EP3899123A1

EP3899123A1 - Tufting unit and tufting machine

Info

Publication number: EP3899123A1
Application number: EP19850808.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johann Baptist Owegeser
Original assignee: SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH
Current assignee: SMG Sportplatzmaschinenbau GmbH
Priority date: 2018-12-19
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2021-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-17
Also published as: EP3899123B1; WO2020127313A1; EP4249658A1; EP3899123C0; CN113330152B; CN113330152A; DE202018107291U1; US11913153B2; US20220064835A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tufting unit for a tufting machine, a yarn transfer gripper positioning strands of yarn which, once cut, are inserted by insertion elements. The invention also relates to a tufting unit having such a tufting machine.

Description

Taffeta unit and taffeta machine

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

Taffeta machines typically serve to insert sections of yarn strands into a substrate, this usually being done in such a way that a respective part of these thread strands is firmly received in the substrate and a part protrudes upwards. In this way, for example, an artificial turf can be formed, as is used on different sports fields, for example on soccer fields.

Taffeta machines are typically used to work on large fields or squares that are to be provided with an artificial catch. It is accordingly important that a taffeta machine has the highest possible performance when inserting yarn sections. Reliability is also important, because if you plan to use it for a longer period of time to carry out repair work, it can quickly disrupt schedules in a significant way. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine which has proven to be particularly efficient and reliable. It is a further object of the invention to provide a taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit.

According to the invention, this is achieved by a taffeta unit and a taffeta machine in accordance with the respective main claims. Advantageous refinements can be found, for example, in the respective subclaims.

The invention relates to a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine.

The table unit has a yarn feed device for simultaneous and parallel feeding of a number of yarn strands.

The taffeta unit has at least one insert element.

The table unit has a yarn transport gripper, which is designed to transport a respective free end of the yarn strands away from the yarn feed device, so that each yarn element is assigned a respective yarn strand.

The tray unit has a cutting unit which is designed to cut the yarn strands, so that each yarn strand assigned to an insert element remains a yarn section assigned to the respective insert element.

Each insert element is designed to insert the respectively assigned yarn section into a subsurface located under the table unit.

The table unit according to the invention has proven to be particularly reliable and not susceptible to malfunction in operation. One reason for this can be seen, for example, in the fact that the yarn feed device ensures simultaneous and parallel feeding of the yarn strands, which can then be taken over directly by the yarn transport gripper. This in turn ensures in a simple manner that the yarn strands or yarn sections can reach a position in which they can be inserted directly into the ground by the insertion element. All described and / or necessary processes can be carried out completely automatically. Simple control mechanisms can be used here, for example those which are disclosed further below.

It should be understood that a taffeta unit can be, for example, that part of a taffeta machine that is specifically responsible for the provision and insertion of yarn sections. For example, this may correspond to the functionality described herein. A taffeta machine typically contains such a taffeta unit and has, for example, further components such as chassis, drive, clutch, control or other supporting systems. Furthermore, a taffeta machine typically also has means for storing yarn, which can then be used by means of the taffeta unit.

A parallel feeding can be understood, for example, to mean that the yarn strands run parallel to one another. A simultaneous feeding can in particular be understood to mean that the yarn strands, in particular yarn strands lying in parallel, are moved in the same way. This has proven to be particularly advantageous, especially if a particularly large number of yarn strands are to be processed at the same time in order to shorten the necessary processing time.

An insert element can in particular be understood to mean that element which ensures that yarn sections are introduced into the substrate. This can be, for example, a taffeta needle, as will be described in more detail below. In particular, it can be provided that the same number of insert elements as thread strands are used, so that each thread strand is assigned a respective insert element which inserts thread sections of the respective thread strand into the ground.

A skein of thread, which is assigned to a respective insert element, can for example be arranged below this insert element. This allows easy insertion into the ground. This is understood in particular to mean that a lowest point of the respective yarn strand is arranged directly below the insert element. Further parts of the yarn strand can in particular stand upwards, for example in a V-shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the yarn feed device has a plurality of rotating yarn holders. A respective thread holder can typically hold and release the thread strands. A rotating arrangement can ensure particularly simple operation, since rotating about an axis is sufficient for the feed. The twine holders can, for example, each be designed to work in pairs, so that each twine strand is held by two twine holders of a pair before being cut. As a result, a certain section can be defined in the twine strands, which lies between two twine holders that interact in pairs. For example, the yarn strands can be cut between the yarn holders of a respective pair.

According to a possible embodiment, the yarn feed device has three pairs of yarn holders. According to a further possible embodiment, the yarn feed device has four pairs of yarn holders. Such designs have proven to be advantageous since a number of three or four pairs of twine holders ensures ongoing operation and is easy to handle. In principle, however, any other number of pairs of thread holders can also be used. It should also be mentioned that the thread holders do not necessarily have to be combined in pairs.

According to a preferred embodiment, the yarn transport gripper is designed to grip respective end sections of the yarn strands, which are clamped between two yarn holders of a pair, for gripping the free ends of the yarn strands. By gripping the end section, the respective strand of yarn can be gripped on a section on which it is advantageously held. This avoids gripping errors. For example, the respective yarn strand can also be pulled further by means of the yarn transport gripper, wherein, for example, unwinding from a spool can also be provided.

The yarn feed device can preferably be designed to further rotate and / or continue the yarn holders before each taffeta operation. For example, new end sections of the yarn strands can be provided for gripping by the yarn transport grippers. By continuing to twist or continue, the respective skeins of thread are fed in a simple manner.

The yarn holders are preferably arranged rotatably about a respective common axis. This allows a particularly simple rotation of the thread holder.

According to a preferred embodiment, each twine holder has a first twine holder plate and a second twine holder plate, which are displaceable relative to one another for holding and releasing the twine strands. For example, threads can be between these two thread holder plates be clamped. Thread holders can also share thread holder plates, for example thread holders from a pair of thread holders.

According to a preferred embodiment, each thread holder has at least one upper, one middle and one lower thread holder plate. The middle thread holder plate is preferably displaceable by a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, against the other two thread holder plates for holding and releasing the thread strands. This allows, for example, yarn strands to be clamped between the middle and the upper thread holder plate and between the middle and the lower thread holder plate. By moving them, they can be released again accordingly.

According to a preferred embodiment, each thread holder has at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth thread holder plate. The second and fourth thread holder plates are preferably displaceable by a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, against the other two thread holder plates for holding and releasing the thread strands. This enables a clamping between two pairs of plates, which enables a particularly reliable clamping of the yarn strands.

Preferably, at least one thread holder plate is displaced relative to the other thread holder plate by means of a closing curve, which is movable in each case by a drive, in particular by a hydraulic drive, and an opener curve. By means of respective opening and closing curves it can be achieved that a respective thread holder plate is displaced solely by a movement along a path, for example along a circular path with rotating circulation, and thereby clamps or releases thread strands at predetermined points. This does not require any further active elements, so that the jamming or releasing takes place automatically. In addition, a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, makes it possible to move the closing curve and / or opening curve, which for example allows actuation independently of a movement along the path. It can be achieved, for example, that yarn strands are released at a certain point in time without the yarn holder plate having to be moved further.

The yarn feed device is preferably designed to release the yarn strands during transport. This can be done, for example, by appropriately designing opener and / or closing curves or by actuation by means of a drive. The yarn transport gripper preferably pulls the yarn strands through the yarn feed device during the transportation. A corresponding feed can be achieved by means of the yarn transport gripper. It can also be provided that the yarn transport gripper unwinds the yarn strands from respective yarn bobbins during the transportation. A respective further supply of yarn from the yarn spools provided for this purpose can be achieved by means of the yarn transport gripper. Additional elements for unwinding or for a corresponding feed can preferably be dispensed with. However, it should be understood that, alternatively or additionally, an active unwinding of yarn packages can also be provided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the table unit has a deflection on the input side for guiding the yarn strands in front of the yarn feed device. As a result, the yarn strands can be reliably provided in front of the yarn feed device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit has a cutting knife and a counter knife, which are displaceable relative to one another for cutting off the yarn sections. As a result, the cutting unit can be implemented in a simple manner, in particular high scalability being possible, i.e. a large number of skeins of thread can be cut at the same time using only one cutting knife and only one counter knife. Alternatively, however, separate cutting tools can also be provided for the respective skeins of thread.

The cutting knife is preferably displaceable relative to the counter knife by means of a drive, in particular a hydraulic cylinder. This allows the cutting knife to be actuated in a simple manner. However, other options for actuating the cutting knife are also possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, each insert element has a taffeta needle, which is designed for gripping and inserting the respective yarn section into the ground. With such a taffeta needle, a simple insertion of the respective thread section is possible, the taffeta needle typically being arranged vertically and moving only one-dimensionally, in particular in the vertical direction. This enables a very simple execution. The taffeta needle can penetrate as far as is necessary and then be withdrawn again. The desired depth can also be adjusted in a simple manner. The respective taffeta needle is preferably movable vertically and / or perpendicular to the surface. This enables an easy insertion movement. The directional information can relate in particular to a typical installation state in a taffeta machine traveling on a surface. In particular, it can be provided that all taffeta needles of the taffeta unit can be moved together or uniformly.

The underside of the taffeta unit preferably has a taffeta plate in which at least one opening is formed for guiding the yarn section. Such an opening can ensure that the yarn section remains in position during the insertion and is possibly also bent over. In addition, guidance of the respective taffeta needle or of the insert element can be achieved.

The taffeta unit preferably has at least one needle guide for guiding the taffeta needles or for guiding a respective taffeta needle, wherein according to a preferred embodiment each needle guide can be partially moved with the taffeta needles, preferably up to the ground or up to the taffeta plate. By means of such a needle guide, the taffeta needles can be stabilized and guided in a preferred manner, so that malfunctions and associated downtimes can be effectively prevented. The needle guide can, for example, be designed in such a way that each taffeta needle is enclosed, for example with only a small clearance, so that movement of the respective taffeta needle transverse to the respective longitudinal direction is prevented.

According to one embodiment, the insert element can unwind the yarn strands from the respective yarn bobbins during the movement. As a result, an unwinding function can be implemented, for example, when inserting or during another movement. For this purpose, for example, the respective yarn strands can be held by the yarn transport gripper, the unwinding being carried out by moving the respective insert element.

By moving the insert elements or the taffeta needles, for example, section halves of the same length can be produced. Such functionality can also be used advantageously for unwinding, for example.

The yarn transport gripper can be pivoted, for example, at a pivot point. This enables simple actuation of the yarn transport gripper. For example, the actuation can take place by means of a movable element which engages at a point which is different from the pivot point. The yarn transport gripper can can thus be pivoted and thus perform a one-dimensional movement which is easy to implement. With such a pivoting movement, for example, the functionality of transporting yarn strands or also unwinding the yarn strands from bobbins can be realized.

The table unit can, for example, have an actuatable rod for pivoting the yarn transport grippers. The rod can be actuated, for example, hydraulically or by a crank drive. By means of this rod and / or the associated drive, the aforementioned pivoting movement of the yarn transport gripper can be realized in an advantageous manner.

The yarn transport gripper can in particular have a transport gripper for gripping the free ends of the yarn strands. The transport gripper can in particular be designed to hold and release the yarn strands or their free ends in order to achieve the desired function. For example, a respective strand of yarn can be held in place for transportation, whereby it can be released for insertion, for example.

The transport gripper can have, for example, a first transport gripper plate and a second transport gripper plate, which can be moved against one another, in particular by means of a hydraulic drive, for gripping and releasing the free ends. This makes it easy to pinch or release the twine strands.

The yarn transport gripper can in particular be designed to release the yarn sections during insertion. This allows the yarn sections to move freely while they are being used.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit can be pivoted. This allows them to be placed in an appropriate position when necessary. With regard to the implementation and the advantages of pivoting, reference is made to the above statements regarding the yarn transport gripper.

The cutting unit can, for example, be designed such that it is pivoted toward the yarn strands before a respective cutting operation and is pivoted away from the yarn strands after the cutting operation. It can thereby be achieved that the yarn strands move or can be pulled independently of the cutting unit while the cutting unit is only in the appropriate position when a cutting operation is actually to be carried out.

The table unit preferably has an adjusting device for the end position of the yarn transport gripper and / or the position of the cutting device. In this way it can be determined, for example, how far the respective yarn strands are pulled through the yarn transport gripper. It can also be determined in which position the cutting device should cut the skeins. This allows, for example, adaptation to different uses, for example different insertion depths or different yarns. The respective setting device can be implemented mechanically, for example. For example, it can be operated manually or also electrically.

The taffeta unit preferably has a depth adjustment device for the penetration depth of the taffeta needles into the ground. This makes it easy to set how far the taffeta needles should move downwards when inserted, and thus it can also be determined how far respective strands of thread should be introduced into the ground. This enables the adaptation to different requirements with regard to the depth with which the yarn sections should ultimately also remain in the subsurface. Depending on how the twine strands are cut, it is also possible to set how far the twine sections protrude from the surface after the respective insertion process has ended. The depth adjustment device can be implemented, for example, as a mechanical height adjustment. For example, it can be operated manually or electrically.

The invention further relates to a taffeta machine for the insertion of a yarn section positioned and cut off by a thread unit according to the invention in a substrate located under the taffeta unit. The taffeta machine has in particular a taffeta unit, which in particular can be a taffeta unit according to the invention. All versions and variants described here can be used.

In particular, in addition to the taffeta unit, the taffeta machine can have further components such as a frame, a running gear, a drive, a coupling for attaching to a towing vehicle, a control unit, an operating unit, spools of thread for storing and unwinding thread strands and other components. It can be provided that the yarn transport grippers each transport the end sections of the yarns held by the yarn feed device away from the yarn feed device, preferably in an alternating pivoting movement. It can further be provided that the yarn transport grippers each assign the respective yarn strand to an insert element and position it accordingly. After the cutting unit has cut off the respective thread sections from the respective thread strands, the insert element can insert the respective thread sections into the substrate.

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

1: a table unit in a first state,

2: the table unit in a second state,

3: the table unit in a third state,

4: the table unit in a fourth state,

5: the table unit in a fifth state,

6: a part of a yarn feed device,

7: another part of a yarn feed device,

8: yarn holder of a yarn feeding device according to a first embodiment,

9: yarn holder of a yarn feed device according to a second embodiment,

10: a cross section through parts of a yarn feed device,

11: an alternative embodiment of a thread holder in a first state,

12: the yarn holder of FIG. 11 in a second state,

13: a transport gripper in a first state,

Fig. 14: the transport gripper of Fig. 13 in a second state.

15: a cutting unit with actuating components, and

Fig. 16: the cutting unit with actuating components of Fig. 15 with others

Components.

In the figures, elements which are the same or correspond to one another are each designated by the same reference symbols and are therefore not described again unless they are expedient. The disclosures contained in the entire description are analogously applicable to the same parts with the same reference numerals or the same component names. The position information selected in the description, such as, for example, top, bottom, side, etc., are based on the figure described and illustrated immediately and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position in the event of a change in position. Furthermore, individual features or Represent combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described for independent, inventive or inventive solutions.

1 shows a table unit 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The table unit 10 is shown in a first state in FIG. 1. The table unit 10 is also shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the figures each showing different states. 1 to 5, a typical process sequence for using the taffeta unit 10 is shown, which begins with the provision of appropriate yarn strands and ends with the insertion of yarn sections into a substrate 12. It should be understood that the process sequence shown can also be viewed as an independent aspect of the invention.

The taffeta unit 10 has a yarn feed device 20. The yarn feeder has a total of six yarn holders 22, which are grouped into three pairs of two yarn holders 22 each. Two yarn holders 22 of a pair are arranged in an approximately U-shaped configuration. The pairs are identified by numbers 1, 2, 3.

The yarn feed device 20 is designed such that it can rotate about a central axis. For this purpose, a drive, not shown, is used, which can be designed, for example, electrically or mechanically. With such a rotation of the yarn feed device 20, the yarn holders 22 rotate accordingly.

A plurality of yarn strands 30 are fed to the taffeta unit 10. These yarn strands 30 are not part of the taffeta unit 10, but are used by the taffeta unit 10, that is to say cut and used. A deflection 37, which ensures that the yarn strands 30 are fed along a predetermined curve, is used in particular to feed the yarn strands 30.

The twine strands 30 run parallel to one another, only one twine strand 30 being shown in the view of FIG. 1 and also in the other figures. The further yarn strands 30 run parallel to the visible yarn strand 30 behind the paper plane.

The thread holders 22 are each designed to either grip the thread strands 30 or to release them. If the twine strands 30 are gripped by a respective twine holder 22, this means that by moving the respective twine holder 22, in particular in the As part of the rotation of the yarn feed device 20 already described, the yarn strands 30 are taken along. As a result, additional yarn can be fed, for example, it being able to be unwound, for example, from corresponding bobbins, not shown.

The tray unit 10 in the present case has a plurality of insert elements 40. A respective insertion element 40 is designed as a tapping needle 42. The stylus 42 is oriented vertically as shown. It can be moved in the vertical direction, i.e. one-dimensionally, which corresponds to an up and down movement.

The taffeta unit 10 has as many taffeta needles 42 as it processes yarn strands 30. A respective taffeta needle 42 is thus assigned to each thread strand 30. Each taffeta needle 42 basically serves to insert a respective thread section into the ground 12 under the taffeta unit 10. The exact mode of operation will be discussed in more detail below.

The taffeta unit 10 also has a needle guide 44 which is arranged such that the taffeta needles 42 extend through the needle guide 44. The taffeta needles 42 are stabilized by the needle guide 44. This means in particular that they can essentially only move according to the intended up and down movement. A time outbreak and any associated malfunctions are reliably prevented.

The taffeta unit 10 has a yarn transport gripper 50. The yarn transport gripper 50 is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 52. To actuate the yarn transport gripper 50, the tray unit 10 has an actuatable rod 54, which in the present case is designed to be hydraulically actuated. The actuatable rod 54 is connected to the yarn transport gripper 50 at a location which is different from the fulcrum 52. As a result, a pivoting movement of the yarn transport gripper 50 can be induced by means of the actuatable rod 54.

The yarn transport gripper 50 has a transport gripper 56. The transport gripper 56 is designed to clamp the yarn strands 30 or to release them. If the transport gripper 56 clamps the twine strands 30, these can be transported in particular by means of the swivel movement just described and, for example, also be pulled on. This can also induce, for example, unwinding of the yarn strands 30 from the respective bobbins. The exact functionality will be discussed in more detail below. The table unit 10 has a cutting unit 60. As shown, the cutting unit 60 is also designed to be pivotable, specifically about a pivot axis 62. The cutting unit 60 is designed to cut off the yarn strands 30. This can take place in particular in a state which is shown in FIG. 3. The yarn strands 30 run through the cutting unit 60 as shown, which is why the cutting unit 60 can simply cut them off. This will be discussed in more detail below. For further process steps, the cutting unit 60 can then be pivoted so that the yarn strands 30 can be transported independently of the cutting unit 60 or can take up corresponding positions in space.

Below the needle guide 44, the taffeta unit 10 has a taffeta plate 70. Openings 75 are formed therein. Each taffeta needle 42 is assigned a respective opening 75, the respective taffeta needle 42 passing through the respective opening 75 when the respective taffeta needle 42 is moved downward. This will be discussed in more detail below.

By means of the taffeta plate 70, the taffeta needles 42 can be additionally stabilized shortly before being inserted into the substrate 12. This reliably prevents lateral breakouts or other malfunctions.

FIG. 2 shows the table unit 10 in a state in which method steps have been carried out starting from the state shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, the yarn transport gripper 50 was pivoted to the right, which was done by extending the actuatable rod 54. As a result of this pivoting movement, the transport gripper 56 now comes into engagement with the twine strands 30, specifically at a point between two twine holders 22 assigned in pairs. The transport gripper 56 can then grip the twine strands 30, which is done in particular by moving a first transport gripper plate against a second transport gripper plate can, the yarn strands 30 typically being clamped between the two gripper plates. However, it is also possible, for example, to use more than two transport gripper plates, which can be at least partially displaced relative to one another.

It should be understood that the fulcrum 52 in the figures only appears to lie above the taffeta needles 42 by chance. There is no mechanical connection here. 3 shows the taffeta machine 10 in a further state after a further method step, which in particular consists in pivoting the yarn transport gripper 50 to the left. As already mentioned, the yarn strands 30 were previously gripped by means of the transport gripper 56. The twine strands 30 are released from the twine holders 22 so that the twine gripper 50 can pull the twine strands 30 out of bobbins (not shown). The yarn strands 30 are now at least partially below the needle guide 44. A thread strand 30 is now assigned to a taffeta needle 42 in such a way that a thread strand 30 is located below the respective taffeta needle 42. The yarn strands 30 are now held on the left side by the yarn transport gripper 50. On the right side, they are held by the yarn feed device 20.

To achieve the state shown in FIG. 3, the twine strands 30 were pulled by the twine transport gripper 50 by a pivoting movement under the respective taffeta needle 42, so that the twine strands 30 are now held by the transport gripper 56 and directly under a respectively assigned one Taffeta needle 42 rest against needle guide 44.

4 shows the table unit 10 in yet another state. The taffeta needles 42 were moved downward, and the needle guide 44 was also moved downward with these. The needle guide 44 now borders directly on the taffeta plate 70. As shown, the respective taffeta needle 42 protrudes below the needle guide 44, so that the respective strand of yarn 30 below it is gripped and pressed down. This leads to the tip of the yarn strand 30, which can be seen in FIG. 4 immediately below the taffeta needle 42. The yarn strands 30 are pulled a little further. The yarn strands 30 are then cut by the cutting unit 60, so that it is possible to proceed to the state shown in FIG. 5.

The taffeta needles 42 were moved so far down that they penetrate into the substrate 12. On the right side, the areas of the yarn strands 30 which pass under the taffeta needles 42 were cut by the cutting unit 60. The respective free ends on the left were released by the transport gripper 56. Each taffeta needle 42 is thus assigned a respective yarn section 35 which is no longer connected to the rest of the respective yarn strand 30. Due to the downward movement of the respective taffeta needle 42, the respective yarn section 35 is taken down into the ground 12. It is used in such a way that part of the yarn section 35 is in the base 12, but part of it projects upwards. Thus, the respective yarn section 35 is anchored on the one hand in the base 12, but on the other hand also has sections projecting upwards. These can, for example, protrude 20 mm above the base 12, it being mentioned that other values are also possible. This corresponds to a typical design of an artificial turf, the sections projecting upwards forming the visible and perceptible part of the artificial turf.

In the transition from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. 5, the yarn feed device 20 was further rotated 120 ° to the left. As a result, twine strands 30 are now again between twine holders 22, so that the twine gripper 56 can grip them and pull them to the left, as already described above. The process sequence described here can then start again.

6 shows part of the yarn feed device 20.

The yarn feed device 20 is rotatable about an axis 21. The yarn feed device 20 has a shaft 23 on which the yarn holders 22 already described are fastened. As already mentioned with reference to FIG. 1, the yarn holders 22 are arranged in pairs here, namely in the present case in three pairs. The yarn holders 22 are rotatably connected to the shaft 23.

A motor 84 is used to drive the shaft 23. At the same time, this motor also serves as a bearing on the left side of the shaft 23. The shaft 23 is supported on the right side in a ball bearing 88.

To the left of the motor 84 are a clock wheel 86 and a sensor 87 arranged above it. The rotation of the shaft 23 can thus be monitored.

Part of a yarn holder 22 is shown schematically in FIG. 6 directly above the shaft 23. This has a movable thread holder plate 24 which is mounted in such a way that it can only be displaced one-dimensionally to a limited extent in the horizontal direction. The thread holder 22 also has a guide wheel 26 which is rigidly connected to the movable thread holder plate 24. Thus, movement of the guide wheel 26 is directly transmitted to the movable thread holder plate 24. An opening curve 80 and a closing curve 82 serve to fix the movement of the movable thread holder plate 24. These are each designed as solid bodies.

In the state shown in FIG. 6, the guide wheel 26 lies directly against the opening curve 80. As a result, the movable thread holder plate 24 is controlled with respect to its horizontal movement, the guide wheel 26 moving about the axis 21 along the opening curve 80 in accordance with the rotation of the thread holder 22 already described. A horizontal movement of the guide wheel 26 and thus also a corresponding horizontal movement of the movable thread holder plate 24 can thus be achieved by the configuration of the surface of the opening curve 80 facing the guide wheel 26.

As will be described in more detail below, the thread holder 22 also has at least one fixed thread holder plate, the movable thread holder plate 24 being movable in particular relative to this fixed thread holder plate. The design of the two plates allows yarn strands to be clamped between the two plates. In particular, skeins of thread can be pinched when the movable thread holder plate 24 is in a state after a horizontal shift to the right. If, on the other hand, the movable thread holder plate 24 is shifted to the left, for example by the opening curve 80 as just described, the thread strands are released so that they can move freely along their respective longitudinal directions.

The yarn feed device 20 also has a drive 90 which serves to move the opening curve 80 and the closing curve 82 in the horizontal direction. As a result, opening or closing can be effected independently of the movement of the respective thread holder 22 along the circular path. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

Fig. 7 shows the yarn transport device 20 from a different view and in a different state. With regard to the components already described, reference is made to the description of FIG. 6.

The drive 90 is connected to one or more guide rods, of which a guide rod 92 is visible in FIG. 7. The guide rods 92 are rigidly connected to the opening curve 80 and to the closing curve 82, the opening curve 80 and the closing curve 82 being mounted such that they can be moved horizontally to a limited extent. By moving the Guide rods 92 can thus also move the opening curve 80 and the closing curve 82 in the same way.

A horizontal movement of the opening curve 80 and the closing curve 82 is thus possible by means of the drive 90, which can move the guide rods 92. This allows, for example, a release of yarn strands independently of a movement of the respective yarn holder along the intended circular path.

It should be understood that the closing curve 82 acts in a similar manner on the movable thread holder plate 24 as was described with reference to the opening curve 80, but in particular in the opposite direction. In particular, the closing curve 82 can cause the movable thread holder plate 24 to be shifted to the right, so that, for example, a clamping of thread strands can be effected.

FIG. 8 shows the yarn transport device 20 in a sectional view seen from a direction transverse to that of FIGS. 6 and 7. The paired combination of two yarn holders 22 in a respective U-shape can be clearly seen. You can also see how these are structured internally.

In this case, two fixed yarn holder plates 27 are installed on the outside, which are not displaceable and are firmly connected to the shaft 23.

The movable thread holder plate 24 is arranged centrally between the two fixed thread holder plates 27. As already mentioned, this is designed to be horizontally displaceable. Due to the already described configuration of the thread holder plates 24, 27, which is not visible in FIG. 8, thread strands 30 can be clamped or even released between these two thread holder plates 24, 27. Pinching in particular makes it possible for the corresponding yarn strands 30 to be taken along by rotating the yarn feed device 20.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the yarn feed device 20. In contrast to the embodiment described so far, not six, but a total of eight yarn holders 22 are provided, which are also arranged in pairs in a respective U-shape. There are thus a total of four pairs of yarn holders 22. Otherwise, with regard to the functionality and the specific implementation, reference is made to the description already given. Three of the pairs of yarn holders 22 are only shown schematically in FIG. 9. 10 shows a plan view of the opener curve 80. It can be seen that the opener curve 80 is approximately horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped, the guide wheel 26 already described running on the opener curve 80 during part of the intended circulation and otherwise does not run on the opener curve 80. For example, if the guide wheel 26 is in a state in which it is not in contact with the opener curve 80, it will allow the movable thread holder plate 24 to move onto the opener curve 80. Such a movement can be triggered in particular by the closing curve 82. When the guide wheel 26 comes into contact again with the opening curve 80, the movable thread holder plate 24 is typically pushed away from the opening curve 80.

11 schematically shows a yarn holder 22 in an alternative embodiment. Not only is one movable thread holder plate 24 provided, but rather two movable thread holder plates 24 are provided. These are moved together.

The sequence from top to bottom is that first a movable thread holder plate 24, then a fixed thread holder plate 27, then another movable thread holder plate 24 and then another fixed thread holder plate 27 are provided.

11 shows an open state, with a total of eight yarn strands 30 shown here also being shown. These pass freely through respective recesses in the thread holder plates 24, 27 so that they are not pinched anywhere. This means in particular that the yarn strands 30 can be moved freely along their respective longitudinal directions, even though they are located within the yarn holder 22. It should be noted that any other number of skeins of thread can also be used.

12 shows a state in which the movable thread holder plates 24 have been shifted to the right. It can be seen that the twine strands 30 have been clamped in between the movable twine holder plates 24 and the stationary twine holder plates 27.

The embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 1 1 and 12 and is based on a total of four twine holder plates 24, 27, has proven to be again advantageous compared to an embodiment with three twine holder plates. In particular, the yarn strands 30 can be clamped even more reliably. 13 and 14 separately show the transport gripper 56 with continuous yarn strands 30. FIG. 13 shows an open state in which the yarn strands 30 are freely movable along their respective longitudinal directions. 14 shows a closed state in which the yarn strands 30 are held by the transport gripper 56.

The transport gripper 56 has a first transport gripper plate 58 and a second transport gripper plate 59. These can be moved against each other. The thread strands 30 can be guided between the transport gripper plates 58, 59 through recesses formed in each case, wherein they can move freely along their respective longitudinal direction in the state shown in FIG. 13. If the first transport gripper plate 58 is shifted to the right relative to the stationary second transport gripper plate 59, the yarn strands 30 are clamped between the two transport gripper plates 58, 59. This is shown in Fig. 14. This state makes it possible, for example, to pull the yarn strands 30 to the left during the swiveling movement from right to left of the yarn transport gripper 50 already described above, and for example also to unwind new yarn from respective yarn spools. If yarn sections are subsequently to be used, the open state shown in FIG. 13 can be assumed, for example.

15 shows a sectional view through a part of the shaft 23 and the cutting unit 60 already mentioned. The pivot axis 62 is also shown, about which the cutting unit 60 can be pivoted.

The cutting unit 60 has a further ball bearing 64. A knob wheel 28 is attached to the shaft 23 and is connected to the shaft 23 in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, the knob wheel basically rotates with the shaft 23. Three recesses 29 are formed in the knob wheel 28, into which the further ball bearing 64 can engage, as shown, at corresponding rotational positions of the knob wheel 28.

When the further ball bearing 64 engages in one of the recesses 29 as shown, the cutting unit 60 is in a pivoted-in position. This can be used in particular for a cutting process. If the shaft 23 rotates further, the knob wheel 28 also rotates further and thus presses the further ball bearing 64 outwards. As a result, the cutting unit 60 is pivoted outward so that it is spaced apart from the yarn strands 30. This allows, for example, the yarn strands 30 to be pulled further. The implementation shown in FIG. 15 ensures that the shaft 23 automatically ensures the correct pivoting position of the cutting unit 60 via the knob wheel 28 and the further ball bearing 64.

FIG. 16 shows a further sectional view, the opener curve 80 being shown in addition to the components shown in FIG. 15. This sits in front of the cam wheel 28. As soon as a respective thread holder 22 has gripped the thread strands 30, the opening curve 80 can be actuated. The yarn strands 30 are thus released and the yarn transport gripper 50 can pull the yarn strands 30 further. Thereafter, in one possible embodiment, the taffeta needles 42 move downward. The closing curve 82 can then be actuated and the opening curve 80 can thus be retracted. When the taffeta needles 42 are further lowered, the shaft 23 can simultaneously be rotated in order to transport the yarn strands 30 into a position in which the yarn transport gripper 50 can grip the yarn strands 30 again. So that the twine holders 22 can take up the twine strands 30 again, the twine holders 22 are opened again before the deflection 37 passes. This is done by means of two ball bearings below the opening curve 80. When the closing curve 82 is moved up, the yarn holders 22 are closed again and the yarn strands 30 are thus clamped in.

In summary, a possible procedure can be described as follows.

^■ Gripping yarn strands using the yarn transport gripper,

^■ release of the twine strands in the twine feed device,

^■ pivoting of the Garntransportgreifers away from the yarn feeder, this arrangement of the strands of yarn under the insertion member,

^■ bringing the cutting element into a cutting position,

^■ cutting the yarn strands, thereby creating yarn sections,

^■ release of the thread sections,

^■ Inserting the yarn sections using a respective insert element.

This process sequence can be understood as an independent aspect of the invention.

Possible features of the proposal are presented in a structured manner below. The following structured features can be combined with one another as desired and can be included in any combination in the claims of the application. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the invention already results from the object with the fewest features. In particular, the following are advantageous or possible configurations, but not the only possible configurations of the invention.

The invention includes:

A taffeta unit for a taffeta machine, the taffeta unit (10) comprising:

^■ a yarn feeder (20) for simultaneous and parallel feeding a plurality of yarn strands (30)

^■ at least one insert element (40),

To transport ^■ a Garntransportgreifer (50) which is adapted to a respective free end of the yarn strands (30) from the yarn feeder (20) away, so that each insert element (40) each having a twine strand (30) is assigned,

^■ a cutting unit (60) which is adapted to cut, so that from each one insert element (40) associated yarn strand (30) remains the yarn strands (30) of each insert member (40) associated yarn portion (35),

^■ wherein each insert element (40) is designed to insert the respectively assigned yarn section (35) into a substrate (12) located under the table unit (10).

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the yarn feeder (20) has a plurality of rotating yarn holders (22).

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein the thread holders (22) are each designed to work in pairs, so that each thread strand (30) is held before the cutting of two thread holders (22) of a pair.

The above table unit, wherein the yarn feeder (20) has three or four pairs of yarn holders (22).

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the yarn transport gripper (50) is designed to grip respective end sections of the yarn strands (30) which are clamped between two yarn holders (22) of a pair for gripping the free ends of the yarn strands (30).

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, wherein the yarn feed device (20) is designed to further rotate and / or continue the yarn holders (22) before each taffeta operation in order to provide new end sections of the yarn strands for gripping by the yarn transport grippers (50). The aforementioned table unit, the yarn holders (22) being arranged rotatably about a common axis (21).

The above-mentioned tray unit, wherein each thread holder (22) has a first thread holder plate (24, 27) and a second thread holder plate (24, 27), which are displaceable relative to one another for holding and releasing the thread strands (30).

The aforementioned table unit, wherein each thread holder (22) has at least one upper, a middle and a lower thread holder plate (24, 27) and the middle thread holder plate (24) by a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive against the two other thread holder plates for holding and Loosening the skeins (30) is displaceable.

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein each thread holder has at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth thread holder plate (24, 27) and the second and fourth thread holder plates (24) by means of a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive against the two other thread holder plates ( 27) for holding and releasing the yarn strands (30) are displaceable.

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein at least one thread holder plate (24) is displaced relative to the other thread holder plate (27) by means of a closing curve (82) each movable by a drive (90), in particular by a hydraulic drive, and an opening curve (80).

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein the yarn feed device (20) releases the yarn strands (30) during transport.

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the yarn transport gripper (50) pulls the yarn strands (30) through the yarn feed device (20) and / or unwinds from respective yarn spools during the transportation.

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the table unit (10) has an input-side deflection (37) for guiding the yarn strands (30) in front of the yarn feed device (20). The above-mentioned table unit, wherein the cutting unit (60) has a cutting knife and a counter knife, which are mutually displaceable for cutting off the yarn sections (35).

The aforementioned table unit, the cutting knife being displaceable relative to the counter knife by means of a drive, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, wherein each insert element (40) has a taffeta needle (42) which is designed for gripping and inserting the respective yarn section (35) into the substrate (12).

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, the respective taffeta needle (42) being movable vertically and / or perpendicularly to the base (12).

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, the taffeta unit (10) having a taffeta plate (70) on the underside, in which at least one opening (75) for guiding the yarn section (35) is formed.

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, the taffeta unit (10) having at least one needle guide (44) for guiding the taffeta needles (42) or for guiding a respective taffeta needle (42), each needle guide (44) being partially movable with the taffeta needles (42) , preferably to the ground or to the taffeta plate (70).

The above-mentioned thread unit, wherein the insert element (40), in particular the taffeta needles (42), unwinds the thread strands (30) from the respective thread spools during their movement.

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the yarn transport gripper (50) is pivotally mounted at a pivot point (52).

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the table unit (10) has an actuatable rod (54) for pivoting the yarn transport grippers (50).

The aforementioned table unit, the rod (54) being actuable hydraulically or by means of a crank drive. The aforementioned table unit, wherein the yarn transport gripper (50) has a transport gripper (56) for gripping the free ends of the yarn strands (30).

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein the transport gripper (56) has a first transport gripper plate (58) and a second transport gripper plate (59), which can be moved against one another, in particular by a hydraulic drive, for gripping and releasing the free ends.

The above-mentioned tray unit, wherein the yarn transport gripper (50) is designed to release the yarn sections (35) during insertion.

The aforementioned table unit, wherein the cutting unit (60) is pivotally mounted.

The above-mentioned table unit, wherein the cutting unit (60) is designed such that it is pivoted toward the yarn strands (30) before a respective cutting operation and is pivoted away from the yarn strands (30) after the cutting operation.

The above-mentioned table unit, further comprising an adjusting device for the end position of the yarn transport attacker (50) and / or the position of the cutting unit (60).

The above-mentioned taffeta unit, further comprising a depth adjustment device for the penetration depth of the taffeta needles into the ground.

A taffeta machine for inserting a yarn section (in each case one yarn strand (30)) positioned and cut off by a taffeta unit (10), in particular as mentioned above, into a substrate (12) located under the taffeta unit (10).

A taffeta machine with a taffeta unit as mentioned above.

The above-mentioned taffeta machine, wherein the yarn transporting grippers (50) each transport the end sections of the yarns held by the yarn feeding device (20) away from the yarn feeding device (20), preferably in an alternating pivoting movement, the yarn transporting grippers (50) each thread strand using an insert element (40 ) assigned and positioned and, after the cutting unit (60) has cut off the respective yarn sections (35) from the respective yarn strands (30), the insertion element (40) inserts the respective yarn sections (35) into the substrate (12). The claims now submitted with the application and later are without prejudice for the achievement of further protection.

If, upon closer examination, in particular also of the relevant prior art, it turns out that one or the other feature is beneficial for the aim of the invention, but is not crucially important, a formulation is of course already being striven for that includes such a feature , especially in the main claim, no longer has. Such a sub-combination is also covered by the disclosure of this application.

It should also be noted that the configurations and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be combined with one another as desired. Individual or multiple features can be interchanged with one another. These combinations of features are also disclosed.

The back-references given in the dependent claims indicate the further development of the subject matter of the main claim through the features of the respective sub-claim. However, these are not to be understood as a waiver of the achievement of independent, objective protection for the features of the subordinate claims.

Features that were only disclosed in the description or also individual features from claims that comprise a plurality of features can be adopted at any time as essential to the invention in order to distinguish them from the prior art in the independent claim (s), even if if such characteristics were mentioned in connection with other characteristics or achieve particularly favorable results in connection with other characteristics.

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

Claims

Patent claims

1. taffeta unit for a taffeta machine, the taffeta unit (10) having the following:

^■ at least one insert element (40),

^■ a cutting unit (60) which is designed to close the yarn strands (30)

cut so that each yarn strand (30) assigned to an insertion element (40) remains a yarn section (35) assigned to the respective insertion element (40),

^■ each insert element (40) being designed to match the respectively assigned one

Insert the thread section (35) in a base (12) located under the table unit (10).

2. Taffeta unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the yarn feed device (20) has a plurality of rotating yarn holders (22).

3. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn holders (22) are each formed in pairs, so that each strand of yarn (30) is held before the cutting of two yarn holders (22) of a pair.

4. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn feed device (20) is designed to further rotate and / or continue the yarn holder (22) before each taffeta operation in order to provide new end sections of the yarn strands for gripping by the yarn transport grippers (50) .

5. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn holders (22) are arranged rotatably about a common axis (21).

6. taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one yarn holder plate (24) by means of one each by a drive (90),

in particular by a hydraulic drive movable closing curve (82) and an opening curve (80) is displaced relative to the other yarn holder plate (27).

7. taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn feed device (20) releases the yarn strands (30) during transport, and / or the yarn transport gripper (50) during the transport of the yarn strands (30) through the yarn feed device (20) pulls and / or unwinds from respective spools of thread.

8. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each insert element (40) has a taffeta needle (42) which is designed for gripping and inserting the respective yarn section (35) into the substrate (12).

9. taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the taffeta unit (10) has a taffeta plate (70) on the underside, in which at least one opening (75) for guiding the yarn section (35) is formed.

10. taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the taffeta unit (10) has at least one needle guide (44) for guiding the taffeta needles (42) or for guiding a respective taffeta needle (42), each needle guide (44) with the Taffeta needles (42) is partially movable, preferably up to the surface (12) or up to the taffeta plate (70).

11. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert element (40), in particular the taffeta needles (42), unwinds the yarn strands (30) from the respective yarn spools during their movement.

12. Table unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn transport gripper (50) is pivotably mounted at a pivot point (52).

13. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn transport gripper (50) is designed to release the yarn sections (35) during insertion.

14. Table unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting unit (60) is pivotally mounted, the cutting unit (60) being designed such that it is pivoted towards the yarn strands (30) before a respective cutting operation and after the Cutting process is pivoted away from the yarn strands (30).

15. taffeta machine for the insertion of one strand of yarn (30) by one

Taffeta unit (10) positioned according to one of the preceding claims and

cut yarn section into a substrate (12) located under the table unit (10).