Tufting machine and method for inserting yarn bundle into substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to a tufting machine having a frame, a drive unit and a tufting unit which can be moved relative to the frame such that it remains in a constant position relative to a substrate during a continuous advancement of the tufting machine. The invention also relates to a related method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tufting machine and a related method for inserting a bundle of yarns into a substrate.

[0002] Tufting machines are generally used to insert bundles of yarns into a substrate. Such a substrate can be, for example, a ground covered with soil or other covering and intended to be transformed into artificial grass or at least partially artificial turf by inserting the bundles of yarns. Tufting machines are also used to maintain or improve such surfaces.

[0003] Tufting machines are generally large and bulky devices that move over the area to be treated. This can be done by means of a dedicated drive or by using a towing vehicle. Depending on the requirement for the precise placement of the bundles of yarns to be inserted, in known embodiments, it may be necessary to stop the movement of the tufting machine in order to perform the tufting operation. Only in this case can it be ensured that the mechanism for inserting the bundles of yarns does not move during the insertion process. This has proven to be time-consuming in practice, since the tufting machine has to be stopped and restarted each time.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a tufting machine with an alternative or better design compared to known embodiments, for example, avoiding stopping for inserting the bundles of yarns. Another object of the present invention is to provide a related method.

[0005] According to the present invention, this is achieved by a tufting machine and a method as described in the respective main claims. Advantageous improvements are claimed, for example, in the respective dependent claims.

[0006] The present invention relates to a tufting machine. The tufting machine has a frame. The tufting machine has a drive unit designed to move the frame along the substrate at least in one forward direction. The tufting machine has a tufting unit designed to insert a plurality of bundles of yarns into the substrate during each tufting operation. The tufting machine has a horizontal movement unit designed to move the tufting unit relative to the frame at least in a direction opposite to the forward direction during the tufting operation.

[0007] By means of such a tufting machine, displacement of the tufting unit relative to the frame is possible. This allows the frame to move over the substrate at a constant speed, and the tufting unit is still able to remain in a constant position relative to the substrate for a period of time, such that the tufting operation can be performed at this position without changing the position of the tufting unit. This avoids the continuous stopping and starting of the tufting machine.

[0008] In particular, the frame can be understood to refer to the basic framework of a tufting machine. It can in particular be, wholly or partly, the outer boundary of the tufting machine. The drive unit can be designed, for example, to be electric, so that the tufting machine can be moved along the substrate by electrical energy. The drive unit can be designed to drive only in the forward direction, or to drive and / or control the direction of the tufting machine in both the forward and backward directions. The drive unit can also be designed as a towing vehicle or as an option for connection to a towing vehicle.

[0009] The tufting unit is generally the unit that performs the actual operation of inserting the tuft of yarns. It can be functionally connected to other components of the tufting machine, for example, to a supply source of the tuft of yarns or to a power supply component or a control component. The tufting unit is generally distinguished from other components within the tufting machine in that it is horizontally and generally also vertically movable, in particular relative to the frame.

[0010] The horizontal movement unit generally has components for guiding the tufting unit during the movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame. This can ensure that the movement takes place in the desired manner.

[0011] The horizontal movement unit can in particular be designed such that, during the tufting operation, it moves the tufting unit in a direction opposite to the forward direction at the same speed as the drive unit moves the frame along the substrate in the forward direction relative to the frame. This allows the tufting unit to be kept in exactly the same position relative to the substrate during the tufting operation. In particular, the controller can be configured to perform such a movement. However, in principle other types of relative movement are also possible. The horizontal movement unit can in particular be designed such that, during the tufting operation, when the drive unit moves the frame, it keeps the tufting unit at a point, in particular a constant point, on the substrate. This ensures that there is no relative movement of the tufting unit relative to the substrate during the tufting operation. Thereby the tuft of yarns is inserted into a defined position.

[0012] The horizontal movement unit can in particular be designed such that, between two directly consecutive tufting operations, it moves the tufting unit relative to the frame in the forward direction. This enables the tufting unit to be brought to a starting position from which it can again move in a direction opposite to the forward direction in order to be kept in a defined position on the substrate during the tufting operation.

[0013] The horizontal movement unit can in particular be designed such that, between two directly consecutive tufting operations, it moves the tufting unit in the forward direction relative to the frame at a speed that is at least 1.5 times and / or at most three times, or twice, the speed at which the drive unit moves the frame along the substrate in the forward direction. This can ensure that the tufting unit is again in the starting position in a timely manner.

[0014] The horizontal moving unit can be specifically designed to move the tufting unit relative to the frame from a starting position to an end position during the tufting operation and, between two directly consecutive tufting operations, to move it from the end position to the starting position. The starting position is generally the position from which the tufting unit is held in a defined position relative to the substrate. The tufting operation should be completed at the latest when the end position is reached. The tufting unit is then brought back to the starting position again.

[0015] The horizontal moving unit can be specifically designed to move the tufting unit linearly relative to the frame. This can ensure proper guidance of the tufting unit. Linear guidance can in particular ensure a constant height from the substrate.

[0016] It should be mentioned that, in particular, the controller can be configured and / or programmed to activate components such as hydraulic cylinders, which will be mentioned later, in order to execute the described movement sequence.

[0017] The horizontal moving unit can in particular have a plurality of guide rails for linearly guiding the tufting unit in the forward direction and in the direction opposite to the forward direction. When the frame stands on a horizontal substrate, these guide rails are generally specifically horizontally oriented. They can also be referred to as horizontal guide rails. This has proven to be a useful and expedient step for guiding the tufting unit. However, other mechanisms for guiding it can also be used.

[0018] The horizontal moving unit can respectively have at least a plurality of linear bearings on the first side and the second side of the tufting unit, preferably at least eight linear bearings respectively, preferably twelve linear bearings respectively. This number of linear bearings has proven to be a reliable guidance for the tufting unit. However, more or fewer linear bearings can also be used.

[0019] In particular, each linear bearing can engage in one of the guide rails. This can in particular mean that, in the installed state, parts of the guide rail are arranged both above and below the corresponding linear bearing. Thereby, vertical upward and downward guidance is achieved whenever the linear bearing and the linear guide rail meet. This can prevent uncontrolled vertical movement of the tufting unit.

[0020] Alternatively, in some or all of the linear bearings, it can also be provided that they are arranged only above or below the corresponding guide rail.

[0021] The tufting machine can particularly have an inner frame. The inner frame can particularly be arranged inside the frame and can particularly move vertically relative to the frame. Guide rails can particularly be fixed in an inner frame. The tufting operation can particularly be performed by the vertical movement of the inner frame. When performing the tufting operation, the inner frame thus moves vertically and drives the guide rails fixed thereto. The tufting unit also moves vertically through a meshing linear bearing fixed to the tufting unit. At the same time, a horizontal relative movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame can be achieved.

[0022] The tufting machine can particularly have one or more vertical drive devices, which are designed to move the inner frame vertically relative to the frame to perform the tufting operation. Such vertical drive devices can particularly be hydraulic cylinders. The vertical drive devices can particularly be connected to the frame and the inner frame. The inner frame can particularly be guided in the frame by one or more tufting guide rails, which can also be referred to as vertical guide rails and are particularly vertically oriented, such that the inner frame can move vertically in one dimension in the frame. In other words, the tufting machine can have one or more tufting guide rails, which keep the inner frame vertically movable relative to the frame and particularly keep it only vertically movable.

[0023] The linear bearing and / or the guide rail can particularly be horizontally oriented in the frame. This allows the tufting unit to move horizontally relative to the horizontally oriented frame. As a result, the tufting unit also finally moves horizontally relative to the ground. Thus, height changes can be avoided.

[0024] When viewed from the forward direction, the horizontal movement unit and its components can particularly be arranged on the right and left sides of the tufting unit. This allows for a space-saving arrangement, avoiding a further increase in the length of the equipment, which is usually much longer than its width. In particular, the components of the horizontal movement unit can be arranged between the inner frame and the tufting unit.

[0025] The horizontal movement unit can particularly have components capable of triggering the movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame. The components can particularly be designed to apply a force that causes the tufting unit to move relative to the frame and / or relative to the inner frame.

[0026] The movement unit can, for example, have a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, lead screw drive devices, linear drive devices, and / or electric actuating motors for the movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame. This has proven to be a reliable type of drive. However, other types can also be used.

[0027] The horizontal moving unit or the moving unit can, for example, have four horizontal hydraulic cylinders for the movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame, particularly on each of the two sides. Such hydraulic cylinders can move the tufting unit appropriately and without jamming. However, a different number of hydraulic cylinders can also be used. The term horizontal hydraulic cylinder is used specifically to distinguish them from the hydraulic cylinders mentioned previously that ensure the vertical movement of the inner frame.

[0028] In particular, each horizontal hydraulic cylinder can be fixed on the one hand to the inner frame and on the other hand to a cylinder housing seat rigidly connected to the tufting unit. This allows the corresponding horizontal hydraulic cylinder to move the tufting unit horizontally relative to the inner frame.

[0029] The cylinder housing seat can be arranged particularly directly below or directly above the linear bearing. In particular, this can be understood to mean that the corresponding cylinder housing seat is arranged such that a part of the guide rail meshes exactly between the linear bearing and the cylinder housing seat, in which the linear bearing meshes.

[0030] The tufting machine can particularly have a position determination unit for determining the position of the tufting unit relative to the frame. This allows the position of the tufting unit relative to the frame to be determined, for example, along a predefined path. This facilitates the control and monitoring of the tufting unit.

[0031] The position determination unit can particularly have a rotary encoder and a rack, where, in particular, during the horizontal movement of the tufting unit relative to the inner frame and / or relative to the frame, the rotary encoder and the rack perform a relative movement with respect to each other, which is picked up by the rotary encoder. This allows the position of the tufting unit to be determined simply and reliably even under adverse operating conditions. However, other embodiments can also be used.

[0032] The drive unit can particularly be designed to move the frame by 10 mm to 50 mm during one tufting operation. This has proven to be a useful value by which the tufting unit can be moved further during the tufting operation without disturbing the tufting operation. However, in principle, other values are also possible.

[0033] The tufting unit can particularly be designed to perform one tufting operation in at least 1 second and / or at most 2.5 seconds, or 1.5 seconds. This has proven to be a useful time span or time period for the tufting operation. During this time period, the operations required for inserting the yarn bundle can generally be performed. However, in principle, other time periods can also be used.

[0034] The tufting machine can, for example, have a measuring wheel for detecting the movement of the frame along the substrate. Using such a measuring wheel, the actual speed of the tufting machine on the substrate can be detected. This can be used to control the relative movement of the tufting unit relative to the frame.

[0035] The tufting machine may also have a control device that controls the horizontal movement unit based on the movement of the frame along the substrate. In particular, the aforementioned movement unit can be controlled. The control can be carried out using the data generated by the aforementioned measuring wheels and / or position determination units.

[0036] The height of the horizontal movement unit and / or the tufting unit can be adjustable relative to the frame in particular. This allows the height to be adjusted so that the tufting unit can easily adapt to different desired heights and / or different floor conditions or other conditions. The height adjustability can be achieved hydraulically in particular.

[0037] In particular, the tufting unit can have a plurality of tufting needles that perform the tufting operation during vertical movement. This vertical movement can be used to insert the yarn bundle. The length of the tufting needle is generally much greater than its diameter, so the yarn bundle can be inserted without damaging the substrate.

[0038] In particular, the drive unit can be designed to move the frame in the forward direction at a uniform speed. This allows for a smooth movement of the tufting machine.

[0039] In particular, the drive unit can have a plurality of caterpillar tracks. Such caterpillar tracks have proven suitable for this related use because they allow even heavy loads to move along the substrate without damaging the substrate. However, in principle, other embodiments can also be used.

[0040] The present invention further relates to a method for inserting a yarn bundle into a substrate, the method comprising repeatedly performing the following steps:

[0041] ■ Inserting the yarn bundle by means of a tufting unit accommodated in the frame, moving the frame in the forward direction, and moving the tufting unit in such a way that the tufting unit remains in the same position on the substrate, and then

[0042] ■ Continuing to move the frame on the substrate, during which the tufting unit is moved relative to the frame to the starting position for the next insertion of the yarn bundle.

[0043] The method can be carried out in particular by means of the tufting machine described herein. Regarding this tufting machine, all the described embodiments and variations can be referred to. The aforementioned advantages can be achieved. In particular, the frame of the tufting machine can move on the substrate at a uniform speed, and nevertheless, the tufting unit can remain in the same position relative to the substrate during each tufting operation.

[0044] It should generally be mentioned that the tufting machine has a mass of, for example, more than 8 t and may be subject to exemplary requirements of advancing precisely 20 mm and then stopping again during each stroke. The tufting operation can then be carried out when the tufting machine is stationary. For example, the advancement is carried out by two caterpillar tracks, which are electrically started and hydraulically driven.

[0045] In known embodiments of the tufting machine, it has been shown that the desired values can generally only be achieved poorly. For example, the tufting machine may stop too early or too late.

[0046] To prevent the tufting machine from starting suddenly and having to be braked again, the procedures described herein can be used to ensure that the tufting machine can always be in a constant motion. For this purpose, the tufting unit can be moved forward and backward by linear movement. For example, the horizontal movement unit is located in the frame of the base unit and is, for example, vertically adjustable in height. The tufting unit can be fixed to the horizontal movement unit with linear bearings. The horizontal movement unit can be located on the right and left sides of the tufting unit in the travel direction. Two guide rails can be fixed to the horizontal movement unit. Eight linear bearings and guide rails on each side can allow the linear (horizontal) movement of the tufting unit. The horizontal movement of the tufting unit can be achieved, for example, by four hydraulic cylinders (especially on each side). A rotary encoder can scan the rack and determine the position of the tufting unit within the base unit.

[0047] As the base unit moves, the tufting unit can move in the opposite direction at the same speed. When the tufting operation is completed and the needles are no longer at the bottom, the tufting unit can be moved forward again. For example, a double speed can be used. When the tufting unit reaches the next starting point (which can be, for example, 20 mm forward from the last tufting operation), the tufting unit moves in the opposite direction at the same speed as the base unit again.

[0048] The tufting machine controller can adjust the position between the measuring wheel on the base unit and the rotary encoder on the tufting unit.

[0049] The present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 shows a tufting machine,

[0051] Figure 2 shows a tufting unit,

[0052] Figure 3 shows an inner frame,

[0053] Figure 4 shows a part of the inner frame,

[0054] Figure 5 shows a tufting unit, and

[0055] Figure 6 Show the inner frame and the tufting unit.

[0056] Figure 1 Shown is a tufting machine 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The tufting machine 10 has a frame 20 which is at least substantially the outer boundary of the tufting machine 10 and to which other components are fixed. For moving along a substrate (not shown), the tufting machine 10 has a drive unit 21 with a caterpillar track 22. The latter is electrically drivable and thus generates a propulsive force on the substrate. Figure 1 The normal moving direction of the tufting machine 10 shown in is such that the tufting machine 10 moves to the left in particular. A front traveling device 23 with steerable wheels is used to control the traveling direction.

[0057] A door 25 is formed within the frame 20. The door is used to allow an operator to enter the tufting machine 10. The operator is typically located inside the tufting machine 10 during operation and operates components located inside the tufting machine 10. For example, components such as coils, valves, fuel tanks or drive motors are located inside the tufting machine 10 or inside the frame 20.

[0058] A measuring wheel 24 is also fixed to the frame 20 and runs on the substrate to accurately detect the movement of the frame 20. This means that accurate information about the movement can be obtained at any time. The measuring wheel 24 is connected to a rotary encoder.

[0059] The tufting machine 10 has a tufting unit 30. The tufting unit 30 will be described in more detail below. It is used to insert a plurality of yarn bundles into the substrate, and the yarn bundles are typically cut from stored yarn and then inserted into the substrate. Many yarn bundles are typically inserted in parallel.

[0060] At the rear end, the tufting machine 10 has a leveling wheel 26. The latter is used to level the ground or substrate after the yarn bundles are inserted. In particular, it can be lowered and / or pushed downwards.

[0061] Figure 2 The tufting unit 30 is shown in more detail. The perspective view is from the front towards the typical traveling direction. It can be seen that the tufting unit 30 has a plurality of tufting needles 31 arranged side by side and parallel to each other. The tufting needles 31 can move vertically simultaneously and in parallel to perform the insertion operation. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0062] For this purpose, vertical tufting guides 42 are arranged on the left and right sides of Figure 2 which also correspond to the left and right sides in the front view of the tufting machine 10. They are not directly attached to the tufting unit 30 but are attached to Figure 3The inner frame shown in []. The tufting guide rail 42 allows the tufting unit 30 and thus the tufting needles 31 to perform a guided vertical movement. In this case, the tufting unit 30 is guided and stabilized by the tufting guide rail 42, in particular such that Figure 3 the position of the inner frame shown in [] within the frame 20 remains unchanged relative to the front, rear, right and left, and the horizontal relative movement of the tufting unit 30 relative to the frame 20 is entirely generated by the following components.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the tufting unit 30 has a total of 88 tufting needles 31. However, it should be understood that more or fewer tufting needles 31 can also be used.

[0064] Figure 3 The inner frame 50 located on the side of the tufting unit 30 is shown. Such an inner frame 50 is particularly located Figure 2 behind each of the two tufting guide rails 42 visible in [], i.e., Figure 2 behind the plane of the paper of []. The tufting guide rails 42 can also be seen in Figure 3 one on the left side and one on the right side of the inner frame 50. Thus, each inner frame 50 has two tufting guide rails 42; when two inner frames 50 are used (one on the left side and one on the right side of the tufting machine 10), there are thus a total of four tufting guide rails 42 (two on the front side and two on the rear side of the inner frame 50, as seen from the direction of travel).

[0065] The inner frame 50 has a receiving seat 32 for a hydraulic cylinder, by means of which the inner frame 50 can be raised or lowered. This movement is transmitted to the tufting unit 30 in a manner yet to be described. This results in the insertion movement already described being performed by the tufting needles 31. This movement is guided one-dimensionally by the tufting guide rail 42.

[0066] Attached here to the inner frame 50 are four horizontal hydraulic cylinders 52, which are used to trigger the horizontal movement of the tufting unit 30 relative to the inner frame 50. The horizontal hydraulic cylinders 52 are directly fixed to the inner frame 50; their respective pistons 53 are fixed to the tufting unit 30 in a manner yet to be described. Thus, the horizontal hydraulic cylinders can actively move the tufting unit 30 within the frame 20 between two predetermined horizontal end positions.

[0067] The horizontal movement is stabilized by the guide rails 44. The latter are arranged horizontally in the inner frame 50 and guide one-dimensionally the movement initiated by the hydraulic cylinders 52. For this purpose, linear bearings fixed to the tufting unit 30 engage in the guide rails 44. This will be described in more detail below.

[0068] The tufting unit 30 also has a rotary encoder 34, which is used to determine the current horizontal position of the tufting unit 30 relative to the frame 20. The rotary encoder 34 can monitor the horizontal movement and can be used to control the latter.

[0069] Figure 3 The components shown in Figure 3 are to be regarded as a unit. During the operation of the tufting machine 10, this unit is moved up and down by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) to trigger the tufting movement. Accordingly, the components responsible for the horizontal movement are also moved up and down.

[0070] Figure 4 A sectional view is shown along Figure 3 the intersection line indicated by A-A in Figure 3 . Accordingly, Figure 4 the view of Figure 4 is a side view in the longitudinal direction. The components already mentioned can be seen here. In particular, two hydraulic cylinders 52 can be seen in the end-side top view, which are capable of exerting a force perpendicular to Figure 4 the plane of the paper. Correspondingly, a movement direction perpendicular to Figure 4 the plane of the paper is also provided.

[0071] The horizontal movement in the longitudinal direction is stabilized by the already mentioned guide rails 44. The cross-section of the guide rails can be seen in Figure 4 Figure 4 . The vertical movement for tufting occurs in that a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) for moving the inner frame 50 up and down acts on the receiving seat 32. This movement is transmitted to the tufting unit 30 via the guide rails 44 in a manner yet to be described.

[0072] Figure 5 A side view of the tufting unit 30 and other components is shown. First, it can be seen that the tufting needles 31 of the tufting unit 30 project downward, and thus can be inserted into the substrate 12 shown here by vertical movement. They usually carry cut yarn segments.

[0073] Linear bearings 46 are attached to the tufting unit 30. The linear bearings 46 engage in the guide rails 44. Accordingly, the linear bearings 46 allow a horizontal relative movement of the tufting unit 30 relative to the inner frame 50. The vertical movement of the inner frame 50 already described is transmitted to the tufting unit 30 via the combination of the guide rails 44 and the linear bearings 46, and the tufting unit 30 thus also performs this movement.

[0074] The horizontal hydraulic cylinders 52 and their respective pistons 53 are attached to respective cylinder receiving seats 48. The cylinder receiving seats 48 here are each directly arranged on the linear bearings 46, in particular respectively above and below them, as Figure 5 shown. Accordingly, a simple and advantageous movement can be achieved. In addition, the force is directly introduced into the linear bearings 46, thereby preventing tilting.

[0075] The described implementation enables the frame 20 to be moved at a constant speed on the substrate 12, such movement being possible by means of the drive unit 21. By means of a horizontal relative movement of the tufting unit 30 with respect to the frame 20, which movement can be actively controlled by means of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 52, during the continuous movement of the frame 20, it is possible to temporarily move the tufting unit 30 in a direction opposite to the direction of travel and in the process to move it relative to the frame 20 at such a speed that the tufting unit 30 does not perform a horizontal movement relative to the substrate 12 for a period of time, for example about 2 seconds. The tufting unit 30 thus remains in a constant position on the substrate 12 and can perform the tufting operation, i.e. the vertical movement already described, unaffected, without having to stop the frame 20 for this purpose.

[0076] To monitor relative movement, Figure 5 A toothed rack 36 is shown, which interacts with the already mentioned rotary encoder 34. This means that immediate feedback is available at any time about the current relative position between the tufting unit 30 and the frame 20. This can be used to control the movement. The toothed rack 36 and the rotary encoder 34 thus form together a position determination unit 33, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0077] Figure 6 Shows a ratio Figure 3 More parts of the tufting unit 30. In particular, the interaction of the horizontal hydraulic cylinder 52 with the linear bearing 46 and the cylinder housing 48 can be clearly seen. The horizontal hydraulic cylinder 52 ensures the horizontal relative movement already described, while the housing 32 is used to attach the hydraulic cylinder that ensures the vertical movement.

[0078] The horizontal hydraulic cylinder 52 , the cylinder receiving seat 48 , the linear bearing 46 and the guide rail 44 together form a horizontal movement unit 40 , which allows the tufting unit 30 to move horizontally relative to the frame 20 .

[0079] also, Figure 6 A yarn feeding device 38 is shown in FIG. 1 , which is used to feed yarn to the tufting needles 31 .

[0080] All features and advantages arising from the claims, the description and the drawings, including constructional details, spatial arrangements and method steps, may be essential to the invention both per se and in the most diverse combination.

[0081] Reference numerals list

[0082] 10 Tufting Machine

[0083] 12 Base

[0084] 20 Framework

[0085] 21 Drivers

[0086] 22 Crawler belt

[0087] 24 Measuring wheel

[0088] 25 Door

[0089] 26 Leveling wheel

[0090] 30 Tufting unit

[0091] 31 Tufting needle

[0092] 32 Accommodating seat

[0093] 33 Position determination unit

[0094] 34 Rotary encoder

[0095] 36 Rack

[0096] 38 Yarn feeding device

[0097] 40 Horizontal movement unit

[0098] 42 Tufting guide rail

[0099] 44 Guide rail

[0100] 46 Linear bearing

[0101] 48 Cylinder accommodating seat

[0102] 50 Inner frame

[0103] 52 Horizontal hydraulic cylinder

[0104] 53 Piston

Claims

1. A tufting machine, the tufting machine having: ■ a frame (20), ■ a drive unit (21) designed to move the frame (20) along a substrate (12) at least in a forward direction, ■ a tufting unit (30) designed to insert a plurality of yarn bundles into the substrate (12) during respective tufting operations, and ■ a horizontal movement unit (40) designed to move the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20) at least in a direction opposite to the forward direction during a tufting operation.

2. The tufting machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal movement unit (40) is designed to move the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20) during a tufting operation at the same speed as the drive unit (21) moves the frame (20) along the substrate (12) in the forward direction, in a direction opposite to the forward direction.

3. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal movement unit (40) is designed to hold the tufting unit (30) at a point on the substrate (12) when the drive unit (21) moves the frame (20) during a tufting operation.

4. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal movement unit (40) is designed to move the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20) in the forward direction between two directly consecutive tufting operations.

5. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal movement unit (40) is designed to move the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20) from a starting position to an end position during a tufting operation, and to move the tufting unit (30) from the end position to the starting position between two directly consecutive tufting operations.

6. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal movement unit (40) is designed to move the tufting unit (30) linearly relative to the frame (20), wherein the tufting machine (10) has a plurality of guide rails (44) for linearly guiding the tufting unit (30) in the forward direction and in a direction opposite to the forward direction.

7. The tufting machine according to claim 6, characterized in that a plurality of linear bearings (46) are respectively provided on a first side and a second side of the tufting unit (30), wherein each of the linear bearings (46) engages in one of the guide rails (44).

8. The tufting machine according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that an inner frame (50) is provided, the inner frame being arranged inside the frame (20) and being vertically movable relative to the frame (20), wherein the guide rails (44) are fixed to the inner frame (50).

9. The tufting machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, it is provided with one or more vertical drive devices, which are designed to vertically move the inner frame (50) relative to the frame to perform tufting operations, wherein one or more tufting guide rails (42) are provided, and the tufting guide rails (42) keep the inner frame (50) capable of vertical movement relative to the frame (20).

10. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the horizontal movement unit (40) has a plurality of horizontal hydraulic cylinders (52), a lead screw drive device, a linear drive device and / or an electric actuator motor for the horizontal movement of the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20).

11. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, it is provided with a position determination unit (33) for determining the position of the tufting unit (30) relative to the frame (20).

12. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, it is provided with a measuring wheel (24) for detecting the movement of the frame (20) along the substrate (12).

13. The tufting machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, it is provided with a control device, and the control device controls the horizontal movement unit (40) according to the movement of the frame (20) along the substrate (12).

14. A method for inserting a yarn bundle into a substrate, the method comprising repeating the following steps multiple times: ■ inserting a yarn bundle by means of a tufting unit accommodated in a frame, moving the frame in the forward direction, and moving the tufting unit in such a way that the tufting unit remains in the same position on the substrate, and then ■ continuing to move the frame on the substrate, during which process moving the tufting unit relative to the frame to a starting position for the next insertion of the yarn bundle.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method is performed by a tufting machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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