Textile machine

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of a yarn guide is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of the quality of a yarn. A spun yarn take-up system 1 includes a yarn guide 31 configured to guide a running yarn Y and a detection unit 32. The yarn guide 31 includes an inner layer part 41 and a surface layer part 42 provided for the contact with the yarn Y. The surface layer part 42 is made of a material whose conductivity is different from the conductivity of a material of the inner layer part 41, and located so as to cover at least a part of the inner layer part 41. The detection unit 32 is electrically connected to the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 is able to detect charging information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31. The conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is higher than that of the material of the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32, and the inner layer part 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile machine configured to handle a yarn.

[0002] Various textile machines configured to handle running yarns have been known. A typical textile machine includes a yarn guide configured to guide a yarn. The surface of the yarn guide is worn by friction with the yarn. When the yarn rubs against the worn yarn guide, the deterioration in quality such as the damage of the yarn may occur. It is therefore necessary to, at appropriate timing, replace the worn yarn guide with a new yarn guide or perform a predetermined process such as a surface process for the worn yarn guide. Hereinafter, the replacement and the process described above will be referred to as "replacement, etc." for the sake of convenience.

[0003] When the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is performed very late, yarn quality is significantly deteriorated. Meanwhile, when the replacement, etc. is performed very early, running costs of the textile machine are disadvantageously increased or an operation rate of the textile machine is disadvantageously decreased. To solve these problems, Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-208481) discloses a means for determining how much the yarn guide is worn. To be more specific, a textile machine (specifically, spun yarn drawing apparatus) of Patent Literature 1 includes a drawing roller configured to draw a running yarn as a yarn guide. How much the surface of the drawing roller is worn is monitored by a fluff detector configured to detect fluff generated at the yarn. Because of this, whether the replacement, etc. of the drawing roller is necessary is determined.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the means described in Patent Literature 1, the determination regarding whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is enabled as the fluff is generated in the yarn (i.e., the yarn quality is deteriorated). In other words, when (i) the means for checking the yarn quality is used and (ii) it is determined that the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is necessary, a certain amount of a low-quality yarn has been already produced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of a yarn guide is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of yarn quality.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a textile machine is configured to handle one or more running yarns and comprises: one or more yarn guides; and one or more detection units provided to correspond to the one or more yarn guides, each of the one or more yarn guides including: an inner layer part made of a predetermined material; and a surface layer part which is provided for contact with at least one of the one or more yarns, which is made of a material whose conductivity is different from the conductivity of the predetermined material of the inner layer part, and which is located so as to cover at least a part of the inner layer part, the each of the one or more yarn guides being configured to guide the at least one of the one or more yarns, each of the one or more detection units being electrically connected to corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides and able to detect charging information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides, the conductivity of a material of one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being higher than the conductivity of a material of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being electrically and directly connected to the one or more detection units, and the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being electrically connected to the one or more detection units via the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part.

[0007] The electric charge amount of the present invention is a physical quantity regarding at least one of an electric charge accumulated on the surface of the charged one or more yarn guides, an electric current caused to flow in the one or more yarn guides by the electric charge, and surface electric potential (voltage) of the one or more yarn guides. The charging information of the present invention includes information regarding at least one of an electric charge, an electric current, voltage, and electrostatic capacity. When the each of the one or more yarn guides is new, the surface layer part is charged by continuous friction with each of the one or more yarns (i.e., an electric charge is accumulated on the surface layer part). When the inner layer part is exposed because of the worn surface layer part, the inner layer part is charged by continuous friction with the each of the one or more yarns (i.e., an electric charge is accumulated on the inner layer part). According to this aspect, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part is different from that of the predetermined material of the inner layer part. With this arrangement, the ease of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part toward the one or more detection-units side is different from that of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part toward the one or more detection-units side. To be more specific, an electric charge accumulated on the one (with higher conductivity) of the surface layer part and the inner layer part relatively easily moves toward the one or more detection-units side. Furthermore, an electric charge accumulated on the other (with lower conductivity) of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is relatively unlikely to move toward the one or more detection-units side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part, based on the change of the charging information over time. This makes it possible to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of the one or more yarn guides is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of the quality of the one or more yarns.

[0008] According to this aspect, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is electrically and directly connected to the one or more detection units. Furthermore, the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is electrically connected to the one or more detection units via the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. In the present invention, the "direct (directly)" is defined based on the relationship between (i) the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part and (ii) the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. That is, when the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is directly connected to the one or more detection units, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is connected to the one or more detection units without intermediation of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. In other words, when the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is directly connected to the one or more detection units, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is located closer to the one or more detection units than the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part in a direction in which an electric charge flows. The "direct (directly)" is not defined based on whether any circuit element such as resistance, etc. is located between (i) the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part and (ii) the one or more detection units. In the present invention, the "via" indicates that the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is not directly connected to the one or more detection units. In other words, the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is located farther from the one or more detection units than the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part in the direction in which an electric charge flows. According to this aspect, wiring is simple as compared to a structure in which the surface layer part and the inner layer part are connected to the one or more detection units in a parallel manner. It is therefore possible to determine which one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part the one or more yarns are in contact with, with a simple structure.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the first aspect further comprises: a display unit which is able to display information; a displayed information generation unit configured to generate, based on the charging information, displayed information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the each of the one or more yarn guides; and a display controller configured to cause the display unit to display the displayed information.

[0010] According to this aspect, an operator can know information regarding the electric charge amount of the each of the one or more yarn guides by visually checking the displayed information displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine the necessity of replacement, etc. of the each of the one or more yarn guides, the operator can easily perform this determination.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the first or second aspect further comprises a determination unit which is configured to perform stop determination regarding whether it is necessary to stop usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides based on the charging information.

[0012] In the present invention, when the usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is stopped, the replacement, etc. of the each of the one or more yarn guides is performed (i.e., the each of the one or more yarn guides is replaced with a new yarn guide or subjected to a necessary process). It is therefore possible to omit the operator's labor of determining the necessity of stop of the usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the third aspect further comprises a differential information generation unit which is configured to generate differential information obtained by differentiating the charging information by time, and the determination unit is configured to perform the stop determination based on the differential information.

[0014] According to the structure of the each of the one or more yarn guides of the present invention, presumably, when the inner layer part is exposed because of the worn surface layer part, the charging information suddenly changes. Therefore, the determination unit of this aspect makes it possible to accurately perform the stop determination.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the third or fourth aspect further comprises: a notification unit which is able to report information; and a notification controller configured to control the notification unit based on a determination result of the determination unit.

[0016] According to this aspect, when the stop of usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is necessary, the notification unit can be activated. Therefore, even when the operator is performing a task which is not the checking of the charging information, the operator can immediately know that the stop of usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is necessary.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of any one of the first to fifth aspects is arranged such that the conductivity of a first material which is the material of the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is equal to or higher than 1 × 10 -4< S / m, and the conductivity of a second material which is the material of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is equal to or lower than 1 × 10 -12< S / m.

[0018] According to this aspect, the ease of movement of an electric charge toward the one or more detection units-side is significantly different between the first material and the second material. It is therefore easy to determine which one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part the one or more yarns are in contact with.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the sixth aspect is arranged such that the second material is an insulating ceramic material and is a material of the inner layer part.

[0020] The insulating ceramic material is a reasonable material which is typically used for a material of the each of the one or more yarn guides. Typically, the volume of the inner layer part is larger than that of the surface layer part. According to this aspect, because the inner layer part is made of the insulating ceramic material, the increase in cost of the material of the each of the one or more yarn guides is suppressed.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the seventh aspect is arranged such that the first material is a semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material and is a material of the surface layer part.

[0022] The surface layer part made of one ceramic material is easily formed onto the inner layer part made of another ceramic material by means of known spraying, etc. It is therefore possible to easily manufacture the each of the one or more yarn guides.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the eighth aspect is arranged such that the first material includes zirconia as a main component, and the second material includes alumina as a main component.

[0024] According to this aspect, because the inner layer part is made of the second material including alumina which is typically reasonable as the main component, the increase in cost of the material of the each of the one or more yarn guides is effectively suppressed. Zirconia is one semi-conductive ceramic material, and includes a characteristic in which an electric charge easily moves as compared to the insulating ceramic material. Therefore, the behavior of an electric charge accumulated on the each of the one or more yarn guides is significantly different between the normal surface layer part and the worn surface layer part. In this regard, the surface layer part is made of the first material including zirconia as the main component. This makes it possible to detect the significant change of the charging information.

[0025] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of any one of the first to ninth aspects further comprises yarn guides as the one or more yarn guides.

[0026] In the textile machine including a lot of the yarn guides, the labor of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each of the yarn guides is necessary may be large. The present invention is especially effective in such a structure.

[0027] According to an eleventh aspects of the invention, the textile machine of the tenth aspect further comprises one or more processing units each of which includes the yarn guides, and the yarn guides include: a first yarn guide located at a predetermined position in a predetermined orthogonal direction orthogonal to an extending direction of an access passage, the one or more processing units facing the access passage; and a second yarn guide located to be opposite to the access passage over the first yarn guide in the orthogonal direction.

[0028] The second yarn guide is located farther from the access passage than the first guide in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check how much the second yarn guide is worn from the access passage. The present invention is especially effective in such a textile machine.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the tenth or eleventh aspect further comprises processing units which are aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction and each of which includes the one or more yarn guides.

[0030] When the each of the one or more yarn guides is provided between two of the processing units in the arrangement direction, it may be difficult to visually check how much the each of the one or more yarn guides is worn. The present invention is especially effective in such a textile machine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine. FIGs. 3(a) to 3(c) show a guide replacement determination system. FIG. 4 shows a screen displayed on a display unit.

[0032] Each of FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) is a graph showing the change of a charged state of a yarn guide over time.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of convenience, directions shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions. The up-down direction is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The left-right direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The left-right direction is equivalent to an arrangement direction of the present invention. The left-right direction is an extending direction of a later-described access passage 4. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The front-rear direction is equivalent to an orthogonal direction of the present invention. A direction in which each yarn Y runs is referred to as a yarn running direction.(Outline of Spun Yarn Take-Up System)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system 1 (textile machine of the present invention) of the present embodiment. The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes spinning apparatuses 2 and spun yarn take-up machines 3 (processing units of the present invention). The spinning apparatuses 2 are aligned in the left-right direction, and each spinning apparatus 2 is configured to spin out yarns Y. The spun yarn take-up machines 3 are located below the spinning apparatuses 2. The spun yarn take-up machines 3 are aligned in the left-right direction to correspond to the respective spinning apparatuses 2. Each spun yarn take-up machine 3 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from a spinning apparatus 2 and to simultaneously wind the yarns Y onto bobbins B, so as to form packages P.

[0035] The access passage 4 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) extending in, e.g., the left-right direction is formed in front of the spun yarn take-up machines 3. In this regard, front ends of the spun yarn take-up machines 3 face the access passage 4.(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0036] The following will describe each spun yarn take-up machine 3 with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a side view of the spun yarn take-up machine 3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes a take-up unit 5 and a winding unit 6. The take-up unit 5 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from each spinning apparatus 2. The winding unit 6 is configured to wind the yarns Y taken up by the take-up unit 5 onto bobbins B. The take-up unit 5 includes a first godet roller 11 and a second godet roller 12.

[0038] The first godet roller 11 is a roller having an axis substantially in parallel to the left-right direction. The first godet roller 11 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor so that the yarns Y are sent downstream in the yarn running direction.

[0039] The second godet roller 12 is a roller having an axis substantially in parallel to the left-right direction. The second godet roller 12 is located above and behind the first godet roller 11. The second godet roller 12 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor so that the yarns Y are sent downstream in the yarn running direction.

[0040] The winding unit 6 is configured to wind the yarns Y onto the bobbins B, so as to form packages P. The winding unit 6 is located below the take-up unit 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding unit 6 includes a frame 20, fulcrum guides 21, traverse guides 22, a turret 23, two bobbin holders 24, and a contact roller 25.

[0041] The frame 20 is a member which is located on, e.g., a floor surface of a factory and to which constituent features of the winding unit 6 are attached or in which those constituent features are accommodated. The fulcrum guide 21 function as fulcrums when the yarns Y are traversed by the respective traverse guides 22. Each fulcrum guide 21 is arranged to guide a yarn Y to a downstream side in the yarn running direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the fulcrum guides 21 are provided for the respective yarns Y. The fulcrum guides 21 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The frontmost one (fulcrum guide 21F) of the fulcrum guides 21 is located at a predetermined position in the front-rear direction, and equivalent to a first yarn guide of the present invention. One of other fulcrum guides 21 located behind the fulcrum guide 21F is equivalent to a second yarn guide of the present invention. The second yarn guide is opposite to the access passage 4 over the fulcrum guide 21F in the front-rear direction.

[0042] The traverse guides 22 are provided for the respective yarns Y. The traverse guides 22 are aligned in the front-rear direction. Each traverse guide 22 is driven by an unillustrated motor, and configured to reciprocate in the front-rear direction. With this arrangement, the yarns Y threaded to the traverse guides 22 are traversed about the fulcrum guides 21. The turret 23 is a disc-shaped member having an axis substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. The turret 23 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. The two bobbin holders 24 are rotatably supported at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the turret 23. An axis of each bobbin holder 24 is substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. Each bobbin holder 24 supports bobbins B which are aligned in the front-rear direction. The two bobbin holders 24 are rotationally driven by the respective motors (not illustrated). The contact roller 25 is located immediately above the upper bobbin holder 24. An axis of the contact roller 25 is substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. The contact roller 25 is configured to make contact with the surfaces of the packages P supported by the upper bobbin holder 24. With this arrangement, the contact roller 25 applies a contact pressure to the surfaces of the unfinished packages P so as to adjust the shape of each package P.

[0043] In the winding unit 6 structured as described above, when the upper bobbin holder 24 is rotationally driven, the yarns Y traversed by the traverse guides 22 are wound onto the bobbins B so as to form the packages P. When the formation of the packages P is completed, the turret 23 is rotated so as to switch over the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24. Because of this, the bobbin holder 24 having been at the lower position is accordingly moved to the upper position. The yarns Y are wound onto the respective bobbins B attached to the upper bobbin holder 24, so as to form the packages P. The bobbin holder 24 to which the completed packages P are attached is accordingly moved to the lower position. The completed packages P are collected by, e.g., an unillustrated package collector.

[0044] Surfaces of yarn guides such as the fulcrum guides 21 and the traverse guides 22 configured to guide the yarns Y are worn by friction with the yarns Y. When the yarns Y rub against the worn yarn guides, the deterioration in quality such as the damage of the yarns Y may occur. It is therefore necessary to, at appropriate timing, replace the worn yarn guides with new yarn guides or perform a predetermined process for the worn yarn guides. Hereinafter, the replacement and the process described above will be referred to as "replacement, etc." for the sake of convenience. When the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides is performed very late, the quality of the yarns Y is significantly deteriorated. Meanwhile, when the replacement, etc. is performed very early, running costs of the spun yarn take-up system 1 are disadvantageously increased or an operation rate of the spun yarn take-up system 1 is disadvantageously decreased. When (i) the actual decrease in the quality of the yarns Y is waited and (ii) it is determined that the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides is necessary, a certain amount of a low-quality yarn has been already produced. For example, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 is structured as described below in order to assist necessity determination regarding the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides without checking of the quality of the yarns Y. (Details of Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0045] The following will detail each spun yarn take-up machine 3 with reference to FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c). FIGs. 3(a) to 3(c) show a later-described guide replacement determination system 30. To be more specific, FIG. 3(a) is a cross section of a later-described yarn guide 31. This cross section is in parallel to a virtual plane formed by a path of the yarn Y (a yarn path) running in the vicinity of the yarn guide 31. FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) show an electric configuration of the yarn guide 31 and its surroundings. The yarn guide 31 shown in FIG. 3(b) is shown in a cross section taken along a line III(b)-III(b) of FIG. 3(a).

[0046] Guides in general such as the fulcrum guides 21 and the traverse guides 22 configured to guide the yarns Y are referred to as yarn guides 31 (see FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c)) for the sake of convenience. Hereinafter, a guide which is substantially columnar in shape and which is shown in FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c) will be used as an example of each yarn guide 31 for the sake of simplicity. For the sake of convenience, a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3(a) and a left-right direction on the plane of FIGs. 3(b) and 3(c) are referred to as an axial direction of each yarn guide 31. It should be noted that the shape of each yarn guide 31 is not limited to this.

[0047] Each spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes, e.g., the replacement determination system 30 (see FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c)). The replacement determination system 30 is provided for assisting in the necessity determination regarding the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides 31. The replacement determination system 30 includes the yarn guides 31, detection units 32, a controller 33 (a displayed information generation unit, display controller, determination unit, and notification controller of the present invention), and a display unit 34 (notification unit of the present invention). For the sake of convenience, each of FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c) illustrates only one yarn guide 31. Each of FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) illustrates only one detection unit 32 corresponding to this one yarn guide 31.

[0048] The replacement determination system 30 is provided for determining the necessity of the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 based on information (hereinafter, this will be referred to as charging information) regarding an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31 charged by continuous friction with a running yarn Y. The electric charge amount is a physical quantity regarding at least one of an electric charge accumulated on the surface of the charged yarn guide 31, an electric current caused to flow in the yarn guide 31 by the electric charge, and surface electric potential (voltage) of the yarn guide 31. The charging information is information regarding at least one of the electric charge accumulated in the yarn guide 31, the electrostatic capacity of the yarn guide 31, the electric current flowing in the yarn guide 31, and a potential difference (voltage) between the yarn guide 31 and a predetermined reference position. The charging information of each yarn guide 31 is detected by a corresponding detection unit 32. The controller 33 is configured to generate necessary information and to display this information on the display unit 34 based on the charging information. The following will describe each member of the replacement determination system 30.

[0049] For example, the yarn guides 31 include the above-described fulcrum guide 21F (see FIG. 2) and one fulcrum guide 21 (see FIG. 2) located behind the fulcrum guide 21F. Preferably, each yarn guide 31 is electrically insulated from a ground. As shown in FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c), the yarn guide 31 includes an inner layer part 41 and a surface layer part 42. The inner layer part 41 is an inner portion of the yarn guide 31, and forms substantially the entire yarn guide 31. The surface layer part 42 is arranged to cover at least a part of the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is formed by, e.g., performing a surface process for the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is provided for the contact with the yarn Y. To be more specific, referring to FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c), the inner layer part 41 is substantially columnar in shape and occupies almost the entire yarn guide 31. The surface layer part 42 covers, e.g., a circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 and one end face 41b of the yarn guide 31 in the axial direction. The other end of the yarn guide 31 in the axial direction is supported by, e.g., an unillustrated supporter. As described later, the conductivity of a material of the inner layer part 41 is different from that of a material of the surface layer part 42.

[0050] The material of the inner layer part 41 is preferably, e.g., an insulating ceramic material. An example of the insulating ceramic material is alumina. Almina is typically a reasonable insulating material. For example, the specific electrical resistance of alumina in room temperature is approximately 1 × 10 12< Ω•m. The conductivity (i.e., inverse of the specific electrical resistance) of alumina is approximately 1 × 10 -12< S / m. The material of the inner layer part 41 preferably includes alumina as a main component. In other words, the proportion of weight of alumina in the material of the inner layer part 41 is preferably larger than 50 %. Alternatively, the inner layer part 41 may be made only of alumina. The inner layer part 41 of the present embodiment is equivalent to "the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part" of the present invention. The material of the inner layer part 41 of the present embodiment is equivalent to a second material of the present invention. The conductivity of the second material is preferably equal to or less than 1 × 10 -12< S / m.

[0051] The material of the surface layer part 42 is preferably, e.g., a semi-conductive ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material. It is more preferable that the material of the surface layer part 42 is the semi-conductive ceramic material. An example of the semi-conductive material is zirconia. Zirconia is typically able to at least partially cover a ceramic material by means of welding to this ceramic material, etc. For example, the specific electrical resistance of zirconia in room temperature is approximately 1 × 10 4< Ω•m. The conductivity of zirconia is approximately 1 ×10 -4< S / m. The material of the surface layer part 42 preferably includes zirconia as a main component. In other words, the proportion of weight of zirconia in the material of the surface layer part 42 is preferably larger than 50 %. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be made only of zirconia. The surface layer part 42 of the present embodiment is equivalent to "one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part" of the present invention. The material of the surface layer part 42 of the present embodiment is equivalent to a first material of the present invention. The conductivity of the first material is preferably equal to or more than 1 × 10 -4< S / m. The conductivity of the first material is higher than that of the second material. A circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer part 42 is preferably subjected to the surface process (e.g., a known matte process) for suppressing the damage of the yarn Y. This effectively suppresses the damage of the yarn Y in contact with the circumferential surface 42a.

[0052] When the yarn guide 31 is new, the yarn Y always makes contact with the circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(b)). Meanwhile, when the yarn guide 31 is used for long time so that the surface layer part 42 is worn, a part of the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 is exposed (see FIG. 3(c)). Because of this, the yarn Y may make contact with the circumferential surface 41a. Therefore, the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 is also preferably subjected to the surface process such as the matte process, etc.

[0053] The detection unit 32 (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)) is configured to detect charging information of the yarn guide 31 and to send the charging information to the controller 33. For example, the detection unit 32 is able to detect the surface electric potential of the yarn guide 31 (i.e., a potential difference between the surface of the yarn guide 31 and a ground). For example, the detection unit 32 may include a detection device (not illustrated) which is a known voltmeter, etc. The detection device of the present embodiment indicates a gauge, etc. such as a known clamp meter (e.g., an AC / DC clamp meter of a CM4375-50 type manufactured by HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION) which is able to detect DC voltage. This detection device includes an electric circuit which is configured to detect information regarding charging voltage of the surface of the yarn guide 31 and to send the information to the controller 33. The detection unit 32 includes, e.g., two terminals (not illustrated). One of these two terminals is electrically connected to the surface layer part 42 of the yarn guide 31. In other words, the yarn guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32. To be more specific, the surface layer part 42 of the yarn guide 31 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32. In the present invention, the "direct (directly)" is defined based on relationship between the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41. That is, when the surface layer part 42 is directly connected to the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is connected to the detection unit 32 without intermediation of the inner layer part 41. In other words, when the surface layer part 42 is directly connected to the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is located closer to the detection unit 32 than the inner layer part 41 is in a direction in which an electric charge flows (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)). In other words, the "direct (directly)" is not defined based on whether any circuit element such as resistance, etc. is located between the surface layer part 42 and the detection unit 32 in addition to a lead wire. That is, even if any element such as resistance, etc. is provided between the surface layer part 42 and the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32 with reference to the "direct (directly)" defined above. The inner layer part 41 of the yarn guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42. In other words, the inner layer part 41 is located farther from the detection unit 32 than the surface layer part 42 is in the direction in which an electric charge flows (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)). The other of these two terminals is electrically connected to a predetermined grounded member (not illustrated). That is, the electric potential of the other of these two terminals is substantially equal to ground potential.

[0054] The controller 33 (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)) is a computer including a processor and a memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 33 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 and the display unit 34. The controller 33 is able to perform various processes based on charging information detected by each detection unit 32. For example, the following types of information in association with each other are stored in the controller 33: identification information for identifying each yarn guide 31 included in the spun yarn take-up machine 3; charging information regarding each yarn guide 31; and information regarding time.

[0055] The display unit 34 includes, e.g., a known display device. The display unit 34 is electrically connected to the controller 33. The display unit 34 is configured to display various types of information based on an instruction from the controller 33.

[0056] In the above-described yarn guide 31, the running yarn Y continuously makes contact with the surface of the yarn guide 31 so that frictional electrification (frictional charging) occurs on the surface (contact surface) of the yarn guide 31. The ease of movement of an electric charge which is accumulated on the contact surface because of the frictional electrification changes depending on the type of a material of the contact surface. With this arrangement, charging information detected by the detection unit 32 changes over time. It is possible to determine whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 is necessary based on the change of charging information over time as described below.(Process Performed by Controller)

[0057] The following will describe an example of processes performed by the controller 33 in the above-described replacement determination system 30. Roughly speaking, the controller 33 is configured to perform a first process of causing the display unit 34 to display information regarding a value of the electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31, etc. The controller 33 is also configured to perform a second process of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary based on charging information of each yarn guide 31 and causing the display unit 34 to display a result of the determination.

[0058] The following will describe the first process with reference to FIG. 3(b) to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a screen S displayed on the display unit 34. In the first process, for example, the controller 33 is configured to associate charging information regarding each yarn guide 31 with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point and to store the associated sets of information. The controller 33 may be configured to generate a time change rate of charging information, to associate this time change rate with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point, and to store the associated sets of information. To be more specific, for example, the controller 33 may be configured to generate information of a time differential value obtained by differentiating an electric charge amount by time. The controller 33 is configured to generate displayed information regarding an electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31, based on charging information regarding each yarn guide 31. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a displayed information generation unit of the present invention. The controller 33 is configured to cause the display unit 34 to display displayed information (see FIG. 4). In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a display controller of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows an example of the screen S on which displayed information is displayed. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a value indicating a current electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31 on a left part of the screen S. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a graph showing the relationship between an electric charge amount of one yarn guide 31 and a time point on an upper right part of the screen S. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a graph showing the relationship between a time change rate of an electric charge amount of this one yarn guide 31 and a time point on a lower right part of the screen S. The controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to alternately display these graphs regarding the yarn guides 31, for example, each time predetermined time elapses or based on a predetermined signal input in the controller 33.

[0060] For example, when the running yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(b)), (i) an electric charge is accumulated on the surface (circumferential surface 42a) of the surface layer part 42 because of the frictional electrification and (ii) charging information regarding the surface layer part 42 is detected by the detection unit 32. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y is in contact with the inner layer part 41 exposed because of the worn surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(c)), an electric charge is accumulated on the surface (circumferential surface 41a) of the inner layer part 41. However, because the conductivity of the inner layer part 41 is low as described above, the electric charge is unlikely to move toward the surface layer part 42 side. Therefore, charging information obtained when the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 is different from charging information obtained when the yarn Y is in contact with the inner layer part 41.

[0061] An operator can know the change of charging information over time by visually checking the screen S. The operator can determine whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary based on the change of charging information over time.

[0062] The following will describe the second process with reference to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b). Each of FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) is a graph showing the change of a charged state of each yarn guide 31 over time. To be more specific, FIG. 5(a) is a graph showing the relationship between an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31 and time. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5(a) represents a time point (t), and the vertical axis of this graph represents an electric charge amount (V). In the present embodiment, the electric charge amount refers to voltage (a potential difference between the yarn guide 31 and the ground). The unit of the potential difference is, e.g., millivolt. Hereinafter, this potential difference will be referred to as charging voltage. Hereinafter, it should be noted that an absolute value of the charging voltage is taken into consideration (i.e., the positive / negative of the charging voltage is ignored) for the sake of convenience. FIG. 5(b) is a graph showing the relationship between a time change rate (ΔV / Δt) of the charging voltage and time. In the present embodiment, the time change rate of the charging voltage is a time differential value obtained by differentiating the charging voltage by time. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5(b) represents a time point, and the vertical axis of this graph represents a time differential value of the charging voltage. Hereinafter, it should be noted that an absolute value of a time differential value of the charging voltage is taken into consideration (i.e., the positive / negative of a time differential value is ignored) for the sake of convenience.

[0063] In the second process, the controller 33 is configured to associate charging information regarding each yarn guide 31 with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point and to store the associated sets of information. The controller 33 is configured to generate information of a time change rate of the charging voltage, to associate information of this time change rate with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point, and to store the associated sets of information. To be more specific, for example, the controller 33 is configured to generate the above-described information (differential information) of a time differential value of the charging voltage. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a differential information generation unit of the present invention.

[0064] In the second process, the controller 33 is configured to perform stop determination regarding whether it is necessary to stop the usage of each yarn guide 31 based on charging information. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a determination unit of the present invention.

[0065] The following will describe a first example of the stop determination. For example, the controller 33 stores information of a threshold of the charging voltage in advance. For the sake of convenience, a threshold of the charging voltage of one yarn guide 31 is referred to as VT (see FIG. 5(a)). For example, when the charging voltage is equal to or higher than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is not necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. For example, when the charging voltage is lower than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. When the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 of this yarn guide 31, the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is substantially V1 (see FIG. 5(a)). Because V1 is higher than the VT, the controller 33 determines that it is not necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 because of the worn surface layer part 42, the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is decreased to approximately V2 (see FIG. 5(a)). Because V2 is lower than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31.

[0066] The following will describe a second example of the stop determination. For example, the controller 33 stores information of a threshold of a time differential value of the charging voltage in advance. For the sake of convenience, a threshold of a time differential value of the charging voltage of one yarn guide 31 is referred to as RT (see FIG. 5(b)). For example, the controller 33 determines that, as soon as a time differential value of the charging voltage becomes equal to or higher than RT, it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. For example, when the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 of this yarn guide 31, a time differential value of the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is substantially zero (see FIG. 5(b)). That is, the charging voltage actually does not change over time. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 because of the worn surface layer part 42, a time differential value of the charging voltage of the yarn guide 31 is suddenly increased to exceed RT (see FIG. 5(b)). In this regard, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. As such, the controller 33 may be configured to perform the stop determination based on differential information.

[0067] The controller 33 is configured to control the display unit 34 based on a determination result. That is, for example, the controller 33 causes the display unit 34 to display the following types of information when determining that it is necessary to stop the usage of one yarn guide 31. The controller 33 causes the display unit 34 to display (to report) identification information of this yarn guide 31 and an alarm message, etc. indicating that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31 (i.e., the replacement, etc. of this yarn guide 31 is necessary). In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a notification controller of the present invention. Furthermore, the display unit 34 functions as a notification unit of the present invention.

[0068] The operator can determine whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary by visually checking a message, etc. displayed on the display unit 34.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the controller 33 is able to perform at least one (i.e., one or both) of the first process and the second process.

[0070] As described above, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is different from that of the material of the inner layer part 41. With this arrangement, the ease of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 toward the detection unit 32 side is different from that of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 toward the detection unit 32 side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part 42, based on the change of charging information over time. This makes it possible to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of the quality of the yarn Y.

[0071] The conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is higher than that of the material of the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32, and the inner layer part 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42. With these arrangements, an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 relatively easily moves toward the detection unit 32 side. Furthermore, an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 is relatively unlikely to move toward the detection unit 32 side. Furthermore, wiring is simple as compared to a structure in which the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 are connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. It is therefore possible to determine which one of the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 the yarn Y is in contact with, with a simple structure.

[0072] The operator can know information regarding an electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31 by visually checking displayed information displayed on the display unit 34. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine the necessity of replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31, the operator can easily perform the determination.

[0073] The controller 33 is configured to perform the stop determination. It is therefore possible to omit the operator's labor of determining the necessity of stop of the usage of each yarn guide 31.

[0074] The controller 33 may be configured to perform the stop determination based on differential information. According to the structure of each yarn guide 31 of the present embodiment, presumably, when the inner layer part 41 is exposed because of the worn surface layer part 42, charging information suddenly changes. Therefore, the controller 33 of the present embodiment makes it possible to accurately perform the stop determination.

[0075] When the stop of usage of each yarn guide 31 is necessary, the display unit 34 can be activated. Therefore, even when the operator is performing a task which is not the checking of charging information, the operator can immediately know that the stop of usage of the yarn guide 31 is necessary.

[0076] The ease of movement of an electric charge toward the detection unit 32 side is significantly different between the first material and the second material. It is therefore easy to determine which one of the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 the yarn Y is in contact with.

[0077] The second material is an insulating ceramic material, and is a material of the inner layer part 41. The insulating ceramic material is a reasonable material which is typically used for a material of the yarn guide 31. Typically, the volume of the inner layer part 41 is larger than that of the surface layer part 42. It is therefore possible to suppress the increase in cost of the material of the yarn guide 31.

[0078] The first material is a semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material, and is a material of the surface layer part 42. The surface layer part 42 made of one ceramic material is easily formed onto the inner layer part 41 made of another ceramic material by means of known spraying, etc. It is therefore possible to easily manufacture the yarn guide 31.

[0079] The first material includes zirconia as a main component, and the second material includes alumina as a main component. The inner layer part 41 is made of alumina which is typically reasonable, and thus the increase in cost of the material of each yarn guide 31 is effectively suppressed. Zirconia is one semi-conductive ceramic material, and includes a characteristic in which an electric charge easily moves as compared to an insulating ceramic material. Therefore, the behavior of an electric charge accumulated on each yarn guide 31 is significantly different between the normal surface layer part 42 and the worn surface layer part 42. In this regard, the surface layer part 42 is made of zirconia. This makes it possible to detect the significant change of charging information.

[0080] The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes the yarn guides 31. In the spun yarn take-up system 1 including a lot of the yarn guides 31, the labor of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary may be large. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0081] One fulcrum guide 21 (the second yarn guide) is located behind the fulcrum guide 21F (first yarn guide) so as to be farther from the access passage 4 than the fulcrum guide 21F in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check how much the second yarn guide is worn from the access passage 4. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0082] The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes the spun yarn take-up machines 3 aligned in the left-right direction. When each yarn guide 31 is provided between two spun yarn take-up machines 3 in the left-right direction, it may be difficult to visually check how much this yarn guide 31 is worn. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0083] The following will describe modifications of the above-described embodiment. The members identical with those in the embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanations thereof are not repeated. (1) In the embodiment above, the surface layer part 42 is formed by performing the surface process for the inner layer part 41. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The surface layer part 42 may be prepared independently from the inner layer part 41. Furthermore, the surface layer part 42 may be fixed to the inner layer part 41 by appropriate means. (2) In the embodiment above, the inner layer part 41 whose conductivity is relatively low is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42 whose conductivity is relatively high. That is, the inner layer part 41, the surface layer part 42, and the detection unit 32 are connected in series. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The inner layer part 41 and the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. Even in this case, when the running yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42, an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 easily moves toward the detection unit 32 side. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 after the surface layer part 42 is worn, an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 is unlikely to move toward the detection unit 32 side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part 42. (3) In the embodiment above, the display unit 34 functions as the notification unit. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a notification unit such as a lamp, etc. configured to raise an alarm may be provided instead of the display unit 34. (4) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the notification controller. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the notification controller may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. (5) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the determination unit. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the determination unit may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. (6) In the embodiment above, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes the display unit 34. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 34 may be shared by the spun yarn take-up machines 3. Alternatively, the display unit 34 may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. In this case, the display unit 34 may be electrically connectable to each spun yarn take-up machine 3 wirelessly or by cable. (7) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the displayed information generation unit and the display controller. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the displayed information generation unit and the display controller may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. In this case, this computer device may be electrically connectable to each spun yarn take-up machine 3 wirelessly or by cable. (8) In the embodiment above, the display unit 34 is configured to display an alarm message, etc. and displayed information. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The spun yarn take-up system 1 may be configured to cause the display unit 34 to display the message, etc. or the displayed information. Alternatively, the message, etc. and / or the displayed information may be displayed by the computer device and the display device which are provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1 as described above. (9) In the embodiment above, the material of the inner layer part 41 includes alumina as a main component, and the material of the surface layer part 42 includes zirconia as a main component. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of alumina, another insulating ceramic material may be used as a main component of the material of the inner layer part 41. Instead of zirconia, another semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material may be used as a main component of the material of the surface layer part 42. Alternatively, another material may be used for each yarn guide 31 in which the surface layer part 42 is formed on the inner layer part 41. (10) In the embodiment above, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is higher than that of the material of the inner layer part 41. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The conductivity of the material of the inner layer part 41 may be higher than that of the material of the surface layer part 42. In this case, the inner layer part 41 and the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the inner layer part 41. The material of the inner layer part 41 may be, e.g., metal. The material of the surface layer part 42 may be an insulative material obtained by performing the surface process for metal. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be an insulator fixed to the inner layer part 41 by adhesion, etc. (11) In the embodiment above, preferably, the conductivity of the first material is equal to or higher than 1 ×10 -4< S / m, and the conductivity of the second material is equal to or lower than 1 × 10 -12< S / m. However, the conductivity of each material is not limited to this. (12) In the embodiment above, a specific example of each yarn guide 31 is a fulcrum guide 21, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The structure of the yarn guide 31 may be applied to any type of a guide member configured to guide the running yarn Y. For example, a rotatable roller (not illustrated) may include an inner layer part and a surface layer part. (13) The present invention may be applied to various textile machines each of which is not the spun yarn take-up system 1 and which are configured to handle running yarns (not illustrated). For example, the present invention may be applied to a known false-twist texturing machine (not illustrated) configured to false-twist a yarn. The present invention may be applied to a known re-winder (not illustrated) configured to unwind a yarn from a package and to re-wind the yarn. (14) In the embodiment above, the detection unit 32 includes an unillustrated voltmeter. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect a physical quantity which is not the potential difference between the surface of the yarn guide 31 and the ground and which is related to an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., an amount of an electric charge accumulated on the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., the electrostatic capacity of the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., an electric current flowing between the yarn guide 31 and the detection unit 32. For example, in order to measure a small electric current, the detection unit 32 may include a Digital Multimeter, etc. manufactured by Tektronix, Inc. (15) Each yarn guide 31 may be configured to guide two or more yarns Y. (16) In the embodiment above, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 (processing unit) includes the yarn guides 31. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In other words, the number of the yarn guides 31 in each processing unit may be one. In the embodiment above, processing units are aligned in the left-right direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The number of the processing units may be one. That is, a textile machine may include only one yarn guide 31.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of convenience, directions shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions. The up-down direction is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The left-right direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The left-right direction is equivalent to an arrangement direction of the present invention. The left-right direction is an extending direction of a later-described access passage 4. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The front-rear direction is equivalent to an orthogonal direction of the present invention. A direction in which each yarn Y runs is referred to as a yarn running direction.

(Outline of Spun Yarn Take-Up System)

[0034]FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system 1 (textile machine of the present invention) of the present ...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile machine configured to handle a yarn.

[0002] Various textile machines configured to handle running yarns have been known. A typical textile machine includes a yarn guide configured to guide a yarn. The surface of the yarn guide is worn by friction with the yarn. When the yarn rubs against the worn yarn guide, the deterioration in quality such as the damage of the yarn may occur. It is therefore necessary to, at appropriate timing, replace the worn yarn guide with a new yarn guide or perform a predetermined process such as a surface process for the worn yarn guide. Hereinafter, the replacement and the process described above will be referred to as "replacement, etc." for the sake of convenience.

[0003] When the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is performed very late, yarn quality is significantly deteriorated. Meanwhile, when the replacement, etc. is performed very early, running costs of the textile machine are disadvantageously increased or an operation rate of the textile machine is disadvantageously decreased. To solve these problems, Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-208481) discloses a means for determining how much the yarn guide is worn. To be more specific, a textile machine (specifically, spun yarn drawing apparatus) of Patent Literature 1 includes a drawing roller configured to draw a running yarn as a yarn guide. How much the surface of the drawing roller is worn is monitored by a fluff detector configured to detect fluff generated at the yarn. Because of this, whether the replacement, etc. of the drawing roller is necessary is determined.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In the means described in Patent Literature 1, the determination regarding whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is enabled as the fluff is generated in the yarn (i.e., the yarn quality is deteriorated). In other words, when (i) the means for checking the yarn quality is used and (ii) it is determined that the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide is necessary, a certain amount of a low-quality yarn has been already produced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of a yarn guide is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of yarn quality.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a textile machine is configured to handle one or more running yarns and comprises: one or more yarn guides; and one or more detection units provided to correspond to the one or more yarn guides, each of the one or more yarn guides including: an inner layer part made of a predetermined material; and a surface layer part which is provided for contact with at least one of the one or more yarns, which is made of a material whose conductivity is different from the conductivity of the predetermined material of the inner layer part, and which is located so as to cover at least a part of the inner layer part, the each of the one or more yarn guides being configured to guide the at least one of the one or more yarns, each of the one or more detection units being electrically connected to corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides and able to detect charging information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides, the conductivity of a material of one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being higher than the conductivity of a material of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being electrically and directly connected to the one or more detection units, and the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part being electrically connected to the one or more detection units via the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part.

[0007] The electric charge amount of the present invention is a physical quantity regarding at least one of an electric charge accumulated on the surface of the charged one or more yarn guides, an electric current caused to flow in the one or more yarn guides by the electric charge, and surface electric potential (voltage) of the one or more yarn guides. The charging information of the present invention includes information regarding at least one of an electric charge, an electric current, voltage, and electrostatic capacity. When the each of the one or more yarn guides is new, the surface layer part is charged by continuous friction with each of the one or more yarns (i.e., an electric charge is accumulated on the surface layer part). When the inner layer part is exposed because of the worn surface layer part, the inner layer part is charged by continuous friction with the each of the one or more yarns (i.e., an electric charge is accumulated on the inner layer part). According to this aspect, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part is different from that of the predetermined material of the inner layer part. With this arrangement, the ease of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part toward the one or more detection-units side is different from that of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part toward the one or more detection-units side. To be more specific, an electric charge accumulated on the one (with higher conductivity) of the surface layer part and the inner layer part relatively easily moves toward the one or more detection-units side. Furthermore, an electric charge accumulated on the other (with lower conductivity) of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is relatively unlikely to move toward the one or more detection-units side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part, based on the change of the charging information over time. This makes it possible to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of the one or more yarn guides is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of the quality of the one or more yarns.

[0008] According to this aspect, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is electrically and directly connected to the one or more detection units. Furthermore, the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is electrically connected to the one or more detection units via the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. In the present invention, the "direct (directly)" is defined based on the relationship between (i) the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part and (ii) the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. That is, when the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is directly connected to the one or more detection units, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is connected to the one or more detection units without intermediation of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part. In other words, when the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is directly connected to the one or more detection units, the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is located closer to the one or more detection units than the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part in a direction in which an electric charge flows. The "direct (directly)" is not defined based on whether any circuit element such as resistance, etc. is located between (i) the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part and (ii) the one or more detection units. In the present invention, the "via" indicates that the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is not directly connected to the one or more detection units. In other words, the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is located farther from the one or more detection units than the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part in the direction in which an electric charge flows. According to this aspect, wiring is simple as compared to a structure in which the surface layer part and the inner layer part are connected to the one or more detection units in a parallel manner. It is therefore possible to determine which one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part the one or more yarns are in contact with, with a simple structure.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the first aspect further comprises: a display unit which is able to display information; a displayed information generation unit configured to generate, based on the charging information, displayed information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the each of the one or more yarn guides; and a display controller configured to cause the display unit to display the displayed information.

[0010] According to this aspect, an operator can know information regarding the electric charge amount of the each of the one or more yarn guides by visually checking the displayed information displayed on the display unit. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine the necessity of replacement, etc. of the each of the one or more yarn guides, the operator can easily perform this determination.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the first or second aspect further comprises a determination unit which is configured to perform stop determination regarding whether it is necessary to stop usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides based on the charging information.

[0012] In the present invention, when the usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is stopped, the replacement, etc. of the each of the one or more yarn guides is performed (i.e., the each of the one or more yarn guides is replaced with a new yarn guide or subjected to a necessary process). It is therefore possible to omit the operator's labor of determining the necessity of stop of the usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the third aspect further comprises a differential information generation unit which is configured to generate differential information obtained by differentiating the charging information by time, and the determination unit is configured to perform the stop determination based on the differential information.

[0014] According to the structure of the each of the one or more yarn guides of the present invention, presumably, when the inner layer part is exposed because of the worn surface layer part, the charging information suddenly changes. Therefore, the determination unit of this aspect makes it possible to accurately perform the stop determination.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the third or fourth aspect further comprises: a notification unit which is able to report information; and a notification controller configured to control the notification unit based on a determination result of the determination unit.

[0016] According to this aspect, when the stop of usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is necessary, the notification unit can be activated. Therefore, even when the operator is performing a task which is not the checking of the charging information, the operator can immediately know that the stop of usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides is necessary.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of any one of the first to fifth aspects is arranged such that the conductivity of a first material which is the material of the one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is equal to or higher than 1 × 10 -4< S / m, and the conductivity of a second material which is the material of the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part is equal to or lower than 1 × 10 -12< S / m.

[0018] According to this aspect, the ease of movement of an electric charge toward the one or more detection units-side is significantly different between the first material and the second material. It is therefore easy to determine which one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part the one or more yarns are in contact with.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the sixth aspect is arranged such that the second material is an insulating ceramic material and is a material of the inner layer part.

[0020] The insulating ceramic material is a reasonable material which is typically used for a material of the each of the one or more yarn guides. Typically, the volume of the inner layer part is larger than that of the surface layer part. According to this aspect, because the inner layer part is made of the insulating ceramic material, the increase in cost of the material of the each of the one or more yarn guides is suppressed.

[0021] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the seventh aspect is arranged such that the first material is a semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material and is a material of the surface layer part.

[0022] The surface layer part made of one ceramic material is easily formed onto the inner layer part made of another ceramic material by means of known spraying, etc. It is therefore possible to easily manufacture the each of the one or more yarn guides.

[0023] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the eighth aspect is arranged such that the first material includes zirconia as a main component, and the second material includes alumina as a main component.

[0024] According to this aspect, because the inner layer part is made of the second material including alumina which is typically reasonable as the main component, the increase in cost of the material of the each of the one or more yarn guides is effectively suppressed. Zirconia is one semi-conductive ceramic material, and includes a characteristic in which an electric charge easily moves as compared to the insulating ceramic material. Therefore, the behavior of an electric charge accumulated on the each of the one or more yarn guides is significantly different between the normal surface layer part and the worn surface layer part. In this regard, the surface layer part is made of the first material including zirconia as the main component. This makes it possible to detect the significant change of the charging information.

[0025] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of any one of the first to ninth aspects further comprises yarn guides as the one or more yarn guides.

[0026] In the textile machine including a lot of the yarn guides, the labor of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each of the yarn guides is necessary may be large. The present invention is especially effective in such a structure.

[0027] According to an eleventh aspects of the invention, the textile machine of the tenth aspect further comprises one or more processing units each of which includes the yarn guides, and the yarn guides include: a first yarn guide located at a predetermined position in a predetermined orthogonal direction orthogonal to an extending direction of an access passage, the one or more processing units facing the access passage; and a second yarn guide located to be opposite to the access passage over the first yarn guide in the orthogonal direction.

[0028] The second yarn guide is located farther from the access passage than the first guide in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check how much the second yarn guide is worn from the access passage. The present invention is especially effective in such a textile machine.

[0029] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the textile machine of the tenth or eleventh aspect further comprises processing units which are aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction and each of which includes the one or more yarn guides.

[0030] When the each of the one or more yarn guides is provided between two of the processing units in the arrangement direction, it may be difficult to visually check how much the each of the one or more yarn guides is worn. The present invention is especially effective in such a textile machine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine. FIGs. 3(a) to 3(c) show a guide replacement determination system. FIG. 4 shows a screen displayed on a display unit.

[0032] Each of FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) is a graph showing the change of a charged state of a yarn guide over time.DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of convenience, directions shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions. The up-down direction is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The left-right direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The left-right direction is equivalent to an arrangement direction of the present invention. The left-right direction is an extending direction of a later-described access passage 4. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The front-rear direction is equivalent to an orthogonal direction of the present invention. A direction in which each yarn Y runs is referred to as a yarn running direction.(Outline of Spun Yarn Take-Up System)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system 1 (textile machine of the present invention) of the present embodiment. The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes spinning apparatuses 2 and spun yarn take-up machines 3 (processing units of the present invention). The spinning apparatuses 2 are aligned in the left-right direction, and each spinning apparatus 2 is configured to spin out yarns Y. The spun yarn take-up machines 3 are located below the spinning apparatuses 2. The spun yarn take-up machines 3 are aligned in the left-right direction to correspond to the respective spinning apparatuses 2. Each spun yarn take-up machine 3 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from a spinning apparatus 2 and to simultaneously wind the yarns Y onto bobbins B, so as to form packages P.

[0035] The access passage 4 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) extending in, e.g., the left-right direction is formed in front of the spun yarn take-up machines 3. In this regard, front ends of the spun yarn take-up machines 3 face the access passage 4.(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0036] The following will describe each spun yarn take-up machine 3 with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a side view of the spun yarn take-up machine 3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes a take-up unit 5 and a winding unit 6. The take-up unit 5 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from each spinning apparatus 2. The winding unit 6 is configured to wind the yarns Y taken up by the take-up unit 5 onto bobbins B. The take-up unit 5 includes a first godet roller 11 and a second godet roller 12.

[0038] The first godet roller 11 is a roller having an axis substantially in parallel to the left-right direction. The first godet roller 11 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor so that the yarns Y are sent downstream in the yarn running direction.

[0039] The second godet roller 12 is a roller having an axis substantially in parallel to the left-right direction. The second godet roller 12 is located above and behind the first godet roller 11. The second godet roller 12 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor so that the yarns Y are sent downstream in the yarn running direction.

[0040] The winding unit 6 is configured to wind the yarns Y onto the bobbins B, so as to form packages P. The winding unit 6 is located below the take-up unit 5. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding unit 6 includes a frame 20, fulcrum guides 21, traverse guides 22, a turret 23, two bobbin holders 24, and a contact roller 25.

[0041] The frame 20 is a member which is located on, e.g., a floor surface of a factory and to which constituent features of the winding unit 6 are attached or in which those constituent features are accommodated. The fulcrum guide 21 function as fulcrums when the yarns Y are traversed by the respective traverse guides 22. Each fulcrum guide 21 is arranged to guide a yarn Y to a downstream side in the yarn running direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the fulcrum guides 21 are provided for the respective yarns Y. The fulcrum guides 21 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The frontmost one (fulcrum guide 21F) of the fulcrum guides 21 is located at a predetermined position in the front-rear direction, and equivalent to a first yarn guide of the present invention. One of other fulcrum guides 21 located behind the fulcrum guide 21F is equivalent to a second yarn guide of the present invention. The second yarn guide is opposite to the access passage 4 over the fulcrum guide 21F in the front-rear direction.

[0042] The traverse guides 22 are provided for the respective yarns Y. The traverse guides 22 are aligned in the front-rear direction. Each traverse guide 22 is driven by an unillustrated motor, and configured to reciprocate in the front-rear direction. With this arrangement, the yarns Y threaded to the traverse guides 22 are traversed about the fulcrum guides 21. The turret 23 is a disc-shaped member having an axis substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. The turret 23 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. The two bobbin holders 24 are rotatably supported at an upper end portion and a lower end portion of the turret 23. An axis of each bobbin holder 24 is substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. Each bobbin holder 24 supports bobbins B which are aligned in the front-rear direction. The two bobbin holders 24 are rotationally driven by the respective motors (not illustrated). The contact roller 25 is located immediately above the upper bobbin holder 24. An axis of the contact roller 25 is substantially in parallel to the front-rear direction. The contact roller 25 is configured to make contact with the surfaces of the packages P supported by the upper bobbin holder 24. With this arrangement, the contact roller 25 applies a contact pressure to the surfaces of the unfinished packages P so as to adjust the shape of each package P.

[0043] In the winding unit 6 structured as described above, when the upper bobbin holder 24 is rotationally driven, the yarns Y traversed by the traverse guides 22 are wound onto the bobbins B so as to form the packages P. When the formation of the packages P is completed, the turret 23 is rotated so as to switch over the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24. Because of this, the bobbin holder 24 having been at the lower position is accordingly moved to the upper position. The yarns Y are wound onto the respective bobbins B attached to the upper bobbin holder 24, so as to form the packages P. The bobbin holder 24 to which the completed packages P are attached is accordingly moved to the lower position. The completed packages P are collected by, e.g., an unillustrated package collector.

[0044] Surfaces of yarn guides such as the fulcrum guides 21 and the traverse guides 22 configured to guide the yarns Y are worn by friction with the yarns Y. When the yarns Y rub against the worn yarn guides, the deterioration in quality such as the damage of the yarns Y may occur. It is therefore necessary to, at appropriate timing, replace the worn yarn guides with new yarn guides or perform a predetermined process for the worn yarn guides. Hereinafter, the replacement and the process described above will be referred to as "replacement, etc." for the sake of convenience. When the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides is performed very late, the quality of the yarns Y is significantly deteriorated. Meanwhile, when the replacement, etc. is performed very early, running costs of the spun yarn take-up system 1 are disadvantageously increased or an operation rate of the spun yarn take-up system 1 is disadvantageously decreased. When (i) the actual decrease in the quality of the yarns Y is waited and (ii) it is determined that the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides is necessary, a certain amount of a low-quality yarn has been already produced. For example, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 is structured as described below in order to assist necessity determination regarding the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides without checking of the quality of the yarns Y. (Details of Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0045] The following will detail each spun yarn take-up machine 3 with reference to FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c). FIGs. 3(a) to 3(c) show a later-described guide replacement determination system 30. To be more specific, FIG. 3(a) is a cross section of a later-described yarn guide 31. This cross section is in parallel to a virtual plane formed by a path of the yarn Y (a yarn path) running in the vicinity of the yarn guide 31. FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) show an electric configuration of the yarn guide 31 and its surroundings. The yarn guide 31 shown in FIG. 3(b) is shown in a cross section taken along a line III(b)-III(b) of FIG. 3(a).

[0046] Guides in general such as the fulcrum guides 21 and the traverse guides 22 configured to guide the yarns Y are referred to as yarn guides 31 (see FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c)) for the sake of convenience. Hereinafter, a guide which is substantially columnar in shape and which is shown in FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c) will be used as an example of each yarn guide 31 for the sake of simplicity. For the sake of convenience, a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3(a) and a left-right direction on the plane of FIGs. 3(b) and 3(c) are referred to as an axial direction of each yarn guide 31. It should be noted that the shape of each yarn guide 31 is not limited to this.

[0047] Each spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes, e.g., the replacement determination system 30 (see FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c)). The replacement determination system 30 is provided for assisting in the necessity determination regarding the replacement, etc. of the yarn guides 31. The replacement determination system 30 includes the yarn guides 31, detection units 32, a controller 33 (a displayed information generation unit, display controller, determination unit, and notification controller of the present invention), and a display unit 34 (notification unit of the present invention). For the sake of convenience, each of FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c) illustrates only one yarn guide 31. Each of FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) illustrates only one detection unit 32 corresponding to this one yarn guide 31.

[0048] The replacement determination system 30 is provided for determining the necessity of the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 based on information (hereinafter, this will be referred to as charging information) regarding an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31 charged by continuous friction with a running yarn Y. The electric charge amount is a physical quantity regarding at least one of an electric charge accumulated on the surface of the charged yarn guide 31, an electric current caused to flow in the yarn guide 31 by the electric charge, and surface electric potential (voltage) of the yarn guide 31. The charging information is information regarding at least one of the electric charge accumulated in the yarn guide 31, the electrostatic capacity of the yarn guide 31, the electric current flowing in the yarn guide 31, and a potential difference (voltage) between the yarn guide 31 and a predetermined reference position. The charging information of each yarn guide 31 is detected by a corresponding detection unit 32. The controller 33 is configured to generate necessary information and to display this information on the display unit 34 based on the charging information. The following will describe each member of the replacement determination system 30.

[0049] For example, the yarn guides 31 include the above-described fulcrum guide 21F (see FIG. 2) and one fulcrum guide 21 (see FIG. 2) located behind the fulcrum guide 21F. Preferably, each yarn guide 31 is electrically insulated from a ground. As shown in FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c), the yarn guide 31 includes an inner layer part 41 and a surface layer part 42. The inner layer part 41 is an inner portion of the yarn guide 31, and forms substantially the entire yarn guide 31. The surface layer part 42 is arranged to cover at least a part of the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is formed by, e.g., performing a surface process for the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is provided for the contact with the yarn Y. To be more specific, referring to FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 3(c), the inner layer part 41 is substantially columnar in shape and occupies almost the entire yarn guide 31. The surface layer part 42 covers, e.g., a circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 and one end face 41b of the yarn guide 31 in the axial direction. The other end of the yarn guide 31 in the axial direction is supported by, e.g., an unillustrated supporter. As described later, the conductivity of a material of the inner layer part 41 is different from that of a material of the surface layer part 42.

[0050] The material of the inner layer part 41 is preferably, e.g., an insulating ceramic material. An example of the insulating ceramic material is alumina. Almina is typically a reasonable insulating material. For example, the specific electrical resistance of alumina in room temperature is approximately 1 × 10 12< Ω•m. The conductivity (i.e., inverse of the specific electrical resistance) of alumina is approximately 1 × 10 -12< S / m. The material of the inner layer part 41 preferably includes alumina as a main component. In other words, the proportion of weight of alumina in the material of the inner layer part 41 is preferably larger than 50 %. Alternatively, the inner layer part 41 may be made only of alumina. The inner layer part 41 of the present embodiment is equivalent to "the other of the surface layer part and the inner layer part" of the present invention. The material of the inner layer part 41 of the present embodiment is equivalent to a second material of the present invention. The conductivity of the second material is preferably equal to or less than 1 × 10 -12< S / m.

[0051] The material of the surface layer part 42 is preferably, e.g., a semi-conductive ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material. It is more preferable that the material of the surface layer part 42 is the semi-conductive ceramic material. An example of the semi-conductive material is zirconia. Zirconia is typically able to at least partially cover a ceramic material by means of welding to this ceramic material, etc. For example, the specific electrical resistance of zirconia in room temperature is approximately 1 × 10 4< Ω•m. The conductivity of zirconia is approximately 1 ×10 -4< S / m. The material of the surface layer part 42 preferably includes zirconia as a main component. In other words, the proportion of weight of zirconia in the material of the surface layer part 42 is preferably larger than 50 %. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be made only of zirconia. The surface layer part 42 of the present embodiment is equivalent to "one of the surface layer part and the inner layer part" of the present invention. The material of the surface layer part 42 of the present embodiment is equivalent to a first material of the present invention. The conductivity of the first material is preferably equal to or more than 1 × 10 -4< S / m. The conductivity of the first material is higher than that of the second material. A circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer part 42 is preferably subjected to the surface process (e.g., a known matte process) for suppressing the damage of the yarn Y. This effectively suppresses the damage of the yarn Y in contact with the circumferential surface 42a.

[0052] When the yarn guide 31 is new, the yarn Y always makes contact with the circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(b)). Meanwhile, when the yarn guide 31 is used for long time so that the surface layer part 42 is worn, a part of the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 is exposed (see FIG. 3(c)). Because of this, the yarn Y may make contact with the circumferential surface 41a. Therefore, the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer part 41 is also preferably subjected to the surface process such as the matte process, etc.

[0053] The detection unit 32 (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)) is configured to detect charging information of the yarn guide 31 and to send the charging information to the controller 33. For example, the detection unit 32 is able to detect the surface electric potential of the yarn guide 31 (i.e., a potential difference between the surface of the yarn guide 31 and a ground). For example, the detection unit 32 may include a detection device (not illustrated) which is a known voltmeter, etc. The detection device of the present embodiment indicates a gauge, etc. such as a known clamp meter (e.g., an AC / DC clamp meter of a CM4375-50 type manufactured by HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION) which is able to detect DC voltage. This detection device includes an electric circuit which is configured to detect information regarding charging voltage of the surface of the yarn guide 31 and to send the information to the controller 33. The detection unit 32 includes, e.g., two terminals (not illustrated). One of these two terminals is electrically connected to the surface layer part 42 of the yarn guide 31. In other words, the yarn guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32. To be more specific, the surface layer part 42 of the yarn guide 31 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32. In the present invention, the "direct (directly)" is defined based on relationship between the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41. That is, when the surface layer part 42 is directly connected to the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is connected to the detection unit 32 without intermediation of the inner layer part 41. In other words, when the surface layer part 42 is directly connected to the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is located closer to the detection unit 32 than the inner layer part 41 is in a direction in which an electric charge flows (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)). In other words, the "direct (directly)" is not defined based on whether any circuit element such as resistance, etc. is located between the surface layer part 42 and the detection unit 32 in addition to a lead wire. That is, even if any element such as resistance, etc. is provided between the surface layer part 42 and the detection unit 32, the surface layer part 42 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32 with reference to the "direct (directly)" defined above. The inner layer part 41 of the yarn guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42. In other words, the inner layer part 41 is located farther from the detection unit 32 than the surface layer part 42 is in the direction in which an electric charge flows (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)). The other of these two terminals is electrically connected to a predetermined grounded member (not illustrated). That is, the electric potential of the other of these two terminals is substantially equal to ground potential.

[0054] The controller 33 (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c)) is a computer including a processor and a memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 33 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 and the display unit 34. The controller 33 is able to perform various processes based on charging information detected by each detection unit 32. For example, the following types of information in association with each other are stored in the controller 33: identification information for identifying each yarn guide 31 included in the spun yarn take-up machine 3; charging information regarding each yarn guide 31; and information regarding time.

[0055] The display unit 34 includes, e.g., a known display device. The display unit 34 is electrically connected to the controller 33. The display unit 34 is configured to display various types of information based on an instruction from the controller 33.

[0056] In the above-described yarn guide 31, the running yarn Y continuously makes contact with the surface of the yarn guide 31 so that frictional electrification (frictional charging) occurs on the surface (contact surface) of the yarn guide 31. The ease of movement of an electric charge which is accumulated on the contact surface because of the frictional electrification changes depending on the type of a material of the contact surface. With this arrangement, charging information detected by the detection unit 32 changes over time. It is possible to determine whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 is necessary based on the change of charging information over time as described below.(Process Performed by Controller)

[0057] The following will describe an example of processes performed by the controller 33 in the above-described replacement determination system 30. Roughly speaking, the controller 33 is configured to perform a first process of causing the display unit 34 to display information regarding a value of the electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31, etc. The controller 33 is also configured to perform a second process of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary based on charging information of each yarn guide 31 and causing the display unit 34 to display a result of the determination.

[0058] The following will describe the first process with reference to FIG. 3(b) to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a screen S displayed on the display unit 34. In the first process, for example, the controller 33 is configured to associate charging information regarding each yarn guide 31 with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point and to store the associated sets of information. The controller 33 may be configured to generate a time change rate of charging information, to associate this time change rate with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point, and to store the associated sets of information. To be more specific, for example, the controller 33 may be configured to generate information of a time differential value obtained by differentiating an electric charge amount by time. The controller 33 is configured to generate displayed information regarding an electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31, based on charging information regarding each yarn guide 31. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a displayed information generation unit of the present invention. The controller 33 is configured to cause the display unit 34 to display displayed information (see FIG. 4). In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a display controller of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows an example of the screen S on which displayed information is displayed. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a value indicating a current electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31 on a left part of the screen S. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a graph showing the relationship between an electric charge amount of one yarn guide 31 and a time point on an upper right part of the screen S. For example, the controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to display a graph showing the relationship between a time change rate of an electric charge amount of this one yarn guide 31 and a time point on a lower right part of the screen S. The controller 33 may be configured to control the display unit 34 to alternately display these graphs regarding the yarn guides 31, for example, each time predetermined time elapses or based on a predetermined signal input in the controller 33.

[0060] For example, when the running yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(b)), (i) an electric charge is accumulated on the surface (circumferential surface 42a) of the surface layer part 42 because of the frictional electrification and (ii) charging information regarding the surface layer part 42 is detected by the detection unit 32. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y is in contact with the inner layer part 41 exposed because of the worn surface layer part 42 (see FIG. 3(c)), an electric charge is accumulated on the surface (circumferential surface 41a) of the inner layer part 41. However, because the conductivity of the inner layer part 41 is low as described above, the electric charge is unlikely to move toward the surface layer part 42 side. Therefore, charging information obtained when the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 is different from charging information obtained when the yarn Y is in contact with the inner layer part 41.

[0061] An operator can know the change of charging information over time by visually checking the screen S. The operator can determine whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary based on the change of charging information over time.

[0062] The following will describe the second process with reference to FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b). Each of FIGs. 5(a) and 5(b) is a graph showing the change of a charged state of each yarn guide 31 over time. To be more specific, FIG. 5(a) is a graph showing the relationship between an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31 and time. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5(a) represents a time point (t), and the vertical axis of this graph represents an electric charge amount (V). In the present embodiment, the electric charge amount refers to voltage (a potential difference between the yarn guide 31 and the ground). The unit of the potential difference is, e.g., millivolt. Hereinafter, this potential difference will be referred to as charging voltage. Hereinafter, it should be noted that an absolute value of the charging voltage is taken into consideration (i.e., the positive / negative of the charging voltage is ignored) for the sake of convenience. FIG. 5(b) is a graph showing the relationship between a time change rate (ΔV / Δt) of the charging voltage and time. In the present embodiment, the time change rate of the charging voltage is a time differential value obtained by differentiating the charging voltage by time. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5(b) represents a time point, and the vertical axis of this graph represents a time differential value of the charging voltage. Hereinafter, it should be noted that an absolute value of a time differential value of the charging voltage is taken into consideration (i.e., the positive / negative of a time differential value is ignored) for the sake of convenience.

[0063] In the second process, the controller 33 is configured to associate charging information regarding each yarn guide 31 with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point and to store the associated sets of information. The controller 33 is configured to generate information of a time change rate of the charging voltage, to associate information of this time change rate with (i) identification information of the yarn guide 31 and (ii) a time point, and to store the associated sets of information. To be more specific, for example, the controller 33 is configured to generate the above-described information (differential information) of a time differential value of the charging voltage. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a differential information generation unit of the present invention.

[0064] In the second process, the controller 33 is configured to perform stop determination regarding whether it is necessary to stop the usage of each yarn guide 31 based on charging information. In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a determination unit of the present invention.

[0065] The following will describe a first example of the stop determination. For example, the controller 33 stores information of a threshold of the charging voltage in advance. For the sake of convenience, a threshold of the charging voltage of one yarn guide 31 is referred to as VT (see FIG. 5(a)). For example, when the charging voltage is equal to or higher than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is not necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. For example, when the charging voltage is lower than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. When the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 of this yarn guide 31, the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is substantially V1 (see FIG. 5(a)). Because V1 is higher than the VT, the controller 33 determines that it is not necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 because of the worn surface layer part 42, the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is decreased to approximately V2 (see FIG. 5(a)). Because V2 is lower than VT, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31.

[0066] The following will describe a second example of the stop determination. For example, the controller 33 stores information of a threshold of a time differential value of the charging voltage in advance. For the sake of convenience, a threshold of a time differential value of the charging voltage of one yarn guide 31 is referred to as RT (see FIG. 5(b)). For example, the controller 33 determines that, as soon as a time differential value of the charging voltage becomes equal to or higher than RT, it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. For example, when the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42 of this yarn guide 31, a time differential value of the charging voltage of this yarn guide 31 is substantially zero (see FIG. 5(b)). That is, the charging voltage actually does not change over time. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 because of the worn surface layer part 42, a time differential value of the charging voltage of the yarn guide 31 is suddenly increased to exceed RT (see FIG. 5(b)). In this regard, the controller 33 determines that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31. As such, the controller 33 may be configured to perform the stop determination based on differential information.

[0067] The controller 33 is configured to control the display unit 34 based on a determination result. That is, for example, the controller 33 causes the display unit 34 to display the following types of information when determining that it is necessary to stop the usage of one yarn guide 31. The controller 33 causes the display unit 34 to display (to report) identification information of this yarn guide 31 and an alarm message, etc. indicating that it is necessary to stop the usage of this yarn guide 31 (i.e., the replacement, etc. of this yarn guide 31 is necessary). In this regard, the controller 33 functions as a notification controller of the present invention. Furthermore, the display unit 34 functions as a notification unit of the present invention.

[0068] The operator can determine whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary by visually checking a message, etc. displayed on the display unit 34.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the controller 33 is able to perform at least one (i.e., one or both) of the first process and the second process.

[0070] As described above, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is different from that of the material of the inner layer part 41. With this arrangement, the ease of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 toward the detection unit 32 side is different from that of movement of an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 toward the detection unit 32 side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part 42, based on the change of charging information over time. This makes it possible to assist in determining whether the replacement, etc. of the yarn guide 31 is necessary, with a simple structure and without checking of the quality of the yarn Y.

[0071] The conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is higher than that of the material of the inner layer part 41. The surface layer part 42 is electrically and directly connected to the detection unit 32, and the inner layer part 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42. With these arrangements, an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 relatively easily moves toward the detection unit 32 side. Furthermore, an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 is relatively unlikely to move toward the detection unit 32 side. Furthermore, wiring is simple as compared to a structure in which the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 are connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. It is therefore possible to determine which one of the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 the yarn Y is in contact with, with a simple structure.

[0072] The operator can know information regarding an electric charge amount of each yarn guide 31 by visually checking displayed information displayed on the display unit 34. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine the necessity of replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31, the operator can easily perform the determination.

[0073] The controller 33 is configured to perform the stop determination. It is therefore possible to omit the operator's labor of determining the necessity of stop of the usage of each yarn guide 31.

[0074] The controller 33 may be configured to perform the stop determination based on differential information. According to the structure of each yarn guide 31 of the present embodiment, presumably, when the inner layer part 41 is exposed because of the worn surface layer part 42, charging information suddenly changes. Therefore, the controller 33 of the present embodiment makes it possible to accurately perform the stop determination.

[0075] When the stop of usage of each yarn guide 31 is necessary, the display unit 34 can be activated. Therefore, even when the operator is performing a task which is not the checking of charging information, the operator can immediately know that the stop of usage of the yarn guide 31 is necessary.

[0076] The ease of movement of an electric charge toward the detection unit 32 side is significantly different between the first material and the second material. It is therefore easy to determine which one of the surface layer part 42 and the inner layer part 41 the yarn Y is in contact with.

[0077] The second material is an insulating ceramic material, and is a material of the inner layer part 41. The insulating ceramic material is a reasonable material which is typically used for a material of the yarn guide 31. Typically, the volume of the inner layer part 41 is larger than that of the surface layer part 42. It is therefore possible to suppress the increase in cost of the material of the yarn guide 31.

[0078] The first material is a semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material, and is a material of the surface layer part 42. The surface layer part 42 made of one ceramic material is easily formed onto the inner layer part 41 made of another ceramic material by means of known spraying, etc. It is therefore possible to easily manufacture the yarn guide 31.

[0079] The first material includes zirconia as a main component, and the second material includes alumina as a main component. The inner layer part 41 is made of alumina which is typically reasonable, and thus the increase in cost of the material of each yarn guide 31 is effectively suppressed. Zirconia is one semi-conductive ceramic material, and includes a characteristic in which an electric charge easily moves as compared to an insulating ceramic material. Therefore, the behavior of an electric charge accumulated on each yarn guide 31 is significantly different between the normal surface layer part 42 and the worn surface layer part 42. In this regard, the surface layer part 42 is made of zirconia. This makes it possible to detect the significant change of charging information.

[0080] The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes the yarn guides 31. In the spun yarn take-up system 1 including a lot of the yarn guides 31, the labor of determining whether the replacement, etc. of each yarn guide 31 is necessary may be large. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0081] One fulcrum guide 21 (the second yarn guide) is located behind the fulcrum guide 21F (first yarn guide) so as to be farther from the access passage 4 than the fulcrum guide 21F in the front-rear direction. Therefore, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check how much the second yarn guide is worn from the access passage 4. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0082] The spun yarn take-up system 1 includes the spun yarn take-up machines 3 aligned in the left-right direction. When each yarn guide 31 is provided between two spun yarn take-up machines 3 in the left-right direction, it may be difficult to visually check how much this yarn guide 31 is worn. The structure of the present embodiment is especially effective in such a spun yarn take-up system 1.

[0083] The following will describe modifications of the above-described embodiment. The members identical with those in the embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanations thereof are not repeated. (1) In the embodiment above, the surface layer part 42 is formed by performing the surface process for the inner layer part 41. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The surface layer part 42 may be prepared independently from the inner layer part 41. Furthermore, the surface layer part 42 may be fixed to the inner layer part 41 by appropriate means. (2) In the embodiment above, the inner layer part 41 whose conductivity is relatively low is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer part 42 whose conductivity is relatively high. That is, the inner layer part 41, the surface layer part 42, and the detection unit 32 are connected in series. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The inner layer part 41 and the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. Even in this case, when the running yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer part 42, an electric charge accumulated on the surface layer part 42 easily moves toward the detection unit 32 side. Meanwhile, when the yarn Y makes contact with the inner layer part 41 after the surface layer part 42 is worn, an electric charge accumulated on the inner layer part 41 is unlikely to move toward the detection unit 32 side. It is therefore possible to determine the progress of wearing of the surface layer part 42. (3) In the embodiment above, the display unit 34 functions as the notification unit. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a notification unit such as a lamp, etc. configured to raise an alarm may be provided instead of the display unit 34. (4) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the notification controller. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the notification controller may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. (5) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the determination unit. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the determination unit may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. (6) In the embodiment above, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 includes the display unit 34. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the display unit 34 may be shared by the spun yarn take-up machines 3. Alternatively, the display unit 34 may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. In this case, the display unit 34 may be electrically connectable to each spun yarn take-up machine 3 wirelessly or by cable. (7) In the embodiment above, the controller 33 functions as the displayed information generation unit and the display controller. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a computer device functioning as the displayed information generation unit and the display controller may be provided in each spun yarn take-up machine 3 in addition to the controller 33. Alternatively, this computer device may be provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1. In this case, this computer device may be electrically connectable to each spun yarn take-up machine 3 wirelessly or by cable. (8) In the embodiment above, the display unit 34 is configured to display an alarm message, etc. and displayed information. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The spun yarn take-up system 1 may be configured to cause the display unit 34 to display the message, etc. or the displayed information. Alternatively, the message, etc. and / or the displayed information may be displayed by the computer device and the display device which are provided independently from the spun yarn take-up system 1 as described above. (9) In the embodiment above, the material of the inner layer part 41 includes alumina as a main component, and the material of the surface layer part 42 includes zirconia as a main component. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, instead of alumina, another insulating ceramic material may be used as a main component of the material of the inner layer part 41. Instead of zirconia, another semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material may be used as a main component of the material of the surface layer part 42. Alternatively, another material may be used for each yarn guide 31 in which the surface layer part 42 is formed on the inner layer part 41. (10) In the embodiment above, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer part 42 is higher than that of the material of the inner layer part 41. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The conductivity of the material of the inner layer part 41 may be higher than that of the material of the surface layer part 42. In this case, the inner layer part 41 and the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 in a parallel manner. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the inner layer part 41. The material of the inner layer part 41 may be, e.g., metal. The material of the surface layer part 42 may be an insulative material obtained by performing the surface process for metal. Alternatively, the surface layer part 42 may be an insulator fixed to the inner layer part 41 by adhesion, etc. (11) In the embodiment above, preferably, the conductivity of the first material is equal to or higher than 1 ×10 -4< S / m, and the conductivity of the second material is equal to or lower than 1 × 10 -12< S / m. However, the conductivity of each material is not limited to this. (12) In the embodiment above, a specific example of each yarn guide 31 is a fulcrum guide 21, etc. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The structure of the yarn guide 31 may be applied to any type of a guide member configured to guide the running yarn Y. For example, a rotatable roller (not illustrated) may include an inner layer part and a surface layer part. (13) The present invention may be applied to various textile machines each of which is not the spun yarn take-up system 1 and which are configured to handle running yarns (not illustrated). For example, the present invention may be applied to a known false-twist texturing machine (not illustrated) configured to false-twist a yarn. The present invention may be applied to a known re-winder (not illustrated) configured to unwind a yarn from a package and to re-wind the yarn. (14) In the embodiment above, the detection unit 32 includes an unillustrated voltmeter. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect a physical quantity which is not the potential difference between the surface of the yarn guide 31 and the ground and which is related to an electric charge amount of the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., an amount of an electric charge accumulated on the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., the electrostatic capacity of the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be able to detect, e.g., an electric current flowing between the yarn guide 31 and the detection unit 32. For example, in order to measure a small electric current, the detection unit 32 may include a Digital Multimeter, etc. manufactured by Tektronix, Inc. (15) Each yarn guide 31 may be configured to guide two or more yarns Y. (16) In the embodiment above, each spun yarn take-up machine 3 (processing unit) includes the yarn guides 31. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In other words, the number of the yarn guides 31 in each processing unit may be one. In the embodiment above, processing units are aligned in the left-right direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The number of the processing units may be one. That is, a textile machine may include only one yarn guide 31.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0033]The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of convenience, directions shown in FIG. 1 are referred to as forward, rearward, leftward, rightward, upward, and downward directions. The up-down direction is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The left-right direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The left-right direction is equivalent to an arrangement direction of the present invention. The left-right direction is an extending direction of a later-described access passage 4. The front-rear direction is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. The front-rear direction is equivalent to an orthogonal direction of the present invention. A direction in which each yarn Y runs is referred to as a yarn running direction.

(Outline of Spun Yarn Take-Up System)

[0034]FIG. 1 is a front view of a spun yarn take-up system 1 (textile machine of the present invention) of the present ...

Claims

1. A textile machine (1) configured to handle one or more running yarns (Y), comprising: one or more yarn guides (31); and one or more detection units (32) provided to correspond to the one or more yarn guides (31), each of the one or more yarn guides (31) including: an inner layer part (41) made of a predetermined material; and a surface layer part (42) which is provided for contact with at least one of the one or more yarns (Y), which is made of a material whose conductivity is different from the conductivity of the predetermined material of the inner layer part (41), and which is located so as to cover at least a part of the inner layer part (41), the each of the one or more yarn guides (31) being configured to guide the at least one of the one or more yarns (Y), each of the one or more detection units (32) being electrically connected to corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides (31) and able to detect charging information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the corresponding one of the one or more yarn guides (31), the conductivity of a material of one of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41) being higher than the conductivity of a material of the other of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41), the one of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41) being electrically and directly connected to the one or more detection units (32), and the other of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41) being electrically connected to the one or more detection units (32) via the one of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41).

2. The textile machine (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit (34) which is able to display information; a displayed information generation unit (33) configured to generate, based on the charging information, displayed information which is information regarding an electric charge amount of the each of the one or more yarn guides (31); and a display controller (33) configured to cause the display unit (34) to display the displayed information.

3. The textile machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a determination unit (33) which is configured to perform stop determination regarding whether it is necessary to stop usage of the each of the one or more yarn guides (31) based on the charging information.

4. The textile machine (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a differential information generation unit (33) which is configured to generate differential information obtained by differentiating the charging information by time, wherein, the determination unit (33) is configured to perform the stop determination based on the differential information.

5. The textile machine (1) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: a notification unit (34) which is able to report information; and a notification controller (33) configured to control the notification unit (34) based on a determination result of the determination unit (33).

6. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the conductivity of a first material which is the material of the one of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41) is equal to or higher than 1 × 10-4 S / m, and the conductivity of a second material which is the material of the other of the surface layer part (42) and the inner layer part (41) is equal to or lower than 1 × 10-12 S / m.

7. The textile machine (1) according to claim 6, wherein, the second material is an insulating ceramic material and is a material of the inner layer part (41).

8. The textile machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein, the first material is a semi-conductive or conductive ceramic material and is a material of the surface layer part (42).

9. The textile machine (1) according to claim 8, wherein, the first material includes zirconia as a main component, and the second material includes alumina as a main component.

10. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising yarn guides (31) as the one or more yarn guides (31).

11. The textile machine (1) according to claim 10, further comprising one or more processing units (3) each of which includes the yarn guides (31), wherein, the yarn guides (31) include: a first yarn guide (21F) located at a predetermined position in a predetermined orthogonal direction orthogonal to an extending direction of an access passage (4), the one or more processing units (3) facing the access passage (4); and a second yarn guide (21) located to be opposite to the access passage (4) over the first yarn guide (21F) in the orthogonal direction.

12. The textile machine (1) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising processing units (3) which are aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction and each of which includes the one or more yarn guides (31).

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