EP4596767A1

EP4596767A1 - Interlacing apparatus and spun yarn take-up machine

Info

Publication number: EP4596767A1
Application number: EP25152176.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Motoki Kato; Shoji TAMAGAWA
Original assignee: TMT Machinery Inc
Current assignee: TMT Machinery Inc
Priority date: 2024-01-29
Filing date: 2025-01-16
Publication date: 2025-08-06
Also published as: JP2025116816A; CN120384352A

Abstract

An interlacing apparatus (5) includes a housing (30) and a nozzle unit (40). The housing (30) includes an air flow passage (31) formed therein. The nozzle unit (40) performs ejection from each of a plurality of nozzle members (42) to interlace a plurality of yarns. The air flow passage (31) includes a first flow passage (32) and a second flow passage (33). The first flow passage (32) extends in a first direction. The second flow passage (33) is connected to the first flow passage (32) and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and toward inlets (44) of nozzle members (42). A restricting member (60) is disposed in the most upstream region (A1) of regions obtained by dividing, in the first direction, a region of the first flow passage (32) in which the nozzle members (42) are arranged, into three equal parts. The restricting member (60) restricts a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage (32). The restricting member (60) covers at least half of a flow passage cross-sectional area of the first flow passage (32).

Description

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to an interlacing apparatus for interlacing a plurality of yarns.

Background Art

Patent Document 1 is JP 2019-35169 A .
Patent Document 1 discloses an interlacing apparatus provided in a spun yarn take-up apparatus. The interlacing apparatus includes a base and a plurality of interlacing pieces. The base includes a fluid passage formed therein, and a fluid supplied from a fluid supply source flows through the fluid passage. The plurality of interlacing pieces are arranged side by side in a direction along the fluid passage. Each of the plurality of interlacing pieces is formed with a fluid supply hole and a fluid ejection orifice. The fluid flowing through the fluid passage flows to the fluid supply hole and is ejected from the fluid ejection orifice into a yarn running space. As a result, the yarn running in the yarn running space is interlaced.

Summary of Invention

In the interlacing apparatus of Patent Document 1, a plurality of interlacing pieces are arranged side by side in a direction along a fluid passage. Therefore, depending on the flow of the fluid in the fluid passage, there may be variation in the ease with which the fluid flows, among the fluid supply holes of the plurality of interlacing pieces. As a result, each of the plurality of yarns is processed by an ejected fluid flow with a different flow velocity, resulting in yarn-to-yarn interlacement variation. Due to the above circumstances, there is a demand for an interlacing apparatus capable of reducing yarn-to-yarn interlacement variation upon interlacing a plurality of yarns.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to provide an interlacing apparatus capable of reducing yarn-to-yarn interlacement variation upon interlacing a plurality of yarns.

Means for Solving Problems and Effects Thereof

The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, the means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, an interlacing apparatus having the following configuration is provided. Specifically, the interlacing apparatus includes a housing and a nozzle unit. The housing includes an air flow passage formed therein. The nozzle unit includes a plurality of nozzle members arranged side by side in a first direction, and ejects air supplied to inlets of the nozzle members via the air flow passage, from each of the plurality of nozzle members, to a corresponding one of a plurality of yarns arranged side by side in the first direction, to interlace the plurality of yarns. The air flow passage includes a first flow passage and a second flow passage. The first flow passage extends in the first direction. The second flow passage is connected to the first flow passage, and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and toward the inlets of the nozzle members. A restricting member is disposed at a position in the first flow passage upstream of a center in the first direction of a region in which the nozzle members are arranged, and the restricting member restricts a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage. The restricting member covers at least half of a flow passage cross-sectional area of the first flow passage.
In this configuration, a portion of the air flow is once restricted by the restricting member and then flows toward the inlets of the nozzle members. In particular, since the restricting member located relatively upstream in the first flow passage covers at least half of the flow passage cross-sectional area, most of inflowing air impinges on the restricting member and then flows to the second flow passage. This results in reduction of influence of the flow velocity of the air flowing through the first flow passage, on the flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage, and thus variation in flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage can be reduced. Therefore, interlacement variation upon interlacing a plurality of yarns can be reduced.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member extends from an end of the first flow passage on the second flow passage side, beyond a center of the first flow passage in the second direction, toward an end on a side opposite to the second flow passage.
This configuration facilitates impingement of the air flowing through the first flow passage, on the restricting member, before flowing into the second flow passage.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that the restricting member is disposed in the most upstream region of regions obtained by dividing, in the first direction, a region of the first flow passage in which the nozzle members are arranged, into three equal parts.
In this configuration, impingement of inflowing air can occur at a further upstream position in the first flow passage, and thus variation in flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage can further be reduced.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member extends from an end of the first flow passage on the second flow passage side, to the furthest region from the second flow passage of regions obtained by dividing the first flow passage into three equal parts in the second direction.
In this configuration, the restricting member is positioned in a region including the center of the first flow passage in the second direction and the vicinity of the center. Thus, this configuration further facilitates impingement of air flowing through the first flow passage, on the restricting member.
It is preferable that the interlacing apparatus has the following configuration. Specifically, the restricting member includes a restricting surface and a first positioning portion. The restricting surface restricts a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage. The first positioning portion suppresses a change in a position of the restricting member in the first direction within the housing, by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage.
This configuration using a single restricting member allows restriction of air flow and positioning in the first direction.
It is preferable that the interlacing apparatus has the following configuration. Specifically, an opening is formed in the housing at a position corresponding to a downstream end of an air flow in the second flow passage. The restricting member is sized to be smaller than the size of the opening of the housing.
This configuration makes it possible to insert and place the restricting member through the opening in the housing.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that the restricting member is formed with an engagement portion that engages a tool upon removal of the restricting member from the housing.
This configuration facilitates removal of the restricting member from inside the housing.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that, when viewed in the first direction, an inner wall surface of the first flow passage includes a circular arc, and the restricting member includes a rectangle.
Since the contours of the circular arc and the rectangle do not completely match, gaps exist between the first flow passage and the restricting member. Therefore, the air after impinging on the restricting member can flow toward the second flow passage through these gaps.
In the interlacing apparatus, it is preferable that a portion of the restricting member is in contact with an inner wall surface of the first flow passage, and the inner wall surface of the first flow passage supports the restricting member.
This configuration eliminates the need for or simplifies a structure for holding the restricting member.
It is preferable that the interlacing apparatus has the following configuration. Specifically, the restricting member includes a second positioning portion. The second positioning portion suppresses a change in a position of the restricting member in the second direction within the housing, by contacting the nozzle unit.
This configuration makes it possible to position the restricting member in the second direction.
It is preferable that the interlacing apparatus has the following configuration. Specifically, the restricting member includes a third positioning portion. Here, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction. The third positioning portion suppresses a change in a position of the restricting member in the third direction within the housing, by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage.
This configuration makes it possible to position the restricting member in the third direction.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a spun yarn take-up machine including the interlacing apparatus and a yarn winding machine is provided. The yarn winding machine winds a plurality of yarns interlaced by the interlacing apparatus, to simultaneously form a plurality of packages.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1: is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine.
FIG. 2: is a perspective view of an interlacing apparatus.
FIG. 3: is a perspective view illustrating insertion of a restricting member into a housing.
FIG. 4: is a perspective view illustrating attachment of a nozzle unit to a housing.
FIG. 5: is a cross-sectional view of the interlacing apparatus taken along a line A-A.
FIG. 6: is a cross-sectional view of the interlacing apparatus taken along a line B-B.

Description of Embodiments

Next, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a side view of a spun yarn take-up machine1.
The spun yarn take-up machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a spinning apparatus 2 and a yarn winding machine 9. The spinning apparatus 2 includes a spinneret 2a. The spinning apparatus 2 is supplied with a molten fiber material such as nylon or polyester from a raw material supply apparatus (not illustrated). The spinning apparatus 2 extrudes the molten fiber material at a high temperature from the spinneret 2a. As a result, a plurality of yarns 93 are spun and exit from the spinneret 2a. The yarn winding machine 9 winds the yarns 93 spun by the spinning apparatus 2 to produce packages 20. The yarn 93 is a synthetic yarn such as a nylon or polyester yarn. The yarn 93 is not a short fiber yarn such as a spun yarn, but a long fiber yarn (filament yarn).
In the yarn running direction, an oil supply guide 3, a drawing apparatus 4, an interlacing apparatus 5, a first godet roller 7, and a second godet roller 8 are arranged between the spinning apparatus 2 and the yarn winding machine 9 in this order from the upstream side in the yarn running direction.
The oil supply guide 3 applies oil to the plurality of yarns 93 spun by the spinning apparatus 2, while guiding each of the plurality of yarns 93 individually. The drawing apparatus 4 has a plurality of drawing rollers (not illustrated). The yarn 93 is drawn by being passed between rotating drawing rollers which face each other. The interlacing apparatus 5 interlaces each of the plurality of yarns 93. The detailed configuration of the interlacing apparatus 5 will be described later.
The first godet roller 7 and the second godet roller 8 are driven by a motor (not illustrated). The first godet roller 7 and the second godet roller 8 can take up the yarns 93 by winding the yarns 93 around them and rotating. The first godet roller 7 takes up the yarns 93 from the interlacing apparatus 5. The second godet roller 8 takes up the yarns 93 from the first godet roller 7. The yarns 93 that have passed the second godet roller 8 are supplied to the yarn winding machine 9.
Although in the present embodiment, the interlacing apparatus 5 is provided upstream of the first godet roller 7 in the yarn running direction, the interlacing apparatus 5 may alternatively be provided downstream of the first godet roller 7 in the yarn running direction and upstream of the second godet roller 8 in the yarn running direction. Alternatively, one interlacing apparatus 5 may be provided upstream of the first godet roller 7, and another one interlacing apparatus 5 may be provided downstream of the first godet roller 7.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the yarn winding machine 9 includes a plurality of fulcrum guides 11, a plurality of traverse guides 12, and a turret plate 13.
The fulcrum guide 11 is provided for each of the plurality of yarns 93. Each one of the fulcrum guides 11 guides one of the yarns 93. The fulcrum guide 11 restricts movement of the yarn 93 in the axial direction of the package 20 (in other words, the traverse direction). The traverse guide 12 is provided for each of the plurality of yarns 93. Each one of the traverse guides 12 engages with one of the yarns 93. The traverse guide 12 is driven by a traverse motor (not illustrated) to reciprocate in the axial direction of the package 20. As a result, the yarn 93 is traversed by the traverse guide 12 with the fulcrum guide 11 as a fulcrum.
The turret plate 13 is a disk-shaped member rotatably attached to a frame of the yarn winding machine 9. The axial direction of the turret plate 13 and the axial direction of the package 20 are parallel to each other. The turret plate 13 is rotatable about a rotation axis which is a normal line passing through the center of the disk. On the turret plate 13, a first bobbin holder 14 and a second bobbin holder 15 are provided at two locations facing each other across the center of the disk, respectively. A plurality of the bobbins can be attached to the first bobbin holder 14 such that the bobbins are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the first bobbin holder 14. A plurality of the bobbins can be attached to the second bobbin holder 15 such that the bobbins are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the second bobbin holder 15.
By rotating the turret plate 13, the positions of the first bobbin holder 14 and the second bobbin holder 15 can be changed. Each of the traversed yarns 93 is wound onto a corresponding one of the bobbins attached to the upper one of the first bobbin holder 14 and the second bobbin holder 15, thereby producing the package 20.
Next, the interlacing apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interlacing apparatus 5. FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating assembly of the interlacing apparatus 5 (exploded perspective views). FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the interlacing apparatus 5.
The interlacing apparatus 5 ejects air (specifically, compressed air) to each of the plurality of yarns 93 to interlace each of the yarns 93. Interlacing means entangling elements (e.g., filaments) of the yarn 93 with each other. By interlacing the yarn 93, for example, the unwinding property of the yarn 93 is improved. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the interlacing apparatus 5 includes, as main components, a housing 30, a nozzle unit 40, and a restricting member 60.
An inlet pipe 51 is connected to the housing 30. The inlet pipe 51 is connected to a blower or the like outside the interlacing apparatus 5. Air is supplied to the interlacing apparatus 5 via the inlet pipe 51. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the air supplied via the inlet pipe 51 flows through an air flow passage 31 to the nozzle unit 40.
The air flow passage 31 has a first flow passage 32 extending in a first direction and a second flow passage 33 extending in a second direction. In the following description, the first direction refers to the direction in which the yarns 93 are arranged side by side, the direction in which nozzle members 42 described below are arranged side by side, and the flow direction of air immediately after the air is supplied from the inlet pipe 51 to the air flow passage 31. The first flow passage 32 extending in the first direction means that the first flow passage 32 is formed parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction from the upstream end of the first flow passage 32 in the flow direction. The second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction (the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the present embodiment). The second direction is a direction from the first flow passage 32 toward the nozzle unit 40. The second flow passage 33 extending in the second direction means that the second flow passage 33 is formed parallel or substantially parallel to the second direction from the upstream end of the second flow passage 33 in the flow direction. A third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first flow passage 32 includes a straight flow passage 32a and a bent flow passage 32b.
The straight flow passage 32a is a flow passage located upstream of the bent flow passage 32b in the flow direction. The straight flow passage 32a is connected to the inlet pipe 51. The straight flow passage 32a is a flow passage in which air flows linearly from the upstream side (the inlet pipe 51 side) to the downstream side (the bent flow passage 32b side). The straight flow passage 32a has a circular cross section, and is enclosed by a circular inner wall surface.
The bent flow passage 32b is a flow passage located downstream of the straight flow passage 32a in the flow direction and upstream of the second flow passage 33 in the flow direction. In other words, the bent flow passage 32b is a flow passage that connects the straight flow passage 32a and the second flow passage 33. Here, the flow direction of the straight flow passage 32a is the first direction, and the flow direction of the second flow passage 33 is the second direction. Therefore, in the bent flow passage 32b, the flow direction changes from the first direction to the second direction. The bent flow passage 32b has a circular cross section and is enclosed by a circular inner wall surface. The cross section of the bent flow passage 32b is perpendicular to the first direction. Further, a portion of the bent flow passage 32b (specifically, the side closer to the nozzle unit 40 in the second direction) is open. The open portion of the bent flow passage 32b is connected to the second flow passage 33.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, an opening 34 is formed on one side of the housing 30 in the second direction. The opening 34 is connected to the second flow passage 33. As described below, the restricting member 60 is placed through the opening 34 inside the housing 30. Edges 35 of the opening 34 has stepped shapes, and the nozzle unit 40 is attached by using this stepped shapes.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the nozzle unit 40 has a base portion 41 and a plurality of nozzle members 42.
The base portion 41 is connected to the plurality of nozzle members 42. Providing the base portion 41 allows for the plurality of nozzle members 42 to be handled collectively. The base portion 41 has a shape and size corresponding to the edges 35 described above, and by placing the base portion 41 on the edges 35, the nozzle unit 40 can be positioned relative to the housing 30. The housing 30 and the nozzle unit 40 are fixed to each other by a fixing structure (not illustrated).
The nozzle members 42 are arranged side by side in the first direction. Each of the nozzle members 42 is formed with a yarn passage 43 through which one of the yarns 93 passes. Further, the nozzle member 42 is formed with an inlet 44 and an ejection port 45. Air is introduced into the inlet 44 via the second flow passage 33. The air introduced into the inlet 44 is ejected from the ejection port 45 to the yarn 93 passing through the yarn passage 43. As a result, each one of the nozzle members 42 interlaces one of the yarns 93 passing through the yarn passage 43.
In addition, an upstream guide 52 and a downstream guide 53 are further attached to the housing 30. The upstream guide 52 is disposed upstream of the nozzle unit 40 in the yarn running direction. The upstream guide 52 guides the plurality of yarns 93 individually. The downstream guide 53 is disposed downstream of the nozzle unit 40 in the yarn running direction. The downstream guide 53 guides the plurality of yarns 93 individually. Note that the upstream guide 52 and the downstream guide 53 may be disposed at locations different from the interlacing apparatus 5.
To reduce interlacement variation upon interlacing the plurality of yarns 93, it is necessary to reduce variation in flow velocity of air introduced into the nozzle members 42 (in other words, flow velocity of air flowing through the second flow passage 33). However, in the present embodiment, the flow directions in the first flow passage 32 and the second flow passage 33 are different, and thus variation in flow velocity is likely to occur. For example, the air flowing through the first flow passage 32 has a component that flows toward the downstream side of the first flow passage 32, and thus air flow flowing to the nozzle members 42 located on the upstream side of the first flow passage 32 (the side closer to the inlet pipe 51 and the straight flow passage 32a) is weakened. As a result, the flow velocity of the air supplied to the nozzle members 42 on the upstream side in the first direction tends to be slower than the flow velocity of the air supplied to the nozzle members 42 on the downstream side in the first direction.
In this regard, in the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 is disposed in the air flow passage 31. The restricting member 60 restricts the air flow in the air flow passage 31, thereby reducing the variation in flow velocity described above (details will be described later). The restricting member 60 is produced by blanking and bending of a plate material. Since the restricting member 60 is produced using a single plate material as a base, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
First, the shape of the restricting member 60 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the restricting member 60 has one first plate portion 60a, two second plate portions 60b, and two third plate portions 60c. The plate portion is a single flat portion formed by bending a plate material. One of the second plate portions 60b is connected to one end of the first plate portion 60a, and the other of the second plate portions 60b is connected to the other end of the first plate portion 60a. The first plate portion 60a and the second plate portions 60b are perpendicular to each other. However, the first plate portion 60a and the second plate portion 60b may not be perpendicular to each other. The third plate portion 60c is connected to one end of each of the two second plate portions 60b. Specifically, the third plate portion 60c is connected to only a portion of the second plate portion 60b in the width direction. The second plate portion 60b and the third plate portion 60c are perpendicular to each other. However, the second plate portion 60b and the third plate portion 60c may not be perpendicular to each other.
Next, the function of the restricting member 60 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the restricting member 60 has first positioning portions 61, second positioning portions 62, third positioning portions 63, a restricting surface 64, and an engagement portion 65. In this specification, positioning refers to fixing the position of each component at a predetermined position, or regulating (restricting) the position of each component so as not to being out of an appropriate region.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the restricting member 60 is placed by being inserted through the opening 34 of the housing 30. Therefore, the restricting member 60 is sized to be smaller than the size of the opening 34. In other words, by orienting the restricting member 60 in a predetermined direction, the restricting member 60 can pass through the opening 34. In particular, in the present embodiment, when viewed in an attachment direction of the restricting member 60 (the third direction), the opening 34 is larger than the restricting member 60.
The restricting member 60 in the present embodiment is not engaged with the housing 30. Specifically, the restricting member 60 is placed inside the housing 30 such that the restricting member 60 is supported by inner wall surfaces of the housing 30, and then the nozzle unit 40 is attached as illustrated in FIG. 4. As a result, the first positioning portions 61, the second positioning portions 62, and the third positioning portions 63 function as described below, and the restricting member 60 is positioned in the housing 30.
The first positioning portion 61 is a portion for positioning the restricting member 60 in the first direction. The first positioning portion 61 is an edge of the third plate portion 60c. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first positioning portion 61 faces the inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33. As used herein, facing includes both a contact state and a non-contact state. Even if a force in the first direction is applied to the restricting member 60, contact between the first positioning portion 61 and the inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33 suppresses movement of the restricting member 60 in the first direction. In particular, in the present embodiment, since there are two third plate portions 60c, there are also two first positioning portions 61. One of the first positioning portions 61 is for positioning on one side in the first direction. The other of the first positioning portions 61 is for positioning on the other side in the first direction.
The second positioning portion 62 is a portion for positioning the restricting member 60 in the second direction. The second positioning portion 62 is an edge of the second plate portion 60b. Specifically, the second positioning portion 62 is a portion of the edge of the second plate portion 60b that is not bent to form the third plate portion 60c. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second positioning portion 62 faces a surface of the nozzle unit 40 (specifically, the bottom surface of the base portion 41). Even if a force in the second direction is applied to the restricting member 60, contact between the second positioning portion 62 and the nozzle unit 40 suppresses movement of the restricting member 60 in the second direction. The other side of the restricting member 60 in the second direction is positioned by the first plate portion 60a being supported by the inner wall surface of the first flow passage 32.
The third positioning portion 63 is a portion for positioning the restricting member 60 in the third direction. The third positioning portions 63 are both edges of the second plate portion 60b in the width direction. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the third positioning portion 63 faces the inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33. Even if a force in the third direction is applied to the restricting member 60, contact between the third positioning portions 63 and the inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33 suppresses movement of the restricting member 60 in the third direction.
In the present embodiment, the first positioning portions 61, the second positioning portions 62, and the third positioning portions 63 of the restricting member 60 are formed only by blanking and bending of a single plate material. Thus, positioning in three directions can be achieved in a manner that can reduce the manufacturing cost of the restricting member 60.
The restricting surface 64 is a portion for restricting a portion of the air flow flowing through the first flow passage 32. The restricting surface 64 is a surface of the second positioning portion 62 that faces the inlet pipe 51 (in other words, the upstream side). As illustrated in FIG. 5, the restricting surface 64 is disposed in the bent flow passage 32b. Specifically, in the first direction, the restricting surface 64 is disposed at a position in the first flow passage 32 upstream of a center C1 of the region in which the nozzle members 42 exist (a position close to the inlet pipe 51). More specifically, the restricting surface 64 is disposed in a region A1 which is the most upstream one (the closest one to the inlet pipe 51) of the three regions obtained by dividing, into three equal parts, the region of the first flow passage 32 in which the nozzle members 42 exist. In addition, in the second direction, the restricting surface 64 extends from the end of the first flow passage 32 on the second flow passage 33 side, beyond a center C2 in the second direction, toward an end on the side opposite to the second flow passage 33. More specifically, the restricting surface 64 extends beyond the central position C2 to a region A2 which is the furthest region from the second flow passage 33 of the three regions obtained by dividing the first flow passage 32 into three equal parts in the second direction. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the restricting surface 64 covers at least half of the flow passage cross-sectional area of the first flow passage 32 (specifically, the bent flow passage 32b).
In the configuration, the restricting surface 64 is at a relatively upstream position in the first flow passage 32 and covers a wide area of the first flow passage 32. As a result, most of the inflowing air impinges on the restricting surface 64. Therefore, the flow in the first direction of the first flow passage 32 can be cancelled. As illustrated in FIG. 6, when viewed in the first direction, the restricting surface 64 is rectangular, while the bent flow passage 32b has an inner wall surface that includes a circular arc. Therefore, gaps exist between the restricting surface 64 and the inner wall surface of the bent flow passage 32b. Therefore, the air after impinging on the restricting surface 64 mainly flows into the second flow passage 33 through these gaps. The impingement of air on the restricting surface 64 reduces influence of the flow velocity of the air flowing through the first flow passage 32, on the flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage 33. As a result, variation in the flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage 33 can be reduced. Therefore, interlacement variation upon interlacing the plurality of yarns 93 can be reduced.
That is, in the present embodiment, most of the air flowing through the first flow passage 32 is once restricted by the restricting surface 64, and the flow velocity in the first direction is reset. The air restricted by the restricting surface 64 flows toward the nozzle unit 40 due to a diffusion process or the like. In other words, the restricting surface 64 only restricts the air flow, and the uniformity of the flow velocity is achieved naturally due to the air flow. As a result, compared to a configuration in which a large number of air flow regulating members are arranged to achieve uniform flow velocity, the configuration of the present embodiment does not require adjustment of the number, size, and layout of the restricting members or makes it easy to perform such adjustment, and can achieve the same or similar function as Patent Document 1 despite its relatively simple structure.
The engagement portion 65 is a hole formed in the first plate portion 60a to extend vertically. When removing the restricting member 60 from the housing 30, the engagement portion 65 can engage a tool to facilitate removal of the restricting member 60. The engagement portion 65 is not limited to a hole formed in the first plate portion 60a to extend vertically, and may be a ring-shaped member or a protrusion-shaped member connected to the first plate portion 60a. Furthermore, the engagement portion 65 may be formed in a portion other than the first plate portion 60a.
The purpose of providing the restricting member 60 in the present embodiment is to restrict a portion of the air flow flowing through the first flow passage 32. As long as this purpose is achieved, the shape or configuration of the restricting member 60 can be modified as appropriate. For example, since the main purpose of the restricting member 60 is achieved as long as the restricting surface 64 is present, at least one of the positioning portions and/or the engagement portion 65 of the restricting member 60 may be omitted. In this case, an engagement structure for fixing the restricting member 60 to the housing 30 may be provided. Furthermore, the restricting member 60 is not limited to a configuration produced by processing a plate material. In other words, the restricting member 60 may not be plate-shaped, but may be block-shaped. Therefore, the restricting member 60 may be produced by connecting two or more members with a fastener or the like.
Furthermore, the shapes of the restricting surface 64 and the bent flow passage 32b when viewed in the first direction may be changed, as long as gaps exist between the restricting surface 64 and the inner wall surface of the bent flow passage 32b. For example, the restricting surface 64 may not be rectangular, but may include a curved outline. The cross section of the bent flow passage 32b may be rectangular.
As described above, the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the housing 30 and the nozzle unit 40. The housing 30 includes the air flow passage 31 formed therein. The nozzle unit 40 includes the plurality of nozzle members 42 arranged side by side in the first direction, and ejects air supplied to inlets 44 of the nozzle members 42 via the air flow passage 31, from each of the plurality of nozzle members 42, to a corresponding one of the plurality of yarns 93 arranged side by side in the first direction, to interlace the plurality of yarns 93. The air flow passage 31 includes the first flow passage 32 and the second flow passage 33. The first flow passage 32 extends in the first direction. The second flow passage 33 is connected to the first flow passage 32, and extends in the second direction intersecting the first direction and toward the inlets 44 of the nozzle members 42. The restricting member 60 is disposed at a position in the first flow passage 32 upstream of the center C1 in the first direction of the region in which the nozzle members 42 are arranged, and the restricting member 60 restricts a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage 32. The restricting member 60 covers at least half of the flow passage cross-sectional area of the first flow passage 32.
In this configuration, a portion of the air flow is once restricted by the restricting member 60 and then flows toward the inlets 44 of the nozzle members 42. In particular, since the restricting member 60 located relatively upstream in the first flow passage 32 covers at least half of the flow passage cross-sectional area, most of inflowing air impinges on the restricting member 60 and then flows to the second flow passage 33. This results in reduction of influence of the flow velocity of the air flowing through the first flow passage 32, on the flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage 33, and thus variation in flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage 33 can be reduced. Therefore, interlacement variation upon interlacing the plurality of yarns 93 can be reduced.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member 60 extends from an end of the first flow passage 32 on the second flow passage 33 side, beyond the center C2 of the first flow passage 32 in the second direction, toward an end on the side opposite to the second flow passage 33.
This configuration facilitates impingement of the air flowing through the first flow passage 32, on the restricting member 60, before flowing into the second flow passage 33.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 is disposed in the most upstream region A1 of regions obtained by dividing, in the first direction, the region of the first flow passage 32 in which the nozzle members 42 are arranged, into three equal parts.
In this configuration, impingement of inflowing air can occur at a further upstream position in the first flow passage 32, and thus variation in flow velocity of the air flowing through the second flow passage 33 can further be reduced.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member 60 extends from an end of the first flow passage 32 on the second flow passage 33 side, to the furthest region A2 from the second flow passage 33 of regions obtained by dividing the first flow passage 32 into three equal parts in the second direction.
In this configuration, the restricting member 60 is positioned in a region including the center of the first flow passage 32 in the second direction and the vicinity of the center. Thus, this configuration further facilitates impingement of air flowing through the first flow passage 32, on the restricting member 60.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 includes the restricting surface 64 and the first positioning portion 61. The restricting surface 64 restricts a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage 32. The first positioning portion 61 suppresses a change in the position of the restricting member 60 in the first direction within the housing 30, by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33.
This configuration using a single restricting member 60 allows restriction of air flow and positioning in the first direction.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the opening 34 is formed in the housing 30 at a position corresponding to the downstream end of an air flow in the second flow passage 33. The base portion 41 of the restricting member 60 is smaller than the size of the opening 34 of the housing 30.
This configuration makes it possible to insert and place the restricting member 60 through the opening in the housing.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 is formed with the engagement portion 65 that engages a tool upon removal of the restricting member 60 from the housing 30.
This configuration facilitates removal of the restricting member 60 from inside the housing.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, when viewed in the first direction, an inner wall surface of the first flow passage 32 includes a circular arc, and the restricting member 60 includes a rectangle.
Since the contours of the circular arc and the rectangle do not completely match, gaps exist between the first flow passage 32 and the restricting member 60. Therefore, the air after impinging on the restricting member 60 can flow toward the second flow passage 33 through these gaps.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, a portion of the restricting member 60 is in contact with an inner wall surface of the first flow passage 32, and the inner wall surface of the first flow passage 32 supports the restricting member 60.
This configuration eliminates the need for or simplifies a structure for holding the restricting member 60.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 includes the second positioning portion 62. The second positioning portion 62 suppresses a change in the position of the restricting member 60 in the second direction within the housing 30, by contacting the nozzle unit 40.
This configuration makes it possible to position the restricting member 60 in the second direction.
In the interlacing apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the restricting member 60 includes the third positioning portion 63. Here, a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction. The third positioning portion 63 suppresses a change in the position of the restricting member 60 in the third direction within the housing 30, by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage 33.
This configuration makes it possible to position the restricting member 60 in the third direction.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above configurations may be modified as follows, for example. A single modification may be made, or a plurality of modifications may be made in any combination.
The method of attaching the housing 30 and the nozzle unit 40 in the above embodiment is merely an example, and for example, the base portion 41 or the edges 35 having stepped shapes may be omitted.
In the above embodiment, the restricting surface 64 is disposed at only one location in the first direction, but may be disposed at two or more locations.
The angle formed by the first flow passage 32 and the second flow passage 33 may not be limited to a right angle, but may be an angle other than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the direction of the supplied air in the inlet pipe 51 may not coincide with the first direction. Specifically, the inlet pipe 51 through which air is supplied may be followed by another flow passage in which the air flow is redirected in the first direction and which is connected to the first flow passage 32.

Claims

An interlacing apparatus (5), comprising:
a housing (30) including an air flow passage (31) formed therein; and

a nozzle unit (40) including a plurality of nozzle members (42) arranged side by side in a first direction, the nozzle unit (40) configured to eject air supplied to inlets (44) of the plurality of nozzle members (42) via the air flow passage (31), from each of the plurality of nozzle members (42), to a corresponding one of a plurality of yarns arranged side by side in the first direction, to interlace the plurality of yarns, wherein

the air flow passage (31) includes
a first flow passage (32) extending in the first direction, and

a second flow passage (33) connected to the first flow passage (32), the second flow passage (33) extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and toward the inlets (44) of the plurality of nozzle members (42),

a restricting member (60) is disposed at a position in the first flow passage (32) upstream of a center in the first direction of a region in which the plurality of nozzle members (42) are arranged, and the restricting member (60) is configured to restrict a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage (32), and

the restricting member (60) covers at least half of a flow passage cross-sectional area of the first flow passage (32).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to claim 1, wherein
when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member (60) extends from an end of the first flow passage (32) on the second flow passage (33) side, beyond a center of the first flow passage (32) in the second direction, toward an end on a side opposite to the second flow passage (33).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to claim 1, wherein
the restricting member (60) is disposed in the most upstream region of regions obtained by dividing, in the first direction, a region of the first flow passage (32) in which the plurality of nozzle members (42) are arranged, into three equal parts.
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to claim 1, wherein
when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the restricting member (60) extends from an end of the first flow passage (32) on the second flow passage (33) side, to the furthest region from the second flow passage (33) of regions obtained by dividing the first flow passage (32) into three equal parts in the second direction.
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
the restricting member (60) includes,
a restricting surface (64) configured to restrict a portion of an air flow flowing through the first flow passage (32), and

a first positioning portion configured to suppress a change in a position of the restricting member (60) in the first direction within the housing (30), by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage (33).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
an opening is formed in the housing (30) at a position corresponding to a downstream end of an air flow in the second flow passage (33), and

the restricting member (60) is sized to be smaller than the size of the opening of the housing (30).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to claim 6, wherein
the restricting member (60) is formed with an engagement portion configured to engage a tool upon removal of the restricting member (60) from the housing (30).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein
when viewed in the first direction, an inner wall surface of the first flow passage (32) includes a circular arc, and the restricting member (60) includes a rectangle.
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to claim 8, wherein
a portion of the restricting member (60) is in contact with an inner wall surface of the first flow passage (32), and the inner wall surface of the first flow passage (32) supports the restricting member (60).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
the restricting member (60) includes a second positioning portion (62), and

the second positioning portion (62) configured to suppress a change in a position of the restricting member (60) in the second direction within the housing (30), by contacting the nozzle unit (40).
The interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
the restricting member (60) includes a third positioning portion (63),

the third positioning portion (63) configured to suppress a change in a position of the restricting member (60) in a third direction within the housing (30), by contacting an inner wall surface of the second flow passage (33), and the third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.
A spun yarn take-up machine (1) comprising:
the interlacing apparatus (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and

a yarn winding machine (9) configured to wind a plurality of yarns interlaced by the interlacing apparatus (5), to simultaneously form a plurality of packages (20).