BACKGROUND OF THE IN VENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a yarn monitoring 5 device adapted to monitor a state of a travelling yarn. Specifically, the present invention relates to a configuration for cleaning by blowing away fiber waste.
2. Description of the Related Art 10
Conventionally, there is known a yarn monitoring device having a configuration for blowing fluid against a cleaning target to blow away fiber waste and cleaning the cleaning target. This type of yarn monitoring device is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 15 2013-230908.
In the yarn monitoring device of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-230908, compressed air is introduced to one end of a supply path from a compressed air supplying hose. Part of the introduced compressed air 20 is injected from a blow-out section formed at the other end of the supply path to be blown against a light receiving surface and/or transparent plate of a light receiving element. Remaining part of the introduced compressed air flows through another supply path branched from the 25 relevant supply path, and injected from a cutter blow-out section to be blown against the cutter. The fluid is blown against the cleaning target arranged in the yarn monitoring device in such a manner, so that fiber waste attached to the cleaning target can be blown away to maintain high 30 detection accuracy of yarn defect and the like of the yarn
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monitoring device, and the fiber waste can be prevented from being mixed in a package and the like, which is a product.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, it was found that Japanese Unexamined Patent 5 Publication No. 2013-230908 merely describes a configuration of a blow-out port for blowing the compressed air at pinpoint to a portion where the fiber waste is likely to get caught for the cutter, and blowing the compressed air over a wide range to maintain entire cleanliness for 10 the light receiving surface and/or the transparent plate of the light receiving element, and does not disclose the specific configuration for supplying the compressed air of desired flow amount and strength with respect to each blow-out port. 15
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a configuration capable of injecting fluid of appropriate flow amount or strength for cleaning according to each of a plurality of cleaning targets. 20
The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above, and now, the means and effects for solving such problems will be described.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a yarn monitoring device having the following configuration 25 is provided. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device includes a fluid introducing port, a first injection port, a second injection port, and a fluid flow path. The fluid is introduced to the fluid introducing port. In the first injection port, a direction of injecting fluid is a 30 direction directed toward a first cleaning target. In the
4
second injection port, a direction of injecting fluid is a direction directed toward a second cleaning target. The fluid flow path is adapted to supply the fluid introduced from the fluid introducing port to the first injection port and the second injection port. The fluid flow path includes 5 an introducing path, a first flow path, a second flow path, and an intermediate path. The fluid introducing port is formed at one end of the introducing path. The first injection port is formed at one end of the first flow path. The second injection port is formed at one end of the second 10 flow path. The other end of the introducing path, the other end of the first flow path, and the other end of the second flow path are connected to the intermediate path at different positions. The intermediate path extends in a direction different from any of a direction in which the 15 introducing path extends, a direction in which the first flow path extends, and a direction in which the second flow path extends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an overall configuration of an automatic winder including a yarn monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a winding unit including the 25 yarn monitoring device;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of the yarn monitoring device;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the outer appearance of the yarn monitoring device; 30
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a second casing
5
and an interior thereof;
FIG. 6 is a schematic planar cross-sectional view of a first casing and an interior thereof;
FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a slot formed in the yarn monitoring device and a 5 periphery thereof;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a flow path member arranged in the yarn monitoring device;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8, and is a projection view illustrating a state 10 in which a distribution flow path of compressed air is projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to a yarn travelling direction in the yarn monitoring device;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 8, and is a front view illustrating a 15 configuration of a slot formed in the yarn monitoring device and a periphery thereof;
FIG. 11 is a projection view illustrating a state in which a distribution flow path of compressed air is projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to a yarn 20 travelling direction in the yarn monitoring device; and
FIG. 12 is a projection view illustrating a state in which a distribution flow path of compressed air is projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the yarn travelling direction in a yarn monitoring device according 25 to an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 30
As illustrated in FIG. 1, an automatic winder (yarn
6
winding machine) 1 includes, as main components, a plurality of winding units (yarn winding units) 10 arranged side by side, and a machine control section 11 arranged at one end in a direction in which the winding units 10 are arranged. 5
The machine control section 11 includes a display device 12 capable of displaying information associated with each winding unit 10, an instruction input section 13 for an operator to input various types of instructions with respect to the machine control section 11, and the like. 10 The operator of the automatic winder 1 can check various types of displays displayed on the display device 12, and can also appropriately operate the instruction input section 13 to collectively manage the plurality of winding units 10 with the machine control section 11. 15
Each winding unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is configured to unwind a yarn 21 from a yarn supplying bobbin 20 and to rewind the yarn 21 around a winding bobbin 22. The winding bobbin 22 with the yarn 21 wound therearound is referred to as a package 23. In the following 20 description, “upstream in the yarn travelling direction” and “downstream in the yarn travelling direction” respectively refer to upstream and downstream when seen in the travelling direction of the yarn 21.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the winding unit 10 includes 25 a main body frame 24, a yarn supplying section 25, and a winding section 26 as main components.
The main body frame 24 is arranged at a side of the winding unit 10. The majority of the components of the winding unit 10 is directly or indirectly supported by the 30 main body frame 24. An operating section 27 to be operated
7
by the operator is provided on a front side of the main body frame 24.
The yarn supplying section 25 is configured to be able to hold the yarn supplying bobbin 20, adapted to supply the yarn 21, in a substantially upright state. The winding 5 section 26 includes a cradle 28 and a winding drum 29.
The cradle 28 rotatably supports the winding bobbin 22. The cradle 28 is also configured to allow a peripheral surface of the supporting winding bobbin 22 to make contact with a peripheral surface of the winding drum 29. The 10 winding drum 29 is arranged to face the winding bobbin 22, and is configured to be rotatably driven by a motor (not illustrated). A traverse groove (not illustrated) having a reciprocating spiral shape for traversing the yarn 21 being wound around the winding bobbin 22 is formed on the 15 outer peripheral surface of the winding drum 29.
The winding bobbin 22 is rotated by driving and rotating the winding drum 29 with the outer peripheral surface of the winding bobbin 22 in contact with the winding drum 29. Thus, the yarn 21 unwound from the yarn supplying 20 bobbin 20 can be wound around the winding bobbin 22 while being traversed by the traverse groove. The component for traversing the yarn 21 is not limited to the winding drum 29, and instead of the winding drum 29, for example, an arm-type traverse device adapted to guide the yarn 21 with 25 a traverse guide driven in a reciprocating manner at a predetermined traverse width can be adopted.
Each winding unit 10 includes a unit control section 30. The unit control section 30 is configured by hardware such as CPU, ROM, and RAM, and software such as a control 30 program stored in the RAM. With the cooperative operation
8
of the hardware and the software, each component of the winding unit 10 is controlled. The unit control section 30 of each winding unit 10 is configured to be communicable with the machine control section 11. Thus, the operation of each winding unit 10 can be intensively managed by the 5 machine control section 11.
The winding unit 10 has a configuration in which an unwinding assisting device 31, a tension applying device 32, a yarn joining device 33, and a yarn monitoring device 6 are arranged in this order from the upstream in the yarn 10 travelling direction on a yarn travelling path between the yarn supplying section 25 and the winding section 26.
The unwinding assisting device 31 includes a regulating member 35 adapted to make contact with a portion (balloon) bulged out to the outer side when the yarn 21 15 unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin 20 is swung around by a centrifugal force. The contact of the regulating member 35 to the balloon prevents the yarn 21 from being swung around in excess, and maintains the balloon to a prescribed size, thus enabling the unwinding of the yarn 20 21 from the yarn supplying bobbin 20 to be carried out under a prescribed tension.
The tension applying device 32 is adapted to apply a predetermined tension on the travelling yarn 21. The tension applying device 32 of the present embodiment may 25 be a gate-type tension applying device in which movable comb teeth are arranged with respect to fixed comb teeth. The tension applying device 32 applies an appropriate tension on the yarn 21 by passing the yarn 21 while being bent between the comb teeth in a meshed state. Other than the gate-type 30 tension applying device, a disc-type tension applying
9
device, for example, may be adopted for the tension applying device 32.
The yarn joining device 33 is configured to join (yarn joining operation) a yarn (lower yarn) from the yarn supplying bobbin 20 and a yarn (upper yarn) from the winding 5 bobbin 22 when the yarn 21 between the yarn supplying bobbin 20 and the winding bobbin 22 is disconnected such as, for example, when the yarn is cut with a cutting device (cutter) 16, to be described later. The configuration of the yarn joining device 33 is not particularly limited, but a 10 pneumatic splicer that twists the yarn ends with a whirling airflow generated by compressed air can be adopted, or a mechanical knotter and the like can be adopted. An upper yarn suction pipe (first yarn catching and guiding device) 44 sucks and catches the yarn end from the winding bobbin 15 22 (from the winding section 26), and guides the yarn end to the yarn joining device 33. A lower yarn suction pipe (second yarn catching and guiding device) 45 sucks and catches the yarn end from the yarn supplying bobbin 20 (from the yarn supplying section 25), and guides the yarn end to 20 the yarn joining device 33.
The yarn monitoring device 6 is configured to monitor the state (quality) of the travelling yarn 21, and detect a yarn defect (portion with abnormality in the yarn 21) and the like contained in the yarn 21. The yarn monitoring 25 device 6 includes the cutting device 16 adapted to cut the yarn 21 when the yarn defect and the like are detected in the monitoring yarn.
Now, a description on an operation of when the yarn defect and the like are detected by the yarn monitoring 30 device 6 will be briefly made with reference to FIG. 2.
10
When the yarn defect and the like are detected in the monitoring yarn, the yarn monitoring device 6 transmits a yarn defect detection signal to the unit control section 30, and also activates the cutting device 16 to cut the yarn 21. The yarn 21 located downstream of the cut portion is 5 once wound into a package 23. The yarn 21 wound into the package 23 in this case includes a portion of yarn defect and the like detected by the yarn monitoring device 6. The unit control section 30 also stops the winding of the yarn by the winding section 26. 10
The lower yarn suction pipe 45 sucks and catches the yarn end supplied from the yarn supplying bobbin 20, and guides the yarn end to the yarn joining device 33. Before or after this, the upper yarn suction pipe 44 sucks and catches the yarn end wound into the package 23, and guides 15 the yarn end to the yarn joining device 33. In this case, the portion of yarn defect and the like wound into the package 23 is sucked and pulled out by the upper yarn suction pipe 44.
The yarn joining device 33 joins the yarn ends guided 20 by the upper yarn suction pipe 44 and the lower yarn suction pipe 45. Thus, after the portion including the yarn defect and the like is removed, the yarn 21 cut by the cutting device 16 is again connected.
After the yarn joining operation by the yarn joining 25 device 33 is completed, the unit control section 30 resumes the winding of the yarn 21 by the winding section 26. According to the above operations, the yarn defect and the like detected by the yarn monitoring device 6 can be removed, and the winding of the yarn 21 into the package 23 can be 30 resumed.
11
Next, a detailed description will be made on a configuration of the yarn monitoring device 6 according to the present embodiment with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment includes, as main 5 components, a first casing 66, a second casing 67, a top plate 63, a detecting section 70, the cutting device 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 6), and a monitoring control section 200.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first casing 66 is a casing adapted to at least partially accommodate a flow path 10 member (metal member) 90 and the cutting device 16. The flow path member 90 is a plate-shaped member made of metal. The first casing 66 is, for example, made of resin.
The second casing 67 illustrated in FIG. 5 is made of resin, for example, and at least partially accommodates 15 the detecting section 70 of the yarn monitoring device 6 by way of a holder 69. In the present embodiment, the second casing 67 accommodates the entire detecting section 70.
The top plate 63 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is a thin plate material made of metal which has an outer shape 20 that lies along the outer shape of the second casing 67 when seen along the yarn travelling direction. The second casing 67 is fitted to an upper side (downstream in the yarn travelling direction) of the first casing 66. The top plate 63 is fixed, while being positioned through an appropriate 25 method, on an upper side (downstream in the yarn travelling direction) of the second casing 67.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the yarn monitoring device 6 is provided with a slot 6a along the yarn travelling direction. The slot 6a is formed in a groove shape in which 30 one side (front side) is opened when seen along the yarn
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travelling direction. In other words, the slot 6a is formed so as to penetrate the yarn monitoring device 6 in the yarn travelling direction, and is configured such that the yarn 21 can be inserted from the opened side (front side). The slot 6a is configured by three inner walls (back wall 6b 5 and a pair of side walls 6c, 6d). A yarn travelling space 68 is formed inside the slot 6a (while being surrounded by the three inner walls). The yarn travelling space 68 is a space through which the yarn 21, which is a monitoring target of the yarn monitoring device 6, can travel. 10
In the present embodiment, a slot 69a is formed in the holder 69 (see FIG. 5) mounted on the second casing 67, a slot 66a is formed upstream of the second casing 67, and a slot 63a is formed in the top plate 63. When each member constituting the yarn monitoring device 6 is accommodated 15 in the first casing 66 and the second casing 67, and the top plate 63 is assembled to the second casing 67, the slots 66a, 69a, 63a are connected thus forming one slot 6a as a whole, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
More specifically describing the slot 6a, a slot 66a 20 formed on the inner side of the first casing 66 (in the present embodiment, formed over the first casing 66, the flow path member 90, and the like) is configured by three inner walls with one side (front side) opened. The three inner walls include a back wall 66b facing the opened side 25 of the yarn travelling space 68, and a pair of side walls 66c, 66d directed perpendicular to a plane constituting the back wall 66b. In the present embodiment, the back wall 66b is configured by a back wall 90b of the flow path member 90. The pair of side walls 66c, 66d are arranged to face 30 each other. According to such a configuration, the slot
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66a is formed in a groove shape.
Similarly, the slot 69a formed by the holder 69 held in the second casing 67 is configured by three inner walls. Specifically, the three inner walls include a back wall 69b facing the opened side of the yarn travelling space 68, and 5 a pair of side walls 69c, 69d, which are the inner walls other than the back wall 69b. In each of the pair of side walls 69c, 69d, an end (back end) on the side opposite to the opened side is connected to the back wall 69b. The pair of side walls 69c, 69d are arranged to face each other. 10 According to such a configuration, the slot 69a is formed in a groove shape.
The slot 63a of the top plate 63 is also formed in a groove shape with one side (front side) opened.
When the first casing 66 and the second casing 67 15 accommodating each member constituting the yarn monitoring device 6, as well as the top plate 63 are fixed to each other with such a configuration, the three slots 66a, 69a, 63a are integrated thus forming one slot 6a. The slot 6a includes a back wall (first inner wall) 6b facing the opened 20 side of the slot 6a, a side wall 6c expanding in a direction perpendicular to the plane constituting the back wall 6b, and a side wall (second wall) 6d similarly expanding in a direction perpendicular to a plane constituting the back wall 6b. The pair of side walls 6c, 6d are arranged to face 25 each other. A specific configuration of the slot 6a is not limited to the configuration described above, and various changes can be made within a scope not deviating from the gist of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, an upstream yarn guide 30 (yarn path regulating member) 64 adapted to regulate the
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yarn path, which is a path (travelling position) where the yarn 21 travels in the yarn travelling space 68 is arranged at an upstream end of the holder 69. The upstream yarn guide 64 is arranged upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the detecting section 70. 5
Similarly, a downstream yarn guide 65 adapted to regulate the yarn path in the yarn travelling space 68 is arranged at a downstream end of the holder 69. The downstream yarn guide 65 is arranged downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the detecting section 70. 10
The upstream yarn guide 64 and the downstream yarn guide 65 are made of a material (ceramic in the present embodiment) having abrasion resistance property. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the yarn 21 travelling through the yarn travelling space 68 travels while making contact with 15 a bottom portion of the substantially V-shaped groove of the yarn guides 64, 65. The yarn path, through which the yarn 21 travels, with respect to the yarn monitoring device 6 is thereby stabilized, so that the state of the yarn 21 can be stably monitored in the detecting section 70. 20
A configuration of the interior of each casing of the yarn monitoring device 6 will be hereinafter more specifically described.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the cutting device 16 is partially accommodated in the first casing 66 (a part of 25 the cutting device 16 can be exposed to the exterior of the first casing 66). The cutting device 16 includes a blade (cutting section) 81, and a driving mechanism 80 adapted to drive the blade 81. The blade 81 is connected to the driving mechanism 80, where a distal end portion (blade edge 30 81a) of the blade 81 can be exposed to an internal space
15
of the slot 6a (in other words, interior of the yarn travelling space 68). The driving mechanism 80 is, for example, configured as a solenoid, and is capable of advancing the blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 into the yarn path where the yarn travels, and 5 retracting the blade edge 81a with respect to the yarn path, with the driving of the driving mechanism 80.
The first casing 66 also partially accommodates the flow path member 90, which is a metal member. The flow path member 90 also serves as a table (blade receiving portion) 10 adapted to receive the blade edge 81a of the blade 81. The details of the flow path member 90 will be described later.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the detecting section 70 is incorporated in the holder 69 mounted on the second casing 67. The yarn monitoring device 6 of the present 15 embodiment is configured as an optical yarn monitoring device adapted to detect the state of the yarn 21 by irradiating the yarn 21 with light. Therefore, the detecting section 70 is configured as a light sensor. Specifically, the detecting section 70 includes a light 20 emitting element (light projecting section) 37 and a light receiving element (light receiving section) 38. The light emitting element 37 is configured by, for example, LED and the like. The light receiving element 38 is configured as, for example, a photodiode, and is adapted to convert 25 intensity of received light to an electric signal and output the electric signal. The detecting section 70 can also be referred to as a measuring section adapted to measure the state of the yarn 21.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the light receiving element 30 38 of the detecting section 70 is arranged at a part of the
16
side wall 69c of the holder 69. In the light receiving element 38, a surface exposed to the internal space of the slot 69a forms a surface (incident surface) to which light enters. A transparent plate 39 (plate that passes light) made of resin is fitted to the side wall 69d facing the side 5 wall 69c, where the incident surface is provided, of the holder 69, and the light emitting element 37 is arranged on a side (inside of the holder 69) opposite to the yarn travelling space 68 with the transparent plate 39 therebetween. The light emitting element 37 and the light 10 receiving element 38 are arranged to face each other with the yarn path therebetween. A surface (exit surface) from which the light from the light emitting element 37 exits after passing the transparent plate 39 is formed at a part of the side wall 69d. However, the incident surface may 15 be formed on the side wall 69d of the slot 69a, and the exit surface may be formed on the side wall 69c of the slot 69a. The transparent plate may be arranged in front of the light receiving element 38.
The monitoring control section 200 for causing the 20 light receiving element 38 and the light emitting element 37 to function is accommodated in the second casing 67.
According to the above configuration, part of the light from the light emitting element 37 is shielded by the yarn 21 travelling through the yarn travelling space 68, 25 and received by the light receiving element 38. Thus, the intensity of the light received by the light receiving element 38 changes by the thickness of the yarn 21. Therefore, the yarn monitoring device 6 can detect the yarn defect and the like by detecting the thickness of the yarn 30 21 based on the intensity of the light received by the light
17
receiving element 38. The light receiving element 38 may be arranged to receive the light reflected by the yarn 21. In the present embodiment, a detection signal output by the light receiving element 38 according to a light receiving amount is input to the monitoring control section 200, and 5 the signal is subjected to an arithmetic process by the monitoring control section 200, whereby the yarn defect and the like can be found.
Furthermore, the yarn monitoring device 6 includes a configuration for cleaning the cutting device 16 and the 10 detecting section 70. The yarn monitoring device 6 injects the compressed air (fluid) from a first injection port 71 with respect to the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 serving as a target of cleaning, and injects the compressed air from a second injection port 72 with respect to the detecting 15 section 70 to blow away the fiber waste, thus cleaning the cutting device 16 and the detecting section 70.
A configuration of the yarn monitoring device 6 for cleaning the blade 81 of the cutting device 16, serving as a first cleaning target, and the detecting section 70, 20 serving as a second cleaning target, will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.
The yarn monitoring device 6 includes a compressed air introducing port (fluid introducing port) 73, the first injection port 71, the second injection port 72, and a 25 distribution flow path (fluid flow path) 100. The compressed air introducing port 73, the first injection port 71, the second injection port 72, and the distribution flow path 100 are formed in at least one of the first casing 66, the second casing 67, and the members accommodated in 30 these casings of the yarn monitoring device 6.
18
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the compressed air introducing port 73 is an opening (entrance) through which the compressed air is introduced from the exterior to the interior of the yarn monitoring device 6. In the present embodiment, the compressed air introducing port 73 is 5 formed on a surface (rear surface of the yarn monitoring device 6) on a side opposite to the side where the slot 6a is formed in the yarn monitoring device 6. A hose 48 for supplying the compressed air is connected to the compressed air introducing port 73. 10
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first injection port 71 is formed in a direction directed toward the cutting device 16, so that the compressed air can be injected from the first injection port 71 toward the cutting device 16. The first injection port 71 is opened in the back wall 6b 15 of the slot 6a (in the present embodiment, the first injection port 71 is formed at a portion constituting the back wall 66b of the slot 66a when assembled while being accommodated in the first casing 66 of the flow path member 90). The direction of the first injection port 71 is 20 directed straight toward the blade edge 81a in a state of being retracted from the yarn path of the cutting device 16. In other words, the compressed air can be injected in the direction directed straight toward the opened side of the slot 66a by injecting the compressed air from the first 25 injection port 71. Hereinafter, such a direction may be referred to as a first injecting direction.
The blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 (in a state of being retracted from the yarn path) is arranged on an extended line of the first injecting 30 direction. The first injection port 71 (contour thereof)
19
is circular, and the diameter is formed to be preferably smaller than or equal to 1.0 mm, and more preferably smaller than or equal to 0.6 mm. Thus, the compressed air injected from the first injection port 71 can be blown at pinpoint to the blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 5 16. The blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 is generally a location where shreds and the like of the yarn 21 are likely to get caught, and by blowing the compressed air at pinpoint to the relevant portion, the necessary portion of the cutting device 16 can be 10 efficiently cleaned with a small flow amount.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the second injection port 72 is an injection port (opening) adapted to inject the compressed air toward the detecting section 70. The second injection port 72 is located on an outer side of the 15 slot 6a in proximity to the opened side (one side) of the slot 6a.
When seen in a direction along the yarn travelling direction, the injecting direction of the compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 is a direction 20 of approaching the detecting section 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and specifically, is a direction directed toward a position slightly displaced from the transparent plate 39 of the side wall 6d on one side of the slot 6a. More specifically, the injecting direction of the compressed air 25 injected from the second injection port 72 is a direction in which the injected compressed air does not directly hit a surface, to and from which the light of the detecting section 70 enters and exits. The second injection port 72 injects the compressed air so as to directly hit the side 30 wall 6d on one side of the slot 6a. At least part of the
20
injected compressed air is injected in a direction inclined with respect to the side wall 6d. Hereinafter, such a direction (each direction indicated by a thick arrow in FIGS. 5 to 7) may be referred to as a second injecting direction. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second injecting direction 5 may change according to the position in the yarn travelling direction, and may be a direction that perpendicularly approaches the side wall 6d of the slot 6a, or may be a direction that is inclined toward the downstream in the yarn travelling direction as it approaches the side wall 6d. 10
When seen in the direction along the yarn travelling direction, at least part of the second injecting direction is inclined with respect to the side walls 6c, 6d of the slot 6a, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 enters the 15 yarn travelling space 68 from the opened side of the slot 6a, and is blown against a position slightly displaced from the transparent plate 39 (position closer to the opened side of the slot 6a with respect to the transparent plate 39) of one side wall 6d of the slot 6a. The second injecting 20 direction is a direction inclined with respect to the side wall 6d, and hence the compressed air blown from the second injection port 72 to the side wall 6d whirls in the slot 6a and is also indirectly blown to the back wall 6b, and the side wall 6c on the other side. 25
Thus, by injecting the compressed air from the second injection port 72 toward the detecting section 70, the incident surface and the exit surface (specifically, light receiving element 38 and transparent plate 39) of the light of the detecting section 70 can be maintained clean over 30 a wide range. Furthermore, since the compressed air is not
21
directly blown against the light receiving element 38 or the transparent plate 39, even if the cleaning level of the compressed air is low, the light receiving element 38 or the transparent plate 39 can be prevented from getting dirty by the dirt transported by the compressed air, thus 5 preventing lowering of the detection performance of the detecting section 70.
The distribution flow path 100 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8 is a flow path adapted to guide the compressed air introduced from the compressed air introducing port 73 to 10 the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72. The distribution flow path 100 includes an introducing path 93, a first flow path 91, a second flow path 92, and an intermediate path 94.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8, the introducing path 15 93, the first flow path 91, at least a part of the second flow path 92, and the intermediate path 94 of the distribution flow path 100 are formed in the flow path member 90 accommodated in the first casing 66. Therefore, it can be said that a member in which at least a part of 20 the flow path of the compressed air is formed is accommodated in the first casing 66.
The flow path member 90 is formed in a flat plate shape having a recess 90a. When the flow path member 90 is partially accommodated in the first casing 66, a back wall 25 90b of the recess 90a constitutes a part of the back wall 6b of the slot 6a (a part of the back wall 66b of the slot 66a formed in the first casing 66). Furthermore, the back wall 90b of the recess 90a of the flow path member 90 and a surface (rear surface) on a side opposite to the recess 30 90a of the flow path member 90 are exposed without being
22
covered by the first casing 66. The compressed air introducing port 73 and the first injection port 71 are formed at portions where the flow path member 90 is exposed.
Next, a description will be made in detail on a part of the distribution flow path 100 with reference to FIGS. 5 8 to 10. In the following description, “upstream in an air flowing direction (upstream in a fluid flowing direction)” and “downstream in an air flowing direction (downstream in a fluid flowing direction)” respectively mean upstream and downstream of the flow path in the direction in which the 10 compressed air (fluid) flows.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the introducing path 93 is a linear flow path having one end provided with the compressed air introducing port 73. A cross-section cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 15 of the introducing path 93 is formed in a circular shape. In the present embodiment, the introducing path 93 is formed to extend perpendicular to the rear surface (specifically, rear surface of the flow path member 90) from the rear surface side of the yarn monitoring device 6. The other 20 end of the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path 94. In the present embodiment, the introducing path 93 is entirely formed in the flow path member 90.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the first flow path 25 91 is a linear flow path having one end provided with the first injection port 71. A cross-section cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first flow path 91 is formed in a circular shape. In the present embodiment, the first flow path 91 is formed to extend 30 perpendicular to the back wall 6b (back wall 90b) from the
23
back wall 6b of the slot 6a (back wall 66b of the slot 66a of the first casing 66, more specifically, back wall 90b of the flow path member 90). The other end of the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94. In the present embodiment, the first flow path 91 is entirely 5 formed in the flow path member 90.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, 10, and 11, the second flow path 92 is a linear flow path having one end provided with the second injection port 72. The second flow path 92 is bent plural times in the middle, and the shape of the 10 flow path cross-section is also changed variously in the middle. The second flow path 92 is formed over a plurality of members (specifically, flow path member 90, first casing 66, and second casing 67). Specifically, in the second flow path 92, a short flow path from the end to be connected to 15 the intermediate path 94 to the middle part is formed in the flow path member 90, and the flow path from the middle part to the second injection port 72 is formed in the first casing 66. As illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and the like, at a portion proximate to the second injection port 72, a part 20 on the upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the flow path is formed in the first casing 66, and the remaining portion (a part on the downstream in the yarn travelling direction) is formed in the second casing 67.
The portion formed in the flow path member 90 in the 25 second flow path 92 is formed from a surface (bottom surface) on one side in a thickness direction of the flow path member 90 so as to extend perpendicular to the bottom surface, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The second injection port 72 is formed at one end of the second flow path 92, 30 as described above, and the other end of the second flow
24
path 92 is connected to the intermediate path 94.
The second injection port 72 is formed in an elongate shape along the yarn travelling direction. When seen in the direction perpendicular to the back wall 6b of the slot 6a, a trapezoidal guide surface 72a adapted to guide the 5 compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 is continuously arranged at the second injection port 72. Of the two sets of opposing sides of the trapezoid formed by the guide surface 72a, the opposing sides parallel to each other are directed to lie along the yarn travelling 10 direction. The exit (second injection port 72) of the compressed air is provided so as to lie on shorter side (short side) of the parallel opposing sides. The compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 flows along the guide surface 72a. Of the remaining 15 opposing sides of the guide surface 72a, the side on the upstream in the yarn travelling direction is substantially perpendicular with respect to the yarn path, whereas the side on the downstream in the yarn travelling direction is inclined with respect to the yarn path so as to be on the 20 downstream in the yarn travelling direction as it approaches the slot 6a. When guided by a ceiling surface (second guide surface) 72b provided with the side on the downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the guide surface 72a as one side and a floor surface (third guide 25 surface) 72c provided with the side on the upstream in the yarn travelling direction as one side, the compressed air blown out from the second injection port 72 flows toward the second injecting direction (toward the longer side of the parallel opposing sides of the guide surface 72a). The 30 ceiling surface 72b is a plane that extends in a direction
25
parallel to the side on the downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the guide surface 72a and that extends in a depth direction (front and back direction) of the yarn monitoring device 6. The floor surface 72c is a plane that extends in a direction parallel to the side on 5 the upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the guide surface 72a and that extends in the depth direction of the yarn monitoring device 6.
Therefore, when seen in the direction perpendicular to the back wall 6b of the slot 6a, the direction (second 10 injecting direction) in which the compressed air is blown out from the second injection port 72 may, as illustrated in FIG. 7, change according to the position in the yarn travelling direction, and may be a direction that perpendicularly approaches the side wall 6d of the slot 6a, 15 or may be a direction that is inclined toward the downstream in the yarn travelling direction as it approaches the side wall 6d. Thus, the compressed air can be injected in a wide range toward the inside of the yarn travelling space 68 formed by the slot 6a. Of the compressed air injected to 20 one side wall 6d from the first injection port 71, the compressed air injected in a direction inclined in the above manner passes through the downstream of the upstream yarn guide 64, and then whirls spirally in the slot 6a, and is indirectly blown against the back wall 6b and the other side 25 wall 6c at a portion where the detecting section 70 is arranged. The fiber waste attached to the surface on the downstream in the yarn travelling direction, and the like of the upstream yarn guide 64 is separated when the compressed air is blown thereto, and the fiber waste is 30 blown away toward the downstream of the yarn path along with
26
the flow of air flowing spirally as described above. Therefore, the once blown-away fiber waste can be prevented from returning to the upstream yarn guide 64 with the travelling yarn 21.
The intermediate path 94 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 5 10 is a linear flow path, where an end of the introducing path 93, an end of the first flow path 91, and an end of the second flow path 92 are each connected to different positions in this order toward the downstream in the air flowing direction. A cross-section cut along a plane 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the intermediate path 94 is formed in a circular shape. The intermediate path 94 extends in a direction different from any of the direction in which the introducing path 93 extends, the direction in which the first flow path 91 15 extends, and the direction in which the second flow path 92 extends. In the present embodiment, the intermediate path 94 extends in a direction perpendicular to all of the direction in which the introducing path 93 extends, the direction in which the first flow path 91 extends, and the 20 direction in which the second flow path 92 extends. In the present embodiment, the end of the introducing path 93 is connected to one end of the intermediate path 94, the end of the second flow path 92 is connected to the other end of the intermediate path 94, and the end of the first flow 25 path 91 is connected to the middle part between such connected portions. Thus, in the intermediate path 94, the end where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is located downstream in the air flowing direction with respect to the end where the 30 introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path
27
94. In other words, the position where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is offset toward the downstream in the air flowing direction with respect to the position where the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path 94. 5
According to the distribution flow path 100 configured as above, the compressed air introduced from the compressed air introducing port 73 to the yarn monitoring device 6 (first casing 66) is distributed to the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92, and injected from the 10 respective injection ports (first injection port 71 and second injection port 72).
Therefore, the injection amount from the first injection port 71 can be prevented from being excessively large due to the compressed air introduced from the 15 introducing path 93 being deviated and flowing toward the first flow path 91.
Therefore, the yarn monitoring device 6 has a configuration for adjusting at least one of the flow amount and the strength of the compressed air to blow out according 20 each of the plurality of cleaning targets.
Other than the above aspects, the distribution flow path 100 in the present embodiment has various configurations for appropriately adjusting the injection amount of the compressed air from the respective injection 25 port (first injection port 71 and second injection port 72). Such configurations will be described below.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, a diameter (diameter of the end of the first flow path 91) D1 of a circular opening (first intermediate opening) where the first flow path 91 30 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is formed to be
28
smaller than a diameter (diameter of the end of the introducing path 93) D3 of a circular opening (introducing intermediate opening) where the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path 94 (D1  D3). Thus, the compressed air introduced from the introducing path 93 can 5 be reliably preventing from being significantly deviated and flowing toward the first flow path 91 thus causing deficiency in the flow amount on the second flow path 92 side.
The diameter D1 of the first intermediate opening, 10 and a diameter (diameter of the end of the second flow path 92) D2 of a circular opening (second intermediate opening where the second flow path 92 is connected to the intermediate path 94 are each formed to be smaller than a diameter D4 of the intermediate path 94 (D1  D4, D2  D4). 15 Thus, in most cases, the compressed air flowing toward the downstream in the air flowing direction from the intermediate path 94 flows to each of the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 at a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the first intermediate opening and 20 the cross-sectional area of the second intermediate opening. Therefore, the compressed air introduced from the introducing path 93 to the intermediate path 94 can be prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path 91 or the second flow path 92. 25
The diameter D1 of the first intermediate opening is formed to be smaller than the diameter D2 of the second intermediate opening (D1  D2). Thus, the flow amount of the compressed air flowing to the first flow path 91 can be made less than the flow amount of the compressed air 30 flowing to the second flow path 92. As a result, in the
29
present embodiment, a small amount of compressed air is supplied to the first injection port 71 for the cutting device 16 that can be sufficiently cleaned by simply blowing the compressed air to the blade edge 81a at pinpoint, whereas a relatively large amount of compressed air can be 5 supplied to the second injection port 72 so as to blow the compressed air with great force over a wide range (i.e., over a wide width of the slot 6a) for the detecting section 70. The flow amount of the compressed air to be supplied can be adjusted according to each cleaning target, and the 10 cleaning can be efficiently carried out.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the position where the second flow path 92 is connected with respect to the intermediate path 94 is located downstream in the air flowing direction of the position where the first flow path 15 91 is connected with respect to the intermediate path 94. In the present embodiment, the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 are thus connected with respect to the intermediate path 94 in this order from a position closer to the portion where the intermediate path 94 and the 20 introducing path 93 are connected. A simple flow path is thereby realized.
Generally, in order to make the amount of compressed air injected toward the first cleaning target to be less than the amount of compressed air injected toward the second 25 cleaning target, the connecting area of the first flow path 91 with respect to the intermediate path 94 is preferably arranged downstream of the connecting area of the second flow path 92 with respect to the intermediate path 94 because the pressure loss becomes greater toward the 30 downstream in the air flowing direction. In this regard,
30
in the present embodiment, by configuring the diameter, the cross-sectional area, the extending direction, and the like of each flow path in the above manner, the inverted arrangement (i.e., arrangement in which the connecting area of the first flow path 91 with respect to the intermediate 5 path 94 is located upstream in the air flowing direction of the connecting area of the second flow path 92 with respect to the intermediate path 94) becomes possible. As a result, the degree of freedom of design is increased.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first injection port 10 71 is arranged to blow the compressed air to the blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 in a standby state. An end where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is offset toward the downstream in the air flowing direction with respect to an end where 15 the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path 94. Generally, it is difficult to process a small hole (e.g., circular hole having a diameter of 1 mm or less) with respect to the flow path member 90 made of metal. In this regard, according to the configuration of the present 20 embodiment, it is required to pass through the flow path bent to a crank shape in the path from the introducing path 93 to the first flow path 91, and hence even if the diameter of the first flow path 91 is not made that small, the force at which the compressed air is injected from the first flow 25 path 91 (first injection port 71) can be weakened to a certain extent, and the blade edge 81a, to which the fiber waste such as shreds and the like of the yarn easily get caught, can be cleaned at pinpoint using a small amount of compressed air. Thus, wasteful consumption of the 30 compressed air can be reduced.
31
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the introducing path 93 and the first flow path 91 extend parallel to each other. The introducing path 93 is formed to extend perpendicular to the rear surface (specifically, rear surface of the flow path member 90) from the rear surface side of the yarn 5 monitoring device 6. The first flow path 91 is formed to extend perpendicular to the back wall 66b from the back wall 6b of the slot 6a (back wall 66b of the slot 66a, more specifically, back wall 90b of the recess 90a of the flow path member 90). Thus, the introducing path 93 and the 10 first flow path 91 can be easily formed.
The intermediate path 94 linearly extends perpendicular to the introducing path 93 and the first flow path 91. As the intermediate path 94 linearly extends, the flow path can be easily manufactured. 15
The opening area of the second injection port 72 is formed to be greater than an opening area of the second intermediate opening (area of a portion indicated with the diameter D2 of FIG. 10). Thus, the compressed air is injected from the second injection port 72 having a 20 relatively wide area with respect to the detecting section 70. Therefore, it is suitable for the cleaning of the detecting section 70 that needs to be maintained clean over a wide area.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the 25 direction (second injecting direction) in which the compressed air is injected from the second injection port 72 is the direction directed toward not only the detecting section 70 but also toward the upstream yarn guide 64. Thus, by also cleaning the upstream yarn guide 64 with the 30 detecting section 70, the fiber waste is reliably prevented
32
from being attached to the portion related to the detection performance of the detecting section 70. This aspect will be hereinafter described in detail.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7, the upstream yarn guide 64 is arranged at a lower end of the holder 69 (see 5 FIG. 5) mounted on the second casing 67. In contrast, the second injection port 72 is arranged in a relatively wide range in the yarn travelling direction. More specifically, the second injection port 72 includes a portion arranged downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the upstream 10 yarn guide 64. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 7, considering a virtual plane P1 passing through an upper end (end on downstream in the yarn travelling direction) of the upstream yarn guide 64 and being perpendicular to the yarn travelling direction, a majority of the second injection 15 port 72 is arranged on an upper side (downstream in the yarn travelling direction) of the virtual plane P1. According to such a configuration of the second injection port 72, the compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 flows to a portion proximate to the downstream in the 20 yarn travelling direction of the upstream yarn guide 64. Thus, the compressed air injected from the second injection port 72 smoothly reaches the portion proximate to the upstream yarn guide 64, and hence the fiber waste attached to the downstream (upper side) in the yarn travelling 25 direction of the upstream yarn guide 64 can be satisfactorily removed. As a result, the fiber waste attached to the upper side of the upstream yarn guide 64 can be prevented from remaining in the yarn travelling space 68 (particularly, portion proximate to the incident surface 30 and the exit surface of the light of the detecting section
33
70) with the yarn 21.
When seen in a direction perpendicular to the back wall 6b of the slot 6a, the direction in which the compressed air is injected from the second injection port 72 changes according to the position in the yarn travelling direction, 5 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The injecting direction includes a direction inclined to be directed toward the downstream in the yarn travelling direction as it approaches the side wall 6d of the slot 6a. Therefore, when the fiber waste attached to the surface on the downstream in the yarn 10 travelling direction, and the like of the upstream yarn guide 64 is separated by the injection of the compressed air, the fiber waste is blown away toward the downstream of the yarn path along with the flow of compressed air formed spirally inside the slot 6a. Therefore, the once 15 blown-away fiber waste can be prevented from returning to the yarn travelling space 68 with the travelling yarn 21.
As described above, the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment includes the compressed air introducing port 73, the first injection port 71, the second 20 injection port 72, and the distribution flow path 100. The compressed air is introduced to the compressed air introducing port 73. In the first injection port 71, the direction in which the compressed air is injected is assumed as a direction directed toward the blade edge 81a of the 25 blade 81 of the cutting device 16 serving as the first cleaning target. In the second injection port 72, the direction in which the compressed air is injected is assumed as a direction directed toward the detecting section 70 (incident surface and exit surface of the light thereof) 30 serving as the second cleaning target. The distribution
34
flow path 100 supplies the compressed air introduced from the compressed air introducing port 73 to the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72. The distribution flow path 100 includes an introducing path 93, a first flow path 91, a second flow path 92, and an 5 intermediate path 94. The compressed air introducing port 73 is formed at one end of the introducing path 93. The first injection port 71 is formed at one end of the first flow path 91. The second injection port 72 is formed at one end of the second flow path 92. The other end of the 10 introducing path 93, the other end of the first flow path 91, and the other end of the second flow path 92 are each connected to the intermediate path 94 at different positions in the air flowing direction (fluid flowing direction). The intermediate path 94 extends in a 15 direction different from any of the direction in which the introducing path 93 extends, the direction in which the first flow path 91 extends, and the direction in which the second flow path 92 extends.
The compressed air introduced from the compressed air 20 introducing port 73 thus can be distributed to the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92, and by appropriately setting the size and the like of the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72, the injection amount of the compressed air from the respective 25 injection ports can be appropriately adjusted. Therefore, the fluid of an appropriate flow amount or strength can be injected for cleaning according to each of the plurality of cleaning targets. Since the other end of the first flow path and the other end of the introducing path are connected 30 to the intermediate path at different positions, the fluid
35
introduced from the introducing path can be prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path.
Furthermore, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the diameter D1 of the first 5 intermediate opening is smaller than the diameter D3 of the introducing intermediate opening (D1  D3). In other words, the first intermediate opening is smaller than the introducing intermediate opening.
Therefore, the compressed air introduced from the 10 introducing path 93 can be reliably prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path 91. As a result, the compressed air can be prevented from being excessively injected toward the cutting device 16 and being consumed wastefully. 15
Moreover, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the diameter D1 of the first intermediate opening and the diameter D2 of the second intermediate opening are both smaller than the diameter D4 of the intermediate path 94 (D1  D4, D2  D4). In other 20 words, the first intermediate opening and the second intermediate opening are both smaller than a cross-section in which the intermediate path 94 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the air flowing direction.
Therefore, the compressed air introduced from the 25 introducing path 93 to the intermediate path 94 can be prevented from being significantly deviated and supplied to one of the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92. Furthermore, the compressed air can be appropriately distributed and supplied to the first flow path 91 and the 30 second flow path 92 by appropriately setting the
36
cross-sectional area and the like of the first intermediate opening and the second intermediate opening.
Furthermore, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the diameter D1 of the first intermediate opening is smaller than the diameter D2 of the 5 second intermediate opening (D1  D2). In other words, the first intermediate opening is smaller than the second intermediate opening.
The flow amount of the compressed air flowing to the first flow path 91 thus can be made smaller than the flow 10 amount of the compressed air flowing to the second flow path 92, and furthermore, the amount of compressed air to be injected toward the cutting device 16 can be made less than the amount of compressed air to be injected toward the detecting section 70. As the amount of compressed air to 15 be blown can be changed according to the cleaning target, the cleaning using the compressed air can be efficiently carried out as a whole.
Furthermore, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the end where the second flow path 92 20 is connected to the intermediate path 94 in the intermediate path 94 is located downstream in the air flowing direction than the end where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94.
The configuration of the flow path for supplying the 25 compressed air from the introducing path 93 to the first flow path 91 and the second flow path 92 thus can be simplified.
Moreover, the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment further includes the cutting device 16 serving 30 as a first cleaning target, and the detecting section 70
37
serving as a second cleaning target. The cutting device 16 is adapted to cut the yarn 21. The detecting section 70 is adapted to detect the state of the yarn 21.
Thus, the cutting device 16 as well as the detecting section 70 (specifically, exit surface through which the 5 light passes when exiting from the light emitting element 37 and incident surface through which the light passes when entering the light receiving element 38) can be satisfactorily cleaned by injecting the compressed air from different injection ports, respectively. 10
In the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the first injection port 71 is arranged to blow the compressed air to the blade edge 81a of the cutting device 16. The end where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is arranged downstream in the 15 air flowing direction with respect to the end where the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate path 94.
The portion where the fiber waste is easily caught in the cutting device 16 thus can be efficiently cleaned 20 in a concentrated manner. Furthermore, since the end where the first flow path 91 is connected to the intermediate path 94 is arranged at a position shifted toward the downstream in the air flowing direction with respect to the end where the introducing path 93 is connected to the intermediate 25 path 94, the fluid introduced from the introducing path 93 can be reliably prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path 91, and the force at which the compressed air is injected from the first injection port 71 can be weakened to a certain extent without reducing the 30 diameter of the first flow path 91. The blade edge 81a of
38
the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 thus can be satisfactorily cleaned with a small amount of compressed air.
The yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment is provided with the slot 6a. The slot 6a has 5 one side opened, so that the yarn 21 to be monitored can be inserted from the one side. The first injection port 71 is opened in the back wall 6b facing the one side (opened side) of the inner walls of the slot 6a. The first injection port 71 is arranged at a position shifted from the yarn path 10 when seen in the direction perpendicular to the back wall 6b.
The compressed air thus can be appropriately blown from the first injection port 71 to the blade edge 81a of the blade 81 of the cutting device 16 in the standby state 15 at the position retracted from the yarn path to clean the blade edge 81a.
In the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the first injection port 71 is opened in the back wall 6b facing the one side (opened side) of the inner 20 walls of the slot 6a, as described above. The injecting direction of the compressed air from the first injection port 71 is directed toward the one side (opened side) of the slot 6a. The injecting direction of the compressed air from the second injection port 72 is directed toward a side 25 wall (side wall 69d of one side) different from the back wall 69b of the inner walls of the slot 69a through the one side (opened side) of the slot 69a. Part of the injecting direction of the compressed air from the second injection port 72 is inclined with respect to the side wall 69d. 30
Therefore, with respect to the cutting device 16, a
39
narrow region to clean (region where the blade edge 81a is arranged) can be intensively cleaned by injecting the compressed air from the first injection port 71 arranged at the back wall 6b of the slot 6a toward the opened side of the slot 6a. On the other hand, with respect to the 5 detecting section 70, a wide region can be cleaned by injecting the compressed air from the second injection port 72 in the direction inclined with respect to the side wall 6d from the opened side of the slot 6a toward the side wall 6d of the slot 6a so that the blown compressed air whirls 10 and is also indirectly blown toward the other inner wall (back wall 6b and other side wall 6c).
Furthermore, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the introducing path 93 and the first flow path 91 extend in directions parallel to each other. 15
The configuration of the flow path thus can be simplified.
In the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the intermediate path 94 linearly extends perpendicular to the introducing path 93 and the first flow 20 path 91.
The intermediate path 94 thus can be easily formed through cutting work using, for example, a drill and the like.
Moreover, the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present 25 embodiment further includes the cutting device 16 serving as the first cleaning target, and the flow path member 90 adapted to hold the cutting device 16. The cutting device 16 is adapted to cut the yarn 21. A part of the distribution flow path 100 is formed in the flow path member 90. 30
Thus, the flow path member 90 has a function of holding
40
the cutting device 16 and a function of distributing the compressed air, so that miniaturization and reduction in the number of parts can be realized.
The yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment further includes the first casing 66 and the 5 second casing 67. The first casing 66 accommodates at least a part of the cutting device 16. The second casing 67 holds the detecting section 70 by way of the holder 69. The flow path member 90, where one part of the distribution flow path 100 is formed, is at least partially accommodated in the 10 first casing 66.
In other words, since a great number of electrical components (e.g., large circuit board (not illustrated)) for causing the detecting section 70 to operate is required to be accommodated in the second casing 67, and thus there 15 is not much extra space. In this regard, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the flow path member 90, where a part of the distribution flow path 100 is formed, is partially accommodated in the first casing 66 (with a part exposed). Therefore, the flow path to be 20 formed on the second casing 67 side can be reduced to simplify the configuration of the entire yarn monitoring device 6.
Moreover, in the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the introducing path 93, the first flow 25 path 91, a part of the second flow path 92, and the intermediate path 94 are formed in the flow path member 90.
Thus, the flow path to be formed at portions (e.g., first casing 66, second casing 67, and the like) other than the flow path member 90 can be reduced, so that the 30 configuration of the entire yarn monitoring device 6 can
41
be further simplified.
In the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the opening area of the second injection port 72 is greater than the opening area (area of the circle having the diameter D2) of the opening where the second flow 5 path 92 is connected to the intermediate path 94.
Thus, the compressed air is injected from the second injection port 72 having a relatively wide opening area with respect to the detecting section 70. The detecting section 70 of a wider range compared to the blade edge 81a is thereby 10 satisfactorily cleaned.
In the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment, the compressed air introducing port 73 is formed on a surface on a side opposite to the side where the slot 6a is formed in the yarn monitoring device 6. 15
Thus, the hose 48 for supplying the compressed air is connected to the surface on the side opposite to the opened side of the slot 6a in the yarn monitoring device 6, so that an arrangement can be realized in which the yarn 21 travelling through the slot 6a is less likely to 20 interfere with the hose 48. As the compressed air introducing port 73 is arranged on the surface on the side opposite to the opened side of the slot 6a, the flow path from the compressed air introducing port 73 to the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72 (for 25 injecting the compressed air into the slot 6a) can be easily shortened, and hence the compressed air can be supplied to the respective injection ports with a small pressure loss.
Furthermore, the yarn monitoring device 6 of the present embodiment further includes the upstream yarn guide 30 64 serving as a yarn path regulating member. The upstream
42
yarn guide 64 is arranged upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the detecting section 70 to regulate the yarn path, which is the path of the travelling yarn 21 in the yarn travelling space 68. The second injection port 72 is formed toward a direction in which at least part of the 5 injected compressed air is blown to a region including the upstream yarn guide 64. The second injection port 72 is formed to include a portion arranged downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the upstream yarn guide 64.
Thus, by injecting the compressed air from the second 10 injection port 72, the upstream yarn guide 64 arranged upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the detecting section 70 can also be cleaned in addition to the detecting section 70. Therefore, the case can be prevented in which the detection performance of the detecting section 70 is 15 not maintained high due to the fiber waste attached to the upstream yarn guide 64 entering the detection region of the yarn travelling space 68 with the yarn 21 and remaining in the detection region.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has 20 been described above, but the above-described configuration may be modified as below.
In the above-described embodiment, the injecting direction (second injecting direction) of the compressed air from the second injection port 72 is assumed as a 25 direction from the opened side of the slot 6a toward the side wall 6d of one side of the slot 6a while inclining with respect to the side wall 6d. However, alternatively, the second injecting direction may be a direction from the opened side of the slot 6a toward the side wall 6c located 30 on the opposite side of the side wall 6d in the slot 6a while
43
inclining with respect to the side wall 6c.
In the above-described embodiment, the flow path cross-sections of the introducing path 93, the first flow path 91, the intermediate path 94, and the like have a circular shape. However, the flow path cross-sections may 5 be formed in shapes other than the circular shape (e.g., polygon). Furthermore, the opening of the portion where each of the introducing path 93, the first flow path 91, and the second flow path 92 is connected to the intermediate path 94 may be formed in other shapes (e.g., polygon) 10 instead of being formed in a circular shape as in the above-described embodiment.
In the above-described embodiment, the compressed air is injected from the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72, but the present invention is not 15 limited thereto, and gas (fluid) other than air may be injected. For example, gas containing a small amount of liquid may be injected.
The shape and size of the first injection port 71 and the second injection port 72 are not limited to the above, 20 and may be appropriately changed. For example, the shape of the second injection port 72 is preferably a shape in which at least a part of the injected fluid smoothly reaches an area in proximity to the upstream yarn guide 64, and for example, may be shapes such as parallelogram, rectangle, 25 ellipse, and trapezoid. The second injection port 72 may be assumed as a three dimensional blow-out port in which the guide surface 72a, the ceiling surface 72b, and the floor surface 72c are integrated.
In the above-described embodiment, the detecting 30 section 70 is configured as an optical sensor including one
44
light emitting element 37 and one light receiving element 38. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one or a plurality of light emitting elements and one or a plurality of light receiving elements may be provided. In the above-described embodiment, the yarn monitoring 5 device 6 monitors the intensity of light shielded by the yarn to detect the thickness of the yarn, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the yarn monitoring device 6 may monitor the intensity of the reflected light from the yarn 21 to detect the 10 presence/absence of foreign substances contained in the yarn 21.
In the above-described embodiment, the detecting section 70 is configured as an optical sensor, but alternatively, the detecting section 70 may be configured 15 as a capacitance sensor, for example. Also in such a case, the detection performance is lowered if the fiber waste is accumulated in a portion proximate to the detecting section in the slot 6a, and hence it is suitable to remove the fiber waste by blowing the fiber waste away according to the 20 above-described configuration.
As described above, the detecting section 70 is not limited to a configuration including a set of (one) optical or capacitance sensor. For example, two sets of sensors may be arranged at different positions in the yarn 25 travelling direction. In the two sets of sensors, one may be an optical sensor and the other may be a capacitance sensor, both may be optical sensors, or both may be capacitance sensors.
In the above-described embodiment, the yarn 21 30 travels from the lower side toward the upper side. However,
45
alternatively, the yarn 21 may travel from the upper side toward the lower side. In this case, the yarn monitoring device 6 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like can be used by being turned upside down.
The yarn monitoring device described in the 5 above-described embodiment is not limited to be used in the automatic winder, and for example, can be attached to and used in other types of textile machines such as a spinning machine.
In the above-described embodiment, the compressed 10 air flowing from the intermediate path 94 to the second flow path 92 flows along a path perpendicular to the intermediate path 94 in the flow path member 90, but the compressed air flows along a path in a direction inclined to a diagonal direction with respect to the intermediate path 94 at the 15 downstream of the flow path member 90. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the compressed air may also flow along a path perpendicular to the intermediate path 94 at the downstream of the flow path member 90. One example is illustrated in FIG. 12. 20
According to an aspect of the present invention, a yarn monitoring device having the following configuration is provided. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device includes a fluid introducing port, a first injection port, a second injection port, and a fluid flow path. The fluid 25 is introduced to the fluid introducing port. In the first injection port, a direction of injecting fluid is a direction directed toward a first cleaning target. In the second injection port, a direction of injecting fluid is a direction directed toward a second cleaning target. The 30 fluid flow path is adapted to supply the fluid introduced
46
from the fluid introducing port to the first injection port and the second injection port. The fluid flow path includes an introducing path, a first flow path, a second flow path, and an intermediate path. The fluid introducing port is formed at one end of the introducing path. The first 5 injection port is formed at one end of the first flow path. The second injection port is formed at one end of the second flow path. The other end of the introducing path, the other end of the first flow path, and the other end of the second flow path are connected to the intermediate path at 10 different positions. The intermediate path extends in a direction different from any of a direction in which the introducing path extends, a direction in which the first flow path extends, and a direction in which the second flow path extends. 15
The fluid introduced from the fluid introducing port thus can be distributed to the first flow path and the second flow path, and the injection amount of the fluid from the respective injection port can be appropriately adjusted by appropriately setting the size and the like of the first 20 injection port and the second injection port. Therefore, the fluid of an appropriate flow amount or strength can be injected for cleaning according to each of the plurality of cleaning targets. Since the other end of the first flow path and the other end of the introducing path are connected 25 to the intermediate path at different positions, the fluid introduced from the introducing path can be prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path.
In embodiments of the above-described yarn 30 monitoring device, an opening where the first flow path is
47
connected to the intermediate path is smaller than an opening where the introducing path is connected to the intermediate path.
Therefore, the fluid introduced from the introducing path can be reliably prevented from being significantly 5 deviated and flowing to the first flow path. As a result, the fluid can be prevented from being excessively injected toward the first cleaning target and wastefully consuming the fluid.
In embodiments of the above-described yarn 10 monitoring device, an opening where the first flow path is connected to the intermediate path and an opening where the second flow path is connected to the intermediate path are both smaller than a cross-section where the intermediate path is cut along a plane perpendicular to a fluid flowing 15 direction.
Therefore, the fluid introduced from the introducing path to the intermediate path can be prevented from being significantly deviated and supplied to one of the first flow path and the second flow path. Furthermore, the fluid can 20 be appropriately distributed and supplied to the first flow path and the second flow path by appropriately setting the size and the like of the opening where the first flow path is connected to the intermediate path and the opening where the second flow path is connected to the intermediate path. 25
In embodiments of the above-described yarn monitoring device, an opening where the first flow path is connected to the intermediate path is smaller than an opening where the second flow path is connected to the intermediate path. 30
The flow amount of the fluid flowing to the first flow
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path thus can be made smaller than the flow amount of the fluid flowing to the second flow path, and furthermore, the amount of fluid to be injected toward the first cleaning target can be made less than the amount of fluid to be injected toward the second cleaning target. As the amount 5 of fluid to be blown can be changed according to the cleaning target, the cleaning using the fluid can be efficiently carried out as a whole.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, 10 according to the yarn monitoring device, in the intermediate path, the other end of the second flow path may be located downstream in the fluid flowing direction with respect to the other end of the first flow path.
The configuration of the flow path for supplying the 15 fluid from the introducing path to the first flow path and the second flow path thus can be simplified.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device may further include a cutting device 20 serving as the first cleaning target, and a detecting section serving as the second cleaning target. The cutting device is adapted to cut a yarn. The detecting section is adapted to detect a state of the yarn.
The cutting device and the detecting section thus can 25 be satisfactorily cleaned by injecting fluid from different injection ports, respectively.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the first injection port may be arranged to blow fluid to a blade 30 edge of the cutting device. In the intermediate path, the
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other end of the first flow path may be located downstream in a fluid flowing direction with respect to the other end of the introducing path.
The portion where the fiber waste is easily caught in the cutting device thus can be efficiently cleaned in 5 a concentrated manner. Furthermore, since the end of the first flow path connected to the intermediate path is arranged at a position shifted toward the downstream in the fluid flowing direction with respect to the end of the introducing path connected to the intermediate path, the 10 fluid introduced from the introducing path can be reliably prevented from being significantly deviated and flowing to the first flow path, and the force at which the fluid is injected from the first injection port can be weakened to a certain extent without reducing the diameter of the first 15 flow path. The blade edge thus can be satisfactorily cleaned with a small amount of fluid.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device may be provided with a slot having 20 one side opened and into which a yarn to be monitored can be inserted from the one side. The first injection port may be opened in a first inner wall facing the one side of inner walls forming the slot. The first injection port may be arranged at a position shifted from a yarn path when seen 25 in a direction perpendicular to the first inner wall.
The fluid thus can be appropriately blown from the first injection port to the blade edge in the standby state at the position retracted from the yarn path to clean the blade edge. 30
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring
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device has the following configuration. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device may be provided with a slot having one side opened and into which a yarn to be monitored can be inserted from the one side. The first injection port may be opened in a first inner wall facing the one side of 5 inner walls forming the slot. An injecting direction of the fluid from the first injection port may be directed toward the one side of the slot. An injecting direction of the fluid from the second injection port may be directed from the one side of the slot to a second inner wall different 10 from the first inner wall of the inner walls forming the slot. Part of the injecting direction of the fluid from the second injection port may be inclined with respect to the second inner wall.
Therefore, with respect to the first cleaning target, 15 a narrow region to clean can be intensively cleaned by injecting the fluid from the first inner wall of the slot toward the opened side of the slot. On the other hand, with respect to the second cleaning target, a wide region can be cleaned by injecting the fluid in the direction inclined 20 with respect to the second inner wall from the opened side of the slot toward the second inner wall so that the blown fluid whirls and is also indirectly blown toward the other inner wall (first inner wall and the like).
Furthermore, in embodiments of the above-described 25 yarn monitoring device, the introducing path and the first flow path preferably extend in directions parallel to each other.
The configuration of the flow path thus can be simplified. 30
In embodiments of the yarn monitoring device, the
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intermediate path linearly extends perpendicular to the introducing path and the first flow path.
The intermediate path thus can be easily formed through cutting work using, for example, a drill and the like. 5
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device may include a cutting device serving as the first cleaning target, and a first casing adapted to accommodate at least a part of the cutting device. The 10 cutting device is adapted to cut the yarn. A member in which at least a part of the fluid flow path is formed may be at least partially accommodated in the first casing.
Thus, the first casing can accommodate not only the cutting device but can also accommodate a member provided 15 with the fluid flow path for distributing the compressed air, whereby miniaturization and reduction in the number of parts can be realized.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the 20 yarn monitoring device may further include a first casing and a second casing. The first casing is adapted to at least partially accommodate the cutting device. The second casing is adapted to at least partially accommodate the detecting section. The first casing at least partially 25 accommodates a metal member in which at least a part of the fluid flow path is formed.
In other words, since electrical components for causing the detecting section to operate are often accommodated while occupying a large volume in the second 30 casing, there is not much extra space. In this regard,
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according to the present configuration, the metal member in which at least a part of the fluid flow path is formed is at least partially accommodated in the first casing relatively having extra space. Therefore, the flow path to be formed on the second casing side can be reduced to 5 simplify the configuration of the entire yarn monitoring device.
In embodiments of the above-described yarn monitoring device, the introducing path, the first flow path, at least a part of the second flow path, and the 10 intermediate path are preferably formed in the metal member.
Thus, the flow path to be formed at portions other than the metal member can be reduced, so that the configuration of the entire yarn monitoring device can be 15 further simplified.
In embodiments of the above-described yarn monitoring device, an opening area of the second injection port is greater than an opening area of an opening where the second flow path is connected to the intermediate path. 20
Thus, the fluid is injected from the second injection port having a relatively wide opening area with respect to the second cleaning target. Thus, the fluid can be injected toward the second cleaning target in a wider range.
In embodiments of the above-described yarn 25 monitoring device, the fluid introducing port is formed on a surface on a side opposite to a side where the slot is formed in the yarn monitoring device.
Thus, a piping for supplying the fluid is connected to the surface on the side opposite to the opened side of 30 the slot in the yarn monitoring device, so that an
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arrangement can be realized in which the piping is less likely to interfere with the yarn travelling through the slot. Furthermore, the path from the fluid introducing port to the first injection port can be easily shortened, and the pressure loss in the course of flowing through the 5 flow path can be reduced.
In embodiments, the above-described yarn monitoring device has the following configuration. Specifically, the yarn monitoring device may further includes a yarn path regulating member. The yarn path regulating member is 10 arranged upstream in a yarn travelling direction of the detecting section to regulate a yarn path, which is a path of the yarn travelling through a yarn travelling space. The second injection port may be formed toward a direction in which at least part of the injected fluid is blown to a region 15 including the yarn path regulating member. The second injection port may be formed to include a portion arranged downstream in the yarn travelling direction of the yarn path regulating member.
Thus, by injecting the fluid from the second 20 injection port, the yarn path regulating member arranged upstream in the yarn travelling direction of the detecting section can also be cleaned in addition to the detecting section. Therefore, a case can be prevented in which the detection performance of the detecting section is not 25 maintained high due to the fiber waste attached to the yarn path regulating member entering the detection region of the yarn travelling space with the yarn and remaining in the detection region.

We claim:
1. A yarn monitoring device (6) characterized by comprising:
a fluid introducing port (73) through which fluid is 5 introduced;
a first injection port (71) in which a direction of injecting the fluid is a direction directed toward a first cleaning target (16);
a second injection port (72) in which a direction of 10 injecting the fluid is a direction directed toward a second cleaning target (70); and
a fluid flow path (100) adapted to supply the fluid introduced from the fluid introducing port (73) to the first injection port (71) and the second injection port (72); 15
wherein the fluid flow path (100) includes:
an introducing path (93) having one end provided with the fluid introducing port (73),
a first flow path (91) having one end provided with the first injection port (71), 20
a second flow path (92) having one end provided with the second injection port (72), and
an intermediate path (94) having the other end of the introducing path (93), the other end of the first flow path (91), and the other end of the second flow path (92) 25 connected at different positions, and extending in a direction different from any of a direction in which the introducing path (93) extends, a direction in which the first flow path (91) extends, and a direction in which the second flow path (92) extends. 30
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2. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that an opening where the first flow path (91) is connected to the intermediate path (94) is smaller than an opening where the introducing path (93) is connected to the intermediate path (94). 5
3. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an opening where the first flow path (91) is connected to the intermediate path (94) and an opening where the second flow path (92) is connected 10 to the intermediate path (94) are both smaller than a cross-section where the intermediate path (94) is cut along a plane perpendicular to a fluid flowing direction.
4. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any 15 one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an opening where the first flow path (91) is connected to the intermediate path (94) is smaller than an opening where the second flow path (92) is connected to the intermediate path (94).
20
5. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the intermediate path (94), the other end of the second flow path (92) is located downstream in the fluid flowing direction with respect to the other end of the first flow 25 path (91).
6. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by further comprising:
a cutting device (16) serving as the first cleaning 30 target and being adapted to cut a yarn; and
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a detecting section (70) serving as the second cleaning target and being adapted to detect a state of the yarn.
7. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 5 6, characterized in that
the first injection port (71) is arranged to blow fluid to a blade edge (81a) of the cutting device (16), and
in the intermediate path (94), the other end of the first flow path (91) is located downstream in a fluid 10 flowing direction with respect to the other end of the introducing path (93).
8. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 7, characterized in that 15
the yarn monitoring device (6) is provided with a slot (6a) having one side opened and into which a yarn (21) to be monitored can be inserted from the one side,
the first injection port (71) is opened in a first inner wall (6b) facing the one side of inner walls forming 20 the slot (6a), and
the first injection port (71) is arranged at a position shifted from a yarn path when seen in a direction perpendicular to the first inner wall (6b).
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9. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that
the yarn monitoring device (6) is provided with a slot (6a) having one side opened and into which a yarn (21) to be monitored can be inserted from the one side, 30
the first injection port (71) is opened in a first
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inner wall (6b) facing the one side of inner walls forming the slot (6a),
an injecting direction of the fluid from the first injection port (71) is directed toward the one side of the slot (6a), an injecting direction of the fluid from the 5 second injection port (72) is directed from the one side of the slot (6a) to a second inner wall (6d) different from the first inner wall (6b) of the inner walls forming the slot (6a), and
part of the injecting direction of the fluid from the 10 second injection port (72) is inclined with respect to the second inner wall (6d).
10. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the introducing 15 path (93) and the first flow path (91) extend in directions parallel to each other.
11. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 10, characterized in that the intermediate path (94) 20 linearly extends perpendicular to the introducing path (93) and the first flow path (91).
12. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by further comprising: 25
a cutting device (16) serving as the first cleaning target and being adapted to cut a yarn; and
a first casing (66) adapted to accommodate at least a part of the cutting device (16),
wherein a member in which at least a part of the fluid 30 flow path (100) is formed is at least partially accommodated
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in the first casing (66).
13. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 6, characterized by further comprising:
a first casing (66) adapted to at least partially 5 accommodate the cutting device (16); and
a second casing (67) adapted to at least partially accommodate the detecting section (70),
wherein the first casing (66) at least partially accommodates a metal member (90) in which at least a part 10 of the fluid flow path (100) is formed.
14. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to claim 13, characterized in that the introducing path (93), the first flow path (91), at least a part of the second flow 15 path (92), and the intermediate path (94) are formed in the metal member (90).
15. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that an opening area 20 of the second injection port (72) is greater than an opening area of an opening where the second flow path (92) is connected to the intermediate path (94).
16. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to 25 claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fluid introducing port (73) is formed on a surface on a side opposite to a side where the slot (6a) is formed in the yarn monitoring device (6).
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17. The yarn monitoring device (6) according to
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claim 6 or 7, characterized by further comprising
a yarn path regulating member (64) arranged upstream in a yarn travelling direction of the detecting section (70) to regulate a yarn path, which is a path of the yarn (21) travelling through a yarn travelling space, 5
wherein the second injection port (72) is formed toward a direction in which at least part of the injected fluid is blown to a region including the yarn path regulating member (64), and the second injection port (72) is formed to include a portion arranged downstream in the 10 yarn travelling direction of the yarn path regulating member (64).