Scaffolding machine

Abstract

This shed forming machine includes: an output rod (14) that pivots about a common axis (22) centered on a longitudinal axis (A22); a cover; a frame; and sealing devices (40, 52, 54) comprising sealing struts (40) stacked along the common axis and at least one seal (52, 54). Each sealing strut includes a strip (402) and an inner radial edge. The seals (52, 54) extend in a principal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common axis (22) and abut a fixed portion of the machine. Each sealing strut (40) is provided with at least one groove (416, 436) extending parallel to the principal axis (A40) of the sealing strut (40) and opening on one side of each sealing strut. The grooves of the sealing struts of the sealing devices (40, 52, 54) collectively define channels (G2, G4) for receiving the heel of the seal.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical cam or multi-arm shed former for a loom. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the textile field, it is known to use a shed former to drive assemblies of levers and connecting rods according to a predetermined weaving method and with a motion parallel to each other, to form the drafting mechanism of the loom frame.

[0003] The shed former can be formed by a cam mechanism comprising a plurality of cams driven in rotation by a main shaft, each cam defining two conjugate tracks on which two respective rollers supported by a bar, commonly referred to as output bar, rest. Each output bar comprises a lever arm to which one of the rods of the drafting mechanism is attached. The number of output bars is the same as the number of heald frames of the loom and is mounted to perform a reciprocating swing motion around a common shaft defined by a mechanical frame.

[0004] The shed former can also comprise a rotating multi-arm machine with internal connecting rods belonging to a swing rod / bar assembly controlled by eccentrically shaped actuation elements. These actuation elements are mounted on a multi-arm machine main shaft driven by an intermittent rotation motion. Depending on the weaving to be obtained on the fabric being woven, a selection device makes it possible to connect or not connect the actuation elements to the main shaft in the horizontal plane for each multi-arm machine blade, which makes it possible to drive or not drive the drafting mechanism. The part of each actuation element connected to the drafting device constitutes an output bar for the multi-arm machine.

[0005] Regardless of the type of shed former, the exit opening of the machine is considered to comprise a cutout arranged in the cover of the machine, through which the output bar passes, a part of which remains inside the internal volume space of the machine and between the frame and the cover of the machine, which contains an oil bath necessary for lubricating the mechanical movement parts of the machine.

[0006] The high speed motion of the output bar moving partially in the oil bath can generate oil splashes outside the machine. The oil in the internal volume space of the machine must not flow out of it so as not to dirty the fabric during the manufacturing process or to contaminate the environment of the machine.

[0007] On the other hand, the shed former can be equipped with a variable number of output bars depending on the number of frames of the loom associated with it. In these conditions, the sealing device for closing the exit opening of the shed former must be compatible with different output bar distribution modes.

[0008] It is known to limit oil splashing from the internal volume space of a shed forming machine by using sealing struts mounted around a common axis of the output rod. Therefore, EP-A-3162933 teaches equipping adjacent sealing struts with sealing barriers formed by seals. This solution is generally satisfactory and largely limits oil splashing through the machine's outlet opening. However, sealing around the cover and frame of the shed forming machine is achieved through profiles that must be precisely manufactured and installed, which is both expensive and time-consuming. Furthermore, the provided method uses seals mounted around the struts, which can also be expensive and complex to implement. Summary of the Invention

[0009] More specifically, this invention aims to overcome these shortcomings by proposing a new shed forming machine, wherein the seal at the exit opening through which the oscillating output rod passes is improved in an economical and reliable manner.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention relates to a mechanical cam-type or multi-arm type shed forming machine for a loom, the shed forming machine comprising:

[0011] - The output rod oscillates around a common axis centered on the longitudinal axis;

[0012] - Cover, which limits the outlet opening through which the output rod passes;

[0013] - The frame, together with the cover, defines the internal volume space of the shed forming machine; and

[0014] - A sealing device for closing the outlet opening of the cap and comprising sealing struts and at least one seal, the sealing struts being stacked along a common axis and arranged on both sides of the output rod;

[0015] Each sealing post includes:

[0016] - A strip extending from a first end positioned near the frame to a second end positioned near the cover, and including two longitudinal edges orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of a common axis and configured to abut at least one longitudinal edge of a strip adjacent to a sealing post;

[0017] - An inner radial edge defines a common axis channel opening centered on the main axis, which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the common axis at least when the machine is in the weaving state.

[0018] According to the present invention,

[0019] - The seal extends along the main direction of the longitudinal axis parallel to the common axis and is adjacent to the fixed part of the shed forming machine;

[0020] - Each sealing post is provided with at least one groove, which extends parallel to the main axis of the sealing post and opens on one side of each sealing post;

[0021] - The grooves of the sealing struts of the sealing device together define a channel for receiving the heel of the seal.

[0022] Due to the present invention, the different grooves of the sealing struts allow the seal to be installed as close as possible to the fixed part of the shed forming machine, whether it be the frame or the cover. The seal can have a relatively simple shape and is easy to install, which is advantageous in terms of economy and manufacturing speed. Furthermore, the structure designed for the sealing struts and seals makes the shed forming machine of the present invention very compact and easy to maintain and operate.

[0023] According to an advantageous but non-mandatory aspect of the invention, this shed forming machine can combine one or more of the following features:

[0024] - In a plane perpendicular to the main axis, the groove of each sealing post is defined by a profile having a bottom and a mouth, the width of which is greater than the width of the mouth;

[0025] - The grooves of the sealing struts of the sealing device have the same profile in a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the sealing struts;

[0026] - The seal has a cross section perpendicular to its principal direction, the cross section being constant along the principal direction, and the length of the seal measured parallel to its principal direction is greater than or equal to the width of the outlet opening measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the common axis.

[0027] - At least one sealing post is a spaced sealing post, the width of the strip of the spaced sealing post measured parallel to the main axis between the two longitudinal edges of the strip has a first value and a second value, the first value is at the first end and the second end of the strip, the second value is in the middle region covering the angular travel of the output rod between the first end and the second end of the strip, the first value is equal to the index of the shed forming machine, and the second value is equal to the index of the shed forming machine minus the thickness of the output rod measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the common axis;

[0028] - The inner radial edge extends around the main axis in the angular sector with a vertex angle strictly less than 180°;

[0029] - The sealing device includes at least one complementary sealing member installed in the outlet opening, the complementary sealing member being partially housed in the middle region of the spaced sealing strut and interacting in a sealing manner with the surface of the adjacent output strut, the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the common shaft;

[0030] - At least one sealing post is an end sealing post, the width of the strip of which is measured parallel to the main axis between the two longitudinal edges of the strip, the constant value being constant from the first end of the strip to the second end of the strip and equal to the indexing of the shed forming machine; and the sealing post includes a centering structure relative to the common axis;

[0031] -The shed forming machine includes:

[0032] - Axial stops, which are arranged around a common axis and located on both sides of each output rod;

[0033] - An axial fastener, which is mounted at each end of a common shaft and is configured to hold the axial stop and the output rod on the common shaft;

[0034] - At least two support rings, each of which is positioned between an axial stop and an axial fastener;

[0035] Meanwhile, the end sealing struts are installed around the support ring via a centering structure; and

[0036] The spacer seal supports are respectively installed on the periphery of the axial stop, and each spacer seal support strip defines a volume space for the output rod to extend out through the outlet opening at the middle area of ​​the strip.

[0037] - Each sealing strut includes a housing that passes through the sealing strut along an axis parallel to the main axis, the housing having openings on two opposite sides of the sealing strut and being configured to receive a support shaft;

[0038] - The shed forming machine includes a hoop, which is formed by a longitudinal body parallel to the longitudinal axis of a common shaft and two legs perpendicular to the longitudinal body, and each of the legs defines a hinged bearing for a support shaft.

[0039] - The shed forming machine is a multi-arm type, and each output rod swings under the drive of the inner rod of the shed forming machine;

[0040] - The shed forming machine is a mechanical cam type and includes a camshaft parallel to a common axis. The rotation of the camshaft drives the output rod to oscillate. Each post is configured to pivot between a weaving position where the output rod is coupled to the camshaft and a leveling position where the output rod is separated from the camshaft.

[0041] -The sealing strut includes an interlocking member adapted to keep adjacent struts stacked along a common axis;

[0042] -The sealing struts include walls that overlap between two adjacent sealing struts when the sealing struts are stacked along a common axis;

[0043] - The sealing struts include walls that overlap between two adjacent sealing struts when the sealing struts are stacked along a common axis;

[0044] - The lower receiving channel of the sealing device receives a first sealing member, which abuts against the cover-facing portion of the frame in the woven state of the shed forming machine, and the upper receiving channel of the sealing device receives a second sealing member, which abuts against the cover-facing portion of the frame in the woven state of the shed forming machine. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The invention will be better understood from the following description of two embodiments of a shed forming machine according to the principles of the invention, given only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which other advantages of the invention will become clearer, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the grooving machine according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the output rod of a shed forming machine in a weaving state after its cover is removed and leveling tools are placed.

[0048] Figure 3 It passes through two planes offset from each other along a common axis (shown in illustrations A and B respectively). Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the common axis of the machine in the state;

[0049] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 A magnified view of detail IV at illustration B;

[0050] Figure 5 The rod is in a leveling state in the same plane shown in illustrations A and B. Figure 3 Similar views;

[0051] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A larger-scale partial sectional view of the VI-VI plane;

[0052] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The exploded perspective view of the components, excluding the two mounting screws, is shown in the mid-section view.

[0053] Figure 8 Is Figures 1 to 7 An exploded perspective view of the stack of sealing struts and two seals used in a shed forming machine.

[0054] Figure 9 It belongs to Figures 1 to 7 A top view of the machine's spacer supports and an elevation view on two opposite sides;

[0055] Figure 10 Is with Figure 9 A similar view of the end support; and

[0056] Figure 11 In the shed forming machine including and Figures 1 to 7 Similar to different output rod distributions Figure 8 The view. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figures 1 to 10 The cam mechanism 2 shown is intended to drive the bars and rods of a drafting mechanism (not shown), which itself drives the heald frame of the loom according to known techniques.

[0058] Therefore, the cam mechanism 2 constitutes the shed forming machine.

[0059] The cam mechanism 2 includes a frame 4 and a cover 6 attached to the frame. The frame 4 and the cover 6 are fixed components of the cam mechanism 2 and define an internal volume space V2 between them, in which a plurality of mechanical components are received by an oil bath (not shown).

[0060] The control shaft 8 is driven by a motor (not shown) to rotate about its longitudinal axis A8. The control shaft 8 itself drives a camshaft 10 equipped with cams 12 and supported by a frame 4 via an angle gear (not shown). The longitudinal axis of the camshaft is marked A10, about which the camshaft rotates when the cam mechanism is in operation. In the example shown in the figures, there are eight cams 12. The cams 12 define the weave formed by the heald frame driven by the cam mechanism 2.

[0061] A set of four output rods 14 are mounted in the volume space V2 and partially protrude from it through an outlet opening 16 arranged in the cover 6. More specifically, each output rod 14 defines a central bore 142 and two legs 144, on which a roller 18 is mounted and held in position by a flange 20. Each output rod 14 also includes a lever arm 146 extending generally radially toward the central axis of the bore 142. In the assembled state of the cam mechanism 2, portions 142 and 144 of the output rods 14, along with their associated rollers 18 and flange 20, are arranged in the volume space V2, while their lever arms 146 extend through the opening 16.

[0062] Shaft 22 (whose longitudinal axis is marked A22) is inserted into the respective center holes 142 of rod 14 and forms a common axis around which rod 14 oscillates when cam mechanism 2 is running. Axes A10 and A22 are parallel.

[0063] In the example in the attached figure, the cam mechanism 2 is equipped with four levers 14, and along a common axis 22 that can receive up to eight levers, the free volume space left by these four levers is occupied by four adjusting rings 24.

[0064] Between two adjacent rods 14 along axis A22, a ball bearing, commonly referred to as a "ball stop," is arranged around axis 22. The ball bearing allows the rods 14 to make different oscillating movements about axis A22, which depend on the profile of the cam 12 associated with the rods 14 via roller 18.

[0065] Ball stops 26 are also arranged on both sides of the stack of rods 14. Therefore, in the example shown in the attached drawing where four rods 14 are mounted on shaft 22, five ball stops 26 are used. Generally, the number of ball stops 26 is equal to the number of rods 14 plus one.

[0066] Two transverse rings 28 are mounted on the shaft 22, located on both sides of the subassembly formed by parts 14, 24 and 26.

[0067] Two resilient retaining rings 30 are arranged on both sides of the transverse ring 28 and engage in the peripheral groove 32 of the common shaft 22, thereby axially holding the stack formed by components 14, 26, 24 and 28 along the shaft 22. A spring washer 34 is an axially arranged spacer between one of the transverse rings 28 and the nearest resilient retaining ring 30, and the spring washer 34 is capable of adjusting the axial clearance of the components mounted around the common shaft 22.

[0068] like Figure 1 As can be seen, in the installed state of the boom crane, a portion of the opening 16 is left exposed by the rod 14. Figure 1 In the image, this portion of opening 16 is shown in gray, assuming no sealing device is used.

[0069] Opening 16 is defined by a first edge 62 of the cover 6 parallel to axis A22 and by two side edges, one of which is in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As indicated by reference numeral 64 in the accompanying drawings, the two side edges are parallel to each other and both perpendicular to axis A22. The opening 16 is also defined by the edge 41 of the frame 4, which faces the cover 6 in the mounted state of the cam mechanism 2.

[0070] In order to close Figure 1 The gray portion of the visible opening 16, the cam mechanism 2 includes a stack E40 of sealing pillars 40, which are of two types, namely spaced sealing pillars 40A and end sealing pillars 40B.

[0071] exist Figure 3 and Figure 5In the figure, illustration A corresponds to a cross-sectional view at the spacer sealing post 40A, while illustration B corresponds to a cross-sectional view at the end sealing post 40B.

[0072] The sealing posts 40 (whether type 40A or 40B) are made of a molded plastic material such as polyamide. The spacer sealing posts 40A are identical to each other. Similarly, the end sealing posts 40B are identical to each other.

[0073] The number of spacer supports 40A is equal to the number of rods 14. The number of end supports 40B is equal to 2 plus the difference between the maximum number of rods that can be installed in the cam mechanism (here, 8) and the actual number of rods installed in the cam mechanism. In the example, the number of spacer seal supports is 4, and the number of end seal supports is 2 + (8 - 4) = 6.

[0074] Figure 9 The figure shows a single spacer seal post 40A, with illustration A being a top view and illustrations B and C corresponding to two elevation views of its two opposite sides.

[0075] The spacer sealing post 40A includes a strip 402 extending along the outer side of the post, the strip 402 in Figure 9 As can be seen at illustration C, the support column is oriented upward between a first end 404 and a second end 406 in the installation state of the machine 2. The first end 404 is arranged near the edge 41 of the frame 4 in the installation state of the support column, and the second end 406 is arranged near the cover 6 in the same installation state.

[0076] The strip 402 includes two longitudinal edges 408 and 410, which are orthogonal to axis A22 in the mounted state of the support and are configured to abut at least one longitudinal edge 410 or 408 of the strip 402 of the adjacent sealing support 40.

[0077] On the opposite side of strip 402, spacer seal post 40A has an arcuate inner radial edge 412 centered on axis A40, which forms the main axis of the spacer seal post, and longitudinal edges 408 and 410 perpendicular to axis A40. The inner radial edge 412 extends around the main axis A40 in a angular sector at a vertex α with an angle strictly less than 180° (e.g., about 140°).

[0078] The radius of curvature of the radial edge 412 is designated R40, which is chosen to be equal to the common outer radius of the ball stop 26 and the rings 24 and 28. Edge 412 thus defines a common axis 22 channel opening centered on the main axis A40.

[0079] In a variant embodiment, the inner radial edge 412 extends along an irregular profile that differs from a shape having a certain radius of curvature, while defining a channel opening centered on the main axis A40.

[0080] The recessed volume space defined in the bracket of the spacer seal post 40A is configured on one side of its radial edge 412 to receive part of the common shaft 22 equipped with elements 24 to 28.

[0081] In the assembled state of the stacked E40, each main axis A40 of the strut seal 40A coincides with axis A22.

[0082] The strip 402 of the spacer seal post has a first width l402 and a second width l'402 that is strictly smaller than the first width l402. The first width l402 is near the ends 404 and 406 of the strip 402, and the second width is in the middle region of the corner sector that roughly corresponds to the vertex α.

[0083] exist Figure 9 On both sides of the support column 40A, which is visible at illustrations B and C respectively, the support column 40A is provided with reinforcing ribs 414.

[0084] At the end 404 of the support column 40A, Figure 9 As can be seen in illustrations B and C, the support column 40A is provided with a first groove 416, which extends parallel to the main axis A40 of the support column 40A and opens on both sides of the support column.

[0085] from Figure 9 As observed in illustrations A and B, the groove 416 opens upward and has a dovetail shape. The profile of the groove 416 perpendicular to axis A40 has a bottom 418 and a mouth 420. The width l418 of the bottom 418 is greater than the width l420 of the mouth 420 opposite to the bottom 418. This profile is constant along the length of the groove 416 between the two opposite sides of the support 40A.

[0086] On the other hand, Figure 9 As seen in illustrations B and C, each support 40 is penetrated by a through-hole 422, which opens on opposite sides of the support 40 and forms a housing for receiving a support shaft 42, the longitudinal axis A42 of which is parallel to axes A10 and A22. The longitudinal axis of the hole 422, labeled A422, is parallel to the main axis A40 of the support 40 and coincides with axis A42 in the assembled state of the cam mechanism 2. The through-hole is a cylindrical receiving recess centered on axis A422.

[0087] The spacer sealing post 40A also includes a hook 424, said hook 424 being formed in the spacer sealing post.Figure 9 On one side visible in illustration B, and the hook 424 is used to engage the opposite side formed on another post 40A or 40B as shown in Figure 9 Illustration C and Figure 10 The corresponding housing 426 is visible in the image. The hooks 424 and housing 426 enable two adjacent sealing struts 40 in the stack E40 to be secured together, i.e., to keep the adjacent struts stacked relative to each other along the common axis 22.

[0088] On the other hand, near the end 404 of the spacer sealing post 40A, in Figure 9 On the side visible at illustration B, the end sealing post 40B has a second hook 425, which is used to engage a post disposed on the opposite side of another post 40A or 40B, as shown in the figure. Figure 9 Illustration C and Figure 10 The corresponding housing 427 is visible in the image. The hooks 425 and housing 427 are also used to secure two adjacent sealing struts 40 together in the stack E40, i.e., to keep the adjacent struts stacked relative to each other along the common axis 22.

[0089] Therefore, the continuity of the spacer sealing struts 40A (i.e., maintaining their stacking relative to each other along the common axis 22) can be achieved by hooks 424 and 425 and corresponding housings 426 and 427. In the illustrated embodiment, each end sealing strut 40B and each spacer sealing strut 40A has hooks 424 and 425 on one side of the strut and housings 426 and 427 on the opposite side of the strut.

[0090] When the supports are arranged adjacently along a common axis and are kept continuous, the supports are stacked on the common axis 22 to form a sealing device together with the seals 52 or 54.

[0091] In respectively Figure 9 As seen in illustrations B and C, the spacer seal post 40A also includes a second groove 436, which is disposed near the upper end 406 of the spacer seal post 40A and extends parallel to the main axis A40 of the spacer seal post 40A, opening on both sides of the spacer seal post. The groove 436 also has a bottom 438 and a mouth 440, which extends along the entire length of the groove 436 between the two sides of the post. In a cross-section perpendicular to axis A40A, the profile of the groove 436 is dovetail-shaped, with the width l438 of its bottom 438 greater than the width l440 of its mouth 440.

[0092] The portion of one end of the strut 40A near its end 406 is designated 442 and referred to as the nose, where the strip 402 has its maximum width l402. A through-hole 422 is formed in the nose 442. Figure 9On one side of the nose 402, visible at illustration B, the nose 402 is bounded by ribs 444. When stacked within the stack E40 along the common axis 22, the ribs 444 are designed to engage beneath the strip 402 of another adjacent sealing strut, creating partial overlap between the two struts and thus improving the sealing effect achieved at the nose 442. Similarly, the end 404 is provided with ribs 446 that project from the side of the sealing strut visible at illustration B and are designed to engage within the end 404 of the adjacent strut, thereby improving the sealing effect obtained at the end 404.

[0093] exist Figure 10 The end sealing post 40B shown in illustrations A, B, and C has a similar design to... Figure 9 The structure of the support 40A shown is similar to that of the other support in some respects. Specifically, the end-sealing support 40B defines a strip 402 extending between a first end 404 and a second end 406, the first end 404 being positioned near the edge 41 of the frame 4 in the supported mounting configuration, and the second end 406 being positioned near the cover 6 in the same mounting configuration. The longitudinal edges 408 and 410 of the strip 402 are also perpendicular to the main axis A40 of the end-sealing support and are configured to abut at least one longitudinal edge 410 or 408 of the strip 402 of an adjacent sealing support 40.

[0094] For the end sealing post 40B, the strip 402 has a width l402 measured between its edges 408 and 410 parallel to the main axis A40 of the end sealing post 40B. This width is constant and has the same value as the maximum width of the spacer sealing post 40A.

[0095] Furthermore, its radial inner edge 412 is circular, that is, it extends 360° around the main axis A40 and has a radius R40 equal to the radius of curvature of the edge 412 of the spacer sealing post 40A. In a variant embodiment, the inner radial edge 412 extends with an irregular profile that differs from a shape having a certain radius of curvature, while defining a channel opening centered on the main axis A40.

[0096] A disc-shaped volume space defined within the support of the end sealing post 40B and bounded by edge 412 is constructed to receive a common shaft 22. Therefore, edge 412 defines a channel opening for the common shaft 22.

[0097] The end sealing strut 40B also includes hooks 424 and 425 similar to the hooks and housings of the spacer sealing strut 40A, as well as corresponding housings 426 and 427. This allows the sealing struts 40 to remain continuous, regardless of whether they are of type 40A or 40B.

[0098] existFigure 10 As can be seen in illustrations B and C, the end sealing strut 40B also includes reinforcing ribs 414, hooks 424, housings 426, and two grooves 416 and 436 arranged on both sides thereof, the grooves 414 and 436 having the same geometry as the corresponding grooves 416 and 436 of the spacer sealing strut 40A.

[0099] Therefore, the grooves 416 and 436 of the sealing struts 40 of the stack E40 have the same cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the main axis A40 of the sealing struts 40, regardless of whether they belong to the grooves 416 and 436 of the spacer sealing struts or the grooves 416 and 436 of the end sealing struts.

[0100] The end sealing post 40B also includes a through hole 422 and ribs 444 and 446, the through hole 422 being disposed in the nose 442 of the end sealing post 40B, and the ribs 444 and 446 being identical to the corresponding ribs 444 and 446 of the spacer sealing post 40A. The through hole 422 is a cylindrical receiving housing centered on axis A422.

[0101] Each end support 40B has a first part 401 and a second part 403. Figure 10 In the front views shown at illustrations B and C, the first portion 401 of the end support 40B has a geometry similar to that of the spacer support 40A. The width of the reinforcing rib 414 in this first portion 401, measured parallel to the main axis A40, is equal to the width l402 of the strip 402. A second portion 403 may enclose the portion of the edge 412 formed in the first portion 401 around the main axis A40. In this second portion 403, the reinforcing rib 414 has a width l403, also measured parallel to the main axis A40, which is strictly smaller than the width l402 of the strip 402.

[0102] Since the end sealing strut 40B completely surrounds the adjusting ring 24 and the transverse ring 28, the end sealing strut is centered on axis A22. Specifically, the edge 412 of the end sealing strut 40B includes radial overhangs that provide a means of centering the end sealing strut around axis A22, since the outer peripheral surfaces of rings 24 and 28 are centered on axis A22.

[0103] The cam mechanism 2 also includes a first elastomeric seal 52 and a second elastomeric seal 54 extending along longitudinal axes A52 and A54 respectively, which are parallel to axes A10 and A22 in the mounted state of the cam mechanism.

[0104] Seals 52 and 54 are preferably extruded, i.e., made by an extrusion molding process, which is particularly simple and economical.

[0105] The seal 52 is made of an elastomeric profile having a cross-section perpendicular to axis A52 and remaining constant over a length L52 of the seal 52. The seal 52 includes a heel 522 and a lip 524. The heel 522 is configured to engage and be held within a receiving channel G2, which is formed by juxtaposed grooves 416 of different supports 40 of the stack E40. Because the grooves 416 of the different supports 40 have the same profile, the cross-section of the receiving channel G2 is constant over a length of the stack E40 measured parallel to axes A40 and A22, which coincide when the sealing supports 40 are installed in the machine 2. The shape of the heel 522 is complementary to the shape of the receiving channel G2. Given the dovetail shape of the cross-sectional profile of the groove 316, and therefore the dovetail shape of the cross-section of the receiving channel G2 and the heel 522, the seal 52 is also securely held in place on the stack E40 when the heel 522 of the seal 52 is in place in the receiving channel G2.

[0106] In other words, the groove 416 in the pillars stacked along the common axis 22 of the sealing device defines a receiving channel G2 for the heel 522 of the seal 52. The receiving channel G2 is adapted to partially receive the seal 52. Furthermore, the receiving channel G2 is adapted to position and hold the seal 52 in a principal direction A52 parallel to the longitudinal axis A22.

[0107] In this position, the lip 524 is close to the edge 41 of the frame 4, thereby preventing oil from splashing out of the internal volume space V2 near the edge 41 at the interface between the first end 404 of the sealing strut 40 and the frame 4.

[0108] Similarly, the seal 54 is made of an elastomeric profile having a constant cross-section along its length L54 and having a heel 542 and a lip 544. The juxtaposition of the grooves 436 of the various supports 40 within the stack E40 forms a second channel G4 for receiving the heel 542, the second channel G4 having a constant cross-section over the length of the stack E40. The shape of the heel 542 is complementary to the shape of the receiving channel G4. Given the dovetail shape of the cross-sectional profile of the groove 346, and therefore the dovetail shape of the cross-sections of the receiving channel G4 and the heel 542, the seal 54 is also securely held in place on the stack E40 when the heel 542 of the seal 54 is in place in the receiving channel G4.

[0109] Therefore, the lip 544 prevents oil from splashing out of the volume space V2 toward the outside of the cam mechanism 2 at the interface between the second end 406 of the sealing pillar 40 and the cover 6 near the edge 62.

[0110] Therefore, the sealing device, including the stack E40 and seals 52 and 54, effectively seals the outlet opening 16 around the arm 146 of the output rod 14.

[0111] In fact, length L52 is equal to the length of edge 41 measured parallel to axis A22, while length L54 is greater than or equal to the length of edge 62 also measured parallel to axis A22. Therefore, the length L52 or L54 of the seal is greater than or equal to the width l16 of the outlet opening 16 measured parallel to the longitudinal axis A22 of the common axis 22.

[0112] The index of the cam mechanism 2 (i.e., the distance between two identical parts measured along the common axis 22 parallel to axis X22) is marked as d. The index d can be measured, for example, as the distance between two faces of two adjacent rods 14 facing the same direction.

[0113] The thickness of rod 14 is marked as e14, and the thickness is constant because in practice each rod 14 is made by cutting steel plates.

[0114] The width l'402 of the strip 402 of the spacer seal 40A in the middle region of its spacer portion is equal to the difference between the graduation d and the thickness e14. Thus, the middle region of the spacer seal 40A bridges the gap between two adjacent rods 14 by covering the ball stop 26, thereby limiting oil splashing between the rods 14 through the opening 16, which is arranged between these rods.

[0115] Here, the support seals 40A are all installed around the axial stop 26.

[0116] On the other hand, the width l402 is equal to the graduation d, so that the strips 402 of the sealing strut 40 are adjacent to each other by the longitudinal edges 408 and 410 of the strips 402 in the area of ​​the opening 16 without the rod 14, forming a continuous surface for preventing oil from splashing out of the volume space V2 through the outlet opening 16.

[0117] Ribs 444 and 446 reinforce the seal between two adjacent struts 40 (whether strut 40A or 40B), while hooks 424 and corresponding housings 426, and optional hooks 425 and corresponding housings 427, ensure precise relative positioning between struts 40 within the stack E40.

[0118] The stacking distance of the four support rings 24 is marked as D4, and the width e24 of each support ring 24 is equal to the graduation d. In the absence of the four rods 14, these support rings 24 provide adjustment between the resilient retaining rings 30. The transverse ring 28 and the support rings 24 have the same geometry, specifically the same axial thickness.

[0119] The length of the stack formed by the transverse ring 28 and the axial stop 26, measured parallel to axis A22, is marked L68. The length of the stack formed by the four rods 14 and the four associated ball stops 26, measured parallel to axis X22, is marked L14.

[0120] The axial distance between the spring washer 34 adjacent to the elastic retaining ring 30 and the opposite elastic retaining ring 30 is equal to the sum of quantities e24, D4, L14 and L68.

[0121] The cam mechanism 2 also includes a hoop 70, which is formed by a longitudinal body 72 parallel to axis A2 and two legs 74 perpendicular to the longitudinal body 72 and axis A22, and each leg defines a bearing (not shown) for supporting shaft 42. The hoop 70 is fixed to the frame 4 by four screws 76, with two screws inserted in each leg 74.

[0122] The longitudinal body 72 has two threaded holes 71 for receiving two screws 61 to secure the cover 6 to the frame 4. For clarity of the drawings, the screws 61 are... Figure 1 The middle part is omitted; instead, a corresponding channel opening 63 formed in the cover 6 for its passage is shown.

[0123] After removing the cover 6, tool 80 is used to move the common shaft 22 and the components mounted on the shaft relative to the frame 4 and around axis A42 between the weaving position and the leveling position.

[0124] Leveling includes moving rod 14 from Figures 2 to 4 The so-called weaving state moves to Figure 5 The so-called leveling state is in which the roller 18 contacts the cam 12 in the weaving state and in which the roller 18 disengages from the cam 12 in the leveling state. During the transition between these two positions, the sealing strut 40, along with other elements carried by the common shaft 22, pivots about axis A42.

[0125] In the leveling state, lever 14 is decoupled from the drive mechanism including cam 12, so that camshaft 10 and cam 12 can be removed from frame 4 to adjust or change camshaft and cam according to the weaver's choice and the weave to be made.

[0126] The cam mechanism 2 of the present invention is compatible with the use of a detachable leveling device including a tool 80, which enables the common shaft 22 to pivot about the longitudinal axis A42 of the support shaft 42 and the sealing support 40 to pivot about the axis A422 of the through hole 422 of the sealing support 40.

[0127] Tool 80 includes two posts 82 and a handle 84, the handle 84 being connected to the posts and designed to be operated by an operator to swing the tool about axis A42. For clarity of the drawings, tool 80 is shown in... Figure 3 and 5 The middle part is shown with a dashed line.

[0128] exist Figure 2 The tool is tilted 80 degrees in the direction of the middle arrow F1 to make it... Figure 2 The state shown moves to Figure 5 The state shown drives the common shaft 22 and the components mounted on it from... Figure 3 The weaving state transitions to Figure 5 The leveled state.

[0129] Taking into account the centering achieved due to the edge 412 of the end sealing strut 40B, the common shaft 22 is moved from... Figure 3 The state tilted to Figure 5 The state of the stack has the effect of driving these supports to perform the same movement. Since the individual supports 40A and 40B of the stack E40 are secured to each other by hooks 424 and 425 and housings 426 and 427, the entire stack E40 follows the leveling movement given to the common axis 22 by tool 80. Figure 5 As shown, this movement continues until the edge of the rod 14 abuts against the inner rib 44 of the frame 4 near the aforementioned edge 41.

[0130] In this position, the seal 52 is away from the edge 41 and its lip 524 is not under pressure.

[0131] In the same location, seal 54 does not contact cover 6, because the latter was removed before tool 80 was installed.

[0132] After modifying or replacing camshaft 10, by changing the common shaft from Figure 5 The state is moved to Figure 3 In the previous state, lever 14 returned to the weaving state. This is achieved by tilting the tool about axis A42 in the direction opposite to arrow F1. For the reasons described above, stack E40 is integral with common axis 22, and this movement has the effect of automatically returning seals 52 and 54 to the operating state, then seal 52 abuts against edge 41 and seal 54 is ready to receive contact with the inner surface 66 of cover 6 in the supported state. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for cam mechanisms that require operation from the weaving state to the leveling state and vice versa.

[0133] One of the screws 76 is surrounded by a washer 78, the outer support of which is fitted into a groove (not shown) on the common shaft 22 in a braided state. This allows the common shaft 22 to be axially positioned relative to the plate of the frame 4 to which it is to be attached, along axis X22, before it is secured using mounting screws 23 arranged on both sides of components 14 to 30, 34, and 40. This ensures precise positioning of the common shaft 22 on the frame 4, thereby ensuring precise contact between the cam track 12 of the shaft 10 and the roller 18 of the output rod 14.

[0134] Before transitioning from the braided state to the leveled state, these screws 23 are removed to allow the common shaft 22 to move relative to the frame 4.

[0135] Figure 11 The stack E40 shown corresponds to a second embodiment of the shed forming machine of the present invention, wherein eight output rods 14 (not shown) are mounted around a common axis 22. Elements identical to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals. In the following, in Figure 11 In the case where a part of the shed forming machine is not shown, that part is the same as the corresponding part in the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, the stack E40 includes six spacer sealing pillars 40A and two end sealing pillars 40B, the two end sealing pillars 40B being arranged along axis A40 on both sides of the spacer sealing pillars 40A.

[0136] As previously described, the grooves 316 and 346 of each sealing post 40 together define two receiving channels G2 and G4 for receiving the heels 522 and 542 of the two seals 52 and 54, which are the same as the heels shown in the previous figure and whose longitudinal axis is parallel to axis A40, and therefore parallel to the longitudinal axis of the common axis of the shed forming machine.

[0137] In fact, Figure 11 The visible part and Figure 8 The visible parts are the same, except that the distribution relationship between the two types of sealing pillars 40 is different.

[0138] In other embodiments of the shed forming machine according to the invention (not shown), the number and distribution of the output rods 14 may differ from those described above. In this case, the stack E40 is adjusted accordingly, wherein the stack E40 includes spacer sealing struts 40A and end sealing struts 40B with the same structure as shown in the figure.

[0139] Regardless of the number of rods 14, the stack E40 always includes two end sealing struts 40B at the ends of the stack E40.

[0140] In all cases, the geometry of the sealing strut 40 allows for the pre-assembly of a sub-assembly of the spacer sealing strut 40A by means of the hook 424 and housing 426 before it is attached to the common shaft 22 in the radial direction. The attachment to the common shaft 22 is performed by bringing the edges 412 of these struts closer to the axis A22 and inserting the arm 146 into the space between two spacer sealing struts 40A in their intermediate region, where the strip 402 of the spacer sealing strut 40A has a minimum width l'402. This sub-assembly can then be connected to the end strut 40B that is connected and surrounds the common shaft 22.

[0141] The invention is illustrated in the figures as follows: sealing strut 40 supports two seals 52 and 54. It remains applicable when these struts support a single seal abutting against a fixed portion defining the internal volume space V2 of the machine 2. The fixed portion against which the seal abuts can be a frame 4, a cover 6, or other components.

[0142] According to a variant embodiment of the invention (not shown), the edge 412 of the end sealing post 40B extends over a corner sector at its apex with an angle less than 360° (while strictly greater than 180°, preferably greater than 270°). Therefore, in all cases, this edge 412 constitutes a means for centering the end post 40B around the ring 24 or 28 and thus around the axis A22.

[0143] According to a variant embodiment of the invention (not shown), the shapes of the heels 522 and 542 of the seals 52 and 54, as well as the cross-sections of the receiving channels G2 and G4, may differ from those shown in the figures.

[0144] In one variant, seals 52 and 54 may be made of polymeric or composite materials instead of elastomers.

[0145] The attachment method between the sealing struts 40 can be modified, particularly regarding the number and shape of the hooks 424 and / or 425 and the housings 426 and / or 427. For example, the strut 40 may include only one hook 424 or 425 and only one housing 426 or 427, or even no such hooks or housings.

[0146] In a variant embodiment, the sealing struts 40 do not include hooks 424 or housings 426, but are instead held stacked along a common axis 22 by seals 52 or 54 that restrict movement of the struts relative to each other along the common axis 22.

[0147] According to a variant embodiment of the invention not shown, the spacer sealing struts 40A can be configured such that they are in... Figure 9 The complementary sealing member, formed by a seal, is received on the side visible in illustrations B and C. This complementary sealing member sealably abuts against the surface of the adjacent output rod, which is perpendicular to axis A22. The complementary sealing member is partially received within an intermediate sealing post in the intermediate region of the spacer sealing post. The technical teachings of EP-A-3162933 are applied herein, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0148] In a variant embodiment, tool 80 can be replaced by an electric motor. In fact, the cam mechanism 2 is compatible with an electric leveling drive, which allows the sealing device formed by components 40, 52, and 54 to be reversibly tilted about axis A42 together with the common shaft 22 when changing from the leveling state to the weaving state. In practice, for example, during the leveling of the heald frames in the loom, it is not necessary to enter the volume space V2 when releasing the tension of the warp yarns. In this respect, the sealing device formed by components 40, 52, and 54 can pivot about axis A42, which allows the lips 524 and 544 to be removed from the corresponding portions 41 and 66 of the fixed portions 4 and 6 that are pressed against them in the weaving state, while the cover 6 remains in place on the frame 4.

[0149] According to another variant of the invention (not shown), the invention can be implemented within a multi-arm machine instead of a cam machine. In other words, the shed forming machine of the invention can be a multi-arm machine. In this case, each output rod is driven to oscillate by an internal rod of the machine.

[0150] The above-described embodiments and variations can be combined with each other to produce new embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanical cam-type or multi-arm type shed forming machine (2) for a loom, said shed forming machine (2) comprising: - Output rod (14) oscillates about a common axis (22) centered on the longitudinal axis (A22); - Cover (6), defining the outlet opening (16) through which the output rod passes; - The frame (4), together with the cover, defines the internal space (V2) of the shed forming machine (2); as well as - A sealing device (40, 52, 54) for closing the outlet opening of the cover and including a sealing post (40) and at least one seal (52, 54), the sealing post (40) being stacked along the common axis and arranged on both sides of the output rod; Each sealing post includes: - A strip (402) extending from a first end (404) positioned near the frame (4) to a second end (406) positioned near the cover (6), and including two longitudinal edges (408, 410) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common axis (22) and configured to abut at least one longitudinal edge of the strip of the adjacent sealing post; - An inner radial edge (412) defines a common axis (22) channel opening centered on the main axis (A40), which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the common axis at least when the machine is in the weaving state. Its features are, - The seals (52, 54) extend along the main direction (A52, A54) of the longitudinal axis (A22) parallel to the common axis (22) and are adjacent to the fixed part (4, 6) of the shed forming machine (2); - Each sealing post (40) is provided with at least one groove (416, 436), the groove (416, 436) extending parallel to the main axis (A40) of the sealing post (40) and opening on one side of each sealing post; - The grooves of the sealing struts of the sealing device (40, 52, 54) together define channels (G2, G4) for receiving the heel (522, 542) of the seal.

2. The shed forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, In a plane perpendicular to the main axis (A40), the grooves (416, 436) of each sealing post (40) are defined by a profile having a bottom (418, 438) and a mouth (420, 440), the width (l418, l438) of the bottom (418, 438) being greater than the width (l420, l440) of the mouth (420, 440).

3. The shed forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grooves (416, 436) of the sealing struts (40) of the sealing devices (40, 52, 54) have the same profile in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (A40) of the sealing struts (40).

4. The shed forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal (52, 54) has a cross section perpendicular to its principal direction (A52, A54), the cross section being constant along the principal direction, and the length (L52, L54) of the seal measured parallel to its principal direction is greater than or equal to the width (ll6) of the outlet opening (16) measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common axis (22).

5. The shed forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one sealing post (40) is a spacer sealing post (40A) whose strip has a width measured parallel to the main axis between the two longitudinal edges of the strip having a first value (l402) and a second value (l'402), the first value (l402) being at the first end (404) and the second end (406) of the strip, and the second value (l'402) being in the middle region of the angular travel of the cover output rod (14) between the first end and the second end of the strip; the first value is equal to the index (d) of the shed forming machine, and the second value is equal to the index of the shed forming machine minus the thickness (e14) of the output rod measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common axis.

6. The shed forming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner radial edge (412) extends around the main axis (A40) in a angular sector with a vertex angle (α) strictly less than 180°.

7. The shed forming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing device (40, 52, 54) includes at least one complementary sealing member installed in the outlet opening (16), the complementary sealing member being partially accommodated in the intermediate region of the spacer sealing post (40A) and interacting in a sealing manner with the surface of the adjacent output rod (14), the surface being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common shaft (22).

8. The shed forming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one sealing post is an end sealing post (40B) whose strip has a constant width (l402) measured parallel to the main axis between the two longitudinal edges (408, 410) of the strip, the constant value (l402) being constant from the first end (404) of the strip to the second end (406) of the strip and equal to the index (d) of the shed forming machine (2); and the sealing post includes a centering structure (412) relative to the common axis (A22).

9. The shed forming machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least one sealing post (40) is a spacer sealing post (40A), the strip of which has a width measured parallel to the main axis between the two longitudinal edges of the strip having a first value (l402) and a second value (l'402), the first value (l402) being at the first end (404) and the second end (406) of the strip, and the second value (l'402) being in the middle region of the angular travel of the cover output rod (14) between the first end and the second end of the strip; the first value is equal to the index (d) of the shed forming machine, and the second value is equal to the index of the shed forming machine minus the thickness (e14) of the output rod measured parallel to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common axis; The shed forming machine includes: - Axial stop (26), the axial stop (26) being arranged around the common axis (22) and located on both sides of each output rod (14); - An axial fastener (30) is mounted at each end of the common shaft and is configured to hold the axial stop (26) and the output rod (14) on the common shaft; - At least two support rings (24, 28), each of the support rings being positioned between the axial stop (26) and the axial fastener; The end sealing strut (40B) is mounted around the support rings (24, 28) via the centering structure (412); and The spacer seals (40A) are respectively mounted on the periphery of the axial stop (26), and define a volume space in the middle region of the strip of the spacer seal (40A) for the output rod (14) to extend out through the outlet opening (16).

10. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Each sealing strut (40) includes a housing (422) that passes through the sealing strut (40) along an axis (A422) parallel to the main axis (A40), the housing (422) being open on two opposite sides of the sealing strut and configured to receive a support shaft (42).

11. The shed forming machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The shed forming machine includes a hoop (70) formed by a longitudinal body (72) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A22) of the common shaft (22) and two legs (74) perpendicular to the longitudinal body, and each of the legs defines a hinge bearing of the support shaft (42).

12. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The shed forming machine (2) is a multi-arm type, and each of the output rods (14) swings under the drive of the inner rod of the shed forming machine (2).

13. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The shed forming machine (2) is a mechanical cam type and includes a camshaft (10) parallel to the common axis (22). The rotation of the camshaft (10) drives the output rod (14) to oscillate. Each support (40) is configured to pivot between a weaving position where the output rod is coupled to the camshaft and a leveling position where the output rod is separated from the camshaft.

14. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The sealing strut (40) includes interlocking members (424-427) adapted to keep adjacent struts stacked along the common axis (22).

15. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The sealing strut (40) includes walls (444, 446) that overlap between two adjacent sealing struts when the sealing struts (40) are stacked along the common axis (22).

16. The shed forming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The lower receiving channel (G2) of the sealing device (40, 52, 54) receives a first sealing member (52), which abuts against the portion (41) of the frame (4) facing the cover (6) in the weaving state of the shed forming machine (2). The upper receiving channel (G4) of the sealing device (40, 52, 54) receives a second sealing member (54), which abuts against the portion (66) of the cover facing the frame in the weaving state of the shed forming machine.

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