Drawing-in station and drawing-in machine including such a drawing-in station

Abstract

A drawing-in station (6) comprises a yarn-clamping frame (12), a base frame (10) and a support rail (14). The yarn-clamping frame (12) is mobile, relative to the base frame along a longitudinal direction (LO), between an inoperative position and an operative position. The support rail (14) is mobile, along the longitudinal direction, between a retracted position and an extended position. The support rail (14) is supported vertically, against gravity, and guided along two lateral directions, by the base frame, at the longitudinal level of a first longitudinal portion (P1) of the base frame, when the support rail is in its retracted and extended positions, and in-between. The yarn-clamping frame (12) is mobile relative to the support rail (14) along the longitudinal direction and supported vertically, against gravity, by the support rail when it moves between its inoperative and operative positions. When it is in its extended position, the support rail (14) is supported vertically, against gravity, and guided along the two lateral directions by the first stand (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a drawing-in station for a drawing-in machine, such a drawing-in station including, amongst others, a yarn-clamping frame for holding at least one layer of warp threads with respect to a drawing-in unit of the drawing-in machine.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a drawing-in machine for drawing-in warp yarns from at least one yarn layer into a weaving harness.

[0003] The invention belongs to the technical field of harness preparation for weaving looms. In this technical field, CN206089969U discloses a drawing-in station where a yarn-clamping frame moves longitudinally between an inoperative position, where it is out of a tearing down volume of a base frame and allows an easy tearing-down process, and an operating position, in which the layer preparation and the drawing-in process can take place. A telescopic guide supports the yarn-clamping frame during its movement between its inoperative position and its operative position. The telescopic guide is driven along a longitudinal direction by the yarn-clamping frame moving from its inoperative position to its operative position. In the operative position, the telescopic guide is supported by the base frame in a cantilever configuration. This drawing-in station gives globally satisfaction.

[0004] However, this drawing-in station is not well adapted when the yarn-clamping frame has a high longitudinal dimension, for instance larger than or equal to 3 m, or when the yarn-clamping frame is configured to clamp several layers in several pairs of clamping systems. In such a case, because of the weight of the yarn-clamping frame, the support rail may deform and the yarn-clamping frame may tilt with regard to the base frame during its longitudinal movement between its inoperative position and its operative position and the yarn-clamping frame may jam.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims at solving this problem by providing a drawing-in station compatible with a long and / or heavy yarn-clamping frame. The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved guiding solution for the yarn-clamping frame during its longitudinal movement between its inoperative position and its operative position, in order to obtain a smooth displacement of the yarn-clamping frame, with reduced risks of jamming or tipping over.

[0006] With this respect, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a drawing-in station for a drawing-in machine, comprising a yarn-clamping frame comprising at least one yarn-clamping system with one upper clamping profile and one lower clamping profile which extend along a longitudinal direction, each yarn-clamping system being configured to clamp a yarn layer at least two side posts connecting the upper and lower clamping profiles and extending along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a base frame including at least a first stand and a second stand the first and second stands being configured to stand on a ground and being spaced along a longitudinal direction, each of the first stand and the second stand vertically supporting at least a support member of the base frame, each support member being configured to support the yarn-clamping frame vertically, against gravity, whereas the base frame has no intermediate support member situated longitudinally between the first stand and the second stand, the base frame being divided into a first longitudinal portion including the second stand and an adjacent second longitudinal portion including the first stand and extending from a longitudinal side of the second stand oriented towards the first stand ; a support rail, wherein ∘ the yarn-clamping frame is mobile relative to the base frame along the longitudinal direction, between an inoperative position, where at least a half of a longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame delimited by the two side posts along the longitudinal direction is located out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion of the base frame, and where the yarn-clamping frame is longitudinally distant from the first stand and supported vertically, against gravity, by the base frame at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion of the base frame, and an operative position, where the yarn-clamping frame is supported vertically, against gravity, by at least one support member of the first stand and by at least one support member of the second stand, ∘ the support rail is mobile relative to the base frame along the longitudinal direction, between a retracted position where the support rail is longitudinally distant from the first stand, and an extended position, where the support rail protrudes in the second longitudinal portion of the base frame on a greater extent than in the retracted position, ∘ the support rail is supported vertically, against gravity, by the base frame and guided along two lateral directions by the base frame, at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion of the base frame, when the support rail is in its retracted position, in its extended position and in-between, the two lateral directions being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to a vertical axis, ∘ the yarn-clamping frame is mobile relative to the support rail along the longitudinal direction and supported vertically, against gravity, by the support rail when the yarn-clamping frame moves between its inoperative position and its operative position, ∘ when it is in its extended position, the support rail is supported vertically, against gravity, by the first stand and guided along the two lateral directions by the first stand.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, when it is in its extended position, the support rail is supported by the two stands of the base frame, which provides the support rail with less mechanical stress and good guidance capacities for guiding the yarn-clamping frame. The support rail does not have to extend in a cantilevered manner, as in the prior art, which decreases its deformation when it is in the extended position and when it supports the yarn-clamping frame. Due to its cooperation with the first stand in its extended position, the support rail is fully guided and maintained in position in the gravity direction and in the lateral directions with regard to the base frame, so that it can accurately guide the yarn-clamping frame moving between its inoperative position and its operative position.

[0008] According to advantageous and optional aspects of the invention, such a drawing-in station may incorporate one or several of the following features: The drawing-in station further comprises a retaining device authorizing a movement of the yarn-clamping frame along the longitudinal direction, from its inoperative position to its operative position, only when the support rail is in its extended position. The retaining device comprises a first latching device longitudinally secured with the base frame and movable with regard to the base frame between an engaged position, where the first latching device forms a longitudinal abutment to the yarn-clamping frame, preventing a movement of the yarn-clamping frame from its inoperative position toward its operative position, and where the first latching device does not limit a movement of the support rail between its retracted position and its extended position, and a released position, where the first latching device does not restrict a longitudinal movement of the yarn-clamping frame from its inoperative position toward its operative position, whereas the first latching device is in its released position when the support rail is in its extended position. An actuating part is secured with the support rail, and when the support rail moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the actuating part comes into cooperation with a first cam surface of the first latching device to move the first latching device from the engaged position to the released position. The retaining device authorizes a longitudinal movement of the support rail, from its extended position toward its retracted position, only when the yarn-clamping frame is in its inoperative position. The retaining device comprises a second latching device longitudinally secured with the base frame and movable with regard to the base frame between a lock position, where a blocking surface of the second latching device forms a longitudinal abutment to the support rail preventing a movement of the support rail from its extended position toward its retracted position, and where the second latching device authorizes a movement of the yarn-clamping frame between its inoperative position and its operative position, and an unlock position, where the second latching device does not prevent a movement of the support rail from its extended position to its retracted position. Moreover, when the yarn-clamping frame is in inoperative position, a second cam surface of the second latching device is in longitudinal contact with the yarn-clamping frame to maintain the second latching device in unlock position. In the lock position of the second latching device, a blocking surface of the second latching device forms a longitudinal abutment to the actuating part, in order to prevent a movement of the support rail from its extended position toward its retracted position. The first and second latching devices are rotating plates which are adjacent along the lateral direction and rotatable around a common pivoting axis, the common pivoting axis being longitudinally and vertically secured with the base frame and parallel to the lateral direction. When the yarn-clamping frame is in its inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame is completely out of a tearing down volume extending longitudinally from the first stand to the second stand and when the support rail is in its retracted position, the support rail is completely out of the tearing-down volume. The yarn-clamping frame has rollers configured to come into rolling contact with the support rail, respectively in the direction of gravity and along the two lateral directions, when the yarn-clamping frame moves between its inoperative position and its operative position. In its operative position, the yarn-clamping frame does not cooperate with the support rail. The yarn-clamping frame has a lower cylindrical surface with a circular cross-section which is centered on a longitudinal axis and which extends longitudinally between the two side posts. In the operative position of the yarn-clamping profile, the lower cylindrical surface of the clamping profile is engaged in a complementary groove of each of the at least two support members of the base frame supporting the yarn-clamping frame, and supported vertically, against gravity, and laterally guided in the two lateral directions by a bottom surface of each complementary groove. The drawing-in station comprises a locking device for securing longitudinally the yarn-clamping frame with the base frame, in the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame. When the yarn-clamping frame is in operative position, a locking device of the drawing-in station secures longitudinally the yarn-clamping frame with the base frame, the locking device being compatible with a tilting movement of the transverse direction of the clamping frame with regard to the vertical axis, this tilting movement occurring with a relative movement between the lower cylindrical surface and the complementary groove. At least two support members of the base frame supporting the yarn-clamping frame in operative position are each mounted on a tilting plate of the base frame vertically supported respectively by the first stand and by the second stand and having a possibility of rotation, with regard to the first stand and the second stand, around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. At least one tilting guiding pin is longitudinally secured with the side posts , wherein the at least one tilting guiding pin is configured to come into engagement with a corresponding cam groove of the base frame when the yarn-clamping frame moves from the inoperative position to the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame and, in the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame, the at least one tilting guiding pin is movable within the corresponding cam groove so that the orientation of transverse direction with regard to the vertical axis is adjustable. The yarn-clamping frame is equipped with two yarn-clamping systems. At least one of the two yarn-clamping systems is longitudinally movable, with respect to the side posts, by an offset compensation device including at least one offset compensation motor. The offset compensation motor has no possibility of relative longitudinal movement with regard to the side posts. The offset compensation motor is connected to a line going through a drag chain, for power supply and / or control of the offset compensation motor, the drag chain having one extremity attached to the base frame and one extremity attached with the yarn-clamping frame.

[0009] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a drawing-in machine for drawing-in warp yarns from at least one yarn layer into a weaving harness, the drawing-in machine comprising a drawing-in unit, whereas it includes at least a drawing-in station as previously described and whereas, during a drawing-in process, the drawing-in unit is movable along a longitudinal direction relative to a base frame of the drawing-in station.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be better understood, based on the following description, given as a non-limiting example and made in reference to the following figures: [Fig.1] Figure 1 is a perspective front view of a drawing-in machine according to the invention, this drawing-in machine including a drawing-in station according to a first embodiment of the invention, the drawing-in machine being in a configuration where a support rail and a yarn-clamping frame of the drawing-in station are respectively in a retracted position and in an inoperative position; [Fig1A] Figure 1A is an enlarged view of detail A on figure 1; [Fig.2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the drawing-in station, in the configuration represented on figure 1; [Fig.3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of detail III on figure 2; [Fig.4] Figure 4 is an enlarged partial cut view along line IV-IV on figure 2; [Fig.5] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to detail V on figure 2; [Fig.6] Figure 6 is a rear view comparable to figure 2, when the support rail is in an extended position; [Fig.7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of detail VII on figure 6; [Fig.8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view similar to figure 7, when the support rail is in its extended position and the yarn-clamping frame has left its inoperative position; [Fig.9] Figure 9 is a partial cut view along line IX-IX on figure 8; [Fig. 10] Figure 10 is a front view of the drawing-in machine of figure 1 when the yarn-clamping frame is in its operative position; [Fig.11] Figure 11 is a back view of the drawing-in station, in the configuration of figure 10; [Fig.12] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of detail XII on figure 10; [Fig. 13] Figure 13 is a side view of the drawing-in station in the direction of arrow XIII on figure 10; [Fig.14] Figure 14 is a side view similar to figure 13, when the drawing station is in a layer preparation configuration; [Fig.15] Figure 15 shows, on three inserts A), B) and C), three configurations of a retaining device, which belongs to a drawing-in station according to a second embodiment of the invention; and [Fig. 16] Figure 16 shows, on two inserts A) and B), two configurations of a retaining device, which belongs to a drawing-in station according to a third embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A drawing-in machine 2 according to the invention is represented on figures 1 and 10 and includes, amongst others, a drawing-in unit 4 and a drawing-in station 6.

[0012] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the drawing-in machine 2 includes, amongst others, a drawing-in unit 4 and two or more drawing-in stations 6 spaced with respect to each other.

[0013] The drawing-in station 6 is represented alone on figures 2 to 9 and 11 to 14. The front side of the drawing-in station 6 is visible on figures 1, 1A, 10 and 12 and faces the drawing-in unit 4 when the drawing-in machine 2 is in use. The backside of the drawing-in station 6 is visible on figures 2, 3, 5 to 8 and 11 and faces a non-represented weaving beam when the drawing-in process takes place.

[0014] The drawing-in station also comprises a non-represented harness truck.

[0015] For the sake of simplicity, the drawing-in unit 4 is represented by its outer shape in dotted lines, on figures 1 and 10 only. It includes a non-represented unit controller and a non-represented yarn separation device, such as the yarn separation means known from WO02088445A2, configured to separate a warp yarn from a yarn layer. The drawing-in unit 4 also includes a non-represented threading device configured to draw a separated warp yarn through an element of a non-represented weaving harness. Such an element is, for instance, a reed, a dropwire or a heddle.

[0016] The drawing-in machine 2 is installed within a drawing-in room represented by its ground G on figure 1 only. An orthogonal reference frame XYZ is associated with the drawing-in room.

[0017] By convention, during drawing-in, the drawing-in unit 4 moves, in the drawing-in room and relative to the drawing-in station 6, along a longitudinal direction, parallel to axis X of the reference frame XYZ. There are two longitudinal directions LO parallel to axis X and opposite to each other. A longitudinal direction is represented in the figures by any direction of a double arrow LO. Z is a vertical axis.

[0018] The drawing-in station 6 comprises a base frame 10, a yarn-clamping frame 12 and a support rail 14.

[0019] In use configuration of the drawing-in station 6, the base frame 10 is fixed on the ground G of the drawing-in room. The base frame 10 is a metallic structure and comprises a first stand 20, a second stand 22 and, optionally, a third stand 24. Each stand 20, 22 or 24 is configured to stand on the ground G. Therefore, each stand 20, 22 or 24 extends vertically from a sole 26 fixed by screws on the ground G.

[0020] The drawing-in station 6 also comprises a toothed rail 28, which extends along the stands 20 to 24 and along a longitudinal axis X6 of the drawing-in station 6. Axes X and X6 are parallel. In the present description, a longitudinal direction, axis or dimension is parallel to axis X6. Such is the case for the two directions represented by arrows LO.

[0021] A longitudinal distance d1 between the first and second stands 20 and 22 is larger than a longitudinal distance d2 between the second and third stands 22 and 24.

[0022] The base frame 10 also includes two parallel reinforcing crossbeams 30, which extend longitudinally between the second and third stands 22 and 24, as shown in figures 10 and 11.

[0023] The toothed rail 28 is provided with a rack 32, which extends longitudinally, globally between the first and second stands 20 and 22, parallel to the longitudinal axis X6. This rack 32 is configured to cooperate with a non-represented pinion of the drawing-in unit 4, during the drawing-in process, in order to move the drawing-in unit 4 relative to the base frame 10 along a longitudinal direction LO.

[0024] The first and second stands 20 and 22 are spaced, along a longitudinal direction LO, by the distance d1. On the base frame 10, no intermediate stand or no intermediate support member, that would be adapted to support the yarn-clamping frame 12 vertically against gravity, is located between the first and second stands 20 and 22 along the longitudinal direction LO. In other words, in the configuration of figures 1 and 2, an empty volume V1 exists between the first stand 20 and the second stand 22, above the toothed rail 28. The only connection between the first and second stands 20 and 22 is the toothed rail 28. The empty volume V1 is delimited downwardly by the toothed rail 28 and longitudinally by the first and second stands 20 and 22. This empty volume V1 is a tearing-down volume, where tearing-down of the weaving harness can occur, once the warp yarns have been drawn-in through the harness elements, when the harness is moved through the drawing-in station, in a lateral direction LA parallel to a horizontal lateral axis Y from a front lateral side of the harness truck to a back lateral side of the weaving beam, i.e. from the left side of the base frame 10 visible on figure 4, to the right side of the base frame visible on figure 4.

[0025] Gravity exerts in a downwardly oriented direction parallel to axis Z, i.e. oriented toward the ground G.

[0026] There are two lateral directions parallel to axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions LO and to axis Z and opposite to each other. A lateral direction is represented in the figures by any direction of a double arrow LA.

[0027] The tearing-down volume V1 is not limited upwardly and laterally by any part of the base frame 10. The longitudinal distance d1 defines a longitudinal dimension of the tearing-down volume V1.

[0028] P1 denotes a first longitudinal portion of the base frame 10, which includes the second and third stands 22 and 24 and all the parts of the base frame 10 located in between and beyond the third stand 24, opposite to the second stand 22. Along the longitudinal axis X6, the first longitudinal portion P1 extends from a longitudinal side of the second stand 22 oriented towards the first stand 20 to an extremity of a safety barrier 34 of the base frame 10 opposite to the second stand 22 with respect to the third stand 24.

[0029] The tearing-down volume V1 and the first stand 20 are located at the longitudinal level of a second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10. This second longitudinal portion P2 includes the first stand 20 and extends from the longitudinal side of the second stand 22 oriented towards the first stand 20. The second longitudinal portion P2 extends up to an extremity of a safety barrier 36 mounted next to the first stand 20 and opposite to the second stand 22. The second longitudinal portion P2 is adjacent to the first longitudinal portion P1 along the longitudinal direction LO, without overlapping. Thus, the base frame 10 is divided between its first longitudinal portion P1 and its second longitudinal portion P2.

[0030] The rack 32 longitudinally extends at the level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10. The rack 32 extends longitudinally at least from the first stand 20 to the second stand 22.

[0031] Several primary rollers 40, distributed along the longitudinal axis X6 are located at the same vertical level, along the vertical axis Z in the configurations of figures 1 to 13. Each primary roller 40 forms a support member belonging to the base frame 10 and is vertically supported, against gravity, by a stand 20, 22, 24 of the base frame 10. Each primary roller 40 is rotatable around a respective lateral axis Y40 stationary with the base frame along a longitudinal direction LO. A lateral axis Y40 is parallel to the lateral axis Y, when the drawing-in station 6 is in the configuration of one of figures 1 to 13, for all primary rollers.

[0032] As visible on figure 10, a first primary roller 40 is mounted on the first stand 20, a second primary roller is mounted on the second stand 22 and the other primary rollers 40 are mounted on one of the crossbeams 30. The rotation axes Y40 of two of the first and second primary rollers 40 are not parallel to the lateral axis Y in the layer preparation configuration of figure 14, whereas the rotation axes of the other primary rollers remain parallel to the lateral axis Y also in this configuration.

[0033] As visible in figures 4, 13 and 14, each primary roller 40 has a peripheral concave groove G40 delimited by a bottom surface S40 in the form of an arc of a circle.

[0034] At the level of the first stand 20, the first primary roller 40 is mounted on a first tilting plate 42 partly visible through a partial cut on figure 13 and partly visible also on figure 14. The first tilting plate 42 is vertically supported by the first stand 20 and rotatable with regard to the first stand 20 around a first rotation axis X42 which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X6, thus to a longitudinal direction LO. A lever 45 is secured to the first tilting plate 42, which allows moving the tilting plate 42 between the two positions respectively represented on figures 13 and 14.

[0035] A safety pin 44 is mounted on a lateral plate 46 of the first stand 20 and configured to be engaged into a non-represented first holding hole of the first tilting plate 42 in order to hold this plate in the layer preparation configuration of figure 14, when necessary, as explained here below. The safety pin is biased into this engaged configuration by non-represented elastic means, such a spring. The safety pin 44 is configured to be engaged into a non-represented second holding hole of the first tilting plate 42 in order to hold this plate in the drawing-in configuration of figure 13.

[0036] At the level of the second stand 22, the second primary roller 40 is mounted on a second tilting plate 42', with an arrangement comparable to the one at the level of the first stand 20. The second tilting plate 42' is vertically supported by the second stand 22 and rotatable with regard to the second stand 22 around a second rotation axis X42', which is superimposed with the first rotation axis X42.

[0037] A safety pin can be provided at the level of the second tilting plate 42 but, as shown on figure 1, this is not necessarily the case.

[0038] The other primary rollers 40 are fixedly mounted on one of the two crossbeams 30. All the primary rollers 40 are configured to cooperate with the yarn-clamping frame 12 to support the yarn-clamping frame 12 vertically, against gravity, relative to the ground.

[0039] Each one of the first and second stands 20 and 22 is equipped with a cam groove 50. Advantageously, the two cam grooves 50 are identical. Hereafter, the cam groove 50 of the first stand 20 is described. Its description is transposable to the cam groove 50 of the second stand 22.

[0040] The cam groove 50 is formed of a first portion 52 and a second portion 54 identified on figure 14. W52 denotes the width of the first portion 52 and W54 denotes the width of the second portion 54, these two widths being measured parallel to the lateral axis Y, thus to a lateral direction LA. The second portion 54 extends downwardly from the first portion 52. A holding device 56 is movable vertically along the cam groove, between an upper position, represented on figures 1, 1A and 13, and a lower position, represented on figure 14. An elastic member 58, such as a gas cylinder, biases the holding device 56 towards its upper position, where the holding device 56 delimits the first portion 52, laterally and downwardly, and blocks a passage between the first portion 52 and the second portion 54. In other words, when it is in its upper position, the holding device 56 can retain a member within the first portion 52 and prevent it from moving down, into the second portion 54.

[0041] Alternatively, the elastic member 58 can be a spring.

[0042] A U shaped guide member 60 is mounted on the first stand 20 and includes two lateral branches 62 and one bottom 64, which is oriented upwardly. The two surfaces S62 of the branches 62 which face each other in the lateral directions LA converge in the longitudinal direction LO, which goes from the second stand 22 to the first stand 20. In other words, the two surfaces S62 delimit a converging entry zone into the U shaped guide member 60 when arriving from the longitudinal side of the second stand 22.

[0043] The U section of the guide member 60 is defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X6 and is open upwardly.

[0044] As shown in particular on figure 3, a first rotating plate 70 and a second rotating plate 80 are secured to the base frame 10, advantageously articulated on the base frame, around a common pivoting axis Y78. The common pivoting axis Y78 is longitudinally and vertically secured to the base frame 10, parallel to the lateral direction LA and formed by the central axis of a pin 78 mounted on the base frame 10. The two rotating plates 70 and 80 are adjacent along a lateral direction LA and may come in contact with a surface S90 of a bracket 90 which belongs to the base frame 10. The surface S90 is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X6.

[0045] In a non-represented variant of the invention, the first rotating plate 70 and the second rotating plate 80 are articulated around two different pivot axes, secured to the base frame 10. However, the fact that the first rotating plate 70 and the second rotating plate 80 rotate around a common pivot axis provides an improved longitudinal compactness to the drawing-in station 6.

[0046] The first rotating plate 70 has a hook 72, at the end of an arm 74, and a first cam surface 76. The first cam surface 76 is formed in the thickness of the first rotating plate 70, on an edge of this plate.

[0047] The second rotating plate 80 forms a second cam surface 82 and a blocking surface 84. Surfaces 82 and 84 are formed in the thickness of the second rotating plate 80, on edges of this plate. Surfaces 82 and 84 are oriented toward the first stand 20 along the longitudinal direction LO.

[0048] The first and second rotating plates 70, 80 and the bracket 90 belong to a retaining device 100, which authorizes a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 only if some conditions are met, as explained here below.

[0049] The first rotating plate 70 forms a first latching device and the second rotating plate 80 forms a second latching device of the retaining device 100.

[0050] At the level of the first stand 20, the base frame 10 is equipped with a locking device 110. The locking device 110 comprises a locking pin 112, movable through a locking plate 114. Preferably, when the drawing-in station 6 is in a configuration corresponding to one of figures 1 to 13, the locking pin 112 is movable vertically with respect to the locking plate 114 and urged downwardly by a non-represented elastic member, such as a spring. Preferably, the locking plate 114 belongs, or is secured, to the first tilting plate 42. Thus, the locking device 110 rotates around the rotation axis X42, together with the first tilting plate 42, between the positions of figures 13 and 14.

[0051] The yarn-clamping frame 12 comprises three longitudinal beams, namely an upper beam 120, a lower beam 124 and an intermediate beam 122 located slightly above the lower beam 124. The yarn-clamping frame 12 also includes two yarn-clamping systems 126 and 128. Each clamping system 126 or 128 comprises an upper clamping profile 126A, respectively 128A, and a lower clamping profile 126B, respectively 128B, all clamping profiles extending along the longitudinal axis X6. An upper and a lower clamping profile together form a pair of clamping profiles, i.e. a clamping system, configured to clamp a yarn layer L1 or L2, as shown very schematically on figure 13 only.

[0052] The yarn-clamping frame 12 also includes three parallel posts 130, 132 and 134 which extend along a transverse direction T, parallel to the vertical axis Z in the configurations of the drawing-in station 6 represented on figures 1 to 13. There are two transverse directions opposite to each other going respectively upwardly and downwardly. A transverse direction is represented in the figures by any direction of a double arrow T. A longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 along the longitudinal direction LO is delimited by the two side posts 130, 134. This longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 has a length L12, the length L12 including the longitudinal dimensions of the side posts 130, 134.

[0053] The beams 120, 124, 122 are longitudinally secured with the side posts 130, 134.

[0054] The posts 130 and 134 are side posts, located at the respective ends of the longitudinal beams 120, 122 and 124. The side post 130 is less distant from the first stand 20 than the side post 134, along the longitudinal direction LO. The post 132 is an intermediate post. It is optional. The posts 130 to 134 connect the upper and lower longitudinal beams 120, 122 and 124, thus the clamping profiles 126A, 126B, 128A, 128B of the two clamping systems 126 and 128, along the transverse directions T. The longitudinal dimension d1 of the tearing-down volume V1 is larger than, or equal to, the longitudinal dimension of the yarn layers L1 and L2 that are configured to be installed on the yarn-clamping systems 126 and 128.

[0055] The two upper clamping profiles 126A and 128A are secured, along the transverse direction T, with the upper longitudinal beam 120, whereas each lower clamping profile 126B or 128B is secured, along the transverse direction T, respectively with one of the lower and intermediate longitudinal beams 122 and 124. One pair of clamping profiles, in the example clamping profiles 128A and 128B forms an inner yarn-clamping system 128. The other pair of clamping profiles 126A, 126B forms an outer yarn-clamping system 126. The outer yarn-clamping system 126 is longitudinally secured with the side and intermediate posts 130 to 134 and with the longitudinal beams 120 and 124. Fastening between the lower clamping profile 126B and the corresponding longitudinal beam 124 is removable in order to allow installation of a first yarn layer L1 within the inner yarn-clamping system 128 before installation of the second yarn layer L2 within the outer yarn-clamping system 126. The pair of clamping profiles 128A and 128B of the inner yarn-clamping system 128 is longitudinally movable with respect to the side and intermediate posts 130 to 134 and to the longitudinal beams 120 to 124. When clamped in the respective yarn-clamping systems 126, 128, the yarn layers L1 and L2 are each parallel to a plane including the transverse direction T and the longitudinal direction LO.

[0056] This displacement of the clamping profiles 128A and 128B of the yarn-clamping system 128 relative to the longitudinal beam 120, and thus to the yarn-clamping system 126, is driven by an offset compensation device 140. The offset compensation device 140 is mounted on the yarn-clamping frame 12, in particular on the upper longitudinal beam 120, as shown on figure 5. It includes a motorized threaded spindle 142, a nut plate 144 and a transmission cable 146 protected by a sheath 148. An offset compensation motor 150 is longitudinally and vertically secured with the upper longitudinal beam 120 and drives the threaded spindle 142, in rotation around its longitudinal axis X142. The offset compensation device 140 is configured to modify, during the drawing-in process, the relative longitudinal position of the layers.

[0057] The nut plate 144 comprises a nut 152 and a connecting plate 154. The nut 152 is fixedly mounted on the connecting plate, which is secured with the upper clamping profile 128A of the longitudinally movable yarn-clamping system 128. Thus, rotation of the spindle 142 around its longitudinal axis X142 induces a corresponding longitudinal translation of the upper clamping profile 128A.

[0058] The cable 146 is also longitudinally secured to the nut plate 144 so that it transmits the longitudinal movement of the upper clamping profile 128A, relative to the posts 130 to 134, to the lower clamping profile 128B of the longitudinally movable yarn-clamping system 128. Due to its flexibility, the transmission cable allows some adjustments of the relative transverse positions of the clamping profiles 128A and 128B of the inner pair, in case of layer tension adjustment for the yarn layer L1.

[0059] A sensor 156 detects the longitudinal position of the nut plate 144 relative to the upper longitudinal beam 120. The sensor 156 is connected to a non-represented control unit via an electric line L156. On the other hand, the offset compensation motor 150 is supplied with electric power via a power line P150 and controlled from the control unit via a control line C150.

[0060] Electric lines L156, P150 and C150 form a cable bundle 158 extending between the offset compensation device 140 and a bottom connection box 160 located next to the second stand 22 and which advantageously includes the control unit. This control unit is connected to the non-represented controller of the drawing-in unit 4. For the sake of simplicity, the bottom connection box 160 is represented on figure 2 only.

[0061] As the whole yarn-clamping frame 12 is mobile relative to the base frame 10 along the longitudinal direction LO, as explained here below, the power supply and control of the offset compensation motor 150 via the cable bundle 158 is provided through a drag chain 162 configured to follow the longitudinal movements of the yarn-clamping frame 12 relative to the base frame 10. In particular, the geometry of drag chain 162 changes to adapt to the different longitudinal positions of the yarn-clamping frame 12 relative to the base frame 10. As visible for instance on figure 2, a first extremity of the drag chain 162 is attached to the base frame 10 and a second opposite extremity of the drag chain 162 is attached to the yarn-clamping frame 12. The drag chain 162 guides and protects the cable bundle 158 from the intermediate post 132 of the yarn-clamping frame 12, down to the bottom connection box 160.

[0062] The whole yarn-clamping frame 12, including in particular its longitudinal beams 120 to 124, its yarn-clamping systems 126 and 128 and its side and intermediate posts 130 to 134, is mobile relative to the base frame 10 along the two longitudinal direction LO, between an inoperative position represented on figures 1 to 4 and an operative position represented on figures 11 to 13, and vice versa.

[0063] When the yarn-clamping frame 12 is the inoperative position, at least half of the longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 delimited by the two side posts 130, 134 is located out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10. In other words, in the inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 extends on at least 50% of its length L12 out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2, i.e. extends on at least 50% of its length L12 at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1. Preferably, in this inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 extends mainly out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2. Preferably, at least 75% of the longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is located out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2. In particular, in this inoperative position, the center of gravity G12 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is located within the first longitudinal portion P1 of the base frame 10, in particular longitudinally between the second primary roller 40 and at least one of the other primary rollers 40 disposed in the first longitudinal portion P1, thus out of the second longitudinal portion P2. In this inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is longitudinally distant from the first stand 20 and vertically supported, against gravity, by the primary rollers 40 situated at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1 of the base frame 10, i.e. situated longitudinally at the level of the second and third stands 22 and 24 and in-between. In this inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is not supported by the first stand 20 and preferably does not interfere with a tearing-down operation implemented in the tearing-down volume V1. Preferably, when it is in its inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is completely out of the second longitudinal portion P2, thus completely out of the tearing-down volume V1.

[0064] On the other hand, when the yarn-clamping frame is in its operative position, it is vertically supported, against gravity, by the primary rollers 40 of the first and second stands 20 and 22. In this position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is not supported by the third stand 24. When it is in its operative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 extends within the tearing-down volume V1. When the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its operative position, the layers L1, L2 that are clamped on the yarn-clamping frame 12 extend at the longitudinal level of the tearing-down volume V1. In the operative position, the longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 delimited by the two side posts 130, 134 is mainly located at the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10. Preferably, in the operative position, less than 10% of the longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is located out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10. In particular, in the operative position, the center of gravity G12 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is located within the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10, longitudinally between the first stand 20 and the second stand 22, thus out of the first longitudinal portion P1. It is accessible for the drawing-in unit 4.

[0065] The side post 130 of the yarn-clamping frame 12, which is the closest to the first stand 20, is equipped with a first longitudinal tilting guiding pin 170. In practice, the first longitudinal tilting guiding pin 170 is mounted on, and secured with, the side post 130 via a first support member 172. On the other hand, the side post 134, which is opposite to the first stand 20, is equipped with a second longitudinal tilting guiding pin 174. In practice, the second longitudinal tilting guiding pin 174 is mounted on, and secured with, the side post 134 via a second support member 176. The two longitudinal tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 are respectively configured to enter into the cam groove 50 of the first stand 20 and into the cam groove 50 of the second stand 22 simultaneously, when the yarn-clamping frame 12 moves from the inoperative position to its operative position.

[0066] On the other hand, the two lower longitudinal beams 122 and 124 are movable, along the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 and guided in this movement by the posts 130 to 134. The position of the longitudinal beams 122 and 124 relative to the side posts, thus relative to the upper longitudinal beam 120, along the transverse direction T, can be adapted by a non-represented tensioning device. This allows modifying the tension of the yarn layers L1 or L2 clamped in the yarn-clamping systems 126 and 128.

[0067] The lower portion of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is formed by a tube 180 with a lower cylindrical surface S180, which is external, convex and centered on a longitudinal axis X180 of the tube. This lower cylindrical surface S180 has a section in the form of an arc of a circle complementary to the bottom surface S40 of each peripheral concave groove G40 of the primary rollers 40. In particular, surfaces S40 and S180 have the same radius in a plane parallel to the lateral directions LA. Thus, as shown for example on figure 4, the tube 180 can be introduced downwardly into the peripheral concave groove G40 formed at the periphery of each primary roller 40 and is configured to rotate therein, around its longitudinal axis X180, when a tilting configuration of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is required. The peripheral concave groove G40 is thus a complementary groove for the lower cylindrical surface S180.

[0068] The longitudinal axes X180 and X6 are parallel.

[0069] The tube 180, thus its lower cylindrical surface S180, extend along the longitudinal direction LO of the yarn-clamping frame 12 between the two side posts 130 and 134.

[0070] The intermediate post 132 and the side post 134 are each provided with a secondary roller 182 engaged within a longitudinal groove 184 formed by a fixed U shaped bracket 186 of the base frame 10. A secondary roller 182 of the intermediate side post 132 is visible on figures 4 and 11. The secondary roller of the side post 134 is not visible on the figures. Each secondary roller 182 rotates relative to the yarn-clamping frame 12 around a rotation axis Z182 parallel to a transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12, that is, parallel to the posts 130 to 134. In the configuration of figures 1 to 13, the rotation axis Z182 is vertical.

[0071] The cooperation between the primary rollers 40 and the yarn-clamping frame 12, on the one hand, and between the secondary rollers 182 and the base frame 10, on the other hand, allows guiding a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 with regard to the base frame 10, in the longitudinal directions LO, without tilting.

[0072] In practice, the length L12 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is between 2 and 4 meters, or even larger than 4 meters.

[0073] The support rail 14 extends parallel to axis X6 and is movably mounted on the base frame 10, with a possibility of translation along the two longitudinal directions LO. As shown for instance on figures 4 and 9, the support rail 14 has a rectangular external cross-section and its height H14, measured parallel to the vertical axis Z, is larger than its width W14, measured parallel to the lateral directions LA.

[0074] On the other hand, the longitudinal dimension of the support rail 14, that is its length L14, is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the tearing-down volume V1, that is, the distance d1. In addition, the length L14 of the support rail 14 is larger than the length L12 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 taken at the level of the side posts 130, 134.

[0075] The support rail 14 is a rigid member and has a simple profile. It has strong mechanical properties, in particular in terms of bending strength.

[0076] Along a lateral direction LA of the drawing-in station 6, the support rail 14 is located between the yarn-clamping frame 12 and the first and second rotating plates 70 and 80.

[0077] 14A and 14B denote the two opposite longitudinal extremities of the support rail 14. 14A is the first extremity of the support rail 14, the closest to the first stand 20, and 14B is the second extremity of the support rail 14, the closest to the third stand 24.

[0078] The support rail 14 carries, next to its first extremity 14A, a handle 190 for manual handling by an operator. Close to its second extremity 14B, the support rail 14 carries an actuating pin 192 which is cylindrical and protrudes laterally, towards the back-lateral side of the drawing-in station 6, from a lateral surface of the support rail.

[0079] The actuating pin 192 is an actuating part secured to the support rail 14.

[0080] The first extremity 14A is beveled and converges in a direction away from the second extremity 14B. This beveled shape of the first extremity 14A facilitates the insertion of the support rail 14 into the U shaped guide member 60, between the surfaces S62 and above the bottom 64.

[0081] 12A denotes a first extremity of the yarn-clamping frame 12 oriented towards the first stand 20. The side post 130 is located next to this first extremity 12A. At the level of a lower portion of the first extremity 12A, the clamping frame 12 is provided with a circumferential locking groove 188. The circumferential locking groove 188 extends around a central axis X188 parallel to the longitudinal axis X6. Thus, the central axis X188 is parallel to the longitudinal directions LO and the circumferential locking groove 188 extends in a plane parallel to the lateral and transverse directions LA and T.

[0082] The circumferential locking groove 188 also belongs to the locking device 110.

[0083] Advantageously, the axes X180 and X188 are superimposed.

[0084] Due to the circumferential shape of the locking groove 188, the locking device 110 authorizes a rotative movement of the locking pin 112 around the central axis X188, when the locking device 110 longitudinally secures the yarn-clamping frame 12 with the base frame 10.

[0085] In addition, an upper surface S12 of the first extremity 12A is inclined downwardly in the direction of the first stand 20 and forms a cam surface.

[0086] The support rail 14 is movable relative to the base frame 10 along the longitudinal directions LO, parallel to the axis X6, between a retracted position represented, for instance, on figures 1 to 5 and an extended position represented, for instance, on figures 6 to 11.

[0087] In its retracted position, the support rail 14 is vertically supported, against gravity, by the base frame 10, mainly at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1, so that it does not interfere with a tearing-down operation implemented in the tearing-down volume V1. It is longitudinally distant, that is longitudinally spaced, from the first stand 20. Preferably, in this retracted position, the support rail 14 is completely out of the empty tearing-down volume V1.

[0088] For supporting the support rail 14 in its retracted position, the base frame 10 is equipped with several tertiary rollers 200 distributed along the longitudinal direction LO, at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1.

[0089] In all positions of the support rail 14 on the base frame 10, some of the tertiary rollers 200 cooperate with a lower surface S14 1 of the support rail and at least one other tertiary roller 200 cooperates with an upper surface S14 2 of the support rail. This allows guiding the support rail 14 relative to the base frame 10 in both vertical directions T that is upwardly in the direction of vertical axis Z and downwardly in the reverse direction.

[0090] Thus, the support rail 14 is supported vertically, against gravity, by the base frame 10, through the tertiary rollers 200, at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1 of the base frame 10, when the support rail 14 is in its retracted position, in its extended position and in-between.

[0091] Each tertiary roller 200 has two lateral flanges 202 which makes it adapted to cooperate with two lateral surfaces S14 3 and S14 4 of the support rail 14. This allows guiding the support rail 14 in two opposite lateral directions LA, that is, in the direction of axis Y and in the reverse direction.

[0092] In other words, the support rail 14 is supported by the tertiary rollers 200 not only vertically, along the vertical axis Z against gravity, but also laterally along the two lateral directions corresponding to arrows LA.

[0093] In its retracted position, the support rail 14 is in abutment, in a back direction, opposite to the one of axis X and oriented toward the right on Figure 2, against the base frame 10.

[0094] In its extended position, the support rail 14 protrudes in the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10 on a greater extent than in its retracted position. Advantageously, in its extended position the support rail 14 is in abutment, in a front direction of axis X, opposite to the back direction and oriented toward the left on Figure 2, against the base frame 10. Moreover, in this extended position, the support rail is engaged into the U shaped guide member 60.

[0095] In its extended position, the support rail 14 is supported by the base frame 10, at the level of each of the first and second stands 20 and 22, in a vertical direction oriented downwardly, that is in the direction of gravity. It extends mainly at the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame, in particular in the tearing-down volume V1. In this extended position, the support rail 14 rests vertically on the bottom 64 of the U shaped guide member and on at least one of the tertiary rollers 200.

[0096] In its extended position, the support rail 14 is also guided by the base frame 10 in the two lateral directions LA, corresponding to the direction of axis Y and to the reverse direction, due to its cooperation with the branches 62 of the U shaped guide member 60, next to its first extremity 14A and to the cooperation of its lateral surfaces S14 3 and S14 4 with the flanges 202 of the tertiary rollers 200 next to its second extremity 14B.

[0097] Thus, in its extended position, the support rail 14 is supported, against gravity, by the first stand 20, vertically and guided by the first stand 20 along the two lateral directions LA.

[0098] In addition, in this extended position, the support rail 14 is also supported by the base frame 10, next to the second stand 22, vertically, against gravity, and guided along the two lateral directions by the base frame 10, next to the second stand 22.

[0099] Before a drawing-in process takes place, the support rail 14 is moved from its retracted position to its extended position. Then, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is moved from its inoperative position to its operative position. Thus, when it moves between its inoperative position and its operative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is vertically supported by the support rail 14 already in extended position and the yarn-clamping frame 12 is movable relative to this support rail along a longitudinal direction LO.

[0100] The movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 with regard to the support rail 14, between its inoperative position and its operative position, is guided by a sliding guiding device 210 longitudinally secured with the yarn-clamping frame 12 and comprising two lateral rollers 212, 213 and one top roller 214.

[0101] In the example of the figures, the sliding guiding device 210 is mounted on the side post 130. In a variant, it can be mounted on another part of the yarn-clamping frame 12.

[0102] The three rollers 212, 213 and 214 of the sliding guiding device 210 are respectively rotatable around rotation axes Z212, Z213 and Y214, which are respectively parallel to the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 for axes Z212 and Z213 and parallel to the lateral direction LA for axis Y214 when the transverse direction T is vertical. Axes Z212, Z213 and Y214 are secured with the yarn-clamping frame 12. The three rollers 212, 213 and 214 are in rolling contact with the support rail 14 when the yarn-clamping frame 12 moves between its inoperative position and its operative position. The two lateral rollers 212, 213 respectively cooperate with, and roll on, the lateral surface S14 3 and the lateral surface S14 4 of the support rail, whereas the top roller 214 cooperates with, and rolls on, the upper surface S14 2 of the support rail, at least when the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position and when it is moving between its inoperative position and its operative position. Thus, between its inoperative position and its operative position and vice-versa, the yarn-clamping frame 12 has rolling contacts with the support rail 14 downwardly, in the direction of gravity, and along the two lateral directions LA, through the rollers 212, 213 and 214 of the sliding guiding device 210. This allows an accurate guiding of the movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 between its inoperative position and its operative position.

[0103] When the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its operative position, with the support rail 14 in its extended position, the sliding guiding device 210 is beyond the beveled extremity 14A of the support rail, as visible on figure 12. Thus, in its operative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 does not cooperate with the support rail 14. In addition, in this position, the secondary rollers 182 are out of engagement with the longitudinal groove 184 of the base frame 10.

[0104] In a configuration of the drawing-in station where the support rail 14 is in its retracted position and the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position, and as represented on figure 3, the hook 72 of the first rotating plate 70 is engaged in a recess 220 of the yarn-clamping frame. The recess 220 is visible in figures 3 and 7 by partial removal of a portion of the yarn-clamping frame 12. The first rotating plate 70 is in an engaged position. In this configuration represented on figure 3, the second cam surface 82 is in longitudinal contact with the yarn-clamping frame 12, which keeps the second rotating plate 80 in an unlock position. In this configuration, the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is vertical. In this configuration, the first cam surface 76 is oriented at the opposite of the first stand 20 along the longitudinal direction. An abutment surface of the hook 72 longitudinally faces a pin 222 adjacent to the recess 220 and secured to the yarn-clamping frame 12. If the yarn-clamping frame 12 is moved toward to operative position, i.e. in the front direction, the pin 222 comes into longitudinal contact with the abutment surface of the hook 72. In this configuration, the abutment surface of the hook 72 extending in a vertical plane and the first rotating plate 70 being in abutment against the surface S90 of the bracket 90, the hook 72 is maintained in engagement with the recess 220. Thus, the hook 72 limits a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 towards its operative position, that is to the left on figure 3. In other words, in the engaged position of the first rotating plate 70, the hook 72 prevents a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 from its inoperative position toward the operative position. In the engaged position, the first latching device 70 does not limit a movement of the support rail 14 between its retracted position and its extended position.

[0105] When a drawing-in process is to be implemented, the operator grasp the support rail 14 via its handle 190 and moves it from its retracted position to its extended position, in the front direction. The movement of the support rail 14 is guided by the tertiary rollers 200 and, when the support rail 14 reaches the first stand 20, it enters the U shaped guide member 60 and longitudinally abuts against this guide. Engagement of the first extremity 14A of the support rail 14 into the U shaped guide member 60 is facilitated by its beveled shape and its cooperation with the convergent surfaces S62 of the lateral branches 62.

[0106] To reach this abutment position of the support rail 14, i.e. the extended position, and as represented on figure 7, the actuating pin 192, which protrudes from the lateral surface S14 3 of the support rail 14 and is longitudinally secured with the support rail 14, has pushed the first rotating plate 70, in rotation around the axis Y78, by cooperation with its first cam surface 76, resulting in a first rotation R1 in a first direction. The first rotating plate 70 is now in a released position where the hook 72 has been brought out of the recess 220 and out of the passage of the yarn-clamping frame 12 toward its operative position.

[0107] The yarn-clamping frame 12 is no more blocked by the hook 72 and it is now free to move along the longitudinal direction LO, in the front direction to the left of figure 7. The operator can grasp the yarn-clamping frame 12 and move it from its inoperative position towards its operative position. Thus, the retaining device 100 authorizes a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 along the longitudinal direction LO, from its inoperative position to its operative position, only when the support rail 14 is in its extended position.

[0108] During this movement, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is vertically supported, against gravity, by the primary rollers 40, at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion P1 of the base frame 10, and by the support frame 14, at the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2. This takes place with cooperation of the sliding guiding device 210 with the support rail 14. The sliding guiding device 210 and the cooperation between the secondary rollers 182 and the longitudinal groove 184 laterally guide the relative movement between the yarn-clamping frame 12 and the base frame 10.

[0109] During this movement, the contact between the second cam surface 82 and the yarn-clamping frame 12 is lost, as shown by the comparison of figures 7 and 8 and, due to its weight, the second rotating plate 80 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 on figure 8, around the pivoting axis Y78, until it comes into abutment against the surface S90 of the bracket 90. The second rotating plate 80 is then in a lock position, where the blocking surface 84 longitudinally faces the actuating pin 192. In such a lock position of the second rotating plate 80, if an attempt is made to move the support rail 14 towards its retracted position, to the right of figure 8, the actuating pin 192 bumps into the blocking surface 84, which keeps the support rail 14 in a position where it is still vertically supported, against gravity, and laterally guided by the first stand 20. In other words, in this lock position of the second rotating plate 80, the blocking surface 84 forms a longitudinal abutment to the actuating pin 192 secured to the support rail 14, in order to prevent a movement of the support rail 14 from its extended position toward its retracted position. The blocking surface 84 forms a longitudinal abutment to the support rail 14 when the support rail 14 moves from the extended position in the back direction. In the lock position, the second latching device 80 authorizes a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 between its inoperative position and its operative position.

[0110] From the position of figure 8, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is moved until it reaches its operative position.

[0111] When the yarn-clamping frame 12 reaches the primary roller 40 of the first stand 20, the locking pin 112 is pushed back against the corresponding elastic member and against gravity by the cam surface S12. When the circumferential locking groove 188 faces the locking pin 112, upon arrival of the yarn-clamping frame 12 in its operative position, the locking pin 112 is automatically engaged into this circumferential locking groove 188 due to the combined action of the elastic member and of gravity, which induces that the locking device 110 longitudinally secures the yarn-clamping frame 12 with the base frame 10, in its operative position.

[0112] In this operative position, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is vertically supported and guided in the two directions corresponding arrow LA by the first primary roller 40 of the first stand 20 and by the second primary roller 40 of the second stand 22. Support of the yarn-clamping frame 12 occurs vertically, against gravity.

[0113] When the yarn-clamping frame 12 reaches its operative position, the two tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 respectively enter the first portions 52 of the cam grooves 50 of the first and second stands 20 and 22. In addition, the lower cylindrical surface S180 of the tube 180 becomes engaged in the peripheral concave groove G40 of the first primary roller mounted on the first stand 20 and still engaged in the peripheral concave groove G40 of the second primary rollers mounted on the second stand 22. Due to the cooperation between the surfaces S40 and S180, the surface S180 is vertically supported, against gravity, and laterally guided in the two lateral directions LA, by the bottom surfaces S40.

[0114] In order to facilitate the layer preparation by an operator, in particular to lower the height of the upper clamping profiles 126A and 128A when the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in operative position, the operator may pull on the safety pin 44 in order to free the tilting plate 42. Then, the operator actuates the lever 45 to pivot the tilting plates 42 and 42' around their respective rotation axes X42 and X42', towards the front lateral side of the drawing-in station 6, to the left of figure 13, as shown by arrow R3 on figure 14. Such a pivoting movement brings the yarn-clamping frame 12 from the configuration of figure 13 to the layer preparation configuration of figure 14.

[0115] A primary tilting movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 with respect to the vertical axis Z, is induced by the rotation R3 of the tilting plates 42 and 42' around the rotation axes X42 and X42', while the upper part of the yarn-clamping frame 12 cannot follow the same rotation since it is locked with respect to the stands 20 and 22, due to the guiding pins 170 and 174 being engaged into the cam grooves 50. This primary tilting movement is represented by arrow T4 on figure 14 and compatible with the cooperation between the yarn-clamping frame 12 and the primary rollers 40. This primary tilting movement T4 takes place between the tube 180 and the first and second primary rollers 40, by the cooperation and relative rotational movement of the corresponding surfaces S180 and S40, and around the longitudinal axis X180. This primary tilting movement T4 is allowed by the locking pin 112 sliding within the circumferential locking groove 188 of the yarn-clamping frame 12, since the locking device 110 is compatible with the primary tilting movement. This primary tilting movement T4 is also allowed by the fact that the sliding guiding device 210 is out of engagement with the support rail 14 and with the base frame 10 and by the fact that the secondary rollers 182 are out of engagement with the longitudinal groove 184 of the base frame. Typically, an angular amplitude α of this primary tilting movement T4 is less than 15°, preferably around 12°.

[0116] This primary tilting movement T4 brings the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 from the first portion 52 to the second portion 54 of the cam grooves 50, against the action of the elastic member 58 urging the holding device 56 upwardly.

[0117] Actually, the primary tilting movement T4 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 between the configurations of figures 13 and 14 is guided by the movement of the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 in the second portions 54 of the cam grooves 50. As the width W54 is slightly larger than the external diameter of the first and second guiding pins 170 and 174, the movement of the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 within the second portions 54 of the cam grooves 50 is essentially vertical and this movement is limited downwardly by the abutment of each tilting guiding pin 170 and 174 against a lower end of the corresponding second portion 54.

[0118] Preferably, as soon as the first tilting plate 42 reaches the layer preparation configuration of figure 14, the safety pin 44 engages the non-represented holding hole of the first tilting plate 42 under the action of the associated elastic means. The cooperation of the safety pin 44 with this holding hole keeps the yarn-clamping frame 12 in tilted configuration.

[0119] In the yarn preparation configuration, where the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in tilted configuration, the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is inclined with respect to the vertical axis Z.

[0120] The height of the most upper clamping profile 126A with respect to the ground G has a lower value H2 when the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in the layer preparation configuration of figure 14 than the corresponding value H1 when the transverse direction T is vertical.

[0121] In this tilted configuration, the position of the yarn-clamping frame 12 along the lateral direction LA is fixed because no movement of the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 along the lateral direction LA is possible in the second portions 54 of the cam grooves 50.

[0122] The layer preparation configuration of figure 14 is used for installing the yarn layers L1 and L2 on the yarn-clamping systems 126 and 128.

[0123] When it is necessary to start the drawing-in process, the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is brought back with a vertical or approximately vertical orientation, that is with an angle with respect to the axis Z less than 3°. In other words, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is moved back from the layer preparation configuration of figure 14 to the configuration of figure 13. The safety pin 44 is removed from the non-represented holding hole of the first tilting plate 42. The tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 slide upwardly in the second portions of the cam grooves 50. Then, they are kept in the first portions 52 of the cam grooves 50 under the action of the holding device 56 biased by the elastic member 58, with a possibility of lateral displacement of the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 within the first portions 52, with an amplitude that is limited to the difference between the external diameter of the first and second guiding pins 170 and 174 and the width W52.

[0124] A lateral displacement of the tilting guiding pins 170 and 174 within the first portions 52 allows a secondary tilting movement of the yarn-clamping frame within the primary rollers 40. The secondary tilting movement is not represented in the figures. It has an angular amplitude of about 3° toward the rear lateral side of the drawing-in station 6 from the position shown on figure 13. In other words, in the drawing-in configuration, when the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in operative position, the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 can incline with respect to the vertical axis Z. This secondary tilting movement is compatible with the cooperation between the yarn-clamping frame 12 and the primary rollers 40 and also occurs around the longitudinal axis X180 of the tube 180. This secondary tilting movement is authorized by the locking pin 112 sliding within the circumferential locking groove 188 of the yarn-clamping frame 12, since the locking device 110 is compatible with the secondary tilting movement. This secondary tilting movement allows adjusting the orientation of the transverse direction T of the yarn-clamping frame 12 with regard to the vertical axis Z, in order to adapt the orientation of the yarn layers L1, L2 to the actual inclination of the drawing-in unit 4 with regard to this vertical axis Z, also during the drawing-in process. This is interesting since, due to irregularities on the ground G of the drawing-in room, the inclination of the drawing-in unit 4 with regard to this vertical axis Z is adjustable when it moves along the rack 32 of the toothed rail 28.

[0125] During the drawing-in process, the drawing-in unit 4 is connected with the bottom connection box 160 for power supply and control. The drawing-in unit 4 and the harness truck are movable together along the longitudinal directions LO, parallel to the axis X6, with regard to the yarn-clamping frame 12, thanks to the cooperation of a pinion of the drawing-in unit with the rack 32.

[0126] At the end of the drawing-in process, when all warp yarns have been drawn in the weaving harness, the drawing-in unit 4 is moved out of cooperation with the rack 32 and with the harness truck, whereas the harness truck supporting the weaving harness is still at the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion P2 of the base frame 10 and the weaving harness is in the tearing-down volume V1. The warp yarns of the layers L1, L2 are unclamped from the yarn-clamping systems 126, 128.

[0127] The tearing-down process can start.

[0128] Then, the locking device 110 can be released by pulling the locking pin 112 out of the circumferential locking groove 188. The yarn-clamping frame 12 is then returned to its inoperative position, along the back direction opposite to the direction of axis X. At the beginning of this return movement, the sliding guiding device 210 is re-engaged with the support rail 14 and guides the relative movement between the yarn-clamping frame 12 and the support rail 14. During the return movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 toward the inoperative position, the support rail 14 is maintained in its extended position since the blocking surface 84 of the second rotating plate 80 still faces the actuating pin 192. Thus, the support rail 14 is locked in its extended position to support the yarn-clamping frame 12 during its whole return movement, from its operative position to its inoperative position.

[0129] When the yarn-clamping frame 12 is back into its inoperative position, it abuts longitudinally against the base frame 10 and the sliding guiding device 210 comes into cooperation with the second cam surface 82 of the second rotating plate 80. This rotates the second rotating plate 80, around the pivoting axis Y78, in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation R2, as represented by arrow R'2 on figure 8. This rotation in the direction of arrow R'2 moves the blocking surface 84 out of the longitudinal path of the actuating pin 192 on its way toward the third stand 24.

[0130] It is then possible to return the support rail 14 from its extended position to its retracted position. Thus, the retaining device 100 authorizes a longitudinal movement of the support rail 14, from its extended position toward its retracted position, only when the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position. During this return movement of the support rail, as soon as the actuating pin 192 leaves contact with the first cam surface 76 of the first rotating plate 70, that is before or at the same time as the support rail is not vertically supported, against gravity, by the first stand 20 anymore, the first rotating plate 70 rotates, because of its weight, in a direction opposite to rotation R1, as shown by arrow R'1 on figure 7. As a result, the hook 72 is introduced again in the recess 220 of the sliding guiding device 210, which brings back the first rotating plate 70 in the position of figure 3 and limits a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 towards its operative position.

[0131] Then the operator can move the support rail 14 back to its retracted position.

[0132] When the support rail 14 is back in its retracted position, the weaving harness is not at the longitudinal level of the yarn-clamping frame 12 and of the support rail 14. Preferably, the tearing-down volume V1 is empty again. This enables an easy transport of the weaving harness from the weaving truck on the front side of the base frame 10 to the weaving beam on the back side of the base frame 10 along the lateral direction LA.

[0133] As the first rotating plate 70 extends mainly in the same longitudinal side of the pivoting axis Y78, the first rotating plate 70 is movable from its released position of figure 7 to its engaged position of figure 3 only by its weight. In other words, the reintroduction of the hook 72 in the recess 220 results from the weight of the first rotating plate 70, without any further action of the operator. Also, as the second rotating plate 80 extends mainly on the same longitudinal side of the pivoting axis Y78, and as the rotation R2 brings the blocking surface 84 downwardly due to the weight of the second rotating plate, the second rotating plate is movable from its unlock position to its lock position only by its weight, without any further action of the operator.

[0134] In the second and third embodiments of the invention represented on figures 15 and 16, the same parts as in the first embodiment bear the same references. If a reference is shown on one of figures 15 and 16, without being mentioned in the description, it designates the same element as in the first embodiment. Conversely, if a reference is mentioned in the description without being shown on one of figures 15 and 16, it designates the same element as in the first embodiment. Hereafter, mainly the differences between the second and third embodiments and the first embodiment are described.

[0135] The second and third embodiments of the invention partially represented on figures 15 and 16 differ from the first embodiment mainly by the structure of their retaining device 100.

[0136] The retaining device 100 of the second embodiment includes a first latching device 70 movable in translation parallel to the vertical axis Z with regards to the base frame 10, between an engaged position and a released position. The first latching device 70 comprises a first latching pin 72', a first lateral pin 74' and a first spring 75'. The first latching pin 74' is movable parallel to the vertical axis Z, in a first non-represented housing of the base frame 10. A first abutment pin 78', secured to the first latching pin 72' and engaged into an oblong window 92 of the base frame 10, limits the translational movement of the first latching pin 72' with regard to the base frame 10. The first lateral pin 74' is secured to the first latching pin 72' and the first spring 75' is interposed between the base frame 10 and the first lateral pin 74'. It pushes the first lateral pin 74' and the first latching pin 72' downwardly into an engaged position.

[0137] In the engaged position, the first latching pin 72' is engaged within a recess 138 formed in a retaining portion 136 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 in inoperative position. This limits a movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 towards its operative position.

[0138] The first latching device 70 does not limit movement of the support rail 14 between its retracted position and its extended position.

[0139] One considers a portion 76' of the peripheral surface of the first lateral pin 74' oriented downwardly, that is opposite to the abutment pin 78'. This portion of surface 76' forms a first cam surface.

[0140] In the released position of the first latching device 70, the first cam surface 76' of the first lateral pin 72' cooperates with an actuating part 192 secured with the support rail 14 when the support rail 14 reaches its extended position, as shown on insert B) of figure 15. A cam surface 194 of the actuating part 192 exerts a lifting effort on the first cam surface 76' of the first lateral pin 74'. This moves the first latching pin 72' upwardly and pulls it out of the recess 138 of the yarn-clamping frame 12, thus allowing the yarn-clamping frame 12 to move toward its operative position.

[0141] The retaining device 100 allows includes a second latching device 80 movable by translation with regard to the base frame 10 between a lock position and an unlock position. The second latching device 80 comprises a second latching pin 82', a second lateral pin 84', a second spring 85' and a second abutment pin 88' engaged within an oblong window 94 of the base frame 10. The second lateral pin 84' is secured to the second latching pin 82' and the second spring 85' is interposed between the base frame 10 and the second lateral pin 84' so that it pushes the second lateral pin 84' and the second latching pin 82' downwardly into the lock position.

[0142] A second cam surface 86' of the second latching pin 82' is formed by its cam surface opposite to the second abutment pin 88'. In the unlock position, the second latching pin 82' rests against a cam surface 139 formed by the retaining portion 136 and allows a longitudinal movement of the support rail 14 between its retracted position and its extended position. In the lock position of the second latching device 80, the second latching pin 82' is not in contact with the cam surface 139 any more and is engaged into a recess 196 of the actuating part 192 of the support rail 14, as shown on insert C) of figure 15.

[0143] One considers the portion 89' of the peripheral surface of the second latching pin 82' oriented toward the first latching pin 72'. This surface 88' is a blocking surface of the second lateral pin 82' and is configured to longitudinally cooperate with the recess 196 in order to maintain the support rail 14 in its extended position, in a way comparable to the blocking surface 84 of the first embodiment.

[0144] The retaining device 100 of the third embodiment includes a first latching device 70 and a second latching device 80. The first latching device 70 includes a first sensor 230 and a first locking solenoid 240. The second latching device 80 includes a second sensor 232 and a second locking solenoid 242. These sensors 230, 232 and locking solenoids 240, 242 are secured to the base frame 10.

[0145] Advantageously, the sensors 230 and 232 are proximity switches and they detect some parts of the drawing-in station 6 when these parts face the sensors in a lateral direction LA. The sensors 230 and 232 and the locking solenoids 240 and 242 are connected to a non-represented controller. When they are not active, the locking sensors retract upwardly a corresponding pin, namely a pin 244 for the first latching device 70 and a pin 246 for the second latching device 80.

[0146] Hereafter, a sensor is considered active when it sends a detection signal to the controller and inactive when it does not send such a signal.

[0147] In the configuration of the insert A) of figure 16, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position and the support rail 14 is in its retracted position. The first sensor 230 is active, since it detects the yarn-clamping frame 12 in inoperative position. The second sensor 232 is inactive, since it does not detect any part of the support rail 14. Based on the information provided by the sensors 230 and 232, the controller commands the locking solenoids 240 and 242 so that the first locking solenoid 240 is active and the second locking solenoid is inactive. The active first locking solenoid 240 projects its pin 244 into a recess 138 of the yarn-clamping frame 12 to block a longitudinal movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 with regard to the base frame 10. On the other hand, the active first locking solenoid 240 and the inactive second locking solenoid 242 allow a longitudinal movement of the support rail 14 with respect to the base frame 10.

[0148] In the configuration of insert B) of figure 16, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position and the support rail 14 is in its extended position. The first sensor 230 is active, since it still detects the yarn-clamping frame 12, and the second sensor 232 is active, since it detects the actuating part 192 of the support rail 14. Based on the information provided by the sensors 230 and 232, the controller controls the first locking solenoid 240 so that it is inactive, with its pin 244 retracted out of the recess 138 of the yarn-clamping frame and the second locking solenoid 242 is active with its pin 246 projecting in a recess 196 of the actuating part 192. In this position, the pin 246 prevents a longitudinal movement of the support rail 14 from its extended position towards its retracted position and the second solenoid 242 does not cooperate with the yarn-clamping frame 12, which is free to move between its inoperative and operative position.

[0149] In a third non-represented configuration, the yarn-clamping frame 12 is in its operative position and the support rail 14 is in its extended position. In such a case, sensor 230 is inactive and sensor 232 is active and the controller controls the first solenoid 240 so that it is inactive, with its pin 244 retracted, and the second solenoid 242 is active, with its pin 246 projecting in the recess 196 of the actuating part 192.

[0150] In a non-represented variant of the invention applicable to all embodiments, the yarn-clamping frame 12 can be equipped with a single clamping system. In such a case, no offset compensation device is needed.

[0151] According to another non-represented variant of the invention, one offset motor can be provided for each movable clamping profile of the movable yarn-clamping system. In such a case, no transmission cable is needed.

[0152] According to another non-represented variant of the invention, the retaining device 100 includes only one latching device, in particular the first latching device 70.

[0153] According to another non-represented variant of the invention, the retaining device comprises a clamp that clamps and maintains the yarn-clamping frame 12 in inoperative position and that is released when the support rail 14 is in extended position.

[0154] In another non-represented variant of the invention applicable to all embodiments, the yarn-clamping frame 12 protrudes partially in the second longitudinal portion P2, in the inoperative position, and / or the support rail 14 protrudes partially in the second longitudinal portion P2, in the retracted position. In this configuration of the yarn-clamping frame 12 and of the support rail 14, the tearing-down volume V1 is longitudinally delimited by the first stand 20 and the one part, amongst the side post 130 and the first extremity 14A of the support rail 14, which is longitudinally closest to the first stand 20. The longitudinal dimension of the tearing-down volume V1 is thus smaller than the longitudinal distance d1.

[0155] In all embodiments and variants of the invention, as in CN 206089969, the tearing-down process is ergonomic, as the drawing-in station 6 offers an empty tearing-down volume V1 when the support rail 14 is in its retracted position and when the clamping frame 12 is in its inoperative position, which simplifies the operations of handling of the weaving harness.

[0156] As the support rail 14 is supported by the first stand 20 both vertically, against gravity, and along the two lateral directions LA via the U shaped guide member 60, when it is in its extended position, it does not need to be supported in cantilever manner, which provides better stability and resistance when the yarn-clamping frame 12 moves between its inoperative position and its operative position and when the yarn-clamping frame is in its operative position. Furthermore, contrarily to the teachings of CN 206089969, the support rail 14 does not need to be provided with an elongated guiding hole and it is continuous, which increases the mechanical resistance of the support rail. Because of this, the lateral and transverse dimensions of the support rail 14 can be reduced, especially its height H14, which improves the compactness of the drawing-in station 6.

[0157] As the yarn-clamping frame 12 is supported vertically, against gravity, and laterally guided on its whole movement by the support rail 14, which is also vertically supported, against gravity, and laterally guided by the base frame 10, the movement of the yarn-clamping frame between its inoperative position and its operative position, and the return movement, occur without jamming, even if the yarn-clamping frame is quite long, with a length superior to 3 meters, up to 4 meters and even more, and even if it is heavy.

[0158] The drawing-in configuration of the drawing-in station 6 allows a secondary tilting movement of the clamping frame 12 during the drawing-in process, thanks to the movements of the first and second guiding pins 170 and 174 within the first portions 52 of the cam grooves 50, which provides adaptation to the position and inclination of the mobile drawing-in unit. This makes the drawing-in process more reliable.

[0159] Moreover, as the layer preparation configuration of figure 14 is different from the drawing-in configuration of figures 10 to 13 and is designed such that no lateral movement of the yarn-clamping frame 12 is possible, as represented on figure 14, the yarn-clamping frame is stable during layer preparation. Furthermore, the tilted position used in the layer preparation configuration reduces the height of the clamping profiles, which is more ergonomic for the operator.

[0160] In addition, the cooperation between the support rail 14 and the yarn-clamping frame 12 is provided by the rollers 212, 213 and 214 of the sliding guiding device 210, which reduces friction when the yarn-clamping frame is moved along the support rail. In particular, the first and second latching devices 70 and 80 do not rub against the support rail 14 when it moves longitudinally or against the yarn-clamping frame 12 when it moves longitudinally. Efforts needed by the operator in order to use the drawing-in station 6 are reduced.

[0161] The embodiments and variants of the invention mentioned here above may be combined, in any technically feasible way, in order to generate new embodiments of the invention, in the framework of the appended set of claims.

Claims

1. A drawing-in station (6) for a drawing-in machine (2), comprising - a yarn-clamping frame (12) comprising • at least one yarn-clamping system (126, 128) with one upper clamping profile (126A, 126B) and one lower clamping profile (126B, 128B) which extend along a longitudinal direction (LO), each yarn-clamping system (126, 128) being configured to clamp a yarn layer (L1, L2) • at least two side posts (130, 134) connecting the upper and lower clamping profiles and extending along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LO), - a base frame (10) including at least a first stand (20) and a second stand (22) the first and second stands being configured to stand on a ground (G) and being spaced along a longitudinal direction (LO), each of the first stand (20) and the second stand (22) vertically supporting at least a support member (40) of the base frame, each support member (40) being configured to support the yarn-clamping frame (12) vertically, against gravity, whereas the base frame has no intermediate support member situated longitudinally between the first stand and the second stand, the base frame being divided into a first longitudinal portion (P1) including the second stand (22) and an adjacent second longitudinal portion (P2) including the first stand (20) and extending from a longitudinal side of the second stand (22) oriented towards the first stand (20) ; - a support rail (14); wherein ∘ the yarn-clamping frame (12) is mobile relative to the base frame along the longitudinal direction (LO), between • an inoperative position, where at least a half of a longitudinal extent of the yarn-clamping frame delimited by the two side posts (130, 134) along the longitudinal direction (LO) is located out of the longitudinal level of the second longitudinal portion (P2) of the base frame (10), and where the yarn-clamping frame is longitudinally distant from the first stand (20) and supported vertically, against gravity, by the base frame (10) at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion (P1) of the base frame, and • an operative position, where the yarn-clamping frame is supported vertically, against gravity, by at least one support member (40) of the first stand (20) and by at least one support member of the second stand (22), ∘ the support rail (14) is mobile relative to the base frame along the longitudinal direction, between • a retracted position where the support rail (14) is longitudinally distant from the first stand (20), and • an extended position, where the support rail (14) protrudes in the second longitudinal portion (P2) of the base frame (10) on a greater extent than in the retracted position, ∘ the support rail (14) is supported vertically, against gravity, by the base frame and guided along two lateral directions (LA) by the base frame, at the longitudinal level of the first longitudinal portion (P1) of the base frame (10), when the support rail is in its retracted position, in its extended position and in-between, the two lateral directions (LA) being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (LO) and to a vertical axis (Z), ∘ the yarn-clamping frame (12) is mobile relative to the support rail (14) along the longitudinal direction and supported vertically, against gravity, by the support rail when the yarn-clamping frame (12) moves between its inoperative position and its operative position, ∘ when it is in its extended position, the support rail (14) is supported vertically, against gravity, by the first stand (20) and guided along the two lateral directions (LA) by the first stand (20).

2. The drawing-in station according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining device (100) authorizing a movement of the yarn-clamping frame (12) along the longitudinal direction (LO), from its inoperative position to its operative position, only when the support rail (14) is in its extended position.

3. The drawing-in station according to claim 2, wherein the retaining device (100) comprises a first latching device (70) longitudinally secured with the base frame (10) and movable with regard to the base frame between • an engaged position, where the first latching device (70) forms a longitudinal abutment to the yarn-clamping frame (12), preventing a movement of the yarn-clamping frame (12) from its inoperative position toward its operative position, and where the first latching device (70) does not limit a movement of the support rail between its retracted position and its extended position, and • a released position, where the first latching device (70) does not restrict a longitudinal movement of the yarn-clamping frame (12) from its inoperative position toward its operative position ; and wherein the first latching device (70) is in its released position when the support rail (14) is in its extended position.

4. The drawing-in station according to claim 3, wherein an actuating part (192) is secured with the support rail (14), and wherein, when the support rail (14) moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the actuating part (192) comes into cooperation with a first cam surface (76; 76') of the first latching device to move the first latching device (70) from the engaged position to the released position.

5. The drawing-in station according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the retaining device (100) authorizes a longitudinal movement of the support rail (14), from its extended position toward its retracted position, only when the yarn-clamping frame (12) is in its inoperative position.

6. The drawing-in station according to claim 5, wherein the retaining device (100) comprises a second latching device (80) longitudinally secured with the base frame and movable with regard to the base frame between • a lock position, where a blocking surface (84) of the second latching device forms a longitudinal abutment to the support rail (14) preventing a movement of the support rail (14) from its extended position toward its retracted position, and where the second latching device (80) authorizes a movement of the yarn-clamping frame (12) between its inoperative position and its operative position, and • an unlock position, where the second latching device (80) does not prevent a movement of the support rail (14) from its extended position to its retracted position, and wherein, when the yarn-clamping frame (12) is in inoperative position, a second cam surface (82) of the second latching device (80) is in longitudinal contact with the yarn-clamping frame (12) to maintain the second latching device (80) in unlock position.

7. The drawing-in station according to claim 4 and claim 6 wherein, in the lock position of the second latching device (80), a blocking surface (84 ; 89') of the second latching device (80) forms a longitudinal abutment to the actuating part (192), in order to prevent a movement of the support rail from its extended position toward its retracted position.

8. The drawing-in station according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the first and second latching devices (70, 80) are rotating plates which are adjacent along the lateral direction (LA) and rotatable around a common pivoting axis (Y78), the common pivoting axis (Y78) being longitudinally and vertically secured with the base frame (10) and parallel to the lateral direction (LA).

9. The drawing-in station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the yarn-clamping frame (12) is in its inoperative position, the yarn-clamping frame (12) is completely out of a tearing down volume (V1) extending longitudinally from the first stand (20) to the second stand (22) and when the support rail (14) is in its retracted position, the support rail (14) is completely out of the tearing-down volume (V1).

10. The drawing-in station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, the yarn-clamping frame (12) has rollers (212, 213, 214) configured to come into rolling contact with the support rail (14), respectively in the direction of gravity and along the two lateral directions (LA), when the yarn-clamping frame (12) moves between its inoperative position and its operative position.

11. The drawing-in station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - in its operative position, the yarn-clamping frame (12) does not cooperate with the support rail (14); - the yarn-clamping frame (12) has a lower cylindrical surface (S180) with a circular cross-section which is centered on a longitudinal axis (X180) and which extends longitudinally between the two side posts (130, 134); - in the operative position of the yarn-clamping profile, the lower cylindrical surface (S180) of the clamping profile is • engaged in a complementary groove (G40) of each of the at least two support members (40) of the base frame (10) supporting the yarn-clamping frame (12), and • supported vertically, against gravity, and laterally guided in the two lateral directions by a bottom surface (S40) of each complementary groove; - the drawing-in station (6) comprises a locking device (110) for securing longitudinally the yarn-clamping frame (12) with the base frame (10), in the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame; and - when the yarn-clamping frame is in operative position, a locking device (110) of the drawing-in station secures longitudinally the yarn-clamping frame with the base frame, the locking device (110) being compatible with a tilting movement of the transverse direction (T) of the clamping frame (12) with regard to the vertical axis (Z), this tilting movement occurring with a relative movement between the lower cylindrical surface (S180) and the complementary groove (G40).

12. The drawing-in station according to claim 11, wherein the at least two support members (40) of the base frame supporting the yarn-clamping frame (12) in operative position are each mounted on a tilting plate (42, 42') of the base frame (10) vertically supported respectively by the first stand (20) and by the second stand (22) and having a possibility of rotation, with regard to the first stand (20) and the second stand (22), around a rotation axis (X42, X42') parallel to the longitudinal direction (LO).

13. The drawing-in station according to one of the claims 11 and 12, wherein at least one tilting guiding pin (170, 174) is longitudinally secured with the side posts (130, 134), wherein the at least one tilting guiding pin is configured to come into engagement with a corresponding cam groove (50) of the base frame (10) when the yarn-clamping frame (12) moves from the inoperative position to the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame and, in the operative position of the yarn-clamping frame (12), the at least one tilting guiding pin is movable within the corresponding cam groove (50) so that the orientation of transverse direction (T) with regard to the vertical axis (Z) is adjustable.

14. The drawing-in station according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the yarn-clamping frame (12) is equipped with two yarn-clamping systems (126, 128), - at least one of the two yarn-clamping systems is longitudinally movable, with respect to the side posts (130, 134), by an offset compensation device (140) including at least one offset compensation motor (150); - the offset compensation motor (150) has no possibility of relative longitudinal movement with regard to the side posts (130, 134); - the offset compensation motor (150) is connected to a line (P150, C150) going through a drag chain (162), for power supply and / or control of the offset compensation motor, the drag chain (162) having one extremity attached to the base frame (10) and one extremity attached with the yarn-clamping frame (12).

15. A drawing-in machine (2) for drawing-in warp yarns from at least one yarn layer (L1, L2) into a weaving harness, the drawing-in machine comprising a drawing-in unit (4), characterized in that it includes at least a drawing-in station (6) according to one of the preceding claims and in that, during a drawing-in process, the drawing-in unit (4) is movable along a longitudinal direction (LO) relative to a base frame (10) of the drawing-in station (6).

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