GB2379455A

GB2379455A - Improvements in and relating to yarn dyeing processes

Info

Publication number: GB2379455A
Application number: GB0121888A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Tak Ming Tsui
Original assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Falmer Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2001-09-10
Filing date: 2001-09-10
Publication date: 2003-03-12
Also published as: CN1406855A; GB0121888D0

Abstract

A loading device for a yarn dyeing machine which facilitates loading and unloading of yarn bobbins from a package carrier of the dyeing machine comprises a basket 2, a lifting frame and connecting chains 6. The lifting frame can be removeably connected to the basket 2. The basket 2 comprises one or more first openings in the base thereof to receive a perforated spindle 26 of the package carrier when the container is lowered into the package carrier 24. In use, the basket 2 is placed inside the package carrier 24 and the yarn bobbins 32 are placed over the spindles 26. The package carrier is located in the dyeing machine as usual for the dyeing process. After the dyeing process the package carrier 24 is removed from the dyeing machine and the basket 2 is lifted out of the package carrier 24 thereby removing the yarn bobbins 32 from the spindles 26.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO YARN DYEING PROCESSES The present invention relates to methods of and devices for dyeing yam, in particular, although not exclusively, for dyeing textile yam.

Yam for textile manufacture is commonly wound on a perforated tubular or fluted spindle in the form of a bobbin, to form a permeable package through which dye liquor can be circulated during a dyeing process.

During the dyeing process, one or more permeable packages are mounted on perforated spindles in a package carrier, which package carrier is submerged in dye liquor during the dyeing process. After the dyeing process has been completed the package carrier is removed from the dye liquor. The yam bobbins are then individually removed from the perforated spindles.

After removal from the package carrier, the yam bobbins are dried in a drying machine. Generally, the yarn bobbins are manually individually arranged on a conveyor of the drying machine.

The manual process of removing the yam bobbins from the package carrier and arranging them on the conveyor of the drying machine is impractical and time consuming. The numerous perforated spindles, (generally each package carrier comprises about 60 spindles) are long and hinder the access of the workers unloading the bobbins to the bobbins located towards the centre region of the package carrier.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved device for and method of dyeing yarn.

The present invention provides an unloading device for a dyeing machine comprising a container designed to be received in a package carrier of a dyeing machine and to receive one or more yam bobbins, in use, wherein removal of said container from said package carrier effects removal of said one or more yam bobbins from said package carrier.

Suitably, the container comprises a liquid permeable structure. The container may be provided by a basket.

Suitably, the container has one or more first openings in a base thereof to receive perforated spindles of the package carrier when the container is inserted into the package carrier.

Suitably, the container further comprises a second opening in the base thereof for receiving a pillar of the package carrier. The container may comprise a conduit extending from the second opening, substantially perpendicular of the base of the container. The conduit suitably has interior shape and dimensions similar to the exterior shape and dimensions of the pillar of the package carrier, such that when the pillar extends within the conduit there is a tight fit between the pillar and the conduit.

The conduit may comprise ribs extending from the base of the container substantially longitudinally along part of all of the extent of the conduit. Suitably, ribs of the pillar co-operate with ribs of the pillar to minimise rotational movement of the container within the package carrier.

The container may further comprise a third opening in the base thereof to allow ingress of liquid into the container during use thereof in a dyeing process. Suitably, the container comprises a plurality of third openings in the base thereof.

Suitably, the first, second and third openings in the base of the container have different dimensions from one another, in order to facilitate location of the container in the package carrier for use.

Suitably, the container has openings in the side walls thereof.

The container may comprise positioning means to locate the container correctly in the package carrier. The positioning means may comprise one or more positioning nuts.

The container suitably has a shape and dimensions corresponding substantially with the shape and dimensions of the package carrier with which it is to be used. For example, a substantially rectangular container may be provided for use with a rectangular package carrier. Furthermore, a container may have a substantially circular cross-section for use with a substantially circular package carrier. Suitably, the dimensions of the container are such that the container is a tight fit inside the package carrier.

The loading device may further comprise a lifting frame. The lifting frame is suitably removeably connected to the container by attachment means. The attachment means may comprise a chain, and advantageously comprises a plurality of chains. A first end of the chain may be fixedly or removeably attached to the container or the lifting frame. If the attachment means comprises a plurality of chains, the first end of

some of the chains may be attached to the container, whilst the first end of other of the chains is attached to the lifting frame. The chain may comprise a hook or loop at a second end. In use, the hook or loop is suitably attached to a loop or hook on the container or lifting frame. Alternatively, or in addition, the second end of the chain may hook over a hook on the container or lifting frame.

The lifting frame suitably comprises an arm and preferably a plurality of arms.

The are or arms is/are suitably arranged to extend across substantially the full width of the container when in use. If the frame comprises a plurality of arms, they are suitably interconnected. The plurality of arms may be provided by a unitary member.

Alternatively, or in addition, the plurality of arms may comprise separate elements that are connected together.

The arrangement of the arms is generally dependent upon the shape of the container with which the frame is to be used. For example, if the container has a substantially rectangular cross-section, then the frame advantageously comprises a generally H-shaped profile. Alternatively, if the container has a substantially circular cross-section, then the frame advantageously has a substantially X-shaped profile.

The frame may comprise a handle for lifting the lifting frame. Suitably, the handle is located substantially at the centre of the frame.

The frame may comprise one or more struts extending between adjacent arms. The frame may comprise one or more hook for connecting the lifting frame to the container by means of the attachment means. Suitably, the frame comprises a hook located at the end of each arm. Alternatively, or in addition, the frame may comprise one or more chains of the attachment means. The chains may be attached to the arms of the frame. If the frame comprises a strut, the chain may be connected to the strut.

The present invention further comprises a method of loading yam bobbins in a dyeing machine, comprising steps: (a) locating a container inside a package carrier of a dyeing machine; (b) placing a yarn bobbin inside the container such that the bobbin is retained on a perforated spindle of the package carrier, and (c) loading the package carrier containing the container into the dyeing machine.

The method of loading yam bobbins may further comprise the step of attaching the container to a lifting frame to facilitate alignment of the container with the package carrier.

The method may further comprise the step of lowering the container into the package carrier such that perforated spindles of the package carrier extend through first openings in the base of the container.

The method may still further comprise the step of disconnecting the lifting frame from the container before the yam bobbin is inserted into the container.

The method may yet further comprise loading a plurality of yam bobbins into the container.

The present invention further provides a method of unloading yam bobbins from a dyeing machine, comprising steps: (a) removing a package carrier containing a container in which a yam bobbin is located from a dyeing machine; (b) removing the container from the package carrier thereby removing the yam bobbin from a perforated spindle of the package carrier, and (c) removing the yam bobbin from the container.

The method of unloading yarn bobbins from a dyeing machine may further comprise connecting a lifting frame to the container to facilitate removal of the container from the package carrier.

The method may comprise manual removal of the yam bobbin from the container. The method may comprise automated removal of the yarn bobbin from the container.

The method suitably involves removal of a plurality of yam bobbins from the container.

The method of loading yam bobbins in a dyeing machine and/or the method of unloading yam bobbins from a dyeing machine may be carried out using the unloading device of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which :- Figure la is a side elevation of a lifting device; Figure Ib is a plan view of the device of figure la ;

Figure 2a is a side elevation of an alternative loading device; Figure 2b is a plan view of the device of figure 2a; Figure 3a is a plan view of a hook frame of the loading device of figures la and Ib ; Figure 3b is a side view of the hook frame of figure 3a ; Figure 4a is a plan view of a hook frame of the loading device of figures 2a and 2b, and Figure 4b is a side view of the hook frame of figure 4a.

Figures la, Ib, 3a and 3b relate to a loading device and hook frame for use in a dyeing machine having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. Figures 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b relate to a loading device and hook frame for use in a dyeing machine having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. Since the two embodiments are essential the same, excepting the shape, like reference numerals are used to refer to like features throughout.

The loading device of figures la and 1 b comprises a substantially rectangular basket 2, which is connected to a hook frame 4 (of figures 3a and 3b) by chains 6. The basket 2 has holes 8 in a base 10 thereof and a pipe 12 extends substantially perpendicular of the base 10. The pipe 12 is situated substantially at the centre of the basket 2.

The basket 2 further comprises positioning nuts 14 located on the base 10. A plurality of rib plates 16 extending longitudinally along the pipe 12 from the base 10 are spaced about the periphery of the pipe 12. The base 10 of the basket 2 further comprises perforation holes 18 to allow dye liquor to seep through the base 10 of the basket 2 in use.

As can be seen from figure 3a, the hook frame 4 for the rectangular basket 2 has a generally H-shaped profile with a hook 20 at the end of each arm of the frame 4.

The frame 4 also has a handle 22 extending from the frame located at the approximate centre of the frame 4.

In operation of the loading device of figures la, Ib, 3a and 3b, each chains 6 of the basket 2 is attached to a respective hook 20 of the hook frame 4. The empty basket 2 is then lifted using the handle 22 of the frame 4 and positioned above a package

carrier 24 of a dyeing machine (not shown). The basket 2 is then lowered into the package carrier 24 such that perforated spindles 26 of the package carrier 24 pass through holes 8 in the base 10 of the basket 2. At the same time a pillar 28 of the package carrier 24 will pass through the pipe 12 of the basket 2. The position of the basket 2 in the package carrier 24 is constrained by the perforated spindles 26, the pillar 28 and the positioning nuts 14.

The pillar 28 of the package carrier 24 comprises rib plates 30, which in conjunction with the rib plates 16 on the pipe 12 constrain rotational movement of the basket 2 within the package carrier 24. The pipe 12 is dimensioned such that there is a close fit between the pipe 12 and the pillar 28.

Once the basket 2 has been positioned in the package carrier 24 the hook frame 4 is removed by separating the chains 6 from the hooks 20. Yam bobbins 32 are then loaded into the basket 2 on the perforated spindles 26. Once loaded with yam bobbins 32, the whole arrangement, including the package carrier and the basket 2 is loaded into the dyeing machine.

During the dyeing process the dye liquor enters the spindles 26 and passes through the permeable yam bobbins 32. Dye liquor also passes though the perforation holes 18 in the base 10 of the basket 2, which produces a more even dye finish.

At the end of the dyeing process the package carrier 24 and the basket 2 are removed from the dyeing machine. To remove the yam bobbins 32 from the spindles 26, each chain 6 of the basket 2 is re-attached to a respective hook 20 of the hook frame 4 and the basket 2 is lifted out of the package carrier 24, which action removes the yam bobbins 32 from the spindles 26 in one quick and simple action. The yam bobbins 32 can then more easily be removed from the basket 2 and placed on a conveyor (not shown) of a drying machine (not shown).

The basket 2 of the lifting device illustrated in figures 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b is essentially the same as that described above with reference to figures la, 1 b, 3a and 3b. However, the basket 2 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

The frame 40 of figure 4b varies from the frame 4 of figure 3b and will, therefore, be described below.

Frame 40 has a generally X-shaped profile with struts 42 extending between and connecting adjacent arms of the frame. At the end of each arm of the frame 40 a

first chain 44 is connected. In use of the frame 40 with the circular basket 2, the chains 6 of the basket 2 comprise a hook at the distal end thereof to connect the chains 6 of the basket 2 to the first chains 44 of the frame 40.

A second chain 46 is attached to each strut 42. Each second chain 46 is attached to each strut 42 at a position slightly offset from the centre of the strut 42. The preferred arrangement is for the convenience of installation of the bobbins. Each second chain 46 has a hook 48 at the distal end thereof.

In use, of the frame 40 with the circular basket 2, the hook 48 of each second chain 46 is attached to an eye on the basket 2.

The operating of the loading device illustrated in figures 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b is substantially as described with reference to figures 1 a, 1 b, 3a and 3b and will not be described again.

Claims

1. An unloading device for a dyeing machine comprising a container designed to receive in a package carrier of a dyeing machine and to receive one or more yarn bobbins, in use, wherein removal of said container from said package carrier effects removal of said one or more yam bobbins from said package carrier.

2. An unloading device according to Claim 1, wherein said container is a basket.

3. An unloading device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein said container comprises a first opening in a base thereof.

4. An unloading device according to Claim 3, wherein said container comprises a plurality of first openings in the base thereof.

5. An unloading device according to Claim 3, wherein said first opening is designed to receive a perforated spindle of said package carrier, when in use.

6. An unloading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container further comprises a second opening in the base thereof for receiving a pillar of said package carrier, in use.

7. An unloading device according to Claim 6, wherein said container further comprises a conduit extending from the second opening, substantially perpendicular of the base.

8. An unloading device according to Claim 7, wherein said conduit comprises one or more ribs extending longitudinally long the conduit from the base of the container.

9. An unloading device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third opening in the base of the container.

10. An unloading device according to Claim 9, comprising a plurality of third openings in the base.

11. An unloading device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising positioning means.

12. An unloading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container has shape and dimensions corresponding substantially with the shape and dimensions of the package carrier.

13. An unloading device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lifting frame.

14. An unloading device according to Claim 13, wherein said lifting frame is removeably connected to the container by attachment means.

15. An unloading device according to Claim 14, wherein said attachment means comprises a chain.

16. An unloading device according to Claim 15, wherein said attachment means comprises a plurality of chains.

17. An unloading device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein a first end of said chain or chains is fixedly or removeably attached to the container.

18. An unloading device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein a first end of said chain or chains is fixedly or removeably attached to the lifting frame.

19. An unloading device according to Claim 16, wherein some of said plurality of chains are fixedly or removeably attached to the container and other of said plurality of chains are fixedly or removebly attached to the lifting frame.

20. An unloading device according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein a second end of said chain comprises a hook or loop.

21. An unloading device according to any one of claims 13-20, wherein said lifting frame comprises an arm.

22. An unloading device according to Claim 21, wherein said lifting means comprises a plurality of arms.

23. An unloading device according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the arm or arms are arranged to extend across substantially the full width of the container when in use.

24. An unloading device according to any one of Claims 13-23, wherein the lifting frame comprises one or more struts extending between adjacent arms of the frame.

25. An unloading device according to Claim 24, wherein the attachment means is connected to the a strut of the frame.

26. A method of loading yarn bobbins in a dyeing machine, comprising the steps: (a) locating a container inside a package carrier of a dyeing machine; (b) placing a yam bobbin inside the container such that the bobbin is retained on a perforated spindle of the package carrier, and (c) loading the package carrier containing the container into the dyeing machine.

27. A method according to Claim 26, comprising attaching the container to a lifting frame to facilitate alignment of the container with the package carrier.

28. A method according to Claim 26 or 27, comprising lowering the container into the package carrier such that perforated spindles of the package carrier extend through first openings in the case of the container.

29. A method according to Claim 27, comprising disconnecting the lifting frame from the container before the yam bobbin is inserted into the container.

30. A method according to any one of Claims 26-29, comprising loading a plurality of yam bobbins into the container.

31. A method of unloading yam bobbins from a dyeing machine, comprising steps: (a) removing a package carrier containing a container in which a yam bobbin is located from a dyeing machine ; (b) removing the container from the package carrier thereby removing the yam bobbin from a perforated spindle of the package carrier, and (c) removing the yam bobbin from the container.

32. A method according to Claim 31, comprising connecting a lifting frame to the container to facilitate removal of the container from the package carrier.

33. A method according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the yam bobbin is manually removed from the container.

34. A method according to Claim 31,32 or 33, wherein a plurality of yam bobbins are removed from the container.

35. A method according to any one of Claims 26-30, carried out using the unloading device of any one of Claims 1-25.

36. A method according to any one of Claims 32-34, carried out using the unloading device or any one of Claims 1-25.

37. A device substantially as described herein and with reference to figures la, lb, 3a and 3b of the drawings hereof.

38. A device substantially as described herein and with reference to figures 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b of the drawings hereof.

39. A method substantially as described herein and with reference to figures la, 1 b, 3a and 3b of the drawings hereof.

40. A method substantially as described herein and with reference to figures 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b of the drawings hereof.