Needle Board and Method for Populating a Needle Board

Abstract

A needle board for fastening to a needle beam of a needle loom, which serves for consolidating a fibrous pile web, comprises a carrier plate having a receiving apparatus in which a plurality of needle modules are received which are arranged in a row. The needle board further comprises a fluid-activatable clamping device which is configured to fix the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus at least in a first direction.

Claims

1. A needle board for fastening to a needle beam of a needle loom configured to consolidate a fibrous pile web, the needle board comprising: a carrier plate having a receiving apparatus in which a plurality of needle modules are received, wherein the needle modules are arranged in a row, wherein each needle module of the plurality of needle modules has a module carrier and a plurality of needles which are received in the module carrier and fixedly connected thereto; and a fluid-activatable clamping device configured to effect a holding force in a first direction on the plurality of needle modules and/or the receiving apparatus and to fix the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus at least in the first direction; wherein the needle modules in the receiving apparatus are arranged one behind the other in a row in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The needle board of claim 1 wherein by the clamping device being configured to effect the holding force at least in the first direction on the plurality of needle modules and/or the receiving apparatus, the plurality of needle modules are fixed in a form-fitting manner in the first direction and in a force-fitting manner at least in the second direction.

3. The needle board of claim 1 wherein the clamping device comprises at least one clamping element which has a first state in which the plurality of needle modules are movable in the receiving apparatus, and a second state in which the at least one clamping element is expanded in comparison to the first state and fixes the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus.

4. The needle board of claim 3 wherein the at least one clamping element is configured as a compressed air hose.

5. The needle board of claim 3 wherein the at least one clamping element is received in the receiving apparatus.

6. The needle board of claim 3 wherein the receiving apparatus is mounted so as to be movable in the first direction relative to the carrier plate, wherein the receiving apparatus by the clamping device is movable between a releasing position and a clamping position, wherein the receiving apparatus is in the releasing position when the at least one clamping element is in the first state, and the receiving apparatus is in the clamping position when the at least one clamping element is in the second state.

7. The needle board of claim 1 wherein the receiving apparatus comprises a first and a second receiving element being mutually opposite and therebetween receiving the clamping device and the plurality of needle modules, wherein the needles of the plurality of needle modules extend out of the receiving apparatus.

8. The needle board of claim 2 wherein the clamping device acts on the receiving apparatus, and the needle board furthermore comprises a fluid-activatable releasing apparatus which, in a direction counter to the holding force, is configured to effect a counterforce on the receiving apparatus so as to release the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus.

9. The needle board of claim 8 wherein the needle board comprises a plurality of layers arranged on top of one another, wherein the carrier plate forms a first layer of the plurality of layers, wherein the releasing apparatus comprises at least one pressure element which is received between two layers of the plurality of layers of the needle board.

10. The needle board of claim 9 wherein the plurality of layers furthermore comprise a further plate which forms a second layer of the plurality of layers, wherein the further plate and the carrier plate are arranged at a mutual spacing and therebetween receive the at least one pressure element.

11. The needle board of claim 9 wherein the releasing apparatus comprises at least one transmission element, wherein the at least one pressure element acts on the receiving apparatus by the at least one transmission element.

12. The needle board of claim 2 wherein the needle board has a bracing apparatus which is configured to effect on the receiving apparatus an interlocking force at least in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and to the second direction, so as to fix in a form-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules in the third direction in the receiving apparatus.

13. A needle loom for needling a fibrous pile web, comprising: a needle beam assembly which comprises a needle beam and at least one needle board, which is fastened to the needle beam; and a first main shaft on which a first main con rod is eccentrically mounted, the first main con rod connecting in an articulated manner the first main shaft to the needle beam assembly, wherein the at least one needle board comprises: a carrier plate having a receiving apparatus in which a plurality of needle modules are received, wherein the needle modules are arranged in a row, wherein each needle module of the plurality of needle modules has a module carrier and a plurality of needles which are received in the module carrier and fixedly connected thereto; and a fluid-activatable clamping device configured to effect a holding force in a first direction on the plurality of needle modules and/or the receiving apparatus and to fix the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus at least in the first direction; wherein the needle modules in the receiving apparatus are arranged one behind the other in a row in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The needle loom of claim 13 wherein the needle loom has a further fluid-activatable clamping device which is configured to fasten the at least one needle board to the needle beam.

15. A method for populating a needle board which is configured to be fastened to a needle beam of a needle loom, the method comprising the steps of: inserting a plurality of needle modules into a receiving apparatus which is attached to a carrier plate of the needle board, wherein needles of the plurality of needle modules extend in a first direction, and the needle modules of the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus are arranged one behind another and movable relative to one another in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction; generating a relative movement between the needle board and an adjustment installation, wherein the adjustment installation comprises a plurality of adjustment elements which are arranged so as to be mutually parallel and extend in a third direction which is perpendicular to the first and to the second direction; aligning the plurality of needles on the plurality of adjustment elements by way of the relative movement between the needle board and the adjustment installation; fixing the plurality of needle modules in the receiving apparatus after the alignment, by of a fluid-activatable clamping device which effects a holding force at least in the first direction on the plurality of needle modules and/or the receiving apparatus.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein fixing the plurality of needle modules comprises: fixing in a form-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules in the first direction, and fixing in a force-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules at least in the second direction by the holding force.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a needle loom;

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a needle beam assembly having a needle board according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0082] FIG. 3 in an enlarged view shows a fragment of the cross-sectional view as per FIG. 2;

[0083] FIG. 4 in an enlarged view shows a fragment of the needle beam assembly as per FIG. 2 in a cross-sectional view in another section plane; and

[0084] FIG. 5 schematically shows an adjustment installation for aligning a plurality of needle modules of the needle board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0085] The fundamental construction of a needle loom 2 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. The needle loom 2 serves for consolidating a fibrous pile web 4 which is fed to the needle loom 2 in a conveying direction F and which passes through the needle loom 2 in the conveying direction F. The needle loom 2 comprises a needle beam assembly 6 having a needle beam 8 and at least one needle board 10 which is releasably fastened to the needle beam 8. The needle board 10 has a multiplicity of needles 12 which are a component part of a plurality of needle models 14 that are illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0086] In order for the fibrous pile web 4 to be consolidated, the needles 12 are moved in an oscillating manner up and down in a penetration direction E, and in the process invade the fibrous pile web 4. The penetration direction E is preferably substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction F.

[0087] In order to be able to invade the fibrous pile web 4 as deeply as possible, or to optionally penetrate the latter, the needle loom 2 in a needle zone 16, in which the needle beam assembly 6 is also arranged, can have a stitch plate 18. The stitch plate 18 facilitates the fibrous pile web 4 in the needle zone 16 and has openings into which the tips of the needles 12 can enter should the latter penetrate the fibrous pile web 4. In order to extract as few fibres as possible, if any, from the fibrous pile web 4 when extracting the needles 12 from the fibrous pile web 4, the needle loom 2 in the needle zone 16 furthermore comprises a down-holding plate 20. The down-holding plate 20 is arranged above the fibrous pile web 4 and retains the fibrous pile web 4, and particularly the fibres thereof, when extracting the needles 12. The down-holding plate 20 has openings through which the needles 12 can pass.

[0088] As it is difficult in the case of high needle densities, owing to the very minor spacing of the needles 12, to provide a corresponding number of openings and align the latter precisely with the needles, the stitch plate 18 and the down-holding plate 20 can be configured as wire plates. Each wire plate comprises a plurality of stationary wires which are aligned so as to be parallel to the conveying direction F. The wires of the plurality of wires are arranged so as to be mutually spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction F and to the penetration direction E, so as to enable the needles 12 to pass through. For example, a row of needles 12, which is arranged so as to be parallel to the third direction, can in each case pass through between two adjacent wires.

[0089] The needle loom 2 furthermore has a first main shaft 22 on which a first main con rod 24 is eccentrically mounted. The first main con rod 24 connects in an articulated manner the first main shaft 22 to the needle beam assembly 6. Moreover, in many applications the needle loom 2 comprises a second main shaft and a second main con rod, the two latter being configured in a manner analogous to the first main shaft 22 and the first main con rod 24.

[0090] Furthermore illustrated in FIG. 1 is a Cartesian coordinate system which has a first direction Y, a second direction Z and a third direction X. The first direction Y is preferably substantially vertical, and the second direction Z and the third direction X are substantially horizontal. The conveying direction F is preferably parallel to the third direction X, and the penetration direction E is preferably parallel to the first direction Y.

[0091] Illustrated in more detail in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 2 is the needle beam assembly 6 having the needle beam 8 and the needle board 10, wherein the section plane is defined by the first direction Y and the third direction X. The needle board 10 comprises a carrier plate 26 having at least one receiving apparatus 28 in which a plurality of needle modules 14 are received. Provided in the embodiment illustrated are five receiving apparatuses 28 which are arranged beside one another in the third direction X, each of said five receiving apparatuses 28 receiving a plurality of needle modules 14. The receiving apparatus 28 are constructed in an analogous manner, which is why only one receiving apparatus 28 will be described in more detail, the features of the latter being applicable in analogous manner to an arbitrary number of receiving apparatuses 28.

[0092] The needle board 10 furthermore comprises a fluid-activatable clamping device 30 which is also referred to as the first clamping device 30 and preferably has at least one first clamping element 32, here two first clamping elements 32a, 32b. The first clamping device 30 and the functional mode thereof will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0093] The needle beam assembly 6 can comprise a second fluid-activatable clamping device 34 which can have at least one second clamping element 36 and here has two second clamping elements 36a, 36b. The second clamping device 34 is provided for fastening the needle board 10 to the needle beam 8. To this end, the needle beam 8 can have a front shoulder 38 and a rear shoulder 40, said shoulders 38, 40 from the needle beam 8 protruding towards the front or towards the rear, respectively, in terms of the conveying direction F. A second clamping element 36a, 36b is in each case arranged on the shoulders 38, 40, and extends parallel to the second direction Z.

[0094] The second clamping device 34 in this exemplary embodiment moreover comprises a rear first clamping angle 42 and a front second clamping angle 44. The first and the second clamping angle 42, 44, clamp the needle board 10 to the needle beam 8. To this end, each of the two clamping angles 42, 44 has a first leg 42a, 44a which extends so as to be substantially horizontal and above the respective shoulder 38, 40, a second leg 42b, 44b which beside the respective shoulder 38, 40 extends from the first leg 42a, 44a in a substantially vertical downward manner, and a third leg 42c, 44c which from the second leg 42b, 44b extends so as to be substantially horizontal in the direction of the needle board 10. The third leg 42c, 44c engages with the needle board 10 in that said third leg 42c, 44c extends into a rebate 46 which is configured on the needle board 10 and is also referred to as the needle board rebate, for example.

[0095] The second clamping elements 36a, 36b are preferably adjustable between a first and a second state, wherein said second clamping elements 36a, 36b in the second state are expanded in comparison to the first state. If the second clamping device 34 is configured as a pneumatically activatable clamping device 34, the second clamping elements 36a, 36b can be configured as hoses, in particular as pneumatically activatable pressure hoses. When the second clamping elements 36a, 36b are in the first state, the first and the second clamping angle 42, 44 are lowered, and the needle board 10 can be pushed in or retrieved parallel to the second direction Z. When the second clamping elements 36a, 36b are in the expanded second state, the first and the second clamping angle 42, 44 are lifted parallel to the first direction Y by the clamping elements, and the needle board 10 is pressed against the needle beam 8 as a result. In this way, the needle board 10 is fixedly attached to the needle beam 8.

[0096] Further details of the needle board 10 will be described hereunder with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

[0097] The plurality of needle modules 14 in the receiving apparatus 28 are arranged behind one another in the second direction Z. Each needle module 14 has a module carrier 48 in which the needles 12 of the needle module 14 are received. Each needle module 14 preferably has only one row of needles 12, wherein the needles 12 are arranged behind one another in a row in the third direction X. The plurality of needle modules 14 are received in the receiving apparatus 28 in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the needles 12 extends parallel to the penetration direction E.

[0098] The receiving apparatus 28 is configured in such a manner that the needle modules 14 of the plurality of needle modules 14 can be inserted, or pushed, respectively, into the receiving apparatus 28, in the receiving apparatus 28 can be displaced parallel to the second direction Z, and are held by the receiving apparatus 28. The receiving apparatus 28 can comprise a first receiving element 50 and a second receiving element 52, the longitudinal direction of said receiving elements 50, 52 preferably extending parallel to the second direction Z. The first and the second receiving element 50, 52 are mutually opposite in the third direction, and therebetween receive the plurality of needle modules 14, wherein the needles 12 between the first and the second receiving element 50, 52 extend out of the receiving apparatus 28.

[0099] In order to support the plurality of needle modules 14, each receiving element 50, 52 comprises a support portion 54, 56 on which bears in each case a peripheral region 48a, 48b of the module carriers 48. The first peripheral region 48a and the second peripheral region 48b of each module carrier 48 are mutually opposite, and the at least one needle row of the respective needle module 14 extends between the first and the second peripheral region 48a, 48b.

[0100] As illustrated, the first and the second receiving element 50, 52 can be configured so as to be substantially C-shaped. The first and the second receiving element 50, 52 accordingly have in each case one first leg 50a, 52a, a second leg 50b, 52b, and a third leg 50c, 52c. The first leg 50a, 52a and the third leg 50c, 52c are arranged so as to be mutually parallel, and the second leg 50b, 52b extends so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first leg and to the third leg, so as to be between the two latter. The third leg 50c, 52c of the first and of the second receiving element 50, 52, respectively, can form the respective support portion 54, 56 on which bear the module carriers 48.

[0101] The needle board 10 can furthermore comprise a bearing element 58 which is fixedly connected, for example screwed, to the carrier plate 26. The bearing element 58, on a side thereof that faces away from the carrier plate 26, has a bearing face 60 on which an upper side of the plurality of needle modules 14 can bear.

[0102] In order for the plurality of needle modules 14 to be fixed in the receiving apparatus 28, the receiving apparatus 28 can be mounted so as to be movable in the first direction Y relative to the carrier plate 26. For example, the bearing element 58 has two rebates 62, 64 which are aligned in a mutually opposite manner and run parallel to the second direction, specifically a rear rebate 62 and a front rebate 64. The rebates 62, 64 form a cavity between the bearing element 58 and the carrier plate 26, a first portion of the receiving apparatus 28 being able to extend into said cavity. The first portion of the receiving apparatus 28 is formed by the first leg 50a, 52a of the first and of the second receiving element 50, 52, for example. In this way, the first portion of the receiving apparatus 28 can move up and down between the bearing element 58 and the carrier plate 26, and is at the same time interlocked on the carrier plate 26 in terms of the first direction Y.

[0103] The first clamping device 30 is configured to fix the plurality of needle modules 14 at least in the first direction Y in the receiving apparatus 28, in particular in that said first clamping device 30 effects a holding force in the first direction Y on the plurality of needle modules 14 and/or the receiving apparatus 28. As a result, the first clamping device 30 fixes in a form-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules 14 in the first direction Y, and in a force-fitting manner in the second and the third direction.

[0104] The first clamping device 30 is preferably adjustable between an activated state and a non-activated state. To this end, the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b can have a first state in which the plurality of needle modules 14 are movable in the receiving apparatus 28, and have a second state in which the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b are expanded in comparison to the first state and fix the plurality of needle modules 14 in the receiving apparatus 28. The first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b preferably extend parallel to the second direction Z.

[0105] The first clamping device 30 is preferably configured as a pneumatically activatable clamping device, wherein the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b are in each case formed by a hose. The clamping device 30 is activated by a supply of air, wherein the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b are transferred from the first state to the second state.

[0106] The first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b are preferably received in the receiving apparatus 28. The clamping elements 32a, 32b in the embodiment illustrated are received in the cavity between the bearing element 58 and the carrier plate 26 that is formed by the rebates 62, 64. More specifically, the first clamping element 32a is arranged on the rear rebate 62 of the bearing element 58 and received between the bearing element 58 and the first leg 50a of the first receiving element 50. The second clamping element 32b is arranged on the front rebate 64 of the bearing element 58 and received between the bearing element 58 and the first leg 52a of the second bearing element 52.

[0107] When the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b are transferred to the second state, said clamping elements 32a, 32b move the first legs 50a, 52a of the bearing elements 50, 52 upwards, parallel to the first direction Y, because the rebates 62, 64 of the bearing element 58 are stationary.

[0108] The clamping elements 32a, 32b are illustrated in the second state in FIGS. 3 and 4. The first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b in this state effect the holding force on the first and the second receiving element 50, 52 of the receiving apparatus. The plurality of needle modules 14 are pushed upwards and pressed against the bearing element 58 by the receiving elements 50, 52. The plurality of needle modules 14 are then received in a form-fitting manner between the bearing face 60 of the bearing element 58 and the support portions 54, 56 of the receiving elements 50, 52. The friction between the plurality of needle modules 14 and the bearing element 58 and the receiving elements 50, 52 may moreover suffice for fixing in a force-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules 14 in the second and the third direction Z, X.

[0109] In order for the first and the second clamping element 32a, 32b to be reset to the first state, said clamping elements 32a, 32b can be vented. The needle board 10 can additionally comprise a fluid-activatable releasing apparatus 66 which, in a direction counter to the holding force, effects a counterforce by way of which the plurality of needle modules 14 in the receiving apparatus 28 are released. This can be required, for example, in order to sufficiently vent or compress the clamping elements 32a, 32b.

[0110] In particular when the first clamping device 30 acts on the receiving apparatus 28, the releasing apparatus 66 can also act on the receiving apparatus 28. In the embodiment illustrated, the releasing apparatus 66 acts on the first and the second receiving element 50, 52 in order for the two latter to be moved back downwards, counter to the movement effected by the first clamping device 30. To this end, the releasing apparatus 66 preferably comprises at least one pressure element 68, here a first pressure element 68a and a second pressure element 68b. The first and the second pressure element 68a, 68b can be configured in a manner analogous to the clamping elements 32a, 32b. This means that the pressure elements 68a, 68b are preferably formed by pneumatically activatable hoses and extend parallel to the second direction Z.

[0111] The first and the second pressure element 68a, 68b have a first state and a second state, wherein the pressure elements 68a, 68b in the second state are expanded in comparison to the first state. The first and the second pressure element 68a, 68b in the second state effect the counterforce. The pressure elements 68a, 68b preferably autonomously maintain the second state.

[0112] The number of pressure elements 68a, 68b preferably corresponds to the number of clamping elements 32a, 32b such that each pressure element 68 is assigned to one clamping element 32 and can counteract the latter. The releasing apparatus 66 can comprise at least one transmission element 70, wherein each pressure element 68a, 68b is assigned at least one transmission element 70a, 70b by way of which said pressure element 68a, 68b acts on the receiving apparatus 28. The at least one transmission element 70 can be configured as a strip which runs parallel to the second direction Z, or be configured as a pin, as here. In this case, a plurality of transmission elements 70 are preferably provided for each pressure element 68, wherein the transmission elements 70 are arranged behind one another in the second direction Z.

[0113] The carrier plate 26 comprises a plurality of through openings 72a, 72b, the number of the latter corresponding to the number of transmission elements 70 and the transmission elements 70 being received in said through openings 72a, 72b. Each transmission element 70a, 70b extends from the pressure element 68a, 68b assigned thereto, through one of the through openings 72a, 72b, to the receiving apparatus 28, in particular to the first portion of the receiving apparatus 28, the latter here being formed by the first legs 50a, 52a of the first and the second receiving element 50, 52.

[0114] When the first and the second pressure element 68a, 68b are transferred to the second state, said pressure elements 68a, 68b effect the downward-directed counterforce on the transmission elements 70a, 70b, because said pressure elements 68a, 68b are upwardly supported in the needle board 10. The counterforce by way of the transmission elements 70a, 70b is transmitted to the first and the second receiving element 50, 52, the latter as a result being moved downwards to the extent that the counterforce is greater than the holding force, or the clamping elements 36a, 36b are vented. The form-fit between the needle modules 14 and the receiving apparatus 28 is released, and the needle modules 14 can be displaced and retrieved.

[0115] Receiving one or a plurality of releasing apparatus 66 in the needle board 10 can be particularly advantageously implemented in that the needle board 10 has a plurality of layers arranged on top of one another. The carrier plate 26 forms a first layer of the plurality of layers, and a further plate 74 forms a second layer of the plurality of layers. The carrier plate 26 and the further plate 74 are arranged at a mutual spacing, and the pressure elements 68 of the at least one releasing apparatus 66 are arranged between the carrier plate 26 and the further plate 74. The further plate 74 in the needle beam assembly 6 preferably bears on the needle beam 8, for example by way of an upper side that faces away from the carrier plate 26.

[0116] The plurality of layers can furthermore comprise a third layer which is formed by at least one spacing element 76 which is arranged between the carrier plate 26 and the further plate 74 in order for said carrier plate 26 and said plate 74 to be positioned at a defined spacing. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the plurality of layers are preferably fixedly connected, for example screwed, to one another.

[0117] The layers of the plurality of layers of the needle board 10 are preferably sized in such a manner that said layers form the needle board rebate 46 in which the first and the second clamping angle 42, 44 of the second clamping device 34 engage. To this end, the further plate 74 on both sides protrudes beyond the at least one spacing element 76 in the third direction X, for example.

[0118] Exactly one substantially plate-shaped spacing element 76, which has corresponding recesses for receiving the pressure elements 68 of the releasing apparatus 66, can be provided. The needle plate 10 in the embodiment illustrated comprises a plurality of spacing elements 76a, 76b, 76c, 76d, 76e which are configured in a mutually separate manner and of which the longitudinal direction extends parallel to the second direction Z, and which are arranged so as to be mutually spaced apart in the third direction X. Each pressure element 68 of the at least one releasing apparatus 66 can in this way be received in an intermediate space between two adjacent spacing elements 76.

[0119] Additional interlocking of the plurality of needle modules 14 in the third direction X in the receiving apparatus 28 can be achieved by at least one bracing apparatus 78 which is configured to effect an interlocking force at least in the third direction X on the receiving apparatus 28. As a result, the plurality of needle modules 14 can be fixed in a form-fitting manner in the third direction X. The bracing apparatus 78 deforms in particular the first and/or the second receiving element 50, 52 in such a manner that the plurality of needle modules 14 are fixed in a form-fitting manner in the third direction X.

[0120] The bracing apparatus 78 comprises at least one bracing element 80 which is assigned to one of the first and the second receiving element 50, 52. One bracing element 80 is preferably assigned to each receiving element 50, 52 of the receiving apparatus 28 or of the plurality of receiving apparatus 28. If a plurality of receiving apparatus 28 are provided beside one another, as is illustrated in FIG. 2, one bracing element 80 can in each case be arranged between two adjacent receiving apparatus 28 and thus be assigned to the first receiving element 50 of the one receiving apparatus 28 and to the second receiving element 52 of the adjacent receiving apparatus 28.

[0121] The at least one bracing element 80 has a foot portion 82 which in the first direction Y is preferably arranged below the respective receiving element 50, 52. For example, the foot portion 82 can form a contact region for the third leg 50c, 52c of the first or the second receiving element 50, 52, respectively. Proceeding from the foot portion 82, the at least one bracing element 80 extends upwards along the second leg 50b, 52b of the respective receiving element 50, 52. The at least one bracing element 80, proceeding from the foot portion 82, is particularly preferably configured so as to taper in the direction of the carrier plate 26. The at least one bracing element 80 in the form of a strip can extend parallel to the second direction Z, or a plurality of bracing elements 80 can be arranged behind one another in the second direction Z.

[0122] In order to effect the interlocking force on the receiving apparatus 28, the position of the at least one bracing element 80 relative to the carrier plate 26 is preferably adjustable. To this end, the bracing element 80 can be screwed to the needle board 10, as illustrated. The screw connection 84, from an upper side of the plurality of layers, here formed by the upper side of the further plate 74, preferably extends through the plurality of layers into the at least one bracing element 80. As a result, the position of the at least one bracing element 80 can be adjusted at any time before the needle board 10 is fastened to the needle beam 8, because the screw connection is accessible from the upper side. When the screw connection 84 is tightened, the bracing element 80 moves towards the carrier plate 26, while the bracing element 80 is moved away from the carrier plate 26 by releasing the screw connection 84.

[0123] As is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the receiving apparatus 28 is in a clamping position in which the plurality of needle modules 14 are fixed in the receiving apparatus 28. When the at least one bracing element 80 is now moved in the direction of the carrier plate 26, the taper of the bracing element 80 effects in particular an increasing interlocking force on the receiving elements 50, 52 in the third direction X and a deformation of the latter until bearing on the module carriers 48 of the needle modules 14.

[0124] As a result of this measure, the correct positioning of the plurality of needle modules 14 can be ensured even in the event of horizontal accelerations in the conveying direction F. Moreover, detents 86 which are preferably formed from carbon fibre-reinforced material can be provided on the peripheries of the needle board 10 that in the third direction X are arranged at the front or the rear, respectively. The detents 86 extend parallel to the second direction along the needle board 10 and can be screwed to the carrier plate 26, for example. The detents 86 in the third direction X support the support element 80 that is the frontmost or the rearmost in the third direction X, respectively, so as to suppress any deformation of said support element 80 in the case of acceleration in the third direction X.

[0125] One example of a method according to the invention will be described with further reference to FIG. 5, said method being based on the needle board 10 according to FIGS. 2 to 4. In order for the needle board 10 to be populated with needle modules 14, the plurality of needle modules 14 are first inserted into the at least one receiving apparatus 28 where the needle modules 14 are arranged behind one another in the second direction Z and are movable relative to one another. To this end, the receiving apparatus 28 is preferably in the releasing position, and the first clamping device 30 is in the non-activated state. If present, the pressure elements 68 of the releasing apparatus 66 can be in the second state thereof.

[0126] A relative movement between the needle board 10 and an adjustment installation 88, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, is subsequently generated. The adjustment installation 88 comprises a plurality of adjustment elements 90 which are arranged so as to be mutually parallel and extend in the third direction. The adjustment elements 90 can be formed by wires, for example, and be stationary. The adjustment installation 88 can be a separate device outside the needle loom 2, or be formed by the stitch plate 18 or the down-holding plate 20 of the needle loom 2. If the adjustment installation 88 is a separate device, the adjustment elements 90 are preferably configured so as to correspond to the stitch plate and/or down-holding plate 18, 20 of the needle loom 2, so as to suitably align the needle modules 14. Consequently, it is preferable for the plurality of adjustment elements 90 to define the pitch of the needle modules 14 in the manner desired in the needle loom 2.

[0127] The relative movement is at least a stroke of the needle board 10 and of the adjustment installation 88 relative to one another and parallel to the first direction Y, as is illustrated by the arrow B. As a result of the relative movement between the needle board 10 and the adjustment installation 88, the plurality of needles 12 of the plurality of needle modules 14 are aligned on the plurality of adjustment elements 90. When a needle 12 impacts on an adjustment element 90, said needle 12 - by virtue of the relative movement - slides along the adjustment element 90, as a result of which the needle module 14 that comprises this needle 12 is displaced in the second direction Z. This can already lead to the correct alignment of the needle modules 14.

[0128] However, it is also conceivable for the plurality of needles 12 - as a result of the relative movement in the direction of movement B - to initially be arranged between the plurality of adjustment elements 90, to be optionally displaced somewhat in the process, as has just been described, and then to be aligned more precisely at least in the second direction Z by a further movement component of the relative movement. The relative movement in this instance can comprise a component in the first direction Y as well as in the second direction Z. For example, the needle board 10 or the adjustment installation 88 is agitated.

[0129] Once the plurality of needle modules 14 have been correctly aligned, the plurality of needle modules 14 in the receiving apparatus 28 are fixed by the fluid-activatable first clamping device 30, as has already been described in detail.

[0130] If a bracing apparatus 78 is provided, the latter can be activated after the plurality of needle modules 14 have been fixed. To this end, the bracing elements 80 are moved in the direction of the carrier plate 26, for example by tightening the screw connection 84, such that the receiving elements 50, 52 therebetween receive in a form-fitting manner the plurality of needle modules 14 in the third direction X.

[0131] If the adjustment installation 88 is configured as a separate device, the method finally comprises the inserting of the needle board 10 into the needle loom 2. The needle board 10 in the needle loom 2 is then preferably fastened to the needle beam 8 by the second clamping device 34. In order for the entire needle board 10 to be correctly positioned on the needle beam 8, the method, after inserting the needle board 10 into the needle loom 2 and before activating the second clamping device 34, can furthermore comprise the step of moving the needle beam 8 in the penetration direction E so as to by way of a stroke align the needles 12 and thus the needle board 10 on the down-holding plate 20 and/or the stitch plate 18. As a result, the needle board 10 is correctly positioned on the needle beam 8 and can subsequently be fixed on the needle beam 8 by activating the second clamping device 34.

[0132] Adjustment screws (not illustrated) can additionally be provided, so as to in the case of segmented needle boards 10, or a plurality of needle boards 10, respectively, on the same needle beam 8 guarantee a mutual alignment, in particular in the direction Z, of the segments of the needle board 10 arranged on the needle beam 8, or of the plurality of needle boards 10 arranged on the needle beam 8, respectively.

[0133] The described needle board and method, taking into account the dimensional variances of the components of the needle board, thus enable correct positioning of the multiplicity of needles 12 of a needle beam 8, and thus enable a very high needle density.

[0134] A wide variety of materials are available for the various parts discussed and illustrated herein. Although the device has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.