A Device For Coupling A Heddle Frame With A Connecting Rod, A Heddle Frame Fitted With Such A Device, A Mechanism For Actuating Such A Frame, And A Loom Incorporating Such A Mechanism


Updated about 2 years ago

Abstract

The device (5) fastened to a heddle frame includes aprojecting member (53) of circular section suitable forbeing introduced into a circular bore (32) in aconnecting rod end (31). The device (5) is provided withmeans (56c1) for guiding the connecting rod end (31)towards a position in which a central axis (X32) of thebore (32) is in alignment with a hinge axis (X53) for theconnecting rod as defined by the projecting member (53),prior to introducing (F3) the member (53) into the bore(32). This makes it easier for an operator to couple theconnecting rod (3) to a heddle frame fitted with thedevice (5).

Information

Application ID 1136/KOLNP/2008
Invention Field MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Date of Application 2008-03-17
Publication Number 52/2008

Applicants

Name Address Country Nationality
STAUBLI FAVERGES PLACE ROBERT STAUBLI, F-74210 FAVERGES France France

Inventors

Name Address Country Nationality
FUMEX, ANDRE 220 CHEMIN DES ROMAINS, F-74210 CONSSAINTE COLOMBE France France

Specification

1
A DEVICE FOR COUPLING A HEDDLE FRAME WITH A CONNECTING
ROD, A HEDDLE FRAME FITTED WITH SUCH A DEVICE, A
MECHANISM FOR ACTUATING SUCH A FRAME, AND A LOOM
INCORPORATING SUCH A MECHANISM
The present invention relates to a device for
coupling a heddle frame to a connecting rod that is
actuated by a weave motion. The invention also relates
to a heddle frame fitted with such a device, to a
mechanism for actuating such a frame, and also to a loom
fitted with at least one such mechanism.
To simplify the operations of mounting and removing
heddle frames on and from a loom, it is known to make use
of devices that serve to couple and uncouple frames
relative to their drive connecting rods. US—A—5 000 229
discloses a so-called coupling device that is fastened to
a heddle frame and that is provided with a boss that
defines a hinge axis for a connecting rod for driving the
frame, with a bore formed in the end of the connecting
rod being placed over the boss. A catch is hinged on one
side of the device and needs to be actuated by means of a
lever when the connecting rod is to be coupled or
uncoupled relative to the frame. When an operator
desires to couple the connecting rod to the frame, it is
necessary to maneuver the frame so as to bring the boss
of the coupling device accurately into register with the
central bore in the connecting rod, which is not always
easy, insofar as the various frames of a loom are placed
one behind another and very close together, so access to
them is difficult.
The invention seeks more particularly to remedy
these drawbacks by proposing a device with which a
connecting rod can be coupled to a frame of a loom or a
frame can be coupled to a connecting rod in a manner that
is much easier than with known systems.
In this spirit, the invention relates to a coupling
device for coupling a heddle frame with a connecting rod
actuated by a weave motion of a loom, the device being

2
fastened on the frame and including a projecting member
of circular section suitable for being inserted in a bore
provided in one end of the connecting rod, the projecting
member then defining a hinge axis for the connecting rod.
This device is characterized in that it is provided with
alignment means for guiding the projecting member
relative to the end of the connecting rod towards an
alignment position in which a central axis of the bore is
in alignment with the hinge axis defined by the
projecting member, prior to introducing the projecting
member into the bore.
By means of the invention, it is possible for an
operator to use the alignment means to pre-position the
end bore of a connecting rod and the projecting member of
the device fastened to the frame before actually engaging
the member in the bore. This enables the operator to
operate by guess work, even when blind, without it being
necessary to verify visually that the bore is properly
aligned with the projecting member, prior to pushing the
projecting member into the bore.
According to other aspects of the invention that are
advantageous but not essential, such a device may
incorporate one or more of the following characteristics
taken in any technically feasible combination:
• The alignment means comprise a plate provided with
an opening giving the end of the connecting rod access to
the projecting member, the edges of the opening being
adapted to provide relative guidance for the outside
peripheral surface of the rod and the projecting member
towards the alignment position of the above-mentioned
axes. Preferably, the opening opens out into a side of
the plate and the above-mentioned edges converge at least
in part from the side and are generally complementary to
a portion of the outside peripheral surface of the end of
the connecting rod.
• The device includes retaining means for retaining
the projecting member in the bore, the means being

3
retractable under the action of the end of the connecting
rod when the connecting rod approaches an alignment
configuration of the above-mentioned axes by being guided
by the alignment means. Advantageously, the retaining
means comprise a catch mounted to pivot relative to a
support structure for the member, between a first
position for retaining the end of the connecting rod
parallel to the hinge axis, and a second position in
which the catch does not oppose relative movement between
the end of the connecting rod and the device parallel to
the hinge axis. Means for returning the catch towards
its retaining position may be provided, in particular in
the form of a resilient tongue formed integrally with the
catch.
• The device includes a first plate to which the
projecting member is fastened, and a second plate
generally parallel to the first plate and carrying the
alignment means. Under such circumstances, the catch is
advantageously mounted to pivot between the plates about
an axis that is generally perpendicular thereto.
The invention also provides a heddle frame for a
loom that is fitted with a coupling device as mentioned
above.
In addition, the invention relates to a mechanism
for actuating a heddle frame of a loom from a weave
motion, the mechanism comprising at least one connecting
rod having one end configured to form a loop about a
circular bore. This mechanism is characterized in that
it also comprises a device as mentioned above in which
the projecting member defines a hinge axis for the
connecting rod end and in which the relative guide means
are suitable for guiding the connecting rod end and the
projecting member towards a position in which the above-
mentioned hinge axis and a central axis of the bore are
in alignment, prior to introducing the projecting member
into the bore.

4
Advantageously, the device is mounted on an upright
of the heddle frame.
The invention finally relates to a weaving loom that
is fitted with at least one actuator mechanism as
mentioned above.
The invention will be better understood and other
advantages thereof appear more clearly in the light of
the following description of two embodiments of a
coupling device, a heddle frame, an actuator mechanism,
and a loom in accordance with the principle of the
invention, given purely by way of example and made with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
• Figure 1 is a diagram showing the principle of a
loom in accordance with the invention;
• Figure 2 is a view on a larger scale showing
detail II of Figure 1;
• Figure 2A is a fragmentary section on a larger
scale on A-A of Figure 2;
• Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the
elements that can be seen in Figure 2;
• Figure 4 is a view analogous to Figure 2 while
coupling the connecting rod to the frame;
• Figure 5 is a view analogous to Figure 4 at the
end of the relative approach movement between the
connecting rod and the frame;
• Figure 5A is a fragmentary section view on a
larger scale on line A-A of Figure 5; and
• Figure 6 is a view analogous to Figure 2 for a
coupling mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment
of the invention.
In Figure 1, a dobby 1 is designed to drive a heddle
frame 2 in a loom M with reciprocating vertical motion,
as represented by arrows Fx and F'x. To do this, an
actuator arm 11 of the dobby 1 is coupled via connecting
rods 3 and oscillating levers 4 to the frame 2. The loom
M has a plurality of frames, with only one of them being
shown in Figure 1 in order to clarify the drawing.

5
The two connecting rods 3 that engage the frame 2
have their respective top ends 31 configured as loops,
each defining a bore 32 of circular section centered on a
respective axis X32. Each end 31 is formed integrally
with the remainder of the corresponding connecting rod 3.
In a variant, the end could be fitted to the remainder.
Two devices 5, each designed to co-operate with the
end 31 of an engaging connecting rod 3, are fastened to
the lower portion of the bottom cross-member 21 of the
frame 2.
One of these devices is shown more particularly in
Figures 2 to 5. It comprises a base plate 51 having a
stud 53 riveted thereto by means of a rivet that is not
shown, the stud 53 projecting from the face 51a of the
plate 51 that can be seen in Figure 3. The stud 53 has
an outer section that is circular and centered on an axis
X53. A strip 54 is used for fastening the device 5 to the
cross-member 21 by means of two screws 55 represented by
their axis lines. A front plate 56 is disposed parallel
to the plate 51 and it is rigidly associated therewith by
five rivets, specifically three rivets 57a passing
through holes 54a formed through the strip 54, and two
shouldered rivets 57b of larger section than the rivets
57a. In a variant, the stud 53 is not riveted to the
plate 51 by means of an independent rivet, but is held
stationary thereon by plastic deformation or riveting of
its portion that is to the rear in Figure 3.
A catch 58 of plastics material is mounted to pivot
about one of the rivets 57b, i.e. about the longitudinal
axis X57 thereof that is perpendicular to the plates 51
and 56.
In the assembled configuration of the device 5, the
catch 58 is interposed between the two plates 51 and 56.
The catch 58 has a lug 58a for co-operating with the face
31b of the.end 31 of the connecting rod 3 that is
situated remote from the plate 51 when said end is
received in the device 5 in the coupling configuration.

6
The surface 31a is circular, having a rectilinear
generator line and it is of circular section centered on
the axis X32 of the bore 32.
As can be seen more particularly in Figure 2A, the
lug 58a presents on its side facing towards the plate 56,
a rim 58b that partially overlaps the face 31b when the
catch 58 retains the end 31 around the stud 53. The rim
58b prevents the end 31 from moving away from the plate
51 once it has been placed around the stud 53. Thus, the
rim 58b prevents the end 31 from moving parallel to the
axes X32 and X53 which then coincide.
When the connecting rod 3 is coupled to the device
5, i.e. when the stud 53 is engaged in the bore 32, the
axis X53 forms a hinge axis for the connecting rod 3 which
can then oscillate through an angle having an amplitude
of a few degrees about said axis, as represented by arrow
P in Figure 2. The bore 32 is fitted with a ring 34 for
sliding on the stud 53. By means of its central axis of
symmetry X53, the stud 53 thus defines a hinge axis
between the connecting rod 3 and the frame 2.
The catch 58 includes an operating tab 58d that
extends substantially away from the lug 58a relative to
the axis X57 when the device is its assembled
configuration. The catch 58 also has a resilient tongue
58e that bears against the surface 54d of the strip 54
that faces towards the stud 53, as can be seen in
Figure 2. The tongue 58e which is integral with the
remainder of the catch 58 is configured to exert thereon
a torque C tending to cause the lug 58a to tilt about the
axis X57 towards the axis X53 and the surface 31a when the
connecting rod 3 is in place around the stud 53.
To clarify the drawing, the portions shown in dotted
lines in Figure 2 are omitted from Figures 4, 5, and 6
since they are hidden by the plate 56.
The plate 56 is generally in the form of an upside-
down U-shape and has two limbs 56a and a web 56b
intercoupling the limbs. Between the limbs 56a there is

7
defined an opening 056 that opens out towards the bottom
of the plate, i.e. into its side that faces towards the
main portion 33 of the connecting rod when the connecting
rod is in its configuration coupled with the frame.
A lateral boss 58f formed on the catch 58 defines a
surface 58g that bears against the outside edge of the
limb 56a when the catch 58 is subjected solely to the
torque C. The limb 56a thus constitutes an abutment
against movement of the catch 58 under the effect of the
torque C.
The inside edges 56c of the limbs 56a comprise two
concave portions 56cx and 56c2, the portions 56cx being
configured as circular arcs of radius R56 that is
substantially equal to the radius R31 of the surface 31a.
The portions 56c2 co-operate with the edge 56d of the web
56b to define a setback.
The portions 56cx of the edges 56c serve to guide the
frame while coupling the frame 2 to the connecting rod 3,
so as to bring the axis X32 into alignment with the axis
X53 of the stud 53. The operator can act by guess work to
bring the device 5 to a position generally above the end
31a, as shown in Figure 4, and can then move the frame 2
in translation by applying a translating force F2 parallel
to the plates 51 so as to bring the edges 56c to bear
against the surface 31a of the end 31. In their portions
56cx, the edges 56c converge going away from the free ends
of the limbs 56a, i.e. away from the bottom side of the
plate 56, and towards the edge 56d.
Given the complementary shapes between, firstly, the
portion of the surface 31a that comes into contact with
the edges 56c and, secondly, of the portions 56cx, the end
31 is thus guided relative to the device 5 towards a
position as shown in Figure 5, which position is unique
relative to the plate 56. In other words, the edges 56c
are guided by their portions 56cx over the surface 31a so
as to position the device 5 relative to the end 31. It
then suffices for the limbs 56a to be configured so that

8
the portions 56cx are centered on the axis X53 to ensure
that, by coming into contact with these portions 56cx, the
end 31 and its bore 32 are centered automatically on the
axis X53 when the device 5 is moved by the force F2.
In the final portion of the approach movement guided
by the portions 56cx of the edges 56c, the end 31 comes
via a portion 31ax of its surface 31a to bear against the
inside radial surface 58c of the rim 58b to which it
transmits a force F'2 that is the resultant of the force
F2. The rim 58b and the lug 58a are thus pushed back by
the force F'2, as shown in Figure 5, against the torque C,
in a retraction movement by the catch 58 pivoting about
the axis X57, as represented by arrow E58 in Figure 5.
When the end 31 comes into contact with the inside
edges of the limbs 56a, i.e. when the plate 56 is moved
so as to "cover" the end 31, and when the catch has been
pushed back by the end 31 towards the position of
Figure 5 in which it does not prevent the end 31 from
approaching the plate 51, it is then possible to push the
end 31 through the opening 056 towards the plate 51
parallel to the axis X53 so as to engage the stud 53 in
the bore 32. This relative movement between the end 31
and the stud 53. is represented by arrows F3 in Figures 3
and 5A. It corresponds to the stud 53 being inserted in
the bore 32.
Once the end 31 is in position around the stud 53,
the catch 58 returns under the effect of the torque C
exerted by the tongue 58e towards the Figure 2 position
in which the rim 58b holds the end 31 in place between
the two plates 51 and 56, opposing any extraction
movement to the axis X33 and directed away from the plate
51.
Thus, in the frame of reference of the connecting
rod 3, the movement of the frame 2 and of the device 5
constitutes an approach movement in which the device 5 is
guided by its edges 56cx on the surface 31a of the end of
the connecting rod 31. In the frame of reference of the

9
frame 2 and of the device 5, it is the end of the
connecting rod 31 that is guided by the edges 56cx.
Either way, the relative guidance between the device 5
and the end 31 has the effect of bringing the axes X32 and
X53 into alignment, then making it easy to engage the end
31 around the member 53, i.e. to engage the member 53 in
the bore 32.
This provides automatic locking of the connecting
rod 3 in the device 5 without it being necessary for the
operator to act directly on the catch 58.
Given the automatic nature of this locking and of
the guidance towards a unique position that is obtained
by means of the portions 56^ of the edges 56c, connection
can be achieved without the operator verifying visually
that the end 31 and the device 5 are in pre-alignment.
When it is appropriate to uncouple the frame 2 from
the connecting rod 3, it suffices for the operator to
press on the tab 58d in the direction of arrow F5 in
Figure 2, thereby disengaging the lug 58a and the rim 58b
from the end 31 and releasing the connecting rod, which
can then be extracted through the opening 056.
In the second embodiment of the invention shown in
Figure 3F, the shapes of the plates 51 and 56 are modified
in order to enable the device 5 to be mounted on a
vertical upright 22 of the frame 22. For this purpose,
the plate 56 is extended by a tab 56e that covers a
portion of the upright 22. The plate 51 is likewise
extended by a tab of the same type. The tab 56e and the
equivalent tab of the other plate are fastened by means
of rivets 57a that pass through the upright 22. The
device 5 is thus secured to the frame 2 without having
recourse to a strip of the kind constituted by the strip
54 in the first embodiment.
The invention is shown for a frame that is driven by
a dobby 1. Nevertheless, it can be applied independently
of the exact type of weave motion, which may be
constituted by a basic weave motion.

10
The portions 56c! are not necessarily circularly
arcuate. They may take any appropriate shape as a
function of the shape of the portion of the outside
surface 31a with which they co-operate, which surface is
not necessarily of circular section. In particular, the
edges 56c may be in a V-configuration, while the end 31
may be of a generally pointed shape.
In both of the embodiments described the coupling
mechanisms can be placed underneath or on top of the
frame, depending on the configuration of the connecting
rods for transmitting motion from the weave motion.

11
CLAIMS
1. A coupling device for coupling a heddle frame (2) and
a connecting rod (3) actuated by a weave motion (1) of a
loom (M) , said device (5) being fastened on said frame
and including a projecting member (53) of circular
section suitable for being inserted in a bore (32)
provided in one end (31) of the connecting rod, said
member then defining a hinge axis (X53) for said
connecting rod, the device being characterized in that it
is provided with alignment means (56^) for guiding said
member (53) relative to said end of the connecting rod
(31) towards an alignment position (Figure 5) in which a
central axis (X32) of said bore is in alignment with said
hinge axis (X53) , prior to introducing (F3) said member
into said bore.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that
said alignment means comprise a plate (56) provided with
an opening (056) giving said end (31) of the connecting
rod (3) access to said projecting member (53), the edges
(56c) of said opening being adapted (56^) to provide
relative guidance for the outside peripheral surface
(31a) of said end and said member (53) towards said
alignment position.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that
said opening (056) opens out into a side of said plate
(56) and said edges (56c) converge at least in part (56c2)
from said side and are generally complementary to a
portion of the outside peripheral surface (31a) of said
end (31).
4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that
it includes retaining means (58) for retaining said
member (53) in said bore (32), said means being
retractable (E58) under the action (F'2) of said end (31)
when said connecting rod (3) approaches (F2) an alignment

12
configuration (Figure 5) of said axes (X32, X53) by being
guided by said alignment means (56cx) .
5. A device according to claim 4, characterized in that
said retaining means comprise a catch (58) mounted to
pivot (E58) relative to a support structure (51, 56, 57)
for said member (53) between a first position for
retaining said end (31) parallel to said hinge axis (X53) ,
and a second position in which said catch does not oppose
relative movement between said end and said device
parallel to said axis.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that
it includes return means (58e) for returning said pivotal
catch (59) towards said retaining position.
7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that
said return means are formed by a resilient tongue (58e)
formed integrally with said catch (58).
8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that
it includes a first plate (51) to which said member (53)
is fastened, and a second plate (56) generally parallel
to the first plate and carrying said alignment means
(56Cl) .
9. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that
it includes a first plate (51) to which said member (53)
is fastened, and a second plate (56) generally parallel
to the first plate and carrying said alignment means
(56cx) and in that said catch (58) is mounted to pivot
between said plates (51, 56) about an axis (X57) that is
generally perpendicular to said plates.
10. A heddle frame (2) of a loom fitted with a coupling
device (5) according to claim 1.

13
11. A frame according to claim 10, characterized in that
said device (5) is fastened on an upright (22) of the
frame.
12. A mechanism for actuating a heddle frame (2) of a
loom from a weave motion, said mechanism (1) comprising
at least one connecting rod (3) having one end (31)
configured to form a loop about a circular bore (32), the
mechanism being characterized in that it also comprises a
device (5) according to claim 1 in which the projecting
member (53) defines a hinge axis (X53) for said connecting
rod end (31) and in which the relative guide means (56cx)
are suitable for guiding said connecting rod end (31) and
said member (53) towards a position in which said hinge
axis (X53) and a central axis (X32) of said bore are in
alignment, prior to introducing (F3) said member into said
bore.
13. A loom (M) fitted with at least one actuator
mechanism (5, 31) according to claim 12.

The device (5) fastened to a heddle frame includes a
projecting member (53) of circular section suitable for
being introduced into a circular bore (32) in a
connecting rod end (31). The device (5) is provided with
means (56c1) for guiding the connecting rod end (31)
towards a position in which a central axis (X32) of the
bore (32) is in alignment with a hinge axis (X53) for the
connecting rod as defined by the projecting member (53),
prior to introducing (F3) the member (53) into the bore
(32). This makes it easier for an operator to couple the
connecting rod (3) to a heddle frame fitted with the
device (5).

Documents

Name Date
abstract-01136-kolnp-2008.jpg 2011-10-07
1136-KOLNP-2008-FORM 26.pdf 2011-10-07
1136-kolnp-2008-form 18.pdf 2011-10-07
1136-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-translated copy of priority document.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-others.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-pct request form.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-form 2.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf 2011-10-07
1136-KOLNP-2008-(02-11-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf 2012-11-02
01136-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf 2011-10-07
01136-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf 2011-10-07
1136-KOLNP-2008-FER.pdf 2016-05-23
Petition Under Rule 137 [26-10-2016(online)].pdf_14.pdf 2016-10-26
Petition Under Rule 137 [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
01136-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf 2011-10-07
Description(Complete) [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
Examination Report Reply Recieved [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
Claims [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
1136-KOLNP-2008-PatentCertificateCoverLetter.pdf 2017-08-10
1136-KOLNP-2008-PatentCertificate10-08-2017.pdf 2017-08-10
1136-KOLNP-2008-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [21-03-2018(online)].pdf 2018-03-21
1136-KOLNP-2008-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [26-03-2019(online)].pdf 2019-03-26
Other Document [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
Correspondence [26-10-2016(online)].pdf 2016-10-26
1136-KOLNP-2008-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [28-09-2021(online)].pdf 2021-09-28
1136-KOLNP-2008-RELEVANT DOCUMENTS [16-03-2020(online)].pdf 2020-03-16

Orders

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