least one of the setting content and status of the spinning unit 2. The setting operation of the spinning unit 2 can be performed by the operator using the input key 5c to perform appropriate operations.

[0040] Each spinning unit 2 includes a drafting device 6, an air spinning device 7, a yarn monitoring device 8, a tension sensor 9, a yarn storage device 11, a wax coating device 12, and a winding device 13 in order from the upstream side in the traveling direction of the yarn Y. The unit controller 10 is provided for each predetermined number of spinning units 2 and controls the operation of the spinning unit 2. In each spinning unit 2, the drafting device 6 and the air spinning device 7 function as a yarn feeding device for supplying the yarn Y.

[0041] The drafting device 6 drafts the sliver (fiber bundle) S. The air spinning device 7 twists the fiber bundle F drafted by the drafting device 6 by a swirling airflow to generate a yarn Y. The yarn storage device 11 eliminates the slack of the yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the winding device 13. The wax coating device 12 coats the yarn Y between the yarn storage device 11 and the winding device 13. The winding device 13 winds the yarn Y supplied from the drafting device 6 and the air spinning device 7, which function as a yarn feeding device, onto a bobbin B to form a package P.

[0042] The yarn monitoring device 8 is a device that monitors the running yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the yarn accumulation device 11. The yarn monitoring device 8 detects the presence or absence of a yarn defect based on the monitored information related to the yarn Y. When a yarn defect is detected, the yarn monitoring device 8 sends a yarn defect detection signal to the unit controller 10. The tension sensor 9 measures the tension of the running yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the yarn accumulation device 11, and sends a tension measurement signal to the unit controller 10. When the unit controller 10 determines that there is an abnormality based on at least one of the yarn defect detection signal and the tension measurement signal, the yarn Y is cut in the spinning unit 2.

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of the yarn monitoring device 8. Figure 2As shown, the yarn monitoring device 8 includes a device body 81, a determination section 82, and a display 5b. The device body 81 includes a thickness detection section 81a and a brightness detection section 81b as functional components.

[0044] The thickness detection unit 81a is a part that detects the thickness of the traveling yarn Y. The thickness can be expressed as a percentage when the reference thickness of the yarn Y, i.e., the reference yarn thickness, is set to 0. The thickness detection of the yarn Y based on the thickness detection unit 81a is an optical thickness detection of the yarn Y in appearance in this embodiment, but it can also be a capacitance-based thickness detection of the yarn Y. The brightness detection unit 81b is a part that detects the brightness of the reflected light reflected by the yarn Y in response to the irradiation of the traveling yarn Y with light (hereinafter also referred to as "the brightness of the yarn Y"). The brightness can be expressed as a percentage when the reference brightness of the yarn Y, i.e., the reference yarn brightness, is set to 0. For example, the brightness in a pitch-black state (when shielded from light) can be expressed as -100%. The thickness detection unit 81a and the brightness detection unit 81b constitute a detection unit. The detection unit is not particularly limited, and various known sensors can be used as long as they can detect the thickness and brightness of the yarn Y.

[0045] This device body 81 has, as a physical structure, for example, a detection module and a housing for accommodating the detection module. The detection module includes a light-emitting element, a first light-receiving element, and a second light-receiving element, and detects the amount of transmitted light and the amount of reflected light of the light irradiated toward the yarn Y. In the detection module, the light-emitting element irradiates (projects) light to the yarn Y traveling between the air spinning device 7 and the yarn storage device 11. In the detection module, the first light-receiving element receives the light (transmitted light) that is partially blocked by the yarn Y. In the detection module, the second light-receiving element receives the reflected light reflected by the yarn Y. In the detection module, a signal indicating the amount of light received by the first light-receiving element (amount of transmitted light) is output to the discrimination unit 82 as a signal related to the thickness of the yarn Y. In the detection module, a signal indicating the amount of light received by the second light-receiving element (amount of reflected light) is output to the discrimination unit 82 as a signal related to the thickness of the yarn Y. In the detection module, a signal indicating the amount of light received by the second light-receiving element (amount of reflected light) is output to the discrimination unit 82 as a signal related to the brightness of the reflected light of the yarn Y.

[0046] The light-emitting element, the first light-receiving element, and the second light-receiving element may be arranged at the same position in the direction of yarn travel. Thus, the amount of transmitted light and the amount of reflected light related to the same part of yarn Y can be obtained at the same time. The first light-receiving element and the second light-receiving element may also be arranged at different positions in the direction of yarn travel. In this structure, the amount of transmitted light and the amount of reflected light related to the same part of yarn Y can also be obtained at the same time. The first light-receiving element and the second light-receiving element may also be provided with a light-emitting element respectively. That is, the first light-emitting element and the second light-receiving element may also be provided as light-emitting elements. The first light-receiving element receives light (transmitted light) irradiated from the first light-emitting element and partially blocked by yarn Y. The second light-receiving element receives reflected light irradiated from the second light-emitting element and reflected on yarn Y. The first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element may be arranged at the same position or at different positions in the direction of yarn travel. Alternatively, the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element are arranged at the same position in the yarn traveling direction, the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element are arranged at the same position in the yarn traveling direction, and the positions of the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element in the yarn traveling direction are different from the positions of the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element in the yarn traveling direction. In this structure, the amount of transmitted light and the amount of reflected light related to the same part of the yarn Y can also be associated based on the interval distance between the first light receiving element and the second light receiving element in the yarn traveling direction and the yarn traveling speed.

[0047] use Figure 3 An example of the physical structure of the device body 81 is described below. Figure 3 As shown, the device body 81 includes a holder 111 , a first light projecting unit (light emitting element) 121 , a second light projecting unit (light emitting element) 123 , a first light receiving unit (first light receiving element) 131 , and a second light receiving unit (second light receiving element) 135 .

[0048] The holder 111 is constituted as a resin housing, and is used to mount the first light projecting unit 121, the second light projecting unit 123, the first light receiving unit 131, and the second light receiving unit 135. A yarn passage 113 as a detection space is formed in the holder 111 along the traveling direction of the yarn Y, and the detection space includes a portion that becomes a yarn path for the traveling yarn Y. In addition, the yarn passage 113 is in a shape that is open toward the front side of the device.

[0049] The yarn passage 113 has a first surface 113A, a second surface 113B, and a third surface 113C. The first surface 113A and the third surface 113C are left and right side wall surfaces of the yarn passage 113. The second surface 113B is a back wall surface of the yarn passage 113.

[0050] The first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 project light to the yarn path 113. The first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 are, for example, cannonball-shaped yellow LEDs whose outer surfaces are formed of resin in a cannonball shape. Therefore, the light emitted from the first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 is emitted in one direction as the optical axis direction A11, A15. The first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 are controlled to emit light by the discriminating unit 82.

[0051] The first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135 receive light from the first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123. The first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135 are photodiodes, and convert the intensity of the received light into an electrical signal, and send the electrical signal to the determination unit 82.

[0052] The first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 are arranged so as to irradiate light from different angles to the yarn Y running in the yarn path 113. In addition, the first light projecting unit 121 and the second light projecting unit 123 are controlled by the discriminating unit 82 so as to emit light alternately from one side. Thus, the yarn Y can be irradiated with light from two different directions. In the second yarn monitoring device 101 having two light projecting units, since the yarn Y can be measured from multiple aspects, the detection accuracy of foreign matter and yarn thickness can be improved.

[0053] The first light receiving section 131 is arranged on the opposite side of the second light projecting section 123 across the yarn path Y1 of the yarn Y. Therefore, the first light receiving section 131 receives the transmitted light of the light irradiated onto the yarn Y from the second light projecting section 123. Another second light receiving section 135 is arranged on the opposite side of the first light projecting section 121 across the yarn path Y1 of the yarn Y. Therefore, the second light receiving section 135 receives the transmitted light of the light irradiated onto the yarn Y from the first light projecting section 121. The light receiving section for receiving the transmitted light is arranged at a position opposite to the light projecting section across the yarn path Y1 (a position where the light from the light projecting section is directly irradiated).

[0054] The first light receiving unit 131 is arranged so that the light from the first light projecting unit 121 is not directly irradiated thereto, and is arranged so that the reflected light of the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit 121 to the yarn Y can be received. In addition, the second light receiving unit 135 is arranged so that the light from the second light projecting unit 123 is not directly irradiated thereto, and is arranged so that the reflected light of the light irradiated from the second light projecting unit 123 to the yarn Y can be received. The light receiving unit for receiving the reflected light is arranged at a position where the light from the light projecting unit is not directly irradiated thereto.

[0055] In the above structure, when the first light projector 121 emits light, the first light receiver 131 receives reflected light and the second light receiver 135 receives transmitted light. When the second light projector 123 emits light, the first light receiver 131 receives transmitted light and the second light receiver 135 receives reflected light.

[0056] Since the above-mentioned transmitted light is light received by the first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135 after being blocked by the yarn Y, the intensity of the transmitted light (the amount of light received) also changes if the thickness of the yarn Y changes. Therefore, by monitoring the change of the transmitted light received by the first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135 in the determination unit 82, the uneven thickness of the yarn Y (yarn unevenness) can be detected.

[0057] Since the reflected light is the light reflected from the surface of the yarn Y and received by the first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135, the intensity (the amount of light received) of the reflected light also changes according to the reflectivity (color) of the surface of the yarn Y. Therefore, by detecting the change of the reflected light received by the first light receiving unit 131 and the second light receiving unit 135 in the determination unit 82, foreign matter such as colored yarn contained in the yarn Y can be detected.

[0058] Back to Figure 2 The discriminating unit 82 is mounted on the unit controller 10. The discriminating unit 82 discriminates the yarn defect of the yarn Y based on the first variation signal related to the thickness of the yarn Y and the second variation signal related to the brightness of the yarn Y. The discriminating unit 82 discriminates the type of the yarn defect of the yarn Y based on the first variation signal and the second variation signal. Yarn defects are sometimes also referred to as defects, yarn defects, and defects. The discrimination of yarn defects is sometimes also referred to as the determination of yarn defects, the detection of yarn defects, and the determination of yarn defects. The discriminating unit 82 has a plurality of channels, and can detect the presence or absence of a plurality of different yarn defects in each channel.

[0059] The determination unit 82 determines the presence or absence of neps based on the defect thickness and defect length (first defect length) in the first passage. Specifically, the determination unit 82 calculates the defect thickness and defect length. First, the following uses Figure 4 An example of a method for calculating defect thickness and defect length is described below.

[0060] After sampling the detection signal (yarn unevenness signal, first variation signal) indicating the amount of transmitted light at every predetermined length (e.g. 1 mm), the determination unit 82 takes a moving average at an appropriate length (e.g. 2 mm) and calculates the defect thickness and defect length L0 according to the following (1) to (3). Figure 4 In the graph of , the horizontal axis is length and the vertical axis is thickness. In addition, the defect length corresponds to the length of the continuous portion of the yarn Y whose thickness is greater than the threshold value. The defect thickness corresponds to the thickness of the continuous portion. The continuous portion whose thickness is greater than the threshold value is the first defect determination target portion, and is a portion that is a yarn defect to be cut off or a portion that is a yarn defect that may not be removed but remains on the yarn Y.

[0061] (1) The length of a continuous portion having a thickness not less than a threshold value is calculated as the defect length L0. For example, the threshold value is the peak thickness of the continuous portion × a (for example, a is 0.5).

[0062] (2) Defect area determination For example, the defect area can be determined from the integrated value of thickness (gray portion in the figure) for the portion corresponding to the defect length L0.

[0063] (3) The defect thickness is calculated as "defect area / defect length L0".

[0064] Next, the determination unit 82 compares the calculated defect thickness and defect length with the Figure 5 The determination section 82 determines whether there is a nep by comparing the determination threshold value (so-called yarn clearing curve) CC shown in the figure. For example, when the defect length is less than a specified value (such as 1 cm) and the defect thickness is greater than the determination threshold value, the determination section 82 determines that the continuous portion is a nep. In addition, when the defect length is greater than a specified value and the defect thickness is greater than the determination threshold value, the determination section 82 determines that the yarn defect is a slub. A nep is, for example, a thick yarn defect of less than 1 cm. A slub is, for example, a thick yarn defect of less than several centimeters.

[0065] The discriminating unit 82 discriminates whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the second channel based on the defect brightness and the defect length (second defect length). Specifically, the discriminating unit 82 calculates the defect brightness and the defect length. The defect brightness and its length can be calculated by the same method as the above-mentioned method for calculating the defect thickness and its length. Next, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates whether or not foreign matter is mixed in by comparing the calculated defect brightness and defect length with the determination threshold. For example, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates that the yarn defect is foreign matter mixed in when the defect brightness is above the determination threshold. In addition, the defect length in the second channel corresponds to the length of the continuous portion in the yarn Y whose brightness is above the threshold. The defect brightness corresponds to the brightness of the continuous portion. The continuous portion whose brightness is above the threshold is the second defect determination object portion, and is a portion of the yarn defect that should be cut off or a portion of the yarn defect that may not be cut off and remains on the yarn Y.

[0066] The discriminating unit 82 of the present embodiment discriminates the yarn defect of the yarn Y based on the combination of the thickness and brightness of the yarn Y in the third channel. The discriminating unit 82 discriminates whether the yarn Y is tangled, whether foreign matter is mixed into the yarn Y with neps, and whether the yarn Y is normal yarn based on the combination of the thickness and brightness of the yarn Y in the third channel.

[0067] The discriminating unit 82 includes a first defect determination object determining unit and a second defect determination object determining unit. The first defect determination object determining unit determines a first defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in the first variation signal of thickness. The second defect determination object determining unit determines a second defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in the second variation signal of brightness. The discriminating unit 82 determines the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion corresponding to each other in the length direction of the yarn Y, and discriminates the type of the yarn defect based on the thickness of the first defect determination object portion and the brightness of the second defect determination object portion determined as corresponding portions. The first defect determination object determining unit determines the first defect determination object portion based on the first variation signal and the first threshold value, and the second defect determination object determining unit determines the second defect determination object portion based on the second variation signal and the second threshold value, and the discriminating unit determines the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion overlapping in the length direction of the yarn as corresponding portions. The discrimination unit determines the peak position of the first defect judgment object part, and the discrimination unit determines the peak position of the second defect judgment object part. The discrimination unit determines the first defect judgment object part and the second defect judgment object part whose peak positions in the length direction are within a specified range as corresponding parts.

[0068] Specifically, the first defect determination object determination unit determines the portion exceeding the first threshold value in the first variation signal as the first defect determination object portion. The discrimination unit 82 determines the peak position (first peak position) of the first defect determination object portion. The second defect determination object determination unit determines the portion exceeding the second threshold value in the second variation signal as the second defect determination object portion. The discrimination unit 82 determines the peak position (second peak position) of the second defect determination object portion candidate. The discrimination unit 82 determines the portion where the second peak position in the length direction exists within the specified range of the first peak position (for example, within 1 cm before and after) as the second defect determination object portion corresponding to the first defect determination object portion.

[0069] The discriminating unit 82 calculates the length and thickness of the first defect determination target portion. The discriminating unit 82 calculates the length based on the portion exceeding the first threshold value. The discriminating unit 82 calculates the thickness based on the area of ​​the portion of the first defect determination target portion exceeding the reference yarn thickness (first reference value) different from the first threshold value. The discriminating unit 82 calculates the length and brightness of the second defect determination target portion (the portion determined to correspond to the first defect determination target portion). The discriminating unit 82 calculates the length based on the portion exceeding the second threshold value. The discriminating unit 82 calculates the brightness based on the area of ​​the portion of the second defect determination target portion exceeding the reference yarn brightness (second reference value) different from the second threshold value. The discriminating unit 82 discriminates the type of yarn defect of the yarn Y based on the calculated "length and thickness" and "length and brightness". Usually, the first threshold value is not the same as the reference yarn thickness (first reference value). This is because when the first threshold value is the same as the reference yarn thickness (first reference value), too small changes will be captured, resulting in an excessive increase in processing load. However, if the processing load can be ignored in the environment, the first threshold value and the reference yarn thickness (first reference value) may be set to be the same. The second threshold value and the reference yarn brightness (second reference value) are also the same.

[0070] Next, an example of determining whether the yarn Y is tangled, whether there are foreign objects mixed in the yarn Y, and whether the yarn Y is normal yarn based on the combination of the thickness and brightness of the yarn Y will be described in detail. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C As shown in FIG. 1 , entanglement is a yarn defect in which the yarn Y is twisted, knotted or entangled in a direction intersecting the traveling direction of the yarn Y. Entanglement includes snarling and sloughing. Figure 7 As shown, foreign matter mixed neps are neps in which foreign matter I such as large pepper trash is mixed. Entanglement corresponds to the first yarn defect, and foreign matter mixed neps correspond to the second yarn defect.

[0071] The determination unit 82 determines whether the yarn Y is tangled based on the thickness of the continuous portion of the yarn Y extracted as the first defect determination target portion (defect thickness) and the brightness of the continuous portion of the yarn Y extracted as the second defect determination target portion (defect brightness) at the same time. Specifically, the determination unit 82 appropriately samples and performs moving average on the first variation signal indicating the thickness of the yarn Y, such as Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , a first variation signal related to the thickness and length of the yarn Y is obtained. The determination section 82 calculates the thickness of the first defect determination target portion of the yarn Y using the first variation signal related to the thickness and length of the yarn Y.

[0072] The first defect determination target portion is the portion of the yarn Y that is the object for calculating the thickness and determining whether it is a yarn defect. As mentioned above, the first defect determination target portion here is a continuous portion of the yarn Y with a thickness greater than the threshold value (peak thickness × 0.5). The thickness of the first defect determination target portion can be calculated as "area of ​​the first defect determination target portion" / "length L1 of the first defect determination target portion" on a graph related to the thickness and length of the yarn Y. For example, the area of ​​the first defect determination target portion can be calculated based on the integral value of the thickness related to the first defect determination target portion (the gray part in the figure). The threshold of the first change signal corresponds to the first threshold.

[0073] Furthermore, the determination section 82 appropriately samples and performs moving average on the second variation signal representing the brightness of the yarn Y. Figure 8B As shown in FIG. 1 , a second variation signal related to the brightness and length of the yarn Y is obtained. The determination section 82 calculates the brightness of the second defect determination target portion of the yarn Y using the second variation signal related to the brightness and length of the yarn Y.

[0074] The second defect determination target portion is a portion of the yarn Y corresponding to the first defect determination target portion, and is a portion for which the brightness is calculated and whether it is a yarn defect. The second defect determination target portion here is a continuous portion of the yarn Y with a brightness above the threshold value (peak brightness × 0.5). Since the thickness and brightness of the yarn Y are obtained by simultaneously measuring the same portion of the yarn Y, the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion include the same continuous portion of the yarn Y. In other words, the second defect determination target portion includes a continuous portion that is the same as at least a part of the first defect determination target portion. The brightness of the second defect determination target portion can be obtained as "area of ​​the second defect determination target portion" / "length L2 of the second defect determination target portion" on a graph related to the brightness and length of the yarn Y. For example, the area of ​​the second defect determination target portion can be obtained based on the integral value of the brightness related to the second defect determination target portion (the gray portion in the figure). The threshold of the second change signal corresponds to the second threshold.

[0075] Moreover, the discrimination unit 82 discriminates that the portion (the first defect judgment object portion and the second defect judgment object portion) is tangled when the thickness of the first defect judgment object portion is greater than the first thickness judgment value and the brightness of the second defect judgment object portion is greater than the first brightness judgment value. The first thickness judgment value and the first brightness judgment value are predetermined thresholds for judging tangles. The first thickness judgment value and the first brightness judgment value can be either fixed values ​​or variable values. The first thickness judgment value and the first brightness judgment value are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set or changed by the user. The first brightness judgment value is a positive (+) value. In addition, even if the thickness of the first defect judgment object portion is greater than the first thickness judgment value, when the brightness of the second defect judgment object portion is brighter than the reference yarn brightness and less than the first brightness judgment value, the discrimination unit 82 discriminates that the portion is a normal yarn.

[0076] The determination section 82 determines whether there are foreign matters mixed in the yarn Y with neps based on the thickness of the first defect determination target portion of the yarn Y and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion of the yarn Y. Specifically, the determination section 82 is similar to the above-mentioned determination of entanglement, such as Fig.9A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first variation signal related to the thickness and length of the yarn Y is used to calculate the thickness of the first defect determination target portion of the yarn Y. Also, the determination unit 82 performs the same operation as in the above-mentioned determination of entanglement, such as Fig. 9B As shown, the brightness of the second defect determination target portion of the yarn Y is calculated using a second variation signal related to the brightness and length of the yarn Y. The second defect determination target portion is a portion of the yarn Y corresponding to the first defect determination target portion and is a portion to be monitored for brightness. The second defect determination target portion here is a continuous portion of the yarn Y with a brightness below a threshold value (peak brightness × 0.5). The brightness of the second defect determination target portion can be obtained on a graph related to the brightness and length of the yarn Y as "area of ​​the second defect determination target portion" / "length L4 of the second defect determination target portion". For example, the area of ​​the second defect determination target portion can be obtained based on the integral value of the brightness related to the second defect determination target portion (the gray portion in the figure).

[0077] Moreover, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates that foreign matter is mixed into the cotton neps in the part (the first defect determination object part and the second defect determination object part) when the thickness of the first defect determination object part is greater than the second thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination object part is less than the second brightness determination value. The second thickness determination value and the second brightness determination value are predetermined threshold values ​​for judging whether foreign matter is mixed into the cotton neps. The second thickness determination value and the second brightness determination value can be either fixed values ​​or variable values. The second thickness determination value and the second brightness determination value are not particularly limited and can be appropriately set or changed by the user. The second thickness determination value can be the same as or different from the first thickness determination value. The second brightness determination value is a negative (-) value. In addition, even if the thickness of the first defect determination object part is greater than the second thickness determination value, when the brightness of the second defect determination object part is greater than the second brightness determination value and less than the reference yarn brightness, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates that the part is normal yarn.

[0078] In addition, in the third channel, the discriminating unit 82 may also discriminate whether there are neps and foreign matter mixed in the yarn Y. For example, in the third channel, the discriminating unit 82 may also discriminate that there are neps in the first defect determination target portion when the thickness of the first defect determination target portion is greater than the third thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion is less than the first brightness determination value and greater than the second brightness determination value. For example, in the third channel, the discriminating unit 82 may also discriminate that there are foreign matter mixed in the first defect determination target portion when the thickness of the first defect determination target portion is less than the second thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion is less than the second brightness determination value.

[0079] Back to Figure 2 The display 5b displays the determination result of the determination unit 82 through a scatter diagram with the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y as axes. Fig.10 As shown, a graph is displayed on the display 5b, where a plurality of data points (circles in the graph) are marked for each yarn defect on a coordinate axis with thickness on the horizontal axis and brightness on the vertical axis. In the graph, regions are divided for entanglement, neps, foreign matter mixed with neps, foreign matter mixed with and normal yarn, respectively, and the yarn defects of the yarn Y can be easily grasped based on the plurality of data points and their respective regions. Fig.10 In the longitudinal direction ( Fig.10 Changes in the vertical direction of the paper).

[0080] On the display 5b it is also possible, for example, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 5A , a scatter diagram with the vertical axis and horizontal axis being thickness and length can be displayed. Fig.12 The vertical axis / horizontal axis is a scatter diagram of brightness / length as shown. The display 5b can also switch to display Fig.11 The scatter plots and Fig.12 Scatter plot shown.

[0081] In the spinning unit 2 of the spinning machine 1 described above, the yarn Y is monitored by the yarn monitoring device 8 during the spinning process of the yarn Y. The presence or absence of a nep is determined in the first passage by the determination unit 82 of the yarn monitoring device 8. If it is determined that a nep is present, the yarn Y is cut to remove the nep. If it is determined that there is no nep, the determination unit 82 of the yarn monitoring device 8 determines in the second passage whether a foreign object is mixed.

[0082] If it is determined that foreign matter is mixed, the yarn Y is cut to remove the yarn defect caused by the foreign matter. If it is determined that no foreign matter is mixed, the determination unit 82 of the yarn monitoring device 8 determines whether there is entanglement and whether there is foreign matter mixed in the third channel. If it is determined that there is entanglement or foreign matter mixed in the neps, the yarn Y is cut to remove the entanglement or foreign matter mixed in the neps. If it is determined that there is no entanglement and foreign matter mixed in the neps, the determination unit 82 of the yarn monitoring device 8 determines that the yarn Y is a normal yarn, and the spinning of the yarn Y is continued normally. After the yarn Y is cut, the yarn splicing operation is performed in the spinning unit 2 by the yarn splicing carriage 3.

[0083] As described above, in the yarn monitoring device 8, the type of yarn defect is determined based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y. Thus, it is possible to distinguish yarn defects that are difficult to achieve based on only one of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y, and it is possible to determine yarn defects with high accuracy.

[0084] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates entanglement in the third channel based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the reflected light of the yarn Y. In a normal nep or thick section, the amount of reflected light does not change much, but in a tangle, the amount of reflected light increases because the projected light is diffusely reflected. Using this feature, it is found that entanglement can be discriminated by combining the thickness of the yarn Y with the brightness of the yarn Y. That is, in the yarn monitoring device 8, entanglement can be discriminated as a yarn defect with high accuracy.

[0085] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates foreign matter mixed into the neps based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y in the third channel. Since the foreign matter I such as large debris has color, it absorbs the reflected light and changes the brightness of the yarn Y. By using this feature, it is found that foreign matter mixed into the neps can be discriminated by combining the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y. That is, in the yarn monitoring device 8, foreign matter mixed into the neps can be discriminated as yarn defects with high accuracy.

[0086] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating unit 82 may include a first defect determination object determining unit and a second defect determination object determining unit, the first defect determination object determining unit determines a first defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in the first variation signal of thickness, and the second defect determination object determining unit determines a second defect determination object portion as a defect determination object in the second variation signal of brightness, the discriminating unit 82 determines the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion corresponding to each other in the length direction of the yarn Y, and discriminates the type of the yarn defect based on the thickness of the first defect determination object portion and the brightness of the second defect determination object portion determined as corresponding portions. Thus, the discrimination of the yarn defect based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y can be specifically realized.

[0087] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating section 82 discriminates that there is entanglement in the third channel when the thickness of the first defect determination target portion is greater than the first thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion is greater than the first brightness determination value. It is found that when the yarn defect is entanglement, not only the thickness of the yarn Y becomes thicker than a certain level, but also the brightness of the yarn Y becomes brighter than a certain level. Therefore, according to the yarn monitoring device 8, entanglement can be discriminated with higher accuracy.

[0088] In the case of determining the presence or absence of entanglement in the yarn monitoring device 8, the first defect determination target portion is a continuous portion where the thickness of the yarn Y is greater than or equal to a threshold value (for example, Fig. 8A The second defect determination target portion is a continuous portion of the yarn Y having a brightness greater than a threshold value (e.g. Figure 8B In the yarn monitoring device 8, when determining whether there is foreign matter mixed in the cotton neps, the first defect determination target portion is a continuous portion of the yarn Y having a thickness greater than the threshold value (e.g. Fig.9A The second defect determination target portion is a continuous portion of the yarn Y having a brightness below a threshold value (e.g. Fig. 9B The continuous portion of the length L4 in the yarn Y) includes a continuous portion that is the same as at least a portion of the first defect determination target portion. Thus, the determination of yarn defects based on the combination of the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the yarn Y can be specifically realized.

[0089] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating unit 82 discriminates that foreign matter is mixed in the cotton neps when the thickness of the first defect determination target portion is greater than or equal to the second thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion is less than or equal to the second brightness determination value in the third channel. It is found that when the yarn defect is a foreign matter mixed in the cotton neps, not only the detected thickness becomes greater than a certain level, but also the detected brightness becomes darker than a certain level because the light is absorbed by the foreign matter. Therefore, according to the yarn monitoring device 8, foreign matter mixed in the cotton neps can be discriminated with higher accuracy.

[0090] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the determination section 82 determines the presence or absence of a nep in the first passage based on the defect thickness and defect length of the yarn Y. Thus, the presence or absence of a nep can be determined with high accuracy.

[0091] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the determination section 82 determines the presence or absence of foreign matter in the second passage based on the defect brightness and defect length of the yarn Y. Thus, the presence or absence of foreign matter can be determined with high accuracy.

[0092] The yarn monitoring device 8 includes: a light emitting element that irradiates light toward a travel area where the yarn Y travels; a first light receiving element that is configured to receive light irradiated from the light emitting element and partially blocked by the yarn Y; and a second light receiving element that is configured to receive light irradiated from the light emitting element and reflected from the yarn, the thickness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the first light receiving element, and the brightness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the second light receiving element. Thus, the thickness of the yarn Y and the brightness of the reflected light reflected from the yarn can be specifically calculated.

[0093] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the first defect determination object determination unit determines the first defect determination object portion based on the first change signal and the first threshold value, and the second defect determination object determination unit determines the second defect determination object portion based on the second change signal and the second threshold value, and the discrimination unit 82 determines the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion that overlap in the length direction of the yarn Y as corresponding portions. Thus, the first defect determination object portion and the second defect determination object portion can be determined with high accuracy.

[0094] In the yarn monitoring device 8, the discriminating unit 82 determines the peak position of the first defect determination target portion. The discriminating unit 82 determines the peak position of the second defect determination target portion. The discriminating unit 82 determines the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion whose peak positions in the length direction are within a prescribed range as corresponding portions. Thus, the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion can be determined with high accuracy.

[0095] The yarn monitoring device 8 has a scatter diagram (see Figure 10 to Figure 12The display 5b is configured to display the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 82 by using at least one of the following: 1) and 2) . Thus, the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 82 can be effectively displayed using a scatter diagram. The display 5b can distinguish entanglement from other yarn defects. The display 5b can distinguish foreign matter mixed with neps from other yarn defects.

[0096] The spinning machine 1 includes the yarn monitoring device 8, the drafting device 6, the air spinning device 7, and the winding device 13. The spinning machine 1 includes the yarn monitoring device 8, and thus also exhibits the above-mentioned effect, that is, the effect of being able to accurately determine a yarn defect.

[0097] Furthermore, the yarn monitoring device 8 can accurately identify as a yarn defect foreign matter mixed in a nep that is detected as not so thick in the optical yarn Y thickness detection but is detected as relatively thick in the electrostatic capacitance yarn Y thickness detection.

[0098] In the case of accurately discriminating foreign matter mixed with neps in the yarn monitoring device 8, although it is possible to cope with it by strictly changing the setting of the yarn clearing curve when discriminating the presence or absence of neps in the first channel, in this case, the cutting frequency of the yarn Y may become higher. In the yarn monitoring device 8, it is possible to discriminate foreign matter mixed with neps in the third channel, so even if the setting of the yarn clearing curve is not strictly changed (that is, while suppressing the cutting frequency of the yarn Y), it is possible to discriminate foreign matter mixed with neps with high accuracy. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of obstacles to the operation of the spinning machine 1.

[0099] The first thickness determination value and the second thickness determination value and the first brightness determination value and the second brightness determination value may be set, for example, 10% inside (below) the yarn clearing limit for determining thickness defects such as neps (the yarn clearing curve CC used in the first channel). Figure 5 Similarly, the first coarseness judgment value and the second coarseness judgment value and the first brightness judgment value and the second brightness judgment value also change in the length direction. The values ​​of the yarn clearing threshold for tangle discrimination and the yarn clearing threshold for foreign matter and nep discrimination can be the same or different. The values ​​of the yarn clearing threshold for tangle discrimination and the yarn clearing threshold for foreign matter and nep discrimination can be the same or different relative to the value of the yarn clearing threshold for coarse and fine defect discrimination. If the distinction between defect types is considered as the first purpose, it does not matter if the values ​​are the same. If the removal of defects that cannot be completely removed is considered as the first purpose in the discrimination of coarse and fine defects, different values ​​are expected.

[0100] The above describes the embodiments and variations of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and variations. For example, the materials and shapes of each structure are not limited to the above materials and shapes, but various materials and shapes can be used. The present invention can also be modified within the scope of the gist described in each claim. The above embodiments and variations can also be appropriately combined. At least a part of the above embodiments and variations can also be arbitrarily combined.

[0101] The determination section 82 of the above embodiment is not limited to the structure mounted on the unit controller 10, and may be mounted on another controller different from the unit controller 10 and capable of communicating with the device body 81, or may be mounted on the device body 81 (inside the housing of the yarn monitoring device 8). The display section that displays the determination result of the determination section 82 is not limited to the display 5b, and may be a display screen provided on the device body 81, or may be another display.

[0102] In the spinning unit 2 of the above embodiment, each device is arranged in the height direction of the machine so that the yarn Y supplied from the upper side is wound on the lower side, but each device may be arranged so that the yarn Y supplied from the lower side is wound on the upper side. Figure 1 In the figure, the spinning machine 1 is shown as winding a cylindrical package P, but a conical package P can also be wound.

[0103] In the spinning unit 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the yarn accumulation device 11 has the function of drawing out the yarn Y from the air spinning device 7, but the yarn Y may be drawn out from the air spinning device 7 by using the yarn drawing roller and the clamping roller. In the case where the yarn Y is drawn out from the air spinning device 7 by using the yarn drawing roller and the clamping roller, a loose tube or a mechanical compensator for absorbing the slack of the yarn Y by using a suction airflow may be provided instead of the yarn accumulation device 11.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the tension sensor 9 may be arranged upstream of the yarn monitoring device 8 in the running direction of the yarn Y. The unit controller 10 may be provided for each spinning unit 2. In the spinning unit 2, the wax coating device 12 and the tension sensor 9 may be omitted.

[0105] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the defect thickness and defect brightness are calculated based on the defect area and defect length. However, the method for calculating the defect thickness and defect brightness is not limited to this. For example, the peak thickness (maximum value of thickness) in the continuous part where the thickness is above the threshold value can be directly used as the defect thickness. Similarly, the peak brightness (maximum value of brightness) in the continuous part where the brightness is above the threshold value can be directly used as the defect brightness. There is no special limitation on the above-mentioned thresholds, and they can be set or changed appropriately by the user. The above-mentioned thresholds can be different from each other, or at least partially the same. The above-mentioned second threshold value can also have different values ​​on the positive side and the negative side. The absolute value of the above-mentioned second threshold value can be the same or different.

[0106] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the yarn monitoring device 8 of the present invention is provided in the spinning machine 1 equipped with the air spinning device 7, i.e., the so-called air spinning machine, but it may be provided in other yarn winding machines such as an automatic winder or an open-end spinning machine. In addition, as described above, the case of simply being referred to as "neps" refers to the case of neps without foreign matter mixed in. As described above, the case of being "neps" and "foreign matter mixed in" refers to "foreign matter mixed in neps".

[0107] The automatic winder equipped with the yarn monitoring device 8 of the present invention is configured as follows, for example. Fig.13 As shown, the automatic winder 201 includes a plurality of winding units 210 arranged in parallel, an automatic doffing device 280, and a machine control device 290 as main components. Each winding unit 210 includes a yarn feeding device 211 provided so as to be able to supply a yarn 220, and a winding device 223 for winding the yarn 220 supplied from the yarn feeding device 211 to form a package 230. The yarn monitoring device 8 is provided between the yarn feeding device 211 and the winding device 223. In the automatic winder 201, since the yarn monitoring device 8 is provided, the above-mentioned effect, that is, the effect of being able to accurately determine a yarn defect, is also exerted.

Claims

1. A yarn monitoring device for monitoring a traveling yarn, wherein: A determination unit is provided for determining the type of the yarn defect of the yarn based on a combination of the thickness of the yarn and the brightness of reflected light reflected from the yarn in response to irradiation of light onto the yarn, The determination unit includes a first defect determination target determination unit and a second defect determination target determination unit. The first defect determination target determination unit determines a first defect determination target portion as a defect determination target in the first thickness variation signal. The second defect determination target determination unit determines a second defect determination target portion as a defect determination target in the second brightness variation signal, The discrimination unit determines the first defect discrimination object portion and the second defect discrimination object portion corresponding to each other in the length direction of the yarn, and discriminates the type of the yarn defect based on the thickness of the first defect discrimination object portion and the brightness of the second defect discrimination object portion determined as corresponding portions.

2. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that The discriminating section discriminates, as the yarn defect, a first yarn defect having a twist, a knot, or a tangle protruding in a direction intersecting a running direction of the yarn.

3. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discriminating section discriminates, as the yarn defect, a second yarn defect which is a nep mixed with foreign matter.

4. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that The discriminating section discriminates, as the yarn defect, a second yarn defect which is a nep mixed with foreign matter.

5. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discrimination unit discriminates that there is a first yarn defect having twisting, knotting or entanglement protruding in a direction intersecting with the traveling direction of the yarn when the thickness of the first defect discrimination object portion is greater than a first thickness discrimination value and the brightness of the second defect discrimination object portion is greater than a first brightness discrimination value.

6. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that The second defect determination target portion is a continuous portion in the yarn where the brightness is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and includes a continuous portion that is the same as at least a part of the first defect determination target portion.

7. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determination section determines that there is a second yarn defect in which a nep mixed with foreign matter exists when the thickness of the first defect determination target portion is equal to or greater than a second thickness determination value and the brightness of the second defect determination target portion is equal to or less than a second brightness determination value.

8. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that The second defect determination target portion is a continuous portion in the yarn where the brightness is equal to or less than a threshold value, and includes a continuous portion that is the same as at least a part of the first defect determination target portion.

9. The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The determination section determines the presence or absence of neps not mixed with foreign matter based on the length of a continuous portion of the yarn where the thickness is equal to or greater than a threshold value and the thickness of the continuous portion.

10. The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The determination section determines the presence or absence of foreign matter mixing based on the length of a continuous portion of the yarn where the brightness is equal to or smaller than a threshold value and the brightness of the continuous portion.

11. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The determination section determines the presence or absence of foreign matter mixing based on the length of a continuous portion of the yarn where the brightness is equal to or smaller than a threshold value and the brightness of the continuous portion.

12. The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and 11, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device comprises: a light emitting element for irradiating light toward a travel area where the yarn travels; a first light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and partially blocked by the yarn; and a second light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected from the yarn, The thickness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the first light receiving element. The brightness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the second light receiving element.

13. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device comprises: a light emitting element for irradiating light toward a travel area where the yarn travels; a first light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and partially blocked by the yarn; and a second light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected from the yarn, The thickness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the first light receiving element. The brightness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the second light receiving element.

14. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device comprises: a light emitting element for irradiating light toward a travel area where the yarn travels; a first light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and partially blocked by the yarn; and a second light receiving element arranged to receive light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected from the yarn, The thickness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the first light receiving element. The brightness is calculated based on the amount of light received by the second light receiving element.

15. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 1, 6 or 8, characterized in that: The first defect determination object determination unit determines the first defect determination object portion based on the first change signal and the first threshold value. The second defect determination object determination unit determines the second defect determination object portion based on the second change signal and the second threshold value. The determination section specifies the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion, which overlap in the longitudinal direction of the yarn, as corresponding portions.

16. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 15, characterized in that The determination unit determines the peak position of the first defect determination target portion. The determination unit determines the peak position of the second defect determination target portion, The determination section specifies the first defect determination target portion and the second defect determination target portion whose peak positions in the longitudinal direction are within a predetermined range as corresponding portions.

17. The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 11, 13, 14 and 16, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device includes a display section that displays the determination result of the determination section in the form of a scattergram with the thickness and the brightness as axes.

18. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 9, characterized in that The yarn monitoring device includes a display section that displays the determination result of the determination section in the form of a scattergram with the thickness and the brightness as axes.

19. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device includes a display section that displays the determination result of the determination section in the form of a scattergram with the thickness and the brightness as axes.

20. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device includes a display section that displays the determination result of the determination section in the form of a scattergram with the thickness and the brightness as axes.

21. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The yarn monitoring device includes a display section that displays the determination result of the determination section in the form of a scattergram with the thickness and the brightness as axes.

22. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 17, characterized in that: The display unit displays a first yarn defect including twist, knot or entanglement protruding in a direction intersecting with a running direction of the yarn, in a differentiated manner from other yarn defects.

23. The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that: The display unit displays a first yarn defect including twist, knot or entanglement protruding in a direction intersecting with a running direction of the yarn, in a differentiated manner from other yarn defects.

24. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 22, characterized in that The display unit displays the second yarn defect, which is a nep mixed with foreign matter, separately from other yarn defects.

25. The yarn monitoring device according to claim 23, characterized in that The display unit displays the second yarn defect, which is a nep mixed with foreign matter, separately from other yarn defects.

26. A yarn winding machine, characterized in that: have: The yarn monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 25; a yarn feeding device arranged in such a manner as to be able to feed the yarn; and a winding device for winding the yarn supplied from the yarn feeding device to form a package, The yarn monitoring device is disposed between the yarn feeding device and the winding device.

Images