Guide element for a gripper transport element
The guide element with a notch and longitudinal bar configuration addresses wear and tear issues in gripper transport elements by reducing force distribution and enhancing stiffness, resulting in improved durability and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PICANOL NV
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing guide elements for gripper transport elements in gripper weaving machines experience wear and tear, leading to increased maintenance and reduced efficiency due to the design's reliance on longitudinal grooves and projections that cause excessive force distribution.
The introduction of a guide element with a notch on the lower guide surface interacting with a longitudinal bar on the gripper transport element, which reduces wear by providing additional side guidance and minimizing force on lateral guide surfaces, along with a shoulder for additional support and a downward projection to manage warp threads.
This design reduces wear on the guide element and gripper transport element, enhances stiffness, and minimizes the risk of jamming, thereby improving the longevity and efficiency of the gripper transport system.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025085048_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] - 1 - 02.12.2025 KD
[0002] Guide element for a gripper transport element
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART
[0004] The invention relates to a guide element for a gripper transport element of a gripper weaving machine. More particular, the invention relates to a guide element comprising guide surfaces, which guide surfaces form a frame for the gripper transport element, the frame having an opening at a first side.
[0005] With gripper weaving machines, also referred to as rapier weaving machines, weft threads are inserted using grippers, which are mounted to gripper transport elements. Gripper transport elements in embodiments comprise flexible gripper tapes or stiffer gripper bands, also referred to as gripper bars. The gripper transport elements are inserted into a shed from one side of the gripper weaving machine. In embodiments, one gripper transport element moves a gripper with a picked-up weft thread from one side of the shed to the opposite side of the shed, where the weft thread is taken over by a take-over element. In other embodiments, a first gripper transport element moves a first gripper with a picked-up weft thread, which first gripper transports the weft thread to about the middle of the shed, where the first gripper meets a second gripper, also moved by a gripper transport element, which second gripper takes over the inserted weft thread and then transports the weft thread to the other side of the shed.
[0006] The gripper transport elements are guided in the shed using guide elements that are attached to a sley of the gripper weaving machine. After a beat-up, the guide elements are moved away from a fabric edge together with the sley, wherein the guide elements penetrate from below into a warp thread sheet. After an insertion, the guide elements together with the sley are moved toward the fabric edge, wherein the guide elements move out of the shed through the lower warp threads.
[0007] Guide elements comprising guide surfaces forming a frame for the gripper transport element, which frame has an opening at a first side, are shown for example in WO 2006 / 037619 A1. The guide elements are attached to the sley such that the first side faces a reed provided on the sley. The guide surfaces forming the frame comprise a lower guide surface associated to a lower side of the gripper transport element, a lateral guide surface opposite to the first side, and an upper guide surface associated to an upper side of the gripper transport element. For preventing a movement of the gripper transport element in the direction of the first side, the guide element is provided with an upward projection, associated to a longitudinal groove on a lower side of the gripper transport element, which upward projection protrudes from a lower guide surface of the frame associated to the lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein a side surface of the upward projection protruding from the lower guide surface forms a first lateral guide surface of the frame at the first side.
[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is the object of the invention to provide a guide element for a gripper transport element of the type mentioned above, wherein the guide element comprises guide surfaces forming a frame for the gripper transport element, which frame has an opening at a first side, a gripper transport element, and a gripper transport system comprising a gripper transport element and a guide element, wherein wear of the guide element and / or the gripper transport element is reduced.
[0010] This object is solved by a guide element with the features of claim 1 , a guide piece for a gripper transport element with the features of claim 8, a gripper transport element with the features of claim 9, and a gripper transport system with the features of claim 14 or claim 15.
[0011] According to a first aspect, a guide element for a gripper transport element of a gripper weaving machine is provided, the guide element comprising guide surfaces, which guide surfaces form a frame for the gripper transport element, the frame having an opening at a first side. The guide surfaces of the frame comprise a lower guide surface associated to a lower side of the gripper transport element. The guide element is provided with an upward projection associated to a longitudinal groove on the lower side of the gripper transport element, which upward projection protrudes from the lower guide surface of the frame. A side surface of the upward projection protruding from the lower guide surface forms a first lateral guide surface of the frame at the first side. The frame comprises a second lateral guide surface opposite to the first lateral guide surface, which second lateral guide surface protrudes from the lower guide surface of the frame. The lower guide surface is provided with a notch associated to a longitudinal bar on the lower side of the gripper transport element, which notch provides a third lateral guide surface.
[0012] Throughout the description and the claims, the indefinite article "a" or "an" means "one or more". In particular, in embodiments, the lower guide surface is provided with more than one notch, for example two or three notches. In other embodiments, the lower guide surface is provided with exactly one notch.
[0013] Reference to "a first element" does not mandate presence of “a second element”. Further, the expressions “first” and “second” are only used to distinguish one element or system from another element or system and not to indicate any order of the elements or systems. Likewise, orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the element, component, item, apparatus, device etc. will usually be considered in a particular orientation that will be apparent in the context of the application.
[0014] The notch offers the advantage of providing an additional side guiding.
[0015] The notch is provided at the lower guide surface of the frame. In other words, the notch is provided at an inside of the frame and interacts for a guidance with a longitudinal bar provided on a part of the gripper transport element, which in use is guided inside the frame. In embodiments, the notch is arranged between the first lateral guide surface and the second lateral guide surface, offset from the first lateral guide surface and the second lateral guide surface. In other embodiments, a side face of the notch is in the extension of one of the first lateral guide surface and the second lateral guide surface.
[0016] The notch can be formed by the person skilled in the art appropriately in order to ensure a secure guiding of a gripper transport element through the frame without jamming, while decreasing forces acting on the first lateral guide surface and / or the second lateral guide surface.
[0017] In particular, the notch is designed for providing an additional guiding for preventing movement of the gripper transport element towards the first side having the opening. In this case, forces acting in use on the first lateral guide surface can be reduced. Thus, wear and tear of the upward projection and / or wear and tear of the gripper transport element guided by the upward projection can be reduced. This is in particular advantageous in embodiments having an upward projection which is small in size.
[0018] The gripper transport element at least in regions is provided with a longitudinal bar, which in use protrudes into the notch and is guided in the notch. In embodiments, only sections of the gripper transport element are provided with a longitudinal bar, for example only a front end of the gripper transport element, whereas other sections are not provided with a longitudinal bar. In contrast to a prior art design provided with an additional protrusion at the lower guide surface of the guide element, which prior art design requires a longitudinal groove that extends over an entire guided length of the gripper transport element for avoiding an interference with the additional protrusion at the lower guide surface. According to the invention, the notch of the guide element does not interfere with sections of the gripper transport element not provided with a longitudinal bar.
[0019] Providing a guide element having a notch interacting with a longitudinal bar at the lower side of the gripper transport element is further advantageous for improving a stiffness of the gripper transport element compared to prior art designs, in which the gripper transport element has a longitudinal groove at its lower side interacting with a projection of the guide element.
[0020] The size and / or shape of the notch can be chosen by the person skilled in the art according to the particular use.
[0021] In embodiments, the notch has a first side face and a second side face, wherein the first side face is arranged closer to the first lateral guide surface than the second side face and the first side face forms the third lateral guide surface. In embodiments, the notch is V-shaped, wherein the first side face and the second side face are inclined with respect to the first lateral guide surface.
[0022] In embodiments, the first lateral guide surface and the third lateral guide surface both are flat surfaces and are arranged in parallel and facing the second lateral guide surface. The arrangement allows for an improved side guidance preventing a movement of the gripper transport element towards the first side. The expression parallel here includes also embodiments, in which the first lateral guide surface and the third lateral guide surface are arranged co-planar. In other embodiments, the first lateral guide surface and the third lateral guide surface are offset from one another, for an increased stiffness of the upward projection.
[0023] In embodiments, the notch has a bottom face extending at least essentially in parallel to the lower guide surface. The bottom face allows for a notch having a larger cross-section, which in turn allows for a longitudinal bar at the gripper transport element having a larger cross-section and a reduced risk of it becoming dislodged or damaged during use. In embodiments, the notch has a trapezoidal cross-section, in particular a rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the second side face of the notch is curved.
[0024] In embodiments, the guide element is provided with a shoulder adjoining the upward projection on an outside of the frame, which shoulder is directed away from the frame, wherein an upper edge of the shoulder forms an additional lower guide surface for the gripper transport element. In embodiments, the gripper transport element at least at a front end at which a gripper is mounted to the gripper transport element is provided with a widening, wherein in use the gripper transport element protrudes through the opening of the frame and a part of the gripper transport element is arranged outside the frame. The additional shoulder provides an additional guidance of the front end of the gripper transport element with the widening.
[0025] In embodiments, the upper edge of the shoulder is located below an upper edge of the upward projection. In particular, in embodiments, an upper edge of the upward projection has no guiding function for reducing forces acting on the upward projection. In embodiments, the upper edge of the shoulder runs as an elongation of the lower guide surface. The alignment of the upper edge of the shoulder with the lower guide surface allows a flat lower surface of the gripper transport element which is guided at the lower guide surface and the upper edge, wherein a longitudinal groove is provided at the lower surface, wherein the upward projection of the guide element enters the longitudinal groove in use.
[0026] In embodiments, the guide element is provided with a downward projection, wherein the downward projection protrudes from an upper guide surface associated to an upper side of the gripper transport element, wherein the downward projection faces the upward projection, wherein the upward projection and the downward projection leave a gap in between, which gap forms the opening at the first side. The downward projection reduces the size of the opening and provides an additional guidance at the first side.
[0027] In embodiments, the downward projection is inclined with respect to the first lateral guide surface, wherein a proximal end of the downward projection is closer to the second lateral guide surface than a distal end of the downward projection. In use, the guide elements can be mounted to the sley and moved with a sley when beating-up an inserted weft thread. After a beat-up, the guide elements together with the sley are moved away from a fabric edge, wherein the guide elements penetrate from below into a warp thread sheet. The inclination of the downward projection is advantageous for avoiding that warp threads get caught in the guide elements and for reducing wear of the warp threads.
[0028] According to a second aspect, a guide piece for a gripper transport element for use with a guide element as described above is provided, the gripper transport element comprising the guide piece and a rapier, wherein the guide piece is configured for being connected to the rapier at a front end of the rapier, wherein a longitudinal groove is provided on a lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein the longitudinal groove comprises at least a longitudinal grove part provided on a lower side of the guide piece, wherein the lower guide surface of the guide element is associated to the lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein the upward projection of the guide element is associated to the longitudinal groove on the lower side of the gripper transport element, and wherein the guide piece comprises a longitudinal bar on the lower side of the guide piece, which longitudinal bar in use enters the notch at the lower guide surface of the guide element. In particular, the longitudinal bar runs in parallel to the longitudinal groove. The guide piece in embodiments is made of a wear resistant material. The guide piece in embodiments is configured for being detachably connected to the front end of the rapier. The guide piece in embodiments is connected to a rapier of a gripper transport element for retrofitting existing gripper transport elements with a guide piece for use with guide elements having a notch.
[0029] In embodiments, on the lower side of the rapier a longitudinal groove part that extends the longitudinal groove part of the guide piece is provided, the longitudinal groove comprising at least the longitudinal groove part provided on the lower side of the guide piece, for example comprising the longitudinal groove part provided on the lower side of the guide piece and the longitudinal groove part provided on the lower side of the rapier, runs in parallel to the longitudinal bar, wherein in use the upward projection at the lower guide surface of the guide element enters the longitudinal groove of the gripper transport element. The longitudinal groove allows for a widening of the gripper transport element, in particular at its front end, wherein in use, a part of the gripper transport element is arranged outside the frame when guiding the gripper transport element through the guide element.
[0030] According to a third aspect, a gripper transport element for use with a guide element as described above is provided, wherein a longitudinal groove is provided on a lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein the lower guide surface of the guide element is associated to the lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein the upward projection of the guide element is associated to the longitudinal groove on the lower side of the gripper transport element, wherein in use the upward projection at the lower guide surface of the guide element enters the longitudinal groove of the gripper transport element, wherein the gripper transport element comprises a longitudinal bar on a lower side of the gripper transport element at its front end, which longitudinal bar in use enters the notch at the lower guide surface of the guide element, and wherein the longitudinal groove runs in parallel to the longitudinal bar. The longitudinal bar together with the notch allows for an improved guidance of the gripper transport element. In use, a gripper is mounted to the gripper transport element at the front end. In embodiments, the longitudinal bar is provided at the front end and extends at least along a part of the region where the gripper is mounted to the gripper transport element. In embodiments, the longitudinal bar extends continuously or with interruptions along the entire length of the gripper transport element. In other embodiments, the extension of the longitudinal bar is limited to a front end of the gripper transport element. In embodiments, the gripper transport element comprises a rapier and a guide piece provided at the front end of the rapier. In particular, a front end of a gripper transport element is subjected to wear. The guide piece in embodiments is made of a wear resistant material.
[0031] In embodiments, the guide piece is a separate element configured for being connected to the rapier at a front end of a rapier. This allows for the guide piece being manufactured from a different material than the rapier. In embodiments, the rapier and the guide piece have complementary connecting parts for detachably connecting the guide piece with the rapier. In embodiments, the connecting parts comprise a tongue and a recess, wherein the tongue can be held in the recess in a form-fitted manner as described for example in WO 2011 / 134953 A1 included herein by reference. The use of a separate guide piece allows for easier maintenance and repair, allowing a replacement of the guide piece without a replacement of the rapier.
[0032] In embodiments, the longitudinal bar is provided on the guide piece. This allows for retrofitting existing gripper transport elements with a guide piece for use with guide elements having a notch.
[0033] In addition, in embodiments the longitudinal bar is provided both at a front end of the rapier and at the guide piece. This allows for a longer continuous or interrupted longitudinal bar, and, thus for an improved guidance over a longer section.
[0034] In embodiments, the gripper transport element comprises an integrally formed rapier, wherein in use a gripper is mounted to a front end of the rapier. The rapier in embodiments is provided with widenings and / or thickenings at a front end for increasing a mounting surface and / or a stability of the rapier, in particular in a region where the gripper is mounted. Further, in embodiments the longitudinal bar is provided at a front end of the rapier.
[0035] According to a fourth aspect, a gripper transport system comprising a gripper transport element and at least one guide element is provided.
[0036] According to a fifth aspect, a gripper transport system comprising a gripper transport element with a rapier and a guide piece and at least one guide element is provided.
[0037] In embodiments, the gripper transport system comprises a number of guide elements mounted to a sley of a weaving machine. In embodiments, the gripper transport system further comprises stationary guide elements arranged outside a shed of the weaving machine. In embodiments, the guide elements, in particular all guide elements mounted to the sley are provided with a notch. At least some of the stationary guide elements have a lower guide surface with a notch for allowing the longitudinal bar to enter the stationary guide elements. In other embodiments, both all guide elements mounted to the sley and all stationary guide elements are each provided with a notch.
[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings schematically show
[0040] Fig. 1 a number of guide elements and a gripper transport element with a gripper attached thereto, wherein the gripper transport element is guided by the guide elements in a first perspective view;
[0041] Fig. 2 a number of guide elements and the gripper transport element with the gripper attached thereto of Fig. 1 in a second perspective view;
[0042] Fig. 3 a number of guide elements and the gripper transport element with the gripper attached thereto of Fig. 1 , wherein the gripper transport element is guided by the guide elements in rear view;
[0043] Fig. 4 a sectional view of one guide element and the gripper transport element with the gripper attached thereto along a line IV- IV in Fig. 3;
[0044] Fig. 5 a sectional view of one guide element and the gripper transport element along a line
[0045] V-V in Fig. 3;
[0046] Fig. 6 a sectional view of one guide element and the gripper transport element along a line
[0047] VI-VI in Fig. 3;
[0048] Fig. 7 one guide element of Fig. 1 in side view;
[0049] Fig. 8 the guide element of Fig. 7 in a perspective view;
[0050] Fig. 9 the guide element of Fig. 7 in another perspective view; Fig. 10 the guide element of Fig. 7 in still another perspective view;
[0051] Fig. 11 the guide element of Fig. 7 in still another perspective view;
[0052] Fig. 12 a detail of a first embodiment of a gripper transport element comprising a rapier and a guide piece provided at the front end of the rapier in a perspective view; Fig. 13 the detail of Fig. 12 in an exploded view;
[0053] Fig. 14 a detail of a second embodiment of a gripper transport element comprising a rapier and a guide piece provided at the front end of the rapier in a perspective view;
[0054] Fig. 15 the detail of Fig. 14 in an exploded view;
[0055] Fig. 16 a detail of a third embodiment of a gripper transport element in a perspective view; Fig. 17 in side view a second embodiment of a guide element;
[0056] Fig. 18 in side view a third embodiment of a guide element;
[0057] Fig. 19 in side view a fourth embodiment of a guide element;
[0058] Fig. 20 in side view a fifth embodiment of a guide element;
[0059] Fig. 21 in side view a sixth embodiment of a guide element; Fig. 22 in side view a seventh embodiment of a guide element;
[0060] Fig. 23 a sectional view of the guide element of Fig. 4 and another embodiment of a gripper transport element, shown without a gripper;
[0061] Fig. 24 a sectional view of the guide element of Fig. 4 and still another embodiment of a gripper transport element, shown without a gripper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0062] Figs. 1 , 2 and 3 show a gripper transport system 1 comprising several guide elements 2, a gripper transport element 3, and a gripper 5 attached to the gripper transport element 3 in a first perspective view, a second perspective view, and a rear view, respectively. Figs. 4 to 6 show sectional views of one guide element 2 and the gripper transport element 3, wherein Fig. 4 also shows the gripper 5. Figs. 7 to 11 each show one guide element 2 in isolation.
[0063] As schematically shown in Fig. 1 , the gripper transport element 3 with the gripper 5 attached thereto is moved through a shed formed by warp threads 6 for an insertion of a weft thread (not shown). The gripper transport element 3 is guided in the shed using the guide elements 2. The guide elements 2 are attached to a sley (not shown) of the gripper weaving machine and moved with the sley towards and away from a beat-up line 7. For a beat-up, the guide elements 2 are arranged outside the shed. After a beat-up, the guide elements 2 are moved away from the beat-up line 7 together with the sley. With the movement of the sley, the guide elements 2 penetrate from below into a warp thread sheet for arranging the guide elements 2 in the shed for a subsequent insertion of a weft thread into the shed.
[0064] The guide elements 2 shown in Figs. 1 to 11 each comprises several guide surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, which together form a frame 10 having an opening 20 at a first side 8, indicated by an arrow in Figs. 6 and 7. In the embodiment shown, the guide surfaces forming the frame 10 comprise a lower guide surface 11 associated to a lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3, and an upper guide surface 12 associated to an upper side 32 of the gripper transport element 3. In the embodiment shown, in Figs. 1 to 11 , a notch 19 is provided in the lower guide surface 11 , which notch 19 divides the lower guide surface 11 in two guide surface parts. The guide surfaces forming the frame 10 further comprise a first lateral guide surface 13 at the first side 8 and a second lateral guide surface 14 at a second side opposite the first side 8.
[0065] More particular, in the embodiment shown, each guide element 2 is provided with an upward projection 17, associated to a longitudinal groove 33 on the lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3 (see Figs. 4 and 5). The upward projection 17 protrudes from the lower guide surface 11 of the frame 10. The first lateral guide surface 13 of the frame 10 is formed by the upward projection 17 protruding from the lower guide surface 11. The second lateral guide surface 14 is a surface forming the frame 10 opposite to the first lateral guide surface 13. In the embodiment shown, both the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral guide surface 14 protrude from the lower guide surface 11 of the frame 10 in a direction transverse to the lower guide surface 11 , in particular at an angle of at least approximately 90°.
[0066] In the embodiment shown, the guide element 2 is further provided with a downward projection 18, wherein the downward projection 18 protrudes from the upper guide surface 12. The downward projection 18 faces the upward projection 17. The upward projection 17 and the downward projection 18 leave a gap in between, which gap forms the opening 20 at the first side 8. The downward projection 18 is inclined with respect to the upper guide surface 12, wherein a proximal end of the downward projection 18 at the upper guide surface 12 is closer to the second lateral guide surface 14 than a distal end of the downward projection 18 facing the upward projection 17. The fourth lateral guide surface 16 is formed by the downward projection
[0067] 18. The first lateral guide surface 13 and the fourth lateral guide surface 16 are provided at opposite sides of the opening 20 and both configured for limiting a movement of the gripper transport element 3 guided by the guide element 2 in the direction towards the first side 8.
[0068] The lower guide surface 11 is provided with a notch 19 associated to a longitudinal bar 38 on the lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3 (see Fig. 4). The notch 19 provides a third lateral guide surface 15 for the gripper transport element 3, in particular for the longitudinal bar 38 of the gripper transport element 3.
[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11, the notch 19 is arranged between the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral guide surface 14, and offset to both the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral guide surface 14.
[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11, the notch 19 is rectangular and has a first side face 22, a second side face 23 arranged in parallel to the first side face 22, and a bottom face 24, wherein the bottom face 24 extends at least essentially in parallel to the lower guide surface 11 between the first side face 22 and the second side face 23. The first side face 22 is arranged closer to the first lateral guide surface 13 than the second side face 23. The first side face 22 of the notch 19 forms the third lateral guide surface 15.
[0071] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , the gripper transport element 3 has a base part 34, wherein the longitudinal bar 38 protrudes from a lower side 31 of the base part 34. The longitudinal bar 38 has a rectangular cross-section with a first side face 51 facing the first side face 22 of the notch 19 and a second side face 52 facing the second side face 23 of the notch
[0072] 19. The third lateral guide surface 15 supplements the first lateral guide surface 13 for a supplemental guiding of the gripper transport element 3 preventing a movement of the gripper transport element 3 towards the first side 8 or towards the opening 20. In the embodiment shown, the first lateral guide surface 13 and the third lateral guide surface 15 are arranged in parallel, wherein both the first lateral guide surface 13 and the third lateral guide surface 15 are facing the second lateral guide surface 14.
[0073] As best seen in Figs. 8 to 11 , in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 11 the upward projection 17 is wedge-shaped, with a peak pointing away from the lower guide surface 11 for allowing an entering between the warp threads. Hence, at the upward projection 17, a triangular first lateral guide surface 13 is formed. A size of the first lateral guide surface 13 is smaller than a size of the second lateral guide surface 14. When providing the notch 19, which forms the additional third lateral guide surface 15, forces acting on the upward projection 17 due to a contact with the gripper transport element 3 can be reduced. In embodiments, the third lateral guide surface 15 is offset from the first lateral guide surface 13 over a distance that is larger than a distance between the first side face 51 of the longitudinal bar 38 and the longitudinal groove 33. In embodiments, when the first side face 51 of the longitudinal bar 38 contacts the third lateral guide surface 15, the gripper transport element 3 does not contact the first lateral guide surface 13. In this case, the first lateral guide surface 13 has no guiding function for a section of the gripper transport element 3 provided with the longitudinal bar 38 when the longitudinal bar 38 is guided by the third lateral guide surface 15. In other embodiments, when the gripper transport element 3 contacts the first lateral guide surface 13, the first side face 51 of the longitudinal bar 38 does not contact the third lateral guide surface 15. In this case, the longitudinal bar 38 has no guiding function. In other embodiments, the third lateral guide surface 15 is offset from the first lateral guide surface 13 over a distance that is at least essentially the same as the distance between the first side face 51 of the longitudinal bar 38 and the longitudinal groove 33. This case may occur when the longitudinal bar 38 and / or the groove 33 of the gripper transport element 3 is / are slightly worn out. Then, when the first side face 51 of the longitudinal bar 38 contacts the third lateral guide surface 15, the gripper transport element 3 also contacts the first lateral guide surface 13, so that the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral surface 14 together provide a merged contact surface for the front end of the gripper transport element 3. The merged contact surface is advantageous to reduce wear and tear of the gripper transport element 3.
[0074] In embodiments, the second side face 23 of the notch 19 has no guiding function and / or the bottom face 24 of the notch 19 has no guiding function. For example, a depth of the notch 19 in a direction perpendicular to the lower guide surface 11 is larger than a height of the longitudinal bar 38 in a direction perpendicular to the lower side 31. Hence, when the lower side 31 contacts the lower guide surface 11 for guiding the gripper transport element 3 through the guide element 2, the longitudinal bar 38 does not contact the bottom face 24 of the notch 19. In alternative or in addition, an offset of the second side face 52 of the longitudinal bar 38 from a side face 30 of the base part 34 contacting the second lateral guide surface 14 is larger than an offset of the second side face 23 of the notch 19 from the second lateral guide surface 14. Hence, when the side face 30 of the base part 34 contacts the second lateral guide surface 14, the second side face 52 of the longitudinal bar 38 does not contact the second side face 23 of the notch 19. When the second lateral guide surface 14 of the gripper transport element 3 is worn out, the longitudinal bar 38 may contact the second side face 23 of the notch 19, so that further wear and tear can be reduced due to the merged contact surfaces.
[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11, the guide element 2 is further provided with a shoulder 25 adjoining the upward projection 17 on an outside of the frame 10. The shoulder 25 is directed away from the frame 10. An upper edge 26 of the shoulder 25 forms an additional lower guide surface 11 for the gripper transport element 3. The upper edge 26 is located below an upper edge 27 of the upward projection 17. In the embodiment shown, the upper edge 26 of the shoulder 25 runs as an elongation of the lower guide surface 11. In other words, the lower guide surface 11 and the upper edge 26 of the shoulder 25 are arranged at least approximately in a common plane. Alternatively, the lower guide surface 11 and the upper edge 26 of the shoulder 25 can be arranged in a different plane.
[0076] As best seen in Figs. 4 to 6, a cross section of the gripper transport element 3 shown in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 11 varies along a longitudinal direction of the gripper transport element 3.
[0077] At a back end of the gripper transport element 3, the gripper transport element 3 has an approximately rectangular base part 34, as shown in Fig. 6. A width of the base part 34 is adapted in size to the frame 10 of the guide element 2, such that the base part 34 is arranged inside the frame 10, which frame 10 is delimited laterally by the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral guide surface 14.
[0078] At a front end of the gripper transport element 3, where the gripper 5 is mounted to the gripper transport element 3 as shown in Fig. 4, the base part 34 is provided with a widening 35. The widening 35 in use is arranged outside the frame 10 and is guided by the upper edge 26 of the shoulder 25. The widening 35 comprises the longitudinal groove 33, which adjoins the base part 34. In use, the upward projection 17 of the guide element 2 enters the longitudinal groove 33. As further shown in Figs. 5 to 6, in the embodiment shown, the gripper transport element 3 at its front end is provided with a thickening 36 in a direction perpendicular to its lower side 31. In the region of the thickening 36, an upper side 32 of the gripper transport element 3 is guided by the upper guide surface 12. In sections of the gripper transport element 3 not provided with the thickening, as shown in Fig. 6, a height of the base part 34 is less than a distance between the lower guide surface 11 and the upper guide surface 12, such that the base part 34 is not guided at the upper guide surface 12.
[0079] In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 4, the gripper transport element 3 in the region of the widening 35 is further provided with a step 37 increasing a thickness of the widening 35 in a part that is in use arranged adjacent to the shoulder 25, which step 37 is advantageous for fixing a gripper 5 to the widening 35 of the gripper transport element 3. In the embodiment shown, the step 37 increases a thickness at the lower side 31 of the transport element 3 in a region is in use arranged adjacent to the shoulder 25.
[0080] As described above, on the lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3, the longitudinal bar 38 is provided, which in use enters the notch 19 at the lower guide surface 11 of the guide element 2. The longitudinal bar 38 extends over at least a part of the front end of the gripper transport element 3.
[0081] Figs. 12 and 13 show a detail of the gripper transport element 3 shown in Figs. 1 to 6 in isolation.
[0082] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, in the embodiment shown, the gripper transport element 3 comprises a rapier 40 and a guide piece 41 provided at the front end of the rapier 40. In the embodiment shown, the guide piece 41 is detachably attached to the rapier 40. In case of wear, the guide piece 41 can be replaced. The rapier 40 in embodiments is a flexible gripper band. The guide piece 41 is provided with the widening 35, while the rapier 40 is provided with a widening 39. The gripper 5 (see Fig. 4) can be attached to a top (covered in Figs. 12 and 13) of the rapier 40 and to the guide piece using fastening elements (not shown) inserted in mounting holes of the guide piece 41 and / or the rapier 40. In particular, the mounting holes are provided in the area of the widening 35 of the guide piece 41 and / or the widening 39 of the rapier 40.
[0083] In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the rapier 40 and the guide piece 41 comprise complementary connecting parts which comprise a tongue 42 and a recess 43. The tongue 42 can be introduced by sliding the tongue 42 into the recess 43 in an introduction direction 44 and the tongue 42 is held in the recess 43 in a form-fitted manner in the directions other than the introduction direction 44.
[0084] A lower side of the gripper transport element 3 is provided with a longitudinal grove 33. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal groove 33 comprises a longitudinal groove part 331 provided on a lower side 410 of the guide piece 41 and a longitudinal groove part 332 provided on a lower side 400 of the rapier 40.
[0085] The guide piece 41 is configured for being connected to the rapier 40 at a front end of the rapier 40, such that the longitudinal grove part 331 of the guide piece 41 extends the longitudinal groove part 332 of the rapier 40. The upward projection 17 of the guide element 2 (see Figs. 2 to 11) is associated to both the longitudinal grove part 331 of the guide piece 41 and the longitudinal groove part 332 of the rapier 40. In particular, the lower side 410 of the guide piece 41 connected to the rapier 40 is arranged at a height of the lower side 400 of the rapier 40.
[0086] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the longitudinal bar 38 is provided only on the guide piece 41. The longitudinal bar 38 is made integral with the guide piece 41. Alternatively, the longitudinal bar 38 can be fixed to the guide piece 41, for example by means of adhesive. The design shown in Figs. 12 and 13 in particular allows retrofitting of existing gripper transport elements 3 for use with guide elements 2 shown in Figs. 1 to 11 without a replacement of the rapier 40. A retrofitting can be carried out by replacing a guide piece 41 not having a longitudinal bar 38 with the guide piece 41 shown in Fig. 12 and 13 having the longitudinal bar 38. Due to the longitudinal bar 38 at the guide piece 41 a guidance of the gripper transport element 3 and / or a stiffness of the guide piece 41 can be improved.
[0087] Figs. 14 and 15 show a detail of a second embodiment of a gripper transport element 3 comprising a rapier 40 and a guide piece 41 in isolation. The gripper transport element 3 shown in Figs. 14 and 15 is similar to the gripper transport element 3 shown in Figs. 12 and 13 and for more details reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 and 15, a longitudinal bar 38 is provided that extends over both a front end of the rapier 40 and the guide piece 41. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the longitudinal bar 38 has two bar parts 45, 46, one bar part 45 is provided on the guide piece 41 and the other bar part 46 is provided on rapier 40. The two bar parts 45, 46 adjoin each other almost without a gap and together form the longitudinal bar 38. This ensures for a smooth guidance without a jamming. However, in other embodiments, the bar parts 45, 46 are arranged with an offset in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 16 shows a detail of a third embodiment of a gripper transport element 3 comprising an integrally formed rapier 40. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, a longitudinal bar 38 is provided at a front end of the rapier 40. An extension or length of the longitudinal bar 38 can be chosen by the person skilled in the art in accordance with requirements of a particular application. In embodiments, the longitudinal bar 38 extends at least along a length of a widening 39 of the rapier 40, wherein a gripper 5 (see Figs. 1 to 4) is attached to the widening 39.
[0088] Fig. 17 shows a second embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Figs. 1 to 11. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , in the embodiment shown in Fig. 17 the second side face 23 of the notch 19 is not a flat surface. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 17, the second side face 23 is curved. As described above, the second side face 23 in embodiments has no guiding function. Hence, a second side face 23 can be chosen based on other criteria, such as - but not limited to - manufacturing costs, stiffness of the longitudinal bar 38, reduced wear of the warp threads and / or reduced wear of the gripper transport element 3 and / or the guide element 2. When the notch 19 is arranged centrally between the first lateral guide surface 13 and the second lateral guide surface 14, the notch 19 of the guide element 2 does also not interfere with centrally arranged openings in the gripper transport element 3, which openings are provided at the back end of the gripper transport element 3 and are driven via a gear wheel for moving the gripper transport element 3 through the shed.
[0089] Fig. 18 shows a third embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Figs. 1 to 11. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , in the embodiment shown in Fig. 18 the notch 19 is provided immediately adjacent to the upward projection 17. Therefore, the third lateral guide surface 15 is not offset to the first lateral guide surface 13. Rather, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, the first lateral guide surface 13 and the third lateral guide surface 15 are arranged in a common plane.
[0090] Fig. 19 shows a fourth embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Figs. 1 to 11. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , in the embodiment shown in Fig. 19 the notch 19 is provided immediately adjacent to the second lateral guide surface 14. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 19, the second lateral guide surface 14 and the second side face 23 of the notch 19 are arranged in a common plane. Therefore, in contrast to other embodiments, the second side face 23 of the notch 19 can have a guiding function. Fig. 20 shows a fifth embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Figs. 1 to 11. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , in the embodiment shown in Fig. 20 the notch 19 is arranged closer to the upward projection 17. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that a position can be chosen suitably based on various criteria, such as - but not limited to - manufacturing costs, stiffness of the guide element 2 and the gripper transport element 3 and / or reduced wear of the warp threads and / or reduced wear of the gripper transport element 3 and / or the guide element 2.
[0091] Fig. 21 shows a sixth embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Figs. 1 to 11. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 11 , in the embodiment shown in Fig. 21 the notch 19 is arranged closer to the second lateral guide surface 14.
[0092] Fig. 22 shows a seventh embodiment of a guide element 2, which is similar to the guide element shown in Fig. 17. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 17, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 22 the second side face 23 of the notch 19 is inclined. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 22, the second side face 23 is inclined wherein an end of the second side face 23 adjacent the lower guide surface 11 is closer to the second lateral guide surface 14 than the other end of the second side face 23.
[0093] As the second side face 23 of the notch 19 in embodiments has no guiding function, in embodiments the second side face 52 of longitudinal bar 38 arranged opposite the second side face 23 can be chosen based on other criteria, such as - but not limited to - manufacturing costs, stiffness of the longitudinal bar 38, reduced wear of the warp threads and / or reduced wear of the gripper transport element 3 and / or the guide element 2.
[0094] Fig. 23 shows an embodiment of a gripper transport element 3 having a longitudinal bar 38 similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 23 the second side face 52 of the longitudinal bar 38 is inclined, wherein a thickness of the longitudinal bar 38 decreases with a distance from the lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3.
[0095] Fig. 24 shows an embodiment of a gripper transport element 3 having a longitudinal bar 38 similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 23. For a detailed description, reference is made to the above. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 24 the second side face 52 of the longitudinal bar 38 is curved, wherein a thickness of the longitudinal bar 38 decreases with a distance from the lower side 31 of the gripper transport element 3.
[0096] Such an arrangement is advantageous for guiding warp threads and for reducing wear of the warp threads.
[0097] As can be seen in Fig. 2 and Figs. 12 and 13, the gripper transport element 3 comprises a rapier 40 and a guide piece 41. The guide piece 41 and the longitudinal bar 38 bridge a distance of at least two guide elements 2, so that the guide piece 41 and the longitudinal bar 38 inside the shed are guided by at least two guide elements 2. In the embodiment of Figs. 14 to 16 the length of the longitudinal bar 38 can be longer than the length of the longitudinal bar 38 in Figs. 12 and 13. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples and it should not be construed that the present invention is limited to these particular embodiments. Thus, various changes and modifications may be effected by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
Claims
Claims1. Guide element for a gripper transport element (3) of a gripper weaving machine, the guide element (2) comprising guide surfaces, which guide surfaces form a frame (10) for the gripper transport element (3), the frame (10) having an opening (20) at a first side (8), wherein the guide surfaces of the frame (10) comprise a lower guide surface (11) associated to a lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the guide element (2) is provided with an upward projection (17) associated to a longitudinal groove (33) on the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), which upward projection (17) protrudes from the lower guide surface (11) of the frame (10), wherein a side surface of the upward projection (17) protruding from the lower guide surface (11) forms a first lateral guide surface (13) of the frame (10) at the first side (8), wherein the frame (10) comprises a second lateral guide surface (14) opposite to the first lateral guide surface (13), the second lateral guide surface (14) protruding from the lower guide surface (11) of the frame (10), characterized in that the lower guide surface (11) is provided with a notch (19) associated to a longitudinal bar (38) on the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), the notch (19) providing a third lateral guide surface (15).
2. Guide element according to claim 1 , characterized in that the notch (19) has a first side face (22) and a second side face (23), wherein the first side face (22) is arranged closer to the first lateral guide surface (13) than the second side face (23) and the first side face (22) forms the third lateral guide surface (15).
3. Guide element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first lateral guide surface (13) and the third lateral guide surface (15) both are flat surfaces and are arranged in parallel and facing the second lateral guide surface (14).
4. Guide element according to any one of claims 1 , 2 or 3, characterized in that the notch (19) has a bottom face (24) extending at least essentially in parallel to the lower guide surface (11).
5. Guide element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the guide element (2) is provided with a shoulder (25) adjoining the upward projection (17) on an outside of the frame (10), which shoulder (25) is directed away from the frame (10), wherein an upper edge (26) of the shoulder (25) forms an additional lower guide surface for the gripper transport element (3), wherein in particular the upper edge (26) of theshoulder (25) is located below an upper edge (27) of the upward projection (17), wherein in particular the upper edge (26) of the shoulder (25) runs as an elongation of the lower guide surface (11).
6. Guide element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the guide element (2) is provided with a downward projection (18), wherein the downward projection (18) protrudes from an upper guide surface (12) associated to an upper side of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the downward projection (18) faces the upward projection (17), wherein the upward projection (17) and the downward projection (18) leave a gap in between, which gap forms the opening (20) at the first side (8).
7. Guide element according to claim 6, characterized in that the downward projection (18) is inclined with respect to the first lateral guide surface (13), wherein a proximal end of the downward projection (18) is closer to the second lateral guide surface (14) than a distal end of the downward projection (18).
8. Guide piece for a gripper transport element for use with a guide element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the gripper transport element (3) comprising the guide piece (41) and a rapier (40), wherein the guide piece (41) is configured for being connected to the rapier (40) at a front end of the rapier (40), wherein a longitudinal groove (33) is provided on a lower side of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the longitudinal groove (33) comprises at least a longitudinal grove part (331) provided on a lower side of the guide piece (41), wherein the lower guide surface (11) of the guide element (2) is associated to the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the upward projection (17) of the guide element (2) is associated to the longitudinal groove (33) on the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), characterized in that the guide piece (41) comprises a longitudinal bar (38) on the lower side of the guide piece (41), which longitudinal bar (38) in use enters the notch (19) at the lower guide surface(11) of the guide element (2).
9. Gripper transport element for use with a guide element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a longitudinal groove (33) is provided on a lower side of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the lower guide surface (11) of the guide element (2) is associated to the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), wherein the upward projection (17) of the guide element (2) is associated to the longitudinal groove (33) on the lower side (31) of the gripper transport element (3), and wherein in use the upward projection (17) at the lower guide surface (11) of the guide element (2) entersthe longitudinal groove (33) of the gripper transport element (3), characterized in that the gripper transport element (3) comprises a longitudinal bar (38) on a lower side of the gripper transport element (3) at a front end of the gripper transport element (3), which longitudinal bar (38) in use enters the notch (19) at the lower guide surface (11) of the guide element (2), wherein the longitudinal groove (33) runs in parallel to the longitudinal bar (38).
10. Gripper transport element according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripper transport element (3) comprises a guide piece (41) configured for being connected to a rapier (40) at a front end of the rapier (40), wherein the longitudinal bar (38) is provided on the guide piece (41).
11. Gripper transport element according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the gripper transport element (3) comprises a rapier (40) and a guide piece (41) provided at a front end of the rapier (40), wherein the longitudinal bar (38) is provided on the guide piece (41).
12. Gripper transport element according to claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the longitudinal bar (38) is provided at a front end of the rapier (40) and at the guide piece (41).
13. Gripper transport element according to claim 9, characterized in that the gripper transport element (3) comprises a rapier (40), wherein the longitudinal bar (38) is provided at a front end of the rapier (40).
14. Gripper transport system comprising a gripper transport element (3) according to any one of claims 9 to 13 and at least one guide element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
15. Gripper transport system comprising a gripper transport element (3) with a rapier (40) and a guide piece (41) with the features of claim 8, and at least one guide element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.