WEAVING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PILE FABRICS WITH KNOTTED PILE YARNS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a weaving machine for weaving pile fabrics with knotted pile yarns, configured so that, for sequences (I), (II), (III) of two warp yarn systems, the order of the warp yarn systems in the weft insertion mechanism (X) is changed and a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is brought between the warp yarn systems, at least one warp yarn (1) of the first warp yarn system and at least one warp yarn (2) of the second warp yarn system are brought back into the original order on either side of a gap (T3), and finally an end part (L1a)-(L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is brought through this gap (T3) from the one edge (20) to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2), so that a knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), (JK.sub.1), (JK.sub.2) is formed.

Claims

1. Weaving machine for weaving pile fabrics, comprising means for providing a row of warp yarns running next to each other (1), (2), a shedding device for forming a shed between the warp yarns in each case in several weft insertion cycles (1), (2), a weft insertion mechanism for inserting, in the weft insertion cycles, in each case at least one weft yarn (3), (4) in the shed in a weft direction (X) in order to weave a ground fabric, and means for binding pile yarns (P1)-(P4) to the ground fabric to form the pile, characterized in that the weaving machine is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, for several sequences (I), (II), (III) of a first and of a second warp yarn system each comprising at least one warp yarn (1), (2) and located in an original order seen in the weft direction (X) on either side of a first gap (T1), the warp yarns (1), (2) of at least one of the warp yarn systems in the weft insertion mechanism (X) are moved until the warp yarn systems are located, at least over a portion of their length, in a reversed order on either side of a second gap (T2), a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is brought into a pull-through position wherein it extends through the second gap (T2) between the first and the second warp yarn system and projects with respective end parts (L1a, L1b), (L2a, L2b), (L3a, L3b), (L4a, L4b) on both edges (20), (30) of the warp yarns, then the warp yarns of at least one of the warp yarn systems are moved in the weft direction (X) until at least one warp yarn (1) of the first warp yarn system and at least one warp yarn (2) of the second warp yarn system are back again in the original order on either side of a third gap (T3), and the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns is pulled through the third gap (T3) so that this end part of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) extends via the third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns.

2. Weaving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the weaving machine is configured so that, in step c, the warp yarns (1), (2) of at least one of the warp yarn systems are moved in the weft direction (X) until all warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and all warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system are back in the original order on either side of the third gap (T3).

3. Weaving machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the weaving machine comprises a warp yarn positioning device (6, 20) that is configured to move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and/or the warp yarns of the second warp yarn system at least over a portion of their length in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K) in which the warp yarns (1), (2) mainly extend, so that the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) are displaced, at least over a portion of their length in said transverse direction (Y), relative to each other, and then move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and/or the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence in the weft direction (X) relative to each other in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems, seen in the weft direction (X).

4. Weaving machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the warp yarn positioning device comprises at least one first positioning body (6) that is configured to be moved in said transverse direction (Y) and thereby also move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) in order to bring these warp yarns (1) at least over a portion of their length outside the warp yarn plane (K), and to be moved in said weft direction (X) and thereby also move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems seen in the weft direction (X).

5. Weaving machine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the warp yarn positioning device comprises at least one second positioning body (10) that is configured to be moved in said transverse direction (Y) and thereby also move the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) in order to bring these warp yarns (2) at least over a portion of their length outside the warp yarn plane (K), and to be moved in said weft direction (X) and thereby also move the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems, seen in the weft direction (X).

6. Weaving machine according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that each first positioning body (6) is provided on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and is configured to move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system at least over a portion of their length in the transverse direction (Y) so that they are brought on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) outside the warp yarn plane (K), and in that each second positioning body (10) is provided on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and is configured to move the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system at least over a portion of their length in the transverse direction (Y) so that they are brought on the other edge (B) of the warp yarns (1), (2) outside the warp yarn plane (K).

7. Weaving machine according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one first positioning body (6) and/or at least one second positioning body (10) comprise a row of warp yarn passages (9), (13).

8. Weaving machine according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one first positioning body (6) and/or at least one second positioning body (10) comprise a number of fingers (8), (12) that are provided next to each other with spacing, in which at least one warp yarn passage (9), (13) is provided.

9. Weaving machine according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, in each pile forming cycle, at least one pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3), (P4) is joined to a number of warp yarns (1), (2) by forming a knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), (JK.sub.1), (JK.sub.2), wherein each knot is located between the edge (18) of the fabric in the process of formation and at least one positioning body (6), (10), and in that this positioning body (6), (10) is configured so that, in the direction (Z) in which the warp yarns (1), (2) extend next to each other, to be moved towards said edge (18) in order to move each knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), (JK.sub.1), (JK.sub.2) in this direction (Z) until it is almost up against said edge (18).

10. Weaving machine according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the weft insertion mechanism inserts, in each weft insertion cycle, in each case at least one weft yarn (3), (4) in a weft direction (X) into a shed formed between warp yarns (1), (2), between the edge (18) of the fabric in the process of formation and at least one positioning body (6), (10), and in that this positioning body (6), (10) is configured to be moved in the direction (Z) in which the warp yarns extend next to each other towards said edge (18) in order to move each inserted weft yarn (3), (4) in said direction (Z) until it is almost up against said edge (18).

11. Weaving machine according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the warp yarn positioning device (6), (10) is also configured to move, in several weft insertion cycles, the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) and/or the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III), at least over a portion of their length in said transverse direction (Y), to form in each case a shed between these warp yarns (1), (2).

12. Weaving machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weaving machine comprises a cutting device (16), (58) that is configured for cutting off, in several pile forming cycles, each pile yarn to be bound to the ground fabric (P1), (P4) from a pile yarn supply.

13. Weaving machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weaving machine comprises at least one set of a pile yarn feeder (14) and an associated pile yarn receiver (15), wherein the pile yarn feeder (14) is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is held in a first feed position on the one side (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2), and wherein the pile yarn receiver (15) is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, the pile yarn held in the first feed position (P1)-(P4) on the other side (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) is pulled through a respective second gap (T2) between two warp yarn systems in reversed order and is brought into said pull-through position, and then, after at least one warp yarn (1) of the first warp yarn system and at least one warp yarn (2) of the second warp yarn system are put back again in the original order, the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) is brought through the first gap (T1) so that this end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) extends via the third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on the other edge (B), and so that each pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is joined by the formation of a knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), (JK.sub.1), (JK.sub.2) to the warp yarns (1), (2) and comprises two pile legs projecting on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns.

14. Weaving machine according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the weaving machine comprises at least one set of a pile yarn feeder (50) and an associated pile yarn receiver (15), wherein the pile yarn feeder (14) is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is held in a second feed position wherein this pile yarn (P1)-(P4) extends from the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) through a second gap (T2) between two warp yarn systems in reversed order up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2), and wherein the pile yarn receiver (15) is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, it grips the pile yarn held in the second feed position on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns and is brought into or held in the pull-through position, and then, after the warp yarn systems are put back in the original order, the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns is pulled through said third gap (T3) so that this end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) extends via the third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on the other edge (30), and so that each pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is joined by the formation of a knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), (JK.sub.1), (JK.sub.2) to the warp yarns (1), (2) and comprises two pile legs projecting on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2).

15. Weaving machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the pile yarn feeder (50) comprises an elongated hollow feed-through body (52)-(56) that forms a passage for a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) extending in its longitudinal direction and in that the pile yarn feeder (50) is configured to be placed in a first position wherein the feed-through body (52)-(56) extends from the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) through said second gap (T2) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2), in that a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) extending through the passage of the feed-through body (52)-(56) is held in the second feed position, in that the pile yarn receiver (15) is configured to retain the pile yarn held in the second feed position (P1)-(P4), and in that the pile yarn feeder (50) is configured so that, during retention of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4), it is moved from the first position to a second position wherein the feed-through body (52)-(56) no longer extends through the second gap (T2) and is located completely on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2).

16. Weaving machine according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the pile yarn receiver (15) is configured to be moved between a first and a second position in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K) in which the warp yarns (1), (2) mainly extend, in order to take, in the first position, a yarn end of a pile yarn brought into the first or the second feed position (P1)-(P4) and bring this pile yarn (P1)-(P4), through the movement of the pile yarn receiver (15) to the second position, into said pull-through position.

17. Weaving machine according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, for at least one set of a pile yarn feeder (14), (50) and an associated pile yarn receiver (15), a row of pile yarns (P1)-(P4) with mutually different appearance-determining properties is provided, and in that the pile yarn feeder (14), (50) is configured so that, in several pile forming cycles, it selectively brings a predetermined pile yarn (P1)-(P4) of the row into the first or the second feed position.

18. Weaving machine according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the pile yarn receiver (15) comprises a first pile yarn rapier (15a) that is configured to grip the pile yarn brought into the first or the second feed position (P1)-(P4), and a second pile yarn rapier (15b), which is configured to grip in each case the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of this pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (K) of the warp yarns and pull it through said first gap (T1).

19. Weaving machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a row of warp yarns running next to each other (1), (2) which extend mainly in a warp yarn plane (K), and comprise several sequences (I), (II), (III) of a first and second warp yarn system, wherein each warp yarn system comprises at least one warp yarn (1), (2), and wherein the warp yarn systems are located in an original order, seen in the weft direction (X), on either side of a first gap (T1).

20. Weaving machine according to claims 18 and 19, characterized in that it comprises, at least one first positioning body (6) that is placed on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and is movable in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K), in order to bring the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn systems over a portion of their length on the one edge (20) outside the warp yarn plane (K), and is movable in the weft direction (X) in order to move the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn systems over a portion of their length in the weft direction (X) in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems, at least one second positioning body (10) that is placed on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns and is movable in the transverse direction (Y) to bring the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn systems over a portion of their length on the other edge (30) outside the warp yarn plane (K), and is movable in the weft direction (X) in order to move the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn systems over a portion of their length in the weft direction (X) in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems, and in that the weaving machine is configured so that, during several pile forming cycles, the following steps are carried out automatically: a) the first (6) and the second positioning bodies (10) are moved away from each other in the transverse direction (Y) in order to bring the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) respectively on the one edge (20) and on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) outside the warp yarn plane (K), b) the first (6) and the second positioning bodies (10) are moved relative to each other in the weft direction (X) so that the order of the warp yarn systems is reversed, c) the first pile yarn rapier (15a) is operated to grip the yarn end of the pile yarn placed in the first or the second feed position (P1)-(P4) and it is brought into or held in the pull-through position, d) the first (6) and the second positioning bodies (10) are moved relative to each other in the weft direction (X) so that at least one warp yarn (1) of the first warp yarn system and at least one warp yarn (2) of the second warp yarn system are back in the original order, on either side of a third gap (T3), the second pile rapier (15b) is operated to pull the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) through the third gap (T3) so that this end part extends via the third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on the other edge (30).

21. Weaving machine according to claim 20, characterized in that, during several weft insertion cycles, it is configured to a) move the first (6) and the second positioning bodies (10) away from each other in the transverse direction (Y) in order to bring the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system respectively on the one edge (20) and on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) outside the warp yarn plane (K), so as to form a shed between the warp yarns of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns of the second warp yarn system, b) to operate the weft insertion mechanism in order to insert one or more weft yarns (3), (4) in the weft direction (X) into the shed.

22. Method for manufacturing pile fabrics, wherein a number of warp yarns running next to each other (1), (2) is provided, and wherein in several weft insertion cycles in each case a shed is formed between the warp yarns (1), (2), and at least one weft yarn (3), (4) is brought into the shed in a weft direction (X) so that a ground fabric is woven, and pile yarns (P1)-(P4) are bound to the ground fabric to form the pile on the ground fabric, characterized in that, in several pile forming cycles, for several sequences (I), (II), (III) of a first and of a second warp yarn system each comprising at least one warp yarn (1), (2) and located in an original order seen in the weft direction (X) on either side of a first gap (T1), a) the warp yarns of at least one of the warp yarn systems are moved in the weft direction (X) until the warp yarn systems are located in a reversed order on either side of a second gap (T2), b) a pile yarn (P1)-(P4) is brought into a pull-through position wherein it extends through the second gap (T2) between the first (1) and the second warp yarn system (2) and projects with the two end parts (L1a, L1b), (L2a, L2b), (L3a, L3b), (L4a, L4b) on a respective edge (20), (30) of the warp yarns, c) then the warp yarns of at least one of the warp yarn systems are moved in the weft direction (X) until at least one warp yarn (1) of the first warp yarn system and at least one warp yarn (2) of the second warp yarn system are back again in the original order on either side of a third gap (T3), and d) an end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns is pulled through the third gap (T3) between the first and the second warp yarn system so that the end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), (L4a) of the pile yarn (P1)-(P4) extends via the third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on the other edge (30).

23. Method for manufacturing pile fabrics according to claim 22, characterized in that, in step c, at least one of the warp yarn systems is moved in the weft direction (X) until all warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and all warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system are back in the original order on either side of the third gap (T3).

24. Method for manufacturing pile fabrics according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that first the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and/or the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system, at least over a portion of their length, are moved in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K) in which the warp yarns (1), (2) mainly extend, so that the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) are displaced relative to each other, at least over a portion of their length, in said transverse direction (Y), and in that then the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and/or the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) are moved relative to each other in the weft direction (X) in order to reverse the order of the warp yarn systems, seen in the weft direction (X).

25. Method for manufacturing pile fabrics according to one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, in each weft insertion cycle, the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system are moved at least over a portion of their length in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K) in which the warp yarns substantially extend, so that the warp yarns (1) of the first warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system of each sequence (I), (II), (III) are displaced relative to each other, at least over a portion of their length, in said transverse direction (Y), so as to form a shed between the warp yarns, after which at least one weft yarn (3), (4) is brought into the shed in a weft direction (X).

26. Method for manufacturing pile fabrics according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the warp yarns (1) of the first second warp yarn system and the warp yarns (2) of the second warp yarn system are moved in the transverse direction (Y) so that they are brought, respectively on the one edge (20) and on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K), outside the warp yarn plane (K).

Description

[0154] For weaving a Persian carpet (see FIGS. 1 to 3), warp yarns (1), (2) and weft yarns (3), (4) are woven together so that they form a ground fabric. For forming the pile (see FIGS. 1 and 2), pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) are bound by means of Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) to respective sequences of first (1) and second warp yarns (2) of the ground fabric. A large number of rows of Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) are formed, provided next to each other in the weft direction (X). The rows are close up against each other in the warp direction (Z), the direction in which the warp yarns extend in the carpet. The two end parts (L1a) (L1b); (L2a), (L2b); (L3a), (L3b) of each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) project on the one side of the carpet, called the pile side (20). The other side is the back (30) of the carpet. If the carpet lies with the pile side (20) directed upwards on a more or less horizontal surface, the two end parts of each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) project straight upwards or obliquely upwards and form vertical pile legs.

[0155] In this description the term carpet is also used in the meaning of the carpet in the process of formation.

[0156] In the formation of a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) that is open towards the left (see FIG. 1), each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) has, in relation to a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2), the following course: from the one end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) that projects on the pile side (20), the pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) runs between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) to the back (30) of the carpet and forms a closed loop round the first warp yarn (1) and then runs from the pile side (20) back between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) to the back (30) of the carpet, and is then wrapped round the second warp yarn (2) and finally runs on the side of the second warp yarn (2) directed away from the first warp yarn (1) back to the pile side (20) of the carpet, to finish with the second pile yarn end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) that projects on the pile side (20).

[0157] In the formation of a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) that is open towards the right (see FIG. 2), the pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) runs from the one end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) that projects on the pile side (20), between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) to the back (30) of the carpet and forms a closed loop round the second warp yarn (2) and then runs from the pile side (20) back between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) to the back (30) of the carpet, and is then wrapped round the first warp yarn (1) and finally runs on the side of the first warp yarn (1) directed away from the second warp yarn (2) back to the pile side (20) of the carpet, to finish with the second pile yarn end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) that projects on the pile side (20).

[0158] A knotted pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) is, expressed in general language, in each case bound to the warp yarns of a sequence (I), (II), (III) of a first warp yarn system and a second warp yarn system. Since in the formation of a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each first warp yarn system only comprises one warp yarn (1) (called first warp yarn hereinafter) and each second warp yarn system also only comprises one warp yarn (2) (called second warp yarn hereinafter), it may be stated that, in a Persian knot, each pile yarn is bound to a sequence (I), (II), (III) of a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2). There are no other warp yarns between two sequences (I), (II), (III).

[0159] For forming a first variant (JK.sub.1) of a so-called Jufti knotsee FIG. 3the pile yarn (P4) is bound to four warp yarns, wherein the first warp yarn system and the second warp yarn system each comprise two warp yarns (1a), (1b); (2a), (2b). The course of the pile yarn (P4) for the first variant (JK.sub.1) of this Jufti knot is similar to the course for a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3). However, two warp yarns (1a), (1b); (2a), (2b) are now provided per warp yarn system instead of one. The pile yarn (P4) runs from the one end part (L4a), which projects on the pile side (20), between the two warp yarn systems (1a, 1b); (2a,2b) to the back (30) of the carpet, forms a closed loop round the two warp yarns (2a), (2b) of the second warp yarn system and then runs from the pile side (20) between the two warp yarn systems (1a, 1b); (2a,2b) back again to the back (30) of the carpet, and finally runs on the side of the second warp yarn system (2a,2b) directed away from the first warp yarn system (1a, 1b) to the pile side (20) of the carpet, to finish with the second pile yarn end part (L4b) that projects on the pile side (20).

[0160] The course of the pile yarn (P4) in a second variant (JK.sub.2) of this Jufti knotsee FIG. 4is different in that the first and the second warp yarn systems contain one warp yarn (1) and three warp yarns (2a), (2b), (2c) respectively, and in that the pile yarn (P4) forms a loop round only two (2b), (2c) of the three warp yarns (2a), (2b), (2c) of the second warp yarn system, where the loop for the other knots in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A is in each case formed round all warp yarns (1), (2), (2a,2b) of a warp yarn system.

[0161] To weave a carpet whose pile yarns are bound by means of Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) to the warp yarns of the ground fabric, preferably the work proceeds following the principle whose most important successive steps are presented in FIGS. 4A-4H and 5A-5H.

[0162] A row of warp yarns (1), (2) is provided, consisting of successive sequences (I), (II), (III) of first and second warp yarns (1), (2). The row of warp yarns thus contains alternately a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2). We start out from warp yarns that run next to each other approximately in one and the same plane, called a warp yarn plane (K) hereinafter. This initial situation is presented in FIGS. 4A and 5A. The order of the first (1) and second warp yarns (2), seen in the weft direction (X), is important. If in FIGS. 4A and 5A we look for example from the left-hand side of the warp yarns (1), (2) in the weft direction (X), we see that, in each sequence (I), (II), (III) of a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2), the first warp yarn (1) is provided first, and then the second warp yarn (2). This order is called the original order hereinafter.

[0163] Between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) of each sequence (I), (II), (III) there is a passage in a transverse direction (Y), which is approximately perpendicular to the warp yarn plane (K). When the warp yarns (1), (2) of the sequences (I), (II), (III) are in the original order, this passage is called the first gap (T1).

[0164] In a first step, the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are moved some distance apart in a transverse direction (Y), which is perpendicular to the warp yarn plane (K). The result of this first step is shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B. The first warp yarns (1) then run over at least part of their length in a first warp yarn plane (K1), while the second warp yarns (2) run, over at least part of their length, in a second warp yarn plane (K2). In FIG. 4B the first warp yarn plane (K1) is located under the second warp yarn plane (K2). In FIG. 5B this is reversed: the first warp yarn plane (K1) is located above the second warp yarn plane (K2). As a result, according to the method in FIGS. 4A-4G, a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) is formed that is open towards the left, and according to the method in FIGS. 5A-5G, a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) is formed that is open towards the right.

[0165] In a second step, the second warp yarns (2) are moved towards the left in the weft direction (X) and the first warp yarns (1) are moved towards the right in the weft direction (X), over a distance such that the order of the warp yarns (1), (2) of the various sequences (I), (II), (III), seen in the weft direction (X), is reversed. The result of this second step is presented in FIG. 4C and FIG. 5C. Seen from the left-hand side in the weft direction (X), the second warp yarn (2) in each sequence (I), (II), (III) is now in front of the first warp yarn (1).

[0166] Between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) of each sequence (I), (II), (III) there is a passage in said transverse direction (Y). Now the warp yarns (1), (2) of the sequences (I), (II), (III) are in the reversed order; this passage is called the second gap (T2).

[0167] In the formation of a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) that is open towards the left (FIG. 4C), the second warp yarns (2) are moved over a greater distance than the first warp yarns (1), so that the first warp yarn (1) of the first (I) and of the second sequence (II) is located under the second warp yarn (2) of the second (II) and of the third sequence (III), respectively.

[0168] In the formation of a Persian knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) that is open towards the right (FIG. 5C), the first warp yarns (1) are moved over a greater distance than the second warp yarns (2), so that the first warp yarn (1) of the first (I) and of the second sequence (II) is located above the second warp yarn (2) of the second (II) and of the third sequence (III), respectively.

[0169] Between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) of each sequence (I), (II), (III) there is a passage in said transverse direction (Y). Now the warp yarns (1), (2) of the sequences (I), (II), (III) are in the reversed order; this passage is called the second gap (T2). Because the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are moved over a different distance, wherein the larger distance is about double the smaller distance, the second gap (T2) between the first (1) and second warp yarn (2) of each sequence is wide. This second gap (T2) is located opposite a respective pile yarn feeder (14).

[0170] In a third step, a respective pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) is inserted in each second gap (T2), so that the first end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) of this pile yarn is located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2), still joined to a pile yarn supply (not shown in the figures) and its second end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) projects on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2). The result of this third step is shown in FIGS. 4D and 5D.

[0171] In a fourth step, the second warp yarns (2) are moved towards the right in the weft direction (X) and the first warp yarns (1) are moved towards the left over the same distance in the weft direction (X), so that the warp yarns (1), (2) of the various sequences (I), (II), (III), seen in the weft direction (X), are back in the original order. The result of this fourth step is shown in FIGS. 4E and 5E. Seen in the weft direction (X) from the left-hand side of the warp yarns (1), (2), the first warp yarn (1) in each sequence (I), (II), (III) is again in front of the second warp yarn (2). In each sequence (I), (II), (III), between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2), a passage is formed in the transverse direction (Y), which is called the third gap (T3).

[0172] Owing to this displacement of the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) in the fourth step, the course of the pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) is also changed. In FIG. 4E, each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) runs from its first end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), which is located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and is still held in the pile yarn feeder (14), first to the right-hand side from the second warp yarn (2) on the other edge (30), is then turned towards the left and runs successively on the other edge (30) past the second warp yarn (2) and on the one edge (20) past the first warp yarn (1), and finally runs on the left-hand side of the first warp yarn (1) on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns, ending there with its second end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b), which projects on the other edge (30).

[0173] In FIG. 5E, each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) runs from its first end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a), which is located on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and is still held in the pile yarn feeder (14), first to the left-hand side of the first warp yarn (1) on the other edge (30), then is turned to the right and runs successively on the other edge (30) past the first warp yarn (1) and on the one edge (20) past the second warp yarn (2), and finally runs on the right-hand side of the second warp yarn (2) on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns, ending there with its second end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b), (L4a), which projects on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2).

[0174] In a fifth step, in each sequence (I), (II), (III) the pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) is cut away from the pile yarn supply (not shown) and released from the pile yarn feeder (14), and the first end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) of the pile yarn located on the one edge (20) is pulled through the third gap (T3) between the first and the second warp yarn (2) so that this end part (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) extends via this third gap (T3) up to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2) and projects on this other edge (30). The result of this fifth step is shown in FIGS. 4F and 5F. Each pile yarn now forms a closed loop round the second warp yarn (2)in FIG. 4For round the first warp yarn (1)in FIG. 5Fof the respective sequence and both end parts (L1a), (L1b); (L2a), (L2b); (L3a), (L3b) of each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) now project on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns.

[0175] In a sixth step, in the formation of a Persian knot that is open towards the left (FIG. 4G), the first warp yarns (1) are moved towards the right, and in the formation of a Persian knot that is open towards the right (FIG. 5G), the second warp yarns (2) are moved towards the left, so that the unequal movement of the first (1) and of the second warp yarns (2)in the second stepis neutralized and the successive warp yarns (1), (2) of the row are moved apart again with the original clearances in the weft direction (X).

[0176] In a seventh step, the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are moved in the transverse direction (Y) until they are back in the same warp yarn plane (K). The result of this seventh step is shown in FIGS. 4H and 5H. The pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) form Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) with pile legs that project on the underside (in each case called the other edge (30) in the foregoing). This is the pile side (30) of the carpet. The upper side (in each case called the one edge (20) in the foregoing) is the back (20) of the carpet.

[0177] In the method according to FIGS. 4A-4G, Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) are obtained that are open towards the left, as is also shown in FIG. 1. In the method according to FIGS. 5A-5G, Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) are obtained that are open towards the right, as is also shown in FIG. 2.

[0178] This working method can be automated by using a weaving machine with the components, features and operation indicated hereunder. For clarity, the weaving machine in the figures (starting from FIG. 6) of this patent application has been presented as a weaving machine that is configured for weaving with a very limited number of warp yarns. In practice, of course, many more warp yarns are needed in order to weave a carpet. When examining these drawings it is consequently necessary to take into account that the dimensions and shapes and numbers of certain components of the weaving machine will in most cases have to be adapted to this larger number of warp yarns.

[0179] In this weaving machine, a beam installation (5) is provided, from which a row of warp yarns (1), (2) running next to each other with equal spacing can be unwound, as the weaving process proceeds. A first (1) and a second warp yarn (2) are provided alternately, following the principle presented in FIGS. 4A and 5A.

[0180] The weaving machine has two movable positioning bodies (6), (10) with which the path of the first (1) and of the second warp yarns (2) can be changed, as will be explained further. These positioning bodies (6), (10) are placed in FIGS. 6 and 7 in such a way that the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) extend next to each other in the same warp yarn plane (K). The positioning bodies (6), (10) are on the one hand configured to form a shed in each case in successive weft insertion cycles, between these first (1) and second warp yarns (2), so that in each case a weft yarn (3) can be inserted in this shed in the indicated weft direction (X). For this purpose the weaving machine is provided with a weft insertion mechanism (not shown in the figures). The positioning bodies (6), (10) are on the other hand also configured to position the warp yarns in successive pile forming cycles.

[0181] The first positioning body (6) is provided on the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K) and is movable in a transverse direction (Y) that is approximately transverse to the warp yarn plane (K). The first positioning body (6) has a base portion (7) with an upper surface (7a) and a lower surface (7b). A number of fingers (8) abut against the base portion (7), which are directed from the base portion (7) to the warp yarns (1), (2) in the transverse direction (Y) and which are provided parallel next to each other with equal spacing. A warp yarn passage (9) is provided in each finger (8). A respective first warp yarn (1) extends through each warp yarn passage (9).

[0182] The second positioning body (10) is provided on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) opposite the first positioning body (6) and is movable in the transverse direction (Y) and in the direction (Z) in which the warp yarns extend in the warp yarn plane (K). Each second positioning body (10) also has a base portion (11) with an upper surface (11a) and a lower surface (11b), on which a number of fingers (12) abut, which are directed from the base portion (11) to the warp yarns (1), (2) in the transverse direction (Y) and which are provided parallel next to each other with equal spacing. A warp yarn passage (13) is also provided in each finger (12). A respective second warp yarn (2) extends through each warp yarn passage (13).

[0183] On the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K), under the first positioning body (6), a number of pile yarn feeders (14) are provided in a row that extends in the weft direction (X). On the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K), a number of pile yarn receivers (15) are provided in a row that extends in the weft direction (X). Each pile yarn feeder (14) is configured to interact with a respective pile yarn receiver (15). There are as many pile yarn feeders (14) and associated pile yarn receivers (15) as there are pile yarns that must be knotted to the warp yarns (1), (2) in one pile forming cycle. In each pile forming cycle, a respective pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) must be knotted to each set of a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2).

[0184] Each pile yarn feeder (14) comprises two holders, provided with a gap between them, for holding a respective pile yarn of a set of two pile yarns (Pa), (Pb) with a different colour. Each pile yarn feeder (14) is movable in the direction (Z) in which the warp yarns (1), (2) extend and may be placed in two different positions. In the one position, a pile yarn (P1), which is the end part of the one pile yarn (Pa), is held in a feed position opposite the associated pile yarn receiver (15). In the other position, a pile yarn (P2), which is the end part of the other pile yarn (Pb), is held in a feed position opposite the associated pile yarn receiver (15).

[0185] Therefore each pile yarn feeder (14) can, in each pile forming cycle, selectively position one of two different pile yarns (P1), (P2) in a feed position opposite the associated pile yarn receiver (15) in order to bring in each case a pile yarn with the desired colour into the pull-through position, to cut it off and form a knot (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) with it. The colours are for example selected to form a predetermined design or pattern in the pile of the carpet.

[0186] The holders of the pile yarn feeder (14) are configured to hold the selected pile yarn (P1) with a yarn end in a feed position so that the pile yarn receiver (15) can grip this yarn end. The pile yarns are at that moment still joined to a respective pile yarn supply that is wound on a bobbin (not shown in the figures).

[0187] On the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K), a number of pile yarn receivers (15) are provided in a row that extends in the weft direction (X). These pile yarn receivers (15) are fastened to the lower surface (11b) of the base portion (11) of the second positioning body (10) and so are movable together with the second positioning body (10) in the direction (Z) in which the warp yarns extend in the warp yarn plane (K). Each pile yarn receiver (15) comprises an upper rapier (15a) and a lower rapier (15b), which are fastened together. Each rapier (15a), (15b) has an open and a closed state and can be placed by means of driving means (not shown) in the open or the closed state in order to grip an end part of a pile yarn or release it again. Each rapier (15a), (15b) is also movable separately in the transverse direction (Y). The lower rapier (15b) is configured to grip the first end portion (L1a) of a pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) that has been selected and placed in a feed position and bring it into the pull-through position, and the upper rapier (15a) is configured to grip the second end portion (L1b) of the pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) in a later phase of knot formation and pull it through between the first (1) and the second warp yarn (2) to the other edge (30) of the warp yarns. This is explained further in this description.

[0188] Between the first positioning body (6) and the warp yarn plane (K), a cutting device (16) is provided, consisting of an elongated fixed portion (16a) with a longitudinal axis (W) that extends in the weft direction (X) and a slidable cutting portion (16b) that is slidable along the longitudinal axis (W) relative to the fixed portion (16a).

[0189] An opening for each pile yarn (P1) is provided in the fixed portion (16a) and the cutting portion (16b) of the cutting device (16). The openings in the fixed portion (16a) and the openings in the cutting portion (16b) overlap each other in a certain position of the cutting portion (16a) so that they form passages (17) (these passages (17) are only indicated in FIG. 6) and so that each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) that is in the aforementioned feed position is located with the first end portion (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) opposite or in a respective passage (17). The openings in the cutting portion (16b) and/or the openings in the fixed portion (16a) have vertical cutting edges. The cutting portion (16b) can be moved along the longitudinal axis (W) to another position where the openings in the fixed portion (16a) and the openings in the cutting portion (16b) no longer overlap each other. During this sliding motion, the pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) that extend through a respective passage (17) are cut through.

[0190] In the bottom portion of FIGS. 6 and 7, three rows of Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) are shown, which extend in the weft direction (X) and are joined to the warp yarns (1), (2). Between two rows of knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3), in each case two weft yarns (3), (4) are inserted in the weft direction (X). These weft yarns (3), (4) run, in opposition of phase, alternately on the one edge (20) and on the other edge (30) of the successive warp yarns (1), (2), as is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the warp yarns (1), (2) of the row and the weft yarns (3), (4) become a ground fabric with, alternately in the warp direction (Z), two weft yarns (3), (4) interwoven with the warp yarns and a row of Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3). The carpet thus formed is wound automatically on a carpet winding mechanism (19).

[0191] FIGS. 8 to 23 now show 14 different successive states of this weaving machine, in each case after execution of a successive step of the weaving process.

[0192] In a first step, the first positioning body (6) and the second positioning body (10) are moved away from each other in opposite directions in the transverse direction (Y) so that the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are some distance apart in the transverse direction (Y). This follows the principle that was also shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B. The state of the weaving machine after carrying out this step 1 is shown in FIG. 8. Seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the warp yarn plane (K)the plane in FIG. 8the paths of the warp yarns (1), (2) are altered between the beam installation (5) and the edge (18) of the fabric in the process of formation (called the fabric edge (18) hereinafter). On the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K), the first warp yarns (1) are pulled outside of the warp yarn plane (K) by the first positioning body (6) and now follow an altered path wherein, from the beam installation (5) to the first positioning body, they are first moved obliquely from the warp yarn plane (K) and then, from the first positioning body (6) to the fabric edge (18), they again run obliquely to the warp yarn plane (K). On the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K), the second warp yarns (2) are pulled outside of the warp yarn plane (K) by the second positioning body (6) and now follow an altered path wherein, from the beam installation (5) to the second positioning body (10), they are also first moved obliquely from the warp yarn plane (K) and then from the second positioning body (6) to the fabric edge (18) they again run obliquely to the warp yarn plane (K). The altered paths of the first and the second warp yarns are more or less symmetric relative to the warp yarn plane (K).

[0193] In step 2, the first positioning body (6) and the second positioning body (10) are moved in opposite directions in the weft direction (X) so that the order of the first and the second warp yarns of each sequence (I), (II), (III)the order seen in the weft direction (X)is reversed, following the principle that was also shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C. The state of the weaving machine after carrying out this step 2 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 10, the first weft yarns (1) are pulled towards the right and the second weft yarns (2) are pulled towards the left. Seen in a plane that runs parallel to the warp yarn plane (K)the plane in FIG. 10the paths of the warp yarns (1), (2) are altered between the beam installation (5) and the fabric edge (18). The first warp yarns (1) now follow an altered path wherein, from the beam installation (5) to the first positioning body (6), they are first moved obliquely towards the right of the original path line (40) and then, from the first positioning body (6) to the fabric edge (18), they again run obliquely to this original path line (40). The second warp yarns (2) now follow an altered path wherein, from the beam installation (5) to the second positioning body (10), they are first moved obliquely towards the left of the original path line (41) and then, from the second positioning body (10) to the fabric edge (18), they again run obliquely to this original path line (41). The first warp yarns (1) and the second warp yarns (2) of the different sequences cross each other, so that their order in the weft direction (X) is reversed. At the level of the pile yarn feeders (14) and the pile yarn receivers (15), between each first (1) and second warp yarn (2) of each sequence, a passage (T2) is provided (also called second gap (T2)).

[0194] In step 3, the pile yarn feeders (14) are operated so that, through any movement in the warp direction (Z), the desired pile yarn (P1), (P2, (P3) is held in or brought into the feed position, and the lower rapiers (15b) of the pile yarn receivers (15) are moved in the transverse direction (Y) to a position wherein, extending through the second gaps (T2), they can grip the pile yarn supplied by the associated pile yarn feeder (14), and the lower rapiers (15b) are also operated to grip the end portion of the selected pile yarn, held in the feed position. The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 3, is shown in FIG. 11.

[0195] In step 4, the lower rapiers (15b) are moved in the transverse direction (Y) towards the right until they are on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) in a position wherein they have pulled a desired length of the pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) (which is then still joined to a pile yarn supply) through the passages (17) past the cutting device (16). The desired length is determined by the desired pile height of the carpet. The pile yarns then extend via the second gap (T2), wherein the second end portion (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) of each pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) is located on the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) and the pile yarn is in the aforementioned pull-through position, as is also shown in FIGS. 4D and 5D. The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 4, is shown in FIG. 12.

[0196] In step 5, the first positioning body (6) and the second positioning body (10) are moved in opposite directions in the weft direction (X) so that the first and the second warp yarns of each sequence are back in the original order, following the principle that was also shown in FIGS. 4E and 5E. Between the first and the second warp yarns of the sequences, there is in each case a passage in the transverse direction, which is called a third gap (T3). After this step 5, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown in

[0197] FIG. 13. In contrast to what is shown in FIGS. 4E and 5E, the warp yarns have not yet returned to their original position with vertical path lines.

[0198] In step 6, the second positioning body (10) is moved downwards in the warp direction (Z) until the upper rapier (15a) is at the same height as the first end part (L1a) of the pile yarn that is then still on the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K) and is still joined to the pile yarn supply. After this step 6, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown in FIG. 14.

[0199] In step 7, the upper rapiers (15a) of the pile yarn receivers (15) are moved in the transverse direction (Y) to a position wherein, extending through the first gaps (T1), they can grip the first end part (L1a) of the pile yarn (P1) held by the associated pile yarn feeder (14), and the upper rapiers (15a) are also operated to grip said first end portion (L1a) as well. The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 7, is shown in FIG. 15.

[0200] In step 8, the cutting device (16) is operated to cut off the pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) from the pile yarn supply. For this purpose, the slidable cutting portion (16b) is moved along the longitudinal axis (W) of the fixed portion (16a) of the cutting device (16), so that all pile yarns that extend through a respective passage (17) of the cutting device are cut through. In order to bring the pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) into an extended state before they are cut through, the upper rapiers (15a), which in the previous step 7 had gripped the first end portions of these pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3), are first moved away over a small distance in the transverse direction (Y) from the cutting device (16).

[0201] In step 8, the upper rapiers (15a) are also pulled back in the transverse direction (Y) to the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K), to a position wherein the upper rapier (15a) and the lower rapier (15b) of each pile yarn receiver (15) are moved to the same distance from the warp yarn plane (K) and respectively keep the first (L1a), (L2a), (L3a) and the second end part (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) of a pile yarn (P1), (P2), (P3) extended, so that the knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) are formed. Then the situation that was shown in FIGS. 4F and 5F is reached.

[0202] In step 8, the first (6) and the second positioning body (10) are also again moved towards each other in the transverse direction (Y), so that the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) again extend in the same warp yarn plane (K). Then the situation is reached that was shown in FIGS. 4G and 5G. The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 8, is shown in FIG. 16.

[0203] In step 9, the second positioning body is moved downwards in the warp direction (Z) so that the underside of the fingers (12) exert a downward force on the knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) (KP) and these are moved downwards, wherein they are displaced over the warp yarns (1), (2), and are pressed well against the fabric edge (18). The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 9, is shown in FIG. 17.

[0204] In step 10, the upper rapier (15a) and the lower rapiers (15b) are placed in the open state so that the end parts (L1a), (L2a), (L3a); (L1b), (L2b), (L3b) of the pile yarns (P1), (P2), (P3) are released and the second positioning body (10) is moved upwards again in the warp direction (Z). The weaving machine is then in the state in FIG. 18. After step 10, the pile forming cycle has ended.

[0205] The weft insertion cycle comprises the steps indicated hereunder.

[0206] In step 11, the first positioning body (6) and the second positioning body (10) are moved in the transverse direction (Y) away from each other in opposite directions so that the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are some distance apart in the transverse direction (Y) and follow an altered path similarly to step 1. However, this is done in order to form a shed between the first warp yarns (1) and the second warp yarns (2) for inserting a first weft yarn (3). The weaving machine is shown in FIG. 19 after this shedding. On the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K), the first warp yarns (1) are pulled away from the warp yarn plane (K) and are thus on the left-hand side of the shed. On the other edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K), the second warp yarns (2) are pulled away from the warp yarn plane (K) and are thus on the right-hand side of the shed.

[0207] In step 12 (see FIG. 20), a first weft yarn (3) is inserted in the weft direction (X) by means of a rapier system, which is not shown in the figures. In step 13, this weft yarn is moved towards the fabric edge (18) by moving the second positioning body (10) downwards in the warp direction (Z) so that the underside of the fingers (12) exerts a downward force on the weft yarns (3) and these also move downwards and press well against the fabric edge (18). The state of the weaving machine, after carrying out step 13, is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0208] In step 14, a shed is then again formed between the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2). Now, however, relative to the first shed that is formed in step 12, a reversed shed is formed. This is shown in FIG. 23. The first (6) and the second positioning body (10) are moved towards each other in the transverse direction so that each finger (8) of the first positioning body (6) is located above a respective gap between two fingers (12) of the second positioning body (10) and each finger (12) of the second positioning body (10) is located under a respective gap between two fingers (8) of the first positioning body (6). See the portion of FIG. 23 within the circle (C). As a result, the first warp yarns (1) are pushed towards the other edge (30) of the warp yarn plane (K) and the second warp yarns (2) are pushed towards the one edge (20) of the warp yarn plane (K). The positions of the first and the second warp yarns are thus reversed compared to their positions in the shed that was formed in step 11.

[0209] In step 15 (not shown in the drawings), a second weft yarn (4) is then inserted in this shed in the weft direction (X) by means of the rapier system. Through the reversing of the positions of the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) in the first and the second shed, these two weft yarns (3), (4) run in opposition of phase, alternately on the one edge (20) and on the other edge (30) of the successive warp yarns (1), (2), as is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0210] Finally, in step 16 (also not shown in the drawings), similarly to step 13, the second weft yarn (4) is also moved towards the fabric edge (18) by the second positioning body (10) downwards in the warp direction (Z). With that, the weft insertion cycle has ended, and a next pile forming cycle can be carried out, followed by a weft insertion cycle.

[0211] By operating said components of this weaving machine to carry out a pile forming cycle and a weft insertion cycle numerous times alternately, a carpet is woven automatically with alternately a row of Persian knots and two weft yarns that are interwoven with the warp yarns. The carpet thus produced is wound automatically on the carpet winding mechanism (19).

[0212] A second embodiment of the weaving machine (see FIGS. 24 to 30) differs from the first embodiment described above in that the pile yarn feeder (50) is configured differently, in that the cutting device is mounted on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns, and in that the upper rapier (15a) and the lower rapier (15b) of each pile yarn receiver (15) are not connected to the second positioning body (10), but are movable separately up and down in the warp direction (Z).

[0213] On the one edge (20) of the warp yarns, a pile yarn feeder (50) is provided, comprising an elongated supporting element (51) movable in the transverse direction (Y), which extends in the weft direction (X), and carries a row of yarn tubes (52)-(56) that extend parallel to each other in the transverse direction (Y) from the supporting element (51) to the warp yarns (1), (2). The yarn tubes (52)-(56) are hollow and have two open ends. Five pile yarns (Pa)-(Pe) run from a respective supply (not shown in the figures) via a respective opening in the (not visible) back of the supporting element (51) into a respective yarn tube (52)-(56), run through the hollow yarn tube and end with a yarn end that projects on the open end of the yarn tube (52)-(56) directed towards the warp yarns.

[0214] Between the supporting element (51) and the warp yarns (1), (2), a fixed guide element (57) is provided, in which a row of guide openings is provided. Each yarn tube (52)-(56) extends through a respective guide opening. By moving the supporting element (51) in the transverse direction (Y), the yarn tubes (52)-(56) are moved towards the warp yarns (1), (2) or are moved away from the warp yarns. The yarn tubes (52)-(56) are moved thereby into the guide openings of the guide element (57).

[0215] In each supporting element (51), a clamping device is provided, which may be placed in a closed state to prevent the pile yarns (Pa)-(Pe), which run via the supporting element (51) through a respective yarn tube (52)-(56), being moved relative to the supporting element (51). The clamping device may also be placed in the open state to allow the pile yarns (Pa)-(Pe) to be moved relative to the supporting element (51).

[0216] As stated, the cutting device (58) of the second embodiment is now mounted on the other edge (30) of the warp yarns (1), (2). Otherwise it is identical to the cutting device (16) in the first embodiment of the weaving machine.

[0217] All other elements of this weaving machine are also identical to the corresponding elements of the first embodiment, and are indicated in FIGS. 24-30 with the same reference numbers. This applies in particular to the first (6) and the second positioning body (10), to the warp yarns (1), (2) that are unwound in a warp yarn plane (K) from a beam installation (5), and to the carpet winding mechanism (19). The pile yarn receivers (15) only differ in that the upper rapier (15a) and the lower rapiers (15b) are not fastened to the underside of the second positioning body (10), but these are also otherwise identical. The way in which all elements interact to form Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3) is also the same as in the first embodiment. For a detailed description of these elements and their action and interaction with each other and with other elements, reference should thus be made to the above description of the first embodiment of the weaving machine.

[0218] The action of the differently configured pile yarn feeder (50) is illustrated on the basis of FIGS. 25-30, which show six successive states of the weaving machine during the production of a Persian carpet.

[0219] FIG. 25 shows the state wherein the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are some distance apart in the transverse direction (Y) and wherein the first (6) and the second positioning element (10) are also moved in opposite directions in the weft direction (X) relative to each other so that the order of the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2), seen in the weft direction (X), is reversed. The pile yarn feeder (50) and the pile yarn receivers (15) are in the starting position.

[0220] In a first phase of the operation of the weaving machine, the supporting element (51) of the pile yarn feeder (50) is moved in the transverse direction (Y) until the yarn tubes (52)-(56) extend through a respective second gap (T2) between a first (1) and second warp yarn (2) in reversed order. The yarn clamp is then in the closed state in order to prevent the pile yarn (Pa) being pulled back out of the pile tubes (52)-(56) by the withdrawal force exerted on the pile yarn in the direction of the bobbin creel. The lower rapier (15b) of the associated pile yarn receiver (15) is closed so that the yarn end of the pile yarn (Pa) projecting from the yarn tube (52) is gripped by the rapier (15a). Then the yarn clamp is opened. After this first phase, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown schematically in FIG. 26.

[0221] In a second phase of the operation of the weaving machine, the supporting element (51) of the pile yarn feeder (50) is moved in the transverse direction (Y) until the yarn tubes (52)-(56) are back on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2). Because the lower rapiers (15b) grip the pile yarns (Pa), the pile yarns are not moved as well, so that a certain length of each pile yarn now extends between the end of the associated yarn tube (52)-(56) and the associated rapier (15b). This length is the length that the pile yarns must have in order to obtain a carpet with the desired pile height. The end portion of the pile yarn, which is provided for forming the pile yarn after it is cut off, is now called the pile yarn and as such is indicated with the reference number (P1). After this second phase, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown schematically in FIG. 27.

[0222] In a third phase of the operation of the weaving machine, the first (6) and the second positioning body (10) are again moved in the weft direction (X) until the first and the second warp yarns (2) of the different sequences are again located in the original order on either side of a respective third gap (T3). The pile yarn receivers (15) are moved downwards in the warp direction (Z) until each upper rapier (15a) is at the same height as the associated yarn tube (52). After this third phase, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown schematically in FIG. 28.

[0223] In a fourth phase of the operation of the weaving machine, the yarn clamp is placed in the closed state and the supporting element (51) is moved again towards the warp yarns (1), (2) until each yarn tube (52) extends through a respective third gap (T3) between a first (1) and a second warp yarn (2). The second end part (L1b) of each pile yarnstill joined to the pile yarn (Pa)is then gripped by this upper rapier (15a). After this fourth phase, the weaving machine is in the state that is shown schematically in FIG. 29.

[0224] In a fifth phase of the operation of the weaving machine, the cutting device (58) cuts each pile yarn (P1) off of the pile yarn (Pa), and the supporting element (51) is moved back in the transverse direction (Y) until the yarn tubes (52)-(56) are back on the one edge (20) of the warp yarns (1), (2). The pile yarns now form Persian knots (PK.sub.1), (PK.sub.2), (PK.sub.3). As the last step of the pile forming cycle, the first (1) and the second warp yarns (2) are again brought into the warp yarn plane (K) by moving the first (1) and the second positioning body (10) towards each other in the transverse direction (Y).

[0225] Then the Persian knots are moved towards the fabric edge and/or pressed against this fabric edge (18) by displacement of the second positioning body (10), in the same way as described above (step 9 and step 10) in relation to the first embodiment of the weaving machine.

[0226] Then a weft insertion cycle is carried out that is identical to the weft insertion cycle that is described above (steps 11 to 16 inclusive) in relation to the first embodiment of the weaving machine.