Fiber spinning method and apparatus utilizing a twisting guide

A spinning apparatus having a nozzle (n1) that exerts the actions of a rotating air current on the fiber (f), a hollow spindle (s1) and a fiber introduction member (e2) positioned opposite the inlet end part (s1") of the hollow spindle with a fiber guide member (E) arranged with a fiber guiding surface (e9) twisted in the rotation direction of the air flow and the fiber introduction member (e2) projecting from the fiber guide member toward the hollow spindle. The end part of the guide member (E) may be formed into a flat or a curved shape whereby a spun yarn with improved fiber evenness and having higher strength, a round cross section, a better exterior and resembling blend yarn which differs from core yarn, can be spun. Furthermore, improvements in the spinning properties and success rate of yarn piecing can be realized.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention is related to a spinning method and apparatus for producing 
spun yarn by using a rotating air current. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Previously, a spinning method and apparatus has been known which produces 
spun yarn by imparting a twist in the fiber by a rotating air current, 
having a nozzle that exerts the action of a rotating air current on a 
fiber bundle leaving a draft apparatus, a hollow spindle, and a needle 
shaped guide member that positions the end of the needle opposite the end 
part of the yarn introduction side of the hollow spindle. 
The aforementioned spinning method and apparatus of the prior art spins one 
type of core yarn in which comparatively short fibers are wound onto the 
periphery of comparatively long fibers which form the core, but the 
cohesiveness between the fibers forming the core and the fibers wound onto 
the periphery is insufficient. Consequently, the yarn is insufficiently 
strong and a stiff spun yarn is produced. 
In the above mentioned spinning method and apparatus of the prior art, as 
the fibers are dispersed over a larger area by the rotating air current, 
the fiber gathering and converging is bad, the number of fibers parallel 
to each other forming the spun yarn is reduced and as a consequence, there 
are many irregularities. Moreover, a spun yarn with an inferior outward 
appearance is produced. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a primary object of the present invention to solve the above 
mentioned problems with a spinning method and apparatus that produces spun 
yarn by the use of a previously known rotating air current. 
In order to achieve the above mentioned object, in the spinning method of 
the present invention, the fiber bundle being transported from the front 
roller to the twist application area by a rotating air current is conveyed 
while being twisted in a fixed direction and is also transported to the 
said twist application area while being maintained in a converged state. 
And also, in order to achieve the above mentioned object, the spinning 
apparatus of the present invention has a nozzle that exerts the actions of 
a rotating air current on the fiber, a hollow spindle and a fiber 
introduction member utilizing a fiber converging unit positioned opposite 
the end part of the fiber introduction side of the hollow spindle. And the 
said fiber converging unit has a fiber guiding surface which is twisted in 
the direction of the aforementioned rotating air current, and also the end 
part, which is connected to the fiber guiding surface of the 
aforementioned fiber converging unit is formed with a discontinuous 
surface.

DERAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
In the drawings and the specification, there has been set forth a preferred 
embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, 
they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the 
purposes of limitation. 
Firstly, using FIG. 1, the entire construction of the spinning apparatus of 
the present invention will be explained. 
(L) is the fiber sliver supplied to the draft apparatus (D) via the sliver 
guide (G). The draft apparatus (D) comprises back rollers (d1), third 
rollers (d2), second rollers (d3) having an apron, and front rollers (d4). 
On the draft apparatus (D), the drafted sliver (L) is supplied to the 
spinning unit (U) comprising the separable nozzle and spindle member later 
described and after being formed as a spun yarn (Y) by the spinning unit 
(U), the spun yarn (Y) passes the spun yarn delivery apparatus (H) 
comprising the nip roller (h1) and delivery roller (h2), and also the slub 
catcher (Z), and is then wound onto the package (w3) which is supported by 
the cradle arm (w2) and which is driven by the friction roller (w1) of the 
winding part (W). Furthermore, (d4') is the bottom roller of the front 
roller (d4). (d5) is the clutch apparatus, like a magnetic clutch, for 
driving or stopping the back roller (d1) or third roller (d2). 
Next, using FIG. 2, which is a vertical section view in the running 
direction of the spun yarn (Y) of the spinning unit (U) shown in FIG. 1, 
the spinning unit (U) comprising the separable nozzle member (N) and the 
spindle member (S) which will be explained. 
(n1) is a nozzle. The flange part (n1'), (n1") of nozzle (n1) is sandwiched 
by the nozzle housing (n2) and the nozzle support plate (n4) which is 
attached to the inside concave part (n3') of the nozzle outer frame (n3), 
and due to the nozzle housing (n2) and the nozzle support plate (n4) being 
coupled together by bolt (n5), the nozzle (n1) is arranged in the space 
between the nozzle housing (n2) and the nozzle support plate (n4). (n6) is 
an air chamber arranged at predetermined spacings formed from the nozzle 
housing (n2) and the two flange parts (n1'), (n1") of the nozzle (n1). Air 
blowing holes (n8) are formed facing in a direction tangential to the 
inside surface of the nozzle (n1) so the air chambers (n6) are connected 
to the roughly round column shape hollow chamber (n7) of the nozzle (n1). 
More than one air blowing hole (n8), for example 4, are arranged in the 
circumferential direction of the nozzle (n1). The nozzle member (N) is 
mainly comprised of the abovementioned nozzle (n1), nozzle housing (n2), 
nozzle outer frame (n3) and the nozzle support plate (n4). 
(s1) is a hollow spindle having a hollow passage (s1') and said spindle 
(s1) is attached to the spindle support frame (s2). (s3) is a moving frame 
onto which is attached the aforementioned nozzle outer frame (n3) having a 
guide hole (s4) through which passes guide rod (R). Hole (s3'), which 
receives the spun yarn (Y) ejection side end part of the hollow spindle 
(s1) and is attached to the spindle support frame (s2) and one part of the 
spindle support frame (s2), is arranged in approximately the center of the 
moving frame (s3). 
Furthermore, in the moving frame (s3), a plurality of holes (s5), for 
example three, are arranged at appropriate spacings running in the 
longitudinal direction of the hollow spindle (s1) and a flange part (s6) 
having a bolt insertion hole (s6') smaller in diameter than the inner 
diameter of the holes (s5) projects out from the middle part of the inside 
wall of hole (s5). (s7) is a projected part that is arranged on the 
spindle support frame (s2) of which the end part is inserted into the hole 
(s5). 
(s8) is a bolt screwed into the projecting part (s7) which is arranged on 
the spindle support frame (s2). The head (s8') of bolt (s8) is in contact 
with, or close to, the flange part (s6) projecting in the hole (s5) and 
the screw trunk part (s8") is inserted into the bolt insertion hole (s6'). 
(s9) is a compression coil spring arranged between the flange part (s6) 
and the end surface of the projecting part (s7) on the spindle support 
frame (s2). The spindle support frame (s2) is connected to the moving 
frame (s3) via the bolt (s8), and the spindle support frame (s2) and 
moving frame (s3) are forced into each other so that they are seperated in 
opposite directions by the compression coil spring (s9). Further, the head 
(s8') of bolt (s8) is formed so that it catches on the flange part (s6) 
and does not pass through the bolt insertion hole (s6'). 
(s2') is a generally circular connecting part arranged on the nozzle (n1) 
side of the spindle support frame (s2). A curved corner is formed on the 
shoulder part (s2") of the connecting part (s2'). (s10) is the horn-shaped 
guide pipe for guiding the parent yarn which is inserted through the 
hollow passage (s1') of the hollow spindle (s1) that is attached to the 
end part of the spun yarn (Y) ejection side of the hollow spindle (s1) 
when yarn piecing is carried out. 
The spindle member (S) is mainly comprised of the aforementioned hollow 
spindle (s1), the spindle support frame (s2), the moving frame (s3), the 
bolt (s8), the compression coil spring (s9) and the guide pipe (s10). 
(s11) is the pin projecting from the side wall of the moving frame (s3). 
The pin (s11) is connected to the concave part (v1) arranged on the end of 
the rotating lever (V) which can be rotated to the left and right as seen 
from FIG. 2 about a predetermined support point by a piston rod (not shown 
in the drawing). Consequently, as in FIG. 2, due to the movement of the 
rotating lever (V) in a leftwards direction, the spindle member (S) is 
made to move to the left along the guide rod (R) via the pin (s11) 
connected to the concave part (v1) of the rotating lever (V) and the 
spindle member (S) is formed so as to be separable from the nozzle member 
(N). 
Also, in reverse, due to the movement of the rotating lever (V) in a 
rightwards direction, the spindle member (S) moves to the right in the 
same way and, due to the connection between the connecting part (s2') of 
the spindle member (S) and the open part (n3") of the nozzle outer frame 
(n3) of the nozzle member (N), the spindle member (S) and nozzle member 
(N) are constructed so as to be joinable, as shown in FIG. 2. 
Furthermore, for this connection, a curved corner is formed on the shoulder 
part (s2") of the connecting part (s2') of the spindle support frame (s2). 
Also, as a slope (n9) is formed on the side edge of the open part (n3") of 
the nozzle outer frame (n3), while the shoulder part (s2") of the 
connecting part (s2') of the spindle support frame (s2) is being guided to 
the slope (n9) of the nozzle outer frame (n3), the connecting part (s2') 
of the spindle support frame (s2) is connected to the open part (n3") of 
the nozzle outer frame (n3). Thus the nozzle member (N) can be coupled to 
the spindle member (S) so that the center of the hollow spindle (s1) of 
the spindle member (S) is aligned with the center of the nozzle (n1) of 
the nozzle member (N). 
Furthermore, in order to connect the connecting part (s2') of the spindle 
support frame (s2) to the open part (n3") of the nozzle outer support 
(n3), the rotating lever (V) is rotated in the right and the spindle 
member (S) moves to the right as seen from FIG. 2. However, after the 
connecting part (s2') of the spindle support frame (s2) is connected to 
the open part (n3") of the nozzle outer support (n3), when the rotating 
lever (V) rotates right by only a further predetermined amount, the 
spindle support frame (s2) contacts with the nozzle outer frame (n3). 
Therefore, there is no more movement of the support frame s2 to the right 
but the moving frame (s3) moves further to the right thus compressing the 
compression coil spring (s9) which is positioned between the flange (s6) 
and the projecting part (s7) of the spindle support frame (s2). In this 
way, in the state in which the moving frame (s3) compresses the 
compression coil spring (s9), due to the stopping, the spindle support 
frame (s2) normally assumes contact with the nozzle outer frame (n3) by a 
predetermined contact pressure. Therefore, a gap on the contact faces can 
be formed between the spindle support frame (s2) and the nozzle outer 
frame (n3), and the problem of air leaking from this gap etc can be 
prevented. 
(E) is the fiber converging unit having a fiber introduction hole (e1) 
inserted in the concave part (n10) which is arranged on the front roller 
(d4) side of the nozzle (n1). An approximately cylindrical guide member 
(e2) is attached to the hollow spindle (s1) side of the fiber converging 
unit member (E) so as to be opposite the entrance part of the hollow 
passage (s1') of the hollow spindle (s1). 
(n11) is an air chamber arranged in the nozzle member (N). Air chamber 
(n11) is linked to the suction duct via a hole (not shown in the drawing) 
arranged on the nozzle outer frame (n3). The suction duet is connected to 
the air suction apparatus (not shown in the drawing) and is constructed in 
such a way that the air chamber (n11) is maintained in a state of slight 
negative pressure. Due to the maintenance of the air chamber (n11) in a 
state of slight negative pressure, floating fibers and the like that are 
generated in the hollow chamber (n7) during spinning are removed via the 
gap between the inner surface of the nozzle (n1) and the outer surface of 
the hollow spindle (s1). 
Next, the production process of spun yarn (Y) by the spinning unit 
consisting of the aforementioned nozzle member (N) and spindle member (S) 
will be explained. 
The drafted sliver (L) which has been transported from the front roller 
(d4) of the draft apparatus (D) is sucked into the hollow chamber (n7) 
inside the nozzle (n1) by the suction air current in the vicinity of the 
fiber introduction hole (e1) of the fiber introduction member (E) which is 
generated by the action the blown air from the air blowing holes (n8) 
bored in the nozzle (n1). 
The fiber (f) comprising the sliver (L) which had been sucked into the 
hollow chamber (n7) is sent following the periphery of the roughly 
cylindrical guide member (e2). In the vicinity of the end part (s1') of 
the hollow spindle (s1), the fiber (f) undergoes the action of the 
rotating air current which has been blown from the air blowing holes (n8) 
and is rotating at high speed around the circumference of the hollow 
spindle (s1) and while seperating from the sliver (L), is twisted in the 
direction of the rotating air current. Also, one part of the false twist, 
which has been imparted by the rotating air current, tries to travel in 
the direction of the front roller (d4) but, as this travel is prevented by 
the roughly cylindrical guide member (e2), there is no entangling by the 
false twist of the sliver (L) which has been sent from the front roller 
(d4). The above mentioned twisted fiber (f) is continuously generated into 
spun yarn (Y), runs through the hollow passage (s1') of the hollow spindle 
(s1) and is sent in the direction of the winding part (W). 
Next, using FIG. 3 which is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the 
fiber converging unit (E) having the above mentioned fiber introduction 
hole (e1), the fiber converging unit (E) will be explained. 
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fiber converging unit (E) is comprised of an 
approximately cylindrical outer frame member (e3), the aforementioned 
guide member (e2) and a fiber guiding member (e6). The outer frame member 
(e3) is attached to the concave part (n10) arranged on the front roller 
(d4) side of the nozzle (n1). The fiber guiding member (e6) has the shape 
of a truncated cone cut approximately in half along it's longitudinal 
central axis and twisted from the smaller diameter part (e5) to the larger 
diameter part (e4). A groove part (e7) to which is attached the above 
mentioned roughly cylindrical guide member (e2) is bored into the fiber 
guiding member (e6). The inner hole (e8) of the aforementioned outer frame 
member (e3) is formed as a hole in a reverse truncated cone as made clear 
from the section of the peripheral wall including the central line of the 
outer frame part shown as hatching in FIG. 3. Furthermore, (e3') is a 
cylindrical brim part having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of 
the outer frame member (e3) and extending from the fiber ejection side of 
the outer frame member (e3). 
As shown in FIG. 3, the guide member (e2) is attached to the groove part 
(e7) of the fiber guiding member (e6) so that a predetermined length 
protrudes and the fiber guiding member (e6), to which is attached the 
guide member (e2), is inserted into the outer frame member (e3) from the 
smaller diameter part (e5). Consequently, roughly half of the inner hole 
(e8) of the outer frame part (e3) is occupied by the fiber guiding member 
(e6) and the fiber introduction hole (e1) is formed from the raining half. 
Next, using the same FIG. 3, the shape of the fiber guiding surface (e9) of 
the fiber guiding member (e6) which introduces the fiber (f) along 
rotating suction air current will be explained. 
The fiber guiding surface (e9) of the fiber guiding member (e6) having a 
shape of an approximate truncated cone cut down the central axis roughly 
in half is so formed as to be a plane twisted from the large diameter side 
(e4) of the fiber guiding member (e6) to the small diameter side (e5) and 
along which flows the rotating suction air current of the vicinity of the 
fiber introduction hole (e1) of the fiber converging unit (E) generated by 
the action of the blown air from the air blowing holes (n8). The twist 
angle of the fiber guiding surface (e9) (when the small diameter side (e5) 
is viewed from the large diameter side (e4) of the fiber guiding member 
(e6), the angle of the section line (e5') of the small diameter side (e5) 
compared to the section line (e4') of the large diameter side (e4), which 
is used as a base, is called the twist angle of the fiber guiding surface 
(e9)) will differ depending on the type of fibers that comprise the sliver 
(L), the fiber length, desired number of twists in the spun yarn (Y), 
stiffness etc, but an angle of over 30.degree. is preferential, between 
30.degree. and 210.degree. is better, and an ideal angle is between 
45.degree. and 210.degree.. Furthermore, due to the rotating direction of 
the rotating suction air current, the twist direction of the fiber guiding 
surface (e9) may also be opposite to the twist direction as shown in FIG. 
3. 
Due to the fact that the twist angle of the fiber guiding surface (e9) is a 
predetermined angle, the fiber (f) which is transported along the fiber 
guiding surface (e9) of the fiber guiding member (e6) by the 
aforementioned rotating suction air current has increased convergence, 
evenness with increased strength and a yarn (Y) with a better exterior 
finish can be spun. If the twist angle of the fiber guiding surface (e9) 
is less than 30.degree., as the fiber guiding surface (e9) is nearly flat, 
the fiber (f) is dispersed over a wide area causing poor convergence and 
as a consequence, the evenness of the fiber (f) is disrupted and the 
strength of the spun yarn (Y) and exterior finish are diminished. By 
increasing the twist angle of the fiber guiding surface (e9), the 
convergence is improved and a even yarn (Y) with increased strength can be 
spun. However, depending on the properties of the fiber (f), such as the 
length and stiffness, if the twist angle of the fiber guiding surface (e9) 
is increased beyond what is necessary, the fiber (f) is no longer 
transported smoothly along the fiber guiding surface (e9) and effective 
spinning of the yarn (Y) becomes difficult. Therefore, depending on the 
type of fiber (f), the humidity etc, the twist angle of the fiber guiding 
surface (e9) is theoretically or experimentally set. 
The approximately cylindrical guide member (e2) is attached to 
approximately the center of the small diameter side (e5) of the fiber 
guiding member (e6) and it is preferable for the end of the guide member 
(e2) to be positioned so that it is seperated from the end part (s1") of 
the hollow spindle (s1) by a predetermined distance. Also, the outer 
diameter of the approximately cylindrical guide member (e2) may be 
smaller, larger or the same size as the inner diameter of the hollow 
passage (s1') on the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1). Of course, 
the guide member (e2) can also be formed together with the fiber guiding 
member (e6) as a single structure without being attached to the groove 
(e7) of the fiber guiding member (e6). 
FIG. 4 shows the various shapes of the fiber guiding member (e6) and the 
guide members (e2). As described above, FIG. 4A is the component of the 
guide member (e2) formed together with the fiber guiding member (e6) as a 
single structure. 
FIG. 4B is a guide member (e2) formed as a truncated cone extending as a 
tapered shape from the small diameter side (e5) of the fiber guiding 
member (e6). 
The guide member (e2) shown in FIG. 4C is a component with a ball shape 
(e2') swollen on the end of the truncated cone shape guide member (e2) 
shown in FIG. 4B. 
The guide member (e2) shown in FIG. 4D comprises a screw shaped groove 
(e2") in the circumference face of the truncated cone shape guide member 
(e2) shown in FIG. 4B. 
In any of the above cases, the guide member (e2) and the fiber guiding 
member (e6) can be comprised of a single structure. As shown in FIG. 4, 
the composition of the end of the guide member (e2) is important whether 
it is flat or curved. 
Next, using FIG. 5, which is an assembled perspective view of the fiber 
converging unit (E) including a partial cross section, the movement of the 
fiber (f) which is inserted from the fiber introduction hole (e1) of the 
fiber converging unit (E) will be explained. 
The rotating suction air current in the vicinity of the fiber introduction 
hole (e1) of the fiber converging unit (E) generated by the actions of the 
rotating air current formed from compressed air blown from the air blowing 
holes (n8) flows toward the small diameter side (e5) from the large 
diameter side (e4) of the fiber guiding member (e6) along the fiber 
guiding surface (e9) which twists toward the small diameter side (e5) from 
the large diameter side (e4) of the fiber guiding member (e6) in the same 
direction as the rotating suction air current. Accordingly, the fiber (f) 
transported by the rotating suction current steadily converges from a 
slightly spread-out state at the large diameter side (e4) of the fiber 
guiding member (e6) while being transported along the twisted fiber 
guiding surface (e9). As well as being converged, the fiber (f) proceeds 
by winding in the twisted state in one direction around the roughly 
cylindrical guide member (e2) positioned approximately in the center of 
the small diameter side (e5) and afterwards, passes through the hollow 
chamber (n7) and while having a twist imparted, the spun yarn (Y) is 
continuously produced and then sent in the direction of the winding part 
(W) through the hollow passage (s1') of the hollow spindle (s1). 
As mentioned above, the fiber (f) that is transported on the rotating 
suction current along the twisted fiber guiding surface (e9) is quickly 
and reliably converged and can be smoothly wound around the guide member 
(e2) in the state in which it is twisted by the fiber guiding surface 
(e9). Also, as the guide member (e2) is approximately cylindrical, even if 
the converged fiber (f) pulls away from the end of the guide member (e2), 
the spiralled fiber (f) is maintained in a converged state between the end 
of the guide member (e2) and the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle 
(s1). Accordingly, in this space, many fibers (f) which have seperated 
from the slaver (L) are twisted onto the converged fiber (f) among the 
spun yarn (Y) formation process. 
In the case in which the end part of the guide member (e2) is not formed to 
a flat or curved shape consisting of a discontinuous surface as in the 
present invention and where the end of the guide member (e2) comprises a 
pointed needle shape consisting of a continuous surface as in the prior 
art, the converged fiber (f) which is wound on the guide member (e2) moves 
gradually from a spiral shape to a straight shape and in the state in 
which it pulls off from the end of the guide member (e2), as it is 
approximately straight, the converged fiber (f) that exists between the 
end of the guide member (e2) and the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle 
(s1) is shorter compared to the present invention's case. Moreover, as it 
is not in a twisted state, there is little twisting in of the fibers (f) 
and there is insufficient cohesion. Consequently, the strength of the 
produced spun yarn (Y) is insufficient, the exterior finish is poor and 
the yarn cross section is not round but a flat eliptical shape. 
On the spinning apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable for 
the end of the guide member (e2) to be apart from the end part (s1") of 
the hollow spindle (s1) by a predetermined distance. Due to there being a 
predetermined space arranged between the end of the guide member (e2) and 
the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1), trash (various objects, 
such as trash contained in the sliver) flies out from this space due to 
centrifugal force. Consequently, trash is prevented from being caught 
between the end of the guide member (e2) and the end part (s1") of the 
hollow spindle (s1) and breakage of the yarn can be prevented. The degree 
of spacing between the end of the guide member (e2) and the end part (s1") 
of the hollow spindle (s1) is set theoretically or experimentally 
depending on the properties of the fiber (f). Furthermore, depending on 
the properties and type of fiber (f) comprising the sliver (L), the end of 
the guide member (e2) can also be so arranged as to slightly enter the end 
part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1). 
A fiber sliver (L) used in the above mentioned spinning apparatus of the 
present invention is comprised of a mixture of long fibers (f') having a 
fiber length longer than the distance from the nip point (X) of the front 
roller (d4) and of the bottom roller (d4') to the end part (s1") of the 
hollow spindle (s1), and short fibers (f") having a fiber length shorter 
than the distance from the nip point (X) of the front roller (d4) and of 
the bottom roller (d4') to the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1). 
Using FIG. 6 which is a partially expanded perspective view of the hollow 
spindle (s1), fiber converging unit (E), etc, the movements of the fiber 
(f) when a combined fiber (f) of long fibers (f') having a fiber length 
longer than the distance (B) from the nip point (X) of the front roller 
(d4) and of the bottom roller (d4') to the end part (s1"), of the hollow 
spindle (s1) and short fibers (f") having a fiber length shorter than that 
distance (B), is used on the spinning apparatus arranged on which is the 
fiber converging unit (E) having a face twisted toward the small diameter 
side (e5) from the large diameter side (e4), as described above, will be 
explained. 
When the front end of the long fibers (f') having a fiber length longer 
than the distance B from the nip point (X) to the end part (s1") of the 
hollow spindle (s1) (in FIG. 6, imitatively shown by the solid lines) are 
positioned in the vicinity of the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle 
(s1) or inserted in the hollow passage (s1') of the hollow spindle (s1), 
the other end is gripped by the nip point (X) of between the front roller 
(d4) and the bottom roller (d4'). Furthermore, the end of the long fiber 
(f') inserted in the hollow passage (s1') of the hollow spindle (s1) or in 
the vicinity of the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1) is spread 
out by the rotating air current at the end part (s1") of the hollow 
spindle (s1). 
Conversely, the short fibers (f") having a fiber length shorter than the 
distance (B) from the nip point (X) to the end part (s1") of the hollow 
spindle (s1) (in FIG. 6, imitatively shown by the dotted lines) ride on 
the rotating current which faces the periphery of the guide member (e2) 
along the fiber guiding surface (e9) which is twisted towards the small 
diameter side (e5) from the large diameter side (e4) of the fiber guiding 
member (e6), as described above, and are transported to the end part (s1") 
of the hollow spindle (s1) along with the long fibers (f') which face the 
periphery of the guide member (e2) along same fiber guiding surface (e9). 
In this transportation process, the short fibers (f") are caught in the 
spread out long fibers (f') and wound onto the periphery of the long 
fibers (f'). Furthermore, the long fibers (f') twist in the short fibers 
(f") which are distributed approximately evenly around the periphery of 
the end part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1) thus producing the spun yarn 
(Y). Accordingly, this kind of production of spun yarn (Y) has a 
construction in which the short fibers (f") are caught between the long 
fibers (f') and also in which the short fibers (f") are wound around the 
periphery of the long fibers (f'). Moreover, due to the rotating air 
current which rotates in one direction around the guide member (e2), the 
winding direction of the short fibers (f"), which are wound onto the long 
fibers (f'), is approximately constant. 
On the spinning apparatus of the present invention, the converged fiber (f) 
is smoothly wound onto the periphery of the guide member (e2) in a state 
in which it has been twisted by the fiber guiding surface (e9) and, as the 
end part of the guide member (e2) is formed to a flat shape or curved 
shape, even if the converged fiber (f) pulls away from the end of the 
guide member (e2), the converged condition of the spiral shaped fiber (f) 
is maintained between the end part of the guide member (e2) and the end 
part (s1") of the hollow spindle (s1). Therefore, a higher proportion of 
short fibers (f") are reliably caught in the long fibers (f') and are 
twisted in more strongly. Accordingly, a spun yarn (Y) with higher 
strength, a round cross section and a better exterior can be spun. 
As the present invention is constructed as explained above, it has the 
following effectiveness. 
Due to the present invention, a spun yarn (Y) with improved fiber evenness 
and having higher strength, a round cross section, a better exterior and 
resembling blend yarn which differs from core yarn, can be spun. 
Furthermore, an improvement in the spinning properties and success rate of 
yarn piecing can be realised.