Automatic yarn supply changing device for looms

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for looms that connects old yarn to new yarn without using adhesives that reduce the quality of the woven fabric. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device of this invention includes an airflow-type splicing mechanism that connects new yarn to old yarn using airflow between a guide section and a holding section. The airflow-type splicing mechanism includes a pair of components and a drive mechanism. The pair of components defines a space for connecting the yarns and consists of a first component having a groove opening toward the yarn feeding path and allowing the yarn to pass through, and a second component facing the first component across the yarn feeding path. The drive mechanism drives at least one of the first and second components toward the other to define the space by bringing the first and second components abutting against each other. The airflow-type splicing mechanism is configured to inject compressed air into the space from a jet orifice formed in the first or second component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom. This device is used in a loom that pulls out the weft yarn from a bobbin located at a pull-out position (which is also a position for weft insertion) along a predetermined yarn feeding path and inserts the weft. When the weft yarn in the bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, the bobbin is replaced by connecting the old yarn (which is the old bobbin's weft yarn) with the new yarn (which is the new bobbin's weft yarn). Specifically, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom includes a moving mechanism configured to move a new bobbin from a standby position to a pull-out position by rotating a rotating body supporting each bobbin. The moving mechanism is configured to have a guide portion that directs the path of the weft yarn pulled from the bobbin, and a holding portion that holds the leading end of the weft yarn on an extension line of a line connecting the rotation center of the rotating body to the guide portion. Background Technology

[0002] In a loom, weft yarn is drawn from a bobbin located on the yarn supply side along a predetermined yarn supply path for weft insertion. Then, when the weft yarn on the bobbin is used up (less than a predetermined amount) during this weft insertion, the old bobbin with the used weft yarn is replaced with a new bobbin with a full roll, and weft insertion continues by drawing weft yarn from the new bobbin. As a device that automatically performs such replacement of old and new bobbins (automatic yarn supply replacement device), for example, there is the device described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional device") is configured to have a support for mounting bobbins, and on this support, in addition to a pull-out position which is the position for weft insertion, two bobbins (in a specific example) are also mounted in a standby position different from the pull-out position. Furthermore, in the aforementioned conventional device, a guide member is provided corresponding to each bobbin. Moreover, the weft yarn of the bobbin located in the pull-out position is pulled out towards the weft insertion nozzle along a yarn supply path defined by the guide member, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, in the aforementioned existing device, the weft yarn of the bobbin in the standby position is pulled out of the bobbin and leads to the guide member, and its front end is held by a yarn clamp. Moreover, this yarn clamp is provided corresponding to each bobbin. Furthermore, each yarn clamp is positioned on a support such that, when the bobbin in the standby position is moved to the pulled-out position, the path of the held weft yarn is aligned with the yarn supply path in a top view.

[0005] Furthermore, according to this structure, the new bobbin moves from the standby position to the pull-out position in place of the old bobbin, which has run out of weft yarn during weft insertion, thereby aligning the weft yarn of the new bobbin with the weft yarn of the old bobbin leading to the guide member. Based on this, in the aforementioned conventional device, the two weft yarns in this aligned state are connected.

[0006] Furthermore, typically, when the weft yarn is connected as described above, the weft yarn containing the connecting portion is discarded in a way that prevents the connecting portion of the weft yarn from being woven into the fabric. Moreover, this discarding is carried out in the following manner: without accompanying weaving operations such as shedding, the weft yarn containing the connecting portion (connecting weft yarn) is injected into the warp yarn shedding in the same way as the normal weft insertion operation, and is made to fly to the opposite side of the yarn supply.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-100954 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, in the aforementioned existing apparatus, the connection of the two weft yarns is achieved through adhesive bonding. However, if, as described above, the connecting weft yarn is allowed to fly through the warp opening to discard it, the adhesive used for the connection sometimes adheres to the warp yarn. Furthermore, if the adhesive adheres to the warp yarn in this way, the warp yarn becomes soiled, leading to a decrease in the quality of the woven fabric. Moreover, when the connecting weft yarn is discarded, the connecting portion passes through the weft insertion nozzle, but along with this passage, adhesive sometimes adheres to the weft insertion nozzle. In this case, during weaving, the adhesive adheres to the weft yarn to be inserted, and this contaminated weft yarn is woven into the fabric, thereby causing a decrease in the quality of the woven fabric.

[0012] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom, which connects old yarn to new yarn without using adhesives that would reduce the quality of the woven fabric.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom, as described in this invention, is configured to pull out the weft yarn from a bobbin located at a pull-out position (which is the position for weft insertion) along a predetermined yarn feeding path for weft insertion. When the weft yarn in the bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, the bobbin is replaced by connecting the old yarn (which is the old bobbin's weft yarn) with the new yarn (which is the new bobbin's weft yarn). In particular, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom includes a moving mechanism configured to move a new bobbin from a standby position to a pull-out position by rotating a rotating body that supports each bobbin. The moving mechanism is configured to have a guide portion that directs the path of the weft yarn pulled from the bobbin, and a holding portion that holds the leading end of the weft yarn on the extension line of the line connecting the rotation center of the rotating body and the guide portion.

[0015] Based on this, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention is characterized by having an airflow-type connector mechanism that connects new yarn and old yarn between the guide part and the holding part by means of airflow. The airflow-type connector mechanism has a pair of components and a drive mechanism. The pair of components are a pair of components that define a space for connecting yarns. It consists of a first component having a groove that opens toward the yarn feeding path and allows the yarn to pass through, and a second component that is opposite to the first component across the yarn feeding path. The drive mechanism drives at least one of the first component and the second component toward the other in order to define the space by abutting the first component and the second component. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device is configured to inject compressed air into the space from a spray hole formed in the first component or the second component.

[0016] Furthermore, in such an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom according to the present invention, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device may also be configured to have a locking mechanism including a locking member. Before compressed air is injected into the space from the injection hole, the locking member is displaced toward the yarn feeding path at a first position between a pair of members and a holding part and / or a second position between a pair of members and a guide part, and locks into the two yarns of the old yarn and the new yarn.

[0017] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device can also be configured such that, based on the engagement mechanism holding two yarns at the first and second positions, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device includes a bending mechanism that bends the two yarns between the first and second positions before they are held by the engagement mechanism. Moreover, the bending mechanism can also include a bending member that engages with the two yarns to bend them.

[0018] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0019] According to the present invention, in the above-described automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device includes an airflow-type coupling mechanism as a structure for connecting new yarn and old yarn. Specifically, the airflow-type coupling mechanism includes a first component and a second component facing each other across the yarn feeding path, configured such that when the new bobbin moves from the moving mechanism to the pull-out position and the path of the new yarn aligns with the yarn feeding path (the old yarn located on the yarn feeding path), the old yarn and the new yarn are located between the first component and the second component.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive mechanism drives at least one of the first and second components toward the other until they come into contact, so that the two yarns pass through the space formed by the groove in the first component and the second component. Based on this, by injecting compressed air from the first or second component into the space, the two yarns intertwine due to the action of the injected airflow, thus becoming connected.

[0021] Thus, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device according to the present invention, as a structure for connecting old yarn to new yarn, employs an airflow-type joint mechanism that utilizes airflow for the connection. Therefore, this automatic yarn feeding and changing device can connect two yarns without using adhesives as in the aforementioned conventional devices. Consequently, the aforementioned contamination of warp and weft yarns caused by adhesive bonding, which accompanies the discarding of the weft yarn including the connecting portion, is avoided. Therefore, according to this invention, the problems of reduced fabric quality caused by the aforementioned conventional devices can be prevented.

[0022] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom of the present invention, by configuring an engaging mechanism that includes engaging members that engage with the two yarns, the old yarn and the new yarn, by displacing toward the yarn feeding path at the first position and / or the second position, the occurrence of an unsuccessful termination of the connection of the two yarns can be minimized when connecting the yarns of the airflow splicing mechanism.

[0023] In detail, the airflow splicing mechanism of the present invention connects two yarns by injecting compressed air toward them while the old yarn and the new yarn pass through the space formed by the first and second components. However, when the two yarns move erratically in a separated state due to airflow within the space, there is a concern that the connection between the two yarns may not be successfully completed. In contrast, the locking mechanism described above engages the locking member with the two yarns before injecting compressed air into the space from the injection hole. This engagement maintains the alignment of the two yarn paths and minimizes the possibility of the connection being unsuccessfully completed due to airflow disturbing the yarns.

[0024] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom of the present invention, the locking mechanism is configured to hold two yarns in the first position and the second position, thereby enabling the path alignment of the two yarns to be maintained more reliably by means of this holding.

[0025] In this case, the two yarns held by the engaging mechanism remain taut between the first and second positions (within the space described above). This raises concerns that the airflow may not be fully utilized to prevent the yarns from tangling and the connection may not be completed smoothly. In contrast, by configuring the automatic yarn feeding and changing device with a flexing mechanism that flexes the two yarns between the first and second positions, the yarns are flexed before being held by the engaging mechanism. This ensures that the engaging mechanism operates while the yarns are flexed, preventing the yarns from remaining taut between the first and second positions (within the space described above) after being held. This avoids the situation where the yarns are taut and the airflow cannot be fully utilized to prevent tangling.

[0026] Therefore, with such an automatic yarn feeding and changing device, the alignment of the two yarn paths can be maintained more reliably using the locking mechanism, and the connection of the two yarns using the airflow splicing mechanism can be performed more reliably.

[0027] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention, by configuring the flexing mechanism to include a bending member that engages with the two yarns to bend the two yarns, the two yarns can be flexed more reliably using the flexing mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom to which the present invention is applied.

[0029] Figure 2 It makes the support from Figure 1 The top view of the state after rotating 90°.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The XX-line sectional view in the diagram.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The Z-direction view in the image.

[0032] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the function of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device used on a loom.

[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the function of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device used on a loom.

[0034] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the function of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device used on a loom.

[0035] Symbol Explanation

[0036] 1—Automatic yarn feeding and changing device; 2—Base; 2a—Top plate; 2c—Square prism; 2d—Cylinder; 2e—Bracket; 3—Yarn guide; 4—Cutting device; 5—Path maintaining component; 11—Support; 11a—Upper disc; 11b—Lower disc; 11c—Central column; 12—Drive device; 12a—Ratchet mechanism; 12b—Cylinder; 12c—Arm; 16—Through hole; 17—Guiding component; 17a—Guiding component; 17b—Guiding component; 17g—Support plate; 17h—Catching pin; 18—Retaining device; 18b—Retaining device; 18e—Retaining bar; 18f—Retaining component; 18g—Support plate; 20—Airflow splicing mechanism (connecting mechanism); 21— First component, 21a—groove, 21b—jet hole, 22—second component, 23—drive mechanism, 25—cylinder, 26—block, 27—support component, 28—supply device, 29—space, 30—locking mechanism, 32—locking component, 35—holding platform, 50—flexion mechanism, 51—bending component, 51a—locking part, 51b—installation part, 53—drive mechanism, 53a—cylinder, 53b—block, B—bobbin, B1—bobbin, B2—bobbin, N—weft insertion nozzle, P0—standby position, P1—pull-out position, P2—retract position, S—yarn supply path, T1—first position, T2—second position, Y—weft yarn, Y1—weft yarn, Y2—weft yarn. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is based on Figures 1 to 7 An embodiment (example) of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom using the present invention will be described. Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of this embodiment is configured to have three bobbins in addition to the bobbin from which the weft yarn is pulled out during weft insertion, for a total of four bobbins. Moreover, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that each bobbin is arranged with its axis parallel to the vertical direction.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a support 11 serving as a rotating body, on which four bobbins B are mounted. The support 11 is formed by a pair of discs (upper disc 11a and lower disc 11b) facing each other in the vertical direction and a central column 11c connecting the two discs 11a and 11b at their center. Furthermore, the support 11 is configured such that four bobbins B are arranged at equal intervals (90° intervals) around the central column 11c and on the lower disc 11b.

[0039] Furthermore, a through hole 16 is formed on the upper disk 11a above the positions where each bobbin B is installed. In addition, the through hole 16 is a hole for inserting the weft yarn Y pulled out from the bobbin B into the upper disk 11a.

[0040] Furthermore, a guide member 17 is provided on the upper disk 11a as a guide portion. This guide member 17 is used to guide the weft yarn Y pulled out through each through hole 16 to turn outward in the radial direction of the upper disk 11a. The guide member 17 is a rod-shaped component, horizontally arranged in each through hole 16 with an orientation orthogonal to the aforementioned radial direction, and is supported on the upper surface of the upper disk 11a by a support plate 17g.

[0041] Furthermore, a holding device 18, which serves as a holding part, is provided on the upper disk 11a corresponding to each guide member 17 for holding the leading edge of each weft yarn Y guided by each guide member 17. In the illustrated example, the holding device 18 is configured to include a holding rod 18e, which is a round bar-shaped component, and a rectangular plate-shaped component, namely a holding member 18f, for holding the weft yarn Y by cooperating with the holding rod 18e.

[0042] Regarding each of the retaining devices 18, a retaining rod 18e is supported on the upper surface of the upper disk 11a by a support plate 18g near the periphery of the upper disk 11a. The retaining rod 18e is positioned approximately parallel to and at approximately the same height as the corresponding guide member 17. A retaining member 18f is positioned above the retaining rod 18e, opposite it at its end face. This retaining member 18f is also supported by the support plate 18g. The retaining member 18f is positioned on the support plate 18g such that it can move vertically between a position abutting against the retaining rod 18e and a position away from the retaining rod 18e. Therefore, each retaining device 18 is configured to retain the leading edge of the weft yarn between the retaining rod 18e and the support plate 18g, and is also configured to release this retention. Based on this, each holding device 18 is configured such that the holding rod 18e and the support plate 18g hold the weft yarn on the extension line of the line (imaginary line) connecting the rotation center of the support 11 (rotating body) and the guide member 17.

[0043] Furthermore, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the support 11 is configured to rotate relative to the base 2, which serves as a platform. Based on this, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a drive device 12 that rotates the support 11 at a predetermined angle (90° in this embodiment to match the configuration of the bobbin B) to change the position of the provided bobbin B. Thus, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured such that the bobbin B is provided on the support 11, and the position of the bobbin B is changed by rotating the support 11 using the drive device 12. Therefore, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the combination of the support 11 and the drive device 12 corresponds to the moving mechanism in this invention. Furthermore, as described above, the support 11 (upper disc 11a) is provided with a guide member (guide portion) 17 and a holding device (holding portion) 18, which are also included in this moving mechanism.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the drive device 12 includes a ratchet mechanism 12a and a cylinder 12b for rotating the ratchet mechanism 12a. Furthermore, the drive device 12 is configured to be located below the lower disk 11b in the support 11. Specifically, in the support 11, the central post 11c is configured such that its lower end protrudes downward from the lower disk 11b. Based on this, the ratchet mechanism 12a in the drive device 12 is mounted at the lower end of the central post 11c in a configuration that, when viewed from above, aligns its axis of rotation with the axis of the central post 11c in the support 11. Moreover, the ratchet mechanism 12a only transmits counterclockwise rotation when viewed from above.

[0045] Furthermore, an arm 12c for rotating the ratchet is mounted on the ratchet mechanism 12a. A cylinder 12b is connected to this arm 12c. The cylinder 12b is mounted on the base 2 at the cylinder body and connected to the arm 12c at the end of the rod. The drive device 12 sets the position of the cylinder 12b and the position of the arm 12c relative to the ratchet mechanism 12a in a counter-clockwise direction as the rod of the cylinder 12b retracts. Furthermore, the drive device 12 sets the stroke of the cylinder 12b (rod) such that the ratchet mechanism 12a rotates 90° (counter-clockwise) in one retraction movement of the rod in the cylinder 12b.

[0046] Therefore, according to the drive device 12, the rod of the cylinder 12b retracts, and the ratchet mechanism 12a rotates 90° counterclockwise. Simultaneously, the central column 11c (support 11) is driven to rotate 90° counterclockwise. Furthermore, after this rotation, the cylinder 12b returns to the extended rod state, but because the ratchet mechanism 12a does not transmit the clockwise rotation accompanying the extended rod, the support 11 does not rotate.

[0047] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, which includes the aforementioned support 11 and the drive device 12 that rotates and drives the support 11, is configured such that one of the four bobbin B locations, when viewed from above, is between the central post 11c and the weft insertion nozzle N in the support 11. Moreover, by configuring the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 in this way, any one of the four locations on the support 11 is positioned between the aforementioned central post 11c and the weft insertion nozzle N. Furthermore, during weft insertion, the weft yarn Y pulled from the bobbin B located at the position between the central post 11c and the weft insertion nozzle N is used for weft insertion. Therefore, by being positioned between the central post 11c and the weft insertion nozzle N, its location becomes the position during weft insertion, i.e., the pull-out position P1.

[0048] Based on this, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is provided with a yarn guide 3 for guiding the weft yarn Y pulled out from the bobbin B, which is positioned at the pull-out position P1 on the support 11. This yarn guide 3 is a component with holes for yarn insertion, and when viewed from above, it is positioned between the pull-out position P1 and the weft insertion nozzle N. Furthermore, the yarn guide 3 is positioned vertically at a height higher than the upper disc 11a in the support 11. Specifically, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, a quadrangular prism 2c is erected on the base 2, positioned relative to the weft insertion nozzle N of the support 11 when viewed from above. Moreover, the yarn guide 3 is positioned at the aforementioned height such that, when viewed from above, its holes are aligned with the direction that connects the central column 11c in the support 11 to the weft insertion nozzle N, and is mounted on the quadrangular prism 2c.

[0049] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 configured as described above, the weft yarn Y pulled from the bobbin B at the pull-out position P1, after its path is turned outward (towards the weft insertion nozzle N side) in the radial direction of the upper disc 11a by the corresponding guide member 17, passes through the eyelet in the yarn guide member 3 and becomes inserted into the weft insertion nozzle N. Thus, the weft yarn Y is guided along a predetermined path limited by the yarn guide member 3 and onto the path to the weft insertion nozzle N, i.e., the yarn feeding path S. Moreover, this yarn feeding path S is approximately parallel to the weft insertion direction of the loom when viewed from above. Therefore, the direction parallel to the yarn feeding path S when viewed from above will be referred to as the "weft direction" below. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to this weft direction when viewed from above is the front-back direction of the loom, which will be referred to as the "front-back direction" below.

[0050] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 has a path maintaining component 5. Even if the position of the bobbin B in the pull-out position P1 changes with the rotation of the support 11, the path maintaining component 5 maintains the path of the weft yarn Y that is pulled out from the bobbin B and connected to the weft insertion nozzle N on the yarn feeding path S at a position downstream of the guide component 17.

[0051] In detail, when the weft yarn Y1 of the bobbin B1, located in the pull-out position P1 and accompanied by the weft insertion of the weft yarn Y as described above, is exhausted, the support 11 is driven to rotate as described above in order to replace the bobbin B. In this case, the position of the bobbin B1, which is the old bobbin being replaced, and the position of the guide member 17a corresponding to the bobbin B1, on the support 11 changes from the pull-out position P1 to a position after rotating 90° counterclockwise around the central column 11c (retracted position P2). Furthermore, along with this rotation, the bobbin B2, which is located in the previous position (standby position) P0 relative to the bobbin B1 in the direction of rotation, moves to the pull-out position P1 as a new bobbin for weft insertion.

[0052] Based on this, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 has a path maintaining component 5. Even if the position of the guide component 17a is changed in this way, the path maintaining component 5 maintains the path of the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) that is pulled out from the bobbin B1 (old bobbin) and connected to the yarn guide 3 from the guide component 17a at a position downstream of the guide component 17b corresponding to the bobbin B2 (new bobbin) on the yarn feeding path S.

[0053] The path maintaining member 5 is a plate-shaped component, and when viewed from above, it is positioned relative to the yarn supply path S at the retraction position P2 side with its plate surface parallel to the aforementioned front-back direction (orthogonal to the aforementioned weft direction). Specifically, the path maintaining member 5 is positioned between the weft-direction guide member 17 and the holding device 18, such that the side edge of the yarn supply path S approaches the yarn supply path S from the retraction position P2 side. Furthermore, the path maintaining member 5 is positioned vertically at a height that overlaps with the path of the weft yarn Y1 connected to the yarn guide member 3 from the guide member 17a.

[0054] Furthermore, the path-maintaining component 5 is positioned in the aforementioned location in the form of a quadrangular prism 2c supported by the aforementioned yarn guide component 3. Specifically, a top plate 2a is mounted on the upper end of the quadrangular prism 2c in a direction where the plate surface becomes horizontal. Also, a cylinder 2d is erected on the upper disc 11a of the support 11, such that the central column 11c is aligned with the axis when viewed from above. Moreover, the top plate 2a is supported by the quadrangular prism 2c and the cylinder 2d.

[0055] Furthermore, a plate-shaped bracket 2e is suspended from the lower surface of the top plate 2a. This bracket 2e is positioned at the retraction position P2 relative to the yarn supply path S, with its plate surface parallel to the weft direction. The bracket 2e also has a vertical dimension such that its lower end is positioned lower than the path of the weft yarn Y1. Based on this, a path maintaining member 5 is mounted on the bracket 2e.

[0056] Furthermore, by providing such a path-maintaining component 5, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, even when the support 11 is rotated and the bobbin B1 moves to the retracted position P2 as described above, and the guide component 17a corresponding to the bobbin B1 is located away from the yarn path S, the weft yarn Y1 pulled out from the bobbin B1 is held in place by the path-maintaining component 5, thus limiting its displacement. Therefore, when viewed from above, the weft yarn Y1 is maintained at a position close to the yarn feeding path S, located downstream of the path-maintaining component 5 (on the weft insertion nozzle N side).

[0057] Furthermore, if the support 11 is rotated as described above, the bobbin B2, located in the standby position P0, moves to the pulled-out position P1. Simultaneously, the path of the new weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) pulled from the bobbin B2 and used for weft insertion becomes, in view from above, along the yarn supply path S between the guide member 17b and the corresponding holding device 18b. As a result, if the support 11 is rotated to replace the bobbin B, the paths of the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) and the weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) become approximately aligned in view from above at a position downstream of the path holding member 5.

[0058] Furthermore, each guide member 17 is provided with a locking pin 17h to prevent the weft yarn Y pulled out from the bobbin B in the retracted position P2 from detaching from the guide member 17. Specifically, regarding each guide member 17, the support plate 17g supporting the guide member 17 is located on the upper disk 11a, positioned downstream of the support 11 in the rotational direction relative to the corresponding through hole 16. Moreover, the guide member 17 is mounted to the support plate 17g at one end. Based on this, the locking pin 17h is mounted on one side of the other end of the guide member 17. Furthermore, the locking pin 17h is in the shape of a thin round rod and is designed to protrude upward from the guide member 17.

[0059] Therefore, by rotating the drive support 11 as described above, the guide member 17a moves towards the retracted position P2, thereby causing the weft yarn Y1 to move to the other end on the guide member 17a. However, by setting the locking pin 17h as described above, the weft yarn Y1 is locked onto the guide member 17a. This prevents the weft yarn Y1 from detaching from the guide member 17a and maintains the state in which the weft yarn Y1 is guided by the guide member 17a.

[0060] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a mechanism (connecting mechanism) 20 for connecting the old weft yarn Y1 with the new weft yarn Y2. This connecting mechanism 20 is positioned between the weft-direction guide member 17 and the holding device 18. Moreover, the connecting mechanism 20 connects the weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 after aligning their paths as described above. This results in a partial connection between the weft yarn Y2 pulled from the bobbin B2 and the weft yarn Y1 pulled from the bobbin B1 and connected to the weft insertion nozzle N.

[0061] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a cutting device 4 for cutting the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) of the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 connected as described above between the guide member 17a and the path maintaining member 5. That is, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a cutting device 4 for cutting the old yarn at a position between the guide member 17a and the path maintaining member 5 that corresponds to the old bobbin when viewed from above.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting device 4 is configured to include a cutting blade, a cylinder for mounting the cutting blade to the front end of a rod, and a platform member for receiving the cutting blade. The cylinder of the cutting device 4 is positioned with the front end of the rod facing downwards, and cuts the weft yarn Y by displacing the cutting blade in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the cutting device 4 is configured such that when the bobbin B moves to the retracted position P2, the cutting blade is positioned above the path of the weft yarn Y connected between the corresponding guide member 17 and the path maintaining member 5. The platform member is positioned below the cutting blade, its end face facing the cutting blade.

[0063] Furthermore, using the cutting device 4, after the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are connected by the connecting mechanism 20, the portion of the old weft yarn Y1 connected to the bobbin B1 is cut from the portion of the weft yarn Y1 connected to the weft insertion nozzle N and to the new weft yarn Y2. Thus, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, after the bobbin B, located at the pull-out position P1, is replaced from the old bobbin B1 to the new bobbin B2, the weft yarn Y connected to the weft insertion nozzle N is switched to the weft yarn Y2 pulled out from the bobbin B2.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the structure of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 described above, when the weft yarn Y1 of the bobbin B1 in the pull-out position P1 is exhausted, the support 11 is rotated 90° counterclockwise by the drive device 12, the bobbin B1 in the pull-out position P1 moves to the retracted position P2, and the bobbin B2 in the standby position P0 moves to the pull-out position P1. Simultaneously, at a position downstream of the path maintaining member 5, the paths of weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 are aligned when viewed from above. Moreover, in this state, weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 are connected by the connecting mechanism 20. Based on this, the cutting device 4 cuts off the portion of weft yarn Y1 connected to the bobbin B1 from the portion of weft yarn Y1 connected to weft yarn Y2. Thus, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the weft yarn Y connected to the weft insertion nozzle N is switched to the new weft yarn Y2.

[0065] In the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom constructed as described above, in this invention, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device is configured such that the connecting mechanism 20 is an airflow-type connector mechanism that uses airflow to connect the new yarn and the old yarn. Furthermore, this airflow-type connector mechanism is configured to include a pair of components that define a space for the connecting yarns. Based on this, in this embodiment, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured to include a locking mechanism. At a first position between the pair of components and the holding portion in the weft direction, and at a second position between the pair of components and the guide portion, the locking mechanism moves vertically to lock onto the two yarns, the old yarn and the new yarn. Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured to include a flexing mechanism that flexes the two yarns between the first position and the second position. The detailed description of this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 for a loom according to this embodiment is as follows.

[0066] The airflow splicing mechanism 20 includes a first component 21 and a second component 22 configured to face each other in the vertical direction across the yarn supply path S, forming a pair of components in this invention. Furthermore, the airflow splicing mechanism 20 includes a drive mechanism 23 that drives the first component 21 in the vertical direction to abut and separate the first component 21 from the second component 22. Additionally, the airflow splicing mechanism 20 includes a compressed air supply device 28 connected to the first component 21.

[0067] Specifically, regarding the first component 21 and the second component 22, the first component 21 is positioned above the yarn supply path S, and the second component 22 is positioned below. Furthermore, the first component 21 and the second component 22 are positioned in the weft direction between the path maintaining component 5 and the holding device 18.

[0068] Furthermore, the first component 21 is composed of a block-shaped body with a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first component 21 has a groove 21a opening at one end face. This groove 21a extends along the long side of the end face and is centered along the short side. The first component 21 is positioned with the end face where the groove 21a opens facing downwards (towards the yarn supply path S), and the length direction of the groove 21a is parallel to the weft direction. Furthermore, the first component 21 is positioned at the point where the groove 21a overlaps with the yarn supply path S when viewed from above. Moreover, as described above, the yarn supply path S is a path restricted by the yarn guide 3, but the actual path of the weft yarn Y may slightly deviate from the intended yarn supply path S when viewed from above. Therefore, the groove 21a of the first component 21 is formed with a groove width that maintains the overlap with the position of the yarn supply path S even when such a deviation occurs.

[0069] Furthermore, the second component 22 is composed of a plate-shaped component with a rectangular end face. Moreover, the end face of the second component 22 is configured to be approximately parallel to the end face of the first component 21. The second component 22 has a size that accommodates the first component within its area of ​​existence when viewed from above. Furthermore, the second component 22 is fixedly mounted in a manner that supports the bracket 2e of the mounting path for the component 5.

[0070] On the other hand, the first component 21 is mounted on the drive mechanism 23 so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 23 includes a cylinder 25 that drives the first component 21 in the vertical direction, a block 26 mounted on the front end of the rod of the cylinder 25, and a support member 27 mounted on the block 26. Moreover, the first component 21 is mounted on the support member 27, thus being supported by the drive mechanism 23.

[0071] More specifically regarding the drive mechanism 23, the cylinder 25 is mounted on the cylinder body in a standby position P0 relative to the bracket 2e in the aforementioned front-rear direction, with the front end of the rod facing downwards. Furthermore, the block 26 is a generally cuboid-shaped component with a rectangular upper surface, and is mounted on the front end of the rod of the cylinder 25 at its upper surface. Moreover, the block 26 is configured such that, with the cylinder 26 mounted on the front end of the rod as described above, the long side of its upper surface is parallel to the aforementioned latitudinal direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the support member 27 is a plate-shaped member with a rectangular end face, with its long side direction parallel to the axis direction of the rod, protruding downward from the block 26, and is mounted on the side of the block 26 at the standby position P0 side in the aforementioned front-rear direction. Moreover, the first member 21 is mounted on the support member 27 in the aforementioned configuration.

[0073] Furthermore, on the first component 21, at approximately the center along the length of the groove 21a, a jet hole 21b is formed that extends vertically through the first component 21, injecting compressed air to generate an airflow for connecting the yarn. That is, the jet hole 21b is formed as an opening in the groove 21a, enabling the supply of compressed air into the groove 21a. Based on this, a supply device 28 for supplying compressed air is connected to the first component 21 and to the jet hole 21b.

[0074] Furthermore, in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 configured as described above, the cylinder 25 in the drive mechanism 23 is driven to extend the rod, thereby moving the first component 21 downwards so that the end face of the first component 21 abuts against the upper surface of the second component 22. That is, the airflow splicing mechanism 20 is configured to drive the first component 21 of a pair of components toward the other (the second component 22). As a result, a space 29 is formed by the inner surface of the groove 21a in the first component 21 and the upper surface of the second component 22. Moreover, as described above, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, with their paths roughly aligned when viewed from above, pass through this space 29.

[0075] Furthermore, regarding the engaging mechanism 30, it includes a pair of engaging components 32, 32 for engaging with weft yarns Y1, Y2, and two holding platforms 35, 35 corresponding to each engaging component 32 and used to hold the weft yarns Y1, Y2 through cooperation with the corresponding engaging components 32. Each engaging component 32 is a plate-shaped component with a rectangular end face, its long side direction parallel to the vertical direction, facing the two end faces of the block 26 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 in the aforementioned long side direction. Therefore, each engaging component 32 is designed to be displaced vertically by the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20.

[0076] Furthermore, each engaging member 32 is mounted on the block 26 in the vertical direction with its upper edge aligned with the upper surface of the block 26. Based on this, each engaging member 32 has a dimension in the long side direction where its lower edge is located within the vertical range of the groove 21a in the first member 21. Therefore, when mounted on the block 26 as described above, the lower edge of each engaging member 32 is located within the vertical range of the groove 21a in the first member 21.

[0077] Furthermore, by being installed on the block 26 as described above, each engaging component 32 is positioned such that its range of existence traverses the aforementioned yarn supply path when viewed from above. Moreover, in this installed state, a pair of engaging components 32 are positioned in a first position T1 between the first component 21 and the holding device 18 in the weft direction, and a second position T2 between the first component 21 and the guide component 17.

[0078] Furthermore, a pair of gripping platforms 35, 35 are arranged in four sets on the upper disc 11a of the support 11, corresponding to the four tubes B respectively provided on the support 11, and around the central column 11c. The positions of these gripping platforms 35, 35 are configured such that, when the corresponding tube B is in the pulled-out position P1, one of them is located below the engaging member 32 located in the first position T1, and the other is located below the engaging member 32 located in the second position T2 (opposite to the engaging member 32 in the vertical direction).

[0079] Furthermore, each gripping platform 35 is a block-shaped structure with a rectangular upper surface, generally in the shape of a cuboid, and is oriented with its long side parallel to the aforementioned end face of the opposing engaging member 32. Moreover, each gripping platform 35 is configured with the following height dimension: when the rod of the cylinder 25 in the drive mechanism 23 extends to the state where the first component 21 and the second component 22 of the airflow connector mechanism 20 abut against each gripping platform 35.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the engagement mechanism 30 configured as described above, the cylinder 25 of the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20, as described above, is driven to extend the rod (the first component 21 moves downward), and each engagement component 32 moves downward, so that each engagement component 32 engages with the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 at its lower edge. Moreover, after this engagement, as the rod of the cylinder 25 extends further, the first component 21 abuts against the second component 22, and each engagement component 32 abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding holding platform 35 at its lower edge. Thus, at each of the first position T1 and the second position T2, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are held by the engagement component 32 and the holding platform 35.

[0081] Furthermore, regarding the flexure mechanism 50, the flexure mechanism 50 includes a bending member 51 for engaging with weft yarns Y1 and Y2 to flex the two yarns, and a drive mechanism 53 for driving the bending member 51 in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 53 includes a cylinder 53a for driving the bending member 51 and a block-shaped body 53b mounted on the front end of the rod of the cylinder 53a.

[0082] More specifically, regarding the drive mechanism 53, the cylinder 53a is mounted on the support member 27 in the drive mechanism 23 with the rod pointing downwards. Furthermore, this mounting is performed by fixing the cylinder body to the end face of the support member 27 in the standby position P0 direction relative to the aforementioned front-rear direction. Moreover, this mounting is performed at the upper end of the support member 27 such that the tip of the rod in the retracted state in the vertical direction is located slightly above the middle portion of the support member 27. Furthermore, by mounting it in the drive mechanism 23 (support member 27) in this way, the cylinder 53a (drive mechanism 53) is configured such that, along with the block 26 on which the support member 27 is mounted and the engaging member 32 mounted on the block 26, it is displaced vertically together with the cylinder 25 in the drive mechanism 23.

[0083] Furthermore, the block 53b is a roughly cuboid-shaped component with a rectangular upper surface, and its upper surface is mounted on the front end of the rod of the cylinder 53a. The block 53b is configured such that, with the cylinder 53a mounted on the front end of the rod as described above, the long side of its upper surface is parallel to the aforementioned latitudinal direction. Additionally, one of the two end faces of the block 53b in the long side direction is positioned between the second component 22 in the latitudinal direction and the aforementioned gripping platform 35.

[0084] Furthermore, the bending member 51 is formed from a plate-shaped component, which, when viewed along its thickness direction, forms an overall approximately L-shaped component. That is, the bending member 51 consists of an engaging portion 51a that is approximately rectangular when viewed along its thickness direction, and a mounting portion 51b that protrudes from one of the side edges on both sides in the short side direction of the engaging portion 51a. These two parts are combined in an approximately L-shaped manner.

[0085] Furthermore, the bending member 51 is bent so that the plate surface of its mounting portion 51b abuts against one of the aforementioned end faces of the block 53b, and the engaging portion 51a is located on the lower side and its orientation, extending towards the side above the yarn supply path S in the aforementioned front-back direction, is fixed relative to the block 53b. Thus, the engaging portion 51a is positioned above the yarn supply path S.

[0086] Furthermore, the bending member 51 is configured such that, when installed on the block 53b as described above, the upper side edge of the engaging portion 51a is parallel to the horizontal direction. Additionally, in this bending member 51, the engaging portion 51a is shaped such that a portion of its lower side edge is cut in a mountain-shaped manner. The apex of this cut in the mountain-shaped form is located approximately above the yarn supply path S in the aforementioned front-back direction.

[0087] Furthermore, regarding the fixing of the bending member 51 relative to the aforementioned block 53b, this fixing is achieved by threading a threaded member, which passes through the through hole formed in the mounting portion 51b, into the block 53b. Moreover, the through hole formed in the mounting portion 51b is an elongated hole extending vertically in the mounted state relative to the block 53b. Therefore, the mounting position of the bending member 51 relative to the block 53b can be adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0088] Based on this, the flexure mechanism 50 is configured such that, for any range of vertical position adjustment of the bending member 51, when the rod of the cylinder 53a is retracted to its maximum extent, the apex of the mountain-shaped part of the engaging portion 51a of the bending member 51 is positioned higher than the lower edge of each engaging member 32 in the engaging mechanism 30. Furthermore, the flexure mechanism 50 is configured such that, when the cylinder 53a extends the rod to its maximum extent, the apex of the mountain-shaped part of the engaging portion 51a of the bending member 51 is positioned lower than the lower edge of each engaging member 32 in the engaging mechanism 30.

[0089] Furthermore, in the flexure mechanism 50 configured as described above, before the cylinder 25 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 is driven to extend the rod in order to achieve the state where the space 29 is defined by the first component 21 and the second component 22 as described above (the state of holding the weft yarns Y1 and Y2), the cylinder 53a in the drive mechanism 53 is driven to extend the rod. Moreover, along with driving the cylinder 53a to extend the rod, the bending member 51 moves downward, and the position of the apex of the mountain shape of the engaging portion 51a is located below the lower edge of each engaging member 32 in the engaging mechanism 30.

[0090] Based on this, as described above, in the airflow splicing mechanism 20, the driving cylinder 25 extends the rod, thereby moving the bending member 51 further downward. Before the engagement members 32 in the engagement mechanism 30 engage with the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, the bending member 51 is engaged with the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 at the engagement portion 51a. Furthermore, as the rod of the cylinder 25 extends further, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are bent by the bending member 51. Then, as described above, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are held by the engagement mechanism 30 at the first position T1 and the second position T2, respectively. However, in this state, the distance between the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 at the first position T1 and the second position T2 is longer than the distance between the first position T1 and the second position T2 due to the aforementioned bending.

[0091] Furthermore, after holding the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 in this way, in the bending mechanism 50, the cylinder 53a is driven to retract its rod, and the bending member 51 is moved away from the weft yarns Y1 and Y2. As a result, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 passing through the space 29 defined by the contact between the first member 21 and the second member 22 as described above become relaxed.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 described above, when the weft yarn Y1 of the bobbin B1 is exhausted and the bobbin in the pull-out position P1 is changed to the bobbin B2, the connection between the weft yarn Y1 and the weft yarn Y2 is performed as follows.

[0093] First, as described above, when the bobbin B2, located in the standby position P0 and supported by the rotary drive support 11, reaches the pull-out position P1, in a top view, the path of the weft yarn Y1, which is downstream of the path maintaining member 5, is aligned with the path of the weft yarn Y2. Furthermore, in this state, as... Figure 5 As shown, the cylinder 53a in the drive flexure mechanism 50 extends its rod. As a result, the bending member 51 is displaced downward, so that the apex of the mountain shape of the engaging part 51a is located below the lower edge of each engaging member 32 in the engaging mechanism 30.

[0094] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, in the airflow connector mechanism 20, the drive cylinder 25 extends the rod. Then, the bending member 51 moves further downward, and before the two engaging members 32, 32 in the engaging mechanism 30 engage with the weft yarns Y1, Y2, the engaging part 51a first engages with the weft yarn Y1 on the yarn supply path S, and then engages with the weft yarn Y2.

[0095] Subsequently, as the cylinder 25 extends further, the bending member 51 (engaging part 51a) simultaneously presses down the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, resulting in a bent state for the weft yarns Y1 and Y2. Furthermore, the two engaging members 32 of the engaging mechanism 30 engage with the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 at their lower ends. Then, as the cylinder 25 extends further, each engaging member 32 abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding holding platform 35, and the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are held by the engaging mechanism 30 (each engaging member 32 and each holding platform 35) at the first position T1 and the second position T2, respectively. In this state, since the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are bent by the bending member 51 as described above, their length is longer than the distance between the first position T1 and the second position T2 in the weft direction.

[0096] Furthermore, by driving the cylinder 25 as described above, the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 also moves downward. Then, while the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are held by the engaging mechanism 30 as described above, the end face of the first component 21 abuts against the upper surface of the second component 22. Thus, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, held by the engaging mechanism 30 as described above, pass through the space 29 defined by the inner surface of the groove 21a in the first component 21 and the upper surface of the second component 22.

[0097] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, in the flexure mechanism 50, the drive cylinder 53a retracts its rod. Simultaneously, the bending member 51 moves upward, moving away from the weft yarns Y1 and Y2. Thus, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, which pass through space 29 as described above, become relaxed and released from their bending.

[0098] Subsequently, in the airflow coupling mechanism 20, compressed air is supplied from the supply device 28 to the first component 21, and compressed air is injected into the space 29 from the injection port 21b. As a result, under the action of this airflow, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 within the space 29 intertwine, becoming connected. Furthermore, the supply of compressed air from the supply device 28 to the first component 21 stops after a predetermined time.

[0099] Furthermore, after connecting weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 as described above, the portion of weft yarn Y1 connected to bobbin B1 is cut off from the portion of weft yarn Y1 connected to weft yarn Y2 by the cutting device 4. Then, the cylinder 25 is driven to retract its lever, thereby moving the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 and the two engaging components 32, 32 in the engaging mechanism 30 upwards, so that the first component 21 and the two engaging components 32, 32 are positioned above the yarn supply path S. Thus, weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are released from the grip of the engaging mechanism 30 and the engagement of the two engaging components 32, 32. As a result, the weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) in bobbin B2, located in the pull-out position P1, is able to be pulled out toward the weft insertion nozzle N.

[0100] Thus, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured to employ an airflow-type splicing mechanism 20 that connects two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 within a space 29 formed by the first component 21 and the second component 22 using an airflow of compressed air supplied to the space 29. This serves as the connection mechanism for connecting the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2. Therefore, according to this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, compared to existing devices that use adhesives to connect two weft yarns Y1 and Y2, even if the weft yarn containing the connecting portion is sprayed into the warp opening and discharged on the opposite side of the yarn supply, no contamination of the warp or weft yarns occurs, preventing a decrease in fabric quality.

[0101] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes an engaging mechanism 30. This engaging mechanism 30 is configured to displace engaging components 32, 32 in the vertical direction at the first position T1 and the second position T2. ​​Before compressed air is supplied into the space 29, each engaging component 32 engages with the weft yarns Y1, Y2 at its lower edge. That is, before compressed air is applied to the two weft yarns Y1, Y2 for connection, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is in a state where the two engaging components 32, 32 in the engaging mechanism 30 substantially constrain the two weft yarns Y1, Y2 on both sides of the weft direction relative to the space 29. Moreover, the engaging mechanism 30 is configured to include two holding platforms 35, 35, where each engaging component 32 and its corresponding holding platform 35 hold the two weft yarns Y1, Y2, thus enabling more reliable constraint of the weft yarns Y1, Y2. Therefore, according to the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the situation where the connection of the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 is not successfully completed due to the airflow of compressed air injected into the space 29 disturbing the yarn can be eliminated as much as possible.

[0102] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a bending mechanism 50 that bends two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 between the first position T1 and the second position T2 using a bending member 51. This bending mechanism 50 (bending member 51) is configured to bend the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 before they are held by the engaging mechanism 30 as described above, and to release the bend after they are held by the engaging mechanism 30. Therefore, when the airflow splicing mechanism 20 connects the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 (when compressed air is applied to the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2), the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2 can be pre-positioned in a relaxed state within the space 29, thus enabling a more reliable connection of the two weft yarns Y1 and Y2.

[0103] The above describes one embodiment (example) of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom using the present invention. However, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can also be implemented in the following modified embodiments (modified examples).

[0104] (1) Regarding the pair of components (first component 21, second component 22) that define the space for connecting yarns in the airflow splicing mechanism, the airflow splicing mechanism 20 of the above embodiment is configured such that the first component 21, having a groove 21a, is disposed above the yarn supply path S, and the second component 22 is disposed below the yarn supply path S. However, in this invention, the airflow splicing mechanism is not limited to such a configuration of the first and second components; it may also be configured such that the first component is disposed below the yarn supply path S, and the second component is disposed above the yarn supply path S. Furthermore, in this case, the first component is naturally positioned with the end face of the groove opening facing upwards.

[0105] Furthermore, in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 of the above embodiment, the second component 22 is composed of a plate-shaped component whose end face opposite to the first component 21 is formed as a plane. However, in the airflow splicing mechanism of the present invention, the second component is not limited to being configured in this way, and may also have a groove identical to that of the first component, opening on the end face opposite to the first component. Moreover, in this case, the space for connecting the yarn is formed by the groove in the first component and the groove in the second component.

[0106] Furthermore, as described above, when the airflow splicing mechanism is configured such that the first component is positioned below the yarn supply path S, and when the first component is driven in the vertical direction in the same manner as in the above embodiment, the drive mechanism is positioned below the yarn supply path S. Specifically, for example, the cylinder in the drive mechanism can be configured such that the front end of the rod faces upwards and is mounted on the upper disc of the support at its cylinder body, and the first component can be supported by the front end of the rod.

[0107] Furthermore, in this invention, the airflow connector mechanism is configured such that at least one of a pair of components (the first component and the second component) is driven toward the other. That is, the airflow connector mechanism is not limited to being configured such that the first component is driven toward the second component by the driving mechanism, but it can also be configured such that the second component is driven toward the first component by the driving mechanism. Additionally, the airflow connector mechanism can also be configured such that both the first component and the second component are driven by the driving mechanism.

[0108] (2) Regarding the locking mechanism, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of the above embodiment, a pair of locking components 32, 32 in the locking mechanism 30 are mounted on the drive mechanism 23 for driving the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20, and are driven by the drive mechanism 23 in the vertical direction. That is, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured such that the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 also acts as the drive mechanism for driving the pair of locking components 32, 32 in the locking mechanism 30. However, even when the automatic yarn feeding and changing device has a locking mechanism, it is not limited to the configuration as described in the above embodiment. The locking mechanism can also be configured to have a dedicated drive mechanism for driving the locking components (independent of the airflow splicing mechanism).

[0109] Furthermore, regarding the engagement mechanism, in the above embodiment, the engagement mechanism 30 is configured such that a pair of engagement components 32, 32 are positioned above the yarn supply path S, and these components engage with the two weft yarns by pressing down the old yarn. However, the engagement mechanism can also be configured such that a pair of engagement components are positioned below the yarn supply path S, and the new yarn is pushed upwards by these components. In this case, the holding platform corresponding to each engagement component is positioned above the yarn supply path S in a configuration opposite to the corresponding engagement component.

[0110] Furthermore, the engagement mechanism is not limited to having a holding platform and having the two weft yarns held by the engagement components and the holding platform. In detail, if the airflow (compressed air) acting on the two weft yarns in order to make the connection can reduce the erratic movement of the two weft yarns caused by the airflow to a level that is permissible in the connection (or can be almost non-existent), then the engagement mechanism can also be configured without a holding platform (incomplete holding), and the two weft yarns are roughly constrained only by the engagement of the engagement components.

[0111] Furthermore, the engagement mechanism is not limited to having a pair of engagement components as in the above embodiment; it can also be configured to have only one engagement component located at the second position in the weft direction. Specifically, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device, at a position downstream of the first position T1, the old yarn's path is constrained by the yarn guide 3, etc. The path of the new yarn is constrained by the holding device. Therefore, even if the airflow splicing mechanism applies airflow (compressed air) to the two weft yarns, depending on the degree of application, there may be cases where almost no movement of the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 occurs at a position downstream of the first and second components. Therefore, even when the airflow splicing mechanism applies airflow, as long as the movement of the two weft yarns downstream of the first and second components does not affect the degree of their connection, the engagement mechanism can be configured to have only one engagement component located at the second position in the weft direction.

[0112] Furthermore, in this invention, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device is not limited to having the above-mentioned locking mechanism. If the connection of the two weft yarns in the airflow splicing mechanism is not unsuccessfully terminated due to the random movement of the two weft yarns caused by airflow, the locking mechanism may not be required.

[0113] (3) Regarding the flexure mechanism, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 53 of the flexure mechanism 50 is mounted on the drive mechanism 23 for driving the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20, and is configured to be driven together with the engaging mechanism 30 (engaging component 32) in the vertical direction via the drive mechanism 23. That is, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured such that the flexure mechanism 50 is assembled with the engaging mechanism 30 and the airflow splicing mechanism 20. However, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device is not limited to being configured such that the flexure mechanism is assembled with the engaging mechanism and the airflow splicing mechanism, and may also be configured such that the flexure mechanism is provided independently of at least one of the engaging mechanism and the airflow splicing mechanism.

[0114] Furthermore, when the flexure mechanism is provided independently from the engagement mechanism and the airflow connector mechanism, and the drive device (cylinder) in the flexure mechanism is displaced in the vertical direction in the same way as in the above embodiment, the flexure mechanism can be configured to have a dedicated drive unit for displacing the drive device in the vertical direction. Moreover, the flexure mechanism is not limited to having the drive unit described above displace the drive device in the vertical direction; the flexure mechanism may also be configured to not have the drive unit described above, and the bending member may be driven in the vertical direction solely by the stroke of the rod in the drive device.

[0115] Furthermore, regarding the flexure mechanism, in the above embodiment, the flexure mechanism 50 is configured such that the bending member 51 is located downstream of the first and second members in the weft direction, and the bending member 51 bends the two weft yarns on the downstream side. However, the flexure mechanism may also be configured such that the bending member is located upstream of the first and second members in the weft direction, and the bending member bends the two weft yarns on the upstream side. Moreover, the flexure mechanism is not limited to having a bending member only on one of the upstream and downstream sides; it may also be configured to have bending members on both the upstream and downstream sides.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the flexure mechanism 50 is configured such that its bending member 51 is positioned above the yarn supply path S, and the bending member 51 bends the two weft yarns by pressing them down. However, the flexure mechanism can also be configured such that the bending member is positioned below the yarn supply path S, and the bending member pushes the two weft yarns upward to bend them.

[0117] Furthermore, the flexure mechanism is not limited to having a bending member and using the bending member to bend the two weft yarns. Specifically, for example, the flexure mechanism may also be configured to have a nozzle for injecting compressed air, using the action of the compressed air injected from the nozzle to bend the two weft yarns.

[0118] Furthermore, in this invention, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device is not limited to having the above-described flexure mechanism. For example, when the automatic yarn feeding and changing device has the engaging mechanism of the above embodiment, if it is desired to loosen the two weft yarns in the same way as when it has a flexure mechanism, it can be configured such that at least one of the pair of engaging members and holding tables in the engaging mechanism can be driven to move toward the second member 22 in the weft direction. Moreover, based on the above-described engaging mechanism configuration, by moving the engaging members and holding tables while holding the two weft yarns, the interval between the pair of engaging members (holding tables) is shortened, allowing the two weft yarns to loosen.

[0119] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention, it is not necessary for the two weft yarns to be in such a relaxed state (having a structure for making them relaxed). Such a structure may not be required if the two yarns are in a tense state and cannot be fully utilized by airflow to make them entangled.

[0120] (4) Regarding the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom mentioned in the present invention, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of the above embodiment, four supports 11 for bobbins B are provided around the central column 11c, with the axis (central axis) of the central column 11c oriented in the vertical direction. However, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device mentioned in the present invention is not limited to having supports in this manner; the supports may also be provided with their central axes oriented in the horizontal direction. That is, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device may also be configured such that each bobbin provided on the support is oriented with its axis in the horizontal direction and rotates about the central axis in the horizontal direction.

[0121] Furthermore, in this case, the pair of components (first component and second component) in the airflow splicing mechanism are positioned opposite each other in the horizontal direction across the yarn supply path. Also, when the automatic yarn supply changing device with such a support is configured to include the aforementioned locking mechanism and flexing mechanism, the locking component in the locking mechanism and the bending component in the flexing mechanism are also configured to displace horizontally toward the yarn supply path.

[0122] (5) Regarding the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom based on the premise of the present invention, in the above embodiment, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured to have four bobbins B provided on its support 11. However, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device based on the premise of the present invention is not limited to having four bobbins provided on its support. Specifically, for example, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device may be configured to have two or three bobbins provided on its support, and may also be configured to have five or more bobbins.

[0123] Furthermore, regarding the moving mechanism, in the above embodiment, the drive device 12 in the moving mechanism is configured to rotate the ratchet mechanism 12a by retracting the rod of the cylinder 12b, thereby rotating the support 11. However, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention, the moving mechanism may, for example, be configured to have a motor connected to the central column of the support, and the central column is directly rotated by the motor.

[0124] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom, used in a loom for inserting weft yarn by pulling out the weft yarn from a bobbin located at a pull-out position (which is a position for inserting weft yarn) along a predetermined yarn feeding path, and for replacing bobbins when the weft yarn in the bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, by connecting the old yarn (as the old bobbin's weft yarn) with the new yarn (as the new bobbin's weft yarn), the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom comprising a moving mechanism configured to move a new bobbin from a standby position to the pull-out position by rotating a rotating body supporting each bobbin, the moving mechanism comprising a guide portion for redirecting the path of the weft yarn pulled from the bobbin, and a holding portion for holding the leading end of the weft yarn on an extension line of a line connecting the rotation center of the rotating body to the guide portion, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom being characterized in that... It has an airflow-type splicing mechanism that uses airflow to connect new yarn and old yarn between the aforementioned guiding part and the aforementioned holding part. The aforementioned airflow splicing mechanism includes a pair of components and a drive mechanism. The pair of components are a pair of components that define a space for connecting yarns. They consist of a first component having a groove that opens toward the yarn supply path and allows the yarn to pass through, and a second component that is opposite to the first component across the yarn supply path. The drive mechanism is a drive mechanism that drives at least one of the first component and the second component toward the other in order to define the space by having the first component and the second component come into contact. The airflow splicing mechanism is configured to inject compressed air into the space from a jet hole formed in the first component or the second component.

2. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned airflow connector mechanism includes a locking mechanism comprising a locking member. Before compressed air is injected into the space from the aforementioned injection hole, the locking member is displaced toward the yarn supply path at a first position between the aforementioned pair of members and the aforementioned holding portion and / or at a second position between the aforementioned pair of members and the aforementioned guide portion, thereby locking with the two yarns of the old yarn and the new yarn.

3. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom according to claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned locking mechanism is configured to hold the two yarns in the first position and the second position. The aforementioned automatic yarn feeding and changing device includes a flexing mechanism that flexes the two yarns between the first position and the second position before the two yarns are held by the aforementioned engaging mechanism.

4. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom according to claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned flexure mechanism includes a bending component that engages with the two yarns to bend them.

Images