EP3921464A1

EP3921464A1 - Signalling system for a weaving machine

Info

Publication number: EP3921464A1
Application number: EP20702306.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bram Cuvelier; Kristof Roelstraete
Original assignee: Picanol NV
Current assignee: Picanol NV
Priority date: 2019-02-08
Filing date: 2020-02-03
Publication date: 2021-12-15
Also published as: WO2020161048A1; CN113396253A; BE1027040A1; CN113396253B; BE1027040B1

Abstract

Signalling system (100) for a weaving machine (200), said signalling system (100) comprising a signalling light (120) configured to be extending on or near the weaving machine (200), and a controller (150) configured for controlling the signalling light (120), wherein the signalling light comprises a plurality of groups (G1-G20) of light emitting devices (121,121'), wherein each group (G1-G20) comprises a plurality of light emitting devices (121, 121') which are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal by the controller (150), wherein the controller (150) is configured to control individually each group (G1-G20) in function of a state of the weaving machine (200).

Description

Signalling System for a Weaving Machine

Field of Invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to signalling systems and signalling methods for weaving machines. Particular embodiments relate to the field of signalling systems with a signalling light.

Background

[0002] European patent applications with publication numbers EP 0 333 262 Al,

EP 0 333 302 Al, EP 0 372 618 Al in the name of the applicant disclose a system with a signalling device comprising a light torch. The system further comprises a monitoring device with several detectors and means to activate different signals on the signalling device, e.g. the light torch may emit a flash light or shine continuously depending on an output signal of the monitoring device.

The speed of the flashing may be dependent on the output signal of the monitoring device, i.e. on the state of the weaving machine.

[0003] It is further known to provide, as a signalling device, a light torch with a plurality of coloured lamps arranged one above the other in the light torch. For example, a light torch may comprise a green lamp, an orange lamp, a red lamp, a blue lamp and a white lamp arranged one above the other in the light torch. Depending on a state of the weaving machine, one or more of the lamps emit light in order to signal a situation to an operator. In that manner an operator may intervene in time to address the signalled problem. Such signalling systems have the disadvantage that only a limited amount of signalling can be done, and that light patterns can only be changed to a limited extent.

Summary

[0004] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an improved signalling system and a signalling method for a weaving machine allowing altering the signalling in a more flexible manner with a larger degree of freedom. More in particular, it is desirable to be able to increase the number of signalling options and functionalities of the signalling system, and to allow a more dynamic signalling dependent on the state of the weaving machine.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a signalling system for a weaving machine. The signalling system comprises a signalling light and a controller configured for controlling the signalling light. The signalling light is configured to be extending on or near the weaving machine. The signalling light comprises a plurality of groups of light emitting devices. Each group comprises a plurality of light emitting devices which are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal by the controller. The controller is configured to control individually each group in function of a state of the weaving machine.

[0006] By dividing the light emitting devices of the signalling light into a plurality of groups, wherein a group of light emitting devices are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal, the light emitting devices can be controlled in a more flexible and dynamic manner. Indeed, each group can be provided with a suitable control signal to switch on or off the group. The groups can be arranged in any suitable manner in the signalling light, e.g. one above the other, and the controller will be able to generate a large number of light patterns by sending appropriate control signals to the different groups. In that manner, many different states of the weaving machine can be appropriately signalled to a user or operator.

[0007] Preferably, each group comprises at least one row of light emitting devices connected in series and/or in parallel. The rows may extend in a horizontal direction. In a possible embodiment the groups each having one or more rows may be arranged one above the other in the signalling light. However, it is also possible to have groups arranged next to each other when looking in a horizontal direction. In an example, each group could comprise an array of at least two rows and at least two columns of light emitting devices. Preferably the columns extend in a vertical direction. It is further noted that the light emitting devices may be arranged on one or more supports, and possibly on both sides of a support. Light emitting devices of the same group are preferably arranged on the same support, optionally on both sides of the same support. However, it is also possible to arrange light emitting devices of the same group on different supports.

[0008] Preferably, each group comprises at least three, preferably at least six light emitting devices. By grouping at least three light emitting devices, a good trade-off can be achieved between the amount of groups (and hence the amount of required control signals) and the possible signalling options. This is further based on the insight that when building signalling patterns with light emitting devices such as LEDs, one can work with light“lines” or“surfaces”, and hence with multiple light emitting devices per group.

[0009] Preferably, the plurality of groups comprise at least four groups, preferably at least five groups, more preferably at least ten groups, even more preferably at least fifteen groups, e.g.

twenty groups. With four or five groups all signalling of a traditional light torch for a weaving machine can be done, and in addition, if the light emitting devices are capable of emitting different colours and/or different light intensities, a large number of further signalling patterns can be generated. If more than ten groups are present, even more signalling patterns can be produced, as will be further explained below.

[0010] Preferably, each light emitting device comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). More preferably each light emitting device comprises a red LED, a green LED and a blue LED, and optionally a white light. In that manner, a light emitting device is capable of emitting light with a variable light colour and/or a variable light temperature and/or a variable light intensity.

[0011] Preferably, the plurality of groups are arranged one above the other in the signalling light. Within a group the light emitting devices may be arranged on one or more rows as explained above, but the light emitting devices could also be arranged according to a different pattern.

[0012] Preferably, each light emitting device is configured to emit at least two different colours, preferably at least four different colours, more preferably at least five different colours. The controller is then configured to provide a control signal to each group of light emitting devices to set a common colour to be emitted by said group. In that manner, the light colour emitted by a group can be controlled in a flexible manner.

[0013] Preferably, the controller is configured to provide a control signal to each group of light emitting devices to set a common light intensity to be emitted by said group. More preferably, the controller is configured to provide a control signal to set both a colour and a light intensity of the light to be emitted by a group.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups such that a light pattern is emitted which moves upwardly and/or downwardly in function of time. In that manner a particular state of the weaving machine may be signalled, wherein the position of the pattern may indicate a progression and/or increase and/or decrease of a certain parameter, e.g. time. For example, an upward movement may correspond to an increase and a downward movement to a decrease. In another example, an upward or downward movement may correspond to an action which progresses in function of time.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups such that the number of groups simultaneously emitting light of the same colour is varied in function of a value of a parameter related to the weaving machine. Such a control scheme is particularly useful for providing a progression indication to the user. The progression may be related to time, but may also be representative for the value of a parameter which varies in function of time. The controller may be configured to control the plurality of groups such that the number of adjacent groups simultaneously emitting light of the same colour is varied. Thus, when the plurality of groups are arranged one above the other in the signalling light the zones of light emitting devices simultaneously emitting light of the same colour can be varied.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups such that all groups emit light of the same colour simultaneously, wherein optionally all groups are switched on and off periodically to generate a flash light effect. Such a control scheme may be useful when an important or urgent message has to be signalled to the user or operator.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups such that a first subset of at least one group is controlled to emit light with a first colour in a first state of the weaving machine and to switch off the first subset when the weaving machine is not in the first state, and such that a second subset of at least one group is controlled to emit light with a second colour in a second state of the weaving machine and to switch off the second subset when the weaving machine is not in the second state. The first colour is different from the second colour and the second subset is different from the first subset. In other words, a first subset of the groups may be used for signalling of a first state using a first colour, and a second different subset may be used for signalling of a second state using a second different colour, wherein the subsets do not overlap. Further subsets may be determined in a similar manner for signalling further states using further colours. For example, the controller may be configured to control the plurality of groups such that a first subset of at least one group is controlled to emit light with a green colour when a state of the weaving machine fulfils a first predetermined criterion, a second subset is controlled to emit light with an orange colour when a state of the weaving machine fulfils a second predetermined criterion, a third subset is controlled to emit light with a red colour when a state of the weaving machine fulfils a third predetermined criterion, and a fourth subset is controlled to emit light with a white colour when a state of the weaving machine fulfils a fourth predetermined criterion.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to determine a number of different colours that need to be signalled on the signalling light based on a state of the weaving machine, and to control the plurality of groups accordingly. In that manner, the signalling may be done in a dynamic manner and the number of groups emitting light of a certain colour may be adjusted in function of the number of colours that need to be signalled. [0019] More in particular, the controller may be configured to determine a number of groups that need to emit a first colour in function of the number of different colours that need to be signalled on the signalling light. For example, if only two colours need to be signalled, more groups may emit the first colour compared to a state in which more than two colours need to be signalled.

[0020] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to control a first number of groups to emit a first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals one, and to control a second number of groups to emit the said first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals two, wherein the second number is lower than the first number. More in particular, the controller may be configured to control the plurality of groups such that:

a subset of at least one group comprising between 60% and 100% of the light emitting devices of the plurality of groups is switched on in a first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals one;

a subset of at least one group comprising between 35% and 65% of the light emitting devices of the plurality of groups is switched on in a first colour, and a subset of at least one group comprising between 35% and 65% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals two;

a subset of at least one group comprising between 20% and 40% of the light emitting devices of the plurality of groups is switched on in a first colour, a subset of at least one group comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, and a subset of at least one group comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a third colour different from the first and second colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals three.

In that manner the groups are used in a more optimal manner, compared to a static control scheme where a determined subset is linked to a determined colour in a static manner.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signalling light comprises a support, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), and the plurality of light emitting devices, typically LEDs, are arranged on the support. The support may be a multilayer PCB. Preferably, the support is arranged extending upwardly, preferably vertically, in the signalling light.

[0022] Preferably, each group comprises at least one light emitting device, preferably at least two light emitting devices, on a first side of the support and at least one light emitting device, preferably at least two light emitting devices, on a second opposite side of the support. In that manner, using a single support, the signalling can be done over substantially 360°, as an operator will be able to see one of both sides of the support, and as each group has at least one light emitting device on either side.

[0023] Preferably, the support extends upwardly in a housing, which housing is at least partially translucent. By using an at least partially translucent housing, any pixelated effect due to the presence of a plurality of light emitting devices will be reduced or avoided. In other words, the light emitted by a group will generate a substantially uniform light impression outside of the at least partially translucent housing.

[0024] Preferably, the housing is substantially cylindrical, for example tubular. In a particular embodiment, the housing may comprise at least two cylindrical shells which are coupled together through two coupling guides. The two coupling guides may then also be used to fix the support in the housing. However, in other embodiments, it may be envisaged to use a non-round housing, e.g. a housing having a prism shape. Also, it may be envisaged to use a tubular housing out of one piece or to use a housing with multiple wall pieces.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signalling system further comprises at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may be at least partially arranged on or connected to the same support on which the light emitting devices are arranged. In that manner an easy to assemble and compact system is obtained. The at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, a smoke detector, a noise sensor. The controller may be further configured to receive data sensed by the at least one sensor and to control the weaving machine and/or the plurality of groups in function of the sensed data.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signalling system further comprises an antenna. Optionally, the antenna may be at least partially arranged on or connected with the same support. The controller may be further configured to receive data received through the antenna and to control the weaving machine and/or the plurality of groups in function of the received data.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to provide the user with a configuration interface showing a plurality of error states of a weaving machine, said configuration interface being configured to allow a user to associate one or more control parameters out of a plurality of control parameters to an error state of said plurality of error states, and the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups based on one or more error states determined by the weaving machine and the one or more control parameters associated to said one or more determined error states. The one or more control parameters may comprise any one or more of the following: one or more colours out of a plurality of colours, a lighting mode out of a plurality of lighting modes, such as a fixed mode, a flash slow mode, or a flash fast mode, and the like. In that manner, a user can program the controller in accordance with requirements by determining the most appropriate values for the control parameters, e.g. in function of the type of weaving machine used, for example an air-jet weaving machine, a rapier weaving machine, a waterjet weaving machine, a projectile weaving machine, or any other type of weaving machine, and/or in function of the habits within a particular company, etc.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to provide the user with a configuration interface configured to allow a user to set a colour order of a plurality of colours, and the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups such that a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light are shown in accordance with the colour order set by the user. For example, when a user is used to the order green, orange, red, blue, white (seen from bottom to top), this order may be set through the configuration interface.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a weaving machine comprising a signalling system according to any one of the embodiments described above.

Preferably, the signalling light is configured to be extending upwardly. The signalling light may be arranged on a base on the weaving machine, or on a base near the weaving machine, for example a base next to the weaving machine, preferably on a base configured to be extending upwardly, such that the signalling light is visible from a distance. The signalling light may be arranged on a base shaped as a pole. The weaving machine can comprise one or more signalling systems according to any one of the embodiments described above. The weaving machine can further comprise other signalling systems in addition to signalling systems according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0030] Another aspect relates to the use of a signalling system according to any one of the embodiments described above in combination with a weaving machine, wherein the controller is used to control the plurality of groups in function of a state of the weaving machine.

[0031] Another aspect relates to the use of a signalling light according to any one of the embodiments described above in combination with a weaving machine, wherein the signalling light is used to signal a state of the weaving machine or to indicate a progression of a parameter of the weaving machine. [0032] Another aspect relates to a signalling method for a weaving machine provided with a signalling light comprising a plurality of groups of light emitting devices, said signalling method comprising controlling each group of light emitting devices individually in function of a state of the weaving machine, wherein all light emitting devices of a same group are controlled with a common control signal. Preferably, the signalling light is configured to be extending upwardly.

[0033] Preferably controlling each group of light emitting devices comprises providing a control signal to each group to set a colour and/or an intensity of the light to be emitted by said group.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment the signalling method further comprises determining a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light based on a state of the weaving machine, and the controlling is carried out based on the determined number.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the signalling method comprises controlling a first number of groups to emit a first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals one, and controlling a second number of groups to emit said first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light equals two, wherein the second number is lower than the first number.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment the signalling method further comprises providing the user with a configuration interface showing a plurality of error states of a weaving machine, said configuration interface being configured to allow a user to associate one or more control parameters out of a plurality of control parameters to an error state of said plurality of error states, and wherein the signalling method comprises controlling the plurality of groups based on one or more error states determined by the weaving machine and the one or more control parameters associated to said one or more determined error states.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment the signalling method further comprises providing the user with a configuration interface configured to allow a user to set a colour order of a plurality of colours, and wherein the signalling method comprises controlling the plurality of groups such that a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light is shown in accordance with the colour order set by the user. [0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment the signalling method further comprises signalling in a dynamic manner, so that a number of groups simultaneously emitting light of a certain colour is adjusted in function of the number of colours that need to be signalled.

[0039] In other exemplary embodiments of the signalling method, the controlling may comprise any one or more of the control steps described above which are performed by the controller.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program comprising computer-executable instructions to perform the signalling method, when the program is run on a computer, according to any one of the steps of any one of the embodiments of the signalling method disclosed above. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer device or other hardware device programmed to perform one or more steps of any one of the embodiments of the signalling method disclosed above. According to another aspect there is provided a data storage device encoding a program in machine -readable and machine-executable form to perform one or more steps of any one of the embodiments of the signalling method disclosed above.

Brief description of the figures

[0041] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a signalling system;

Figure 2 is a side view of the signalling system of figure 1 , wherein the housing and the weaving machine have been omitted for reasons of clarity;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section through the signalling light of figures 1 and 2 along a horizontal plane through a group of light emitting devices;

Figures 4 and 5 are schematic perspective views of a possible implementation for connecting a support of a signalling light to a cap for closing the housing;

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a possible implementation for connecting the support of the signalling light to a base;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a possible implementation for fixing the base in a weaving machine; Figures 8 to 14 illustrate schematically various ways of controlling the signalling light in accordance with various exemplary embodiments;

Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a signalling system.

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate schematically an exemplary embodiment of a signalling system 100 for a weaving machine 200. The signalling system 100 comprises a signalling light 120 configured to be extending upwardly on or near the weaving machine 200. The signalling system 100 further comprises a controller 150 configured for controlling the signalling light 120.

[0043] The signalling light 120 comprises a base 110 and a support 125 carried by the base 110. Typically, the support 125 is a printed circuit board (PCB), e.g. a multilayer PCB. The signalling light 120 further comprises light emitting devices 121, 121’ which are arranged on the support 125. Typically, each light emitting device 121, 121’ comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). More preferably, each light emitting device 121, 121’comprises at least three LEDs, and even more preferably a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. Optionally, the light emitting device 121, 121’ may further comprise a white LED.

[0044] The signalling light 120 comprises a plurality of groups G1 , G2, G3, ... , G20 of light emitting devices 121, 121’. Each group G 1 , G2 , G3 , ... , G20 comprises a plurality of light emitting devices 121, 121’ which are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal by the controller 150. The controller 150 is configured to control individually each group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 in function of a state of the weaving machine 200.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, each group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprises at least one row of light emitting devices 121, 121’ connected in series and/or in parallel. In the illustrated

embodiment, each group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprises six light emitting devices, namely three light emitting devices 121 arranged on a first side 125a of the support 125, and three light emitting devices 121’ arranged on a second opposite side 125b of the support 125. In other words, each group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprises a first row of three light emitting devices 121 arranged on a first side 125a of the support 125 and a second row of three light emitting devices 121’ arranged on a second opposite second side 125b of the support 125. The skilled person understands that many variations are possible. For example, each group could comprise an array of at least two rows. In an alternative, each group could comprise at least two columns of light emitting devices arranged on one side or on both sides of a support. The support 125 extends upwardly, preferably vertically in the signalling light 120, and the groups Gl, G2, G3, .. G20 may be arranged one above the other on the support 125.

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic cross section through the signalling light 120 of figures 1 and 2 along a horizontal plane through a group of light emitting devices 121, 12 G. The support 125 extends substantially vertically in a housing 130 which is at least partially translucent. Preferably, the housing 130 is made of an opal material that is semi-transparent. The housing 130 may surround the support 125 and optionally also the base 110, as shown in figure 1. The housing 130 may be substantially cylindrical. In an embodiment, the housing 130 may consist of a tube or a tubular element. In the embodiment of figure 3, the housing 130 comprises two cylindrical shells 131, 132 which are coupled together through two coupling guides 133, 134. The two coupling guides 133, 134 fix the support 125 in the housing 130. As shown in figure 1, the housing 130 may be closed at an upper end with a cap 140 for closing the housing 130, and may be received at a bottom end in a receiving compartment 170.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5 show schematic perspective views of a possible implementation for connecting the support 125 of the signalling light 120 to the cap 140. As shown, the support 125 may be fixed in the cap 140. The signalling system 100 may further comprise at least one sensor 142, 143 (only illustrated schematically). The at least one sensor 142, 143 is arranged at least partially in the cap 140 and may be connected to the support 125, such that sensed data can be provided to the controller 150 (not shown in figures 4 and 5) via connection lines on the support 125. The at least one sensor 142, 143 may comprise any one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, a smoke detector, a noise sensor. The controller 150 may be further adapted to control the groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 based on the sensed data. Between the support 125 and the at least one sensor 142, 143 that is arranged in the cap 140, a plate 141 of isolating material can be provided to avoid that a signal of the sensor 142, 143 is influenced by the heat generated by the signalling light 120. The plate 141 also allows to fix the support 125 with respect to the cap 140.

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a possible implementation for connecting the support 125 of the signalling light 120 to the base 110, and figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a possible implementation for fixing the base 110 in a weaving machine. The base 110 may be a tubular member, and a connection cable 160 may run from the support 125 through the base 110 to the controller 150 (not shown in figures 6 and 7). The connection cable 160 comprises several electrical wires 161 and is fixed to the support 125 by means of a fixation 111. The cylindrical housing 130 may extend around the base 110 and the base 110 may be fixed in the cylindrical housing 130 using a spacer sleeve 190. A bottom end of the cylindrical housing 130 may be fixed in a receiving compartment 170, e.g. a receiving compartment 170 arranged in a top surface of the weaving machine 200. [0049] Table 1 below illustrates another possible embodiment for grouping the light emitting devices. In the implementation illustrated in Table 1, the signalling light 120 comprises four groups Gl, G2, G3, G4, wherein each group comprises twelve light emitting devices arranged on one side of a support, and optionally also twelve light emitting devices arranged on another side of the support. The light emitting devices of a group Gl, G2, G3, G4 are arranged in an array comprising three rows and four columns, preferably on each side of the support.

Table 1

[0050] The skilled person further understands that the groups do not have to comprise the same amount of light emitting devices. This is illustrated in Table 2 below. In this example, the light emitting devices of each group are arranged in arrays comprising different numbers of rows and an equal number of columns. In an alternative, arrays with other numbers of rows and other numbers of columns can be provided.

Table 2

[0051] Preferably, each light emitting device 121, 12G is configured to emit at least two different colours, preferably at least four different colours, and more preferably at least five different colours. This is for example achievable by using a combination of a red, a green and a blue LED. The controller 150 may then be configured to provide a control signal to each group of light emitting devices 121, 121’ to set a colour to be emitted by said group. In other words, with a common control signal, a colour of a group can be set. The controller 150 may further be configured to provide a common control signal to each group to set a light intensity of the light emitting devices 121, 121’ of said group. In a preferred embodiment, both the colour and the intensity of the light to be emitted by a group is controlled by the controller 150. Further, the controller 150 may be programmed to control the plurality of groups according to one or more different control schemes as will be further illustrated with reference to figures 8 to 14. The control signal may be a signal provided via a BUS-system and/or may be according to a protocol and/or may be a modulated signal.

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the controller is configured to control the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20, such that a light pattern P is emitted which moves upwardly or downwardly in function of time. Figure 8 illustrates the signalling system 100 at consecutive moments in time tl, t2, ..., tl 5. Figure 8 illustrates an example where the light pattern P is a line corresponding with a single group of light emitting devices being in an“on” state, whilst the other groups are in an“off’ state or are emitting light of a different colour. At time tl, group G20 is switched on such that a light pattern P is emitted. At time t2, the same pattern P is emitted by group G19. At time t3, the same pattern P is emitted by group G18. In that manner, the pattern P moves upwardly, and at time tl 5, the pattern P is emitted by group G6. In the illustrated example, the pattern P moves upwardly, but the skilled person understands that the pattern P may also move downwardly or may be moving upwardly and downwardly depending on a state of the weaving machine. The group which needs to emit the pattern P at a certain moment in time may emit said pattern P with a first colour and with a first light intensity, and this first colour and light intensity of the pattern may be kept the same, whilst the pattern P is moving upwardly or downwardly. However, in other embodiments, the colour and/or light intensity of the pattern P may be changed. It is further noted that the groups which do not have to emit a certain pattern P at a certain moment in time, may be programmed to be switched off or to emit another colour than the colour of the pattern such that the pattern remains distinguishable. For example, at least five groups are involved in emitting the pattern P which moves upwardly and downwardly, such that consecutive groups of the at least five groups may emit the pattern P. In the illustrated embodiment, only one group at a time emits the pattern P. However, it is also possible to have a pattern P which is emitted by a plurality of groups at a time, e.g. by two adjacent groups. For example, the pattern P could correspond to a thicker line which is first emitted by groups G20, G19, next by groups G19, G18, next by groups G18, G17, etc. The time necessary for moving the pattern P upwardly or downwardly may depend on the type of message that one wishes to signal to the users/operators. However, typically the time programmed for moving the pattern P upwardly or downwardly will be about several minutes, for example about ten minutes, up to a few hours.

[0053] The moving pattern P may be used for signalling various states of the weaving machine. For example, an upwardly moving pattern P may be coupled to a value of a parameter of the weaving machine varying in the first direction, and the downwardly moving pattern P may be coupled to a value of that parameter of the weaving machine varying in an opposite direction.

[0054] Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a control scheme that may be implemented by the controller 150. In this embodiment, a subset of the groups is made to flicker depending on a state of the weaving machine. In the illustrated example, in a first state, the light emitting devices of groups G1 and G2 are made to flicker, and in a second state groups G19, G20 are made to flicker. The first and the second state may correspond e.g. with the state in which a certain parameter of the weaving machine reaches a minimum or a maximum value.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a possible control scheme which may be implemented by the controller 150. More in particular, the controller 150 may be configured to control the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 such that the number of groups emitting light of the same colour increases in function of time. This is illustrated in figure 10, where at a first moment in time tl only group G20 is activated to emit light with a first colour, and at a consecutive moment in time t2 groups G20 and G19 are emitting light with the same first colour, etc. In the illustrated example of figure 10, one adjacent group is added at a time, but the skilled person understands that it is also possible to add e.g. two groups at a time. In that manner, a progression indication can be provided. Such a progression indication may be useful for signalling any one or more of the following:

an indication of how long a machine has been out of operation, e.g. due to a warp stop; an indication of the weaving progression, e.g. how much of a fabric has been woven; an indication of an amount of yarn removed from a warp beam or a weft bobbin;

an indication of a waiting time for a certain intervention, e.g. a waiting time for maintenance, a waiting time for changing a component, a waiting time for a quality inspection;

an indication of how far one is removed from a maximum achievable control parameter, such as a maximum achievable speed with the currently set settings;

an indication related to a progression of grease lubrication, e.g. an indication of the time passed since the last grease lubrication, an indication of how much grease lubrication has been performed during grease lubrication, etc.;

a progression indication of an automatic movement of a component of the weaving machine;

an indication of a percentage of a power value used for driving;

etc.

[0056] Figure 11 illustrates yet another possible control scheme which may be implemented by the controller 150. The controller 150 may be configured to control the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 such that all groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 emit light of the same colour

simultaneously. Optionally, all groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 may be switched on and off periodically to generate a flash light effect with a particular colour. In that manner, the signalling light 120 may function as a warning lamp, e.g. as an orange flash light or a red flash light. In the example of figure 11 all groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 are switched on simultaneously, but the skilled person understands that a similar effect may be achieved by activating between 50% and 100 % of the groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 simultaneously.

[0057] Figure 12 illustrates schematically an implementation where different groups may be programmed to emit different colours. More in particular, the controller 150 may be configured to control the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 such that:

a first subset SO of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 is controlled to emit light with a first colour in a first state of the weaving machine and to switch off the first subset SO when the weaving machine is not in the first state, see the first and second state illustrated respectively in the left signalling light 120 and the middle signalling light 120 at moments in time tl and t2 in figure 12;

a second subset S2 of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, .. G20 is controlled to emit light with a second colour in a second state of the weaving machine and to switch off the second subset S2 when the weaving machine is not in the second state; wherein the first colour is different from the second colour and the second subset S2 is different from the first subset SO, see the first and second state illustrated respectively in the left signalling light 120 and the middle signalling light 120 at moments in time tl and t2 in figure 12.

[0058] In the example of the signalling light 120 shown on the left side of figure 12, the groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 are divided in five different zones corresponding with different subsets SO,

SI, S2, S3, S4, each subset comprising four groups. Each subset SO, SI, S2, S3, S4 can be switched on or off in a particular colour. For example, subset SO can be switched on in white colour, subset SI can be switched on in blue colour, subset S2 can be switched on in red colour, subset S3 can be switched on in orange colour, and subset S4 can be switched on in green colour. These different subsets may then be linked with different states of the weaving machine. This linking may be done in the same manner as in traditional signalling torches where four or five lamps with a different colour are used one above the other. In traditional signalling torches typically four of five lamps are used, and correspondingly, in embodiments of the invention four or five subsets may be used. The signalling light 120 shown on the right side of figure 12 illustrates an example with four subsets SO, SI, S2, S4, each subset comprising five groups.

[0059] Figure 13 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a controlling scheme that may be implemented in a controller 150. More in particular, the controller 150 may be configured to determine a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light 120, based on a state of the weaving machine, and may be further configured to control the plurality of groups accordingly. More in particular, the controller 150 may be configured to determine a number of groups that have to emit a first colour in function of the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light 120. In the example of figure 13, at time tl, it is determined that three different colours need to be shown on the signalling light 120, and the number of groups that need to emit a first colour, a second colour and a third colour is determined accordingly. In the illustrated example, at time tl, groups G1-G7 emit light in a first colour, groups G8-G13 emit light in a second colour different from the first colour, and groups G14-G20 emit light in a third colour different from the first and second colour. At time t2, it is determined that only two colours have to be indicated by the signalling light 120, and accordingly, it may be determined that groups G1-G10 have to emit light of a first colour, and groups Gl 1-G20 have to emit light of a second colour. If at time t3 only one colour needs to be indicated, all groups G1-G20 of the signalling light 120 may emit light of the same colour. In other words, the controller 150 may be configured to control the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 such that:

a subset S4 of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 60% and 100% of the light emitting devices 121, 12 G of the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 is switched on in a first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light 120 equals one, see the situation at time t3 in figure 13;

a subset S4’ of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 35% and 65% of the light emitting devices 121, 12 G of the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 is switched on in a first colour, and a subset SO’ of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 35% and 65% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light 120 equals two, see the situation at time t2 in figure 13; note that the division may be X% first colour, (100-X)% second colour, wherein X is between 35% and 65%. However, it is also possible that not ah groups are used, and that the division is e.g. X% first colour, (90-X)% second colour, wherein X is between 35% and 55%.

a subset S4” of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 20% and 40% of the light emitting devices 121, 12 G of the plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 is switched on in a first colour, a subset S3” of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, and a subset SI” of at least one group Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a third colour different from the first and second colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light 120 equals three, see the situation at time tl in figure 13.

[0060] Figure 14 illustrates schematically another further developed possible control scheme which may be implemented in the controller 150. More in particular, the controller 150 may be configured to activate a first subset of one or more groups G10, Gl 1 to indicate a reference value on the signalling light 120. The controller 150 may then be further programmed to activate one or more other groups to indicate a deviation from the reference value. In the example of figure 14, at a time tl, it is illustrated that e.g. group G5 may be activated to emit light with a first colour, e.g. a red colour, to indicate a significant deviation from the reference value in a first direction, and, at a time t2, group G19 may be activated to emit light with a first colour to indicate a significant deviation from the reference value in a second direction. When the deviation from the reference value is within acceptable boundaries, at a time t3, this may be indicated e.g. by activating groups adjacent to the groups indicating the reference value, in the example the groups G9, G12, to emit light in a second colour, e.g. a green colour. Examples of parameters for which a deviation with respect to a reference value may be indicated in the manner described above are:

warp tension,

pole height,

a position of a tensioner,

resolver position,

a spring related parameter,

etc.

[0061] More generally, any measurable or known parameter related to the weaving machine may be indicated in the described manner using the signalling light 120.

[0062] In an embodiment, the controller 150 may be configured to provide the user with a configuration interface showing a plurality of error states of a weaving machine. The configuration interface may be configured to allow a user to associate one or more control parameters out of a plurality of control parameters to an error state of the plurality of error states. The controller 150 may then further be configured to control the plurality of groups based on one or more error states determined by the weaving machine, and the one or more control parameters associated to said one or more determined error states. An example of such a configuration interface is shown in Table 3, for example, for being used with a signalling light 120 as illustrated in figure 12 on the left side.

[0063] In Table 3 different error states are indicated, and a user may fill out the table to indicate which control schemes the user wishes to use. In the indicated example, the control parameter that can be set for the different error states is the light mode. More in particular, the light mode can be set to be fixed, flash slow or flash fast. Further, the user can set one or more colours to be used to indicate a certain error state. For example, a user can set the colours orange and green to indicate an error state of the bobbin.

Table 3

[0064] As illustrated in Table 4, a user may further select how these colours should be displayed. In the example provided in Table 5, the user can either select to display the different colours in five traditional zones, as illustrated in figure 12 on the left side, or in four traditional zones, as illustrated in figure 12 on the right side, or using dynamic zones as illustrated in relation to figure 13.

Table 4

[0065] The configuration interface may further be adapted to allow the user to set various other control schemes. For example, Table 5 indicates that a user may set a progression indication control scheme for a particular parameter related to the weaving machine. In the example, the user has set a progression indication for a first parameter“parameter 1” and has requested to use the colour blue for the progression indication. Such a progression indication may be implemented as illustrated above in relation to figure 8.

Table 5

[0066] Figure 15 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a signalling system 100 for a weaving machine 200. The signalling system 100 comprises a signalling light 120 configured to be extending upwardly on or near the weaving machine 200. The signalling system 100 further comprises a controller 150 (not shown) configured for controlling the signalling light 120. The signalling light 120 comprises a base 110 (not shown) and three supports 125, 125’, 125” carried by the base 110. The signalling light 120 further comprises light emitting devices 121 which are arranged on the supports 125, 125’, 125”. Preferably, each light emitting device 121 comprises at least three LEDs, and even more preferably a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. Optionally, the light emitting device 121 may further comprise a white LED. Optionally a translucent housing 130 (not shown) may be arranged around the supports 125, 125’, 125”.

[0067] The signalling light 120 comprises a plurality of groups Gl, G2, G3, G4 of light emitting devices 121. Each group Gl, G2, G3, G4 comprises a plurality of light emitting devices 121 which are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal by the controller 150 to control the colour and/or light intensity emitted by the group Gl, G2, G3, G4. The controller 150 is configured to control individually each group Gl, G2, G3, G4 in function of a state of the weaving machine 200. Here each group Gl, G2, G3, G4 comprises an array of eleven light emitting devices 121 that, for example, are arranged in three rows and seven columns.

[0068] The signalling system 100 further comprises an antenna 180. The antenna 180 may be connected to the support 125’ in order to provide received data via a connection line on the support 125 to the controller 150. Also, the controller 150 may send data wirelessly via the antenna 180.

[0069] A skilled person would readily recognize that steps of various above -described methods and the various control steps performed by the controller 150 can be performed by programmed computers or controllers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine -executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or ah of the steps of said above-described methods. The program storage devices may be, e.g., digital memories, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disk and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above -described methods.

[0070] The functional block labelled as“controller”, may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term“controller” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile storage. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Similarly, any switches are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the implementer as more specifically understood from the context. Also the controller 150 may be a centralized control means. In an alternative the controller 150 may be a distributed control means comprising a main control means and various controller parts positioned at different locations, for example controller parts 150’, 150”, 150”’as shown in Fig. 2 and/or Fig. 5. The control means 150 and the controller parts 150’,‘150”, 150”’can comprise control means for generating control signals and/or drive means for driving the light emitting devices 121, 121’ based on the control signals.

[0071] In an alternative, the support 125 extends downwardly, preferably vertically, in other words the base 110 is arranged above the support 125. Similarly as disclosed above, the groups Gl, G2, G3, ..., G20 may be arranged one above the other on the support 125. In another alternative, the support 125 may extend in a slanting direction with respect to the vertical direction, for example under an angle of almost thirty degrees.

[0072] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Signalling system (100) for a weaving machine (200), said signalling system (100)

comprising a signalling light (120) configured to be extending on or near the weaving machine, and a controller (150) configured for controlling the signalling light (120), wherein the signalling light (120) comprises a plurality of groups (G1..G20) of light emitting devices (121, 12G), wherein each group (G1..G20) comprises a plurality of light emitting devices (121, 12G) which are interconnected such that they can be controlled simultaneously with a common control signal by the controller (150), wherein the controller (150) is configured to control individually each group (G1..G20) in function of a state of the weaving machine (200).

2. Signalling system (100) according to the previous claim, wherein each group (G1..G20) comprises at least one row of light emitting devices (121, 12G) connected in series and/or in parallel.

3. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of groups (G1..G20) comprise at least ten groups.

4. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the plurality of groups (G1..G20) are arranged one above the other in the signalling light (120).

5. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein each light emitting device (121, 12G) is configured to emit at least two different colours, preferably at least four different colours, more preferably at least five different colours; and wherein the controller (150) is configured to provide a control signal to each group (G1..G20) of light emitting devices (121, 12G) to set a colour to be emitted by said group (G1..G20).

6. Signalling system (100) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein the controller (150) is

configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that a light pattern (P) is emitted which moves upwardly and/or downwardly in function of time.

7. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

controller (150) is configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that the number of groups simultaneously emitting light of the same colour is varied in function of a value of a parameter related to the weaving machine.

8. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the claims 4 to 7, wherein the controller (150) is configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that the number of adjacent groups simultaneously emitting light of the same colour is varied.

9. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

controller (150) is configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that:

a first subset (SO) of at least one group (G1..G20) is controlled to emit light with a first colour in a first state of the weaving machine and to switch off the first subset (SO) when the weaving machine is not in the first state;

a second subset (S2) of at least one group (G1..G20) is controlled to emit light with a second colour in a second state of the weaving machine and to switch off the second subset (S2) when the weaving machine is not in the second state; wherein the first colour is different from the second colour and the second subset (S2) is different from the first subset (SO).

10. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

controller (150) is configured to determine a number of different colours that needs to be signalled on the signalling light (120) based on a state of the weaving machine (200), and to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) accordingly; and

wherein the controller (150) is configured to determine a number of groups (G1..G20) that need to emit a first colour in function of the number of different colours that needs to be signalled on the signalling light (120).

11. Signalling system (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the controller (150) is configured to control a first number of groups (G1..G20) to emit a first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals one, and to control a second number of groups (G1..G20) to emit the said first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals two, wherein the second number is lower than the first number.

12. Signalling system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the controller (150) is

configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that:

a subset (S4) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 60% and 100% of the light emitting devices (121, 12 ) of the plurality of groups (G1..G20) is switched on in a first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals one;

- a subset (S4’) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 35% and 65% of the light emitting devices (121, 121’) of the plurality of groups (G1..G20) is switched on in a first colour, and a subset (SO’) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 35% and 65% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals two;

- a subset (S4”) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 20% and 40% of the light emitting devices (121, 121’) of the plurality of groups (G1..G20) is switched on in a first colour, a subset (S3”) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a second colour different from the first colour, and a subset (SI”) of at least one group (G1..G20) comprising between 20% and 40% thereof is switched on in a third colour different from the first and second colour, when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals three.

13. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

signalling light (120) comprises a support (125), preferably a printed circuit board, and wherein the plurality of light emitting devices (121, 12G) are arranged on the support (125); and

wherein each group (G1..G20) comprises at least one light emitting device (121), preferably at least two light emitting devices, on a first side (125a) of the support (125) and at least one light emitting device (12G), preferably at least two light emitting devices, on a second opposite side (125b) of the support (125); and

wherein the support (125) extends upwardly in a housing (130), which housing (130) is at least partially translucent.

14. Signalling system (100) according to the previous claim, wherein the housing (130)

comprises at least two cylindrical shells (131, 132) which are coupled together through two coupling guides (133, 134), said two coupling guides (133, 134) fixing the support (125) in the housing (130).

15. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

controller (150) is configured to provide the user with a configuration interface showing a plurality of error states of a weaving machine, said configuration interface being configured to allow a user to associate one or more control parameters out of a plurality of control parameters to an error state of said plurality of error states, and wherein the controller (150) is configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) based on one or more error states determined by the weaving machine and the one or more control parameters associated to said one or more determined error states;

wherein the one or more control parameters comprise any one or more of the following: one or more colours out of a plurality of colours, a lighting mode out of a plurality of lighting modes, such as a fixed mode, a flash slow mode, or a flash fast mode.

16. Signalling system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the

controller (150) is configured to provide the user with a configuration interface configured to allow a user to set a colour order of a plurality of colours, and wherein the controller (150) is configured to control the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) are shown in accordance with the colour order set by the user.

17. Weaving machine comprising a signalling system (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the signalling light (120) is configured to be extending upwardly, and preferably arranged on an upwardly extending base (110) on or near the weaving machine (200).

18. Signalling method for a weaving machine provided with a signalling light (120)

comprising a plurality of groups (G1..G20) of light emitting devices (121, 12G), preferably a weaving machine according to claim 17, said signalling method comprising controlling each group (G1..G20) of light emitting devices (121, 12 ) individually in function of a state of the weaving machine (200), wherein all light emitting devices (121, 12G) of a same group (G1..G20) are controlled with a common control signal.

19. Signalling method according to the previous claim, further comprising determining a number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) based on a state of the weaving machine (200), and wherein the controlling is carried out based on the determined number.

20. Signalling method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the signalling method comprises controlling a first number of groups (G1..G20) to emit a first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals one, and to control a second number of groups (G1..G20) to emit said first colour when the number of different colours that need to be shown on the signalling light (120) equals two, wherein the second number is lower than the first number.

21. Signalling method according to any one of the claims 18 to 20, wherein the signalling method further comprises signalling in a dynamic manner, so that a number of groups simultaneously emitting light of a certain colour is adjusted in function of the number of colours that need to be signalled.

22. Signalling method according to any one of the claims 18 to 21, comprising controlling the plurality of groups (G1..G20) such that the number of adjacent groups simultaneously emitting light of the same colour is varied.