GB986987A - Doffing device - Google Patents

Abstract

986,987. Doffing-apparatus. WILLCOX & GIBBS SEWING MACHINE CO. Ltd. Nov. 14,1962 [Nov. 15, 1961], No. 43024/62. Heading D1D. Doffing apparatus combined with a spinning frame comprises a carriage movable along the spindle-row, means for lifting bobbins on the spindles carried by a parallelogram linkage on the carriage capable of moving parallel to itself between an inoperative position spaced from and above the spindles to an operative position aligned with the spindle row to which position the linkage is biased, means on the carriage for holding the doffing means in inoperative position until they reach a position preceding the first spindle, and cam means for moving the doffing mechanism to the inoperative position after passing the last spindle so that the means can pass parts of the spinning machine which would otherwise obstruct its path of movement. In Fig. 2, a carriage 18 of the type described in Specification 986, 986 is pushed by a handle H along rails 14, 15, on the spinning machine. The carriage carries doffing apparatus comprising a series of units 44a... 44f; as it travels along the machine, the first unit detaches successive bobbins from their spindles, and the other units raise them until they are clear of their spindles and topple into a deflector unit 46 and so pass to a receptacle in the carriage. Each unit is of inverted U-form, the first having a cam-member slightly inclined to break the driving connection between the bobbin and the spindle. Each of the other units has a cam track member which together form a composite lifting track 45. When the doffing operation is completed, and the carriage is to be moved to the other end of the machine, the doffing means must be retracted to prevent it fouling the spindles; when the means is moved to the beginning of the row the doffing means must be moved out again to operative position. The rail 14 according- ly has entrance and exit cams and each unit is carried by a parallel linkage 61, 59 Fig. 4, with a spring 64 urging the linkage to the operative position of the units, the arrangement ensuring that the units are always vertical. As the carriage starts its travel, the units are in retracted position each being held by a latch 65 on the lower link engaging one of a series of catches 66 on a common rod 67. The latches are released by a Bowden cable attached to a trigger on the handle H. The movement of the units to operative position is controlled by a roller 71 on each link 59 which rests on a sliding member 73 engaging the entrance cam, a stop 75 on the link 59 ensuring that each unit is properly located. At the end of an operation the members 73 are successively engaged by the exit cam to move the units out of operative position. A thread feeler 48 moves the threads successively out of the range of the doffing mechanism; this is moved into operative position when a lever 57 is pivoted by engagement with the entrance cam, and is moved into the vertical position shown in dotted lines when the lever 57 engages the exit cam. A rearward extension 55 of the feeler is rotated into and out of operative position as the lever 57 moves be gearing, Fig. 6 not shown. A pad on the feeler rotates each filled package to unwind enough thread to prevent premature breakage; the threads are ultimately severed as the bobbins are lifted by the track 45. In another form, Fig. 10, there are two units 325, 326 each in the form of an inverted U with one elongated leg to each of which is secured a linkage similar to that described above. The long leg of the first unit has a slightly-inclined lifting track 329 and that of the second unit a steeply inclined track formed by the edge of a spring- backed flexible member 322 which flexes around the spindles and ensures that the lift is applied to the bobbins as near as possible to the centre-line of the spindle. The second unit also carries a guide-channel 336 for the tips of the bobbins, and a spring-member 337 fixed at one end which is tensioned as the unit engages the spindles and finally as it springs past a bobbin ejects it into a shoot 336a. The spring has buttons 337a which rotate the bobbins to unwind enough thread to prevent premature breakage. The shorter legs of each U-member are shaped so that their edges 331, 331b act to guide the threads out of range of the doffing- means. There is provision to prevent the second unit being moved into inoperative position by the reactive force of the spring 337.