Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a spinning machine, a winding device, and a textile
machine.
Background Art
[0002] A textile machine described in Patent Literature 1 has been conventionally known
as a technique in such a field. The technique described in Patent Literature 1 digitizes
a yarn unevenness electric signal obtained from a yarn unevenness detector (for example,
a clearer) installed on a textile machine such as a spinning frame, and analyzes the
digitized signal with a calculator, thereby detecting yarn unevenness.
[0003] In addition, a technique described in Patent Literature 2 has been known as an abnormality
detection method for a drafting device in a spinning machine. With this technique,
variation in load torque acting on a driving motor that drives a drafting roller is
monitored, and the operation of the drafting device is stopped if it is determined
that there is an abnormality because the variation of the load torque exceeded a certain
rate.
Citation List
Patent Literature
[0004]
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 58-62511
Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-166135
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0005] The technique described in Patent Literature 1 may fail to detect relatively long-periodic
unevenness if an unevenness detector has insufficient detection accuracy. The technique
described in Patent Literature 2 monitors variation in load torque on a motor, but
does not detect a cyclic abnormality.
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a spinning machine that is capable
of detecting a cyclic abnormality of a drafting roller and improving detection accuracy
of such an abnormality.
[0007] The present invention aims to provide a winding device that is capable of detecting
a cyclic abnormality of a rotary drum and improving detection accuracy of such an
abnormality.
[0008] The present invention aims to provide a textile machine that is capable of detecting
a cyclic abnormality of a rotary body and improving detection accuracy of such an
abnormality.
Solution to Problem
[0009] A spinning machine includes: a drafting roller drafting a fiber band; a motor rotationally
driving the drafting roller; a monitoring section monitoring at least one of torque
and revolution speed of the motor; and a periodic unevenness determining section determining
a cyclic abnormality of the drafting roller that appears as periodic unevenness on
the fiber band, on the basis of a monitor result of the monitoring section.
[0010] This spinning machine monitors at least one of the torque and the revolution speed
of the motor driving the drafting roller that drafts the fiber band, determining whether
or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the drafting roller on the basis of the monitor
result. With this configuration, the cyclic abnormality of the drafting roller that
appears as periodic unevenness on the fiber band can be detected, and a cyclic abnormality
of the drafted fiber band can be detected. Using a conventional unevenness detector
(clearer) commonly installed on a spinning machine may fail to detect long-periodic
unevenness. The values of torque and/or revolution speed (monitor value) of the motor
can be detected precisely. Thus, the periodic unevenness determining section can determine
the periodic abnormality on the fiber band in higher accuracy than the clearer, on
the basis of the monitor value obtained by monitoring the motor.
[0011] The periodic unevenness determining section may perform frequency analysis on a value
relating to at least one of the torque and the revolution that are each the monitor
result of the monitoring section to determine the cyclic abnormality of the drafting
roller. The frequency analysis is effective means for determining a cyclic abnormality,
thus the cyclic abnormality of the drafting roller can be detected precisely.
[0012] The spinning machine may include a plurality of such drafting rollers arranged along
a transporting direction of the fiber band, and a plurality of such motors independently
driving the drafting rollers. The periodic unevenness determining section may determine
which motor out of the motors has cyclic abnormalities, on the basis of the monitor
result of the monitoring section. With this configuration, the periodic unevenness
determining section can reliably identify which drafting roller among the drafting
rollers has a cause of a periodic unevenness. It is difficult to determine the drafting
roller causing the periodic unevenness with unevenness detection using a conventional
clearer in the case where multiple periodic unevenness occurs in an overlapping manner.
[0013] The spinning machine may further include a periodic unevenness detecting section
disposed on a downstream of the drafting roller. The periodic unevenness detecting
section may detect unevenness on the fiber band drafted with the drafting roller.
The periodic unevenness determining section may determine a cyclic abnormality of
the drafting roller on the basis of the monitor result of the monitoring section and
a detection result of the unevenness detecting section to detect the periodic unevenness
on the fiber band. The periodic unevenness determining section can precisely detect
the cyclic abnormality of the drafting rollers on the basis of the monitor result
on the motors driving the drafting rollers and the detection result of the unevenness
on the fiber band detected by the unevenness detecting section.
[0014] The spinning machine may further include a notifying section notifying information
relating to the monitor result of the monitoring section. An operator can easily check
for a cyclic abnormality of the drafting rollers and promptly take an appropriate
action, on the basis of the information notified by the notifying section. Examples
of the notifying section are a displaying section and an audio outputting section.
In the case where the notifying section is the displaying section, the operator can
easily check the cyclic abnormality by looking at the displaying section.
[0015] The spinning machine may further include: an air spinning device spinning the fiber
band drafted with the drafting roller, with swirl flows; and a winding device winding
the fiber band spun from the air spinning device into a package. The periodic unevenness
determining section may determine a cyclic abnormality of the drafting roller while
the winding device winds the fiber band into the package.
[0016] The periodic unevenness determining section can determine a cyclic abnormality of
the drafting rollers even while the winding device winds the fiber band into the package.
Thus, decrease in operating efficiency of the spinning machine can be reduced.
[0017] A windier includes: a rotary drum making contacting with and rotating a winding package
to cause the winding package to wind a yarn; a motor rotationally driving the rotary
drum; a monitoring section monitoring at least one of torque and revolution speed
of the motor; and a determining section determining a cyclic abnormality of the rotary
drum on the basis of a monitor result of the monitoring section.
[0018] This winding device monitors at least one of the torque and the revolution speed
of the motor driving the rotary drum, determining whether or not a cyclic abnormality
appears on the rotary drum on the basis of the monitor result. With this configuration,
the cyclic abnormality of the rotary drum can be detected to ensure detection of an
abnormality such as eccentricity of the winding package, therefore, the reliability
of the winding device can be improved. Examples of the winding device are a winding
device in a spinning machine, and an automatic winder.
[0019] The determining section may perform frequency analysis on a value relating to at
least one of the torque and the revolution speed that are each the monitor result
of the monitoring section to determine the cyclic abnormality of the rotary drum.
The frequency analysis is effective means for determining a cyclic abnormality, thus
the cyclic abnormality of the rotary drum can be detected precisely.
[0020] The winding device may further include: a notifying section notifying information
relating to the monitor result of the monitoring section. The operator can easily
check a cyclic abnormality of the drafting rollers and promptly take an appropriate
action, on the basis of the information notified by the notifying section. Examples
of the notifying section are a displaying section and an audio outputting section.
In the case where the notifying section is the displaying section, the operator can
easily check the cyclic abnormality by looking at the displaying section.
[0021] A textile machine includes: a rotary body transporting a fiber band; a motor rotationally
driving the rotary body; a monitoring section monitoring at least one of torque and
revolution speed of the motor; and a determining section determining a cyclic abnormality
of the rotary body on the basis of a monitor result of the monitoring section.
[0022] This textile machine monitors at least one of the torque and the revolution speed
of the motor driving the rotary body that transports the fiber band, determining whether
or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the rotary body on the basis of the monitor
result. Note that "a rotary body transporting a fiber band" includes a device transporting
a fiber band and other devices capable of performing certain processing, such as "drafting
a fiber band (sliver)" and/or "winding a yarn", accompanying the rotation of the rotary
body.
[0023] For example, in the case where a fiber band (including a sliver and a yarn) moving
accompanying the rotation of the rotary body has a defect such as a periodically changing
thickness, load torque acting on the motor varies, and the revolution speed of the
motor varies. Thus, whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the rotary body
is determined by monitoring at least one of the torque and the revolution speed of
the motor, thereby detecting the periodic abnormality on the fiber band processed
by the rotary body. This makes it possible to detect long-periodic unevenness which
is difficult to be detected by a conventional unevenness detector (clearer).
[0024] The determining section may perform frequency analysis on a value relating to at
least one of the torque and the revolution speed that are each the monitor result
of the monitoring section to determine the cyclic abnormality of the rotary body.
The frequency analysis is effective means for determining a cyclic abnormality, thus
the cyclic abnormality of the rotary body can be detected precisely.
[0025] The textile machine may further include: a notifying section notifying information
relating to the monitor result of the monitoring section. The operator can easily
check a cyclic abnormality of the rotary body and promptly take an appropriate action,
on the basis of the information notified by the notifying section. Examples of the
notifying section are a displaying section and an audio outputting section. In the
case where the notifying section is the displaying section, the operator can easily
check the cyclic abnormality by looking at the displaying section.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0026] A spinning machine of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality
of a drafting roller and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality.
[0027] A winding device of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality
of a rotary drum and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality.
[0028] A textile machine of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality
of a rotary body and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0029]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a front view of a spinning frame of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the spinning frame illustrated
in Fig. 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a block configuration diagram illustrating a unit controller in
a spinning unit of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a block configuration diagram illustrating the unit controller
in the spinning unit of a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure executed in a periodic unevenness
detection process.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a winding unit in
an automatic winder of a third embodiment of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
[0030] A spinning frame (spinning machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that an "upstream"
and a "downstream" in this description mean the upstream and the downstream in a running
direction of a yarn during spinning, respectively.
[0031] A spinning frame 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 includes a plurality of spinning
units 2 aligned next to each other. The spinning frame 1 includes a yarnm joining
carriage 3 capable of running along the aligning direction of the spinning units 2,
a motor box 5, a central controller (not illustrated) controlling the spinning frame
1, and unit controllers 60 (refer to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) controlling the spinning units
2.
[0032] For example, the central controller may be installed in the motor box 5. The central
controller is electrically connected to the multiple unit controllers 60 to integrally
control the unit controllers 60. The unit controller 60 is provided to each spinning
unit 2 to independently control the spinning unit 2 (will be described in detail later).
[0033] Each spinning unit 2 (spinning machine) includes a drafting device 7, a spinning
section 9 (air spinning device), a yarn clearer 52, a yarn slack-eliminating device
12 (yarn storage device), and a winding device 13, in this order from upstream to
downstream. The drafting device 7 is provided near the top end of a case 6 of the
spinning frame 1. A fiber band 8 fed from the drafting device 7 is supplied to the
spinning section 9 to be spun. A spun yarn 10 that has been spun by the spinning section
9 passes through the yarn clearer 52. Thereafter, the spun yarn 10 is fed by the yarn
slack-eliminating device 12 and wound by the winding device 13, whereby a package
45 is formed.
[0034] The drafting device 7 drafts a sliver 15 to obtain a fiber band 8. The drafting device
7 includes a plurality of pairs of drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 (rotary bodies)
aligned along a feeding direction (transporting direction) of the fiber band 8 and
drafts the fiber band 8 with the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20. As illustrated
in Fig. 2, the drafting device 7 includes back rollers 16, third rollers 17, second
rollers 19 around which apron belts 18 are wound, and front rollers 20, serving as
the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20, respectively. The drafting rollers 16, 17,
19, and 20 each include a pair of a top roller and a bottom roller. The top roller
and the bottom roller are arranged to sandwich therebetween the sliver 15.
[0035] The drafting device 7 includes a drafting cradle (not illustrated). The drafting
cradle supports the top rollers and opens and closes by swinging about a certain pivot.
Under a state in which the drafting cradle is closed, the top rollers make contact
with the bottom rollers, and the drafting device 7 drafts the fiber band 8. If the
drafting cradle is not closed at a proper position, a periodic unevenness can be generated
on the fiber band 8.
[0036] The drafting device 7 includes motors 31 to 34 to drive the bottom rollers of the
drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20. The motor 31 rotationally drives the back roller
16. The motor 32 rotationally drives the third roller 17. The motor 33 rotationally
drives the second roller 19. The motor 34 rotationally drives the front roller 20.
Although a single motor rotationally drives a single drafting roller in the present
embodiment, a single motor may rotationally drive a plurality of drafting rollers.
For example, a single motor may rotationally drive the back roller 16 and the third
roller 17 which are drafting rollers in a low-speed side.
[0037] The top rollers of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 are configured to rotate
by following the bottom rollers rotationally driven by the motors 31 to 34.
[0038] The spinning unit 2 includes a motor controller 30 that controls the rotation of
the motors 31 to 34. The motor controller 30 is electrically connected to the motors
31 to 34. The motor controller 30 can detect load torque acting on each of the motors
31 to 34. The motor controller 30 can detect the revolution speed of the output shaft
of each of the motors 31 to 34. It is enough for the motor controller 30 to be capable
of detecting at least one of the torque and the revolution speed. The motor controller
30 outputs data relating to the torque and/or the revolution speed of each of the
motor s 31 to 34 to the unit controller 60.
[0039] The detailed structure of the spinning section 9 is not illustrated, but the present
embodiment employs a pneumatic structure using swirling air flow (swirl flow) to twist
the fiber band 8, so as to produce a spun yarn 10.
[0040] The yarn slack-eliminating device 12 applies certain tension to the spun yarn 10
and draws the spun yarn 10 from the spinning section 9. The yarn slack-eliminating
device 12 prevents the spun yarn 10 from slacking by storing the spun yarn 10 fed
out from the spinning section 9 when the yarn joining carriage 3 performs yarn joining.
The yarn slack-eliminating device 12 adjusts the tension of the spun yarn 10 so as
to prevent the variation in the tension of the spun yarn 10 at the winding device
13 from propagating to the spinning section 9.
[0041] The yarn slack-eliminating device 12 includes a slack eliminating roller (yarn storage
roller) 21, a yarn hooking member 22, an upstream guide 23, an electric motor 25,
a downstream guide 26, and a yarn storage amount sensor 27.
[0042] The yarn hooking member 22 is configured to hook the spun yarn 10. The yarn hooking
member 22 hooked with the spun yarn 10 integrally rotates with the slack eliminating
roller 21, thereby winding the spun yarn 10 on an outer peripheral surface of the
slack eliminating roller 21.
[0043] The slack eliminating roller 21 winds a certain amount of the spun yarn 10 around
the outer peripheral surface thereof to store the spun yarn 10. The slack eliminating
roller 21 is rotationally driven by the electric motor 25. Rotation of the slack eliminating
roller 21 tightens the spun yarn 10 wound around the outer peripheral surface of the
slack eliminating roller 21, thereby drawing the spun yarn 10 from the upstream of
the yarn slack-eliminating device 12. That is, when the spun yarn 10 is wound around
the outer peripheral surface of the slack eliminating roller 21, rotation of the slack
eliminating roller 21 in a certain revolution speed applies certain tension to the
spun yarn 10 and draws the spun yarn 10 out from the spinning section 9 at a certain
speed, thereby transporting the spun yarn 10 to the downstream at a certain speed.
[0044] A certain contact area can be obtained between the slack eliminating roller 21 and
the spun yarn 10 by winding the certain amount of the spun yarn 10 around the outer
peripheral surface of the slack eliminating roller 21. This configuration enables
the slack eliminating roller 21 to hold and draw the spun yarn 10 with sufficient
strength. Thus, the spun yarn 10 can be drawn out from the spinning section 9 at a
stable speed without causing slip for example. As illustrated in Fig. 2, since there
is no additional component (such as a conventional delivery roller) applying the tension
to the spun yarn 10 between the spinning section 9 and the slack-eliminating device
12, the revolution speed of the slack eliminating roller 21 determines the speed of
the spun yarn 10 drawn out from the spinning section 9. Consequently, the spinning
frame 1 of the present embodiment applies the tension to the spun yarn 10 with the
slack-eliminating device 12, thereby drawing out the spun yarn 10 from the spinning
section 9 at an accurate speed with less variation.
[0045] The yarn storage amount sensor 27 detects a storage amount of the spun yarn 10 stored
on the slack eliminating roller 21 in a non-contact manner and sends the detected
storage amount to the unit controller 60.
[0046] The upstream guide 23 is arranged slightly upstream of the slack eliminating roller
21. The upstream guide 23 properly guides the spun yarn 10 to the outer peripheral
surface of the slack eliminating roller 21. The upstream guide 23 prevents a twist
of the spun yarn 10 propagating from the spinning section 9 from being propagated
to the downstream of the upstream guide 23.
[0047] The yarn clearer 52 is provided between the spinning section 9 and the slack-eliminating
device 12, in the front face side of the case 6 of the spinning frame 1. The spun
yarn 10 spun in the spinning section 9 passes through the yarn clearer 52 before being
wound by the slack-eliminating device 12. The yarn clearer 52 monitors the thickness
of the spun yarn 10 running therethrough and sends a yarn defect detection signal
to the unit controller 60 (controller) if a yarn defect on the spun yarn 10 is detected.
The yarn clearer 52 is arranged downstream of the drafting device 7 and serves as
an unevenness detecting section detecting unevenness on the fiber band 8 drafted with
the drafting device 7.
[0048] In the case where a yarn defect is detected and yarns are to be joined, the unit
controller 60 stops the drafting device 7, the spinning section 9, and other devices,
in a certain timing. In this case, the unit controller 60 cuts the spun yarn 10 by
interrupting the blow of compressed air from a nozzle in the spinning section 9 which
generates swirl flow.
[0049] The unit controller 60 sends a control signal to the yarn joining carriage 3 to move
the yarn joining carriage 3 to the front of the relevant spinning unit 2. Thereafter,
the unit controller 60 drives the spinning section 9 and other devices again, causes
the yarn joining carriage 3 to perform yarn joining, and restarts winding. In this
case, the yarn slack-eliminating device 12 eliminates slack on the spun yarn 10 by
storing the spun yarn 10 continuously fed out from the spinning section 9 on the slack
eliminating roller 21 during a period from the restart of spinning in the spinning
section 9 to the restart of winding.
[0050] The yarn joining carriage 3 includes a splicer (yarn joining device) 43, a suction
pipe 44, and a suction mouth 46. When a yarn breakage or a yarn cut has occurred in
one spinning unit 2, the yarn joining carriage 3 travels on a rail 41 to the relevant
spinning unit 2 and stops there. The suction pipe 44 swings up and down about a pivot,
sucks and catches a yarn end fed out from the spinning section 9, and guides it to
the splicer 43. The suction mouth 46 swings up and down about a pivot, sucks and catches
a yarn end from the package 45 supported with the winding device 13, and guides it
to the splicer 43. The splicer 43 joins the yarn ends guided thereto.
[0051] The winding device 13 includes a cradle arm 71 supported to be able to swing about
a pivot 70. The cradle arm 71 rotationally supports a bobbin 48 for winding the spun
yarn 10.
[0052] The winding device 13 includes a winding drum 72 (rotary drum), and a traverse device
75. The winding drum 72 can drive while making contact with an outer circumferential
surface of the bobbin 48 or the package 45. The traverse device 75 includes a traverse
guide 76 that can hook the spun yarn 10. While reciprocating the traverse guide 76
using unillustrated driving means, the winding device 13 drives the winding drum 72
with an electric motor (not illustrated) for rotating the package 45 making contact
with the winding drum 72, thereby winding the spun yarn 10 while traversing the spun
yarn 10. Fig. 1 illustrates the winding device 13 that is configured to wind the cylindrical
package 45. The winding device 13, however, may be configured to wind a conical package.
[0053] The spinning frame 1 may be configured to rotationally drive the winding drums 72
of the spinning units 2 using a common electric motor or configured to provide each
spinning unit 2 with a dedicated electric motor and rotationally drive each winding
drum 72 independently.
[0054] The unit controller 60 can detect cyclic abnormalities on the drafting rollers 16,
17, 19, and 20. The unit controller 60 (controller) includes a central processing
unit (CPU) performing arithmetic processing, a read only memory (ROM) and a random
access memory (RAM) each serving as a storage, an input signal circuit, an output
signal circuit, and a power supply circuit, for example. The unit controller 60 executes
a program stored in the storage, thereby realizing a yarn unevenness signal detecting
section 61, a yarn unevenness/periodic unevenness determining section 62, a motor
monitoring section 63 (monitoring section), and a motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64.
[0055] The yarn unevenness signal detecting section 61 is electrically connected to the
yarn clearer 52 and obtains information relating to yarn unevenness output from the
yarn clearer 52. The yarn unevenness/periodic unevenness determining section 62 obtains
information output from the yarn unevenness signal detecting section 61 to determine
whether periodic yarn unevenness (periodic unevenness) is formed on the spun yarn
10.
[0056] The motor monitoring section 63 is electrically connected to the motor controller
30 and obtains information (monitor value) relating to torque of each of the motors
31 to 34 and/or information (monitor value) relating to revolution speed of each of
the motors 31 to 34, output from the motor controller 30. The motor monitoring section
63 serves as a monitoring section that monitors at least one of the torque and the
revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34. The information relating to torque
of a motor can include information relating to load torque acting on the output shaft
of the motor and information available to calculate the torque. The information relating
to revolution speed of a motor can include information relating to revolution speed
of the output shaft of the motor and information available to calculate the revolution
speed.
[0057] The motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 obtains information (monitor
value) relating to the torque of each of the motors 31 to 34 and/or information (monitor
value) relating to the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34, output from
the motor monitoring section 63 to determine whether there are cyclic abnormalities
on the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20. The motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that the spun yarn 10 has a periodic unevenness if a cyclic
abnormality is detected on at least one of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20.
[0058] The motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 identifies drafting rollers
among the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 that have a cyclic abnormality. When
determining that the monitor value of the motor 31 has a cyclic abnormality, the motor
periodic unevenness determining section 64 determines that the back rollers 16 have
a cyclic abnormality. When determining that the monitor value of the motor 32 has
a cyclic abnormality, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 determines
that the third rollers 17 have a cyclic abnormality. When determining that the monitor
value of the motor 33 has a cyclic abnormality, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that the second rollers 19 (or the apron belts 18) have a cyclic
abnormality. When determining that the monitor value of the motor 34 has a cyclic
abnormality, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 determines that
the front rollers 20 have a cyclic abnormality.
[0059] The motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 determines whether or not a
cyclic abnormality appears on the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 by performing
frequency analysis on a value (monitor value) relating to at least one of the torque
and the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34. The motor periodic unevenness
determining section 64 performs frequency analysis such as fast Fourier transform
(FFT) calculation in order to convert a time axis into frequency. The monitor periodic
unevenness determining section 64 may analyze the torque and/or the revolution speed
by different techniques and determine whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears
on the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20.
[0060] The spinning frame 1 may include a unit controller 60B illustrated in Fig. 4, instead
of the unit controller 60 illustrated in Fig. 3. The unit controller 60B illustrated
in Fig. 4 differs from the unit controller 60 illustrated in Fig. 3 in that a periodic
unevenness determining section 65 is included therein, instead of the yarn unevenness/periodic
unevenness determining section 62 and the motor periodic unevenness determining section
63.
[0061] The periodic unevenness determining section 65 obtains information relating to the
detection result output from the yarn unevenness signal detecting section 61 and information
(monitor value) relating to the torque of each of the motors 31 to 34 and/or information
(monitor value) relating to the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34, output
from the motor monitoring section 63. The periodic unevenness determining section
65 detects a cyclic abnormality of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 on the
basis of the monitor result (monitor value) from the motor monitoring section 63 and
the detection result from the yarn unevenness signal detecting section 61. The periodic
unevenness determining section 65 determines that the spun yarn 10 has a periodic
unevenness if a cyclic abnormality is detected on at least one of the drafting rollers
16, 17, 19, and 20. The periodic unevenness determining section 65 has both functions
of the yarn unevenness/periodic unevenness determining section 62 and the motor periodic
unevenness determining section 63.
[0062] The spinning frame 1 includes a displaying section 66 (notifying section) that displays
the determination result from the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64
(or the periodic unevenness determining section 65). The displaying section 66 may
be provided on the case of the motor box 5 of the spinning frame 1. A liquid crystal
display device may be used as the displaying section 66. In accordance with signals
from the unit controller 60, the displaying section 66 electrically connected to the
unit controller 60 can display information relating to whether there is a cyclic abnormality.
Thus, the operator can easily check for a cyclic abnormality by looking at the display
contents on the displaying section 66. The displaying section 66 can display different
information other than the display contents relating to the abnormality in the drafting
rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20.
[0063] The spinning frame 1 may include an audio outputting section instead of the displaying
section 66. This configuration allows the spinning frame 1 to notify whether there
is an abnormality by a voice and/or an alarm. A warning lamp, for example, may be
used as the displaying section.
[0064] Next, a periodic unevenness detection process is described with reference to Fig.
5. The periodic unevenness detection process is performed, for example, in a normal
spinning operation. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the unit controller 60 processes steps
S11 to S 14, steps S21 to S24, steps S31 to S34, and steps S41 to S44, concurrently.
These processes are performed repeatedly. The processing of steps S11 to S14, steps
S21 to S24, steps S31 to S34, and steps S41 to S44 may be performed in this order
or in a different order.
[0065] The following describes the processing of steps S11 to S14. First, the motor monitoring
section 63 of the unit controller 60 monitors the motor 34 rotationally driving the
bottom roller of the front rollers 20 to obtain the monitor value (such as torque
and revolution speed) of the motor 34 (step S11). Next, the motor periodic unevenness
determining section 54 of the unit controller 60 obtains the monitor value of the
motor 34 from the motor monitoring section 63, and performs FFT calculation on the
obtained monitor value (step S 12).
[0066] Thereafter, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 of the unit controller
60 determines whether there is a cyclic abnormality on the basis of the analysis result
of the FFT calculation (step S13). For example, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that there is a cyclic abnormality in the case where the data
vary periodically (Yes at step S13). When it is determined that there is a cyclic
abnormality, the process of the unit controller 60 proceeds to step S14. When it is
determined that there is no cyclic abnormality (No at step S13), the process of the
unit controller 60 terminates. At step S14, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that a periodic unevenness caused by the front rollers 20 is
appearing on the spun yarn 10.
[0067] The following describes the processing of steps S21 to S24. First, the motor monitoring
section 63 of the unit controller 60 monitors the motor 33 rotationally driving the
bottom roller of the second rollers 19 to obtain the monitor value (such as torque
and revolution speed) of the motor 33 (step S21). Next, the motor periodic unevenness
determining section 54 of the unit controller 60 obtains the monitor value of the
motor 33 from the motor monitoring section 63, and performs FFT calculation on the
obtained monitor value (step S22).
[0068] Thereafter, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 of the unit controller
60 determines whether there is a cyclic abnormality on the basis of the analysis result
of the FFT calculation (step S23). For example, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that there is a cyclic abnormality in the case where portions
including a prominent value appear periodically (Yes at step S23). When it is determined
that there is a cyclic abnormality, the process of the unit controller 60 proceeds
to step S24. When it is determined that there is no cyclic abnormality (No at step
S23), the process of the unit controller 60 terminates. At step S24, the motor periodic
unevenness determining section 64 determines that a periodic unevenness caused by
the second rollers 19 (apron belt 18) is appearing on the spun yarn 10.
[0069] The following describes the processing of steps S31 to S34. The motor monitoring
section 63 of the unit controller 60 monitors the motor 32 rotationally driving the
bottom roller of the third rollers 17 to obtain the monitor value (such as torque
and revolution speed) of the motor 32 (step S31). Next, the motor periodic unevenness
determining section 54 of the unit controller 60 obtains the monitor value of the
motor 32 from the motor monitoring section 63, and performs FFT calculation on the
obtained monitor value (step S32).
[0070] Thereafter, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 of the unit controller
60 determines whether there is a cyclic abnormality on the basis of the analysis result
of the FFT calculation (step S33). For example, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that there is a cyclic abnormality in the case where portions
including a prominent value appear periodically (Yes at step S33), and the process
proceeds to step S34. When it is determined that there is no cyclic abnormality (No
at step S33), the process of the unit controller 60 terminates. At step S34, the motor
periodic unevenness determining section 64 determines that a periodic unevenness caused
by the third rollers 17 is appearing on the spun yarn 10.
[0071] The following describes the processing of steps S41 to S44. The motor monitoring
section 63 of the unit controller 60 monitors the motor 31 rotationally driving the
bottom roller of the back rollers 16 to obtain the monitor value (such as torque and
revolution speed) of the motor 31 (step S41). Next, the motor periodic unevenness
determining section 54 of the unit controller 60 obtains the monitor value of the
motor 31 from the motor monitoring section 63, and performs FFT calculation on the
obtained monitor value (step S42).
[0072] Thereafter, the motor periodic unevenness determining section 64 of the unit controller
60 determines whether there is a cyclic abnormality on the basis of the analysis result
of the FFT calculation (step S43). For example, the motor periodic unevenness determining
section 64 determines that there is a cyclic abnormality in the case where portions
including a prominent value appear periodically (Yes at step S43). When it is determined
that there is a cyclic abnormality, the process of the unit controller 60 proceeds
to step S44. When it is determined that there is no cyclic abnormality (No at step
S43), the process of the unit controller 60 terminates. At step S44, the motor periodic
unevenness determining section 64 determines that a periodic unevenness caused by
the back rollers 16 is appearing on the spun yarn 10.
[0073] The unit controller 60 displays the above-mentioned determination results on the
displaying section 66 after steps steps S14, S24, S34, and S44 (step S15). The displaying
section 66 displays information relating to the determination results in accordance
with signal output from the unit controller 60. For example, the displaying section
66 indicates that the cause of the periodic unevenness occurred on the spun yarn 10
is the front roller 20. The displaying section 66 may display the drafting rollers
16, 17, 19, or 20 that are the cause of periodic unevenness, with character information.
For example, the displaying section 66 may display the layout of the drafting rollers
16, 17, 19, and 20, and exclusively highlight drafting rollers which are the cause
of the periodic unevenness (for example, displaying in red and/or displaying in blinking).
The displaying section 66 may display the determination result by displaying a graph
of the monitor values of each of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and/or 20.
[0074] If it is determined that any one of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 has a
cyclic abnormality, the unit controller 60 (controller) may stop the operation of
the spinning unit 2, instead of displaying the result at step S15 or in addition to
the result display. As mentioned above, in the case where the unit controller 60 stops
the operation of the spinning unit 2, the unit controller 60 may cause the displaying
section 66 to display that the drafting cradle is not closed at a proper position
and/or at least one of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 has reached the replacement
time thereof. In the case where the drafting cradle is not closed at a proper position
and at least one of the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 is displaced from a proper
position, the unit controller 60 can determine that at least one of the drafting rollers
16, 17, 19, and 20 includes a cyclic abnormality.
[0075] Note that, the unit controller 60 may determine whether or not a cyclic abnormality
is appearing on the basis of the yarn defect detection signal from the yarn clearer
52 after each step of S 13, S23, S33, and S43. For example, by comparing the determination
result of FFT calculation and a signal from the yarn clearer 52, the unit controller
60 can precisely perform periodic unevenness detection when a determination can be
made that periodic unevenness is appearing in the same cycle.
[0076] The spinning frame 1 of the embodiment monitors the torque and/or the revolution
speed of each of the motors 31 to 34 driving the respective drafting rollers 16, 17,
19, and 20 drafting the fiber band, thereby determining whether or not a cyclic abnormality
appears on the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 on the basis of the monitor results.
This configuration enables detection of a cyclic abnormality of the drafting rollers
16, 17, 19, and 20, thereby detecting periodic unevenness on the spun yarn 10. The
spinning frame 1 can detect periodic unevenness on the spun yarn 10 with higher precision
than that by the detection of periodic unevenness using only a conventional clearer.
[0077] The present invention is described on the basis of an embodiment thereof, but is
not limited to the embodiment.
[0078] Although the spinning frame 1 (air spinning machine) is not provided with a delivery
roller and a nip roller in the above-described embodiment, the spinning machine of
the present invention is not limited thereto and may be provided with the delivery
roller and the nip roller. The delivery roller and the nip roller are arranged downstream
of the spinning section 9, for example. The spun yarn 10 spun from the spinning section
9 is sandwiched between the delivery roller and the nip roller and transported, and
wound in the winding device 13. Note that the torque and/or the revolution speed of
a motor rotationally driving the delivery roller may be monitored to determine whether
or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the delivery roller and/or the nip roller.
[0079] The spinning machine is not limited to an air spinning machine, and may be different
spinning machines including a drafting device. A ring spinning frame and a drawing
frame are examples of the spinning machine.
[0080] The motor monitoring section (monitoring section) may monitor at least one of the
torque and the revolution speed of the motor. For example, when the motor is a brushless
motor, current detection for monitoring torque is not typically performed, and only
revolution speed detection is performed. Thus, revolution speed is monitored in this
case.
[0081] In the detection of periodic unevenness in the above-described embodiment, the monitor
result of the motor monitoring section 63 and the detection result of the yarn clearer
52 are both used to make determination. However, periodic unevenness may be detected
only on the basis of the monitor result of the motor monitoring section 63.
[0082] In the above-described embodiment, when a yarn defect is detected and yarns are to
be joined, the spun yarn 10 is cut by interrupting the blow of compressed air from
the nozzle in the spinning section 9 which generates swirl flow, however, other methods
may be used to cut the spun yarn 10. For example, the spun yarn 10 can be cut by a
cutter arranged between the spinning section 9 and the yarn clearer 52.
[0083] In the above-described air spinning machine, a yarn path is oriented from the upside
to the downside in the machine height direction, but this is not limiting a configuration
thereof. For example, a different arrangement in which the yarn path is oriented from
the downside to the upside may be possible.
[0084] It is preferable that the spinning section 9 include a needle (needle-like member)
to prevent a yarn twist in the spinning section 9 from propagating to the front rollers
20. However, the needle can be omitted.
[0085] The air spinning machine may be configured such that the bottom roller of the drafting
device and the traverse mechanism of the winding device of a plurality of the spinning
units 2 are commonly driven (by a line shaft). In the air spinning machine, the drafting
device and/or the winding device may be provided independently in each winding unit.
[0086] The spinning frame 1 in the above-described embodiment includes the motor controller
30 controlling the motors 31 to 34 and the unit controller 60 controlling the spinning
units 2, separately. However, the unit controller 60 may control the motors. The motor
controller 30 may serve as the determining section to determine whether there is a
cyclic abnormality.
[0087] The spinning frame 1 in the above-described embodiment includes the unit controller
60 that controls each spinning unit 2 independently. However, the unit controller
60 controlling a certain number of spinning units 2 may be provided for the spinning
units 2.
[0088] The unit controller 60 in the above-described embodiment normally monitors at least
one of the torque and the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34 during winding
of the package 45. However, the monitoring may be performed during a specific time
and, whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the drafting rollers 16, 17, 19,
and 20 may be determined on the basis of the monitor result. The spinning frame 1
may be provided with a spinning test mode and monitor at least one of the torque and
the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34 while operating under the spinning
test mode. In this case, whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the drafting
rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 may be determined on the basis of the monitor result. Note
that, it is preferable to perform the monitoring during winding of the package 45
in order to maintain the operation efficiency of the spinning frame 1.
[0089] The unit controller 60 in the above-described embodiment monitors at least one of
the torque and the revolution speed of each of the motors 31 to 34 driving the respective
drafting rollers 16, 17, 19, and 20 and determines whether there is periodic unevenness
associated with each of the motors 31 to 34. However, this is not limiting the embodiment.
For example, the unit controller 60 may monitor at least one of the torque and the
revolution speed of the specific motor among the motors 31 to 34 to determine whether
there is periodic unevenness caused by a cyclic abnormality of the specific motor.
[0090] The spinning frame 1 in the above-described embodiment includes a plurality of unit
controllers 60 and the respective spinning units 2 are controlled by the unit controllers
60. However, the control of the spinning units 2 may be integrated and executed in
the central controller.
[0091] The present invention can be applied to a winding device as well as the spinning
frame 1. Examples of the winding device in the present invention are a winding device
in a spinning machine, and a winding device in an automatic winder.
[0092] An automatic winder according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described
with reference to the accompanying drawings. The automatic winder in the present embodiment
illustrated in Fig. 6 includes a plurality of winder units 110 and a central controller
(not illustrated) controlling the automatic winder. Note that the same explanations
with those of the above-described embodiments are omitted.
[0093] Each winder unit 110 winds a spun yarn 120 unwound from a yarn supplying bobbin 121
around a winding bobbin 122 while traversing the spun yarn 120 to form a package 130
having a certain length and a certain shape.
[0094] The winder unit 110 includes a winding unit body 116 and a unit controller 160. The
winding unit body 116 includes a yarn supplying section 112, a yarn tensioner 113,
splicer 114 (yarn joining device), a yarn clearer 115, and a winding device 117 that
are arranged in this order along the yarn running direction.
[0095] The yarn supplying section 111 feeds the spun yarn 120 to be wound around the package
130. The yarn supplying section 111 includes an unwinding assisting device 112. The
unwinding assisting device 112 lowers a restriction member 140 covering a core tube
as the spun yarn 120 unwinds from the feeder bobbin 121 to assist the unwinding of
the spun yarn 120 from the feeder bobbin 121.
[0096] The yarn tensioner 113 applies certain tension to the spun yarn 120 to be wound around
the package 130. A gate-type yarn tensioner in which movable comb teeth are arranged
with respect to fixed comb teeth may be used as the yarn tensioner 113. The yarn tensioner
113 can apply constant tension to the spun yarn 120 to be wound, thereby improving
the quality of the package 130. A disc-type yarn tensioner can be used as the yarn
tensioner 113 instead of the above-described gate-type tensioner.
[0097] The yarn clearer 115 monitors the quality of the spun yarn 120 to be wound around
the package 130. When the yarn clearer 115 detects a yarn defect, the spun yarn 120
is cut and the yarn defect is removed. The yarn clearer 115 includes a clearer head
149 provided with a sensor (not illustrated) to detect a thickness of the spun yarn
120. The yarn clearer 115 detects a yarn defect by monitoring yarn thickness signals
from the sensor. Near the clearer head 149, a cutter (not illustrated) is arranged
to cut the spun yarn 120 immediately when the yarn clearer 115 detects a yarn defect.
[0098] The splicer 114 joins the spun yarn 120 from the feeder bobbin 121 (lower yarn) and
the spun yarn 120 from the package 130 (upper yarn) when the yarn clearer 115 cuts
the yarn upon detection of a yarn defect or when the yarn unwound from the feeder
bobbin 121 breaks, for example.
[0099] A lower yarn guide pipe 125 is arranged below the splicer 114 (by the feeder bobbin
121) to capture the lower yarn from the feeder bobbin 121 and guide it to the splicer
114. An upper yarn guide pipe 126 is arranged above the splicer 114 (by the package
130) to capture the upper yarn from the package 130 and guide it to the splicer 114.
[0100] The lower yarn guide pipe 125 and the upper yarn guide pipe 126 are able to swing
about pivots 133 and 135, respectively. The tip end of the lower yarn guide pipe 125
is provided with a suction opening 132. The tip end of the upper yarn guide pipe 126
is provided with a suction mouth 134. The lower yarn guide pipe 125 and the upper
yarn guide pipe 126 are each connected to an appropriate negative pressure source
(not illustrated). The negative pressure source generates suction flows which allow
the suction opening 132 and the suction mouth 134 to suck and capture the upper yarn
and the lower yarn, respectively.
[0101] The winding device 117 includes a cradle 123 rotationally supporting the package
130, a winding drum 124 (rotary drum, rotary body) rotating the package 130 while
making contact with the package 130, a motor 153 rotationally driving the winding
drum 124, and a motor controller 154 controlling the rotation of the motor 153. The
winding drum 124 is provided with traversing grooves 127 for traversing the spun yarn
120 with respect to the package 130. With this configuration, the winder unit 110
can wind the spun yarn 120 around the package 130 while traversing the spun yarn 120.
[0102] The motor controller 154 is electrically connected to the motor 153. The motor controller
154 detects load torque acting on the motor 153. The motor controller 154 detects
the revolution speed of the output shaft of the motor 153. It is enough for the motor
controller 154 to be capable of detecting at least one of the torque and the revolution
speed. The motor controller 154 outputs data relating to the torque and/or the revolution
speed of a motor 154 to the unit controller 160.
[0103] The unit controller 160 can detect cyclic abnormalities on the winding drum 124.
The unit controller 160 (controller) includes a CPU performing arithmetic processing,
a ROM and a RAM each serving as a storage, an input signal circuit, an output signal
circuit, and a power supply circuit, for example. The unit controller 160 executes
a program stored in the storage, thereby realizing a motor monitoring section 163
(monitoring section), and a determining section 164.
[0104] The motor monitoring section 163 is electrically connected to the motor controller
154 and obtains information (monitor value) relating to the torque of the motor 153
and/or information (monitor value) relating to the revolution speed of the motor 153,
output from the motor controller 154. The motor monitoring section 163 serves as a
monitoring section that monitors at least one of the torque and the revolution speed
of the motor 153.
[0105] The determining section 164 determines whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears
on the winding drum 124 by performing frequency analysis on a value (monitor value)
relating to at least one of the torque and the revolution speed of the motor 153.
The determining section 164 performs frequency analysis such as fast Fourier transform
(FFT) calculation in order to convert a time axis into frequency. The determining
section 164 may analyze the torque and/or the revolution speed by different techniques
and determine whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the winding drum 124.
[0106] The automatic winder includes a displaying section 66 (notifying section) displaying
the determination result of the determining section 164. In accordance with signals
from the unit controller 160, the displaying section 66 electrically connected to
the unit controller 160 can display information relating to whether there is a cyclic
abnormality. Thus, the operator can easily check a cyclic abnormality by looking at
the display contents on the displaying section 66. The displaying section 66 can display
different information other than the display contents relating to the abnormality
in the winding drum 124.
[0107] The winding device 117 in the automatic winder determines whether or not a cyclic
abnormality appears on the motor 153 by monitoring at least one of the torque and
the revolution speed of the motor 153, thereby detecting the cyclic abnormality of
the winding drum 124. With this configuration, an abnormality such as eccentricity
of the package 130 can be detected in an early stage.
[0108] The winding device 117 may include a traverse mechanism separate from a winding drum
124, instead of the winding drum 124 on which the traversing grooves 127 are formed,
similarly to the winding device 13 of the spinning frame 1. In this case, the monitoring
section of the winding device monitors at least one of the torque and the revolution
speed of the motor rotationally driving a winding drum having no traversing grooves.
[0109] In the case where the automatic winder includes a winding drum having no traversing
grooves, the package 130, instead of the winding drum, may be rotationally driven
directly. In this case, the monitoring section monitors at least one of the torque
and the revolution speed of a motor directly rotationally driving the package 130.
[0110] The above-described embodiments describe the applications to the spinning machine
and the winding device, however, the embodiments are not limiting the invention. The
present invention can be embodied as other kinds of textile machines. That is, the
configuration may be suitable for a textile machine provided with a motor driving
a rotary body, in which a cyclic abnormality of the rotary body can be determined
by monitoring at least one of the load torque acting on the motor and the revolution
speed of the motor.
[0111] Such a textile machine includes a rotary body transporting the fiber band, a motor
rotationally driving the rotary body, a monitoring section monitoring at least one
of torque and revolution speed of the motor, and a determining section determining
a cyclic abnormality appearing on the rotary body on the basis of the monitor result
of the monitoring section. The determining section of the textile machine may perform
frequency analysis on a value relating to at least one of the torque and the revolution
speed that are each the monitor result of the monitoring section to determine the
cyclic abnormality of the rotary body. The textile machine may further include a notifying
section notifying information relating to the monitor result of the monitoring section.
Such a textile machine determines whether or not a cyclic abnormality appears on the
rotary body by monitoring at least one of the torque and the revolution speed of the
motor, thereby detecting a periodic abnormality on the fiber band processed by the
rotary body.
Industrial Applicability
[0112] A spinning machine of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality
of a drafting roller and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality. A winding
device of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality of a
rotary drum and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality. A textile machine
of the present invention is capable of detecting a cyclic abnormality of a rotary
body and improving detection accuracy of such an abnormality.
Reference Signs List
[0113] 1... spinning frame (spinning device, textile machine), 2... spinning unit (spinning
machine), 7... drafting device, 8... fiber band, 9... spinning section, 10... spun
yarn, 16... back rollers (drafting roller), 17... third rollers (drafting roller),
18... apron belts, 19... second rollers (drafting roller), 20... front rollers, 30,
154... motor controller, 31 to 34... motor, 52... yarn clearer, 60, 60B, 160... unit
controller, 63, 163... motor monitoring section (monitoring section), 64... motor
periodic unevenness determining section (determining section), 65... periodic unevenness
determining section (determining section), 66... displaying section (notifying section),
110... automatic winder (textile machine), 117... winding device in the automatic
winder, 124... winding drum (rotary drum), 130... package, 164... determining section.