Thread winding device

Abstract

To provide a yarn winding device that can suppress the increase in size of the device. [Solution] The yarn winding device comprises a nozzle 50A, a nozzle rotating part, an air supply part, and a control device. The nozzle 50A is rotatable around an axis K and has a hollow part 59A and a blade part 70A. The hollow part 59A is through which the yarn is inserted. The blade part 70A is located at the tip of the hollow part 59A and is capable of cutting the yarn. The nozzle rotating part rotates the nozzle 50A around the axis K, positioning the nozzle 50A in opposing and separated positions. The air supply part supplies air to the nozzle 50A. The tip of the hollow part 59A has a cylindrical part 52A and a cylindrical part 53A. The cylindrical part 53A overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical part 52A. The blade part 70A has an outer blade 72A and an inner blade 73A. The outer blade 72A is located in the cylindrical part 52A. The inner blade 73A is located in the cylindrical part 53A. The outer blade 72A and the inner blade 73A face each other and intersect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a yarn winding device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cutting method using a winder that winds the yarn fed from a yarn feeder, and a yarn guide unit and a cutter disposed between the yarn feeder and the winder. The yarn guide unit displaces the yarn fed from the yarn feeder into a first yarn feeding path and a second yarn feeding path. The cutter has two blades. Both of the two blades are single-edged, and are overlapped so as to face each other and intersect. When the yarn is fed along the first yarn feeding path, the yarn is wound by the winder. When the yarn is displaced to the second yarn feeding path, the yarn comes into contact with the V-shaped cutting edge of the cutter. The yarn is cut by the tension applied by the winder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above cutting method, a separate configuration for displacing the yarn feeding path is required in addition to the yarn feeding mechanism and the cutter, which may lead to an increase in the overall size of the device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a yarn winding device capable of suppressing an increase in the size of the device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention relates to a yarn winding device comprising a bobbin rotating unit that rotates a bobbin housed in a bobbin case in a winding direction around the axis of a first axis to wind yarn supplied from a yarn supply source onto the bobbin, the device comprising a nozzle rotatable around the axis of a second axis, the nozzle having a hollow portion through which the yarn is inserted and a blade portion disposed at the tip of the hollow portion that can cut the yarn, a nozzle rotating unit that rotates the nozzle around the axis of the second axis to an opposing position where the blade portion faces the bobbin rotating unit and a separated position where the distance from the bobbin rotating unit is greater than the opposing position, an air supply unit that supplies air to the nozzle, and a control device that controls the bobbin rotating unit, the nozzle rotating unit and the air supply unit, wherein the tip of the hollow portion has a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion that overlaps the inner wall of the first cylindrical portion, and the blade portion has an outer blade disposed in the first cylindrical portion and an inner blade disposed in the second cylindrical portion, the outer blade and the inner blade facing each other and intersecting.

[0007] In a yarn winding device, a blade is positioned at the tip of a hollow section through which yarn supplied from a yarn source is inserted. The tip of the hollow section has a first cylindrical section where an outer blade is positioned and a second cylindrical section where an inner blade is positioned. The second cylindrical section overlaps the inner wall of the first cylindrical section, and the outer and inner blades face each other and intersect. The yarn winding device rotates the nozzle by driving a nozzle rotation unit, and the yarn is cut by the blade. Therefore, the yarn winding device can cut the yarn without having to position a separate cutting unit in addition to the nozzle. Thus, the size of the yarn winding device can be suppressed.

[0008] In the present invention, the first cylindrical portion communicates with the hollow portion of the nozzle and has a first recess at its tip, the outer blade is positioned at the edge of the first recess, the second cylindrical portion is inserted into the tip of the first cylindrical portion and has a second recess at its tip, the inner blade is positioned at the edge of the second recess, at least a part of the inner blade is exposed from the first recess, and at least a part of the edge of the second recess may be covered by the first cylindrical portion. The yarn winding device can cut yarn with a simple configuration without having to arrange a cutting section separately from the nozzle. Therefore, the yarn winding device can be made larger.

[0009] In the present invention, the first cylindrical portion may be detachably arranged at the tip of the nozzle. The material of the first cylindrical portion of the thread winding device can be made of a material suitable for the outer blade, regardless of the material of the nozzle tip. Therefore, the thread winding device can cut the thread more stably with the blade portion.

[0010] In the present invention, the second cylindrical portion may be detachably press-fitted into the tip of the first cylindrical portion. The material of the second cylindrical portion of the thread winding device can be made of a material suitable for the inner blade, regardless of the material of the nozzle tip. Therefore, the thread winding device can cut the thread more stably with the blade portion.

[0011] In the present invention, the first recess has a first edge portion on which the outer blade is located and a second edge portion opposite the first edge portion on which the outer blade is located, and the second recess has a third edge portion on which the inner blade is located and a fourth edge portion opposite the third edge portion on which the inner blade is located, and the blade portion may be switchable between a first position in which the third edge portion is exposed from the first recess portion and intersects with the first edge portion facing it, and at least a part of the fourth edge portion is covered by the first cylindrical portion, and a second position in which the blade portion is exposed from the first recess portion and intersects with the second edge portion facing it. If the blade portion in the first position becomes difficult to cut the thread, the spindle winding device can be moved to the second position to easily cut the thread again. Therefore, the spindle winding device can extend the replacement cycle of the blade portion.

[0012] In the present invention, the control device may supply air to the nozzle via the air supply unit to pass the thread, which is inserted through the hollow portion of the nozzle positioned opposite to the bobbin, through the opening of the bobbin case, drive the bobbin rotation unit to wind the thread supplied from the thread supply source through the hollow portion of the nozzle positioned opposite to the bobbin, and drive the nozzle rotation unit to cut the thread with the blade portion of the hollow portion while the nozzle is positioned at the separated position. The thread winding device can cut the thread without arranging a cutting unit separately from the nozzle. Therefore, the size of the thread winding device can be suppressed.

[0013] In the present invention, the blade portion may be positioned on the opposite side of the first axis with respect to a virtual plane that passes through the center of the hollow portion at the opposing position and is parallel to the first axis. When winding thread onto a bobbin, the thread winding device can make it less likely for the thread to come into contact with the blade portion compared to when the blade portion is positioned on the side of the first axis with respect to the virtual plane.

[0014] In the present invention, when cutting the thread, the control device may drive the nozzle rotation unit to rotate the nozzle from the opposing position to the separated position, and after rotating the nozzle to the separated position, drive the bobbin rotation unit to rotate the bobbin in the winding direction, thereby cutting the thread with the blade portion of the hollow section located at the separated position. The thread winding device keeps the thread taut, making it easier to cut the thread with the blade portion.

[0015] In the present invention, the separation position may be a position rotated 135 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less around the axis of the second axis from the opposing position. The winding device can set the separation position to a position further away from the opposing position compared to the case where the separation position is rotated less than 135 degrees around the second axis from the opposing position. The winding device can stably cut the thread while it is taut compared to the case where the separation position is rotated less than 135 degrees around the second axis from the opposing position.

[0016] In the present invention, the control device may, after the nozzle rotation unit rotates the nozzle in the first rotational direction around the axis of the second shaft to an over-position beyond the separation position, supply air to the nozzle with the air supply unit, rotate it in the opposite direction to the first rotational direction to position the nozzle at the separation position, and after the nozzle is at the separation position, cut the thread with the blade. The thread winding device can resolve the condition in which the thread is entangled in the nozzle and make it easier for the thread to come into contact with the blade.

[0017] In the present invention, the control device may drive the bobbin rotating unit to rotate the bobbin in the winding direction which is opposite to the injection direction in which the air supplied by the air supply unit is ejected from the nozzle positioned opposite the bobbin. Compared to the case in which the bobbin is rotated in the same direction as the air is ejected, the thread winding device makes it easier to wind the thread passed through the opening of the bobbin case onto the bobbin.

[0018] The thread winding device of the present invention further comprises a bobbin case rotating unit that rotates the bobbin case around the axis of the first shaft, and the control device may, when cutting the thread, drive the nozzle rotating unit to rotate the nozzle from the opposing position to the separated position, and after rotating the nozzle to the separated position, drive the bobbin case rotating unit to rotate the bobbin case in the winding direction. The thread winding device makes it easier to cut the thread with the blade while the thread is taut.

[0019] In the present invention, the nozzle may be bent such that the tip of the hollow portion on which the blade portion is formed faces a direction at an angle of 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less with respect to the direction in which the second axis extends. The yarn winding device can prevent the yarn from wrapping around the nozzle when the nozzle is rotated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of the spinning wheel 1 with nozzle 50A positioned opposite each other. [Figure 2]This is a left side view of the yarn winding device 1 with the nozzle 50A arranged at the separated position. [Figure 3] This is a right side view of the nozzle 50A. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the nozzle 50A. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view of the nozzle 50A cut along the V-V line shown in Figure 4 [Figure 6] This is an exploded view of the cylindrical portions 51A, 52A, and 53A in the nozzle 50A. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the bobbin case 4, the bobbin rotating unit 7, and the bobbin case rotating unit 6. [Figure 8] (A) is a perspective view of the bobbin 3 in a state where the contact portion 318 of the contact / separation member 319 is not in contact with the outer surface 304, and (B) is a perspective view of the bobbin 3 in a state where the contact portion 318 of the contact / separation member 319 is in contact with the outer surface 304, as well as an explanatory view of the projection plane U onto which the first flange portion 305 and the second flange portion 309 are projected. [Figure 9] (A) is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the bobbin rotating unit 7 in a state where the yarn E is passed between the cylindrical portion 301 and the contact / separation member 319, and (B) is an enlarged front view of the periphery of the bobbin rotating unit 7 in a state where the yarn E passed between the cylindrical portion 301 and the contact / separation member 319 is sandwiched between the cylindrical portion 301 and the contact / separation member 319. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the yarn supply system 12 including the yarn winding device 1. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the control device 9. [Figure 12] This is a right side view of the nozzle 50B according to the modified example. [Figure 13] This is an exploded view of the cylindrical portions 52B and 53B in the nozzle 50B according to the modified example. [Figure 14](A) is an exploded view of the cylindrical sections 52A and 53C in the nozzle 50C where the blade section 70C is positioned in the first position; (B) is a right side view of the cylindrical sections 52A and 53C in the nozzle 50C where the blade section 70C is positioned in the first position; (C) is an exploded view of the cylindrical sections 52A and 53C in the nozzle 50C where the blade section 70C is positioned in the second position; and (D) is a right side view of the cylindrical sections 52A and 53C in the nozzle 50C where the blade section 70C is positioned in the second position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to illustrate the technical features that the present invention may adopt. The configuration of the apparatus shown in the drawings is not intended to be the sole limiting factor, but is merely an illustrative example. Hereafter, the front direction, back direction, right, left, up, and down of Figure 1 will be referred to as the left, right, front, rear, up, and down of the thread winding device 1, respectively.

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 9, the configuration of the yarn winding device 1 will be explained. The yarn winding device 1 comprises a frame 11, a bobbin rotating section 7, a bobbin case rotating section 6, a nozzle rotating section 2, a support base 30, a nozzle 50A, a blade section 70A, an air supply section 5 shown in Figure 10, a discharge device 8, a control device 9 shown in Figure 10, and a sensor unit 15.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the frame 11 has thickness in the left-right direction and is plate-shaped, extending in the front-back direction. The frame 11 is placed on a table on which, for example, the sewing machine 100 shown in Figure 10 is positioned.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the bobbin rotating unit 7 comprises a turntable 21, a shaft 22, and a motor 172 as shown in Figure 10. The turntable 21 is located to the left of the frame 11. The turntable 21 is cylindrical and extends in the left-right direction. The axis of the turntable 21 lies on the shaft J which extends in the left-right direction. The turntable 21 is rotatable around the shaft J. The turntable 21 detachably supports the bobbin 3 shown in Figure 8. The bobbin 3 is housed in a bobbin case 4.

[0025] The shaft 22 extends to the left from the left end of the turntable 21. The bobbin 3 shown in Figure 8 can be inserted through the shaft 22. The shaft 22 is located on shaft J. The motor 172 is located to the right of the frame 11. The motor 172 is a stepping motor that rotates the turntable 21. The bobbin rotation unit 7 rotates the bobbin 3 around shaft J by rotating the turntable 21, and winds the yarn E supplied from the yarn supply source T onto the bobbin 3.

[0026] The bobbin case rotating unit 6 rotates the bobbin case 4 around axis J. The bobbin case rotating unit 6 includes a turntable 23 and a motor 162 as shown in Figure 10. The turntable 23 is cylindrical. The axis of the turntable 23 is on axis J. The turntable 23 is externally fitted onto the turntable 21 of the bobbin rotating unit 7. The turntable 23 is rotatable around axis J. The turntable 23 detachably supports the bobbin case 4.

[0027] Motor 162 is located to the right of frame 11. Motor 162 is a stepping motor that rotates the turntable 23. Driven by motor 162, the turntable 23 rotates relative to turntable 21 and around axis J.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the nozzle rotating section 2 is located below and behind the bobbin case rotating section 6. The nozzle rotating section 2 includes a motor 41 and gears 39 and 40 as shown in Figure 10. The motor 41 is a stepping motor located to the right of the frame 11. The output shaft 42 of the motor 41 extends in the left-right direction. The tip of the output shaft 42 is located to the left of the frame 11.

[0029] Gears 39 and 40 are bevel gears. Gear 40 is located on the left side of frame 11. Gear 40 is connected to output shaft 42. Gear 40 is rotatable around an axis that extends in the front-rear direction. Gear 39 meshes with gear 40. Gear 39 is rotatable around axis K in accordance with the rotation of gear 40. Axis K extends to the upper right. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to axis K will be called the K direction, the direction parallel to axis K and moving to the upper right will be called the K+ direction, and the direction parallel to axis K and moving to the lower left will be called the K- direction.

[0030] The support base 30 comprises a base 31 and wall sections 35 and 36. The base 31 is positioned to the left of the frame 11 and is located in the K+ direction relative to the gear 39. The base 31 has thickness in the left-right direction and is plate-shaped, extending perpendicular to the K direction.

[0031] The base 31 has a hole 32. The hole 32 penetrates the base 31 in a left-right direction. The thread E drawn from the thread supply source T supported on the right side of the frame 11 is inserted through the hole 32. The base 31 is fixed to the left side of the frame 11 by a screw 33.

[0032] Wall section 35 extends to the left from the K-direction edge of the base 31. Wall section 36 extends to the left from the K+ direction edge of the base 31. Wall sections 35 and 36 have thickness in the K direction and extend perpendicular to axis K.

[0033] The wall portion 35 has an insertion portion 37. The insertion portion 37 penetrates the wall portion 35 in the K direction. The wall portion 36 has an insertion portion 38. The insertion portion 38 penetrates the wall portion 36 in the K direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1, 3 to 6, the nozzle 50A has a hollow section 59A and a blade section 70A. The hollow section 59A has a connecting section 19, a supported section 20, and cylindrical sections 51A, 52A, and 53A. The connecting section 19, the supported section 20, and the cylindrical sections 51A, 52A, and 53A are all cylindrical.

[0035] The connection portion 19 is the K-direction end of the nozzle 50A. The connection portion 19 is located to the left of the frame 11 and is positioned in the K-direction relative to the support base 30. A gear 39 is externally fitted to the connection portion 19. A tube 43, which will be described later, is connected to the K-direction end of the connection portion 19.

[0036] The supported portion 20 extends in the K+ direction from the K+ direction end of the connecting portion 19. The supported portion 20 is inserted through the insertion portions 37 and 38. The K+ direction end of the supported portion 20 is located in the K+ direction relative to the wall portion 36. The K+ direction end of the supported portion 20 is located below and behind the bobbin rotating portion 7. The supported portion 20 is rotatably supported around axis K by the wall portions 35 and 36.

[0037] The outer surface 25 of the supported portion 20 is provided with an anti-slip surface. The anti-slip surface may be, for example, an elastic material such as rubber, or a surface treatment such as knurling. The supported portion 20 has an opening 26. The yarn E drawn from the yarn supply source T passes through the opening 26 and through the hollow portion 59A.

[0038] The cylindrical portion 51A extends in the K+ direction from the K+ end of the supported portion 20, and then bends and extends. The material of the cylindrical portion 51A is, for example, S45C. In the state of the nozzle 50A shown in Figure 1, the cylindrical portion 51A extends along the axis L toward the bobbin rotating portion 7. The axis L extends in approximately the front-rear direction. The axis L intersects the axis K at an angle of 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less. That is, the nozzle 50A is bent from the base toward the tip at an angle of 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less toward the axis K.

[0039] In the following, the direction parallel to axis L will be referred to as the L direction, the direction parallel to axis L and slightly forward will be referred to as the L+ direction, and the direction parallel to axis L and slightly backward will be referred to as the L- direction. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the configuration of nozzle 50A will be described based on the state of nozzle 50A shown in Figure 1.

[0040] The tip of the cylindrical portion 51A in the L+ direction is called the tip portion 55A. The portion of the cylindrical portion 51A other than the tip portion 55A is called the base portion 54A. The wall thickness of the tip portion 55A is thinner than the wall thickness of the base portion 54A, and the outer diameter of the tip portion 55A is shorter than the outer diameter of the base portion 54A.

[0041] The cylindrical portion 52A is detachably positioned on the tip portion 55A of the cylindrical portion 51A. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52A is the same as the outer diameter of the tip portion 55A. As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical portion 52A is fitted onto the tip portion 55A. That is, the cylindrical portion 52A is in communication with the cylindrical portion 51A.

[0042] The cylindrical portion 52A extends in the L+ direction from the L+ direction end of the base portion 54A. The L+ direction end of the cylindrical portion 52A is located in the L+ direction more than the L+ direction end of the tip portion 55A. The material of the cylindrical portion 52A is, for example, heat-treated S45C, and the cylindrical portion 52A has been heat-treated.

[0043] The cylindrical portion 52A has a recess 62A. The recess 62A is a portion recessed in the L- direction from the L+ direction end at the left end of the cylindrical portion 52A. The recess 62A is defined by a first edge portion 64A and a second edge portion 65A.

[0044] The first edge 64A slopes upward from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 52A, toward the axis L as it moves toward the L- direction. The second edge 65A slopes downward from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 52A, toward the axis L as it moves toward the L- direction. The L- end of the second edge 65A is connected to the L- end of the first edge 64A. The recess 62A is a V-shaped notch when viewed from the left side.

[0045] The cylindrical portion 53A extends in the L direction. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 53A is the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52A. The material of the cylindrical portion 53A is, for example, heat-treated S45C, and the cylindrical portion 53A has been heat-treated.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the cylindrical portion 53A is detachably press-fitted into the tip of the cylindrical portion 52A. That is, the cylindrical portion 53A overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 52A. With the cylindrical portion 53A press-fitted into the cylindrical portion 52A, the end of the cylindrical portion 53A in the L+ direction is at the same position as the end of the cylindrical portion 52A in the L direction.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, with the cylindrical portion 53A pressed into the cylindrical portion 52A, the L-direction end of the cylindrical portion 53A is located in the L+ direction more than the L+-direction end of the tip portion 55A of the cylindrical portion 51A. The thread E that passes through the opening 26 is inserted through the supported portion 20, cylindrical portion 51A, cylindrical portion 52A, and cylindrical portion 53A, and is discharged from the L+-direction end of the cylindrical portion 53A toward the bobbin 3.

[0048] The cylindrical portion 53A has a recess 63A. The recess 63A is a portion recessed in the L- direction from the L+ end at the left end of the cylindrical portion 52A. The recess 63A is inclined with respect to axis L. The recess 63A is defined by a first edge 66A, a second edge 67A, and a third edge 68A.

[0049] The first edge 66A and the second edge 67A are inclined in the K- direction as they proceed from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 53A toward the L- direction. The first edge 66A is located above the second edge 67A and is parallel to the second edge 67A. The third edge 68A bulges in the L- direction from the L- end of the first edge 66A toward the L- end of the second edge 67A. The recess 63A is a U-shaped notch when viewed from the left side.

[0050] With the cylindrical portion 53A pressed into the cylindrical portion 52A, the first edge 66A of the cylindrical portion 53A is exposed from the recess 62A in a left-side view. The first edge 66A faces the first edge 64A of the recess 62A in the left-right direction and intersects with it in a left-side view. The second edge 67A of the cylindrical portion 53A is not exposed from the recess 62A in a left-side view and is covered by the cylindrical portion 52A.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1, 3 to 6, the blade portion 70A is positioned at the tip of the hollow portion 59A, that is, at the end of the hollow portion 59A in the L+ direction. The blade portion 70A has an outer blade 72A and an inner blade 73A.

[0052] The outer blade 72A is positioned at the edge of the recess 62A of the cylindrical portion 52A. The outer blade 72A has a first outer blade 74A and a second outer blade 75A. The first outer blade 74A is positioned at the first edge portion 64A. The second outer blade 75A is positioned at the second edge portion 65A. That is, the first outer blade 74A and the second outer blade 75A are facing each other.

[0053] The inner blade 73A is positioned at the edge of the recess 63A of the cylindrical portion 53A. The inner blade 73A has a first inner blade 76A, a second inner blade 77A, and a third inner blade 78A. The first inner blade 76A is positioned at the first edge portion 66A. The second inner blade 77A is positioned at the second edge portion 67A. That is, the first inner blade 76A and the second inner blade 77A are facing each other. The third inner blade 78A is positioned at the third edge portion 68A. As a modified example, the third inner blade 78A does not need to be positioned at the third edge portion 68A.

[0054] Since the first edge portion 64A and the first edge portion 66A intersect facing each other in the left-right direction, the first outer blade 74A and the first inner blade 76A also intersect facing each other in the left-right direction. At point P where the first outer blade 74A and the first inner blade 76A intersect, the first outer blade 74A and the first inner blade 76A form a scissor-like shape. When the thread E is pressed against point P, it is subjected to a shearing force by the first outer blade 74A and the first inner blade 76A and is sharply cut.

[0055] The air supply unit 5 shown in Figure 10 supplies air to the nozzle 50A. The air supply unit 5 is, for example, an air compressor. The air supply unit 5 is connected to one end of the tube 43 via the valve switch 44 shown in Figure 10. The other end of the tube 43 is connected to the connection part 19.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the discharge device 8 is positioned in front of the bobbin rotating section 7. The discharge device 8 sucks in and discharges the thread E wound around the bobbin 3 mounted on the bobbin rotating section 7. The discharge device 8 comprises a main body 81, fixing plates 83 and 84, piping 87, a valve switch 89, and an air suction section 90.

[0057] The main body 81 is positioned to the left of the frame 11. The main body 81 has thickness in the front-to-back direction and is plate-shaped, extending in the left-to-right direction. The main body 81 has a hole (not shown). The hole penetrates the main body 81 in the front-to-back direction. One end of a pipe 87, which communicates with the hole, is connected to the main body 81.

[0058] The fixing plate 83 extends upward from the upper right end of the main body 81. The fixing plate 83 is fixed to the frame 11 by a screw 85. The fixing plate 84 extends downward from the lower right end of the main body 81. The fixing plate 84 is fixed to the frame 11 by a screw 86.

[0059] The air suction unit 90 draws in air. The air suction unit 90 is, for example, an air compressor. The air suction unit 90 is connected to the other end of the piping 87 via a valve switch 89.

[0060] The control device 9 shown in Figure 10 is a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The control device 9 controls the bobbin rotating unit 7, the bobbin case rotating unit 6, the nozzle rotating unit 2, the air supply unit 5, and the air suction unit 90.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 10, the sensor unit 15 is located to the left of the frame 11. The sensor unit 15 is located below the bobbin rotating part 7 and to the right of the nozzle rotating part 2. The sensor unit 15 includes a winding completion sensor 98, a bobbin mounting sensor 99, and wiring 16. The winding completion sensor 98 and the bobbin mounting sensor 99 are, for example, optical proximity sensors. The wiring 16 is connected to the winding completion sensor 98 and the bobbin mounting sensor 99.

[0062] As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the bobbin case 4 houses the bobbin 3 on which the thread E is wound. The bobbin case 4 is equipped with a leaf spring 47 and a lever 48. The side wall of the bobbin case 4 has openings 45, 46 and a groove 49. The leaf spring 47 presses against the thread E being pulled out from the groove 49 of the bobbin case 4, applying appropriate tension. The lever 48 is operated when removing the bobbin case 4 from the sewing machine 100 shown in Figure 10. The openings 45 and 46 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around axis J.

[0063] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bobbin 3 comprises a cylindrical portion 301, a first flange portion 305, a second flange portion 309, and a contact / separation member 319. The axis of the cylindrical portion 301 is on axis H, which extends parallel to the left-right direction. The cylindrical portion 301 is inserted onto the axis 22 of the bobbin rotating portion 7 shown in Figure 7. At least the portion of the outer surface 304 of the cylindrical portion 301 that contacts the contact / separation member 319 is knurled. Knurling can be done by rolling or cutting, and either method is acceptable.

[0064] The first flange portion 305 is connected to the left end of the cylindrical portion 301. The first flange portion 305 is disc-shaped and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 301. The first flange portion 305 has a first groove 307. The first flange portion 305 extends in the F+ direction away from the cylindrical portion 301 along a first straight line F passing through axis H in a virtual plane perpendicular to axis H.

[0065] The second flange portion 309 is connected to the right end of the cylindrical portion 301. The second flange portion 309 is disc-shaped. The diameter of the second flange portion 309 is the same length as the diameter of the first flange portion 305 and larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 301. The second flange portion 309 has a second groove 310. The second groove 310 extends from the cylindrical portion 301 in the F- direction, opposite to the F+ direction, parallel to the first straight line F in the projection plane U obtained by projecting the first flange portion 305 and the second flange portion 309 onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis H. The projection of the turntable 21 shown in Figure 7 can engage with the first groove 307 or the second groove 310.

[0066] The connecting / separating member 319 is a metal rod-shaped member that is bent into a U-shape when viewed from the side. The diameter of the connecting / separating member 319 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. In this embodiment, the thickness of the connecting / separating member 319 is, for example, 0.4 mm. The connecting / separating member 319 is supported on the first flange portion 305 so as to be able to move toward and away from the outer surface 304 of the cylindrical portion 301.

[0067] The contact / separation member 319 has a first arm portion 314, a contact portion 318, and a second arm portion 316. The first arm portion 314 is rotatably supported on the first flange portion 305. The contact portion 318 is connected to the tip of the first arm portion 314. The contact portion 318 can move toward and away from the outer surface 304 of the cylindrical portion 301 in accordance with the rotation of the first arm portion 314. The second arm portion 316 is connected to the contact portion 318. The second arm portion 316 faces the first arm portion 314 in the left-right direction and is rotatably supported on the second flange portion 309.

[0068] The pivot point 315 of the first arm portion 314 and the pivot point 317 of the second arm portion 316 lie on the second straight line D in the projection plane U in a virtual plane perpendicular to the axis H. The second straight line D passes through the axis H and is perpendicular to the first straight line F. In other words, except that the directions in which the first groove 307 and the second groove 310 extend are opposite, the first flange portion 305 and the second flange portion 309 have symmetrical shapes in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, regardless of whether the bobbin 3 is mounted on the bobbin rotating portion 7 using the first groove 307 or the second groove 310 as the reference, the arrangement of the pivot points 315 and 317 with respect to the bobbin rotating portion 7 is the same.

[0069] Referring to Figure 10, the thread supply system 12 will be described. The thread supply system 12 comprises a sewing machine 100, a bobbin changing device 200, and a thread winding device 1. The sewing machine 100 is, for example, an industrial sewing machine having a vertical bobbin. The bobbin of the sewing machine 100 is capable of accommodating a bobbin 3. The sewing machine 100 has a sewing machine control circuit 101 and a bobbin thread remaining amount sensor 102. The sewing machine control circuit 101 is connected to the bobbin thread remaining amount sensor 102 and the control device 9. The bobbin thread remaining amount sensor 102 detects the remaining amount of thread E in the bobbin 3 housed in the bobbin.

[0070] The bobbin changing device 200 removes the bobbin case 4 containing the used bobbin 3 from the sewing machine 100 and attaches the bobbin case 4 containing the unused bobbin 3 to the sewing machine 100. The bobbin changing device 200 includes a drive circuit 201, a motor 202, valve switches 203 and 205, air cylinders 204 and 206, and a cylinder sensor 207.

[0071] The control device 9 is connected to the drive circuit 201, valve switches 203 and 205, and cylinder sensor 207. The drive circuit 201 controls the motor 202 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The valve switch 203 is connected to the air cylinder 204. The valve switch 203 controls the air supplied to the air cylinder 204 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The air cylinder 204 drives the attachment / detachment mechanism that attaches and detaches the bobbin case 4 between the sewing machine 100 and the thread winding device 1.

[0072] The cylinder sensor 207 inputs a signal indicating the amount of drive of the air cylinder 204 to the control device 9. The valve switch 205 is connected to the air cylinder 206 and controls the air supplied to the air cylinder 206 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The air cylinder 206 drives the gripping mechanism that grips the bobbin 3 and the bobbin case 4.

[0073] The spool winding device 1 comprises a control device 9, drive circuits 95-97, motors 41, 162, 172, valve switches 44, 89, air supply unit 5, air suction unit 90, winding completion sensor 98, and bobbin mounting sensor 99. In addition to the spool winding device 1, the control device 9 controls the sewing machine 100 and the bobbin changing device 200. The control device 9 is connected to the drive circuits 95-97, valve switches 44, 89, winding completion sensor 98, and bobbin mounting sensor 99.

[0074] The drive circuit 95 controls the motor 41 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The drive circuit 96 controls the motor 162 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The drive circuit 97 controls the motor 172 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The valve switch 44 controls the air supplied from the air supply unit 5 according to the control signal from the control device 9.

[0075] The valve switch 89 controls the suction of the air suction unit 90 according to the control signal from the control device 9. The winding completion sensor 98 inputs a signal to the control device 9 indicating whether the winding of the yarn E onto the bobbin 3, which is mounted on the bobbin rotating unit 7, is complete, corresponding to the amount of yarn wound onto the bobbin 3. The bobbin mounting sensor 99 inputs a signal to the control device 9 indicating that the bobbin 3 has been mounted onto the bobbin rotating unit 7 by the bobbin changing device 200.

[0076] The following describes the process performed by the thread supply system 12. When the amount of thread E detected by the lower thread remaining amount sensor 102 falls below a predetermined amount, the control device 9 controls the bobbin changer 200 to remove the bobbin 3 and bobbin case 4 from the bobbin case of the sewing machine 100 and install them in the thread winding device 1. The control device 9 controls the thread winding device 1 to wind the thread E onto the bobbin 3 installed by the bobbin changer 200. The control device 9 controls the bobbin changer 200 to install the bobbin 3 and bobbin case 4, which are now wound with thread E, into the bobbin case of the sewing machine 100.

[0077] The main processing performed by the control device 9 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 11. When the power is turned ON, the control device 9 starts the program and executes the main processing shown in Figure 11.

[0078] The sewing machine control circuit 101 of the sewing machine 100 outputs a signal to the control device 9 indicating the remaining amount of thread E in the bobbin 3, according to the detection result of the lower thread remaining amount sensor 102. Based on the signal output from the sewing machine control circuit 101, the control device 9 detects that the remaining amount of thread E in the first bobbin is below a predetermined amount (S1). The first bobbin is housed in the bobbin case 4 mounted in the bobbin case of the sewing machine 100.

[0079] The control device 9 drives the bobbin changing device 200 to remove the bobbin case 4 containing the first bobbin from the sewing machine 100 (S2). The control device 9 drives the bobbin changing device 200 to attach the bobbin case 4 containing the second bobbin to the sewing machine 100 (S3). The second bobbin is the bobbin 3 with thread E already wound on it.

[0080] In this embodiment, the bobbin case 4 removed from the sewing machine 100 in S2 and the bobbin case 4 attached to the sewing machine 100 in S3 are separate. The thread supply system 12 alternately attaches the first bobbin and the second bobbin to the sewing machine 100, so that while the process of winding thread E onto one bobbin 3 is being performed, sewing can be performed on the sewing machine 100 using the other bobbin 3.

[0081] The control device 9 drives the bobbin changing device 200 to mount the bobbin case 4, which was removed from the sewing machine 100 in S2, onto the bobbin case rotating part 6 (S4). In S4, the first bobbin housed in the bobbin case 4 is mounted onto the bobbin rotating part 7.

[0082] The control device 9 determines whether or not the mounting of the bobbin 3 has been detected by the bobbin mounting sensor 99 (S5). If the bobbin 3 was properly mounted on the bobbin rotating part 7 in S4, the mounting of the bobbin 3 is detected by the bobbin mounting sensor 99 in S5.

[0083] If the bobbin mounting sensor 99 does not detect that the bobbin 3 is mounted (S5: NO), the control device 9 stops the thread supply system 12 due to an error (S6) and terminates the main process. In S6, the operator may check whether the bobbin 3 is properly mounted on the bobbin rotating part 7 and resume the process.

[0084] When the bobbin mounting sensor 99 detects that the bobbin 3 has been mounted (S5:YES), the control device 9 drives the bobbin rotating unit 7 to rotate the bobbin 3 in the winding direction M shown in Figure 9 (S7). After rotating the bobbin 3 a certain number of times in the winding direction M in S7, the control device 9 stops it. The control device 9 controls the valve switch 89 to start the suction of the thread E by the discharge device 8 (S8). The control device 9 controls the valve switch 44 to start supplying air to the nozzle 50A (S9).

[0085] The control device 9 drives the bobbin rotating unit 7 to rotate the bobbin 3 in the discharge direction opposite to the winding direction M (S10). In S10, the control device 9 rotates the bobbin 3 a predetermined number of times in the discharge direction and then stops it at a predetermined position. In S10, the thread E wound around the bobbin 3 mounted on the bobbin rotating unit 7 is sucked into the piping 87. The predetermined position is where the contact / separation member 319 of the bobbin 3 is below the axis J. The contact / separation member 319, under the influence of gravity, separates from the outer surface 304 of the cylindrical part 301 and extends downward from the fulcrums 315 and 317 of the contact / separation member 319. The bobbin case 4 is positioned so that the opening 45 faces the end of the nozzle 50A in the L+ direction.

[0086] The control device 9 drives the valve switch 89 to stop suction by the discharge device 8 (S11). The control device 9 drives the valve switch 44 to stop the air supply to the nozzle 50A (S12).

[0087] The control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A a predetermined number of times around axis K, and then positions the nozzle 50A in the opposing position (S13). The opposing position is the position of the nozzle 50A shown in Figure 1. In S13, the control device 9 rotates the nozzle 50A in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the K+ direction. In S13, the thread E that was wrapped around the supported part 20 of the nozzle 50A is unwound, and a slack in the thread E is created between the nozzle 50A and the thread supply source T.

[0088] The control device 9 controls the valve switch 44 to start supplying air to the nozzle 50A (S14). In S14, as shown in Figure 6(A), when air is supplied to the nozzle 50A, the thread E that passes through the hollow section 59A is blown out of the nozzle 50A along with the air towards the hole 82 of the discharge device 8. The amount of thread E that was unraveled in S13 is blown out along the injection direction C. The injection direction C is the direction in which the air supplied by the air supply unit 5 is injected from the nozzle 50A, which is positioned opposite, toward the bobbin 3. The thread E supplied from the thread supply source T passes through the hollow section 59A of the nozzle 50A, which is positioned opposite, through the opening 45 of the bobbin case 4, and is supplied to the bobbin 3.

[0089] The control device 9 drives the bobbin rotating unit 7 to rotate the bobbin 3 in the winding direction M (S15). The winding direction M is opposite to the spraying direction C. In S15, the control device 9 winds the yarn E supplied from the yarn supply source T onto the bobbin 3. The contact / separation member 319 approaches the cylindrical portion 301. As shown in Figure 6(B), the yarn E is sandwiched between the contact / separation member 319 and the cylindrical portion 301, and is pressed towards the cylindrical portion 301 by the contact / separation member 319. In this state, as the bobbin 3 rotates in the winding direction M, the yarn E supplied from the nozzle 50A winds around the contact portion 318 that is close to the cylindrical portion 301 and the cylindrical portion 301.

[0090] The control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 and oscillates the nozzle 50A around the axis K by a predetermined angle with respect to the opposing position (S16). The predetermined angle can be set in advance, for example, within a range of plus or minus 10 degrees around the axis K with respect to the opposing position. The thread E supplied from 50A is wound evenly around the contact portion 318 and the cylindrical portion 301 in the front-rear direction.

[0091] The control device 9 determines whether or not a predetermined amount of yarn E has been wound onto the bobbin 3 based on the output of the winding completion sensor 98 (S17). If the control device 9 determines that a predetermined amount of yarn E has not been wound (S17: NO), it returns to process S16. If the control device 9 determines that a predetermined amount of yarn E has been wound (S17: YES), it stops the drive of the bobbin rotating unit 7 and stops the rotation of the bobbin 3 (S21).

[0092] The control device 9 drives the bobbin case rotating unit 6 and the nozzle rotating unit 2 to rotate the bobbin case 4 and the nozzle 50A in order to pass the thread E through the groove 49 of the bobbin case 4 (S22). The control device 9 rotates the bobbin 3 by a predetermined amount in the discharge direction (S23). As the bobbin 3 rotates in the discharge direction, the control device 9 creates slack in the thread E between the bobbin 3 and the tip of the nozzle 50A, so that the thread E does not obstruct the rotation of the nozzle 50A even when the nozzle 50A rotates to a separated position.

[0093] After winding the thread E onto the bobbin 3, the control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A around the axis K a predetermined number of times (S24). The direction of rotation in S24 is the opposite of the direction of rotation in S13. In S24, the thread E is wound around the supported portion 20 of the nozzle 50A. Since an anti-slip surface 25 is provided on the outer surface 25 of the supported portion 20, the nozzle 50A and the thread E are locked together when the thread E is wound around the supported portion 20 of the nozzle 50A.

[0094] Once rotation in S24 is complete, the nozzle 50A is positioned in the over-rotation position. The over-rotation position is a position in the rotational direction of S24 that is further than the position of the nozzle 50A shown in Figure 2. The position of the nozzle 50A shown in Figure 2 is called the separation position.

[0095] The control device 9 supplies air to the nozzle 50A via the air supply unit 5 (S26). As a result of S26, even if the thread E is stuck to the inner wall of the hollow section 59A, the air causes the thread E to detach from the inner wall of the hollow section 59A and spread out.

[0096] The control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A around the axis K, positioning the nozzle 50A at the separation position shown in Figure 2 (S27). The separation position is a position rotated 135 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less around the axis K from the opposing position. In this embodiment, the separation position is a position rotated 180 degrees around the axis K from the opposing position. By returning the nozzle 50A from the excess position to the separation position, the control device 9 makes it easier to position the thread E on the blade unit 70A.

[0097] The control device 9 moves the nozzle 50A to a separate position, and then cuts the thread E with the blade 70A. Specifically, the control device 9 drives the bobbin rotating unit 7 and the bobbin case rotating unit 6 to rotate the bobbin 3 together with the bobbin case 4 by a predetermined amount in the winding direction M (S28). In S28, with the thread E wound around the outer surface of the hollow section 59A, the thread E is cut at point P by the blade 70A. The predetermined amount is an amount in which the length of the thread E wound around the hollow section 59A is longer than the distance from the nozzle 50A at the opposite position to the outer circumference of the shaft 22 plus the length of one full circumference of the shaft 22.

[0098] The control device 9 controls the bobbin changing device 200 to grip the bobbin case 4 (S29). The bobbin case 4 gripped in S29 houses the first bobbin on which the thread E is wound. The bobbin case 4 is removed from the thread winding device 1 by the bobbin changing device 200 and installed in the sewing machine 100 in the next main processing step S3.

[0099] The control device 9 determines whether or not to terminate the main process (S30). The control device 9 terminates the main process, for example, when the power is switched from ON to OFF. If the control device 9 determines not to terminate the main process (S30: NO), it returns to process S1. If the control device 9 determines to terminate the main process (S30: YES), it terminates the main process.

[0100] As described above, the yarn winding device 1 comprises a nozzle 50A, a nozzle rotating part 2, an air supply unit 5, and a control device 9. The nozzle 50A is rotatable around an axis K and has a hollow part 59A and a blade part 70A. The hollow part 59A is through which the yarn E is inserted. The blade part 70A is located at the tip of the hollow part 59A and is capable of cutting the yarn E. The nozzle rotating part 2 rotates the nozzle 50A around the axis K, positioning the nozzle 50A in opposing and separated positions. The air supply unit 5 supplies air to the nozzle 50A. The tip of the hollow part 59A has a cylindrical part 52A and a cylindrical part 53A. The cylindrical part 53A overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical part 52A. The blade part 70A has an outer blade 72A and an inner blade 73A. The outer blade 72A is located in the cylindrical part 52A. The inner blade 73A is located in the cylindrical part 53A. The outer blade 72A and the inner blade 73A intersect facing each other. According to the spindle winding device 1, the yarn E supplied from the yarn supply source T passes through the hollow section 59A. The tip of the hollow section 59A has a cylindrical section 52A where the outer blade 72A is located and a cylindrical section 53A where the inner blade 73A is located. The cylindrical section 53A overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical section 52A, and the outer blade 72A and the inner blade 73A intersect facing each other. The spindle winding device 1 rotates the nozzle 50A by driving the nozzle rotation section 2, and cuts the yarn E with the blade section 70A. Therefore, the spindle winding device 1 can cut the yarn E without arranging a cutting section separate from the nozzle 50A. Thus, the size of the spindle winding device 1 can be suppressed.

[0101] In the yarn winding device 1, the cylindrical portion 52A is in communication with the cylindrical portion 51A. The cylindrical portion 52A has a recess 62A. The outer blade 72A is positioned on the first edge 64A and the second edge 65A of the recess 62A. The cylindrical portion 53A is inserted through the cylindrical portion 52A. The cylindrical portion 53A has a recess 63A. The inner blade 73A is positioned on the first edge 66A and the second edge 67A of the recess 63A. The first edge 66A of the cylindrical portion 53A is exposed from the recess 62A. The second edge 67A of the cylindrical portion 53A is covered by the cylindrical portion 52A. With the yarn winding device 1, the yarn E can be cut with a simple configuration without having to arrange a cutting section separately from the nozzle 50A. Therefore, the yarn winding device 1 can suppress the increase in size of the device.

[0102] In the thread winding device 1, the cylindrical portion 52A is detachably attached to the tip portion 55A of the cylindrical portion 51A. With the thread winding device 1, the material of the cylindrical portion 52A can be made of a material suitable for the outer blade 72A, regardless of the material of the cylindrical portion 51A. Therefore, the thread winding device 1 can reliably cut the thread E with the blade portion 70A. Furthermore, if the outer blade 72A becomes less able to cut the thread E, the thread winding device 1 can easily cut the thread E again by replacing the cylindrical portion 52A.

[0103] In the thread winding device 1, the cylindrical portion 53A is detachably press-fitted into the cylindrical portion 52A. With the thread winding device 1, the material of the cylindrical portion 53A can be made of a material suitable for the inner blade 73A, regardless of the material of the cylindrical portion 51A. Therefore, the thread winding device 1 can reliably cut the thread E with the blade portion 70A. Furthermore, if the inner blade 73A becomes less able to cut the thread E, the thread winding device 1 can easily cut the thread E again by replacing the cylindrical portion 53A.

[0104] In the yarn winding device 1, the control device 9 supplies air to the nozzle 50A via the air supply unit 5 (S14). The yarn E supplied from the yarn supply source T passes through the opening 45 of the bobbin case 4 via the hollow portion 59A of the nozzle 50A, which is positioned opposite to the yarn. The control device 9 drives the bobbin rotation unit 7 to rotate the bobbin 3 in the winding direction M (S15). The yarn E supplied from the yarn supply source T is wound onto the bobbin 3. The control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A away from the opposing position (S24, S27), causing the yarn E to be cut by the blade 70A (S28). With the yarn winding device 1, the yarn E can be cut without arranging a cutting unit separate from the nozzle 50A. Therefore, the yarn winding device 1 can suppress the increase in size of the device.

[0105] In the yarn winding device 1, when the control device 9 cuts the yarn E with the blade 70A, it drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A from the opposing position to a position separated from it (S24, S27). The control device 9 drives the bobbin rotation unit 7 to rotate the bobbin 3 by a predetermined amount in the winding direction M (S28), causing the yarn E to be cut by the blade 70A. With the yarn winding device 1, the yarn E is kept taut, making it easier to cut the yarn E with the blade 70A.

[0106] In the yarn winding device 1, the separation position is a position rotated 135 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less around the axis K from the opposing position. With the yarn winding device 1, the separation position can be set to a position further away from the opposing position compared to the case where the separation position is a position rotated less than 135 degrees around the axis K from the opposing position. Therefore, the yarn winding device 1 can stably cut the yarn E while it is taut compared to the case where the separation position is a position rotated less than 135 degrees around the axis K from the opposing position.

[0107] In the yarn winding device 1, the control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A around the axis K a predetermined number of times (S24), and positions the nozzle 50A in the over-position. The control device 9 supplies air to the nozzle 50A via the air supply unit 5 (S26). The control device 9 drives the nozzle rotation unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A around the axis K, and positions the nozzle 50A in the separated position (S27). Subsequently, the control device 9 cuts the yarn E with the blade 70A (S28). With the yarn winding device 1, the yarn winding device 1 can resolve the state in which the yarn E is entangled in the nozzle 50A, and make it easier for the yarn E to come into contact with the blade 70A.

[0108] In the yarn winding device 1, the bobbin rotating unit 7 is driven to rotate the bobbin 3 in the winding direction M (S15). The winding direction M is opposite to the spray direction C. The spray direction C is the direction in which air supplied by the air supply unit 5 is sprayed from the nozzle 50A, which is positioned opposite to the bobbin 3. With the yarn winding device 1, compared to the case where the bobbin 3 is rotated in the same direction as the air spray direction C, the yarn winding device 1 makes it easier to wind the yarn E that has been passed through the opening 45 of the bobbin case 4 onto the bobbin 3.

[0109] The thread winding device 1 includes a bobbin case rotating unit 6 that rotates the bobbin case 4 around an axis J. When the control device 9 cuts the thread E with the blade 70A, it drives the nozzle rotating unit 2 to rotate the nozzle 50A from an opposing position to a position separated from it (S24, S27). The control device 9 drives the bobbin case rotating unit 6 to rotate the bobbin case 4 by a predetermined amount in the winding direction M (S28), causing the thread E to be cut by the blade 70A. With the thread winding device 1, the thread winding device 1 can easily cut the thread E with the blade 70A while the thread E is taut.

[0110] In the yarn winding device 1, the nozzle 50A is bent such that the tip of the hollow portion 59A, where the blade portion 70A is formed, faces an angle of 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less with respect to the axis K. According to the yarn winding device 1, the yarn winding device 1 can prevent the yarn E from wrapping around the nozzle 50A when the nozzle 50A is rotated.

[0111] The present invention can be modified in various ways from the above embodiments. The various modifications described below can be combined in any way as long as they do not create contradictions. In the following description, components that have functions common to the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, while different components are described.

[0112] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the nozzle 50B of the first modified example will be described. The nozzle 50B has a hollow section 59B and a blade section 70B. The hollow section 59B has a connecting section 19, a supported section 20, and cylindrical sections 52B and 53B.

[0113] The cylindrical portion 52B extends in the K+ direction from the K+ end of the supported portion 20, then bends and extends along axis L. The tip of the cylindrical portion 52B in the L+ direction is called the tip portion 55B. The portion of the cylindrical portion 52B other than the tip portion 55B is called the base portion 54B.

[0114] The cylindrical portion 52B has a recess 62B at its tip portion 55B. The recess 62B is a V-shaped notch when viewed from the left side and has the same shape as the recess 62A. The recess 62B is defined by a first edge portion 64B and a second edge portion 65B. The first edge portion 64B corresponds to the first edge portion 64A, and the second edge portion 65B corresponds to the second edge portion 65A.

[0115] The cylindrical portion 53B extends in the L direction and has the same shape as the cylindrical portion 53A. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 53B is the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52B. As shown in Figure 13, the cylindrical portion 53B is detachably press-fitted into the tip portion 55B of the cylindrical portion 52B. That is, the cylindrical portion 53B overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 52B.

[0116] The cylindrical portion 53B has a recess 63B. The recess 63B is a U-shaped notch when viewed from the left side and has the same shape as the recess 63A. The recess 63B is defined by a first edge 66B, a second edge 67B, and a third edge 68B. The first edge 66B corresponds to the first edge 66A, the second edge 67B corresponds to the second edge 67A, and the third edge 68B corresponds to the third edge 68A.

[0117] The blade portion 70B is located at the tip of the hollow portion 59B. The blade portion 70B has an outer blade 72B and an inner blade 73B. The outer blade 72B is located at the edge of the recess 62B of the cylindrical portion 52B. The outer blade 72B has a first outer blade 74B and a second outer blade 75B. The first outer blade 74B is located at the first edge portion 64B. The second outer blade 75B is located at the second edge portion 65B.

[0118] The inner blade 73B is positioned at the edge of the recess 62B of the cylindrical portion 53B. The inner blade 73B has a first inner blade 76B, a second inner blade 77B, and a third inner blade 78B. The first inner blade 76B is positioned at the first edge portion 66B. The second inner blade 77B is positioned at the second edge portion 67B. The third inner blade 78B is positioned at the third edge portion 68B. However, the third inner blade 78B is not required to be positioned at the third edge portion 68B.

[0119] The first outer blade 74B and the first inner blade 76B face each other and intersect. The thread E is subjected to shear force by the first outer blade 74B and the first inner blade 76B and is sharply cut. Thus, the blade portion 70B is positioned at the tip of the cylindrical portion 52B connected to the supported portion 20, and the cylindrical portion 52B does not have to be detachably arranged like the cylindrical portion 51A to the cylindrical portion 52A.

[0120] Referring to Figure 14, a second modified nozzle 50C will be described. The nozzle 50C has a hollow section 59C and a blade section 70C. The hollow section 59C has a connecting section 19, a supported section 20, and cylindrical sections 51A, 52A, and 53C. In Figure 14, the cylindrical sections 51A and 53C of the hollow section 59C are shown.

[0121] The cylindrical portion 53C extends in the L direction. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 53C is the same as the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 52A. The cylindrical portion 53C is detachably fitted to the tip of the cylindrical portion 52A. That is, the cylindrical portion 53C overlaps the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 52A.

[0122] The cylindrical portion 53C has a recess 63C. The recess 63C is a portion recessed in the L- direction from the L+ direction end at the left end of the cylindrical portion 53C. The recess 63C is defined by a first edge portion 66C and a second edge portion 67C.

[0123] The first edge 66C slopes upward from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 53C, toward the axis L as it moves toward the L- direction. The second edge 67C slopes downward from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 53C, toward the axis L as it moves toward the L- direction. The L- end of the second edge 67C is connected to the L- end of the first edge 66C. The recess 63C is a V-shaped notch when viewed from the left side.

[0124] The blade portion 70C has an outer blade 72A and an inner blade 73C. The inner blade 73C is positioned at the edge of the recess 63C of the cylindrical portion 53C. The inner blade 73C has a first inner blade 76C and a second inner blade 77C. The first inner blade 76C is positioned at the first edge portion 66C. The second inner blade 77C is positioned at the second edge portion 67C.

[0125] In the nozzle 50C, the blade portion 70C can be switched between a first position and a second position. The switching is performed by pulling out the cylindrical portion 53C from the tip of the cylindrical portion 52A, shifting the position of the cylindrical portion 53C relative to the cylindrical portion 52A, and then pushing the cylindrical portion 53C back into the tip of the cylindrical portion 52A. The first position is the position of the blade portion 70C shown in Figure 14(B). When the blade portion 70C is in the first position, the first edge portion 66C is exposed from the recess 62A and intersects with the first edge portion 64A, and the second edge portion 67C is covered by the cylindrical portion 52A. When the blade portion 70C is in the first position, the thread E is cut by the first outer blade 74A and the first inner blade 76C.

[0126] The second position is the position of the blade portion 70C shown in Figure 14(D). The second position is the position obtained by rotating the cylindrical portion 53C around axis L from the first position. With the blade portion 70C in the second position, the first edge portion 66C is covered by the cylindrical portion 52A, and the second edge portion 67C is exposed from the recess 62A and intersects with the second edge portion 65A. With the blade portion 70C in the second position, the thread E is cut by the second outer blade 75A and the second inner blade 77C.

[0127] In the modified nozzle 50C, if the thread E becomes difficult to cut with the blade 70C in the first position, the thread winding device 1 can switch the blade 70C to the second position, thereby easily cutting the thread E again. Therefore, the thread winding device 1 can extend the replacement cycle of the blade 70C.

[0128] Other variations will be described. The position of the blade portion 70A in the nozzle 50A may be changed as appropriate. For example, with respect to a virtual plane that passes through the axis L of the nozzle 50A located opposite to the axis J, the blade portion 70A may be positioned on the opposite side from the side of axis J. When the thread winding device 1 winds the thread E onto the bobbin 3, the thread E is less likely to come into contact with the blade portion 70A compared to when the blade portion 70A is positioned on the side of axis J with respect to the virtual plane.

[0129] The configuration of the yarn winding device 1 may be modified as appropriate. The yarn winding device 1 does not necessarily have to be part of the yarn supply system 12. The operation of attaching and detaching the bobbin 3 to the yarn winding device 1 may be performed by an operator. In this case, the yarn supply system 12 does not need to be equipped with a bobbin changing device 200.

[0130] The control device 9 of the thread winding device 1 may be a general-purpose computer device. The control device 9 does not have to control the sewing machine 100. The control device 9 does not have to control the bobbin changing device 200.

[0131] The arrangement of the components of the nozzle rotating part 2, bobbin rotating part 7, bobbin case rotating part 6, air supply part 5, and discharge device 8 of the thread winding device 1 may be changed as appropriate. The thread winding device 1 does not need to have a discharge device 8. The thread winding device 1 does not need to have a bobbin case rotating part 6. The thread winding device 1 does not need to have a sensor unit 15.

[0132] The configurations of motors 41, 162, and 172 may be changed as appropriate. The air supply unit 5 may not have a compressor as part of the spinning device 1, but may be connected to a compressor provided as part of the factory equipment by a tube or the like. The air suction unit 90 may not have a compressor as part of the spinning device 1, but may be connected to a compressor provided as part of the factory equipment by a tube or the like.

[0133] The configuration of the nozzle 50A may be modified as appropriate. The outer surface 25 of the nozzle 50A does not need to be provided with an anti-slip surface. The outer surface 25 only needs to be a surface on which an opening 26 is formed. The opening 26 may be formed, for example, near the end in the L-direction of the base 54A of the nozzle 50A.

[0134] The shapes of the recesses 62A and 63B may be changed as appropriate. The shapes of the recesses 62A and 63B may be any shape of notch, such as a U-shape, W-shape, or I-shape. The shapes of the recesses 62A and 63B may be the same or different from each other.

[0135] The cylindrical portion 52A may have a first protrusion projecting in the L+ direction from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 52A instead of the recess 62A. The outer blade 72A may be positioned on the first protrusion. The cylindrical portion 53A may have a second protrusion projecting in the L+ direction from the L+ end of the cylindrical portion 53A instead of the recess 63A. The inner blade 73A may be positioned on the second protrusion.

[0136] The cylindrical portion 53A does not necessarily have to be detachable from the cylindrical portion 52A. For example, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 53A and the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 52A may be fixed together with an adhesive or the like. The cylindrical portion 53A does not necessarily have to be press-fitted into the cylindrical portion 52A. The cylindrical portion 53A may be fixed to and released from the cylindrical portion 52A by means of screws or the like.

[0137] If the end of the recess 62A in the L+ direction is not closed, a portion of the second edge 67A and the third edge 68A of the cylindrical portion 53A may be exposed from the recess 62A. In the modified nozzle 50C, if the end of the recess 62A in the L+ direction is not closed, a portion of the first edge 66C of the cylindrical portion 53C may be exposed from the recess 62A.

[0138] The extension directions of axes J, K, and L may be changed as appropriate. Axis L may intersect axis K at any angle between 65 degrees and 85 degrees. Axis L may intersect axis K at any angle between less than 65 degrees and greater than 85 degrees. The winding direction M may be the same direction as the injection direction C.

[0139] The configuration of the nozzle rotating section 2 may be modified as appropriate. The nozzle rotating section 2 may transmit power from the motor 41 to the nozzle 50A using an endless belt, rack and pinion, or the like, which is externally mounted to the nozzle 50A.

[0140] The opposing position, separation position, and overshoot position may be changed as appropriate. The separation position may be a position rotated less than 135 degrees around axis K from the opposing position. The control device 9 may position the nozzle 50A at the separation position without rotating the nozzle 50A to the overshoot position. The control device 9 may cut the thread E without winding it around the nozzle 50A.

[0141] Axis J is an example of the first axis of the present invention. Axis K is an example of the second axis of the present invention. Cylinder portions 52A and 52B are examples of the first cylinder portion of the present invention. Cylinder portions 53A, 53B, and 53C are examples of the second cylinder portion of the present invention. Recesses 62A and 62B are examples of the first recess of the present invention. Recesses 63A, 63B, and 63C are examples of the second recess of the present invention. First edges 64A and 64B are examples of the first edge portion of the present invention. Second edges 65A and 65B are examples of the second edge portion of the present invention. First edges 66A, 66B, and 66C are examples of the third edge portion of the present invention. Second edges 67A, 67B, and 67C are examples of the fourth edge portion of the present invention. Opening 45 is an example of the opening of the present invention. A clockwise rotation direction viewed from the K+ direction is an example of the first rotation direction of the present invention. A counterclockwise rotation direction viewed from the K+ direction is an example of the opposite direction of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0142] 1: Thread winding device, 2: Nozzle rotating part, 3: Bobbin, 4: Bobbin case, 5: Air supply part, 6: Bobbin case rotating part, 7: Bobbin rotating part, 9: Control device, 50A, 50B, 50C: Nozzle, 52A, 52B: Cylinder part, 53A, 53B, 53C: Cylinder part, 62A, 62B: Recess, 63A, 63B, 63C: Recess, 59A, 59B, 59C: Hollow part, 70A, 70B, 70C: Blade part, 72A, 72B: Outer blade, 73A, 73B, 73C: Inner blade, E: Thread, J: Shaft, K: Shaft, T: Thread supply source

Claims

1. In a yarn winding device equipped with a bobbin rotating section that rotates a bobbin housed in a bobbin case in the winding direction around the axis of a first shaft to wind yarn supplied from a yarn supply source onto the bobbin, A nozzle that is rotatable around the axis of the second shaft, The hollow portion through which the thread is inserted, A blade portion is positioned at the tip of the hollow portion and capable of cutting the thread. The nozzle having, A nozzle rotating part rotates the nozzle around the axis of the second shaft, with the blade portion facing the bobbin rotating part at a facing position and a separated position where the distance from the bobbin rotating part is greater than that of the facing position. An air supply unit that supplies air to the nozzle, The system includes a control device that controls the bobbin rotating section, the nozzle rotating section, and the air supply section. The tip of the hollow portion is The first cylindrical section, It has a second cylindrical portion that overlaps the inner wall of the first cylindrical portion, The aforementioned blade portion is The outer blade arranged in the first cylindrical portion, It has an inner blade arranged in the second cylindrical portion, The outer blade and the inner blade are facing each other and intersecting. A thread winding device characterized by the following.

2. The first cylindrical portion communicates with the hollow portion of the nozzle and has a first recess at its tip. The outer blade is positioned on the edge of the first recess, The second cylindrical portion is inserted into the tip of the first cylindrical portion and has a second recess at its tip. The inner blade is positioned at the edge of the second recess, At least a portion of the inner blade is exposed from the first recess, and at least a portion of the edge of the second recess is covered by the first cylindrical portion. The thread winding device according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The thread winding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first cylindrical portion is detachably arranged at the tip of the nozzle.

4. The thread winding device according to claim 2, characterized in that the second cylindrical portion is detachably press-fitted into the tip of the first cylindrical portion.

5. The first recess has a first edge portion on which the outer blade is positioned, and a second edge portion opposite to the first edge portion on which the outer blade is positioned. The second recess has a third edge portion on which the inner blade is located, and a fourth edge portion opposite to the third edge portion on which the inner blade is located. The first position of the blade portion is such that the third edge portion is exposed from the first recess and intersects with the first edge portion, and at least a part of the fourth edge portion is covered by the first cylindrical portion, The second position of the blade portion is such that at least a portion of the third edge portion is covered by the first cylindrical portion, and the fourth edge portion is exposed from the first recess and intersects with the second edge portion, The thread winding device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is switchable.

6. The control device is The air supply unit supplies air to the nozzle, and the thread inserted through the hollow portion of the nozzle positioned opposite to the thread is passed through the opening of the bobbin case. The bobbin rotating part is driven to wind the yarn supplied from the yarn supply source onto the bobbin via the hollow portion of the nozzle positioned opposite to it. The nozzle rotating part is driven to position the nozzle at the distanced position, and the blade portion of the hollow part cuts the thread. A thread winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following:

7. The winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the blade portion passes through the center of the hollow portion at the opposing position and is positioned on the opposite side from the side on which the first axis is located, with respect to a virtual plane parallel to the first axis.

8. The control device is When cutting the thread, the nozzle rotating part is driven to rotate the nozzle from the opposing position to the separated position, After rotating the nozzle to the separated position, the bobbin rotating part is driven to rotate the bobbin in the winding direction, and the blade portion of the hollow part positioned at the separated position cuts the thread. The thread winding device according to claim 6, characterized by the following:

9. The separation position is a position rotated by 135 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less around the axis of the second axis from the opposing position. A thread winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following:

10. The control device is The nozzle rotating unit rotates the nozzle in the first rotational direction around the axis of the second shaft to an over-position beyond the separation position, then supplies air to the nozzle with the air supply unit, and rotates it in the opposite direction to the first rotational direction to position the nozzle at the separation position. After the nozzle is moved to the separated position, the thread is cut by the blade. The thread winding device according to claim 6, characterized by the following:

11. The control device is The bobbin rotation unit is driven to rotate the bobbin in the winding direction, which is opposite to the direction in which the air supplied by the air supply unit is ejected from the nozzle positioned opposite to the bobbin. The thread winding device according to claim 10, characterized by the following:

12. The system further includes a bobbin case rotating unit that rotates the bobbin case around the axis of the first shaft, The control device is When cutting the thread, the nozzle rotating part is driven to rotate the nozzle from the opposing position to the separated position, After rotating the nozzle to the aforementioned distanced position, the bobbin case rotating part is driven to rotate the bobbin case in the winding direction. The thread winding device according to claim 6, characterized by the following:

13. The nozzle is bent such that the tip of the hollow portion on which the blade is formed is oriented at an angle of 65 degrees or more and 85 degrees or less with respect to the direction in which the second axis extends. A thread winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following:

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