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Title:
A METHOD, AN APPARATUS, AND AN INTERLACER DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC FINISHING OF A COP OF WOUND YARN HAVING A TAIL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/012151
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for the automatic finishing of a cop (12) of wound yarn having a tail comprises means for supporting at least one cop (12) and means for winding the tail of the cop (12) onto an outer surface (16) of the cop, forming at least one loop (30) of turns in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis (X-X) of the cop (12). An interlacer device (32) is provided for creating at least one connection point in the loop (30) in order to secure the turns directly on the cop (12). The interlacer device (32) is mounted on a rod (34) of a pneumatic cylinder (36) which is movable between a retracted position relative to the cop (12) and a working position in which it is close to the loop (30) in order to create the connection point.

Inventors:
FUSI FRANCESCO (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IT2004/000411
Publication Date:
February 10, 2005
Filing Date:
July 23, 2004
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
OHG RIVA S R L (IT)
FUSI FRANCESCO (IT)
International Classes:
B65H54/34; B65H65/00; (IPC1-7): B65H65/00
Foreign References:
EP0559041A11993-09-08
EP0885830A11998-12-23
Other References:
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 0160, no. 83 (M - 1216) 28 February 1992 (1992-02-28)
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Vittorangeli, Lucia (Via Senato 8, Milano, IT)
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Claims:
CLAIMS
1. A method for the automatic finishing of a cop (12) of wound yarn having a tail (18), comprising the steps of: winding the tail (18) onto an outer surface (16) of the cop (12) forming at least one loop (30) comprising at least one turn in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12), creating at least one connection point in the loop (30) in order to secure the at least one turn directly on the cop (12).
2. A method according to Claim 1 in which the tail (18) is wound onto the cop (12) forming the loop (30) comprising a plurality of turns close together.
3. A method according to Claim 2 in which the tail (18) is wound onto the outer surface (16) of the cop (12) forming the loop (30) comprising turns which are superimposed in a radial direction relative to the cop (12).
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cop (12) rotates about its own longitudinal axis (XX) in order to wind the tail (18) onto the outer surface (16) of the cop whilst the tail (18) is kept in the said axial position.
5. A method according to Claim 4 in which the rotation of the cop (12) is stopped during the step of creating the at least one connection point.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the tail (18) is cut to create a free end before the at least one connection point is created.
7. A method according to Claim 6 in which the tail is kept under slight tension prior to the step of creating a connection point.
8. A method according to Claim 6 in which the cutting is performed a predetermined distance from the cop (12).
9. A method according to any one of Claims 6 to 8 in which the tail (18) is cut and at least partially wound onto the cop (12) before the at least one connection point is created.
10. A method according to Claim 9 in which the at least one connection point is created at or in the vicinity of the free end of the tail (18).
11. A method according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 in which two or more connection points are created and are distributed circumferentially with respect to the loop (30).
12. A method according to Claim 11 in which, after the steps of cutting the tail (18), winding it partially onto the cop (12), and creating a connection point, the step of winding the remaining tail (18) and creating a further connection point is repeated at least once.
13. A method according to any one of Claims 9 to 12 in which the tail (18) is wound onto the cop (12) by causing the cop to rotate through a predetermined winding angle.
14. A method according to Claim 13 in which the winding angle is determined, in dependence on the diameter of the cop (12), in a manner such that the tail (18) remains in the axial position in which the loop (30) was formed.
15. A method according to Claim 6 in which the cutting is performed in a portion of the tail (18) close to the cop (12).
16. A method according to Claim 15 in which the connection point is created in the vicinity of the free end of the tail (18).
17. A method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 in which the tail (18) is cut to create a free end after the at least one connection point has been created.
18. A method according to Claim 17 in which the cutting step is performed in the vicinity of the connection point.
19. A method according to Claim 17 or Claim 18 in which two or more connection points are created and are distributed circumferentially with respect to the loop (30).
20. A method according to Claim 19 in which the tail (18) is cut and at least partially wound onto the cop (12) before at least one further connection point is created.
21. A method according to Claim 20 in which, after the steps of cutting the tail (18), winding it partially onto the cop (12), and creating a further connection point, the step of winding the remaining tail (18) and creating a further connection point is repeated at least once.
22. A method according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 in which the tail (18) is wound onto the cop (12) by causing the cop to rotate through a predetermined winding angle.
23. A method according to Claim 22 in which the winding angle is determined, in dependence on the diameter of the cop (12), in a manner such that the tail (18) remains in the axial position in which the loop (30) was formed.
24. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, implemented directly in a collecting apparatus of a winding machine, or in a collecting apparatus of a machine which completes its own process with a winding stage.
25. A method according to Claim 24 in which the winding step provides for the steps of rotating the cop (12) about its own longitudinal axis (XX) and translating a yarnguide device (26) alternately in the two directions along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12), and in which the yarnguide device (26) is stopped in a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12), the rotation of the cop being continued in order to wind the tail (18) and form the loop (30).
26. A method according to Claim 25 in which the rotation of the cop (12) is interrupted in order to form the connection point on the loop (30), directly on the cop (12).
27. A method according to any one of Claims 6 to 16 in which the step of cutting the tail (18) is performed in a copcollecting apparatus and the step of creating at least one connection point is performed in a cop withdrawal apparatus, the cop (12) being arranged to be moved from the collecting apparatus to the copwithdrawal apparatus between the cutting step and the step of creating at least one connection point.
28. A method according to Claim 27 in which a step of identifying the tail (18) on the outer surface (16) of the cop (12) is provided for in the copwithdrawal apparatus.
29. A method according to Claim 27 or Claim 28 in which a step of unwinding the tail (18) from the cop (12) for a length suitable for being rewound onto the outer surface (16) of the cop (12) forming at least one loop (30) in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12) is provided for in the copwithdrawal apparatus.
30. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the step of the connection of the loop (30) takes place by interlacing.
31. A method according to Claim 30 in which an interlacer device (32) is placed close to the outside diameter of the cop (12) when the connection step is performed.
32. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the loop (30) is formed in the region of a central position along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12).
33. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the position of the loop (30) along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12) is selected in dependence on a parameter indicative of a characteristic of the cop (12).
34. A method according to any one of the preceding claims in which the step of winding the tail (18) onto an outer surface (16) of the cop (12) forming at least one loop (30) is repeated in at least two predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12), producing at least one first loop and one second loop (30) which are offset axially.
35. A method according to Claim 34 in which the connection point is formed on the last loop (30) wound on the cop (12).
36. A method according to Claim 34 or Claim 35 in which the number and positions of the at least one first loop and one second loop (30) along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12) are selected in dependence on a parameter indicative of a characteristic of the cop (12).
37. Apparatus (10) for the automatic finishing of a cop (12) of wound yarn having a tail (18), comprising: means for supporting at least one cop (12), means for winding a tail (18) of the cop (12) onto an outer surface (16) of the cop, forming at least one loop (30) comprising at least one turn in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12), means (32) for creating at least one connection point in the loop (30) in order to secure the at least one turn directly on the cop (12).
38. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 37 in which the means for winding a tail (18) of the cop (12) onto an outer surface (16) of the cop, forming at least one loop (30) comprising at least one turn, comprise means for rotating the cop (12).
39. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 37 or Claim 38 in which the means for creating at least one connection point comprise an interlacer device (32).
40. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 39 in which the interlacer device (32) is movable between a rest position in which it is retracted relative to the cop (12) and a working position in which it is close to the loop (30) in order to create the connection point.
41. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 40 in which the interlacer device (32) is mounted on a rod (34) of a pneumatic cylinder (36).
42. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 41 in which two separate air supplies (38,39) are provided for generating an interlacing jet by means of the interlacer device (32) and for the pneumatic cylinder (36).
43. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 41 in which the pneumatic cylinder (36) comprises an air supply which simultaneously supplies the interlacer device (32), generating an interlacing jet.
44. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 42 or Claim 43 in which means are provided for activating the interlacing jet when the interlacer device (32) is in contact with the cop (12).
45. Apparatus (10) according to any one of Claims 37 to 44 formed directly in a collecting apparatus of a winding machine or of a machine which completes its own process with a winding stage, in which a yarnguide device (26) is provided and can be translated alternately in the two directions along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12) in order to wind the cop (12) and can be stopped in the predetermined position along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12) to form the loop (30).
46. Apparatus (10) according to any one of Claims 37 to 44 formed in a copwithdrawal apparatus.
47. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 46 in which means are provided for identifying the tail (18) on the outer surface (16) of the cop (12).
48. Apparatus (10) according to Claim 46 or Claim 47 in which means are provided for unwinding the tail (18) from the cop (12) for a length suitable for being rewound onto the outer surface (16) of the cop (12), forming the at least one loop (30) in the region of the at least one predetermined position along the longitudinal axis (XX) of the cop (12).
49. An interlacer device (32) for the automatic finishing of a cop (12) of wound yarn having a tail (18), comprising a head (44) for the supply of an interlacing jet, which head (44) is arranged in communication with a source (39) of air under pressure, characterized in that the head (44) comprises a recess (46) for receiving a loop (30) of turns formed on an outer surface (16) of the cop (12).
50. An interlacer device (32) according to Claim 49 in which the head (44) comprises at least one duct (48) opening in the recess (46) for the discharge of the interlacing jet.
51. An interlacer device (32) according to Claim 50 in which the head (44) comprises at least two ducts (48) which are offset along an axis of the recess (46).
52. An interlacer device (32) according to Claim 50 or Claim 51 in which the head (44) comprises at least two ducts (48) each provided with an inlet (48a) and an outlet (48b) in accordance with the direction of the airflow, the ducts (48) being inclined in a manner such that the distance between the outlets is less than that between the inlets.
Description:
"A method, an apparatus, and an interlacer device for the automatic finishing of a cop of wound yarn having a tail" DESCRIPTION The subjects of the present invention are a method, an apparatus, and an interlacer device for the automatic finishing of a cop of wound yarn having a tail.

There is a particular requirement in the field to eliminate or secure the free tail which hangs from the cop, that is, the tail of the cop after it has been cut.

This requirement relates to yarns or cops of any type.

In fact, if the free tail of the cop remains hanging from the cop, it risks being entangled, causing undesired unwinding of the recently wound yarn during subsequent handling of the cop.

Moreover, lengths of unwound yarn may become wound around rotating machinery parts, compromising their functional capabilities and in any cause necessitating the manual intervention of an operator in order to remove the lengths of yarn from the parts on which they are wound or ensnared.

The risks set out above also constitute an obstacle to attempts to automate the withdrawal of the cops from the frames in which they have been wound, limiting the possibilities for automating operations for the handling,

transportation, and/or packaging of the cops.

To solve the above-mentioned problem, a robot for withdrawing cops, which can form an eye in the tail and secure it to a portion of the free tail, has been proposed. This robot is described, for example, in EP 885830. However, the structure of this robot and the method used are quite complex, with the consequence that the cost of finishing the cops is quite high and the time taken is quite long in comparison with the costs and times for the same operation performed manually.

The problem underlying the present invention is therefore that of proposing a method, an apparatus, and an interlacer device for the automatic finishing of a cop of wound yarn which have respective structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the above-mentioned requirement and to overcome the above-mentioned problems discussed with reference to the prior art.

This problem is solved by means of a method according to Claim 1, by means of an apparatus according to Claim 37, and by means of an interlacer device according to Claim 49.

Further characteristics and advantages of the method, of the apparatus, and of the interlacer device according to the invention will become clear from the following description of some preferred embodiments which are given

by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a portion of an apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a view of the apparatus portion of Figure 1 from above, Figure 3 is a side view of a variant of the apparatus portion of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a front view of an interlacer device according to the present invention, and Figure 5 is a section taken on the line V-V of the interlacer device of Figure 4.

With reference to the above-mentioned drawings and in particular to Figure 1, an apparatus for the automatic finishing of a cop of wound yarn is generally indicated 10. The drawings show, by way of example, a collecting apparatus of a winding machine or of a machine which completes its own process with a winding stage.

A cop of wound yarn being processed is indicated 12.

The cop extends along a longitudinal axis X-X.

In general, the cop 12 comprises a tube 14 around which the yarn is wound. The winding of the yarn onto the tube 14 determines the shape of the cop, in which an outer surface 16 can be identified. The radius and the dimensions of the outer surface increase during the

winding of the yarn. In Figure 2, the cop 12 is shown with a cylindrical central portion and two frustoconical end portions, although the shape of the cop 12 may be different from that shown in the appended drawings.

A tail of the cop, that is, a length of yarn which has not yet been wound, is indicated 18. When the winding stage is concluded, the tail is cut and has a free end.

The cop 12 is supported by support means, for example, comprising centres 20a, and 20b suitable for being inserted in the respective open ends of the tube 14.

According to one possible embodiment, the centres 20a, 20b are supported by respective receiving arms 22.

A roller 24 is mounted on the support structure of the arms 20 in a manner such that the cop 12 bears thereon.

According to one possible embodiment, the centres define means for driving the cop. More particularly, one of the centres, for example, that indicated 20a, is driven by means of a motor, not shown, so that suitable rotation can be imparted to the cop. The other centre, for example, that indicated 20b, is mounted idly on the respective arm 22 so as to be rotated by the cop. In the embodiment in which the centre 20a (or 20b) is driven, the roller 24 is mounted idly and defines a reference for the cop.

According to a further embodiment, the drive means for the cop comprise the roller 24 since it is motorized and constitutes a drive roller for the cop, whilst the two centres are mounted idly on the respective arms.

A yarn-guide device 26 (Figure 1, Figure 3) is mounted on the support structure of the arms 22 and is movable alternately in the two directions along a rectilinear path parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the cop. According to one possible embodiment, the movement of the yarn-guide device is brought about by means of an electric motor 28 with the interposition of a belt or flexible cable drive. Alternatively, it could be produced by a linear motor.

The yarn-guide device 26 is connected to a control unit, not shown, which controls its movement along the path parallel to the axis of the cop to define a predetermined regime for the winding of the yarn onto the cop.

When the desired weight or measurement of the cop being formed has been reached, the control unit can stop the yarn-guide device 26 in a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis X-X whilst the cop is kept rotating.

The control unit, the yarn-guide device, and the means which drive the cop define means for winding the tail of the cop onto the outer surface of the cop, forming

at least one loop 30 comprising at least one turn. This loop is formed in the region of the axial position in which the yarn-guide device has been stopped. More particularly, a few turns are formed, close together and preferably superimposed, to form a loop around the outer surface 16 of the cop. For simplicity of explanation, the formation of several turns will be referred to in particular below.

The apparatus further comprises means for creating at least one connection point in the loop 30 to secure the turns directly on the cop. According to one possible embodiment, an interlacer device 32 is provided and is preferably movable between a rest position in which it is retracted relative to the cop and a working position in which it is close to the loop of turns on the outer surface of the cop.

The interlacer device is advantageously mounted on a radial axis relative to the cop and can move along that axis.

According to one possible embodiment, the interlacer device 32 is mounted on a rod 34 of a pneumatic cylinder 36. A supply of air under pressure for the pneumatic cylinder is indicated 38 and a separate supply of air under pressure for the interlacer device, suitable for generating an interlacing jet, is indicated 39.

Advantageously, means, not shown, are provided for activating the interlacer device, enabling the interlacer device to be supplied when the device is in contact with the cop.

Advantageously, the means for creating the connection point and in particular, the interlacer device, is mounted directly in a collection station of a machine which performs the winding stage.

Figure 1 corresponds to a possible embodiment of the apparatus 10 in which means 40 are provided for cutting the tail so as to create a free end of the cop. The cutting means 40 are arranged a predetermined distance from the cop and, in particular, are disposed upstream of the yarn-guide device 26 with respect to the direction of movement of the yarn.

According to a different embodiment, shown, for example in Figure 3, the cutting means are arranged in the vicinity of the cop in order to cut the yarn in particular in the vicinity of the connection point produced.

Advantageously, the cutting means 40 are mounted on a bracket which supports the arm 22, between the yarn-guide device 26 and the cop 12. According to one possible embodiment, the cutting means 40 are mounted on an actuator, for example a pneumatic cylinder 42, which moves the means towards the tail to be cut. In this case, the

cutting means 40 may advantageously comprise a scissors- like element in which one of the two arms is clamped to the structure, and the other is associated with the actuator so that the movement towards the yarn imparted by the actuator simultaneously brings about the closure of the scissors-like element. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the tail 18 is preferably cut after the arms 22 have been pivoted, moving the cop 12 away from the yarn-guide device 16.

More generally, the present invention relates to a method for the automatic finishing of a cop 12 of wound yarn having a tail 18. The apparatus 10 described above operates in accordance with at least one of the embodiments of the method according to the present invention.

According to one possible embodiment, the method comprises at least the steps of: - winding the tail onto an outer surface 16 of the cop forming a loop 30 comprising at least one turn in the region of a predetermined position along a longitudinal axis X-X of the cop, and - creating at least one connection point in the loop 30 in order to secure the at least one turn directly on the cop.

In particular, the turns of the loop (or the at least

one turn) are fastened together in the loop without impairing the useful turns of the cop which are formed during the production of the cop.

As stated above, the loop 30 may advantageously be arranged to include a plurality of turns which are close together, and are preferably superimposed in the radial direction relative to the cop.

According to one possible embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the cop 12 rotates about its own longitudinal axis in order to wind the tail and to form the loop 30 whilst the tail is kept in a predetermined axial position. The rotation of the cop is stopped during the creation of the connection point.

The tail 18 may be cut to create a free end before the connection point is created. If the cop is rotated to form the loop 30, the tail is cut with the cop stationary.

The cutting may advantageously be performed a predetermined distance from the cop, for example, as shown in Figure 1, leaving a fairly long length of yarn which is not yet wound. In this case, the cut tail may be at least partially wound onto the cop before the connection point is created. The winding of the tail onto the cop is preferably performed by rotating the cop about its own axis and keeping the tail in the desired axial position.

In an apparatus such as that of Figure 1, this latter

condition is ensured by the presence of the yarn-guide 26 and of the roller 24. If the length of the free tail and the diameter of the cop are known, the free tail can be wound onto the cop so as to create the connection point at the free end of the tail. More preferably, the connection point is formed a short distance from the free end of the tail, leaving a length suitable for being gripped in order to break the connection point prior to the use of the cop.

In particular, if the winding takes place by rotation of the cop, the cop is rotated through a predetermined winding angle calculated in dependence on the length of the tail and the diameter of the cop. The rotation of the cop is then stopped in order to form the connection point.

Optionally, two or more connection points may be created, distributed circumferentially with respect to the loop of turns. In order to form two or more connection points, the tail may be cut and wound partially onto the cop in order to create a connection point and the step of winding the remaining tail and creating a further connection point may be repeated at least once. If the tail is wound by rotation of the cop, after the first connection point, the cop may advantageously be rotated through 180° to create two diametrally opposed connection points, or may be rotated twice through 120° producing three uniformly distributed connection points.

The cut tail is preferably kept under slight tension, for example, by suction or blowing, prior to the formation of the connection point.

With reference to Figure 1, it is also possible to produce the loop 30 by rotating the cop and stopping the cop in order to perform both the cutting and the creation of a connection point simultaneously. The further winding of the tail and the production of a further connection point are optional.

Figure 3 shows a different embodiment of the method according to the present invention in which the cutting is performed in a portion of the tail close to the cop. In this case, the connection point may advantageously be created in the vicinity of the free end of the tail.

In contrast with the method described above, the tail may be cut to create a free end after the connection point has been created. The cutting step may advantageously be performed in the vicinity of the connection point or a short length may be left for the gripping of the free tail and for the breaking of the connection point.

In particular, two or more connection points may be created, distributed circumferentially with respect to the loop. For example, a connection point is formed and the end is cut and is wound at least partially onto the cop before at least one further connection point is created.

After the steps of cutting the tail, winding it partially onto the cop, and creating a further connection point, the step of winding the remaining tail and creating a further connection point may be repeated at least once. In this case also, the tail is wound onto the cop preferably by causing the cop to rotate through a predetermined winding angle depending on the diameter of the cop so that the tail remains in the axial position in which the loop was formed. In this case also, it is possible to provide, for example, two connection points, for example at 180° relative to one another, or three connection points, for example, arranged at 120° relative to one another.

The method described above may advantageously be performed directly in a collecting apparatus of a winding machine or in a collecting apparatus of a machine which completes its own process with a winding stage. In this case, the winding stage provides for the steps of rotating the cop about its own longitudinal axis and translating a yarn-guide device alternately in the two directions along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cop.

Various types of yarn may be provided for and various shapes may be imparted to the cop by means of the regime of movement of the yarn-guide device.

When the desired weight or measurement of the cop is reached, a control unit stops the yarn-guide device 26 in

a predetermined position along the longitudinal axis X-X of the cop. This position is preferably selected so as to be central relative to the cop although other positions along the longitudinal axis X-X may be provided for. At the same time, the cop is kept rotating in order to wind one or more turns 30 onto the outer surface of the cop.

Several superimposed turns 30 are preferably produced.

When the loop of turns has been produced, the rotation of the cop is interrupted in order to form the connection point on the loop directly on the cop and to cut the tail in accordance with at least one of the methods described above.

According to one possible embodiment, the step of cutting the tail is performed in an apparatus for collecting the cops and the step of creating at least one connection point is performed in a cop-withdrawal apparatus. The cop is moved from the collecting apparatus to the cop-withdrawal apparatus between the cutting step and the step of forming the loop and creating at least one connection point. In the cop-withdrawal apparatus, a step may be provided for identifying the tail on the outer surface of the cop. Moreover, in the cop-withdrawal apparatus, a step may be provided, prior to the step of winding the tail to form the loop of turns, for unwinding the tail from the cop for a length suitable to be rewound

onto the outer surface of the cop to form the above- mentioned loop in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis of the cop.

Advantageously, in all of the possible embodiments, the creation of the connection point on the loop takes place by interlacing, preferably by placing an interlacer device close to the outside diameter of the cop.

According to one possible embodiment, the loop 30 is formed in a fixed position, for example, a central position along the longitudinal axis of the cop.

Alternatively, the position of the loop along the longitudinal axis of the cop may be selected in dependence on a parameter indicative of a characteristic of the cop (production batch, cop quality,...). In this case, the means for creating the connection point, and in particular the interlacer device, may be arranged to be movable along a path parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the cop in order to be aligned with the position of the loop 30. If, on the other hand, axial movement of the interlacer device, or more generally of the means for creating the connection point, is to be avoided, it may be advantageous to arrange for the step of winding the tail onto the outer surface of the cop forming at least one loop to be repeated in at least two predetermined positions along the longitudinal axis of the cop, producing at least one first

loop and one second loop which are axially offset. The connection point is preferably formed on the last loop wound on the cop, that is, on the loop from which the cut tail hangs. The number of loops of turns and their positions along the longitudinal axis of the cop are selected in dependence on a parameter indicative of a characteristic of the cop (production batch, cop quality,...).

In this case, if there is a yarn-guide device, it can be stopped in at least two different positions along the longitudinal axis X-X of the cop. In particular, the last position in which the yarn-guide device is stopped and therefore the position of the last loop of turns, is aligned with the means for creating the connection point.

According to one possible embodiment, the means for creating the connection point, for example, the interlacer device, is disposed in a central position along the longitudinal axis X-X of the cop.

In order to make evident predetermined characteristics of the cop, it is possible to select to stop the yarn-guide device in the central position of the cop, producing a single loop of turns which is subsequently connected by at least one connection point.

Otherwise, it is possible to select to stop the yarn-guide device on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side of

a central position of the cop, producing a first loop of turns. The yarn-guide device is then moved to the centre of the cop to produce a last loop of turns suitable for being connected by at least one connection point.

According to this last procedure, at least two loops of turns are produced, of which one, preferably the last, is in a fixed, for example, central position, whereas the others are formed in variable positions.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the provision of a method according to the present invention enables the tail of the cop which has been wound in a loop of turns to be knotted or joined, for example, by means of an interlacer, directly on the cop. In a winding machine or a machine which in any case terminates its own process with a winding stage, the above-mentioned method is particularly advantageous because it can be performed directly in the collecting position of the machine. If it is not possible to form a loop of turns in the machine in question, for example, by stopping the yarn-guide device, the method of the invention is advantageously also applicable to a cop-withdrawal apparatus.

Hanging of the tail from the cop and unwinding of the cop or even entanglement in moving parts, with the resulting risks, are thus prevented.

Naturally variants and/or additions may be applied to

the embodiments described and illustrated.

Unlike the embodiments described and illustrated, the apparatus for finishing a cop according to the present invention may be formed in a cop-withdrawal apparatus.

In this case, the apparatus comprises means for supporting at least one cop, means for winding a tail of the cop onto an outer surface of the cop forming at least one loop in the region of at least one predetermined position along a longitudinal axis of the cop, and means for creating at least one connection point on the loop for securing the turns directly on the cop.

In particular, the above-mentioned apparatus is suitable for implementing the method according to the present invention as described above.

According to one possible embodiment, means are also provided for identifying the tail on the outer surface of the cop. According to a further possible embodiment, means are also provided for unwinding the tail from the cop for a length suitable for being rewound onto the outer surface of the cop. An example of means for identifying the tail and means for unwinding the tail is given in EP 885830 which is incorporated herein by reference.

Advantageously, a specific interlacer device 32 particularly suitable for creating a connection point in the loop of turns 30 may be provided. The interlacer

device 32 shown for example in Figures 4 and 5 comprises a head 44 for supplying an interlacing jet, arranged in communication with a source or supply 39 of air under pressure. The head 44 advantageously comprises a recess 46 for receiving the loop of turns 30 formed on the outer surface of the cop. The head 44 comprises at least one duct 48 which opens in the recess 46 for the discharge of the interlacing jet. Advantageously, the head 44 comprises two ducts 48 offset along an axis A-A of the recess 46. The head may also be arranged to include two ducts 48 each provided with an inlet 48a and an outlet 48b in accordance with the direction of the air-flow, which are inclined in manner such that the distance between the outlets is less than that between the inlets.

According to an embodiment not shown, in which the interlacer device is mounted on a pneumatic cylinder, a single supply of air under pressure may be provided for simultaneously supplying the interlacer device 32, generating an interlacing jet, and the pneumatic cylinder.

In greater detail, the rod 34 may be hollow so as to constitute an element for communication between a chamber of the pneumatic cylinder 36 and the head 44 of the interlacer device 32, from which the interlacing jet emerges.

In order to satisfy contingent and specific

requirements, a person skilled in the art may apply to the above-described preferred embodiment of the method, of the apparatus, and of the interlacer device many modifications, adaptations and replacements of elements with other functionally equivalent elements without, however, departing from the scope of the appended claims.