A lubricating device with a detection device and a method for detecting the wear of a rapier lubricating element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lubrication device (2,3) for a rapier (10) having detection devices (21, 33) and a method for detecting the consumption of a lubrication element (4) of a rapier (10) of a rapier loom, wherein the detection devices (21, 33) are used to detect an alarm state before the lubrication element (4) is consumed, and wherein, at least after the alarm state is reached, the detection devices (21, 33) are used to detect continued consumption and output an alarm signal that changes as consumption continues.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a lubrication device with a detection apparatus and a method for detecting the consumption of rapier lubrication elements in a rapier loom. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, in a rapier loom (also known as a shuttle loom), the weft yarn is carried through the shed by two yarn clamps inserted into the shed from opposite ends. The yarn clamps are mounted on a clamp belt or rapier, which is driven by a drive wheel to move the yarn clamps through the shed and guide them in a suitable guiding device. To reduce friction, prevent unwanted wear, and / or avoid overheating of the rapier, lubricating elements, particularly solid lubricating elements, such as those made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are known to be available.

[0003] During use, lubrication elements must be replaced due to wear and tear. To avoid operating the rapier loom after the lubrication elements have been depleted, detection devices for detecting lubrication element wear are known.

[0004] For example, JP H11-21745 discloses a detection device including a limit switch. When a new lubricating element is inserted, the limit switch can contact the support of the lubricating element, which is pushed against the rapier along with the lubricating element. When an alarm state associated with a predetermined consumption of the lubricating element is reached before it is completely consumed, the limit switch disconnects from the support, thereby generating an alarm signal. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rapier lubrication device with a detection apparatus and a method for detecting the wear of rapier lubrication elements in a rapier loom, allowing for later replacement.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a lubrication device for a sword shaft is provided, the lubrication device comprising a chamber and a detection device, the chamber being arranged and configured to receive a lubricating element for the sword shaft, the detection device being configured to detect the consumption of the lubricating element received in the chamber, wherein the detection device is arranged and configured to detect an alarm state before the lubricating element is completely consumed, and wherein the detection device is arranged and configured to detect continued consumption and output an alarm signal at least after the alarm state is reached, the alarm signal changing with the continued consumption.

[0007] The chamber is adapted to the shape of the lubrication element and has a suitable cross-section for receiving the lubrication element. The lubrication device can be mounted in a suitable position on the frame of a loom such that the lubrication element received in the chamber contacts the rapier. In one embodiment, the lubrication device is oriented such that the axial direction of the chamber is perpendicularly aligned.

[0008] In the context of this invention, an alarm state is defined as a state in which, during the consumption of a lubricating element, only a limited amount of the lubricating element remains, but it has not yet been completely consumed or used up. In one embodiment, the alarm state, i.e., the remaining amount of lubricating element, can be set when setting up the loom and / or manufacturing the detection device, and this alarm state will trigger an alarm signal output. In other embodiments, the alarm state can be set by an operator.

[0009] By providing a variable alarm signal at least after the alarm state is reached, the operator can select the appropriate stage for replacing the lubrication element based on further boundary conditions.

[0010] In one embodiment, no signal is output before the alarm state is reached, and a variable signal is output from the moment the alarm state is reached. In another embodiment, a constant signal is output after the lubrication element is installed and before the alarm state is reached, and a variable signal is output from the moment the alarm state is reached. In yet another embodiment, a variable signal is output both before and after the alarm state is reached.

[0011] The type of alarm signal can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the alarm signal is a visual and / or auditory alarm signal, wherein the frequency of the signal varies according to consumption. In other embodiments, the color of the visual alarm signal changes and / or the pitch or height of the auditory alarm signal changes. In yet another embodiment, the alarm signal is a data signal sent to a control device, wherein the data varies according to consumption.

[0012] In one embodiment, the detection device is arranged and configured to determine the consumption rate at least after the alarm state is reached. Determining the consumption rate further assists the operator in selecting the stage at which the lubrication element should be replaced as late as possible. In one embodiment, the consumption rate is signaled and / or displayed on a monitor. In one embodiment, the expected time period until the lubrication element is completely consumed is determined based on the time the alarm state is reached and the determined consumption rate. In one embodiment, the time period is displayed on the monitor of the loom or notified to the operator via any other suitable data and / or output signal.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detection device includes a sensor device and a detection element, wherein the detection element is movable relative to the sensor device between a first position and a second position, wherein the detection element is arranged and configured such that: in the second position when the lubrication element is in an alarm state, i.e., when the lubrication element reaches or is in an alarm state; and after reaching the alarm state, it moves relative to the sensor device from the second position toward the first position as consumption continues, and wherein the sensor device is adapted to sense the relative position of the detection element.

[0014] In the context of this invention, the detection element is defined as an element having at least one characteristic to which the sensor device is sensitive, wherein the sensor device is adapted to sense or detect the relative position of the detection element with respect to the sensor device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the detection element is arranged in a fixed position, and the sensor device is movably supported and moves as the lubrication element is consumed, at least after the lubrication element reaches an alarm state. In other embodiments, for example for ease of wiring, the sensor device is arranged in a fixed position on the detection device, and the detection element is movably supported and moves as the lubrication element is consumed, at least after the lubrication element reaches an alarm state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the movement range of the detection element is limited to movement between the first position and the second position, wherein, for example, the detection element moves to the second position when the lubrication element is installed, and moves from the second position to the first position as consumption continues after an alarm state is reached.

[0017] In other embodiments, the movement range of the detection element is not limited to movement between the first position and the second position. For example, during the installation of the lubrication element, the detection element moves away from the first position beyond the second position. The detection element reaches the second position when the lubrication element reaches the alarm state, and after reaching the alarm state, it moves from the second position back to the first position as consumption continues. In one embodiment, where the detection element moves beyond the second position, the sensing range of the sensor device is limited, and the detection element can only be detected by the sensor device after reaching the second position. In other embodiments, the sensor device is adapted to detect the relative position of the detection element with respect to the sensor device after it has moved beyond the second position.

[0018] In one embodiment, hardware and / or software filters are provided for the sensor signal to prevent distortion of the sensor signal due to vibrations of the loom.

[0019] The sensor device in the embodiments includes a non-contact proximity sensor. In the context of this invention, a non-contact proximity sensor refers to a sensor that detects the movement and / or presence of an object without physical contact. The sensor device includes, for example, optical sensors, inductive sensors, and / or capacitive sensors. In one embodiment, the sensor device includes a magnetic proximity sensor, particularly a Hall sensor, also known as a Hall effect sensor, configured to measure the magnitude of a magnetic field, wherein the detection element is a magnet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensing element is integrally formed with or mounted on a spring assembly having spring characteristics that push the sensing element to a first position, wherein, in particular, the spring assembly comprises a leaf spring or a helical torsion spring. Due to these spring characteristics, the sensing element is pushed to the first position, wherein, by installing a new lubrication element, the sensing element moves from the first position to a second position or beyond.

[0021] In one embodiment, a housing is provided, in which the spring assembly is at least partially housed, and wherein the housing restricts movement of the spring assembly. Specifically, in one embodiment, the housing restricts movement of the spring assembly such that movement of the sensing element is limited to movement between a first position and a second position, and prevents the sensing element from moving away from the first position beyond the second position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the detection device includes a spring assembly and a detection element integrally formed with or mounted on the spring assembly, wherein the spring assembly is configured to cooperate with a lubrication element received in a chamber to move the detection element from a second position toward a first position as the lubrication element continues to be consumed upon reaching the alarm state. In one embodiment, the spring assembly has spring characteristics that push the detection element toward the first position, wherein the lubrication element received in the chamber impedes movement toward the first position, and gradually releases the movement as it continues to be consumed upon reaching the alarm state.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least the operating portion of the spring assembly protrudes into the chamber, and the operating portion of the spring assembly is configured to engage with the lubrication element after the lubrication element is inserted into the chamber, so as to move the detection element from a first position toward a second position. Depending on the implementation of the detection device and / or the remaining amount of lubrication element, the detection element is pushed into the second position or even beyond the second position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the spring assembly includes a bent leaf spring having a bend that, in its rest position, protrudes into a chamber, particularly transversely to the axial direction of the chamber, which is the direction in which the lubricating element moves during consumption. The bend serves as an actuating portion, wherein the bent leaf spring is configured to be pushed away from the rest position by the lubricating element. Upon insertion of the lubricating element, if the remaining amount of lubricating element exceeds the alarm state, the bend is pushed out of the chamber, thereby pushing the detection element into a second position. The height of the tip of the bend defines the alarm state, which is the state where the lubricating element is consumed to the point that its end opposite to the contact shank has just moved beyond the tip of the bend. With continued consumption, the spring assembly pushes the bend back to the rest position and pushes the detection element into a first position.

[0025] As described above, in one embodiment, the lubrication device is oriented such that the axial direction of the chamber, i.e., the direction in which the lubrication element moves during consumption, is vertically aligned. In this case, the lubrication device can be installed such that the lubrication element contacts the sword shaft from below or above. In the case where the lubrication element contacts the sword shaft from above, in one embodiment, the lubrication element is pushed towards the sword shaft solely by gravity.

[0026] In other embodiments, the spring assembly is configured to push the lubrication element along the axial direction of the chamber. This forced movement allows the lubrication device to be installed in any suitable orientation.

[0027] In one embodiment, the spring assembly includes one or more spring elements, wherein, in the case of providing a plurality of spring elements, a first spring element is provided with a detection element and configured to cooperate with a lubrication element to push the detection element away from the first position by means of the lubrication element overcoming the restoring force of the first spring element, and a second spring element is configured to cooperate with the lubrication element for pushing the lubrication element toward the axial direction of the chamber.

[0028] As described above, the chamber is adapted to the shape of the lubricating element and has a suitable cross-section for receiving the lubricating element. In one embodiment, the chamber has a height in a first direction and is arranged and configured to receive a strip-shaped lubricating element having a longitudinal extension parallel to the first direction, such that the distal end of the lubricating element, i.e., the end opposite to the end of the contact shank, moves along the first direction upon consumption.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a method for detecting the consumption of a lubricating element in a rapier is provided, wherein an alarm state is detected before the lubricating element is depleted using a detection device, and wherein, at least after the alarm state is reached, continuous consumption is detected using the detection device, and an alarm signal is output, the alarm signal changing with continuous consumption.

[0030] In one embodiment, the consumption rate is determined after an alarm state is reached.

[0031] In one embodiment, the detection device includes a sensor device and a detection element, wherein, when the lubrication element continues to be consumed after reaching an alarm state, the detection element moves relative to the sensor device from a second position toward a first position, and wherein the sensor device is used to sense the relative position of the detection element. Attached Figure Description

[0032] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a rapier loom with two lubrication devices according to the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the lubrication device is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication device when there are no lubrication elements.

[0036] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication device in the image, where the lubrication element is long.

[0037] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication element of the lubrication device when it reaches an alarm state.

[0038] Figure 6 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication element of the lubrication device in the system when it continues to be consumed after reaching the alarm state.

[0039] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication device when the lubrication element is used up.

[0040] Figure 8 It shows something similar to Figure 2 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the lubrication device.

[0041] Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the lubrication device is shown.

[0042] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication element of the lubrication device when it reaches an alarm state.

[0043] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the lubrication device when the lubrication element is used up.

[0044] Figure 12 schematically shown Figures 9 to 11 The alarm signal output by the lubrication device in the middle.

[0045] Figure 13 It shows something similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the fourth embodiment of the lubrication device.

[0046] Figure 14 It shows something similar to Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of the fifth embodiment of the lubrication device.

[0047] Figure 15 It shows something similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of the sixth embodiment of the lubrication device.

[0048] Figure 16 It shows Figures 2 to 7 The curved blade spring of the lubrication device in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a loom 1 is shown. The loom 1 includes a rapier 10 driven by a drive wheel 12, two guide blocks 13 and 14 for guiding the rapier 10 at the drive wheel 12, an arched guide portion 15, a guide device 16 for guiding the rapier 10 toward a shed (not shown), and two lubrication devices 2 and 3. One guide block 13 is arranged above the drive wheel 12, and the other guide block 14 is arranged below the drive wheel 12.

[0050] A lubrication device 2, also known as an upper lubrication device 2, is disposed above the drive wheel 12, between the guide device 16 and the guide block 13 disposed above the drive wheel 12. Another lubrication device 3, also known as a lower lubrication device 3, is disposed below the drive wheel 12, near the guide block 14 disposed below the drive wheel 12. Figure 1 The positioning of the lubrication devices 2 and 3 shown is merely illustrative; the lubrication devices 2 and 3 can be placed in any alternative position where the lubrication element 4 received within the lubrication devices 2 and 3 can contact the rapier 10. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, fewer or more lubrication devices 2 and 3 are provided.

[0051] The lubrication devices 2 and 3 each include chambers 20 and 30, which are arranged and configured to receive the lubrication element 4. The lubrication element 4, when consumed, travels along... Figure 1The arrows in the diagram indicate that the axial direction of chambers 20 and 30 moves toward the spar 10.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the lubricating element 4, received in the chamber 20 of the upper lubrication device 2, moves only vertically under the influence of gravity when consumed. The lower lubrication device 3 includes a spring 31 that pushes the lubricating element 4 toward the spar 10.

[0053] Figures 2 to 7 The upper lubrication device 2 is shown in more detail, wherein Figure 2 A perspective view of the lubrication device 2 is shown. Figures 3 to 7 A cross-sectional side view is shown of the lubrication device 2 excluding the lubrication element 4 and including the lubrication element 4 in different states of consumption.

[0054] Figures 2 to 7 The axial direction of the chamber 20 of the lubrication device 2 shown is vertically aligned. When consumed, the lubrication element 4 moves axially under gravity, with its proximal end 40 contacting the shank 10, as... Figures 4 to 7 As shown. In order to allow the lubrication element 4 to move under the action of gravity, the pressure of the leaf spring 24 on the lubrication element 4 is selected to be quite low.

[0055] Figures 2 to 7 The lubrication device 2 shown includes a detection device 21 having a sensor device 22 and a detection element 23. The sensor device 22 is configured to detect the presence of the detection element 23 in its detection area. In one embodiment, the sensor device 22 is a Hall sensor, and the detection element 23 is a magnet. In an alternative embodiment, another proximity sensor, particularly a non-contact proximity sensor, is used as the sensor device 22.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection element 23 is mounted on the bent leaf spring 24, and can detect when the bent leaf spring 24 deforms. Figure 3 and Figure 7 The first position shown is Figure 4 Move between the second positions shown.

[0057] Figure 16 A curved leaf spring 24 is shown, with a sensing element 23 mounted thereon in isolation. (See diagram) Figure 16 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the bending leaf spring 24 is similar in shape to the number 2 or the letter S, including a first end 28, a second end 29 opposite to the first end at the bottom of the number 2, and a bend 25. A detection element 23 is mounted on the first end 28. At the second end 29, the bending leaf spring 24 is fixedly held in the housing 26 of the lubrication device 2 (see...). Figure 2 )middle.

[0058] When the bending leaf spring 24 is in Figure 3 In the illustrated rest position, the bent portion 25 protrudes into the chamber 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the bent portion 25 into the chamber 20 is restricted by the housing 26. When the bent leaf spring 24 is in its rest position, the detection element 23 is in a first position, which in the illustrated embodiment maintains a certain distance from the sensor device 22. The restoring force of the bent leaf spring 24 can be overcome by the force acting on the bent portion 25, causing the bent leaf spring 24 to deform away from its rest position. As the bent leaf spring 24 deforms, the detection element 23 moves from the first position to a second position, which in the illustrated embodiment is closer to the sensor device 22 than the first position. In the rest position, the tip of the bent portion 25 is positioned at a height H above the shank 10 in the axial direction along the chamber 20.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, when the new lubrication element 4 is inserted, its length is greater than the height H of the bent portion 25 protruding into the chamber 20 (see...). Figure 3 The lubricating element 4 contacts the bend 25, causing the bent leaf spring 24 to deform and pushing the detection element 23 into the second position. Here, the bend 25 serves as the operating part of the bent leaf spring 24.

[0060] As the lubricating element 4 is consumed, its length decreases, and the distal end 41 moves toward the rapier 10.

[0061] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a state of lubricating element 4 during its consumption process, referred to as the alarm state. This state occurs when only a limited amount of lubricating element 4 remains, but it is not yet completely consumed or used up. In the illustrated embodiment, in the alarm state, the remaining length of lubricating element 4 is just below the height H of the bend 25. Therefore, the distal end 41 of lubricating element 4 is just below the bend 25, and the restoring force of the bending leaf spring 24 causes it to return to its rest position, thereby moving the detection element 23 from the second position to the first position.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, when the lubricating element 4 is further consumed, the restoring force of the bending leaf spring 24 will cause the bending leaf spring 24 to return further toward its rest position, thereby causing the detection element 23 to move slowly from the second position to the first position.

[0063] Figure 7The diagram illustrates a state where the lubricating element 4 is almost completely consumed and must be replaced during the consumption process. In the illustrated embodiment, in this state, the lubricating element 4 no longer interacts with the curved leaf spring 24, and the restoring force of the curved leaf spring 24 causes it to return completely to its rest position, thereby causing the detection element 23 to move to the first position.

[0064] After the lubrication element 4 is replaced, the detection element 23 is moved back to a second position close to the sensor device 22. A sudden change in the signal of the sensor device 22 indicates that the lubrication element 4 has been replaced.

[0065] Because of this design, the detection device 21 can detect the lubricating element 23 at the moment it begins to move out of the second position, before the lubricating element 4 is completely consumed. Figure 5 The alarm state is shown. The detection device 21 can further detect the continued consumption after the alarm state is reached by assessing the further movement of the detection element 23 away from the sensor device 22.

[0066] In one embodiment, the detection device 21 is configured to output an alarm signal once the detection element 23 begins to move away from the second position, wherein the alarm signal changes with continuous consumption and the associated movement of the detection element 23 away from the sensor device 22.

[0067] In one embodiment, the detection device 21 is further arranged and configured to reach Figure 5 The wear rate of lubrication element 4 is determined after the alarm status is displayed. By determining the wear rate, the operator or control device can be more accurately informed of how long after the lubrication element 4 must be replaced, and in particular, the remaining life of the lubrication element 4. In one embodiment, the control device is configured to stop the loom operation when the lubrication element 4 must be replaced.

[0068] exist Figures 2 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, a flat strip-shaped lubrication element 4 having a planar surface 42 and a narrow surface 43 is held in a chamber 20. The chamber 20 is arranged such that the planar surface 42 is aligned with the direction of movement of the spar 10 (see [link to original text]). Figure 1 The curved leaf spring 24 is also aligned with the direction of movement of the sword 10, and the bent portion 25 contacts the narrow surface 43.

[0069] Figure 8 It shows something similar to Figures 2 to 7 An alternative embodiment of the lubrication device 2 shown. (Compared to...) Figures 2 to 7 The lubrication device 2 shown is the opposite, in Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 20 for the flat strip-shaped lubrication element 4 is arranged such that the narrow face 43 is aligned with the direction of movement of the spar 10 (see...). Figure 1 ).exist Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, the axial direction of the chamber 20 is vertical. In this embodiment, the bent portion 25 can contact the plane 42 of the lubrication element 4, particularly the middle of the plane 42 of the lubrication element 4.

[0070] Figures 9 to 11 An embodiment of the lubrication device 3 is shown, for example, as used as... Figure 1 The lower lubrication device 3 in the illustrated embodiment. Figures 9 to 11 The lubrication device 3 shown is arranged such that the lubrication element 4 held therein contacts the sword shank 10 from below. The lubrication element 4 is held in the lubrication device 3 and is pushed against the sword shank 10 by a spring 31. The spring 31 includes a helical torsion spring portion and is pivotally mounted about a shaft 32.

[0071] The lubrication device 3 includes a detection device 33, which has a detection element 34 and a sensor device 35. The detection element 34 is mounted on a spring 31. The detection element 34 can move toward and away from the sensor device 35 with the spring 31. The sensor device 35 is mounted on the housing 26 of the lubrication device 3. The spring 31 carries the detection element 34 and pushes the lubrication element 4 toward the scissor 10.

[0072] exist Figures 9 to 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the range of the sensor device 35 is configured such that when reaching Figure 10 The sensor device 35 detects the detection element 34 when the alarm state is shown. This position of the detection element 34 is also referred to as the second position. As the lubrication element 4 is further consumed, the detection element 34 moves further toward the sensor device 35 until the detection element 34 reaches... Figure 11 The first position is shown. When a new lubrication element 4 is inserted, the spring 31 with the detection element 34 moves away from the sensor device 35 beyond the second position.

[0073] Figure 12 schematically shown Figures 9 to 11 The alarm signal is output by the lubrication device 3. When the detection element 34 reaches the detection range of the sensor device 35, especially when it reaches the second position II, the sensor device 35 starts to output an alarm signal. As the lubrication element 4 is further consumed, the detection element 34 moves toward the sensor device 35, causing the alarm signal to increase until it reaches the first position I.

[0074] Figure 13 An alternative embodiment of the lubrication device 2 is shown, which is similar to... Figures 2 to 7 The lubrication device 2 shown. In Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, the shape of the curved leaf spring 24 is similar to... Figures 2 to 7 The shapes shown are different. Figure 13The bending leaf spring 24 shown is approximately triangular. In addition, the detection element 23 is mounted on the first end 28, and the bending leaf spring 24 is fixed to the housing 26 at the second end 29, which is positioned above the first end 28.

[0075] Figure 14 An alternative embodiment of the lubrication device 3 is shown, which is similar to... Figures 9 to 11 The lubrication device 3 is shown. In Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the spring assembly includes a first spring 37 and a second spring 38. Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, a detection device 33 with a detection element 34 and a sensor device 35 is also provided. The detection element 34 is mounted on a first spring 37, particularly a curved leaf spring 24 with a bend 25. The first spring 37 is configured to cooperate with a lubrication element 4 such that, upon insertion of the lubrication element 4, the lubrication element 4 overcomes the restoring force of the first spring 37, pushing the first spring 37 out of the chamber 30, thereby causing the detection element 34 to move toward the sensor device 35. A second spring 38 is configured to cooperate with the lubrication element 4 to push the lubrication element 4 toward the spar 10. The shape of the second spring 38 may be similar to... Figures 9 to 11 Spring 31 in the middle.

[0076] Figure 15 Another alternative embodiment of the lubrication device 2 is shown, which is similar to Figures 2 to 7 The lubrication device 2 shown. (And...) Figures 2 to 7 The lubrication device 2 shown is the opposite, in Figure 15 In the illustrated embodiment, a wedge-shaped detection element 23 is provided, which is displaceably mounted to the housing 26 by two spring elements 39. The tip of the detection element 23 protrudes into the chamber 20 in the rest position and can be displaced toward the sensor device 22 when a lubrication element 4 of sufficient length is inserted. Once the lubrication element 4 is depleted to an alarm state, the detection element 23 slowly begins to move from the sensor device 22 toward the rest position.

[0077] The embodiments shown in the figures are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will conceive of numerous variations. In particular, elements of the illustrated embodiments can be combined to obtain further embodiments. For example, the shape of the leaf spring may differ from... Figures 2 to 7 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The shapes of the leaf springs 24 and 37 are shown. The shape and arrangement of the leaf springs determine the moment when the detection device detects that the lubrication element 4 is almost depleted, and this moment can be set or changed by changing the arrangement of the leaf springs 24 shown in the exemplary embodiment, in particular the height H of the bend 25 of the leaf springs 24 in the housing 26, or by using leaf springs of other shapes.

Claims

1. A lubricating device for a rapier (10), comprising a chamber (20, 30) and a detection device (21, 33), the chamber (20, 30) being arranged and configured to receive a lubricating element (4) for the rapier (10), the detection device (21, 33) being for detecting depletion of the lubricating element (4) received in the chamber (20, 30), wherein the detection device (21, 33) is arranged and configured to detect an alarm state before the lubricating element (4) is depleted, characterized in that, The detection device (21, 33) is arranged and configured to detect the continuous consumption at least after the alarm condition is reached and to output an alarm signal, which changes with the continuous consumption, wherein the detection device (21, 33) is arranged and configured to determine a consumption rate at least after the alarm condition is reached.

2. The lubricating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The detection device (21, 33) comprises a sensor device (22, 35) and a detection element (23, 34), wherein the detection element (23, 34) is movable relative to the sensor device (22, 35) between a first position and a second position, wherein the detection element (23, 34) is arranged and configured to be in the second position when the lubricating element (4) is in the alarm condition and to move relative to the sensor device (22, 35) from the second position towards the first position after the alarm condition is reached with the continuous consumption, and wherein the sensor device (22, 35) is adapted to sense the relative position of the detection element (23, 34).

3. The lubricating device according to claim 2, characterized in that The sensor device (22, 35) comprises a non-contact proximity sensor.

4. The lubricating device of claim 2, wherein The detection element (23, 34) is integrally formed with or mounted on a spring assembly, which has a spring characteristic that pushes the detection element (23, 34) towards the first position, wherein the spring assembly comprises a curved leaf spring (24, 37).

5. The lubricating device of claim 4, wherein A housing (26) is provided, wherein the spring assembly is at least partially accommodated in the housing (26), and wherein the housing (26) limits the movement of the spring assembly.

6. The lubricating device of claim 2, wherein The detection device (21, 33) comprises a spring assembly and a detection element (23, 34) integrally formed with or mounted on the spring assembly, wherein the spring assembly is configured to cooperate with the lubricating element (4) received in the chamber (20, 30) in order to move the detection element (23, 34) from the second position towards the first position after the alarm condition is reached with the continuous consumption of the lubricating element (4).

7. The lubricating device of claim 6, wherein At least an operating portion of the spring assembly protrudes into the chamber (20, 30), and the operating portion of the spring assembly is configured to cooperate with the lubricating element (4) when the lubricating element (4) is inserted into the chamber (20, 30) in order to move the detection element (23, 34) from the first position towards the second position.

8. The lubricating device of claim 7, wherein The spring assembly comprises a curved leaf spring (24, 37) having a kink (25) that protrudes into the chamber (20, 30) in a rest position, the kink (25) serving as the operating portion, wherein the curved leaf spring (24, 37) is configured to be pushed away from the rest position by the lubricating element (4).

9. The lubricating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The spring assembly is configured for pushing the lubricating element (4) in an axial direction of the chamber (20, 30).

10. The lubricating device of claim 1, wherein The chamber (20, 30) has a height (H) in a first direction and is arranged and configured to receive a strip-shaped lubricating element having a longitudinal extension parallel to the first direction, such that a distal end (41) of the lubricating element (4) moves in the first direction as it is consumed.

11. The lubricating device of claim 2, wherein The sensor device (22, 35) comprises a Hall sensor.

12. A method for detecting the depletion of a lubricating element (4) of a rapier (10), wherein, detecting an alarm condition before the lubricating element (4) is consumed using a detection device (21, 33), characterized in that, at least after the alarm condition is reached, a continuous consumption is detected using the detection device (21, 33) and an alarm signal is output, which changes with the continuous consumption, wherein a consumption rate is determined after the alarm condition is reached.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The detection device (21, 33) comprises a sensor device (22, 35) and a detection element (23, 34), wherein the detection element (23, 34) moves relative to the sensor device (22, 35) from a second position towards a first position as the lubricating element (4) continues to be consumed after the alarm condition is reached, and wherein the relative position of the detection element (23, 34) is sensed using the sensor device (22, 35).

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