Device for selecting and delivering weft yarns

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for selecting and delivering a weft yarn to an introduction element of a weaving machine, the device (1) comprising a weft yarn feeder element (4), where the weft yarn feeder element (4) is mounted so as to be movable between a rest position and a delivery position, and where the device (1) comprises a light source (16), the light source (16) is configured and arranged to illuminate the weft insertion area from above. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a device (1) for selecting a weft yarn and delivering the weft yarn to an introduction element, and a control unit (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to an insertion element of a loom. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the device for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to an insertion element, and a control unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a loom comprising an introduction element, in particular a gripper, and the device for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to the introduction element. Summary of the invention

[0002] One object of the invention is to provide a device for selecting and delivering weft threads which has good usability. A further object of the invention is to provide an assembly and a weaving machine having such a device.

[0003] These objects are solved by a device, an assembly, and a weaving machine for selecting and delivering weft threads having the features of claims 1, 13 and 14. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to a first aspect, a device for selecting and delivering a weft thread to an insertion element of a weaving machine is provided, the device comprising a weft feeder element, wherein the weft feeder element is mounted so as to be movable between a rest position and a delivery position, and wherein the device further comprises a light source configured and arranged for illuminating a weft insertion zone from above.

[0005] Throughout this specification and the following claims, the indefinite article "a" or "an" means "one or more". In particular, in an embodiment, the device comprises several weft feeder elements, wherein each weft feeder element is mounted so as to be movable between a rest position and a delivery position. Furthermore, although not essential, in an embodiment of the invention, the device is equipped with more than one light source. Furthermore, throughout this specification and the following claims, the expressions "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one element from another and do not indicate any order of these elements.

[0006] The weft insertion zone is defined as the zone including the delivery zone and the cutting zone. The delivery zone is defined as such a zone, which includes the zone where the weft guide (such as the eye of a needle) of the weft feeder element is arranged when the weft feeder element moves into the delivery position to deliver the weft threaded thereon to the introduction element (especially the yarn gripper), and includes the zone where the weft delivered by the weft feeder element is received by the introduction element (especially the yarn gripper). The cutting zone is defined as such a zone, in which the weft received by the introduction element is cut off from the fabric using a weft cutter (also referred to as a cutter). In an embodiment, the cutting zone also includes a zone, in which a driver for a cutter is arranged. In other embodiments, the driver for the cutter is arranged outside the cutting zone.

[0007] In an embodiment, weft feeder element (or each weft feeder element in the case of several weft feeder elements) is moved in the delivery position, for weft supply and / or assembly (particularly drawing) to weft feeder element.In other embodiments, in order to supply and / or assembly (particularly drawing) to weft feeder element, weft feeder element is arranged between the static position and the delivery position of weft feeder element.Particularly, in an embodiment, weft feeder element is arranged between the static position and the delivery position, but closer to the delivery position, so that the operator can easily reach the weft guide.In this case, the light source in the embodiment is also arranged and configured to illuminate the zone that is called the drawing zone, i.e. wherein the weft guide is arranged to supply and / or assembly to the zone of the weft guide.

[0008] Providing a device for selecting and delivering a weft thread to an insertion element with a light source allows improving the visibility of the elements in the weft insertion zone for visual inspection of the process, which is crucial for the correct introduction of the weft thread and therefore the weaving process.

[0009] It is well known to provide machine mounted and / or hand held light sources for visual inspection on a loom. However, the concept of the present invention differs from the prior art in that the light source forms part of the device for selecting and delivering weft yarns to the introduction element of the loom. This allows a machine mounted light source without the need for any additional mounting structure for the light source. Furthermore, when the device for selecting and delivering weft yarns to the introduction element is offset so as to adjust the position of the device to the weaving width, the light source moves with the device and remains in a fixed position relative to the delivery zone. Thus, after adjusting the weaving width, the light source is ready for use without any additional setting operations.

[0010] Furthermore, a machine mounted light source is advantageous as it allows the operator to use one or both hands for different tasks according to his own choice. Furthermore, with a machine mounted light source, the operator is less likely to bring body parts close to the moving elements of the loom. Thus, a machine mounted light source increases the safety of the loom.

[0011] In an embodiment, the light source is mounted to the device via a hinge, wherein the hinge allows the light source to be folded up when not in use. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the hinge allows fine adjustment of the direction of the light beam emitted by the light source. In other embodiments, the light source is fixedly mounted in a suitable position of the device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light source is arranged so that the central axis of the light beam emitted from the light source toward the weft insertion zone is a vertical axis. At least substantially vertical light beams allow good illumination of the weft insertion zone without blinding an operator who visually inspects the weft insertion zone by the light source.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light source is mounted on the fabric side of the device. In use, the device is mounted to the loom so that, seen in the direction of introduction, one side is arranged closer to the fabric to be woven than the opposite side. The side arranged closer to the fabric to be woven is referred to as the fabric side. Mounting the light source on the fabric side facilitates arranging the light source so that no part or no large part of the device and / or loom protrudes into the light beam between the light source and the weft insertion zone. In other words, it is avoided that such parts cause shadows to be cast in the weft insertion zone.

[0014] In one embodiment, the device comprises a support arm having a first portion extending upwards for mounting the device to a loom, wherein the first portion and the light source are arranged on opposite sides of the device. The expression "first portion" is used to describe a portion having a main extension direction in a vertical direction. In an embodiment, in order to avoid interference of the first portion and the light beam emitted from the light source, the first portion is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device comprises a retaining plate and a support arm having a first portion for mounting the retaining plate to the loom, wherein the weft feeder element is mounted to the retaining plate and the retaining plate is mounted to the support arm, and wherein the first portion and the light source are arranged on opposite sides of the device. In one embodiment, the support arm is L-shaped, having a first portion and a second portion extending transversely to the first portion, wherein the retaining plate is mounted to the second portion of the support arm. In one embodiment, the retaining plate is removably mounted to the support arm. In other embodiments, the retaining plate is non-removably mounted to the support arm.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device includes several weft feeder elements arranged side by side on a retaining plate in the introduction direction, wherein the light source is mounted to the retaining plate, adjacent to the last weft feeder element in the introduction direction and downstream of the last weft feeder element in the introduction direction. In order to effectively utilize space, in an embodiment, the retaining plate is inclined relative to the introduction direction. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, particularly in an embodiment with more than four weft feeder elements, the weft feeder elements are arranged on the retaining plate in a staggered arrangement. In order to avoid the increase of the size of the retaining plate, in an embodiment of the retaining plate, a protrusion is provided on the fabric side of the retaining plate, and the light source is mounted to the retaining plate via the protrusion. In particular, the light source is arranged between the retaining plate and the fabric and / or between the retaining plate and the point where the weft yarn to be introduced is connected to the fabric. In one embodiment, the protrusion forms an integral part of the retaining plate. In other embodiments, the protrusion forms an integral part of the housing of the light source. In another embodiment, the protrusion is an intermediate piece.

[0017] For effective illumination, the height of the light source relative to the weft insertion zone can be set according to the type of the light source and the size of the illuminated weft insertion zone. In one embodiment, the light source is arranged between 10cm and 30cm above the weft insertion zone.

[0018] In an embodiment of the device, the light source is a stroboscopic light source configured to produce a flash of light. The use of a stroboscopic light source allows observing the moving parts of the loom even when weaving at a high weaving speed, wherein the elements of the loom performing periodic movements appear frozen in a stationary state if the frequency of the stroboscopic light source is appropriately chosen.

[0019] In particular, when providing a stroboscopic light source, having the light source fixedly mounted in place provides an inherent safety advantage, since an inexperienced operator holding the stroboscopic light source may approach moving parts of the loom which, to the operator, appear not to move or to move only at a slow speed.

[0020] In one embodiment, the light source is selectively operable in a stroboscopic mode in which it produces flashes of light or in a continuous mode. This allows, for example, one common light source to illuminate the weft insertion zone, for feeding and / or fitting weft yarns to a weft feeder element in the continuous mode, and for visually inspecting moving parts in the stroboscopic mode.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flashing frequency of the stroboscopic light source is adapted to the weaving frequency of the loom, wherein the flashing frequency can be selectively set to be the same as the weaving frequency, an even multiple of the weaving frequency, or a non-integer multiple of the weaving frequency.

[0022] In an embodiment, the moment or angle at which the flash is generated during the weaving cycle may be set and / or preset during calibration of the loom, wherein this moment or angle may be different for each weft thread provided by one of the several weft thread feeder elements.

[0023] In one embodiment, the flashing frequency is the same as the weaving frequency or an even multiple of the weaving frequency, so that the moment or angle in the weaving cycle remains constant to show the selected moving part in a frozen position. In other embodiments, the flashing frequency is a non-integer multiple of the weaving frequency, in particular slightly lower or slightly higher than the weaving frequency, so that it is possible to see the observed moving part moving forward or backward under the action of the strobe light.

[0024] This strobe light allows visual inspection of the reception of the weft yarn by the introduction element, wherein it is possible to visually inspect the position where the weft yarn is actually received and whether the reception occurs in the expected manner. In particular, it can be observed whether the introduction element reliably takes out the delivered weft yarn from the weft feeder element, and / or whether the weft feeder element is in the delivery position at the desired moment. Generally, it is advantageous that before the delivered weft yarn is received by the introduction element, the weft feeder element is in the delivery position at a defined angle.

[0025] In one embodiment, after the weft thread has been received by the introduction element, the result of the visual inspection of the reception is used for an optimization process, wherein after the reception the weft thread feeder element is moved from the delivery position towards the rest position into an intermediate position for reducing the friction between the weft thread guide of the weft thread feeder element and the weft thread guided therein.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, instead of visually checking the reception of the weft thread, the cutting moment is checked, ie the instant or the moment at which the weft thread is severed from the fabric for introduction.

[0027] In one embodiment, the stroboscopic light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other words, the light source is an LED lamp. The LED lamp allows setting the flashing frequency as well as the flashing duration, and in particular also allows continuous illumination. In an embodiment, the duration of the flashing can also be adapted to the loom speed, for example, so that the duration is longer when the loom speed is lower.

[0028] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a camera, in particular a camera attached to the holding plate. The camera takes pictures of the weft insertion zone using its illumination. The pictures taken by the camera can be viewed on a display of the weft machine or on a peripheral device, wherein the pictures can also be viewed in slow motion. This allows a good analysis of the processes in the weft insertion zone, in particular during the reception of the weft thread and the cutting of the weft thread.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a component is provided, the component comprising a device as described above and a control unit configured to control the operation of a light source. In an embodiment, the control unit forms part of a central control unit of a loom. In other embodiments, an independent control unit is provided, which communicates with the central control unit of the loom. In one embodiment, when the light source of the device is turned on and / or when the light source is operated in strobe mode, the control unit causes the central control unit to turn off all other light sources on the loom. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the control unit allows the flashing frequency of the light source to be adapted to the weaving frequency. In one embodiment, the user interface to the control unit uses a button, wherein different operating modes of the light source can be selected depending on the duration of pressing the button and / or the mode for pressing the button. In other embodiments, communication with the control unit is established via a display of the loom and / or a control panel of the loom.

[0030] According to a third aspect, a weaving machine is provided, comprising an introduction element, in particular a gripper, and a device for selecting and delivering a weft yarn to the introduction element and / or an assembly comprising a device for selecting and delivering a weft yarn to the introduction element and a control unit.

[0031] In one embodiment of the weaving machine, the device is detachably mounted to a crossbeam of the weaving machine via a support arm, wherein in particular the support arm has a first portion extending upwards from the crossbeam and a second portion extending transversely to the first portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be marked with the same reference numerals.

[0033] Figure 1 Parts of a weaving machine with an embodiment of a device for selecting and delivering weft threads comprising a light source are shown in a perspective view.

[0034] Figure 2 A partially exploded perspective view is shown Figure 1 Part of a device for selecting and delivering weft yarns.

[0035] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 details.

[0036] Figure 4 Another perspective view shows Figure 3 details.

[0037] Figure 5 The moment before the weft yarn is received by the insertion device is shown. Figure 1 The light source of the device illuminates the weft insertion area from above.

[0038] Figure 6shows the moment at which the weft thread is received by the insertion device Figure 5 The weft insertion area.

[0039] Figure 7 shows the moment at which the weft yarn is cut Figure 5 The weft insertion area.

[0040] Figure 8 It shows that Figure 1 Components of a weaving machine with a device for selecting and delivering weft threads, shown in , wherein the device is offset along the weaving machine frame.

[0041] Fig. 9 Parts of a weaving machine with an alternative embodiment of the device for selecting and delivering weft yarns are shown.

[0042] Fig.10 Components of a further embodiment of a device for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to an insertion element are shown in an exploded view, the device comprising a support arm and a light source mounted to the support arm. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 Components of the weaving machine 100 are shown in a perspective view, in particular a crossbar 101 of the weaving machine 100 , an introduction element 103 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a gripper mounted on a rapier, and a device 1 for selecting a weft thread 33 and delivering the weft thread 33 to the introduction element 103 . Figure 1 The device 1 shown in the figure comprises a holding plate 2, a support arm 102 for mounting the holding plate 2 to the weaving machine 100, more particularly to the crossbeam 101, and a light source 16, which in the embodiment shown is mounted to the holding plate 2. In the embodiment, the central axis of the light beam emitted from the light source 16 towards the weft insertion zone is a vertical axis. The light beam is directed to the weft insertion zone by Figure 1 The direction indicated by the arrow A.

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of the device 1 for selecting and delivering a weft thread 33 is shown without the support arm 102, wherein Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , the light source 16 is shown in a removed state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Detail of the invention, wherein the light source 16 is in the installed state.

[0045] like Figure 1 , the holding plate 2 is mounted to the crossbeam 101 of the weaving machine 100 by a support arm 102 via a support 106. Other units can be mounted on the support 106, such as a holder 107 for holding a temple (not shown). Furthermore, a guide 108 (e.g. a rapier guide) for the introduction element 103 and a cutter 109 are shown.

[0046] Figures 1 to 3 The device 1 shown in the embodiment comprises a holding plate 2 and several weft feeder elements 4 mounted to the holding plate 2 so as to be movable between a rest position and a delivery position. In the embodiment shown, eight weft feeder elements 4 are mounted to the holding plate 2. However, in other embodiments, more or less than eight weft feeder elements 4 are provided. Figure 1 In the exemplary representation of FIG. 1 , the seven weft feeder elements 4 of the device 1 are arranged in a stationary position and from Figure 1 Seen on the right side of FIG. 4 , the fourth weft feeder element 4 is arranged in the delivery position.

[0047] Each weft feeder element 4 has a weft guide 5 at its distal end, into which the weft yarn 33 can be threaded in use. When threaded into the weft guide 5, the weft yarn 33 extends between the associated weft guide 5 and a point 46 close to the fabric (not shown).

[0048] For the movement of the weft feeder elements 4 between the rest position and the delivery position, in the embodiment shown, each weft feeder element 4 is connected via an associated drive mechanism 6 to an associated drive motor 8 (in Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the drive mechanism 6 is an eccentric drive mechanism and includes a crank 7. Figure 2 As shown in , each crank 7 can move in an associated gap 51 in the retaining plate 2 , which is delimited by two end stops 52 and 53 that limit the movement of the crank 7 .

[0049] The assembly comprising one weft feeder element 4 and the associated drive mechanism 6, the associated drive motor 8 and the associated guide structure 9 is also referred to as weft feeder module 3. In the embodiment shown, the weft feeder modules 3 are attached to the holding plate 2 in a staggered arrangement.

[0050] The device 1 comprises a cable connection 49 for supplying power to the light source 16 and the weft feeder module 3. The cable connection 49 can be connected to a control unit 70 (at Figure 1 Schematically shown in ), such as a control unit of the loom and / or an additional control unit (not shown) equipped with the device 1. In addition, in the embodiment shown, a button 34 is provided, which is used in the embodiment to turn the light source 16 on and off, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0051] The area including the area in which the weft guide 5 of the weft feeder element 4 is arranged when the weft feeder element 4 is moved into the delivery position, and also including the area in which the weft yarn 33 delivered by the weft feeder element 4 is received by the introduction element 103 (especially the yarn gripper) is called the delivery zone. The area in which the weft yarn 33 received by the introduction element 103 is cut off from the fabric, especially the area in which the weft yarn 33 received by the introduction element 103 is cut off between the introduction element 103 and the point 46 near the fabric, is called the cutting zone. The weft insertion zone is defined as the area including the delivery zone and the cutting zone.

[0052] The device 1 further comprises a support arm 102 for mounting the holding plate 2 to the crossbar 101. In the embodiment shown, an L-shaped support arm 102 is provided, wherein the support arm 102 has a first portion 104 extending upwardly from the crossbar 101 of the loom 100 and a second portion 105 extending transversely to the first portion 104 (in Figure 1 The retaining plate 2 is mounted to the second portion 105. Although in the embodiment shown the first portion 104 is inclined relative to the vertical axis, this portion still has a main extension direction in the vertical direction and is also referred to as the vertical portion. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the device 1 is provided with a covering element 15 which covers the second part 105 and an upper region of the holding plate 2 , where the holding plate 2 is mounted to the second part 105 .

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the device 1 is mounted to a loom 100 so that Figure 1 In the drawing plane, the right side of the device 1 is closer to the fabric ( Figure 1 ), and wherein the introduction element 103 in the drawing plane moves from left to right for introducing the weft thread 33. The side of the device 1 closer to the fabric is referred to as the "fabric side" of the device 1.

[0054] The light source 16 is mounted to the device 1 such that when switched on, the light source 16 illuminates the weft insertion area.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the light source 16 is mounted on the fabric side of the device 1, wherein the light source 16 is mounted near a weft feeder element 4 which, in use, is arranged closest to the fabric (the fabric approaches point 46, but is not shown in the drawing), such that the light source 16 is arranged between the weft feeder element 4 and the fabric.

[0056] As in Figure 2 and 3As best seen in the figure, in the illustrated embodiment, the light source 16 is enclosed in a housing 60 integrally formed with the protrusion 43. The light source 16 is mounted to the retaining plate 2 via the protrusion 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 16 is mounted to the retaining plate 2 using two screws 61 extending through two through holes 62 provided in the retaining plate 2. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment shown, the holding plate 2 is provided with three through holes 62, so that the light source 16 can be mounted in two different positions of the holding plate 2 by means of two screws 61 cooperating with two of the through holes 62. At the housing 60, a button 63 (see Figure 2 ), the button 63 can be used in addition to or instead of the button 34 to turn on or off the light source 16.

[0057] The light source 16 is arranged above the yarn feeding area for illuminating the yarn feeding area. In the embodiment shown, the light source 16 is arranged so that the light beam emitted from the light source 16 reaches the yarn feeding area without passing through any weft feeder element 4 arranged in the static position and / or without passing through the holding plate 2, so that neither the weft feeder element 4 nor the holding plate 2 causes a shadow to be cast in the yarn feeding area.

[0058] In an embodiment, the light source 16 is a stroboscopic light source and / or is selectively operable in either a stroboscopic mode, wherein the stroboscopic light source 16 produces flashing lights, or a continuous mode, wherein non-flashing lights are produced.

[0059] In one embodiment, to turn on the light source 16 or switch the light source 16 into a strobe mode, the button 34 on the retaining plate and / or the button 63 on the housing 60 of the light source 16 is pressed.

[0060] In one embodiment, the button 34 on the retaining plate and / or the button 63 on the housing 60 of the light source 16 also serves as a user interface for communicating with a control unit 70 that is configured to control the operation of the light source 16 .

[0061] For example, in an embodiment, different operating modes of the light source 16 can be selected depending on the duration of pressing the buttons 34, 63 and / or the mode for pressing the buttons 34, 63. In particular, in one embodiment, the light source 16 is activated or activated in strobe mode by keeping the buttons 34, 63 pressed for a defined longer period of time, such as (but not limited to) at least five seconds, while the loom is running. When the light source 16 is activated or switched to strobe mode, the light source 16 is flashed, the flash frequency of which is the same as the weaving frequency or an even multiple of the weaving frequency, and is at a defined moment or angle in the weaving cycle. For example, in one embodiment, the light source 16 flashes at a defined moment or angle at which the weft yarn must be delivered.

[0062] In one embodiment, the button 34 and / or the button 63 can also be used to change the flash frequency and / or the moment or angle in the weaving cycle at which the flash is generated. For example, in one embodiment, after a short press of the button 34 and / or the button 63, the light source 16 flashes when the weft yarn 33 must be taken away by the introduction element 103 (in particular the yarn gripper). After a further short press of the button 34 and / or the button 63, the light source 16 flashes when the weft yarn 33 must be cut by the weft yarn cutter 109.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, when the light source 16 has been turned on or turned into strobe mode, keeping the button 34, 63 pressed again for a longer period of time causes a shift in the angle or time in the weaving cycle when the flash is generated. For example, in one embodiment, the change in angle or time in the weaving cycle depends on the duration that the button 34, 63 is kept pressed.

[0064] In one embodiment, the light source 16 is turned off or switched to continuous mode after a defined period of time in which the operator has not taken any action. Thus, it is avoided that the weft insertion area is continuously illuminated by the stroboscopic light source 16 in the stroboscopic mode, giving the operator the illusion that the moving parts of the loom are stationary.

[0065] Figures 5 to 7 Shown by Figures 1 to 4 The light source 16 of the device 1 illuminates the weft insertion zone from above: at a first moment, wherein the weft yarn 33 is delivered to the introduction element 103 (in particular, a yarn clamp); at a second moment, wherein the previously delivered weft yarn 33 is received by the introduction element 103 (in particular, a yarn clamp); and at a third moment, wherein the weft yarn 33 is received by the introduction element 103 (in particular, a yarn clamp) and is cut off from the fabric (not shown).

[0066] like Figure 5 In order to deliver the selected weft thread 33 to the insertion element 103 (in particular to the gripper), the associated weft feeder element 4 (in Figure 5 In the exemplary representation of FIG. 1 , the fourth weft feeder element 4 (see right) is driven to move into the delivery position so that the weft thread 33 extending between the point 46 close to the fabric and the weft feeder element 4 is located in the path of the introduction element 103 and when the introduction element 103 is directed towards the shed (i.e. towards the Figure 5 The right side in the drawing plane) can be received by the introduction element 103 when it moves.

[0067] Illuminating the weft insertion zone with a strobe light allows visual inspection of the performance of the weft feeder element 4. In particular, it can be observed whether the weft feeder element 4 is in the delivery position at the desired instant, i.e. at the desired angle or time in the weaving cycle.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in order to receive the delivered weft yarn 33, the introduction element 103 (in particular the yarn gripper) is moved toward the shed (i.e. toward the Figure 6 to the right in the drawing plane.

[0069] Lighting up the weft insertion zone with a strobe light allows visual inspection of the reception of the weft yarn 33 by the introduction element 103 moving at high speed. In particular, it is possible to visually inspect at which position the weft yarn 33 is actually received. In addition, it is possible to visually inspect whether reception occurs in an expected manner. In particular, it can be observed whether the introduction element 103 reliably takes out the delivered weft yarn 33 from the weft feeder element 4. After the weft yarn 33 has been received by the introduction element 103, it is also possible to observe when the weft feeder element 4 moves from the delivery position toward the intermediate position between the delivery position and the static position.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , in order to cut the weft thread 33 received by the insertion element 103 , the weft thread 33 is moved into the weft thread cutter 109 .

[0071] Illuminating the weft insertion zone with a strobe light allows visual inspection of the cutting of the weft thread 33 by the insertion element 103, wherein in particular the cutting moment, ie the instant or moment in which the weft thread 33 is severed from the fabric for insertion, is inspected.

[0072] Figure 8 It shows that Figure 1 Components of a weaving machine 100 of a device 1 for selecting and delivering a weft thread 33 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 , the device 1 is offset along the braided frame, in particular along the crossbeam 101 together with the support 106 .

[0073] When the light source 16 is arranged on the device 1 , the light source 16 is offset together with the device 1 and allows illuminating the yarn feeding area without any additional arrangement of the light source 16 being required.

[0074] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the components of a loom 100, in particular; a crossbeam 101 of the loom 100; an introduction element 103, which is Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in , there is also a gripper mounted on a rapier; and a second embodiment of the device 1 for selecting a weft thread 33 and delivering the weft thread 33 to an insertion element 103.

[0075] Fig. 9 The device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is similar to Figure 1 The device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 and for identical or similar elements, the same reference numerals will be used. Fig. 9The device 1 further comprises a holding plate 2 , a support arm 102 for mounting the holding plate 2 to the weaving machine 100 (more specifically, to the crossbeam 101 ), and a light source 16 .

[0076] and Figure 1 Compared with the device 1 shown in Fig. 9 The device 1 comprises four instead of eight weft feeder elements 4, which are mounted to the holding plate 2. By comparison Figure 1 and Fig. 9 It will be appreciated that the inclination angle between the retaining plate 2 and the introduction direction (i.e. the movement direction of the introduction element 103) is Fig. 9 The device 1 is greater than for Figure 1 However, the side of the device 1 and the holding plate 2 which is closer to the fabric than the opposite side is still referred to as the fabric side. The light source 16 is arranged on the fabric side. Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in , the device 1 comprises a camera 11. The camera 11 in the embodiment shown is arranged on the fabric side of the device 1 and above the light source 16. More specifically, the camera 11 is mounted to the second portion 105 of the support arm 102, close to the covering element 15 covering the second portion 105 of the support arm 102 and the upper area of ​​the holding plate 2.

[0077] exist Figure 1 and Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the light source 16 is mounted to the holding plate 2 .

[0078] Fig.10 Components of a further embodiment of a device 1 for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to an insertion element are shown in an exploded state, the device 1 comprising a support arm 102 and a light source 16 to be mounted to the support arm 102 . Fig.10 The support arm 102 shown in FIG. 1 is similar in design to Figure 1 The support arm 102 shown in FIG. The support arm 102 includes a first portion 104 that extends upward and can be mounted to the crossbeam 101 of the loom via a support member 106 (see FIG. Figure 1 ). The support arm 102 further comprises a second portion 105 extending transversely to the first portion 104. The light source 16 is mounted to the second portion 105 of the support arm 102 such that the first portion 104 and the light source 16 are arranged on opposite sides of the device 1. In an embodiment, the retaining plate 2 (see Figure 2 ) is attached to the second portion 105 of the support arm 102.

[0079] In addition to the light source 16 according to the invention, the loom may include one or more additional light sources mounted to the loom. For example, the light source may be arranged above the fabric or on the opposite side of the fabric where the gripper releases the weft yarn. The additional light source may also be operable in a strobe mode or in a continuous mode.

Claims

1. A device for selecting a weft thread and delivering it to an insertion element of a weaving machine, the device (1) comprising a weft thread feeder element (4), wherein the weft thread feeder element (4) is mounted so as to be movable between a rest position and a delivery position, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a light source (16) which is configured and arranged to illuminate the weft insertion zone from above.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The light source (16) is arranged so that a central axis of a light beam emitted from the light source (16) toward the weft insertion zone is a vertical axis.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A light source (16) is mounted on the fabric side of the device (1).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a support arm (102) having an upwardly extending first portion (104) for mounting the device (1) to a loom (100), wherein the first portion (104) and the light source (16) are arranged on opposite sides of the device (1).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that The device (1) comprises a holding plate (2), wherein a weft feeder element (4) is mounted to the holding plate (2), and the holding plate (2) is mounted to a support arm (102), and wherein a first portion (104) and a light source (16) are arranged on opposite sides of the holding plate (2), wherein in particular, the support arm (102) is L-shaped, having a first portion (104) and a second portion (105) extending transversely to the first portion (104), wherein the holding plate (2) is mounted to the second portion (105) of the support arm (102).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The device (1) comprises several weft feeder elements (4) arranged side by side on a holding plate (2) in the direction of introduction, wherein a light source (16) is mounted to the holding plate (2) adjacent to and downstream of the last weft feeder element (4) in the direction of introduction.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The light source (16) is arranged between 10 cm and 30 cm above the weft insertion zone.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The light source (16) is a stroboscopic light source configured to produce a flash of light.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The light source (16) is selectively operable in a strobe mode in which the light source (16) produces flashes of light or in a continuous mode.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The flashing frequency of the stroboscopic light source (16) is suitable for the weaving frequency of the loom, wherein the flashing frequency can be selectively set to be the same as the weaving frequency, an even multiple of the weaving frequency, or a non-integer multiple of the weaving frequency.

11. The device according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that The stroboscopic light source (16) includes a plurality of LEDs.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The device comprises a camera, wherein in particular the camera (11) is attached to a holding plate (2).

13. An assembly comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a control unit (70) configured for controlling the operation of a light source (16).

14. A weaving machine comprising an introduction element (103), in particular a yarn gripper, and a device (1) for selecting a weft yarn and delivering the weft yarn to the introduction element (103) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or an assembly according to claim 13.

15. The loom according to claim 14, characterized in that The device (1) is detachably mounted to a crossbeam (101) of a weaving machine via a support arm (102), wherein in particular the support arm (102) has a first portion (104) extending upward from the crossbeam (101) and a second portion (105) extending transversely to the first portion (104).

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