Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]The present invention relates to a drafting apparatus for drafting, for example, a fiber bundle.

BACKGROUND ART
[0002]In the following description, the Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-066820 may be referred to as PTL 1.
[0003]A spinning machine that includes more than one air spinning apparatus and a pair of draft rollers arranged with respect to each air spinning apparatus is known to the public. PTL 1 discloses this type of a spinning machine.
[0004]In the spinning machine of PTL 1, an apron belt is attached in a drafting portion. The apron belt is prone to wear due to contact with the fiber bundles. In the spinning machine of PTL 1, the cycle of replacement of the apron belt is extended by traversing the apron belt by a traverse apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005]In PTL 1, a supporting portion for traversing the apron belt is supported by a pair of regulating portions in such a way that it can reciprocate. If the attaching position of the regulating portion is inaccurate, resistance with respect to the reciprocation of the supporting portion or the like occurs, thus reducing the smoothness of the traversing operation.
[0006]The present invention is made in view of the situation described above and its purpose is to smoothly traverse an apron belt.
[0007]A first aspect of the present invention provides a drafting apparatus with a configuration as follows. That is, the drafting apparatus includes a first roller, a first support, a second roller, a second support, a belt guiding member, an apron belt, and an apron traverse apparatus. The first roller sandwiches a fiber bundle between the first roller and a first nip roller. The first support rotatably supports the first roller. The second roller is arranged upstream of the first roller in a fiber traveling direction. The second support rotatably supports the second roller. The apron belt is looped around the belt guiding member and the second roller and sandwiches the fiber bundle between the apron belt and a nip apron belt. The apron traverse apparatus traverses the apron belt. The apron traverse apparatus includes a slide guide that guides a traversing direction. The slide guide is fixed to the first support or the second support.
[0008]Accordingly, the position of the member that reciprocates in order to traverse the apron belt can be determined with reference to the first support or the second support. Thus, the positional accuracy of the traverse is improved and smooth traversing motion can be achieved. In addition, the apron belt can be prevented from coming off the apron traverse apparatus during the traverse.
[0009]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the drafting apparatus includes a third roller, a fourth roller, and a base member. The third roller is arranged upstream of the second roller in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle between the third roller and a third nip roller. The fourth roller is arranged upstream of the third roller in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle between the fourth roller and a fourth nip roller. The first support or the second support to which the slide guide is fixed is fixedly provided on the base member. Positions of the third roller and the fourth roller are adjustable in a drafting direction with respect to the base member.
[0010]Accordingly, the position of the member that reciprocates in order to traverse the apron belt can be determined with reference to the first support or the second support that is fixedly arranged. Thus, the positional accuracy of the member that reciprocates can be improved.
[0011]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the apron traverse apparatus includes an arm member and a drive. The arm member is provided with an action portion that moves the apron belt. The drive drives the arm member in the traversing direction. The slide guide guides the arm member in the traversing direction. The slide guide is fixed to the second support.
[0012]Accordingly, since the arm member is supported at two points with reference to the second support, the positional accuracy of the arm member with respect to the second support can be improved with a simple configuration.
[0013]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the slide guide includes two fulcrum members. Each of the two fulcrum members is arranged in an elongated hole formed in the arm member.
[0014]Accordingly, the traversing direction of the arm member can be guided with a simple configuration using the elongated hole.
[0015]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the apron traverse apparatus includes a rotating cam. An axis of rotation of the rotating cam and the elongated hole are arranged in a same height area.
[0016]Accordingly, since the force is efficiently transmitted from the rotating cam to the arm member, the arm member can be reciprocated smoothly.
[0017]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the drafting apparatus includes a base member and a bracket. The bracket is for fixing the drive with respect to the base member. The bracket includes a fixing portion and a base portion. The drive is fixed to the fixing portion. The base portion is located closer to the base member than the drive. Three holes aligned along the traversing direction are formed through the base portion. The first support or the second support to which the slide guide is fixed is fixedly provided on the base member. Positioning projections fixed to the base member are inserted into two of the three holes formed through the base portion and a fixing member is inserted into a remaining one hole.
[0018]Accordingly, since the drive can be fixed while being positioned with respect to the base member with only one fixing member, work efficiency is high.
[0019]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, two fiber bundle paths are formed in the drafting apparatus, the respective fiber bundle paths being a path along which the fiber bundle can travel. A pair of the first rollers, a pair of the second rollers, and a pair of the apron belts are included in order to draft each fiber bundle of the two fiber bundle paths. The drafting apparatus includes a pair of the arm members. The apron traverse apparatus includes a connector that can couple and separate the pair of the arm members.
[0020]Accordingly, the two apron belts can be traversed by one drive by coupling the two arm members using the connector. Since the two arm members can be separated from each other when necessary, the work efficiency of the manufacture and the maintenance can be improved.
[0021]In the above-described drafting apparatus, the connector is preferably at least any one of a magnet, a screw, a hook, or a clip.
[0022]Accordingly, the two arm members can be coupled and separated with a simple configuration.
[0023]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable that a coupling force of the connector is directed in a direction that is perpendicular to the traversing direction and is along a drafting direction.
[0024]Accordingly, the two arm members can be stably coupled with a compact configuration.
[0025]In the above-described drafting apparatus, it is preferable to include a configuration as follows. That is, the drafting apparatus includes a detector and an output part. The detector detects whether the traverse is being performed or not. The output part outputs an alarm when the detector detects that the traverse is not being performed.
[0026]Accordingly, an operator can promptly notice and deal with a situation where the traverse is not being performed because of, for example, an abnormality in the drive.
[0027]The above-described drafting apparatus preferably includes a draft cradle that supports the first nip roller and the nip apron belt.
[0028]Accordingly, with a simple configuration, the fiber bundle can be sandwiched and drafted by the draft roller pair.
[0029]A second aspect of the present invention provides a spinning machine with a configuration as follows. That is, the spinning machine includes a drafting apparatus, an air spinning apparatus, a drawing apparatus, and a winding apparatus. The air spinning apparatus spins a fiber bundle drafted by the drafting apparatus. The drawing apparatus draws out a yarn spun by the air spinning apparatus. The winding apparatus winds the yarn drawn out by the drawing apparatus.
[0030]Accordingly the fiber bundle can be drafted while reliably traversing the apron belt, and the yarn can be formed by spinning the drafted fiber bundle. As a result, the quality of the yarn formed can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a spinning machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a spinning unit.
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a drafting apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a drafting apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a drafting apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a drafting apparatus.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an apron traverse apparatus.

EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032]Next, a spinning machine 1 that includes a drafting apparatus 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The spinning machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes more than one spinning unit 2 arranged side by side, a frame 3, and a yarn joining cart 30.
[0033]As shown in FIG. 2, each of the spinning units 2 includes a fiber bundle guide 4, a drafting apparatus 5, an air spinning apparatus 6, a yarn monitoring apparatus 7, a yarn storage apparatus (a drawing apparatus) 8, and a winding apparatus 9, in the order form upstream to downstream. Each apparatus that the spinning unit 2 includes is supported by the frame 3. In the present specification, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” shall mean the upstream and the downstream in a traveling direction of the fiber bundle and the yarn during spinning.
[0034]The fiber bundle guide 4 guides a fiber bundle 10 supplied from a sliver case that is not shown in the drawings. The fiber bundle 10 guided by the fiber bundle guide 4 is fed to the drafting apparatus 5.
[0035]The drafting apparatus 5 drafts the fiber bundle 10. The drafting apparatus 5 includes a draft bottom roller group 5a and a draft top roller group 5b as components for drafting. The draft bottom roller group 5a includes more than one draft bottom roller. The draft bottom rollers are rotationally driven by motors not shown in the drawings. The draft top roller group 5b includes more than one draft top roller. The draft bottom rollers and the draft top rollers are arranged to face each other. By conveying the fiber bundle 10 while sandwiching it between the draft bottom rollers and the draft top rollers, the fiber bundle 10 can be stretched. The drafting apparatus 5 will be described in detail later.
[0036]The air spinning apparatus 6 can perform air spinning by generating a swirling airflow inside. The air spinning apparatus 6 performs spinning by applying twists to the fiber bundle 10 supplied from the drafting apparatus 5 with the swirling airflow to form a yarn 15. Instead of the air spinning apparatus 6, an apparatus that performs a ring spinning may be used.
[0037]The yarn 15 formed by the air spinning apparatus 6 travels through the yarn monitoring apparatus 7. The yarn monitoring apparatus 7 monitors the thickness of the travelling yarn 15 using an optical sensor not shown in the drawings. When the yarn monitoring apparatus 7 detects a yarn defect in the yarn 15 (for example, a point where the thickness of the yarn 15 is abnormal), it sends a yarn defect detection signal to a unit controller 26. When the unit controller 26 receives the yarn defect detection signal, it cuts the yarn 15. The unit controller 26 may stop the air spinning apparatus 6 to cut the yarn 15, or may drive a cutter to cut the yarn 15. Instead of the optical sensor, the yarn monitoring apparatus 7 may use, for example, a capacitive sensor to monitor the thickness of the yarn 15. As yarn defects, a foreign substance included in the yarn 15 and/or an abnormal tension of the yarn 15 may be monitored.
[0038]After traveling through the yarn monitoring apparatus 7, the yarn 15 is wound on a bobbin 17 by the winding apparatus 9. The winding apparatus 9 winds the yarn 15 to produce a package 18. The winding apparatus 9 includes a cradle arm 19, a winding drum 20, and a traverse apparatus 21.
[0039]The cradle arm 19 rotatably supports the bobbin 17 for winding the yarn 15 thereon. Being rotationally driven while making contact with the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin 17 or the outer peripheral surface of the package 18, the winding drum 20 rotates the bobbin 17 (or the package 18). The traverse apparatus 21 includes a traverse guide 22. The traverse guide 22 is driven in a winding width direction of the bobbin 17 while being engaged with the yarn 15. Accordingly, the yarn 15 to be wound onto the bobbin 17 can be traversed.
[0040]With the spinning unit 2 with the configuration as described above, the yarn 15 can be formed from the fiber bundle 10 and be wound onto the bobbin 17.
[0041]In the spinning machine 1 of the present embodiment, the yarn storage apparatus 8 is arranged between the yarn monitoring apparatus 7 and the winding apparatus 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the yarn storage apparatus 8 includes a yarn storage roller 23 and an electric motor 25 that rotationally drives the yarn storage roller 23.
[0042]With the electric motor 25 rotationally driving the yarn storage roller 23, the yarn storage apparatus 8 draws out the yarn 15 from the air spinning apparatus 6. The yarn storage roller 23 can wind and temporarily store the drawn out yarn 15 by winding the yarn 15 on its outer peripheral surface. Since the yarn 15 is temporarily stored in this manner, the yarn storage apparatus 8 functions as a kind of a buffer. This can eliminate problems (for example, slack of the yarn 15) that occur when the speed of the spinning by the air spinning apparatus 6 and the speed of the winding by the winding apparatus 9 do not match for some reason.
[0043]Each of the spinning units 2 includes the unit controller 26. The unit controller 26 controls each configuration that the spinning unit 2 includes. One unit controller 26 may be configured to control two or more predetermined number of the spinning units 2.
[0044]As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the yarn joining cart 30 includes a yarn joining apparatus 31, a suction pipe 32, and a suction mouth 33.
[0045]The yarn joining apparatus 31 is an apparatus for joining ends of yarns together. The configuration of the yarn joining apparatus 31 is not particularly limited. For example, a pneumatic splicer that twists ends of yarns together by a swirling airflow may be employed. The yarn joining apparatus 31 may be a knotter that mechanically ties ends of yarns together. The suction pipe 32 sucks and captures an end of the yarn delivered from the air spinning apparatus 6 and guides it to the yarn joining apparatus 31. The suction mouth 33 sucks and captures an end of the yarn from the package 18 supported by the winding apparatus 9 and guides it to the yarn joining apparatus 31.
[0046]The yarn joining apparatus 31 joins ends of yarns guided by the suction pipe 32 and the suction mouth 33. Accordingly, the cut yarn 15 becomes continuous again between the air spinning apparatus 6 and the winding apparatus 9.
[0047]Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the drafting apparatus 5 will be described.
[0048]As shown in FIG. 3, the drafting apparatus 5 includes a draft base (base member) 50. The draft base 50 is a frame-like or block-like member. The draft base 50 is fixed to the frame 3 by suitable means.
[0049]The draft bottom roller group 5a and the air spinning apparatus 6 are attached to the draft base 50. The draft base 50 supports the draft bottom roller group 5a and the air spinning apparatus 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the draft bottom roller group 5a includes a front bottom roller (a first roller) 51, a middle bottom roller (a second roller) 52, a third bottom roller (a third roller) 53, and a back bottom roller (a fourth roller) 54 that are arranged in the order from downstream to upstream in the fiber traveling direction. A tensor bar (a belt guiding member) 56 is arranged downstream of the middle bottom roller 52 in the fiber traveling direction. A bottom apron belt (an apron belt) 57 is looped around the middle bottom roller 52 and the tensor bar 56. Since the fiber bundle 10 is drafted in the fiber traveling direction in the drafting apparatus 5, a drafting direction is parallel to the fiber traveling direction.
[0050]The drafting apparatus 5 includes more than one motor not shown in the drawings. Each of the motors can rotationally drive the front bottom roller 51, the middle bottom roller 52, the third bottom roller 53, and the back bottom roller 54.
[0051]As shown in FIG. 3, the drafting apparatus 5 includes a draft cradle 70. The draft top roller group 5b is attached to the draft cradle 70 and the draft cradle 70 supports the draft top roller group 5b. The draft cradle 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the draft base 50. When the draft cradle 70 is closed, the draft top roller group 5b comes into contact with or comes close to the daft bottom roller group 5a. As shown in FIG. 3, the draft top roller group 5b includes a front top roller (a first nip roller) 71, a middle top roller 72, a third top roller (a third nip roller) 73, and a back top roller (a fourth nip roller) 74 arranged in the order from downstream to upstream in the fiber traveling direction. A top apron belt (a nip apron belt) 77 is looped around the middle top roller 72.
[0052]As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, two draft bottom roller groups 5a and two air spinning apparatuses 6 are arranged side by side with respect to one draft base 50. In other words, in the present embodiment, two fiber bundle paths are arranged side by side with respect to one draft base 50. The alignment direction of the two draft bottom roller groups 5a and the alignment direction of the two air spinning apparatuses 6 in the one draft base 50 are parallel to the axial directions of the draft rollers of the draft bottom roller group 5a. In the following description, a direction parallel to the axial directions of the draft rollers in the draft bottom roller group 5a may be referred to a roller axial direction. Since the two draft bottom roller groups 5a and their supporting structures are symmetrical with respect to a line of symmetry L1, a description will be made collectively. The line of symmetry L1 is arranged in the middle of the two fiber bundle paths.
[0053]Consider a projection plane obtained by projecting onto a plane parallel to the two fiber bundle paths, the draft base 50 and the two fiber bundle paths in a direction perpendicular to the plane. In this projection plane, the draft base 50 is arranged between the two fiber bundle paths. In detail, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the roller axial direction and the fiber traveling direction, the draft base 50 is arranged, in the projection plane, at a position that includes a middle position between the two draft bottom roller groups 5a. Accordingly, one draft base 50 can be provided with respect to the two draft bottom roller groups 5a. The draft base 50 is formed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the line of symmetry L1.
[0054]As shown in FIG. 4, the drafting apparatus 5 includes a first support 61, a second support 62, a third support 63, and a fourth support 64. Each of the first support 61, the second support 62, the third support 63, and the fourth support 64 is integrally formed with the draft base 50 or is directly or indirectly attached to the draft base 50.
[0055]The first support 61 supports the front bottom roller 51 in a cantilever manner. The second support 62 supports the middle bottom roller 52 in a cantilever manner. The third support 63 supports both ends of the third bottom roller 53. The fourth support 64 supports both ends of the back bottom roller 54.
[0056]One first support 61 is arranged for each front bottom roller 51. The first support 61 supports an end of the front bottom roller 51 closer to the line of symmetry L1 than the other. One second support 62 is arranged for each middle bottom roller 52. The second support 62 supports an end of the middle bottom roller 52 closer to the line of symmetry L1 than the other.
[0057]The first support 61 is integrally formed with the draft base 50 to protrude upward from the draft base 50. The second support 62 is fixed to the draft base 50 by a fixing member (for example, a screw) not shown in the drawings.
[0058]A fixing arm 58 is fixed to a top portion of the second support 62. The fixing arm 58 extends in a direction away from the line of symmetry L1 to protrude from the second support 62, and the tensor bar 56 is fixed to its end portion. The tensor bar 56 is arranged between the front bottom roller 51 and the middle bottom roller 52.
[0059]The third support 63 is arranged one for the two third bottom rollers 53 and is arranged to connect the two third bottom rollers 53. The fourth support 64 is arranged one for the two back bottom rollers 54 and is arranged to connect the two back bottom rollers 54. A pair of elongated holes 81 are formed in the draft base 50. Each of the elongated holes 81 extends along the fiber traveling direction. Each of the third support 63 and the fourth support 64 is fixed to the elongated holes 81 by a pair of screws 82, i.e. fixing members. By loosening the screws 82, the third support 63 and/or the fourth support 64 can be moved along the elongated holes 81 and they can be fixed at a position as desired by tightening the screws 82. With an adjustment mechanism 83 including a pair of the elongated holes 81 and a pair of the screws 82, the positions of the third bottom rollers 53 and the back bottom rollers 54 in the fiber traveling direction can be individually adjusted.
[0060]Next, an apron traverse apparatus 84 that traverses the bottom apron belt 57 within a predetermined stroke will be described.
[0061]The apron traverse apparatus 84 is arranged on the draft base 50. The apron traverse apparatus 84 includes an arm member 85 and a motor (a drive) 86.
[0062]One arm member 85 is arranged for one bottom apron belt 57. The arm member 85 is an elongate plate-shaped member that extends in the roller axial direction. The arm member 85 is formed of metal such as iron. A long and narrow space that extends in the roller axial direction is formed between the first support 61 and the second support 62. The arm member 85 is inserted into this space with its thickness direction oriented in the fiber traveling direction. The arm member 85 is supported by the second support 62 in such a way that the arm member 85 can slide in the roller axial direction.
[0063]Two fulcrum members 87 are arranged side by side on one second support 62. The two fulcrum members 87 constitute a slide guide that guides the bottom apron belt 57 in the traversing direction. In the following description, the traversing direction of the bottom apron belt 57 may be referred to as an apron traversing direction. Each of the fulcrum members 87 is a short cylindrical member with a ring groove formed on its outer periphery. The width of the ring groove is approximately equal to the thickness of the arm member 85. Each fulcrum member 87 is supported in such a way that it can rotate with respect to the second support 62. The direction in which the two fulcrum members 87 are aligned coincides with the roller axial direction. Two elongated holes 88 are formed through the arm member 85 for the two fulcrum members 87. Each of the elongated holes 88 extends in the roller axial direction. The width of the elongated hole 88 is approximately equal to the diameter of the fulcrum member 87 at the position where the ring groove is formed. The portion of each fulcrum member 87 at which the ring groove is formed is inserted into the elongated hole 88. Accordingly, the fulcrum members 87 can guide the arm member 85 so that it moves along the roller axial direction.
[0064]A large-diameter portion of the fulcrum member 87 is so configured that it can be separated from the portion with the ring groove by a suitable mechanism. Accordingly, the portion of the arm member 85 with the elongated hole 88 can be inserted into the ring groove of the fulcrum member 87.
[0065]The arm member 85 protrudes from the second support 62 in a direction away from the line of symmetry L1. This protruding portion is located below the tensor bar 56. An action portion 89 is formed on the protruding portion of the arm member 85. The action portion 89 is a recess which opens upward. The width of the recess accommodates to the width of the bottom apron belt 57. The bottom apron belt 57 which is looped around the middle bottom roller 52 and the tensor bar 56 passes through the recess.
[0066]By reciprocating the arm member 85 in the roller axial direction, the bottom apron belt 57 can be reciprocated in the roller axial direction via the action portion 89. Accordingly, the bottom apron belt 57 can be moved periodically with respect to the fiber bundle path. As a result, the bottom apron belt 57 is less prone to wear and thus the frequency of the maintenance such as replacing the bottom apron belt 57 can be reduced.
[0067]One motor 86 is provided for the two arm members 85. In the following description, one of the arm members 85 located on the left side when viewed from the front (viewed from the air spinning apparatus 6, or viewed from downstream in the fiber traveling direction) may be referred to as a left arm member 85L and one located on the right side may be referred to as a right arm member 85R.
[0068]The motor 86 is arranged between the second supports 62 arranged in a pair. The motor 86 may be configured as, for example, a stepping motor, but is not limited to it. The housing of the motor 86 is fixed to the draft base 50 via a motor bracket (a bracket) 65 that is L-shaped member in a side view.
[0069]The output shaft of the motor 86 is arranged substantially parallel to the fiber traveling direction. An eccentric cam (a rotating cam) 90 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 86. A driven portion 91 is arranged close to the eccentric cam 90. A cam hole 92 is formed through the driven portion 91. The cam hole 92 extends in the vertical direction in FIG. 5 and the eccentric cam 90 can be inserted into it. The two arm members 85 are coupled to each other by the driven portion 91. By driving the motor 86, the eccentric cam 90 is rotated. This rotational motion is converted via the cam hole 92 into a reciprocal motion of the driven portion 91 in the roller axial direction. Thus, the two bottom apron belts 57 can be traversed via the two arm members 85 fixed to the driven portion 91.
[0070]The driven portion 91 includes a first driven member 91a and a second driven member 91b. Both the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b are formed as rectangular plates. Both the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b may be made of, for example, synthetic resin. The cam hole 92 is formed through each of the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b .
[0071]The first driven member 91a is fixed to the left arm member 85L by a screw. A magnet (a connector) 93a is fixed to a portion of the first driven member 91a that is on the opposite side across the cam hole 92 to the portion of the first driven member 91a that is fixed to the left arm member 85L by the screw. This magnet 93a generates an attractive force in a direction substantially parallel to the fiber traveling direction. By bringing this magnet 93a close to the end portion of the right arm member 85R, the right arm member 85R can be fixed to the first driven member 91a by the magnetic force.
[0072]The second driven member 91b is fixed to the right arm member 85R by a screw. The second driven member 91b is arranged on the opposite side to the first driven member 91a with the end portion of the left arm member 85L closer to the line of symmetry L1 and the end portion of the right arm member 85R closer to the line of symmetry L1 therebetween. Similarly to the first driven member 91a, a magnet (a connector) 93b is fixed to a portion of the second driven member 91b that is on the opposite side across the cam hole 92 to the portion of the second driven member 91b that is fixed to the right arm member 85R by the screw. This magnet 93b generates an attractive force in a direction substantially parallel to the fiber traveling direction. By bringing this magnet 93b close to the end portion of the left arm member 85L, the left arm member 85L can be fixed to the second driven member 91b by the magnetic force.
[0073]In this manner, the two magnets 93a and 93b can substantially couple the two arm members 85 (the left arm member 85L and the right arm member 85R). The two arm members 85 can be easily separated by applying a force larger than the attractive force of the magnets 93a and 93b. For example, by temporarily separating the two arm members 85, the left arm member 85L and one draft bottom roller group 5a can be assembled as a module, and separately, the right arm member 85R and another draft bottom roller group 5a can be assembled as a module. Thereafter, the two arm members 85 are coupled together. Handling the components as modules as above improves the efficiency of assembly and maintenance operations.
[0074]The cam hole 92 is formed through each of the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b. The two cam holes 92 are formed in accordance with the position and shape of one another. Under a state in which the two arm members 85 are coupled, the two cam holes 92 are connected to substantially form one cam hole 92. Consider a case where a failure occurred in only one of the two fiber bundle paths formed in the drafting apparatus 5. In this case, the arm member 85 relating to the fiber bundle path in which the failure occurred can be detached alone and the arm member 85 relating to the normal fiber bundle path can be reciprocated alone by the motor 86. Therefore, the decrease in the efficiency of the operation of the spinning unit 2 can be prevented.
[0075]Under a state in which the two arm members 85 are coupled, each of the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b is located adjacent to the corresponding arm member 85. Under a state in which the two arm members 85 are facing one another, the two arm members 85 are sandwiched in the thickness direction between the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b. The position of the surface of the left arm member 85L and the position of the surface of the right arm member 85R are substantially aligned by the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b that are formed in plate-shape. Thus, when coupled to each other, the positions of the left arm member 85L and the right arm member 85R coincides with each other in the thickness direction, in other words, in the fiber traveling direction.
[0076]While being substantially supported by the four fulcrum members 87, the two arm members 85 coupled to each other reciprocates integrally. If even one of the four fulcrum members 87 is misaligned, resistance occurs and the reciprocating movement cannot be smoothly performed. This can make the motor 86 to lose steps or can result in the increase of the energy consumption. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom apron belt 57 travels diagonally with respect to the action portion 89 of the arm member 85. If the arm member 85 is misaligned (especially, misaligned in the drafting direction), a failure such as coming-off of the bottom apron belt 57 from the action portion 89 can easily occur.
[0077]In this regard, in the present embodiment, all of the four fulcrum members 87 are fixed to the second support 62. The portions of the second support 62 to which the fulcrum members 87 are attached are fixed to the first support 61 integrally formed with respect to the draft base 50 and their positions are not meant to be adjusted. As described above, the fulcrum member 87 is fixed to the second support 62 that is immovable with respect to the draft base 50, rather than to the third support 63 or the fourth support 64 that are attached to the draft base 50 via the adjustment mechanism 83. Therefore, since the positional accuracy of the second support 62, and thus the positional accuracy of the fulcrum members 87 with respect to the draft base 50 is improved, the reciprocating movement of the arm member 85 can be performed smoothly. Thus, failures such coming-off of the bottom apron belt 57 from the action portion 89 can be reduced.
[0078]Although omitted in the drawings, a projecting portion or a recess formed perpendicular to the apron traversing direction is provided on each of the two arm members 85 and the two driven portions 91. The projecting portion and the recess are provided at positions in accordance with each other. By inserting the projecting portion into the recess, the two arm members 85 can be mechanically coupled. When the motor 86 is operated to move the two bottom apron belts 57, the attractive force of the magnets 93a and 93b may not be sufficient to maintain the coupled state of the two arm members 85. By inserting the projecting portion into the recess, the coupling of the two arm members 85 can be reliably maintained even if a load generates during traversing of the bottom apron belt 57. Moreover, the first driven member 91a and the second driven member 91b can be positioned with the projection portion and the recess. This positioning mechanism can precisely align the positions of the two cam holes 92.
[0079]A detection magnet 67 is arranged on the first driven member 91a via a detection bracket 66. Correspondingly, a magnetic sensor (a detector) 68 is fixed on the motor bracket 65. The magnetic sensor 68 may be configured as, for example, a Hall effect IC, but it is not limited. The magnetic sensor 68 is electrically connected to the unit controller 26.
[0080]As the driven portion 91 reciprocates, the detection magnet 67 is moved integrally with the driven portion 91 and is displaced with respect to the magnetic sensor 68 arranged fixedly. Therefore, if the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 68 increases and decreases periodically, it can be determined that the two arm members 85 are traversing the bottom apron belt 57.
[0081]The unit controller 26 monitors the detection results of the magnetic sensor 68. If the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 68 does not change appropriately despite the motor 86 is being operated, the unit controller 26 outputs an alarm with an appropriate output part. The output part may be, for example, a buzzer, a lamp, a display capable of displaying a warning, or the like, but is not limited. For example, if a lamp is blinked or lit, the lamp functions as the output part. Accordingly, an abnormality related to the traverse of the bottom apron belt 57 can be informed to an operator in the vicinity.
[0082]The motor bracket 65 is a plate-shaped member formed in an L-shape in side view. As shown in FIG. 7, the motor bracket 65 includes a base portion 65a that is attached to the top surface of the draft base 50 and a fixing portion 65b that extends upwards from the base portion 65a. The housing of the motor 86 is fixed to the fixing portion 65b. The base portion 65a is located lower than the motor 86, in other words, closer to the draft base 50 than the motor 86.
[0083]To attach the base portion 65a of the motor bracket 65, two positioning pins (positioning projections) 46 and one screw hole 47 are formed on the top surface of the draft base 50. The positioning pins 46 are arranged at an appropriate distance in the roller axial direction. The screw hole 47 is arranged midway between the two positioning pins 46. Correspondingly, three through holes (holes) 48 are formed as a set through the base portion 65a of the motor bracket 65. The positioning pins 46 can be inserted into two of the three through holes 48. An installation screw (fixing member) 49 can be inserted into the remaining one hole and screwed into the screw hole 47. Accordingly, the motor 86 can be fixed to the draft base 50 without looseness by the one installation screw 49. Thus, workability is high.
[0084]Three through holes 48 are one set, and six through holes 48 are formed through the motor bracket 65 in such a way that two sets are arranged side by side in the fiber traveling direction. Accordingly, the installation position of the motor bracket 65 with respect to the draft base 50 can be changed to two positions. More through holes 48 may be formed so that the installation position of the motor bracket 65 can be changed to three or more positions. Alternatively, only one set of the through holes 48 may be formed.
[0085]As described above, the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the front bottom roller 51, the first support 61, the middle bottom roller 52, the second support 62, the tensor bar 56, the bottom apron belt 57, and the apron traverse apparatus 84. The front bottom roller 51 sandwiches the fiber bundle 10 between the front bottom roller 51 and the front top roller 71. The first support 61 rotatably supports the front bottom roller 51. The middle bottom roller 52 is arranged upstream of the front bottom roller 51 in the fiber traveling direction. The second support 62 rotatably supports the middle bottom roller 52. The bottom apron belt 57 is looped around the tensor bar 56 and the middle bottom roller 52 and sandwiches the fiber bundle 10 between the bottom apron belt 57 and the top apron belt 77. The apron traverse apparatus 84 traverses the bottom apron belt 57. The apron traverse apparatus 84 includes the slide guide comprised of the two fulcrum members 87 for guiding the traversing direction. The slide guide is attached to the second support 62.
[0086]Accordingly, the position of the arm member 85 that reciprocates in order to traverse the bottom apron belt 57 can be determined with reference to the second support 62. Thus, the positional accuracy of the traverse is improved and smooth traversing motion can be achieved. In addition, the bottom apron belt 57 can be prevented from coming off the apron traverse apparatus 84 during the traverse.
[0087]The drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the third bottom roller 53, the back bottom roller 54, and the draft base 50. The third bottom roller 53 is arranged upstream of the middle bottom roller 52 in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle 10 between the third bottom roller 53 and the third top roller 73. The back bottom roller 54 is arranged upstream of the third bottom roller 53 in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle 10 between the back bottom roller 54 and the back top roller 74. The second support 62 to which the slide guide is attached is fixed to the draft base 50. The positions of the third bottom roller 53 and the back bottom roller 54 are adjustable in the drafting direction with respect to the draft base 50.
[0088]Accordingly, the position of the arm member 85 that reciprocates in order to traverse the bottom apron belt 57 can be determined with reference to the second support 62 that is fixedly arranged. Thus, the positional accuracy of the arm member 85 can be improved.
[0089]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the apron traverse apparatus 84 includes the arm member 85 and the motor 86. The arm member 85 is provided with the action portion 89 that moves the bottom apron belt 57. The motor 86 drives the arm member 85 in the traversing direction. The slide guide comprised of the two fulcrum members 87 guides the arm member 85 in the traversing direction. The slide guide is fixed to the second support 62.
[0090]Accordingly, since the arm member 85 is supported at two points with reference to the second support 62, the positional accuracy of the arm member 85 with respect to the second support 62 can be improved with a simple configuration.
[0091]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the slide guide includes the two fulcrum members 87. Each of the two fulcrum members 87 is arranged in an elongated hole 88 formed in the arm member 85.
[0092]Accordingly, the traversing direction of the arm member 85 can be guided with a simple configuration using the elongated hole 88.
[0093]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the apron traverse apparatus 84 includes the eccentric cam 90. The axis of rotation of the eccentric cam 90 and the elongated hole 88 are arranged in the same height area.
[0094]Accordingly, since the force is efficiently transmitted from the eccentric cam 90 to the arm member 85, the arm member 85 can be reciprocated smoothly.
[0095]The drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the draft base 50 and the motor bracket 65. The motor bracket 65 fixes the motor 86 with respect to the draft base 50. The motor bracket 65 includes the fixing portion 65b and the base portion 65a. The motor 86 is fixed to the fixing portion 65b. The base portion 65a is located closer to the draft base 50 than the motor 86. The three through holes 48 aligned along the traversing direction are formed through the base portion 65a. The second support 62 to which the slide guide (that is, the two fulcrum members 87) is fixed to is fixed to the draft base 50. The positioning pins 46 fixed to the draft base 50 are inserted into two of the three through holes 48 formed through the base portion 65a and the installation screw 49 is inserted into the remaining one through hole 48.
[0096]Accordingly, since the motor 86 can be fixed while being positioned with respect to the draft base 50 with only one installation screw 49, the work efficiency is high.
[0097]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, two fiber bundle paths are formed, the respective fiber bundle paths being a path along which the fiber bundle 10 can travel. The drafting apparatus 5 includes a pair of the front bottom rollers 51, a pair of the middle bottom rollers 52, and a pair of the bottom apron belts 57 in order to draft each fiber bundle 10 of the two fiber bundle paths. The apron traverse apparatus 84 includes the magnets 93a and 93b that can couple and separate a pair of the arm members 85.
[0098]Accordingly, the two apron belts 57 can be traversed by the one motor 86 by coupling the two arm members 85 using the magnets 93a and 93b. Since the arm members 85 can be separated from each other when necessary, the work efficiency of the manufacture and the maintenance can be improved.
[0099]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the two arm members 85 can be coupled or separated by the magnets 93a and 93b. As a connector that couples the two arm members 85 in such a way that they can be coupled and separated, for example, at least any one of a screw, a hook, or a clip may be used instead of the magnets 93a and 93b.
[0100]Accordingly, the two arm members 85 can be coupled and separated with a simple configuration.
[0101]In the drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment, the coupling force of the magnets 93a and 93b is directed in a direction that is perpendicular to the traversing direction and along the drafting direction.
[0102]Accordingly, the two arm members 85 can be coupled with a compact configuration.
[0103]The drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the magnetic sensor 68 and the output part (for example, the lamp). The magnetic sensor 68 detects whether the traverse of the bottom apron belt 57 is being performed or not. The lamp outputs the alarm by being blinked or lit when the magnetic sensor 68 detects that the traverse is not being performed.
[0104]Accordingly, the operator can promptly notice and deal with a situation where the traverse is not being performed because of, for example, an abnormality in the motor 86.
[0105]The drafting apparatus 5 of the present embodiment includes the draft cradle 70 that supports the front top roller 71 and the top apron belt 77.
[0106]Accordingly, with a simple configuration, the fiber bundle 10 can be sandwiched and drafted by the draft roller pair.
[0107]The spinning machine 1 of the present embodiment includes the drafting apparatus 5, the air spinning apparatus 6, the yarn storage apparatus 8, and the winding apparatus 9. The air spinning apparatus 6 spins the fiber bundle 10 drafted by the drafting apparatus 5. The yarn storage apparatus 8 draws out the yarn 15 spun by the air spinning apparatus 6. The winding apparatus 9 winds the yarn 15 drawn out by the yarn storage apparatus 8.
[0108]Accordingly, while reliably traversing the bottom apron belt 57, the fiber bundle 10 can be spun and the yarn 15 can be formed. As a result, the quality of the yarn 15 formed can be improved.
[0109]Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described configuration can be modified, for example, as follows. Such a modification may be made singularly or made in combination with any other modification.
[0110]The fulcrum member 87 may be attached to the first support 61 instead of the second support 62.
[0111]For adjusting the tension of the bottom apron belt 57 or the like, a portion of the second support 62 that supports the middle bottom roller 52 may be movable with respect to the draft base 50. In this case, it is preferable that the fulcrum member 87 is attached to a portion of the second support 62 that does not move.
[0112]Instead of the two fulcrum members 87, a single linear guide, for example, may slidably support the arm member 85.
[0113]The two fulcrum members 87 may be arranged in one shared elongated hole 88 instead of being arranged in two elongated holes 88 separately.
[0114]The adjustment mechanism 83 for adjusting the positions of the third support 63 and the fourth support 64 may be omitted.
[0115]The fulcrum member 87 may be arranged at a height different from the height of the axis of rotation of the eccentric cam 90.
[0116]The reciprocating motion of the two arm members 85 may be achieved by a rack-and-pinion mechanism, for example, instead of the cam mechanism with the eccentric cam 90. The reciprocating motion of the arm members 85 may also be achieved by coupling an end of a rotary arm that reciprocates within a predetermined angular range to the driven portion 91.
[0117]The arm member 85 and the driven portion 91 may be integrally configured as one component, rather than as separate components.
[0118]The base portion 65a of the motor bracket 65 may be fixed to the draft base 50 by two or more installation screws 49. The installation position of the motor bracket 65 with respect to the draft base 50 may be non-adjustable.
[0119]Only one draft bottom roller group 5a may be arranged with respect to one draft base 50. In this case, the number of the arm member 85 supported by the draft base 50 is also only one.
[0120]In the driven portion 91, the orientation in which the magnets 93a and 93b are arranged may be changed so that the attractive force of the magnets 93a and 93b is, for example, along the traversing direction.
[0121]The detection bracket 66, the detection magnet 67, and the magnetic sensor 68 can be omitted.
[0122]The arm member 85 may be configured as a block, for example, instead of an arm shape.
[0123]At least one of the left arm member 85L or the right arm member 85R may be formed from a plurality of plate-like members. The action portion 89 of at least one of the left arm member 85L or the right arm member 85R may be configured to be deformable. For example, the left arm member 85L and the right arm member 85R may be configured in such a way that the action portion 89 can be bent by a hinge with a shaft along the longitudinal direction of the arm member 85. In this configuration, by bending the action portion 89 during the maintenance, the bottom apron belt 57 can be easily replaced. In this case, a reinforcement portion for preventing the action portion 89 from being bent may be arranged at the end of the left arm member 85L and the end of the right arm member 85R. The reinforcement portion may be, for example, a magnet.
[0124]A delivery roller and a nip roller as the drawing apparatus may be included by the spinning unit 2 instead of the yarn storage apparatus 8. By sandwiching the yarn 15 discharged from the air spinning apparatus 6 between the delivery roller pair and rotationally driving the delivery roller pair, the yarn 15 can be drawn out from the air spinning apparatus 6 and delivered to the winding apparatus 9. In this case, at least any one of the yarn storage roller 23, a mechanical compensator, or a suction slack tube may be arranged downstream of the delivery roller pair.
[0125]In the above-described embodiment, each apparatus is so arranged that the yarn 15 supplied from the upper side is wound at the lower side in the direction of the machine height. However, each apparatus may be so arranged that the yarn 15 supplied form the lower side is wound at the upper side. The orientation in which the drafting apparatus 5 is attached to the spinning unit 2 is also determined as desired. For example, the draft base 50 may be arranged to be located higher than the two fiber bundle paths, the arm member 85, and the motor 86, or the like.
[0126]In the above-described embodiment, the spinning machine 1 includes the yarn joining cart 30. However, at least one apparatus related to yarn joining may be arranged in each spinning unit 2. The method of yarn joining is also not limited to using the yarn joining apparatus 31 and the spinning machine 1 may join the yarn by piecing.
, Claims:We claim:

1. A drafting apparatus (5), comprising:
a first roller (51) that sandwiches a fiber bundle (10) between the first roller (51) and a first nip roller (71);
a first support (61) that rotatably supports the first roller (51);
a second roller (52) that is arranged upstream of the first roller (51) in a fiber traveling direction;
a second support (62) that rotatably supports the second roller (52);
a belt guiding member (56);
an apron belt (57) that is looped around the belt guiding member (56) and the second roller (52) and sandwiches the fiber bundle (10) between the apron belt (57) and a nip apron belt (77); and
an apron traverse apparatus (84) that traverses the apron belt (57),
wherein the apron traverse apparatus (84) comprises a slide guide that guides a traversing direction, and
wherein the slide guide is fixed to the first support (61) or the second support (62).

2. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a third roller (53) that is arranged upstream of the second roller (52) in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle (10) between the third roller (53) and a third nip roller (73);
a fourth roller (54) that is arranged upstream of the third roller (53) in the fiber traveling direction and sandwiches the fiber bundle (10) between the fourth roller (54) and a fourth nip roller (74); and
a base member (50),
wherein the first support (61) or the second support (62) to which the slide guide is fixed is fixedly provided on the base member (50), and
wherein positions of the third roller (53) and the fourth roller (54) are adjustable in a drafting direction with respect to the base member (50).
3. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the apron traverse apparatus (84) comprises:
an arm member (85) provided with an action portion (89) that moves the apron belt (57); and
a drive (86) that drives the arm member (85) in the traversing direction,
wherein the slide guide guides the arm member (85) in the traversing direction, and
wherein the slide guide is fixed to the second support (62).

4. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the slide guide comprises two fulcrum members (87), and
wherein each of the two fulcrum members (87) is arranged in an elongated hole (88) formed in the arm member (85).

5. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the apron traverse apparatus (84) comprises a rotating cam (90), and
wherein an axis of rotation of the rotating cam (90) and the elongated hole (88) are arranged in a same height area.

6. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 3, comprising:
a base member (50); and
a bracket (65) for fixing the drive (86) with respect to the base member (50),
wherein the bracket (65) comprises:
a fixing portion (65b) to which the drive (86) is fixed; and
a base portion (65a) that is located closer to the base member (50) than the drive (86),
wherein three holes (48) aligned along the traversing direction are formed through the base portion (65a),
wherein the first support (61) or the second support (62) to which the slide guide is fixed is fixedly provided on the base member (50), and
wherein positioning projections (46) fixed to the base member (50) are inserted into two of the three holes (48) formed through the base portion (65a) and a fixing member (49) is inserted into a remaining one hole (48).

7. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 3 or 6, wherein two fiber bundle paths are formed, the respective fiber bundle paths being a path along which the fiber bundle (10) can travel,
wherein a pair of the first rollers (51), a pair of the second rollers (52), and a pair of the apron belts (57) are provided in order to draft each fiber bundle (10) of the two fiber bundle paths,
wherein the drafting apparatus (5) comprises a pair of the arm members (85), and
wherein the apron traverse apparatus (84) comprises a connector (93a, 93b) that can couple and separate the pair of the arm members (85).

8. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connector (93a, 93b) is at least any one of a magnet, a screw, a hook, or a clip.

9. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein a coupling force of the connector (93a, 93b) is directed in a direction that is perpendicular to the traversing direction and is along a drafting direction.

10. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, comprising:
a detector (68) that detects whether traverse is being performed or not; and
an output part that outputs an alarm when the detector (68) detects that the traverse is not being performed.

11. The drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a draft cradle (70) that supports the first nip roller (71) and the nip apron belt (77).
12. A spinning machine (1) comprising:
the drafting apparatus (5) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11;
an air spinning apparatus (6) that spins the fiber bundle (10) drafted by the drafting apparatus (5);
a drawing apparatus (8) that draws out a yarn (15) spun by the air spinning apparatus (6); and
a winding apparatus (9) that winds the yarn (15) drawn out by the drawing apparatus (8).