Stretch texturing machine

Abstract

Stretch texturing machine comprising: a thread feeding section (11) configured to feed threads; a false twist unit (12) configured to false-twist the yarns fed from the yarn feed section (11); Winding devices (13) constructed to form thread bodies (P) by winding the threads which have been false-twisted by the false twist unit (12), wherein the winding devices (13) are formed in four levels in a high / low direction, and the draw-texturing machine further comprises a lowering unit (51) configured to lower at least one yarn body (P) formed by a winding device (13) on the fourth level from the ground to a position substantially at the level of a winding device (13) on the third level from the ground.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a draw-texturing machine for carrying out false-twisting of threads.

[0002] A draw-texturing machine that performs false twisting of yarns includes a yarn feed section, a false-twisting unit that false-twists yarns fed from the feed section, and a winding device that winds yarns false-twisted by the false-twisting unit and forms yarn packages. In a typical draw-texturing machine, winding devices are provided at three levels in the base, with the height of the uppermost winding device limited to approximately 1.8 m above the floor to allow an operator to stand on the floor and collect or unload yarn packages.

[0003] In a draw-texturing machine described in JP 2012-097369 A, winding devices are provided on four levels in the base to improve productivity. In this draw-texturing machine, since the winding devices on the uppermost level (the fourth level from the ground) are located at least 2 m above the ground, a work stand is provided in the work space of the operator of the draw-texturing machine to allow the operator to collect the yarn packages formed by the winding devices on the uppermost level. The operator, standing on the work stand in the work space, can collect the yarn packages forming the winding devices on the uppermost level.

[0004] DE 297 08 930 U1 discloses a device for the automatic removal of bobbins wound with textured yarn, which bobbins are arranged in a texturing machine and are held by corresponding holding components arranged along side sections of the texturing machine, wherein removal stations for the yarn to be textured are provided at a distance from these side sections, wherein an aisle is provided between the removal stations and the side sections, in which aisle the device is movable.This device is characterized in that for removing the bobbins wound with textured yarn from the side sections of the texturing machine, a carrying device is provided which is movable along a section which is displaceable along at least one overhead guide arranged in the aisle, an intermediate storage facility remote from the texturing machine is provided for temporarily storing removed bobbins, and the carrying device is displaceable between the side sections and the intermediate storage facility.

[0005] JP 2004 - 331 363 A discloses a package transport device capable of transporting a package discharged from a package manufacturing device to the end of a discharge conveyor, regardless of the number of lines of the discharge conveyor, and transferring it to a lifting / lowering device.The package transport device is equipped with the lifting / lowering device for unloading the package discharged from the discharge conveyor of the package manufacturing device and a conveyor device for transporting the discharged package, and at the end of the discharge conveyor, a roller conveyor transport part is arranged which is inclined to the package discharging direction and can accommodate a certain number of packages, and is pivotally coupled to the end of the discharge conveyor so that it is rotatable between the downwardly inclined position in the discharge direction of the package discharged from the discharge conveyor and the horizontal position, and the lifting / lowering device is equipped with a rotating device for rotating the roller conveyor transport part.

[0006] DE 41 19 827 A1 discloses a device for automatically exchanging a full spool for an empty spool or tube in a winding machine for winding monofilaments or multifilaments and ribbons, wherein each spool is arranged on a driven shaft and a thread guide element is provided at a certain distance from the spool, characterized in that it is equipped with a drivable spool / lifting unit for flush coupling to the spool shaft of the winding machine and with a thread deflection arm for transferring the thread from the full spool to the rotating empty spool or tube.

[0007] CH 463 340 A discloses a creel for unwinding bobbins on a textile machine, in particular a drawing and / or texturing machine.

[0008] DE 32 27 978 A1 discloses a textile machine. The textile machine has a service aid that can be moved manually along the machine to facilitate the removal of heavy finished bobbins from the machine. Positioning markings and holding devices ensure the allocation of the service aid to the workstations requiring maintenance. The service aid consists of a carriage guided on rails, on which a number of bobbin receiving troughs are arranged laterally and can be moved toward the transverse center of the machine. The number of bobbin receiving troughs corresponds to the number of winding levels arranged one above the other in the machine. The bobbin receiving troughs are pushed horizontally from a rest position between the drive roller and the full bobbin lifted by the drive roller.After the bobbin has been released from the bobbin arms, it falls into the bobbin receiving trough, with which it is then pulled out of the machine into an unloading position in front of the longitudinal front of the machine, which is also the rest position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The draw-texturing machine described in JP 2012-097369 A has a disadvantage in the efficiency of collecting the yarn packages, since the operator must place the work frame at the work station, stand on the work frame, and collect the yarn packages formed by the winding devices at the top level. Thus, the efficiency of collecting the yarn packages by the operator is low when the operator collects yarn packages formed by winding devices at a high position using a work frame or the like.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of collecting the thread bodies formed by a winding device.

[0011] This object is achieved by a stretch texturing machine according to the main claim 1. The dependent claims define optional features and preferred embodiments.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the invention, a draw-texturing machine includes: a yarn feed section configured to feed yarns; a false-twisting unit configured to false-twist the yarns fed from the yarn feed section; winding devices configured to form yarn bodies by winding the yarns false-twisted by the false-twisting unit, wherein the winding devices are formed in four levels in an up / down direction, and wherein the draw-texturing machine further comprises a lowering unit configured to lower at least one yarn body formed by a winding device on the fourth level from the ground to a position substantially at the level of a winding device on the third level from the ground.

[0013] According to the present invention, since the yarn body formed by the winding device at the fourth level from the ground is lowered by the lowering unit, the operator can easily collect or remove the lowered yarn body. The efficiency of the operator's collection of the yarn body is thus improved.

[0014] According to the second aspect of the invention, the draw-texturing machine of the first aspect is provided such that the lowering unit includes: a yarn body receiver configured to receive a yarn body formed by a winding device; a lifting mechanism configured to move the yarn body receiver between a receiving position where the yarn body receiver is provided adjacent to the winding device and a collecting position located below the receiving position.

[0015] According to this aspect of the invention, the lifting mechanism moves the yarn body pickup between the pickup position, where the pickup is provided adjacent to the winding devices, and the collection position below the pickup position. This allows the operator to easily collect the yarn body, which has been moved (lowered) to the collection position located below the pickup position.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the invention, the draw texturing machine of the second aspect is provided such that each of the winding devices includes a regulating mechanism configured to regulate the movement of the yarn body to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device is not at the take-up position and to cancel the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device is at the take-up position.

[0017] According to this aspect of the invention, the regulating mechanism cancels the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device is at the take-up position. Since the yarn body does not move to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device is not at the take-up position, it is possible to prevent the yarn body from accidentally falling off the winding device.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the draw-texturing machine of the third aspect further includes one or more operation switches used to operate the regulating mechanism and the lowering unit, wherein the regulating mechanism cancels the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position when the operation switch is operated while the yarn body take-up is located at the take-up position, and the lifting mechanism moves the yarn body take-up from the take-up position to the collecting position when the operation switch is operated after the yarn body has been moved to the yarn body take-up.

[0019] According to this aspect of the invention, when the operation switch is operated while the yarn body take-up is at the take-up position, the regulating mechanism cancels the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position. Furthermore, when the operation switch is operated after the yarn body has been moved to the yarn body take-up, the lifting mechanism moves the yarn body take-up from the take-up position to the collection position. Thus, the operator can instruct the draw-texturing machine to lower the yarn body from the winding device by operating the operation switch.

[0020] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the draw texturing machine according to the fourth aspect further includes a control unit configured to control the regulating mechanism, wherein the control unit does not accept an input from the operation switch and does not cancel the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position by the regulating mechanism when the yarn body take-up device is not at the take-up position.

[0021] According to this aspect of the invention, the control unit does not accept an input from the operation switch when the yarn body take-up is not at the take-up position and does not cancel the movement regulation of the yarn body to the take-up position by the regulation mechanism. In other words, an input from the operation switch is rejected when the yarn body take-up is not at the take-up position. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the yarn body from falling out of the winding device when the operation switch is operated while the yarn body take-up is not at the take-up position and the yarn body is mistakenly moved to the take-up position.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the draw texturing machine according to any one of the second, third, fourth and fifth aspects further includes a notification unit configured to notify that the yarn body take-up is moved up or down when the yarn body take-up is moved up or down by the lifting mechanism.

[0023] According to this aspect of the present invention, the notification unit notifies that the yarn body pickup is being moved up or down while the yarn body pickup is being moved up or down by the lifting mechanism. The operator is thus notified that the yarn body pickup is being moved up or down.

[0024] According to the present invention, since the yarn body formed by the winding device at least on the fourth level from the ground is lowered by the lowering unit, the operator can easily collect or remove the lowered yarn body. The efficiency of the operator's collection of the yarn body is thus improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a stretch texturing machine of an embodiment. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the winding device shown in Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. 3 is a schematic front view showing elements such as a lowering unit. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view showing elements such as the lowering unit when thread bodies are lowered. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing elements such as the lowering unit. Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an electrical structure of the control unit or the like. Fig. 7 represents the operation of the lowering unit or the like. Fig. 8 represents the operation of the lowering unit or the like. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a draw-texturing machine of the present embodiment. The draw-texturing machine 1 false-twists and crimps, for example, thermoplastic synthetic fibers made of polyester, polyamide, or the like to produce highly elastic textured yarns.

[0026] As it is in Fig. 1, the draw-texturing machine 1 includes elements such as a main frame 2, two winding bases 3, and a support section 4. Units described later are attached to these elements. The main frame 2 extends in the direction away from the viewer of the figure. The two winding bases 3 are provided symmetrically around the main frame 2 and each faces the main frame 2 with a working space 6 formed therebetween. On the side opposite the working space 6, a space 7 is formed above the winding base 3 to allow an operator to remove fully wound yarn bodies P formed by winding devices 13 described later provided on the winding base 3. The support section 4 connects the main frame 2 to the two winding bases 3.

[0027] The draw-texturing machine 1 includes elements such as two yarn feed creels 11 (yarn feed sections) respectively disposed opposite the two winding bases 3 across the spaces 7, two false twist units 12 provided at upper parts of the main frame 2, and winding devices 13 provided in the two winding bases 3. Each yarn feed creel 11 supports yarn feed bodies S and feeds yarns Y from the yarn feed bodies S. Each false twist unit 12 false-twists the yarns Y fed from the yarn feed creel 11. Each winding device 13 winds the yarns Y false-twisted by the false twist unit 12 to form a yarn body P. Details of this winding device 13 will be given later.

[0028] On the yarn path from each yarn feed creel 11 to the winding devices 13, a first transport roller 14, a first heater 17, a cooler 19, a false twist unit 12, a second transport roller 15, a second heater 18, and a third transport roller 16 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side in the yarn running direction. In the draw-texturing machine 1, two groups of units, each formed by the units provided along the yarn path from the yarn feed creel 11 to the winding devices 13, are arranged symmetrically around the main frame 2.

[0029] The first transport roller 14 is provided at an upper end portion of the winding base 3. The first heater 17 is provided above the working space 6. The cooler 19 is provided on the main frame side of the first heater 17 above the working space 6. The second transport roller 15 is provided below the false twist unit 12 of the main frame 2. The second heater 18 is provided below the second transport roller 15 of the main frame 2. The first heater 17 and the cooler 19 are located substantially on a horizontal line above the working space 6, and the yarn path from the yarn feed creel 11 to the winding devices 13 is formed to surround the working space 6. The first heater 17 and the cooler 19 are connected to the support section 4, fixed in position.In the work space 6, the operator, who travels on a thread threading carriage (not shown), can perform thread threading at a high position in the vicinity of the first heater 17 and the cooler 19 and carry out maintenance work.

[0030] The first to third transport rollers 14 to 16 are rollers for sending the yarns Y from the upstream side to the downstream side in the yarn traveling direction. The yarn transport speed of each roller is set such that the yarn transport speed of the second transport roller 15 is higher than the yarn transport speed of the first transport roller 14. Thus, the yarns Y are stretched between the first transport roller 14 and the second transport roller 15. The yarn transport speed of each roller is set such that the yarn transport speed of the third transport roller 16 is lower than the yarn transport speed of the second transport roller 15. Thus, a relaxed thermal treatment of the yarns Y is performed between the second transport roller 15 and the third transport roller 16.

[0031] The following describes the operation of the draw-texturing machine 1 until the yarn Y fed from the yarn feed creel 11 is wound by the winding device 13. A yarn Y drawn between the first transport roller 14 and the second transport roller 15 is twisted by the false twist unit 12. The false twist unit 12 is, for example, a belt nip twister that takes a yarn Y between two intersecting belts to twist and transport the yarn Y. The twist formed by the false twist unit 12 reaches the first transport roller 14. The drawn and twisted yarn Y is thermally set at the first heater 17 and then cooled at the cooler 19. The twisted and thermally set yarn Y passes through the false twist unit 12 and is then untwisted before reaching the second transport roller 15.The drawn and false-twisted yarn Y is then fed to the loosened thermal treatment at the second heater 18 and is wound onto a take-up tube B by the winding device 13 (see . Fig. 2), and a thread body P is finally formed.

[0032] Next, the winding devices 13 are described in detail. As shown in Fig. 1, the winding devices 13 are formed in a single winding base 3 in four planes, which are aligned in the vertical direction, that is, in planes in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in each plane, four winding devices 13 are provided in the direction away from the viewer of the figure (that is, in the width direction of the winding base 3). Consequently, four winding devices 13 are provided in each of the four planes. In other words, a total of 16 (4 x 4 planes) winding devices 13 are provided in each winding base 3. The height of the winding devices 13 is provided, for example, such that the winding devices 13 on the fourth plane are approximately 2.3 m above the ground (height a in Fig. 3), the winding devices 13 on the third level are located approximately 1.8 m above the ground (height b in Fig. 3), the winding devices 13 on the second level from the ground approximately 1.3 m above the ground (height c in Fig. 3) and the winding devices 13 on the lowest level are approximately 0.8 m above the ground (height d in Fig. 3).

[0033] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the winding device 13 shown in Fig. 1. Although a part of the winding device 13 is located in the inner region of the winding base 3 and is consequently covered by another winding base 3, the Fig. 1 represents such a hidden part. Furthermore, some winding bases 3 are in the Fig. 2 is not shown. As shown in Fig. 2, each winding device 13 includes elements such as a take-up tube holder 21, a pay-out trough 22, a winding roller 23, a pair of doffer arms 24, a bearing section 25, a first regulating mechanism 50 (regulating mechanism), a second regulating mechanism 40, or the like.

[0034] The take-up tube holder 21 is a place where take-up tubes B are stored. The pay-out trough 22 supports or supports a thread body P on which the thread Y is to be wound. The winding roller 23 is in frictional contact with a thread body P on which the thread Y is wound, and rotates the thread body P. The two take-up arms 24 take off (i.e., move) a completely wound thread body P to the storage section 25. The take-up arms 24 are lined up in the direction away from the viewer of the figure at a certain distance, and the upper ends of the arms clamp a thread body P. Each of the take-up arms 24 is rotatable about the lower end. By the two take-up arms 24, which are arranged as in Fig. 2 are rotated counterclockwise, the fully wound thread body P is removed to the storage section 25.

[0035] The storage section 25 stores fully wound yarn bodies P. In the present embodiment, the storage section 25 can store up to two yarn bodies P. The storage section 25 is provided with two guide rails 27 extending substantially in a horizontal direction. The two guide rails 27 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction away from the viewer of the figure and are inclined downward toward the space 7. Consequently, a yarn body P, which has been picked up by the pick-up arms 24 to the storage section 25, moves toward the space 7 by the ends of the pick-up tubes B rolling on the corresponding guide rails 27.

[0036] The first regulating mechanism 50 regulates the movement of the thread body P (first thread body P) closest to the space 7 to the space 7 (that is, the movement to a later-described thread body take-up 52 at a take-up position) and cancels the regulation of the movement of the thread body P to the space 7 (that is, the regulation of the movement to the later-described thread body take-up 52 at the take-up position). The first regulating mechanism 50 is provided with two regulators 26 and an air cylinder 74 (see Fig. 6) is provided, by which the regulators 26 are actuated. Each regulator 26 is rotatably provided on the guide rail 27. Furthermore, each regulator 26 has a claw 28 projecting upwards to engage with the receiving tube B of the thread body P on the guide rails 27. The regulators 26 are moved by the air cylinder 74 between a regulating position (shown in Fig. 2), where the claws 28 are in contact with the receiving tube B and the movement of the thread body P is regulated, and a cancellation position at which the movement regulation of the thread body P is cancelled, regulated by rotating the regulators 26 counterclockwise from the regulation position shown in Fig. 2, and consequently, the claws 28 are moved downward and no longer contact the take-up tube B. The second regulating mechanism 40 regulates the movement of a thread body P (second thread body P) located second closest to the space 7 after the first thread body P (that is, the movement to the position where the first thread body P is located), and cancels the regulation of the movement of the second thread body P to the space 7 (that is, the movement to the position where the first thread body P is located).

[0037] The winding device 13 winds the thread Y in such a manner that, while the thread Y is transversely guided by a transverse guide unit (not shown), the take-up tube B (thread body P) supported by the pay-out tray 22 is rotated by the winding roller 23. In addition, the winding device 13 further includes unillustrated elements such as a thread cutting mechanism for cutting a thread Y connected to a thread body P detached to the storage section 25, an air sucker for sucking and holding the thread end of the cut thread, a take-up tube supply mechanism for supplying take-up tubes B to the pay-out tray, and a thread threading mechanism for threading a thread Y onto the take-up tube B supported by the pay-out tray 22.

[0038] In the winding device 13 described above, the processes from the process of feeding a take-up tube B to the pay-out tray 22 and the process of winding a thread Y on the take-up tube B to the process of removing the fully wound thread body P to the storage section 25 are automated. When the counting unit counts to a certain number, the winding device 13 automatically removes the fully wound thread body P from the pay-out tray 22 to the storage section 25 by means of the remover arms 24. At that time, the thread Y connected to the thread body P is cut by the thread cutting mechanism. Thereafter, a take-up tube B is fed from the take-up tube holder 21 to the pay-out tray 22 via the take-up tube feed mechanism.A thread Y is then wound by the thread threading mechanism onto the take-up tube B fed from the unwinding trough 22, and the winding of the thread Y onto the take-up tube B begins.

[0039] In order to efficiently produce yarn packages P, the draw-texturing machine 1 of the present embodiment has winders 13 provided at four levels and arrayed in the up / down direction. While this enables efficient production of yarn packages P, the winders 13 on the fourth level from the ground (i.e., the uppermost winder 13) are at least about 2 m above the ground (i.e., about 2.3 m in height). In the conventional draw-texturing machines, the operator steps on the work stand or the like to collect the yarn package formed by each winder on the fourth level from the ground. Such an operation of collecting yarn packages using the work stand or the like is inefficient.Taking this into account, the stretch texturing machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a lowering unit 51 (see . Fig. 3) is provided, which is constructed to lower a thread body P formed by each winding device 13 in the fourth plane from the ground.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a schematic front view showing elements such as the lowering unit 51. Fig. 4 is a schematic front view showing a member such as the lowering unit 51 when the thread body P is lowered. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing elements such as the lowering unit 51. As shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, the lowering unit 51 includes thread body receivers 52 and a lifting mechanism 53.

[0041] Each yarn body receiver 52 receives a yarn body P formed by the winding device 13. Four yarn body receivers 52 are lined up in the width direction of the winding base 3 to correspond to the four winding devices 13 arranged respectively in the direction from the viewer of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 away (that is, in the width direction of the winding base 3). Each yarn body receiver 52 is substantially U-shaped and is open upwards and receives a yarn body P in the open part. At the upper end of each side wall 57 extending upwards from the bottom surface 56 of the yarn body receiver 52, a projection (not shown) is formed to come into contact with an end portion of the receiving tube B of the yarn body P. With this projection, as shown in Fig. 4, the yarn body P does not fall off the yarn body receiver 52 when the yarn body receiver 52 is tilted. Fig. 3 to 5 show a state in which the yarn bodies P are provided in the yarn body receivers 52.

[0042] The lifting mechanism 53 moves the yarn body receivers 52 between a receiving position at which the yarn body receivers 52 are provided adjacent to the winding devices 13 (that is, the position of the yarn body receivers 52 shown in Fig. 3), and a collecting position below the take-up position (that is, the position of the thread body take-up devices 52 shown in Fig. 4). In the present embodiment, the take-up position is a position where the yarn body take-ups 52 are provided at the fourth level from the ground (i.e., at the top level) adjacent to the winding devices 13. On the other hand, the collecting position is a position where the operator collects yarn bodies P and is substantially as high as the winding devices 13 at the third level from the ground (i.e., immediately below the winding devices 13 at the top level).

[0043] The lifting mechanism 53 is provided with a linkage 54 and an air cylinder 55. The linkage 54 includes two arms 59, each attached at one end to frames 58 located on corresponding sides of the winding base 3 in the width direction, and further includes a connecting rod 60 connecting the other end portions of the arms 59. Each of the arms 59 is rotatable at one end about the frame 58. The connecting rod 60 extends in the width direction of the winding base 3. Due to the connection of the connecting rod 60, the rotation of one arm 59 is synchronized with the rotation of the other arm 59. Furthermore, the thread body take-ups 52 are attached to the connecting rod 60. One end of the air cylinder 55 (i.e., a rod 62 described later) is rotatably attached to the connecting rod 60.Each of the arms 59 is provided with a rotation regulator (not shown) which enables counterclockwise rotation of the arm 59 from the state shown in FIG. Fig. 3 is shown.

[0044] The air cylinder 55 includes a tube 61 and a rod 62. In the air cylinder 55, the other end portion (tube 61) is attached to a substantially central part of a support member 63 extending in the width direction at the upper end of the winding base 3. The air cylinder 55 extends substantially in an up / down direction. The air cylinder 55 extends downward when the rod 62 extends from the tube 61 in response to the air supply into the tube 61 (see Fig. 4). On the other hand, by releasing the air from the tube 61, the air cylinder 55 contracts upwards by moving the rod 62 into the tube 61 (compare Fig. 3).

[0045] By keeping the air cylinder 55 in the state shown in Fig. 3 is actuated and extended, the connection 54, to which the air cylinder 55 is rotatably connected, rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 3 around the winding base 3 (frame 58). The thread body receivers 52, which are attached to the connection 54, are consequently rotated counterclockwise from the receiving position shown in Fig. 3, together with the connection 54 and are moved downwards. When the air cylinder 55 is fully extended, the thread body receivers 52 are at the collecting position shown in Fig. 4. At the collection position, the thread body holders 52 are inclined toward the space 7.

[0046] By keeping the air cylinder 55 in the state shown in Fig. 4, the connection 54, to which the air cylinder 55 is rotatably connected, rotates clockwise according to Fig. 4 around the winding base 3 (frame 58). The yarn body receivers 52, which are attached to the connection 54, are thus moved from the collecting position shown in Fig. 4, together with the link 54, are rotated clockwise and moved upwards. When the air cylinder 55 is fully contracted, the thread body receivers 52 are at the receiving position shown in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0047] Fig. Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an electrical structure of elements, such as a control unit, of the stretch texturing machine 1. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the draw-texturing machine 1 includes a control unit 71 that controls the first regulating mechanism 50 (air cylinder 74), the lowering unit 51 (air cylinder 55), and the lamp 72 (notification unit), and receives an input from a single operation switch 73. The operation switch 73 allows the operator to operate the first regulating mechanism 50 and the lowering unit 51. This operation switch 73 is provided below the winding device 13 at the third level from the ground, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. An input to the operating switch 73 is received by the control unit 71. The lamp 72 is, for example, an LED lamp and indicates the status of the stretch texturing machine 1 to the operator by flashing or lighting. This lamp 72 is provided below the operating switch 73, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is shown.

[0048] Under the control of the control unit 71, the above-described first regulation mechanism 50 regulates the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position when the yarn body receivers 52 are not at the take-up position, and cancels the regulation of the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position when the yarn body receivers 52 are at the take-up position. That is, when the yarn body receivers 52 are not at the take-up position, the two regulators 26 are positioned at the regulation position by means of the air cylinder 74. When the yarn body receivers 52 are at the take-up position, the two regulators 26 are positioned at the cancellation position by means of the air cylinder 74.

[0049] Next, the operation of the draw texturing machine 1 when the yarn bodies P are lowered by the lowering unit 51 will be described. Fig. Fig. 7 shows a case where no thread body P is attached to the thread body take-up devices 52 at the take-up position. In the state shown in Fig. 7, that is, when the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position, the control unit 71 releases the movement regulation of the take-ups P by the first regulating mechanism 50 to the take-up position function when the operation switch 73 is pressed (first switch operation). When the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position, the control unit 71 does not accept any input from the operation switch 73, that is, it disregards inputs from the operation switch 73 and does not release the movement regulation of the yarn bodies P by the first regulating mechanism 50 to the take-up position. Further, the control unit 71 determines whether the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position, that is, whether the air cylinder 55 is fully retracted, based on detection by a sensor switch (not shown) attached to the air cylinder 55.When the air cylinder 55 is maximally contracted, the control unit 71 determines that the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position. When the regulation of the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position by the first regulating mechanism 50 is released, each yarn body P rolls on the guide rails 27 to the yarn body take-up 52 at the take-up position and is taken up by the yarn body take-up 52, as shown in FIG. Fig. 3. It should be noted that while the first thread body P is rolling, the second thread body P, which is supported in the support portion 25, is held at the same position by the second regulating mechanism 40.

[0050] When the operation switch 73 is pressed after the yarn bodies P have moved to the yarn body receivers 52 (i.e., second switch operation), the control unit 71 drives the rotation regulator (not shown) to cancel the rotation regulation of the arms 59, actuates the air cylinder 55 to rotate the arms 59, and moves (lowers) the yarn body receivers 52 from the take-up position to the collecting position by means of the lifting mechanism 53 (see Fig. 4). While the yarn body receivers 52 are being lowered by the elevating mechanism 53, that is, while the air cylinder 55 is being actuated, the control unit 71 causes the lamp 72 to flash to indicate that the yarn body receivers 52 are being lowered. Furthermore, the control unit 71 does not accept any input from the operation switch 73 while the yarn body receivers 52 are being lowered by the elevating mechanism 53, that is, while the air cylinder 55 is being actuated. In other words, the control unit 71 disregards any input from the operation switch 73. In the present embodiment, the lowering unit 51 lowers the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 at the fourth level from the ground to a position substantially at the level of the winding devices 13 at the third level from the ground.

[0051] After the yarn body pickups 52 are moved to the collecting position, the operator in the space 7 can collect the yarn body P from the yarn body pickup 52 at the collecting position. At this position, by canceling the movement regulation of the second yarn body P by the second regulating mechanism 40 in response to a signal from the control unit 71, the second yarn body P rolls to the space 7. At this time, the movement of the yarn body P to the space 7 is regulated and prevented by the first regulating mechanism 50 in preparation for the operation of lowering the next yarn body P (see Fig. 8). When the operation switch 73 is pressed after the first yarn bodies P have been collected from the yarn body receivers 52 by the operator (third switch operation), the control unit 71 actuates the air cylinder 55 to rotate the arms 59 and moves (lifts) the yarn body receivers 52 from the collecting position to the receiving position by means of the lifting mechanism 53 (see Fig. 7). While the yarn body receivers 52 are being lifted by the lifting mechanism 53, that is, while the air cylinder 55 is being actuated, the control unit 71 causes the lamp 72 to flash to indicate that the yarn body receivers 52 are being lifted. Further, while the yarn body receivers 52 are being lifted by the lifting mechanism 53, that is, while the air cylinder 55 is being actuated, the control unit 71 does not accept any input from the operation switch 73. In other words, the control unit 71 disregards any input from the operation switch 73. Further, the control unit 71 determines whether the yarn body receivers 52 are at the collecting position, that is, whether the air cylinder 55 is maximally extended, based on the detection from the sensor switch (not shown) attached to the air cylinder 55.When the air cylinder 55 is fully extended, the control unit 71 determines that the yarn body pickups 52 are at the collection position.

[0052] In the draw-texturing machine 1 described above, the lowering unit 51 lowers the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level, that is, the fourth level from the ground, below the winding devices 13 of the four levels. Since the operator can easily collect the lowered yarn bodies P, the efficiency of the operator's collection of the yarn bodies P is improved.

[0053] In addition to the above, the lifting mechanism 53 of the lowering unit 51 moves the yarn body receivers 52 between the receiving position provided adjacent to the winding devices 13 (that is, the position of the yarn body receivers 52 provided in Fig. 3) and the collecting position below the take-up position (that is, the position of the thread body take-up devices 52 shown in Fig. 4). The operator can thus easily collect the thread bodies P that have been moved (lowered) to the collecting position lower than the take-up position.

[0054] In addition, the first regulating mechanism 50 regulates the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position when the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position, and cancels the regulation of the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position when the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position. Consequently, since the yarn bodies P do not move to the take-up position when the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position, it is possible to prevent yarn bodies from mistakenly falling off the winding devices 13.

[0055] In addition, when the yarn package pick-ups 52 are at the pick-up position, the first regulating mechanism 50 cancels the movement regulation of the yarn packages P to the pick-up position when the operation switch 73 is pressed. Furthermore, when the operation switch 73 is pressed after the yarn packages P have been moved to the yarn package pick-ups 52, the lifting mechanism 53 moves the yarn package pick-ups 52 from the pick-up position to the collection position. Thus, the operator can instruct the draw-texturing machine 1 to lower the yarn packages P from the winding devices 13 simply by pressing the one operation switch 73.

[0056] In addition, when the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position, the control unit 71 does not receive any input from the operation switch 73 and does not cancel the movement regulation of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position by the first regulation mechanism 50. In other words, the control unit 71 disregards any input from the operation switch 73 when the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the yarn bodies P from falling out of the winding devices 13 if the operation switch 73 is pressed while the yarn body take-ups 52 are not at the take-up position and the yarn bodies P are mistakenly moved to the take-up position.

[0057] In addition, while the yarn body pickups 52 are being moved up or down by the lifting mechanism 53, the lamp 72 flashes to indicate that the yarn body pickups 52 are being moved up or down. This allows the operator to recognize that the yarn body pickups are currently being moved up or down.

[0058] In addition, the winding devices 13 are provided at four levels in the up / down direction, and the lowering unit 51 lowers the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 at the uppermost level (i.e., the fourth level from the bottom). This allows the operator to easily collect the yarn bodies formed by the winding devices 13 at the fourth level from the bottom.

[0059] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above illustration and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention as described in the following examples.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the lowering unit 51 lowers the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level, that is, the fourth level from the bottom, among the winding devices 13 formed in four levels in the up / down direction. In this regard, as long as the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level can be lowered, yarn bodies P formed by winding devices 13 in another level (that is, the winding devices 13 in the third level from the bottom) can also be lowered, in addition to those in the uppermost level.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the winding devices 13 are arranged in four levels in the up / down direction. According to other embodiments not according to the invention, the number of levels may be different (for example, three, five, or more), as long as the number of levels is greater than one. In such cases, the lowering unit 51 lowers at least those yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level among the winding devices 13 provided in multiple levels.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the lowering unit 51 lowers the yarn bodies P formed by the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level (fourth level from the bottom) to a position substantially equal to the height of the winding devices 13 (in the third level from the bottom) immediately below the winding devices 13 in the uppermost level (fourth level from the bottom). In other words, the collecting position of the yarn body receivers 52 is substantially as high as the winding device 13 in the third level from the bottom. According to other embodiments not according to the invention, the yarn bodies P may be lowered to a position below the winding devices 13 in the third level from the bottom.

[0063] In the above embodiment, while the filament body pickups 52 are moved up or down by the lifting mechanism 53, the lamp 72 flashes (emits light) to notify that the filament body pickups 52 are moving up or down. Alternatively, the notification is performed, for example, by means of a sound (buzzer sound or a message notifying the movement) or a text (a message notifying the movement). Alternatively, multiple lamps are provided, and, for example, the red lamp is turned on when the filament body pickups 52 are moving up or down, and the green light is turned on in other cases.

[0064] In the above embodiment, when the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position, the control unit 71 cancels the regulation of the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position by the first regulation mechanism 50 in response to an input from the operation switch 73. Alternatively, when the yarn body take-ups 52 are at the take-up position, the control unit 71 may automatically cancel the regulation of the movement of the yarn bodies P to the take-up position by the first regulation mechanism 50, without input from the operation switch 73.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the first regulating mechanism 50 and the lowering unit 51 are operated in response to an input of the operation switch 73. Alternatively, no operation switch 73 is provided, and the first regulating mechanism 50 and the lowering unit 51 are automatically operated under the control of the control unit 71, and the yarn bodies P are lowered.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the lifting mechanism 53 is constructed by the link 54 and the air cylinder 55. Alternatively, a chain or belt may be used instead of the link 54, and a motor may be used instead of the air cylinder 55. In such a case, the chain or belt is driven by the motor, and the yarn body pickups 52 attached to the chain or belt lower the yarn bodies P formed on the winding devices 13 at the top level.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the yarn body receivers 52 operate together. Alternatively, each yarn body receiver 52 may be moved individually to lower the yarn bodies P one by one. Furthermore, when the yarn bodies P are lowered simultaneously, it is not necessary to provide the yarn body receivers 52 for the corresponding yarn bodies P, and a single yarn body receiver may be provided for receiving the yarn bodies P.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the two guide rails 27 of the support section 25 are inclined downward toward the receiving position of the thread body receivers 52, and thus the thread bodies P move to the receiving position. Alternatively, the two guide rails 27 extend substantially horizontally, for example, and the thread bodies P are moved to the receiving position by being urged by a mechanism (such as a spring).

[0069] In the above embodiment, the two regulators 26, which perform the movement regulation of the thread bodies P constituting the first regulating mechanism 50, are actuated by the air cylinder 74. Alternatively, the two regulators 26 may be actuated by a hydraulic cylinder, an electric motor, or an electromagnetic actuator.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the position of the yarn body take-up device 52, that is, either the take-up position or the collection position, is detected by the sensor switch mounted on the air cylinder 55. Alternatively, the detection may be performed by stroke end detection of the air cylinder 55 using the compressed air pressure of the air cylinder 55, or may be performed by a switch and / or a sensor mounted on a member different from the air cylinder 55.

[0071] While in the above embodiment, a single operation switch 73 is provided to operate the first regulating mechanism 50 and the lowering unit 51, more than one operation switch 73 may be provided.

[0072] While in the above embodiment, the operation of moving (lifting) the yarn body pickups 52 from the collecting position to the take-up position after the first yarn bodies P are collected from the yarn body pickups 52 by the operator is carried out when the operation switch 73 is pressed, a sensor configured to detect a yarn body P may be provided on each yarn body pickup 52, and the yarn body pickups 52 may be moved (lifted) from the collecting position to the take-up position when the sensor detects that no yarn body P is present on the yarn body pickup 52.

Claims

[1] Stretch texturing machine comprising: a thread feeding section (11) configured to feed threads; a false twist unit (12) configured to false-twist the yarns fed from the yarn feed section (11); Winding devices (13) constructed to form thread bodies (P) by winding the threads which have been false-twisted by the false twist unit (12), wherein the winding devices (13) are formed in four levels in a high / low direction, and the draw-texturing machine further comprises a lowering unit (51) configured to lower at least one yarn body (P) formed by a winding device (13) on the fourth level from the ground to a position substantially at the level of a winding device (13) on the third level from the ground. [2] Stretch texturing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lowering unit (51) includes: a thread body receiver (52) constructed to receive a thread body (P) formed by a winding device (13); and a lifting mechanism (53) configured to move the yarn body receiver (52) between a receiving position at which the yarn body receiver (52) is provided adjacent to the winding device (13) and a collecting position located below the receiving position. [3] A draw-texturing machine according to claim 2, wherein each of the winding devices (13) includes a regulating mechanism (50) configured to regulate the movement of the yarn body (P) to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device (52) is not at the take-up position, and to cancel the movement regulation of the yarn body (P) to the take-up position when the yarn body take-up device (52) is at the take-up position. [4] A stretch texturing machine according to claim 3, further comprising: one or more operating switches (73) used to operate the regulating mechanism (50) and the lowering unit (51), wherein the regulating mechanism (50) cancels the movement regulation of the thread body (P) to the take-up position when the operation switch (73) is operated while the thread body take-up device (52) is at the take-up position, and the lifting mechanism (53) moves the thread body pickup (52) from the pickup position to the collecting position when the operating switch (73) is operated after the thread body (P) has been moved to the thread body pickup (52). [5] A stretch texturing machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a control unit (71) configured to control the regulating mechanism (50), wherein the control unit (71) does not accept an input from the operation switch (73) and does not cancel the movement regulation of the thread body (P) to the take-up position by the regulating mechanism (50) when the thread body take-up device (52) is not at the take-up position. [6] A stretch texturing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising: a notification unit (72) configured to notify that the thread body pickup (52) is moving up or down when the thread body pickup (52) is moved up or down by the lifting mechanism (53).

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