Automatic winding machine

Abstract

The present application provides an automatic winder that assists an operator in flexible operation of the automatic winder at the time of batch change. The automatic winder is provided with a plurality of winding units and a machine body control section. The plurality of winding units unwind yarn from a feed bobbin and wind the unwound yarn to form packages, respectively. The machine body control section receives a preparation command for batch change that changes the package formed by the winding unit from an old batch to a new batch. The machine body control section has an instruction value input section (58) for inputting an instruction value related to preparation of batch change. If the machine body control section receives the preparation command for batch change in a state where an instruction value is input to the instruction value input section (58), the machine body control section determines, based on the instruction value, a winding unit that continues winding of yarn, i.e., a continuation unit, and a winding unit that stops winding of yarn, i.e., a stop unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic winding machine. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, automatic winding machines were known to rewind spun yarn into packages. Patent Document 1 discloses such an automatic winding machine.

[0003] The automatic winding machine of Patent Document 1 includes multiple take-up units. Each take-up unit has a bobbin support for supporting the yarn feed bobbin, a take-up section for winding the yarn from the yarn feed bobbin into a package, and a control section for controlling the bobbin support and the take-up section. When batch change information is input, the control section stops the yarn winding operation when the amount of yarn wound into the package becomes equivalent to the amount of yarn in a full package, and causes the bobbin support to perform the yarn feed bobbin discharge operation.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-224432 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] When an operator of an automatic winding machine performs a batch change (specifically, changing the package formed by the take-up unit from an old batch to a new batch), they operate each take-up unit considering various conditions such as the progress of each take-up unit. According to the configuration in Patent Document 1, the workload of the operator removing the feed bobbins before the batch change can be reduced during batch changes. However, in this configuration, it is difficult to adequately assist operators who want to flexibly operate the automatic winding machine according to various conditions during batch changes.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to assist the operator in the flexible operation of the automatic winding machine when batch changes occur.

[0010] The methods and effects used to solve the problem

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above. The means for solving the problem and its effects will be described below.

[0012] According to the present invention, an automatic winding machine is provided with the following configuration: The automatic winding machine includes multiple take-up units and a machine control unit. The multiple take-up units unwind yarn from a yarn feed bobbin and take up the unwound yarn to form packages. The machine control unit receives a batch change preparation command to change the packages formed by the take-up units from an old batch to a new batch. The machine control unit has an indication value input unit for inputting an indication value related to the preparation for the batch change. When the machine control unit receives the batch change preparation command while the indication value has been input into the indication value input unit, it determines, based on the indication value, which determines whether the take-up unit continues taking up yarn (i.e., a continue unit) or stops taking up yarn (i.e., a stop unit).

[0013] Therefore, by having the operator input the indication value related to the preparation for batch change into the indication value input unit, the machine control unit automatically determines the continue unit and stop unit based on that indication value. By appropriately adjusting the indication value before performing batch change preparation, the operator can obtain the decision from the machine control unit corresponding to the situation. By obtaining such a decision, the operator can flexibly operate the automatic winding machine according to various conditions during batch change.

[0014] In the automatic winding machine, it is preferable that the machine control unit displays information for identifying the continuing unit and the stopping unit on a display screen.

[0015] Therefore, before preparing for batch changes, the operator can visually confirm the continue unit and the stop unit by observing the display showing this information.

[0016] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit displays the continuing unit and the stopping unit on the display screen in correspondence with each other and different colors.

[0017] This makes it easier for operators to perform the aforementioned visual verifications.

[0018] In the aforementioned automatic winding machine, the following configuration is preferred: During batch changes, the type of feed bobbin processed by the take-up unit is changed. The indicated value is the remaining quantity of the feed bobbins from the previous batch.

[0019] Therefore, by inputting the remaining quantity of the old batch of yarn feed bobbins, the operator can enable the machine control unit to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on that remaining quantity.

[0020] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit sequentially designates the take-up units that can use the remaining old batch of yarn feed bobbins to form the package as the continuing units, starting from the take-up unit with the highest package formation progress, and designates the remaining take-up units as the stopping units.

[0021] This allows for the maximum utilization of remaining old batches of yarn feed tubes while enabling the machine control unit to make decisions on batch changes in the shortest possible time.

[0022] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit displays at least one of the following on the display: the number of packages of the old batch completed before the batch change, i.e., the completed quantity; the number of feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of packages of the old batch; and the time required to form the completed quantity of packages of the old batch.

[0023] Therefore, by confirming the information displayed on the monitor, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch changes.

[0024] In the automatic winding machine, the indicated value is preferably a threshold, i.e., a progress threshold, that is, related to the formation progress of the package in each of the plurality of take-up units.

[0025] Therefore, by inputting a progress threshold, the operator can enable the machine control unit to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on that progress threshold.

[0026] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit determines the take-up unit whose package formation progress is above the progress threshold as the continuing unit, and determines the take-up unit whose package formation progress is less than the progress threshold as the stopping unit.

[0027] Thus, the operator can use the input progress threshold to enable the machine control unit to make decisions on completing as many old batches of rolls as possible.

[0028] In the aforementioned automatic winding machine, preferably, the machine control unit displays on a display at least one of the following based on the progress threshold: the number of packages of the old batch completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the number of feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of packages of the old batch, and the time required to form the completed quantity of packages of the old batch.

[0029] Therefore, by confirming the information displayed on the monitor, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch changes.

[0030] In the automatic winding machine, the indicated value is preferably the preparation time for the batch change.

[0031] Therefore, by inputting the preparation time, the operator can enable the machine control unit to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on that preparation time.

[0032] In the automatic winding machine, it is preferable that the machine control unit determines the take-up unit that can form the package within the preparation time as the continuing unit, and determines the remaining take-up units as the stopping unit.

[0033] This allows the operator to enable the machine control unit to make decisions on completing as many old batches of rolls as possible within the preparation time.

[0034] In the aforementioned automatic winding machine, preferably, the machine control unit displays on a display at least one of the following based on the preparation time: the quantity of the old batch of packages completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the quantity of the feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of packages, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of packages.

[0035] Therefore, by confirming the information displayed on the monitor, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch changes.

[0036] In the automatic winding machine, the indicated value is preferably the quantity of the old batch of yarn packaged before the batch change, i.e., the completed quantity.

[0037] Therefore, by inputting the number of completions, the operator can enable the machine control unit to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on that number of completions.

[0038] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit sequentially designates the completed number of take-up units as the continuing units, starting from the take-up unit with the highest formation progress of the package, and designates the remaining take-up units as the stopping units.

[0039] Thus, the operator can complete the packaging of the required number of rolls while the machine control unit makes a decision to prepare for batch changes in the shortest possible time.

[0040] In the automatic winding machine, preferably the machine control unit displays at least one of the following on a display: the number of completed quantities, the number of feed bobbins required to form the package of the old batch of completed quantities, and the time required to form the package of the old batch of completed quantities.

[0041] Therefore, by confirming the information displayed on the monitor, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch changes.

[0042] In the aforementioned automatic winding machine, the following configuration is preferred: The automatic winding machine further includes an execution instruction input unit for inputting an execution instruction for preparing the batch change after the machine control unit has determined the continue unit and the stop unit. When the execution instruction is input to the execution instruction input unit, the automatic winding machine performs the preparation for the batch change.

[0043] Therefore, if the operator can meet the decision of the machine control unit, he / she can input the execution instruction for batch change preparation into the execution instruction input unit, so that the automatic winding machine can perform batch change preparation.

[0044] In the aforementioned automatic winding machine, the following configuration is preferred: The automatic winding machine further includes a doffing device for removing the package formed by the take-up unit, wherein, during batch change preparation, the doffing device removes the package of the old batch formed by the continuing unit from the continuing unit.

[0045] Thus, by removing the old batch of rolls from the continuing unit, preparation can be completed for each take-up unit to form a new batch of rolls.

[0046] In the automatic winding machine, preferably, each of the plurality of take-up units has a unit display section capable of displaying information, such as the number of the feed bobbins required to form the package.

[0047] Therefore, by visually confirming the unit display of each take-up unit, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the roll formation in that take-up unit. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a front view of an automatic winding machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an automatic winding machine.

[0050] Figure 3 This is the main view of the unit display section of each winding unit.

[0051] Figure 4 This is an example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on the display panel.

[0052] Figure 5 This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on the display section.

[0053] Figure 6This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on the display section.

[0054] Figure 7 This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on the display section.

[0055] Figure 8 It is a sequence diagram showing the process of preparing for batch changes.

[0056] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0057] 1 Automatic winding machine; 10 Take-up unit; 21 Yarn feed bobbin; 22 Package; 40 Doffing trolley (doffing device); 50 Machine control unit (machine control section); 52 Display unit (monitor); 55 Unit display unit; 58 Indicator value input unit; 67 Batch change preparation execution button (execution instruction input unit). Detailed Implementation

[0058] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a front view of the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the automatic winding machine 1. Figure 3 This is the front view of the unit display section 55 of each winding unit 10. Figure 4 This is an example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on display unit 52. Figure 5 This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on display unit 52. Figure 6 This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on display unit 52. Figure 7 This is another example of a batch change preparation screen displayed on display unit 52. Figure 8 It is a sequence diagram showing the process of preparing for batch changes.

[0059] Figure 1 The automatic winding machine (fiber machinery) 1 shown includes a yarn handling device 2, a yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70, and a machine control device 50. The machine control device 50, yarn handling device 2, and yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70 are arranged in a specific configuration. The yarn handling device 2 includes multiple take-up units 10 arranged side-by-side and a doffing trolley 40. The machine control device 50 is an example of a machine control unit. The doffing trolley 40 is an example of a doffing device.

[0060] Each take-up unit 10 includes a yarn feeding section 11, a yarn unwinding auxiliary device 12, a tension applying device 13, a splicing device 14, a yarn quality measuring device 15, a cradle 16, a take-up roller 17, and a housing 18.

[0061] The yarn feeding section 11 supports a yarn feeding bobbin 21 supplied from the yarn feeding device 70. The yarn unwinding assist device 12, by contacting the portion (air ring) of the yarn unwinding from the yarn feeding bobbin 21 that oscillates outward due to centrifugal force, suppresses excessive yarn oscillation and unwinds the yarn with a certain tension. The tension applying device 13 applies a predetermined tension to the traveling yarn. The yarn unwinding from the yarn feeding bobbin 21 and the yarn in the package 22 are respectively guided to the splicing device 14. The splicing device 14 splices the guided yarns together. The yarn quality measuring device 15 measures the quality of the traveling yarn (e.g., yarn thickness or its variation) using an optical sensor or the like.

[0062] A take-up bobbin is mounted on the cradle 16. The take-up roller 17 contacts and rotates with the take-up bobbin or package 22, thereby winding the yarn onto the take-up bobbin while causing the yarn to move laterally. Package 22 is manufactured by winding the yarn onto the take-up bobbin using the take-up roller 17.

[0063] Inside the housing 18 is provided Figure 2 The unit control unit 19 is shown. The unit control unit 19 includes a CPU, RAM, and memory. The memory may be, for example, an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. Various programs and control data are stored in the memory. The CPU reads the programs stored in the memory into the RAM and executes them. Thus, the unit control unit 19 performs control related to the winding unit 10.

[0064] A unit display section 55 is provided on the front side of the housing 18. The unit display section 55 can display various information related to the winding unit 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the unit display unit 55 includes multiple columns and rows of segments 56, and displays information related to the winding unit 10 by switching the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of each segment 56. Figure 3 The image shows the situation where all sections 56 are off. The unit display unit 55 of this embodiment can at least display the number of yarn feed bobbins 21 required to form the package 22 in the winding unit 10 equipped with itself. Furthermore, the unit display unit 55 is not limited to a device having sections 56; for example, it can also be a device having multiple point light sources.

[0065] The doffing trolley 40 can travel in the parallel direction of the take-up units 10. Specifically, a track is formed above the take-up units 10 along the direction in which the take-up units 10 are arranged, and the doffing trolley 40 travels along the track. When the package 22 in a certain take-up unit 10 is fully wound, the doffing trolley 40 travels to that take-up unit 10 and stops. The doffing trolley 40 removes the fully wound package 22 from the take-up unit 10 and supplies a new take-up bobbin with unwound yarn to the take-up unit 10.

[0066] Specifically, the doffing trolley 40 includes a yarn pull-out arm 41, a cradle opening arm 42, and a chuck 43. The yarn pull-out arm 41 can extend and retract via an actuator such as a cylinder (not shown). A suction-type yarn catcher is installed at the front end of the yarn pull-out arm 41 to pull out the yarn from the feed bobbin 21. The cradle opening arm 42 is opened by operating the cradle 16, allowing the fully loaded roll 22 to be removed from the cradle 16. The chuck 43 grasps the empty take-up bobbin held in the bobbin stacker (not shown) and feeds it to the cradle 16.

[0067] The yarn feed tube 21 is supplied to the yarn feed tube supply device 70. The yarn feed tube 21 is manufactured, for example, by winding the yarn spun in the previous spinning machine.

[0068] A yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70 and each take-up unit 10 are provided with a yarn feeding bobbin conveying path (conveyor mechanism) 71, which is composed of a belt conveyor or the like. This yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 71 can convey the conveyor tray (conveyor body) 45, which carries the yarn feeding bobbin 21, to each take-up unit 10.

[0069] The yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70 is configured to feed yarn bobbins 21 one by one onto the conveyor tray 45 and then feed them onto the yarn feeding bobbin conveying path 71. This allows the yarn bobbins 21 to be supplied to each take-up unit 10. The yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70 includes a yarn end preparation device 75. The yarn end preparation device 75 prepares the yarn end by appropriately pulling it out of the yarn bobbin 21 before supplying it to the take-up unit 10, in a manner that facilitates unwinding the yarn from the bobbin 21.

[0070] The machine control device 50 manages the yarn handling device 2. In this embodiment, the yarn handling device 2 includes a take-up unit 10 and a doffing trolley 40. However, the doffing trolley 40 can also be removed from the yarn handling device 2. That is, the doffing trolley 40 may or may not be managed by the machine control device 50. Similarly, the yarn feeding bobbin supply device 70 may or may not be managed by the machine control device 50. Figure 2 As shown, the machine control device 50 includes a control unit 51, a display unit 52, an operation unit 53, and a communication unit 54.

[0071] The control unit 51, like the unit control unit 19, includes a CPU, RAM, and memory. The memory may be, for example, an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. Various programs and control data are stored in the memory. The CPU reads the programs stored in the memory into the RAM and executes them. Thus, the control unit 51 performs control related to the yarn handling device 2.

[0072] Display unit 52 is a display device capable of displaying information. Display unit 52 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. Display unit 52 displays a screen generated by control unit 51. In the following description, "screen" refers to a display object composed of tables, graphs, photographs, illustrations, input fields, or icons for the purpose of displaying information related to yarn processing device 2. More specifically, display unit 52 displays a batch change preparation screen, etc., for preparing to change the batch of packages 22 formed by each take-up unit 10 from an old batch to a new batch. In the batch change of this embodiment, the type of yarn feed bobbin 21 processed by take-up unit 10 is changed. Display unit 52 is an example of a display.

[0073] The operation unit 53 is a hardware device that can be operated by the user. The operation unit 53 may be, for example, a physical button or a touch panel. The touch panel is integrated with the display unit 52, and when the user touches the screen of the display unit 52, the position of the user's touch is detected. Furthermore, the operation unit 53 can detect whether a specified operation (click, double-click, drag, zoom in, zoom out) has been performed based on the history of the user's touch positions. In this embodiment, the user is not limited to the operator who assists in the operation of the automatic winding machine 1, but also includes the manager who manages the automatic winding machine 1.

[0074] The control unit 51 processes commands corresponding to those given by the user through the operation unit 53. For example, the control unit 51 displays a menu on the display unit 52. When the user selects the batch change menu through the operation unit 53, the control unit 51 displays a batch change preparation screen on the display unit 52. Details about this batch change preparation screen will be described later. Furthermore, when the user selects the yarn take-up condition menu through the operation unit 53, the control unit 51 accepts input of the yarn take-up conditions and changes the yarn take-up conditions according to the input. The yarn take-up conditions can be set to, for example, the yarn take-up speed, the tension applied to the yarn, etc., but are not limited to these.

[0075] The communication unit 54 is a wired or wireless communication module used for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 54 can communicate with multiple take-up units 10 and the doffing trolley 40. Furthermore, each take-up unit 10 and the doffing trolley 40 can also be configured to communicate with each other.

[0076] Next, refer to Figures 4 to 7 The document explains the batch change preparation screen displayed on the display unit 52 during batch change preparation, the operator's operation on the screen, and the operation of the automatic winding machine 1 based on the operation.

[0077] Figures 4 to 7The batch change preparation screen, for example, is displayed on the display unit 52 after the operator inputs the intention to perform a batch change into the operation unit 53 of the machine control device 50. The batch change preparation screen includes a simulation condition setting unit 57, a simulation execution button 62, a simulation result display unit 63, and a batch change preparation execution button 67.

[0078] The simulation condition setting unit 57 is a component for setting simulation conditions to obtain information about batch change preparation before batch change preparation. Specifically, the control unit 51 has the function of performing simulation calculations simulating the yarn take-up actions of each take-up unit 10 in the automatic winding machine 1. Information about batch change preparation is obtained based on the results of these simulation calculations. The simulation condition setting unit 57 includes an instruction value input unit 58, an object range setting unit 59, and a usage data setting unit 61.

[0079] The indicator value input unit 58 is a component for inputting indicator values ​​related to the preparation of batch changes. In this embodiment, the indicator value input unit 58 can input the remaining quantity of the feed bobbins 21 of the old batch (in... Figure 4 Select), progress threshold (in) Figure 5 Select), preparation time (in) Figure 6 Select), number of completed (in) Figure 7 You can choose the type of indicator value from these four options. However, the types of indicator values ​​are not limited to these.

[0080] The remaining quantity of old batch yarn feed bobbins 21 refers to the number of old batch yarn feed bobbins 21 remaining in the yarn handling device 2 and the yarn feed bobbin supply device 70 when a batch change is made by changing the type of yarn feed bobbins 21. The remaining quantity of old batch yarn feed bobbins 21 is represented by "remaining bobbin count" in the indicator value input unit 58. The progress threshold is a threshold related to the formation progress of the rolls 22 in each of the multiple take-up units 10 (e.g., the take-up progress at the current moment when the full roll is set to 100). The progress threshold is represented by "WND%" in the indicator value input unit 58. The preparation time is the time (or may be spent) in preparing for the batch change. The preparation time is represented by "time" in the indicator value input unit 58. The completed quantity refers to the number of old batch rolls 22 that were completed (or intended to be completed) before the batch change. The completed quantity is represented by "roll count" in the indicator value input unit 58.

[0081] The object range setting unit 59 is a requirement for setting the winding units 10 (or winding units 10 that perform batch changes) included in the simulated object among the multiple winding units 10. In the illustrated example, the winding units 10 numbered 1 to 20 are selected as the winding units 10 of the simulated object.

[0082] The data setting unit 61 is a component for setting the operating data used in the simulation. The operating data is past operating data of the automatic winding machine 1, acquired over any period (e.g., 1 day or 1 week). The operating data includes, for example, the average yarn take-up speed in each take-up unit 10, the yarn defect generation rate, etc. In the above simulation calculation, each take-up unit 10 is assumed to take up the yarn at the same speed as the operating data, and to generate yarn defects at the same frequency as the operating data, simulating the yarn take-up operation. In the illustrated example, the operating data used is data acquired on "January 7, 2023".

[0083] The simulation execution button 62 is a requirement for performing a simulation of batch change preparation. When the simulation execution button 62 is clicked, the simulation of batch change preparation is performed according to the conditions set by the simulation condition setting unit 57.

[0084] After selecting one of the four indication values ​​in the indication value input section 58, the operator enters the specific indication value in the corresponding input field. Additionally, the operator selects the winding unit 10 included in the simulated object in the object range setting section 59, and selects the operating data used for the simulation in the usage data setting section 61. Then, the operator clicks the simulation execution button 62. The machine control device 50 then performs a simulation of continuing yarn winding from its current state for each of the winding units 10 of the simulated object. Based on the simulation results, the machine control device 50 determines for each of the winding units 10 of the simulated object whether to continue winding the yarn until the package 22 is completed, or to immediately interrupt and stop winding the yarn. Hereinafter, the winding unit 10 that continues winding the yarn is sometimes referred to as a continuing unit, and the winding unit 10 that stops is sometimes referred to as a stopping unit. Packages 22 where yarn winding is interrupted in a stopping unit are not shipped because they do not meet product specifications.

[0085] When the remaining quantity of old batch yarn feed bobbins 21 is the indicated value, the machine control device 50, through simulation, sequentially determines the take-up units 10 that can use the remaining old batch yarn feed bobbins 21 to form the package 22 as continuing units, starting from the take-up unit 10 with the high formation progress of the package 22, and determines the remaining take-up units 10 as stopping units. Figure 4At this point, the machine control device 50 calculates the number of feed bobbins 21 required to make the package 22 full in each take-up unit 10 (hereinafter also referred to as the required number of bobbins), and sequentially adds up the required number of bobbins starting from the take-up unit 10 with the fewest number. The required number of bobbins in each take-up unit 10 can be obtained by subtracting the length of the yarn after take-up from the length of the yarn required to form a full package, and dividing the subtracted length (hereinafter referred to as the required take-up length) by the average length of each feed bobbin 21. Under this condition, the machine control device 50 selects the take-up unit 10 in a manner where the cumulative required number of bobbins (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of bobbins) is below the indicated value (the remaining number of feed bobbins 21 in the old batch) and the total number of bobbins is the largest, and determines the selected take-up unit 10 as the continuing unit. Furthermore, the machine control device 50 sets the number of continuing units to the number completed in this batch change. Furthermore, the machine control device 50 sets the total number of bobbins to the number of feed bobbins 21 required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of packages 22 in this batch change. Additionally, the machine control device 50 sets the required time (hereinafter also referred to as the required time) of the unit that has the longest time required to form the old batch of packages 22 in the continuing unit as the time required for this batch change. The required time can be obtained by dividing the required take-up length by the average feed speed and adding the overall time required to remove yarn defects, etc. The stop time including yarn defect removal can be estimated by considering the ratio of the rotation time TD of the take-up roller 17 to the rotation time TB of the negative pressure generating device, i.e., the blower motor (not shown), provided by the automatic winding machine 1. For example, in the case of TD / TB×100=90%, this 90% corresponds to the time for the take-up operation, therefore the stop time including yarn defect removal is 10% of the operating time of the automatic winding machine 1. The stop time used in this calculation method, including the yarn defect removal stop time, also includes stop times based on alarm units, yarn feed bobbin supply delays, and operator-based stop times, in addition to the yarn defect removal time. In this example, the required time is 1.1 times the value obtained by dividing the required take-up length by the average yarn feed speed. This allows the calculation of the time required for batch changes.

[0086] Furthermore, when the indicated value is a progress threshold, the machine control device 50, through simulation, determines the winding unit 10 whose formation progress of the package 22 is above the progress threshold as a continuing unit, and determines the winding unit 10 whose formation progress of the package 22 is below the progress threshold as a stopping unit. Figure 5At this point, the machine control device 50 sets the number of continuing units to the completed quantity in this batch change. Additionally, the machine control device 50 calculates the total number of feed bobbins 21 required in each continuing unit until the package 22 is fully loaded, and uses this total as the number of feed bobbins 21 required for the old batch of packages 22 to achieve the completed quantity in this batch change. Furthermore, the machine control device 50 sets the required time of the continuing unit with the longest required time as the time required for this batch change.

[0087] Furthermore, when the indicated value is the preparation time, the machine control device 50, through simulation, determines the winding unit 10 that can form the package 22 within the preparation time as the continuing unit, and determines the remaining winding units 10 as the stopping unit. Figure 6 The take-up unit 10 capable of forming the roll 22 within the preparation time, in other words, refers to the take-up unit 10 whose required time is less than or equal to the preparation time. At this time, the machine control device 50 sets the number of continuing units to the completed quantity in this batch change. Furthermore, the machine control device 50 calculates the total number of feed bobbins 21 required in each continuing unit until the roll 22 becomes a full roll, and uses this total number as the number of feed bobbins 21 required for forming the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls 22 in this batch change. Additionally, the machine control device 50 sets the required time (less than the preparation time indicated by the indicator) of the unit with the longest required time in the continuing unit as the time required for this batch change.

[0088] Furthermore, when the indicated value is the completed quantity, the machine control device 50, through simulation, sequentially designates the winding units 10 with the completed quantity as continuing units, starting from the winding unit 10 with the highest formation progress of the package 22, and designates the remaining winding units 10 as stopping units. At this time, the machine control device 50 sets the number of continuing units (equal to the completed quantity indicated by the value) as the completed quantity in this batch change. Additionally, the machine control device 50 calculates the total number of bobbins 21 required in each continuing unit until the package 22 becomes a full roll, and uses this total as the number of bobbins 21 required for the completed quantity of the old batch of packages 22 in this batch change. Furthermore, the machine control device 50 sets the required time of the unit with the longest required time in the continuing units as the required time for this batch change.

[0089] The simulation results display unit 63 is an area used to display the simulation results of batch change preparation. The simulation results display unit 63 includes a numerical display unit 64 and a graph display unit 65.

[0090] The numerical display unit 64 is an area used to display information about simulation results in numerical form. In the illustrated example, three pieces of information are displayed on the numerical display unit 64: the number of completed rolls in the batch change (represented as "number of completed rolls" in each figure), the number of bobbins 21 required to form the completed rolls 22 of the old batch in the batch change (represented as "number of bobbins required" in each figure), and the time required for the batch change (represented as "time required" in each figure). Furthermore, the information displayed on the numerical display unit 64 is not limited to these. Additionally, the information displayed on the numerical display unit 64 can be any one or two of these.

[0091] The graph display section 65 is an area used to display information about the simulation results using a graph. In the illustrated example graph, the horizontal axis represents the number (1 to 40) corresponding to each winding unit 10, and the vertical axis represents the formation progress (in %) of the roll 22 in each winding unit 10. In this example, to identify the continuing unit and the stopping unit, the two units are displayed corresponding to each other with different colors. Specifically, the continuing unit is displayed with a dark dotted shading line (in each figure), and the stopping unit is displayed with a light dotted shading line (in each figure), but the display form used to identify the two units is not limited to this. Furthermore, the dark dotted shading line and the light dotted shading line represent different colors respectively.

[0092] Furthermore, in the chart display unit 65, by pointing the cursor 66 at any take-up unit 10, information about that take-up unit 10 can be displayed individually. In the illustrated example, information about take-up unit 4 10 is displayed (i.e., unit number, formation progress of package 22, number of feed bobbins 21 required for package 22 formation, and time required for package 22 formation). The cursor 66 can be operated, for example, by the operator clicking the touch panel-type display unit 52.

[0093] The batch change preparation execution button 67 is a component used to input the execution instruction for batch change preparation. Batch change preparation is performed after the machine control device 50 performs a simulation and determines the continue and stop units based on the results. Batch change preparation is executed by clicking the batch change preparation execution button 67. The batch change preparation execution button 67 is an example of an execution instruction input unit.

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 8 The process for batch change preparation is explained. In this embodiment, batch change preparation refers to the state in which all take-up units 10 are removed from the old batch rolls 22 and the process stops. As shown in the figure, the operator instructs the machine control device 50 to perform a simulation of batch change preparation (S1). At this time, the operator clicks the simulation execution button 62 based on the input of the instruction value, etc.

[0095] Upon receiving the simulation execution instruction from the operator, the machine control device 50 executes the simulation, determines the continue unit and the stop unit, and displays the determined continue unit and stop unit information on the display unit 52 (S2).

[0096] The operator confirms the simulation results displayed on the display unit 52 (S3). If the simulation results are unsatisfactory, the operator, after changing the indicated values, issues a simulation execution instruction to the machine control device 50 again. On the other hand, if the simulation results are satisfactory, the operator instructs the machine control device 50 to perform batch change preparation (S4). At this time, the operator clicks the batch change preparation execution button 67.

[0097] Upon receiving a batch change preparation instruction from the operator, the machine control unit 50, based on simulation results, issues batch change preparation instructions (S5) to each take-up unit 10. These batch change preparation instructions include instructions to continue yarn take-up in the continue unit and instructions to interrupt and stop yarn take-up in the stop unit.

[0098] Upon receiving a batch change preparation instruction from the machine control device 50, the stop unit interrupts and stops yarn winding, changing its internal status to "Preparation Complete" (S6). There are also cases where the stop unit does not wind the yarn for some reason, but in such cases, it only stops. The continue unit continues yarn winding and changes its internal status to "Preparing" (S6). Both the stop unit and the continue unit send their internal statuses to the machine control device 50 (S7). Upon receiving these signals, the machine control device 50 displays "Batch Change Preparation in Progress" on the display unit 52 (S8).

[0099] After sending the aforementioned signal to the machine control device 50, the continuing unit displays the number of feed bobbins 21 required to form the old batch of package 22 on the unit display unit 55 (S9). The display of the required number of feed bobbins 21 is updated by decreasing by 1 each time a feed bobbin 21 becomes empty in the continuing unit and a new feed bobbin 21 is supplied. The continuing unit continues to wind up the yarn, and when the package 22 becomes a full package (S10), it issues an execution instruction to the doffing trolley 40 to deliver the package 22 (S11).

[0100] If an instruction to deliver the roll is received, the doffing carriage 40 performs the delivery action (S12) on the continuing unit that issued the instruction. At this time, after the doffing carriage 40 travels to and stops at the continuing unit, it removes the completed old batch of roll 22 from the continuing unit. However, it does not perform the action of setting the next take-up bobbin. Hereinafter, the continuing unit where the roll 22 has been removed is sometimes referred to as the delivery unit. Rolls 22 that are not fully rolled in the stopping unit are removed by the doffing carriage 40, but can also be removed manually by an operator or the like.

[0101] The continuation unit, having completed its delivery action, stops and changes its internal state to "ready to complete" (S13). Then, the continuation unit sends its internal state (i.e., "ready to complete") to the machine control device 50 (S14). If a signal indicating "ready to complete" is received from all the winding units (continuation units and stop units), the machine control device 50 changes its internal state to "complete" (S15). Next, the machine control device 50 sends a stop command to all winding units 10 (S16).

[0102] If a stop command is received from the machine control device 50, all winding units 10 change their internal state to "stop" (S17). Here, each winding unit 10 can send a signal to the machine control device 50 indicating that its internal state is "preparing" or "preparation complete," but it cannot recognize the state of other winding units 10. Therefore, when the machine control device 50, which manages all winding units 10, completes preparation in all winding units 10, it sends a stop command to each winding unit 10, thereby enabling each winding unit 10 to change its internal state to the aforementioned "stop."

[0103] Subsequently, each take-up unit 10 sends a signal to the machine control device 50 indicating that its internal state has been changed to "stop" (S18). Upon receiving the signal, the machine control device 50 displays, for example, "stop" as a status display on the display unit 52 (S19). By displaying "stop" on the display unit 52 of the machine control device 50, the operator can recognize that the preparation for batch change in the automatic winding machine 1 has been completed and can proceed to the execution of subsequent batch change operations.

[0104] As explained above, the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of take-up units 10 and a machine control device 50. The plurality of take-up units 10 unwind yarn from the yarn feed bobbin 21 and take up the unwound yarn to form packages 22 respectively. The machine control device 50 receives a batch change preparation command to change the packages 22 formed by the take-up units 10 from an old batch to a new batch. The machine control device 50 has an instruction value input section 58 for inputting an instruction value related to the preparation for batch change. If the machine control device 50 receives the batch change preparation command while an instruction value has been input to the instruction value input section 58, it determines, based on the instruction value, which determines whether the take-up unit 10 continues taking up yarn (i.e., a continue unit) or the take-up unit 10 stops taking up yarn by interrupting the take-up (i.e., a stop unit).

[0105] Therefore, the operator inputs the indication value related to the preparation for batch change into the indication value input unit 58, thereby the machine control device 50 automatically determines the continue unit and stop unit based on the indication value. By appropriately adjusting the indication value before performing batch change preparation, the operator can obtain the decision of the machine control device 50 corresponding to the situation. By obtaining such a decision, the operator can flexibly operate the automatic winding machine 1 according to various conditions during batch change.

[0106] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the machine control device 50 displays information for identifying the continue unit and the stop unit on the display unit 52.

[0107] Therefore, before preparing for batch changes, the operator can visually confirm the continue unit and the stop unit by observing the display unit 52 that displays this information.

[0108] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the machine control device 50 displays the continue unit and the stop unit corresponding to different colors on the display unit 52.

[0109] This makes it easier for operators to perform the aforementioned visual verifications.

[0110] Furthermore, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, during batch changes, the type of feed bobbins 21 processed by the take-up unit 10 is changed. The remaining quantity of feed bobbins 21 of the old batch can be input to the indicator value input unit 58 as an indicator value.

[0111] Thus, by inputting the remaining quantity of the old batch of yarn feed tubes 21, the operator can enable the machine control device 50 to make decisions on the continue unit and stop unit based on the remaining quantity.

[0112] When a batch change preparation command is received while the remaining quantity of the old batch of yarn feed bobbins 21 is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 sequentially determines the take-up units 10 that can use the remaining old batch of yarn feed bobbins 21 to form the package 22 as continue units, starting from the take-up unit 10 with the high formation progress of the package 22, and determines the remaining take-up units 10 as stop units.

[0113] This allows for maximum utilization of the remaining old batches of yarn feed tubes 21, and enables the machine control device 50 to make decisions on preparations for batch changes in the shortest possible time.

[0114] When a batch change preparation order is accepted while the remaining quantity of the old batch of yarn feed bobbins 21 has been input to the indicator value input unit 58 as an indicator value, the machine control device 50 will display at least one of the following on the display unit 52: the quantity of the old batch of rolls 22 completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the quantity of yarn feed bobbins 21 required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls 22, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls 22.

[0115] Therefore, by checking the information displayed on the display unit 52, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch change.

[0116] In the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, a threshold value, namely a progress threshold value, which is related to the formation progress of the roll 22 of each of the plurality of take-up units 10 can be input to the indicator value input unit 58 as an indicator value.

[0117] Thus, by inputting a progress threshold, the operator can enable the machine control device 50 to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on the progress threshold.

[0118] When a batch change preparation order is accepted while the progress threshold is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 determines the winding unit 10 whose formation progress of the package 22 is above the progress threshold as a continuing unit, and determines the winding unit 10 whose formation progress of the package 22 is below the progress threshold as a stopping unit.

[0119] Thus, the operator can make the machine control device 50 make a decision to complete as many old batches of rolls 22 as possible based on the input progress threshold.

[0120] When a batch change preparation command is accepted while the progress threshold is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 displays at least one of the following on the display unit 52 based on the progress threshold: the number of old batch rolls 22 completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the number of yarn feed bobbins 21 required to form the completed quantity of old batch rolls 22, and the time required to form the completed quantity of old batch rolls 22.

[0121] Therefore, by checking the information displayed on the display unit 52, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch change.

[0122] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the preparation time for batch change can be input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58.

[0123] Therefore, by inputting the preparation time, the operator can enable the machine control device 50 to make decisions on the continue unit and the stop unit based on the preparation time.

[0124] When a batch change preparation order is accepted while the preparation time is input as the instruction value to the instruction value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 determines the take-up unit 10 that can form the roll 22 within the preparation time as the continue unit and the remaining take-up units 10 as the stop unit.

[0125] Thus, the operator can enable the machine control device 50 to make decisions on completing as many old batches of rolls 22 as possible within the preparation time.

[0126] When a batch change preparation command is accepted while the preparation time is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 displays at least one of the following on the display unit 52 based on the preparation time: the number of old batch rolls 22 completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the number of yarn feed tubes 21 required to form the completed quantity of old batch rolls 22, and the time required to form the completed quantity of old batch rolls 22.

[0127] Therefore, by checking the information displayed on the display unit 52, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch change.

[0128] In addition, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the quantity of the old batch of rolls 22 completed before the batch change can be input to the indicator value input unit 58 as the indicator value.

[0129] Thus, by inputting the number of completed tasks, the operator can enable the machine control device 50 to make decisions on the continue unit and stop unit based on that number of completed tasks.

[0130] When a batch change preparation command is accepted while the completed quantity is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 sequentially determines the completed winding units 10 as continuing units, starting from the winding unit 10 with the high formation progress of the package 22, and determines the remaining winding units 10 as the stopping units.

[0131] Thus, the operator can complete the completion of the required number of rolls while the machine control device 50 makes a decision to prepare for batch changes in the shortest possible time.

[0132] When a batch change preparation command is accepted while the completed quantity is input as an indication value to the indication value input unit 58, the machine control device 50 displays at least one of the following on the display unit 52: the completed quantity, the number of yarn feed tubes 21 required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls 22, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls 22.

[0133] Therefore, by checking the information displayed on the display unit 52, the operator can appropriately determine whether to prepare for batch change.

[0134] In addition, the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a batch change preparation execution button 67, which is used to input an execution instruction for batch change preparation after the machine control device 50 has determined the continue unit and the stop unit. If an execution instruction is input to the batch change preparation execution button 67, the automatic winding machine 1 performs batch change preparation.

[0135] Therefore, if the operator can meet the decision of the machine control device 50, the operator can input the batch change preparation execution instruction to the batch change preparation execution button 67, so that the automatic winding machine 1 can perform batch change preparation.

[0136] The automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a doffing trolley 40 for removing the package 22 formed by the take-up unit 10. During batch change preparation, the doffing trolley 40 removes the package 22 of the old batch formed by the continuing unit from the continuing unit.

[0137] Thus, by removing the old batch of rolls 22 from the continuing unit, preparation of each winding unit 10 for forming new batches of rolls can be completed.

[0138] Furthermore, in the automatic winding machine 1 of this embodiment, each of the multiple take-up units 10 has a unit display section 55 capable of displaying information. Each take-up unit 10 displays the number of feed bobbins 21 required to form the package 22 on the unit display section 55.

[0139] Therefore, by visually confirming the unit display 55 of each take-up unit 10, the operator can easily grasp the progress of the roll formation in that take-up unit 10.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Modifications can be made individually or in combination.

[0141] The instructions for the doffing trolley 40 may be given not by each take-up unit 10 (more specifically, the unit control unit 19 of each take-up unit 10) but by the machine control device 50.

[0142] The number of take-up units 10 in the automatic winding machine 1 can be less than 40 or more than 41.

[0143] During batch changes, the type of the yarn feed bobbin 21 processed by the take-up unit 10 may remain unchanged. In this case, the type of the package 22 formed by the take-up unit 10 may also be changed before or after the batch change, for example, by changing the tension applied to the yarn.

[0144] The types of input indication values ​​can also be at least one to three of the following: remaining quantity of old batch yarn feed bobbins 21, progress threshold, preparation time, and completed quantity.

[0145] In the graph display unit 65, a curve may be displayed in a way that makes it impossible to distinguish between the continue and stop units. Alternatively, instead of a curve, the value of WND% may be displayed directly. The graph display unit 65 may also be omitted from the simulation result display unit 63.

[0146] In the winding unit 10, the unit display section 55 may also be omitted.

Claims

1. An automatic winding machine, characterized in that, have: Multiple take-up units unwind yarn from a yarn feed bobbin and take up the unwound yarn to form packages; and The machine control unit receives a batch change preparation order to change the roll formed by the winding unit from an old batch to a new batch. The machine control unit has an indication value input unit for inputting indication values ​​related to the preparation of the batch change. When a preparation command for batch change is accepted while the indication value has been input into the indication value input unit, the machine control unit determines, based on the indication value, the take-up unit (i.e., the continue unit) to continue taking up the yarn and the take-up unit (i.e., the stop unit) to stop taking up the yarn by interrupting the yarn take-up.

2. The automatic winding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine control unit displays information used to identify the continue unit and the stop unit on the display screen.

3. The automatic winding machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The machine control unit displays the continue unit and the stop unit on the display screen, each corresponding to a different color.

4. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the batch change, the type of the yarn feed bobbin processed by the take-up unit is changed, and the indication value is the remaining quantity of the yarn feed bobbin in the old batch.

5. The automatic winding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The machine control unit sequentially designates the take-up units that can use the remaining old batch of yarn feed bobbins to form the package as the continuing units, starting from the take-up units with the highest package formation progress, and designates the remaining take-up units as the stopping units.

6. The automatic winding machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The machine control unit displays on the display at least one of the following based on the remaining quantity of the feed bobbins of the old batch: the quantity of the old batch that was completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the quantity of the feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of the rolls, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of the rolls.

7. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The indicated value is a threshold, i.e., a progress threshold, related to the formation progress of the roll in each of the plurality of winding units.

8. The automatic winding machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The machine control unit determines the winding unit whose roll formation progress is above the progress threshold as the continuing unit, and determines the winding unit whose roll formation progress is below the progress threshold as the stopping unit.

9. The automatic winding machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Based on the progress threshold, the machine control unit displays on the display at least one of the following: the number of the old batch rolls completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the number of the yarn feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of the old batch rolls, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch rolls.

10. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The indicated value is the time spent preparing the batch change, i.e., the preparation time.

11. The automatic winding machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The machine control unit determines the winding unit that can form the roll within the preparation time as the continuing unit, and determines the remaining winding units as the stopping unit.

12. The automatic winding machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, Based on the preparation time, the machine control unit displays on the display at least one of the following: the quantity of the old batch of rolls completed before the batch change (i.e., the completed quantity), the quantity of the yarn feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of rolls.

13. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The indicated value is the quantity of the rolls of the old batch completed before the batch change, i.e., the completed quantity.

14. The automatic winding machine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The machine control unit sequentially designates the completed number of winding units as the continuing units, starting from the winding unit with the highest winding progress, and designates the remaining winding units as the stopping units.

15. The automatic winding machine according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The machine control unit displays at least one of the following on a display: the number of completed quantities, the number of yarn feed bobbins required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of packages, and the time required to form the completed quantity of the old batch of packages.

16. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, It also includes an execution instruction input unit, which is used to input an execution instruction for preparing the batch change after the machine control unit has determined the continue unit and the stop unit. When the execution instruction is input to the execution instruction input unit, preparation for the batch change is performed.

17. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, It also includes a doffing device for removing the yarn package formed by the take-up unit. During the preparation for the batch change, the doffing device removes the roll of the old batch formed by the continuing unit from the continuing unit.

18. The automatic winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of take-up units has a unit display section capable of displaying information, and the number of the yarn feed bobbins required to form the package is displayed on the unit display section.

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