EP3555355B1 - Turf unit, turfing machine, and method for inserting turfs in a backing - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine and a taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit.

Natural turf has long been used for sports surfaces such as those used for soccer fields. However, this is very maintenance-intensive and tends to develop damage under high loads. For this reason, artificial turf pitches were developed which are no longer based on natural grass, but in which an artificial material mimics the properties of grass.

Furthermore, there has been a mixture between natural and artificial turf for some time, whereby in this case a natural turf is first applied, which is then reinforced by sections of plastic yarn. This allows the familiar properties of natural turf to be better preserved, while at the same time the resistance to damage is significantly increased compared to pure natural turf. Furthermore, the maintenance effort is reduced.

The insertion of such yarn sections into a ground in which the natural grass is typically formed is called taffeta. Typically, suitably cut yarn sections are inserted into the ground from above so that they only are partially buried in the ground and partially protrude upwards from the ground. In this respect, the parts of the yarn sections protruding upwards behave very similarly to natural blades of grass. It goes without saying that for a typical sports field, which can have the size of a conventional soccer field, for example, a very large number of yarn sections have to be introduced into the ground. It is almost imperative that this be done automatically. Corresponding taffeta machines have already been developed accordingly.

An exemplary taffeta machine can be found in the document DE 601 11 738 T2 can be removed. Fibers are blown into a suitable position with the help of air, after which they are cut off and inserted into the substrate. Another exemplary taffeta machine can be found in document EP 0 610 352 B1 can be removed. Be there

Fibers are brought into a transfer position with the help of tubes, from which they are then inserted into the ground.

The document EP 3 029 199 A1 discloses an apparatus for inserting artificial grass strands into a ground. The device has a drum for guiding grass strands and an insertion device for inserting the grass strands into the ground.

The document WO 93/08332 A1 discloses an apparatus for setting strands of grass into a ground. The device has a device for transporting the strands of grass as well as insertion pins for insertion.

However, it has been shown that in known taffeta machines, the mechanisms that such a large number of yarn sections in use the subsurface, are very complicated to manufacture and also require maintenance.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a taffeta unit which can be operated alternatively, for example with a lower potential for malfunction and / or with less maintenance. It is also an object of the invention to provide a taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit.

This is achieved according to the invention by a taffeta unit and a taffeta machine according to the respective main claims. Advantageous refinements are claimed, for example, in the respective subclaims.

• eine Garntransporteinrichtung zum simultanen und parallelen Transport einer Anzahl von Garnsträngen,
  • wobei die Garntransporteinrichtung eine Mehrzahl von Garngreifern aufweist, welche zum Umlauf entlang einer Umlaufbahn in einer Umlaufrichtung angeordnet sind,
  • wobei jeder Garngreifer dazu ausgebildet ist, die Garnstränge lösbar zu halten,
  • wobei entlang der Umlaufbahn eine Mehrzahl von Garnabschnittstransporteinheiten mit jeweils einer Mehrzahl von Garngreifern definiert sind,
  • wobei jede Garnabschnittstransporteinheit in Umlaufrichtung gesehen zumindest einen jeweiligen vorderen Garngreifer und einen jeweiligen hinteren Garngreifer aufweist,
• eine Schneideinheit, welche dazu ausgebildet ist, die Garnstränge zwischen zwei benachbarten Garnabschnittstransporteinheiten in jeweilige einzelne Garnabschnitte zu zerschneiden, und
• mindestens ein Einsetzelement,
• wobei die Garntransporteinrichtung dazu ausgebildet ist, eine jeweilige Garnabschnittstransporteinheit mit Garnabschnitten durch Umlauf unter dem/n Einsetzelement/en zu positionieren, so dass jedem Einsetzelement ein jeweiliger abgeschnittener Garnabschnitt zugeordnet ist, und
• jedes Einsetzelement dazu ausgebildet ist, den jeweils zugeordneten Garnabschnitt in einen unter der Tafteinheit befindlichen Untergrund einzusetzen.

The invention relates to a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine, the taffeta unit having the following:

• a yarn transport device for the simultaneous and parallel transport of a number of yarn strands,
  • wherein the yarn transport device has a plurality of yarn grippers which are arranged to circulate along a circulating path in a circulating direction,
  • each yarn gripper being designed to releasably hold the yarn strands,
  • wherein a plurality of yarn section transport units, each with a plurality of yarn grippers, are defined along the orbit,
  • wherein each yarn section transport unit, viewed in the direction of rotation, has at least one respective front yarn gripper and a respective rear yarn gripper,
• a cutting unit which is designed to cut the yarn strands between two adjacent ones To cut yarn section transport units into respective individual yarn sections, and
• at least one insert element,
• wherein the yarn transport device is designed to position a respective yarn section transport unit with yarn sections by circulating under the insert element (s), so that each insert element is assigned a respective cut yarn section, and
• each insert element is designed to insert the respectively assigned yarn section into a substrate located under the taffeta unit.

According to the invention, it is provided that the insertion elements are attached above the orbit and, when inserted, pierce the orbit at least twice.

In this way, for example, a particularly compact design can be achieved, which has also proven to be particularly reliable in practice.

The yarn grippers can be designed as chain elements. The yarn grippers can be mounted on a conveyor belt.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that each yarn section transport unit has exactly two yarn grippers.

According to one embodiment it is provided that each yarn section transport unit has an even number of internal yarn grippers, which are arranged between the front yarn gripper and the rear yarn gripper.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the cutting unit can be displaced along the orbit so that a length of the yarn sections to be used can be adjusted.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the cutting unit is arranged in such a way that it cuts the yarn strands in a state in which the yarn sections are already positioned under the respective insert element and are inserted without further transport.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the orbit has a flat underside.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the orbit is vertically thinnest directly below the insert elements.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the circulating path rotates around a first roller at a first horizontal end and rotates around a second roller at a second horizontal end. One of the roles, for example the first role, can be a drive roller.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn strands and / or the yarn sections are guided on an upper side of the circulating path. Alternatively, guidance on an underside of the orbit would also be possible.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the taffeta unit has a base plate on the underside, in which a number of bores are formed, through which the insert elements pierce when inserting.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn section transport units are arranged adjacent to one another along the circulating path,
According to one embodiment it is provided that each insert element is designed as a respective taffeta needle.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit has a needle carrier with which the insert elements are connected, the needle carrier being arranged transversely to the orbit.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the needle carrier can be driven vertically up and down by a drive, in particular a crank drive, preferably by crank drives or hydraulic cylinders arranged on both sides.

According to one embodiment it is provided that each crank drive can be driven hydraulically.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that each taffeta needle is attached to a needle clamp which is preferably divided into sections and which is connected, in particular screwed, to the needle carrier.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit has a needle guide, preferably divided into sections, and / or a throat plate for guiding the insert elements when inserting the yarn sections into the ground.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the needle guide has a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged opposite one another.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the first arm is connected to a first guide plate, which has a number of horizontally U-shaped recesses for the passage of the insert elements and / or the second arm is connected to a second Guide plate is connected, which has a number of horizontally U-shaped recesses for the passage of the insert elements.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the insert elements are made from self-lubricating plastic.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the insert elements are made of steel, in particular of wear-resistant steel. In particular, they can also be reinforced with hard metal tips.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit is designed as a portal construction.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn transport device has at least one drive drum which can be rotated by means of a rotary drive.

A length of a yarn section to be used can in particular be defined by a travel path or transport path of the yarn grippers and by a position of the cutting unit.

According to one embodiment it is provided that each yarn gripper extends transversely to the orbit.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that each yarn gripper has at least one sliding profile arranged transversely to the direction of rotation and a counter-holding profile arranged transversely to the direction of rotation, the sliding profile being displaceable relative to the counter-holding profile between a first end position and a second end position, the yarns being held in the first end position and in the second end position the yarns are not held.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that each yarn gripper furthermore has a carrier profile arranged transversely to the direction of rotation, in which and / or relative to which the sliding profile is displaceable.

According to one embodiment it is provided that each yarn gripper is designed, when the sliding profile is in the first end position, to hold the yarns by deflection and / or friction between the sliding profile and the counter-holding profile and / or the carrier profile.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the sliding profile, in plan view, has inclined edges relative to the counter-holding profile and / or to the carrier profile for clamping the yarn strands.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the movement of the sliding profile is derived from the movement of the yarn transport device.

• die Anlageelemente vorzugsweise als Laufrollen ausgeführt sind,
• die Tafteinheit eine Öffnerbahn und eine Schließerbahn aufweist, welche sich entlang der Umlaufbahn erstrecken, und
• das erste Anlageelement an der Öffnerbahn anliegt und das zweite Anlageelement an der Schließerbahn anliegt, so dass durch Verringerung des Abstands zwischen Öffnerbahn und Garntransporteinrichtung das Schiebeprofil in die zweite Endstellung geschoben wird und durch Verringerung des Abstands zwischen Schließerbahn und Garntransporteinrichtung das Schiebeprofil in die erste Endstellung geschoben wird.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the sliding profile is connected at one longitudinal end to a first contact element and at an opposite longitudinal end to a second contact element, wherein

• the contact elements are preferably designed as rollers,
• the taffeta unit has an opener track and a closer track which extend along the orbit, and
• the first contact element rests against the opening track and the second contact element rests against the closer track, so that the sliding profile is pushed into the second end position by reducing the distance between the opening track and the yarn transport device and the sliding profile is pushed into the first end position by reducing the distance between the closer track and the yarn transport device becomes.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the opening track and the closing track each have a number of sectors movable transversely to the direction of rotation in order to move sliding profiles of the yarn grippers of a yarn section transport unit positioned below the insert elements even when the yarn section transport unit is not rotating.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the sectors movable transversely to the direction of rotation are moved in the same direction as the thread sections positioned under the insert elements are inserted to open the sliding profiles, preferably via a control element connected to the insert elements and / or a number of actuators.

• die quer zur Umlaufrichtung bewegbaren Sektoren mit einer Steuerkurve verbunden sind und die Einsetzelemente mit einem Steuerelement verbunden sind, so dass das Steuerelement einer vertikalen Bewegung der Einsetzelemente folgt,
• wobei das Steuerelement und die Steuerkurve zusammenwirken, um eine Bewegung der Sektoren aus der vertikalen Bewegung des Steuerelements abzuleiten.

According to one embodiment it is provided that

• the sectors movable transversely to the direction of rotation are connected to a control cam and the insert elements are connected to a control element so that the control element follows a vertical movement of the insert elements,
• wherein the control element and the control cam cooperate to derive a movement of the sectors from the vertical movement of the control element.

According to one embodiment it is provided that a pick-up point for picking up the yarn strands is defined on the orbital path, the opener track and the closer track being designed to hold the yarn grippers open in the direction of rotation in front of the pick-up point and to close at the pick-up point.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the cutting unit is designed to move the yarn strands between a rear yarn gripper of a yarn section transport unit and the front one To cut yarn grippers of an immediately adjacent yarn section transport unit.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the cutting unit has a number of rotating cutting knives, in particular circular cutting knives or cutting disks, which are arranged so as to be linear and / or pivoting for cutting the yarn strands. The cutting unit can also be designed with circumferential cutting bands, with diamond wire or with hot wire. The cutting unit can be equipped with a rotating band knife. The cutting unit can be designed as a rotating band knife. The cutting unit can cut with diamond wire, for example. The cutting unit can be equipped with a glow wire cutting unit, for example. The cutting unit can be equipped with a laser cutter, for example.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit has a base frame to which the yarn transport device and the insert elements and preferably also the needle guide and / or the throat plate are attached.

Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the taffeta unit has a feeler roller, which is designed to roll on the surface and in particular to transfer unevenness of the surface to the taffeta unit.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the insertion elements are designed to grasp the yarn sections between two adjacent yarn grippers and to press them down through between these yarn grippers for insertion.

• einen Maschinenrahmen, welcher dazu ausgebildet ist, auf einem Untergrund zu fahren, und
• eine erfindungsgemäße Tafteinheit, welche in dem Maschinenrahmen angeordnet ist.

The invention further relates to a taffeta machine having

• a machine frame which is designed to drive on a ground, and
• a taffeta unit according to the invention which is arranged in the machine frame.

With regard to the taffeta unit, all of the designs and variants described herein can be used.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit is arranged vertically movable in the machine frame.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta unit is height adjustable in the machine frame, in particular by means of at least one controlled hydraulic cylinder.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta machine has a level compensation unit, the level compensation unit having at least one sensor for sensing unevenness in the ground, and also having means for adjusting the height of the taffeta unit in response to the unevenness.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta machine has a drive unit for moving the taffeta machine on the ground.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the drive unit is synchronized with the yarn transport device, so that after the insertion of yarn sections into the ground, the taffeta machine is moved a defined amount on the ground and then further yarn sections are inserted. According to one embodiment it is provided that the taffeta machine has a number of bobbins, with each bobbin storing a respective strand of yarn in order to deliver it to the taffeta unit.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that the coils are arranged horizontally, viewed in the direction of travel of the taffeta machine, only on one side of the taffeta unit. However, they can also be arranged on both sides of the taffeta unit. There can also be a storage chamber for further bobbins and / or thread spools in the taffeta machine.

• Aufnehmen einer Anzahl von Garnsträngen,
• Zerschneiden der Garnstränge in jeweilige Garnabschnitte,
• Anordnen der Garnabschnitte unter einer Anzahl von Einsetzelementen, so dass jedem Einsetzelement ein Garnabschnitt zugeordnet ist, und
• Einsetzen der Garnabschnitte in den Untergrund mittels der Einsetzelemente.

The invention also relates to a method for inserting yarn sections into a substrate, in particular for producing a fiber-stabilized natural turf,
the method comprising the steps of:

• Taking up a number of strands of yarn,
• Cutting the strands of yarn into respective yarn sections,
• Arranging the yarn sections under a number of insert elements so that a yarn section is assigned to each insert element, and
• Insertion of the yarn sections into the ground by means of the insertion elements.

According to the invention it is provided that the method is carried out using a taffeta unit according to the invention or a taffeta machine according to the invention. With regard to the taffeta unit and the taffeta machine, all of the designs and variants described herein can be used.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn sections are held at their ends by two yarn grippers at least after the cutting step. However, they can also be held by several grippers.

It should be understood that a gripper distance can have a pitch of 40 mm, for example. Depending on the length of a yarn section, a different number of yarn grippers can hold the respective yarn section. For example, a yarn length of 400 mm can correspond to 10 hooks, a yarn length of 320 mm can correspond to 8 hooks, and a yarn length of 240 mm can correspond to 6 hooks.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn strands are taken up simultaneously and in parallel.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the yarn sections are transported and / or used simultaneously and in parallel.

According to one embodiment it is provided that the method is repeated many times or carried out endlessly.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that between two successive steps of insertion, a taffeta machine executing the method is moved by a defined and adjustable length on the ground.

By means of the method and also by means of a taffeta machine or taffeta unit, it can also be realized in particular that three different lengths of yarn sections can be used.

In this context, it is pointed out in particular that all the features and properties described in relation to the device, but also procedures, can also be transferred and used in the sense of the invention and are considered to be also disclosed. The same also applies in the opposite direction, that is to say, structural, ie, device-related, only mentioned in relation to the method Features can also be taken into account and claimed within the framework of the device claims and are also part of the disclosure.

Fig. 1

eine Taftmaschine,

Fig. 2

eine Tafteinheit in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 3

die Tafteinheit in einer unteren Ansicht,

Fig. 4

eine Nadelführung in einer unteren Ansicht,

Fig. 5

die Nadelführung in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 6

die Nadelführung in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 7

bewegliche Sektoren von Führungsbahnen mit weiteren Elementen in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 8

die Sektoren mit weiteren Elementen in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 9

die Sektoren mit weiteren Elementen in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 10

Einsetzelemente mit Nadelklemme und Nadelträger in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 11

Einsetzelemente mit Nadelklemme und Nadelträger in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 12

Einsetzelemente mit Nadelklemme und Nadelträger in noch einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 13

Einsetzelemente mit Nadelklemme und Nadelträger in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 14

einen Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 15

den Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 16

den Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 17

zwei verbundene Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 18

einen der verbundenen Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 19

die zwei verbundenen Garngreifer im offenen Zustand in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 20

einen Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 21

den Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 22

den Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 23

zwei verbundene Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 24

einen der verbundenen Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer weiteren Seitenansicht,

Fig. 25

die zwei verbundenen Garngreifer im geschlossenen Zustand in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 26, 28, 30, 32, 34

eine alternative Tafteinheit in unterschiedlichen Zuständen in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 27, 29, 31, 33, 35

die Tafteinheit in den jeweiligen Zuständen in einer weiteren Seitenansicht.

In the drawing, the invention is shown schematically in particular in exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a taffeta machine,

Fig. 2

a taffeta unit in a side view,

Fig. 3

the taffeta unit in a lower view,

Fig. 4

a needle guide in a lower view,

Fig. 5

the needle guide in a side view,

Fig. 6

the needle guide in another side view,

Fig. 7

movable sectors of guideways with further elements in a side view,

Fig. 8

the sectors with other elements in a plan view,

Fig. 9

the sectors with other elements in another side view,

Fig. 10

Insertion elements with needle clamp and needle carrier in a side view,

Fig. 11

Insert elements with needle clamp and needle carrier in a further side view,

Fig. 12

Insertion elements with needle clamp and needle carrier in yet another side view,

Fig. 13

Insert elements with needle clamp and needle carrier in a top view,

Fig. 14

a yarn gripper in the open state in a side view,

Fig. 15

the yarn gripper in the open state in a further side view,

Fig. 16

the yarn gripper in the open state in a top view,

Fig. 17

two connected yarn grippers in the open state in a side view,

Fig. 18

one of the connected yarn grippers in the open state in a further side view,

Fig. 19

the two connected yarn grippers in the open state in a top view,

Fig. 20

a yarn gripper in the closed state in a side view,

Fig. 21

the yarn gripper in the closed state in a further side view,

Fig. 22

the yarn gripper in the closed state in a top view,

Fig. 23

two connected yarn grippers in the closed state in a side view,

Fig. 24

one of the connected yarn grippers in the closed state in a further side view,

Fig. 25

the two connected yarn grippers in the closed state in a top view,

Figures 26, 28, 30, 32, 34

an alternative taffeta unit in different states in a side view,

Figs. 27, 29, 31, 33, 35

the taffeta unit in the respective states in a further side view.

In the figures, elements that are the same or that correspond to one another are each designated by the same reference symbols and are therefore not described again unless appropriate. The disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to the same parts with the same reference symbols or the same component names. The location details chosen in the description, such as above, below, laterally, etc. refer to the figure immediately described and shown and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can also represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

Figure 1 shows a taffeta machine 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The taffeta machine 10 has a frame 15 which provides basic stability and to which the components described below are attached.

The taffeta machine 10 has a taffeta unit 100. This is used to insert yarn sections into a substrate on which the taffeta machine 10 is running. This is discussed further below in the description, in particular with reference to Figures 2 ff, will be discussed in detail.

To supply the taffeta unit 100 with skeins of yarn, the taffeta machine 10 has a plurality of bobbins 20. A respective skein of yarn is wound onto each bobbin 20 and is fed to the taffeta unit 100 for insertion into the ground on which the taffeta machine 10 moves.

In the present case, the taffeta machine 10 is designed to be inserted into the Figure 1 left-facing direction, or in the opposite direction. As can be seen - seen in the direction of travel - the coils 20 are located on only one side of the taffeta unit 100. This means that the taffeta unit 100 can be arranged adjacent to a longitudinal end or in an end-side quarter of the longitudinal extent of the taffeta machine 10, as is the case is the case in the design shown here.

This has the advantage that the taffeta machine 10 projects only a little beyond the taffeta unit 100 on one side - viewed in the direction of travel. This reduces the space which the taffeta machine 10 needs to bring the taffeta unit 100 to a certain position. This has proven to be particularly advantageous on typical sports fields such as soccer fields, for example, since these are often limited by advertising banners or similar borders which are located directly next to a playing field to be processed. The space which the taffeta machine 10 can move beyond the playing field in order to still process the entire playing field with the taffeta unit 100 is thereby considerably restricted. The present embodiment, however, enables complete processing of the playing field even in such situations.

The taffeta machine 10 has a drive unit 40. In the present case, this is designed in the form of an internal combustion engine and serves to supply energy and propel the taffeta machine 10.

To drive the taffeta machine 10, in the embodiment shown here, it has a chain running gear 50 with a pendulum bearing in the present case. In the present case, this has two lanes. Furthermore, the taffeta machine 10 has a front steering chassis 55, which in the present case is formed from a plurality of pneumatic wheels in order to reduce the surface pressure in the front part of the taffeta machine 10. The direction of movement of the taffeta machine 10 can be specified by means of the steering chassis 55.

Furthermore, a height-adjustable front pressure roller 57 is attached to the steering chassis 55. This serves to further reduce the surface pressure and level the subsurface. The floor to be taffeta is thus transferred to the taffeta unit 100 without disruptive unevenness or with less disruptive unevenness.

In the present case, the taffeta unit 100 is guided by means of an integrated pushbutton unit just above the ground with a respectively set or adjustable taffeta height. The touch unit continuously scans the floor and ensures that the taffeta yarn is worked in evenly. The touch unit can for example be designed as a roller that rests on the floor and thus senses the height. It can, however, also be designed electronically and / or sensorially, for example by means of a radar sensor, an ultrasound sensor or a camera.

Furthermore, the taffeta machine 10 in the present case has a step plate 60. This hangs just above the ground to make it easier to see the yarn that has already been taffetaed.

In addition, the taffeta machine 10 in the present case has a rear pressure roller 70. This is adjustable in height and serves to level out the tracks of the previous crawler chassis 50.

The taffeta machine 10 can also have a work space in which an operator can sit or stand in order to operate and / or control the taffeta machine 10.

It should be understood that the taffeta machine 10 described here represents an advantageous but not the only possible embodiment. In particular, it should be pointed out that the described components, apart from the taffeta unit 100, are optional and do not necessarily have to be present or do not necessarily have to be present in the embodiment described here in order to fulfill the functionality of a taffeta machine. It is also possible for only some of the components described to be present; these can be designed differently in whole or in part, and further components can also be present. All such combinations are considered part of the disclosure of this application.

Figure 2 FIG. 10 shows a portion of the taffeta unit 100 which is used in the FIG Figure 1 shown taffeta machine 10 is installed. It is therefore in particular also a taffeta unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

It should be mentioned that a method according to the invention can in particular also be carried out by means of the taffeta machine 10 described here or with the taffeta unit 100 described here. This can in particular take place in the way that will be described below.

The taffeta unit 100 is designed to receive a number or plurality of yarn strands 110, to cut them up and to insert them into the ground. It should be understood that in the illustration of Figure 2 , which is a side view, only one such yarn strand 110 is visible. The other strands of yarn 110 are immediately behind it.

The taffeta unit 100 has a yarn transport device 200 which is designed to receive and transport the yarn strands 110, as will be described below.

The yarn transport device 200 has a first roller 201 and a second roller 202. The first roller 201 is a driven roller, i.e. it can be actively set in a rotary motion. This can, for example, be derived directly from the drive device 40, or it can also be generated by its own drive such as an electric motor.

The yarn transport device 200 has a plurality of yarn grippers 220. These are designed to selectively hold or release yarn strands 110. To do this, they can be opened and closed. This will be described in more detail below.

The yarn grippers 220 are arranged along a circulating path 205. This leads around the two rollers 201, 202. The orbit 205 has a flat underside. The circulation path 205 also has its maximum vertical extension at the points at which the rollers 201, 202 have their respective maximum vertical extension. Between the rollers 201, 202, in the present case in the middle between the rollers 201, 202, the circulating path 205 has its smallest vertical extent. Because at this point If further, vertically extending components are present, which are described further below, this shaping of the orbit leads to a smaller vertical extension or structural height of the taffeta unit 100.

The yarn grippers 220 circulate along the circulating path 205 in a predetermined direction of rotation, which is determined by the direction of rotation of the first roller 201. In the present case, the direction of rotation is such that the yarn grippers 210 move up to the left and down to the right. This applies to the view of Figure 2 .

The yarn transport device 200 is designed to pick up the yarn strands 110 at a pick-up point 207. For this purpose, guide tracks or opener and closer tracks are provided with which the yarn grippers 220 can be opened and closed. The yarn grippers 220 are held open immediately in front of the pick-up point 207 so that the yarn strands 110 can be picked up, and are closed immediately at the pick-up point 207 so that the yarn strands 110 are guided and transported by the yarn grippers.

In the present case, the yarn grippers 220 are connected to one another as an infinite chain (gripper chain) by means of bolts.

As in Figure 2 It can be seen that a yarn strand 110 that has been picked up is transported to the left along the upper side of the guide track 205. As a result, it arrives at a yarn section transport unit 210. Such a yarn section transport unit 210 is to be understood as a number of yarn grippers 220 which are arranged adjacent or consecutively along the circulating path 205 and which take up a length of the yarn which corresponds to a yarn section that penetrates the ground should be used. However, it is understood that such a yarn section transport unit 210 is not necessarily recognizable by optical, technical or other features, in particular in the absence of yarn strands 110.

A cutting unit 240 is provided in order to cut the yarn strands 110. In the present case, this is designed as a heating element, so that the cutting takes place through the action of heat. However, it could also be designed as a knife, for example. The cutting unit 240 is designed to cut the yarn strands 110 in such a way that a yarn section 212 cut off between the rollers 201, 202 on the upper side of the circulating path 205 remains. This yarn section 212 is intended for insertion into the ground.

The yarn section 212 is held by the yarn section transport unit 210. It is held on the left by a front yarn gripper 230. On the right side it is held by a rear yarn gripper 235. The yarn section 212 is held between the front yarn gripper 230 and the rear yarn gripper 235 by a plurality of yarn grippers 220. It should be mentioned that the front and rear yarn grippers 230, 235 are only those of the yarn grippers 220 which are located at the end of the yarn section transport unit 210. Otherwise they are normal yarn grippers 220.

The position of the cutting unit 240 is adjustable in the present case, namely in the present three positions, which are shown in Figure 2 are marked with P1, P2, P3. The specific possible positions of the cutting unit 240 are on the right-hand side of FIG Figure 2 shown. This corresponds to the end points of the yarn section 212 shown on the left-hand side, which are provided with corresponding designations P1, P2, P3. It should be understood that more or fewer positions or also infinitely variable adjustability are possible.

The length of the yarn section 212 can be adjusted by means of the adjustable cutting unit 240. The length of the yarn section transport unit 210 also adapts accordingly. The feed, that is to say the movement of the yarn section 212 into the central position, is also adapted accordingly. A rotary encoder in particular can be used for this purpose. For example, 240 mm, 320 mm and 400 mm can be mentioned as advantageously adjustable lengths of the yarn section, which can be achieved by setting the cutting unit 240 accordingly.

The taffeta unit 100 also has a number of insert elements 250. In the present case, these are designed as taffeta needles, the view of FIG Figure 2 only one such taffeta needle can be seen, the others are immediately behind it.

As shown, the insert element 250 is arranged centrally between the two rollers 201, 202 and directly above the vertically thinnest point of the circulating path 205. The taffeta needle is aligned vertically.

When the thread grippers 220 and the thread section 212 are in the in Figure 2 In the state shown, the insert element 250 can be moved straight down, taking the associated yarn section 212 with it, pushing through two gaps between yarn grippers 220, i.e. crossing the orbit 205 twice, and then inserting the yarn section 212 into the ground. For this purpose, the insert element 250 moves vertically straight down.

To stabilize the insert element 250, the taffeta unit 100 has a needle guide 280 and a throat plate 285. The needle guide 280 is located above the revolving belt 205 and will be described in more detail below. The throat plate 285 is located within the orbit 205 and has a vertical through hole for each insertion element 250.

The taffeta unit 100 furthermore has a base plate 120. This is arranged on the underside of the taffeta unit 100 and likewise has a respective vertical through hole for each insert element 250. The base plate 120 serves in particular to protect the taffeta unit 100 from mechanical damage and from soiling. In particular, it has the task of avoiding rolling up turf that has not yet grown on when the insert elements 250 are raised.

Figure 3 shows the taffeta unit from below. It can be seen that a total of 10 insert elements 250 are arranged next to one another, which can pierce downwards through corresponding bores or recesses in the base plate 120. Otherwise, refer to the description regarding the components Figure 2 referenced.

The Figures 4 to 6 show the already mentioned needle guide 280 in greater detail. Show it Figure 4 a view from below, Figure 5 a side view and Figure 6 another side view.

The needle guide 280 has a first arm 281 and an opposing second arm 282. The first arm 281 is connected to a first guide plate 283 and the second arm 282 is connected to a second guide plate 284. U-shaped recesses are formed in each of the guide plates 283, 284, each insert element 250 passing through a U-shaped recess in the first guide plate 283 and through a U-shaped recess in the second guide plate 284. The respective insert element 250 in advantageously performed, which avoids jamming or other malfunctions. The U-shaped design ensures that any soil or other impurities that may be carried along do not lead to a blockage of a bore, but can instead fall off to the side of the recess.

The two guide plates 283, 284 are fastened to the arms 281, 282 by means of fastening screws 286. By loosening these fastening screws 286, they can be adjusted in the horizontal plane. In addition, adjusting screws 287 are also provided with which an adjustment in the Y direction is possible. The adjustment in the X direction can be done by pulling out the guide plates 283, 284 by hand and then tightening the fastening screws 286 again.

Lock nuts 288 and adjusting screws 289 are also provided. This allows the height of the orbit 205 to be adjusted. To do this, the lock nuts 288 are loosened and fixed again after adjustment.

The circumferential path 205 is flat in the middle in order to increase the tension in the yarn strand 110 in the middle. The yarn is thus optimally guided in an insert element 250.

The Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the interaction between a control cam 130 and movable sectors 140 of the opening and closing tracks already mentioned above. It should be understood that the device shown can be moved about pivot points 135, in particular when a corresponding force is exerted by means of the control cam 130. The movements are described below.

The Figures 10, 11, 12, 13 show the insertion elements 250. These are attached to a needle clamp 270, which in turn shows a needle carrier 260 is attached. As a result, the insert elements 250 can be moved vertically up and down, as already described above with reference to FIG Figure 2 has been described.

A control element 265, which interacts with the control cam 130 just described, is attached to the needle carrier 260. This will be described in more detail below. The control element 265 follows any vertical movement of the needle carrier 260.

It should be noted that from Figure 10 an embodiment is shown in which more than 10 insert elements 250, in the present case 88 insert elements 250 are shown. The corresponding scaling is easy to implement. It should be understood that in principle any other number of insert elements 250 can also be used.

The Figures 14 to 19 each show one or two yarn grippers 220 in an open state. The Figures 20 to 25 each show one or two yarn grippers 220 in a closed state.

Each yarn gripper 220 has a sliding profile 224 and a counter holding profile 226. While the counter holding profiles 226 cannot be displaced in a direction transverse to the orbit, the sliding profiles 224 can be displaced in this direction. Lateral contact elements 228, 229, which in the present case are designed as rollers, are used to trigger such a shift. The contact elements 228, 229 are in contact with the opening or closing path, so that the position of the sliding profiles 224 relative to the counter-holding profiles 226 can be changed.

By changing the positions of the two profiles 224, 226 relative to one another, yarn strands 110 can be clamped and released. The edges of the sliding profiles 224, which cooperate with the edges of the counter-holding profiles 226, are inclined executed, ie they are slightly tilted relative to orbit 205. It is thereby achieved that the yarn strands 110 are pinched at defined positions.

In the Figures 26 to 35 states of the taffeta unit 100 are shown which occur during a taffeta process. They show Figures 26 , 28 , 30th , 32 , 34 respective side views and the Figures 27 , 29 , 31 , 33 , 35 respective other side views. The Figures 26, 27 show a first state. The Figures 28, 29 show a second state. The Figures 30, 31 show a third state. The Figures 32, 33 show a fourth state. The Figures 34, 35 show a fifth state.

With regard to the elements shown, reference is made to the description already given.

The first state corresponds to a starting position in which the needle carrier 260 is at the top. The movable sectors 140 are in a state in which the yarn grippers 220 are in a closed state.

In the second state, the needle carrier 260 has already been moved down a little. This can also be seen in particular from the insert element 250 and the control element 265. The insert member 250 begins to grip the portion of yarn 212. The yarn grippers 220 are still closed.

In the third state, the needle carrier 260 was moved further down. As a result of the interaction shown between the control element 265, which has also moved further down, and the control cam 130, the movable sectors 140 are pivoted laterally and the yarn grippers 220, which hold the yarn section 212, are opened. The insertion element 250 can thus press the thread section 212 downwards.

In the fourth state, the needle carrier 260 is in its lowest position. The insert element 250 is located partially underground under the taffeta unit 100. The control element 265 is located outside of the control cam 130, the movable sectors 140 remaining in position due to friction. The yarn grippers 220 thus remain open.

In the fifth state, the needle carrier 260 is again in its upper position. Accordingly, the control element 265 is also shifted upwards and has ensured, via the control cam 130, that the yarn grippers 220 are closed again. At the moment, however, these no longer hold a section of yarn, since this was transported down into the ground by the process just described and remains there.

It should be pointed out that the yarn grippers 220 just described with reference to the individual states mean in particular those yarn grippers 220 which hold a respective yarn section 212 to be used. These can thus be opened and closed independently of a movement along the orbit 205.

It should also be pointed out that the exemplary embodiments described here also show components which are not absolutely necessary for functioning, or which can also be designed differently in principle.

The references given in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim through the features of the respective subclaim.

Claims (15)

1. Tufting unit for a mobile tufting machine (10), wherein the tufting unit (100) comprises the following:

   ▪ a yarn transport device (200) for the simultaneous and parallel transport of a number of yarn strands(110),

   o wherein the yarn transport device (200) has a plurality of yarn grips (220), which are arranged to circulate along a circulating track (205) in a circulating direction,

   ∘ wherein each yarn grip (220) is designed to releasably hold the yarn strands (110),

   ∘ wherein a plurality of yarn portion transport units (210) each with a plurality of yarn grips (220) are defined along the circulating track (205),

   ▪ wherein, when viewed in the circulating direction, each yarn portion transport unit (210) has at least one respective front yarn grip (230) and one respective rear yarn grip (235),

   ▪ a cutting unit (240), which is designed to cut the yarn strands (110) between two adjacent yarn portion transport units (210) into respective individual yarn portions (212), and

   ▪ at least one inserting element (250),

   ▪ wherein the yarn transport device (200) is designed to position a respective yarn portion transport unit (210) with yarn portions (212) by circulating beneath the inserting element(s) (250), such that each inserting element (250) is assigned a respective cut yarn portion (212), and

   ▪ each inserting element (250) is designed to insert the respective assigned yarn portion (212) into a substrate located beneath the tufting unit (100),
   characterised in

   ▪ that the inserting elements (250) are mounted above the circulating track (205) and pierce through the circulating track (205) at least twice during insertion.
2. Tufting unit according to claim 1, characterised in that each yarn portion transport unit (210) has precisely two yarn grips (230, 235).
3. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each yarn portion transport unit (210) has an even number of internal yarn grips (220), which are arranged between the front yarn grip (230) and the rear yarn grip (235).
4. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cutting unit (240) is displaceable along the circulating track (205), such that a length of the yarn portions (212) to be inserted is adjustable and/or the cutting unit (240) is arranged such that the yarn strands (110) are cut in a situation, in which the yarn portions (212) are already positioned beneath the respective inserting element (250) and are inserted without further transport.
5. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the circulating track (205) has a flat underside and/or the circulating track (205) is vertically thinnest directly beneath the inserting elements (250) and/or the circulating track (205) runs around a first roller (201) at a first horizontal end and runs around a second roller (202) at a second horizontal end.
6. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tufting unit (100) has a needle support (260), to which the inserting elements (250) are connected, wherein the needle support (260) is arranged perpendicular to the circulating track (205) and/or the needle support (260) can be driven vertically up and down by a drive, in particular a crank drive, preferably by means of crank drives or hydraulic cylinders arranged on both sides.
7. Tufting unit according to claim 6, characterised in that each crank drive can be hydraulically driven and/or each tufting needle is fastened to a needle clamp (270) preferably subdivided into sections, which is connected, in particular screwed, to the needle support (260) and/or the tufting unit (100) has a needle guide (280) preferably divided into sections and/or a needle plate (285) for guiding the inserting elements (250) when inserting the yarn portions (212) into the substrate.
8. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each yarn grip (220) extends perpendicular to the circulating track (205) and/or each yarn grip (220) has at least one sliding profile (224) arranged perpendicular to the circulating direction and one counter profile (226) arranged perpendicular to the circulating direction, wherein the sliding profile (224) is displaceable relative to the counter profile (226) between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the yarn strands (110) are held in the first end position and the yarn strands (110) are not held in the second end position and/or each yarn grip (220) also has a support profile arranged perpendicular to the circulating direction, in which and/or relative to which the sliding profile (224) is displaceable and/or each yarn grip (220) is designed, when the sliding profile (224) is in the first end position, to hold the yarn strands by deflection and/or friction between the sliding profile (224) as well as the counter profile (226) and/or the support profile.
9. Tufting unit according to claim 8, characterised in that the movement of the sliding profile (224) is derived from the movement of the yarn transport device (200).
10. Tufting unit according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the sliding profile (224) is connected at one longitudinal end to a first bearing element (228) and at an opposite longitudinal end to a second bearing element (229), wherein

    ▪ the bearing elements (228, 229) are preferably designed as rollers,

    ▪ the tufting unit (100) has an opening track and a closing track, which extend along the circulating track (205), and

    ▪ the first bearing element (228) rests against the opening track and the second bearing element (229) rests against the closing track, such that, by reducing the distance between the opening track and the yarn transport device (200), the sliding profile (224) is slid into the second end position, and by reducing the distance between the closing track and the yarn transport device (200), the sliding profile (224) is slid into the first end position.
11. Tufting unit according to claim 10, characterised in that the opening track and closing track each have a number of sectors (140) that are movable perpendicular to the circulating direction, in order to move the sliding profile (224) of the yarn grip (220) of a yarn portion transport unit (210) positioned beneath the inserting elements (250) even when the yarn portion transport unit (210) is not circulating.
12. Tufting unit according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterised in that a pick-up point (207) for picking up the yarn strands (110) is defined on the circulating track (205), wherein the opening track and the closing track are designed to keep the yarn grip (220) open before the pick-up point (207) and to close it at the pick-up point (207) in the circulating direction.
13. Tufting unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cutting unit (240) is designed to cut the yarn strands (110) between a year yarn grip (235) of a yarn portion transport unit (210) and the front yarn grip (230) of a directly adjacent yarn portion transport unit (210).
14. Tufting machine, having

    ▪ a machine frame (15), which is designed to travel on a substrate, and

    ▪ a tufting unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, which is arranged in the machine frame (15).
15. Method for inserting yarn portions (212) into a substrate by means of a tufting unit (100) according to any of claims 1 to 13 or a tufting machine (10) according to claim 14, in particular for producing fibre-stabilised natural grass, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

    ▪ Picking up a number of yarn strands (110),

    ▪ Cutting the yarn strands (110) into respective yarn portions (212),

    ▪ Arranging the yarn portions (212) beneath a number of inserting elements (250), such that each inserting element (250) is assigned a yarn portion (212), and

    ▪ Inserting the yarn portions (212) into the substrate by means of the inserting elements (250).

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