Textile machinery

Abstract

With its simple configuration, it helps determine whether or not the thread guide needs to be replaced without having to check the quality of the thread. [Solution] The spinning and drawing equipment 1 includes a yarn guide 31 for guiding the running yarn Y and a detection unit 32. The yarn guide 31 has an inner layer 41 and a surface layer 42 for contacting the yarn Y. The surface layer 42 is formed of a material having a different conductivity than the material of the inner layer 41 and is arranged to cover at least a part of the inner layer 41. The detection unit 32 is electrically connected to the yarn guide 31. The detection unit 32 is configured to detect charge information, which is information regarding the amount of charge on each of the yarn guides 31. The conductivity of the material of the surface layer 42 is higher than the conductivity of the material of the inner layer 41. The surface layer 42 is electrically directly connected to the detection unit 32, and the inner layer 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer 42.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a textile machine for handling yarn. [Background technology]

[0002] Various textile machines that handle moving yarn have been known for some time. Generally, textile machines are equipped with yarn guides to guide the yarn. The surface of the yarn guide wears down due to friction with the yarn. When a worn yarn guide rubs against the yarn, it may damage the yarn and cause a deterioration in quality. For this reason, it is necessary to replace worn yarn guides with new ones at the appropriate time, or to apply a prescribed treatment such as surface treatment to worn yarn guides. For the sake of explanation, such replacements and treatments will be collectively referred to as "replacements, etc." below.

[0003] If the replacement of the yarn guide is delayed too long, the quality of the yarn will deteriorate significantly. On the other hand, if the replacement is done too early, problems such as increased running costs or decreased operating efficiency of the textile machinery will occur. In view of these circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses a means for determining the degree of wear of the yarn guide. More specifically, the textile machinery (specifically, a spinning and drawing device) described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a drawing roller that draws the yarn while it is moving as a yarn guide. The progress of wear on the surface of the drawing roller is monitored using a fluff detector that detects fluff generated on the yarn. This allows for the determination of whether or not the drawing roller needs to be replaced. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-208481 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the method described in Patent Document 1, it is only when fuzzing occurs in the yarn (i.e., when the quality of the yarn deteriorates) that it becomes possible to determine whether or not the yarn guide needs to be replaced. In other words, when a method for checking the quality of the yarn is used, by the time it is determined that the yarn guide needs to be replaced, a certain amount of low-quality yarn has already been produced.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to provide a simple configuration that assists in determining whether or not it is necessary to replace the thread guide, etc., without having to check the quality of the thread. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The textile machine of the first invention is a textile machine for handling one or more running yarns, comprising one or more yarn guides and one or more sensing units provided corresponding to the one or more yarn guides, each of the one or more yarn guides having an inner layer made of a predetermined material and a surface layer made of a material having a conductivity different from that of the inner layer material, and arranged to cover at least a part of the inner layer, for contacting at least one of the one or more yarns, and for guiding the at least one of the one or more yarns The device is configured such that each of the one or more detection units is electrically connected to a corresponding thread guide among the one or more thread guides, and is configured to detect charge information which is information relating to the amount of charge of the thread guide, the conductivity of one of the materials of the surface layer and the inner layer is higher than the conductivity of the other material of the surface layer and the inner layer, one of the surface layer and the inner layer is directly electrically connected to the detection unit, and the other of the surface layer and the inner layer is electrically connected to the detection unit via one of the surface layer and the inner layer.

[0008] The amount of charge in this invention is a physical quantity related to at least one of the following: the charge accumulated on the surface of the thread guide due to the charging of the thread guide, the current flowing through the thread guide due to said charge, and the surface potential (voltage) of the thread guide. The charge information in this invention includes information related to at least one of the following: charge, current, voltage, and capacitance. When the thread guide is new, the surface layer becomes charged due to continuous friction with the thread (i.e., charge is stored in the surface layer). When the surface layer wears down and the inner layer is exposed, the inner layer becomes charged due to continuous friction with the thread (i.e., charge is stored in the inner layer). In this invention, the conductivity of the material in the surface layer is different from that of the material in the inner layer. Therefore, the ease with which the charge stored in the surface layer moves to the detection unit side and the ease with which the charge stored in the inner layer moves to the detection unit side are different from each other. More specifically, the charge stored in one of the surface layer and the inner layer (the one with higher conductivity) moves relatively easily to the detection unit side. Furthermore, the charge stored in the outer layer and the inner layer (the one with lower conductivity) is relatively difficult to move towards the detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not wear has progressed in the outer layer based on the change in charge information over time. Thus, with a simple configuration, it is possible to assist in determining whether or not replacement of the thread guide is necessary without having to check the quality of the thread.

[0009] Furthermore, in this invention, one of the surface layer and the inner layer is electrically directly connected to the detection unit, and the other is electrically connected to the detection unit via the other. In this invention, "direct" is defined by the relationship between one of the surface layer and the inner layer and the other. That is, "directly connected" means that one of the surface layer and the inner layer is connected to the detection unit without going through the other. In other words, "directly connected" means that one of the surface layer and the inner layer is located closer to the detection unit than the other in the direction of charge flow. Whether or not a resistor or other circuit element is placed between one of the surface layer and the inner layer and the detection unit does not determine whether or not it is "direct". Furthermore, in this invention, "via" means that the other of the surface layer and the inner layer is not directly connected to the detection unit. In other words, the other of the surface layer and the inner layer is located further from the detection unit than the other in the direction of charge flow. In this invention, the wiring can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the surface layer and the inner layer are connected in parallel with the detection unit. Therefore, with a simple structure, it is possible to determine whether the thread is in contact with the surface layer or the inner layer.

[0010] The textile machine of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it comprises a display unit capable of displaying information, a display information generation unit that generates display information which is information relating to the amount of charge of each of the one or more yarn guides based on the charge information, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display information.

[0011] In this invention, the operator can visually inspect the display information on the display unit to obtain information regarding the charge level of each thread guide. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine whether or not to replace each thread guide, they can easily make that determination.

[0012] The textile machine of the third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, it includes a determination unit that makes a determination of whether or not it is necessary to discontinue the use of each of the one or more yarn guides based on the charge information.

[0013] In this invention, discontinuing the use of a thread guide means replacing the thread guide (i.e., replacing the thread guide with a new one, or performing any necessary treatment on the thread guide). This invention eliminates the need for the operator to determine whether it is necessary to discontinue the use of each thread guide.

[0014] The textile machine of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, it comprises a differential information generation unit that generates differential information obtained by differentiating the charge information with respect to time, and the determination unit makes the termination determination based on the differential information.

[0015] According to the configuration of the thread guide of the present invention, it is presumed that when the surface layer wears away and the inner layer is exposed, the charge information changes rapidly. Therefore, the judgment unit of the present invention can make a highly accurate decision to stop the process.

[0016] The textile machine of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the third or fourth invention, it comprises a notification unit configured to be able to notify information, and a notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0017] In this invention, the notification unit can be activated when it becomes necessary to discontinue the use of the thread guide. Therefore, even if the operator is performing tasks other than checking the charge information, they can immediately know that it is necessary to discontinue the use of the thread guide.

[0018] The textile machine of the sixth invention is, in any of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the conductivity of the first material, which is one of the materials of the surface layer and the inner layer, is 1 × 10⁻⁶ -4 The conductivity of the second material, which is the other material of the surface layer and the inner layer, is 1 × 10⁻¹⁰ or greater. -12 It is characterized by being less than or equal to S / m.

[0019] In the present invention, the ease of charge movement toward the charge detection unit is significantly different between the first material and the second material. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether the yarn is in contact with either the surface layer portion or the inner layer portion.

[0020] The fiber machine according to the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, the second material is an insulating ceramic material and is the material of the inner layer portion.

[0021] The insulating ceramic material is an inexpensive material generally used as the material of the yarn guide. Also, generally, the volume of the inner layer portion is larger than the volume of the surface layer portion. In the present invention, since the inner layer portion is formed of the insulating ceramic material, an increase in the material cost of the yarn guide can be suppressed.

[0022] The fiber machine according to the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, the first material is a semiconductive ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material and is the material of the surface layer portion.

[0023] Forming a surface layer portion made of another ceramic material on an inner layer portion made of a ceramic material can be easily achieved by a known method such as thermal spraying. Therefore, the yarn guide can be easily manufactured.

[0024] The fiber machine according to the ninth invention is characterized in that, in the eighth invention, the first material contains zirconia as a main component and the second material contains alumina as a main component.

[0025] In the present invention, since the inner layer portion is formed of the second material mainly composed of generally inexpensive alumina, an increase in the material cost of the yarn guide can be effectively suppressed. Also, zirconia is a kind of semiconductive ceramic material and has a property that charge moves more easily compared to the insulating ceramic material. Therefore, the behavior of the charge stored in the yarn guide is significantly different when the surface layer portion formed of the first material mainly composed of zirconia is not worn and when it is worn. Therefore, a remarkable change in the charging information can be detected.

[0026] The textile machine of the tenth invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to ninth inventions, it comprises a plurality of yarn guides as the one or more yarn guides.

[0027] In textile machinery equipped with numerous thread guides, determining whether or not each thread guide needs to be replaced can become an enormous task. The present invention is particularly effective in such configurations.

[0028] The textile machine of the 11th invention is characterized in that, in the 10th invention, it comprises one or more processing units, each having a plurality of yarn guides, wherein the plurality of yarn guides include a first yarn guide positioned at a predetermined position in a predetermined orthogonal direction perpendicular to the extending direction of an access passage facing the one or more processing units, and a second yarn guide positioned in the orthogonal direction on the opposite side of the access passage, separated from the first yarn guide.

[0029] The second thread guide is positioned further from the access passage than the first guide in the orthogonal direction. Therefore, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check the degree of wear of the second thread guide from the access passage. The present invention is particularly effective in such textile machinery.

[0030] The textile machine of the 12th invention is characterized in that, in the 10th or 11th invention, it comprises a plurality of processing units, each having one or more yarn guides, and arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction.

[0031] When a yarn guide is positioned between two processing units in the direction of arrangement, it may be difficult to visually inspect the degree of wear of the yarn guide. The present invention is particularly effective in such textile machinery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the spinning equipment according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of a spinning take-up machine. [Figure 3] (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the guide replacement decision system. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are graphs showing the change in the charged state of the thread guide over time. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described. For the sake of explanation, the directions shown in Figure 1 will be defined as the front-back, left-right, up-down, and down-down directions. The up-down direction is the vertical direction in which gravity acts. The left-right direction is a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The left-right direction corresponds to the arrangement direction of the present invention. The left-right direction is the extension direction of the access passage 4, which will be described later. The front-back direction is a direction perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions. The front-back direction corresponds to the orthogonal direction of the present invention. The direction in which the thread Y travels is defined as the thread travel direction.

[0034] (Outline configuration of the spinning and drawing equipment) Figure 1 is a front view of the spinning take-up equipment 1 (textile machine of the present invention) according to this embodiment. The spinning take-up equipment 1 comprises a plurality of spinning devices 2 and a plurality of spinning take-up machines 3 (processing units of the present invention). The plurality of spinning devices 2 are arranged in the left-right direction, and each spins a plurality of yarns Y. The plurality of spinning take-up machines 3 are located below the plurality of spinning devices 2. The plurality of spinning take-up machines 3 are arranged in the left-right direction corresponding to the plurality of spinning devices 2. Each spinning take-up machine 3 takes up the plurality of yarns Y spun from the spinning device 2 and simultaneously winds them onto a plurality of bobbins B to form a package P.

[0035] Access passages 4 (see Figures 1 and 2) are formed in front of the multiple spinning take-up machines 3, for example, extending in the left-right direction. The access passages 4 are passages that each of the front ends of the multiple spinning take-up machines 3 faces.

[0036] (Spinning machine) Next, the configuration of the spinning take-up machine 3 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a side view of the spinning take-up machine 3.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the spinning take-up machine 3 has a take-up section 5 and a winding section 6. The take-up section 5 is configured to take up the yarn Y spun from the spinning device 2. The winding section 6 is configured to wind the yarn Y taken up by the take-up section 5 onto a bobbin B. The take-up section 5 has a first godet roller 11 and a second godet roller 12.

[0038] The first godet roller 11 is a roller whose axial direction is approximately parallel to the left-right direction. The first godet roller 11 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) to feed the yarn Y downstream in the yarn travel direction.

[0039] The second godet roller 12 is a roller whose axial direction is approximately parallel to the left-right direction. The second godet roller 12 is positioned above and behind the first godet roller 11. The second godet roller 12 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) to feed the yarn Y downstream in the yarn travel direction.

[0040] The winding unit 6 is configured to wind multiple threads Y onto multiple bobbins B to form a package P. The winding unit 6 is located below the take-up unit 5. As shown in Figure 2, the winding unit 6 comprises a frame 20, multiple pivot guides 21, multiple traverse guides 22, a turret 23, two bobbin holders 24, and a contact roller 25.

[0041] The frame 20 is a member installed, for example, on the floor of a factory, to which the components of the winding unit 6 are attached or housed. The multiple pivot guides 21 are guides that act as pivot points when the yarn Y is traversed by each traverse guide 22. Each pivot guide 21 guides the yarn Y downstream in the yarn travel direction. As shown in Figure 2, the multiple pivot guides 21 are provided individually for each of the multiple yarns Y. The multiple pivot guides 21 are arranged in the front-rear direction. Of the multiple pivot guides 21, the foremost pivot guide 21 (pivot guide 21F) located at a predetermined position in the front-rear direction corresponds to the first yarn guide of the present invention. Any pivot guide 21 located behind pivot guide 21F corresponds to the second yarn guide of the present invention. The second yarn guide is located on the opposite side of the access passage 4, separated from pivot guide 21F in the front-rear direction.

[0042] Multiple traverse guides 22 are provided individually for multiple threads Y. The multiple traverse guides 22 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. Each traverse guide 22 is driven by a motor (not shown) and moves back and forth in the front-to-back direction. This causes the thread Y, which is placed on the traverse guide 22, to swing around the pivot guide 21. The turret 23 is a disc-shaped member whose axial direction is approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction. The turret 23 is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). Two bobbin holders 24 are rotatably supported at the upper and lower ends of the turret 23, respectively. The axial direction of each bobbin holder 24 is approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction. Each bobbin holder 24 supports multiple bobbins B arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. The two bobbin holders 24 are each rotationally driven by individual motors (not shown). The contact roller 25 is a roller located immediately above the upper bobbin holder 24. The axial direction of the contact roller 25 is approximately parallel to the front-to-back direction. The contact roller 25 contacts the surfaces of multiple packages P supported by the upper bobbin holder 24, thereby applying contact pressure to the surfaces of the packages P during winding and shaping the packages P.

[0043] In the winding unit 6 having the above configuration, when the upper bobbin holder 24 is rotated, the yarn Y spun by the traverse guide 22 is wound onto the bobbin B to form a package P. When the package P is fully wound, the turret 23 is rotated, causing the upper and lower positions of the two bobbin holders 24 to be swapped. As a result, the bobbin holder 24 that was on the lower side moves to the upper side. Multiple packages P are formed by winding multiple yarn Ys onto multiple bobbins B mounted on the upper bobbin holder 24. The bobbin holder 24 with the multiple fully wound packages P mounted on it is then moved to the lower side. The multiple fully wound packages P are collected, for example, by a package collection device (not shown).

[0044] Here, the surfaces of the yarn guides that guide the yarn Y, such as the pivot guide 21 and the traverse guide 22, wear down due to friction with the yarn Y. When a worn yarn guide rubs against the yarn Y, there is a risk of quality degradation, such as damage to the yarn Y. For this reason, it is necessary to replace a worn yarn guide with a new one or to apply a prescribed treatment to a worn yarn guide at an appropriate time. For the sake of explanation, such replacements and treatments will be collectively referred to as "replacement, etc." below. If the timing of replacing, etc., of the yarn guide is delayed too long, the quality of the yarn Y will deteriorate significantly. On the other hand, if the timing of replacement, etc., is too early, problems such as increased running costs or decreased operating rate of the spinning and drawing equipment 1 will occur. If the method of waiting until the quality of the yarn Y actually deteriorates is used, by the time it is determined that replacement, etc., of the yarn guide is necessary, a certain amount of low-quality yarn will have already been produced. In order to assist in determining whether replacement, etc., of the yarn guide is necessary without checking the quality of the yarn, with a simple configuration, each spinning and drawing machine 3 has the following configuration, for example.

[0045] (Details of the spinning take-up machine configuration) The details of the configuration of the spinning take-up machine 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 3(a) to 3(c). Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show the replacement decision system 30, which will be described later. More specifically, Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the yarn guide 31, which will be described later. This cross-sectional view is parallel to a hypothetical plane formed by the path (yarn path) of the yarn Y running near the yarn guide 31. Figures 3(b) and 3(c) show the electrical configuration around the yarn guide 31. The diagram of the yarn guide 31 shown in Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line III(b)-III(b) in Figure 3(a).

[0046] For the sake of clarity, all guides that guide the moving thread Y, such as the pivot guide 21 and the traverse guide 22, will be referred to as thread guides 31 (see Figures 3(a) to 3(c)). To simplify the explanation, the roughly cylindrical guides shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c) will be used as an example of thread guides 31. For the sake of clarity, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 3(a), and the left-right direction in Figures 3(b) and 3(c), will be referred to as the axial direction of the thread guide 31. However, it should be noted that the shape of the thread guide 31 is not limited to these.

[0047] Each spinning take-up machine 3 is equipped with, for example, a replacement decision system 30 (see Figures 3(a) to 3(c)). The replacement decision system 30 is a system for assisting in determining whether or not it is necessary to replace multiple yarn guides 31. The replacement decision system 30 has multiple yarn guides 31, multiple detection units 32, a control unit 33 (display information generation unit, display control unit, decision unit, and notification control unit of the present invention), and a display unit 34 (notification unit of the present invention). For the sake of explanation, only one yarn guide 31 is shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c). Only one detection unit 32 corresponding to that one yarn guide 31 is shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c).

[0048] The replacement decision system 30 is a system for determining the necessity of replacing the thread guide 31, etc., based on information regarding the amount of charge (hereinafter referred to as charge information) of the thread guide 31, which is charged by continuous friction with the running thread Y. The amount of charge is a physical quantity related to at least one of the following: the charge accumulated on the surface of the thread guide 31 due to the charging of the thread guide 31, the current flowing through the thread guide 31 due to said charge, and the surface potential (voltage) of the thread guide 31. The charge information is information regarding at least one of the following: the charge accumulated on the thread guide 31, the capacitance of the thread guide 31, the current flowing through the thread guide 31, and the potential difference (voltage) between the thread guide 31 and a predetermined reference position. The charge information for each thread guide 31 is detected by the corresponding detection unit 32. The control unit 33 generates the necessary information based on the charge information and displays the information on the display unit 34. The configuration of the replacement decision system 30 will be described below.

[0049] The multiple thread guides 31 include, for example, the pivot guide 21F (see Figure 2) described above and a pivot guide 21 (see Figure 2) positioned behind the pivot guide 21F. Preferably, the thread guides 31 are electrically insulated from the ground. As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the thread guide 31 has an inner layer 41 and a surface layer 42. The inner layer 41 is the inner part of the thread guide 31 and constitutes almost the entire thread guide 31. The surface layer 42 is a part that covers at least a part of the inner layer 41. The surface layer 42 is formed, for example, by surface treatment of the inner layer 41. The surface layer 42 is the part for contacting the thread Y. Referring to Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the inner layer 41 is a substantially cylindrical part that occupies almost the entire thread guide 31. The surface layer 42 is, for example, the portion that covers the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer 41 and one end face 41b of the thread guide 31 in the axial direction. The other end of the thread guide 31 in the axial direction is supported by, for example, a support member (not shown). As will be described later, the conductivity of the material of the inner layer 41 and the conductivity of the material of the surface layer 42 are different from each other.

[0050] The material of the inner layer 41 is preferably an insulating ceramic material, for example. Alumina is one example of a substance classified as an insulating ceramic material. Alumina is generally an inexpensive insulating material. For example, at room temperature, the resistivity of alumina is approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶ 12 It is Ω·m. The conductivity of alumina (i.e., the reciprocal of its resistivity) is approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. -12 The conductivity is S / m. The material of the inner layer 41 preferably contains alumina as the main component. In other words, it is preferable that the weight proportion of alumina in the material of the inner layer 41 is greater than 50%. Alternatively, the inner layer 41 may be formed of alumina alone. The inner layer 41 in this embodiment corresponds to the "other of the surface layer and inner layer" of the present invention. The material of the inner layer 41 in this embodiment corresponds to the second material of the present invention. The conductivity of the second material is 1 × 10⁻⁶ -12 It is preferable that the S / m level is less than or equal to 1 / m.

[0051] The material of the surface layer 42 is preferably, for example, a semiconducting ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material. The material of the surface layer 42 is particularly preferably a semiconducting ceramic material. Zirconia is one example of a substance classified as a semiconducting ceramic material. Zirconia is generally a material that can at least partially cover a ceramic material by welding or other methods. For example, at room temperature, the resistivity of zirconia is approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. 4 It is Ω·m. The conductivity of zirconia is approximately 1 × 10⁻⁶. -4 The ratio is S / m. The material of the surface layer 42 preferably contains zirconia as the main component. In other words, it is preferable that the weight proportion of zirconia in the material of the surface layer 42 is greater than 50%. Alternatively, the surface layer 42 may be formed of zirconia alone. The surface layer 42 in this embodiment corresponds to "one of the surface layer and the inner layer" of the present invention. The material of the surface layer 42 in this embodiment corresponds to the first material of the present invention. The conductivity of the first material is 1 × 10⁻⁶ -4It is preferable that the conductivity is S / m or higher. The conductivity of the first material is higher than that of the second material. It is preferable that the circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer 42 is subjected to a surface treatment (for example, a known matte finish) to suppress damage to the yarn Y. This effectively suppresses damage to the yarn Y that comes into contact with the circumferential surface 42a.

[0052] When the thread guide 31 is new, the thread Y always comes into contact with the circumferential surface 42a of the surface layer 42 (see Figure 3(b)). On the other hand, as the surface layer 42 wears down due to prolonged use of the thread guide 31, a portion of the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer 41 becomes exposed (see Figure 3(c)). As a result, the thread Y can come into contact with the circumferential surface 41a. Therefore, it is preferable that the circumferential surface 41a of the inner layer 41 is also treated with a matte finish or other surface treatment.

[0053] The detection unit 32 (see Figures 3(b) and 3(c)) is configured to detect the charge information of the thread guide 31 and send the charge information to the control unit 33. For example, the detection unit 32 is configured to detect, for example, the surface potential of the thread guide 31 (i.e., for example, the potential difference between the surface of the thread guide 31 and ground). The detection unit 32 may have, for example, a known voltmeter or other detection device (not shown). In this embodiment, the detection device means, for example, a known clamp meter (for example, an AC / DC clamp meter manufactured by HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION, model CM4375-50, etc.) or the like, an instrument configured to detect DC voltage. The detection device has an electrical circuit that detects information regarding the charge voltage on the surface of the thread guide 31 and sends it to the control unit 33. The detection unit 32 has, for example, two terminals (not shown). One of the two terminals is electrically connected to the surface layer 42 of the thread guide 31. In other words, the thread guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32. More specifically, the surface layer 42 of the thread guide 31 is electrically directly connected to the detection unit 32. In this invention, "direct" is defined by the relationship between the surface layer 42 and the inner layer 41. That is, "directly connected" means that the surface layer 42 is connected to the detection unit 32 without going through the inner layer 41. In other words, "directly connected" means that the surface layer 42 is located closer to the detection unit 32 than the inner layer 41 in the direction of charge flow (see Figures 3(b) and 3(c)). In other words, whether or not there are resistors or other circuit elements between the surface layer 42 and the detection unit 32 in addition to conductors does not determine whether or not it is "direct". In other words, even if resistors or other elements are provided between the surface layer 42 and the detection unit 32, it should be noted that according to the above definition of "direct", the surface layer 42 is electrically directly connected to the detection unit 32. The inner layer 41 of the thread guide 31 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the outer layer 42. In other words, the inner layer 41 is located further from the detection unit 32 than the outer layer 42 in the direction of charge flow (see Figures 3(b) and 3(c)). The other of the two terminals is electrically connected to a predetermined member (not shown) that is grounded, for example. That is, the potential of the other terminal is approximately equal to the ground potential.

[0054] The control unit 33 (see Figures 3(b) and 3(c)) is a computer device having a processor and memory such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control unit 33 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 and the display unit 34. The control unit 33 is configured to perform various processes based on the charge information detected by each detection unit 32. For example, the control unit 33 stores identification information for identifying each yarn guide 31 included in the spinning take-up machine 3, charge information related to each yarn guide 31, and time-related information in association with each other.

[0055] The display unit 34 has, for example, a known display device. The display unit 34 is electrically connected to the control unit 33. The display unit 34 displays various information according to commands from the control unit 33.

[0056] In the thread guide 31 described above, the running thread Y continuously contacts the surface of the thread guide 31, causing the surface (contact surface) of the thread guide 31 to become triboelectrically charged. The ease with which the charge accumulated on the contact surface due to triboelectric charging moves varies depending on the type of material constituting the contact surface. As a result, the charge information detected by the detection unit 32 changes over time. Based on the time change in the charge information, it is possible to determine whether replacement of the thread guide 31 or other measures are necessary, as will be described later.

[0057] (Processing performed by the control unit) Next, an example of the processing performed by the control unit 33 in the replacement decision system 30 described above will be explained. In general, the control unit 33 performs a first process in which it displays numerical values ​​of the charge amount of each thread guide 31 and other information on the display unit 34. The control unit 33 also performs a second process in which it determines whether it is necessary to perform work such as replacement on each thread guide 31 based on the charge information of each thread guide 31, and displays the result of the determination on the display unit 34.

[0058] The first process will be explained with reference to Figures 3(b) to 4. Figure 4 shows the screen S displayed on the display unit 34. In the first process, the control unit 33 stores, for example, charge information for each thread guide 31 in association with the identification information and time of the thread guide 31. The control unit 33 may also generate a time rate of change of the charge information and store the time rate of change in association with the identification information and time of the thread guide 31. More specifically, the control unit 33 may generate information of the time derivative obtained by differentiating the charge amount with respect to time. Based on the charge information for each thread guide 31, the control unit 33 generates display information, which is information regarding the charge amount of each thread guide 31. At this time, the control unit 33 functions as a display information generation unit of the present invention. The control unit 33 also causes the display unit 34 to display the display information (see Figure 4). At this time, the control unit 33 functions as a display control unit of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen S with display information. The control unit 33 may control the display unit 34 to display, for example, a numerical value indicating the current charge level of each of the multiple thread guides 31 in the left portion of the screen S. The control unit 33 may control the display unit 34 to display, for example, a graph showing the relationship between the charge level of one of the multiple thread guides 31 and the time in the upper right portion of the screen S. The control unit 33 may control the display unit 34 to display, for example, a graph showing the relationship between the rate of change of the charge level of the one thread guide 31 over time and the time in the lower right portion of the screen S. The control unit 33 may control the display unit 34 to display these graphs for the multiple thread guides 31 alternately, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed or in response to a predetermined input signal to the control unit 33.

[0060] For example, when the moving thread Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 (see Figure 3(b)), charge accumulates on the surface (circumferential surface 42a) of the surface layer 42 due to triboelectric charging, and charge information related to the surface layer 42 is detected by the detection unit. On the other hand, when the thread Y is in contact with the inner layer 41 that has been exposed due to wear of the surface layer 42 (see Figure 3(c)), charge accumulates on the surface (circumferential surface 41a) of the inner layer 41. However, because the conductivity of the inner layer 41 is low as described above, it is difficult for the charge to move towards the surface layer 42. As a result, the charge information when the thread Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 and the charge information when the thread Y is in contact with the inner layer 41 are different from each other.

[0061] The operator can visually check the screen S to determine the changes in the charge information. Based on the time change in the charge information, the operator can determine whether or not it is necessary to replace each thread guide 31.

[0062] The second process will be explained with reference to Figures 5(a) and 5(b). Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are graphs showing the time change of the charged state of the thread guide 31. More specifically, Figure 5(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of charge of the thread guide 31 and time. In the graph shown in Figure 5(a), the horizontal axis is time (t) and the vertical axis is the amount of charge (V). In this embodiment, the amount of charge is voltage (potential difference between the thread guide 31 and ground). The unit of potential difference is, for example, millivolts. This potential difference will be referred to as the band voltage below. For the sake of convenience in the explanation below, please note that the absolute value of the band voltage is considered (i.e., the sign of the band voltage is ignored). Figure 5(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the rate of change of the band voltage over time (ΔV / Δt) and time. In this embodiment, the rate of change of the band voltage over time is the time derivative obtained by differentiating the band voltage with respect to time. In the graph shown in Figure 5(b), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the time derivative of the voltage. For the sake of explanation, please note that the absolute value of the time derivative of the voltage is considered (i.e., the sign of the time derivative is ignored).

[0063] In the second process, the control unit 33 stores charge information for each thread guide 31 in association with the identification information and time of the thread guide 31. The control unit 33 also generates information on the time rate of change of the charged voltage and stores this time rate of change information in association with the identification information and time of the thread guide 31. More specifically, the control unit 33 generates, for example, information on the time derivative of the charged voltage (derivative information). At this time, the control unit 33 functions as the differential information generation unit of the present invention.

[0064] In the second process, the control unit 33 makes a decision based on the charge information regarding whether or not it is necessary to discontinue the use of each thread guide 31. At this time, the control unit 33 functions as the decision unit of the present invention.

[0065] Let's explain the first example of a decision to discontinue use. The control unit 33 stores information about threshold voltages in advance, for example. For convenience of explanation, let's call the threshold voltage of a certain thread guide 31 VT (see Figure 5(a)). The control unit 33 determines, for example, that there is no need to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31 when the voltage is VT or higher. The control unit 33 determines, for example, that there is a need to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31 when the voltage is less than VT. When the thread Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 of the thread guide 31, for example, the voltage of the thread guide 31 is approximately V1 (see Figure 5(a)). Since V1 is greater than VT, the control unit 33 determines that there is no need to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31. On the other hand, when the surface layer 42 wears down and the thread Y comes into contact with the inner layer 41, the voltage of the thread guide 31 decreases to approximately V2 (see Figure 5(a)). Since V2 is smaller than VT, the control unit 33 determines that it is necessary to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31.

[0066] Let's explain a second example of a discontinuation decision. The control unit 33 stores, for example, information on the threshold value of the time derivative of the voltage. For the sake of explanation, let's call the threshold value of the time derivative of the voltage of a certain thread guide 31 RT (see Figure 5(b)). The control unit 33 determines that it is necessary to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31 the moment the time derivative of the voltage becomes greater than or equal to RT. When the thread Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 of the thread guide 31, for example, the time derivative of the voltage of the thread guide 31 is approximately zero (see Figure 5(b)). In other words, the voltage does not change substantially over time. On the other hand, when the surface layer 42 wears down and the thread Y comes into contact with the inner layer 41, the time derivative of the voltage of the thread guide 31 rises sharply and exceeds RT (see Figure 5(b)). At this time, the control unit 33 determines that it is necessary to discontinue the use of the thread guide 31. In this way, the control unit 33 may make a discontinuation decision based on the derivative information.

[0067] The control unit 33 controls the display unit 34 based on the determination result. That is, when the control unit 33 determines that it is necessary to stop using a certain thread guide 31, it causes the display unit 34 to display, for example, the following information. The control unit 33 causes the display unit 34 to display (notify) the identification information of the thread guide 31 and an alarm message indicating that it is necessary to stop using the thread guide 31 (that it is necessary to replace the thread guide 31, etc.). At this time, the control unit 33 functions as a notification control unit of the present invention. The display unit 34 also functions as a notification unit of the present invention.

[0068] The operator can determine whether or not each thread guide 31 needs to be replaced by visually checking the messages displayed on the display unit 34.

[0069] In this embodiment, the control unit 33 is capable of executing at least one (i.e., one or both) of the first process and the second process.

[0070] As described above, the conductivity of the material in the surface layer 42 is different from that of the material in the inner layer 41. Therefore, the ease with which the charge stored in the surface layer 42 moves toward the detection unit 32 is different from the ease with which the charge stored in the inner layer 41 moves toward the detection unit 32. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not wear has progressed in the surface layer 42 based on the change in charge information over time. Thus, with a simple configuration, it is possible to assist in determining whether or not replacement of the thread guide 31 is necessary without having to check the quality of the thread Y.

[0071] Furthermore, the conductivity of the material in the surface layer 42 is higher than that of the material in the inner layer 41. In addition, the surface layer 42 is electrically directly connected to the detection unit 32, and the inner layer 41 is electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the surface layer 42. As a result, the charge stored in the surface layer 42 moves relatively easily towards the detection unit 32. Conversely, the charge stored in the inner layer 41 does not move relatively easily towards the detection unit 32. Also, compared to a configuration in which the surface layer 42 and the inner layer 41 are connected in parallel with the detection unit 32, the wiring can be simplified. Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to determine whether the thread Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 or the inner layer 41.

[0072] Furthermore, by visually inspecting the information displayed on the display unit 34, the operator can obtain information regarding the charge level of each thread guide 31. Therefore, when the operator needs to determine whether or not to replace each thread guide 31, they can easily make that determination.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 33 makes the decision to discontinue use. Therefore, the operator is saved the trouble of deciding whether or not to discontinue use of each thread guide.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 33 may make a decision to cancel based on differential information. According to the configuration of the thread guide 31 in this embodiment, it is presumed that the charge information changes rapidly when the surface layer 42 wears away and the inner layer 41 is exposed. Therefore, the control unit 33 in this embodiment can make a highly accurate decision to cancel.

[0075] Furthermore, the display unit 34 can be activated when it becomes necessary to discontinue use of the thread guide 31. Therefore, even if the operator is performing tasks other than checking the charge information, they can immediately know that it is necessary to discontinue use of the thread guide 31.

[0076] Furthermore, the ease with which the charge moves toward the charge detection unit 32 differs significantly between the first material and the second material. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether the yarn Y is in contact with the surface layer 42 or the inner layer 41.

[0077] Furthermore, the second material is an insulating ceramic material, which is the material for the inner layer 41. Insulating ceramic materials are generally inexpensive materials used as the material for the thread guide 31. Also, generally, the volume of the inner layer 41 is larger than the volume of the outer layer 42. Therefore, the increase in material costs for the thread guide 31 can be suppressed.

[0078] Furthermore, the first material is a semiconducting ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material, and is the material for the surface layer 42. Forming a surface layer 42 made of another ceramic material on an inner layer 41 made of a ceramic material can be easily achieved by known methods such as thermal spraying. Therefore, the thread guide 31 can be easily manufactured.

[0079] Furthermore, the first material mainly contains zirconia, and the second material mainly contains alumina. Since the inner layer 41 is formed with generally inexpensive alumina, the increase in material cost of the thread guide 31 can be effectively suppressed. Also, zirconia is a type of semiconducting ceramic material and has the property of allowing charge to move more easily compared to insulating ceramic materials. Therefore, the behavior of the charge stored in the thread guide 31 differs greatly when the surface layer 42 formed of zirconia is not worn and when it is worn. Thus, a significant change in charge information can be detected.

[0080] Furthermore, the spinning and taking equipment 1 is equipped with multiple yarn guides 31. In a spinning and taking equipment 1 equipped with many yarn guides 31, the effort required to determine whether or not each yarn guide 31 needs to be replaced may become enormous. In such a spinning and taking equipment 1, the configuration of this embodiment is particularly effective.

[0081] Furthermore, the pivot guide 21 (second yarn guide), which is positioned behind the pivot guide 21F (first yarn guide), is positioned further from the access passage 4 than the pivot guide 21F in the front-to-back direction. As a result, it may be difficult for the operator to visually check the degree of wear of the second yarn guide from the access passage 4. In such a spinning take-up equipment 1, the configuration of this embodiment is particularly effective.

[0082] Furthermore, the spinning take-up equipment 1 includes a plurality of spinning take-up machines 3 arranged side by side in the left-right direction. If the yarn guide 31 is positioned between two spinning take-up machines 3 in the left-right direction, it may be difficult to visually check the degree of wear of the yarn guide 31. In such a spinning take-up equipment 1, the configuration of this embodiment is particularly effective.

[0083] 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.

[0084] (1) In the above embodiment, the surface layer 42 is formed by surface treatment of the inner layer 41. However, it is not limited to this. The surface layer 42 may be prepared separately from the inner layer 41. The surface layer 42 may also be fixed to the inner layer 41 by appropriate means.

[0085] (2) In the embodiments described above, the inner layer 41 having relatively low conductivity was electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the outer layer 42 having relatively high conductivity. In other words, the inner layer 41, the outer layer 42, and the detection unit 32 were connected in series. However, this is not the only option. The inner layer 41 and the outer layer 42 may be electrically connected in parallel to the detection unit 32. Even in this case, when the running thread Y is in contact with the outer layer 42, the charge accumulated in the outer layer 42 is likely to flow towards the detection unit 32. After the outer layer 42 has worn down, when the thread Y is in contact with the inner layer 41, the charge accumulated in the inner layer 41 is less likely to flow towards the detection unit 32. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not wear of the outer layer 42 has progressed.

[0086] (3) In the embodiments described above, the display unit 34 functions as a notification unit. However, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of the display unit 34, a lamp or other notification unit that emits an alarm may be provided.

[0087] (4) In the embodiments described above, the control unit 33 was assumed to function as a notification control unit. However, it is not limited to this. For example, another computer device that functions as a notification control unit may be provided in the spinning take-up machine 3 separately from the control unit 33. Alternatively, the computer device may be provided independently of the spinning take-up equipment 1.

[0088] (5) In the embodiments described above, the control unit 33 was assumed to function as a decision unit. However, this is not the case. For example, another computer device that functions as a decision unit may be provided in the spinning take-up machine 3 separately from the control unit 33. Alternatively, the computer device may be provided independently of the spinning take-up equipment 1.

[0089] (6) In the embodiments described above, each spinning take-up machine 3 was provided with a display unit 34. However, this is not the case. For example, the display unit 34 may be provided in common to multiple spinning take-up machines 3. Alternatively, the display unit 34 may be provided independently of the spinning take-up equipment 1. In this case, the display unit 34 may be configured to be electrically connectable to each spinning take-up machine 3 by wire or wireless connection.

[0090] (7) In the embodiments described above, the control unit 33 functions as a display information generation unit and a display control unit. However, it is not limited to this. For example, another computer device that functions as a display information generation unit and a display control unit may be provided in the spinning take-up machine 3 separately from the control unit 33. Alternatively, the computer device may be provided independently of the spinning take-up equipment 1. In this case, the computer device may be configured to be electrically connectable to each spinning take-up machine 3 by wire or wireless connection.

[0091] (8) In the embodiments described above, the display unit 34 is used to display alarm messages and other information. However, it is not limited to this. The spinning take-up equipment 1 may be configured to display either messages or other information on the display unit 34. Alternatively, as described above, the display of messages and / or information may be performed by a computer device and display device provided independently of the spinning take-up equipment 1.

[0092] (9) In the embodiments described above, the material of the inner layer 41 mainly contained alumina, and the material of the outer layer 42 mainly contained zirconia. However, it is not limited to this. For example, other insulating ceramic materials may be used as the main component of the material of the inner layer 41 instead of alumina. Other semiconducting ceramic materials or conductive ceramic materials may be used as the main component of the material of the outer layer 42 instead of zirconia. Alternatively, other materials may be used in the thread guide 31 in which the outer layer 42 is formed on the inner layer 41.

[0093] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the conductivity of the material of the surface layer portion 42 is made higher than the conductivity of the material of the inner layer portion 41. However, this is not limitative. The conductivity of the material of the inner layer portion 41 may be higher than the conductivity of the material of the surface layer portion 42. In this case, the inner layer portion 41 and the surface layer portion 42 may be electrically connected in parallel with the detection unit 32 as described above. Alternatively, the surface layer portion 42 may be electrically connected to the detection unit 32 via the inner layer portion 41. The material of the inner layer portion 41 may be, for example, a metal. The material of the surface layer portion 42 may be, for example, an insulating material formed by surface-treating a metal. Alternatively, the surface layer portion 42 may be an insulator fixed to the inner layer portion 41 by adhesion or other means.

[0094] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the conductivity of the first material is preferably 1×10 -4 S / m or more, and the conductivity of the second material is preferably 1×10 -12 S / m or less. However, the conductivity of each material is not limited to this.

[0095] (12) In the above-described embodiments, the fulcrum guide 21 etc. were cited as specific examples of the yarn guide 31. However, this is not limitative. The configuration of the yarn guide 31 may be applied to any type of guide member that guides the traveling yarn Y. For example, a rotatable roller (not shown) may have an inner layer portion and a surface layer portion.

[0096] (13) The present invention may be applied to various fiber machines that handle a traveling yarn (not shown) other than the spinning take-up equipment 1. For example, the present invention may be applied to a known false twisting machine (not shown) that false twists a yarn. Also, the present invention may be applied to a known rewinder (not shown) that unwinds a yarn from a package and rewinds it.

[0097] (14) In the embodiments described above, the detection unit 32 has a voltmeter (not shown). However, it is not limited to this. The detection unit 32 may be configured to detect physical quantities relating to the charge of the thread guide 31 other than the potential difference between the surface of the thread guide 31 and the ground. The detection unit 32 may be configured to detect, for example, the amount of charge accumulated in the thread guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be configured to detect, for example, the capacitance of the thread guide 31. The detection unit 32 may be configured to detect, for example, the current flowing between the thread guide 31 and the detection unit 32. To measure minute currents, the detection unit 32 may include, for example, a digital multimeter from Tektronix, Inc. or other equipment.

[0098] (15) The thread guide 31 may be configured to guide two or more threads Y.

[0099] (16) In the embodiments described above, the spinning take-up machine 3 (processing unit) was assumed to have a plurality of yarn guides 31. However, it is not limited to this. The processing unit may have as few as one yarn guide 31. Also, in the embodiments described above, a plurality of processing units were assumed to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. However, it is not limited to this. The number of processing units may be as few as one. In other words, the textile machine may have only one yarn guide 31. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Spinning and drawing equipment (textile machinery) 3. Spinning and taking machine (processing unit) 4 Access passage 21. Auxiliary point guide (second thread guide) 21F Anchor point guide (first thread guide) 31 Thread Guide 32 Detection unit 33 Control Unit (Display Information Generation Unit, Display Control Unit, Decision Unit, Differential Information Generation Unit, Notification Control Unit) 34 Display Unit (Notification Unit) 41 Inner layer 42 Surface layer Y thread

Claims

1. A textile machine that handles one or more threads in motion, One or more thread guides, It comprises one or more detection units provided corresponding to the one or more thread guides, Each of the one or more thread guides is An inner layer formed from a predetermined material, It comprises a surface layer formed of a material having a conductivity different from that of the inner layer material, and arranged to cover at least a portion of the inner layer, for contacting at least one of the one or more threads, and is configured to guide at least one of the one or more threads. Each of the one or more detection units is: One or more thread guides are electrically connected to a corresponding thread guide and are configured to detect charge information, which is information regarding the amount of charge on the thread guide. The conductivity of one of the materials in the surface layer and the inner layer is higher than the conductivity of the other material in the surface layer and the inner layer. A textile machine characterized in that one of the surface layer and the inner layer is electrically directly connected to the detection unit, and the other of the surface layer and the inner layer is electrically connected to the detection unit via the one of the surface layer and the inner layer.

2. A display unit capable of displaying information, A display information generation unit generates display information which is information relating to the charge amount of each of the one or more thread guides based on the charge information, The textile machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that causes the display unit to display the display information.

3. The textile machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not it is necessary to discontinue the use of each of the one or more thread guides based on the aforementioned charge information.

4. The system includes a differential information generation unit that generates differential information obtained by differentiating the aforementioned charge information with respect to time, The textile machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the determination unit makes the termination decision based on the differential information.

5. A notification unit configured to enable the notification of information, The textile machine according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a notification control unit that controls the notification unit based on the determination result of the determination unit.

6. The conductivity of the first material, which is one of the materials for the surface layer and the inner layer, is 1 × 10 －４ It is S / m or higher, The conductivity of the second material, which is the other material of the surface layer and the inner layer, is 1 × 10 －１２ A textile machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is S / m or less.

7. The textile machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the second material is an insulating ceramic material and is the material of the inner layer.

8. The textile machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the first material is a semiconducting ceramic material or a conductive ceramic material, and is the material of the surface layer.

9. The first material contains zirconia as its main component, The textile machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the second material contains alumina as its main component.

10. The textile machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is provided with a plurality of thread guides as the one or more thread guides.

11. The system comprises one or more processing units, each having one of the aforementioned thread guides. The aforementioned plurality of thread guides, A first thread guide is positioned at a predetermined location in a predetermined orthogonal direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the access passage that the one or more processing units face, The textile machine according to claim 10, further comprising a second thread guide positioned in the orthogonal direction, separated from the first thread guide and on the opposite side of the access passage.

12. The textile machine according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of processing units, each having one or more yarn guides, and arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction.

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