Apparatus for locating a traveling-type servicing device in a

Abstract

An apparatus for locating a servicing device which travels along a parent textile machine, such as a spinning frame, having a plurality of stations and stops at any designated station of the parent machine to there perform a servicing operation, such as yarn piecing or cleaning by use of fluid, such as compressed air or vacuum, supplied from a fluid source provided separately from the servicing device. The apparatus comprises, on each station of the parent machine, a stationary connector communicating with the fluid source and a locating guide member having a locating guide groove therein, and, on the servicing device, an air cylinder, a locating rod actuated by the cylinder toward and away from the locating guide member and engageable with the guide groove and a communicating member movable together with the locating rod and engageable with the stationary connector. In operation, the connectors are coupled to establish a communication between the fluid source and the servicing device after the locating rod has engaged with the guide groove thereby to locate the servicing device correctly. Because the locating rod and the communicating member are moved substantially in an integral manner by a single actuator, accurate and reliable locating of the servicing device may be accomplished.