EP2657381B1 - Textile machine - Google Patents

Textile machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2657381B1
EP2657381B1 EP11850074.3A EP11850074A EP2657381B1 EP 2657381 B1 EP2657381 B1 EP 2657381B1 EP 11850074 A EP11850074 A EP 11850074A EP 2657381 B1 EP2657381 B1 EP 2657381B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
duct
sub
centralized
filter member
blower
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11850074.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2657381A4 (en
EP2657381A1 (en
Inventor
Osamu Hirao
Hidetoshi Takeuchi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Murata Machinery Ltd
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Murata Machinery Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2657381A1 publication Critical patent/EP2657381A1/en
Publication of EP2657381A4 publication Critical patent/EP2657381A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2657381B1 publication Critical patent/EP2657381B1/en
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    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01HSPINNING OR TWISTING
    • D01H11/00Arrangements for confining or removing dust, fly or the like
    • D01H11/005Arrangements for confining or removing dust, fly or the like with blowing and/or suction devices
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H54/00Winding, coiling, or depositing filamentary material
    • B65H54/86Arrangements for taking-up waste material before or after winding or depositing
    • B65H54/88Arrangements for taking-up waste material before or after winding or depositing by means of pneumatic arrangements, e.g. suction guns
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/30Handled filamentary material
    • B65H2701/31Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a textile machine, and in more detail, to a configuration for removing cotton fly, yarn waste, and the like, that are generated in a textile machine.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a textile machine including this type of configuration.
  • a plurality of spinning units are arranged along one direction.
  • Each of the spinning units includes a cotton fly suction part that sucks removal object substances generated in a spinning device and the like, and a suction passage that extends from the cotton fly suction part.
  • a predetermined number of suction passages are configured to meet at a merging duct (sub duct).
  • a blower (sub blower) and a cotton fly separator are provided at the downstream side of the merging duct.
  • the blower (sub blower) generates a suction stream.
  • the cotton fly separator separates the removal object substances from the suction stream.
  • the removal object substances separated by the cotton fly separator are conveyed to a cotton collection box, or the like, by means of a cotton fly conveyor (for example, a fan (centralized blower) arranged in a blower duct (centralized duct)).
  • a cotton fly conveyor for example, a fan (centralized blower) arranged in a blower duct (centralized duct)
  • the Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that adopts a centrifugal separator as the cotton fly separator, and a configuration that adopts a cotton fly adhesion filter (filter member) as the cotton fly separator.
  • the centrifugal separator is configured to separate the removal object substances and the suction stream from each other by centrifugation.
  • the removal object substances separated by the centrifugal separator are accumulated in a cotton collection chamber included in the centrifugal separator. Opening the bottom of the cotton collection chamber allows the removal object substances accumulated in the centrifugal separator to fall into, for example, the blower duct due to the gravity.
  • the Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which, instead of transferring the removal object substances by means of the gravity, the removal object substances are sucked out of the cotton collection chamber by means of an air stream that the fan generates in the blower duct, or the like.
  • the suction stream separated by the centrifugal separator is wholly discharged to the outside, or wholly released into the blower duct.
  • the suction stream is used for the conveyance of the removal object substances.
  • the cotton fly adhesion filter serving as the cotton fly separator is a filter that allows the suction stream to pass therethrough and does not allow the removal object substances to pass therethrough.
  • the cotton fly adhesion filter is arranged between the merging duct and the blower (sub blower) that generates the suction stream. Such a configuration enables the removal object substances to adhere to a surface of the cotton fly adhesion filter in the textile machine.
  • the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter are fed to the above-mentioned blower duct or the like.
  • Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-97109
  • the suction stream does not convey the removal object substances in the blower duct (or does not assist the conveyance). This may require a high output of the fan in the blower duct.
  • the separated suction stream is wholly released into the blower duct so that the suction stream conveys the removal object substances, the air sucked or sent out by the fan in the blower duct may flow with an excessively high flow rate. Accordingly, in either of the cases where the separated suction stream is wholly discharged to the outside and where the separated suction stream is wholly released into the blower duct, there is a fear that the sizes and costs of the fan and the blower duct may increase.
  • centrifugal separator tends to have a larger size and a more complicated configuration than a filter and the like. Therefore, adoption of a centrifugal machine may undesirably increase the size and cost of the textile machine.
  • the Patent Document 1 merely discloses that it is possible to adopt the cotton fly adhesion filter as the cotton fly separator, and does not disclose a method for sending the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter to the blower duct or the like, the path and strength of the suction stream in the vicinity of the cotton fly adhesion filter, and the like.
  • the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter cannot be appropriately sent to the blower duct or the like, and the removal object substances may remain accumulated in the cotton fly adhesion filter.
  • the suction force of the blower is partially blocked by the removal object substances, and therefore the removal object substances generated in a spinning device or the like cannot be sufficiently sucked.
  • Patent Document 1 does not disclose the behavior of the suction stream separated by the cotton fly adhesion filter. If the suction stream is released in the same manner as the case where the centrifugal separator is adopted, there is a fear that the sizes and costs of the fan and the blower duct may increase, similarly to the above.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and a primary object of the present invention is to provide a textile machine that enables cotton fly, yarn waste, and the like, to be removed with a compact configuration.
  • a textile machine having the following configuration.
  • the textile machine includes a winding unit, a sub duct, a sub blower, a filter member, a discharge part, a centralized duct, and a centralized blower.
  • the sub duct is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the winding units.
  • a removal object substance generated in the winding unit flows in the sub duct.
  • the sub blower generates, within the sub duct, a suction stream for sucking the removal object substance.
  • the filter member is arranged in the sub duct, and allows part of the suction stream to pass therethrough.
  • the discharge part discharges the part of the suction stream having passed through the filter member.
  • the centralized duct is connected to the sub duct.
  • the centralized blower generates, within the centralized duct, an air stream for moving the removal object substance.
  • the flow rate of the suction stream that is discharged from the discharge part is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream that flows from the sub duct to the centralized duct.
  • the textile machine occurrence of a situation can be prevented where a large amount of the suction stream, which is generated by the sub blower, flows from the sub duct into the centralized duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower can be reduced. Additionally, the textile machine is able to move the removal object substance to the centralized duct (or assist the movement) by using the suction stream flowing toward the centralized duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower can be reduced. Due to the above-described configuration, the centralized blower and the centralized duct provided in the textile machine can be made compact. Moreover, the textile machine separates the suction stream and the removal object substance from each other by means of the filter member. This configuration is able to make the size of the apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by means of a centrifugal device or the like.
  • the filter member is arranged in the vicinity of a portion where the sub duct and the centralized duct are connected to each other.
  • the suction stream is divided into a part in the centralized duct side and a part in the discharge part side. Therefore, when the removal object substance flows and reaches the downstream side of the filter member, the air stream generated by the centralized blower immediately acts on the removal object substance. Accordingly, in the textile machine, the suction stream generated by the sub blower can be effectively used to move the removal object substance.
  • a lengthwise direction of the sub duct and a lengthwise direction of the centralized duct are in parallel with each other.
  • the textile machine is configured as follows.
  • the sub duct and the centralized duct are arranged such that the removal object substance moves in the same direction.
  • the filter member is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct such that a portion of the filter member located more downstream in the sub duct with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substance is closer to the centralized duct.
  • the removal object substance is able to move to the centralized duct while rolling along the filter member in a direction inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct. This can suppress an accumulation of the removal object substance on the filter member.
  • the sub duct is configured such that, with respect to a direction in which the suction stream flows in the sub duct. a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member.
  • the textile machine includes a control part that controls at least one of the strength of the suction stream generated by the sub blower and the strength of the air stream generated by the centralized blower.
  • control part controls the strength of the suction stream or the air stream, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity of the filter member can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substance on the filter member is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member.
  • the filter member has a mesh-like configuration, and a mesh of the filter member is smaller than the removal object substance.
  • the suction stream and the removal object substance can be accurately separated from each other with a simple configuration.
  • the textile machine is configured as follows.
  • the textile machine includes at least two said sub ducts.
  • the size of an opening located in a portion where the centralized duct is connected to the sub duct closer to the centralized blower is smaller than the size of an opening located in a portion where the centralized duct is connected to the sub duct farther from the centralized blower.
  • a block member is provided between the sub blower and the filter member, the block member being configured to temporarily block the suction stream flowing from the sub duct toward the discharge part.
  • the block member temporarily blocks the suction stream flowing from the sub duct toward the discharge part, the removal object substance accumulated on the filter member is easily separated away from the filter member and collected by the centralized duct, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member.
  • the textile machine is configured as follows.
  • the winding unit includes a draft device, a spinning device, and a winding device.
  • the draft device drafts a sliver.
  • the spinning device applies twists to the sliver drafted by the draft device, to produce a spun yarn.
  • the winding device winds the spun yarn produced by the spinning device into a package.
  • the textile machine is configured as follows.
  • the winding unit includes a yarn supply part and a winding device.
  • the yarn supply part supplies a spun yarn.
  • the winding device winds the spun yarn into a package.
  • FIG. 1 is a front elevational view showing an overall configuration of a fine spinning machine 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fine spinning machine 1.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 which serves as a yarn winding machine, includes a large number of spinning units (winding units) 2 arranged side by side.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 mainly includes a yarn splicing cart 3, a blower box 4, and a motor box 5.
  • each spinning unit 2 mainly includes a draft device 7, a spinning device 9, a cotton fly removal part 30, a yarn accumulation device 12, and a winding device 13, which are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream.
  • the draft device 7 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of a frame 6 included in the fine spinning machine 1.
  • a fiber bundle 8 fed from the draft device 7 is spun by the spinning device 9.
  • the spinning device 9 sends out a spun yarn 10, which then passes through a yarn clearer 52 which will be described later, and then passes through the yarn accumulation device 12, too.
  • the winding device 13 winds the spun yarn 10 onto a bobbin 48, thereby forming a package 45.
  • the draft device 7 stretches a sliver 15, into the fiber bundle 8.
  • the draft device 7 includes four roller pairs, namely, a back roller pair 16, a third roller pair 17, a middle roller pair 19 having an apron belt 18 mounted thereon, and a front roller pair 20.
  • the spinning device 9 has a swirling flow generation chamber (not shown) that allows the fiber bundle 8 to pass therethrough.
  • the spinning device 9 injects compressed air through a nozzle (not shown) into the swirling flow generation chamber, and thereby generates a swirling airflow within the swirling flow generation chamber.
  • the spinning device 9 applies twists to the fiber bundle 8 by using this swirling airflow, and thus produces the spun yarn 10.
  • cotton fly (removal object substance), which is a fiber that has not been twisted into the spun yarn 10 at a time of spinning, is generated.
  • the removal object substances are conveyed to, for example, a cotton collection box (not shown) via a suction pipe 37, a sub duct 32, and a centralized duct 36 that are provided in the cotton fly removal part 30.
  • a suction pipe 37 a suction pipe 37, a sub duct 32, and a centralized duct 36 that are provided in the cotton fly removal part 30.
  • a detailed configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described later.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 is provided downstream of the spinning device 9.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 has a function for applying a predetermined tension to the spun yarn 10 and pulling out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9, a function for preventing a yarn slack by accumulating the spun yarn 10 that has been fed from the spinning device 9 at a time when, for example, yarn splicing is performed by the yarn splicing cart 3, and a function for adjusting a yarn tension such that a fluctuation of the yarn tension at the winding device 13 side is not transmitted to the spinning device 9 side.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 includes a yarn accumulation roller 21, a yarn engagement member 22, an upstream guide 23, an electric motor 25, and a downstream guide 26.
  • the yarn engagement member 22 is configured to be engaged in (hook) the spun yarn 10.
  • the yarn engagement member 22 is engaged with the spun yarn 10, and in this condition, rotate integrally with the yarn accumulation roller 21, so that the spun yarn 10 is guided to an outer circumferential surface of the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • the yarn accumulation roller 21 is configured such that the spun yarn 10 is wound and accumulated on the outer circumferential surface thereof.
  • the yarn accumulation roller 21 is driven and rotated at a constant speed by the electric motor 25.
  • the yarn engagement member 22 is supported in such a manner that it is rotatable relative to the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • a torque resistance torque
  • the yarn engagement member 22 rotates independently of the yarn accumulation roller 21, to unwind the spun yarn 10 from the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • the yarn engagement member 22 rotates integrally with the yarn accumulation roller 21, to wind the spun yarn 10 onto the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 operates such that the spun yarn 10 is wound onto the yarn accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yarn 10 is decreased (when the spun yarn 10 is likely to slack) while the spun yarn 10 is unwound from the yarn accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yarn 10 is increased.
  • the yarn engagement member 22 which acts so as to absorb a fluctuation of the tension that is applied to the spun yarn 10 located between the yarn accumulation device 12 and the winding device 13 as described above, can prevent the fluctuation of the tension from affecting the spun yarn 10 located between the spinning device 9 and the yarn accumulation device 12. This enables the yarn accumulation device 12 to pull out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9 at a more stable speed.
  • the upstream guide 23 is arranged slightly upstream of the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • the upstream guide 23 is configured as a guide member for appropriately guiding the spun yarn 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • the upstream guide 23 also serves as a twist stopper for preventing the twists of the spun yarn 10, which comes from the spinning device 9, from being transmitted to the downstream of the upstream guide 23.
  • the yarn clearer 52 is arranged at the front side of the frame 6 of the fine spinning machine 1 and positioned between the spinning device 9 and the yarn accumulation device 12.
  • the spun yarn 10, which has been spun by the spinning device 9, passes through the yarn clearer 52 before being wound onto the yarn accumulation device 12.
  • the yarn clearer 52 monitors the thickness of the traveling spun yarn 10. When a yarn defect of the spun yarn 10 is detected, the yarn clearer 52 transmits a yarn defect detection signal to a unit controller (not shown). It may be also possible that the yarn clearer 52 is configured to detect not only an abnormality of the thickness of the spun yarn 10 but also the presence or absence of a foreign substance in the spun yarn 10.
  • the unit controller Upon a reception of the yarn defect detection signal from the yarn clearer 52, the unit controller cuts the spun yarn 10 by immediately stopping the driving of the draft device 7 while keeping the driving of the winding device 13, and additionally stops a spinning operation of the spinning device 9, a winding operation of the winding device 13, and the like. Moreover, the unit controller transmits a control signal to the yarn splicing cart 3, to move the yarn splicing cart 3 to the front of the spinning unit 2. Then, the unit controller drives the draft device 7 and the spinning device 9 again, causes the yarn splicing cart 3 to perform yarn splicing, and restarts the winding operation of the winding device 13.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 accumulates the spun yarn 10, which is continuously fed from the spinning device 9, on the yarn accumulation roller 21 and eliminates a slack of the spun yarn 10.
  • the yarn splicing cart 3 includes a splicer (yarn splicing device) 43. a suction pipe 44, and a suction mouth 46.
  • a splicer yarn splicing device
  • the suction pipe 44 vertically swings around a shaft, and sucks and catches a yarn end fed from the spinning device 9. Then, the suction pipe 44 guides the yarn end to the splicer 43.
  • the suction mouth 46 vertically swings around a shaft, and sucks and catches a yarn end from the package 45 that is supported on the winding device 13. Then, the suction mouth 46 guides the yarn end to the splicer 43.
  • the splicer 43 splices the yarn ends guided thereto with each other.
  • the suction pipe 44 is vertically swingable around the shaft, and configured to suck and catch the yarn end (upper yarn) fed from the spinning device 9 and guide the yarn end to the splicer 43.
  • the suction mouth 46 is vertically swingable around the shaft, and configured to suck and catch the yarn end (lower yarn) from the package 45 that is supported on the winding device 13 and guide the yarn end to the splicer 43.
  • the splicer 43 is configured to splice the upper yarn with the lower yarn by twisting these yarn ends together by using a swirling airflow, though a description of a detailed configuration of the splicer 43 is omitted herein.
  • the winding device 13 includes a cradle arm 71 supported such that it is swingable around a support shaft 70.
  • the cradle arm 71 is able to rotatably support a bobbin 48 on which the spun yarn 10 is wound.
  • the winding device 13 includes a winding drum 72 and a traverse device 75.
  • the winding drum 72 is driven in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 48 or an outer circumferential surface of the package 45 which is formed as a result of the spun yarn 10 being wound onto the bobbin 48.
  • the traverse device 75 includes a traverse guide 76 that is engageable with the spun yarn 10. In this configuration, driving the winding drum 72 by means of an electric motor (not shown) while reciprocating the traverse guide 76 by means of drive means (not shown) enables the package 45 that is in contact with the winding drum 72 to be rotated, to thereby wind the spun yarn 10 with traversing.
  • FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30.
  • upstream and downstream mean the upstream and the downstream with respect to a direction of conveyance of the removal object substances.
  • the suction pipe 37 illustrated in FIG. 2 is arranged corresponding to each of the spinning units 2.
  • the sub duct 32 is connected to the downstream side of the suction pipe 37.
  • One sub duct 32 is connected to the suction pipes 37 arranged in a predetermined number of the spinning units 2 (in this embodiment, twenty spinning units 2).
  • one suction pipe 37 is arranged for one spinning unit 2.
  • twenty suction pipes 37 are connected to one sub duct 32.
  • the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a plurality of the sub ducts 32. All the sub ducts 32 are, at the downstream side thereof, connected to one centralized duct 36. As shown in FIG. 3 , the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 are in parallel with each other with respect to the lengthwise direction thereof. Each of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a constant dimension with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the horizontal direction of FIG. 2 , or the vertical direction of FIG. 3 ).
  • the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a filter member 33 and a sub blower 31.
  • the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of a portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32), and positioned between the sub blower 31 and the sub duct 32.
  • the filter member 33 has a mesh-like configuration. The mesh is configured to prevent removal object substances 81 from passing therethrough but allow air to pass therethrough.
  • the filter member 33 is arranged in an inclined manner such that a more downstream portion of the filter member 33 is closer to the centralized duct 36.
  • the sub blower 31 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32).
  • the sub blower 31 sucks, via the filter member 33, the air existing at the sub duct 32 side, and generates a suction stream 82 within the sub duct 32, the suction pipe 37, and the like.
  • the suction stream 82 is mainly used for moving the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 to the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32 via the suction pipe 37.
  • part of the suction stream 82 passes through the filter member 33 and flows in a discharge pipe 61, to be discharged to the outside by a discharge part 62 that is arranged in an appropriate position.
  • the rest of the suction stream 82 flows along the filter member 33 and passes through an opening 34 formed between the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36, to be introduced into the centralized duct 36. Due to the latter suction stream 82 (the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member 33), the removal object substances 81 drift to the centralized duct 36 while rolling on the filter member 33.
  • a centralized blower 35 is arranged within the blower box 4 and near one end portion of the centralized duct 36 ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the centralized blower 35 produces negative pressure at the downstream side of the centralized duct 36, to thereby generate an air stream 83 within the centralized duct 36.
  • This air stream 83 drifts the removal object substances 81 to a cotton collection box (not shown) that is arranged in one end portion of the centralized duct 36.
  • the suction stream 82 that is discharged by the discharge part 62 has a larger flow rate than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that flows along the filter member 33 and is introduced into the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air stream 83 sucked by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. This enables a reduction in the power consumption of the centralized blower 35. This also enables downsizing of the centralized blower 35 as compared with the conventional.
  • this embodiment adopts a configuration that prevents a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in a direction parallel to the filter member 33 (toward the centralized duct 36). Therefore, it is not likely that the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the filter member 33.
  • a description will be given to the configuration that prevents a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33.
  • the sub duct 32 is configured such that, in the vicinity of an area where the filter member 33 is arranged, a wall surface of the sub duct 32 farther from the centralized duct 36 approaches to the centralized duct 36 as the wall surface comes farther from the upstream side and closer to the downstream side.
  • the dimension of the sub duct 32 with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the vertical direction of FIG. 3 ) is constant. Therefore, the cross-sectional area (size) of the sub duct 32 gradually decreases toward the downstream side.
  • Such a narrowing shape can suppress a reduction in the flow velocity of the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member 33. This can suppress a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33. As a result, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
  • the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion (opening 34) where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other. Accordingly, the degree to which the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35 sucks the removal object substances 81 flowing along the filter member 33 becomes stronger at a more downstream location. That is, as the removal object substances 81 move along the filter member 33 toward the downstream, the removal object substances 81 are sucked by the suction stream 82 with a weaker suction force, which however can be compensated for by a suction force of the air stream 83. As a result, a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33 is not likely to occur. Thus, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
  • the cotton fly removal part 30 of this embodiment is configured such that the size of the opening 34 increases at a location farther from the centralized blower 35 so that a reduction in the suction force of the air stream 83 is prevented.
  • a width of the opening 34 with respect to the horizontal direction of the fine spinning machine 1 increases at a location farther from the centralized blower 35 ( FIG. 3 ).
  • each of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 has a constant dimension with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the vertical direction of FIG. 3 ). Therefore, the above-mentioned width is proportional to the cross-sectional area (size) of the opening 34.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment includes the spinning unit 2, the sub duct 32, the sub blower 31, the filter member 33, the discharge part 62, the centralized duct 36, and the centralized blower 35.
  • the sub duct 32 is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the spinning units 2 (twenty spinning units 2).
  • the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning unit 2 flow in the sub duct 32.
  • the sub blower 31 generates, within the sub duct 32, the suction stream 82 for sucking the removal object substances 81.
  • the filter member 33 is arranged in the sub duct 32, and allow part of the suction stream 82 to pass therethrough.
  • the discharge part 62 discharges the suction stream 82 having passed through the filter member 33.
  • the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32. Part of the suction stream 82 not having passed through the filter member 33, and the removal object substances 81, flow in the centralized duct 36.
  • the centralized blower 35 generates, within the centralized duct 36, the air stream 83 for moving the removal object substances 81.
  • the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that is discharged from the discharge part 62 is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 occurrence of a situation can be prevented where a large amount of the suction stream 82, which is generated by the sub blower 31, flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. Additionally, the fine spinning machine 1 is able to move the removal object substances 81 to the centralized duct 36 (or assist the movement) by using the suction stream 82 flowing toward the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. Due to the above-described configuration, the centralized blower 35 and the centralized duct 36 provided in the fine spinning machine 1 can be made compact.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 separates the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 from each other by means of the filter member 33.
  • This configuration is able to make the size of the apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by means of a centrifugal machine or the like.
  • the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other.
  • the suction stream 82 is divided into a part in the centralized duct 36 side and a part in the discharge part 62 side. Therefore, when the removal object substances 81 flow and reach the downstream side of the filter member 33, the air stream 83 in the centralized blower 35 side immediately acts on the removal object substances 81. Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blower 31 is effectively used to move the removal object substances 81, so that an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is suppressed.
  • the lengthwise direction of the sub duct 32 and the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36 are in parallel with each other.
  • the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 are arranged such that the removal object substances 81 are moved in the same direction.
  • the filter member 33 is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36 such that a portion of the filter member 33 located more downstream in the sub duct 32 with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substances 81 is closer to the centralized duct 36.
  • the removal object substances 81 are able to move to the centralized duct 36 while rolling along the filter member 33 in a direction inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36. This can suppress an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33.
  • the sub duct 32 is configured such that, with respect to the direction in which the suction stream 82 within the sub duct 32 flows, the cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member 33.
  • the filter member 33 has a mesh-like configuration, and the mesh of the filter member 33 is smaller than the removal object substances 81.
  • the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 can be accurately separated from each other with a simple configuration.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 includes at least two sub ducts 32 (in this embodiment, twenty sub ducts 32).
  • the size of an opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32 arranged closer to the centralized blower 35 is smaller than the size of an opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of a block member 39 provided in a cotton fly removal part 30a according to a first modification.
  • FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly removal part 30b according to a second modification.
  • FIG. 6 is a top view of a cross-section showing, on an enlarged scale, a configuration of a cotton fly removal part 30c according to a third modification.
  • FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an automatic winder according to a fourth modification.
  • members identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same corresponding reference signs on the drawings, and a description thereof may be sometimes omitted.
  • the cotton fly removal part 30a according to the first modification has the same configuration as that of the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described embodiment, except that a block member 39 is additionally provided.
  • the block member 39 is made of a material that is able to prevent the suction stream 82 from passing therethrough.
  • the position of the block member 39 is switchable between a first position ( FIG. 4(b) ) and a second position.
  • the block member 39 In the first position, the block member 39 is arranged between the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33, so that the block member 39 is able to prevent the suction stream 82 from flowing from the filter member 33 to the discharge pipe 61 side.
  • the block member 39 does not block the filter member 33.
  • an operator may implement the switching, or alternatively the switching may be automatically implemented depending on the situation (or at predetermined time intervals).
  • the cotton fly removal part 30 of this embodiment is configured such that an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 does not likely to occur, but nevertheless, a long-term use thereof may cause the removal object substances 81 to be accumulated on the filter member 33 ( FIG. 4(a) ).
  • the sub blower 31 faces a difficulty in sucking the air existing in the sub duct 32, which weakens the suction stream 82 generated within the sub duct 32 by the sub blower 31. As a result, the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 cannot be appropriately sucked.
  • the cotton fly removal part 30b of the second modification is configured such that, unlike the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional areas (sizes) of the openings 34 are equal ( FIG. 5 ). Additionally, the cotton fly removal part 30b includes a sub blower control part (control part) 51 that is configured to adjust the suction force of the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blower 31.
  • the sub blower control part 51 is configured to adjust the suction force of the suction stream 82 by, for example, changing the speed of rotation of a blade included in the sub blower 31.
  • the sub blower control part 51 includes, for example, an inverter control part, and is configured to perform a first control in accordance with the distance of the sub blower 31 from the centralized blower 35 and a second control in accordance with the winding conditions.
  • the sub blower control part 51 performs a control such that the sub blower 31 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35 generates the suction stream 82 with a greater suction force.
  • the suction force of the suction stream 82 can be increased so as to compensate for the reduced suction force of the air stream 83.
  • the removal object substances 81 existing within the sub duct 32 can be appropriately conveyed to the centralized duct 36.
  • Such a control enables the openings 34 of the respective sub ducts 32 to have the same width. This can simplify manufacturing and assembling of the sub duct 32 or the like.
  • a configuration is also adoptable in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided and the sub blower 31 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35 has a higher output.
  • the widths of the openings 34 of the respective sub ducts 32 can be the same.
  • the degree to which an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is likely to occur varies depending on the winding conditions. For example, when an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 is likely to occur, the sub blower control part 51 reduces the suction force of the suction stream 82 so that the suction force of the suction stream 82 has less influence than the suction force of the air stream 83. As a result, the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction along the filter member 33 can be increased. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is less likely to occur.
  • a centralized blower control part may be provided that controls the suction force of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35.
  • the suction force of the air stream 83 can be increased so that the speed of the removal object substances 81 in the direction along the filter member 33 is increased. Thus, the accumulation can be avoided.
  • a plurality of suction pipes 37 are connected in an area extending from both lengthwise sides to a central portion of the sub duct 32.
  • the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33 are arranged in the vicinity of the central portion of the sub duct 32.
  • the sub blower 31 generates, within the sub duct 32, the suction stream 82 that is directed from both lengthwise sides to the center of the sub duct 32.
  • the removal object substances 81 which have flowed in the suction pipes 37 and reached the sub duct 32, flow toward the center of the sub duct 32. Then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, part of the suction stream 82 is discharged by the discharge part 62 via the filter member 33 and the discharge pipe 61. The removal object substances are drifted while rolling on the filter member 33, and flow to the centralized duct 36.
  • the automatic winder includes a plurality of winder units (winding units) 100 arranged side by side.
  • the automatic winder includes a cotton fly removal part 30d having a configuration equivalent to the configuration of any of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.
  • a yarn supply part 90 unwinds a spun yarn 92 from a yarn supply bobbin 93, and a tension applying member 94 applies a predetermined winding tension to the spun yarn 92, and in this condition, a winding drum 98 provided in a winding device 97 traverses and winds the spun yarn 92 onto a surface of a package 99.
  • the winder unit 100 further includes a yarn defect detection device 96 and a yarn splicing device 95. The yarn defect detection device 96 monitors a yarn defect of the traveling spun yarn 92.
  • the yarn splicing device 95 splices an upper yarn at the package 99 side with a lower yarn at the yarn supply bobbin 93 side at a time of yarn breakage.
  • the yarn supply part 90 may adopt, for example, a configuration in which the yarn supply bobbin 93 is conveyed by a bobbin conveyance system, or a configuration in which the yarn supply bobbin 93 is fed from a magazine-type feed system, though a description of a detailed configuration of the yarn supply part 90 is omitted herein.
  • the winder unit 100 has a suction port 91 arranged adjacent to a yarn path through which the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yarn supply bobbin 93 passes.
  • the suction port 91 is arranged slightly upstream of the yarn supply part 90, and positioned rearward of the tension applying member 94.
  • the suction port 91 is connected via the suction pipe 37 to the sub duct 32.
  • the sub blower 31 generates a suction stream, to thereby suck and remove removal object substances such as cotton fly and yarn waste adhering to the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yarn supply bobbin 93.
  • the removal object substances can be conveyed to the centralized duct 36.
  • the removal object substances having been conveyed to the centralized duct 36 are transported to, for example, a cotton collection box by means of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35, and then disposed of.
  • the suction port, the centralized duct, and the sub duct may be placed at any positions.
  • the suction port 91, the sub duct 32, and the centralized duct 36 may be arranged near the yarn supply part 90.
  • the block member 39 is provided between the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33.
  • the block member 39 is configured to temporarily block the suction stream 82 flowing from the sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62.
  • the block member 39 temporarily blocks the suction stream 82 flowing from the sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62, the removal object substances 81 are easily separated away from the filter member 33. This enables the removal object substances 81 accumulated on the filter member 33 to easily move to the centralized duct 36 side, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33.
  • the sub blower control part 51 for controlling the suction force of the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blowers 31 is provided.
  • the sub blower control part 51 controls the suction force of the suction stream 82, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity of the filter member 33 can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33.
  • the fine spinning machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided has an advantage of simplification of the configuration, suppression of energy consumption, and the like.
  • the winder unit 100 includes the yarn supply part 90 and the winding device 13.
  • the yarn supply part 90 supplies the spun yarn 92.
  • the winding device 97 winds the spun yarn 92, into a package.
  • the size of the opening 34 located in the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other is changed. Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted.
  • the openings 34 have the same size, and the sub blower control part 51 controls the sub blower 31. Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted.
  • the openings 34 may be possible that the openings 34 have different sizes as illustrated in the above-described embodiment and additionally the sub blower control part 51 is provided to control the sub blower 31 as illustrated in the second modification described above. Once the size of the opening 34 is determined, it is difficult to adjust the size.
  • the number of spinning units 2 connected to one sub duct 32 may be, instead of twenty, one to nineteen, twenty-one, or more.
  • a configuration not including the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described embodiment increases the size of the centralized duct, which may cause the power consumption of the centralized blower to exceed allowable power.
  • providing the cotton fly removal part 30 for each of a predetermined number of units as illustrated in the above-described embodiment allows to make the centralized duct 36 compact, and also avoid occurrence of a situation where the power consumption of the centralized blower 35 exceeds the allowable power.
  • the number of units described above is merely illustrative, and no upper limit is put on the number of units included in the fine spinning machine 1 or the automatic winder.
  • a suction pipe for sucking cotton fly and the like adhering to a draft roller of the draft device 7 may be connected to the sub duct 32.
  • a suction pipe for sucking yarn waste which is provided downstream of the spinning device 9, may be connected to the sub duct 32.
  • a pipe for sucking yarn waste and the like generated at a time of the yarn splicing may be connected to the sub duct 32.
  • the draft device 7 is stopped while the winding device 13 is kept driving, and thereby the spun yarn 10 is cut.
  • the spinning unit 2 pulls out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9 by means of the yarn accumulation device 12.
  • this configuration is not limiting.
  • the present invention is applicable to a fine spinning machine configured such that the spun yarn 10 is pulled out from the spinning device 9 by means of a delivery roller and a nip roller, and then the yarn accumulation device 12 provided downstream accumulates the spun yarn 10.
  • the yarn accumulation device 12 may be omitted.
  • the configuration of the present invention is applicable not only to a fine spinning machine or an automatic winder but also to a textile machine such as a twisting machine and a doubling machine.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a textile machine, and in more detail, to a configuration for removing cotton fly, yarn waste, and the like, that are generated in a textile machine.
  • BACKGROUND ART
  • In a textile machine, in general, cotton fly, yarn waste, and the like (removal object substances), are routinely generated. If these removal object substances are left unremoved, they adhere to a product and deteriorate the quality thereof, or cause a failure of the textile machine itself. Accordingly, in a conventionally known configuration of the textile machine, a suction stream is applied to an appropriate position to suck and remove removal object substances. Patent Document 1 discloses a textile machine including this type of configuration.
  • In the textile machine disclosed in the Patent Document 1, a plurality of spinning units (spindles) are arranged along one direction. Each of the spinning units includes a cotton fly suction part that sucks removal object substances generated in a spinning device and the like, and a suction passage that extends from the cotton fly suction part. A predetermined number of suction passages are configured to meet at a merging duct (sub duct). In the textile machine, a blower (sub blower) and a cotton fly separator are provided at the downstream side of the merging duct. The blower (sub blower) generates a suction stream. The cotton fly separator separates the removal object substances from the suction stream. The removal object substances separated by the cotton fly separator are conveyed to a cotton collection box, or the like, by means of a cotton fly conveyor (for example, a fan (centralized blower) arranged in a blower duct (centralized duct)). The Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that adopts a centrifugal separator as the cotton fly separator, and a configuration that adopts a cotton fly adhesion filter (filter member) as the cotton fly separator.
  • The centrifugal separator is configured to separate the removal object substances and the suction stream from each other by centrifugation. The removal object substances separated by the centrifugal separator are accumulated in a cotton collection chamber included in the centrifugal separator. Opening the bottom of the cotton collection chamber allows the removal object substances accumulated in the centrifugal separator to fall into, for example, the blower duct due to the gravity. The Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which, instead of transferring the removal object substances by means of the gravity, the removal object substances are sucked out of the cotton collection chamber by means of an air stream that the fan generates in the blower duct, or the like. On the other hand, the suction stream separated by the centrifugal separator is wholly discharged to the outside, or wholly released into the blower duct. In a case where the suction stream is released into the blower duct, the suction stream is used for the conveyance of the removal object substances.
  • The cotton fly adhesion filter serving as the cotton fly separator is a filter that allows the suction stream to pass therethrough and does not allow the removal object substances to pass therethrough. The cotton fly adhesion filter is arranged between the merging duct and the blower (sub blower) that generates the suction stream. Such a configuration enables the removal object substances to adhere to a surface of the cotton fly adhesion filter in the textile machine. The removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter are fed to the above-mentioned blower duct or the like.
  • PRIOR-ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS
  • Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-97109
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
  • However, in a case where the centrifugal separator is adopted as the cotton fly separator and the separated suction stream is wholly discharged to the outside, the suction stream does not convey the removal object substances in the blower duct (or does not assist the conveyance). This may require a high output of the fan in the blower duct. On the other hand, in a case where the separated suction stream is wholly released into the blower duct so that the suction stream conveys the removal object substances, the air sucked or sent out by the fan in the blower duct may flow with an excessively high flow rate. Accordingly, in either of the cases where the separated suction stream is wholly discharged to the outside and where the separated suction stream is wholly released into the blower duct, there is a fear that the sizes and costs of the fan and the blower duct may increase.
  • Additionally, the centrifugal separator tends to have a larger size and a more complicated configuration than a filter and the like. Therefore, adoption of a centrifugal machine may undesirably increase the size and cost of the textile machine.
  • In a case where the cotton fly adhesion filter is adopted as the cotton fly separator, the following problem occurs. The Patent Document 1 merely discloses that it is possible to adopt the cotton fly adhesion filter as the cotton fly separator, and does not disclose a method for sending the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter to the blower duct or the like, the path and strength of the suction stream in the vicinity of the cotton fly adhesion filter, and the like. Thus, there is a possibility that the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion filter cannot be appropriately sent to the blower duct or the like, and the removal object substances may remain accumulated in the cotton fly adhesion filter. In such a case, the suction force of the blower is partially blocked by the removal object substances, and therefore the removal object substances generated in a spinning device or the like cannot be sufficiently sucked.
  • Moreover, the Patent Document 1 does not disclose the behavior of the suction stream separated by the cotton fly adhesion filter. If the suction stream is released in the same manner as the case where the centrifugal separator is adopted, there is a fear that the sizes and costs of the fan and the blower duct may increase, similarly to the above.
  • The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and a primary object of the present invention is to provide a textile machine that enables cotton fly, yarn waste, and the like, to be removed with a compact configuration.
  • MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS AND EFFECTS THEREOF
  • Problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above, and next, means for solving the problems and effects thereof will be described.
  • In an aspect of the present invention, a textile machine having the following configuration is provided. The textile machine includes a winding unit, a sub duct, a sub blower, a filter member, a discharge part, a centralized duct, and a centralized blower. The sub duct is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the winding units. A removal object substance generated in the winding unit flows in the sub duct. The sub blower generates, within the sub duct, a suction stream for sucking the removal object substance. The filter member is arranged in the sub duct, and allows part of the suction stream to pass therethrough. The discharge part discharges the part of the suction stream having passed through the filter member. The centralized duct is connected to the sub duct. Part of the suction stream not having passed through the filter member and the removal object substance flow in the centralized duct. The centralized blower generates, within the centralized duct, an air stream for moving the removal object substance. The flow rate of the suction stream that is discharged from the discharge part is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream that flows from the sub duct to the centralized duct.
  • Accordingly, in the textile machine, occurrence of a situation can be prevented where a large amount of the suction stream, which is generated by the sub blower, flows from the sub duct into the centralized duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower can be reduced. Additionally, the textile machine is able to move the removal object substance to the centralized duct (or assist the movement) by using the suction stream flowing toward the centralized duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower can be reduced. Due to the above-described configuration, the centralized blower and the centralized duct provided in the textile machine can be made compact. Moreover, the textile machine separates the suction stream and the removal object substance from each other by means of the filter member. This configuration is able to make the size of the apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by means of a centrifugal device or the like.
  • In the textile machine, it is preferable that the filter member is arranged in the vicinity of a portion where the sub duct and the centralized duct are connected to each other.
  • Accordingly, in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct and the centralized duct are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the most downstream portion of the sub duct), the suction stream is divided into a part in the centralized duct side and a part in the discharge part side. Therefore, when the removal object substance flows and reaches the downstream side of the filter member, the air stream generated by the centralized blower immediately acts on the removal object substance. Accordingly, in the textile machine, the suction stream generated by the sub blower can be effectively used to move the removal object substance.
  • In the textile machine, it is preferable that a lengthwise direction of the sub duct and a lengthwise direction of the centralized duct are in parallel with each other.
  • This enables a compact arrangement of the sub duct and the centralized duct, and therefore the textile machine can be further downsized.
  • Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The sub duct and the centralized duct are arranged such that the removal object substance moves in the same direction. The filter member is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct such that a portion of the filter member located more downstream in the sub duct with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substance is closer to the centralized duct.
  • Accordingly, in the textile machine, the removal object substance is able to move to the centralized duct while rolling along the filter member in a direction inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct. This can suppress an accumulation of the removal object substance on the filter member.
  • In the textile machine, it is preferable that the sub duct is configured such that, with respect to a direction in which the suction stream flows in the sub duct. a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member.
  • Accordingly, even though part of the suction stream is discharged through the filter member and the discharge part, the flow velocity of the suction stream within the sub duct is not easily reduced. This can strongly move the removal object substance to the centralized duct.
  • Preferably, the textile machine includes a control part that controls at least one of the strength of the suction stream generated by the sub blower and the strength of the air stream generated by the centralized blower.
  • Accordingly, in the textile machine, the control part controls the strength of the suction stream or the air stream, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity of the filter member can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substance on the filter member is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member.
  • In the textile machine, it is preferable that the filter member has a mesh-like configuration, and a mesh of the filter member is smaller than the removal object substance.
  • Accordingly, the suction stream and the removal object substance can be accurately separated from each other with a simple configuration.
  • Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The textile machine includes at least two said sub ducts. The size of an opening located in a portion where the centralized duct is connected to the sub duct closer to the centralized blower is smaller than the size of an opening located in a portion where the centralized duct is connected to the sub duct farther from the centralized blower.
  • Accordingly, in the textile machine, occurrence of a situation is suppressed where the strength of the air stream acting on the sub duct varies depending on the distance from the centralized blower. That is, even though the sub duct is located farther from the centralized blower, the strength of the air stream acting on this sub duct is not easily reduced.
  • In the textile machine, it is preferable that a block member is provided between the sub blower and the filter member, the block member being configured to temporarily block the suction stream flowing from the sub duct toward the discharge part.
  • Since the block member temporarily blocks the suction stream flowing from the sub duct toward the discharge part, the removal object substance accumulated on the filter member is easily separated away from the filter member and collected by the centralized duct, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member.
  • Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The winding unit includes a draft device, a spinning device, and a winding device. The draft device drafts a sliver. The spinning device applies twists to the sliver drafted by the draft device, to produce a spun yarn. The winding device winds the spun yarn produced by the spinning device into a package.
  • Accordingly, the above-described effects can be achieved in a spinning machine.
  • Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The winding unit includes a yarn supply part and a winding device. The yarn supply part supplies a spun yarn. The winding device winds the spun yarn into a package.
  • Accordingly, the above-described effects can be achieved in a yarn winding machine.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    • [FIG. 1] A front elevational view of a spinning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
    • [FIG. 2] A vertical cross-sectional view of the spinning machine.
    • [FIG. 3] A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly removal part.
    • [FIG. 4] A diagram showing an operation of a block member provided in a cotton fly removal part according to a first modification.
    • [FIG. 5] A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly removal part according to a second modification.
    • [FIG. 6] A top view of a cross-section showing, on an enlarged scale, a configuration of a cotton fly removal part according to a third modification.
    • [FIG. 7] A front elevational view of an automatic winder according to a fourth modification.
    EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
  • Next, a fine spinning machine (textile machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In a description of an overall configuration of the fine spinning machine, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" mean the upstream and the downstream with respect to a direction of traveling of a yarn at a time of spinning. FIG. 1 is a front elevational view showing an overall configuration of a fine spinning machine 1. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the fine spinning machine 1.
  • The fine spinning machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. which serves as a yarn winding machine, includes a large number of spinning units (winding units) 2 arranged side by side. The fine spinning machine 1 mainly includes a yarn splicing cart 3, a blower box 4, and a motor box 5.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, each spinning unit 2 mainly includes a draft device 7, a spinning device 9, a cotton fly removal part 30, a yarn accumulation device 12, and a winding device 13, which are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. The draft device 7 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of a frame 6 included in the fine spinning machine 1. A fiber bundle 8 fed from the draft device 7 is spun by the spinning device 9. The spinning device 9 sends out a spun yarn 10, which then passes through a yarn clearer 52 which will be described later, and then passes through the yarn accumulation device 12, too. Then, the winding device 13 winds the spun yarn 10 onto a bobbin 48, thereby forming a package 45.
  • The draft device 7 stretches a sliver 15, into the fiber bundle 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the draft device 7 includes four roller pairs, namely, a back roller pair 16, a third roller pair 17, a middle roller pair 19 having an apron belt 18 mounted thereon, and a front roller pair 20.
  • The spinning device 9 has a swirling flow generation chamber (not shown) that allows the fiber bundle 8 to pass therethrough. The spinning device 9 injects compressed air through a nozzle (not shown) into the swirling flow generation chamber, and thereby generates a swirling airflow within the swirling flow generation chamber. The spinning device 9 applies twists to the fiber bundle 8 by using this swirling airflow, and thus produces the spun yarn 10.
  • In the spinning device 9, cotton fly (removal object substance), which is a fiber that has not been twisted into the spun yarn 10 at a time of spinning, is generated. The removal object substances are conveyed to, for example, a cotton collection box (not shown) via a suction pipe 37, a sub duct 32, and a centralized duct 36 that are provided in the cotton fly removal part 30. This prevents the removal object substances from being accumulated within the swirling flow generation chamber. Therefore, the generation of the swirling flow is not hindered. A detailed configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described later.
  • The yarn accumulation device 12 is provided downstream of the spinning device 9. The yarn accumulation device 12 has a function for applying a predetermined tension to the spun yarn 10 and pulling out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9, a function for preventing a yarn slack by accumulating the spun yarn 10 that has been fed from the spinning device 9 at a time when, for example, yarn splicing is performed by the yarn splicing cart 3, and a function for adjusting a yarn tension such that a fluctuation of the yarn tension at the winding device 13 side is not transmitted to the spinning device 9 side. As shown in FIG. 2, the yarn accumulation device 12 includes a yarn accumulation roller 21, a yarn engagement member 22, an upstream guide 23, an electric motor 25, and a downstream guide 26.
  • The yarn engagement member 22 is configured to be engaged in (hook) the spun yarn 10. The yarn engagement member 22 is engaged with the spun yarn 10, and in this condition, rotate integrally with the yarn accumulation roller 21, so that the spun yarn 10 is guided to an outer circumferential surface of the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • The yarn accumulation roller 21 is configured such that the spun yarn 10 is wound and accumulated on the outer circumferential surface thereof. The yarn accumulation roller 21 is driven and rotated at a constant speed by the electric motor 25.
  • The yarn engagement member 22 is supported in such a manner that it is rotatable relative to the yarn accumulation roller 21. In the yarn engagement member 22, by means of, for example, a torque generator including magnetic means or the like, a torque (resistance torque) is generated that acts against the rotation of the yarn engagement member 22 relative to the yarn accumulation roller 21. In this configuration, when the yarn engagement member 22 is engaged with the spun yarn 10 and additionally the tension applied to the spun yarn 10 is strong enough to surpass the resistance torque, the yarn engagement member 22 rotates independently of the yarn accumulation roller 21, to unwind the spun yarn 10 from the yarn accumulation roller 21. On the other hand, when the tension applied to the spun yarn 10 is weaker than the resistance torque, the yarn engagement member 22 rotates integrally with the yarn accumulation roller 21, to wind the spun yarn 10 onto the yarn accumulation roller 21.
  • In this manner, the yarn accumulation device 12 operates such that the spun yarn 10 is wound onto the yarn accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yarn 10 is decreased (when the spun yarn 10 is likely to slack) while the spun yarn 10 is unwound from the yarn accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yarn 10 is increased. Thereby, a slack of the spun yarn 10 can be eliminated, and an appropriate tension can be applied thereto. The yarn engagement member 22, which acts so as to absorb a fluctuation of the tension that is applied to the spun yarn 10 located between the yarn accumulation device 12 and the winding device 13 as described above, can prevent the fluctuation of the tension from affecting the spun yarn 10 located between the spinning device 9 and the yarn accumulation device 12. This enables the yarn accumulation device 12 to pull out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9 at a more stable speed.
  • The upstream guide 23 is arranged slightly upstream of the yarn accumulation roller 21. The upstream guide 23 is configured as a guide member for appropriately guiding the spun yarn 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the yarn accumulation roller 21. The upstream guide 23 also serves as a twist stopper for preventing the twists of the spun yarn 10, which comes from the spinning device 9, from being transmitted to the downstream of the upstream guide 23.
  • The yarn clearer 52 is arranged at the front side of the frame 6 of the fine spinning machine 1 and positioned between the spinning device 9 and the yarn accumulation device 12. The spun yarn 10, which has been spun by the spinning device 9, passes through the yarn clearer 52 before being wound onto the yarn accumulation device 12. The yarn clearer 52 monitors the thickness of the traveling spun yarn 10. When a yarn defect of the spun yarn 10 is detected, the yarn clearer 52 transmits a yarn defect detection signal to a unit controller (not shown). It may be also possible that the yarn clearer 52 is configured to detect not only an abnormality of the thickness of the spun yarn 10 but also the presence or absence of a foreign substance in the spun yarn 10.
  • Upon a reception of the yarn defect detection signal from the yarn clearer 52, the unit controller cuts the spun yarn 10 by immediately stopping the driving of the draft device 7 while keeping the driving of the winding device 13, and additionally stops a spinning operation of the spinning device 9, a winding operation of the winding device 13, and the like. Moreover, the unit controller transmits a control signal to the yarn splicing cart 3, to move the yarn splicing cart 3 to the front of the spinning unit 2. Then, the unit controller drives the draft device 7 and the spinning device 9 again, causes the yarn splicing cart 3 to perform yarn splicing, and restarts the winding operation of the winding device 13. At this stage, in a time period from when the spinning device 9 restarts the spinning operation to when the winding operation of the winding device 13 is restarted, the yarn accumulation device 12 accumulates the spun yarn 10, which is continuously fed from the spinning device 9, on the yarn accumulation roller 21 and eliminates a slack of the spun yarn 10.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the yarn splicing cart 3 includes a splicer (yarn splicing device) 43. a suction pipe 44, and a suction mouth 46. When a yarn cut or a yarn breakage occurs in a certain spinning unit 2, the yarn splicing cart 3 travels on a rail 41 to the certain spinning unit 2. and stops. The suction pipe 44 vertically swings around a shaft, and sucks and catches a yarn end fed from the spinning device 9. Then, the suction pipe 44 guides the yarn end to the splicer 43. The suction mouth 46 vertically swings around a shaft, and sucks and catches a yarn end from the package 45 that is supported on the winding device 13. Then, the suction mouth 46 guides the yarn end to the splicer 43. The splicer 43 splices the yarn ends guided thereto with each other.
  • The suction pipe 44 is vertically swingable around the shaft, and configured to suck and catch the yarn end (upper yarn) fed from the spinning device 9 and guide the yarn end to the splicer 43. The suction mouth 46 is vertically swingable around the shaft, and configured to suck and catch the yarn end (lower yarn) from the package 45 that is supported on the winding device 13 and guide the yarn end to the splicer 43. The splicer 43 is configured to splice the upper yarn with the lower yarn by twisting these yarn ends together by using a swirling airflow, though a description of a detailed configuration of the splicer 43 is omitted herein.
  • The winding device 13 includes a cradle arm 71 supported such that it is swingable around a support shaft 70. The cradle arm 71 is able to rotatably support a bobbin 48 on which the spun yarn 10 is wound.
  • The winding device 13 includes a winding drum 72 and a traverse device 75. The winding drum 72 is driven in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 48 or an outer circumferential surface of the package 45 which is formed as a result of the spun yarn 10 being wound onto the bobbin 48. The traverse device 75 includes a traverse guide 76 that is engageable with the spun yarn 10. In this configuration, driving the winding drum 72 by means of an electric motor (not shown) while reciprocating the traverse guide 76 by means of drive means (not shown) enables the package 45 that is in contact with the winding drum 72 to be rotated, to thereby wind the spun yarn 10 with traversing.
  • Next, a configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30. In a description of the cotton fly removal part 30, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" mean the upstream and the downstream with respect to a direction of conveyance of the removal object substances.
  • Firstly, a brief description will be given to a path through which cotton fly and the like (hereinafter, referred to as removal object substances) generated in the spinning device 9 flows. In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the suction pipe 37 illustrated in FIG. 2 is arranged corresponding to each of the spinning units 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub duct 32 is connected to the downstream side of the suction pipe 37. One sub duct 32 is connected to the suction pipes 37 arranged in a predetermined number of the spinning units 2 (in this embodiment, twenty spinning units 2). In this embodiment, one suction pipe 37 is arranged for one spinning unit 2. Thus, twenty suction pipes 37 are connected to one sub duct 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a plurality of the sub ducts 32. All the sub ducts 32 are, at the downstream side thereof, connected to one centralized duct 36. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 are in parallel with each other with respect to the lengthwise direction thereof. Each of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a constant dimension with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the horizontal direction of FIG. 2, or the vertical direction of FIG. 3).
  • Next, components provided in the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a filter member 33 and a sub blower 31.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of a portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32), and positioned between the sub blower 31 and the sub duct 32. The filter member 33 has a mesh-like configuration. The mesh is configured to prevent removal object substances 81 from passing therethrough but allow air to pass therethrough. The filter member 33 is arranged in an inclined manner such that a more downstream portion of the filter member 33 is closer to the centralized duct 36.
  • The sub blower 31 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32). The sub blower 31 sucks, via the filter member 33, the air existing at the sub duct 32 side, and generates a suction stream 82 within the sub duct 32, the suction pipe 37, and the like. The suction stream 82 is mainly used for moving the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 to the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32 via the suction pipe 37.
  • In the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32 (above the filter member 33), part of the suction stream 82 passes through the filter member 33 and flows in a discharge pipe 61, to be discharged to the outside by a discharge part 62 that is arranged in an appropriate position. The rest of the suction stream 82 flows along the filter member 33 and passes through an opening 34 formed between the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36, to be introduced into the centralized duct 36. Due to the latter suction stream 82 (the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member 33), the removal object substances 81 drift to the centralized duct 36 while rolling on the filter member 33.
  • A centralized blower 35 is arranged within the blower box 4 and near one end portion of the centralized duct 36 (FIG. 1). The centralized blower 35 produces negative pressure at the downstream side of the centralized duct 36, to thereby generate an air stream 83 within the centralized duct 36. This air stream 83 drifts the removal object substances 81 to a cotton collection box (not shown) that is arranged in one end portion of the centralized duct 36.
  • In the present invention, the suction stream 82 that is discharged by the discharge part 62 has a larger flow rate than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that flows along the filter member 33 and is introduced into the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air stream 83 sucked by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. This enables a reduction in the power consumption of the centralized blower 35. This also enables downsizing of the centralized blower 35 as compared with the conventional.
  • Meanwhile, above the filter member 33, part of the suction stream 82 flows in a direction perpendicular to the filter member 33 (toward the sub blower 31). Therefore, the removal object substances 81 receive a force that presses them against the filter member 33. As a result, the removal object substances 81 tend to be caught by the filter member 33. This makes it likely that the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the filter member 33. However, this embodiment adopts a configuration that prevents a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in a direction parallel to the filter member 33 (toward the centralized duct 36). Therefore, it is not likely that the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the filter member 33. In the following, a description will be given to the configuration that prevents a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33.
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the sub duct 32 is configured such that, in the vicinity of an area where the filter member 33 is arranged, a wall surface of the sub duct 32 farther from the centralized duct 36 approaches to the centralized duct 36 as the wall surface comes farther from the upstream side and closer to the downstream side. As described above, the dimension of the sub duct 32 with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the vertical direction of FIG. 3) is constant. Therefore, the cross-sectional area (size) of the sub duct 32 gradually decreases toward the downstream side. Such a narrowing shape can suppress a reduction in the flow velocity of the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member 33. This can suppress a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33. As a result, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
  • In this embodiment, as described above, the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion (opening 34) where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other. Accordingly, the degree to which the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35 sucks the removal object substances 81 flowing along the filter member 33 becomes stronger at a more downstream location. That is, as the removal object substances 81 move along the filter member 33 toward the downstream, the removal object substances 81 are sucked by the suction stream 82 with a weaker suction force, which however can be compensated for by a suction force of the air stream 83. As a result, a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33 is not likely to occur. Thus, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
  • A pressure loss increases in accordance with the distance from the blower. Therefore, in the sub duct 32 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35, the suction pressure of the air stream 83 is weaker. In this respect, the cotton fly removal part 30 of this embodiment is configured such that the size of the opening 34 increases at a location farther from the centralized blower 35 so that a reduction in the suction force of the air stream 83 is prevented.
  • To be specific, a width of the opening 34 with respect to the horizontal direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the direction of conveyance of the removal object substances 81, or the horizontal direction of FIG. 3) increases at a location farther from the centralized blower 35 (FIG. 3). As described above, each of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 has a constant dimension with respect to the front-back direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the vertical direction of FIG. 3). Therefore, the above-mentioned width is proportional to the cross-sectional area (size) of the opening 34.
  • In the above-described manner, a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33 is prevented. Thereby, even though the removal object substances 81 are pressed against the filter member 33, the removal object substances 81 are able to move to the centralized duct 36 while rolling on the filter member 33. As a result, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33.
  • As thus far described above, the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment includes the spinning unit 2, the sub duct 32, the sub blower 31, the filter member 33, the discharge part 62, the centralized duct 36, and the centralized blower 35. The sub duct 32 is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the spinning units 2 (twenty spinning units 2). The removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning unit 2 flow in the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates, within the sub duct 32, the suction stream 82 for sucking the removal object substances 81. The filter member 33 is arranged in the sub duct 32, and allow part of the suction stream 82 to pass therethrough. The discharge part 62 discharges the suction stream 82 having passed through the filter member 33. The centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32. Part of the suction stream 82 not having passed through the filter member 33, and the removal object substances 81, flow in the centralized duct 36. The centralized blower 35 generates, within the centralized duct 36, the air stream 83 for moving the removal object substances 81. The flow rate of the suction stream 82 that is discharged from the discharge part 62 is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36.
  • Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, occurrence of a situation can be prevented where a large amount of the suction stream 82, which is generated by the sub blower 31, flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. Additionally, the fine spinning machine 1 is able to move the removal object substances 81 to the centralized duct 36 (or assist the movement) by using the suction stream 82 flowing toward the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. Due to the above-described configuration, the centralized blower 35 and the centralized duct 36 provided in the fine spinning machine 1 can be made compact. Moreover, the fine spinning machine 1 separates the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 from each other by means of the filter member 33. This configuration is able to make the size of the apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by means of a centrifugal machine or the like.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other.
  • Accordingly, in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the most downstream portion of the sub duct 32), the suction stream 82 is divided into a part in the centralized duct 36 side and a part in the discharge part 62 side. Therefore, when the removal object substances 81 flow and reach the downstream side of the filter member 33, the air stream 83 in the centralized blower 35 side immediately acts on the removal object substances 81. Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blower 31 is effectively used to move the removal object substances 81, so that an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is suppressed.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the lengthwise direction of the sub duct 32 and the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36 are in parallel with each other.
  • This enables a compact arrangement of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36, and therefore an increase in the size of the fine spinning machine 1 can be prevented.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 are arranged such that the removal object substances 81 are moved in the same direction. The filter member 33 is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36 such that a portion of the filter member 33 located more downstream in the sub duct 32 with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substances 81 is closer to the centralized duct 36.
  • Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the removal object substances 81 are able to move to the centralized duct 36 while rolling along the filter member 33 in a direction inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36. This can suppress an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of the this embodiment, the sub duct 32 is configured such that, with respect to the direction in which the suction stream 82 within the sub duct 32 flows, the cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member 33.
  • Accordingly, even though part of the suction stream 82 is discharged through the filter member 33 and the discharge part 62, the flow velocity of the suction stream 82 within the sub duct 32 is not easily reduced. This can strongly move the removal object substances 81 to the centralized duct 36, and avoid an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the filter member 33 has a mesh-like configuration, and the mesh of the filter member 33 is smaller than the removal object substances 81.
  • Accordingly, the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 can be accurately separated from each other with a simple configuration.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the fine spinning machine 1 includes at least two sub ducts 32 (in this embodiment, twenty sub ducts 32). The size of an opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32 arranged closer to the centralized blower 35 is smaller than the size of an opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub duct 32 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35.
  • Accordingly, occurrence of a situation is avoided where the strength of the air stream 83 varies depending on the distance from the centralized blower 35 (even at a location farther from the centralized blower 35, the strength of the air stream 83 is not easily reduced).
  • Next, modifications (first to fourth modifications) of the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of a block member 39 provided in a cotton fly removal part 30a according to a first modification. FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly removal part 30b according to a second modification. FIG. 6 is a top view of a cross-section showing, on an enlarged scale, a configuration of a cotton fly removal part 30c according to a third modification. FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an automatic winder according to a fourth modification. In the first to fourth modifications described below, members identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same corresponding reference signs on the drawings, and a description thereof may be sometimes omitted.
  • Firstly, the first modification will be described. As shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the cotton fly removal part 30a according to the first modification has the same configuration as that of the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described embodiment, except that a block member 39 is additionally provided. The block member 39 is made of a material that is able to prevent the suction stream 82 from passing therethrough. The position of the block member 39 is switchable between a first position (FIG. 4(b)) and a second position. In the first position, the block member 39 is arranged between the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33, so that the block member 39 is able to prevent the suction stream 82 from flowing from the filter member 33 to the discharge pipe 61 side. In the second position, the block member 39 does not block the filter member 33. For switching between the first position and the second position, for example, an operator may implement the switching, or alternatively the switching may be automatically implemented depending on the situation (or at predetermined time intervals).
  • Next, a description will be given to a timing for switching the position of the block member 39 and the behavior of the removal object substances 81 at a time when the position is switched. Normally, the block member 39 is placed in the second position. The cotton fly removal part 30 of this embodiment is configured such that an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 does not likely to occur, but nevertheless, a long-term use thereof may cause the removal object substances 81 to be accumulated on the filter member 33 (FIG. 4(a)). In such a situation, the sub blower 31 faces a difficulty in sucking the air existing in the sub duct 32, which weakens the suction stream 82 generated within the sub duct 32 by the sub blower 31. As a result, the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 cannot be appropriately sucked.
  • In this modification, when the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the filter member 33 in this manner, the position of the block member 39 is switched from the second position to the first position. As a result, the removal object substances 81 that is no longer sucked toward the discharge pipe 61 side are easily separated away from the filter member 33. Thus, the suction force of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35 easily drifts the removal object substances 81 toward the centralized duct 36 side. In the above-described manner, the removal object substances 81 accumulated on the filter member 33 can be removed.
  • Next, the second modification will be described. The cotton fly removal part 30b of the second modification is configured such that, unlike the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional areas (sizes) of the openings 34 are equal (FIG. 5). Additionally, the cotton fly removal part 30b includes a sub blower control part (control part) 51 that is configured to adjust the suction force of the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blower 31. The sub blower control part 51 is configured to adjust the suction force of the suction stream 82 by, for example, changing the speed of rotation of a blade included in the sub blower 31. The sub blower control part 51 includes, for example, an inverter control part, and is configured to perform a first control in accordance with the distance of the sub blower 31 from the centralized blower 35 and a second control in accordance with the winding conditions.
  • Firstly, the first control performed by the sub blower control part 51 will be described. The sub blower control part 51 performs a control such that the sub blower 31 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35 generates the suction stream 82 with a greater suction force. In such a configuration, even in the sub duct 32 located farther from the centralized blower 35, the suction force of the suction stream 82 can be increased so as to compensate for the reduced suction force of the air stream 83. Accordingly, the removal object substances 81 existing within the sub duct 32 can be appropriately conveyed to the centralized duct 36. Such a control enables the openings 34 of the respective sub ducts 32 to have the same width. This can simplify manufacturing and assembling of the sub duct 32 or the like.
  • Instead of the configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30b, a configuration is also adoptable in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided and the sub blower 31 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35 has a higher output. In such a case as well, the widths of the openings 34 of the respective sub ducts 32 can be the same.
  • Next, the second control performed by the sub blower control part 51 in accordance with the winding conditions, will be described. The degree to which an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is likely to occur varies depending on the winding conditions. For example, when an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 is likely to occur, the sub blower control part 51 reduces the suction force of the suction stream 82 so that the suction force of the suction stream 82 has less influence than the suction force of the air stream 83. As a result, the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction along the filter member 33 can be increased. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is less likely to occur.
  • Instead (or in addition to) the sub blower control part 51, a centralized blower control part may be provided that controls the suction force of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35. In such a case, when an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 is likely to occur, the suction force of the air stream 83 can be increased so that the speed of the removal object substances 81 in the direction along the filter member 33 is increased. Thus, the accumulation can be avoided.
  • Next, the third modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the cotton fly removal part 30c of the third modification, a plurality of suction pipes 37 are connected in an area extending from both lengthwise sides to a central portion of the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 and the filter member 33 are arranged in the vicinity of the central portion of the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates, within the sub duct 32, the suction stream 82 that is directed from both lengthwise sides to the center of the sub duct 32.
  • In this configuration, the removal object substances 81, which have flowed in the suction pipes 37 and reached the sub duct 32, flow toward the center of the sub duct 32. Then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, part of the suction stream 82 is discharged by the discharge part 62 via the filter member 33 and the discharge pipe 61. The removal object substances are drifted while rolling on the filter member 33, and flow to the centralized duct 36.
  • Next, the fourth modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth modification, the present invention is applied to an automatic winder instead of the fine spinning machine. The automatic winder includes a plurality of winder units (winding units) 100 arranged side by side. The automatic winder includes a cotton fly removal part 30d having a configuration equivalent to the configuration of any of the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof.
  • In the following, a brief description will be given to a configuration of the winder unit 100. In the winder unit 100, a yarn supply part 90 unwinds a spun yarn 92 from a yarn supply bobbin 93, and a tension applying member 94 applies a predetermined winding tension to the spun yarn 92, and in this condition, a winding drum 98 provided in a winding device 97 traverses and winds the spun yarn 92 onto a surface of a package 99. The winder unit 100 further includes a yarn defect detection device 96 and a yarn splicing device 95. The yarn defect detection device 96 monitors a yarn defect of the traveling spun yarn 92. The yarn splicing device 95 splices an upper yarn at the package 99 side with a lower yarn at the yarn supply bobbin 93 side at a time of yarn breakage. The yarn supply part 90 may adopt, for example, a configuration in which the yarn supply bobbin 93 is conveyed by a bobbin conveyance system, or a configuration in which the yarn supply bobbin 93 is fed from a magazine-type feed system, though a description of a detailed configuration of the yarn supply part 90 is omitted herein.
  • The winder unit 100 has a suction port 91 arranged adjacent to a yarn path through which the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yarn supply bobbin 93 passes. The suction port 91 is arranged slightly upstream of the yarn supply part 90, and positioned rearward of the tension applying member 94. The suction port 91 is connected via the suction pipe 37 to the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates a suction stream, to thereby suck and remove removal object substances such as cotton fly and yarn waste adhering to the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yarn supply bobbin 93. Thus, the removal object substances can be conveyed to the centralized duct 36. The removal object substances having been conveyed to the centralized duct 36 are transported to, for example, a cotton collection box by means of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower 35, and then disposed of.
  • The suction port, the centralized duct, and the sub duct may be placed at any positions. For example, as indicated by the dot-dash lines in FIG. 7, the suction port 91, the sub duct 32, and the centralized duct 36 may be arranged near the yarn supply part 90.
  • As thus far described above, in the fine spinning machine 1 of the first modification described above, the block member 39 is provided between the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33. The block member 39 is configured to temporarily block the suction stream 82 flowing from the sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62.
  • Since the block member 39 temporarily blocks the suction stream 82 flowing from the sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62, the removal object substances 81 are easily separated away from the filter member 33. This enables the removal object substances 81 accumulated on the filter member 33 to easily move to the centralized duct 36 side, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33.
  • In the fine spinning machine 1 of the second modification described above, the sub blower control part 51 for controlling the suction force of the suction stream 82 generated by the sub blowers 31 is provided.
  • Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the sub blower control part 51 controls the suction force of the suction stream 82, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity of the filter member 33 can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33. However, the fine spinning machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided, has an advantage of simplification of the configuration, suppression of energy consumption, and the like.
  • In the fourth modification described above, the winder unit 100 includes the yarn supply part 90 and the winding device 13. The yarn supply part 90 supplies the spun yarn 92. The winding device 97 winds the spun yarn 92, into a package.
  • Accordingly, the effects of the present invention are achieved in an automatic winder.
  • While a preferred embodiment of the present invention and modifications thereof have been described above, the above-described configurations can be changed, for example, as follows.
  • In the above-described embodiment, the size of the opening 34 located in the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other is changed. Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted. In the second modification, the openings 34 have the same size, and the sub blower control part 51 controls the sub blower 31. Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted. In still another modification, it may be possible that the openings 34 have different sizes as illustrated in the above-described embodiment and additionally the sub blower control part 51 is provided to control the sub blower 31 as illustrated in the second modification described above. Once the size of the opening 34 is determined, it is difficult to adjust the size. Depending on the limit of the capacity of the sub blower 31 itself, the energy consumption of the sub blower 31, and the operational efficiency of the sub blower 31, it may not be always possible that the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted to a desired strength only by means of the control performed by the sub blower control part 51. Therefore, configuring a textile machine as illustrated in said another modification is particularly desirable, because it increases the degree of freedom of the textile machine as a whole.
  • The number of spinning units 2 connected to one sub duct 32 may be, instead of twenty, one to nineteen, twenty-one, or more. In a case where the fine spinning machine 1 or the automatic winder includes a large number of units, for example, eighty or more units, a configuration not including the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described embodiment increases the size of the centralized duct, which may cause the power consumption of the centralized blower to exceed allowable power. However, providing the cotton fly removal part 30 for each of a predetermined number of units as illustrated in the above-described embodiment allows to make the centralized duct 36 compact, and also avoid occurrence of a situation where the power consumption of the centralized blower 35 exceeds the allowable power. The number of units described above is merely illustrative, and no upper limit is put on the number of units included in the fine spinning machine 1 or the automatic winder.
  • In a case where the present invention is applied to the fine spinning machine 1, not only the suction pipe 37 described above but also a suction pipe for sucking cotton fly and the like adhering to a draft roller of the draft device 7 may be connected to the sub duct 32. Moreover, a suction pipe for sucking yarn waste, which is provided downstream of the spinning device 9, may be connected to the sub duct 32. Furthermore, in a spinning machine configured such that yarn splicing is performed in each winding unit, a pipe for sucking yarn waste and the like generated at a time of the yarn splicing may be connected to the sub duct 32.
  • In the description above, for example, at a time when a yarn defect is detected, the draft device 7 is stopped while the winding device 13 is kept driving, and thereby the spun yarn 10 is cut. Alternatively, it may be also acceptable to provide a cutter near the yarn clearer 52 so that the spun yarn 10 is cut by the cutter.
  • Although the spinning unit 2 pulls out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning device 9 by means of the yarn accumulation device 12. this configuration is not limiting. For example, the present invention is applicable to a fine spinning machine configured such that the spun yarn 10 is pulled out from the spinning device 9 by means of a delivery roller and a nip roller, and then the yarn accumulation device 12 provided downstream accumulates the spun yarn 10. In such a case where the spun yarn 10 is pulled out from the spinning device 9 by means of the delivery roller and the nip roller, the yarn accumulation device 12 may be omitted.
  • The configuration of the present invention is applicable not only to a fine spinning machine or an automatic winder but also to a textile machine such as a twisting machine and a doubling machine.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
  • 1
    fine spinning machine (textile machine)
    30
    cotton fly removal part
    31
    sub blower
    32
    sub duct
    33
    filter member
    35
    centralized blower
    36
    centralized duct
    81
    removal object substance
    82
    suction stream
    83
    air stream

Claims (10)

  1. A textile machine (1) comprising:
    a winding unit (2);
    a sub duct (32) arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the winding units (2), and configured such that a removal object substance (81) generated in the winding unit (2) flows in the sub duct (32);
    a sub blower (31) that generates, within the sub duct (32), a suction stream (82) for sucking the removal object substance (81);
    a filter member (33) arranged in the sub duct (32), and configured to allow part of the suction stream (82) to pass therethrough;
    a discharge part (62) that discharges the part of the suction stream (82) having passed through the filter member (33);
    a centralized duct (36) connected to the sub duct (32), and configured such that part of the suction stream (82) not having passed through the filter member (33) and the removal object substance (81) flow in the centralized duct (36); and
    a centralized blower (35) that generates, within the centralized duct (36), an air stream (83) for moving the removal object substance (81), characterized in that
    the flow rate of the suction stream (82) that is discharged from the discharge part (62) is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream (82) that flows from the sub duct (32) to the centralized duct (36), and the sub duct (32) is configured such that, with respect to a direction in which the suction stream (82) flows in the sub duct (32), a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member (33) is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member (33).
  2. The textile machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that
    the filter member (33) is arranged in the vicinity of a portion where the sub duct (32) and the centralized duct (36) are connected to each other.
  3. The textile machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a lengthwise direction of the sub duct (32) and a lengthwise direction of the centralized duct (36) are in parallel with each other.
  4. The textile machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that
    the sub duct (32) and the centralized duct (36) are arranged such that the removal object substance (81) moves in the same direction,
    the filter member (33) is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct (36) such that a portion of the filter member (33) located more downstream in the sub duct (32) with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substance (81) is closer to the centralized duct (36).
  5. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a control part (51) that controls at least one of the strength of the suction stream (82) generated by the sub blower (31) and the strength of the air stream (83) generated by the centralized blower (35).
  6. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims I to 5, characterized in that
    the filter member (33) has a mesh-like configuration, and a mesh of the filter member (33) is smaller than the removal object substance (81).
  7. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least two said sub ducts (32), characterized in that
    the size of an opening (34) located in a portion where the centralized duct (36) is connected to the sub duct (32) closer to the centralized blower (35) is smaller than the size of an opening (34) located in a portion where the centralized duct (36) is connected to the sub duct (32) farther from the centralized blower (35).
  8. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that
    a block member (39) is provided between the sub blower (31) and the filter member (33), the block member (39) being configured to temporarily block the suction stream (82) flowing from the sub duct (32) toward the discharge part (62).
  9. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
    the winding unit (2) includes:
    a draft device (7) that drafts a sliver (15);
    a spinning device (9) that applies twists to the sliver (15) drafted by the draft device (7), to produce a spun yarn (10); and
    a winding device (13) that winds the spun yarn (10) produced by the spinning device (9), into a package (45).
  10. The textile machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
    the winding unit (100) includes:
    a yarn supply part (90) that supplies a spun yarn (92); and
    a winding device (97) that winds the spun yarn (92), into a package (99).
EP11850074.3A 2010-12-20 2011-10-26 Textile machine Not-in-force EP2657381B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2010283069A JP2012132112A (en) 2010-12-20 2010-12-20 Textile machine
PCT/JP2011/005971 WO2012086113A1 (en) 2010-12-20 2011-10-26 Textile machine

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EP2657381A1 EP2657381A1 (en) 2013-10-30
EP2657381A4 EP2657381A4 (en) 2014-06-18
EP2657381B1 true EP2657381B1 (en) 2016-10-19

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JP (1) JP2012132112A (en)
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JP2017053051A (en) 2015-09-08 2017-03-16 村田機械株式会社 Yarn winding machine
JP2017053052A (en) 2015-09-08 2017-03-16 村田機械株式会社 Yarn winding machine
JP2017206327A (en) * 2016-05-16 2017-11-24 村田機械株式会社 Textile machine
JP2019006534A (en) * 2017-06-22 2019-01-17 村田機械株式会社 Textile machine
JP2021011668A (en) * 2019-07-09 2021-02-04 村田機械株式会社 Cotton fly discharge device

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JPS5818977U (en) * 1981-07-29 1983-02-05 京南工業株式会社 New machine in spinning machine
JPS61113833A (en) * 1984-11-09 1986-05-31 Howa Mach Ltd Pneumatic clearer in spinning machine
JP2008106393A (en) * 2006-10-25 2008-05-08 Hara Shokki Seisakusho:Kk Cotton dust-collecting and treating device in textile machine
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2657381A4 (en) 2014-06-18
CN103261497A (en) 2013-08-21
JP2012132112A (en) 2012-07-12
CN103261497B (en) 2015-09-09
WO2012086113A1 (en) 2012-06-28
EP2657381A1 (en) 2013-10-30

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