JP7618519B2 - Yarn Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to yarn processing equipment.

Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus (yarn processing equipment) that processes yarn unwound from a yarn supply package (described as a supply bobbin in Patent Document 1) formed by winding yarn around a yarn supply bobbin, winds the yarn around a take-up bobbin, and forms a wound body (winding package). The yarn processing equipment is configured to support two yarn supply packages corresponding to one take-up bobbin. In such yarn processing equipment, when the end of the yarn in one of the two yarn supply packages and the beginning of the yarn in the other are knotted (connected), it is possible to supply yarn from the other without interruption after the one of the two yarn supply packages becomes empty. Specifically, immediately after the supply of yarn from one of the yarn supply packages is completed, the knotted portion (yarn connection portion) of the two yarns is pulled, and yarn begins to be unwound from the other yarn supply package. This allows the yarn to be supplied without interruption.

Special Publication No. 2003-526584

In the field of yarn processing, various improvements have been made to improve productivity and product quality. The inventors of the present application have been conducting intensive research to develop yarn processing equipment with new added value that has not been seen before. For example, it has been considered to dramatically improve production management by predicting the timing when the yarn will run out in the yarn supply package from which the yarn is unwound. Here, it is required to appropriately predict the above timing even when the yarn supply package from which the yarn is unwound is replaced with a new yarn supply package midway, for example, due to poor yarn quality.

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems that can occur when a yarn supply package from which yarn is being unwound is replaced with a new yarn supply package midway through the process.

The yarn processing equipment of the first invention is a yarn processing machine having a yarn supplying unit configured to be able to supply yarn, a processing unit configured to process the yarn supplied from the yarn supplying unit, and a winding unit configured to wind the yarn processed by the processing unit onto a winding bobbin to form a winding package, and an information management unit configured to manage information related to the yarn processing machine, in which the yarn supplying unit has a yarn supply package holding unit configured to allow a plurality of yarn supply packages each containing a yarn to be attached and detached, and the yarn supply package holding unit holds a terminal end of a yarn contained in one of the plurality of yarn supply packages and a terminal end of a yarn contained in another yarn supply package from which the yarn is to be unwound after the one yarn supply package. The information management unit is configured to be able to supply the yarn without interruption when the starting end is connected, and is configured to acquire at least one of remaining amount information regarding the remaining amount of yarn contained in a yarn supplying package from which the yarn is being unwound at any reference time, and remaining time information regarding the remaining time in which the yarn can be unwound from the yarn supplying package at the reference time, by calculation, and is characterized in that, when it acquires mid-way replacement information indicating that a yarn supplying package from which the yarn is being unwound has been replaced with another new yarn supplying package from among the multiple yarn supplying packages, it performs a reset process to return at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to a predetermined initial value.

First, in the present invention, remaining amount information and/or remaining time information related to the yarn supply package holding unit is acquired at any time. This allows the yarn supply package holding unit to predict when the yarn will run out of the yarn from the yarn supply package from which the yarn is being unwound, which allows for a dramatic improvement in production management. Here, a situation may occur in which the yarn supply package from which the yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package due to, for example, poor yarn quality. In such a case, if the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information is not updated, the calculation results of the remaining amount and/or remaining time thereafter will deviate from the actual values, and a problem occurs in that it is not possible to accurately predict when the yarn will run out of the yarn supply package. In this regard, in the present invention, a reset process is performed when the information management unit acquires mid-way replacement information. This makes it possible to suppress discrepancies between the calculation results of the remaining amount and/or remaining time and the actual values. Therefore, it is possible to solve problems that may occur when the yarn supply package from which the yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package mid-way.

The yarn processing equipment of a second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the yarn supply package holding unit has a plurality of mounting units to which the plurality of yarn supply packages are respectively mounted, and the yarn supply unit includes a switching detection unit capable of detecting yarn supply package switching when unwinding of yarn from a yarn supply package mounted to a mounting unit among the plurality of mounting units ends and unwinding of yarn from another yarn supply package mounted to a mounting unit other than the one mounting unit among the plurality of mounting units begins, and the information management unit performs the reset processing for the other mounting unit when the switching detection unit detects the yarn supply package switching.

In the yarn processing equipment of the present invention, in normal operation, when a yarn supply package held in the yarn supply package holding section becomes empty, yarn begins to be unwound from the next new yarn supply package. At this time, a yarn supply package switch is detected and a reset process is performed. However, if the yarn supply package from which yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package and then yarn begins to be unwound from the new yarn supply package, a yarn supply package switch is not detected. Even in such a case, in the present invention, a similar reset process is performed when the information management section acquires mid-way replacement information. This makes it possible to effectively suppress discrepancies between the calculation results of the remaining amount and/or remaining time and the actual values while suppressing program complexity.

The yarn processing equipment of the third invention is the yarn processing equipment of the first or second invention, characterized in that the information management unit can acquire, as the initial value information, initial amount information related to the initial amount of yarn contained in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, unwinding unit amount information related to the amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, and accumulated time information related to the accumulated time for which yarn has been unwound from one of the plurality of yarn supply packages from which yarn has been unwound at the reference time, and acquires at least one of the remaining time information and the remaining amount information by performing a calculation using at least the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the accumulated time information, and returns at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to the initial value by returning the accumulated time to a predetermined initial time as the reset process.

In a configuration in which initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information are acquired, calculations using this information make it possible to easily acquire remaining amount information and/or remaining time information at any time. In the present invention, when mid-way replacement information is acquired, accumulated time information is returned to the initial time. Therefore, while remaining amount information and/or remaining time information can be easily acquired, discrepancies between the calculation results of remaining amount information and/or remaining time information and the actual values can be easily suppressed.

The yarn processing equipment of the fourth invention is the first or second invention, wherein the information management unit can acquire, as the initial value information, initial amount information related to the initial amount of yarn contained in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, unwinding unit amount information related to the amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, and unwinding start time information related to the unwinding start time at which unwinding of yarn from a yarn supply package from which yarn is unwound at the reference time among the plurality of yarn supply packages is started, and acquires at least one of the remaining time information and the remaining amount information related to each of the plurality of yarn supply packages by calculation using at least the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the unwinding start time information, and acquires the unwinding start time information related to the new yarn supply package as the reset process, thereby returning at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to the initial value.

In the present invention, as in the third invention, remaining amount information and/or remaining time information can be easily obtained, while discrepancies between the calculation results of remaining amount information and/or remaining time information and the actual values can be easily suppressed.

The yarn processing equipment of the fifth invention is characterized in that in the third or fourth invention, the information management unit acquires information on the initial weight and fineness of the yarn contained in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages as the initial amount information, and acquires information on the unwinding speed, which is the length of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, as the unwinding unit amount information.

In general, information on the initial weight of a yarn supply package can be easily obtained in advance, and therefore can be easily handled as initial amount information. Similarly, information on the unwinding speed can be easily obtained in advance, and therefore can be easily handled as unwinding unit amount information. However, while the initial weight has the dimension of mass, the unwinding speed has the dimension of length. In this case, even if calculations are performed on the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information based only on the initial weight, unwinding speed, and accumulated time (or unwinding start time), it is not possible to align the units. In this regard, in the present invention, information on fineness (weight per unit length) that can be obtained in advance is also obtained as initial amount information. This makes it possible to easily align the units when calculating the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information.

The sixth invention is a yarn processing equipment according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, characterized in that the yarn processing machine is configured to unwind yarn from one of the multiple yarn supply packages during at least a portion of the threading time during which the yarn processing machine is threaded after the mid-way replacement, the yarn supplying unit has an unwinding detection unit capable of detecting whether or not yarn is unwound from the one yarn supply package, the information management unit uses information on the detection time during which the unwinding detection unit detects that yarn is unwound from the one yarn supply package to obtain at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information, and at least a portion of the threading time is included in the detection time.

For example, the threading time may be excluded from the detection time. However, in this case, information regarding the completion of the threading work is required, which may complicate the processing by the information management unit. In the present invention, at least a portion of the threading time is included in the detection time. Therefore, remaining amount information and/or remaining time information can be obtained through simple processing.

The yarn processing equipment of the seventh invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the information management unit is configured to be able to acquire a common initial value, which is a common value related to the multiple yarn supply packages, as the initial value.

In the present invention, the amount of yarn contained in all yarn supply packages is assumed to be approximately the same, and the reset process can be performed using a simple program compared to when the initial value is different for each yarn supply package.

The yarn processing equipment of the eighth invention is the seventh invention, characterized in that the yarn processing machine is configured to be able to process multiple yarns simultaneously, the yarn supplying section has multiple yarn supply package holding sections, and the common initial value is set as a common value for the multiple yarn supply package holding sections.

In the present invention, even in a configuration in which multiple yarn package holders are provided, the reset process can be performed using a simple program.

The yarn processing equipment of a ninth invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth inventions, the information management unit is configured to be able to acquire the initial values corresponding to each of the plurality of yarn supply packages.

In the present invention, appropriate reset processing can be performed even when the initial amount of yarn contained in each of the multiple yarn supply packages differs between the multiple yarn supply packages.

The yarn processing equipment of the tenth invention is the ninth invention, characterized in that the yarn processing machine is configured to be able to process multiple yarns simultaneously, and the yarn supplying section has multiple yarn supply package holding sections.

In the present invention, even when multiple yarn supply package holders are provided, appropriate reset processing can be performed for each yarn supply package holder.

The yarn processing equipment of the eleventh invention is any one of the first to tenth inventions, characterized in that the information management unit has an operation unit configured to be operated by an operator, and generates the mid-way replacement information when a predetermined reset operation is performed on the operation unit.

In the present invention, when the operator replaces the yarn supply package in the yarn supply package holding section, the reset process can be performed manually.

The yarn processing equipment of the 12th invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to 11th inventions, it includes a yarn supply package exchange device configured to be able to execute the mid-way exchange, and the yarn supply package exchange device is configured to be able to transmit the mid-way exchange information to the information management unit.

In the present invention, when the yarn supply package is replaced by the yarn supply package replacement device, the reset process can be performed without manual intervention.

The yarn processing equipment of the thirteenth invention is any of the first to twelfth inventions, characterized in that the information management unit acquires information on the predicted yarn disappearance time when all of the yarn supply packages will be empty based on the remaining time information related to all of the yarn supply packages attached to the yarn supply package holding unit.

By utilizing the information on the predicted yarn disappearance time obtained by the present invention, it is possible to realize advanced control of operations such as changing yarn supply packages or advanced equipment operation management. For such management, it is particularly effective to perform the reset process normally.

The yarn processing equipment of the 14th invention is the 13th invention, and includes a first output unit configured to output information, and a first output control unit configured to control the first output unit, and the first output control unit outputs information to the first output unit to prompt an operator to replace the yarn supply package in the yarn supply package holding unit at a replacement notification time that is a predetermined time before the predicted yarn disappearance time.

In the present invention, the operator can be prompted to replace the yarn supply package at an appropriate time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the yarn supply packages attached to the yarn supply package holder from running out. For this type of management, it is particularly effective to perform the reset process normally. Note that the first output control unit may be included in the information management unit, or may be provided separately from the information management unit.

The yarn processing equipment of the 15th invention is any one of the first to 14th inventions, and includes a connection information acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding whether a terminal end of a yarn included in a predetermined yarn supply package among the plurality of yarn supply packages is connected to a starting end of a yarn included in a preliminary yarn supply package from which the yarn is unwound next to the predetermined yarn supply package, a second output unit configured to output information, and a second output control unit configured to control the second output unit, and the second output control unit is characterized in that, based on the information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit, when the remaining time for the predetermined yarn supply package decreases to a predetermined limit time or less while the starting end and the ending end are not connected, the second output control unit outputs information to the second output unit to prompt the connection operation between the starting end and the ending end.

The present invention can prevent an operator from forgetting to connect the thread. For this type of management, it is particularly effective to perform the reset process normally. The first output unit and the second output unit may be the same or different. The first output control unit and the second output control unit may be the same or different. In addition, the second output control unit may be included in the information management unit, or may be provided separately from the information management unit.

2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the yarn processing equipment according to the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the false twisting machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a false twisting machine deployed along a yarn path. 13A and 13B are graphs showing the relationship between the remaining amount of yarn contained in a yarn supply package and time, and 13C is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of yarn wound onto a winding bobbin and time. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for replacing a yarn supply package during use. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the yarn processing equipment according to the modified example. FIG. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a false twisting machine according to another modified example.

(Outline of yarn processing facility)
Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The outline of the yarn processing equipment 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the yarn processing equipment 100 has a plurality of false twisting machines 1 (yarn processing machines of the present invention) and a management device 101. The plurality of false twisting machines 1 are arranged, for example, along a predetermined machine frame longitudinal direction (see FIG. 2, etc.). Each false twisting machine 1 is configured to be able to false twist a yarn Y (see FIG. 2, etc.) made of synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon (polyamide fiber). The yarn Y is, for example, a multifilament yarn made of a plurality of filaments (not shown). As will be described later, each false twisting machine 1 is configured to process the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supplying section 2 by the processing section 3, and wind the yarn Y on a winding bobbin Bw attached to the winding section 4 to form a winding package Pw. Each false twisting machine 1 is controlled by a machine frame control device 5, which is a computer device provided in each false twisting machine 1.

The management device 101 is a host computer for centrally managing information (details will be described later) acquired by multiple machine control devices 5. The management device 101 has a management input unit 101a (e.g., a keyboard), a management output unit 101b (e.g., a display), and a management storage unit 101c (e.g., a hard disk). The combination of the management device 101 and the multiple machine control devices 5 constitutes the information management unit 110 of this embodiment. Details of the information handled by the information management unit 110 will be described later.

(Overall configuration of false twisting machine)
Next, the overall configuration of the false twisting machine 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 is a side view of the false twisting machine 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the false twisting machine 1 deployed along the path (yarn path) of the yarn Y. The direction perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 2 is the machine base longitudinal direction, and the left-right direction of the plane of Fig. 2 is the machine base width direction. The direction perpendicular to both the machine base longitudinal direction and the machine base width direction is the up-down direction (vertical direction) in which gravity acts. The direction in which the yarn Y runs is the yarn running direction. The false twisting machine 1 includes a yarn supplying section 2 for supplying multiple yarns Y, a processing section 3 for processing (false twisting) the multiple yarns Y supplied from the yarn supplying section 2, a winding section 4 for winding the multiple yarns Y processed by the processing section 3 onto a winding bobbin Bw, and a machine control device 5.

The yarn supplying section 2 has a creel stand 6 that holds multiple yarn supply packages Ps and supplies multiple yarns Y to the processing section 3. The processing section 3 is configured to unwind and process multiple yarns Y from the yarn supplying section 2. The processing section 3 is configured to have a first feed roller 11, a twist stop guide 12, a first heating device 13, a cooling device 14, a false twist device 15, a second feed roller 16, a second heating device 17, and a third feed roller 18 arranged in order from the upstream side in the yarn running direction. These components in the processing section 3 are provided, for example, on each of multiple spindles 9 (see FIG. 3) described later. The winding section 4 has multiple winding devices 19. Each winding device 19 winds the yarn Y false twisted in the processing section 3 onto a winding bobbin Bw to form a winding package Pw. The winding section 4 is also provided with multiple auto-doffers 10 that correspond to the multiple winding devices 19 and replace the formed winding package Pw with a new empty winding bobbin Bw.

The machine control device 5 is for controlling each component of the yarn supplying section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4. The machine control device 5 is, for example, a general computer device. The machine control device 5 has a machine input section 5a (the operation section of the present invention), a machine output section 5b, and a machine memory section 5c (see FIG. 1). The machine input section 5a is, for example, a touch panel and/or a keyboard not shown, and is configured to be operated by an operator. The machine output section 5b has, for example, a display not shown, and is configured to be able to output information. The machine memory section 5c is configured to store various information for controlling the components of the yarn supplying section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4. The machine control device 5 controls the components of the yarn supplying section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4 based on the various information. Alternatively, the machine control device 5 may indirectly control these components via various control devices (not shown) for controlling each component of the yarn supplying section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4. The machine control device 5 is electrically connected to a management device 101, which is a host computer. The management device 101 is capable of using the information acquired by the machine control device 5 to perform various decisions and/or calculations, which will be described later.

The false twisting machine 1 has a main machine base 7 and a winding table 8 arranged at a distance from each other in the width direction of the machine base. The main machine base 7 and the winding table 8 are arranged so as to extend to approximately the same length in the longitudinal direction of the machine base. The main machine base 7 and the winding table 8 are arranged so as to face each other in the width direction of the machine base. The false twisting machine 1 has a unit called a span, which includes a set of the main machine base 7 and the winding table 8. In one span, each device is arranged so that multiple yarns Y running in a line in the longitudinal direction of the machine base can be false twisted simultaneously. In the false twisting machine 1, this span is arranged symmetrically on the left and right of the page with the center line C in the width direction of the main machine base 7 as the axis of symmetry (the main machine base 7 is common to the left and right spans). In addition, multiple spans are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the machine base.

A group of components through which one yarn Y passes from the yarn supply section 2 until it reaches the winding section 4 is called a "spindle". In other words, the false twisting machine 1 has the same number of spindles 9 (see FIG. 3) as the number of winding packages Pw that can be formed simultaneously. Roughly speaking, the multiple spindles 9 are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the machine. In terms of inclusion, the false twisting machine 1 has multiple spans, and each span has multiple spindles 9. The false twisting machine 1 can false twist the yarn Y on the spindles 9 on which the yarn Y is hung. In other words, in order to false twist the yarn Y, the false twisting machine 1 needs to hang the yarn Y on one or more spindles 9 (i.e., a threading operation needs to be performed).

(Yarn supply section)
The configuration of the yarn supplying unit 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The creel stand 6 of the yarn supplying unit 2 has a plurality of yarn supply package holding units 20 (see Fig. 3) provided corresponding to the plurality of spindles 9, respectively. Each of the plurality of yarn supply package holding units 20 is configured to allow two yarn supply packages Ps to be attached and detached. That is, the yarn supply package holding unit 20 has two package mounting units 21. For convenience of explanation, one of the two package mounting units 21 is called a first mounting unit 22 (a certain mounting unit of the present invention), and the other is called a second mounting unit 23 (another mounting unit of the present invention). The first mounting unit 22 and the second mounting unit 23 are each configured to allow one yarn supply package Ps to be attached and detached. The attachment and detachment of the yarn supply package Ps to and from the package mounting unit 21 is performed, for example, by an operator.

Each yarn supply package holding section 20 of the yarn supply section 2 is configured to be able to supply the yarn Y without interruption as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a first yarn supply package PsA (a certain yarn supply package of the present invention), which is one of the multiple yarn supply packages Ps, is mounted on the first mounting section 22. A second yarn supply package PsB (another yarn supply package of the present invention) different from the first yarn supply package PsA is mounted on the second mounting section 23. The yarn Y is unwound from the first yarn supply package PsA. The end of the yarn Y contained in the first yarn supply package PsA and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the second yarn supply package PsB are knotted (connected). As a result, a knot portion K (yarn connection portion) is formed between the two yarns Y. In such a case, after the first yarn supply package PsA becomes empty, it is possible to supply the yarn Y without interruption from the second yarn supply package PsB. Specifically, immediately after the supply of the yarn Y from the first yarn supply package PsA is completed and the first yarn supply package PsA is emptied, the knot portion K is pulled downstream in the yarn running direction (toward the winding device 19), and the yarn Y is unwound from the second yarn supply package PsB. In this way, the yarn Y is unwound from a certain yarn supply package Ps mounted on a certain package mounting section 21 among the multiple package mounting sections 21. Then, the yarn Y begins to be unwound from another yarn supply package Ps mounted on a package mounting section 21 other than the one package mounting section 21. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, such an event is called a yarn supply package switching. As a result, the yarn Y is supplied without interruption. After that, the empty yarn supply package Ps (yarn supply bobbin Bs) is replaced with a new yarn supply package Ps by, for example, an operator.

A yarn detection sensor 24 (switching detection section and unwinding detection section of the present invention) is disposed downstream of each yarn supply package holding section 20 in the yarn running direction. The yarn detection sensor 24 is configured to be able to detect from which of the first mounting section 22 and the second mounting section 23 the yarn Y is being supplied. As shown in FIG. 3, the yarn detection sensor 24 has a first detection section 25 and a second detection section 26. The first detection section 25 is configured to be able to detect whether the yarn Y is being supplied from the first mounting section 22. The second detection section 26 is configured to be able to detect whether the yarn Y is being supplied from the second mounting section 23. The first detection section 25 and the second detection section 26 are, for example, optical sensors that optically detect the yarn Y. For more details on the yarn detection sensor 24, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent No. 5873105. Alternatively, the first detection section 25 and the second detection section 26 may be, for example, contact-type sensors.

(Processing department)
The configuration of the processing unit 3 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. In the following, only a portion of the processing unit 3 that corresponds to one spindle 9 will be described.

The first feed roller 11 is configured to unwind the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps attached to the yarn supply section 2 and send it to the first heating device 13. The first feed roller 11 is disposed upstream of the twist stop guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11 is approximately equal to the unwinding speed V (see FIG. 3) at which the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. Information on the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11 is stored in advance in, for example, the machine control device 5.

The twist stop guide 12 is configured so that the twist imparted to the yarn Y by the false twist device 15 does not propagate upstream of the twist stop guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The twist stop guide 12 is disposed downstream of the first feed roller 11 in the yarn running direction and upstream of the first heating device 13 in the yarn running direction.

The first heating device 13 is configured to heat the yarn Y sent from the first feed roller 11. The first heating device 13 is disposed downstream of the twist stop guide 12 in the yarn running direction and upstream of the cooling device 14 in the yarn running direction. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the first heating device 13 is configured to heat one yarn Y, but is not limited to this. The first heating device 13 may be configured to be able to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

The cooling device 14 is configured to cool the yarn Y heated by the first heating device 13. The cooling device 14 is disposed downstream in the yarn running direction of the first heating device 13 and upstream in the yarn running direction of the false twist device 15. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the cooling device 14 is configured to cool one yarn Y, but is not limited to this. The cooling device 14 may be configured to be able to cool multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

The false twist device 15 is configured to impart a twist to the yarn Y. The false twist device 15 is, for example, a so-called disk friction type false twist device, but is not limited to this. The false twist device 15 is disposed downstream in the yarn running direction of the cooling device 14 and upstream in the yarn running direction of the second feed roller 16.

The second feed roller 16 is configured to send the yarn Y processed by the false twist device 15 to the second heating device 17. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16 is faster than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the first feed roller 11. As a result, the yarn Y is stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16. Information on the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16 is stored in advance in, for example, the machine control device 5.

In the yarn running direction, for example, downstream of the false twist device 15 and upstream of the second feed roller 16, a quality detection unit 27 (see FIG. 2) is disposed for detecting information regarding the quality of the yarn Y. The quality detection unit 27 may have, for example, a tension sensor configured to detect the tension of the yarn Y. The quality detection unit 27 is configured to transmit the detection result to the machine control device 5.

The second heating device 17 is configured to heat the yarn Y fed from the second feed roller 16. The second heating device 17 extends along the vertical direction. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, the second heating device 17 is configured to heat one yarn Y, but is not limited to this. The second heating device 17 may be configured to be able to heat multiple yarns Y simultaneously.

The third feed roller 18 is configured to send the yarn Y heated by the second heating device 17 to the winding device 19. The conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18 is slower than the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the second feed roller 16. The yarn Y is relaxed between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18. Information on the conveying speed of the yarn Y by the third feed roller 18 is pre-stored in, for example, the machine control device 5.

In the processing section 3 configured as above, the yarn Y stretched between the first feed roller 11 and the second feed roller 16 is twisted by the false twist device 15. The twist formed by the false twist device 15 propagates to the twist stop guide 12, but does not propagate upstream of the twist stop guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The yarn Y to which the twist is imparted while being stretched is heated and heat-set by the first heating device 13, and then cooled by the cooling device 14. The yarn Y is untwisted downstream from the false twist device 15, but the above heat setting maintains the state in which each filament is false-twisted in a wavy shape. Furthermore, the yarn Y that has been false-twisted by the false twist device 15 is relaxed between the second feed roller 16 and the third feed roller 18, and is then heat-set by the second heating device 17, and is guided downstream in the yarn running direction. Finally, the yarn Y sent from the third feed roller 18 is wound onto a winding bobbin Bw by the winding device 19. This forms the winding package Pw.

(Winding section)
The configuration of the winding section 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The winding section 4 has a plurality of winding devices 19 that wind the yarn Y onto a winding bobbin Bw, and a plurality of auto-doffers 10 (see Fig. 2) provided corresponding to each of the winding devices 19. The plurality of winding devices 19 belong to a plurality of spindles 9, one for each (see Fig. 3). Each of the winding devices 19 has, for example, a fulcrum guide 31, a traverse device 32, a cradle 33, and a winding roller 34. The fulcrum guide 31 is a guide that serves as a fulcrum when the yarn Y is traversed. The traverse device 32 is configured to be able to traverse the yarn Y by, for example, a traverse guide 35 attached to an endless belt that is reciprocally driven by a motor. The cradle 33 is configured to be able to rotatably support the winding bobbin Bw (winding package Pw). The winding roller 34 is configured to rotate the winding package Pw and apply contact pressure to the surface of the winding package Pw. The winding roller 34 is, for example, rotated by a motor (not shown) while in contact with the surface of the winding package Pw. As a result, the winding package Pw is rotated by frictional force, and contact pressure is applied to the surface of the winding package Pw, shaping the winding package Pw. Note that instead of rotating the winding roller 34, the winding package Pw may be directly rotated by a motor (not shown).

The auto doffer 10 is configured to remove the winding package Pw from the winding device 19 and attach an empty winding bobbin Bw to the winding device 19. In other words, the auto doffer 10 is configured to be able to replace the winding package Pw after formation with an empty winding bobbin Bw in the winding section 4. The auto doffer 10 also has a cutter (not shown) capable of cutting the yarn Y near the winding package Pw. The running yarn Y is cut by the cutter, and the formation of the winding package Pw is completed. Here, even after the yarn is cut by the cutter, the yarn Y continues to be supplied to the winding device 19. The auto doffer 10 has a suction (not shown) capable of suctioning and capturing the running yarn Y supplied to the winding device 19 after the winding package Pw is completed and before the yarn Y starts to be wound onto the next winding bobbin Bw. The portion of the yarn Y that has been sucked in by suction is removed by suction until the yarn Y is hung on the winding bobbin Bw onto which the yarn Y is next wound. The auto doffer 10 also has a stocker 10a that is configured to temporarily store the winding package Pw that has been removed from the corresponding winding device 19. The stocker 10a faces, for example, the space formed between the creel stand 6 and the winding table 8. The winding package Pw stored in the stocker 10a is collected, for example, by an operator. For more details on the structure of the auto doffer 10, please refer to, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-212521.

In addition, for example, a threading device (not shown) is provided near the winding device 19. The threading device is configured to hook the thread Y onto an empty winding bobbin Bw attached to the winding device 19.

In the winding section 4 configured as above, the yarn Y sent from the third feed roller 18 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw by each winding device 19 to form a winding package Pw (winding process). The yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the auto doffer 10, and the winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is completed. Almost simultaneously, the yarn Y supplied to the winding device 19 is sucked and held by suction, and the winding package Pw is removed from the cradle 33 by the auto doffer 10. Immediately after that, a new empty winding bobbin Bw is attached to the cradle 33 by the auto doffer 10. That is, after a certain winding package Pw is formed, the winding package Pw (winding bobbin Bw) is replaced with a new winding bobbin Bw by the auto doffer 10 (winding bobbin replacement work). Furthermore, the yarn Y is hung onto the new winding bobbin Bw by the threading device. This allows the yarn Y to start winding onto a new winding bobbin Bw.

During the winding process, the machine control device 5 judges the quality of the yarn Y contained in each yarn supply package Ps based on the detection result by the quality detection unit 27 (see FIG. 2). When the quality of the yarn Y contained in a certain yarn supply package Ps does not meet a predetermined standard (for example, when the tension varies greatly over time), the machine control device 5 is configured to output information indicating that there is a problem with the quality of the yarn supply package Ps to the machine output unit 5b. In addition, when a predetermined stop operation is performed on the machine input unit 5a by the operator, for example, the machine control device 5 stops the winding process on a certain spindle 9 during the formation of a winding package Pw on the certain spindle 9 or at the end of the formation of the winding package Pw. More specifically, the machine control device 5 stops the operation of each unit included in the spindle 9 after the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the auto doffer 10 included in the spindle 9. Alternatively, a cutter for cutting the yarn Y when a stop operation is performed may be provided separately from the cutter of the auto doffer 10.

By the way, the inventor of the present application came up with the following idea to realize a production management that is dramatically more advanced than the conventional one. That is, the inventor of the present application came up with the idea of providing a means for knowing the remaining amount of yarn Y after a part of the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (yarn remaining amount) and/or the time during which the yarn Y can be supplied from the yarn supply package Ps (remaining time) at any timing. By knowing such information, it becomes possible to predict, for example, the timing when the yarn Y will run out in the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound. Here, even if the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package Ps midway due to, for example, poor yarn quality, it is required to appropriately predict the above timing. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve the problems that may occur when the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package Ps midway, the information management unit 110 performs information processing as described below. As a specific example, the information management unit 110 acquires and manages various information related to the events shown in the graphs in Figures 4(a) to (c). Note that in the following, unless otherwise specified, the explanation will be limited to a specific weight 9.

(Specific examples of events)
Before specifically describing the information acquired by the information management unit 110, the events illustrated in the graphs of Figures 4(a) to (c) and the time at which each event occurred will be described as a premise to help understanding the following description. The information management unit 110 acquires information about at least some of the events shown in the graphs of Figures 4(a) to (c) (details will be described later).

Figure 4(a) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount (vertical axis) of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps (specifically, yarn supply packages Ps1 and Ps3) attached to the first attachment section 22 and time (horizontal axis). Figure 4(b) is a graph showing the relationship between the remaining amount (vertical axis) of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps (specifically, yarn supply packages Ps2 and Ps4) attached to the second attachment section 23 and time (horizontal axis). Figure 4(c) is a graph showing the relationship between the amount (vertical axis) of yarn Y wound onto the winding bobbin Bw (specifically, winding bobbins Bw1, Bw2, Bw3, Bw4, and Bw5) and time (horizontal axis). In all of the graphs in Figures 4(a) to (c), the origin is the time t0 at which the yarn Y starts to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1. In addition, in this embodiment, the weight (initial weight) of each yarn supply package Ps before any yarn Y has been unwound from each yarn supply package Ps is WF.

First, at time t0, the yarn supply package Ps1 is attached to the first attachment section 22. The remaining weight of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 is W0 (less than the initial weight WF). Also, at time t0, for example, an empty yarn supply bobbin Bs is attached to the second attachment section 23.

At time t0 (time ts1), the auto doffer 10 completes mounting the winding bobbin Bw1 on the cradle 33, and the yarn begins to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1. In other words, time ts1 is the winding start time when the yarn Y begins to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw1. At this time, the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1.

At time tb1, which is slightly after time t0, the operator removes the empty yarn supply bobbin Bs from the second mounting section 23 and mounts a new yarn supply package Ps2 on the second mounting section 23. Then, at an appropriate timing, the operator knots (connects) the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 and the start of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps2 to form a knot portion K (see FIG. 3). The operator may perform the knot tying (connecting) by hand. Alternatively, the operator may perform the knot tying by operating, for example, a portable knotting device (not shown).

As time passes, the remaining amount (remaining weight) of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 decreases, and the winding amount (winding weight) of yarn Y wound on the winding bobbin Bw1 increases. At time te1, the yarn Y is cut by the cutter of the auto doffer 10, and the winding process of yarn Y on the winding bobbin Bw1 ends. In other words, time te1 is the winding end time when the yarn Y is finished being wound on the winding bobbin Bw1 (the formation of the winding package Pw1 is completed). The remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps1 at this time is W1. Only the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supply package Ps1 is wound on the winding bobbin Bw1. The cutting of the yarn Y by the cutter, the suction capture of the yarn Y by suction (i.e., the start of suction removal of the yarn Y), and the removal of the winding bobbin Bw1 (winding package Pw1) from the cradle 33 are performed almost simultaneously. Next, at time ts2 immediately after time te1, the auto doffer 10 completes the attachment of the winding bobbin Bw2 to the cradle 33, and starts winding the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw2 (the winding bobbin replacement operation is completed). There is a slight time lag tL (see FIG. 4) between the winding end time (time te1) for the winding bobbin Bw1 and the winding start time (time ts2) for the winding bobbin Bw2 onto which the yarn Y is wound next after the winding bobbin Bw1.

At time ta1, which is later than time ts2, the yarn supply package Ps1 mounted on the first mounting section 22 becomes empty. In other words, time ta1 is the unwinding end time when the yarn Y is completely unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1. At the same time that the yarn supply package Ps1 becomes empty, at time tb2 (=time ta1), the knot portion K formed by knotting the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps1 and the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps2 is pulled toward the winding device 19. As a result, the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 mounted on the second mounting section 23. In other words, time tb2 is the unwinding start time when the yarn Y is first unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 (when the yarn Y begins to be unwound). After that, at time te2, the winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw2 (the formation of the winding package Pw2) ends. At this time, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps2 is W2. Both the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps1 and the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 are wound onto the winding bobbin Bw2. The winding package Pw2 also includes a knot portion K. Then, at time ts3, the winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw3 is started. When the winding process of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw3 (the formation of the winding package Pw3) is completed at time te3, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps2 is W3. Only the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw3.

After time ta1 and before yarn supply package Ps2 becomes empty (for example, at time ta2), the operator removes the empty yarn supply package Ps1 from the first mounting section 22 and mounts a new yarn supply package Ps3 on the first mounting section 22 (yarn supply package replacement work). At this time, the remaining weight of yarn supply package Ps3 is WF. Then, at an appropriate timing, the end of the yarn Y contained in yarn supply package Ps2 and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in yarn supply package Ps3 are knotted together to form knot portion K.

For example, when the machine control device 5 determines that there is a problem with the quality of the yarn supply package Ps2 while the winding package Pw3 is being formed, information indicating that there is a problem with the quality of the yarn supply package Ps2 is output by the machine output unit 5b. When the operator performs a stop operation on the machine input unit 5a based on the output result from the machine output unit 5b, the winding process is stopped. Here, for example, it is assumed that the winding process is stopped when the formation of the winding package Pw3 is completed (time te3).

After the winding process is stopped, at time tb3 (almost simultaneously with time te3), the operator removes the yarn supply package Ps2 from the second mounting section 23 and mounts a new yarn supply package Ps4 on the second mounting section 23. For convenience of explanation, the operation of replacing the not-yarn-empty yarn supply package Ps with another new yarn supply package Ps is referred to as "mid-way replacement". At this time, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps4 is WF. By performing such mid-way replacement, at time tb3, the remaining weight of the yarn supply package Ps mounted on the second mounting section 23 changes from W3 to WF. After that, for example, the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps4 and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps3 are knotted to form a knot portion K. In this case, the yarn Y continues to be supplied from the second mounting section 23.

After that, the threading operation is performed on the specified spindle 9. The yarn Y is threaded, for example, through the yarn supplying section 2, the processing section 3, and the winding section 4 in that order. When threading the yarn Y on the winding section 4, before the yarn Y is threaded on the next winding bobbin Bw (winding bobbin Bw4), the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (for example, yarn supply package Ps4) and is sucked and held by the suction of the auto doffer 10. That is, before the winding process is resumed, for example, at time tb4, the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps4. Then, at time ts4, a threading device (not shown) completes threading on the winding bobbin Bw4, and the winding process is resumed. The time difference between time ts4 and time tb4 is, for example, tL1.

After that, from time ts4 to time te4, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw4 (winding package Pw4 is formed). Furthermore, from time ts5 to time te5, the yarn Y is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw5 (winding package Pw5 is formed).

(Summary of basic information acquired by the Information Management Department)
Considering the above-mentioned phenomena, first, an overview of basic information acquired by the information management unit 110 for various judgments and/or calculations will be described. The information management unit 110 acquires, for example, initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information for each yarn supply package Ps as basic information. The initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information are used to acquire information on the remaining amount and/or remaining time (details will be described later) for performing various management operations related to the yarn processing equipment 100. The information management unit 110 may further acquire various information related to each winding package Pw (information on the start time and end time of the winding process, etc.), but detailed explanations on the acquisition of this information will be omitted.

The initial amount information is information about the initial amount (initial weight or initial length) of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps before the yarn Y starts to be unwound. The initial amount information is, for example, stored in advance in the machine control device 5 as common information related to all yarn supply packages Ps of all spindles 9 of one false twist processing machine 1. More specifically, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned information on the initial weight WF and information on the fineness of the yarn Y (weight per unit length) are stored in the machine control device 5 as initial amount information. The unit of the weight of the yarn supply package Ps is, for example, kg. The fineness of the yarn Y is also assumed to be F. The unit of fineness is, for example, dtex. Decitex is the weight (g) of yarn Y per 10,000 meters. The value of the initial weight WF corresponds to the common initial value of the present invention.

The unwinding unit amount information is information on the amount of yarn Y unwound from the yarn supply package Ps per unit time. The unwinding unit amount information is, for example, information on the unwinding speed V described above. In this embodiment, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the unwinding speed V is approximately constant during the winding process. The unit of the unwinding speed is, for example, m/min. The unwinding unit amount information is, for example, stored in advance in the machine control device 5 as common information for all spindles 9 of one false twist processing machine 1. The machine control device 5 acquires the information on the unwinding speed V based on, for example, information on the rotation speed of the first feed roller 11.

The accumulated time information is information about the accumulated value (accumulated time) of the time during which the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps. For convenience of explanation, the accumulated time for the yarn supply package Ps mounted on the first mounting section 22 is called tin1. The accumulated time for the yarn supply package Ps mounted on the second mounting section 23 is called tin2. The machine control device 5 updates tin1 when the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (e.g., yarn supply package Ps1) mounted on the first mounting section 22. On the other hand, the machine control device 5 updates tin2 when the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (e.g., yarn supply package Ps2) mounted on the second mounting section 23. For example, the accumulated time information for the yarn supply package Ps2 mounted on the second mounting section 23 is obtained as follows. During the winding process, the machine control device 5 determines whether a yarn supply package switch, in which the yarn supply package Ps supplying the yarn Y is switched, has occurred based on the detection result by the yarn detection sensor 24. For example, referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), a yarn supply package switch is an event in which the yarn supply package Ps1 becomes empty and the yarn Y is first unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2. When the state of the yarn detection sensor 24 switches from a state in which the first detection unit 25 detects the yarn Y to a state in which the second detection unit 26 detects the yarn Y, the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn supply package switch has occurred. When the machine control device 5 determines that a yarn supply package switch has occurred, it sets tin2 to a predetermined initial time (reset process). The initial time is, for example, zero. In addition, the machine control device 5 may obtain and store information on the time when the yarn supply package switching occurs (time tb2) as unwinding start time information regarding the unwinding start time when the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2.

Thereafter, when the yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2, the machine control device 5 increases tin2 (updates tin2) as time passes. For example, when the yarn Y is detected by the second detection unit 26 and the first feed roller 11 is sending the yarn Y downstream in the yarn running direction, the machine control device 5 updates tin2. At this time, since the yarn Y is not detected by the first detection unit 25, tin1 is not updated. Also, for example, when the unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps2 is stopped for some reason, the machine control device 5 stops updating tin2. In this way, the machine control device 5 obtains the time (detection time) at which the second detection unit 26 detects that the yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2 after the yarn supply package switching occurs as the accumulated time (tin2) related to the second attachment unit 23. The machine control device 5 can obtain accumulated time information related to any yarn supply package Ps, including yarn supply package Ps2, when the yarn Y is being unwound from that yarn supply package Ps.

In this manner, the information management unit 110 acquires the initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information as basic information.

(Information on replacing yarn supply packages and knotting)
In addition, as an explanation related to the above-mentioned yarn supply package switching, information acquired by the information management unit 110 when an empty yarn supply package Ps is replaced with a new yarn supply package during the winding process will be explained. When the yarn supply package Ps mounted on one package mounting unit 21 is empty, the operator removes the empty yarn supply package Ps from the one package mounting unit 21 and mounts a new yarn supply package Ps on the one package mounting unit 21. At that time, the operator performs an operation to associate individual information of the new yarn supply package Ps with individual information of the one package mounting unit 21 (input of mounting information). After that, the operator connects the starting end of the yarn Y included in the new yarn supply package Ps to the ending end of the yarn Y included in the yarn supply package Ps mounted on the other package mounting unit 21 to form a knotted portion K. Next, the operator places the knotted portion K at a predetermined position. Furthermore, the operator inputs information indicating that the knotted portion K has been placed at a predetermined position (for convenience of explanation, the information is referred to as placement information) to the machine control device 5. When such an input operation is performed, the machine control device 5 stores the arrangement information. After that, when a yarn package change occurs, the machine control device 5 performs the above-mentioned reset process and stores information indicating that the knot portion K has moved from the predetermined position (for convenience of explanation, this information is referred to as movement information).

(Remaining amount information and remaining time information)
Next, a method for acquiring information based on the above-mentioned basic information (initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and cumulative time information) will be described. The information management unit 110 acquires at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information by calculation using the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the cumulative time information.

The remaining amount is the remaining amount of yarn Y contained in each yarn supply package Ps mounted on each package mounting section 21 at any reference time. The remaining time is the length of time that yarn Y can be unwound from each yarn supply package Ps mounted on each package mounting section 21 at that reference time. By using at least one of these pieces of information, it is possible to predict the timing at which yarn Y will be completely unwound from each yarn supply package Ps.

First, an example of a method for acquiring remaining amount information of each yarn supply package Ps at a reference time will be described. For example, the current time at which the remaining amount information is acquired is treated as the reference time. When the current time is time t1 (see FIG. 4B), the information management unit 110 determines that the yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps (specifically, the yarn supply package Ps2) attached to the second attachment unit 23 based on the detection result by the yarn detection sensor 24. The information management unit 110 also acquires information on the initial weight WF, the fineness (F described above), the unwinding speed V, and the accumulated time related to the yarn supply package Ps2. At time t1, the accumulated time (tin2) related to the yarn supply package Ps2 is equal to the difference between time t1 and time tb2.

When the remaining amount (remaining weight) of the yarn supply package Ps2 at time t1 is Wr1 (see FIG. 4(b)), the value of the remaining weight Wr1 is calculated based on the following formula. Note that A is a coefficient for converting the calculation result into kg.

Wr1=WF-A×V×F×tin2

In the above formula, WF is included in the initial amount information of the present invention. V×F is the weight of yarn Y unwound from yarn supply package Ps2 per unit time. In this way, the information management unit 110 obtains information on the remaining weight (remaining amount information) of yarn supply package Ps2 at time t1 (reference time) using the initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information. The information management unit 110 may also calculate the remaining amount of yarn supply package Ps (yarn supply package Ps1) mounted on the other package mounting unit 21 (first mounting unit 22). At time t1, an empty yarn supply package Ps1 remains in the first mounting unit 22. Since the above-mentioned tin1 has not been updated at time t1, the calculated value of the remaining amount of yarn supply package Ps1 at time t1 is approximately zero.

For example, when the current time is time t2 (see FIG. 4(b)), the value of the remaining weight Wr2 of the yarn package Ps2 at time t2 can be calculated in the same manner.

The unit of remaining amount does not necessarily have to be weight. For example, information on the remaining length of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps may be acquired as remaining amount information. Alternatively, information on the percentage of the remaining weight of yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps (i.e., information on the ratio of the remaining weight to the initial weight) may be acquired.

Next, a method for acquiring the remaining time information will be described. If the remaining time during which yarn Y can be supplied from yarn supply package Ps2 at time t1 is tr1, the information on the remaining time tr1 (remaining time information) is calculated based on the following formula using the information on the remaining weight Wr1.

tr1=Wr1/(A×V×F)

Alternatively, tr1 may be calculated without using Wr1, based on the following formula:

tr1=(WF-A×V×F×tin2)/(A×V×F)

In addition, at time t1, the remaining time during which yarn Y can be supplied from yarn supply package Ps1 is approximately zero. This is because, as described above, the remaining amount of yarn supply package Ps1 at time t1 is approximately zero.

For example, when the remaining time for yarn package Ps2 at time t2 is tr2 (see FIG. 4(b)), the value of the remaining time tr2 can be calculated in a similar manner based on the remaining weight Wr2.

In addition, the information management unit 110 can use the remaining time information to predict the time (estimated unwinding end time) at which the yarn Y will be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is being unwound at the reference time. For example, at time t1, the yarn Y is being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2. The information management unit 110 may obtain information on the time obtained by adding the remaining time tr1 to time t1 as information on the estimated unwinding end time at which the yarn Y will be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps2.

In this way, at any time, remaining amount information and/or remaining time information related to the yarn supply package holding unit 20 is obtained. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned reset process is performed, the remaining amount and remaining time related to the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y has started to be unwound become the values when the integrated time is zero (i.e., the initial values). Based on the information obtained by such a process, it is possible to predict, for example, the timing at which the yarn Y will finish being unwound from the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is being unwound.

(Processing when mid-way exchange occurs)
Next, a procedure of a process in the case where the above-mentioned mid-way exchange (as a specific example, exchange of the yarn supply package Ps2 with the yarn supply package Ps4) is performed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, for example, when information indicating that there is a problem with the quality of yarn supply package Ps2 is output by the machine output unit 5b during the winding process, the operator performs a stop operation on the machine input unit 5a to stop the winding process on the spindle 9. The machine control device 5 determines whether the stop operation has been performed (S101). The winding process continues until the stop operation is performed (S101: No). When the operator performs the stop operation (S101: Yes), the machine control device 5 controls each part of the spindle 9 to stop the winding process (S102). Next, the operator replaces the yarn supply package Ps2, from which the yarn Y is being unwound, with a new yarn supply package Ps4 (S103. Mid-way replacement). During mid-way replacement, if the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps2 is knotted with the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps3, the operator uses, for example, a cutter (not shown) to cut the portion of the yarn Y near the knot K and remove the knot K.

Next, the operator inputs the mounting information for the yarn supply package Ps4 into the machine input unit 5a, and performs a predetermined reset operation on the machine input unit 5a to indicate that a mid-way replacement has been performed (S104). The reset operation may be, for example, an input operation of a predetermined command, or an operation of selecting a predetermined button displayed on the display. Alternatively, a button (not shown) dedicated to the reset operation may be provided. When the reset operation is performed, the machine control device 5 generates (acquires) mid-way replacement information indicating that a mid-way replacement has been performed. The machine control device 5 returns tin2 to a predetermined initial time (for example, zero) according to the mid-way replacement information. As a result, each of the remaining amount related to the second mounting unit 23 and the remaining time related to the second mounting unit 23 returns to the value when tin2 is zero (i.e., the initial value). In this way, the same process as the above-mentioned reset process is performed by the reset operation (S105). As a result, even if a mid-way replacement has been performed, the remaining amount information and remaining time information can be normally acquired.

Next, the operator knots the end of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps4 and the beginning of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps3 to form a knot portion K (knotting operation, S106). After that, the operator places the knot portion K in a predetermined position. Furthermore, the operator inputs the above-mentioned arrangement information into the machine control device 5. When such an input operation is performed, the machine control device 5 stores the above-mentioned arrangement information.

Next, the operator pulls out the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps4 from the yarn supply package Ps4 and performs the threading operation (S107). As described above, before the winding process is resumed, for example, at time tb4, the unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps4 is started. Note that, in general, the unwinding speed of the yarn Y before the winding process is resumed is slower than the unwinding speed V of the yarn Y during the winding process. For example, when the second detection unit 26 detects the yarn Y while the first feed roller 11 is operating (time tb4 described above), the machine control device 5 determines that the unwinding of the yarn Y has started. The machine control device 5 starts updating the accumulated time (i.e., the detection time) at time tb4. In other words, a part of the time during which the threading operation is performed (threading time) is included in the detection time. The machine control device 5 may also acquire information on time tb4 as unwinding start time information related to the yarn supply package Ps4. After that, threading onto the winding bobbin Bw4 is completed, and the winding process is resumed (S108). In this manner, the process from when the stop operation is performed until the winding process is resumed is carried out.

As described above, a reset process is performed when the information management unit 110 acquires mid-way replacement information. This makes it possible to reduce discrepancies between the calculation results of the remaining amount and/or remaining time and the actual values. This solves problems that may arise when the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound is replaced with another new yarn supply package Ps mid-way.

In addition, in normal operation, when a yarn supply package Ps held in the yarn supply package holding unit 20 becomes empty, the yarn Y begins to be unwound from the next new yarn supply package Ps. At this time, a yarn supply package switch is detected and a reset process is performed. In addition, when the information management unit 110 acquires mid-way replacement information, a similar reset process is performed. This makes it possible to effectively reduce discrepancies between the calculation results of the remaining amount and/or remaining time and the actual values while preventing the program from becoming too complicated.

In addition, in a configuration in which initial amount information, unwinding unit amount information, and accumulated time information are acquired, calculations using this information make it possible to easily acquire remaining amount information and/or remaining time information at any time. In this embodiment, when mid-way replacement information is acquired, accumulated time information is returned to the initial time. Therefore, while remaining amount information and/or remaining time information can be easily acquired, discrepancies between the calculation results of remaining amount information and/or remaining time information and the actual values can be easily suppressed.

In addition, information on the initial weight of the yarn supply package Ps is generally easy to obtain in advance and therefore can be easily handled as initial amount information. Similarly, information on the unwinding speed V is also easy to obtain in advance and therefore can be easily handled as unwinding unit amount information. However, while the initial weight has the dimension of mass, the unwinding speed V has the dimension of length. In this case, even if calculations are performed on the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information based only on the initial weight, unwinding speed and accumulated time, it is not possible to align the units. In this regard, in the present invention, information on the fineness (weight per unit length) that can be obtained in advance is also obtained as the initial amount information. This makes it possible to easily align the units when calculating the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information.

In addition, at least a portion of the threading time is included in the detection time. For example, the threading time may be excluded from the detection time, but in this case, information regarding the completion of the threading work is required, which may complicate the processing by the information management unit 110. In this embodiment, the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information can be obtained by a relatively simple process.

In general, the threading time is very short compared to the time it takes for the winding package Pw to be formed. Therefore, even if the unwinding speed during threading is slower than the unwinding speed when the winding package is formed, the error in the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information is small. Furthermore, if the threading time is excluded from the detection time, the calculation result of the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information may be greater than the actual value. If the calculation result is greater than the actual value, a problem occurs in which the timing when the yarn Y actually runs out in the yarn supply package Ps is earlier than the timing when it is predicted that the yarn Y will run out. In order to avoid such problems, it is preferable to include part of the threading time in the detection time.

The information management unit 110 is also configured to be able to acquire a common initial value for multiple yarn supply packages Ps. Therefore, on the assumption that the amount of yarn Y contained in all yarn supply packages Ps is approximately the same, the reset process can be performed using a simple program compared to the case where the initial value is different for each yarn supply package Ps.

The common initial value is also set as a common value for multiple yarn supply package holding units 20. Therefore, even in a configuration in which multiple yarn supply package holding units 20 are provided, the reset process can be performed by a simple program.

The machine control device 5 also generates mid-way replacement information when a specified reset operation is performed on the machine input unit 5a. Therefore, when the operator replaces the yarn supply package Ps in the yarn supply package holding unit 20, the reset process can be performed manually.

Next, we will explain modified versions of the above embodiment. However, parts that have the same configuration as the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

(1) In the above embodiment, the integrated time is returned to zero as the initial time during the reset process. However, this is not limited to this. The value of the initial time may be a value other than zero. For example, if setting the initial time to a predetermined value other than zero can improve prediction accuracy, the value of the integrated time may be returned to such a predetermined value during the reset process.

(2) In the above embodiments, the value of the initial weight WF is stored in the machine control device 5 as a common initial value. However, this is not limited to this. In addition to the initial weight WF, or instead of the initial weight WF, an initial value of the remaining time may be stored in the machine control device 5 as a common initial value. The initial value of the remaining time may be input to the machine control device 5 by an operator, for example. The remaining time and/or remaining amount at a reference time may be calculated based on the initial value of the remaining time.

(3) In the above embodiment, the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information is acquired using the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the accumulated time information. However, this is not limited to this. Instead of the accumulated time information, the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information may be calculated using the unwinding start time information. For example, when calculating the value of the remaining weight Wr1 of the above-mentioned yarn supply package Ps2 at time t1 (reference time), Wr1 may be calculated using the unwinding start time (time tb2) based on the following formula. Even with this configuration, it is possible to easily acquire the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information, while easily suppressing discrepancies between the calculation results of the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information and the actual values. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the following formula is based on the assumption that the yarn Y is continuously unwound from the unwinding start time to the reference time.

Wr1=WF-A×V×F×(t1-tb2)

The remaining time tr1 may also be calculated based on the following formula:

tr1=[WF-{A×V×F×(t1-tb2)}]/(A×V×F)

In this case, when performing the reset process, the information management unit 110 treats the time when the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the new yarn supply package Ps4 based on the detection result of the yarn detection sensor 24 as the unwinding start time for the new yarn supply package Ps. Note that if the unwinding of the yarn Y is temporarily stopped for some reason, it is necessary to take into account the length of time (stop time) during which the unwinding of the yarn Y is temporarily stopped. Therefore, more strictly speaking, it is preferable that a variable indicating the stop time is included in the above formula.

(4) The knot tying operation after mid-replacement (see S106 in FIG. 5) does not necessarily have to be performed between the reset operation and the threading operation. The knot tying operation may be performed, for example, before the reset operation. Alternatively, the knot tying operation may be performed during the threading operation or after the winding process is resumed.

In addition, when a mid-way replacement is performed or when an empty yarn supplying bobbin Bs is replaced with a new yarn supplying package Ps, there is a risk that the new yarn supplying package Ps will be left without the operator performing the knotting operation (i.e., knotting will be forgotten). Therefore, the information management unit 110 may determine whether knotting has been forgotten as follows. The information management unit 110 determines whether a knot portion K has been formed on a certain spindle 9 during the winding process on that spindle 9. The information management unit 110 can make this determination based on, for example, whether the above-mentioned arrangement information related to the spindle 9 has been stored after the most recent yarn supplying package switching has occurred on that spindle 9 (after the above-mentioned movement information has been stored). If the information management unit 110 determines that a knot portion K has not been formed on that spindle 9, it further determines whether the remaining time related to the yarn supplying package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound on that spindle 9 has decreased to or below a predetermined limit time. When the information management unit 110 determines that the remaining time is equal to or less than the limit time, the machine control device 5 controls the machine output unit 5b to output information indicating that the work of forming the knot portion K is necessary to the machine output unit 5b. When it is determined that the knot portion K is formed in the spindle 9, or when it is determined that the remaining time is not equal to or less than the limit time, the above control of the machine output unit 5b is not performed. The new yarn supply package Ps corresponds to the preliminary yarn supply package of the present invention. The yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound corresponds to the predetermined yarn supply package of the present invention. The information management unit 110 corresponds to the connection information acquisition unit of the present invention. The machine control device 5 corresponds to the second output control unit of the present invention. The machine output unit 5b corresponds to the second output unit of the present invention. Alternatively, the above output may be performed by, for example, the management output unit 101b of the management device 101 instead of the machine output unit 5b. In this case, the management device 101 corresponds to the second output control unit of the present invention, and the management output unit 101b corresponds to the second output unit of the present invention.

(5) In the above embodiment, the yarn supply package Ps (yarn supply packages Ps2 and Ps4) attached to the same package mounting unit 21 immediately before and after the mid-way replacement are continuously used, but this is not limited thereto. That is, the yarn Y may be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps attached to different package mounting units 21 before and after the mid-way replacement. For example, after the yarn supply package Ps2 is removed from the second mounting unit 23 and the yarn supply package Ps4 is attached to the second mounting unit 23, a yarn threading operation or the like may be performed so that the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps3 attached to the first mounting unit 22. In this case, when the reset process (S105) is executed, the integrated time related to the yarn supply package Ps4 attached to the second mounting unit 23 is returned to the initial time. However, when the start of unwinding is detected (S107), the yarn supply package switching from the second mounting unit 23 to the first mounting unit 22 is detected, and the reset process for the yarn supply package Ps3 mounted on the first mounting unit 22 ( i.e., the reset process performed during normal winding process) is performed. Therefore, even if the yarn Y is unwound from the yarn supply package Ps mounted on the different package mounting units 21 before and after the mid-way replacement, the reset process is performed normally. Note that, in this case, when the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps3 after the mid-way replacement, the reset operation of step S104 does not necessarily need to be performed. The reason for this will be described below. In this case, the end end of the yarn Y included in the yarn supply package Ps3 and the start end of the yarn Y included in the yarn supply package Ps4 are knotted. As a result, after the yarn Y has been unwound from the yarn supply package Ps3, the yarn Y starts to be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps4 (i.e., the yarn supply package switching occurs). At that time, a reset process for the yarn supply package Ps4 is performed. Therefore, in this case, even if the reset operation is not performed, there is no problem in calculating the remaining amount and/or remaining time for the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, at least the accumulated time (and/or unwinding start time) for one package mounting unit 21 to which the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound at the reference time is attached can be calculated. Furthermore, the accumulated time (and/or unwinding start time) for the other package mounting unit 21 may also be calculated at the same time to simultaneously calculate the remaining time for each of the two package mounting units 21. For this purpose, the information management unit 110 may perform the following process. For example, when a reset operation is performed by the operator, the information management unit 110 may return the accumulated time for each of the two package mounting units 21 to an initial time (e.g., zero). In addition, the information management unit 110 may perform the following process when a yarn supply package replacement operation is performed during normal winding processing. For example, when the above-described input operation of the installation information is performed on the machine input unit 5a, the information management unit 110 may return the accumulated time for the package mounting unit 21 in which the yarn supply package replacement operation is performed to the initial time. In this way, the remaining time for each of the two package mounting sections 21 can be calculated. In this case, the information management section 110 may predict the time when all of the yarn supply packages Ps held in the yarn supply package holding section 20 of a certain spindle 9 will be empty (predicted yarn disappearance time). The predicted yarn disappearance time can be calculated by adding the remaining times for the two package mounting sections 21 to a reference time, regardless of whether a knot portion K is formed or not. By using the information on the predicted yarn disappearance time, more advanced control or advanced equipment operation management for work such as replacing the yarn supply packages Ps can be realized. For such management, it is particularly effective to perform the reset process normally.

When the information management unit 110 acquires the predicted yarn disappearance time as described above, for example, the machine control device 5 may cause the machine output unit 5b to output at an appropriate timing to prompt the operator to replace the yarn package Ps. For example, the machine control device 5 may determine whether the replacement notification time has arrived, which is a predetermined time before the predicted yarn disappearance time related to the yarn package holding unit 20 of a certain spindle 9. When the machine control device 5 determines that the replacement notification time has arrived, it may cause the machine output unit 5b to output information indicating that the yarn package Ps in the spindle 9 needs to be replaced. For such management, it is particularly effective to perform the reset process normally. The machine control device 5 corresponds to the first output control unit of the present invention, and the machine output unit 5b corresponds to the first output unit of the present invention. Alternatively, the above output may be performed by the management output unit 101b of the management device 101. In this case, the management device 101 corresponds to the first output control unit of the present invention, and the management output unit 101b corresponds to the first output unit of the present invention. The first output unit and the second output unit of the present invention may be the same or different. The first output control unit and the second output control unit of the present invention may be the same or different. In addition, the first output control unit and the second output control unit of the present invention may be included in the information management unit 110 as described above, or may be provided separately from the information management unit 110.

(7) In the above embodiment, the integrated time (tin1) for the first mounting unit 22 and the integrated time (tin2) for the second mounting unit 23 are calculated separately, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the information management unit 110 may be configured to calculate only the integrated time (for example, called tin) for the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound at the reference time. Even in such a configuration in which only tin is calculated, the above-mentioned predicted raw yarn disappearance time can be calculated as follows. That is, the remaining time for the package mounting unit 21 (one package mounting unit 21) to which the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound is attached among the two package mounting units 21 can be calculated using the integrated time. In addition, the remaining time for the other of the two package mounting units 21 can be acquired as a constant when a new yarn supply package Ps is attached to the other package mounting unit 21. In addition, when a new yarn supply package Ps is not attached to the other package mounting unit 21, the remaining time can be acquired as zero. By adding these two remaining times together, the predicted time of thread disappearance can be calculated.

(8) In the above embodiment, the machine control device 5 uses the accumulated time information or the unwinding start time to acquire the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information. However, this is not limited to this. The machine control device 5 may acquire the remaining amount information and/or remaining time information related to the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is being unwound as follows, without using the accumulated time information or the unwinding start time. For example, when acquiring the remaining amount information, the machine control device 5 stores, as a reset process, WF, which is the initial weight of the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y has started to be unwound, as the remaining amount. In this case, the value of WF corresponds to the initial value of the present invention. Thereafter, the machine control device 5 subtracts a predetermined unit amount obtained by using the unwinding unit amount information from the remaining amount each time a predetermined unit time (for example, dt) has elapsed. The unit amount is a value obtained by multiplying the above-mentioned A, V, F, and dt. This makes it possible to update the value of the remaining amount each time a unit time has elapsed. Furthermore, when acquiring the remaining time information, the machine control device 5 stores, as a reset process, an initial value (initial remaining time) of the remaining time during which the yarn Y can be unwound from the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y has started to be unwound, as the remaining time. The value of the initial remaining time can be calculated, for example, by dividing the initial weight WF by the above-mentioned A, V, and F. Thereafter, the machine control device 5 subtracts a predetermined unit time from the remaining time each time the unit time elapses. This makes it possible to update the value of the remaining time each time the unit time elapses. In this manner, at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information may be acquired by a simple method. In this modified example, the machine control device 5 may acquire the remaining amount information and/or the remaining time information related to both the first mounting unit 22 and the second mounting unit 23. Alternatively, the machine control device 5 may acquire the remaining amount information and/or the remaining time information related to only the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound at the reference time. Also, in this modified example, the machine control device 5 does not necessarily need to acquire the accumulated time information and the unwinding start time.

(9) The information management unit 110 may be configured to store individual information of the yarn supply package Ps in association with information on the unwinding start time for the yarn supply package Ps. When a yarn supply package switch occurs, the information management unit 110 may store individual information of the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y was unwound until just before the yarn supply package switch occurs in association with information on the time when the yarn supply package switch occurs. This time may be treated as the unwinding end time when the unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps ends. Furthermore, the information management unit 110 may be configured to store individual information of the yarn supply package Ps removed from the package mounting unit 21 in association with information on the time when the mid-way exchange is performed. The time when the mid-way exchange is performed may be treated as the unwinding end time when the unwinding of the yarn Y from the yarn supply package Ps removed from the package mounting unit 21 ends.

(10) In the above embodiments, the information management unit 110 acquires information on the initial weight of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as the initial amount information, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information management unit 110 may acquire information on the initial length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as the initial amount information. In this case, the information management unit 110 may calculate information on the remaining length of the yarn Y contained in the yarn supply package Ps as the remaining amount information. Also, in this case, the information management unit 110 does not necessarily need to acquire information on the fineness of the yarn Y.

(11) In the above embodiment, the initial amount information is stored in the information management unit 110 as a common value for all spindles 9 of the false twisting machine 1, but this is not limited to the above. For example, multiple spindles 9 may be divided into multiple groups. The information management unit 110 may be configured to allow the initial amount information for each of the multiple groups to be set.

Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may be configured to allow the initial amount information to be set for each spindle 9. In this case, the information management unit 110 may be further configured to allow the initial amount information (or information on the initial value of the remaining time) corresponding to each of the multiple yarn supply packages Ps to be acquired. More specifically, the information management unit 110 may be configured to allow the initial amount information, etc. relating to the new yarn supply package Ps to be acquired individually each time a new yarn supply package Ps is attached to the yarn supply package holding unit 20. In such a configuration, even if the initial amount of yarn Y contained in each of the multiple yarn supply packages Ps differs among the multiple yarn supply packages Ps in the multiple spindles 9, appropriate reset processing can be performed. Also, appropriate reset processing can be performed in each of the multiple yarn supply package holding units 20.

(12) In the above embodiment, the operator performs the mid-way replacement. However, this is not limited to this. The mid-way replacement may be performed, for example, by the creel robot 102 (see FIG. 6; the yarn supply package replacement device of the present invention) described below. As shown in FIG. 6, the yarn processing equipment 100a may include a creel robot 102 configured to transport one or more yarn supply packages Ps. The creel robot 102 is configured to perform the operation of mounting the yarn supply package Ps to the package mounting section 21 and the operation of removing the yarn supply package Ps from the package mounting section 21. The creel robot 102 may be controlled by a creel control device 102a electrically connected to the management device 101. The creel control device 102a may cause the creel robot 102 to perform the yarn supply package replacement operation during normal winding processing and the mid-way replacement operation. The creel control device 102a may generate the above-mentioned mid-way replacement information and transmit it to the machine control device 5 during the mid-way replacement. In this way, the machine control device 5 may obtain the mid-way replacement information. Note that even in this configuration, the operator may be able to manually perform a reset operation. When a new yarn supply package Ps is loaded onto the package loading section 21, the creel control device 102a may send the loading information described above to the information management unit 110.

The yarn processing equipment 100a may also be equipped with a winding package transport device 103 (see FIG. 6) that collects and transports the full winding package Pw after the winding process is completed.

(13) The yarn processing equipment 100 or 100a may be configured to perform a reset process as follows. First, each package mounting section 21 may have an exchange detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the exchange of the yarn supply package Ps. For example, the exchange detection sensor may be, for example, a known reflective optical sensor. The machine control device 5 may perform a reset process based on the detection result by the exchange detection sensor. When the yarn supply package Ps is exchanged in a package mounting section 21 by an operator or the above-mentioned creel robot 102, the exchange detection sensor provided in the package mounting section 21 detects the presence or absence of a yarn supply package as follows. That is, when the yarn supply package Ps before the exchange is attached to the package mounting section 21, the exchange detection sensor detects that the yarn supply package Ps is "present". After that, when the yarn supply package Ps is removed from the package mounting section 21, the exchange detection sensor detects that the yarn supply package Ps is "not present". Furthermore, the replacement detection sensor detects that the yarn supply package Ps is "present" when a new yarn supply package Ps is attached to the package attachment section 21. In this way, when change information (change information) of "present" to "absent" to "present" is detected, the machine control device 5 may perform a reset process related to the package attachment section 21. In other words, the machine control device 5 may perform a reset process at the point in time when it is determined that the yarn supply package replacement operation has been performed.

In this modified example, the machine control device 5 may be configured to perform a reset process only when an intermediate replacement is performed (i.e., when change information is detected when the winding process is stopped). In this case, the change information corresponds to the intermediate replacement information of the present invention. Furthermore, the machine control device 5 may be configured to perform a reset process when change information is detected even during normal winding processing. Even in this case, the remaining amount and remaining time can be calculated correctly by correctly calculating the accumulated time for each package mounting section 21.

(14) In the above embodiment, the occurrence or non-occurrence of a yarn supply package switch is determined based on the detection result by the yarn detection sensor 24 having the first detection unit 25 and the second detection unit 26. However, this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the yarn supply unit 2a of the false twist processing machine 1a may have a switch detection unit 41 having a configuration different from that of the yarn detection sensor 24 in each spindle 9a. The switch detection unit 41 corresponds to the switch detection unit of the present invention, similar to the yarn detection sensor 24. The switch detection unit 41 may have, for example, a supply sensor 42 (unwinding detection unit of the present invention) and a knot portion sensor 43. The supply sensor 42 is configured to be able to detect whether or not the yarn Y is supplied from the first mounting unit 22. The knot portion sensor 43 is configured to be able to detect the knot portion K arranged to stand still at a predetermined position. In such a configuration, when the knot portion K moves from the predetermined position and the knot portion K is no longer detected by the knot portion sensor 43, it can be determined that a yarn supply package switch has occurred. In addition, whether the yarn Y is being supplied from the first mounting section 22 or the second mounting section 23 when switching the yarn supply package can be known based on the detection result by the supply sensor 42. In this way, even when the detection result of the knot portion K is used, it is possible to reliably know whether the yarn Y is being supplied from the first mounting section 22 or the second mounting section 23. The knot portion sensor 43 may be configured to be able to detect a moving knot portion K.

(15) In the above embodiment, the information management unit 110 determines whether or not a yarn supply package switch has occurred based on the detection result by the yarn detection sensor 24 or the switch detection unit 41, but this is not limited to the above. The information management unit 110 may determine whether or not a yarn supply package switch has occurred by using, for example, a predicted unwinding end time.

(16) In the above embodiment, the information management unit 110 acquires information on the unwinding speed V based on information on the rotation speed of the first feed roller 11, but this is not limited to the above. As another example, the machine control device 5 may store information on the rotation speed of the second feed roller 16 and information on the ratio between the rotation speed of the first feed roller 11 and the rotation speed of the second feed roller. The information management unit 110 may acquire information on the unwinding speed based on this information. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may acquire information on the weight of yarn Y unwound per unit time from the yarn supply package Ps as the unwinding unit amount information, instead of the unwinding speed information. Such information may be input in advance to the machine control device 5 by, for example, an operator.

(17) The information management unit 110 may acquire information on the winding start time when winding of the yarn Y onto a winding bobbin Bw on a certain spindle 9 is started (for convenience of explanation, this information is referred to as winding start information). The information management unit 110 may also acquire information on at least one of the following planned winding end time, planned winding amount, and planned winding time (for convenience of explanation, this information is referred to as winding end information). The planned winding end time is the planned time when winding of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is to end. The planned winding amount is the planned winding amount to be wound onto the winding bobbin Bw. The planned winding time is the planned time required from the current time until winding of the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw is to end. By acquiring the winding start information and the winding end information, it is possible to perform management such as the following.

The information management unit 110 may predict that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw formed by winding the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw when the predicted unwinding end time described above is between the winding start time and the planned winding end time. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw when the remaining amount of the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound at the winding start time is less than the planned winding amount. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may predict that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw when the remaining time of the yarn supply package Ps from which the yarn Y is unwound at the winding start time is shorter than the planned winding time. The information management unit 110 may perform one or more of these three types of predictions.

Furthermore, when the information management unit 110 predicts that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw, the information management unit 110 may output information indicating that the knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw. For example, the machine control device 5 may control the machine output unit 5b to notify the operator that a knot portion K will be mixed into the winding package Pw.

(18) In the above embodiment, the information management unit 110 has multiple machine control devices 5 and management devices 101, but this is not limited to this. That is, the information management unit 110 may include a computer device (not shown) other than the machine control device 5 and management device 101. Alternatively, the information management unit 110 may have only the machine control device 5 or the management device 101. That is, only one of the machine control device 5 or the management device 101 may acquire the necessary information.

(19) In the above embodiment, the yarn processing equipment 100 is provided with multiple false twisting machines 1, but this is not limited thereto. The yarn processing equipment 100 may be provided with only one false twisting machine 1. Also, the management device 101 may not be provided. In this case, the false twisting machine 1 corresponds to the yarn processing equipment of the present invention. Also, the false twisting machine 1 is provided with multiple spindles 9, but this is not limited thereto. In other words, the number of spindles 9 provided by the false twisting machine 1 may be one. In other words, the number of yarn supply package holders 20 provided by the yarn supplying unit 2 may be one.

(20) The present invention may be applied to another yarn processing equipment equipped with a yarn processing machine, instead of the yarn processing equipment 100 equipped with the false twisting machine 1. For example, the present invention may be applied to a yarn processing equipment equipped with an air processing machine (yarn processing machine) described in JP 2002-088605 A.

1. False twist processing machine (yarn processing machine)
2 yarn supplying section 3 processing section 4 winding section 5 machine control device (first output control section, second output control section)
5a Machine input section (operation section)
5b Machine output section (first output section, second output section)
20 yarn supply package holding section 21 package mounting section (mounting section)
22 first mounting part (a certain mounting part)
23 Second mounting part (another mounting part)
24 Yarn detection sensor (switching detection section, unwinding detection section)
41 Switching detection unit 42 Supply sensor (unwinding detection unit)
100 Yarn processing equipment 102 Creel robot (yarn package exchange device)
110 Information management unit (connection information acquisition unit)
Bw: Winding bobbin Ps: Yarn supply package PsA: First yarn supply package (a certain yarn supply package)
PsB Second yarn supply package (another yarn supply package)
Pw Winding package tin1 Accumulated time tin2 Accumulated time tr1 Remaining time tr2 Remaining time V Unwinding speed WF Initial weight Wr1 Remaining weight Wr2 Remaining weight Y Yarn

Claims (15)

a yarn processing machine including a yarn supplying unit configured to be able to supply a yarn, a processing unit configured to process the yarn supplied from the yarn supplying unit, and a winding unit configured to wind the yarn processed by the processing unit onto a winding bobbin to form a winding package;
An information management unit configured to manage information regarding the yarn processing machine,
The yarn supplying section has a yarn supply package holding section configured to enable a plurality of yarn supply packages, each of which includes a yarn, to be attached and detached,
the yarn supply package holding unit is configured to be able to supply the yarn without interruption when a trailing end of a yarn included in a certain yarn supply package among the plurality of yarn supply packages is connected to a leading end of a yarn included in another yarn supply package from which the yarn is to be unwound after the certain yarn supply package;
The information management unit
at least one of remaining amount information on a remaining amount of yarn contained in a yarn supplying package from which a yarn is unwound among the plurality of yarn supplying packages at an arbitrary reference time and remaining time information on a remaining time during which the yarn can be unwound from the yarn supplying package at the reference time is acquired by calculation;
the yarn processing equipment performs a reset process to return at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to a predetermined initial value when mid-way replacement information is obtained, the reset process returning ... a mid-way replacement has been performed, in which a yarn supplying package from which a yarn is being unwound is replaced with another new yarn supplying package. the yarn supply package holding portion has a plurality of mounting portions to which the plurality of yarn supply packages are respectively mounted,
The yarn supplying section includes:
a switching detection unit capable of detecting a yarn supply package switching in which a yarn is finished being unwound from a certain yarn supply package attached to a certain attachment unit among the plurality of attachment units, and a yarn is started being unwound from another yarn supply package attached to a different attachment unit among the plurality of attachment units,
The information management unit
The yarn processing facility according to claim 1 , wherein the reset process is performed for the other mounting unit when the switching detection unit detects the switching of the yarn supply package. The information management unit
As the information of the initial value, initial amount information regarding an initial amount of yarn included in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages;
unwinding unit amount information relating to an amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages;
and integrated time information regarding an integrated time for which a yarn is unwound from a yarn supplying package from which the yarn is unwound at the reference time among the plurality of yarn supplying packages;
At least one of the remaining time information and the remaining amount information is obtained by a calculation using at least the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the integrated time information;
3. The yarn processing facility according to claim 1, wherein the reset process includes returning the integrated time to a predetermined initial time, thereby returning at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information to the initial value. The information management unit
As the information of the initial value, initial amount information regarding an initial amount of yarn included in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages;
unwinding unit amount information relating to an amount of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages;
and unwinding start time information relating to a time at which unwinding of a yarn from a yarn supplying package from which a yarn is unwound at the reference time among the plurality of yarn supplying packages is started.
by performing a calculation using at least the initial amount information, the unwinding unit amount information, and the unwinding start time information, at least one of the remaining time information and the remaining amount information relating to each of the plurality of yarn supply packages is obtained;
The yarn processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, as the reset process, at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information is returned to the initial value by acquiring the unwinding start time information related to the new yarn supply package. The information management unit
As the initial amount information, information on an initial weight and a fineness of the yarn contained in each of the plurality of yarn supply packages is obtained; and
5. The yarn processing facility according to claim 3, wherein information on an unwinding speed, which is a length of yarn unwound per unit time from each of the plurality of yarn supply packages, is obtained as the unwinding unit amount information. The yarn processing machine includes:
After the mid-way replacement is performed, during at least a portion of a threading time during which a threading operation is being performed on the yarn processing machine, a yarn is unwound from one of the plurality of yarn supply packages,
the yarn supplying unit has an unwinding detection unit capable of detecting whether or not a yarn is unwound from the one yarn supply package,
The information management unit
information on a detection time during which the unwinding detection unit detects that the yarn is being unwound from the one yarn supply package is used to acquire at least one of the remaining amount information and the remaining time information;
The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least a part of the yarn threading time is included in the detection time. The yarn processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the information management unit is configured to acquire a common initial value, which is a common value related to the multiple yarn supply packages, as the initial value. The yarn processing machine is configured to be capable of processing a plurality of yarns simultaneously,
The yarn supplying section has a plurality of the yarn supply package holding sections,
The yarn processing facility according to claim 7, wherein the common initial value is set as a common value for the plurality of yarn supply package holding units. The yarn processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the information management unit is configured to be able to acquire the initial values corresponding to each of the multiple yarn supply packages. The yarn processing machine is configured to be capable of processing a plurality of yarns simultaneously,
The yarn processing facility according to claim 9 , wherein the yarn supplying section has a plurality of the yarn supply package holding sections. The information management unit
The yarn processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an operation unit configured to be operated by an operator, and wherein the mid-way replacement information is generated when a predetermined reset operation is performed on the operation unit. A yarn package changing device configured to be able to perform the mid-way change,
The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the yarn package changing device is configured to be able to transmit the mid-way change information to the information management section. The information management unit
The yarn processing facility according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that information on a predicted yarn disappearance time when all of the yarn supply packages will be empty is acquired based on the remaining time information related to all of the yarn supply packages attached to the yarn supply package holding unit. A first output unit configured to be able to output information;
a first output control unit configured to control the first output unit;
The yarn processing facility according to claim 13, characterized in that the first output control unit causes the first output unit to output information for urging an operator to replace the yarn package in the yarn package holding unit at a replacement notification time that is a predetermined time before the predicted yarn disappearance time. a connection information acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding whether a trailing end of a yarn included in a predetermined yarn supplying package among the plurality of yarn supplying packages is connected to a leading end of a yarn included in a preliminary yarn supplying package from which a yarn is unwound next to the predetermined yarn supplying package;
A second output unit configured to be able to output information;
a second output control unit configured to control the second output unit;
The yarn processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, when the remaining time for the specified yarn supply package decreases to or below a specified limit time in a state where the starting end and the ending end are not connected, based on the information acquired by the connection information acquisition unit, the second output control unit outputs information to the second output unit to prompt a connecting operation between the starting end and the ending end.

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