Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a false-twist texturing machine including a yarn supplying unit, a winding device, a heater, a cooler, and a false-twisting device. The heater, cooler, and false-twisting device are provided on a yarn path from the yarn supplying unit and the winding device. In the false-twist texturing machine, a package is formed in such a way that a yarn supplied from the yarn supplying unit is false-twisted by members such as the false-twisting device and the yarn is then wound onto a take-up tube by the winding device. The completed package is detached from the winding device. After an empty take-up tube on which no yarn is wound is attached to the winding device, winding of another yarn is performed again by the winding device.

In the false-twist texturing machine of <CIT>, winding units are aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction to form plural stages. Each winding unit includes the winding device and a stocker (take-up tube holder) arranged to be able to store the empty take-up tube. The stocker stores the empty take-up tube which is supplied to the winding device. When a completed package is detached from the winding device, the empty take-up tube stored in the stocker is supplied to the winding device. <CIT> discloses a take-up tube replenishment device.

To stockers provided in winding units, empty take-up tubes need to be suitably replenished. Traditionally, an operator manually replenishes each stocker with an empty take-up tube. However, when an operation of replenishment of the empty take-up tube is performed after the operator moves to each stocker, this operation is very laborious for the operator. Furthermore, the operation takes time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a take-up tube replenishment device configured to efficiently replenish a stocker, which is provided in each of winding units of a false-twist texturing machine, with an empty take-up tube.

A take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention is configured to replenish stockers with empty take-up tubes in a false-twist texturing machine in which winding units are provided to be aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction and to form plural stages, the winding units include winding devices and the stockers, and the stockers are able to store the empty take-up tubes which are to be supplied to the winding devices. This take-up tube replenishment device includes take-up tube moving paths which are provided to form the plural stages corresponding to the winding units provided to form plural stages, which extend along the arrangement direction, and in which the empty take-up tubes to be used to replenish the stockers are movable in the arrangement direction. Each of the take-up tube moving paths includes: a supporting surface which extends along the arrangement direction and which supports the empty take-up tubes from below; a replenishment port which is provided at an end portion of each of the take-up tube moving paths in the arrangement direction and which is provided for allowing the empty take-up tubes to be supplied; and guide portions provided for guiding, to the respective stockers, the empty take-up tubes moving in the arrangement direction. The take-up tube replenishment device further includes spacers (<NUM>) provided for arranging gaps between the adjacent empty take-up tubes in each of the take-up tube moving paths to be identical to gaps between the adjacent guide portions in the arrangement direction.

According to the present invention, the empty take-up tubes supplied to the take-up tube moving paths through the replenishment ports move in the arrangement direction of the take-up tube moving paths. The empty take-up tubes moving in the arrangement direction are then supplied to the stockers through the guide portions. Therefore, an operator does not need to move to the stockers in order to replenish the stockers with the empty take-up tubes. This makes it possible to effectively move the empty take-up tubes to the stockers which are provided in the winding units of the false-twist texturing machine.

The take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention further includes first stoppers provided to correspond to the respective guide portions of each of the take-up tube moving paths, and the state of the first stoppers is preferably switchable between an allowable state in which the first stoppers allow the empty take-up tubes to move from each of the take-up tube moving paths to the stockers through the guide portions and a regulated state in which the first stoppers prevent the empty take-up tubes from moving from each of the take-up tube moving paths to the stockers through the guide portions.

According to the present invention, for example, when one stocker is a replenishment target of the empty take-up tubes, the state of a first stopper of a guide portion provided for guiding an empty take-up tube to the one stocker is changed to the allowable state. Furthermore, in regard to other stockers which are not replenishment targets of the empty take-up tubes, the state of first stoppers of guide portions provided for guiding the empty take-up tubes to the other stockers is changed to the regulated state. This makes it possible to select a stocker which requires replenishment of the empty take-up tubes among the stockers, and to replenish the stocker with the empty take-up tubes.

The take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention further includes second stoppers provided to correspond to the respective guide portions of each of the take-up tube moving paths, and the state of the second stoppers is switchable between an allowable state in which the second stoppers allow the empty take-up tubes to move in the arrangement direction of each of the take-up tube moving paths and a guiding state in which the second stoppers guide the empty take-up tubes to the stockers through the guide portions. When the state of the second stoppers is the guiding state, the empty take-up tubes are preferably prevented from moving over the second stoppers along the arrangement direction.

According to the present invention, for example, when one stocker is a replenishment target of the empty take-up tubes, the state of a second stopper of a guide portion provided for guiding an empty take-up tube to the one stocker is changed to the guiding state. Because of this, this empty take-up tube is prevented from moving over this second stopper along the arrangement direction. It is therefore possible to prevent the empty take-up tubes from moving in the take-up tube moving paths toward some stockers which are not replenishment targets. Furthermore, each second stopper in the guiding state makes it possible to properly guide an empty take-up tube to a stocker which is a replenishment target of the empty take-up tubes. It is therefore possible to properly replenish a target stocker with an empty take-up tube.

For example, when an end portion of each take-up tube moving path on one of both sides of each take-up tube moving path in the arrangement direction is closed, some empty take-up tubes which move in each take-up tube moving path and which are not used to replenish the stockers are sent to the end portion of each take-up tube moving path on one of both sides of each take-up tube moving path in the arrangement direction and stay in each take-up tube moving path. Subsequently, when replenishment of the empty take-up tubes is performed for any stocker while some empty take-up tubes stay in each take-up tube moving path, one of some empty take-up tubes which stay in each take-up tube moving path is moved to this stocker. At this time, when some empty take-up tubes simultaneously move in each take-up tube moving path, the gaps between the adjacent empty take-up tubes may be narrow in the arrangement direction. With this, the empty take-up tubes which stay in each take-up tube moving path may be provided at positions at which the empty take-up tubes are not properly guided to the stockers through the guide portions. According to the present invention, the spacers arrange the gaps between the adjacent empty take-up tubes to be identical to the gaps between the adjacent guide portions. Because of this, the empty take-up tubes which stay in each take-up tube moving path are prevented from being at the positions at which the empty take-up tubes are not properly guided to the stockers through the guide portions, and the replenishment of the stockers with the empty take-up tubes is further ensured.

Preferably, the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention further includes a belt to which the spacers are attached and which is able to move and circulate in the arrangement direction in each of the take-up tube moving paths.

When the spacers are simply provided, the spacers stay in the take-up tube moving paths after the empty take-up tubes moving in the take-up tube moving paths are moved to the stockers. The spacers which stay in the take-up tube moving paths are required to be collected by the operator, which increases the burden on the operator. According to the present invention, the spacers are attached to the belt which is able to move and circulate in the arrangement direction of each take-up tube moving path. With this arrangement, the operator does not need to collect the spacers which stay in the take-up tube moving paths. Therefore, the burden on the operator is decreased.

Preferably, the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention further includes an empty take-up tube automatic throwing device arranged to be able to automatically throw the empty take-up tubes into the take-up tube moving paths through replenishment ports.

According to the present invention, (i) the burden on the operator is decreased and (ii) reduction in work time is obtainable as compared to a case where the operator manually throws the empty take-up tubes to the take-up tube moving paths.

In the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention, each of the replenishment ports is preferably provided only at the end portion of each of the take-up tube moving paths on one of both sides of each of the take-up tube moving paths in the arrangement direction.

According to the present invention, because the empty take-up tubes are supplied through the replenishment ports each of which is provided only at the end portion of each take-up tube moving path on one of both sides of each take-up tube moving path in the arrangement direction, the take-up tube moving paths are easily replenished with the empty take-up tubes as compared to a case where (i) replenishment ports are provided at both end portions of each take-up tube moving path in the arrangement direction and (ii) the empty take-up tubes are supplied through both end portions.

In the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention, preferably, as being pressed by an additional empty take-up tube which is additionally supplied to each of the take-up tube moving paths through each of the replenishment ports, the empty take-up tubes in the take-up tube moving paths move in the arrangement direction.

According to the present invention, as the additional empty take-up tube which is additionally supplied by the operator to each take-up tube moving path presses one empty take-up tube which is adjacent to the additional empty take-up tube, the empty take-up tubes in each take-up tube moving path move in the arrangement direction. It is therefore possible to cause the empty take-up tubes in each take-up tube moving path to move in the arrangement direction, without providing a device for moving the empty take-up tubes in the arrangement direction. Because of this, the overall structure of the device is unnecessary to be complex, and thus cost reduction of the device is achieved.

In the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention, preferably, each of the take-up tube moving paths further includes a conveyance device configured to convey the empty take-up tubes in the arrangement direction.

According to the present invention, the conveyance device is able to convey, in the arrangement direction, the empty take-up tubes in each take-up tube moving path. Therefore, the operator does not need to manually press the empty take-up tubes into each take-up tube moving path. As a result, the burden on the operator is decreased.

In the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention, preferably, each of the take-up tube moving paths further includes wall portions connected to both end portions of each of supporting surfaces in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, and the height of each of the wall portions is greater than the diameter of each of the empty take-up tubes.

According to the present invention, the empty take-up tubes moving in the take-up tube moving paths are less likely to fall off from the take-up tube moving paths. Therefore, the replenishment of the stockers with the empty take-up tubes is reliably performed.

In the take-up tube replenishment device of the present invention, preferably, each of the take-up tube moving paths further includes a ceiling which extends along the arrangement direction and which connects the wall portions of each of the take-up tube moving paths to each other.

According to the present invention, the empty take-up tubes moving in the take-up tube moving paths are reliably prevented from falling off from the take-up tube moving paths.

The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention with reference to figures.

<FIG> is a profile showing the overall structure of a false-twist texturing machine <NUM> of the present embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic diagram of a winding part <NUM> viewed in a direction II of <FIG>. Hereinafter, a vertical direction to the sheet of <FIG> is defined as a base longitudinal direction, and a left-right direction to the sheet of <FIG> is defined as a base width direction. A direction orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction and the base width direction is defined as an up-down direction (vertical direction) in which the gravity acts. These definitions of the directions will be suitably used hereinbelow.

The false-twist texturing machine <NUM> is able to perform false twisting of yarns Y made of, e.g., synthetic fibers such as nylon (polyamide fibers). The false-twist texturing machine <NUM> includes a yarn supplying unit <NUM> configured to supply the yarns Y, a processing unit <NUM> configured to false-twist the yarns Y supplied from the supplying unit <NUM>, the winding part <NUM> configured to wind the yarns Y processed by the processing unit <NUM> onto empty bobbins (take-up tubes of the present invention) to form winding bobbins Bw, and a control unit <NUM> (see <FIG>). The yarn supplying unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM>, and the winding part <NUM> include structural elements (described later), and the structural elements are provided to form plural lines in the base longitudinal direction orthogonal to a yarn running surface (surface orthogonal to the direction in which <FIG> is viewed) in which yarn paths are provided to reach the winding part <NUM> from the yarn supplying unit <NUM> via the processing unit <NUM>.

The yarn supplying unit <NUM> includes a creel stand <NUM> retaining yarn supply packages Ps, and is configured to supply the yarns Y to the processing unit <NUM>. In the processing unit <NUM>, the following members are provided in this order from the upstream in a yarn running direction: first feed rollers <NUM>; twist-stopping guides <NUM>; first heaters <NUM>; coolers <NUM>; false-twisting devices <NUM>; second feed rollers <NUM>; an interlacing device <NUM>; third feed rollers <NUM>; a second heater <NUM>; and fourth feed rollers <NUM>. The winding part <NUM> is configured to wind the yarns Y for which false twisting has been performed by the processing unit <NUM> onto the winding bobbins Bw with use of winding devices <NUM>, and to form wound packages Pw.

The false-twist texturing machine <NUM> includes a main base <NUM> and a winding base <NUM> which are spaced apart from each other in the base width direction. The main base <NUM> and the winding base <NUM> are substantially identical in length in the base longitudinal direction, and provided to oppose each other. An upper part of the main base <NUM> is connected to an upper part of the winding base <NUM> by a supporting frame <NUM>. Each device forming the processing unit <NUM> is mainly attached to the main base <NUM> or the supporting frame <NUM>. The main base <NUM>, the winding base <NUM>, and the supporting frame <NUM> form a working space <NUM> in which an operator performs an operation such as yarn threading to each device. The yarn paths are formed so that the yarns Y mainly run around the working space <NUM>.

The false-twist texturing machine <NUM> includes units which are termed spans each of which includes a pair of the main base <NUM> and the winding base <NUM> provided to oppose each other. In one span, each device is provided so that the yarns Y running while being aligned in the base longitudinal direction are simultaneously false-twisted. For example, twelve winding devices <NUM> provided to form three stages and four columns are provided (see <FIG>) for the winding base <NUM> included in one span. There is the supporting frame <NUM> between two adjacent spans. In the present embodiment, the distance between two adjacent winding devices <NUM> in one span in the base longitudinal direction is identical with the distance between two winding devices <NUM>, which are adjacent to each other over the supporting frame <NUM>, in two adjacent spans in the base longitudinal direction. In the false-twist texturing machine <NUM>, spans are provided in a left-right symmetrical manner to the sheet of <FIG>, with a center line C of the base width direction of the main base <NUM> as a symmetry axis (main base <NUM> is shared between the left span and the right span). Furthermore, the spans are aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

The following will describe each structural element of the processing unit <NUM>. The first feed rollers <NUM> are configured to feed the yarns Y supplied from the yarn supplying unit <NUM>, to the first heaters <NUM>. The first feed rollers <NUM> are provided above the winding base <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first feed rollers <NUM> are aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

Each twist-stopping guide <NUM> prevents twisting, which has been applied to a yarn Y by a later-described false-twisting device <NUM>, from being propagated to the upstream of each twist-stopping guide <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The twist-stopping guides <NUM> are provided downstream of the first feed rollers <NUM> and upstream of the first heaters <NUM> in the yarn running direction. For example, the twist-stopping guides <NUM> are respectively provided for the yarns Y supplied from the yarn supplying unit <NUM> and are aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

The first heaters <NUM> are configured to heat the yarns Y fed from the first feed rollers <NUM>, and are provided at the supporting frame <NUM> (see <FIG>). The first heaters <NUM> are provided for the yarns Y supplied from the yarn supplying unit <NUM>, and aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

The coolers <NUM> are configured to heat the yarns Y heated by the first heaters <NUM>. The coolers <NUM> are provided downstream of the first heaters <NUM> and upstream of the false-twisting devices <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The coolers <NUM> are provided for the yarns Y supplied from the yarn supplying unit <NUM>, and aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

The false-twisting devices <NUM> are configured to twist the yarns Y. The false-twisting devices <NUM> are provided immediately downstream of the coolers <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The false-twisting devices <NUM> are aligned in the base longitudinal direction. For example, twelve false-twisting devices <NUM> are provided in one span.

The second feed rollers <NUM> are rollers for feeding the yarns Y twisted by the false-twisting devices <NUM> toward the interlacing device <NUM>. In the main base <NUM>, the second feed rollers <NUM> are provided downstream of the false-twisting devices <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the second feed rollers <NUM> is higher than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the first feed rollers <NUM>. The yarns Y are therefore drawn between the first feed rollers <NUM> and the second feed rollers <NUM>.

The interlacing device <NUM> is configured to interlace the yarns Y by injecting air thereto. The interlacing device <NUM> is provided below the second feed rollers <NUM> in the main base <NUM>.

The third feed rollers <NUM> are rollers for feeding the yarns Y interlaced by the interlacing device <NUM> toward the second heater <NUM>. The third feed rollers <NUM> are provided below the interlacing device <NUM> in the main base <NUM>. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the third feed rollers <NUM> is lower than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the second feed rollers <NUM>. The yarns Y are therefore relaxed between the second feed rollers <NUM> and the third feed rollers <NUM>.

The second heater <NUM> is configured to heat the yarns Y fed from the third feed rollers <NUM>. The second heater <NUM> is provided below the third feed rollers <NUM> in the main base <NUM>. The second heater <NUM> extends along the up-down direction, and one second heater <NUM> is provided in one span.

The fourth feed rollers <NUM> are provided to feed the yarns Y thermally treated by the second heater <NUM> toward the winding devices <NUM>. The fourth feed rollers <NUM> are provided at a lower part of the winding base <NUM>. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the fourth feed rollers <NUM> is lower than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarns Y by the third feed rollers <NUM>. The yarns Y are therefore relaxed between the third feed rollers <NUM> and the fourth feed rollers <NUM>.

In the processing unit <NUM> arranged as described above, the yarns Y drawn between the first feed rollers <NUM> and the second feed rollers <NUM> are twisted by the false-twisting devices <NUM>. The twist formed by the false-twisting devices <NUM> is propagated to the twist-stopping guides <NUM>, but is not propagated to upstream of the twist-stopping guides <NUM> in the yarn running direction. The yarns Y which are twisted and drawn are heated by the first heaters <NUM> and thermally set. After that, the yarns Y are cooled by the coolers <NUM>. The yarns Y are untwisted at downstream of the false-twisting devices <NUM> in the yarn running direction. However, each filament is maintained to be wavy in shape on account of the thermal setting described above. After being false-twisted by the false-twisting devices <NUM>, the yarns Y are interlaced by the interlacing device <NUM> while being relaxed between the second feed rollers <NUM> and the third feed rollers <NUM>. Subsequently, the yarns Y are guided to the downstream side in the yarn running direction. The yarns Y are then thermally set by the second heater <NUM> while being relaxed between the third feed rollers <NUM> and the fourth feed rollers <NUM>. Finally, the yarns Y fed from the fourth feed rollers <NUM> are wound by the winding devices <NUM>, and form the wound packages Pw.

The following will describe the structure of the winding part <NUM> with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> is a schematic diagram of the winding part <NUM> viewed in the base longitudinal direction. As shown in <FIG>, in the winding part <NUM>, winding units <NUM> including the winding devices <NUM>, stockers <NUM>, and storage units <NUM> are provided to be aligned in an arrangement direction and to form plural stages. The arrangement direction is the base longitudinal direction. As shown in <FIG>, twelve winding units <NUM> are provided in total for one winding base <NUM> so as to form four columns in the base longitudinal direction and three stages in the up-down direction.

Each winding device <NUM> is configured to form one wound package Pw by winding a yarn Y onto a winding bobbin Bw. Each winding device <NUM> includes a single cradle <NUM> which rotatably supports the winding bobbin Bw. The winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle <NUM> is rotationally driven by, e.g., an unillustrated motor. By rotationally driving the winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle <NUM>, each winding device <NUM> winds the yarn Y onto the winding bobbin Bw and forms the wound package Pw. The cradle <NUM> is rotatable about a rotational shaft 31a extending in the base longitudinal direction.

Each stocker <NUM> is able to store empty bobbins Bw (empty take-up tubes) supplied to the winding device <NUM>. In this regard, each empty bobbin Bw is an empty winding bobbin Bw onto which no yarn Y is wound. Each stocker <NUM> has (i) a bottom surface provided for supporting the empty bobbins Bw from below and (ii) side walls provided on both sides of the empty bobbins Bw, which are placed on the bottom surface, in the base longitudinal direction. The bottom surface of each stocker <NUM> is inclined downward and toward the winding device <NUM> in the base width direction. The empty bobbins Bw stored in each stocker <NUM> move along the inclined bottom surface of each stocker <NUM> and toward the winding device <NUM> in the base width direction. A leading end of each stocker <NUM> is provided on the side in which the winding device <NUM> is provided (hereinafter, this side will be referred to as the winding device <NUM> side) in the base width direction, and an unillustrated regulator is provided at this leading end. By making contact with the regulator (not illustrated), the empty bobbins Bw moving along the bottom surface of each stocker <NUM> are prevented from falling off the leading end of each stocker <NUM> toward the winding device <NUM> side in the base width direction. In the present embodiment, each stocker <NUM> is able to store four empty bobbins Bw at the maximum.

The empty bobbins Bw stored in each stocker <NUM> are supplied to the winding device <NUM> as described below, for example. To begin with, as the cradle <NUM> rotates about the rotational shaft 31a, a part of the cradle <NUM> moves to the vicinity of the leading end of each stocker <NUM> on the winding device <NUM> side in the base width direction. The part of the cradle <NUM> is able to support a winding bobbin Bw. Subsequently, regulation by the regulator provided at each stocker <NUM> is canceled so that one of the empty bobbins Bw stored in each stocker <NUM> is supported by the cradle <NUM>. The cradle <NUM> then rotates about the rotational shaft 31a and moves back to a winding position at which a yarn Y is wound by the winding device <NUM>. At the same time, the regulation by the regulator at each stocker <NUM> is performed again. The empty bobbins Bw stored in each stocker <NUM> are supplied to the winding device <NUM> in this way.

The cradle <NUM> may be fixed not to be rotatable. In this case, each stocker <NUM> is rotatable about a rotational shaft extending in the base longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as each stocker <NUM> rotates with respect to the cradle <NUM>, one of the empty bobbins Bw stored in each stocker <NUM> is supplied to the winding device <NUM>.

Each storage unit <NUM> is configured to store fully-wound packages Pw formed by the winding device <NUM>. When the formation of one wound package Pw is completed, the winding bobbin Bw supported by the cradle <NUM> is detached from the winding device <NUM> as the cradle <NUM> rotates about the rotational axis extending in the base longitudinal direction. The wound package Pw is then supplied to the storage unit <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> is able to store, e.g., three wound packages Pw at the maximum. When, e.g., yarn breakage occurs while the winding device <NUM> is winding a yarn Y, a wound package Pw may be supplied to the storage unit <NUM> even though the formation of the wound package Pw has not been completed.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the electrical structure of the false-twist texturing machine <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is configured to control the yarn supplying unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM>, and the winding part <NUM>. <FIG> shows the control unit <NUM> which is connected only to one of plural first stoppers <NUM> (described later) and one of plural second stoppers <NUM> (described later). However, the control unit <NUM> is actually connected also to other first stoppers <NUM> and other second stoppers <NUM>.

The following will describe the structure of the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross section taken along a line IV-IV in <FIG> and shows the winding part <NUM> which is viewed in the up-down direction and in which the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> is provided. In <FIG>, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> is provided in one winding base <NUM>. However, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> is actually provided across plural winding bases <NUM>.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> is configured to replenish the stockers <NUM> with empty bobbins Bw. As shown in <FIG>, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> includes take-up tube moving paths <NUM>, the first stoppers <NUM>, the second stoppers <NUM>, spacers <NUM>, and belts <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are provided to form plural stages corresponding to the winding units <NUM> provided to form plural stages. That is, in the present embodiment, the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are provided to form three stages in the up-down direction. Each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is cylindrical in shape, and extends along the base longitudinal direction (arrangement direction). In each cylindrical take-up tube moving path <NUM>, empty bobbins Bw are movable in the base longitudinal direction. A lower part of an inner surface of each cylindrical take-up tube moving path <NUM> is a supporting surface 51a which supports the empty bobbins Bw from below. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed in the base width direction, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is provided along the base longitudinal direction to include all stockers <NUM> provided to form one of the stages. A replenishment port <NUM> (described later; a port for replenishment) is provided on one side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction, and an end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the other side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is closed. In the present embodiment, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> which is cylindrical in shape includes its wall portion (wall portion of the present invention) and its ceiling (ceiling of the present invention).

Each take-up tube moving path <NUM> includes the replenishment port <NUM> and guide portions <NUM>. The replenishment port <NUM> is provided for allowing the empty bobbins Bw to be supplied into each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The replenishment port <NUM> is provided only at an end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the one side of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the replenishment port <NUM> is provided at the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in an upper part of the sheet of <FIG> (i.e., on the one side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction).

The guide portions <NUM> are provided for guiding, to the respective stockers <NUM>, the empty bobbins Bw moving in the base longitudinal direction of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the guide portions <NUM> are openings provided at positions, which correspond to the respective stockers <NUM>, on a side surface of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. When viewed in the base width direction, each guide portion <NUM> and each stocker <NUM> overlap each other in the base longitudinal direction. Each take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the stockers <NUM> are connected to each other through the guide portions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each guide portion <NUM> is open toward the stockers <NUM> in the base width direction. The guide portions <NUM> are open obliquely downward from each take-up tube moving path <NUM> and toward the stockers <NUM>. An empty bobbin Bw in front of one guide portion <NUM> of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> moves to one stocker <NUM> through the one guide portion <NUM> which is open obliquely downward, without external force in the base width direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first stoppers <NUM> are provided to correspond to the respective guide portions <NUM> on the side surface of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. Each first stopper <NUM> is a plate member extending in the base longitudinal direction. The state of each first stopper <NUM> is switchable between an allowable state (indicated by dotted lines in <FIG>) in which each first stopper <NUM> allows an empty bobbin Bw to move from the take-up tube moving path <NUM> to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM> and a regulated state (indicated by full lines and oblique lines in <FIG>) in which each first stopper <NUM> prevents an empty bobbin Bw from moving from the take-up tube moving path <NUM> to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM>. The state of each first stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state and the regulated state by being driven by an unillustrated motor. Each first stopper <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>. In this regard, the driving source of each first stopper <NUM> is not limited to the motor. For example, each first stopper <NUM> may be driven by air (i.e., air pressure).

Each first stopper <NUM> in the allowable state allows a corresponding guide portion <NUM>, which is formed on the side surface of the take-up tube moving path <NUM>, to be open. When one first stopper <NUM> is in the allowable state, an empty bobbin Bw at one guide portion <NUM> of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> moves to one stocker <NUM> through the one guide portion <NUM> which is open obliquely downward. Each first stopper <NUM> in the regulated state partially or entirely closes a corresponding guide portions <NUM> formed on the side surface of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>, to be closed. When the first stoppers <NUM> are in the regulated state, empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> are prevented from moving to the stockers <NUM> through the guide portions <NUM>. The state of each first stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state and the regulated state in such a way that each first stopper <NUM> moves in the up-down direction. Each first stopper <NUM> in the allowable state is positioned above each first stopper <NUM> in the regulated state. Each first stopper <NUM> in the allowable state may be positioned to be below each first stopper <NUM> in the regulated state. The state of each first stopper <NUM> may be switchable between the allowable state and the regulated state in such a way that each first stopper <NUM> moves in the base longitudinal direction. Each first stopper <NUM> may be provided as a door so that the state of each first stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state and the regulated state in such a way that each first stopper <NUM> rotates about an axis extending in the base longitudinal direction, base width direction, or up-down direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the second stoppers <NUM> are provided to correspond to the respective guide portions <NUM> of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. Each second stopper <NUM> is a disc-shaped member which is substantially identical in shape with a cross section of the take-up tube moving path <NUM>. Each second stopper <NUM> viewed in the up-down direction extends in the base width direction to penetrate the take-up tube moving path <NUM> from an end portion of the corresponding guide portion <NUM> on the side opposite to the replenishment port <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction.

The state of each second stopper <NUM> is switchable between an allowable state (indicated by dotted lines in <FIG>) in which each second stopper <NUM> allows an empty bobbin Bw to move in the base longitudinal direction of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> and a guiding state (indicated by solid lines and oblique lines in <FIG>) in which each second stopper <NUM> guides an empty bobbin Bw to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM>. When each second stopper <NUM> is in the guiding state, an empty bobbin Bw is prevented from moving over each second stopper <NUM> along the base longitudinal direction. The state of each second stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state and the guiding state by being driven an unillustrated motor. Each second stopper <NUM> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>. In this regard, the driving source of each second stopper <NUM> is not limited to the motor. For example, each second stopper <NUM> may be driven by air (i.e., air pressure).

Through an unillustrated slit formed in the take-up tube moving path <NUM>, each second stopper <NUM> is movable between the inside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the outside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM>. Each second stopper <NUM> in the allowable state is positioned at the outside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> so that the inside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> is open in the base longitudinal direction. Each second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state is positioned at the inside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> so that (i) the inside of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> is closed in the base longitudinal direction and (ii) a path is formed to allow an empty bobbin Bw to be guided to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM>. As such, the state of each second stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state and the guiding state in such a way that each second stopper <NUM> moves in the up-down direction. Each second stopper <NUM> in the allowable state is positioned above each second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state. Each second stopper <NUM> in the allowable state may be positioned to be below each second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state. The state of each second stopper <NUM> may be switchable between the allowable state and the guiding state in such a way that each second stopper <NUM> moves in the base width direction.

The spacers <NUM> are provided for arranging gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> to be identical to gaps between the adjacent guide portions <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the spacers <NUM> do not interfere with the second stoppers <NUM> in the guiding states. For example, a cutout is formed at a lower part of each second stopper <NUM>. Furthermore, each spacer <NUM> is arranged to be positioned at the cutout formed in each second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state. In this regard, the phrase "arranging gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw to be identical to gaps between the adjacent guide portions <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction" indicates that gaps between barycentric positions of adjacent empty bobbins Bw are identical to gaps between barycentric positions of the guide portions <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction.

To the belts <NUM>, the spacers <NUM> are attached at regular intervals. Each belt <NUM> is able to move and circulate in the base longitudinal direction of a corresponding take-up tube moving path <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each belt <NUM> is an annular belt and is arranged to run inside and outside a corresponding take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base width direction along the base longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, each belt <NUM> is manually moved. The spacers <NUM> are movable together with the belts <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. The belts <NUM> do not interfere with the second stoppers <NUM> in the guiding state. For example, the belts <NUM> are arranged to be positioned at the cutouts formed in the second stoppers <NUM> in the guiding state. Each belt <NUM> may run inside and outside a corresponding take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the up-down direction, along the base longitudinal direction.

The following describes a series of steps of replenishing one stocker <NUM> with an empty bobbin Bw by the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> in the present embodiment. To begin with, an operator visually checks and determines which stocker <NUM> is a target of replenishment of empty bobbins Bw (this may be referred to as a replenishment target). For example, as shown in <FIG>, when two empty bobbins Bw are stored in the third stocker <NUM> from the replenishment port <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction (hereinafter, this stocker <NUM> may be simply referred to as the third stocker <NUM>) among the stockers <NUM>, this stocker <NUM> is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw. In this regard, the operator may freely determine the remaining number of empty bobbins Bw stored in a stocker <NUM> which is to be determined as a replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw. To begin with, the operator inputs information of the stocker <NUM> which is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw into an operation terminal (not illustrated). The information input into the operation terminal is sent to the control unit <NUM>.

Subsequently, the control unit <NUM> controls switching of the state of the first stoppers <NUM> and that of the second stoppers <NUM> based on a signal. For example, when the third stocker <NUM> is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw, the control unit <NUM> controls the switching so that (i) the state of a first stopper <NUM> corresponding to the third stocker <NUM> is changed to the allowable state and (ii) the state of other first stoppers <NUM> is changed to the regulated state. Furthermore, the control unit <NUM> controls the switching so that (i) the state of a second stopper <NUM> corresponding to the third stocker <NUM> is changed to the guiding state and (ii) the state of other stoppers <NUM> is changed to the allowable state. In this regard, the switching of the state of the first stoppers <NUM> and that of the second stoppers <NUM> by the control unit <NUM> may be performed based on an electrical signal which is input in such a way that the operator presses a button provided in the vicinity of the replenishment port <NUM>.

The operator then replenishes the take-up tube moving path <NUM> with an empty bobbin Bw through the replenishment port <NUM>. The empty bobbin Bw is then positioned between adjacent spacers <NUM>. At this time, there are empty bobbins Bw which are to be supplied in order in the take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The empty bobbin Bw which is additionally supplied to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM> presses, through the spacers <NUM>, these empty bobbins Bw in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> so that these bobbins Bw move in the base longitudinal direction. These empty bobbins Bw move together with the spacers <NUM> and the belt <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction.

Subsequently, when one of the empty bobbins Bw moving in the base longitudinal direction of the take-up tube moving path <NUM> reaches a position corresponding to the third stocker <NUM> which is the replenishment target, the one of the empty bobbins Bw is moved to the third stocker <NUM> through the guide portion <NUM> of the first stopper <NUM> of the third stocker <NUM> in the allowable state and along the second stopper <NUM> of the third stocker <NUM> in the guiding state. When the number of empty bobbins Bw stored in the third stocker <NUM> reaches the maximum number, i.e., four, the control unit <NUM> controls the switching so that (i) the state of the first stopper <NUM> of the third stocker <NUM> is changed to the regulated state and (ii) the state of the second stopper <NUM> of the third stocker <NUM> is changed to the allowable state. After that, the replenishment of empty bobbins Bw stops until any stocker <NUM> becomes a target of replenishment of empty bobbins Bw. When any stocker <NUM> becomes the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw, the series of steps described above are performed.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment includes the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> which are provided to form plural stages corresponding to the winding units <NUM> provided to form plural stages, which extend along the base longitudinal direction, and in which empty bobbins Bw which are to be used to replenish the stockers <NUM> are movable in the base longitudinal direction. Each take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> further includes: the supporting surface 51a which extends along the base longitudinal direction and which is provided for supporting the empty bobbins Bw from below; the replenishment port <NUM> which is provided at the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the one side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction and which is provided for allowing the empty bobbins Bw to be supplied; and the guide portions <NUM> which are provided for guiding, toward the respective stockers <NUM>, the empty bobbins Bw moving in the base longitudinal direction. In the embodiment above, the empty bobbins Bw supplied to the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> through the replenishment ports <NUM> move in the base longitudinal direction of the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. The empty bobbins Bw moving in the base longitudinal direction are then supplied to the stockers <NUM> through the guide portions <NUM>. Therefore, the operator does not need to move to each stocker <NUM> in order to replenish each stocker with an empty bobbin Bw. Because of this, the empty bobbins Bw are efficiently moved to the stockers <NUM> provided in the winding units <NUM> of the false-twist texturing machine <NUM>.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment further includes the first stoppers <NUM> provided to correspond to the respective guide portions <NUM> of the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. The state of each first stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state in which each first stopper <NUM> allows an empty bobbin Bw to move from a take-up tube moving path <NUM> to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM> and the regulated state in which each first stopper <NUM> prevents an empty bobbin Bw from moving from a take-up tube moving path <NUM> to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM>. With this arrangement, the state of a first stopper <NUM> corresponding to a guide portion <NUM> provided for allowing an empty bobbin Bw to be guided to one stocker <NUM> which is a replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw is changed to the allowable state. Furthermore, the state of other first stoppers <NUM> corresponding to guide portions <NUM> provided for allowing empty bobbins Bw to be guided to stockers <NUM> which are not replenishment targets of empty bobbins Bw is changed to the regulated state. This makes it possible to select a stocker <NUM> which requires replenishment of empty bobbins Bw among the stockers <NUM>, and to replenish the stocker <NUM> with empty bobbins Bw.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment further includes the second stoppers <NUM> provided to correspond to the respective guide portions <NUM> of the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. The state of each second stopper <NUM> is switchable between the allowable state in which each second stopper <NUM> allows an empty bobbin Bw to move in the base longitudinal direction of a take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the guiding state in which each second stopper <NUM> guides an empty bobbin Bw to a stocker <NUM> through a guide portion <NUM>. When each second stopper <NUM> is in the guiding state, an empty bobbin Bw is prevented from moving over each second stopper <NUM> along the base longitudinal direction. In the embodiment above, as the state of a second stopper <NUM> corresponding to a guide portion <NUM> provided for allowing an empty bobbin Bw to be guided to one stocker <NUM> which is a replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw is changed to the guiding state, the empty bobbin Bw is prevented from moving over the second stopper <NUM> along the base longitudinal direction. It is therefore possible to prevent empty bobbins Bw from moving in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> toward the stockers <NUM> which are not replenishment targets. Each second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state makes it possible to properly guide an empty bobbin Bw to a stocker <NUM> which is a replenishment target. It is therefore possible to properly replenish a target stocker <NUM> with an empty bobbin Bw.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment further includes the spacers <NUM> which are provided for arranging the gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> to be identical to the gaps between the adjacent guide portions <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the other side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction (on the side opposite to the side in which each replenishment port <NUM> is provided in the base longitudinal direction) is closed. Alternatively, a different position of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may be closed in the base longitudinal direction by one of the second stoppers <NUM> in the guiding state. In these cases, one or more of empty bobbins Bw moving in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> are sent to (i) the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the other side of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction or (ii) the one of the second stoppers <NUM> in the guiding state and stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The one or more of the empty bobbins Bw are not used to replenish the stockers <NUM>. Subsequently, when the replenishment of empty bobbins Bw is performed for any stocker <NUM> while the empty bobbins Bw stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM>, any of the empty bobbins Bw which stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is moved to this stocker <NUM>. At this time, when the empty bobbins Bw simultaneously move in each take-up tube moving path <NUM>, the gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw may be narrow in the arrangement direction. With this, the empty bobbins Bw which stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may be provided at positions at which the empty bobbins Bw are not properly guided to the stockers <NUM> through the guide portions <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the spacers <NUM> arrange the gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw to be identical to the gaps between the adjacent guide portions <NUM>. Because of this, the empty bobbins Bw which stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> are prevented from being at the positions at which the empty bobbins Bw are not properly guided to the stockers <NUM> through the guide portions <NUM>, and the replenishment of the stockers <NUM> with empty bobbins Bw is further ensured.

The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment further includes the belts <NUM> to which the spacers <NUM> are attached and which are able to move and circulate in the base longitudinal direction of the respective take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. When the spacers <NUM> are simply provided, the spacers <NUM> stay in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> after the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are moved to the stockers <NUM>. The spacers <NUM> which stay in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are required to be collected by the operator, which increases the burden on the operator. In the embodiment above, the spacers <NUM> are attached to the belts <NUM> which are able to move and circulate in the base longitudinal direction of the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. With this arrangement, the operator does not need to collect the spacers <NUM> which stay in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. Therefore, the burden on the operator is decreased.

In the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment, each replenishment port <NUM> is provided only at the end portion of a corresponding take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the one side of a corresponding take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. In the embodiment above, because the empty bobbins Bw are supplied through the replenishment ports <NUM> each of which is provided only at the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on one of both sides of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the arrangement direction, the empty bobbins Bw are easily supplied to the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> as compared to a case where (i) replenishment ports <NUM> are provided at both end portions of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the arrangement direction and (ii) the empty bobbins Bw are supplied through both end portions.

In the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment, as being pressed by an empty bobbin Bw which is additionally supplied to each take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM>, empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> move in the base longitudinal direction. In the embodiment above, as the empty bobbin Bw which is additionally supplied by the operator to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> presses an empty bobbin Bw which is adjacent to the additionally-supplied empty bobbin Bw, the empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> move in the base longitudinal direction. It is therefore possible to cause the empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> to move in the base longitudinal direction, without providing a device for moving the empty bobbins Bw in the base longitudinal direction. Because of this, the overall structure of the device is unnecessary to be complex, and thus cost reduction of the device is achieved.

In the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> of the present embodiment, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends in the base longitudinal direction. In the embodiment above, the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are reliably prevented from falling off from the take-up tube moving paths <NUM>. Therefore, the replenishment of the stockers <NUM> with the empty bobbins Bw is reliably performed.

The following will describe modifications of the above-described embodiment. The members identical with those in the embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanations thereof are not repeated.

In the present invention, a take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include an empty take-up tube automatic throwing device <NUM> arranged to be able to automatically throw empty bobbins Bw to the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> through the replenishment ports <NUM>. For example, the empty take-up tube automatic throwing device <NUM> includes a take-up tube tank <NUM>, a take-up tube path <NUM>, and automatic throwing devices <NUM>. The take-up tube tank <NUM> is able to store a large number of empty bobbins Bw. The take-up tube path <NUM> is connected to three replenishment ports <NUM> of the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> provided to form three stages. The automatic throwing devices <NUM> are configured to automatically throw the empty bobbins Bw in the take-up tube path <NUM> to the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> through the replenishment ports <NUM>. Each automatic throwing device <NUM> is formed of, e.g., an air cylinder. The empty bobbins Bw stored in the take-up tube tank <NUM> are sent downward through the take-up tube path <NUM>. At this time, the axial direction of each empty bobbin Bw is adjusted to be identical to the base longitudinal direction. Among the empty bobbins Bw sent downward through the take-up tube path <NUM>, empty bobbins Bw at the replenishment ports <NUM> are automatically thrown into the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> by the automatic throwing devices <NUM>. A junction between the take-up tube path <NUM> and each replenishment port <NUM> is tapered, and an empty bobbin Bw pressed by one of the automatic throwing devices <NUM> which are the air cylinders is guided to each replenishment port <NUM> along the tapered surface of the junction. With this arrangement, (i) the burden on the operator is decreased and (ii) reduction in work time is obtainable as compared to a case where the operator manually throws an empty bobbin Bw into each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> may be provided in the take-up tube path <NUM> and may include a positioning plate which positions an empty bobbin Bw to a vertical position at which the empty bobbin Bw can be supplied to each replenishment port <NUM>. The positioning plate is movable between a positioning position at which the positioning plate performs positioning of empty bobbins Bw and a retracted position at which the positioning plate does not prevent empty bobbins Bw from moving downward. The empty bobbins Bw positioned by the positioning plate at the positioning position are pressed by the automatic throwing devices <NUM>, which are the air cylinders, so that the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> are replenished with the empty bobbins Bw through the replenishment ports <NUM>.

The structure of an empty take-up tube throwing device is not limited to the example shown in <FIG>. For example, the empty take-up tube throwing device may be arranged to be able to automatically throw the empty bobbins Bw into the take-up tube moving paths <NUM> through the replenishment ports <NUM> with use of a robotic arm, etc..

In the embodiment above, as being pressed by an empty bobbin Bw which is additionally supplied to each take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM>, empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> move in the base longitudinal direction. However, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may include a conveyance device configured to convey the empty bobbins Bw in the base longitudinal direction. The conveyance device is, e.g., a conveyor provided on the bottom surface of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The empty bobbins Bw on the conveyor are conveyed in the base longitudinal direction as the conveyor is driven. The conveyance device may be configured to press, by air, the empty bobbins Bw into the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the side in which the replenishment port <NUM> is provided in the base longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the conveyance device may be configured to suck the empty bobbins Bw by air from the end portion of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> on the side opposite to the side in which the replenishment port <NUM> is provided in the base longitudinal direction. In this case, the conveyance device can convey the empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction. Therefore, the operator does not need to manually press the empty bobbins Bw into each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. As a result, the burden on the operator is decreased.

When each take-up tube moving path <NUM> includes the conveyor as the conveyance device configured to convey the empty bobbins Bw in the base longitudinal direction, the spacers <NUM> may be attached to the conveyor. In this case, the conveyor is equivalent to a belt of the present invention.

In the embodiment above, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is cylindrical in shape and extends along the base longitudinal direction. However, an upper part of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the up-down direction may be open so that a cross section orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is semi-circular in shape. Alternatively, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may be a flat plate member, or a flat plate member which has side walls on its both sides in the base width direction.

In the embodiment above a replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw is visually selected from among the stockers <NUM> by the operator. However, the stocker <NUM> which is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw may be determined by a sensor provided in the stocker <NUM>. For example, when the sensor recognizes that the number of empty bobbins Bw stored in the stocker <NUM> is small, the sensor determines that this stocker <NUM> is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw. In this case, a signal including information of the stocker <NUM> which is the replenishment target of empty bobbins Bw is sent to the control unit <NUM> from the sensor. Subsequently, the control unit <NUM> automatically controls the switching of the state of the first stoppers <NUM> and that of the second stoppers <NUM> based on the signal. In this regard, the switching of the state of the first stoppers <NUM> and that of the second stoppers <NUM> by the control unit <NUM> may be performed based on an electrical signal which is input in such a way that the operator presses a button provided in the vicinity of each replenishment port <NUM>.

In the embodiment above, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the stockers <NUM> are connected to each other through the guide portions <NUM>. However, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the stockers <NUM> may not be connected to each other and there may be gaps between each take-up tube moving path <NUM> and the stockers <NUM>. In this case, each guide portion <NUM> includes (i) an opening provided on the take-up tube moving path <NUM> and (ii) a passage between the take-up tube moving path <NUM> and a stocker <NUM>.

In the embodiment above, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> further includes the belts <NUM> to which the spacers <NUM> are attached. However, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> may not include the belts <NUM>. For example, independent spacers <NUM> are provided between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. In this case, the operator suitably collects the spacers <NUM> which stay in each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. The take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> may not include the spacers <NUM>. In this case, a conveyor is preferably provided on the bottom surface of each take-up tube moving path <NUM>. By adjusting the positions of empty bobbins Bw on this conveyor, the gaps between the adjacent empty bobbins Bw in each take-up tube moving path <NUM> are arranged to be identical to the gaps between the adjacent guide portions <NUM> in the base longitudinal direction.

In the embodiment above, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> further includes the first stoppers <NUM> and the second stoppers <NUM>. However, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> may include the first stoppers <NUM> or the second stoppers <NUM>. Among the first stoppers <NUM> and the second stoppers <NUM>, when only the first stoppers <NUM> are provided, each empty bobbin Bw supplied to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM> is moved to a stocker <NUM> corresponding to one first stopper <NUM> in the allowable state and is not moved to stockers <NUM> corresponding to other first stoppers <NUM> in the regulated state. In this case, a conveyor is preferably provided on the bottom surface of the take-up tube moving path <NUM>. When one of empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> reaches a position corresponding to one guide portion <NUM> provided for allowing an empty bobbin Bw to be guided to a stocker <NUM> which is a replenishment target, the operation of the conveyor is stopped so that the empty bobbin Bw is appropriately guided to the stocker <NUM>.

Among the first stoppers <NUM> and the second stoppers <NUM>, when only the second stoppers <NUM> are provided, empty bobbins Bw are supplied to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM> and are moved to (i) a stocker <NUM> of one second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state and (ii) stockers <NUM> provided on the replenishment port <NUM> side in the base longitudinal direction of the stocker <NUM> of the one second stopper <NUM>. Furthermore, when only the second stoppers <NUM> are provided, the empty bobbins Bw are supplied to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM> and are not moved to stockers <NUM> provided on the side opposite to the side in which the replenishment port <NUM> is provided in the base longitudinal direction as compared to the stocker <NUM> of the one second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state. In this case, a pushing mechanism configured to push out the empty bobbins Bw in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> to stockers <NUM> is preferably provided in the take-up tube moving path <NUM>. When an empty bobbin Bw reaches one second stopper <NUM> in the guiding state, the empty bobbin Bw is pushed out to a stocker <NUM> of the one second stopper <NUM> by the pushing mechanism so as to be used to replenish the stocker <NUM>. When the pushing mechanism is provided, a movement prevention member may be provided in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> so as to prevent the empty bobbins Bw in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> from naturally moving to the stockers <NUM> through the guide portions <NUM> which are open obliquely downward. The empty bobbins Bw which are pushed out by the pushing mechanism get over the movement prevention member and reach the stockers <NUM>.

Among the first stoppers <NUM> and the second stoppers <NUM>, when only the second stoppers <NUM> are provided, the state of the guide portions <NUM> may be switchable between an upward state in which the guide portions <NUM> are open upward and a downward state in which the guide portions <NUM> are open downward and toward the stockers <NUM>. When one of the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> reaches a position corresponding to one guide portion <NUM> provided for allowing an empty bobbin Bw to be guided to a stocker <NUM> which is a replenishment target, the state of the one guide portion <NUM> is changed to the downward state. Because of this, the one of the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> moves to the stocker <NUM> through the one guide portion <NUM>. When the one of the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> is at one of positions of other guide portions <NUM> provided for allowing empty bobbins Bw to be guided to the stockers <NUM> which are not replenishment targets, the other guide portions <NUM> are in the upward state. Because of this, the one of the empty bobbins Bw moving in the take-up tube moving path <NUM> cannot move to the stockers <NUM> through the other guide portions <NUM>. In this regard, switching of the state of the guide portions <NUM> between the upward state and the downward state is performed as, e.g., the take-up tube moving path <NUM> rotates about a rotational shaft extending along the base longitudinal direction.

In the present invention, the take-up tube replenishment device <NUM> may not include the first stoppers <NUM> and the second stoppers <NUM>. In this case, when there are plural stockers <NUM> which are replenishment targets of empty bobbins Bw, empty bobbins Bw supplied to the take-up tube moving path <NUM> through the replenishment port <NUM> are moved to the stockers <NUM> in order from one of the stockers <NUM> which is the closest to the replenishment port <NUM>. Furthermore, a stocker <NUM> which stores the maximum number of empty bobbins Bw is prevented from being replenished with empty bobbins Bw by an empty bobbin Bw which is stored latest in this stocker <NUM>. For example, when each stocker <NUM> is able to store four empty bobbins Bw at the maximum, a stocker <NUM> in which four empty bobbins Bw are stored is prevented from being replenished with empty bobbins Bw by the fourth empty bobbin Bw stored in this stocker <NUM>.

In the embodiment above, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> is cylindrical in shape. However, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may not be cylindrical in shape. For example, when viewed in the base longitudinal direction, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may be trapezoidal in shape or a polygon in shape. Alternatively, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may extend along the base longitudinal direction and have (i) a supporting surface which supports empty bobbins Bw from below and (ii) wall portions to which both end portions of the supporting surface in the base width direction are connected. In addition to that, an upper part of each take-up tube moving path <NUM> in the up-down direction may be open. In this case, the height of each wall portion in the up-down direction is preferably greater than the diameter of each empty bobbin Bw. To be more specific, when viewed in the base longitudinal direction, each take-up tube moving path <NUM> may be U-shaped or irregular U-shaped.

Claim 1:
A take-up tube replenishment device (<NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to replenish stockers (<NUM>) with empty take-up tubes (Bw) in a false-twist texturing machine (<NUM>) in which winding units (<NUM>) are provided to be aligned in a predetermined arrangement direction and to form plural stages, the winding units (<NUM>) including winding devices (<NUM>) and the stockers (<NUM>), the stockers (<NUM>) being able to store the empty take-up tubes (Bw) which are to be supplied to the winding devices (<NUM>), the take-up tube replenishment device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising
take-up tube moving paths (<NUM>) which are provided to form plural stages corresponding to the winding units (<NUM>) provided to form the plural stages, which extend along the arrangement direction, and in which the empty take-up tubes (Bw) to be used to replenish the stockers (<NUM>) are movable in the arrangement direction,
each of the take-up tube moving paths (<NUM>) including:
a supporting surface (51a) which extends along the arrangement direction and which supports the empty take-up tubes (Bw) from below;
a replenishment port (<NUM>) which is provided at an end portion of the corresponding take-up tube moving path (<NUM>) in the arrangement direction and which is provided for allowing the empty take-up tubes (Bw) to be supplied; and
guide portions (<NUM>) provided for guiding, to the respective stockers (<NUM>), the empty take-up tubes (Bw) moving in the arrangement direction; and the take-up tube replenishment device being characterized by
further comprising spacers (<NUM>) provided for arranging gaps between the adjacent empty take-up tubes (Bw) in each of the take-up tube moving paths (<NUM>) to be identical to gaps between the adjacent guide portions (<NUM>) in the arrangement direction.