Automatic winder

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatic winder. Even if the tray detection sensor has a fault, the supply of the yarn supply bobbin to the unwinding position is carried out. The yarn winding unit is provided with a tray detection sensor capable of detecting a tray state in which a tray is present and a tray-free state in which no tray is present at the inlet of the separate path. The unit control unit causes the first guide to perform a take-in operation (S5) when the detection state of the tray detection sensor is switched from a tray-free state to a tray-available state (S3: YES) after the first guide is switched to a take-in permitting state in which the tray can enter the take-in port of the separate path (S2), and the unit control unit causes the first guide to perform a take-in operation (S5) when the detection state of the tray detection sensor is switched from the tray-free state to the tray-available state (S3: YES). Furthermore, after switching the first guide to an access permission state (S2), the unit control unit causes the first guide to perform an access operation (S15) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the detection state of the tray detection sensor is not switched from a non-tray state to a tray state (YES in S14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic winding machine that supplies yarn to a yarn take-up unit via a yarn supply tube mounted on a tray. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic winding machine comprising multiple winding machine units (hereinafter referred to as yarn take-up units) that unwind yarn from a yarn supply tube to form a package. This automatic winding machine includes: a first tray transport path (hereinafter referred to as a common path), which is shared by the multiple yarn take-up units; and multiple second tray transport paths (hereinafter referred to as individual paths), each individually corresponding to one of the multiple yarn take-up units. Both the common path and the individual paths are used to transport trays on which the yarn supply tube can be mounted. Each individual path branches off from the common path. Thus, the tray transported by the common path is taken into each individual path. Then, the tray taken into the individual path is conveyed by the yarn take-up unit to the unwinding position of the unwound yarn.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-204104

[0004] Consider an automatic winding machine as described above, in which each yarn take-up unit is equipped with a take-up mechanism that picks up a tray from a common path to a separate path. This take-up mechanism can switch between a prohibited state (preventing trays from being picked up from the common path to the separate path) and a permitted state (allowing trays from being picked up from the common path to the separate path and allowing trays to enter the take-up inlet of the separate path). Then, a take-up operation is performed, conveying the tray that has entered the take-up inlet toward the unwinding position. For example, the take-up mechanism performs the take-up operation when a tray is detected using a tray detection sensor that can detect whether a tray is present at the take-up inlet of the separate path.

[0005] However, if the pallet detection sensor malfunctions, it may not detect whether a pallet is present at the pick-up point on a separate path. In this case, the pick-up action of properly conveying the pallet toward the unwinding position cannot be performed. Consequently, the supply of yarn to the unwinding position is interrupted, and the machine's operating efficiency decreases. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic winding machine that can supply yarn to the unwinding position even when a tray detection sensor malfunctions.

[0007] The automatic winding machine according to the first invention comprises: a plurality of yarn take-up units, which unwind yarn from a yarn supply tube mounted on a tray to form a package; a common path, which is a path for transporting the tray and is shared by the plurality of yarn take-up units; a plurality of separate paths, which branch off from the common path and are separately provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn take-up units; and a control unit, each of the yarn take-up units having: an intake mechanism configured to take up an intake prohibition state that prevents the intake of the tray from the common path to the separate path, and an intake permit state that allows the intake of the tray from the common path to the separate path and allows the tray to enter the intake port of the separate path, and is capable of executing the action of directing the tray entering the intake port towards... The control unit is configured to perform the picking-up operation by conveying the yarn to the unwinding position in the aforementioned separate path; and a tray detection sensor capable of detecting a tray-containing state (where the tray is present at the picking-up entrance) and a trayless state (where the tray is absent at the picking-up entrance). The control unit is configured to perform the picking-up operation when, after switching the picking-up mechanism to the picking-up permitted state, the detection state of the tray detection sensor switches from the trayless state to the tray-containing state; and when, after switching the picking-up mechanism to the picking-up permitted state, a predetermined condition is met if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the trayless state to the tray-containing state.

[0008] In this invention, even if the pallet detection sensor malfunctions and its detection state does not switch from a pallet-free state to a pallet-present state, and it is unknown whether there is a pallet at the pick-up point of the separate path, the pick-up operation can still be performed if specified conditions are met. In this case, if the pallet enters the pick-up point of the separate path, it can be conveyed towards the unwinding position. Therefore, it is possible to supply the pallet to the unwinding position and even the yarn supply tube.

[0009] The automatic winding mechanism according to the second invention is that, in the first invention, the control unit performs the following processing: a success or failure of picking up the tray, which determines whether the tray has been picked up by the picking mechanism after the tray detection sensor performs the picking action when the detection state of the tray detection sensor has not switched from the trayless state to the tray-containing state; and a reporting process, which reports that the tray detection sensor has malfunctioned when the success or failure of picking up the tray is determined to have been picked up in the success or failure of picking up the tray.

[0010] If the pallet detection sensor fails to switch from a pallet-free state to a pallet-present state before the specified conditions are met, and the pallet is retrieved through this retrieval action, it can be determined that although a pallet is present at the retrieval point, the pallet detection sensor's detection state is a pallet-free state. That is, it can be judged that the pallet detection sensor has malfunctioned. In this invention, by performing report processing, the operator can be notified of the pallet detection sensor malfunction. Even if the pallet detection sensor is not malfunctioning, if report processing is performed due to a detection error by the pallet detection sensor, the cause of the detection error (e.g., sensor dirt) can be addressed, thus preventing further detection errors by the pallet detection sensor.

[0011] In the automatic winding machine according to the third invention, in the first or second invention, the yarn take-up unit has a discharge mechanism configured to perform a discharge action to discharge the tray in the unwinding position. If the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray-with-tray state to the tray-without-tray state after the take-up action, the control unit switches the take-up mechanism to the take-up-allowed state and performs the discharge action through the discharge mechanism, and then causes the take-up mechanism to perform the take-up action.

[0012] Furthermore, "discharging the pallet in the aforementioned unwinding position" means sending the pallet in the unwinding position to the downstream side of the pallet transport direction relative to the pallet in the separate path than the unwinding position.

[0013] If the pallet detection sensor fails to switch from a pallet-present state to a pallet-free state after the pick-up action, it can be determined that the pallet detection sensor has malfunctioned. In the case of a pallet detection sensor malfunction, it is unknown whether a pallet exists at the pick-up inlet of the separate path. However, according to the present invention, the pick-up action can be performed after the discharge action has been executed by the discharge mechanism. At this time, if the pallet enters the pick-up inlet of the separate path, the pallet can be conveyed towards the unwinding position. Therefore, it is possible to supply the pallet and even the yarn supply tube to the unwinding position.

[0014] The automatic winding mechanism involved in the fourth invention is such that, in any one of the first to third inventions, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray-with-tray state to the tray-free state after the pick-up operation, the control unit performs a report processing that reports a malfunction of the tray detection sensor.

[0015] If, after the pallet retrieval action is performed, the pallet detection sensor fails to switch its detection state from "pallet present" to "pallet absent," a malfunction can be identified as a fault in the pallet detection sensor. In this invention, by performing a report processing step, the operator can be notified of the pallet detection sensor malfunction.

[0016] The automatic winding mechanism according to the fifth invention is that, in any one of the inventions 1 to 4, each of the yarn take-up units has a yarn tube detection sensor, which is capable of detecting a state with a yarn tube (having the yarn tube in the unwinding position) and a state without a yarn tube (not having the yarn tube in the unwinding position), wherein the specified condition is that the state detected by the yarn tube detection sensor as the state without a yarn tube lasts for a specified time.

[0017] According to the present invention, if the tray enters the retrieval port of a separate path after a predetermined time period, the tray can be retrieved by a retrieval action.

[0018] The automatic winding mechanism according to the sixth invention is that, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, it includes a passage detection sensor capable of detecting the tray passing through the common path and capable of detecting the tray passing through a branch portion of the individual path corresponding to the yarn take-up unit of the controlled object on the downstream side of the tray in the transport direction of the tray. Each of the yarn take-up units has a yarn tube detection sensor capable of detecting a yarn tube state with the yarn tube at the unwinding position and a yarn tube-free state without the yarn tube at the unwinding position. The specified condition is that the detection state of the yarn tube detection sensor is the yarn tube-free state, and the passage of the tray is detected by the passage detection sensor.

[0019] According to the present invention, when a pallet is detected by a detection sensor at a branch portion of a separate path corresponding to the yarn take-up unit of the controlled object in a common path, downstream in the transport direction, it is considered that the pallet has entered the pick-up inlet of that separate path, and that a pallet has passed through the branch portion of that separate path. Therefore, by performing the pick-up operation under such circumstances, the pallet can be reliably and successfully picked up.

[0020] The automatic winding mechanism according to the seventh invention is that, in any one of the inventions 1 to 4, each of the aforementioned yarn take-up units has a yarn tube detection sensor, which can detect a state with a yarn tube present at the unwinding position and a state without a yarn tube present at the unwinding position. The control unit can perform a downstream-side entry determination process, which determines whether the tray has been entered in at least one of the following separate paths, i.e., downstream-side separate paths, which branch off from the branch portion of the separate path corresponding to the controlled object's yarn take-up unit in the common path downstream of the tray's transport direction. The specified condition is that the detection state of the yarn tube detection sensor is the state without a yarn tube, and the downstream-side entry determination process determines that the tray has been entered in the downstream-side separate path.

[0021] According to the present invention, when a tray is retrieved in a downstream separate path of a branch portion of a separate path corresponding to the yarn take-up unit of the controlled object, located downstream in the transport direction, it is considered that the tray has entered the retrieval port of that separate path and that the tray has passed through the branch portion of that separate path. Therefore, by performing the retrieval operation under such circumstances, the tray can be reliably retrieved successfully. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic winding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is the front view of the yarn take-up unit.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the electrical structure of an automatic winding machine.

[0025] Figure 4 (a) and (b) are top views of the individual paths and their vicinity.

[0026] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are top views of the individual paths and their vicinity.

[0027] Figure 6 (a) and (b) are top views of the individual paths and their vicinity.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing order when a tray is retrieved into a separate path.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing sequence when the tray is taken into a separate path in the reference embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 This is part of a flowchart showing the processing sequence when a tray is taken into a separate path. (a) represents the first variation, and (b) represents the second variation.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 2...Automatic winding machine; 4a...Main control unit (control unit); 5...Yarn take-up unit; 5a...Unit control unit (control unit); 29...Bottle detection sensor; 30...Supply path (common path); 34...Individual path; 35...Pass detection sensor; 34a1...Inlet / outlet; 51...First guide (inlet mechanism); 52...Second guide (outlet mechanism); 53...Tray detection sensor; P...Cream; S...Yarn supply tube; T...Tray. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. For ease of explanation, the direction parallel to the vertical direction in which gravity acts ( Figure 1 The vertical direction of the paper is set as the up and down direction. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the direction in which the multiple yarn take-up units 5, described later, are arranged is defined as the left-right direction. The left-right direction is orthogonal to the up-down direction. The direction orthogonal to both the up-down and left-right directions is defined as the front-back direction. The direction in which the pallet T, described later, is moved is defined as the moving direction. Figure 1 The diagram shows arrows indicating the direction of transport. Pallet T is transported from the starting point of the arrow towards the ending point.

[0034] <Overview of the structure of an automatic winding machine>

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic winding machine 2 according to this embodiment includes a control box 4, multiple yarn take-up units 5, and a tray transport device 6. A yarn tube handling device 3 is arranged on the right side of the automatic winding machine 2.

[0036] The yarn tube processing device 3 supplies yarn tube S, with yarn Y wound on it, to the tray transport device 6 in a state mounted on the tray T. The yarn tube S is supported on the tray T in a generally upright state. The yarn tube processing device 3 is equipped with a lead-in device (not shown) for lead-in processing. Lead-in processing refers to the process of drawing out the front end of the yarn Y wound on the yarn tube S so that the yarn Y in the yarn take-up unit 5 can be easily captured. Furthermore, the structure of the yarn tube processing device 3 is known, so detailed description is omitted.

[0037] In this embodiment, a yarn feed tube S is supplied from a known spinning machine (not shown) for spinning yarn Y to the yarn tube processing device 3. The spinning machine is, for example, located to the right of the yarn tube processing device 3. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the yarn tube processing device 3 may be separate from the spinning machine. The yarn feed tube S may also be supplied from the spinning machine to the yarn tube processing device 3 by an operator.

[0038] Multiple yarn take-up units 5 are arranged side-by-side in the left-right direction. Each of the multiple yarn take-up units 5 is configured to perform a take-up process, which unwinds yarn Y (refer to) from the yarn supply tube S. Figure 2 The unwound yarn Y is wound into a package P (see reference). Figure 2 The tray transport device 6 supplies the yarn supply tubes S from the yarn tube processing device 3 to each yarn take-up unit 5, and returns the processed yarn tubes U, which have been taken up by each yarn take-up unit 5, to the yarn tube processing device 3.

[0039] The automatic winding machine 2 unitizes each specified quantity (e.g., approximately 8 to 12 spindles) of yarn take-up unit 5 and divides it into multiple spans. Although in this embodiment it is divided into four spans, the number of spans is not limited to this. Figure 1 In the diagram, the division of each span is indicated by dotted lines.

[0040] The pallet transport device 6 transports pallets T between the yarn tube processing device 3 and multiple yarn take-up units 5. The pallet transport device 6, serving as the path for transporting pallets T, has a supply path 30, a return path 33, and multiple individual paths 34. Each of the multiple individual paths 34 is individually provided corresponding to one of the multiple yarn take-up units 5. Each path is formed, for example, by a plate-shaped cover member (reference numerals omitted). The transport of pallets T in the supply path 30 and the return path 33 is carried out by a conveyor device 39 (see reference numerals) consisting of a conveyor belt or the like. Figure 3 Furthermore, the transport of the tray T in each individual path 34 is carried out via the yarn supply section 9 (see below) provided in each yarn take-up unit 5 as described later. Figure 4 (a), (b), etc.) are used to carry out the process.

[0041] The supply path 30 is used to supply the tray T, on which the yarn supply tube S is mounted, to each yarn take-up unit 5. The supply path 30 is shared by multiple yarn take-up units 5. The supply path 30 is equivalent to the "shared path" of the present invention. The supply path 30 includes a first part 31 and a second part 32.

[0042] The first part 31 is located behind the plurality of yarn take-up units 5. The second part 32 is disposed between the first part 31 and the plurality of yarn take-up units 5 in the front-back direction. Both the first part 31 and the second part 32 extend throughout the area where the plurality of yarn take-up units 5 are disposed in the left-right direction. The first part 31 extends in a generally straight line. The two ends of the second part 32 are connected to the first part 31. More specifically, the left end of the second part 32 is connected to the left end of the first part 31. In addition, the right end of the second part 32 is connected to the middle part of the first part 31 in the left-right direction.

[0043] The recovery path 33 is used to recover the tray T from each yarn take-up unit 5, the tray T being fitted with the finished yarn tube U that has undergone take-up processing in each yarn take-up unit 5. The recovery path 33 is provided in a shared manner for multiple yarn take-up units 5. The recovery path 33 is disposed on the front side of multiple yarn take-up units 5. The recovery path 33 extends throughout the area where multiple yarn take-up units 5 are disposed in the left-right direction.

[0044] Multiple individual paths 34 are arranged in the front-to-back direction between the second section 32 of the supply path 30 and the recycling path 33. The multiple individual paths 34 are arranged side-by-side in the left-to-right direction. Each individual path 34, for example, bends midway and extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of each individual path 34 connects to the second section 32 of the supply path 30. That is, each individual path 34 branches off from the second section 32 of the supply path 30. Furthermore, the front end of each individual path 34 connects to the recycling path 33.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, each individual path 34 has an inlet path 34a and an outlet path 34b. The inlet path 34a is the unwinding position and the portion following it in the individual path 34. The unwinding position refers to the location on the individual path 34 where the tray T supporting the yarn supply tube S that unwinds the yarn Y is located in the yarn take-up unit 5. The inlet path 34a connects to the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. The outlet path 34b is the portion of the individual path 34 preceding the unwinding position. The outlet path 34b connects to the recovery path 33.

[0046] In this embodiment, each import path 34a is configured to allow the tray T to be located at the inlet 34a1 (see reference). Figure 4 (b) of), storage location (refer to) Figure 5 (a) and unwinding position (refer to) Figure 5 (b) Furthermore, the inlet 34a1, storage location, and unwinding location are arranged in this order along the transport direction. That is, each inlet path 34a can have a maximum of three pallets T. However, the maximum number of pallets T that can be located in each inlet path 34a is not limited to this.

[0047] The tray T, equipped with the yarn supply tube S supplied from the yarn tube handling device 3, is first transported from right to left in the first section 31 of the supply path 30. Then, it is transported from left to right in the second section 32 of the supply path 30. Furthermore, as described later, each individual path 34 can be in an "intake prohibited" state (prohibiting the intake of the tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34) and an "intake permitted" state (allowing the intake of the tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34). The tray T transported in the second section 32 of the supply path 30 passes through a branch of the individual path 34 in the "intake prohibited" state and enters the individual path 34 in the "intake permitted" state. Furthermore, the tray T transported in the second section 32 of the supply path 30, in the "intake permitted" state, and having already entered the intake port 34a1 of the individual path 34, is transported to a downstream side in the transport direction than the branch of that individual path 34. The tray T, which is moved to the right end of the second section 32 of the supply path 30 without being taken into any separate path 34, returns to the first section 31 of the supply path 30.

[0048] The tray T containing the finished yarn tubes U that have undergone winding processing in each yarn take-up unit 5 is discharged from the separate path 34 corresponding to that yarn take-up unit 5 to the recovery path 33. The tray T discharged from the separate path 34 is transported from the left to the right in the recovery path 33 and returned to the yarn tube processing device 3.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the pallet handling device 6 has multiple pass detection sensors 35. The pass detection sensors 35 are arranged for each span. Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, starting from the detection sensor 35 located on the upstream side of the span in the transport direction within the second part 32 of the supply path 30, the reference numerals 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are labeled sequentially. The detection sensor 35 can detect the tray T passing through the downstream side of the branch portion of the most downstream individual path 34 in each span, closer to the transport direction. The most downstream individual path 34 is the individual path 34 located on the downstream side of the transport direction among the multiple individual paths 34 corresponding to the multiple yarn take-up units 5 included in each span. The branch portion of the most downstream individual path 34 refers to the portion that branches off from the most downstream individual path 34 in the second part 32 of the supply path 30.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the control box 4 is located to the left of the multiple yarn take-up units 5 and the pallet handling device 6. The control box 4 is equipped with a main control unit 4a and an operation panel 4b.

[0051] The main control unit 4a is housed inside the control box 4. The main control unit 4a provides unified control of the automatic winding machine 2. The main control unit 4a is configured to work in conjunction with the unit control unit 5a (described later) of each yarn take-up unit 5. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ) communication.

[0052] An operation panel 4b is located on the front surface of the control box 4. The operation panel 4b is configured to allow the operator to input various conditions, such as the winding conditions of the yarn Y based on the yarn take-up unit 5. Additionally, the operation panel 4b includes a display device (not shown). The display device, for example, displays the operating status of multiple yarn take-up units 5.

[0053] <Structure of the yarn take-up unit>

[0054] Next, refer to Figure 2 The schematic structure of the yarn take-up unit 5 will be described. The yarn take-up unit 5 includes, for example, a frame 8, a yarn supply section 9, an unwinding auxiliary device 10, a yarn detection sensor 11, a splicing device 12, a yarn clearer 13, a lower yarn capture guide section 14, an upper yarn capture guide section 15, a rocker arm 16, a traverse drum 17, an operation section 18, and a display section 19.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 8 is, for example, a hollow component extending in the vertical direction. The position of the frame 8 is fixed. The frame 8 supports various devices of the yarn take-up unit 5. An operation section 18 and a display section 19 are provided on the front surface of the frame 8. The operation section 18 is used for the operator to perform prescribed operations on the yarn take-up unit 5. The display section 19 is used to display information related to the yarn take-up unit 5 and report it to the operator. The display section 19 is, for example, a known display device. A unit control section 5a is disposed within the frame 8.

[0056] The yarn supply section 9 is located at the bottom of the yarn take-up unit 5. The yarn supply section 9 is configured to support the tray T at the unwinding position described above in the separate path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5. Details of the yarn supply section 9 will be described later.

[0057] The unwinding assist device 10 causes the movable part 27 to move relative to the yarn Y being unwound from the yarn supply tube S, forming a gas ring at the upper part of the yarn supply tube S. The unwinding of the yarn Y is assisted by appropriately controlling the size of this gas ring. The movable part 27 and the lifting part 28 are integrated. The lifting part 28 is configured to move vertically, for example, via a suitable actuator (not shown) such as an electric motor.

[0058] A yarn tube detection sensor 29 for detecting the yarn supply tube S is provided in the lifting component 28. The yarn tube detection sensor 29 is configured as a transmissive light sensor having a light-emitting part 29a and a light-receiving part 29b. The light-emitting part 29a and the light-receiving part 29b are positioned at a position where a separate path 34 is sandwiched between them at the unwinding position. Thus, the yarn tube detection sensor 29 can detect the yarn supply tube S mounted on the tray T supported by the yarn supply part 9 at the unwinding position.

[0059] By actuating the lifting member 28 based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29, the position of the movable member 27 during the winding process can be adjusted. Specifically, the tapered section Sc of the yarn supply tube S is detected by the yarn tube detection sensor 29. Furthermore, the tapered section Sc represents the end of the yarn layer in the yarn supply tube S. Then, the position of the movable member 27 is adjusted so that the distance from the tapered section Sc to the movable member 27 becomes a predetermined distance. Thus, as the winding process proceeds, the position of the tapered section Sc gradually decreases, and correspondingly, the lifting member 28 decreases, ensuring that the distance between the tapered section Sc and the movable member 27 remains constant. As a result, the air pocket of the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply tube S can be appropriately limited.

[0060] Furthermore, the yarn tube detection sensor 29 can detect the presence of a yarn tube S at the unwinding position and the absence of a yarn tube S at the unwinding position. Therefore, based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29, it is possible to determine whether there is a yarn tube S at the unwinding position.

[0061] The yarn detection sensor 11 is positioned above the unwinding aid 10. The yarn detection sensor 11 is capable of detecting yarn Y in the yarn channel of the yarn Y being unwound from the yarn supply tube S.

[0062] The splicing device 12 is a device that splices the ends of the broken yarn Y together when the yarn Y breaks between the yarn supply tube S and the package P. The yarn clearer 13 is a device that obtains information related to the quality of the yarn Y and cuts the yarn Y as needed.

[0063] The lower yarn capture guide 14 captures the yarn (lower yarn Y1) on the supply tube S side of the broken yarn Y and guides it toward the splicing device 12. The upper yarn capture guide 15 captures the yarn (upper yarn Y2) on the package P side of the broken yarn Y and guides it toward the splicing device 12.

[0064] The cradle 16 rotatably supports the take-up tube B for winding yarn Y. The take-up tube B is positioned near the uppermost part of the yarn take-up unit 5. A package P is formed by winding a predetermined amount of yarn Y around the take-up tube B.

[0065] The traverse drum 17 contacts the package P, causing the package P to rotate passively. The traverse drum 17 has a traverse groove 17a that traverses through the yarn Y. The traverse drum 17 is driven by a take-up motor 17b (see reference). Figure 3 The rotation is driven by the take-up tube B. With the outer circumferential surface of the take-up tube B or the surface of the package P in contact with the traverse drum 17, the traverse drum 17 is rotated. As a result, the yarn Y, which is unwound from the yarn supply tube S, is simultaneously wound onto the take-up tube B.

[0066] Next, further reference Figures 4-6 The yarn supply unit 9 will be described in more detail below. The yarn supply unit 9 takes the tray T from the second part 32 of the supply path 30 into a separate path 34 corresponding to the yarn supply unit 9. Then, the yarn supply unit 9 supports the tray T taken into the separate path 34 at the unwinding position. Furthermore, the yarn supply unit 9 discharges the tray T, which is fitted with the processed finished yarn tube U that has undergone winding processing by the yarn take-up unit 5 at the unwinding position, from the separate path 34 to the recovery path 33.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the cable supply unit 9 has a first guide 51 (the infeeding mechanism of the present invention), a second guide 52 (the discharge mechanism of the present invention), a tray detection sensor 53, and a tray pressing part 54. These components constituting the cable supply unit 9 are arranged near the separate path 34 corresponding to the cable supply unit 9.

[0068] The first guide element 51 can be in an access-prohibited state (see reference). Figure 4 (a) and the read-in permission state (see reference) Figure 4 (b) When the first guide 51 is in the pick-up prohibited state, it prohibits the pick-up of tray T from the supply path 30 to the separate path 34. When the first guide 51 is in the pick-up permitted state, it allows the pick-up of tray T from the supply path 30 to the import path 34a of the separate path 34 and allows tray T to enter the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the import path 34a. Furthermore, the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the import path 34a is the end (rear end) of the side connected to the supply path 30 of the import path 34a.

[0069] The first guide 51 is a generally circular plate-shaped component. The first guide 51 is disposed near the connection portion with the supply path 30 in the inlet path 34a. The first guide 51 is rotatably mounted about a first rotation axis 51a extending in the vertical direction. A cutout 51b is formed in a portion of the circumference of the first guide 51. The shape of the first guide 51 is not limited to the above. For example, the number of cutouts 51b may be two or more. The basic shape of the first guide 51 may also be, for example, an ellipse or a rectangle, or a shape other than a circle.

[0070] The first guide 51 is provided by the first motor 56 (see reference). Figure 3 Rotary drive. The first motor 56 is a motor capable of rotating in both directions. The first motor 56 is, for example, a stepper motor. The first guide 51 is in an intake prohibition state and an intake allow state by being rotated by the first motor 56.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the first guide 51 in the prohibited state is located at the position where the entry point 34a1 of the import path 34a is blocked by the portion where the cut 51b is not formed. Thus, the first guide 51 can prevent the tray T from being taken from the supply path 30 to the import path 34a of the separate path 34.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), the portion of the first guide 51 in the pick-up permitted state with the cut 51b is located at the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the import path 34a. Thus, the tray T being transported in the second part 32 of the supply path 30 can enter the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the import path 34a. The tray T entering the pick-up inlet 34a1 can then enter the interior of the cut 51b. The first guide 51, in the pick-up permitted state and with the tray T inside the cut 51b, is moved by the first motor 56... Figure 4 In (b), it rotates counterclockwise, thereby enabling the pallet T to be conveyed in the infeed path 34a toward the unwinding position (towards the downstream side in the transport direction).

[0073] The second guide 52 is a component that further guides the pallet T, conveyed by the first guide 51 in the guide path 34a, downstream in the transport direction. The second guide 52 is, for example, a generally rod-shaped component. Guide pieces 52b are provided at both ends of the second guide 52 along its length. The second guide 52 is positioned downstream in the transport direction than the first guide 51. The second guide 52 is configured to rotate about a second rotation axis 52a extending in the vertical direction. The vertical positions of the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 are different. Therefore, when viewed from the vertical direction, even if the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 overlap, they will not interfere with each other.

[0074] The second guide 52 is provided by the second motor 57 (see reference). Figure 3 Rotary drive. The second motor 57 is, for example, a stepper motor. The first motor 56 and the second motor 57 are different motors and can operate independently of each other.

[0075] The tray detection sensor 53 can detect a tray-present state (tray T present) and a tray-free state (tray T absent) at the inlet 34a1. In this embodiment, the tray detection sensor 53 is a contact sensor. However, the type of tray detection sensor 53 is not limited to a contact sensor; for example, it could also be a light sensor. The tray detection sensor 53 is activated, for example, when there is no tray T at the inlet 34a1, and deactivated when there is a tray T at the inlet 34a1. When the tray T enters the inlet 34a1 and comes into contact with the tray detection sensor 53, the tray detection sensor 53 switches from activated (tray-free state) to deactivated (tray-present state). If the tray T is discharged from the inlet 34a1 and does not come into contact with the tray detection sensor 53, the tray detection sensor 53 switches from deactivated (tray-present state) to activated (tray-free state).

[0076] When the pallet detection sensor 53 is a contact sensor, it may sometimes fail to detect the pallet T properly due to deformation of components such as the spring constituting the sensor or snagging of lint. That is, even if there is a pallet T in the pick-up port 34a1, it may be detected as a no-pallet state, or even if there is no pallet T in the pick-up port 34a1, it may be detected as a pallet state. In addition, for example, when the pallet detection sensor 53 is a light sensor, it may sometimes fail to detect the pallet T properly because the light path is blocked by lint or other objects.

[0077] The pallet pressing part 54 is a component used to position the pallet T in the unwound position. The pallet pressing part 54 is capable of swinging about the swing axis 54a as the swing center. The pallet pressing part 54 applies force to the upstream side of the transport direction of the individual path 34 through a force-applying member (not shown). The front end of the pallet pressing part 54 contacts the pallet T. The pallet pressing part 54 pushes the pallet T upstream (rear side) by the force of the force-applying member, thereby holding the pallet T.

[0078] Next, the operation of the feed line 9 will be explained. First, when the tray T is taken from the second part 32 of the feed path 30 into the inlet path 34a of the separate path 34, the position is... Figure 4 The first guide 51, shown in (a) as being in the inaccessible state, rotates clockwise to switch to the inaccessible state. Figure 4 The input permission state is shown in (b). In this state, when the tray T enters the input port 34a1 of the inlet path 34a from the second part 32 of the supply path 30, the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the no-tray state to the tray-present state. When the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches to the tray-present state, the state of the tray is... Figure 4 The first guide 51, shown in (b) in the read-allowed state, rotates counterclockwise. Thus, as... Figure 5As shown in (a), the tray T, which enters the pick-up inlet 34a1, is conveyed toward the unwinding position (picking-up action). In this embodiment, the tray T is moved from the pick-up inlet 34a1 to the storage position by the picking-up action. Alternatively, the structure could be that the tray T is moved from the pick-up inlet 34a1 to the unwinding position by the picking-up action.

[0079] The second guide 52 is guided by the first guide 51 to move the tray T (see reference) to the storage position via the guide piece 52b. Figure 5 (a)). More specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown in (b), the second guide 52 rotates counterclockwise, thereby pushing the tray T with one of the guide pieces 52b. As a result, the tray T is conveyed from the storage position toward the unwinding position.

[0080] After the second guide 52 begins guiding the tray T, without further removing the tray T from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34, the first guide 51 is placed in an inaccessible state (see reference). Figure 4 (a)). On the other hand, when the tray T is further taken from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34, the first guide 51 is put into the take-in permitted state (see reference). Figure 4 (b)

[0081] The tray pressing part 54 pushes the tray T, which is guided by the second guide 52, upstream (rearward). Thus, as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), the tray T is held in the unwinding position by the second guide 52 and the tray pressing part 54. In this state, the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply tube S supported on the tray T by the yarn take-up unit 5.

[0082] After the yarn Y from the yarn supply tube S is unwound, as follows Figure 5 As shown in (b), the second guide 52 supporting the tray T rotates counterclockwise in the unwound position. At this time, the second guide 52 rotates with a force exceeding the force exerted by the force-applying member that applies force to the tray pressing part 54. Thus, as Figure 6 As shown in (a), the tray T, which is pushed by the guide plate 52b, is moved by pushing open the tray pressing part 54. Then, as Figure 6 As shown in (b), the tray T in the unwound position is discharged into the discharge path 34b (discharge action). The tray T discharged into the discharge path 34b is then discharged into the recycling path 33.

[0083] <Electrical Structure of Automatic Winding Machine>

[0084] Reference Figure 3 The block diagram provides a general overview of the electrical structure of the automatic winding machine 2. For example... Figure 3As shown, the automatic winding machine 2 has a main control unit 4a and multiple unit control units 5a. The portion combining the main control unit 4a and the multiple unit control units 5a corresponds to the control unit of the present invention.

[0085] The main control unit 4a controls the conveyor 39, the operation panel 4b, etc. The main control unit 4a is communicatively connected to multiple unit control units 5a. The main control unit 4a receives signals from the detection sensor 35 and each unit control unit 5a.

[0086] Multiple unit control units 5a are individually provided corresponding to multiple yarn take-up units 5. Each unit control unit 5a controls the operation of its corresponding yarn take-up unit 5. Each unit control unit 5a receives signals from the yarn tube detection sensor 29 and the tray detection sensor 53 of its corresponding yarn take-up unit 5. Each unit control unit 5a can obtain tray quantity information related to the number of trays T in the corresponding individual path 34's inlet path 34a by using information related to the take-up action performed by the first guide 51 and information related to the discharge action performed by the second guide 52. The unit control unit 5a stores the obtained tray quantity information, for example. Alternatively, the unit control unit 5a can also send the obtained tray quantity information to the main control unit 4a.

[0087] After switching the first guide 51 from the pick-up prohibition state to the pick-up allowance state, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform a pick-up operation if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the trayless state to the tray-present state. Alternatively, after switching the first guide 51 from the pick-up prohibition state to the pick-up allowance state, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform a pick-up operation if a predetermined condition is met that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched from the trayless state to the tray-present state. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the detection state of the yarn tube detection sensor 29 remains in the yarn tubeless state (the state where there is no yarn tube S supplied at the unwinding position) for a predetermined period of time.

[0088] <Control sequence for tray retrieval>

[0089] Next, refer to Figure 7 The flowchart shown illustrates an example of the control sequence performed by the unit control unit 5a when taking the pallet T from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34.

[0090] First, the unit control unit 5a determines whether a yarn tube request exists (S1). For example, if the number of trays T in the import path 34a is less than a specified quantity based on the tray quantity information, the unit control unit 5a determines that a yarn tube request exists. Additionally, the unit control unit 5a determines that a yarn tube request exists when it receives a yarn tube request signal sent from the main control unit 4a. The determination in S1 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a determines that a yarn tube request exists. When the unit control unit 5a determines that there is no yarn tube request (S1: No), the first guide member 51 enters an import prohibited state.

[0091] If a yarn tube is required (S1: Yes), the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 from the pick-up prohibited state to the pick-up allowed state (S2). At this time, the portion where the cut 51b of the first guide 51 is formed is located at the pick-up entrance 34a1 of the separate path 34 (inlet path 34a). Subsequently, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched from the trayless state to the tray-containing state (S3).

[0092] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is determined not to have switched to the tray-present state (S3: No), based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29, it is determined whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4). If it is determined that there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4: Yes), the process returns to S3. Then, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is determined to have switched to the tray-present state (S3: Yes), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform an intake operation (S5). As a result, the tray T that has entered the intake port 34a1 is conveyed toward the unwinding position and moved to the storage position in the guide path 34a. By performing the intake operation in S5, the first guide 51 becomes an intake prohibition state. At this time, if the tray detection sensor 53 is functioning normally, the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the tray-present state to the trayless state. Furthermore, the tray T that has moved to the storage position is conveyed to the unwinding position by the second guide 52.

[0093] Next, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S6). Then, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a trayless state (S6: No), it returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S6: Yes), the unit control unit 5a reports a malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53 (S7: Report Processing). This report is displayed, for example, on the display unit 19 (see reference). Figure 2 The message indicating a malfunction in the tray detection sensor 53 is displayed. Alternatively, it can also be displayed on the operation panel 4b of the control box 4 (see reference). Figure 1The system displays a message indicating a malfunction in the tray detection sensor 53, along with information about the yarn take-up unit 5 that identified the malfunction. This report can also be generated by illuminating a light on the yarn take-up unit 5 or by sounding a buzzer.

[0094] Subsequently, the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 from the take-in prohibited state to the take-in allowed state (S8). Then, the unit control unit 5a determines whether a discharge operation has been performed via the second guide 52 (S9). Furthermore, if there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position and a take-up process has been performed immediately after S8, the unit control unit 5a performs the discharge operation of the tray T at the unwinding position after the take-up process is completed. Alternatively, if no take-up process has been performed immediately after S8, the unit control unit 5a performs the discharge process after S8. In this case, the unit control unit 5a performs the discharge process regardless of whether the tray T is present at the unwinding position.

[0095] Then, if it is determined that a discharge process has been performed (S9: Yes), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform an intake action (S10). If the tray T enters the intake port 34a1 after being set to the intake permission state in S8, the tray T is conveyed toward the unwinding position in the guide path 34a by the intake action in S10. Afterwards, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S11). Then, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a trayless state (S11: No), it returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S11: Yes), it returns to S8.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 that there is no yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4: No), the unit control unit 5a starts measuring the elapsed time (S12). Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched from a trayless state to a tray-containing state (S13). If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched to a tray-containing state (S13: Yes), the process proceeds to S5 as described above.

[0097] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is determined not to have switched to the tray-containing state (S13: No), the unit control unit 5a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement began in S12 (S14). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S14: No), it returns to S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S14: Yes), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform a pick-up operation (S15). Subsequently, the second guide 52 is used to transport the tray T in the storage position to the unwinding position. Here, the number of trays T in the guide path 34a, i.e., the tray quantity information, is increased by one by performing the pick-up operation in S15. However, sometimes no tray T is actually picked up during the pick-up operation in S15. Therefore, the tray quantity information may not be consistent with the actual number of trays T in the guide path 34a. In this case, if the tray T is not transported to the unwinding position even though the action of transporting the tray T to the unwinding position is performed by the second guide 52, the tray quantity information is reset to zero.

[0098] Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S16). Then, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a trayless state (S16: No), it returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is a tray-containing state (S16: Yes), it returns to S7.

[0099] Furthermore, after the take-up action is performed in S15, the unit control unit 5a can also perform a process to determine whether the take-up of tray T was successful. For example, the process for determining whether the take-up was successful could be based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29 to determine whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position. If it is determined that there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position, it is known that the take-up action in S15 was successful. Even if the tray detection sensor 53 detects no tray at the time of S15, it is known that tray T has entered the take-up inlet 34a1. Therefore, if the process for determining whether tray T was successful is performed, the unit control unit 5a can also perform a report processing indicating that the tray detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned. This report is displayed, for example, on the display unit 19 (see reference 19). Figure 2The message indicating a malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53 can be displayed. Alternatively, the message indicating a malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53 can be displayed together with information about the yarn take-up unit 5 that identified the malfunction on the operation panel 4b of the control box 4. Furthermore, this report can also be generated by illuminating the light on the yarn take-up unit 5 or by sounding a buzzer.

[0100] <Features of the Implementation Method>

[0101] As described above, the automatic winding machine 2 of this embodiment includes: a plurality of yarn take-up units 5, which unwind yarn Y from a yarn supply tube S mounted on a tray T to form a package P; a supply path 30, which is a path for transporting the tray T and is shared by the plurality of yarn take-up units 5; a plurality of separate paths 34, which branch off from the supply path 30 and are separately provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn take-up units 5; and a unit control unit 5a. Each yarn take-up unit 5 has: a first guide 51 configured to take up a tray T from the supply path 30 to the separate path 34 in an entry prohibition state and allow the tray T to be taken up from the supply path 30 to the separate path 34 in an entry permit state and allow the tray T to enter the entry point 34a1 of the separate path 34, and to perform an entry action of conveying the tray T that has entered the entry point 34a1 toward the unwinding position of the yarn Y in the separate path 34; and a tray detection sensor 53, which can detect a tray state where there is a tray T at the entry point 34a1 and a trayless state where there is no tray T at the entry point 34a1. Furthermore, after the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 to the pick-up permission state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the trayless state to the tray-present state, the first guide 51 performs a pick-up operation. If, after switching the first guide 51 to the pick-up permission state, a predetermined condition is not met when the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched from the trayless state to the tray-present state, the first guide 51 performs a pick-up operation. Figure 7 (S15).

[0102] With the above structure, even if the pallet detection sensor 53 malfunctions and its detection state does not switch from a pallet-free state to a pallet-present state, and it is unknown whether there is a pallet T at the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, the pick-up operation can still be performed under specified conditions. In this case, if the pallet T enters the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, it can be conveyed towards the unwinding position of the separate path 34. Therefore, it is possible to supply the pallet T to the unwinding position and even the yarn supply tube S.

[0103] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 2 of this embodiment, the unit control unit 5a performs the following processes: a success or failure of take-up determination process, which determines whether the tray T (whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position) has been taken up through the take-up action after the first guide 51 performs the take-up action when the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched from the trayless state to the tray-within state and the specified conditions are met; and a report process, which reports that the tray detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned when the success or failure of take-up determination process determines that the tray T (whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position) has been taken up.

[0104] If the first guide 51 performs an insertion action when the specified conditions are met because the pallet detection sensor 53 has not switched from a pallet-free state to a pallet-present state, and a pallet T is inserted through this insertion action, it can be determined that although the pallet T is present at the insertion point 34a1, the pallet detection sensor 53 is in a pallet-free state. That is, it can be determined that the pallet detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned. Therefore, in the above structure, by performing report processing, the operator can be notified of the malfunction of the pallet detection sensor 53.

[0105] Furthermore, in the automatic winding machine 2 of this embodiment, when the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 to the pick-up allow state and the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the trayless state to the tray-containing state, the first guide 51 is made to perform a pick-up operation. If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray-containing state to the trayless state after the pick-up operation, the first guide 51 is made to perform a pick-up operation (S10) after the first guide 51 is switched to the pick-up allow state and the discharge operation is performed by the second guide 52.

[0106] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from a tray-present state to a tray-free state after the pick-up action, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned. In the case of a tray detection sensor 53 malfunction, it is unknown whether the tray T is present at the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, but in this structure, the pick-up action can be performed after the discharge action is performed by the second guide 52. At this time, if the tray T enters the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, the tray T can be conveyed towards the unwinding position. Therefore, it is possible to supply the tray T to the unwinding position and even the yarn supply tube S.

[0107] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 2 of this embodiment, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray-with-tray state to the tray-free state after the take-up operation, the unit control unit 5a performs a report processing that reports a malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53. If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray-with-tray state to the tray-free state after the take-up operation, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned. Therefore, in this structure, by performing the report processing, the operator can be notified of the malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53.

[0108] Furthermore, in the automatic winding machine 2 of this embodiment, each yarn take-up unit 5 has a yarn tube detection sensor 29, which can detect a yarn tube state (with a yarn tube S at the unwinding position) and a yarn tube-free state (without a yarn tube S at the unwinding position). Moreover, the execution... Figure 7 The condition for the take-up action in S15 is that the yarn tube detection sensor 29 remains in a state of no yarn tube for a specified period of time. According to this structure, if the tray T enters the take-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34 during the specified period, the tray T can be taken up by the take-up action.

[0109] <Reference Implementation Method>

[0110] Next, refer to Figure 8 The following describes a reference embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control sequence performed by the unit control unit 5a when taking the tray T from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34, in the case that the yarn take-up unit 5 does not have a tray detection sensor 53.

[0111] Although in the above embodiment, the first guide 51 is in an intake permission state when the unit control unit 5a determines that there is a yarn tube requirement, in this reference embodiment, it is always in an intake permission state except when the first guide 51 performs an intake operation. Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the winding process starting from the yarn supply tube S mounted on the tray T in the unwinding position is complete (S41). In addition, the determination of whether the winding process starting from the yarn supply tube S is complete can be based, for example, on the yarn detection sensor 11 (see...). Figure 2 The results of the test are used to determine whether the winding process starting from the yarn supply tube S is complete. The judgment of S41 is repeated until it is determined that the winding process starting from the yarn supply tube S is complete.

[0112] Then, if it is determined that the winding process starting from the yarn supply tube S is complete (S41: Yes), the unit control unit 5a rotates the second guide 52 to perform a discharge operation that discharges the tray T from the unwinding position to the discharge path 34b (S42). Next, the unit control unit 5a rotates the second guide 52 further to perform a conveying operation that transports the tray T in the storage position to the unwinding position (S43). At this time, if there is a tray T in the storage position, the tray T is transported to the unwinding position.

[0113] Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform a take-up action (S44) to take the tray T located at the take-up inlet 34a1 into the storage position. At this time, if the tray T is present at the take-up inlet 34a1, the tray T is transported to the storage position. Next, the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to return to the take-up permitted state (S45). Thereafter, based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29, the unit control unit 5a determines whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S46). If it is determined that there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S46: Yes), it returns to S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S46: No), it returns to S43.

[0114] While the above description has been based on the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the specific structures are not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments described above, and also includes all modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0115] In the above implementation method, for execution Figure 7 The condition for the take-up action in S15 is that the detection state of the yarn tube detection sensor 29 is in the state of no yarn tube for a specified period of time, but it is not limited to this.

[0116] A first variation of the specified conditions could also be that the detection state of the yarn tube detection sensor 29 is a no-yarn-tube state, and the passage of the tray T is detected by a specific passage detection sensor 35 among a plurality of passage detection sensors 35. Furthermore, the so-called specific passage detection sensor 35 refers to a passage detection sensor 35 capable of detecting the tray T downstream in the transport direction from the branch portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object. For example... Figure 1As shown, the transport direction of the tray T in the second part 32 of each individual path 34 branch in the supply path 30 is from left to right. Therefore, the specific pass-through sensor 35 is located to the right of the branch of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object. As described above, the pass-through sensor 35 is arranged downstream of the branch of the most downstream individual path 34 in each span in the transport direction. In this modified example, the specific pass-through sensor 35 is the pass-through sensor 35 provided in the span to which the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object belongs.

[0117] Here, in the first variation, the control sequence performed by the unit control unit 5a when the tray T is taken from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34 will be described. This sequence, in addition to the flowchart of the above-described embodiment (see...), is... Figure 7 The area outside the dashed lines (S12-S14) is the same.

[0118] That is, such as Figure 7 As shown in the flowchart, after switching the first guide 51 to the pick-up allow state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray-present state (S3: No), the unit control unit 5a determines whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4). Then, if it is determined that there is no yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4: No), as... Figure 9 As shown in (a), the unit control unit 5a determines whether the passage of tray T is detected by the passage detection sensor 35 (S20). The determination in S20 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a detects the passage of tray T by the passage detection sensor 35. Then, if it is determined that the unit control unit 5a has detected the passage of tray T by the passage detection sensor 35 (S20: Yes), as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the unit control unit 5a performs the take-up action (S15).

[0119] In the second part 32 of the supply path 30, if the passage of tray T is detected by the detection sensor 35 at the downstream side of the branch of the separate path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object in the transport direction, it is considered that tray T has entered the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, and tray T has passed through the branch of the separate path 34. According to the above-described variation, by performing the pick-up operation under such circumstances, the pick-up of tray T can be reliably and successfully completed.

[0120] A second variation of the specified conditions could also be that the yarn tube detection sensor 29 detects a yarn tube-free state and determines that tray T has been picked up in a downstream separate path. Furthermore, a downstream separate path refers to at least one separate path 34 that branches off downstream in the transport direction from the branch portion of the separate path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object in the second part 32 of the supply path 30. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in the second part 32 of each branch of the individual path 34 in the supply path 30, the transport direction of the tray T is from left to right. Therefore, the downstream individual path is the individual path 34 that branches to the right of the branch portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object. In this modified example, all individual paths 34 that branch to the right of the branch portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object are designated as downstream individual paths.

[0121] Whether tray T has been picked up in individual path 34 can also be determined by whether the picking-up action of the first guide 51 has been performed. Alternatively, the determination of whether tray T has been picked up in individual path 34 can be achieved by installing a sensor that can detect the tray T being transported from the pick-up point 34a1 to the unwinding position in the guide path 34a of individual path 34, and the determination can be based on the sensor's detection result. Each yarn take-up unit 5 sends information related to the tray T pick-up status in the corresponding individual path 34 to the main control unit 4a. Thus, the main control unit 4a can monitor the tray T pick-up status of each yarn take-up unit 5. Furthermore, the main control unit 4a can send information related to the tray T pick-up status of other yarn take-up units 5 to the yarn take-up units 5.

[0122] Here, in the second variation, the control sequence performed by the unit control unit 5a when the tray T is taken from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34 will be described. This sequence is based on the flowchart of the above-described embodiment (see...). Figure 7 The area outside the dashed lines (S12-S14) is the same.

[0123] That is, such as Figure 7 As shown in the flowchart, after switching the first guide 51 to the pick-up allow state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray-present state (S3: No), the unit control unit 5a determines whether there is a yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4). Then, if it is determined that there is no yarn supply tube S at the unwinding position (S4: No), as... Figure 9As shown in (b), the unit control unit 5a determines whether tray T has been picked up in the downstream single path (S30: downstream pick-up determination process). The determination in S30 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a determines that tray T has been picked up in the downstream single path. Then, if the unit control unit 5a determines that tray T has been picked up in the downstream single path (S30: yes), as follows... Figure 7 As shown, the unit control unit 5a performs the take-up action (S15).

[0124] In the second part 32 of the supply path 30, if a tray T is picked up in the downstream side of a branch of the separate path 34 corresponding to the yarn take-up unit 5 of the controlled object, on the downstream side of the branch in the transport direction, it is assumed that the tray T has entered the pick-up inlet 34a1 of the separate path 34, and that the tray T has passed through the branch of the separate path 34. According to the above-described variation, by performing the pick-up operation under such circumstances, the pick-up of the tray T can be reliably and successfully completed.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the first guide 51 as having both a function to switch between a state prohibiting the taking of tray T into the separate path 34 and a state allowing the taking of tray T, and a function to transport the tray T entering the take-up entrance 34a1 toward the unwinding position, it is not limited to this. The component for switching between the state prohibiting the taking of tray T into the separate path 34 and the state allowing the taking of tray T may be separate from the component for transporting the tray T entering the take-up entrance 34a1 toward the unwinding position.

[0126] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the case where the tray T (whether there is a supply tube S at the unwinding position) is picked up by the picking action based on the detection result of the yarn tube detection sensor 29, it is not limited to this. For example, the presence of a supply tube S at the unwinding position can also be detected by the yarn detection sensor 11 that detects yarn Y in the yarn channel of the yarn Y being unwound from the supply tube S. In addition, if each supply tube S is equipped with an identification tag such as an RF (Radio Frequency) tag, the method of using such an identification tag is also considered. That is, the presence of a supply tube S at the unwinding position can also be determined by providing a reading device such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader that can read the identification tag of the supply tube S located at the unwinding position, and by determining whether the identification tag has been read by the reading device.

[0127] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the reporting process for a malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53, it is also possible to omit the reporting process.

[0128] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the control of the unit control unit 5a in which the tray T is taken from the supply path 30 into the separate path 34, it is not limited to this. This control can be performed by the main control unit 4a in conjunction with the unit control unit 5a, or it can be performed by the main control unit 4a alone.

Claims

1. An automatic winding machine, wherein the automatic winding machine is provided with: a plurality of yarn winding units that form packages by unwinding yarns from yarn supply tubes mounted to trays; a common path that is a path for carrying the trays, and is common to the plurality of yarn winding units; a plurality of individual paths that respectively branch from the common path, and are respectively provided individually in correspondence with the plurality of yarn winding units; and a control section, each of the yarn winding units is provided with: an intake mechanism configured to be able to adopt an intake prohibition state in which intake of the trays from the common path to the individual paths is prohibited, and an intake permission state in which intake of the trays from the common path to the individual paths is permitted and the trays can enter a tray intake port of the individual paths, and to be able to perform an intake operation of transporting the trays that have entered the tray intake port toward an unwinding position at which unwinding of the yarns is performed in the individual paths; and a tray detection sensor that is able to detect a tray presence state in which the trays are present at the tray intake port, and a tray absence state in which the trays are not present at the tray intake port, the control section is configured to cause the intake mechanism to perform the intake operation in a case where, after the intake mechanism is switched to the intake permission state, a detection state of the tray detection sensor is switched from the tray absence state to the tray presence state, cause the intake mechanism to perform the intake operation in a case where, after the intake mechanism is switched to the intake permission state, a state in which the detection state of the tray detection sensor is not switched from the tray absence state to the tray presence state satisfies a prescribed condition.

2. The automatic winding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs the following processes: an intake success / failure judgment process that judges whether or not the trays have been taken in by the intake operation after the intake mechanism performs the intake operation in a state in which the detection state of the tray detection sensor is not switched from the tray absence state to the tray presence state while the prescribed condition is satisfied; and a reporting process that reports a gist that the tray detection sensor has failed in a case where it is judged in the intake success / failure judgment process that the trays have been taken in.

3. The automatic winding machine according to claim 1, wherein the yarn winding unit is provided with an ejection mechanism configured to be able to perform an ejection operation of ejecting the trays that are present at the unwinding position, the control section causes the intake mechanism to perform the intake operation after the intake mechanism is switched to the intake permission state and the ejection operation is performed by the ejection mechanism in a case where the detection state of the tray detection sensor is not switched from the tray presence state to the tray absence state after the intake operation.

4. The automatic winding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control section performs a reporting process that reports a gist that the tray detection sensor has failed in a case where the detection state of the tray detection sensor is not switched from the tray presence state to the tray absence state after the intake operation.

5. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Each of the yarn winding units has a supply tube detection sensor capable of detecting a supply tube presence state in which the supply tube is present at the withdrawal position and a supply tube absence state in which the supply tube is not present at the withdrawal position, The prescribed condition is a state in which the detection state of the supply tube detection sensor is the supply tube absence state for a prescribed time.

6. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a passage detection sensor capable of detecting the tray passing through the common path and capable of detecting the tray passing through a branch portion of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the tray with respect to the branch portion of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled is provided, Each of the yarn winding units has a supply tube detection sensor capable of detecting a supply tube presence state in which the supply tube is present at the withdrawal position and a supply tube absence state in which the supply tube is not present at the withdrawal position, The prescribed condition is a state in which the detection state of the supply tube detection sensor is the supply tube absence state and the passage of the tray is detected by the passage detection sensor.

7. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Each of the yarn winding units has a supply tube detection sensor capable of detecting a supply tube presence state in which the supply tube is present at the withdrawal position and a supply tube absence state in which the supply tube is not present at the withdrawal position, The control section is capable of executing a downstream side intake judgment process that judges whether or not intake of the tray into at least one of the individual paths branched on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of the tray with respect to the branch portion of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, that is, a downstream side individual path, is performed, The prescribed condition is a state in which the detection state of the supply tube detection sensor is the supply tube absence state and it is judged in the downstream side intake judgment process that intake of the tray into the downstream side individual path is performed.

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