Patent Description:
A yarn end untwisting device that includes a yarn end untwisting pipe is known in the art. The yarn end untwisting device is provided in a yarn joining device to untwist a yarn end. For example, in a device disclosed in <CIT> (Patent Document <NUM>), a peripheral wall of a yarn end untwisting pipe has a jet hole having a gas jetting direction that points toward a pipe depth direction. The jet hole is an elongated opening that intersects with an axial direction of the pipe. The yarn end untwisting pipe is fitted into a nozzle hole of a block. An air guiding hole that extends in an axial direction of the nozzle hole is formed in the block. In the yarn joining device, the air guiding hole and the jet hole are arranged so as to face each other.

As a specific example of the jet hole, Patent Document <NUM> discloses a jet hole that is a strip-shaped narrow opening having two parallel sides, and inclines with respect to the axial direction of the pipe. In such a jet hole, a jetting position of a pressure air is changed in the axial direction of the pipe by rotating the yarn end untwisting pipe inside the nozzle hole. Moreover, Patent Document <NUM> discloses a jet hole that is a wedgeshaped elongated opening having two non-parallel sides, and intersects the axial direction of the pipe. In such a jet hole, a jetting amount of the pressure air is changed by rotating the yarn end untwisting pipe inside the nozzle hole.

As a further example of the state of the art, <CIT> is mentioned. This document already discloses a yarn end untwisting pipe comprising a hollow pipe main body that extends in an axial direction,.

Further state of the art regarding the present invention is disclosed in <CIT>. This document discloses a similar yarn end untwisting pipe, yarn joining device and yarn winding machine.

In the yarn end untwisting pipe, a yarn end is untwisted by using a sucking effect generated by injecting the air. In the conventional yarn end untwisting pipe, assuming that a surface area of a hole through which air is injected is uniform, it is necessary to increase the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn end untwisting pipe in order to increase the flux of the air. Increase in the air pressure is not desirable from the viewpoint of air consumption and energy consumption.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a yarn end untwisting pipe, a yarn joining device, and a yarn winding machine capable of securing air flux necessary for untwisting without increasing a pressure of an air to be supplied.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a yarn end untwisting pipe includes a hollow pipe main body that extends in an axial direction. The pipe main body includes a first end in the axial direction, and a second end that is provided on an opposite side of the first end. The first end and the second end are open ends. The pipe main body includes an injection hole formed through a peripheral wall thereof. A first opening part, which is an inlet of the injection hole, is formed on an outer surface of the peripheral wall, and a second opening part, which is an outlet of the injection hole, is formed on an inner surface of the peripheral wall. At least a part of the second opening part is positioned closer to the second end than the first opening part. Each of the first opening part and the second opening part is an elongated hole that extends in a width direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction, when viewed from a center line direction of the injection hole. When viewed from the center line direction of the injection hole, the first opening part includes a first edge portion that extends in the width direction; and a second edge portion that extends in the width direction and is parallel to the first edge portion, and is positioned closer to the first end than the first edge portion. A maximum clearance of the first opening part in the width direction is larger than a clearance between the first edge portion and the second edge portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a yarn joining device mentioned below can be provided. The yarn joining device includes a main body frame; the yarn end untwisting pipe mentioned above; and a cassette section that includes an inner insertion section through which the yarn end untwisting pipe is inserted inside thereof. The yarn end untwisting pipe is mounted on the main body frame in a state in which the yarn end untwisting pipe is inserted inside the inner insertion section of the cassette section.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a yarn winding machine mentioned below can be provided. The yarn winding machine includes a bobbin supporting section that supports a supply bobbin; a winding device that winds a yarn unwound from the supply bobbin to form a package; and the above yarn joining device that joins a yarn end of a yarn from the package and a yarn end of a yarn from the supply bobbin.

The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Exemplary embodiments will be explained below with reference to the drawings. Identical elements are indicated by the same reference symbols in the drawings and redundant explanation thereof is omitted. Dimensional proportions in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those in the explanation.

An overall configuration of a winder unit <NUM> that includes a yarn joining device <NUM> according to a present embodiment is explained below with reference to <FIG>. In the present specification, terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to an upstream and a downstream in a traveling direction of a yarn during yarn winding.

The winder unit <NUM> winds a yarn Y supplied from a supply bobbin B onto a package P. The supply bobbin B is formed by a spinning frame at a previous step. The supply bobbin B is conveyed from the spinning frame, for example, in a state in which the supply bobbin B is set on a tray. When the winder unit <NUM> includes a magazine, an operator sets the supply bobbins B in the magazine, and the supply bobbin B is then supplied from the magazine to a later-explained bobbin supporting section <NUM>. An automatic winder, which is a textile machine, is configured by arranging a plurality of the winder units <NUM> side by side.

In the winder unit <NUM>, the bobbin supporting section <NUM>, a yarn unwinding assisting device <NUM>, a pre-clearer <NUM>, a tension applying device <NUM>, a tension sensor <NUM>, a lower yarn catching device <NUM>, a yarn joining device <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, a yarn monitoring device <NUM>, an upper yarn catching device <NUM>, and a winding device <NUM> are sequentially arranged upward from an upstream side (here, on a lower side) along the traveling path of the yarn Y. Each of these structural components is mounted on a unit main body <NUM>.

The bobbin supporting section <NUM> supports the supply bobbin B in an upright state allowing supply of the yarn Y. The yarn unwinding assisting device <NUM> controls a balloon of the yarn Y unwound from the supply bobbin B by using a cylindrical member positioned at a higher level than a yarn layer of the supply bobbin B.

The tension applying device <NUM> is a gate-type tension applying member that applies a predetermined tension to the yarn Y by guiding the running yarn Y in a zigzag state between a pair of gates constituted by a comb-shaped fixed gate and a movable gate. Instead of the gate-type tension applying member, the tension applying device <NUM> can be a disk-type tension applying member. The tension sensor <NUM> measures the tension applied by the tension applying device <NUM> on the yarn Y.

The pre-clearer <NUM> regulates passing of a yarn defect, such as a tangled yarn that is larger than a specified value, by using a pair of regulating members arranged on either side of a traveling path of the yarn Y at a predetermined distance. The yarn monitoring device <NUM> detects a yarn defect, such as a slub and the like, while the yarn Y is being wound. When the yarn monitoring device <NUM> detects a yarn defect, the cutter <NUM> cuts the yarn Y. When the yarn Y is cut by the cutter <NUM> or a yarn breakage of the yarn Y occurs, for example, the yarn joining device <NUM> joins the yarn end of the yarn Y on the package P side and the yarn end of the yarn Y on the supply bobbin B side.

The lower yarn catching device <NUM> is mounted on the unit main body <NUM> so as to be pivotable around an axis α. A suction port 7a is arranged on a pivoting end of the lower yarn catching device <NUM>. The suction port 7a is rotatable between a position at a higher level than the yarn joining device <NUM> and a position at a lower level than the pre-clearer <NUM>. The lower yarn catching device <NUM> waits in a state in which the suction port 7a is positioned at the lower level than the pre-clearer <NUM>. For example, after the yarn Y is cut by the cutter <NUM>, or after a breakage has occurred in the yarn Y, the lower yarn catching device <NUM> sucks the yarn end of the yarn Y on the supply bobbin B side by using the suction port 7a, and then pivots such that the suction port 7a is located on an upper side of the yarn joining device <NUM> and passes the yarn Y on the supply bobbin B side to the yarn joining device <NUM>.

The upper yarn catching device <NUM> is mounted on the unit main body <NUM> so as to be pivotable around an axis β. A suction port 12a is arranged on a pivoting end of the upper yarn catching device <NUM>. The suction port 12a is rotatable between a position at a lower level than the yarn joining device <NUM> and a position of the winding device <NUM>. For example, after the yarn Y is cut by the cutter <NUM>, or after a breakage has occurred in the yarn Y, the upper yarn catching device <NUM> pivots such that the suction port 12a is on to the winding device <NUM> side and sucks the yarn end of the yarn Y on the package P side by using the suction port 12a, and then pivots such that the suction port 12a is positioned on a lower side of the yarn joining device <NUM> to pass the yarn Y to the yarn joining device <NUM>.

The winding device <NUM> winds the yarn Y unwound from the supply bobbin B onto the package P to form a fully wound package P. The winding device <NUM> includes a winding drum <NUM> on which a drum groove 14a is formed, and a cradle <NUM> that rotatably supports the package P. The cradle <NUM> causes a surface of the package P to contact a surface of the winding drum <NUM> by applying an appropriate contact pressure. By driving the winding drum <NUM> to rotate by using a motor and causing the package P to be rotated drivenly, the winding device <NUM> traverses the yarn Y at a specified width, and winds the yarn Y onto the package P.

A control section <NUM>, an input section <NUM>, and a display panel <NUM> are arranged on the unit main body <NUM>. The control section <NUM> controls various structural components of the winder unit <NUM>. The input section <NUM> includes, for example, operation buttons and the like, and is used by an operator to set various values for the control section <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> displays an operation status and the like of one or more of the winder units <NUM>. Furthermore, the control section <NUM> sends to and receives from an upper control section included in an automatic winder various information related to a winding operation. The upper control section controls the control section <NUM> in each of the winder units <NUM>, and thereby controls the entire automatic winder.

A configuration of the yarn joining device <NUM> is explained below. In the following explanation, for the convenience of the explanation, the package P side is referred to as an upper side, and the supply bobbin B side is referred to as a lower side. A traveling path side of the yarn Y with respect to the yarn joining device <NUM> is called a front side, and an opposite side thereof is called a back side. Moreover, the yarn Y on the package P side is referred to as an upper yarn YA, and the yarn Y on the supply bobbin B side is referred to as a lower yarn YB.

As shown in <FIG>, the yarn joining device <NUM> includes a first yarn end untwisting pipe (yarn end untwisting pipe) 40A, a second yarn end untwisting pipe (yarn end untwisting pipe) 40B, a yarn joining section <NUM>, a pair of yarn shifting levers <NUM>, and a pair of twisting stopping levers <NUM>. Each of the pair of yarn shifting levers <NUM> swings with respect to the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B, respectively. The pair of twisting stopping levers <NUM> swings with respect to the yarn joining section <NUM>. The yarn joining device <NUM> is mounted on the unit main body <NUM> by using a main body frame <NUM> that supports various structural components of the yarn joining device <NUM>.

A first guide plate <NUM> is arranged above the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B. A second guide plate <NUM> is arranged below the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B. The first guide plate <NUM> and the second guide plate <NUM> oppose each other and are arranged so as to sandwich the yarn joining section <NUM> in an up-down direction. A guide groove 21a and a guide groove 21b are formed on the first guide plate <NUM>. A guide groove 22a and a guide groove 22b are formed on the second guide plate <NUM>. The guide groove 21a of the first guide plate <NUM> faces the guide groove 22a of the second guide plate <NUM> in the up-down direction. The guide groove 21b of the first guide plate <NUM> faces the guide groove 22b of the second guide plate <NUM> in the up-down direction.

Into the guide groove 21a and the guide groove 22a is guided an upper yarn YA that has been guided by the upper yarn catching device <NUM> and shifted by the yarn shifting levers <NUM>. Into the guide groove 21b and the guide groove 22b is guided the lower yarn YB that has been guided by the lower yarn catching device <NUM> and shifted by the yarn shifting levers <NUM>.

An upper yarn holding section 60A is arranged on an upper side of the first guide plate <NUM>, and a lower yarn cutting section 70A is arranged on a lower side of the first guide plate <NUM>. A lower yarn holding section 60B is arranged on a lower side of the second guide plate <NUM>, and an upper yarn cutting section 70B is arranged on an upper side of the second guide plate <NUM>. The upper yarn holding section 60A holds the upper yarn YA that has been guided into the guide groove 21a. While the upper yarn YA is being held by the upper yarn holding section 60A, the upper yarn cutting section 70B cuts the upper yarn YA that had been guided into the guide groove 22a. The lower yarn holding section 60B holds the lower yarn YB that has been guided into the guide groove 22b. While the lower yarn YB is being held by the lower yarn holding section 60B, the lower yarn cutting section 70A cuts the lower yarn YB that had been guided into the guide groove 21b.

A yarn end of the upper yarn YA that has been cut by the upper yarn cutting section 70B while being held by the upper yarn holding section 60A is inserted into the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and then untwisted by injecting air from a later-explained injection hole <NUM> that is formed in the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A. A yarn end of the lower yarn YB that has been cut by the lower yarn cutting section 70A while being held by the lower yarn holding section 60B is inserted into the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B and then untwisted by injecting air from the later-explained injection hole <NUM> that is formed in the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B.

The yarn joining section <NUM> joins the yarn end of the upper yarn YA that has been untwisted in the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the yarn end of the lower yarn YB that has been untwisted in the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B by intertwining the yarn end of the upper yarn YA and the yarn end of the lower yarn YB. While the yarn ends are intertwined in the yarn joining section <NUM>, the upper yarn YA is held by the upper yarn holding section 60A, and the lower yarn YB is held by the lower yarn holding section 60B. The yarn end of the upper yarn YA is drawn from the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the yarn end of the lower yarn YB is drawn from the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B by swinging the yarn shifting levers <NUM>. Subsequently, the twisting stopping levers <NUM> position a tip end part of the yarn end of the upper yarn YA and a tip end part of the yarn end of the lower yarn YB near the yarn joining section <NUM>.

Next, configurations of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B are explained in detail with reference to <FIG>. The first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B have the same configuration. However, when the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B are inserted into a cassette section <NUM>, the injection hole <NUM> of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A faces downward, and the injection hole <NUM> of the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B faces upward. In the following explanation, only the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is explained, and the explanation relating to overlapping components and common components is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is attached to the main body frame <NUM> via the cassette section <NUM> and a bush <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, yarn introducing ports <NUM> of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B are arranged so as to face a front side of the yarn joining device <NUM>; that is, a side on which the yarn ends are sucked. Specifically, a pipe main body <NUM> of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is mounted on the main body frame <NUM> in a state in which the pipe main body <NUM> is inserted into an inner insertion section 57a of the cassette section <NUM> to which the bush <NUM> is fixed and an inner insertion section 58a of the bush <NUM>. A gap is formed between an inner peripheral surface of an inner insertion section 59a of a cassette mounting section <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A. This gap is larger than a gap between an inner peripheral surface of the inner insertion section 57a of the cassette section <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A. More specifically, this gap is formed such that the inner peripheral surface of the inner insertion section 59a of the cassette mounting section <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A do not come into contact.

A screw hole 57b is formed on a side surface of the cassette section <NUM>. The first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is fixed to the cassette section <NUM> by inserting a rubber plug 57f and a screw 57e into the screw hole 57b. Moreover, an air hole 58b is provided on the bush <NUM> for introducing untwisting air to the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A. The rubber plug 57f prevents cracking of the pipe main body <NUM> that may occur when the ceramic pipe main body <NUM> is tightened by using the screw 57e.

When mounting the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A to the main body frame <NUM>, the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is inserted into the cassette section <NUM> to which the bush <NUM> is fixed, and the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A that is integrally fitted with the cassette section <NUM> is then mounted on the cassette mounting section <NUM> from the front side of the winder unit <NUM>.

The configuration of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A will be explained in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A is formed, for example, by a single hollowshaped ceramic pipe main body <NUM>. The pipe main body <NUM>, for example, is cylindrical in shape, and includes a central axis (axial line) L1. The pipe main body <NUM> extends straight in an axial direction D1, which is a direction of the axis L1.

A length of the pipe main body <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is, for example, <NUM> millimeters (mm) or more and <NUM> or less.

A diameter (outer diameter) of the pipe main body <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The pipe main body <NUM>, for example, has a uniform outer diameter in the entire axial direction D1. However, the pipe main body <NUM> need not have a uniform outer diameter in the entire axial direction D1. The pipe main body <NUM> may have a different outer diameter in a portion of the axial direction D1 as long as it does not interfere with other members.

An inner diameter of the pipe main body <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

The pipe main body <NUM> includes a peripheral wall <NUM>. A thickness of the peripheral wall <NUM> is uniform for most of the pipe main body <NUM> in the axial direction D1 (excluding a later-explained tapered part <NUM>).

A material from which the pipe main body <NUM> is made is not particularly limited. The pipe main body <NUM> can be made of a resin or metal, or of a material having low wear and low static electricity.

As shown in <FIG>, the yarn introducing port <NUM> for taking in the yarn YA (YB) (see <FIG>) to be untwisted, the injection hole <NUM> (untwisting air introducing section) for introducing untwisting air sent from a not-shown untwisting air source, and an untwisting air discharging port <NUM> for discharging the untwisting air are formed on the pipe main body <NUM>. An untwisting air current flow path <NUM> through which an untwisting air used to untwist the yarn ends flows is formed inside the pipe main body <NUM>. The injection hole <NUM> communicates with the air hole 58b explained above (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the pipe main body <NUM> includes a first end 41a in the axial direction D1, and a second end 41b on an opposite side of the first end 41a. The yarn introducing port <NUM> is formed on the first end 41a, and the untwisting air discharging port <NUM> is formed on the second end 41b.

A thickness of the peripheral wall <NUM> at the first end 41a of the pipe main body <NUM> is, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

As shown in <FIG>, a groove part 41c used for positioning a direction of the pipe main body <NUM> (the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A) with respect to the cassette section <NUM> and the bush <NUM> is formed near the yarn introducing port <NUM> of the pipe main body <NUM>. The groove part 41c is a linear slit that extends in the axial direction D1 up to the first end 41a. Accordingly, a circumferential position (orientation) of the injection hole <NUM> can be easily checked when mounting the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A.

As shown in <FIG>, in the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A, the injection hole <NUM> that passes through the peripheral wall <NUM> is formed in the peripheral wall <NUM> of the pipe main body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first opening part <NUM>, which is an inlet of the injection hole <NUM>, is formed on an outer surface of the peripheral wall <NUM>, and a second opening part <NUM>, which is an outlet of the injection hole <NUM>, is formed on an inner surface of the peripheral wall <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A in a state in which the injection hole <NUM> is facing upward. <FIG> is a view shown from a direction of a straight line L4 (see <FIG>), which is orthogonal to the axis L1 (axial direction D1) of the pipe main body <NUM> and passes through a center of the first opening part <NUM> (a later-explained first center P1). In <FIG>, for example, a part of the second opening part <NUM> (later-explained fourth edge portion <NUM>) is visible, and the remaining of the second opening part <NUM> is hidden (therefore, indicated by a dashed line).

In other words, the second opening part <NUM> is positioned closer to the second end 41b than the first opening part <NUM>.

More specifically, the first opening part <NUM> includes a first edge portion <NUM> that extends in a width direction D3 that is orthogonal to the axial direction D1; a second edge portion <NUM> (also see <FIG>) that extends in the width direction D3 in parallel to the first edge portion <NUM>; and a pair of arc-shaped connecting portions <NUM> that connect ends of the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> in the width direction D3. The second edge portion <NUM> is positioned closer to the first end 41a than the first edge portion <NUM>.

The second opening part <NUM> includes a third edge portion <NUM> that extends in the width direction D3 that is orthogonal to the axial direction D1, a fourth edge portion <NUM> (also see <FIG>) that extends in the width direction D3 in parallel to the third edge portion <NUM>, and a pair of arc-shaped connecting portions <NUM> that connects both ends of the third edge portion <NUM> and the fourth edge portion <NUM> in the width direction D3. The fourth edge portion <NUM> is positioned closer to the first end 41a than the third edge portion <NUM>.

The width direction D3 is the direction of a straight line that passes through the pair of the connecting portions <NUM> (that intersects the pair of the connecting portions <NUM>) of the first opening part <NUM>.

The fourth edge portion <NUM> (edge portion on the first end 41a side) of the second opening part <NUM> is positioned closer to the first end 41a than the first edge portion <NUM> (edge portion on the second end 41b side) of the first opening part <NUM>. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the fourth edge portion <NUM> of the second opening part <NUM> is visible. In other words, in the present embodiment, when viewed from the direction of the straight line L4 (see <FIG>) that is orthogonal to the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM> and passes through the first center P1 of the first opening part <NUM>, at least a part of the second opening part <NUM> overlaps with at least a part of the first opening part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a distance L200 from the first end 41a to the first opening part <NUM> of the pipe main body <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. That is, when the pipe main body <NUM> is viewed as a whole, the first opening part <NUM> is arranged near the first end 41a. A position of the second edge portion <NUM> is used as a reference position for a distance between the first end 41a and the first opening part <NUM> in the axial direction D1. Moreover, a distance L400 from the first end 41a to the fourth edge portion <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. A distance L300 from the first end 41a to the third edge portion <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

Shapes of the first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM> will be explained below with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> appear to have a linear shape. The pair of the connecting portions <NUM> appears to have an arc shape. The first opening part <NUM> formed in such a manner has a three-dimensional shape. As shown in <FIG>, when viewed from the direction of the center line L2 of the injection hole <NUM>, the curved first edge portion <NUM> is parallel to the curved second edge portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, the first center P1 can be defined for the first opening part <NUM>. The first center P1 can be referred to as a center of gravity in a closed region that is formed by the first opening part <NUM>. When the first opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the first center P1 of the first opening part <NUM> and the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane. In other words, when the first opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the first center P1 and extends in a radial direction of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane.

Although the second opening part <NUM> is hidden and not shown in <FIG>, the second opening part <NUM> has the same shape as that of the first opening part <NUM>. Similar to the first opening part <NUM>, the second opening part <NUM> has a three-dimensional shape. A second center P2 (see <FIG>) can also be defined for the second opening part <NUM>. The second center P2 can be referred to as a center of gravity in a closed region that is formed by the second opening part <NUM>. When the second opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the second center P2 of the second opening part <NUM> and the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane. In other words, when the second opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the second center P2 and extends in the radial direction of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane.

As shown in <FIG>, the center line L2 is a straight line that connects the first center P1 of the first opening part <NUM> and the second center P2 of the second opening part <NUM>. The center line L2 intersects with the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM>. In other words, the center line L2 of the injection hole <NUM> and the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM> fall in the same plane. As shown in <FIG>, the first center P1 is positioned at the center of the first opening part <NUM> when viewed from the direction of the center line L2. The second center P2 is positioned at the center of the second opening part <NUM> when viewed from the direction of the center line L2.

Accordingly, the first opening part <NUM> is an elongated hole that extends in the width direction D3 that is orthogonal to the axial direction D1. Similarly, the second opening part <NUM> is an elongated hole that extends in the width direction D3 that is orthogonal to the axial direction D1. The first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM> are connected by a wall surface that has the same shape as that of the peripheral surface of a columnar body (pipe main body <NUM>) having an oval-shaped cross section (end surface) shown in <FIG>. In other words, the shape and size of the cross-section that is orthogonal to the center line L2 is uniform in the injection hole <NUM>. In <FIG>, the second opening part <NUM> completely overlaps with the first opening part <NUM>. Consequently, the second opening part <NUM> is arranged exactly opposite to the first opening part <NUM>, thereby hidden and invisible. The injection hole <NUM> having such a hole shape is formed, for example, by using a drill and the like. Specifically, a drill blade is penetrated at an angle with respect to the peripheral wall <NUM>, and the drill blade is moved in the width direction D3.

In the first opening part <NUM>, a maximum clearance W3 in the width direction D3 is larger than a clearance W1 between the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM>. For example, the maximum clearance W3 in the width direction D3 is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the clearance W1 between the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In the present specification, "elongated hole that extends in the width direction" refers to a through hole (hole portion) in which a length in the width direction D3 (maximum clearance W3 in the present embodiment) is larger than a length in the axial direction D1 (clearance W1 in the present embodiment).

As shown in <FIG>, the center line L2 that connects the first center P1 of the first opening part <NUM> and the second center P2 of the second opening part <NUM> is inclined at an angle Θ1 with respect to the axial direction D1 (axis L1) of the pipe main body <NUM>. The angle Θ1 is, for example, <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

Because an inner surface shape of the injection hole <NUM> matches that of the peripheral surface of the columnar body, a wall surface 43a (see <FIG>) that connects the second edge portion <NUM> and the fourth edge portion <NUM>, and a wall surface 43b (see <FIG>) that connects the first edge portion <NUM> and the third edge portion <NUM> are inclined at the same angle Θ1 with respect to the axial direction D1 (axis L1) of the pipe main body <NUM>. The inclination angle is <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less. However, the wall surface 43a that connects the second edge portion <NUM> and the fourth edge portion <NUM> can be inclined at an angle smaller than the angle Θ1 of the center line L2 of the injection hole <NUM> with respect to the axial direction D1 of the pipe main body <NUM>. With such a configuration, an air flux received by the wall surface 43a becomes larger.

In <FIG>, as explained above, the second opening part <NUM> partially overlaps with the first opening part <NUM> when viewed from the direction of the straight line L4. A surface area S of such an overlapping region is, for example, smaller than half the size (surface area) of the first opening part <NUM>. The phrase "size of the first opening part <NUM>" can refer to a surface area of the three-dimensional shaped first opening part <NUM> projected onto a plane that includes the axial direction D1 and the width direction D3 (the surface area shown on the paper in <FIG>). The surface area S of the overlapping region of the second opening part <NUM> and the first opening part <NUM> when viewed from the direction of the straight line L4 can be, for example, smaller than one-third or one-fifth the size of the first opening part <NUM>.

As the injection hole <NUM> formed at an angle as explained above is provided, the air that passes through the injection hole <NUM> and injected into the pipe main body <NUM> is injected by being directed in the axial direction D1.

The inner surface shape of the pipe main body <NUM> will be explained below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The pipe main body <NUM> includes, for example, a conical-shaped tapered part <NUM> as the inner surface shape. Among the inner surface of the pipe main body <NUM>, if an inner surface that is located downstream of, that is, closer to the second end 41b side than the second opening part <NUM> in an air flow direction is defined as an inner surface 41d, the tapered part <NUM> is arranged on the inner surface 41d. A diameter of the tapered part <NUM> (an internal diameter when the peripheral wall <NUM> is considered) increases as one goes toward the second end 41b.

The tapered part <NUM> inclines at an angle θ2 with respect to the axial direction D1 (axis L1) of the pipe main body <NUM>. The angle θ2 is, for example, <NUM> degree or more and <NUM> degrees or less. A distance L470 from the first end 41a of the pipe main body <NUM> to a start point 47a of the tapered part <NUM> in the axial direction D1 is, for example, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. That is, when the pipe main body <NUM> is viewed as a whole, the tapered part <NUM> is arranged near the second end 41b. In other words, the tapered part <NUM> is formed toward the second end 41b from the position located <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first end 41a.

In the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A and the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B of the present embodiment, the first opening part <NUM>, which is the inlet of the injection hole <NUM>, is an elongated hole that extends in the width direction D3 that is orthogonal to the axial direction D1 of the pipe main body <NUM>. Accordingly, an air of a larger flux can be flown in the axial direction D1, compared to a configuration in which an opening part of an injection hole extends longitudinally in the axial direction D1.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the flux of the air that is received by the wall surface 43a (see <FIG>) of the injection hole <NUM> is more as compared to the configuration in which the opening part of the injection hole extends longitudinally in the axial direction D1. The air injected from the injection hole <NUM> can be assumed to be the air that hits the wall surface 43a, and the air that does not hit the wall surface 43a and flows inside the pipe main body <NUM>.

In the injection hole <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the flux of the air that does not hit the wall surface 43a and flows straight inside the pipe main body <NUM> is relatively small. The flux of the air that hits the wall surface 43a is relatively large. The term "relatively small" or "relatively large" refers to a size relationship of air flux when it is assumed that, in the conventional configuration of the injection hole known in the art and the injection hole <NUM> according to the present embodiment, an overall flux of the air is the same, and that a surface area that corresponds to the wall surface 43a (an inclined bottom surface portion of the injection hole <NUM> that faces radially outward from the pipe main body <NUM>) is the same. In the present embodiment, a yarn end can be untwisted by causing an air of a larger flux to flow in the axial direction D1. While the air flux necessary for untwisting the yarn end can be secured, a pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn joining device <NUM> need not be increased. In the above configuration, a desired effect can be achieved from the viewpoint of the air consumption and the energy consumption.

Experiments conducted by the inventors of the present invention point that an air flux could be increased while retaining the sucking effect in the first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A in which the injection hole <NUM> according to the present embodiment is adopted. Even if the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn joining device <NUM> is lowered, for example, to a pressure <NUM> MPa or more and <NUM> MPa or less (which is lower than the pressure used in the conventional technology), untwisting was possible at the same level as that in the conventional technology.

The fourth edge portion <NUM> of the second opening part <NUM> is positioned closer to the first end 41a than the first edge portion <NUM> of the first opening part <NUM>. Accordingly, the air can be easily flown in the axial direction D1.

Both ends of the injection hole <NUM> in the width direction W3 have an arc shape that widens outward. Accordingly, the air can be flown smoothly to the inside of the yarn end untwisting pipe <NUM>.

When viewed from the direction of the straight line L4 (see <FIG>), at least a part of the second opening part <NUM> overlaps with at least a part of the first opening part <NUM>, and the surface area S of that overlapping region is smaller than the half of the surface area of the first opening part <NUM>. Accordingly, the air can be flown more easily toward the second end <NUM> in the axial direction D1.

When the first opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the first center P1 and the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane. Accordingly, swirling is less likely to occur in the flow of the air that has flown into the injection hole <NUM> from the first opening part <NUM>.

When the second opening part <NUM> is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the second center P2 and the axis L1 of the pipe main body <NUM>, each component is symmetrical with respect to that plane. Accordingly, swirling is less likely to occur in the flow of the air that has flown into the pipe main body <NUM> from the second opening part <NUM>. By making the flow of the air less likely to swirl, the yarn end that is inserted from the first end 41a into the pipe main body <NUM> is less likely to swirl in the pipe main body <NUM>.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, because the first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM> are formed to have a plane symmetrical shape, the air flown inside the pipe main body <NUM> from the injection hole <NUM> is less likely to swirl in a predetermined direction inside the pipe main body <NUM>. Accordingly, the air flown from the first opening part <NUM> can be stably flown inside the pipe main body <NUM>, and untwisting of the yarn end can be performed more efficiently. In other words, loss of flux of the air flown from the first opening part <NUM> can be prevented.

The first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM> are of the same shape and size. Accordingly, the yarn end untwisting pipe 40A can be easily manufactured, processed, and the like.

A portion of the injection hole <NUM> that is positioned between the first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM> can be of the same shape as that of the first opening part <NUM> and the second opening part <NUM>. According to such a configuration, manufacture of the yarn end untwisting pipe 40A, and processing and the like of the injection hole <NUM> can be performed more easily.

The center line L2 of the injection hole <NUM> is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less with respect to the axial direction D1. Accordingly, the air can be injected toward a position that is effective for untwisting the yarn end.

According to the configuration in which the pipe main body <NUM> includes the tapered part <NUM>, a cross-sectional surface area of the air passage can be increased compared to a configuration in which an internal radius of a pipe main body <NUM> is uniform. Accordingly, the air can be flown from the first end 41a toward the second end 41b, the yarn end can be sucked from the first end 41a, and the sucked yarn end can be untwisted easily.

The tapered part <NUM> is inclined at an angle of <NUM> degree or more and <NUM> degrees or less with respect to the axial direction D1. Accordingly, the effects discussed above (easy untwisting of the yarn end) can be appropriately demonstrated.

The tapered part <NUM> is formed toward the second end 41b (up to the second end 41b) from a position located <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less in the axial direction D1 with respect to the first end 41a. Accordingly, the effects discussed above (easy untwisting of the yarn end) can be appropriately demonstrated.

In the first opening part <NUM>, the maximum clearance W3 is larger than the clearance W1. According to such a configuration, a larger flux of air can be flown in the axial direction D1 of the yarn end untwisting pipe 40A without increasing the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn joining device <NUM>. The injection hole <NUM> that includes the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> arranged parallel in the first opening part <NUM>, which is an inlet, contributes to reduction of manufacturing man-hours.

The maximum clearance W3 in the width direction D3 of the first opening part <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the clearance W1 between the first edge portion <NUM> and the second edge portion <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Accordingly, the yarn end can be untwisted more reliably.

According to the yarn joining device <NUM>, the air flux necessary for untwisting the yarn end can be secured without increasing the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn joining device <NUM>. As a result, the yarn end can be untwisted appropriately, and a yarn joining operation can be performed without any trouble.

Embodiments of the present invention are explained above; however, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments explained above. For example, the first opening part <NUM> and / or the second opening part <NUM> can be rectangular in shape that extends in the width direction D3 when viewed from the center line L2 (see <FIG>) direction.

The fourth edge portion <NUM> of the second opening part <NUM> can be provided closer to the second end 41b than the first edge portion <NUM> of the first opening part <NUM> in the axial direction D1. In such a configuration, even when viewed from the straight line L4 direction, the second opening part <NUM> is not visible (the entire second opening part <NUM> is hidden).

The angle Θ1 according to the above embodiment can be larger than <NUM> degrees, or can be less than <NUM> degrees.

The size (surface area) of the second opening part <NUM> can be larger than that of the first opening part <NUM>, or can be smaller than that of the first opening part <NUM>. In a configuration in which the second opening part <NUM> is smaller than the first opening part <NUM>, manufacturing man-hours can be reduced.

The yarn end untwisting pipe <NUM> can be formed by two members, that is, a first pipe and a second pipe that has a larger diameter than that of the first pipe. In such a configuration, the injection hole <NUM> is formed in a peripheral wall of the first pipe.

The first yarn end untwisting pipe 40A or the second yarn end untwisting pipe 40B can include a member other than the pipe main body <NUM>.

The yarn end untwisting pipe according to the present disclosure and a yarn joining device that includes such a yarn end untwisting pipe can be used in a textile machine that is other than an automatic winder, for example, a spinning machine (yarn winding machine). In a yarn winding machine in which the yarn supplied from the upper side is wound at the lower side, a position of the upper yarn and the lower yarn is reversed in the height direction with respect to the above embodiments. In other words, in the height direction, the upper yarn is positioned at the lower side and the lower yarn is positioned at the upper side.

Instead of a configuration in which the yarn joining device <NUM> is provided in each winder unit <NUM>, for example, in a configuration in which a yarn winding machine includes a cart, the yarn joining device <NUM> can be provided on the cart.

Instead of a configuration in which the winding device <NUM> traverses the yarn Y by using the drum groove 14a, the winding device <NUM> can include a drum on which a groove is not formed, and a traversing device capable of moving reciprocally in a winding width direction of a package. In such a configuration, instead of the drum, the package can be directly driven rotationally by a motor.

The winder unit <NUM> can include devices other than the members explained in the above embodiments, such as a waxing device and / or a yarn accumulating device.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a yarn end untwisting pipe includes a hollow pipe main body that extends in an axial direction. The pipe main body includes a first end in the axial direction, and a second end that is provided on an opposite side of the first end. The first end and the second end are open ends. The pipe main body includes an injection hole formed through a peripheral wall thereof. A first opening part, which is an inlet of the injection hole, is formed on an outer surface of the peripheral wall, and a second opening part, which is an outlet of the injection hole, is formed on an inner surface of the peripheral wall. At least a part of the second opening part is positioned closer to the second end than the first opening part. Each of the first opening part and the second opening part is an elongated hole that extends in a width direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction, when viewed from a center line direction of the injection hole.

In the above yarn end untwisting pipe, the first opening part, which is the inlet of the injection hole, is an elongated hole that extends in the width direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the pipe main body. According to this configuration, a larger flux of air can be flown in the axial direction, compared to a configuration in which an opening part of an injection hole extends longitudinally in the axial direction. Accordingly, a yarn end can be untwisted. While the air flux necessary for untwisting the yarn end can be secured, a pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn end untwisting pipe need not be increased. In the above configuration, a desired effect can be achieved from the viewpoint of the air consumption and the energy consumption.

Both ends of the elongated hole in the width direction can be arc-shaped that widen outward. According to this configuration, the air can be flown smoothly to the inside of the yarn end untwisting pipe.

An edge portion of the second opening part located closer to the first end can be positioned closer to the first end than an edge portion of the first opening part located closer to the second end. According to this configuration, the air can be flown easily toward the second end in the axial direction.

At least a part of the second opening part can overlap with at least a part of the first opening part when viewed from a direction of a straight line that is orthogonal to an axis of the pipe main body and passes through a center of the first opening part. A surface area of the overlapping region can be smaller than half of a surface area of the first opening part. According to this configuration, the air can be flown more easily toward the second end in the axial direction.

When the first opening part is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes the center of the first opening part and the axis of the pipe main body, each component can be symmetrical with respect to that plane. According to this configuration, swirling is less likely to occur in the flow of the air that has flown into the injection hole from the first opening part.

When the second opening part is bisected into two equal parts in a plane that includes a center of the second opening part and the axis of the pipe main body, each component can be symmetrical with respect to that plane. According to this configuration, swirling is less likely to occur in the flow of the air that has flown into the pipe main body from the second opening part. By making the flow of the air less likely to swirl, the yarn end that is inserted from the first end into the pipe main body is less likely to swirl in the pipe main body.

Particularly, because the first opening part and the second opening part have a plane symmetrical shape, the air that has flown into the pipe main body from the injection hole is less likely to swirl in a predetermined direction inside the pipe main body. Accordingly, the air flown from the first opening part can be stably flown inside the pipe main body, and untwisting of the yarn end can be performed more efficiently.

The first opening part and the second opening part can be of a same shape. According to this configuration, the manufacture of the yarn end untwisting pipe, the processing of the injection hole, and the like can be further facilitated.

A portion of the injection hole that is positioned between the first opening part and the second opening part can have a same shape as that of the first opening part and the second opening part. According to this configuration, the manufacture of the yarn end untwisting pipe, the processing of the injection hole, and the like can be further facilitated.

A straight line that passes through the center of the first opening part and the center of the second opening part can incline at an angle of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less with respect to the axial direction. According to this configuration, the air can be injected toward a position that is effective for untwisting the yarn end.

Of the inner surface of the pipe main body in the cross-section of the pipe main body that includes the center line of the injection hole and the axis of the pipe main body, with respect to the inner surface that is closer to the second end than the second opening part, a distance between the inner surface and the axis can increase as one goes closer to the second end. According to this configuration, a cross-sectional surface area of the air passage can be increased compared to a configuration in which an internal radius of a pipe main body is uniform. Therefore, the air can be flown from the first end toward the second end, the yarn end can be sucked from the first end, and the sucked yarn end can be untwisted easily.

The pipe main body can include a tapered part of which a distance of the inner surface in an entirety thereof from the axis increases as one goes closer to the second end. According to this configuration, a cross-sectional surface area of the air passage can be increased compared to a configuration in which an internal radius of a pipe main body is uniform. Therefore, the air can be flown from the first end toward the second end, the yarn end can be sucked from the first end, and the sucked yarn end can be untwisted more easily.

The tapered part can be inclined at an angle of <NUM> degree or more and <NUM> degrees or less with respect to the axial direction. According to this configuration, the effects discussed above (easy untwisting of the yarn end) can be appropriately demonstrated.

The tapered part can be formed from a position located <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less in the axial direction from the first end up to the second end. According to this configuration, the effects discussed above (easy untwisting of the yarn end) can be appropriately demonstrated.

A thickness of the peripheral wall at the first end of the pipe main body can be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

A distance from the first end to the first opening part in the axial direction can be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

When viewed from the center line direction of the injection hole, the first opening part includes a first edge portion that extends in the width direction; and a second edge portion that extends in the width direction and is parallel to the first edge portion, and is positioned closer to the first end than the first edge portion. A maximum clearance of the first opening part in the width direction is larger than a clearance between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. According to this configuration, a larger flux of air can be flown in the axial direction without increasing the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn end untwisting pipe. The injection hole that includes the first edge portion and the second edge portion arranged parallel in the first opening part, which is an inlet, contributes to reduction of manufacturing man-hours.

The maximum clearance of the first opening part in the width direction can be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the clearance between the first edge portion and the second edge portion can be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. According to this configuration, the yarn end can be untwisted more reliably.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a yarn joining device mentioned below can be provided. The yarn joining device includes a main body frame; one of the yarn end untwisting pipes mentioned above; and a cassette section that includes an inner insertion section through which the yarn end untwisting pipe is inserted inside thereof. The yarn end untwisting pipe is mounted on the main body frame in a state in which the yarn end untwisting pipe is inserted inside the inner insertion section of the cassette section. According to this yarn joining device, the air flux necessary for untwisting the yarn end can be secured without increasing the pressure of the air to be supplied to the yarn joining device. As a result, the yarn end can be untwisted appropriately, and a yarn joining operation can be performed without any trouble.

In the above explanation, the meaning of "a plurality of" also includes "a predetermined number of".

Claim 1:
A yarn end untwisting pipe (40A, 40B) comprising a hollow pipe main body (<NUM>) that extends in an axial direction (D1),
the pipe main body (<NUM>) including a first end (41a) in the axial direction (D1), and a second end (41b) that is provided on an opposite side of the first end (41a),
the first end (41a) and the second end (41b) are open ends,
the pipe main body (<NUM>) including an injection hole (<NUM>) formed through a peripheral wall (<NUM>) thereof,
a first opening part (<NUM>), which is an inlet of the injection hole (<NUM>), is formed on an outer surface of the peripheral wall (<NUM>), and a second opening part (<NUM>), which is an outlet of the injection hole (<NUM>), is formed on an inner surface of the peripheral wall (<NUM>),
at least a part of the second opening part (<NUM>) is positioned closer to the second end (41b) than the first opening part (<NUM>), and
each of the first opening part (<NUM>) and the second opening part (<NUM>) is an elongated hole that extends in a width direction (D3) that is orthogonal to the axial direction (D1), when viewed from a center line (L2) direction of the injection hole (<NUM>), characterized in that when viewed from the center line (L2) direction of the injection hole (<NUM>), the first opening part (<NUM>) includes
a first edge portion (<NUM>) that extends in the width direction (D3); and
a second edge portion (<NUM>) that extends in the width direction (D3) and is parallel to the first edge portion (<NUM>), and is positioned closer to the first end (41a) than the first edge portion (<NUM>), and
a maximum clearance (W3) of the first opening part (<NUM>) in the width direction (D3) is larger than a clearance (W1) between the first edge portion (<NUM>) and the second edge portion (<NUM>).