Image recording device for a weaving machine

Abstract

Provided is an image recording device of a loom. Provided are: a photographing unit (120) that photographs a weft thread in a loom; a storage unit (140) that stores an image generated by the photographing of the photographing unit (120); a recording unit (150) that records the image read out from the storage unit (140); and a control unit (110) that controls the photographing of the photographing unit (120) and the input and output of the image in the storage unit (140) and the recording unit (150), controls the timing of the photographing by a trigger signal generated based on an operation signal output in correspondence with the operation of the loom, and causes the photographed image to be stored in the storage unit (140), measures an elapsed time from the reception of the operation signal, the photographing, and the storage of the image, and in the case where the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, reads out the image stored in the storage unit (140) and records the image in the recording unit (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image recording device for a loom. Background Technology

[0002] The weaving mechanism consists of accumulating the weft yarn from the supply section at the weft yarn length measuring and accumulating section, releasing the accumulated weft yarn through the main nozzle and initiating weft insertion, and then conveying the inserted weft yarn into the knitting width through the secondary nozzle, thus ending the weft insertion process. Here, ensuring that the weft yarn reaches the predetermined weft insertion end position at a predetermined time is crucial for weaving high-quality fabrics.

[0003] Furthermore, in order to prevent the application of abrupt tension to the weft yarn at the end of the weft insertion, a weft yarn brake is used to apply braking to the weft yarn near the end of the weft insertion.

[0004] There is a technique that involves installing two sensors—a weft width sensor and a yarn end sensor—on the weft yarn's path to detect its movement and determine weft insertion abnormalities based on the sensor's readings. Patent document 1 proposes this technique.

[0005] In addition, in order to record the weft yarn's running state, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for a stroboscopic observer with a camera.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4145385

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 55-118121

[0008] In cases where weft insertion abnormalities are determined based on the detection results of the yarn feed sensor, as in Patent Document 1, although the type of weft insertion abnormality can be roughly inferred from the combination of the detection states of the two sensors, the yarn end sensor and the yarn feed sensor within the knitting width, it is not possible to accurately classify the type of weft insertion abnormality.

[0009] In the case of the stroboscopic observer with a camera in Patent Document 2, it is not possible to record images only when there is an anomaly. If the abnormal signal is obtained from the loom in order to record images only when there is an anomaly, the wiring increases and the connection becomes cumbersome, which reduces the practicality. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an image recording device for a loom that, through a simple structure, displays an image of the weft yarn movement state required for accurate classification of the type of weft yarn movement error when a weft insertion error occurs.

[0011] The image recording device for a loom disclosed herein includes: a photographing unit that photographs the movement of the weft yarn in the loom; a storage unit that stores the images generated by the photographing unit; a recording unit that records the images read from the storage unit; and a control unit that controls the photographing unit's photographing and the input / output of images in the storage unit and the recording unit. The control unit includes: a trigger controller that generates a trigger signal based on an operation signal output corresponding to the operation of the loom, and controls the timing of the photographing unit's photographing based on the trigger signal; an image controller that stores the images generated by the photographing unit in a memory, and reads the images stored in the storage unit and records them in the recording unit; and a timer that measures the elapsed time from any one of the reception of the operation signal by the trigger controller, the photographing unit's photographing, and the image controller's storage in the storage unit. If the elapsed time measured by the timer exceeds a predetermined time, the image controller reads the images stored in the storage unit and records the images in the recording unit.

[0012] In the image recording device for the loom disclosed herein, the predetermined time is preferably determined based on the rotational speed of the machine tool contained in the loom.

[0013] In the image recording device for the loom of this disclosure, the image controller preferably assigns time information, either at the time of shooting or at the time of storage, to the image generated by the shooting unit and stores the image with the time information in the storage unit.

[0014] The preferred imaging unit has a light-emitting unit and a camera unit, and performs flashing light based on the light-emitting unit and imaging of the weft yarn movement by the camera unit according to the trigger signal.

[0015] According to this disclosure, a simple structure can be used to provide an image of the weft yarn movement state required for accurate classification of the type of weft yarn insertion anomaly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the image recording device in Embodiment 1 together with the structure of the loom.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of capturing, storing, and recording images using the image recording device in Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following description uses the accompanying drawings to illustrate the implementation of the loom. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to label the same parts in each drawing.

[0019] Implementation method 1.

[0020] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the image recording device 100 that captures the movement of the weft yarn Y in the loom 10 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the image recording device 100 in Embodiment 1 together with the structure of the loom 10.

[0021] Furthermore, in this specification, regarding the direction of weft insertion for feeding the weft yarn Y into the warp opening, the side opposite to the weft insertion direction is designated as upstream, and the side in the weft insertion direction is designated as downstream. Additionally, regarding the direction of compressed air flow for guiding the weft yarn Y, the source flow side is designated as upstream, and the side opposite to the source flow is designated as downstream.

[0022] [Structure of an image recording device]

[0023] Figure 1 The image recording device 100 shown is a device for taking pictures, storing and recording images of the weft yarn Y in the loom 10. It mainly includes a control unit 110, a shooting unit 120, an operation unit 130, a storage unit 140 and a recording unit 150.

[0024] Here, the control unit 110 includes a trigger controller 111, an image controller 112, and a timer 113.

[0025] The trigger controller 111 generates a trigger signal based on the operation signal output according to the operation of the loom 10 and the time point adjustment value input from the operation unit 130, and controls the shooting time of the shooting unit 120.

[0026] The image controller 112 controls the storage of images captured by the imaging unit 120 in the storage unit 140, and controls the reading of images stored in the storage unit 140 and recording them in the recording unit 150 under predetermined conditions. Alternatively, the image controller 112 may assign time information of the time of capture or storage to the image when recording it in the storage unit 140. That is, the image controller 112 controls the input and output of images in the storage unit 140 and the recording unit 150.

[0027] The timer 113 measures the elapsed time from any one of the following: receiving the operation signal via the trigger controller 111, taking a picture via the imaging unit 120, or storing the image in the storage unit 140 via the image controller 112.

[0028] In addition, in order to visually confirm the weft yarn Y of the loom 10, the trigger controller 111, the camera unit 120, and the operation unit 130 constitute a stroboscopic observer SS with a camera, which is a combination of a stroboscopic observer and a camera.

[0029] The imaging unit 120 includes a light-emitting unit 121 and a camera unit 122. The light-emitting unit 121 is composed of a xenon lamp or a light-emitting diode. The light-emitting unit 121 receives a trigger signal from a trigger controller 111 and receives power for flashing light from a power source (not shown). The light-emitting unit 121 illuminates the imaging range of the loom 10 in a flashing manner corresponding to the timing of the trigger signal from the trigger controller 111. The camera unit 122 receives a trigger signal from the trigger controller 111 and receives power for imaging from an image controller 112. The camera unit 122, in a flashing manner corresponding to the timing of the trigger signal from the trigger controller 111 and matching the timing of the flashing light from the light-emitting unit 121, captures the weft yarn Y's movement within the imaging range of the loom 10 and supplies the image generated by the capture to the image controller 112. Through this process, a clear image of the weft yarn Y's movement state, which is necessary for accurately classifying the types of weft insertion anomalies, can be obtained.

[0030] The operation unit 130 inputs a time point adjustment value for adjusting the light emission time of the light-emitting unit 121. The operation unit 130 then notifies the trigger controller 111 of the input time point adjustment value.

[0031] The storage unit 140 temporarily stores images captured by the imaging unit 120 under the control of the image controller 112. The storage unit 140 is configured to have a predetermined storage capacity matching at least the predetermined number of images recorded in the recording unit 150 for the resolution of weft insertion anomalies. The storage unit 140 may also be a circular buffer that always stores the latest predetermined number of images. Furthermore, the storage unit 140 may also be configured with a storage capacity larger than the predetermined number of images recorded in the recording unit 150.

[0032] The recording unit 150, under the control of the image controller 112, records a predetermined number of images read from the storage unit 140 into files that can be output to the outside.

[0033] The control of image storage in storage unit 140 and image recording in recording unit 150 is as follows.

[0034] The image controller 112 is controlled to read out the image stored in the storage unit 140 and record it in the recording unit 150 when any of the following situations are identified as equivalent to the trigger controller 111 not receiving an operation signal before the predetermined time has elapsed, when the shooting of the shooting unit 120 is interrupted and the image controller 112 does not receive a captured image from the shooting unit 120 before the predetermined time has elapsed, or when the image controller 112 does not store the captured image in the storage unit 140 before the predetermined time has elapsed:

[0035] In the image controller 112, the predetermined time, which serves as the reference for reading the image stored in the storage unit 140 and recording it in the recording unit 150, can be a fixed time predetermined in advance, or it can be a variable time such as n times the rotation time calculated based on the rotation speed of the machine tool 17 described later. The image controller 112 can also determine the predetermined time by multiplying the interval of the operation signal by n times.

[0036] Next, the structure of the loom 10 will be described. The loom 10 mainly includes a control unit 11, a yarn feeding unit 12, a weft yarn length measuring and storage unit 13, a weft insertion nozzle 14, a weft yarn path 15, a yarn feeding sensor 16, a machine base 17, and an encoder 18. In addition, only the main parts of the loom 10 associated with the image recording device 100 are shown here.

[0037] The control unit 11 performs various controls in the loom 10. The yarn supply unit 12 is located upstream of the weft yarn measuring and storage unit 13 and holds the weft yarn Y. The weft yarn Y of the yarn supply unit 12 is drawn out through the weft yarn measuring and storage unit 13.

[0038] The weft insertion nozzle 14 has a series nozzle 14a and a main nozzle 14b. The series nozzle 14a draws out the weft yarn Y from the weft yarn length measuring and storage section 13 by injecting compressed air. The main nozzle 14b guides the weft yarn Y to the weft yarn path 15 by injecting compressed air.

[0039] An insertion brake is provided upstream of the series nozzle 14a to brake the weft yarn Y before the end of insertion. The insertion brake brake brakes the weft yarn Y, which is traveling at high speed, thereby reducing the speed of the weft yarn Y and mitigating the impact of the weft yarn Y at the end of insertion.

[0040] The weft yarn path 15 is located downstream of the weft insertion nozzle 14 and consists of multiple reed teeth. Multiple reed teeth (not shown), a secondary nozzle, and a yarn feed sensor 16 are arranged on the weft yarn path 15.

[0041] The yarn feed sensor 16 includes a knit width in-line sensor 16a and a yarn end sensor 16b. The knit width in-line sensor 16a is positioned upstream of the yarn end sensor 16b and downstream of the center of the knit width on the weft yarn feed path 15. The yarn end sensor 16b is positioned downstream of the weft yarn feed path 15 and downstream of the knit width.

[0042] The machine 17 is a device that weaves according to the specifications of the fabric and rotates at a predetermined speed based on the instructions of the control unit 11. Corresponding to the rotation of the machine 17, i.e., the operation of the loom, the encoder 18 outputs an operation signal to the image recording device 100.

[0043] In the loom 10 described above, if the control unit 11 detects abnormalities such as delay or non-arrival of the weft yarn Y by the yarn feed sensor 16, it determines that the weft yarn Y is abnormally fed, i.e., an abnormal weft insertion. Upon determining an abnormal weft insertion, the control unit 11 stops the rotation of the machine table 17, thus stopping the operation of the loom 10. Along with the cessation of the rotation of the machine table 17, the operation signal from the encoder 18 also stops.

[0044] In the image recording device 100, the imaging unit 120 captures the movement of the weft yarn Y from the weft insertion brake located upstream of the serial nozzle 14a, through the weft yarn path 15, and including the yarn end sensor 16b located downstream of the weft yarn path 15, which is positioned further downstream than the weaving width.

[0045] [The process of shooting, storing, and recording]

[0046] Next, refer to Figure 2 The process of taking pictures, storing and recording in the image recording device 100 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the image recording device 100 in Embodiment 1 capturing, storing, and recording images.

[0047] In step S101, the trigger controller 111 waits for the operation signal from the loom 10. Afterward, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0048] In step S102, timer 113 measures the elapsed time of any one of the following: the reception of the operation signal from trigger controller 111, the reception of the captured image from imaging unit 120 at image controller 112, and the storage of the image in storage unit 140 under the control of image controller 112. After this, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0049] In step S103, the control unit 110 checks whether an operation signal has been received. If an operation signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S104. Here, the trigger controller 111 in the control unit 110 only needs to check whether an operation signal has been received.

[0050] In step S104, the trigger controller 111 generates a trigger signal based on the operation signal from the loom 10 and the timing adjustment value from the operation unit 130. The trigger controller 111 supplies the generated trigger signal to the light-emitting unit 121 and the camera unit 122 of the imaging unit 120. After this, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0051] In step S105, the light-emitting unit 121 flashes light within the shooting range of the loom 10 according to the timing of the trigger signal from the trigger controller 111. Simultaneously, corresponding to the timing of the trigger signal from the trigger controller 111, the camera unit 122 captures the movement of the weft yarn Y within the shooting range of the loom 10 and supplies the image generated by the capture to the image controller 112. Afterward, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0052] In step S106, the image controller 112 stores the image generated by the capturing unit 120 in the storage unit 140. If there is spare storage capacity in the storage unit 140, the image controller 112 stores new images in addition to past images. Furthermore, if the storage capacity of the storage unit 140 is a predetermined limited capacity, the image controller 112 stores the newest image in the storage unit 140 in a manner that overwrites the oldest image stored in the storage unit 140. That is, the storage of images in the storage unit 140 is temporary image preservation. Afterwards, the process returns to step S101.

[0053] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines in step S103 that no operation signal has been received from the loom 10, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0054] In step S107, the control unit 110 confirms whether it is considered to be equivalent to receiving an operation signal from the loom 10 before a predetermined time has elapsed, performing an image capture by the imaging unit 120 before a predetermined time has elapsed, or performing an image storage in the storage unit 140 before a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0055] Here, as a confirmation of step S107, the image controller 112 determines whether the elapsed time in the timer 113, which started measuring in step S102, has exceeded the predetermined time. The predetermined time can also be a fixed time determined in advance, but if it is set to n times the rotation time calculated based on the rotation speed of the machine tool 17 or the interval of the operation signal (for example, n=2 or n=3), the confirmation of step S107 can be optimized without wasting time.

[0056] If the control unit 110 determines in step S107 whether the operation signal reception, image capture, or image storage was performed before a predetermined time has elapsed, the process returns to step S101.

[0057] On the other hand, if in step S107 any of the following occurs: no operation signal is received before a predetermined time has elapsed, no image is captured by the imaging unit 120 before a predetermined time has elapsed, or no image is stored in the storage unit 140 before a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 110 proceeds to step S108. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may perform the confirmation in step S107 based solely on whether an operation signal is received before a predetermined time has elapsed or no operation signal is received after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0058] In step S108, the control unit 110 controls the recording of the latest predetermined number of images from the images stored in the storage unit 140 into the recording unit 150 in file form. Furthermore, the predetermined number of images recorded in the recording unit 150 refers to images from a predetermined period before the loom 17 stops. Here, the images recorded in the recording unit 150 are saved in file form that can be output externally. The images recorded in the recording unit 150 are output to the outside in file form according to the control of the image controller 112 or a request from an external source.

[0059] In addition, the predetermined number of images recorded in the recording section 150 are images required to confirm that the weft yarn Y's yarn path gradually deteriorates to the point of weft insertion abnormality. For example, these are images of about 30 winding strokes of the weft yarn Y.

[0060] Operators use smartphones, tablets, or computer terminals to observe a predetermined number of images recorded in file format on the recording unit 150 and output to the outside to determine the occurrence and location of weft insertion abnormalities such as blockage, tangling, and poor introduction of the weft yarn Y into the tension tube located near the reed near the nozzle outlet.

[0061] That is, by using the image recording device 100 of Embodiment 1, it is possible to accurately classify the types of weft insertion abnormalities that cannot be accurately classified when using the detection results of the existing yarn feeding sensor 16.

[0062] Furthermore, the signal transmission between the loom 10 and the image recording device 100 is only the operation signal from the loom 10, which is also used in existing stroboscopic observers with cameras. Therefore, no changes are required on the loom 10 side. That is, there is no need to transmit the detection results of weft insertion anomalies in the loom 10 to the image recording device 100, resulting in a simple structure.

[0063] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0064] In the above description, a specific example is shown, which includes: a light-emitting unit 121 that flashes light to the imaging unit 120 and a camera unit 122 that captures images synchronously with the flashing light. However, if a camera unit 122 is used that can capture images with an exposure time similar to the flashing light time, the light-emitting unit 121 can be omitted.

[0065] Alternatively, the trigger controller 111, image controller 112, and timer 113 of the control unit 110 may not be in the same or similar positions or states, but may exist in separate positions.

[0066] For example, for a portable stroboscopic observer SS with a camera, consisting of a trigger controller 111, an imaging unit 120, and an operation unit 130, connecting the image controller 112 to the storage unit 140 can construct the image recording device 100 of Embodiment 1. In this case, the signal wiring connection between the device and the loom 10 is only for operation signals, so no changes need to be made to the loom 10 side, and the image recording device 100 can be easily constructed.

[0067] The storage unit 140 and the recording unit 150 may not be physically connected to the image controller 112, for example, they may be able to use the memory of an external server.

[0068] The trigger controller 111, image controller 112 and timer 113 included in the control unit 110 can also be independent circuits or devices, but can also be implemented in a processor.

[0069] The various parts of the image recording device 100 can also receive power from the service outlets of the loom 10, etc.

[0070] Alternatively, when the image controller 112 stores the image generated by the imaging unit 120 in the storage unit 140 in step S106, it marks the time information at the time of imaging or the time information at the time of storage as a time stamp. In this case, the image controller 112 can distinguish between a normal stop and a weft insertion abnormality that accompany the end of the loom 10's operation by comparing the latest time stamp of the image stored in the storage unit 140 with the end time of the loom 10's operation. Furthermore, the image controller 112 can easily confirm whether the imaging or storage in step S107 has occurred by comparing the latest time stamp of the image stored in the storage unit 140 with the current time.

[0071] In cases where the rotational speed of the machine 17 changes due to changes in the operating mode of the loom 10, the control unit 110 can optimize the confirmation process without wasting time by appropriately changing the predetermined time used for confirmation in step S107 according to the change in the interval of the operating signal.

[0072] [Effects obtained through implementation methods]

[0073] As explained above, the following effects can be obtained according to Embodiment 1.

[0074] The image recording apparatus 100 of this disclosure includes: an imaging unit 120 that captures images of the weft yarn Y; a storage unit 140 that stores images generated by the imaging; and a control unit 110 that controls the imaging, storage, and recording. The control unit 110 includes: a trigger controller 111 that generates a trigger signal based on an operation signal output corresponding to the operation of the loom 10, and controls the timing of the imaging by the imaging unit 120 through the trigger signal; an image controller 112 that stores images generated by the imaging by the imaging unit 120 in the storage unit 140, and reads images stored in the storage unit 140 and records them in the recording unit 150; and a timer 113 that measures the elapsed time from the receipt of the operation signal by the trigger controller 111, the imaging by the imaging unit 120, and the storage of images by the image controller 112 in the storage unit 140. If the elapsed time measured by the timer 113 exceeds the predetermined time, the image controller 112 reads the image stored in the storage unit 140 and records the image in the recording unit 150.

[0075] According to this disclosure, a simple structural illustration can be provided of the weft yarn movement state required to accurately classify the type of weft insertion abnormality when it occurs. As a result, in the loom 10, a machine adjustment method corresponding to the type of weft insertion abnormality can be adopted.

[0076] In the image recording apparatus 100 of this disclosure, the predetermined time used for confirming weft insertion abnormalities is determined based on the rotational speed of the machine frame included in the loom 10. This allows for the optimization of the confirmation process without wasting time.

[0077] In the image recording apparatus 100 of this disclosure, the image controller 112 assigns time information at the time of shooting or time information at the time of storage to the image generated by shooting in the form of a timestamp. As a result, it is easy to distinguish between normal stoppage and weft insertion abnormality that accompany the end of operation of the loom 10, or to confirm whether shooting has occurred.

[0078] In the image recording apparatus 100 of this disclosure, the imaging unit 120 includes a light-emitting unit 121 and a camera unit 122. Based on a trigger signal, it performs flashing light emission based on the light-emitting unit 121 and imaging of the weft yarn movement through the camera unit 122. As a result, it is possible to clearly display an image of the weft yarn movement state required for accurate classification of the types of weft insertion abnormalities.

[0079] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0080] 10...Loom; 11...Control unit; 12...Yarn feeding unit; 13...Weft yarn length measuring and storage unit; 14...Weft insertion nozzle; 14a...Series nozzle; 14b...Main nozzle; 15...Weft yarn path; 16...Yarn path sensor; 16a...Weaving width sensor; 16b...Yarn end sensor; 17...Machine base; 18...Encoder; 100...Image recording device; 110...Control unit; 111...Trigger controller; 112...Image controller; 113...Timer; 120...Picture unit; 121...Light-emitting unit; 122...Camera unit; 130...Operation unit; 140...Storage unit; 150...Recording unit; SS...Strobe observer with camera; Y...Weft yarn.

Claims

1. An image recording device for a loom, characterized in that, have: The photography department photographs the movement of the weft yarn in the loom; A storage unit that stores images generated by the capturing unit; A recording unit that records the image read from the storage unit; and The control unit controls the capturing of images by the imaging unit and the input and output of images stored in the storage unit and the recording unit. The control unit includes: A trigger controller generates a trigger signal based on an operation signal output corresponding to the operation of the loom, and controls the timing of the shooting by the shooting unit through the trigger signal; An image controller that stores the image generated by the capturing unit in the storage unit, and reads the image stored in the storage unit and records it in the recording unit; as well as A timer that measures the elapsed time from any one of the following: receiving the operation signal via the trigger controller, taking a picture via the imaging unit, or storing the image in the storage unit via the image controller. If the elapsed time, as measured by the timer, exceeds a predetermined time, the image controller will read the image stored in the storage unit and record the image in the recording unit.

2. The image recording device for a loom according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined time is determined based on the rotational speed of the machine parts contained in the loom.

3. The image recording device for a loom according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The image controller assigns time information (either the time of capture or the time of storage) to the image generated by the capturing unit, and stores the image with the assigned time information in the storage unit.

4. The image recording device for a loom according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The imaging unit includes a light-emitting unit and a camera unit. Based on the trigger signal, the flashing light emitted by the light-emitting part and the shooting of the weft yarn movement by the camera part are performed.

5. The image recording device for a loom according to claim 3, characterized in that, The imaging unit includes a light-emitting unit and a camera unit. Based on the trigger signal, the flashing light emitted by the light-emitting part and the shooting of the weft yarn movement by the camera part are performed.

Images