DE102020133016B3 - Method and device for attaching a functional element to a carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device (15) for fastening a functional element (16) to a carrier (17), for example a textile carrier (17). The functional element (16) can be bent transversely to its direction of extension and can be provided as a continuous material from a stock (18). In one or more sections (41) to be fastened, the functional element is applied to the carrier (17) by embroidery during an embroidery phase (SP). For this purpose, the functional element (16) is guided by a guide part (29) on an embroidery head (20) and placed on the carrier (17) in a desired position in the embroidery direction in front of an embroidery needle (25). During a loop formation phase (LP), a relative movement takes place between the embroidery head (20) and the support (17), but without attaching the functional element (16) to the support (17) by embroidering. The functional element (16) is guided around the holding part (35) in a loop (44) by means of a holding part (35), for example a holding pin (36). This can be followed by another embroidery phase (SP). The exposed loop (44), not fixed by embroidery, occupies a position that does not simplify further embroidery and further manufacturing process.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for attaching a functional element that can be bent transversely to its direction of extension on a carrier by embroidery, in particular using an embroidery machine having an embroidery head.

The attachment of functional elements on carriers by embroidery is known per se. For example describes U.S. 2013/0116612 A1 a light therapy device, wherein a light guide is attached to a textile support, for example by means of an embroidery connection. Also JP-S59 1759A describes the arrangement of a functional element on a carrier by embroidering and an embroidering machine suitable for this purpose.

U.S. 10,508,367 B2 describes textile sensors. In this case, electrical conductors can be integrated into a knitted fabric in order, for example, to make electrical contact with a structure applied to the knitted fabric by embroidery. The embroidered structure can be a sensor, for example.

From DE 100 32 286 A1 known photovoltaic device has a textile photoelectrode and a textile counter-electrode. Electrical discharge contacts can be arranged by embroidering them onto the textile electrodes.

Different types of embroidery machines are made for example CN 210596565 U , CN 107881676A , CN 207933657 U or RU 37104 U1 famous.

In the field of carpet production, it is known to push threads through a backing and thereby form open-pile structures or looped pile (e.g U.S. 3,251,327 A

DE 10 2013 105 926 A1 describes a method for attaching a strand-like material to a substrate by means of embroidery. In this case, the embroidery head or the laying device for the strand-like material is rotated in order to lay the strand-like material in a radius and embroider it.

In the case of products that have a plurality of functional elements in their ready-to-use state, it may be necessary to provide a plurality of connections to these functional elements. Such functional elements can be, for example, electrical conductors, cables, fluid lines, optical lines or the like. The more complex the structure made up of one or more functional elements, the more difficult it is to attach this functional element using embroidery. Loose ends of one or more functional elements must not disturb or impede the embroidery process and the relative movement of the embroidery head relative to the wearer.

It can therefore be regarded as an object of the present invention to create an improved method and an improved device for fastening a functional element on a carrier. This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and a device having the features of patent claim 15 .

According to the invention, a functional element that can be bent transversely to its direction of extension is fastened to a carrier, in that one or more sections of the functional element are fastened to the carrier by embroidering. The functional element is a functional element provided, for example, as endless material from a stock, such as an electrical conductor, a single-core or multi-core cable, an optical conductor, in particular a glass fiber line, a fluid line with one or more fluid channels, for example a hose, or any combination of these. The functional element can be provided wound up on a supply roll, for example. The supply roll can be arranged directly on an embroidery head of an embroidery machine or can be arranged remotely from the embroidery head, with the embroidery head being movable relative to the supply roll.

In any case, a guide part is arranged on the embroidery head. The guide part is set up to guide the functional element supplied from the supply in such a way that it is provided in a predetermined position relative to the embroidery needle of the embroidery head. The functional element can be placed on the carrier in a desired position relative to the embroidery needle of the embroidery head by means of the guide part when a relative movement of the embroidery head and the carrier is carried out.

In one embodiment, the embroidery head does not have any conveying means for actively conveying the functional element. It is removed from the supply, in particular unwound, for example, by a tensile force generated as a result of a relative movement between the embroidery head and the carrier.

During an embroidery phase, the embroidery head and carrier are moved relative to one another. In particular, the embroidery machine can be set up to have an embroidery frame or another holder that is set up to hold the carrier relative to the stick to move head. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to move the embroidery head relative to a support that is held stationary. During the embroidery phase, a section of the functional element is placed on the carrier and attached to the carrier by means of embroidery. Embroidering can be done continuously or repeatedly with interruptions during the embroidering phase. Accordingly, during an embroidery phase, the section of the functional element can be attached to the carrier continuously or at attachment points arranged at a distance from one another by embroidery.

Before or at the start of a first embroidery phase, the free end of the functional element can be attached outside of the embroidery head, so that the functional element is supplied by the tensile force exerted on the functional element during the relative movement between the embroidery head and the carrier. The free end of the functional element can be attached at any suitable point outside of the embroidery head, for example on the carrier, for example by a clamp connection or the like.

During a loop formation phase, the embroidery head and a holding part are moved relative to one another. The holding part is in a holding position in the loop formation phase. In one exemplary embodiment, the holding part can be arranged in such a way that it is moved together with the carrier relative to the embroidery head. For example, one or more holding parts, which can be used to form loops, can be arranged directly on the carrier or directly on the embroidery frame of the embroidery machine holding the carrier. Alternatively, the embroidery head can be moved relative to a holding part arranged in a holding position and/or the holding part can be moved relative to the embroidery head. Due to the relative movement, the functional element forms a loop around the holding part. During this loop formation phase, the functional element is not attached to the carrier by means of the embroidery head. Rather, an exposed loop is formed.

A loop is to be understood here as a section of the functional element in which two adjacent loop sections are connected to one another via a bend leading around the holding part, with the two loop sections preferably enclosing an acute angle with one another and in particular an acute angle of less than 90° or less than 75° or less than 45°.

Following the loop-forming phase, another embroidery phase takes place, in which another section of the functional element is attached to the support by embroidery, analogously to the embroidery phase described above. The loop of the functional element formed during the loop-forming phase is thus delimited by two sections that are attached to the carrier. The exposed loop can later be used to connect the functional element to a functional unit, for example an electrical unit and/or an optical unit and/or a heating unit and/or a cooling unit and/or a fluidic unit or the like, depending on the function of the functional element .

By forming the loop, the exposed part of the functional element has a defined position between two attached sections. This avoids the loop accidentally coming into contact with the moving parts, especially the embroidery head, causing errors in the manufacture of the product. Due to the known position of the exposed loop, further automated handling or assembly can also be simplified. Further handling of the exposed loops is facilitated.

The carrier extends, for example, along a plane in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The carrier can be a textile carrier, for example. Plate-shaped elements that are suitable for embroidering, for example plates made of foamed materials, also come into consideration as carriers.

It is advantageous if the guide part can be moved relative to the embroidery needle or an embroidery needle unit of the embroidery head holding the embroidery needle and is arranged, for example, so as to be pivotable about a rotary or pivot axis. The axis of rotation or pivoting and the guide part are arranged in such a way that the guide part can be arranged in different positions around the embroidery needle or the embroidery drive. The axis of rotation or pivoting can, for example, extend along the embroidery needle or offset from the embroidery needle, preferably centrally through the embroidery drive. The axis of rotation or pivoting extends substantially at right angles to the support and preferably substantially in the vertical direction. Deviations of a few degrees from perpendicular to the carrier are possible, for example up to 5°.

As an alternative to the pivotability of the guide part relative to the embroidery needle or the embroidery drive, the entire embroidery head can also be arranged to be rotatable or pivotable about the axis of rotation.

In general, the embroidery head or the guide part can be set up to rotate or Execute pivoting movement about the pivoting or pivoting axis, which comprises one or more complete pivoting or pivoting movements of 360° each, wherein the pivoting or pivoting movement during the loop formation is preferably less than 360°.

It is advantageous if the guide part is pivoted or rotated relative to the embroidery needle unit or alternatively the entire embroidery head during the formation of the loop about the rotation or pivot axis, in particular by at least 100° or at least 130° and preferably by at least approximately 170 to 180° .

At least during the embroidery phases, the guide part is positioned relative to the embroidery needle or the embroidery head is aligned around the axis of rotation or pivoting in such a way that the section of the functional element to be attached is placed on the carrier in front of the embroidery needle in the direction of the relative movement between the carrier and the embroidery head . This orientation can optionally also be maintained during the loop formation phase.

It is preferred if one, several or all sections of the functional element to be fastened to the carrier are fastened at several fastening points arranged at a distance from one another by one or more stitches in each case. The distance between the attachment points can be a few centimeters, for example. This reduces the effort involved in attaching the functional element.

It is advantageous if one or more loops of the functional element are formed and each loop connects two sections of the functional element that are attached to the carrier by means of embroidery. In this way, the loop is fixed to the wearer between the two fixed sections.

One holding part or several holding parts can be used to form a plurality of loops. For example, one, several or all of the loops can be formed using a separate holding part. It is also possible to form two, more than two or all loops using a common holding part. These possibilities can also be combined, so that some loops are each formed by means of a separate holding part and some loops are formed by means of a common holding part.

In a preferred embodiment, one, several or all of the holding parts are movable relative to the carrier. In particular, the movable holding part or parts can be moved between a holding position and a release position. They are held in the holding position or brought into the holding position in order to be able to form one or more loops during a loop-forming phase. After the functional element has been attached to the carrier, the one or more holding parts can be moved into the release position in order to release the at least one loop that has been formed. The holding part or parts can be moved actively, for example using a manipulator, a robot arm, a gripper, a machine axis, etc. Alternatively, the at least one holding part can also be moved passively into the release position. For example, it can be elastically biased into the holding position and moved against the biasing force into the release position by a tensile force exerted on the loop. One possibility is, for example, to design the holding part to be pivotable and to elastically pretension it in the holding position.

One, several or all of the loops formed can be moved through the carrier during manufacture of the product by means of a tool, for example a hook needle, in order to change the side of the carrier. This can be expedient if the connection to the functional element or to one or more sections of the functional element is not to be made on the side on which the functional element is in contact with the carrier, but on the opposite side. For example, a loop can be pulled through the carrier by means of a hooked needle. Alternatively, a loop can also be pressed through the carrier using other tools.

One, several or all loops can be severed so that after the severing two connection ends are formed for then separate sections or parts of the functional element. By means of these connection ends, the respective part or section of the functional element can be connected, for example, to an associated connection part, which can be part of a functional unit or is used to connect to a functional unit. The connection part can be arranged on the carrier and, for example, fastened on the carrier or be an integral part of the carrier. For example, the connecting part can be formed by one or more connecting threads integrated into a textile carrier. The connection part can also be designed as a component that is separate from the carrier.

• 1 und 2 jeweils eine blockschaltbildähnliche, schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Befestigen eines Funktionselements auf einem Träger,
• 3 bis 5 unterschiedliche Phasen während des Verlegens des Funktionselements in schematischer, blockschaltbildähnlicher Darstellung,
• 6 und 7 eine schematische blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung beim Hindurchziehen einer gebildeten Schlaufe durch einen Träger,
• 8 bis 10 jeweils eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung einer Ausführungsform für das bewegbare Anordnen eines Halteteils der Vorrichtung und
• 11 und 12 jeweils eine schematische, blockschaltbildähnliche Darstellung einer weiteren Verarbeitung eines auf einem Träger angebrachten Funktionselements.

Advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Preferred exemplary embodiments are illustrated below explained in detail in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings show:

• 1 and 2 in each case a block diagram-like, schematic representation of a device for fastening a functional element on a carrier,
• 3 until 5 Different phases during the laying of the functional element in a schematic, block diagram-like representation,
• 6 and 7 a schematic representation similar to a block diagram when a formed loop is pulled through a carrier,
• 8th until 10 each a schematic basic representation of an embodiment for the movable arrangement of a holding part of the device and
• 11 and 12 in each case a schematic, block diagram-like representation of further processing of a functional element mounted on a carrier.

In the 1 and 2 Illustrated schematically in the manner of a block diagram are exemplary embodiments of a device 15 for fastening a functional element 16 on a carrier 17 . It extends parallel to a plane that is spanned by a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction Q. In the 1 and 2 the transverse direction Q is oriented at right angles to the plane of the drawing. The carrier 17 can be a textile carrier, for example a knitted fabric, a knitted fabric, a scrim, a woven fabric or any combination thereof. The carrier 17 can also consist of a non-textile material or have a non-textile material that is suitable for embroidering and thus for piercing a needle, for example foam material. The carrier 17 can be constructed in one or more layers.

The functional element 16 can be bent transversely to its direction of extension, so that it can be provided as endless material, for example, on a supply roll 19 forming a supply 18 . The functional element 16 can be, for example, an electrical conductor, a single-core or multi-core electrical cable, an optical conductor (e.g. fiber optic cable), a fluid line with one or more channels (e.g. hose) or any combination thereof. The functional element 16 can have any desired cross-section, for example circular, oval, polygonal, etc. It can also have a flat cross-sectional shape that is more like a ribbon, for example if it is a ribbon cable.

The device 15 has an embroidery head 20 and a control device 21 which controls the embroidery head 20 . The control device 21 can be part of an embroidery machine or can be external to the embroidery machine. A relative movement between the embroidery head 20 and the carrier 17 is controlled or regulated by means of the control device 21 . The embroidery head 20 can be moved relative to the carrier 17, which is held immovably in a holder of the embroidery machine. In the preferred exemplary embodiment illustrated here, a holder 30 of the embroidery machine holding the carrier 17 can be moved relative to the embroidery head 20 . The holder 30 for the carrier 17 is in 1 partially illustrated. The holder can be, for example, an embroidery hoop ( 11 ) surrounding the carrier 17 or a plate on which the carrier 17 rests. The embroidery head 20 can be arranged on a machine frame of the embroidery machine in such a way that it does not move in the longitudinal direction L and in the transverse direction Q relative to the machine frame 31 during operation. The machine frame 31 of the embroidery machine is in the 1 until 5 shown schematically.

The embroidery head 20 can also have an embroidery needle unit 22 (e.g 1 and 2 ). The embroidery needle unit 22 can optionally have a thread supply 23 for an upper thread 24 which is fed to an embroidery needle 25 of the embroidery needle unit 22 . The thread feed wheel 23, for example a bobbin, is preferably arranged outside of the embroidery head 20. The embroidery needle unit 22 also has a needle drive 26, which is set up to move the embroidery needle 25 back and forth in the extension direction of the embroidery needle 25, analogously to a sewing machine, in order to pierce the carrier 17 and to guide the upper thread 24 through the carrier 17.

A thread gripper 27 is arranged opposite the embroidery needle 25 on the opposite side of the carrier 17 and is designed to grip the upper thread 24 pierced by the embroidery needle 25 and intertwine it with a lower thread 28 . This will form the individual stitches when embroidering. If the embroidery head 20 is moved in the longitudinal direction L or in the transverse direction Q, the thread gripper 27 is also moved while maintaining the position relative to the embroidery needle 25 . According to the example, the embroidery head 20 and the thread gripper 27 are arranged on the machine frame 31 in such a way that they do not move in the longitudinal direction L or in the transverse direction Q relative to the machine frame 31 during operation.

A guide part 29 is also arranged on the embroidery head 20 . The guide part 29 is set up to guide the one supplied from the supply 18 To perform functional element 16 relative to the embroidery needle 25 and to deliver it at a suitable position relative to the embroidery needle 25 and to store it on the carrier 17 . The guide part 29 can be a guide eyelet, for example, as shown in 1 is shown schematically. The functional element 16 runs through this guide eyelet. This configuration is particularly suitable when the supply 18 is arranged on the embroidery head 20.

As an alternative to this, the guide part 29 can also be a tube or a hose through which the functional element 16 runs ( 2 ). In this embodiment, the supply 18 can be arranged so to speak in a stationary manner outside of the embroidery head 20 . Instead of a single eyelet or a single loop-shaped or tubular part, the guide part 29 can also have several eyelets and/or several loop-shaped or tubular elements. Additionally or alternatively, guide elements such as guide rollers or the like can be used. In the exemplary embodiment described here, the guide part 29 has no active, controllable conveying device for the functional element 16 . In particular, the embroidery head 20 as a whole is free of a controllable or drivable conveying device in order to convey the functional element 16 from the supply 18 to the guide part 29 . According to the example, the functional element 16 is conveyed from the supply 18 exclusively due to the relative movement between the embroidery head 20 and the carrier 17 by generating a tensile force on the functional element 16 and, according to the example, is unwound from the supply roll 19 . In a modified embodiment, the embroidery head could have a drivable conveying device for supplying the functional element 16 from the supply 18 .

Like it in the 1 and 2 is also shown schematically, the guide part 29 is rotatable about an axis of rotation D relative to the embroidery needle unit 22 of the embroidery head 20 . The axis of rotation D is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the transverse direction Q. It extends essentially parallel to the direction of extension of the embroidery needle 25. By rotating about the axis of rotation D, the relative position between the guide part 29 and the embroidery needle 25 can always be aligned in such a way that the guide part 29 moves in the embroidery direction (relative direction of movement between the embroidery head 20 and the Carrier 17) is located in front of the embroidery needle 25. The functional element 16 is thus placed on the carrier 17 in front of the embroidery needle 25 in the embroidery direction. This alignment is maintained at least during the embroidery phases.

The device 15 also has at least one holding part 35 which, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, is in the form of a holding pin 36 . The retaining pin 36 extends essentially at right angles to the longitudinal direction L and at right angles to the transverse direction Q, at least when it assumes a holding position H ( 1-6 ). In the holding position H, the holding part 35 or the holding pin 36 can, for example, protrude obliquely or at right angles from a support surface 37 . The support surface 37 can be pushed through the side of the carrier 17 ( 11 ) or the bracket 30 ( 1 until 5 and 11 ) or by a side of a separate base body 38 facing the embroidery head 20 .

As an alternative to the retaining pins 36 shown, the at least one retaining part 35 can also have any other shape. The at least one holding part 35 can have at least one straight section and/or at least one curved section. For example, each holding part 35 can also be formed by a hook.

For example, at least one of the holding parts 35 can be arranged on the bracket 30 ( 1 until 5 ) and/or at least one of the holding parts 35 can be arranged on the carrier 17 ( 11 ). As a result, the holding parts 35 carry out the relative movement that is carried out between the carrier 17 or the holder 30 and the embroidery head 20 .

The method for attaching the functional element 16 on the carrier 17, which can be carried out, for example, by means of the device 15 described above, is based on the below 3-5 explained.

As a starting point, it is assumed that the functional element 16 is guided by the guide part 29 and the free, loose end of the functional element 16 is held at least temporarily outside of the embroidery head 20, for example on the support 17. The relative movement between the carrier 17 and the embroidery head 20 and between the holding part 35 and the embroidery head 20 is carried out in the exemplary embodiment by a movement of the holder 30, which can be moved, for example, via one or more machine axes of an embroidery machine, controlled by the control device 21.

During an embroidery phase SP, the carrier 17 or the holder 30 and the embroidery head 20 are moved relative to one another. Because the functional element 16 is held with its free, loose end, the functional element 16 is withdrawn from the supply 18 and placed on the carrier 17 in front of the embroidery needle 25 in the direction of relative movement by means of the guide part 29 . In this embroidery phase SP is using the embroidery needle 25 on the Carrier 17 stored section 41 to be fastened embroidered onto the carrier 17 at several spaced-apart fastening points 42 by one or more stitches 43 and thereby fastened. The puncture points or puncture points of the embroidery needle 25 through the carrier 17 are preferably adjacent to the functional element 16 in order not to damage it. As an alternative to this, the functional element 16 could also have lateral attachment sections through which the embroidery needle 25 can pierce.

During the embroidery phase SP, the embroidery head 20 and the carrier 17 can be moved relative to one another along any path line. A first embroidery phase SP is in 3 illustrated. The path line can have at least one linear section and/or at least one curved section and/or at least one kink. During the relative movement along the path line, it is ensured that the guide part 29 is always arranged in front of the embroidery needle 25 in the direction of movement, so that the functional element 16 is placed on the carrier 17 along the path line in front of the embroidery needle 25 . This can be ensured, for example, by rotating the guide part 29 about the axis of rotation D.

After the section 41 of the functional element 16 has been attached during the embroidery phase SP, a loop-forming phase LP follows ( 4 ). During this loop formation phase LP, the embroidery needle 25 is not moved by the needle drive 26 and the functional element 16 is not embroidered onto the carrier 17 . Rather, a loop 44 of the functional element 16 is formed in the loop formation phase with the aid of the holding part 35 or the holding pin 36 . The loop 44 can be formed on or off the backing. For this purpose, the embroidery head 20 or the guide part 29 of the embroidery head 20 and the holding part 35 are moved relative to one another, so that the functional element 16 forms a bend around the holding part 35 . Around the holding part 35, the loop 44 forms a bend of approximately 180°, for example, and in other exemplary embodiments of at least 90° or at least 100° or at least 145°, so that the loop 44 can be viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and perpendicular to the transverse direction Q can have a U-shaped or V-shaped profile. Exemplary loop courses are also shown schematically in 11 illustrated. The specific shape of the loop 44 is variable. For example, it is also possible for the sections of the functional element 16 adjoining the bend in the area of the holding part 35 to intersect, thereby creating a closed loop or sling.

Forming the loop 44 on the holding part 35 creates an exposed section of the functional element 16 in a known, defined position. This ensures that the functional element 16 does not inadvertently come into contact with the embroidery head 20 or other parts that move relative to the carrier 17 when embroidering on the sections 41 to be fastened, which means that production errors can be avoided. In addition, further handling of the exposed sections, which are each formed by a loop 44, is simplified.

After the loop 44 has been formed, a section 41 to be fastened is in turn fastened to the carrier 17 during a further embroidery phase SP by one or more stitches 43 at each fastening point 42, as is shown schematically in FIG 5 is shown.

In a modification to the exemplary embodiment shown, the sections 41 to be fastened could also be fastened to the carrier 17 during an embroidering phase SP by continuous embroidering.

As already explained, the embroidery head 20 is aligned in such a way that the guide part 29 is arranged in front of the embroidery needle 25 in the embroidery direction, ie in the direction of movement of the embroidery head 20 relative to the carrier 17 . In order to ensure this, the embroidery head 20 can be rotated about the axis of rotation D, for example when the loop 44 is laid around the holding part 35, as is shown schematically in FIG 4 is shown.

In the 3-10 exemplary embodiments are illustrated in which the retaining pin 36 cooperates with the bearing surface 37 of a holder 30 or a base body 38 . It is also possible to push the retaining pin 36 through the carrier 17 from below, so that at least part of the retaining pin 36 protrudes from the upper side of the carrier 17 on which the functional element 16 is to be attached by embroidery. This is an example in 8th illustrated. The bearing surface 37 is formed on the carrier 17 in this case. In such an embodiment, the retaining pins 36 are formed in a manner similar to a needle.

In addition or as an alternative to the retaining pins 36 inserted through the carrier 17, at least one base body 38 with retaining parts 35 or retaining pins 36 can be arranged on and/or next to the carrier 17, as shown in dashed lines by way of example. A further possibility consists in placing the retaining pins 36 on the carrier 17 and/or the holder 30 and/or the base body 38 from above or plugging or plugging them in.

like it in 11 As illustrated, each loop 44 may have a separate retaining member to form it 35 or a separate retaining pin 36 can be used. As an alternative to this, it is also possible to form a plurality of loops 44 using a common holding part 35 . For example, when displayed in 11 only on one of the holding parts 35 several or all existing loops 44 are formed, as is illustrated schematically by the dashed lines merely by way of example with reference to the middle holding part 35 arranged on the holder 30 .

This in 11 The functional element 16 shown as an example was deposited along a path as a result of the relative movement between the holder 30 and the embroidery head 20, as indicated by the arrows in 11 is shown schematically. In the exemplary embodiment, there are a number of connection parts 50 to which the functional element 16 is to be connected. The at least one connection part can be part of a functional unit or can be set up to be connected to it. Depending on whether the functional element 16 is electrically and/or optically and/or fluidically conductive, the connection part 50 is an electrical and/or optical and/or fluidic connection part 50. The functional unit can be an electrical unit and/or an optical unit, for example and/or a heating unit and/or a cooling unit and/or a fluid unit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the functional element 16 is an electrical conductor or a single-core or multi-core cable. It is electrically connected to the terminal parts 50 .

The at least one connection part 50 can be designed as a separate, external connection part 50a ( 12 ) or it can be formed by a connecting part 50b arranged directly on the carrier 17 . The connection part 50b present on the carrier 17 can be formed, for example, by a connection area which is integrated into the carrier 17 . For example, electrically conductive threads can be integrated into the carrier 17 and form one or more connection parts 50b ( 11 and 12 ).

After the loops 44 have been formed and after all the sections 41 of the functional element 16 to be attached have been attached to the carrier 17 by embroidering, the holding parts 35 are removed. As exemplified by the 11 and 12 is illustrated, the exposed loops 44 can then be severed, so that each severed loop 44 forms two connection ends 51 each of a functional section of the functional element 16 . Two further connection ends 51 are formed by the two free, loose ends of the functional element 16 . All connection ends 51 can then be connected to a respectively assigned connection part 50, as is shown schematically in FIG 12 is illustrated. The continuous functional element 16 originally formed by the sections 41 to be attached and the loops 44 ( 11 ) is divided into individual, separate functional sections after the loops 44 have been severed, which can be connected to one another directly or indirectly by a suitable connection, for example by connecting to the same or to different connecting parts 50. Since these are electrically conductive components, for example, the connection ends 51 are connected in an electrically conductive manner to the associated connection part 50, for example by means of a crimped connection, plug connection, soldered connection or any combination thereof, or in any other suitable known manner.

Based on 6 and 7 an optional embodiment of the invention is illustrated. Before a loop 44 is separated, it can be guided through the carrier 17 at a desired point with the aid of a tool 52, for example in order to connect the adjoining functional sections of the functional element 16 on the side of the carrier 17 which is opposite to the side on which the functional element 16 was attached in sections 41 by embroidering. The tool 52 can pierce the carrier 17 and take the loop 44 and move it to the opposite side.

At the in the 6 and 7 illustrated embodiment, the tool 52 is formed by a hook needle 53, which can be configured similar to a crochet hook. The hook needle 53 can be pierced through the carrier 17, grasp the loop 44 with its hook area and pull it to the opposite side of the carrier 17 as the hook needle 53 is pulled back. As an alternative to this, a tool 52 could be used which grips the loop 44 when piercing through the carrier 17 and already moves it to the opposite side when piercing through it, so to speak presses it through.

In order to release the loop 44 for further handling, the holding part 35 can be designed relative to the carrier 17 . Due to this movability, the holding part 35 can be moved from the holding position H into a release position F, in which it releases the loop 44 . In 7 three alternative release positions F for different configurations of the holding part 35 are illustrated schematically. The holding part 35 can be moved from the holding position H ( 6 ) be moved down or up in one embodiment ( 7 ). 7 also shows a possibility in which the holding part 35 by a pivoting movement from the holding position H can be moved to the release position F to release the loop 44.

Exemplary configuration options for the realization are shown schematically in the 8-10 shown.

For example, a manipulator, robot arm, machine axis or the like can be used to move the holding part 35 . The holding part 35 can be firmly connected to the manipulator or the machine axis or can be gripped by a gripping device of the manipulator. From the holding position H in the 8th and 9 is illustrated, the holding part 35 can then, for example downward ( 8th ) or up ( 9 ) are moved away from the support surface 37.

In the base body 38 or in the holder 30 there can be a hole or a recess into which the holding part 35 and, for example, the holding pin 36 engages or through which it engages. By means of such a recess or a hole in the base body 38, the holding part 35 and, for example, the holding pin 36 can be held in the holding position H in a non-positive and/or positive manner without the manipulator or gripper 53 or gripper having to press on the holding part 35 or the holding pin 36 must continue to act and can move away from it. This has the advantage that the movement of the carrier 17 or the holder 30 relative to the embroidery head 20 is not impeded.

At the in 10 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the holding part 35 is arranged pivotably on the base body 38 or on the holder 30 and can be folded out of the holding position H by a pivoting movement towards the support surface 37 in order to thereby release the loop 44 . In the release position F, the holding part 35 can have been pivoted out of the holding position H by more than 45°, for example, and in particular by 80° to 90°. The panning direction is indicated by the double arrow in 10 illustrated and the release position F of this embodiment is highly schematic in 7 shown.

For example, the holding part 35 can be designed to be elastic, at least in sections, so that it can be pivoted relative to the base body 38 . In its rest position, it assumes the holding position H. If the tensile force of the loop 44 exceeds a predetermined value, the holding part 35 is deflected out of the holding position H, so that the loop 44 can slide over the free end of the holding part 35 or the holding pin 36 and is released ( 7 ). The holding part 35 then pivots back into the holding position H due to its elasticity. In such an embodiment, the holding part 35 could also be mounted pivotably and be prestressed elastically or spring-elastically into the holding position H via separate prestressing means and be moved into the release position F against the prestressing force.

The invention relates to a method and a device 15 for fastening a functional element 16 to a carrier 17, for example a textile carrier 17. The functional element 16 can be bent transversely to its direction of extension and can be made available from a supply 18 as endless material. The functional element is applied to the carrier 17 by embroidery in one or more sections 41 to be fastened. For this purpose, the functional element 16 is guided on an embroidery head 20 by means of a guide part 29 and placed on the carrier 17 in a desired position in the embroidery direction in front of an embroidery needle 25 . During this embroidery phase SP, the embroidery needle 25 is at least temporarily in operation in order to attach the section 41 to the carrier 17 at one or more attachment points 42 with one or more stitches 43 each. During a loop-forming phase LP, a relative movement takes place between the embroidery head 20 and the carrier 17, but without attaching the functional element 16 to the carrier 17 by embroidering. In particular, the embroidery needle 25 stands still during the loop formation phase LP. The functional element 16 is guided in a loop 44 around the holding part 35 by means of a holding part 35 , for example a holding pin 36 . This can be followed by a further embroidery phase SP. The exposed loop 44, not attached by stitching, occupies a position that does not impede further stitching. The known, predefined position of the loop 44 simplifies the further process and enables automation in the manufacture of a product having the carrier 17 and the functional element 16 arranged thereon.

Reference List

15

contraption

16

functional element

17

carrier

18

stock

19

supply roll

20

embroidery head

21

control device

22

embroidery needle unit

23

thread supply

24

upper thread

25

embroidery needle

26

needle drive

27

thread gripper

28

bobbin thread

29

guide part

30

bracket

31

machine frame

35

holding part

36

retaining pin

37

bearing surface

38

base body

41

section of the functional element to be fastened

42

attachment point

43

Sting

44

loop

50

connector

50a

external connector

50b

connector arranged on the carrier

51

connection end

52

Tool

53

hook needle

54

manipulator

D

axis of rotation

f

release position

H

holding position

L

longitudinal direction

SP

embroidery phase

LP

loop formation phase

Q

transverse direction

Claims (15)

Method for attaching a functional element (16) that can be bent transversely to its direction of extension to a carrier (17) by embroidering, comprising the following steps: - guiding the functional element (16) by means of a guide part (29) of an embroidery head (20) of an embroidery machine, so that the functional element (16) can be supplied from a supply (18), - Moving the embroidery head (20) and the carrier (17) relative to each other during an embroidery phase (SP), wherein a section (41) of the functional element (16) by means of the guide part (29) in front of an embroidery needle (25) of the embroidery head (20) placed on the carrier (17) and attached to the carrier (17) by continuous or repeated embroidery, - Moving the embroidery head (20) and a holding part (35) relative to one another during a loop formation phase (LP), the holding part (29) being or being arranged in a predetermined holding position (H) relative to the carrier (17), so that the functional element (16) is guided around the holding part (35) to form a loop (44), and no embroidery connection is produced between the functional element (16) and the carrier (17) during the loop-forming phase (LP), - Moving the embroidery head (20) and the carrier (17) relative to each other during a further embroidery phase (SP), wherein a further section (41) of the functional element (16) by means of the guide part (29) in front of the embroidery needle (25) of the embroidery head ( 20) is placed on the support (17) and fixed to the support (17) by continuous or repeated embroidery. procedure after claim 1 , wherein at least the guide part (29) of the embroidery head (20) is arranged to be rotatable or pivotable about an axis of rotation (D) which is oriented essentially at right angles to the carrier (17). procedure after claim 2 , wherein the guide part (29) is rotated or pivoted about the axis of rotation (D) during the formation of the loop (44). procedure after claim 2 or 3 , wherein the guide part (29) is aligned around the axis of rotation (D) at least during the embroidery phase (SP) in such a way that the section (41) of the functional element (29) to be fastened, by means of the guide part (29), in the direction of the relative movement between the carrier (17) and the embroidery head (20) in front of the embroidery needle (25). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one, several or all sections (41) of the functional element (16) to be fastened to the carrier (17) are fastened at several spaced fastening points (42) by one or more stitches (43). or become. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein there are one or more holding parts (29) which are moved relative to the embroidery head (20) together with the carrier (17) and/or a holder (30) of the embroidery machine holding the carrier (17). . Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more loops (44) of the functional element (16) are formed and each loop (44) connects two sections (41) of the functional element (16) fastened to the carrier (17) by means of embroidery. procedure after claim 7 wherein one, several or all of the loops (44) are formed using a separate holding part (35). procedure after claim 7 or 8th wherein at least two or all loops (44) are formed using a common holding part (35). Procedure according to one of Claims 7 until 9 wherein one, several or all holding parts (35) are movable relative to the carrier (17) and can be moved into a release position (F) to release the at least one loop (44) formed thereon. procedure after claim 10 wherein one, several or all formed loops (44) are moved by means of a tool (52) through the carrier (17). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which one, several or all loops (44) formed are severed in order to form two connecting ends (51) in each case. procedure after claim 12 , wherein one, several or all connection ends (51) are connected to at least one associated connection part (50). procedure after Claim 13 , wherein the at least one connection part (50, 50b) is arranged on the carrier (17) or is a separate external connection part (50, 50a) from the carrier (17). Device (15) for fastening a functional element (16) that can be bent transversely to its direction of extension on a carrier (17), comprising: - a supply (18) for providing the functional element (16), - an embroidery head (20) of an embroidery machine having an embroidery needle (25) and a guide part (29) which is designed to guide the functional element (16) and allows the functional element (16) to be fed from the supply (18), - at least one holding part (35), - a control device (21) is set up to control the embroidery head (20), the embroidery head (20) and the support (17) moving relative to one another during an embroidery phase (SP) and a section (41) of the functional element (16) by means of the guide part (29) in front of the embroidery needle (25) on the support (17) and fixed by continuous or repeated embroidery on the support (17), and wherein the embroidery head (20) and the holding part (35) during a loop formation phase (LP) move relative to each other and the holding part (35) is arranged in a predetermined holding position (H) relative to the carrier (17), so that the functional element (16) can be moved by means of the guide part (29) of the embroidery head (20) to form a loop (44) is guided around the holding part (35).

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