EP1552048B1 - Method for holding a weft yarn, jet weaving machine comprising a clamping device for the weft yarn, particularly serving to carry out this method, and cartridge provided in the form of an exchangeable modular unit for placing inside the mixing tube of a jet weaving machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In a jet weaving machine, the clamping device (1) for clamping the weft yarn (2) is situated between two mixing tube sections (5, 6). The housing (10) forms a chamber (9) in which a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) have two lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) is located whose free ends (8a, b) point in the direction of insertion (7) of the weft yarn. The entire mixing tube (3) is located behind an injector that is not depicted. A pressure medium supply (16) is connected to the chamber (9) and is connected to a pressure source via pressure medium lines (19, 20) and via a directional control valve (17). In the depicted position of the directional control valve (17), the pressure is exerted upon the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) so that the free ends (8a, b) of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) move inward and hold the weft yarn (2) by clamping. In addition, a piezoelectric or magnetic control of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) is provided.

Description

The invention relates to a method for holding and releasing a weft thread in the region of the main blowing nozzle of a jet loom, in particular air jet loom, wherein the weft is clamped before its entry in a shed formed by warp sheds in the direction of entry to an injector of the Hauptblasdüse and released shortly before its entry.

The invention also relates to a jet loom, in particular air jet loom with multicolor weft insertion for carrying out the method, with at least one Hauptblasdüse comprising an injector with subsequent mixing tube, and with a clamping device for clamping a weft thread in the mixing tube or directly at the outlet opening of the mixing tube.

DE 32 00 638 A1 discloses a method and a jet loom of this type as known. In this case, connects to the Hauptblasdüse a mixing tube in which there is a clamping device for clamping the weft thread. The clamping device is arranged in the region of the outlet end of the mixing tube, in which the weft thread passes into the shed. The clamping device may consist of a slide which is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mixing tube as a lifting member and clamps the weft thread located in the mixing tube between the passage opening of the slide and the inner wall of the mixing tube. Another embodiment provides a transversely displaceable punch which presses the weft thread against the inner wall of the mixing tube. Finally, a further embodiment of the known clamping device is provided, according to which a portion of the mixing tube is formed as an elastic intermediate piece. The intermediate piece is to be compressed by two diametrically opposed lifting members, when they are moved against each other. The weft thread is clamped by the compressed elastic intermediate piece.

In the first and the second embodiment of the clamping device of this known air-jet weaving machine, the weft thread is displaced laterally during clamping, that is no longer in the central longitudinal axis of the mixing tube. Also in the third embodiment, this phenomenon is to be feared because only two lifting members are provided for compressing the elastic intermediate piece, the compression is therefore not strict can be centrally symmetric. A position of the weft thread outside the longitudinal center of the mixing tube prepares difficulties in the subsequent entry of the weft thread in the shed.

All variants of the clamping device of the known air jet loom according to DE 32 00 638 A1 has in common that the clamping device consists of mechanical actuators and must be mechanically operated. A mechanical drive requires a certain installation space and can not work vibration-free. It is already pointed critically to the state of the art on the possibility of uncontrolled pivoting movements, which can perform the free end of the mixing tube when operating the thread clamp. Since the available space for a larger number of closely juxtaposed mixing tubes is very limited, especially in multi-colored weft insertion, the known solution can not be readily carried out in practice. In addition, mechanical vibrations or vibrations of the mixing tubes damage the precise function of such jet looms.

EP 0 022 226 B1 deals with another known jet loom in which a mechanical clamping device is also provided with a mechanical drive. Immediately at the end of the mixing tube is a solid support on which slides in the weft thread passes. Further, a spiral spring is arranged, whose inner end is rotated by an axis which is parallel to the axis of the mixing tube. The spiral is thus clamped in a plane transverse to the weft. Her free end presses elastically yielding the weft against the mentioned solid support. The axis which rotates the spiral is driven by means of two rotary levers via a shaft fixedly connected to the machine frame. With this clamping device, the weft thread is retained after completion of the weft insertion and before the cutting of the inserted weft thread and released again at the beginning of the next weft insertion.

The known clamping device according to EP 0 022 226 B1 has several weak points. Namely, if the resilient end of the spiral pushes the weft yarn against the solid support surface only with slight pressure, so the yarn is spared. But there is a risk that the resilient end of the spiral will be taken laterally and bent over time. In a more stable design of the resilient end or a solid guide the entire spiral, however, is to be feared that the weft thread is damaged during clamping. In addition, even in this embodiment, a central guidance of the weft thread in the longitudinal axis of the mixing tube is not guaranteed.

Either the weft thread must constantly rest against the support, so that it is constantly exposed to sliding and abrasion stress. Or there is a greater distance between the fixed support surface and the weft thread, but then the weft thread is displaced significantly laterally during clamping. The mechanical operation by means of a separate drive shaft and two rotary lever also requires a lot of space and can not work vibration-free. A multiple arrangement of several main blowing nozzles and mixing tubes is therefore difficult to imagine. Quite certainly vibrations and transverse vibrations are inevitable in such a drive. A control by means of a rotary shaft is also expensive to build.

It is also part of the expert knowledge to keep the weft in the mixing tube stretched by holding air alone. This is a safe method to guide the weft exactly in the longitudinal center of the mixing tube, so that it has an optimal position for subsequent entry into the shed. Since, in particular, when weaving patterns a single weft thread is often to hold longer time intervals in the mixing tube, this method requires to keep the weft thread, a continuous stream of holding air and thus a considerable expenditure of energy. In addition, it has been found that certain yarns are modified by hold-up hold, i. H. be adversely affected in their properties.

The invention is therefore the object of the above-mentioned method and said jet loom to modify such that it is possible to keep the weft with as little or no holding air behind the injector in a gentle way and centrally stretched, with a space-saving and possible vibration-free design with a compact multiple arrangement of Hauptblasdüsen and mixing tubes is possible and the holding device works wear-free and reliable over long periods of operation.

The solution of this problem with regard to the method is carried out by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments associated with this method are specified in claims 2 to 6.

With regard to the jet loom, the solution of the stated object is contained in claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of this jet loom according to the invention are the subject matter of claims 8 to 25.

Finally, the invention also includes a specified in the claims 26 to 28 cartridge as a replaceable unit for insertion into the mixing tube of a jet loom. This cartridge according to the invention is based on advantageous structural details that characterize the inventive jet loom.

The solution according to the invention with regard to the method thus consists according to claim 1 in a method for holding and releasing a weft thread in the region of the main blowing nozzle of a jet loom, in particular air jet loom, wherein the weft before its entry in a formed by warp shed in the insertion direction after an injector of the main blowing nozzle clamped and only shortly before its entry is released, and wherein the clamping and releasing of the weft thread by the spring against each other laying, aligned in the entry direction of the weft free ends of two lamellar clamping parts, of which at least one lamellar clamping member in its position by controllable means opposite the other lamellar clamping part is adjustable.

The inventively provided lamellar clamping parts whose free ends are resiliently against each other and are aligned in the insertion direction of the weft thread, form reliable clamping parts of low mass, which can be controlled inertia and precise. As a result of the orientation of their free ends in the insertion direction of the weft yarn they are stressed in their longitudinal direction and thus statically favorable, so that they can exert a considerable clamping force even with a lighter design. In addition, when aligned in the longitudinal direction of the weft yarn, a self-centering effect is achieved, because the weft thread, so to speak, pulls the lamellar clamping parts into the middle of the longitudinal axis of the mixing tube. The lamellar clamping parts are also controlled by simple means. Since the moving masses of the clamping parts are very small, there are no transverse vibrations or other mechanical shocks.

For their control, the lamellar clamp members may be connected by piezoelectric means. Or the adjustability can be achieved by the force of at least one acting on a lamellar clamping member electromagnetic means.

The two mentioned means for adjusting the lamellar clamping parts allow an exact yet compact design of the control device.

A preferred solution according to the invention with respect to the method according to claim 1, in contrast, in a method for holding and releasing a weft thread in the region of the main blowing nozzle of a jet loom, in particular air jet loom, wherein the weft prior to its entry in a warp shed formed by warp yarns in insertion directions after an injector of the Hauptblasdüse clamped and released only shortly before its entry, and wherein the clamping and releasing of the weft thread by the aligned in the insertion direction of the weft ends of two blade-like clamping parts, which are integrated in a pressure medium operated by a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle and on this one Exercise spring restoring force, in accordance with the pressurization of the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle of this either the spring restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts overcomes and their free in the muscle h Injagende ends clamped against the weft press or the release of the clamping action allows.

Also, this solution according to the invention thus has the already mentioned advantages that come about through the lamellar clamping parts. However, in this case they are integrated into a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle actuated by a pressure medium. While in the above-mentioned known clamping device, a flexible and elastic pipe section causes the clamping and is actuated from the outside by mechanical members, is provided in the invention that a flexible and elastic member, namely the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle, the mechanical members, namely lamellar clamping parts, adjusted when a pressure medium acts on the muscle. In contrast to the known solution, this results in a particularly low-wear mode of operation, because the weft thread no longer cooperates with an elastic wall part, but with the lamellar clamping parts, which are much better the inevitable friction grown on the weft. By controlling by means of a pressure medium, in particular by compressed air, there are further advantages in terms of the control of the entire machine, especially in air jet looms, in which compressed air is available anyway.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of this preferred method according to the invention, the pressure medium acts from the outside under pressure on the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle.

For accelerated cancellation of the clamping effect but can also be provided that the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle controlled from the outside under negative pressure and / or is pressurized from the inside with overpressure. The clamping effect is canceled very quickly, so that unnecessary friction phenomena between the weft on the one hand and the lamellar clamping parts or the muscle itself are avoided on the other hand.

The method according to the invention corresponding jet loom is specified in the claim 7. This relates to a jet loom, in particular air jet loom with multicolor weft insertion for performing the method according to one of claims 1 to 6, with at least one Hauptblasdüse comprising an injector with subsequent mixing tube, with a clamping device for clamping a weft thread in the mixing tube or directly at the outlet opening of Mixing tube, wherein the clamping device has two blade-like clamping parts whose free, aligned in the insertion direction of the weft threads resiliently against each other and lead the weft thread between them, and with control devices, by the position of at least one of the two lamellar clamping parts relative to the other lamellar clamping part is adjustable.

Advantageous embodiments of this jet loom according to the invention are specified in claims 8 to 15. The prescribed in these claims control of the light lamellar clamping parts, the free, aligned in the insertion direction of the weft yarn ends resiliently against each other and lead the weft thread between them, can be advantageously adjusted with a piezoelectric control device or a magnetic control device. Obviously, such control devices can work very low in inertia and time, and also their construction cost and space requirements is very low. The clamping device with piezoelectric or magnetic control is therefore particularly suitable for the multiple arrangement in air jet looms for weaving patterns.

The method according to claim 4 corresponding preferred jet loom according to the invention is the subject of claim 16. This thus comprises a jet loom, with a Hauptblasdüse comprising an injector with subsequent mixing tube, with a clamping device for the weft, which serves as a central closure with a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle is formed and arranged in the mixing tube or directly at the outlet opening of the mixing tube, with a surrounding the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle chamber, which is acted upon by a pressure medium, and with two in the pneumatic or hydraulic hydraulic muscle integrated lamellar clamping parts made of elastic material, between the free, aligned in the entry direction of the weft ends of the weft thread is guided, in such an arrangement that in accordance with the pressurization of the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle this either the spring restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts overcomes and whose free projecting into the muscle ends presses against the weft thread clamping or the lifting of the clamping action under the action of the spring restoring force permits.

As has already been explained in the method according to claim 4, the advantages of a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle, so an elastic wall portion of the mixing tube, with which a controller connected by a pressure medium, where also the benefits of integrated into the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle added to lamellar clamping parts. The immediate interaction with the weft thread via the lamellar clamping parts, which are best grown by friction wear. They can be controlled very advantageously by the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle, in particular in a control by means of compressed air in the air jet loom, a combined overall control is possible only by compressed air and leads to a compact and not too expensive construction. Through the integration of the lamellar clamping parts in the muscle whose life is considerably extended.

The design of the lamellar clamping parts will usually be such that the clamping parts assume an extended position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mixing tube in the uninfluenced state. But if the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle is compressed by a pressure medium, the free ends of the lamellar clamping parts are pressed inwards against the weft. In the simplest case, it is sufficient if only one of the two clamping parts is displaced, but that results in a lateral displacement of the weft thread.

There is an almost point contact with the free ends of the lamellar clamping parts, with the weft thread between them. Since the lamellar clamping parts are made of resilient material, their pressing action on the weft thread remains elastically yielding, so that excessive stress on the weft thread is excluded.

Advantageous structural embodiments of the jet loom according to the invention according to claim 15 are specified in claims 16 to 25.

Thus, claims 16 and 17 are directed to the possibility that the surrounding the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle chamber is formed by the facing ends of two mixing pipe sections, said ends being screwed together by means of a coupling sleeve.

The claims 18 to 22 show details, according to which the clamping device can be carried out in the chamber in the form of a replaceable component in which a cartridge cage of the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle is pushed in the form of a tube, which then also the two on the cartridge cage attached lamellar clamping parts covered. For this purpose, the cartridge cage has perforations in the form of longitudinal slots, through which the clamping parts engage inwards and the muscle is compressed under the action of a pressure medium. The cartridge cage has a first and second cone, with which it rests sealingly with the interposition of the hose to corresponding conical inner regions of the first mixing pipe section. By means of the coupling sleeve of the cartridge cage is stretched axially in its longitudinal direction against the first mixing pipe section, whereby at the same time the operational position assurance and sealing of the second mixing pipe section relative to the first mixing pipe section is achieved.

Claims 23 to 25 are directed to group together several of the injector, mixing tube and clamping device according to claim 15 units to form a built-in module. By doing stitch and ring channels are formed for supplying the pressure medium and the hydraulic muscle in the built-in module, even with dense summary of these units results in an advantageous and compact control option for the entry of the weft threads and the clamping devices.

Finally, the claims 26 to 28 are directed to a cartridge as a replaceable unit for insertion into the mixing tube of a jet loom, wherein also advantageous embodiments are listed. The second construction according to the invention of the jet loom opens up the possibility of interchangeably arranging the essential parts of the clamping device, ie the lamellar clamping parts and the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle, on the cartridge cage as carrier. The correspondingly designed component of the cartridge is therefore a manageable valuable spare and individual part, the inventive significance.

Fig. 1

zeigt ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei ein Schussfaden klemmend gehalten ist.

Fig. 2

ist eine der Fig.1 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei die Klemmeinrichtung jedoch gelöst ist.

Fig. 3

gibt ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wieder, wobei wieder die Klemmstellung gezeigt ist.

Fig. 4

ist eine der Fig.3 entsprechende Darstellung bei gelöster Klemmeinrichtung.

Fig. 5

hat eine schematische Darstellung derjenigen Ausführungsform der Erfindung zum Gegenstand, bei der die Klemmeinrichtung durch ein Druckmedium betätigt wird.

Fig. 6

entspricht dem Schema der Fig.5, jedoch bei gelöster Klemmeinrichtung .

Fig. 7a

zeigt im Längsschnitt eine den Figuren 5 und 6 entsprechende Klemmeinrichtung in detaillierter technischer Ausführung.

Fig. 7b

ist ein Querschnitt längs der Linie B-B in Fig. 7a

In Fig. 8

ist eine Einzelheit aus den Fig.7a und 7b in perspektivischer Darstellung vergrößert herausgezeichnet.

Fig. 9

zeigt die gruppenweise Zusammenfassung mehrerer aus Injektor, Mischrohr und Klemmeinrichtung bestehenden Einheiten zu einem Einbaumodul.

Fig. 10

ist ein zu Fig. 9 gehörender senkrechter Teillängsschnitt; und

Fig. 11

gibt einen, bezogen auf Fig. 9, waagerecht verlaufenden Teillängsschnitt durch ein Einbaumodul wieder.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the following is shown:

Fig. 1

shows a first embodiment of the invention, wherein a weft thread is held clamped.

Fig. 2

is a representation corresponding to Figure 1, wherein the clamping device is solved, however.

Fig. 3

is another embodiment of the invention again, again the clamping position is shown.

Fig. 4

is a representation corresponding to Figure 3 with dissolved clamping device.

Fig. 5

is a schematic representation of that embodiment of the invention in the object in which the clamping device is actuated by a pressure medium.

Fig. 6

corresponds to the scheme of Figure 5, but with dissolved clamping device.

Fig. 7a

shows in longitudinal section a Figures 5 and 6 corresponding clamping device in detailed technical design.

Fig. 7b

is a cross section along the line BB in Fig. 7a

In Fig. 8

is a detail of Figures 7a and 7b drawn out in an enlarged perspective view.

Fig. 9

shows the groupwise summary of several consisting of injector, mixing tube and clamping units to a built-in module.

Fig. 10

is a belonging to Figure 9 vertical partial longitudinal section. and

Fig. 11

is one, based on Fig. 9, horizontally extending partial longitudinal section through a built-in module again.

To explain the inventive. Method and the associated jet loom according to a first embodiment of the invention, only the associated clamping device 1 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is located in a mixing tube 3. The mixing tube 3 connects to the injector of a Hauptblasdüse, not shown in Figure 1, which is located in the illustration of Figure 1 to the left of the mixing tube. The injector is used to enter a weft thread 2 by means of blowing air in the shed, which is also not shown in Figure 1 and is located to the right of the mixing tube 3. Before entering the shed, the weft thread 2 is clamped by means of the clamping device 1 in the mixing tube 3.

The clamping device 1 is arranged between a first mixing pipe section 5 and a second mixing pipe section 6. It has two diametrically opposite on the first mixing tube section 5 arranged lamellar clamping parts 4a, b made of elastic material. The free ends 8a, b of the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are aligned in the insertion direction of the weft thread according to the directional arrow 7 and clamp the weft thread 2 between the mixing pipe sections 5,6 approximately in the plane of the longitudinal center axis of the mixing tube. 3

Both clamping parts 4a, b are associated with controllable means. In the case of Figures 1 and 2, the piezoelectric means. They consist of piezo elements 13a, b, which are connected to the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b. The lamellar parts can also be designed as piezo elements themselves. According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the piezo elements 13a, b of the respective lamellar clamping part 4a, b are electrically actuated via lines 11a, b and 12a, b for clamping and releasing the weft thread 2.

In the illustrated arrangement of the clamping device 1 in the mixing tube 3, the two lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are enclosed by a chamber 9. The housing 10 of the chamber 9 connects the first mixing pipe section 5 axially with the second mixing pipe section 6. The lines 11 a, b and 12 a, b to the piezo elements 13 a, b are guided through the housing 10.

Depending on the direction of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements 13a, b, it is achieved that the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b hold the weft thread 2 in a clamping manner (FIG. 1) or release it (FIG.

In Figs. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are used for those parts which are unchanged from Figs. 1 and 2 as before. Also here is the

Clamping device 1 between a first mixing pipe section 5 and a second mixing pipe section 6 of the mixing tube 3, wherein the connection takes place axially through the housing 10 of a chamber 9. At the first mixing pipe section 5 are again diametrically opposed to each other two lamellar-shaped clamping members 4 a, b arranged from resilient material. Notwithstanding the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, however, magnetically-energized magnetic means are provided as magnetic coils 14a, b.

The operating principle of the clamping device 1 according to FIGS. 3 and 4 is based on the fact that the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b hold the weft thread 2 in a clamping manner due to their spring restoring force when the two magnet coils 14a, b are de-energized (FIG. To release the weft yarn 2, the magnetic forces of the coils 14a, b must overcome the spring restoring force of at least one of the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b and keep the clamping device 1 open for a predetermined period of time.

According to Figures 5 and 6, the problem underlying the invention is solved in a further modified manner. Again, with respect to the previous embodiments remained unchanged parts with the same reference numerals as previously designated. The clamping device 1 according to FIGS. 5 and 6 thus comprises a mixing tube 3 with a first mixing tube section 5 and a second mixing tube section 6. The two mixing tube sections 5, 6 are axially connected to one another by the housing 10 of a chamber 9. In the chamber, two lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are again arranged on the first mixing pipe section 5. The free ends 8 a, b of the clamping parts 4 a, b protrude in the direction of the weft insertion (directional arrow 7) into the chamber 9.

Notwithstanding the preceding embodiments, in the clamping device 1 according to Figures 5 and 6 in the chamber 9 and a central closure in the form of a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle 15 is arranged. It consists of a flexible and elastic material and pressure-tight connects the two mixing pipe sections 5 and 6 with each other. The two blade-like clamping parts 4a, b are integrated in the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle and exert on him a spring restoring force that holds the muscle in its initial position. This is shown in Figure 6 and causes the release position in which the weft thread 2 is not clamped.

The housing 10 of the chamber 9 furthermore has a pressure medium connection 16 which communicates via pressure medium lines 19, 20 and a directional control valve 17 with a pressure source 18.

Upon pressurization of the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle surrounding chamber 9, this overcomes the spring restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b. This is the case in the switching position of the directional control valve 18 shown in Figure 5. The free ends 8a, b of the protruding into the muscle 15 lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are then pressed against each other. As a result, the weft thread 2 guided between them is clamped. The clamping of the weft thread 2 can stop for any length of time, so that a threading out of a particular elastic weft thread 2 from the main nozzle in pattern-controlled weaving or interrupting the weaving process does not take place.

By controlled switching of the directional control valve 17 from the switching position A to the switching position B, a pressure relief of the muscle 15 takes place. Due to this, the spring restoring force of the clamping parts 4a, b comes into action, which returns the muscle 15 in its initial position shown in Figure 6. The return can be accelerated by the fact that in the switching position B of the directional control valve 17, a connection to a vacuum source, for example to a vacuum pump. In addition, at the same time the mixing tube 3 and thus also the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle can be set from the inside under pressure. For this purpose, the compressed air can serve, which is anyway available for entry of the weft thread in the shed.

The illustration of FIGS. 5 and 6 is rather schematic. In contrast, FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8 show how a clamping device belonging to the invention is realized by technical means.

Figure 7a shows a longitudinal section through the Hauptblasdüse with a part 5, which acts as a first mixing pipe section 5 and the second mixing pipe section 6. In this embodiment, a separate housing 10 is omitted for the chamber 9. Rather, the chamber for the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle as part of the first mixing pipe section 5 is formed. The second mixing pipe section 6 is a tube on which a coupling sleeve 21 is rotatable and displaceable. The coupling sleeve consists in the illustrated embodiment of a plastic and is provided with a threaded portion on which there is an external thread (at 23). With this external thread, the coupling sleeve 21 engages in a receiving opening 22 of the first mixing pipe section 5, which has an enlarged diameter in this area. At 23, the screw connection between the receiving opening 22 and the coupling sleeve 21 is designated. In a portion of its length, the coupling sleeve 21 has outside a polygonal section, which serves for applying a tool during rotation of the coupling sleeve 21. Of the Polygonal section can be formed for example by flats 40 on an otherwise cylindrical part, see. Fig. 9.

At the receiving opening 22 of the first mixing pipe section 5 closes inwardly the chamber 9, whose inner diameter is increased compared to that of the actual mixing tube. In the chamber, the clamping device is used with the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle already described. The clamping device is designed here in the form of a cartridge. This cartridge consists of the cartridge cage 25, the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b and the tube 31, which serves here as a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle.

In the longitudinal direction and in the illustration according to FIG. 7 a, progressing from left to right, the cartridge cage 25 initially has a short cylindrical guide collar 26, with which it is guided inside in the first mixing tube section 5. Subsequent to the cylindrical guide collar 26 is followed by a first cone 27, which then merges into an elongated cylindrical central portion 28. To the cylindrical central part, a second cone 29 connects. In the cylindrical central portion 28 diametrically opposite two longitudinal slots 30a, b are excluded. In alignment with these longitudinal slots, the two lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are fastened in the remaining area of the cylindrical guide collar. They consist of resilient metal tongues, in any case of a wear-resistant metallic material. They are fastened flat against the remaining area of the cylindrical central part, for example by brazing, welding or gluing. The lamellar clamping parts 4a, b are narrower than the longitudinal slots 30a, b and can thus be pushed inwardly in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the cartridge cage through the longitudinal slots. However, under the influence of their spring restoring force, the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b assume a straight-line extended position running parallel to the outer circumference of the cylindrical middle part 28.

In particular, Figure 7b shows that the hose 31 with dissolved clamping device a radial distance from the resilient clamping parts 4a, b complies. This is true at least over most of the width of the clamping parts. The lamellar clamping parts are at most with their longitudinal edges slightly on the hose. Since a flat contact of hose and lamellenartigem clamping part is avoided in this way, even a "sticking" of the lamellar clamping parts on the hose does not materialize. As a result, hysteresis phenomena are avoided, and the lamellar clamping parts can be controlled very accurately in time from the release position to the clamping position and vice versa.

For assembly, the tube 31, for example, a cylindrical piece of silicone tubing, on the first cone, the cylindrical center part and the second cone on the cartridge cage 25 is pushed. It is then located at a radial distance from the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b. The cartridge cage 25 is then inserted - in Figure 7a - in the direction from right to left in the chamber 9 of the first mixing tube section 5 until the cylindrical guide collar engages in a customized cylindrical recess in the first mixing tube section 5. The tube 31 covers the first cone 27 and the second cone 29 and is pressed by this against corresponding conical recesses in the first mixing tube section 5. A contact pressure is achieved by tightening the coupling sleeve 21, which presses the cartridge cage 25 inwards with the interposition of a sealing ring 24. The axial pressing the cartridge cage inwardly into the first mixing tube section causes a sealing compression of the tube 31 in the region of the two cones 27 and 29. At the same time while the cartridge cage 29 is pressed against the end of the second mixing tube section 6, so that this non-rotatably and immovably in the first Mixture pipe section 5 is held.

The clamping device is now ready for operation. By supplying compressed air via one or more pressure medium connections 16, the tube 31 is compressed in the chamber 9. He thus applies inwardly to the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b and presses their free ends 8a, b inwardly in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the mixing tube. A weft thread located in the mixing tube is thereby held in a clamping manner.

With 32, 33 and 34 O-rings are referred to, which allow a sealing insertion into a built-in module 30 of the jet looms. With 35 of the injector located in front of the mixing tube is referred to, which is in two parts in the illustrated embodiment.

The advantage of the construction shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8 is that the cartridge consisting of the cartridge cage, the lamellar clamping parts 4a, b and the hose 30 can be quickly removed or replaced at any time. For this purpose, only the coupling sleeve 21 needs to be unscrewed. In the case of clogging by dust, lint or in the case of wear of the lamellar clamping parts can thus be quickly remedied.

The perspective view according to FIG. 8 shows particularly clearly that the cartridge is a compact and relatively simply constructed component.

FIG. 9 shows in a three-dimensional representation how a plurality of units consisting of injector 35, mixing tube 3 and clamping device 1 can be combined in groups. According to FIG. 9, six such units are combined. To summarize a built-in module 36, which includes a base part 37 and a mounting plate 38.

The base part 37 is provided for this purpose with six insertion holes 43 into which the injectors 35 and the injector facing the beginning of the mixing tube is inserted sealingly. The mixing tube 3 also consists here of the part of the main blowing nozzle and the second mixing pipe section 6 formed as the first mixing pipe section 5. The clamping device 1 in the end region of the first mixing pipe section 5 is inserted in the form of the above-described cartridge with two resilient clamping parts and a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle , Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 9 that the coupling sleeves 21 are provided with flats 40, which facilitate the attachment of a tool for rotating the coupling sleeves.

Especially in the case of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuation of the clamping device, grouping together the mixing tubes with their injectors and clamping devices leads to very compact built-in modules. Thus, a larger number of main nozzles and mixing tubes for weaving patterns, especially multi-color patterns, can be easily gathered in a small space.

Figures 10 and 11 show further details of the built-in modules and their installations, in particular details for the supply of the print media. The embodiment shown is mainly for air jet looms with pneumatic actuation of the clamping device in question. For this purpose, branch channels 39 and annular channels 42 are provided, with which the compressed air or holding air for the weft threads is supplied to the injectors and the mixing tubes. With 16 again the already explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6 compressed air connection for the operation of the pneumatic muscle is called.

The O-rings 32, 33 and 34 already mentioned with reference to FIG. 7a once seal the first mixing pipe section 5 in the longitudinal bores 43 of the base part 37. In addition, by the O-ring 33 is a separation of those air streams to be supplied to the injector, of those that serve to control the clamping device 1. The well-accessible despite the close assembly coupling sleeves 21 allow relatively simple At any time exchange the cartridges with the hose 31 and the resilient clamping parts 4a, b. If necessary, but also the entire installation module 36 can be removed with the six units shown in the embodiment of injector, clamping device and holding tube.

Claims (28)

1. Method for holding and releasing a weft thread (2) in the region of the main air nozzle of a jet loom, especially an air jet loom, wherein, before its insertion into a shed formed by warp threads, the weft thread (2) is clamped in the insertion direction after an injector of the main air nozzle, characterised in that the weft thread (2) is released only just before its insertion, in that clamping and release of the weft thread (2) is effected by the free ends of two lamellar clamping parts (4a, b), the free ends lying resiliently against each other and being aligned in the insertion direction of the weft thread (2), the position of at least one lamellar clamping part (4a, b) being adjustable with respect to the other lamellar clamping part (4a, b) by controllable means.
2. Method according to claim 1, in which the adjustability is achieved by the force of at least one piezoelectric means connected to one of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b).
3. Method according to claim 1, in which the adjustability is achieved by the force of at least one electromagnetic means acting on a lamellar clamping part (4a, b).
4. Method according to claim 1, in which the controllable means comprise a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) activated by a pressure medium, wherein the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) are integrated in the muscle (15) and exert thereon a resilient restoring force, wherein in proportion to the pressurisation of the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) this either overcomes the resilient restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) and presses their free ends (8a, b) projecting into the muscle (15) towards the weft thread (2) to clamp the same, or allows the clamping action to be terminated.
5. Method according to claim 4, in which the clamping action of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) comes about through the action of the pressure medium from the outside under high pressure on the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15).
6. Method according to claim 5, in which for accelerated termination of the clamping action the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) is subjected in a controlled manner to the action of low pressure from the outside and/or is pressurized from the inside with high pressure.
7. Jet loom, especially an air jet loom with multicoloured weft insertion, for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having at least one main air nozzle, comprising an injector with adjoining mixing tube (3), having a clamping device (1) for clamping a weft thread (2) in the mixing tube or directly at the exit opening of the mixing tube (3), characterised in that the clamping device (1) comprises two lamellar clamping parts (4a, b), the free ends (8a, b) of which aligned in the insertion direction of the weft thread (2) lie resiliently against each other and guide the weft thread (2) between them, and having control means by which the position of at least one of the two lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) is adjustable with respect to the other lamellar clamping part (4a, b).
8. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which a magnetic control means is associated with at least one lamellar clamping part (4a, b).
9. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which at least one lamellar clamping part (4a, b) is in the form of a piezo element.
10. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) are arranged between two mixing tube portions (5, 6) of a mixing tube (3).
11. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) are arranged diametrically opposite with one free end at the exit opening of the mixing tube/mixing tube portion (5 or 6),
12. Jet loom according to claim 10, in which the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) are enclosed by a chamber (9) of a housing (10) joining the mixing tube portions (5, 6) axially together.
13. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) consist of wear-resistant metal material.
14. Jet loom according to any one of claims 7 to 13, in which the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) consist of wear-resistant magnetizable material.
15. Jet loom according to claim 7, in which the clamping device (1) for the weft thread (2) comprises a central closure with a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15), wherein a chamber (9) enclosing the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15) and pressurisable by a pressure medium is provided, wherein the two lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) of resilient material are integrated in the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15), namely in such an arrangement that, in proportion to the action of pressure on the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle (15), this either overcomes the resilient restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) and presses their free ends (8a, b) projecting into the muscle (15) towards the weft thread (2) to clamp the same, or allows the clamping action to be terminated under the action of the resilient restoring force.
16. Jet loom according to claim 15, in which the chamber (9) surrounding the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle is formed by an end region of enlarged diameter of the first mixing tube portion (5) and is in operation detachably connected to the second mixing tube portion (6).
17. Jet loom according to claim 16, having a coupling sleeve (21) rotatably arranged on the second mixing tube portion (6), which coupling sleeve engages by means of a screw coupling (23) in a receiving opening (22) in the end region of the first mixing tube portion (5).
18. Jet loom according to any one of claims 15 to 17, having an exchangeable component in the form of a cartridge, which comprises the pneumatic or hydraulic muscle and the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b).
19. Jet loom according to claim 18, having a cartridge enclosure (25) in the form of a sleeve of annular cross-section as the body of the cartridge, with interruptions in the wall of the cartridge enclosure (25) for inward engagement therethrough of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) located on the cartridge enclosure (25), and having a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle in the form of a tube (31) located on the cartridge enclosure (25) and engaging over the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b).
20. Jet loom according to claim 19, in which the interruptions in the wall of the cartridge enclosure (25) are in the form of slots (30a, b).
21. Jet loom according to claim 19 or 20, having a lengthwise contour of the cartridge enclosure (25) in which, in the insertion direction (7) of the weft thread (2), adjoining a cylindrical guide collar (26) there is a first cone (27), following which there is a cylindrical middle portion (28) with the interruptions for the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b), and adjoining this finally a second cone (29), wherein the cylindrical guide collar (26) engages in an adapted cylindrical bore of the first mixing tube portion (5) and the first and the second cone (27, 29) are pressed via the intermediary of the tube (31) towards adapted conical inner regions of the first mixing tube portion (5).
22. Jet loom according to claim 21, with a construction of the cartridge enclosure (25) in the region of its second cone (29) such that axial pressing of the cartridge enclosure (25) into the receiving opening (22) of the first mixing tube portion (5) effected by the coupling sleeve (21) at the same time fixes the operative position of and seals the second mixing tube portion (6) with respect to the first mixing tube portion (5).
23. Jet loom according to any one of claims 15 to 22, in which a plurality of the units comprising injector (35), mixing tube (3) and clamping device (1) are combined in groups to form a plug-in module (36).
24. Jet loom according to claim 23 with plug-in modules (36), each of which includes a base part (37) with insertion bores (43), into which the injectors and/or the injector-side ends of the mixing tubes (3) are inserted in a sealed manner, and a fixing plate (38), the fixing plate (38) extending along the length of the mixing tubes (3).
25. Jet loom according to claim 24, having branch and annular channels (39, 42) in the base part (37) and/or the injector (35) for admission of the pressure media to the injector (35) and to the hydraulic muscle (15).
26. Cartridge as exchangeable modular unit for insertion into the mixing tube of a jet loom, especially an air jet loom, wherein the cartridge is in the form of a clamping device (1) for clamping a weft thread (2) with a cartridge enclosure (25) in the form of a sleeve of annular cross-section as the body of the cartridge, with interruptions in the wall of the cartridge enclosure (25) for inward engagement therethrough of resilient lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) located on the cartridge enclosure (25), and having a pneumatic or hydraulic muscle in the form of a tube (31) located on the cartridge enclosure (25) and engaging over the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b), in a construction such that in the installed state of the cartridge, in proportion to a pressurisation of the tube (31) by a pressure medium, the tube either overcomes the resilient restoring force of the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b) and presses their free ends (8a, b) projecting into the muscle (15) towards the weft thread (2) to clamp the same, or allows the clamping action to be terminated under the action of the resilient restoring force.
27. Cartridge according to claim 26, having a lengthwise contour of the cartridge enclosure (25) in which, in the insertion direction (7) of the weft thread (2), adjoining a cylindrical guide collar (26) there is a first cone (27), following which there is a cylindrical middle portion (28) with the interruptions for the lamellar clamping parts (4a, b), and adjoining this finally a second cone (29), wherein the cylindrical guide collar (26) and the first and the second cone (27, 29) are designed to co-operate by means of complementary mating surfaces in a mixing tube portion (5) of the air jet loom to effect a centring action and, via the intermediary of the tube (31), to effect a seal.
28. Cartridge according to claim 26 or 27, in which the free ends (8a, b) of the resilient clamping elements (4a, b) are located spaced from the tube (31) in the disengaged state of the clamping device (1).

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