Patent Description:
Conventionally, oil may be applied to a yarn for purposes such as decreasing friction, suppressing static electricity, improving a package shape, and improving the uniformity in yarn heating. In a yarn processing apparatus configured to perform a predetermined process for a yarn by ejecting fluid into a yarn running space where a yarn to which oil has been applied runs, the ejection of the fluid causes part of the oil adhered to the yarn to be blown off so as to become oil mist. If such oil mist scatters from the yarn processing apparatus, the oil mist may adhere to a resin member and deteriorate the resin member, oil droplets resulting from the oil mist may adhere to a yarn or a package and deteriorate the yarn quality, or the surrounding environment may be hazed in white and deteriorated. Examples of the yarn processing apparatus include an interlacing device and a migration nozzle. The interlacing device is configured to interlace a yarn by ejecting fluid. The migration nozzle is configured to uniformize oil applied to a yarn.

To solve the problem above, for example, <CIT> discloses a technology of guiding an ejected stream from a yarn running space of an interlacing device to a duct member, converting the oil mist to oil droplets by a filter provided inside the duct member, and collecting the oil droplets. Meanwhile, <CIT> discloses a technology of sucking floating matters such as oil mist generated by an interlacing device. <CIT> is related to a jet device, to which a casing is attached adapted to collect oil.

However, even if the duct member is provided in the vicinity of the interlacing device as in <CIT>, a large amount of oil mist does not flow into the duct member. As such, it is difficult to efficiently collect the oil mist by this arrangement. When oil mist is collected by suction as in <CIT>, how much oil mist is collected largely depends on the capability of a suction device. However, the suction device is often an existing device in a factory, etc., and there is a limit in the enhancement of the capability of the device. In this connection, the enhancement of the capability of the suction device requires high cost.

In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to effectively collect oil mist scattering from a yarn processing apparatus with low cost.

An oil recovery apparatus of the present invention is configured to collect oil mist scattering from a yarn processing apparatus performing a predetermined process for a yarn by ejecting fluid into a yarn running space where the yarn to which oil has been applied runs, and the oil recovery apparatus includes: a housing which accommodates the yarn processing apparatus and has a suction port; and a guide member which is provided in the housing to guide an ejected stream from the yarn running space, which is generated by ejection of the fluid, to the suction port.

In the present invention, the suction port is provided in the housing which accommodates the interlacing device. The oil mist scattering from the yarn processing apparatus is collected through the suction port. However, when the housing is simply provided, the oil mist stagnates in the housing in a case where the suction force of a suction device is insufficient. The oil mist stagnating at around the yarn disadvantageously leaks out to the outside of the housing with an accompanied flow. However, if the capability of the suction device is enhanced in order to suppress the leakage of the oil mist, a large cost increase may occur. Therefore, the guide member which guides the ejected stream from the yarn running space to the suction port is provided in the present invention. With this arrangement, because the oil mist is guided to the suction port by using the force of the ejected stream from the yarn running space, the oil mist is effectively collectable with low cost.

In the present invention, the guide member may be a duct member having an inlet into which the stream is taken and an outlet from which the stream is discharged toward the suction port.

With this arrangement, because the ejected stream is reliably guided to the suction port by using the duct member, the oil mist is further effectively collectable. In this regard, the ejection of the fluid from the outlet of the duct member can be used for assisting the suction by the suction port of the housing.

In the present invention, a part of the duct member, which is on the outlet side and includes the outlet, may gradually decrease in flow passage area toward the outlet side.

With this arrangement, because the pressure of the fluid flowing toward the outlet is increased, the fluid is discharged from the outlet while the force generated at the time of the ejection from the yarn running space is maintained to some degree. Therefore, the effect of sucking assistance with use of the fluid ejection from the duct member is enhanced. As a result, the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present invention, the duct member may have at least one guide surface provided to intersect with an extending direction in which the yarn running space extends, and an end portion on the inlet side of the at least one guide surface may be positioned outside the yarn running space in the extending direction.

With this arrangement, the ejected stream ejected from each of the both ends of the yarn running space is easily taken into the duct member.

In the present invention, a part of the at least one guide surface, which is on the inlet side and includes an end portion on the inlet side, may extend toward the outside of the yarn running space in the extending direction and toward the outlet side.

With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space is facilitated to flow toward the outlet side by the at least one guide surface, the disturbance of the flow due to the collision with the at least one guide surface is suppressed.

In the present invention, the at least one guide surface may be curved from the end portion on the inlet side toward the end portion on the outlet side.

When the at least one guide surface has corners, the flow of the fluid tends to be disturbed by the corners. In this regard, because the at least one guide surface is a curved surface, the flow of the fluid is smooth.

In the present invention, the guide surfaces may be provided as a pair on respective sides of the yarn running space in the extending direction, and the paired guide surfaces may be plane-symmetric about the center of the yarn running space in the extending direction.

With this arrangement, the flow of the fluid in the duct member tends to be symmetric, and the flow is less likely to be disturbed.

In the present invention, a suction passage communicating with the suction port may be formed between an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the duct member.

With this arrangement, because the oil mist which is not taken into the duct member is also sucked from the suction port through the suction passage, the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present invention, the duct member may be movable between a separated position where the duct member is far from the yarn processing apparatus and a near position where the duct member is close to the yarn processing apparatus as compared to the separated position.

As the distance between the duct member and the yarn processing apparatus is decreased, an amount of the collected oil mist is increased. In this case, however, the duct member disturbs yarn threading to the yarn processing apparatus. Therefore, as described above, the duct member is configured to be movable so that the collection efficiency of the oil mist and the yarn threading are both facilitated.

In the present invention, the housing may have an opening portion through which the yarn passes, and a door may be provided to change an aperture area of the opening portion.

As the opening portion provided in the housing is small, a leakage amount of the oil mist from the housing is decreased. In this case, however, it is difficult to thread the yarn through the opening portion in the yarn threading to the yarn processing apparatus. Therefore, as described above, the door is provided at the opening portion to facilitate both the decrease in leakage of the oil mist and the yarn threading.

A yarn processing mechanism of the present invention includes: a yarn processing apparatus performing a predetermined process for a yarn by ejecting fluid into a yarn running space where the yarn to which oil has been applied runs; and any one of the oil recovery apparatuses described above.

In the yarn processing mechanism configured as such, the oil mist scattering from the yarn processing apparatus is effectively collectable with low cost as described above.

In the present invention, the yarn processing apparatus may include: a yarn processing unit where the yarn running space is formed; a supporting member supporting the yarn processing unit; and a jet guide member provided outside the yarn processing unit in the extending direction in which the yarn running space extends, and the jet guide member may protrude from the supporting member toward the guide member.

With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space is guided to the guide member by the jet guide member, the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present invention, the jet guide member protruding from the supporting member may be inclined away from the yarn running space in the extending direction.

With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space is facilitated to flow toward the guide member by the jet guide member, the disturbance of the flow due to the collision with the jet guide member is suppressed.

In the present invention, the jet guide member may have a guide groove in which the yarn is inserted.

With this arrangement, because the jet guide member can be also used as a yarn guide member, increase in the number of components is suppressed.

A spun yarn take-up apparatus of the present invention includes: an oil applicator configured to apply oil to a yarn; and any one of the yarn processing mechanisms described above, which is provided downstream of the oil applicator in a yarn running direction.

In the spun yarn take-up apparatus configured as such, the oil mist scattering from the yarn processing apparatus is effectively collectable with low cost as described above.

The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a spun yarn take-up apparatus including an interlace imparting mechanism according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, upward, downward, forward, and rearward directions shown in <FIG> will be referred to as upward, downward, forward, and rearward directions of the spun yarn take-up apparatus <NUM>.

The spun yarn take-up apparatus <NUM> takes up synthetic fiber yarns Y spun out from a spinning apparatus <NUM> and forms packages P by winding the yarns Y onto bobbins B, respectively. The spun yarn take-up apparatus <NUM> includes an oil guide <NUM> (which corresponds to an oil applicator of the present invention), a drawing unit <NUM>, a first take-up roller <NUM>, an interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> (which corresponds to a yarn processing mechanism of the present invention), a second take-up roller <NUM>, and a winding device <NUM>. From the spinning apparatus <NUM>, polymer which is supplied from a polymer supplier (not illustrated) formed of a gear pump or the like is pushed out downward through an unillustrated spinneret.

While being lined up in the direction vertical to the plane of <FIG>, the yarns Y spun out from the spinning apparatus <NUM> run on a yarn path which passes the oil guide <NUM>, the drawing unit <NUM>, the first take-up roller <NUM>, the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM>, and the second take-up roller <NUM>. The yarns Y are distributed in the front-rear direction from the second take-up roller <NUM>, and are then wound onto the respective bobbins B at the winding device <NUM>.

To the yarns Y spun out from the spinning apparatus <NUM>, oil is applied at the oil guide <NUM>. The yarns Y are then sent to the drawing unit <NUM>. While the oil guide <NUM> of the present embodiment is provided between the spinning apparatus <NUM> and the drawing unit <NUM> in a yarn running direction, the oil guide <NUM> can be provided at a desired position provided upstream of a later-described interlacing device <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The drawing unit <NUM> accommodates unillustrated heating rollers in a heat retaining box. By the heating rollers, the drawing unit <NUM> draws the yarns Y spun out from the spinning apparatus <NUM>, while heating them.

The yarns Y drawn by the drawing unit <NUM> are sent to the winding device <NUM> by the first take-up roller <NUM> and the second take-up roller <NUM>. Between the first take-up roller <NUM> and the second take-up roller <NUM>, the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> having the interlacing device <NUM> (which corresponds to the yarn processing apparatus of the present invention) configured to interlace filaments which form each yarn Y is provided. In this regard, the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> can be provided at a desired position provided downstream of the oil guide <NUM> in the yarn running direction. For example, the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> may be provided between the drawing unit <NUM> and the first take-up roller <NUM> as indicated by broken lines in <FIG>. The interlacing device <NUM> and the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> will be detailed later.

The winding device <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a turret <NUM>, two bobbin holders <NUM>, a supporting frame <NUM>, a contact roller <NUM>, and a traverse unit <NUM>. The winding device <NUM> simultaneously winds the yarns Y sent from the second take-up roller <NUM> onto the bobbins B by rotating the bobbin holders <NUM>, so as to form packages P.

The disc-shaped turret <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM>. The turret <NUM> is rotationally driven by an unillustrated motor. The two cylindrical bobbin holders <NUM> are cantilevered by the turret <NUM> so as to extend in the front-rear direction. To each bobbin holder <NUM>, the bobbins B are attached along the axial direction (front-rear direction) so as to be side by side. The two bobbin holders <NUM> are movable between an upper winding position and a lower retracted position as the turret <NUM> rotates.

The supporting frame <NUM> extends in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the base <NUM> at the rear end portion of the supporting frame <NUM>. A roller supporting member <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction is attached to a lower portion of the supporting frame <NUM> so as to be vertically movable relative to the supporting frame <NUM>. The roller supporting member <NUM> rotatably supports the contact roller <NUM> extending in the front-rear direction. This contact roller <NUM> applies a predetermined contact pressure to the packages P so that the shape of the packages P is adjusted.

The traverse unit <NUM> is provided at the roller supporting member <NUM>. The traverse unit <NUM> includes traverse guides 16a lined up in the front-rear direction. The traverse guides 16a are driven by an unillustrated motor, and are configured to reciprocate in the front-rear direction. As each traverse guide 16a to which the yarn Y is threaded reciprocates, the yarn Y is wound onto the corresponding bobbin B while being traversed about a fulcrum guide <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the interlacing device <NUM>. An extending direction in <FIG> indicates the direction in which a later-described yarn running space 24a extends. An arrangement direction indicates the direction in which yarns Y are lined up and which is orthogonal to the extending direction. A height direction indicates the direction orthogonal to both the extending direction and the arrangement direction. In the present specification, one side in the height direction (upper side in <FIG>) is referred to as an upper side while the other side (lower side in <FIG>) is referred to as a lower side for the sake of convenience. However, the upper and lower sides in the height direction may not necessarily match with the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction (upper and lower sides in <FIG>).

The interlacing device <NUM> interlaces the yarns Y with compressed air (i.e., one example of fluid in the present invention). The interlacing device <NUM> includes a supporting member <NUM>, an interlacing portion <NUM> (which corresponds the yarn processing unit of the present invention), and two yarn guide members <NUM> (which correspond to a jet guide member of the present invention). The supporting member <NUM> supports the interlacing portion <NUM> and the two yarn guide members <NUM>. The two yarn guide members <NUM> and plural interlacing pieces <NUM> forming the interlacing portion <NUM> protrude from the supporting member <NUM> toward the same side in the height direction (i.e., upward).

The interlacing portion <NUM> is formed by the interlacing pieces <NUM> which are lined up in the arrangement direction. In each interlacing piece <NUM>, the yarn running space 24a is formed to penetrate the interlacing piece <NUM> in the extending direction. The yarn Y runs in this yarn running space 24a. At a gap between upper portions of two adjacent interlacing pieces <NUM>, a yarn insertion passage 24b is formed in order to insert the yarn Y into the yarn running space 24a. At a central portion of each interlacing piece <NUM> in the extending direction, an injection port (not illustrated) from which compressed air is ejected toward the corresponding yarn running space 24a is formed. As the yarn Y running in the yarn running space 24a is influenced by the compressed air ejected from the injection port, the yarn Y is interlaced. This compressed air is ejected as an ejected stream from each of both ends of the yarn running space 24a.

The two yarn guide members <NUM> are provided on the respective sides of the interlacing portion <NUM> in the extending direction, so as to be separated from the interlacing portion <NUM>. Each yarn guide member <NUM> protrudes from the supporting member <NUM>, and has a wall shape extending in the arrangement direction. The yarn guide member <NUM> does not protrude vertically upward from the supporting member <NUM>, but protrudes from the supporting member <NUM> while being inclined away from the interlacing portion <NUM> in the extending direction. The yarn guide member <NUM> has guide grooves 23a provided at regular intervals in the arrangement direction. Each guide groove 23a is an open-top slit in shape. As the yarns Y are inserted into the respective guide grooves 23a, the yarn path of each yarn Y is defined in the interlacing device <NUM>.

Although not shown in <FIG>, a yarn threading assisting member <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) which is used at the time of yarn threading is provided in the interlacing device <NUM>. The yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is a round-bar member extending in the arrangement direction. One end portion of the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is fixed to an arm <NUM>, and attached to the supporting member <NUM> via the arm <NUM>. While the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is cantilevered in the present embodiment, the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> may be supported at both sides. The arm <NUM> is swingable about a fulcrum <NUM>. Because of this, the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is movable between a lower position shown in <FIG> and an upper position shown in <FIG>.

In the interlacing device <NUM> structured as above, ejection of the compressed air blows off a part of the oil adhering to each yarn Y. As a result, oil mist is generated. If such oil mist scatters from the interlacing device <NUM> with a stream ejected from the yarn running space 24a, the oil mist may adhere to a resin member and deteriorate the resin member or may adhere to the yarn Y or a package P and deteriorate the yarn quality. Therefore, an oil recovery apparatus <NUM> is provided in the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> to collect the oil mist scattering from the interlacing device <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross sections of the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM> including the oil recovery apparatus <NUM>. To be more specific, <FIG> and <FIG> are cross sections taken along the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. <FIG> shows a later-described duct member <NUM> at a near position where the duct member <NUM> is close to the interlacing device <NUM>, and <FIG> shows the duct member <NUM> at a separated position where the duct member <NUM> is far from the interlacing device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the duct member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the oil recovery apparatus <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and the duct member <NUM> (which corresponds to a guide member of the present invention). The housing <NUM> is a box-shaped member which accommodates the interlacing device <NUM> and the duct member <NUM>. At an upper end portion of the housing <NUM>, a suction port 31a connected to a suction device <NUM> is provided. The suction port 31a is a nozzle extending in the height direction, and an upward suction force is generated at this port. The interlacing device <NUM> is provided at a lower portion of the housing <NUM>, and the duct member <NUM> is provided above the interlacing device <NUM>. While the interlacing device <NUM> is fixed, the duct member <NUM> is movable in the height direction as described later. A suction passage <NUM> communicating with the suction port 31a is formed between an inner surface of the housing <NUM> and an outer surface of the duct member <NUM>. The oil recovery apparatus <NUM> collects oil mist scattering from the interlacing device <NUM>, by sucking the oil mist from the suction port 31a through the duct member <NUM> or the suction passage <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has an opening portion 31b through which yarns Y are introduced into the housing <NUM> and an opening portion 31c through which the yarns Y are discharged to the outside of the housing <NUM>. Doors <NUM> and <NUM> capable of changing aperture areas of the opening portions 31b and 31c are provided at the opening portions 31b and 31c.

The duct member <NUM> has a function of guiding an ejected stream from each yarn running space 24a of the interlacing device <NUM> to the suction port 31a, and is provided to cover the interlacing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the duct member <NUM> is a hollow member formed of four side surfaces <NUM> to <NUM> and extends in the height direction. An inlet 32a into which the stream is taken is provided at a lower end of the duct member <NUM>, and an outlet 32b from which the stream is discharged toward the suction port 31a is provided at an upper end of the duct member <NUM>. The inlet 32a includes the entire interlacing device <NUM> when viewed in the height direction. The outlet 32b is positioned so as to oppose the suction port 31a, and an aperture area of the outlet 32b is smaller than that of the inlet 32a.

The paired side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> which oppose each other in the extending direction are equal to guide surfaces of the present invention. Hereinafter, these surfaces are referred to as guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. The guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are provided to intersect with the extending direction of the yarn running space 24a. The paired side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> which oppose each other in the arrangement direction are flat surfaces which are parallel to the surface orthogonal to the arrangement direction. As shown in <FIG>, a slider <NUM> is fixed to the side surface <NUM>. A rail member <NUM> extending in the height direction is fixed to the inner surface of the housing <NUM>, and the slider <NUM> is slidably engaged with the rail member <NUM>. Because of this, the duct member <NUM> is movable in the height direction between the near position (i.e., position shown in <FIG>) and the separated position (i.e., position shown in <FIG>). The movement of the duct member <NUM> may be manually performed by an operator, or a driving device configured to move the duct member <NUM> may be provided.

It is preferable to provide means for positioning the duct member <NUM> at the near position and at the separated position. For example, the duct member <NUM> may be positioned at the near position such that the lower end of the duct member <NUM> makes contact with an unillustrated stopper provided in the interlacing device <NUM>. In addition to that, the duct member <NUM> may be positioned at the separated position by engagement between the housing <NUM> and the duct member <NUM> with use of engagement means such as a latch. Of course, the duct member <NUM> may be positioned by using other positioning means.

The paired guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are curved surfaces when viewed in the arrangement direction, and are plane-symmetric about the center of the interlacing device <NUM> (i.e., yarn running space 24a) in the extending direction. Lower end portions of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> partially overlap the yarn guide members <NUM> when viewed in the extending direction. To be more specific, in the height direction, the lower ends of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are lower than upper ends of the yarn guide members <NUM> and are upper than lower ends of the guide grooves 23a. The lower end portions of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are provided outside the yarn running space 24a and, specifically, outside the upper end portions of the yarn guide members <NUM> in the extending direction. Because of this, an ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a is easily taken into the duct member <NUM>.

Parts of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, which are on the lower side (i.e., the inlet 32a side) and which include the lower end portions, are first curved portions 35a and 36a which extend upward (i.e., toward the outlet 32b side) and away from the interlacing portion <NUM> in the extending direction. The first curved portions 35a and 36a are curved outward in the extending direction of the interlacing portion <NUM>. Parts of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, which are on the upper side and which include the upper end portions, are second curved portions 35b and 36b which extend upward and toward each other. The second curved portions 35b and 36b are curved inward in the extending direction of the interlacing portion <NUM>. The first curved portion 35a and the second curved portion 35b are continuous with each other, and the first curved portion 36a and the second curved portion 36b are also continuous with each other.

In the duct member <NUM>, the first curved portions 35a and 36a gradually increase the flow passage area (i.e., area of the duct member <NUM> in a cross section orthogonal to the height direction) from the bottom to an intermediate part. In addition to that, the second curved portions 35b and 36b gradually decrease the flow passage area from the intermediate part to the top in the duct member <NUM>. In this regard, the directions of respective tangents to the lower end portions of the first curved portions 35a and 36a are substantially identical with inclinations of the yarn guide members <NUM>.

The following will describe a process in yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM> accommodated in the housing <NUM>, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. A surface of the housing <NUM>, which is close to the viewer of <FIG> and <FIG>, is a door (not illustrated) which is openable and closeable. The yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM> is executable by opening the door.

When the yarn threading is started, the duct member <NUM> is moved to the separated position where the duct member <NUM> is far from the interlacing device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Subsequently, the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are opened, and the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is moved to the upper position. When the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are open, the aperture areas of the opening portions 31b and 31c are at the maximum. This makes it easy to thread yarns Y through the opening portions 31b and 31c in the yarn threading.

After that, by using an unillustrated suction gun, the yarns Y are wound onto the first take-up roller <NUM> (see <FIG>) and then introduced into the housing <NUM> through the opening portion 31b. Subsequently, the yarns Y are wound onto the yarn threading assisting member <NUM>, discharged to the outside of the housing <NUM> through the opening portion 31c, and wound onto the second take-up roller <NUM>. As the yarn threading assisting member <NUM> is moved down to the lower position in this state, the yarns Y are inserted into the respective guide grooves 23a of the yarn guide members <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The duct member <NUM> is then moved down to the near position where the duct member <NUM> is close to the interlacing device <NUM>, so as to cover the interlacing device <NUM>. Lastly, the yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM> is completed by closing the doors <NUM> and <NUM>. Once the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are closed, the aperture areas of the opening portions 31b and 31c are changed to be at the minimum for the yarns Y to pass through. As a result, leakage of the oil mist is suppressed.

<FIG> shows a flow of air in the interlace imparting mechanism <NUM>, and indicates the flow by arrows. An ejected stream ejected from each of the both ends of the yarn running space 24a of the interlacing device <NUM> flows along the extending direction and collides with one of the yarn guide members <NUM>. The ejected stream which has collided with one of the yarn guide members <NUM> cannot flow downward because of existence of the supporting member <NUM>. Most of the ejected stream therefore flows upward, and flows into the duct member <NUM> through the inlet 32a. At this time, because the yarn guide members <NUM> are inclined upward and outward, the ejected stream having collided with one of the yarn guide members <NUM> is facilitated to flow upward. As a result, disturbance of the flow due to collision with the yarn guide members <NUM> is suppressed.

The ejected stream flowing into the duct member <NUM> flows mainly along one of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Because the first curved portions 35a and 36a are inclined outward, the flow flowing upward and outward along one of the yarn guide members <NUM> is smoothly guided upward. Because the second curved portions 35b and 36b extend toward the outlet 32b and toward each other, the flow passage area inside the duct member <NUM> gradually decreases. This increases the pressure of the air flowing toward the outlet 32b, and thus the force generated at the time of ejection from the yarn running space 24a is maintained to some degree. As a result, the air is powerfully discharged from the outlet 32b toward the suction port 31a. Because such ejection of the air from the outlet 32b of the duct member <NUM> can be used for assisting the suction by the suction port 31a of the housing <NUM>, the oil mist is efficiently collectable.

Meanwhile, oil mist scattering from the interlacing device <NUM> partially leaks out to the outside of the duct member <NUM> from gaps between the yarn guide members <NUM> and the duct member <NUM> or through the guide grooves 23a of the yarn guide members <NUM>. However, because the suction passage <NUM> is formed between the housing <NUM> and the duct member <NUM>, the oil mist which is not taken into the duct member <NUM> is also collected after being guided to the suction port 31a with the flow of the air in the suction passage <NUM>. At this time, because the air is powerfully discharged from the outlet 32b as described above, the air in the suction passage <NUM> is sucked by the negative pressure. Therefore, the oil mist floating in the suction passage <NUM> is preferably collectable.

In the present embodiment, the suction port 31a is provided in the housing <NUM> which accommodates the interlacing device <NUM>. The oil mist scattering from the interlacing device <NUM> is collected through the suction port 31a. However, when the housing <NUM> is simply provided, the oil mist stagnates in the housing <NUM> in a case where the suction force of the suction device <NUM> is insufficient. The oil mist stagnating at around the yarns Y disadvantageously leaks out to the outside of the housing <NUM> with an accompanied flow. In this regard, if the capability of the suction device <NUM> is enhanced in order to suppress the leakage of the oil mist, a large cost increase may occur. Therefore, a guide member (i.e., the duct member <NUM>) is provided in the present embodiment to guide the ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a to the suction port 31a. With this arrangement, because the oil mist is guided to the suction port 31a by using the force of the ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a, the oil mist is effectively collectable with low cost.

In the present embodiment, the guide member is the duct member <NUM> having the inlet 32a into which the ejected stream is taken and the outlet 32b from which the ejected stream is discharged toward the suction port 31a. With this arrangement, because the ejected stream is reliably guided to the suction port 31a by the duct member <NUM>, the oil mist is further effectively collectable. In this regard, the ejection of the air from the outlet 32b of the duct member <NUM> can be used for assisting the suction by the suction port 31a of the housing <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, a part of the duct member <NUM>, which is on the outlet 32b side and which includes the outlet 32b, gradually decreases in flow passage area toward the outlet 32b side. With this arrangement, because the pressure of the air flowing toward the outlet 32b is increased, the air is discharged from the outlet 32b while the force generated at the time of the ejection from the yarn running space 24a is maintained to some degree. Therefore, the effect of sucking assistance with use of the air ejection from the duct member <NUM> is enhanced. As a result, the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present embodiment, the duct member <NUM> includes the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> provided to intersect with the extending direction of the yarn running space 24a, and the end portions on the inlet 32a side of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are positioned outside the yarn running space 24a in the extending direction. With this arrangement, the ejected stream ejected from each of the both ends of the yarn running space 24a is easily taken into the duct member <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, parts of the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, which are on the inlet 32a side and which include the end portions on the inlet 32a side, extend toward the outlet 32b side and toward the outside of the yarn running space 24a in the extending direction. With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a is facilitated to flow toward the outlet 32b side by the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, the disturbance of the flow due to the collision with the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> is suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are curved from the end portions on the inlet 32a side toward the end portions on the outlet 32b side. When the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> have corners, the flow of the air tends to be disturbed by the corners. In this regard, because the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are curved surfaces, the flow of the air is smooth.

In the present embodiment, the paired guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> are plane-symmetric about the center of the yarn running space 24a in the extending direction. With this arrangement, the flow of the air in the duct member <NUM> tends to be symmetric, and the flow of the air is less likely to be disturbed.

In the present embodiment, the suction passage <NUM> communicating with the suction port 31a is formed between the inner surface of the housing <NUM> and the outer surface of the duct member <NUM>. With this arrangement, because the oil mist which is not taken into the duct member <NUM> is also sucked from the suction port 31a through the suction passage <NUM>, the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present embodiment, the duct member <NUM> is movable between the separated position where the duct member <NUM> is far from the interlacing device <NUM> and the near position where the duct member <NUM> is close to the interlacing device <NUM> as compared to the separated position. As the distance between the duct member <NUM> and the interlacing device <NUM> is decreased, an amount of the collected oil mist is increased. In this case, however, the duct member <NUM> disturbs the yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM>. Therefore, as described above, the duct member <NUM> is configured to be movable so that the collection efficiency of the oil mist and the yarn threading are both facilitated.

In the present embodiment, the housing <NUM> has the opening portions 31b and 31c through which the yarns Y pass, and the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are provided to change the aperture areas of the opening portions 31b and 31c. As the opening portions 31b and 31c provided in the housing <NUM> are small, a leakage amount of the oil mist from the housing <NUM> is decreased. In this case, however, it is difficult to thread the yarns Y through the opening portions 31b and 31c in the yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM>. Therefore, as described above, the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are provided at the opening portions 31b and 31c to facilitate both the decrease in leakage of the oil mist and the yarn threading.

In the present embodiment, the interlacing device <NUM> includes the interlacing portion <NUM> where the yarn running space 24a is formed, the supporting member <NUM> supporting the interlacing portion <NUM>, and the jet guide member (i.e., the yarn guide members <NUM>) provided outside the interlacing portion <NUM> in the extending direction of the yarn running space 24a. In this regard, the yarn guide members <NUM> protrudes from the supporting member <NUM> toward the guide member (i.e., the duct member <NUM>). With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a is guided to the guide member (i.e., duct member <NUM>) by the jet guide member (i.e., the yarn guide members <NUM>), the oil mist is further effectively collectable.

In the present embodiment, the jet guide member (i.e., yarn guide members <NUM>) protruding from the supporting member <NUM> is inclined away from the yarn running space 24a in the extending direction. With this arrangement, because the ejected stream from the yarn running space 24a is facilitated to flow toward the guide member (i.e., duct member <NUM>) by the jet guide member (i.e., yarn guide members <NUM>), the disturbance of the flow due to the collision with the jet guide member (i.e., yarn guide members <NUM>) is suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the jet guide member (i.e., yarn guide members <NUM>) have the guide grooves 23a in which the yarns Y are inserted. With this arrangement, because the jet guide member can be also used as a yarn guide member, increase in the number of components is suppressed.

The following will describe modifications of the above-described embodiment.

The housing <NUM> of the embodiment above may be differently arranged. For example, the suction port 31a may be provided at a different position from the upper end portion of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, plural suction ports 31a may be provided. The doors <NUM> and <NUM> may not be provided at the opening portions 31b and 31c.

The duct member <NUM> of the present embodiment may be differently arranged. For example, the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the duct member <NUM> may not be curved. The guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be flat surfaces or bent surfaces. The side surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> of the duct member <NUM> may be curved surfaces. For another example, the duct member <NUM> may have a straight cylindrical shape or straight square-tube shape, may be a hollow member which is circular frustum or truncated pyramid in shape, or may be shaped as a pipe which is bent at an intermediate part of the pipe. The direction in which the duct member <NUM> extends may be suitably changed. Although the position of the outlet 32b in the duct member <NUM> may be differently arranged, it is preferable to provide the outlet 32b so as to oppose the suction port 31a of the housing <NUM>.

While in the embodiment above the duct member <NUM> is movable, the duct member <NUM> may not be movable as long as the yarn threading to the interlacing device <NUM> is possible. The duct member <NUM> may be provided as plural parts. Alternatively, a part of the duct member <NUM>, which is on the inlet 32a side or the outlet 32b side, may be provided as plural paths.

While in the embodiment above the guide member of the present invention is the duct member <NUM>, the guide member may be differently arranged. For example, the guide member may be formed of a single guide plate or plural guide plates (such as the guide surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>).

While in the embodiment above the yarn guide members <NUM> of the interlacing device <NUM> protrude from the supporting member <NUM> to be inclined away from the yarn running space 24a, the yarn guide members <NUM> may extend straight in the height direction. Each yarn guide member <NUM> may not be a plate member. The yarn guide member <NUM> may have any shape as long as it protrudes from the supporting member <NUM>.

In the embodiment above, the spun yarn take-up apparatus <NUM> includes the drawing unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a spun yarn take-up apparatus which does not include the drawing unit <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An oil recovery apparatus (<NUM>) configured to collect oil mist scattering from a yarn processing apparatus (<NUM>) performing a predetermined process for a yarn (Y) by ejecting fluid into a yarn running space (24a) where the yarn (Y) to which oil has been applied runs, the oil recovery apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) which accommodates the yarn processing apparatus (<NUM>) and has a suction port (31a); and
a guide member (<NUM>) which is provided in the housing (<NUM>) to guide an ejected stream from the yarn running space (24a), which is generated by ejection of the fluid, to the suction port (31a).