Bobbin inspection device

Abstract

The invention provides a bobbin inspection device. The bobbin inspection device comprises a black light lamp, an image pickup device and an arithmetic device. The black light lamp irradiates near ultraviolet light to a bobbin around which a yarn for forming a package is wound. The imaging device acquires light from a bobbin irradiated with near ultraviolet light and generates determination information. The arithmetic device determines whether or not a yarn having a property different from that of the bobbin to be compared is wound on the basis of the color of the yarn of the bobbin indicated by the determination information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the properties of yarn wound on a yarn bobbin. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 is Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-89469. Patent document 2 is Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-32530.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection device for inspecting a package formed by an automatic winding machine in the shape of a winding coil. The package formed by the automatic winding machine is transported to the inspection device by a transport device. The inspection device uses a black light to irradiate the package with ultraviolet light. The operator determines whether different types of yarn are mixed in the package by observing the color of the package after being irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a conveying system for transporting yarn bobbins toward an automatic winding machine. The conveying system illuminates the yarn bobbin with red, green, or blue visible light and uses a line sensor to measure the yarn bobbin illuminated by the visible light. Based on the measurement results from the line sensor, the conveying system calculates whether there is any remaining yarn and the location of the remaining yarn. Summary of the Invention

[0005] If the inspection device described in Patent Document 1 detects the presence of yarns of different properties mixed in with the package, the package is either rewound or discarded. Rewinding the package involves unwinding the yarn into a package, removing the yarns of different properties, and then rewinding the yarn to create a new package, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. On the other hand, discarding the package reduces the yield.

[0006] In the method disclosed in Patent Document 2, the yarn tube cannot be detected even when there is a yarn tube wound with yarn of different properties.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a yarn tube inspection device that can prevent the mixing of yarns of different properties in a package.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. The means used to solve the problem and their effects are described below.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, a yarn tube inspection device is provided with the following configuration: The yarn tube inspection device includes a black light, a camera, and a processing unit. The black light irradiates a yarn tube on which a yarn for forming a package is wound with near-ultraviolet light. The camera acquires the light from the yarn tube irradiated with the near-ultraviolet light and generates determination information. The processing unit determines, based on the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information, whether a yarn with properties different from that of a comparison yarn tube is wound.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to detect whether yarns with different properties are wound into the package before it is formed. This prevents the mixing of yarns with different properties into a package. Consequently, compared to detecting the mixing of yarns with different properties after the package is formed, it reduces the likelihood of the package needing to be rewound or discarded.

[0011] In the aforementioned yarn bobbin inspection device, it is preferably configured as follows: The yarn bobbin inspection device includes a transport path for transporting the yarn bobbin toward a yarn take-up machine that forms the package. The yarn bobbin being transported through the transport path is irradiated with near-ultraviolet light, the light from the yarn bobbin is acquired, and a determination is made based on the determination information.

[0012] Therefore, it is possible to determine the type of yarn while moving the yarn bobbin toward the yarn take-up machine.

[0013] In the aforementioned yarn tube inspection device, it is preferably configured as follows: the yarn tube includes a first yarn tube as the object of determination and a second yarn tube as the object of comparison. When the calculation device determines that the properties of the yarn wound on the first yarn tube are different from those of the yarn wound on the second yarn tube, the transport passage transports the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube so that the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube are not wound into the same package.

[0014] Therefore, it is possible to prevent yarns of different properties from being wound into the same package without the need for operator intervention.

[0015] In the aforementioned yarn tube inspection device, the following configuration is preferred: the yarn tube is transported while placed on a tray. An RF tag is provided on the tray or the core tube of the yarn tube. The inspection result of the yarn tube based on the computing device is written to the RF tag.

[0016] Therefore, by reading the RF tag at an appropriate location in the transport path, information about the yarn wound on the bobbin can be obtained. Thus, the appropriate bobbin can be transported according to the properties of the yarn wound on it.

[0017] In the aforementioned yarn tube inspection device, preferably, the calculation device compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information with the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the past determination information, and determines, based on the comparison result, whether the nature of the yarn wound on the yarn tube this time is the same as the yarn wound on the yarn tube in the past.

[0018] Therefore, the difference in yarn properties can be determined by comparing it with yarn that has been wound around a bobbin in the past.

[0019] In the aforementioned yarn tube inspection device, preferably, the computing device compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information with the reference color information of a preset reference yarn as a reference, and determines, based on the comparison result, whether the yarn wound on the yarn tube as the determination object is a yarn with properties different from the reference yarn.

[0020] Therefore, the difference in yarn properties can be determined by comparing it with pre-defined reference color information.

[0021] In the aforementioned yarn tube inspection device, preferably, the light acquisition device is a camera device, which captures an image of the yarn tube irradiated with the near-ultraviolet light and generates a determination image as the determination information.

[0022] Therefore, it is possible to use the yarn information appearing in the determination image to detect whether there is a yarn with different properties than other yarn tubes. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view of a spinning winding machine system that includes a conveying system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the yarn tube inspection device.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a yarn tube inspection device.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of inspecting yarn bobbins wound with different types of yarn. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the worsted spinning winding machine system 1 includes a worsted spinning machine 2, an automatic winding machine 3, and a conveying system 4.

[0029] The conveying system 4 includes a conveying passage 5 for conveying a tray 12 containing yarn tubes 11. The yarn tubes 11 are feed tubes used to supply yarn to the automatic winding machine 3. The conveying passage 5 connects the spinning machine 2 to the automatic winding machine (yarn take-up machine) 3 and is configured in a loop. The tray 12 is configured to circulate within the conveying passage 5 with the yarn tubes 11 mounted on it. It should be noted that in the following description, focusing on the flow of the yarn tubes 11 in the conveying passage 5, the upstream side of the conveying direction of the yarn tubes 11 is sometimes simply referred to as the "upstream side," and the downstream side of the conveying direction is sometimes simply referred to as the "downstream side."

[0030] An RF tag 12a is provided on the tray 12. Information can be stored in the RF tag 12a. Information can be read from or written to the RF tag 12a using a read / write unit. It should be noted that the RF tag 12a may also be provided on the core tube of the yarn tube 11 instead of on the tray 12.

[0031] In the following explanation, such as Figure 1 As shown, a yarn tube with no yarn wound at all is called an empty yarn tube 11a, and a yarn tube with fully wound yarn is called a solid yarn tube 11b.

[0032] Next, refer to Figure 1 The description includes the spinning machine 2 and the automatic winding machine 3 that constitute the spinning machine system 1.

[0033] The spinning machine 2 has multiple spinning units arranged in an array. Each spinning unit spins a roving formed by stretching a yarn sliver into yarn after drafting, and winds the yarn onto a supplied empty yarn tube 11a to prepare a solid yarn tube 11b. The spinning unit discharges the prepared solid yarn tube 11b and supplies it to the transport system 4. In this embodiment, the yarn tube 11 is supplied to the transport system 4 by placing the yarn tube 11 on a tray 12 and transporting the tray 12 using a transport passage 5.

[0034] It should be noted that the method of supplying yarn tubes 11 from the spinning machine 2 to the conveying system 4 is not limited to the conveying passage 5. For example, multiple yarn tubes 11 may be collected in a container or the like before being fed into the yarn tube supply device. The yarn tube supply device conveys the fed yarn tubes 11 using an inclined plane or conveyor belt, etc., so that each fed yarn tube 11 is independent, and then places the yarn tubes 11 on a tray 12 that flows in the conveying passage 5 of the conveying system 4.

[0035] The automatic winding machine 3 comprises multiple winding machine units arranged in an array (not shown). Each winding machine unit unwinds the yarn from the yarn tube 11 supplied by the transport system 4, monitors for defects, removes the detected defective parts, and winds the yarn into a package of a specified length. The yarn tube 11, after being unwound by the automatic winding machine 3, is discharged into the transport system 4.

[0036] In the worsted spinning and winding machine system 1 configured as described above, the solid yarn tube 11b, wound with yarn by the worsted spinning machine 2, is supplied to the automatic winding machine 3, and the empty yarn tube 11a, after the yarn has been unwound by the automatic winding machine 3, is supplied to the worsted spinning machine 2. Thus, while the yarn tube 11 circulates between the worsted spinning machine 2 and the automatic winding machine 3, a series of processes from yarn spinning to package formation can be completed in the worsted spinning and winding machine system 1.

[0037] Here, the properties of the resulting yarn vary depending on the type, condition, origin, or blending ratio of the roving used in the worsted spinning unit. Yarn properties are a measure that differs from yarn quality. In other words, even if the yarn quality meets specified standards, differences in yarn properties may still exist.

[0038] Furthermore, it is undesirable to use yarns with different properties to generate a single package. Normally, if they are from the same batch, the yarns wound on the bobbin have the same properties, thus the probability of yarns with different properties being mixed in is low. However, due to certain circumstances, there may be cases where even yarns from the same batch have different properties. Additionally, when changing the batch timing, bobbins from different batches may be supplied to the conveying system 4 in a mixed state.

[0039] In view of the above, the conveying system 4 of this embodiment includes a yarn tube inspection device 20 for inspecting the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11. The configuration of the conveying system 4 will be described below.

[0040] The conveying system 4 has a conveying path 5 for conveying the yarn tube 11. The conveying system 4 has a conveyor belt mechanism (not shown) that can convey the yarn tube 11 placed on the tray 12 along the conveying path 5.

[0041] The transport path 5 includes a first transport path 51, a second transport path 52, a reprocessing transport path 53, a processed transport path 54, a return transport path 55, a lingering transport path 56, and a bypass transport path 57.

[0042] The upstream end of the first transport path 51 is connected to the spinning machine 2, and the downstream end is connected to the automatic winding machine 3. In addition, the upstream end of the reprocessing transport path 53 is connected to the downstream portion of the first transport path 51.

[0043] A yarn tube inspection device 20 and a first yarn end preparation device 61 are arranged on the first transport path 51. The yarn tube inspection device 20 inspects the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 and determines whether there is yarn with properties different from the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 used for comparison. Details of the yarn tube inspection device 20 will be described later. A first read / write unit 31 is provided near the yarn tube inspection device 20 to read information from or write information to the RF tag 12a. The yarn tube inspection device 20 sends a command to the first read / write unit 31 and writes the inspection result of the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 into the RF tag 12a. The first yarn end preparation device 61 performs the operation of unwinding the yarn end of the yarn tube 11 and placing the yarn end into the inside of the yarn tube (hereinafter referred to as yarn end finding).

[0044] The first switching device 63 is located at the branch point of the reprocessing transport path 53 from the first transport path 51. The first switching device 63 switches the transport destination of the yarn tube 11 based on whether the head finding is successful. That is, the yarn tube 11 that has successfully found its head is automatically transported to the winding machine 3, and the yarn tube 11 that has not found its head is transported to the reprocessing transport path 53.

[0045] The downstream end of the reprocessing transport path 53 is connected to the processed transport path 54 and the return transport path 55. The processed transport path 54 is connected to the automatic winding machine 3. A second yarn end preparation device 62 and a second switching device 66 are arranged slightly upstream of the branch of the reprocessing transport path 53 into the processed transport path 54 and the return transport path 55.

[0046] It should be noted that the transport path 5 includes a retention transport path 56 configured to connect the first transport path 51 to the reprocessing transport path 53. A retention switching device 68 is provided at the branch point of the retention transport path 56 from the first transport path 51. When a sensor (not shown) detects that the yarn tube 11 has been retained for a predetermined amount due to a pause in the head-finding process for some reason, the retention switching device 68 switches the transport destination of the yarn tube 11 to the retention transport path 56 and uses the second yarn end preparation device 62 to find the head.

[0047] The second switching device 66 transports the successfully headed yarn tube 11 to the automatic winding machine 3 via the processed transport path 54, and transports the unheaded yarn tube 11 to the return transport path 55. The upstream end of the second transport path 52 is connected to the automatic winding machine 3, and the downstream end is connected to the spinning machine 2. In addition, the second transport path 52 is connected to the downstream end of the return transport path 55.

[0048] The second transport path 52 is mainly used to transport the yarn tube 11, which has become an empty yarn tube 11a after all the yarn has been unwound by the automatic winding machine 3. The second transport path 52 is used to return the empty yarn tube 11a to the spinning machine 2.

[0049] As described above, the inspection result of the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 is written into the RF tag 12a. Here, if the inspection result of the yarn properties is unsatisfactory (for example, if the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 of the inspection object are different from the properties of the yarn wound on other yarn tubes 11), this information is written into the RF tag 12a. This tray 12 is guided by the aforementioned switching device to move via the retention transport path 56, the return transport path 55, the second transport path 52, and the bypass transport path 57. The bypass transport path 57 is a transport path from the second transport path 52 toward the first transport path 51.

[0050] A bobbin extraction device 71 and a bobbin mounting device 72 are provided in the bypass transport passage 57. The bobbin extraction device 71 is a device for pulling the bobbin 11 out of the tray 12. A second read / write unit 32 is provided near the bobbin extraction device 71 (more specifically, upstream of the bobbin extraction device 71). The bobbin mounting device 72 is a device for mounting the bobbin 11 (empty bobbin 11a) onto the tray 12.

[0051] The second read / write unit 32 reads the inspection result from the RF tag 12a. If the inspection result read by the second read / write unit 32 is unsatisfactory, the yarn tube removal device 71 removes the yarn tube 11 from the tray 12. Furthermore, the yarn tube removal device 71 sends a command to the second read / write unit 32 to delete the information indicating an unsatisfactory inspection result from the RF tag 12a. Next, the yarn tube mounting device 72 mounts the empty yarn tube 11a onto the tray 12. The tray 12, with the empty yarn tube 11a mounted, is guided to the spinning machine 2 via the first transport path 51, the retention transport path 56, the return transport path 55, and the second transport path 52.

[0052] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Detailed description of yarn tube inspection device 20.

[0053] The yarn tube inspection device 20 is a device that takes an image of the yarn tube 11 while irradiating it with near-ultraviolet light, and inspects the properties of the yarn wound around the yarn tube 11 based on the obtained image. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the yarn tube inspection device 20 includes a cover 21, a black light 22, and a camera device (light acquisition device) 23.

[0054] Cover 21 is a component that covers the transport passage 5. Cover 21 is made of a light-blocking material. Therefore, the interior space of cover 21 is a darkroom. The properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 are inspected within the interior space of cover 21. The interior space of cover 21 has a height sufficient to allow the yarn tube 11, which is transported along the transport passage 5, to pass through. An opening 21a is formed on cover 21, which serves as an entrance for the yarn tube 11, transported along the transport passage 5, to enter the interior of cover 21 from the outside. A light-blocking sheet 21b is installed in the opening 21a. The light-blocking sheet 21b is a sheet-like component that is both light-blocking and flexible. The light-blocking sheet 21b makes it difficult for light to enter the interior of cover 21 from the opening 21a, but does not prevent the yarn tube 11 from entering the interior of cover 21 from the opening 21a. Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the same opening and light-shielding sheet as the inlet side are provided on the outlet side of the cover 21.

[0055] It should be noted that the light-shielding plate 21b is not a necessary component. The light-shielding plate 21b can be omitted when the impact of light entering the interior of the cover 21 through the opening 21a is minimal. For example, by bending the transport passage 5 inside the cover 21, the impact of light entering the interior of the cover 21 through the opening 21a can be reduced. Alternatively, the impact of light entering through the opening 21a can also be reduced by further providing other covers inside the cover 21.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the yarn tube 11 irradiated with near-ultraviolet light is not visually confirmed by the operator, but rather captured by a camera device 23. Therefore, if the camera device 23 has high sensitivity in the near-ultraviolet wavelength region or if the cover 21 has a noise reduction function to reduce the influence of white noise (interference light or ambient light), it is possible to omit the cover 21. In other words, the cover 21 can be omitted as a non-essential component.

[0057] A black light 22 is disposed inside the housing 21. The black light 22 irradiates near-ultraviolet light. Near-ultraviolet light is light with a wavelength of 200 nm to 400 nm. Near-ultraviolet light is used in industry for flaw detection, etc. The black light is also called an ultraviolet lamp. It should be noted that the near-ultraviolet light in this embodiment is classified as UV-A with a wavelength of 315 nm to 400 nm, but light with wavelengths lower or higher than this range can also be used. Here, the yarn absorbs near-ultraviolet light and releases the absorbed energy as fluorescence. The generation of fluorescence varies depending on the properties of the yarn. In addition, the generation of fluorescence is represented by color in an image generated by photographing the yarn tube 11. In this way, the color of the yarn tube 11 (the color of the yarn) appearing in the image can be used as information to determine whether the properties of the yarn are different.

[0058] In this embodiment, the black light 22 is elongated in the vertical direction to illuminate the entire length of the yarn tube 11. However, since the yarns wound around a yarn tube 11 are likely to have the same properties, it is not necessary to inspect the entire yarn tube 11. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to irradiate only the lower part of the yarn tube 11 with near-ultraviolet light and photograph the lower part of the yarn tube 11 using the camera device 23.

[0059] The camera device 23 generates an image of the yarn tube 11 irradiated with near-ultraviolet light by photographing the yarn tube 11. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the camera device 23 includes a lens 24 and an image sensor 25. The lens 24 faces upwards onto the transport path 5. Light incident through the lens 24 is detected by the image sensor 25 and converted into an electrical signal. The wavelength range that the image sensor 25 can detect includes the near-ultraviolet wavelength range.

[0060] The imaging device 23 in this embodiment is a camera (or webcam) that captures still images of a rectangular area. Alternatively, the imaging device 23 can also be a line sensor that captures still images of a linear area. Furthermore, the imaging device 23 can also be a video camera that captures moving images. It should be noted that image generation is not mandatory. For example, if the imaging device 23 is used to create determination information representing the color information of each pixel (each position), the determination in this embodiment can be performed without generating an image. In this case, a light sensor (including photodiodes and other sensors that do not have image generation capabilities) can be used instead of the imaging device 23.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, the yarn tube inspection device 20, in addition to the aforementioned black light 22 and camera device 23, also includes a CPU (processing unit) 26, an image memory 27, a communication unit 28, and a storage unit 29. The CPU 26 processes the electrical signals output from the image sensor 25 of the camera device 23 as image data in the image memory 27, performs image processing, and inspects the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11. The communication unit 28 is a connector for wired communication or an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 28 sends the inspection results of the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 to an external device (e.g., a control device that controls the automatic winding machine 3 or the transport path 5). However, the communication unit 28 can be omitted. The storage unit 29 is a flash memory or SSD, etc., storing information related to the control performed by the yarn tube inspection device 20.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 4 The inspection of the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 is described in detail (hereinafter referred to as yarn property inspection). Figure 4 The flowchart is processed by the CPU26 of the yarn tube inspection device 20.

[0063] First, the CPU 26 determines whether it is a yarn tube inspection timing (S101). The yarn tube inspection timing is the timing for performing a yarn property inspection (more specifically, the timing for taking a picture of the yarn tube 11). A yarn tube detection sensor (not shown) is provided in a portion upstream of the imaging device 23 in the transport direction (e.g., near the opening 21a). The yarn tube detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor. The CPU 26 determines the timing (i.e., the yarn tube inspection timing) for the yarn tube 11 to pass through the imaging range of the imaging device 23 based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor.

[0064] When the CPU 26 determines that the yarn tube inspection timer has arrived, it controls the black light 22 to illuminate, illuminating the yarn tube 11 with near-ultraviolet light (S102). It should be noted that the black light 22 can also remain illuminated continuously. Next, the CPU 26 controls the camera 23 to capture an image of the yarn tube 11 illuminated with near-ultraviolet light, generating an image (S103). The image generated in step S103 is used to determine the properties of the yarn and is referred to below as the determination image. Next, the CPU 26 controls the black light 22 to turn off (S104).

[0065] Next, the CPU 26 analyzes the determination image to determine whether it is a yarn tube wound with yarn of different properties (S105). As described above, since there is a correlation between the properties of the yarn and the color of the yarn contained in the determination image, the CPU 26 extracts the portion corresponding to the yarn layer of the yarn tube 11 from the determination image and determines the color information of the extracted portion. The color information is hue, saturation, and brightness. It should be noted that it is not necessary to use all three color information; at least one is sufficient. For example, the CPU 26 may also extract multiple portions and average them to calculate the color information. In this way, the color information of the yarn tube 11 (the yarn tube of the determination object, the first yarn tube) can be obtained.

[0066] The purpose of this determination is to avoid containing yarns of different properties in a single package. Therefore, what matters is not the absolute value of the color information, but rather the degree of difference in color information when comparing the yarn being determined with that of the yarn being compared. The yarn being compared is the yarn wound around a yarn tube 11 that most recently passed through the yarn tube inspection device 20. Therefore, for example, the CPU 26 reads the color information of each of the multiple yarn tubes 11 (the yarn tube being compared, the second yarn tube) that most recently passed through the yarn tube inspection device 20. Next, the CPU 26 averages the read color information to generate the color information of the yarn tube being compared.

[0067] Next, the CPU 26 compares the color information of the yarn tube of the target yarn tube with the color information of the comparison yarn tube, and determines whether the difference exceeds a threshold. If the difference exceeds the threshold, the CPU 26 determines that the properties of the two yarns are different. In other words, the CPU 26 determines that the yarn tube of the target yarn tube is wound with yarn of different properties than the yarn tube of the comparison yarn tube. On the other hand, if the difference between the two is within the threshold, the CPU 26 determines that the properties of the two yarns are the same. The CPU 26 performs the check in the above manner and stores the check result in the storage unit 29. In addition, the CPU 26 sends an instruction to the first read / write unit 31 to write the check result to the RF tag 12a of the tray 12 of the yarn tube of the target yarn tube (S106). It should be noted that the process of using the RF tag 12a is an example of the use of the check result, and the process of writing the check result to the RF tag 12a or the RF tag 12a itself can be omitted.

[0068] The above-described determination method is one example and can be modified. For example, the process of reading the color information of multiple yarn tubes 11 to generate the color information of the comparison object can be omitted each time a determination is made. For example, the yarn of the yarn tube 11 from which the color information was initially generated can be regarded as the reference yarn, and its color information (hereinafter referred to as reference color information) can be stored in the storage unit 29 in advance. Then, in the determination in step S105, the color information of the yarn tube of the determination object is compared with the pre-stored reference color information, and it is determined whether the difference exceeds a threshold. By adopting this method, the process of calculating the color information of the comparison object each time can be omitted. It should be noted that if the properties of the yarn used to generate the package change due to batch changes, etc., the reference color information needs to be calculated again. The reference yarn is not limited to the yarn of the yarn tube 11 from which the color information was initially generated. For example, it can be the average of the yarns of multiple yarn tubes 11, or a yarn made specifically for generating the reference color information can be used.

[0069] Next, we will explain how to use the test results of the yarn properties inspection.

[0070] In this embodiment, the transport system 4 uses the transport path 5 to transport the yarn tube 11, which is determined in the inspection results to be wrapped with yarn of the same nature as the comparison object, to the automatic winding machine 3. On the other hand, for the yarn tube 11, which is determined in the inspection results to be wrapped with yarn of different nature from the comparison object, the transport system 4 uses the yarn tube pulling device 71 to pull out the yarn tube 11. However, this method of use is only one example. For example, the retention transport path 56 can also be used to retain the yarn tube 11, which is determined to be wrapped with yarn of different nature from the comparison object, or the yarn tube 11 can be transported to the recycling section (not shown) for recycling the yarn tube 11. Thus, since the yarn tube 11 wrapped with yarn of different nature is not supplied to the automatic winding machine 3, the situation of yarn of different nature being mixed into the package can be prevented.

[0071] Alternatively, the winding machine unit can be chosen based on the properties of the yarn to determine the destination of the transport. In this embodiment, the inspection result is written to the RF tag 12a of the tray 12. Furthermore, it is assumed that the winding machine unit has a selective acceptance configuration that selectively accepts the tray 12. The selective acceptance configuration is a configuration in which an opening and closing member is provided on the transport path 5 connected to a separate winding machine unit, and the tray 12 is accepted only when the opening and closing member is open. In the automatic winding machine 3, the opening and closing member is controlled while the RF tag 12a is read by an RF reader. Specifically, the opening and closing member is controlled to supply yarn bobbins 11 wound with yarn of the same properties to the same automatic winding machine 3. Thus, yarn bobbins 11 wound with yarn of different properties from the comparison object can be neither retained nor discarded, but supplied to the automatic winding machine 3.

[0072] Additionally, if the CPU26 determines that a yarn with properties different from the comparison object is wound on the coil, it can also send a command to the conveying system 4 to stop the conveying and generate an alarm to call the operator. In this case, it is not necessary to write the inspection results to the RF tag 12a.

[0073] As explained above, the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment includes a black light 22, a camera device 23, and a CPU 26. The black light 22 irradiates the yarn tube 11, on which yarn for forming a package is wound, with near-ultraviolet light. The camera device 23 acquires the light from the irradiated near-ultraviolet light on the yarn tube 11 and generates determination information (specifically, a determination image). The CPU 26 determines whether a yarn with properties different from those of the comparison yarn tube 11 is wound on the yarn tube 11 based on the color information of the yarn in the determination information.

[0074] Therefore, it is possible to detect whether there are yarns with properties different from other yarn tubes 11 before forming the package. Thus, it is possible to prevent the mixing of yarns with different properties into a package. Therefore, compared to detecting the mixing of yarns with different properties after forming the package, it is less likely that the package will need to be rewound or discarded.

[0075] The yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment includes a transport path 5 for transporting yarn tubes 11 toward a yarn take-up machine that forms a package. Near-ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the yarn tubes 11 being transported by the transport path 5, light from the yarn tubes 11 is acquired, and a determination is performed based on determination information.

[0076] Therefore, it is possible to determine the type of yarn while moving the yarn tube 11 toward the automatic winding machine 3.

[0077] In the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment, the yarn tube 11 includes a first yarn tube as the object of judgment and a second yarn tube as the object of comparison. If the CPU 26 determines that the properties of the yarn wound on the first yarn tube are different from those of the yarn wound on the second yarn tube, the transport passage 5 transports the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube so that the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube are not wound on the same package.

[0078] Therefore, it is possible to prevent yarns of different properties from being wound into the same package without the need for operator intervention.

[0079] In the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment, the yarn tube 11 is transported in a state of being placed on a tray 12. An RF tag 12a is provided on the tray 12 or the core tube of the yarn tube 11. The inspection result of the yarn tube 11 based on the CPU 26 is written into the RF tag 12a.

[0080] Therefore, information related to the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 can be obtained by reading the RF tag 12a at an appropriate location on the conveying device. Thus, the yarn tube 11 can be conveyed according to the properties of the yarn wound on it.

[0081] In the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment, the CPU 26 compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube 11 represented by the determination information with the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube 11 represented by the past determination information, and determines whether the properties of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 this time are the same as those of the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11 in the past based on the comparison result. As past determination images, determination images selected by the operator as qualified products can be used, or the yarn tube inspection device 20 can be equipped with machine learning function to select a determination image of a qualified product from multiple past determination images and generate a determination image of a qualified product.

[0082] Therefore, the difference in yarn properties can be determined by comparing it with the yarn previously wound on the yarn tube 11.

[0083] In the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment, the CPU 26 compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube 11 represented by the determination information with the reference color information of the reference yarn that is preset as a reference, and determines whether the yarn wound on the yarn tube 11, which is the determination object, is a yarn with different properties from the reference yarn based on the comparison result.

[0084] Therefore, the difference in yarn properties can be determined by comparing it with the color information of a pre-defined reference.

[0085] In the yarn tube inspection device 20 of this embodiment, the camera device 23 takes a picture of the yarn tube 11 that is irradiated with near-ultraviolet light and generates a judgment image as judgment information.

[0086] Therefore, it is possible to use the yarn information appearing in the determination image to detect whether there is a yarn with properties different from other yarn tubes 11.

[0087] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows. Modifications can be made individually or in arbitrary combinations.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example of configuring the bobbin inspection device 20 in the conveying system 4 was described, but the location of the bobbin inspection device 20 can be changed. For example, the bobbin inspection device 20 can also be configured for each winding unit of the automatic winding machine 3. In this case, the preferred comparison object is the bobbin 11 most recently supplied to the corresponding winding unit.

[0089] Furthermore, the application of the yarn tube inspection device 20 is not limited to tray-type automatic winding machines 3, but can also be applied to magazine-type automatic winding machines 3 where the operator manually supplies yarn tubes 11 to each winding machine unit. In this case, for example, the yarn tube inspection device 20 can be arranged in the magazine or at the part through which the yarn tube 11 passes when supplied from the magazine to the yarn feeding section.

[0090] Alternatively, the yarn tube inspection device 20 can also be configured in the aforementioned yarn tube supply device. In this case, it is preferable to configure the yarn tube inspection device 20 in a conveyor belt or similar device that separately transports the inserted yarn tubes 11.

[0091] Alternatively, the yarn tube inspection device 20 can be configured independently of other fiber machinery. In this case, it is used to extract yarn tubes 11 containing yarns of different properties from the multiple yarn tubes 11 produced by the spinning machine 2.

[0092] The yarn tube inspection device 20 of the above embodiment inspects the transported yarn tube 11. Alternatively, the yarn tube inspection device 20 can also inspect stationary yarn tubes 11.

[0093] The flowchart shown in the above embodiment is an example. Some processes may be omitted, some processes may be modified, or new processes may be added. For example, if the camera device is a line sensor, a process of compositing line images may be added. If the camera device is a camera that captures moving images, a process of capturing still images may be performed each time the yarn tube 11 passes through to generate a decision image.

[0094] In the worsted spinning winding machine system 1 shown in the above embodiment, the solid yarn tube 11b with yarn wound by the worsted spinning machine 2 is supplied to the automatic winding machine 3. However, instead of the worsted spinning machine 2, a yarn tube supply device may be provided, which takes out the solid yarn tube 11b from the container BOX where the solid yarn tube 11b is stored and supplies it separately.

Claims

1. A yarn tube inspection device, characterized in that, include: A black light that irradiates near-ultraviolet light onto a yarn tube, the yarn tube being wound with yarn for forming a package; A light acquisition device acquires light from the yarn tube irradiated by the near-ultraviolet light and generates determination information; as well as A computing device that determines, based on the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information, whether a yarn with properties different from that in the yarn tube being compared is wound around it.

2. The yarn tube inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It has a transport path for transporting the yarn bobbin toward the yarn take-up machine that forms the package. The near-ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the yarn tube being transported through the transport path, the light from the yarn tube is acquired, and a determination is made based on the determination information.

3. The yarn tube inspection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The yarn tube includes a first yarn tube as the judgment object and a second yarn tube as the comparison object. If the computing device determines that the properties of the yarn wound on the first yarn tube are different from those of the yarn wound on the second yarn tube, the transport path transports the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube so that the first yarn tube and the second yarn tube are not wound into the same package.

4. The yarn tube inspection device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The yarn tube is transported while being placed on a tray. An RF tag is provided on the core tube of the tray or the yarn tube. The inspection results of the yarn tube based on the computing device are written into the RF tag.

5. The yarn tube inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The computing device compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information with the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the past determination information, and determines, based on the comparison result, whether the nature of the yarn wound on the yarn tube this time is the same as the yarn wound on the yarn tube in the past.

6. The yarn tube inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The computing device compares the color information of the yarn in the yarn tube represented by the determination information with the reference color information, and determines whether the yarn wound on the yarn tube, which is the determination object, is a yarn with different properties from the reference yarn based on the comparison result. The reference color information presets the color information of the reference yarn as a reference.

7. The yarn tube inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The light acquisition device is a camera device, which captures an image of the yarn tube irradiated with the near-ultraviolet light and generates a determination image as the determination information.

Images