SPINNING MACHINE

Abstract

 A spinning machine includes: a spinning device 7; a winding device 13 configured to wind up the yarn Y formed with the spinning device 7 to form a package P; a yarn joining device 26 for yarn joining; a first catching-guiding device 27 being movable between a first yarn catching position P12 and a first yarn guiding position P13; a second catching-guiding device 28 being movable between a second yarn catching position P22 and a second yarn guiding position P23; a first drive part 40 configured to move the first catching-guiding device 27; a second drive part 42 configured to move the second catching-guiding device 28; and a control part 15 configured to control the first catching-guiding device 27 to continue movement of the first catching-guiding device 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 when the first catching-guiding device 27 comes into contact with another object during movement to the first yarn guiding position P12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spinning machine.

Background Art

[0002] A spinning machine includes a yarn joining carrier performing a yarn joining operation on yarn ends of disconnected yarn when yarn breakage or yarn cut occurs in a spinning unit (for example, see Patent Literature 1). The yarn joining carrier includes a yarn joining device performing yarn joining, a first catching-guiding device catching yarn from a spinning device of the spinning unit and guiding the yarn to the yarn joining device, and a second catching-guiding device catching the yarn from a winding device of the spinning unit and guiding the yarn to the yarn joining device.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-67483

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0004] A conventional spinning machine stops movement of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device when the first catching-guiding device and/or the second catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object. The spinning machine notifies an operator that movement of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device have been stopped and an error has occurred. The operator performs an operation to solve the error, and thereafter operates a button to cause the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device to be operable. In this manner, in the conventional spinning machine, the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device return to their respective origin positions. As described above, in the conventional spinning machine, when the first catching-guiding device and/or the second catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object and movement thereof is stopped, restart thereof requires an operation of the operator and thus requires time. For this reason, such a conventional spinning machine has a risk of reduction in operation efficiency.

[0005] An object of an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a spinning machine enabling improvement in operation efficiency.

Solution to Problem

[0006] A spinning machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a spinning device configured to twist a fiber bundle to form yarn; a winding device configured to wind the yarn formed with the spinning device to form a package; a yarn joining device configured to join a first yarn from the spinning device and a second yarn drawn from the package of the winding device; a first catching-guiding device configured to catch the first yarn and to be movable between a first yarn catching position at which the first yarn is caught and a first yarn guiding position at which the first yarn is guided to the yarn joining device; a second catching-guiding device configured to catch the second yarn and to be movable between a second yarn catching position at which the second yarn is caught and a second yarn guiding position at which the second yarn is guided to the yarn joining device; a first drive part configured to move the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn catching position and the first yarn guiding position; a second drive part configured to move the second catching-guiding device to the second yarn catching position and the second yarn guiding position; and a control part configured to control the first catching-guiding device to continue movement of the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn catching position when the first catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object during movement to the first yarn guiding position.

[0007] With the spinning machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure, movement of the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn catching position is continued even when the first catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object. Another object is highly likely to be an operator. For this reason, in the spinning machine, the time for which the first catching-guiding device is contacting another object is relatively short, and there is little possibility that the first catching-guiding device is stopped for a long time. In the spinning machine, movement of the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn catching position is continued so that, after contact with another object is released, the first catching-guiding device can move to the first yarn catching position. For this reason, in the spinning machine, even when the first catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object, the first catching-guiding device is enabled to move to the first yarn catching position and the first yarn guiding position without intervention of an operator. Accordingly, the spinning machine enables reduction in time for which the first catching-guiding device is stopped. As a result, the spinning machine enables improvement in operation efficiency.

[0008] In an embodiment, the control part may control the second catching-guiding device to stop movement of the second catching-guiding device when the second catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object during movement to the second yarn guiding position. This structure enables prevention of application of an excessive load to the second drive part.

[0009] In an embodiment, the control part may stop movement of the second catching-guiding device and stop power supply to the second drive part. This structure stops power supply to the second catching-guiding device, and enables the second catching-guiding device to move without restraint.

[0010] In an embodiment, the spinning machine may further include an urging member configured to urge the second catching-guiding device in a direction from the second yarn catching position to the second yarn guiding position. This structure enables movement of the second catching-guiding device supplied with no power toward the second yarn guiding position with the urging member.

[0011] In an embodiment, the spinning machine may further include: a first detector configured to detect a first origin position serving as an origin position of the first catching-guiding device; and a second detector configured to detect a second origin position serving as an origin position of the second catching-guiding device. This structure enables movement of the first catching-guiding device with the first origin position serving as a reference, and movement of the second catching-guiding device with the second origin position serving as a reference. For this reason, this structure enables movement of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device with high accuracy.

[0012] In an embodiment, the control part may start movement of the second catching-guiding device to the second yarn guiding position earlier than movement of the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn guiding position when one of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device has come into contact with another object. With this structure, after the second catching-guiding device has started movement to the second yarn guiding position, the first catching-guiding device starts movement to the first yarn guiding position. For this reason, in the spinning machine, contact between the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device in a returning operation can be avoided.

[0013] In an embodiment, in a case where one of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device has come into contact with another object, the first catching-guiding device may come into contact with the second catching-guiding device to move the second catching-guiding device in a direction toward the second yarn guiding position when the first catching-guiding device moves to the first yarn catching position. This structure enables movement of the second catching-guiding device by movement of the first catching-guiding device.

[0014] In an embodiment, the spinning machine may further include a third detector configured to detect that the first catching-guiding device has reached the first yarn catching position, and the control part may stop movement of the first catching-guiding device when the first catching-guiding device is not detected with the third detector within a predetermined time after the first catching-guiding device starts movement. When the first catching-guiding device is not detected with the third detector within the predetermined time, it is highly probable that contact between the first catching-guiding device and another object is not released and movement of the first catching-guiding device is stopped. For this reason, the spinning machine enables prevention of application of an excessive load to the first drive part by stopping movement of the first catching-guiding device.

[0015] In an embodiment, the control part may stop an operation of catching the first yarn in the first catching-guiding device and/or an operation of catching the second yarn in the second catching-guiding device when one of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device has come into contact with another object after the first catching-guiding device has caught the first yarn and/or the second catching-guiding device has caught the second yarn. Accordingly, the yarn caught with the first catching-guiding device and/or the second catching-guiding device is released. Thus, a yarn joining operation with the first yarn and/or the second yarn caught in an abnormal state can be prevented from being executed. Moreover, catching of the first yarn with the first catching-guiding device and catching of the second yarn with the second catching-guiding device can be performed again.

[0016] In an embodiment, the control part may move the second catching-guiding device to the second yarn catching position and move the first catching-guiding device to the first yarn catching position after moving the second catching-guiding device to the second origin position and moving the first catching-guiding device to the first origin position when one of the first catching-guiding device and the second catching-guiding device has come into contact with another object. This structure enables automatic resumption of the yarn joining operation even when the first catching-guiding device and/or the second catching-guiding device comes into contact with another object.

[0017] In an embodiment, the spinning machine may include: a plurality of spinning units, each of which including the spinning device and the winding device; and at least one carrier configured to travel in an arrangement direction of the spinning units and including the yarn joining device, the first catching-guiding device, and the second catching-guiding device. With this structure, the yarn joining device, the first catching-guiding device, and the second catching-guiding device are shared between the spinning units. However, because the operation efficiency is improved as described above, even when contact with another object occurs during a yarn joining operation for one spinning unit, this structure enables avoidance of an increase in standby time of the other spinning units waiting for a yarn joining operation with the same carrier. This structure enables improvement in operation efficiency also in the spinning machine including a carrier.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0018] An aspect of the present disclosure enables improvement in operation efficiency.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] 

FIG. 1 is a front view of a spinning machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the spinning machine illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the spinning machine.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining operations of the spinning machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining operations of the spinning machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining operations of the spinning machine.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the spinning machine.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the spinning machine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations of the spinning machine.

Description of Embodiments

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention will be explained hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted with the same reference numerals, and an overlapping explanation thereof is omitted.

[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a spinning machine 1 includes a plurality of spinning units 2, a yarn joining carrier (carrier) 3, a doffing carrier (not illustrated), a first end frame 4, and a second end frame 5. The spinning units 2 are arranged in a line. Each of the spinning units 2 forms yarn Y and winds the yarn Y into a package P. When the package P becomes a full package in a spinning unit 2, the doffing carrier doffs the full package P, and supplies a new bobbin B to the spinning unit 2.

[0022] The first end frame 4 accommodates a collecting device collecting fiber waste, yarn waste, and the like generated in the spinning units 2, and other components. The second end frame 5 accommodates an air supply part regulating the air pressure of compressed air (air) supplied to the spinning machine 1 and supplying air to each part of the spinning machine 1, a drive motor to supply motive power to each part of the spinning units 2, and other components . The second end frame 5 is provided with a machine control device (control part) 15, a display screen 16, and input keys 17. The machine control device 15 performs concentrated management and control of each part of the spinning machine 1. The display screen 16 is capable of displaying details of settings and/or information relating to the state of the spinning units 2. The setting work for the spinning units 2 is performed by an operator's proper operation using the input keys 17.

[0023] Each of the spinning units 2 includes a draft device 6, an air spinning device 7, a yarn monitoring device 8, a tension sensor 9, a yarn storage device 11, a waxing device 12, and a winding device 13, in this order from the upstream side in the traveling direction of the yarn Y. A unit controller 10 is provided for a predetermined number of spinning units 2, and controls operations of the spinning units 2.

[0024] The draft device 6 drafts a sliver (fiber bundle) S. The air spinning device 7 twists, with an air swirling flow, the fiber bundle F drafted with the draft device 6 to form the yarn Y. More specifically (illustration thereof is omitted), the air spinning device 7 includes a spinning chamber, a fiber guiding part, a swirling air flow generation nozzle, and a hollow guide shaft member. The fiber guiding part guides the fiber bundle F fed from the upstream draft device 6 into the spinning chamber. The swirling air flow generation nozzle is disposed around a path along which the fiber bundle F travels . Air is blown out of the swirling air flow generation nozzle to generate a swirling air flow in the spinning chamber. With the swirling air flow, each fiber end of a plurality of fibers forming the fiber bundle F is reversed and swirled. The hollow guide shaft member guides the yarn Y from the inside of the spinning chamber to the outside of the air spinning device 7.

[0025] The yarn storage device 11 removes slack of the yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the winding device 13. The waxing device 12 provides the yarn Y with wax between the yarn storage device 11 and the winding device 13.

[0026] The winding device 13 winds the yarn Y on a bobbin B to form a package P. The winding device 13 includes a cradle arm 21, a winding drum 22, and a traverse guide 23. The cradle arm 21 rotatably supports the bobbin B. The cradle arm 21 is swingably supported with a support shaft 24 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) to bring the surface of the bobbin B or the surface of the package P into contact with the surface of the winding drum 22 with proper pressure. The drive motor (not illustrated) provided in the second end frame 5 drives the winding drums 22 of the spinning units 2 together. In this manner, in each of the spinning units 2, the bobbin B or the package P is rotated in a winding direction. The traverse guide 23 of each of the spinning units 2 is provided on a shaft (not illustrated) shared between the spinning units 2. The drive motor of the second end frame 5 reciprocally drives the shaft in the rotational axis direction of the winding drum 22, so that the traverse guide 23 causes the yarn Y to traverse with a predetermined width with respect to the rotating bobbin B or package P.

[0027] The yarn monitoring device 8 monitors information of the travelling yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the yarn storage device 11, and detects the presence or the absence of a yarn defect on the basis of the monitored information. When any yarn defect is detected, the yarn monitoring device 8 transmits a yarn defect detection signal to the unit controller 10. The tension sensor 9 measures the tension of the traveling yarn Y between the air spinning device 7 and the yarn storage device 11, and transmits a tension measurement signal to the unit controller 10. When the unit controller 10 detects an abnormality on the basis of the detection result of the yarn monitoring device 8 and/or the tension sensor 9, the yarn Y is cut in the spinning unit 2.

[0028] In each of the spinning units 2, the air spinning device 7 is disposed above the winding device 13. Accordingly, the yarn Y travels from the upper side to the lower side in the height direction of the spinning units 2.

[0029] The yarn joining carrier 3 performs a yarn joining operation in a spinning unit 2 when the yarn Y is cut or broken for some reason in the spinning unit 2. One or a plurality of yarn joining carriers 3 are provided in the spinning machine 1. The yarn joining carrier 3 travels along the arrangement direction (the left-and-right direction in FIG. 1) of the spinning units 2.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the yarn joining carrier 3 includes a yarn joining device 26, a suction pipe (first catching-guiding device) 27, and a suction mouth (second catching-guiding device) 28. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the yarn joining carrier 3 includes a first drive part 40 driving the suction pipe 27, and a second drive part 42 driving the suction mouth 28. The yarn joining carrier 3 includes a package plate (not illustrated), and a reverse rotation device (not illustrated).

[0031] When the yarn Y is cut in a spinning unit 2 or broken for some reason, the package P supported with the cradle arm 21 is separated from the winding drum 22 in the spinning unit 2. The yarn joining carrier 3 contacts the package P and stops inertial rotation of the package P. In addition, the package plate positions the package P with respect to a second yarn catching position P22 of the suction mouth 28 described later. In the state where the package P is separated from the winding drum 22, the reverse rotation device reversely rotates the package P.

[0032] The yarn joining carrier 3 includes a traveling motor (not illustrated) driving a wheel to cause the yarn joining carrier 3 to travel, a drive part (not illustrated) driving the yarn joining device 26, a drive part (not illustrated) driving the package plate, and a drive part (not illustrated) driving the reverse rotation device.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the suction pipe 27 and the first drive part 40 are modularized. The suction mouth 28 and the second drive part 42 are modularized. The yarn joining device 26 and the drive part are modularized. The package plate and the drive part are modularized. The reverse rotation device and the drive part are modularized. Accordingly, each member and the drive part dedicated for the member are allowed to be attached or detached as a module being one unitary piece from the yarn joining carrier 3. This structure enables easy assembly and maintenance of the yarn joining carrier 3.

[0034] The drive parts (motors) described above are arranged such that their axes are positioned in the same direction. Specifically, the axes of the drive parts are arranged mutually in parallel. This structure enables a simple layout in the yarn joining carrier 3. As a result, fiber waste and the like hardly accumulate in the yarn joining carrier 3. The drive parts other than the traveling motor are contained in a predetermined space in the housing of the yarn joining carrier 3. This structure enables a compact structure of the whole yarn joining carrier 3, reduces the area that needs maintenance by the operator, and achieves good maintenance property.

[0035] The yarn joining device 26 joins the guided first yarn Y1 (see FIG. 6) and the second yarn Y2 (see FIG. 6) . The yarn joining device 26 is a splicer using compressed air, a knotter mechanically yarn joining the yarn Y, or other devices.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the suction pipe 27 is rotatably supported with a support shaft 31. The suction pipe 27 catches the first yarn Y1 from the air spinning device 7 and guides the first yarn Y1 to the yarn joining device 26. The suction pipe 27 is provided to be movable between a standby position (first origin position) P11, a first yarn catching position P12 (see FIG. 5) where the suction pipe 27 catches the first yarn Y1 from the air spinning device 7, and a first yarn guiding position P13 (see FIG. 6) where the suction pipe 27 guides the first yarn Y1 to the yarn joining device 26.

[0037] The suction pipe 27 moves to the standby position P11, the first yarn guiding position P13, and the first yarn guiding position P13, by operation of the first drive part 40. The first drive part 40 is, for example, a motor. The first drive part 40 is a drive source dedicated for the suction pipe 27. For this reason, the suction pipe 27 is operable independently of the other devices. Operations of the first drive part 40 are controlled by the machine control device 15.

[0038] The suction pipe 27 is provided with a detection target member 27a. The detection target member 27a is, for example, a magnet. The yarn joining carrier 3 includes a standby position detector (first detector) 50 detecting the detection target member 27a, and a catching position detector (third detector) 52. The standby position detector 50 and the catching position detector 52 are, for example, magnetic sensors (hall IC). The standby position detector 50 is disposed at a position to detect the detection target member 27a when the suction pipe 27 is positioned at the standby position P11. The catching position detector 52 is disposed at a position to detect the detection target member 27a when the suction pipe 27 is positioned at the first yarn catching position P12. Each of the standby position detector 50 and the catching position detector 52 outputs a detection signal to the machine control device 15 when it detects the detection target member 27a.

[0039] The suction mouth 28 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 32. The suction mouth 28 catches the second yarn Y2 from the winding device 13 and guides the second yarn Y2 to the yarn joining device 26. The suction mouth 28 is provided to be movable between a standby position (second origin position) P21, a second yarn catching position P22 where the suction mouth 28 catches the second yarn Y2 from the winding device 13, and a second yarn guiding position P23 (see FIG. 6) where the suction mouth 28 guides the second yarn Y2 to the yarn joining device 26. The suction mouth 28 moves to the standby position P21, the second yarn catching position P22, and the second yarn guiding position P23 by operation of the second drive part 42. The second drive part 42 is, for example, a motor (stepping motor) . The second drive part 42 is a drive source dedicated for the suction mouth 28. For this reason, the suction mouth 28 is operable independently of the other devices. Operations of the second drive part 42 are controlled by the machine control device 15.

[0040] The suction mouth 28 is provided with a detection target member 28a. The detection target member 28a is, for example, a magnet. The yarn joining carrier 3 includes a standby position detector (second detector) 54 detecting the detection target member 28a. The standby position detector 54 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (hall IC). The standby position detector 54 is disposed at a position to detect the detection target member 28a when the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position P21. The standby position detector 54 outputs a detection signal to the machine control device 15 when it detects the detection target member 28a.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the suction mouth 28 is provided with a spring (urging member) 29. Specifically, one end of the spring 29 is coupled with the suction mouth 28, and the other end of the spring 29 is fixed on the housing of the yarn joining carrier 3. The spring 29 is in an initial state (not stretched or contracted) when the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position P21, and stretches when the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the second yarn catching position P22. The spring 29 assists the second drive part 42 when the suction mouth 28 is moved from the second yarn catching position P22 toward the standby position P21 with the second drive part 42.

[0042] The following is an explanation of operations of the yarn joining carrier 3.

[0043] When yarn breakage or yarn cut occurs in one of the spinning units 2, the machine control device 15 transmits, to the yarn joining carrier 3, a control signal to move the yarn joining carrier 3 to the spinning unit 2. When the yarn joining carrier 3 receives the control signal, the yarn joining carrier 3 travels to the spinning unit 2 and is stopped.

[0044] Thereafter, the machine control device 15 operates the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28. Operations of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 will be explained hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the machine control device 15 transmits a control signal to the first drive part 40 and the second drive part 42. In the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 transmits a control signal to the second drive part 42 earlier than to the first drive part 40. In this manner, in the yarn joining carrier 3, the suction mouth 28 starts movement earlier than the suction pipe 27.

[0045] When the second drive part 42 receives the control signal, the second drive part 42 starts movement of the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn catching position P22 (Step S01) . When the first drive part 40 receives the control signal, the first drive part 40 starts movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 (Step S01). After movement of the suction pipe 27 and the suction pipe 28 is started, the machine control device 15 determines whether one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (Step S02).

[0046] The machine control device 15 determines contact of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 with another object on the basis of the movement time of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28. The machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object when the suction pipe 27 does not reach the first yarn catching position P12 within a first predetermined time after the suction pipe 27 has startedmovement from the standby position P11. Specifically, the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object when the detection target member 27a is not detected with the catching position detector 52 within the first predetermined time after the detection target member 27a has become undetected with the standby position detector 50.

[0047] The machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object when the suction mouth 28 does not return to the standby position P21 within a predetermined time after the suction mouth 28 has started movement from the standby position P21. Specifically, the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object when the detection target member 28a is not detected with the standby position detector 54 within the predetermined time after the detection target member 28a has become undetected with the standby position detector 54.

[0048] When the machine control device 15 does not determine that the suction pipe 27 or the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (when the machine control device 15 determines that neither the suction pipe 27 nor the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object) (NO at Step S02), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing of Step S03. When the machine control device 15 determines that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S02), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing of Step S11.

[0049] At Step S03, the machine control device 15 moves the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn catching position P22, and moves the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12. When the suction mouth 28 reaches the second yarn catching position P22, the suction mouth 28 catches the second yarn Y2 from the package P (Step S04). When the suction pipe 27 reaches the first yarn catching position P12, the suction pipe 27 catches the first yarn Y1 from the air spinning device 7 (Step S04).

[0050] The machine control device 15 determines whether catching of the second yarn Y2 with the suction mouth 28 has succeeded, on the basis of a detection result of a sensor (not illustrated) provided in the suction mouth 28. When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has caught the second yarn Y2, the machine control device 15 starts movement of the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn guiding position P23 (Step S05). The machine control device 15 determines whether catching of the first yarn Y1 with the suction pipe 27 has succeeded, on the basis of a detection result of a sensor (not illustrated) provided in the suction pipe 27. When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has caught the first yarn Y1, the machine control device 15 starts movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn guiding position P13 (Step S05).

[0051] Thereafter, the machine control device 15 determines whether one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (Step S06) during movement of the suction mouth 28 from the second yarn catching position P22 to the second yarn guiding position P23 and during movement of the suction pipe 27 from the first yarn catching position P12 to the first yarn guiding position P13. When the machine control device 15 does not determine that the suction pipe 27 or the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (when the machine control device 15 determines that neither the suction pipe 27 nor the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object) (NO at Step S06), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing of Step S07. When the machine control device 15 determines that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S05), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing of Step S12 and Step S13.

[0052] At Step S12, the machine control device 15 stops the catching operation in the suction mouth 28. Thereafter, the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing "A" illustrated in FIG. 8. At Step S13, the machine control device 15 stops the catching operation in the suction pipe 27. Thereafter, the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing "B" illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0053] At Step S07, the suction mouth 28 reaches the second yarn guiding position P23, and the suction pipe 27 reaches the first yarn guiding position P13. In this manner, a state is accomplished in which the first yarn Y1 and the second yarn Y2 have been guided to the yarn joining device 26.

[0054] The yarn joining device 26 performs yarn joining (Step S08) when the suction pipe 27 has guided the first yarn Y1 thereto and the suction mouth 28 has guided the second yarn Y2 thereto. After the yarn joining device 26 performs yarn joining, the machine control device 15 moves the suction pipe 27 to the standby position P11, and moves the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21 (Step S09). The machine control device 15 determines whether one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (Step S10) during movement of the suction pipe 27 from the first yarn guiding position P13 to the standby position P11 and during movement of the suction mouth 28 from the second yarn guiding position P23 to the standby position P21.

[0055] When the machine control device 15 does not determine that the suction pipe 27 or the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (when the machine control device 15 determines that neither the suction pipe 27 nor the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object) (NO at Step S10), the suction pipe 27 is stopped at the standby position P11, and the suction mouth 28 is stopped at the standby position P21. In this manner, a series of processes is ended. When the machine control device 15 determines that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S10), the machine control device 15 notifies an error (Step S14). For example, the machine control device 15 displays an error code on a display part provided on the yarn joining carrier 3, and/or turns on or blinks, in a specific color, a display lamp provided on the yarn joining carrier.

[0056] At Step S11, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object. When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S11), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing "A" illustrated in FIG. 8. When the machine control device 15 does not determine that the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (when the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has not come into contact with another object) (NO at Step S11), the machine control device 15 proceeds to the processing "B" illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object, the machine control device 15 stops movement of the suction mouth 28 (Step S20).

[0058] Thereafter, the machine control device 15 controls the operation of the suction mouth 28 on the basis of the position of the suction pipe 27. Specifically, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 (Step S21). When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 (YES at Step S21), the machine control device 15 controls the second drive part 42 to move the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21 (Step S22).

[0059] When the suction pipe 27 has not reached the first yarn catching position P12 (when no positional information of the suction pipe 27 exists) (NO at Step S21), the machine control device 15 stops power supply to the second drive part 42 (Step S23). This operation enables the suction mouth 28 to swing without restraint and move in a direction toward the standby position P21 with the urging force of the spring 29. In this state, the suction mouth 28 is in contact with the suction pipe 27 moving toward the first yarn catching position P12, and is moved toward the standby position P21 with movement of the suction pipe 27.

[0060] Thereafter, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction mouth 28 has returned to the standby position P21 (Step S24). Specifically, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction mouth 28 has returned to the standby position P21, on the basis of a detection result of the detection target member 28a with the standby position detector 54. When the detection target member 28a is detected with the standby position detector 54, the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has returned to the standby position P21 (YES at Step S24), and ends the process. When the detection target member 28a is not detected with the standby position detector 54, the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 has not returned to the standby position P21 (NO at Step S24), and notifies occurrence of an error (Step S25). With the steps described above, the operations of the suction mouth 28 are ended.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object, the machine control device 15 continues movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 (Step S30). Thereafter, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 (Step S31). When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 (YES at Step S31), the machine control device 15 proceeds to Step S32. When the detection target member 27a is detected with the catching position detector 52, the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12. When the machine control device 15 does not determines that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 (NO at Step S31), the machine control device 15 proceeds to Step S36.

[0062] Thereafter, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position P21 (Step S32). When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position P21 (YES at Step S32), the machine control device 15 proceeds to Step S34. When the machine control device 15 does not determines that the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position P21 (NO at Step S32), the machine control device 15 moves the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21 (Step S33).

[0063] At Step S34, the machine control device 15 moves the suction pipe 27 to the standby position P11. Thereafter, the machine control device 15 determines whether the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object (Step S35). When the machine control device 15 determines that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S35), the machine control device 15 notifies an error (Step S36). When the machine control device 15 does not determine that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object (NO at Step S35), the machine control device 15 ends the process. When one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object, the machine control device 15 returns the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21, returns the suction pipe 27 to the standby position P11, and thereafter starts a yarn joining operation again.

[0064] As described above, with the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even when the suction pipe 27 comes into contact with another object, movement to the first yarn guiding position P13 is continued. Another object is highly likely to be an operator. For this reason, in the spinning machine 1, the time for which the suction pipe 27 comes into contact with another object is relatively short, and there is little possibility that the suction pipe 27 is stopped for a long time. In the spinning machine 1, movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 is continued so that, after contact with another object is released, the suction pipe 27 can move to the first yarn catching position P12. For this reason, in the spinning machine 1, even when the suction pipe 27 comes into contact with another object, the suction pipe 27 is enabled to move to the first yarn catching position P12 and the first yarn guiding position P13 without intervention of an operator. Accordingly, the spinning machine 1 enables reduction in time for which the suction pipe 27 is stopped. As a result, the spinning machine 1 enables improvement in operation efficiency.

[0065] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 may stop movement of the suction mouth 28 when the suction mouth 28 comes into contact with another object while moving to the second yarn guiding position P23. This structure enables prevention of application of an excessive load to the second drive part 42.

[0066] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 may stop movement of the suction mouth 28 and stop power supply to the second drive part 42. This structure stops power supply to the second drive part 42, and enables the suction mouth 28 to move without restraint.

[0067] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the spinning machine 1 includes the spring 29 urging the suction mouth 28 in a direction from the second yarn catching position P22 toward the second yarn guiding position P23. This structure enables movement of the suction mouth 28 without power supply toward the second yarn guiding position P23 (standby position P21) with the spring 29.

[0068] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the spinning machine 1 includes the standby position detector 50 detecting the first origin position (standby position P11) serving as the origin position of the suction pipe 27, and the standby position detector 54 detecting the second origin position (standby position P21) serving as the origin position of the suction mouth 28. This structure enables movement of the suction pipe 27 with the first origin position serving as a reference, and movement of the suction mouth 28 with the second origin position serving as a reference. For this reason, this structure enables movement of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 with high accuracy.

[0069] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 may start movement of the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21 earlier than movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first origin position when one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object. With this structure, after the suction mouth 28 starts movement to the standby position P21, the suction pipe 27 starts movement to the standby position P11. For this reason, the spinning machine 1 is able to avoid contact between the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 in a returning operation.

[0070] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in the case where one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object, the suction pipe 27 comes into contact with the suction mouth 28 to move the suction mouth 28 in a direction toward the standby position P21 when the suction pipe 27 moves to the standby position P11. This structure enables movement of the suction mouth 28 by movement of the suction pipe 27.

[0071] The spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the catching position detector 52 detecting that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12. The machine control device 15 may stop movement of the suction pipe 27 when the suction pipe 27 is not detected with the catching position detector 52 within a predetermined time after the suction pipe 27 has started movement. When the suction pipe 27 is not detected with the catching position detector 52 within the predetermined time, it is highly probable that contact between the suction pipe 27 and another object is not released and movement of the suction pipe 27 is stopped. For this reason, the spinning machine 1 enables prevention of application of an excessive load to the first drive part 40 by stopping movement of the suction pipe 27.

[0072] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 stops an operation of catching the first yarn Y1 in the suction pipe 27 and/or an operation of catching the second yarn Y2 in the suction mouth 28 when one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object after the suction pipe 27 has caught the first yarn Y1 and/or the suction mouth 28 has caught the second yarn Y2. Accordingly, the first yarn Y1 caught with the suction pipe 27 and/or the second yarn Y2 caught with the suction mouth 28 is released. Thus, a yarn joining operation with the first yarn Y1 and/or the second yarn Y2 caught in an abnormal state can be prevented from being executed. Moreover, catching of the first yarn Y1 from the air spinning device 7 with the suction pipe 27 and catching of the second yarn Y2 from the winding device 13 (package P) with the suction mouth 28 can be performed again.

[0073] In the spinning machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the machine control device 15 may move the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn catching position P22 and move the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 after moving the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21 and moving the suction pipe 27 to the standby position P11, when one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object. This structure enables automatic resumption of the yarn joining operation even when the suction pipe 27 and/or the suction mouth 28 comes into contact with another object.

[0074] An embodiment of the present invention has been explained above. The present invention is, however, not always limited to the embodiment described above. Various changes are possible within the range not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0075] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which power supply to the second drive part 42 is stopped when the suction pipe 27 has not reached the first yarn catching position P12 (no positional information of the suction pipe 27 exists) and no positional information of the suction mouth 28 exists as illustrated in FIG. 8. However, power supply to the second drive part 42 may be stopped in a state other than the state described above.

[0076] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which movement of the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn guiding position P23 is started earlier than movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn guiding position P13 when one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object. However, movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn guiding position P13 may be started earlier than movement of the suction mouth 28 to the second yarn guiding position P23.

[0077] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which, when one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object, the suction mouth 28 is moved to the standby position P21 and the suction pipe 27 is moved to the standby position P11, and thereafter the suction mouth 28 is moved to the second yarn catching position P22 and the suction pipe 27 is moved to the first yarn catching position P12. However, the suction pipe 27 may be moved to the standby position P11 and the suction mouth 28 may be moved to the standby position P21, and thereafter the suction pipe 27 may be moved to the first yarn catching position P12 and the suction mouth 28 may be moved to the second yarn catching position P22.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the processing at Step S30 and Step S31 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be repeated a plurality of times. Specifically, after movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 is continued, it is determined whether the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12. When it is determined that the suction pipe 27 has not reached the first yarn catching position P12, movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 is continued. After the processing is repeated a plurality of times, determination at Step S31 is performed, and the process proceeds to Step S32 or Step S36. This structure enables movement of the suction pipe 27 to the first yarn catching position P12 after contact between the suction pipe 27 and another object is released even when the suction pipe 27 comes into contact with another object.

[0079] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which an error is immediately notified when it is determined that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S10) at Step S10 illustrated in FIG. 7. However, an error may be notified when it is determined that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 still is in contact with another object after movement of the suction pipe 27 and/or the suction mouth 28 is performed for a predetermined time (a predetermined number of times) when it is determined that one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 has come into contact with another object.

[0080] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which an error is immediately notified when it is determined that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object (YES at Step S35) at Step S35 illustrated in FIG. 9. However, an error may be notified when it is determined that the suction pipe 27 still is in contact with another object after movement of the suction pipe 27 is performed for a predetermined time (a predetermined number of times) when it is determined that the suction pipe 27 has come into contact with another object.

[0081] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which the suction pipe 27 is moved to the standby position P11, the first yarn catching position P12, and the first yarn guiding position P13, and the suction mouth 28 is moved to the standby position P21, the second yarn catching position P22, and the second yarn guiding position P23. However, the standby position P11 and the first yarn guiding position P13 may be the same position. The standby position P21 and the second yarn guiding position P23 may be the same position.

[0082] In addition to the embodiment described above, in the case where one of the suction pipe 27 and the suction mouth 28 is positioned at the standby position (origin position), when no positional information of the other exists, an origin returning operation may be performed only on the other. For example, when the operator operates the suction pipe 27 and/or the suction mouth 28 by hand, the position thereof may be dislocated from the standby position. For this reason, the suction pipe 27 and/or the suction mouth 28 may be returned to the standby position by the origin returning operation described above .

[0083] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which, after power supply to the second drive part 42 is stopped at Step S23 illustrated in FIG. 8, the suction mouth 28 is moved toward the standby position P21 by the urging force of the spring 29. However, in the case where the catching position detector 52 detects that the suction pipe 27 has reached the first yarn catching position P12 after power supply to the second drive part 42 is stopped, the machine control device 15 may supply power to the second drive part 42 again to control the second drive part 42 and move the suction mouth 28 to the standby position P21. As another example, the yarn joining carrier 3 may include the spring 29 having strength enabling movement of the suction mouth 28 from the second yarn catching position P22 to the standby position P21 only by urging force of the spring in the state in which no electric power is supplied to the second drive part 42. In this case, after stand by position detector 54 detects that the suction mouth 28 has reached the standby position P21, electric power may be supplied to the second drive part 42 again.

[0084] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which the position (standby position P11 or first yarn catching position P12) of the suction pipe 27 is detected by detecting the detection target member 27a with the standby position detector 50 or the catching position detector 52. However, the position of the suction pipe 27 may be detected by other means (such as an encoder) . A similar structure may be adopted for the suction mouth 28.

[0085] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which the yarn joining carrier 3 is provided with the yarn joining device 26, the suction pipe 27, and the suction mouth 28. However, the yarn joining device 26, the suction pipe 27, and the suction mouth 28 may be provided on each of the spinning units 2.

[0086] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which the machine control device 15 controls operations of the yarn joining carrier 3. However, the yarn joining carrier 3 may be controlled with a controller provided in the yarn joining carrier 3. Inthiscase, the unit controller 10 may transmit a signal indicating yarn breakage or yarn cut to the controller of the yarn joining carrier 3, or the signal may be transmitted from the unit controller 10 to the controller through the machine control device 15. As another example, the unit controller 10 may control operations of the yarn joining carrier 3.

[0087] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect in which the spinning machine 1 includes the yarn joining carrier 3 and the doffing carrier. However, the yarn joining carrier may have a doffing function.

[0088] In addition to the embodiment described above, the air spinning device 7 may further include a needle provided to be retained with the fiber guiding part and project to the inside of the spinning chamber so as to prevent twist of the fiber bundle from being transmitted to the upstream side of the air spinning device. As another example, the air spinning device may prevent twist of the fiber bundle from being transmitted to the upstream side of the air spinning device with a downstream end portion of the fiber guiding part instead of such a needle. As another example, instead of the structure described above, the air spinning device may include a pair of air blowing nozzles twisting the fiber bundle in mutually opposite directions. The spinning machine may be an open-end spinning machine.

[0089] In the embodiment described above, the yarn storage device 11 has a function of drawing the yarn Y from the air spinning device 7 in the spinning units 2. However, the yarn Y may be drawn out of the air spinning device 7 with a delivery roller and a nip roller. In this case, the suction pipe 27 catches the first yarn Y1 on the air spinning device 7 side drawn with the delivery roller and the nip roller. The yarn storage device 11 may be omitted in the structure including a delivery roller and a nip roller. As another example, in this case, a slack tube absorbing slack of the yarn Y by a suction air flow or a mechanical compensator may be provided instead of the yarn storage device 11.

[0090] In the embodiment described above, in the height direction of the spinning unit 2, the devices are arranged such that the yarn Y fed on the upper side is wound on the lower side. However, the devices may be arranged such that the yarn fed on the lower side is wound on the upper side.

[0091] In the embodiment described above, the traverse guide 23 is driven by motive power from the second end frame 5 (that is, in common for a plurality of the spinning units 2). However, the devices (such as the air spinning device and the winding device) of each of the spinning units 2 may be driven independently.

[0092] In the traveling direction of the yarn Y, the tension sensor 9 may be disposed on the upstream side of the yarn monitoring device 8. The unit controller 10 may be provided for each of the spinning units 2. In the spinning units 2, the yarn monitoring device 8, the tension sensor 9, and the waxing device 12 may be omitted.

[0093] The embodiment described above illustrates, as an example, an aspect of winding the cheese-shaped package P as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, a conical package may be wound.

Reference Signs List

[0094] 1... SPINNING MACHINE, 13... WINDING DEVICE, 26... YARN JOINING DEVICE, 27... SUCTION PIPE (FIRST CATCHING-GUIDING DEVICE), 28... SUCTION MOUTH (SECOND CATCHING-GUIDING DEVICE), 40... FIRST DRIVE PART, 42... SECOND DRIVE PART, 50... STANDBY POSITION DETECTOR (FIRST DETECTOR), 52... CATCHING POSITION DETECTOR (THIRD DETECTOR), 54... STANDBY POSITION DETECTOR (SECOND DETECTOR), P11... STANDBY POSITION (FIRST ORIGIN POSITION), P... PACKAGE, P12... FIRST YARN CATCHING POSITION, P13... FIRST YARN GUIDING POSITION, P21... STANDBY POSITION (SECOND ORIGIN POSITION), P22... SECOND YARN CATCHING POSITION, P23... SECOND YARN GUIDING POSITION, Y1... FIRST YARN, Y2... SECOND YARN.

Claims

1. A spinning machine (1) comprising:

a spinning device (7) configured to twist a fiber bundle (F) to form yarn (Y);

a winding device (13) configured to wind the yarn (Y) formed with the spinning device (7) to form a package (P);

a yarn joining device (26) configured to join first yarn (Y1) from the spinning device (7) and second yarn (Y2) drawn from the package (P) of the winding device (13);

a first catching-guiding device (27) configured to catch the first yarn (Y1) and to be movable between a first yarn catching position (P12) at which the first yarn (Y1) is caught and a first yarn guiding position (P13) at which the first yarn (Y1) is guided to the yarn joining device (26);

a second catching-guiding device (28) configured to catch the second yarn (Y2) and to be movable between a second yarn catching position (P22) at which the second yarn (Y2) is caught and a second yarn guiding position (P23) at which the second yarn (Y2) is guided to the yarn joining device (26);

a first drive part (40) configured to move the first catching-guiding device (27) to the first yarn catching position (P12) and the first yarn guiding position (P13);

a second drive part (42) configured to move the second catching-guiding device (28) to the second yarn catching position (P22) and the second yarn guiding position (P23); and

a control part (15) configured to control the first catching-guiding device (27) to continue movement of the first catching-guiding device (27) to the first yarn catching position (P12) when the first catching-guiding device (27) comes into contact with another object during movement to the first yarn guiding position (P13) .

2. The spinning machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control part (15) controls the second catching-guiding device (28) to stop movement of the second catching-guiding device (28) when the second catching-guiding device (28) comes into contact with another object during movement to the second yarn guiding position (P23).

3. The spinning machine (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control part (15) stops movement of the second catching-guiding device (28) and stops power supply to the second drive part (42).

4. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an urging member (29) configured to urge the second catching-guiding device (28) in a direction from the second yarn catching position (P22) to the second yarn guiding position (P23).

5. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

a first detector (50) configured to detect a first origin position (P11) serving as an origin position of the first catching-guiding device (27); and

a second detector (54) configured to detect a second origin position (P21) serving as an origin position of the second catching-guiding device (28).

6. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control part (15) starts movement of the second catching-guiding device (28) to the second yarn guiding position (P23) earlier than movement of the first catching-guiding device (27) to the first yarn guiding position (P13) when one of the first catching-guiding device (27) and the second catching-guiding device (28) has come into contact with another object.

7. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, in a case where one of the first catching-guiding device (27) and the second catching-guiding device (28) has come into contact with another object, the first catching-guiding device (27) comes into contact with the second catching-guiding device (28) to move the second catching-guiding device (28) in a direction toward the second yarn guiding position (P23) when the first catching-guiding device (27) moves to the first yarn catching position (P12).

8. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a third detector (52) configured to detect that the first catching-guiding device (27) has reached the first yarn catching position (P12), and
the control part (15) stops movement of the first catching-guiding device (27) when the first catching-guiding device (27) is not detected with the third detector (52) within a predetermined time after the first catching-guiding device (27) starts movement.

9. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control part (15) stops an operation of catching the first yarn (Y1) in the first catching-guiding device (27) and/or an operation of catching the second yarn (Y2) in the second catching-guiding device (28) when one of the first catching-guiding device (27) and the second catching-guiding device (28) has come into contact with another object after the first catching-guiding device (27) has caught the first yarn (Y1) and/or the second catching-guiding device (28) has caught the second yarn (Y2).

10. The spinning machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the control part (15) moves the second catching-guiding device (28) to the second yarn catching position (P22) and moves the first catching-guiding device (27) to the first yarn catching position (P12) after moving the second catching-guiding device (28) to the second origin position (P21) and moving the first catching-guiding device (27) to the first origin position (P11) when one of the first catching-guiding device (27) and the second catching-guiding device (28) has come into contact with another object.

11. The spinning machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising:

a plurality of spinning units (2), each of which including the spinning device (7) and the winding device (13); and

at least one carrier (3) configured to travel in an arrangement direction of the spinning units (2) and including the yarn joining device (26), the first catching-guiding device (27), and the second catching-guiding device (28).

Drawing