Different Types Of Shafts On Loom As Crank Shaft, Bottom Shaft and Tappet Shaft
Bottom Shaft
Tappet Shaft
Each of these shafts plays a crucial role in the loom’s functioning, especially in the motion transmission and controlling different loom operations. Let's explore them in detail.
1. Crank Shaft
The crankshaft is one of the primary rotating components of the loom that provides power and motion to other parts.
Function:
The crankshaft converts the rotary motion from the motor or prime mover into reciprocating motion.
It drives the sley (or reed), causing it to move forward and backward.
It helps maintain the proper timing of the beating-up process, ensuring the newly inserted weft thread is pushed firmly against the fabric edge.
Construction:
Typically made of high-strength steel or forged iron to withstand high stresses.
It has eccentric cams or crank arms to transfer motion.
It is connected to crank arms and levers that assist in moving the sley.
Working:
As the crankshaft rotates, it moves the sley in a to-and-fro motion.
The crank arm pushes the reed forward, beating the inserted weft into position.
This motion is synchronized with the shuttle movement (in shuttle looms) or weft insertion system (in shuttleless looms).
Importance in Loom:
Ensures efficient weft beating for proper fabric formation.
Maintains uniform tension on the warp threads.
Helps in high-speed weaving by providing a continuous and stable motion.
2. Bottom Shaft
The bottom shaft is another essential component that plays a key role in controlling different motions in the loom.
Function:
The bottom shaft synchronizes and drives various parts of the loom, such as the tappet mechanism, shedding system, and let-off mechanism.
It transfers motion to the tappet shaft, picking mechanism, and shedding cam (if present).
Helps in timing and coordination between different loom motions.
Construction:
A long, rigid shaft made of hardened steel or cast iron.
Connected to the main driving system of the loom.
Equipped with gears, cams, and pulleys that control secondary shafts like the tappet shaft.
Working:
The main motor drives the bottom shaft through a series of gears and belts.
The bottom shaft then transmits power to other mechanisms:
Tappet shaft (for shedding motion)
Picking mechanism (for shuttle or projectile motion)
Let-off mechanism (to control warp tension)
Importance in Loom:
Helps in synchronizing shedding, picking, and beating motions.
Ensures smooth and continuous operation of the loom.
Reduces load on the crankshaft, thereby improving efficiency.
3. Tappet Shaft
The tappet shaft is responsible for operating the shedding mechanism in tappet looms.
Function:
Controls the movement of heald shafts to create a shed for weft insertion.
Works with the tappet cams to lift and lower the warp threads.
It ensures correct timing of shedding, which is crucial for proper fabric formation.
Construction:
A solid steel shaft connected to tappet cams.
Mounted with tappets or cams, which press against levers connected to the heald shafts.
Sometimes linked to dwell mechanisms to hold the shed open for a specific period.
Working:
The bottom shaft transfers rotational motion to the tappet shaft.
The tappet cams on the shaft push or pull the levers, raising or lowering the heald frames.
This movement creates the required shed opening, allowing the shuttle or rapier to insert the weft.
Importance in Loom:
Controls the shedding motion, which is fundamental in weaving.
Ensures smooth and precise warp thread movement.
Improves the efficiency of the weaving process.
Conclusion
Each of these shafts plays a vital role in the working of the loom:
✅ Crankshaft → Drives the sley for beating-up the weft.
✅ Bottom Shaft → Powers various mechanisms, ensuring synchronization.
✅ Tappet Shaft → Controls the shedding mechanism for proper warp movement.
Together, these shafts ensure smooth, high-speed, and precise fabric production.
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