A device for supplying weft yarn to the rapier head of a loom.

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 a device for supplying at least first and second weft yarns to a loom provided with at least one repair head, the weft yarns being capable of being supplied to the repair head in the weft direction.

[0002] According to WO 2011 / 015173, a device is known for continuously delivering in time, from respective supply units each assigned to one weft yarn, two weft yarns, also called tapes, preferably in strip form, to a repair head of a loom. By controlling the supply units accordingly, one or the other weft yarn is supplied to the repair head and then inserted into the shed. For this purpose, the two supply units are arranged one above the other and are oriented in the weft direction. Each supply unit has a clamping device for clamping the free end of each weft yarn, and each clamping device is movable substantially in the weft direction between at least two different operating positions. Further, each clamping device is movable by a respective pivoting unit driven by a drive device, preferably a servo motor, the pivoting unit having two parallel pivoting arms each connected by a connecting element, and the clamping device being arranged on the connecting element.

[0003] By the movement of each clamping device being performed only in the vertical plane in which the weft insertion line is also located, each strip-shaped weft material has an extension that is substantially non-twisted and non-deflected in the warp direction until it reaches the delivery from the supply unit to the repair head. Shearing forces that could damage each weft yarn are not thereby generated. That is, no deflection is made in the direction of the width extension of the strip-shaped weft material. When each clamping device is movable within the above-mentioned vertical plane in which the weft insertion line is also located, various feed movements can be carried out using this device, in which case no deflection is made in the direction of the width extension of the strip-shaped weft material. For the delivery of the strip-shaped weft yarn, the free end of this weft yarn is first clamped in the corresponding clamping device, then delivered to the repair head, and then the clamping device is opened and the weft material is inserted.

[0004] However, this known device has the disadvantage of being relatively time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, it requires a relatively large space. In particular, when the clamping device moves in the weft direction based on rotational kinematics, undesirable movement of each weft occurs in the vertical direction, that is, perpendicular to the plane in which the weft thread is also located. Such movement undesirably affects the accuracy of feeding each weft into the rapier head, and also the cutting position of the weft after insertion into the shuttle.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2983531 describes a loom that allows for color selection between two weft threads. For this purpose, a first weft thread is inserted into an open shuttle opening from a first bobbin, or a second weft thread is inserted from a second bobbin positioned adjacent to the first bobbin in the warp direction. The inserted and cut first or second weft threads are then pushed towards the edge of the fabric. Such a structure assumes that a weft thread inserted far from the edge of the fabric must travel a relatively large distance to the edge, which may result in undesirable friction problems. The corresponding equipment cost is also relatively high.

[0006] European Patent No. 3425094, disclosing the general terminology of claim 1, describes a device in which a rotatable connecting unit has a plurality of clamps arranged in an arc, each for a weft. By moving the connecting unit, the selected clamps along with the weft are brought closer to the edge of the fabric, where the weft—after releasing the clamps—is drawn into the fabric through an opening opened by a rapier head.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for supplying at least first and second weft threads, preferably in the form of a strip, to a loom equipped with at least one rapier head, which at least partially overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0008] This problem is solved by an apparatus and method having the features of an independent claim.

[0009] The apparatus according to the present invention, when assembled, has a connecting unit located on the side of the loom that is capable of reciprocating in the warp direction. This connecting unit connects to at least one first and second supply unit, which are arranged side by side in the warp direction and configured to supply at least one first or second weft to a rapier head. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention has a positioning unit for positioning the connecting unit to at least one first and second position in the warp direction or in the opposite direction to the warp direction, wherein the first supply unit is configured to supply a first weft to the rapier head at the first position of the connecting unit, and the second supply unit is configured to supply a second weft to the rapier head at the second position of the connecting unit.

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that, in particular, the connecting unit, in cooperation with the positioning unit, positions at least the first and second supply units in the warp direction or the opposite direction so that a first or second weft can be delivered to the rapier head after proper positioning. For example, the first supply unit delivers the first weft to the rapier head at a first position of the connecting unit, and the rapier head then inserts this first weft into the open shuttle opening of the loom. After the first weft has been inserted into the shuttle opening, the free end of this weft, closest to the apparatus according to the present invention, is cut, the first supply unit is returned, and the connecting unit is shifted to a second position in the warp direction so that the second supply unit can be moved to a position where it can deliver the second weft to the rapier head.

[0011] In this way, for example, at least two weft threads of different materials can be quickly and easily inserted into the fabric.

[0012] The solution according to the present invention has several advantages over the solution described in International Publication No. 2011 / 015173. For one, the weft to be inserted each time can be supplied linearly to the rapier head. In such a supply motion, unlike the swirling motion described in International Publication No. 2011 / 015173, the weft does not move vertically; that is, the weft is always in the same vertical position. This feature provides greater flexibility regarding the supply motion or delivery of the weft to be delivered to the rapier head. Furthermore, the apparatus according to the present invention requires less space.

[0013] According to the present invention, the weft threads, which are fed or handed to the rapier head for weft insertion and then passed through the shuttle, can be moved only in the horizontal and linear directions, i.e., without any vertical motion component, allowing for free programming of the control unit for the feeding motion of each weft thread. This enables higher precision during feeding and more precise cutting of each weft thread after insertion into the shuttle. There is no need to consider simultaneous height displacements, as in the case of International Publication No. 2011 / 015173.

[0014] The advantage of linear feeding, which involves weft selection (color selection) by a laterally sliding feeding unit (i.e., a feeding unit that can slide in both the warp and anti-warp directions), is that both feeding units can be configured similarly, and in this case, both feeding units also exhibit the same behavior during feeding. Since both feeding units have the same position in the height direction, for the same reason, good adjustability or positioning of both feeding units results.

[0015] Preferably, the connecting unit can be positioned such that, at each weft insertion, the position of the first supply unit at the first position of the connecting unit and the position of the second supply unit at the second position of the connecting unit coincide in the warp direction. In this case, the first and second supply units take the positions previously held by the other supply unit at different times, for example, one before the other, thereby supplying the corresponding weft to the rapier head, which is movable through the open shuttle. Thus, even if the connecting unit is adjusted in the warp direction or in the opposite direction for the purpose of color selection, the weft to be inserted each time is always within the ideal insertion axis, while the other weft is slightly displaced laterally in the warp direction or in the opposite direction.

[0016] To elaborate, the rapier head may be able to move through the shuft from one edge of the fabric to the other, or it may pass the weft thread, for example, half the distance, to a second rapier head, which can then pass the weft thread through the shuft over a second distance.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least two supply units each have carriages that are movable in the weft direction. The carriages are preferably linearly movable in the weft direction and in the opposite direction to the weft direction, while both carriages are preferably linearly reciprocating in the warp direction by a connecting unit.

[0018] It is advantageous that at least one, preferably exactly one, drive unit, preferably a servo motor, is connected to at least two carriages so as to be able to move only one of the at least two carriages at a time in the weft direction and the opposite direction to the weft direction. Thus, the drive unit moves both carriages, but not simultaneously, but only one of the carriages at a time. That is, while one carriage is moved, for example, in the weft direction to deliver its weft to the rapier head, the other carriage remains in place. Thus, only a small mass (i.e., the supply unit at a time) is moved, unnecessary mechanical movement is avoided, and the required space on the side of the loom is optimally utilized. If only the aforementioned single drive unit is used for the forward and backward movement of both carriages (when they are shifted), this is an inexpensive and space-saving solution.

[0019] Each carriage preferably has clamps that are opened and closed by electric or pneumatic control to clamp and release each weft. Preferably, each clamp has guide elements located forward when viewed in the weft direction, which guide each weft above, below, and to the sides, and these guide elements are also part of each carriage. This ensures that the free end of the weft to be carried does not hang freely immediately behind the clamp, but advantageously—when viewed in the weft direction—first hangs behind the guide elements, is defined by the carriage and guided in the weft direction to the rapier head, and is then taken up by the rapier head.

[0020] At least one drive unit is preferably controllable so that each carriage, in this case preferably each guide element, can be guided near the rapier head or even into the rapier head at varying proximitys. Such possibility of individually modifiable weft feeding also constitutes an inherent aspect of the invention that can be realized independently of the required structures of the coupling unit, feeding unit, and positioning unit. Such adapted feeding motion can preferably be realized by flexible programming of the drive unit. Mechanical adaptation is advantageously unnecessary for a wide variety of wefts—especially for materials with low bending stiffness.

[0021] In particular, aspects of the present invention that may be considered unique are devices for supplying at least one first weft to a loom having at least one rapier head, comprising at least one first supply unit capable of supplying at least one weft to the rapier head in the weft direction, wherein the first supply unit has a first clamp capable of force-connectively guiding at least one portion of the weft when supplying at least one first weft to the rapier head. The device is characterized in that the portion of at least the first weft, guided by the first clamp, is transported linearly by the first supply unit to the rapier head in the weft direction and in the opposite direction, wherein such linear motion of the above-mentioned portion of at least the first weft is performed along the weft insertion line.

[0022] With this configuration, for example, a relatively flexible weft can be further introduced into the open shuttle to ensure reliable delivery of this weft. In other words, the delivery of the weft to be inserted is flexible. If the supply unit is appropriately controlled, various parameters can be considered in the programming of the control unit.

[0023] -Can still be considered unique- In such embodiments of the present invention, as in the other embodiments described above which have at least two supply units, it is also effective that at least the first supply unit has a first carriage that is movable in the weft direction and in the opposite direction to the weft direction by a drive, preferably a servo motor. Advantageously, the clamp described above can also be opened and closed by electrical or pneumatic control, in which case, advantageously, guide elements are provided that are positioned in front of the clamp when viewed in the weft direction, and guide the first weft above, below, and to the sides. The clamp and guide elements of the first carriage can be guided by the drive to the vicinity of or into the rapier head at varying proximitys.

[0024] In the embodiments of the present invention described above, not only can the weft itself be introduced into the rapier head, but the front portion of the supply unit can also be introduced—which is particularly advantageous in the case of relatively flexible wefts. In this way, the flexible weft protrudes beyond the supply unit in the weft direction, is reliably guided by the supply unit, and is secured not in front of the clamping area of ​​the rapier head, but behind the clamping area, for example, by the portion of the rapier head facing the supply unit. In such cases of so-called over-insertion, the supply unit passes between the clamping areas for a short time and then returns again in the opposite direction to the weft, so that the weft to be clamped protrudes beyond the supply unit to the point where it remains in the clamping area despite the return movement of the supply unit, and is then clamped when the rapier head is closed.

[0025] In the described aspects of the present invention, which can be considered unique, preferably, in addition to a first supply unit having a first carriage, a second supply unit having a second carriage is provided, and both supply units are controllable, as described above, in particular to allow the over-insertion described above, that is, so that the front portion of the supply unit or its carriage can also enter the clamping area.

[0026] Returning to the structure according to the present invention comprising a connecting unit, at least two supply units, and a positioning unit, in an alternative embodiment to the carriage described above, at least two supply units may each have one belt conveyor unit. In this case, each belt conveyor unit has two circulating belt conveyors that can be positioned relative to each other, and between these belt conveyors, the weft yarn can be transported by force connection, at least in the weft direction. Once the belt conveyors of each supply unit are forcibly connected to each weft yarn, the clamped weft yarn is transported in the weft direction by driving the belt conveyors in opposite directions, with its free end placed on the rapier head. In this configuration, the belt conveyors preferably remain in their position with respect to the weft direction, i.e., always at the same distance from the longitudinal edge of the woven fabric. However, as in the above configuration of the carriage, the belt conveyors, according to the present invention, are moved back and forth in the warp direction by connection with the connecting unit, positioning at least the first or second weft yarn to be delivered to the rapier head.

[0027] Preferably, the positioning unit for positioning the coupling unit has a drive device, in this case preferably a motor (e.g., a servo motor) or a pneumatic cylinder, which can reach positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the coupling unit. If the drive device is formed as, for example, a pneumatic cylinder, the positions of both ends of this pneumatic cylinder correspond to the first and second positions of the coupling unit. As a result, the structure is extremely simple and easy to control.

[0028] A connecting unit movable in the warp direction is particularly preferably connected to a stationary, i.e., fixed guide portion. The guide portion preferably has a first guide structure, while the connecting unit has a guide member corresponding to this first guide structure. The first guide structure and the guide member cooperate so that the connecting unit can be positioned exclusively in the warp direction and in the opposite direction to the warp direction.

[0029] The first guiding structure is preferably further configured not only to enable positioning of the connecting unit in the warp direction or in the direction opposite to the warp direction, but also to simultaneously prevent the movement of one of the at least two supply units in the weft direction each time. Further, a second guiding structure is provided in the guiding portion, and the second guiding structure enables the movement of the other supply unit whose movement is not blocked in the weft direction and in the direction opposite to the weft direction. The first and second guiding structures are preferably formed to intersect with each other so as to extend orthogonally to each other corresponding to the warp direction and the weft direction that extend orthogonally to each other relatively. As long as the connecting unit is moved in the warp direction or in the direction opposite to the warp direction by the first guiding structure, the movement of the first and second supply units in the weft direction is impossible. Only when the connecting unit is positioned at the first position or the second position, each supply unit can move.

[0030] According to an advantageous configuration, the first and second guiding structures are formed by grooves and / or ridges in the guiding portion. Thereby, on the one hand, while the connecting unit reciprocates only in the warp direction, it is possible to prevent the movement in another direction, particularly in a direction orthogonal to the warp direction. On the other hand, after the corresponding positioning of the connecting unit, the corresponding supply unit can move only in the weft direction.

[0031] In order to supply the first weft to the side edge portion of the loom, preferably, a first weft storage device which is further installed separately and includes a first bobbin for storing the first weft is provided. From this first weft storage device, the first weft can be supplied to the first supply unit. Similarly, in order to supply the second weft to the side edge portion of the loom, preferably, a second weft storage device which is further installed separately and includes a second bobbin for storing the second weft is provided. From this second weft storage device, the second weft can be supplied to the second supply unit.

[0032] Preferably, a first guide element is positioned between a first weft storage device and a first supply unit, directly in front of the first supply unit. More preferably, a second guide element is positioned between a second weft storage device and a second supply unit, directly in front of the second supply unit. In this case, the first and second guide elements extend adjacent to each other at least directly in front of their respective assigned first or second supply units. Preferably, the first or second guide elements are connected to the first or second supply unit and slide 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 positioned in a stationary location.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first weft storage unit is positioned above the second weft storage unit, and the bobbin axis of the first weft storage unit is positioned above the bobbin axis of the second weft storage unit. Such an arrangement is space-saving. In this preferred configuration, the two wefts extend overlapping each other as they exit each weft storage unit, while they are positioned side by side for feeding into the rapier head.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second weft storage units 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 storage units 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 wefts in the weft direction. In this case, specific space requirements in the loom and weaving factory can be taken into consideration.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a loom comprising at least one rapier head that is movable through an open shuttle in the weft direction and in the opposite direction to the weft direction, and the apparatus described above.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for supplying at least first and second wefts when manufacturing a fabric using a loom having at least one rapier head, preferably using the apparatus described in any one of the claims, wherein at least one first and second weft are arranged side by side along one edge of the fabric in one plane in the warp direction, and are supplied to the loom's rapier head in the weft direction in a chronologically sequential manner (not necessarily alternately), and the at least first and second wefts are positioned in the warp direction or in the opposite direction to the warp direction so that they can be pulled through an open shuttle opening by at least one rapier head along the weft insertion line, respectively, for each weft insertion, and the wefts that are not yet to be inserted are displaced from the weft insertion line (E) in the warp direction or in the opposite direction to the warp direction in order to leave the weft insertion line open.

[0037] Particularly preferably, the apparatus and method according to the present invention can be used for strip-shaped weft yarns or strip-shaped weft materials, such as weft materials containing carbon fibers, glass fibers and / or basalt fibers or basalt filaments. Strip-shaped weft yarns or strip-shaped weft materials of various widths can be processed.

[0038] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1a] This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention, together with a supply unit having a carriage in one position (without weft). [Figure 1b] This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention together with a supply unit equipped with a carriage at a different location (without the weft). [Figure 1c] This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention together with a supply unit equipped with a carriage at a different location (without the weft). [Figure 1d]This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention together with a supply unit equipped with a carriage at a different location (without the weft). [Figure 1e] This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention together with a supply unit equipped with a carriage at a different location (without the weft). [Figure 1f] This is a schematic plan view showing the apparatus according to the present invention together with a supply unit equipped with a carriage at a different location (without the weft). [Figure 2a] Figures 1a to 1f are plan views of the apparatus, schematically shown with the inserted weft yarn and the weft yarn storage device. [Figure 2b] Figures 1a to 1f are plan views of the apparatus, schematically shown with the inserted weft yarn and the weft yarn storage device. [Figure 2c] Figures 1a to 1f are plan views of the apparatus, schematically shown with the inserted weft yarn and the weft yarn storage device. [Figure 2d] Figures 2a to 2c show a schematic side view of the apparatus. [Figure 3a] This is a schematic bottom view of the apparatus according to the present invention, shown to clearly illustrate the kinematics. [Figure 3b] This is a schematic bottom view of the apparatus according to the present invention, shown to clearly illustrate the kinematics. [Figure 3c] This is a schematic bottom view of the apparatus according to the present invention, shown to clearly illustrate the kinematics. [Figure 3d] This is a schematic bottom view of the apparatus according to the present invention, shown to clearly illustrate the kinematics. [Figure 4] This is a perspective plan view showing the front portion of the carriage. [Figure 5a] This is a schematic side view showing one of the carriage's arrival positions relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5b] This is a schematic side view showing an alternative arrival point of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5c] This is a schematic side view showing an alternative arrival point of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5d] This is a schematic side view showing an alternative arrival point of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5e] This is a schematic side view showing an alternative arrival point of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 5f] This is a schematic side view showing an alternative arrival point of the carriage relative to the rapier head. [Figure 6a] This is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the supply unit. [Figure 6b] This is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the supply unit. [Figure 6c] This is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the supply unit. [Figure 6d] This is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the supply unit. [Figure 6e] This is a schematic side view showing another embodiment of the supply unit.

[0040] The plan views of Figures 1a to 1f show a device 1 according to the present invention in a very schematic manner, which is configured to supply first and second weft threads S1, S2 (these are not shown in Figure 1 for clarity; see Figures 2a to 2d) to the rapier head 82 of a loom 80, which is shown only in a very schematic and partially manner. For this purpose, device 1 is positioned to the side of the loom 80 and feeds the first and second weft threads S1, S2 to be inserted into the rapier head 82.

[0041] The apparatus 1 has a connecting unit 10, on which a first supply unit 30 and a second supply unit 50 are provided. In this case, the first supply unit 30 supplies the first weft thread S1 to the rapier head 82, and the second supply unit supplies the second weft thread S2 to the rapier head 82. The rapier head 82 uses a rapier rod 84 to pull the weft threads that have been supplied to the rapier head and then clamped along the weft insertion line E through the open shuttle opening.

[0042] The two supply units 30 and 50 are kinetically connected to each other via a connecting unit 10. The connecting unit 10 is movable along the edge of the woven fabric, in the warp direction KR and the opposite direction to the warp direction KR, to two defined positions, in this case, by a drive device 15 which is formed in this case as a pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder rod 17 that is pushed or pulled. Such movement of the connecting unit 10 also positions the two supply units 30 and 50 in the warp direction KR.

[0043] Both the first supply unit 30 and the second supply unit 50 have carriages 31 or 51 that are movable in the weft direction SR and the opposite direction to the weft direction SR. The first and second carriages 31, 51 are driven by a commonly used drive unit 42, which is formed in this case as a servo motor, and this drive unit is controlled by a control unit 5, as well as a pneumatic cylinder 15. In Figure 1, the corresponding control lines are shown as dotted lines.

[0044] In Figure 1a, the connecting unit 10 is in a first position. In this first position of the connecting unit 10, the first supply unit 30 itself is positioned so that the first weft S1 is within the weft insertion line E. In Figure 1b, the connecting unit 10 is still in the first position described above, but the first supply unit 30 has been advanced toward the rapier head 82 in the weft direction SR. In this position, the weft S1 is offered to or delivered to the rapier head 82, which then moves through its open shuttle. After the delivery of the first weft, the first supply unit 30 is returned to its starting position in the opposite direction to the weft direction SR by the drive unit 42.

[0045] According to Figure 1c, the cutting device 79, which is only schematically shown, can now cut the weft thread S1 on the cutting plane SE.

[0046] According to Figure 1d, the connecting unit 10 is then moved by the pneumatic cylinder 16 to a second position where the second weft thread S2, located in the second supply unit 50, aligns with the weft insertion line E. Correspondingly, according to Figure 1e, the second supply unit is moved toward the rapier head 82 in the weft direction SR, also by the drive unit 42, where the weft thread S2 is delivered. Then, according to Figure 1f, the second supply unit 50 moves back to the starting position, and the second weft thread S2 is cut by the cutting device 79. Following this, the connecting unit 10 can return to the position shown in Figure 1a.

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

[0048] According to the plan view in Figure 2a, the first supply unit 30, equipped with the carriage 31, is positioned so that its weft S1 can be inserted by the rapier head 82 along the weft insertion line E, by appropriately positioning the connecting unit 10 (not shown). The second supply unit 50 is, in this case, slightly displaced in the opposite direction to the warp direction KR. To make this clear, the central axis D2 of the second weft S2 is extended to the weft storage units 70,75. This reveals that there is a slight angle between the weft insertion line E and the central axis D2 of the second weft S2. However, this is not important at this point, as the second weft S2 is not inserted into the shuft.

[0049] Figure 2b again shows how the first supply unit 30 brings the weft yarn S1 to the rapier head 82. In the case corresponding to Figure 2c, the connecting unit 10, which is not shown, is moved to a second position where the second weft yarn S2 aligns 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 yarn S1 is at a slight angle to the weft insertion line.

[0050] Figures 3a to 3d show a special embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown only schematically in Figures 1 and 2. Unlike Figures 1 and 2, Figures 3a to 3d show a bottom view of the apparatus 1. A pneumatic cylinder 16 with a cylinder rod 17 can be seen. The cylinder rod 17 is connected to a coupling unit 10, which allows the pneumatic cylinder 16 to reciprocate the coupling unit 10 in the warp direction KR.

[0051] In this case, the connecting unit 10 is formed in a substantially U-shape in the bottom view, and both ends of its legs are provided with downward-facing (i.e., in this case, towards the observer) protrusions 11. These protrusions 11 engage with a first guide structure 21, which is formed as a guide groove and is provided within the guide portion 20. The guide portion 20, like the pneumatic cylinder 16, is configured to be fixed in place. In this embodiment, the guide portion 20 is configured as a flat rectangular parallelepiped, which substantially functions to guide the connecting unit 10 and both supply units 30, 50. Since the first guide structure 21 provided in the guide portion 20 extends in the warp direction KR, when the connecting unit is moved by the pneumatic cylinder 16, the protrusions 11 of the connecting element 10 are forced to be guided by the first guide structure 21 in the warp direction KR and in the direction opposite to the warp direction KR.

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

[0053] The lower surface of the first carriage 31 is further provided with a guide member 41 in the form of a raised portion, and the lower surface of the second carriage 51 is similarly provided with a guide member 56 in the form of a raised portion. These raised portions 41 and 56 can be forcibly guided and slide in the weft direction SR and the direction opposite to the weft direction SR when the connecting unit 10 is properly positioned, that is, at the first or second position of the connecting unit 10, in this case within the second guide structure 22 formed as a guide groove in the guide portion 20.

[0054] In Figure 3a, the connecting unit 10 is shown in a first position, where the first carriage 31 is positioned so that it can move in the weft direction SR by its raised portion 41. In contrast, the raised portion 56 of the second carriage 51 abuts against the edge of the second guide structure 22, thereby preventing the movement of the second carriage 51 in the weft direction SR. In order for the second carriage 51 to slide in the weft direction SR, the connecting unit 10 must be brought to the second position by the pneumatic cylinder 16 (see the following description relating to Figures 3c and 3d).

[0055] Figure 3b shows how the first carriage 31 is slid in the weft direction SR, i.e., in the direction of a rapier head 82 (not shown), driven by a drive unit 42 and a swivel mechanism including a slide block 45, and how it is forcibly guided by a raised portion 41 that runs within the second guide structure 22.

[0056] In Figure 3c, the first and second carriages 31 and 51 are again at the same height. However, the pneumatic cylinder 16 now slides the connecting unit 10 to its second position in the warp direction KR. In this case, the slide block 45 slides into the recess 46 of the second carriage 51. Then, as shown in Figure 3d, the second carriage 51 can now be moved in the weft direction SR by the drive unit 42 to feed or hand over the second weft S2 to the rapier head 82.

[0057] Figure 4 shows the carriage 31 of the supply unit 30 in more detail (the carriage 51 of the supply unit 50 preferably has the same structure). In cross-sectional view, the carriage 31 has a U-shaped closed slab 40. The side legs projecting upward from the slab 40 act as guide elements 39 that guide the weft (not shown) laterally, while the base of the slab 40 acts as a lower guide element 36. A clamp 32 is provided in the central region of the slab 40, which presses the weft downward by a pneumatically loaded pressing rod 33 (only partially shown here). An upper guide element 35 connected to the clamp 32 is positioned in front of the clamp 32 in the weft direction SR, and this guide element has an open cross-section and presses the weft downward against the lower guide element 36 of the slab 40. Therefore, the weft thread is reliably guided toward the rapier head 82 by the guide element 39 laterally, and by the guide elements 35 and 36 on its upper and lower surfaces.

[0058] Towards the rear, that is, in the opposite direction to the weft direction SR, the clamp 32 also has an upper guide surface 34 aligned with a U-shaped thin plate, and this guide surface is for the weft thread passing between the thin plate 40 and this upper guide surface 34.

[0059] Further to the rear, in the direction of the weft storage unit 70, is an optional first guide element 28, also U-shaped in this embodiment. The first guide element 28 functions for the orderly guidance of the weft 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 in the opposite direction to the warp direction KR (by the connecting unit 10). Furthermore, it is advantageous, but not required, that the first guide element is also slid back and forth by the drive unit 42 in the weft direction SR.

[0060] In short, in the embodiment described, the lateral movement of the connecting unit 10, performed in the warp direction KR and in the opposite direction to the warp direction KR, selects either the weft thread S1 or S2 to be inserted from the two weft threads S1 and S2 positioned side by side. In this case, the sliding of the connecting unit 10 in the warp direction KR or in the opposite direction to the warp direction KR is activated by air pressure, while the feeding of the selected weft thread S1 or S2 to the rapier head 82, performed in the weft direction SR, is performed by a drive device 42 formed as a servo motor. By selecting the above drive device, only one servo drive device can be used for the supply motion, and a pneumatic drive device can be used for color selection, so the device according to the present invention can be realized at low cost. In contrast, International Publication No. 2011 / 015173 requires two servo drive devices for the rotational motion. Color selection by switching between the two weft threads S1 and S2 can be performed by an inexpensive pneumatic cylinder 16.

[0061] Figures 5a to 5f show the delivery or handover of a first weft S1 (a second weft S2 can also be selected equally well) to a rapier head 82 in chronological order. Figures 5a to 5f further show independently recognized embodiments of the present invention of a device for supplying at least one first weft S1 to a loom including at least one rapier head 82, in which a coupling unit 10, at least two supply units 30, 50 and a positioning unit 15 are not necessarily provided. Such a device includes at least one supply unit 30 capable of supplying at least one weft S1 to the rapier head 82 in the weft direction SR, wherein the first supply unit 30 has a first clamp 32 that can forcefully guide at least one portion of the weft S1 when supplying at least one first weft S1 to the rapier head 82. This apparatus is capable of linearly transporting a portion of at least a first weft S1, guided by a first clamp 32, to a rapier head 82 by a first supply unit 30 in the weft direction SR and in the opposite direction to the weft direction SR, characterized in that such linear motion of the above-mentioned portion of at least the first weft S1 is performed along the weft insertion line E.

[0062] According to Figure 5a, the weft yarn S1 is clamped by a schematicly shown clamp 32 and guided by guide elements 35 and 36 on the upper and lower sides in the direction of the rapier head 82. In this case, the weft yarn S1 is relatively flexible and it is desirable that it be securely clamped by the rapier head 82. For this reason, a passage method is selected. According to Figure 5b, the rapier head 82 is opened, having an upper rapier section 85 with an upper clamp section 86 and a lower rapier section 87 with a lower clamp section 88. Between the two clamp sections 86 and 88, a carriage 31 carrying the weft yarn S1 is now introduced by the movement of a first supply unit 30 in the weft direction SR. This ensures that the weft yarn S1 actually reaches into the rapier head 82, that is, the free end of the weft yarn S1 does not come into contact with, for example, the front surface of the lower clamp section 88 during the movement of the carriage 31 in the weft direction SR, and is not transported any further into the rapier head 82.

[0063] According to Figures 5c and 5d, the supply unit 30 then exits the rapier head 82 again, but in this case, the free end of the weft S1 remains between the upper clamp portion 86 and the lower clamp portion 88. In this way, it is ensured that the flexible weft S1 is actually moved behind both clamp portions 86, 88. Now, as shown in Figure 5e, the rapier head 82 is closed, and the upper and lower clamp portions 86, 88 forcefully clamp the free end of the weft S1. Now, as shown in Figure 5f, the clamp 32 is opened, in this case the upper guide portion 35 is lifted together. The rapier head 82 can then be moved in the weft direction SR through the open shuttle, in this case the rapier head carries the weft S1.

[0064] If the weft yarn S1 has relatively high bending rigidity, the step in Figure 5b, i.e., the step of introducing the carriage 31 between the two clamp portions 86 and 88, may be omitted. In this case, due to the relatively high bending rigidity, the reliable transfer of the weft yarn S1 can be achieved safely without the carriage 31 passing through, that is, without introducing the carriage 31 in the weft direction beyond the clamp area between the two clamp portions 86 and 88.

[0065] Figures 6a to 6e show alternative embodiments for the supply units 30 and 50. In these embodiments, the supply units 30 and 50 each have one belt conveyor unit 60 instead of a carriage, and each belt conveyor unit has two circulating belt conveyors 62 that can be positioned relative to each other, and each weft S1 or S2 can be transported force-connected in the weft direction SR between these belt conveyors. In this case, each belt conveyor 62 has three rollers, and at least one of these rollers is actively driven.

[0066] Figure 6a shows the two belt conveyors 62 clamping, for example, the weft yarn S1 between them. As shown in Figure 6b, with the rapier head 82 open, the weft yarn S1 is advanced between the two clamping sections 86 and 88, then the rapier head 82 is closed and the weft yarn S1 is clamped (Figure 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 yarn S1 through the shuttle. Next, as shown in Figure 6d, the weft yarn S1 to be inserted is cut under the belt conveyor 62, which has been moved back to the clamping position. Then, the cut end of the weft yarn can be driven again by the belt conveyor 62 in the opposite direction to the weft direction SR back to the starting position (see Figure 6a).

[0067] In short, according to the present invention, the weft yarns S1 and S2 to be supplied to the rapier head 82 are positioned in line in the warp direction KR in front of the edge of the woven fabric. Preferably, these weft yarns are supplied from overlapping weft storage units 70 and 75. Each time, the selection of the weft yarns S1 and S2 to be inserted is made by moving the connecting unit 10 laterally together with the supply units 30 and 50, which are formed in this case as carriages (dispensing carriages) or belt conveyor units 60. In this case, during weft insertion, the weft yarn S1 or S2 to be inserted is preferably inserted without being repositioned, and the weft yarns S2 or S1 that are not to be inserted are moved laterally in the warp direction KR or in the opposite direction of the warp direction KR along the path from the weft storage unit 75 or 70 to the supply unit 50 or 30, so as the connecting unit 10 is moved laterally in the warp direction KR or in the opposite direction of the warp direction KR. At this stage, neither weft thread S2 nor S1 moves in the weft direction SR, so this does not have any adverse effect on weft thread S2 or S1.

[0068] The apparatus and method according to the present invention can be extended to three or more weft threads without any problems.

[0069] In addition to the advantages mentioned at the beginning, the method presented makes it possible to precisely manufacture a variety of woven patterns. For example, to obtain a suitable structure and / or pattern, wefts of various widths and / or materials and / or various pre-treated materials can be used. Of course, two (or more) identical wefts can also be used. A further advantage of using multiple identical wefts is that the machine does not need to be stopped when one stock of weft is first inserted into the fabric and then switched to the other weft without interruption. On the other hand, while this weft is being inserted, the previously depleted weft can be replaced in the corresponding weft stocker. Generally, longer operating times can be achieved when using the same weft material and the same weft stocker being replaced. [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 section 21. First guidance structure 22 Second guidance structure 28 First and second guide elements 30 First supply unit 31. First carriage 32 clamps 33 Pressing rod 34 Guide surface 35 Upper guide element 36 Lower guide element 39 Guide elements that provide lateral guidance 40 thin plate 41 Guide member 42. Drive system (servo motor) 43. Swivel lever 44 joints 45 slides 46 recess 50 Second supply unit 51. Second carriage 56 Guide member 60 Belt Conveyor Units 62 Belt conveyor 70. First weft storage 71 Directional roller 72 First bobbin 75. Second weft storage 76 Shifting Roller 77 Second bobbin 79 Cutting device 80 Looms 82 Rapier Head 84 Rapier Rod 85 Upper rapier section 86 Upper clamp section 87 Lower rapier section 88 Lower clamp section S1 First weft S2 Second Weft G Woven fabric SR Weft Direction KR warp direction SE cutting plane E Latitude line

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for supplying at least first and second weft yarns (S1, S2) to a loom (80) equipped with at least one rapier head (82), wherein the weft yarns (S1, S2) can be supplied to the rapier head (82) in the weft direction (SR), The aforementioned device (1) is - With the device (1) assembled, a connecting unit (10) capable of reciprocating in the warp direction (KR) is located to the side of the loom (80), - At least one first and second supply unit (30, 50), wherein the first and second supply units (30, 50) are arranged side by side in the warp direction (KR) on the connecting unit (10) and are configured to supply a first or second weft (S1, S2) to the rapier head (82), - A positioning unit (15) for positioning the connecting unit (10) to at least one first and second position in the warp direction (KR) and in the opposite direction to the warp direction (KR), wherein the first supply unit (30) is configured to supply the first weft (S1) to the rapier head (82) at the first position of the connecting unit (10), and the second supply unit (50) is configured to supply the second weft (S2) to the rapier head (82) at the second position of the connecting unit (10), Apparatus (1) characterized by having

2. The apparatus (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. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least two supply units (30, 50) are provided with carriages (31, 51) that are movable in the weft direction (SR).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one or exactly one drive unit (42) is connected to at least two carriages (31, 51) such that the carriages (31, 51) can be moved in the weft direction (SR) and in the opposite direction to the weft direction (SR), but cannot be moved simultaneously.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, wherein the drive device (42) is formed as a servo motor.

6. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each carriage (31, 51) has a clamp (32) that is opened and closed by an electric or pneumatic control for clamping and releasing each of the weft threads (S1, S2), and each clamp (32) is provided with guide elements (35, 36, 39) that are located in front when viewed in the weft direction (SR) and guide each of the weft threads (S1, S2) above, below, and to the side.

7. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one drive unit (42) is controllable such that each of the carriages (31, 51) can be guided to or into the vicinity of the rapier head (82) at various distances.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least two of the supply units (30, 50) each have one belt conveyor unit (60), each belt conveyor unit (60) has two circulating belt conveyors (62) that can be positioned relative to each other, and each of the weft threads (S1, S2) can be transported between the belt conveyors by force connection in at least the weft direction (SR).

9. The device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the positioning unit (15) has a drive device, and the drive device is capable of reaching positions corresponding to the first and second positions of the connecting unit (10).

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the drive device of the positioning unit (15) is formed as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder (16).

11. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connecting unit (10) is connected to a stationary guide portion (20), the guide portion (20) has a first guide structure (21), the connecting unit (10) has guide members (11, 11) corresponding to the first guide structure (21), and the connecting unit (10) is capable of positioning exclusively in the warp direction (KR) and in the direction opposite to the warp direction (KR) when the first guide structure (21) cooperates with the guide members (11, 11).

12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein 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), and at the same time prevents the movement of one of the at least two supply units (30, 50) in the weft direction (SR), and further a second guide structure (22) is provided on the guide portion (20), wherein the second guide structure enables the movement of the other supply unit (50, 30) in the weft direction (SR) or in the direction opposite to the weft direction (SR) whenever its movement is not prevented.

13. The apparatus (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first and second guide structures (21, 22) are formed by grooves and / or protrusions in the guide portion (20).

14. The apparatus (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a first weft storage (70) is provided, which has a first bobbin (72) for storing the first weft (S1), and the first weft (S1) is guided from the first weft storage (70) to the first supply unit (30); and a second weft storage (75) is provided, which has a second bobbin (77) for storing the second weft (S2), and the second weft (S2) is guided from the second weft storage (75) to the second supply unit (50).

15. The apparatus (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the first weft storage container (70) is positioned above the second weft storage container (75), so that the first weft (S1) in the first weft storage container (70) and the second weft (S2) in the second weft storage container (75) overlap and extend out of each of the respective weft storage containers (70, 75).

16. - The first and second weft storage devices (70, 75) are oriented in the weft direction (SR), and the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the warp direction (KR), or - The first and second weft storage devices are oriented in the warp direction (KR), the axes of the first and second bobbins are oriented in the weft direction (SR), and a deflection means is provided for deflecting the first and second wefts (S1, S2) in the weft direction (SR). The apparatus (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that

17. A loom (80) comprising at least one rapier head (82) that is movable through an open shuttle in the weft direction (SR) and the direction opposite to the weft direction (SR), and the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for supplying at least first and second wefts (S1, S2) when manufacturing a fabric using a loom (80) having at least one rapier head (82), using the apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one first and second weft (S1, S2) are arranged side by side along one edge of a fabric (G) in one plane in the warp direction (KR), and are supplied to the rapier head (82) of the loom (80) in the weft direction (SR) in a time-sequential manner, and the few A method comprising: positioning the first and second weft threads (S1, S2) in the direction of the warp threads (KR) or opposite to the warp threads (KR) so that they are each pulled through the open shuft by the at least one rapier head (82) along the weft insertion line (E) for each weft insertion; and displacing the weft threads (S2, S1) that are not yet to be inserted from the weft insertion line (E) in the direction of the warp threads (KR) or opposite to the warp threads (KR) in order to leave the weft insertion line (E) open.

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