CA2100220A1 - Method and apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable materialInfo
- Publication number
- CA2100220A1 CA2100220A1 CA002100220A CA2100220A CA2100220A1 CA 2100220 A1 CA2100220 A1 CA 2100220A1 CA 002100220 A CA002100220 A CA 002100220A CA 2100220 A CA2100220 A CA 2100220A CA 2100220 A1 CA2100220 A1 CA 2100220A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- limbs
- heat
- drive
- limb
- drive means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000009499 grossing Methods 0.000 abstract description 9
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 210000003414 extremity Anatomy 0.000 description 42
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 6
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001527902 Aratus Species 0.000 description 1
- 229940000425 combination drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004043 dyeing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06C—FINISHING, DRESSING, TENTERING OR STRETCHING TEXTILE FABRICS
- D06C5/00—Shaping or stretching of tubular fabrics upon cores or internal frames
- D06C5/005—Shaping or stretching of tubular fabrics upon cores or internal frames of articles, e.g. stockings
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06C—FINISHING, DRESSING, TENTERING OR STRETCHING TEXTILE FABRICS
- D06C7/00—Heating or cooling textile fabrics
- D06C7/02—Setting
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for heat-treating tubular.
elastically expandable material A method is indicated for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying and/or smoothing stockings, pantyhose, and the like, in which the material is stretched on at least two adjacent limbs of an elongated stretcher and then acted upon by heat for drying and/or smoothing purposes. During heat treatment the limbs are moved so as to rotate about their long axis, with the direction of the rotating movement preferably being alternately reversed. This eliminates the occurrence of streaks, especially in the stretching of stockings, pantyhose, and the like. A suitable apparatus has at least one elongated stretcher with at least two adjacent limbs on which the material can be stretched, and is provided with a heating device for heating the material. The limbs of the elongated stretcher are mounted rotatably about their long axis, and are connected to a drive device, for example by means of a chain drive.
elastically expandable material A method is indicated for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying and/or smoothing stockings, pantyhose, and the like, in which the material is stretched on at least two adjacent limbs of an elongated stretcher and then acted upon by heat for drying and/or smoothing purposes. During heat treatment the limbs are moved so as to rotate about their long axis, with the direction of the rotating movement preferably being alternately reversed. This eliminates the occurrence of streaks, especially in the stretching of stockings, pantyhose, and the like. A suitable apparatus has at least one elongated stretcher with at least two adjacent limbs on which the material can be stretched, and is provided with a heating device for heating the material. The limbs of the elongated stretcher are mounted rotatably about their long axis, and are connected to a drive device, for example by means of a chain drive.
Description
2~ 2~
Method and ap~aratus for heat-treatinq tubular elasticallv expandable_material The invention concerns a method for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying andlor smoothing hosiery articles such as stockings, pantyhose, and the like, in which the material is stretched on at least two adjacent limbs of an elongated stretcher and then acted upon by heat for drying and/or smoothing purposes.
The invention further concerns an apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying andtor smoothing hosiery articles such as stockings, pantyhose, or the like, with at least one elongated stretcher which has at least two adjacent limbs on which the material can be stretched, and with a heating means for heating the material.
```~ 210~2~
An apparatus of the aforesaid type is known from DE 35 42 210 Al.
In the known apparatus, stockings, pantyhose or the like made of elastic material are pulled onto flat, elongated frames and, after a dyeing process, pass through a drying station in which the stretched clothing items are subjected to a heat treatment in order to achieve drying and simultaneous smoothing of the material.
It has proven to be disadvantageous with the previously known arrangement that, especially when particularly fine mate-rials, such as women's stockings, women's pantyhose, and the like, are stretched on a stretcher and subjected to a heat treatment, streaks occur at the points where the material contacts the adjacent limbs of the stretcher, since at the contact points the fabric apparently cannot completely relax, i.e. the material is not as uniformly smoothed at the contact points as in other regions. Moreover, discolorations can even occur at the contact points with the elongated limbs.
The underlying object of the invention is to create a method and an apparatus for heat-treating tubular~ elastically expandable material which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art, and which, in particular, prevents the occurrence of streaks at the contact points between the material and the stretcher.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by the fact that in a method of the aforesaid type, the limbs are moved so as to rotate about their long axes while being acted upon by heat.
f f , '`' . . . . , :
-: .
. . ,. ~ ~
;
, . ~, 21~22~
Because of the movement of the limbs about their lonq axes, the material is continuously moved on the stretcher, so that heat acts uniformly on all regions of the material. Uniform drying can consequently be achieved. A further result is uniform relaxation and smoothing of the fabric~ which means greatly improved quality in the finished product, especially for women's stockings, pantyhose, and the like.
It is theoretically possible also to utilize the method for heat-treating endless tubular material, if this is desired.
With tubular material of this kind it would be possible, for example, for the tubular material to be stretched on a plurality of adjacent lengthwise struts, for example on three or four adjacent, parallel lengthwise struts, which are continuously moved in a rotating fashion.
The method has particular advantages, however, in particular for the heat treatment of women's stockings, women's panty-hose, ankle socks, and the like, since it is especially with such material that the aforementioned streaks can occur, because of the particularly thin and sensitive synthetic fabric.
If what is used is not an endless tubular material but rather tubular material with at least one closed end, i.e. espe-cially stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like, then in a development of the invention it is advantageous if the direction of the rotating movement is alternately reversed.
This makes it also possible to process pantyhose, which have each of their adjacent legs stretched on an elongated stretcher, in a simple manner without excessive crimping of the fabric or severe creasing in the transition region between the two legs, i.e. in the gusset region.
2 ~ a In an advantageous development of the method, the amplitude of the rotating movement is at least half as great as the circumference of a limb.
When the material is stretched on two adjacent limbs, i.e. on a stretcher configured substantially in a U-s~ape, the wrap angle of the fabric at the contact points on the two limbs is in each case approximately 180. If the amplitude of the rotating movement is then, as proposed by the invention, at least half as great as the circumference of a limb, this ensures that the material will be regularly moved out of the contact region with the limb at every point and thus can easily relax, and furthermore that in this fashion a uniform temperature distribution will be produced throughout the material.
The object of the invention is further achieved by the fact that in an apparatus of the aforesaid type, the adjacent limbs are mounted rotatably about their long axes and are attached to a drive means with which the limbs can be driven so as to rotate about their long axes.
The apparatus according to the invention reliably prevents the occurrence of streaks at the contact points. Rotatable mounting of the limbs about their long axes can be achieved, for example, by sliding onto each limb a tube that fits onto the rigid limb with a clearance fit. If low-noise, low-friction mounting is desired, the tube can additionally be mounted on the limb, for example, by means of plain bearings or roller bearings.
In an advantageous development of the invention, a device is provided that is connected to the drive means so that the rotation direction can be alternately reversed.
`
. :
2 ~ 2 3 s The advantage of this feature is that stockings, pantyhose, ankle soc~s, and the like, in particular, can be processed without creasing and without locally increased stresses.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a setting device for adjusting the amplitude and/or the frequency of the alternating rotating movement is additionally provided.
The advantage of this feature is that it allows optimal matching of the rotating movement to the shape, type, and properties of the material being processed. Since the wrap angle is approximately 180 when a stretcher with two adjacent limbs is used, the amplitude can be set, for example, so that the material is lifted completely away from the limb at least once at all contact points with the limbs during each back-and-forth movement. In many cases, however, a smaller amplitude is also sufficient to ashieve the desired effect. Moreover, the frequency of the alternating rotating movement can additionally be set so that the slowest possible back-and-forth motion is sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each elongated stretcher is configured as a frame bent substantially into a U-shape, the two limbs of which are connected to one another by a curved end member.
A stretcher of this kind has proven especially advantageous for processing stockings, pantyhose, ankle socks, and the like. The two limbs can be arranged parallel to one another, or can have a certain inclination to one another.
,, :
2 ~
Advantageously, the outside diameter of the limbs corresponds approximately to the outside diameter of the curved end members.
This guarantees a uniform transition, so that the material can be pulled without hindrance onto the substantially U-shaped frame.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the limbs are driven by means of a chain drive, a belt drive, and/or a friction wheel drive.
Such drives allow simple and reliable transfer of a movement from the drive unit to the limbs. Chain drives, belt drives, or friction wheel drives may be especially advantageous, depending on local available space and temperature condi-tions, and combinations of the individual drive types are also possible.
In an additional development of the invention, there are provided on a rotary table a plurality of substantially U-shaped frames, in each case two arranged next to each other, with which are associated a plurality of heat treatment stations opposite which the frames can be moved in a timed cycle, the drive means being configured to drive all the limbs of the frames.
An arrangement of this kind for shaping and smoothing stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner on a rotary table. Not only can the individual heat treatment stations be arranged on a rotary table, but moreover also pull-on, inspection, and pull-off stations, if necessary. The frames , 2~ ~o~
can move in a timed cycle opposite the heat treatment stations as the rotary table is turned. The limbs of the frames can be driven by a single shared drive means, result-ing in a simple design.
In an additional development of the invention, the drive means can be adjusted between a-drive setting in which the limbs of the frames are driven, and an idle setting in which the limbs are not driven in order to allow rotation of the rotary table.
In this manner the drive means can be coupled to the limbs in order to rotate them, or uncoupled from the limbs so that the rotary table can be turned, in order to transport the material stretched on the frames to the next station.
It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combi-nations or in isolation, without leaving the context of the present invention.
Further advantages are evident from the description below of a preferred exemplary embodiment which refers to the draw-ings, in which: -igure 1 shows a view of an apparatus according to theinvention in a first embodiment; and igure 2 shows a section through an apparatus according to the invention, from above, in an embodiment slightly different from Figure 1.
~2 1 ~
An apparatus according to the invention is labeled in its entirety with the number 10 in Figure 1.
A substantially U-shaped frame 12 is fastened at its two top ends 20 to each of two retainers 22, arranged parallel to one another, which can be fastened (in a manner not shown) to a machine chassis. Each frame 12 has two limbs 14 parallel to one another, which are each attached at their lower end by means of an end member 16 curved in a semicircular shape, made of a bent tube.
A tube segment 18 which extends over almost the entire length of the limb 14 is rotatably mounted on each limb by means of plain bearings, for example with PTFE rings. The outside diameter of the tubes 18 is matched to the outside diameter of the curved end members 16 and the upper ends 20, resulting altogether, in each case, in a frame 12 with a smooth surface and a uniform diameter.
Since two frames 12 of this kind are arranged parallel and next to one another, this arrangement is suitable for stretching a pair of pantyhose 24, as indicated by the dashed lines.
A chain drive labeled in its entirety with the number 26 is provided at the top end of the tubes 18 to drive the tubes about their long axes. A drive pinion 28 is provided on the output shaft of a drive means 34. Said drive means may be an electric motor which can be driven in two directions. To reverse the direction of rotation a means 35 is provided which may comprise an electronic switching circuit which can be adjusted to control the amplitude of the alternately reversed rotation. This means or switching circuit controls . - ~: :
,' !
' . :' ' '' ' ''' ' ': .
. ,".:. ' ' "
!, the movement of the electric motor as indicated by arrow 38.
A chain 32 is guided over the drive pinion 28 and over a pinion 30 on each tube 18, so that all four tubes 18 can be driven by the chain drive 26 so as to rotate about their long axes.
The drive means 34 further comprises a devicè by means of which the rotation direction of the drive pinion 28 can be alternately reversed. A setting device is also provided, with which the amplitude and fre~uency of the alternating oscil-lating movement can be adjusted.
Arranged below the chain drive 26 is a heating means 36 that extends downward and projects downward beyond the curved ends 16 of the frames 12. The heating means 36, which is indicated only schematically, has infrared heating elements that can, if applicable, be additionally assisted by a fan. The heating means 36 is advantageously configured as a closed heating chamber, for which purpose, for example, a reflector can be arranged at the side opposite the heating elements.
A heat treatment of stockings, pantyhose, and the like takes place as follows:
First the material, for example a pair of pantyhose 24, is stretched, manually or by means of a suitable pull-on apparatus, on the two adjacent frames 12. Then the tubes 18 are given an alternating rotating movement about their long axes, for which purpose the drive means 34 is switched on and the amplitude and frequency of the movement are preset as a function of the material and the heat treatment temperature, which for women's stockings lies approximately in the range between 105 and 125C.
-~ 21~Q2~
The amplitude of the rotation movement is preferably selected so that the amplitude corresponds approximately to half the circumference of a respective tube 18. A substantially greater amplitude is not desirable, since it might lead to more severe creasing in the transition region between the legs of the pantyhose.
With the drive unit 34 switched on, the heating means 36 can then be switched on, which heats the pantyhose within seconds, and produces the necessary relaxation and smoothing of the fabric. This reliably eliminates the occurrence of streaks in the contact region between the pantyhose 24 and the limbs 14.
A slightly different embodiment of the apparatus is depicted in Figure 2.
The apparatus, labeled in its entirety with the number 40, is part of a stretching machine for stretching stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like, the individual stations of which are arranged on a rotary table 68. The rotary table 68 transports the pantyhose, stretched on pairs of frames, between the individual stations. Figure 2 depicts only three heating stations 86, 88, 90, which are arranged next to one another at the edge of the rotary table 68 and are each arranged opposite two adjacent U-shaped frames 42, 42', 42''.
The remaining stations of the stretching machine, namely for example a pull-on and inspection station as well as a pull-off station, do not belong to the invention and for the sake of clarity are not depicted.
Heating means, indicated by the numbers 66, 66', 66'', are provided to heat the frames.
' ` " ', ~: ' ;.......... , ' . ' "" '; ;
. ' ' .
21~0~2~
The U-shaped frames 42, 42', 42'' are constructed in accord-ance with Figure 1, and have tube segments that extend substantially over the entire length of the limbs 44, 44', 44'', and are respectively attached to one another at their lower end, in the manner described above, by means of curved end members. Associated with each frame 42, 42', 42'' is a heating means S6, 66', 66'', which is preferàbly arranged inside a closed heating chamber (not depicted).
The essential deviation from the arrangement according to Figure 1 consists in the driving of the limbs, which is performed not with a chain drive, but with belt drives in conjunction with a friction wheel drive.
The frames can move together with the rotary table 68, so that when the rotary table is turned in a timed cycle, they are conveyed on from one station to the next. The drive means for the frames, however, is configured in a stationary manner, and is fastened onto a vertical support 70, provided in the center of the rotary table 68, by means of a horizon-tal support 72. Provided on the horizontal support 72 is a first actuator cylinder 74 which is combined with a guide, and by means of which a lengthwise support 80 can be extended in a controlled manner outward toward the edge of the rotary table. A friction wheel 62' is rotatably mounted at the outer end of the lengthwise support 80.
Also secured to the lengthwise support 80 is a transverse support 78 which extends outward on both sides of the lengthwise support 80 toward the edge of the rotary table 68.
A friction wheel 62 and 62'' is arranged at each end of the transverse support. The transverse support 78 is interrupted by a second actuator cylinder 76, which is combined with a ,' ' ~ .
219022~
guide. By means of the actuator cylinder 76, both ends of the transverse support 78 can be extended in a controlled manner out from the lengthwise support 80 toward the edge of the rotary table (in a manner not depicted in greater detail), as indicated by arrow 84. Together the lengthwise support 80 and the transverse support 78 form an equilateral triangle at each of whose vertices a friction wheel 62, 62', 62'' is arranged. While the center friction wheel 62', which is arranged at the outer end of the lengthwise support 80, can be extended, by displacement of the lengthwise support 80 in the direction of arrow 82, outward in the radial direction in accordance with arrow 82 toward the two center frames 42', the other two friction wheels 62 and 62'' can also be extended outward toward the two first frames 42 or the two other frames 42'', i.e. in a direction perpendicular to arrow 82.
The three friction wheels 62, 62', 62'' are driven by a belt drive 56. For this purpose, a drive unit 64 is provided at one end of the transverse support, and drives the friction wheel 62' directly. The other two friction wheels 62, 62'' are driven by means of a belt 57 guided over the friction wheels 62, 62', 62''.
The two limbs 44, 44', and 44'' of each frame are each connected by means of belt drive 58, 58', and 58'', respec-tively. In addition, the two neighboring limbs of each two adjacent frames are connected by a further belt drive 60, 60', 60''. Each of these center belt drives 60, 60', 60'' which connect two adjacent frames can be driven by the friction wheel 62, 62', 62'', respectively.
, . . ' , .: ..... . . . .
2~ 9 The drive unit 64 can therefore simultaneously drive the center belt drives 60, 60', 60'' by means of the belt drive 56 and its friction wheels 62, 62', 62'', and each individual limb of the total of six frames by means of the additional belt drives 58, 58', 58'' that connect the two lim~s of each frame.
The drive unit 64 in turn comprises a device for reversing the direction of rotation, and a setting device for adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the rotating movement of the limbs.
When the rotary table 68 is to be transported during the next working cycle, first the belt drive is moved from the working position shown in Figure 2 to an idle position, for which purpose the friction wheels 62, 62', 62'' are moved inward by means of the actuator cylinders 74, 76, so that the frames are released and the rotary table can be turned.
Otherwise the operation of the apparatus corresponds entirely to that of the embodiment described earlier with reference to Fig. 1.
i It is understood that in addition to the drive means described early for generating the rotating movement of the limbs, any other drive means can also be used.
:.
`'v~
Method and ap~aratus for heat-treatinq tubular elasticallv expandable_material The invention concerns a method for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying andlor smoothing hosiery articles such as stockings, pantyhose, and the like, in which the material is stretched on at least two adjacent limbs of an elongated stretcher and then acted upon by heat for drying and/or smoothing purposes.
The invention further concerns an apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, especially for drying andtor smoothing hosiery articles such as stockings, pantyhose, or the like, with at least one elongated stretcher which has at least two adjacent limbs on which the material can be stretched, and with a heating means for heating the material.
```~ 210~2~
An apparatus of the aforesaid type is known from DE 35 42 210 Al.
In the known apparatus, stockings, pantyhose or the like made of elastic material are pulled onto flat, elongated frames and, after a dyeing process, pass through a drying station in which the stretched clothing items are subjected to a heat treatment in order to achieve drying and simultaneous smoothing of the material.
It has proven to be disadvantageous with the previously known arrangement that, especially when particularly fine mate-rials, such as women's stockings, women's pantyhose, and the like, are stretched on a stretcher and subjected to a heat treatment, streaks occur at the points where the material contacts the adjacent limbs of the stretcher, since at the contact points the fabric apparently cannot completely relax, i.e. the material is not as uniformly smoothed at the contact points as in other regions. Moreover, discolorations can even occur at the contact points with the elongated limbs.
The underlying object of the invention is to create a method and an apparatus for heat-treating tubular~ elastically expandable material which eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art, and which, in particular, prevents the occurrence of streaks at the contact points between the material and the stretcher.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by the fact that in a method of the aforesaid type, the limbs are moved so as to rotate about their long axes while being acted upon by heat.
f f , '`' . . . . , :
-: .
. . ,. ~ ~
;
, . ~, 21~22~
Because of the movement of the limbs about their lonq axes, the material is continuously moved on the stretcher, so that heat acts uniformly on all regions of the material. Uniform drying can consequently be achieved. A further result is uniform relaxation and smoothing of the fabric~ which means greatly improved quality in the finished product, especially for women's stockings, pantyhose, and the like.
It is theoretically possible also to utilize the method for heat-treating endless tubular material, if this is desired.
With tubular material of this kind it would be possible, for example, for the tubular material to be stretched on a plurality of adjacent lengthwise struts, for example on three or four adjacent, parallel lengthwise struts, which are continuously moved in a rotating fashion.
The method has particular advantages, however, in particular for the heat treatment of women's stockings, women's panty-hose, ankle socks, and the like, since it is especially with such material that the aforementioned streaks can occur, because of the particularly thin and sensitive synthetic fabric.
If what is used is not an endless tubular material but rather tubular material with at least one closed end, i.e. espe-cially stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like, then in a development of the invention it is advantageous if the direction of the rotating movement is alternately reversed.
This makes it also possible to process pantyhose, which have each of their adjacent legs stretched on an elongated stretcher, in a simple manner without excessive crimping of the fabric or severe creasing in the transition region between the two legs, i.e. in the gusset region.
2 ~ a In an advantageous development of the method, the amplitude of the rotating movement is at least half as great as the circumference of a limb.
When the material is stretched on two adjacent limbs, i.e. on a stretcher configured substantially in a U-s~ape, the wrap angle of the fabric at the contact points on the two limbs is in each case approximately 180. If the amplitude of the rotating movement is then, as proposed by the invention, at least half as great as the circumference of a limb, this ensures that the material will be regularly moved out of the contact region with the limb at every point and thus can easily relax, and furthermore that in this fashion a uniform temperature distribution will be produced throughout the material.
The object of the invention is further achieved by the fact that in an apparatus of the aforesaid type, the adjacent limbs are mounted rotatably about their long axes and are attached to a drive means with which the limbs can be driven so as to rotate about their long axes.
The apparatus according to the invention reliably prevents the occurrence of streaks at the contact points. Rotatable mounting of the limbs about their long axes can be achieved, for example, by sliding onto each limb a tube that fits onto the rigid limb with a clearance fit. If low-noise, low-friction mounting is desired, the tube can additionally be mounted on the limb, for example, by means of plain bearings or roller bearings.
In an advantageous development of the invention, a device is provided that is connected to the drive means so that the rotation direction can be alternately reversed.
`
. :
2 ~ 2 3 s The advantage of this feature is that stockings, pantyhose, ankle soc~s, and the like, in particular, can be processed without creasing and without locally increased stresses.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a setting device for adjusting the amplitude and/or the frequency of the alternating rotating movement is additionally provided.
The advantage of this feature is that it allows optimal matching of the rotating movement to the shape, type, and properties of the material being processed. Since the wrap angle is approximately 180 when a stretcher with two adjacent limbs is used, the amplitude can be set, for example, so that the material is lifted completely away from the limb at least once at all contact points with the limbs during each back-and-forth movement. In many cases, however, a smaller amplitude is also sufficient to ashieve the desired effect. Moreover, the frequency of the alternating rotating movement can additionally be set so that the slowest possible back-and-forth motion is sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each elongated stretcher is configured as a frame bent substantially into a U-shape, the two limbs of which are connected to one another by a curved end member.
A stretcher of this kind has proven especially advantageous for processing stockings, pantyhose, ankle socks, and the like. The two limbs can be arranged parallel to one another, or can have a certain inclination to one another.
,, :
2 ~
Advantageously, the outside diameter of the limbs corresponds approximately to the outside diameter of the curved end members.
This guarantees a uniform transition, so that the material can be pulled without hindrance onto the substantially U-shaped frame.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the limbs are driven by means of a chain drive, a belt drive, and/or a friction wheel drive.
Such drives allow simple and reliable transfer of a movement from the drive unit to the limbs. Chain drives, belt drives, or friction wheel drives may be especially advantageous, depending on local available space and temperature condi-tions, and combinations of the individual drive types are also possible.
In an additional development of the invention, there are provided on a rotary table a plurality of substantially U-shaped frames, in each case two arranged next to each other, with which are associated a plurality of heat treatment stations opposite which the frames can be moved in a timed cycle, the drive means being configured to drive all the limbs of the frames.
An arrangement of this kind for shaping and smoothing stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like can be arranged in a particularly space-saving manner on a rotary table. Not only can the individual heat treatment stations be arranged on a rotary table, but moreover also pull-on, inspection, and pull-off stations, if necessary. The frames , 2~ ~o~
can move in a timed cycle opposite the heat treatment stations as the rotary table is turned. The limbs of the frames can be driven by a single shared drive means, result-ing in a simple design.
In an additional development of the invention, the drive means can be adjusted between a-drive setting in which the limbs of the frames are driven, and an idle setting in which the limbs are not driven in order to allow rotation of the rotary table.
In this manner the drive means can be coupled to the limbs in order to rotate them, or uncoupled from the limbs so that the rotary table can be turned, in order to transport the material stretched on the frames to the next station.
It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations indicated, but also in other combi-nations or in isolation, without leaving the context of the present invention.
Further advantages are evident from the description below of a preferred exemplary embodiment which refers to the draw-ings, in which: -igure 1 shows a view of an apparatus according to theinvention in a first embodiment; and igure 2 shows a section through an apparatus according to the invention, from above, in an embodiment slightly different from Figure 1.
~2 1 ~
An apparatus according to the invention is labeled in its entirety with the number 10 in Figure 1.
A substantially U-shaped frame 12 is fastened at its two top ends 20 to each of two retainers 22, arranged parallel to one another, which can be fastened (in a manner not shown) to a machine chassis. Each frame 12 has two limbs 14 parallel to one another, which are each attached at their lower end by means of an end member 16 curved in a semicircular shape, made of a bent tube.
A tube segment 18 which extends over almost the entire length of the limb 14 is rotatably mounted on each limb by means of plain bearings, for example with PTFE rings. The outside diameter of the tubes 18 is matched to the outside diameter of the curved end members 16 and the upper ends 20, resulting altogether, in each case, in a frame 12 with a smooth surface and a uniform diameter.
Since two frames 12 of this kind are arranged parallel and next to one another, this arrangement is suitable for stretching a pair of pantyhose 24, as indicated by the dashed lines.
A chain drive labeled in its entirety with the number 26 is provided at the top end of the tubes 18 to drive the tubes about their long axes. A drive pinion 28 is provided on the output shaft of a drive means 34. Said drive means may be an electric motor which can be driven in two directions. To reverse the direction of rotation a means 35 is provided which may comprise an electronic switching circuit which can be adjusted to control the amplitude of the alternately reversed rotation. This means or switching circuit controls . - ~: :
,' !
' . :' ' '' ' ''' ' ': .
. ,".:. ' ' "
!, the movement of the electric motor as indicated by arrow 38.
A chain 32 is guided over the drive pinion 28 and over a pinion 30 on each tube 18, so that all four tubes 18 can be driven by the chain drive 26 so as to rotate about their long axes.
The drive means 34 further comprises a devicè by means of which the rotation direction of the drive pinion 28 can be alternately reversed. A setting device is also provided, with which the amplitude and fre~uency of the alternating oscil-lating movement can be adjusted.
Arranged below the chain drive 26 is a heating means 36 that extends downward and projects downward beyond the curved ends 16 of the frames 12. The heating means 36, which is indicated only schematically, has infrared heating elements that can, if applicable, be additionally assisted by a fan. The heating means 36 is advantageously configured as a closed heating chamber, for which purpose, for example, a reflector can be arranged at the side opposite the heating elements.
A heat treatment of stockings, pantyhose, and the like takes place as follows:
First the material, for example a pair of pantyhose 24, is stretched, manually or by means of a suitable pull-on apparatus, on the two adjacent frames 12. Then the tubes 18 are given an alternating rotating movement about their long axes, for which purpose the drive means 34 is switched on and the amplitude and frequency of the movement are preset as a function of the material and the heat treatment temperature, which for women's stockings lies approximately in the range between 105 and 125C.
-~ 21~Q2~
The amplitude of the rotation movement is preferably selected so that the amplitude corresponds approximately to half the circumference of a respective tube 18. A substantially greater amplitude is not desirable, since it might lead to more severe creasing in the transition region between the legs of the pantyhose.
With the drive unit 34 switched on, the heating means 36 can then be switched on, which heats the pantyhose within seconds, and produces the necessary relaxation and smoothing of the fabric. This reliably eliminates the occurrence of streaks in the contact region between the pantyhose 24 and the limbs 14.
A slightly different embodiment of the apparatus is depicted in Figure 2.
The apparatus, labeled in its entirety with the number 40, is part of a stretching machine for stretching stockings, ankle socks, pantyhose, and the like, the individual stations of which are arranged on a rotary table 68. The rotary table 68 transports the pantyhose, stretched on pairs of frames, between the individual stations. Figure 2 depicts only three heating stations 86, 88, 90, which are arranged next to one another at the edge of the rotary table 68 and are each arranged opposite two adjacent U-shaped frames 42, 42', 42''.
The remaining stations of the stretching machine, namely for example a pull-on and inspection station as well as a pull-off station, do not belong to the invention and for the sake of clarity are not depicted.
Heating means, indicated by the numbers 66, 66', 66'', are provided to heat the frames.
' ` " ', ~: ' ;.......... , ' . ' "" '; ;
. ' ' .
21~0~2~
The U-shaped frames 42, 42', 42'' are constructed in accord-ance with Figure 1, and have tube segments that extend substantially over the entire length of the limbs 44, 44', 44'', and are respectively attached to one another at their lower end, in the manner described above, by means of curved end members. Associated with each frame 42, 42', 42'' is a heating means S6, 66', 66'', which is preferàbly arranged inside a closed heating chamber (not depicted).
The essential deviation from the arrangement according to Figure 1 consists in the driving of the limbs, which is performed not with a chain drive, but with belt drives in conjunction with a friction wheel drive.
The frames can move together with the rotary table 68, so that when the rotary table is turned in a timed cycle, they are conveyed on from one station to the next. The drive means for the frames, however, is configured in a stationary manner, and is fastened onto a vertical support 70, provided in the center of the rotary table 68, by means of a horizon-tal support 72. Provided on the horizontal support 72 is a first actuator cylinder 74 which is combined with a guide, and by means of which a lengthwise support 80 can be extended in a controlled manner outward toward the edge of the rotary table. A friction wheel 62' is rotatably mounted at the outer end of the lengthwise support 80.
Also secured to the lengthwise support 80 is a transverse support 78 which extends outward on both sides of the lengthwise support 80 toward the edge of the rotary table 68.
A friction wheel 62 and 62'' is arranged at each end of the transverse support. The transverse support 78 is interrupted by a second actuator cylinder 76, which is combined with a ,' ' ~ .
219022~
guide. By means of the actuator cylinder 76, both ends of the transverse support 78 can be extended in a controlled manner out from the lengthwise support 80 toward the edge of the rotary table (in a manner not depicted in greater detail), as indicated by arrow 84. Together the lengthwise support 80 and the transverse support 78 form an equilateral triangle at each of whose vertices a friction wheel 62, 62', 62'' is arranged. While the center friction wheel 62', which is arranged at the outer end of the lengthwise support 80, can be extended, by displacement of the lengthwise support 80 in the direction of arrow 82, outward in the radial direction in accordance with arrow 82 toward the two center frames 42', the other two friction wheels 62 and 62'' can also be extended outward toward the two first frames 42 or the two other frames 42'', i.e. in a direction perpendicular to arrow 82.
The three friction wheels 62, 62', 62'' are driven by a belt drive 56. For this purpose, a drive unit 64 is provided at one end of the transverse support, and drives the friction wheel 62' directly. The other two friction wheels 62, 62'' are driven by means of a belt 57 guided over the friction wheels 62, 62', 62''.
The two limbs 44, 44', and 44'' of each frame are each connected by means of belt drive 58, 58', and 58'', respec-tively. In addition, the two neighboring limbs of each two adjacent frames are connected by a further belt drive 60, 60', 60''. Each of these center belt drives 60, 60', 60'' which connect two adjacent frames can be driven by the friction wheel 62, 62', 62'', respectively.
, . . ' , .: ..... . . . .
2~ 9 The drive unit 64 can therefore simultaneously drive the center belt drives 60, 60', 60'' by means of the belt drive 56 and its friction wheels 62, 62', 62'', and each individual limb of the total of six frames by means of the additional belt drives 58, 58', 58'' that connect the two lim~s of each frame.
The drive unit 64 in turn comprises a device for reversing the direction of rotation, and a setting device for adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the rotating movement of the limbs.
When the rotary table 68 is to be transported during the next working cycle, first the belt drive is moved from the working position shown in Figure 2 to an idle position, for which purpose the friction wheels 62, 62', 62'' are moved inward by means of the actuator cylinders 74, 76, so that the frames are released and the rotary table can be turned.
Otherwise the operation of the apparatus corresponds entirely to that of the embodiment described earlier with reference to Fig. 1.
i It is understood that in addition to the drive means described early for generating the rotating movement of the limbs, any other drive means can also be used.
:.
`'v~
Claims (12)
1. An apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, said apparatus comprising at least one elongated stretcher having at least two adjacent limbs for receiving and stretching said material thereon, each said limb having a long axis, wherein said limbs are mounted rotatably about their long axes, said apparatus further comprising a drive means for rotating said limbs about their long axes.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises means for rotating said limbs in a direction of rotation which is alternately reversed.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said drive means comprises a setting means for adjusting the amplitude or frequency of the alternately reversed rotating movement.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongated stretcher comprises a frame bent substantially into a U-shape which comprises said at least two adjacent limbs, said limbs being connected by a curved member therebetween.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a tube is rotatably mounted on each limb.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises a chain drive, a belt drive or a friction wheel drive.
7. An apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, said apparatus comprising:
- a rotary table adapted for rotary movement;
- a plurality of heat treatment stations arranged about said rotary table for heat treating said material;
- a plurality of elongated stretchers comprising essentially U-shaped frames for receiving and stretch-ing said material thereon, each said frame comprising two adjacent limbs, each having a long axis, and a curved member connecting said limbs;
- a drive means adapted for rotating each said limb about its long axis.
- a rotary table adapted for rotary movement;
- a plurality of heat treatment stations arranged about said rotary table for heat treating said material;
- a plurality of elongated stretchers comprising essentially U-shaped frames for receiving and stretch-ing said material thereon, each said frame comprising two adjacent limbs, each having a long axis, and a curved member connecting said limbs;
- a drive means adapted for rotating each said limb about its long axis.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said drive means has at least two settings, a first active setting in which said limbs are rotatably driven, and a second idle setting in which said limbs are not driven to allow for rotation of said rotary table.
9. A method for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material, said method comprising at least the following steps:
- stretching said material on said at least two adjacent limbs each having a long axis; and - rotatably moving said limbs about their long axes while heating said material.
- stretching said material on said at least two adjacent limbs each having a long axis; and - rotatably moving said limbs about their long axes while heating said material.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said limbs are moved in a direction of rotation which is alternately reversed.
11. A method according to claim 10, wherein each said limb is rotated alternately about an angle of at least 90 degrees.
12. A method according to claim 10, wherein each said limb is rotated alternately about an angle of at least 180 degrees.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4222667.8 | 1992-07-10 | ||
| DE4222667A DE4222667C1 (en) | 1992-07-10 | 1992-07-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2100220A1 true CA2100220A1 (en) | 1994-01-11 |
Family
ID=6462906
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002100220A Abandoned CA2100220A1 (en) | 1992-07-10 | 1993-07-09 | Method and apparatus for heat-treating tubular, elastically expandable material |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0582091A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2100220A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4222667C1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT1293129B1 (en) * | 1997-06-23 | 1999-02-11 | Matec Srl | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING TEXTILE MANUFACTURES |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3542210A1 (en) * | 1985-11-29 | 1987-06-04 | Kunert Werke | Apparatus for the treatment, especially shaping and dyeing of knitted leg garments, such as stockings, tights, socks, etc., made of highly elastic material |
-
1992
- 1992-07-10 DE DE4222667A patent/DE4222667C1/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-07-03 EP EP93110650A patent/EP0582091A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-07-09 CA CA002100220A patent/CA2100220A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0582091A1 (en) | 1994-02-09 |
| DE4222667C1 (en) | 1993-09-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |