BE1024401B1 - Device for clamping weft threads - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for clamping a plurality of weft threads (7, 8, 9, 10) comprising at least one clamping unit (20, 21), each clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) being rotatably mounted on the support element (16) around a pivot axis (17, 18) perpendicular to the clamping direction (14), and that the opening element (40) is adapted to be arranged in an operating position, wherein when the opening element (40) is arranged in the operating position, with a relative displacement between the support element (16) and the opening element (40) the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) cooperates with one of the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25) in order to provide said clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) rotating around the axis of rotation (17, 18) against the force of the at least one force element (28, 29) to open the corresponding clamp (60, 61, 62, 63). Method for clamping weft threads with such a device (1).

Description

(30) Priority data:

(73) Holder (s):

PICANOL N.V. Public Company

8900, YPRES

Belgium (72) Inventor (s):

VERCLYTE Eddy 8900 IEPER Belgium

HOORELBEKE, Wim 8650 WEVELGEM Belgium

COULEMBIER Ronny 8900 IEPER Belgium (54) Device for clamping weft threads (57) Device for clamping multiple weft threads (7, 8, 9, 10) containing at least one clamping unit - (20, 21), each clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) rotatably mounted on the support member (16) about a pivot axis (17, 18) perpendicular to the clamping direction (14), and the opener element (40) adapted to be mounted in an operating position, when the opener element (40) is arranged in the operating position, at a relative displacement between the support element (16) and the opener element (40) the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) with one of the clamping elements (22, 23, 24 , 25) cooperates to rotate said clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) around the axis of rotation (17, 18) against the force of the at least one force element (28, 29) about the associated clamp (60, 61, 62 , 63). Method for clamping weft threads with such a device (1).

^f > 9. 9

BELGIAN INVENTION PATENT

FPS Economy, K.M.O., Self-employed & Energy

Publication number: 1024401 Filing number: BE2016 / 0121

Intellectual Property Office

International classification: D03D 47/12 D03D 47/38 Date of issue: 13/02/2018

The Minister of Economy,

Having regard to the Paris Convention of 20 March 1883 for the Protection of Industrial Property;

Having regard to the Law of March 28, 1984 on inventive patents, Article 22, for patent applications filed before September 22, 2014;

Having regard to Title 1 Invention Patents of Book XI of the Economic Law Code, Article XI.24, for patent applications filed from September 22, 2014;

Having regard to the Royal Decree of 2 December 1986 on the filing, granting and maintenance of inventive patents, Article 28;

Having regard to the application for an invention patent received by the Intellectual Property Office on 04/07/2016.

Whereas for patent applications that fall within the scope of Title 1, Book XI, of the Code of Economic Law (hereinafter WER), in accordance with Article XI.19, § 4, second paragraph, of the WER, the granted patent will be limited. to the patent claims for which the novelty search report was prepared, when the patent application is the subject of a novelty search report indicating a lack of unity of invention as referred to in paragraph 1, and when the applicant does not limit his filing and does not file a divisional application in accordance with the search report.

Decision:

Article 1

PICANOL N.V. Public Company, Steverlyncklaan 15, 8900 IEPER Belgium;

represented by

CARDOEN Marnick, Steverlyncklaan 15, 8900, YPRES;

a Belgian invention patent with a term of 20 years, subject to payment of the annual taxes as referred to in Article XI.48, § 1 of the Economic Law Code, for: Device for clamping weft threads.

INVENTOR (S):

VERCLYTE Eddy, Potakker 12, 8900, IEPER;

HOORELBEKE, Wim, Lommergoed 15, 8650, WEVELGEM;

COULEMBIER Ronny, Europalaan 2, 8900, YPRES;

PRIORITY:

BREAKDOWN:

Split from basic application: Filing date of the basic application:

Article 2. - This patent is granted without prior investigation into the patentability of the invention, without warranty of the Merit of the invention, nor of the accuracy of its description and at the risk of the applicant (s).

Brussels, 13/02/2018,

With special authorization:

BE2016 / 0121

Device for clamping weft threads.

Technical field and state of the art.

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for clamping weft threads in a weaving machine, more particularly in a lance weaving machine.

In lance weaving machines, also called rapier weaving machines, a weft thread positioned in the path of a gripper is gripped by the gripper and introduced into a weaving compartment. The inserted weft thread is cut on the insertion side to allow insertion of the next weft thread.

It is known to position a weft thread to be inserted into the path of the gripper by using a display element of a display device arranged next to the weaving compartment on the weaving machine, for example as described in EP 0 598 264 A1.

It is known to provide a clamping device disposed between a display device and a weft scissors. For example, US 5 492 153, EP 0 421 349 A1 and WO 2013007551 A2 describe clamping devices with a number of clamping elements. One of the clamping elements is connected to a driving element, while the other clamping elements are forced to the clamping element which is connected to the driving element by means of spring elements.

US 5 492 153 discloses a device containing so many clamping elements, two adjacent clamping elements defining a clamp. The central clamping element is fixed

BE2016 / 0121 mounted on a rod and movable by means of the rod in the clamping direction. The other clamping elements are forced to the central clamping element by springs. The device further includes an opener element for moving two adjacent clamping elements separately to allow a weft thread to penetrate between these two adjacent clamping elements. Two selected clamping elements can be moved opposite the opener element by means of the rod.

The weft clamping device according to WO 2013007551 A2 is adapted to cooperate with two weft threads. Several such weft clamping devices can be provided allowing weaving with more than two weft threads. For example, two such devices can be used which are arranged mirror-symmetrically relative to each other. However, the use of a number of such devices does not result in a structure to be compactly applied to a weaving machine.

Summary of the invention.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for clamping weft threads that enable reliable clamping and release of weft threads regardless of their thickness.

This object is solved by a weft clamping device having the features of claim 1, a weaving machine having the features of claim 14 and a method having the features of claim 15. Further advantages are described in the dependent claims.

BE2016 / 0121 According to a first aspect, a device for clamping multiple weft threads is provided, the device comprising at least one clamping unit, a support element, and an opener element with at least one finger, the at least one clamping unit comprising a stop element fixed on the support element is attached, at least one clamping element which is movably mounted on the support element and is arranged on one side of the stop element, in particular two clamping elements which are movably mounted on the support element on either side of the stop element, wherein each force element the clamping element defines a clamp together with the stop element, wherein the at least one force element forces each clamping element towards the stop element, wherein the support element and the opener element are mounted in a clamping direction displaceable relative to each other, each clamping element rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the clamping direction. ng is mounted on the support member, and wherein the opener member is adapted to be mounted in an operating position, where when the opener element is mounted in the operating position, when relative displacement between the support member and the opener member cooperates with one of the clamping elements one finger cooperates with one of the clamping elements to rotate said clamping element around the pivot axis against the force of the at least one force element to open the associated clamp.

This allows each weft thread to be reliably clamped in an associated clamp and independent of the thickness of each of the weft threads.

In preferred embodiments, the

BE2016 / 0121 device at least two clamping elements belonging to one clamping unit or different clamping units. In one embodiment, only one clamping unit is provided, the one clamping unit comprising two clamping elements movably mounted on the support element on either side of the stop element. In other embodiments, two or more clamping units are provided, each clamping unit containing only one seeding element or two clamping elements movably mounted on the support element on either side of the stop element.

The stop element is fixedly mounted on the support element. In one embodiment, the stop element is manufactured integrally with the support element. In other embodiments, the stop element is manufactured separately and fixedly in position on the support element. The clamping elements are rotatably mounted on the support element and a clamp is opened by turning the associated sprouting element against the force of the at least one associated force element away from the stop element. In preferred embodiments, the seeding element is a two-sided lever, a front end making contact with the stop element to form a clamp and forcing the rear end by the force element to force the front end towards the stop element. The force element is, for example, a spring which is mounted between the stop element and the sprouting element or between the two clamping elements of one clamping unit.

A rotary movement of one sprouting element to open the respective clamp is caused by one

BE2016 / 0121 interaction between the opener element, more particularly a finger of the opener element, and said clamping element in the relative movement of the opener element and the support element in the clamping direction. In one embodiment, the opener element is movably mounted in the clamping direction to cause a rotational movement of the clamping element. In preferred embodiments, the opener element is held in position in the clamping direction to allow movement of the support element to move the clamping element away from the stop element. In one embodiment, the finger is fork-shaped with two teeth, each tooth being able to cooperate with one clamping element of a clamping unit. In preferred embodiments, a rod-shaped or spear-shaped finger is provided to cooperate with the clamping elements.

In one embodiment, each clamping element is provided with an operating structure displaced from the pivot axis to cooperate with the at least one finger of the opener element at a relative displacement between the support element and the opener element. In one embodiment, the operating structure is provided on a plane of the respective clamping element perpendicular to the clamping direction.

In preferred embodiments, the actuating structure is an actuating pin protruding from a side face of the respective clamping element, in particular the actuating pin being disposed between the axis of rotation of the clamping element and a weft thread clamping position. When providing a control pin between the clamp position and the pivot axis in a direction perpendicular to the clamp direction, one finger inserted between the two control pins of one clamp unit is sufficient for

BE2016 / 0121 a selective operation of both clamps associated with a stop element, whereby one of the two clamping elements is forced to rotate about its rotation axis depending on the direction of movement of the operating structure relative to the opener element in the clamping direction. In embodiments, a single rod-shaped finger is provided as the opener element, which is fixed in position in the clamping direction. In other embodiments, an opener element with fork-shaped fingers is provided, wherein each finger can be added to at least one clamping element of a clamping unit.

It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, with only one clamping unit provided, the opener element can be fixedly mounted in position, the clamping unit being moved back and forth in the clamping direction to open one of the two associated clamps. In preferred embodiments, two or more clamping units are provided, wherein the opener element is movably mounted between the operating position and a rest position in a feed direction perpendicular to the clamping direction at a fixed height in the clamping direction, and wherein the support element is movably mounted in the clamping direction. the opener element in the rest position is a selected clamping unit which can be placed opposite the central finger of the opener element by moving the support element in the clamping direction. In other words, the opener element is movable in the rest position for moving the support element together with the clamping elements, all clamps remaining closed. After a selected clamping unit is placed opposite a finger, the finger is moved into the operating position and a displacement of the support element causes a rotational movement of one of the clamping elements as described above.

BE2016 / 0121 In preferred embodiments, exactly two clamping units are provided, the opener element comprising one central finger and two outer fingers, the two outer fingers being displaced from the central finger in the feeding direction, the opener element being movable in the feeding direction between a rest position, a first operating position and a second operating position, the opener element when arranged in the first operating position or in the second operating position cooperating with the clamping elements at a relative displacement between the supporting element and the opening element in the clamping direction, so that one of the central finger and the two outer fingers cooperates with one of the clamping elements to rotate said clamping element around the pivot axis against the force of the at least one force element to open the associated clamp or to reduce a clamping force at the associated clamp. This allows to open a clamp when the respective clamp unit is not positioned opposite the central finger. For example, when applying a first clamp provided on a first clamping unit opposite the central finger to receive an inserted weft thread, after receiving the weft thread and closing the first clamp, the opener element can move into the second operating position and through the support element to move relative to the opener member in the clamping direction, a second clamp provided on a second clamping unit which is not opposed to the central finger can be opened, or a clamping force at that clamp can be reduced by means of one of the outer fingers.

In preferred embodiments, the two outer fingers are provided to avoid unnecessary movement between the opener element and the support element

BE2016 / 0121 either side of the central finger in the clamping direction and displaced from the central finger in the clamping direction, a distance between the central finger and each outer finger being at least substantially equal to a distance between the stop elements of the two clamping units. In other words, when placing the central finger opposite one germination unit, one outer finger is placed opposite the other germination unit.

In preferred embodiments, the opener element is configured so that the central finger does not interfere with clamping elements at a relative displacement between the support element and the opener element in the clamping direction when the opener element is in the second operating position.

In preferred embodiments, a first drive device including a first motor is provided for displacing the support member in the clamping direction, in particular the first drive device including a first eccentric driven to rotate about a first drive shaft perpendicular to the clamping direction . The eccentric allows the support element to be positioned very precisely together with the clamping units. Such a drive device is not subject to wear and not sensitive to vibrations.

In one embodiment, the eccentric is in contact with the support member and directly drives the support member. In preferred embodiments, the first drive device further includes a first transfer element that is slidably mounted, the first eccentric driving the first transfer element to reciprocate the first transfer element in the clamping direction upon rotation of the first

BE2016 / 0121 eccentric. The design of the transfer element is suitably chosen by the skilled person. In preferred embodiments, the first transfer member is a first frame, with the first eccentric disposed within the first frame. The stroke of the transfer element depends inter alia on frame dimensions, an eccentric size, a relative position of the eccentric drive shaft relative to the center of the frame and / or a relative angular rotation of the drive shaft. The opposing surfaces of the eccentric and frame in one embodiment are made of or covered with a wear-resistant material. In preferred embodiments, a wear protection ring is provided between the first eccentric and the first frame to limit wear.

In preferred embodiments, a second drive device including a second motor for displacing the opener element in the feed direction is provided. In preferred embodiments, the second driver has at least substantially a similar design to the first driver to reduce manufacturing costs.

In particular, in preferred embodiments, the second drive device includes a second eccentric that is driven to rotate about a second drive shaft perpendicular to the feed direction. In preferred embodiments, the second drive device further includes a second transfer element that is slidably mounted, the second eccentric driving the second transfer element to move the second transfer element back and forth in the feed direction upon rotation of the second eccentric. The second

BE2016 / 0121 transfer element can in particular be a second frame, wherein the second eccentric is arranged inside the second frame, and in particular a wear protection ring can be provided between the second eccentric and the second frame.

In a second aspect, a weaving machine with a device for clamping weft threads is provided. In preferred embodiments, the device is disposed at an angle to an insertion direction of the weaving machine, so that a weft thread penetrating the device extends at least substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the weft thread penetrates the device.

In a third aspect, a method for clamping weft threads is provided with a device containing at least one clamping unit,  a support element,  and an opener element with at least one finger,  the clamping unit having a stop element fixedly mounted on the support element,  at least one clamping element which is movably mounted on the support element and is arranged on one side of the stop element,  in particular two clamping elements which are movably mounted on the support element on either side of the stop element,  and contains at least one power element,  each clamping element defining a clamp together with the stop element,  the at least one force element forcing the clamping elements towards the stop element,  and wherein each clamping element is rotatably mounted on the support element around a pivot axis perpendicular to a clamping direction,  the method includes moving the support member relative to the opener element in a clamping direction while the opener element is in an operating position

BE2016 / 0121, wherein the at least one finger cooperates with one of the clamping elements to rotate said clamping element around the rotary axis against the force of the at least one force element to open the associated clamp.

Brief description of the drawings.

Next, an embodiment of the invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, like elements are designated by like reference numbers.

Figure 1 is a top view of the weft clamping device mounted on a lance weaving machine;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a weft thread clamping device of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side view seen in the direction of piji S of Figure 1 in a first position;

Figure 4 is the side view of Figure 3 in a second position;

Figure 5 is the side view of Figure 3 in a third position;

Figure 6 is the side view of Figure 3 in a fourth position;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of Figure 3 in a fifth position;

Figure 8 is a dismantled view of the weft thread clamping device of Figure 1; and Figure 9 is a dismantled view of a support member and two clamping units of the device of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a weft thread clamping device of Figure 1.

BE2016 / 0121

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a top view of a device 1 for clamping weft threads mounted on a lance weaving machine. The lance weaving machine is only partially shown. The lance weaving machine comprises presentation devices 2 for presenting weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 and a gripper 3 for gripping one or more weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 which are presented by presentation devices 2 and for inserting presented weft threads in a weaving box. The lance weaving machine further comprises a thread guiding device 4 and a cutting device 5. As can be seen in figure 2, the device 1 for clamping weft threads is arranged between the cutting device 5 and the thread guiding device 4. The cutting device 5 is mounted on a support 6 which supports the device 1 for clamping weft threads.

In figure 1, four weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 are schematically shown. The device 1 is arranged to receive a weft thread 7, 8, 9, 10 at stop and to hold a plurality of weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 after the weft threads have been cut by means of the cutting device 5. After insertion of one of the weft threads, for example insertion of the second weft thread 8, the second weft thread 8, which is guided along the thread guiding device 4, runs from the presenting device 2 via the weft clamping device 1 and the cutting device 5 to the fabric edge 11 and the woven fabric 12 with the fabric line 13. As shown in Figure 1, the fabric edge 11 is a side edge of the fabric egg 12 extending in warp direction, while the fabric line 13 is the abutment edge of the fabric 12 which is

BE2016 / 0121 extends in weft direction. After clamping the weft thread 8 by means of the device 1, the clamped weft thread 8 is cut by the cutting device 5 between the device 1 and the fabric edge 11. During a subsequent insertion, one of the weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 which by one of the presenting devices 2 is presented received by the gripper 3, the front end of the weft thread is pulled out of the device 1 and the weft thread is inserted into the weaving compartment. After the insertion, the inserted weft thread is moved upon attack to penetrate an associated clamp of the device 1.

As best seen in Figure 1, the cutting device 5 in the illustrated embodiments forms a functional unit or module with the weft clamping device 1. That module can be positioned with respect to a frame of the weaving machine, in particular in an adjustable position with respect to a hook race, a weaving line and a fabric edge, and fixedly mounted on the frame of the weaving machine in an appropriate position.

In Figure 1, the device 1 is arranged at an angle to the insertion direction N, the angle being adapted to the line of a weft thread 8 running from the presenting device 2 to the fabric edge 11, so that clamping elements of the device 1 (not shown in detail in figure

1) extend in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the direction in which weft threads penetrate the device 1. Such an arrangement is advantageous for catching the weft thread.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a

BE2016 / 0121 embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention and the arrangement of that device 1 with respect to a cutting device 5 and a wire guide device 4. Figures. 3 to 7 show side views of the device 1 of Figure 2 viewed in the direction of arrow S in Figure 1 in five different positions of use. Figure is a dismantled view of the device 1 of Figure 2. Figure is a dismantled view of a support element 16 and two clamping units 20, 21 of the device 1 of Figure 2. Figure 10 shows another perspective view of an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention.

In the illustrated embodiment in Figs. 2 to 10, the device 1 for clamping weft threads comprises a support element 16 and two clamping units 20, 21 which are arranged one above the other in a clamping direction 14 on the support element 16.

As best seen in Figures 7 and 9, each clamping unit 20, 21 contains two clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25, a stop element 26, 27 which is between the two clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 and a force element 28 , 29 has been applied. The force element 28, 29 is a spring in the illustrated embodiment. The stop elements 26, 27 are fixed in position on the support element 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop elements 26, 27 are manufactured integrally with the support element 16. Each seeding element 22, 23, 24, 25 together with the associated stop element 26, 27 defines a clamp 60, 61, 62, 63 which can clamp a weft thread in a clamping position between a seed element 22, 23, 24, 25 and an associated stop element 26 , 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 1 has four clamps 60, 61, 62, 63, each for clamping one of the four weft threads 7, 8, 9, 10 (see Figure 1).

BE2016 / 0121

For receiving a weft thread 7, 8, 9, 10 in a clamp or for releasing a clamped weft thread 7, 8, 9, 10, each clamping element 22, 23, 24, 25 is rotatable on the support element 16 about a pivot axis 17 18 mounted perpendicular to the clamping direction 14, which pivot axis 17, 18 is mounted on the support element 16. The clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 each take the form of a two-sided lever, the force element 28, 29 being arranged between the rear ends of the two clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 on each clamping unit 20, 21 and wherein the force element 28, 29 forces the respective front ends of the two clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 against the stop elements 26, 27. The clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 are appropriately shaped to ensure good clamping in a particular area of the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25. In the embodiment shown, as best seen in Figure 9, the stop elements are 26, 27 provided with clamping surfaces with a T-shaped cross section directed towards the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 with clamping surfaces with a corresponding U-shaped cross section. To open a clamping position, the associated clamping element 22, 23, 24, 25 is rotated around the pivot axis 17, 18 against the force of the force element 28, 29. For an actuating force or movement to cause a rotational movement of the clamping elements 22 , 23, 24, 25 around which the rotary shafts 17, 18 can be used, the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 are provided with operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47 which extend from a side surface of the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 sticking out. In the illustrated embodiment, each operating pin 44, 45, 46, 47 is arranged in the feed direction 15 between the rotary shaft 17, 18 and the clamping position of the associated clamping element 22, 23, 24, 25. As a result, forces will be applied to the operating pins 44, 45 , 46, 47 facing away from the stop members 26, 27 an

BE2016 / 0121 cause rotational movement of the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 before opening the clamp.

The operation of the device is explained by reference to Figures 3 to 7. For operation, the device 1 includes an opener element 40. The support element 16 together with the clamping units 20, 21 is movable relative to the opener element 40 in the clamping direction. 14 by means of a first drive device 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping direction 14 is oriented substantially vertically. However, this orientation is not necessary for the functioning of the device and other orientations are imaginary. Furthermore, the opener element 40 is movable in a feed direction 15 arranged perpendicular to the clamping direction 14 at a fixed height in the clamping direction 14 between a rest position, a first operating position and a second operating position.

The opening element 40 is moved by means of a second drive device 50.

A rotary movement of the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 to open a clamp 60, 61, 62, 63 is effected by means of the opener element 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the opener element 40 has a central finger 41 which the feed direction 15 protrudes, which in a first operating position can cooperate with operating pins 44, 45, 46.47 protruding from side surfaces of the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25.

In the position shown in Figure 3, the opener element 40 is moved to the rest position away from the support element 16.

When the opener element 40 is in the rest position as shown in Figure 3, the support element 16 can be moved back and forth in the clamping direction 14 by means of the first drive device 30

BE2016 / 0121 with all clamping positions remaining tightly closed due to the forces exerted by the force elements 28, 29. To open a clamping position of the upper clamping unit 20, the support element 16 is moved such that the associated clamping unit 20 is opposite the central finger 41 of the opener element 40 is placed. Then, the opener element 40 is driven to move in a first operating position in the feed direction 15.

In the illustrated embodiment, in the first operating position, the opener element 40 is moved towards the clamping unit 20 so that the central finger 41 penetrates between the two operating pins 44, 45 of the two clamping elements 22, 23 of the clamping unit 20 opposite the central finger 41 is positioned as shown in Figure 4. The support member 16 is then driven to move up or down in the clamping direction 14.

When the support element 16 is moved upwards as shown in figure 5, the central finger 41 cooperates with the operating pin 45 of the lower clamping element 23 of the two clamping elements 22, 23. This causes a joint movement of the operating pin 45 together. with the support element 16 in the clamping direction 14 prevented by the central finger 41. The clamping element 23 is rotatably mounted around the pivot axis 18 on the support element 16, which pivot axis 18 is mounted on and is moved with the support element 16. By a movement of the support element 16 relative to the central finger 41, a rotational movement of this clamping element 23 around the axis of rotation 18. Similarly, when the support element 16 is lowered from the position as shown in Figure 4, the central finger 41 interacts with the actuator pin 44 of the upper

BE2016 / 0121 clamping element 22 of the two clamping elements 22, 23 which causes a rotational movement of this clamping element 22 around the pivot axis 17, which pivot axis 17 is arranged on the support element 16 and. the support element 16 is moved.

The central finger 41 is fixed in position in the clamping direction 14, the position of the central finger 41 being adapted to the position and configuration of the thread guiding device 4 to ensure good guiding of an inserted weft thread into the clamp 60, 61, 62, 63 to the clamping position. As shown in figure 5, the support element 16 is preferably moved to open a clamp 61 so that the stop element 26 and the clamp element 23 are at least substantially aligned with a guide element 64, 65, 66 of the thread guiding device 4. The inserted weft thread is herein passed through guide elements 64, 65, 66 from the wire guide device 4 to the associated clamp 61 which is arranged substantially aligned with the guide elements 64, 65, 66. The guiding element 66 is arranged in an adjustable angular position on the thread guiding device 4 to adjust the wedge near the clamps between the guiding elements 65 and 66.

To release clamped weft threads for insertion, the respective clamp can be opened by the central finger 41 as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening element 40 is provided with two additional outer fingers 42, 43 on either side of the central finger 41. The outer fingers 42, 43 are displaced from the central finger 41 in the clamping direction 14, the distance between the outer fingers 42, 43 and the central finger 41 like this

BE2016 / 0121 it is chosen that when one clamping unit 20, 21 is arranged opposite the central finger 41, one of the outer fingers 42, 43 can penetrate between the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47 of the other clamping unit 20, 21, this means that the outer finger 42 is intended to interact with the actuating pin 44 or 45, the outer finger 43 is intended to interact with the actuating pin 46 or 47, and the central finger 41 is intended to interact with the actuating pin 44, 45, 46 or

47. In the position shown in Figure 4, the top clamping unit 20 is positioned opposite the central finger 41 to receive a weft thread in one of its clamps. From the rest position shown in Figure 3, the opener element 40 can move past the first operating position shown in Figures 4 and 5 to a second operating position shown in Figure 6. To move the opener element 40 into the second operating position, the opener element 40 is moved past the first operating position to the second operating position so that one end of the central finger 41 is moved past the operating pins 44, 45 of the upper clamping unit 20, and the lower outer one finger 43 is moved between the operating pins 46, 47 of the lower clamping unit 21.

As shown in Figure 6, when the support member 16 is raised while the lower outer finger 43 is interposed between the operating pins 46, 47 of the lower clamp unit 21 as shown in Figure 6, the lower clamp element 24 is rotated about its axis of rotation Turned 18. Depending on the stroke of the support member 16, the clamp is fully open, or only partially opened, so that a clamping force acting on a clamped weft thread (not shown) is reduced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ones are

BE2016 / 0121 fingers 42,43 moved from the central finger 41 in the feeding direction 15 so that the outer fingers 42, 43 are not in the path of movement of the operating pins 44,45, 46, 47 when the opener element 40 is in the first operating position (see figures 4, 5) and the central finger 41 is positioned between the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47. Furthermore, the central finger 41 is shaped to avoid interference or collision of the central finger 41 and the control pins 44, 45, 46, 47 when the opener element 40 is in the second operating position (see Figure 6) and one of the outer fingers 42, 43 are positioned between the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47. The central finger 41 is provided with, for example, a projection 49 (see figure 7) at its end which can only cooperate with the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47 in the first operating position.

Preferably, when the opener element 40 is in the second operating position (see Figure 6), the support element 16 is moved only a short distance. To fully open the lower seed 63, the opener element 40 is moved backward into the rest position (see Figure 3) and the support element 16 together with the clamping units 20, 21 is moved in the clamping direction 14 about the second clamping unit 21 opposite the central finger 41, so that when the opening element 40 is moved in the first operating position, the projection 49 of the central finger 41 penetrates between the operating pins 46, 47 of the lower clamping unit 21 as shown in figure 7.

As best seen in Figure 8, a first drive device 30 is provided including a first eccentric 31 driven to rotate about a first drive shaft 32, which first drive shaft 32 is perpendicular to the clamping direction 14 to

BE2016 / 0121 support element 16 to be moved in the clamping direction. The first driving device 30 further comprises a first transfer element 33 in the form of a first frame, the support element 16 being fixedly mounted on the first frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 16 is fixedly mounted on the first frame by screws 19. Optionally, studs 67 are provided for positioning the support element 16. The first eccentric 31 is arranged within the first frame. The first frame drives the first eccentric 31 to move in the clamping direction 14 when the eccentric 31 is rotated. To limit wear, due to forces on opposite parts, between the first eccentric 31 and the first frame, in the illustrated embodiment a wear protection ring 34 provided on the periphery of the eccentric 31 between the eccentric 31 and the first frame.

The first drive device 30 further includes a first motor 35 with a motor shaft 36. The eccentric 31 is mounted on the motor shaft 36 by a mounting element 37 formed integrally with the eccentric 31 and a mounting element 38 mounted on the mounting element 37 is screwed using screws

39.

The movement of the support element 16 is transferred to the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 and all clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 are moved together with the support element 16. In case the opener element 40 is in its rest position as shown in figure 3, the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25 during this movement, apart from negligible movements due to inertia and other effects, retain their relative position relative to the stop elements 26 , 27 due to the power of the

BE2016 / 0121 force elements 28, 29 acting on the clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25. Furthermore, the movement of the support element 16 does not cause compression or deformation of the force elements 28, 29. As a result, the clamping force remains at least substantially constant regardless of the position of the support element 16 in the clamping direction 14.

The opener element 40 can be driven by a second drive device 50 to move in the feeding direction 15 and to penetrate between the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47 of two clamping elements 22, 23, 24, 25.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second drive device 50 adapted to move the opener element 40 is of a similar construction to the first drive device 30. The second drive device 50 includes a second eccentric 51 driven to rotate about a second drive shaft 52, which second drive shaft 52 is perpendicular to the feed direction 15. The second drive device 50 further includes a second transfer element 53 in the form of a second frame, the opener element 40 being fixedly mounted on the second frame by screws 48 and studs 68. The second eccentric 51 is disposed within the second frame, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, a wear protection ring 54 is provided on the periphery of the second eccentric 51 between the second eccentric 51 and the second frame. The second eccentric 51 acts on the second frame to move the second frame in the feed direction 15 upon rotation of the second eccentric 51. The second drive device 50 further includes a second motor 55 with a second motor shaft 56. The second eccentric 51 is the second motor shaft 56 mounted by means of a

BE2016 / 0121 mounting element 57 integrally formed with the second eccentric 51 and a mounting element 58 screwed onto the mounting element using screws 59.

As indicated in Figures 2, 3 and 10, the first transfer element 33 is guided by a guide 70 provided in the main frame 69 of the device 1, and the second transfer element 53 is guided by a guide 71 provided in the main frame 69 the device 1. In Fig. 10 it is shown that the opener element 40 contains near the protrusion 49 a cavity 72 which allows the operating pins 44, 45, 46, 47 to pass through the cavity 72, in particular when the opener element 40 is is in the second operating position. The thread guiding device 4 is fixed in position and is secured to the main frame 69 with screws 73. The guide element 66 forms part of a plate 78 which is fastened to the guide element 64 of the thread guide device 4 with screws 74 and 75. To adjust the angle between the guide element 66 and the guide element 64, the screw 75 can be moved along at least one opening 76, 77 in the plate 78.

It is clear to the skilled person that in case the device 1 contains only one clamping unit 20, 21, a displacement of the opener element 40 in the feed direction is not necessary and the opener element 40 can be fixedly in position in the operating position as shown in Figure 4. It is also clear that the feed direction does not necessarily have to be linear and perpendicular to the clamping direction, but according to an alternative it can for instance proceed according to a circular arc which extends substantially perpendicular to the clamping direction.

BE2016 / 0121 The device and method for clamping a weft thread according to the invention are not limited to the embodiments described by way of example and shown in the drawings, but may also contain Variants and combinations of these embodiments which are conclusions fall.

BE2016 / 0121

Claims (15)

Conclusions. Device for clamping multiple weft threads (7, 8, 9, 10) comprising at least one clamping unit (20, 21), a support element (16), and an opener element (40) with at least one finger (41, 42, 43 ), wherein the at least one clamping unit (20, 21) includes a stop element (26, 27) fixedly attached to the support element (16), at least one clamp element (22, 23, 24, 25) movable on the support element (16 ) and is mounted on one side of the stop element (26, 27), and at least one force element (28, 29), the at least one clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) together with the stop element (26, 27 ) defines a clamp (60, 61, 62, 63), the at least one force element (28, 29) forcing the at least one clamp element (22, 23, 24, 25) towards the stop element (26, 27), and the support element (16) and the opener element (40) are mounted movably relative to each other in a clamping direction (14), characterized in that each clamping element (22, 23 , 24, 25) is rotatably mounted on the support member (16) about a pivot axis (17, 18) perpendicular to the clamping direction (14), and the opener member (40) is adapted to be mounted in an operating position, when the opener element (40) is arranged in the operating position, at a relative displacement between the support element (16) and the opener element (40) the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) with one of the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25 ) cooperates to rotate said clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) around the axis of rotation (17, 18) against the force of the at least one force element (28, 29) about the associated clamp (60, 61, 62, 63 ) to open. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that each clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) of an operating structure BE2016 / 0121 (44, 45, 46, 47) displaced from the rotary axis (17, 18) is provided to cooperate with the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) of the opener element (40) at a relative displacement between the support element (16) and the opener element (40). The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating structure (44, 45, 46, 47) is an operating pin protruding from a side surface of the respective clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25), in particular the operating pin is arranged between the rotary axis (17, 18) of the respective clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) and a clamping position for a weft thread (7, 8, 9, 10). The device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that two or more clamping units (20, 21) are provided, wherein the opener element (40) is movably mounted between the operating position and a rest position in a feed direction (15) substantially perpendicular in the clamping direction (14) at a fixed height in the clamping direction (14), and wherein the support element (16) is mounted movably in the clamping direction (14), so that when the opener element is in the rest position by moving the support element (16 ) in the clamping direction (14) a selected clamping unit. (20, 21) can be placed opposite the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) of the opener element (40). The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two clamping units (20, 21) are provided, the opener element (40) displacing one central finger (41) and two outer fingers (42, 43) from the central finger (41) in the feed direction (15), the opener element (40) being movable in the feed direction (15) between a rest position, a BE2016 / 0121 first operating position and a second operating position, the opener element (40) when arranged in the first operating position or in the second operating position cooperating with one of the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25) with a relative displacement between the supporting element ( 16) and the opener element (40) in the clamping direction (14) so that one of the central finger (41) or the two outer fingers (42, 43) interacts with one of the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25) to rotate said clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) around the axis of rotation (17, 18) against the force of the at least one force element (28, 29) to open the associated clamp (60, 61, 62, 63) or to reduce a clamping force on the associated clamp (60, 61, 62, 63). The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer fingers (42, 43) are provided on either side of the central finger (41) in the clamping direction (14) and displaced from the central finger (41) in the clamping direction (14 ), wherein a distance between the central finger (41) and each outer finger (42, 43) is at least substantially equal to a distance between the stop elements (26, 27) of the two clamping units (20, 21). The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the central finger (41) is formed in such a way that the central finger (41) does not interfere with the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25) at a relative displacement between the support element (16) and the opener element (40) in the clamping direction (14), when the opener element (40) is in the second operating position. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a first drive device (30) containing a first motor (35) is provided for displacing the BE2016 / 0121 support element (16) in the clamping direction (14), in particular the first drive device (30) comprising a first eccentric (31) driven to rotate around a first drive shaft (32) perpendicular to the clamping direction (14 ). The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the first drive device (30) further includes a first transfer element (33) slidably mounted, the first eccentric (31) driving the first transfer element (33) about the first transfer element ( 33) to move back and forth in the clamping direction (14) when the first eccentric (31) is rotated. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the first transfer element (33) is a first frame, the first eccentric (31) being arranged inside the first frame, and in particular a wear protection ring (34) between the first eccentric (31) and the first frame are provided. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, therefore Characterized in that a second drive device (50) containing a second motor (55) is provided for displacing the opener element (40) in the feed direction (15), in particular the second drive device (50) having a second eccentric (51) driven to rotate around a second drive shaft (52) 25 is substantially perpendicular to the feed direction (15). The device according to claim 11, characterized in that the second drive device (50) further comprises a second transfer element (53) which is slidably mounted, 30, the second eccentric (51) driving the second transfer element (53) back and forth about the second transfer element (53) BE2016 / 0121 in the feed direction (15) when turning the second eccentric (51). The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the second transfer element (53) is a second frame, the second eccentric (51) being arranged inside the second frame, and in particular a wear protection ring (54) between the second eccentric (51) and the second frame is provided. Weaving machine containing a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Method for clamping weft threads with a device (1) comprising at least one clamping unit (20, 21), a support element (16), and an opener element (40) with at least one finger (41, 42, 43), the at least one clamping unit (20, 21) contains a stop element (26, 27) fixedly mounted on the support element (16), at least one clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) which is movably mounted on the support element (16) and is mounted on one side of the stop element (26, 27), and at least one force element (28, 29), the at least one clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) together with the stop element (26, 27) a clamp ( 60, 61, 62, 63), wherein the force element (28, 29) forces the clamping elements (22, 23, 24, 25) towards the stop element (26, 27), and each clamping element (22, 23, 24 , 25) rotatably mounted on the support member (16) about a pivot axis (17, 18) perpendicular to a clamping direction (14), the method comprising moving the support member graft (16) relative to the opener element (40) in a clamping direction (14) while the opener element (40) is arranged in an operating position, with the at least one finger (41, 42, 43) holding one of the clamping elements BE2016 / 0121 (22, 23, 24, 25) cooperates to rotate said clamping element (22, 23, 24, 25) around the axis of rotation (17, 18) against the force of the at least one force element (28, 29) open the corresponding clamp (60, 61, 62, 63). 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