Yarn processing facility

Abstract

To accurately predict a timing at which yarn is finished being unreeled from a yarn supply package.SOLUTION: An information management unit 110 of a yarn processing facility 100 utilizes a detection result of a yarn detection sensor 24, and acquires total unreeled actual time information about a total unreeled actual time which is an actual time from when a yarn Y starts to be unreeled from a predetermined yarn supplying package Ps1 among a plurality of yarn supplying packages Ps to when finishes to be unreeled. The information management unit 110 uses the total unreeled actual time information to acquire correction prediction information that can be used for predicting a timing at which the yarn Y is finished being unreeled from a yarn supplying package Ps, from which the yarn Y is unreeled after the yarn supplying package Ps1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to yarn processing equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus (yarn processing equipment) that processes yarn unwound from a yarn supply package (described as a supply bobbin in Patent Document 1) formed by winding yarn around a supply bobbin, and winds it onto a winding bobbin to form a wound body (winding package). The yarn processing equipment is configured to support two yarn supply packages corresponding to one winding bobbin. In such yarn processing equipment, when the end portion of the yarn contained in one of the two yarn supply packages is knotted (connected) to the start portion of the yarn contained in the other, it is possible to supply yarn from the other without interruption after the one becomes empty. Specifically, immediately after the supply of yarn from the one yarn supply package ends, the knot portion (yarn connection portion) of the two yarns is pulled, and yarn begins to be unwound from the other yarn supply package. Thereby, the yarn is supplied without interruption.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=2 ]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the field of yarn processing, various improvements have been made conventionally to improve productivity and product quality. The inventor of the present application has been intensively researching to develop yarn processing equipment with unprecedented new added value. For example, by predicting the timing when the yarn runs out (when the yarn unwinding ends) in the yarn supply package from which the yarn is being unwound, it is considered to dramatically enhance production management. <000 (027> The objective of this invention is to accurately predict the timing at which the yarn has finished unwinding from the yarn supply package. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The yarn processing equipment of the first invention comprises a yarn processing machine having a yarn supply unit configured to supply yarn, a processing unit configured to process the yarn supplied from the yarn supply unit, and a winding unit configured to wind up the yarn processed by the processing unit, and an information management unit configured to manage information related to the yarn processing machine, wherein the yarn supply unit is configured to allow attachment and detachment of a plurality of yarn supply packages, each containing yarn, and the end of the yarn contained in any one of the plurality of yarn supply packages is connected to the start of the yarn contained in the next yarn supply package from which the yarn is unwound after the first yarn supply package. The device comprises a yarn supply package holding unit configured to supply yarn without interruption, and a detection unit capable of detecting whether or not the yarn has finished unwinding from at least one of the yarn supply packages. The information management unit uses the detection result from the detection unit to acquire total unwinding time information, which is the actual time from when the yarn starts unwinding from a predetermined first yarn supply package among the plurality of yarn supply packages until the yarn is finished unwinding. The information management unit uses the total unwinding time information to acquire corrected prediction information that can be used to predict the timing at which the yarn will finish unwinding from a second yarn supply package, which unwinds yarn after the first yarn supply package.

[0007] In this invention, the timing at which the yarn will finish unwinding from the second yarn supply package can be predicted based on corrected prediction information obtained using the total unwinding time information from the first yarn supply package until the yarn is actually unwound. Therefore, the timing at which the yarn will finish unwinding from the yarn supply package can be predicted with high accuracy.

[0008] The yarn processing equipment of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, when there is a stop time during which the unwinding of yarn from the first yarn supply package is temporarily stopped between the start and completion of unwinding of yarn from the first yarn supply package, the stop time is not included in the total actual unwinding time.

[0009] For example, the unwinding of the yarn may be temporarily stopped due to sudden causes such as yarn breakage. In such cases, if the stop time is included in the total unwinding time, the accuracy of the total unwinding time deteriorates, and the accuracy of predicting the timing when the yarn will finish unwinding from the second yarn supply package deteriorates. In the present invention, the deterioration of prediction accuracy can be reduced compared to when the stop time is included in the total unwinding time.

[0010] The yarn processing equipment of the third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the information management unit pre-stores system value information that can be used to predict the timing at which the yarn is unwound from the first yarn supply package, calculates a predetermined correction value using the system value and the total unwounding time, and obtains the correction prediction information using the correction value and the system value.

[0011] When predicting the timing at which the yarn is unwound from the yarn supply package (hereinafter simply referred to as the "completion timing") by calculation, there is a risk that the error between the calculated completion timing and the actual completion timing may become large due to the discrepancy between the stored system value and the actual values ​​of various parameters that affect the actual completion timing. In this invention, a correction value is calculated based on the total unwounding time, and corrected prediction information is obtained using the correction value. Therefore, various types of information can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0012] The yarn processing equipment of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the system value includes an initial weight setting value which is a setting value for the initial weight of the first yarn supply package, a fineness setting value which is a setting value for the fineness of the yarn contained in the first yarn supply package, and a unwinding speed setting value which is a setting value for the unwinding speed at which the yarn is unwound from the first yarn supply package.

[0013] In this invention, the termination timing can be predicted using information that is generally easily obtainable as system values.

[0014] The yarn processing equipment of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, the information management unit is configured to calculate an initial total unwinding prediction time, which is a predicted value of the time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the first yarn supply package until the unwinding is completed, using the system value, and obtains a time correction coefficient calculated by dividing the total unwinding actual time by the initial total unwinding prediction time as the correction value.

[0015] In this invention, the completion timing for the second yarn supply package can be accurately predicted by multiplying the initial total release prediction time by a time correction coefficient.

[0016] The yarn processing equipment of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, the information management unit is configured to calculate an initial total unwinding prediction time, which is a predicted value of the time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the first yarn supply package until the unwinding is completed, using the system value, and obtains the difference between the actual total unwinding time and the initial total unwinding prediction time as the correction value.

[0017] In this invention, assuming that the initial length of the yarn contained in the first yarn supply package and the initial length of the yarn contained in the second yarn supply package are approximately equal, the termination timing for the second yarn supply package can be predicted with high accuracy.

[0018] The yarn processing equipment of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the information management unit uses the total unwinding time, the initial weight setting value, the fineness setting value, and the unwinding speed setting value to obtain a fineness correction coefficient that can be used to correct the fineness as the correction value.

[0019] In this invention, the actual fineness of the yarn contained in the second yarn supply package can be accurately estimated by using a fineness correction coefficient. This makes it possible to accurately predict the timing at which the yarn will finish unwinding from the second yarn supply package.

[0020] The yarn processing equipment of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in any of the third to seventh inventions, the information management unit first obtains an initial correction value, which is a correction value related to the first yarn supply package, then obtains an additional correction value, which is a correction value related to an additional yarn supply package held in the yarn supply package holding unit, which is different from the first yarn supply package, and uses at least the additional correction value to obtain an updated correction value.

[0021] "Obtaining an updated correction value using at least an additional correction value" includes both obtaining an updated correction value by calculation using the initial correction value and the additional correction value, and obtaining the additional correction value directly as the updated correction value. In this invention, the accuracy of the prediction can be further improved by obtaining an updated correction value as needed and obtaining corrected prediction information using the updated correction value.

[0022] The yarn processing equipment of the ninth invention is characterized in that, in any of the third to eighth inventions, the yarn processing machine is configured to process multiple yarns simultaneously, the yarn feeding unit has a plurality of yarn feeding package holding units and a plurality of detection units provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn feeding package holding units, and the information management unit uses the detection results from the plurality of detection units to obtain a plurality of correction values ​​for each of the plurality of yarn feeding package holding units, uses the plurality of correction values ​​to obtain an integrated correction value, and uses the integrated correction value and the system value to obtain the correction prediction information for the plurality of yarn feeding package holding units.

[0023] As in the present invention, by obtaining an integrated correction value using a plurality of correction values, the prediction accuracy can be further improved.

[0024] The yarn processing equipment of the tenth invention is characterized in that, in the ninth invention, the integrated correction value is an average value or a median value of the plurality of correction values.

[0025] In the present invention, a highly reliable integrated correction value can be obtained by simple calculation.

[0026] The yarn processing equipment of the eleventh invention is characterized in that, in any one of the third to tenth inventions, the yarn processing machine is configured to be able to process a plurality of yarns simultaneously, the yarn feeding section includes a plurality of yarn feeding package holding sections and a plurality of the detection sections provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn feeding package holding sections, the information management section obtains the correction value using a detection result by any one of the plurality of detection sections, and obtains the correction prediction information related to the plurality of yarn feeding package holding sections using the correction value and the system value.

[0027] When the correction prediction information is obtained after the detection results by a plurality of detection sections are obtained, if the unwinding of the yarn stops for some reason in any one of the plurality of yarn feeding package holding sections, the start of obtaining the correction prediction information may be delayed. In the present invention, when one correction value is obtained, the correction prediction information related to the plurality of yarn feeding package holding sections can be immediately obtained. Therefore, accurate prediction can be started earlier in each yarn feeding package holding section.

[0028] The yarn processing equipment of the twelfth invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the information management section treats the total unwinding actual time as the correction prediction information.

[0029] "Treating the total unwinding time as corrected prediction information" means using the total unwinding time information as corrected prediction information without any processing. In this invention, assuming that the initial length of the yarn contained in the first yarn supply package and the initial length of the yarn contained in the second yarn supply package are approximately equal, the timing at which the yarn is finished unwinding from the second yarn supply package can be predicted by a simple process.

[0030] The yarn processing equipment of the 13th invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to 12 inventions, the information management unit acquires at least one of the following as corrected prediction information: corrected prediction time information, which is a predicted value of the time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the second yarn supply package until the unwounding is completed; corrected unwounding completion time information, which is the time when the unwounding of the yarn from the second yarn supply package is completed; corrected remaining time information, which is the remaining time at which the yarn can be unwound from the second yarn supply package at an arbitrary reference time; and corrected remaining amount information, which is the remaining amount of yarn contained in the second yarn supply package at the reference time.

[0031] In this invention, the acquired correction prediction information can be used for various management purposes (for example, creating a replacement schedule for the yarn supply package).

[0032] The yarn processing equipment of the 14th invention is characterized in that, in any of the 1st to 13th inventions, the detection unit is configured to detect both the start and end of yarn unwinding from one yarn supply package.

[0033] For example, an operator could perform a predetermined input operation on the information management unit to allow the unit to determine the timing of the unwinding process, but this would be time-consuming for the operator. In this invention, both the actual start and end of unwinding are detected by the detection unit, thus reducing the operator's workload. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the yarn processing equipment according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a false twisting machine. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a false twisting machine deployed along the yarn path. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are graphs showing the relationship between the amount of yarn remaining in the yarn supply package and the time, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of yarn wound onto the winding bobbin and the time. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining corrected prediction information. [Figure 6] (a) is a graph showing the predicted remaining amount before the time correction coefficient is obtained, and (b) is a graph showing the predicted remaining amount after the time correction coefficient is obtained. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of the various types of information handled by the Information Management Department and the relationships between those types of information. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram illustrating examples of various types of information handled by the Information Management Department and their usage relationships, related to a modified version of the diagram. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of various types of information handled by the Information Management Department and the relationships between those types of information, relating to another modified example. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a yarn processing facility in yet another modified form. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram of a false twisting machine relating to yet another modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] (Outline of yarn processing equipment) Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The outline of the yarn processing equipment 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the yarn processing equipment 100 has a plurality of false twisting machines 1 (yarn processing machines of the present invention) and a control device 101. The plurality of false twisting machines 1 are arranged, for example, along a predetermined longitudinal direction of the machine base (see Figure 2, etc.). Each false twisting machine 1 is configured to perform false twisting on yarn Y (see Figure 2, etc.), which is made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon (polyamide fiber). Y is, for example, a multifilament yarn made of a plurality of filaments (not shown). Each false twisting machine 1 is configured to process the yarn Y supplied from the yarn feeding unit 2 by the processing unit 3 and wind it onto a winding bobbin Bw mounted on the winding unit 4 to form a winding package Pw, as will be described later. Each false twisting machine 1 is controlled by a machine base control device 5, which is a computer device provided in each false twisting machine 1.

[0036] The management device 101 is a host computer for centrally managing information acquired by multiple machine control devices 5. The management device 101 has a management input unit 101a (e.g., keyboard), a management output unit 101b (e.g., display), and a management storage unit 101c (e.g., hard disk). The management device 101 and the multiple machine control devices 5 together constitute the information management unit 110 in this embodiment. Details of the information handled by the information management unit 110 will be described later.

[0037] (Overall configuration of the false twisting machine) Next, the overall configuration of the false twisting machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a side view of the false twisting machine 1. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the false twisting machine 1 unfolded along the path (yarn path) of the yarn Y. The direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 2 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the machine base, and the left-right direction of the paper is defined as the width direction of the machine base. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the machine base is defined as the up-down direction (vertical direction) where gravity acts. The direction in which the yarn Y travels is defined as the yarn travel direction. The false twisting machine 1 comprises a yarn supply unit 2 for supplying multiple yarns Y, a processing unit 3 for processing (false twisting) the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn supply unit 2, a winding unit 4 for winding the multiple yarns Y processed by the processing unit 3 onto a winding bobbin Bw, and a machine base control device 5.

[0038] The yarn supply unit 2 has a creel stand 6 that holds multiple yarn supply packages Ps and supplies multiple yarns Y to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 is configured to unwind and process the multiple yarns Y from the yarn supply unit 2. The processing unit 3 is configured with the following components arranged in order from the upstream side in the yarn travel direction: a first feed roller 11, a twisting guide 12, a first heating device 13, a cooling device 14, a false twist device 15, a second feed roller 16, a second heating device 17, and a third feed roller 18. These components in the processing unit 3 are provided, for example, on each of the multiple weights 9 (see Figure 3) described later. The winding unit 4 has multiple winding devices 19. Each winding device 19 winds the yarn Y that has been false twisted in the processing unit 3 onto a winding bobbin Bw to form a winding package Pw. Furthermore, the winding section 4 is provided with multiple auto doffers 10 that perform the exchange of a formed winding package Pw with a new empty winding bobbin Bw, each corresponding to one of the multiple winding devices 19.

[0039] The machine control device 5 is for controlling the components of the yarn feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. The machine control device 5 is, for example, a general computer device. The machine control device 5 has a machine input unit 5a (operation unit of the present invention), a machine output unit 5b, and a machine storage unit 5c (see Figure 1). The machine input unit 5a is, for example, a touch panel and / or keyboard (not shown), and is configured to be operated by an operator. The machine output unit 5b has, for example, a display (not shown), and is configured to output information. The machine storage unit 5c is configured to store various information for controlling the components of the yarn feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. Based on the various information, the machine control device 5 controls the components of the yarn feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. Alternatively, the machine control device 5 may indirectly control these components through various control devices (not shown) for controlling the components of the yarn feeding unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4. The machine control device 5 is electrically connected to the management device 101, which is a host computer. The management device 101 can use the information acquired by the machine control device 5 to perform various decisions and / or calculations, as described later.

[0040] The false twisting machine 1 has a main machine base 7 and a winding table 8 that are spaced apart in the machine width direction. The main machine base 7 and the winding table 8 are provided to extend approximately the same length in the machine longitudinal direction. The main machine base 7 and the winding table 8 are arranged to face each other in the machine width direction. The false twisting machine 1 has a unit called a span, which includes one set of main machine bases 7 and winding tables 8. In one span, the devices are arranged so that false twisting can be performed simultaneously on multiple yarns Y running in a line in the machine longitudinal direction. In the false twisting machine 1, these spans are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the paper with respect to the center line C in the machine width direction of the main machine base 7 as the axis of symmetry (the main machine base 7 is common to both the left and right spans). Multiple spans are also arranged in the machine longitudinal direction.

[0041] Furthermore, the group of components that a single thread Y passes through from the thread supply section 2 to the winding section 4 is called a "weight." In other words, the false twisting machine 1 has the same number of weights 9 (see Figure 3) as the number of winding packages Pw that can be formed simultaneously. Roughly speaking, the multiple weights 9 are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. In terms of inclusion relationships, the false twisting machine 1 has multiple spans, and each span has multiple weights 9. The false twisting machine 1 can false twist the thread Y at the weights 9 on which the thread Y is hung.

[0042] (Yarn feeding section) The configuration of the yarn feeding unit 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The creel stand 6 of the yarn feeding unit 2 has a plurality of yarn package holding units 20 (see Figure 3) provided corresponding to a plurality of weights 9. Each of the plurality of yarn package holding units 20 is configured to allow two yarn packages Ps to be attached and detached. That is, the yarn package holding unit 20 has two package mounting units 21. For the sake of explanation, one of the two package mounting units 21 will be called the first mounting unit 22 and the other the second mounting unit 23. The first mounting unit 22 and the second mounting unit 23 are each configured to allow one yarn package Ps to be attached and detached. The attachment and detachment of the yarn packages Ps to the package mounting units 21 is performed, for example, by an operator.

[0043] Each yarn package holding section 20 of the yarn supply section 2 is configured to supply yarn Y without interruption in the following manner. For example, as shown in Figure 3, one yarn package PsA (one yarn package according to the present invention), which is any one of the plurality of yarn packages Ps, is attached to the first attachment section 22. Also, a yarn package PsB (the next yarn package according to the present invention) is attached to the second attachment section 23. Yarn Y is unwound from yarn package PsA. Furthermore, the end of the yarn Y contained in yarn package PsA and the start end of the yarn Y contained in yarn package PsB are knotted (connected). As a result, a knot portion K (yarn connection portion) is formed between the two yarns Y. In such a case, after yarn package PsA is empty, it is possible to supply yarn Y without interruption from yarn package PsB. Specifically, immediately after the supply of yarn Y from yarn supply package PsA ends and yarn supply package PsA becomes empty, the knot portion K is pulled downstream in the yarn travel direction (towards the winding device 19), causing yarn Y to be unwound from yarn supply package PsB. In other words, after the yarn Y has been completely unwound from the yarn supply package Ps attached to one package mounting section 21, the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the next yarn supply package Ps attached to the other package mounting section 21. For the sake of explanation, this phenomenon will be referred to as yarn supply package switching. This ensures that yarn Y is supplied without interruption. Subsequently, the empty yarn supply packages Ps (yarn bobbins Bs) are replaced with new yarn supply packages Ps, for example, by an operator.

[0044] A yarn detection sensor 24 (detection unit of the present invention) is positioned downstream of each yarn supply package holding unit 20 in the yarn travel direction. The yarn detection sensor 24 is configured to detect whether the yarn Y is supplied from the first mounting unit 22 or the second mounting unit 23. As shown in Figure 3, the yarn detection sensor 24 has a first detection unit 25 and a second detection unit 26. The first detection unit 25 is configured to detect whether or not the yarn Y is supplied from the first mounting unit 22. The second detection unit 26 is configured to detect whether or not the yarn Y is supplied from the second mounting unit 23. The first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26 are, for example, optical sensors that optically detect the yarn Y. For more details of the yarn detection sensor 24, see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5873105. Alternatively, the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26 may be, for example, contact-type sensors.

[0045] (Processing department) The configuration of the processing section 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the following, only the part of the processing section 3 corresponding to one weight 9 will be explained.

[0046] The first feed roller 11 is configured to unwind the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps attached to the yarn supply unit 2 and send it to the first heating device 13. The first feed roller 11 is located upstream of the twisting guide 12 in the yarn travel direction. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11 is approximately equal to the unwinding speed V (see Figure 3) at which the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. Information on the set value of the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11 is stored in advance, for example, in the machine base control device 5. On the upstream side of the first feed roller 11 in the yarn travel direction, A cutter (not shown) may be provided. When a thread break occurs, the cutter cuts the thread Y, preventing the thread Y from becoming entangled in a rotating member such as the first feed roller 11.

[0047] The twist-stopping guide 12 is configured to prevent the twist applied to the yarn Y by the false twisting device 15 from propagating upstream of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn travel direction. The twist-stopping guide 12 is located downstream of the first feed roller 11 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction.

[0048] The first heating device 13 is configured to heat the yarn Y sent from the first feed roller 11. The first heating device 13 is located downstream of the twisting guide 12 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn travel direction. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the first heating device 13 is assumed to be configured to heat one yarn Y, but it is not limited to this. The first heating device 13 may be configured to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0049] The cooling device 14 is configured to cool the yarn Y heated by the first heating device 13. The cooling device 14 is located downstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the false twist device 15 in the yarn travel direction. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the cooling device 14 is assumed to be configured to cool one yarn Y, but it is not limited to this. The cooling device 14 may be configured to cool multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0050] The false twisting device 15 is configured to impart twist to the yarn Y. The false twisting device 15 is, for example, a so-called disc friction type false twisting device, but is not limited to this. The false twisting device 15 is located downstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the second feed roller 16 in the yarn travel direction.

[0051] The second feed roller 16 is configured to send the yarn Y processed by the false twisting device 15 to the second heating device 17. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16 is faster than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11. As a result, the yarn Y is stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16. Information on the set value of the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16 is stored in advance, for example, in the machine base control device 5.

[0052] The second heating device 17 is configured to heat the yarn Y fed from the second feed roller 16. The second heating device 17 extends vertically. For the sake of simplicity, the second heating device 17 is assumed to be configured to heat one yarn Y, but is not limited to this. The second heating device 17 may be configured to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

[0053] The third feed roller 18 is configured to send the yarn Y, heated by the second heating device 17, to the winding device 19. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18 is slower than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16. The yarn Y is loosened between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18. Information on the set value of the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18 is stored in advance, for example, in the machine base control device 5.

[0054] In the processing unit 3 configured as described above, the yarn Y, stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16, is twisted by the false twisting device 15. The twist formed by the false twisting device 15 propagates to the twist-stopping guide 12, but not upstream of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn direction. The yarn Y, which has been stretched and twisted, is heated and heat-set in the first heating device 13, and then cooled in the cooling device 14. Downstream from the false twisting device 15, the yarn Y is untwisted, but the heat-setting described above maintains the wavy false twist state of each filament. Furthermore, the yarn Y, which has been false-twisted by the false twisting device 15, is relaxed between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18, heat-set in the second heating device 17, and then guided downstream in the yarn direction. Finally, the yarn Y fed from the third feed roller 18 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw by the winding device 19. This forms the winding package Pw.

[0055] (Winding section) The configuration of the winding unit 4 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The winding unit 4 has a plurality of winding devices 19 for winding the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw, and a plurality of auto-doffers 10 (see Figure 2) provided corresponding to each winding device 19. Each of the plurality of winding devices 19 belongs to one of a plurality of weights 9 (see Figure 3). Each winding device 19 has, for example, a pivot guide 31, a traverse device 32, a cradle 33, and a winding roller 34. The pivot guide 31 is a guide that serves as a pivot point when the yarn Y is traversed. The traverse device 32 is configured to traverse the yarn Y by means of a traverse guide 35 attached to an endless belt that is reciprocated by a motor. The cradle 33 is configured to rotatably support the winding bobbin Bw (winding package Pw). The winding roller 34 is configured to rotate the winding package Pw and to apply contact pressure to the surface of the winding package Pw. The winding roller 34 is rotated by a motor (not shown) while in contact with the surface of the winding package Pw. As a result, the winding package Pw rotates due to frictional force, and contact pressure is applied to the surface of the winding package Pw, thereby shaping the winding package Pw. Alternatively, instead of the winding roller 34 being rotated, the winding package Pw may be directly rotated by a motor (not shown).

[0056] The auto-doffer 10 is configured to remove the winding package Pw from the winding device 19 and install an empty winding bobbin Bw onto the winding device 19. In other words, the auto-doffer 10 is configured to allow the exchange of the completed winding package Pw and the empty winding bobbin Bw in the winding section 4. The auto-doffer 10 also has a cutter (not shown) capable of cutting the yarn Y in the vicinity of the winding package Pw. The formation of the winding package Pw is completed when the running yarn Y is cut by the cutter. Here, even after the yarn is cut by the cutter, the yarn Y continues to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps at approximately the same speed as when it is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw and supplied to the winding device 19. After the completion of the formation of the winding package Pw and until the start of winding the yarn Y onto the next winding bobbin Bw, the auto-doffer 10 has a suction (not shown) capable of sucking, capturing, and holding the running yarn Y supplied to the winding device 19. Next, until the thread Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw, the portion of the thread Y that has been sucked up by the suction mechanism is removed by suction. For more details on the structure of the auto doffer 10, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-212521.

[0057] Furthermore, a thread-holding device, for example, not shown, is provided near the winding device 19. The thread-holding device is configured to hold the thread Y onto an empty winding bobbin Bw mounted on the winding device 19.

[0058] In the winding unit 4 configured as described above, the yarn Y sent from the third feed roller 18 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw by each winding device 19, forming a winding package Pw (winding process). The winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is completed when the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the auto-doffer 10. Almost simultaneously, the yarn Y supplied to the winding device 19 is held in place by suction, and the winding package Pw is removed from the cradle 33 by the auto-doffer 10. Immediately afterward, a new empty winding bobbin Bw is mounted on the cradle 33 by the auto-doffer 10. Furthermore, the yarn Y is attached to the new winding bobbin Bw by the yarn attachment device. This makes it possible to start winding the yarn Y onto the new winding bobbin Bw.

[0059] Incidentally, the inventors of this application came up with the following idea in order to achieve a dramatically more advanced production management than before. Specifically, the inventors of this application came up with the idea of ​​providing a means to know, at any given time, the remaining amount of yarn Y after some of the yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (remaining amount of yarn) and / or the time remaining that yarn Y can be supplied from the yarn supply package Ps (remaining time). Alternatively, the time from when the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps until the yarn Y is completely unwound (i.e., when there is no more yarn Y left in the yarn supply package Ps) and / or the time when the yarn Y is completely unwound from the yarn supply package Ps can be estimated. By knowing this information, it becomes possible to predict the timing at which the yarn Y will run out in the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is being unwound. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to accurately predict the timing at which the yarn is completely unwound from the yarn supply package, the information management unit 110 performs the information processing described below. The information management unit 110 acquires and manages various types of information related to the events shown in the graphs in Figures 4(a) to 4(c), as a specific example. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the description will be limited to one specific weight 9 out of several weights 9.

[0060] (Specific examples of events) Before specifically describing the information acquired by the Information Management Unit 110, we will first explain the events exemplified in the graphs of Figures 4(a) to 4(c) and the times in which each event occurred, as a prerequisite to help understand the following explanation. The Information Management Unit 110 acquires information on at least some of the events shown in the graphs of Figures 4(a) to 4(c) (details will be described later). The times described here are not times predicted by any means, but rather the actual times in which each event occurs.

[0061] Figure 4(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of yarn Y (vertical axis) and time (horizontal axis) contained in the yarn supply packages Ps (specifically yarn supply packages Ps1 and Ps3) attached to the first attachment unit 22. Figure 4(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount of yarn Y (vertical axis) and time (horizontal axis) contained in the yarn supply packages Ps (specifically yarn supply package Ps2) attached to the second attachment unit 23. Figure 4(c) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of yarn Y wound onto the winding bobbins Bw (specifically winding bobbins Bw1, Bw2, Bw3, Bw4, Bw5, Bw6) (vertical axis) and time (horizontal axis). In all of the graphs in Figures 4(a) to (c), the origin is time t0, when the yarn Y is first unwound from yarn supply package Ps1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weight (initial weight) of each yarn supply package Ps when the yarn Y has not been unwound at all (i.e., when fully wound) is WF.

[0062] First, before time t0, a fully wound yarn supply package Ps1 is attached to the first attachment section 22. The initial weight of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 is WF. Also before time t0, a fully wound yarn supply package Ps2 is attached to the second attachment section 23. The end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps2 are knotted together, forming a knot K. At time t0, threading onto each part of the weight 9 begins. Simultaneously at time t0, the yarn Y begins to unwind from the fully wound yarn supply package Ps1. Then, at time ts1, immediately after time t0, threading onto the winding bobbin Bw1 attached to the winding device 19 is completed, and the thread begins to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1. Furthermore, from the time the yarn Y begins to unwind from the yarn supply package Ps1 until the yarn is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1, the yarn Y is sucked and captured by suction. In this embodiment, the unwinding speed of the yarn Y while yarn winding is taking place is approximately equal to the unwinding speed (V mentioned above) when the yarn Y is being wound onto the winding bobbin Bw. The difference between time ts1 and time t0 is the time taken from the start to the completion of yarn winding.

[0063] As time passes, the remaining amount (remaining weight) of yarn Y in the yarn supply package Ps1 decreases, and the amount (winding weight) of yarn Y wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1 increases. At time te1, the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the auto-doffer 10, completing the winding process of yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw1. In other words, time te1 is the winding completion time when the yarn Y has finished being wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1 (the formation of the winding package Pw1 is complete). At this time, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps1 is W1. Only the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supply package Ps1 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1. The cutting of yarn Y by the cutter, the suction capture of yarn Y by the suction mechanism (i.e., the start of suction removal of yarn Y), and the removal of the winding bobbin Bw1 (winding package Pw1) from the cradle 33 occur almost simultaneously. Next, at time ts2, immediately following time te1, the auto-doffer 10 completes mounting the winding bobbin Bw2 onto the cradle 33, and the winding process of yarn Y onto winding bobbin Bw2 begins (the winding bobbin replacement operation is completed). There is a slight time lag tL (see Figure 4(c)) between the winding completion time for winding bobbin Bw1 (time te1) and the winding start time for winding bobbin Bw2, onto which yarn Y will be wound after winding bobbin Bw1 (time ts2). As described above, even when winding bobbins Bw are being replaced, yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps at approximately the same speed as when it is wound onto winding bobbin Bw. Furthermore, at time te2, the winding process of yarn Y onto winding bobbin Bw2 (formation of winding package Pw2) is completed, and at time ts3, the winding process of yarn Y onto winding bobbin Bw3 begins.

[0064] At time ta1 (see Figure 4(a)), which is later than time ts3, the yarn supply package Ps1 attached to the first mounting unit 22 becomes empty. In other words, time ta1 is the unwinding completion time when the yarn Y has finished being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1. Simultaneously with the yarn supply package Ps1 becoming empty, at time tb1 (=time ta1), the knot portion K formed by the knotting of the yarn Y contained in yarn supply package Ps1 and the yarn Y contained in yarn supply package Ps2 is pulled toward the winding device 19. As a result, the yarn Y begins to unwind from the yarn supply package Ps2 attached to the second mounting unit 23. In other words, time tb1 is the unwinding start time when the yarn Y is first unwound from yarn supply package Ps2 (the yarn Y begins to unwind). Subsequently, at time te3, the winding process of yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw3 (formation of winding package Pw3) is completed. The winding bobbin Bw3 has both the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 and the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 wound onto it. The winding package Pw3 also contains the knot portion K. Then, at time ts4, the winding process of yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw4 begins. At time te4, the winding process of yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw4 (formation of winding package Pw4) is completed. The winding bobbin Bw4 now has only the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 wound onto it.

[0065] Furthermore, after time ta1 and before the yarn supply package Ps2 becomes empty (for example, at time ta2), the operator removes the empty yarn supply package Ps1 from the first mounting unit 22 and installs a new, fully wound yarn supply package Ps3 into the first mounting unit 22 (yarn supply package replacement operation). At this time, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps3 is WF. Subsequently, at an appropriate timing, the operator connects the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps2 with the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps3, forming a knotted portion K (see Figure 3). The operator may perform the knotting operation (connection operation) by hand. Alternatively, the operator may perform the knotting operation by operating, for example, a portable knotting device (not shown).

[0066] Subsequently, from time ts5 to time te5, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw5 (forming the winding package Pw5). At time tb2, between time ts5 and time te5, the yarn supply package Ps2 attached to the second mounting unit 23 becomes empty. Simultaneously with the emptying of the yarn supply package Ps2, at time ta3 (=time tb2), the yarn Y begins to unwind from the yarn supply package Ps3 attached to the first mounting unit 22. Furthermore, from time ts6 to time te6, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw6 (forming the winding package Pw6).

[0067] (Summary of basic information acquired by the Information Management Department) Taking the above events into consideration, we will first explain the outline of the basic information acquired by the information management unit 110 in order to make various judgments and / or calculations. As basic information, the information management unit 110 acquires, for example, initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information for each yarn supply package Ps. The initial quantity information, unwinding unit quantity information, and cumulative time information can be used to acquire predictive information for various management of the yarn processing equipment 100. The predictive information includes at least one of the following predicted values: remaining quantity, remaining time, total unwinding time, and unwinding completion time. The remaining quantity is the amount of yarn contained in each yarn supply package Ps mounted on each package mounting unit 21 at an arbitrary reference time. The remaining time is the time from the reference time until the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps in which the yarn Y is being unwound to the end of unwinding. The total unwinding time is the total time from when the yarn Y begins to unwind from the yarn supply package Ps that is the subject of the prediction until the unwinding is complete. The unwinding completion time is the time when the yarn Y is completely unwound from the yarn supply package Ps that is the subject of the prediction.

[0068] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may also acquire various information related to each winding package Pw (such as information on the start and end times of the winding process). A detailed explanation of how to acquire such information is omitted.

[0069] Initial quantity information is information regarding the initial amount (initial weight or initial length) of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps before the yarn Y begins to unwind. Initial quantity information is, for example, preset in the machine control device 5 as common information relating to all yarn supply packages Ps of all spindles 9 of one false twisting machine 1. More specifically, in this embodiment, the initial weight WF information and the fineness (weight per unit length) information of yarn Y are stored in the machine control device 5 as initial quantity information. The unit of weight of the yarn supply package Ps is, for example, kg. The fineness of yarn Y is F. The unit of fineness is, for example, dtex. Decitex is the weight (g) of yarn Y per 10,000 meters. Unwinding unit quantity information is information regarding the amount of yarn Y unwound per unit time from the yarn supply package Ps. Unwinding unit quantity information is, for example, the unwinding speed V information described above. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the unwinding speed V during the winding process is assumed to be approximately constant. The unit of the unwinding speed is, for example, m / min. The unwinding unit amount information is, for example, preset in the machine base control device 5 as common information for all the weights 9 of one false twisting machine 1. The machine base control device 5 acquires the unwinding speed V information, for example, based on the set value of the rotation speed of the first feed roller 11. The initial weight WF (initial weight setting value), fineness (fineness setting value), and unwinding speed V (unwinding speed setting value), which are preset in the information management unit 110, are included in the system values ​​of the present invention.

[0070] The cumulative time information is information about the cumulative value (cumulative time) of time since the yarn Y was unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. For the sake of explanation, the cumulative time related to the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is being unwound is called tin. The cumulative time information is obtained as follows. First, for example, at the time t0 mentioned above, when the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 mentioned above, the start of yarn Y unwounding is detected by the yarn detection sensor 24. At this time, the machine control device 5 sets tin to a predetermined initial time (reset process). The initial time is, for example, zero. The machine control device 5 may also obtain and store information about the unwounding start time (i.e., time t0) when the yarn Y began to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1. Subsequently, the machine control device 5 increases tin (updates tin) according to the passage of time while the yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. Furthermore, if, for example, the unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps is temporarily suspended due to reasons such as yarn breakage (in other words, a suspension period occurs), the machine control device 5 temporarily suspends the updating of tin. In this way, the machine control device 5 acquires only the time (detection time) during which the unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps is detected by the yarn detection sensor 24 as the accumulated time (tin). The machine control device 5 can acquire accumulated time information for any yarn supply package Ps when yarn Y is being unwinded from that package Ps. Generally, when resuming the winding process at a spindle 9 where the unwinding of yarn Y has been temporarily suspended, it is necessary to re-wrap the yarn around each part of the spindle 9.

[0071] Furthermore, during the winding process, the machine control device 5 determines, based on the detection results from the yarn detection sensor 24, whether a yarn supply package switchover has occurred, in which the yarn supply package Ps supplying the yarn Y is switched. For example, referring to Figures 4(a) and (b), a yarn supply package switchover occurs when the yarn Y from yarn supply package Ps1 has finished unwinding (unwinding complete) and the yarn Y is first unwound from yarn supply package Ps2. When the state of the yarn detection sensor 24 switches from a state in which yarn Y is detected by one of the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26 to a state in which yarn Y is detected by the other of the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26, the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn supply package switchover has occurred. When the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn supply package switchover has occurred, it performs the reset process described above and sets tin to a predetermined initial time. The machine control device 5 may acquire and store information on the time when the yarn supply package switchover occurred as information on the start time of unwinding for the yarn supply package Ps2. In this way, the yarn detection sensor 24 is configured to detect both the start and end of unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps1.

[0072] As described above, the information management unit 110 acquires initial quantity information, decompression unit quantity information, and cumulative time information as basic information.

[0073] (Information regarding the replacement of the yarn supply package and knotting) Furthermore, in relation to the yarn supply package switching described above, the information acquired by the information management unit 110 when an empty yarn supply package Ps is replaced with a new yarn supply package during the winding process will be explained. When the yarn supply package Ps attached to one of the package mounting units 21 is empty, the operator removes the empty yarn supply package Ps from that package mounting unit 21 and attaches a new yarn supply package Ps to that package mounting unit 21. At that time, the operator performs an operation to associate the individual information of the new yarn supply package Ps with the individual information of the package mounting unit 21 (input of mounting information). Subsequently, the operator connects the starting end of the yarn Y contained in the new yarn supply package Ps with the ending end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps attached to the other package mounting unit 21, forming a knot portion K. Next, the operator positions the knot portion K in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the operator inputs information indicating that the knot portion K has been positioned in a predetermined position (for convenience of explanation, this information will be called positioning information) to the machine control device 5. The machine control device 5 stores the placement information when such an input operation is performed. Subsequently, when a yarn supply package switch occurs, the machine control device 5 performs the reset process described above and also stores information indicating that the knot portion K has moved from its predetermined position (for the sake of explanation, this information will be called movement information).

[0074] (Procedure for obtaining forecast information) Next, an example of the procedure by which the information management unit 110 specifically acquires prediction information will be described. The prediction information includes both information obtained using only system values ​​and information obtained using system values ​​and correction values ​​described later (corrected prediction information). In summary, the information management unit 110 first acquires information on the total unwinding time predicted using only system values ​​(initial total unwinding prediction time) and information on the actual time from when the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps until it is finished unwinding (total unwinding actual time). Then, the information management unit 110 calculates a time correction coefficient (correction value) using the initial total unwinding prediction time and the total unwinding actual time, and acquires various types of corrected prediction information using the time correction coefficient and system values.

[0075] The procedure will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining corrected prediction information. Figure 6(a) is a graph showing the prediction of the remaining amount of yarn package Ps before the time correction coefficient is obtained. Figure 6(b) is a graph showing the prediction of the remaining amount of yarn package Ps after the time correction coefficient is obtained. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing examples of various types of information handled by the information management unit 110 and the relationships between the use of that information (which information is used to obtain which information). The information located on the starting side of the dashed arrow in Figure 7 is the information that is used. The information located on the ending side (arrowhead side) of the dashed arrow in Figure 7 is the information that is obtained based on one or more types of information that are used.

[0076] First, when the lot (described later) handled by the yarn processing equipment 100 is switched (S101: Yes), the machine control device 5 starts the winding process at each spindle 9 and starts measuring the error between the initial predicted total unwinding time and the actual total unwinding time at each spindle (S102). In this embodiment, a lot refers to the production unit of a winding package Pw, that is, a collection of multiple winding packages Pw formed with the same specifications (brand and processing conditions including unwinding speed) at multiple spindles 9. In other words, "lot" here can be rephrased as "production conditions". For example, when an operator performs a predetermined input operation to the machine input unit 5a of the machine control device 5 to indicate a lot change, the information management unit 110 determines that the lot has changed.

[0077] For example, when yarn Y begins to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 (the first yarn supply package of the present invention) at the predetermined weight 9 described above, the yarn detection sensor 24 detects the start of yarn Y supply. The information management unit 110 performs a reset process based on the detection result and starts updating the cumulative time (tin). When yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1, the information management unit 110 uses only system values ​​to obtain and store the initial total unwound prediction time for the yarn supply package Ps1 (S103). When the initial total unwound prediction time is denoted as tP (see Figures 6(a) and 7), tP is calculated based on, for example, the following formula.

[0078] tP = WF × 1000 / (V × F / 10000)

[0079] In the above formula, "1000" is a coefficient used to change the unit of the numerator on the right-hand side of the formula to "g". In the above formula, "10000" is a coefficient used to change the unit of the denominator on the right-hand side of the formula to "g / min". The unit of tP is "min". In the formulas described thereafter, "1000" and "10000" have the same meaning.

[0080] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may use system values ​​to acquire the following additional information relating to the yarn supply package Ps1. For example, if the remaining amount of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 at an arbitrary reference time is denoted as WR, and the accumulated time at that reference time is denoted as tin1, the information management unit 110 may estimate WR based on, for example, the following formula.

[0081] WR = WF - (V × F / 10000) × tin 1 / 1000

[0082] Furthermore, when tR is the remaining time during which yarn Y can be supplied from the yarn supply package Ps1 at the reference time, the information management unit 110 may estimate tR based on, for example, one of the following mathematical formulas.

[0083] tR = tP - tin1 tR = WF × 1000 / (V × F / 10000) - tin1

[0084] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may predict the time when the yarn Y is finished being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 (predicted unwounding completion time). The information management unit 110 may store the time when the yarn Y began to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 (t0 as described above), and obtain the time obtained by adding tP to t0 as the predicted unwounding completion time for the yarn supply package Ps1.

[0085] Next, the method for obtaining the total unwinding time will be explained. After some time has elapsed, the yarn detection sensor 24 detects the end of unwinding Y from the yarn supply package Ps1 (yarn supply package switching) at a certain time (S104). At this time, the information management unit 110 stores the value of tin at the time the yarn supply package switching was detected as the total unwinding time (for example, tA; see Figures 6(a) and 7) (S105). Subsequently, the value of tin is returned to the initial time by the reset process described above.

[0086] As mentioned above, if the unwinding of the yarn Y is temporarily paused during the winding process (i.e., if a pause occurs), the information management unit 110 temporarily pauses updating the accumulated time. In other words, if a pause occurs, the information management unit 110 performs processing to ensure that the pause is not included in the total unwinding time.

[0087] For reference, the difference between the initial predicted total unwinding time and the actual total unwinding time for the yarn supply package Ps1 is schematically shown in the graph in Figure 6(a). In this graph, the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of yarn Y, and the horizontal axis represents time. Here, for the sake of simplicity, we assume that the aforementioned stop time did not occur. For example, if we calculate the predicted unwinding end time for the yarn supply package Ps1 (see taP in Figure 6(a)) based on the initial predicted total unwinding time (tP), taP will be the time t0 plus tP. On the other hand, the actual unwinding end time for the yarn supply package Ps1 (ta1 as described above) will be the time t0 plus the actual total unwinding time (tA). In this case, the difference between tP and tA (i.e., the difference between the initial predicted total unwinding time and the actual total unwinding time) is the difference between the predicted unwinding end time and the actual unwinding end time. In the example shown in Figure 6(a), tA is longer than tP. Such discrepancies can occur due to various reasons, such as the actual fineness of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 being slightly different from the fineness setting value (F).

[0088] Next, the information management unit 110 calculates a time correction coefficient using the initial full solution prediction time and the full solution actual time (S106). When the time correction coefficient for the predetermined weight 9 is Ct (see Figure 7), Ct is calculated based on the following formula.

[0089] Ct = tA / tP

[0090] The time correction coefficient (Ct) is the ratio of the actual total unwinding time (tA) to the initial total unwinding prediction time (tP). If Ct is greater than 1, the rate at which yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 is slower than initially expected. Conversely, if Ct is less than 1, the rate at which yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 is faster than initially expected. By using the time correction coefficient, for example, the timing at which yarn Y is finished being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 can be predicted more accurately. More specifically, the information management unit 110 can obtain a predicted time calculated by multiplying tP by Ct, which is the time from when yarn Y starts to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 until it is finished (the obtained time is equal to tA). In this case, the time at which yarn Y is predicted to be fully unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 is approximately equal to the time at which yarn Y is actually fully unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 (see Figure 6(b)).

[0091] Next, the information management unit 110 acquires time correction coefficients for all of the multiple spindles 9 (for example, see spindles 9A to 9Z in Figure 7) once each, and then calculates and stores the average value of all these time correction coefficients (the integrated correction value of the present invention) (S107). Subsequently, the information management unit 110 uses the averaged time correction coefficients and the system value to acquire various correction prediction information for yarn supply packages Ps in which the yarn Y is unwound at least after the yarn supply package Ps1 (S108). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the yarn supply packages Ps in which the yarn Y is unwound at least after the yarn supply package Ps1 will be referred to as "later yarn supply packages Ps" (the second yarn supply package of the present invention). Until the lot is switched (S101: No), the information management unit 110 uses the averaged time correction coefficients to acquire correction prediction information for the multiple spindles 9 of the false twisting machine 1 (i.e., for the multiple yarn supply package holding units 20).

[0092] A specific example of the corrected prediction information will be explained. In this embodiment, the information management unit 110 can acquire corrected prediction time information as corrected prediction information, which is the predicted time from when the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps until it is finished unwound. For example, if the averaged time correction coefficient is CtA (see Figure 7) and the corrected prediction time is tPc (see Figure 7), then tPc can be calculated based on the following formula.

[0093] tPc = CtA × tP

[0094] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may use the detection results from the yarn detection sensor 24 to obtain information on the time when the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the subsequent yarn supply package Ps. In this case, the information management unit 110 can use the switching time information and the correction prediction time information to obtain information on the corrected unwinding end time, which is the time when the yarn Y finishes being unwound from the subsequent yarn supply package Ps. The information on the corrected unwinding end time is also a type of correction prediction information. For example, if the switching time is tS (see Figure 7) and the corrected unwinding end time is tEc (see Figure 7), then tEc can be calculated based on one of the following formulas, for example.

[0095] tEc = tS + tPc tEc = tS + CtA × tP

[0096] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 can obtain information on the corrected remaining time, which is the remaining time until the yarn Y is fully unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps, when the yarn Y is being unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps at any given reference time. Specifically, the information management unit 110 can obtain information on the corrected remaining time by using the information on the cumulative time (tin mentioned above) for which the yarn Y has been unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps at the reference time. Information on the corrected remaining time is also a type of corrected prediction information. When the corrected remaining time is denoted as tRc (see Figure 7), tRc can be calculated based on, for example, one of the following formulas.

[0097] tRc = tPc - tin tRc = CtA × tP - tin

[0098] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 can obtain information on the corrected remaining amount, which is the remaining amount of yarn Y contained in the later yarn supply package Ps, when yarn Y is being unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps at the reference time. The corrected remaining amount information is also a type of corrected prediction information. When the corrected remaining amount is denoted as WRc (see Figure 7), WRc can be calculated, for example, based on the following formula.

[0099] WRc=WF-[(V×F / 10000)×tin / 1000] / CtA

[0100] In the above formula, the time correction factor (CtA) is used as a divisor. This is because the larger the time correction factor, the slower the actual rate at which yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (in other words, the actual rate at which the weight of the yarn supply package Ps decreases) is compared to the initial prediction.

[0101] In this way, the information management unit 110 acquires at least one of the following as corrected prediction information: information on the corrected predicted time for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps, information on the corrected unwinding completion time, information on the corrected remaining time, and information on the corrected remaining amount.

[0102] As described above, based on the corrected prediction information obtained using the total unwinding time information from the yarn supply package Ps1, etc., until the yarn Y is actually unwound to completion, the timing at which the yarn will be unwound to completion from the subsequent yarn supply package Ps can be predicted. Therefore, the timing at which the yarn Y will be unwound to completion (completion timing) can be predicted with high accuracy from the yarn supply package Ps.

[0103] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 does not include the stop time in the total unwinding time when there is a stop time between the start and completion of unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps1. Therefore, the deterioration of prediction accuracy can be reduced compared to when the stop time is included in the total unwinding time.

[0104] Furthermore, a correction value is calculated based on the total processing time, and this correction value is used to obtain corrected prediction information. Therefore, various types of information can be obtained with high accuracy.

[0105] Furthermore, the system values ​​include the initial weight WF setting, the fineness setting, and the unwinding speed V setting. In this embodiment, the termination timing can be predicted by using information that is generally easily obtainable as system values.

[0106] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 is configured to calculate the initial full release prediction time using system values, and obtains a time correction coefficient calculated by dividing the actual full release time by the initial full release prediction time. Therefore, by multiplying the initial full release prediction time by the time correction coefficient, the termination timing for subsequent yarn supply packages Ps can be predicted with high accuracy.

[0107] Furthermore, by using multiple time correction factors to obtain an integrated correction value, the accuracy of the prediction can be further improved.

[0108] Furthermore, the average of multiple time correction coefficients is calculated as the integrated correction value. Therefore, a highly reliable integrated correction value can be obtained through simple calculations.

[0109] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 acquires at least one of the following as corrected prediction information: information on the corrected predicted time for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps, information on the corrected unwinding completion time, information on the corrected remaining time, and information on the corrected remaining amount. This allows the acquired corrected prediction information to be used for various management purposes (for example, creating a replacement schedule for the yarn supply package Ps).

[0110] Furthermore, since both the actual start and end of unraveling are detected by the thread detection sensor 24, the operator's workload can be reduced compared to, for example, a case where the operator performs a predetermined input operation to the information management unit 110 to have the information management unit 110 determine when unraveling should begin.

[0111] Next, modified examples of the above embodiments will be described. However, components having the same configuration as the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0112] (1) In the above embodiment, the information management unit 110 obtains a time correction coefficient (Ct) calculated by dividing the total unwinding actual time (tA) by the initial total unwinding prediction time (tP) as a correction value. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may, for example, use the total unwinding actual time, the initial weight setting value, the fineness setting value, and the unwinding speed setting value to calculate (obtain) a fineness correction coefficient as a correction value for correcting the fineness of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1, as follows. When the fineness correction coefficient is Cf (see Figure 8), Cf can be calculated based on the following formula. By using the fineness correction coefficient, the actual fineness of the yarn Y contained in the subsequent yarn supply package Ps can be estimated with high accuracy. This makes it possible to accurately predict the timing at which the yarn Y will be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. In this case, the information management unit 110 may obtain the initial full resolution prediction time in advance, or it may not need to obtain the initial full resolution prediction time.

[0113] Cf=WF×1000 / {V×(F / 10000)×tA}

[0114] Here, we will reiterate the formulas for calculating the initial total solution prediction time (tP) and the time correction coefficient (Ct) in the above embodiment.

[0115] tP = WF × 1000 / (V × F / 10000) Ct = tA / tP

[0116] From the three formulas above, it can be derived that Cf is the reciprocal of Ct. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may, after obtaining the fineness correction coefficients for all of the multiple weights 9, calculate and store the average value of these multiple fineness correction coefficients (the integrated correction value of the present invention). If the averaged fineness correction coefficient is, for example, CfA (see Figure 8), and the corrected fineness (corrected fineness) is Fc (see Figure 8), then Fc can be calculated based on the following formula.

[0117] Fc = CfA × F

[0118] The information management unit 110 may calculate the above-mentioned corrected remaining amount (WRc) based on one of the following formulas, for example, when yarn Y has been unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps at any given reference time.

[0119] WRc=WF-(V×Fc / 10000)×tin / 1000 WRc=WF-(V×CfA×F / 10000)×tin / 1000

[0120] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may calculate the corrected predicted time (tPc) for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps based on, for example, one of the following formulas.

[0121] tPc = WF × 1000 / (V × Fc / 10000) tPc=WF×1000 / (V×CfA×F / 10000)

[0122] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may calculate the corrected unwinding completion time (tEc) for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps based on, for example, the following formula, where tS is the switching time mentioned above.

[0123] tEc = tS + tPc

[0124] Furthermore, when the yarn Y is being unwound from the later yarn supply package Ps at the reference time, the information management unit 110 may calculate the above-mentioned corrected remaining time (tRc) based on, for example, one of the following formulas.

[0125] tRc = WRc × 1000 / (V × Fc / 10000) tRc = tPc - tin

[0126] In this modified example, the information management unit 110 acquires at least one of the following as corrected prediction information: information on the corrected predicted time for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps, information on the corrected unwinding completion time, information on the corrected remaining time, and information on the corrected remaining amount.

[0127] (2) In addition to the time correction coefficient or fineness correction coefficient described above, or as an alternative thereto, the information management unit 110 may obtain the following correction values. The information management unit 110 may obtain the difference between the actual time of full resolution and the initial predicted time of full resolution as the correction value. Specifically, when the above difference value is denoted as dtP (see Figure 9), the information management unit 110 may calculate dtP based on the following formula.

[0128] dtP = tA - tP

[0129] This allows for accurate prediction of the completion timing for the later yarn supply package Ps, assuming that the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the aforementioned yarn supply package Ps1 is approximately equal to the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the later yarn supply package Ps. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may, after acquiring the difference values ​​for all of the multiple spindles 9, calculate and store the average value of these multiple difference values ​​(the integrated correction value of the present invention; see dtPA in Figure 9). The corrected prediction time (tPc) for the later yarn supply package Ps may be calculated using the averaged difference value based on the following formula.

[0130] tPc = tP + dtPA

[0131] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may calculate the corrected unwinding completion time (tEc) for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps based on, for example, one of the following formulas.

[0132] tEc = tS + tPc tEc = tS + tP + dtPA

[0133] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may calculate the corrected remaining time (tRc) for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps at the reference time based on, for example, one of the following formulas.

[0134] tRc = tPc - tin tRc = tP + dtPA - tin

[0135] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may calculate the correction remaining amount for the subsequent yarn supply package Ps at the reference time based on, for example, the following formula.

[0136] WRc = (tRc × V × F / 10000) / 1000

[0137] (3) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 obtained the average value of multiple correction values ​​as the integrated correction value. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may, for example, obtain the median value of multiple correction values ​​as the integrated correction value.

[0138] Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may obtain the integrated correction value by another method. For example, the information management unit 110 may exclude the largest and smallest correction values ​​from the group of correction values ​​and obtain the average value of the remaining correction values ​​as the integrated correction value.

[0139] (4) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 acquires a correction value for each of the multiple spindles 9 once after the lot is switched. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may acquire additional correction values ​​for a new yarn supply package Ps for one or more spindles 9 when, for example, an operator performs a predetermined operation. For example, in the predetermined spindle 9 described above, the information management unit 110 may acquire a correction value for a yarn supply package Ps3 (see Figure 4) in which the yarn Y is unwound after the yarn supply package Ps1. In this case, the yarn supply package Ps3 corresponds to the additional yarn supply package of the present invention. The correction value for the yarn supply package Ps3 corresponds to the additional correction value of the present invention. The information management unit 110 may acquire an updated correction value for the spindle 9 using at least the additional correction value. As a specific example, the information management unit 110 may acquire the average value of the initial correction value and the additional correction value for the spindle 9 as the updated correction value. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may acquire the additional correction value as is as the updated correction value. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may use the updated correction value and the system value to obtain corrected prediction information for the yarn supply package Ps in which the yarn Y is unwound at least after the yarn supply package Ps3. In this way, by obtaining the updated correction value as needed and obtaining corrected prediction information using the updated correction value, the accuracy of the prediction can be further improved. In addition, when obtaining the integrated correction value, the information management unit 110 may perform calculations that take additional correction values ​​into consideration. In other words, the information management unit 110 may obtain the integrated correction value using all correction values ​​related to the same lot.

[0140] (5) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 acquires correction values ​​for all of the multiple weights 9 after a lot has been switched. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may acquire correction values ​​for only some of the multiple weights 9, and may also acquire an integrated correction value. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may acquire a correction value for any one of the multiple weights 9. In other words, the information management unit 110 may acquire one correction value using the detection result from any one of the multiple yarn detection sensors 24. The information management unit 110 may then use this correction value and the system value to acquire correction prediction information for the multiple weights 9 (in other words, correction prediction information for the multiple yarn supply package holding units 20). This allows for the immediate acquisition of correction prediction information for the multiple yarn supply package holding units 20 when one correction value is acquired. Therefore, accurate predictions can be started quickly in each yarn supply package holding unit 20. The information management unit 110 may also be configured to acquire correction values ​​only for a specific weight 9. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may be configured to initiate the acquisition of correction values ​​for multiple weights 9, and to acquire correction prediction information for multiple weights 9 using the first acquired correction value. In this case, the information management unit 110 may also acquire an integrated correction value.

[0141] In this modified example, the information management unit 110 can, for example, immediately start acquiring correction prediction information for the yarn supply package Ps2 after acquiring a correction value for the yarn supply package Ps1. In this case, the yarn supply package Ps2 also corresponds to the second yarn supply package of the present invention.

[0142] (6) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 uses one integrated correction value as a common correction value for all weights 9. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the information management unit 110 may be configured to acquire correction values ​​for each weight 9 and use different correction values ​​for each weight 9 to acquire correction prediction information for each weight 9. In this case, the information management unit 110 may acquire the above-mentioned additional correction value and updated correction value for all weights 9.

[0143] (7) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 calculates a predetermined correction value using the system value and the total unwinding time, and obtains corrected prediction information using the correction value and the system value. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may also treat the total unwinding time as corrected prediction information without processing it. The total unwinding time can be treated as corrected prediction time information as described above. This makes it possible to predict the timing at which the yarn Y will be unwound from the later yarn package Ps by a simple process, assuming that the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 and the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the later yarn supply package Ps are approximately equal.

[0144] (8) In the embodiments described above, it was assumed that the initial weight WF of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps was stored in the machine control device 5. However, this is not limited to this. In addition to the initial weight WF, or instead of the initial weight WF, the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps, or the initial value of the remaining time, may be stored in the machine control device 5. Based on such set values, the remaining time and / or remaining amount at the reference time may be calculated. In this case, the information management unit 110 does not necessarily have to acquire information on the fineness of the yarn Y.

[0145] (9) In the embodiments described above, information on the total unwinding time was obtained using cumulative time information. However, this is not limited to this. Instead of cumulative time information, information on the total unwinding time may be obtained using information on the time when the yarn Y began to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 (unwinding start time) and the time when the yarn Y was finished to be unwound (unwinding end time). The information management unit 110 may also obtain information on the unwinding start time (for example, the time t0 described above) and the unwinding end time related to the yarn supply package Ps1 based on the detection result by the yarn detection sensor 24. In this case, basically, the difference between the unwinding end time and the unwinding start time is used instead of the cumulative time. Such processing is also included in the processing of "obtaining total unwinding time information using the detection result by the detection unit" of the present invention. If the above-mentioned stop time occurs between the unwinding start time and the unwinding end time, it is required to take the length of the stop time into consideration.

[0146] (10) In the embodiments described above, it was assumed that the unwinding speed during threading was approximately the same as the unwinding speed during winding. However, this is not limited to this. The unwinding speed during threading may be different from the unwinding speed during winding. Furthermore, regardless of whether the unwinding speed during threading and the unwinding speed during winding are approximately the same or not, the information management unit 110 may not include the time required to thread each part after the stop time occurs (threading time) in the total unwinding time. Such processing is particularly effective, for example, when the unwinding speed during threading is slower than the unwinding speed during winding, and including the threading time in the total unwinding time makes it difficult to obtain a normal total unwinding time. The following are examples of configurations for distinguishing whether threading is being performed or winding is being performed at each spindle 9. For example, the winding unit 4 may have a contact pressure sensor (not shown) configured to detect the contact pressure between the winding package Pw and the winding roller 34 (see Figure 3). The machine control device 5 may make the following determinations based on the detection results from the yarn detection sensor 24 and the contact pressure sensor. The machine control device 5 may determine that winding is being performed at a certain weight 9 if the yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn supply package Ps and the winding package Pw and the winding roller 34 are in contact. The machine control device 5 may determine that yarn is being attached to each part at a certain weight 9 if the yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn supply package Ps and the winding package Pw and the winding roller 34 are not in contact. Alternatively, for example, the cradle 33 may be configured to change its position between when winding is in progress and when it is not. Furthermore, a position sensor (not shown) configured to detect the position of the cradle 33 may be provided. In this case, the machine control device 5 may determine whether winding is being performed or whether threads are being attached to each part based on the detection results from the thread detection sensor 24 and the detection results from the position sensor.

[0147] Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may be configured to perform the following processing when a stop time occurs more than a predetermined number of times while the yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (hereinafter, such an event will be referred to as "frequent stops"). For example, the information management unit 110 may be configured not to acquire a correction value for the yarn supply package Ps that has experienced frequent stops. In addition, the information management unit 110 may be configured to always acquire a correction value for the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y will be unwound next in the weight 9 to which the yarn supply package Ps that has experienced frequent stops is attached.

[0148] (11) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 acquires the accumulated time for one of the two package mounting units 21 of the yarn package holding unit 20, which is mounted with the yarn package Ps in which the yarn Y is being unwound at the reference time. However, it is not limited to this. The information management unit 110 may be configured to acquire the accumulated time for the first mounting unit 22 and the accumulated time for the second mounting unit 23 separately. Specifically, the information management unit 110 may be updated to update only the accumulated time for the package mounting unit 21 in which the yarn package Ps in which the yarn Y is being unwound is mounted, based on the detection result from the yarn detection sensor 24. In addition, the information management unit 110 may, for example, reset the accumulated time for the package mounting unit 21 in which the yarn package replacement work was performed to the initial time when the above-described input operation of mounting information is performed on the machine base input unit 5a. In this way, the corrected remaining time for each of the two package mounting units 21 can be calculated. In this case, the information management unit 110 may predict the time when all the yarn packages Ps held in the yarn package holding unit 20 of a certain spindle 9 will be empty (predicted yarn depletion time). The predicted yarn depletion time can be calculated by adding the remaining time for the two package mounting units 21 to the reference time, regardless of whether or not the knot portion K is formed. By utilizing the information on the predicted yarn depletion time, it is possible to realize more advanced control or advanced equipment operation management related to operations such as replacing yarn packages Ps.

[0149] When the information management unit 110 acquires the predicted yarn loss time, for example, the machine control device 5 may cause the machine output unit 5b to output a message prompting the operator to replace the yarn supply package Ps at an appropriate time. For example, the machine control device 5 may determine whether the replacement notification time has arrived, which is a predetermined time before the predicted yarn loss time for the yarn supply package holding unit 20 of a certain spindle 9. If the machine control device 5 determines that the replacement notification time has arrived, it may cause the machine output unit 5b to output information indicating that the yarn supply package Ps needs to be replaced in that spindle 9. Alternatively, the above output may be made by the management output unit 101b of the management device 101.

[0150] Even if the system is configured to calculate only the cumulative time for the yarn supply package Ps in which the yarn Y is being unwound at the reference time, the predicted yarn depletion time can be calculated as follows. Specifically, the remaining time for one of the two package mounting sections 21, the one in which the yarn supply package Ps in which the yarn Y is being unwound is mounted, can be calculated using this cumulative time. The remaining time for the other of the two package mounting sections 21 can be obtained as a constant if a new yarn supply package Ps is mounted in that other package mounting section 21. If no new yarn supply package Ps is mounted in that other package mounting section 21, the remaining time can be obtained as zero. By adding these two remaining times together, the predicted yarn depletion time can be calculated.

[0151] (12) In the embodiments described above, the initial quantity information was assumed to be stored in the information management unit 110 as a common value for all the spindles 9 of the false twisting machine 1, but this is not limited to this. For example, multiple spindles 9 may be divided into multiple groups. The information management unit 110 may be configured to allow initial quantity information to be set for each of the multiple groups. In this case, it is preferable for the information management unit 110 to obtain a time correction coefficient or a fineness correction coefficient as a correction value.

[0152] Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may be configured to allow initial quantity information to be set for each weight 9. In this case, the information management unit 110 may also be configured to acquire initial quantity information (or information on the initial value of the remaining time) corresponding to each of the multiple yarn supply packages Ps. More specifically, each time a new yarn supply package Ps is attached to the yarn supply package holding unit 20, the information management unit 110 may be configured to acquire initial quantity information, etc., related to the new yarn supply package Ps individually. In this case, it is preferable for the information management unit 110 to acquire a time correction coefficient or a fineness correction coefficient as a correction value.

[0153] (13) In the embodiments described above, "lot" has been defined as the production unit of the winding package Pw. However, it is not limited to this. "Lot" may also mean the production unit at the time of manufacturing the yarn supply package Ps. In other words, the information management unit 110 may perform processing to obtain correction prediction information when the lot of the yarn supply package Ps is switched.

[0154] (14) In the embodiments described above, the operator performed the task of replacing the yarn supply package. However, this is not limited to this. The task of replacing the yarn supply package may be performed, for example, by a creel robot 102 (see Figure 10) as described below. As shown in Figure 10, the yarn processing equipment 100a may include a creel robot 102 configured to transport one or more yarn supply packages Ps. The creel robot 102 is configured to perform the operation of attaching the yarn supply package Ps to the package mounting section 21 and the operation of removing the yarn supply package Ps from the package mounting section 21. The creel robot 102 may be controlled by a creel control device 102a electrically connected to the management device 101. The yarn processing equipment 100a may also include a winding package transport device 103 (see Figure 10) that collects and transports a fully wound winding package Pw after the winding process has been completed.

[0155] (15) In the embodiments described above, the start and end of unwinding of yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps are detected by a yarn detection sensor 24 having a first detection unit 25 and a second detection unit 26. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the yarn supply unit 2a of the false twisting machine 1a may have a detection unit 41 in each spindle 9a that has a different configuration from the yarn detection sensor 24. The detection unit 41 corresponds to the detection unit of the present invention, similar to the yarn detection sensor 24. The detection unit 41 may have, for example, a supply sensor 42 and a knot portion sensor 43. The supply sensor 42 is configured to detect whether or not yarn Y is being supplied from the first mounting unit 22 (start of unwinding). The knot portion sensor 43 is configured to detect a knot portion K that is positioned to remain stationary in a predetermined location. In this configuration, when the knot portion K moves from its predetermined position and is no longer detected by the knot portion sensor 43, it can be determined that a yarn supply package switch (end of unwinding) has occurred. Furthermore, it can be determined whether the yarn Y is supplied from the first mounting section 22 or the second mounting section 23 at the time of the yarn supply package switch based on the detection result from the supply sensor 42. Thus, even when using the detection result of the knot portion K, it is possible to reliably determine whether the yarn Y is supplied from the first mounting section 22 or the second mounting section 23. Note that the knot portion sensor 43 may be configured to detect a moving knot portion K.

[0156] (16) In the embodiments described above, the yarn detection sensor 24 or detection unit 41 is configured to detect both the start and end of yarn Y unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps. However, it is not limited to this. For example, each spindle 9 may be provided with a tension sensor (not shown) to detect the tension of the yarn Y. The start of yarn Y unwinding may be detected by the tension sensor. Alternatively, for example, the machine control device 5 may be configured to determine the start of yarn Y unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps in response to a predetermined input operation by the operator. The information management unit 110 may start acquiring the accumulated time and / or store the unwinding start time when the input operation is performed. In such a case, the yarn detection sensor 24 or detection unit 41 may be configured to detect only the end of yarn Y unwinding from the yarn supply package Ps.

[0157] (17) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 acquires information on the unwinding speed V based on information on the rotational speed of the first feed roller 11, but it is not limited to this. As another example, the machine control device 5 may store information on the rotational speed of the second feed roller 16 and information on the ratio of the rotational speed of the first feed roller 11 to the rotational speed of the second feed roller. The information management unit 110 may acquire information on the unwinding speed based on this information. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may acquire information on the weight of yarn Y unwound per unit time from the yarn supply package Ps as unwinding unit amount information, instead of information on the unwinding speed. Such information may be input into the machine control device 5 in advance by the operator, for example.

[0158] (18) The information management unit 110 may acquire information on the winding start time (referred to as winding start information for convenience of explanation) when the winding of the thread Y onto a winding bobbin Bw is started at a certain weight 9. The information management unit 110 may also acquire information on at least one of the following (referred to as winding end information for convenience of explanation): the planned winding end time, the planned winding amount, and the planned winding time. The planned winding end time is the planned time when the winding of the thread Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is scheduled to be completed. The planned winding amount is the planned winding amount to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw. The planned winding time is the planned time from the current time until the winding of the thread Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is completed. By acquiring winding start information and winding end information, it becomes possible to perform management such as the following.

[0159] The information management unit 110 may predict that knots K will be mixed into the winding package Pw formed by winding yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw if the predicted unwinding end time described above exists between the winding start time and the planned winding end time. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that knots K will be mixed into the winding package Pw if the remaining amount of yarn Y being unwound in the yarn supply package Ps at the winding start time is less than the planned winding amount. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that knots K will be mixed into the winding package Pw if the remaining time of yarn Y being unwound in the yarn supply package Ps at the winding start time is shorter than the planned winding time. The information management unit 110 may make one or more of these three types of predictions.

[0160] Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may output information indicating that a knot portion K is mixed into the winding package Pw when it predicts that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw. For example, the machine control device 5 may control the machine output unit 5b to notify the operator that a knot portion K is mixed into the winding package Pw.

[0161] (19) In the embodiments described above, the information management unit 110 has been provided with a plurality of machine control devices 5 and management devices 101, but it is not limited to this. That is, the information management unit 110 may include computer devices other than the machine control devices 5 and management devices 101 (not shown). Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may have only the machine control devices 5 or the management devices 101. In other words, only one of the machine control devices 5 or the management devices 101 may acquire the necessary information.

[0162] (20) In the embodiments described above, the yarn processing equipment 100 is provided with a plurality of false twisting machines 1, but it is not limited to this. The yarn processing equipment 100 may be provided with only one false twisting machine 1. Also, the control device 101 is not required. In this case, the false twisting machine 1 corresponds to the yarn processing equipment of the present invention. Also, the false twisting machine 1 is provided with a plurality of weights 9, but it is not limited to this. That is, the number of weights 9 in the false twisting machine 1 may be just one. In other words, the number of yarn supply package holding units 20 in the yarn supply unit 2 may be just one.

[0163] (21) The present invention may be applied to a yarn processing facility equipped with a yarn processing machine instead of the yarn processing facility 100 equipped with a false twisting machine 1. For example, the present invention may be applied to a yarn processing facility equipped with an air processing machine (yarn processing machine) as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-088605. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1. False twisting machine (yarn processing machine) 2 Yarn feeding section 3 Processing section 4. Winding section 20 Yarn supply package holding section 24. Thread detection sensor (detection unit) 41 Detection unit 100 Yarn processing equipment 110 Information Management Department Cf Fineness Correction Factor (Correction Value) CfA fineness correction coefficient (integrated correction value) Ct Time Correction Factor (Correction Value) CtA Time Correction Factor (Integrated Correction Value) dtP difference value (corrected value) dtPA difference value (integrated correction value) F Fineness (Fineness setting value, system value) Ps yarn supply package Ps1 Yarn feeding package (First yarn feeding package) PS2 yarn feeding package (second yarn feeding package) PS3 Yarn Feeding Package (Additional Yarn Feeding Package) PsA yarn feeding package (one yarn feeding package) PsB yarn feeding package (next yarn feeding package) tA Full resolution time tEc Correction unwinding end time tin Total time tP Initial total unraveling predicted time tPc Correction Prediction Time tRc correction remaining time V: Release speed (Release speed setting value, system value) WF Initial Weight (Initial weight setting value, system value) WRc correction remaining amount Y thread

Claims

1. a yarn processing machine including a yarn supplying unit configured to be able to supply a yarn, a processing unit configured to process the yarn supplied from the yarn supplying unit, and a winding unit configured to wind the yarn processed by the processing unit; an information management unit configured to manage information about the yarn processing machine, The yarn supplying section includes: a yarn supply package holder configured to allow a plurality of yarn supply packages, each containing a yarn, to be attached and detached, and configured to be able to supply the yarn without interruption when a terminal end of a yarn contained in any one of the plurality of yarn supply packages is connected to a starting end of a yarn contained in a next yarn supply package from which a yarn is unwound after the first yarn supply package; a detection unit capable of detecting whether or not the yarn has been completely unwound from at least one of the yarn supply packages, The information management unit using the detection result by the detection unit, acquiring total actual unwinding time information regarding total actual unwinding time, which is the actual time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from a predetermined first yarn supply package among the plurality of yarn supply packages to when the yarn is finished being unwound; The yarn processing equipment is characterized in that, by using total unwinding real-time information, corrected prediction information is obtained that can be used to predict the timing at which a yarn will be completely unwound from a second yarn supply package from which the yarn is unwound after the first yarn supply package.

2. The information management unit 2. The yarn processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein when there is a stop time during which unwinding of the yarn from the first yarn supply package is temporarily stopped between the start and end of unwinding of the yarn from the first yarn supply package, the stop time is not included in the total actual unwinding time.

3. The information management unit storing in advance information on a system value that can be used to predict the timing at which the yarn will be completely unwound from the first yarn supply package; Calculating a predetermined correction value using the system value and the total unwinding actual time; 2. The yarn processing facility according to claim 1, wherein the correction prediction information is obtained by utilizing the correction value and the system value.

4. The information management unit storing in advance information on a system value that can be used to predict the timing at which the yarn will be completely unwound from the first yarn supply package; Calculating a predetermined correction value using the system value and the total unwinding actual time; 3. The yarn processing facility according to claim 2, wherein the correction prediction information is obtained by utilizing the correction value and the system value.

5. 4. The yarn processing equipment according to claim 3, wherein the system values ​​include an initial weight setting value that is a setting value for an initial weight of the first yarn supply package, a fineness setting value that is a setting value for a fineness of the yarn contained in the first yarn supply package, and an unwinding speed setting value that is a setting value for an unwinding speed at which the yarn is unwound from the first yarn supply package.

6. The yarn processing equipment described in Claim 4, characterized in that the system values ​​include an initial weight setting value which is a setting value for the initial weight of the first yarn supply package, a fineness setting value which is a setting value for the fineness of the yarn contained in the first yarn supply package, and an unwinding speed setting value which is a setting value for the unwinding speed at which the yarn is unwound from the first yarn supply package.

7. The information management unit a system configured to be able to calculate an initial predicted total unwinding time, which is a predicted value of a time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the first yarn supply package to when the yarn is completely unwound, by utilizing the system value; The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a time correction coefficient calculated by dividing the actual total unwinding time by the initial predicted total unwinding time is acquired as the correction value.

8. The information management unit a system configured to be able to calculate an initial predicted total unwinding time, which is a predicted value of a time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the first yarn supply package to when the yarn is completely unwound, by utilizing the system value; The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a difference between the actual total unwinding time and the initial predicted total unwinding time is acquired as the correction value.

9. The information management unit The yarn processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that a fineness correction coefficient that can be used to correct the fineness is acquired as the correction value by utilizing the total actual unwinding time, the initial weight setting value, the fineness setting value, and the unwinding speed setting value.

10. The information management unit: The yarn processing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that a fineness correction coefficient that can be used to correct the fineness is acquired as the correction value by utilizing the total actual unwinding time, the initial weight setting value, the fineness setting value, and the unwinding speed setting value.

11. The information management unit acquiring an initial correction value, which is a correction value related to the first yarn supply package, as the correction value, and then acquiring an additional correction value, which is a correction value related to an additional yarn supply package held in the yarn supply package holding unit, different from the first yarn supply package; The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that an updated correction value is obtained by utilizing at least the additional correction value.

12. The yarn processing machine is configured to be able to process a plurality of yarns simultaneously, the yarn supplying unit includes a plurality of the yarn supply package holding units and a plurality of the detection units provided corresponding to the plurality of the yarn supply package holding units, the information management unit acquires the correction values ​​for each of the yarn supply package holding units by using detection results from the detection units, obtaining an integrated correction value using the plurality of correction values; The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the correction prediction information related to the plurality of yarn supply package holding units is acquired by utilizing the integrated correction value and the system value.

13. The yarn processing facility according to claim 12, wherein the integrated correction value is an average value or a median value of the plurality of correction values.

14. The yarn processing machine is configured to be able to process a plurality of yarns simultaneously, the yarn supplying unit includes a plurality of the yarn supply package holding units and a plurality of the detection units provided corresponding to the plurality of the yarn supply package holding units, the information management unit acquires the correction value by using a detection result from any one of the plurality of detection units; The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the correction prediction information related to the plurality of yarn supply package holding units is acquired by utilizing the correction value and the system value.

15. 3. The yarn processing facility according to claim 1, wherein the information management unit handles the total actual unwinding time as the corrected prediction information.

16. The information management unit The corrected prediction information includes: information on a corrected predicted time, which is a predicted value of the time from when the yarn starts to be unwound from the second yarn supply package until when the yarn is completely unwound; information on a corrected unwinding end time, which is the time at which unwinding of the yarn from the second yarn supply package ends; information on a corrected remaining time, which is a remaining time during which the yarn can be unwound from the second yarn supply package at an arbitrary reference time; and a corrected remaining amount, which is the remaining amount of yarn contained in the second yarn supply package at the reference time.

17. 7. The yarn processing facility according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to be able to detect both the start and end of unwinding of the yarn from the one yarn supply package.

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