Weft thread tensioning device and method of operating a weft thread tensioning device

A method of operating a weft thread tensioning device comprising:

• a weft thread path defining arrangement having two weft thread passage elements positioned at a distance with respect to each other for receiving a weft thread such as to extend along a straight weft thread path extending between the weft thread passage elements,
• a weft thread deflection element positioned between the weft thread passage elements in the direction of the weft thread path, the weft thread deflection element being movable such as to act on a weft thread extending across the weft thread passage elements for deflecting the weft thread between the weft thread passage elements out of the straight weft thread path, and
• a deflection element drive operable for moving the weft thread deflection element, the deflection element drive having a controller associated therewith for controlling the movement of the weft thread deflection element for deflecting a weft thread extending across the weft thread passage elements, the method comprising:
• in a first deflection operating mode, the deflection element drive is controlled such as to move the weft thread deflection element to a predetermined deflection position upon each deflection operation, and
• in a second deflection operating mode, the deflection element drive is controlled such as to apply a controlled deflection drive force to the weft thread deflection element.