YARN SPLICING DEVICE, WINDING UNIT, TEXTILE MACHINE AND
YARN SPLICING METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a yarn splicing device, a winding unit, a textile machine and a yarn splicing method.
10 2. Description of the Related Art
In a yarn splicing device mounted to a textile machine such as an automatic winder or the like, adjustment of a length of a yarn end to be untwisted is essential as an element to realize appropriate yarn splicing regardless of
15 yarn types. For example, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 101165241 describes an art of adjusting a length of a yarn end to be introduced to an untwisting section by using a guide member adapted to bend a yarn.
20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, in the art described in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 101165241, the yarn end may be moved with respect to the guide member and therefore the length of the yarn end to be introduced to the untwisting
25 section may not be accurately adjusted.
An object of the present invention is thus to provide a yarn splicing device and a yarn splicing method that enable accurate adjustment of the length of the yarn end to be introduced to the untwisting section, a winding unit
30 including such a yarn splicing device, and a textile machine.
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A yarn splicing device of the present invention adapted to splice yarn ends together includes a first gripping section adapted to grip a first yarn end, a first cutting section adapted to cut the first yarn end under a 5 state where the first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section, a first untwisting section adapted to introduce thereto the first yarn end that has been cut by the first cutting section and to untwist the first yarn end under the state where the first yarn end is being gripped
10 by the first gripping section, a second gripping section adapted to grip a second yarn end, a second cutting section adapted to cut the second yarn end under a state where the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section, a second untwisting section adapted to introduce
15 thereto the second yarn end that has been cut by the second cutting section and to untwist the second yarn end under the state where the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section, an adjusting section adapted to adjust a first distance between a first cutting position
20 of the first yarn end in the first cutting section and a first introducing position of the first yarn end in the first untwisting section to adjust a length of the first yarn end to be introduced to the first untwisting section, and to adjust a second distance between a second cutting
25 position of the second yarn end in the second cutting section and a second introducing position of the second yarn end in the second untwisting section to adjust a length of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second untwisting section, and a yarn splicing section adapted to
30 twist the first yarn end that has been untwisted by the first untwisting section and the second yarn end that has been
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untwisted by the second untwisting section together under a state where the first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section and the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section. 5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of a winding unit according to one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a yarn splicing 10 device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram for. explaining operations of the yarn splicing device of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining operations of the yarn splicing device of FIG. 1. 15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will
be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are
20 denoted on the same or corresponding portions throughout
the drawings, and redundant description will be omitted.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a winding unit 1 is adapted
to wind a yarn Y around a package P from a yarn supplying
bobbin B. The yarn supplying bobbin B is formed by a
25 spinning machine at a previous stage and is transported from
the spinning machine in a state of being set on a tray, for
example. By arranging a plurality of the winding units 1
side by side, an automatic winder serving as a textile
machine is formed.
30 The winding unit 1 includes a bobbin supporting
section (yarn supplying section) 2, a yarn unwinding
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assisting device 3, a preclearer 4, a gate-type tenser 5, a tension sensor 6, a lower-yarn catching device 7, a yarn splicing device 10, a cutter 9, a yarn clearer 11, an upper-yarn catching device 12 and a winding section 13 5 arranged in this order from upstream (a lower side in this case) along a yarn path, which is a travelling path of the yarn Y. Each of the components is mounted to a machine base 8.
The bobbin supporting section 2 is adapted to support 10 the yarn supplying bobbin B upright and enables the yarn
Y to be supplied. The yarn unwinding assisting device 3
is adapted to control a balloon of the yarn Y unwound from
the yarn supplying bobbin B with a tubular member arranged
above the yarn supplying bobbin B. The gate-type tenser
15 5 is adapted to apply a predetermined tension on the travelling yarn Y by holding the yarn Y in a zig-zag manner with a pair of gates formed of a comb-teeth fixed gate and a comb-teeth movable gate. The tension sensor 6 is adapted to measure the tension applied by the gate-type tenser 5
20 on the yarn Y.
The preclearer 4 is adapted to pre-regulate a passage of a yarn defect, which is greater than a defined value, with a pair of regulating members arranged with the yarn path therebetween. The yarn clearer 11 is adapted to detect
25 a yarn defect such as a slub during winding of the yarn Y. The cutter 9 is adapted to cut the yarn Y when the yarn defect is detected by the yarn clearer 11. The yarn splicing device 10 is adapted to splice a yarn end (first yarn end) from the package P and a yarn end (second yarn end) from
30 the yarn supplying bobbin B at the time of cutting the yarn
Y by the cutter 9 or yarn breakage of the yarn Y.
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The lower-yarn catching device 7 is mounted to the machine base 8 in a swingable manner with an axial line a as a center, and a suction mouth 7a is provided at a swinging end thereof. The suction mouth 7a is swung between a part 5 above the yarn splicing device 10 and a part below the preclearer 4. At the time of cutting the yarn Y by the cutter 9 or the yarn breakage of the yarn Y, the lower-yarn catching device 7 is adapted to swing the suction mouth 7a to the part below the preclearer 4 to suck a yarn end from
10 a lower side with the suction mouth 7a, and then to swing the suction mouth 7a to the part above the yarn splicing device 10 to deliver the yarn end from the lower side to the yarn splicing device 10.
The upper-yarn catching device 12 is mounted to the
15 machine base 8 in a swingable manner with an axial line (3 as a center, and a suction mouth 12a is provided at a swinging end thereof. The suction mouth 12a is swung between a part below the yarn splicing device 10 and the winding section 13. At the time of cutting the yarn Y by the cutter 9 or
20 the yarn breakage of the yarn Y, the upper-yarn catching device 12 is adapted to swing the suction mouth 12a to a side of the winding section 13 to suck a yarn end from an upper side with the suction mouth 12a, and then to swing the suction mouth 12a to the part below the yarn splicing
25 device 10 to deliver the yarn end from the upper side to the yarn splicing device 10.
The winding section 13 is adapted to wind the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying bobbin B around the package P to form a fully-wound package P. The winding
30 section 13 includes a winding drum 14 with a drum groove 14a formed thereover and a cradle 15 adapted to support the
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package P in a rotatable manner. The cradle 15 brings a surface of the package P into contact with a surface of the winding drum 14 under an appropriate contact pressure. By rotating the package P together with the winding drum 14 5 being rotationally driven with a motor, the winding section 13 winds the yarn Y around the package P while traversing the yarn Y in a predetermined width.
A control section 16, an input section 17 and a display section 18 are provided in the machine base 8. The control
10 section 16 is adapted to control each component of the winding unit 1. The input section 17 serves as an operational button, for example, and is used when an operator sets various values in the control section 16, or the like. The display section 18 is adapted to display an
15 operational status or the like of the winding unit 1. The control section 16 transmits/receives various types of information relating to a winding operation to/from an upper control section provided in the automatic winder. The upper control section is adapted to control an overall
20 automatic winder by controlling each control section 16 of the winding units 1.
Next, a configuration of the above-described yarn splicing device 10 will be described. In the following description, a side of the package P and a side of the yarn
25 supplying bobbin B respectively indicate an upper side and a lower side for convenience's sake. Similarly, a side of the yarn path with respect to the yarn splicing device 10 and an opposite side of the yarn path side respectively indicate a front side and a back side.
30 As illustrated in FIG. 2, the yarn splicing device 10 includes a first untwisting section 40A, a second
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untwisting section 40B, a yarn splicing section 50 arranged at a front side of the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B, a pair of yarn drawing levers 81 adapted to swing so as to sandwich the first untwisting 5 section 40A and the second untwisting section 403, and a pair of twist stopping levers 82 adapted to swing so as to sandwich the yarn splicing section 50.
Above the second untwisting section 40B and below the first untwisting section 40A, a first guide plate 21 and
10 a second guide plate 22 are respectively arranged so as to face each other with the yarn splicing section 50 therebetween. A guide groove 21a and a guide groove 21b are formed in the first guide plate 21, and a guide groove 22a and a guide groove 22b are formed in the second guide
15 plate 22. The guide groove 21a of the first guide plate 21 faces the guide groove 22a of the second guide plate 22 in an upper-lower direction, and the guide groove 21b of the first guide plate 21 faces the guide groove 22b of the second guide plate 22 in the upper-lower direction.
20 A yarn end YA from the upper side (that is, a yarn end YA from the upper side that has been guided by the upper-yarn catching device 12) that has been drawn by one of the yarn drawing levers 81 is introduced to the guide groove 21a and the guide groove 22a facing each other in
25 the upper-lower direction. On the other hand, a yarn end YB from the lower side (that is, a yarn end YB from the lower side that has been guided by the lower-yarn catching device 7) that has been drawn by the other of the yarn drawing levers 81 is introduced to the guide groove 21b and the guide groove
30 22b facing each other in the upper-lower direction.
A first gripping section 60A is provided above the
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first guide plate 21, and a first cutting section 70A is provided above the second guide plate 22. The first gripping section 60A is adapted to grip the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been introduced to the guide groove 5 21a at a first gripping position 69A. The first cutting section 70A is adapted to cut the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been introduced to the guide groove 22a at a first cutting position 79A under a state where the yarn end YA from the upper side is being gripped by the first
10 gripping section 60A.
In addition, a second gripping section 60B is provided below the second guide plate 22, and a second cutting section 70B is provided below the first guide plate 21. The second gripping section 60B is adapted to grip the
15 yarn end YB from the lower side that has been introduced to the guide groove 22b at a second gripping position 69B. The second cutting section 70B is adapted to cut the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been introduced to the guide groove 21b at a second cutting position 79B under a
20 state where the yarn end YB from the lower side is being gripped by the second gripping section 60B.
As described above, the first guide plate 21 is arranged between the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 7 0A and is adapted to regulate
25 movement of the yarn end YA from the upper side in a direction (a left-right direction in this case) vertical to a direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other (that is, a direction along the yarn path) . The second guide plate 22
30 is arranged between the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B and is adapted to regulate
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movement of the yarn end YB from the lower side in a direction
(the left-right direction in this case) vertical to a
direction in which the second gripping section 60B and the
second cutting section 70B face each other (that is, the
5 direction along the yarn path).
Under the state where the yarn end YA from the upper side is being gripped by the first gripping section 60A, the first untwisting section 40A is adapted to introduce the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been cut by
10 ' the first cutting section 70A thereto and to untwist the yarn end YA. Under the state where the yarn end YB from the lower side is being gripped by the second gripping section 60B, the second untwisting section 40B is adapted to introduce the yarn end YB from the lower side that has
15 been cut by the second cutting section 70B thereto and to untwist the yarn end YB.
More specifically, there is provided in the first untwisting section 40A, an untwisting nozzle 43 having a first untwisting space SA having a long length in which a
20 first introducing position 49A is located at a front end portion (one end portion) thereof. There is provided in the second untwisting section 40B, an untwisting nozzle 43 having a second untwisting space SB having a long length in which a second introducing position 4 9B is located at
25 a front end portion (one end portion) thereof. By injecting untwisting air from an injection hole 44 into the untwisting nozzle 43 (that is, the first untwisting space SA), the first untwisting section 40A introduces the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been cut by the first cutting section
30 70A from the first introducing position 49A to the first untwisting space SA and untwists the yarn end YA in the first
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untwisting space SA. By injecting untwisting air from an injection hole 44 into the untwisting nozzle 43 (that is, the second untwisting space SB), the second untwisting section 40B introduces the yarn end YB from the lower side 5 that has been cut by the second cutting section 70B from the second introducing position 49B to the second untwisting space SB and untwists the yarn end YB in the second untwisting space SB.
Under a state where the yarn end YA from the upper
10 side is being gripped by the first gripping section 60A and the yarn end YB from the lower side is being gripped by the second gripping section 60B, the yarn splicing section 50 is adapted to twist the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been untwisted by the first untwisting section 40A and
15 the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been untwisted by the second untwisting section 40B together. When the yarn end YA and the yarn end YB are twisted together by the yarn splicing section 50, the yarn end YA and the yarn end YB are respectively drawn from the first untwisting section
20 40A and the second untwisting section 40B by the yarn drawing levers 81, and tip-end portions of the yarn end YA and the yarn end YB are held in proximity to the yarn splicing section 50 by the twist stopping levers 82.
A rotation shaft of a stepping motor 42 is coupled
25 to the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B via a worm gear 41. The worm gear 41 and the stepping motor 42 function as an adjusting section 45. The adjusting section 45 is adapted to adjust a first distance between the first cutting position 79A of
30 the yarn end YA from the upper side in the first cutting section 70A and the first introducing position 49A of the
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yarn end YA from the upper side in the first untwisting section 40A to adjust a length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A. Similarly, the adjusting section 45 is adapted to 5 adjust a second distance between the second cutting position 79B of the yarn end YB from the lower side in the second cutting section 70B and the second introducing position 49B of the yarn end YB from the lower side in the second untwisting section 40B to adjust a length of the yarn
10 end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B.
More specifically, the adjusting section 45 moves the first introducing position 4 9A by swinging the first untwisting section 40A about an axial line vertical to the
15 direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other (that is, the direction along the yarn path) and to a longitudinal direction of the first untwisting space SA. Similarly, the adjusting section 45 moves the second introducing position
20 49B by swinging the second untwisting section 40B about an axial line vertical to the direction in which the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B face each other (that is, the direction along the yarn path) and to a longitudinal direction of the second untwisting space
25 SB. In this manner, the adjusting section 45 adjusts the first distance by moving the first introducing position 49A in a first direction parallel to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other, and the second distance by moving the
30 second introducing position 49B in a second direction parallel to the direction in which the second gripping
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section 60B and the second cutting section 70B face each other.
In this case, a worm wheel 41a mounted to the first untwisting section 40A and a worm wheel 41a mounted to the 5 second untwisting section 40B are coupled to an identical worm 41b in a state of facing each other in the direction along the yarn path. The adjusting section 45 thus can swing the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B in synchronization with each other
10 such that a distance between the first introducing position 49A and the second introducing position 49B is increased/reduced. In other words, when the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 42 rotates in one direction, the first introducing position 49A and the second
15 introducing position 49B are moved to be located away from each other, and when the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 42 rotates in the other direction, the first introducing position 4 9A and the second introducing position 49B are moved to be. close to each other.
20 Furthermore, the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B may not be swung in synchronization with each other.
Next, operations of the above-described yarn splicing device 10 {that is, a yarn splicing method
25 performed in the yarn splicing device 10) will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, since the yarn drawing
levers 81 swing to a side of the first untwisting section
40A and the second untwisting section 40B, the yarn end YA
from the upper side that has been guided by the upper-yarn
30 catching device 12 and the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been guided by the lower-yarn catching device 7
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are drawn to the side of the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B. Accordingly, the yarn end YA from the upper side is introduced to the guide groove 21a of the first guide plate 21, the guide groove 5 22a of the second guide plate 22, and a yarn splicing nozzle 51 of the yarn splicing section 50. Similarly, the yarn end YB from the lower side is introduced to the guide groove 21b of the first guide plate 21, the guide groove 22b of the second guide plate 22, and the yarn splicing nozzle 51
10 of the yarn splicing section 50. When being introduced to the yarn splicing nozzle 51, the yarn end YA from the upper side and the yarn end YB from the lower side are arranged in an accommodating section 52 via a guide inclined portion 53.
15 Subsequently, the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been introduced to the guide groove 21a of the first guide plate 21 is gripped in proximity to the guide groove 21a by the first gripping section 60A (a first gripping process) . Similarly, the yarn end YB from the lower side
20 that has been introduced to the guide groove 22b of the second guide plate 22 is gripped in proximity to the guide groove 22b by the second gripping section 60B (a second gripping process). Then, the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been introduced to the guide groove 22a of
25 the second guide plate 22 is cut in proximity to the guide groove 22a by the first cutting section 70A under the state of being gripped by the first gripping section 60A (a first cutting process) . Similarly, the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been introduced to the guide groove 21b of
30 the first guide plate 21 is cut in proximity to the guide groove 21b by the second cutting section 70B under the state
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of being gripped by the second gripping section 60B (a second cutting process).
Subsequently, by the first untwisting section 40A injecting the untwisting air from the injection hole 44 into 5 the untwisting nozzle 43, the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been cut by the first cutting section 70A is introduced to and then untwisted by the first untwisting section 40A under the state of being gripped by the first gripping section 60A (a first untwisting process) .
10 Similarly, by the second untwisting section 40B injecting the untwisting air from the injection hole 44 into the untwisting nozzle 43, the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been cut by the second cutting section 70B is introduced to and then untwisted by the second untwisting
15 section 40B under the state of being gripped by the second gripping section 60B (a second untwisting process).
Subsequently, since the yarn drawing levers 81 further swing to the side of the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B, the yarn end YA
20 from the upper side is drawn from the first untwisting section 40A and the yarn end YB from the lower side is drawn from the second untwisting section 40B. Then, the tip-end portions of the yarn end YA from the upper side and the yarn end YB from the lower side are held in proximity to the yarn
25 splicing section 50 by the twist stopping levers 82 that have swung together with the yarn drawing levers 81. Then, by the yarn splicing section 50 injecting yarn splicing air from an injection hole 54 into the accommodating section 52, the yarn end YA from the upper side that has been
30 untwisted by the first untwisting section 40A and the yarn end YB from the lower side that has been untwisted by the
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second untwisting section 40B are twisted together (a yarn splicing process) . At this time, the yarn end YA from the upper side is being gripped by the first gripping section 60A, and the yarn end YB from the lower side is being gripped 5 by the second gripping section 60B.
Subsequently, the yarn drawing levers 81 and the twist stopping levers 82 are swung to an opposite side of the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B, and the first gripping section 60A and the
10 second gripping section 60B release the gripping. Accordingly, the yarn Y connected by splicing the yarn end YA from the upper side and the yarn end YB from the lower side returns to the yarn path at a front side of the yarn splicing device 10.
15 Finally, adjustment of a length to be untwisted that is performed before the operations of the yarn splicing device 10 will be described. In the yarn splicing device 10, the adjusting section 45 adjusts the first distance between the first cutting position 79A of the yarn end YA
20 from the upper side in the first cutting section 70A and the first introducing position 4 9A of the yarn end YA from the upper side in the first untwisting section 40A to adjust the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 4 0A (an
25 adjusting process). Similarly, the adjusting section 45 adjusts the second distance between the second cutting position 79B of the yarn end YB from the lower side in the second cutting section 70B and the second introducing position 49B of the yarn end YB from the lower side in the
30 second untwisting section 40B to adjust the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second
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untwisting section 40B (the adjusting process).
As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a case where the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn 5 end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B are shortened, the adjusting section 45 shortens a first distance DA between the first cutting position 79A and the first introducing position 49A, and the second distance DB between the second cutting position
10 79B and the second introducing position 49B by rotating the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 42 in one direction to move the first introducing position 49A and the second introducing position 49B so as to be located away from each other. In this case, when an amount in which the first
15 introducing position 4 9A and the second introducing position 49B are moved is great, a length L to be shortened can be great, and when the amount in which the first introducing position 49A and the second introducing position 49B are moved is small, the length L to be shortened
20 can be small.
On the other hand, in a case where the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second
25 untwisting section 40B are lengthened, the adjusting section 45 lengthens the first distance DA between the first cutting position 79A and the first introducing position 49A, and the second distance DB between the second cutting position 79B and the second introducing position 49B by
30 rotating the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 42 in the other direction to move the first introducing position 49A
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and the second introducing position 49B so as to be close to each other. In this case, when the amount in which the first introducing position 49A and the second introducing position 49B are moved is great, the length L to be 5 lengthened can be great, and if the amount in which the first introducing position 49A and the second introducing position 49B are moved is small, the length L to be lengthened can be small.
By setting a desired length to be untwisted in the
10. control section 16 of each winding unit 1, the above-described adjustment of the length to be untwisted is performed. The length to be untwisted is set in the control section 16 by an operator directly via the input section 17 of each winding unit 1 or indirectly via an upper
15 input section of the automatic winder (that is, via the upper control section). The control section 16 controls operations of the adjusting section 45 of the yarn splicing device 10 in accordance with the set length to be untwisted. The length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be
20 untwisted and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be untwisted that are to be adjusted by the operations of the adjusting section 45 can be appropriately (the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side may be a same
25 value or different values) set in the control section 16 according to a yarn type or the like of the yarn Y to be wound. In addition, in a case where the length to be untwisted is set in the control section 16 via the upper control section of the automatic winder, the lengths to be
30 untwisted can be simultaneously set in the plurality of winding units 1.
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As described above, in the yarn splicing device 10, the first distance DA between the first cutting position 79A of the yarn end YA from the upper side in the first cutting section 70A and the first introducing position 49A 5 of the yarn end YA from the upper side in the first untwisting section 40A is adjusted to adjust the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A, and the second distance DB between the second cutting position 79B of the yarn end YB from the
10 lower side in the second cutting section 70B and the second introducing position 49B of the yarn end YB from the lower side in the second untwisting section 40B is adjusted to adjust the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B.
15 Accordingly, without bending the yarn end YA from the upper side between the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A or the yarn end YB from the lower side between the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B, the length of the yarn end YA from the
20 upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B are reliably adjusted. Thus, with the yarn splicing device 10, since the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side Lo
25 be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B can be accurately adjusted according to the yarn type, for example, a knotting cycle (a period of time required for performing the yarn
30 splicing one time) can be prevented from being long, and appropriate yarn splicing can be realized.
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In the yarn splicing device 10, the adjusting section 45 adjusts the first distance DA by moving the first introducing position 49A in the first direction parallel to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A 5 and the first cutting section 70A face each other, and the second distance DB by moving the second introducing position 49B in the second direction parallel to the direction in which the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B face each other. Accordingly,
10 the first distance DA and the second distance DB can be adjusted with a simple configuration.
In the yarn splicing device 10, the adjusting section 45 moves the first introducing position 49A by swinging the first untwisting section 40A about the axial line vertical
15 to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section VGA face each other and to the longitudinal direction of the first untwisting space SA. Similarly, the adjusting section 45 moves the second introducing position 49B by swinging the second untwisting
20 section 40B about the axial line vertical to the direction in which the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B face each other and to the longitudinal direction of the second untwisting space SB. Accordingly, the first distance DA and the second distance DB are
25 reliably adjusted with a simple configuration.
In the yarn splicing device 10, the adjusting section 45 swings the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B in synchronization with each other such that the distance between the first introducing
30 position 49A and the second introducing position 49B is increased/reduced. Accordingly, the length of the yarn
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end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B can be adjusted to be substantially 5 same. Furthermore, the first untwisting section 40A and the second untwisting section 40B may not be swung in synchronization with each other.
One embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to 1;he
10 above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the yarn splicing device 10 is applied to the winding unit 1 of the automatic winder, but a yarn splicing device of the present invention may be applied to a winding unit of a spinning machine, a working
15 cart adapted to move between a plurality of winding units, or the like. In a case where the yarn splicing device of the present invention is applied to the winding unit of the spinning machine, a yarn supplying section of the present invention is formed of a draft device adapted'to supply a
20 spun yarn, a spinning device, and the like.
In the above-described embodiment, the adjusting section 45 moves the first introducing position 49A by swinging the first untwisting section 40A about the axial line vertical to the direction in which the first gripping
25 section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other and to the longitudinal direction of the first untwisting space SA, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For one example, the adjusting section 45 may move the first introducing position 49A by moving
30 the first untwisting section 40A in a predetermined direction in a parallel manner. Furthermore, a direction
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in which the first introducing position 49A is moved is not limited to the first direction parallel to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other, and may be a front-back 5 direction vertical to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other, or the like. The same is applied to movements of the second untwisting section 40B and the second introducing position 49B.
10 As illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjusting section 45 may adjust the first distance DA by moving the first cutting position 79A in the first direction parallel to the direction in which the first gripping section 60A and the first cutting section 70A face each other, and may adjust
15 the second distance DB by moving the second cutting position 79B in the second direction parallel to the direction in which the second gripping section 60B and the second cutting section 70B face each other. In this case, the adjusting section 45 may move the first cutting position 79A by moving
20 the first guide plate (a first plate member) 21 in the first direction, and may move the second cutting position 79B by moving the second guide plate (a second plate member) 22 in the second direction. With this configuration, the first distance DA and the second distance DB can be reliably
25 adjusted by a simple configuration. In particular, since the first gripping section 60A and the second cutting section 70B are arranged in the first guide plate 21, and the second gripping section 60B and the first cutting section 70A are arranged in the second guide plate 22, a
30 relation between the first gripping section 60A and the second cutting section 70B and a relation between the second
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gripping section 60B and the first cutting section 70A can be maintained.
At this point, in a case where the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first 5 untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B are shortened, the adjusting section 45 shortens the first distance DA between the first cutting position 79A and the first introducing position 49A, and
10 the second distance DB between the second cutting position 79B and the second introducing position 49B by moving the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B so as to be close to each other with a ball screw, a rack and a pinion, or the like. In this case, when an amount
15 in which the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B are moved is great, the length L to be shortened can be great, and when the amount in which the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B are moved is small, the length L to be shortened can
20 be small.
On the other hand, in a case where the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second
25 untwisting section 40B are lengthened, the adjusting section 45 lengthens the first distance DA between the first cutting position 79A and the first introducing position 49A and the second distance DB between the second cutting position 79B and the second introducing position 49B by
30 moving the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B so as to be located away from each other with
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the ball screw, the rack and the pinion, or the like. In this case, if the amount in which the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B are moved is great, the length L to be lengthened can be great, and if the amount 5 in which the first cutting position 79A and the second cutting position 79B are moved is small, the length L to be lengthened can be small.
As described above, an adjusting section of the present invention can adjust a first distance between a
10 first cutting position and a first introducing position by moving at least either one of the first cutting position or the first introducing position. In addition, the adjusting section of the present invention can adjust a second distance between a second cutting position and a
15 second introducing position by moving at least either one of the second cutting position or the second introducing position.
In the above-described embodiment, the control section 16 controls the operations of the adjusting section
20 45, but an adjusting section of the present invention may be a mechanism in which an operator manually performs operations. Even in this case, without troublesome operations, the length of the yarn end YA from the upper side to be introduced to the first untwisting section 40A
25 and the length of the yarn end YB from the lower side to be introduced to the second untwisting section 40B can be accurately adjusted. Furthermore, in the present invention, adjustment of a first distance between a first cutting position of a first yarn end in a first cutting
30 section and a first introducing position of the first yarn end in a first untwisting section, and adjustment of a
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second distance between a second cutting position of a second yarn end in a second cutting section and a second introducing position of the second yarn end in a second untwisting section may be performed separately. 5 In the yarn splicing device, the first distance between the first cutting position of the first yarn end in the first cutting section and the first introducing position of the first yarn end in the first untwisting section is adjusted to adjust the length of the first yarn
10 end to be introduced to the first untwisting section, and the second distance between the second cutting position of the second yarn end in the second cutting section and the second introducing position of the second yarn end in the second untwisting section is adjusted to adjust the length
15 of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second untwisting section. Accordingly, without bending the first yarn end between the first gripping section and the first cutting section or the second yarn end between the second gripping section and the second cutting section, the
20 length of the first yarn end to be introduced to the first untwisting section and the length of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second untwisting section are reliably adjusted. Thus, with the yarn spicing device, the lengths of the yarn ends to be respectively introduced to
25 the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section can be accurately adjusted.
The adjusting section may adjust the first distance by moving the first introducing position in a first direction parallel to a direction in which the first
30 gripping section and the first cutting section face each other, and may adjust the second distance by moving the
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second introducing position in a second direction parallel to a direction in which the second gripping section and the second cutting section face each other. With this configuration, the first distance and the second distance 5 can be adjusted by a simple configuration.
The first untwisting section includes a first long space in which the first introducing position is located at one end portion thereof, and the second long untwisting section includes a second untwisting space in which the
10 second introducing position is located at one end portion thereof. The adjusting section may move the first introducing position by swinging the first untwisting section about an axial line vertical to the first direction and a longitudinal direction of the first untwisting space.
15 The adjusting section may move the second introducing position by swinging the second untwisting section about an axial line vertical to the second direction and a longitudinal direction of the second untwisting space. With this configuration, the first distance and the second
20 distance can be reliably adjusted by a simple configuration.
The adjusting section may swing the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section in synchronization with each other such that a distance
25 between the first introducing position and the second introducing position is increased/reduced. With this configuration, the length of the first yarn end to be introduced to the first untwisting section and the length of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second
30 untwisting section can be adjusted to be substantially same.
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The adjusting section may adjust the first distance by moving the first cutting position in the first direction parallel to the direction in which the first gripping section and the first cutting section face each other. The 5 adjusting section may adjust the second distance by moving the second cutting position in the second direction parallel to the direction in which the second gripping section and the second cutting section face each other. With this configuration, the first distance and the second
10 distance can be adjusted by a simple configuration.
The yarn splicing device further includes a first plate member in which the second cutting section is arranged, and a second plate member in which the first cutting section is arranged. The adjusting section may move the first
15 cutting position by moving the first plate member in the first direction, and may move the second cutting position by moving the second plate member in the second direction. With this configuration, the first distance and the second distance can be reliably adjusted.
20 A winding unit of the present invention includes the above-described yarn splicing device, a yarn supplying section adapted to enable a yarn to be supplied, a winding section adapted to wind the yarn, and a control section adapted to control at least operations of the adjusting
25 section of the yarn splicing device.
With the winding unit, the lengths of the yarn ends to be respectively introduced to the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section of the yarn splicing device can be appropriately set according to a yarn
30 type or the like of the yarn to be wound.
The winding unit may further include an input section
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for setting the length of the first yarn end and the length of the second yarn end that are to be adjusted by the operations of the adjusting section in the control section. With this configuration, the lengths of the yarn ends to 5 be respectively introduced to the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section of the yarn splicing device can be set by an operator via the input section. A textile machine of the present invention includes a plurality of the above-described winding units and an
10 upper control section adapted to control each control section of the winding units.
With the textile machine, the lengths of the yarn ends to be respectively introduced to the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section of the yarn
15 splicing device can be simultaneously set in the plurality of winding units.
The textile machine may further include an upper input section for setting the length of the first yarn end and the length of the second yarn end that are to be adjusted
20 by the operations of the adjusting section in each yarn splicing device of the winding units in each control section via the upper control section. With this configuration, the lengths of the yarn ends to be respectively introduced to the first untwisting section and the second untwisting
25 section of the yarn splicing device can be set by the operator via the upper input section.
A yarn splicing method of the present invention for splicing yarn ends together includes a first gripping process in which a first gripping section grips a first yarn
30 end, a first cutting process in which a first cutting section cuts the first yarn end under a state where the first
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yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section, a first untwisting process in which a first untwisting section introduces thereto the first yarn end that has been cut by the first cutting section and untwists the first yarn 5 end under the state where the first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section, a second gripping process in which a second gripping section grips a second yarn end, a second cutting process in which a second cutting section cuts the second yarn end under a state where the second yarn
10 end is being gripped by the second gripping section, a second untwisting process in which a second untwisting section introduces thereto the second yarn end that has been cut by the second cutting section and untwists the second yarn end under the state where the second yarn end is being
15 gripped by the second gripping section, an adjusting process in which an adjusting section adjusts a first distance between a first cutting position of the first yarn end in the first cutting section and a first introducing position of the first yarn end in the first untwisting
20 section to adjust a length of the first yarn end to be introduced to the first untwisting section and adjusts a second distance between a second cutting position of the second yarn end in the second cutting section and a second introducing position of the second yarn end in the second
25 untwisting section to adjust a length of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second untwisting section, and a yarn splicing process in which a yarn splicing section twists the first yarn end that has been untwisted by the first untwisting section and the second yarn end that has
30 been untwisted by the second untwisting section together under a state where the first yarn end is being gripped by
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the first gripping section and the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section.
With the yarn splicing method, for a same reason as
the above-described yarn splicing device, the lengths of
5 the yarn ends to be respectively introduced to the first
untwisting section and the second untwisting section can
be accurately adjusted.
The present invention can provide a yarn splicing
device and a yarn splicing method that enable accurate
10 adjustment of the length of the yarn end to be introduced
to the untwisting section, a winding unit including such
a yarn splicing device, and a textile machine.
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We Claim:
1. A yarn splicing device adapted to splice yarn ends together, comprising:
a first gripping section adapted to grip a first yarn 5 end;
a first cutting section adapted to cut the first yarn end under a state in which the first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section;
a first untwisting section adapted to introduce the
10 first yarn end that has been cut by the first cutting section
thereto and to untwist the first yarn end under the state
in which the first yarn end is being gripped by the first
gripping section;
a second gripping section adapted to grip a second 15 yarn end;
a second cutting section adapted to cut the second yarn end under a state in which the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section;
a second untwisting section adapted to introduce the
20 second yarn end that has been cut by the second cutting
section thereto and to untwist the second yarn end under
the state in which the second yarn end is being gripped by
the second gripping section ; characterized by
an adjusting section adapted to adjust a first 25 distance between a first cutting position of the first yarn end in the first cutting section and a first introducing position of the first yarn end in the first untwisting section to adjust a length of the first yarn end to be introduced into the first untwisting section, and to adjust 30 a second distance between a second cutting position of the second yarn end in the second cutting section and a second
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introducing position of the second yarn end in the second untwisting section to adjust a length of the second yarn end into be introduced to the second untwisting section ; and 5 a yarn splicing section adapted to twist the first yarn end that has been untwisted by the first untwisting section and the second yarn end that has been untwisted by the second untwisting section together under a state in which the first yarn end is being gripped by the first 10 gripping section and the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section.
2. The yarn splicing device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the adjusting section is adapted to
15 adjust the first distance by moving the first introducing position in a first direction parallel to a direction in which the first gripping section and the first cutting section face each other, and to adjust the second distance by moving the second introducing position in a second
20 direction parallel to a direction in which the second gripping section and the second cutting section face each other.
3. The yarn splicing device according to claim 2,
25 characterized in that the first untwisting section includes
a first long untwisting space in which the first introducing position is located at one end portion thereof,
the second untwisting section includes a second long untwisting space in which the second introducing position 30 is located at one end portion thereof, and
the adjusting section is adapted to move the first
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introducing position by swinging the first untwisting section about an axial line vertical to the first direction and a longitudinal direction of the first untwisting space, and to move the second introducing position by swinging the 5 second untwisting section about an axial line vertical to the second direction and a longitudinal direction of the second untwisting space.
4. The yarn splicing device according to claim 3,
10 characterized in that the adjusting section is adapted to
swing the first untwisting section and the second untwisting section in synchronization with each other such that a distance between the first introducing position and the second introducing position is increased/reduced. 15
5. The yarn splicing device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the first untwisting section includes
a first long untwisting space in which the first introducing
position is located at one end portion thereof,
20 the second untwisting section includes a second long untwisting space in which the second introducing position is located at one end portion thereof, and
the adjusting section is adapted to move the first introducing position by moving the first untwisting section
25 in a parallel manner and to move the second introducing position by moving the second untwisting section in a parallel manner.
6. The yarn splicing device according to any one of
30 claim 1 through claim 5, characterized in that the adjusting
section is adapted to adjust the first distance by moving
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the first cutting position in a first direction parallel to a direction in which the first gripping section and the first cutting section face each other, and to adjust the second distance by moving the second cutting position in 5 a second direction parallel to a direction in which the second gripping section and the second cutting section face each other.
7. The yarn splicing device according to claim 6, 10 further characterized by
a first plate member in which the second cutting section is arranged; and
a second plate member in which the first cutting section is arranged, 15 wherein the adjusting section is adapted to move the first cutting position by moving the first plate member in the first direction, and to move the second cutting position by moving the second plate member in the second direction.
20 8. A winding unit characterized by
the yarn splicing device according to any one of claim 1 through claim 7;
a yarn supplying section adapted to enable a yarn to be supplied; 25 a winding section adapted to wind the yarn; and
a control section adapted to control at least operations of the adjusting section of the yarn splicing device.
30 9. The winding unit according to claim 8, characterized by an input section for setting in the control
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section, the length of the first yarn end and the length of the second yarn end that are to be adjusted by the operations of the adjusting section.
10. A textile machine characterized by
5 a plurality of the winding units according to claim 8 or claim 9; and
an upper control section adapted to control each control section of the winding units.
11. The textile machine according to claim 10,
10 characterized by an upper input section for setting in each
control section via the upper control section, the length
of the first yarn end and the length of the second yarn end
that are to be adjusted by the operations of the adjusting
section in each yarn splicing device of the winding units. 15 12. A yarn splicing method for splicing yarn ends
together, comprising:
a first gripping process in which a first gripping
section grips a first yarn end;
a first cutting process in which a first cutting 20 section cuts the first yarn end under a state in which the
first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping
section;
a first untwisting process in which a first
untv;isting section introduces thereto, the first yarn end 25 that has been cut by the first cutting section and untwists
the first yarn end under the state in which the first yarn
end is being gripped by the first gripping section;
a second gripping process in which a second gripping
section grips a second yarn end; 30 a second cutting process in which a second cutting
section cuts the second yarn end under a state in which the
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second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section;
a second untwisting process in which a second untwisting section introduces thereto, the second yarn end 5 that has been cut by the second cutting section and untwists the second yarn end under the state in which the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section; characterized by
an adjusting process in which an adjusting section
10 adjusts a first distance between a first cutting position of the first yarn end in the first cutting section and a first introducing position of the first yarn end in the first untwisting section to adjust a length of the first yarn end to be introduced to the first untwisting section
15 and adjusts a second distance between a second cutting position of the second yarn end in the second cutting section and a second introducing position of the second yarn end in the second untwisting section to adjust a length of the second yarn end to be introduced to the second
20 untwisting section; and
a yarn splicing process in which a yarn splicing section twists the first yarn end that has been untwisted by the first untwisting section and the second yarn end that has been untwisted by the second untwisting section
25 together under a state in which the first yarn end is being gripped by the first gripping section and the second yarn end is being gripped by the second gripping section. Dated this 28th day of April 2014
30 Of Anand and Anand Advocates
Agent for the Applicant
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