Spinning apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a spinning device that can suppress the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and the area surrounding the spinneret. The spinning equipment includes: a spinning box (21) into which a spinning assembly (23) is inserted to spin molten polymer (P) downward from a spinneret (24); a cooling device (3) disposed below the spinning box (21) and having a spinning bobbin (31) extending vertically in a manner surrounding the molten polymer (P) spun from the spinneret (24), wherein the molten polymer (P) is cooled by cooling air (CF) supplied circumferentially from the spinning bobbin (31); a cylinder (5) capable of moving the cooling device (3) downward relative to the spinning box (21) to form a working space between the cooling device (3) and the spinning box (21); and an air supply device (6) that, at least while the cooling device (3) is moved downward relative to the spinning box (21), delivers crosswinds in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer (P) spun from the spinneret (24) between the spinning box (21) and the cooling device (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to spinning equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, spinning equipment has included a cooling device below the spinning box into which the spinning assembly, which spins high-temperature molten polymer from the spinneret, is inserted. This cooling device includes a spinning bobbin surrounding the high-temperature molten polymer spun from the spinneret, to which cooling air is supplied. The high-temperature molten polymer is cooled and solidified by the cooling air, forming a filament.

[0003] In such spinning equipment, maintenance is performed periodically to maintain productivity and yarn quality, as well as for cleaning the surface of the spinneret (hereinafter referred to as "surface cleaning") and replacing spinning components. For example, Patent Document 1 (especially referring to paragraph

[0026] ) discloses a method for maintaining the spinning equipment by lowering the cooling device to ensure working space between it and the spinning box. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 (especially referring to paragraph

[0023] ) discloses a yarn cooling device that raises and lowers the yarn cooling device, and by lowering the yarn cooling device, the replacement of spinning components and surface cleaning are performed.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-145132

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-42227 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, according to the technology described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the cooling device is lowered or raised, the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area may drop significantly due to the upward airflow from the spinning bobbin. If the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area drops significantly, it will take time for the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area to return to its original temperature after maintenance and the resumption of production. This results in a decrease in the physical properties of the yarn produced under conditions of reduced spinneret and surrounding temperature, and an increase in the amount of yarn discarded.

[0007] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a spinning device that can suppress the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and the area around the spinneret.

[0008] (1) The spinning equipment of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0009] A spinning box housing into which a spinning assembly is inserted to spin molten polymer downwards from the spinneret;

[0010] A cooling device is disposed below the spinning box and has a spinning bobbin that extends vertically in a manner that surrounds the molten polymer spun from the spinneret. The molten polymer is cooled by cooling air supplied circumferentially from the spinning bobbin.

[0011] The moving mechanism enables the cooling device to move downward relative to the spinning box to create a gap between the cooling device and the spinning box; and

[0012] The air supply device, at least while the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box, supplies air in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret.

[0013] According to the spinning equipment described in (1) above, when the cooling device is lowered for maintenance, air can be supplied in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret between the spinning box and the cooling device, thereby blocking the air directed towards the spinneret. That is, by supplying air in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret, the air directed towards the spinneret can be cut off or the amount of air directed towards the spinneret can be suppressed. As a result, the temperature drop of the spinneret and its surrounding area can be suppressed, the time until the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area returns to its original temperature can be shortened, and the time until the filament properties stabilize can be shortened, thereby reducing the amount of waste filament.

[0014] (2) In the spinning equipment described in (1) above, the characteristic is that,

[0015] The aforementioned air supply device stops operating when the aforementioned spinning box comes into contact with the aforementioned cooling device.

[0016] According to the spinning equipment described in (2) above, when the spinning box comes into contact with the cooling device, the upper opening of the spinning cylinder is blocked. When the upper opening of the spinning cylinder is blocked, most of the cooling air supplied from the cooling device flows downward, which can suppress the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and the area around the spinneret. As a result, the time until the temperature of the spinneret and the area around the spinneret returns to its original temperature can be shortened, and the time until the yarn properties stabilize can be shortened.

[0017] (3) In the spinning equipment described in (1) or (2) above, the characteristic is that,

[0018] The aforementioned air supply device is capable of supplying air to change the direction of the cooling air supplied to the spinning bobbin that is directed toward the spinneret.

[0019] According to the spinning equipment described in (3) above, the direction of the cooling air directed toward the spinneret can be changed, thereby reducing or cutting off the airflow toward the spinneret and its surroundings, and suppressing the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and its surroundings. In addition, even without stopping the cooling air supplied to the spinning cylinder, by changing the direction of the cooling air directed toward the spinneret, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and its surroundings can be suppressed, and the time loss and workload that may occur when the cooling air is stopped or resumed can be reduced.

[0020] (4) The spinning equipment of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0021] A spinning box housing, into which a spinning assembly is inserted to spin molten polymer downwards from a spinneret; and

[0022] A cooling device, disposed below the spinning box, has a spinning bobbin extending vertically to surround the molten polymer spun from the spinneret, and cools the molten polymer by cooling air supplied circumferentially from the spinning bobbin.

[0023] The above-mentioned spinning equipment performs the following processes:

[0024] In the preparation process, the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box to form a gap between the cooling device and the spinning box.

[0025] The temperature reduction suppression process, at least while the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box, suppresses the temperature reduction of the spinneret; and

[0026] In the recovery process, after the cooling device is moved downwards relative to the spinning box for maintenance, the cooling device is moved upwards relative to the spinning box while suppressing the temperature drop of the spinneret.

[0027] The temperature reduction suppression process includes an air supply process in which air is supplied in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret between the spinning box and the cooling device.

[0028] According to the spinning equipment described in (4) above, when the cooling device is lowered for maintenance, air can be supplied in the direction between the spinning box and the cooling device, and in the direction that intersects with the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret, thus blocking the amount of air directed toward the spinneret. As a result, the temperature drop of the spinneret and its surrounding area can be suppressed, the time until the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area returns to its original temperature can be shortened, and the time until the filament properties stabilize can be shortened, thereby reducing waste filaments.

[0029] (5) In the spinning equipment described in (4) above, the characteristic is that,

[0030] The above air supply process is as follows:

[0031] After performing the above maintenance, during or at the end of the above restoration process, the air supply shall be stopped.

[0032] According to the spinning equipment described in (5) above, when the recovery process ends, the upper opening of the spinning drum is blocked. When the upper opening of the spinning drum is blocked, most of the cooling air supplied from the cooling device flows downward, which can suppress the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area. As a result, the time until the temperature of the spinneret and its surrounding area returns to its original temperature can be shortened, and the time until the yarn properties stabilize can be shortened as well.

[0033] (6) In the spinning equipment described in (4) or (5) above, the characteristic is that,

[0034] The above air supply process is as follows:

[0035] It can supply air to change the direction of the cooling air supplied to the spinning bobbin that is directed toward the spinneret.

[0036] According to the spinning equipment described in (6) above, by changing the direction of the cooling air toward the spinneret, the airflow toward the spinneret and its surroundings can be reduced or cut off, thereby suppressing the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and its surroundings. Furthermore, even without stopping the cooling air supplied to the spinning cylinder, by changing the direction of the cooling air toward the spinneret, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and its surroundings can be suppressed. Therefore, the time loss that may occur when the cooling air is stopped and then resumed, as well as the workload required for stopping and resuming the cooling air, can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, the spinning apparatus of the present invention does not necessarily have all the configurations described in (1) to (3) above. For example, in the invention of the spinning apparatus described in (1) above, the configurations described in (2) and (3) above are not necessary. In addition, within the scope of integration, the configurations described in (1) above can be arbitrarily combined with a part or all of the configurations described in (2) above, the configurations described in (1) above can be arbitrarily combined with a part or all of the configurations described in (3) above, and the configurations described in (1) above can be arbitrarily combined with a part or all of the configurations described in (2) above and a part or all of the configurations described in (3) above. Similarly, the spinning apparatus of the present invention does not necessarily have all the configurations described in (4) to (6) above. For example, in the invention of the spinning apparatus described in (4) above, the configurations described in (5) and (6) above are not necessary. Furthermore, within the scope of integration, the composition described in (4) above and part or all of the composition described in (5) above can be arbitrarily combined; the composition described in (4) above and part or all of the composition described in (5) above can be arbitrarily combined; the composition described in (4) above and part or all of the composition described in (5) above and part or all of the composition described in (6) above can be arbitrarily combined.

[0038] Effects of the invention: According to the present invention, a spinning device is provided that can suppress the decrease in temperature of the spinneret and the area surrounding the spinneret. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus of this embodiment viewed from the right side.

[0040] Figure 2 Looking from the front Figure 1 An example of a schematic diagram of a portion of the spinning equipment shown.

[0041] Figure 3 It means in Figure 1 An example of a schematic diagram of the state of the spinning equipment when the cooling device is lowered.

[0042] Figure 4 This is an example of a block diagram showing a general outline of the electrical configuration of a spinning device.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of conventional spinning equipment, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment in operation.

[0044] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the maintenance procedures for conventional spinning equipment and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment when the spinning of molten polymer has stopped.

[0045] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the maintenance procedures for conventional spinning equipment and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment when the cooling device is lowered relative to the spinning box.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of conventional spinning equipment, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when replacing spinning components.

[0047] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the maintenance procedures for conventional spinning equipment and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment when the spinning of molten polymer resumes.

[0048] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the maintenance procedures for conventional spinning equipment. It is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of a spinning equipment with the cover over the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder removed.

[0049] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the maintenance procedures for conventional spinning equipment and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment during the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning drum 31.

[0050] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the results of the evaluation of circular knitting dyeing over time, after the knitting process has been restored to its operational state through previous maintenance procedures.

[0051] Figure 13 It is a graph showing the changes in thermal stress and untwisting tension of the yarn over time after it has been restored to its operating state through previous maintenance procedures.

[0052] Figure 14 It is a graph showing the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret over time after the start of the usual maintenance procedures.

[0053] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance process of the present invention, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the spinning of the molten polymer stops.

[0054] Figure 16This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of the present invention, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the cooling device is lowered relative to the spinning box to the lower end.

[0055] Figure 17 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance process of the present invention, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the spinning of the molten polymer restarts.

[0056] Figure 18 This diagram is used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of the present invention and is an example of a schematic diagram of a part of a spinning apparatus showing the state in which the cover covering the opening on the upper side of the spinning bobbin is removed.

[0057] Figure 19 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of the present invention, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when performing the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning bobbin.

[0058] Figure 20 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance process of a modified example, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the spinning of molten polymer stops.

[0059] Figure 21 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures for a modified example. It is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the cooling device is lowered relative to the spinning box to the lower end.

[0060] Figure 22 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance process of a modified example, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment after the spinning of the molten polymer has restarted.

[0061] Figure 23 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of a modified example, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the air supply device is started to operate.

[0062] Figure 24 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of a modified example. It is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when performing the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning bobbin.

[0063] Figure 25 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures of a modified example. It is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when the cooling device is raised to the upper end relative to the spinning box.

[0064] Figure 26 This is a diagram used to illustrate the maintenance procedures for a modified example, and is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning equipment when it is restored to its operating state.

[0065] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the results of the circular knitting dyeing evaluation over time after the knitting process of the present invention has been restored to its operating state through maintenance.

[0066] Figure 28 This is a graph showing the changes in thermal stress and untwisting tension of the yarn over time after it has been restored to its operating state, under conditions where maintenance was performed using the usual maintenance procedures and under conditions where maintenance was performed using the modified maintenance procedures.

[0067] Figure 29 This is a graph showing an example of the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret over time after maintenance begins, in conventional maintenance procedures, the maintenance procedures of the present invention, and the maintenance procedures of modified examples.

[0068] Explanation of symbols

[0069] 1: Spinning equipment; 3: Cooling device; 5: Cylinder; 6: Air supply device; 7: Control device; 21: Spinning box; 23: Spinning assembly; 24: Spinneret; 31: Spinning tube; P: Molten polymer; CF: Cooling air; Sw: Working space. Detailed Implementation

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions are shown in the figures described later.

[0071] [1. Overview of Spinning Equipment]

[0072] First, a general overview of the spinning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 of this embodiment viewed from the right side. Figure 2 Looking from the front Figure 1 An example of a schematic diagram of a portion of the spinning equipment 1 shown. Figure 3 It means in Figure 1 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing the state of the spinning apparatus 1 when the cooling device 3 is lowered. However, in Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In the middle, the following was omitted. Figure 2 The illustration shows the polymer tank 25 and the polymer piping 26. Furthermore, Figure 3 For convenience, the illustrations of molten polymer P and filament Y are omitted. However, molten polymer P can also be spun out from spinneret 24 when cooling device 3 is lowered, and molten polymer P can be cooled and solidified by cooling device 3 and other conditions to form filament Y.

[0073] The spinning apparatus 1 of this invention is an apparatus for producing yarn Y made of synthetic fibers. For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the spinning equipment 1 includes at least a spinning device 2, a cooling device 3, a moving mechanism 5, an air supply device 6, and a control device 7 (described later). Figure 4 In addition to these, the spinning equipment 1 also includes an oiling device 8, a traction device (not shown), and a winding device (not shown), which are omitted here.

[0074] (Spinning apparatus)

[0075] like Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the spinning apparatus 2 is a melt spinning apparatus configured to spin molten polymer P, a material Y, into filaments. The spinning apparatus 2 has a generally rectangular spinning box 21, multiple component housings 22 formed in the spinning box 21, multiple spinning components 23 (e.g., the same number as the number of component housings 22) respectively installed in the multiple component housings 22, a polymer tank 25 containing the polymer, and multiple polymer pipes 26 connecting each spinning component 23 to the polymer tank 25.

[0076] In addition, Figure 2 For convenience, the number of component housing 22 and spinning component 23 is set to 3 in the illustration, but it is not limited to this. The number of component housing 22 and spinning component 23 can also be more (e.g., 12).

[0077] The polymer in the polymer tank 25 is transported to multiple spinning assemblies 23 via multiple polymer pipes 26. When the polymer is transported from the polymer tank 25 to the spinning assembly 23, the polymer inside the polymer tank 25 and the polymer pipes 26 is heated to a specified temperature (e.g., 300°C) by the spinning box 21, becoming molten polymer.

[0078] Molten polymer heated to a high temperature is supplied to each spinning assembly 23 through polymer piping 26. A spinneret 24 is disposed at the lower end of each spinning assembly 23. That is, the number of spinnerets 24 is the same as the number of spinning assemblies 23. The spinneret 24, for example, has multiple nozzles (not shown). The spinning assembly 23 ejects molten polymer P (in other words, spins filaments Y) from the multiple nozzles of the spinneret 24. The molten polymer P ejected from the multiple nozzles is cooled by the cooling device 3, becoming a filament Y composed of multiple filaments. That is, one filament Y is spun from one spinneret 24. Alternatively, each spinneret 24 need not have multiple nozzles; it may have only one nozzle. In this case, the filament Y is generated as a monofilament.

[0079] (Cooling device)

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling device 3 includes a spinning bobbin 31 disposed below the spinning apparatus 2, a pipe 32 connected to the spinning bobbin 31, and a first compressed air source 37 (see below) that supplies cooling air CF to the spinning bobbin 31 via the pipe 32. Figure 4 In this embodiment, a ring-shaped filament cooling device is used as the cooling device 3, for example. The spinning bobbin 31 is, for example, a hollow box that extends vertically to surround the molten polymer spun from the spinneret 24 (so that the molten polymer P is located in the hollow portion CE). Inside the spinning bobbin 31, there is a rectifier plate 33, and cooling air (hereinafter referred to as "cooling air CF") supplied from the first compressed air source 37 is supplied to the lower space of the spinning bobbin 31 (the space below the rectifier plate 33) through a pipe 32. The cooling air CF flowing into the lower space of the spinning bobbin 31 is rectified upward by the rectifier plate 33 and flows towards the upper space of the spinning bobbin 31 (the space above the rectifier plate 33). A plurality of partition cylinders 35 are arranged directly below the filter component 36. The partition cylinders 35 are configured to prevent the cooling air CF from passing through radially along the partition cylinder 35, so that the cooling air CF does not flow directly from the lower space of the spinning bobbin 31 into the hollow portion CE. Cooling air CF flowing into the upper space of the spinning bobbin 31 is rectified, for example, when passing through a filter element 36 composed of a perforated filter and a cooling filter, and flows into the hollow portion CE. Thus, cooling air CF is blown circumferentially from the filter element 36, more specifically from the outer circumference of the filter 36, toward the yarn material, cooling the yarn material and forming yarn Y. Furthermore, a sealing element 40 is provided at the point where the spinning box 21 abuts against the spinning bobbin 31. This sealing element 40 prevents leakage from the contact surface between the spinning box 21 and the spinning bobbin 31.

[0081] (Mobile organization)

[0082] The moving mechanism 5, for example, is composed of a cylinder (hereinafter referred to as cylinder 5), configured to move the cooling device 3 vertically. More specifically, the cylinder 5 is, for example, erected on the factory floor. The piston rod 52 of the cylinder 5 is longer in the vertical direction, and the cylinder 5 is configured to expand and contract in the vertical direction. A wall member 10 extending downward is fixed to the lower end of the spinning bobbin 31. The front end of the piston rod 52 is fixed to the side of the wall member 10. In this configuration, the cooling device 3 as a whole can be moved to the first position (see reference 1) during operation of the spinning equipment 1 by the action of the cylinder 5. Figure 1 ) and the second position, which is below the first position (refer to) Figure 3 The cooling device 3 moves between the piston rod 52 of cylinder 5 in the expansion direction. Figure 1 When the piston rod moves in the upward direction, it rises; when the piston rod 52 moves in the contraction direction ( Figure 1The cooling device 3 descends during the downward movement. When the cooling device 3 is in the first position, it can generate yarn Y. When the cooling device 3 is in the first position, the cooling device 3 is subjected to an upward force (towards the spinning box 21 side) by the cylinder 5. When the cooling device 3 is in the second position, a gap as a working space Sw is formed between the spinning device 2 (more specifically the spinning box 21) and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, for convenience, the above-mentioned "first position" will be referred to as the "upper end" and the above-mentioned "second position" will be referred to as the "lower end". However, the above-mentioned "first position" is not limited to the upper end, and the above-mentioned "second position" is not limited to the lower end.

[0083] (Air supply device)

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the air supply device 6 is a device that supplies air in a generally horizontal direction by means of crosswind SF flowing in the working space Sw when the cooling device 3 is located at the lower end. In addition, in this specification, "air supply" is sometimes referred to as "venting".

[0085] The air supply device 6 includes, for example, a second compressed air source 66 (see below). Figure 4 The device comprises multiple air nozzles 62 capable of releasing crosswinds SF from air supplied from the second compressed air source 66 (e.g., compressed air), and air pipes 64 connecting the second compressed air source 66 to each air nozzle 62. The multiple air nozzles 62 are arranged in a left-right direction, corresponding to the multiple spinning assemblies 23. In this embodiment, the multiple air nozzles 62 are configured such that the crosswinds SF released from the air nozzles 62 are released in a rear-to-forward direction within the working space Sw formed between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. The crosswinds SF released from the multiple air nozzles 62 are directed in one direction to avoid interference between cooling airflows CF directed in different directions.

[0086] Furthermore, it is not necessary to configure the multiple air nozzles 62 so that the cooling air CF flows from rear to front; for example, they can also be configured so that the crosswind SF flows from front to rear. Additionally, the multiple air nozzles 62 can be configured so that the crosswind SF flows from left to right or from right to left. However, given that the flow rate of the crosswind SF decreases with increasing distance from the air nozzles 62, it is preferable to configure the air nozzles 62 so that the crosswind SF flows from rear to front or from front to rear.

[0087] Furthermore, it is not necessary to configure multiple air nozzles 62 corresponding to multiple spinning assemblies 23. For example, instead of multiple air nozzles 62, a single flat nozzle that is wider in the left-right direction than the length of the spinning assemblies 23 from the left end to the right end can be configured.

[0088] Furthermore, the reason why the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows in a generally horizontal direction within the working space Sw is to prevent the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 from flowing towards the spinneret 24 and its surroundings. Therefore, if the compressed air emitted from the air nozzle 62 does not flow towards the spinneret 24 and its surroundings, it is not necessary to configure the air nozzle 62 such that the compressed air emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows in a generally horizontal direction as a crosswind SF. For example, the air nozzle 62 can be configured such that the compressed air emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows diagonally downwards, or it can be configured such that the compressed air emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows diagonally upwards.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second compressed air source 66 for supplying compressed air to the air nozzle 62 and a first compressed air source 37 for supplying cooling air CF to the spinning bobbin 31 are separately provided. However, this is not a limitation; a common compressed air source supplying compressed air to both the air nozzle 62 and the spinning bobbin 31 may also be provided. Moreover, it is not necessary to connect the second compressed air source 66 to each air nozzle 62 via an air pipe 64; for example, it may be connected via an air hose.

[0090] (Control device)

[0091] Figure 4 This is an example of a block diagram showing the general electrical configuration of the spinning equipment 1. The control device 7 performs processes related to the operation of the spinning equipment 1, such as spinning out and stopping the molten polymer P from the spinneret 24, operating or stopping the cylinder 5, controlling the flow rate of the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31, i.e., the hollow section CE, and controlling the flow rate of the compressed air released from the air nozzle 62 constituting the air supply device 6.

[0092] The control device 7 includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control device 7 is connected to an operation unit 72 consisting of buttons that can be operated by an operator, an upper detection sensor 76 located at the top of the cooling device 3, and a lower detection sensor 78 located at the bottom of the cooling device 3. The control device 7 can receive signals from the operation unit 72, the upper detection sensor 76, and the lower detection sensor 78.

[0093] Furthermore, the control device 7 is connected to a gear pump 28 capable of spinning molten polymer P from the spinneret 24, a first compressed air source 37, a second compressed air source 66, and a solenoid valve 74 capable of actuating the cylinder. The control device 7 controls the gear pump 28, the first compressed air source 37, the second compressed air source 66, and the solenoid valve 74 based on various signals received from the operation unit 72, the upper detection sensor 76, and the lower detection sensor 78. The control device 7 controls the movement of the cylinder 5 by controlling the solenoid valve 74.

[0094] When the first compressed air source 37 is controlled, the flow rate (hereinafter referred to as "air volume") of the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 is controlled. When the second compressed air source 66 is controlled, the flow rate (hereinafter referred to as "air volume" in the same case as the cooling air CF) of the cross air SF released from the air nozzle 62 is controlled.

[0095] Alternatively, instead of controlling the operation and shutdown of the first compressed air source 37, an automatic valve can be installed upstream of the pipe 32 to control the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31. Furthermore, an automatic valve can also be installed upstream of the air nozzle 62 to control the airflow SF emitted from the air nozzle 62.

[0096] [2. Maintenance Procedure]

[0097] Next, the maintenance procedures for the spinning equipment will be explained. Before explaining the maintenance procedures of the present invention in spinning equipment 1, firstly, refer to... Figures 5 to 11 The conventional maintenance procedures will be described. Furthermore, when describing the conventional maintenance procedures, the symbols used to denote the various components (spinning apparatus, cooling apparatus, etc.) constituting the conventional spinning equipment 100 will be directly adopted for the various components of the spinning equipment 1 constituting the embodiment of the present invention. However, the conventional spinning equipment 100 does not include the aforementioned air supply device 6.

[0098] [2-1. Traditional maintenance procedures for spinning equipment]

[0099] Figure 5 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 100 in production, i.e., in operation. During operation of the spinning equipment 100, the spinning chamber 21 is in contact with the cooling device 3. During operation of the spinning equipment 100, molten polymer P is spun from the spinneret 24, and cooling air CF is supplied from the first compressed air source 37 to the spinning drum 31 via pipe 32. The cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 flows horizontally into the hollow section CE, cooling the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24.

[0100] [2-1-1. Preparation Process]

[0101] Figure 6 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 100 when the spinning of the molten polymer P has stopped. In the case of maintenance of the spinning equipment 100, firstly, as... Figure 6 As shown, the spinning of molten polymer P from spinneret 24 is stopped. The stopping of molten polymer P spinning is, for example, executed by control device 7 based on operator input. Additionally, during maintenance, cooling air CF is continuously supplied through cooling device 3. In this specification, maintenance includes, for example, cleaning the spinneret 24 surface and replacing the spinning assembly 23.

[0102] Figure 7 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 100 when the cooling device 3 is lowered relative to the spinning box 21 to the lower end. The control device 7, after stopping the spinning of the molten polymer P, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, cylinder 5 is moved in the contraction direction, causing the cooling device 3 to descend relative to the spinning box 21. When the cooling device 3 descends relative to the spinning box 21, a working space Sw is formed between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. As the cooling device 3 descends relative to the spinning box 21, the operator immediately covers the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 with a cover 42. By covering the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 with the cover 42, the upward airflow (i.e., cooling air CF) from the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 is blocked.

[0103] [2-1-2. Main Maintenance Process]

[0104] After the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 is covered by the cover 42, the operator performs maintenance. Maintenance includes cleaning the spinneret 24 and replacing the spinning assembly 23. The time required for maintenance depends on the content, but is approximately 10 minutes. The operator cleans the spinneret 24 or replaces the spinning assembly 23 as needed. Figure 8 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 100 when the spinning assembly 23 is changed.

[0105] [2-1-3. Restart the process after molten polymer spinning]

[0106] Figure 9 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 100 when the spinning of the molten polymer P restarts. After maintenance, the control device 7, for example, adjusts according to the operator's actions. Figure 9 As shown, begin (restart) spinning the molten polymer P from the spinneret 24.

[0107] [2-1-4. Cover Removal Process]

[0108] Figure 10 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 100 with the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 removed. When the spinning of the molten polymer P resumes, the operator... Figure 10 Perform the operation of removing the cover 42 that covers the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 as shown.

[0109] [2-1-5. Threading Process]

[0110] Figure 11 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 100 during the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning drum 31. After the operation of removing the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning drum 31, as... Figure 11 As shown, the operator performs the threading operation of passing the molten polymer P (or the cooled and solidified filament Y) spun from the spinneret 24 through the spinning drum 31.

[0111] [2-1-6. Restoration Process]

[0112] After the yarn threading operation, the control device 7, for example, according to the operator's operation, causes the cylinder 5 to move in the expansion direction, raising the cooling device 3 and bringing it closer to the spinning box 21. The control device 7 is activated by the upper detection sensor 76 (see reference). Figure 4 When the cooling device 3 is detected to be at the upper end, the operation of cylinder 5 is stopped, thus halting the upward movement of the cooling device 3. When the cooling device 3 stops at the upper end, the spinning box 21 and the cooling device 3 come into contact via the sealing member 40. Additionally, other preparations for production commencement are performed during the recovery process, but illustrations related to these preparations are omitted.

[0113] When the recovery process is completed, the spinning equipment 100 is operating normally and in production. Previously, the spinning equipment 100 was maintained through the aforementioned process.

[0114] [2-1-7. Issues related to previous maintenance procedures, etc.]

[0115] When the yarn is restored to a working state through such routine maintenance procedures, the yarn's physical properties decrease, for example, as... Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, it takes a considerable amount of time for the physical properties of the thread to return to normal (i.e., until it is judged to be a normal thread). Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the results of the evaluation of circular knitting dyeing over time after the knitting has been restored to its operating state through previous maintenance procedures. Figure 13It is a graph showing the changes in thermal stress and untwisting tension of the yarn over time after it has been restored to its operating state through previous maintenance procedures.

[0116] like Figure 12 As shown, as a result of the circular knitting dyeing evaluation, after approximately 60 minutes of recovery to the running state, the color was lighter than the reference point (hereinafter referred to as "BM"), and therefore it was not judged as normal yarn. Then, after approximately 70 minutes of recovery to the running state, it became close to the color of BM and was judged as normal yarn.

[0117] like Figure 13 As shown, both the untwisting tension and thermal stress return to near-reference values ​​after approximately 80 to 90 minutes of recovery to operating conditions. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown, the reference value for untwisting tension, BM, is for example 30.8 [cN], and the reference value for thermal stress, BM, is for example 83.1 [cN], but BM varies depending on the type of yarn, etc.

[0118] Thus, after being restored to operating condition through previous maintenance procedures, it takes a considerable amount of time for the yarn properties to return to normal. Therefore, even assuming continuous production, the result is simply an increase in discarded yarn. The reason why it takes a considerable amount of time for the yarn properties to return to normal after being restored to operating condition through previous maintenance procedures is believed to be because the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area drops significantly during the maintenance process, and it takes time for the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area to return to its original temperature.

[0119] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the change in surface temperature of the spinneret 24 over time after the initial maintenance procedures have been followed. For example... Figure 14 As shown, when the cooling device 3 is lowered relative to the spinning box 21, the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 generally continues to decrease, and at the end of maintenance, the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 decreases significantly. When maintenance is completed and the cooling device 3 is raised to approach the spinning box 21, the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 gradually recovers. Figure 14 As shown, it takes approximately 2000 seconds or more from the start of the cooling device 3 until the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 returns to its original temperature (e.g., the temperature before maintenance).

[0120] However, in previous maintenance procedures, the significant decrease in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 was attributed to the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 flowing upwards from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31. During the threading operation, where the molten polymer P (or the cooled and solidified filament Y) spun from the spinneret 24 passes through the spinning drum 31, the cooling air CF flowing upwards from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 (e.g., see reference)... Figure 11 Cooling and solidification. In this case, although the operator can perform the threading operation without using tools, the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area is cooled by the upward cooling air CF from the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31. Therefore, the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area drops significantly, and it takes time for the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area to return to its original temperature after resuming operation.

[0121] Therefore, in order to solve the problems that are obvious in such conventional maintenance procedures, the spinning equipment 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is maintained by the following maintenance procedures. The maintenance procedures of the spinning equipment 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0122] [2-2. Maintenance procedures of the present invention]

[0123] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figures 15-19 The maintenance procedures of the present invention will be described. The spinning equipment 1 of the present invention differs greatly from the conventional spinning equipment 100 in that it is equipped with an air supply device 6.

[0124] During the operation of spinning equipment 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lower end of the spinning box 21 abuts against the upper end of the cooling device 3. During the operation of the spinning equipment 1, molten polymer P is spun from the spinneret 24 and from the first compressed air source 37 (see reference). Figure 4 (The same applies below.) Cooling air CF is supplied to the spinning drum 31 via pipe 32. The cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 flows into the hollow section CE in a generally horizontal direction to cool the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24. During the operation of the spinning equipment 1, crosswind SF is not released from the air nozzle 62.

[0125] [2-2-1. Preparation Process]

[0126] Figure 15 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 1 when the spinning of the molten polymer P has stopped. In the case of maintenance of the spinning equipment 1, firstly, as... Figure 15As shown, the spinning of molten polymer P from spinneret 24 is stopped. The stopping of spinning of molten polymer P is executed, for example, by control device 7 according to the operator's operation. In addition, during maintenance, cooling air CF is continuously supplied through cooling device 3. At this time, air supply device 6 stops operating, and crosswind SF is not released from air nozzle 62.

[0127] Figure 16 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 when the cooling device 3 is lowered relative to the spinning box 21 to the lower end. The control device 7, after stopping the spinning of the molten polymer P, as shown... Figure 16 As shown, cylinder 5 is moved in the contraction direction, causing the cooling device 3 to descend relative to the spinning box 21. When the cooling device 3 descends relative to the spinning box 21, a working space Sw is formed between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. As the cooling device 3 begins to descend relative to the spinning box 21, the operator immediately covers the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 with a cover 42. Immediately after the cooling device 3 begins to descend relative to the spinning box 21, the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 is covered with the cover 42, thereby blocking the upward cooling airflow CF from the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 and preventing the spinneret 24 from being cooled by this airflow CF. At this time, the air supply device 6 stops operating and does not release crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62.

[0128] In addition, it is preferable that the timing for stopping the spinning of the molten polymer P is before the cooling device 3 begins to descend relative to the spinning box 21, but it is not limited to this. It can be during the descent of the cooling device 3 relative to the spinning box 21, or after the cooling device 3 has descended to the lower end relative to the spinning box 21.

[0129] [2-2-2. Main Maintenance Process]

[0130] After the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 is covered by the cover 42, the operator performs maintenance. Maintenance includes cleaning the spinneret 24 and replacing the spinning assembly 23. The time required for maintenance depends on the content, but is approximately 10 minutes. The operator cleans the spinneret 24 or replaces the spinning assembly 23 as needed.

[0131] [2-2-3. Restart the process after molten polymer spinning]

[0132] Figure 17 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 1 when the spinning of the molten polymer P restarts. After maintenance, the control device 7, for example, responds to operator input... Figure 17 As shown, begin (restart) spinning the molten polymer P from the spinneret 24.

[0133] [2-2-4. Temperature Reduction Suppression Process]

[0134] When the spinning of the molten polymer P restarts, the control device 7, as follows: Figure 17 As shown, the air supply device 6 begins operation. When the air supply device 6 begins operation, as... Figure 17 As shown, in the working space Sw between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction, a crosswind SF is released from the air nozzle 62 towards the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 in a generally horizontal direction. Thus, the temperature reduction suppression process includes an air supply process in which a crosswind SF is released from the air nozzle 62 towards the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 in a generally horizontal direction within the working space Sw. The timing of the start of the crosswind SF release from the air nozzle 62 will be described later.

[0135] [2-2-5. Cover Removal Process]

[0136] Figure 18 This is an example of a schematic diagram of a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 showing the state with the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 removed. When the air supply device 6 is started to operate (i.e., when the crosswind SF is started to be released from the air nozzle 62), the operator removes the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31. When the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 is removed, a portion of the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning bobbin 31 flows upward from the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31, but the direction of this cooling air CF is changed by the crosswind SF. That is, it is possible to prevent the upward cooling air CF from reaching the spinneret 24 and its surroundings. Preferably, the operation of the air supply device 6 begins at least before the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 is removed.

[0137] Furthermore, the size of the opening of the air nozzle 62, i.e., the area of ​​the opening that emits the crosswind SF, is extremely small compared to the area of ​​the opening on the upper side of the spinning bobbin 31. Therefore, the flow velocity of the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 is extremely large compared to the flow velocity of the cooling air CF flowing upwards from the opening on the upper side of the spinning bobbin 31 toward the spinneret 24. Thus, the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 in a generally horizontal direction can alter the flow of the cooling air CF flowing upwards from the opening on the upper side of the spinning bobbin 31, functioning as a barrier to cut off or suppress the airflow of the cooling air CF toward the spinneret 24. Moreover, by making the airflow of the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 per unit time greater than the airflow of the cooling air CF flowing upwards toward the spinneret 24 per unit time, the airflow of the cooling air CF toward the spinneret 24 can be suppressed. In this way, the upward-flowing cooling air CF from the opening on the upper side of the spinning bobbin 31 can be prevented from flowing toward the spinneret 24 and its surroundings. In addition, the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 in a generally horizontal direction also has the function of cooling and solidifying the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24. Since the molten polymer P becomes more difficult to cool as the wire diameter increases, it is preferable that the air supply device 6 has the function of changing the air volume of the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 per unit time.

[0138] [2-2-6. Threading Process]

[0139] Figure 19 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning apparatus 1 during the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning drum 31. After the operation of removing the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning drum 31, as... Figure 19 As shown, the operator performs a threading operation, passing the molten polymer P (or the cooled and solidified filament Y) spun from the spinneret 24 through the spinning drum 31. Once the filament Y is passed through the spinning drum 31, it is then transported by the downward-flowing cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31. Furthermore, the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 is cooled and solidified by the crosswind SF and / or the cooling air CF. Therefore, the operator can perform the threading operation without using tools.

[0140] [2-2-7. Restoration Process]

[0141] After the yarn threading operation, the control device 7, for example, operates the cylinder 5 in the expanding direction according to the operator's operation, causing the cooling device 3 to rise and approach the spinning box 21. When the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3, the control device 7 stops the operation of the cylinder 5, stopping the rise of the cooling device 3 and returning it to the operating state.

[0142] Furthermore, when the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3 and the upward movement of the cooling device 3 stops, the control device 7 stops the operation of the air supply device 6, stops the release of crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62, and ends the air supply process. The timing for stopping the release of crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 is preferably when or after the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3 and the upward movement of the cooling device 3 stops. This is because when the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3, the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder 31 is blocked, and all or most of the cooling air CF flowing into the hollow section CE flows downwards. Even after the air supply process ends, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed. As a result, the time until the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area returns to its original temperature can be shortened, and the time until the yarn properties stabilize can be shortened as well. However, compared to the case where the crosswind SF is stopped from being released from the air supply device 6 when the cooling device 3 stops rising, although the effect of suppressing the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surroundings may be smaller, it is still possible to stop the release of the crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 halfway through the process of raising the cooling device 3 and approaching the spinning box 21.

[0143] Furthermore, after the cooling device 3 stops rising relative to the spinning box 21, the operator hangs the yarn onto the oiling device 8. The timing of hanging the yarn onto the oiling device 8 is not limited to after the cooling device 3 rises relative to the spinning box 21; it can also be done before the cooling device 3 begins rising relative to the spinning box 21 or during the rising process of the cooling device 3 relative to the spinning box 21, but preferably after the crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 stops.

[0144] In addition, other preparations for production commencement are performed during the recovery process, but illustrations related to these preparations are omitted. When the recovery process concludes, the spinning equipment 1 operates normally and is in production.

[0145] [2-2-8. Effects, etc.]

[0146] In this maintenance process of the present invention, as described above, the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 functions as a barrier, cutting off or suppressing the airflow of the cooling air CF toward the spinneret 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a significant drop in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area, shorten the time from when the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area return to their original temperature after resuming operation, and reduce the amount of waste yarn.

[0147] Furthermore, the timing for starting to release crosswind SF from air nozzle 62 is not limited to before or after the restart of spinning of molten polymer P, as long as it is at least before removing the cover 42 covering the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder 31.

[0148] The maintenance procedures of the present invention are as described above, but the maintenance procedures for solving problems that are obvious in conventional maintenance procedures are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, the maintenance procedures of modified examples will be described.

[0149] [2-3. Maintenance procedures for modified examples]

[0150] Reference Figures 20-26 The maintenance procedures for the modified example are explained. The state of the spinning equipment 1 during production, i.e., in operation, is compared with... Figure 1 Since they are the same, the attached figure showing the state of the spinning equipment 1 in operation is omitted.

[0151] The maintenance process in the modified example differs significantly from that of the present invention in that, in the maintenance process, the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning bobbin 31 is stopped. Furthermore, the spinning apparatus 1 in the modified example is identical to the spinning apparatus 1 in the embodiment of the present invention, and includes an air supply device 6.

[0152] [2-3-1. Preparation Process]

[0153] Figure 20 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 1 when the spinning of the molten polymer P has stopped. In the case of maintenance of the spinning equipment 1, firstly, as... Figure 20 As shown, the spinning of molten polymer P from spinneret 24 is stopped. The stopping of spinning of molten polymer P is executed, for example, by control device 7 according to the operator's operation. The air supply device 6 stops operating, and air is not supplied from the second compressed air source 66 to the air nozzle 62, therefore, no crosswind SF is released from the air nozzle 62.

[0154] After stopping the spinning of the molten polymer P, the control device 7 stops the operation of the first compressed air source 37 and stops supplying cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31. By stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31, it is possible to prevent the cooling air CF from flowing from the opening on the upper side of the spinning drum 31 toward the spinneret 24, thereby suppressing a significant drop in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area.

[0155] Figure 21 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 when the cooling device 3 is lowered relative to the spinning box 21 to its lower end. When the control device 7 stops supplying cooling air CF to the spinning cylinder 31, as shown... Figure 21As shown, cylinder 5 is moved in the contraction direction, causing cooling device 3 to descend relative to spinning box 21. When cooling device 3 descends relative to spinning box 21, a working space Sw is formed between spinning device 2 and cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. When cooling device 3 descends relative to spinning box 21, the operator performs the operation of covering the upper opening of spinning bobbin 31 through cover 42. However, since the supply of cooling air CF to spinning bobbin 31 is stopped, the operation of covering the upper opening of spinning bobbin 31 through cover 42 is not required. The air supply device 6 stops operating, and compressed air is not supplied from the second compressed air source 66 to the air nozzle 62; therefore, crosswind SF is not released from air nozzle 62.

[0156] Furthermore, the timing for stopping the spinning of the molten polymer P is preferably before the cooling device 3 begins to descend relative to the spinning box 21, but it is not limited to this. It can be done during the descent of the cooling device 3 relative to the spinning box 21, or after the cooling device 3 has descended to the lower end relative to the yarn box 21.

[0157] Furthermore, the timing of stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is not limited to after the spinning of the molten polymer P is stopped; it can be done before the spinning of the molten polymer P is stopped, or approximately simultaneously with the cessation of the spinning of the molten polymer P.

[0158] [2-3-2. Main Maintenance Process]

[0159] The cooling device 3 descends relative to the spinning box 21, and after the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder 31 is covered by the cover 42 (though not strictly necessary), the operator performs maintenance corresponding to the purpose, such as cleaning the spinneret 24 and replacing the spinning assembly 23. The time required for maintenance depends on the content of the maintenance, but it is approximately 10 minutes.

[0160] [2-3-3. Restart the process after molten polymer spinning]

[0161] Figure 22 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 1 after the spinning of the molten polymer P has restarted. After maintenance, the control device 7, for example, adjusts according to operator input, such as... Figure 22 The molten polymer P is spun from the spinneret 24 as shown (restarting). Furthermore, with the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder 31 covered by the cover 42, the operator removes the cover 42 from the opening on the upper side of the spinning cylinder 31.

[0162] [2-3-4. Temperature reduction suppression process]

[0163] The aforementioned process of stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is included in the temperature reduction suppression process. Furthermore, while the timing for stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is as described above, when the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 is covered by the cover 42, it is sufficient to stop the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 at least until the cover 42 is removed. This is because, while the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 is covered by the cover 42, the cover 42 can prevent the cooling air CF from flowing from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 toward the spinneret 24.

[0164] Figure 23 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 when the air supply device 6 is started to operate. The control device 7 starts operating the air supply device 6 after the spinning of the molten polymer P has restarted. When the air supply device 6 is started to operate, a crosswind SF is released from the air nozzle 62 in a generally horizontal direction towards the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 in the working space Sw between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction. The process of releasing the crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 in the working space Sw is also included in the temperature reduction suppression process.

[0165] The operation of the air supply device 6 can be started either after or before the cover 42 covering the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31 is removed. This is because, since no cooling air CF is supplied to the spinning cylinder 31, the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area will not drop significantly due to the upward flow of cooling air CF from the upper opening of the spinning cylinder 31.

[0166] Furthermore, the timing for starting the operation of the air supply device 6 is not limited to after the spinning of the molten polymer P has restarted, but can also be before the spinning of the molten polymer P from the spinneret 24 has restarted.

[0167] However, as described above, by stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is stopped, the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 cannot be cooled and solidified by the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31. If the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 is not cooled and solidified, it may be difficult to thread the yarn into the spinning drum 31 after maintenance. However, in the working space Sw, a crosswind SF is released from the air nozzle 62 toward the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24, thereby cooling and solidifying the molten polymer P released from the spinneret 24. As a result, both the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed, and the threading of the yarn into the spinning drum 31 after maintenance can be easily performed.

[0168] [2-3-5. Threading Process]

[0169] Figure 24 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a part of the spinning apparatus 1 during the threading operation of passing the yarn through the spinning bobbin 31. When the crosswind SF begins to be released from the air nozzle 62, as... Figure 24 As shown, the operator performs a threading operation, passing the molten polymer P (or the cooled and solidified filament Y) spun from the spinneret 24 through the spinning drum 31. At this time, the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 is cooled and solidified by the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62. Therefore, the operator can perform the threading operation without using tools.

[0170] [2-3-6. Restoration Process]

[0171] Figure 25 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning apparatus 1 when the cooling device 3 is raised to the upper end relative to the spinning box 21. After the threading operation into the spinning cylinder 31 is performed, as... Figure 25 As shown, the control device 7, for example, operates the cylinder 5 in the expanding direction according to the operator's operation, causing the cooling device 3 to rise and approach the spinning box 21. The control device 7 stops the operation of the cylinder 5 when the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3, thus stopping the rising of the cooling device 3. Furthermore, when the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3 and the rising of the cooling device 3 stops, the control device 7 stops the operation of the air supply device 6 and stops the release of crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62. The timing of stopping the release of crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 is preferably at or after the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the cooling device 3 and the rising of the cooling device 3 stops. This is to allow the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 to cool and solidify. However, the release of crosswind SF from the air nozzle 62 may also be stopped before the cooling device 3 rises relative to the spinning box 21 or midway through the rising process of the cooling device 3 approaching the spinning box 21.

[0172] Furthermore, after the cooling device 3 stops rising relative to the spinning box 21, the operator hangs the yarn onto the oiling device 8. The timing of hanging the yarn onto the oiling device 8 is not limited to after the cooling device 3 rises relative to the spinning box 21; it can also be done before the cooling device 3 begins rising relative to the spinning box 21 or during the rising process of the cooling device 3 relative to the spinning box 21, but preferably after the crosswind SF is stopped from being released from the air nozzle 62.

[0173] Figure 26 This is an example of a schematic diagram showing a portion of the spinning equipment 1 when it returns to production, i.e., operating state. When the lower end of the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the upper end of the cooling device 3 and the rising of the cooling device 3 stops, the control device 7 restarts the operation of the first compressed air source 37, thereby starting to supply cooling air CF to the spinning cylinder 31.

[0174] In addition, other preparations for production commencement are performed during the recovery process, but illustrations related to these preparations are omitted. When the recovery process concludes, the spinning equipment 1 operates normally and is in production.

[0175] Furthermore, the timing for starting the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is not limited to when the lower end of the spinning box 21 comes into contact with the upper end of the cooling device 3 and the upward movement of the cooling device 3 stops. For example, if the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows between the spinning device 2 and the cooling device 3 in the vertical direction, the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 can also begin when the cooling device 3 is at the lower end. If the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 begins when the cooling device 3 is at the lower end, the cooling air CF may flow from the opening on the upper side of the spinning drum 31 toward the spinneret 24. However, since the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 functions as a barrier, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed.

[0176] [2-3-7. Effects, etc.]

[0177] In the maintenance process of the above-described modified example, the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning bobbin 31 is stopped at least while the cooling device 3 is moved downward relative to the spinning box 21. Therefore, the cooling air CF flowing from the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31 toward the spinneret 24 can be stopped. As a result, the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed.

[0178] Furthermore, in the maintenance process of the above-described modified example, the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 was described under the premise of stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31. However, instead of stopping the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31, the airflow of cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 can be suppressed. When the airflow of cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 is suppressed, the airflow of cooling air CF from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 toward the spinneret 24 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the decrease in temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area. In addition, it is preferable to suppress the airflow of cooling air CF supplied to the spinning drum 31 at least compared with that before the spinning of molten polymer P stops during production.

[0179] However, if the supply of cooling air CF to the spinning drum 31 is stopped or the supply of cooling air CF is suppressed during maintenance of the spinning equipment 1, the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 will not be cooled and solidified, making the threading operation to the spinning drum 31 after maintenance difficult. However, the crosswind SF emitted from the air nozzle 62 flows in a direction that intersects with the filament channel of the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24, thus allowing the molten polymer P spun from the spinneret 24 to cool and solidify. Therefore, the temperature drop of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area can be suppressed, and the threading operation to the spinning drum after maintenance can be easily performed. As a result, the time from returning to operating conditions to the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area returning to its original temperature can be shortened, reducing the amount of discarded filaments.

[0180] [3. Verification results of the maintenance procedures of the present invention or its modifications]

[0181] When maintenance is performed using the maintenance process of the present invention or its variations, the time from when the yarn returns to normal after it has been restored to its operating state can be shortened. Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the results of the circular knitting dyeing evaluation over time after the knitting process of the present invention has been restored to its operating state through maintenance. Figure 28 This is a graph showing the changes in thermal stress and untwisting tension of the yarn over time after it has been restored to its operating state, both when maintenance was performed using the usual maintenance procedures and when maintenance was performed using the modified maintenance procedures.

[0182] like Figure 27 As shown, as a result of the circular knitting dyeing evaluation, after returning to operating conditions, it became close to the color of BM after approximately 15 minutes, and was judged to be normal yarn. This significantly reduces the time required to determine if the yarn is normal compared to previous maintenance procedures.

[0183] In addition, such as Figure 28 As can be clearly seen, compared with the case where maintenance is performed through the conventional maintenance process, the maintenance process of the modified example shows better results in terms of untwisting tension and thermal stress.

[0184] Figure 29 This is a graph showing an example of the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 over time from the start of maintenance in conventional maintenance procedures, the maintenance procedures of the present invention, and the maintenance procedures of modified examples. Figure 29The example shown in (a) illustrates an example of the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 over time from the start of maintenance in a conventional maintenance process. Figure 29 (b) shown represents an example of the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 over time from the start of maintenance in the maintenance process of the present invention. Figure 29 (c) shown represents an example of the change in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 over time from the start of maintenance in a modified maintenance process.

[0185] like Figure 29 As can be seen, in any of the conventional maintenance procedures, the maintenance procedures of the present invention, and the maintenance procedures of the modified examples, the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 decreases when the cooling device 3 is lowered relative to the spinning box 21. However, compared to the conventional maintenance procedures, in the maintenance procedures of the present invention and the modified examples, the time from the end of maintenance and the raising of the cooling device 3 until the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 returns to its original temperature is shorter. We believe this is because, in the case of maintenance performed by the conventional maintenance procedures, when the cooling device 3 is raised, the temperature of the spinneret 24 and its surrounding area decreases significantly due to the upward-flowing cooling air CF from the upper opening of the spinning bobbin 31. Regarding this, in the maintenance procedures of the present invention, although the cooling air CF supplied to the spinning bobbin 31 is upward-flowing, this cooling air CF is blocked by the crosswind SF released from the air nozzle 62 of the cooling device 3, thus suppressing the decrease in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24. Furthermore, in the maintenance process of the modified example, since the cooling air CF is not supplied to the spinning drum 31, the cooling air CF flowing upward from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 does not exist, or the airflow of the cooling air CF flowing upward from the upper opening of the spinning drum 31 can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in the surface temperature of the spinneret 24 can be suppressed.

Claims

1. A spinning apparatus characterized by comprising: have: A spinning box housing into which a spinning assembly is inserted to spin molten polymer downwards from the spinneret; A cooling device is disposed below the spinning box and has a spinning bobbin that extends vertically in a manner that surrounds the molten polymer spun from the spinneret. The molten polymer is cooled by cooling air supplied circumferentially from the spinning bobbin. The moving mechanism enables the cooling device to move downward relative to the spinning box to create a gap between the cooling device and the spinning box; and The air supply device, at least while the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box, supplies air in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret.

2. The spinning equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned air supply device stops operating when the aforementioned spinning box comes into contact with the aforementioned cooling device.

3. The spinning equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned air supply device is capable of supplying air to change the direction of the cooling air supplied to the spinning bobbin that is directed toward the spinneret.

4. A spinning apparatus characterized by comprising: have: A spinning box housing, into which a spinning assembly is inserted to spin molten polymer downwards from a spinneret; and A cooling device, disposed below the spinning box, has a spinning bobbin extending vertically to surround the molten polymer spun from the spinneret, and cools the molten polymer by cooling air supplied circumferentially from the spinning bobbin. The above-mentioned spinning equipment performs the following processes: In the preparation process, the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box to form a gap between the cooling device and the spinning box. The temperature reduction suppression process, at least while the cooling device is moved downward relative to the spinning box, suppresses the temperature reduction of the spinneret; and In the recovery process, after the cooling device is moved downwards relative to the spinning box for maintenance, the cooling device is moved upwards relative to the spinning box while suppressing the temperature drop of the spinneret. The temperature reduction suppression process includes an air supply process in which air is supplied in a direction that intersects the filament channel of the molten polymer spun from the spinneret between the spinning box and the cooling device.

5. The spinning equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The above air supply process is as follows: After performing the above maintenance, during or at the end of the above restoration process, the air supply shall be stopped.

6. The spinning equipment according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The above air supply process is as follows: It can supply air to change the direction of the cooling air supplied to the spinning bobbin that is directed toward the spinneret.

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