U.S. patent application number 17/618236 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-14 for an arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associated yarn-tensioning device.
The applicant listed for this patent is VANDEWIELE NV. Invention is credited to Charles BEAUDUIN, Michiel PARMENTIER.
Application Number | 20220220643 17/618236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006287566 |
Filed Date | 2022-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220220643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARMENTIER; Michiel ; et
al. |
July 14, 2022 |
AN ARRANGEMENT OF A WEAVING MACHINE AND A YARN STORAGE DEVICE WITH
AN ASSOCIATED YARN-TENSIONING DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed is an arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn
storage device which includes an upright flank with juxtaposed yarn
stores, and an associated yarn-tensioning device which is arranged
in the space between the yarn storage device and the weaving
machine, including comprising at least one yarn-tensioning module,
which carries at least one row of juxtaposed yarn-tensioning
elements, where the direction of said row of yarn-tensioning
elements, has an angle of inclination and/or forms an acute angle
with a vertical plane which runs parallel or coincides with the
plane in which an upright flank is situated.
Inventors: |
PARMENTIER; Michiel;
(Wortegem, BE) ; BEAUDUIN; Charles; (Halle,
BE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VANDEWIELE NV |
Kortrijk/Marke |
|
BE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006287566 |
Appl. No.: |
17/618236 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 5, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2020/055309 |
371 Date: |
December 10, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 51/20 20130101;
D02H 13/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D02H 13/24 20060101
D02H013/24; B65H 51/20 20060101 B65H051/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2019 |
BE |
BE2019/5402 |
Claims
1. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device, wherein the yarn storage
device includes at least one yarn storage unit with a front side
facing the weaving machine and at least one upright flank which is
configured to hold several yarn stores in juxtaposed positions,
wherein; in that the yarn-tensioning device includes at least one
yarn-tensioning module, with at least one carrier which carries at
least one row of juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements, in that every
yarn-tensioning module is arranged in the space between the yarn
storage device and the weaving machine, and in that each carrier is
arranged such that the direction of said row of yarn-tensioning
elements has an angle of inclination and/or forms an acute angle
with a vertical plane which runs parallel or coincides with the
plane in which an upright flank is situated.
2. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
each carrier includes a substantially flat surface which forms an
outer side of the yarn-tensioning module in that the
yarn-tensioning elements on said outer side are accessible to
respective warp threads and in that each carrier is arranged in a
position in which their surface, viewed in a vertical cross section
of the yarn-tensioning module has an angle of inclination and/or,
viewed in a horizontal cross section of the yarn-tensioning module
forms an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel or
coincides with the plane in which an upright flank is situated.
3. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 2, wherein
the yarn-tensioning module includes two carriers with a
substantially flat surface which forms a respective outer side of
the yarn-tensioning module, and in that said carriers are arranged
in a position in which their respective surfaces, viewed in a
vertical cross section of the yarn-tensioning module, have an angle
of inclination and taper towards each other in the direction of the
weaving machine.
4. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 2, wherein
the yarn-tensioning module includes two carriers with a
substantially flat surface which forms a respective outer side of
the yarn-tensioning module, and in that said carriers are arranged
in a position in which their respective surfaces, viewed in a
horizontal cross section of the yarn-tensioning module, form an
acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel or coincides
with the plane in which said upright flank is situated, and taper
towards each other in the direction of the weaving machine.
5. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 3, wherein
the two carriers with mutually tapering surfaces virtually adjoin
each other, so that the yarn-tensioning module viewed in a cross
section, has a substantially V-shaped profile.
6. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
characterized in that each warp thread is guided from a yarn store
to a yarn-tensioning element in non-tensioned state.
7. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1,
characterized in that the yarn storage device includes at least two
spaced-apart juxtaposed yarn storage units.
8. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
the yarn-tensioning device includes at least two yarn-tensioning
modules which are spaced-apart next to each other or one above the
other.
9. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
each yarn-tensioning element includes an inlet and an outlet for a
warp thread and in that, for every yarn-tensioning element a warp
thread supplied from a yarn store is either guided to the inlet on
the side of the carrier where the outlet is situated, or is guided
through the carrier to the inlet from the side of the carrier which
is situated opposite the side where the outlet is situated.
10. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
a yarn-guiding means is provided between at least one yarn store
and a yarn-tensioning element and is configured to guide and
protect a warp thread along virtually the entire path from the yarn
store to the yarn-tensioning element.
11. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 9, wherein
the yarn-guiding means is tubular.
12. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
each yarn-tensioning element includes a roller which is driven by a
motor and is configured to rotate, in contact with at least one
warp thread, in the one or the other direction of rotation in order
to move said warp thread in a direction counter to the supply
direction of the warp threads, respectively to move the warp thread
or to move it concomitantly with the movement or in order to
facilitate a movement thereof, in a direction which is identical to
the supply direction of the warp threads, in order to increase or
decrease, respectively, the yarn tension in said warp thread.
13. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
the yarn-tensioning module is arranged in the space between the
yarn storage device and the weaving machine which is laterally
delimited by the parallel vertical surfaces which touch the flanks
of the yarn storage device which are furthest apart.
14. Arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with
an associated yarn-tensioning device according to claim 1, wherein
the yarn storage device is a bobbin creel.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an arrangement of a
weaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associated
yarn-tensioning device, wherein the yarn storage device comprises
at least one yarn storage unit with a front side facing the weaving
machine and at least one flank which is configured to hold several
yarn stores which are situated in juxtaposed positions along the
plane of the flank.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A known arrangement comprises a bobbin creel in which a
large amount of different bobbins are placed. A supply of yarn is
wound onto each bobbin and a warp thread is passed from every
bobbin to a weaving machine via a number of guiding eyelets and
grids. The warp threads are incorporated in a fabric in a weaving
process on the weaving machine, while the required amounts of the
various warp threads are meanwhile being supplied by the respective
different bobbins. The bobbin creel is composed of a number of
support structures (also referred to as doors) which are arranged
next to each other at intermediate distances apart. Every support
structure has a front side with a relatively limited width which
faces the weaving machine and two flanks which extend from the
front side in a direction moving away from the weaving machine. The
bobbin holders are placed in such a way that the bobbins of every
flank are situated next to each other along the upright face of the
flank, or in other words viewed in a direction perpendicular to the
face of the flank.
[0003] Such a bobbin creel is also combined with means to keep the
tension in the warp yarns under control. In a commonly used
yarn-tensioning device, a small weight is placed on every warp
thread in the bobbin creel. As a result thereof, a constant force
is exerted on every warp thread in order to keep the warp thread
under tension. Placing these small weights is time-consuming and,
in addition, this does not make it possible to adjust the yarn
tension quickly to changing circumstances during the weaving
process. As a result thereof, the yarn tension for certain warp
threads is much higher, at least during some parts of the weaving
process, than is necessary to ensure a smooth progress of the
weaving process.
[0004] There are yarn-tensioning elements by means of which the
tension in the warp threads can be kept under control for each warp
thread or for each group of warp threads. These comprise a roller
which is driven by a motor and is configured to rotate, in contact
with at least one warp thread, in the one or the other direction of
rotation in order to move said warp thread in a direction counter
to the supply direction of the warp threads, respectively to move
the warp thread in a direction which is identical to the supply
direction of the warp threads, in order to increase or decrease,
respectively, the yarn tension in said warp thread. Such a
yarn-tensioning element is described in the international patent
application WO 2017/077454 A1. There will not be sufficient
available space in a bobbin creel with very large numbers of
bobbins to provide such a yarn-tensioning element for every warp
thread in a bobbin creel. The bobbin creel will then have to be
made larger.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is the object of the present disclosure to overcome the
abovementioned drawbacks and to provide an arrangement of a yarn
storage device and an associated yarn-tensioning device which allow
flexible adjustment of the yarn tension, while also being
compact.
[0006] This object is achieved by providing an arrangement of a
weaving machine and a yarn storage device with an associated
yarn-tensioning device, wherein the yarn storage device comprises
at least one yarn storage unit with a front side facing the weaving
machine and at least one upright flank which is configured to hold
several yarn stores in juxtaposed positions, wherein, according to
the present disclosure, the yarn-tensioning device comprises at
least one yarn-tensioning module with at least one carrier which
carries at least one row of juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements,
wherein every yarn-tensioning module is arranged in the space
between the yarn storage device and the weaving machine, and
wherein each carrier is arranged such that the direction of said
row of yarn-tensioning elements has an angle of inclination and/or
forms an acute angle with a vertical plane which runs parallel or
coincides with the plane in which said upright flank is
situated.
[0007] Numerous warp threads are supplied to the yarn-tensioning
elements from the yarn storage device at small intermediate
distances and these warp threads are conveyed to the weaving
machine from the yarn-tensioning elements, likewise at small
intermediate distances apart. As a result of the inclined
arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning elements, the successive
yarn-tensioning elements of a row are brought to a different
height. In this case, the difference in the vertical position
between the successive yarn-tensioning elements may be very small.
As a result thereof, every yarn-tensioning element is readily
accessible and can be reached by a respective supplied warp thread
via a minimal number of bends and every conveyed warp thread can
also be conveyed to the weaving machine via a minimal number of
bends.
[0008] The arrangement which forms an acute angle with a vertical
plane which runs parallel or coincides with the plane in which said
upright flank is situated produces a similarly advantageous effect.
Due to the oblique arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning
elements with respect to the flank, the successive yarn-tensioning
elements of a row are brought into positions which are horizontally
offset with respect to each other and with respect to the vertical
plane in which the flank is situated. This difference in horizontal
position between the successive yarn-tensioning elements may be
very small. As a result thereof, every yarn-tensioning element is
readily accessible and can be reached by a respective supplied warp
thread via a minimal number of bends and every conveyed warp thread
can also be conveyed to the weaving machine via a minimal number of
bends.
[0009] As a result thereof, the warp threads can be passed from the
yarn storage device to the weaving machine close together, while
ensuring that the positional difference is sufficient to prevent
the warp threads from inhibiting each other.
[0010] Every yarn-tensioning element has an inlet via which a
supplied warp thread is introduced in cooperation with the
yarn-tensioning element and an outlet via which this warp thread
can leave the yarn-tensioning element to move along to the weaving
machine. By arranging every row of yarn-tensioning elements in an
inclined manner or obliquely with respect to the vertical plane of
the flank, a vertical positional difference or a horizontal
positional difference, respectively, can be created between
successive yarn-tensioning elements which is just sufficient to
make the inlet and/or the outlet of every yarn-tensioning element
accessible in a straight horizontal line to the supplied or
conveyed warp threads which run close to each other.
[0011] Due to the fact that every row of yarn-tensioning elements
is arranged in an inclined manner or obliquely with respect to a
vertical plane which runs along the flank direction, large numbers
of yarn-tensioning elements only take up a limited width or height.
The addition of yarn-tensioning elements therefore only has a small
effect on the height or the width of the yarn-tensioning
device.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to
the disclosure, each carrier comprises a substantially flat surface
which forms an outer side of the yarn-tensioning module, the
yarn-tensioning elements on said outer side are accessible for
supplying and/or conveying respective warp threads, each carrier is
arranged in a position in which said surface, viewed in a vertical
cross section of the yarn-tensioning module, has an angle of
inclination, and/or, viewed in a horizontal cross section of the
yarn-tensioning module, forms an acute angle with a vertical plane
which runs parallel or coincides with the plane in which said
upright flank is situated.
[0013] As a result thereof, the yarn-tensioning elements may be
placed in rows having the abovementioned directions, due to the
fact that the carrier is arranged at an angle or obliquely with
respect to the vertical plane of the flank, while these
yarn-tensioning elements are in addition readily accessible on an
outer side of the yarn-tensioning module.
[0014] In a first particular embodiment, the yarn-tensioning module
comprises two carriers with a substantially flat surface which
forms a respective outer side of the yarn-tensioning module, said
carriers are arranged in a position in which their respective
surfaces, viewed in a vertical cross section of the yarn-tensioning
module, have an angle of inclination and taper towards each other
in the direction of the weaving machine.
[0015] In a second particular embodiment, the yarn-tensioning
module comprises two carriers with a substantially flat surface
which forms a respective outer side of the yarn-tensioning module,
and said carriers are arranged in a position in which their
respective surfaces, viewed in a horizontal cross section of the
yarn-tensioning module, form an acute angle with a vertical plane
which runs parallel or coincides with the plane in which said
upright flank is situated, and taper towards each other in the
direction of the weaving machine.
[0016] The two carriers together preferably have a width which is
not greater than the width of a yarn storage unit.
[0017] In their most preferred embodiment, the first and the second
particular embodiments are designed such that the two carriers with
mutually tapering surfaces virtually adjoin each other, so that the
yarn-tensioning module, viewed in a cross section, has a
substantially V-shaped profile.
[0018] In a greatly preferred embodiment, each warp thread is
guided from a yarn store to a yarn-tensioning element in
non-tensioned state.
[0019] The yarn stores are distributed over the relatively high
volume of a yarn storage device. If several yarn storage units are
situated next to each other, this volume is moreover also
relatively wide. With the known prior-art arrangements, the warp
threads run from the top and from the bottom yarn stores in a
straight line and under tension at relatively large angles with
respect to a horizontal line to the first guiding grid at the
weaving machine. By guiding the warp threads in tensionless state
from their respective yarn store to a yarn-tensioning element which
is arranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the
weaving machine, the warp threads in this space can first be
brought together in the much more limited volume of the
yarn-tensioning device in order to run then from this limited
volume to the weaving machine under tension. As a result thereof,
the yarn storage device can be placed closer to the weaving machine
without this causing any detrimental effect. Due to the fact that
the parts of warp threads which have been put under tension also
occupy less space, space is freed up around these warp threads, as
a result of which other components, such as a beam stand, become
more easily accessible if they are arranged in the space between
the yarn-tensioning device and the weaving machine.
[0020] The yarn storage device may for example comprise at least
two spaced-apart juxtaposed yarn storage units.
[0021] Furthermore, it is also possible to design the
yarn-tensioning device in such a way that it has at least two
yarn-tensioning modules which are spaced-apart next to each other
or one above the other. Thus, the large number of yarn-tensioning
elements are distributed over several modules as a result of which
they are more readily accessible for maintenance and repairs.
[0022] In a specific embodiment, each yarn-tensioning element
comprises an inlet and an outlet for a warp thread, and, for every
yarn-tensioning element, a warp thread supplied from a yarn store
is guided to the inlet on the side of the carrier where the outlet
is situated. This may be useful if one of the sides of the carrier
is not accessible for supplying or conveying warp threads, or only
with difficulty. This also ensures that the tension in the warp
thread only increases very slightly.
[0023] In another embodiment, the supplied warp thread is guided
through the carrier to the inlet from the side of the carrier which
is situated opposite the side where the outlet is situated.
[0024] In this case, the yarn-tensioning element may be designed
and integrated in the carrier in such a way that the warp thread
crosses the carrier in a direction which is virtually perpendicular
to the carrier surface, as a result of which the warp thread is
bent at the inlet and at the outlet over a relatively large angle.
These bends produce significant friction and thus add considerable
additional tension. This may be ideal for arrangements which
require a relatively high yarn tension. In this way, the
yarn-tensioning elements do not have to provide all of the yarn
tension.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a yarn-guiding means is provided
between at least every yarn store and a yarn-tensioning element and
is configured to guide and protect a warp thread along virtually
the entire path from the yarn store to the yarn-tensioning element.
The main function of the guide element is to guide a tension-free
warp thread while avoiding the risk of it coming into contact with
other warp threads. The guide element may have an open or a closed
structure.
[0026] The yarn-guiding means is, for example, tubular. Preferably,
it is a flexible element.
[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment, each yarn-tensioning
element comprises a roller which is driven by a motor and is
configured to rotate, in contact with at least one warp thread, in
the one or the other direction of rotation in order to move said
warp thread in a direction counter to the supply direction of the
warp threads, respectively to move the warp thread or to move it
concomitantly with the movement or in order to facilitate the
movement, in a direction which is identical to the supply direction
of the warp threads, in order to increase or decrease,
respectively, the yarn tension in said warp thread.
[0028] The motor-driven roller is also referred to as the brake
roller.
[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, a yarn-tensioning module is
arranged in the space between the yarn storage device and the
weaving machine, which is laterally delimited by the parallel
vertical surfaces which touch the flanks of the yarn storage device
which are furthest apart.
[0030] The yarn storage device may, inter alia, be a bobbin creel.
In that case, the yarn stores are bobbins on which respective
stores of yarn are wound.
[0031] Preferably, the yarn on these bobbins is unwound by pulling
it over the head of the bobbin in the direction of the axis of the
bobbin, when the bobbin is not rotating (in "defile"). Preferably,
the guiding means are placed in line with the axis of the bobbin.
This usually ensures a more stable and a lower yarn tension than
radial unwinding ("deroule"), during which the bobbin does rotate.
The reason for this is that the latter requires a greater force.
The angle at which the yarn enters the guiding means also differs,
depending on the location from where the yarn is taken from the
bobbin. Since this location varies periodically, a sinusoidal
variation in tension results.
[0032] The motor which drives the brake roller in order to keep the
yarn under tension is preferably actuable in generator operation in
order to keep the yarn under tension. By using a motor which
provides an adjustable torque to the brake roller, it is easier to
respond to deviating and/or changing properties of yarns and/or a
change in path of the yarn and/or changes in the behaviour of the
weaving machine. The torque of the motor may, for example, be much
lower when the machine is stationary (just enough to keep the yarn
tensioned) than when the machine is in operation.
[0033] In order to recuperate yarn from the weaving machine, which
is necessary, for example, due to shed-formation, the motor is also
actuable in motor operation in order to move the yarn in a
direction which is opposite to the supply direction of the yarn. In
addition, it may also be useful to make the motor actuable in motor
operation in order to move the yarn in the supply direction so as
to take additional yarn from the yarn storage system. Preferably, a
central control unit is also provided, preferably also including
means for making the energy generated during the generator
operation of the motor immediately available to the control unit of
the yarn-tensioning system.
[0034] Preferably, measuring means for determining the length of
the yarn which is taken off by the weaving machine are also
provided. For each brake roller, it is possible to calculate the
length of the yarns held under tension by this brake roller from
the number of revolutions of the brake roller or the angular
rotation of the motor and the diameter of the brake roller without
additional length-measuring sensors being required. To this end,
the measuring means comprise the calculating means required for
this purpose, for example.
[0035] Preferably, communication means are also provided for
receiving signals from the weaving machine with regard to the
operation and/or the position of the machine and measuring means
for measuring parameters relating to the operation of the
yarn-tensioning device and tension-monitoring means for monitoring
the parameters for the operation of the yarn-tensioning device
relative to the signals received from the weaving machine. The
signals relating to the operation of the weaving machine represent
the current state of the weaving machine and may relate to the
machine being at a standstill, the machine being in operation, the
speed of the machine, the position of the main axis of the weaving
machine, the stage of the weaving process, etc.
[0036] The tension-monitoring means are preferably also configured
to predict the expected operation of the yarn-tensioning device
based on the current state reported by the weaving machine. Most
preferably, the yarn-tensioning device is provided with a tension
measuring device for measuring the yarn tension. By measuring the
yarn tension, it is also possible to provide different additional
detection systems. Thus, it is for example possible not only to
detect yarn rupture and/or overtensioning of the yarn by means of
the measured yarn tension, but also irregularities or knots in the
yarn. It is for example also possible to keep several yarns having
identical yarn characteristics and following the same path under
tension using the same brake roller.
[0037] The motor of a yarn-tensioning system according to the
present disclosure is preferably a DC motor or a brushless AC
motor. More preferably, this motor is a brushless DC motor, still
more preferably a brushless DC motor having an external rotor (a
type of motor in which the stator is stationary and the rotor
rotates) provided with HALL sensors, preferably designed as a
pancake motor, due to the compactness of such a type of motor, the
economic feasibility and because little energy is released or
little energy is required in the present application.
[0038] By minimizing the slip of the yarn on the brake roller, the
tension of the yarn can be held constant, irrespective of the
thread characteristics, and the accuracy of any measurements can be
increased. There are various ways of reducing slip of the yarn on
the brake roller. Alternatively or additionally, the brake roller
may be designed for winding the yarn several times around here.
Furthermore alternatively or additionally, the brake roller may
comprise a running surface which is provided with an anti-slip
layer and/or configured with a profiling
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The disclosure will now be explained in more detail by means
of the following description of a possible embodiment of an
arrangement of a weaving machine and a yarn storage device with an
associated yarn-tensioning device according to the present
disclosure.
[0040] In this description, reference numerals are used to refer to
the attached drawings, in which:
[0041] FIGS. 1 to 3 show different views of a yarn-tensioning
element in which the inlet and the outlet of the warp thread are
situated on the same side of the yarn-tensioning element and in
which the warp thread is passed to the inlet via the same side;
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a yarn-tensioning element
according to FIGS. 1-3 which is integrated in a carrier of a
yarn-tensioning device;
[0043] FIGS. 5 to 7 show different views of a yarn-tensioning
element, in which the inlet and the outlet of the warp thread are
situated on the same side of the yarn-tensioning element and in
which the warp thread is passed to the inlet of the yarn-tensioning
element from the opposite side;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic side view of an arrangement of a
weaving machine and a bobbin creel with an associated
yarn-tensioning device, with a vertical construction of a
yarn-tensioning device having a V-shaped profile;
[0045] FIG. 9a shows a diagrammatic top view of the arrangement
represented in FIG. 8;
[0046] FIG. 9b shows an enlarged representation of a top view of
one of the groups of yarn-tensioning modules from FIG. 9a;
[0047] FIG. 10a shows a diagrammatic side view of an arrangement of
a weaving machine and a bobbin creel with an associated
yarn-tensioning device, with a horizontal construction of a
yarn-tensioning device having a V-shaped profile; and
[0048] FIG. 10b shows an enlarged representation of a side view of
the yarn-tensioning module from FIG. 10a; and
[0049] FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic top view of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 10a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of a yarn-tensioning
element (8) together with a portion of a guide tube (10) and a
portion of a warp thread (11) in cooperation with the
yarn-tensioning element (8). FIG. 1 shows a side view, FIG. 2 shows
a top view and FIG. 3 shows a representation in perspective.
[0051] The yarn-tensioning element (8) contains an electric motor
(80) which is designed to drive a brake roller (81) to rotate and a
non-driven rotatable clamping roller (82) which is situated next to
the brake roller (81). The warp thread (11) is passed from a yarn
store (not shown in FIGS. 1-3) through the guide tube (10) in the
supply direction (F) as far as the vicinity of the yarn-tensioning
element (8). After leaving the guide tube (10), the warp thread
(11) first runs across the surface of the clamping roller (82),
subsequently between the clamping roller (82) and the brake roller
(81) and finally across the surface of the brake roller (81) in
order to leave the latter after approximately half a revolution and
to continue to run towards the weaving machine (1) in a direction
which differs little from the supply direction (F) via a guiding
eyelet (83). During its passage between the clamping roller (82)
and the brake roller (81), the warp thread (11) is clamped between
both rollers (81), (82), so that the warp thread (11) moves
concomitantly with the brake roller (81) without slip. In addition,
there is also a holder (84) provided with two guide walls
(84a),(84b) which extend on a respective side of the clamping
roller (82). These are necessary in order to make the recuperation
of warp yarns possible.
[0052] If the brake roller (81) is driven by the motor (80) to
rotate clockwise, it will pull back the warp thread (11) in the
direction counter to the supply direction (F) and as a result
thereof recuperate yarn. If the weaving machine (1) pulls the warp
thread (11) forward in the supply direction (F), the brake roller
(81) will rotate concomitantly counterclockwise, with the motor
being in generator operation. By actuating the motor (80) in
cooperation with a control unit, the yarn tension of every warp
thread (11) can be controlled or regulated separately as a function
of one or several yarn tension-influencing circumstances or
factors, such as inter alia the weave status of the respective warp
thread, the location of the warp thread on the weaving machine, the
resistance which the warp thread encounters during its move in the
supply direction, etc.
[0053] The direction in which the warp thread (11) turns when it
leaves the guide tube (10) at the inlet (85) of the yarn-tensioning
element is approximately identical to the direction in which the
warp thread (11) runs when it leaves the yarn-tensioning element
(8) at the outlet (86) via the guiding eyelet (83). In addition,
the inlet (85) and the outlet (86) are placed in such a manner that
the warp thread (5) is situated on the same side of the
yarn-tensioning element (1) on the inlet (85) and on the outlet
(86). As a result thereof, such a yarn-tensioning element (1) can
easily be integrated in a carrier (71), (72) in such a manner that
a warp thread which is supplied from a yarn store on the side of
the carrier where the outlet is situated is passed to the inlet
(see FIG. 4).
[0054] In FIGS. 5 to 7, another yarn-tensioning element (9) is
presented, together with a portion of a guide tube (10) and a
portion of a warp thread (11), in cooperation with the
yarn-tensioning element (9). FIG. 5 shows a front view, FIG. 6
shows a representation in perspective and FIG. 7 shows a top
view.
[0055] The yarn-tensioning element (9) also contains an electric
motor (90) which is designed to drive a brake roller (91) and a
non-driven rotatable clamping roller (92) which is situated next to
the brake roller (91). The warp thread (11) is passed from a yarn
store (not shown) through the guide tube (10) as far as the
vicinity of the yarn-tensioning element (9). The guide tube (10)
first runs in the supply direction (F) and makes a turn of nearly
90.degree. near the end. After leaving the guide tube (10), the
warp thread (11) is first bent so as to be brought between the
clamping roller (92) and the brake roller (91) in a direction which
is virtually counter to the supply direction (F) and to be clamped
between these rollers (91),(92), and to subsequently run across the
running surface of the brake roller (91) and to leave the latter
after more than half a revolution and to continue to run in the
supply direction (F) via a guiding eyelet (93).
[0056] The direction in which the warp thread (11) runs when it
leaves the guide tube (10) at the inlet (94) is approximately
perpendicular to the direction in which the warp thread (11) runs
when it leaves the yarn-tensioning element (9) at the outlet (95)
via the guiding eyelet (93). As a result thereof, such a
yarn-tensioning element (9) can easily be integrated in a carrier
(71), (72) in such a manner that the outlet (95) is situated on one
side of the carrier and the warp thread from the opposite side of
the carrier is passed to the inlet (94) through the carrier
(71),(72).
[0057] In a first arrangement according to the present disclosure
(see FIGS. 8, 9a and 9b), a weaving machine (1) is arranged next to
a bobbin creel (3) in cooperation with a jacquard device (2). In
the intermediate space between the weaving machine (1) and the
bobbin creel (3), a beam stand (4) is arranged comprising yarn
stores provided on four different rollers (40)-(43) for the warp
threads which are used evenly and regularly on the weaving machine
(1) during the weaving process.
[0058] The bobbin creel (3) contains a large number of bobbins (5)
containing yarn stores for the warp threads wound thereon which are
used unevenly and irregularly during the weaving process. The
bobbin creel (3) contains eight creel units (30)-(37), also
referred to as doors, which are positioned next to one another at a
mutual intermediate distance apart (see FIG. 9a). Each creel unit
(30)-(37) has a front side (30a) facing the weaving machine (1) and
two vertical flanks (30b),(30c) which run perpendicular to the
front side (30a). Each flank (30b),(30c) contains the holders
required to be able to arrange a large number of bobbins (5) next
to each other in horizontal rows situated one above the other in a
fixed position in which they are rotatable.
[0059] The reference numerals (30a), (30b) and (30c) are only shown
with one creel unit (30) in FIG. 9a. The other creel units
(31)-(37) are identical and their front sides and flanks are
denoted below by reference numeral (30a) and reference numerals
(30b) and (30c), respectively.
[0060] In the space between the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving
machine, a yarn-tensioning device (6) is arranged, consisting of
eight groups (60)-(67) of 16 yarn-tensioning modules, with each
group (60)-(67) consisting of two series (I), (II), arranged
vertically above one another, of eight yarn-tensioning modules (7),
arranged vertically above one another, a top series (I) of eight
modules (7) and a bottom series (II) of eight modules (7). There is
a vertical intermediate distance (d) between both series (I), (II).
FIG. 8 shows the group (60) of 16 modules (7) which is located at
the top in FIG. 9a.
[0061] In FIG. 9a, the yarn-tensioning elements (9) are only shown
in the group (60) illustrated at the top. They are also provided on
the other groups (61)-(67) in a similar manner, but these are not
shown in the figures.
[0062] FIG. 9b shows a top view of this group (60) of 16
yarn-tensioning modules (7) separately and enlarged.
[0063] Each group (60)-(67) of yarn-tensioning modules is placed
against the front side (30a) of a respective creel unit (30)-(37).
Each group (60)-(67) thus has an associated creel unit
(30)-(37).
[0064] Each yarn-tensioning module (7) consists of two panel-shaped
carriers (71),(72) with a flat outer surface. Each carrier
(71),(72) contains the yarn-tensioning elements (9) for the warp
threads which are supplied from the bobbins (5) of the flank (30b),
(30c) which is located on the same side. In FIG. 9a, the top
carrier (71) thus has associated flank (30b) and the bottom carrier
(72) has associated flank (30c).
[0065] Both carriers (71),(72) are arranged vertically and at an
acute angle (.beta.) with respect to the vertical plane (V1), (V2)
in which the associated flank (30b), (30c) is situated and in this
case taper towards each other in the direction of the weaving
machine (1), coming together while forming an angle and adjoining
each other. The yarn-tensioning modules (7) thus have a V-shaped
profile, viewed in a horizontal cross section, as can clearly be
seen in FIGS. 9a and 9b.
[0066] Each carrier (71),(72) has a large number of rows of closely
juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements (9). For the sake of clarity,
only three yarn-tensioning elements (9) are represented per carrier
(71), (72).
[0067] The yarn-tensioning elements (9) are of the type which is
integrated in the carriers (71), (72) in such a way that the outlet
(96) is situated on one side of the carrier (71),(72) and the warp
thread from the opposite side of the carrier is passed through the
carrier (71),(72) to the inlet (95) of the yarn-tensioning
element.
[0068] Due to the oblique arrangement of the carriers (71),(72),
the direction (R1), (R2) of each row of yarn-tensioning elements
(9) also forms an acute angle (.beta.) with respect to the vertical
plane (V1), (V2) in which the associated flank (30b),(30c) is
situated.
[0069] In every creel unit (30)-(37), yarns from a large number of
bobbins (5) are passed to the weaving machine (1) to be worked into
a fabric as warp threads. A respective guide tube (10) is provided
(not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) for every warp thread in order to
guide the warp thread tension-free to a yarn-tensioning element
(9). In this way, the warp threads cannot come into contact with
each other and not inhibit each other.
[0070] Due to the oblique arrangement of the row of yarn-tensioning
elements with respect to the associated flank (30b),(30c), the
successive yarn-tensioning elements (9) of a row are brought into
positions which are horizontally offset with respect to each other
and with respect to the vertical plane (V1, V2) in which the
associated flank (30b), (30c) is situated. As a result thereof,
every yarn-tensioning element (9) is readily accessible by a
respective warp thread supplied from this flank (30b), (30c) and
each conveyed warp thread can also be conveyed to the weaving
machine via a minimal number of bends. As a result thereof, the
warp threads can be passed from the yarn storage device to the
weaving machine without inhibiting each other and while being
arranged close together.
[0071] From the yarn-tensioning elements (9), the warp threads are
moved along to a first grid (13) with a width and a height (see
FIGS. 8 and 9a) which are smaller than the width and the height of
the bobbin creel (3). In FIG. 8, a top (11) and a bottom warp
thread (12) are shown which run to the grid (13) from the top
yarn-tensioning module (7) and from the bottom yarn-tensioning
module (7), respectively. FIG. 9a diagrammatically shows the zones
(14) in which the warp threads are moved from their path from the
different groups (60)-(67) of yarn-tensioning modules (9) to the
first grid (13).
[0072] From the first grid (13), the warp threads (11),(12) run to
a second grid (15) having the same width as the first grid (13),
but a smaller height. From the second grid (15), the warp threads
(11),(12) run to the weaving machine (1), where they are drawn
through the heddle eyelet of a respective heddle
(16),(17)--represented symbolically by a vertical line with a
circular widening which represents the heddle eyelet. A respective
return spring (18),(19) exerts a downward force on every heddle
(16),(17).
[0073] Alternatively, the yarn-tensioning device (6) may also be
situated in the space between the bobbin creel (3) and the beam
stand (4), at some distance from the bobbin creel (3). Preferably,
the groups of yarn-tensioning modules (60)-(67) are then situated
within the space which, in the prior art, is occupied by the warp
threads on their path from the bobbin creel to the weaving machine.
Still more preferably, the yarn-tensioning modules take up less
space than the warp threads on their path from the bobbin creel to
the weaving machine in the prior art at a similar distance from the
weaving machine. The number of groups of yarn-tensioning modules or
the number of yarn-tensioning modules per group of yarn-tensioning
modules is determined based on the application.
[0074] In a second arrangement according to the present disclosure
(see FIGS. 10a, 10b and 11), a weaving machine (1) cooperating with
a jacquard device (2) is also arranged next to a bobbin creel (3),
and a beam stand (4) which is identical to that which is arranged
in the first arrangement (FIGS. 8 and 9) is arranged in the
intermediate space between the weaving machine (1) and the bobbin
creel (3). The bobbin creel (3) also has the same layout as in the
first arrangement which was described above with reference to FIGS.
8 and 9.
[0075] In the space between the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving
machine (1), a yarn-tensioning device (6) is arranged which
consists of one yarn-tensioning module which extends in a
horizontal direction which is virtually parallel to the vertical
plane in which the front sides (30a) of the eight creel units
(30)-(37) are situated.
[0076] This yarn-tensioning module (20) consists of two
panel-shaped carriers (21),(22) with a flat outer surface. The two
carriers (21),(22) are arranged at an opposite angle of inclination
(.alpha.) with respect to each other, so that they taper towards
each other in the direction of the weaving machine (1)
symmetrically with respect to a horizontal plane, coming together
while forming an angle and adjoining each other. The
yarn-tensioning module (20) thus has a V-shaped profile, viewed in
a vertical cross section, as can clearly be seen in FIGS. 10a and
10b.
[0077] Alternatively, the yarn-tensioning device (6) could consist
of several yarn-tensioning modules (20), distributed across the
width of the weaving machine. Each carrier (21),(22) has a large
number of rows of closely juxtaposed yarn-tensioning elements (8).
For the sake of clarity, only three yarn-tensioning elements (8)
are represented per carrier (21), (22).
[0078] The yarn-tensioning elements (8) are of the type which is
integrated in the carriers (21), (22) in such a way that the outlet
(86) is situated on one side of the carrier (21),(22) and the warp
thread on the same side of the carrier is passed to the inlet (85)
of the yarn-tensioning element.
[0079] Due to the oblique arrangement of the carriers (21),(22),
the direction (R1), (R2) of each row of yarn-tensioning elements
(8) also forms an angle of inclination (.alpha.) or in other words
an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane.
[0080] With this arrangement as well, a respective guide tube (10)
(not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) is provided for each warp thread in
order to guide the warp thread tension-free to a yarn-tensioning
element (8). In this way, the warp threads cannot come into contact
with each other and inhibit each other.
[0081] Due to the inclined arrangement of the row of
yarn-tensioning elements, the successive yarn-tensioning elements
(8) of a row are brought into positions which are offset with
respect to each other in a vertical direction. As a result thereof,
each yarn-tensioning element (8) is readily accessible by a
respective warp thread supplied from a yarn store, and each
conveyed warp thread can also be conveyed via a minimum number of
bends to the weaving machine. As a result thereof, the warp threads
can be passed from the yarn storage device to the weaving machine
without inhibiting each other and while being arranged close
together.
[0082] From the yarn-tensioning elements (8), the warp threads are
moved along to a grid (100) having the same width as the
yarn-tensioning module, but a smaller height. From that grid (100),
the warp threads (11), (12) run to the weaving machine (1), where
they are drawn through the heddle eyelet of a respective heddle
(16),(17)--represented symbolically by a vertical line with a
circular widening which represents the heddle eyelet. A respective
return spring (18),(19) exerts a downward force on every heddle
(16),(17).
[0083] According to the prior art, the warp threads are supplied to
the first grid in a stretched state from the bobbin creel (3). FIG.
10a shows this situation from the prior art by means of the
straight line (S1) which first runs from the top row bobbins in the
bobbin creel (3) through the grid (X) of an existing arrangement
and then onwards to the grid (100), and the straight line (S2)
which runs from the bottom row bobbins in the bobbin creel (3) via
the grid (X) of an existing arrangement and then onwards to the
grid (100). To be clear, the grid (X) does not form part of the
arrangement according to the present disclosure and has only been
added to be able to show an effect of the disclosure compared to
the prior art.
[0084] The lines (S1),(S2) show the large angles (with respect to a
horizontal plane) at which the warp yarns are taken to the grid (X)
and subsequently to the grid (100) according to the prior art, and
consequently the large height which the supplied warp threads then
take up.
[0085] FIG. 11 shows the prior-art situation by means of the
straight line (T1) which runs from a bobbin in the creel unit (30)
shown at the top to the grid (X) according to the prior art, and
the straight line (T2) which runs from a bobbin in the creel unit
(37) shown at the bottom to the grid (X) according to the prior
art. These lines (T1),(T2) show the large angles (with respect to a
vertical plane) at which the warp yarns are taken to the grid (X)
according to the prior art, and consequently the large width which
the supplied warp threads then take up.
[0086] Due to the fact that the warp threads according to the
present disclosure are taken from the bobbin creel (3) to the much
more compact volume of the yarn-tensioning device (6) in the
intermediate space between the bobbin creel (3) and the weaving
machine (1) in a tension-free state, in which the warp threads
obviously should not be stretched, the warp threads can be supplied
within a much more compact volume and this both with regard to
height as the width. Here, moving the warp threads in a
tension-free state takes place in guide tubes (10) which are
represented symbolically by curved lines in FIGS. 10 and 11. As a
result thereof, space is freed up, for example, for access to the
beam stand (4). In addition, this makes it possible to place the
bobbin creel (3) closer to the weaving machine.
* * * * *