Device for controlling the movement of needles of an acupuncture device and acupuncture device

Abstract

Device for controlling a moving force component along the path of the needles of a needling device, the device being intended to achieve consolidation by needling nonwoven fiber yarns or fiber sheets, characterised in that it comprises: a drive rod (27) adapted to be connected to the needles and / or a needle board and / or to an element fixed to the needle board or to the needles so as to cause them to reciprocate in one direction, an eccentric shaft (21) and a connecting rod (22), the eccentric shaft driving the connecting rod to rotate along a rotation axis, in particular in the vertical direction and in the direction of extension of the vertical direction, the connecting rod (22) being connected to the drive rod (27) via an intermediate lever element (23), the intermediate lever element (23) being rotatable about a rotation axis (24), in particular parallel to the rotation axis of the eccentric shaft, the lever being articulated on the one hand to the drive rod, in particular along an axis parallel to the pivot and at a distance therefrom, and on the other hand to the drive rod, in particular at a point at a distance from the pivot, so that the drive rod can reciprocate in one direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for controlling the path movement of the needle of a needling device, in particular to a component for controlling the needle of an elliptical needling device to perform elliptical path movement in the MD direction, and a needling device having such a control device, in particular to an elliptical needling device. Background Art

[0002] A conventional elliptical needling device, which is used to achieve consolidation by needling, in particular, non-woven fiber yarns or fiber sheets, comprises at least one needle board, in front of which the fiber yarn or fiber sheet passes in the forward direction, machine direction or MD direction, and a drive device configured to reciprocate at least one needle board and / or needles in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the fiber yarn or fiber sheet, so that the needles pass through the fiber yarn or fiber sheet in one direction and then have an elliptical trajectory in the other direction.

[0003] In order to make the needle plate and the needles realize elliptical motion, we provide an MD driving device, which is configured to transmit an MD component force to the needles and / or the needle plate to realize elliptical motion.

[0004] The known MD drive devices are complex and take up a lot of space. We would like to have a drive device with a simpler structure that can be adjusted when running and stopping. In addition, in some cases, we would like to place these MD drives in a sealed housing, longitudinally next to the needle plate drive device, so a more compact structure is required. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a force control device for controlling the needles of a needling device (e.g., an elliptical needling device) to reciprocate along a given direction (e.g., MD direction) and a given path (e.g., elliptical) is provided, aiming to achieve consolidation by needling a nonwoven fiber yarn or fiber sheet. It comprises at least one needle board with a needle field and a drive device, which applies a reciprocating motion to at least one needle board and / or needle, so that the needle passes along a given path (e.g., elliptical) in one direction, and then the fiber yarn or fiber sheet passes in front of the needle board in the machine or forward MD direction for consolidation.

[0006] According to an advantageous embodiment, the given direction is the MD direction, the given path is an ellipse, and the drive means comprises an MD drive means configured to apply an MD component of an elliptical motion to at least one needle board and / or needle.

[0007] According to another advantageous embodiment, the given direction is a vertical direction, the given path is a straight line, and the needle reciprocates in the vertical direction.

[0008] The present invention further relates to an acupuncture device, in particular an elliptical acupuncture device, which comprises the control device according to the present invention.

[0009] The needling device comprises one or more columns, one or more needle plates are connected to the columns in an inclined manner, a longitudinal drive device applies reciprocating motion to each column in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, a part of the column or each column and the longitudinal drive device are in a sealed housing, and the MD control device is also in the sealed housing.

[0010] According to the invention, a system is provided which is less complex and more compact from a mechanical point of view than the systems of the prior art. In particular, it is no longer necessary to produce a phase shift between the two eccentric shafts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] By way of example, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a partially cutaway overall front view of an acupuncture device including a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of .

[0014] Figure 2 is a partially cutaway overall front view of another acupuncture device including a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2A 4 is a partial front view and partial cross-sectional view of an acupuncture device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 is a partially cutaway overall front view of another acupuncture device including a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional overall elevational view of another acupuncture device including a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 is an overall perspective view of one embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5B is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

[0021] Fig. 6A is an overall diagram of another embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Rear view of the control system.

[0023] Figure 7 is an overall diagram of yet another embodiment of a control system according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 is an overall front view, partially in section, of a needling device including a control device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] exist Figure 1 , a first embodiment of the acupuncture device according to the present invention is shown. The housing is shown in a cross-sectional view, and the rest of the acupuncture device is shown in a front view, with a portion of the transverse guide box cut away.

[0026] The needling device comprises a needle board 10 consisting of needles 1 extending from the lower surface of the needle board, arranged in rows and columns or in a random or pseudo-random manner. The needle board 10 is carried by a crossbeam 2, called a movable crossbeam. The crossbeam 2 and the needle board 10 are integral with each other, but removable, making it easy to replace the original needle board with a new one when the needles are worn and / or broken. The purpose of the needles is to reciprocate from top to bottom and from bottom to top in an elliptical trajectory so as to pass through in one direction and then in the other direction the fiber yarn or fiber sheet passes in front of it in the forward direction or MD direction, that is, from left to right in the horizontal direction of the figure.

[0027] The longitudinal column 3 extending along the longitudinal axis 11 perpendicular to the needle board plane is fixed on the crossbeam 2 so that the movement trajectories of the column 3, crossbeam 2, needle board 10 and needles are the same, ie have the same elliptical path.

[0028] A drive device is provided, which transmits a movement having a force component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 11 and a force component in the MD direction to the column 3 (and thus also to the needle board 10, the crossbeam 2 and the needle 1), so that the needle has a Figure 1 The elliptical trajectory represented by an ellipse in .

[0029] The sealed housing 7 surrounds the drive device and a part of the column 3, a part of the column 3 passes through the wall of the column 7 through the transverse guide box 4, and the interface between the transverse guide box 4 and the column 7 is sealed by a seal. According to a possible embodiment, the seal can be in the form of a bellows seal 50. The transverse guide box 4 is installed to be inclined relative to the axis 5 fixed to the housing 7, parallel to the CD direction (perpendicular to the MD direction and the longitudinal axis 11). The column 3 can slide in the transverse guide box 4. The guide ring 16 is arranged on the inner wall of the transverse guide box 4 to ensure sliding and lubrication between the column 3 and the transverse guide box 4. The sealing between the column 3 and the transverse guide box 4 is achieved by a sealing ring not shown in the figure connected to the bottom of the transverse guide box.

[0030] It is very advantageous, in particular with regard to the life of the housing seal, for the fixed shaft 5 to be positioned substantially at the opening in the housing through which the traversing guide box 4 passes.

[0031] The drive means comprise first longitudinal drive means configured to impart a reciprocating motion to the column in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first drive means consist of two systems 6 of eccentric shafts 12 and connecting rods 13 and intermediate connecting rods 9.

[0032] The eccentric shaft 12 rotates in the opposite direction (eg Figure 1 The two connecting rods 13 are driven by the two arrows at the top. The feet 14 of the two connecting rods 13 are respectively hinged at one end of the middle connecting rod 9 extending in the MD direction. The middle connecting rod 9 also includes a hook 15 extending downward in the center. The end of the hook 15 is hinged to the upper end of the column 3.

[0033] These first longitudinal drive means make it possible to move the upright 3 back and forth only along the longitudinal axis.

[0034] A second transverse drive means is also provided in the form of a main connecting rod 8 arranged in the MD direction. One end of the rod 8 is hinged to the transverse guide box 4 at a point 17 inside the housing 7, which point 17 is at a certain distance from the axis of rotation 5 of the transverse guide box, in particular at the upper end of the box. As a result, the transverse guide box 4 reciprocates and oscillates, causing the column 3 to pass through the column 3 by a reciprocating movement in the MD direction, or substantially in the direction MD (such as Figure 1 The other end of the rod 8 is coupled to the control system of the forward system, which is shown by the double arrow above the rod 8. Figure 5 , 6A , any one of those shown in 6B and 7.

[0035] On the other hand, the system balancing hook 19 is connected to the traversing guide box 4, which is attached to the traversing guide box 4 on the side opposite to the side where the advancement system is located.

[0036] Finally, the advancement system is housed in a sealed housing and can be operated either by an independent electric motor, or through one of the control shafts 6 of the first vertical drive means, or through a connecting rod directly mounted on an eccentric integral with one of the control shafts 6 of the first drive means.

[0037] exist Figure 2 , another embodiment of the acupuncture device according to the present invention is shown. The housing is shown in a cross-sectional view, and the rest of the acupuncture device is shown in a front view, wherein a portion of the traversing guide box is cut away.

[0038] The needling device comprises two needle boards 10', which comprise needles 1' protruding from the bottom side of the needle boards, arranged in rows and columns or in a random or pseudo-random manner, as is well known in the art. Each needle board 10' is supported by a respective crossbeam 2', the so-called moving crossbeam. The needles are intended to reciprocate along an elliptical path and to shuttle up and down in one direction, and then, in the other direction, the fiber yarn or fiber sheet passes in front of the needle board in the forward direction or MD direction, i.e. from left to right in the horizontal direction in the figure.

[0039] Two longitudinal rows of posts 3' extend along longitudinal axes 11" perpendicular to the needle board plane. The posts 3' are respectively fixed to the movable crossbeam 2' so that the movements of the posts 3', the movable crossbeam 2', the needle board 10' and the needles are identical, i.e. have the same elliptical path.

[0040] A drive device is provided to impart to each upright 3' (as well as the needle board 10', the moving crossbeam 2' and the needle 1') a movement having a component force in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 11' and a movement having a component force in the MD direction, so as to have Figure 2 The elliptical trajectory shown.

[0041] The sealed housing 7' encloses the drive means and part of the column 3', the latter passing through the wall of the housing 7' by means of respective transverse guide boxes 4', the interface of which with the housing 7' being sealed by means of gaskets (not shown, but which may be made, for example, in the form of bellows seals, such as Figure 1A As shown). Each transverse guide box 4' is installed to be inclined relative to the axis 5', fixed relative to the housing 7' and parallel to the CD direction (perpendicular to the MD direction and the longitudinal axis 11'). Each column 3' can slide in its respective transverse guide box 4'. A guide ring 16' is arranged on the inner wall of each transverse guide box 4' to provide sliding and lubrication between the column 3' and the respective transverse guide box 4'. The seal between the column 3' and the respective transverse guide box 4' is provided by a seal not shown attached to the bottom of the guide tank.

[0042] The drive means comprise first longitudinal drive means configured to impart a reciprocating motion to each column in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. These first drive means consist of two 6' systems with eccentric shafts 12' and connecting rods 13'.

[0043] The eccentric shaft 12' rotates in the opposite direction (eg Figure 1 The two connecting rods 13' are driven by the two arrows at the top. The bottom feet 14' of the two connecting rods 13' are respectively hinged to one end of the corresponding column 3'.

[0044] These first vertical longitudinal drive means make it possible to impart to each upright 3 ′ a reciprocating movement in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0045] A second transverse drive is also provided in the form of a main link 8' and an auxiliary link 9', which is arranged in the MD direction and is located inside the housing 7'. One end of the rod 8' is hinged to one of the transverse guides 4' at a point 17' remote from the axis of rotation 5' of the box, in particular substantially at the upper end of the box. The other end of the rod 8' is coupled to a control system called an advancement system, which is described below in Figure 5 , 6A , any one of those shown in 6B and 7.

[0046] The two ends of the auxiliary rod 9' are respectively hinged to one of the boxes 4'. In particular, the rod 9' is also hinged to the end of the rod 8', which is hinged at the point 17'.

[0047] Therefore, the two transverse guide boxes 4' reciprocate, which causes the column 3' to pass through the column 3' by reciprocating along the MD direction or substantially along the MD direction, such as Figure 2 As shown by the double arrow above the middle rod 8'.

[0048] On the other hand, a system balancing hook 19 ′ is connected to the auxiliary rod 9 ′, which is connected to the auxiliary rod 9 ′ on the upper side between the two eccentric shafts 12 ′.

[0049] Finally, the advancement system is housed in a sealed housing and can be actuated by an independent electric motor or by one of the control eccentric shafts 12' of the first vertical drive means, or by a connecting rod directly mounted on an eccentric integral with one of the control eccentric shafts 12' of the first drive means.

[0050] In particular, if Figure 2A As shown, it corresponds to Figure 2 A variant of the embodiment of Figure 1In a variant embodiment, a mechanical connection is provided between the main connecting rod 8' and the transverse drive rod 51, which is driven by an eccentric shaft 12' of one of the two systems 6' with connecting rods and eccentric shafts, for example Figure 2A As shown, the eccentric shaft 12' also drives a connecting rod 13' which is hinged on the box 4' and is also directly connected to the connecting rod 8'. Figure 2A In this variant, an intermediate lever 52 is provided which is mounted rotatably relative to an axis 53 which is fixed relative to the housing 7 ′ and which is directly articulated at its two ends to the connecting rod 51 and to the main connecting rod 8 ′, respectively.

[0051] In the above description, the first longitudinal drive means is different from the second transverse drive means. Despite the advantages of dividing this approach into two distinct ones, however, a unique device is provided that performs both functions of the first and second devices without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0052] exist Figure 3 , another embodiment of an acupuncture device including a control system according to the present invention is shown. The housing is shown in a cross-sectional view, while the rest of the acupuncture device is shown in a front view.

[0053] The needling device comprises two needle boards 10'' comprising needles 1'' extending from the underside of their respective needle boards, which are arranged in rows and columns or in a random or pseudo-random manner, as is well known in the art. Each needle board 10'' is carried by a crossbeam 2'', called a movable crossbeam. The respective crossbeams 2'' and 10'' are detachably connected together so that the needle boards can be easily replaced with new ones when the needles are worn and / or broken. The direction of the reciprocating motion of the needles is elliptical, from top to bottom and from bottom to top, passing through the fiber yarn or fiber sheet in one direction and then in the other direction, in the feed direction or MD direction, that is, from left to right in the horizontal direction in the figure.

[0054] Two uprights 3" extending along a vertical longitudinal axis 11" perpendicular to the needle board plane are connected to a respective movable crossbeam 2" via two vertical intermediate rods 9, respectively.

[0055] Each vertical link 9" is hinged at its upper end, on the one hand, to the lower end of the corresponding upright 3", and, on the other hand, at its lower end, is 17" from the upper point of the respective movable crossbar 2".

[0056] A first longitudinal drive means is provided to impart to each upright 3" a linear reciprocating motion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 11", the longitudinal reciprocating motion being maintained vertically throughout the motion.

[0057] The sealed housing 7" encloses the first drive device and a portion of each supporting column 3", the latter passing through the wall of the housing 7" through a respective cross guide box 4". Each cross guide box 4" is fixedly mounted relative to the housing. Each column 3" slides in the guide groove of its respective cross guide box 4" when moving vertically forward and backward. The guide ring 18" is arranged on the inner wall of the cross guide box 4", providing sliding and lubrication between the column 3" and the guide groove 4". The seal between the column 3" and the cross guide box 4" is provided by a seal not shown attached to the bottom of the cross guide box.

[0058] The first longitudinal drive device comprises two eccentric shaft systems 6", the shafts of which drive the heads of the two connecting rods to rotate at the same speed in opposite directions. The feet of the two connecting rods are hingedly mounted on their respective columns.

[0059] These first vertical longitudinal drive means make it possible to give each column 3 ′ a reciprocating movement only along a vertical longitudinal axis.

[0060] A second transverse drive is also provided in the form of a main connecting rod 8" arranged in the MD direction. One end of the rod 8" is hinged at a hinge point 17" on the top of one of the crossbars 2" which can be moved to the vertical connecting rod. Thus, the movable crossbar 2" can be moved back and forth in the MD direction or substantially in the MD direction (e.g. Figure 3 The other end of the rod 8" is connected to a control system called a forward system, which can be similar to the following in Figures 5 to 7 Furthermore, the auxiliary rod 20" is hinged to the end of the main rod 8" on the one hand, in particular at the point 17" of the movable crossbeam 2", and on the other hand, another moving part also transmits its reciprocating motion in the MD direction to the latter.

[0061] exist Figure 4 , another embodiment of the acupuncture device according to the present invention is shown. The housing is shown in a cross-sectional view, while the rest of the acupuncture device is shown in a front view.

[0062] This needling device comprises a needle board 10'' which comprises needles 1'' extending from the bottom side of their respective needle boards in rows and columns, or in a random or pseudo-random manner, as is well known. The needle board 10'' is carried by a crossbeam 2'', called a movable crossbeam. The crossbeam 2'' and the needle board 10'' are detachably connected together so that they can be easily replaced with a new one when the needles are worn and / or broken. The direction of the reciprocating movement of the needles is elliptical, from top to bottom and from bottom to top, passing through the fiber sheet or fiber yarn in one direction and then in the other direction, in the feed direction or MD, that is, from left to right in the horizontal direction in the figure.

[0063] The longitudinal upright 3'''', which extends along a vertical longitudinal axis 11'''' perpendicular to the needle board plane, is connected to the moving crossbeam 2''''' by means of a vertical intermediate connecting rod 9''''.

[0064] The vertical connecting rod 9'' is hinged at its upper end to the lower end of the column 3'' on the one hand, and at its lower end, the upper part of the crossbeam 2'' is hinged to the position of the point 17''.

[0065] A first longitudinal drive is provided to impart a linear reciprocating motion to the column 3'" in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 11'" which remains vertical throughout the motion.

[0066] The sealing shell 7"' surrounds the first drive device and a part of the column 3"', the latter of which passes through the wall of the shell 7"' through the respective cross guide box 4"'. The cross guide box 4"' is fixedly mounted on the shell, and the column 3"' slides in the cross guide box 4""" groove when it moves back and forth in the vertical direction. The guide ring 18"' is arranged on the inner wall of each cross guide box 4"' to provide sliding and lubrication between the column 3"' and the respective cross guide box 4"'. The seal between the column 3"' and the cross guide box 4"' is provided by a seal not shown attached to the bottom of the cross guide box.

[0067] The first longitudinal drive means comprise two eccentric shaft systems 6"', the shafts of which drive the heads of the two connecting rods to rotate at the same speed in opposite directions. The feet of the two connecting rods are respectively mounted by hinges to one side leg of a T-shaped connecting rod 19"', while the main leg or connecting rod of the T-shaped connecting rod is hinged to the column 3"'. These first vertical longitudinal drive means make it possible to reciprocate to the column 3"' only along the vertical longitudinal axis.

[0068] A second transverse drive is also provided in the form of a main connecting rod 8"' arranged in the MD direction. One end of the connecting rod 8"' is hinged at a hinge point 17"' at the top of a crossbeam 2"' that can be moved to a vertical connecting rod. Thus, the moving crossbeam 2"' is given a reciprocating motion in the MD direction or substantially in the MD direction (e.g. Figure 4 The other end of the connecting rod 8"' is connected to the control system of the forward system, which can be particularly similar to the following Figures 5 to 7 shown.

[0069] exist Figure 5 , 6A , 6B and 7, respectively, show Figure 1 A control system for reciprocating motion of the rods 8, 8', 8" and 8"' in the direction MD of the embodiment, Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 are implementation modes, respectively.

[0070] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises an eccentric shaft 21 connected to a connecting rod 22, which is directly hinged on a vertical rod 23 of a single piece (or possibly composed of several parts without explicit description between them), which is pivoted perpendicularly to an offset fixed pivot 24, in the vertical direction, below the axis of articulation of the connecting rod 22 with the lever 23. A connecting rod 27 is directly connected to the lever 23. The connecting rod 27 is integral with the hook 25 and one end of the connecting rod 26, and its axis extends parallel to the axis 24.

[0071] The relative position of the rod 26, for the connecting rod 27, relative to the axis 24 of the lever pivoting in the vertical direction and / or relative to the axis of articulation of the connecting rod 22 with the lever can also be adjusted, the system consisting of an eccentric shaft 29 auxiliary adjustment and an adjustment rod 28. The adjustment rod 28 is hinged at its upper end to the eccentric shaft (or crankshaft) 29, while its lower end is pivotally mounted relative to the axis of the rod 26.

[0072] The lever has an opening in the form of a slot 30 in which the slide 25 slides in translation integrally with the rod 26 .

[0073] Depending on the position of the connecting rod 28 determined by appropriate rotation of the crankshaft 29, one can select and adjust the relative position of the slide 25 in the slot 30 so as to adjust the distance along the vertical axis of the rod between the axis 24 and the axis of the rod 26 (and therefore also the distance between the axis of the rod 26 and the axis of the connecting rod 22), which distance can vary between a zero value (a position in which the slide 25 is located at the top of the slot 30 so that the axis of the rod 26 is aligned with the axis 24, and a maximum adjustment position in which the slide 25 is located at the bottom of the slot 30).

[0074] The amplitude of the reciprocating motion of the rod 27 can be varied both in operation and at rest, this motion being reflected from the motion of the crankshaft 21 and the rod 22, acting on the lever 23. As for the connecting rod 27, it can be fixed or articulated to Figure 1 , 2 and on any one of the connecting rods 8, 8' and 8" of the embodiment 3.

[0075] exist Figure 5A In the Figure 5 In this variation, the distance between the connecting rod 22 and the driving rod 27 along the slot 30 of the articulation axis 31 of the connecting rod 22 on the lever 23 is adjusted by adjusting the position, which makes it possible to adjust the distance between the articulation axis 31 of the connecting rod 22 and the fixed pivot axis 24 of the lever, and thus also the distance between the axis 31 and the connecting rod 27. In this variant, the connecting rod 27 and the axis 24 are fixed, while Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the axis 31 and the axis 24 is fixed.

[0076] exist Figure 5B In the Figure 5 2 ', which is a variation of the arrangement of the invention. In this variation, the adjustment of the distance between the connecting rod 22 and the driving rod 27 is achieved by adjusting the position of the slot 30' formed in the lever 23 along the fixed pivot axis 24 of the rod. The axis 24 of the rod is integral with a hook 25' slidably mounted in the slot 30'. The connecting rod 22 is articulated to the lever 23 along an articulation axis 31' which is in a fixed position on the lever 23. The articulation end of the connecting rod 27 to the lever 23 is in a fixed position (e.g. Figure 5 Similarly, the rod 26 from the adjusting rod 28 is hinged to the lever 23 at a fixed position, so that the relative position of the axis 24 with respect to the rod 23, the relative position of the connecting rod 27 with respect to the axis 24 and the relative position of the connecting rod 22 with respect to the axis 24 can be adjusted by means of the rod 28, and thus the reciprocating stroke of the rod 27 can be adjusted. In this variant, the distance between the rod 27 and the rod 22 is fixed.

[0077] exist Fig. 6A and 6B Another embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 5 The implementation method and Fig. 6A and 6B The main difference between the embodiments is the way in which the position of the hook 25 relative to the slot 30 is adjusted.

[0078] In this embodiment, a spiral cam is used consisting of a disk 40 on which a spiral groove is formed, along which the rod 26 can move. During the rotation of the disk 40, the rod 26 follows the contour of the spiral groove, which has the effect of moving the rod 26 and thus the hook 25 along the slot 30. Depending on the position chosen for the rod 26 along the spiral, the rod 27 will obtain a maximum reciprocating stroke.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 4 , another embodiment is shown, in which cylinder 41 is used instead of Figure 5 The crankshaft 29, the rest of the embodiment is the same.

[0080] exist Fig. 6A , 6B and 7 described in the embodiment, it is possible to provide a method to replace the arrangement described therein, according to Figure 5A and 5B A variant arrangement is provided in which the distance between the axis 24 and the connecting rod 27 is set (as in Figure 5 ).

[0081] Combined with this Figures 1 to 4The acupuncture device of shows the device or control or advancement system according to the present invention. However, it can also be used with other acupuncture devices known in the prior art, such as those known from EP-A1-1736586, EP-B1-3372716, FR2738846, US6161269, etc. Thus, for example, in Figure 8 , another embodiment of an acupuncture device including a control system according to the present invention is shown.

[0082] The housing is shown in cross-section, while the remainder of the acupuncture device is shown in elevation.

[0083] The needling device comprises two needle boards 110, which comprise needles 101 extending from the underside of their respective needle boards, arranged in rows and columns or in a random or pseudo-random manner, as is well known in the art. Each needle board 110 is supported by a crossbeam 102, referred to as a movable crossbeam. The respective crossbeam 102 and needle board 110 are detachably integrated with each other to allow easy replacement of the needle board with a new one when the needles are worn and / or broken. The needles are to be reciprocated in a vertical direction from top to bottom and from bottom to top in one direction, and then in the other direction, a fiber sheet or fiber yarn is passed through the fiber sheet or fiber yarn in the forward direction or MD direction, i.e. from left to right in the horizontal direction in the figure.

[0084] Two longitudinal columns 103 extending along a vertical longitudinal axis 111 perpendicular to the plane of the needle board are respectively fixed to a respective moving crossbeam 102 .

[0085] The longitudinal drive means is arranged to impart a linear reciprocating motion to each upright 103 in a vertical direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 111, the reciprocating motion being maintained vertically throughout the motion.

[0086] The sealed housing 107 surrounds the drive device and a portion of each column body 103, and each column body 103 passes through the wall of the housing 107 by passing through a respective transverse guide box 104. Each transverse guide box 104 is fixedly mounted relative to the housing. Each column 103 slides in its respective transverse guide box 104 as it moves vertically back and forth. A guide ring 118 is provided on the inner wall of each transverse guide box 104 to provide sliding and lubrication between the column 103 and the respective transverse guide box 104. The seal between the column 103 and the transverse guide box 4" is provided by a seal not shown attached to the bottom of the transverse guide box.

[0087] The longitudinal drive comprises two systems 106 with eccentric shafts, the shafts of which drive the heads of two connecting rods rotating simultaneously at the same speed and in opposite directions. The feet of the two connecting rods are hingedly connected to the respective uprights.

[0088] These vertical longitudinal drive means allow reciprocating movement to each column 103 only along a vertical longitudinal axis.

[0089] Control means, in particular adjustment means, of the travel of the needle are also provided. These control means are arranged between the drive means 106 and each upright 103. They comprise a lever 123 to which a connecting rod 122 of the shaft 106 is hingedly mounted. The lever 123 is pivotable relative to a pivot axis 124 which deviates from the axis of articulation of the connecting rod 122 to the lever 123. A connecting rod 127 is coupled to the rod 123. The connecting rod 127 is integral with a slide 125 and with one end of a rod 126, the axis of which extends parallel to the axis 124.

[0090] The lever has an opening in the form of a slot 130 in which the slide 125 slides in translation integrally with the rod 126 (in Figure 7 126 is seen in the figure, which depicts the same control device including the rod 26 corresponding to the rod 126).

[0091] The relative position of the rod 126 with respect to the axis 124 along the rod can be adjusted by an adjustment system consisting of a cylinder 141 and an adjustment rod 128 , the pivot being hinged at one end to the cylindrical body 141 and at the other end to the rod 126 .

[0092] According to the position of the connecting rod 128 determined by the appropriate displacement of the cylindrical body 141, one can select and adjust the relative position of the slider 125 in the slot 130 so as to adjust the distance between the axis 124 along the operating rod and the axis of the rod 126, so that this distance can vary between a minimum value (the hook 125 is located at one end of the slot, so that the axis of the rod 126 is as close as possible to the axis 124, and a maximum adjustment position, in which the hook 125 is located at the other end of the slot and is as far away from the axis 124 as possible.

[0093] The amplitude of the reciprocating movement of the rod 127 can be varied both when in operation and when stationary, and this movement is reflected by the movement of the cylinder 141 and the rod 122 acting on the lever 123 .

[0094] exist Figure 8 In, yes Figure 7 The control device has been adapted to the acupuncture device. Figure 5 , 6A and one of the control devices shown in 6B.

[0095] In addition, within the scope of the present invention, it is possible to Figures 1 to 4 In some embodiments, a forward control device according to the present invention is provided to control the vertical movement of the column of the elliptical acupuncture device. In particular, in these embodiments, it can be provided that, Figures 1 to 4As shown, the forward control device of the present invention is implemented only for the MD component of the elliptical motion, on the contrary, in particular by providing two combined devices of the present invention, or for both the MD component and the vertical component, in particular by providing two combined devices of the present invention, one for the MD component and the other for the vertical component.

Claims

1. A control device for controlling the force component of the needles of a needling device along a given path in a given direction of movement, the control device being intended to achieve consolidation by needling a nonwoven fiber yarn or fiber sheet, the needling device comprising at least one needle board (10; 10'; 10"; 10"'), the needle board having a needle field and a drive device, the drive device being configured to reciprocate at least one of the needle boards and / or needles so that the needles have a path to traverse in one direction and then traverse the fiber yarn or fiber sheet in the machine direction or MD advancing direction, thereby consolidating, the control device being characterized by comprising: a drive rod (27) which can be coupled to the needle and / or at least one of the needle plates and / or an element integral with at least one or more needle plates so as to cause them to reciprocate in one direction, an eccentric shaft (21) and a connecting rod (22), the eccentric shaft driving the connecting rod to rotate along the axis of rotation, and the connecting rod (22) being connected to the drive rod (27) via an intermediate lever (23), the lever being integral or consisting of a plurality of parts which are not articulated with one another, the lever being mounted to pivot about a pivot (24) and on the other hand connected to the drive rod to impart a reciprocating motion in one direction to the drive rod, Wherein, the control device comprises an adjusting device for adjusting the reciprocating motion of the driving rod (27), The adjusting device adjusts the distance between the pivot (24) of the lever (23) and the driving rod (27) and / or the distance between the pivot (24) of the lever (23) and the connecting rod (22).

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises a slide (25; 25') which is integral with the drive rod (27) or the pivot (24) or the hinge shaft (31), the slide (25; 25') being used to hinge the connecting rod (22) to the lever (23), the slide and the lever being arranged to allow the slide to slide relative to the lever between several positions, and a fastening device for fixing the slide to the lever in each of the several positions.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustment device comprises a guide slot (30; 30'), the slide (25; 25') being able to slide between two extreme positions, the drive rod being in an upper position at the level of the pivot and as far away as possible from a lower position at the level of the pivot, so that the amplitude of the reciprocating movement of the connecting rod is adjusted according to the position of the slide in the slot connected to the lever.

4. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The device for fixing the position of the slide in the guide groove (30; 30') comprises an adjustment rod (26) connected to an adjustment link (28), the adjustment link being hinged to an auxiliary adjustment eccentric shaft (29), the rotation of which enables the slide to be adjusted and the position of the slide to be fixed in the guide groove.

5. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The device for fixing the slide in the guide groove comprises an adjusting rod (26) integral with a spiral cam, wherein the spiral cam comprises a disc (40) driven to rotate by an auxiliary adjusting shaft, and a spiral groove is arranged on the disc (40), and the adjusting rod can move along the spiral groove.

6. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The means for fixing the slide in the guide groove comprise an adjustment rod (26) connected to an adjustment link (28) driven by a jack (41), allowing a linear displacement of the adjustment link, the adjustment link being mounted to pivot relative to the axis of the adjustment rod.

7. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The given direction is the MD direction, the given path is an ellipse, and the driving device comprises an MD driving device configured to apply the MD component of its elliptical motion to at least one of the needle plates and / or needles.

8. A control device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The given direction is a vertical direction, the given path is a straight line, and the needle reciprocates in the vertical direction.

9. An acupuncture device comprising a control device according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The acupuncture device according to claim 9 comprises one or more columns, one or more corresponding needle plates are connected to one or more of the columns in an inclined manner, the acupuncture device is provided with a longitudinal drive device for applying reciprocating motion to one or more of the columns in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column, a portion of one or more of the columns and the longitudinal drive device are contained in a sealed housing, and the control device is also contained in the sealed housing.

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