Apparatus for dyeing a bundle of fibers such as a sliver or top

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for dyeing a bundle of fibers, such as a sliver, wool top or a synthetic-fiber tow. A bundle of fibers is accumulated into a dyeing can, comprising a main can and an auxiliary can, and, then, the bundle of fibers in the auxiliary can is pressed from above to pack the bundle of fibers in the main can in the compressed condition. Thereafter, the auxiliary can is separated from the main can. Next, a plurality of full packaged main cans are arranged in a predetermined positional relationship which conforms to the layout of the main cans in a dyeing bath and the full packaged main cans are charged into the dyeing bath while maintaining their prepared positional relationship. Then, the dyeing operation is carried out. After completion of the dyeing operation the main cans are taken out from the dyeing bath and are turned over so as to take out the packed bundle of fibers therefrom. To carry out the dyeing method, the dyeing can is provided with a particular construction comprising a main can and an auxiliary can which is capable of being separatably assembled to the main can. Therefore, particular devices such as a cans-arrangement station, sliver filling device, pressing device, dismounting station, transfer device, lid separating device and turnover device, etc., which are arranged along an operational line to carry out the above-mentioned method, are utilized.