[0001] The present invention relates to. the manufacture of melt-spun filaments and, in
particular, to a reduction in amplitude of vibration of spun filaments passing through
quenching and finish application zones, and a reduction in haul-off tension.
[0002] The manufacture of melt-spun filaments is typically achieved by extruding a molten
polymer, such as polyester, polyamide, etc, through a spinneret and then cooling the
filaments thus formed. Therebelow, the filaments are converged and gathered at a guide
and delivered to a bobbin or further treatment station.
[0003] Cooling of the filaments is traditionally accomplished in a quench zone by blowing
a stream of cool gas such as air across the filaments emerging from the spinneret,
as demonstrated for example in US Patents 3 067 459; 3 070 839; 3 135 811; 3 259 681;
3 858 386; and 3 969 462. The air may be directed radially outwardly from within a
circular array of filaments, ie so-called outflow quench.
[0004] It is also common to apply a finishing liquid to the filaments below the quench zone
to lubricate and impart antistatic properties to the filaments. Application of the
finishing liquid may be performed by passing the filaments over a convergence guide,
eg, a so-called skid guide in which the filaments are bundled together in mutually
contacting relationship while the finishing liquid is flowed or sprayed onto the bundle
of filaments, as described for instance in US Patents 1 943 353; 2 373 078; 3 041
663; 3 067 459; and 3 988 086.
[0005] The degree of molecular orientation of the filaments, (ie birefringence), produced
by the above described melt-spun techniques is influenced by a number of factors,
which affect the amount of tension to which the filaments are subjected upon emergence
from the spinneret, especially the intensity of cooling and finish application imparted
to the filaments, Although acceptable levels of birefringence can be achieved by current
techniques, it is often difficult to impart these qualities uniformly. We have.now
recognised that one factor contributing to this problem involves a tendency of the
filaments to oscillate while passing through the quench and finishing zones. It will
be appreciated that in an outflow quench environment, an oscillating filament will
contact the quench air flow at various upstream and downstream locations within the
flow and will thus be subjected to different quench air velocities (ie, the quench
air velocity gradually decreases in the direction of air flow). Accordingly, the filaments
may be quenched at varying and unequal rates. In addition, the oscillating filaments
may collide before being sufficiently cooled, thereby tending to coalesce.
[0006] Although the presence of a skid guide at which the filaments are bundled may result
in a slight reduction in the amplitude of vibration, as compared with the absence
of such a skid guide, the problem of non-uniform quenching and finish
' application is far from alleviated.
[0007] Another problem encountered in filament spinning- operations involves the tendency
for breakage or damage to occur due to the high amountsof tension to which the filaments
may be subjected. One cause of such high tension is air drag which results from the
tendency of the rapidly-travelling filament group to induce a substantial air flow.
Besides being more susceptible to damage, the highly tensioned filaments require that
greater amounts of energy be expended for maintaining the filaments at the required
travel speeds.
[0008] According to the present inventions provide a melt-spinning process in which molten
polymer is extruded downwardly through an annular arrangement of holes in a spinneret
to form an annular group of filaments, quench gas is directed on to the group of filaments
from within the group and outwardly therethrough, finish liquid is sprayed onto the
group of filaments from within the group and outwardly therethrough beneath the quench
gas and the filaments are gathered and redirected at a lower guide means, characterised
in that the filaments are passed through an upper guide means disposed around the
filament group below the finish spray and above the lower guide means such that the
upper guide means is lubricated by the finish spray and the filaments are acted inwardly
upon by the upper guide means and deflected, in mutually spaced relationship, towards
a longitudinal axis defined by the filament group whereby the filaments are supported
between the spinneret and the lower guide means to reduce the amplitude of vibration
of the filaments.
[0009] We also provide a melt-spinning apparatus. comprising a multi-hole spinneret through
which molten polymer is extruded downwardly to form an annular group of filaments,
quench means for directing quench gas from within the filament group and outwardly
therethrough, spray means for directing a spray of liquid finish from within the filament
group and outwardly therethrough, and lower guide means below the spray means at which
the filaments are gathered and redirected characterised by upper guide means disposed
around the filament group above the lower guide means and below the finish spray to
be lubricated by the latter, such upper guide means being arranged to act inwardly
against the filaments and urge them, in mutually spaced relationship, towards a longitudinal
axis defined by the filament group, to reduce the unsupported span of the filaments
and thereby reduce the amplitude of vibration of the filaments.
[0010] Preferably, the upper guide is in the form of an annular surface which surrounds
and contacts the filaments.
[0011] Preferably, walls extend upwardly from the upper guide surface and surround the filaments
to confine a finish environment around the filaments.
[0012] We further provide a guide for enclosing a group of travelling filaments arranged
in a pattern forming a main longitudinal axis, the guide comprising a carrier movable
towards and away from the filament group, a plurality of relatively movable members
mounted on the carrier for movement between open and closed positions, the members
when in the closed position forming a through-passage for the filament group; and
actuating means oparatively connected to the carrier and members for: extending the
carrier towards the filament group, closing the members around the filaments to converge
the filaments, and retracting the carrier to a position where a longitudinal axis
of the through-passage is substantially aligned with the main longitudinal axis formed
by the filament group.
[0013] The advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment thereof in connection with the accompanying
drawings in which like numerals designate like elements, and in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a melt-spinning apparatus, with portions of
quench and finish conductors broken away, and with an upper guide in an operative
position;
Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the melt-spinning apparatus with the upper
guide in an inoperative position and with the quench and finish conduits in a raised
condition;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the melt-spinning apparatus taken ninety-degrees
relative to the view depicted in Figures 1 and 2 and with the upper guide in an operative
position;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the melt-spinning apparatus, taken along line 4-4
in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through a modified form of quench
and finish conductors in a retracted position, and depicting a modified upper guide
in a closed position.
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 with the quench and finish conductors partially
removed from an insulator housing in the spinning pack, and with the modified upper
guide in an open position.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of the modified upper guide of Figures 5-6, depicting
its sequence of operation;
Figure 10 is a'longitudinal sectional view through the modified upper guide in a retracted,
non-operative mode corresponding to Figure 7;
Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 with the modified upper guide in a fully
extended mode, corresponding to Figure 8;
Figure 12 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through a rear portion of the
modified upper guide, with that guide in a normal operational mode corresponding to
Figure 9;
Figure 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view through a front portion of
the modified upper guide, with that guide in a normal operational mode corresponding
to Figure 9; and
t Figure 14 is a schematical representation of the modified upper guide and the pneumatic
system for its operation, with no particular mode of operation of the guide being
depicted.
[0014] In the figures, there is depicted a melt-spinning apparatus 10 wherein a conventional
filter pack 12 includes a conventional spinneret 14 through which is downwardly extruded
a molten polymer such as polyester or polyamide for example, to form filaments. The
spinneret is of a conventional type comprising holes arranged in a circular pattern
so that a group 15 of circularly arranged filaments is formed. The holes of the spinneret
are preferably arranged in a series of circular rows having a common central axis.
The spun filaments travel downwardly to a turning guide 17, or a godet, or roll, at
which they are gathered and redirected, in conventional fashion.
[0015] The pack 12 is mounted on a conventional superstructure 20, and the filaments travel
downwardly within a cabinet or chimney 22 closed on at least three sides and possibly
open at the fourth side for operator monitoring purposes.
[0016] Quench gas preferably in the form of cool air is provided to cool the filaments 15
emerging from the spinneret. The quench gas is delivered by a quench conduit which
includes a gas supply portion 26 and a gas discharge portion 28. The gas supply portion
26 extends downwardly through the pack 12 and the spinneret 14 in coaxial relationship
with the vertical, longitudinal axis 16 defined by the circular array(s) of spinneret
holes.
[0017] The gas discharge portion 28 of the quench conduit is disposed immediately below
the spinneret 14 and includes a plurality of outlet openings for discharging the quench
air radially outwardly in a preselected pattern through the surrounding filaments
15. Preferably, a sheath 30 of porous foam surrounds the conduit discharge portion
to uniformly disperse the quench air. A collar 31 may be located on the conduit 26
to position the top of the sheath relative to the spinneret.
[0018] The section of the gas supply portion 26 extending through the pack 12 is preferably
surrounded by an insulator 32 to minimize heat exchange between the quench gas and
molten polymer within the pack 12. The insulator 32 may comprise thermal insulation
and/or an air gap.
[0019] The insulator 32 includes a fixed stop collar 34 which rests upon a stop post 36
of the pack to support the insulator 32 and locate the latter relative to the spinneret.
In this fashion, the spacial relationship between the spinneret holes and the uppermost
stream of quench gas is maintained constant, to achieve uniformity of the quenching
action and minimize birefringence differences between positions.
[0020] Extending downwardly from the lower end of the discharge portion 28 of the conduit
is a gas streamlining member 38 in the fom of a downwardly converging hollow cone.
The cone occupies a considerable portion of the space bounded by the converging filaments
15. Air normally drawn downwardly and inwardly by the rapidly travelling filaments
is constrained by the cone to flow in a relatively smooth non-turbulent fashion to
minimize undesired vibration of the filaments. Thus, air is not sucked into the filament
group in large quantities so as to cause turbulence in a dead zone below the quench
and hence filament vibration.
[0021] It is preferable that the diameter defined by the innermost circular row of holes
in the spinneret be at least 5" to allow sufficient room for the gas supply conduit
26 to pass therethrough. Smaller diameters could be employed, but the gas conduit
would require higher pressures to conduct an optimum gas flow quantity.
[0022] Extending downwardly through the quench conduit 26 and through the air streamlining
cone 38, is a finish supply conduit 40 which conducts a suitable finishing liquid.
The lower end of the finish supply conduit 40 projects beyond the bottom of the cone
38 and carries a spray nozzle 42. The spray nozzle 42 is fixed by a collar 44 and
is oriented to spray the finish liquid, in mist form, in a downward and radially outward
direction, so that the liquid passes outwardly through the group of filaments 15 after
the latter have been quenched.
[0023] As described so far, the apparatus is similar to that disclosed in copending European
Patent Application No 81301913.0
[0024] The quench and finish conduits 26, 40 may be arranged to be temporarily raised to
an inoperative position (Fig 2) to facilitate access to the cabinet interior and spinneret.
[0025] Disposed immediately beneath the nozzle 42 is an upper filament guide assembly 50
which acts upon the filaments in an inward direction to displace them inwardly toward
the longitudinal axis of the filament group in accordance with the present invention.
Also, the upper guide so confines the finish to create a concentrated finish environment
through which the filaments travel.
[0026] Preferably, the guide assembly 50 includes a circular, filament guide surface 52
(Fig 4) which surrounds the filament group. The guide assembly may be of one piece
or, as depicted, may comprise two or more segments 50A, B which can be merged together
around the filaments, as explained hereafter. Upper interior walls 58A, B of the segments
diverge upwardly from the guide surface 52 and lower interior walls 59A, B diverge
down- wardly from the guide surface.
[0027] The guide segments 50A, B include filament contact portions that foam the circular
guide surface 52 when the segments have been merged. The guide surface 52 functions
to engage the filaments and urge them radially inwardly as will be discussed below.
[0028] The guide surface is arranged to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the filaments
in a manner which promotes a more uniform quenching and application of finish. Importantly
also, the diameter and location of the guide surface are determined to minimize the
influence of the guide surface on the mean temperature, velocity, and tension profiles
of the filaments in order to avoid any appreciable change in the physical properties
of the filaments which would be otherwise established. That is, parameters such as
the tension applied to the filaments above the freeze point (ie, the point at which
the filaments reach their final speed), the rate of quench, and the rate of finish
application are not to be appreciably changed. Rather, the guide surface is arranged
to achieve greater uniformity in the quench and finishing operations (thereby minimizing
the birefringence coefficient of variation in filaments being produced), and to reduce
the additional tension imposed upon the filaments downstream of the freeze point of
the filaments.
[0029] In this regard, the guide surface is positioned below the finish nozzle 42 and at
or just beneath the freeze point, and the diameter of the guide surface is somewhat
less than a normal diameter, ie a diameter which would otherwise be assumed by the
filaments in the absence of the guide surface, so that the guide surface contacts
and supports the filaments and deflects them inwardly toward the longitudinal axis
16 against the force of the outflowing quench air. Thus, the free, unsupported length
of the filaments from the spinneret is shortened, whereby the amplitude of vibration
of the filaments is greatly reduced (the frequency of vibration being accordingly
increased). As noted earlier, the vibratory movement of the filaments toward and away
from the3ongitudinal axis of the filament group can adversely affect the uniformity
of quenching and hence filament uniformity. By reducing the amplitude of vibration,
the filaments remain closer to the source of quench air and finish spray and thus
"see" a more uniform environment.
[0030] Also, as the filaments oscillate, they may tend to collide and, if not sufficiently
cooled at that point, they may tend to coalesce. This problem is alleviated by the
reduction in amplitude of vibration.
[0031] The diameter of the guide surface is sufficiently large to assure that the filaments
passing therethrough remain in mutually spaced relationship. This promotes a complete
distribution and application of finish throughout the filament group. The finish is
sprayed downwardly and outwardly so as to initially contact the filaments as the latter
enter the upper guide 50. Since the filaments are mutually spaced, the sprayed finish
has access to the entire periphery of each filament . Also, the sprayed finish contacts
the guide interior walls and flows downwardly across the guide surface 52 to further
contact the mutually spaced filaments as the latter slide across the guide surface.
[0032] The vertical central axis of the guide surface is aligned with the longitudinal axis
16 of the filament group during a spinning run and is of the same configuration as
the filament group (preferably circular), so that all of the filaments are caused
to approach the axis of the filament group by the same amount, thus further promoting
uniform quenching and application of finish.
[0033] The walls of the upper guide are preferably formed of metal., so as to constitute
an efficient accumulator and conductor of heat. In this regard, the walls receive
heat by radiation from the filaments and by convection from the air flow induced by
the moving filaments and travelling therewith. The walls thus serve as a heat sink
for assisting in the cooling of the filaments. The finish liquid which drains from
the walls serves to rapidly dissipate the accumulated heat.
[0034] Those portions of the walls forming the guide surface 52 are preferably of a low-friction
ceramic material to promote filament travel.
[0035] It will be appreciated that the upper guide 50 of the present invention reduces the
diameter of the filament group below the guide 50 and thus reduces the amount of downward
air flow which is induced by the filaments. Such air flow is a function of the diameter
of the filament group and also increases the tension imposed upon the filaments downstream
of the upper guide . By reducing that tension, the likelihood of breakage or other
damage occuring to the filaments on subsequent guides, etc is reduced; and the energy
required to pull the filaments at a given speed is reduced.
[0036] The upwardly and outwardly flared configuration of the inner walls 58A, B of the
upper guide effectively strips air flow from around the filaments above the upper
guide. That is, as the filaments pass through the guide, the downward air flow induced
by the filaments and travelling downwardly between the filaments and the finish-confining
wall segments 58A, B is caused, upon reaching the region of the contact surface, to
reverse direction, thereby reducing the air drag on the filaments at that point.
[0037] The lower wall segments 59A, B further confine the finish spray and prevent the spray
from being thrown outwardly by turbulent air flow
[0038] The guide surface 52 may be formed in various ways, such as by a one-piece member
through which the filaments are threaded, or by a multi-segmented arrangement, as
shown in Figs 1-2 which is merged around the filaments to avoid the need for threading
of the filaments. As regards the latter approach, the guide segments are mounted on
separate carrier shafts 62A, B by means of support arms 64A, B, the latter being situated
in vertically spaced planes. By rotating the shafts 62A, B about their own axes, the
arms and associated guide segments can be raised and lowered. The shafts are rotated
.simuitaneously by means of a pneumatic cam 66 which is operatively connected to the
shaft 6
2B, the latter being drivingly connected to the other shaft 62A by a connecting rod
68.
[0039] In a non-merged condition of the guide segments, the filaments are free to travel
in their normal or natural travel paths. However, when the guide segments are merged,
they close in around the filaments and make contact therewith to deflect the filaments
radially inwardly toward the vertical longitudinal axis of the filament group.
[0040] At a lower end of the cabinet 22 above the turning guide 17, an inclined surface
70 is provided. The surface includes a guide opening or through passage 72 and a slot
74 enabling the filament group to be inserted into the guide opening. As the filaments
travel through the guide opening 72, air travelling around the filament bundle 15
is stripped from the filament group upon engaging the inclined surface 70 and guide
opening and is conducted in a different direction to an outlet duct. This reduces
the quantity of air flow emerging with the filaments from the cabinet 22, which air
flow could otherwise cause disturbance below the plate, eg, operation at the turning
guide 17.
[0041] A slightly modified form of the quench/finish applicator is illustrated in Figs 5
and 6. An insulation unit 32A is depicted which is fixed within the pack 12. The insulation
unit comprises spaced tubes 80, 82 between which is disposed a layer of thermal insulation.
An end cap 84 is disposed at the top of the tubes 80, 82 and carries a spring-biased
ball retainer 86. A locating ring 88 is mounted to the outer tube 80 below the cap
84 rests upon a post 94 on the . pack to locate the insulator. The ring 88 includes
an aperture within which is pivotably mounted a hook 90. The hook is actuated by means
of a spring-biased rod 92, the upper end of which is disposed within a hole in the
cap 84. The hook 90 is engagable with the post 94 such that by lifting the rod 92
the insulator can be removed from the pack.
[0042] The quench conduit 26A is slidable within the insulation unit 32A and includes an
annular recess 96 which receives the ball retainer 86 to be held in an upwardly retracted
condition (Fig 5). When raising the quench conduit 26A, the hook 90 prevents unintended
raising of the insulator from the pack. The foam sheath 30 has been removed from the
quench conduit 26A in Figs 5, 6 as required in order to enable the quench conduit
to be retracted (Fig 5) or completely removed from the spinneret (Fig 6). The cone
38A is narrower than the cone of the embodiment of Figs 1, 2 to enable the porous
sheath to be slid upwardly over the cone. The sheath is held in place by means of
a retaining collar (not shown) which slides up over the cone 38A and is secured by
means of a bayonet-type connection with lugs 97 on the cone.
[0043] In operation of the filament-facricating apparatus, molten polymer is extruded downwardly
through the spinneret 14 to form a circularly arranged group of filaments 15. The
filaments 15 travel through the upper guide 50. If the upper guide is of one-piece
construction, the filaments are threaded there-through. If a multi-segmented guide
50 is employed, as illustrated herein, the guide can be formed around the filament
group.
[0044] The guide surface 52 of the guide contacts the filaments and deflects them inwardly
from a normal travel path toward the longitudinal axis of the filament group against
the force of the outflow quench air. Thus, the filaments are supported intermediate
the spinneret and the lower guides 17 and 72 whereby the amplitude of vibration of
the filaments is reduced to promote more uniform quenching and finish applying operations.
As a result, birefringence coefficient of variation characteristics are improved,
as reflected by the following test results, wherein the wind-up speed and rate of
quench air flow were varied. It is expected that the present invention is well suited
for the spinning of all polyesters, polyamides, and polyolefines.
[0045] The test involved the spinning of 0.62 dl/g iv polyethylene terephthalate (measured
in an 8% solution of orthochlorophenol). The spinneret had 1904 holes of .009 in (0.0229
cm) diameter. andD12 in (0.0305 cm) length. The holes were arranged in 7 rows, the
center row being of 5.5 in (13.97 cm) diameter and the outer row being of 6.5 in (16.51
cm) diameter. The spinneret temp. was 290°C and the quench air temperature was 105°F
(40.6°C). In all cases quenching commenced at 1-5/8 inches (4.13 cm) below the spinneret.
[0046] As can be seen from the chart, columns 1-3 represent birefringence values while columns
4-6 represent birefringence coefficient of variation in percentage. Columns 1 and
4 reflect conditions when quench (but not finish) was applied without the stripping
surface 70 and the upper guide 50; columns 2 and 5 reflect the addition of the stripping
surface 70 at 62 inches (157.5 cm) below the spinneret; and columns 3 and 6 reflect
the addition of a finish application as well as the stripping surface 70 at 62 inches
(157.5 cm) below the spinneret and the upper guide 50 (at 27 inches (68.6 cm) below
the spinneret).
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=1982/17/DOC/EPNWA1/EP81304817NWA1/imgb0001)
[0047] It will be appreciated that improved birefringence coefficient of variation characteristics
(Col 6 vs Col 4) were achieved with the present inventicn; especially at higher wind-up
speeds.
[0048] The tension induced in the filaments below the upper guide 50 was also significantly
reduced as is apparent from the following chart in which Tension Column No 1 represents
filament tension without the upper guide and Tension Column No 2 represents filament
tension.with the upper guide.
![](https://data.epo.org/publication-server/image?imagePath=1982/17/DOC/EPNWA1/EP81304817NWA1/imgb0002)
[0049] It has been found that the upper guide produces optimum advantages involving reduced
birefringence coefficient of variation, and reduced tension in instances where the
spinneret contains more than 1,000 holes, the quench air flow is at least 90 cu ft/min,
(2.55 cu metres/min). The polymer throughput is not greater than 1 pound/hour per
cu ft/min (16.01 kg/hr/metre
3/min) of throughput and the wind-up speed is no greater than 13,000 ft/min (3962 m/min).
[0050] It will be appreciated, then, that the present invention greatly stabilizes the filaments
and desensitizes the filaments relative to ambient conditions, possibly to an extent
eliminating the need for a surrounding cabinet. There are produced significant reductions
in the birefringence coefficient of variation by means of a guide surface which maintains
the filaments in mutually spaced relationship so as to promote the uniform application
of finish. Since the guide surface only partially converges the filaments, it can
be disposed at a high level (ie closer to the spinneret) so as to be extremely effective
in reducing the unsupported filament length and thereby lessening the amplitude of
filament vibration without significantly altering the threadline profile. Such would
not be the case if the guide completely converged the filaments because the guide
would have to be placed at a lower level to avoid contact between the filaments and
the finish nozzle.
[0051] The convergence of the filaments below the guide (ie reduction in diameter of the
filament group), significantly reduces the air drag (tension) acting on the filaments.
This lessens the risk of subsequent filament damage and lowers energy expenditures.
[0052] By positioning the upper guide 50 beneath a finish spray nozzle, it is assured that
finish flows onto and fully lubricates the guide surface 52 and flows onto the filaments
engaging that surface.
[0053] The guide walls projecting above the guide surface 52 serve to. confine the finish
spray in a region surrounding the filaments to further promote the application of
finish.
[0054] The guide walls also serve to absorb heat from the induced air flow and from the
filaments, to aid in filament cooling. The flow of finish liquid along the wall aids
in dissipating the absorbed heat.
[0055] A more preferred form of upper guide is depicted in Figures 5-14. As illustrated
in plan view in Figures 7-9, the upper guide 100 comprises a pair of cooperable jaws
102, 104 which wrap around the filament group 15. In particular, the jaws approach
the filaments from the side in an open condition (Figures 7 and 8), and then close
around the filaments to surround and converge the filaments (Fig 9). The jaws swing
closed about a vertical pivot 108 generally coincident with the main longitudinal
axis 16 of the filament group, and are thereafter displaced by a slight amount 110
in a horizontal direction to realign the longitudinal axis of the converged filament
group (ie, the central axis of the opening or through-passage 112 defined by the closed
jaws) with such main longitudinal axis 16 (Fig 9).
[0056] As depicted more clearly in Figures 10 and 13, the jaws 102, 104 are mounted by means
of a vertical pivot pin 108 to the front end of a fluid-actuated motor, preferably
in the form of a pneumatically actuated ram assembly 120. The ram assembly 120 includes
a carrier 122, including front and rear parts 122A, 122B which are releasably interconnected
by a threaded bolt 124.
[0057] The carrier 122 is reciprocated forwardly (toward the filaments) and rearwardly (away
from the filaments) by a pneumatic ram 126 which is mounted upon a frame 128 that
is fixed to the side of the cabinet or chimney 22. The ram 126 includes a reciprocable
rod 130 which is threadedly secured to the rear end of the rear carrier part 122B.
Upon the carrier 122 are mounted rollers 132, 134 which travel freely within' a pair
of guide slots 136, 138 in the frame 128. The front and rear ends of the slots 136,
138 may define the front and rear ends of the travel stroke of the head 122; alternatively,
adjustable stop bolts (not shown) may be inserted into the front and rear ends of
one of the slots to define adjustable stop positions for the stroke.
[0058] The jaws 102, 104 are connected, by means of a pair of links 140, to a jaw actuator
mechanism 144. The jaw actuator mechanism 144 includes a reciprocable rod 146 to the
rear end of which is mounted a piston 148, and to the front end of which is mounted
a head 150. Rear ends of the links 140 are pivotably connected to the head 150 for
movement therewith. The rod 146 is slidable within a bore 152 in the front carrier
part 122A, which bore is sealed by means of seals 154, 156 disposed at opposite sides
of the piston 148. Pneumatic conduits 158, 160 (Fig 14) communicate with the bore
150 on opposite sides of the piston 148, such that pneumatic fluid introduced into
the bore 152 forwardly of the piston 148 via the conduit 158 serves to retract the
rod 146 and open the jaws 102, 104 (Figs 7-8), and pneumatic fluid introduced behind
the piston 148 via a conduit 160 serves to extend the rod 146 and close the jaws.
The flow of pneumatic fluid to the jaw actuator mechanism 144 is controlled by means
of a valve 162 which is mounted within the rear carrier part 122B, as will be discussed
hereinafter.
[0059] Mounted in the front carrier part 122A is a valve 164 (Fig 13) which controls the
supply of pneumatic fluid to the ram 126. The valve 164 is of a conventional type
and includes a reciprocable stem 166 that rests upon a ball 168, the latter being
slidably retained in a ball mount. The ball rolls along a sloped cam surface 170 on
the head 150. When the head is extended forwardly (to close the jaws), it raises the
ball to actuate the valve 164 in a manner directing fluid to the rod side of the ram
126, causing the ram 126 to retract. Thus, the jaws are automatically retracted after
being closed.
[0060] In order to regulate the distance of that retraction, the carrier 122 carries a pivoted
latch 172 which is urged to an outward latching position (Fig 12) by means of a compression
spring 174. Mounted on the framework 128 is an adjustably movable abutment or striker
plate 176 which includes a latch-receiving recess 178. Thus, when the carrier is retracted
from a fully extended position, with the latch in a latching mode, the latch enters
the recess 178 and halts further retraction of the carrier.
[0061] The latch 172 is controlled by means of a latch actuator mechanism 180 which includes
a reciprocable pin 182. The pin 182 is reciprocable within a bore 184 which is disposed
in the rear carrier part 122B and is aligned with the bore 152 of the front carrier
part 122A. The pin 182 is biased forwardly by a compression spring 186 so that a front
end 188 of the pin projects through an opening in the seal 156 and into the bore 152
when the jaw actuator rod 146 is in an extended condition (Fig 13). The pin 182 carries
a spool 190 which includes a recess 192. Mounted in the rear carrier part 122B is
a ball 194 which is situated between the spoil 190 and one end of the latch 172. With
the pin 182 in an extended position (by means of the spring 186), the recess 192 is
aligned with the ball 194 to receive the latter, allowing the latch to be spring-urged
outwardly (ie a latching mode). When the pin 182 is in a retracted condition, as by
being pushed rearwardly by the piston 148 of the jaw actuator rod 146, the spool 190
pushes the ball 194 against the latch 172 to retract the latter against the bias of
the spring 174 to an unlatching mode. In such a condition of the latch 172, the carrier
can be fully retracted.
[0062] Operation of the upper guide 100 will be more clearly understood with reference to
Figure 14 which schematically depicts the elements of the control system but not in
any particular mode. Before a spinning run commences, a manual control valve 200 is
in an "off" mode, wherein pressurized pneumatic fluid from a supply conduit 202 is
directed to one side of a main valve 204 (ie, the left side in Fig 14) to bias the
latter to a jaw-open mode, wherein pneumatic fluid from a conduit 206 is delivered
to the front side of the piston 148 to retract the latter and hold the jaws open.
The valve 164 (Fig 13) in the front carrier part 122A is thus influenced by the low
end of the cam surface 17P of the head 150 and assumes a position which permits a
ram control valve 208 to assume its normal position (as depicted), directing fluid
to the rod end of the ram 126.
[0063] When the manual valve 200 is shifted to an "on" position, pneumatic fluid is delivered
via the conduit 210 to a side of the ram control valve 208 (ie, the right side in
Fig 13) to shift the latter in a manner delivering pneumatic fluid from the conduit
206 to the piston side of the ram 126. Hence, the ram 126 extends the carrier 122
and jaws 102, 104 toward the filaments being spun (Figs 8, 10, 11). During this travel,
the latch 172 is held retracted by the ball 194, and the jaws continue to be held
open. Upon the carrier reaching a fully extended position, as governed by the front
ends of the slots 136, 138 (or adjustable bolts therein), the pivot axis 108 of the
jaws is generally aligned with (or perhaps extends somewhat beyond) the longitudinal
axis 16 of the filament group, some of the filaments having been engaged and pushed
laterally by the open jaws. At this point, a ball 212 of the valve 162 rides upwardly
upon a ramp 214 (Fig 11) of the abutment 176, shifting the valve 162 to a position
delivering pneumatic fluid from the conduit 210 to a side of the main control valve
204 (ie, the right side in Fig 13) to displace the latter. Accordingly, pneumatic
fluid from the conduit 206 is directed by the valve 204 to the rear side of the piston
148, causing the rod 146 to extend and close the jaws around the filaments. Since
the cross-sectional area of the jaw-defined through-passage is smaller than that of
the filament group, the filament group is converged, short of mutual contact.
[0064] At this point, the center of the opening 112 defined by the jaws is spaced laterally
of the main longitudinal axis 16 of the filament group leaving the spinneret. Accordingly,
it will be understood that once the jaws have been closed, the valve 164 is actuated
by the head 150 and directs pneumatic fluid from a conduit 216 to a side (ie, the
left side in Fig 13) of the ram-actuating valve 208 which causes shifting of the latter
to a position directing pneumatic fluid to the rod side of the ram 126. As a result,
retraction of the ram 126 is initiated. Since the latch-controlling ball 194 had become
aligned with the spool recess 192 (due to the spring 186) when the rod 146 was fully
extended (to close the jaws), the latch 172 is in a latching mode. Hence, the ram
126 is capable only of partial retraction before the latch 172 enters the recess 178
and terminates further movement of the carrier 122. Understandably, the abutment 176
is in a position of adjustment assuring that when the carrier stops, the longitudinal
axes of the jaw opening 112 and the filament group are coincident. Spinning then continues
with the upper guide 100 in this partially retracted condition.
[0065] When the manual valve 200 is eventually shifted to the "off" mode, the valve 204
shifts to a. position causing the jaw actuator rod 146 to retract thereby opening
the jaws. Simultaneously, the piston 148 pushes the pin 182 to a retracted position
to force the latch 172 inwardly to an unlatching mode. Hence, the ram 126 is free
to complete its retraction stroke.
[0066] It will be understood that pneumatic fluid is delivered to the valve 164 within the
front carrier part 122A in any suitable manner, such as through guide pins 220 (only
one depicted) which extend between the front and rear carrier parts 122A, B.
[0067] The jaw 102 includes a lug 222 (Fig 5) which enters a corresponding notch 224 in
the other jaw 104 to produce a secure mating of the jaws, and also forming the interface
between the jaws as a tortuous path for fluid, thereby resisting leakage of finishing
liquid therethrough.
[0068] It will be appreciated that the guide 100 is effectively merged abound the filaments
and yet occupies a relatively small amount of space within the cabinet in its extended
and retracted positions. Since the jaws are mounted on a common carrier, there is
less chance for misalignment to occur between the jaws or between the jaws and the
filaments.
[0069] Although the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment
thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, modifications,
substitutions, and deletions may be made without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In particular, the invention has
been described in relation to the outflow quench/finish system described in copending
European Patent Application No 81301913.0. However, it should be understood that the
invention can also be used with a conventional outflow quench/finish system, typical
systems being described in British Patent Nos 1 382 499 and 938 056.
1. A melt-spinning process in which molten polymer is extruded downwardly through'an
annular arrangement of holes in a spinneret (14) to form an annular group of filaments
(15), quench gas is directed on to the group of filaments (15) from within the group
and outwardly there- through, finish liquid is sprayed onto the group of filaments
(15) from within the group and outwardly there- through beneath the quench gas and
the filaments (15) are gathered and redirected at a lower guide means (17),. characterised
in that the filaments are passed through an upper guide means (50) disposed around
the filament group (15) below the finish spray and above the lower guide means (17)
such that the upper guide means (50) is lubricated by the finish spray and the filaments
(15) are acted inwardly upon by a surface oj' the upper guide means (50) and deflected,
in mutually spaced relationship, towards a longitudinal axis (16) defined by the filament
group (15) whereby the filaments are supported between the spinneret (14) and the
lower guide means (17) to reduce the amplitude of vibration of the filaments (15).
2. A process according to Claim 1 further characterised in that the filament group
(15) is passed through an additional guide (72) and an inclined surface (70) to strip
air from around the filament group (15).
3. Apparatus comprising a multi-hole spinneret (14) through which molten polymer is
downwardly extruded to form an annular group of filaments (15), quench means (26,
28, 30, 38) for directing quench gas from within the filament group (15) and outwardly
therethrough, spray means (40, 42) for directing a spray of liquid finish from within
the filament group (15) and outwardly, therethrough, and lower guide means (17) below
the spray means (40, 42) at which the filaments (15) are gathered and redirected,
the apparatus being chaacterised by an upper guide means (50) disposed around the
filament group (15) above the lower guide means (17) and below the finish spray means
(40, 42) so that guide means (50) is lubricated by spray from the spray means (40,
42), the guide means (50) being arranged to act inwardly' against the filaments (15)
and urge them, in mutually spaced relationship, towards a longitudinal axis (16) defined
by the filament group (15) to reduce the unsupported span of the filaments (15) and
thereby reduce the amplitude of vibration of the filaments (15).
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3 characterised in that the upper guide means (50)
includes spray confining wall means (58A, 58B) disposed around the filament group
(15) in spaced relationship therewith for confirming spray from the spray means (40,
42) around the filaments (15).
5. A guide for enclosing a group of travelling filaments (15) arranged in a pattern
forming a main longitudinal axis (16), the guide comprising a carrier (122) moveable
towards and away from the filament group (15), a plurality of relatively moveable
members (102, 104) mounted on the carrier (122) for movement between open and closed
positions, the members forming a through-passage for the filament group (15) in the
closed position; and actuating means (12) operatively connected to the carrier (122)
and members (102, 104) for extending the carrier (122) towards the filament group
(15), closing the members (102, 104) around the filaments (15) to converge the filaments
(15), and retracting the carrier (122) to a position where a longitudinal axis of
the through-passage is substantially aligned with the main longitudinal axis (16)
formed by the filament group (15).
6. A guide according to Claim 5 further characterised in that the members comprise
a pair of jaws (102, 104) which are completely closeable.
7.- A guide according to Claim 5 further characterised in that the actuating means
(120) constitutes means for opening members (102, 104) to release the filaments (15)
and for retracting the carrier (122) with the members (102, 104) in an open position.
8. A guide for enclosing a group of travelling filaments (15) comprising a pair of
members (50A, 50B) (102, 104) mounted for relative movement toward the filament group
(15) and to close around and capture the filaments (15), and actuating means (62A,
62B, 64A, 648, 66, 68) (122, 120) for moving the members (50A, 50B) (102, 104) towards
the filament group (15) such the members (50A, 50B) (102, 104) meet and enclose the
filaments and converge the filaments.
9. A guide according to Claim 8 wherein the members are mounted for pivoted swing
movement.
10. A guide according to Claim 8 wherein each member (50A, 50B) (102, 104) includes
a portion of a continuous filament contact surface, which portions are aligned when
the members (50A, 50B) (102, 104) are closed.