Paper tube replenishment device

Abstract

To efficiently replenish stockers provided for a plurality of winder units of a false twisting machine with empty paper tubes.SOLUTION: A paper tube replenisher 50 is for replenishing a plurality of stockers 23 with empty bobbins Bw, in a false twisting machine 1 provided with a plurality of winder units 30 having a winder 21 and a stocker 23 in a plurality of stages in a machine-base longitudinal direction. The paper tube replenisher 50 has paper-tube movement passages 51 that are provided in a plurality of stages correspondingly to the plurality of stages of winder units 30 and extend in the machine-base longitudinal direction so that the empty bobbins Bw to be replenished to the plurality of stockers 23 are allowed to move in the machine-base longitudinal direction. The paper-tube movement passage 51 has a support surface 51a extending in the machine-base longitudinal direction and supporting an empty bobbin Bw from below, a replenish port 61 provided at an end in the machine-base longitudinal direction of the paper-tube movement passage 51 and replenishing an empty bobbin Bw, and a guide portion 62 for guiding the empty bobbins Bw moving in the machine-base longitudinal direction to respective ones of the plurality of stockers 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper tube replenishing device for replenishing empty paper tubes to a stocker of a false twisting machine.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a false twisting machine having a yarn feeding section, a winding device, and a heating device, a cooling device, and a false twisting device arranged in a yarn path from the yarn feeding section to the winding device. In the false twisting machine, the yarn fed from the yarn feeding section is false twisted by a false twisting device or the like and formed into a package by being wound around a paper tube by the winding device. The fully wound package is removed from the winding device, and after an empty paper tube in a state where no yarn is wound is attached to the winding device, the yarn is wound again by the winding device.

[0003] In the false twisting machine of Patent Document 1, a plurality of winding units each having a winding device and a stocker (paper tube holder) capable of storing empty paper tubes are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in a plurality of stages. Empty paper tubes supplied to the winding device are stored in the stocker. When the fully wound package is removed from the winding device, the empty paper tubes stored in the stocker are supplied to the winding device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is necessary to appropriately replenish empty paper tubes to the stockers provided in a plurality of winding units. Conventionally, the replenishment of empty paper tubes to each stocker has been performed manually by an operator. However, the operation of the operator moving to each stocker to replenish the empty paper tubes is very laborious for the operator and also takes a long time.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a paper tube replenishment device for efficiently replenishing empty paper tubes to each stocker provided in multiple winding units of a false twisting machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a paper tube replenishment device for a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a plurality of rows in a predetermined arrangement direction, and the paper tube replenishment device replenishes the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, and is provided in a plurality of rows corresponding to the plurality of winding units, extending along the arrangement direction, and the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the plurality of stockers are movable in the arrangement direction, the paper tube movement path is provided in a plurality of rows, and is characterized in that the paper tube movement path extends along the arrangement direction and supports the empty paper tubes from below, a replenishment port provided at the end of the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction for replenishing the empty paper tubes, and a plurality of guide parts for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers.

[0008] According to the present invention, empty paper tubes replenished into the paper tube transport path from the replenishment port move along the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement. The empty paper tubes moving in the direction of arrangement are then sent to each stocker via multiple guides. Therefore, it is unnecessary for workers to move to each stocker to replenish the empty paper tubes. This makes it possible to efficiently replenish each stocker provided in the multiple winding units of the false twisting machine with empty paper tubes.

[0009] The paper tube replenishment device of the present invention further comprises a plurality of first stopper portions provided at positions corresponding to each guide portion of the paper tube movement path, wherein the first stopper portions are preferably switchable between an allowable state that permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide portion to the stocker and a restrictive state that restricts the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide portion to the stocker.

[0010] In this invention, the first stopper portion corresponding to the guide portion that guides the empty paper tubes to the stocker that is to be refilled can be set to an allowable state, and the first stopper portion corresponding to the guide portion that guides the empty paper tubes to the stocker that is not to be refilled can be set to a restrictive state. This makes it possible to selectively refill empty paper tubes to the stocker that is to be refilled among multiple stockers.

[0011] The paper tube replenishment device of the present invention further comprises a plurality of second stopper portions provided at positions corresponding to each guide portion of the paper tube movement path, wherein the second stopper portion is switchable between an allow state that permits the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion, and it is preferable that when the second stopper portion is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper portion along the arrangement direction.

[0012] According to the present invention, by setting a second stopper section, which corresponds to a guide section that guides empty paper tubes to a stocker that is to be replenished, to a guiding state, it is possible to restrict the movement of empty paper tubes beyond the second stopper section along the arrangement direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of empty paper tubes along the paper tube movement path to a position corresponding to a stocker that is not to be replenished. Furthermore, the second stopper section, in the guiding state, can appropriately guide the empty paper tubes to the stocker that is to be replenished. As a result, empty paper tubes can be appropriately replenished to the target stocker.

[0013] The paper tube replenishment device of the present invention preferably further comprises a plurality of spacers that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the arrangement direction in the paper tube movement path the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the arrangement direction.

[0014] For example, in a configuration where one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement is closed, any empty paper tubes that are not replenished to the stocker among the multiple empty paper tubes moving along the paper tube transport path are sent to the end of the paper tube transport path and remain there. When replenishment of empty paper tubes is performed in any of the stockers while multiple empty paper tubes remain in the paper tube transport path, one of the empty paper tubes remaining in the paper tube transport path will be replenished in the stocker. Here, when multiple empty paper tubes move along the paper tube transport path simultaneously, the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement may become narrow. In that case, there is a risk that the empty paper tubes remaining in the paper tube transport path may be in a position where they are not properly guided to the stocker via the guide. According to the present invention, the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes can be made the same as the spacing between adjacent guides by the spacer. This prevents each empty paper tube remaining in the paper tube transport path from being in a position where it is not properly guided to the stocker via the guide, and makes it possible to replenish the empty paper tubes to the stocker more reliably.

[0015] The paper tube replenishment device of the present invention preferably further comprises a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached, and which is movable and circulating in the direction of the arrangement in the paper tube movement path.

[0016] In the case of simply using spacers, after the empty paper tubes moving along the paper tube transport path are replenished in the stocker, the spacers remain in the paper tube transport path. The spacers remaining in the paper tube transport path must be collected by the worker, which is an added burden. According to the present invention, multiple spacers are attached to a belt that is movable and circulating in the direction of arrangement within the paper tube transport path. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for the worker to collect the spacers remaining in the paper tube transport path, thus reducing the workload for the worker.

[0017] The paper tube replenishment device of the present invention preferably further comprises an automatic empty paper tube feeding device capable of automatically feeding empty paper tubes from the replenishment opening into the paper tube movement path.

[0018] According to the present invention, compared with the case where an operator manually inserts an empty paper tube into the paper tube moving path, the labor of the operator can be reduced and the working time can be shortened.

[0019] In the paper tube replenishing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the replenishing port is provided only at one end of the paper tube moving path in the arrangement direction.

[0020] According to the present invention, since the empty paper tube may be replenished from the replenishing port provided only at one end of the paper tube moving path, compared with the case where the empty paper tube is replenished from each of the replenishing ports provided at both ends of the paper tube moving path, the replenishment of the empty paper tube to the paper tube moving path becomes easy.

[0021] In the paper tube replenishing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the empty paper tube in the paper tube moving path moves in the arrangement direction by being pushed by the newly replenished empty paper tube from the replenishing port into the paper tube moving path.

[0022] According to the present invention, the empty paper tube replenished by the operator into the paper tube moving path pushes the adjacent empty paper tube, thereby moving the empty paper tube in the arrangement direction. Therefore, without installing a device for moving the empty paper tube in the paper tube moving path in the arrangement direction, the empty paper tube can be moved in the arrangement direction. As a result, a complicated configuration is not required for the entire device, and cost reduction of the device can be achieved.

[0023] In the paper tube replenishing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the paper tube moving path has a conveying device for conveying the empty paper tube in the arrangement direction.

[0024] According to the present invention, the empty paper tube in the paper tube moving path can be conveyed in the arrangement direction by the conveying device. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to manually push the empty paper tube, and the labor of the operator can be reduced.

[0025] In the paper tube replenishing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the paper tube moving path is connected to both end portions of the support surface in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and has a wall portion whose height is longer than the diameter of the empty paper tube.

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an empty paper tube moving along the paper tube moving path from falling out to the outside, and it is possible to surely replenish each stocker with the empty paper tube.

[0027] In the paper tube replenishing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the paper tube moving path extends along the arrangement direction and has a ceiling portion connecting the wall portions on both sides.

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to surely prevent an empty paper tube moving along the paper tube moving path from falling out to the outside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a side view of the false twisting machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a view seen from the II direction of FIG. 1 and is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the winding unit. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the winding unit. [Figure 4] It is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the false twisting machine. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the winding unit according to a modification.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] (Overall Configuration of False Twisting Machine 1) FIG. 1 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the false twisting machine 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view seen from the II direction of FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 1 is taken as the longitudinal direction of the machine base, and the left-right direction of the paper surface is taken as the width direction of the machine base. The direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the machine base is taken as the vertical direction (vertical direction) in which gravity acts. Hereinafter, the above direction terms will be appropriately used for explanation.

[0032] The false twisting machine 1 is configured to perform false twisting on yarn Y made of synthetic fibers such as nylon (polyamide fiber). The false twisting machine 1 comprises a yarn supply unit 2 for supplying yarn Y, a processing unit 3 for false twisting the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supply unit 2, a winding unit 4 for winding the yarn Y processed by the processing unit 3 onto an empty bobbin (empty paper tube of the present invention) to form a winding bobbin Bw, and a control unit 40 (see Figure 5). The various components (described later) of the yarn supply unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4 are arranged in multiples in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, perpendicular to the yarn running surface (plane of paper in Figure 1) where the yarn path from the yarn supply unit 2 through the processing unit 3 to the winding unit 4 is located.

[0033] The yarn feeding section 2 has a creel stand 7 that holds multiple yarn feeding packages Ps and supplies multiple yarns Y to the processing section 3. The processing section 3 is configured with the following components arranged in order from the upstream side in the yarn travel direction: a first feed roller 11, a twisting guide 12, a first heating device 13, a cooling device 14, a false twist device 15, a second feed roller 16, an entanglement device 17, a third feed roller 18, a second heating device 19, and a fourth feed roller 20. The winding section 4 winds the yarn Y, which has been false twisted in the processing section 3, onto a winding bobbin Bw using a winding device 21 to form a winding package Pw.

[0034] Furthermore, the false twisting machine 1 has a main machine base 8 and a winding base 9 that are spaced apart in the width direction of the machine base. The main machine base 8 and the winding base 9 extend to approximately the same length in the longitudinal direction of the machine base and are arranged to face each other. The upper part of the main machine base 8 and the upper part of the winding base 9 are connected by a support frame 10. Each device constituting the processing section 3 is mainly attached to the main machine base 8 and the support frame 10. The main machine base 8, the winding base 9 and the support frame 10 form a workspace 22 for the operator to perform tasks such as threading on each device. The thread path is formed so that the thread Y mainly travels around the workspace 22.

[0035] The false twisting machine 1 has a unit called a span, which includes a pair of main machine bases 8 and winding bases 9 arranged opposite each other. In one span, the devices are arranged so that false twisting can be performed simultaneously on multiple yarns Y running in a line along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. As an example, the winding base 9 included in one span is equipped with a total of 12 winding devices 21 in 3 rows and 4 columns (see Figure 2). A support frame 10 is also present between two adjacent spans. In this embodiment, the distance between two winding devices 21 adjacent in the longitudinal direction of the machine base in one span is the same as the distance between two winding devices 21 adjacent across the support frame 10 in two adjacent spans in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The false twisting machine 1 is configured such that these spans are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the paper with respect to the center line C in the width direction of the main machine base 8 (the main machine base 8 is common to both the left and right spans), and multiple spans are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0036] (Configuration of the processing section) Next, the components of the processing unit 3 will be described. The first feed roller 11 is for sending the yarn Y supplied from the yarn feeding unit 2 to the first heating device 13. The first feed roller 11 is located above the winding table 9 (see Figure 1). The first feed rollers 11 are arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the machine table.

[0037] The twist-stopping guide 12 is designed to prevent the twist applied to the yarn Y by the false twisting device 15 (described later) from propagating upstream of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn travel direction. The twist-stopping guide 12 is located downstream of the first feed roller 11 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction. The twist-stopping guide 12 is provided individually for each of the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn feeding section 2 and is arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame.

[0038] The first heating device 13 is for heating the yarn Y sent from the first feed roller 11 and is installed on the support frame 10 (see Figure 1). Multiple first heating devices 13 are provided for each of the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn feeding section 2 and are arranged in a single row in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0039] The cooling device 14 is for cooling the yarn Y heated by the first heating device 13. The cooling device 14 is located downstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn travel direction and upstream of the false twisting device 15 in the yarn travel direction. Multiple cooling devices 14 are provided for each of the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn feeding unit 2, and are arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame.

[0040] The false twisting device 15 is a device for imparting twist to the yarn Y. The false twisting device 15 is located immediately downstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn running direction. Multiple false twisting devices 15 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. For example, 12 false twisting devices 15 are provided per span.

[0041] The second feed roller 16 is a roller that feeds the yarn Y, which has been twisted by the false twisting device 15, toward the entanglement device 17. The second feed roller 16 is located on the main machine base 8 downstream of the false twisting device 15 in the yarn travel direction. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16 is faster than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11. Therefore, the yarn Y is stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16.

[0042] The entanglement device 17 is a device that induces entanglement in the yarn Y by spraying air onto it. The entanglement device 17 is located below the second feed roller 16 on the main machine base 8.

[0043] The third feed roller 18 is a roller that feeds the yarn Y, which has been entangled by the entanglement device 17, toward the second heating device 19. The third feed roller 18 is located below the entanglement device 17 on the main machine base 8. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18 is slower than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16. As a result, the yarn Y is loosened between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18.

[0044] The second heating device 19 is a device for heating the yarn Y that has been fed from the third feed roller 18. The second heating device 19 is located below the third feed roller 18 on the main machine base 8. The second heating device 19 extends along the vertical direction, with one device provided in each span.

[0045] The fourth feed roller 20 is a roller that feeds the yarn Y, which has been heat-treated by the second heating device 19, toward the winding device 21. The fourth feed roller 20 is located at the bottom of the winding table 9. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the fourth feed roller 20 is slower than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18. As a result, the yarn Y is loosened between the third feed roller 18 and the fourth feed roller 20.

[0046] In the processing unit 3 configured as described above, the yarn Y, which is stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16, is twisted by the false twisting device 15. The twist formed by the false twisting device 15 propagates to the twist-stopping guide 12, but does not propagate upstream of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The yarn Y, which has been stretched and twisted, is heated and heat-set in the first heating device 13, and then cooled in the cooling device 14. Downstream from the false twisting device 15, the yarn Y is untwisted, but the heat-setting described above maintains the state in which each filament is falsely twisted in a wavy pattern. The yarn Y, which has been false-twisted by the false twisting device 15, is relaxed between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18, and is then entangled by the entanglement device 17 and guided downstream in the yarn running direction. Furthermore, the yarn Y is relaxed between the third feed roller 18 and the fourth feed roller 20, and is then heat-set in the second heating device 19. Finally, the yarn Y fed from the fourth feed roller 20 is wound up by the winding device 21 to form a winding package Pw.

[0047] (Configuration of the winding section 4) Next, the configuration of the winding section 4 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the winding section 4, and is a view of the winding section 4 from the longitudinal direction of the machine base. As shown in Figure 3, the winding section 4 has multiple winding units 30, each having a winding device 21, a stocker 23, and a storage section 24, arranged in the longitudinal direction of the machine base and in multiple rows. As shown in Figure 2, a total of 12 winding units 30 are provided on one winding table 9 in four rows along the longitudinal direction of the machine base and in three rows vertically.

[0048] The winding device 21 is a device for winding yarn Y onto a winding bobbin Bw to form a winding package Pw. The winding device 21 has a single cradle 31 that rotatably supports the winding bobbin Bw. The winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle 31 is rotationally driven, for example, by a motor (not shown). The winding device 21 winds yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw by rotationally driving the winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle 31 to form a winding package Pw. The cradle 31 is also rotatable around a rotation axis 31a that extends in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0049] Each stocker 23 is capable of storing empty bobbins Bw (empty paper tubes) that are supplied to the winding device 21. An empty bobbin Bw is an empty winding bobbin Bw that has not had any yarn Y wound onto it. The stocker 23 has a bottom surface for supporting the empty bobbins Bw from below, and side walls provided on both sides of the machine frame longitudinal direction of the empty bobbin Bw placed on the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the stocker 23 is inclined downward toward the side where the winding device 21 is located in the machine frame width direction. The empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 move along the downward-inclined bottom surface toward the side where the winding device 21 is located in the machine frame width direction. Furthermore, a restricting member (not shown) is placed at the front end of the stocker 23 on the side where the winding device 21 is located in the machine frame width direction. The empty bobbins Bw moving along the bottom surface of the stocker 23 are prevented from falling from the front end of the stocker 23 toward the winding device 21 by coming into contact with the restricting member (not shown). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stocker 23 can store up to four empty bobbins Bw.

[0050] The supply of empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 to the winding device 21 is performed, for example, as follows. First, the cradle 31 rotates around the rotation axis 31a, moving the part of the cradle 31 capable of supporting the winding bobbins Bw to near the tip of the stocker 23 on the side where the winding device 21 is located in the machine width direction. Next, the restriction of the regulating member provided in the stocker 23 is released, and the empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 are supported by the cradle 31. Then, the cradle 31 rotates around the rotation axis 31a to return to the winding position of the yarn Y by the winding device 21, and the restriction of the regulating member of the stocker 23 is re-established. In this way, the empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 are supplied to the winding device 21.

[0051] The cradle 31 may be fixed and not rotatable. In this case, the stocker 23 is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The rotation of the stocker 23 relative to the fixed cradle 31 allows the empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 to be supplied to the winding device 21.

[0052] The storage section 24 stores fully wound winding packages Pw formed by the winding device 21. When a winding package Pw is fully wound, the winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle 31 is removed from the winding device 21 by the rotation of the cradle 31 around a rotation axis which is in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, and supplied to the storage section 24. For example, the storage section 24 can store up to 3 winding packages Pw. In cases such as when the thread Y breaks during winding by the winding device 21, the winding package Pw may be supplied to the storage section 24 even if it is not fully wound.

[0053] (Electrical configuration) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the false twisting machine 1. The control unit 40 controls the operation of each component of the yarn feeding unit 2, processing unit 3, and winding unit 4. In Figure 5, for the sake of space, the control unit 40 is shown connected to one of the multiple first stopper units 52 (described later) and multiple second stopper units 53 (described later), but in reality, it is also connected to the other first stopper units 52 and second stopper units 53.

[0054] (Configuration of the paper tube replenishment device 50) Next, the configuration of the paper tube replenishment device 50 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2, showing the configuration of the winding section 4 where the paper tube replenishment device 50 is installed, as viewed from above. Note that for illustrative purposes, Figure 4 shows a paper tube replenishment device 50 installed on one winding table 9, but in reality, one paper tube replenishment device 50 is installed across multiple winding tables 9.

[0055] The paper tube replenishment device 50 is a device for replenishing empty bobbins Bw to each of the multiple stockers 23. As shown in Figure 4, the paper tube replenishment device 50 includes a paper tube transport path 51, multiple first stopper sections 52, multiple second stopper sections 53, multiple spacers 54, and a belt 55.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the paper tube transport path 51 is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple winding units 30. In other words, in this embodiment, the paper tube transport path 51 is provided in three stages in the vertical direction. The paper tube transport path 51 is cylindrical in shape and extends along the longitudinal direction (arrangement direction) of the machine base. Multiple empty bobbins Bw can move within the cylindrical paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The lower inner surface of the cylindrical paper tube transport path 51 is a support surface 51a that supports the empty bobbins Bw from below. Also, as shown in Figure 2, when viewed from the width direction of the machine base, the paper tube transport path 51 is configured to encompass all the stockers 23 along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Furthermore, the end of the paper tube transport path 51 opposite to the side where the replenishment port 61 (described later) is provided in the longitudinal direction of the machine base is closed. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion of the paper tube transport path 51 encompasses the wall portion and the ceiling portion of the present invention.

[0057] Each paper tube transport path 51 has a replenishment opening 61 and a plurality of guide sections 62. The replenishment opening 61 is for replenishing empty bobbins Bw inside the paper tube transport path 51. The replenishment opening 61 is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. In this embodiment, the replenishment opening 61 is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path 51 that is at the upper end of the paper in Figure 4.

[0058] The guide section 62 is for guiding empty bobbins Bw moving in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame inside the paper tube transport path 51 to each stocker 23. In this embodiment, the guide section 62 is a plurality of openings formed on the side of the paper tube transport path 51 at positions corresponding to each stocker 23. Each guide section 62 and each stocker 23 overlap in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame when viewed from the machine frame width direction. The paper tube transport path 51 and each stocker 23 are connected at the positions where each guide section 62 is formed. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the guide section 62 opens toward the side where the stocker 23 is located in the machine frame width direction. In addition, the guide section 62 opens with a slight downward inclination toward the stocker 23 from the paper tube transport path 51. Empty bobbins Bw located at positions corresponding to the guide section 62 in the paper tube transport path 51 move toward the stocker 23 through the downward inclined guide section 62 without external force in the machine frame width direction.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple first stopper sections 52 are plate-shaped members extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine base and are provided at positions corresponding to each guide section 62 on the side of the paper tube movement path 51. The first stopper section 52 is switchable between an allowable state (shown by the dotted line in Figure 4) that allows the empty bobbin Bw to move from the paper tube movement path 51 through the guide section 62 to the stocker 23, and a restrictive state (shown by the solid and shaded lines in Figure 4) that restricts the empty bobbin Bw to move from the paper tube movement path 51 through the guide section 62 to the stocker 23. The first stopper section 52 can be switched between the allowable state and the restrictive state by being driven by a motor (not shown). The driving of the first stopper section 52 is controlled by the control unit 40. Note that the drive source for the first stopper section 52 is not limited to a motor. For example, the first stopper section 52 may be driven by air (pneumatics).

[0060] In the permissive state, the first stopper portion 52 opens the guide portion 62 formed on the side of the paper tube transport path 51. When the first stopper portion 52 is in the permissive state, an empty bobbin Bw located at a position corresponding to the guide portion 62 of the paper tube transport path 51 moves to the stocker 23 through the guide portion 62 which tilts downward and opens. In the restrictive state, the first stopper portion 52 closes part or all of the guide portion 62 formed on the side of the paper tube transport path 51. When the first stopper portion 52 is in the restrictive state, the empty bobbin Bw of the paper tube transport path 51 is restricted from moving to the stocker 23 through the guide portion 62. The first stopper portion 52 can be switched between the permissive state and the restrictive state by moving vertically, and the first stopper portion 52 in the permissive state is located above the first stopper portion 52 in the restrictive state. The first stopper portion 52 in the permissive state may be located below the first stopper portion 52 in the restrictive state. Furthermore, the first stopper portion 52 may be switchable between an allowable state and a restricted state by moving in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Alternatively, the first stopper portion 52 may be a door configuration that allows switching between an allowable state and a restricted state by rotating with a pivot point in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, the width direction of the machine base, or the vertical direction.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the multiple second stopper portions 53 are provided at positions corresponding to each guide portion 62 of the paper tube movement path 51. The second stopper portion 53 is a disc-shaped member with a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as that of the paper tube movement path 51. When viewed from above, the second stopper portion 53 extends in the machine width direction, penetrating the inside of the paper tube movement path 51, from the position of the open end of the guide portion 62, opposite to the replenishment port 61 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0062] The second stopper section 53 is switchable between a permissive state (shown by the dotted line in Figure 4) that allows the empty bobbin Bw to move along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame inside the paper tube transport path 51, and a guiding state (shown by the solid and shaded lines in Figure 4) that guides the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 via the guide section 62. When the second stopper section 53 is in the guiding state, the empty bobbin Bw is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper section 53 along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. The second stopper section 53 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can be switched between the permissive state and the guiding state. The drive of the second stopper section 53 is controlled by the control section 40. Note that the drive source for the second stopper section 53 is not limited to a motor. For example, the second stopper section 53 may be driven by air (pneumatics).

[0063] The second stopper portion 53 is movable between the inside and outside of the paper tube transport path 51 through a slit (not shown) formed in the paper tube transport path 51. In the permissible state, the second stopper portion 53 is located outside the paper tube transport path 51, opening the inside of the paper tube transport path 51 along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. In the guiding state, the second stopper portion 53 is located inside the paper tube transport path 51, closing the inside of the paper tube transport path 51 along the longitudinal direction of the machine base and forming a path for guiding the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 via the guide portion 62. Thus, the second stopper portion 53 can be switched between the permissible state and the guiding state by moving in the vertical direction, and the second stopper portion 53 in the permissible state is located above the second stopper portion 53 in the guiding state. The second stopper portion 53 in the permissible state may be located below the second stopper portion 53 in the guiding state. Furthermore, the second stopper portion 53 may be switchable between an allowable state and a guided state by moving in the machine width direction.

[0064] The spacer 54 is a member that makes the distance between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame the same as the distance between adjacent guide sections 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame in the paper tube transport path 51. In this embodiment, the multiple spacers 54 and the second stopper section 53 in the guide state do not interfere with each other. For example, a notch is formed below the second stopper section 53. Each spacer 54 is positioned in the portion of the second stopper section 53 in the guide state in which the notch is formed. Here, "making the distance between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame the same as the distance between adjacent guide sections 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame" means that the distance between the center of gravity of one empty bobbin Bw and the center of gravity of an adjacent empty bobbin Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame is the same as the distance between the center of gravity of one guide section 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame and the center of gravity of an adjacent guide section 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame.

[0065] The belt 55 has multiple spacers 54 attached at equal intervals and is movable and circulating in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame within the paper tube transport path 51. The belt 55 is an annular belt and, as shown in Figure 4, travels along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame on the inside and outside of the machine frame width direction within the paper tube transport path 51. In this embodiment, the belt 55 does not have a power source. The multiple spacers 54 are movable integrally with the belt 55 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. The belt 55 and the second stopper portion 53 in the guided state are configured not to interfere with each other. For example, the belt 55 is positioned in the portion of the second stopper portion 53 in the guided state where a notch is formed. The belt 55 may also travel along the longitudinal direction of the machine frame on the inside and outside of the paper tube transport path 51 in the vertical direction.

[0066] The following describes a series of operations in this embodiment when empty bobbins Bw are replenished in the stocker 23 by the paper tube replenishment device 50. First, the operator visually determines which stocker 23 is the target for empty bobbin Bw replenishment. For example, as shown in Figure 4, when there are two empty bobbins Bw stored in the third stocker 23 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the third stocker 23) from the side where the replenishment port 61 in the longitudinal direction of the machine is provided, that stocker 23 becomes the target for empty bobbin Bw replenishment. The operator may freely decide how many empty bobbins Bw stored in a stocker 23 will be used to determine which stocker 23 is the target for empty bobbin Bw replenishment. The operator inputs information about the stocker 23 that is the target for empty bobbin Bw replenishment into a work terminal (not shown). The information input into the work terminal is transmitted to the control unit 40.

[0067] Next, the control unit 40 controls the switching of the states of the first stopper unit 52 and the second stopper unit 53 based on the signal. For example, if the third stocker 23 is to be refilled with an empty bobbin Bw, the control unit 40 controls the switching so that the first stopper unit 52 corresponding to the third stocker 23 is in the allow state and the other first stopper units 52 are in the restrict state. The control unit 40 also controls the switching so that the second stopper unit 53 corresponding to the third stocker 23 is in the guide state and the other second stopper units 53 are in the allow state. Note that the switching of the states of the first stopper unit 52 and the second stopper unit 53 by the control unit 40 may be performed based on an electrical signal input by the operator pressing a button provided near the refill opening 61.

[0068] Next, empty bobbins Bw are replenished by an operator from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transport path 51. At this time, the empty bobbins Bw are placed between adjacent spacers 54. Multiple empty bobbins Bw are sequentially replenished into the paper tube transport path 51. The empty bobbins Bw inside the paper tube transport path 51 are pushed via the spacers 54 by the newly replenished empty bobbins Bw from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transport path 51, causing them to move in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. At this time, the empty bobbins Bw move in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame together with the spacers 54 and the belt 55.

[0069] Then, as the empty bobbin Bw moves along the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, when it reaches the position corresponding to the third stocker 23 that is to be replenished, it is replenished into the stocker 23 via the guide part 62 corresponding to the first stopper part 52 which is in the allowable state, by the second stopper part 53 which is in the guide state. When the number of empty bobbins Bw stored in the third stocker 23 reaches the maximum number of 4, the control unit 40 controls the switching so that the first stopper part 52 corresponding to the third stocker 23 becomes restricted and the second stopper part 53 corresponding to the third stocker 23 becomes allowable. After that, the replenishment of empty bobbins Bw stops until a stocker 23 that is to be replenished becomes available. When a stocker 23 that is to be replenished becomes available, the above series of operations is performed.

[0070] (effect) The paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment is provided in multiple stages corresponding to multiple winding units 30, extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine base, and has a paper tube transport path 51 on which empty bobbins Bw to be replenished in multiple stockers 23 can move in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The paper tube transport path 51 extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine base and has a support surface 51a that supports the empty bobbins Bw from below, a replenishment port 61 provided at the end of the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base for replenishing empty bobbins Bw, and a plurality of guide parts 62 for guiding the empty bobbins Bw moving in the longitudinal direction of the machine base to each of the plurality of stockers 23. With the above configuration, the empty bobbins Bw replenished in the paper tube transport path 51 from the replenishment port 61 move along the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The empty bobbins Bw moving in the longitudinal direction of the machine base are then sent to each stocker 23 via the plurality of guide parts 62. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for workers to move to each stocker 23 to replenish empty bobbins Bw. This allows for efficient replenishment of empty bobbins Bw to each stocker 23 provided in the multiple winding units 30 of the false twisting machine 1.

[0071] The paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment has a plurality of first stopper parts 52 provided at positions corresponding to each guide part 62 of the paper tube movement path 51. The first stopper parts 52 can be switched between an allow state, which permits empty bobbins Bw to move from the paper tube movement path 51 to the stocker 23 via the guide part 62, and a restrictive state, which restricts the movement of empty bobbins Bw from the paper tube movement path 51 to the stocker 23 via the guide part 62. In the above configuration, the first stopper parts 52 corresponding to the guide part 62 that guides empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23 that is to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw can be set to the allow state, and the first stopper parts 52 corresponding to the guide part 62 that guides empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23 that is not to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw can be set to the restrictive state. This makes it possible to selectively replenish empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23 that is to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw from among the plurality of stockers 23.

[0072] The paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment has a plurality of second stopper parts 53 provided at positions corresponding to each guide part 62 of the paper tube movement path 51. The second stopper parts 53 can be switched between a permissive state that allows the empty bobbin Bw to move along the paper tube movement path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base and a guiding state that guides the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 via the guide part 62. When the second stopper part 53 is in the guiding state, the empty bobbin Bw is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper part 53 along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. With the above configuration, by setting the second stopper part 53 corresponding to the guide part 62 that guides the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 which is the target of replenishment of the empty bobbin Bw to the guiding state, it is possible to restrict the empty bobbin Bw from moving beyond the second stopper part 53 along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the empty bobbin Bw from moving along the paper tube movement path 51 to a position corresponding to a stocker 23 which is not the target of replenishment. Then, the second stopper section 53, which is in a guiding state, can properly guide the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 that is to be refilled. This allows the empty bobbin Bw to be properly refilled into the target stocker 23.

[0073] The paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment has a plurality of spacers 54 that make the distance between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base the same as the distance between adjacent guide sections 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base in the paper tube movement path 51. In this embodiment, the other end of the paper tube movement path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base (the end opposite to the side where the replenishment opening 61 is provided) is closed. Alternatively, any position of the paper tube movement path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base is blocked by the second stopper section 53 in the guide state. In such a case, of the plurality of empty bobbins Bw moving along the paper tube movement path 51, those that have not been replenished to the stocker 23 are sent to the one end of the paper tube movement path 51 or to the position of the second stopper section 53 in the guide state and remain in the paper tube movement path 51. When multiple empty bobbins Bw remain in the paper tube transport path 51, and replenishment of empty bobbins Bw is to be performed in any of the stockers 23, one of the empty bobbins Bw remaining in the paper tube transport path 51 will be replenished in the stocker 23. However, when multiple empty bobbins Bw move simultaneously in the paper tube transport path 51, the spacing between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the alignment direction may become narrow. This could lead to an empty bobbin Bw remaining in the paper tube transport path 51 being in a position where it is not properly guided to the stocker 23 via the guide section 62. In this embodiment, the spacer 54 makes it possible to make the spacing between adjacent empty bobbins Bw the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections 62. This prevents each empty bobbin Bw remaining in the paper tube transport path 51 from being in a position where it is not properly guided to the stocker 23 via the guide section 62, and ensures more reliable replenishment of empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23.

[0074] Furthermore, the paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment has a belt 55 to which multiple spacers 54 are attached and which is movable and circulating in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame in the paper tube movement path 51. If spacers 54 are simply provided, the spacers 54 will remain in the paper tube movement path 51 after the empty bobbins Bw moving in the paper tube movement path 51 are replenished in the stocker 23. The spacers 54 remaining in the paper tube movement path 51 must be collected by the operator, which is an extra task for the operator. With the above configuration, multiple spacers 54 are attached to a belt 55 which is movable and circulating in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame in the paper tube movement path 51. Therefore, it is not necessary for the operator to collect the spacers 54 remaining in the paper tube movement path 51, thus reducing the operator's workload.

[0075] In the paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment, the replenishment port 61 is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame. With this configuration, since empty bobbins Bw only need to be replenished from the replenishment port 61 provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path 51, it is easier to replenish empty bobbins Bw to the paper tube transport path 51 compared to when empty bobbins Bw are replenished from both ends of the paper tube transport path 51.

[0076] In the paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment, empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path are pushed by newly replenished empty bobbins Bw from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transport path 51, thereby moving in the longitudinal direction of the machine. With this configuration, empty bobbins Bw replenished into the paper tube transport path 51 by an operator push adjacent empty bobbins Bw, thereby moving the empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine. Therefore, empty bobbins Bw can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the machine without installing a device to move the empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path 51 in the longitudinal direction of the machine. As a result, a complex configuration for the entire device is unnecessary, and the cost of the device can be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, in the paper tube replenishment device 50 of this embodiment, the paper tube movement path 51 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. With the above configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent empty bobbins Bw moving along the paper tube movement path 51 from falling out of the paper tube movement path 51, and to reliably replenish each stocker 23 with empty bobbins Bw.

[0078] (modified version) The following describes modified versions of the above embodiment. However, components having the same configuration as the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0079] In the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the paper tube replenishment device 150 may have an automatic empty paper tube feeding device 70 that can automatically feed empty bobbins Bw from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transfer path 51. For example, the automatic empty paper tube feeding device 70 has a paper tube tank 71, a paper tube path 72, and an automatic feeding device 73. The paper tube tank 71 can store a large number of empty bobbins Bw. The paper tube path 72 is connected to three replenishment ports 61 of the three-tiered paper tube transfer path 51. The automatic feeding device 73 automatically feeds the empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube path 72 into the paper tube transfer path 51 via the replenishment port 61. The automatic feeding device 73 is composed of, for example, an air cylinder. The empty bobbins Bw stored in the paper tube tank 71 are sent downward through the paper tube path 72. At this time, the orientation of each empty bobbin Bw is aligned so that its axial direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Of the empty bobbins Bw sent downward through the paper tube path 72, those located at the position corresponding to the replenishment port 61 are automatically fed into the paper tube movement path 51 by the automatic feeding device 73. The connection between the paper tube path 72 and the replenishment port 61 is tapered, and the empty bobbins Bw pushed by the automatic feeding device 73, which is an air cylinder, are guided along the tapered surface to the replenishment port 61. This configuration reduces the effort required by the worker and shortens the working time compared to when the worker manually feeds the empty bobbins Bw into the paper tube movement path 51. The paper tube replenishment device 150 may also have a positioning plate located inside the paper tube path 72 that positions the empty bobbins Bw at a height that allows them to be replenished into the replenishment port 61. The positioning plate is movable between a positioning position for positioning the empty bobbins Bw and a retracted position that does not interfere with the downward movement of the empty bobbins Bw. The empty bobbin Bw, positioned by the positioning plate at the positioning location, is pushed by the automatic feeding device 73, which is an air cylinder, and replenished into the paper tube transport path 51 through the replenishment port 61.

[0080] Furthermore, the automatic empty paper tube feeding device is not limited to the example shown in Figure 6; for example, it may be a device that can automatically feed empty bobbins Bw from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transport path 51 using a robotic arm or the like.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path 51 move in the longitudinal direction of the machine base by being pushed by newly replenished empty bobbins Bw from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transport path 51. However, the paper tube transport path 51 may also have a transport device that transports the empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The transport device may be, for example, a conveyor provided on the bottom surface of the paper tube transport path 51. The empty bobbins Bw placed on the conveyor are transported in the longitudinal direction of the machine base by the drive of the conveyor. Alternatively, the transport device may push the empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base by air from the end of the paper tube transport path 51 on the side where the replenishment port 61 is provided. Furthermore, the transport device may suck the empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base by air from the end of the paper tube transport path 51 opposite to the side where the replenishment port 61 is provided. With these configurations, the empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path 51 can be transported in the longitudinal direction of the machine base by the transport device. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary for workers to manually push in empty bobbins Bw, reducing the workload for the workers.

[0082] Furthermore, if the paper tube transport path 51 has a conveyor as a transport device for transporting empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, multiple spacers 54 may be attached to the conveyor. In this case, the conveyor corresponds to the belt of the present invention.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the paper tube transport path 51 is cylindrical in shape and extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine base. However, the paper tube transport path 51 may also be configured to be open on the top and have a semicircular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Furthermore, the paper tube transport path 51 may be a flat plate-shaped member, or a flat plate-shaped member with side walls provided on both sides in the machine base width direction.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the stocker 23 to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw is determined by the operator's visual inspection. However, the stocker 23 to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw may also be determined by a sensor installed in the stocker 23. For example, when the sensor recognizes that the number of empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker 23 has decreased, the stocker 23 is determined to be the one to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw. In this case, a signal containing information about the stocker 23 to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw is transmitted from the sensor to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 then automatically controls the switching of the states of the first stopper unit 52 and the second stopper unit 53 based on this signal. Note that the switching of the states of the first stopper unit 52 and the second stopper unit 53 by the control unit 40 may be performed based on an electrical signal input by the operator pressing a button located near the replenishment opening 61.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the paper tube transport path 51 and each stocker 23 are connected at the position where each guide portion 62 is formed. However, the paper tube transport path 51 and each stocker 23 may not be connected, and there may be a gap between the paper tube transport path 51 and the stocker 23. In this case, the guide portion 62 includes an opening formed in the paper tube transport path 51 and a passage connecting the paper tube transport path 51 and the stocker 23.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the paper tube replenishment device 50 has a belt 55 to which a plurality of spacers 54 are attached. However, the paper tube replenishment device 50 does not have to have a belt 55. In this case, each independent spacer 54 is placed between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path 51. In this case, the spacers 54 remaining in the paper tube transport path 51 are collected by the operator as appropriate. Also, the paper tube replenishment device 50 does not have to have spacers 54. In this case, it is preferable that a conveyor is provided on the bottom surface of the paper tube transport path 51. By adjusting the position of the empty bobbins Bw placed on the conveyor, the distance between adjacent empty bobbins Bw in the longitudinal direction of the machine base in the paper tube transport path 51 can be made to be the same as the distance between adjacent guides 62 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the paper tube replenishment device 50 has a plurality of first stopper parts 52 and a plurality of second stopper parts 53. However, the paper tube replenishment device 50 may have only one of the first stopper parts 52 and the second stopper parts 53. If only the first stopper parts 52 are provided among the first stopper parts 52 and the second stopper parts 53, the empty bobbins Bw replenished from the replenishment opening 61 into the paper tube movement path 51 are replenished into the stocker 23 corresponding to the first stopper part 52 in an allowable state, and not into the stocker 23 corresponding to the first stopper part 52 in a restricted state. In this case, it is preferable that a conveyor is provided on the bottom surface of the paper tube movement path 51. When the empty bobbins Bw moving along the paper tube movement path 51 reach a position corresponding to the guide part 62 that guides the empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23 to be replenished, the operation of the conveyor is stopped, thereby appropriately guiding the empty bobbins Bw to the stocker 23.

[0088] If only the second stopper section 53 of the first stopper section 52 and the second stopper section 53 is present, the empty bobbins Bw replenished into the paper tube transport path 51 from the replenishment port 61 are replenished into the stocker 23 corresponding to the second stopper section 53 in the guided state and into the stocker 23 located on the replenishment port 61 side in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, which is further than the stocker 23. If only the second stopper section 53 is present, the empty bobbins Bw replenished into the paper tube transport path 51 from the replenishment port 61 are not replenished into the stocker 23 located on the opposite side of the replenishment port 61 in the longitudinal direction of the machine base, which is further than the stocker 23 corresponding to the second stopper section 53 in the guided state. In this case, it is preferable that an extrusion mechanism is provided in the paper tube transport path 51 to push the empty bobbins Bw in the paper tube transport path 51 toward the stocker 23. Empty bobbins Bw that have reached the position of the second stopper section 53 in the guided state are pushed toward the stocker 23 by the extrusion mechanism and replenished into the stocker 23. In a configuration with an extrusion mechanism, a movement prevention member may be provided in the paper tube transport path 51 to restrict the empty bobbin Bw of the paper tube transport path 51 from moving naturally through the guide section 62 which is tilted downward and opens to the stocker 23. The empty bobbin Bw pushed out by the extrusion mechanism goes over the movement prevention member and reaches the stocker 23.

[0089] Furthermore, in cases where only the second stopper portion 53 of the first stopper portion 52 and the second stopper portion 53 is provided, the guide portion 62 may be switchable between an upward state in which it opens upward and a downward state in which it tilts downward and opens toward the stocker 23. In this case, when an empty bobbin Bw moving along the paper tube transport path 51 reaches a position corresponding to the guide portion 62 that guides the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 which is to be replenished, the guide portion 62 becomes the downward state. As a result, the empty bobbin Bw in the paper tube transport path 51 moves to the stocker 23 through the guide portion 62. When an empty bobbin Bw moving along the paper tube transport path 51 is at a position corresponding to the guide portion 62 that guides the empty bobbin Bw to the stocker 23 which is not to be replenished, the guide portion 62 is in the upward state. As a result, the empty bobbin Bw cannot move to the stocker 23 through the guide portion 62. The switching between the upward and downward positions is performed, for example, by the rotation of the paper tube transport path 51 around a rotation axis that is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the machine frame.

[0090] Furthermore, in the present invention, the paper tube replenishment device 50 may be configured without having either the first stopper section 52 or the second stopper section 53. In this case, when there are multiple stockers 23 to be replenished with empty bobbins Bw, the empty bobbins Bw replenished from the replenishment port 61 into the paper tube transfer path 51 are replenished in order from the stocker 23 closest to the replenishment port 61. Also, in this case, for a stocker 23 that has stored the maximum number of empty bobbins Bw, the replenishment of new empty bobbins Bw to that stocker 23 is inhibited by the last empty bobbin Bw stored in that stocker 23. For example, for a stocker 23 with a maximum storage capacity of 4 empty bobbins Bw, if 4 empty bobbins Bw are stored in that stocker 23, the replenishment of new empty bobbins Bw to that stocker 23 is inhibited by the 4th empty bobbin Bw stored in that stocker 23.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the paper tube movement path 51 is cylindrical. However, the paper tube movement path 51 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the paper tube movement path 51 may be trapezoidal or rectangular when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the machine base. Alternatively, the paper tube movement path 51 may have a support surface that extends along the longitudinal direction of the machine base and supports the empty bobbin Bw from below, and wall portions that extend along the longitudinal direction of the machine base and are connected to both ends of the support surface in the machine base width direction, with the upper side of the paper tube movement path 51 being open. In this case, it is preferable that the height of the wall portion in the vertical direction is longer than the diameter of the empty bobbin Bw. Specifically, the paper tube movement path 51 may be U-shaped, U-shaped, or W-shaped when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a winding table 9 included in one span is provided with a total of 12 winding devices 21 arranged in 3 rows and 4 columns. However, the winding devices 21 are not limited to the arrangement in the above embodiment. For example, a winding table 9 included in one span may be provided with a total of 16 winding devices 21 arranged in 4 rows and 4 columns, or with a total of 20 winding devices 21 arranged in 5 rows and 4 columns. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 False twisting machine 21 Winding device 23 Storage 30 winding units 50 Paper tube replenishment device 51 Paper tube moving path 51a Support surface 52. First stopper section 53. Second stopper section 54 Spacers 55 belt 61 Refill port 62 Information Department 70 Empty paper tube automatic loading device 150 Paper tube replenishment device Bw Empty bobbin (empty paper tube)

Claims

1. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, A plurality of first stopper sections are provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube transport path, It comprises a plurality of second stopper sections provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube movement path, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The first stopper is switchable between an allowable state, which permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker, and a restrictive state, which restricts the empty paper tube from moving from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker. The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. A paper tube replenishment device characterized in that, when the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction.

2. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, The paper tube transport path includes a plurality of spacers that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, A paper tube replenishment device characterized by having a plurality of guide parts for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers.

3. The paper tube movement path is further provided with a plurality of first stopper sections located at positions corresponding to each guide section, The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first stopper portion is switchable between an allowable state that permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide portion to the stocker, and a restrictive state that restricts the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide portion to the stocker.

4. The paper tube movement path is further provided with a plurality of second stopper sections located at positions corresponding to each guide section, The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction.

5. The paper tube movement path is further provided with a plurality of second stopper sections located at positions corresponding to each guide section, The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 3, characterized in that when the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction.

6. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 2, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube movement path in the direction of arrangement.

7. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 3, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

8. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 4, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

9. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 5, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

10. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, A plurality of first stopper sections are provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube transport path, It comprises a plurality of second stopper sections provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube movement path, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The replenishment port is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement. The first stopper is switchable between an allowable state, which permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker, and a restrictive state, which restricts the empty paper tube from moving from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker. The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. A paper tube replenishment device characterized in that, when the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction.

11. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, Multiple stages are provided corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers are provided with a paper tube movement path that moves in the direction of the arrangement, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The replenishment port is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement. A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

12. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, It comprises a plurality of first stopper parts provided at positions corresponding to each guide part of the paper tube movement path, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The replenishment port is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement. The first stopper is switchable between an allowable state, which permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker, and a restrictive state, which restricts the empty paper tube from moving from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker. A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

13. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, It comprises a plurality of second stopper sections provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube movement path, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The replenishment port is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement. The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. When the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction. A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

14. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of spacers that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the arrangement direction in the paper tube transport path the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the arrangement direction.

15. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 11, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube movement path in the direction of arrangement.

16. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 12, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

17. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 13, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

18. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 14, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

19. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, A plurality of first stopper sections are provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube transport path, It comprises a plurality of second stopper sections provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube movement path, The first stopper is switchable between an allowable state, which permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker, and a restrictive state, which restricts the empty paper tube from moving from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker. The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. When the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction. The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A paper tube replenishment device characterized by having wall portions connected to both ends of the support surface in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and having a height longer than the diameter of the empty paper tube.

20. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, Multiple stages are provided corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers are provided with a paper tube movement path that moves in the direction of the arrangement, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is It is connected to both ends of the support surface in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and has a wall portion whose height is longer than the diameter of the empty paper tube, A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

21. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, It comprises a plurality of first stopper parts provided at positions corresponding to each guide part of the paper tube movement path, The first stopper is switchable between an allowable state, which permits the empty paper tube to move from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker, and a restrictive state, which restricts the empty paper tube from moving from the paper tube movement path through the guide to the stocker. The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is It is connected to both ends of the support surface in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and has a wall portion whose height is longer than the diameter of the empty paper tube, A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

22. In a false twisting machine in which a plurality of winding units, each having a winding device and a stocker capable of storing empty paper tubes to be replenished in the winding device, are provided in a predetermined arrangement direction and in multiple stages, a paper tube replenishment device for replenishing the plurality of stockers with empty paper tubes, A paper tube transport path is provided in multiple stages corresponding to the multiple stages of the winding unit, extending along the direction of the arrangement, and allowing the empty paper tubes to be replenished in the multiple stockers to move in the direction of the arrangement, It comprises a plurality of second stopper sections provided at positions corresponding to each guide section of the paper tube movement path, The second stopper portion is switchable between a permissive state that allows the empty paper tube to move along the paper tube movement path in the arrangement direction and a guiding state that guides the empty paper tube to the stocker via the guide portion. When the second stopper is in the guiding state, the empty paper tube is restricted from moving beyond the second stopper along the arrangement direction. The aforementioned paper tube transport path is A support surface extending along the aforementioned arrangement direction and supporting the empty paper tube from below, A replenishment port for replenishing the empty paper tubes is provided at the end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement, It has a plurality of guides for guiding the empty paper tubes moving in the aforementioned arrangement direction to each of the plurality of stockers, The aforementioned paper tube transport path is It is connected to both ends of the support surface in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, and has a wall portion whose height is longer than the diameter of the empty paper tube, A paper tube replenishment device further comprising a plurality of spacers in the paper tube transport path that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement the same as the spacing between adjacent guide sections in the direction of arrangement.

23. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 19, further comprising a plurality of spacers that make the spacing between adjacent empty paper tubes in the arrangement direction in the paper tube transport path the same as the spacing between adjacent guide portions in the arrangement direction.

24. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 20, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of the arrangement.

25. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 21, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube movement path in the direction of arrangement.

26. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 22, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube movement path in the direction of arrangement.

27. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 23, further comprising a belt to which the plurality of spacers are attached and which is movable and circulating in the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

28. The paper tube replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising an automatic empty paper tube feeding device capable of automatically feeding empty paper tubes from the replenishment opening into the paper tube movement path.

29. The paper tube replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the empty paper tubes in the paper tube transport path are pushed in the direction of arrangement by the empty paper tubes newly replenished into the paper tube transport path from the replenishment port.

30. The paper tube replenishment device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the paper tube transport path has a transport device for transporting the empty paper tubes in the direction of arrangement.

31. The paper tube replenishment device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that the replenishment port is provided only at one end of the paper tube transport path in the direction of arrangement.

32. The paper tube replenishment device according to any one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that the paper tube transport path extends along the direction of arrangement and has a ceiling portion connecting the wall portions on both sides.

33. The paper tube replenishment device according to claim 31, characterized in that the paper tube transport path extends along the arrangement direction and has a ceiling portion connecting the wall portions on both sides.

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