Device for supplying weft yarns to a gripper head of a weaving machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for supplying at least a first weft thread and a second weft thread to a weaving machine comprising at least one gripper head, wherein the weft threads can be supplied to the gripper head in a weft direction (SR). The device according to the invention comprises: - a coupling unit (10), which can be moved back and forth in the warp direction (KR) laterally at the weaving machine in the mounted state of the device (1), - at least one first supply unit (30) and a second supply unit (50), wherein the first supply unit (30) and the second supply unit (50) are arranged next to one another on the coupling unit (10) in the warp direction (KR) and are configured to supply the first weft thread or the second weft thread to the gripper head, and - a positioning unit (15) for positioning the coupling unit (10) in at least one first position and a second position against and with the warp direction (KR), wherein the first supply unit (30) is configured for supplying the first weft thread to the gripper head in the first position of the coupling unit (10) and the second supply unit (50) is configured for supplying the second weft thread to the gripper head in the second position of the coupling unit (10). A corresponding method is also proposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying at least a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn to a loom including at least one gripper head, wherein the weft yarn can be supplied to the gripper head in the weft direction. Background Technology

[0002] A device for sequentially delivering two preferably strip-shaped weft yarns (also called strips) to the gripper head of a loom by a corresponding weft yarn-associated supply unit is known from WO 2011 / 015173 A1. One or more weft yarns are supplied to the gripper head and subsequently fed into the shuttle by correspondingly manipulating the supply unit. For this purpose, the two supply units are arranged overlapping each other and oriented in the weft direction. Each supply unit has a clamping device for clamping the free end of the corresponding weft yarn, wherein the corresponding clamping device can travel substantially in the weft direction between at least two different operating positions. Furthermore, each clamping device can travel by means of a corresponding oscillating unit driven by a drive device, preferably a corresponding servo motor, the oscillating unit comprising two parallel oscillating arms connected by a coupling element, wherein the clamping device is arranged at the coupling element.

[0003] By moving only within the vertical plane where the weft yarn is also inserted, from the supply unit until it is delivered to the gripper head, the corresponding strip of weft material occupies a largely untwisted and undirected direction in the warp direction. Thus, no shearing force that could damage the corresponding weft yarn occurs. Therefore, no deflection occurs in the direction of the width extension of the strip of weft material. If the corresponding clamping device can travel within the vertical plane where the weft yarn is also inserted, different feed movements can be performed by means of this device, wherein no deflection occurs in the direction of the width extension of the strip of weft material. To deliver the strip of weft yarn, the free end of the weft yarn is first clamped in the subordinate clamping device, then delivered to the gripper head, and subsequently the clamping device is opened and the weft material is inserted.

[0004] However, this known device has the following drawbacks: it is relatively cumbersome and costly. It also requires a relatively large space. Furthermore, due to the oscillating kinematics of the clamping device moving in the weft direction, undesirable vertical movement of the weft yarn also occurs, that is, in the vertical direction relative to the plane containing the inserted weft yarn. This negatively impacts the accuracy of the delivery of the weft yarn to the gripper head and the cutting position of the weft yarn after it enters the shuttle.

[0005] JP 2983531 A describes a loom in which color selection between two weft yarns is achieved. For this purpose, a first weft yarn from a first spool or a second weft yarn from a second spool arranged warp-directed next to the first spool is fed into an open shuttle, and the fed and cut first or second weft yarn is then pushed to the fabric edge. This structure causes the weft yarn, especially those fed further away from the fabric edge, to have to travel a relatively large distance to the fabric edge, where undesirable friction problems may occur. The corresponding equipment costs are also relatively high.

[0006] EP 3 425 094 B1, which discloses the features described in this disclosure, describes an apparatus in which a pivotable coupling unit has a plurality of clamps arranged on an arc for a corresponding weft. By pivoting the coupling unit, the selected clamp is brought to the vicinity of the fabric edge along with the weft, and there the weft (after the clamp is released) is pulled into the fabric by the gripper head through an open shuttle. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supplying at least a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, preferably a ribbon-shaped weft yarn, to a loom including at least one gripper head, which at least partially overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above.

[0008] This task is accomplished by means of an apparatus and method having features according to the invention.

[0009] The device according to the invention includes a coupling unit that can laterally reciprocate in the warp direction at the loom while the device is installed. The coupling unit interconnects at least one first supply unit and a second supply unit, which are arranged side-by-side in the warp direction and configured such that the supply units can feed at least one first or second weft yarn to the gripper head. Furthermore, the device according to the invention includes a positioning unit for positioning the coupling unit toward or against the warp direction in at least one first position and one second position, wherein the first supply unit in the first position of the coupling unit is configured to supply the first weft yarn to the gripper head, and the second supply unit in the second position of the coupling unit is configured to supply the second weft yarn to the gripper head.

[0010] A particular advantage of the invention lies in that, in conjunction with the positioning unit, the coupling unit positions at least the first and second supply units toward or against the warp direction to deliver the first or second weft yarn to the gripper head (after proper positioning). For example, the first supply unit delivers the first weft yarn to the gripper head in a first position of the coupling unit, which then guides the first weft yarn into the open shuttle of the loom. After the first weft yarn is fed into the shuttle, the free end of the weft yarn near the device according to the invention is cut off, the first supply unit is moved back, and the coupling unit is then shifted warp-wise to a second position such that the second supply unit is positioned where it can deliver the second weft yarn to the gripper head.

[0011] In this way, at least two weft yarns (e.g., weft yarns of different material types) can be quickly and easily fed into the fabric.

[0012] Compared to the solution described in WO 2011 / 015173 A1, the solution according to the present invention has several advantages. Firstly, the corresponding weft yarn to be fed can be linearly supplied to the gripper head. During this supply movement, (unlike the oscillating kinematics according to WO 2011 / 015173 A1) no vertical movement of the weft yarn occurs; that is, the weft yarn is always in the same vertical position. This feature further enables greater flexibility in the supply movement or delivery possibilities of the weft yarn to be delivered to the gripper head. The device according to the invention also has smaller space requirements.

[0013] Because the present invention enables the weft yarn, which is fed or delivered to the gripper head for weft insertion and then pulled through the shuttle, to move only in a horizontal and linear direction (i.e., without a vertical motion component), it is possible to freely program the control unit regarding the delivery motion of the corresponding weft yarn. This allows for higher precision during delivery and more accurate cutting of the corresponding weft yarn after it is fed into the shuttle. There is no need to consider the height misalignment that occurs simultaneously, as described in WO 2011 / 015173 A1.

[0014] The advantage of delivery that occurs only in the linear direction (where weft selection (color selection) is performed by supply units that can be shifted laterally, that is, towards and against the warp direction) is that the two supply units can be constructed identically and thus exhibit the same behavior in the delivery movement. For the same reason, good adjustability or positionability of the two supply units is obtained, since these supply units have the same position in height.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling unit can be positioned such that, during the corresponding weft insertion, the positions of the first supply unit in the first position of the coupling unit and the second supply unit in the second position of the coupling unit are aligned in the warp direction. In this case, the first and second supply units occupy the respective previous positions of the other supply unit at different times (e.g., sequentially) so as to deliver the corresponding weft yarns to the gripper heads that can respectively travel through the open shuttle. Although the coupling unit is adjusted towards or against the warp direction for color selection purposes, the corresponding weft yarn to be inserted is always always on the ideal insertion axis, while the other weft yarn is slightly deflected laterally towards or against the warp direction.

[0016] It should be noted that the gripper head can travel from one fabric edge through the shuttle to another fabric edge, or the corresponding weft yarn can be delivered to the second gripper head, for example, halfway through the path, and the gripper head then pulls the weft yarn across the shuttle in the second segment.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least two supply units each include a carriage capable of traveling in the latitudinal direction. Preferably, the carriage can travel linearly in and against the longitudinal direction, and both carriages can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction by means of a coupling unit, preferably also linearly.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one, and preferably exactly one, drive unit, and more particularly a servo motor, is coupled to at least two carriages such that the drive unit is capable of moving only one of the at least two carriages in both the forward and reverse warp directions. Accordingly, the drive unit moves both carriages, but not simultaneously, but rather moves only one of the two carriages separately. Thus, while one carriage moves, for example, in the weft direction to deliver the subordinate weft yarn to the gripper head, the other carriage remains in place. This results in the movement of only a small amount of mass (i.e., the corresponding supply unit), avoiding unnecessary mechanical disturbances and optimally utilizing the space requirements at the sides of the loom. If the single drive unit is used only for pushing and pulling back the two carriages (at staggered times), this constitutes a cost-effective and space-saving solution.

[0019] Preferably, each carriage has a clamp to be closed and opened by electrical or pneumatic operation for clamping and releasing the corresponding weft yarn. Preferably, each clamp has a guide element positioned forward in the weft direction, guiding the corresponding weft yarn on the upper, lower, and lateral sides; this guide element is also part of the corresponding carriage. In this way, the free end of the weft yarn to be delivered does not hang freely directly after the clamp, but advantageously (in the weft direction) hangs down after the guide element and is guided in a defined manner in the weft direction by the carriage to the gripper head for reception.

[0020] Preferably, at least one drive unit can be manipulated such that the corresponding carriage and, more preferably, its corresponding guide element can be guided differently toward or even into the gripper head. This possibility of individually variable weft delivery also constitutes an aspect of the invention itself, which can be implemented independently of the claimed structures of the coupling unit, supply unit, and positioning unit. Preferably, this adapted delivery movement can be achieved by flexibly programming the drive unit. Advantageously, mechanical adaptation is not required for different weft yarn conditions (especially where the material has low bending stiffness).

[0021] In particular, and also considered an independent aspect of the invention, is an apparatus for supplying at least one first weft yarn to a loom including at least one gripper head. The apparatus has at least one first supply unit, by which at least one weft yarn can be supplied to the gripper head in the weft direction. The first supply unit has a first clamp, by which at least one segment of the at least one first weft yarn can be forcefully guided to the gripper head during the supply of the weft yarn. The apparatus is characterized in that the segment of at least one first weft yarn guided by the first clamp can be linearly conveyed towards and against the weft direction with respect to the gripper head by means of the first supply unit, wherein such linear movement of said segment of at least one first weft yarn occurs along the weft insertion line.

[0022] Using such a design, relatively soft weft yarns can be further introduced into the open gripper head to ensure reliable weft yarn delivery. In other words, the delivery of the weft yarn to be fed is flexible. Different parameters in the control unit programming can be considered when operating the supply unit accordingly.

[0023] In this aspect of the invention (which should also be considered independent), as applicable in the embodiments with at least two supply units described above, at least the first supply unit includes a first carriage that can travel in the warp and backward directions by means of a drive device, preferably a servo motor. Advantageously, the clamp can also be closed and opened by electrical or pneumatic operation, wherein, advantageously, guide elements are provided that are positioned in front of the clamp in the weft direction and guide the first weft yarn on the upper and lower sides and laterally. The clamp and guide elements of the first carriage can be guided separately by means of the drive device to the vicinity of the gripper head or into the gripper head.

[0024] In particular, it is possible, by means of the aforementioned aspects of the invention, not only is the weft yarn itself introduced into the gripper head, but also (this is especially advantageous in cases where the weft yarn is relatively soft) the front portion of the supply unit is introduced into the gripper head. In this way, the soft weft yarn, extending beyond the supply unit in the weft direction and reliably guided by it, reaches behind the clamping area of ​​the gripper head and is not obstructed, for example, by the part of the gripper head facing the supply unit in front of the clamping area. In this case of so-called overfeeding, the supply unit is correspondingly moved temporarily back between the clamping areas and then moved back again in the opposite weft direction, wherein the weft yarn to be clamped extends beyond the supply unit to such an extent that the weft yarn remains in the clamping area despite the return movement of the supply unit and is clamped when the gripper head subsequently closes.

[0025] In the described, and also considered independent, aspects of the invention, it is preferred that a second supply unit with a second carriage be provided attached to the first supply unit having a first carriage, wherein the two supply units can be operated as described above in order to achieve, in particular, the described overfeeding, i.e., the sinking of the front part of the supply unit or its carriage into the clamping area.

[0026] Returning to the structure according to the invention, which includes a coupling unit, at least two supply units, and a positioning unit, in an alternative embodiment of the carriage described above, the at least two supply units may each comprise a belt conveyor unit. Here, each belt conveyor unit comprises two surrounding belt conveyors that can be positioned relative to each other, conveying the corresponding weft yarn in frictional engagement, at least in the weft direction, between the belt conveyors. If the belt conveyor of the corresponding supply unit is in frictional engagement with the corresponding weft yarn, the clamped weft yarn is conveyed in the weft direction by driving the belt conveyor in the opposite direction, so that its free end is forward-positioned at the gripper head. In this embodiment, preferably, the belt conveyor is held in its position relative to the weft direction, that is, always at the same distance from the longitudinal edge of the fabric. However, as in the carriage embodiment described above, according to the invention, the belt conveyor reciprocates in the warp direction through its coupling with the coupling unit to place at least a first or second weft yarn for delivery to the gripper head.

[0027] Preferably, for positioning the coupling unit, the positioning unit includes a drive device, and more preferably a motor (e.g., a servo motor) or a pneumatic cylinder, wherein the drive device can move to positions corresponding to a first position and a second position of the coupling unit. For example, if the drive device is configured as a pneumatic cylinder, the two final positions of the drive device can correspond to the first position and the second position of the coupling unit. This results in an extremely simple and easily operable structure.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the longitudinally traveling coupling unit can be coupled to a fixed (i.e., stationary) guide member. Advantageously, the guide member has a first guide structure, and the coupling unit has a guide element corresponding to the first guide structure. The first guide structure and the guide element work together such that the coupling unit can be positioned only in the longitudinal and reverse directions.

[0029] Preferably, the first guide structure is further configured to not only position the coupling unit towards or against the longitudinal direction, but also simultaneously prevent one of the at least two supply units from moving in the latitudinal direction. Furthermore, a second guide structure is provided at the guide member, which allows the other supply unit to move unimpeded towards and against the latitudinal direction. Preferably, the first and second guide structures are constructed in a mutually orthogonal and intersecting manner, according to the longitudinal and latitudinal directions relative to each other. If the coupling unit moves towards or against the longitudinal direction by means of the first guide structure, the first or second supply unit cannot move in the latitudinal direction. The corresponding supply unit can only move after the coupling unit has been positioned in the first or second position.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second guide structures are formed by grooves and / or protrusions in the guide members. This ensures, on the one hand, that the coupling unit reciprocates only in the longitudinal direction, while preventing movement in other directions, especially those orthogonal to it. On the other hand, (after the coupling unit is positioned accordingly) the corresponding supply unit moves only in the latitudinal direction.

[0031] To supply the first weft yarn to the lateral edge of the loom, a first weft yarn receiver, preferably located at a distance, is provided. This first weft yarn receiver includes a first spool storing the first weft yarn. From here, the first weft yarn can be guided to the first supply unit. Similarly, to supply the second weft yarn to the lateral edge of the loom, a second weft yarn receiver, preferably located at a distance, is provided. This second weft yarn receiver includes a second spool storing the second weft yarn. From here, the second weft yarn can be guided to the second supply unit.

[0032] Preferably, a first guide element is arranged between the first weft yarn storage unit and the first supply unit, directly before the first supply unit. Furthermore, preferably, a second guide element is arranged between the second weft yarn storage unit and the second supply unit, directly before the second supply unit. Here, the first and second guide elements extend side-by-side at least directly before the respective associated first or second supply unit. Preferably, the first or second guide element is coupled to the first or second supply unit and reciprocates in the warp direction with the supply unit due to the movement of the coupled unit. Alternatively, the first and second guide elements are arranged statically.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first weft yarn storage is arranged above the second weft yarn storage, wherein the spool axis of the first weft yarn storage is located above the spool axis of the second weft yarn storage. This arrangement is space-saving. Thus, in this preferred embodiment, two weft yarns emerge from their respective weft yarn storage in an overlapping manner, and the two weft yarns are placed side by side for delivery to the gripper head.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second weft yarn memories are oriented in the weft direction, while the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the warp direction. According to an alternative, the first and second weft yarn memories are oriented in the warp direction, while the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the weft direction, and a steering device is provided for turning the first and second weft yarns in the weft direction. Here, special spatial design at the loom and in the textile mill can be considered.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a loom having at least one gripper head capable of traveling in and out of the warp direction through an open shuttle, and the means as described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for supplying at least a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, preferably in the case of using the device according to the invention, when manufacturing a fabric by means of a loom having at least one gripper head, wherein at least one first weft yarn and a second weft yarn are placed side by side in a plane in the warp direction at the edge of the fabric and supplied sequentially (not necessarily alternately) in the weft direction to the gripper head of the loom, wherein at least one first weft yarn and a second weft yarn are positioned toward or against the warp direction for their respective weft insertion, such that the weft yarns are respectively pulled by at least one gripper head along the insertion line through an open shuttle, wherein weft yarns that should not currently be inserted are deflected toward or against the warp direction from the insertion line to release the insertion line.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the apparatus and method according to the invention can be used for ribbon-shaped weft yarns or ribbon-shaped weft materials, such as weft materials comprising carbon fiber, glass fiber, and / or basalt fiber or monofilament. Ribbon-shaped weft yarns or ribbon-shaped weft materials of different widths can be processed. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0039] Figures 1a-1f A top view of the device according to the invention (without weft yarn) schematically shown in different positions, having a supply unit including a carriage;

[0040] Figures 2a-2c This illustrates a device with inserted weft yarn and weft yarn memory. Figures 1a-1f A schematic top view of the device;

[0041] Figure 2d It shows according to Figures 2a-2c A schematic side view of the device;

[0042] Figures 3a-3d A bottom view of the device schematically illustrated according to the invention is shown to illustrate the kinematics;

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective top view of the front components of the carriage is shown;

[0044] Figures 5a-5f A schematic side view showing different directional positions of the carriage relative to the gripper head, and

[0045] Figures 6a-6e A schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] exist Figures 1a-1f The top view schematically illustrates the device 1 according to the invention, which is configured to pass a first weft yarn S1 and a second weft yarn S2 (these weft yarns are not shown in Figure 1 for clarity, see...) Figures 2a-2d The device 1 supplies the first weft yarn S1 and the second weft yarn S2 to be fed into the loom 80, which is only shown schematically in part. For this purpose, the device 1 is arranged laterally to the loom 80 and delivers the first weft yarn S1 and the second weft yarn S2 to be fed into the loom to the gripper head 82.

[0047] The device 1 includes a coupling unit 10, on which a first supply unit 30 and a second supply unit 50 are disposed. The first supply unit 30 delivers a first weft yarn S1 to a gripper head 82, and the second supply unit delivers a second weft yarn S2 to the gripper head 82. The gripper head 82, by means of a gripper rod 84, pulls the weft yarn delivered to the gripper head and subsequently clamped along the weft insertion line E through an open shuttle.

[0048] The two supply units 30, 50 are kinetically coupled to each other via coupling unit 10. Coupling unit 10 can be moved along the fabric edge toward and against the warp direction KR to two defined positions by means of drive device 15 (currently configured as a pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder rod 17 for pushing and pulling). This movement of coupling unit 10 also positions the two supply units 30, 50 on the warp direction KR.

[0049] The first supply unit 30 and the second supply unit 50 currently include carriages 31 and 51 that can travel in and out of the latitudinal direction SR. The first carriage 31 and the second carriage 51 are driven by a shared drive unit 42, currently configured as a servo motor, which (along with the pneumatic cylinder 15) is controlled by a control unit 5. The corresponding control circuitry is shown as dotted lines in Figure 1.

[0050] exist Figure 1a In the first position, the coupling unit 10 is in the first position. In this first position, the first supply unit 30 occupies a position where the first weft yarn S1 is located on the weft insertion thread E. According to... Figure 1b The coupling unit 10 is always still in the first position, but the first supply unit 30 moves to the gripper head 82 before the weft direction SR moves upward. In this position, the weft yarn S1 is delivered or handed over to the gripper head 82, which then moves through the open shuttle. After delivering the first weft yarn, the first supply unit 30 moves back to its initial position against the weft direction SR by means of the drive device 42.

[0051] Now, according to Figure 1c The weft yarn S1 can be cut in the cutting plane SE by means of the cutting device 79, which is only shown schematically.

[0052] according to Figure 1d The coupling unit 10 then travels to its second position by means of a pneumatic cylinder 16, in which the second weft yarn S2, pre-positioned in the second supply unit 50, is aligned with the weft insertion thread E. Accordingly, according to Figure 1e The second supply unit then travels along the weft direction SR to the gripper head 82 via the drive device 42, where the weft yarn S2 is delivered. Subsequently, according to... Figure 1f The second supply unit 50 then moves back to its initial position and cuts the second weft yarn S2 using the cutting device 79. Immediately afterwards, the coupling unit 10 can move again according to... Figure 1a In the position.

[0053] exist Figures 2a-2c In the diagram, the device 1 according to Figure 1 is shown in a schematic top view, with some features omitted and others shown. Figure 2d As can be seen in the side view, the first weft yarn S1 is wound on the bobbin 72 in the upper weft yarn storage 70. From there, the first weft yarn S1 is guided to the first supply unit 30 via the guide roller 71. Below the upper first weft yarn storage 70 is a lower second weft yarn storage 75, which stores the second bobbin 77 with the weft yarn S2 wound thereon. From there, the second weft yarn is guided to the second supply unit 50 via the guide roller 76. The two weft yarn storages 50, 70 are aligned with each other in the top view (see...). Figures 2a-2c The two weft yarns S1 and S2 initially move together with a very small overlap, but then move slightly apart in the direction of supply units 30 and 50, as follows: Figures 2a-2c As explained.

[0054] according to Figure 2a In the top view, the first supply unit 30 with carriage 31 (positioned accordingly by coupling unit 10, not shown) is in a position where the weft yarn S1 of the supply unit can be fed along the weft insertion line E by means of the gripper head 82. Here, the second supply unit 50 is slightly deflected opposite to the warp direction KR. To illustrate this, the center axis D2 of the second weft yarn S2 extends to the weft yarn memory 70, 75. This shows that there is a small angle between the weft insertion line E and the center axis D2 of the second weft yarn S2. However, this is not important because the second weft yarn S2 is not fed into the shuttle at this moment.

[0055] exist Figure 2b The diagram also shows again how the first supply unit 30 brings the weft yarn S1 to the gripper head 82. According to... Figure 2c The coupling unit 10 (not shown) has been moved to the second position, in which the second weft yarn S2 is aligned with the weft insertion line E. In this case, the first supply unit 30 is positioned outside the weft insertion line E, wherein the center axis D1 of the weft yarn S1 forms a small angle with the weft insertion line.

[0056] Figures 3a-3d A particular embodiment of the device 1, which is only schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2, is illustrated. Unlike Figures 1 and 2, Figures 3a-3d A bottom view of device 1 is shown. A pneumatic cylinder 16 with its cylinder rod 17 can be seen. The cylinder rod 17 is connected to the coupling unit 10, allowing the pneumatic cylinder 16 to reciprocate the coupling unit 10 along the radial direction KR.

[0057] Currently, in this bottom view, the coupling unit 10 is designed in a substantially U-shape, with protrusions 11 at the ends of its two legs pointing downwards (that is, towards the observer). These protrusions 11 engage with a first guide structure 21 configured as a guide groove, which is disposed within a guide member 20. The guide member 20 is fixedly (that is, stationarily) mounted like a pneumatic cylinder 16. The guide member 20 is currently designed as a flat cuboid, which is essentially used to guide the coupling unit 10 and the two supply units 30, 50. The first guide structure 21 in the guide member 20 extends along the radial direction KR, so that when the coupling element is placed in motion by the pneumatic cylinder 16, the coupling element 10 is forcibly guided through the first guide structure 21 towards and against the radial direction KR using its protrusions 11.

[0058] On the coupling element 10, two carriages 31, 51 of the first supply unit 30 and the second supply unit 50 are arranged. The two carriages 31, 51 can travel in and against the latitudinal direction SR. For this purpose, a drive mechanism is provided, which currently consists of a drive unit 42 of a servo motor configured with a planetary gear transmission, a swing lever 43, and a slider (Nutenstein) 45 arranged stationary but rotatably at the swing lever by means of a rotating hinge 44. Each of the two carriages 31, 51 has a recess 46 on its underside (that is, towards the observer) for the slider 45. When the two carriages 31, 51 are at the same height in the latitudinal direction SR (… Figure 3a , Figure 3c When ), the two recesses 46 are aligned with each other.

[0059] Furthermore, a guide element 41 in the form of a protrusion is provided on the lower side of the first carriage 31, and a guide element 56 in the same form of a protrusion is provided on the lower side of the second carriage 51. When the coupling unit 10 is positioned in a suitable manner (i.e., in its first or second position), the protrusions 41 and 56 can slide in a forced-guided manner toward and against the latitudinal SR in the second guide structure 22, which is currently configured as a guide groove in the guide member 20.

[0060] exist Figure 3a The image shows the coupling unit 10 in its first position, in which the first carriage 31 is positioned such that it can travel in the latitudinal direction SR based on its protrusion 41. The protrusion 56 of the second carriage 51 strikes the edge of the second guide structure 22, thereby preventing the second carriage 51 from moving in the latitudinal direction SR. For the second carriage 51 to slide in the latitudinal direction SR, the coupling unit 10 must be brought to its second position by a pneumatic cylinder 16 (for this purpose, see below for details). Figure 3c and Figure 3d (Discussion).

[0061] exist Figure 3b The diagram shows how the first carriage 31 is moved in the latitudinal SR (that is, in the direction of the gripper head 82, not shown) (driven by the drive device 42 and the swing mechanism together with the slider 45), and how the first carriage is forcibly guided by the protrusion 41 that moves in the second guide structure 22.

[0062] exist Figure 3c In this case, the first carriage 31 and the second carriage 51 are once again at the same height. However, the pneumatic cylinder 16 has now moved the coupling unit 10 in its second position along the radial direction KR. Here, the slider 45 slides into the recess 46 of the second carriage 51. Next, as in Figure 3dAs shown, the second carriage 51 can now travel in the weft direction SR via the drive device 42 in order to deliver the second weft yarn S2 to or to the gripper head 82.

[0063] exist Figure 4 The carriage 31 of the supply unit 30 is shown in more detail (the carriage 51 of the supply unit 50 preferably has the same structure). In cross-section, the carriage 31 has a U-shaped closed plate 40. The two upwardly extending side legs of the plate 40 serve as guide elements 39 for lateral guidance of the weft yarn (not shown), while the base of the plate 40 serves as a lower guide element 36. A clamp 32 is provided in the middle region of the plate 40, which presses the weft yarn downward by means of a pneumatically loaded pressure bar 33 (shown only partially here). In the weft direction SR, the clamp 32 is preceded by an upper guide element 35 coupled to the clamp 32, which has an open cross-section and presses the weft yarn downward against the lower guide element 36 of the plate 40. Thus, the weft yarn is reliably guided not only laterally through the guide element 39, but also above and below it through the guide elements 35, 36 to the gripper head 82.

[0064] Rearward (that is, opposite to the weft direction SR), a U-shaped upper guide surface 34 for the weft yarn is also connected to the clamp 32, which passes between the plate 40 and the upper guide surface 34.

[0065] Further rearward, in the direction of the weft yarn storage 70, in this embodiment, a first guide element 28, also configured in a U-shape, is optionally connected. This first guide element is used to guide the weft yarn S1 orderly to the first supply unit 30. The first guide element 28, together with the first supply unit 30 (by means of coupling unit 10), shifts towards or against the warp direction KR. Furthermore, advantageously, but not mandatory, the first guide element also reciprocates in the weft direction SR by means of a drive device 42.

[0066] In summary, in the described embodiment, a weft yarn S1 or S2 to be fed is selected from two side-by-side weft yarns S1, S2 via lateral displacement towards and against the warp direction KR of the coupling unit 10. The displacement of the coupling unit 10 towards or against the warp direction KR is currently triggered pneumatically, while the drive unit 42, configured as a servo motor, undertakes the feeding of the selected weft yarn S1 or S2 to the gripper head 82 in the weft direction SR. By selecting the aforementioned drive unit, the device according to the invention can be implemented cost-effectively, as only the servo drive unit can be used for supplying motion, and the pneumatic drive unit for color selection. In WO 2011 / 015173 A1, two servo drives are required for oscillating kinematics. Color selection, performed by switching between the two weft yarns S1, S2, can be performed by a relatively suitable pneumatic cylinder 16.

[0067] exist Figures 5a-5f The image shows, in chronological order, the delivery or transfer of the first weft yarn S1 (and similarly, the second weft yarn S2) to the gripper head 82. Figures 5a-5f Furthermore, this description should also be considered a separate aspect of the invention, namely, an apparatus for supplying at least one first weft yarn S1 to a loom including at least one gripper head 82, wherein the coupling element 10, at least two supply units 30, 50, and positioning unit 15 are not mandatory. Such an apparatus includes at least one first supply unit 30, by which at least one weft yarn S1 can be supplied to the gripper head 82 in the weft direction SR, wherein the first supply unit 30 has a first clamp 32, by which at least one segment of the at least one first weft yarn S1 can be forcefully guided to the gripper head 82 during the supply of the weft yarn S1. The apparatus is characterized in that the segment of at least one first weft yarn S1 guided by the first clamp 32 can be linearly fed towards and against the weft direction SR with respect to the gripper head 82 by means of the first supply unit 30, wherein such linear movement of said segment of at least one first weft yarn S1 occurs along the weft insertion line E.

[0068] according to Figure 5a The weft yarn S1 is clamped by the clamp 32, schematically shown, and guided on the upper and lower sides in the direction of the gripper head 82 by guide elements 35, 36. Currently, the weft yarn S1 is relatively soft and should be reliably clamped by the gripper head 82. For this purpose, an over-movement strategy is selected. According to... Figure 5bThe gripper head 82 opens, having an upper gripping member 85 with an upper clamping member 86 and a lower gripping member 87 with a lower clamping member 88. Now, the carriage 31, along with the weft yarn S1, is moved between the two clamping members 86 and 88 by the travel of the first supply unit 30 in the weft direction SR. Thus, the weft yarn S1 actually reaches the gripper head 82; that is, when the carriage 31 moves in the weft direction SR, the free end of the weft yarn S1 will not, for example, strike the front side of the lower clamping member 88, and therefore can no longer be fed into the gripper head 82.

[0069] according to Figure 5c and Figure 5d Then, the supply unit 30 is removed again from the gripper head 82, wherein, however, the free end of the weft yarn S1 remains between the upper clamping member 86 and the lower clamping member 88. In this way, it is ensured that the soft weft yarn S1 actually moves behind the two clamps 86, 88. Now, as in Figure 5e As shown in the diagram, the gripper head 82 is closed, wherein the upper clamping member 86 and the lower clamping member 88 clamp the free end of the weft yarn S1 in a force-fitting manner. Now, according to Figure 5f The clamp 32 opens, which together lifts the upper guide member 35. The gripper head 82 can then travel along the weft direction SR through the open shuttle, carrying the weft yarn S1.

[0070] If the weft yarn S1 has relatively high bending stiffness, then it can be omitted in... Figure 5b The steps in this section, that is, the movement between the carriage 31 and the two clamping members 86, 88, are omitted. In this case, due to the higher bending stiffness of the weft yarn, reliable delivery of the weft yarn S1 can be achieved risk-free without excessive movement of the carriage 31 (that is, the carriage 31 moving beyond the clamping area between the two clamping members 86, 88 in the weft direction).

[0071] exist Figures 6a-6e An alternative embodiment for supply units 30 and 50 is shown. In this embodiment, instead of a carriage, supply units 30 and 50 each include a belt conveyor unit 60, each comprising two surrounding belt conveyors 62 that can be positioned relative to each other, capable of force-cooperating between the belt conveyors to convey corresponding weft yarns S1 or S2 in the weft direction SR. Currently, each belt conveyor 62 includes three pulleys, at least one of which is actively driven.

[0072] exist Figure 6a The image shows two belt conveyors 62, for example, clamping the weft yarn S1 between them. According to... Figure 6bWhen the gripper head 82 is opened, the weft yarn S1 is moved forward between the two clamping parts 86, 88, and then the gripper head 82 is closed and the weft yarn S1 is clamped. Figure 6c Now, move the two conveyors 62 away from each other so that the gripper head 82 can pull the weft yarn S1 across the shuttle. According to Figure 6d The fed weft yarn S1 is cut after the belt conveyor 62 has been pre-positioned back into the clamping position. Subsequently, the free weft yarn end can be moved back to its initial position in the opposite direction to the weft direction SR via the belt conveyor 62 (see...). Figure 6a )middle.

[0073] In short, according to the invention, the weft yarns S1, S2 to be supplied to the gripper head 82 are placed side by side on the warp direction KR before the fabric edge. Preferably, the weft yarns come from weft yarn memories 70, 75 arranged in overlapping order. The selection of the corresponding weft yarns S1, S2 to be fed is achieved by the lateral movement of the coupling unit 10 together with the supply units 30, 50, which are implemented here as a carriage (delivery carriage) or with a conveyor unit 60. Here, the coupling unit 10 is made to move laterally toward or against the warp direction KR such that the weft yarns S1 or S2 to be fed are preferably fed without turning during weft feeding, while the corresponding weft yarns S2 or S1 that should not be fed are deflected laterally toward or against the warp direction KR by a small amount on their path from the weft yarn memory 75 or 70 to the supply unit 50 or 30. This has no negative effect on the weft yarn S2 or S1, because the weft yarn does not move on the weft direction SR during this stage.

[0074] The apparatus and method according to the invention can also be easily extended to more than two weft yarns.

[0075] In addition to the advantages described at the beginning, the proposed method allows for the precise fabrication of various fabric patterns. For example, weft yarns of different widths and / or materials and / or with different pretreatments can be used to obtain, for example, corresponding structures and / or patterns. Of course, two (or more) identical weft yarns can also be used. Another advantage of using identical weft yarns is that when a reserve of one weft yarn has been first fed into the fabric, the machine does not need to be stopped, and it can then be replaced with another weft yarn without interruption. During the feeding of this weft yarn, previously used weft yarns can be replaced in the corresponding weft yarn memory. Generally, longer running times can be achieved when the weft material is the same and the weft yarn memories are interchangeable.

[0076] List of reference numerals

[0077] 1 device

[0078] 5 Control Unit

[0079] 10 Coupling Units

[0080] 11. Protrusion

[0081] 15 Positioning Units

[0082] 16 Pneumatic Cylinders

[0083] 17 Cylinder rod

[0084] 20. Guiding components

[0085] 21 First Guiding Structure

[0086] 22 Second Guiding Structure

[0087] 28 First guiding element and second guiding element

[0088] 30 First Supply Unit

[0089] 31 First carriage

[0090] 32 Clamping device

[0091] 33 Pressure bar

[0092] 34 Guide Surface

[0093] 35 Upper guide element

[0094] 36 Lower guide element

[0095] 39. Guiding elements for lateral guidance

[0096] 40 Sheet

[0097] 41 Guiding element

[0098] 42. Drive unit (servo motor)

[0099] 43. Swinging lever

[0100] 44. Hinge

[0101] 45 sliders

[0102] 46 recess

[0103] 50 Second Supply Unit

[0104] 51 Second carriage

[0105] 56 Guiding elements

[0106] 60 belt conveyor unit

[0107] 62 Conveyor

[0108] 70 First weft yarn storage

[0109] 71. Steering Roller

[0110] 72 First spool

[0111] 75 Second weft yarn storage

[0112] 76 steering rollers

[0113] 77 Second spool

[0114] 79 Cutting equipment

[0115] 80 looms

[0116] 82 Gripper Head

[0117] 84 Gripper Rod

[0118] 85 Upper gripping component

[0119] 86 Upper clamping component

[0120] 87 Lower gripping component

[0121] 88 Lower clamping component

[0122] S1 First Weft Yarn

[0123] S2 Second Weft Yarn

[0124] G fabric

[0125] SR (Latitude)

[0126] KR Meridian

[0127] SE cutting plane

[0128] E is the latitude line.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for supplying at least a first weft yarn (S1) and a second weft yarn (S2) to a loom (80) including at least one gripper head (82), wherein, The weft yarns (S1, S2) are capable of being supplied to the gripper head (82) in the weft direction (SR), characterized in that the device (1) comprises: - A coupling unit (10) capable of linear reciprocating motion in the warp direction (KR) at the loom (80) while the device (1) is installed. - At least one first supply unit (30) and a second supply unit (50), wherein the first supply unit (30) and the second supply unit (50) are arranged side by side on the coupling unit (10) in the warp direction (KR) and configured to supply a first weft yarn (S1) or a second weft yarn (S2) to the gripper head (82), and - A positioning unit (15) for positioning the coupling unit (10) toward and against the warp (KR) in at least one first position and a second position, wherein the first supply unit (30) in the first position of the coupling unit (10) is configured to supply the first weft yarn (S1) to the gripper head (82), and the second supply unit (50) in the second position of the coupling unit (10) is configured to supply the second weft yarn (S2) to the gripper head (82).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coupling unit (10) is positioned such that, when the corresponding weft is cast, the position of the first supply unit (30) in the first position of the coupling unit (10) and the position of the second supply unit (50) in the second position of the coupling unit (10) are aligned in the warp direction (KR).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one first supply unit (30) and the second supply unit (50) include carriages (31, 51) capable of traveling in the latitudinal (SR) direction.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one or exactly one drive unit (42) is coupled to the at least two carriages (31, 51) such that the drive unit (42) enables the at least two carriages (31, 51) to move toward and against the radial (SR) direction, but not simultaneously.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each carriage (31, 51) has a clamp (32) to be closed and opened by electrical or pneumatic operation for clamping and releasing the corresponding weft yarn (S1, S2), wherein each clamp (32) is provided with a guide element (35, 36, 39) that is forward-positioned in the weft direction (SR) and guides the corresponding weft yarn (S1, S2) on the upper and lower sides and laterally.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one drive unit (42) can be manipulated such that the respective carriages (31, 51) can be guided differently to the vicinity of the gripper head (82) or into the gripper head.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two supply units (30, 50) each include a belt conveyor unit (60), wherein each belt conveyor unit (60) includes two surrounding belt conveyors (62) that can be positioned relative to each other, and the respective weft yarns (S1, S2) can be forcefully conveyed between the belt conveyors at least in the weft direction (SR).

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one or exactly one servo motor is coupled to the at least two carriages (31, 51) such that the servo motor enables the at least two carriages (31, 51) to move in and against the radial (SR) direction, but not simultaneously.

9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The positioning unit (15) includes a driving device, wherein the driving device is capable of moving to a position corresponding to a first position and a second position of the coupling unit (10).

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The coupling unit (10) is coupled to a fixed guide member (20), wherein the guide member (20) has a first guide structure (21), and the coupling unit (10) has guide elements (41, 56) corresponding to the first guide structure (21), wherein, in the combined action of the first guide structure (21) and the guide elements (41, 56), the coupling unit (10) can only be positioned in the direction of and against the meridian (KR).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The positioning unit (15) includes a motor or pneumatic cylinder (16), wherein the motor or pneumatic cylinder is capable of moving to a position corresponding to a first position and a second position of the coupling unit (10).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first guide structure (21) is constructed such that the first guide structure enables the coupling unit (10) to be positioned toward and against the longitudinal (KR) direction, and at the same time prevents one of the at least two supply units (30, 50) from moving in the latitudinal (SR) direction. Furthermore, a second guide structure (22) is provided at the guide member (20) so that the other supply unit (50, 30) can move toward or against the latitudinal (SR) direction without hindrance.

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first guide structure (21) and the second guide structure (22) are formed by grooves and / or protrusions in the guide member (20).

14. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, A first weft yarn memory (70) is provided, having a first spool (72) for storing the first weft yarn (S1), wherein the first weft yarn (S1) is guided from the first weft yarn memory (70) to the first supply unit (30), and a second weft yarn memory (75) is provided, having a second spool (77) for storing the second weft yarn (S2), wherein the second weft yarn (S2) is guided from the second weft yarn memory (75) to the second supply unit (50).

15. The apparatus (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first weft yarn memory (70) is arranged on the second weft yarn memory (75) such that the first weft yarn (S1) in the first weft yarn memory (70) and the second weft yarn (S2) in the second weft yarn memory (75) extend out of the respective weft yarn memory (70, 75) in an overlapping manner.

16. The apparatus (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that, - The first weft yarn storage (70) and the second weft yarn storage (75) are oriented in the weft direction (SR), wherein the axes of the first bobbin and the second bobbin are oriented in the warp direction (KR), or - The first weft yarn memory and the second weft yarn memory are oriented in the warp direction (KR), wherein the axes of the first bobbin and the second bobbin are oriented in the weft direction (SR), and a steering device is provided for turning the first weft yarn (S1) and the second weft yarn (S2) in the weft direction (SR).

17. A loom (80) having at least one gripper head (82) capable of traveling in and out of the warp direction (SR) through an open shuttle, and a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for manufacturing fabric on a loom (80) having at least one gripper head (82). When using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, at least a first weft yarn (S1) and a second weft yarn (S2) are supplied, wherein, At least one first weft yarn (S1) and a second weft yarn (S2) are placed side by side in a plane in the warp direction (KR) at the edge of the fabric (G) and supplied sequentially in the weft direction (SR) to the gripper head (82) of the loom (80), wherein the at least first weft yarn (S1) and the second weft yarn (S2) are positioned toward or against the warp direction (KR) for their respective weft insertion, such that the weft yarns are pulled by the at least one gripper head (82) along the insertion line (E) through the opened shuttle, wherein weft yarns (S2, S1) that should not be inserted at present are deflected toward or against the warp direction (KR) from the insertion line (E) to release the insertion line (E).

Images