Doffing system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a doffing system (100) including a main frame (9) having a plurality of cradles (12) that wind yarn over an empty tube, and a detachable frame (13) reversibly dock-able to the main frame (9). The detachable frame (13) has an operating interface (25) with one or more operational units including a tube feeding assembly (14) that accommodates one or more of the empty tubes and successively places the empty tube to the corresponding cradle (12), a threading arm (18) that reversibly engages with the yarn, and pivots such that the yarn is fed to the empty tube placed on to the corresponding cradle (12), and a package retrieval assembly (15) that receives the yarn-wound tube from the cradle (12) and makes the yarn-wound tube available for retrieval. The operational units are arranged in a vertical alignment and are accessible via the operating interface (25).

Description

DOFFING SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful 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 specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Doffing in draw textured yam machines or air textured yarn machines refers to the process of removing bobbins, pirns, or spindles holding textured yarn from a spinning frame or paper tube. Often the doffing process involves manually removing tubes wound with yarn, which is a labour-intensive process. Automated doffing machines offload some of the labour-intensive nature of the process. However, such systems still require continuous monitoring and certain manual operations from an operator. Furthermore, various attending points such as thread line vacuum point, paper tube feed cassette, finish package storage, oiler device, waste collection tray and textured yam string up point, access to raw material such as partially oriented yam creels, etc., are not placed in proximity to each other, thereby requiring operators to move significant distances for gaining access to the attending points. In some situations, multiple operators may be required to perform operations on two or more attending points simultaneously.

[0004] Further, in existing auto doffing solutions, additional space may be required to unwind yam from partially oriented yarn (POY) creels, heat and texturize the yarn, wind the yarn onto tubes, and store the finished package. Existing auto-doffing systems also necessitate outbound doffing that consumes significant amounts of space. For instance, outbound doffing may require a plurality of aisles, such as a service aisle, a package retrieval aisle, an operating aisle, a doffing aisle, a creel aisle, etc. Yarn often traverses through the length of these aisles, thereby risking damage to the yam during traversal. Further, use of multiple aisles for performing such operations consumes significant amounts of space. For such reasons as well, operators may have to move significant distances for performing such operations. In some situations, an additional operator may be required at multiple attending points for completing the doffing process.

[0005] Present solutions also do not provide for modularity, thereby making performance for maintenance difficult without significant downtimes. Furthermore, one or more operational units of such doffing systems cannot be individually removed for maintenance. Additionally, another component cannot be used as a replacement for the operational unit undergoing replacement due to the lack of modularity, thereby stopping the entire production process until maintenance is complete.

[0006] There is, therefore, a need for a doffing system that provides a unified interface for operating one or more operational units thereof, provides a modular design therefor, and makes a plurality of attending points and the operating units accessible from a single service aisle.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system with access to one or more operating units in a unified operating interface.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system with the one or more operating units arranged in a manner that reduces yarn length passing therethrough.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system with a detachable frame that is self-aligning and reversibly dock-able to a main frame.

[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system that is modular in design.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an inboard doffing system where yarn and wound packages are accessible via the operating interface.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system that is adaptable to existing textured yam machines without requiring additional floor space.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a doffing system with detachable operational units, the operational units being detached and replaceable for maintenance.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a yam texturing system with a plurality of attending points and the one or more operating units conveniently and simultaneously accessible from a single service aisle.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a yarn texturing system that is extendable and expandable.

[0018] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.SUMMARY

[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to yam texturing. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a doffing system for textured yarn.

[0020] In an aspect, a doffing system may include a main frame having a plurality of cradles assemblies that wind yarn over an empty tube supplied thereto, each of the plurality of cradles releasably holding the empty tube and winding a yam thereon. The doffing system includes a detachable frame having an operating interface with one or more operational units associated with a corresponding cradle from the plurality of cradles, the one or more operational units. The one or more operational units may include, a tube feeding assembly that holds one or more of the empty tubes and successively places the empty tube in the corresponding cradle. The one or more operational units may include a threading arm configured to reversibly engage with the yam and pivot such that the yam is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle. The one or more operational units may include a package retrieval assembly having a sliding portion, and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion configured such that when the corresponding cradle releases the tube after winding, the yam-wound tube slides along a length of the sliding portion whereby the yamwound tube is retrievable from the retrieval portion. The tube assembly, the package retrieval assembly, and the threading arm may be arranged successively in a vertical alignment on the operating interface whereby each of the operational units and the yarn traversing therethrough conveniently and simultaneously accessible via the operating interface.

[0021] In an embodiment, the tube feeding assembly includes a rotatable arm that releasably holds the empty tube. The rotatable arm may be configured to pivot from a first position where one or more of the empty tubes may be fed to the rotatable arm manually to a second position where one of the empty tubes is released to place the empty tube over the corresponding cradle.

[0022] In an embodiment, the detachable frame may include one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traversing yarn. The detachable frame may include an oiler lifter assemblythat lifts the yam traversing into the detachable frame to prevent the traversing yarn from engaging with the one or more oilers during threading and doffing.

[0023] In an embodiment, the one or more operational units may include a cutting assembly configured to cut the yam once the yam is wound to the tube, the cutting assembly being positioned between the corresponding cradle and the threading arm such that the cutting assembly is accessible via the operating interface simultaneously with other operational units on the operating interface.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cutting assembly may include a suction nozzle and a pneumatic element associated with a waste collection housing, the pneumatic element being configured to suck the yarn into the waste collection housing via the suction nozzle when the cutting assembly cuts the yarn. The suction nozzle may be configured between the cutting assembly and the threading arm such that the suction nozzle and the waste collection housing may be accessible via the operating interface simultaneously with other operational units on the operating interface.

[0025] In an embodiment, the threading arm may be configured such that when the threading arm pivots, a distal end of the threading arm reversibly engages with the yarn traversing into the suction nozzle and engages the yarn with the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle, the cradle winding the yarn on the empty tube.

[0026] In an embodiment, the detachable frame may include a shark fin configured to engage with and align the yarn being wound on the tube with the cutting assembly to allow the yarn to be cut. The shark fin may be positioned between the threading arm and the corresponding cradle such that the shark fin is accessible via the operating interface simultaneously with other operational units.

[0027] In an embodiment, the main frame may include a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, the plurality of protrusions may engage with the detachable frame such that the detachable frame aligns with the main frame when the detachable frame may be brought towards the main frame for docking.

[0028] In an embodiment, the detachable frame may be reversibly dock-able to the main frame such that when the detachable frame is undocked, one or more operating sides of the detachable frame and the main frame are accessible for maintenance.

[0029] In an embodiment, the detachable frame may include a set of wheels for moving the detachable frame.

[0030] In an embodiment, the detachable frame may be adapted to house a plurality of electronics and pneumatics associated with the one or more operational units therein, wherethe plurality of electronics and pneumatics are arranged to minimize wired connections therebetween.

[0031] In an aspect, a yam texturing system may include one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies on a first side of a service aisle. The one or more creel assemblies may have a partially oriented yam. The yarn texturing system may include one or more doffing systems on a second side of the service aisle. The yarn texturing system may include a texturing assembly that texturizes the yarn traversing from the one or more creel assemblies to the one or more doffing systems. The texturing assembly may be configured above the service aisle whereby the one or more assemblies, the one or more doffing systems and the texturing assembly are conveniently and simultaneously accessible on the service aisle.

[0032] In an embodiment, the texturing assembly may include a primary heater that receives the yarn from the one or more creel assemblies via an input feed shaft. The texturing assembly may include a cooling device that cools the yarn traversing from the primary heater. The texturing assembly may also include a secondary heater that heats the yarn traversing from the cooling device. The texturing assembly may include a friction unit configured between the cooling device and the secondary heater where the friction unit may twist and / or de-twist the yam traversing through the texturing assembly.

[0033] In an embodiment, the yarn texturing system may be extendable by accessibly placing a plurality of the one or more creel assemblies, the one or more doffing systems, and the texturing assemblies along the service aisle.

[0034] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary representations of a doffing system, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 2 A and 2B illustrate an exemplary front view of the detachable frame, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic side view of a yarn texturing system having one or more doffing systems, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] Throughout the disclosure, “conveniently accessible” or any variations thereof means within reach of a human operator. Throughout the disclosure, “simultaneously accessible” or any variations thereof means the referenced components are operable along with other components.

[0041] Embodiments explained herein relate generally to yarn texturing. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a doffing system for textured yarn.

[0042] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a doffing system may include a main frame having a plurality of cradles assemblies that wind yarn over an empty tube supplied thereto, each of the plurality of cradles releasably holding the empty tube and winding a yarn thereon. The doffing system includes a detachable frame having an operating interface with one or more operational units associated with a corresponding cradle from the plurality of cradles, the one or more operational units. The one or more operational units may include, a tube feeding assembly that holds one or more of the empty tubes and successively places the empty tube in the corresponding cradle. The one or more operational units may include a threading arm configured to reversibly engage with the yarn and pivot such that the yam is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle. The one or more operational units may include a package retrieval assembly having a sliding portion, and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion configured such that when the corresponding cradle releases the tube after winding, the yam-wound tube slides along a length of the sliding portion whereby the yam-wound tube is retrievable from the retrieval portion. The tube assembly, the package retrieval assembly, and the threading arm may be arranged successively in a vertical alignment on the operating interface whereby each of the operational units and the yamtraversing therethrough conveniently and simultaneously accessible via the operating interface.

[0043] FIG. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary representations of a doffing system 100, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the doffing system 100 may include a main frame 9 and a detachable frame 13. In an embodiment, a detachable frame 13 may be reversibly dock-able to the main frame 9. FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment where the detachable frame 13 is docked to the main frame 9. FIG. IB illustrates an embodiment where the detachable frame 13 is undocked from the main frame 9. In an embodiment, the doffing system 100 may relate to doffing of textured yam. Doffing may include receiving, winding, and packaging of freshly produced textured yarn. In some embodiments, the textured yam may be indicative of draw textured yarn (DTY). In other embodiments, the textured yam may be indicative of air textured yarn (ATY). In some embodiments, the doffing system 100 may be an automatic doffing system. In other embodiments, the doffing system 100 may be a human operated doffing system. In an embodiment, the doffing system 100 may receive the textured yam traversing through a yarn path.

[0044] In an embodiment, the main frame 9 may include one or more cradles 12 that wind yarn over an empty tube supplied thereto. Each of the one or more cradles 12 may releasably hold the empty tube and wind the yarn on the empty tube. The yam may undergo a texturing process before traversing into the main frame via the yarn path. In some embodiments, the yarn path may be routed to be received by the main frame 9 from above the doffing system 100. Since the yam path allows the yarn to traverse over the doffing system 100, the doffing system 100 allows for string up operations to be performed from the front of the detachable frame 13.

[0045] The one or more cradles 12 may be configured to receive the empty tube and wind the yam thereon. The one or more cradles 12 may include a lifting and locking mechanism that allows the cradles 12 to hold / grip the empty tube. The cradles 12 may spin / rotate the empty tube for winding the yarn thereon. The one or more cradles 12 may be configured to a winding means 22 to spin / rotate the empty tube for winding the yarn. The winding means 22 may include, but not be limited to, a cam box, a motor, a winch, or the like. The one or more cradles 12 may be configured to release the tube once the tube is wound. In an embodiment, the one or more cradles 12 may have an engagement means, such as a threading arm 18, to allow the yarn to adhere to the tube for winding. In an example, theyarn may be fed to the empty tube by the threading arm 18 such that the yarn winds on the tube when the cradle 12 spins the empty tube.

[0046] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include an operating interface 25. The operating interface 25 may have one or more operational units configured therein. In an embodiment, the one or more operational units may be accessible from a first side of the operating interfaces 25 on the detachable frame 13. In an embodiment, the one or more operational units may include, but not be limited to, a tube feeding assembly 14, a package retrieval assembly 15, a cutting assembly 16, a shark fin 17, the threading arm 18, a waste collection housing 19, a suction nozzle 29, and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more operational units of the detachable frame 13 may be configured such that each of the one or more operational units is conveniently and simultaneously accessible from the operating interface 25, thereby providing a unified interface for operating and maintaining the doffing system 100. In an embodiment, each of the operational units may be individually removed for maintenance. In such embodiments, each of the one or more operational units may be removed for maintenance and replaced with a spare operational unit, thereby providing modularity to the doffing system 100 while also minimizing maintenance downtimes.

[0047] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may be adapted to house a plurality of electronics and pneumatics associated with the one or more operational units therein. The plurality of electronics and pneumatics may be arranged to minimize wired connections therebetween. In an embodiment, the one or more operational units may be also arranged in a manner that reduces the number of connections required therebetween. Reducing connections may aid in easier and unimpeded docking and undocking of the detachable frame 13 to and from the main frame 9.

[0048] In an embodiment, the doffing system 100 may include the tube feeding assembly 14. In an embodiment, the tube feeding assembly 14 may accommodate one or more of the empty tubes. The tube feeding assembly 14 may successively place the empty tube in the corresponding cradle 12. In an embodiment, the empty tube may be made of any one or more of including, but not limited to, paper, cardboard, metals, and the like. In an embodiment, the empty tube may be indicative of including, but not limited to, a bobbin, a spindle, a pirn or the like. In an embodiment, the tubes may have a substantially cylindrical profile.

[0049] In an embodiment, the tube feeding assembly 14 may include a rotatable arm that releasably holds the empty tube. The rotatable arm may be configured to pivot from a first position where one or more of the empty tubes may be fed to the rotatable arm manually, to a second position where one of the empty tubes may be released to place the empty tube overthe corresponding cradle 12. In an embodiment, a first tube on the cradle 12 may be replaced with a second tube to continue winding newly textured yarn thereon. In an embodiment, once the corresponding cradle 12 winds the yarn on the first tube up to capacity or a predetermined yarn length, the corresponding cradle 12 may release the first tube, allowing the first tube to be removed therefrom. The tube feeding assembly 14 may place the 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 grip 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 unimpededly. In an embodiment, the tube feeding assembly 14 may be positioned in a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface 25. The tube feeding assembly 14 may be positioned on the operating interface 25 such that the tube feeding assembly 14 is simultaneously accessible with one or more of the operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0050] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include the package retrieval assembly 15 that receives the yam-wound tubes from the corresponding cradle 12. The package retrieval assembly 15 may include a sliding portion, and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion. The sliding portion and the retrieval portion may be configured such that when the cradle 12 corresponding to the package retrieval assembly 15 releases the tube after winding, the yarn-wound tube slides or rolls along a length of the sliding portion whereby the yam-wound tube is retrievable from the retrieval portion. In some embodiments, the sliding portion may be inclined downwards towards the retrieval portion. The retrieval portion may include a disengagement lever 7 that prevents the yarn-wound tube from sliding or rolling out of the detachable frame 13. The disengagement lever 7 may be positioned at a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface 25. In an embodiment, the package retrieval assembly 15 may be configured below the tube assembly 14 such that the package retrieval assembly 15 is conveniently accessible via the operating interface 25. The package retrieval assembly 15 may be positioned on the operating interface 25 such that the package retrieval assembly 15 is simultaneously accessible with one or more of the operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0051] In an embodiment, the threading arm 18 may be configured to reversibly engage with the yarn. The threading arm 18 may then pivot such that the yarn is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle 12. The cradle 12 winds the yarn on the empty tube. The threading arm 18 may be positioned in a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface 25. In some embodiments, the threading arm 18 may be positioned belowthe retrieval portion. The threading arm 18 may be positioned such that the threading arm 18 is simultaneously accessible with one or more of the operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0052] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include the cutting assembly 16 positioned 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 up to a desired quantity or length to the tube. In an embodiment, the cutting assembly 16 may cut the yarn when the tube is wound up to capacity. In an embodiment, the cutting assembly 16 may have an elongated structure with a sharp edge that cuts the yarn. In some embodiments, the cutting assembly 16 may include the suction nozzle 29 and a pneumatic element associated with a waste collection housing 19. The pneumatic element may be configured to suck the yam into the waste collection housing 19 via the suction nozzle 29 when the cutting assembly 16 cuts the yam. The suction nozzle 29 may be configured between the cutting assembly 16 and the threading arm 18 such that the suction nozzle 29 is conveniently accessible on the operating interface 25. The suction nozzle 29 may be simultaneously accessible with one or more of the operating units of the doffing system 100.

[0053] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include the waste collection housing 19 that may collect and store waste generated from the yarn. In an embodiment, wastes may include, but not be limited to, damaged yarn, yarn scraps, and the like. Further, the waste collection housing 19 may be configured to suck the yarn traversing into the doffing system 100 until the cradle 12 is provided with the second tube once the first tube is ejected to the package retrieval assembly 15. In an example, the cutting assembly 16 may cut the yarn to allow the cradle 12 to release the first tube to the package retrieval assembly 15. In such examples, the waste collection housing 19 may suck the yarn being supplied to the detachable frame 13, until the tube feeding assembly 14 places the second tube onto the cradle 12. In an embodiment, the threading arm 18 may be configured such that when the threading arm 18 pivots, a distal end of the threading arm 18 engages with the yam traversing into the suction nozzle 29 and engages the yarn with the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle 12. Thereafter, the corresponding cradle 12 may wind the yarn on the empty tube.

[0054] In an embodiment, the waste collection housing 19 may collect the waste via the suction nozzle 29 and fill the waste collection housing 19 with the waste. The suction nozzle 29 may be configured between the tube feeding assembly 14 and the package retrieval assembly 15. The waste collection housing 19 may also collect and remove waste or loosefibres from the doffing system 100 during operation, thereby keeping the workspace clean. In an embodiment, the operator may periodically empty the waste collection housing 19. In an embodiment, the waste collection housing 19 may be placed in a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface for emptying and replacement In some embodiment, the waste collection housing 19 may be simultaneously accessible with one or more of the operating units on the operating interface 25.

[0055] In an embodiment, the yarn path may be adapted to allow the yam to traverse over the doffing system 100, and connect to the doffing system 100 from a second side of operating interface 25. In an embodiment, the second side may be indicative of the rear side of the detachable frame 13. In other embodiments, the yarn path may be adapted to guide the yarn to traverse into the doffing system 100 from the bottom of the doffing system 100. Thereafter, the yarn may traverse through the one or more components of the doffing system 100. The yarn path may include a set of rollers that allow the yarn path to change the direction of traversal of the yarn.

[0056] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traversing yarn. The antistatic oil may aid in unwinding of the yarnwound tube during use. In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include an oiler lifter assembly 4. The oiler lifter assembly 4 may lift the yam traversing into the detachable frame 13 to prevent the traversing yarn from engaging with the one or more oilers during threading and doffing. The oiler lifter assembly 4 may prevent the traversing yam from contacting the one or more oilers, thereby reducing drag as the yarn traverses through the doffing system 100. The oiler lifter assembly 4 may be positioned at or proximately to the portion of the operating interface 25 via which the yarn enters the detachable frame 13. In an embodiment, the oiler lifter assembly 4 may be configured at behind the waste collection housing 19. In some embodiments, the oiler lifer assembly 4 may be positioned in a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface 25. In some embodiments, the oiler lifter assembly 4 may be simultaneously accessible along with one or more of the operating units on the operating interface 25.

[0057] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include the shark fin 17 configured to engage with and align the yam traversing over the tube during winding with the cutting assembly 16. The cutting assembly 16 may then cut the traversing yam. In an embodiment, the shark fin 17 may be positioned between the threading arm 18 and the corresponding cradle 12. In some embodiments, the shark fin 17 may be positioned in a conveniently accessible location on the operating interface 25. In some embodiments, theshark fin 17 may be simultaneously accessible along with one or more of the operating units on the operating interface 25. The shark fin 17 may be configured to adjust the height of the yarn path to align the traversal of yarn corresponding to the height of the cutting assembly 16. Further, the shark fin 17 may be configured to ensure horizontal alignment of the traversing yarn with the cutting assembly 16. The shark fin 17 may provide tension and resolve misalignment of the yarn during the cutting process.

[0058] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may include a set of wheels 11 for sliding the detachable frame 13 for docking and undocking from the main frame 9, and moving the detachable frame 13. In some embodiments, the detachable frame 13 may be reversibly dock-able to the main frame 9 such that when the detachable frame 13 is undocked, one or more operating sides of the detachable frame 13 and the main frame 9 may become accessible for maintenance. The one or more operating sides may include, but not be limited to, the operating interface 25 of the detachable frame 13, corresponding sides of the detachable frame 13 and main frame 9 that are engaged when they are docked, and the like. In an example, the detachable frame 13 may be undocked and moved to a maintenance station, where the detachable frame 13 and the one or more operational units may be maintained. The set of wheels 11 may allow the detachable frame 13 to be moved with minimal human effort. In some embodiments, the main frame 9 may include one or more secondary heaters 21 (as shown in FIG. 3). By detaching the detachable frame 13 from the main frame 9, the one or more secondary heaters 21 may become accessible for maintenance and replacement.

[0059] In an embodiment, the detachable frame 13 may be reversibly detached from the main frame 9. In an embodiment, the arrangement of the one or more operational units of the detachable frame 13 allows the detachable frame 13 to be docked and undocked to the main frame 9. In some embodiments, the shark fin 17 may allow the traversal of yarn to be aligned with the threading arm 18 after docking and undocking. In an embodiment, the main frame 9 may include a plurality of protrusions 10 extending therefrom, the plurality of protrusions 10 configured to engage with the detachable frame 13 such that the detachable frame 13 aligns with the main frame 9 when the detachable frame 13 is brought towards the main frame 9 for docking. In an embodiment, the set of protrusions 10 may align the one or more operational units on the detachable frame 13 with the one or more cradles 12 on the main frame 9.

[0060] Each of the one or more operational units may be removably configured to the detachable frame 13. In an embodiment, each of the one or more operational units may be removed for maintenance. Further, each of the one or more operational units may also bereplaced by spare components to minimize downtime. The one or more operational units may be modular, and may be arranged on the operating interface 25 so as to allow the operator to access each of the one or more operational units on a unified interface. Further, the one or more operational units may be arranged in a conveniently and simultaneously accessible manner so as to allow the operators to access the yarn at any of the plurality of attending points on the yam’s path through the operating interface 25. The plurality of attending points may include, but not be limited to, thread line vacuum point, paper tube feed cassette, finish package storage, oiler device, waste collection tray and textured yarn string up point, access to raw material such as yarn on one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies 26 (as shown in FIG. 3), and the like. The operator may access each of the operational units for inspection and maintenance, among others.

[0061] FIG. 2 A and 2B illustrate an exemplary front view of the detachable frame 13, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] In an embodiment, each of the operational units may be arranged in a substantially vertical alignment on the operating interface 25. In an example, the tube feeding assembly 14, the package retrieval assembly 15, and the threading arm 18 may be successively arranged in substantially vertical alignment on the operating interface 25, thereby making each of the operational units and the yarn traversing through the doffing system 100 conveniently accessible via the operating interface 25. Further, the cutting assembly 16 may be configured between the package retrieval assembly 15 and the threading arm 18. The shark fin 17 may be configured between the threading arm 18 and the cutting assembly 16. In an embodiment, the waste storage assembly 19 may be configured to the bottom of the detachable frame 13.

[0063] By arranging the one or more operational units in a substantially vertical alignment, the doffing system 100 may provide a unified interface to interact with each of the one or more operational units. The arrangement of the one or more operational units may allow for modularity in the design of the detachable frame 13. Operators of the doffing system 100 may conveniently access each of the operational units and perform operations thereon, and allow for inboard doffing where the yarn and yarn- wound tubes are accessible via the unified operating interface 25. The operators of the doffing system 100 may also have direct access to the plurality attending of points of the yarn traversing through the doffing system 100, for inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance among others. The one or more operating units, in such arrangements, may also allow for electronics and pneumatic elements in the detachable frame 13 to be housed with minimal wired connections therebetween.Additionally, the arrangement of the one or more operating units described in the present disclosure may allow for reducing the length of the yarn passing therethrough.

[0064] Further, operators of the doffing system 100 may be able to perform any one or more of paper tube feeding, finish package retrieval, yarn passage through an oiler device, waste collection, and yam string up, via a single unified interface. By providing simultaneous access to the one or more operating units, the doffing system 100 may eliminate the need for multiple operators to perform the aforementioned operations. Additionally, by having the one or more operating units on a detachable frame 13, the doffing system 100 may be adaptable to existing textured yarn machines without requiring additional floor space or specialized equipment.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic side view of yam texturing system 200- 1 and 200-2 (individually referred to as yarn texturing system 200) having one or more doffing systems 100, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of the yarn texturing systems 200 may be used concurrently. In some embodiments, a first yarn texturing system 200-1 and a second yarn texturing system 200-2 may be placed adjacently to the other, as shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, each of the one or more yarn texturing systems 200 may be suitably arranged and oriented based on the space requirements and constraints.

[0066] In an embodiment, the yam texturing system 200 may include the one or more POY creel assemblies 26 having a plurality of creels wound with POY yarn. The plurality of creels may include a partially oriented yam. 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 traversing from the one or more creels assemblies 26 to the one or more doffing systems 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, the texturing assembly may include a primary heater 20. The POY yam from the one or more creels assemblies 26 may be fed to the primary heater 20 by an input feed shaft 24. The input feed shaft 24 may be placed at a conveniently accessible location above or in proximity to the one or more creels assemblies 26. The yam texturing system 200 may include a cooling device 28 that receives the heated POY yam from the primary heater 20 for cooling. From the cooling device 28, the yarn may pass through a secondary heater 21 via an intermediate shaft 27. The yarn texturing system 200 may include a friction unit 30 may twist and / or de-twist the yam for texturing. In some embodiments, the twist of the yam may extend from the friction unit 30 to the primary heater 20 in a first direction, and to the secondary heater 21 in a second direction. In such embodiments, the yarnmay be twisted in the primary heater 20 and the secondary heater 21. The secondary heater 21 may be placed behind a winding area. The yam texturing system 200 may include the one or more doffing system 100 having a corresponding main frame 9 and a corresponding detachable frame 13. The winding area may correspond to the main frame 9 having the one or more cradle 12. In some embodiments, the secondary heater 21 may become accessible when the detachable frame 13 of the doffing system 100 is undocked and moved away from the main frame 9. The textured yarn may be doffed using the detachable frame 13 configured to the main frame 9 for packaging and removal.

[0068] In some embodiments, each component of the yam texturing system 200 may be conveniently accessible to the operator from a service aisle 23. The one or more creels assemblies 26 may be placed on a first side of the service aisle 23 and the doffing system 100 may be placed on a second side of the service aisle 23. The first side may be opposite to the second side of the service aisle 23. The doffing system 100 may be detachably configured to the main frame 9 of the doffing system 100. The yarn from the one or more creels assemblies 26 may traverse through the primary heater 20 and the cooling device from over the service aisle 23 and may traverse into the doffing system 100 via the secondary heater 21 on the main frame 9. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.3, one or more yarn texturing systems 200- 1, 200-2 may be adjacently placed. The one or more yarn texturing systems 200-1, 200-2 may be oriented such that the corresponding operating interfaces 25 of the one or more doffing systems 100 are accessible from the corresponding service aisle 23. In such embodiments, the secondary heaters 21 of the respective yarn texturing systems 200 may be placed between the respective doffing systems 100.

[0069] By arranging the one or more creels assemblies 26 and the doffing system 100 with the operating interface 25 on opposing sides of the service aisle 23, the space required for the yarn texturing system 200 may be reduced. Such arrangements allow for inbound auto doffing from a single unified service aisle, such as the service aisle 23. The arrangement of the components of the yarn texturing system 200 enables efficient use of space, thereby allowing for increased density of textured production. Each of the components as well as one or more points on the yam traversing through the yarn texturing system 200 may be conveniently and simultaneously accessible to an operator of the yam texturing system 200, thereby allowing for efficient paper tube feeding, package retrieval, passage through oiler devices, waste collection and yam string up, and maintenance of the yarn texturing system 200. One or more components of the yarn texturing system 200 may be made accessible to the operator by use of an elevation means, including, but not limited to, a trolley, stool, chair,or the like. For instance, in some embodiments, the primary heater 20 may be conveniently accessible to the human operator by standing up on the elevation means.

[0070] Further, the yarn texturing system 200 may allow yam to traverse a shorter distance as compared to conventional solutions that have a plurality of aisles for operating each component thereof. Reducing the traversing distance of the yarn reduces risk of breakages and failures. Additionally, arrangement of the one or more creels assemblies 26, the primary heater 20, the cooling device, the secondary heater 21, and the doffing system 100 provides for inbound auto doffing of yam. The lowered spatial footprint of the yarn texturing system 200 may allow for a greater number of the yam texturing systems 200 to be accommodated in a predetermined floor space when compared to existing solutions. In an embodiment, the yarn texturing system 200 may be extendable. In such embodiments, the yarn texturing system 200 may be extendable by accessibly placing a plurality of the one or more creel assemblies 26, the one or more doffing systems 100, and the texturing assemblies along the service aisle 23.

[0071] The present disclosure, therefore, solves the need for a doffing system with a unified interface to access one or more operational units as well as a plurality of points of a yarn traversing therethrough during the doffing process. Further, the present disclosure provides for a yarn texturing system that allows for one or more components thereof to be conveniently and simultaneously accessible via a unified service aisle.

[0072] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0073] The present disclosure provides a doffing system.

[0074] The present disclosure provides a doffing system with access to one or more operating units in a unified operating interface.

[0075] The present disclosure provides a doffing system with the one or more operating units arranged in a manner that reduces yam length passing therethrough.

[0076] The present disclosure provides a doffing system with a detachable frame that is self-aligning and reversibly dock-able to a main frame.

[0077] The present disclosure provides a doffing system that is modular in design.

[0078] The present disclosure provides an inboard doffing system where yam and wound packages are accessible via the operating interface.

[0079] The present disclosure provides a doffing system that is adaptable to existing textured yam machines without requiring additional floor space.

[0080] The present disclosure provides a doffing system with detachable operational units, the operational units being detached and replaceable for maintenance.

[0081] The present disclosure provides a yarn texturing system with a plurality of attending points and the one or more operating units conveniently and simultaneously accessible from a single service aisle.

[0082] The present disclosure provides a yarn texturing system that is extendable and expandable.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A doffing system (100), comprising: a main frame (9) having a plurality of cradles (12) that wind yarn over an empty tube supplied thereto, each of the plurality of cradles (12) releasably holding the empty tube and winding a yarn on the empty tube; a detachable frame (13) having an operating interface (25) with one or more operational units associated with a corresponding cradle (12) from the plurality of cradles (12), the one or more operational units comprising: a tube feeding assembly (14) that accommodates one or more of the empty tubes and successively places the empty tube in the corresponding cradle (12); a threading arm (18) configured to reversibly engage with the yam and pivot such that the yam is fed to the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle (12); and a package retrieval assembly (15) having a sliding portion, and a retrieval portion at a distal end of the sliding portion configured such that when the corresponding cradle (12) releases the tube after winding, the yarnwound tube slides along a length of the sliding portion whereby the yarnwound tube is retrievable from the retrieval portion, wherein the tube feeding assembly (14), the package retrieval assembly (15) and the threading arm (18) are arranged successively in a vertical alignment on the operating interface (25) whereby each of the operational units and the yam traversing therethrough conveniently and simultaneously accessible via the operating interface (25).

2. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tube feeding assembly (14) comprises a rotatable arm that releasably holds the empty tube, the rotatable arm being configured to pivot from a first position where one or more of the empty tubes is fed to the rotatable arm manually, to a second position where one of the empty tubes is released to place the empty tube over the corresponding cradle (12).

3. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable frame (13) comprises: one or more oilers that apply antistatic oil to the traversing yarn; andan oiler lifter assembly (4) that lifts the yarn traversing into the detachable frame (13) to prevent the traversing yarn from engaging with the one or more oilers during threading and doffing.

4. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more operational units comprise a cutting assembly (16) configured to cut the yarn once the yarn is wound to the tube, and the cutting assembly (16) being positioned between the corresponding cradle (12) and the threading arm (18) such that the cutting assembly(16) is accessible via the operating interface (25) simultaneously with other operational units.

5. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cutting assembly (16) comprises a suction nozzle (29) and a pneumatic element associated with a waste collection housing (19), the pneumatic element being configured to suck the yarn into the waste collection housing (19) via 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) such that the suction nozzle (29) and the waste collection housing (19) are accessible via the operating interface (25) simultaneously with other operational units.

6. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the threading arm (18) is configured such that when the threading arm (18) pivots, a distal end of the threading arm (18) reversibly engages with the yarn traversing into the suction nozzle (29) and engages the yarn with the empty tube placed on the corresponding cradle (12), the cradle (12) winding the yarn on the empty tube.

7. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the detachable frame (13) comprises a shark fin (17) configured to engage with and align the yam being wound on the tube with the cutting assembly (16) to allow the yarn to be cut, the shark fin(17) being positioned between the threading arm (18) and the corresponding cradle (12) such that the shark fin (17) is accessible via the operating interface (25) simultaneously with other operational units.

8. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame (9) comprises a plurality of protrusions (10) extending therefrom, the plurality of protrusions (10) engages with the detachable frame (13) such that the detachable frame (13) aligns with the main frame (9) when the detachable frame (13) is brought towards the main frame (9) for docking.

9. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable frame (13) is reversibly dock- able to the main frame (9) such that when the detachable frame (13) is undocked, one or more operating sides of the detachable frame (13) and the main frame (9) are accessible for maintenance.

10. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable frame (13) comprises a set of wheels (11) for moving the detachable frame (13).

11. The doffing system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detachable frame (13) is adapted to house a plurality of electronics and pneumatics associated with the one or more operational units therein, wherein the plurality of electronics and pneumatics are arranged to minimize wired connections therebetween.

12. A yarn texturing system (200), comprising: one or more partially oriented yarn (POY) creel assemblies (26) on a first side of a service aisle (23), the one or more creel assemblies (26) having a partially oriented yarn; one or more doffing systems (100) on a second side of the service aisle (23); and a texturing assembly that texturizes the yam traversing from the one or more creel assemblies (26) to the one or more doffing systems (100), the texturing assembly being configured above the service aisle (23) whereby the one or more creels assemblies (26), the one or more doffing systems (100) and the texturing assembly are conveniently and simultaneously accessible on the service aisle (23).

13. The yam texturing system (200) of claim 12, wherein the texturing assembly comprises: a primary heater (20) that receives the yam from the one or more creel assemblies (26) via an input feed shaft (24); a cooling device (28) that cools the yarn traversing from the primary heater (20); a secondary heater (21) that heats the yarn traversing from the cooling device (28); and a friction unit (30) configured between the cooling device (28) and the secondary heater (21), wherein the friction unit (30) twists and / or de-twists the yarn traversing through the texturing assembly.

14. The yarn texturing system (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the yarn texturing system (200) is extendable by accessibly placing a plurality of the one or more creel assemblies (26), the one or more doffing systems (100), and the texturing assemblies along the service aisle (23).

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