Apparatus for inserting connection yarn into three-dimensional fabric

摘要

A connection yarn inserting apparatus for manufacturing three-dimensional fabric. The apparatus inserts connection yarns into a lamination of fiber layers in a direction transverse to each fiber layer. The apparatus has insertion needles for inserting connection yarns into the lamination. The insertion needles are moved between a standby position, where the needles are separated from the lamination, and an operational position, where the needles penetrate the lamination. The lamination is clamped by a pair of opposed pressing members. The pressing members are operated by air cylinders. A stopper can be moved into and away from the moving range of the piston rod of each of the air cylinders. The stopper is actuated by an actuator. When the stoppers in the moving range of the associated piston rod, the stopper limits the stroke of the piston rod. This reduces the time necessary to move the associated piston rod and increases productivity.