Claims:We claim:

1. A clearing limit setting device (4) comprising:
a displaying unit (41) that displays on a two-dimensional field (51), on which a matrix of length and thickness of yarn defects is plotted, a clearing limit (52) that is a threshold to judge whether to remove a yarn defect and is constituted by a plurality of sections (52a);
a first input section (52, 58) that receives selection of at least one section (52a);
a removal count acquiring section (42a) that acquires a target removal count of yarn defect to be removed in the selected section (52a);
a clearing limit processing section (42b) that generates the clearing limit (52);
a display controlling section (42d) that displays the generated clearing limit (52) on the displaying unit (41); and
a storing unit (43) that stores therein yarn defect data constituted by a plurality of yarn defect data that indicates length and thickness of the yarn defect,
wherein
when the section (52a) is selected by using the first input section (52, 58) and the removal count acquiring section (42a) acquires the target removal count, the clearing limit processing section (42b) generates a temporary clearing limit (52) based on the yarn defect data and the target removal count so that a yarn defect removal count of the selected section (52a) attains the target removal count, and
the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52) based on the target removal count generated in the clearing limit processing section (42b).

2. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein
the displaying unit (41) is a touch panel, and
the first input section (52) is a current clearing limit (52) displayed on the displaying unit (41) and receives selection of the section (52a) that is touched among the plurality of the sections (52a).

3. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein
the displaying unit (41) is a touch panel,
the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) a plurality of first buttons (58) that respectively correspond to the plurality of the sections (52a), and
the first input section (58) is the plurality of the first buttons (58) displayed on the displaying unit (41) and receives selection of the section (52a) corresponding to the first button (58) touched among the plurality of the first buttons (58).

4. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, when displaying on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52) based on the target removal count, the display controlling section (42d) displays the section (52a) selected by using the first input section (52, 58) in a distinguishable manner.

5. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein
in conjunction with the selection of the section (52a) by using the first input section (52, 58) and the acquisition of the target removal count by the removal count acquiring section (42a), the clearing limit processing section (42b) generates the temporary clearing limit (52) based on the target removal count, and
in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit (52) based on the target removal count, the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52) based on the target removal count.

6. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 further comprising:
a second input section (52, 55) that receives selection of at least one section (52a) among the plurality of the sections (52a) of the current clearing limit (52) displayed on the displaying unit (41);
a third input section (60) that shows a plurality of movement directions in which the clearing limit (52) moves on the two-dimensional field (51) and receives selection of the movement direction; and
a removal count calculating section (42c) that calculates the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the clearing limit (52),
wherein
when the section (52a) is selected by using the second input section (52, 55) and the movement direction is selected by using the third input section (60), the clearing limit processing section (42b) generates the temporary clearing limit (52) in which the selected section (52a) is moved in the selected movement direction for a predetermined amount,
once the temporary clearing limit (52) is generated by moving the section (52a), the removal count calculating section (42c) calculates the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section (52a) based on the temporary clearing limit (52) generated by moving the section (52a) and the yarn defect data, and
the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) the yarn defect removal count calculated by the removal count calculating section (42c) and the temporary clearing limit (52) generated by moving the section (52a).

7. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in Claim 6, wherein
the displaying unit (41) is a touch panel, and
the second input section (52) is the current clearing limit (52) displayed on the displaying unit (41) and receives selection of the section (52a) touched by the operator among the plurality of the sections (52a).

8. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, wherein
the displaying unit (41) is a touch panel,
the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) a plurality of second buttons (55) that respectively correspond to the plurality of the sections (52a), and
the second input section (55) is the plurality of the second buttons (55) displayed on the displaying unit (41) and receives selection of the section (52a) corresponding to the second button (55) touched among the plurality of the second buttons (55).

9. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 8, wherein, when displaying on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52) generated based on the movement of the section (52a), the display controlling section (42d) displays the section (52a) selected by using the second input section (55) in a distinguishable manner.

10. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the third input section (60) is an operation unit (60) that is displayed by the display controlling section (42d) on the displaying unit (41).

11. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 6 to 10, wherein
in conjunction with the selection of the section (52a) by using the second input section (55) and the selection of the movement direction by using the third input section (60), the clearing limit processing section (42b) generates the temporary clearing limit (52) by moving the selected section (52a),
in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit (52) by moving the section (52a), the removal count calculating section (42c) calculates the yarn defect removal count, and
in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit (52) by moving the section (52a) and the calculation of the yarn defect removal count, the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52) generated based on the movement of the section (52a) and the calculated yarn defect removal count.

12. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the display controlling section (42d) displays on the displaying unit (41) the temporary clearing limit (52), along with the current clearing limit (52).

13. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the clearing limit processing section (42b) sets the current clearing limit (52) or the temporary clearing limit (52) as a new clearing limit (52).

14. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein each of the sections (52a) is set according to types of the yarn defects.

15. The clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein, when a target removal count that is applicable across a plurality of the sections (52a) that includes the selected section (52a) is entered, the removal count acquiring section (42a) acquires a target removal count assigned to the selected section (52a) by using a predetermined method for allocating as the target removal count to be removed in the selected section (52a).

16. A yarn winding machine comprising:
a yarn supplying section (21) that supplies a yarn;
a winding section (24) that forms a package by winding the yarn;
a yarn monitoring section (22) that monitors the yarn positioned between the yarn supplying section (21) and the winding section (24) to detect a yarn defect;
a yarn joining section (23) that joins a yarn from the yarn supplying section (21) and a yarn from the winding section (24) when the yarn is cut to remove the yarn defect detected by the yarn monitoring section (22); and
the clearing limit setting device (4) as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 15.
, Description:BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a clearing limit setting device and a yarn winding machine.

2. Description of the Related Art
Some of control devices used in yarn winding machines have, for example, a function to display a clearing limit, which is a threshold to judge whether to remove a yarn defect (for example, refer to Japanese Patent No. 5680653), on a two-dimensional field on which a matrix of length and thickness of yarn defects is plotted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In such configurations, even if an operator attempts to change the shape of a part of a clearing limit so that a yarn defect removal count attains a predetermined target removal count, there are instances where the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the changed clearing limit does not attain the predetermined target removal count, and adjusting the shape of the clearing limit becomes difficult.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a clearing limit setting device and a yarn winding machine capable of displaying a clearing limit with which a yarn defect removal count to be removed in a part of the clearing limit is set to a target removal count.
A clearing limit setting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a displaying unit that displays on a two-dimensional field, on which a matrix of length and thickness of yarn defects is plotted, a clearing limit that is a threshold to judge whether to remove a yarn defect and is constituted by a plurality of sections; a first input section that receives selection of at least one section; a removal count acquiring section that acquires a target removal count of yarn defect to be removed in the selected section; a clearing limit processing section that generates the clearing limit; a display controlling section that displays the generated clearing limit on the displaying unit; and a storing unit that stores therein yarn defect data constituted by a plurality of yarn defect data that indicates length and thickness of the yarn defect. When the section is selected by using the first input section and the removal count acquiring section acquires the target removal count, the clearing limit processing section generates a temporary clearing limit based on the yarn defect data and the target removal count so that a yarn defect removal count of the selected section attains the target removal count. The display controlling section displays on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count generated in the clearing limit processing section.
A yarn winding machine according to another aspect of the present invention includes a yarn supplying section that supplies a yarn; a winding section that forms a package by winding the yarn; a yarn monitoring section that monitors the yarn positioned between the yarn supplying section and the winding section to detect a yarn defect; a yarn joining section that joins a yarn from the yarn supplying section and a yarn from the winding section when the yarn is cut to remove the yarn defect detected by the yarn monitoring section; and the above clearing limit setting device.
The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a yarn winding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a yarn winding unit shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main control device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a touch panel screen shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the touch panel screen shown in FIG. 3 when a first clearing simulation is performed.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the touch panel screen shown in FIG. 3 when a second clearing simulation is performed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding structural components are indicated by the same reference numerals in the drawings and redundant explanation thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, a yarn winding machine 1 includes a plurality of yarn winding units 2, a plurality of unit control devices 3, and a main control device (clearing limit setting device) 4. The yarn winding machine 1 is, for example, an automatic winder, an air spinning machine, an open end spinning machine, a ring spinning machine, and the like. Each of the yarn winding unit 2 forms a package by winding the yarn. One unit control device 3 is arranged for a plurality of the yarn winding units 2, and the unit control device 3 controls the operation of each of the yarn winding units 2 under control thereof. The main control device 4 communicates with the unit control devices 3 and controls the operation of the yarn winding machine 1. Alternatively, one unit control device 3 can be arranged for one yarn winding unit 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the yarn winding unit 2 includes a yarn supplying section 21, a yarn monitoring section 22, a yarn joining section 23, and a winding section 24. In a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is an automatic winder, the yarn winding unit 2 can include a tension applying device that applies tension on a yarn, a tension sensor that measures the tension applied on the yarn, and the like. Alternatively, in a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is an air spinning machine, the yarn winding unit 2 can include a tension sensor that measures the tension applied on the yarn, a yarn accumulating device that accumulates the yarn, a waxing device that applies wax to the yarn, and the like.
The yarn supplying section 21 supplies the yarn. In a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is an automatic winder, the yarn supplying section 21 includes a bobbin supporting device that supports a yarn supplying bobbin and the like. In a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is an air spinning machine, the yarn supplying section 21 includes a drafting device that drafts a fiber bundle, an air spinning device that twists the drafted fiber bundle by the action of a swirling air current and forms the yarn, and the like.
The yarn monitoring section 22 monitors the yarn positioned between the yarn supplying section 21 and the winding section 24 and detects yarn defects. The yarn monitoring section 22 includes a detecting device 22a and a controlling device 22b. The detecting device 22a is an optical sensor that detects a temporal variation in the thickness of the yarn based on the change in a received light amount when light is emitted on the yarn, an electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects a temporal variation in the thickness of the yarn based on the change in an electrostatic capacitance when the yarn is passed through an electric field, and the like. The detecting device 22a outputs to the controlling device 22b waveform data that indicates the temporal variation in the thickness of the yarn. The controlling device 22b calculates, based on the waveform data, yarn defect data, which includes data of a plurality of the yarn defects that indicates length and thickness of the yarn defects of the yarn, and outputs the yarn defect data to the unit control device 3. When the unit control device 3 judges based on the yarn defect data that the yarn defect must be removed, for example, the yarn is cut by a cutter arranged in the yarn winding unit 2. In a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is an air spinning machine, the yarn is automatically cut when the air spinning device stops the formation of the yarn. Furthermore, the yarn monitoring section 22 can also detect a foreign substance contained in the yarn, yarn breakage, and the like.
After the yarn is cut to remove the yarn defect detected by the yarn monitoring section 22, or when the yarn monitoring section 22 detects a yarn breakage, the yarn joining section 23 joins the yarn from the yarn supplying section 21 and the yarn from the winding section 24. The yarn joining section 23 includes a first yarn catching / guiding device, a second yarn catching / guiding device, a yarn joining device, and the like. The first yarn catching / guiding device catches the yarn from the yarn supplying section 21 by a suction operation and guides the yarn to the yarn joining device. The second yarn catching / guiding device catches the yarn from the winding section 24 by a suction operation and guides the yarn to the yarn joining device. The yarn joining device is a device, such as a splicer that uses compressed air, a piercer that uses a seed yarn, a knotter that mechanically joins yarns, and the like, that joins the guided yarns. Alternatively, in a configuration in which the yarn winding machine 1 is, for example, a spinning machine, the yarn joining section 23 can be a yarn joining cart that is travelable across the plurality of the yarn winding units 2.
The winding section 24 forms the package by winding the yarn around a bobbin. The winding section 24 includes a cradle arm, a winding drum, a traversing device, and the like. The cradle arm rotatably supports the package. The winding drum comes in contact with the surface of the package supported by the cradle arm and causes the package to rotate. The traversing device traverses the yarn at a predetermined width to the rotating package. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a motor directly rotates the package, the winding drum may have a traverse groove.
As shown in FIG. 3, the main control device 4 includes a touch panel (displaying unit) 41, a processing unit 42, and a storing unit 43. The touch panel 41 displays various information to the operator, receives various information entered by the operator, and the like. The processing unit 42 acquires from each unit control device 3 the yarn defect data output from the yarn monitoring section 22 of the yarn winding unit 2. The processing unit 42 stores in the storing unit 43 for each of the yarn winding unit 2 the acquired yarn defect data by associating with information on whether the yarn defect is removed or left as is. The processing unit 42 and the storing unit 43 are physically constituted by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.
Functionally, the processing unit 42 includes a removal count acquiring section 42a, a clearing limit processing section 42b, a removal count calculating section 42c, and a display controlling section 42d.
The display controlling section 42d generates and displays on the touch panel 41 a two-dimensional field, along with a clearing limit generated by the clearing limit processing section 42b. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the touch panel 41. As shown in FIG. 4, a two-dimensional field 51 is a coordinate system that shows a matrix of length and thickness of the yarn defects. In other words, the two-dimensional field 51 has coordinate axes of length and thickness of the yarn defect. In the figure, the length of the yarn defect is the horizontal axis and the thickness of the yarn defect (in proportion to the reference yarn thickness) is the vertical axis. A clearing limit 52 is a threshold (border line) that indicates whether to remove the yarn defect, and is constituted by a plurality of sections 52a. The clearing limit 52 is set for various channels that indicate types of the yarn defects such as nep N1 and N2, slub S1 and S2, long L, and thin T1 and T2. That is, the sections 52a correspond to the respective types of the yarn defects (nep N1 and N2, slub S1 and S2, long L, thin T1 and T2, and the like). In other words, the clearing limit 52 is a threshold that is divided (classified) beforehand into the sections 52a that correspond to the respective types of the yarn defects. Accordingly, a section of the clearing limit 52 according to the type of the yarn defect can be easily selected and changed.
Furthermore, the processing unit 42 causes each of the unit control devices 3 to control the operation of the corresponding yarn winding unit 2 so that a yarn defect with a value within an area on a reference yarn thickness side (a side of the horizontal axis where the thickness of the yarn defect is 0%) with respect to the clearing limit 52 is not removed, and a yarn defect with a value within an area on the opposite side of the reference yarn thickness side (the side of the horizontal axis where the thickness of the yarn defect is 0%) with respect to the clearing limit 52 is removed.
The display controlling section 42d determines a position of the yarn defect on the two-dimensional field 51 based on the yarn defect data stored in the storing unit 43, and displays the yarn defect as a dot on the touch panel 41. In the present configuration, the display controlling section 42d displays on the two-dimensional field 51 the yarn defect still remaining on the yarn with a white round dot and the yarn defect removed from the yarn with a black square dot. Furthermore, at any given time, only a predetermined number of the dots that indicate yarn defects of the immediate past are displayed on the touch panel 41.
The display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 a current setting values column 53 and a simulation setting values column 54. In the current setting values column 53, setting information of a current clearing limit 52 (the currently set clearing limit 52) is displayed. Specifically, in the current setting values column 53, the current values of the length and the thickness of the yarn defect that determine the current clearing limit 52 are displayed for each channel. In the simulation setting values column 54, setting information of a temporary clearing limit 52 is displayed. Specifically, in the simulation setting values column 54, simulation values of the length and the thickness of the yarn defect that determine the temporary clearing limit 52 for each channel are displayed. Each of the sections 52a that constitute the current clearing limit 52 is set so as to match the corresponding current values of the length and the thickness of the yarn defect. For example, when at least one section 52a of the current clearing limit 52 (explained in detail later) is changed, the simulation values of the length and the thickness of the yarn defect corresponding to the changed section 52a also change.
"ALL" displayed at the left end alongside the current setting values column 53 and the simulation setting values column 54 headings indicates that all channels are included. In the current setting values column 53 and the simulation setting values column 54, the sections corresponding to the various channels (ALL, N1, N2, S1, S2, L, T1, T2) displayed at the left end including "ALL" are arranged as buttons (second buttons) 55. Accordingly, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the buttons 55 that correspond to the plurality of the sections 52a of the clearing limit 52.
The display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 a current result column 56 and a simulation result column 57. In the current result column 56, a yarn defect removal count (n) and the value of the same calculated per unit length (100 kilometers (km) in the figure) (/100 km) is displayed for each channel as a yarn processing result of the current clearing limit 52. The yarn defect removal count (n) displayed in the current result column 56 is a measured count of the yarn defects that were removed and is equivalent to the number of dots plotted for a yarn defect with a value within the area on the side opposite to the reference yarn thickness side (the side of the horizontal axis where the thickness of the yarn defect is 0%) with respect to the current clearing limit 52. Alternatively, the yarn defect removal count calculated based on a yarn defect removal count (n) per unit time (for example, one hour) can be displayed in the current result column 56.
The result of the yarn processing performed based on the temporary clearing limit 52 is displayed in the simulation result column 57. In the simulation result column 57, the yarn defect removal count (n) and the value of the same calculated per unit length (100 km in the figure) (/100 km) is displayed for each channel as a result of the yarn processing performed based on the temporary clearing limit 52. The yarn defect removal count (n) displayed in the simulation result column 57 is an estimated count based on the measured count of the yarn defects that were removed, and is equivalent to the number of dots plotted for a yarn defect with a value within the area on the side opposite to the reference yarn thickness side (the side of the horizontal axis where the thickness of the yarn defect is 0%) with respect to the temporary clearing limit 52. Alternatively, the yarn defect removal count calculated based on the yarn defect removal count (n) per unit time (for example, one hour) can be displayed in the simulation result column 57.
In the current result column 56 and the simulation result column 57, a nep "N" displayed at the left end corresponds to the nep N1 and N2; a slub "S" corresponds to the slub S1 and S2; a long "L" corresponds to the long L, and a thin "T" corresponds to the thin T1 and T2. "Sum" corresponds to the total channels of the nep N1 and N2, the slub S1 and S2, the long L, and the thin T1 and T2. "YF" corresponds to the total channels of the nep N1 and N2, the slub S1 and S2, the long L, the thin T1 and T2, and other channels (for example, an F channel that indicates contaminant (color contamination), a C channel that indicates that the yarn count (yarn thickness) is different, and the like). In the current result column 56 and the simulation result column 57, sections that indicate various channels including "YF" and "Sum" are arranged as buttons (first buttons) 58. Accordingly, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the buttons 58 that correspond to the plurality of the sections 52a of the clearing limit 52.
The clearing limit processing section 42b generates the clearing limit 52. Specifically, for example, when the clearing limit 52 is not generated at the beginning of yarn winding and the like, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the clearing limit 52 based on a default value set beforehand by the operator. For example, when the yarn defect data is not stored in the storing unit 43 at the beginning of yarn winding, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the clearing limit 52 based on the default value set by the operator based on past experiences and the like. Alternatively, after the yarn winding has started, if a predetermined amount of the yarn defect data is stored, the clearing limit processing section 42b can automatically generate the clearing limit 52 based on the distribution on the two-dimensional field 51 in the stored yarn defect data.
Moreover, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the clearing limit 52 based on clearing simulation instructions given by the operator. In the present configuration, the clearing simulation includes two simulations. A first clearing simulation is a simulation with which a clearing limit 52 to realize a target removal count of the yarn defect is estimated based on the target removal count. A second clearing simulation is a simulation with which at least one of the sections 52a that constitute the clearing limit 52 is moved and the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the temporary clearing limit 52 in which the section 52a is moved is estimated. Details of the first clearing simulation and the second clearing simulation will be explained later.
When performing the first clearing simulation, the removal count acquiring section 42a acquires the target removal count to be used when removing the yarn defect. The operator can enter the target removal count by using an input key arranged on the main control device 4, an input key displayed on the touch panel 41, and the like. The removal count acquiring section 42a acquires the target removal count that is entered from the input key arranged on the main control device 4 and the like. However, the target removal count can be entered into the main control device 4 by using an input section other than the input key (by using a predetermined input section).
When performing the second clearing simulation, the removal count calculating section 42c calculates (estimates) the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the clearing limit 52.
The first clearing simulation and the second clearing simulation will be explained below as an example.
First clearing simulation
First, the first clearing simulation with which the clearing limit 52 necessary to realize the target removal count of the yarn defect is estimated (generated) based on the target removal count will be explained. In the present explanation, it is assumed that the current clearing limit 52 is already set. The current clearing limit 52 is a clearing limit 52 set for actual removal of the yarn defects. The processing unit 42 causes each of the unit control devices 3 to control the operation of the corresponding yarn winding unit 2 so as to remove the yarn defect based on the current clearing limit 52. The first clearing simulation is performed when, for example, the operator wants to confirm the clearing limit 52 after the yarn defect removal count to be removed has changed.
The operator selects a section 52a (channel) for which the yarn defect removal count is to be changed. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator touches (presses, physically touches, and the like) a button 58 that corresponds to the slub S among the buttons 58 to select a section 52a. When performing such selection, the operator can select a button 58 that corresponds to a channel other than the slub S among the buttons 58, or can collectively select a plurality of the buttons 58.
In this manner, the plurality of the buttons 58 (the plurality of the buttons 58 displayed on the touch panel 41 separately from the clearing limit 52) that respectively corresponds to the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52 functions as a first input section that receives the selection of the section 52a corresponding to at least one button 58 that is touched. The display controlling section 42d can display on the touch panel 41 the section 52a selected by using the button 58 in a distinguishable manner, or can display on the touch panel 41 the button 58 corresponding to the selected section 52a in a distinguishable manner.
The operator selects the section 52a (channel) by touching (pressing down, physical touching, and the like) the section 52a that corresponds to the slub S (slub S1 and S2) among the current clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41. However, when performing such selection, the operator can select a section 52a that corresponds to a channel other than the slub S among the current clearing limit 52, can select any one among the plurality of the sections 52a, or can collectively select a plurality of the sections 52a.
In this manner, the clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 functions as the first input section that receives the selection of at least one section 52a that is touched. Alternatively, the display controlling section 42d can display on the touch panel 41 the section 52a selected by using the clearing limit 52 in a distinguishable manner, or can display on the touch panel 41 the button 58 corresponding to the selected section 52a in a distinguishable manner.
The operator then enters the target removal count of the yarn defect to be removed in the selected section 52a by using the input key arranged on the main control device 4 and the like. The removal count acquiring section 42a acquires the entered target removal count. In the example shown in FIG. 5, "0.7" is entered as the target removal count, that is, as a target removal count of the yarn defect per unit length (/100 km) in the slub S. Accordingly, in the simulation result column 57, the display controlling section 42d displays "0.7" as the numerical value of the yarn defect removal count per unit length (/100 km) in the slub S. The simulation values corresponding to "YF" and "Sum" in the simulation result column 57 and the yarn defect removal count (n) displayed for the slub S change in conjunction with the yarn defect removal count per unit length (/100 km) in the slub S. Other numerical values in the simulation result column 57 remain the same as those in the current result column 56.
After the selection of the section 52a for which the removal count is to be changed is received, and the target removal count is acquired by the removal count acquiring section 42a, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the yarn defect data stored in the storing unit 43 and the acquired target removal count so that the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section 52a attains the target removal count. In the present configuration, the temporary clearing limit 52 is a clearing limit 52 that is temporarily generated to be confirmed by the operator and the like. Therefore, an actual yarn processing using the temporary clearing limit 52 is not performed at this stage.
When performing the clearing simulation by using the yarn defect data stored in the storing unit 43, it is desirable from the accuracy point of view to use the yarn defect data based on the yarn processing result (winding length) for the immediately previous 100 km or more of the yarn. However, the clearing simulation is not limited to using the yarn defect data based on the yarn processing results for the immediately previous 100 km or more of the yarn, and can be performed by using the yarn defect data based on the yarn processing result of less than 100 km of the yarn. For example, even if "100 km" is set as a reference yarn length, the setting value can be increased to "200 km" or decreased to "80 km". In such a configuration, for example, the display controlling section 42d can display a warning 59 to indicate that the clearing simulation is being performed by using the yarn defect data based on the yarn processing result of less than 100 km of the yarn.
For example, when the button 58 corresponding to "YF" is selected and the target removal count is entered by the operator, the clearing limit processing section 42b allocates a target removal count to each of the nep N, the slub S, the long L, and the thin T channels included under "YF", and generates the temporary clearing limit 52 so that the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the section 52a corresponding to each of the channels attains the target removal count allocated to the respective channel. When allocating the target removal count to each channel, the clearing limit processing section 42b can use various allocation methods such as allocating by weighting based on measured values of the past yarn defect removal count. Moreover, when the button 58 corresponding to "YF" is selected by the operator, in addition to the nep N, the slub S, the long L, and the thin T, the display controlling section 42d can allocate the target removal count to other channels (for example, the C channel and the like). Similarly, when the button 58 corresponding to "Sum" is selected and the target removal number is entered by the operator, the clearing limit processing section 42b allocates the target removal count to each channel of the nep N, the slub S, the long L, and the thin T included under "Sum", and generates the temporary clearing limit 52. When the button 58 that corresponds to "YF" or "Sum" is selected, and the target removal count is allocated by the clearing limit processing section 42b, the display controlling section 42d displays in the simulation result column 57 the target removal count allocated to each channel. When the target removal count is set by the operator across a plurality of the sections 52a including the selected section 52a (for example, when the target removal count for the entire clearing limit 52 is entered), the removal count acquiring section 42a acquires the target removal count allocated by using a predetermined method and assigned to the selected section 52a as the target removal count of the yarn defect to be removed in the selected section 52a.
When the temporary clearing limit 52 is generated based on the target removal count by the clearing limit processing section 42b, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count, along with the current clearing limit 52. When displaying on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count, the display controlling section 42d displays the section 52a selected by the operator in a distinguishable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the current clearing limit 52 is indicated by a solid line, and the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count is indicated by the solid line and a broken line. The shape of the section 52a corresponding to the slub S (S1 and S2) selected by the operator on the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count is different from that on the current clearing limit 52 (a portion indicated by the broken line).
Moreover, in the simulation setting values column 54, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 simulation values that determine the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count. When displaying the simulation values in the simulation setting values column 54, the display controlling section 42d can display the simulation value of that section 52a so that the simulation value of the channel corresponding to the section 52a selected by the operator is distinguishable. In other words, the simulation value of the channel corresponding to the section 52a selected by the operator is a simulation value of a location where the value is different from the corresponding currently set value displayed in the current setting values column 53. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the simulation values related to the thickness of the slubs S1 and S2 are changed based on the result of the first clearing simulation.
In conjunction with the selection of the section 52a by the operator for which the yarn defect removal count is to be changed and acquisition of the target removal count by the removal count acquiring section 42a, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count. In other words, the selection of the section 52a by the operator for which the yarn defect removal count is to be changed and the acquisition of the target removal count by the removal count acquiring section 42a trigger the clearing limit processing section 42b to automatically generate the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count without waiting for other instructions from the operator for generating the temporary clearing limit 52.
Moreover, in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count by the clearing limit processing section 42b, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count and simulation values that determine the temporary clearing limit 52. In other words, the generation of the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count by the clearing limit processing section 42b triggers the display controlling section 42d to automatically display the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count and the simulation values that determine the temporary clearing limit 52 without waiting for other instructions from the operator for displaying the temporary clearing limit 52.
The clearing limit processing section 42b sets the current clearing limit 52 or the temporary clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 as a new clearing limit. The clearing limit 52 is set when the operator confirms the first clearing simulation result and then touches a button for selecting one of the current clearing limit 52 and the temporary clearing limit 52.
For example, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 an Okay button 71 and a Cancel button 72. When the operator touches the Okay button 71, the clearing limit processing section 42b sets the temporary clearing limit 52 as a new clearing limit 52. After the temporary clearing limit 52 is set as the new clearing limit 52, the temporary clearing limit 52 is taken as the current clearing limit 52. Accordingly, the Okay button 71 is used for reflecting the temporary clearing limit 52 in the actual removal operation of the yarn defects, during the first clearing simulation.
On the other hand, when the operator touches the Cancel button 72, the clearing limit processing section 42b discards the temporary clearing limit 52 and sets the current clearing limit 52 as the new clearing limit 52. In other words, when the Cancel button 72 is touched, the clearing limit processing section 42b retains the current clearing limit 52 as the clearing limit 52. Accordingly, the Cancel button 72 is used for discarding the simulated temporary clearing limit 52 and retaining the current clearing limit 52, during the first clearing simulation.
Second clearing simulation
The second clearing simulation in which at least one of the sections 52a that constitute the clearing limit 52 is moved and the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the temporary clearing limit 52 in which the section 52a is moved is estimated will be explained. In the present explanation, it is assumed that the current clearing limit 52 is already set. The operator performs the second clearing simulation, for example, when there is a need to confirm the yarn defect removal count to be removed when the section 52a of the current clearing limit 52 is moved (changed).
The operator selects a section 52a (channel) to be moved from among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the current clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the operator selects a section 52a by touching (pressing, physically touching, and the like) a button 55 corresponding to the slub S1 among the buttons 55. When performing such selection, the operator can select a button 55 corresponding to a channel other than the slub S1 among the buttons 55, or can collectively select a plurality of the buttons 55. For example, the operator can select all the channels by touching the button 55 that corresponds to "ALL".
Accordingly, the plurality of the buttons 55 that respectively corresponds to the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the current clearing limit 52 (the plurality of the buttons 55 displayed on the touch panel 41 separately from the clearing limit 52) functions as a second input section that receives the selection of the section 52a that corresponds to at least one button 55 that is touched. Moreover, the display controlling section 42d can display on the touch panel 41 the section 52a selected by using the button 55 in a distinguishable manner, or can display on the touch panel 41 the button 55 corresponding to the selected section 52a in a distinguishable manner.
The operator selects a section 52a (channel) by touching (pressing, physically touching, and the like) the section 52a that corresponds to the slub S1 of the current clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41. When selecting, the operator can select from the current clearing limit 52 a section 52a corresponding to a channel other than the slub S1, or can collectively select a plurality of the sections 52a.
Accordingly, the clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 functions as the second input section that receives the selection of at least one section 52a that is touched. However, the display controlling section 42d can display on the touch panel 41 the section 52a selected by using the clearing limit 52 in a distinguishable manner, or can display on the touch panel 41 the button 55 corresponding to the selected section 52a in a distinguishable manner.
When the operator selects the section 52a to be moved, the display controlling section 42d displays an operation unit 60 on the touch panel 41. The operation unit 60 shows a plurality of movement directions for moving the clearing limit 52 on the two-dimensional field 51, and functions as a third input section that receives the selection of the movement direction. Specifically, the operation unit 60 includes a movement direction instructing button 61, a movement amount changing button 62, and a display canceling button 63. The movement direction instructing button 61 shows the plurality of the movement directions for each of predetermined angles, and receives the selection of the movement direction. In the present explanation, buttons that constitute the movement direction instructing button 61 are arranged at an interval of 45 degrees around the movement amount changing button 62, and the buttons respectively indicate up, upper-right, right, lower-right, down, lower-left, left, and upper-left movement directions in the clockwise direction.
When a section 52a to be moved is selected by using the clearing limit 52 or the button 55 and the movement direction is selected by using the operation unit 60, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the temporary clearing limit 52 in which the selected section 52a is moved by a predetermined amount in the selected movement direction. The display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 generated by the clearing limit processing section 42b in accordance with the movement of the section 52a.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the operator touches the movement direction instructing button 61 that indicates the down movement direction, the temporary clearing limit 52 in which the selected section 52a corresponding to the slub S1 is moved downward by a predetermined amount is displayed. When the temporary clearing limit 52 is generated by the clearing limit processing section 42b based on the movement of the section 52a, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 generated based on the movement of the section 52a, along with the current clearing limit 52. When displaying on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 generated based on the movement of the section 52a, the display controlling section 42d displays the section 52a selected by the operator in a distinguishable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the current clearing limit 52 is indicated by a solid line, and the temporary clearing limit 52 generated by the movement of the section 52a is indicated by the solid line and a broken line. The shape of the section 52a corresponding to the slub S1 selected by the operator on the temporary clearing limit 52 generated based on the movement of the section 52a is different from that on the current clearing limit 52 (a portion indicated by the broken line).
In the simulation setting values column 54, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 simulation values that determine the temporary clearing limit 52 generated based on the movement of the section 52a. When displaying the simulation values in the simulation setting values column 54, the display controlling section 42d can display the simulation value of the selected section 52a so that the simulation value of the channel corresponding to the section 52a selected by the operator is distinguishable. In other words, the simulation value of the channel corresponding to the section 52a selected by the operator is a simulation value of a location where the value is different from the corresponding currently set value displayed in the current setting values column 53. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the simulation value related to the thickness of the slub S1 corresponding to the section 52a selected by the operator is changed based on the movement direction selected by the operator.
Furthermore, the movement amount changing button 62 in the operation unit 60 receives change in the amount (the predetermined amount) by which the selected section 52a is to be moved when the movement direction instructing button 61 is touched once. The clearing limit processing section 42b changes the movement amount each time the movement amount changing button 62 is touched. That is, the movement amount changes to a value equivalent to the value derived when multiplied by 1 (movement amount equal to a reference value) when the movement amount changing button 62 is touched once, multiplied by 10 (movement amount equal to 10 times the reference value) when touched twice, multiplied by 100 (movement amount equal to 100 times the reference value) when touched thrice, and so on. The reference value for the movement amount can be set for each channel.
The display canceling button 63 receives instructions to cancel the display of the operation unit 60 from the touch panel 41. In other words, when one of the clearing limit 52 and the button 55 receives the selection of at least one section 52a, the display controlling section 42d displays the operation unit 60 on the touch panel 41, and when the display canceling button 63 is touched, the display controlling section 42d cancels the display of the operation unit 60 and removes the selection of the section 52a.
A configuration in which the selected section 52a is moved by using the operation unit 60 has been explained in the above embodiment, but it is not limited to such a configuration that uses the operation unit 60. For example, after the section 52a to be moved is selected and the simulation value is entered by the operator in the simulation setting values column 54, the clearing limit processing section 42b can generate the temporary clearing limit 52 so as to match the entered simulation value. In other words, the clearing limit processing section 42b can move the selected section 52a according to the entered simulation value. The operator can enter a simulation value that determines the temporary clearing limit 52 by using the input key arranged in the main control device 4, the input key displayed on the touch panel 41, and the like.
When the temporary clearing limit 52 is generated by moving the section 52a, the removal count calculating section 42c calculates the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section 52a on the basis of the temporary clearing limit 52 generated by the movement of the section 52a and the yarn defect data recorded in the current setting values column 53. When the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section 52a is calculated, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the calculated yarn defect removal count. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the removal count calculated by the removal count calculating section 42c is displayed in the simulation result column 57 as the simulation value of the slub S that includes the slub S1 selected by the operator as a section to be moved. Furthermore, the simulation values corresponding to "YF" and "Sum" in the simulation result column 57, too, change in conjunction with the simulation value set for the slub S. Other numerical values in the simulation result column 57 remain the same as those in the current result column 56.
In conjunction with the selection of the section 52a to be moved by the operator and the selection of the movement direction by using the operation unit 60, the clearing limit processing section 42b generates the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the selected section 52a. In other words, the selection of the section 52a to be moved by the operator and the selection of the movement direction by using the operation unit 60 trigger the clearing limit processing section 42b to automatically generate the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a without waiting for other instructions from the operator for generating the temporary clearing limit 52. Furthermore, instead of selecting the movement direction by using the operation unit 60, the simulation value that determines the temporary clearing limit 52 can be entered into the simulation setting values column 54. Even in this case, the clearing limit processing section 42b similarly generates the temporary clearing limit 52 in conjunction with the input of the simulation value.
In conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a, the removal count calculating section 42c calculates the yarn defect removal count. In other words, the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a triggers the removal count calculating section 42c to automatically calculate the yarn defect removal count without waiting for other instructions from the operator for calculating the yarn defect removal count.
In conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a and the calculation of the yarn defect removal count, the display controlling section 42d displays on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 that is generated based on the movement of the section 52a and the calculated yarn defect removal count. In other words, the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a and the calculation of the yarn defect removal count trigger the display controlling section 42d to automatically display on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 and the calculated yarn defect removal count without waiting for other instructions from the operator. Accordingly, the operator can operate the operation unit 60 to move the section 52a while watching the touch panel 41, and can confirm the yarn defect removal count that has changed according to the movement of the section 52a.
The clearing limit processing section 42b sets the current clearing limit 52 or the temporary clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 as a new clearing limit 52. The clearing limit 52 is set when the operator who has confirmed the second clearing simulation result touches the button arranged for selecting one of the current clearing limit 52 and the temporary clearing limit 52.
Similar to when performing the first clearing simulation, the clearing limit processing section 42b can set the clearing limit 52 based on whether the Okay button 71 or the Cancel button 72 is touched by the operator. Accordingly, the Okay button 71 is used for reflecting the temporary clearing limit 52 in the actual removal operation of the yarn defects during the second clearing simulation, and the Cancel button 72 is used for discarding the temporary clearing limit 52 and retaining the current clearing limit 52 during the second clearing simulation.
The processing unit 42 can judge whether to perform the first clearing simulation or the second clearing simulation based on which button arranged for selecting the clearing simulation to be performed is touched. Alternatively, the processing unit 42 can perform the first clearing simulation when the button 58 is touched while selecting the section 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52, and the second clearing simulation when the button 55 is touched.
As explained above, in the main control device 4, it is possible to select at least one section 52a from the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52. The main control device 4 generates the temporary clearing limit 52 so that the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section 52a attains the entered target removal count, and displays the generated temporary clearing limit 52 on the touch panel 41. In this manner, according to the main control device 4, the clearing limit 52 with which the yarn defect removal count to be removed in at least one section 52a among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52 is set to the target removal count can be displayed. Accordingly, by selecting a target section 52a and entering the target removal count, the operator can confirm the clearing limit 52 in which the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the target section 52a attains the target removal count.
In the main control device 4, the current clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 receives the selection of the section 52a that is touched among the plurality of the section 52a. With this configuration, the operator can easily select a desired section 52a of the clearing limit 52.
In the main control device 4, the plurality of the buttons 58 displayed on the touch panel 41 receives the selection of the section 52a corresponding to the button 58 that is touched among the buttons 58. Similarly, in the main control device 4, the plurality of the buttons 55 displayed on the touch panel 41 receives the selection of the section 52a corresponding to the button 55 that is touched among the buttons 55. Accordingly, the operator can easily select any minutely displayed section 52a of the clearing limit 52 as the desired section.
In the main control device 4, when displaying on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count, the section 52a selected by the operator can be displayed so as to be distinguishable from the other sections 52a. Similarly, in the main control device 4, when displaying on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52 generated based on the movement of the section 52a, the section 52a selected by the operator can be displayed so as to be distinguishable from the other sections 52a. Accordingly, the operator can easily identify the selected section 52a among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52.
In conjunction with the selection of the section 52a and acquisition of the target removal count, the main control device 4 generates the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count, and displays the temporary clearing limit 52 on the touch panel 41 in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 based on the target removal count. Accordingly, the operator can instantly confirm the temporary clearing limit 52 set according to the entered target removal count.
The main control device 4 can select at least one section 52a among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52, and move the selected section 52a. In the present configuration, the operation unit 60 that moves the selected section 52a indicates the movement directions for the clearing limit 52. Therefore, the operator can intuitively move the selected section 52a in a desired movement direction by using the operation unit 60. Moreover, based on the temporary clearing limit 52, the main control device 4 calculates the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the section 52a selected by the operator, and displays the calculated removal count on the touch panel 41. Accordingly, the operator can identify the yarn defect removal count to be changed based on the movement of the section 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52, and the clearing limit 52 (the temporary clearing limit 52) generated after the movement of the section 52a.
The operation unit 60 is displayed on the touch panel 41. Accordingly, a separate operation unit 60 need not be arranged, and the operation unit 60 can be provided to the operator at an appropriate timing by displaying the same on the touch panel 41.
In conjunction with the selection of the section 52a and the selection of the movement direction by using the operation unit 60, the main control device 4 moves the selected section 52a and generates the temporary clearing limit 52. Moreover, the main control device 4 calculates the yarn defect removal count in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a. Furthermore, in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit 52 by moving the section 52a and the calculation of the yarn defect removal count, the main control device 4 displays the temporary clearing limit 52 and the calculated yarn defect removal count on the touch panel 41. In other words, when a movement direction is entered for a section 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52, the main control device 4 automatically displays the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the section 52a for which the movement direction is entered and the temporary clearing limit in which the selected section 52a is moved. Accordingly, the operator can instantly confirm the yarn defect removal count set according to the movement of the section 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52, and the temporary clearing limit 52 in which the selected section 52a is moved.
In the main control device 4, the current clearing limit 52 and the temporary clearing limit 52 are displayed on the touch panel 41. Accordingly, the operator can compare the current clearing limit 52 and the temporary clearing limit 52.
In the main control device 4, the current clearing limit 52 or the temporary clearing limit 52 can be set as a new clearing limit 52. Accordingly, the operator can set the current clearing limit 52 or the temporary clearing limit 52 as a new clearing limit 52.
The yarn winding machine 1 includes the yarn supplying section 21 that supplies a yarn; the winding section 24 that forms a package by winding the yarn; the yarn monitoring section 22 that monitors the yarn positioned between the yarn supplying section 21 and the winding section 24 and detects yarn defects; the yarn joining section 23 that joins the yarn from the yarn supplying section 21 and the yarn from the winding section 24 when the yarn is cut to remove the yarn defect detected by the yarn monitoring section 22, and the main control device 4. Because the yarn winding machine 1 includes the main control device 4 explained above, the temporary clearing limit 52 explained above can be displayed and the yarn defect can be appropriately removed.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explained above. For example, when performing the first clearing simulation, the current clearing limit 52 need not be set beforehand. Alternatively, the temporary clearing limit 52 can be generated based on the yarn defect data stored in the storing unit 43 and the entered target removal count.
During the first clearing simulation and the second clearing simulation, when selecting a section 52a as a simulation target, for example, the sections 52a that are not the target can be selected by performing operation such as touching the clearing limit 52, and the section 52a that is not touched and the like can be specified as the simulation target.
In the above embodiments, the clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 and the plurality of the buttons 58 function as the first input section that receives the selection of at least one section 52a among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52. However, a first input section that is constituted by a mechanical button and the like can be arranged separately from the touch panel 41. Similarly, the clearing limit 52 displayed on the touch panel 41 and the plurality of the buttons 55 function as the second input section that receives the selection of at least one section 52a among the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52. However, a second input section that is constituted by a mechanical button and the like can be arranged separately from the touch panel 41.
In the above embodiments, the operation unit 60 displayed on the touch panel 41 functions as the third input section that displays the movement directions for the clearing limit 52 and receives the selection of those movement directions. However, a third input section that is constituted by a mechanical button, lever, and the like can be arranged separately from the touch panel 41.
In the above embodiments, even though the plurality of the sections 52a that constitutes the clearing limit 52 corresponds to the plurality of the channels (types of the yarn defects), the plurality of the sections 52a can be based on any unit other than the channel.
In the above embodiments, the display controlling section 42d displays the yarn defect that is remaining on the yarn with the white round dot and the yarn defect that is removed from the yarn with the black square dot. However, display modes of the yarn defect are not limited to the white round dot and the black square dot, and these yarn defects can be displayed by using other modes. For example, the display controlling section 42d can display the yarn defect that is remaining on the yarn with a green round dot and the yarn defect that is removed from the yarn with a red square dot.
In the above embodiments, the main control device 4 of the yarn winding machine 1 functions as the clearing limit setting device, however, a management device and the like arranged separately from the yarn winding machine 1 can function as the clearing limit setting device. Alternatively, a dedicated clearing limit setting device for the yarn monitoring section 22 can be arranged alongside the main control device 4 at the base end part of the yarn winding machine 1. When the clearing limit setting device is arranged separately from the main control device 4, separate displaying units can be arranged for the main control device 4 and the clearing limit setting device, or a common displaying unit (the touch panel 41) can be arranged for the main control device 4 and the clearing limit setting device. Alternatively, the controlling device 22b of the yarn monitoring section 22 can transmit / receive data directly to / from the clearing limit setting device, or can transmit / receive data to / from the clearing limit setting device via the unit control device 3. When the controlling device 22b of the yarn monitoring section 22 transmits / receives data directly to / from the clearing limit setting device, it is desirable to configure that the controlling device 22b of the yarn monitoring section 22 can also directly transmit / receive data to / from the unit control device 3 that controls the yarn winding unit 2 on which the yarn monitoring section 22 is mounted.
Alternatively, in addition to acquiring the yarn defect data from the controlling device 22b of the yarn monitoring section 22, the processing unit 42 can acquire waveform data that is output from the detecting device 22a of the yarn monitoring section 22. Alternatively, the processing unit 42 can only acquire the waveform data output from the detecting device 22a of the yarn monitoring section 22 without acquiring the yarn defect data from the controlling device 22b of the yarn monitoring section 22. In such a configuration, the processing unit 42 can calculate the yarn defect data based on the acquired waveform data.
In the above embodiments, the main control device 4 performs both the first clearing simulation and the second clearing simulation. However, performing the second clearing simulation is not mandatory. When the main control device 4 displays the temporary clearing limit 52 on the touch panel 41, displaying the section 52a selected by the operator to be distinguishable from the other sections is not mandatory. Moreover, it is not mandatory for the main control device 4 to display on the touch panel 41 the temporary clearing limit 52, along with the current clearing limit 52.
A clearing limit setting device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a displaying unit that displays on a two-dimensional field, on which a matrix of length and thickness of yarn defects is plotted, a clearing limit that is a threshold to judge whether to remove a yarn defect and is constituted by a plurality of sections; a first input section that receives selection of at least one section; a removal count acquiring section that acquires a target removal count of yarn defect to be removed in the selected section; a clearing limit processing section that generates the clearing limit; a display controlling section that displays the generated clearing limit on the displaying unit; and a storing unit that stores therein yarn defect data constituted by a plurality of yarn defect data that indicates length and thickness of the yarn defect. When the section is selected by using the first input section and the removal count acquiring section acquires the target removal count, the clearing limit processing section generates a temporary clearing limit based on the yarn defect data and the target removal count so that a yarn defect removal count of the selected section attains the target removal count. The display controlling section displays on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count generated in the clearing limit processing section.
In the above clearing limit setting device, a part of the clearing limit can be selected. Moreover, the clearing limit setting device generates the temporary clearing limit so that the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section attains the entered target removal count, and displays the generated temporary clearing limit on the displaying unit. In this manner, according to the above clearing limit setting device, it is possible to display the clearing limit with which the yarn defect removal count to be removed in a part of the clearing limit attains the target removal count. With this configuration, by selecting a target section and entering the target removal count, an operator can confirm the clearing limit in which the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the target section attains the target removal count.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the displaying unit can be a touch panel.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the first input section can be a current clearing limit displayed on the displaying unit and can receive selection of the section that is touched among the plurality of the sections. With this configuration, the operator can easily select a desired section of the clearing limit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the display controlling section displays on the displaying unit a plurality of first buttons that respectively correspond to the plurality of the sections. The first input section can be the plurality of the first buttons displayed on the displaying unit and can receive selection of the section corresponding to the first button touched among the plurality of the first buttons. With this configuration, the operator can easily select any minutely displayed section of the clearing limit as the desired section.
In the above clearing limit setting device, when displaying on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count, the display controlling section can display the section selected by using the first input section in a distinguishable manner. With this configuration, the operator can easily identify the selected section among the plurality of the sections that constitutes the clearing limit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, in conjunction with the selection of the section by using the first input section and the acquisition of the target removal count by the removal count acquiring section, the clearing limit processing section can generate the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count, and in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count, the display controlling section can display on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit based on the target removal count. In other words, when the target removal count is entered, the clearing limit setting device automatically generates and displays the temporary clearing limit set according to the target removal count. With this configuration, the operator can instantly confirm the temporary clearing limit set according to the entered target removal count.
The above clearing limit setting device can further include a second input section that receives selection of at least one section among the plurality of the sections of the current clearing limit displayed on the displaying unit; a third input section that shows a plurality of movement directions in which the clearing limit moves on the two-dimensional field and receives selection of the movement direction; and a removal count calculating section that calculates the yarn defect removal count to be removed based on the clearing limit. When the section is selected by using the second input section and the movement direction is selected by using the third input section, the clearing limit processing section can generate the temporary clearing limit in which the selected section is moved in the selected movement direction for a predetermined amount. Once the temporary clearing limit is generated by moving the section, the removal count calculating section can calculate the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the selected section based on the temporary clearing limit generated by moving the section and the yarn defect data. The display controlling section can display on the displaying unit the yarn defect removal count calculated by the removal count calculating section and the temporary clearing limit generated by moving the section. Accordingly, a section of the clearing limit can be selected and the selected section can be moved. In the present configuration, the third input section that moves the selected section indicates the plurality of the movement directions for the clearing limit. Thus, the operator can intuitively move the selected section by using the third input section in the desired movement direction. Moreover, the clearing limit setting device calculates based on the temporary clearing limit the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the section selected by using the second input section, and displays the calculated removal count on the displaying unit. With this configuration, the operator can grasp the yarn defect removal count that changes when the section that constitutes the clearing limit is moved, and the clearing limit (the temporary clearing limit) after the movement.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the second input section can be the current clearing limit displayed on the displaying unit and can receive selection of the section touched by the operator among the plurality of the sections. With this configuration, the operator can easily select a desired section of the clearing limit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the display controlling section can display on the displaying unit a plurality of second buttons that respectively correspond to the plurality of the sections. The second input section can be the plurality of the second buttons displayed on the displaying unit and can receive selection of the section corresponding to the second button touched among the plurality of the second buttons. With this configuration, the operator can easily select any minutely displayed section of the clearing limit as the desired section.
In the above clearing limit setting device, while displaying on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit generated based on the movement of the section, the display controlling section can display the section selected by using the second input section in a distinguishable manner. With this configuration, the operator can easily identify the selected section among the plurality of the sections that constitutes the clearing limit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the third input section can be an operation unit that is displayed by the display controlling section on the displaying unit. With this configuration, a separate operation unit need not be arranged, and the operation unit can be provided to the operator at an appropriate time by displaying the same on the displaying unit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, in conjunction with the selection of the section by using the second input section and the selection of the movement direction by using the third input section, the clearing limit processing section can generate the temporary clearing limit by moving the selected section, in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit by moving the section, the removal count calculating section can calculate the yarn defect removal count, and in conjunction with the generation of the temporary clearing limit by moving the section and the calculation of the yarn defect removal count, the display controlling section can display on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit generated based on the movement of the section and the calculated yarn defect removal count. In other words, when the movement direction of the section that constitutes the clearing limit is entered, the clearing limit setting device automatically displays the yarn defect removal count to be removed in the section for which the movement direction was entered and the temporary clearing limit in which the selected section is moved. With this configuration, the operator can instantly confirm the yarn defect removal count set according to the movement of the section that constitutes the clearing limit and the temporary clearing limit in which the selected section is moved.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the display controlling section can display on the displaying unit the temporary clearing limit along with the current clearing limit. With this configuration, the operator can compare the current clearing limit with the temporary clearing limit.
In the above clearing limit setting device, the clearing limit processing section can set the current clearing limit or the temporary clearing limit as a new clearing limit. With this configuration, the operator can set the current clearing limit or the temporary clearing limit as a new clearing limit.
Each of the sections can be set according to types of the yarn defects. With this configuration, a section of the clearing limit can be easily selected according to the type of the yarn defects. Moreover, the yarn defect can be removed for a removal count that is desired according the type of the selected yarn defect.
When a target removal count that is applicable across a plurality of the sections that includes the selected section is entered, the removal count acquiring section can acquire a target removal count assigned to the selected section by using a predetermined method for allocating as the target removal count to be removed in the selected section. With this configuration, the target removal count corresponding to the selected section can be acquired even if the target removal count of the selected section is not directly entered.
A yarn winding machine according to another aspect of the present invention includes a yarn supplying section that supplies a yarn; a winding section that forms a package by winding the yarn; a yarn monitoring section that monitors the yarn positioned between the yarn supplying section and the winding section to detect a yarn defect; a yarn joining section that joins a yarn from the yarn supplying section and a yarn from the winding section when the yarn is cut to remove the yarn defect detected by the yarn monitoring section; and the above clearing limit setting device.
Because the above yarn winding machine includes the clearing limit setting device explained above, the temporary clearing limit can be displayed and the yarn defects can be appropriately removed.
According to the present invention, it is possible to display a clearing limit with which the yarn defect removal count to be removed in a part of the clearing limit attains the target removal count.
In the above explanation, the meaning of "a plurality of" also includes "a predetermined number of".
Although the invention has been explained with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the scope of the claims.