Device for feeding a weft thread to the rapier head of a weaving machine

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for supplying at least a first and a second weft thread to a weaving machine with at least one rapier head, where the weft thread can be supplied to the rapier head in a weft direction (SR). The apparatus according to the invention comprises: - a coupling unit (10) which, in the assembled state of the apparatus (1), is movable to and fro in the warp direction (KR) on the side of the weaving machine, - at least one first and a second feed unit (30, 50), which are arranged next to each other in the warp direction (KR) on the coupling unit (10) and are configured to supply the first or second weft thread to the rapier head, and - a coupling unit (10) which is movable to and fro in the warp direction (KR) on the side of the weaving machine. The present invention relates to a method for producing a rapier head having a weft thread 10, the method comprising: providing a rapier head 12 with a weft thread 11; a positioning unit 15 for positioning the rapier head 12 in at least one first and second position in a warp direction 11 and a counter direction to the warp direction 11; a first supply unit 30 configured to supply a first weft thread 12 to the rapier head 12 in a first position of the rapier head; and a second supply unit 50 configured to supply a second weft thread 12 to the rapier head 12 in a second position of the rapier head. A corresponding method is also presented.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for feeding at least a first and a second weft thread to a weaving machine equipped with at least one rapier head, where the weft thread can be fed to the rapier head in a weft direction.

[0002] From WO 2011 / 015173, a device is known for the time-successive transfer of two weft threads, preferably in the form of a strip, also called tapes, from a respective one of the supply units assigned to one of the weft threads to a rapier head of a weaving machine. By correspondingly controlling the supply units, one or the other of the weft threads is supplied to the rapier head and then inserted into the shed. The two supply units are arranged one on top of the other for this purpose and are oriented in the weft direction. Each supply unit has a clamping device for clamping the free end of each of the weft threads, each of the clamping devices being movable between at least two different operating positions substantially in the weft direction. Furthermore, each of the clamping devices is movable by a respective pivoting unit driven by a drive, preferably a servomotor, which pivoting unit has two parallel pivoting arms connected by a connecting element, on which the clamping device is arranged.

[0003] Due to the movement of each clamping device only in the vertical plane in which the weft insertion line is also located, each strip of weft material has an extension that is substantially free of twists and without deflection in the warp direction from the supply unit to the transfer to the rapier head. No shear forces that could damage the weft threads are thereby generated, i.e. no deflection occurs in the direction of the width of the strip of weft material. If each clamping device is movable in the abovementioned vertical plane in which the weft insertion line is also located, various feed movements can be performed with the device, in which no deflection occurs in the direction of the width of the strip of weft material. For the transfer of the strip of weft thread, the free end of this weft thread is first clamped in the corresponding clamping device and then transferred to the rapier head, after which the clamping device is opened and the weft material is inserted.

[0004] However, this known device has the disadvantage that it is relatively complex and costly. Furthermore, it requires a relatively large amount of space. In particular, due to the pivot kinematics, when the clamping device moves in the weft direction, undesirable movements of each weft thread also occur in the height direction, i.e. perpendicular to the plane in which the weft insertion line is also located. Such movements have an undesirable effect on the precision of the presentation of each weft thread to the rapier head and also on the cutting position of the weft thread after insertion into the shed.

[0005] JP 2983531 describes a weaving machine in which color selection between two weft threads is possible. For this purpose, a first weft thread is inserted into an open shed from a first bobbin or a second weft thread from a second bobbin arranged adjacent to the first bobbin in the warp direction, and then the inserted and cut first or second weft thread is pushed to the edge of the woven fabric. Such a construction presupposes, in particular, that a weft thread inserted far away from the edge of the woven fabric must travel a relatively large distance to the edge of the woven fabric, which may result in undesirable friction problems. The corresponding device costs are also relatively high.

[0006] EP 3425094 B1, disclosing the features of the general terms of claim 1, describes a device in which a pivotable connecting unit has several clamps arranged on a circular arc, each for a weft thread. By moving the connecting unit, the selected clamp together with the weft thread is brought closer to the edge of the fabric, where the weft thread is - after releasing the clamp - pulled into the fabric through an opening opened by the rapier head.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supplying at least a first and a second weft thread, preferably a strip-shaped weft thread, to a weaving machine with at least one rapier head, which at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0008] This problem is solved by a device and a method with the features of the independent claims.

[0009] The device according to the invention comprises, in an assembled state of the device, a coupling unit which is movable to and fro in the warp direction on the side of the weaving machine and which connects to one another at least one first and one second feed unit arranged next to one another in the warp direction and which is adapted to feed at least one first or second weft thread to the rapier head.The device according to the invention further comprises a positioning unit for positioning the coupling unit in at least one first and one second position in the warp direction or counter to the warp direction, where the first feed unit is adapted to feed the first weft thread to the rapier head in the first position of the coupling unit and the second feed unit is adapted to feed the second weft thread to the rapier head in the second position of the coupling unit.

[0010] The advantage of the invention is in particular that the coupling unit, in cooperation with the positioning unit, positions at least the first and second supply units in the warp direction or counter to the warp direction, so that - after appropriate positioning - the first or second weft thread can be presented to the rapier head. For example, the first supply unit transfers the first weft thread to the rapier head in a first position of the coupling unit, which then inserts this first weft thread into the open shed of the weaving machine. After inserting this first weft thread into the shed, the free end of this weft thread close to the device according to the invention is cut off, the first supply unit is returned, and then the coupling unit is shifted in the warp direction to a second position, so that the second supply unit is moved to a position in which it can transfer the second weft thread to the rapier head.

[0011] In this way, for example at least two weft threads of different types of material can be quickly and simply inserted into a woven fabric.

[0012] The solution according to the invention has a number of advantages over the solution described in WO 2011 / 015173. On the one hand, the weft thread to be inserted in each case can be fed linearly to the rapier head. In this feeding movement, the weft thread does not move vertically - as opposed to the pivoting movement according to WO 2011 / 015173 - i.e. the weft thread is always located in the same vertical position. This feature also allows for a high degree of flexibility with regard to the feeding movement or the presentability of the weft thread to be transferred to the rapier head. Furthermore, the device according to the invention requires less space.

[0013] According to the invention, the weft threads, which are presented or transferred to the rapier head for weft insertion and then pulled through the shed, can be moved only horizontally and linearly, i.e. without any vertical movement components, allowing free programming of the control unit for the presentation movement of each weft thread, which allows a higher precision to be achieved during presentation and a more precise cut of each weft thread after its insertion into the shed, without the need to take into account a simultaneous height displacement, as in the case of WO 2011 / 015173.

[0014] The advantage of an unloading that takes place only in a linear direction with weft selection (color selection) by means of a feed unit that is slidable laterally, i.e. in the warp direction and counter to the warp direction, is that both feed units can be configured identically, in which case they also behave identically during the unloading movement. Since both feed units have the same position in the height direction, this results in good adjustability or positionability of both feed units for the same reasons.

[0015] Advantageously, the connecting unit can be positioned such that during each weft insertion, the position of the first feed unit in the first position of the connecting unit and the position of the second feed unit in the second position of the connecting unit coincide in the warp direction. In this case, the first and second feed units can take up the position previously occupied by the other feed unit at different times, for example one after the other, so that in this position they can present the corresponding weft thread to the rapier head which can be moved through the open shed. Thus, despite the adjustment of the connecting unit in the warp direction or counter-warp direction for the purpose of color selection, the weft thread to be inserted in each case is always in the ideal insertion axis, while the other weft thread is slightly displaced to the side, in the warp direction or counter-warp direction.

[0016] Additionally, the rapier head may be movable through the shed from one fabric edge to the other, or may deliver the respective weft thread, for example over half the distance, to a second rapier head which then pulls the weft thread through the shed over a second distance.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least two feed units each have a carriage which is movable in the weft direction, the carriage being movable, preferably linearly, in the weft direction and in the direction opposite to the weft direction, while both carriages are movable back and forth, preferably also linearly, in the warp direction by means of a coupling unit.

[0018] It is advantageous if at least one, preferably exactly one, drive, preferably a servomotor, is connected to the at least two carriages in such a way that only one of the at least two carriages can be moved in each case in the weft direction and in the direction opposite to the weft direction. The drive thus moves both carriages, but not simultaneously, but only one of the carriages in each case. That is to say, while one carriage is moved, for example in the weft direction, in order to transfer the associated weft thread to the rapier head, the other carriage remains in place. Thus, only small masses (i.e. the respective feed unit) are moved, unnecessary mechanical movements are avoided and the required space on the side of the weaving machine is optimally utilized. If only one drive as described above is used for the forward and backward movement of both carriages (at the offset time), this is an inexpensive and space-saving solution.

[0019] Each carriage preferably has a clamp which is opened and closed by electrical or pneumatic control for clamping and releasing each weft thread, whereby each clamp preferably has guide elements located in front, as viewed in the weft direction, which guide each weft thread above, below and laterally, which guide elements are also part of each carriage, so that the free end of the weft thread to be transferred does not hang freely immediately after the clamp, but advantageously only hangs behind the guide elements - as viewed in the weft direction - and is guided in the weft direction, as defined by the carriage, to the rapier head and then taken up by the rapier head.

[0020] At least one drive is preferably controllable in such a way that each carriage, and in this case preferably each of its guide elements, can be guided in different proximity to the rapier head or even into the rapier head. Such a possibility of individually variable presentation of the weft thread also constitutes a specific aspect of the invention, which can be realized independently of the required structure of the coupling unit, the feed unit and the positioning unit. Such adapted presentation movements can preferably be realized by flexible programming of the drive. With different weft threads, especially with materials with low bending stiffness, mechanical adaptation is advantageously not required.

[0021] In particular, such an aspect of the invention, which may also be regarded as unique, relates to an apparatus for supplying at least one first weft thread to a weaving machine with at least one rapier head, comprising at least one first supply unit capable of supplying the at least one weft thread to the rapier head in a weft direction, the first supply unit having a first clamp capable of force-connectively guiding at least one section of the at least one first weft thread when supplying the at least one first weft thread to the rapier head, characterized in that the section of the at least first weft thread guided by the first clamp can be transported linearly by the first supply unit in the weft direction and counter to the weft direction relative to the rapier head, wherein such linear movement of the aforementioned section of the at least first weft thread takes place along a weft insertion line.

[0022] With this configuration, for example, a relatively soft weft thread can be introduced further into the open shed in order to ensure a reliable transfer of this weft thread, in other words, the presentation of the weft thread to be inserted is flexible. If the feed unit is controlled accordingly, various parameters can be taken into account in the programming of the control unit.

[0023] In this aspect of the invention, which can also be considered as original, it is also advantageous, as in the above-mentioned further embodiment with at least two feed units, that at least the first feed unit has a first carriage which can be moved in the weft direction and in the direction opposite to the weft direction by a drive, preferably a servomotor. Advantageously, the above-mentioned clamp can also be opened and closed by electrical or pneumatic control, in which case guide elements are provided which are arranged in front of the clamp as seen in the weft direction and guide the first weft thread above, below and laterally. The clamp and the guide elements of the first carriage can be guided in different proximity to or into the rapier head by the drive.

[0024] The above-mentioned embodiment of the invention in particular allows not only the weft thread itself to be introduced into the rapier head, but also the front part of the feed unit - which is particularly advantageously used in the case of relatively soft weft threads. In this way, the soft weft thread protrudes beyond the feed unit in the weft direction and is reliably guided by the feed unit so that it is not before the clamping area of ​​the rapier head, but behind the clamping area, for example by the part of the rapier head facing the feed unit. In the case of such so-called overinsertion, the feed unit is thereby forced to pass between the clamping areas for a short time and then returned again in the opposite direction to the weft direction, so that the weft thread to be clamped protrudes beyond the feed unit to such an extent that it remains in the clamping area despite the return movement of the feed unit and is then clamped when closing the rapier head.

[0025] In the described aspect of the invention, which can also be considered as unique, preferably in addition to the first supply unit with the first carriage, a second supply unit with a second carriage is additionally provided, both supply units being controllable as described above, in particular to allow the above-mentioned over-insertion, i.e. so that the front part of the supply unit or its carriage can also enter into the clamping area.

[0026] Returning to the inventive arrangement with the coupling unit, at least two supply units and a positioning unit, in an alternative embodiment to the above-mentioned carriage, at least two supply units may each have one belt conveyor unit. In this case, each belt conveyor unit has two circulating belt conveyors which can be positioned relative to one another, between which the weft thread can be force-connected at least in the weft direction. When the belt conveyors of the respective supply units are force-connected with the respective weft thread, the clamped weft thread is conveyed in the weft direction by driving the belt conveyors in opposite directions, and its free end is placed at the rapier head. In this arrangement, the belt conveyors preferably remain in their position with respect to the weft direction, i.e. always have the same distance to the longitudinal edge of the woven fabric. However, as in the above-mentioned arrangement of the carriage, the belt conveyors are, according to the invention, moved back and forth in the warp direction by connection with the coupling unit and position at least the first or second weft thread for transfer to the rapier head.

[0027] Advantageously, the positioning unit for positioning the coupling unit has a drive, in this case preferably a motor (e.g. a servomotor) or a pneumatic cylinder, which can reach positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the coupling unit. If the drive is for example configured as a pneumatic cylinder, the two end positions of this pneumatic cylinder correspond to the first and second positions of the coupling unit. The result is a very simple construction which can be easily controlled.

[0028] The connecting unit movable in the warp direction is particularly preferably connected to a stationary guide part, which advantageously has a first guide structure, whereas the connecting unit has a guide member corresponding to this first guide structure, the first guide structure and the guide member cooperating in such a way that the connecting unit can be positioned exclusively in the warp direction and in the direction opposite to the warp direction.

[0029] The first guide structure is preferably further configured not only to allow the positioning of the connecting unit in the warp direction or counter to the warp direction, but also to prevent the movement of one of the at least two supply units in the weft direction, and a second guide structure is further provided in the guide part, which allows the movement of the other supply unit, whose movement is not prevented, in the weft direction and counter to the weft direction. The first and second guide structures are formed crosswise to each other, preferably so as to extend perpendicularly to each other, corresponding to the warp and weft directions extending perpendicularly relative to each other. As long as the connecting unit is moved in the warp direction or counter to the warp direction by the first guide structure, a movement of the first and second supply units in the weft direction is not possible. Only when the connecting unit is positioned in the first or second position can each supply unit be moved.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second guide structures are formed by grooves and / or ridges in the guide parts, which on the one hand prevent the coupling units from moving in other directions, in particular perpendicular to the warp direction, while they can only move back and forth in the warp direction, and on the other hand, after a corresponding positioning of the coupling units, the corresponding feed units can only move in the weft direction.

[0031] For supplying the first weft thread to the side edge of the loom, a first weft thread storehouse is preferably provided, which has a first bobbin for storing the first weft thread, from which the first weft thread can be supplied to the first supply unit. Similarly, for supplying the second weft thread to the side edge of the loom, a second weft thread storehouse is preferably provided, which has a second bobbin for storing the second weft thread, from which the second weft thread can be supplied to the second supply unit.

[0032] Preferably, a first guide element is arranged between the first weft store and the first supply unit immediately before the first supply unit. More preferably, a second guide element is arranged between the second weft store and the second supply unit immediately before the second supply unit. In this case, the first and second guide elements extend adjacent to each other at least immediately before the first or second supply unit respectively assigned to them. Advantageously, the above-mentioned first or second guide element is connected to the first or second supply unit and is slid back and forth in the warp direction together with the supply unit by the movement of the connecting unit. Alternatively, the first and second guide elements are arranged stationary.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first weft store is arranged above the second weft store, the bobbin axis of the first weft store being located above the bobbin axis of the second weft store. Such an arrangement is space-saving. In such a preferred configuration, the two weft threads run overlapping each other and are discharged from the respective weft stores, whereas they are positioned next to each other for presentation to the rapier head.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second weft stores are oriented in the weft direction and the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the warp direction. According to an alternative configuration, the first and second weft stores are oriented in the warp direction, in which case the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the weft direction and deflection means are provided for deflecting the first and second weft threads in the weft direction. In this case, the specific space requirements of the weaving machine and weaving plant can be taken into account.

[0035] The invention also relates to a weaving machine comprising at least one rapier head movable through the open shed in the weft direction and in the direction counter to the weft direction, and a device as described above.

[0036] The invention furthermore relates to a method for supplying at least a first and a second weft thread during the production of a woven fabric by means of a weaving machine with at least one rapier head, preferably using a device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one first and one second weft thread are arranged next to each other in a plane in the warp direction along an edge of the woven fabric and are supplied in succession in time (not necessarily alternating) in the weft direction to a rapier head of the weaving machine, and the at least one first and one second weft thread are positioned for the respective weft insertion along a pick insertion line in the warp direction or counter-warp direction by the at least one rapier head so as to be pulled through an open shed, the weft thread not yet to be inserted being displaced from this pick insertion line (E) in the warp direction or counter-warp direction in order to keep the pick insertion line free.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be used for strip weft threads or strip weft material, for example such weft material containing carbon fibers, glass fibers and / or basalt fibers or filaments. Strip weft threads or strip weft material of various widths can be processed.

[0038] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in one position (without weft thread). [Figure 1b] 3 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in another position (without weft thread); FIG. [Figure 1c] 3 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in another position (without weft thread); FIG. [Figure 1d]3A and 3B show a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in another position (without weft threads); [Figure 1e] 3A and 3B show a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in another position (without weft threads); [Figure 1f] 3 shows a schematic plan view of the device according to the invention with the supply unit with the carriage in another position (without weft thread); FIG. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1a-1f is a plan view of the device shown diagrammatically with the weft thread to be inserted and the weft thread store; [Figure 2b] FIG. 1a-1f is a plan view of the device shown diagrammatically with the weft thread to be inserted and the weft thread store; [Figure 2c] FIG. 1a-1f is a plan view of the device shown diagrammatically with the weft thread to be inserted and the weft thread store; [Figure 2d] FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 2a-2c. [Figure 3a] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically to clearly show the kinematics; [Figure 3b] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically to clearly show the kinematics; [Figure 3c] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically to clearly show the kinematics; [Figure 3d] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the device according to the invention, shown diagrammatically to clearly show the kinematics; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view showing a front portion of the carriage. [Figure 5a] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing one reach position of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5b] 11 is a schematic side view showing another reaching position of the carriage relative to the rapier head; FIG. [Figure 5c] 11 is a schematic side view showing another reaching position of the carriage relative to the rapier head; FIG. [Figure 5d] 11 is a schematic side view showing another reaching position of the carriage relative to the rapier head; FIG. [Figure 5e] 11 is a schematic side view showing another reaching position of the carriage relative to the rapier head; FIG. [Figure 5f] 11 is a schematic side view showing another reaching position of the carriage relative to the rapier head; FIG. [Figure 6a] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit; [Figure 6b] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit; [Figure 6c] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit; [Figure 6d] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit; [Figure 6e] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the supply unit;

[0040] The plan views of Figures 1a to 1f show, very diagrammatically, an apparatus 1 according to the invention, which is arranged to feed first and second weft threads S1, S2 (which are not shown in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity, see Figures 2a to 2d) to a rapier head 82 of a weaving machine 80, which is shown very diagrammatically and only partially. The apparatus 1 is for this purpose arranged laterally of the weaving machine 80 and presents the first and second weft threads S1, S2 to be inserted to the rapier head 82.

[0041] The device 1 comprises a coupling unit 10 on which a first supply unit 30 and a second supply unit 50 are provided, the first supply unit 30 presenting a first weft thread S1 and the second supply unit 50 presenting a second weft thread S2 to a rapier head 82. The rapier head 82 pulls the weft thread, which has been presented to the rapier head and then clamped, along a weft insertion line E by means of a rapier rod 84 into an open shed.

[0042] The two feed units 30, 50 are movably connected to one another via a connecting unit 10. The connecting unit 10 can be moved along the fabric edge in the warp direction KR and counter to the warp direction KR by means of a drive 15, which is in this case formed as a pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder rod 17 that can be pushed or pulled, into two defined positions. By such a movement of the connecting unit 10, the two feed units 30, 50 are also positioned in the warp direction KR.

[0043] The first and second feed units 30 and 50 both have a carriage 31 or 51 which can be moved in the weft direction SR and in the direction opposite to the weft direction SR. The first and second carriages 31, 51 are driven by a commonly used drive 42 which is in this case configured as a servomotor and which - like the pneumatic cylinder 15 - is controlled by the control unit 5. The corresponding control lines are shown in dotted lines in FIG.

[0044] In Fig. 1a, the coupling unit 10 is in a first position. In this first position of the coupling unit 10, the first supply unit 30 itself is in a position in which the first weft thread S1 is located in the weft insertion line E. According to Fig. 1b, the coupling unit 10 is still in the above-mentioned first position, but the first supply unit 30 has been advanced in the weft direction SR towards the rapier head 82. In this position, the weft thread S1 is presented or transferred to the rapier head 82, which then proceeds through the open shed. After the transfer of the first weft thread, the first supply unit 30 is returned by the drive 42 in the direction opposite to the weft direction SR to the starting position.

[0045] According to FIG. 1c, the weft thread S1 can now be cut in a cutting plane SE by means of a cutting device 79, which is only diagrammatically shown.

[0046] According to Fig. 1d, the connecting unit 10 is then moved by the pneumatic cylinder 16 to a second position in which the second weft thread S2 arranged in the second supply unit 50 is aligned with the weft insertion line E. Correspondingly, according to Fig. 1e, the second supply unit is moved in the weft direction SR, also by the drive 42, towards the rapier head 82, where the transfer of the weft thread S2 takes place. Then, according to Fig. 1f, the second supply unit 50 is moved again to the starting position and the second weft thread S2 is cut off by the cutting device 79. Following this, the connecting unit 10 can again return to the position shown in Fig. 1a.

[0047] In figures 2a to 2d the device 1 according to figure 1 is again shown in a schematic plan view, with some features omitted and others shown. In the side view of figure 2d it can be seen that the first weft thread S1 is wound onto a bobbin 72 in an upper weft yarn store 70. From here it is guided via a deflection roller 71 to the first supply unit 30. Below the first upper weft yarn store 70 a second lower weft yarn store 75 is arranged, which stores a second bobbin 77 with the wound weft thread S2. From here it is guided via a deflection roller 76 to the second supply unit 50. The two weft yarn stores 70, 75 are aligned with each other in the plan view (see figures 2a to 2c). The two weft threads S1, S2 initially run substantially overlapping each other with a very small gap between them, and then run slightly apart in the direction of the supply units 30, 50, as will be explained below with reference to Figures 2a to 2c.

[0048] According to the plan view of FIG. 2a, the first supply unit 30 with the carriage 31 is in a position in which - by correspondingly positioning the coupling unit 10, not shown - its weft thread S1 can be inserted by the rapier head 82 along the weft insertion line E. The second supply unit 50 is in this case slightly displaced in the opposite direction to the warp direction KR. To show this clearly, the central axis D2 of the second weft thread S2 is extended to the weft stores 70, 75. This makes it clear that there is a slight angle between the weft insertion line E and the central axis D2 of the second weft thread S2. However, this is not important since at this point the second weft thread S2 is not inserted into the shed.

[0049] Figure 2b again shows how the first supply unit 30 brings the weft thread S1 to the rapier head 82. In the case corresponding to Figure 2c, the connecting unit 10 (not shown) has been moved to a second position in which the second weft thread S2 is aligned with the weft insertion line E. In this case, the first supply unit 30 is located outside the weft insertion line E, and the central axis D1 of the weft thread S1 forms a slight angle with the weft insertion line.

[0050] Figures 3a to 3d show a special embodiment of the device 1 which was only shown diagrammatically in figures 1 and 2. In contrast to figures 1 and 2, figures 3a to 3d show a bottom view of the device 1. A pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder rod 17 can be seen. The cylinder rod 17 is connected to the coupling unit 10, by means of which the pneumatic cylinder 16 can move the coupling unit 10 back and forth in the warp direction KR.

[0051] The connecting unit 10 is in this case configured approximately U-shaped in a bottom view, and is provided at the ends of both legs with ridges 11 pointing downwards (i.e. in this case towards the viewer). These ridges 11 engage with first guide structures 21 formed as guide grooves in the guide part 20. The guide part 20, like the pneumatic cylinder 16, is configured in a fixed manner, i.e. stationary. The guide part 20 is configured in this embodiment as a flat rectangular parallelepiped, which serves essentially to guide the connecting unit 10 and both supply units 30, 50. The above-mentioned first guide structures 21 in the guide part 20 extend in the warp direction KR, so that when the connecting unit is moved by the pneumatic cylinder 16, the ridges 11 of the connecting element 10 are forcibly guided by the first guide structures 21 in the warp direction KR and in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR.

[0052] On the connecting element 10, both carriages 31, 51 of the first and second supply unit 30 or 50 are arranged. Both carriages 31, 51 can be moved in the weft direction SR and in the direction opposite to the weft direction SR. For this purpose, a drive is provided, which consists here of a drive 42 formed as a servomotor with a planetary gear transmission, a pivot lever 43 and a slide block 45 which is fixed on the pivot lever but rotatably arranged by means of a rotary joint 44. On its underside (i.e. towards the viewer), each of the two carriages 31, 51 has a recess 46 for the slide block 45. When both carriages 31, 51 are located at the same height in the weft direction SR (FIGS. 3a, 3c), the recesses 46 are aligned with each other.

[0053] The underside of the first carriage 31 is further provided with a guide element 41 in the form of a ridge, and the underside of the second carriage 51 is likewise provided with a guide element 56 in the form of a ridge, which can slide forcibly guided in the weft direction SR and counter to the weft direction SR in the second guide structure 22, which is formed as a guide groove in the guide part 20 in this case, when the coupling unit 10 is appropriately positioned, i.e. in the first or second position of the coupling unit 10.

[0054] In Fig. 3a the coupling unit 10 is shown in a first position, in which the first carriage 31 is positioned so as to be able to move in the weft direction SR by means of its ridge 41. In contrast, the ridge 56 of the second carriage 51 abuts against an edge of the second guiding structure 22, which prevents movement of the second carriage 51 in the weft direction SR. In order to allow the second carriage 51 to slide in the weft direction SR, the coupling unit 10 must be brought into the second position by the pneumatic cylinder 16 (see below with respect to Figs. 3c and 3d).

[0055] FIG. 3b shows how the first carriage 31 - driven by the drive 42 and a pivoting mechanism including a slide block 45 - is slid in the weft direction SR, i.e. in the direction of the rapier head 82 not shown, and in this case is force-guided by a ridge 41 running in the second guiding structure 22.

[0056] In Fig. 3c, the first and second carriages 31, 51 are again located at the same height. Now, however, the pneumatic cylinder 16 has slid the coupling unit 10 in the warp direction KR into its second position. The slide block 45 has now slid into the recess 46 of the second carriage 51. The second carriage 51 can then be moved in the weft direction SR by the drive 42 in order to present or hand over the second weft thread S2 to the rapier head 82, as shown in Fig. 3d.

[0057] In FIG. 4 the carriage 31 of the supply unit 30 is shown in more detail (the carriage 51 of the supply unit 50 is preferably of the same construction). In cross section, the carriage 31 has a U-shaped closed lamella 40. The upper lateral legs of this lamella 40 serve as lateral guide elements 39 for the weft thread (not shown), whereas the base of the lamella 40 serves as the lower guide element 36. In the central area of ​​the lamella 40 a clamp 32 is provided, which presses the weft thread downwards by means of a pneumatically acted pressure rod 33 (only partially shown here). An upper guide element 35 connected to the clamp 32 is arranged in front of the clamp 32 in the weft direction SR, which guide element has an open cross section and presses the weft thread downwards against the lower guide element 36 of the lamella 40. The weft thread is therefore reliably guided towards the rapier head 82 laterally by the guide element 39 and on its upper and lower sides by the guide elements 35, 36.

[0058] Towards the rear, i.e. opposite to the weft direction SR, the clamp 32 is also adjoined by an upper guide surface 34 aligned with a U-shaped lamella, which guide surface is for the weft thread passing between the lamella 40 and this upper guide surface 34.

[0059] Further towards the rear, in the direction of the weft yarn store 70, there follows an optional first guide element 28, which in this embodiment is also U-shaped. The first guide element 28 serves for the orderly guidance of the weft yarn S1 to the first supply unit 30. The first guide element 28 is slid together with the first supply unit 30 in the warp direction KR or counter to the warp direction KR (by the coupling unit 10). Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first guide element is also slid back and forth in the weft direction SR by the drive 42, but this is not essential.

[0060] In summary, in the described embodiment, the weft thread S1 or S2 to be inserted is selected from the two weft threads S1, S2 located next to each other by a lateral movement of the coupling unit 10, which takes place in the warp direction KR and in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR. The sliding of the coupling unit 10 in the warp direction KR or in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR is in this case actuated by air pressure, whereas the feeding of the selected weft thread S1 or S2 to the rapier head 82, which takes place in the weft direction SR, is performed by a drive 42 configured as a servo motor. Due to the above-mentioned selection of drives, the device according to the invention can be realized inexpensively, since only one servo drive can be used for the feed movement and a pneumatic drive can be used for the color selection. In contrast, in WO 2011 / 015173, two servo drives are required for the pivoting movement. The color selection by switching between the two weft threads S1, S2 can be performed by an inexpensive pneumatic cylinder 16.

[0061] 5a to 5f show the chronological sequence of the delivery or presentation of the first weft thread S1 (it is equally well possible to select the second weft thread S2) to the rapier head 82. 5a to 5f also show an independently recognized embodiment of the invention of an apparatus for feeding at least one first weft thread S1 to a weaving machine comprising at least one rapier head 82, in which the coupling unit 10, the at least two feed units 30, 50 and the positioning unit 15 are not necessarily provided. Such an apparatus comprises at least one feed unit 30 capable of feeding at least one weft thread S1 to the rapier head 82 in the weft direction SR, the first feed unit 30 having a first clamp 32 capable of force-connectively guiding at least one section of the at least one first weft thread S1 when feeding the at least one first weft thread S1 to the rapier head 82. This device is characterized in that at least a section of the first weft thread S1, which is guided by the first clamp 32, can be conveyed linearly by the first supply unit 30 in the weft direction SR and in a direction opposite to the weft direction SR relative to the rapier head 82, wherein such linear movement of the aforementioned section of at least the first weft thread S1 takes place along a weft insertion line E.

[0062] According to FIG. 5a, the weft thread S1 is clamped by the clamp 32, which is shown diagrammatically, and is guided by the guide elements 35, 36 at the top and bottom in the direction of the rapier head 82. The weft thread S1 is in this case relatively flexible and should be clamped reliably by the rapier head 82. For this purpose, a pass-through method is selected. According to FIG. 5b, the rapier head 82 is opened with an upper rapier part 85 with an upper clamping part 86 and a lower rapier part 87 with a lower clamping part 88. Between the two clamping parts 86, 88, the carriage 31 with the weft thread S1 is now introduced by the movement of the first feed unit 30 in the weft direction SR. This achieves that the weft thread S1 actually reaches into the rapier head 82, i.e. the free end of the weft thread S1 does not come to rest, for example, against the front face of the lower clamping part 88 during the movement of the carriage 31 in the weft direction SR and then cannot be transported further into the rapier head 82.

[0063] According to Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d, the feed unit 30 then leaves the rapier head 82 again, but in this case the free end of the weft thread S1 remains between the upper clamping part 86 and the lower clamping part 88. In this way it is ensured that the flexible weft thread S1 is actually moved behind both clamping parts 86, 88. Now, as shown in Fig. 5e, the rapier head 82 is closed, and the upper and lower clamping parts 86, 88 clamp the free end of the weft thread S1 forcefully. Now, as shown in Fig. 5f, the clamp 32 is opened, and in this case the upper guide part 35 is lifted together. The rapier head 82 can then be moved in the weft direction SR through the opened shed, in which case it entrains the weft thread S1.

[0064] If the weft thread S1 has a relatively high bending stiffness, the step of Fig. 5b, i.e. the step of introducing the carriage 31 between the two clamping parts 86, 88, can be omitted. In this case, due to the relatively high bending stiffness, a reliable delivery of the weft thread S1 can be realized without risk without a passage of the carriage 31, i.e. without introducing the carriage 31 in the weft direction beyond the clamping area between the two clamping parts 86, 88.

[0065] 6a-6e show an alternative embodiment for the supply units 30, 50. In this embodiment, instead of a carriage, the supply units 30, 50 each have a belt conveyor unit 60, which in turn has two circulating belt conveyors 62 which can be positioned relative to one another, between which the respective weft thread S1 or S2 can be conveyed force-connected in the weft direction SR. In this case, each belt conveyor 62 has three rollers, at least one of which is actively driven.

[0066] In Fig. 6a, the two belt conveyors 62 are shown clamping between them, for example, the weft thread S1. In Fig. 6b, with the rapier head 82 open, the weft thread S1 is advanced between the two clamping parts 86, 88, then the rapier head 82 is closed and the weft thread S1 is clamped (Fig. 6c). In this case, the two belt conveyors 62 are moved away from each other, so that the rapier head 82 can pull the weft thread S1 through the shed. Then, according to Fig. 6d, the weft thread S1 to be inserted is cut off under the belt conveyor 62, which has previously been moved back into the clamping position. The cut off weft thread end can then be run again by the belt conveyor 62 in the direction opposite to the weft direction SR to the starting position (see Fig. 6a).

[0067] Briefly, according to the invention, the weft threads S1, S2 to be fed to the rapier head 82 are located next to each other in the warp direction KR in front of the fabric edge. These weft threads are preferably brought from weft thread stores 70, 75 arranged one on top of the other. The selection of the weft thread S1, S2 to be inserted in each case is carried out by moving the connecting unit 10 laterally together with the feed unit 30, 50, which in this case is formed as a carriage (delivery carriage) or as a belt conveyor unit 60. In this case, during weft insertion, the connecting unit 10 is moved laterally in the warp direction KR or in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR so that the weft thread S1 or S2 to be inserted is preferably inserted without being deflected, and the weft thread S2 or S1 that is not to be inserted, respectively, is only slightly displaced laterally in the warp direction KR or in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR on its path from the weft thread store 75 or 70 to the feed unit 50 or 30. This does not adversely affect weft threads S2 or S1, since at this stage they do not move in the weft direction SR.

[0068] The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention can be extended without problem to more than two weft threads.

[0069] In addition to the advantages mentioned at the beginning, the proposed method allows for precise production of various woven patterns. For example, weft threads of various widths and / or materials and / or with various pretreatments can be used in order to obtain the corresponding structures and / or patterns. Of course, two (or more) identical weft threads can also be used. A further advantage of using several identical weft threads is that the machine does not have to be stopped when a stock of one weft thread is first inserted into the woven fabric and then switched to the other weft thread without pause. On the other hand, while this weft thread is being inserted, the previously emptied weft thread can be replaced in the corresponding weft thread store. In general, longer operating times can be achieved when using the same weft thread material and the replaced weft thread store. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 device 5. Control Unit 10 Connecting Units 11 Ridge 15 Positioning unit 16 Pneumatic Cylinder 17 Cylinder rod 20 Guide part 21 First guide structure 22 Second guide structure 28 First and second guide elements 30 First Supply Unit 31 First Carriage 32 Clamp 33 Pressing rod 34 Guide surface 35 Upper guide element 36 Lower guide element 39 Lateral guide element 40 thin plate 41 Guide member 42 Drive unit (servo motor) 43 Swivel lever 44 Joint 45 Slides 46 Recess 50 Second Supply Unit 51 Second Carriage 56 Guide member 60 Belt Conveyor Unit 62 Conveyor Belt 70 First weft storage 71 Turning Roller 72 First Bobbin 75 Second weft store 76 Turning Roller 77 Second Bobbin 79 Cutting device 80 Loom 82 Rapier Head 84 Rapier Rod 85 Upper rapier part 86 Upper clamp part 87 Lower rapier part 88 Lower clamp part S1 First weft S2 Second weft G Woven fabric SR Weft direction KR Warp direction SE cutting plane E Weft insertion line

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for feeding at least first and second weft threads (S1, S2) to a weaving machine (80) with at least one rapier head (82), said weft threads (S1, S2) being capable of being fed to said rapier head (82) in a weft direction (SR), The device (1) comprises: - a coupling unit (10) which, in the assembled state of said device (1), is movable to and fro in the warp direction (KR) on the side of said loom (80); at least one first and second supply unit (30, 50), said first and second supply units (30, 50) being arranged side by side in the warp direction (KR) on said connecting unit (10) and adapted to supply a first or second weft thread (S1, S2) to said rapier head (82); a positioning unit (15) for positioning said connection unit (10) in at least one first and second position in said warp direction (KR) and in a direction opposite to said warp direction (KR), said first supply unit (30) being configured to supply said first weft thread (S1) to said rapier head (82) in said first position of said connection unit (10) and said second supply unit (50) being configured to supply said second weft thread (S2) to said rapier head (82) in said second position of said connection unit (10); 1. An apparatus (1), comprising:

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting unit (10) can be positioned such that, during each weft insertion, the position of the first supply unit (30) at the first position of the connecting unit (10) and the position of the second supply unit (50) at the second position of the connecting unit (10) coincide in the warp direction (KR).

3. 3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two supply units (30, 50) comprise carriages (31, 51) movable in the weft direction (SR).

4. 4. The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one or exactly one drive (42), preferably a servo motor, is connected to the at least two carriages (31, 51) in such a way that the at least two carriages (31, 51) can be moved in the weft direction (SR) and in a direction opposite to the weft direction (SR), but not simultaneously.

5. 5. The device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each carriage (31, 51) has a clamp (32) for clamping and releasing each of the weft threads (S1, S2), which is opened and closed by electrical or pneumatic control, and for each clamp (32) a guide element (35, 36, 39) is provided which is located in front as seen in the weft direction (SR) and which guides each of the weft threads (S1, S2) above, below and laterally.

6. The device (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the at least one drive device (42) is controllable so that each carriage (31, 51) can be guided in the vicinity of or within the rapier head (82) with different proximity.

7. 3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two of the supply units (30, 50) each have one belt conveyor unit (60), each belt conveyor unit (60) having two circulating belt conveyors (62) which can be positioned relative to one another, between which each of the weft threads (S1, S2) can be transported force-connected at least in the weft direction (SR).

8. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the positioning unit (15) has a drive, preferably a motor or a pneumatic cylinder (16), which is able to reach positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the coupling unit (10).

9. 9. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connecting unit (10) is connected to a stationary guide part (20), the guide part (20) having a first guide structure (21), the connecting unit (10) has a guide member (41, 56) corresponding to the first guide structure (21), and the connecting unit (10) can be positioned exclusively in the warp direction (KR) and in a direction opposite to the warp direction (KR) when the first guide structure (21) cooperates with the guide member (41, 56).

10. 10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first guide structure (21) is configured to enable the positioning of the connecting unit (10) in the warp direction (KR) and in the direction opposite to the warp direction (KR) while at the same time blocking the movement of one of the at least two supply units (30, 50) in the weft direction (SR), and further characterized in that a second guide structure (22) is provided in the guide part (20), which allows the movement of the other supply unit (50, 30) in the weft direction (SR) or in the direction opposite to the weft direction (SR), whose movement is not blocked.

11. 11. The device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first and second guiding structures (21, 22) are formed by grooves and / or ridges in the guide part (20).

12. 12. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first weft yarn store (70) is provided with a first bobbin (72) for storing the first weft yarn (S1), from which the first weft yarn (S1) is guided to the first supply unit (30), and a second weft yarn store (75) is provided with a second bobbin (77) for storing the second weft yarn (S2), from which the second weft yarn (S2) is guided to the second supply unit (50).

13. 13. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first weft yarn store (70) is arranged above the second weft yarn store (75), whereby the first weft yarn (S1) in the first weft yarn store (70) and the second weft yarn (S2) in the second weft yarn store (75) extend overlapping each other and exit each of the weft yarn stores (70, 75).

14. - said first and second weft stores (70, 75) are oriented in a weft direction (SR) and the axes of said first and second bobbins are oriented in a warp direction (KR), or the first and second weft stores are oriented in a warp direction (KR), the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in a weft direction (SR), and deflection means are provided for deflecting the first and second weft threads (S1, S2) in the weft direction (SR); 14. Apparatus (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that

15. A weaving machine (80) comprising at least one rapier head (82) movable through an open shed in a weft direction (SR) and in a direction opposite to the weft direction (SR), and a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A method for feeding at least a first and a second weft thread (S1, S2) in the production of a woven fabric by means of a weaving machine (80) having at least one rapier head (82), preferably using an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the steps of: arranging the at least one first and one second weft thread (S1, S2) next to each other in a plane in a warp direction (KR) along an edge of a woven fabric (G) and feeding the at least one first and one second weft thread (S1, S2) successively in a weft direction (SR) to the rapier head (82) of the weaving machine (80), the at least first and second weft threads (S1, S2) are positioned in the warp direction (KR) or in a direction opposite to the warp direction (KR) for each weft insertion along a weft insertion line (E) by the at least one rapier head (82) so as to be pulled through the open shed, and the weft threads (S2, S1) which are not yet to be inserted are displaced from the weft insertion line (E) in the warp direction (KR) or in a direction opposite to the warp direction (KR) in order to keep the weft insertion line (E) free.

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