Automatic yarn supply changing device for looms

Abstract

This invention provides an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom, which minimizes the length of the old yarn extending from the connection point of the two yarns after the yarn feeder is changed, thereby preventing a decrease in fabric quality. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device of this invention includes a holding mechanism that holds the new yarn and the old yarn on both sides of the connection position. This holding mechanism is configured to include a pair of holding members arranged opposite each other on both sides of the connection position, separated by the path of the yarn during connection, and to hold the new yarn and the old yarn using the opposing holding surfaces of the two holding members. It also includes a path limiting member, which has a limiting surface that engages with the old yarn when the rotating body supporting the bobbin rotates. The limiting surface is positioned between the guide portion that redirects the path of the weft yarn pulled from the bobbin and the holding mechanism, relative to the weft yarn path during weft insertion, close to the retraction position. A cutting mechanism is configured to cut the old yarn between the guide portion and the path limiting member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom. When the weft yarn in the bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device rotates a rotating body supporting the bobbin to move the old bobbin after the weft yarn is exhausted to a retracted position, and moves a new bobbin to the position when weft insertion occurs. Based on this, the new yarn, which is the weft yarn of the new bobbin, is connected to the old yarn, which is the weft yarn of the old bobbin, to replace the bobbin. In particular, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device includes a guide part provided on the rotating body to redirect the path of the weft yarn pulled out from the bobbin, a mechanism to hold the new yarn and the old yarn on both sides of the connection position before connection, and a cutting mechanism to cut the old yarn after the rotating body rotates. Background Technology

[0002] In a loom, when the weft yarn on the bobbin is used up (below a predetermined amount) during weft insertion, the old bobbin with the used weft yarn is replaced with a new bobbin that is fully wound, and weft insertion continues by pulling the weft yarn out from the new bobbin. As a device that automatically performs such replacement of the new bobbin and the old bobbin (automatic yarn feeding replacement device), there are, for example, the devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are configured to each have a rotating body with multiple supporting bobbins, and in this rotating body, in addition to the position during weft insertion (hereinafter referred to as the "weft insertion position"), two bobbins are also provided in a standby position different from the weft insertion position. Moreover, in these two devices, by rotating the rotating body, the bobbin located at the weft insertion position (old bobbin) moves to the retracted position, and the bobbin located in the standby position (new bobbin) moves to the position during weft insertion.

[0004] Furthermore, both devices are configured such that the rotating body includes a disk on the lower side of the bobbin and an upper disk positioned above the bobbin, and the upper disk is configured to have holes for guiding the yarn pulled out of the bobbin according to the arrangement position of each bobbin. Additionally, both devices include a cutting mechanism for cutting the yarn pulled out of the old bobbin when the bobbin is replaced. Moreover, in both devices, the yarn (old yarn) of the old bobbin after the rotating body is rotated as described above is connected to the yarn (new yarn) of the new bobbin, and the old yarn is cut using the cutting mechanism.

[0005] Furthermore, the device in Patent Document 1 includes a guide (thread clamp) provided on the rotating body (support) for each of the aforementioned holes, which redirects the path of the yarn pulled from the bobbin. However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the specific configuration of the cutting mechanism, etc.

[0006] Furthermore, the device in Patent Document 2 includes a mechanism (holding mechanism) for holding the yarn drawn from the aforementioned holes in the rotating body at two locations on the rotating body. Specifically, this holding mechanism comprises: a pair of guide members, which are provided on a disk on the upper side of the rotating body according to each of the aforementioned holes and spaced apart, guiding the yarn drawn from the bobbin using V-grooves; and a pair of engaging portions, which are provided above the pair of guide members corresponding to the bobbin located at the weft insertion position and spaced apart by a distance slightly larger than the interval between the pair of guide members. In addition, each engaging portion is formed in a forked shape, and during weft insertion, the weft yarn drawn from the bobbin passes between the forked portions. Furthermore, the pair of engaging portions is designed to be driven to move up and down in the vertical direction.

[0007] Based on this, in the device of Patent Document 2, as the bobbin is replaced as described above, the rotating body rotates, and the bobbin (old bobbin) to be replaced for weft insertion moves toward the retraction position as described above. However, the portion of the yarn (old yarn) downstream of the holding mechanism (engaging part) is locked in the engaging part, thus remaining in that position. Furthermore, as the rotating body rotates, the bobbin (new bobbin) in the standby position moves to the weft insertion position, so that the portion between a pair of guides in the yarn (new yarn) pulled from the new bobbin is between a pair of engaging parts located above. Based on this, the pair of engaging parts are driven downwards, and the new yarn and old yarn are bent between each guide and its corresponding engaging part, thereby the two yarns are held by the holding mechanism.

[0008] Based on this, the two yarns are connected between the pair of guides. Then, a cutting mechanism containing blades that are driven forward and backward in the vertical direction cuts off the connected portion of the old yarn from the yarn in the old bobbin in the retracted position.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-100954

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 64-020355 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] However, in the device of Patent Document 2, the cutting mechanism for cutting the old yarn is positioned on the same line in plan view relative to the two yarns held by the holding mechanism. In this case, the new yarn exists at a position closer to the connecting portion than the hole from which the new yarn is drawn from the new bobbin at the weft insertion position. It is necessary to avoid this new yarn (cutting only the old yarn), therefore the cutting mechanism is positioned on the line closer to the center of the rotating body than the hole. Consequently, the portion of the old yarn extending from the connecting portion of the two yarns becomes longer.

[0015] Furthermore, since the connecting weft yarn (connecting weft yarn) containing the aforementioned connecting portion becomes a defect in the fabric if it is woven into the fabric, the connecting weft yarn is discarded before weaving begins. Moreover, this discarding is carried out in the following manner: the connecting weft yarn is injected into the warp opening by the weft insertion device and allowed to pass through the warp opening, and then it flies to the opposite side of the yarn supply and is discharged on the opposite side of the yarn supply.

[0016] However, if the portion of the old yarn extending from the connection between the two yarns is relatively long, there is a concern that during its discharge process, as it passes through the warp opening, a portion of the old yarn may become caught on the warp yarn, and a portion of the connecting weft yarn may remain inside the warp opening. Moreover, if the connecting weft yarn remains in this way, it will cause a reduction in fabric quality due to the weft yarn being woven in.

[0017] 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 can minimize the length of old yarn extending from the connection part of the two yarns after the yarn feeder is changed, thereby preventing the quality of the fabric from deteriorating.

[0018] Solution for solving the problem

[0019] This invention uses an automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom as a premise. When the weft yarn in the bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom rotates a rotating body supporting the bobbin to move the old bobbin after the weft yarn is exhausted to a retracted position. After moving the new bobbin to the position when weft insertion was performed, the new yarn, which is the weft yarn of the new bobbin, is connected to the old yarn, which is the weft yarn of the old bobbin, to replace the bobbin. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom includes a guide part provided on the rotating body that directs the path of the weft yarn pulled out from the bobbin, a mechanism that holds the new yarn and the old yarn on both sides of the connection position before connection, and a cutting mechanism that cuts the old yarn after the rotating body rotates.

[0020] Based on this, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention is characterized by having a holding mechanism as the holding mechanism, the holding mechanism being configured as a pair of holding members arranged opposite each other on both sides of the connection position, with the path of the yarn during connection separated by the two holding members, and the new yarn and the old yarn being held by the opposing holding surfaces of the two holding members, and also having a path limiting member, the path limiting member having a limiting surface that engages with the old yarn when the rotating body rotates, and the limiting surface being located at a position between the guide part and the holding mechanism relative to the path of the weft yarn during weft insertion, close to the retraction position, and the cutting mechanism being configured to cut the old yarn between the guide part and the path limiting member.

[0021] The effects of the invention are as follows.

[0022] Firstly, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device of the present invention, the mechanism for holding two yarns on both sides of the connection position where the new yarn and the old yarn are connected is configured as a holding mechanism in which a pair of holding members hold the two yarns using their opposing holding surfaces, and the holding of the two yarns is performed with a high holding force. Furthermore, in the case of a holding mechanism that uses bending resistance to hold the two yarns, as in conventional devices, the holding force is insufficient, raising concerns about unstable connection of the two yarns and cutting of the old yarn.

[0023] Furthermore, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device, a path limiting member is provided with its limiting surface located between the holding mechanism (the holding member on the upstream side) and the guide portion corresponding to the bobbin at the weft insertion position, such that the path of the weft yarn during weft insertion is close to the retraction position. Therefore, as the bobbin at the weft insertion position moves to the retraction position, the weft yarn of the bobbin is locked by the limiting surface of the path limiting member, thus the portion of the yarn downstream of the path limiting member (the portion extending towards the connection position) is kept in a state where its path is substantially maintained. Furthermore, the portion upstream of the path limiting member (the bobbin side) is connected between the limiting surface (path limiting member) and the guide portion corresponding to the bobbin (old bobbin) at the retraction position.

[0024] Based on this, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device, since the cutting mechanism is provided in a way that cuts the old yarn from the old bobbin between the path limiting member and the guide section, the cutting mechanism can be positioned close to the holding mechanism. As a result, the old yarn extending from the connection between the new and old yarns after the yarn feeder is replaced can be kept as short as possible, and the situation where the connecting weft yarn gets caught on the warp yarn, which occurs in existing devices, can be minimized, thus preventing a decrease in fabric quality. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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.

[0026] Figure 2 It makes the support from Figure 1 The top view of the state after rotating 90°.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The XX-line sectional view in the diagram.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The Z-direction view in the image.

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the function of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device used on a loom.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the function of the automatic yarn feeding and changing device used on a loom.

[0032] Symbol Explanation

[0033] 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; 4a—Cutting blade; 4b—Cylinder; 4c—Receiving component; 5—Path limiting component; 5a—Limiting surface; 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— Holding component, 18g—support plate, 20—airflow connector mechanism (connection 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—holding mechanism, 32—holding component, 32a—holding surface, 35—holding platform, 35a—holding surface, 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

[0034] The following is based on Figures 1 to 7An 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 by a predetermined angle (90° in this embodiment to match the configuration of the bobbin B) to change the position of the bobbin B. Thus, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is configured such that the bobbin B is placed on the support 11, and the position of the bobbin B is changed by rotating the support 11 using the drive device 12.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 to reach the weft insertion nozzle N, i.e., the yarn feeding path S. Moreover, the yarn feeding path S, when viewed from above, is a direction approximately parallel to the weft insertion direction of the loom. Therefore, hereinafter, the direction parallel to the yarn feeding path S when viewed from above will be referred to as the "weft direction." Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to this weft direction when viewed from above is the front-back direction of the loom, hereinafter referred to as the "front-back direction."

[0047] Furthermore, in this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, when the weft yarn Y1 of the bobbin B1, which is located in the pull-out position P1 and is accompanied by the insertion of the weft yarn Y as described above, is exhausted, the drive support 11 is rotated as described above in order to replace the bobbin B. In this case, the position of the bobbin B1, which is the old bobbin to be replaced, and the position of the guide member 17a corresponding to the bobbin B1, on the support 11 are changed from the pull-out position P1 to a position after rotating 90° counterclockwise around the central column 11c (retracted position P2). In addition, along with this rotation, the bobbin B2, which is located in the previous position (standby position) P0 relative to the bobbin B1 in the rotation direction, moves to the pull-out position P1 as a new bobbin for weft insertion.

[0048] Based on this, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the connecting mechanism 20, located between the yarn guide 3 and the guide member 17, connects the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) and the weft yarn Y2 (new yarn). Furthermore, after this connection, the cutting device 4, which serves as a cutting mechanism, cuts the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) between it and the bobbin B1, thereby enabling the weft insertion of the weft yarn Y2, which is pulled out from the bobbin B2 (new bobbin). In addition, as will be explained below, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a mechanism that holds the two yarns on both sides of the weft direction relative to the position (connection position) where the weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 are connected as described above.

[0049] In the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 for a loom constructed as described above, in this invention, the mechanism for holding the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) and weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) on both sides of the connection position is configured as a holding mechanism, which includes a pair of holding members arranged opposite each other across the yarn feeding path S, and holding the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) and weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) using the opposing surfaces of the two holding members. Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 includes a path limiting member, which engages with the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) at a position near the retraction position P2 relative to the yarn feeding path S between the guide 17 and the holding mechanism when the support 11 rotates. Based on this, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, the aforementioned cutting mechanism is provided at a position to cut the weft yarn Y1 between the guide member 17 and the path limiting member. Details of one embodiment of this automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of the present invention are as follows.

[0050] First, in this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 described above is an airflow-type splicing mechanism that uses airflow to connect new yarn and old yarn. Furthermore, the airflow-type splicing mechanism 20 includes a first component 21 and a second component 22 arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction across the yarn supply path S. The airflow-type splicing mechanism 20 also includes a drive mechanism 23 that drives the first component 21 in the vertical direction to abut and separate the first component 21 and the second component 22. Additionally, the airflow-type splicing mechanism 20 includes a compressed air supply device 28 connected to the first component 21.

[0051] 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 yarn guide 3 and the guide component 17.

[0052] 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 with an opening on one end face. This groove 21a is formed to extend along the long side of the end face and is located at the center along the short side. Moreover, the first component 21 is positioned with the end face of the groove 21a opening facing downwards (towards the yarn supply path S), and the long side of the groove 21a is parallel to the weft direction. Furthermore, when viewed from above, the first component 21 is positioned where the groove 21a overlaps with the yarn supply path S.

[0053] 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 substantially parallel to the aforementioned end face of the first component 21. The second component 22 has a size that accommodates the first component 21 within its area of ​​existence when viewed from above.

[0054] Furthermore, a top plate 2a is mounted on the upper end of the quadrangular prism 2c on which the aforementioned yarn guide 3 is installed, with its plate surface facing horizontally. 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. The top plate 2a is supported by the quadrangular prism 2c and the cylinder 2d. 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 has a vertical dimension such that its lower end is positioned lower than the path of the weft yarn Y1. A second component 22 is mounted on this bracket 2e.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Furthermore, the support member 27 is a plate-shaped member with a rectangular end face, and is mounted on the side of the block 26 at the aforementioned standby position P0 side in the front-rear direction, with its long side of the end face protruding downward from the block 26 parallel to the axis of the rod. Moreover, the first member 21 is mounted on the support member 27 in the aforementioned configuration.

[0058] 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, for 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, and is capable of supplying 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 its jet hole 21b.

[0059] Furthermore, in the airflow-type connector 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 aforementioned end face of the first component 21 abuts against the upper surface of the second component 22. This forms a 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. The weft yarns Y1 and Y2 then pass through this space 29.

[0060] Furthermore, regarding the holding mechanism 30, it includes a pair of holding members 32, 32 for holding weft yarns Y1 and Y2, and two holding platforms 35, 35 corresponding to each holding member 32 and used to cooperate with the corresponding holding members 32 to hold the weft yarns Y1 and Y2. Each holding member 32 is a plate-shaped component with a rectangular end face, with its long side parallel to the vertical direction and facing the two end faces of the block 26 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 along the aforementioned long side direction. Therefore, each holding member 32 is designed to be able to move vertically using the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20.

[0061] Furthermore, each gripping 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 gripping member 32 has a dimension along its long side that is 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 end of each gripping member 32 is positioned within the vertical range of the groove 21a in the first member 21.

[0062] Furthermore, by being installed on the block 26 as described above, each gripping member 32, when viewed from above, is positioned such that its area of ​​existence traverses the aforementioned yarn supply path. Moreover, in this installed state, the pair of gripping members 32, 32 are positioned in the weft direction, with one located at a first position T1 between the first member 21 and the holding device 18, and the other at a second position T2 between the first member 21 and the guide member 17. That is, the pair of gripping members 32, 32 are positioned on either side of the aforementioned connection position (the range of the groove 21a in the first member 21) in the weft direction (first position T1 and second position T2).

[0063] Furthermore, four sets of gripping platforms 35, 35 are arranged on the upper disk 11a of the support 11 and around the central column 11c, corresponding to the four tubes B respectively provided on the support 11. The pair of gripping platforms 35, 35 are configured such that, when the corresponding tube B is in the pulled-out position P1, one is located below the gripping member 32 in the first position T1, and the other is located below the gripping member 32 in the second position T2, that is, they are opposed vertically to the gripping surface 32a, which is the lower surface of the two gripping members 32, 32.

[0064] Furthermore, each gripping platform 35 is a block-shaped structure with a rectangular gripping surface 35a as its upper surface, and is arranged with its long side parallel to the gripping surface 32a of the opposing gripping member 32. Each gripping platform 35 is configured with a height such that, when the rod of the cylinder 25 in the drive mechanism 23 extends to abut against the first component 21 and the second component 22 in the airflow connector mechanism 20, the gripping surface 32a of the gripping member 32 abuts against each gripping platform 35.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the gripping mechanism 30 configured as described above, the cylinder 25 of the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow connector mechanism 20, as described above, is driven to extend the rod (the first component 21 moves downward), and each gripping component 32 moves downward, so that the gripping surface 32a of each gripping component 32 engages with the weft yarns Y1 and Y2. 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 gripping component 32 abuts against the gripping surface 35a of the corresponding gripping table 35 at its gripping surface 32a. Thus, at each of the first position T1 and the second position T2, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are gripped by the gripping surface 32a and the gripping surface 35a.

[0066] Furthermore, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 has a path limiting component 5. Even if the position of the guide component 17a is changed when the support 11 is rotated as described above, the path limiting 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 on the yarn feeding path S at a position downstream of the guide component 17b corresponding to the bobbin B2 (new bobbin).

[0067] The path limiting member 5 is a plate-shaped component, mounted on the plate surface of its yarn supply path S side relative to the bracket 2e on which the second component 22 is mounted. Specifically, the path limiting member 5 is positioned between the guide member 17 in the weft direction and the holding mechanism 30 (at a position closer to the guide member 17 than the holding mechanism 30), with its plate surface parallel to the front-back direction (orthogonal to the weft direction) when viewed from above. Thus, the path limiting member 5 is positioned at the retracted position P2 side relative to the yarn supply path S, extending from the bracket 2e toward the yarn supply path S. Furthermore, the path limiting member 5 has a limiting surface 5a, which serves as its side surface on the yarn supply path S side, positioned close to the yarn supply path S when viewed from above. Additionally, the path limiting member 5 is positioned vertically at a height that overlaps with the path of the weft yarn Y1 connected to the yarn guide 3 from the guide member 17a.

[0068] Furthermore, by providing such a path limiting component 5, even when the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 is in a state where the drive support 11 is rotated as described above and the bobbin B1 moves to the retracted position P2, and the guide component 17a corresponding to the bobbin B1 is located away from the yarn feeding path S, the weft yarn Y1 pulled out from the bobbin B1 is also held in place by the limiting surface 5a, thus limiting its displacement. As a result, the weft yarn Y1 is maintained at a position close to the yarn feeding path S when viewed from above, located downstream of the path limiting component 5 (on the weft insertion nozzle N side).

[0069] Furthermore, if the drive support 11 is rotated as described above, the bobbin B2, located in the standby position P0, moves towards the pull-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 drive 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 limiting member 5.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Furthermore, the cutting device 4, which serves as a cutting mechanism for cutting the aforementioned old yarn, i.e., weft yarn Y1, is positioned, when viewed from above, to cut the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) among the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 connected as described above, between the guide member 17a corresponding to the old bobbin and the path limiting member 5. More specifically, the cutting device 4 is positioned such that, when viewed from above, its cutting blade 4a overlaps with the path of the weft yarn between the guide member 17a and the path limiting member 5, and the distance from this overlapping position (cutting position) to the aforementioned connection position is shorter than the interval (distance) between the guide member 17b and the aforementioned connection position in the weft direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the cutting device 4 is positioned near the path limiting member 5.

[0073] More specifically, the cutting device 4 includes a cutting blade 4a for cutting the weft yarn Y1, a cylinder 4b for driving the cutting blade 4a in the up-down direction, and a receiving component 4c corresponding to the cutting blade 4a and cutting the weft yarn Y1 through cooperation with the cutting blade 4a.

[0074] The cylinder 4b is mounted on the plate surface of the bracket 2e, where the path limiting member 5 is mounted as described above, with the front end of the rod facing downwards. This mounting is performed on the side closer to the guide member 17a than the path limiting member 5. Thus, the cylinder 4b is positioned near the guide member 17a of the path limiting member 5, relative to the retraction position P2 relative to the yarn feeding path S. Furthermore, the cutting blade 4a is mounted on the front end of the rod of the cylinder 4b, with the blade tip facing downwards.

[0075] Furthermore, the receiving component 4c is a plate-shaped component with a rectangular end face, and is mounted on the bracket 2e in a vertically opposite position to the cutting blade 4a (blade tip) provided as described above, with its end face facing upwards. Moreover, according to such a cutting device 4, when the weft yarn Y is present between the cutting blade 4a and the receiving component 4c, the cylinder 4b is driven to extend the rod, and the cutting blade 4a moves downwards to abut against the receiving component 4c, thereby cutting the weft yarn Y.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1, as described above, when the weft yarn Y1 of the bobbin B1 is exhausted, firstly, the drive support 11 is rotated, 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.

[0077] Furthermore, by moving bobbin B1 to the retracted position P2, the guide member 17a corresponding to bobbin B1 is positioned away from the yarn supply path S. However, in this automatic changing device 1, since the path limiting member 5 is provided as described above, the weft yarn Y1 pulled from bobbin B1 is locked by the limiting surface 5a of the path limiting member 5 during the movement of bobbin B1. As a result, the displacement of the portion downstream of the locked portion is restricted. Thus, when the bobbin in the pull-out position P1 is changed to bobbin B2, in a top view, the path of the weft yarn Y1 downstream of the path limiting member 5 is approximately aligned with the path of the weft yarn Y2.

[0078] Next, as Figure 7 As shown, in the airflow connector mechanism 20, the cylinder 25 is driven to extend the rod. Simultaneously, the two gripping components 32, 32 in the gripping mechanism 30 descend, engaging with the weft yarn Y1 and then with Y2 at their lower gripping surfaces 32a. Furthermore, as the rod of the cylinder 25 extends further, each gripping component 32 comes into contact with the gripping surface 35a of the corresponding gripping platform 35, and the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are respectively gripped by the gripping mechanism 30 (gripping surfaces 32a and 35a) at the first position T1 and the second position T2.

[0079] Furthermore, by driving the cylinder 25 as described above, the end face of the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second component 22. Thus, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, held by the holding 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. Then, in the airflow splicing mechanism 20, compressed air is supplied to the first component 21 from the supply device 28, and compressed air is injected into the space 29 from the injection hole 21b. As a result, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 in the space 29 intertwine with each other using this airflow, becoming connected.

[0080] Furthermore, after connecting weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 as described above, in the cutting device 4, the cylinder 4b is driven to extend the rod, and the cutting blade 4a mounted at the front end of the rod moves downward. In this state, weft yarn Y1 exists between the cutting blade 4a and the receiving member 4c. Therefore, the cutting blade 4a is lowered to abut against the receiving member 4c to cut the weft yarn Y1. Based on this, the cutting device 4 is positioned such that the cutting position of the cutting blade 4a is near the path limiting member 5 as described above. Therefore, the length of the portion of the cut weft yarn Y1 connected to the connection position is shorter than the distance between the guide member 17b and the connection position in the weft direction. In other words, after this cutting, the portion of the old weft yarn Y1 connected to the connection position of the already connected weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 is very short compared to existing structures where the distance between the guide member and the connection position is longer.

[0081] Subsequently, cylinder 25 is driven to retract its lever, thereby moving the first component 21 in the airflow splicing mechanism 20 and the two holding components 32, 32 in the holding mechanism 30 upwards, so that the first component 21 and the two holding components 32, 32 are positioned above the yarn supply path S. As a result, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are released from the holding of the holding mechanism 30 and the engagement of the two holding components 32, 32. Consequently, the weft yarn Y2 (new yarn) in the bobbin B2 at the pull-out position P1 is able to be pulled out toward the weft insertion nozzle N.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 described above, as a mechanism for holding the two yarns on both sides (first position T1, second position T2) of the connection position before connecting the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn) and the weft yarn Y2, a holding mechanism 30 is adopted as described above, which holds the weft yarn Y1 and the weft yarn Y2 by the holding surface 32a and the holding surface 35a. Therefore, compared with the existing device that uses bending resistance to hold the two yarns, the two yarns can be reliably constrained with a higher holding force, thereby enabling the connection of the two yarns and the cutting of the old yarn to be carried out stably.

[0083] Furthermore, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 that uses the holding mechanism 30 as the holding mechanism, when the bobbin B1 moves by the rotation drive of the support 11, the holding mechanism 30 cannot restrict the path of the weft yarn Y1 (old yarn). However, since the path limiting member 5 that locks the weft yarn Y1 is provided, the weft yarn Y1 is locked by the path limiting member 5 during the movement of the bobbin B1. Therefore, when the bobbin B2 reaches the pull-out position P1, the portion of the weft yarn Y1 downstream of the path limiting member 5 can be maintained at a position approximately aligned with the weft yarn Y2.

[0084] Based on this, regarding the cutting device 4 that cuts the weft yarn Y1 after connecting two yarns, since the cutting device 4 is configured such that the cutting position is near the path limiting member 5, the portion of the weft yarn Y1 connected to the connection position of the already connected weft yarn Y1 and weft yarn Y2 is much shorter than in existing structures where the distance between the guide member and the connection position is longer. Therefore, the situation where the connecting weft yarn gets caught on the warp yarn, which occurs in existing devices, can be minimized, preventing a decrease in fabric quality.

[0085] 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).

[0086] (1) Regarding the holding mechanism, in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1 of the above embodiment, a pair of holding components 32, 32 in the holding mechanism 30 are mounted on the drive mechanism 23 in the airflow connector mechanism 20 for driving the first component 21, 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 connector mechanism 20 also acts as a drive mechanism for driving the pair of holding components 32, 32 in the holding mechanism 30. However, the automatic yarn feeding and changing device is not limited to the configuration as described in the above embodiment, and the holding mechanism may also be configured to have a dedicated drive mechanism for driving (independent of the airflow connector mechanism) holding components. Furthermore, the drive mechanism is not limited to a mechanism that uses a cylinder as the drive unit; for example, it may also be a mechanism that uses a hydraulic cylinder as the drive unit or a ball screw mechanism that uses a motor as the drive unit.

[0087] Furthermore, regarding the holding mechanism, in the above embodiment, the holding mechanism 30 is configured such that a pair of holding members 32, 32 are arranged above the yarn supply path S, and the pair of holding members 32, 32 engage with the two weft yarns by pressing down the old yarn. However, the holding mechanism can also be configured such that a pair of holding members are arranged below the yarn supply path S, and the pair of holding members push the new yarn upward. Moreover, in this case, the holding platform corresponding to each holding member is configured to be positioned above the yarn supply path S opposite to the corresponding holding member.

[0088] (2) Regarding the path limiting component, in the above embodiment, the path limiting component 5 is fixedly installed in the form of a bracket 2e that is mounted on the mounting connection mechanism 20, the cutting device 4, and fixedly installed in the automatic yarn feeding and changing device 1. However, the method of installing the path limiting component is not limited to installing it on a bracket (support component) shared with other devices. The limiting component may also be installed on a separate dedicated support component.

[0089] Furthermore, the path limiting component is not limited to being fixedly installed (without being able to change its position) as in the above embodiment. For example, regarding the installation of the support component, a threaded component that passes through the through hole formed in the mounting portion of the path limiting component can be threaded into the support component for installation. In this case, by making the through hole in the mounting portion an elongated hole, the installation position relative to the support component can be adjusted (changed). In addition, in this case, the direction of the elongated hole is set to extend along the aforementioned front-back direction when the path limiting component is installed on the support component.

[0090] Furthermore, as a structure in which the path limiting member is mounted on the support member via a drive unit such as a cylinder, the path limiting member can be driven to move back and forth between a locking position where the old yarn is locked and a retracted position away from the locking position in the aforementioned front-back direction when the bobbin is replaced. Moreover, the path limiting member can be driven in such a way that it is in the locking position only when the bobbin is replaced and in the retracted position in other situations.

[0091] (3) Regarding the cutting mechanism, in the above embodiment, the cutting device 4, which is the cutting mechanism, is provided such that the cutting position is located near the path limiting member 5. However, the position of the cutting device is not limited to a position near such a path limiting member. It can be any position as long as the distance between the cutting position and the connection position when viewed from above is shorter than the distance between the guide member corresponding to the new bobbin and the connection position in the latitudinal direction.

[0092] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism is not limited to a mechanism that uses a cutting blade driven by a cylinder in the vertical direction and a corresponding receiving component as the cutting unit, as described in the above embodiment (so-called a "guillotine-type cutting mechanism"). For example, it could also be a mechanism that uses scissors as the cutting unit or a mechanism that uses a laser as the cutting unit.

[0093] (4) Regarding the connecting mechanism, in the above embodiment, the connecting mechanism is an airflow type connector 20 configured to connect the new yarn and the old yarn using airflow. However, the connecting mechanism used in this invention is not limited to such an airflow type connecting mechanism. It can be a connecting mechanism configured to connect two yarns using an adhesive, or it can be a connecting mechanism configured as a knotter.

[0094] (5) Regarding the automatic yarn feeding and changing device for the loom based on the premise of the present invention, in 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 based on the premise of 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 arranged with its axis oriented in the horizontal direction and rotates about the central axis in the horizontal direction. Moreover, in this case, the holding member in the holding mechanism is also configured to displace in the horizontal direction toward the yarn feeding path.

[0095] (6) 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any of the above-described 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, wherein when the weft yarn in a bobbin is exhausted during weft insertion, a rotating body supporting the bobbin is rotated to move the old bobbin (after the weft yarn is exhausted) to a retracted position, and a new bobbin is guided to the position used during weft insertion. Then, the new yarn (serving as the weft yarn of the new bobbin) is connected to the old yarn (serving as the weft yarn of the old bobbin) to replace the bobbin. The automatic yarn feeding and changing device for a loom comprises a guide portion disposed on the rotating body that directs the path of the weft yarn pulled from the bobbin; a mechanism that holds the new yarn and the old yarn on both sides of the connection position before connection; and a cutting mechanism that cuts the old yarn after the rotating body rotates. The device is characterized in that… The device includes a holding mechanism as the aforementioned holding mechanism. This holding mechanism is configured as a pair of holding members arranged opposite each other on both sides of the connection position, with the yarn path at the connection point separated by the two holding members. The new yarn and the old yarn are held by the opposing holding surfaces of the two holding members. It also includes a path limiting component, which has a limiting surface that engages with the old yarn when the rotating body rotates, and the limiting surface is positioned between the guide and the holding mechanism on the side near the retraction position relative to the path of the weft yarn during weft insertion. The cutting mechanism is configured to cut the old yarn between the guide portion and the path limiting component.

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