EP2318580B1 - Storage element for weft thread - Google Patents
Storage element for weft thread Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2318580B1 EP2318580B1 EP09777200A EP09777200A EP2318580B1 EP 2318580 B1 EP2318580 B1 EP 2318580B1 EP 09777200 A EP09777200 A EP 09777200A EP 09777200 A EP09777200 A EP 09777200A EP 2318580 B1 EP2318580 B1 EP 2318580B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- storage element
- cavity
- weft thread
- outlet
- inlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D03—WEAVING
- D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
- D03D47/00—Looms in which bulk supply of weft does not pass through shed, e.g. shuttleless looms, gripper shuttle looms, dummy shuttle looms
- D03D47/34—Handling the weft between bulk storage and weft-inserting means
- D03D47/36—Measuring and cutting the weft
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H51/00—Forwarding filamentary material
- B65H51/20—Devices for temporarily storing filamentary material during forwarding, e.g. for buffer storage
- B65H51/205—Devices for temporarily storing filamentary material during forwarding, e.g. for buffer storage by means of a fluid
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D03—WEAVING
- D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
- D03D47/00—Looms in which bulk supply of weft does not pass through shed, e.g. shuttleless looms, gripper shuttle looms, dummy shuttle looms
- D03D47/28—Looms in which bulk supply of weft does not pass through shed, e.g. shuttleless looms, gripper shuttle looms, dummy shuttle looms wherein the weft itself is projected into the shed
- D03D47/30—Looms in which bulk supply of weft does not pass through shed, e.g. shuttleless looms, gripper shuttle looms, dummy shuttle looms wherein the weft itself is projected into the shed by gas jet
- D03D47/3006—Construction of the nozzles
- D03D47/3013—Main nozzles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D03—WEAVING
- D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
- D03D47/00—Looms in which bulk supply of weft does not pass through shed, e.g. shuttleless looms, gripper shuttle looms, dummy shuttle looms
- D03D47/34—Handling the weft between bulk storage and weft-inserting means
- D03D47/36—Measuring and cutting the weft
- D03D47/368—Air chamber storage devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
- B65H2701/31—Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments
Description
- The invention relates to a storage element, more particularly to a storage element with a cavity delimited by sidewalls for storing weft thread for a weaving machine, the storage element comprising an inlet for supplying weft thread to the cavity and an outlet positioned opposite the inlet for removing weft thread from the cavity, the transverse width of the cavity decreases in size in the longitudinal direction of the cavity toward the outlet. The invention also relates to a device for feeding weft thread to a weaving machine comprising a storage element according to the invention. The invention also relates to a weaving machine comprising a device for feeding weft thread according to the invention. The invention also relates to a method for feeding weft thread in a weaving machine according to the invention.
- A device for feeding or supplying weft threads to a shed of an airjet weaving machine is for example known from
US 4,947,898 orUS 4,821,781 . In this case, this device comprises a storage element, also referred to as an accumulator or supply store or storage unit, which displays a cylindrical shape or tubular shape and which is provided with openings. According toUS 4,947,898 orUS 4,821,781 , the storage element is provided with a cavity and a clamp element for a weft thread which is attached in proximity to the outlet of the cavity, which can be closed for storing a weft thread and which can be opened for releasing the weft thread. A blowing device, also referred to as a nozzle or injector, blows a weft thread into the cylindrical storage element, the openings causing the weft thread to stack up in the tubular storage element in windings. A device of this type allows a weft thread to be stored in the storage element under low tension, so that the weft thread can be removed from the storage element under low tension, allowing higher weaving speeds to be reached or weft thread to be brought into the shed with less air consumption and lower tension. - As the weft thread stacks up in this case in the storage element in the form of windings, plugs, which may also be referred to as bundles, can be formed. As described in
CH 678 865 -
WO 86/07102 -
US 3,712,526 describes a storage element with a flat cavity having parallel sidewalls. The cavity is arched and perforations are provided at the level of the bottom wall. The outlet opening is smaller than the transverse width of the cavity at the outlet, and plugs can be formed during the removing of weft thread from the storage element. InUS 3,712,526 the cavity displays a perforated bottom wall through which air can escape from the cavity. The outlet of the cavity can be closed by a closure element which impedes an air flow along the outlet of the cavity, but which allows the passage of weft thread. The closure element is mounted in a horizontally arranged groove extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the storage element. -
GB 2092188 - It is an object of the invention to form a storage element which can prevent plugs from leaving the storage element, which plugs can cause faults in the woven material, such as loops in the weft thread which are woven into the woven material. It is a further object of the invention to provide a device for feeding weft threads and a weaving machine with an associated storage element.
- This object is achieved by a storage element with a cavity delimited by sidewalls for storing weft thread, weft thread being supplied via an inlet in the storage element and being removed from the storage element via an outlet positioned opposite the inlet, weft thread being stored between the sidewalls in the cavity, the transverse width between the sidewalls of this cavity decreasing slightly in the longitudinal direction of the cavity in the direction from the inlet toward the outlet, the cavity having a substantially flat shape and the transverse width between the sidewalls of the cavity decreasing slightly in the direction toward the outlet, so that the weft thread stored between the sidewalls in the cavity is prevented by the sidewalls of the cavity from moving in the cavity in the direction from the inlet to the outlet. The flat shape and the sidewalls, which approach each other slightly in the direction toward the outlet, of the cavity allow weft thread to be stored in a zigzag pattern with a number of zigzag loops between the sidewalls in the cavity, each zigzag loop being prevented by the sidewalls, which approach each other slightly in the direction toward the outlet, from moving through the cavity in the direction toward the outlet. Over the length of the storage element, this allows each part of a weft thread stored in the cavity of the storage element to be prevented by the sidewalls of the cavity of the storage element from moving through the storage element. The flat shape of the cavity is above all advantageous for the storing, ordered in a zigzag fashion, of weft thread in the cavity while the weft thread is supplied into the cavity. The term "flat" refers in this case to the fact that the height is sufficiently low to prevent weft thread from being stored in windings; in practice, this means that, in the case of weft threads such as are used in airjet weaving machines, the height is of the order of magnitude of 1.2 mm and preferably less than 1.4 mm.
- The sidewalls of the cavity are slightly inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cavity, so that the transverse width decreases slightly toward the outlet. According to the invention, a "slight inclination" is defined as an inclination having an angle of not more than 8°, preferably not more than 5°, and in particular an angle of less than 3° between the sidewalls of the cavity.
- Preferably, a clamp element for a weft thread is arranged in proximity to the outlet of the storage element, which clamp element can be closed prior to the storing of weft thread in the storage element and can be opened for removing weft thread from the storage element. The clamp element can also serve to close the storage element in proximity to the outlet. A method of controlling the clamp element and/or a method for controlling the storing and the removing of weft thread in and out of the storage element can take place as described in for example
US 4,947,898 . - By providing a storage element with a relatively narrow or flat cavity displaying a slightly decreasing transverse width toward the outlet, each weft thread stored in zigzag loops in the cavity can be prevented from advancing in packages toward the outlet. The storage element according to the invention offers the advantage that each part of the weft thread stored in the storage element is held in place during removal thereof from the storage element, so that during the removal of weft thread from the cavity of the storage element the formation of yarn packages, plugs, knots or loops is prevented which pass through the storage element or leave the storage element and which can still be present in the woven material after the insertion of the weft thread into a shed. As the transverse width of the cavity decreases just slightly, the part of the weft thread which is removed from the cavity hardly enters into contact with the sidewalls of the storage element, so that there is produced at the level of the sidewalls no friction which can impede the removal of weft thread from the storage element. The fact that the sidewalls of the storage element converge toward one another to a limited extent from the inlet to the outlet allows the weft thread still to be stored, ordered in a zigzag fashion, between the sidewalls. The term "storing, ordered in a zigzag fashion" means that weft threads are stored without weft threads being placed partly over one another.
- The converging arrangement of the sidewalls prevents parts of the weft threads in the form of a yarn package or a plug from being able to advance into the narrowing storage element because the distance between the sidewalls of the cavity decreases continuously toward the outlet and in this way each yarn package is held in place. This prevents the weft threads in the form of a yarn package or plug from being able to move to the outlet of the storage element. The narrowing cross section allows the part of the weft threads that is positioned in proximity to the inlet in the storage element to be held in place, while weft thread is removed via the outlet. This is above all advantageous if, during the removal of weft thread, weft thread is still supplied to the storage element by means of the blowing device. This means that it is possible to supply weft thread into the cavity via the inlet, while weft thread stored in the cavity is already removed from the cavity via the outlet. The blowing device, which is arranged in proximity to the inlet of the storage element, forces the weft thread in the direction of movement from the inlet to the outlet; this is also advantageous for preventing parts of weft threads from coming to lie one above another.
- The invention also offers the advantage that weft thread stored in the storage element at low tension can be brought into a shed at low tension or at higher speed. In airjet weaving machines, this allows inter alia the weaving speed to be increased or the consumption of compressed air necessary for inserting a weft thread to be lowered. The consumption of compressed air can be lowered by lowering the pressure of the compressed air and/or by reducing the amount of compressed air supplied.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the transverse width between the sidewalls of the cavity decreases continuously from the inlet to the outlet of the cavity. The decreasing from the inlet toward the outlet allows the storage element to be embodied in a simple manner. Preferably, the sidewalls of the cavity of the storage element are embodied so as to narrow conically from the inlet to the outlet. A storage element narrowing conically in this way prevents a yarn package from advancing during the filling and/or during the emptying of the storage element. This means that, as a result of the conically narrowing part, the loops of the weft thread which are stored in the cavity in a zigzag fashion are held in place by the sidewalls of the storage element. According to an alternative, the sidewalls are provided with steps, the transverse width between the sidewalls of the cavity decreasing discontinuously or in stages. The provision of walls with steps can be advantageous for preventing stored weft thread, more particularly loops of weft thread stored in a zigzag fashion, from being able to advance through the cavity.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the sidewalls of the cavity are arranged in such a way that, viewed from above, the cavity displays a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape. This is simple to carry out. In order to promote the laying of weft thread in the cavity in zigzag form, the transverse width of the cavity is in this case embodied so as to be relatively narrow in proximity to the outlet, in such a way that the long side of the zigzag shape is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the weft thread or to the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The transverse width of the cavity in proximity to the outlet is narrower than the transverse width of the inlet of the cavity. The outlet should however be sufficiently large in order not to obstruct a weft thread when said weft thread is removed from the cavity and to prevent friction of the weft thread with the outlet. A relatively small transverse width in proximity to the outlet is also advantageous to promote starting of the storage of weft thread in the cavity in a zigzag fashion, while a larger transverse width in proximity to the inlet allows more weft thread to be stored in the storage element; this can be important for example in wider weaving machines.
- According to one embodiment, the height of the cavity of the storage element also decreases slightly in the longitudinal direction of the cavity toward the outlet. According to a simple embodiment, the height between the upper wall and the bottom wall increases conically from the inlet toward the outlet. This decreasing height of the cavity allows reliable ordering of the weft thread in a zigzag pattern during storage, is advantageous for preventing overlapping of the zigzag loops and is advantageous for preventing the advancement of packages of weft thread. This is also advantageous for preventing a yarn package or plug from passing through the storage element. According to one embodiment, the height between the upper wall and the bottom wall can be adjusted. Use may be made in this case of thickness plates or adjusting screws. The use of thickness plates is advantageous in order to attach the upper wall and the bottom wall at a defined distance from each other. The thickness plates can be embodied both in a beam-shaped manner and with a substantially continuous variable thickness in their longitudinal direction.
- In a storage element according to the invention, a small space at the level of the outlet also offers the advantage that the weft thread can be stored in zigzag form without risk at the level at the outlet. In this case, the relatively larger space in proximity to the inlet offers the advantage that, as a result, a relatively large amount of weft thread can be stored in the storage element. The dimensions in proximity to the outlet should however be sufficiently large in order not to impede the removal of weft threads, while the dimensions in proximity to the inlet should be sufficiently limited in order also to allow the weft threads to be stored, ordered in zigzag form. Tests have revealed that a weft thread which is stored, ordered in a zigzag fashion in the cavity, is arranged centrally in the cavity during removal from the cavity and substantially does not rub with the sidewalls and the outlet of the storage element.
- According to one embodiment, the sidewalls of the cavity are formed by plates, the height of the cavity being defined by the thickness of the plates. In one embodiment, the plates have a slightly conical shape in order to allow the formation of a cavity, the height of which decreases toward the outlet. The dimensions of the cavity, more particularly of the plates, can be selected as a function of the properties of the weft thread to be woven.
- For weft threads as used in conventional woven materials, the transverse width at the inlet can be selected so as to be of the order of magnitude of between 7 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 8 mm and 9 mm. In this case, the transverse width at the outlet can be selected so as to be of the order of magnitude of between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm. The length of the cavity can be about 100 mm, while the height of the cavity can be selected so as to be of the order of magnitude of between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. In proximity to the inlet, the height can be less than 1.5 mm, for example 1.2 mm, while in proximity to the outlet the height can be greater than 0.5 mm, for example 0.8 mm. These preferred dimensions are suitable for most of the conventional weft threads woven using airjet weaving machines. The height of the cavity, more particularly the height between the upper wall and the bottom wall, in one embodiment is selected so as to allow knots or thickenings which are locally present in a weft thread to be able to pass through the cavity of the storage element according to the invention.
- According to one embodiment, the upper wall and/or the bottom wall and/or the sidewalls of the cavity of the storage element are embodied so as to be air-permeable. Preferably, the storage element comprises an upper wall and a bottom wall, openings or perforations being formed in the upper wall and/or in the bottom wall in order to assist the storing or the filling of the cavity with weft thread in a zigzag pattern. The openings or perforations cover for example between 10 % and 20 % of the wall surface area. In this case, preferably both the upper wall, the bottom wall and the sidewalls are provided with perforations. In one embodiment, the perforations have a diameter of between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm. The perforations should be sufficiently small to prevent the weft thread from being able to penetrate or enter the perforations. The perforations should be sufficiently large to allow compressed air or dust to be removed through the perforations. The perforations should also be embodied so as to be smooth in order not to impede the removal of dust. Preferably, the perforations in the direction of movement of the weft thread, i.e. from the inlet to the outlet of the storage element, are distributed in a selected pattern. This pattern can be selected, for example so as to be constant, variable, uniform or non-uniform.
- The perforations in proximity to the outlet are advantageous in order to bring the weft thread, during storage in the storage element, to the outlet of the storage element, while perforations in proximity to the inlet are advantageous in order to allow compressed air and dust to escape when the storage element is already partly filled. The air-permeability of the storage element is above all advantageous in order to fill the storage element with weft thread, more particularly in order to store the weft thread in an ordered fashion in the storage element.
- According to one embodiment, the storage element comprises openings in the sidewalls. In this case, provision may be made to blow compressed air into the storage element via the openings in the sidewalls. This can influence the flow of air in the storage element, in such a way that weft thread is introduced into and stored in the storage element in a more ordered fashion in a zigzag pattern.
- According to one embodiment, the storage element comprises a movably arranged wall, for example a rotatably supported upper wall. In this case, this wall can be opened in order to clean the storage element. For this purpose, a pivot axis preferably is formed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity in order to allow the wall to revolve in relation to this pivot axis. According to one embodiment, a wall, for example the upper wall, is transparent in order to allow visual inspection.
- The object is also achieved by a device comprising a storage element according to the invention and a blowing device, the blowing device being arranged in proximity to the inlet of the storage element for feeding weft thread to the storage element and for blowing weft thread from the inlet to the outlet of the storage element.
- According to one embodiment, the blowing device comprises a tube, the outlet of which is arranged in proximity to the inlet of the storage element, also referred to as the fill tube, in order to blow a weft thread to and into the storage element. A fill tube of this type in one embodiment has a shape of a tube for a conventional main nozzle of an airjet weaving machine, and can be embodied both cylindrically as conically. Preferably, a fill tube of this type is embodied so as to diverge conically in the direction toward the outlet, such as a tube of a main nozzle used in airjet weaving machines. Preferably, the tube is sufficiently long to be able to blow weft thread into the storage element at a uniform air flow; for example, the tube can display a length of between 100 mm and 300 mm, for example 200 mm. A uniform flow of air is advantageous for the ordering of weft thread in a zigzag fashion in the storage element.
- The force of the air flow from the blowing device should be sufficient in order to blow a weft thread as rapidly as necessary into the storage element, but may not be too strong in order to prevent weft threads from being blown onto one another during the stacking-up of weft thread in the storage element. Furthermore, the force is selected so as not to be too strong so that the weft thread is not blown to the outlet when the stored weft thread has already been removed from the storage element. The sidewalls, which narrow slightly toward one another in the direction toward the outlet, of the storage element according to the invention allow blowing to be carried out at greater force, without weft threads being blown onto one another or being blown through the storage element during the removal of the weft thread. Preferably, the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the blowing device, the flow rate of compressed air which is supplied to the storage element and the blowing time can be adapted to the weft thread, to the weaving speed, to other conditions and the like.
- According to one embodiment, the blowing device can also comprise elements and can be arranged in order to blow compressed air along the sidewalls of the storage element. A blowing device of this type can blow via openings in the sidewalls. By blowing compressed air into the cavity along the sidewalls, the stacking-up of weft thread in zigzag form and the removal of the weft thread stored in a zigzag fashion can be improved.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a transition element which is arranged between the blowing device and the storage element, more particularly which connects the outlet of the fill tube to the inlet of the storage element. In this case, this transition element, which may also be referred to as the transfer element, can connect to the outlet of the fill tube and to the inlet of the storage element. The storage element according to the invention is provided with a flat shape in proximity to the inlet, while the outlet or the end of the fill tube of the blowing device is cylindrical. This transition element forms a transition between the end of the blowing device and the flat inlet of the storage element. A transition element arranged between the fill tube and the storage element offers the advantage of providing a continuous flow of air from the fill tube to the storage element, allowing a weft thread to be brought into the storage element with an advantageous flow of air. A transition element serves to guide a flow of air and a weft thread from the fill tube of the blowing device to the storage element. The transition element also serves to prevent accumulation of dust between the blowing device and the storage element.
- According to one embodiment, the walls of the transition element are air-permeable, more particularly provided with openings. These openings are formed, in the direction of movement of the weft thread, substantially in the center of the transition element. Preferably, no openings are provided in proximity to the inlet and the outlet of the transition element. As the surface of the cross section of the outlet of the blowing device and the surface of the cross section of the inlet of the storage element usually differ in their embodiment, the cross section of the transition element will change continuously between the outlet of the blowing device and the inlet of the storage element. The openings in the transition element allow compressed air to escape and a build-up of pressure to be compensated for if the cross section of the transition element decreases, in the direction of movement of the weft thread, from the inlet to the outlet of the transition element. The openings should be sufficiently small to prevent weft thread from becoming caught in the transition element.
- According to one embodiment, the surface of the outlet of the blowing device and the surface of the inlet of the storage element have the same cross section, wherein the transition element preferably is embodied in such a way that the surface of the cross section of the transition element remains constant in the direction of movement of the weft thread. In this case, it is also possible to dispense with openings in the walls of the transition element.
- According to one embodiment, the transition element, which connects to the fill tube, is formed integrally with the fill tube. According to one embodiment, the transition element, which connects to the fill tube, is formed integrally with the storage element. According to one embodiment, the transition element is formed as a separate element and mounted between the fill tube and the storage element. Nothing prevents the transition element from being made to penetrate the storage element over a certain distance.
- According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one sensor to detect the feeding of the storage element with weft thread and/or the removal of weft thread from the storage element. Sensors can be attached along the storage element to measure the presence of weft thread at the level of a defined position, more particularly to measure at the level of the sensor. The information from these sensors can be used for controlling the main nozzles, relay nozzles and the blowing device according to the invention. If, as according to the invention, the advancing of the weft thread stored in a zigzag fashion in the storage element is prevented, sensors of this type provide reliable information and an effective control system can be obtained on the basis of information from sensors of this type.
- It is another object of the invention to form a storage element with a cavity wherein dust is prevented from accumulating in proximity to the cavity.
- This object is achieved by a storage element with a cavity delimited by walls for storing a weft thread, comprising an inlet for supplying weft thread to the cavity, an outlet positioned opposite the inlet for removing weft thread from the cavity and a closure device arranged in proximity to the outlet of the storage element for closing the outlet of the cavity, wherein the closure device can interact with a wall of the cavity for closing the outlet of the cavity and wherein the aforementioned wall is provided with an impact-compensating contact area for reducing an impact of the closure device on the aforementioned wall during closing of the outlet of the cavity.
- Providing a movable closure device which can interact with a wall of the cavity allows the outlet of the cavity to be closed in an air-tight manner. During the closing, the closure device can generate an impact on the aforementioned wall. In particular, if the storage element comprises a number of walls which are joined together to form a housing delimiting the cavity, an impact of this type can have the consequence that the wall on which the impact takes place would lift somewhat from the other walls, in other words would move over a small distance away from the other walls. In this case, a little compressed air would be able to escape between said walls. As a result of this escaping of compressed air, dust which moves along with said compressed air can accumulate between said walls, so that the distance between said wall and the other walls changes over the course of time. According to the invention, an impact-compensating contact area is provided to ensure that an impact is limited or that an impact does not spread or propagate through the storage element. The aforementioned invention prevents the wall on which the closure device exerts an impact from lifting somewhat. This prevents dust from being able to accumulate in proximity to the wall on which the closure device acts.
- Preferably, a split is formed in a pattern through the wall comprising the contact area. This split is preferably as narrow as possible to prevent weft threads from being able to enter the split. For example, the split can display a width of a few tenths of a millimeter, for example less than 0.4 mm, more particularly about 0.1 mm. If the split is formed with the aid of a laser, the width can be about 0.04 mm. The width can be selected as a function of the thickness of the associated wall. The shape of the pattern is in this case adapted to allow good reducing and/or good damping of the forces to be attributed to an impact. In the event of an impact, in this case only the impact-compensating contact area can lift somewhat, while the wall is prevented from lifting.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the wall provided with an impact-compensating contact area is formed by the upper wall of the storage element. In this case, this wall may be a movably arranged wall.
- In one embodiment, the closure device comprises a movable closing element which is formed for example by a plunger of a clamp element for clamping a weft thread in proximity to the outlet of the cavity of the storage element.
- According to one embodiment, at least a first wall of the cavity, for example the upper wall, is provided with openings through which air which has been blown into the cavity can escape. Preferably, all the openings provided in this first wall are formed in the region of the cavity. In other words, preferably, not one of the openings is partly or completely covered by for example parts in proximity to walls of the cavity. According to one embodiment, the cavity narrows, the cross section of the cavity decreasing in the longitudinal direction of the storage element toward the outlet of the cavity. When the cavity narrows, the openings can be formed for example in lines which are for example inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cavity.
- When weft thread is stored in the storage element and/or when weft thread is removed from the storage element, there is a risk that weft thread cannot be conveyed effectively through the storage element. According to one embodiment, sidewalls of the cavity are at least partly air-permeable; for example, the sidewalls are provided with openings. The openings are preferably connected to a compressed air source and compressed air can be blown into the cavity via the openings.
- It is another object of an invention to improve the forming of loops of weft thread in a cavity of a storage element according to the invention.
- This object is achieved by a storage element with a cavity delimited by walls for storing a weft thread, a first wall of the cavity, for example the upper wall, being provided with openings through which air blown into the cavity can escape, a second wall, positioned opposite the first wall, being air-permeable, more particularly the second wall being provided with openings or perforations, and the second wall being connected to a compressed air source to blow compressed air into the cavity.
- The openings or perforations preferably are formed by means of a laser. By blowing air into the cavity via the second wall, which is positioned opposite the first wall, the spreading or distribution of the air flow within the cavity is promoted. This improves the storing of weft thread in the cavity, more particularly the arrangement of the loops of weft thread next to one another. The flow of air out of the aforementioned openings can have a component which is directed toward the outlet of the storage element.
- When compressed air is blown into the cavity of the storage element via the inlet and/or via an air-permeable wall, it can occur, for example as a function of the type of weft thread being used, that the air cannot adequately escape from the cavity along the openings in the wall. In order to improve the guiding of the air in the cavity, according to one embodiment, in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, grooves for guiding air are formed at the level of a wall, for example in the second wall which is positioned opposite the first wall which is provided with openings through which air can escape from the cavity. Preferably, the second wall is in this case also at least partly air-permeable, more particularly provided with openings or perforations in order to blow compressed air into the cavity via the second wall. For example, the air can in this case be blown into the cavity via the second wall at the level of the grooves, more particularly via openings or perforations formed at the level of the grooves. By blowing air into the cavity at the level of the grooves and by forming the grooves in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, the guiding of air in the cavity can be further improved. This ensures that the air does not become trapped in the cavity and that an arrangement of the loops of weft thread in the cavity is improved.
- The object is also achieved by a weaving machine comprising a device for feeding a weft thread according to the invention. The weaving machine is fed primarily with weft threads in a substantially tension-free state, which are stored in a storage element according to the invention.
- The invention also relates to a method utilizing a device according to the invention, wherein weft thread is prevented from shifting into the storage element, while weft thread is supplied to the storage element and while weft thread is removed from the storage element. A method for feeding a weft thread to a weaving machine is provided, wherein the weft thread is filled into and removed from a storage element, the weft thread is stored in the storage element in a zigzag pattern with a number of zigzag loops, the dimensions of the zigzag loops increase in the longitudinal direction of the storage element toward the inlet of the storage element, more particularly increase from the outlet to the inlet of the storage element or decrease from the inlet to the outlet of the storage element, and the zigzag loops are successively unwound and removed from the storage element. The decreasing dimensions of the loops toward the outlet prevent the loops from shifting through or into the cavity of the storage element. As a result, the loops are unwound before leaving the storage element and weaving faults are avoided. In this case, weft thread can at the same time be filled via the inlet and be removed via the outlet of the storage element.
- The aforementioned inventions are inventions which are per se independent inventions and may or may not be combined with the other aforementioned inventions which are per se also independent inventions.
- Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the subsequent description of the embodiments represented in the drawings, in which:
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figure 1 is a perspective view of a weaving machine with four devices according to the invention; -
figure 2 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention with a storage element; -
figure 3 is another perspective view of the device fromfigure 2 ; -
figure 4 is an enlarged view of a part fromfigure 3 ; -
figure 5 shows the device fromfigure 4 in the opened state; -
figure 6 shows a part of a variant device according to the invention; -
figure 7 is a longitudinal section of a device according tofigure 6 ; -
figure 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the longitudinal section fromfigure 7 ; -
figure 9 is a cross section along line IX-IX of the storage element according tofigure 7 ; -
figure 10 is a cross section along line X-X of the storage element according tofigure 7 ; -
figure 11 shows a state during the filling of a storage element according to the invention; -
figure 12 shows a state at the start of the removal from the storage element fromfigure 11 while the storage element continues to be filled; -
figure 13 shows a state at the end of the filling and the further removal from the storage element fromfigure 11 ; -
figure 14 shows a state at the end of the removal from the storage element fromfigure 11 ; -
figure 15 shows a further device according to the invention in the dismantled state; -
figure 16 is a perspective view of a further device according to the invention; -
figure 17 shows the device fromfigure 16 in the dismantled state; -
figure 18 is a cross section of a variant device according to the invention; -
figure 19 shows the cross section fromfigure 18 in a different position; -
figure 20 is a side view of a device according tofigures 18 and 19 in a first position; -
figure 21 shows the side view fromfigure 21 in a different position; -
figure 22 shows a variant offigure 18 ; -
figure 23 shows a variant offigure 5 ; -
figure 24 shows a part of a variant offigure 23 ; -
figure 25 is a partial cross section of the variant fromfigure 24 ; -
figure 26 shows a variant offigure 23 ; -
figure 27 shows a part of a longitudinal section of the variant offigure 26 ; and -
figure 28 shows a variant offigure 26 . - The weaving machine represented in
figure 1 comprises thread stores or bobbins (not shown), fourprewinders thread brake 15, fourdevices 10 according to the invention for feeding and storing weft thread, fourmain nozzles relay nozzles 29 that can enter into theshed 28. One embodiment for themain nozzles 16 to 19 and the arrangement thereof with respect to the shed 28 is described in more detail inEP 985 062 B1 thread brake 15 is a separate thread brake arranged between a prewinder and adevice 10 according to the invention. The prewinders and the thread brakes preferably are controlled via a control unit (not shown). In addition to or instead of athread brake 15, a thread compensator or thread damper can also be provided. Between eachdevice 10 according to the invention and an associated main nozzle moving along with the sley and arranged in proximity to the shed 28, optionally at least one further fixedly arranged main nozzle and/or a thread brake can be provided. A thread brake of this type arranged between thedevice 10 and the shed 28 can serve to brake a weft thread drawn out of adevice 10 during the end of the insertion of said weft thread. - As illustrated in
figures 2 to 14 , thedevice 10 comprises astorage element 20 with aninlet 21 and anoutlet 22 for a weft thread. Thedevice 10 also comprises ablowing device 23 having afill tube 24 which is arranged in proximity to theinlet 21 of thestorage element 20 and which blows in the direction toward theoutlet 22. Thedevice 10 comprises atransition element 25 which is arranged between thefill tube 24 and theinlet 21 and which connects the end or theoutlet 26 of thefill tube 24 to theinlet 21 of thestorage element 20. The blowingdevice 23 having a relativelylong fill tube 24 blows weft thread into thestorage element 20 at a uniform flow of air. The blowingdevice 23 blows weft thread into thestorage element 20 via theinlet 21 and blows weft thread from theinlet 21 to theoutlet 22 of thestorage element 20. Theinlet 36 of thetransition element 25 connects substantially to theoutlet 26 of thefill tube 24, while theoutlet 37 of thetransition element 25 connects substantially to theinlet 21 of thestorage element 20. Thetransition element 25 consists in this embodiment of a tubular element with a relatively thin wall. Thetransition element 25 can also compriseopenings 38 allowing compressed air to escape. Thetransition element 25 is arranged in the extension of thefill tube 24 and connects to theoutlet 26 of thefill tube 24. - As is illustrated schematically in
figure 7 , the blowingdevice 23 comprises ahousing 30 with anair supply 31 and aninsert element 32 arranged in a longitudinal bore of thehousing 30. In theblowing device 23, a weft thread is guided, in a manner similar to that described inEP 985 062 B1 insert element 32 and, from theair supply 31 between theinsert element 32 and thehousing 30, compressed air is blown toward thefill tube 24 in order to guide compressed air and weft thread through thefill tube 24. Theinlet 27 of thefill tube 24 is arranged in thehousing 30. The length of thefill tube 24 is sufficiently long to obtain a uniform or constant flow of air in proximity to theoutlet 26 of thefill tube 24 and in order to be able to generate sufficient force to obtain a sufficiently high filling speed. In practice, afill tube 24 has a length of between 100 mm and 300 mm, and for example 200 mm. Thefill tube 24 has a substantially round cross section and is preferably embodied so as to diverge somewhat toward theend 26 in order to improve the flow of air through thefill tube 24. Thefill tube 24 displays for example a diameter of between 3 mm and 4 mm. Thefill tube 24 serves to blow weft thread to thestorage element 20. - The force at which the
blowing device 23 blows should be such that weft thread is brought into thestorage element 20 at a sufficient filling speed. The blowingdevice 23 is in this case embodied in a similar manner to a main nozzle for a weaving machine. If thestorage element 20 according to the invention is not utilized, the blowingdevice 23 can function as an auxiliary main nozzle for a weaving machine. The time, the flow rate and/or the pressure with which compressed air is supplied to theblowing device 23 can be set and regulated in such a way that the weft thread is brought to thestorage element 20 at the desired moment and at the desired speed. The time, the flow rate and/or the pressure can be adapted during weaving automatically as a function of weaving parameters. - The
storage element 20 has acavity 40 delimited by sidewalls 41, 42 for storing weft thread, aninlet 21 for supplying weft thread to thecavity 40 and anoutlet 22 positioned opposite theinlet 21 for removing weft threads from thecavity 40. In this case, weft thread can be stored in thecavity 40. As is illustrated infigures 9 and 10 , thecavity 40 has a substantially flat shape. As is illustrated infigures 5 and6 , the transverse width between the sidewalls 41, 42 of thecavity 40 decreases slightly in the longitudinal direction L of thecavity 40 toward theoutlet 22; more particularly, the transverse width decreases continuously from theinlet 21 of thecavity 40 to theoutlet 22 of thecavity 40. Thesidewalls plates cavity 40 is defined by the thickness of theplates figures 11 to 14 , theplates cavity 40 with thesidewalls outlet 22 and has a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape. - The height of the
cavity 40 of thestorage element 20 can decrease slightly, for example from 1.2 mm to 0.8 mm, in the longitudinal direction L of thecavity 40 toward theoutlet 22. This is achieved as the thickness of theplates outlet 22. It is also possible to set the height of thestorage element 20 in a different manner, for example using adjusting screws, thickness plates and the like. In the illustrated embodiments offigures 2 to 5 andfigures 11 to 17 , theupper wall 33 of thecavity 40 is embodied so as to be air-permeable, while in the illustrated embodiment offigures 6 to 10 both theupper wall 33 and thebottom wall 34 of thecavity 40 are embodied so as to be air-permeable. In this case, a plurality ofopenings 35 are formed in theupper wall 33 and in thebottom wall 34. Thus, thestorage element 20, which is provided withopenings 35, is air-permeable. Theopenings 35 are formed at the level of thecavity 40 of thestorage element 20 to promote the storage of weft thread in thestorage element 20. - The
storage element 20 comprises in the depicted embodiment also a movably arrangedupper wall 33. This allows thestorage element 20 to be opened, for example in order to clean or for the purposes of inspection. This is possible for example by arranging theupper wall 33 so that it can fold open. Also, the storage element can in this case be embodied so as to be transparent in order to allow visual inspection. For example, for this purpose, a wall of thestorage element 20 that is directed toward the weaver side can be embodied in a transparent manner. Theupper wall 33 is arranged in aframe 51 which is arranged so as to be rotatable about apivot axis 39 with a relatively high degree of play, whichpivot axis 39 is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of thestorage element 20. Play is provided to allowplates pivot axis 39. - A
clamp element 45 for clamping a weft thread is arranged in proximity to theoutlet 22 of thestorage element 20. Thestorage element 20 is arranged between thetransition element 25 and theclamp element 45. Theclamp element 45 serves in this case also to close, in the closed state, theoutlet 22 of thestorage element 20 in order to prevent, in the closed state, compressed air from escaping via theoutlet 22, i.e. to close theoutlet 22 in a substantially air-tight manner. Theclamp element 45 comprises, as is represented in greater detail infigures 7 and8 , aplunger 46 which is commanded by anelectro magnet 47 and which can make contact with astopper 48 attached to theframe 51 carrying theupper wall 33. Theplunger 46 is arranged in aframe 49 which is mounted bybolts frame 50 of thedevice 10. Thepivot axis 39, the blowingdevice 23 and thebottom wall 34 are also mounted to thisframe 50. Athread eye 52, which is mounted in anelement 64, is also attached to theframe 49 between theclamp element 45 and an associated main nozzle in order to guide the weft thread. - The
plates frame 50 bybolts plates pins 59 with respect to theframe 50 and respectively mounted to theframe 50 by abolt plate frame 51 comprises, as illustrated infigure 5 , at least onemagnet frame 51 to be held in a closed state with respect to theframe 50. In this case, the magnetic force is selected so as to be sufficiently strong so that during blowing theframe 51 of thestorage element 20 does not open, but nevertheless remains sufficiently restricted to allow theframe 51 to be opened manually. Of course, theframe 51 can, in accordance with a variant (not shown), be held in a closed state with the aid of springs, clamps or other locking elements. - As is represented in
figures 7 and8 , thedevice 10 comprises asensor 53 to detect the filling of thestorage element 20 with weft thread and/or the removing of weft thread from thestorage element 20. In this case, thesensor 53 can be an optical sensor which can detect the presence of weft thread at the level of saidsensor 53. If only a stretched weft thread is present in thestorage element 20, thesensor 53 will generate for example a low signal, while if the weft thread is stored in a zigzag fashion at the level of thesensor 53, thesensor 53 will generate a high signal. Of course, in addition to thesensor 53, othersimilar sensors storage element 20. This allows the position of weft thread stored in a zigzag fashion in thestorage element 20 to be defined. Both the settings of theblowing device 23 and the setting ofmain nozzles 16 to 19 and therelay nozzles 29 in one embodiment are set and regulated on the basis of signals from the sensors. For this purpose, the blowingdevice 23 preferably is provided with compressed air from acompressed air source 5 via a valve system 4 controlled by acontrol unit 3. Thecontrol unit 3 is also connected to theclamp element 45, more particularly to theelectro magnet 47. Thesensors control unit 3. A sensor of this type can also ascertain the amount of weft thread removed from thestorage element 20 and be used to appropriately control relay nozzles in a manner as known fromWO 2007/057217 . An advantage of astorage element 20 wherein weft threads do not advance in the direction of movement of the weft thread is the fact that the signal from thesensors storage element 20 is relatively accurate and is not influenced by advancing yarn packages in thestorage element 20. The preventing of advancement also allows ablowing device 23 to blow harder without weft threads being blown onto one another or being blown in packages through thestorage element 20. -
Figures 9 and 10 show the flat shape of thestorage element 20 and the transverse width which decreases from theinlet 21 toward theoutlet 22. The term "a flat shape" refers in this case to a shape wherein the height of thestorage element 20 is much smaller than the transverse width of thestorage element 20. - The mode of operation for feeding weft thread with the aid of the
device 10 according to the invention will be explained in greater detail with reference tofigures 11 to 14 . In this case,weft thread 1 is filled into and removed from astorage element 20. In the position offigure 11 , theclamp element 45 is closed,weft thread 1 is supplied into thestorage element 20 and stored in a zigzag pattern with a number ofzigzag loops 2 in thestorage element 20. During the supplying ofweft thread 1, the blowingdevice 23 blows and thepin 56 of the associated prewinder (figure 1 ) is opened to release weft threads on the prewinder. The dimensions of thezigzag loops 2, more particularly the width of the zigzag loops, increase in the longitudinal direction of thestorage element 20 toward theinlet 21 of thestorage element 20. Subsequently, a main nozzle associated with thedevice 10 is energized with compressed air. Subsequently, theclamp element 45 is opened so that weft thread is at the same time removed from thestorage element 20 via theoutlet 22 and is stored in thestorage element 20 via theinlet 21. During the removal ofweft thread 1, thezigzag loops 2 are successively unwound and removed from thestorage element 20. In this case, the blowingdevice 23 continues to blow and a position offigure 12 is reached. Subsequently,weft thread 1 continues to be supplied to thestorage element 20 via aninlet 21 in the direction of movement of theweft thread 1, whileweft thread 1 is removed from thestorage element 20 via anoutlet 22 positioned opposite theinlet 21. According to the invention, theweft thread 1, which is stored inloops 2 between the sidewalls 41, 42 in thecavity 40, is prevented by thesidewalls cavity 40 from moving in thecavity 40 in the direction toward theoutlet 22. Subsequently, thepin 56 of the associated prewinder is closed, thus preventingweft thread 1 from continuing to be released to the prewinder and a position offigure 13 is reached, the filling of thestorage element 20 being concluded. Subsequently, theweft thread 1, which is still present in thestorage element 20, continues to be removed until the position offigure 14 is reached. Then, theclamp element 45 is re-closed while the associated main nozzle is no longer energized. In this case, the main nozzle may have already ceased to have been energized earlier or energizing thereof can be concluded while theclamp element 45 is re-closed. Subsequently, the aforementioned cycle is repeated again. A method for activating thepin 56 of the prewinder, the blowingdevice 23, theclamp element 45 and the associated main nozzle is also described inUS 4,947,898 . - According to the invention, the blowing force of the
blowing device 23 is set in such a way that the filling of thestorage element 20 ends substantially at the moment when weft thread ceases to be removed from thestorage element 23. It is in this case intended for theblowing device 23 to blow substantially continuously and to supply weft thread to thestorage element 20 substantially continuously. Signals from thesensors blowing device 23, for example distributed over the length of the storage element. Winding signals from a prewinder can also be used for this purpose, in other words a signal which a prewinder issues in a known manner each time that a winding is drawn off. However, nothing prevents the amount of weft thread supplied in thestorage element 20 from being measured, for example using a motion sensor. In order to save compressed air, it can be advantageous to blow on a weft thread at as low a pressure as possible, meaning at as low a force as possible, in order to bring said weft thread to thestorage element 20. However, for forming zigzag loops in thestorage element 20, it has been found that the pressure of the compressed air should nevertheless be sufficiently high, meaning that the zigzag loops can be formed better if weft thread is brought into the storage element at sufficient speed. - The invention also offers the advantage that if a plurality of channels are used for weaving, that means that use is made of a plurality of
devices 10 according to the invention supplying weft thread to a shed 28 in a pattern. In this case, thestorage element 20 can be filled during a plurality of weaving cycles, while weft thread is removed from thestorage element 20 during just one single weaving cycle. - It will be clear that if an additional thread brake is arranged between the prewinder and the
device 10 according to the invention or if a thread clamp is arranged in proximity to a main nozzle, these are controlled in an appropriate manner, in other words in such a way that they brake and clamp at a moment when braking or clamping should be carried out. The blowing force of the main nozzles can also be regulated and set. - For selecting the dimensions of the
storage element 20, allowance has been made for the natural bending radius of the weft threads (this is the radius which weft threads can take up if they are stored in loops 2). It has been found that acavity 40 having a decreasing transverse width, i.e. the transverse width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, is possible from a transverse width of the order of magnitude of less than 10 mm and a height perpendicular to this transverse width of the order of magnitude of less than 1.5 mm. Preferably, however, use is made of a storage element having a transverse width of 9 mm in proximity to theinlet 21, a transverse width of 4 mm in proximity to theoutlet 22, a height of 1.2 mm in proximity to theinlet 21 and a height of 0.8 mm in proximity to theoutlet 22. According to a variant, the height has a constant value, for example 1 mm. In this case, theopenings 35 in theupper wall 33 and in thebottom wall 34 can be formed in a uniform pattern, for example as represented in the figures. - According to a possible variant, the
sidewalls cavity 40 of thestorage element 20 are formed so as to be air-permeable. For this purpose, bores or cutouts (not shown) in one embodiment are formed in theplates cavity 40 via said bores or cutouts. According to a variant (not shown), a rougher structure is provided for thesidewalls sidewalls - The embodiment of
figure 15 presents adevice 10 according to the invention which is embodied in a similar manner to the embodiment offigure 2 . In this case, theplates frame 50 bymagnets 62. Furthermore, use is made of anintermediate element 63, consisting of damping material, which is arranged between theframe 51 and thestopper 48. Thetransition element 25 is in this case formed integrally with thefill tube 24. Thebolts plates plates bolts bolts frame 50. Theupper wall 33 is in this case perforated, while thebottom wall 34 is formed by a wall of theframe 50. - The embodiment of
figures 16 and17 presents a further variant wherein asupport element 65 for thepivot axis 39 is attached to theframe 50. Furthermore, aflexible locking element 66 is provided to lock theframe 51 with respect to theframe 50. Theupper wall 33 is reinforced by twosupport plates 67 which can be mounted to theframe 51. The blowingdevice 23 is mounted by a mountingelement 68 to theframe 50 and comprises aconnection 69 for compressed air. Theframe 50 can be mounted to a frame of the weaving machine via amuffle 70 and asupport piece 71. A plurality ofbolts 72 are also shown to mount the elements to one another. Thetransition element 25 comprises in this embodiment a beam-shaped outer shape and an inner shape as in the remaining embodiments, which inner shape starts with a round inlet which can connect to the fill tube and ends with aflat outlet 37 which can connect to the inlet of the cavity for storing weft thread. The inner shape of thetransition element 25 can for example be produced by sparking. - In order to allow for example relatively thick knots or thickenings in the weft thread to pass through the storage element, the perforated
upper wall 33 preferably is made in the embodiment offigures 16 and17 of a relatively resilient material, so that theupper wall 33 for example can deform during the passing of the weft thread with a relatively thick knot or thickening through the storage element. According to a variant, theupper wall 33 is made of a relatively rigid and perforated plate, while for example in this case thesupport plates 67 are made of resilient material. -
Figures 18 to 21 show a variant wherein thebottom wall 34 can be moved up and down with respect to theframe 50 by means of asetting device 73. This allows the height of thecavity 40 to be set between thebottom wall 34 and theupper wall 33 provided withopenings 35. Thesetting device 73 comprises in this case a rotatably arrangedelement 74 with aneccentric part 77 which can mesh with aslot 75 formed in thebottom wall 34. By rotating theelement 74, it is possible to set the height of thecavity 40 between the position offigure 18 and the position offigure 19 . Also, a further fixingelement 76 can be provided to fix theelement 74 in a defined angular position. - The
upper wall 33 is in this case rotatable about apivot axis 39 which is mounted to asupport element 65 attached to theframe 50. Theupper wall 33 can be locked with respect to theframe 50 via a lockingelement 66. Ascale 78, which allows an operator to set theelement 74 with respect to areference point 79 of theframe 50, can be attached to theelement 74. -
Figure 22 shows a variant wherein theelement 74 can be driven by means of a controlledmotor 80. In this case, themotor 80 can be controlled and regulated by a control unit (not shown) optionally comprising a feedback system. This allows for example the height of thecavity 40 to be set via a control unit. According to one possibility, if for example a knot is detected by a sensor arranged, in the direction of movement of the weft thread, to a location before thedevice 10, for example at the level of the bobbins, themotor 80 can be commanded in such a way that the height of thecavity 40 is increased by moving thebottom wall 34 away from theupper wall 33. This allows a knot to pass simply through thedevice 10, while if no knot is present thedevice 10 has a limited height as possible. -
Figure 23 shows a variant wherein acavity 40 is delimited by anupper wall 33, abottom wall 34 and twosidewalls cavity 40 has aninlet 21 and anoutlet 22. Aclosure device 6, which can interact with a wall, more particularly with theupper wall 33 of thestorage element 20, is arranged in proximity to theoutlet 22. In this case, theupper wall 33 is arranged, as in the embodiment offigure 5 , so as to be rotatable with respect to theframe 50. Theclosure device 6 can close thecavity 40 in a substantially air-tight manner in proximity to theoutlet 22. Theupper wall 33 is provided with an impact-compensatingcontact area 7 which can make contact with theclosure device 6 and which allows the impact of theclosure device 6 on theupper wall 33 to be reduced during the forming of an aforementioned contact. For this purpose, theupper wall 33 comprises asplit 8 with a pattern formed in proximity to thecontact area 7. Thissplit 8 is formed by a narrow opening which extends through theupper wall 33 and which is as narrow as possible, that is to say, thesplit 8 displays a width of the order of magnitude of one or more tenths of a millimeter. The width of thesplit 8 is selected so as to be sufficiently narrow to prevent weft threads from entering thesplit 8. Thesplit 8 can be formed in theupper wall 33 by a laser beam. The shape of the pattern is in this case adapted to allow, at the level of thecontact area 7, forces resulting from impact of theclosure device 6 on theupper wall 33 to be limited. In this case, theupper wall 33 remains at all times in contact with theplates upper wall 33 and one of theplates - The
closure device 6 comprises amovable closure element 9. In this case, themovable closure element 9 is formed by theplunger 46 of theclamp element 45 which is driven for example by an electro magnet (not shown) for theclamp element 45. In this case, theclosure element 9 also functions as a clamp element for clamping a weft thread in proximity to theoutlet 22 of thecavity 40 of thestorage element 20. In this embodiment, theclosure element 9 can make direct contact with theupper wall 33, more particularly with thecontact area 7 of theupper wall 33. Of course, it is also possible for theclosure element 9 to make contact with acontact area 7 attached to theupper wall 33, for example a thin, wear-resistant layer which is connected to or is attached to theupper wall 33. - The
upper wall 33, which also comprises thesplit 8, is provided withopenings 35 through which air which has been blown into thecavity 40 can escape. Theopenings 35 are formed in the region of the cavity so that not one of theopenings 35 is partly or completely covered by for example theplates sidewalls cavity 40. As thecavity 40 narrows toward theoutlet 22, theopenings 35 are formed in lines which are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of thestorage element 20. - In order to allow weft thread to be conveyed through the
storage element 20 and/or in order to promote the forming of loops of weft thread, theplates sidewalls figure 23 , be at least partly air-permeable. For this purpose,openings 81 are for example provided in theplates openings 81 can be connected to a compressed air source (not shown) so that compressed air can be blown into thecavity 40 via theopenings 81 during a period which can be set. The compressed air from theopenings 81 is provided with a component toward theoutlet 22 in order to blow compressed air in the direction toward theoutlet 22. - For forming and/or arranging loops of weft thread in the
cavity 40, in one embodiment thebottom wall 34 is also air-permeable. For this purpose, thebottom wall 34 comprises for example a number ofopenings 82 which are connected to a compressed air source (not shown) in order to blow compressed air into thecavity 40, which compressed air can then escape from thecavity 40 via the oppositeupper wall 33 provided withopenings 35. The jet of compressed air from theopenings 82 has a component toward theoutlet 22 in order to blow compressed air in the direction toward theoutlet 22. Theopenings 82 are for example formed by means of a laser or can consist of bores. - In the embodiment of
figures 24 and 25 ,grooves 83 are formed in the longitudinal direction of thecavity 40 to further improve the guiding of air in thecavity 40 and/or the arrangement of loops of weft thread in thecavity 40. Thegrooves 83 for guiding air are arranged at the level of thebottom wall 34 which is positioned opposite theupper wall 33 through which air can escape from thecavity 40. In this case, thebottom wall 34 can also be provided withopenings 82 in order to blow compressed air into thecavity 40 via thebottom wall 34. In this case, theopenings 82 are arranged at the level of thegrooves 83, more particularly at the level of the base of thegrooves 83. The jet of compressed air from theopenings 83 has a component toward theoutlet 22 in order to blow compressed air in the direction toward theoutlet 22. Theopenings 82 can be connected to a compressed air source (not shown) so that compressed air can be blown into thecavity 40 via theopenings 82 during a period which can be set. - In the embodiment of
figures 26 and 27 , theframe 50 comprisescollars sidewalls frame 50 is embodied in a U-shaped manner and thesidewalls bottom wall 34 are embodied in one piece. Theopenings 35 are arranged along parallel lines so that not one of theopenings 35 is partly or completely covered by for example one of thecollars frame 50 comprises a number ofopenings 82 to blow air into thecavity 40. In this case, theopenings 82 are also directed, as illustrated infigure 27 , in such a way that the jets of air from saidopenings 82 comprises a component toward theoutlet 20. - The embodiment of
figure 28 presents a variant wherein the impact-compensatingcontact area 7 is formed by the formation of asplit 8 in theupper wall 33 with a pattern which is different from the pattern as shown in the embodiments offigures 23 to 27 . In the embodiment offigure 28 , theopenings 35 are formed in theupper wall 33 in a plurality of parallel rows in a defined arrangement. - It will be clear that the terms "upper wall" and "bottom wall" do not necessarily mean that the upper wall is arranged above the bottom wall and/or the bottom wall below the upper wall, but that the terms "upper wall" and "bottom wall" are intended solely to indicate a first wall and a second wall.
- It will be clear that the upper wall need not necessarily be arranged in a movable manner, but that according to a variant another wall of the storage element is movably arranged, for example the bottom wall. It will be clear that the storage element needs not necessarily narrow conically from the
inlet 21 to theoutlet 20, but that the storage element in another embodiment narrows with a different course in the direction toward the outlet. - If a weaving machine has not woven for a specific time, before the weaving machine is restarted, all weft thread present in the storage elements can be removed in order to prevent weaving faults resulting from the weft threads which have become damaged as a result of long-term storage in the storage element. This removal can take place in a manner such as is known from
EP 421 511 B1 - According to a variant (not shown), the
clamp element 45 can be replaced by a thread clamp which is attached in proximity to a main nozzle and which can command the releasing of weft thread. - Experiments have revealed, during weaving of a specific type of weft thread at a single weaving speed, that, in a known weaving machine, the provision of a device according to the invention results in the fact that the pressure on the main nozzles can be lowered, for example from 7 bar to 6 bar and that the pressure on the relay nozzles can also be lowered, for example from 6 bar to 5 bar. If weaving is carried out at the same pressures, in a specific type of weft thread, the weaving speed can be increased, for example from 800 insertions/minute to 900 insertions/minute.
- The device according to the invention is above all advantageous for the ordered storage of weft thread in the
storage element 20, for keeping the weft thread stored in an ordered manner in thestorage element 20, and allows weft thread to be easily removed from thestorage element 20. As a result of theopenings 35, as a result of the relativelylarge outlet 22 and as a result of the narrowing shape from theinlet 21 toward theoutlet 22, adevice 10 according to the invention is relatively insensitive to weaving dust, making it particularly suitable for use in weaving machines. Thedevice 10 according to the invention can store weft thread in an ordered manner under low tension, thus allowing weft thread to be brought without faults into a shed, with little air consumption at high speed. - It will be clear that the dimensions of a
device 10 according to the invention can be selected as a function of the weft threads used. Although in the illustrated weaving machine four devices according to the invention are used, use may be made of just one device according to the invention or of a different number of devices according to the invention. If for example weaving is carried out from a plurality of channels, it is possible for a device according to the invention to be used merely in some of said channels or in all channels. - Since the transverse width of the storage element decreases merely to a limited extent from the
inlet 21 toward theoutlet 22, removing weft thread from thestorage element 20 is not impeded, and stacking up weft thread in thestorage element 20 is also not impeded. Also, the decreasing transverse width is advantageous for the flow of air in thestorage element 20, as it allows a sufficient throughflow of compressed air to be maintained irrespective of the escaping of compressed air along the walls of thestorage element 20. The transverse width should however decrease sufficiently to prevent packages of weft thread from advancing through the storage element. - It will be clear that the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in airjet weaving machines. Of course, the device according to the invention can also be used in other types of weaving machines, such as in water jet weaving machines, rapier weaving machines, projectile weaving machines and other types of weaving machines.
- The illustrated exemplary embodiments serve merely to illustrate the invention. Variants are readily possible, in particular in relation to the embodiment of the blowing device, the transition element, the storage element and the clamp element. Also possible are combinations of the illustrated embodiments coming under the scope of protection of the claims.
Claims (15)
- A storage element with a cavity (40) delimited by sidewalls (41, 42) for storing weft thread (1), comprising an inlet (21) for supplying weft thread (1) to the cavity (40) and an outlet (22) positioned opposite the inlet (21) for removing weft thread (1) from the cavity (40), wherein weft thread (1) being stored between the sidewalls (41, 42) in the cavity (40), wherein the cavity (40) is provided with a substantially flat shape and the transverse width between the sidewalls (41, 42) of the cavity (40) decreases slightly in the longitudinal direction (L) of the cavity (40) toward the outlet (22), wherein an angle between the sidewalls (41, 42) is not more than 8°, so that the weft thread stored between the sidewalls (41, 42) in the cavity (40) is prevented by the sidewalls (41, 42) of the cavity (40) from moving in the cavity (40) in the direction toward the outlet (22).
- The storage element as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transverse width between the sidewalls (41, 42) of the cavity (40) decreases conically from the inlet (21) of the cavity (40) to the outlet (22) of the cavity (40).
- The storage element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height of the cavity (40) of the storage element (20) decreases in the longitudinal direction (L) of the cavity (40) toward the outlet (22).
- The storage element as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the upper wall (33), the bottom wall (34) or the sidewalls (41, 42) of the cavity (40) of the storage element (20) is embodied so as to be air-permeable.
- The storage element as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the storage element (20) comprises a movably arranged wall (33).
- The storage element as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the storage element (20) comprises a closure device (6) arranged in proximity to the outlet (22) for closing the outlet (22) of the cavity (40), in that the closure device (6) can interact with a wall of the cavity (40) for closing the outlet (22) of the cavity (40) and in that the aforementioned wall is provided with an impact-compensating contact area (7) for reducing an impact of the closure device (6) on the aforementioned wall during closing of the outlet (22) of the cavity (40).
- The storage element as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that a split (8) is formed in a pattern in the wall comprising the contact area (7).
- A device for feeding weft thread to a weaving machine, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a storage element (20) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7 comprising an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) for weft thread (1).
- The device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a blowing device (23), the blowing device (23) being arranged in proximity to the inlet (21) of the storage element (20) for blowing weft thread (1) to the storage element (20) and in the direction toward the outlet (22) of the storage element (20).
- The device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the blowing device (23) comprises a fill tube (24) which is arranged in proximity to the inlet (21) of the storage element (20) to blow weft thread (1) into the storage element (20) at a uniform air flow.
- The device as claimed in one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a transition element (25) which is arranged between the blowing device (23) and the storage element (20), more particularly which connects the outlet (26) of the fill tube (24) to the inlet (21) of the storage element (22).
- The device as claimed in one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the device comprises at least one sensor (53, 54, 55) to detect the filling of the storage element (20) with weft thread (1) and/or the removing of weft thread (1) from the storage element (20).
- A weaving machine, characterized in that the weaving machine comprises a device (10) for feeding weft thread (1) as claimed in one of claims 8 to 12.
- A method for feeding a weft thread to a weaving machine, the weft thread (1) being filled in and removed from a storage element (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the weft thread (1) is stored in the flat storage element (20) in a zigzag pattern with a number of zigzag loops (2), the dimensions of the zigzag loops (2) increase in the longitudinal direction (L) of the storage element (20) toward the inlet (21) of the storage element (20) and in that the zigzag loops (2) are successively unwound and removed from the storage element (20).
- The method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that a weft thread (1) is at the same time filled via the inlet (21) and is removed via the outlet (22) of the storage element (20).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BE2008/0393A BE1018606A3 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2008-07-15 | DEVICE FOR FEEDING WINDING WIRE. |
BE2009/0268A BE1019609A3 (en) | 2009-04-28 | 2009-04-28 | STORAGE ELEMENT FOR WINDING WIRE. |
PCT/EP2009/005131 WO2010006774A2 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2009-07-15 | Storage element for weft thread |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2318580A2 EP2318580A2 (en) | 2011-05-11 |
EP2318580B1 true EP2318580B1 (en) | 2013-03-06 |
Family
ID=41550761
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP09777200A Not-in-force EP2318580B1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2009-07-15 | Storage element for weft thread |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2318580B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5647980B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102099520B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010006774A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE1019702A3 (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-10-02 | Picanol | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FEEDING IMPOSITION WIRE |
CN104831455A (en) * | 2015-06-01 | 2015-08-12 | 苏州市晨彩纺织研发有限公司 | Inward rotating type weft accumulator |
SE1650988A1 (en) * | 2016-08-09 | 2018-02-10 | Iro Ab | Yarn feeding device with long yarn buffer |
IT202000000085A1 (en) * | 2020-01-07 | 2021-07-07 | Lanificio Guasti S R L | FEEDING DEVICE FOR A SEMI-FINISHED TEXTILE PRODUCT AND MACHINE INCLUDING THIS DEVICE |
CN112609312A (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2021-04-06 | 海宁家辉新材料科技有限公司 | Knitting machine auxiliary device capable of maintaining weft yarn side wall tension to keep weft yarn side wall tension balanced |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1183934A (en) * | 1966-03-30 | 1970-03-11 | Weaving Res & Textile Commissi | Improvements in and relating to Looms |
US3669328A (en) * | 1969-06-21 | 1972-06-13 | Luigi Castelli | Yarn feeding and tensioning apparatus |
DE2255486C3 (en) * | 1971-11-24 | 1979-07-19 | Hans Kempten Stutz (Schweiz) | Thread storage device |
JPS5018742A (en) * | 1973-06-21 | 1975-02-27 | ||
BE889343A (en) * | 1981-02-04 | 1981-12-23 | Bigelow Sanford Inc | VOLTAGE-FREE WIRE SUPPLY SYSTEM |
-
2009
- 2009-07-15 JP JP2011517807A patent/JP5647980B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-15 EP EP09777200A patent/EP2318580B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-07-15 CN CN200980127433.0A patent/CN102099520B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-07-15 WO PCT/EP2009/005131 patent/WO2010006774A2/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010006774A8 (en) | 2010-12-23 |
EP2318580A2 (en) | 2011-05-11 |
JP5647980B2 (en) | 2015-01-07 |
WO2010006774A2 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
CN102099520B (en) | 2014-02-19 |
JP2011528070A (en) | 2011-11-10 |
CN102099520A (en) | 2011-06-15 |
WO2010006774A3 (en) | 2010-04-29 |
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