Yarn processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a yarn processing apparatus that solves a possible problem point in the case where a supply yarn package from which yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new supply yarn package midway. An information management section (110) of the yarn processing apparatus (100) is configured to obtain at least one of remaining amount information related to a remaining amount of yarn (Y) contained in a supply yarn package (Ps) from which the yarn (Y) is being unwound and remaining time information related to a remaining time during which the yarn (Y) can be unwound from the supply yarn package (Ps) at a reference time. The information management section (110) performs reset processing that returns the above at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to a prescribed initial value when it obtains interim replacement information indicating that the supply yarn package from which the yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new supply yarn package midway in the plurality of supply yarn packages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wire processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus (thread processing equipment) that processes thread unwound from a thread supply roll (referred to as a supply bobbin in Patent Document 1) formed by winding thread on a thread supply bobbin, and winds the thread onto a take-up bobbin to form a roll (take-up roll). The thread processing equipment is configured to support two thread supply rolls corresponding to one take-up bobbin. In this thread processing equipment, when the end portion of the thread in one of the two thread supply rolls is knotted (connected) to the beginning portion of the thread in the other, thread can be continuously supplied from the other after one of the two rolls becomes empty. Specifically, after the thread supply from one of the thread supply rolls is completed, the knotted portion (thread connection portion) of the two threads is pulled, thereby starting the unwinding of thread from the other thread supply roll. Thus, a continuous supply of thread is possible.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-526584

[0004] In the field of yarn processing, various improvements have been made to increase productivity and improve product quality. The inventors of this application have conducted in-depth research to develop yarn processing equipment with new added value that did not exist previously. For example, the research has focused on: achieving a leap in production management by predicting the timing of yarn exhaustion in the yarn feed roll during forward unwinding. Here, it is required that the aforementioned timing be accurately predicted even if the yarn feed roll during forward unwinding is replaced with a new one midway through the process, for example, due to poor yarn quality. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems that may arise when the feed roll of the unwinding yarn is replaced with a new feed roll midway through the process.

[0006] The first invention discloses a wire processing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a wire processing machine having: a wire feeding section configured to supply wire; a processing section configured to process the wire supplied from the wire feeding section; a winding section configured to wind the wire processed by the processing section into a winding bobbin to form a winding package; and an information management section configured to manage information related to the wire processing machine. The wire feeding section has a wire package holding section configured to be able to detach and assemble multiple wire packages, each containing wire. The wire package holding section is configured such that the end portion of the wire contained in one of the multiple wire packages is connected to another wire package from which the wire is unwound. When the starting ends of the included yarns are connected, yarns can be supplied continuously. The information management unit is configured to, at any reference time, calculate and obtain at least one of the remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of yarn in the yarn supply rolls of the plurality of yarn supply rolls and the remaining time information related to the remaining time when the yarn can be unwound from the yarn supply rolls at the reference time. When mid-course replacement information indicating that a mid-course replacement has been obtained, a reset process is performed to return at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to a predetermined initial value. The mid-course replacement refers to replacing the yarn supply roll in the middle of the mid-course unwinding of the plurality of yarn supply rolls with another new yarn supply roll.

[0007] First, in this invention, remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information related to the yarn feed package holding unit are obtained at any given time. Therefore, in the yarn feed package holding unit, the timing of when the yarn in the yarn feed package of the unwinding yarn runs out of yarn can be predicted, thus achieving a significant leap in production management efficiency. Here, a situation may arise where, for example, a yarn feed package midway through the unwinding process is replaced with a new one due to poor yarn quality. In this case, if the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information are not updated, the subsequent calculation results of the remaining quantity and / or remaining time will deviate from the actual values, resulting in the inability to accurately predict the timing of when the yarn in the yarn feed package runs out of yarn. Regarding this, in this invention, a reset process is performed when the information management unit obtains the mid-process replacement information. This suppresses the inconsistency between the calculated results of the remaining quantity and / or remaining time and the actual values. Therefore, the problem that may arise when the yarn feed package of the unwinding yarn is replaced with a new one midway through the process can be solved.

[0008] The second invention's yarn processing equipment is characterized in that, in the first invention, the yarn feed roll holding unit has multiple mounting parts for mounting the multiple yarn feed rolls respectively, and the yarn feed unit has a switching detection unit capable of detecting yarn feed roll switching. The yarn feed roll switching refers to the unwinding of yarn from a yarn feed roll mounted on a certain mounting part of the multiple mounting parts and the start of unwinding yarn from another yarn feed roll mounted on a different mounting part of the multiple mounting parts. When the switching detection unit detects the yarn feed roll switching, the information management unit performs the reset process related to the other mounting parts.

[0009] In the yarn processing apparatus of the present invention, as a normal operation, when a yarn feed roll held by the yarn feed roll holding unit becomes empty, unwinding of yarn begins from the next new yarn feed roll. At this time, a yarn feed roll switch is detected and a reset process is performed. However, if a yarn feed roll is replaced with another new yarn feed roll midway through unwinding, and unwinding begins from that new yarn feed roll, the yarn feed roll switch is not detected. In this case, in the present invention, the same reset process is performed when the information management unit obtains the midway change information. Therefore, while suppressing program complexity, it is possible to effectively suppress inconsistencies between the calculated results and actual values ​​of the remaining amount and / or remaining time.

[0010] The third invention's wire processing equipment is characterized in that, in the first or second invention described above, the information management unit can obtain the following information as the initial value: initial quantity information, related to the initial quantity of wire contained in each of the plurality of wire supply rolls; unwinding unit quantity information, related to the amount of wire unwound from each of the plurality of wire supply rolls per unit time; and cumulative time information, related to the cumulative time during which wire has been unwound from the wire supply rolls that were unwound at the reference time. By performing calculations using at least the initial quantity information, the unwinding unit quantity information, and the cumulative time information, at least one of the remaining time information and the remaining quantity information is obtained. As part of the reset process, by returning the cumulative time to a predetermined initial time, at least one of the remaining quantity information and the remaining time information is returned to the initial value.

[0011] In acquiring the initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information, the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be easily obtained at any time by using the calculation of this information. In this invention, when mid-process change information is obtained, the cumulative time information is returned to the initial time. Therefore, while easily obtaining the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information, it is easy to suppress the inconsistency between the calculation result of the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information and the actual value.

[0012] The fourth invention's wire processing equipment is characterized in that, in the first or second invention described above, the information management unit can obtain the following information as the initial value: initial quantity information, related to the initial quantity of wire contained in each of the plurality of wire supply rolls; unwinding unit quantity information, related to the amount of wire unwound from each of the plurality of wire supply rolls per unit time; and unwinding start time information, related to the unwinding start time of starting to unwind the wire from the wire supply roll that was unwound at the reference time among the plurality of wire supply rolls. By calculating using at least the initial quantity information, the unwinding unit quantity information, and the unwinding start time information, at least one of the remaining time information and the remaining quantity information of each of the plurality of wire supply rolls is obtained. As part of the reset process, by obtaining the unwinding start time information of the new wire supply roll, at least one of the remaining quantity information and the remaining time information is returned to the initial value.

[0013] In this invention, similar to the third invention described above, it is possible to easily obtain the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information while easily suppressing the inconsistency between the calculation results of the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information and the actual values.

[0014] The filament processing apparatus of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention described above, the information management unit acquires information on the initial weight and fineness of the filaments contained in each of the plurality of filament feed rolls as the initial quantity information, and acquires information on the length of filament unwound from each of the plurality of filament feed rolls per unit time, i.e., the unwinding speed, as the unwinding unit quantity information.

[0015] Generally, the initial weight of the yarn package can be easily obtained in advance, and therefore can be easily processed as initial quantity information. Similarly, the unwinding speed information can also be easily obtained in advance, and therefore can be easily processed as unwinding unit quantity information. However, the initial weight has a mass dimension, while the unwinding speed has a length dimension. In this case, even if one wants to perform calculations related to the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information based solely on the initial weight, unwinding speed, and cumulative time (or the unwinding start time), it is impossible to achieve unit matching. In this regard, in this invention, as initial quantity information, information on the fineness (weight per unit length) that can be obtained in advance is also obtained. Therefore, when performing calculations related to the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information, unit matching can be easily achieved.

[0016] The filament processing apparatus of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the filament processing mechanism is configured to, after the aforementioned mid-process change, unwind filament from one of the plurality of filament feed rolls during at least a portion of the filament feeding time for the filament feeding operation to the filament processing machine; the filament feeding unit has an unwinding detection unit capable of detecting whether filament is being unwound from the aforementioned filament feed roll; the information management unit uses information about the detection time by the unwinding detection unit to obtain at least one of the aforementioned remaining quantity information and the aforementioned remaining time information; the aforementioned at least a portion of the filament feeding time is included in the aforementioned detection time.

[0017] For example, the wire-hanging time could be excluded from the detection time. However, in this case, information related to the completion of the wire-hanging operation is needed, which could complicate the processing performed by the information management department. In this invention, at least a portion of the wire-hanging time is included in the detection time. Therefore, remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be obtained through simple processing.

[0018] The 7th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 6th inventions, the information management unit is configured to obtain, as the initial value, a common value, i.e., a common initial value, for the plurality of filament feed rolls.

[0019] In this invention, assuming that the amount of yarn contained in all yarn feed rolls is approximately the same, the reset process can be performed through a simple procedure, compared to the case where the initial value is different for each yarn feed roll.

[0020] The filament processing apparatus of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the filament processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple filaments simultaneously, the filament feeding unit has a plurality of filament feeding roll holding units, and the common initial value is set as a common value of the plurality of filament feeding roll holding units.

[0021] In this invention, even in a configuration with multiple yarn feed roll holding parts, the reset process can be performed through a simple procedure.

[0022] The feature of the filament processing equipment of the ninth invention is that, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the information management unit is configured to obtain the initial values ​​corresponding to the plurality of filament feed rolls respectively.

[0023] In this invention, even when the initial amount of yarn contained in multiple yarn feed rolls differs between the multiple yarn feed rolls, appropriate resetting processing can still be performed.

[0024] The filament processing apparatus of the 10th invention is characterized in that, in the 9th invention described above, the filament processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple filaments simultaneously, and the filament feeding unit has multiple filament feeding roll holding units.

[0025] In this invention, even when multiple yarn feed roll holding parts are provided, appropriate reset processing can be performed on each yarn feed roll holding part.

[0026] The filament processing equipment of the 11th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 10th inventions described above, the information management unit has an operating unit configured to be operable by an operator, and when a predetermined reset operation is performed on the operating unit, the information management unit generates the aforementioned mid-process change information.

[0027] In this invention, when an operator changes the yarn feed roll in the yarn feed roll holding section, the reset process can be performed manually.

[0028] The filament processing equipment of the 12th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 11th inventions described above, it includes a filament feed roll changing device configured to perform the aforementioned mid-process changing, wherein the filament feed roll changing device is configured to send the aforementioned mid-process changing information to the aforementioned information management unit.

[0029] In this invention, when the yarn feed roll is changed by the yarn feed roll changing device, the reset process can be performed without manual intervention.

[0030] The filament processing apparatus of the 13th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the 1st to 12th inventions, the information management unit obtains information on the predicted time when the source filament disappears when all the filament feed rolls become empty, based on the remaining time information of all the filament feed rolls installed in the filament feed roll holding unit.

[0031] By utilizing the information obtained from this invention regarding the predicted disappearance time of the source yarn, advanced control or advanced equipment operation management can be achieved for operations such as changing the yarn feed roll. For this management, proper reset procedures are particularly effective.

[0032] The filament processing apparatus of the 14th invention is characterized in that, in the aforementioned 13th invention, it includes: a first output unit configured to output information; and a first output control unit configured to control the first output unit, wherein the first output control unit outputs information urging the operator to replace the filament feed roll in the filament feed roll holding unit at a replacement notification time before a predetermined time before the predicted time of the disappearance of the source filament.

[0033] In this invention, the operator can be prompted to change the yarn feed roll at appropriate time intervals. Therefore, yarn feed roll depletion in the yarn feed roll holding section can be prevented. For this management, a normal reset process is particularly effective. Furthermore, the first output control unit can be included in the information management unit, or it can be provided separately from the information management unit.

[0034] The filament processing apparatus of the 15th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the inventions 1 to 14 above, it comprises: a connection information acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to whether the terminal portion of the filament contained in a specified filament roll among the plurality of filament rolls and the starting end portion of the filament contained in a pre-feed filament roll to which the specified filament roll is unwound are connected; a second output unit configured to output information; and a second output control unit configured to control the second output unit, wherein the second output control unit, based on the information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit, outputs information for urging the connection operation between the starting end and the terminal portion when the remaining time of the specified filament roll is reduced to below a specified limit time in the state where the starting end and the terminal portion are not connected.

[0035] In this invention, it is possible to prevent operators from forgetting to connect the wires. For this management, a proper reset process is particularly effective. The first output unit and the second output unit may be the same or different. The first output control unit and the second output control unit may be the same or different. Furthermore, the second output control unit may be included in the information management unit, or it may be provided separately from the information management unit. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the wire processing equipment according to this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a side view of a false twisting machine.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolding of the false twisting processing machine along the path of the silk thread.

[0039] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are graphs showing the relationship between the remaining amount of yarn in the yarn feed package and time, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of yarn wound into the take-up bobbin and time.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the sequence of changing the wire feed roll during use.

[0041] Figure 6This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a modified wire processing device.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a false twisting machine for other variations.

[0043] Explanation of symbols:

[0044] 1: False twisting processing machine (thread processing machine); 2: Thread feeding unit; 3: Processing unit; 4: Winding unit; 5: Machine control device (first output control unit, second output control unit); 5a: Machine input unit (operation unit); 5b: Machine output unit (first output unit, second output unit); 20: Thread feeding and winding holding unit; 21: Winding mounting unit (mounting unit); 22: First mounting unit (a certain mounting unit); 23: Second mounting unit (other mounting units); 24: Thread detection sensor (switching detection unit, unwinding detection unit); 41: Switching detection unit; 42: Supply sensor (unwinding... 100: Wire processing equipment; 102: Boller robot (wire roll changing device); 110: Information management department (connection information acquisition department); Bw: Take-up bobbin; Ps: Wire roll; PsA: First wire roll (a certain wire roll); PsB: Second wire roll (other wire rolls); Pw: Take-up roll; tin1: Cumulative time; tin2: Cumulative time; tr1: Remaining time; tr2: Remaining time; V: Unwinding speed; WF: Initial weight; Wr1: Remaining weight; Wr2: Remaining weight; Y: Wire. Detailed Implementation

[0045] (Overview of Thread Processing Equipment)

[0046] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The block diagram illustrates the general outline of the wire processing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the yarn processing equipment 100 includes a plurality of false twisting machines 1 (the yarn processing machines of the present invention) and a management device 101. The plurality of false twisting machines 1 are, for example, arranged along a predetermined length direction of the machine body (see reference). Figure 2 Arranged as follows. Each false twisting processing machine 1 is configured, for example, to process yarns Y (refer to) made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon (polyamide-based fibers). Figure 2 The yarn Y is subjected to false twisting. For example, it is a multifilament yarn composed of multiple filaments (not shown). As described later, each false twisting machine 1 is configured to process the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supply unit 2 by the processing unit 3 and wind it onto the winding bobbin Bw installed on the winding unit 4 to form a winding package Pw. Each false twisting machine 1 is controlled by a computer device, i.e., a machine control device 5, provided on each false twisting machine 1.

[0047] The management device 101 is a main computer used for overall management of information acquired by multiple machine control devices 5 (details will be described later). The management device 101 includes a management input unit 101a (e.g., a keyboard), a management output unit 101b (e.g., a display), and a management storage unit 101c (e.g., a hard disk). The management device 101 and the multiple machine control devices 5 are combined to form the information management unit 110 of this embodiment. Details regarding the information processed by the information management unit 110 will be described later.

[0048] (The overall structure of a false twisting processing machine)

[0049] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The overall structure of the false twisting processing machine 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a side view of the false twisting machine 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolding of the false twisting processing machine 1 along the path (thread channel) of the yarn Y. Figure 2 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface is defined as the length direction of the machine body, and the left-right direction of the paper surface is defined as the width direction of the machine body. The direction orthogonal to both the length and width directions of the machine body is defined as the vertical direction (vertical direction) under the influence of gravity. The direction of travel of the yarn Y is defined as the yarn travel direction. The false twisting processing machine 1 includes a yarn feeding section 2 for supplying multiple yarns Y, a processing section 3 for processing (false twisting) the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn feeding section 2, a winding section 4 for winding the multiple yarns Y processed by the processing section 3 onto a winding bobbin Bw, and a machine body control device 5.

[0050] The yarn feeding section 2 has a bobbin holder 6 that holds multiple yarn feed rolls Ps and supplies multiple yarns Y to the processing section 3. The processing section 3 is configured to process the multiple yarns Y by unwinding them from the yarn feeding section 2. The processing section 3 is configured such that, starting from the upstream side in the yarn travel direction, a first yarn feeding roller 11, a twist stop guide 12, a first heating device 13, a cooling device 14, a false twist device 15, a second yarn feeding roller 16, a second heating device 17, and a third yarn feeding roller 18 are arranged sequentially. These components of the processing section 3 are, for example, provided in multiple spindles 9 described later (see reference). Figure 3 Each of the winding unit 4 has multiple winding devices 19. Each winding device 19 winds the yarn Y, which has been false-twisted by the processing unit 3, into a winding bobbin Bw to form a wound package Pw. In addition, in the winding unit 4, multiple automatic doffing machines 10 are provided corresponding to the multiple winding devices 19 to perform the replacement operation of the formed wound package Pw with a new empty winding bobbin Bw.

[0051] The machine control device 5 is used to control each component of the yarn feeding section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4. The machine control device 5 is, for example, a general computer device. The machine control device 5 includes a machine input section 5a (the operation section of this invention), a machine output section 5b, and a machine storage section 5c (see reference 5c). Figure 1 The machine input unit 5a is, for example, a touch panel (not shown) and / or a keyboard, configured to be operable by an operator. The machine output unit 5b has, for example, a display (not shown), configured to output information. The machine storage unit 5c is configured to store various information for controlling the components of the wire feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. The machine control device 5 controls the components of the wire feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4 based on the various information. Alternatively, the machine control device 5 may indirectly control these components via various control devices (not shown) for controlling each component of the wire feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. The machine control device 5 is electrically connected to the management device 101, which is a main computer. The management device 101 can use the information obtained by the machine control device 5 to perform various judgments and / or calculations described later.

[0052] The false twisting machine 1 has a main body 7 and a take-up table 8 arranged at intervals in the width direction of the machine body. The main body 7 and the take-up table 8 are arranged to extend approximately the same length in the length direction of the machine body. The main body 7 and the take-up table 8 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction of the machine body. The false twisting machine 1 has a unit unit called a span, which includes a set of main bodies 7 and take-up tables 8. In a span, each device is configured to simultaneously perform false twisting on multiple yarns Y traveling in a state arranged in the length direction of the machine body. In the false twisting machine 1, the span is arranged symmetrically on the paper surface about the center line C of the main body 7 in the width direction of the machine body (the main body 7 is common in the left and right spans). In addition, multiple spans are arranged along the length direction of the machine body.

[0053] Furthermore, the group of components through which a single thread Y passes from the feed section 2 to the take-up section 4 is called a "spindle". In other words, the false twisting machine 1 has the same number of spindles 9 as the number of take-up packages Pw that can be formed simultaneously (see reference). Figure 3 Generally speaking, multiple spindles 9 are arranged along the length of the machine body. As an inclusive relationship, the false-twisting machine 1 has multiple spans, each span having multiple spindles 9. The false-twisting machine 1 is capable of performing false-twisting on the yarn Y in the spindles 9 with the yarn Y hooked on them. In other words, in order to perform false-twisting on the yarn Y, the false-twisting machine 1 needs to have the yarn Y hooked on at least one spindle 9 (i.e., a yarn hooking operation is required).

[0054] (Silk Supply Department)

[0055] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The structure of the wire feeding unit 2 will be described. The bobbin holder 6 of the wire feeding unit 2 has multiple wire feeding coil holding parts 20, which are respectively provided corresponding to multiple spindles 9 (see reference). Figure 3 Multiple feed roll holding portions 20 are configured to allow for the attachment and detachment of two feed rolls Ps. That is, each feed roll holding portion 20 has two roll mounting portions 21. For ease of explanation, one of the two roll mounting portions 21 is referred to as the first mounting portion 22 (a certain mounting portion of the present invention), and the other is referred to as the second mounting portion 23 (another mounting portion of the present invention). The first mounting portion 22 and the second mounting portion 23 are each configured to allow for the attachment and detachment of one feed roll Ps. The attachment and detachment of the feed roll Ps relative to the roll mounting portion 21 is performed, for example, by an operator.

[0056] Each yarn feed roll holding section 20 of the yarn feed section 2 is configured to continuously supply yarn Y as follows. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, a first yarn feed roll PsA (a yarn feed roll of the present invention), which is one of a plurality of yarn feed rolls Ps, is installed in the first mounting part 22. Furthermore, a second yarn feed roll PsB (another yarn feed roll of the present invention), different from the first yarn feed roll PsA, is installed in the second mounting part 23. Yarn Y is unwound from the first yarn feed roll PsA. Furthermore, the end portion of the yarn Y contained in the first yarn feed roll PsA is knotted (connected) to the beginning portion of the yarn Y contained in the second yarn feed roll PsB. Thus, a knotted portion K (yarn connection portion) is formed between the two yarns Y. In this case, after the first yarn feed roll PsA is emptied, yarn Y can be continuously supplied from the second yarn feed roll PsB. Specifically, after the supply of yarn Y from the first yarn feed roll PsA ends and the first yarn feed roll PsA becomes empty and tight, the knotted portion K is pulled downstream in the yarn travel direction (towards the winding device 19), thereby unwinding yarn Y from the second yarn feed roll PsB. Thus, unwinding of yarn Y ends from a specific yarn feed roll Ps installed in one of the multiple roll mounting sections 21. Then, unwinding of yarn Y begins from another yarn feed roll Ps installed in a different roll mounting section 21 than the aforementioned one. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this phenomenon will be referred to as yarn feed roll switching. This allows for uninterrupted supply of yarn Y. Afterwards, the empty yarn feed roll Ps (yarn feed tubes Bs) is replaced, for example, by an operator with a new yarn feed roll Ps.

[0057] A yarn detection sensor 24 (the switching detection unit and unwinding detection unit of the present invention) is disposed downstream of each yarn feeding and holding section 20 in the yarn travel direction. The yarn detection sensor 24 is configured to detect which yarn Y is being supplied from either the first mounting section 22 or the second mounting section 23. Figure 3As shown, the thread detection sensor 24 includes a first detection unit 25 and a second detection unit 26. The first detection unit 25 is configured to detect whether thread Y is being supplied from the first mounting unit 22. The second detection unit 26 is configured to detect whether thread Y is being supplied from the second mounting unit 23. The first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26 are, for example, optical sensors that optically detect thread Y. For more details about the thread detection sensor 24, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5873105. Alternatively, the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26 may also be contact sensors, for example.

[0058] (Processing Department)

[0059] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The structure of the machining section 3 will be explained below. Hereinafter, only the part of the machining section 3 corresponding to one spindle 9 will be explained.

[0060] The first feed roller 11 is configured to unwind the yarn Y from the feed package Ps installed in the feed section 2 and feed it to the first heating device 13. The first feed roller 11 is positioned upstream of the anti-twist guide 12 in the yarn travel direction. The feed speed of the first feed roller 11 to the yarn Y and the unwinding speed V of the yarn Y unwound from the feed package Ps (refer to...) Figure 3 The information regarding the conveying speed of the first feed roller 11 for the yarn Y is, for example, pre-stored in the machine control device 5.

[0061] The anti-twist guide 12 is configured to prevent the twist applied to the yarn Y by the false twisting device 15 from propagating upstream of the yarn travel direction of the anti-twist guide 12. The anti-twist guide 12 is located downstream of the first yarn feed roller 11 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction.

[0062] The first heating device 13 is configured to heat the yarn Y fed from the first feed roller 11. The first heating device 13 is located downstream of the anti-twist guide 12 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn travel direction. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the first heating device 13 is configured to heat one yarn Y, but it is not limited to this. The first heating device 13 may also be configured to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0063] The cooling device 14 is configured to cool the yarn Y heated by the first heating device 13. The cooling device 14 is located downstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the false twisting device 15 in the yarn travel direction. In this embodiment, for simplicity, the cooling device 14 is configured to cool one yarn Y, but it is not limited to this. The cooling device 14 may also be configured to cool multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0064] The false twisting device 15 is configured to twist the yarn Y. The false twisting device 15 is, for example, a so-called friction disc type false twisting device, but is not limited to this. The false twisting device 15 is located downstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the second yarn feed roller 16 in the yarn travel direction.

[0065] The second feed roller 16 is configured to feed the yarn Y, processed by the false twisting device 15, to the second heating device 17. The feed speed of the second feed roller 16 on the yarn Y is faster than that of the first feed roller 11. As a result, the yarn Y is stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16. Information on the feed speed of the second feed roller 16 on the yarn Y is, for example, pre-stored in the machine control device 5.

[0066] In the direction of yarn travel, for example, downstream of the false twisting device 15 and upstream of the second feed roller 16, a quality inspection unit 27 is provided for detecting information related to the quality of yarn Y (see reference). Figure 2 The quality inspection unit 27 may, for example, include a tension sensor configured to detect the tension of the yarn Y. The quality inspection unit 27 is configured to send the detection results to the machine control device 5.

[0067] The second heating device 17 is configured to heat the yarn Y fed from the second feed roller 16. The second heating device 17 extends in the vertical direction. For simplicity, the second heating device 17 is configured to heat one yarn Y, but it is not limited to this. The second heating device 17 may also be configured to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0068] The third feed roller 18 is configured to feed the yarn Y, heated by the second heating device 17, to the winding device 19. The feed speed of the third feed roller 18 to the yarn Y is slower than that of the second feed roller 16. The yarn Y is slack between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18. Information on the feed speed of the third feed roller 18 to the yarn Y is, for example, pre-stored in the machine control device 5.

[0069] In the processing section 3 configured as described above, the yarn Y stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16 is twisted by the false twisting device 15. The twist formed by the false twisting device 15 propagates to the anti-twist guide 12, but does not propagate upstream of the yarn travel direction of the anti-twist guide 12. The yarn Y, which is stretched and twisted at the same time, is heat-set by the first heating device 13 and then cooled by the cooling device 14. Downstream of the false twisting device 15, the yarn Y is untwisted, but the heat setting maintains the false twisted wavy state of each filament. Furthermore, the yarn Y, which has been false twisted by the false twisting device 15, is relaxed between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18, and after being heat-set by the second heating device 17, is guided downstream of the yarn travel direction. Finally, the yarn Y fed from the third feed roller 18 is wound into the winding bobbin Bw by the winding device 19. This results in the formation of a take-up package (Pw).

[0070] (Cake-up Section)

[0071] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The structure of the winding unit 4 will be described. The winding unit 4 has multiple winding devices 19 that wind the yarn Y into the winding bobbin Bw, and multiple automatic doffing machines 10 (see reference) provided corresponding to each winding device 19. Figure 2 Multiple winding devices 19 are each provided in multiple spindles 9 (see reference). Figure 3 Each take-up device 19 includes, for example, a pivot guide 31, a traverse device 32, a cradle 33, and a take-up roller 34. The pivot guide 31 is a guide that serves as the pivot point when the yarn Y is traversed. The traverse device 32 is configured, for example, to traverse the yarn Y via a traverse guide 35 mounted on an annular belt reciprocatingly driven by a motor. The cradle 33 is configured to support the take-up bobbin Bw (take-up package Pw) for free rotation. The take-up roller 34 is configured to rotate the take-up package Pw and apply contact pressure to the surface of the take-up package Pw. The take-up roller 34 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) while in contact with the surface of the take-up package Pw. As a result, the take-up package Pw rotates passively by friction, and the shape of the take-up package Pw is adjusted by applying contact pressure to its surface. Alternatively, instead of rotating the take-up roller 34, the take-up package Pw can be directly rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0072] The automatic doffing machine 10 is configured to remove the wound package Pw from the winding device 19 and install an empty winding bobbin Bw into the winding device 19. In other words, the automatic doffing machine 10 is configured to replace the wound package Pw after formation with the empty winding bobbin Bw in the winding section 4. Furthermore, the automatic doffing machine 10 has a cutter (not shown) capable of cutting the thread Y near the wound package Pw. The formation of the wound package Pw ends when the traveling thread Y is cut by the cutter. Here, even after the thread is cut by the cutter, the thread Y continues to be supplied to the winding device 19. The automatic doffing machine 10 has a suction nozzle (not shown) that, from the end of the formation of the wound package Pw until the start of winding the thread Y into the next winding bobbin Bw, can attract, capture, and hold the traveling thread Y supplied to the winding device 19. Before the yarn Y is hooked onto the take-up bobbin Bw, the portion of the yarn Y drawn in by the suction nozzle is removed. Furthermore, the automatic doffing machine 10 has a storage container 10a configured to temporarily store the take-up package Pw removed from the corresponding take-up device 19. The storage container 10a faces, for example, the space formed between the bobbin holder 6 and the take-up table 8. The take-up package Pw stored in the storage container 10a is retrieved, for example, by an operator. For more detailed information regarding the structure of the automatic doffing machine 10, please refer, for example, to Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-212521.

[0073] Furthermore, a wire-hanging device (not shown) is provided, for example, near the winding device 19. The wire-hanging device is configured to hook the wire Y onto the empty winding bobbin Bw installed in the winding device 19.

[0074] In the winding section 4 configured as described above, the yarn Y fed from the third feed roller 18 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw by each winding device 19, forming a wound package Pw (winding process). The yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the automatic doffing machine 10, thereby ending the winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw. Almost simultaneously, the yarn Y supplied to the winding device 19 is drawn in by a suction nozzle, and the wound package Pw is removed from the cradle 33 by the automatic doffing machine 10. Immediately after this, a new empty winding bobbin Bw is installed on the cradle 33 by the automatic doffing machine 10. That is, after a certain wound package Pw is formed, the automatic doffing machine 10 replaces the wound package Pw (winding bobbin Bw) with a new winding bobbin Bw (winding bobbin replacement operation). Furthermore, the yarn Y is hooked onto the new winding bobbin Bw by the yarn hanging device. This allows the winding of the yarn Y into the new winding bobbin Bw to begin.

[0075] In addition, during the winding process, the machine control device 5 is based on the aforementioned quality inspection unit 27 (see reference). Figure 2The quality of the yarn Y contained in each yarn feed package Ps is judged based on the test results. The machine control device 5 is configured to output information indicating a quality problem in the yarn feed package Ps when the quality of the yarn Y contained in a certain yarn feed package Ps does not meet the specified standard (e.g., a large time deviation in tension). Furthermore, the machine control device 5 can stop the winding process in the specified spindle 9 during or after the formation of the winding package Pw in the specified spindle 9, for example, when the operator performs a specified stop operation on the machine input unit 5a. More specifically, the machine control device 5 stops the operation of each unit contained in the spindle 9 after the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the automatic doffing machine 10 contained in the spindle 9. Alternatively, a cutter for cutting the yarn Y when a stop operation is performed may be provided separately from the cutter of the automatic doffing machine 10.

[0076] However, the inventors of this application devised the following concept in order to achieve a significant improvement in production management compared to previous methods. Specifically, the inventors conceived of setting a timeframe at which the remaining amount of yarn Y (remaining yarn amount) after a portion of yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn feed roll Ps and / or the time it takes to supply yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps (remaining time) can be determined. By knowing this information, for example, it is possible to predict the timing when yarn Y will be exhausted in the yarn feed roll Ps during unwinding. Here, it is required that even if the yarn feed roll Ps during unwinding is replaced with a new yarn feed roll Ps midway, for example due to poor yarn quality, the aforementioned timing can be appropriately predicted. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve the problems that may arise when the yarn feed roll Ps during unwinding is replaced with a new yarn feed roll Ps midway, the information management unit 110 performs the information processing described later. As a specific example, the information management unit 110 processes information related to… Figure 4 Various information related to the phenomena shown in the graphs (a) to (c) will be acquired and managed. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the following explanation will be limited to the specified spindle 9.

[0077] (Specific examples of the phenomenon)

[0078] Before providing a detailed explanation of the information obtained by the Information Management Department 110, in order to facilitate understanding of the following explanation, as a premise, it is necessary to... Figure 4 The phenomena illustrated in graphs (a) to (c) and the times at which each phenomenon occurred are explained. (Information Management Department 110 obtained...) Figure 4 At least some of the relevant information about the phenomena shown in the graphs (a) to (c) (details will be described later).

[0079] Figure 4(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount (vertical axis) of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply rolls Ps (specifically, yarn supply rolls Ps1 and Ps3) installed in the first mounting section 22 and time (horizontal axis). Figure 4 (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount (vertical axis) of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed rolls Ps (specifically, yarn feed rolls Ps2 and Ps4) installed in the second mounting section 23 and time (horizontal axis). Figure 4 (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the winding amount (vertical axis) and time (horizontal axis) of the yarn in the Y-direction winding bobbins Bw (specifically, winding bobbins Bw1, Bw2, Bw3, Bw4, and Bw5). Regardless of... Figure 4 In all of the curves (a) to (c), the origin is the moment t0 at which the yarn Y begins to be wound into the winding bobbin Bw1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weight (initial weight) of each yarn feed roll Ps in the state where the yarn Y has not been unwound even once is WF.

[0080] First, at time t0, a wire feed roll Ps1 is installed in the first mounting section 22. The remaining weight of the wire Y contained in the wire feed roll Ps1 is W0 (less than the initial weight WF). In addition, at time t0, an empty wire feed spool Bs is installed in the second mounting section 23, for example.

[0081] At time t0 (time ts1), the automatic doffing machine 10 completes the installation of the take-up bobbin Bw1 onto the cradle 33 and begins winding the yarn onto the take-up bobbin Bw1. That is, time ts1 is the start time of winding the yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw1. At this time, the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1.

[0082] At time tb1, slightly after time t0, the operator removes the empty feed spool Bs from the second mounting section 23 and installs the new feed spool Ps2 into the second mounting section 23. Then, at an appropriate time, the operator knots (connects) the end of the thread Y contained in the feed spool Ps1 to the beginning of the thread Y contained in the feed spool Ps2, forming a knotted portion K (see reference). Figure 3 The operator can perform the knotting operation (connection operation) by hand. Alternatively, the operator can also perform the knotting operation by operating a portable knotting device (not shown).

[0083] As time passes, the remaining amount (remaining weight) of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 decreases, while the amount of yarn Y wound onto the take-up bobbin Bw1 (wound weight) increases. At time te1, the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the automatic doffing machine 10, thereby ending the winding process of the yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw1. That is, time te1 is the end time of winding the yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw1 (end of formation of the take-up package Pw1). At this time, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps1 is W1. Only the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supply package Ps1 is wound onto the take-up bobbin Bw1. The cutting of the yarn Y by the cutter, the suction capture of the yarn Y by the suction nozzle (i.e., the start of the suction removal of the yarn Y), and the removal of the take-up bobbin Bw1 (take-up package Pw1) from the cradle 33 occur almost simultaneously. Next, at time ts2 immediately following time te1, the automatic doffing machine 10 completes the installation of the take-up bobbin Bw2 onto the cradle 33 and begins winding the yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw2 (take-up bobbin replacement operation completed). Between the end of the winding of the take-up bobbin Bw1 (time te1) and the start of the winding of the yarn Y by the take-up bobbin Bw2 following the take-up bobbin Bw1 (time ts2), there exists a small time delay tL (refer to...). Figure 4 ).

[0084] At time ta1, after time ts2, the feed roll Ps1 installed in the first mounting section 22 becomes empty. That is, time ta1 is the end time of unwinding the yarn Y from the feed roll Ps1. At the same time as the feed roll Ps1 becomes empty, at time tb2 (=time ta1), the knotted portion K formed by the knotting of the yarn Y contained in the feed roll Ps1 and the yarn Y contained in the feed roll Ps2 is pulled towards the winding device 19. As a result, unwinding of the yarn Y from the feed roll Ps2 installed in the second mounting section 23 begins. That is, time tb2 is the start time of unwinding the yarn Y from the feed roll Ps2 for the first time (start of unwinding the yarn Y). Afterwards, at time te2, the winding process of the yarn Y to the winding bobbin Bw2 (formation of the winding roll Pw2) ends. At this time, the remaining weight of the feed roll Ps2 is W2. Both yarn Y, unwound from feed package Ps1 and unwound from feed package Ps2, are wound onto the take-up bobbin Bw2. Furthermore, the take-up package Pw2 includes a knotted portion K. Then, at time ts3, the winding process of yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw3 begins. When the winding process of yarn Y onto the take-up bobbin Bw3 (the formation of the take-up package Pw3) ends at time te3, the remaining weight of feed package Ps2 is W3. Only yarn Y unwound from feed package Ps2 is wound onto the take-up bobbin Bw3.

[0085] Furthermore, after time ta1 and before the feed roll Ps2 becomes empty (e.g., at time ta2), the operator removes the empty feed roll Ps1 from the first mounting section 22 and installs a new feed roll Ps3 into the first mounting section 22 (feed roll replacement operation). At this time, the remaining weight of the feed roll Ps3 is WF. Then, at an appropriate time, the end of the thread Y contained in the feed roll Ps2 is knotted with the beginning of the thread Y contained in the feed roll Ps3 to form a knotted portion K.

[0086] Here, for example, during the formation of the winding package Pw3, when the machine control device 5 determines that there is a quality problem with the yarn feed package Ps2, the machine output unit 5b outputs information indicating that there is a quality problem with the yarn feed package Ps2. When the operator performs a stop operation on the machine input unit 5a based on the output result of the machine output unit 5b, the winding process stops. Here, for example, the winding process stops when the formation of the winding package Pw3 is completed (time te3).

[0087] After the winding process stops, at time tb3 (approximately simultaneously with time te3), the operator removes the feed roll Ps2 from the second mounting section 23 and installs a new feed roll Ps4 into the second mounting section 23. For ease of explanation, this operation of replacing an unemptied feed roll Ps with another new feed roll Ps is called "mid-course replacement." At this time, the remaining weight of the feed roll Ps4 is WF. By performing this mid-course replacement, at time tb3, the remaining weight of the feed roll Ps installed in the second mounting section 23 changes from W3 to WF. Then, for example, the end portion of the thread Y contained in the feed roll Ps4 is knotted with the beginning portion of the thread Y contained in the feed roll Ps3 to form a knotted portion K. In this case, thread Y continues to be supplied from the second mounting section 23.

[0088] Then, the wire-hanging operation is performed on the designated spindle 9. The wire Y is hooked, for example, in the order of the wire feeding section 2, processing section 3, and winding section 4. When hanging the wire onto the winding section 4, before hooking the wire Y onto the next winding bobbin Bw (winding bobbin Bw4), the wire Y is held by the suction nozzle of the automatic wire unwinding machine 10 while being unwound from the wire feeding package Ps (e.g., wire feeding package Ps4). That is, before restarting the winding process, the unwinding of the wire Y from the wire feeding package Ps4 begins, for example, at time tb4. Then, the wire is hung onto the winding bobbin Bw4 at time ts4 by a wire-hanging device (not shown), and the winding process restarts. The time difference between time ts4 and time tb4 is, for example, tL1.

[0089] Then, from time ts4 to time te4, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw4 (forming a winding package Pw4). Next, from time ts5 to time te5, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw5 (forming a winding package Pw5).

[0090] (Summary of basic information obtained by the Information Management Department)

[0091] Based on the above phenomena, firstly, a summary of the basic information obtained by the information management unit 110 for various judgments and / or calculations will be explained. The information management unit 110 obtains, for example, initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information for each yarn feed package Ps. The initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information are used to obtain information on the remaining quantity and / or remaining time for various management related to the yarn processing equipment 100 (details will be described later). In addition, the information management unit 110 may further obtain various information related to each take-up package Pw (information on the start and end times of take-up processing, etc.), but detailed explanations related to the acquisition of this information are omitted.

[0092] The initial quantity information relates to the initial quantity (initial weight or initial length) of the yarn Y contained in the feed package Ps before unwinding begins. This initial quantity information is, for example, pre-stored in the machine control device 5 as common information related to all feed packages Ps of all spindles 9 of a false twisting machine 1. More specifically, in this embodiment, the aforementioned initial weight WF and the fineness (weight per unit length) of the yarn Y are stored in the machine control device 5 as initial quantity information. The unit of weight of the feed package Ps is, for example, kg. Furthermore, the fineness of the yarn Y is defined as F. The unit of fineness is, for example, dtex. Decibels are the weight (g) of 10,000 meters of yarn Y. The value of the initial weight WF corresponds to the common initial value of the present invention.

[0093] The unwinding unit quantity information is information related to the amount of yarn Y unwound from the feed roll Ps per unit time. The unwinding unit quantity information is, for example, the unwinding speed V mentioned above. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the unwinding speed V in the winding process is set to be approximately constant. The unit of unwinding speed is, for example, m / min. The unwinding unit quantity information is, for example, common information for all spindles 9 of a false twisting machine 1 and is pre-stored in the machine control device 5. The machine control device 5 obtains the unwinding speed V information, for example, based on the rotational speed information of the first feed roller 11.

[0094] The cumulative time information is information related to the cumulative value (cumulative time) of the time it takes for the yarn Y to be unwound from the yarn feed roll Ps. For ease of explanation, the cumulative time related to the yarn feed roll Ps installed in the first mounting section 22 is referred to as tin1. Furthermore, the cumulative time related to the yarn feed roll Ps installed in the second mounting section 23 is referred to as tin2. When the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn feed roll Ps (e.g., yarn feed roll Ps1) installed in the first mounting section 22, the machine control device 5 updates tin1. On the other hand, when the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn feed roll Ps (e.g., yarn feed roll Ps2) installed in the second mounting section 23, the machine control device 5 updates tin2. For example, the cumulative time information related to the yarn feed roll Ps2 installed in the second mounting section 23 is obtained as follows. During the winding process, the machine control device 5 determines, based on the detection results of the yarn detection sensor 24, whether a yarn feed roll switch has occurred, where the yarn feed roll Ps is switched. For example, in reference... Figure 4 In cases (a) and (b), the phenomenon of the yarn feed roll Ps1 becoming empty and the yarn Y being unwound from the yarn feed roll Ps2 for the first time is called a yarn feed roll switching. When the state of the yarn detection sensor 24 changes from the state where the yarn Y is detected by the first detection unit 25 to the state where the yarn Y is detected by the second detection unit 26, the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn feed roll switching has occurred. When the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn feed roll switching has occurred, it sets tin2 to a predetermined initial time (reset process). The initial time is, for example, zero. In addition, the machine control device 5 can also acquire and store the information of the moment when the yarn feed roll switching occurred (time tb2), as unwinding start time information related to the unwinding start time of starting to unwind the yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps2.

[0095] Subsequently, when unwinding yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps2, the machine control device 5 increases tin2 (updates tin2) based on the passage of time. For example, when yarn Y is detected by the second detection unit 26 and the first yarn feed roller 11 conveys yarn Y downstream in the yarn travel direction, the machine control device 5 updates tin2. At this time, yarn Y is not detected by the first detection unit 25, so tin1 is not updated. Furthermore, for example, if the unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps2 stops for some reason, the machine control device 5 stops updating tin2. Thus, the machine control device 5 obtains the time (detection time) after the yarn feed roll switchover, when the second detection unit 26 detects the unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps2, as the cumulative time (tin2) for the second mounting unit 23. When unwinding yarn Y from any yarn feed roll Ps, including yarn feed roll Ps2, the machine control device 5 can obtain the cumulative time information related to that yarn feed roll Ps.

[0096] As described above, the initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information are obtained through the Information Management Department 110 as basic information.

[0097] (Information related to the replacement and knotting of the yarn feed rolls)

[0098] Furthermore, as an explanation related to the aforementioned yarn feed roll switching, the information obtained by the information management unit 110 when an empty yarn feed roll Ps is replaced with a new yarn feed roll during the winding process will be described. When the yarn feed roll Ps installed in one of the roll mounting sections 21 is empty, the operator removes the empty yarn feed roll Ps from that roll mounting section 21 and installs a new yarn feed roll Ps in that roll mounting section 21. At this time, the operator performs an operation to associate the individual information of the new yarn feed roll Ps with the individual information of that roll mounting section 21 (installation information input). Then, the operator knots the beginning end of the yarn Y contained in the new yarn feed roll Ps with the end end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps installed in the other roll mounting section 21 to form a knotted portion K. Next, the operator positions the knotted portion K in a designated position. Next, the operator inputs information indicating that the knotted portion K has been configured to the designated position (for ease of explanation, this information will be referred to as configuration information) into the machine control device 5. Upon performing this input operation, the machine control device 5 stores the configuration information. Subsequently, when a yarn feed roll change occurs, the machine control device 5 performs the aforementioned reset process and stores information indicating that the knotted portion K has moved from the designated position (for ease of explanation, this information will be referred to as movement information).

[0099] (Remaining quantity information and remaining time information)

[0100] Next, the method for obtaining information based on the aforementioned basic information (initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information) will be explained. The information management unit 110 obtains at least one of the remaining quantity information and remaining time information by performing calculations on the initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information.

[0101] The remaining amount is the amount of yarn Y remaining in each yarn supply roll Ps installed in each roll mounting section 21 at any reference time. The remaining time is the length of time that the yarn Y can be unwound from each yarn supply roll Ps installed in each roll mounting section 21 at that reference time. By using at least one of these pieces of information, the timing of the end of unwinding of the yarn Y from each yarn supply roll Ps can be predicted.

[0102] First, an example of how to obtain the remaining quantity information of each yarn feed roll Ps at a reference time will be explained. For example, the current time at which the remaining quantity information is obtained will be treated as the reference time. Let the current time be time t1 (refer to...). Figure 4 In step (b), the information management unit 110 determines, based on the detection result of the yarn detection sensor 24, that yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn feed package Ps (specifically, yarn feed package Ps2) installed on the second mounting section 23. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 obtains information about the initial weight WF, the fineness (F mentioned above), the unwinding speed V, and the cumulative time of the yarn feed package Ps2. At time t1, the cumulative time (tin2) of the yarn feed package Ps2 is equal to the difference between time t1 and time tb2.

[0103] When the remaining amount (remaining weight) of the wire feed roll Ps2 at time t1 is set as Wr1 (refer to...) Figure 4 In case (b)), the remaining weight Wr1 is calculated based on the following formula. Additionally, A is a coefficient used to set the unit of the calculation result to kg.

[0104] Wr1=WF-A×V×F×tin2

[0105] In the above formula, WF is included in the initial quantity information of the present invention. V×F is the weight of yarn Y unwound from the feed roll Ps2 per unit time. Thus, the information management unit 110 uses the initial quantity information, the unwinding unit quantity information, and the cumulative time information to obtain information on the remaining weight of the feed roll Ps2 at time t1 (reference time) (remaining quantity information). In addition, the information management unit 110 can further calculate the remaining quantity related to the feed roll Ps (feed roll Ps1) installed in the other roll mounting unit 21 (first mounting unit 22). At time t1, there is an empty feed roll Ps1 remaining in the first mounting unit 22. At time t1, the above-mentioned tin1 is not updated, so the calculated value of the remaining quantity of the feed roll Ps1 at time t1 is approximately zero.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, at the current time, which is time t2 (refer to...) Figure 4 Similarly, at time (b), the remaining weight Wr2 of the wire feed roll Ps2 at time t2 can also be calculated.

[0107] Furthermore, the unit of remaining quantity is not necessarily weight. For example, information on the remaining length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn package Ps can also be obtained. Alternatively, information on the percentage of the remaining weight of the yarn Y contained in the yarn package Ps (i.e., the ratio of the remaining weight to the initial weight) can also be obtained.

[0108] Next, the method for obtaining the remaining time information will be explained. When the remaining time at which the yarn Y can be supplied from the yarn supply roll Ps2 at time t1 is set as tr1, the remaining time tr1 (remaining time information) can be calculated using the information of the remaining weight Wr1 based on the following formula.

[0109] tr1 = Wr1 / (A × V × F)

[0110] Alternatively, tr1 can be calculated without using Wr1, based on the following formula.

[0111] tr1=(WF-A×V×F×tin2) / (A×V×F)

[0112] Furthermore, the remaining time for supplying yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps1 at time t1 is approximately zero. This is because, as mentioned above, the remaining amount of yarn feed roll Ps1 at time t1 is approximately zero.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, when the remaining time of the yarn feed roll Ps2 at time t2 is set to tr2 (see reference...) Figure 4 (b) can calculate the value of the remaining time tr2 based on the remaining weight Wr2 using the same method.

[0114] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 can use the remaining time information to predict the time when the yarn Y will finish unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps, which was unwound from the yarn supply package Ps at the reference time (predicted unwinding end time). For example, at time t1, the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2. The information management unit 110 can also obtain the time information obtained by adding the remaining time tr1 to time t1 as the predicted unwinding end time information when the yarn Y finishes unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps2.

[0115] Thus, at any given time, information on the remaining amount and / or remaining time related to the yarn feed package holding section 20 is obtained. Furthermore, during the aforementioned reset process, the remaining amount and remaining time of the yarn feed package Ps at the start of unwinding the yarn Y become the values ​​when the cumulative time is zero (i.e., the initial values). Based on the information obtained through this process, for example, the timing of the end of unwinding the yarn Y from the yarn feed package Ps at the start of unwinding the yarn Y can be predicted.

[0116] (Handling of situations involving mid-journey replacement)

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the sequence of procedures for handling the aforementioned mid-process replacement (specifically, the replacement of wire feed roll Ps2 with wire feed roll Ps4).

[0118] First, for example, during the winding process, when the machine output unit 5b outputs information indicating a quality problem with the feed package Ps2, the operator performs a stop operation on the machine input unit 5a to halt the winding process of the spindle 9. The machine control device 5 determines whether a stop operation has been performed (S101). The winding process continues until a stop operation is performed (S101: No). When the operator performs a stop operation (S101: Yes), the machine control device 5 controls each part of the spindle 9 to stop the winding process (S102). Next, the operator replaces the feed package Ps2 midway through the unwinding of the yarn Y with a new feed package Ps4 (S103: Midway replacement). When changing yarns midway, if the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps2 and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps3 are knotted, the operator may use a cutter (not shown) to cut off the portion near the knotted portion K of the yarn Y and remove the knotted portion K.

[0119] Next, the operator inputs the installation information of the feed roll Ps4 into the machine input unit 5a and performs a predetermined reset operation (S104) on the machine input unit 5a to indicate that a mid-course replacement has been performed. The reset operation can be, for example, inputting a predetermined command or selecting a predetermined button displayed on the screen. Alternatively, a dedicated reset operation button (not shown) can be provided. During the reset operation, the machine control device 5 generates (acquires) mid-course replacement information indicating that a mid-course replacement has been performed. The machine control device 5 returns tin2 to a predetermined initial time (e.g., zero) according to the mid-course replacement information. As a result, the remaining quantity and remaining time of the second mounting section 23 return to the values ​​when tin2 is zero (i.e., the initial values). Thus, the same processing as the reset process described above is performed through the reset operation (S105). Therefore, even in the case of a mid-course replacement, the remaining quantity and remaining time information can be obtained normally.

[0120] Next, the operator knots the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps4 with the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps3 to form a knotted portion K (knotting operation. S106). Then, the operator positions the knotted portion K in a designated position. Furthermore, the operator inputs the above configuration information into the machine control device 5. Upon performing this input operation, the machine control device 5 stores the configuration information.

[0121] Next, the operator pulls the yarn Y contained in the yarn feed roll Ps4 from the yarn feed roll Ps4 and performs the yarn hanging operation (S107). As described above, before restarting the winding process, for example, the unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn feed roll Ps4 begins at time tb4. In addition, generally, the unwinding speed of yarn Y before the restart of the winding process is slower than the unwinding speed V of yarn Y during the winding process. For example, when the first yarn feed roller 11 is in operation, and yarn Y is detected by the second detection unit 26 (at the aforementioned time tb4), the machine control device 5 determines that the unwinding of yarn Y has begun. The machine control device 5 starts updating the accumulated time (i.e., the detection time) at time tb4. That is, a portion of the time for the yarn hanging operation (yarn hanging time) is included in the detection time. Furthermore, the machine control device 5 can also obtain the information at time tb4 as the unwinding start time information of the yarn feed roll Ps4. Afterwards, the wire is loaded onto the winding bobbin Bw4, and the winding process restarts (S108). As described above, the process from the start of the stop operation to the restart of the winding process is performed.

[0122] As described above, a reset process is performed when the Information Management Department 110 obtains information about a mid-course change. This prevents discrepancies between the calculated remaining amount and / or remaining time and the actual values. Therefore, it resolves potential problems that may arise when the feed roll Ps of the unwinding yarn Y is replaced with a new feed roll Ps mid-course.

[0123] Furthermore, as a routine operation, when a feed roll Ps held by the feed roll holding unit 20 becomes empty, unwinding of the yarn Y begins from the next new feed roll Ps. At this time, a feed roll change is detected, and a reset process is performed. Similarly, when the information management unit 110 obtains mid-process change information, the same reset process is performed. This helps to suppress program complexity and effectively prevent discrepancies between the calculated remaining amount and / or remaining time and the actual values.

[0124] Furthermore, in the configuration of obtaining initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information, the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be easily obtained at any time by using calculations based on this information. In this embodiment, when mid-process change information is obtained, the cumulative time information is returned to the initial time. Therefore, the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be easily obtained, and the discrepancy between the calculation results of the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information and the actual values ​​can be easily suppressed.

[0125] Furthermore, in general, the initial weight information of the yarn package Ps can be easily obtained in advance, and therefore it is easy to process it as initial quantity information. Similarly, the unwinding speed V can also be easily obtained in advance, and therefore it is easy to process it as unwinding unit quantity information. However, the initial weight has a mass dimension, while the unwinding speed V has a length dimension. In this case, even if one wants to perform calculations related to the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information based solely on the initial weight, unwinding speed, and accumulated time, it is impossible to match the units. In this regard, in this invention, as initial quantity information, information on the fineness (weight per unit length) that can be obtained in advance is also obtained. Thus, when performing calculations related to the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information, the units can be easily matched.

[0126] Furthermore, at least a portion of the wire-hanging time is included in the detection time. For example, while the wire-hanging time could be excluded from the detection time, information related to the completion of the wire-hanging operation would be required in that case, potentially complicating the processing of the information management unit 110. In this embodiment, the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be obtained through relatively simple processing.

[0127] Furthermore, the wire-hanging time is generally very short compared to the time required to form the take-up package Pw. Therefore, even when the unwinding speed during wire-hanging is slower than the unwinding speed during take-up package formation, the error in the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information is relatively small. Moreover, when the wire-hanging time is excluded from the detection time, the calculated results of the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information may be greater than the actual values. When the calculated results are greater than the actual values, the actual timing of the exhaustion of wire Y is earlier than the predicted timing of the exhaustion of wire Y in the feed package Ps. To avoid this problem, it is preferable to include a portion of the wire-hanging time in the detection time.

[0128] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 is configured to obtain a common initial value for multiple yarn feed packages Ps. Therefore, assuming that the amount of yarn Y contained in all yarn feed packages Ps is approximately the same, the reset process can be performed with a simpler procedure compared to the case where the initial values ​​of each yarn feed package Ps are different.

[0129] Furthermore, a common initial value is set for all the multiple yarn feed roll holding sections 20. Therefore, even in a configuration with multiple yarn feed roll holding sections 20, a simple reset procedure can be performed.

[0130] Furthermore, the machine control device 5 generates mid-process replacement information when a predetermined reset operation is performed on the machine input unit 5a. Therefore, when the operator replaces the wire feed roll Ps in the wire feed roll holding unit 20, the reset process can be performed manually.

[0131] Next, variations of the above-described embodiments will be described. However, for parts having the same structure as the above-described embodiments, the same symbols will be used and their descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0132] (1) In the above embodiment, the accumulated time is returned to zero, which is the initial time, during the reset process. However, this is not a limitation. The value of the initial time may also be a value other than zero. For example, if setting the initial time to a predetermined value different from zero can improve the prediction accuracy, the value of the accumulated time may also be returned to such a predetermined value during the reset process.

[0133] (2) In the embodiments described above, the value of the initial weight WF is stored in the machine control device 5 as a common initial value. However, this is not a limitation. The initial value of the remaining time may also be stored in the machine control device 5 as a common initial value, either based on or instead of the initial weight WF. The initial value of the remaining time may, for example, be input to the machine control device 5 by an operator. The remaining time and / or remaining amount at a reference time may also be calculated based on the initial value of the remaining time.

[0134] (3) In the embodiments described above, the initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information are used to obtain the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information. However, this is not a limitation. The unwinding start time information can also be used instead of the cumulative time information to calculate the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information. For example, when calculating the value of the remaining weight Wr1 of the above-mentioned yarn supply roll Ps2 at time t1 (reference time), Wr1 can also be calculated using the unwinding start time (time tb2) based on the following formula. In this configuration, the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information can be easily obtained, and the discrepancy between the calculated result of the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information and the actual value can be easily suppressed. In addition, for the sake of simplicity, the following formula assumes that the yarn Y is continuously unwound from the unwinding start time to the reference time.

[0135] Wr1=WF-A×V×F×(t1-tb2)

[0136] Alternatively, the value of the remaining time tr1 can be calculated based on the following formula.

[0137] tr1=[WF-{A×V×F×(t1-tb2)}] / (A×V×F)

[0138] In this case, when performing the reset process, the Information Management Unit 110, based on the detection result of the yarn detection sensor 24, treats the moment when unwinding yarn Y from the new yarn supply package Ps4 as the start time of unwinding of the new yarn supply package Ps. Furthermore, if the unwinding of yarn Y is temporarily stopped for some reason, the length of the temporary stop time (stop time) of the unwinding of yarn Y must be taken into account. Therefore, more precisely, the variable representing the stop time can be included in the above formula.

[0139] (4) Knotting operation after mid-process replacement (refer to) Figure 5 S106) does not necessarily have to be performed between the reset operation and the wire hanging operation. The knotting operation can, for example, be performed before the reset operation. Alternatively, the knotting operation can be performed during the wire hanging operation or after the restart of the winding process.

[0140] Furthermore, in the event of a mid-process change, or when replacing an empty feed spool Bs with a new feed roll Ps, the operator may forget to perform the knotting operation and thus forget about the new feed roll Ps (i.e., forget to knot). Therefore, the information management unit 110 can also determine whether a knot has been forgotten as follows: During the winding process of a spindle 9, the information management unit 110 determines whether a knotted portion K has formed in that spindle 9. The information management unit 110 can make this determination based on whether the configuration information of that spindle 9 is stored, for example, after a latest feed roll change has occurred in that spindle 9 (after storing the aforementioned movement information). If the information management unit 110 determines that no knotted portion K has formed in that spindle 9, it further determines whether the remaining time of the feed roll Ps for the forward unwinding of the yarn Y in that spindle 9 has decreased to below a predetermined limit time. When the information management unit 110 determines that the remaining time is less than or equal to the time limit, the machine control device 5 controls the machine output unit 5b to output information indicating that a knotted portion K needs to be formed. If it is determined that a knotted portion K has been formed in the spindle 9, or if it is determined that the remaining time is not less than or equal to the time limit, the machine output unit 5b is not controlled as described above. The new yarn feed package Ps corresponds to the pre-prepared yarn feed package of the present invention. The yarn feed package Ps of the unwound yarn Y corresponds to the specified yarn feed package of the present invention. The information management unit 110 corresponds to the connection information acquisition unit of the present invention. The machine control device 5 corresponds to the second output control unit of the present invention. The machine output unit 5b corresponds to the second output unit of the present invention. Alternatively, the output can be performed, for example, by the management output unit 101b of the management device 101 instead of the machine output unit 5b. In this case, the management device 101 corresponds to the second output control unit of the present invention, and the management output unit 101b corresponds to the second output unit of the present invention.

[0141] (5) In the embodiments described above, the feed rolls Ps (feed rolls Ps2 and Ps4) installed on the same roll mounting section 21 are used continuously before and after the mid-term change, but this is not a limitation. That is, the yarn Y can be unwound from the feed rolls Ps installed on different roll mounting sections 21 before and after the mid-term change. For example, after removing the feed roll Ps2 from the second mounting section 23 and installing the feed roll Ps4 on the second mounting section 23, the yarn winding operation can be performed by unwinding the yarn Y from the feed roll Ps3 installed on the first mounting section 22. In this case, when the reset process (S105) is performed, the accumulated time of the feed roll Ps4 installed on the second mounting section 23 returns to the initial time. However, during the unwinding start detection (S107), a switch from the second mounting section 23 to the first mounting section 22 is detected, and a reset process is performed on the feed roll Ps3 mounted on the first mounting section 22 (i.e., a reset process performed during normal winding). Therefore, even if the yarn Y is unwound from the feed roll Ps3 mounted on a different roll mounting section 21 between and after a mid-winding change, the reset process can be performed normally. Furthermore, in the case where unwinding of the yarn Y from the feed roll Ps3 begins after a mid-winding change, the reset operation in step S104 is not necessarily required. The reason for this is explained below. In this case, the end portion of the yarn Y contained in the feed roll Ps3 and the beginning portion of the yarn Y contained in the feed roll Ps4 are knotted. Therefore, after yarn Y is unwound from the feed roll Ps3, unwinding of yarn Y from the feed roll Ps4 begins (i.e., a feed roll switch occurs). At this time, a reset process is performed on the feed roll Ps4. Therefore, in this case, even assuming that a reset operation is not performed, there will be no problem in calculating the remaining amount and / or remaining time of the feed roll Ps for the forward unwinding of yarn Y.

[0142] (6) In the embodiments described above, at least the cumulative time (and / or unwinding start time) of the winding mounting section 21 on one of the yarn feed packages Ps that are unwound at the reference time can be calculated. Furthermore, by simultaneously calculating the cumulative time (and / or unwinding start time) of the other winding mounting section 21, the remaining time of each of the two winding mounting sections 21 can be calculated simultaneously. For this purpose, the information management unit 110 can also perform the following processing. For example, when a reset operation is performed by an operator, the information management unit 110 can return the cumulative time of each of the two winding mounting sections 21 to the initial time (e.g., zero). In addition, the information management unit 110 can also perform the following processing when a yarn feed package change operation is performed during normal winding processing. For example, when the above-mentioned installation information is input to the machine input unit 5a, the information management unit 110 can return the cumulative time of the winding mounting section 21 that has performed the yarn feed package change operation to the initial time. Therefore, the remaining time of each of the two roll mounting sections 21 can be calculated. In this case, the information management unit 110 can also predict the time when all the feed rolls Ps held by the feed roll holding section 20 of a certain spindle 9 will become empty (predict the time when the source yarn disappears). Regardless of whether a knotted section K is formed, the predicted time when the source yarn disappears can be calculated by adding the remaining time of the two roll mounting sections 21 to the reference time. By using the information of the predicted time when the source yarn disappears, a higher level of control or higher level of equipment operation management related to operations such as changing the feed rolls Ps can be achieved. For this management, normal reset processing is particularly effective.

[0143] As described above, when the information management unit 110 obtains the predicted time of the disappearance of the source yarn, the machine control device 5 can, for example, cause the machine output unit 5b to output at an appropriate time to urge the operator to perform the replacement operation of the yarn feed package Ps. For example, the machine control device 5 can also determine whether a replacement notification time has arrived, which is a predetermined time before the predicted time of the disappearance of the source yarn of a certain spindle 9's yarn feed package holding unit 20. If the machine control device 5 determines that the replacement notification time has arrived, it can also cause the machine output unit 5b to output information indicating that the replacement operation of the yarn feed package Ps in that spindle 9 needs to be performed. For this kind of management, normal reset processing is particularly effective. The machine control device 5 corresponds to the first output control unit of the present invention, and the machine output unit 5b corresponds to the first output unit of the present invention. Alternatively, the above output can also be performed by the management output unit 101b of the management device 101. In this case, the management device 101 corresponds to the first output control unit of the present invention, and the management output unit 101b corresponds to the first output unit of the present invention. The first output unit and the second output unit of the present invention may be the same or different. The first output control unit and the second output control unit of the present invention may be the same or different. Furthermore, the first output control unit and the second output control unit of the present invention may be included in the information management unit 110 as described above, or they may be provided separately from the information management unit 110.

[0144] (7) In the embodiments described above, the cumulative time (tin1) of the first mounting section 22 and the cumulative time (tin2) of the second mounting section 23 are calculated respectively, but this is not a limitation. For example, the information management unit 110 may also be configured to calculate only the cumulative time (e.g., tin) of the feed rolls Ps that are unwound from the yarn Y at the reference time. In addition, even in this configuration that only calculates tin, the predicted time of disappearance of the source yarn can be calculated as follows. That is, the cumulative time can be used to calculate the remaining time of the mounting section 21 (one of the mounting sections 21) in which the feed rolls Ps with the positively unwound yarn Y are mounted. Furthermore, if a new feed roll Ps is mounted in the other mounting section 21, the remaining time of the other of the two mounting sections 21 can be obtained as a constant. Furthermore, if no new feed roll Ps is mounted in the other mounting section 21, the remaining time can be obtained as zero. By adding these two remaining times, it is possible to calculate the predicted time when the source filament disappears.

[0145] (8) In the embodiments described above, the machine control device 5 uses accumulated time information or the unwinding start time to obtain remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information. However, it is not limited to this. Even without using accumulated time information or the unwinding start time, the machine control device 5 can obtain the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information of the feed roll Ps of the unwinding yarn Y as follows. For example, when obtaining the remaining quantity information, the machine control device 5, as a reset process, stores the initial weight, WF, of the feed roll Ps at the start of unwinding the yarn Y as the remaining quantity. In this case, the value of WF corresponds to the initial value of the present invention. Then, the machine control device 5 subtracts the predetermined unit quantity obtained using the unwinding unit quantity information from the remaining quantity every time a predetermined unit time (e.g., dt) has elapsed. This unit quantity is the value obtained by multiplying the above-mentioned A, V, F, and dt. Thus, the value of the remaining quantity can be updated every time a unit time has elapsed. Furthermore, upon obtaining the remaining time information, the machine control device 5, as a reset process, stores the initial value (initial remaining time) of the remaining time from when the yarn feed package Ps, which begins unwinding yarn Y, can unwind yarn Y as the remaining time. For example, the initial remaining time value can be calculated by dividing the initial weight, WF, by the aforementioned A, V, and F. Then, the machine control device 5 subtracts this unit time from the remaining time each time a predetermined unit time has elapsed. Thus, the remaining time value can be updated each time a unit time has elapsed. In this way, at least one of the remaining quantity information and the remaining time information can be obtained in a simple manner. In this variation, the machine control device 5 may also obtain the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information of both the first mounting section 22 and the second mounting section 23. Alternatively, the machine control device 5 may only obtain the remaining quantity information and / or remaining time information of the yarn feed package Ps that was unwound yarn Y at the reference time. Furthermore, in this variation, the machine control device 5 does not necessarily need to obtain the cumulative time information and the unwinding start time.

[0146] (9) The information management unit 110 may also be configured to associate and store individual information of the feed yarn package Ps with information about the start time of unwinding of the feed yarn package Ps. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may also, in the event of a feed yarn package change, associate and store individual information of the feed yarn Y unwound up to the time of the feed yarn package change with information about the time of the change. This time may also be treated as the unwinding end time when the yarn Y finishes unwinding from the feed yarn package Ps. Moreover, the information management unit 110 may also be configured to, when an intermediate change is performed, associate and store individual information of the feed yarn package Ps removed from the package mounting unit 21 with information about the time of the intermediate change. The time of the intermediate change may also be treated as the unwinding end time when the yarn Y finishes unwinding from the feed yarn package Ps removed from the package mounting unit 21.

[0147] (10) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 obtains information on the initial weight of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as initial quantity information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the information management unit 110 may also obtain information on the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as initial quantity information. In this case, the information management unit 110 may also calculate information on the remaining length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as remaining quantity information. Furthermore, in this case, the information management unit 110 does not necessarily need to obtain information on the fineness of the yarn Y.

[0148] (11) In the embodiments described above, the initial quantity information is stored in the information management unit 110 as a common value in all spindles 9 of the false twisting machine 1, but it is not limited to this. For example, the multiple spindles 9 may be divided into multiple groups. The information management unit 110 may also be configured to set initial quantity information associated with each of the multiple groups.

[0149] Alternatively, the information management unit 110 can be configured to set initial quantity information for each spindle 9. In this case, the information management unit 110 can also be configured to further obtain initial quantity information (or information on the initial value of the remaining time) corresponding to each of the multiple feed rolls Ps. More specifically, it can also be configured to independently obtain the initial quantity information of each new feed roll Ps whenever it is installed in the feed roll holding unit 20. In this configuration, even if the initial quantity of the yarn Y contained in each of the multiple feed rolls Ps differs among the multiple feed rolls Ps, appropriate reset processing can be performed. Furthermore, appropriate reset processing can be performed separately in each of the multiple feed roll holding units 20.

[0150] (12) In the embodiments described above, the operator performs a changeover operation midway. However, this is not a limitation. For example, the trolley robot 102 described below (see below) can also be used. Figure 6 The present invention (the yarn feed roll changing device) performs mid-course changing operations. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the yarn processing equipment 100a may also include a bobbin loader robot 102 configured to transport one or more yarn feed packages Ps. The bobbin loader robot 102 is configured to perform actions of mounting the yarn feed packages Ps onto the package mounting section 21 and removing the yarn feed packages Ps from the package mounting section 21. The bobbin loader robot 102 may also be controlled by a bobbin loader control device 102a electrically connected to the management device 101. The bobbin loader control device 102a can also enable the bobbin loader robot 102 to perform yarn feed package changing operations during normal winding processing and mid-process changing operations. The bobbin loader control device 102a can also generate mid-process changing information and send it to the machine control device 5 during mid-process changing. Thus, the machine control device 5 can also obtain the mid-process changing information. Furthermore, in this configuration, the operator can also manually perform a reset operation. The bobbin holder control device 102a can also send the above installation information to the information management unit 110 when a new yarn feed roll Ps is installed in the roll mounting unit 21.

[0151] In addition, the yarn processing equipment 100a may also include a winding and packaging conveying device 103 (see reference) for recycling and conveying the fully wound package Pw after the winding process is completed. Figure 6 ).

[0152] (13) The wire processing equipment 100 or 100a may also be configured to perform a reset process as follows. First, each roll mounting section 21 may also have a replacement detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the replacement of the feed roll Ps. For example, the replacement detection sensor may be a known reflective optical sensor. The machine control device 5 may also perform a reset process based on the detection result of the replacement detection sensor. When the feed roll Ps is replaced in a certain roll mounting section 21 by an operator or the aforementioned roll-mounting robot 102, the replacement detection sensor provided in the roll mounting section 21 detects whether there is a feed roll. That is, when the feed roll Ps before replacement is installed in the roll mounting section 21, the replacement detection sensor detects that there is a feed roll Ps. Afterwards, when the feed roll Ps is removed from the roll mounting section 21, the replacement detection sensor detects that there is no feed roll Ps. Furthermore, when a new yarn feed roll Ps is installed in the roll mounting section 21, the replacement detection sensor detects the presence of a yarn feed roll Ps. Thus, when information indicating a change in status (present / absent / present) is detected, the machine control device 5 can also reset the roll mounting section 21. In other words, the machine control device 5 can also perform a reset when it is determined that a yarn feed roll replacement operation has been performed.

[0153] In this modified example, the machine control device 5 can also be configured to perform a reset only when a mid-process change has been made (i.e., when change information is detected when the winding process stops). In this case, the change information is equivalent to the mid-process change information of the present invention. Furthermore, the machine control device 5 can also be configured to perform a reset when change information is detected during normal winding process. In this case, by normally calculating the cumulative time of each roll mounting section 21, the remaining quantity and remaining time can be calculated normally.

[0154] (14) In the embodiments described above, it is determined whether a yarn feed roll switching has occurred based on the detection results of the yarn detection sensor 24 having the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26. However, it is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 7As shown, the yarn feeding section 2a of the false twisting machine 1a may also have a switching detection section 41 in each spindle 9a, which has a different configuration from the yarn detection sensor 24. Similar to the yarn detection sensor 24, the switching detection section 41 corresponds to the switching detection section of the present invention. The switching detection section 41 may, for example, include a supply sensor 42 (the unwinding detection section of the present invention) and a knotting portion sensor 43. The supply sensor 42 is configured to detect whether yarn Y is being supplied from the first mounting section 22. The knotting portion sensor 43 is configured to detect knotted portions K that are stationary at a predetermined position. In this configuration, when the knotted portion K moves from the predetermined position and is no longer detected by the knotting portion sensor 43, it can be determined that a yarn feeding roll switching has occurred. Furthermore, based on the detection result of the supply sensor 42, it is possible to determine which of the first mounting section 22 and the second mounting section 23 is supplying yarn Y during the yarn feeding roll switching. Thus, even when using the detection results of the knotted portion K, it is possible to reliably determine which of the first mounting section 22 and the second mounting section 23 is supplying the thread Y. Furthermore, the knotted portion sensor 43 can also be configured to detect the moving knotted portion K.

[0155] (15) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 determines whether a yarn feed roll change has occurred based on the detection results of the yarn detection sensor 24 or the switching detection unit 41, but is not limited to this. For example, the information management unit 110 may also determine whether a yarn feed roll change has occurred by predicting the unwinding end time.

[0156] (16) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 obtains the unwinding speed V information based on the rotational speed information of the first feed roller 11, but is not limited to this. As another example, the rotational speed information of the second feed roller 16 and the ratio information of the rotational speed of the first feed roller 11 to the rotational speed of the second feed roller may also be stored in the machine control device 5. The information management unit 110 may also obtain the unwinding speed information based on this information. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may obtain the weight of the unwound yarn Y from the feed roll Ps per unit time instead of the unwinding speed information, as unwinding unit quantity information. For example, this information may be pre-input into the machine control device 5 by the operator.

[0157] (17) The information management unit 110 may also acquire information about the start time of winding the yarn Y into a winding bobbin Bw when winding the yarn Y into a winding bobbin Bw in a spindle 9 (for ease of explanation, this is called winding start information). Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may also acquire information related to at least one of the following: a predetermined winding end time, a predetermined winding amount, and a predetermined winding time (for ease of explanation, this is called winding end information). The predetermined winding end time is the predetermined time at which the winding of the yarn Y into the winding bobbin Bw ends. The predetermined winding amount is the predetermined winding amount wound into the winding bobbin Bw. The predetermined winding time is the predetermined time from the current time until the winding of the yarn Y into the winding bobbin Bw ends. By acquiring the winding start information and the winding end information, management can be performed, for example, as follows.

[0158] The information management unit 110 may also predict that a knotted portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw formed by winding the yarn Y into the winding bobbin Bw when the predicted unwinding end time exists between the winding start time and the predetermined winding end time. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that a knotted portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw when the remaining amount of the unwound yarn Y in the supply package Ps at the winding start time is less than the predetermined winding amount. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that a knotted portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw when the remaining time of the unwound yarn Y in the supply package Ps at the winding start time is less than the predetermined winding time. The information management unit 110 may also perform one or more of these three predictions.

[0159] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 can also output information indicating that a knotted portion K is mixed in with the take-up package Pw when it is predicted that a knotted portion K is mixed in with the take-up package Pw. For example, the machine control device 5 can also control the machine output unit 5b to notify the operator of the situation that a knotted portion K is mixed in with the take-up package Pw.

[0160] (18) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 has multiple machine control devices 5 and management devices 101, but is not limited thereto. That is, the information management unit 110 may also include a computer device (not shown) other than the machine control devices 5 and management devices 101. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may have only machine control devices 5 or management devices 101. That is, the required information may be obtained by either the machine control device 5 or the management device 101.

[0161] (19) In the embodiments described above, the yarn processing equipment 100 includes multiple false twisting machines 1, but is not limited to this. The yarn processing equipment 100 may also include only one false twisting machine 1. Furthermore, the management device 101 may not be provided. In this case, the false twisting machine 1 is also equivalent to the yarn processing equipment of the present invention. Furthermore, the false twisting machine 1 has multiple spindles 9, but is not limited to this. That is, the number of spindles 9 in the false twisting machine 1 may also be one. In other words, the number of yarn feeding package holding parts 20 in the yarn feeding section 2 may also be one.

[0162] (20) The present invention may also be applied to other wire processing equipment equipped with a wire processing machine, instead of the wire processing equipment 100 equipped with the false twisting machine 1. For example, the present invention may also be applied to wire processing equipment equipped with the airflow processing machine (wire processing machine) described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-088605.

Claims

1. A wire processing device, characterized in that, have: A wire processing machine includes: a wire feeding section configured to supply wire; a processing section configured to process the wire supplied from the wire feeding section; and a winding section configured to wind the wire processed by the processing section into a winding spool to form a winding package; and... The Information Management Department is responsible for managing information related to the aforementioned wire processing machines. The aforementioned yarn feeding unit has a yarn feeding roll holding part, which is configured to be able to detach and assemble multiple yarn feeding rolls, each containing yarn. The aforementioned yarn feed package holding unit is configured such that, when the end portion of the yarn contained in one of the plurality of yarn feed packages is connected to the beginning portion of the yarn contained in another yarn feed package to which the yarn is subsequently unwound from the aforementioned yarn feed package, yarn can be supplied continuously. The aforementioned information management department is structured as follows: At any reference time, at least one of the following is obtained through calculation: remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of yarn contained in the yarn supply roll of the above-mentioned plurality of yarn supply rolls and remaining time information related to the remaining time that the yarn can be unwound from the yarn supply roll at the above-mentioned reference time. When mid-course replacement information indicating that a mid-course replacement has been obtained, a reset process is performed to return at least one of the aforementioned remaining quantity information and the aforementioned remaining time information to a predetermined initial value. The mid-course replacement refers to replacing the mid-course unwinding yarn feeder among the aforementioned multiple yarn feeders with other new yarn feeders.

2. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned yarn feed roll holding part has multiple mounting parts for mounting the aforementioned multiple yarn feed rolls respectively. The aforementioned yarn feeding unit includes a switching detection unit capable of detecting yarn feeding package switching. This yarn feeding package switching refers to the process of starting unwinding a yarn feeding package from a different mounting unit than the one specified in the aforementioned mounting units after the unwinding of a yarn feeding package installed in one of the plurality of mounting units has ended. When the switching detection unit detects the switching of the yarn feed roll, the information management unit performs the reset process related to the other installation units.

3. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information management department mentioned above, using the information from the aforementioned initial values, can obtain the following information: The initial quantity information is related to the initial quantity of yarn contained in each of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply rolls; The unwinding unit quantity information is related to the amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the above multiple yarn supply packages; as well as The cumulative time information is related to the cumulative time during which the yarn was unwound from the aforementioned multiple yarn feed packages at the aforementioned reference time. By performing calculations using at least the aforementioned initial quantity information, the aforementioned unwinding unit quantity information, and the aforementioned cumulative time information, at least one of the aforementioned remaining time information and the aforementioned remaining quantity information is obtained. As part of the reset process described above, by returning the accumulated time to a predetermined initial time, at least one of the remaining quantity information and the remaining time information is returned to the initial value.

4. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information management department mentioned above, using the information from the aforementioned initial values, can obtain the following information: The initial quantity information is related to the initial quantity of yarn contained in each of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply rolls; The unwinding unit quantity information is related to the amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the above multiple yarn supply packages; as well as The unwinding start time information is related to the start time of unwinding the yarn from the aforementioned multiple yarn feed packages that were unwound at the aforementioned reference time. By performing calculations using at least the aforementioned initial quantity information, the aforementioned unwinding unit quantity information, and the aforementioned unwinding start time information, at least one of the aforementioned remaining time information and the aforementioned remaining quantity information is obtained for each of the aforementioned plurality of yarn supply rolls. As part of the reset process described above, by obtaining the unwinding start time information of the new yarn feed roll, at least one of the remaining quantity information and the remaining time information is returned to the initial value.

5. The wire processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned Information Management Department is, As the aforementioned initial quantity information, information on the initial weight and fineness of the yarns contained in each of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply packages is obtained, and, As the unwinding unit quantity information mentioned above, information on the length of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the multiple yarn supply rolls, i.e., the unwinding speed, is obtained.

6. The wire processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The aforementioned Information Management Department is, As the aforementioned initial quantity information, information on the initial weight and fineness of the yarns contained in each of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply packages is obtained, and, As the unwinding unit quantity information mentioned above, information on the length of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the multiple yarn supply rolls, i.e., the unwinding speed, is obtained.

7. The wire processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned yarn processing mechanism, after the aforementioned mid-process change, during at least a portion of the yarn-hanging time for the yarn-hanging operation on the aforementioned yarn processing machine, unwinds yarn from one of the aforementioned multiple yarn-supply rolls. The aforementioned yarn feeding unit has an unwinding detection unit, which can detect whether yarn is being unwound from one of the aforementioned yarn feeding packages. The aforementioned information management department will use the detection time information of the unwinding detection department, which detects the unwinding of the yarn from one of the yarn feed packages, to obtain at least one of the aforementioned remaining quantity information and the aforementioned remaining time information. At least a portion of the aforementioned wire hanging time is included in the aforementioned detection time.

8. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management department is configured such that, as the aforementioned initial value, it can obtain the common value, i.e., the common initial value, of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply rolls.

9. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management department is configured such that, as the aforementioned initial value, it can obtain the common value, i.e., the common initial value, of the aforementioned multiple yarn supply rolls.

10. The wire processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aforementioned thread processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple threads simultaneously. The aforementioned yarn feeding section has multiple aforementioned yarn roll holding sections. The aforementioned common initial value is set as a common value for the aforementioned plurality of yarn feed roll holding sections.

11. The wire processing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The aforementioned thread processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple threads simultaneously. The aforementioned yarn feeding section has multiple aforementioned yarn roll holding sections. The aforementioned common initial value is set as a common value for the aforementioned plurality of yarn feed roll holding sections.

12. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management unit is configured to obtain the aforementioned initial values ​​corresponding to the aforementioned plurality of yarn feed rolls.

13. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management unit is configured to obtain the aforementioned initial values ​​corresponding to the aforementioned plurality of yarn feed rolls.

14. The wire processing equipment according to claim 12, characterized in that, The aforementioned thread processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple threads simultaneously. The aforementioned wire feeding section has multiple aforementioned wire feeding roll holding sections.

15. The wire processing equipment according to claim 13, characterized in that, The aforementioned thread processing mechanism is capable of processing multiple threads simultaneously. The aforementioned wire feeding section has multiple aforementioned wire feeding roll holding sections.

16. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management unit is an operating unit configured to be operable by an operator. When a prescribed reset operation is performed on the operating unit, the aforementioned information management unit generates the aforementioned mid-term replacement information.

17. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aforementioned information management unit is an operating unit configured to be operable by an operator. When a prescribed reset operation is performed on the operating unit, the aforementioned information management unit generates the aforementioned mid-term replacement information.

18. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a yarn feed roll changing device configured to perform the aforementioned mid-course changing. The aforementioned yarn feed roll changing device is configured to send the aforementioned mid-transit change information to the aforementioned information management department.

19. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, It has a yarn feed roll changing device configured to perform the aforementioned mid-course changing. The aforementioned yarn feed roll changing device is configured to send the aforementioned mid-transit change information to the aforementioned information management department.

20. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the remaining time information of all the wire feed rolls installed in the wire feed roll holding unit, the aforementioned information management department obtains information on the predicted time when the source wire disappears when all the wire feed rolls become empty.

21. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, Based on the remaining time information of all the wire feed rolls installed in the wire feed roll holding unit, the aforementioned information management department obtains information on the predicted time when the source wire disappears when all the wire feed rolls become empty.

22. The wire processing equipment according to claim 20, characterized in that, have: The first output unit is configured to output information; and The first output control unit is configured to control the aforementioned first output unit. The first output control unit outputs information to urge the operator to replace the feed roll in the feed roll holding unit at a replacement notification time before the time when the predicted source yarn disappears.

23. The wire processing equipment according to claim 21, characterized in that, have: The first output unit is configured to output information; and The first output control unit is configured to control the aforementioned first output unit. The first output control unit outputs information to urge the operator to replace the feed roll in the feed roll holding unit at a replacement notification time before the time when the predicted source yarn disappears.

24. The wire processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, have: The connection information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information related to whether the end portion of the filament contained in the specified filament package of the plurality of filament packages and the beginning end of the filament contained in the pre-filament package to which the filament package is unwound from the specified filament package are connected. The second output unit is configured to output information; and The second output control unit is configured to control the aforementioned second output unit. The second output control unit outputs information to urge the connection operation between the starting end and the terminal end when the remaining time of the specified yarn feed roll is reduced to below a specified limit time, based on the information obtained by the connection information acquisition unit.

25. The wire processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: The connection information acquisition unit is configured to acquire information related to whether the end portion of the filament contained in the specified filament package of the plurality of filament packages and the beginning end of the filament contained in the pre-filament package to which the filament package is unwound from the specified filament package are connected. The second output unit is configured to output information; and The second output control unit is configured to control the aforementioned second output unit. The second output control unit outputs information to urge the connection operation between the starting end and the terminal end when the remaining time of the specified yarn feed roll is reduced to below a specified limit time, based on the information obtained by the connection information acquisition unit.

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