thread winding machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a yarn winding machine capable of suppressing yarn unwinding when a fully wound package reaches the retrieval position. [Solution] The yarn winding machine comprises a pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42, a first bobbin holder motor, a turret plate 40, and a control device. The pair of bobbin holders hold the bobbins. The drive device rotates the bobbin holders to wind the yarn onto the bobbins and form a package. The turret plate 40 moves the bobbin holders 41 and 42 between a winding position, a retrieval position, a first switching position, and a second switching position. The control device controls the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 in the yarn winding direction after yarn switching has been performed and before the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position, so that the first bobbin holder 41 is rotating in the yarn winding direction when it reaches at least the retrieval position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a yarn winding machine having a pair of bobbin holders and switching the positions of the respective bobbin holders to continue yarn winding.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to yarn passing (hereinafter referred to as yarn switching). Yarn switching is the operation of winding the yarn wound around the bobbin of one bobbin holder around the bobbin of the other bobbin holder. By performing yarn switching, the yarn wound around the full package can be wound around a new bobbin. As a result, the winding of the yarn around a new empty bobbin can be started instead of the full package. Yarn switching is performed by positioning a new empty bobbin at a position different from the winding position, which is the position where the yarn is wound to form a package, and positioning the full package at a position different from the recovery position for recovering the full package, and suddenly stopping the bobbin holder holding the full package. After the completion of yarn switching, the bobbin holder holding the new bobbin around which the yarn is wound moves to the winding position. At the same time, the bobbin holder holding the full package moves to the recovery position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when the full package reaches the recovery position and stops, the package may be impacted and the yarn may unwind from the package. The unwinding of the yarn at this timing is not preferable because the yarn may come into contact with the floor surface or get entangled with other members.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main objective is to provide a yarn winding machine that can suppress yarn unwinding when a fully wound package reaches the retrieval position. Means and effects for solving the problem

[0006] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and next, the means for solving these problems and their effects will be explained.

[0007] In view of the present invention, a yarn winding machine having the following configuration is provided. That is, the yarn winding machine comprises a pair of bobbin holders, a bobbin holder rotation drive device, a bobbin holder moving mechanism, and a control device. Each of the pair of bobbin holders holds a bobbin. The bobbin holder rotation drive device is provided on each of the pair of bobbin holders and rotates each corresponding bobbin holder. The bobbin holder moving mechanism moves the pair of bobbin holders. The control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device and the bobbin holder moving mechanism. The bobbin holder moving mechanism is a mechanism that moves the bobbin holder between a winding position, a retrieval position, a first switching position, and a second switching position. The winding position is the position in which yarn is wound onto the bobbin to form a package. The retrieval position is the position in which the package is retrieved. The first switching position is the position in which one of the pair of bobbin holders is positioned to perform a thread switching, which switches the thread from a state in which the thread is wound onto the package of one of the pair of bobbin holders to a state in which the thread is wound onto the bobbin held by the other of the pair of bobbin holders. The second switching position is the position in which the other of the pair of bobbin holders is positioned to perform the thread switching. The winding position, the retrieval position, the first switching position, and the second switching position are all different positions. The control device controls the bobbin holder moving mechanism to move one of the bobbin holders in the order of winding position, first switching position, and retrieval position, and controls the other bobbin holder to move in the order of retrieval position, second switching position, and winding position. The control device controls at least the bobbin holder rotation drive device to slow down and stop the rotation of the one bobbin holder that has moved to the first switching position in order to perform the thread switching. The control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to initiate the rotation of the one bobbin holder in the thread winding direction after the thread switching has been performed and before the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position, such that the one bobbin holder is rotating in the thread winding direction when at least the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position.

[0008] As a result, even if the bobbin holder holding the package is subjected to an impact when it reaches the retrieval position, generating a force that rotates the package in a direction that unravels the yarn, the bobbin holder rotation drive mechanism rotates the package in a direction that winds the yarn to counteract this force, thereby suppressing the occurrence of yarn unraveling.

[0009] In the aforementioned thread winding machine, it is preferable that the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to start the rotation of the one bobbin holder after the thread switching and while the one bobbin holder is in the first switching position.

[0010] This is preferable because, at the first switching position, the thread connected to the package may protrude from the package due to the force of the thread breaking, but this can be resolved early. Furthermore, at the first switching position, the thread may unravel from the package due to the recoil of tearing the thread immediately after switching, but this can be resolved early, which is also preferable.

[0011] In the aforementioned yarn winding machine, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the yarn winding machine comprises a first switching position detection sensor and a first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device. The first switching position detection sensor detects when one of the bobbin holders has moved to the first switching position. The first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device is provided at the first switching position and forcibly stops the rotation of the one of the bobbin holders at the first switching position. Based on the detection result of the first switching position detection sensor, the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to stop the rotation drive of the one of the bobbin holders, and also controls the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device to forcibly stop the rotation of the one of the bobbin holders.

[0012] This prevents the end threads that have protruded from the package from becoming entangled in the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device, which is located at the first switching position.

[0013] In the aforementioned thread winding machine, it is preferable that the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to continuously rotate the one bobbin holder in the thread winding direction throughout the entire range of movement of the one bobbin holder from the first switching position to the retrieval position.

[0014] This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of thread unraveling at any point while one of the bobbin holders is moving from the first switching position to the retrieval position.

[0015] In the aforementioned yarn winding machine, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the yarn winding machine comprises a retrieval position detection sensor and a retrieval position bobbin holder rotation stop device. The retrieval position detection sensor detects when one of the bobbin holders has reached the retrieval position. The retrieval position bobbin holder rotation stop device is provided at the retrieval position and forcibly stops the rotation of the one of the bobbin holders during retrieval. The control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to stop the rotation drive of the one of the bobbin holders based on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor, and also controls the retrieval position bobbin holder rotation stop device to forcibly stop the rotation of the one of the bobbin holders.

[0016] This allows one of the bobbin holders, which is rotating when it reaches the retrieval position, to be stopped quickly at the appropriate time after it reaches the retrieval position. As a result, package retrieval is performed after the package rotation has stopped, preventing delays in the timing when the package becomes ready for retrieval.

[0017] In the aforementioned thread winding machine, the following configuration is preferable. That is, the bobbin holder moving mechanism has a rotatable turret plate. Each of the pair of bobbin holders is provided on the turret plate point-symmetrically with respect to its center of rotation. The direction in which the turret plate is rotated to move one of the bobbin holders from the first switching position to the retrieval position and the direction in which the bobbin holder is rotated to wind the thread are opposite directions.

[0018] In the above relationship, when the bobbin holder moves from the first switching position to the retrieval position, the package tends to rotate in the direction that unravels the thread due to inertia. Therefore, by applying the present invention in the above relationship, the effect of suppressing thread unravelling can be effectively utilized.

[0019] In the aforementioned thread winding machine, it is preferable that the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to rotate the one bobbin holder so that the rotation speed of the one bobbin holder after the thread switching has been performed and until the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position is 5 revolutions per second or less.

[0020] This allows the package to be rotated at a speed suitable for the purpose of suppressing the unraveling of threads from the package. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] A side view of a thread winding machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view of a thread winding machine. [Figure 3] Block diagram of a thread winding machine. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of a thread winding machine showing the state during thread winding and the movement of the bobbin holder. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a thread winding machine showing the state during and immediately after thread switching. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of a yarn winding machine showing the process of winding yarn using a new bobbin and waiting for package retrieval. [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of a yarn winding machine showing the state when a bobbin holder having a full package starts to move from the first switching position toward the recovery position in this embodiment. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of a yarn winding machine showing the state after a bobbin holder having a full package reaches the recovery position in this embodiment. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of a yarn winding machine showing the state when a bobbin holder having a full package starts to move from the first switching position toward the recovery position in the comparative example. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of a yarn winding machine showing the state after a bobbin holder having a full package reaches the recovery position in the comparative example. [Figure 11] Flowchart of the process performed when moving a bobbin holder having a full package from the first switching position to the recovery position.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Upstream of the yarn winding machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, a spinning machine (not shown) is arranged. The spinning machine manufactures a plurality of yarns 93. The spinning machine supplies a plurality of yarns 93 to the yarn winding machine 1 via a yarn feed roller 100. The yarn winding machine 1 winds a plurality of yarns 93 around a plurality of bobbins 91 arranged side by side to form a plurality of packages 94. The target of the yarn 93 is, for example, a synthetic fiber yarn such as nylon or polyester. Also, the target of the yarn 93 includes an elastic yarn such as spandex. The yarn winding machine 1 of the present embodiment is a yarn winding machine that winds an elastic yarn, especially a thick yarn.

[0024] In the following explanation, the axial direction of the bobbin 91 and the bobbin holders 41 and 42 that hold it (in other words, the direction in which the bobbins 91 are aligned) will be simply referred to as the "axial direction." The direction perpendicular to the axial direction on the horizontal plane will be referred to as the "device width direction." The upstream or downstream direction of the thread's running direction may simply be referred to as upstream or downstream. Furthermore, terms such as "parallel" or "coincident" do not strictly mean parallel or coincident, but also include concepts that are approximately parallel or coincident.

[0025] The following describes the details of the bobbin winding machine 1. As shown in Figure 2, the bobbin winding machine 1 comprises a frame 11, a first housing 20, a second housing 30, and a turret plate (part of the bobbin holder moving mechanism) 40.

[0026] The frame 11 is a member that holds the various parts of the thread winding machine 1. The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are attached to the frame 11 via a base member (not shown). The first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can move up and down integrally with the frame 11 by driving the base member up and down relative to the frame.

[0027] A traverse device 21 is attached to the first housing 20. The traverse device 21 traverses the thread 93 that is wound onto the bobbin 91. Traversing means distributing the winding position of the thread 93 in the axial direction by reciprocating the thread 93 in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 3, the traverse device 21 includes a traverse cam 22, a traverse guide 23, and a traverse motor 51. Note that Figure 3 shows the case where there is one thread 93, but if there are multiple threads 93, the traverse guide 23 is provided on the traverse cam 22 for each thread.

[0028] The traverse cam 22 is a roller-shaped member positioned parallel to the bobbin 91 or package 94. A helical cam groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the traverse cam 22. The traverse cam 22 is rotationally driven by the traverse motor 51. If there are multiple threads 93, the cam grooves are provided separately on the traverse cam 22, one for each thread.

[0029] The traverse guide 23 is the part that engages with the thread 93. The tip of the traverse guide 23 has, for example, a roughly U-shaped guide portion that engages with the thread 93 by gripping it in the winding width direction. The base end of the traverse guide 23 is located in the cam groove of the traverse cam 22. With this configuration, the traverse guide 23 can be reciprocated in the winding width direction (axial direction) by rotating the traverse cam 22. As a result, the thread 93 traverses in the winding width direction with the pivot guide 35 (Figure 1), which is located upstream of the traverse guide 23, as the pivot point.

[0030] A contact roller 31 is rotatably mounted in the second housing 30. The contact roller 31 rotates while contacting the yarn layer of the package 94 with a predetermined pressure when winding the yarn 93, thereby feeding the yarn 93 from the traverse guide 23 to the yarn layer of the package 94 and shaping the yarn layer of the package 94.

[0031] The second housing 30 is provided with an operation panel 32. The operation panel 32 is a device operated by an operator. The operator gives instructions to the yarn winding machine 1 by operating the operation panel 32. Examples of instructions given by the operator include starting winding, stopping winding, and changing winding conditions.

[0032] The turret plate 40 is a disc-shaped component. The turret plate 40 is rotatably mounted on the frame 11. The turret plate 40 is rotatable about a normal vector passing through the center of the disc as the axis of rotation. The turret plate 40 is rotationally driven by the turret motor 53 shown in Figure 3. The turret plate 40 and the turret motor 53 constitute the bobbin holder moving mechanism of the present invention.

[0033] On the turret plate 40, a first bobbin holder 41 and a second bobbin holder 42 are provided at two locations opposite each other across the center of the disc (point-symmetric positions with respect to the rotation center of the turret plate 40). The first bobbin holder 41 can hold multiple bobbins 91 arranged in the axial direction. The second bobbin holder 42 can also hold multiple bobbins 91 arranged in the axial direction. By rotating the turret plate 40, the first bobbin holder 41 and the second bobbin holder 42 can be moved. Note that if the first bobbin holder 41 and the second bobbin holder 42 can be moved, another device may be used instead of the turret plate 40.

[0034] The first bobbin holder 41 is rotatable relative to the turret plate 40, with its axial position as the center of rotation. The first bobbin holder 41 is rotationally driven by the first bobbin holder motor (bobbin holder rotation drive device) 54 shown in Figure 3. Similarly, the second bobbin holder 42 is rotatable relative to the turret plate 40, with its axial position as the center of rotation. The second bobbin holder 42 is rotationally driven by the second bobbin holder motor (bobbin holder rotation drive device) 55 shown in Figure 3. Hereafter, the first bobbin holder 41 and the second bobbin holder 42 will be collectively referred to as bobbin holders 41 and 42. The first bobbin holder motor 54 and the second bobbin holder motor 55 will be collectively referred to as bobbin holder motors 54 and 55.

[0035] The control device 50 is configured as a known computer and comprises a processing unit, a primary storage device, a secondary storage device, and a communication device. The processing unit is, for example, a CPU and is capable of performing arithmetic operations. The primary storage device is RAM or cache memory, and data is read and written at high speed by the processing unit. The secondary storage device is an SSD, HDD, or flash memory, and programs and data necessary for control are pre-stored therein. The control device 50 performs various operations related to the yarn winding machine 1 by reading and executing programs from the primary storage device. The control device 50 controls, for example, the traverse motor 51, the turret motor 53, the first bobbin holder motor 54, and the second bobbin holder motor 55. Note that the processing unit is not limited to a CPU, but may be a GPU, ASIC, or FPGA. Also, the secondary storage device may be a storage device provided outside the control device 50 and capable of communicating with the control device 50.

[0036] Next, referring to Figures 4 to 6, the process from the state in which the yarn 93 is wound around the bobbin 91 of the first bobbin holder 41 to form the package 94, to the state in which the yarn 93 is wound around the bobbin 91 of the second bobbin holder 42 to form the package 94, will be explained.

[0037] In the following description, the control device 50 controlling the first bobbin holder motor 54, which in turn drives the first bobbin holder 41 to rotate, will simply be described as "the control device 50 rotates the first bobbin holder 41," etc. The same applies to the turret plate 40 and the second bobbin holder 42.

[0038] The following will describe in detail the movement of the position switching of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42. Driven by the control device 50, the turret motor 53 is driven by one of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42 to a first switching position, where the turret plate 40 is rotated 270° counterclockwise from the winding position, and then to a retrieval position, where the turret plate 40 is rotated 90° clockwise. Simultaneously, the other of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42 moves to a second switching position, where the turret plate 40 is rotated 270° counterclockwise from the retrieval position, and then to a winding position, where the turret plate 40 is rotated 90° clockwise. The movement of the position switching of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42 repeats this process. In the movement of the position switching of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42, the winding position is the highest position, the retrieval position is the lowest position, and the first and second switching positions are intermediate positions between the winding position and the retrieval position.

[0039] In the diagram showing the winding process in Figure 4, the first bobbin holder 41 is positioned in the winding position. The winding position is the position of the bobbin holders 41 and 42 when the yarn is wound to form the package 94. In the yarn winding machine 1 of this embodiment, in other words, it is the upper position when the bobbin holders 41 and 42 are arranged vertically. The package 94 held by the first bobbin holder 41 is in contact with the contact roller 31. The control device 50 rotates the first bobbin holder 41, causing the yarn 93 to be wound onto the package 94. The direction of rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 at this time is the direction in which the yarn 93 is wound, and will be referred to as the first rotation direction (counterclockwise in the figure) below. By winding a predetermined amount of yarn 93, the package 94 is fully wound.

[0040] In the diagram labeled "Moving" in Figure 4, the state in which the bobbin holders 41 and 42 are moved for thread switching after the package 94 has been fully wound. Specifically, the control device 50 rotates the turret plate 40 in the first rotational direction. At this time, since thread 93 is still being supplied, the control device 50 continues to rotate the first bobbin holder 41 in the first rotational direction.

[0041] Figure 5, shown as "Thread Switching in Progress," illustrates the state in which thread switching is performed. Thread switching involves winding the thread 93 currently wound on the bobbin 91 of one bobbin holder (first bobbin holder 41 in the figure) onto the bobbin 91 of the other bobbin holder (second bobbin holder 42 in the figure) and cutting the thread 93. By performing thread switching, the thread wound on the fully wound package 94 can be wound onto the new bobbin 91. The position of the first bobbin holder 41 on the package 94 side when thread switching is performed is referred to as the first switching position, and the position of the second bobbin holder 42 on the new bobbin 91 side is referred to as the second switching position. In this embodiment, the first switching position and the second switching position are aligned in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the device. However, this is just an example, and either the first switching position or the second switching position may be higher than the other.

[0042] Thread switching is performed with the thread 93 stretched between the package 94 and the new bobbin 91, and with the control device 50 rotating the second bobbin holder 42 in the first rotational direction. Specifically, in this state, the thread 93 is pressed with a winding member (not shown) to press the thread 93 against the new bobbin 91, and the thread 93 is brought into contact with the new bobbin 91 for a predetermined length. Furthermore, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder 41 to decelerate and stop its rotation (controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to decelerate and stop its drive), and also controls the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device (first switching position package stopper 64b shown in Figure 7) to forcibly stop the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 at the first switching position. As a result, the thread between the second bobbin holder 42 and the first bobbin holder 41 loosens, the loosened thread is wound around the second bobbin holder 42, the thread between the second bobbin holder 42 and the first bobbin holder 41 is torn, and the thread that was wound on the package 94 of the first bobbin holder 41 is wound onto the new bobbin 91 of the second bobbin holder 42.

[0043] Figure 5, which shows the state immediately after the thread change, illustrates the condition immediately after the thread change has been performed. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 50 rotates the second bobbin holder 42 in the first rotational direction, but the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 has stopped. Subsequently, the control device 50 rotates the turret plate 40 in the second rotational direction (clockwise in the figure) to move the first bobbin holder 41 to the retrieval position and the second bobbin holder 42 to the winding position. Figure 6 shows the state of the thread winding machine 1 after the movement. In the state shown in Figure 6, the package 94 of the first bobbin holder 41 can be retrieved. It is also possible to wind the thread 93 onto a new bobbin 91 to form a new package 94.

[0044] In the diagram, the first rotation direction is counterclockwise, but if, for example, a thread winding machine 1 with a shape symmetrical to that of this embodiment is installed, the first rotation direction will be clockwise. In other words, the first rotation direction may be clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0045] Next, we will explain in more detail the process of moving the bobbin holders 41 and 42 from the first switching position to the retrieval position after thread switching.

[0046] Figure 7 shows, in addition to the components described above, a turret stopper 61, a cylinder device 62, a recovery position detection sensor 63, a recovery position package stopper 64a, and a first switching position package stopper 64b. The recovery position package stopper 64a corresponds to the "recovery position bobbin holder rotation stop device," and the first switching position package stopper 64b corresponds to the "first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device." Furthermore, a plurality of recesses 40a and 40b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the turret plate 40 at 90° intervals. The recesses 40a are for the winding position and recovery position, and the recesses 40b are for the first switching position and the second switching position.

[0047] The turret stopper 61 is pivotable around a pivot point. The turret stopper 61 has a protrusion 61a formed on it. The protrusion 61a has a shape corresponding to the recesses 40a and 40b. A cylinder device 62 is connected to the turret stopper 61. The turret stopper 61 is also biased by a spring (not shown) in a direction that presses its protrusion 61a against the outer circumferential surface of the turret plate 40.

[0048] The cylinder device 62 comprises a cylindrical portion 62a and a rod 62b. A portion of the rod 62b is housed in the cylindrical portion 62a. The rod 62b can be slid by supplying fluid to or discharging fluid from the cylindrical portion 62a. The tip of the rod 62b is connected to the turret stopper 61. With this configuration, the turret stopper 61 can be swung using the cylinder device 62 and a spring (not shown).

[0049] In the state after the thread switching is complete, the protrusion 61a of the turret stopper 61 is fitted into the recess 40b. In this state, the turret plate 40 cannot be rotated any further in the second rotational direction. In order to rotate the turret plate 40, fluid is supplied to the cylindrical portion 62a of the cylinder device 62, applying force in the direction that extends the rod 62b. As a result, the protrusion 61a of the turret stopper 61 disengages from the recess 40b, and the protrusion 61a moves away from the outer surface of the turret plate 40. This state is shown in the diagram labeled "Turret stopper oscillating" in Figure 7. Subsequently, while the first bobbin holder 41 is moved from the first switching position to the retrieval position, the protrusion 61a of the turret stopper 61 remains away from the outer surface of the turret plate 40. However, when it approaches the retrieval position, the control device 50 commands the cylinder device 62 to discharge fluid from the cylindrical portion 62a, and a force is applied in the direction of compressing the rod 62b by the force of a spring (not shown), causing the protrusion 61a to be pressed against the outer surface of the turret plate 40. Furthermore, the positions of the recess 40a and the protrusion 61a are determined so that they align when the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position.

[0050] Therefore, by applying force in the direction of retracting the rod 62b while rotating the turret plate 40 in the second rotational direction, the turret stopper 61 swings at the moment the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position, causing the convex portion 61a to engage with the concave portion 40a. This state is shown in the diagram labeled "Turret stopper activated" in Figure 8. In this state, the turret plate 40 cannot be rotated any further in the second rotational direction due to interference with the turret stopper 61.

[0051] Furthermore, as the protrusion 61a fits into the recess 40a, the rod 62b moves in a direction that causes it to retract further. The recovery position detection sensor 63 is positioned to detect this change in the position of the rod 62b. The recovery position detection sensor 63 is either a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor and detects whether the base end of the rod 62b is in a predetermined position. In other words, the recovery position detection sensor 63 detects whether the turret stopper 61 is stopping the rotation of the turret plate 40. To put it another way, the recovery position detection sensor 63 detects whether the package 94 and the first bobbin holder 41 that holds the package 94 have reached the recovery position.

[0052] The retrieval position package stopper 64a is movable between a contact position in which it contacts the first bobbin holder 41 in the retrieval position, and a retracted position where it is moved away from the contact position. In the diagram labeled "Completion of thread switching" in Figure 8, the retrieval position package stopper 64a is in the retracted position, and in the diagram labeled "Recovery position package stopper activated" in Figure 8, the retrieval position package stopper 64a is in the contact position. When the retrieval position package stopper 64a is in the contact position, it restricts the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41. For example, if the first bobbin holder 41 is rotating, the rotation is stopped and further rotation is suppressed. The operation of the retrieval position package stopper 64a is switched by an actuator (e.g., a cylinder) not shown in the diagram.

[0053] The operation of the retrieval position package stopper 64a is controlled by the control device 50. The control device 50 receives the detection result from the retrieval position detection sensor 63. Upon receiving a signal from the retrieval position detection sensor 63 indicating that the rod 62b has been detected (in other words, a signal indicating that the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the retrieval position), the control device 50 moves the retrieval position package stopper 64a from the retracted position to the contact position.

[0054] Furthermore, the recovery position detection sensor 63 will also detect the rod 62b when the protrusion 61a of the turret stopper 61 is fitted into the recess 40b. In this case, the recovery position detection sensor 63 will detect that the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the first switching position, and will therefore function as a first switching position detection sensor. When the recovery position detection sensor 63 (first switching position detection sensor) detects that the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the first switching position, the first switching position package stopper 64b will be activated. The first switching position package stopper 64b, like the recovery position package stopper 64a, is driven by an actuator (e.g., a cylinder) not shown, and its operation is controlled by the control device 50, and it moves in the same way as the recovery position package stopper 64a.

[0055] The control device 50 is aware of the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation angle of the turret plate 40 from its reference position (e.g., winding position). Therefore, the control device 50 controls the system to selectively activate either the retrieval position package stopper 64a or the first switching position package stopper 64b by taking into account the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor 63 (first switching position detection sensor) and the rotation angle of the turret plate 40. However, the control device may also be configured to activate both the retrieval position package stopper 64a and the first switching position package stopper 64b regardless of the rotation angle of the turret plate 40, based solely on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor 63 (first switching position detection sensor).

[0056] Next, referring to the comparative examples in Figures 9 and 10, we will explain the problems that arise when moving the bobbin holders 41 and 42 from the first switching position to the retrieval position after thread switching. The comparative examples have the same configuration as the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment, but are examples in which the control described later in this embodiment is not performed.

[0057] As described above, once the thread switching is complete, the first bobbin holder 41, which is in the first switching position, stops rotating. Also, in this embodiment, the first bobbin holder motor 54 does not have a function to lock rotation (similarly, the second bobbin holder motor 55 also does not have a function to lock rotation). Therefore, the package 94 (first bobbin holder 41) is in a state where it can rotate freely, and if a force is applied to rotate the package 94 (first bobbin holder 41), the package 94 will rotate.

[0058] For example, when the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position and the turret stopper 61 is activated, the impact caused by this activation may cause the package 94 to rotate in the second rotational direction (in other words, the direction in which the thread 93 is unwound), as shown in Figure 10. In particular, in this configuration, there is a time lag between the occurrence of the impact and the retrieval position package stopper 64a stopping the rotation of the package 94, making it easy for the package 94 to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the rotation direction from the first switching position to the retrieval position is the second rotation direction, the package 94 is prone to rotating in the second rotation direction due to the influence of inertia. More specifically, the side of the package 94 furthest from the center of the turret plate 40 is subjected to a stronger centrifugal force compared to the side closer to the center of the turret plate 40. This effect makes the package 94 more prone to rotating in the second rotation direction. However, unintended rotation of the package 94 in the second rotation direction can also occur due to various other factors.

[0060] As the package 94 rotates in the second rotational direction, the yarn 93 is unwound from the package 94. Hereinafter, the portion of the yarn 93 unwound from the package 94 will be referred to as unwound end yarn 93a. The unwound end yarn 93a may hang down and come into contact with the floor. In this case, the quality of the package 94 deteriorates. Alternatively, the unwound end yarn 93a may come into contact with or become entangled with any component of the yarn winding machine 1. Therefore, the generation of unwound end yarn 93a is undesirable.

[0061] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 11, the control performed by the control device 50 to suppress the generation of unraveling end threads 93a will be described. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 extracts the processes performed by the control device 50 that are related to suppressing the generation of unraveling end threads 93a.

[0062] The control device 50 determines whether or not the thread switching is complete (S101). If the control device 50 determines that the thread switching is complete, it moves the first switching position package stopper 64b to the retracted position and starts rotating the first bobbin holder 41, which corresponds to the bobbin holders 41 and 42 on the package 94 side, in the first rotational direction, that is, it starts rotating the first bobbin holder motor 54 in the first rotational direction (S102). As described above, the first rotational direction is the direction in which the thread 93 is wound. Also, since the first bobbin holder 41 is not rotating when the thread switching is complete, the control device 50 starts rotating the first bobbin holder 41 which is not rotating. When a thread change is performed, the thread between the bobbin 91 of the second bobbin holder 42 and the package 94 of the first bobbin holder 41 may break, and the thread 93 connected to the package 94 may not be wound onto the package 94 and may protrude from the package 94 (see "Completion of Thread Change" in Figures 7 and 9). Also, since the thread 93 will be torn, there is a possibility that a loose thread 93a will be generated that is unraveled from the package 94 as a result. In this embodiment, after the thread change is completed, the first bobbin holder 41 starts to rotate in the first rotation direction when it is in the first switching position, so that the thread 93 (loose thread 93a) that has protruded from the package 94 can be wound onto the package 94, and the thread 93 (loose thread 93a) that has protruded from the package 94 can not be prevented from getting tangled in the first switching position package stopper 64b, etc.

[0063] Suppose a force is applied to the package 94, causing it to rotate in the second rotational direction. In this embodiment, even in this case, the first bobbin holder 41 is rotated in the first rotational direction, thus suppressing the rotation of the package 94 in the second rotational direction. As a result, the generation of unwound end yarn 93a can be suppressed. Since the purpose of rotating the first bobbin holder 41 in the first rotational direction is to suppress the generation of unwound end yarn 93a, the rotational speed is significantly slower than when winding the yarn 93. Specifically, the control device 50 rotates the first bobbin holder 41 at a rotational speed of 5 revolutions / second or less. Note that this rotational speed is just an example, and the first bobbin holder 41 may be rotated at a faster rotational speed.

[0064] Next, the control device 50 separates the turret stopper 61 from the turret plate 40 and starts rotating the turret plate 40 (S103), moving the first bobbin holder 41 from the first switching position toward the retrieval position. Next, the control device 50 determines whether or not the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the retrieval position (S104). This determination is made based on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor 63 described above.

[0065] When the control device 50 determines that the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the retrieval position, it stops the rotational drive of the turret plate 40 (S105). Next, the control device 50 stops the rotational drive of the first bobbin holder 41 and brings the retrieval position package stopper 64a into contact with the first bobbin holder 41 to prevent the first bobbin holder 41 from rotating (S106).

[0066] In this embodiment, when the first bobbin holder 41 is in the first switching position, the rotational drive of the first bobbin holder 41 by the first bobbin holder motor 54 is started and continues without stopping. Subsequently, after the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position, the rotational drive of the first bobbin holder 41 by the first bobbin holder motor 54 is stopped. In other words, the first bobbin holder 41 rotates in the first rotational direction throughout the entire section from the first switching position to the retrieval position. Therefore, the generation of unraveled end threads 93a can be suppressed regardless of when force is applied to the package 94.

[0067] Rotating the first bobbin holder 41 in the first rotational direction over the entire section from the first switching position to the retrieval position is just one example; the first bobbin holder 41 may be rotated over a shorter section. For example, the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 may be started between the time the first bobbin holder 41 moves from the first switching position to the retrieval position. Alternatively, the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 may be started at the first switching position, temporarily stopped between the time the first bobbin holder 41 moves from the first switching position to the retrieval position, and then restarted. From another perspective, the timing at which unraveled end threads 93a are most likely to occur is immediately after the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position. Considering this, it is preferable that the first bobbin holder 41 is rotated in the first rotational direction at least at the time the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position.

[0068] As described above, the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42, bobbin holder motors 54 and 55, a bobbin holder moving mechanism (a mechanism including a turret plate 40 and a turret motor 53), and a control device 50. The pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42 each hold a bobbin 91. The bobbin holder motors 54 and 55 are provided on each of the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42 and rotate each corresponding bobbin holder 41 and 42. The turret plate 40 moves the pair of bobbin holders 41 and 42. The control device 50 controls the bobbin holder motors 54 and 55 and the bobbin holder moving mechanism. The bobbin holder moving mechanism is a mechanism that moves the bobbin holders 41 and 42 between a winding position, a retrieval position, a first switching position, and a second switching position. The winding position is the position where the yarn 93 is wound onto the bobbin 91 to form the package 94. The retrieval position is the position where the package 94 is retrieved. The first switching position is the position where the first bobbin holder 41 is positioned to perform a yarn switching, switching from the state where the yarn 93 is wound onto the package 94 of the first bobbin holder 41 to the state where it is wound onto the bobbin 91 held by the second bobbin holder 42. The second switching position is the position where the second bobbin holder 42 is positioned to perform the yarn switching. The winding position, retrieval position, first switching position, and second switching position are all different positions. The control device 50 controls the bobbin holder moving mechanism to move the first bobbin holder 41 in the order of winding position, first switching position, and retrieval position, and also controls the second bobbin holder 42 to move in the order of retrieval position, second switching position, and winding position. The control device 50 controls at least the first bobbin holder motor 54 to slow down and stop the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 that has moved to the first switching position in order to perform thread switching. The control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to start the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 in the thread winding direction after thread switching has been performed and before the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position, so that the first bobbin holder 41 is rotating in the thread winding direction when the first bobbin holder 41 reaches at least the retrieval position.

[0069] As a result, even if the first bobbin holder 41 holding the package 94 is subjected to an impact when it reaches the retrieval position, and this causes a force to rotate the package 94 in a direction that unwinds the yarn 93, the first bobbin holder motor 54 rotates the package 94 in a direction that winds the yarn to counteract this force, thereby suppressing the unwinding of the yarn 93.

[0070] In the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to start the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 after thread switching and while the first bobbin holder 41 is in the first switching position.

[0071] As a result, at the first switching position, the thread 93 connected to the package 94 may protrude from the package 94 due to the force of the thread 93 breaking, but this can be resolved early, which is preferable. Furthermore, at the first switching position, there is a possibility that unraveled end threads 93a may be generated from the package 94 due to the recoil of tearing off the thread 93 immediately after the thread switching, but this can be resolved early, which is preferable.

[0072] The thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment includes a retrieval position detection sensor 63 and a first switching position package stopper 64b. The retrieval position detection sensor 63 detects when the first bobbin holder 41 has moved to the first switching position. The first switching position package stopper 64b is provided at the first switching position and forcibly stops the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 at the first switching position. Based on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor 63, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to stop the rotation drive of the first bobbin holder 41, and also controls the first switching position package stopper 64b to forcibly stop the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41.

[0073] This prevents the unwinding end thread 93a protruding from the package 94 from becoming entangled with the first switching position package stopper 64b, which is located at the first switching position.

[0074] In the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to continuously rotate the first bobbin holder 41 in the direction of winding the thread 93 throughout the entire range of movement from the first switching position to the retrieval position of the first bobbin holder 41.

[0075] This makes it possible to suppress the unraveling of the thread 93 at any point during the movement of the first bobbin holder 41 from the first switching position to the retrieval position.

[0076] The thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment includes a retrieval position detection sensor 63 and a retrieval position package stopper 64a. The retrieval position detection sensor 63 detects when the first bobbin holder 41 has reached the retrieval position. The retrieval position package stopper 64a is provided at the retrieval position and forcibly stops the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 during retrieval. Based on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor 63, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to stop the rotation drive of the first bobbin holder 41, and also controls the retrieval position package stopper 64a to forcibly stop the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41.

[0077] This allows the first bobbin holder motor 54 to be quickly stopped at an appropriate timing after the first bobbin holder 41, which is rotating when it reaches the retrieval position, has reached the retrieval position. As a result, the retrieval of the package 94 is performed after the rotation of the package 94 has stopped, thus preventing a delay in the timing when the package 94 becomes ready for retrieval.

[0078] In the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the bobbin holder moving mechanism has a rotatable turret plate 40. Each of the bobbin holders 41 and 42 is provided on the turret plate 40 in a point-symmetrical manner with respect to its center of rotation. The direction in which the turret plate 40 is rotated to move the first bobbin holder 41 from the first switching position to the retrieval position is opposite to the direction in which the bobbin holders 41 and 42 are rotated to wind the thread 93.

[0079] In the above relationship, when the bobbin holder moves from the first switching position to the retrieval position, the package 94 tends to rotate in the direction that unwinds the yarn 93 due to inertia. Therefore, by applying the present invention in the above relationship, the effect of suppressing the unwinding of the yarn 93 can be effectively utilized.

[0080] In the thread winding machine 1 of this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the first bobbin holder motor 54 to rotate the first bobbin holder 41 so that the rotation speed of the first bobbin holder 41 is 5 revolutions per second or less after thread switching has been performed and until the first bobbin holder 41 reaches the retrieval position.

[0081] This allows the package 94 to be rotated at a speed suitable for the purpose of suppressing the unraveling of threads from the package 94.

[0082] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example. Modifications may be made individually, or multiple modifications may be made in any combination.

[0083] Although the traverse device 21 in the above embodiment is of the cam drum type, a different configuration is acceptable as long as it is possible to reciprocate the traverse guide 23 in the winding width direction. For example, a belt-type traverse device can be used instead of the cam drum type traverse device 21.

[0084] The flowchart shown in the above embodiment is just one example, and some processes may be omitted, some processes may be modified, or new processes may be added. For example, the order of processes when the turret plate 40 and bobbin holders 41 and 42 start rotating may be reversed. Similarly, the order of processes when the turret plate 40 and bobbin holders 41 and 42 stop rotating may be reversed.

[0085] In the above embodiment, in order to stop the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 at the first switching position, the drive of the first bobbin holder motor 54 is decelerated and stopped, and the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device (first switching position package stopper 64b) is activated. However, the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device can be provided as needed, and the rotation of the first bobbin holder 41 at the first switching position can be stopped simply by decelerating and stopping the drive of the first bobbin holder motor 54.

[0086] The bobbin holder moving mechanism is not limited to one that utilizes a turret plate; it may also move the two bobbin holders individually, or move them along a linear trajectory other than a circular one.

[0087] In the above embodiment, a bobbin holder drive system was shown in which the bobbin holder is actively rotated at the winding position to wind the thread onto the bobbin. However, the present invention may also be applied to a friction drive system in which a contact roller is actively rotated at the winding position to wind the thread onto the bobbin. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1. Thread winding machine 40. Turret plate (part of the bobbin holder movement mechanism) 41,42 Bobbin holder 50 Control device 53. Turret motor (part of the bobbin holder movement mechanism) 54. First bobbin holder motor (bobbin holder rotation drive device) 55. Second bobbin holder motor (bobbin holder rotation drive device)

Claims

1. A pair of bobbin holders that hold the bobbin, A bobbin holder rotation drive device is provided on each of the pair of bobbin holders to rotate each corresponding bobbin holder, A bobbin holder moving mechanism for moving the pair of bobbin holders, A control device for controlling the bobbin holder rotation drive device and the bobbin holder movement mechanism, Equipped with, The bobbin holder moving mechanism is A winding position for winding the thread onto the bobbin to form a package, A collection location for collecting the aforementioned package, A first switching position in which one of the pair of bobbin holders is positioned in order to perform a thread switching, which switches the state in which the thread is wound on the package of one of the pair of bobbin holders to the state in which it is wound on the bobbin held in the other of the pair of bobbin holders, A second switching position in which the other of the pair of bobbin holders is positioned in order to perform the thread switching, This is a mechanism for moving the pair of bobbin holders between them. The winding position, the retrieval position, the first switching position, and the second switching position are all different positions. The control device is The bobbin holder moving mechanism is controlled to move one of the pair of bobbin holders in the order of winding position, first switching position and retrieval position, and the other bobbin holder is controlled to move in the order of retrieval position, second switching position and winding position, and, At least the bobbin holder rotation drive device is controlled to slow down and stop the rotation of the one bobbin holder that has moved to the first switching position in order to perform the thread switching, A yarn winding machine characterized by controlling the bobbin holder rotation drive device so that, after the yarn switching has been performed and before the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position, the one bobbin holder starts rotating in the yarn winding direction when at least the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position.

2. A thread winding machine according to claim 1, The control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to initiate the rotation of the one bobbin holder after the thread switching and while the one bobbin holder is in the first switching position, thereby enabling a thread winding machine.

3. A thread winding machine according to claim 2, A first switching position detection sensor that detects when one of the bobbin holders has moved to the first switching position, A first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device is provided at the first switching position and forcibly stops the rotation of one of the bobbin holders at the first switching position, Equipped with, The control device is characterized in that, based on the detection result of the first switching position detection sensor, it controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to stop the rotation drive of one of the bobbin holders, and controls the first switching position bobbin holder rotation stop device to forcibly stop the rotation of one of the bobbin holders.

4. A thread winding machine according to claim 2 or 3, The yarn winding machine is characterized in that the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to keep the one bobbin holder rotating in the yarn winding direction throughout the entire range of movement of the one bobbin holder from the first switching position to the retrieval position.

5. A thread winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A recovery position detection sensor that detects when one of the bobbin holders reaches the recovery position, A recovery position bobbin holder rotation stop device is provided at the recovery position and forcibly stops the rotation of one of the bobbin holders during recovery, Equipped with, The control device is characterized in that, based on the detection result of the retrieval position detection sensor, it controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to stop the rotation drive of one of the bobbin holders, and controls the retrieval position bobbin holder rotation stop device to forcibly stop the rotation of one of the bobbin holders.

6. A thread winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The bobbin holder moving mechanism has a rotatable turret plate, Each of the pair of bobbin holders is provided on the turret plate in a point-symmetric manner with respect to its center of rotation. A thread winding machine characterized in that the direction in which the turret plate is rotated to move one of the bobbin holders from the first switching position to the retrieval position and the direction in which the bobbin holder is rotated to wind up the thread are in opposite directions.

7. A thread winding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The thread winding machine is characterized in that the control device controls the bobbin holder rotation drive device to rotate the one bobbin holder so that the rotation speed of the one bobbin holder is 5 revolutions per second or less after the thread switching has been performed and until the one bobbin holder reaches the retrieval position.

Images