EP4102934A1

EP4102934A1 - Heater and yarn processor

Info

Publication number: EP4102934A1
Application number: EP22174811.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Takayuki Horimoto; Shigeki Kitagawa
Original assignee: TMT Machinery Inc
Current assignee: TMT Machinery Inc
Priority date: 2021-06-09
Filing date: 2022-05-23
Publication date: 2022-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2042-05-23
Also published as: JP2022188749A; TW202248485A; CN115449933A; EP4102934B1

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to suppress the decrease in temperature of a yarn running space, etc. due to disturbance factors, and to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. even when the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. is decreased. A first heater 13 (i.e., heater) configured to heat a yarn Y running in a yarn running space S includes a heat source 51 and a heating unit 52. The heating unit 52 is configured to be heated by the heat source 51, and forms the yarn running space S extending at least in a predetermined first direction. The heating unit 52 includes a first heating member 53 made of a first material and a second heating member 54 made of a second material. The second heating member 54 is provided at least between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space S in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction. The second material is lower in volumetric specific heat than the first material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heater configured to heat a yarn and a yarn processor including the heater.
Patent Literature 1 ( Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-146640 ) discloses a heat treatment device (i.e., heater) configured to heat a yarn which is being processed, e.g., false-twisted. The heater includes a sheathed heater (i.e., heat source) and a main body (i.e., heating unit) of the heater. The heating unit is configured to be heated by the heat source, and forms a predetermined yarn running space in which the yarn runs. To be more specific, the heating unit includes a heating plate made of copper alloy. Typically, copper alloy has a relatively large heat capacity. It is therefore possible to suppress the decrease in temperature of the heating unit due to disturbance factors (such as outside air entering the yarn running space for some reason).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The heat capacity of a heating unit is preferably and considerably increased in order to certainly suppress the variation in temperature of the heating unit due to disturbance factors. However, the size of a heater may be also considerably increased in this case. Therefore, the heating unit is typically designed to have a relatively large heat capacity in consideration of the balance between the suppression of the increase in size of the device and the suppression of the variation in temperature due to the disturbance factors. However, in such a structure, once the temperature of the heating unit is decreased by the disturbance factors, the temperature in a yarn running space and/or components forming the yarn running space (hereinafter, the yarn running space and/or the components will be referred to as the yarn running space, etc.) is also decreased. In this case, it may take a long time to increase the temperature of the heating unit and the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. to a set temperature again.
An object of the present invention is to suppress the decrease in temperature of the yarn running space, etc. due to the disturbance factors, and to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. even when the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. is decreased.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a heater includes: a heat source; and a heating unit configured to be heated by the heat source and forming a yarn running space extending at least in a predetermined first direction, the heater being configured to heat a yarn running in the yarn running space, and the heating unit includes: a first heating member provided not to make contact with the yarn running in the yarn running space, the first heating member being made of a first material; and a second heating member provided at least between the heat source and the yarn running space so as not to make contact with the yarn running in the yarn running space in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction, the second heating member being made of a second material which is lower in volumetric specific heat than the first material.
Because the first material forming the first heating member is a material having the volumetric specific heat which is relatively high, the decrease in temperature of the heating unit due to disturbance factors is suppressed to some degree. According to this aspect of the invention, the volumetric specific heat of the second material is low, with the result that the temperature of the second heating member made of the second material is increased more rapidly than that of the first heating member. Because of this, the yarn running space, etc. is rapidly heated through the second heating member which is provided between the heat source and the yarn running space (the details will be described later). This rapid heating makes it possible to suppress the decrease in temperature of the yarn running space, etc. due to the disturbance factors. Furthermore, even when the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. is decreased by the disturbance factors, the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. is rapidly increased.
According to a second aspect of the invention, the heater of the first aspect is arranged such that the second heating member is in contact with the heat source.
According to this aspect of the invention, heat generated by the heat source is rapidly transmitted to the second heating member. It is therefore possible to effectively increase the temperature of the second heating member.
According to a third aspect of the invention, the heater of the first or second aspect is arranged such that the second heating member is in contact with the first heating member.
For example, a heat source configured to heat the first heating member and a heat source configured to heat the second heating member may be independently provided so that the second heating member is separated from the first heating member. However, the increase in production cost of the heater occurs in this case because of the increase in production cost of members forming the heat source. According to this aspect of the invention, the second heating member is in contact with the first heating member. It is therefore possible to rapidly heat the first heating member through the second heating member while the increase in production cost is suppressed.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the heater of any one of the first to third aspects is arranged such that a ratio of the heat capacity of the second heating member to the heat capacity of the first heating member is 20 % or more and 40 % or less.
When the temperature of the heating unit is decreased by the disturbance factors in a structure in which the heat capacity of the second heating member is too low as compared to that of the first heating member, it may disadvantageously take time to increase the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. again. However, when the heat capacity of the second heating member is too high as compared to that of the first heating member, the temperature of the heating unit may vary because of trivial disturbance factors. As a result, the temperature of the yarn running space, etc. may be unstable. According to this aspect of the invention, the heat capacity of the second heating member is not too high and not too low as compared to that of the first heating member. It is therefore possible (i) to reinforce the heating unit against the disturbance factors to some degree and (ii) to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space, etc.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the heater of any one of the first to fourth aspects is arranged such that the second material includes fiber materials.
According to this aspect of the invention, the heat conductivity of the second material is anisotropic in such a way that the fiber materials are oriented in a particular direction. It is therefore possible to very rapidly transmit heat in a particularly desired direction.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the heater of the fifth aspect is arranged such that the fiber materials are carbon fibers.
The carbon fibers are light and have a high heat conductivity. It is therefore possible to very rapidly transmit heat in the particularly desired direction. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the heater.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the heater of the sixth aspect is arranged such that the carbon fibers are pitch-based fibers.
Typically, pitch-based carbon fibers and PAN-based carbon fibers have been known as the carbon fibers. The pitch-based carbon fibers are higher in heat conductivity than the PAN-based carbon fibers. According to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to further increase the heat conductivity of the second material by using the pitch-based carbon fibers as the carbon fibers.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the heater of the sixth or seventh aspect is arranged such that the second material is a composite material of the carbon fibers and graphite.
The composite material of the carbon fibers and graphite has a very high heat conductivity. It is therefore possible to further increase the heat conductivity of the second material by using the composite material of the carbon fibers and graphite as the second material.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, the heater of the sixth or seventh aspect is arranged such that the second material is a composite material of the carbon fibers and resin.
The composite material of the carbon fibers and resin is more inexpensive than the composite material of the carbon fibers and graphite. It is therefore possible to suppress the increase in production cost of the heater by using the composite material of the carbon fibers and resin as the second material.
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the heater of any one of the first to ninth aspects is arranged such that the second heating member is provided to extend at least in the first direction, and the second material is higher in heat conductivity than the first material at least in the first direction.
According to this aspect of the invention, heat is rapidly transmitted through the second heating member in the first direction. It is therefore possible to suppress the dispersion in temperature of the yarn running space, etc. in the first direction.
According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the heater of any one of the first to tenth aspects is arranged such that, when a direction in which a predetermined virtual linear line extends from the heat source toward the yarn running space in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction, the second material is higher in heat conductivity than the first material at least in the second direction.
According to this aspect of the invention, heat is rapidly transmitted from the heat source to the yarn running space, etc. through the second heating member. It is therefore possible to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space, etc.
According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the heater of any one of the first to eleventh aspects is arranged such that the heating unit includes a contact member which extends at least in the first direction and with which the yarn makes contact.
According to this aspect of the invention, when the contact member is provided as in this aspect, the temperature of the contact member is effectively increased in such a way that the temperature of the second heating member is rapidly increased.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, the heater of the twelfth aspect is arranged such that the contact member is in contact with the second heating member.
According to this aspect of the invention, the temperature of the contact member is effectively increased by heat conduction between the contact member and the second heating member in which the temperature is rapidly increased.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, the heater of the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is arranged such that the contact member is attachable to and detachable from the heating unit.
Typically, when the running yarn is processed, oil is applied to the running yarn for smooth running of the yarn. When this oil and/or scum accumulate/accumulates in the contact member, the yarn may not properly run. It is therefore necessary to regularly clean the contact member. According to this aspect of the invention, because the contact member is temporarily detachable from the heating unit, the efficiency of maintenance such as cleaning of the contact member (e.g., removal of oil) is considerably increased.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a yarn processor includes: the heater according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects; a yarn deformation applying device configured to deform the yarn; and a yarn supplying device configured to supply the yarn to the heater and the yarn deformation applying device, the yarn supplying device being provided for causing the yarn to run, and the yarn processor is configured to process the yarn while causing the yarn to run.
According to this aspect of the invention, the variation in heating temperature required for processing the yarn due to the disturbance factors is suppressed. It is therefore possible to suppress the variation in quality of the yarn processed by the yarn processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a profile of a false-twist texturing machine configured to embody a manufacturing method of processed yarns in an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the false-twist texturing machine, expanded along paths of the yarns.
Each of FIGs. 3(a) to 3(d) illustrates a first heater.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3(b).
FIG. 5 shows a table of physical properties of first and second heating members.
FIG. 6 shows a table of physical properties of first and second heating members in a modification.
FIG. 7 is a cross section taken along a direction orthogonal to a first direction of a first heater in another modification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following will describe an embodiment of the present invention. A vertical direction to the sheet of FIG. 1 is defined as a base longitudinal direction, and a left-right direction to the sheet of FIG. 1 is defined as a base width direction. A direction orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction and the base width direction is defined as an up-down direction (i.e., vertical direction) in which the gravity acts. In this regard, the base longitudinal direction and the base width direction are substantially in parallel to the horizontal direction.

(Overall Structure of False-Twist Texturing Machine)

To begin with, the following will describe the overall structure of a false-twist texturing machine 1 (i.e., yarn processor of the present invention) configured to embody a manufacturing method of processed yarns in the present embodiment, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a profile of the false-twist texturing machine 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the false-twist texturing machine 1, expanded along paths of yarns Y (i.e., yarn paths).
The false-twist texturing machine 1 is able to false-twist the yarns Y formed of synthetic fibers. Each yarn Y is, e.g., a multi-filament yarn formed of plural filaments. Alternatively, each yarn Y may be formed of one filament. The false-twist texturing machine 1 includes a yarn supplying unit 2, a processing unit 3, and a winding unit 4. The yarn supplying unit 2 is able to supply the yarns Y. The processing unit 3 is configured to pull out the yarns Y from the yarn supplying unit 2 and to false-twist the yarns Y. The winding unit 4 is configured to wind the yarns Y which have been processed by the processing unit 3 onto winding bobbins Bw. Components of the yarn supplying unit 2, the processing unit 3, and the winding unit 4 are aligned to form plural lines (see FIG. 2) in the base longitudinal direction. The base longitudinal direction is a direction orthogonal to a yarn running surface (i.e., sheet of FIG. 1) on which yarn paths of the yarns Y from the yarn supplying unit 2 to the winding unit 4 through the processing unit 3 are provided.
The yarn supplying unit 2 includes a creel stand 7 retaining yarn supply packages Ps, and is configured to supply the yarns Y to the processing unit 3. The processing unit 3 is configured to pull out the yarns Y from the yarn supplying unit 2 and to process the yarns Y. In the processing unit 3, for example, the following components are provided in this order from the upstream side in a yarn running direction in which the yarns Y run: first feed rollers 11 (i.e., yarn supplying devices of the present invention); twist-stopping guides 12; first heaters 13 (i.e., heaters of the present invention); coolers 14; false-twisting devices 15 (i.e., yarn deformation applying devices of the present invention); second feed rollers 16; interlacing devices 17; third feed rollers 18; a second heater 19; and fourth feed rollers 20. The winding unit 4 includes winding devices 21. Each winding device 21 is configured to wind corresponding one of the yarns Y, which have been false-twisted by the processing unit 3, onto one winding bobbin Bw and to form one wound package Pw.
The false-twist texturing machine 1 includes a main frame 8 and a winding base 9 that are spaced apart from each other in the base width direction. The main frame 8 and the winding base 9 are substantially identical in length in the base longitudinal direction. The main frame 8 and the winding base 9 oppose each other in the base width direction. The false-twist texturing machine 1 includes units which are termed spans each of which includes a pair of the main frame 8 and the winding base 9. In one span, each device is placed so that the yarns Y running while being aligned in the base longitudinal direction can be simultaneously false-twisted. In the false-twist texturing machine 1, the spans are placed in a left-right symmetrical manner to the sheet, with a center line C of the base width direction of the main frame 8 being set as a symmetry axis. (That is, the main frame 8 is shared between the left span and the right span.) The spans are aligned in the base longitudinal direction.

(Processing Unit)

The structure of the processing unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Each first feed roller 11 is configured to unwind one yarn Y from one yarn supply package Ps attached to the yarn supplying unit 2, and to feed the yarn Y to one first heater 13. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, each first feed roller 11 is configured to feed one yarn Y to the first heater 13. Alternatively, each first feed roller 11 may be able to feed adjacent yarns Y to the downstream side in the yarn running direction. Each twist-stopping guide 12 is provided to prevent twist of the yarn Y from being propagated to the upstream side of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The twist of the yarn Y is formed by a corresponding false-twisting device 15.
Each first heater 13 is configured to heat the yarns Y fed from some first feed rollers 11. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, each first heater 13 is able to heat two yarns Y. Each first heater 13 will be detailed later.
Each cooler 14 is configured to cool one of the yarns Y heated by the first heater 13. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, each cooler 14 is configured to cool one yarn Y. Alternatively, the cooler 14 may be able to simultaneously cool plural yarns Y. Each false-twisting device 15 is provided downstream of a corresponding cooler 14 in the yarn running direction, and configured to twist the yarn Y. Each false-twisting device 15 is, e.g., a so-called disc-friction false-twisting device. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Each second feed roller 16 is configured to feed the yarn Y processed by the false-twisting device 15 to a corresponding interlacing device 17. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each second feed roller 16 is higher than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each first feed roller 11. Because of this, the yarn Y is therefore drawn and false-twisted between each first feed roller 11 and each second feed roller 16.
Each interlacing device 17 is configured to interlace the yarn Y. Each interlacing device 17 has, e.g., a known interlace nozzle configured to interlace the yarn Y by means of an airflow.
Each third feed roller 18 is configured to feed the yarn Y running downstream of a corresponding interlacing device 17 in the yarn running direction, to the second heater 19. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, each third feed roller 18 is configured to feed one yarn Y to the second heater 19. Alternatively, each third feed roller 18 may be able to feed adjacent yarns Y to the downstream side in the yarn running direction. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each third feed roller 18 is lower than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each second feed roller 16. The yarn Y is therefore relaxed between each second feed roller 16 and each third feed roller 18. The second heater 19 is configured to heat the yarns Y fed from some third feed rollers 18. The second heater 19 extends along the vertical direction, and one second heater 19 is provided in one span. Each fourth feed roller 20 is configured to feed one of the yarns Y heated by the second heater 19 to a corresponding winding device 21. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, each fourth feed roller 20 is configured to feed one yarn Y to the winding device 21. Alternatively, each fourth feed roller 20 may be able to feed adjacent yarns Y to the downstream side in the yarn running direction. The conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each fourth feed roller 20 is lower than the conveyance speed of conveying the yarn Y by each third feed roller 18. The yarn Y is therefore relaxed between each third feed roller 18 and each fourth feed roller 20.
In the processing unit 3 structured as described above, each of the yarns Y drawn between the first feed rollers 11 and the second feed rollers 16 is twisted by a corresponding false-twisting device 15. The twist formed by the false-twisting device 15 propagates to a corresponding twist-stopping guide 12, but does not propagate to the upstream side of the twist-stopping guide 12 in the yarn running direction. The yarn Y which is twisted and drawn is heated by one first heater 13 and thermally set. After that, the yarn Y is cooled by a corresponding cooler 14. The yarn Y is untwisted on the downstream side of the false-twisting device 15 in the yarn running direction. However, the yarn Y is maintained to be wavy in shape on account of the thermal setting described above (i.e., crimp contraction of the yarn Y is maintained) .
While being relaxed between a corresponding second feed roller 16 and a corresponding third feed roller 18, the false-twisted yarn Y is interlaced by a corresponding interlacing device 17 or run without being combined. After that, the yarn Y is guided toward the downstream side in the yarn running direction. Subsequently, the yarn Y is heattreated by the second heater 19 while being relaxed between the third feed roller 18 and a corresponding fourth feed roller 20. Finally, the yarn Y which is fed by the fourth feed roller 20 is wound onto a corresponding winding device 21.

(Winding Unit)

The structure of the winding unit 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The winding unit 4 includes the winding devices 21. Each winding device 21 is able to wind one yarn Y onto one winding bobbin Bw. The winding device 21 includes a fulcrum guide 41, a traverse unit 42, and a cradle 43. The fulcrum guide 41 is a guide which is a fulcrum when the yarn Y is traversed. The traverse unit 42 is able to traverse the yarn Y by means of a traverse guide 45. The cradle 43 is configured to rotatably support the winding bobbin Bw. A contact roller 46 is provided in the vicinity of the cradle 43. The contact roller 46 is configured to apply a contact pressure to one wound package Pw by making contact with the surface of the wound package Pw. In the winding unit 4 structured as described above, the yarn Y which is fed from the above-described fourth feed roller 20 is wound onto the winding bobbin Bw by each winding device 21, and the wound package Pw is formed.

(First Heater)

The following will describe each first heater 13 with reference to FIGs. 3(a) to 3(d). FIG. 3(a) illustrates the first heater 13 which is viewed in the base longitudinal direction so that a direction in which the first heater 13 extends (i.e., first direction described later) is identical with the left-right direction of the sheet of FIG. 3(a). FIG. 3(b) is a cross section taken along a line Ab-Ab in FIG. 3(a). FIG. 3(c) is a cross section taken along a line Ac-Ac in FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3(d) is a cross section taken along a line Ad-Ad in FIG. 3(b). A direction orthogonal to both the base longitudinal direction and the later-described first direction is defined as a height direction (see FIG. 3(b)). In each of FIGs. 3(a) to 3(d), the upper side of the sheet is defined as one side in the height direction, and the lower side of the sheet is defined as the other side in the height direction.
The first heater 13 is configured to heat at least one running yarn Y. In the present embodiment, the first heater 13 is able to heat two yarns Y (i.e., yarn Ya and Yb). The first heater 13 extends in a predetermined first direction orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction (see FIG. 3(a), etc.). The first heater 13 includes a heat source 51 and a heating unit 52. The first heater 13 is configured to simultaneously heat the running yarns Ya and Yb by means of the heating unit 52 which is heated by the heat source 51.
The heat source 51 includes, e.g., a known sheathed heater (i.e., electric heater). The sheathed heater includes a heating wire (such as a coil) and a pipe surrounding the heating wire. The sheathed heater is configured to generate Joule heat when an electrical current flows in the heating wire. The heat source 51 extends in the first direction (see FIG. 3(c)). The heat source 51 is, e.g., substantially circular (see FIG. 3(b)) in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The heat source 51 is electrically connected to a controller 100 (see FIG. 3(c)) programmed to control a heating temperature (i.e., temperature of the heating unit 52). The controller 100 is able to set the heating temperature of the first heater 13. The controller 100 is programmed to control the first heater 13 based on a value of the set heating temperature of the first heater 13. For example, the controller 100 may control the first heater 13 in consideration of (i) the set heating temperature of the first heater 13 and (ii) a detection result by a temperature sensor (not illustrated) configured to detect an actual temperature of the heating unit 52.
The heating unit 52 is configured to be heated by heat which is generated by the heat source 51. The heating unit 52 extends in the first direction along the heat source 51 (see FIG. 3(c)). The heating unit 52 is provided with yarn running spaces S (see FIGs. 3(b) and 3(d)) which are formed at least along the first direction so as to allow the yarns Y to run. As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the present embodiment, two yarn running spaces S (i.e., yarn running spaces Sa and Sb) in which the two yarns Ya and Yb respectively run are formed. The heating unit 52 heated by the heat source 51 is configured to heat the yarn Ya running in the yarn running space Sa and the yarn Yb running in the yarn running space Sb. The heating unit 52 will be detailed later.
The heat capacity of each component forming the heating unit 52 is preferably and considerably increased in order to certainly suppress the variation in temperature of the heating unit 52 due to disturbance factors (such as outside air which is suddenly applied to the heating unit 52). However, the size of the first heater 13 may be also considerably increased in this case. Therefore, the heating unit 52 is typically designed to have a relatively large heat capacity in consideration of the balance between the suppression of the increase in size of the first heater 13 and the suppression of the variation in temperature due to the disturbance factors. However, in such a structure, once the temperature of the heating unit 52 is decreased by the disturbance factors, the temperature in the yarn running spaces S and/or components forming the yarn running spaces S (hereinafter, the yarn running spaces S and/or the components will be referred to as the yarn running spaces S, etc.) is also decreased. In this case, it may take a long time to increase the temperature of the heating unit 52 and the temperature of the yarn running spaces S, etc. to the set temperature again. As detailed below, the first heater 13 is further structured so that (i) the decrease in temperature of the yarn running spaces S, etc. due to the disturbance factors is suppressed and (ii) the temperature of the yarn running spaces S, etc. is rapidly increased even when the temperature of the yarn running spaces S, etc. is decreased.

(Specific Structure of First Heater)

The specific structure of each first heater 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 3(a) to FIG. 5. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3(b). FIG. 5 shows a table of physical properties of materials forming each first heating member 53 and each second heating member 54 both of which are described later. In FIG. 4, the left side of the sheet is defined as one side in the base longitudinal direction, and the right side of the sheet is defined as the other side in the base longitudinal direction.
As shown in FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 4, for example, the heating unit 52 includes two first heating members 53, two second heating members 54, and two contacted blocks 55 (i.e., contact members of the present invention). The two first heating members 53 include first heating members 53a and 53b. The two second heating members 54 include second heating members 54a and 54b. The two contacted blocks 55 include contacted blocks 55a and 55b. The first heating member 53a, the second heating member 54a, and the contacted block 55a are members for heating the yarn Ya. The first heating member 53b, the second heating member 54b, and the contacted block 55b are members for heating the yarn Yb. (i) The members for heating the yarn Ya and (ii) the members for heating the yarn Yb are provided to oppose each other over the heat source 51 in, e.g., the base longitudinal direction.
The following will describe the members for heating the yarn Ya. The first heating member 53a is a long member extending along the heat source 51 in the first direction. A material forming each first heating member 53 (i.e., first material) is a metal material which has a high volumetric specific heat, such as brass. The volumetric specific heat is a value obtained by multiplying the specific heat capacity of one material (i.e., heat capacity per unit mass) by the density of the material (i.e., mass per unit volume). As shown in FIG. 4, the first heating member 53a is, e.g., substantially L-shaped in cross section orthogonal to the first direction. However, the shape of the first heating member 53a is not limited to this. The first heating member 53a is provided on one side in the base longitudinal direction as compared to the heat source 51. The first heating member 53a is, e.g., separated from the heat source 51.
The second heating member 54a is a long member extending along the heat source 51 in the first direction, in the same manner as the first heating member 53a. Each second heating member 54 is made of a second material (this material will be described later) which is lower in volumetric specific heat than the first material. As shown in FIG. 4, the second heating member 54a is, e.g., roughly rectangular in cross section orthogonal to the first direction. The second heating member 54a is provided on one side in the base longitudinal direction as compared to the heat source 51. The second heating member 54a is provided to be in contact with the heat source 51. Furthermore, the second heating member 54a is provided to be in contact with the first heating member 53a. The second heating members 54a and 54b are provided to surround the heat source 51 in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction. For example, the second heating member 54a is provided between the heat source 51 and the first heating member 53a in the base longitudinal direction. The second heating member 54a will be detailed later.
The second heating member 54a and, e.g., the first heating member 53a form one slit 56 (i.e., slit 56a) which is reverse U-shaped. The slit 56a is open to the other side in the height direction. In the slit 56a, the contacted block 55a is housed. The slit 56a functions as (i) a housing space for housing the contacted block 55a and (ii) the yarn running space Sa in which the yarn Ya runs. In other words, the second heating member 54a and the first heating member 53a form the yarn running space Sa in the present embodiment.
The contacted block 55a is, e.g., a long member made of SUS (i.e., stainless steel). The contacted block 55a extends at least in the first direction. For example, a cutting process is conducted for the contacted block 55a. The contacted block 55a is provided inside one of the yarn running spaces S (i.e., yarn running space Sa), in which the yarn Ya runs. The contacted block 55a includes one contact surface 57 (i.e., contact surface 57a) with which the yarn Ya makes contact and which is oriented at least to the other side in the height direction. In other words, the first heating member 53a and the second heating member 54a are provided not to make contact with the running yarn Ya (i.e., separated from the running yarn Ya; see FIG. 4). The contact surface 57a extends at least in the first direction (see FIG. 3(d)). The contact surface 57a is, e.g., substantially U-shaped (see FIG. 3(d)) in a cross section orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction. The contacted block 55a is fitted into the slit 56a. In other words, the contacted block 55a is in contact with, e.g., at least one of the first heating member 53a and the second heating member 54a. The contacted block 55a is preferably in contact with at least the second heating member 54a. To be more specific, the contacted block 55a is shorter than the slit 56a in the base longitudinal direction by, e.g., 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Therefore, a small gap may occur between the contacted block 55a and one of the first heating member 53a and the second heating member 54a in the base longitudinal direction. The contacted block 55a is most preferably in contact with the entire length of the second heating member 54a in the first direction. The temperature of the contacted block 55a is increased by heat transmitted through the first heating member 53a and the second heating member 54a.
The following will describe the members for heating the yarn Yb. The first heating member 53b is made of the first material in the same manner as the first heating member 53a. The first heating member 53b is provided on the other side in the base longitudinal direction as compared to the heat source 51. The first heating member 53b is, e.g., separated from the heat source 51. The second heating member 54b is made of the second material in the same manner as the second heating member 54a. The second heating member 54b is provided on the other side in the base longitudinal direction as compared to the heat source 51. The second heating member 54b is provided to be in contact with the heat source 51. Furthermore, the second heating member 54b is provided to be in contact with the first heating member 53b. The second heating members 54a and 54b are provided to be sandwiched between the first heating members 53a and 53b in, e.g., the base longitudinal direction. The second heating member 54b and, e.g., the first heating member 53b form a slit 56b in the same manner as the slit 56a. In the slit 56b, the contacted block 55b is housed. The slit 56b functions as (i) a housing space for housing the contacted block 55b and (ii) the yarn running space Sb in which the yarn Yb runs. The contacted block 55b is, e.g., a long member made of SUS. Similarly to the contacted block 55a, the cutting process is conducted for the contacted block 55b. The contacted block 55b includes a contact surface 57b with which the yarn Yb makes contact in the same manner as the contact surface 57a. In other words, the first heating member 53b and the second heating member 54b are provided not to make contact with the running yarn Yb (i.e., separated from the running yarn Yb; see FIG. 4). The contacted block 55b is fitted into the slit 56b. In other words, the contacted block 55b is in contact with at least one of the first heating member 53b and the second heating member 54b.

(Details of Second Heating Member)

The following will detail each second heating member 54 (the second heating member 54a is mainly used in the following description), with reference to FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 4. The second heating member 54a is provided to be sandwiched between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space Sa in, e.g., a cross section orthogonal to the first direction. In this regard, "between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space Sa" is defined as follows. For example, virtual line segments (such as line segments L1, L2, and L3) can be drawn to connect a point Pa to an outer surface 51s of the heat source 51 in a predetermined cross section (see FIG. 4) orthogonal to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the point Pa is provided on one side in the height direction of the contact surface 57a (i.e., provided at a position farthest from an inlet of the slit 56a in this height direction in this cross section) as compared to other parts of the contact surface 57a. When at least one of the line segments passes through the second heating member 54a, this state is defined as "the second heating member 54a is provided between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space Sa". This definition also applies to "between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space Sb".
Each second heating member 54 is preferably in contact with the heat source 51, a corresponding first heating member 53, and a corresponding contacted block 55 as in the present embodiment. A ratio of the heat capacity of the second heating member 54 to that of the first heating member 53 is preferably, e.g., 20 % or more and 40 % or less.
The following describes the details of the second material forming the second heating member 54. As described above, the volumetric specific heat of the second material is lower than that of the first material. To be more specific, C/C composite (i.e., carbon fiber reinforced-carbon matrixcomposite) is suitable for the second material. The C/C composite is a composite material of carbon fibers and graphite. The carbon fibers are, e.g., known pitch-based carbon fibers. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the volumetric specific heat of brass used as the first material is 3.35 J/(cm³·K) at 20 degrees centigrade in the present embodiment. Meanwhile, for example, the volumetric specific heat of C/C composite used as the second material is 1.12 J/(cm³·K) at 20 degrees centigrade. Because of this, the temperature of the second heating member 54 is increased more rapidly than that of the first heating member 53. That is, once the temperature of each yarn running space S, etc. is decreased due to the disturbance factors, the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. is rapidly increased through the second heating member 54. Therefore, even when the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. is decreased, the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. is rapidly increased.
In the present embodiment, C/C composite used as the second material is oriented. To be more specific, a large number of carbon fibers are oriented in a predetermined X direction. The X direction is, e.g., the first direction in the present embodiment. Because of this, the heat conductivity of the second material is anisotropic. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the heat conductivity of C/C composite in the first direction (i.e., X direction) is 180 W/ (m ·K) at 20 degrees centigrade. Meanwhile, for example, the heat conductivity of C/C composite in a Y direction orthogonal to the X direction (e.g., base longitudinal direction and height direction) is 80 W/ (m ·K) at 20 degrees centigrade and higher than the heat conductivity in the X direction. In the present embodiment, the heat conductivity of C/C composite in the first direction is higher than at least that of brass (e.g., that of brass is 60 W/(m·K) at 20 degrees centigrade). The second heating member 54 made of this second material equalizes the heating temperature of the first heater 13 in the first direction.
In the present embodiment, the heat conductivity of C/C composite (i.e., 80 W/(m·K) as described above) in any direction orthogonal to the first direction is also higher than that of brass (60 W/(m·K) as described above). This can be rephrased as follows. For example, a direction in which the line segment L3 connecting the point Pa to the outer surface 51s of the heat source 51 in the shortest path extends is defined as a second direction in a cross section (see FIG. 4) orthogonal to the first direction. The line segment L3 corresponds to "a predetermined virtual linear line extending from the heat source toward a yarn running space" of the present invention. With this arrangement, heat is rapidly transmitted from the heat source 51 to the yarn running space Sa, etc. It is therefore possible to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space Sa, etc. Similarly, it is possible to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space Sb, etc.
For example, it is particularly preferable that the first heater 13 of the present embodiment is structured so that each running yarn Y is caused to make contact with a corresponding contact surface 57 and heated while the heating temperature is set at a predetermined temperature within a range of 230 to 350 degrees centigrade. This temperature range increases the heating efficiency of the yarn Y as compared to cases where a traditional heater (not illustrated) is used. Of course, the heating temperature of the first heater 13 may be set to be lower than 230 degrees centigrade or to be higher than 350 degrees centigrade.
As described above, because the first material forming the first heating member 53 is a material having the volumetric specific heat which is relatively high, the decrease in temperature of the heating unit 52 due to the disturbance factors is relatively suppressed. In the present embodiment, the volumetric specific heat of the second heating member 54 is low, with the result that the temperature of the second heating member 54 is more rapidly increased than that of the first heating material 53. Because of this, the yarn running space S, etc. is rapidly heated through the second heating member 54 which is provided between the heat source 51 and the yarn running space S. This rapid heating makes it possible to suppress the decrease in temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. due to the disturbance factors. Furthermore, even when the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. is decreased by the disturbance factors, the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. is rapidly increased.
The second heating member 54 is in contact with the heat source 51. Because of this, heat generated by the heat source 51 is rapidly transmitted to the second heating member 54. It is therefore possible to effectively increase the temperature of the second heating member 54.
The second heating member 54 and the first heating member 53 form the yarn running space S. It is therefore possible for the second heating member 54 to effectively increase the yarn running space S, etc.
The second heating member 54 is in contact with the first heating member 53. It is therefore possible to rapidly heat the first heating member 53 through the second heating member 54. In this case, the increase in production cost is also suppressed as compared to cases where, e.g., a heat source (not illustrated) configured to heat the first heating member 53 is provided to be different from the heat source 51 and the second heating member 54 is separated from the first heating member 53.
A ratio of the heat capacity of the second heating member 54 to that of the first heating member 53 is preferably 20 % or more and 40 % or less. As such, the heat capacity of the second heating member 54 is not too high and not too low as compared to that of the first heating member 53. It is therefore possible (i) to reinforce the heating unit 52 against the disturbance factors to some degree and (ii) to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc.
The second material forming the second heating member 54 includes fiber materials. Because of this, the heat conductivity of the second material is anisotropic. It is therefore possible to very rapidly transmit heat in a particularly desired direction.
The above-described fiber materials are carbon fibers. The carbon fibers are light and have a high heat conductivity. It is therefore possible to very rapidly transmit heat in the particularly desired direction. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the first heater 13.
The carbon fibers are pitch-based fibers. Typically, pitch-based carbon fibers and PAN-based carbon fibers have been known as the carbon fibers. The pitch-based carbon fibers are higher in heat conductivity than the PAN-based carbon fibers. It is therefore possible to further increase the heat conductivity of the second material, by using the pitch-based carbon fibers as the carbon fibers.
It is possible to further increase the heat conductivity of the second material, by using the composite material of carbon fibers and graphite as the second material.
In the first direction, the second material is higher in heat conductivity than the first material. Because of this, heat is rapidly transmitted through the second heating member 54 in the first direction. It is therefore possible to suppress the dispersion in temperature of the yarn running space S, etc. in the first direction.
In the second direction, the second material is higher in the heat conductivity than the first material. Because of this, heat is rapidly transmitted from the heat source 51 to the yarn running space S, etc. through the second heating member 54. It is therefore possible to rapidly increase the temperature of the yarn running space S, etc.
The heating unit 52 includes the contacted blocks 55. When each contacted block 55 is provided as in the present embodiment, the temperature of the contacted block 55 is effectively increased in such a way that the temperature of the second heating member 54 is rapidly increased.
The contacted block 55 is in contact with the second heating member 54. The temperature of the contacted block 55 is effectively increased by heat conduction between the contacted block 55 and the second heating member 54 in which the temperature is rapidly increased.
The variation in heating temperature required for processing the yarn Y due to the disturbance factors is suppressed in such a way that the yarn Y is false-twisted in the false-twist texturing machine 1 including the first heater 13. It is therefore possible to suppress the variation in quality of the yarn Y processed by the false-twist texturing machine 1.
The following will describe modifications of the above-described embodiment. The members identical with those in the embodiment above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanations thereof are not repeated.

(1) In the embodiment above, the carbon fibers included in C/C composite which is the second material are oriented in the first direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in the second heating member 54a, the carbon fibers may be oriented in the second direction. Furthermore, in the second heating member 54b, the carbon fibers may be oriented in a direction from the heat source 51 toward the yarn running space Sb, etc. In this case, heat is very rapidly transmitted from the heat source 51 to the yarn running space S, etc.
(2) In the embodiment above, the carbon fibers included in the second material are the pitch-based fibers. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The carbon fibers may be, e.g., known PAN-based carbon fibers.
(3) In the embodiment above, the second material is C/C composite (i.e., composite material of carbon fibers and graphite). However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second material may be CFRP (i.e., carbon fiber reinforced plastic) which is a composite material of carbon fibers and resin (such as epoxy resin). Because CFRP is cheaper than C/C composite, the increase in production cost of the first heater 13 is suppressed by using CFRP as the second material.
(4) In the embodiment above, the second material includes the carbon fibers as the fiber materials. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, materials which are different from the carbon fibers may be used as the fiber materials.
(5) In the embodiment above, the carbon fibers included in C/C composite are oriented in the predetermined X direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The carbon fibers may not be oriented in a particular direction (i.e., may be randomly oriented).
(6) In the embodiment above, the heat conductivity of the second material is higher than that of the first material both in the first direction and the second direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the heat conductivity of the second material may be higher than that of the first material in only one of the first direction and the second direction. Alternatively, the heat conductivity of the second material may be lower than that of the first material. The second material may have only one characteristic in which the second material is lower in volumetric specific heat than the first material. That is, the first heating member 53 may be made of, e.g., aluminum. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the volumetric specific heat of aluminum (i.e., first material) is 2.43 J/(cm³·K) at 20 degrees centigrade. The volumetric specific heat of C/C composite (i.e., second material) is lower than that of aluminum also in this case. Meanwhile, the heat conductivity of aluminum (i.e., first material) is 204 W/(m·K) at 20 degrees centigrade and is higher than that of C/C composite (i.e., second material) in all directions.
(7) A combination of the first material and the second material is not limited to those described above. As shown in FIG. 6(b), for example, the first material may be brass and the second material may be aluminum. In this case, the volumetric specific heat of the second material is lower than that of the first material, and the heat conductivity of the second material is higher than that of the first material. In this regard, aluminum excels in heat resistance as compared to C/C composite. When such a material which excels in heat resistance is used for the heating unit 52, the heating temperature of the heating unit 52 may be set at a high temperature. In this case, the first heater 13 may be a contactless heater (not illustrated) described in, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-146640 . In the contactless heater, yarn guides (not illustrated) which are provided to be separated from one another in the first direction are provided instead of each contacted block 55. Each yarn guide is not provided for directly heating the yarn Y, but provided for simply guiding the yarn Y. In the contactless heater, each yarn Y is mainly heated by heated air in the yarn running space S.
(8) In the embodiment above, the first heater 13 is configured to heat two yarns Y. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. A first heater (not illustrated) which is able to heat three or more yarns Y may be provided. Alternatively, a first heater 13A configured to heat one yarn Y may be provided as shown in FIG. 7. For example, a heating unit 52A of the first heater 13A may be structured so that the first heating member 53b and the contacted block 55b are simply removed from the heating temperature 52 (see FIG. 4). Alternatively, a first heating member 61 made of the first material may be provided instead of the second heating member 54b in the first heater 13A.
(9) In the embodiment above, the second heating member 54 is in contact with the heat source 51 and the contacted block 55. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The second heating member 54 may be in contact with only one of the heat source 51 and the contacted block 55, or may not be in contact with any of the heat source 51 and the contacted block 55. In this case, only the first heating member 53 may be provided to be in contact with the heat source 51 and/or the contacted block 55. In the embodiment above, the second heating member 54 is in contact with the first heating member 53. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a heat source (not illustrated) configured to heat the first heating member 53 may be provided to be different from the heat source 51 and the second heating member 54 may be provided to be separated from the first heating member 53.

For example, only a part of the contacted block 55 in the first direction may be in contact with the second heating member 54. However, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 is low in this case as compared to cases where the contacted block 55 is in contact with the entire length of the second heating member 54 in the first direction.
Alternatively, any of the first heating member 53 and the second heating member 54 may not be in contact with the contacted block 55. However, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 is low in this case. In this regard, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 in various cases is described in order as follows. Firstly, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 is the highest in the case where at least the second heating member 54 is in contact with the contacted block 55. Secondly, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 is the second highest in the case where only the first heating member 53 is in contact with the contacted block 55. Thirdly, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 is the lowest in the case where any of the first heating member 53 and the second heating member 54 is not in contact with the contacted block 55. When two or more of the above-described three cases are unintentionally applied to plural heating units 52 at the same time, the heating efficiency of the contacted block 55 may be dispersed among the heating units 52. Because of this, only one of the above-described three cases is preferably applied to the heating units 52, i.e., plural first heaters 13 as possible.
(10) In the embodiment above, the ratio of the heat capacity of the second heating member 54 to that of the first heating member 53 is 20 % or more 40 % or less. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, this ratio may be less than 20 % or more than 40 %.
(11) In the embodiment above, each contact surface 57 is curved in a cross section orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The contact surface 57 may be, e.g., substantially linear in the cross section orthogonal to the base longitudinal direction.
(12) In the embodiment above, each of the first heater 13 and the first heater 13A includes the contacted block 55. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. An unillustrated SUS plate which is formed as sheet metal to be reverse U-shaped in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction may be provided as a contact member instead of the contacted block 55 (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-194631 , etc.).
(13) The contact member (i.e., the contacted block 55 or the above-described SUS plate) may be attachable to and detachable from each heating unit 52. Because the contact member is temporarily detachable from the heating unit 52, the efficiency of maintenance such as cleaning of the contact member is considerably increased.
(14) In the embodiment above, each slit 56 is formed by both the first heating member 53 and the second heating member 54. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. The slit 56 may be formed by only one of the first heating member 53 and the second heating member 54. That is, the first heating member 53 may form the entire slit 56. Alternatively, the second heating member 54 may form the entire slit 56.
(15) In the embodiment above, the heat source 51 includes the sheathed heater. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a heat source (not illustrated) configured to heat the heating unit 52 by means of a heating medium may be provided instead of the heat source 51.
(16) The structure of the above-described first heater 13 may be applied to the second heater 19. The above-described first heater 13 is applicable not only to the false-twist texturing machine 1 but also to a known false-twist texturing machine (not illustrated) which is differently structured from the false-twist texturing machine 1. For example, the present invention may be applied to a false-twist texturing machine (not illustrated) described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-74219 . This false-twist texturing machine is able to combine two yarn into one yarn. This false-twist texturing machine is able to (i) combine two yarns into one yarn and then wind the one yarn onto a single cradle, and (ii) to simply wind two yarns which are not combined onto a single cradle. The present invention may be applied to such a false-twist texturing machine. Alternatively, the first heater 13 is applicable not only to a false-twist texturing machine but also to a yarn processor such as a known air texturing machine (not illustrated) which is configured to process a running yarn (not illustrated).

Claims

A heater (13) comprising: a heat source (51); and
a heating unit (52) configured to be heated by the heat source (51) and forming a yarn running space (S) extending at least in a predetermined first direction, the heater (13) being configured to heat a yarn (Y) running in the yarn running space (S),

the heating unit (52) including:
a first heating member (53) provided not to make contact with the yarn (Y) running in the yarn running space (S), the first heating member (53) being made of a first material; and

a second heating member (54) provided at least between the heat source (51) and the yarn running space (S) so as not to make contact with the yarn (Y) running in the yarn running space (S) in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction, the second heating member (54) being made of a second material which is lower in volumetric specific heat than the first material.
The heater (13) according to claim 1, wherein, the second heating member (54) is in contact with the heat source (51) .
The heater (13) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the second heating member (54) is in contact with the first heating member (53).
The heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, a ratio of the heat capacity of the second heating member (54) to the heat capacity of the first heating member (53) is 20 % or more and 40 % or less.
The heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the second material includes fiber materials.
The heater (13) according to claim 5, wherein, the fiber materials are carbon fibers.
The heater (13) according to claim 6, wherein, the carbon fibers are pitch-based fibers.
The heater (13) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, the second material is a composite material of the carbon fibers and graphite.
The heater (13) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, the second material is a composite material of the carbon fibers and resin.
The heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the second heating member (54) is provided to extend at least in the first direction, and
the second material is higher in heat conductivity than the first material at least in the first direction.
The heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, when a direction in which a predetermined virtual linear line (L3) extends from the heat source (51) toward the yarn running space (S) in a cross section orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction,
the second material is higher in heat conductivity than the first material at least in the second direction.
The heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, the heating unit (52) includes
a contact member (55) which extends at least in the first direction and with which the yarn (Y) makes contact.
The heater (13) according to claim 12, wherein, the contact member (55) is in contact with the second heating member (54).
The heater (13) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, the contact member (55) is attachable to and detachable from the heating unit (52).
A yarn processor (1) comprising: the heater (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 14;
a yarn deformation applying device (15) configured to deform the yarn (Y); and

a yarn supplying device (11) configured to supply the yarn (Y) to the heater (13) and the yarn deformation applying device (15), the yarn supplying device (11) being provided for causing the yarn (Y) to run, and

the yarn processor (1) being configured to process the yarn (Y) while causing the yarn (Y) to run.