Doffing system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a doffing system (100) comprising a main frame (9) having a plurality of cradles (12) that wind yarn onto an empty tube, and a removable frame (13) reversibly docked to the main frame (9). The detachable frame (13) has an operating interface (25) with one or more operating units including a tube feed assembly (14) that accommodates one or more empty tubes and continuously places the empty tubes to respective cradles (12), a threading arm (18) that reversibly engages with the yarn and pivots to feed the yarn to the empty tubes placed on the respective cradles (12), and a thread guide (18) that guides the yarn to the empty tubes placed on the respective cradles (12). And a package retrieval assembly (15) receiving the tube of the wound yarn from the cradle (12) and making the tube of the wound yarn available for retrieval. The operating units are arranged in a vertically aligned manner and are accessible via an operating interface (25).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to yarn texturing. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a doffing system for texturing yarn. Background Art

[0002] The Background Description includes information that may be helpful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication explicitly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In a draw or air texturing yarn machine, doffing is the process of removing the bobbins, cops or spindles on which the textured yarn is wound from the spinning frame or paper tube. Typically, the doffing process involves manually removing the tubes on which the yarn is wound, which is a labor-intensive process. Automatic doffing machines alleviate some of the labor-intensive nature of the process. However, these systems still require constant operator monitoring and certain manual operations. In addition, various auxiliary points, such as the thread vacuum point, paper tube feed box, finished package storage, oiling device, waste collection tray and textured yarn take-up point, as well as access to raw materials (such as partially oriented yarn creels), are not placed close to each other, requiring the operator to move a considerable distance to reach these auxiliary points. In some cases, multiple operators may be required to perform operations on two or more auxiliary points simultaneously.

[0004] Furthermore, in existing automatic doffing solutions, additional space may be required to unwind the yarn from the partially oriented yarn (POY) creel, heat and texture the yarn, wind the yarn onto tubes, and store the finished packages. Existing automatic doffing systems also require outbound doffing, which takes up a significant amount of space. For example, outbound doffing may require multiple channels, such as a service channel, a package retrieval channel, an operation channel, a doffing channel, a creel channel, etc. The yarn typically passes through the length of these channels, so there is a risk of damaging the yarn during the passage. Furthermore, using multiple channels to perform such operations takes up a significant amount of space. For these reasons, operators may also have to move considerable distances to perform such operations. In some cases, additional operators may need to be deployed at multiple auxiliary points to complete the doffing process.

[0005] Current solutions also do not offer modularity, making maintenance difficult without significant downtime. In addition, one or more operating units of such doffing systems cannot be individually disassembled for maintenance. Furthermore, due to the lack of modularity, another component cannot be used as a replacement for the operating unit being replaced, causing the entire production process to stop until maintenance is completed.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a doffing system that provides a unified interface for operating one or more operating units thereof, provides a modular design thereof, and makes multiple auxiliary points and operating units accessible from a single service access.

[0007] Purpose of the invention

[0008] Some objects of the present disclosure, which are met by at least one embodiment herein, are listed below.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system having one or more operating units accessible in a unified operating interface.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system in which one or more operating units are arranged in a manner that reduces the length of yarn passing therethrough.

[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a doffing system having a detachable frame that is self-alignable and reversibly dockable to a main frame.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system that is modular in design.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inside doffing system wherein the yarn and wound packages are accessible through an operator interface.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system that can be adapted to existing texturing yarn machines without requiring additional floor space.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system having detachable operating units that can be removed and replaced for maintenance.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a yarn texturing system having a plurality of auxiliary points and one or more operating units that are conveniently and simultaneously accessible from a single service channel.

[0018] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a yarn texturing system that is expandable and scalable.

[0019] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Summary of the invention

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to yarn texturing. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a doffing system for texturing yarn.

[0021] In one aspect, a doffing system may include a main frame having a plurality of cradle assemblies that wind yarn onto empty tubes supplied to them, each cradle releasably securing an empty tube and winding yarn thereon. The doffing system includes a detachable frame having an operator interface having one or more operator units associated with a corresponding cradle of the plurality of cradles. The one or more operator units may include a tube feed assembly that secures one or more empty tubes and continuously places the empty tubes in the corresponding cradle. The one or more operator units may include a threading arm configured to reversibly engage and pivot with the yarn so that the yarn is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle. The one or more operator units may include a package retrieval assembly having a sliding portion and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion, which is configured so that when the corresponding cradle releases the tube after winding, the tube of the wound yarn slides along the length of the sliding portion so that the tube of the wound yarn can be retrieved from the retrieval portion. The tube assembly, package retrieval assembly and threading arm may be arranged in a continuous vertical alignment on the operator interface, so that each operating unit and the yarn passing therethrough may be conveniently accessed simultaneously through the operator interface.

[0022] In one embodiment, the tube feed assembly includes a rotatable arm that releasably holds an empty tube. The rotatable arm can be configured to pivot from a first position, in which one or more empty tubes can be manually fed to the rotatable arm, to a second position, in which one of the empty tubes is released to place the empty tube on a corresponding cradle.

[0023] In one embodiment, the removable frame may include one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traveling yarn. The removable frame may include an oiler lift assembly that lifts the traveling yarn entering the removable frame to prevent the traveling yarn from engaging with the one or more oilers during threading and doffing.

[0024] In one embodiment, one or more operating units may include a cutting assembly configured to cut the yarn after it is wound onto the tube, the cutting assembly being located between the corresponding cradle and the threading arm so that the cutting assembly can be accessed simultaneously with the other operating units through the operating interface.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cutting assembly may include a suction nozzle and a pneumatic element associated with the waste collection housing, the pneumatic element being configured to suck the yarn into the waste collection housing through the suction nozzle when the cutting assembly cuts the yarn. The suction nozzle may be configured between the cutting assembly and the threading arm so that the suction nozzle and the waste collection housing may be accessed simultaneously with other operating units through the operating interface.

[0026] In one embodiment, the threading arm can be configured such that when the threading arm is pivoted, the distal end of the threading arm reversibly engages the traveling yarn entering the suction nozzle and engages the yarn with an empty tube placed on a corresponding cradle, which winds the yarn around the empty tube.

[0027] In one embodiment, the removable frame may include a shark fin configured to engage the yarn wound on the tube and align the cutting assembly to allow the yarn to be cut. The shark fin may be located between the threading arm and the corresponding cradle so that the shark fin may be accessed simultaneously with other operating units through the operating interface.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main frame may include a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom that engage with the removable frame such that the removable frame is aligned with the main frame when the removable frame is moved toward the main frame for docking.

[0029] In one embodiment, the removable frame may be reversibly dockable to the main frame such that when the removable frame is detached, one or more operative sides of the removable frame and the main frame are accessible for maintenance.

[0030] In one embodiment, the removable frame may include a set of wheels for moving the removable frame.

[0031] In one embodiment, the removable frame may be adapted to house therein a plurality of electronic and pneumatic devices associated with one or more operating units, wherein the plurality of electronic and pneumatic devices are arranged to minimize wired connections therebetween.

[0032] In one aspect, the yarn texturing system may include one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies located on a first side of the service channel. One or more creel assemblies may have partially oriented yarns. The yarn texturing system may include one or more doffing systems located on a second side of the service channel. The yarn texturing system may include a texturing assembly that texturizes yarn traveling from one or more creel assemblies to one or more doffing systems. The texturing assembly may be configured above the service channel so that one or more creel assemblies, one or more doffing systems, and the texturing assembly can be conveniently accessed simultaneously on the service channel.

[0033] In one embodiment, the texturing assembly may include a primary heater that receives yarn from one or more creel assemblies via an input feed shaft. The texturing assembly may include a cooling device that cools the yarn traveling from the primary heater. The texturing assembly may also include a secondary heater that heats the yarn traveling from the cooling device. The texturing assembly may include a friction unit disposed between the cooling device and the secondary heater, wherein the friction unit may twist and / or untwist the yarn passing through the texturing assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the yarn texturing system may be expanded by placing a plurality of one or more creel assemblies, one or more doffing systems, and texturing assemblies accessible along a service channel.

[0035] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exemplary representations of doffing systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0038] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary front view of a removable frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0039] Figure 3 An exemplary schematic side view of a yarn texturing system having one or more doffing systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings. The details of these embodiments are sufficient to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit the expected changes in the embodiments; on the contrary, its purpose is to cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims.

[0041] Throughout the disclosure, "conveniently accessible" or any variation thereof means within reach of a human operator. Throughout the disclosure, "concurrently accessible" or any variation thereof means that the referenced component can operate with other components.

[0042] Embodiments explained herein generally relate to yarn texturing. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a doffing system for texturing yarn.

[0043] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a doffing system may include a main frame having a plurality of cradle assemblies that wind yarn onto empty tubes supplied thereto, each cradle releasably securing an empty tube and winding yarn thereon. The doffing system includes a detachable frame having an operator interface having one or more operator units associated with a corresponding cradle of the plurality of cradles. The one or more operator units may include a tube feed assembly that secures one or more empty tubes and continuously places the empty tubes in the corresponding cradles. The one or more operator units may include a threading arm configured to reversibly engage and pivot with the yarn so that the yarn is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle. The one or more operator units may include a package retrieval assembly having a sliding portion and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion, configured so that when the corresponding cradle releases the tube after winding, the tube on which the yarn is wound slides along the length of the sliding portion so that the tube on which the yarn is wound can be retrieved from the retrieval portion. The tube assembly, package retrieval assembly and threading arm may be arranged in a continuous vertical alignment on the operator interface, so that each operating unit and the yarn passing therethrough may be conveniently accessed simultaneously through the operator interface.

[0044] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary representation of a doffing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown, the doffing system 100 may include a main frame 9 and a removable frame 13. In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may be reversibly docked to the main frame 9. Figure 1A An embodiment in which the detachable frame 13 is docked to the main frame 9 is illustrated. Figure 1B An embodiment is described in which the removable frame 13 is disengaged from the main frame 9. In one embodiment, the doffing system 100 can be related to the doffing of textured yarn. Doffing can include receiving, winding and packaging newly produced textured yarn. In some embodiments, the textured yarn can indicate draw textured yarn (DTY). In other embodiments, the textured yarn can indicate air textured yarn (ATY). In some embodiments, the doffing system 100 can be an automatic doffing system. In other embodiments, the doffing system 100 can be a manually operated doffing system. In one embodiment, the doffing system 100 can receive the textured yarn traveling through the yarn path.

[0045] In one embodiment, the main frame 9 may include one or more cradles 12 that wind the yarn onto the empty tubes supplied to them. Each cradle 12 may releasably fix the empty tube and wind the yarn on the empty tube. The yarn may undergo a deformation process before entering the main frame through the yarn path. In some embodiments, the yarn path may be arranged to be received by the main frame 9 from above the doffing system 100. Since the yarn path allows the yarn to travel above the doffing system 100, the doffing system 100 allows the lead-in operation to be performed from the front of the detachable frame 13.

[0046] One or more cradles 12 can be configured to receive an empty tube and wind yarn thereon. One or more cradles 12 can include a lifting and locking mechanism that allows the cradle 12 to fix / clamp the empty tube. The cradle 12 can rotate / turn the empty tube to wind yarn thereon. One or more cradles 12 can be configured to a winding device 22 to rotate / turn the empty tube to wind yarn. The winding device 22 can include but is not limited to a cam box, a motor, a capstan, etc. One or more cradles 12 can be configured to release the tube after the tube is wound. In one embodiment, one or more cradles 12 can have an engagement device, such as a threading arm 18, to allow the yarn to adhere to the tube for winding. For example, the yarn can be fed to the empty tube by the threading arm 18 so that when the cradle 12 rotates the empty tube, the yarn is wound on the tube.

[0047] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include an operator interface 25. The operator interface 25 may have one or more operator units configured therein. In one embodiment, the one or more operator units may be accessed from a first side of the operator interface 25 on the removable frame 13. In one embodiment, the one or more operator units may include, but are not limited to, a tube feed assembly 14, a package retrieval assembly 15, a cutting assembly 16, a shark fin 17, a threading arm 18, a waste collection housing 19, a suction nozzle 29, and the like. In one embodiment, the one or more operator units of the removable frame 13 may be configured so that each operator unit can be conveniently accessed from the operator interface 25 at the same time, thereby providing a unified interface for operating and maintaining the doffing system 100. In one embodiment, each operator unit can be individually disassembled for maintenance. In such an embodiment, each operator unit can be disassembled for maintenance and replaced with a spare operator unit, thereby providing modularity for the doffing system 100 while also minimizing maintenance downtime.

[0048] In one embodiment, the detachable frame 13 can be suitable for accommodating a plurality of electronic devices and pneumatic devices associated with one or more operating units therein. A plurality of electronic devices and pneumatic devices can be arranged to minimize the wired connection between them. In one embodiment, one or more operating units can also be arranged in a manner that reduces the number of connections required between them. Reducing the connection helps to more easily and unhinderedly dock the detachable frame 13 and disengage the main frame 9.

[0049] In one embodiment, the doffing system 100 may include a tube feed assembly 14. In one embodiment, the tube feed assembly 14 may accommodate one or more empty tubes. The tube feed assembly 14 may continuously place the empty tubes in the corresponding cradles 12. In one embodiment, the empty tubes may be made of any one or more materials including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, metal, etc. In one embodiment, the empty tubes may indicate, but not limited to, bobbins, spindles, cops, etc. In one embodiment, the tubes may have a substantially cylindrical profile.

[0050] In one embodiment, the tube feed assembly 14 may include a rotatable arm that releasably holds an empty tube. The rotatable arm may be configured to pivot from a first position to a second position, in which one or more empty tubes may be manually fed to the rotatable arm, in which one of the empty tubes is released to place the empty tube on the corresponding cradle 12. In one embodiment, the first tube on the cradle 12 may be replaced with a second tube to continue winding a newly deformed yarn thereon. In one embodiment, once the corresponding cradle 12 winds the yarn onto the first tube to a capacity or predetermined yarn length, the corresponding cradle 12 may release the first tube, thereby allowing the first tube to be removed therefrom. The tube feed assembly 14 may place a second tube on the corresponding cradle 12 by pivoting the rotatable arm from the first position to the second position and releasing the second tube therefrom. The corresponding cradle 12 may then clamp the second tube and wind the yarn thereon. The rotatable arm may then return to the first position to allow the corresponding cradle 12 to operate unimpeded. In one embodiment, the tube feed assembly 14 can be located at a conveniently accessible location on the operator interface 25. The tube feed assembly 14 can be located on the operator interface 25 so that the tube feed assembly 14 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0051] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include a package retrieval assembly 15 that receives a tube of wound yarn from a corresponding cradle 12. The package retrieval assembly 15 may include a sliding portion and a retrieval portion located at the distal end of the sliding portion. The sliding portion and the retrieval portion may be configured so that when the cradle 12 corresponding to the package retrieval assembly 15 releases the tube after winding, the tube of wound yarn slides or rolls along the length of the sliding portion, so that the tube of wound yarn can be retrieved from the retrieval portion. In some embodiments, the sliding portion may be tilted downward toward the retrieval portion. The retrieval portion may include a disengagement lever 7 that prevents the tube of wound yarn from sliding out or rolling out of the removable frame 13. The disengagement lever 7 may be located at a conveniently accessible position on the operating interface 25. In one embodiment, the package retrieval assembly 15 may be configured below the tube assembly 14 so that the package retrieval assembly 15 can be easily accessed through the operating interface 25. The package retrieval assembly 15 can be located on the operating interface 25 so that the package retrieval assembly 15 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units of the yarn doffing system 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, the threading arm 18 can be configured to reversibly engage with the yarn. The threading arm 18 can then pivot so that the yarn is fed to an empty tube placed on a corresponding cradle 12. The cradle 12 winds the yarn around the empty tube. The threading arm 18 can be located in a conveniently accessible position on the operator interface 25. In some embodiments, the threading arm 18 can be located below the retrieval portion. The threading arm 18 can be positioned so that the threading arm 18 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include a cutting assembly 16 located between the corresponding cradle 12 and the threading arm 18. The cutting assembly 16 may be configured to cut the yarn once the yarn is wound onto the tube to a desired amount or length. In one embodiment, the cutting assembly 16 may cut the yarn when the tube is wound to full capacity. In one embodiment, the cutting assembly 16 may have an elongated structure with a sharp edge for cutting the yarn. In some embodiments, the cutting assembly 16 may include a suction nozzle 29 and a pneumatic element associated with the waste collection housing 19. The pneumatic element may be configured to suck the yarn into the waste collection housing 19 through the suction nozzle 29 when the cutting assembly 16 cuts the yarn. The suction nozzle 29 may be configured between the cutting assembly 16 and the threading arm 18 so that the suction nozzle 29 can be easily accessed on the operating interface 25. The suction nozzle 29 may be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0054] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include a waste collection housing 19 that can collect and store waste generated by the yarn. In one embodiment, the waste may include, but is not limited to, damaged yarn, yarn fragments, etc. In addition, the waste collection housing 19 can be configured to suck in the yarn entering the doffing system 100 until a second tube is provided to the cradle 12 after the first tube is ejected to the package retrieval assembly 15. For example, the cutting assembly 16 can cut the yarn to allow the cradle 12 to release the first tube to the package retrieval assembly 15. In this example, the waste collection housing 19 can suck in the yarn supplied to the removable frame 13 until the tube feeding assembly 14 places the second tube on the cradle 12. In one embodiment, the threading arm 18 can be configured so that when the threading arm 18 pivots, the distal end of the threading arm 18 engages with the traveling yarn entering the suction nozzle 29 and engages the yarn with the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle 12. Thereafter, the corresponding cradle 12 can wind the yarn on the empty tube.

[0055] In one embodiment, the waste collection housing 19 can collect waste through a suction nozzle 29 and fill the waste collection housing 19 with waste. The suction nozzle 29 can be configured between the tube feeding assembly 14 and the package retrieval assembly 15. The waste collection housing 19 can also collect and remove waste or loose fibers generated by the yarn removal system 100 during operation, thereby keeping the workspace clean. In one embodiment, the operator can empty the waste collection housing 19 regularly. In one embodiment, the waste collection housing 19 can be placed in a conveniently accessible position on the operating interface for emptying and replacement. In some embodiments, the waste collection housing 19 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units on the operating interface 25.

[0056] In one embodiment, the yarn path can be adapted to allow the yarn to travel above the doffing system 100 and connect to the doffing system 100 from a second side of the operator interface 25. In one embodiment, the second side can indicate the back side of the removable frame 13. In other embodiments, the yarn path can be adapted to guide the yarn into the doffing system 100 from the bottom of the doffing system 100. Thereafter, the yarn can pass through one or more components of the doffing system 100. The yarn path can include a set of rollers that allow the yarn path to change the direction of travel of the yarn.

[0057] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traveling yarn. Antistatic oil can help unwind the tube of the wound yarn during use. In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include an oiler lifting assembly 4. The oiler lifting assembly 4 can lift the traveling yarn entering the removable frame 13 to prevent the traveling yarn from engaging with one or more oilers during threading and doffing. The oiler lifting assembly 4 can prevent the traveling yarn from contacting one or more oilers, thereby reducing the resistance of the yarn when passing through the doffing system 100. The oiler lifting assembly 4 can be located at or near a portion of the operating interface 25 through which the yarn enters the removable frame 13. In one embodiment, the oiler lifting assembly 4 can be configured behind the waste collection housing 19. In some embodiments, the oiler lifting assembly 4 can be located at a conveniently accessible position on the operating interface 25. In some embodiments, the oiler lifting assembly 4 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units on the operating interface 25.

[0058] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include a shark fin 17 configured to engage with the yarn traveling on the tube during winding and align the cutting assembly 16. The cutting assembly 16 can then cut the traveling yarn. In one embodiment, the shark fin 17 can be located between the threading arm 18 and the corresponding cradle 12. In some embodiments, the shark fin 17 can be located at a conveniently accessible position on the operating interface 25. In some embodiments, the shark fin 17 can be accessed simultaneously with one or more operating units on the operating interface 25. The shark fin 17 can be configured to adjust the height of the yarn path so that the travel of the yarn corresponds to the height of the cutting assembly 16. In addition, the shark fin 17 can be configured to ensure that the traveling yarn is horizontally aligned with the cutting assembly 16. The shark fin 17 can provide tension during the cutting process and solve the problem of yarn misalignment.

[0059] In one embodiment, the removable frame 13 may include a set of wheels 11 for sliding the removable frame 13 to dock and detach with the main frame 9, and for moving the removable frame 13. In some embodiments, the removable frame 13 may be reversibly docked to the main frame 9 so that when the removable frame 13 is detached, one or more operational sides of the removable frame 13 and the main frame 9 are available for maintenance. The one or more operational sides may include, but are not limited to, an operational interface 25 of the removable frame 13, corresponding sides of the removable frame 13 and the main frame 9 that are engaged when docked, and the like. For example, the removable frame 13 may be detached and moved to a maintenance station, where the removable frame 13 and one or more operational units may be maintained. The set of wheels 11 may allow the removable frame 13 to be moved with minimal manpower. In some embodiments, the main frame 9 may include one or more secondary heaters 21 (such as Figure 3 By removing the removable frame 13 from the main frame 9, one or more secondary heaters 21 can be accessed for maintenance and replacement.

[0060] In one embodiment, the detachable frame 13 can be reversibly detached from the main frame 9. In one embodiment, the arrangement of one or more operating units of the detachable frame 13 allows the detachable frame 13 to dock and detach with the main frame 9. In some embodiments, the shark fin 17 can allow the travel of the yarn to be aligned with the threading arm 18 after docking and detaching. In one embodiment, the main frame 9 may include a plurality of protrusions 10 extending therefrom, the plurality of protrusions 10 being configured to engage with the detachable frame 13 so that when the detachable frame 13 is moved toward the main frame 9 for docking, the detachable frame 13 is aligned with the main frame 9. In one embodiment, the set of protrusions 10 can align one or more operating units on the detachable frame 13 with one or more cradles 12 on the main frame 9.

[0061] Each of the one or more operating units can be removably configured to the removable frame 13. In one embodiment, each of the one or more operating units can be removable for maintenance. In addition, each of the one or more operating units can also be replaced with spare parts to minimize downtime. The one or more operating units can be modular and can be arranged on the operating interface 25 so as to allow the operator to access each operating unit on a unified interface. In addition, the one or more operating units can be arranged in a convenient and simultaneously accessible manner so as to allow the operator to access the yarn at any one of a plurality of auxiliary points on the path of the yarn through the operating interface 25. The plurality of auxiliary points can include, but are not limited to, a thread end vacuum point, a paper tube feed box, finished product package storage, an oiling device, a waste collection tray, and a textured yarn lead point, raw materials (such as yarn on one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies 26 (such as Figure 3 Among other things, the operator can access each operating unit for inspection and maintenance.

[0062] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary front view of a detachable frame 13 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0063] In one embodiment, each operating unit can be arranged substantially vertically aligned on the operating interface 25. For example, the tube feeding assembly 14, the package retrieval assembly 15, and the threading arm 18 can be arranged substantially vertically aligned on the operating interface 25 in succession, so that each operating unit and the yarn passing through the doffing system 100 can be conveniently accessed through the operating interface 25. In addition, the cutting assembly 16 can be configured between the package retrieval assembly 15 and the threading arm 18. The shark fin 17 can be configured between the threading arm 18 and the cutting assembly 16. In one embodiment, the waste storage assembly 19 can be configured at the bottom of the detachable frame 13.

[0064] By arranging one or more operating units in substantially vertical alignment, the doffing system 100 can provide a unified interface for interacting with each operating unit. The arrangement of the one or more operating units can allow for modular design of the removable frame 13. An operator of the doffing system 100 can conveniently access each operating unit and perform operations thereon, and allow for inside doffing, where the yarn and the tube on which the yarn is wound can be accessed through the unified operating interface 25. The operator of the doffing system 100 can also directly access multiple auxiliary points of the yarn passing through the doffing system 100 for inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, etc. In this arrangement, the one or more operating units can also allow the electronic equipment and pneumatic components in the removable frame 13 to be accommodated therein with minimal wired connections. In addition, the arrangement of the one or more operating units described in the present disclosure can allow for a reduction in the length of yarn passing therethrough.

[0065] In addition, an operator of the doffing system 100 can perform any one or more of paper tube feeding, finished package retrieval, yarn passage through the oiling device, waste collection, and yarn lead-in through a single unified interface. By providing simultaneous access to one or more operating units, the doffing system 100 can eliminate the need for multiple operators to perform the above operations. In addition, by placing one or more operating units on the removable frame 13, the doffing system 100 can be adapted to existing texturing yarn machines without the need for additional floor space or specialized equipment.

[0066] Figure 3 Exemplary schematic side views of yarn texturing systems 200-1 and 200-2 (individually referred to as yarn texturing systems 200) with one or more doffing systems 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. In some embodiments, one or more yarn texturing systems 200 can be used simultaneously. In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the first yarn texturing system 200-1 and the second yarn texturing system 200-2 can be placed adjacent to each other. In other embodiments, each yarn texturing system 200 can be appropriately arranged and oriented according to space requirements and limitations.

[0067] In one embodiment, the yarn texturing system 200 may include one or more POY creel assemblies 26 having a plurality of creels with POY yarn wound thereon. The plurality of creels may include partially oriented yarns. The yarn texturing system 200 may include one or more doffing systems 100. In some embodiments, the yarn texturing system 200 may include a texturing assembly that texturizes the yarn traveling from the one or more creel assemblies 26 to the one or more doffing systems 100.

[0068] In some embodiments, the texturing assembly may include a primary heater 20. The POY yarn from one or more creel assemblies 26 may be fed to the primary heater 20 via an input feed shaft 24. The input feed shaft 24 may be placed in a conveniently accessible location that is above or near the one or more creel assemblies 26. The yarn texturing system 200 may include a cooling device 28 that receives the heated POY yarn from the primary heater 20 for cooling. From the cooling device 28, the yarn may pass through the secondary heater 21 via an intermediate shaft 27. The yarn texturing system 200 may include a friction unit 30 that may twist and / or untwist the yarn for texturing. In some embodiments, the twist of the yarn may extend from the friction unit 30 in a first direction to the primary heater 20 and in a second direction to the secondary heater 21. In such an embodiment, the yarn may be twisted in the primary heater 20 and the secondary heater 21. The secondary heater 21 may be placed behind the winding area. The yarn texturing system 200 may include one or more doffing systems 100 having a corresponding main frame 9 and a corresponding removable frame 13. The winding area may correspond to the main frame 9 having one or more cradles 12. In some embodiments, the secondary heater 21 may be accessed when the removable frame 13 of the doffing system 100 is detached and away from the main frame 9. The textured yarn may be doffed using the removable frame 13 configured to the main frame 9 for packaging and removal.

[0069] In some embodiments, each component of the yarn texturing system 200 can be conveniently accessed from the service channel 23. One or more creel assemblies 26 can be placed on a first side of the service channel 23, and the doffing system 100 can be placed on a second side of the service channel 23. The first side can be opposite to the second side of the service channel 23. The doffing system 100 can be removably configured to the main frame 9 of the doffing system 100. The yarn from the one or more creel assemblies 26 can pass through the primary heater 20 and the cooling device from above the service channel 23, and can enter the doffing system 100 through the secondary heater 21 on the main frame 9. In some embodiments, as Figure 3As shown, one or more yarn texturing systems 200-1, 200-2 can be placed adjacent to each other. One or more yarn texturing systems 200-1, 200-2 can be oriented so that the corresponding operator interface 25 of one or more doffing systems 100 can be accessed from the corresponding service channel 23. In such an embodiment, the secondary heater 21 of the corresponding yarn texturing system 200 can be placed between the corresponding doffing systems 100.

[0070] By arranging one or more creel assemblies 26 and a doffing system 100 having an operator interface 25 on opposite sides of a service channel 23, the space required for the yarn texturing system 200 can be reduced. This arrangement allows for inboard automatic doffing from a single unified service channel (e.g., service channel 23). The arrangement of the components of the yarn texturing system 200 enables efficient use of space, thereby allowing for increased density of texturing production. An operator of the yarn texturing system 200 can conveniently access each component and one or more points on the yarn passing through the yarn texturing system 200 simultaneously, thereby allowing for efficient paper tube feeding, package retrieval, passage through an oiling device, waste collection and yarn lead-in, and maintenance of the yarn texturing system 200. One or more components of the yarn texturing system 200 can be made accessible to an operator by using a lifting device (including but not limited to a trolley, stool, chair, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, a human operator can conveniently access the primary heater 20 by standing on a lifting device.

[0071] In addition, the yarn texturing system 200 can allow the yarn to travel a shorter distance compared to traditional solutions with multiple channels to operate each of its components. Reducing the travel distance of the yarn can reduce the risk of breakage and failure. In addition, the arrangement of one or more creel assemblies 26, the primary heater 20, the cooling device, the secondary heater 21, and the doffing system 100 provides for automatic inside doffing of the yarn. Compared to existing solutions, the smaller space footprint of the yarn texturing system 200 allows a greater number of yarn texturing systems 200 to be accommodated within a predetermined floor space. In one embodiment, the yarn texturing system 200 can be expanded. In such an embodiment, the yarn texturing system 200 can be expanded by placing multiple one or more creel assemblies 26, one or more doffing systems 100, and texturing components accessible along the service channel 23.

[0072] Thus, the present disclosure addresses the need for a doffing system having a unified interface for accessing one or more operating units and multiple points of a yarn traveling therethrough during the doffing process. In addition, the present disclosure provides a yarn texturing system that allows convenient simultaneous access to one or more of its components through a unified service access.

[0073] Although the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the appended claims. The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are intended to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with the information and knowledge available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0074] Advantages of the present invention

[0075] The present disclosure provides a doffing system.

[0076] The present disclosure provides a doffing system having one or more operating units accessible in a unified operating interface.

[0077] The present disclosure provides a doffing system in which one or more operating units are arranged in a manner that reduces the length of yarn passing therethrough.

[0078] The present disclosure provides a doffing system having a detachable frame that is self-alignable and reversibly dockable to a main frame.

[0079] The present disclosure provides a doffing system with a modular design.

[0080] The present disclosure provides an inside doffing system in which yarn and wound packages are accessible through an operator interface.

[0081] The present disclosure provides a doffing system that can be adapted to existing texturing yarn machines without requiring additional floor space.

[0082] The present disclosure provides a doffing system having detachable operating units that can be removed and replaced for maintenance.

[0083] The present disclosure provides a yarn texturing system having multiple auxiliary points and one or more operating units that are conveniently accessed simultaneously from a single service channel.

[0084] The present disclosure provides a scalable and expandable yarn texturing system.

Claims

1. A doffing system (100), the doffing system (100) comprising: a main frame (9) having a plurality of cradles (12) for winding yarn onto empty tubes supplied thereto, each of the plurality of cradles (12) releasably holding the empty tube and winding yarn onto the empty tube; A detachable frame (13) having an operation interface (25), the operation interface having one or more operation units associated with corresponding cradles (12) of the plurality of cradles (12), the one or more operation units comprising: a tube feeding assembly (14) for receiving one or more of the empty tubes and continuously placing the empty tubes in the corresponding cradle (12); a threading arm (18) configured to reversibly engage the yarn and pivot to allow the yarn to be fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle (12); and A package retrieval assembly (15), the package retrieval assembly (15) having a sliding portion and a retrieval portion located at the distal end of the sliding portion, and is configured so that when the corresponding cradle (12) releases the tube after winding, the tube of wound yarn slides along the length of the sliding portion, thereby enabling the tube of wound yarn to be retrieved from the retrieval portion, wherein the tube feeding assembly (14), the package retrieval assembly (15) and the threading arm (18) are arranged in a continuous vertical alignment on the operating interface (25), thereby enabling each of the operating units and the yarn traveling therethrough to be conveniently accessed simultaneously through the operating interface (25).

2. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The tube feed assembly (14) includes a rotatable arm that releasably holds the empty tubes, the rotatable arm being configured to pivot from a first position, in which one or more of the empty tubes are manually fed to the rotatable arm, to a second position, in which one of the empty tubes is released to place the empty tube on the corresponding cradle (12).

3. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The detachable frame (13) comprises: one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traveling yarn; and An oiler lifting assembly (4) lifts the traveling yarn into the removable frame (13) to prevent the traveling yarn from engaging the one or more oilers during threading and doffing.

4. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more operating units include a cutting assembly (16) configured to cut the yarn once the yarn is wound onto the tube, and the cutting assembly (16) is positioned between the corresponding cradle (12) and the threading arm (18) so as to be accessible simultaneously with other operating units through the operating interface (25).

5. The doffing system (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The cutting assembly (16) includes a suction nozzle (29) and a pneumatic element associated with a waste collection shell (19), wherein the pneumatic element is configured to suck the yarn into the waste collection shell (19) through the suction nozzle (29) when the cutting assembly (16) cuts the yarn, wherein the suction nozzle (29) is configured between the cutting assembly (16) and the threading arm (18) so that the suction nozzle (29) and the waste collection shell (19) can be accessed simultaneously with other operating units through the operating interface (25).

6. The doffing system (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The threading arm (18) is configured such that when the threading arm (18) is pivoted, the distal end of the threading arm (18) reversibly engages with the traveling yarn entering the suction nozzle (29) and engages the yarn with the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle (12), and the cradle (12) winds the yarn around the empty tube.

7. The doffing system (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The removable frame (13) includes a shark fin (17) configured to engage the yarn wound on the tube and align the yarn with the cutting assembly (16) to allow cutting of the yarn, the shark fin (17) being positioned between the threading arm (18) and the corresponding cradle (12) so as to be accessible through the operating interface (25) simultaneously with other operating units.

8. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The main frame (9) includes a plurality of protrusions (10) extending therefrom, and the plurality of protrusions (10) engage with the removable frame (13) so that when the removable frame (13) moves toward the main frame (9) for docking, the removable frame (13) is aligned with the main frame (9).

9. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The removable frame (13) is reversibly dockable to the main frame (9) such that when the removable frame (13) is undocked, one or more operating sides of the removable frame (13) and the main frame (9) are accessible for maintenance.

10. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The removable frame (13) comprises a set of wheels (11) for moving the removable frame (13).

11. The doffing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The detachable frame (13) is adapted to house therein a plurality of electronic and pneumatic devices associated with the one or more operating units, wherein the plurality of electronic and pneumatic devices are arranged to minimize wired connections therebetween.

12. A yarn texturing system (200), the yarn texturing system (200) comprising: one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies (26) located on a first side of the service channel (23), the one or more creel assemblies (26) having partially oriented yarn; one or more doffing systems (100) located on a second side of the service channel (23); as well as A deformation assembly that deforms the yarn traveling from the one or more creel assemblies (26) to the one or more doffing systems (100), the deformation assembly being arranged above the service channel (23) so that the one or more creel assemblies (26), the one or more doffing systems (100) and the deformation assembly can be conveniently accessed simultaneously on the service channel (23).

13. The yarn texturing system (200) according to claim 12, wherein: The deformation component comprises: a primary heater (20) receiving the yarn from the one or more creel assemblies (26) via an input feed shaft (24); a cooling device (28) for cooling the yarn traveling from the primary heater (20); a secondary heater (21) for heating the yarn traveling from the cooling device (28); and A friction unit (30) is arranged between the cooling device (28) and the secondary heater (21), wherein the friction unit (30) twists and / or untwists the yarn running through the texturing assembly.

14. The yarn texturing system (200) according to claim 12, wherein: The yarn texturing system (200) is scalable by placing a plurality of the one or more creel assemblies (26), the one or more doffing systems (100), and the texturing assemblies in an accessible manner along the service channel (23).

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