Air jet loom

Abstract

An air jet loom is provided. The air-jet loom includes: a weft insertion device that repeats a weft insertion operation of moving a weft yarn by air jet from a main nozzle and a plurality of sub-nozzles and inserting the weft yarn into a warp yarn opening; and a control device that controls air injection from the main nozzle and the plurality of sub-nozzles. The plurality of auxiliary nozzles are arranged in the weft insertion direction. In each weft insertion operation, the control device performs relay control in which the plurality of sub-nozzles sequentially perform air injection in such a manner that air injection is performed earlier than the sub-nozzle located on the upstream side in the weft insertion direction. The air jet loom is provided with more than one auxiliary nozzle for spraying air in a mode of applying traction force in the weft insertion direction to the weft yarn in the knitting width. In each weft insertion operation, the control device can execute relay control, and also can execute auxiliary control of air injection from more than one auxiliary nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air jet loom. Background Art

[0002] The air jet loom described in the Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-500914 is provided with a weft insertion device and a control device. The weft insertion device repeatedly performs a weft insertion operation of inserting the weft yarn into the warp opening by using air jets from a main nozzle and a plurality of sub-nozzles to make the weft yarn run. The direction in which the weft yarn runs when the weft yarn is inserted into the warp opening is used as the weft insertion direction. The plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged in the weft insertion direction. The control device controls the air jets from the main nozzle and the plurality of sub-nozzles.

[0003] In the air jet loom described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-108345, in one weft insertion operation, the control device makes the plurality of sub-nozzles perform air injection in sequence in such a manner that the sub-nozzles located on the upstream side in the weft insertion direction inject air first. In addition, the control device makes one of the plurality of sub-nozzles inject air simultaneously with the sub-nozzle located on the most downstream side in the weft insertion direction. That is, one of the plurality of sub-nozzles injects air twice in one weft insertion operation.

[0004] When the weft yarn is inserted, if the running speed of the weft yarn is slowed down, the time when the end of the weft yarn reaches the final arrival position is later than the original time. In this case, there is a possibility that the warp yarn opening is closed before the weft yarn reaches the final arrival position, and thus the loom stops due to poor feeding of the weft yarn. In addition, there is a case where the weft yarn is relaxed on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction after the end of the weft yarn reaches the final arrival position. If the warp yarn opening is closed in a state where the weft yarn is relaxed, that is, in a state where the weft yarn is not completely straightened, there is a possibility that a striped pattern will appear on the fabric, and the fabric will become unqualified. Therefore, it is preferable to assist the weft insertion action by making the weft yarn run faster or suppressing the relaxation of the weft yarn.

[0005] As an example of a method of assisting the weft insertion operation, it is possible to consider lengthening the air injection time of one or more sub-nozzles. However, there is a case where, in order to improve the weft conveying force, the air injection time of the sub-nozzles is set to be longer, it is difficult to further lengthen the air injection time. As another example of a method of assisting the weft insertion operation, it is possible to consider increasing the number of air injections of one or more sub-nozzles. However, in this case, the number of operations of the valve that switches between the injection and stop of the air from the sub-nozzles increases, thereby shortening the life of the valve. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, an air jet loom includes: a weft insertion device configured to unwind the weft yarn wound on the storage drum by retreating the weft yarn stop pin, and configured to repeatedly perform a weft insertion action in which the unwound weft yarn is run in the reed passage of the reed and inserted into the warp opening by air jets from a main nozzle and a plurality of sub-nozzles; and a control device configured to control the air jets from the main nozzle and the plurality of sub-nozzles. The direction in which the weft yarn runs when the weft yarn is inserted into the warp opening is the weft insertion direction. The plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged in the weft insertion direction. The control device is configured to perform relay control in each weft insertion action, and the relay control causes the plurality of sub-nozzles to perform air jets in sequence in such a manner that the sub-nozzles located closer to the upstream side of the weft insertion direction perform air jets earlier. The air jet loom is provided with one or more auxiliary nozzles configured to eject air in a manner to impart a traction force in the weft insertion direction to the weft yarn within a weaving width, and the sub-main nozzle is independent of the plurality of auxiliary nozzles. The air ejection of the one or more auxiliary nozzles is controlled by the control device. The control device is configured to execute auxiliary control of air ejection from the one or more auxiliary nozzles in addition to the relay control in each weft insertion operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram which shows the air jet loom of 1st Embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of an air jet loom.

[0009] Figure 3A Yes means Figure 1 The timing diagram of the opening and closing time points of the main valve and auxiliary valve of the air jet loom.

[0010] Figure 3B Yes means Figure 1 The timing diagram of the opening and closing time points of the auxiliary valve of the air jet loom.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing an air jet loom according to a second embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5A Yes means Figure 4 The timing diagram of the opening and closing time points of the main valve, auxiliary valve and stretch valve of the air jet loom.

[0013] Figure 5B Yes means Figure 4 The timing diagram of the opening and closing time points of the auxiliary valve of the air jet loom.

[0014] Fig. 6A1 is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timings of the main valve and the sub-valve according to the modification example.

[0015] Figure 6B 1 is a timing chart showing the opening and closing timings of the auxiliary valve according to the modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] [First embodiment]

[0017] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction in which the weft yarn Y travels when inserting the weft yarn Y into the warp opening is referred to as the weft insertion direction X.

[0018] <Air jet loom>

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the air jet loom 1 includes a weft insertion device 10, one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b, a final arrival time detection sensor 40, a balloon sensor 19, a state detection sensor 45, an intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41, and a control device 16. The air jet loom 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (specifically, three) auxiliary nozzles 15b. The balloon sensor 19 of this embodiment corresponds to a weft yarn detection unit.

[0020] <Weft insertion device>

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the weft insertion device 10 includes a weft insertion nozzle 11, a yarn supplying section 12, a weft length measuring and accumulating device 13, a reed 14, a plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, a brake 23, and a control device 16.

[0022] The yarn feeding section 12 is arranged on the upstream side of the weft insertion nozzle 11 in the weft insertion direction X. The weft yarn Y of the yarn feeding section 12 is drawn out by the rotation of the winding arm (not shown) of the weft length measuring and accumulating device 13, and the weft yarn Y is accumulated in a state of being wound around the accumulating drum 17. The weft insertion nozzle 11 includes a tandem nozzle 21 for drawing out the weft yarn Y from the accumulating drum 17, and a main nozzle 22 for inserting the weft yarn Y into the reed inner passage 14a of the reed 14. The tandem nozzle 21, the brake 23, the weft length measuring and accumulating device 13, and the yarn feeding section 12 are fixed to, for example, a mounting member such as a frame (not shown) of the air jet loom 1 or a bracket installed on the ground.

[0023] like Figure 2 As shown, the main nozzle 22 , the plurality of sub-nozzles 15 a , the reed 14 , and the three auxiliary nozzles 15 b are disposed on the reed base 24 . Figure 2In the figure, only one of the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and one of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are shown. The main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, the three auxiliary nozzles 15b and the reed 14 are integrated with the sley 24 and reciprocate in the front-back direction of the air jet loom 1. Each sub-nozzle 15a and each auxiliary nozzle 15b are fixed to the sley 24 via a support block 25. The plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are located within the weaving width TL (refer to Figure 1 Each sub-nozzle 15a and each auxiliary nozzle 15b can move in and out of the warp opening from between the rows of warp yarns T within the weaving width TL as the sley 24 swings.

[0024] The reed 14 is configured such that dents 14c having guide recesses 14b are provided in a plurality of rows along the weft insertion direction X. The reed internal passage 14a is formed by the guide recesses 14b of the plurality of dents 14c.

[0025] A cutting device (not shown) for cutting the weft yarn Y is arranged between the main nozzle 22 and the reed passage 14a. Therefore, when the auxiliary nozzle 15b is arranged outside the weaving width TL, for example, between the main nozzle 22 and the reed passage 14a, the main nozzle 22 has to be moved away from the reed passage 14a in order to ensure a space for arranging the auxiliary nozzle 15b. If the distance between the main nozzle 22 and the reed passage 14a increases, the air consumption of the main nozzle 22 has to be increased. However, in the present invention, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is arranged within the weaving width TL, so it is not necessary to move the main nozzle 22 away from the reed passage 14a.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the weft length measuring and accumulating device 13 includes a weft clamping pin 18. The weft clamping pin 18 is disposed around the accumulating drum 17. The weft clamping pin 18 is electrically connected to the control device 16.

[0027] The weft insertion device 10 unwinds the weft yarn Y wound on the storage drum 17 by retreating the weft yarn clamping pin 18. Specifically, when the rotation angle of the air jet loom 1 reaches a preset angle, the weft yarn clamping pin 18 retreats, thereby unwinding the weft yarn Y stored in the storage drum 17. The time when the weft yarn clamping pin 18 unwinds the weft yarn Y is the weft insertion start time.

[0028] The control device 16 returns the position of the weft clamping pin 18 to the position before the weft Y is unwound. The weft clamping pin 18 is clamped to the weft Y unwound from the storage drum 17 to complete the weft insertion. The timing at which the weft clamping pin 18 is clamped to the weft Y is set according to the number of winding turns required to store the weft Y of a length corresponding to the weaving width TL in the storage drum 17.

[0029] The brake 23 is arranged on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X relative to the storage drum 17. The brake 23 brakes the weft yarn Y that is traveling before the weft insertion of the weft yarn Y is completed. The brake 23 brakes the weft yarn Y that is traveling at a high speed to reduce the traveling speed of the weft yarn Y. As a result, the traveling speed of the weft yarn Y is reduced before the weft yarn clamping pin 18 is clamped on the weft yarn Y. As a result, when the weft yarn clamping pin 18 is clamped on the weft yarn Y, the impact acting on the weft yarn Y is reduced. At the moment when the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw as the weft insertion terminal, the weft yarn clamping pin 18 is clamped on the weft yarn Y.

[0030] The main nozzle 22 is connected to a main valve 22v via a pipe 22a. The main valve 22v is connected to a main air tank 26 via a pipe 22b. The tandem nozzle 21 is connected to a tandem valve 21v via a pipe 21a. The tandem valve 21v is connected to a main air tank 26 shared with the main valve 22v via a pipe 21b. Alternatively, the tandem valve 21v may be connected to an air tank different from the main air tank 26. The main air tank 26 is connected to an air compressor 31 provided in a textile factory. The main air tank 26 stores compressed air supplied from the air compressor 31.

[0031] When the main valve 22v is in the open state, the main nozzle 22 sprays compressed air. When the main valve 22v is in the closed state, the main nozzle 22 does not spray compressed air. The spraying and stopping of compressed air from the main nozzle 22 are switched by opening and closing the main valve 22v. When the tandem valve 21v is in the open state, the tandem nozzle 21 sprays compressed air. When the tandem valve 21v is in the closed state, the tandem nozzle 21 does not spray compressed air. The spraying and stopping of compressed air from the tandem nozzle 21 are switched by opening and closing the tandem valve 21v.

[0032] The plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are arranged along the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. Figure 1 In the figure, for convenience, each sub-nozzle 15a is represented by a white rectangle, and each auxiliary nozzle 15b is represented by a black rectangle. The multiple sub-nozzles 15a are divided into 9 nozzle groups, for example. Each nozzle group has two adjacent sub-nozzles 15a. In the following description, for the 9 nozzle groups, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X, they are set as the 1st nozzle group, the 2nd nozzle group, the 3rd nozzle group, the 4th nozzle group, the 5th nozzle group, the 6th nozzle group, the 7th nozzle group, the 8th nozzle group, and the 9th nozzle group. The three auxiliary nozzles 15b include the 1st auxiliary nozzle, the 2nd auxiliary nozzle and the 3rd auxiliary nozzle. The 1st auxiliary nozzle is arranged between the two sub-nozzles 15a of the 1st nozzle group. The 2nd auxiliary nozzle is arranged between the 1st nozzle group and the 2nd nozzle group. The 3rd auxiliary nozzle is arranged between the two sub-nozzles 15a of the 2nd nozzle group.

[0033] The auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. "The upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL" refers to the area TLa from the center TLc of the weaving width TL to the fabric end TLe on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X. In the present embodiment, each auxiliary nozzle 15b is arranged between the four auxiliary nozzles 15a located on the most upstream side among all the auxiliary nozzles 15a arranged along the weft insertion direction X. Therefore, three groups of groups each having one auxiliary nozzle 15a and one auxiliary nozzle 15b arranged in sequence from the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X are provided. The area on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X than these groups is entirely composed of the auxiliary nozzles 15a. In the air jet loom 1 of the present embodiment, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located only on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL.

[0034] One auxiliary valve 32a is connected to each of the first to ninth nozzle groups. Therefore, the weft insertion device 10 includes nine auxiliary valves 32a. One auxiliary valve 32b is connected to each of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b. Therefore, the weft insertion device 10 includes one auxiliary valve 32b. Figure 1 In the figure, for convenience, each auxiliary valve 32a is represented by a white rectangle, and each auxiliary valve 32b is represented by a black rectangle.

[0035] In each of the first to ninth nozzle groups, two sub-nozzles 15a are connected to a common sub-valve 32a via corresponding sub-pipes 33a. Therefore, the weft insertion device 10 includes 18 sub-pipes 33a. Three auxiliary nozzles 15b are connected to a common auxiliary valve 32b via corresponding auxiliary pipes 33b. Therefore, the weft insertion device 10 includes three auxiliary pipes 33b. The auxiliary valve 32a and the auxiliary valve 32b are connected to a common auxiliary air tank 34. Alternatively, the auxiliary valve 32b may be connected to an air tank different from the auxiliary air tank 34.

[0036] When the sub-valve 32a is in the open state, the sub-nozzle 15a injects air. The sub-nozzle 15a injects air so as to give a pulling force in the weft insertion direction X to the weft yarn Y. When the sub-valve 32a is in the closed state, the sub-nozzle 15a does not inject air. The injection and stop of the air from the sub-nozzle 15a are switched by opening and closing the sub-valve 32a.

[0037] When the auxiliary valve 32b is in the open state, the auxiliary nozzle 15b ejects air. The auxiliary nozzle 15b ejects air in a manner that gives a traction force in the weft insertion direction X to the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the air jet loom 1 includes the auxiliary nozzle 15b that ejects air in a manner that gives a traction force in the weft insertion direction X to the weft yarn Y, and the auxiliary nozzle 15b is independent of the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a. When the auxiliary valve 32b is in the closed state, the auxiliary nozzle 15b does not eject air. The ejection and stop of the air from the auxiliary nozzle 15b are switched by opening and closing the auxiliary valve 32b.

[0038] The main valve 22v, the tandem valve 21v, the plurality of sub-valves 32a, and the three auxiliary valves 32b are electrically connected to the control device 16. The control device 16 controls the operation of the main valve 22v, the plurality of sub-valves 32a, and the three auxiliary valves 32b, thereby generating air injection from the main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, and the three auxiliary nozzles 15b. Therefore, the control device 16 controls the air injection from the main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, and the three auxiliary nozzles 15b.

[0039] The weft yarn Y is inserted into the warp opening through the reed internal passage 14a by air jets from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a. The weft insertion device 10 performs the following weft insertion operation: the unwound weft yarn Y is caused to travel through the reed internal passage 14a of the reed 14 by air jets from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and is inserted into the warp opening. The weft insertion device 10 repeatedly performs such a weft insertion operation.

[0040] Specifically, when the weft yarn Y is inserted, the control device 16 outputs an operation command signal to the main valve 22v and the tandem valve 21v. In addition, when the weft yarn Y is inserted, the control device 16 outputs an operation command signal to each sub-valve 32a. In this way, the weft yarn Y receives the compressed air from the injection point of the main nozzle 22 and starts to travel, and after the weft travel starts, it receives the compressed air injected from the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and travels until it finally reaches the position Pw.

[0041] <Various sensors>

[0042] The final arrival time detection sensor 40 is arranged at a position facing the area on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X of the reed internal passage 14a. The final arrival time detection sensor 40 is arranged outside the weaving width TL. The final arrival time detection sensor 40 is arranged so that the end position of the weft yarn Y having a length equivalent to the weft yarn storage length of n turns of the storage drum 17 becomes the detection position of the final arrival time detection sensor 40 when the weft yarn Y is normally inserted. The final arrival time detection sensor 40 is electrically connected to the control device 16. If the final arrival time detection sensor 40 detects the end of the weft yarn Y, it outputs a weft yarn detection signal. The weft yarn detection signal is an arrival signal indicating that the weft yarn Y has reached the final arrival position Pw. Based on the weft yarn detection signal output by the final arrival time detection sensor 40, the control device 16 recognizes the final arrival time Tw when the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the detection position of the final arrival time detection sensor 40. Therefore, the final arrival timing detection sensor 40 detects the final arrival timing Tw when the end of the inserted weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. The final arrival timing detection sensor 40 outputs a weft yarn detection signal to the control device 16 for allowing the control device 16 to recognize the final arrival timing Tw.

[0043] The balloon sensor 19 detects the weft Y unwound from the storage drum 17. Therefore, the balloon sensor 19 as a weft detection unit detects information related to the weft Y before reaching the final arrival position Pw. The balloon sensor 19 is included in the weft length measuring and storage device 13. The balloon sensor 19 is arranged around the storage drum 17. The balloon sensor 19 is electrically connected to the control device 16.

[0044] When the balloon sensor 19 detects the weft yarn Y unwound from the storage drum 17, it outputs a weft yarn unwinding signal to the control device 16. When the control device 16 receives the preset n-time weft yarn unwinding signal, it returns the position of the weft yarn clamping pin 18 to the position before the weft yarn Y is unwound. As a result, the weft yarn clamping pin 18 is clamped to the weft yarn Y unwound from the storage drum 17, and the weft insertion is completed.

[0045] The state detection sensor 45 detects the state of the weft yarn Y supplied from the yarn feeding section 12. The state detection sensor 45 is located between the yarn feeding section 12 and the storage drum 17 in the weft insertion direction X. That is, the state detection sensor 45 is located on the upstream side of the storage drum 17 in the weft insertion direction X. In contrast, the weft yarn Y is on the downstream side of the storage drum 17 in the weft insertion direction X and is inserted into the warp opening. Therefore, the state detection sensor 45 detects the state of the weft yarn Y before the weft insertion. In other words, the state detection sensor 45 detects information related to the running of the weft yarn Y before reaching the final arrival position Pw.

[0046] The state of the weft yarn Y detected by the state detection sensor 45 is at least one yarn parameter selected from yarn quality, yarn diameter, yarn density, yarn surface structure, yarn fuzziness, and yarn material. The state of the weft yarn Y can affect the running of the weft yarn Y when the weft yarn Y is run by jetting air to insert the weft.

[0047] The state detection sensor 45 is electrically connected to the control device 16. When the state detection sensor 45 detects the state of the weft yarn Y before weft insertion, it outputs a state detection signal to the control device 16. The control device 16 recognizes the state of the weft yarn Y based on the state detection signal.

[0048] The intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 is arranged at a position facing the reed internal passage 14a within the weaving width TL on the upstream side of the final arrival time detection sensor 40 in the weft insertion direction X. The intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 of the present embodiment is arranged on the upstream side of the center TLc of the weaving width TL in the weft insertion direction X. The intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 is arranged so that, in a state where the weft yarn Y has been inserted, the end position of the weft yarn Y having a length shorter than the weft yarn storage length of n turns of the storage drum 17 becomes the detection position of the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41. Therefore, the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 detects information related to the running of the weft yarn Y before reaching the final arrival position Pw.

[0049] The intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 is electrically connected to the control device 16. The intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 outputs a weft detection signal when detecting the end of the weft yarn Y. Based on the weft detection signal output by the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41, the control device 16 recognizes the intermediate arrival time Ti when the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the detection position of the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41. Therefore, the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 detects the intermediate arrival time Ti when the end of the weft yarn Y to be inserted reaches the predetermined position Pi on the upstream side of the final arrival position Pw in the weft insertion direction X.

[0050] <Details of control device>

[0051] The control device 16 has a processor and a storage unit which are not shown in the figure. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The storage unit includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit stores program codes or instructions configured to enable the processor to perform processing. The storage unit, i.e., a computer-readable medium, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general or special computer. Alternatively, the control device 16 is composed of a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control device 16 as a processing circuit may include one or more processors that act according to a computer program, one or more hardware circuits such as an ASIC or FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0052] <Relay control>

[0053] The control device 16 performs relay control such that the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a sequentially eject air in such a manner that the sub-nozzles 15a located more upstream in the weft insertion direction X eject air earlier in each weft insertion operation. Therefore, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a eject air in relay control.

[0054] In the relay control of the present embodiment, the control device 16 causes each nozzle group to eject air in the order of the first nozzle group, the second nozzle group, the third nozzle group, the fourth nozzle group, the fifth nozzle group, the sixth nozzle group, the seventh nozzle group, the eighth nozzle group, and the ninth nozzle group. For example, the control device 16 starts ejecting air from the two sub-nozzles 15a of the first nozzle group at the same time as the start of ejecting air from the main nozzle 22. Alternatively, the control device 16 may start ejecting air from the two sub-nozzles 15a of the first nozzle group after starting ejecting air from the main nozzle 22.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the control device 16 generates air jets from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a based on the final arrival time Tw, which is the detection result obtained from the final arrival time detection sensor 40. For example, the control device 16 adjusts the yarn running condition C so that the final arrival time Tw, which is the detection result obtained from the final arrival time detection sensor 40, approaches the target value.

[0056] For example, when the final arrival time Tw detected by the final arrival time detection sensor 40 is later than the original time, the control device 16 sets the yarn running condition C to be used next time to increase the yarn running speed so that the final arrival time Tw of the weft insertion of the next weft yarn Y becomes the original time. For example, when the final arrival time Tw detected by the final arrival time detection sensor 40 is earlier than the original time, the control device 16 sets the yarn running condition C to be used next time to decrease the yarn running speed so that the final arrival time Tw of the weft insertion of the next weft yarn Y becomes the original time.

[0057] The storage unit of the control device 16 stores a plurality of conditions in which the timing of air injection from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a are different as yarn running conditions C. The plurality of conditions are conditions in which the yarn running speeds of the weft yarn Y are different from each other and are set in advance based on experiments or the like. Therefore, the control device 16 controls the air injection from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a based on the yarn running conditions C. The control device 16 optimizes the final arrival time Tw of the next weft insertion of the weft yarn Y by setting the yarn running conditions C based on the final arrival time Tw.

[0058] In all the yarn running conditions C stored in the storage unit of the control device 16, the valve opening time of the main nozzle 22 is a predetermined constant time. In all the yarn running conditions C stored in the storage unit of the control device 16, the valve opening time of the sub-nozzle 15a is a predetermined constant time. For at least one of all the yarn running conditions C stored in the storage unit of the control device 16, the valve opening time of the main nozzle 22 may be different from the other yarn running conditions C. In at least one of all the yarn running conditions C stored in the storage unit of the control device 16, the valve opening time of the sub-nozzle 15a may be different from the other yarn running conditions C.

[0059] <Assist control>

[0060] In each weft insertion operation, the control device 16 can perform auxiliary control of spraying air from one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b in addition to the relay control. In the auxiliary control of the present embodiment, the control device 16 sprays air from three auxiliary nozzles 15b. Therefore, the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are nozzles that spray air in the auxiliary control respectively. The auxiliary control is performed to assist the weft insertion operation. The auxiliary control of the present embodiment is performed to speed up the weft yarn Y when the weft yarn Y is delayed in the middle of the weft insertion.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the control device 16 performs delay estimation for estimating the running delay of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the balloon sensor 19 as the weft yarn detection unit. Specifically, the control device 16 determines whether the time when the number of weft unwinding signals input from the balloon sensor 19 becomes a predetermined number of times is later than the predetermined time. Alternatively, the predetermined number of times may be set as the number of times required for the end of the weft yarn Y subjected to weft insertion to reach a predetermined position set to the upstream side of the detection position of the final arrival time detection sensor 40 in the weft insertion direction X. In this case, the predetermined time is set as the time when the end of the weft yarn Y subjected to weft insertion reaches the predetermined position without causing delay. Therefore, the control device 16 estimates whether there is a running delay of the weft yarn Y by determining whether the time when the number of weft unwinding signals input from the balloon sensor 19 becomes the predetermined number of times is later than the predetermined time. The control device 16 estimates that a running delay of the weft Y has occurred when the time when the number of weft unwinding signals input from the balloon sensor 19 reaches a predetermined number of times is later than a predetermined time.

[0062] The control device 16 determines whether to perform auxiliary control based on the result of delay estimation. The control device 16 performs auxiliary control when it is estimated that a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y occurs. That is, the control device 16 generates an air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b when it is estimated that a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y occurs. The control device 16 does not perform auxiliary control when it is estimated that there is no delay in the running of the weft yarn Y. That is, the control device 16 does not generate an air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b when it is estimated that there is no delay in the running of the weft yarn Y. Therefore, during multiple weft insertion operations, when there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y, relay control and auxiliary control are performed, and when there is no delay in the running of the weft yarn Y, auxiliary control is not performed and only relay control is performed.

[0063] Thus, when the weft yarn Y is delayed in running, the control device 16 performs air injection from the auxiliary nozzle 15b in addition to air injection from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a. The time point at which the air injection from the auxiliary nozzle 15b is started based on the auxiliary control may be different from the time point at which the air injection from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a is started based on the relay control.

[0064] [Function of the first embodiment]

[0065] The operation of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0066] Figure 3A This is a timing chart showing an example of the opening and closing timings of the main valve 22v and the plurality of sub-valves 32a in the relay control, that is, the injection timings of the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a. Figure 3B This is a timing chart showing an example of the opening and closing timings of the assist valve 32 b in the assist control, that is, the injection timings of the three assist nozzles 15 b. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The jet timings of the main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, and the three auxiliary nozzles 15b in one weft insertion operation are shown.

[0067] like Figure 3A As shown, line M shows the ejection timing of the main nozzle 22. Lines E1, E2, E3, and E4 respectively show the ejection timings of the first nozzle group, the second nozzle group, the third nozzle group, and the fourth nozzle group. Figure 3A In FIG. 1 , the ejection timings of the 5th to 9th nozzle groups are omitted from the illustration.

[0068] The time point T1 indicates the time point at which the weft Y stored in the storage drum 17 starts to be unwound due to the retreat of the weft stop pin 18. The time point M1 indicates the time point at which the main nozzle 22 starts to spray. The time points E2s, E3s, and E4s indicate the time points at which the sub-nozzles 15a of the second nozzle group, the third nozzle group, and the fourth nozzle group start to spray, respectively. The time point M2 indicates the time point at which the main nozzle 22 stops spraying. The time points E1e, E2e, and E3e indicate the time points at which the sub-nozzles 15a of the first nozzle group, the second nozzle group, and the third nozzle group stop spraying, respectively. The illustration of the time point at which the sub-nozzle 15a of the fourth nozzle group stops spraying is omitted. The line D1 shows an example of the running state of the weft Y.

[0069] like Figure 3B As shown, the time point T2 is the time point at which the control device 16 determines whether the time when the number of weft unwinding signals input from the balloon sensor 19 to the control device 16 reaches the predetermined number of times is later than the predetermined time. That is, the time point T2 is the time point at which the control device 16 estimates the presence or absence of a delay in the running of the weft Y based on the detection result obtained from the balloon sensor 19 as the weft detection unit. At the time point T2, if the time when the number of weft unwinding signals input from the balloon sensor 19 reaches the predetermined number of times is later than the predetermined time, the control device 16 estimates that a delay in the running of the weft Y has occurred. If the control device 16 estimates that a delay in the running of the weft Y has occurred, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control to generate air jets from the auxiliary nozzles 15b. The time point T3 indicates the time point at which the auxiliary valve 32b is opened, that is, the time point at which the jets of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are started. The time point T4 indicates the time point at which the auxiliary valve 32b is closed, that is, the time point at which the jets of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b are stopped.

[0070] In each weft insertion operation, the control device 16 can perform not only relay control but also auxiliary control of jetting air from the auxiliary nozzle 15b. In the present embodiment, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control when it is estimated that the running of the weft yarn Y is delayed. That is, when the running of the weft yarn Y is delayed, the control device 16 performs air jetting from the three auxiliary nozzles 15b based on the auxiliary control in addition to air jetting from the main nozzle 22 and the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a based on the relay control. Therefore, compared with the case where only relay control is performed without auxiliary control, in the case where relay control and auxiliary control are performed, the running speed of the weft yarn Y is increased corresponding to the air jetting from the three auxiliary nozzles 15b acting on the weft yarn Y.

[0071] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0073] (1-1) The air jet loom 1 is provided with one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b that eject air in a manner that provides a traction force in the weft insertion direction X to the weft yarn Y within the weaving width TL separately from the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a. The air ejection from the one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b is controlled by a control device 16. The control device 16 can perform auxiliary control of ejecting air from one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b in each weft insertion operation in addition to the relay control.

[0074] According to this structure, in the auxiliary control, air is ejected by one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b, which are different from the plurality of auxiliary nozzles 15a that eject air in the relay control. Therefore, the weft insertion operation can be assisted without extending the air ejection time obtained by the auxiliary nozzles 15a or increasing the number of air ejections obtained by the auxiliary nozzles 15a.

[0075] (1-2) The control device 16 performs delay estimation to estimate whether there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the balloon sensor 19 as the weft yarn detection unit. The control device 16 performs auxiliary control when it is estimated that there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y. According to this structure, when the control device 16 estimates that there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y, air is ejected from the auxiliary nozzle 15b. Therefore, in the case of a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y, the running of the weft yarn Y is accelerated by the air ejected from the auxiliary nozzle 15b. Therefore, the running of the weft yarn Y can be accelerated without extending the air ejection time obtained by the sub-nozzle 15a or increasing the number of air ejections obtained by the sub-nozzle 15a.

[0076] (1-3) The weft yarn detection section is a balloon sensor 19 that detects the weft yarn Y unwound from the storage drum 17. Therefore, the control device 16 can estimate whether there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y using the balloon sensor 19 required for running the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the control device 16 can estimate whether there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y without increasing the number of components.

[0077] (1-4) The auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. Compared with the case where the auxiliary nozzle 15b ejects air on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL, when the auxiliary nozzle 15b ejects air on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL, the air acts on the weft yarn Y in a wider range, and the auxiliary nozzle 15b has a greater effect of accelerating the running of the weft yarn Y.

[0078] (1-5) In the air jet loom 1, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located only on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. In the air jet loom 1, the change of the weaving width TL is performed on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X based on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X. In the case of changing the weaving width TL, if the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL, it is necessary to perform a position adjustment operation of the auxiliary nozzle 15b according to the weaving width TL. However, if the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located only on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL as in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a position adjustment of the auxiliary nozzle 15b even if the weaving width TL is changed.

[0079] [Second embodiment]

[0080] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Regarding the structure of the air jet loom 1, the description of the parts already described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air jet loom 1 includes a tension applying device 50 for applying tension to the weft yarn Y. The tension applying device 50 includes a stretching nozzle 51. The stretching nozzle 51 is located on the downstream side of the final arrival position Pw in the weft insertion direction X. The stretching nozzle 51 is located on the downstream side of the final arrival timing detection sensor 40 in the weft insertion direction X. The stretching nozzle 51 is disposed on the sley 24. The stretching nozzle 51 is integrated with the sley 24 and can reciprocate in the front-rear direction of the air jet loom 1.

[0082] The stretch nozzle 51 is connected to the stretch valve 52 via the stretch pipe 53. The stretch valve 52 is connected to the stretch air tank 54. When the stretch valve 52 is in the open valve state, the stretch nozzle 51 sprays air. When the stretch valve 52 is in the closed valve state, the stretch nozzle 51 does not spray air. The spraying and stopping of air from the stretch nozzle 51 are switched by opening and closing the stretch valve 52.

[0083] The stretch valve 52 is electrically connected to the control device 16. The control device 16 controls the operation of the stretch valve 52, and generates air jet from the stretch nozzle 51. Therefore, the control device 16 controls the air jet from the stretch nozzle 51. The control device 16 jets air from the stretch nozzle 51 after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. The control device 16 starts the air jet from the stretch nozzle 51 at a time before the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the position of the stretch nozzle 51 in the weft insertion direction X, for example.

[0084] After the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw, the stretching nozzle 51 sprays air to the downstream portion of the weft yarn Y in the weft insertion direction X. Thus, the downstream portion of the weft yarn Y in the weft insertion direction X is stretched by the air sprayed from the stretching nozzle 51, thereby suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y.

[0085] The control device 16 performs relay control in each weft insertion operation. The relay control is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. In each weft insertion operation, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control of ejecting air from the auxiliary nozzle 15b in addition to the relay control. Therefore, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is a nozzle that ejects air in the auxiliary control. The auxiliary control is performed to assist the weft insertion operation. The auxiliary control of this embodiment is performed to suppress the slack of the weft yarn Y on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X after the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. In the present embodiment, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control after the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. That is, the control device 16 sprays air from the auxiliary nozzle 15b after the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. Thus, the auxiliary nozzle 15b sprays air with respect to the portion of the weft yarn Y located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw.

[0087] [Function of the Second Embodiment]

[0088] The operation of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0089] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , lines E5, E6, E7, E8, and E9 respectively represent the ejection timings of the 5th nozzle group, the 6th nozzle group, the 7th nozzle group, the 8th nozzle group, and the 9th nozzle group in relay control. Time point E9e represents the ejection stop timing of the 9th nozzle group. Line S represents the ejection timing of the stretching nozzle 51. Time point Ss represents the opening timing of the stretching valve 52, i.e., the ejection start timing of the stretching nozzle 51.

[0090] Figure 5BIndicates the injection time points of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b in the auxiliary control. As mentioned above, the time point T3 indicates the injection start time point of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b. In the present embodiment, the time point T3 coincides with the time point Ss. That is, at the same time as the stretching nozzle 51 starts air injection, the three auxiliary nozzles 15b start air injection. The time point T4 indicates the injection stop time point of the three auxiliary nozzles 15b. In the present embodiment, the time point T4 coincides with the time point E9e. That is, when the two sub-nozzles 15a of the 9th nozzle group located on the most downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL stop air injection, the three auxiliary nozzles 15b stop air injection.

[0091] In each weft insertion operation, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control of generating air jets from the three auxiliary nozzles 15b in addition to relay control. The control device 16 of this embodiment performs auxiliary control after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. Thus, after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw, the weft yarn Y is stretched in the weft insertion direction X by the air jetted from the three auxiliary nozzles 15b, thereby suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y.

[0092] [Effects of the Second Embodiment]

[0093] According to the above embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0094] (2-1) The auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. The control device 16 performs auxiliary control after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. According to this structure, after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw, the air is ejected from the auxiliary nozzle 15b. Therefore, after the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw, the weft yarn Y is stretched in the weft insertion direction X by the air ejected from the auxiliary nozzle 15b, thereby suppressing the relaxation of the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the relaxation of the weft yarn Y can be suppressed without extending the air ejection time obtained by the auxiliary nozzle 15a or increasing the number of air ejections obtained by the auxiliary nozzle 15a.

[0095] Furthermore, the auxiliary nozzle 15b is located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. Therefore, the auxiliary nozzle 15b can spray air to the portion of the weft yarn Y that is easy to loosen, that is, the portion located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. Therefore, the loosening of the weft yarn Y can be effectively suppressed.

[0096] (2-2) The air jet loom 1 includes a tension applying device 50. The tension applying device 50 includes a stretching nozzle 51 which is arranged downstream of the final arrival position Pw in the weft insertion direction X and performs air jetting on the weft yarn Y. The air jetting of the stretching nozzle 51 is controlled by the control device 16. The control device 16 starts the air jetting from the auxiliary nozzle 15b while starting the air jetting from the stretching nozzle 51.

[0097] According to this structure, the weft Y is stretched simultaneously by both the air ejected from the auxiliary nozzle 15b and the air ejected from the stretching nozzle 51, so it is possible to further suppress the slack of the weft Y. In addition, by aligning the ejection start time point from the auxiliary nozzle 15b with the ejection start time point from other nozzles, it is easy to control the ejection start time point.

[0098] (2-3) The control device 16 stops the air injection from the sub-nozzle 15a located on the most downstream side in the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL, and simultaneously stops the air injection from the auxiliary nozzle 15b.

[0099] According to this structure, after the air jet from the sub-nozzle 15a located at the most downstream side in the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL stops, it is possible to reduce the damage to the weft yarn Y compared to the case where the air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b continues. In addition, by aligning the jet stop timing from the auxiliary nozzle 15b with the jet stop timing from other nozzles, it is easy to control the jet stop timing.

[0100] (2-4) In order to suppress the slack of the weft yarn Y, it is conceivable to lengthen the air injection time of one or more sub-nozzles 15a located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. However, in this case, one or more sub-nozzles 15a located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL continue to inject air from the beginning of weft insertion until the end of the weft yarn Y reaches the final arrival position Pw. Therefore, the amount of air injected by one or more sub-nozzles 15a located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL increases. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL only inject air after the beginning of weft insertion. Therefore, the amount of air injected by the sub-nozzles 15a located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL can be reduced.

[0101] [Change example]

[0102] The embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows. The embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0103] ○ In the first embodiment, the control device 16 may perform delay estimation to estimate whether there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41. In this case, the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 corresponds to a weft yarn detection unit that detects information related to the running of the weft yarn Y before reaching the final arrival position Pw. In this modification, Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown in the example, air is injected from the main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a and one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b. Figure 3B The time point T2 shown is a time point at which the control device 16 estimates the delay of the running of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the intermediate arrival timing detection sensor 41 as the weft yarn detection section. At this time point T2, if the control device 16 estimates that the running delay of the weft yarn Y occurs, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control to generate an air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b.

[0104] According to the above-described modification example, in addition to the effects (1-1), (1-2), (1-4), and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0105] The weft yarn detection section is an intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 that detects an intermediate arrival time Ti when the end of the inserted weft yarn Y reaches a predetermined position Pi on the upstream side of the final arrival position Pw in the weft insertion direction X. Therefore, the intermediate arrival time detection sensor 41 can detect the end of the inserted weft yarn Y, and thus can more accurately detect the position of the weft yarn Y in the weft insertion direction X. Therefore, the accuracy of the delay estimation of the weft yarn Y performed by the control device 16 can be improved.

[0106] ○ The state detection sensor 45 may be omitted from the air jet loom 1 of the above-mentioned modified example.

[0107] ○ In the first embodiment, the control device 16 may also perform delay estimation for estimating the delay of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the state detection sensor 45. In this case, the state detection sensor 45 corresponds to a weft yarn detection unit that detects information related to the weft yarn Y before reaching the final arrival position Pw. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As in the example shown, air is injected from the main nozzle 22, the plurality of sub-nozzles 15a, and the one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example shown is from Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the example shown, the injection timing of the auxiliary nozzle 15b is changed. In this modified example, Figure 6B The time point T2 shown is a time point at which the control device 16 estimates the delay of the running of the weft yarn Y based on the detection result obtained from the state detection sensor 45 as the weft detection section. At this time point T2, if the control device 16 estimates that the running delay of the weft yarn Y occurs, the control device 16 performs auxiliary control to generate air injection from the auxiliary nozzle 15b. That is, when the control device 16 predicts the running delay of the weft yarn Y, the air injection from the auxiliary nozzle 15b is performed.

[0108] According to the above-described modification example, in addition to the effects (1-1), (1-2), (1-4), and (1-5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0109] The weft yarn detection unit is a state detection sensor 45 that detects the state of the weft yarn Y before weft insertion. The running speed of the weft yarn Y to be inserted may vary depending on the state of the weft yarn Y, but it is possible to estimate the delay of the running of the weft yarn Y corresponding to such a state of the weft yarn Y. Therefore, the accuracy of the delay estimation of the running of the weft yarn Y performed by the control device 16 can be improved.

[0110] ○ The intermediate arrival timing detection sensor 41 may be omitted from the air jet loom 1 of the above-mentioned modified example.

[0111] At least one of the state detection sensor 45 and the intermediate arrival timing detection sensor 41 may be omitted from the air jet loom 1 of the embodiment.

[0112] The intermediate arrival timing detection sensor 41 may be located at the center TLc of the knitting width TL, or may be located downstream in the weft insertion direction X relative to the center TLc of the knitting width TL.

[0113] ○ In the first embodiment, the position of the auxiliary nozzle 15b can be changed. For example, the auxiliary nozzle 15b can be located on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL, or can be located at the center TLc of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. "The downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL" refers to the area from the center TLc of the weaving width TL to the fabric end on the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X. In addition, the auxiliary nozzle 15b can also be located at any two or more positions of the upstream side, the center TLc, and the downstream side of the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL.

[0114] ○ In each embodiment, the number of sub-nozzles 15a provided in the weft insertion device 10 can be changed as long as it is two or more. The number of auxiliary nozzles 15b provided in the weft insertion device 10 can be changed. The number of groups of sub-nozzles 15a provided in the weft insertion device 10 can be changed. The number of sub-nozzles 15a included in one group can be changed. Alternatively, when the weft insertion device 10 has a plurality of auxiliary nozzles 15b, the plurality of auxiliary nozzles 15b are divided into a plurality of groups. In this case, the number of auxiliary nozzles 15b included in one group can be changed. Alternatively, the number of auxiliary valves 32a can be changed according to the number of sub-nozzles 15a. Alternatively, the number of auxiliary valves 32b can be changed according to the number of auxiliary nozzles 15b.

[0115] In the second embodiment, the control device 16 may not start the air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b at the same time as starting the air jet from the stretching nozzle 51. The jet start time from the auxiliary nozzle 15b may be simultaneous with the jet start time or jet stop time from other nozzles, or may be different from the jet start time or jet stop time from other nozzles.

[0116] In the second embodiment, the control device 16 may stop the air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b while stopping the air jet from the sub-nozzle 15a located at the most downstream side in the weft insertion direction X within the weaving width TL. The jet stop time point from the auxiliary nozzle 15b may be simultaneous with the jet start time point or jet stop time point from other nozzles, or may be different from the jet start time point or jet stop time point from other nozzles. For example, the control device 16 may stop the air jet from the auxiliary nozzle 15b while stopping the air jet from the stretching nozzle 51.

[0117] ○ In each weft insertion operation, the control device 16 may be capable of executing both the auxiliary control for accelerating the running of the weft yarn Y and the auxiliary control for suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y in addition to the relay control. When the control device 16 estimates that there is a delay in the running of the weft yarn Y, it performs the relay control, the auxiliary control for accelerating the running of the weft yarn Y, and the auxiliary control for suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y. When it is estimated that there is no delay in the running of the weft yarn Y or when it is expected that no delay will occur, the control device 16 performs the relay control and the auxiliary control for suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y, and does not perform the auxiliary control for accelerating the running of the weft yarn Y. At this time, the one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b that perform air injection in the auxiliary control for accelerating the running of the weft yarn Y and the one or more auxiliary nozzles 15b that perform air injection in the auxiliary control for suppressing the slack of the weft yarn Y may be the same or different.

Claims

1. An air jet loom, comprising: a weft insertion device configured to unwind the weft wound on the storage drum by retreating the weft stopper pin, and to repeatedly perform a weft insertion operation in which the unwound weft is guided through a reed passage of the reed and inserted into a warp opening by air jets from a main nozzle and a plurality of sub-nozzles; and a control device configured to control the air injection from the main nozzle and the plurality of sub-nozzles, When the weft yarn is inserted into the warp yarn opening, the direction in which the weft yarn travels is the weft insertion direction, and the plurality of sub-nozzles are arranged in the weft insertion direction. The control device is configured to perform relay control in each weft insertion operation, wherein the relay control causes the plurality of sub-nozzles to perform air injection in sequence in such a manner that the sub-nozzles located closer to the upstream side in the weft insertion direction inject air earlier. The air jet loom is characterized in that: Independently of the plurality of sub-nozzles, one or more auxiliary nozzles are provided within the weaving width so as to inject air so as to impart a traction force in the weft insertion direction to the weft yarn, and the air injection of the one or more auxiliary nozzles is controlled by the control device. The control device is configured to be able to execute, in addition to the relay control, auxiliary control of jetting air from the one or more auxiliary nozzles in each weft insertion operation.

2. The air jet loom according to claim 1, characterized in that: A weft detecting section is provided, the weft detecting section being configured to detect information related to the travel of the weft before the weft reaches the final arrival position, The control device is configured to perform delay estimation for estimating the presence or absence of a weft running delay based on a detection result acquired from the weft detecting section, and to perform the assist control when it is estimated that a weft running delay has occurred.

3. The air jet loom according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weft yarn detecting section is a balloon sensor that detects the weft yarn unwound from the storage drum.

4. The air jet loom according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weft yarn detecting section is a state detecting sensor that detects a state of the weft yarn before weft insertion.

5. The air jet loom according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weft yarn detecting section is an intermediate arrival timing detecting sensor that detects an intermediate arrival timing when the terminal end of the inserted weft yarn reaches a predetermined position upstream of the final arrival position in the weft insertion direction.

6. The air jet loom according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The one or more auxiliary nozzles are located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction within the weaving width.

7. The air jet loom according to claim 6, characterized in that: The one or more auxiliary nozzles are located only on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction within the weaving width.

8. The air jet loom according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more auxiliary nozzles are located on the upstream side of the weft insertion direction within the weaving width, The control device is configured to perform the auxiliary control after the end of the weft yarn reaches the final arrival position.

9. The air jet loom according to claim 8, characterized in that: further comprising a tension imparting device having a stretching nozzle, the stretching nozzle being arranged downstream of the final arrival position in the weft insertion direction and configured to eject air to the weft, the air ejection of the stretching nozzle being controlled by the control device, The control device is configured to start air jetting from the one or more auxiliary nozzles simultaneously with starting air jetting from the stretching nozzle.

10. The air jet loom according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The control device stops the air injection from the one or more auxiliary nozzles while stopping the air injection from the sub-nozzle located at the most downstream side in the weft insertion direction within the weaving width.

Images