Rapier wheel

Abstract

The invention relates to a rapier wheel for a rapier weaving machine, the rapier wheel having an inner ring (20), an outer ring (21) and a number of spokes (22, 23), wherein the inner ring (20) is configured for mounting the inner ring (20) to a drive shaft (10), wherein the outer ring (21) is provided with teeth (210) configured for engaging with a rapier (6) to drive the rapier (6), wherein the spokes (22, 23) extend between the inner ring (20) and the outer ring (21) and connect the inner ring (20) with the outer ring (21), wherein the spokes (22, 23) are crosswise arranged in spoke pairs (24) comprising a first spoke (22) and a second spoke (23), wherein the first spoke (22) and the second spoke (23) extend in opposite directions and cross each other at a crossing point (25) between the inner ring (20) and the outer ring (21), and wherein the first spoke (22) and the second spoke (23) are each convexly curved towards the outer ring (21). The invention also relates to a rapier weaving machine having such a rapier wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rapier wheel for a rapier loom and a rapier loom having such a rapier wheel. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, in a rapier loom, the rapier shuttle is attached to the front end of the rapier and used to move the rapier shuttle through the shed. The rapier is driven by a rapier wheel located next to the shed. The rapier can be a flexible rapier belt or a more rigid rapier bar.

[0003] For example, EP 3262222 B1 shows a rapier wheel having a plurality of spokes arranged in pairs, wherein each pair of spokes includes two straight spokes arranged in a cross pattern. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to provide a rapier wheel having a low moment of inertia about its drive shaft, which has high stiffness and durability. Another object of this invention is to provide a rapier loom having such a rapier wheel.

[0005] These objectives are achieved by a rapier wheel and a rapier loom having the features of claims 1 and 15. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a rapier wheel for a rapier loom is provided, the rapier wheel having an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of spokes, wherein the inner ring is configured and adapted to be mounted to a drive shaft, wherein the outer ring is provided with teeth configured and adapted to engage with a rapier for driving the rapier, wherein the spokes extend between the inner ring and the outer ring and connect the inner ring and the outer ring, wherein the spokes are arranged crosswise as a spoke pair including a first spoke and a second spoke, wherein the first spoke and the second spoke extend in opposite directions and cross each other at the intersection between the inner ring and the outer ring, and wherein the first spoke and the second spoke are each bent and protruding toward the outer ring.

[0007] In other words, contrary to the prior art EP 3262222 B1, according to the present invention, the first spoke and the second spoke are each bent and protruding toward the outer ring.

[0008] In the context of this application, a curved spoke that extends wholly or partially along a path is referred to as a “convex bend toward the outer ring”, which, viewed in the outward radial direction of the associated spoke pair, lies on a virtual straight line connecting the spoke ends at the inner and outer rings. As a result of the convex curvature, the intersection of the first and second spokes is closer to the outer ring than the intersection of two intersecting virtual straight lines, wherein each virtual straight line connects the endpoint of one spoke in the spoke pair at the inner ring and the endpoint of that spoke at the outer ring.

[0009] Throughout the specification and claims, the indefinite article “a” or “an” means “one or more”. Reference to “first element” does not require the existence of a “second element.” Furthermore, the expressions “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish the elements from each other and should not be construed as indicating any order.

[0010] The first and second spokes are also collectively referred to as spokes.

[0011] Providing convexly curved spokes allows for the counterbalancing of tangential and radial forces exerted on the outer ring by the rapier, where bending stresses on the spokes due to external forces can be reduced or even avoided. Therefore, in an ideal configuration, only pressure or tension acts on the spokes.

[0012] The rapier wheel rotates back and forth. Therefore, according to the invention, the spokes are arranged in pairs, with the two spokes in each pair bending in opposite directions. The spokes bending in opposite directions allow for opposing forces, regardless of the direction of rotation of the rapier wheel.

[0013] For example, the first spoke is bent clockwise, meaning its endpoint on the outer ring is offset clockwise from its endpoint on the inner ring. In this case, the second spoke is bent counterclockwise, meaning its endpoint on the outer ring is offset counterclockwise from its endpoint on the inner ring. The expressions "first" and "second" in this context are intended only to distinguish the spokes from each other and do not indicate any relation or order of the spokes. The shapes of the spokes are chosen such that the first spoke in each spoke pair does not intersect with any other first spoke, and the second spoke in each spoke pair does not intersect with any other second spoke.

[0014] Rapier wheels are manufactured, for example, by injection molding, milling, waterjet cutting, or stamping.

[0015] In one embodiment, each spoke has a constant radius of curvature, wherein the radius of curvature is the same for all spokes.

[0016] In other embodiments, the curvature of each spoke begins at the center of the rapier wheel and increases towards the outer ring. In other words, the spokes are helically curved. In one embodiment, the curvature increases continuously towards the outer ring. The spokes extend between the outer edge of the inner ring and the inner edge of the outer ring. However, the curvature of the spokes begins at an imaginary line at the center of the rapier wheel. The statement "begins at the center" should not be interpreted in such a way that the origin of the imaginary line is located at the center of the rapier wheel. In one embodiment, the curvature is chosen such that the curvature gradually approaches the center of the rapier wheel.

[0017] In one embodiment, spokes of different shapes are provided. In other embodiments, the first and second spokes have the same shape, wherein the first and second spokes in each spoke pair are arranged symmetrically with respect to the radial direction passing through the intersection of the spoke pair. When spokes of the same shape are provided, the intersections of all spoke pairs are arranged on a first imaginary circle.

[0018] In one embodiment, in addition to bending towards the outer ring, the spokes also bend in the direction of the rapier wheel's axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the first and second spokes are arranged in two parallel planes, wherein in one embodiment, each pair of spokes is connected to each other at the intersection. In a particular embodiment, the rapier wheel is flat, wherein the first and second spokes are arranged in a common plane.

[0019] In this embodiment, the spoke pairs are evenly distributed around the rapier wheel. Depending on the number of spokes, the size of the rapier wheel, and the size of the spokes, the first spoke in each spoke pair intersects only with the second spoke in the associated spoke pair, or additionally with one or more second spokes in other spoke pairs.

[0020] In one embodiment, the intersection point of the spoke pairs is arranged on a first imaginary circle, wherein the first and second spokes of two directly adjacent spoke pairs intersect at a second intersection point, wherein the second intersection point is arranged on a second imaginary circle with a radius smaller than the first imaginary circle. In the context of this invention, spoke pairs arranged continuously along the circumference of an outer ring are referred to as directly adjacent spoke pairs.

[0021] In one embodiment, only the first and second spokes in directly adjacent spoke pairs intersect each other. In this case, in one embodiment, the second imaginary circle is located in a region of the inner ring, wherein the connecting region is formed between the inner ring and the first and second spokes in the two spoke pairs.

[0022] In one embodiment, each first spoke intersects with a second spoke in two or more spoke pairs. When a first spoke intersects with a second spoke in more than one other pair of spokes, the imaginary circle at the intersection point decreases with the distance between spoke pairs at the outer ring.

[0023] In one embodiment, the imaginary circle at the intersection of the first and second spokes furthest from the first spoke in the circumferential direction of the rapier wheel is located in a region of the inner ring, but still intersects with the first spoke, wherein the connecting region is formed between the first and second spokes in the inner ring and in the two associated spoke pairs.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the connecting region at the inner ring is closed. In the context of this application, the phrase "the region... is closed" is used to describe that the region is filled with material. When the first and second spokes in different spoke pairs intersect each other in a region near the outer edge of the inner ring, a generally triangular connecting region is formed, wherein when the connecting region is filled, an inner ring with a star-shaped outer edge is formed.

[0025] In one embodiment, a support rod is provided extending between the intersection of the spoke pair and the outer ring. The support rod extends radially in the spoke pair to provide additional support to the outer ring. In one embodiment, a straight support rod is provided. For example, the support rod is arranged at the center between the first and second spokes. Therefore, in the circumferential direction of the outer ring, the distance between the first spoke and the support rod of each spoke pair is the same as the distance between the second spoke and the support rod in the spoke pair. In other embodiments, a Y-shaped support rod is provided.

[0026] In one embodiment, a straight support rod extending radially between the intersection of each spoke pair and the outer ring is provided. Preferably, the spoke pairs are evenly distributed such that, in the circumferential direction of the outer ring, the distance between the first spoke and the support rod in each spoke pair is the same as the distance between the first and second spokes in directly adjacent spoke pairs. Therefore, the support rod allows the outer ring to be supported circumferentially over a plurality of areas arranged at least substantially equidistantly.

[0027] In one embodiment, the transition areas between the first spoke and the outer ring, and between the second spoke and the outer ring, are reinforced. Because the rapier wheel has a design with protruding, curved spokes, only localized stress occurs, which is not distributed over the large area of ​​the rapier wheel. Therefore, by reinforcing only the transition areas between the spokes and the outer ring, the durability of the rapier wheel can be increased without, or at least without significantly increasing, the moment of inertia about the drive shaft and / or the weight of the rapier wheel.

[0028] In one embodiment, the number of spoke pairs is non-uniform, particularly eleven, thirteen, or fifteen. Providing an odd number of spokes is preferred to minimize warping effects during the manufacture of the rapier wheel and / or during its operation.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a rapier loom with a rapier wheel is provided, the rapier wheel having a spoke pair including a first spoke and a second spoke, wherein the first spoke and the second spoke extend in opposite directions and cross each other at an intersection between an inner ring and an outer ring, and wherein the first spoke and the second spoke are each convexly curved toward the outer ring. Attached Figure Description

[0030] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0031] Figure 1 A portion of a loom with rapier wheels for the rapier shaft is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 Shown separately Figure 1 The rapier wheel.

[0033] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the rapier wheel.

[0034] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the rapier wheel is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the rapier wheel is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A fourth embodiment of the rapier wheel is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A portion of a loom 1 is shown, which has a rapier wheel 2 for driving a rapier 6. Around the rapier wheel 2, two guide blocks 3 and 4 and an arched guide section 5 are provided for guiding the rapier 6 at the rapier wheel 2. Figure 1 rapier wheel 2 in Figure 2 It is shown separately in the text.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rapier wheel 2 shown has an inner ring 20, an outer ring 21, and a plurality of spokes 22, 23, which extend between the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21 and connect the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21.

[0039] The inner ring 20 is configured to mount the rapier wheel 2 to the drive shaft 10 via the inner ring 20. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, for this purpose, a plurality of through holes 200 are provided in the rapier wheel 2 (see...). Figure 2 Specifically, six evenly distributed through holes 200 are provided for the threaded connection 7 between the inner ring 20 and the drive shaft 10. For this purpose, for example, a connecting ring 11 is provided, to which the rapier wheel 2 is fixed by six bolts 8 extending through the through holes 200, and four bolts 9 are provided for fixing the connecting ring 11 to the drive shaft 10.

[0040] The outer ring 21 is provided with teeth 210, which are configured to mesh with the spar 6 for reciprocating driving of the spar 6.

[0041] Spokes 22 and 23 are arranged in an interlaced manner to form spoke pairs 24, each spoke pair 24 including a first spoke 22 and a second spoke 23. The first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 in each spoke pair 24 intersect each other at an intersection 25 between the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21. The radial direction 240 passing through the intersection 25 of the spoke pair 24 (shown by the dashed arrow) is referred to as the radial direction 240 of the spoke pair 24. Both the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 are inclined or tilted relative to the radial direction 240, wherein the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 extend in opposite directions.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, spokes 22 and 23 are identical in shape, wherein the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 in each spoke pair 24 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the radial direction 240 of the spoke pair 24. Therefore, the intersection 25 of all spoke pairs 24 is arranged on a first imaginary circle 250 (shown by dashed lines).

[0043] The first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 each bulge and bend towards the outer ring 21. For example... Figure 2 As schematically shown, spokes 22 and 23 extend entirely along the path, which, viewed in the radial direction 240 of the associated spoke pair 24, lies on the virtual straight lines 220 and 230 at the ends of spokes 22 and 23 connecting the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21. Figure 2 (shown above the dashed line). Figure 2 As shown, due to the convex curvature, the intersection 25 of the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 is closer to the outer ring 21 than the intersection 252 of the two intersecting virtual straight lines 220 and 230.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature 222 of the spokes 22 (shown by dashed lines) begins at the center 205 of the rapier wheel 2 and increases toward the outer ring 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature 222 continuously increases toward the outer ring 21. The curvature 223 of the spokes 23 (shown by dashed lines) is similar to the curvature 222 of the spokes 22.

[0045] In use, the rapier 6, driven by the rapier wheel 2, applies force to the outer ring 21. The protruding, curved spokes 22 and 23 arranged in the spoke pair 24 allow the tangential and radial forces applied to the outer ring 21 by the rapier 6 to be counteracted, wherein the bending stress generated on the spokes 22 and 23 due to external forces can be reduced.

[0046] Spokes 24 are evenly distributed around the rapier wheel 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, eleven spoke pairs 24 are provided, wherein the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 of two directly adjacent spoke pairs 24 intersect at a second intersection point 26. The second intersection point 26 is arranged on a second imaginary circle 260 (shown by dashed lines), the radius of which is smaller than that of the first imaginary circle 250.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the second imaginary circle 260 is located in a region of the inner ring 20, wherein a triangular connecting region 27 is formed between the inner ring 20 and the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 of two directly adjacent spoke pairs 24. The connecting region 27 in the illustrated embodiment is closed. In other words, the triangle formed by the spokes 22 and 23 of the adjacent spoke pairs 24 and the inner ring 20 is filled with material.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the transition region 212 between spokes 22, 23 and outer ring 21 is reinforced, for example, by having an increased surface area near outer ring 21.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the axial width of spokes 22 and 23 (and therefore the width in the direction of the rotation axis of the rapier wheel 2) is variable from the inner ring 20 toward the outer ring 21. For example, the axial width decreases from the inner ring 20 toward the outer ring 21, wherein, in particular, the axial width of spokes 22 and 23 decreases continuously from the inner ring 20 toward the outer ring 21. Figure 3 As shown, the axial width of the inner ring 20 is constant, the axial width of the spokes 22 and 23 decreases toward the outer ring 21 in the radial direction 240, and near the outer ring 21, the axial width of the rapier wheel 2 increases again toward the outer ring 21 via the chamfer 34.

[0050] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the rapier wheel 2 is shown, which has an inner ring 20, an outer ring 21, and a plurality of protruding curved first spokes 22 and second spokes 23 extending between the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21. The first spokes 22 and the second spokes 23 are arranged as spoke pairs 24 with intersection points 25, wherein in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, thirteen spoke pairs 24 are provided. (As with...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 In comparison, the number of spoke pairs 24 has increased, while the diameter of the rapier wheel 2 remains at least substantially unchanged, and the spoke pairs 24 are arranged closer to each other. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, each first spoke 22 intersects with the second spoke 23 of the other two spoke pairs 24 at the second intersection 26 and the third intersection 28, respectively. The third intersection 28 is arranged on a third imaginary circle 280 (shown by dashed lines).

[0051] A triangular connecting region 27 is formed between the inner ring 20 and the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 of two different spoke pairs 24 that intersect at the third intersection point 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting region 27 is closed, i.e., filled with material.

[0052] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a straight support rod 29 extending radially 240 is provided between the intersection 25 of each spoke pair 24 and the outer ring 21. In the circumferential direction of the outer ring 21, the distance D1 between the first spoke 22 and the support rod 29 in each spoke pair 24 is the same as the distance D2 between the second spoke 23 and the support rod 29 in the same spoke pair 24. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the spoke pairs 24 are evenly distributed, and the number of spoke pairs 24 can be selected relative to the diameter of the rapier wheel 2, such that in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 21, the distance D1 between the first spoke 22 and the support rod 29 in each spoke pair 24 is the same as the distance D3 between the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 in directly adjacent spoke pairs 24.

[0053] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the rapier wheel 2 is shown, which has an inner ring 20, an outer ring 21, and a plurality of protruding curved first spokes 22 and second spokes 23 extending between the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21. The first spokes 22 and the second spokes 23 are arranged as spoke pairs 24 with intersection points 25, wherein in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, fifteen spoke pairs 24 are provided. (As with...) Figure 4 In comparison, the number of spoke pairs 24 is further increased, while the diameter of the rapier wheel 2 remains at least substantially unchanged, and the spoke pairs 24 are arranged closer to each other. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, each first spoke 22 intersects the second spokes 23 of the other four spoke pairs 24 at the second intersection 26, the third intersection 28, the fourth intersection 30, and the fifth intersection 32, respectively. The fifth intersection 32 is arranged on the fourth imaginary circle 320 (shown by dashed lines).

[0054] A triangular connecting region 27 is formed between the inner ring 20 and the first spoke 22 and the second spoke 23 of the different spoke pairs 24 that intersect each other at the fifth intersection point 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting region 27 is closed, i.e., filled with material.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the support rod 29 is configured to extend between the intersection 25 of the spoke pair 24 and the outer ring 21.

[0056] The rapier wheels 2 shown in the above embodiments are all flat, that is, all spokes 22, 23 and all intersections 25, 26, 28, 30, 32 are arranged in a common plane.

[0057] Figure 6 It shows something similar to Figure 5 The fourth embodiment of the rapier wheel 2 shown has an inner ring 20, an outer ring 21, and a plurality of protruding, curved first spokes 22 and second spokes 23 extending between the inner ring 20 and the outer ring 21. It can be seen that the thickness of the spokes 22 and 23 decreases along the plane of the rapier wheel 2 toward the outer ring 21, particularly with the thickness of the spokes 22 and 23 decreasing continuously toward the outer ring 21. For example, a Y-shaped support rod 33 is arranged to extend between the intersection 25 of the spoke pair 24 and the outer ring 21.

[0058] The rapier wheel shown in the accompanying drawings is merely an example. Further embodiments can be achieved through combinations of features and elements already described in conjunction with different embodiments.

Claims

1. A rapier wheel for a rapier weaving machine, having an inner ring, an outer ring and a number of spokes, wherein the inner ring is configured for mounting the inner ring to a drive shaft, wherein the outer ring is provided with teeth configured for engaging with a rapier to drive the rapier, wherein the spokes extend between the inner ring and the outer ring and connect the inner ring with the outer ring, wherein the spokes are arranged in crosswise pairs comprising a first spoke and a second spoke, and wherein the first spoke and the second spoke extend in opposite directions and cross each other at a crossing point between the inner ring and the outer ring, characterized in that, The first and the second spoke are each curved convexly towards the outer ring.

2. The rapier wheel of claim 1, wherein, The curvature of the first spoke and the curvature of the second spoke in each case begin at the center of the sword wheel and increase towards the outer ring.

3. The rapier wheel of claim 2, wherein, The curvature of the first and the second spoke continuously increases towards the outer ring.

4. The rapier wheel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first and the second spoke have the same shape, wherein the first and the second spoke of each spoke pair are arranged symmetrically with respect to a radial direction through the intersection point of the spoke pair.

5. The rapier wheel of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sword wheel is flat, wherein the first and the second spoke are arranged in one common plane.

6. The rapier wheel of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spoke pairs are uniformly distributed around the sword wheel.

7. The rapier wheel of claim 6, wherein, The intersection points of the spoke pairs are arranged on a first imaginary circle, wherein the first and the second spoke of two directly adjacent spoke pairs intersect at a second intersection point, wherein the second intersection point is arranged on a second imaginary circle with a smaller radius than the first imaginary circle.

8. The rapier wheel of claim 7, wherein, The second imaginary circle lies in a region of the inner ring, wherein a connection region is formed between the inner ring and the first and the second spoke of two spoke pairs.

9. The rapier wheel of claim 7, wherein, Each first spoke intersects the second spoke of two or more spoke pairs.

10. The rapier wheel of claim 9, wherein, A third imaginary circle at a third intersection point between the first and the second spoke farthest away from the first spoke in the circumferential direction of the sword wheel lies in a region of the inner ring, but still intersects the first spoke, wherein a connection region is formed between the inner ring and the first and the second spoke of two associated spoke pairs.

11. The rapier wheel of claim 9, wherein, A fourth imaginary circle at a fifth intersection point between the first and the second spoke farthest away from the first spoke in the circumferential direction of the sword wheel lies in a region of the inner ring, but still intersects the first spoke, wherein a connection region is formed between the inner ring and the first and the second spoke of two associated spoke pairs.

12. The ribbon wheel of claim 8 or 10 or 11, wherein, The connection regions at the inner ring are closed.

13. The rapier wheel of claim 1 or 2, wherein, Support rods are provided to extend between the intersection points of the spoke pairs and the outer ring.

14. The rapier wheel of claim 13, wherein, Straight support rods are provided to extend in the radial direction between the intersection points of each spoke pair and the outer ring.

15. The rapier wheel of claim 13, wherein, Straight support rods are provided to extend in the radial direction between the intersection points of each spoke pair and the outer ring, wherein in the circumferential direction of the outer ring, the distance between the first spoke of each spoke pair and the straight support rod is the same as the distance between the second spoke of the spoke pair and the straight support rod.

16. The rapier wheel of claim 15, wherein, The spoke pairs are uniformly distributed, such that in the circumferential direction of the outer ring, the distance between the first spoke of each spoke pair and the straight support rod is the same as the distance between the first and the second spoke of directly adjacent spoke pairs, and the distance between the second spoke of each spoke pair and the straight support rod is the same as the distance between the first and the second spoke of directly adjacent spoke pairs.

17. The rapier wheel of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transition area between the outer ring and the first spoke and between the outer ring and the second spoke is reinforced.

18. The rapier wheel of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The number of spoke pairs is odd.

19. The rapier wheel of claim 18, wherein, The number of spoke pairs is eleven, thirteen or fifteen.

20. A rapier weaving machine having a rapier wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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