Textiles: weaving – Warp manipulation – Shedding
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-30
2001-02-13
Falik, Andy (Department: 3741)
Textiles: weaving
Warp manipulation
Shedding
C024S702000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186188
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a coupling device for the releasable connection of a lifting element, in particular of a jacquard machine, to at least one lifting element of a warp thread in a weaving machine. More particularly, the invention relates to a coupling device for the releasable connection of a sinker cord of a jacquard machine to a harness cord of the harness of a weaving machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
Coupling devices of the general type referred to here are known. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,782, for example. These comprise two coupling parts, of which a first coupling part is assigned to the lifting element formed by a cord and a second coupling part is assigned to the harness cord. During coupling and uncoupling, the coupling parts execute in relation to one another a relative movement that is radial to the direction of displacement of the lifting element or of the harness cord. Disadvantageously, the separation and connection of the harness and the jacquard machine or of individual harness cords from and to the respective lifting elements of the jacquard machine have to be carried out manually, which takes up a relatively long period of time. Consequently, the idle times of the weaving machine are increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a coupling device which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art, such as those noted above. The coupling device of the present invention provides for automated mutual rotational alignment of the two coupling parts. At least one coupling part is assigned or is capable of being assigned a rotational alignment means.
Consequently, it is possible to connect and release a lifting element, for example a harness cord, or a plurality of lifting elements, in particular harness cords, for example combined in groups, quickly to and from the respective lifting element of a jacquard machine, for example. As referred to herein, a radial displacement of the coupling parts, used to disconnect the two parts, is a displacement transverse to the direction of displacement (axial direction) of the lifting elements, which is in the vertical or essentially vertical direction.
The rotational alignment means acts, according to a first design variant, on the coupling part constantly (
FIGS. 11A
to
11
C) or, according to another design variant, only during coupling and uncoupling.
In an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the coupling device, at least one of the coupling parts has a noncircular cross-sectional portion, over which a locating member engages for rotational alignment. Rotational alignment preferably takes place by the locating member and the one coupling part executing an axial relative movement in relation to one another. In other words, the locating member and/or the coupling part are displaced in the direction of displacement of the lifting element, and the rotational alignment of the coupling part takes place during the displacement operation or is initiated and carried out as a result of the engaging-over action.
In a further preferred embodiment of the coupling device, the noncircular cross-sectional portion of the at least one coupling part is twisted on itself axially, as is explained more fully below. As a result, when the cross-sectional portion engages into the locating member or tool, preferably formed by a recess or a passage orifice of a positioning element, desired rotational alignment is induced, preferably about the longitudinal center axis of the lifting element, generally hanging down vertically from the jacquard machine, of the coupling part which has the noncircular cross-sectional portion. The recess or the passage orifice may, if appropriate, also be twisted on itself, the pitch of the cross-sectional portion twisted on itself and of the recess or passage orifice being selected or mutually coordinated in such a way that self-locking does not occur when the two coupling parts are moved toward one another.
An exemplary embodiment of the coupling device is also preferred in which a plurality of recesses or passage orifices, which are each assigned a coupling part, are formed in the positioning element. As a result, by a displacement of the positioning element, a plurality, in particular hundreds or thousands, of lifting elements, for example harness cords, can be simultaneously separated from and connected to the respective lifting element, in particular of a jacquard machine. It is consequently possible for the harness of the weaving machine to be changed quickly, as a result of which the stoppage times of the weaving machine can be reduced.
Of course, in another exemplary embodiment, the reverse situation is also possible, specifically that in which the lifting elements are separated from the harness cords. For this purpose, the first coupling part executes a radial relative movement in relation to the second coupling part.
A further preferred embodiment of the coupling device has each of the two coupling parts assigned a positioning element. The coupling parts can thereby be aligned separately from one another axially, in the direction of the raising and lowering movement of the lifting elements, and radially, in the coupling direction and transversely to the direction of displacement of the lifting elements of the jacquard machine.
Finally, in a further embodiment of the coupling device, the two positioning elements have a plurality of recesses or passage orifices which, in the coupling position when the coupling device is in the coupled state, are axially in alignment with one another or offset relative to one another. Accordingly, in a first design variant of the coupling parts, at least their noncircular cross-sectional portions, over which at least one locating member engages in each case, are arranged opposite one another. In another design variant not illustrated in the figures, the cross-sectional portions bringing about rotational alignment of the coupling parts are arranged so as to be offset relative to one another, as seen in the axial direction, transversely to the coupling/uncoupling direction.
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European Search Report No. 99112867.9 of Jan. 11, 2000.
Bayer Fritz
Guse Rolf
Horter Hansjurgen
Deutsche Institute für Textil und Faserforschung Stuttgart Stiff
Falik Andy
Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen, LLP
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