TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a textile machine, and in more detail, to a configuration
for removing cotton fly, yam waste, and the like, that are generated in a textile
machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In a textile machine, in general, cotton fly, yam waste, and the like (removal object
substances), are routinely generated. If these removal object substances are left
unremoved, they adhere to a product and deteriorate the quality thereof, or cause
a failure of the textile machine itself. Accordingly, in a conventionally known configuration
of the textile machine, a suction stream is applied to an appropriate position to
suck and remove removal object substances. Patent Document 1 discloses a textile machine
including this type of configuration.
[0003] In the textile machine disclosed in the Patent Document 1, a plurality of spinning
units (spindles) are arranged along one direction. Each of the spinning units includes
a cotton fly suction part that sucks removal object substances generated in a spinning
device and the like, and a suction passage that extends from the cotton fly suction
part. A predetermined number of suction passages are configured to meet at a merging
duct (sub duct). In the textile machine, a blower (sub blower) and a cotton fly separator
are provided at the downstream side of the merging duct. The blower (sub blower) generates
a suction stream. The cotton fly separator separates the removal object substances
from the suction stream. The removal object substances separated by the cotton fly
separator are conveyed to a cotton collection box, or the like, by means of a cotton
fly conveyor (for example, a fan (centralized blower) arranged in a blower duct (centralized
duct)). The Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that adopts a centrifugal
separator as the cotton fly separator, and a configuration that adopts a cotton fly
adhesion filter (filter member) as the cotton fly separator.
[0004] The centrifugal separator is configured to separate the removal object substances
and the suction stream from each other by centrifugation. The removal object substances
separated by the centrifugal separator are accumulated in a cotton collection chamber
included in the centrifugal separator. Opening the bottom of the cotton collection
chamber allows the removal object substances accumulated in the centrifugal separator
to fall into, for example, the blower duct due to the gravity. The Patent Document
1 also discloses a configuration in which, instead of transferring the removal object
substances by means of the gravity, the removal object substances are sucked out of
the cotton collection chamber by means of an air stream that the fan generates in
the blower duct, or the like. On the other hand, the suction stream separated by the
centrifugal separator is wholly discharged to the outside, or wholly released into
the blower duct. In a case where the suction stream is released into the blower duct,
the suction stream is used for the conveyance of the removal object substances.
[0005] The cotton fly adhesion filter serving as the cotton fly separator is a filter that
allows the suction stream to pass therethrough and does not allow the removal object
substances to pass therethrough. The cotton fly adhesion filter is arranged between
the merging duct and the blower (sub blower) that generates the suction stream. Such
a configuration enables the removal object substances to adhere to a surface of the
cotton fly adhesion filter in the textile machine. The removal object substances adhering
to the cotton fly adhesion filter are fed to the above-mentioned blower duct, or the
like.
PRIOR-ART DOCUMENTS
PATENT DOCUMENTS
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2009-97109
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
[0007] However, in a case where the centrifugal separator is adopted as the cotton fly separator
and the separated suction stream is wholly discharged to the outside, the suction
stream does not convey the removal object substances in the blower duct (or does not
assist the conveyance). This may require a high output of the fan in the blower duct.
On the other hand, in a case where the separated suction stream is wholly released
into the blower duct so that the suction stream conveys the removal object substances,
the air sucked or sent out by the fan in the blower duct may flow with an excessively
high flow rate. Accordingly, in either of the cases where the separated suction stream
is wholly discharged to the outside and where the separated suction stream is wholly
released into the blower duct, there is a fear that the sizes and costs of the fan
and the blower duct may increase.
[0008] Additionally, the centrifugal separator tends to have a larger size and a more complicated
configuration than a filter and the like. Therefore, adoption of a centrifugal machine
may undesirably increase the size and cost of the textile machine.
[0009] In a case where the cotton fly adhesion filter is adopted as the cotton fly separator,
the following problem occurs. The Patent Document 1 merely discloses that it is possible
to adopt the cotton fly adhesion filter as the cotton fly separator, and does not
disclose a method for sending the removal object substances adhering to the cotton
fly adhesion filter to the blower duct or the like, the path and strength of the suction
stream in the vicinity of the cotton fly adhesion filter, and the like. Thus, there
is a possibility that the removal object substances adhering to the cotton fly adhesion
filter cannot be appropriately sent to the blower duct or the like, and the removal
object substances may remain accumulated in the cotton fly adhesion filter. In such
a case, the suction force of the blower is partially blocked by the removal object
substances, and therefore the removal object substances generated in a spinning device
or the like cannot be sufficiently sucked.
[0010] Moreover, the Patent Document 1 does not disclose the behavior of the suction stream
separated by the cotton fly adhesion filter. If the suction stream is released in
the same manner as the case where the centrifugal separator is adopted, there is a
fear that the sizes and costs of the fan and the blower duct may increase, similarly
to the above.
[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above,
and a primary object of the present invention is to provide a textile machine that
enables cotton fly, yam waste, and the like, to be removed with a compact configuration.
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS AND EFFECTS THEREOF
[0012] Problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above, and next,
means for solving the problems and effects thereof will be described.
[0013] In an aspect of the present invention, a textile machine having the following configuration
is provided. The textile machine includes a winding unit, a sub duct, a sub blower,
a filter member, a discharge part, a centralized duct, and a centralized blower. The
sub duct is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the winding
units. A removal object substance generated in the winding unit flows in the sub duct.
The sub blower generates, within the sub duct, a suction stream for sucking the removal
object substance. The filter member is arranged in the sub duct, and allows part of
the suction stream to pass therethrough. The discharge part discharges the part of
the suction stream having passed through the filter member. The centralized duct is
connected to the sub duct. Part of the suction stream not having passed through the
filter member and the removal object substance flow in the centralized duct. The centralized
blower generates, within the centralized duct, an air stream for moving the removal
object substance. The flow rate of the suction stream that is discharged from the
discharge part is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream that flows from
the sub duct to the centralized duct.
[0014] Accordingly, in the textile machine, occurrence of a situation can be prevented where
a large amount of the suction stream, which is generated by the sub blower, flows
from the sub duct into the centralized duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that
is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower can be reduced. Additionally, the
textile machine is able to move the removal object substance to the centralized duct
(or assist the movement) by using the suction stream flowing toward the centralized
duct. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized
blower can be reduced. Due to the above-described configuration, the centralized blower
and the centralized duct provided in the textile machine can be made compact. Moreover,
the textile machine separates the suction stream and the removal object substance
from each other by means of the filter member. This configuration is able to make
the size of the apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by
means of a centrifugal device or the like.
[0015] In the textile machine, it is preferable that the filter member is arranged in the
vicinity of a portion where the sub duct and the centralized duct are connected to
each other.
[0016] Accordingly, in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct and the centralized
duct are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the most downstream portion of
the sub duct), the suction stream is divided into a part in the centralized duct side
and a part in the discharge part side. Therefore, when the removal object substance
flows and reaches the downstream side of the filter member, the air stream generated
by the centralized blower immediately acts on the removal object substance. Accordingly,
in the textile machine, the suction stream generated by the sub blower can be effectively
used to move the removal object substance.
[0017] In the textile machine, it is preferable that a lengthwise direction of the sub duct
and a lengthwise direction of the centralized duct are in parallel with each other.
[0018] This enables a compact arrangement of the sub duct and the centralized duct, and
therefore the textile machine can be further downsized.
[0019] Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The sub duct and the centralized
duct are arranged such that the removal object substance moves in the same direction.
The filter member is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized
duct such that a portion of the filter member located more downstream in the sub duct
with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object substance is closer
to the centralized duct.
[0020] Accordingly, in the textile machine, the removal object substance is able to move
to the centralized duct while rolling along the filter member in a direction inclined
relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct. This can suppress an
accumulation of the removal object substance on the filter member.
[0021] In the textile machine, it is preferable that the sub duct is configured such that,
with respect to a direction in which the suction stream flows in the sub duct. a cross-sectional
area of a flow passage at the downstream side of the filter member is smaller than
a cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the upstream side of the filter member.
[0022] Accordingly, even though part of the suction stream is discharged through the filter
member and the discharge part, the flow velocity of the suction stream within the
sub duct is not easily reduced. This can strongly move the removal object substance
to the centralized duct.
[0023] Preferably, the textile machine includes a control part that controls at least one
of the strength of the suction stream generated by the sub blower and the strength
of the air stream generated by the centralized blower.
[0024] Accordingly, in the textile machine, the control part controls the strength of the
suction stream or the air stream, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity of
the filter member can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object
substance on the filter member is prevented, which can save the trouble of maintenance
of the filter member.
[0025] In the textile machine, it is preferable that the filter member has a mesh-like configuration,
and a mesh of the filter member is smaller than the removal object substance.
[0026] Accordingly, the suction stream and the removal object substance can be accurately
separated from each other with a simple configuration.
[0027] Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The textile machine includes
at least two said sub ducts. The size of an opening located in a portion where the
centralized duct is connected to the sub duct closer to the centralized blower is
smaller than the size of an opening located in a portion where the centralized duct
is connected to the sub duct farther from the centralized blower.
[0028] Accordingly, in the textile machine, occurrence of a situation is suppressed where
the strength of the air stream acting on the sub duct varies depending on the distance
from the centralized blower. That is, even though the sub duct is located farther
from the centralized blower, the strength of the air stream acting on this sub duct
is not easily reduced.
[0029] In the textile machine, it is preferable that a block member is provided between
the sub blower and the filter member, the block member being configured to temporarily
block the suction stream flowing from the sub duct toward the discharge part.
[0030] Since the block member temporarily blocks the suction stream flowing from the sub
duct toward the discharge part, the removal object substance accumulated on the filter
member is easily separated away from the filter member and collected by the centralized
duct, which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member.
[0031] Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The winding unit includes
a draft device, a spinning device, and a winding device. The draft device drafts a
sliver. The spinning device applies twists to the sliver drafted by the draft device,
to produce a spun yam. The winding device winds the spun yam produced by the spinning
device into a package.
[0032] Accordingly, the above-described effects can be achieved in a spinning machine.
[0033] Preferably, the textile machine is configured as follows. The winding unit includes
a yam supply part and a winding device. The yam supply part supplies a spun yarn.
The winding device winds the spun yam into a package.
[0034] Accordingly, the above-described effects can be achieved in a yarn winding machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035]
[FIG. 1] A front elevational view of a spinning machine according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[FIG. 2] A vertical cross-sectional view of the spinning machine.
[FIG. 3] A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly
removal part.
[FIG. 4] A diagram showing an operation of a block member provided in a cotton fly
removal part according to a first modification.
[FIG. 5] A horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cotton fly
removal part according to a second modification.
[FIG. 6] A top view of a cross-section showing, on an enlarged scale, a configuration
of a cotton fly removal part according to a third modification.
[FIG. 7] A front elevational view of an automatic winder according to a fourth modification.
EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0036] Next, a fine spinning machine (textile machine) according to an embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In a description
of an overall configuration of the fine spinning machine, the terms "upstream" and
"downstream" mean the upstream and the downstream with respect to a direction of traveling
of a yarn at a time of spinning. FIG. 1 is a front elevational view showing an overall
configuration of a fine spinning machine 1. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view
of the fine spinning machine 1.
[0037] The fine spinning machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, which serves as a yam winding machine,
includes a large number of spinning units (winding units) 2 arranged side by side.
The fine spinning machine 1 mainly includes a yarn splicing cart 3, a blower box 4,
and a motor box 5.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, each spinning unit 2 mainly includes a draft device 7, a spinning
device 9, a cotton fly removal part 30, a yam accumulation device 12, and a winding
device 13, which are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. The draft
device 7 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of a frame 6 included in the
fine spinning machine 1. A fiber bundle 8 fed from the draft device 7 is spun by the
spinning device 9. The spinning device 9 sends out a spun yarn 10, which then passes
through a yarn clearer 52 which will be described later, and then passes through the
yam accumulation device 12, too. Then, the winding device 13 winds the spun yam 10
onto a bobbin 48, thereby forming a package 45.
[0039] The draft device 7 stretches a sliver 15, into the fiber bundle 8. As shown in FIG.
2, the draft device 7 includes four roller pairs, namely, a back roller pair 16, a
third roller pair 17, a middle roller pair 19 having an apron belt 18 mounted thereon,
and a front roller pair 20.
[0040] The spinning device 9 has a swirling flow generation chamber (not shown) that allows
the fiber bundle 8 to pass therethrough. The spinning device 9 injects compressed
air through a nozzle (not shown) into the swirling flow generation chamber, and thereby
generates a swirling airflow within the swirling flow generation chamber. The spinning
device 9 applies twists to the fiber bundle 8 by using this swirling airflow, and
thus produces the spun yam 10.
[0041] In the spinning device 9, cotton fly (removal object substance), which is a fiber
that has not been twisted into the spun yam 10 at a time of spinning, is generated.
The removal object substances are conveyed to, for example, a cotton collection box
(not shown) via a suction pipe 37, a sub duct 32, and a centralized duct 36 that are
provided in the cotton fly removal part 30. This prevents the removal object substances
from being accumulated within the swirling flow generation chamber. Therefore, the
generation of the swirling flow is not hindered. A detailed configuration of the cotton
fly removal part 30 will be described later.
[0042] The yam accumulation device 12 is provided downstream of the spinning device 9. The
yarn accumulation device 12 has a function for applying a predetermined tension to
the spun yam 10 and pulling out the spun yam 10 from the spinning device 9, a function
for preventing a yam slack by accumulating the spun yam 10 that has been fed from
the spinning device 9 at a time when, for example, yam splicing is performed by the
yarn splicing cart 3, and a function for adjusting a yarn tension such that a fluctuation
of the yam tension at the winding device 13 side is not transmitted to the spinning
device 9 side. As shown in FIG. 2, the yam accumulation device 12 includes a yam accumulation
roller 21, a yam engagement member 22, an upstream guide 23, an electric motor 25,
and a downstream guide 26.
[0043] The yam engagement member 22 is configured to be engaged in (hook) the spun yarn
10. The yarn engagement member 22 is engaged with the spun yam 10, and in this condition,
rotate integrally with the yam accumulation roller 21, so that the spun yam 10 is
guided to an outer circumferential surface of the yam accumulation roller 21.
[0044] The yam accumulation roller 21 is configured such that the spun yam 10 is wound and
accumulated on the outer circumferential surface thereof. The yam accumulation roller
21 is driven and rotated at a constant speed by the electric motor 25.
[0045] The yam engagement member 22 is supported in such a manner that it is rotatable relative
to the yarn accumulation roller 21. In the yam engagement member 22, by means of,
for example, a torque generator including magnetic means or the like. a torque (resistance
torque) is generated that acts against the rotation of the yarn engagement member
22 relative to the yarn accumulation roller 21. In this configuration, when the yarn
engagement member 22 is engaged with the spun yarn 10 and additionally the tension
applied to the spun yarn 10 is strong enough to surpass the resistance torque, the
yarn engagement member 22 rotates independently of the yarn accumulation roller 21,
to unwind the spun yam 10 from the yarn accumulation roller 21. On the other hand,
when the tension applied to the spun yam 10 is weaker than the resistance torque,
the yam engagement member 22 rotates integrally with the yam accumulation roller 21,
to wind the spun yam 10 onto the yarn accumulation roller 21.
[0046] In this manner, the yam accumulation device 12 operates such that the spun yarn 10
is wound onto the yarn accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yam 10
is decreased (when the spun yam 10 is likely to slack) while the spun yarn 10 is unwound
from the yam accumulation device 12 when the tension of the spun yam 10 is increased.
Thereby, a slack of the spun yam 10 can be eliminated, and an appropriate tension
can be applied thereto. The yarn engagement member 22, which acts so as to absorb
a fluctuation of the tension that is applied to the spun yam 10 located between the
yarn accumulation device 12 and the winding device 13 as described above, can prevent
the fluctuation of the tension from affecting the spun yam 10 located between the
spinning device 9 and the yam accumulation device 12. This enables the yam accumulation
device 12 to pull out the spun yam 10 from the spinning device 9 at a more stable
speed.
[0047] The upstream guide 23 is arranged slightly upstream of the yam accumulation roller
21. The upstream guide 23 is configured as a guide member for appropriately guiding
the spun yarn 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the yarn accumulation roller
21. The upstream guide 23 also serves as a twist stopper for preventing the twists
of the spun yarn 10, which comes from the spinning device 9, from being transmitted
to the downstream of the upstream guide 23.
[0048] The yarn clearer 52 is arranged at the front side of the frame 6 of the fine spinning
machine 1 and positioned between the spinning device 9 and the yam accumulation device
12. The spun yam 10, which has been spun by the spinning device 9, passes through
the yam clearer 52 before being wound onto the yam accumulation device 12. The yarn
clearer 52 monitors the thickness of the traveling spun yarn 10. When a yam defect
of the spun yam 10 is detected, the yam clearer 52 transmits a yam defect detection
signal to a unit controller (not shown). It may be also possible that the yarn clearer
52 is configured to detect not only an abnormality of the thickness of the spun yam
10 but also the presence or absence of a foreign substance in the spun yam 10.
[0049] Upon a reception of the yarn defect detection signal from the yam clearer 52, the
unit controller cuts the spun yam 10 by immediately stopping the driving of the draft
device 7 while keeping the driving of the winding device 13, and additionally stops
a spinning operation of the spinning device 9, a winding operation of the winding
device 13, and the like. Moreover, the unit controller transmits a control signal
to the yam splicing cart 3, to move the yam splicing cart 3 to the front of the spinning
unit 2. Then, the unit controller drives the draft device 7 and the spinning device
9 again, causes the yarn splicing cart 3 to perform yam splicing, and restarts the
winding operation of the winding device 13. At this stage, in a time period from when
the spinning device 9 restarts the spinning operation to when the winding operation
of the winding device 13 is restarted, the yam accumulation device 12 accumulates
the spun yarn 10, which is continuously fed from the spinning device 9, on the yam
accumulation roller 21 and eliminates a slack of the spun yam 10.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the yam splicing cart 3 includes a splicer (yarn splicing
device) 43, a suction pipe 44, and a suction mouth 46. When a yarn cut or a yarn breakage
occurs in a certain spinning unit 2, the yarn splicing cart 3 travels on a rail 41
to the certain spinning unit 2, and stops. The suction pipe 44 vertically swings around
a shaft, and sucks and catches a yam end fed from the spinning device 9. Then, the
suction pipe 44 guides the yam end to the splicer 43. The suction mouth 46 vertically
swings around a shaft, and sucks and catches a yarn end from the package 45 that is
supported on the winding device 13. Then, the suction mouth 46 guides the yam end
to the splicer 43. The splicer 43 splices the yam ends guided thereto with each other.
[0051] The suction pipe 44 is vertically swingable around the shaft, and configured to suck
and catch the yam end (upper yarn) fed from the spinning device 9 and guide the yarn
end to the splicer 43. The suction mouth 46 is vertically swingable around the shaft,
and configured to suck and catch the yam end (lower yam) from the package 45 that
is supported on the winding device 13 and guide the yam end to the splicer 43. The
splicer 43 is configured to splice the upper yam with the lower yarn by twisting these
yarn ends together by using a swirling airflow, though a description of a detailed
configuration of the splicer 43 is omitted herein.
[0052] The winding device 13 includes a cradle arm 71 supported such that it is swingable
around a support shaft 70. The cradle arm 71 is able to rotatably support a bobbin
48 on which the spun yam 10 is wound.
[0053] The winding device 13 includes a winding drum 72 and a traverse device 75. The winding
drum 72 is driven in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the bobbin 48
or an outer circumferential surface of the package 45 which is formed as a result
of the spun yarn 10 being wound onto the bobbin 48. The traverse device 75 includes
a traverse guide 76 that is engageable with the spun yarn 10. In this configuration,
driving the winding drum 72 by means of an electric motor (not shown) while reciprocating
the traverse guide 76 by means of drive means (not shown) enables the package 45 that
is in contact with the winding drum 72 to be rotated, to thereby wind the spun yam
10 with traversing.
[0054] Next, a configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described mainly
with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration
of the cotton fly removal part 30. In a description of the cotton fly removal part
30, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" mean the upstream and the downstream with
respect to a direction of conveyance of the removal object substances.
[0055] Firstly, a brief description will be given to a path through which cotton fly and
the like (hereinafter, referred to as removal object substances) generated in the
spinning device 9 flows. In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the suction
pipe 37 illustrated in FIG. 2 is arranged corresponding to each of the spinning units
2. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub duct 32 is connected to the downstream side of the
suction pipe 37. One sub duct 32 is connected to the suction pipes 37 arranged in
a predetermined number of the spinning units 2 (in this embodiment, twenty spinning
units 2). In this embodiment, one suction pipe 37 is arranged for one spinning unit
2. Thus, twenty suction pipes 37 are connected to one sub duct 32. As shown in FIG.
3, the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a plurality of the sub ducts 32. All the
sub ducts 32 are, at the downstream side thereof, connected to one centralized duct
36. As shown in FIG. 3, the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 are in parallel
with each other with respect to the lengthwise direction thereof. Each of the sub
ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped
shape with a constant dimension with respect to the front-back direction of the fine
spinning machine 1 (the horizontal direction of FIG. 2, or the direction perpendicular
to the drawing plane of FIG. 3).
[0056] Next, components provided in the cotton fly removal part 30 will be described in
detail. As shown in FIG. 3, the cotton fly removal part 30 includes a filter member
33 and a sub blower 31.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity of a portion
where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in
the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32), and positioned between the
sub blower 31 and the sub duct 32. The filter member 33 has a mesh-like configuration.
The mesh is configured to prevent removal object substances 81 from passing therethrough
but allow air to pass therethrough. The filter member 33 is arranged in an inclined
manner such that a more downstream portion of the filter member 33 is closer to the
centralized duct 36.
[0058] The sub blower 31 is arranged in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32
and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the downstream
end of the sub duct 32). The sub blower 31 sucks, via the filter member 33, the air
existing at the sub duct 32 side, and generates a suction stream 82 within the sub
duct 32, the suction pipe 37, and the like. The suction stream 82 is mainly used for
moving the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 to the
vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32 via the suction pipe 37.
[0059] In the vicinity of the downstream end of the sub duct 32 (above the filter member
33), part of the suction stream 82 passes through the filter member 33 and flows in
a discharge pipe 61, to be discharged to the outside by a discharge part 62 that is
arranged in an appropriate position. The rest of the suction stream 82 flows along
the filter member 33 and passes through an opening 34 formed between the sub duct
32 and the centralized duct 36, to be introduced into the centralized duct 36. Due
to the latter suction stream 82 (the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member
33), the removal object substances 81 drift to the centralized duct 36 while rolling
on the filter member 33.
[0060] A centralized blower 35 is arranged within the blower box 4 and near one end portion
of the centralized duct 36 (FIG. 1). The centralized blower 35 produces negative pressure
at the downstream side of the centralized duct 36, to thereby generate an air stream
83 within the centralized duct 36. This air stream 83 drifts the removal object substances
81 to a cotton collection box (not shown) that is arranged in one end portion of the
centralized duct 36.
[0061] In the present invention, the suction stream 82 that is discharged by the discharge
part 62 has a larger flow rate than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that flows
along the filter member 33 and is introduced into the centralized duct 36. Therefore,
the flow rate of the air stream 83 sucked by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced.
This enables a reduction in the power consumption of the centralized blower 35. This
also enables downsizing of the centralized blower 35 as compared with the conventional.
[0062] Meanwhile, above the filter member 33, part of the suction stream 82 flows in a direction
perpendicular to the filter member 33 (toward the sub blower 31). Therefore, the removal
object substances 81 receive a force that presses them against the filter member 33.
As a result, the removal object substances 81 tend to be caught by the filter member
33. This makes it likely that the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on
the filter member 33. However, this embodiment adopts a configuration that prevents
a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in a direction
parallel to the filter member 33 (toward the centralized duct 36). Therefore, it is
not likely that the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the filter member
33. In the following, a description will be given to the configuration that prevents
a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction
parallel to the filter member 33.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the sub duct 32 is configured such that, in the vicinity of an
area where the filter member 33 is arranged, a wall surface of the sub duct 32 farther
from the centralized duct 36 approaches to the centralized duct 36 as the wall surface
comes farther from the upstream side and closer to the downstream side. As described
above, the dimension of the sub duct 32 with respect to the front-back direction of
the fine spinning machine 1 (the direction perpendicular to the drawing plane of FIG.
3) is constant. Therefore, the cross-sectional area (size) of the sub duct 32 gradually
decreases toward the downstream side. Such a narrowing shape can suppress a reduction
in the flow velocity of the suction stream 82 flowing along the filter member 33.
This can suppress a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing
in the direction parallel to the filter member 33. As a result, an accumulation of
the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
[0064] In this embodiment, as described above, the filter member 33 is arranged in the vicinity
of the portion (opening 34) where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are
connected to each other. Accordingly, the degree to which the air stream 83 generated
by the centralized blower 35 sucks the removal object substances 81 flowing along
the filter member 33 becomes stronger at a more downstream location. That is, as the
removal object substances 81 move along the filter member 33 toward the downstream,
the removal object substances 81 are sucked by the suction stream 82 with a weaker
suction force, which however can be compensated for by a suction force of the air
stream 83. As a result, a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances
81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33 is not likely to occur.
Thus, an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33
is not likely to occur.
[0065] A pressure loss increases in accordance with the distance from the blower. Therefore,
in the sub duct 32 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35, the suction pressure
of the air stream 83 is weaker. In this respect, the cotton fly removal part 30 of
this embodiment is configured such that the size of the opening 34 increases at a
location farther from the centralized blower 35 so that a reduction in the suction
force of the air stream 83 is prevented.
[0066] To be specific, a width of the opening 34 with respect to the horizontal direction
of the fine spinning machine 1 (the direction of conveyance of the removal object
substances 81, or the horizontal direction of FIG. 3) increases at a location farther
from the centralized blower 35 (FIG. 3). As described above, each of the sub ducts
32 and the centralized duct 36 has a constant dimension with respect to the front-back
direction of the fine spinning machine 1 (the direction perpendicular to the drawing
plane of FIG. 3). Therefore, the above-mentioned width is proportional to the cross-sectional
area (size) of the opening 34.
[0067] In the above-described manner, a reduction in the speed of the removal object substances
81 flowing in the direction parallel to the filter member 33 is prevented. Thereby,
even though the removal object substances 81 are pressed against the filter member
33, the removal object substances 81 are able to move to the centralized duct 36 while
rolling on the filter member 33. As a result, an accumulation of the removal object
substances 81 on the filter member 33 is prevented, which can save the trouble of
maintenance of the filter member 33.
[0068] As thus far described above, the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment includes
the spinning unit 2, the sub duct 32, the sub blower 31, the filter member 33, the
discharge part 62, the centralized duct 36, and the centralized blower 35. The sub
duct 32 is arranged corresponding to each of a predetermined number of the spinning
units 2 (twenty spinning units 2). The removal object substances 81 generated in the
spinning unit 2 flow in the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates, within the sub
duct 32, the suction stream 82 for sucking the removal object substances 81. The filter
member 33 is arranged in the sub duct 32, and allow part of the suction stream 82
to pass therethrough. The discharge part 62 discharges the suction stream 82 having
passed through the filter member 33. The centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub
duct 32. Part of the suction stream 82 not having passed through the filter member
33, and the removal object substances 81, flow in the centralized duct 36. The centralized
blower 35 generates, within the centralized duct 36, the air stream 83 for moving
the removal object substances 81. The flow rate of the suction stream 82 that is discharged
from the discharge part 62 is larger than the flow rate of the suction stream 82 that
flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36.
[0069] Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, occurrence of a situation can be prevented
where a large amount of the suction stream 82, which is generated by the sub blower
31, flows from the sub duct 32 into the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate
of the air that is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced.
Additionally, the fine spinning machine 1 is able to move the removal object substances
81 to the centralized duct 36 (or assist the movement) by using the suction stream
82 flowing toward the centralized duct 36. Therefore, the flow rate of the air that
is sucked or sent out by the centralized blower 35 can be reduced. Due to the above-described
configuration, the centralized blower 35 and the centralized duct 36 provided in the
fine spinning machine 1 can be made compact. Moreover, the fine spinning machine 1
separates the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 from each other
by means of the filter member 33. This configuration is able to make the size of the
apparatus more compact than a configuration that separates them by means of a centrifugal
machine or the like.
[0070] In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the filter member 33 is arranged
in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are
connected to each other.
[0071] Accordingly, in the vicinity of the portion where the sub duct 32 and the centralized
duct 36 are connected to each other (in the vicinity of the most downstream portion
of the sub duct 32), the suction stream 82 is divided into a part in the centralized
duct 36 side and a part in the discharge part 62 side. Therefore, when the removal
object substances 81 flow and reach the downstream side of the filter member 33, the
air stream 83 in the centralized blower 35 side immediately acts on the removal object
substances 81. Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the suction stream 82
generated by the sub blower 31 is effectively used to move the removal object substances
81, so that an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member
33 is suppressed.
[0072] In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the lengthwise direction of the
sub duct 32 and the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct 36 are in parallel
with each other.
[0073] This enables a compact arrangement of the sub ducts 32 and the centralized duct 36,
and therefore an increase in the size of the fine spinning machine 1 can be prevented.
[0074] In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the sub ducts 32 and the centralized
duct 36 are arranged such that the removal object substances 81 are moved in the same
direction. The filter member 33 is inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of
the centralized duct 36 such that a portion of the filter member 33 located more downstream
in the sub duct 32 with respect to the direction of movement of the removal object
substances 81 is closer to the centralized duct 36.
[0075] Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the removal object substances 81 are
able to move to the centralized duct 36 while rolling along the filter member 33 in
a direction inclined relative to the lengthwise direction of the centralized duct
36. This can suppress an accumulation of the removal object substances 81 on the filter
member 33.
[0076] In the fine spinning machine 1 of the this embodiment, the sub duct 32 is configured
such that, with respect to the direction in which the suction stream 82 within the
sub duct 32 flows, the cross-sectional area of a flow passage at the downstream side
of the filter member 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a flow passage
at the upstream side of the filter member 33.
[0077] Accordingly, even though part of the suction stream 82 is discharged through the
filter member 33 and the discharge part 62, the flow velocity of the suction stream
82 within the sub duct 32 is not easily reduced. This can strongly move the removal
object substances 81 to the centralized duct 36, and avoid an accumulation of the
removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33.
[0078] In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the filter member 33 has a mesh-like
configuration, and the mesh of the filter member 33 is smaller than the removal object
substances 81.
[0079] Accordingly, the suction stream 82 and the removal object substances 81 can be accurately
separated from each other with a simple configuration.
[0080] In the fine spinning machine 1 of this embodiment, the fine spinning machine 1 includes
at least two sub ducts 32 (in this embodiment, twenty sub ducts 32). The size of an
opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub
duct 32 arranged closer to the centralized blower 35 is smaller than the size of an
opening located in the portion where the centralized duct 36 is connected to the sub
duct 32 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35.
[0081] Accordingly, occurrence of a situation is avoided where the strength of the air stream
83 varies depending on the distance from the centralized blower 35 (even at a location
farther from the centralized blower 35, the strength of the air stream 83 is not easily
reduced).
[0082] Next, modifications (first to fourth modifications) of the above-described embodiment
will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation
of a block member 39 provided in a cotton fly removal part 30a according to a first
modification. FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration
of a cotton fly removal part 30b according to a second modification. FIG. 6 is a top
view of a cross-section showing, on an enlarged scale, a configuration of a cotton
fly removal part 30c according to a third modification. FIG. 7 is a front elevational
view of an automatic winder according to a fourth modification. In the first to fourth
modifications described below, members identical or similar to those of the above-described
embodiment will be denoted by the same corresponding reference signs on the drawings,
and a description thereof may be sometimes omitted.
[0083] Firstly, the first modification will be described. As shown in (b) of FIG. 4, the
cotton fly removal part 30a according to the first modification has the same configuration
as that of the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described embodiment, except
that a block member 39 is additionally provided. The block member 39 is made of a
material that is able to prevent the suction stream 82 from passing therethrough.
The position of the block member 39 is switchable between a first position (FIG. 4(b))
and a second position. In the first position, the block member 39 is arranged between
the sub blower 31 and the filter member 33, so that the block member 39 is able to
prevent the suction stream 82 from flowing from the filter member 33 to the discharge
pipe 61 side. In the second position, the block member 39 does not block the filter
member 33. For switching between the first position and the second position, for example,
an operator may implement the switching. or alternatively the switching may be automatically
implemented depending on the situation (or at predetermined time intervals).
[0084] Next, a description will be given to a timing for switching the position of the block
member 39 and the behavior of the removal object substances 81 at a time when the
position is switched. Normally, the block member 39 is placed in the second position.
The cotton fly removal part 30 of this embodiment is configured such that an accumulation
of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 does not likely to occur,
but nevertheless, a long-term use thereof may cause the removal object substances
81 to be accumulated on the filter member 33 (FIG. 4(a)). In such a situation, the
sub blower 31 faces a difficulty in sucking the air existing in the sub duct 32, which
weakens the suction stream 82 generated within the sub duct 32 by the sub blower 31.
As a result, the removal object substances 81 generated in the spinning device 9 cannot
be appropriately sucked.
[0085] In this modification, when the removal object substances 81 are accumulated on the
filter member 33 in this manner, the position of the block member 39 is switched from
the second position to the first position. As a result, the removal object substances
81 that is no longer sucked toward the discharge pipe 61 side are easily separated
away from the filter member 33. Thus, the suction force of the air stream 83 generated
by the centralized blower 35 easily drifts the removal object substances 81 toward
the centralized duct 36 side. In the above-described manner, the removal object substances
81 accumulated on the filter member 33 can be removed.
[0086] Next, the second modification will be described. The cotton fly removal part 30b
of the second modification is configured such that, unlike the above-described embodiment,
the cross-sectional areas (sizes) of the openings 34 are equal (FIG. 5). Additionally,
the cotton fly removal part 30b includes a sub blower control part (control part)
51 that is configured to adjust the suction force of the suction stream 82 generated
by the sub blower 31. The sub blower control part 51 is configured to adjust the suction
force of the suction stream 82 by, for example, changing the speed of rotation of
a blade included in the sub blower 31. The sub blower control part 51 includes, for
example, an inverter control part, and is configured to perform a first control in
accordance with the distance of the sub blower 31 from the centralized blower 35 and
a second control in accordance with the winding conditions.
[0087] Firstly, the first control performed by the sub blower control part 51 will be described.
The sub blower control part 51 performs a control such that the sub blower 31 arranged
farther from the centralized blower 35 generates the suction stream 82 with a greater
suction force. In such a configuration, even in the sub duct 32 located farther from
the centralized blower 35, the suction force of the suction stream 82 can be increased
so as to compensate for the reduced suction force of the air stream 83. Accordingly,
the removal object substances 81 existing within the sub duct 32 can be appropriately
conveyed to the centralized duct 36. Such a control enables the openings 34 of the
respective sub ducts 32 to have the same width. This can simplify manufacturing and
assembling of the sub duct 32 or the like.
[0088] Instead of the configuration of the cotton fly removal part 30b, a configuration
is also adoptable in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided and the
sub blower 31 arranged farther from the centralized blower 35 has a higher output.
In such a case as well, the widths of the openings 34 of the respective sub ducts
32 can be the same.
[0089] Next, the second control performed by the sub blower control part 51 in accordance
with the winding conditions, will be described. The degree to which an accumulation
of the removal object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is likely to occur varies
depending on the winding conditions. For example, when an accumulation of the removal
object substances 81 is likely to occur, the sub blower control part 51 reduces the
suction force of the suction stream 82 so that the suction force of the suction stream
82 has less influence than the suction force of the air stream 83. As a result, the
speed of the removal object substances 81 flowing in the direction along the filter
member 33 can be increased. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal object substances
81 on the filter member 33 is less likely to occur.
[0090] Instead (or in addition to) the sub blower control part 51, a centralized blower
control part may be provided that controls the suction force of the air stream 83
generated by the centralized blower 35. In such a case, when an accumulation of the
removal object substances 81 is likely to occur, the suction force of the air stream
83 can be increased so that the speed of the removal object substances 81 in the direction
along the filter member 33 is increased. Thus, the accumulation can be avoided.
[0091] Next, the third modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, in the cotton
fly removal part 30c of the third modification, a plurality of suction pipes 37 are
connected in an area extending from both lengthwise sides to a central portion of
the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 and the filter member 33 are arranged in the vicinity
of the central portion of the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates, within the
sub duct 32, the suction stream 82 that is directed from both lengthwise sides to
the center of the sub duct 32.
[0092] In this configuration, the removal object substances 81, which have flowed in the
suction pipes 37 and reached the sub duct 32, flow toward the center of the sub duct
32. Then, similarly to the above-described embodiment, part of the suction stream
82 is discharged by the discharge part 62 via the filter member 33 and the discharge
pipe 61. The removal object substances are drifted while rolling on the filter member
33, and flow to the centralized duct 36.
[0093] Next, the fourth modification will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth
modification, the present invention is applied to an automatic winder instead of the
fine spinning machine. The automatic winder includes a plurality of winder units (winding
units) 100 arranged side by side. The automatic winder includes a cotton fly removal
part 30d having a configuration equivalent to the configuration of any of the above-described
embodiments and modifications thereof.
[0094] In the following, a brief description will be given to a configuration of the winder
unit 100. In the winder unit 100, a yam supply part 90 unwinds a spun yam 92 from
a yarn supply bobbin 93, and a tension applying member 94 applies a predetermined
winding tension to the spun yarn 92, and in this condition, a winding drum 98 provided
in a winding device 97 traverses and winds the spun yarn 92 onto a surface of a package
99. The winder unit 100 further includes a yarn defect detection device 96 and a yam
splicing device 95. The yam defect detection device 96 monitors a yarn defect of the
traveling spun yam 92. The yarn splicing device 95 splices an upper yam at the package
99 side with a lower yam at the yarn supply bobbin 93 side at a time of yam breakage.
The yam supply part 90 may adopt, for example, a configuration in which the yam supply
bobbin 93 is conveyed by a bobbin conveyance system, or a configuration in which the
yarn supply bobbin 93 is fed from a magazine-type feed system, though a description
of a detailed configuration of the yam supply part 90 is omitted herein.
[0095] The winder unit 100 has a suction port 91 arranged adjacent to a yam path through
which the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yam supply bobbin 93 passes. The suction port
91 is arranged slightly upstream of the yarn supply part 90, and positioned rearward
of the tension applying member 94. The suction port 91 is connected via the suction
pipe 37 to the sub duct 32. The sub blower 31 generates a suction stream, to thereby
suck and remove removal object substances such as cotton fly and yam waste adhering
to the spun yarn 92 unwound from the yam supply bobbin 93. Thus, the removal object
substances can be conveyed to the centralized duct 36. The removal object substances
having been conveyed to the centralized duct 36 are transported to, for example, a
cotton collection box by means of the air stream 83 generated by the centralized blower
35, and then disposed of.
[0096] The suction port, the centralized duct, and the sub duct may be placed at any positions.
For example, as indicated by the dot-dash lines in FIG. 7, the suction port 91, the
sub duct 32, and the centralized duct 36 may be arranged near the yarn supply part
90.
[0097] As thus far described above, in the fine spinning machine 1 of the first modification
described above, the block member 39 is provided between the sub blower 31 and the
filter member 33. The block member 39 is configured to temporarily block the suction
stream 82 flowing from the sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62.
[0098] Since the block member 39 temporarily blocks the suction stream 82 flowing from the
sub duct 32 toward the discharge part 62, the removal object substances 81 are easily
separated away from the filter member 33. This enables the removal object substances
81 accumulated on the filter member 33 to easily move to the centralized duct 36 side,
which can save the trouble of maintenance of the filter member 33.
[0099] In the fine spinning machine 1 of the second modification described above, the sub
blower control part 51 for controlling the suction force of the suction stream 82
generated by the sub blowers 31 is provided.
[0100] Accordingly, in the fine spinning machine 1, the sub blower control part 51 controls
the suction force of the suction stream 82, and thereby a flow of the air in the vicinity
of the filter member 33 can be adjusted. Therefore, an accumulation of the removal
object substances 81 on the filter member 33 is prevented, which can save the trouble
of maintenance of the filter member 33. However, the fine spinning machine 1 of the
above-described embodiment, in which the sub blower control part 51 is not provided,
has an advantage of simplification of the configuration, suppression of energy consumption,
and the like.
[0101] In the fourth modification described above, the winder unit 100 includes the yarn
supply part 90 and the winding device 13. The yam supply part 90 supplies the spun
yam 92. The winding device 97 winds the spun yam 92, into a package.
[0102] Accordingly, the effects of the present invention are achieved in an automatic winder.
[0103] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention and modifications thereof have
been described above, the above-described configurations can be changed, for example,
as follows.
[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the size of the opening 34 located in the portion
where the sub duct 32 and the centralized duct 36 are connected to each other is changed.
Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted. In the second modification,
the openings 34 have the same size, and the sub blower control part 51 controls the
sub blower 31. Thereby, the strength of the air stream 83 is adjusted. In still another
modification, it may be possible that the openings 34 have different sizes as illustrated
in the above-described embodiment and additionally the sub blower control part 51
is provided to control the sub blower 31 as illustrated in the second modification
described above. Once the size of the opening 34 is determined, it is difficult to
adjust the size. Depending on the limit of the capacity of the sub blower 31 itself,
the energy consumption of the sub blower 31, and the operational efficiency of the
sub blower 31, it may not be always possible that the strength of the air stream 83
is adjusted to a desired strength only by means of the control performed by the sub
blower control part 51. Therefore, configuring a textile machine as illustrated in
said another modification is particularly desirable, because it increases the degree
of freedom of the textile machine as a whole.
[0105] The number of spinning units 2 connected to one sub duct 32 may be, instead of twenty,
one to nineteen, twenty-one, or more. In a case where the fine spinning machine 1
or the automatic winder includes a large number of units, for example, eighty or more
units, a configuration not including the cotton fly removal part 30 of the above-described
embodiment increases the size of the centralized duct, which may cause the power consumption
of the centralized blower to exceed allowable power. However, providing the cotton
fly removal part 30 for each of a predetermined number of units as illustrated in
the above-described embodiment allows to make the centralized duct 36 compact, and
also avoid occurrence of a situation where the power consumption of the centralized
blower 35 exceeds the allowable power. The number of units described above is merely
illustrative, and no upper limit is put on the number of units included in the fine
spinning machine 1 or the automatic winder.
[0106] In a case where the present invention is applied to the fine spinning machine 1,
not only the suction pipe 37 described above but also a suction pipe for sucking cotton
fly and the like adhering to a draft roller of the draft device 7 may be connected
to the sub duct 32. Moreover, a suction pipe for sucking yam waste, which is provided
downstream of the spinning device 9, may be connected to the sub duct 32. Furthermore,
in a spinning machine configured such that yam splicing is performed in each winding
unit, a pipe for sucking yarn waste and the like generated at a time of the yam splicing
may be connected to the sub duct 32.
[0107] In the description above, for example, at a time when a yarn defect is detected,
the draft device 7 is stopped while the winding device 13 is kept driving, and thereby
the spun yarn 10 is cut. Alternatively, it may be also acceptable to provide a cutter
near the yarn clearer 52 so that the spun yarn 10 is cut by the cutter.
[0108] Although the spinning unit 2 pulls out the spun yam 10 from the spinning device 9
by means of the yam accumulation device 12, this configuration is not limiting. For
example, the present invention is applicable to a fine spinning machine configured
such that the spun yarn 10 is pulled out from the spinning device 9 by means of a
delivery roller and a nip roller, and then the yarn accumulation device 12 provided
downstream accumulates the spun yarn 10. In such a case where the spun yam 10 is pulled
out from the spinning device 9 by means of the delivery roller and the nip roller,
the yam accumulation device 12 may be omitted.
[0109] The configuration of the present invention is applicable not only to a fine spinning
machine or an automatic winder but also to a textile machine such as a twisting machine
and a doubling machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0110]
- 1
- fine spinning machine (textile machine)
- 30
- cotton fly removal part
- 31
- sub blower
- 32
- sub duct
- 33
- filter member
- 35
- centralized blower
- 36
- centralized duct
- 81
- removal object substance
- 82
- suction stream
- 83
- air stream