Patent ID: 6267149
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: D03D,D04H,Y10S

Abstract:
A connection yarn inserting apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional fabric, wherein the apparatus inserts a connection yarn into a lamination, which is formed by laminating a plurality of fiber layers and has fibers extending in at least two different directions, in a direction transverse to the fiber layers, the apparatus comprising:a frame for holding the lamination;a needle for inserting the connection yarn into the lamination held by the frame, wherein the needle moves in an advancement direction and a retraction direction, the insertion needle being moved between a standby position, where the insertion needle is separated from the lamination, and an operation position, where the insertion needle penetrates the lamination;a first pressing member located at the same side of the lamination as the standby position of the insertion needle, wherein the first pressing member is moved in the moving direction of the insertion needle to and from the vicinity of an insertion location of the insertion needle;a first air cylinder for moving the first pressing member between an operational position, where the first pressing member engages the lamination in the vicinity of an insertion location of the insertion needle and presses the lamination in the advancing direction of the insertion needle, and a standby position, where the first pressing member is separated from the lamination;a second pressing member located at the opposite side of the lamination relative to the first pressing member, wherein the second pressing member is moved in the moving direction of the insertion needle to and from the vicinity of the insertion location of the insertion needle;a second air cylinder for moving the second pressing member between an operational position, where the second pressing member engages the lamination and presses the lamination in the retraction direction of the insertion needle, and a standby position, at which the second pressing member is separated from the lamination;a stopper that is engageable with a piston rod of at least one of the first and second air cylinders, wherein, when the stopper is engaged with the piston rod, the stopper limits the movement of the piston rod in the retraction direction to directly vary the stroke of the piston rod and the corresponding pressing member; andan actuator for actuating the stopper.