TAFTING UNIT AND TAFTING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a taffeta unit for a mobile taffeta machine and a mobile taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit.

[0002] Taffeta machines are typically used to insert sections of yarn strands into a subsurface, usually with a portion of the yarn strands firmly embedded in the subsurface and a portion extending upwards. This can be used, for example, to create artificial turf, as used on various sports fields, such as soccer fields.

[0003] Taffeta machines are typically used to work large fields or areas that are to be covered with artificial turf. Accordingly, it is important that a taffeta machine has the highest possible performance when inserting yarn sections. High reliability is equally important, as a prolonged downtime for repair work during a planned operation can quickly and significantly disrupt schedules.

[0004] Document WO 2017 / 017237 A1 discloses a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine, a taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit, and a related method. Yarn sections are cut and transported parallel along a circulating track and inserted into the substrate.

[0005] Document WO 2017 / 183977 A1 discloses a device for inserting synthetic fibers into a substrate. Fibers are transported, cut, and inserted into the substrate.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a taffeta unit for a taffeta machine that has proven to be particularly efficient and reliable. It is also an object of the invention to provide a taffeta machine with such a taffeta unit.

[0007] This is achieved according to the invention by a taffeta unit and a taffeta machine according to the respective main claims. Advantageous embodiments can be found, for example, in the respective subclaims.

[0008] The invention relates to a taffeta unit for a mobile taffeta machine.

[0009] The taffeta unit has a yarn feeding device for the simultaneous and parallel feeding of a number of yarn strands.

[0010] The taffeta unit has at least one insert element.

[0011] The taffeta unit has a yarn transport gripper which is designed to transport a respective free end of the yarn strands away from the yarn feed device, so that each insertion element is assigned a respective yarn strand.

[0012] The taffeta unit has a cutting unit which is designed to cut the yarn strands so that from each yarn strand assigned to an insertion element, a yarn section remains which is assigned to the respective insertion element.

[0013] Each insertion element is designed to insert the respective associated yarn section into a substrate located beneath the taffeta unit.

[0014] The taffeta unit according to the invention has proven to be particularly reliable and trouble-free in operation. One reason for this can be seen, for example, in the fact that the yarn feed device ensures simultaneous and parallel feeding of the yarn strands, which can then be directly picked up by the yarn transport gripper. This, in turn, simply ensures that the yarn strands or yarn sections can reach a position where they can be directly inserted into the substrate by the insertion element.

[0015] All described and / or necessary processes can be performed fully automatically. Simple control mechanisms can be used, for example, those disclosed below.

[0016] It should be understood that a taffeta unit is the part of a taffeta machine which is specifically responsible for the preparation and insertion of yarn sections. A taffeta machine typically includes such a taffeta unit and has, for example, other components such as a chassis, drive, clutch, control system or other supporting systems. Furthermore, a taffeta machine typically also has means for storing yarns, which can then be inserted using the taffeta unit. Parallel feeding can be understood, for example, to mean that the yarn strands run parallel to one another. Simultaneous feeding can be understood, in particular, to mean that the yarn strands, in particular parallel yarn strands, are moved in the same way.This has proven to be particularly advantageous, especially when a large number of yarn strands are to be processed simultaneously in order to shorten the necessary processing time.

[0017] An insertion element can be understood, in particular, as the element that ensures that yarn sections are inserted into the substrate. This can be, for example, a taffeta needle, as will be described in more detail below. In particular, it can be provided that as many insertion elements as yarn strands are used, so that each yarn strand is assigned a respective insertion element that inserts yarn sections of the respective yarn strand into the substrate.

[0018] A yarn strand associated with a respective insertion element can, for example, be arranged beneath this insertion element. This allows for easy insertion into the substrate. This particularly means that the lowest point of the respective yarn strand is located directly beneath the insertion element. Other parts of the yarn strand can, in particular, protrude upwards, for example, in a V-shape.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the yarn feed device comprises a plurality of rotating yarn holders. Typically, each yarn holder can hold and release the yarn strands. A rotating arrangement ensures particularly simple operation, since rotation about one axis is sufficient for advancement.

[0020] The yarn holders can, for example, be designed to work together in pairs, so that each yarn strand is held by two yarn holders of a pair before being cut. This allows a certain section of the yarn strands to be defined, which lies between two yarn holders working together in pairs. For example, the yarn strands can be cut between the yarn holders of a respective pair.

[0021] According to one possible embodiment, the yarn feed device has three pairs of yarn holders. According to another possible embodiment, the yarn feed device has four pairs of yarn holders. Such embodiments have proven advantageous, since three or four pairs of yarn holders ensure continuous operation and are easy to handle. However, any other number of pairs of yarn holders can, in principle, be used. It should also be noted that the yarn holders do not necessarily have to be grouped in pairs.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the yarn transport gripper is designed to grip the free ends of the yarn strands by gripping respective end sections of the yarn strands, which are clamped between two yarn holders of a pair. By gripping the end section, the respective yarn strand can be gripped at a section where it is advantageously held. This avoids gripping errors. For example, the respective yarn strand can also be pulled further using the yarn transport gripper, whereby, for example, unwinding from a spool can also be provided.

[0023] The yarn feed device can preferably be configured to further rotate and / or advance the yarn holders before each taffeta process. For example, new end sections of the yarn strands can be made available for gripping by the yarn transport grippers. The further rotation or advancement simply advances the respective yarn strands.

[0024] Preferably, the yarn holders are arranged so that they can rotate around a common axis. This allows for particularly easy rotation of the yarn holders.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, each yarn holder comprises a first yarn holder plate and a second yarn holder plate, which are movable relative to each other for holding and releasing the yarn strands. For example, yarns can be clamped between these two yarn holder plates. Yarn holders can also use yarn holder plates together, for example, yarn holders of a pair of yarn holders.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, each yarn holder has at least one upper, one middle, and one lower yarn holder plate. The middle yarn holder plate is preferably displaceable relative to the other two yarn holder plates by a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, to hold and release the yarn strands. This allows, for example, yarn strands to be clamped between the middle and upper yarn holder plates, as well as between the middle and lower yarn holder plates. These can be released again by displacement.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, each yarn holder has at least a first, a second, a third, and a fourth yarn holder plate. Preferably, the second and fourth yarn holder plates are displaceable against the other two yarn holder plates by a drive, in particular a hydraulic drive, to hold and release the yarn strands. This allows clamping between two pairs of plates, which enables particularly reliable clamping of the yarn strands.

[0028] Preferably, at least one yarn holder plate of a yarn holder is displaced relative to the other yarn holder plate by means of a closing cam and an opening cam, each of which is preferably movable by a drive, in particular by a hydraulic drive. By means of respective opening and closing cams, it can be achieved that a respective yarn holder plate is displaced solely by movement along a path, for example along a circular path during rotation, and thereby clamps or releases yarn strands at predetermined points. This does not require any further active elements, so that clamping or releasing takes place automatically. In addition, movement of the closing cam and / or the opening cam can be enabled by a drive, in particular by a hydraulic drive, which allows, for example, actuation independent of movement along the path.This makes it possible, for example, to release yarn strands at a specific time without the yarn holder plate having to be moved further.

[0029] The yarn feed device is preferably designed to release the yarn strands during transport. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately designing opening and / or closing cams or by actuation via a drive.

[0030] Preferably, the yarn transport gripper pulls the yarn strands through the yarn feed device during transport. This allows a corresponding feed to be achieved by means of the yarn transport gripper. It can also be provided that the yarn transport gripper unwinds the yarn strands from respective yarn spools during transport. This allows a further feed of yarn from the designated yarn spools to be achieved by means of the yarn transport gripper. Additional elements for unwinding or for a corresponding feed can preferably be dispensed with. However, it should be understood that alternatively or additionally, active unwinding of yarn spools can also be provided.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the taffeta unit has an inlet-side deflection for guiding the yarn strands upstream of the yarn feed device. This allows for reliable provision of the yarn strands upstream of the yarn feed device.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit comprises a cutting blade and a counterblade, which can be moved relative to each other to cut the yarn sections. This allows the cutting unit to be implemented in a simple manner, particularly allowing for high scalability, i.e., a large number of yarn strands can be cut simultaneously using only one cutting blade and only one counterblade. Alternatively, however, separate cutting tools can also be provided for the respective yarn strands.

[0033] Preferably, the cutting blade is displaceable relative to the counterblade by means of a drive, in particular a hydraulic cylinder. This allows for simple actuation of the cutting blade. However, other options for actuating the cutting blade are also possible.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, each insertion element has a taffeta needle designed to grip and insert the respective yarn section into the substrate. Using such a taffeta needle, easy insertion of the respective yarn section is possible, with the taffeta needle typically being arranged vertically and moving only one-dimensionally, particularly in the vertical direction. This enables a very simple design. The taffeta needle can penetrate the substrate as far as necessary and then be withdrawn again. The desired depth can also be easily adjusted.

[0035] The respective taffeta needle is preferably movable vertically and / or perpendicular to the substrate. This enables easy insertion. The direction specification can refer in particular to a typical installation state in a taffeta machine traveling on a surface. In particular, it can be provided that all taffeta needles of the taffeta unit can be moved together or uniformly.

[0036] The taffeta unit preferably has a taffeta plate on the underside, in which at least one opening is formed for guiding the yarn section. Such an opening can ensure that the yarn section remains in position during insertion and is also bent over if necessary. Furthermore, guidance of the respective taffeta needle or insertion element can be achieved.

[0037] The taffeta unit preferably has at least one needle guide for guiding the taffeta needles or for guiding a respective taffeta needle. According to a preferred embodiment, each needle guide is partially movable with the taffeta needles, preferably up to the substrate or up to the taffeta plate. By means of such a needle guide, the taffeta needles can be stabilized and guided in a preferred manner, so that malfunctions and the associated downtimes can be effectively prevented. The needle guide can, for example, be designed such that each taffeta needle is enclosed, for example with only a small amount of play, so that movement of the respective taffeta needle transverse to the respective longitudinal direction is prevented.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the insertion element can unwind the yarn strands from the respective yarn spools during the movement. This allows an unwinding function to be implemented, for example, during insertion or during another movement. For example, the respective yarn strands can be held by the yarn transport gripper, with unwinding occurring through a movement of the respective insertion element.

[0039] By moving the insertion elements or the taffeta needles, for example, section halves of equal length can be created. This functionality can also be used advantageously for unwinding.

[0040] The yarn transport gripper is pivotally mounted on a pivot point, up to a certain end position. This allows for easy operation of the yarn transport gripper. For example, the operation can be achieved using a movable element that acts at a point different from the pivot point. The yarn transport gripper can thus be pivoted and thus perform a purely one-dimensional movement, which is easy to implement. With such a pivoting movement, the functionality of transporting yarn strands or unwinding yarn strands from spools can be realized, for example.

[0041] The taffeta unit can, for example, have an actuatable rod for pivoting the yarn transport grippers. The rod can be actuated hydraulically or by a crank drive, for example. Using this rod and / or the associated drive, the aforementioned pivoting movement of the yarn transport gripper can be advantageously realized.

[0042] The yarn transport gripper can, in particular, comprise a transport gripper for gripping the free ends of the yarn strands. The transport gripper can, in particular, be designed to hold and release the yarn strands or their free ends in order to implement the desired function. For example, a particular yarn strand can be held for transport, while it can be released, for example, for insertion.

[0043] The transport gripper can, for example, have a first transport gripper plate and a second transport gripper plate, which can be displaced relative to each other, particularly by a hydraulic drive, to grip and release the free ends. This allows for easy clamping and release of the yarn strands.

[0044] The yarn transport gripper can be designed, in particular, to release the yarn sections during insertion. This allows free movement of the yarn sections while they are being inserted.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting unit can be pivotally mounted. This allows it to be moved into an appropriate position when necessary. Regarding the implementation and advantages of pivoting, reference is made to the above explanations regarding the yarn transport gripper.

[0046] The cutting unit can, for example, be designed to pivot toward the yarn strands before each cutting operation and away from them after the cutting operation. This allows the yarn strands to move or be pulled forward independently of the cutting unit, while the cutting unit is only in the corresponding position when a cutting operation actually needs to be performed.

[0047] The taffeta unit preferably has an adjustment device for the end position of the yarn transport gripper and / or the position of the cutting device. This makes it possible, for example, to determine how far the respective yarn strands are pulled through the yarn transport gripper. It is also possible to specify the position in which the cutting device should cut the yarn strands. This allows, for example, adaptation to different applications, such as different insertion depths or different yarns. The respective adjustment device can be implemented mechanically, for example. It can be operated manually or electrically.

[0048] The taffeta unit preferably has a depth adjustment device for the penetration depth of the taffeta needles into the substrate. This makes it easy to set how far the taffeta needles should move downwards during insertion and thus also to determine how far individual yarn strands should be inserted into the substrate. This enables adaptation to different requirements regarding the depth at which the yarn sections should ultimately remain in the substrate. Depending on how the yarn strands are cut, it is also possible to set how far the yarn sections protrude from the substrate after the respective insertion process has been completed. The depth adjustment device can, for example, be implemented as a mechanical height adjustment. It can, for example, be operated manually or electrically.

[0049] The invention further relates to a mobile taffeta machine for inserting yarn sections, each of which is positioned and cut from a yarn strand by a taffeta unit according to the invention, into a substrate located beneath the taffeta unit. The taffeta machine, in particular, has a taffeta unit, which is a taffeta unit according to the invention.

[0050] All versions and variants described here can be used.

[0051] In addition to the taffeta unit, the taffeta machine may in particular comprise further components such as a frame, a chassis, a drive, a coupling for attaching to a towing vehicle, a control system, an operating unit, yarn reels for storing and unwinding yarn strands, and other components.

[0052] It can be provided that the yarn transport grippers each transport the end sections of the yarns held by the yarn feed device away from the yarn feed device, preferably in an alternating pivoting movement. It can further be provided that the yarn transport grippers assign each yarn strand to an insertion element and position it accordingly. After the cutting unit has cut the respective yarn sections from the respective yarn strands, the insertion element can insert the respective yarn sections into the substrate.

[0053] The invention is illustrated schematically in particular in exemplary embodiments in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a taffeta unit in a first state, Fig. 2 the taffeta unit in a second state, Fig. 3 the taffeta unit in a third state, Fig. 4 the taffeta unit in a fourth state, Fig. 5 the taffeta unit in a fifth state, Fig. 6 a part of a yarn feed device, Fig. 7 another part of a yarn feed device, Fig. 8 yarn holder of a yarn feed device according to a first embodiment, Fig. 9 yarn holder of a yarn feed device according to a second embodiment, Fig. 10 a cross section through parts of a yarn feed device, Fig. 11 an alternative embodiment of a yarn holder in a first state, Fig. 12 the yarn holder of Fig. 11 in a second state, Fig. 13 a transport gripper in a first state, Fig. 14 the transport gripper of Fig. 13 in a second state, Fig. 15 a cutting unit with actuating components, and Fig. 16 the cutting unit with actuating components of Fig. 15 with additional components.

[0054] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless expedient. The disclosures contained in the entire description are analogously applicable to identical parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure and, in the event of a change in position, is to be analogously applied to the new position. Furthermore, individual features or combinations of features from the various embodiments shown and described can represent independent, inventive or inventive solutions in themselves.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a taffeta unit 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The taffeta unit 10 is in Fig. 1 shown in a first state. The taffeta unit 10 is also shown in the Fig. 2 bis 5 The figures show different states. Overall, the Fig. 1 bis 5 A typical process sequence for using the taffeta unit 10 is shown, which begins with the provision of appropriate yarn strands and ends with the insertion of yarn sections into a substrate 12. It should be understood that the process sequence shown can also be considered an independent aspect of the invention.

[0056] The taffeta unit 10 has a yarn feed device 20. The yarn feed device has a total of six yarn holders 22, which are grouped into three pairs of two yarn holders 22 each. Two yarn holders 22 of each pair are arranged in an approximately U-shaped configuration. The pairs are designated by the numbers 1, 2, and 3.

[0057] The yarn feed device 20 is designed to rotate around a central axis. This is achieved by a drive (not shown), which can be electrical or mechanical, for example. Upon such rotation of the yarn feed device 20, the yarn holders 22 rotate accordingly.

[0058] A plurality of yarn strands 30 are fed to the taffeta unit 10. These yarn strands 30 are not part of the taffeta unit 10, but are used by the taffeta unit 10, i.e., they are cut and inserted. A deflection device 37, which ensures that the yarn strands 30 are fed along a predetermined curve, is used to feed the yarn strands 30.

[0059] The yarn strands 30 are parallel to each other, whereby in the view of Fig. 1 and in the other figures, only one yarn strand 30 is visible. The other yarn strands 30 run parallel to the visible yarn strand 30 behind the paper plane.

[0060] The yarn holders 22 are each designed to either grip or release the yarn strands 30. When the yarn strands 30 are gripped by a respective yarn holder 22, this means that the yarn strands 30 are carried along by a movement of the respective yarn holder 22, in particular during the rotation of the yarn feed device 20 already described. This allows, for example, additional yarn to be fed in, wherein it can be unwound, for example, from corresponding spools (not shown).

[0061] The taffeta unit 10 in this case has a plurality of insertion elements 40. Each insertion element 40 is designed as a taffeta needle 42. The taffeta needle 42 is, as shown, vertically oriented. It can be moved in a vertical direction, i.e., one-dimensionally, which corresponds to an up-and-down movement.

[0062] The taffeta unit 10 has as many taffeta needles 42 as it processes yarn strands 30. Each yarn strand 30 is thus assigned a respective taffeta needle 42. Each taffeta needle 42 essentially serves to insert a respective yarn section into the substrate 12 beneath the taffeta unit 10. The exact functionality will be discussed in more detail below.

[0063] The taffeta unit 10 further includes a needle guide 44, which is arranged such that the taffeta needles 42 extend through the needle guide 44. The needle guide 44 stabilizes the taffeta needles 42. This means, in particular, that they can essentially only move according to the intended up and down movement. Temporal breakage and any associated malfunctions are thus reliably prevented.

[0064] The taffeta unit 10 has a yarn transport gripper 50. The yarn transport gripper 50 is pivotally mounted about a pivot point 52. To actuate the yarn transport gripper 50, the taffeta unit 10 has an actuatable rod 54, which in this case is designed to be hydraulically actuated. The actuatable rod 54 is connected to the yarn transport gripper 50 at a location different from the pivot point 52. Thus, a pivoting movement of the yarn transport gripper 50 can be induced by means of the actuatable rod 54.

[0065] The yarn transport gripper 50 has a transport gripper 56. The transport gripper 56 is designed to clamp or release the yarn strands 30. When the transport gripper 56 clamps the yarn strands 30, they can be transported and, for example, pulled further, particularly by means of the pivoting movement just described. This can also, for example, induce the yarn strands 30 to unwind from the respective spools. The exact functionality will be discussed in more detail below.

[0066] The taffeta unit 10 has a cutting unit 60. The cutting unit 60 is also pivotable, as shown, about a pivot axis 62. The cutting unit 60 is designed to cut the yarn strands 30. This can be done in particular in a state which is Fig. 3 As shown, the yarn strands 30 pass through the cutting unit 60, which is why the cutting unit 60 can easily cut them off. This will be discussed in more detail below. For further process steps, the cutting unit 60 can then be pivoted so that the yarn strands 30 can be transported independently of the cutting unit 60 or can assume corresponding positions in space.

[0067] Below the needle guide 44, the taffeta unit 10 has a taffeta plate 70. Respective openings 75 are formed in this plate. Each taffeta needle 42 is assigned a respective opening 75, with the respective taffeta needle 42 passing through the respective opening 75 when the respective taffeta needle 42 is moved downward. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0068] The taffeta plate 70 can be used to additionally stabilize the taffeta needles 42 shortly before insertion into the substrate 12. This reliably prevents lateral breakage or other malfunctions.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows the taffeta unit 10 in a state in which, starting from the Fig. 1 process steps were carried out in the state shown.

[0070] In particular, the yarn transport gripper 50 was pivoted to the right, which occurred by extending the actuatable rod 54. As a result of this pivoting movement, the transport gripper 56 now engages the yarn strands 30, specifically at a point between two paired yarn holders 22. The transport gripper 56 can then grip the yarn strands 30, which can be achieved in particular by sliding a first transport gripper plate against a second transport gripper plate, wherein the yarn strands 30 can typically be clamped between the two transport gripper plates. However, more than two transport gripper plates can also be used, for example, which can be at least partially shifted against one another.

[0071] It should be understood that the pivot point 52 in the figures appears to be located only coincidentally above the taffeta needles 42. There is no mechanical connection here.

[0072] Fig. 3 shows the taffeta machine 10 in a further state after a further method step, which consists in particular in pivoting the yarn transport gripper 50 to the left. As already mentioned, the yarn strands 30 were previously gripped by the transport gripper 56. The yarn strands 30 are released from the yarn holders 22 so that the yarn transport gripper 50 can pull the yarn strands 30 from spools (not shown). The yarn strands 30 are now located at least partially below the needle guide 44. In this case, one yarn strand 30 is now assigned to each taffeta needle 42 in such a way that a yarn strand 30 is located below the respective taffeta needle 42. On the left side, the yarn strands 30 are now held by the yarn transport gripper 50. On the right side, they are held by the yarn feed device 20.

[0073] To achieve the state which is Fig. 3 As shown, the yarn strands 30 were pulled by the yarn transport gripper 50 by a pivoting movement under the respectively assigned taffeta needle 42, so that the yarn strands 30 are now held by the transport gripper 56 and lie directly under a respectively assigned taffeta needle 42 on the needle guide 44.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows the taffeta unit 10 in yet another state. The taffeta needles 42 have been moved downwards, and with them the needle guide 44 has also been moved downwards. The needle guide 44 now directly adjoins the taffeta plate 70. As shown, the respective taffeta needle 42 protrudes beyond the needle guide 44 at the bottom, so that the respective underlying yarn strand 30 is gripped and pressed downwards. This leads to the tip of the yarn strand 30, which in Fig. 4 can be seen directly below the taffeta needle 42. The yarn strands 30 are pulled a little further. The yarn strands 30 are then cut by the cutting unit 60, so that Fig. 5 the state shown can be passed over.

[0075] The taffeta needles 42 were moved downwards until they penetrated the substrate 12. On the right side, the portions of the yarn strands 30 passing beneath the taffeta needles 42 were cut by the cutting unit 60. On the left side, the respective free ends were released by the transport gripper 56. Thus, each taffeta needle 42 is assigned a respective yarn section 35, which is no longer connected to the rest of the respective yarn strand 30.

[0076] By the downward movement of the respective taffeta needle 42, the respective yarn section 35 is drawn downward into the substrate 12. It is inserted in such a way that part of the yarn section 35 is located in the substrate 12, but part of it protrudes upwards. Thus, the respective yarn section 35 is anchored in the substrate 12 on the one hand, but on the other hand also has sections protruding upwards. These can protrude 20 mm above the substrate 12, for example, although other values ​​are also possible. This corresponds to a typical design of artificial turf, with the upwardly protruding sections forming the visible and perceptible part of the artificial turf.

[0077] In the transition from the Fig. 4 shown state to that in Fig. 5 In the state shown, the yarn feed device 20 has also been rotated 120° to the left. As a result, yarn strands 30 are now again located between yarn holders 22, so that the yarn transport gripper 56 can grasp them and pull them to the left, as already described above. The process sequence described herein can then begin again.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows part of the yarn feeding device 20.

[0079] The yarn feed device 20 is rotatable about an axis 21. The yarn feed device 20 has a shaft 23 on which the previously described yarn holders 22 are mounted. As already described with reference to Fig. 1 As mentioned, the yarn holders 22 are arranged in pairs, namely in three pairs. The yarn holders 22 are connected to the shaft 23 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0080] A motor 84 drives the shaft 23. This motor also serves as the left-hand bearing for the shaft 23. On the right-hand side, the shaft 23 is mounted in a ball bearing 88.

[0081] To the left of the motor 84 there is a timing wheel 86 and a sensor 87 arranged above it. This allows the rotation of the shaft 23 to be monitored.

[0082] Immediately above wave 23 is Fig. 6 A schematic representation of part of a yarn holder 22 is shown. This comprises a movable yarn holder plate 24, which is mounted in such a way that it can be displaced only one-dimensionally in the horizontal direction. The yarn holder 22 further comprises a guide wheel 26, which is rigidly connected to the movable yarn holder plate 24. Thus, a movement of the guide wheel 26 is transmitted directly to the movable yarn holder plate 24.

[0083] An opening cam 80 and a closing cam 82 are used to determine the movement of the movable yarn holder plate 24. These are each designed as solid bodies.

[0084] The guide wheel 26 is located in the Fig. 6 shown state directly on the opening cam 80. This controls the horizontal movement of the movable yarn holder plate 24, with the guide wheel 26 moving along the opening cam 80 in accordance with the previously described rotation of the yarn holder 22 around the axis 21. By designing the surface of the opening cam 80 facing the guide wheel 26, a horizontal movement of the guide wheel 26 and thus also a corresponding horizontal movement of the movable yarn holder plate 24 can be achieved.

[0085] As will be described in more detail below, the yarn holder 22 also has at least one fixed yarn holder plate, wherein the movable yarn holder plate 24 is movable in particular relative to this fixed yarn holder plate. Due to the design of the two plates, yarn strands can be clamped between the two plates. In particular, yarn strands can be clamped when the movable yarn holder plate 24 is in a state following a horizontal displacement to the right. If, on the other hand, the movable yarn holder plate 24 is displaced to the left, for example as just described by the opening cam 80, the yarn strands are released so that they can move freely along their respective longitudinal direction.

[0086] The yarn feed device 20 further comprises a drive 90, which serves to move the opening cam 80 and the closing cam 82 in the horizontal direction. This allows opening or closing to be effected independently of the movement of the respective yarn holder 22 along the circular path. This will be explained below with reference to Fig. 7 be described in more detail.

[0087] Fig. 7 shows the yarn transport device 20 from a different view and in a different state. Regarding the components already described, please refer to the description of Fig. 6 referred to.

[0088] The drive 90 is connected to one or more guide rods, of which a guide rod 92 in Fig. 7 is visible. The guide rods 92 are rigidly connected to the opening cam 80 and the closing cam 82, with the opening cam 80 and the closing cam 82 being mounted in such a way that they have limited horizontal movement. By moving the guide rods 92, the opening cam 80 and the closing cam 82 can also be moved in the same way.

[0089] By means of the drive 90, which can move the guide rods 92, a horizontal movement of the opening cam 80 and the closing cam 82 is thus possible. This allows, for example, the release of yarn strands independently of a movement of the respective yarn holder along the intended circular path.

[0090] It should be understood that the closing cam 82 acts on the movable yarn holder plate 24 in a similar manner to that described with reference to the opening cam 80, but in particular in the opposite direction. In particular, the closing cam 82 can cause the movable yarn holder plate 24 to be displaced to the right, so that, for example, the yarn strands can be clamped.

[0091] Fig. 8 shows the yarn transport device 20 in a sectional view from a direction transverse to that of the Fig. 6 and 7 The paired combination of two yarn holders 22 in a U-shape is clearly visible. It is also possible to see how these are internally constructed.

[0092] Two fixed yarn holder plates 27 are installed on the outside, which are not movable and are firmly connected to the shaft 23.

[0093] The movable yarn holder plate 24 is arranged centrally between the two fixed yarn holder plates 27. As already mentioned, this is designed to be horizontally movable. By the already described, in Fig. 8 The non-visible design of the yarn holder plates 24, 27 allows yarn strands 30 to be clamped or released between these two yarn holder plates 24, 27. Clamping makes it possible, in particular, for the corresponding yarn strands 30 to be carried along by rotation of the yarn feed device 20.

[0094] Fig. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the yarn feed device 20. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, not six, but a total of eight yarn holders 22 are provided, which are also arranged in pairs in a respective U-shape. Thus, a total of four pairs of yarn holders 22 are provided. Otherwise, with regard to the functionality and the specific embodiment, reference is made to the description above. Three of the pairs of yarn holders 22 are in Fig. 9 only shown schematically.

[0095] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the opening cam 80. It can be seen that the opening cam 80 is approximately horseshoe-shaped or U-shaped, with the previously described guide wheel 26 running on the opening cam 80 for part of its intended rotation and otherwise not running on the opening cam 80. If, for example, the guide wheel 26 is in a state in which it is not in contact with the opening cam 80, it will enable the movable yarn holder plate 24 to move onto the opening cam 80. Such a movement can be triggered in particular by the closing cam 82. If the guide wheel 26 comes into contact with the opening cam 80 again, the movable yarn holder plate 24 is typically pushed away from the opening cam 80.

[0096] Fig. 11 schematically shows a yarn holder 22 in an alternative embodiment. This involves not just one movable yarn holder plate 24, but rather two movable yarn holder plates 24. These are moved in a coupled manner.

[0097] The sequence from top to bottom is that first a movable yarn holder plate 24, then a fixed yarn holder plate 27, then another movable yarn holder plate 24 and then another fixed yarn holder plate 27 are provided.

[0098] Fig. 11 shows an open state, with a total of eight yarn strands 30 shown here also being drawn. These pass freely through respective recesses in the yarn holder plates 24, 27, so that they are not clamped anywhere. This means, in particular, that the yarn strands 30 can be moved freely along their respective longitudinal directions, even though they are located within the yarn holder 22. It should be noted that any other number of yarn strands can also be used.

[0099] Fig. 12 In contrast, Fig. 1 shows a state in which the movable yarn holder plates 24 have been shifted to the right. It can be seen that the yarn strands 30 have been clamped between the movable yarn holder plates 24 and the stationary yarn holder plates 27.

[0100] The execution, which in the Fig. 11 und 12 The arrangement shown here, which is based on a total of four yarn holder plates 24, 27, has proven to be even more advantageous compared to a design with three yarn holder plates. In particular, the yarn strands 30 can be clamped even more reliably.

[0101] The Fig. 13 und 14 show separately the transport gripper 56 with continuous yarn strands 30. Fig. 13 shows an open state in which the yarn strands 30 are freely movable along their respective longitudinal direction. Fig. 14 shows a closed state in which the yarn strands 30 are held by the transport gripper 56.

[0102] The transport gripper 56 has a first transport gripper plate 58 and a second transport gripper plate 59. These are displaceable relative to each other. The yarn strands 30 can be guided between the transport gripper plates 58, 59 through respective recesses, wherein they are held in the Fig. 13 shown state are freely movable along their respective longitudinal direction. If the first transport gripper plate 58 is moved to the right relative to the fixed second transport gripper plate 59, the yarn strands 30 are clamped between the two transport gripper plates 58, 59. This is shown in Fig. 14 This state allows, for example, the yarn strands 30 to be pulled to the left during the above-described pivoting movement from right to left of the yarn transport gripper 50 and, in the process, new yarn can also be unwound from the respective yarn spools. If yarn sections are to be inserted subsequently, the Fig. 13 shown open state can be assumed.

[0103] Fig. 15 shows a sectional view through a part of the already mentioned shaft 23 and the cutting unit 60. The pivot axis 62, about which the cutting unit 60 can be pivoted, is also shown.

[0104] The cutting unit 60 has an additional ball bearing 64. A knob wheel 28 is mounted on the shaft 23 and is connected to the shaft 23 in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, the knob wheel generally rotates with the shaft 23. Three recesses 29 are formed in the knob wheel 28, into which the additional ball bearing 64 can engage, as shown, at corresponding rotational positions of the knob wheel 28.

[0105] When the additional ball bearing 64 engages one of the recesses 29 as shown, the cutting unit 60 is in a pivoted-in position. This can be used, in particular, for a cutting operation. If the shaft 23 continues to rotate, the knobbed wheel 28 also continues to rotate, thus pushing the additional ball bearing 64 outward. This pivots the cutting unit 60 outward, so that it is spaced from the yarn strands 30. This allows, for example, the yarn strands 30 to be pulled further.

[0106] Through the Fig. 15 The implementation shown ensures that the shaft 23 automatically ensures the correct pivoting position of the cutting unit 60 via the knobbed wheel 28 and the additional ball bearing 64.

[0107] Fig. 16 shows a further sectional view, where in addition to the Fig. 15The opening cam 80 can be seen in the components shown. This is located in front of the cam wheel 28. As soon as a respective yarn holder 22 has gripped the yarn strands 30, the opening cam 80 can be actuated. This releases the yarn strands 30 and the yarn transport gripper 50 can pull the yarn strands 30 further. After that, in one possible embodiment, the taffeta needles 42 move downwards. Subsequently, the closing cam 82 can be actuated and thus the opening cam 80 can be moved back. As the taffeta needles 42 move further down, the shaft 23 can be rotated at the same time in order to transport the yarn strands 30 to a position in which the yarn transport gripper 50 can grip the yarn strands 30 again. So that the yarn holders 22 can pick up the yarn strands 30 again, the yarn holders 22 are opened again before moving past the deflection 37. This is done by two ball bearings below the opening curve 80.When moving onto the closing cam 82, the yarn holders 22 are closed again and the yarn strands 30 are thus clamped.

[0108] In summary, a possible procedure can be described as follows. ▪ Gripping yarn strands using the yarn transport gripper, ▪ Releasing the yarn strands in the yarn feed device, ▪ Pivoting the yarn transport gripper away from the yarn feed device, arranging the yarn strands under the insertion element, ▪ Moving the cutting element into a cutting position, ▪ Cutting the yarn strands, thereby creating yarn sections, ▪ Releasing the yarn sections, ▪ Inserting the yarn sections using a respective insertion element.

Claims

1. A taffeta unit for a mobile taffeta machine, the taffeta unit (10) comprising the following: ▪ a yarn feeding device (20) for feeding a number of yarn strands (30) simultaneously and in parallel, ▪ at least one insert element (40), ▪ a yarn transport gripper (50), which is designed to transport a respective free end of the yarn strands (30) away from the yarn feed device (20), so that a respective yarn strand (30) is assigned to each insertion element (40), ▪ a cutting unit (60) which is designed to cut the yarn strands (30) so that a yarn section (35) associated with the respective insertion element (40) remains from each yarn strand (30) associated with an insertion element (40), ▪ wherein each insertion element (40) is designed to insert the respective associated yarn section (35) into a substrate (12) located under the panel unit (10), ▪ characterized in that the yarn transport gripper (50) is pivotably mounted at a pivot point (52) up to an end position.

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

3. Taffeta unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the yarn holders (22) are each designed to interact in pairs, so that each yarn strand (30) is held by two yarn holders (22) of a pair before cutting.

4. Taffeta unit according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the yarn feeding device (20) is designed to further rotate and / or further guide the yarn holders (22) before each taffetching process in order to provide new end sections of the yarn strands for gripping by the yarn transport grippers (50).

5. Taffeta unit according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the yarn holders (22) are arranged rotatably about a common axis (21).

6. Taffeta unit according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one yarn holder plate (24) of a yarn holder (22) is displaced relative to the other yarn holder plate (27) by means of a closing cam (82), which can be moved in each case by a drive (90), in particular by a hydraulic drive, and an opening cam (80).

7. A taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the yarn feeding device (20) releases the yarn strands (30) during transport, the yarn transport gripper (50) pulls the yarn strands (30) through the yarn feeding device (20) during transport and unwinds them from respective yarn bobbins.

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

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

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

11. Taffeta unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion element (40) unwinds the yarn strands (30) from the respective yarn bobbins during their movement.

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

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

14. Mobile taffeta machine for inserting yarn sections, each positioned and cut off from a yarn strand (30) by a taffeta unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, into a substrate (12) located under the taffeta unit (10).