Weft-insertion system of three-dimensional loom based on the servo-cylinder

The motion law of the rapier and the characteristics of rapier loom's weft-insertion mechanism were analysed. According to the special requirements to loom's weft-insertion mechanism for weaving three-dimensional fabric, a new rapier weft-insertion system was designed. The weft-insertion system with computer-controlling and servo-cylinder driving was applied to control the rapier's movement on the three-dimensional loom. This method not only simplifies the weft-insertion mechanism, but also achieves weft-insertion with variable travel, and improves the flexibility and reliability of weft-insertion system.