HUE033221T2 - Mûfû-szálaknak a talajba való behelyezésére szolgáló készülék - Google Patents

Description

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: E01C 13108<2006 01> D05C 15118 <200601> 14.12.2016 Bulletin 2016/50 (21) Application number: 15181163.5 (22) Date of filing: 14.08.2015

(54) DEVICE FOR INSERTING ARTIFICIAL GRASS STRANDS INTO THE GROUND

VORRICHTUNG ZUM EINSETZEN VON KUNSTRASENFASERN IN DEN BODEN DISPOSITIF POUR INTRODUIRE DES BRINS D’HERBE ARTIFICIELS DANS LE SOL (84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB · SCHUURMAN, Thomas GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO 1394 AC NEDERHORST DEN BERG (NL) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR · MULLAN, George

Designated Validation States: KEVINSFORT, SLIGO (IE)

MA

(74) Representative: EP&amp;C (30) Priority: 26.01.2015 NL 2014189 P.O. Box 3241 2280 GE Rijswijk (NL) (43) Date of publication of application: 08.06.2016 Bulletin 2016/23 (56) References cited: EP-A1- 1 384 817 WO-A1-01/79611 (73) Proprietor: Sisgrass B.V. WO-A1-93/08332 1075 AZ Amsterdam (NL)

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the creation of hybrid grass surfaces, wherein natural grass and artificial grass are mixed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Hybrid grass pitches are known and have been used for some years. A significant num ber of hybrid grass pitches has now been laid. One well-known example is the grass pitch of Wembley Stadium in London. A hybrid grass pitch has various advantages over a natural grass pitch, and also various advantages over a fully artificial grass pitch.

[0003] One advantage of a hybrid grass surface over a natural grass surface is that the durability is greater. U p to twice as many hours of sport per year can be played on a hybrid grass pitch as on a natural grass pitch.

[0004] Another advantage over natural grass is that the grass pitch remains green at all times. In addition, less pollen are released on use. The artificial grass strands effectively act as reinforcement to the ground and retain the pollen in their location.

[0005] A further associated advantage is that the surface is stiffer and can better resist impact and can be used more easily for other activities such as a concert. This is because the roots of the grass strands grow through the artificial grass strands. In addition, a hybrid grass surface drains better because the injected artificial grass strands form vertical drainage channels.

[0006] An advantage of a hybrid surface over a fully artificial grass surface is that the majority of the grass strands are natural, including the associated properties which are relevantfor walking, running and rolling a ball. Also, the fragrance of a hybrid grass pitch is the same as that of a natural grass pitch.

[0007] Previously, machines for creating hybrid grass pitches were developed and produced by the company Desseaux (now written as Desso). One such machine is described in W02001/79611A1. Said document is considered the closest prior art and shows a device (1) for inserting artificial grass strand parts (40) in the ground, frame (3), a plurality of spools (4) with artificial grass strands (40), clamps (18), cutting device (15), an insertion device (5) with a plurality of insertion pins (23) and an actuator (22). In this machine, the artificial grass strands are carried by compressed air to below an insertion device.

[0008] EP1384817 describes another machine for creating hybrid grass surfaces. In this machine, a single artificial grass strand is wound in a helical pattern around a drum. Then the single strand is cut into a plurality of strands by means of a cutting device. The strands are then inserted in the ground with an insertion device.

[0009] The company Desso has also developed an other machine for creating hybrid grass pitches, which has also been brought into use.

[0010] The present invention is based on the insight that the known machines are quite slow due to their design. In addition, the known machines are notfully reliable in the sense that the insertion of a significant proportion of the artificial grass strands fails, and this leads to wastage.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to create a device which allows a relatively rapid and reliable creation of a hybrid grass pitch.

[0012] It is an object of the invention to create a device which has fewer failures during insertion.

[0013] It is a further object of the invention to create a variant to the prior art.

THE INVENTION

[0014] In order to achieve at least one object, the invention provides a device for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground, the device comprising: a frame which is configured to support the various parts of the device, a plurality of spools with artificial grass strands wound thereon, at least one drum which is mounted rotatably on the frame and rotates about a substantially horizontal rotation axis, wherein the drum is configured to receive a plurality of artificial grass strands which are unwound from the spools and to rotate these artificial grass strands with the movement of the drum, where-in the drum comprises a plurality of clamps which, when viewed in side view, are arranged around the rotation axis, wherein the clamps rotate with the drum, wherein the clamps are configured to hold an artificial grass strand part of each artificial grass strand clamped between a front clamp and a rear clamp, viewed in the direction of rotation, and to cause the artificial grass strand parts to rotate with the drum, at least one cutting device for cutting through the artificial grass strands, so that the clamped artificial grass strand parts are cut off from the rest of the respective artificial grass strands, at least one insertion device which comprises a plurality of insertion pins and at least one actuator, wherein the actuator inserts the insertion pins into the ground over a depth, wherein the drum is configured to rotate the series of artificial grass strand parts to below the insertion device, wherein the insertion device is configured to insert the artificial grass strand parts which have been rotated to below the insertion device into the ground.

[0015] The rotating motion of the artificial grass strand parts allows a faster and more reliable insertion operation of the artificial grass strand parts. This rotating motion stands in contrast to said machine by Desso which has been brought into use, wherein the clamps with which the artificial grass strands are brought below the insertion device perform a reciprocating motion.

[0016] In the machine which has been brought into use by Desso, the strand must be gripped afresh each time. This is because, after inserting a strand, the clamp must be moved again to a free end of a new strand to be inserted in order to grip this and pull it out to below the insertion mechanism. This is carried out with a reciprocating motion. It has been found in practice that the gripping is not truly reliable. Gripping fails in up to 5% of cases, whereby fewer strands are inserted than is intended. This cannot simply be corrected because a large number of strands (for example 80) are inserted next to each other at the same time. It is not feasible to re-insert later in the 5% open sites.

[0017] In the present invention, the artificial grass strand to be inserted is held continuously via the rotating drum during the movementto below the insertion device. There is no need to grip a front end of the artificial grass strand again each time with the associated unreliability.

[0018] In the machine according to W02001/79611A1, the artificial grass strands are blown through tubes and brought to below the insertion device using compressed air. This too is a relatively unreliable method.

[0019] In the machine according to EP1384817, a single strand is wound in a helical pattern around a drum. Then the single strand is cut into a plurality of strand parts by a knife. Then the strands are inserted in the ground by an insertion device. This is a very slow method because the single strand must be wound around the drum a very large number of times. This takes a very long time.

[0020] An advantage of the present invention in relation to the machine according to EP1384817 is that a hybrid grass pitch can be created more quickly. Because a plurality of strands are wound around a drum at the same time, work can proceed much more quickly. The cycle time is hence significantly shorter.

[0021] In an embodiment, during operation the device performs a cycle, wherein the cycle comprises a rotation period and a stationary period, wherein: in the rotation period, the drum is rotated through a cycle angle (β), wherein a series of artificial grass strand parts is positioned below the insertion device and a new series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped, and in the stationary period, the front series of artificial grass strand parts is released by the clamps and inserted in the ground by the insertion device.

[0022] In an embodiment, viewed in side view, the drum has 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 clamps. It has been found that these are practical numbers.

[0023] In an embodiment - viewed in side view and measured along the path which is defined by the clamps and any guides - the clamps are placed at mutual intervals of 30 to 50 cm apart, in particular 35 - 45 cm apart, more particularly at intervals of 38 - 42 cm apart.

[0024] In an embodiment, an artificial grass strand part is held firmly by the front and rear clamp, viewed in the rotation direction, and the front clamp (viewed in the rotation direction) is moved underneath the insertion device due to the rotation of the drum.

[0025] In an embodiment, the insertion pins of the insertion device make contact with the artificial grass strands to be inserted on the underside of the drum.

[0026] In an embodiment, the distance (L1) between successive clamps - measured along the path defined by the clamps and any guides - corresponds to the length of the artificial grass strands to be inserted. The distances L1 are equal to each other and in side view define the angles of a regular polygon.

[0027] In an embodiment, the insertion pins are located in the drum. This results in a compact machine.

[0028] In an embodiment, the drum is configured to keep a stock of at least one series of cut artificial grass strand parts. It has been found, surprisingly, that this benefits the general reliability of the process.

[0029] In an embodiment, strand guides are positioned between the clamps, wherein the strand guides are mounted on the drum and rotate with the drum. The strand guides ensure a fixed position of the artificial grass strands.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cutting device is mounted in a stationary manner on the frame and is configured to cut through the series of artificial grass strands.

[0031] In an embodiment, the artificial grass strands are positioned in a row next to each other and rotate with the drum.

[0032] In an embodiment, each clamp is configured to hold at least 50 artificial grass strands, and for this the clamp has at least the same number of clamp shoes.

[0033] In an embodiment, a drum inlet where the artificial grass strands are supplied to the drum is on the top half of the drum, more particularly at an angle a1 of 120 - 270 degrees from the lowest point of the drum. In this way, viewed in side view, the steps of clamping, cutting and insertion have a practical position.

[0034] The cutting device is located along the periphery between the location where the artificial grass strands are clamped and the location where the artificial grass strands are inserted.

[0035] In an embodiment, each clamp is configured to hold at least 50 artificial grass strands, more particularly at least 80 artificial grass strands.

[0036] In an embodiment, each clamp defines at least 50 parallel tracks, more particularly at least 80 parallel tracks, wherein the tracks lie next to each other and are separated from each other, wherein an artificial grass strand is guided into each track and wherein the clamp for each track comprises a clamp shoe for clamping the artificial grass strand in the track.

[0037] In an embodiment, each clamp comprises a series of front shoes and a series of rear shoes, in particular one front shoe and one rear shoe for each of the at least fifty tracks, wherein a gap is defined between the front shoes and the rear shoes, wherein the cutting device is configured to make a cut through the artificial grass strands in the gap so that the front shoes hold the rear ends of the cut artificial grass strand parts and the rear shoes hold the front ends of the artificial grass strands.

[0038] In an embodiment, the cutting device is configured to cut through the artificial grass strands in the stationary period.

[0039] In an embodiment, the clamps are pre-ten-sioned by means of a spring force element, wherein the artificial grass strands are automatically clamped when placed in the clamp without further action being required for this, and wherein the device comprises a clamp actuator which deactivates the two clamps, which hold the artificial grass strand part to be inserted below the insertion device, prior to insertion of the artificial grass strand parts by the insertion device.

[0040] In an embodiment, the clamp actuators are arranged in a stationary manner and mounted on theframe, in particular next to the drum.

[0041] In an embodiment, the device comprises a front drum and a rear drum which are placed behind each other inordertobeableto work with two drums simultaneously.

[0042] In an embodiment, the device comprises wheels, tracks or skid elements to be able to move forward over the ground, or the device has a connector for attachment to a travelling vehicle, in particular a tractor, to be able to move the device over the ground.

[0043] In an embodiment, the device has a central driving part, wherein the front drum is positioned in front of the central driving part and the rear drum behind the central travelling part.

[0044] In an embodiment, the device has two groups of spools, a front group which is associated with the front drum and a rear group associated with the rear drum.

[0045] In an embodiment, the device comprises a presser element and a presser actuator, wherein the artificial grass strands are guided below the presser element, wherein the presser element has through-holes through which the insertion pins are inserted in the ground, and wherein in the stationary period, the presser actuator presses the presser element onto the ground and thus prevents a sideways movement of the artificial grass strands.

[0046] In an embodiment, the presser element defines grooves for the artificial grass strand parts so that the artificial grass strand parts can slide relative to the presser element, and wherein each through hole for an insertion pin opens into a groove.

[0047] In an embodiment, during use the clamped artificial grass strand parts are rotated successively below the insertion device.

[0048] In an embodiment, the clamps perform a rotat ing motion around the insertion device. In an embodiment, the clamps do not perform a reciprocating motion.

[0049] In an embodiment, the underside of the drum is at a distance of 5 - 30 cm, in particular at a distance of 10 - 20 cm above the ground.

[0050] In an embodiment, the drum has a diameter which is between 60 cm and 150 cm.

[0051] In an embodiment, the rotation axis of the drum lies substantially perpendicular to the movement direction.

[0052] In an embodiment, the cutting device is positioned at a distance from the insertion device which is greater than the distance between two successive clamps, so that the artificial grass strands are cut before they are positioned below the insertion device.

[0053] In an embodiment, the device has a cycle time of less than 8 seconds, in particular less than 6 seconds.

[0054] In an embodiment, a distance between the front drum and the rear drum can be adjusted by adjustment means.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for inserting artificial grass strand parts in a ground, the method comprising: providing a device according to any of the preceding claims, moving the device forward over the ground to a location and stopping the device at this location, bringing of a series of artificial grass strand parts to below the insertion device by rotation by means of the drum, wherein the series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped between a front clamp and a rear clamp, viewed in side view and in relation to the rotation direction of the drum, stopping the drum, and inserting the artificial grass strand parts into the ground by the insertion device. The method offers the same advantages as the device according to the invention.

[0056] In an embodiment, the artificial grass strand parts are inserted in the ground folded in half, wherein an insertion depth is 15 - 20 cm and a length (L1) of the artificial grass tufts above the ground is 1 - 4 cm.

[0057] In an embodiment: the device is moved to a location on the ground and the device is then stopped, a series of artificial grass strand parts which is held by two clamps is cut, and by rotation of the drum, the artificial grass strand parts are positioned in the insertion position below the insertion device, and the drum is then stopped, and the insertion device then inserts the artificial grass strands in the ground by inserting the insertion pins in the ground, wherein the artificial grass strand parts are carried by the insertion pins.

[0058] In an embodiment, the clamps are first brought to a loose state by means of a clamp actuator prior to insertion of the insertion pins, so that the series of artificial grass parts which is in the insertion position is no longer clamped by the clamps.

[0059] In an embodiment, the artificial grass strands are cut before they are positioned below the insertion device.

[0060] In an embodiment, the artificial grass strands are cut during the stationary period.

[0061] In an embodiment, the device comprises at least two drums, wherein a mutual distance L3 between the two drums can be set by means of adjustment means and in particular set to a distance of L3 = N*L4 +0.5*L4, wherein N is an integer and L4 is a cycle distance over which the device is moved forward each time.

[0062] In an embodiment, the drum rotates with the bottom part against the transport direction of the drum.

[0063] The invention is now explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The same reference numerals refer to the same parts. The figures serve exclusively as examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0064]

Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an injection part of the device according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a view obliquely from below of an injection partofanembodimentofthedevice according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a side view of an embodiment of the drum and the cutting device.

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the drum and the cutting device.

Figure 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the drum and the cutting device.

Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 show side views of an embodiment of the drum in the various stages during the method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0065] With reference to figure 1, the device 10 for inserting artificial grass strand parts in theground comprises a frame 12 which is configured to support the various components of the device.

[0066] The device has tracks 20 and the drive 22 to be able to move the device over the ground 11. The device may also be provided with wheels or a skid element to achieve the same goal. The device may also be provided with a connector for attaching the device to the front or rear of another vehicle, for example a tractor. The device has a central driving part 24 which contains the tracks and the drive. The device has a front injection part 25A and a rear injection part 25B.

[0067] The device furthermore hasa plurality of spools 14 with artificial grass strands wound thereon. The device may have more than 50 spools, in particular 70 to 100 spools. A larger or smaller number of spools is also possible.

[0068] The device comprises two drums 16 (indicated in figure 1 with reference numerals 16A, 16B) which are mounted in a rotating manner on the frame 12. The drums 16 rotate about respective, substantially horizontal rotation axes 51 (shafts) (see figure 4). The shafts are supported on two ends by the frame. The axes are perpendicular to the direction of movement as indicated by arrow 18. The drums are configured to receive a plurality of artificial grass strands which are unwound from the spools 14 and to rotate these artificial grass strands with the movement of the drum. The device has a front drum 16A and a rear drum 16B which are placed behind each other in order to be able to work with two drums simultaneously. The front drum 16A is placed in front of the central travelling part and the reardrum 16B is placed behind the central travelling part. The drums have a diameter between 60 cm and 150 cm.

[0069] The spools 14 are divided into two groups 26A, 26B, i.e. a front group 26A which is associated with the front drum 16A, and areargroup26B which is associated with the reardrum 16B. The spools are mounted rotatably on stands 28 which are attached to the frame.

[0070] The front injection part 25A comprises the front drum 16A and the front group of spools 26A. These are mounted on a front frame part 30A which is mounted on the central travelling part 24 via connectors 32. Similarly, the rear injection part 25B comprises the rear drum 16B and the rear group of spools 26B mounted on a rearframe part 30B which is mounted on the central travelling part 24 via connectors 32. Both connectors have an upper fixing point 34 and a lower fixing point 35.

[0071] With reference to figures 2 and 3, the function of the injection part 25A will be explained in more detail. The front frame part 30A comprises longitudinal members 41, cross members 42 and an upwardly extending part 43 which supports the drum 16A. The frame part 30A comprises further reinforcing members 44. The stands 28 and the spools 14 are not shown in these figures. The injection part 25A comprises a cutting device 36A which is positioned near the drum 16 and the function of which will be explained later.

[0072] The injection part furthermore comprises a roller 45. This roller supports the frame.

[0073] With reference to figure 4 in connection with figures 5 and 6, the drum 16A comprises a plurality of clamps 50A, 50B, 50C, 50E, 50D and 50F. In total there are six clamps on each drum 16. The clamps are generally indicated with reference numeral 50. The drum may also have a different number of clamps, for example 4, 5, 7 or 8 clamps.

[0074] Viewed from the side, the clamps are arranged around the rotation axis 51. The clamps rotate with the drum in the direction of arrow 52. The clamps 50 are placed at mutual intervals L1 of 30 - 50 cm, in particular 35 - 45 cm apart, more particularly at a distance of 38 -42 cm apart. The distance L1 determines the length of the cut artificial grass strand parts 62. The length of the artificial grass strand part 62 is still greater than L1, because the guides 58 ensure that the path followed by the artificial grass strand part is not a straight line between two clamps but is formed by three parts: 1) a part 88A between the rear shoe 51 B, which holds the front end of the artificial grass strand part 62, and the guide 58 located behind this, 2) a part 88B between two guides 58, and 3) a part88C between a front shoe 51 A, which holds the rear end of an artificial grass strand part 62, and the guide 58 located in front of this.

[0075] The parts 88A, 88B, 88C are shown in fig. 8.

[0076] For each artificial grass strand 60, the clamps hold an artificial grass strand part 62 clamped between a front clamp (in figure 4, this is clamp 50A) and a rear clamp (in figure 5, this is clamp 50B), viewed in the direction of rotation, and allow the artificial grass strand parts to rotate with the drum.

[0077] The injection part 30Afurthermore comprises a feed device for feeding the series of artificial grass strands from the spools to the drum. The feed device cannot be seen in figures 4, 5 and 6.

[0078] The injection part 30Afurthermore comprises a cutting device 36 for cutting the artificial grass strands, so that the clamped artificial grass strand parts 62 are cut loose from the rest of the respective artificial grass strand 60. The cutting device 36 has four rotating driven knives 55 which move to and fro in the direction of arrow 56 during rotation.

[0079] The injection part 30A furthermore comprises an insertion device 70 which comprises a plurality of insertion pins 72 and at least one actuator 74, wherein the actuator 74 inserts the insertion pins 72 into the ground over a certain depth. The drum 16A is configured to rotate the series of artificial grass strand parts 62 to below the insertion device 70. By the rotation of the drum, the front clamp 50A-viewed in the direction of rotation - is moved underneath the insertion device. The insertion device 70 is configured to press the artificial grass strand parts 62, which are rotated to below the insertion device, into the ground. The insertion pins 72 of the insertion device 70 make contact at the underside of the drum with the artificial grass strand parts to be inserted. The insertion pins 72 are located in the drum and the drum 16A rotates around the insertion pins. The actuator 74 is outside the drum.

[0080] The insertion pins 72 may be provided with an inverted V-shape at their bottom end, in order to be able to grip the artificial grass strand parts firmly.

[0081] In side view, the drum is configured to tension at least two cut artificial grass strand parts 62 behind each other and bring these successively below the insertion device.

[0082] Strand guides 58 are positioned between the clamps 50. The strand guides 58 are mounted on the drum and rotate with the drum.

[0083] The cutting device 36 is mounted stationarily on the frame and is configured to cut the series of artificial grass strands.

[0084] The drum inlet 90, where the artificial grass strands are fed into the drum, is located at the top half of the drum, more particularly at an angle a1 of 120-270 degrees from the lowest point 89 of the drum. In figure 5, it can be seen that a1 is around 175 degrees.

[0085] In the device, the artificial grass strands 60 are moved through the device in a row next to each other. Each clamp 50 is configured to clamp firmly at least 50 artificial grass strands, and for this has at least as many clamping shoes 82. Each clamp 50 may be configured to clamp at least 80 artificial grass strands. This is shown clearly in figure 5. The clamping shoes 82 define grooves in which the artificial grass strands are placed. The artificial grass strands 60 and also the cut parts 62 are stationary relative to the drum during rotation of the drum.

[0086] Each clamp defines at least 50 parallel tracks, and In an embodiment even at least 80 parallel tracks 83. The tracks lie next to each other and are separated from each other, wherein an artificial grass strand is fed into each track and wherein the clamp has a clamping shoe 82 for each track, for clamping the artificial grass strand in the track.

[0087] Each clamp 50 comprises a front shoe 51A and a rear shoe 51 B, in particular a front shoe 51A and a rearshoe 51 B for each of the at least fifty clamping shoes 82, wherein a gap 57 is defined between the front shoes 51A and the rear shoes 51 B. The knives 55 of the cutting device are configured to make a cut through the artificial grass strands in the gap 57, so that the front shoe 51A holds a rear end of the cut artificial grass strand part 62 and the rear shoe holds a front end of the artificial grass strand 60.

[0088] The clamps 50 are pre-tensioned by at least one spring force element 59. The clamps are connected together by a bar so that all clamps are activated and deactivated simultaneously. The artificial grass strands 60 are automatically clamped when placed in the clamp, without any further action being required. Each injection part of the device 10 has two clamp actuators 80 which deactivate the clamps 50, which hold the artificial grass strand parts 62 to be inserted, prior to insertion of the artificial grass strand parts by the insertion device.

[0089] The clamp actuators 80 are arranged stationarily and are mounted on the frame, in particular next to the drum. It is however also possible to mount the clamp actuators 80 on the drum and allow them to rotate with the drum. In this case, for each clamp 50, a clamp deactivation device 80 is provided. The clamp actuators 80 are essentially deactivating actuators, i.e. they release the clamps 50 which are pre-tensioned by the spring device 59, against the force of the pretension by the spring device 59. The clamp actuators 80 are preferably hydraulic.

[0090] With reference to figure 3, for each injection part the device has a presser element 84 and one or more presser actuators 86 (see also figure 2). The artificial grass strands are guided below the presser element 84. The presser element 84 has a series of continuous holes 85. Through these the insertion pins 72 are pressed into the ground. It is also possible that a number of through holes 85 are joined together into slots.

[0091] The artificial grass strand parts can slide relative to the presser element. Each continuous hole 85 for an insertion pin opens atan artificial grass strand partduring operation.

[0092] The underside of the drum is at a distance of 5 - 30 cm, in particular at a distance of 10 - 20 cm, above the ground.

[0093] The cutting device is situated at a distance L2 from the insertion device 70 which is greater than the distance L1 between two successive clamps, so that the artificial grass strands are cut through before they are positioned below the insertion device. L2 is here measured along the path which is defined by the clamps 50 and the guides 58.

OPERATION OF THE DEVICE

[0094] With reference to figures 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the operation of the device 1 according to the invention is explained in more detail. The figures show only one artificial grass strand 60 because the figures are side views, but the person skilled in the art will understand that this represents a series of artificial grass strands 60.

[0095] During operation, the method for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground 11 comprises the following steps. The device 10 is moved over the ground 11 to a location and the device is stopped at this location.

[0096] A series of artificial grass strands 60 is fed into the drum and clamped by a front clamp 50A. The drum rotates through a cycle angle β of 60 degrees to a next position, in which movement the front clamp 50A draws the series of artificial grass strands off the spools. The front clamp 50A is in front of the cutting device 36. A following clamp 50B grips the series of artificial grass strands. This is the situation shown in figure 4.

[0097] With reference to figure 7, the drum 16 then rotates again through a cycle angle of 60° to a next position. The clamp 50A is now obliquely below the insertion device 70. The clamp 50B is in front of the cutting device. A following clamp 50C grips the artificial grass strands 60 and holds them firmly. Now a second series of artificial grass strands 62’ is clamped.

[0098] With reference to figure 8, the rotating knives 55 are moved in the direction of arrow 91 into the gap between the front shoe 51A and the rear shoe 51 B of clamp 50B. This takes place by actuators 92 (which are indicated in figure 2). The knives 55 then cut through all artificial grass strands by moving forward and back along arrow 56 (see fig. 5) during rotation. The artificial grass strand parts 62 are now separate from the rest of the artificial grass strands 60 and are held by the rear shoe 51 B of clamp 50A and the front shoe 51A of clamp 50B.

[0099] With reference to figure 9, then by means of the drum 16A the series of artificial grass strand parts 62 is rotated below the insertion device 70, wherein the series of artificial grass strand parts 62 is clamped between a front clamp 50A and a rear clamp 50B, viewed in side view and in relation to the rotation direction of the drum.

[0100] Again a next clamp 50D grips the series of artificial grass strands 60 and holds it firmly. Now a third series of artificial grass strands 62" is clamped.

[0101] Then the drum is stopped. The presser element 84 (see fig. 3) is then pressed against the ground so that the artificial grass strand parts cannotshiftsideways. The artificial grass strand parts 62 can however shift in their length direction relative to the presser device.

[0102] Next the two clamps 50A, 50B, which hold the series of artificial grass strand parts 62 below the insertion device 70, are released by means of the two clamp actuators 80 (see fig. 3), so that the series of artificial grass strand parts in the insertion position is no longer clamped by the clamps.

[0103] With reference to figure 10, the insertion device 70 is then activated and the insertion pins 72 are pressed into the ground. Each insertion pin carries with it an artificial grass strand part 62. The artificial grass strand parts 62 are folded in half during insertion, with a U bend at the bottom end.

[0104] Then the insertion pins 72 are raised again by the actuator 74. During insertion, a new series of artificial grass strand parts 62’ is also cut off by the knives 55 of the cutter device. The new series of artificial grass strand parts 62’ is thus ready to be pressed into the ground in the next cycle.

[0105] Then a new cycle may be started. The steps from figures 9 and 10 are now repeated. The device 10 is moved over a cycle distance L4 (see fig. 1) to a following position on the hybrid grass surface to be created, and stopped there. The cycle distance L4 overwhich the device is moved is of the order of 2 - 6 cm, i.e. relatively small. Other distances may also be chosen.

[0106] The mutual spacing L3 (see fig. 1) between the two drums 16A, 16B can be set by means of actuators 200 orother adjustment means. In practice, it has proved useful to allow the front and rear drum to insert strands out of phase. Here the rear drum 16B inserts its strands in the middle between two successive rows inserted by the front drum 16A. In other words, the front drum for example inserts strands every 4 cm, and the rear drum inserts precisely in-between so that the overall insertion gap is 2 cm. The distance L3 is then set according to the formula L3 = N*L4 +0.5*L4. N is here an integer. In this way work can proceed continuously.

[0107] In existing machines, the distance L3 is fixed and is a multiple of the cycle distance L4, whereby it is difficult or impossible to work continuously. In this way, for continuous working, the rear drum would insert strands at precisely the same point as the front drum. This is prevented by only allowing the machine to rotate over a distance L3, and then to advance the machine without insertion over a distance L3. Then it may again insert strands after a distance L3. This pattern may be repeated. It is however an awkward way of inserting strands.

[0108] The drum 16 is rotated through a cycle angle to a following position. The rotation of the drum and the travelling to a new position may take place simultaneously for faster working. The series of artificial grass strand parts is positioned in the insertion position below the insertion device by the rotation of the drum. A new series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped.

[0109] The drum is stopped again. A series of artificial grass strand parts is inserted and a following series is cut off. In this way an entire hybrid grass surface can be created in a reliable and very rapid manner.

[0110] The artificial grass strand parts 62 are typically inserted in the ground over a distance of 18 cm and protrude 2 cm above the ground. Because the artificial grass strand parts 62 are folded in half, the total length required for each artificial grass strand part is 40 cm. Thus the mutual spacing, measured along the path followed by the artificial grass strands, between the clamps 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E and 50F is 30 - 50 cm, in particular 35 -45 cm, more particularly 38 - 42 cm.

[0111] The insertion depth H1 may to some extent be varied, i.e. may amount to 15 - 20 cm, and a length (L1) of the artificial grass tufts above the ground may be between 1 - 4 cm.

[0112] During operation, the device performs a cycle, wherein the cycle comprises a rotation period and stationary period wherein: in the rotation period, the drum is rotated through a cycle angle (β), wherein a series of artificial grass strand parts is positioned below the insertion device and a new series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped, and in the stationary period, the front series of artificial grass strand parts is released by the clamps and inserted in the ground by the insertion device, while anew series of artificial grass strand parts is cut away from the artificial grass strands.

[0113] In the same movement of the drum, a series of artificial grass strand parts 62 which is held between two successive clamps is rotated to below the insertion device 70, and also a new series of artificial grass strand parts 62" is clamped between two clamps.

[0114] During operation, the clamps 50 perform a rotating movement around the insertion device. The clamps do not perform any reciprocating movement as in the machine according to the prior art.

[0115] The artificial grass strands are cut before they are positioned below the insertion device. This too is different from the prior art, where the artificial grass strand parts are first brought below the insertion device and only then cut through.

[0116] The rear drum 16B rotates with the bottom part against the transport direction of the device 10. The front drum 16A rotates with the bottom part with the transport direction 18 of the device 10.

[0117] The device may have a cycle time of less than 8 seconds, in particular less than 6 seconds.

[0118] The clamps define at least 50 parallel tracks, in particular more than 70 parallel tracks, even more particularly more than 80 parallel tracks, and the same number of pins. The tracks are separate from each other. This is different from the machine according to EP1384817 where a drum defines a helical pattern. In EP1384817, the strand must first be arranged over the entire helix, which takes a long time. In the present invention, at least 50 strands can be arranged in the tracks simultaneously.

[0119] The artificial grass strands 60 usually comprise several fibers, in particular 5 to 8 fibers, more particularly 5 to 6 fibers.

[0120] As required, this document describes detailed embodiments of the present invention. However it must be understood that the disclosed embodiments serve exclusively as examples, and that the invention may also be implemented in otherforms, according to the appended claims. Therefore specific constructional aspects which are disclosed herein should not be regarded as restrictive for the invention, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for rendering the invention imple-mentable by the average expert.

[0121] Furthermore, the various terms used in the description should not be interpreted as restrictive but rather as a comprehensive explanation of the invention.

[0122] The word "a" used herein means one or more than one, unless specified otherwise. The phrase "a plurality of" means two or more than two. The words "comprising" and "having" are constitute open language and do not exclude the presence of more elements.

[0123] Reference figures in the claims should not be interpreted as restrictive of the invention. Particular embodiments need not achieve all objects described.

[0124] The mere fact that certain technical measures are specified in different dependent claims still allows the possibility that a combination of these technical measures may advantageously be applied.

Claims 1. Device (10) for inserting artificial grass strand parts (62) in the ground, the device comprising: - a frame (12) which is configured to support the various parts of the device, - a plurality of spools (14) with artificial grass strands (60) wound thereon, - at least one drum (16A, 16B) which is mounted rotatably on the frame and rotates about a substantially horizontal rotation axis (51), wherein the drum is configured to receive a plurality of artificial grass strands which are unwound from the spools and to rotate these artificial grass strands with the movement of the drum, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of clamps (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F) which, viewed in side view, are arranged around the rotation axis (51), wherein the clamps rotate with the drum, wherein the clamps are configured to hold an artificial grass strand part (62) of each artificial grass strand clamped between a front clamp and a rear clamp, viewed in the direction of rotation, and to allow the artificial grass strand parts to rotate with the drum, - at least one cutting device (36) for cutting through the artificial grass strands, so that the clamped artificial grass strand parts (62) are cut off from the rest of the respective artificial grass strands, - at least one insertion device (70) which comprises a plurality of insertion pins (72) and at least one actuator (74), wherein the actuator inserts the insertion pins into the ground over a depth (H1), wherein the drum is configured to rotate the series of artificial grass strand parts (62) to below the insertion device, wherein the insertion device (70) is configured to insert the artificial grass strand parts which have been rotated to below the insertion device into the ground. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein during operation, the device performs a cycle, wherein the cycle comprises a rotation period and a stationary period, wherein: - in the rotation period, the drum is rotated over a cycle angle (β), wherein a series of artificial grass strand parts is positioned below the insertion device and a new series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped, and - in the stationary period, the front series of artificial grass strand parts is released by the clamps and inserted in the ground by the insertion device. 3. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein viewed in side view, the drum has 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 clamps. 4. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - viewed in side view and measured along the path which is defined by the clamps and any guides - the clamps are placed at mutual intervals of 30 to 50 cm apart, in particular 35 - 45 cm apart, more particularly at intervals of 38 - 42 cm apart. 5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion pins are located in the drum. 6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drum is configured to keep a stock of at least one series of cut artificial grass strand parts. 7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp is configured to hold at least 50 artificial grass strands, and for this the clamp has at least the same number of clamp shoes (82). 8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each clamp (50) comprises a series of front shoes (51A) and a series of rear shoes (51 B), in particular one front shoe and one rear shoe for each of the at least fifty tracks, wherein a gap (57) is defined between the front shoes and the rear shoes, wherein the cutting device (36) is configured to make a cut through the artificial grass strands in the gap so that the front shoes hold the rear ends of the cut artificial grass strand parts (62) and the rear shoes hold the front ends of the artificial grass strands (60). 9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the clamps (50) are pre-tensioned by means of a spring force element, wherein the artificial grass strands are automatically clamped when placed in the clamp without further action being required for this, and wherein the device comprises a clamp actuator which deactivates the two clamps (50), which hold the artificial grass strand part (62) to be inserted below the insertion device (70), prior to insertion of the artificial grass strand parts by the insertion device. 10. Method for inserting artificial grass strand parts in a ground, the method comprising: - providing a device according to any of the preceding claims, - moving the device forward over the ground to a location and stopping the device at this location, - bringing a series of artificial grass strand parts (62) to below the insertion device (70) by rotation of the drum (16A, 16B), wherein the series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped between a front clamp (50A) and a rear clamp (50B), viewed in side view and in relation to the rotation direction of the drum, - stopping the drum, and - inserting the artificial grass strand parts in the ground by the insertion device. 11. Method according to claim 10, wherein when viewed in side view, the clamps are located at mutual distances of 30 - 50 cm, in particular 35 - 45 cm apart, more particularly 38 - 42 cm apart. 12. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein: - the device (10) is moved to a location on the ground and the device is then stopped, - a series of artificial grass strand parts (62) which is held by two clamps is cut, and - by rotation of the drum, the artificial grass strand parts are positioned in the insertion position below the insertion device, and - the drum is then stopped, and - the insertion device then inserts the artificial grass strands in the ground by inserting the insertion pins in the ground, wherein the artificial grass strand parts are carried by the insertion pins. 13. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the device during operation performs a cycle, wherein the cycle comprises a rotation period and a stationary period, wherein: - in the rotation period, the drum is rotated through a cycle angle, wherein a series of artificial grass strand parts is positioned below the insertion device and a new series of artificial grass strand parts is clamped, and - in the stationary period, the front series of artificial grass strand parts is released by the clamps and inserted in the ground by the insertion device. 14. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the clamps are first brought to a loose state by means of a clamp actuator prior to insertion of the insertion pins, so that the series of artificial grass parts which is in the insertion position is no longer clamped by the clamps. 15. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, wherein the artificial grass strands are cut before they are positioned below the insertion device.

Patentansprüche 1. Vorrichtung zum Einsetzen künstlicher Grasstränge (10) in einen Boden, aufweisend: - einen Rahmen (12), der zum Tragen verschie dener Teile der Vorrichtung ausgebildet ist, - eine Vielzahl an Spulen (14) mit auf ihnen aufgewickelten künstlichen Grassträngen (60), - mindestens eine Trommel (16A, 16B), welche rotierbar an dem Rahmen montiert ist und um eine im Wesentlichen horizontale Rotationsachse (51 ) rotierbar ist, wobei die Trommel zum Aufnehmen einer Vielzahl an künstlichen Grassträngen, welche von den Spulen abgewickelt sind, und zum Rotieren der künstlichen Grasstränge mit der Bewegung der Trommel ausgelegt ist, wobei die Trommel eine Vielzahl an Klemmvorrichtungen aufweist (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F), welche, in Seitenansicht gesehen, um die Rotationsachse (51) herum angeordnet sind, wobei die Klemmvorrichtungen mit der Trommel rotierbar sind, wobei die Klemmvorrichtungen zum Halten eines Abschnitts (62) des künstlichen Grasstrangs von jedem künstlichen Grasstrang (60) eingerichtet sind, welcher zwischen einer vorderen Klemmvorrichtung und einer hinteren Klemmvorrichtung - gesehen in Rotationsrichtung-einspannbar ist und erlauben, dass die Abschnitte (62) der künstlichen Grasstränge mit der Trommel rotierbar sind, - mindestens eine Schneidvorrichtung (36) zum Durchschneiden der künstlichen Grasstränge, sodass die eingespannten Abschnitte (62) der künstlichen Grasstränge von dem restlichen Teil der jeweiligen künstlichen Grasstränge abtrennbar sind, - mindestens eine Einsetzvorrichtung (70) welche eine Vielzahl von Einsetzstiften (72) und mindestens einen Aktuator (74) aufweist, wobei der Aktuator die Einsetzstifte in den Boden über eine Tiefe (H1) einsetzt, wobei die Trommel zum Rotieren eine Reihe von Abschnitten (62) der künstlichen Grasstränge unter die Einsetzvorrichtung ausgelegt ist, wobei die Einsetzvorrichtung (70) zum Einsetzen der Abschnitte der künstlichen Grasstränge, welche unter die Einsetzvorrichtung rotiert wurden, in den Boden ausgelegt ist. 2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei während des Betriebs die Vorrichtung einen Durchlauf durchläuft, wobei der Durchlauf eine Rotationsperiode und eine stationäre Periode aufweist, wobei - die Trommel während der Rotationsperiode um einen Durchlaufwinkel (ß) rotiert, wobei eine Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge unter der Einsetzvorrichtung positioniert und eine neue Reihe künstlicher Grasstränge eingespannt wird und - in der stationären Periode eine vordere Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge von den Klemmvorrichtungen freigegeben und von der Einsetzvorrichtung in den Boden eingesetzt wird. 3. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Trommel, in Seitenansicht gesehen, vier, fünf, sechs sieben oder acht Klemmvorrichtungen aufweist. 4. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei - in Seitenansicht gesehen und entlang des Pfades, der von den Klemmvorrichtungen und einer Führung vorgegeben ist, gemessen - die Klemmvorrichtungen gegenseitige Abstände von 30 bis50cm, vorzugsweise 35 bis45cm und besonders bevorzugt 38 bis 42 cm aufweisen. 5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Einsetzstifte in der Trommel angeordnet sind. 6. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Trommel eingerichtet ist, einen Vorrat von zumindest einer Reihe abgeschnittener Abschnitte künstlicher Grasstränge vorzuhalten. 7. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede der Klemmvorrichtungen eingerichtet ist, zumindest 50 Abschnitte künstlicher Grasstränge zu halten und dazu die Klemmvorrichtung zumindest die gleiche Anzahl von Klemmschuhen (82) aufweist. 8. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Klemmvorrichtung (50) eine Reihe von vorderen Klemmschuhen (51A) und eine Reihe von hinteren Klemmschuhen (51 B) aufweist, insbesondere ein vorderer Klemmschuh und ein hinterer Klemmschuh für jede der zumindest 50 Bahnen, wobei ein Zwischenraum (57) zwischen den vorderen Klemmschuhen und den hinteren Klemmschuhen ausgebildet ist, wobei die Schneidvorrichtung (36) derart eingerichtet ist, dass ein Schnitt durch die künstlichen Grasstränge in dem Zwischenraum durchführbar ist, sodass durch die vorderen Klemmschuhe die hinteren Enden der abgeschnittenen Abschnitte der künstlichen Grasstränge (62) haltbar sind und durch die hinteren Klemmschuhe die vorderen Enden der künstlichen Grasstränge (60) haltbar sind. 9. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorgehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Klemmvorrichtungen (50) durch ein Federelement vorspannbar sind, wobei die künstlichen Grasstränge automatisch geklemmt werden, wenn sie in der Klemmvorrichtung platziert werden, ohne dass dafür weiteres Zutun erforderlich ist, und wobei die Vorrichtung einen Klemmvorrichtungsaktuator aufweist, der die zwei Klemmvorrichtungen (50), die den Abschnitt des künstlichen Grasstrangs zum Einbringen unter die Einsetzvorrichtung (70) halten, deaktiviert, bevor die Abschnitte künstlicher Grasstränge durch die Einsetzvorrichtung (70) eingesetzt werden. 10. Verfahren zum Einsetzen von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge in einen Boden, das Verfahren umfasst: - Bereitstellen einer Vorrichtung entsprechend einer der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, - Vorwärtsbewegen der Vorrichtung über dem Boden zu einer Stelle und Anhalten der Vorrichtung an dieser Stelle, - Befördern einer Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge (62) unter die Einsetzvorrichtung (70) durch Rotation der Trommel (16A, 16B), wobei die Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge, von der Seite und in Relation zur Rotationsrichtung der Trommel gesehen, zwischen einer vorderen Klemmvorrichtung (50A) und einer hinteren Klemmvorrichtung (50B) eingespannt ist, - Anhalten der Trommel und - Einsetzen der Abschnitte künstlicher Grasstränge durch die Einsetzvorrichtung in den Boden. 11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, wobei - von der Seite aus gesehen - die Klemmvorrichtungen in gegenseitigen Abständen von 30 bis 50 cm, vorzugsweise 35 bis 45 cm und besonders bevorzugt 38 bis 42 cm gelegen sind. 12. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Verfahrensansprüche, wobei - die Vorrichtung (10) zu einer Stelle auf dem Boden bewegt und dann angehalten wird, - eine Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge (62), welche von zwei Klemmvorrichtungen gehalten werden, abgeschnitten wird und - durch Rotation der Trommel die Abschnitte künstlicherGrasstränge in einer Einsetzposition unter der Einsetzvorrichtung positioniert werden, - die Trommel dann angehalten wird, und - die Einsetzvorrichtung dann die künstlichen Grasstränge in den Boden durch Einsetzen der Einsetzstifte in den Boden einsetzt, wobei die Abschnitte künstlicher Grasstränge durch die Einsetzstifte mitgeführt werden. 13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Verfahrensansprüche, wobei die Vorrichtung während des

Betriebs einen Durchlauf durchläuft, wobei der Durchlauf eine Rotationsperiode und eine stationäre Periode aufweist, wobei - die Trommel während der Rotationsperiode um einen Durchlaufwinkel rotiert, wobei eine Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge unter der Einsetzvorrichtung positioniert und eine neue Reihe künstlicher Grasstränge eingespannt wird und - in der stationären Periode eine vordere Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge von den Klemmvorrichtungen freigegeben und von der Einsetzvorrichtung in den Boden eingesetzt wird. 14. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Verfahrensansprüche, wobei die Klemmvorrichtungen erst durch einen Klemmvorrichtungsaktuator vor dem Einsetzen der Einsetzstifte in einen ungespannten Zustand gebracht werden, sodass eine Reihe von Abschnitten künstlicher Grasstränge, welche sich in der Einsetzposition befindet, nicht mehr durch die Klemmvorrichtungen eingespannt ist. 15. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Verfahrensansprüche, wobei die künstlichen Grasstränge geschnitten werden, bevor sie unter der Einsetzvorrichtung positioniert sind.

Revendications 1. Dispositif (10) d’insertion de touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels dans le sol, le dispositif comprenant : - un cadre (12) qui est configuré pour supporter les différents éléments du dispositif, -une pluralité de bobines (14) sur lesquelles des brins d’herbe artificiels (60) sont enroulés, - au moins un tambour(16A, 16B) qui est monté de manière rotative sur le cadre et qui tourne sur un axe de rotation (51) sensiblement horizontal, dans lequel le tambour est conçu pour recevoir une pluralité de brins d’herbe artificiels qui sont déroulés des bobines et pourfaire tourner ces brins d’herbe artificiels avec le mouvement du tambour, dans lequel le tambour comprend une pluralité de pinces (50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F) qui sont disposées, en vue de côté, autourde l’axe de rotation (51 ), dans lequel les pinces tournent conjointement avec le tambour, dans lequel les pinces sont conçues pour maintenir une touffe (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels de chaque brin d’herbe artificiels serré entre une pince avant et une pince arrière, par référence au sens de rotation, et pour permettre aux touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels détourner conjointement avec le tambour, - au moins un dispositif de coupe (36) destiné à couper les brins d’herbe artificiels de sorte que les touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels serrées sont coupées du reste des brins d’herbe artificiels respectifs, - au moins un dispositif d’insertion (70) qui comprend une pluralité de broches d’insertion (72) et au moins un actionneur (74), dans lequel l’ac-tionneur insère les broches d’insertion dans le sol sur une profondeur (H1), dans lequel le tambour est conçu pour faire tourner la série de touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion, dans lequel le dispositif d’insertion (70) est conçu pour insérer dans le sol les touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels qui ont été amenées par rotation au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion. 2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel en fonctionnement, le dispositif effectue un cycle, dans lequel le cycle comporte une période de rotation et une période d’immobilisation, dans lequel : - pendant la période de rotation, le tambour est mis en rotation sur un angle de cycle (ß), dans lequel une série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est positionnée au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion et une nouvelle série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est serrée, et - pendant la période d’immobilité, la série avant de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est libérée par les pinces et insérée dans le sol par le dispositif d’insertion. 3. Dispositifselon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le tambour comporte, en vue de côté, 4, 5, 6, 7 ou 8 pinces. 4. Dispositifselon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les pinces sont disposées, les unes par rapport aux autres, à des intervalles de 30 à 50 cm, en particulier de 35 à 45 cm, plus particulièrement à des intervalles de 38 42 cm, en vue de côté et mesurée le long du trajet défini par les pinces et des guides quelconques. 5. Dispositifselon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les broches d’insertion sont situées dans le tambour. 6. Dispositifselon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le tambour est conçu pour maintenir un stock d’au moins une série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels coupées. 7. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chaque pince est conçue pour tenir au moins 50 brins d’herbe artificiels, et pour cela la pince comporte au moins le même nombre de mâchoires de pince (82). 8. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chaque pince (50) comprend une série de mâchoires avant (51A) et une série de mâchoires arrière (51 B), en particulier une mâchoire avant et une mâchoire arrière pour chacune des au moins cinquante pistes, dans lequel un espace (57) est ménagé entre les mâchoires avant et les mâchoires arrière, dans lequel le dispositif de coupe (36) est conçu pour sectionner les brins d’herbe artificiels dans l’espace de sorte que les mâchoires avant tiennent les extrémités arrière des touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels coupées et les mâchoires arrière tiennent les extrémités avant des brins d’herbe artificiels (60). 9. Dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les pinces (50) sont préalablement tendues au moyen d’un élément de force élastique, dans lequel les brins d’herbe artificiels sont pincés automatiquement une fois placés dans la pince, sans qu’une autre action ne soit pour cela nécessaire et dans lequel le dispositif comprend un actionneur de pince qui désactive les deux pinces (50), qui maintiennent la touffe (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels destinée à être insérée au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion (70) avant l’insertion des touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels par le dispositif d’insertion. 10. Procédé d’insertion de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels brin dans le sol, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à : - produire un dispositif selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, -faire avancer le dispositif au-dessus du sol jusqu’à un endroit et arrêter le dispositif à cet endroit, -amener une série de touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificielsjusqu’au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion (70) par rotation du tambour (16A, 16B), dans lequel la série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est pincée entre une pince avant (50A) et une pince arrière (50B), en vue de côté et par rapport au sens de rotation du tambour, - arrêter le tambour, et - insérer les touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels dans le sol au moyen du dispositif d’insertion. 11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel les pinces sont situées, en vue de côté, à des distances mutuelles de 30 à 50 cm, en particulier de 35 à 45 cm, plus particulièrement de 38 à 42 cm. 12. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications de procédé précédentes, dans lequel : - le dispositif (10) est déplacé vers un endroit sur le sol et le dispositif est ensuite arrêté, - une série de touffes (62) de brins d’herbe artificiels, qui est tenue par deux pinces, est coupée, et - par rotation du tambour, les touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels sont positionnées dans la position d’insertion au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion, et - le tambour est alors arrêté, et - le dispositif d’insertion insère ensuite les brins d’herbe artificiels dans le sol par insertion des broches d’insertion dans le sol, dans lequel les touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels sont portées par les broches d’insertion. 13. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications de procédé précédentes, dans lequel le dispositif effectue, en cours de fonctionnement, un cycle, dans lequel le cycle comprend une période de rotation et d’une période d’immobilisation, dans lequel : - pendant la période de rotation, le tambour est mis en rotation sur un angle de cycle (ß), une série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est positionnée au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion et une nouvelle série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est serrée, et - pendant la période d’immobilisation, la série avant de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels est libérée par les pinces et insérée dans le sol par le dispositif d’insertion. 14. Procédé selon l’un quelconque des revendications de procédé précédentes, dans lequel les pinces sont tout d’abord amenées dans un état relâché au moyen d’un actionneurde pince avant l’insertion des broches d’insertion de sorte que la série de touffes de brins d’herbe artificiels, qui se trouve dans la position d’insertion, n’est plus pincée par les pinces. 15. Procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications de procédé précédentes, dans lequel les brins d’herbe artificiels sont coupés avant d’être positionnés au-dessous du dispositif d’insertion.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • WO 200179611 A1 [0007] [0018] · EP 1384817 A [0008] [0019] [0020] [0118]

Claims (5)

1. MŰFŰ'SZÁLAKNAK A TALm&amp;mÚ .WltMZ&amp;fc M©M3AlÓ KÉSZÜLÉK SZA8AC3Íey^!í#N1P^^: m.Méámrn no> ^ huüp-émÉ*· Mppék magéban foglal: - egy tartókeret (¾ «# a kfeullk keíöbbözl témmm tartására vád kialakítva, - orsók (14) sokaságát a rájuk tokért műfű-szálakkal (60), - legalább agy dobot (i6A, 16B)> :ameiy fólgéthatóai M erősítve, és amefy agy nagyjából vizszjnfeeiofórgiiÉeógely íSÍ) körül forog, ardéiy dob; úgy van kialakítva,, hogy befogadja azoknak a jfll^pÉe ii vannak tok eredve a.? orsókról, ás kogy ezeket a mőfurszálá&amp;Mv^" Öbt*· .dóoxgásé'' Ü^én·: forgassa, amely dob magában foglal több befogétagot (Söé, főik 'I0C, 500* 506, SQF), amelyek oldalnézetből tekmtve a forgástengely (SÍ) kóröl helyezkednek el,, amely befogotagok egyottforogeak. dobbal, es amely befogótagok úgy vannak, kialakítva, begy mindegyik müfú-szálnak egy murü-szákeszéf (62) egy, a forgás Anyába tekintve elülső befogótag, illetve egy batuisó oofoyátao között, tartsák, és begy lehetővé tegyék a myfu-száirészek együttforgását a dobbal,,: - legalább egy vágóeszközt (%) é műfű-szálak átvágására, úgpögy a iéfőliéi: müfu-szálnészek (62) az adott, műfű-szálak többi részérói le vannak vágva, - legalább egy behelyező eszközt (70), amely több behelyezel tüskét (72) és egaiaob egy működtető eszközt (74) foglal magában, áméfy Működtető eszköz bizonyos mélységre (Hl) helyezi a talajba a behelyező tüskéket, továbbá a dob ügy van kialakítva, hogy a műfü-szálrészek (62) sorát a behelyező eszköz alá forgassa, a behelyező eszköz (70) pedig egy vad: kíáiakltveyéögy « behelyező eszköz alá forgatott müfu-száirészakat behelyezze a talajba:, 2< Az i, igénypont szerinti késziillklá^i^iéfiöi#'Pfttikllli'^i#H'IÉÍö§£bá$t: végre, amely ciklus egy forgás: szakaszból és egy stacionárius szakaszból áll, amelyek kézül: - a forgási szakaszban a dob; egy bizonyos ciklusszögben {§) forog, a műfű-szál részek egy sora a behelyező eszköz, alá kerül, a befogótagok pedig a müíü -szál részek egy uj sorét föfják: b% és ~ a stagonáöMs szakaszban a műfű-szilféizék elülső sorát a beíogóta§nk elengedik, a behelyező eszköz pedig behelyezi őket a talajba.
2. 3. Az t, vagy a 2. igénypont szerinti készülik,: amelyben oldalnézetből tekintve a dobnak 4, 5, 6., 7 vágy 8 hefogétagja van.
3. 4. Az «iit6 ;sfinydöntök bármelyike szerinti készülék, amelyben ~ oldalnézetből tekintve, valamint a befogőtagok és b|rroe|y|k; v«aót|tag által meghatározott út mentén mérve - a dobsiitagok ^ymistöl Í0-IÖ o-mes, kpihösen 3Sr45 crn-es, mát Igliöb: |β·» 4¾ crmes térlözökkei. helyezkednek Ml 6, m Miké igénypontok bármelyike szerinti %§§z&amp;éK amöíyböo a behelyezi tüskék a dobban vannak eiimivezye.
4. 6, Az elűző igénypontok bármelyiké szeihfi készülék, amelyben a dob úgy W&amp;. kialakítva, hogy vágott műfű-saitfésaakinok logalldb agy sorát tartsa készleten,
5. 7. Az előző igénypontok bármelyike szewti készülék,, amelyben mindegyik hefögötag égy van tóálakitva, hogy legalább 50 műfű-szálat taftdon, és emiatt a befágotágnák legalább ugyanennyi.· befogösarúja (82) van. : B, Az előző igénypontok bármelyike szerinti készülék,· amelyben mindegyik öelégötisg (501 magában foglal egy sor első sarut (51 A) és egy sor hátuísé sarut (51¾ különösén egy elülső sarut és egy hátulsó sarut a legalább ölvén pálya mindegyike számára,, amely elülső saruk és; bátplsö saruk egymle között egy rést (57) határoznak meg, és a vágóeszköz (36) úgy van kialakítva, hogy a möíu-száíakat a résben vágja át úgy, hogy az élsl sarok a vágott möfö^zéírészek (12) iitülsi végeit, a hátulsé saruk pedig a mtlfőrszáiak; (60) elülső végeit tartják. f> Az eflzl Igénypontok bármelyike szenoti készülék, amelyben a befogótagok (60) egy ragiétőve! rendelkező elemmel elő vannak feszítve, és amelyben a mufö-szátok e anélkül higy ebhez külön lépésre lenne szükség - a öefögótagda kérőivé automatikusan befogásra kerülnek, továbbá a készülék magában foglal egy befogotag-mgkbdfető eszközt, amely öezakhvatja azt a két befogd tagol (50), amelyek a behelyezendő műfű-szál részt (62) a behelyező aszköz; (70) alatt tartják, mielőtt á behelyező eszköz a műfő-száttészaket behelyezi. ÍÚ, bijárás müfü-szá-részek talajba való behelyezésére, amely eljárás; magában foglalja, hogy: - rendelkezésre: bocsátunk egy, az: előző igénypontok bármelyike szerinti készüléket, előrefelé mozgatjuk a készüléket a talajon egy adott helyré, Is megaintjuk a készülékét eren a helyen, - a behelyező eszköz (70) alá visszük a niütü-szálrészek (62) egy sörét a óbb (Ί6Α, 161) forgatásával, amely müfű-szálrészekböl illő sori befogjuk egy okiaioézitblf tekintve és a dob forgás! Irányéhoz képest elülső befggőtég <S0A), Illetve egy hátuiső befogötag: ||0B) közé, - maga hőjük a dobot, és ^behelyezzük a müfőmzálrlszéket aitaiajbá a béhéiyézö készülékkel. U. Α: f Ő, Jiioypönf ^§φί| eljárás, amelyben a befogepgokat oldalnézetből lekihtyé 30-50 őm, különösen még iblsáfefeΜ*$2ί:&amp;® távolságban helyezzük el JiyoiéstdL 14 Az előzd enáráss igénypontok b4nr#Mk«eri'.«$ eljárás, apalynék - a készüléket (101 égy adott m$ré mozgatlak a tppfb majd meglíiitjuk a készüléket, ~ levágjuk mú?u-í>záirész«knek (62) egy sorát, amelyet két beíogétag tart, iis * a dob forgatáséval a behelyező eszköz alá, a behelyező pozícióba visszük a müfö-szájmszeket, és - azután megállítjuk a dobot, és »'M tpbalyézo készülék aábéhéiyáéői tüskéknek a piajbá helyezésével bébeiyozf a mu fű - szá irészekef a talajba, amely műfű-szálrészeket a behelyező tüskék hordozzák, |3. Az előző eijárésl igénypontok bármelyike szerinti eljárás, ameiyrtéi a készülék a működés során ciklust hajt vegre, amely ciklus egy forgási szakaszból #i egy stacionárius szakaszból áh, és ezek kézül: - a-forgási szakaszban a dobot egy bizonyos uklusszögön át forgatjuk, a müfCbszakészék egy sora a behelyező eszköz alá kerül, a befogótagok pedig a mtlfu'száhészek egy új sorátfogják be, és > a stacionárius szakaszban a mufu-száirészek elülső sorát a üstfogótagok eieggedik, é behelyező eszköz pedig bebelye®* őket» Pfejba> 3.4, Az. előző eljárási Igénypontok bármelyike: szerint: ebáras, amelynél a hePgőpgokat á behelyező tüskék behelyezése étőftr először klöiéott állapotba hozzak egy befögéisg-müködtető eszkozzeu úgyhogy a mtjlü-száiréPd^hAk a bebeiyezesí pozícióban lévő sorát a befogótagok mar nem fogják be, IS, Az előző eljárási igénypontok bármelyiké szerinti eljárás, ámelyoés a merő- ezá.ü északéi - mielőtt a behelyező eszköz alá visszük őket - elvágjuk. (A méghatáfeazötti