Automatic Winder

Abstract

To supply a yarn supplying bobbin to an unwinding position even if a tray detection sensor fails. [Solution] The yarn winding unit has a tray detection sensor that can detect a tray-present state, in which a tray is present at an inlet of an individual path, and a tray-absent state, in which a tray is not present. After switching the first guide to an inlet-permitted state that allows a tray to enter the inlet of the individual path (S2), the unit control unit causes the first guide to perform a inlet operation (S5) if the detection state of the tray detection sensor has switched from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state (S3: YES). Furthermore, after switching the first guide to the inlet-permitted state (S2), the unit control unit causes the first guide to perform a inlet operation (S15) if the detection state of the tray detection sensor has not switched from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state and a predetermined condition has been satisfied (S14: YES).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic winder that supplies a yarn supplying bobbin mounted on a tray to a yarn winding unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic winder equipped with a plurality of winder units (hereinafter referred to as yarn winding units) that unwind a yarn from a yarn supplying bobbin to form a package. This automatic winder includes a first tray transport path (hereinafter referred to as a common path) provided in common to the plurality of yarn winding units, and a plurality of second tray transport paths (hereinafter referred to as individual paths) provided individually for each of the plurality of yarn winding units. Both the common path and the individual paths are used to transport trays onto which a yarn supplying bobbin can be attached. Each individual path branches off from the common path. As a result, the tray transported by the common path is taken into each individual path. The tray taken into the individual path is then sent to an unwinding position where the yarn is unwound by the yarn winding unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-204104 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the automatic winder described above, it is conceivable to provide each yarn winding unit with a take-in mechanism that takes in a tray from the common path to an individual path. The take-in mechanism can switch between a take-in prohibition state that prohibits the take-in of a tray from the common path to an individual path and a take-in permission state that permits the take-in of a tray from the common path to an individual path and allows the tray to enter an inlet of the individual path. The take-in mechanism then performs a take-in operation to send the tray that has entered the inlet toward the unwinding position. The take-in mechanism performs the take-in operation, for example, when a tray detection sensor that can detect whether or not a tray is present at the inlet of the individual path detects the presence of a tray.

[0005] However, if the tray detection sensor malfunctions, it may become impossible to determine whether or not a tray is present at the inlet of the individual path. In such a case, the inlet operation of sending the tray toward the unwinding position cannot be properly performed. As a result, the supply of yarn supplying bobbins to the unwinding position is interrupted, reducing the operating efficiency of the machine.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic winder that can supply a yarn supplying bobbin to the unwinding position even if a tray detection sensor fails. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The automatic winder according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of yarn winding units that unwind yarn from yarn supplying bobbins attached to trays to form packages; paths for transporting the trays, the paths including a common path common to the plurality of yarn winding units, and a plurality of individual paths branching from the common path and individually provided corresponding to each of the plurality of yarn winding units; and a control unit, wherein each of the yarn winding units is capable of taking an intake prohibition state that prohibits the tray from being taken into the individual path from the common path, and an intake permission state that permits the tray to be taken into the individual path from the common path and allows the tray to enter an intake opening of the individual path, and The control unit has a take-in mechanism configured to be able to perform a take-in operation of sending the tray along the individual path toward an unwinding position where the yarn is unwound, and a tray detection sensor capable of detecting a tray-present state in which the tray is present at the take-in opening and a tray-absent state in which the tray is not present at the take-in opening, and the control unit causes the take-in mechanism to perform the take-in operation when the detection state of the tray detection sensor switches from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state after switching the take-in mechanism to the take-in permitted state, and causes the take-in mechanism to perform the take-in operation when a predetermined condition is met and the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state after switching the take-in mechanism to the take-in permitted state.

[0008] In the present invention, even if the tray detection sensor fails and the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from a tray-absent state to a tray-present state, and it is unclear whether a tray is present at the inlet of the individual path, the inlet operation can be performed if a predetermined condition is satisfied. At this time, if a tray has entered the inlet of the individual path, the tray can be sent toward the unwinding position. Therefore, the tray can be supplied to the unwinding position, and ultimately the yarn supplying bobbin can be supplied.

[0009] In the automatic winder of the second invention, in the first invention, the control unit executes an import success / failure determination process to determine whether the tray has been imported by the import operation after the predetermined condition is satisfied and the detection state of the tray detection sensor has not switched from the tray absent state to the tray present state and the control unit causes the import mechanism to perform the import operation, and if it is determined in the import success / failure determination process that the tray has been imported, a notification process to notify that the tray detection sensor has failed.

[0010] When the tray detection sensor's detection state has not switched from a tray-absent state to a tray-present state and a predetermined condition is met to cause the take-in mechanism to perform a take-in operation, if a tray is taken in by the take-in operation, it is determined that the tray detection sensor's detection state was in the tray-absent state even though a tray was present at the take-in port. In other words, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor is malfunctioning. In the present invention, a notification process is executed to notify the operator of the tray detection sensor malfunction. Even if the tray detection sensor is not malfunctioning and an abandon process is executed due to a tray detection sensor detection error, the cause of the tray detection sensor detection error (e.g., sensor dirt) can be addressed, thereby preventing continued tray detection errors from occurring.

[0011] In the automatic winder of the third invention, in the first invention, the yarn winding unit has a discharge mechanism configured to be able to perform a discharge operation to discharge the tray located at the unwinding position, and if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray present state to the tray absent state after the take-in operation, the control unit switches the take-in mechanism to the take-in permitted state, performs the discharge operation using the discharge mechanism, and then causes the take-in mechanism to perform the take-in operation. It should be noted that "discharging the tray at the unwinding position" means sending the tray at the unwinding position downstream of the unwinding position in the tray conveying direction in the individual path.

[0012] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from a tray-present state to a tray-absent state after the take-in operation, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor is malfunctioning. If the tray detection sensor is malfunctioning, it is not possible to determine whether a tray is present at the inlet of the individual path. However, according to the present invention, the take-in operation can be performed after the discharge operation is performed by the discharge mechanism. At this time, if a tray has entered the inlet of the individual path, the tray can be sent toward the unwinding position. Therefore, the tray can be supplied to the unwinding position, and ultimately the yarn supplying bobbin can be supplied.

[0013] In the automatic winder of the fourth invention, in the first invention, the control unit executes an alarm process to notify that the tray detection sensor has failed if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray present state to the tray absent state after the take-in operation.

[0014] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not change from a tray present state to a tray absent state after the take-in operation, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor is malfunctioning. In the present invention, a notification process is executed to notify the operator of the tray detection sensor malfunction.

[0015] The automatic winder of the fifth invention is any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein each of the yarn winding units has a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position, and the predetermined condition is that the bobbin detection sensor continues to detect the bobbin-absent state for a predetermined period of time.

[0016] According to the present invention, if a tray enters the inlet of the individual path within the predetermined time, the tray can be taken in by the take-in operation.

[0017] The automatic winder of a sixth invention is any of the first to fourth inventions, and further includes a passage detection sensor capable of detecting the tray passing through the common path, the passage detection sensor being capable of detecting a tray passing downstream in the tray conveying direction from a branching point of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, and each of the yarn winding units has a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position, and the predetermined condition is that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor is the bobbin-absent state and the passage of the tray is detected by the passage detection sensor.

[0018] According to the present invention, when the passage detection sensor detects the passage of a tray on the common path downstream in the conveying direction from the branching point of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, it is assumed that a tray has already entered the intake port of the individual path and has passed through the branching point of the individual path. Therefore, by performing the intake operation in such a case, it is possible to reliably and successfully intake the tray.

[0019] The automatic winder of the seventh invention is any of the first to fourth inventions, wherein each of the yarn winding units has a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position, and the control unit is capable of executing a downstream intake determination process to determine whether the tray has been taken in on at least one downstream individual path that branches off from the common path downstream in the tray conveying direction from a branching point of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, and the predetermined condition is that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor is the bobbin-absent state, and the downstream intake determination process determines that the tray has been taken in on the downstream individual path.

[0020] According to the present invention, when a tray is taken in on a downstream individual path that branches off from the common path downstream in the conveying direction from the branch point of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, it is assumed that a tray has already entered the inlet of the individual path and passed through the branch point of the individual path. Therefore, by performing the take-in operation in such a case, it is possible to ensure that the tray is successfully taken in. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic winder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the automatic winder. [Figure 4] 10(a) and 10(b) are plan views of the individual paths and their vicinity. [Figure 5] 10(a) and 10(b) are plan views of the individual paths and their vicinity. [Figure 6] 10(a) and 10(b) are plan views of the individual paths and their vicinity. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a tray is taken into an individual path. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure when a tray is taken into an individual path in the reference embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are part of a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a tray is taken into an individual path, where FIG. 10A shows a first modified example and FIG. 10B shows a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the direction parallel to the vertical direction in which gravity acts (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1) will be referred to as the up-down direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which a plurality of yarn winding units 5, which will be described later, are arranged will be referred to as the left-right direction. The left-right direction is perpendicular to the up-down direction. The direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction will be referred to as the front-rear direction. The direction in which a tray T, which will be described later, is transported will be referred to as the transport direction. In FIG. 1 and other figures, an arrow indicating the transport direction is shown. The tray T is transported from the start point of the arrow to the end point of the arrow.

[0023] <Outline of automatic winder configuration> 1, an automatic winder 2 according to this embodiment includes a control box 4, a plurality of yarn winding units 5, and a tray transport device 6. A bobbin processing device 3 is disposed on the right side of the automatic winder 2.

[0024] The bobbin processing device 3 supplies the yarn supplying bobbin S, which has the yarn Y wound around the bobbin tube, attached to the tray T to the tray conveying device 6. The yarn supplying bobbin S is supported on the tray T in a substantially upright position. The bobbin processing device 3 is provided with a yarn end-out device (not shown) that performs end-out processing. End-out processing refers to pulling out the tip of the yarn Y wound around the yarn supplying bobbin S so that the yarn Y on the yarn supplying bobbin S can be easily captured by the yarn winding unit 5. Note that the configuration of the bobbin processing device 3 is well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] In this embodiment, the yarn supply bobbin S is supplied to the bobbin processing device 3 from a known spinning machine (not shown) that spins the yarn Y. The spinning machine is disposed, for example, to the right of the bobbin processing device 3. However, this is not limiting. For example, the bobbin processing device 3 may be separated from the spinning machine. The yarn supply bobbin S may be supplied to the bobbin processing device 3 from the spinning machine by an operator.

[0026] The multiple yarn winding units 5 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Each of the multiple yarn winding units 5 is configured to perform a winding process in which the yarn Y (see FIG. 2) is unwound from a yarn supplying bobbin S and wound up to form a package P (see FIG. 2). The tray transport device 6 supplies the yarn supplying bobbins S from the bobbin processing device 3 to each yarn winding unit 5, and returns the processed bobbins U that have been wound in each yarn winding unit 5 to the bobbin processing device 3.

[0027] The automatic winder 2 is divided into multiple spans, each of which is made up of a predetermined number of yarn winding units 5 (for example, about 8 to 12 spindles). In this embodiment, the automatic winder 2 is divided into four spans, but the number of spans is not limited to this. In Fig. 1, the boundaries between the spans are indicated by dashed lines.

[0028] The tray transport device 6 transports trays T between the bobbin processing device 3 and the plurality of yarn winding units 5. The tray transport device 6 has a supply path 30, a recovery path 33, and a plurality of individual paths 34 as paths for transporting the trays T. The plurality of individual paths 34 are individually provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn winding units 5. Each path is formed, for example, by a plate-shaped cover member (reference numeral omitted). The trays T are transported in the supply path 30 and the recovery path 33 by a conveyor device 39 (see FIG. 3) such as a belt conveyor. The trays T are transported in each individual path 34 by a yarn supplying unit 9 (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)), etc., provided in each yarn winding unit 5, as will be described later.

[0029] The supply path 30 is for supplying trays T on which yarn supplying bobbins S are mounted to each yarn winding unit 5. The supply path 30 is provided in common to the plurality of yarn winding units 5. The supply path 30 corresponds to the "common path" of the present invention. The supply path 30 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32.

[0030] The first portion 31 is located behind the multiple thread winding units 5. The second portion 32 is disposed between the first portion 31 and the multiple thread winding units 5 in the front-rear direction. Both the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 extend in the left-right direction across the area where the multiple thread winding units 5 are disposed. The first portion 31 extends in a substantially straight line. Both ends of the second portion 32 are connected to the first portion 31. More specifically, the left end of the second portion 32 is connected to the left end of the first portion 31. Furthermore, the right end of the second portion 32 is connected to a midpoint of the first portion 31 in the left-right direction.

[0031] The recovery path 33 is for recovering from each yarn winding unit 5 the trays T on which processed bobbins U that have been wound in each yarn winding unit 5 are mounted. The recovery path 33 is provided in common to the multiple yarn winding units 5. The recovery path 33 is located in front of the multiple yarn winding units 5. The recovery path 33 extends in the left-right direction across the area where the multiple yarn winding units 5 are arranged.

[0032] The multiple individual paths 34 are arranged between the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 and the recovery path 33 in the front-rear direction. The multiple individual paths 34 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Each individual path 34 extends in the front-rear direction, for example, while curving midway. A rear end of each individual path 34 is connected to the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. That is, each individual path 34 branches off from the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. Furthermore, a front end of each individual path 34 is connected to the recovery path 33.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , each individual path 34 has an introduction path 34a and a discharge path 34b. The introduction path 34a is the portion of the individual path 34 that is at the unwinding position and behind the unwinding position. The unwinding position is the position on the individual path 34 where a tray T that supports a yarn supplying bobbin S from which a yarn Y is unwound in the yarn winding unit 5 is located. The introduction path 34a is connected to the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. The discharge path 34b is the portion of the individual path 34 that is at the front of the unwinding position. The discharge path 34b is connected to the recovery path 33.

[0034] In this embodiment, each introduction path 34a is configured so that trays T can be positioned at the intake port 34a1 (see FIG. 4(a)), the stock position (see FIG. 5(a)), and the unwinding position (see FIG. 5(a)). The intake port 34a1, the stock position, and the unwinding position are aligned in this order along the conveying direction. That is, each introduction path 34a can position up to three trays T. However, the maximum number of trays T that can be positioned on each introduction path 34a is not limited to this.

[0035] A tray T equipped with a yarn supplying bobbin S supplied from the bobbin processing device 3 is first transported from right to left in the first portion 31 of the supply path 30. Thereafter, the tray T is transported from left to right in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. As will be described later, each individual path 34 can be in an intake prohibition state in which the tray T is prohibited from being taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30, and an intake permission state in which the tray T is permitted to be taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30. The tray T transported in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 passes through a branching portion of an individual path 34 in the intake prohibition state and enters an individual path 34 in the intake permission state. The tray T transported in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 passes through a branching portion of an individual path 34 in the intake permission state where the tray T has already entered the intake opening 34a1, and is transported downstream in the transport direction from the branching portion of the individual path 34. The tray T that has been transported to the right end of the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 without being taken into any of the individual paths 34 returns to the first portion 31 of the supply path 30.

[0036] The tray T on which the processed bobbins U that have been wound by each yarn winding unit 5 are mounted is discharged from the individual path 34 corresponding to that yarn winding unit 5 to the collection path 33. The tray T discharged from the individual path 34 is transported from left to right on the collection path 33 and returned to the bobbin processing device 3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the tray transport device 6 has a plurality of passage detection sensors 35. One passage detection sensor 35 is provided for each span. In FIG. 1, the passage detection sensors 35 are denoted by symbols 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d in order from the passage detection sensor 35 located in the span on the upstream side in the transport direction in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30. The passage detection sensors 35 can detect trays T passing downstream in the transport direction of the branching portion of the most downstream individual path 34 in each span. The most downstream individual path 34 is the individual path 34 located most downstream in the transport direction among the multiple individual paths 34 corresponding to the multiple yarn winding units 5 included in each span. The branching portion of the most downstream individual path 34 is the portion where the most downstream individual path 34 branches in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30.

[0038] 1, the control box 4 is disposed to the left of the plurality of yarn winding units 5 and the tray transport device 6. The control box 4 is provided with a main control unit 4a and an operation panel 4b.

[0039] The main control unit 4a is housed inside the control box 4. The main control unit 4a comprehensively controls the automatic winder 2. The main control unit 4a is configured to be able to communicate with unit control units 5a (described later) of each yarn winding unit 5 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0040] The operation panel 4b is provided on the front surface of the control box 4. The operation panel 4b is configured to allow an operator to input various conditions, such as conditions for winding the yarn Y by the yarn winding unit 5. The operation panel 4b also has a display device (not shown). The display device displays, for example, the operating status of the multiple yarn winding units 5.

[0041] <Configuration of the yarn winding unit> Next, the schematic configuration of the yarn winding unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The yarn winding unit 5 has, for example, a frame 8, a yarn supplying section 9, an unwinding assisting device 10, a yarn detection sensor 11, a yarn joining device 12, a yarn clearer 13, a lower yarn catching and guiding section 14, an upper yarn catching and guiding section 15, a cradle 16, a traverse drum 17, an operation section 18, and a display section 19.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 8 is, for example, a hollow member extending in the vertical direction. The installation position of the frame 8 is fixed. The frame 8 supports various devices of the yarn winding unit 5. An operation unit 18 and a display unit 19 are provided on the front surface of the frame 8. The operation unit 18 is used by an operator to perform predetermined operations on the yarn winding unit 5. The display unit 19 is used to display information related to the yarn winding unit 5 and notify the operator. The display unit 19 is, for example, a known display device. A unit control unit 5a is arranged within the frame 8.

[0043] The yarn supplying section 9 is disposed at the lowest part of the yarn winding unit 5. The yarn supplying section 9 is configured to support the tray T at the above-mentioned unwinding position in the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5. Details of the yarn supplying section 9 will be described later.

[0044] The unwinding assist device 10 brings a movable member 27 into contact with a balloon formed above the yarn supplying bobbin S when the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin S swings around, and appropriately controls the size of the balloon to assist the unwinding of the yarn Y. The movable member 27 is formed integrally with a lifting member 28. The lifting member 28 is configured to be movable up and down by an appropriate actuator (not shown), such as an electric motor.

[0045] The lifting member 28 is provided with a bobbin detection sensor 29 for detecting the yarn supplying bobbin S. The bobbin detection sensor 29 is configured as a transmission type photosensor having a light-emitting portion 29a and a light-receiving portion 29b. The light-emitting portion 29a and the light-receiving portion 29b are arranged at positions sandwiching the individual path 34 at the unwinding position. This allows the bobbin detection sensor 29 to detect the yarn supplying bobbin S attached to the tray T supported by the yarn supplying unit 9 at the unwinding position.

[0046] By operating the lifting member 28 based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29, the position of the movable member 27 during the winding process can be adjusted. That is, the bobbin detection sensor 29 detects the chase portion Sc of the yarn supplying bobbin S. The chase portion Sc refers to the end of the yarn layer of the yarn supplying bobbin S. The position of the movable member 27 is then adjusted so that the distance from the chase portion Sc to the movable member 27 is a predetermined distance. As a result, as the position of the chase portion Sc gradually descends as the winding process progresses, the lifting member 28 is lowered, thereby making it possible to always keep the distance between the chase portion Sc and the movable member 27 constant. As a result, the balloon of the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin S can be appropriately regulated.

[0047] Furthermore, the bobbin detection sensor 29 can detect a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position, and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin S is not present at the unwinding position. Therefore, based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29, it can be determined whether or not the yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position.

[0048] The yarn detection sensor 11 is disposed above the unwinding assist device 10. The yarn detection sensor 11 can detect the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin S in the yarn path of the yarn Y.

[0049] The yarn splicing device 12 is a device that splices together the ends of the yarn Y when the yarn Y is broken between the yarn supply bobbin S and the package P. The yarn clearer 13 is a device that acquires information about the quality of the yarn Y and cuts the yarn Y as necessary.

[0050] The lower yarn catching and guiding unit 14 catches the yarn (lower yarn Y1) on the yarn supply bobbin S side of the divided yarn Y and guides it to the yarn joining device 12. The upper yarn catching and guiding unit 15 catches the yarn (upper yarn Y2) on the package P side of the divided yarn Y and guides it to the yarn joining device 12.

[0051] The cradle 16 rotatably supports a winding bobbin B for winding the yarn Y. The winding bobbin B is disposed near the top of the yarn winding unit 5. A package P is formed by winding a predetermined amount of yarn Y onto the winding bobbin B.

[0052] The traverse drum 17 comes into contact with the package P and rotates the package P. The traverse drum 17 has a traverse groove 17a through which the yarn Y passes to traverse. The traverse drum 17 is driven to rotate by a winding motor 17b (see FIG. 3). The traverse drum 17 is rotated with the outer peripheral surface of the winding bobbin B or the surface of the package P in contact with the traverse drum 17. This performs a winding process in which the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin S is wound onto the winding bobbin B while being traversed.

[0053] 4 to 6, the yarn supplying section 9 will be described in more detail. The yarn supplying section 9 takes in the tray T from the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 into the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn supplying section 9. The yarn supplying section 9 then supports the tray T taken in the individual path 34 at the unwinding position in the individual path 34. The yarn supplying section 9 then discharges the tray T, on which the processed bobbins U that have been wound by the yarn winding unit 5 at the unwinding position are mounted, from the individual path 34 to the collection path 33.

[0054] 4(a) and the like, the yarn supplying unit 9 includes a first guide 51 (a take-in mechanism of the present invention), a second guide 52 (a discharge mechanism of the present invention), a tray detection sensor 53, and a tray pressing unit 54. These members constituting the yarn supplying unit 9 are arranged near the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn supplying unit 9.

[0055] The first guide 51 can be in an intake prohibition state (see FIG. 4(a)) and an intake permission state (see FIG. 4(b)). When in the intake prohibition state, the first guide 51 prohibits the intake of a tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34. When in the intake permission state, the first guide 51 permits the intake of a tray T from the supply path 30 to the introduction path 34a of the individual path 34, and allows the tray T to enter the intake opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a. The intake opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a is the end (rear end) of the introduction path 34a on the side connected to the supply path 30.

[0056] The first guide 51 is a generally disk-shaped member. The first guide 51 is disposed near the connection portion of the introduction path 34a with the supply path 30. The first guide 51 is attached so as to be rotatable about a first rotation shaft 51a extending in the vertical direction. A notch 51b is formed in a portion of the circumferential direction of the first guide 51. The shape of the first guide 51 is not limited to the one described above. For example, the number of notches 51b may be two or more. The basic shape of the first guide 51 may be a shape other than a circle, such as an oval or a rectangle.

[0057] The first guide 51 is rotated by a first motor 56 (see FIG. 3). The first motor 56 is a motor that can rotate forward and backward. The first motor 56 is, for example, a stepping motor. The first guide 51 is rotated by the first motor 56, and thereby takes on an intake prohibited state and an intake permitted state.

[0058] 4(a), in the intake prohibition state, the first guide 51 is positioned so that the portion where the notch 51b is not formed blocks the intake opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a. This allows the first guide 51 to prohibit the tray T from being taken in from the supply path 30 to the introduction path 34a of the individual path 34.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4(b), in the intake permission state, the portion of the first guide 51 where the notch 51b is formed is positioned at the intake opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a. This allows the tray T being transported along the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 to enter the intake opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a. The tray T that enters the intake opening 34a1 enters the inside of the notch 51b. By rotating the first guide 51 in the intake permission state with the tray T entered inside the notch 51b counterclockwise in FIG. 4(b) by the first motor 56, the tray T can be sent along the introduction path 34a toward the unwinding position (downstream in the conveying direction).

[0060] The second guide 52 is a member that guides the tray T sent by the first guide 51 through the introduction path 34a further downstream in the conveying direction. The second guide 52 is, for example, a substantially rod-shaped member. A guide piece 52b is provided at each of both ends of the second guide 52 in the longitudinal direction. The second guide 52 is disposed downstream of the first guide 51 in the conveying direction. The second guide 52 is configured to be rotatable around a second rotation shaft 52a extending in the vertical direction. The vertical positions of the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 are different from each other. Therefore, even if the first guide 51 and the second guide 52 overlap when viewed from the vertical direction, they do not interfere with each other.

[0061] The second guide 52 is rotationally driven by a second motor 57 (see FIG. 3). The second motor 57 is, for example, a stepping motor. The first motor 56 and the second motor 57 are different motors and can operate independently of each other.

[0062] The tray detection sensor 53 can detect a tray-present state in which a tray T is present in the intake opening 34a1 and a tray-absent state in which a tray T is not present in the intake opening 34a1. In this embodiment, the tray detection sensor 53 is a contact sensor. The type of the tray detection sensor 53 is not limited to a contact sensor and may be, for example, a photosensor. For example, the tray detection sensor 53 is ON when a tray T is not present in the intake opening 34a1 and is OFF when a tray T is present in the intake opening 34a1. When the tray T enters the intake opening 34a1 and comes into contact with the tray detection sensor 53, the tray detection sensor 53 switches from ON (tray-absent state) to OFF (tray-present state). When the tray T is ejected from the intake opening 34a1 and the tray T is no longer in contact with the tray detection sensor 53, the tray detection sensor 53 switches from OFF (tray-present state) to ON (tray-absent state).

[0063] If the tray detection sensor 53 is a contact sensor, it may not be possible to detect the tray T properly due to deformation of components such as springs that make up the sensor, or lint getting caught in the sensor. That is, it may detect a tray-absent state even though there is a tray T in the intake opening 34a1, or it may detect a tray-present state even though there is no tray T in the intake opening 34a1. Also, for example, if the tray detection sensor 53 is a photo sensor, it may not be possible to detect the tray T properly due to lint or the like blocking the optical path.

[0064] The tray pressing portion 54 is a member for aligning the tray T at the unwinding position. The tray pressing portion 54 is swingable around a swing shaft 54a as the swing center. The tray pressing portion 54 is biased toward the upstream side in the conveying direction of the individual path 34 by a biasing member (not shown). The tip of the tray pressing portion 54 comes into contact with the tray T. The tray pressing portion 54 presses the tray T toward the upstream side (rear side) by the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby holding the tray T.

[0065] Next, the operation of the yarn supplying unit 9 will be described. First, when the tray T is taken into the introduction path 34a of the individual path 34 from the second portion 32 of the supply path 30, the first guide 51, which is in the take-in prohibited state as shown in FIG. 4(a), is rotated clockwise and switched to the take-in permitted state as shown in FIG. 4(b). In this state, when the tray T enters the take-in opening 34a1 of the introduction path 34a from the second portion 32 of the supply path 30, the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the tray absent state to the tray present state. When the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches to the tray present state, the first guide 51, which is in the take-in permitted state as shown in FIG. 4(b), is rotated counterclockwise. As a result, the tray T that entered the take-in opening 34a1 is sent toward the unwinding position (take-in operation) as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this embodiment, the take-in operation moves the tray T from the take-in opening 34a1 to the stock position. The tray T may be configured to move from the intake opening 34a1 to the unwinding position by the intake operation.

[0066] The second guide 52 uses the guide piece 52b to guide the tray T (see FIG. 5(a)), which has been guided by the first guide 51 and moved to the stock position. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the second guide 52 rotates counterclockwise, causing one guide piece 52b to press the tray T. This causes the tray T to be sent from the stock position toward the unwinding position.

[0067] After the second guide 52 starts guiding the tray T, if no further tray T is taken from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34, the first guide 51 is set to the take-in prohibited state (see FIG. 4(a)). On the other hand, if further tray T is taken from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34, the first guide 51 is set to the take-in permitted state (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0068] The tray pressing portion 54 presses the tray T, which has been guided by the second guide 52, toward the upstream side (rear side). As a result, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the tray T is sandwiched between the second guide 52 and the tray pressing portion 54, and the tray T is held in the unwinding position. In this state, the yarn winding unit 5 unwinds the yarn Y from the yarn supplying bobbin S supported on the tray T.

[0069] After the unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supplying bobbin S is completed, the second guide 52 supporting the tray T at the unwinding position is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 5(b). At this time, the second guide 52 is rotated with a force exceeding the biasing force of the biasing member that biases the tray pressing portion 54. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the tray T pressed against the guide piece 52b is conveyed so as to push aside the tray pressing portion 54. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the tray T at the unwinding position is discharged to the discharge path 34b (discharge operation). The tray T discharged to the discharge path 34b is then discharged to the recovery path 33.

[0070] <Electrical configuration of automatic winder> An outline of the electrical configuration of the automatic winder 2 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the automatic winder 2 has a main control unit 4a and multiple unit control units 5a. The main control unit 4a and multiple unit control units 5a together correspond to the control unit of the present invention.

[0071] The main control unit 4a controls the conveyor device 39, the operation panel 4b, etc. The main control unit 4a is connected to a plurality of unit control units 5a so that they can communicate with each other. The main control unit 4a receives signals from the passage detection sensor 35 and each unit control unit 5a.

[0072] The multiple unit control units 5a are individually provided corresponding to the multiple yarn winding units 5, respectively. Each unit control unit 5a controls the operation of the corresponding yarn winding unit 5. Each unit control unit 5a receives signals from the bobbin detection sensor 29 and the tray detection sensor 53 of the corresponding yarn winding unit 5. Each unit control unit 5a can acquire tray number information regarding the number of trays T in the introduction path 34a of the corresponding individual path 34, based on information regarding the take-in operation by the first guide 51 and information regarding the discharge operation by the second guide 52. The unit control unit 5a stores, for example, the acquired tray number information. The unit control unit 5a may also transmit the acquired tray number information to the main control unit 4a.

[0073] The unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform the take-in operation when the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state after switching the first guide 51 from the take-in prohibition state to the take-in permission state. Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform the take-in operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state after switching the first guide 51 from the take-in prohibition state to the take-in permission state. In this embodiment, the predetermined condition is that a state in which the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor 29 is the bobbin-absent state (a state in which there is no yarn supplying bobbin S at the unwinding position) continues for a predetermined time.

[0074] <Tray loading control procedure> Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, an example of a control procedure performed by the unit control section 5a when the tray T is taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30 will be described.

[0075] First, the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not there is a bobbin request (S1). For example, the unit control unit 5a determines that there is a bobbin request when the number of trays T in the introduction path 34a is equal to or less than a predetermined number based on the tray number information. The unit control unit 5a also determines that there is a bobbin request when it receives a bobbin request signal sent from the main control unit 4a. The determination of S1 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a determines that there is a bobbin request. When the unit control unit 5a determines that there is no bobbin request (S1: NO), the first guide 51 is in a take-in prohibited state.

[0076] If it is determined that a bobbin request is present (S1: YES), the unit controller 5a switches the first guide 51 from the intake prohibition state to the intake permission state (S2). At this time, the portion of the first guide 51 where the notch 51b is formed is positioned at the intake opening 34a1 of the individual path 34 (introduction path 34a). Thereafter, the unit controller 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched from the tray absent state to the tray present state (S3).

[0077] If it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray-present state (S3: NO), it is determined whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29 (S4). If it is determined that a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position (S4: YES), the process returns to S3. Then, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched to the tray-present state (S3: YES), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform the take-in operation (S5). As a result, the tray T that has entered the take-in opening 34a1 is sent along the introduction path 34a toward the unwinding position and moves to the stock position. By performing the take-in operation of S5, the first guide 51 enters the take-in prohibition state. At this time, if the tray detection sensor 53 is functioning normally, the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from the tray-present state to the tray-absent state. After the tray T has been moved to the stock position, it is sent to the unwinding position by the second guide 52.

[0078] Next, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S6). If it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray absent state (S6: NO), the process returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S6: YES), the unit control unit 5a notifies the user that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning (S7: notification process). This notification is made, for example, by displaying a message on the display unit 19 (see FIG. 2) indicating that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning. Alternatively, for example, a message indicating that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning may be displayed on the operation panel 4b (see FIG. 1) of the control box 4, together with information identifying the yarn winding unit 5 whose tray detection sensor 53 has malfunctioned. Furthermore, this notification may be made by lighting a lamp or sounding a buzzer provided in the yarn winding unit 5.

[0079] Thereafter, the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 from the take-in prohibition state to the take-in permission state (S8). Then, the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not the discharge operation has been performed by the second guide 52 (S9). Note that, if there is a yarn supplying bobbin S at the unwinding position and the winding process is being performed immediately after performing S8, the unit control unit 5a executes a discharge operation to discharge the tray T at the unwinding position after the winding process is completed. Also, if the winding process is not being performed immediately after performing S8, the unit control unit 5a executes the discharge process after performing S8. At this time, the unit control unit 5a executes the discharge process regardless of whether or not there is a tray T at the unwinding position.

[0080] Then, when it is determined that the discharge process has been executed (S9: YES), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to execute the take-in operation (S10). If the tray T has entered the take-in opening 34a1 after the take-in permission state was established in S8, the tray T is sent to the unwinding position along the introduction path 34a by the take-in operation of S10. Thereafter, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S11). When it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray absent state (S11: NO), the process returns to S1. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S11: YES), the process returns to S8.

[0081] On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 that the yarn supplying bobbin S is not at the unwinding position (S4: NO), the unit control section 5a starts measuring the elapsed time (S12). Furthermore, the unit control section 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state (S13). If it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has switched to the tray-present state (S13: YES), the process proceeds to S5 described above.

[0082] If it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray present state (S13: NO), the unit control unit 5a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of measurement in S12 (S14). If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (S14: NO), the process returns to S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (S14: YES), the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform the take-in operation (S15). Thereafter, the unit control unit 5a causes the second guide 52 to perform an operation to send the tray T in the stock position to the unwinding position. Here, the tray number information, which is the number of trays T in the introduction path 34a, is incremented by one by the execution of the take-in operation in S15. However, there is a possibility that a tray T is not actually taken in during the take-in operation in S15. Therefore, the tray number information may not match the number of trays T actually in the introduction path 34a. In this case, when the tray T is not sent to the unwinding position despite the operation of sending the tray T to the unwinding position by the second guide 52, the tray number information is reset to zero.

[0083] Furthermore, the unit control section 5a determines whether the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S16). If it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray absent state (S16: NO), the process returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 is the tray present state (S16: YES), the process returns to S7.

[0084] After executing the take-in operation in S15, the unit control unit 5a may execute a take-in success / failure determination process to determine whether the tray T has been taken in by the take-in operation. The take-in success / failure determination process may, for example, be a process for determining whether the yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29. If it is determined that the yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position, it is determined that the take-in operation in S15 has successfully taken in the tray T. If it is determined in the take-in success / failure determination process that the tray T has been taken in, it is determined that the tray T had entered the take-in opening 34a1 even though the tray detection sensor 53 was in a no-tray state at the time of S15. Therefore, if it is determined in the take-in success / failure determination process that the tray T has been taken in, the unit control unit 5a may execute a notification process to notify the user that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning. This notification is performed, for example, by displaying a message indicating that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning on the display unit 19 (see FIG. 2). Also, for example, a message indicating that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed may be displayed on the operation panel 4b of the control box 4, together with information identifying the yarn winding unit 5 in which the tray detection sensor 53 has failed. Furthermore, such a notification may be made by lighting a lamp or sounding a buzzer provided on the yarn winding unit 5.

[0085] <Features of the embodiment> As described above, the automatic winder 2 of this embodiment includes a plurality of yarn winding units 5 that unwind yarn Y from yarn supply bobbins S attached to trays T to form packages P, a supply path 30 that is a path for transporting the trays T and is common to the plurality of yarn winding units 5, a plurality of individual paths 34 that branch off from the supply path 30 and are individually provided corresponding to each of the plurality of yarn winding units 5, and a unit control unit 5a. Each yarn winding unit 5 is capable of taking an intake prohibition state that prohibits the intake of tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34, and an intake permission state that permits the intake of tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34 and allows the tray T to enter the intake port 34a1 of the individual path 34.The first guide 51 is configured to be able to perform an intake operation that sends the tray T that has entered the intake port 34a1 toward the unwinding position in the individual path 34 where the yarn Y is unwound, and a tray detection sensor 53 that can detect a tray-present state in which the tray T is present at the intake port 34a1 and a tray-absent state in which the tray T is not present at the intake port 34a1. Then, after switching the first guide 51 to the intake permission state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from a tray absent state to a tray present state, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform the intake operation, and after switching the first guide 51 to the intake permission state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from a tray absent state to a tray present state and a predetermined condition is met, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform the intake operation (S15 in Figure 7).

[0086] With the above-described configuration, even if the tray detection sensor 53 fails and the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state, and it is unclear whether or not the tray T is present at the inlet 34a1 of the individual path 34, the inlet operation can be performed if a predetermined condition is satisfied. At this time, if the tray T has entered the inlet 34a1 of the individual path 34, the tray T can be sent toward the unwinding position of the individual path 34. Therefore, the tray T can be supplied to the unwinding position, and therefore the yarn supplying bobbin S can be supplied.

[0087] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 2 of this embodiment, after the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform a take-in operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied and the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched from a tray-absent state to a tray-present state, the unit control unit 5a executes a take-in success / failure determination process to determine whether or not a tray T has been taken in by the take-in operation (whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position), and a notification process to notify that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed if it is determined in the take-in success / failure determination process that a tray T has been taken in (whether a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position).

[0088] When the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched from the tray absent state to the tray present state and a predetermined condition is satisfied to cause the first guide 51 to perform a take-in operation, if the tray T is taken in by the take-in operation, it is determined that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 was the tray absent state even though the tray T was present in the take-in opening 34a1. In other words, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor 53 is malfunctioning. Therefore, in the above-described configuration, the operator can be notified of the malfunction of the tray detection sensor 53 by executing a notification process.

[0089] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 2 of this embodiment, after switching the first guide 51 to the intake permission state, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 switches from a tray-absent state to a tray-present state, the unit control unit 5a causes the first guide 51 to perform an intake operation, and if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from a tray-present state to a tray-absent state after the intake operation, the unit control unit 5a switches the first guide 51 to the intake permission state and causes the first guide 51 to perform an intake operation (S10) after the discharge operation is performed by the second guide 52.

[0090] If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from the tray present state to the tray absent state after the take-in operation, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed. If the tray detection sensor 53 has failed, it is not possible to know whether or not the tray T is present at the inlet 34a1 of the individual path 34, but in this configuration, the take-in operation can be performed after the discharge operation is performed by the second guide 52. At this time, if the tray T has entered the inlet 34a1 of the individual path 34, the tray T can be sent toward the unwinding position. Therefore, the tray T can be supplied to the unwinding position, and therefore the yarn supplying bobbin S can be supplied.

[0091] Additionally, in the automatic winder 2 of this embodiment, if the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from a tray present state to a tray absent state after the take-in operation, the unit control unit 5a executes a notification process to notify the operator that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed. If the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 does not switch from a tray present state to a tray absent state after the take-in operation is performed, it can be determined that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed. Therefore, in this configuration, by executing the notification process, it is possible to notify the operator of a failure of the tray detection sensor 53.

[0092] Furthermore, in the automatic winder 2 of this embodiment, each yarn winding unit 5 has a bobbin detection sensor 29 that can detect a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position, and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin S is not present at the unwinding position. The predetermined condition for executing the take-in operation in S15 of Fig. 7 is that the bobbin detection sensor 29 continues to detect the bobbin-absent state for a predetermined period of time. With this configuration, if the tray T enters the take-in opening 34a1 of the individual path 34 during the lapse of the predetermined period of time, the tray T can be taken in by the take-in operation.

[0093] <Reference embodiment> Next, a reference embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure performed by the unit control unit 5a when the tray T is taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30 when the yarn winding unit 5 does not have a tray detection sensor 53.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the first guide 51 enters the take-in permission state when the unit control unit 5a determines that there is a bobbin request, but in this reference embodiment, the first guide 51 is always in the take-in permission state except when the take-in operation is being performed. Then, the unit control unit 5a determines whether the winding process from the yarn supplying bobbin S attached to the tray T at the unwinding position has been completed (S41). Note that the determination of whether the winding process from the yarn supplying bobbin S has been completed can be made based on, for example, the detection result of the yarn detection sensor 11 (see FIG. 2). The determination of S41 is repeated until it is determined that the winding process from the yarn supplying bobbin S has been completed.

[0095] Then, when it is determined that the winding process from the yarn supplying bobbin S is completed (S41: YES), the unit control unit 5a rotates the second guide 52 to perform a discharge operation to discharge the tray T at the unwinding position to the discharge path 34b (S42). Subsequently, the unit control unit 5a further rotates the second guide 52 to perform a feeding operation to feed the tray T at the stock position to the unwinding position (S43). At this time, if there is a tray T at the stock position, the tray T is fed to the unwinding position.

[0096] Furthermore, the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to perform a take-in operation to take in the tray T located at the take-in opening 34a1 to the stock position (S44). At this time, if there is a tray T at the take-in opening 34a1, the tray T is sent to the stock position. Next, the unit control unit 5a rotates the first guide 51 to return to the take-in permitted state (S45). Thereafter, the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not there is a yarn supplying bobbin S at the unwinding position based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29 (S46). If it is determined that there is a yarn supplying bobbin S at the unwinding position (S46: YES), the process returns to S41. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no yarn supplying bobbin S at the unwinding position (S46: NO), the process returns to S43.

[0097] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations should not be considered to be limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined condition for executing the take-in operation at S15 in FIG. 7 is that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor 29 remains in a bobbin-absent state for a predetermined period of time, but this is not limited to this.

[0099] A first modified example of the predetermined condition may be that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor 29 is the bobbin-absent state, and that the passage of the tray T is detected by a specific one of the multiple passage detection sensors 35. The specific passage detection sensor 35 is a passage detection sensor 35 that can detect a tray T passing downstream in the transport direction from the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled. As shown in FIG. 1 , the transport direction of the tray T in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 where the individual paths 34 branch off is from left to right. Therefore, the specific passage detection sensor 35 is a passage detection sensor 35 located to the right of the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled. As described above, the passage detection sensor 35 is located downstream in the transport direction from the branching portion of the most downstream individual path 34 in each span. In this modified example, the specific passage detection sensor 35 is a passage detection sensor 35 provided in the span to which the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled belongs.

[0100] Here, in the first modified example, a control procedure performed by the unit control unit 5a when the tray T is taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30 will be described. This procedure is the same as the flowchart of the above embodiment (see FIG. 7) except for the parts surrounded by dashed lines (S12 to S14).

[0101] That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the unit control unit 5a determines that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray present state after the first guide 51 has been switched to the take-in permission state (S3: NO), the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position (S4). Then, when it determines that the yarn supplying bobbin S is not present at the unwinding position (S4: NO), the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not the passage detection sensor 35 has detected the passage of a tray T (S20), as shown in FIG. 9(a). The determination in S20 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a determines that the passage detection sensor 35 has detected the passage of a tray T. Then, when the unit control unit 5a determines that the passage detection sensor 35 has detected the passage of a tray T (S20: YES), the unit control unit 5a executes the take-in operation (S15), as shown in FIG. 7.

[0102] When the passage detection sensor 35 detects the passage of a tray T downstream in the conveying direction of the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30, it is considered that a tray T has already entered the intake opening 34a1 of the individual path 34 and has passed through the branching portion of the individual path 34. According to the above-described modified example, by performing the intake operation in such a case, it is possible to reliably successfully intake the tray T.

[0103] A second modified example of the predetermined condition may be that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor 29 is the bobbin-absent state and that a tray T has been taken in by a downstream individual path. The downstream individual path refers to at least one individual path 34 that branches off in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 downstream in the conveyance direction from the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled. As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveyance direction of the tray T in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30 from which the individual paths 34 branch off is from left to right. Therefore, the downstream individual path refers to an individual path 34 that branches off to the right of the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled. In this modified example, all individual paths 34 that branch off to the right of the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled are considered to be downstream individual paths.

[0104] Whether or not a tray T has been taken into the individual path 34 may be determined based on whether or not a take-in operation has been performed by the first guide 51. Alternatively, whether or not a tray T has been taken into the individual path 34 may be determined based on the detection result of a sensor provided in the introduction path 34a of the individual path 34 that can detect the tray T being sent from the take-in opening 34a1 to the unwinding position. Each yarn winding unit 5 transmits information regarding the take-in status of the tray T in the corresponding individual path 34 to the main control unit 4a. This allows the main control unit 4a to grasp the take-in status of the tray T of each yarn winding unit 5. Furthermore, the main control unit 4a can transmit information regarding the take-in status of the tray T of another yarn winding unit 5 to the yarn winding unit 5.

[0105] Here, in the second modified example, a control procedure performed by the unit control unit 5a when the tray T is taken into the individual path 34 from the supply path 30 will be described. This procedure is the same as the flowchart of the above embodiment (see FIG. 7) except for the parts surrounded by dashed lines (S12 to S14).

[0106] That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, if the unit control unit 5a determines that the detection state of the tray detection sensor 53 has not switched to the tray present state after switching the first guide 51 to the take-in permission state (S3: NO), the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is present at the unwinding position (S4). If the unit control unit 5a determines that the yarn supplying bobbin S is not present at the unwinding position (S4: NO), as shown in FIG. 9(b), the unit control unit 5a determines whether or not a tray T has been taken in on the downstream individual path (S30: downstream take-in determination process). The determination in S30 is repeated until the unit control unit 5a determines that a tray T has been taken in on the downstream individual path. If the unit control unit 5a determines that a tray T has been taken in on the downstream individual path (S30: YES), the unit control unit 5a executes the take-in operation (S15) as shown in FIG. 7.

[0107] When a tray T is taken in on a downstream individual path that branches off downstream in the conveying direction from the branching portion of the individual path 34 corresponding to the yarn winding unit 5 to be controlled in the second portion 32 of the supply path 30, it is considered that a tray T has already entered the inlet 34a1 of the individual path 34 and has passed through the branching portion of the individual path 34. According to the above-described modified example, by performing the take-in operation in such a case, it is possible to reliably successfully take in the tray T.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first guide 51 has been described as having both a function of switching between an intake prohibition state that prohibits intake of the tray T into the individual path 34 and an intake permission state that permits intake of the tray T, and a function of sending the tray T that has entered the intake opening 34a1 toward the unwinding position, but is not limited to this. A member for switching between an intake prohibition state that prohibits intake of the tray T into the individual path 34 and an intake permission state that permits intake of the tray T, and a member for sending the tray T that has entered the intake opening 34a1 toward the unwinding position may be provided separately.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which it is determined whether or not a tray T has been taken in by the take-in operation (whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is at the unwinding position) based on the detection result of the bobbin detection sensor 29, but this is not limiting. For example, it may be possible to detect whether or not a yarn supplying bobbin S is at the unwinding position using the yarn detection sensor 11 that detects the yarn Y in the yarn path of the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin S. Also, if an identification tag such as an RF (Radio Frequency) tag is attached to each yarn supplying bobbin S, a method using this identification tag may be considered. That is, it may be possible to provide a reading device such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader that can read the identification tag of the yarn supplying bobbin S located at the unwinding position, and determine whether or not the yarn supplying bobbin S is at the unwinding position by determining whether the identification tag has been read by the reading device.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the notification process is executed to notify that the tray detection sensor 53 has failed has been described, but the notification process does not have to be executed.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the unit control unit 5a controls the taking-in of the tray T from the supply path 30 to the individual path 34 has been described, but this is not limiting. Such control may be performed by the main control unit 4a and the unit control unit 5a in cooperation with each other, or may be performed by the main control unit 4a alone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 2 Automatic Winder 4a Main control unit (control unit) 5 Yarn winding unit 5a (control unit) 29 Bobbin detection sensor 30 Supply Route (Common Route) 34 Individual Routes 35 Passage detection sensor 34a1 Intake 51 First guide (take-in mechanism) 52 Second guide (ejection mechanism) 53 Tray detection sensor P Package S yarn supply bobbin T-Tray

Claims

1. a plurality of yarn winding units that unwind yarns from yarn supply bobbins attached to a tray to form packages; a common path for transporting the tray, the common path being common to the plurality of yarn winding units; a plurality of individual paths branching from the common path and individually provided corresponding to the plurality of yarn winding units; A control unit, Each of the yarn winding units comprises: a take-in mechanism that is capable of taking an intake prohibition state that prohibits the tray from being taken into the individual path from the common path and an intake permission state that permits the tray to be taken into the individual path from the common path and allows the tray to enter an intake port of the individual path, and that is configured to be able to perform a take-in operation of sending the tray that has entered the intake port toward an unwinding position in the individual path where the yarn is unwound; a tray detection sensor capable of detecting a tray-present state in which the tray is present at the intake port and a tray-absent state in which the tray is not present at the intake port, The control unit After switching the take-in mechanism to the take-in permission state, when the detection state of the tray detection sensor switches from the tray absent state to the tray present state, the take-in mechanism is caused to perform the take-in operation; An automatic winder that causes the take-in mechanism to perform the take-in operation when a predetermined condition is met and the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray-absent state to the tray-present state after switching the take-in mechanism to the take-in permitted state.

2. The control unit a take-in success / failure determination process for determining whether the tray has been taken in by the take-in operation after the predetermined condition is satisfied and the take-in mechanism performs the take-in operation while the detection state of the tray detection sensor has not switched from the tray absent state to the tray present state; 2. The automatic winder according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification process for notifying the user that the tray detection sensor is out of order when it is determined that the tray has been taken in in the take-in success / failure determination process.

3. the yarn winding unit has a discharge mechanism configured to be able to perform a discharge operation of discharging the tray located at the unwinding position, The automatic winder described in claim 1, wherein if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray present state to the tray absent state after the take-in operation, the control unit switches the take-in mechanism to the take-in permission state, performs the discharge operation using the discharge mechanism, and then causes the take-in mechanism to perform the take-in operation.

4. The automatic winder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes an alarm process to notify that the tray detection sensor is faulty if the detection state of the tray detection sensor does not switch from the tray present state to the tray absent state after the take-in operation.

5. each of the yarn winding units includes a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position; 5. The automatic winder according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the bobbin detection sensor continues to detect the bobbin-absent state for a predetermined period of time.

6. a passage detection sensor capable of detecting the tray passing through the common path, the passage detection sensor being capable of detecting a tray passing downstream in a tray conveyance direction from a branching portion of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, each of the yarn winding units includes a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position; An automatic winder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined condition is that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor is that the bobbin is absent and the passage of the tray is detected by the passage detection sensor.

7. each of the yarn winding units includes a bobbin detection sensor capable of detecting a bobbin-present state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is present at the unwinding position and a bobbin-absent state in which the yarn supplying bobbin is not present at the unwinding position; the control unit is capable of executing a downstream-side take-in determination process for determining whether the tray has been taken in on at least one downstream individual path that branches off from the common path downstream in the tray conveyance direction from a branch point of the individual path corresponding to the yarn winding unit to be controlled, An automatic winder as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specified condition is that the detection state of the bobbin detection sensor is that the bobbin is absent, and that the downstream intake determination process determines that the tray has been taken in on the downstream individual path.

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