Yarn winder

Abstract

After one bobbin holder supporting a package stops rotating, a yarn end included in the package is suppressed from being caught on the other bobbin holder side. A spun yarn take-up machine 1 includes a bobbin holder 24A, a bobbin holder 24B, a switching unit (a turret 23, a first partition 27, and a shift guide 29) configured to be able to perform a switching operation, a first partition 27, and a second partition 28. The spun yarn take-up machine 1 is provided with a slide mechanism 60. When the switching operation has been completed and a package P is held by the bobbin holder 24A, the slide mechanism 60 performs a reducing operation of narrowing a gap Gl when viewed in an alignment direction, as compared to a case where a yarn Y is connected between a bobbin B2 and the package P in the switching operation. After the completion of the reducing operation, the slide mechanism 60 prohibits the yarn Y from passing through the gap Gl.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a yarn winder.

[0002] A spun yarn take-up winder (yarn winder) disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H7-138808) includes two bobbin holders that support (retain) bobbins to be rotatable. A package is formed by winding a running yarn onto a bobbin supported by one of bobbin holders, which is rotating. After the formation of the package, the yarn is threaded to an empty bobbin held by the other bobbin holder that has started rotating, and is disconnected from the package. In this way, the operation of transferring the yarn from the package to the empty bobbin (hereinafter, this will be referred to as a switching operation) is performed.

[0003] Regarding the above, the following problem has been known; after a yarn is disconnected between a package and an empty bobbin, an end portion (yarn end) of the yarn in the package that has not stopped rotating may be disadvantageously lifted from the surface of the package due to the centrifugal force and caught by a bobbin supported by the other bobbin holder. Therefore, when the switching operation is performed, the space between the two bobbin holders is partially divided by a first separator and a second separator (hereinafter, partitions). This prevents the yarn end of the package that is still rotating from getting caught on the other bobbin holder side.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The inventor of the subject application noticed that another problem may arise even after the package has stopped rotating (that is, after one of the bobbin holders has stopped rotating). That is to say, the yarn end included in the package becomes slack after the package has stopped rotating. Such a yarn end is drawn toward the other bobbin holder side through a gap of the partitions due to an accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the other bobbin holder and bobbins. As a result, the yarn end gets caught on the other bobbin holder side.

[0005] An object of the present invention is, after one bobbin holder supporting a package stops rotating, to suppress a yarn end included in the package from being caught on the other bobbin holder side.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a yarn winder includes: a first bobbin holder which supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a first bobbin on which a running yarn is wound, the first bobbin holder extending in an axial direction of the first bobbin; a second bobbin holder which is aligned with the first bobbin holder in a predetermined alignment direction intersecting with the axial direction and supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a second bobbin on which the running yarn is wound, the second bobbin holder extending in the axial direction; a switching unit which is arranged to be able to perform a switching operation of switching a state of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder from a state in which the yarn is wound onto the rotating first bobbin and a package is formed to a state in which the yarn is threaded to the rotating second bobbin and is disconnected from the package; a first partition which partially divides a space between the second bobbin and the package when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit is performing the switching operation; and a second partition which partially divides the space and form a gap between the second partition and the first partition when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit is performing the switching operation, a reducer being provided to be able to execute a reducing operation of narrowing the gap as compared to a state in which the switching operation is in execution, when the switching operation has been completed and the package is held by the first bobbin holder, and after completing the reducing operation, the reducer prohibiting the yarn from passing through the gap.

[0007] By the switching operation, it is possible to thread a yarn running in the space between the package and the second bobbin from the package to the second bobbin, and to disconnect the yarn from the package. The state in which the switching operation has been completed and the package is held by the first bobbin holder is referred to as a completion state. In the present invention, in the completion state, the reducer is able to narrow the gap between the first partition and the second partition. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the end portion (yarn end) of the yarn, which is included in the package whose rotation has stopped, toward the second bobbin side through the gap. On this account, after one bobbin holder supporting the package stops rotating, it is possible to suppress the yarn end included in the package from being caught on the other bobbin holder side. Furthermore, the yarn is prohibited from passing through the gap by the reducer which has completed the reducing operation. Due to this, it is possible to prevent the yarn from passing through the gap after the completion of the reducing operation. It is therefore possible to prevent the yarn end of the yarn which is included in the package from being drawn toward the second bobbin side through the gap.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the first aspect of the invention is arranged such that the reducer has a first closing member which is in a state of closing the gap when viewed in the alignment direction, after the reducing operation is completed.

[0009] According to the aspect of the present invention, when viewed in the alignment direction, it is possible to close the gap by the first closing member. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the second aspect of the invention is arranged such that the first closing member is provided on the first partition, and a second closing member is provided to narrow a residual gap formed between the first closing member and the second partition, when the reducer performs the reducing operation.

[0011] This aspect of the present invention effectively suppresses the yarn end included in the package from being drawn toward the second bobbin side through the residual gap.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the third aspect of the invention is arranged such that the second closing member is provided on one of the first closing member and the second partition and is a contact member configured to make contact with the other of the first closing member and the second partition.

[0013] This aspect of the present invention effectively prevents the yarn from passing through the residual gap.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the fourth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the contact member is a flexible member configured to bend when making contact with the other of the first closing member and the second partition.

[0015] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the other of the first closing member and the partition from being damaged by the contact member.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the inversion is arranged such that each of the first partition and the second partition is switchable in posture between: a partition posture in which the partition divides the space; and a separated posture in which the partition is separated from the second bobbin holder more than in the partition posture.

[0017] If the posture of the partition is not changeable, the space where the package is formed is narrow and the maximum allowable size of the package is significantly limited. Because the aspect of the present invention allows the partition to take the separated posture, it is possible to avoid the size of the package from being significantly limited.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the sixth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the switching unit includes a yarn guide which is provided to be movable together with one of the first partition and the second partition and temporarily guides the yarn during the switching operation.

[0019] This aspect of the present invention makes it possible to simplify the structure of the yarn winder as compared to a configuration where the guide member moves independently from the partition.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the sixth or seventh aspect of the invention is arranged such that at least one of the first partition or the second partition has a swing member which is swingable about a swing shaft extending along the axial direction.

[0021] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to downsize the space required for the movement of the partition as compared to a case where members constituting the partition move in a parallel manner.

[0022] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the eighth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the reducer includes a movement member which is provided at an end portion of the swing member, which is opposite to the swing shaft, the movement member being swingable together with the swing member and movable relative to the swing member.

[0023] The movement member can move a long distance by swinging together with the swing member. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the distance of the movement of the movement member in the reducing operation, as compared to a case where the movement member is configured to move independently from the swing member. The time required to perform the reducing operation is therefore short.

[0024] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention is arranged such that at least one of the first partition or the second partition includes: a frame which forms an opening different from the gap; and a cover which is provided to close the opening.

[0025] According to the aspect of the present invention, in the arrangement in which the opening different from the gap is formed in the partition, the opening is closed by the cover. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn from being drawn toward the second bobbin side.

[0026] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to tenth aspects further includes a turret which (i) supports the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder to be revolvable about the axial direction and (ii) is capable of switching the positions of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder.

[0027] According to the aspect of the present invention, the known turret allows for easy switching of the positions of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder.

[0028] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the invention further includes a controller, the controller controlling the reducer to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation is completed by the switching unit.

[0029] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause the reducer to perform the reducing operation without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reliably reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the twelfth aspect of the invention is arranged such that, after causing the reducer to perform the reducing operation, the controller causes the reducer to maintain a state in which the gap is narrowed as compared to a state in which the yarn is connected between the second bobbin and the package in the switching operation, at least until the package is detached from the first bobbin holder.

[0031] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 4 is an arrow view taken along line IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows a shift guide. FIG. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic front views of a winding device. FIGs. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic side views of the winding device. FIG. 8 is a front view of a first partition and a second partition. FIG. 9(a) is an arrow view taken along line IX(a) in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which a slide member is at a protruding position. FIG. 10 is an arrow view taken along line X in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 shows the second partition. FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a switching operation and subsequent operations in the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 13 shows a state of a first partition and a second partition after the completion of the switching operation. FIG. 14 is an arrow view taken along line XIV in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is an arrow view taken along line XV in FIG. 13. 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 (the up-down direction in the plane of FIG. 1) is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The front-rear direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction (the left-right direction on the sheet of FIG. 1) corresponds to the axial direction of the present invention. The left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1) is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. A direction in which a yarn Y runs is referred to as a running direction.(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0034] The following will describe the structure of a spun yarn take-up machine with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine 1 of the present embodiment (a yarn winder of the present invention). FIG. 2 is a front view of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. The spun yarn take-up machine 1 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from a spinning apparatus 2, to wind the yarns Y onto bobbins B, respectively, and to form packages P. The spinning apparatus 2 is, for example, a known melt spinning device. The spinning apparatus 2 is configured to spin out yarns Y made of synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers. Each of the yarns Y is, for example, a multifilament yarn formed of filaments (not illustrated). Alternatively, each yarn Y may be a monofilament yarn constituted by a single filament.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 includes, for example, a first godet roller 11, a second godet roller 12, and a winding device 13. The first godet roller 11 is, for example, a roller having an axis substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The first godet roller 11 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. As a result, the first godet roller 11 feeds the yarns Y to the second godet roller 12. The second godet roller 12 is, for example, a roller having an axis substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The second godet roller 12 is, for example, provided above and rearward of the first godet roller 11. The second godet roller 12 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. As a result, the second godet roller 12 feeds the yarns Y to the winding device 13.

[0036] The winding device 13 is configured to form packages P by winding the yarns Y onto the respective bobbins B. The winding device 13 is, for example, provided below the second godet roller 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding device 13 includes a frame 20, fulcrum guides 21, traverse guides 22, a turret 23, two bobbin holders 24, and a contact roller 25.

[0037] The frame 20 is a member which is placed on, for example, a floor surface of a factory, and to which components of the winding device 13 are attached or in which components of the winding device 13 are accommodated. The fulcrum guides 21 are provided for the respective yarns Y. Each of the fulcrum guides 21 is a guide functioning as a fulcrum when the corresponding yarn Y is traversed. The fulcrum guides 21 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The traverse guides 22 are provided for the respective yarns Y. Each of the traverse guides 22 is a guide for traversing the corresponding yarn Y. The traverse guides 22 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The traverse guides 22 are driven by, for example, a traverse motor 101 (see FIG. 3). Each of the traverse guides 22 includes, for example, two blade guides 22a (see FIG. 5) that are driven to rotate in opposite directions, respectively.

[0038] The turret 23 is a disc-shaped member having an axis substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. The turret 23 is rotationally driven by a turret motor 102 (see FIG. 3). The turret 23 rotatably supports two bobbin holders 24.

[0039] Each of the two bobbin holders 24 (hereinafter, they may be referred to as bobbin holders 24A and 24B) is arranged to rotatably hold (support) bobbins B such that the bobbins B are aligned in the front-rear direction. Each of the bobbin holders 24A and 24B is rotatably supported by the turret 23. The bobbin holders 24A and 24B are arranged to be point symmetric with each other about the rotation axis center of the turret 23 (see FIG. 2). For the convenience of explanation, the bobbin holder 24A is equivalent to a first bobbin holder of the present invention and bobbin holder 24B is equivalent to the second bobbin holder of the present invention. Each of the bobbin holders 24A and 24B extends in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 1). The direction in which the bobbin holder 24A extends is the axial direction in the present invention. The direction in which bobbin holder 24B extends is substantially parallel to the direction in which bobbin holder 24A extends. Each bobbin holder 24 supports bobbins B which are aligned in the front-rear direction. The bobbin holders 24A and 24B are aligned in a direction that is orthogonal to (intersects with) the axial direction.

[0040] For the convenience of explanation, the bobbins B held by the bobbin holder 24A are referred to as bobbins B1 (first bobbins of the present invention). The bobbins B held by the bobbin holder 24B are referred to as bobbins B2 (second bobbins of the present invention). Each of the two bobbin holders 24 is rotationally driven by an individual winding motor 103 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the bobbin holder 24A is rotationally driven by a winding motor 103A (see FIG. 3). The bobbin holder 24B is rotationally driven by a winding motor 103B (see FIG. 3).

[0041] Assume that yarns Y are being wound onto bobbins B held by one of the two bobbin holders 24 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In this assumption, for the convenience of explanation, one of the bobbin holders 24 is referred to as the upper bobbin holder 24. In FIGs. 1 and 2, the bobbin holder 24A is the upper bobbin holder 24.

[0042] The contact roller 25 is provided immediately above the upper bobbin holder 24. The axis of the contact roller 25 is substantially 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] The controller 26 is a known computer device configured to control the operation of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. The controller 26 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM which are not illustrated. The controller 26 is, for example, electrically connected to drive units such as a traverse motor 101, a turret motor 102, and two winding motors 103. The controller 26 is electrically connected to other driving units, too (the details will be given later).

[0044] In the winding device 13 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, with the result that the packages P are formed. When the formation of the packages P is completed, the turret 23 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front. This switches over the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24. For the sake of convenience, hereinafter, a series of operations of the winding device 13, including the operation of switching the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24 (detailed later), will be referred to as a switching operation. Because of the switching operation, 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, with the result that the packages P are formed. In this regard, the bobbin holder 24 to which the fully-formed packages P are attached is moved to the lower position. The fully-formed packages P are collected by, e.g., an unillustrated package collector.

[0045] For the convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the rotation of the bobbin holder 24 by the winding motor 103 will be referred to as axial rotation of the bobbin holder 24. The rotation of a bobbin B or a package P due to rotation of the bobbin holder 24 is also referred to as axial rotation. The rotation of the turret 23 by the turret motor 102 (i.e., the movement of the bobbin holder 24) is referred to as revolution of the bobbin holder 24. The movement of a bobbin B or a package P due to the revolution of the bobbin holder 24 is also referred to as revolution. The axial direction of the revolution of the bobbin holder 24 (revolution axial direction) is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. The bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B can be positionally switched over by being rotated 180 degrees about the revolution axis.(Constituent Features for Switching Operation)

[0046] The following will describe the constituent features for the switching operation with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is an arrow view taken along line IV in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows a first partition 27 and a later-described second partition 28. FIG. 5 shows a later-described shift guide 29.

[0047] The winding device 13 includes, for example, as constituent features for the switching operation, the turret 23 described above (see FIG. 2), the first partition 27 (see FIGs. 2 and 4), and the shift guide 29 (see FIG. 5). A combination of the turret 23, the first partition 27, and the shift guide 29 is equivalent to a switching unit of the present invention.

[0048] The first partition 27 is configured to temporarily hold the running yarns Y at the time of the switching operation. The first partition 27 includes a swing shaft 31, a first supporting member 32, a second supporting member 33, and a plurality of guide members 34 (yarn guides of the present invention).

[0049] The swing shaft 31 is a shaft that serves as the center of the swing axis of the first supporting member 32, the second supporting member 33, and the guide members 34. The axial direction of the swing shaft 31 extends along the front-rear direction, for example. The swing shaft 31 swingably supports the first supporting member 32.

[0050] The first supporting member 32 is, for example, a substantially rod-shaped member when viewed in the front-rear direction. The first supporting member 32 is swingably supported to by the swing shaft 31. With this arrangement, the first supporting member 32 is swingable about the swing shaft 31. When viewed in the front-rear direction, one end portion (base end portion) of the first supporting member 32 is fixed to the swing shaft 31, for example. When viewed in the front-rear direction, to the other end portion (leading end portion) of the first supporting member 32, for example, the second supporting member 33 is attached. The second supporting member 33 is, for example, a substantially L-shaped member when viewed in the front-rear direction. The second supporting member 33 is formed by, for example, bending a flat plate-shaped member or fixing multiple flat plate-shaped members to each other. When viewed in the front-rear direction, one end portion (base end portion) of the second supporting member 33 is, for example, attached to the first supporting member 32. With this arrangement, the second supporting member 33 is swingable about the swing shaft 31. When viewed in the front-rear direction, to the other end portion (leading end portion) of the second supporting member 33, for example, the guide members 34 are fixed. A combination of the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33 of the present invention is equivalent to a swing member of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the first partition 27 is equivalent to "one of the first partition and the second partition" of the present invention. Furthermore, the first partition 27 is equivalent to "at least one of the first partition or the second partition" of the present invention, too.

[0051] The guide members 34 are members fixed to the leading end portion of the second supporting member 33. To be more specific, the guide members 34 are aligned in the front-rear direction, for example (see FIG. 4). Each of the guide members 34 is, for example, a hook-shaped member. Each guide member 34 has a guide groove 34a. The guide groove 34a is provided to temporarily hold a single yarn Y in the switching operation. The guide member 34 is swingable (movable) together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33.

[0052] The first supporter 32, the second supporter 33, and the guide members 34 are configured to be integrally swingable about the swing shaft 31. These members are swung by, e.g., a first drive unit 104. The first drive unit 104 includes, for example, an unillustrated air cylinder as a driving source. The first drive unit 104 is electrically connected to the controller 26.

[0053] The first partition 27 is driven by the first drive unit 104 so as to be switchable in posture between a first retreat posture (see solid lines in FIG. 2) and a first partition posture (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2). The first retreat posture is the posture of the first partition 27 when the first partition 27 does not overlap with the track of the revolution of the package P. That is, when the posture of the first partition 27 is the first retreat posture, the first partition 27 does not interfere with the revolving package P. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first retreat posture, the first partition 27 is positioned to the left of and above the turret 23. The first partition posture is the posture of the first partition 27 when the switching operation is being performed in the spinning take-up machine 1. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture, the first partition 27 is capable of capturing the running yarn Y. The details will be given later. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture, the first partition 27 divides a space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The details will be given later.

[0054] The winding device 13 of the present embodiment has a second partition 28 in addition to the first partition 27 (see FIG. 2). During the switching operation in the spun yarn take-up machine 1, the second partition 28 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B, together with the first partition 27. The second partition 28 includes, for example, an air cylinder 41, a link mechanism 42, and a partition member 43.

[0055] The air cylinder 41 is a driving source included in a second drive unit 105 (see FIG. 3) that drives the link mechanism 42. The link mechanism 42 is a mechanism that is driven by the air cylinder 41 to move the partition member 43. The partition member 43 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The second drive unit 105 includes the above-described air cylinder as a driving source and is electrically connected to the controller 26.

[0056] The second partition 28 is driven by the second drive unit 105 so as to be switchable in posture between a second retreat posture (see solid lines in FIG. 2) and a second partition posture (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2). The second retreat posture is the posture of the second partition 28 when the second partition 28 does not overlap with the track of the revolution of the bobbin B. That is, when the posture of the second partition 28 is the second retreat posture, the second partition 28 does not interfere with the revolving bobbin B. When the posture of the second partition 28 is the second retreat posture, the second partition 28 is positioned to the right of the turret 23. The second partition posture is the posture of the second partition 28 when the switching operation is being performed in the spinning take-up machine 1. When the posture of the second partition 28 is the second partition posture, the second partition 28 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The details will be given later.

[0057] The shift guide 29 is configured to temporarily change the paths (yarn paths) of the running yarns Y during the switching operation in the spun yarn take-up machine 1. More specifically, the shift guide 29 is provided to thread the yarn Y into a slit SL (see FIG. 5) formed in the outer circumferential surface of an empty bobbin B in the switching operation. The shift guide 29 is provided in the vicinity of the traverse guides 22 (not illustrated). The shift guides 29 is provided for the multiple yarns Y. The following will describe only a part of the shift guide 29, which corresponds to one yarn Y. As shown in FIG. 5, the shift guide 29 includes a rail member 51, a guide member 52, and an air cylinder 53.

[0058] The rail member 51 is a member extending in the front-rear direction. The rail member 51 guides the guide member 52 in the front-rear direction. The guide member 52 has a catching portion 52a configured to hook and catch the yarn Y. Hereinafter, an area where the traverse guide 22 traverses the yarn Y is referred to as a traverse area T (see FIG. 5) for the sake of convenience. The guide member 52 is driven and moved by the air cylinder 53 between an outside position (see solid lines in FIG. 5) which is outside the traverse area T and an inside position (indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5) which is inside the traverse area T. The air cylinder 53 is a driving source included in a guide drive unit 106 (see FIG. 3) configured to drive and move the guide member 52. The guide drive unit 106 is electrically connected to the controller 26. In addition, the air cylinder 53 has a position detection sensor (not illustrated) capable of detecting the position of the guide member 52, for example. The air cylinder 53 is configured to be able to simultaneously drive and move multiple guide members 52, for example. Alternatively, multiple air cylinders 53 may be provided to correspond to the respective guide members 52.(Switching Operation)

[0059] The following will describe the switching operation of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 more specifically, with reference to FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 7(b). FIGs. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic front views of the winding device 13. FIGs. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic side views of the winding device 13.

[0060] In an initial state, multiple packages P are formed by winding yarns Y onto bobbins B1, respectively (see FIG. 6(a)). As a reference, in FIG. 6(a), each package P is rotating counterclockwise (not illustrated). When determining that multiple packages P become fully wound, the controller 26 causes each unit to start the following switching operation. To begin with, the controller 26 controls the turret motor 102 to rotate the turret 23 by a predetermined angle (see an arrow in FIG. 6(b)). At this stage, the yarn Y is connected to the package P and is in contact with the bobbin B2. The controller 26 controls the winding motor 103B at an appropriate timing to start the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B. As a reference, the bobbin B2 is rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 6(b) (not illustrated). The yarn Y is maintained in a state of being traversed by the traverse guide 22.

[0061] Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the first drive unit 104 to switch the posture of the first partition 27 from the first retreat posture to the first partition posture (see FIG. 6(c)). As a result, the guide member 34 is pressed onto the yarn Y. The yarn Y which is being traversed falls into an inclined portion of the guide member 34 and enters the guide groove 34a. In this way, each yarn Y is held by each guide member 34. Furthermore, the controller 26 controls the second drive unit 105 at an appropriate timing to switch the posture of the second partition 28 from the second retreat posture to the second partition posture (see FIG. 6(c)).

[0062] Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 from the outside position (see solid lines in FIG. 5) to the inside position (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5). The traversed yarn Y is caught by the catching portion 52a of the guide member 52. At this stage, each yarn Y is positioned in the vicinity of the slit SL of the corresponding bobbin B2 in the axial direction (see FIG. 7(a)).

[0063] In addition to the above, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 holding the yarn Y from the inside position to the outside position (see FIG. 7(b)). With this, each yarn Y is temporarily detached from the traverse guide 22 and threaded into the slit SL of the corresponding bobbin B2 (see FIG. 7(b)). The slit SL has an unillustrated claw portion. As the yarn Y is hooked by the claw portion, the yarn Y is wound around the slit SL. At this stage, a strong tension is applied to the yarn Y positioned between the package P and the bobbin B2. The yarn Y is disconnected between the package P and the bobbin B2 due to this tension. In this way, the yarn Y is transferred from the package P to the bobbin B2, thereby making it possible to wind the yarn Y onto the bobbin B2. The above-described operation of the spinning take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the operation of the winding device 13) is the switching operation in the present embodiment.

[0064] When viewed in the front-rear direction, a virtual straight line passing through the rotation axis center of the bobbin holder 24A and the rotation axis center of the bobbin holder 24B during the switching operation is referred to as a virtual straight line VL, for the convenience of explanation (see FIG. 6(c)). The direction in which the virtual straight line VL extends, that is, the direction in which the bobbin holders 24A and 24B are aligned is orthogonal to (intersects with) the front-rear direction, and is equivalent to the alignment direction of the present invention. The alignment direction of the present embodiment may vary in accordance with the rotation of the turret 23. A space formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B in the alignment direction during the switching operation will be referred to as a space S (see FIGs. 6(b) and 6(c)) for the sake of convenience in explanation. In the present embodiment, a more specific definition of the space S is as follows. That is to say, when viewed in the front-rear direction, a space surrounded by two tangents VT (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 6(c)) that pass through the outer circumference of the package P and the outer circumference of the bobbin B2, an arc representing the outer circumference of package P, and an arc representing the outer circumference of bobbin B2 is defined as the space S. The space S is partially divided by the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and the second partition 28 in the second partition posture. The first partition 27 and the second partition 28 partially divide the space S in a state in which the switching operation has been completed (that is, before the switching operation is completed). To be more specific, the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and the second partition 28 in the second partition posture partially divide the space S so as to form a first space S1, a second space S2, and a gap G1 (see FIG. 6(c)). In other words, the first space S1, the second space S2, and the gap G1 are included in the space S. The first space S1 is a space on the bobbin holder 24A side as compared to the guide member 34 and the partition member 43. The second space S2 is a space on the bobbin holder 24B side as compared to the guide member 34 and the partition member 43. The gap G1 is, for example, formed between a right end portion of the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and a left end portion of the second partition 28 in the second partition posture. The gap G1 connects the first space S1 with the second space S2 when viewed in the front-rear direction (axial direction).

[0065] After the switching operation, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 to the inside position (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5). As a result, the yarn Y is caught by the traverse guide 22, and the traversing starts again (that is, the winding of the yarn Y onto the bobbin B2 starts). Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the winding motor 103A to stop the rotation of the bobbin holder 24A. Thereafter, the multiple packages P are collected.

[0066] Regarding the above, the following problem has been known; an end portion (yarn end) of the yarn Y in the package P that has not stopped rotating may be disadvantageously lifted from the surface of the package P due to the centrifugal force and caught by the bobbin B2. Therefore, when the switching operation is performed, the space S is divided by the first partition 27 and the second partition 28, thereby preventing the yarn end from being caught by the bobbin B2.

[0067] However, the inventor of the subject application noticed that another problem may arise even after the rotation of the package P has stopped. That is to say, the yarn end included in the package P becomes slack after the package P has stopped rotating. It has been found that such a slack yarn end is drawn to the bobbins B2 side (i.e., the second space S2 side) through the above-described gap G1 due to an accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B and the bobbins B2, and is eventually caught by the bobbin B2. In other words, it has been found that, after one bobbin holder 24 supporting the packages P stops rotating, it is necessary to suppress a yarn end included in the package P from being caught on the other bobbin holder 24 side. Under this circumstance, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the winding device 13) of the present embodiment is arranged in the following manner.(Details of Structure of Winding Device)

[0068] The following will detail the structure of the winding device 13 with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. FIG. 8 is a front view of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28. FIG. 9(a) is an arrow view taken along line IX(a) in FIG. 8, showing a later-described slide mechanism 60. FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which a later-described sliding member 61 is positioned at a protruding position (described later). FIG. 10 is an arrow view taken along line X in FIG. 2, and shows the first partition 27. FIG. 11 shows the second partition 28.

[0069] As described above, the winding device 13 includes the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), the first partition 27 has a slide mechanism 60. The slide mechanism 60 is arranged to narrow the gap G1 formed between the first partition 27 and the second partition 28. The slide mechanism 60 includes, for example, a slide member 61 (movement member of the present invention), an air cylinder 62, two link mechanisms 35, and a link 36.

[0070] The slide member 61 is, for example, a substantially plate-shaped member. The slide member 61 is formed by, for example, typical sheet metal. The slide member 61 extends in the front-rear direction and extends in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, too. More specifically, the slide member 61 extends in a predetermined extending direction (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)) that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and primarily has a component extending in the left-right direction, when the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture. The slide member 61 is, for example, slidable in the extending direction relative to the guide members 34. The slide member 61 is positioned at an end portion of the second supporting member 33, which is opposite to the swing shaft 31. The slide member 61 is swingable together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33. Additionally, the slide member 61 is movable relative to the second supporting member 33.

[0071] The air cylinder 62 is driven by compressed air. The air cylinder 62 includes a cylinder main body 62a, a piston rod 62b, and a rod end 62c. The cylinder main body 62a includes a piston chamber (not illustrated) to which compressed air is supplied. The cylinder main body 62a is slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, for example (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)). The cylinder main body 62a is, for example, swingably attached to the second supporter 33 via a joint 62d. The piston rod 62b is designed to extend and retract using compressed air. The rod end 62c is fixed to a leading end portion of the piston rod 62b. The link 36 is swingably attached to the rod end 62c via a joint 62e, for example. The air cylinder 62 is a driving source included in the slide drive unit 107 that drives the slide member 61. The slide drive unit 107 is electrically connected to the controller 26. Although not illustrated, two or more air cylinders 62 may be provided.

[0072] The two link mechanisms 35 and the link 36 constitute a transmission mechanism for transmitting the thrust force of the air cylinder 62 to the slide member 61. As shown in FIG. 9(a) and 9(b), the two link mechanisms 35 is formed of a link mechanism 35F and a link mechanism 35R. The link mechanism 35F is attached to, for example, a front end portion of the second supporter 33 and a front end portion of the slide member 61. The link mechanism 35R is attached to, for example, a rear end portion of the second supporter 33 and a rear end portion of the slide member 61. The link 36 is a long member for connecting the link mechanism 35F with the link mechanism 35R. The link 36 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction.

[0073] Each of the two link mechanisms 35 includes, for example, a link 35a, a link 35b, a joint 35c, a joint 35d, a joint 35e, and a joint 35f. The link 35a is a roughly L-shaped member that has, for example, a bent portion (base end portion), a long side portion, and a short side portion. The base end portion of the link 35a is connected to the second supporter member 33 via the joint 35c. A leading end portion of the long side portion of the link 35a is connected to the link 35b via the joint 35d. A leading end portion of the short side portion of the link 35a is connected to the link 36 via the joint 35e. More specifically, the link 35a of the link mechanism 35F is connected to the front end portion of the link 36. The link 35a of the link mechanism 35R is connected to the rear end portion of the link 36. The link 35b is, for example, a long narrow plate-shaped member. One end portion of the link 35b is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35d. The other end portion of the link 35b is connected to the slide member 61 via the joint 35f. The link 36 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction as described above. The front end portion of the link 36 is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35e of the link mechanism 35F. The rear end portion of the link 36 is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35e of the link mechanism 35R. A central portion of the link 36 in the front-rear direction, for example, is connected to the rod end 62c of the air cylinder 62 via the joint 62e.

[0074] Thanks to the above configuration, the sliding member 61 slides in the extending direction. More specifically, the slide member 61 is slidable (movable) between a standby position (shown in FIG. 9(a)) and a protruding position (shown in FIG. 9(b)). The standby position is a position of the slide member 61 when the piston rod 62b of the air cylinder 62 is retracted. The standby position is a position while the switching operation is being performed. The protruding position is a position of the slide member 61 when the piston rod 62b is extended. As the piston rod 62b extends (see a full-line arrow in FIG. 9(b)), the link 36 is pushed obliquely forward. As a result, the link 35a of each of the two link mechanisms 35 swings about the joint 35c. Due to this, the link 35b is pushed toward the second partition 28 in the extending direction. As a result, the slide member 61 connected to the link 35b moves toward the second partition 28 in the extending direction (see a full-line arrow in FIG. 9(b)). To put it differently, the protruding position is close to the second partition 28 as compared to the standby position.

[0075] Furthermore, the first supporting member 32 of the first partition 27 includes frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and a cover member 66 (cover of the present invention), as shown in FIG. 10. For the clarity of the drawing, the cover member 66 shown in FIG. 10 is hatched. Each of the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 is, for example, a bar-shaped member. The frame portion 63 extends in the front-rear direction and is supported to be rotatable about the swing shaft 31. The frame portion 64 is fixed to, for example, a rear end portion of the frame portion 63. The frame portion 65 is fixed to, for example, a front end portion of the frame portion 63. The frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33 form an opening 67 which is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape and is long in the front-rear direction. A combination of the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33 is equivalent to a frame of the present invention. An accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B may draw the yarn Y toward the bobbin holder 24B side through the opening 67. For this reason, the opening 67 is closed by the cover member 66. The cover member 66 is a substantially flat member that is, for example, fixed to the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33, so as to close the opening 67. This suppresses the yarn Y from being drawn toward the bobbin holder 24B side through the opening 67.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the second partition 28 has a rubber plate 71 (a second closing member, a contact member, and a flexible member of the present invention). When viewed in the front-rear direction, the rubber plate 71 is attached to a leading end portion (left end portion) of the partition member 43, for example. The rubber plate 71 is a plate-shaped member arranged to extend in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the length of the area where the rubber plate 71 is provided is substantially equal to the length of the area where the slide member 61 is provided. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the rubber plate 71 extends from the leading end of the partition member 43 toward, for example, the first partition 27 side (downward and leftward in the present embodiment). A leading end portion of the rubber plate 71 is arranged to make contact with the slide member 61 at the protruding position (see FIG. 9(b)). The rubber plate 71 is a rubber member that has flexibility. The flexibility of the rubber plate 71 indicates that, when making contact with the slide member 61, the rubber plate 71 bends before the slide member 61. In other words, the material of the rubber plate 71 exhibits a higher deflection capability than the material of the slide member 61. As a result, the slide member 61 is prevented from being damaged by the rubber plate 71.

[0077] The second partition 28 has the link mechanism 42 as described above. For reference, an example of the more detailed structure of the link mechanism 42 will be described. The link mechanism 42 includes the above-described partition member 43, a link 72, and joints 73, 74, and 75. A part of the above-described air cylinder 41 is also a part of the link mechanism 42. The air cylinder 41 includes a cylinder main body 41a, a piston rod 41b, and a rod end 41c. The cylinder main body 41a and the piston rod 41b extend, for example, along the up-down direction. The rod end 41c is provided at an upper end portion of the piston rod 41b. The link 72 is supported in a swingable manner by the cylinder main body 41a via the joint 74. The joint 73 connects the rod end 41c with a right end portion (base end portion) of the partition member 43. The joint 74 attaches one end portion of the link 72 to the cylinder main body 41a in a swingable manner. The joint 75 connects the other end portion of the link 72 with an intermediate portion of the partition member 43. With the above configuration, when the piston rod 41b extends, the second partition 28 takes the second retreat posture. When the piston rod 41b retracts, the second partition 28 takes the second partition posture.(Control of Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine by Controller)

[0078] The following will describe the control of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 by the controller 26 with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 12 to FIG. 15. FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the above-described switching operation and subsequent operations in the spun yarn take-up machine 1. FIG. 13 shows a state of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 after the completion of the switching operation. FIG. 14 is an arrow view taken along line XIV in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is an arrow view taken along line XV in FIG. 13. In FIGs. 8 and 13, the contact roller 25 and the yarn Y in its vicinity are not shown.

[0079] To begin with, the switching operation will be briefly explained again. When plural packages P are fully wound, the controller 26 starts the rotation of the turret 23 (step S101 shown in FIG. 12). Subsequently, the controller 26 sets the posture of the first partition 27 to the first partition posture and the posture of the second partition 28 to the second partition posture (step S102; see solid lines in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the controller 26 causes the guide member 52 of the shift guide 29 to hold the yarn Y (step S103). The controller 26 then moves the guide member 52 to a position in the vicinity of the slit SL (step S104). At this stage, the movement of the guide member 52 to the position in the vicinity of the slit SL is detected by the above-described position detection sensor (not illustrated). The detection signal is sent from the position detection sensor to the controller 26.

[0080] After the step S104 and almost simultaneously with the reception of the above signal, the controller 26 starts counting time. The controller 26 determines, for example, whether a predetermined first time has elapsed after receiving the above-described signal (step S105). The first time is a set value of the time expected until the yarn Y is disconnected between the package P and the bobbin B2. The information of the first time is stored in advance in the controller 26, for example. The controller 26 waits until the first time has elapsed (step S105: No). When the first time has elapsed (step S105: Yes), the controller 26 determines that the switching operation has been completed, and proceeds to the next step.

[0081] In a state in which the switching operation has been completed (completion state), the controller 26 controls the slide drive unit 107 to move the slide member 61 from the standby position to the protruding position (step S106; see FIG. 13). As a result, when viewed in the alignment direction, the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to a case where the yarn Y is connected between the bobbin B2 and the package P in the switching operation. More specifically, when viewed in the alignment direction (see FIGs. 14 and 15), the slide member 61 closes the gap G1 by partially overlapping with the partition member 43 (see FIG. 15). The slide mechanism 60 (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)) including the slide drive unit 107 (see FIG. 3) corresponds to a reducer of the present invention. The slide member 61 is equivalent to a first closing member of the present invention. The operation of the slide mechanism 60 causing the slide member 61 to move from the standby position to the protruding position is equivalent to a reducing operation of the present invention. In a state in which the reducing operation has been completed, when viewed in the alignment direction, the slide member 61 closes the gap G1.

[0082] Furthermore, when the slide member 61 moves to the protruding position, the rubber plate 71 fixed to the partition 43 makes contact with the slide member 61 and bends (see FIG. 13). If the rubber plate 71 does not exist, there remains a risk of allowing a yarn Y to pass through a residual gap G2 (see FIG. 13) formed between the slide member 61 and the partition member 43 in the alignment direction. By effectively narrowing the residual gap G2 by the rubber plate 71, it is possible to effectively suppress the yarn Y from unintentionally passing through the residual gap G2. In other words, in the present embodiment, the slide mechanism 60 after the completion of the reducing operation prohibits the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. The partition member 43 having the rubber plate 71 is equivalent to one of the first closing member and the partition of the present invention. The slide member 61 is equivalent to the other of the first closing member and the partition of the present invention.

[0083] Although not shown in the flowchart, after the step S106, the controller 26 controls the winding motor 103A to stop the rotation of the package P as described above. After the step S106, the controller 26 determines whether a predetermined second time has elapsed, for example (step S107). The second time is a set value of a time for determining the timing to separate the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 from the bobbin holder 24B. The information of the second time is stored in advance in the controller 26, for example. The second time is set because, if a long time elapses while the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 is maintained after the completion of the switching operation, there is the following risk. That is, there is a possibility that multiple packages (not illustrated) formed by winding yarns Y onto the bobbins B2 may interfere with the first partition 27 and / or the second partition 28.

[0084] The controller 26 waits until the second time has elapsed (step S107: No). The controller 26 proceeds to the next step when the second time has elapsed (step S107: Yes). The controller 26 returns the slide member 61 to the standby position (step S108). Furthermore, the controller 26 returns the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 to the original posture (step S109). That is, the controller 26 returns the posture of the first partition 27 to the first retreat posture and the posture of the second partition 28 to the second retreat posture. The first partition 27 in the first retreat posture is separated from the virtual straight line VL (and is separated from the bobbin holder 24B) more than when in the first partition posture. The second partition 28 in the second retreat posture is separated from the virtual straight line VL (and is separated from the bobbin holder 24B) more than when in the second partition posture. Both the first partition posture and the second partition posture are equivalent to a partition posture of the present invention. The first retreat posture is equivalent to a first separated posture of the present invention. The second retreat posture is equivalent to a second separated posture of the present invention. Both the first retreat posture and the second retreat posture are equivalent to a separated posture of the present invention.

[0085] Preferably, the controller 26 causes the first partition 27 to continue a state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. In other words, it is preferable that the packages P are collected before the above-described second time has elapsed.

[0086] As described above, in the completion state, the gap G1 is narrowed by the slide mechanism 60. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the end portion (yarn end) of the yarn Y, which is included in the package P whose rotation has stopped, toward the bobbin B2 side through the gap G1. On this account, after one bobbin holder 24A supporting the packages P stops rotating, it is possible to suppress the yarn end included in the package P from being caught on the other bobbin holder 24B side.

[0087] Furthermore, when viewed in the alignment direction, it is possible to close the gap G1 by the slide member 61. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0088] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is provided to narrow the residual gap G2. This effectively suppresses the yarn end included in the package P from being drawn toward the bobbin B2 side through the residual gap G2.

[0089] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is provided on the partition member 43 and is configured to make contact with the slide member 61. This effectively prevents the yarn Y from passing through the residual gap G2.

[0090] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is a flexible member. It is therefore possible to suppress the slide member 61 from being damaged.

[0091] In addition to the above, each of the partitions (first partition 27 and second partition 28) is arranged to be able to change its posture between the partition posture and the separated posture. Because the partition is separatable from the bobbin holder 24, it is possible to avoid the size of the package P from being significantly limited.

[0092] In addition to the above, the switching unit has the guide member 34 that is movable together with the first partition 27. This arrangement makes it possible to simplify the structure of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the winding device 13) as compared to a configuration where the guide member 34 moves independently from the first partition 27.

[0093] The first partition 27 has the swing member (the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33). Therefore, it is possible to downsize the space required for the movement of the first partition 27 as compared to a case where members constituting the first partition 27 move in a parallel manner.

[0094] In addition to the above, the slide mechanism 60 includes the slide member 61 that is swingable together with the swing member and is movable relative to the swing member. The slide member 61 can move a long distance by swinging together with the swing member. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the distance of the movement of the slide member 61 in the reducing operation, as compared to a case where the slide member 61 is configured to move independently from the swing member. The time required to perform the reducing operation is therefore short.

[0095] In addition to the above, in the first partition 27, the opening 67 which is different from the gap G1 is closed by the cover member 66. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn Y from being drawn toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0096] The spun yarn take-up machine 1 includes the turret 23. This allows for easy switching of the positions of the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B.

[0097] In addition to the above, the controller 26 controls the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation is completed. In other words, it is possible to cause the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reliably reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0098] Preferably, after causing the slide mechanism 60 to perform the above-described reducing operation, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to maintain the state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, at least until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. This further reduces the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0099] In addition to the above, it is possible to prevent the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1 after the completion of the reducing operation. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0100] 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 rubber plate 71 is provided to the partition member 43. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of the rubber plate 71, a flexible brush (not illustrated) may be provided as the flexible member, for example. The brush may be made of a soft resin material such as nylon resin, for example. As long as the brush is configured to prevent the yarn Y from passing through the residual gap G2, the brush may allow gas such as air to pass through. Alternatively, the rubber plate 71 may be provided on the slide member 61 instead of the partition member 43. (2) In the embodiment above, the contact member that makes contact with the slide member 61 is a flexible member. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The contact member may be a member other than the flexible member. For example, the contact member may be made of a material with relatively low hardness, such as a copper plate. This makes it possible to suppress the slide member 61 from being damaged as compared to a case where the contact member is made of a material with high hardness. Alternatively, If the slide member 61 is resistant to damage or remains functional despite slight damage, the material of the contact member is not subject to specific restrictions. (3) In the embodiment above, the rubber plate 71 makes contact with the slide member 61. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the rubber plate 71 may not make contact with the slide member 61. Even in this case, the residual gap G2 can be narrowed, and hence the yarn Y can be suppressed from passing through the residual gap G2. In this case, another member that narrows the residual gap G2 may be provided in place of the rubber plate 71. The material of the another member is not particularly limited. (4) In the embodiment above, the slide mechanism 60 is provided for the first partition 27. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The second partition 28 may include a slide mechanism and a slide member which are not illustrated. In this case, a residual gap (not illustrated) may be formed between the slide member and the first partition 27. Alternatively, a slide mechanism and a slide member which are not illustrated and can operate independently from the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 may be provided. In this case, for example, residual gaps (not illustrated) may be formed both between the first partition 27 and the slide member (not illustrated) and between the second partition 28 and the slide member (not illustrated). (5) In the embodiment above, the member for narrowing the residual gap G2 is provided. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The member that narrows the residual gap G2 may not be provided. Even in this arrangement, the slide mechanism 60 can suppress the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. (6) In the embodiment above, the slide member 61 is configured to be slidable in the extending direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The slide member 61 may be configured to be swingable, for example. Furthermore, the slide member 61 is arranged to be movable between the standby position and the protruding position by moving relative to the second supporting member 33. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first partition 27 may be swingable further toward the second partition 28 as compared to the partition posture. In this case, the slide mechanism 60 may not be provided. (7) In the embodiment above, the slide mechanism 60 is arranged to be swingable together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. A reducer (not illustrated) independent from the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 may be provided instead of the slide mechanism 60. (8) In the embodiment above, the slide member 61 is arranged to close the gap G1 when viewed in the alignment direction, in a state in which the reducing operation has been completed. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In a state in which the reducing operation has been completed, the gap G1 may be slightly open when viewed in the alignment direction. Also in this case, the slide member 61 can narrow the gap G1 by the reducing operation. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. (9) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the guide member 34. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. A driving mechanism (not illustrated) configured to drive and move the guide member 34 independently from the first partition 27 may be provided. Alternatively, a guide member (not illustrated) having the same function as the guide member 34 may be provided to be movable together with the second partition 28. In this case, the first partition 27 does not have the guide member 34. (10) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the swing member (first supporting member 32 and second supporting member 33) that is swingable about the swing shaft 31. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to the first partition 27, or instead of the first partition 27, the second partition 28 may include a member equivalent to the swing member of the present invention. Alternatively, the first partition 27 may not be configured to be swingable. In this case, the first partition 27 may have, for example, a movable member (not illustrated) that is movable in parallel, instead of the swing member. (11) In the embodiment described above, the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 are configured to operate on the opposite sides over the virtual straight line VL, when each of the partitions changes the posture between the partition posture and the separated posture. However, the operation range of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 is not limited to this. (12) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the member equivalent to the frame of the present invention and the cover member 66. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to the first partition 27, or instead of the first partition 27, the second partition 28 may have a member (not illustrated) equivalent to the frame and the cover member of the present invention. Alternatively, the first partition 27 may not include the cover member 66. Even when the cover member 66 is not provided, by narrowing the gap G1 through the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the drawing of the yarn Y included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side. (13) In the embodiment above, the winding device 13 includes the turret 23. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of the turret 23, another mechanism configured to switch the positions of the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B may be provided. (14) In the embodiment above, after causing the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to maintain the state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, at least until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The controller 26 may return the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 to the separated posture before the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the yarn Y included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side for a certain period of time. (15) In the embodiment above, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation has been completed. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an unillustrated operation unit (such as an operation switch) for starting the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60 may be provided. Then, the operator visually confirms the completion of the switching operation, or the completion of the switching operation may be notified to the operator by an unillustrated timer device or the like. The operator may operate the operation unit to start the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60, when it is determined that the switching operation has been completed. (16) In the embodiment above, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 is configured to be able to wind multiple yarns Y. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The spun yarn take-up machine 1 may be arranged to be able to wind only one yarn Y.

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 (the up-down direction in the plane of FIG. 1) is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The front-rear direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction (the left-right direction on the sheet of FIG. 1) corresponds to the axial direction of the present invention. The left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1) is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. A direction in which a yarn Y runs is referred to as a running direction.

(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0034]The following will describe the structure of a spun yarn take-up machine with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine 1 of the p...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a yarn winder.

[0002] A spun yarn take-up winder (yarn winder) disclosed in Patent Literature 1 (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. H7-138808) includes two bobbin holders that support (retain) bobbins to be rotatable. A package is formed by winding a running yarn onto a bobbin supported by one of bobbin holders, which is rotating. After the formation of the package, the yarn is threaded to an empty bobbin held by the other bobbin holder that has started rotating, and is disconnected from the package. In this way, the operation of transferring the yarn from the package to the empty bobbin (hereinafter, this will be referred to as a switching operation) is performed.

[0003] Regarding the above, the following problem has been known; after a yarn is disconnected between a package and an empty bobbin, an end portion (yarn end) of the yarn in the package that has not stopped rotating may be disadvantageously lifted from the surface of the package due to the centrifugal force and caught by a bobbin supported by the other bobbin holder. Therefore, when the switching operation is performed, the space between the two bobbin holders is partially divided by a first separator and a second separator (hereinafter, partitions). This prevents the yarn end of the package that is still rotating from getting caught on the other bobbin holder side.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The inventor of the subject application noticed that another problem may arise even after the package has stopped rotating (that is, after one of the bobbin holders has stopped rotating). That is to say, the yarn end included in the package becomes slack after the package has stopped rotating. Such a yarn end is drawn toward the other bobbin holder side through a gap of the partitions due to an accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the other bobbin holder and bobbins. As a result, the yarn end gets caught on the other bobbin holder side.

[0005] An object of the present invention is, after one bobbin holder supporting a package stops rotating, to suppress a yarn end included in the package from being caught on the other bobbin holder side.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a yarn winder includes: a first bobbin holder which supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a first bobbin on which a running yarn is wound, the first bobbin holder extending in an axial direction of the first bobbin; a second bobbin holder which is aligned with the first bobbin holder in a predetermined alignment direction intersecting with the axial direction and supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a second bobbin on which the running yarn is wound, the second bobbin holder extending in the axial direction; a switching unit which is arranged to be able to perform a switching operation of switching a state of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder from a state in which the yarn is wound onto the rotating first bobbin and a package is formed to a state in which the yarn is threaded to the rotating second bobbin and is disconnected from the package; a first partition which partially divides a space between the second bobbin and the package when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit is performing the switching operation; and a second partition which partially divides the space and form a gap between the second partition and the first partition when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit is performing the switching operation, a reducer being provided to be able to execute a reducing operation of narrowing the gap as compared to a state in which the switching operation is in execution, when the switching operation has been completed and the package is held by the first bobbin holder, and after completing the reducing operation, the reducer prohibiting the yarn from passing through the gap.

[0007] By the switching operation, it is possible to thread a yarn running in the space between the package and the second bobbin from the package to the second bobbin, and to disconnect the yarn from the package. The state in which the switching operation has been completed and the package is held by the first bobbin holder is referred to as a completion state. In the present invention, in the completion state, the reducer is able to narrow the gap between the first partition and the second partition. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the end portion (yarn end) of the yarn, which is included in the package whose rotation has stopped, toward the second bobbin side through the gap. On this account, after one bobbin holder supporting the package stops rotating, it is possible to suppress the yarn end included in the package from being caught on the other bobbin holder side. Furthermore, the yarn is prohibited from passing through the gap by the reducer which has completed the reducing operation. Due to this, it is possible to prevent the yarn from passing through the gap after the completion of the reducing operation. It is therefore possible to prevent the yarn end of the yarn which is included in the package from being drawn toward the second bobbin side through the gap.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the first aspect of the invention is arranged such that the reducer has a first closing member which is in a state of closing the gap when viewed in the alignment direction, after the reducing operation is completed.

[0009] According to the aspect of the present invention, when viewed in the alignment direction, it is possible to close the gap by the first closing member. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the second aspect of the invention is arranged such that the first closing member is provided on the first partition, and a second closing member is provided to narrow a residual gap formed between the first closing member and the second partition, when the reducer performs the reducing operation.

[0011] This aspect of the present invention effectively suppresses the yarn end included in the package from being drawn toward the second bobbin side through the residual gap.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the third aspect of the invention is arranged such that the second closing member is provided on one of the first closing member and the second partition and is a contact member configured to make contact with the other of the first closing member and the second partition.

[0013] This aspect of the present invention effectively prevents the yarn from passing through the residual gap.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the fourth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the contact member is a flexible member configured to bend when making contact with the other of the first closing member and the second partition.

[0015] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the other of the first closing member and the partition from being damaged by the contact member.

[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to fifth aspects of the inversion is arranged such that each of the first partition and the second partition is switchable in posture between: a partition posture in which the partition divides the space; and a separated posture in which the partition is separated from the second bobbin holder more than in the partition posture.

[0017] If the posture of the partition is not changeable, the space where the package is formed is narrow and the maximum allowable size of the package is significantly limited. Because the aspect of the present invention allows the partition to take the separated posture, it is possible to avoid the size of the package from being significantly limited.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the sixth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the switching unit includes a yarn guide which is provided to be movable together with one of the first partition and the second partition and temporarily guides the yarn during the switching operation.

[0019] This aspect of the present invention makes it possible to simplify the structure of the yarn winder as compared to a configuration where the guide member moves independently from the partition.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the sixth or seventh aspect of the invention is arranged such that at least one of the first partition or the second partition has a swing member which is swingable about a swing shaft extending along the axial direction.

[0021] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to downsize the space required for the movement of the partition as compared to a case where members constituting the partition move in a parallel manner.

[0022] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the eighth aspect of the invention is arranged such that the reducer includes a movement member which is provided at an end portion of the swing member, which is opposite to the swing shaft, the movement member being swingable together with the swing member and movable relative to the swing member.

[0023] The movement member can move a long distance by swinging together with the swing member. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the distance of the movement of the movement member in the reducing operation, as compared to a case where the movement member is configured to move independently from the swing member. The time required to perform the reducing operation is therefore short.

[0024] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to ninth aspects of the invention is arranged such that at least one of the first partition or the second partition includes: a frame which forms an opening different from the gap; and a cover which is provided to close the opening.

[0025] According to the aspect of the present invention, in the arrangement in which the opening different from the gap is formed in the partition, the opening is closed by the cover. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn from being drawn toward the second bobbin side.

[0026] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to tenth aspects further includes a turret which (i) supports the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder to be revolvable about the axial direction and (ii) is capable of switching the positions of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder.

[0027] According to the aspect of the present invention, the known turret allows for easy switching of the positions of the first bobbin holder and the second bobbin holder.

[0028] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of any one of the first to eleventh aspects of the invention further includes a controller, the controller controlling the reducer to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation is completed by the switching unit.

[0029] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to cause the reducer to perform the reducing operation without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reliably reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.

[0030] According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the yarn winder of the twelfth aspect of the invention is arranged such that, after causing the reducer to perform the reducing operation, the controller causes the reducer to maintain a state in which the gap is narrowed as compared to a state in which the yarn is connected between the second bobbin and the package in the switching operation, at least until the package is detached from the first bobbin holder.

[0031] According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package toward the second bobbin side.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 4 is an arrow view taken along line IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 shows a shift guide. FIG. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic front views of a winding device. FIGs. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic side views of the winding device. FIG. 8 is a front view of a first partition and a second partition. FIG. 9(a) is an arrow view taken along line IX(a) in FIG. 8, and FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which a slide member is at a protruding position. FIG. 10 is an arrow view taken along line X in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 shows the second partition. FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a switching operation and subsequent operations in the spun yarn take-up machine. FIG. 13 shows a state of a first partition and a second partition after the completion of the switching operation. FIG. 14 is an arrow view taken along line XIV in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is an arrow view taken along line XV in FIG. 13. 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 (the up-down direction in the plane of FIG. 1) is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The front-rear direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction (the left-right direction on the sheet of FIG. 1) corresponds to the axial direction of the present invention. The left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1) is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. A direction in which a yarn Y runs is referred to as a running direction.(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0034] The following will describe the structure of a spun yarn take-up machine with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine 1 of the present embodiment (a yarn winder of the present invention). FIG. 2 is a front view of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. The spun yarn take-up machine 1 is configured to take up yarns Y spun out from a spinning apparatus 2, to wind the yarns Y onto bobbins B, respectively, and to form packages P. The spinning apparatus 2 is, for example, a known melt spinning device. The spinning apparatus 2 is configured to spin out yarns Y made of synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers. Each of the yarns Y is, for example, a multifilament yarn formed of filaments (not illustrated). Alternatively, each yarn Y may be a monofilament yarn constituted by a single filament.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 includes, for example, a first godet roller 11, a second godet roller 12, and a winding device 13. The first godet roller 11 is, for example, a roller having an axis substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The first godet roller 11 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. As a result, the first godet roller 11 feeds the yarns Y to the second godet roller 12. The second godet roller 12 is, for example, a roller having an axis substantially parallel to the left-right direction. The second godet roller 12 is, for example, provided above and rearward of the first godet roller 11. The second godet roller 12 is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. As a result, the second godet roller 12 feeds the yarns Y to the winding device 13.

[0036] The winding device 13 is configured to form packages P by winding the yarns Y onto the respective bobbins B. The winding device 13 is, for example, provided below the second godet roller 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the winding device 13 includes a frame 20, fulcrum guides 21, traverse guides 22, a turret 23, two bobbin holders 24, and a contact roller 25.

[0037] The frame 20 is a member which is placed on, for example, a floor surface of a factory, and to which components of the winding device 13 are attached or in which components of the winding device 13 are accommodated. The fulcrum guides 21 are provided for the respective yarns Y. Each of the fulcrum guides 21 is a guide functioning as a fulcrum when the corresponding yarn Y is traversed. The fulcrum guides 21 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The traverse guides 22 are provided for the respective yarns Y. Each of the traverse guides 22 is a guide for traversing the corresponding yarn Y. The traverse guides 22 are aligned in the front-rear direction. The traverse guides 22 are driven by, for example, a traverse motor 101 (see FIG. 3). Each of the traverse guides 22 includes, for example, two blade guides 22a (see FIG. 5) that are driven to rotate in opposite directions, respectively.

[0038] The turret 23 is a disc-shaped member having an axis substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. The turret 23 is rotationally driven by a turret motor 102 (see FIG. 3). The turret 23 rotatably supports two bobbin holders 24.

[0039] Each of the two bobbin holders 24 (hereinafter, they may be referred to as bobbin holders 24A and 24B) is arranged to rotatably hold (support) bobbins B such that the bobbins B are aligned in the front-rear direction. Each of the bobbin holders 24A and 24B is rotatably supported by the turret 23. The bobbin holders 24A and 24B are arranged to be point symmetric with each other about the rotation axis center of the turret 23 (see FIG. 2). For the convenience of explanation, the bobbin holder 24A is equivalent to a first bobbin holder of the present invention and bobbin holder 24B is equivalent to the second bobbin holder of the present invention. Each of the bobbin holders 24A and 24B extends in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 1). The direction in which the bobbin holder 24A extends is the axial direction in the present invention. The direction in which bobbin holder 24B extends is substantially parallel to the direction in which bobbin holder 24A extends. Each bobbin holder 24 supports bobbins B which are aligned in the front-rear direction. The bobbin holders 24A and 24B are aligned in a direction that is orthogonal to (intersects with) the axial direction.

[0040] For the convenience of explanation, the bobbins B held by the bobbin holder 24A are referred to as bobbins B1 (first bobbins of the present invention). The bobbins B held by the bobbin holder 24B are referred to as bobbins B2 (second bobbins of the present invention). Each of the two bobbin holders 24 is rotationally driven by an individual winding motor 103 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the bobbin holder 24A is rotationally driven by a winding motor 103A (see FIG. 3). The bobbin holder 24B is rotationally driven by a winding motor 103B (see FIG. 3).

[0041] Assume that yarns Y are being wound onto bobbins B held by one of the two bobbin holders 24 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). In this assumption, for the convenience of explanation, one of the bobbin holders 24 is referred to as the upper bobbin holder 24. In FIGs. 1 and 2, the bobbin holder 24A is the upper bobbin holder 24.

[0042] The contact roller 25 is provided immediately above the upper bobbin holder 24. The axis of the contact roller 25 is substantially 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] The controller 26 is a known computer device configured to control the operation of the spun yarn take-up machine 1. The controller 26 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM which are not illustrated. The controller 26 is, for example, electrically connected to drive units such as a traverse motor 101, a turret motor 102, and two winding motors 103. The controller 26 is electrically connected to other driving units, too (the details will be given later).

[0044] In the winding device 13 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, with the result that the packages P are formed. When the formation of the packages P is completed, the turret 23 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the front. This switches over the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24. For the sake of convenience, hereinafter, a series of operations of the winding device 13, including the operation of switching the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24 (detailed later), will be referred to as a switching operation. Because of the switching operation, 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, with the result that the packages P are formed. In this regard, the bobbin holder 24 to which the fully-formed packages P are attached is moved to the lower position. The fully-formed packages P are collected by, e.g., an unillustrated package collector.

[0045] For the convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the rotation of the bobbin holder 24 by the winding motor 103 will be referred to as axial rotation of the bobbin holder 24. The rotation of a bobbin B or a package P due to rotation of the bobbin holder 24 is also referred to as axial rotation. The rotation of the turret 23 by the turret motor 102 (i.e., the movement of the bobbin holder 24) is referred to as revolution of the bobbin holder 24. The movement of a bobbin B or a package P due to the revolution of the bobbin holder 24 is also referred to as revolution. The axial direction of the revolution of the bobbin holder 24 (revolution axial direction) is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction. The bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B can be positionally switched over by being rotated 180 degrees about the revolution axis.(Constituent Features for Switching Operation)

[0046] The following will describe the constituent features for the switching operation with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is an arrow view taken along line IV in FIG. 2. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows a first partition 27 and a later-described second partition 28. FIG. 5 shows a later-described shift guide 29.

[0047] The winding device 13 includes, for example, as constituent features for the switching operation, the turret 23 described above (see FIG. 2), the first partition 27 (see FIGs. 2 and 4), and the shift guide 29 (see FIG. 5). A combination of the turret 23, the first partition 27, and the shift guide 29 is equivalent to a switching unit of the present invention.

[0048] The first partition 27 is configured to temporarily hold the running yarns Y at the time of the switching operation. The first partition 27 includes a swing shaft 31, a first supporting member 32, a second supporting member 33, and a plurality of guide members 34 (yarn guides of the present invention).

[0049] The swing shaft 31 is a shaft that serves as the center of the swing axis of the first supporting member 32, the second supporting member 33, and the guide members 34. The axial direction of the swing shaft 31 extends along the front-rear direction, for example. The swing shaft 31 swingably supports the first supporting member 32.

[0050] The first supporting member 32 is, for example, a substantially rod-shaped member when viewed in the front-rear direction. The first supporting member 32 is swingably supported to by the swing shaft 31. With this arrangement, the first supporting member 32 is swingable about the swing shaft 31. When viewed in the front-rear direction, one end portion (base end portion) of the first supporting member 32 is fixed to the swing shaft 31, for example. When viewed in the front-rear direction, to the other end portion (leading end portion) of the first supporting member 32, for example, the second supporting member 33 is attached. The second supporting member 33 is, for example, a substantially L-shaped member when viewed in the front-rear direction. The second supporting member 33 is formed by, for example, bending a flat plate-shaped member or fixing multiple flat plate-shaped members to each other. When viewed in the front-rear direction, one end portion (base end portion) of the second supporting member 33 is, for example, attached to the first supporting member 32. With this arrangement, the second supporting member 33 is swingable about the swing shaft 31. When viewed in the front-rear direction, to the other end portion (leading end portion) of the second supporting member 33, for example, the guide members 34 are fixed. A combination of the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33 of the present invention is equivalent to a swing member of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the first partition 27 is equivalent to "one of the first partition and the second partition" of the present invention. Furthermore, the first partition 27 is equivalent to "at least one of the first partition or the second partition" of the present invention, too.

[0051] The guide members 34 are members fixed to the leading end portion of the second supporting member 33. To be more specific, the guide members 34 are aligned in the front-rear direction, for example (see FIG. 4). Each of the guide members 34 is, for example, a hook-shaped member. Each guide member 34 has a guide groove 34a. The guide groove 34a is provided to temporarily hold a single yarn Y in the switching operation. The guide member 34 is swingable (movable) together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33.

[0052] The first supporter 32, the second supporter 33, and the guide members 34 are configured to be integrally swingable about the swing shaft 31. These members are swung by, e.g., a first drive unit 104. The first drive unit 104 includes, for example, an unillustrated air cylinder as a driving source. The first drive unit 104 is electrically connected to the controller 26.

[0053] The first partition 27 is driven by the first drive unit 104 so as to be switchable in posture between a first retreat posture (see solid lines in FIG. 2) and a first partition posture (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2). The first retreat posture is the posture of the first partition 27 when the first partition 27 does not overlap with the track of the revolution of the package P. That is, when the posture of the first partition 27 is the first retreat posture, the first partition 27 does not interfere with the revolving package P. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first retreat posture, the first partition 27 is positioned to the left of and above the turret 23. The first partition posture is the posture of the first partition 27 when the switching operation is being performed in the spinning take-up machine 1. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture, the first partition 27 is capable of capturing the running yarn Y. The details will be given later. When the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture, the first partition 27 divides a space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The details will be given later.

[0054] The winding device 13 of the present embodiment has a second partition 28 in addition to the first partition 27 (see FIG. 2). During the switching operation in the spun yarn take-up machine 1, the second partition 28 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B, together with the first partition 27. The second partition 28 includes, for example, an air cylinder 41, a link mechanism 42, and a partition member 43.

[0055] The air cylinder 41 is a driving source included in a second drive unit 105 (see FIG. 3) that drives the link mechanism 42. The link mechanism 42 is a mechanism that is driven by the air cylinder 41 to move the partition member 43. The partition member 43 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The second drive unit 105 includes the above-described air cylinder as a driving source and is electrically connected to the controller 26.

[0056] The second partition 28 is driven by the second drive unit 105 so as to be switchable in posture between a second retreat posture (see solid lines in FIG. 2) and a second partition posture (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 2). The second retreat posture is the posture of the second partition 28 when the second partition 28 does not overlap with the track of the revolution of the bobbin B. That is, when the posture of the second partition 28 is the second retreat posture, the second partition 28 does not interfere with the revolving bobbin B. When the posture of the second partition 28 is the second retreat posture, the second partition 28 is positioned to the right of the turret 23. The second partition posture is the posture of the second partition 28 when the switching operation is being performed in the spinning take-up machine 1. When the posture of the second partition 28 is the second partition posture, the second partition 28 divides the space (the reference number is omitted in FIG. 2) formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B. The details will be given later.

[0057] The shift guide 29 is configured to temporarily change the paths (yarn paths) of the running yarns Y during the switching operation in the spun yarn take-up machine 1. More specifically, the shift guide 29 is provided to thread the yarn Y into a slit SL (see FIG. 5) formed in the outer circumferential surface of an empty bobbin B in the switching operation. The shift guide 29 is provided in the vicinity of the traverse guides 22 (not illustrated). The shift guides 29 is provided for the multiple yarns Y. The following will describe only a part of the shift guide 29, which corresponds to one yarn Y. As shown in FIG. 5, the shift guide 29 includes a rail member 51, a guide member 52, and an air cylinder 53.

[0058] The rail member 51 is a member extending in the front-rear direction. The rail member 51 guides the guide member 52 in the front-rear direction. The guide member 52 has a catching portion 52a configured to hook and catch the yarn Y. Hereinafter, an area where the traverse guide 22 traverses the yarn Y is referred to as a traverse area T (see FIG. 5) for the sake of convenience. The guide member 52 is driven and moved by the air cylinder 53 between an outside position (see solid lines in FIG. 5) which is outside the traverse area T and an inside position (indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5) which is inside the traverse area T. The air cylinder 53 is a driving source included in a guide drive unit 106 (see FIG. 3) configured to drive and move the guide member 52. The guide drive unit 106 is electrically connected to the controller 26. In addition, the air cylinder 53 has a position detection sensor (not illustrated) capable of detecting the position of the guide member 52, for example. The air cylinder 53 is configured to be able to simultaneously drive and move multiple guide members 52, for example. Alternatively, multiple air cylinders 53 may be provided to correspond to the respective guide members 52.(Switching Operation)

[0059] The following will describe the switching operation of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 more specifically, with reference to FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 7(b). FIGs. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic front views of the winding device 13. FIGs. 7(a) and 7(b) are schematic side views of the winding device 13.

[0060] In an initial state, multiple packages P are formed by winding yarns Y onto bobbins B1, respectively (see FIG. 6(a)). As a reference, in FIG. 6(a), each package P is rotating counterclockwise (not illustrated). When determining that multiple packages P become fully wound, the controller 26 causes each unit to start the following switching operation. To begin with, the controller 26 controls the turret motor 102 to rotate the turret 23 by a predetermined angle (see an arrow in FIG. 6(b)). At this stage, the yarn Y is connected to the package P and is in contact with the bobbin B2. The controller 26 controls the winding motor 103B at an appropriate timing to start the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B. As a reference, the bobbin B2 is rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 6(b) (not illustrated). The yarn Y is maintained in a state of being traversed by the traverse guide 22.

[0061] Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the first drive unit 104 to switch the posture of the first partition 27 from the first retreat posture to the first partition posture (see FIG. 6(c)). As a result, the guide member 34 is pressed onto the yarn Y. The yarn Y which is being traversed falls into an inclined portion of the guide member 34 and enters the guide groove 34a. In this way, each yarn Y is held by each guide member 34. Furthermore, the controller 26 controls the second drive unit 105 at an appropriate timing to switch the posture of the second partition 28 from the second retreat posture to the second partition posture (see FIG. 6(c)).

[0062] Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 from the outside position (see solid lines in FIG. 5) to the inside position (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5). The traversed yarn Y is caught by the catching portion 52a of the guide member 52. At this stage, each yarn Y is positioned in the vicinity of the slit SL of the corresponding bobbin B2 in the axial direction (see FIG. 7(a)).

[0063] In addition to the above, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 holding the yarn Y from the inside position to the outside position (see FIG. 7(b)). With this, each yarn Y is temporarily detached from the traverse guide 22 and threaded into the slit SL of the corresponding bobbin B2 (see FIG. 7(b)). The slit SL has an unillustrated claw portion. As the yarn Y is hooked by the claw portion, the yarn Y is wound around the slit SL. At this stage, a strong tension is applied to the yarn Y positioned between the package P and the bobbin B2. The yarn Y is disconnected between the package P and the bobbin B2 due to this tension. In this way, the yarn Y is transferred from the package P to the bobbin B2, thereby making it possible to wind the yarn Y onto the bobbin B2. The above-described operation of the spinning take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the operation of the winding device 13) is the switching operation in the present embodiment.

[0064] When viewed in the front-rear direction, a virtual straight line passing through the rotation axis center of the bobbin holder 24A and the rotation axis center of the bobbin holder 24B during the switching operation is referred to as a virtual straight line VL, for the convenience of explanation (see FIG. 6(c)). The direction in which the virtual straight line VL extends, that is, the direction in which the bobbin holders 24A and 24B are aligned is orthogonal to (intersects with) the front-rear direction, and is equivalent to the alignment direction of the present invention. The alignment direction of the present embodiment may vary in accordance with the rotation of the turret 23. A space formed between the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B in the alignment direction during the switching operation will be referred to as a space S (see FIGs. 6(b) and 6(c)) for the sake of convenience in explanation. In the present embodiment, a more specific definition of the space S is as follows. That is to say, when viewed in the front-rear direction, a space surrounded by two tangents VT (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 6(c)) that pass through the outer circumference of the package P and the outer circumference of the bobbin B2, an arc representing the outer circumference of package P, and an arc representing the outer circumference of bobbin B2 is defined as the space S. The space S is partially divided by the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and the second partition 28 in the second partition posture. The first partition 27 and the second partition 28 partially divide the space S in a state in which the switching operation has been completed (that is, before the switching operation is completed). To be more specific, the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and the second partition 28 in the second partition posture partially divide the space S so as to form a first space S1, a second space S2, and a gap G1 (see FIG. 6(c)). In other words, the first space S1, the second space S2, and the gap G1 are included in the space S. The first space S1 is a space on the bobbin holder 24A side as compared to the guide member 34 and the partition member 43. The second space S2 is a space on the bobbin holder 24B side as compared to the guide member 34 and the partition member 43. The gap G1 is, for example, formed between a right end portion of the first partition 27 in the first partition posture and a left end portion of the second partition 28 in the second partition posture. The gap G1 connects the first space S1 with the second space S2 when viewed in the front-rear direction (axial direction).

[0065] After the switching operation, the controller 26 controls the guide drive unit 106 to move the guide member 52 to the inside position (see two-dot chain lines in FIG. 5). As a result, the yarn Y is caught by the traverse guide 22, and the traversing starts again (that is, the winding of the yarn Y onto the bobbin B2 starts). Subsequently, the controller 26 controls the winding motor 103A to stop the rotation of the bobbin holder 24A. Thereafter, the multiple packages P are collected.

[0066] Regarding the above, the following problem has been known; an end portion (yarn end) of the yarn Y in the package P that has not stopped rotating may be disadvantageously lifted from the surface of the package P due to the centrifugal force and caught by the bobbin B2. Therefore, when the switching operation is performed, the space S is divided by the first partition 27 and the second partition 28, thereby preventing the yarn end from being caught by the bobbin B2.

[0067] However, the inventor of the subject application noticed that another problem may arise even after the rotation of the package P has stopped. That is to say, the yarn end included in the package P becomes slack after the package P has stopped rotating. It has been found that such a slack yarn end is drawn to the bobbins B2 side (i.e., the second space S2 side) through the above-described gap G1 due to an accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B and the bobbins B2, and is eventually caught by the bobbin B2. In other words, it has been found that, after one bobbin holder 24 supporting the packages P stops rotating, it is necessary to suppress a yarn end included in the package P from being caught on the other bobbin holder 24 side. Under this circumstance, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the winding device 13) of the present embodiment is arranged in the following manner.(Details of Structure of Winding Device)

[0068] The following will detail the structure of the winding device 13 with reference to FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. FIG. 8 is a front view of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28. FIG. 9(a) is an arrow view taken along line IX(a) in FIG. 8, showing a later-described slide mechanism 60. FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which a later-described sliding member 61 is positioned at a protruding position (described later). FIG. 10 is an arrow view taken along line X in FIG. 2, and shows the first partition 27. FIG. 11 shows the second partition 28.

[0069] As described above, the winding device 13 includes the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 9(b), the first partition 27 has a slide mechanism 60. The slide mechanism 60 is arranged to narrow the gap G1 formed between the first partition 27 and the second partition 28. The slide mechanism 60 includes, for example, a slide member 61 (movement member of the present invention), an air cylinder 62, two link mechanisms 35, and a link 36.

[0070] The slide member 61 is, for example, a substantially plate-shaped member. The slide member 61 is formed by, for example, typical sheet metal. The slide member 61 extends in the front-rear direction and extends in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, too. More specifically, the slide member 61 extends in a predetermined extending direction (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)) that is orthogonal to the front-rear direction and primarily has a component extending in the left-right direction, when the posture of the first partition 27 is the first partition posture. The slide member 61 is, for example, slidable in the extending direction relative to the guide members 34. The slide member 61 is positioned at an end portion of the second supporting member 33, which is opposite to the swing shaft 31. The slide member 61 is swingable together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33. Additionally, the slide member 61 is movable relative to the second supporting member 33.

[0071] The air cylinder 62 is driven by compressed air. The air cylinder 62 includes a cylinder main body 62a, a piston rod 62b, and a rod end 62c. The cylinder main body 62a includes a piston chamber (not illustrated) to which compressed air is supplied. The cylinder main body 62a is slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction, for example (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)). The cylinder main body 62a is, for example, swingably attached to the second supporter 33 via a joint 62d. The piston rod 62b is designed to extend and retract using compressed air. The rod end 62c is fixed to a leading end portion of the piston rod 62b. The link 36 is swingably attached to the rod end 62c via a joint 62e, for example. The air cylinder 62 is a driving source included in the slide drive unit 107 that drives the slide member 61. The slide drive unit 107 is electrically connected to the controller 26. Although not illustrated, two or more air cylinders 62 may be provided.

[0072] The two link mechanisms 35 and the link 36 constitute a transmission mechanism for transmitting the thrust force of the air cylinder 62 to the slide member 61. As shown in FIG. 9(a) and 9(b), the two link mechanisms 35 is formed of a link mechanism 35F and a link mechanism 35R. The link mechanism 35F is attached to, for example, a front end portion of the second supporter 33 and a front end portion of the slide member 61. The link mechanism 35R is attached to, for example, a rear end portion of the second supporter 33 and a rear end portion of the slide member 61. The link 36 is a long member for connecting the link mechanism 35F with the link mechanism 35R. The link 36 extends, for example, in the front-rear direction.

[0073] Each of the two link mechanisms 35 includes, for example, a link 35a, a link 35b, a joint 35c, a joint 35d, a joint 35e, and a joint 35f. The link 35a is a roughly L-shaped member that has, for example, a bent portion (base end portion), a long side portion, and a short side portion. The base end portion of the link 35a is connected to the second supporter member 33 via the joint 35c. A leading end portion of the long side portion of the link 35a is connected to the link 35b via the joint 35d. A leading end portion of the short side portion of the link 35a is connected to the link 36 via the joint 35e. More specifically, the link 35a of the link mechanism 35F is connected to the front end portion of the link 36. The link 35a of the link mechanism 35R is connected to the rear end portion of the link 36. The link 35b is, for example, a long narrow plate-shaped member. One end portion of the link 35b is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35d. The other end portion of the link 35b is connected to the slide member 61 via the joint 35f. The link 36 is a long member extending in the front-rear direction as described above. The front end portion of the link 36 is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35e of the link mechanism 35F. The rear end portion of the link 36 is connected to the link 35a via the joint 35e of the link mechanism 35R. A central portion of the link 36 in the front-rear direction, for example, is connected to the rod end 62c of the air cylinder 62 via the joint 62e.

[0074] Thanks to the above configuration, the sliding member 61 slides in the extending direction. More specifically, the slide member 61 is slidable (movable) between a standby position (shown in FIG. 9(a)) and a protruding position (shown in FIG. 9(b)). The standby position is a position of the slide member 61 when the piston rod 62b of the air cylinder 62 is retracted. The standby position is a position while the switching operation is being performed. The protruding position is a position of the slide member 61 when the piston rod 62b is extended. As the piston rod 62b extends (see a full-line arrow in FIG. 9(b)), the link 36 is pushed obliquely forward. As a result, the link 35a of each of the two link mechanisms 35 swings about the joint 35c. Due to this, the link 35b is pushed toward the second partition 28 in the extending direction. As a result, the slide member 61 connected to the link 35b moves toward the second partition 28 in the extending direction (see a full-line arrow in FIG. 9(b)). To put it differently, the protruding position is close to the second partition 28 as compared to the standby position.

[0075] Furthermore, the first supporting member 32 of the first partition 27 includes frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and a cover member 66 (cover of the present invention), as shown in FIG. 10. For the clarity of the drawing, the cover member 66 shown in FIG. 10 is hatched. Each of the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 is, for example, a bar-shaped member. The frame portion 63 extends in the front-rear direction and is supported to be rotatable about the swing shaft 31. The frame portion 64 is fixed to, for example, a rear end portion of the frame portion 63. The frame portion 65 is fixed to, for example, a front end portion of the frame portion 63. The frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33 form an opening 67 which is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape and is long in the front-rear direction. A combination of the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33 is equivalent to a frame of the present invention. An accompanied flow generated by the rotation of the bobbin holder 24B may draw the yarn Y toward the bobbin holder 24B side through the opening 67. For this reason, the opening 67 is closed by the cover member 66. The cover member 66 is a substantially flat member that is, for example, fixed to the frame portions 63, 64, and 65 and the second supporting member 33, so as to close the opening 67. This suppresses the yarn Y from being drawn toward the bobbin holder 24B side through the opening 67.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the second partition 28 has a rubber plate 71 (a second closing member, a contact member, and a flexible member of the present invention). When viewed in the front-rear direction, the rubber plate 71 is attached to a leading end portion (left end portion) of the partition member 43, for example. The rubber plate 71 is a plate-shaped member arranged to extend in the front-rear direction. In the front-rear direction, the length of the area where the rubber plate 71 is provided is substantially equal to the length of the area where the slide member 61 is provided. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the rubber plate 71 extends from the leading end of the partition member 43 toward, for example, the first partition 27 side (downward and leftward in the present embodiment). A leading end portion of the rubber plate 71 is arranged to make contact with the slide member 61 at the protruding position (see FIG. 9(b)). The rubber plate 71 is a rubber member that has flexibility. The flexibility of the rubber plate 71 indicates that, when making contact with the slide member 61, the rubber plate 71 bends before the slide member 61. In other words, the material of the rubber plate 71 exhibits a higher deflection capability than the material of the slide member 61. As a result, the slide member 61 is prevented from being damaged by the rubber plate 71.

[0077] The second partition 28 has the link mechanism 42 as described above. For reference, an example of the more detailed structure of the link mechanism 42 will be described. The link mechanism 42 includes the above-described partition member 43, a link 72, and joints 73, 74, and 75. A part of the above-described air cylinder 41 is also a part of the link mechanism 42. The air cylinder 41 includes a cylinder main body 41a, a piston rod 41b, and a rod end 41c. The cylinder main body 41a and the piston rod 41b extend, for example, along the up-down direction. The rod end 41c is provided at an upper end portion of the piston rod 41b. The link 72 is supported in a swingable manner by the cylinder main body 41a via the joint 74. The joint 73 connects the rod end 41c with a right end portion (base end portion) of the partition member 43. The joint 74 attaches one end portion of the link 72 to the cylinder main body 41a in a swingable manner. The joint 75 connects the other end portion of the link 72 with an intermediate portion of the partition member 43. With the above configuration, when the piston rod 41b extends, the second partition 28 takes the second retreat posture. When the piston rod 41b retracts, the second partition 28 takes the second partition posture.(Control of Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine by Controller)

[0078] The following will describe the control of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 by the controller 26 with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 12 to FIG. 15. FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the above-described switching operation and subsequent operations in the spun yarn take-up machine 1. FIG. 13 shows a state of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 after the completion of the switching operation. FIG. 14 is an arrow view taken along line XIV in FIG. 8. FIG. 15 is an arrow view taken along line XV in FIG. 13. In FIGs. 8 and 13, the contact roller 25 and the yarn Y in its vicinity are not shown.

[0079] To begin with, the switching operation will be briefly explained again. When plural packages P are fully wound, the controller 26 starts the rotation of the turret 23 (step S101 shown in FIG. 12). Subsequently, the controller 26 sets the posture of the first partition 27 to the first partition posture and the posture of the second partition 28 to the second partition posture (step S102; see solid lines in FIG. 8). Subsequently, the controller 26 causes the guide member 52 of the shift guide 29 to hold the yarn Y (step S103). The controller 26 then moves the guide member 52 to a position in the vicinity of the slit SL (step S104). At this stage, the movement of the guide member 52 to the position in the vicinity of the slit SL is detected by the above-described position detection sensor (not illustrated). The detection signal is sent from the position detection sensor to the controller 26.

[0080] After the step S104 and almost simultaneously with the reception of the above signal, the controller 26 starts counting time. The controller 26 determines, for example, whether a predetermined first time has elapsed after receiving the above-described signal (step S105). The first time is a set value of the time expected until the yarn Y is disconnected between the package P and the bobbin B2. The information of the first time is stored in advance in the controller 26, for example. The controller 26 waits until the first time has elapsed (step S105: No). When the first time has elapsed (step S105: Yes), the controller 26 determines that the switching operation has been completed, and proceeds to the next step.

[0081] In a state in which the switching operation has been completed (completion state), the controller 26 controls the slide drive unit 107 to move the slide member 61 from the standby position to the protruding position (step S106; see FIG. 13). As a result, when viewed in the alignment direction, the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to a case where the yarn Y is connected between the bobbin B2 and the package P in the switching operation. More specifically, when viewed in the alignment direction (see FIGs. 14 and 15), the slide member 61 closes the gap G1 by partially overlapping with the partition member 43 (see FIG. 15). The slide mechanism 60 (see FIGs. 9(a) and 9(b)) including the slide drive unit 107 (see FIG. 3) corresponds to a reducer of the present invention. The slide member 61 is equivalent to a first closing member of the present invention. The operation of the slide mechanism 60 causing the slide member 61 to move from the standby position to the protruding position is equivalent to a reducing operation of the present invention. In a state in which the reducing operation has been completed, when viewed in the alignment direction, the slide member 61 closes the gap G1.

[0082] Furthermore, when the slide member 61 moves to the protruding position, the rubber plate 71 fixed to the partition 43 makes contact with the slide member 61 and bends (see FIG. 13). If the rubber plate 71 does not exist, there remains a risk of allowing a yarn Y to pass through a residual gap G2 (see FIG. 13) formed between the slide member 61 and the partition member 43 in the alignment direction. By effectively narrowing the residual gap G2 by the rubber plate 71, it is possible to effectively suppress the yarn Y from unintentionally passing through the residual gap G2. In other words, in the present embodiment, the slide mechanism 60 after the completion of the reducing operation prohibits the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. The partition member 43 having the rubber plate 71 is equivalent to one of the first closing member and the partition of the present invention. The slide member 61 is equivalent to the other of the first closing member and the partition of the present invention.

[0083] Although not shown in the flowchart, after the step S106, the controller 26 controls the winding motor 103A to stop the rotation of the package P as described above. After the step S106, the controller 26 determines whether a predetermined second time has elapsed, for example (step S107). The second time is a set value of a time for determining the timing to separate the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 from the bobbin holder 24B. The information of the second time is stored in advance in the controller 26, for example. The second time is set because, if a long time elapses while the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 is maintained after the completion of the switching operation, there is the following risk. That is, there is a possibility that multiple packages (not illustrated) formed by winding yarns Y onto the bobbins B2 may interfere with the first partition 27 and / or the second partition 28.

[0084] The controller 26 waits until the second time has elapsed (step S107: No). The controller 26 proceeds to the next step when the second time has elapsed (step S107: Yes). The controller 26 returns the slide member 61 to the standby position (step S108). Furthermore, the controller 26 returns the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 to the original posture (step S109). That is, the controller 26 returns the posture of the first partition 27 to the first retreat posture and the posture of the second partition 28 to the second retreat posture. The first partition 27 in the first retreat posture is separated from the virtual straight line VL (and is separated from the bobbin holder 24B) more than when in the first partition posture. The second partition 28 in the second retreat posture is separated from the virtual straight line VL (and is separated from the bobbin holder 24B) more than when in the second partition posture. Both the first partition posture and the second partition posture are equivalent to a partition posture of the present invention. The first retreat posture is equivalent to a first separated posture of the present invention. The second retreat posture is equivalent to a second separated posture of the present invention. Both the first retreat posture and the second retreat posture are equivalent to a separated posture of the present invention.

[0085] Preferably, the controller 26 causes the first partition 27 to continue a state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. In other words, it is preferable that the packages P are collected before the above-described second time has elapsed.

[0086] As described above, in the completion state, the gap G1 is narrowed by the slide mechanism 60. As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the end portion (yarn end) of the yarn Y, which is included in the package P whose rotation has stopped, toward the bobbin B2 side through the gap G1. On this account, after one bobbin holder 24A supporting the packages P stops rotating, it is possible to suppress the yarn end included in the package P from being caught on the other bobbin holder 24B side.

[0087] Furthermore, when viewed in the alignment direction, it is possible to close the gap G1 by the slide member 61. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0088] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is provided to narrow the residual gap G2. This effectively suppresses the yarn end included in the package P from being drawn toward the bobbin B2 side through the residual gap G2.

[0089] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is provided on the partition member 43 and is configured to make contact with the slide member 61. This effectively prevents the yarn Y from passing through the residual gap G2.

[0090] In addition to the above, the rubber plate 71 is a flexible member. It is therefore possible to suppress the slide member 61 from being damaged.

[0091] In addition to the above, each of the partitions (first partition 27 and second partition 28) is arranged to be able to change its posture between the partition posture and the separated posture. Because the partition is separatable from the bobbin holder 24, it is possible to avoid the size of the package P from being significantly limited.

[0092] In addition to the above, the switching unit has the guide member 34 that is movable together with the first partition 27. This arrangement makes it possible to simplify the structure of the spun yarn take-up machine 1 (more specifically, the winding device 13) as compared to a configuration where the guide member 34 moves independently from the first partition 27.

[0093] The first partition 27 has the swing member (the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33). Therefore, it is possible to downsize the space required for the movement of the first partition 27 as compared to a case where members constituting the first partition 27 move in a parallel manner.

[0094] In addition to the above, the slide mechanism 60 includes the slide member 61 that is swingable together with the swing member and is movable relative to the swing member. The slide member 61 can move a long distance by swinging together with the swing member. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the distance of the movement of the slide member 61 in the reducing operation, as compared to a case where the slide member 61 is configured to move independently from the swing member. The time required to perform the reducing operation is therefore short.

[0095] In addition to the above, in the first partition 27, the opening 67 which is different from the gap G1 is closed by the cover member 66. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn Y from being drawn toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0096] The spun yarn take-up machine 1 includes the turret 23. This allows for easy switching of the positions of the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B.

[0097] In addition to the above, the controller 26 controls the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation is completed. In other words, it is possible to cause the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation without human intervention. As a result, it is possible to reliably reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0098] Preferably, after causing the slide mechanism 60 to perform the above-described reducing operation, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to maintain the state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, at least until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. This further reduces the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0099] In addition to the above, it is possible to prevent the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1 after the completion of the reducing operation. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the risk of drawing the yarn end included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side.

[0100] 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 rubber plate 71 is provided to the partition member 43. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of the rubber plate 71, a flexible brush (not illustrated) may be provided as the flexible member, for example. The brush may be made of a soft resin material such as nylon resin, for example. As long as the brush is configured to prevent the yarn Y from passing through the residual gap G2, the brush may allow gas such as air to pass through. Alternatively, the rubber plate 71 may be provided on the slide member 61 instead of the partition member 43. (2) In the embodiment above, the contact member that makes contact with the slide member 61 is a flexible member. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The contact member may be a member other than the flexible member. For example, the contact member may be made of a material with relatively low hardness, such as a copper plate. This makes it possible to suppress the slide member 61 from being damaged as compared to a case where the contact member is made of a material with high hardness. Alternatively, If the slide member 61 is resistant to damage or remains functional despite slight damage, the material of the contact member is not subject to specific restrictions. (3) In the embodiment above, the rubber plate 71 makes contact with the slide member 61. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the rubber plate 71 may not make contact with the slide member 61. Even in this case, the residual gap G2 can be narrowed, and hence the yarn Y can be suppressed from passing through the residual gap G2. In this case, another member that narrows the residual gap G2 may be provided in place of the rubber plate 71. The material of the another member is not particularly limited. (4) In the embodiment above, the slide mechanism 60 is provided for the first partition 27. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The second partition 28 may include a slide mechanism and a slide member which are not illustrated. In this case, a residual gap (not illustrated) may be formed between the slide member and the first partition 27. Alternatively, a slide mechanism and a slide member which are not illustrated and can operate independently from the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 may be provided. In this case, for example, residual gaps (not illustrated) may be formed both between the first partition 27 and the slide member (not illustrated) and between the second partition 28 and the slide member (not illustrated). (5) In the embodiment above, the member for narrowing the residual gap G2 is provided. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The member that narrows the residual gap G2 may not be provided. Even in this arrangement, the slide mechanism 60 can suppress the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. (6) In the embodiment above, the slide member 61 is configured to be slidable in the extending direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The slide member 61 may be configured to be swingable, for example. Furthermore, the slide member 61 is arranged to be movable between the standby position and the protruding position by moving relative to the second supporting member 33. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first partition 27 may be swingable further toward the second partition 28 as compared to the partition posture. In this case, the slide mechanism 60 may not be provided. (7) In the embodiment above, the slide mechanism 60 is arranged to be swingable together with the first supporting member 32 and the second supporting member 33. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. A reducer (not illustrated) independent from the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 may be provided instead of the slide mechanism 60. (8) In the embodiment above, the slide member 61 is arranged to close the gap G1 when viewed in the alignment direction, in a state in which the reducing operation has been completed. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In a state in which the reducing operation has been completed, the gap G1 may be slightly open when viewed in the alignment direction. Also in this case, the slide member 61 can narrow the gap G1 by the reducing operation. It is therefore possible to suppress the yarn Y from passing through the gap G1. (9) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the guide member 34. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. A driving mechanism (not illustrated) configured to drive and move the guide member 34 independently from the first partition 27 may be provided. Alternatively, a guide member (not illustrated) having the same function as the guide member 34 may be provided to be movable together with the second partition 28. In this case, the first partition 27 does not have the guide member 34. (10) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the swing member (first supporting member 32 and second supporting member 33) that is swingable about the swing shaft 31. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to the first partition 27, or instead of the first partition 27, the second partition 28 may include a member equivalent to the swing member of the present invention. Alternatively, the first partition 27 may not be configured to be swingable. In this case, the first partition 27 may have, for example, a movable member (not illustrated) that is movable in parallel, instead of the swing member. (11) In the embodiment described above, the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 are configured to operate on the opposite sides over the virtual straight line VL, when each of the partitions changes the posture between the partition posture and the separated posture. However, the operation range of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 is not limited to this. (12) In the embodiment above, the first partition 27 includes the member equivalent to the frame of the present invention and the cover member 66. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to the first partition 27, or instead of the first partition 27, the second partition 28 may have a member (not illustrated) equivalent to the frame and the cover member of the present invention. Alternatively, the first partition 27 may not include the cover member 66. Even when the cover member 66 is not provided, by narrowing the gap G1 through the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the drawing of the yarn Y included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side. (13) In the embodiment above, the winding device 13 includes the turret 23. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of the turret 23, another mechanism configured to switch the positions of the bobbin holder 24A and the bobbin holder 24B may be provided. (14) In the embodiment above, after causing the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to maintain the state in which the gap G1 is narrowed as compared to the state in which the switching operation is in execution, at least until the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The controller 26 may return the posture of each of the first partition 27 and the second partition 28 to the separated posture before the packages P are detached from the bobbin holder 24A. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the risk of drawing the yarn Y included in the package P toward the bobbin B2 side for a certain period of time. (15) In the embodiment above, the controller 26 causes the slide mechanism 60 to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation has been completed. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an unillustrated operation unit (such as an operation switch) for starting the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60 may be provided. Then, the operator visually confirms the completion of the switching operation, or the completion of the switching operation may be notified to the operator by an unillustrated timer device or the like. The operator may operate the operation unit to start the reducing operation of the slide mechanism 60, when it is determined that the switching operation has been completed. (16) In the embodiment above, the spun yarn take-up machine 1 is configured to be able to wind multiple yarns Y. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The spun yarn take-up machine 1 may be arranged to be able to wind only one yarn Y.

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 (the up-down direction in the plane of FIG. 1) is a vertical direction in which the gravity acts. The front-rear direction is a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The front-rear direction (the left-right direction on the sheet of FIG. 1) corresponds to the axial direction of the present invention. The left-right direction (a direction perpendicular to the sheet of FIG. 1) is orthogonal to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction. A direction in which a yarn Y runs is referred to as a running direction.

(Spun Yarn Take-Up Machine)

[0034]The following will describe the structure of a spun yarn take-up machine with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine 1 of the p...

Claims

1. A yarn winder (1) comprising: a first bobbin holder (24A) which supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a first bobbin (B1) on which a running yarn (Y) is wound, the first bobbin holder (24A) extending in an axial direction of the first bobbin (B1); a second bobbin holder (24B) which is aligned with the first bobbin holder (24A) in a predetermined alignment direction intersecting with the axial direction and supports, in an axially rotatable manner, a second bobbin (B2) on which the running yarn (Y) is wound, the second bobbin holder (24B) extending in the axial direction; a switching unit (23, 27, 29) which is arranged to be able to perform a switching operation of switching a state of the first bobbin holder (24A) and the second bobbin holder (24B) from a state in which the yarn (Y) is wound onto the rotating first bobbin (B1) and a package (P) is formed to a state in which the yarn (Y) is threaded to the rotating second bobbin (B2) and is disconnected from the package (P); a first partition (27) which partially divides a space (S) between the second bobbin (B2) and the package (P) when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit (23, 27, 29) is performing the switching operation; and a second partition (28) which partially divides the space (S) and form a gap (G1) between the second partition (28) and the first partition (27) when viewed in the axial direction, while the switching unit (23, 27, 29) is performing the switching operation, a reducer (60) being provided to be able to execute a reducing operation of narrowing the gap (G1) as compared to a state in which the switching operation is in execution, when the switching operation has been completed and the package (P) is held by the first bobbin holder (24A), and after completing the reducing operation, the reducer (60) prohibiting the yarn (Y) from passing through the gap (G1).

2. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 1, wherein, the reducer (60) has a first closing member (61) which is in a state of closing the gap (G1) when viewed in the alignment direction, after the reducing operation is completed.

3. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 2, wherein, the first closing member (61) is provided on the first partition (27), and a second closing member (71) is provided to narrow a residual gap (G2) formed between the first closing member (61) and the second partition (28), when the reducer (60) performs the reducing operation.

4. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 3, wherein, the second closing member (71) is provided on one of the first closing member (61) and the second partition (28) and is a contact member (71) configured to make contact with the other of the first closing member (61) and the second partition (28).

5. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 4, wherein, the contact member (71) is a flexible member (71) configured to bend when making contact with the other of the first closing member (61) and the second partition (28).

6. The yarn winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, each of the first partition (27) and the second partition (28) is switchable in posture between: a partition posture in which the partition divides the space (S); and a separated posture in which the partition is separated from the second bobbin holder (24B) more than in the partition posture.

7. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 6, wherein, the switching unit (23, 27, 29) includes a yarn guide (34) which is provided to be movable together with one of the first partition (27) and the second partition (28) and temporarily guides the yarn (Y) during the switching operation.

8. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, at least one of the first partition (27) or the second partition (28) has a swing member (32, 33) which is swingable about a swing shaft (31) extending along the axial direction.

9. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 8, wherein, the reducer (60) includes a movement member (61) which is provided at an end portion of the swing member (32, 33), which is opposite to the swing shaft (31), the movement member (61) being swingable together with the swing member (32, 33) and movable relative to the swing member (32, 33).

10. The yarn winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, at least one of the first partition (27) or the second partition (28) includes: a frame (33, 63, 64, 65) which forms an opening different from the gap (G1); and a cover (66) which is provided to close the opening (67) .

11. The yarn winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a turret (23) which (i) supports the first bobbin holder (24A) and the second bobbin holder (24B) to be revolvable about the axial direction and (ii) is capable of switching the positions of the first bobbin holder (24A) and the second bobbin holder (24B).

12. The yarn winder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a controller (26), the controller (26) controlling the reducer (60) to perform the reducing operation after the switching operation is completed by the switching unit (23, 27, 29).

13. The yarn winder (1) according to claim 12, wherein, after causing the reducer (60) to perform the reducing operation, the controller (26) causes the reducer (60) to maintain a state in which the gap (G1) is narrowed as compared to a state in which the yarn (Y) is connected between the second bobbin (B2) and the package (P) in the switching operation, at least until the package (P) is detached from the first bobbin holder (24A).

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