DEVICE FOR GUIDING YARN END OF YARN FEEDING BOBBIN, AND BOBBIN PREPARATION SYSTEM

Abstract

 This device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin includes an air injection device and a guide section (33). The air injection device injects air from a nozzle. The guide section (33) has a guide hole section (36), gaps (38), and a notch (37). The guide hole section (36) passes through the guide section (33), in alignment with the orientation of the nozzle. The gaps (38) are in communication with the guide hole section (36) and are perpendicular to a centerline (36c) of the guide hole section (36). The guide hole section (36) is configured to arrange a plurality of guide plates (34) having a first opening (34a) respectively in the order from the largest-diameter to smallest-diameter first openings (34a). The size of the first opening (34a) of the guide plate (34) on the side far from the nozzle is smaller than that of the first opening (34a) of the guide plate (34) on the opposite side therefrom.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin, capable of inserting the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin into a core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, in a configuration for transporting a yarn supply bobbin that is set on a transport tray, a device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin in which the yarn end of the transported yarn supply bobbin is inserted into a core tube has been known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a yarn end pick finding device as this kind of device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin. In the yarn end pick finding device of Patent Document 1, a suction pipe is arranged below a transport tray. A fluid passage is provided in the transport tray. The yarn end pick finding device of Patent Document 1 includes a compressed air injection nozzle for injecting compressed air from above the yarn supply bobbin. In the this configuration, Patent Document 1 discloses that sucking is caused from below the yarn supply bobbin to the inside of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin, and compressed air is injected from above the yarn supply bobbin toward a top hole of the yarn supply bobbin, which can insert the yarn end into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin without causing kink in the yarn end.

[0004] Patent Document 2 does not disclose a configuration in which a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin is guided, but disclose a yarn threading device in which filament is passed from a large diameter inlet to a small diameter outlet by utilizing compressed air. The yarn threading device includes a plurality of guide plates provided at predetermined intervals, in its center, provided a passage hole respectively. Each size of the passage holes is smaller as going downward.

PRIOR-ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] 

PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Examined Patent Application Publication No. 1994-65583

PATENT DOCUMENT 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-138329

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] As shown in Patent Document 1, in the configuration in which the suction pipe for guiding the yarn end is arranged below the transport tray, since the transport tray needs to be movable, it is difficult that the transport tray (the fluid passage) is in close contact with a suction port of the suction pipe. Therefore, it is difficult to cause a strong negative pressure inside the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin. In addition, since the inside of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin is often narrow, it is considerably difficult to cause a strong suction stream in the vicinity of the top hole. Thus, a negative pressure source having a high capability is needed for surely sucking the yarn end into the top hole. This involves a problem in terms of energy efficiency. On the other hand, when compressed air is merely injected toward the top hole of the yarn supply bobbin, air turbulence is easy to occur. Therefore, it was difficult to surely put the yarn end into the top hole.

[0007] The yarn threading device of Patent Document 2 is configured to thread a yarn from an inlet having a large diameter to an outlet having a small diameter by using compressed air. However, since the yarn threading device of Patent Document 2 is the device in which the yarn produced by spinning at a predetermined position is passed through a predetermined yarn passage, there is no need to remove the yarn from yarn passage thereafter. Such circumstance greatly differs from that for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin. Therefore, it is difficult that a configuration of the yarn threading device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied for the purpose for which the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin is inserted into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, the object is to provide a device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin with a simple configuration in which the yarn end can be inserted into a core tube of the yarn supply bobbin by blowing the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS AND EFFECTS THEREOF

[0009] 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.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin having the following configuration is provided. That is, the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin includes a gas injection device and a guide part. The gas injection device injects gas. The guide part is positioned at downstream side of an injection port, in an orientation of the injection port of the gas injection device. The guide part guides the yarn end that is pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin and guides the gas that is injected by the gas injection device. The guide part has a guide hole, a gas relief section, a notch, and a plurality of wall portions. The guide hole penetrates in an orientation of the injection port. The gas relief section that communicates with the guide hole is perpendicular to a centerline of the guide hole. The notch that penetrates in the orientation of the injection port is formed by cutting out from a side edge of the guide part to the guide hole. The wall portions block the gas that is injected by the gas injection device. An opening is provided on each of the wall portions. The guide hole is configured to arrange the opening of the plurality of wall portions side by side along the orientation of the injection port. The opening of the wall portion that is arranged at a side far from the injection port is smaller than the opening of the wall portion that is arranged on a side close to the injection port.

[0011] Accordingly, the yarn end that is caught from the yarn supply bobbin can be easily put in the guide hole through the notch. When the gas is blown toward the guide hole from the injection port, the gas including a flow component that is perpendicular to the orientation of the injection port can escape through the gas relief section. Therefore, since flow of gas for feeding the yarn end from a downstream end of the guide hole can blow toward the yarn supply bobbin side in the orientation exactly matching the orientation of the injection port, gas turbulence can be suppressed. As a result, the yarn end that is blown by the gas can be inserted into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0012] The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin is preferably configured as follows. That is, the guide part includes at least three guide plates as the wall portions. The guide plates are arranged side by side at intervals, along the orientation of the injection port such that the thickness direction of the guide plates coincides with the orientation of the injection port.

[0013] Accordingly, the guide part can be configured with a simple configuration. The space provided between the guide plates is utilized as the gas relief section, which can escape the component in the gas other than the flow component that coincides with the orientation of the injection port.

[0014] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, the guide plates are preferably arranged side by side at equal intervals.

[0015] Accordingly, a configuration of the guide part can be further simplified.

[0016] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, the interval between the guide plates is preferably 1mm or more and 10mm or less.

[0017] This can achieve both purposes of suitably guiding the yarn end that is blown by the gas, toward the yarn supply bobbin side, and reducing the cost by reducing the number of guide plates.

[0018] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, the opening at a farthest side from the injection port is preferably smaller than the opening at one axial end portion of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0019] Accordingly, since the yarn end guided by the guide hole is restricted within a range smaller than the opening (a top hole) of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin, the yarn end can be easily inserted into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin. Since the gas can be blown into the core tube so as not to bump into a tube wall of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin, gas turbulence can be further suppressed.

[0020] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, the opening preferably has a circular shape.

[0021] Accordingly, the yarn end can be suitably guided to the circular top hole provided in the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0022] The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin is preferably configured as follows. That is, a second opening is provided on the plurality of wall portions respectively. The notch is configured to arrange each of the second opening of the plurality of wall portions side by side along the orientation of the injection port. In each of the wall portions, the width in a portion where the second opening communicates with the circular opening is smaller than the diameter of the circular opening.

[0023] Accordingly, since the notch makes it hard to impair a guiding effect of the guide hole, the yarn end can be suitably guided to the top hole of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin. Additionally, the yarn end that is introduced within the guide hole is less likely to come off from the guide hole.

[0024] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, it is preferable that the width of the notch gradually decreases from the side edge of the guide part toward the guide hole.

[0025] Accordingly, the yarn end that is caught from the yarn supply bobbin can be further easily introduced into the guide hole.

[0026] In the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin, at least either one of the gas injection device and the guide part is preferably arranged so as to adjust its height.

[0027] This can suit to the yarn supply bobbin having a different length.

[0028] The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin preferably includes a yarn detecting section capable of detecting the yarn end that is pulled out through the guide hole.

[0029] This can easily detect that the yarn end is introduced into the guide hole.

[0030] The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin is preferably configured as follows. That is, the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin includes a yarn catching device that catches the yarn end pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin. The yarn end that is caught by the yarn catching device is introduced into the guide hole through the notch.

[0031] Accordingly, the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin having both functions for catching the yarn end from the yarn supply bobbin and inserting the caught yarn end into the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin can be configured.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a bobbin preparation system having the following configuration is provided. That is, the bobbin preparation system includes a yarn end pull-out device and the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin. The yarn end pull-out device pulls out the yarn end from the yarn supply bobbin.

[0033] Accordingly, the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin is pulled out and blown by gas, which can configure the bobbin preparation system capable of suitably guiding the yarn end toward the inside of the core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0034] The bobbin preparation system preferably prepares the yarn end for the yarn supply bobbin that is placed on a transport tray that is transported along a transport passage of the yarn supply bobbin.

[0035] Accordingly, since the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin can be pulled out and prepared while transporting the yarn supply bobbin on the transport passage, efficiency of preparation work can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] 

[Fig. 1] A plan view schematically showing an automatic winder system including a device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] A front elevational view showing an overall configuration of an automatic winder.

[Fig. 3] A front elevational view showing a configuration of the yarn supply bobbin.

[Fig. 4] A perspective view schematically showing a configuration of the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin.

[Fig. 5] A perspective view showing a configuration of a guide section.

[Fig. 6] A cross-sectional view showing a situation that the guide section guides the yarn end and airflow.

EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0037] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an automatic winder system 100 including a device 9 for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front elevational view showing an overall configuration of an automatic winder 1. Fig. 3 is a front elevational view showing a configuration of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0038] The automatic winder system 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes the automatic winder (yarn winding device) 1, a bobbin preparation system 2 and a bobbin feeder 3.

[0039] The automatic winder 1 includes a plurality of winder units (winding units) 1a arranged side by side. As shown in Fig. 1, the automatic winder 1 has a supply passage 4 for automatically transporting the yarn supply bobbin 12 to each of the winder units 1a. The automatic winder 1 has a collect passage 5 for transporting a bobbin 13 that is discharged from each of the winder units 1a. The bobbin 13 that is discharged from each of the winder units 1a and transported through the collect passage 5 would be a bobbin (an empty bobbin) in a state that a spun yarn 10 is totally unwound from the yarn supply bobbin 12, or would be a bobbin in a state that the yarn cannot be unwound for any reasons such as tangling of the spun yarn 10 in the course of unwinding of spun yarn 10.

[0040] Although Fig. 1 shows only a small number of yarn supply bobbins 12 and bobbins 13, in actual, a plurality of yarn supply bobbins 12 is transported through the supply passage 4 and a plurality of bobbins 13 is transported through the collect passage 5.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 2, each of the winder units 1a unwinds the spun yarn 10 from the yarn supply bobbin 12 that is supplied from the supply passage 4. Then, the spun yarn 10 is wound onto a winding bobbin 14 to form a package 15. Each of the winder units 1a discharges the bobbin 13 in which the spun yarn 10 is unwound, to the collect passage 5.

[0042] The yarn supply bobbin 12 is a bobbin in which the spun yarn 10 generated by a fine spinning machine 40 in a prior step is wound around a circumference of a core tube 23. The core tube 23 has an axial hole in the shape of a through hole, and has a slight taper portion as shown in Fig. 3. In the following description, a small-diameter end portion of the tapered core tube 23 may be referred to as a distal end portion (a top) 24, and a large-diameter end portion may be referred to as a root portion 25.

[0043] The fine spinning machine 40 shown in Fig. 1 is configured as a ring fine spinning machine in which the spun yarn 10 generated by drafting a rove (sliver) and imparting twist thereto is wound into the core tube 23. Since the configuration of the ring fine spinning machine is well-known, a detailed description will be omitted. The configuration of the fine spinning machine 40 is not limited to that of the ring fine spinning machine as in this embodiment. The configuration of other fine spinning machine for creating the yarn supply bobbin 12 may be adoptable.

[0044] The bobbin feeder 3 is configured such that the yarn supply bobbin 12 supplied from the fine spinning machine 40 is set one by one on a transport tray 16. As a result, the transport tray 16 supports the yarn supply bobbin 12 in a substantially upright state.

[0045] The supply passage 4 and the collect passage 5 formed by a belt conveyor and the like, are configured to transport the transport tray 16.

[0046] As described above, the yarn supply bobbin 12 being placed on the transport tray 16 is transported to each of the winder units 1a through the supply passage 4, and the spun yarn 10 is unwound by the winder unit 1a. The bobbin 13 after unwinding of the spun yarn 10 is discharged from the winder unit 1a through the collect passage 5 in a state that the bobbin 13 remains to be placed on the transport tray 16.

[0047] The bobbin preparation system 2 is arranged between the automatic winder 1 and the bobbin feeder 3. The bobbin preparation system 2 includes a transport passage 6 for transporting the transport tray 16. The bobbin preparation system 2 is not necessarily connected to the bobbin feeder 3. The bobbin preparation system 2 may be directly connected to the fine spinning machine 40. The transport passage 6 is configured to connect the supply passage 4 and the collect passage 5 of the automatic winder 1.

[0048] To be specific, the transport passage 6 includes a supply transport passage 6a, a return transport passage 6b, a skip passage 6c, and a return passage 6d. The supply transport passage 6a supplies the yarn supply bobbin 12 with the automatic winder 1. The return transport passage 6b returns the bobbin 13 discharged from the automatic winder 1 to the fine spinning machine 40. The skip passage 6c is configured to transport the transport tray 16 from the supply transport passage 6a to the return transport passage 6b (without passing through the winder unit 1a). The return passage 6d is configured to return the transport tray 16 from the return transport passage 6b to the supply transport passage 6a.

[0049] The bobbin preparation system 2 includes a bunch unwinding device 7, a yarn end pull-out device 8 and the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin. The bobbin preparation system 2 performs an appropriate work for the yarn supply bobbin 12 before it is being supplied to the automatic winder 1, so that the yarn can be smoothly unwound in the automatic winder 1. The "yarn end" in this specification may strictly mean a distal end of the spun yarn 10, but generally means a yarn end portion with a predetermined length including the distal end.

[0050] The bunch unwinding device 7 unwinds a bunch winding 26 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. Here, the bunch winding 26 will be briefly described. That is, the fine spinning machine 40 forms the yarn supply bobbin 12 by winding the spun yarn 10 onto the core tube 23. If the yarn supply bobbin 12 in a state where the yarn end 20 that is merely wound onto the core tube 23 is free is used in the automatic winder system 100, the yarn end 20 comes off in the course of transporting the yarn supply bobbin 12 from the fine spinning machine 40 to the bobbin feeder 3. This may cause tangling of the spun yarn 10 between the yarn supply bobbins 12. Then, in the fine spinning machine 40 as shown in Fig. 3, the spun yarn 10 is spirally wound on a yarn layer surface of the yarn supply bobbin 12, from the distal end portion 24 to the root portion 25. Additionally, the bunch winding 26 for winding into the root portion 25 of the core tube 23 is produced. Accordingly, the yarn end 20 is not free, which can prevent the spun yarn 10 from coming off from the yarn supply bobbin 12 during transport.

[0051] The yarn end pull-out device 8 hooks the yarn end 20 on the surface of the yarn supply bobbin 12 that is unwound by the bunch unwinding device 7, and pulls out the yarn end 20 from the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0052] The device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin guides such that the yarn end 20 can be smoothly pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin 12, in the automatic winder 1. To be specific, the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin allows the yarn end 20 that is pulled out by the yarn end pull-out device 8 to be inserted from a top hole 27 of the core tube 23 into the core tube 23 (the axial hole).

[0053] In the above-described configuration, the bobbin preparation system 2 unwinds the bunch winding 26 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 that is supplied from the bobbin feeder 3, prepares the yarn end 20 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 in the bobbin preparation system 2 such that the yarn end 20 can be pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin 12 in the automatic winder 1, and then transports the yarn supply bobbin 12 to the automatic winder 1. Each of the winder units 1a (Fig. 2) provided in the automatic winder 1 pulls out the yarn end 20 that is prepared in the bobbin preparation system 2 by blowing the yarn end 20 with compressed air upward from yarn supply bobbin 12, performs yarn joining with the spun yarn 10 in the package 15 by using a yarn joining device 17 for untwisting and joining the yarn end 20, and form the package 15 by winding the spun yarn 10 onto the winding bobbin 14. Then, the bobbin 13 as the yarn supply bobbin 12 in which the spun yarn 10 is unwound in each of the winder units 1a, is returned to the fine spinning machine 40 through the collect passage 5 and the return transport passage 6b.

[0054] Next, the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 6. Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a configuration of a guide section 33. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a situation that the guide section 33 guides the yarn end 20 and airflow.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin mainly includes a yarn catching device 31, an air injection device (gas injection device) 32 and the guide section (guide part) 33.

[0056] The yarn catching device 31 catches the yarn end 20 from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and guides the yarn end 20 to the guide section 33. The air injection device 32 blasts compressed air toward the yarn end 20 that is introduced into the guide section 33. The guide section 33 guides compressed air that is injected from the air injection device 32 to the inside of the core tube 23. The yarn end 20 blasted with the air that is guided by the guide section 33 is moved with airflow and introduced into the core tube 23. In the following, each configuration will be described in detail.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4, the yarn catching device 31 is configured as a duct arranged in the vicinity of the transport passage 6 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. The duct (yarn catching device 31) has one elongated slit 31x. The yarn end 20 can be sucked from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and caught through the slit 31x.

[0058] The yarn catching device 31 includes a duct 31D and a negative pressure supply device (negative pressure supply source) 90.

[0059] The duct 31D is configured by connecting a vertical duct 31a, a lateral duct 31b, and a coupling duct 31c. The vertical duct 31a, the lateral duct 31b, and the coupling duct 31c have a hollow square cylindrical shape that is linearly elongated, respectively. However, the shape of the duct 31D is not limited to a square cylindrical shape. For example, a cylindrical shape may be adoptable. Instead of a configuration of the duct 31D that is divided into the vertical duct 31a, the lateral duct 31b, and the coupling duct 31c, they may be integrally formed, for example.

[0060] The vertical duct 31 a is vertically arranged aside one immediately upstream side of the guide section 33 in the transporting direction of the yarn supply bobbin 12. The vertical duct 31a is arranged in proximity to the yarn supply bobbin 12 that is transported through the transport passage 6.

[0061] The lateral duct 31b is horizontally arranged such that its longitudinal direction is twisted relative to the longitudinal direction of the transport passage 6, and arranged so as to pass above the transport passage 6 and the guide section 33. In a plan view, the lateral duct 31b and the transport passage 6 are arranged so as to cross diagonally to each other.

[0062] The coupling duct 31c that is slightly inclined from the vertical direction connects the vertical duct 31a and the lateral duct 31b.

[0063] The slit 31x is arranged across a surface facing to the transport passage 6 side in the vertical duct 31a, a surface facing to the transport passage 6 side in the coupling duct 31c, and a surface (lower surface) facing to the transport passage 6 side in the lateral duct 31b. The slit 31x has an elongated shape in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of each duct 31a to 31c. The slit 31x penetrates therethrough so as to communicate the outside and the inside of the duct 31D.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4, the negative pressure supply device 90 is connected to one end of the lateral duct 31b. The negative pressure supply device 90 is configured as a blower, for example. As a result, the negative pressure supply device 90 can generate, in the above-described slit 31x, a suction air stream for sucking and catching the yarn end 20. Accordingly, the air stream that is flowed along a direction indicated by a thick dashed arrow of Fig. 4 (in the following, it may be referred to as a sucking direction) is generated inside the duct 31D. Therefore, the yarn end 20 that is sucked inside the duct 31D through the slit 31x is further pulled toward the sucking direction.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 4, one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the slit 31x is arranged at the middle in the longitudinal direction of the lateral duct 31b. The end portion (in the following, it may be referred to as a termination 31z) is positioned at downstream side of the guide section 33 in the sucking direction.

[0066] In the above-described configuration, when the yarn supply bobbin 12 transported along the transport passage 6 passes through a position indicated by a dot-dash-line of Fig. 4 (a position near the vertical duct 31a), an action of the suction stream causes the yarn end 20 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 to be sucked inside the duct 31D through the slit 31x. Then, the yarn end 20 (a distal end of the spun yarn 10) that is sucked inside the vertical duct 31a is pulled in the sucking direction through the duct 31D having a bending shape, and moves through the coupling duct 31c and the lateral duct 31b in this order. The yarn end 20 (the yarn end portion with a predetermined length including the distal end of the spun yarn 10) finally passes through the slit 31x at the termination 31z. That is, finally, the yarn end 20 that reaches from the yarn supply bobbin 12 to the inside of the duct 31D contacts with a first guide member 51 and a second guide member 52 (details thereof will be described later), and passes through the slit 31x at the termination 31z. In this configuration, the yarn catching device 31 can guide such that the yarn end 20 pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin 12 is introduced into the guide section 33.

[0067] A yarn detecting sensor 41 for detecting whether or not the yarn catching device 31 catches the yarn end 20 is arranged in the sucking direction downstream of the termination 31z of the slit 31x. The yarn detecting sensor 41 can include an optical sensor, or the like.

[0068] A nozzle (injection port) 32a for injecting the air is formed downward in the air injection device 32. The nozzle 32a is arranged immediately above the guide section 33 and arranged immediately above the transport passage 6. The nozzle 32a that is connected to a compressed air source (not shown) via an appropriate pipe can inject compressed air immediately downward.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, the air injection device 32 (nozzle 32a) is supported via a height changing mechanism 61 capable of adjusting the height of the air injection device 32. Although it is conceivable that the height changing mechanism 61 is configured by using a combination of a fixing member such as a bolt, and a vertically elongated hole, this is not limiting.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 4, the guide section 33 is arranged immediately below the nozzle 32a. The guide section 33 is configured to suitably guide the flow of compressed air injected from the nozzle 32a in order that the yarn end 20 blown by the nozzle 32a is smoothly introduced into the core tube 23 from the top hole 27.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4, the guide section 33 is configured such that a plurality of (seven, in this embodiment) guide plates (wall portions) 34 is arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction that is the same direction as that of the nozzle 32a. Each of the guide plates 34 can block compressed air injected from the nozzle 32a. Each of the guide plates 34 has its thickness direction that coincides with the direction (vertical direction) where each of the guide plates 34 is arranged.

[0072] Each of the seven guide plates 34 has a penetrated mounting hole (not shown) capable of inserting a bolt 66 as the fixing member. Each of the penetrated mounting holes is arranged at a position corresponding to each other. A disc-shaped spacer 35 is arranged between two adjacent guide plates 34. The spacer 35 has a penetrated axial hole (not shown) capable of inserting the bolt 66. Each of the guide plates 34 preferably has a certain size so that the air can suitably escape to the periphery via gaps 38 which are formed by a space between two adjacent guide plates 34 (details will be described later).

[0073] In this configuration, the guide plate 34, the spacer 35, the guide plate 34... are alternately mounted with respect to the bolt 66, and they are fastened with a nut 67 as the fixing member. Accordingly, seven guide plates 34 are arranged so as to form the gaps (gas relief sections) 38 thereamong, which correspond to the thickness of the spacer 35. Since each of the spacers 35 has its thickness equal to each other, each of the seven guide plates 34 has equal space thereamong (each size of the gaps 38).

[0074] Each of the gaps 38 is formed in a stacked manner in the direction perpendicular to that of the nozzle 32a (horizontal direction). Each of the gaps 38 communicates with the outside of the guide section 33 at a position corresponding to an outer edge of each of the guide plates 34.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 5, a circular first opening 34a and a trapezoidal second opening 34b are provided on each of the guide plates 34. Although the first opening 34a is provided in a substantially central area of each of the guide plates 34, this is not limiting. The first opening 34a may be provided near an edge of each of the guide plates 34, for example. The second opening 34b that is provided at one side of each of the guide plates 34 is configured to pass the yarn end 20 from the outside to the first opening 34a.

[0076] The first opening 34a provided in each of the guide plates 34 has its center that coincides with each other in the horizontal direction. Each center of the first opening 34a is positioned on a virtual straight line extended from a centerline of nozzle 32a. Accordingly, the air injected by the nozzle 32a is blown to the inside of the first opening 34a.

[0077] The guide section 33 is supported at an appropriate height, and the center of the first opening 34a that is provided on each of the guide plates 34 is positioned immediately above the transport passage 6. In this embodiment, the yarn supply bobbin 12 transported through the transport passage 6 can be stopped at a position indicated by a solid line in Fig. 4 (in the following, it may be referred to as a preparing position). When the yarn supply bobbin 12 is stopped at the above-described preparing position, the top hole 27 of the core tube 23 is positioned immediately below a central portion of the first opening 34a, as shown in Fig. 6. Therefore, among the air injected by the nozzle 32a, a part of air which passes the guide section 33 downward can suitably flow to the inside from the top hole 27 of the core tube 23 in the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 6, in the guide section 33, the lowermost guide plate 34 is arranged with a height for forming a small gap in the vertical direction, with respect to an upper end portion of the core tube 23 in the yarn supply bobbin 12 which stops at the preparing position. As with the nozzle 32a, the guide section 33 is supported via the height changing mechanism (not shown) capable of adjusting the height. This can flexibly correspond to changing of the length of the core tube 23 in the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0079] The distance between the nozzle 32a and the guide section 33 (the guide plate 34 closest to the nozzle 32a) is preferably set to 15mm, for example. The distance between the yarn supply bobbin 12 and the guide section 33 (the guide plate 34 closest to the yarn supply bobbin 12) is preferably set to 3mm or more and 9mm or less, for example. However, these distances are not limited to the above-described numerical values.

[0080] Each opening size of the first opening 34a is gradually changed to be larger in the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 arranged at an upper side (a side close to the nozzle 32a), and to be smaller in the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 arranged at a lower side (a side close to the yarn supply bobbin 12, a side close to the transport passage 6). As a result, it is achieved that the guide section 33 has its shape in which a plurality of plates laminated at intervals is cut out into a conical shape, as shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. A section that is cut out into the conical shape corresponds to a guide hole section 36 that will be described later. In the guide section 33, the first opening 34a of the uppermost guide plate 34 has the largest size, and the first opening 34a of the lowermost guide plate 34 has the smallest size.

[0081] For example, the first opening 34a preferably has its diameter that is smaller by a predetermined value (0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less) as going toward the yarn supply bobbin 12. The diameter of the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 closest to the yarn supply bobbin 12 is preferably set to 3mm or more and 5mm or less. That is, it is preferable that the diameter of the first opening 34a is gradually increased to 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm..., as going toward the nozzle 32a away from the yarn supply bobbin 12, for example. On the other hand, the diameter of the injection port of the nozzle 32a is preferably set to 0.5mm or more and 1.0mm or less, for example. In this case, the diameter of the injection port of the nozzle 32a is smaller than that of the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 closest to the yarn supply bobbin 12. These diameters are not limited to the above-described numerical values.

[0082] As such, each of the first openings 34a that is provided on the plurality of guide plates 34 has its center that coincides with each other in the horizontal direction, and the first openings 34a are arranged in order of the larger diameter from top to bottom. Accordingly, in seeing the guide section 33 as a whole, the tapered guide hole section 36 (Fig. 5) that penetrates in the vertical direction as the orientation of the nozzle 32a is formed. As shown in Fig. 6, a centerline 36c of the guide hole section 36 coincides with the orientation of the nozzle 32a (the centerline of the nozzle 32a) provided in the air injection device 32. Such tapered shape of the guide hole section 36 allows the yarn end 20 to be suitably guided into the narrow core tube 23 provided in the yarn supply bobbin 12, along with the air injection from the nozzle 32a. Since the guide hole section 36 has a conical shape, the above-described guiding effect can be suitably exerted in any position of the yarn end 20 in the circumferential direction. In the following description, among end portions of the guide hole section 36, an end portion close to the air injection device 32 is referred to as an inlet 36a, and its opposite end portion is referred to as an outlet 36b.

[0083] The first opening 34a corresponding to the outlet 36b (the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 that is arranged at a farthest side from the nozzle 32a) is smaller than an opening of the top hole 27 that is positioned at the distal end portion 24 of the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. Accordingly, since the air that is passed through the first opening 34a provided on the lowermost guide plate 34 suitably flows to the inside of the core tube 23 without running into an upper end surface on a tube wall of the core tube 23, air turbulence (such as adverse wind) caused by the core tube 23 can be suppressed. As a result, the yarn end 20 blown by the air is suitably guided into the core tube 23.

[0084] The second opening 34b provided on the guide plate 34 has an axisymmetric shape around a line perpendicular to the centerline 36c of the first opening 34a, as shown in Fig. 5. A short side of the second opening 34b is connected to the first opening 34a, and a long side of the second opening 34b is connected to an edge of the guide plate 34. The second opening 34b provided on each of the guide plates 34 is arranged at a substantially corresponding position in the vertical direction.

[0085] That is, the second opening 34b has its width that is gradually narrowed down from the edge of the guide plate 34 toward the center side (the first opening 34a). Accordingly, the yarn end 20 that is caught by the yarn catching device 31 can be suitably introduced into the first opening 34a through the second opening 34b.

[0086] In each of the guide plates 34, the width where the second opening 34b is connected to the first opening 34a is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 34a. Accordingly, the shape of the guide hole section 36 can be kept generally conical, which makes it hard to impair the above-described guiding effect. Therefore, the yarn end 20 can be surely guided into the core tube 23. Since a narrow part is formed at a connection point between the second opening 34b and the first opening 34a, the yarn end 20 that is once entered into the first opening 34a is less likely to escape from the second opening 34b.

[0087] The second opening 34b has its width that is gradually changed so as to have a large opening area in the second opening 34b of the guide plate 34 arranged at an upstream side (at a side close to the nozzle 32a), and have a small opening area in the second opening 34b of the guide plate 34 arranged at a downstream side (at a side close to the yarn supply bobbin 12, at a side close to the transport passage 6). This results in the guide section 33 having its shape in which the plurality of plates laminated at intervals is hollowed out in a truncated pyramid with a trapezoidal bottom. Such portion hollowed out in the truncated pyramid corresponds to a notch 37 that will be described later. In the guide section 33, the second opening 34b of the uppermost guide plate 34 has the largest opening area (size), and the second opening 34b of the lowermost guide plate 34 has the smallest opening area (size). The second openings 34b in all of the guide plates 34 may have similar opening size.

[0088] As such, each of the second openings 34b provided on the plurality of guide plates 34 has its axis that coincides with each other in the horizontal direction, and the second openings 34b are arranged in order of the larger width from top to bottom. Accordingly, in seeing the guide section 33 as a whole, the tapered notch 37 that penetrates in the vertical direction as the orientation of the nozzle 32a is formed. The notch 37 has its shape in which one edge of the guide section 33 is opened and cut out to the guide hole section 36. The notch 37 opens an upstream side in the transporting direction of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0089] The internal space of the guide hole section 36 communicates with the plurality of gaps 38 that is formed in a stacked manner so as to be perpendicular to the centerline 36c of guide hole section 36. The guide hole section 36 is arranged at the center of the gaps 38 as seen in the axial direction of the guide hole section 36. Therefore, among airflow generated by blowing compressed air into the guide hole section 36 having a conical shape, airflow for directing outward in the radial direction of the first opening 34a can easily escape to the periphery through the gaps 38 that are arranged in a stacked manner.

[0090] In the above-described configuration, airflow that is injected into the guide hole section 36 by the air injection device 32 is gradually narrowed down by continuously passing through the first openings 34a having a diameter that is gradually narrowed down. In this process, airflow that is far from the centerline 36c of the guide hole section 36 or airflow whose orientation is displaced with respect to the centerline 36c bump into any one of the guide plates 34 and escape through the gaps 38, as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the air that passes through all of the first openings 34a and comes out from the outlet 36b accurately flows in the direction parallel to the centerline 36c of the guide hole section 36. The first openings 34a that are gradually narrowed down allow an unnecessary airflow to gradually escape to the periphery through the gaps 38, and thereby allow a suitable airflow to remain. Therefore, air turbulence is less likely to be generated inside the guide hole section 36. As such, since airflow that is ejected from the outlet 36b of the guide hole section 36 is adjusted, the yarn end 20 that is introduced into the guide hole section 36 can be smoothly put in the top hole 27 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 by using airflow.

[0091] Each of the gaps 38 provided between the guide plates 34 (that is, the thickness of each of the spacers 35) has an appropriate dimension of 1mm or more and 10mm or less. Each of the gaps 38 has the dimension of 1mm or more, which can prevent cost increasing due to an increase in the number of guide plates 34 and can allow the air to suitably escape through the gaps 38. Each of the gaps 38 has the dimension of 10mm or less, which can prevent the yarn end 20 from entering into the gaps 38. Each of the gaps 38 preferably has the dimension of 1mm or more and 3mm or less. Each of the guide plates 34 has preferably its thickness smaller than that of each of the spacers 35. To be specific, it is conceivable that each of the guide plates 34 has its thickness of 1mm, and each of the spacers 35 has its thickness of 7mm, for example, but this is not limiting. Each of the spacers 35 may have its thickness of 2mm, and each of the gaps 38 may have its thickness of 2mm, for example.

[0092] The bolt 66 and the spacers 35 are arranged at one of four corners on the rectangular guide plate 34. As such, the bolt 66 and the spacers 35 have a sufficient distance from the first openings 34a, which can prevent the bolt 66 and the spacers 35 from interfering with airflow in the gaps 38.

[0093] Next, the first guide member 51 and the second guide member 52 provided in the device 9 or guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin will be described. The first guide member 51 and the second guide member 52 shown in Fig. 4 are members by which the yarn end 20 that is caught by the yarn catching device 31 is suitably guided into the guide section 33 (to be specific, into the guide hole section 36 through the notch 37).

[0094] As shown in Fig. 4, the first guide member 51 is attached to an upper surface of the uppermost guide plate 34 among seven guide plates 34 for forming the guide section 33. The first guide member 51 having an elongated shape linearly protrudes from the guide section 33. The orientation to which the first guide member 51 protrudes from the guide section 33 is parallel to the surface of the guide plate 34, and also substantially parallel to the orientation where the notch 37 is opened in the guide section 33. The first guide member 51 is arranged at a position closer to one side (a side close to the termination 31z of the slit 31x) than a position of the notch 37 of the guide section 33. The edge of the first guide member 51 (the edge close to the guide hole section 36 and the notch 37) contacts the yarn end 20 that extends from the yarn supply bobbin 12 into the duct 31D, which can guide the yarn end 20 so as to smoothly enter into the guide hole section 36 through the notch 37.

[0095] The second guide member 52 is configured as a flat plate member that is supported at a substantially same height as a position of the nozzle 32a. The edge of the second guide member 52 has a yarn guide 57 capable of contacting the yarn end 20 that extends from the yarn supply bobbin 12 into the duct 31D. The edge of the second guide member 52 also has a concave-shaped yarn restricting section 53. The second guide member 52 is arranged at a position close to one side (a same side as a position where the first guide member 51 is arranged closer than a position of the notch 37) from immediately above the guide section 33. This can prevent interference between the second guide member 52 and the air injection device 32.

[0096] The second guide member 52 guides the yarn end 20 by using the yarn guide 57, and then restricts the yarn end 20, by using the yarn restricting section 53, to a position where the air that is injected from the air injection device 32 contacts properly. The air is injected from the nozzle 32a in this state, and thereby the injection flow can surely act on the yarn end 20.

[0097] The second guide member 52 has a yarn detecting sensor (yarn detecting section) 42 for detecting the yarn end 20 that is pulled out upward through the guide hole section 36 (the yarn end 20 that is restricted by the yarn restricting section 53). As with the yarn detecting sensor 41, the yarn detecting sensor 42 can include an optical sensor, or the like.

[0098] The yarn detecting sensor 42 can simply determine whether or not the yarn end 20 passes through the guide hole section 36. Since the yarn detecting sensor 42 keeps a sufficient distance from the guide section 33, the yarn detecting sensor 42 does not interfere with the yarn end 20 within the guide hole section 36 and airflow.

[0099] The second guide member 52 has a cutter 54 for cutting the yarn end 20 that is restricted by the yarn restricting section 53. The cutter 54 can be driven by a solenoid, for example.

[0100] Next, a specific operation of the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0101] When the yarn supply bobbin 12 is transported along the transport passage 6 to a position indicated by the chain line in Fig. 4, the yarn catching device 31 sucks the yarn end 20 from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and catches the yarn end 20, by using the suction air stream that is generated in the vicinity of the slit 31x of the vertical duct 31a. Then, since a position where the yarn end 20 is sucked into the slit 31x moves to the termination 31z, the yarn end 20 is accordingly pulled out upward from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and then the yarn end 20 contacts with the first guide member 51 and the second guide member 52.

[0102] When the yarn detecting sensor 41 detects the yarn end 20, the transport passage 6 transports the yarn bobbin 12 from a position indicated by the chain line in Fig. 4 to a position immediately below the guide section 33 (preparation position). With the movement of the yarn supply bobbin 12, the yarn end 20 is entered in the guide hole section 36 from the notch 37 by guidance of the first guide member 51, and entered in the yarn restricting section 53 by guidance of the second guide member 52.

[0103] When the yarn detecting sensor 42 detects that the yarn end 20 is introduced in the yarn restricting section 53, the air injection device 32 starts to inject compressed air. Immediately thereafter, the yarn end 20 is cut by the cutter 54.

[0104] The yarn end 20 that is newly formed by cutting with the cutter 54, rides on the injection flow generated by injection of the air injection device 32 and follows guidance of the guide hole section 36. Then, the yarn end 20 is blown into the core tube 23 from the top hole 27 of the core tube 23. At this time, since the guide section 33 suitably guides the yarn end 20 and airflow as described above, the yarn end 20 can be surely put into the core tube 23 from the top hole 27.

[0105] As such, the yarn end 20 can be caught from the yarn supply bobbin 12 by the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, and such caught yarn end 20 can be suitably blown into the core tube 23 from above the top hole 27 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. Particularly in this embodiment, unlike Patent Document 1, the yarn end 20 can be surely guided merely by injecting the air from above the yarn supply bobbin 12, without sucking the yarn end 20 from below the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 with negative pressure. Therefore, significant improvement in energy efficiency can be achieved.

[0106] In the configuration of the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the yarn end 20 can be inserted into the core tube 23 without generating the suction air stream in the core tube 23 by placing a suction device connected to a negative pressure supply source at a lower side of the yarn supply bobbin 12. Therefore, since it is unnecessary to suck the air from below the transport tray 16, the transport tray 16 (yarn supply bobbin 12) in the transport passage 6 can be transported by a wide belt conveyor. Accordingly, the configuration can be simplified.

[0107] As described above, the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment includes the air injection device 32 and the guide section 33. The air injection device 32 injects compressed air. The guide section 33 is positioned at a downstream side of the nozzle 32a, in an orientation toward which the nozzle 32a of the air injection device 32 faces. The guide section 33 guides the yarn end 20 that is pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and guides compressed air that is injected by the air injection device 32. The guide section 33 has the guide hole section 36, the gaps 38, and the notch 37. The guide hole section 36 penetrates in the orientation of the nozzle 32a. The gaps 38 that communicate with the guide hole section 36, are perpendicular to the centerline of the guide hole section 36. The notch 37 that communicates with the orientation of the nozzle 32a is formed by cutting out from a side edge of the guide section 33 to the guide hole section 36. The guide section 33 includes the plurality of guide plates 34 having the first opening 34a respectively. The guide hole section 36 is configured by arranging the first opening 34a of the plurality of guide plates 34 side by side along the orientation of the nozzle 32a. The first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 that is arranged at a side far from the nozzle 32a is smaller than the first opening 34a of the guide plate 34 that is arranged at a side close to the nozzle 32a.

[0108] Accordingly, the yarn end 20 that is caught from the yarn supply bobbin 12 can be put into the guide hole section 36 through the notch 37. When compressed air is blown from the nozzle 32a toward the guide hole section 36, the air having a flow component that is perpendicular to the orientation of the nozzle 32a can escape through the gaps 38. Therefore, since airflow for feeding the yarn end 20 from a downstream end of the guide hole section 36 can be blown toward the top hole 27 in the direction that accurately coincides with the orientation of the nozzle 32a, air turbulence (for example, adverse wind heading from the yarn supply bobbin 12 side toward the guide hole section 36 side) can be reduced. As a result, the yarn end 20 blown by the air can be suitably fed into the core tube 23.

[0109] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the guide section 33 includes seven guide plates 34. The guide plates 34 are arranged side by side at intervals along the orientation of the nozzle 32a such that its thickness direction coincides with the orientation of the nozzle 32a.

[0110] Accordingly, the guide section 33 can be simplified. The interval between the guide plates 34 can be utilized to escape components in the injected air other than the flow component that coincides with the orientation of the nozzle 32a.

[0111] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the guide plates 34 are arranged side by side at equal intervals.

[0112] Accordingly, a configuration of the guide section 33 can be further simplified.

[0113] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the interval between the guide plates 34 is 1mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0114] Accordingly, the yarn end 20 can be suitably guided to the yarn supply bobbin 12 side, and also cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of guide plates 34.

[0115] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the first opening 34a at a farthest side from the nozzle 32a in the guide section 33 is smaller than the top hole 27 of the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0116] Accordingly, since the yarn end 20 that is guided by the guide hole section 36 is restricted within a range smaller than the top hole 27 of the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12, the yarn end 20 can be easily inserted into the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. Since the air can be blown into the core tube 23 so as not to bump into the tube wall of the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12, air turbulence (for example, adverse wind heading from the yarn supply bobbin 12 toward the guide hole section 36) can be further reduced.

[0117] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the first opening 34a has a circular shape.

[0118] Accordingly, the yarn end 20 can be suitably guided to the circular-shaped top hole 27 provided in the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0119] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, the second opening 34b is provided on each of the plurality of guide plates 34. The notch 37 is configured by arranging each of the second openings 34b of the plurality of guide plates 34 side by side along the orientation of the nozzle 32a. In each of the guide plates 34, the width in a portion where the second opening 34b communicates with the first opening 34a is smaller than the diameter of the first opening 34a.

[0120] Accordingly, since a guiding effect of the guide hole section 36 is less likely to be impaired by the notch 37, the yarn end 20 can be suitably guided to the top hole 27 of the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12. The yarn end 20 that is introduced into the guide hole section 36 can less likely be removed from the guide hole section 36.

[0121] In the device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment, both of the air injection device 32 and the guide section 33 are arranged such that their heights are adjustable.

[0122] Accordingly, yarn supply bobbins 12 having different length can be easily accepted.

[0123] The device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment includes the yarn detecting sensor 42 that detects the yarn end 20 pulled out through the guide hole section 36.

[0124] Accordingly, a situation that the yarn end 20 is introduced into the guide hole section 36 can be easily detected.

[0125] The device 9 for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin of this embodiment includes the yarn catching device 31. The yarn catching device 31 catches the yarn end 20 that is pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin 12. The yarn end 20 that is caught by the yarn catching device 31 is introduced into the notch 37.

[0126] Accordingly, the device can have both functions of catching the yarn end 20 from the yarn supply bobbin 12 and feeding the caught yarn end 20 into the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0127] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above-described configuration may be modified, for example, as follows.

[0128] The number of guide plates 34 is not limited to seven guide plates. Six or less, or eight or more guide plates 34 may be acceptable. However, from the viewpoint of suitably guiding airflow, it is preferable to provide three or more guide plates 34 and the plurality of layered gaps 38. It is preferable to provide four guide plates 34, for example.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, although each of the first openings 34a that is provided on the guide plates 34 has a circular shape, shapes other than a perfect circle (for example, an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape) may be acceptable.

[0130] The plurality of guide plates 34 may be arranged at irregular intervals, not equal intervals.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the air is injected from the nozzle 32a of the air injection device 32, in a state where an axial line of the yarn supply bobbin 12 coincides with the centerline 36c of the guide hole section 36. However, a positional relationship between the yarn supply bobbin 12 and the guide hole section 36 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Even when the top hole 27 of the yarn supply bobbin 12 is positioned slightly close to the notch 37, the yarn end 20 that is blown by the air injected from the nozzle 32a can be suitably fed into the core tube 23 of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

[0132] In the above-described embodiment, the first opening 34a of each of the guide plates 34 is formed such that its cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction of the guide plates 34 is uniform. However, a tapered first opening 34a may be provided on each of the guide plates 34.

[0133] Instead of fixing the guide plates 34 or the like with a single bolt 66, the guide plates 34 or the like may be fixed with the plurality of bolts 66. In this case, rotation of the guide plates 34 can be blocked with a simple configuration.

[0134] The guide section 33 may be formed by a single member having a plurality of wall portions, instead of being formed by the plurality of guide plates 34 or the like.

[0135] When the guide section 33 is formed by the single member, instead of the layered gaps for escaping the air, a plurality of air relief holes in an orientation perpendicular to the centerline 36c of the guide hole section 36 may be radially provided as the gas relief section.

[0136] The yarn catching device 31 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, after the yarn end 20 is caught at a distal end of a pipe that is connected to an appropriate negative pressure supply source, the yarn end 20 may be guided to a position corresponding to the termination 31z by moving the distal end of the pipe. Instead of a configuration in which the yarn end 20 is caught by sucking it, the yarn end 20 can be caught by nipping it.

[0137] The air injection device 32 may be configured to inject gas other than air.

[0138] When the yarn supply bobbin 12 without bunching is fed to the bobbin preparation system 2, the bunch unwinding device 7 may be omitted.

[0139] The first openings 34a and the second openings 34b may be downsized linearly from top down, or may be downsized in a curved manner such as a quadratic curve. That is, the line for forming an entire longitudinal sectional shape of all of the first openings 34a or all of the second openings 34b, may have a linear shape or a curved shape such as the quadratic curve.

[0140] Each of the guide plates 34 and each of the spacers 35 can be formed integrally with each other.

[0141] The first opening 34a of the lowermost guide plate 34 may have the same size as the top hole 27 of the yarn supply bobbin 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0142] 

2

bobbin preparation system

6

transport passage (transport path)

8

yarn end pull-out device

9

device for guiding yarn end of yarn supply bobbin

12

yarn supply bobbin

16

transport tray

20

yarn end

23

core tube

27

top hole (opening at one axial end portion of core tube)

31

yarn catching device

32

air injection device (gas injection device)

32a

nozzle (injection port)

33

guide section (guide part)

34

guide plate (wall portion)

34a

first opening (opening)

34b

second opening

36

guide hole section (guide hole)

37

notch

38

gap (gas relief section)

42

yarn detecting sensor (yarn detecting section)

Claims

1. A device for guiding a yarn end of a yarn supply bobbin comprising:

a gas injection device for injecting gas; and

a guide part that is positioned at a downstream side of an injection port, in an orientation toward which the injection port of the gas injection device faces, the guide part for guiding a yarn end that is pulled out from a yarn supply bobbin and guiding gas that is injected by the gas injection device, wherein

the guide part includes:

a guide hole that penetrates in the orientation of the injection port,

a gas relief section that is in communication with the guide hole and perpendicular to a centerline of the guide hole,

a notch that penetrates in the orientation of the injection port, the notch that is formed by cutting out from a side edge of the guide part to the guide hole, and

a plurality of wall portions that blocks the gas injected by the gas injection device, wherein

an opening is provided on each of the wall portions,

the guide hole is configured by arranging the opening of each of the wall portions side by side along the orientation of the injection port,

the opening of each of the wall portions that is arranged at a side far from the injection port is smaller than the opening of each of the wall portions that is arranged at a side close to the injection port.

2. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to claim 1, wherein
the guide part includes at least three guide plates as the wall portions,
the guide plates are arranged side by side at intervals along the orientation of the injection port such that a thickness direction of the guide plates coincides with the orientation of the injection port.

3. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to claim 2, wherein
the guide plates are arranged side by side at equal intervals.

4. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
each of the intervals between the guide plates is 1mm or more and 10mm or less.

5. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein
the opening at a farthest side from the injection port in the guide part is smaller than the opening at one end in an axial direction of a core tube of the yarn supply bobbin.

6. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 5, wherein
the opening has a circular shape.

7. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to claim 6, wherein
a second opening is provided on each of the wall portions,
the notch is configured by arranging the second opening of the plurality of wall portions side by side along the orientation of the injection port,
in each of the wall portions, a width in a portion where the second opening communicates with the circular opening is smaller than a diameter of the circular opening.

8. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein
the width of the notch gradually decreases from a side edge of the guide part toward the guide hole.

9. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein
at least either one of the gas injection device and the guide part is arranged so as to adjust its height.

10. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 9, wherein
a yarn detecting section capable of detecting the yarn end that is pulled out through the guide hole is provided.

11. The device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 10, wherein
a yarn catching device that catches the yarn end that is pulled out from the yarn supply bobbin is provided,
the yarn end that is caught by the yarn catching device is introduced into the guide hole via the notch.

12. A bobbin preparation system comprising:

a yarn end pull-out device that pulls out the yarn end from the yarn supply bobbin; and

the device for guiding the yarn end of the yarn supply bobbin according to any one of claim 1 to 11.

13. The bobbin preparation system according to claim 12, wherein
the yarn end is prepared for the yarn supply bobbin that is placed on a transport tray transported along a transport passage of the yarn supply bobbin.

Drawing