[0001] This invention relates to a frame-driving unit for weaving looms, especially for
looms equipped with a programming unit such as a dobby or the like.
[0002] In most looms of this type the frames are controlled positively from the afore-mentioned
programming unit from their lower position to their higher position, wherein they
can further be brought back in the low position by means of springs provided therefor.
[0003] A characteristic known kinematic chain consists e.g. at least of a rocking arm subject
to the above-mentioned programming unit; a flexible joint between this arm or lever
and a second arm or lever which is supported to a fixed part of the loom; a tie rod
between this second lever and a frame; and a spring means that makes contact with
the afore-mentioned second lever.
[0004] Driving systems of that kind offer numerous disadvantages. It has been seen that
the formation of the bottom shed of the gap in many looms required more force than
the formation of the top shed. From a mechanical point of view it is thus somewhat
illogical to positively control the upward movements of the frames.
[0005] This positive upward movement of the frames also results in the fact that the afore-mentioned
second levers should be supported above the frames. This requires a relatively massive
construction of the conventional girders and the conventional architrave.
[0006] It has to be remarked that other types of frame-driving mechanisms have also been
proposed with which a positive downward movement of the frames or even a desmodromic
motion could be obtained. Driving mechanisms of that kind, however, are expensive
and cannot be made free from play.
[0007] The present invention relates to a driving mechanism of the type as described above
and in the preamble of the main claim.
[0008] It is characterized thereby that the geometry of the various points of rotation and
coupling of the above-mentioned chain is chosen in such a way that every positive
rotation of said rocking arm occasioned by the programming unit results in a positive
downard movement of the frame.
[0009] The invention will now be illustrated more detailedly by means of the accompanying
drawing, which represents a schematical front view of a device according to the present
invention.
[0010] In the drawing an architrave 1 of a weaving loom is represented, which is supported
by two girders 2.
[0011] On girder 1 a programming unit 3, e.g. a dobby, is mounted.
[0012] Between this programming unit 3 and every frame 4 a kinematic chain is provided mainly
consisting of :
- a rocking arm 5, which can be rotated positively by the programming unit in the
sense of arrow Fl;
- on the girder 1_ and on both of its extremities a second lever 6, which is supported
in 7;
- between the lever 5 and every lever 6 a flexible connection 8, which each time runs
over a guiding roller 9;
- between every lever 6 and the frame 4 a push rod 10; and
- for every lever 8 each time a spring means 11 which is connected with the corresponding
girder 2.
[0013] Each push rod 10 is hinged in 12 on the corresponding lever 6. The point of contact
of spring means 11 on it is indicated by 13.
[0014] The geometry of the thus described chain has been chosen in such a way that a positive
downward movement (arrow F2) of the frame 4 corresponds with every positive movement
(Fl) of a lever 5. For that purpose the points 7, 12 and 13 for every lever 6 are
nearly collinear with the points 12 and 13 at either side of point 7 as well as in
an inward and outward direction respectively with respect to the centre of girder
1.
[0015] Every lever 6 shows a circular leg 14 to which an extremity of the corresponding
flexible connection 8 is fixed, viz. in an outward direction with respect to the centre
of girder 1 and the point of rotation 7.
[0016] It has to be noticed that the points of rotation 7 are applied at either side above
girders 2, which benefits the sturdiness of the construction.
[0017] It is evident that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment
without departing from the scope of the invention.
1.- Frame-driving unit for weaving looms equipped with a programming unit, said driving
unit being of the type wherein a kinematic chain is provided, between said programming
unit (3) and a frame (4), which kinematic chain at least consists of a rocking arm
(5) subject to said programming unit; a flexible connection (8) between this arm and
a second lever (6) which is mounted to a fixed part (1) of the loom; a rod (10) between
said second lever (6) and a frame (4); and of a spring means (11) making contact with
said second lever, characterized thereby that the geometry of the various points of
rotation and connection (7, 9, 12, 13, 14) of said chain has been chosen in such a
way that every rotation of said rocking arm (5) occasioned by the programming unit
results in a positive downward movement of the frame (4).
2.- Frame-driving unit according to claim 1 for weaving looms equipped with a architrave
(1) supported at both extremeties by girders (2) on which said programming unit (3),
rocking arm (5) and a second lever (6) are mounted, characterized thereby that the
second lever (6) is supported on the architrave (1) and above a girder (2), said rod
(10) being connected with this second lever in a point (12) between the centre of
the architrave (1) and the point of rotation (7) of said lever (6), said spring means
(11) making contact with said lever (6) in a point (13), which is located substantially
symmetrically with said point of connection (12) of the rod with respect to the point
of rotation (7) of the second lever (6).