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(19) TZZ ¥ T

(11) EP 2 543 757 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.: 09.01.2013 Bulletin 2013/02 D01H 11/00 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 12159017.8

(22) Date of filing: 12.03.2012

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Takahashi, Akira AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Kyoto, 612-8686 (JP) GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR (74) Representative: HOFFMANN EITLE Designated Extension States: Patent- und Rechtsanwälte BA ME Arabellastrasse 4 81925 München (DE) (30) Priority: 05.07.2011 JP 2011149139

(71) Applicant: Murata Machinery, Ltd. Minami-ku Kyoto-shi Kyoto 601-8326 (JP)

(54) Fly waste gathering device, machine, and fly waste gathering method

(57) A fly waste gathering device (6) includes a fly surize the fly waste gathering chamber (37) ; and a filter waste gathering box (31) with a fly waste gathering cham- (39) adapted to catch the fly waste in the air discharged ber (37), an introducing section (34) adapted to introduce from the first discharging section (35). The second dis- air to the fly waste gathering chamber (37), and a first charging section (36) is connected to a main blower. The discharging section (35) and a second discharging sec- fly waste gathering device (6) further includes an open/ tion (36) adapted to discharge the air in the fly waste close means (41) adapted to open/ close the second dis- gathering chamber (37); a suction fan (32) connected to charging section (36) and a shielding member (40) adapt- the first discharging section (35) and adapted to depres- ed to narrow an opening area of the introducing section (34). EP 2 543 757 A2

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 2 543 757 A2 2

Description the surface of the filter, and the configuration adapted to drive the scraper are required, and thus the number of BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION components increases and the device configuration be- comes complex. In the device of Japanese Unexamined 1. Field of the Invention 5 Patent Publication No. 2004-308107, the configuration adapted to separately supply the compressed air and the [0001] The present invention relates to a fly waste configuration such as an ejection tube or a valve adapted gathering device adapted to a fly waste produced to eject the compressed air along a surface of the filter by the operation of a textile machine. are required, and hence the device configuration again 10 becomes complex. 2. Description of the Related Art BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] In a field of textile machines such as a winding device of a , a device adapted to gather and collect [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide flies produced during the operation of the machine 15 a fly waste gathering device capable of removing the fly is conventionally known. This device is generally config- waste accumulated on the filter with a simple configura- ured to suck the air around the area where the cotton tion. flies are produced with a duct and the like, and catch the [0007] A fly waste gathering device of a first aspect is cotton flies in the suctioned air with a filter arranged inside a fly waste gathering device adapted to gather a fly waste the duct and the like. The fly waste gathering function by 20 generated by an operation of a textile machine, the fly the filter lowers as the gathered cotton flies accumulate waste gathering device including a fly waste gathering on the filter, and thus a configuration for cleaning the filter box including a fly waste gathering chamber, an intro- of collecting the cotton flies accumulated on the filter eve- ducing section adapted to introduce air containing the fly ry prescribed time is also normally arranged. waste to the fly waste gathering chamber, and a first dis- [0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 25 charging section and a second discharging section 8-2819 discloses a device adapted to collect the cotton adapted to discharge the air in the fly waste gathering flies produced in a plurality of winding units of an auto- chamber; a fly waste gathering negative pressure source matic winder in a dust box. This device includes a main connected to the first discharging section and adapted duct common to the plurality of winding units of the au- to depressurize the fly waste gathering chamber; and a tomatic winder connected to a line flow fan, which is30 fly waste shielding member arranged in the fly waste adapted to generate a negative pressure, a suction duct gathering chamber and adapted to catch the fly waste in branchedfrom themain duct and opened near eachwind- the air discharged from the first discharging section; ing unit, and a filter bridged in a manner applied with wherein the second discharging section of the fly waste tension in the main duct, where the fly waste floating in gathering box is connected to a fly waste collecting neg- the surrounding area of each winding unit is sucked from 35 ative pressure source different from the fly waste gath- the suction duct and caught by the filter in the main duct. ering negative pressure source adapted to collect the fly Furthermore, a suction nozzle arranged at one end of waste gathered in the fly waste gathering box; and an the filter and connected to a blower in the dust box and open/close means adapted to open/ close the second dis- a scraper, which moves along the filter, are also ar- charging section and a narrowing member adapted to ranged, so that the fly waste is conveyed to the suction 40 narrow an opening area of the introducing section are nozzle while scraping the fly waste accumulated on the further arranged. filter with the scraper and discharged from the suction [0008] When the interior of the fly waste gathering nozzle to the dust box, thus cleaning the filter. chamber is depressurized by the fly waste gathering neg- [0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. ative pressure source connected to the first discharging 2004-308107 discloses a fly waste processing device of 45 section of the fly waste gathering box, the air containing a spinning machine. This device includes a cotton col- the fly waste is introduced from the introducing section lecting chamber in which the pressure is depressurized into the fly waste gathering chamber, where the fly waste by a suction fan so that air is taken in from an external in the air is caught by the fly waste shielding member connection port, a fly waste attachment filter adapted to before the air is passed through the fly waste shielding catch the fly waste in the air taken into the cotton collect- 50 member and discharged from the first discharging sec- ing chamber, a collecting means adapted to remove the tion. When collecting the fly waste gathered by the fly fly waste from the fly waste attachment filter and supply waste gathering box, the second discharging section the same to the collecting chamber, and the like. A con- connected to the fly waste collecting negative pressure figuration of ejecting compressed air along the surface source is opened by the open/close means, and the of the fly waste attachment filter is disclosed for the col- 55 opening area of the introducing section is narrowed by lecting means. the narrowing member. The flow rate of the air introduced [0005] In the device of Japanese Unexamined Patent from the introducing section thus rises, and the fly waste Publication No. 8-2819, the scraper adapted to scrape of the fly waste shielding member is blown away by such

2 3 EP 2 543 757 A2 4 fast airflow thus being discharged to the second discharg- the cutout or the hole of the shielding member is formed ing section. As the fly waste accumulated on the fly waste at the end positioned on the first wall portion side of when shielding member can be reliably removed by effectively the introducing section is shielded, so that a small open using the negative pressure generated by the fly waste portion of the introducing section narrowed by the shield- collecting negative pressure source by simply narrowing 5 ing member is positioned on the first discharging section the opening area of the introducing section, the configu- side. Therefore, the flow of air having a fast flow rate that ration for cleaning the fly waste shielding member be- flowed in from the open portion flows along the fly waste comes very simple. shielding member covering the first discharging section, [0009] In thepresent invention, when referring to "gath- and hence the fly waste accumulated on the fly waste ering" the fly waste, the fly waste at the periphery of the 10 shielding member can be effectively removed. textilemachine is once gathered inthe fly waste gathering [0016] According to the fly waste gathering device of box of the fly waste gathering device. When referring to a fifth aspect, in the second aspect, the introducing sec- "collecting" the fly waste, the fly waste gathered in the fly tion includes a first opening and a second opening having waste gathering box is collected by the negative pressure a smaller opening area than the first opening; and the source (fly waste collecting negative pressure source) 15 shielding member narrows the opening area of the intro- connected to the fly waste gathering device. ducing section by closing the first opening and opening [0010] According to the fly waste gathering device of the second opening. a second aspect, in the first aspect, the narrowing mem- [0017] When cleaning the fly waste shielding member, ber is a shielding member adapted to shield an opening the opening area of the entire introducing section is nar- of the introducing section excluding one portion. 20 rowed by shielding the first opening of the introducing [0011] The opening area of the introducing section is section by the shielding member and opening the second narrowed by shielding the opening of the introducing sec- opening having a smaller opening area than the first tion with the shielding member excluding one portion opening. The opening area of the introducing section of thereof, so that the flow rate of the air to be introduced when cleaning the fly waste shielding member is deter- becomes faster. 25 mined by the size of the second opening, and hence the [0012] According to the fly waste gathering device of opening area does not need to be adjusted (controlled) a third aspect, in the second aspect, the shielding mem- every time the fly waste shielding member is cleaned. ber is formed with a cutout or a hole for opening one part Thesecond opening for cleaning ofthe fly waste shielding of the opening of the introducing section when the open- member can be arranged at a position (position where ing of the introducing section is shielded. 30 air flow is effectively acted on the fly waste shielding [0013] The opening area of the introducing section is member) suited for the cleaning of the fly waste shielding narrowed by opening one part of the opening of the in- member, apart from the first opening for gathering the fly troducing section with the cutout or the hole formed in waste. the shielding member when the opening of the introduc- [0018] According to the fly waste gathering device of ing section is shielded by the shielding member. There- 35 a sixth aspect, in the second aspect, the shielding mem- fore, the opening area does not need to be adjusted (con- ber is configured to be movable along one wall portion trolled) every time the fly waste shielding member is of the fly waste gathering box including the introducing cleaned since the opening area of the introducing section section, and includes a drive means adapted to adjust of when cleaning the fly waste shielding member is de- the opening area of the introducing section by moving termined by the size of the cutout or the hole of the shield- 40 the shielding member along the one wall portion. ing member. [0019] When cleaning the fly waste shielding member, [0014] According to the fly waste gathering device of the opening area of the introducing section is adjusted a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the first discharging by moving the shielding member by the drive means section is arranged in a first wall portion for forming the along one wall portion of the fly waste gathering box pro- fly waste collecting box; the fly waste shielding member 45 vided with the introducing section, and controlling the po- is arranged along the first wall portion to cover the first sition thereof. The opening area of the introducing section discharging section; the introducing section is arranged thus can be freely changed. on a second wall portion that intersects the first wall por- [0020] In the sixth aspect, the drive means may be a tion of the fly waste gathering box; and the cutout or the stepping motor (seventh aspect). Therefore, the opening hole is formed at an end positioned on the first wall portion 50 area of the introducing section can be easily changed by sidewhen the opening ofthe introducingsection isshield- adjusting the number of drive pulses of the stepping mo- ed of the shielding member. tor. [0015] Since the introducing section is arranged on the [0021] According to the fly waste gathering device of second wall portion intersecting the first wall portion an eighthaspect, in thefirst aspect, thefly waste shielding where the first discharging section of the fly waste gath- 55 member is arranged along a wall portion where the first ering box is arranged, the air introduced from the intro- discharging section of the fly waste gathering box is ar- ducing section flows along the fly waste shielding mem- ranged; and the introducing section, the first discharging ber covering the first discharging section. Furthermore, section,and thesecond discharging section arearranged

3 5 EP 2 543 757 A2 6 so that a line connecting the introducing section and the area of the introducing section is narrowed by the nar- second discharging section is parallel to a wall portion of rowing member with the second discharging section the fly waste gathering box where the first discharging opened by the open/close means and the fly waste col- section is arranged. lecting negative pressure source communicated to the [0022] Therefore, the air introduced from the introduc- 5 fly waste collecting negative pressure source, so that the ing section into the fly waste gathering chamber flows to flow rate of the air introduced from the introducing section the second discharging section along the fly waste shield- becomes fast and the fly waste on the fly waste shielding ing member, so that the fly waste accumulated on the fly member is blown away by such fast airflow to be dis- waste shielding member can be easily stripped and the charged to the second discharging section. fly waste can be easily removed. 10 [0029] According to the textile machine of a twelfth as- [0023] According to the fly waste gathering device of pect, in the eleventh aspect, a plurality of fly waste gath- a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the narrowing mem- ering devices are arranged, the fly waste collecting neg- ber narrows the opening area of the introducing section ative pressure source being commonly connected to the by shielding the opening of the introducing section leav- plurality of fly waste gathering devices. ing one portion on the first discharging section side. 15 [0030] Therefore, the cleaning of the fly waste shield- [0024] Therefore, only one portion on the first discharg- ing member of each fly waste gathering device can be ing section side of the opening of the introducing section carried out using the negative pressure of one fly waste is opened, so that the air introduced from the open portion collecting negative pressure source for collecting the fly flows at a fast flow rate along the first wall portion. There- waste gathered by a plurality of fly waste gathering de- fore, the flow of fast flow rate acts on the portion covering 20 vices. the first discharging section of the fly waste shielding [0031] A fly waste collecting method of a thirteenth as- member, and the fly waste can be effectively removed. pect is a method of collecting a fly waste in a textile ma- [0025] According to the fly waste gathering device of chine according to claim 11 or 12, the method including a tenth aspect, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the fly waste the steps of driving the fly waste collecting negative pres- shielding member is a cylindrical filter arranged to con- 25 sure source to catch a fly waste in an air introduced by nect the introducing section and the second discharging the fly waste shielding member while discharging to the section, and extended along the wall portion where the first discharging section the air introduced from the intro- first discharging section is arranged. ducing section to the fly waste collecting chamber with [0026] In such a tubular filter, the area where the fly the second discharging section closed by the open/ close waste attaches increases, and hence the filter is less30 means and the opening area of the introducing section likely to be clogged. not narrowed by the narrowing member when collecting [0027] A textile machine according to an eleventh as- the fly waste with the fly waste gathering device; dis- pect includes a yarn processing device adapted to proc- charging the fly waste caught by the fly waste shielding ess a yarn; a fly waste gathering device adapted to gather member to the second discharging section by the air in- a fly waste produced by an operation of the yarn process- 35 troduced from the introducing section, which opening ar- ing device; and a fly waste collecting negative pressure ea is narrowed, to the fly waste gathering chamber with source connected to the fly waste gathering device and the second discharging section opened by the open/ adapted to collect the fly waste gathered in the fly waste close means and the opening area of the introducing sec- gathering device; wherein the fly waste gathering device tion narrowed by the narrowing member when collecting includes a fly waste gathering box including a fly waste 40 the fly waste gathered by the fly waste gathering device gathering chamber, an introducing section adapted to with the fly waste collecting negative pressure source. introduce air containing the fly waste to the fly waste gath- [0032] Therefore, the open/close operation of the sec- ering chamber, and a first discharging section and a sec- ond discharging section by the open/close means and ond discharging section adapted to discharge the air in the narrowing operation of the opening area of the intro- the fly waste gathering chamber; a fly waste gathering 45 ducing section by the narrowing member are switched, negative pressure source connected to the first discharg- so that the fly waste gathering (capturing) by the fly waste ing section and adapted to depressurize the fly waste shielding member in the fly waste gathering chamber and gathering chamber; and a fly waste shielding member the removal of the fly waste caught by the fly waste shield- arranged in the fly waste gathering chamber and adapted ing member (cleaning of fly waste shielding member) are to catch the fly waste in the air discharged from the first 50 carried out. discharging section; the second discharging section of [0033] According to the fly waste collecting method of the fly waste gathering box is connected to the fly waste a fourteenth aspect, in the thirteenth aspect, the fly waste collecting negative pressure source; and the fly waste gathering negative pressure source of the fly waste gath- gathering device further includes an open/close means ering device is continuously driven even while collecting adapted to open/close the second discharging section 55 the fly waste gathered by the fly waste gathering device and a narrowing member adapted to narrow an opening by the fly waste collecting negative pressure source. area of the introducing section. [0034] The amount of air flowed in from the introducing [0028] According to the present invention, the opening section and directed towards the second discharging

4 7 EP 2 543 757 A2 8 section can be increased by continuously driving the fly DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBOD- waste gathering negative pressure source connected to IMENTS the first discharging section even while opening the sec- ond discharging section and collecting by the fly waste [0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now collecting negative pressure source the fly waste caught 5 be described. The present embodiment serves as an ex- at the fly waste shielding member. Therefore, a great ample in which the present invention is applied to an au- amount of air introduced from the introducing section tomatic winder (textile machine) including a great number flows to the second discharging section, and such airflow of winding units adapted to wind a yarn unwound from a acts to strip the fly waste attached to the fly waste shield- yarn supplying around a winding tube to form a ing member thus effectively removing the fly waste. Fur- 10 wound package. FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic thermore, one part of the great amount of air flowed in winder according to the present embodiment, and FIG. from the introducing section into the fly waste gathering 2 is a front view of one winding unit of the automatic chamber is not discharged from the first discharging sec- winder. tion and the second discharging section, and a whirling [0050] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an automatic winder 1 flow of returning to the introducing section is generated. 15 includes a great number of winding units 2 (yarn process- The effect of stripping the fly waste in the fly waste gath- ing device) arranged in a row in a left and right direction ering chamber from the fly waste shielding member by of FIG. 1, a doffing device 3 arranged to freely travel in the whirling flow is further improved, and the fly waste the arranged direction of the winding units 2 along the can be collected from the second discharging section great number of winding units 2, and a machine control without being left in the fly waste gathering chamber. Fur- 20 device 4 responsible for the overall control of the auto- thermore, the number of start/stop can be reduced by matic winder 1. The machine control device 4 is arranged continuously driving the fly waste gathering negative on one end side in the arranged direction of the winding pressure source, and the lifespan of the fly waste gath- units 2. ering negative pressure source (lifespan of electrical [0051] The automatic winder 1 is configured to send a components such as conductor) can be lengthened. 25 command from the machine control device 4 to each winding unit 2 so that a yarn Y unwound from a yarn BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS supplying bobbin B is wound around a winding tube to form into a package P in the respective winding unit 2. If [0035] FIG. 1 is a front view of an automatic winder a fully-wound package is formed in one winding unit 2, according to a present embodiment; 30 the doffing device 3 moves to the head of the relevant [0036] FIG. 2 is a front view of one winding unit of the winding unit 2 to change the fully-wound package with automatic winder; an empty winding tube. The machine control device 4 [0037] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of controls the operation of each winding unit 2, and also a fly waste gathering device (when gathering fly waste); carries out monitoring of an operation state, setting and [0038] FIG. 4 is a cross- sectional view taken along line 35 storing of operation parameters, and the like. IV-IV of the fly waste gathering device of FIG. 3; [0052] A plurality of fly waste gathering devices 6 [0039] FIG. 5 is a cross- sectional view taken along line adapted to gather the fly waste produced by the respec- V-V of the fly waste gathering device of FIG. 3; tive operation of the winding units 2 is installed on a rear [0040] FIG. 6 is a right side view of the fly waste gath- side (far side in plane of drawing of FIG. 1) of the great ering device of FIG. 3; 40 number of winding units 2. One fly waste gathering device [0041] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of 6 is arranged for every predetermined number of (e.g., the fly waste gathering device (when collecting fly waste); 12 spindles) winding units 2. The plurality of fly waste [0042] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding gathering devices 6 are commonly connected to a fly to FIG. 4 of a fly waste gathering device of a first variant; waste collecting box 5 installed next to the machine con- [0043] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding 45 trol device 4 by a cotton collecting duct 7. A main blower to FIG. 4 of a fly waste gathering device of a second 8 (fly waste collecting negative pressure source) and a variant; filter 9 are arranged in the fly waste collecting box 5, [0044] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross- sectional view of where the fly waste gathered in each of the plurality of a fly waste gathering device of a third variant; fly waste gathering devices 6 is collected in the fly waste [0045] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding 50 collecting box 5 by the main blower 8. The detailed con- to FIG. 4 of a fly waste gathering device of a fourth variant; figuration and the operation of the fly waste gathering [0046] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross- sectional view of device 6 will be specifically described later. a fly waste gathering device of a fifth variant; [0053] The detailed configuration of each winding unit [0047] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross- sectional view of 2 will now be described. The winding unit 2 illustrated in a fly waste gathering device of a sixth variant; and 55 FIG. 2 winds a spun yarn unwound from the yarn sup- [0048] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross- sectional view of plying bobbin B around a winding tube 17 while traversing a fly waste gathering device of a seventh variant. the spun yarn to form into a package P of a predetermined length and a predetermined shape.

5 9 EP 2 543 757 A2 10

[0054] The winding unit 2 (yarn processing device) in- [0060] A lower yarn catching and guiding member 23 cludes a unit machine 10, a yarn supplying section 11 adapted to catch the lower yarn Y1 from the yarn sup- adapted tounwind the yarnY of theyarn supplying bobbin plying bobbin B and guiding the same to the yarn splicing B and supply the yarn Y, a yarn processing executing device 21, and an upper yarn catching and guiding mem- section 12 adapted to carry out various processes with 5 ber 24 adapted to catch the upper yarn Y2 from the pack- respect to the yarn Y supplied from the yarn supplying age P and guiding the same to the yarn splicing device section 11, and a winding section 13 adapted to wind the 21 arearranged aboveand below the yarn splicing device yarn Y processed by the yarn processing executing sec- 21. The lower yarn catching and guiding member 23 and tion 12 around the winding tube to form into the package the upper yarn catching and guiding member 24 both P. The yarn supplying section 11, the yarn processing 10 have one end attached to the unit machine 10 in a freely executing section 12, and the winding section 13 are ar- rotatable manner so as to be able to swing up and down. ranged from top to bottom in such an order. The unit [0061] At the time of the yarn during the unwinding machine 10 includes a unit controller responsible for the from the yarn supplying bobbin B or the yarn breakage control of each section of the winding unit 2, a display by the yarn clearer 22, a suction port 23a of the lower unit showing the operation state of the winding unit 2, an 15 yarn catching and guiding member 23 sucks and catches input unit for signal input to the unit controller, and the like. a yarn end of the lower yarn Y1 and guides the lower [0055] The yarn supplying section 11 includes a peg yarn Y1 to the yarn splicing device 21 by being swung 15 adapted to hold the yarn supplying bobbin B, and an from the bottom to the top. At the same time, the upper unwinding assisting device 16 adapted to assist the un- yarn catching and guiding member 24 has a suction winding of the yarn Y from the yarn supplying bobbin B. 20 mouth 24a thereof swung to a yarn end catching position The unwinding assisting device 16 is a type that controls near a contact point of the package P and the traverse a tubular body, which is movable up and down at an upper drum 18 to suck and catch a yarn end of the upper yarn part of the yarn supplying bobbin B, such that an interval Y2 from the package P at the yarn catching position, and with a distal end (chess portion) of the yarn supplying then again swung downward to guide the upper yarn Y2 bobbin B is maintained substantially constant to stabilize 25 to the yarn splicing device 21. the unwinding of the yarn Y. [0062] The yarn clearer 22 is adapted to detect the [0056] The winding section 13 includes a cradle (not defect of the spun yarn Y, and detects a yarn defect such illustrated) adapted to grip the winding tube 17 in a freely as a slub by processing a signal corresponding to a thick- rotatable manner, and a traverse drum 18. A spiral- ness of the spun yarn Y from the clearer with an appro- shaped traverse groove 18a is formed on a peripheral 30 priate analyzer. A cutter 22a for cutting the yarn when surface of the traverse drum 18, so that the spun yarn Y the yarn defect is detected is arranged on the yarn clearer can be traversed by the traverse groove 18a. As the 22. traverse drum 18 rotates making contact with the pack- [0063] Each winding unit 2 includes two suction noz- age P formed on the winding tube 17 while traversing the zles 25 adapted to suck the fly waste produced by the spun yarn Y by the traverse groove 18a, the package P 35 operation of the winding unit 2. As a great amount of rotates by a contact friction with the traverse drum 18 cotton flies produce during the operation of the winding thus winding the yarn Y unwound from the yarn supplying unit 2, particularly by the yarn unwinding operation from bobbin B around the winding tube 17. the yarn supplying bobbin B and the yarn splicing oper- [0057] The yarn processing executing section 12 in- ation by the yarn splicing device 21, the two suction noz- cludes a yarn filler 19, a tension applying device 20, a 40 zles 25 are installed such that a suction port at a distal yarn splicing device 21, and a yarn clearer 22 (yarn defect end is opened at a proximate position of the unwinding detecting device). assisting device 16 and a lower position of the yarn splic- [0058] The yarn filler 19 detects the presence/ absence ing device 21, respectively, to efficiently suck the cotton of the spun yarn Y between the unwinding assisting de- flies. vice 16 and the tension applying device 20. The tension 45 [0064] The fly waste gathering device 6 will now be applying device 20 applies a predetermined tension on described. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view the travelling spun yarn Y. In FIG. 2, a gate type in which of the fly waste gathering device 6, FIG. 4 is a cross- a movable comb tooth 20b is arranged with respect to a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is fixed comb tooth 20a is illustrated, by way of example. a cross-sectional view taken along line V- V of FIG. 3, and [0059] The yarn splicing device 21 splices a lower yarn 50 FIG. 6 is a right side view of FIG. 3. In the following de- Y1 from the yarn supplying bobbin B and an upper yarn scription of the fly waste gathering device 6, the up and Y2 from the package P after a yarn breakage carried out down, left and right directions in FIG. 3 will be defined as to remove a yarn defect detected by the yarn clearer 22 up, down, left and right. As illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, or after a yarn cut during the unwinding, to be described the fly waste gathering device 6 includes an intake box later. An air splicer adapted to carry out yarn splicing by 55 30 adapted to introduce external air, a fly waste gathering generating an airflow and entangling the fibers of the low- box 31 communicated to the intake box 30 and adapted er yarn Y1 and the upper yarn Y2 is an example of the to gather the fly waste in the air introduced from the intake yarn splicing device 21. box 30, and a suction fan 32 (fly waste gathering negative

6 11 EP 2 543 757 A2 12 pressure source) connected to the fly waste gathering the fly waste contained in the discharged air. It is advan- box 31 and adapted to depressurize the interior of a fly tageous to have the filter 39 as a cylindrical shape since waste gathering chamber 37 in the fly waste gathering the area of the surface for catching the fly waste of the box 31. filter 39 increases and the filter 39 is less likely to get [0065] An opening 32a connected to the suction nozzle 5 clogged. 25 of the corresponding plurality of winding units 2 is [0070] As illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the shielding formed on a back wall portion 30a (wall portion on far member 40 (narrowing member) is a plate- like member, side in plane of drawing of FIG. 3) of the intake box 30. and is configured to be attached in a freely swingable An opening 32b communicated to the fly waste gathering manner with a shaft 42 as the center at the right wall box 31 is formed on a right wall portion 30b of the intake 10 portion 30b of the intake box 30 to shield the opening box 30. 33b of the intake box 30 (opening 33a of introducing sec- [0066] The fly waste gathering box 31 has a rectangu- tion 34 of fly waste gathering box 31). An air cylinder 43 lar solid shape, where a left wall portion 31a is coupled for swing driving the shielding member 40 is arranged on to the right wall portion 30b of the intake box 30. The left the upper surface of the intake box 30. As illustrated in wall portion 31a, a lower wall portion 31b, and a right wall 15 FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, a cutout 40a is formed at the lower portion 31c of the fly waste gathering box 31 are formed end of the plate-like shielding member 40. When the with circular openings 33a, 33b, 33c, respectively. shielding member 40 shields the opening 33a of the in- [0067] The opening33a of the leftwall portion31a (sec- troducing section 34, the portion on the lower side (lower ond wall portion) brought into contact with the intake box wall portion 31b side where first discharging section 35 30 communicates with the opening 32b of the intake box 20 is arranged) of the opening 33a of the introducing section 30, and the opening 33a configures an introducing sec- 34 is opened at the cutout 40a. tion 34 adapted to introduce the air surrounding the wind- [0071] As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, a connecting ing unit 2 into the fly waste gathering chamber in the fly member 44 to be connected to the cotton collecting duct waste gathering box 31 through the intake box 30. The 7 (see FIG. 1) is fixed to the outer surface of the right suction fan 32 is installed on the lower side of the fly25 wall portion 31c of the fly waste gathering box 31. The waste gathering box 31, and the suction fan 32 is covered open/close member 41 is arranged in a freely slidable with a cover member 38 including an exhaust port 38a. manner on the connecting member 44, where the open- The opening 33b of the lower wall portion 31b (first wall ing 33c of the second discharging section 36 is opened/ portion) of the fly waste gathering box 31 is connected closed when the open/close member 41 is slide driven to the suction fan 32 to configure a first discharging sec- 30 by the air cylinder 45. tion 35 adapted to discharge the air in the fly waste gath- [0072] In the present embodiment, the operation of the ering chamber 37. The opening 33c of the right wall por- suction fan 32 of the fly waste gathering device 6, and tion 31c of the fly waste gathering box 31 is connected the operation of the air cylinders 43, 45 for driving the to the cotton collecting duct 7 (see FIG. 1). The opening shielding member 40 and the open/ close member 41 are 33c of the right wall portion 31c is connected to the main 35 controlled by the machine control device 4 (see FIG. 1) blower 8 (fly waste collecting negative pressure source: of the automatic winder 1. see FIG. 1) through the cotton collecting duct 7 to con- [0073] The operation of gathering the fly waste to the figure a second discharging section 36 adapted to dis- fly waste gathering box 31 of the fly waste gathering de- charge the air in the fly waste gathering chamber 37. vice 6 and the operation of collecting the gathered fly [0068] Furthermore, the fly waste gathering device 6 40 waste with the main blower 8 will now be described. includes a filter 39 (fly waste shielding member) arranged [0074] First, when gathering the fly waste drifting in the fly waste gathering chamber 37 of the fly waste around the winding unit 2 in the fly waste gathering box gathering box 31, a shielding member 40 (narrowing 31, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the shielding member 40 does member) adapted to shield the introducing section 34 not shield the opening 33a of the introducing section 34 and narrow the opening area, and an open/ close member 45 so as to be in a completely opened state in which the (open/close means) 41 adapted to open/close the sec- opening area of the introducing section 34 is not nar- ond discharging section 36. rowed, and the second discharging section 36 connect- [0069] As illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the filter 39 ing to the main blower 8 is closed by the open/ close mem- has a cylindrical shape, and is arranged to connect the ber 41 in each of the plurality of fly waste gathering de- opening 33a of the introducing section 34 formed in the 50 vices6. When theinterior of the fly wastegathering cham- left wall portion 31a of the fly waste gathering box 31 and ber 37 is depressurized by the driving of the suction fan the opening 33c of the second discharging section 36 32 in this state, the air containing the fly waste at the formed in the right wall portion 31c. The cylindrical filter surrounding area of the winding unit 2 is sucked from the 39 is also extended along the lower wall portion 31b of suction nozzle 25 (see FIG. 2), and introduced into the the fly waste gathering box 31 so as to cover the opening 55 fly waste gathering chamber 37 from the introducing sec- 33b of the first discharging section 35. When the air in- tion 34 via the intake box 30. Furthermore, the air intro- troduced from the introducing section 34 is discharged duced from the introducing section 34 into the fly waste to the first discharging section 35, the filter 39 catches gathering chamber 37 (interior of cylindrical filter 39) is

7 13 EP 2 543 757 A2 14 passed through the filter 39 and discharged to the first portion (portion immediately above first discharging sec- discharging section 35, where the fly waste 50 contained tion 35) covering the first discharging section 35 of the in the air is caught by the filter 39. cylindrical filter 39, it is preferable to act a strong air flow [0075] With the continuation of the fly waste gathering on such a portion. In this regards, in the present embod- operation, the fly waste 50 starts to accumulate at the 5 iment, the cutout 40a of the shielding member 40 is filter 39 (in particular, portion covering first discharging formed at the lower end thereof, that is, the portion on section 35) and the gathering function gradually lowers, the lower wall portion 31b side where the first discharging and hence the fly waste 50 gathered in the fly waste gath- section 35 is arranged. Therefore, a small opening por- ering box 31 is collected in the fly waste collecting box 5 tion of the introducing section 34 partially opened by the (see FIG. 1) by the negative pressure of the main blower 10 cutout 40a is positioned on the first discharging section 8 every time a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) 35 side, so that the flow of air along the portion covering passes. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first discharging section 35 of the filter 39 becomes the fly waste gathering device 6 of when collecting the faster and the fly waste at such a portion can be reliably fly waste. removed. [0076] When collecting the fly waste 50 in the fly waste 15 [0080] Furthermore, at the time of collecting the fly gathering box 31, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the opening waste, the air in the fly waste gathering chamber 37 is 33a of the introducing section 34 is shielded by the shield- discharged to the second discharging section 36, and at ing member 40 excluding one part on the lower side cor- the same time, the suction fan 32 of the fly waste gath- responding to the cutout 40a, so that the opening area ering device 6 is preferably continuously driven to con- of the introducing section 34 is narrowed. The second 20 tinue the discharge of the air from the first discharging discharging section 36 closed by the open/ close member section 35. The amount of air (air amount that flows in 41 is then opened. The flow of air from the introducing per unit time) that flows in from the introducing section section 34 towards the second discharging section 36 34 towards the second discharging section 36 thus in- thus generates in the fly waste gathering chamber 37, creases. The great amount of air flow flowing from the where the flow rate of the air introduced from the intro- 25 introducing section 34 towards the second discharging ducing section 34 rises as the opening area of the intro- section 36 acts to strip the fly waste attached to the filter ducing section 34 is narrowed, and the fly waste 50 ac- 39 thus effectively removing the fly waste. Furthermore, cumulated on the filter 39 in the fly waste gathering cham- as illustrated in FIG. 7, one part of the great amount of ber 37 is blown away by such fast air flow and discharged air flowing in from the introducing section 34 to the fly to the second discharging section 36. Therefore, the fly 30 waste gathering chamber 37 may not be discharged from waste 50 accumulated on the filter 39 can be reliably the first discharging section 35 and the second discharg- removed by effectively using the negative pressure gen- ing section 36, and a whirling flow returning to the intro- erated by the main blower 8 by simply narrowing the ducing section 34 may occur. The effect of stripping the opening area of the introducing section 34. fly waste in the fly waste gathering chamber 37 from the [0077] The opening area of the introducing section 34 35 filter 39 is thus improved by such whirling flow, so that when cleaning the filter 39 is determined by the size of the fly waste can be collected from the second discharg- the cutout 40a of the shielding member 40, and is set to ing section 36 without being left in the fly waste gathering a predetermined opening area by simply shielding the chamber 37. Furthermore, the suction fan 32 does not introducing section 34 with the shielding member 40. need to be stopped every time the fly waste is to be col- That is, the opening area of the introducing section 34 40 lected by continuously driving the suction fan 32. There- does not need to be adjusted (controlled) every time the fore, the number of times to start/stop the suction fan 32 filter 39 is cleaned. can be reduced, and the lifespan of the suction fan 32 [0078] In the present embodiment, in particular, the in- (lifespan of electrical components such as conductor) troducing section 34 is arranged on the left wall portion can be lengthened. 31a orthogonal to the lower wall portion 31b where the 45 [0081] Thus, according to the fly waste gathering de- first discharging section 35 of the fly waste gathering box vice 6 of the present embodiment, the fly waste accumu- 31 is arranged, and the second discharging section 36 lated on the filter 39 can be removed by effectively using is arranged at a position the introducing section the negative pressure generated by the main blower 8 34 of the right wall portion 31c opposing the left wall por- by simply narrowing the opening area of the introducing tion 31a. Thus, a line connecting the introducing section 50 section 34 with the shielding member 40, so that the con- 34 and the second discharging section 36 is parallel to figuration for cleaning the filter 39 becomes very simple. the lower wall portion 31b where the first discharging sec- [0082] In the present embodiment, the cleaning of the tion 35 is arranged. Thus, the air introduced from the filter 39 of the plurality of fly waste gathering devices 6 introducing section 34 into the fly waste gathering cham- is carried out using the negative pressure of the one main ber 37 flows along the filter 39 covering the first discharg- 55 blower8 (seeFIG. 1) commonly connected tothe plurality ing section 35, and hence the fly waste 50 accumulated of fly waste gathering devices 6 and adapted to collect on the filter 39 can be easily blown away. the fly waste from the plurality of fly waste gathering de- [0079] As the fly waste 50 accumulates the most at the vices 6.

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[0083] If the collecting of the fly waste (cleaning of filter ing 34a. In this case, the shielding member 40 opens the 39) of all the fly waste gathering devices 6 is simultane- first opening 34a and shields the second opening 34b ously carried out, the negative pressure of the cotton col- (position of chain double dashed line in FIG. 10) when lecting duct 7 weakens and the effect of cleaning the filter gatheringthe cottonflies. When collectingthe cottonflies, 39 lowers. Furthermore, in the fly waste gathering device 5 the shielding member 40 closes the first opening 34a and 6 carrying out the collecting of the fly waste, the intake opens the second opening 34b (position of solid line in amount of air to the fly waste gathering box 31 is signif- FIG. 10), so that the opening area of the introducing sec- icantly reduced and the fly waste is barely gathered, and tion 34 is narrowed compared to when gathering the cot- hence if the collecting of the fly waste of all the fly waste ton flies. In this configuration, the second opening 34b gathering devices 6 is simultaneously carried out, the 10 for cleaning the filter 39 can be arranged at a position gathering of the fly waste may stop substantially com- suited for cleaning the filter 39 (position where airflow pletely in all the winding units 2 during such time. There- can be effectively acted on the filter 39) apart from the fore, it is preferable to carry out the collecting of the fly first opening 34a for gathering the cotton flies. Specifi- waste of the fly waste gathering device 6 by the main cally, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second opening 34b blower 8 in order one at a time. 15 can be arranged at a position proximate to the lower part [0084] Variants in which various modifications are where most amount of the fly wastes 50 are accumulated made on the embodiment described above will now be on the cylindrical filter 39. Moreover, two shielding mem- described. The same reference numerals are denoted bers 40 adapted to open/ close the first opening 34a and on those having a configuration similar to the embodi- the second opening 34b, respectively, may be provided, ment described above, and the description thereof will 20 where one of the first opening 34a and the second open- be appropriately omitted. ing 34b may be selectively opened by the two shielding [0085] 1) The narrowing member adapted to narrow members 40. the opening area of the introducing section 34 of the fly waste gathering box 31 is not limited to the shielding (Fourth variant) member 40 of the embodiment described above, and the 25 configuration may be appropriately changed as will be [0089] If the shielding member 40 is slidably movable illustrated below. along the wall portion 31a of the fly waste gathering box 31 where the introducing section 34 is arranged, the po- (First variant) sition of the shielding member 40 may be adjusted by an 30 appropriate driving means 48 to adjust the opening area [0086] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a hole 40b may be of the introducing section 34, as illustrated in FIG. 11. In formed in place of the cutout 40a of the shielding member such a configuration, the opening area of the introducing 40 of the embodiment. In such a configuration as well, section 34 can be freely changed. Through the use of the opening area of the introducing section 34 of when the stepping motor for the driving means 48, the opening cleaning the filter 39 is determined with only the size of 35 area of the introducing section 34 can be simply changed the hole 40b, similar to the cutout 40a. That is, a prede- by adjusting the number of drive pulses of the stepping termined opening area is set by simply shielding the in- motor. In addition, an air cylinder capable of stroke ad- troducing section 34 with the shielding member 40. Sim- justment may be adopted for the driving means 48. ilar to the cutout 40a of the embodiment, the hole 40b of [0090] 2) The filter 39 is not limited to a cylindrical the first variant is also preferably arranged at the lower 40 shape, and the shape may be appropriately changed. end side portion of the shielding member 40 (portion po- For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a flat sheet-like sitioned on first discharging section 35 side in shielding filter 39 adapted to cover the entire surface of the first position). discharging section 35 of the fly waste gathering box 31 may be adopted (fifth variant). (Second variant) 45 [0091] 3) In the embodiment described above, the in- troducing section 34, the first discharging section 35, and [0087] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the shielding member the second discharging section 36 are respectively ar- 40 including the cutout 40a (or hole 40b) may be slidable ranged so that the air introduced from the introducing along the wall portion 31a of the fly waste gathering box section 34 flows along the filter 39 in the fly waste gath- 31 where the introducing section 34 is arranged, and may 50 ering box 31, but a configuration in which the air intro- be driven by a driving means such as an air cylinder 46. duced from the introducing section 34 hits the filter 39 may be adopted (sixth variant). For instance, as illustrat- (Third variant) ed in FIG. 13, the filter 39 may be arranged to cover the first discharging section 35 arranged on the lower wall [0088] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the introducing section 55 portion 31b of the fly waste gathering box 31, and then 34 of the fly waste gathering box 31 may have a config- the introducing section 34 and the shielding member 40 uration including a first opening 34a and a second open- adapted to narrow the opening area of the introducing ing 34b having a smaller opening area than the first open- section 34 may be arranged on the upper wall portion

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31d of the fly waste gathering box 31. an open/close means (41) adapted to open/ [0092] 4) In the embodiment described above, as illus- close the second discharging section (36) and trated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, the introducing section 34 is a narrowing member (40) adapted to narrow an arranged on the left wall portion 31a, the first discharging opening area of the introducing section (34) are section 35 is arranged on the lower wall portion 31b, and 5 further arranged. the second discharging section 36 is arranged on the right wall portion 31c of the fly waste gathering box 31, 2. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim so that the air introduced from the introducing section 34 1, characterized in that the narrowing member (40) flows to the second discharging section 36 along the filter is a shielding member (40) adapted to shield an 39 covering the first discharging section 35. As the fly 10 opening of the introducing section (34) excluding one waste 50 accumulated on the filter 39 can be blown away portion. by the airflow from the introducing section 34 towards the second discharging section 36 with this configuration 3. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim alone, the narrowing member (shielding member 40) 2, characterized in that the shielding member (40) adapted to narrow the opening area of the introducing 15 is formed with a cutout (40a) or a hole (40b) for open- section 34 may be omitted, as illustrated in FIG. 14 (sev- ing one part of the opening of the introducing section enth variant). (34) when the opening of the introducing section (34) [0093] 5) The embodiment described above is an ex- is shielded. ample in which the present invention is applied to the automatic winder, but the present invention may be ap- 20 4. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim plied to other textile machines that produce fly wastes 3, characterized in that during the yarn processing such as a spinning machine the first discharging section (35) is arranged in a first other than the automatic winder. wall portion (31b) for forming the fly waste collecting The features of all dependent claims and all embodi- box (31); ments can be combined with each other as long as they 25 the fly waste shielding member (39) is arranged do not contradict each other. along the first wall portion (31b) to cover the first discharging section (35); the introducing section (34) is arranged on a second Claims wall portion (31a) that intersects the first wall portion 30 (31b) of the fly waste gathering box (31); and 1. A fly waste gathering device (6) adapted to gather a the cutout (40a) or the hole (40b) is formed at an end fly waste generated by an operation of a textile ma- positioned on the first wall portion (31b) side when chine, the fly waste gathering device (6) character- the opening of the introducing section (34) is shield- ized by comprising: ed of the shielding member (40). 35 a fly waste gathering box (31) including 5. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim a fly waste gathering chamber (37), 2, characterized in that an introducing section (34) adapted to introduce the introducing section (34) includes a first opening air containing the fly waste to the fly waste gath- (34a) and a second opening (34b) having a smaller ering chamber (37), and 40 opening area than the first opening (34a); and a first discharging section (35) and a second dis- the shielding member (40) narrows the opening area charging section (36) adapted to discharge the of the introducing section (34) by closing the first air in the fly waste gathering chamber (37); opening (34a) and opening the second opening a fly waste gathering negative pressure source (34b). (32) connected to the first discharging section 45 (35) and adapted to depressurize the fly waste 6. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim gathering chamber (37); and 2, characterized in that a fly waste shielding member (39) arranged in the shielding member (40) is configured to be mov- the fly waste gathering chamber (37) and adapt- able along one wall portion of the fly waste gathering ed to catch the fly waste in the air discharged 50 box (31) including the introducing section (34), and from the first discharging section (35); wherein includes a drive means (48) adapted to adjust the the second discharging section (36) of the fly opening area of the introducing section (34) by mov- waste gathering box (31) is connected to a fly ing the shielding member (40) along the one wall waste collecting negative pressure source (8) portion. different from the fly waste gathering negative 55 pressure source (32) adapted to collect the fly 7. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim waste gathered in the fly waste gathering box 6, characterized in that the drive means (48) is a (31); and stepping motor.

10 19 EP 2 543 757 A2 20

8. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim waste gathering box (31) is connected to the fly 1, characterized in that waste collecting negative pressure source (8); the fly waste shielding member (39) is arranged and along a wall portion where the first discharging sec- the fly waste gathering device (6) further in- tion (35) of the fly waste gathering box (31) is ar- 5 cludes an open/close means (41) adapted to ranged; and open/close the second discharging section (36) the introducing section (34), the first discharging sec- and a narrowing member (40) adapted to narrow tion (35), and the second discharging section (36) an opening area of the introducing section (34). are arranged so that a line connecting the introducing section (34) and the second discharging section (36) 10 12. The textile machine according to claim 11, charac- is parallel to a wall portion of the fly waste gathering terized in that a plurality of fly waste gathering de- box (31) where the first discharging section (35) is vices (6) are arranged, the fly waste collecting neg- arranged. ative pressure source (8) being commonly connect- ed to the plurality of fly waste gathering devices (6). 9. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim 15 8, characterized in that the narrowing member (40) 13. A method of collecting a fly waste in a textile machine narrows the opening area of the introducing section according to claim 11 or 12, the method character- (34) by shielding the opening of the introducing sec- ized by comprising the steps of: tion (34) leaving one portion on the first discharging section (35) side. 20 drivingthe flywaste collectingnegative pressure source (32) to catch a fly waste in an air intro- 10. The fly waste gathering device (6) according to claim duced by the fly waste shielding member (39) 8 or 9, characterized in that the fly waste shielding while discharging to the first discharging section member (39) is a cylindrical filter arranged to connect (35) the air introduced from the introducing sec- the introducing section (34) and the second dis-25 tion (34) to the fly waste collecting chamber (37) charging section (36), and extended along the wall with the second discharging section (36) closed portion where the first discharging section (35) is ar- by the open/close means (41) and the opening ranged. area of the introducing section (34) not narrowed by the narrowing member (40) when collecting 11. A textile machine characterized by comprising: 30 the fly waste with the fly waste gathering device (6); a yarn processing device (2) adapted to process discharging the fly waste caught by the fly waste a yarn; shielding member (39) to the second discharg- a fly waste gathering device (6) adapted to gath- ing section (36) by the air introduced from the er a fly waste produced by an operation of the 35 introducing section (34), which opening area is yarn processing device (2); and narrowed, to the fly waste gathering chamber a fly waste collecting negative pressure source (37) with the second discharging section (36) (8) connected to the fly waste gathering device opened by the open/close means (41) and the (6) and adapted to collect the fly waste gathered opening area of the introducing section (34) nar- in the fly waste gathering device (6); wherein 40 rowed by the narrowing member (40) when col- the fly waste gathering device (6) includes lecting the fly waste gathered by the fly waste a fly waste gathering box (31) including gathering device (6) with the fly waste collecting a fly waste gathering chamber (37), negative pressure source (8). an introducing section (34) adapted to introduce air containing the fly waste to the fly waste gath- 45 14. The method of collecting the fly waste according to ering chamber (37), and claim 13, characterized in that the fly waste gath- a first discharging section (35) and a second dis- ering negative pressure source (32) of the fly waste charging section (36) adapted to discharge the gathering device (6) is continuously driven even air in the fly waste gathering chamber (37); while collecting the fly waste gathered by the fly a fly waste gathering negative pressure source 50 waste gathering device (6) by the fly waste collecting (32) connected to the first discharging section negative pressure source (8). (35) and adapted to depressurize the fly waste gathering chamber (37); and a fly waste shielding member (39) arranged in the fly waste gathering chamber (37) and adapt- 55 ed to catch the fly waste in the air discharged from the first discharging section (35); the second discharging section (36) of the fly

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• JP 8002819 A [0003] [0005] • JP 2004308107 A [0004] [0005]

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