DE102008007796A1 - Apparatus for solidifying fibers and / or webs formed from filaments - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for consolidating nonwovens or webs formed from fibers and / or polymer filaments by means of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or water vapor, which has a hollow distributor device (2) having numerous nozzle openings (2.2), is described. is directed to the fleece. According to the invention, it is provided that the nozzle openings (2.2) are arranged in a housing wall (2.1) of the distributor device (2) and a distance A between the outlet end of the nozzle openings (2.2) in the housing wall (2.1) and the point of impact of the steam jet on the to be acted upon Ware or fleece between 0.5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 50 mm.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for solidifying fibers and / or nonwovens or webs formed from polymer filaments with the aid of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or water vapor, the over a numerous nozzle openings having hollow-shaped distributor device on the nonwoven is directed

A device for strengthening fibers and / or webs formed from polymer filaments by means of steam is already known in general ( EP 1 553 222 A1 ), which is passed over a numerous nozzle openings having hollow-shaped distributor device on the nonwoven. The distribution device consists of a very thick-walled, partially hollow housing with a rectangular removable nozzle body, are embedded in the nozzle openings. The device has a high rigidity, so that it has the required stability over a very large working width of about 5 m and thus does not bend too far. To avoid condensation, the distributor device consists of a double-walled tube, wherein superheated steam is used to heat this device. Such a device is complicated and expensive. The path of the jet of steam (more than 5 mm) is determined by the length of the nozzle opening in the nozzle body connected to the distributor or by the distance between the inlet side of the nozzle openings in the housing wall of the very thick-walled nozzle body and the outlet end of the nozzle openings and the distance between the nozzle Outlet end of the nozzle openings in the housing wall and the point of impact of the steam jet on the product to be acted upon or the fleece determined. As a result, the path of the steam jet is very large, so that a part of the steam jet energy is consumed in the nozzle body and the steam jet can not develop its necessary energy on the product.

Of the Invention is based on the object, the known device substantially to simplify, to manage with less building mass, the energy efficiency increase, make the device cheaper and to improve the nonwoven structure.

The The object is achieved according to the invention that the nozzle openings in a housing wall the distribution device are arranged and a distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings in the housing wall and the point of impact of the steam jet to be acted upon Ware or fleece between 0.5 and 50 mm preferably between 10 and 50 mm. Such a device leaves produce more cost-effective, since the total mass of Device can be substantially reduced. Furthermore, the plant due to the short heating time very quickly in the operating condition be offset. The low heating time can also be minimize the operating costs. Due to the very small distance between the outlet end of the nozzle opening and the impact of the Steam jet on the web remains the kinetic energy of the Steam jet almost completely preserved. With a small one Distance in particular in the range between 2 and 8 mm leaves Needle the product very well. If the distance is increased, so does the effect of steam needling and that Product can be with the same device on the surface can be influenced, in particular, in an area above from 8 mm to about 50 mm, in particular 20 mm the surface be structured by the steam jets, fluffier and / or be designed more handy. For this purpose, the distribution device moved away from the surface of the product and the desired Distance adjusted to a corresponding surface depending on the distance To reach Fleece.

Quality Results for the fluffiness of the fleece surface are achieved at a distance between 10 and 30 mm. Should only a very small change in the surface of the Fleece can be achieved, then the distance up to a maximum of 50 mm set. At a distance of about 10 mm, the Fleece surface changed so that you get the grooves or impact of the jet on the surface of the fleece no longer recognizes.

For this it is advantageous that the distributor device as a manifold formed and the distance between 0.5 and 50 mm is adjustable. An advantageous area is also the distance between 8 mm and 20 mm.

It is also advantageous that in the distributor device or the distributor tube provided nozzle openings arranged in one or more adjacent rows are. This also causes a blurring of the surface reached the fleece.

A additional possibility is according to a further development the invention that in the distributor device or the manifold provided nozzle openings of a row opposite the nozzle openings of the adjacent and parallel extending row are arranged offset.

Further, it is advantageous that the nozzle openings are arranged in the housing wall of the distributor device and a distance A between 10 and 50 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, less than 2 mm or between 0.5 and 1 mm to the surface of the treated web or the web having at least the water vapor with Help a heater beyond the saturation temperature is heated up and the distributor device or the manifold is laterally or in its longitudinal direction or transversely to the direction of movement of the web and / or in the direction of the web or the nonwoven adjustable. The smaller the distance A is selected, the better the superheated steam jet can be used to solidify the fleece, with an optimum distance of less than 2 mm or between 0.5 and 1 mm.

Advantageous it is also that the distributor device and / or the manifold can be driven to oscillate with the aid of an adjusting device. By the oscillating drive continues the fluffiness of the fleece improved.

For this it is advantageous that the distributor device as a manifold is formed, which can be acted upon by superheated steam is. With the help of the water vapor jet, the fleece can be treat in a cost effective manner.

It is also advantageous that the manifold with a vapor pressure between 5 and 30 bar or 10 and 25 bar can be acted upon.

A additional possibility is according to a further development the invention that a length of the nozzle opening corresponds approximately to the thickness of the housing wall.

Further it is advantageous that the distributor device designed in such a way is that over its entire working width the steam jet with approximately the same temperature and / or pressure on the fleece or the web goods.

Advantageous It is also that in the area of the end or in the area of the downstream side the distributor device is provided with a vapor discharge opening.

Advantageous is that to the steam outlet opening a control valve or a controllable in dependence of one or more parameters Steam drain valve is connected. This is a uniform and very rapid warm-up to the operating temperature the distributor device, in particular the distributor tube within from 10 to 15 min. possible because the cold air is very fast can be displaced from the manifold.

By This quick heating up is also avoided on the Outside of the pipe can form condensate. When dripping down of the condensate on the inlet side of the web form in the web Point-like places that are not solidified by the steam become. These are recognizable as impurities in the end product. Isolation of the distributor device would make this drop formation favor, as this creates cold spots would.

Advantageous it is also that the supply of steam through the first upstream, parallel distribution pipe, over several connecting lines connected to the second manifold, takes place.

Of particular importance for the present invention is that the manifold is formed as a single-walled tube and the nozzle openings are recessed in the housing wall, wherein the path G _L = A + L of the steam jet through the length of the nozzle opening or the distance between the inlet side of the nozzle openings in the housing wall and the outlet end of the nozzle openings and the distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings in the housing wall and the point of impact of the steam jet on the product to be acted upon or the fleece is determined.

to Change of hole geometries, hole numbers and hole arrangement the entire pipe must be replaced. A separate nozzle plate is not intended to the described heating and condensation problems to avoid. It is therefore particularly advantageous to the pipe to provide its faces with quick-release fasteners, to make the exchange easy and fast.

It is also advantageous that the path G _L = A + L of the steam jet is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm or between 1 mm and 2 mm plus the length of the nozzle openings in the housing wall.

Of the Distance between nozzle and fleece is as mentioned above between 1 mm and 2 mm. At long intervals comes it is a turbulence, that is, the opposite of solidification. But this may also be desired for a product to to make it more voluminous. You could go to the Solidify the fleece with water needling and then with to treat a dryer.

Advantageous It is also that the cross section in the area of the bottom of the Distributor tube flattened with the nozzle openings or conical dented or concave.

Further it is advantageous that the apparatus for solidifying fibers and / or webs formed of filaments between two guide rollers a Strukturierbandes is provided.

It is also advantageous that the apparatus for solidifying fibers and / or of fila formed stainless steel webs and is received in two or more brackets.

To another embodiment, it is advantageous that the nozzle openings in one, in two or are arranged in several rows in the manifold.

It is also advantageous that the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) have an outlet diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm and the hole spacing between the nozzle openings between 0.3 mm and 5 mm or between 1 mm and 5 mm or between 1.2 mm and 2 mm or between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm.

From It is also important that the distributor device or the manifold has a length between 1 m and 5 m and at least at an inlet and / or outflow side with a pipe coupling or a flange connection is equipped.

Further It is advantageous that the manifold in a holder height- and / or is recorded laterally adjustable.

Advantageous It is also that several devices for the consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments by means of a gaseous Medium assigned to a patterning drum or a patterning tape are.

Further It is advantageous that the fleece over the Strukturierband or the textured drum slides and the goods with the help of the steam jet is applied from the back and thereby surface pattern and / or protruding from the web items or raised elements or indentations are formed.

• a) die Düsenöffnungen sind in der Gehäusewand der Verteilervorrichtung angeordnet und der Abstand zwischen dem Auslassende der Düsenöffnungen in der Gehäusewand und der Auftreffstelle des Dampfstrahls auf die zu beaufschlagende Ware bzw. das Vlies beträgt zwischen 0,1 mm und 10 mm oder zwischen 0,1 mm und 8 mm oder zwischen 0,1 mm und 5 mm oder zwischen 0,5 mm und 3 mm oder zwischen 1 mm und 3 mm insbesondere zwischen 1 mm und 2 mm, danach schließt sich die Länge L der Düsenöffnungen in der Gehäusewand an,
• b) im Bereich des Endes oder im Bereich der Abströmseite der Verteilervorrichtung ist die Dampfablassöffnung für das gasförmige Medium vorgesehen,
• c) die Düsenöffnungen weisen einen Auslassdurchmesser zwischen 0,1 mm bis 0,5 mm auf und der Lochabstand zwischen den Düsen öffnungen beträgt zwischen 1 mm und 5 mm oder zwischen 1,2 mm und 2 mm,
• d) das Verteilerrohr ist als einwandiges Rohr ausgebildet und die Düsenöffnungen sind direkt in der Gehäusewand des Verteilerrohrs eingelassen.

Furthermore, a device with the following features is advantageous:

• a) the nozzle openings are arranged in the housing wall of the distributor device and the distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings in the housing wall and the point of impact of the steam jet on the product to be acted upon or the fleece is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm or between 0.1 mm and 8 mm or between 0.1 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm or between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 2 mm, then the length L of the nozzle openings in the housing wall follows,
• b) in the region of the end or in the region of the downstream side of the distributor device, the vapor discharge opening is provided for the gaseous medium,
• c) the nozzle openings have an outlet diameter between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and the hole spacing between the nozzle openings is between 1 mm and 5 mm or between 1.2 mm and 2 mm,
• d) the distributor tube is designed as a single-walled tube and the nozzle openings are embedded directly in the housing wall of the distributor tube.

For this it is advantageous that the gaseous medium hot steam is and the distribution of superheated steam over the first manifold takes place via the connecting lines is connected to a second manifold, with the third parallel to the first and second manifold pipe extending manifold connected is.

Further it is advantageous that in the first manifold additionally Constrictions are provided, which are the cross section of the first manifold change continuously or gradually to inflow sides or constrict.

Advantageous it is also this that the cross-sectional change with Help a cone-shaped Einbauköpers achieved is used as a solid body or closed hollow body is formed and can be flowed around by steam.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention Solution is finally provided that the device essentially from a delivery point of the endless filaments or Staple fibers on the conveying or Vernadelungsband, off a compacting device and one in the conveying direction downstream hardening drum or patterning drum, over which led the conveying or Vernadelungsband is, wherein the device or needling device for solidification of fibers and / or filaments formed of filaments between the two. Deflection rollers of Strukturierbandes is provided.

From of particular importance for the present invention, that device or needling device for the first consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments, at least between two very close together, a Kompaktierband to the hardening drum pressing the deflection rollers of the Vernadelungsbandes is provided and after these guide rollers more Needling devices are provided, which are only from one side or act on the fleece from both sides.

• a) die aus der Abgabeeinrichtung auf das Förderband aufgegebenen Filamente werden mit Hilfe der Kalandereinrichtung und/oder Kompaktier-einrichtung verdichtet,
• b) das verdichtete Vlies oder die Bahnware wird einer oder mehreren Vernadelungseinrichtungen zugeführt und mit Hilfe von Gasstrahlen eines gasförmigen Mediums wie Inertgas, Luft und/oder überhitztem Dampf bei einer Temperatur, die oberhalb der Sättigungstemperatur liegt, von einer oder zwei Seiten bearbeitet,
• c) je nach Feuchtigkeitsgehalt wird das Vlies oder die Bahnware einem Trockner und dann einer weiteren Bearbeitungseinrichtung und/oder Abgabestation oder einer Aufwickeleinrichtung zugeführt.

The following process steps are advantageous:

• a) the filaments fed from the delivery device onto the conveyor belt are compacted by means of the calendering device and / or compacting device,
• b) the compacted web or web is supplied to one or more needling devices and processed by means of gas jets of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or superheated steam at a temperature which is above the saturation temperature, from one or two sides,
• c) depending on the moisture content, the fleece or the web material is fed to a dryer and then to a further processing device and / or delivery station or to a take-up device.

in the Connection with the training according to the invention and arrangement, it is advantageous that the nonwoven using a treated with pressure applied gaseous medium and liquid-absorbent fibers and / or liquid-absorbent Filaments and / or liquid-absorbing particles and / or Fibers of polyvinyl alcohol and / or filaments of polyvinyl alcohol and / or Contains particles of polyvinyl alcohol and / or has materials, which react and / or bind with liquid media, wherein polyvinyl alcohol may be water-soluble.

in the Contrary to water needling is the treatment with a gaseous medium especially in superheated Steam has the advantage that liquid-absorbing Fibers absorb no or less liquid, so that also water-soluble PVA fibers can be used. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers do not react with overheated Steam and therefore do not decompose. The liquid-absorbing Fibers may lose contact with water their shape and it comes, depending on the fluid-absorbing Material, also to a loss of function. By using the Needling by means of a gaseous medium is obtained - in Contrast to solidification by means of a calender - a Fleece with a three-dimensional structure that is not too flat but is very soft. The improved volume of the fleece will also improves its fluid absorption capacity, there in the spaces between the fibers too Water can be bound, and not only in the liquid-absorbent Materials.

Advantageous it is further that the nonwoven liquid-absorbing Fibers and / or filaments and / or water-soluble particles and as one, two, three, four, five or multi-layer fleece is formed.

Furthermore it is advantageous that the liquid-absorbing Fibers and / or liquid-absorbing filaments and / or liquid-absorbing particles are superabsorbers.

Further it is advantageous that the fleece of one or more layers is formed and at least one layer liquid-absorbing Having fibers and / or filaments and / or particles.

Further It is advantageous that one, two or more layers of liquid-absorbent Fibers and / or filaments and / or particles mixed with synthetic Fibers and / or polyester and / or polypropylene and / or viscose and / or cellulose and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers and / or Polyester copolyester core-sheath-type fibers and / or bicomponent fibers such as sea-island-type or segment pie fibers.

Advantageous It is also that a layer consists of a fiber mixture that Superabsorbent fibers, water-soluble fibers, liquid-absorbent Fibers, synthetic fibers, cellulosic fibers, bicomponent fibers as core-sheath type or as star-shaped structured types such as orange types or hollow fibers or natural fibers or a second nonwoven layer consists of a spunbonded nonwoven.

Further It is advantageous that the nonwoven made of a composite with at least consists of three layers and the outer layer of one Mixture according to the features of claim 31, wherein at least a middle layer consists of a spunbonded fabric or of a fabric, wherein the fabric consists of natural fibers and / or synthetic fibers or the middle layer consists of filaments or the middle layer consists of a mixture of spunbonded fabric, woven fabric or filaments.

Further It is advantageous that the nonwoven one or more layers of synthetic Having fibers and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers.

For this it is advantageous that at least the outside Layers of synthetic fibers and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers exhibit.

A additional possibility is according to a further development the invention that in the nonwoven a grid is inserted or that the fleece has a grid or fabric, wherein the grid or Fabric consists of synthetic fibers and in an outer and / or Middle position of the composite is provided. This will increase the strength and resistance of the nonwoven significantly improved.

Further it is advantageous that the fibers and / or filaments of the nonwoven melted or at least partially melted or melted ver are. By melting the melt fibers or fuse improves the strength and dimensional stability of the fleece.

Advantageous it is also that the proportion of liquid-absorbing Material 1 to 100% by weight, 1 to 40% by weight, 5 to 30 percent by weight or 10 to 20 percent by weight of the total weight of the nonwoven is.

One Proportion of superabsorbent fibers or superabsorbent powders or superabsorbent granules the fleece a large liquid absorption capacity. The mixture with other fibers gives a voluminous Fleece, d. H. in the spaces between the fibers Water is also bound. In addition, superabsorbents are expensive. If SAP fibers with water-resistant fibers such as PP, PE fibers and / or viscose, the nonwoven remains dimensionally stable, even if it is wet or will. The water-insoluble Fibers such as PP and / or PET fibers act like a scaffold, so that the fleece is retained as a sheet.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention Solution is finally provided that fleece based on the total weight of the nonwoven from 5 to 60 or from 10 to 20, in particular from 12 to 18 weight percent superabsorbent fibers or superabsorbent granules or from 40 to 95 or from 60 to 75 in particular from 67 to 80 percent by weight of synthetic fibers or Viscose fibers and 0 to 20 or 0 to 15, in particular 15 to 18 Percent by weight of fused fibers, or more particularly 15 weight percent Superabsorbents, 70% by weight of polyester and 15% by weight Melt fibers exists.

From of particular importance for the present invention, that the fleece with a gaseous medium such as water vapor and / or air and / or inert gas and liquid-absorbing Fibers and / or liquid-absorbing filaments and / or Liquid-absorbing particles and / or fibers Polyvinyl alcohol and / or filaments of polyvinyl alcohol and / or particles of polyvinyl alcohol and / or materials such as cellulosic Fibers such as viscose or pulp, which with liquid Media react and / or bind.

in the Connection with the training according to the invention and arrangement, it is advantageous that the thickness of the nonwoven at one-sided pre-consolidation below 2 mm or from 0.2 to 5.0 mm or from 0.3 to 1.0 mm or from 0.4 to 0.8 mm, or bilateral Solidification is less than these values.

Advantageous it is also that the nonwoven to be consolidated one, two, three or multiple layers of synthetic fibers and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers having. Several layers allow the different Design of the individual layers and thus an improvement of Properties of the final product. For example, a page can be strong be liquid absorbent while the other Side rather water repellent. The use of a mixture of liquid-absorbing substances and staple fibers such as PET fibers and / or melt fibers such as PET, CO-PET fibers or PP, PE fibers (core sheath type) allows the embedding of z. T. abrasion-prone, liquid-absorbing Fabrics in the resistant fibers. This promotes the processability and handling or stability of the fleece.

Furthermore it is advantageous that in the web one, two or more layers synthetic fibers and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers and / or filaments lie outside. This will reduce the abrasion of SAP particles or during processing or use prevented in the final state of the exit of powder or fibers and simplifies the handling of the fleece. The moisture can from the SAP fibers are absorbed and the human body is protected against moisture.

Further it is advantageous that in the web one, two or more layers synthetic fibers and / or staple fibers and / or melt fibers or water-insoluble fibers lie outside and the intermediate or middle layer has SAP elements, partially distributed on the surface of the middle layer are. It is also advantageous that the two outer Layers consist of water-insoluble fibers and the middle Location SAP has elements that are partially on the surface the middle position are distributed. Be the two outer ones Needled layers, then these layers can be partially cut open or separate and use by piece or separately.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that the weight per unit area of the nonwoven fabric when solidified on one side is 5 to 700 g / m ² or 5 to 100 g / m ² or 10 to 50 g / m ² or 15 to 40 g / m ² or 20 to 30 g / m ² or if these values are higher on solidification on both sides. In the advantageous selection of basis weights sufficient solidification is achieved.

Further it is advantageous that the fleece of several individually or in Combination produced single layers consists.

For this it is advantageous that the air and / or the inert gas in about Ambient temperature or room temperature or as needed also heated.

Air is the simplest and least expensive medium. In addition, anhydrous air can be used, so that condensation of water vapor is excluded, especially other components hardly condense the air at room temperature. Water vapor has the advantage that water has a high specific heat capacity (cp value), that is, a lot of energy has to be removed to cool the medium to a certain temperature.

If No thermal effect is desired on the heating the air can be dispensed with and thus energy saved. Due to the low temperature sensitive fibers are spared. Furthermore, there is no formation of condensation in dry air the fleece.

A additional possibility is according to a further development the invention that the gaseous medium with a temperature from 140 ° C to 350 ° C and / or from 160 ° C up to 300 ° C and / or from 180 ° C to 250 ° C and / or from 200 ° C to 220 ° C on the nonwoven or the filaments act.

By the application of high temperature becomes a melting of melt fibers and also achieved a softening of the fleece and thus a better Turbulation of the filaments or staple fibers by the gas jets effected between the filaments of the web, thereby creating a better mechanical consolidation of the web is achieved.

Further It is advantageous that the pressure of the gaseous medium from 3 to 300 bar and / or from 4 to 100 bar and / or from 5 to 70 bar and / or from 6 to 40 bar and / or from 3 to 20 bar in particular from 4 to 20 bar and / or from 8 to 10 bar and the fleece is treated with this medium.

On the one hand high pressure is necessary to mechanical strengthening of the fleece on the other hand, the pressure must not be too high, dal otherwise it negatively influences the nonwoven structure and thereby fibers be thrown away. There can also be several nozzle bars or nozzle beam sections are used, so that the gaseous medium with different working pressures or temperatures can be used.

melt fibers also allow solidification by melting. This may already be on contact with a hot gaseous Medium can be achieved. If a cold gaseous medium is used, an aftertreatment takes place in a heating furnace. At a purely thermal solidification would be a great Proportion of melt fibers needed. By combining with the hydraulic consolidation by means of the needling device Both effects are used and the proportion of fused fibers can be significantly reduced without compromising the strength of the fleece subsides. By hydraulic hardening by means of the gas jet can also be achieved structuring what would not be the case with pure melt-solidification.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention Solution is finally provided that the fleece one to 20 times or two to 15 times or 3 to 10 times or 4 to 7 times through a pressure-applied, gaseous medium solidified on one or both sides.

From of particular importance for the present invention, that the fleece consists of one or more layers and at least a layer of the web by means of a pressure applied, gaseous Medium is treated and liquid-absorbing fibers and / or liquid-absorbing filaments and / or liquid-absorbent Particles and / or water-soluble fibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and / or filaments of polyvinyl alcohol and / or particles of polyvinyl alcohol and / or having materials which react and / or bind with liquid media.

in the Connection with the training according to the invention and arrangement, it is advantageous that at least one layer of the nonwoven Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and / or filaments of polyvinyl alcohol and / or Contains particles of polyvinyl alcohol and / or has materials, which react with and / or bind liquid media.

Advantageous it is further that a layer 35% to 100% or 50% to 100% or 80% to 100% or 90% to 100%, especially 80% to 90% liquid-absorbent (SAP) consist of substances or fibers.

Furthermore it is advantageous that at least one layer of liquid-absorbent Fibers (SAP) and synthetic fibers such as PP or PET.

in the Contrary to water needling, the advantage lies in the treatment with a gaseous medium therein, that liquid-absorbing fibers take up no or less liquid or in the case of Polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVA fibers) do not react with water and decompose. Liquid-absorbent fibers lose u. U. on contact with water their shape and it comes, depending on the liquid-absorbing Material, also to a loss of function.

Further it is advantageous that at least one layer of liquid-absorbent Fibers (SAP), cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one layer consists of liquid-absorbent fibers (SAP), cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers and the proportions of SAP between 5% and 30%, in particular 15%, the proportions of PET between 60% and 80%, in particular 70%, and the proportions of melt fibers between 3% and 20%, in particular 15%.

From Another advantage is that at least one layer of liquid-absorbent Consists of fibers (SAP), cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers and the shares of SAP between 10% and 20% in particular 15%, the shares of PET between 75% and 85%, in particular 80%, and the proportions of fused fibers between 3% and 8%, in particular 5%, whereby the water absorption of SAP accounts for at least 20% of the web weight.

For this it is advantageous that at least one layer of liquid-absorbent Consists of fibers (SAP), cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers and the fleece over a screen belt and / or a downstream drum such as solidification drum or structured drum guided and is processed by means of the needling device.

hereby is advantageously the surface of the web edited or structured and the recording capacity significantly increased for liquid, furthermore The thickness of the fleece becomes larger as well as the grip the fleece softer.

A additional possibility is according to a further development the invention that the screen belt and / or the coating of the downstream drum such as hardening drum or structure drum Plastic such as PET or polyester monofilaments exists. hereby be compared to a metallic coating the reduced thermal effects, so that the fibers are not so strongly heat up.

By the thermal effect or only by melting the PET fibers or by the achieved surface adhesive effect during use of PET fibers, the strength of the web is positively influenced, without being too stiff. Also the hydraulic effect at the Steam needling is very important because of the use of the steam jet the fleece also structured and improves the softness of the fleece becomes.

Further Advantages and details of the invention are in the claims and explained in the description and illustrated in the figures. there demonstrate:

1a a device for consolidating fibers and / or webs formed from filaments,

1b a further embodiment with a first manifold for the supply of steam to a second manifold, which is connected via a plurality of connecting lines with the second manifold,

2 a longitudinal section through the apparatus for solidification of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments according to 1 .

3a a schematic representation of the apparatus for solidification of fibers and / or webs formed from filaments in the side view,

3b the cross section in the region of the underside of the distributor tube with the flattened nozzle openings,

3c the cross section in the region of the underside of the distributor tube with the conically dented or concave nozzle openings,

4 a schematic representation of a holder for receiving a manifold or a device for the consolidation of fibers and / or formed from filaments webs,

5 a cross section of the apparatus for solidification of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments according to 1a .

6 a further embodiment of a device for the consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments similar to in 2 in longitudinal section,

7 various possible variations of the arrangement of the device parts of the apparatus for solidification of fibers and / or webs formed from filaments according to 1 or 6 .

In 2 is the total investment of a device 1 for solidifying fibers and / or webs formed from filaments. It consists essentially of a hardening drum or structuring drum 3 about according to 2 a pinstripe band 4 is guided. The fibers and / or the fleece formed from filaments is over a compacting device only partially shown in the drawing 6 the solidification drum or structured drum 3 fed. From the consolidation drum or structured drum 3 The nonwoven fabric can be supplied to further processing stages. The solidification drum 3 has a suction device 3.1 on, is discharged through the gaseous medium.

The device 1 for solidifying fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments has one or more distribution devices 2 on top of that with a gaseous medium or with water steam on an inflow side 7 the distribution devices 2 is charged. The distribution devices 2 is with the help of a lifting device 2.11 height adjustable arranged to the distance between the surface of a web 11 and the outlet end of a nozzle opening 2.2 to change as needed. The device 1 for the preconsolidation of fibers and / or webs formed from filaments is between two guide rollers 4.1 of the structuring tape 4 intended. The still unconsolidated bulky web is compressed between the two strands and coarsely consolidated in this compressed state by the jets of steam before undergoing its final consolidation with a second or further distribution device.

The distributor device 2 is part of a Vernadelungseinrichtung, which can be operated with a gaseous medium such as inert gas, hot air or steam at a temperature between 150 ° C and 250 ° C, preferably above the saturation temperature.

The distributor device 2 is as a manifold 2.4 trained according to 1a with water vapor and, as already mentioned, can be acted upon with another gaseous medium. The manifold 2.4 It is made of corrosion-resistant steel or stainless steel and has a length of between 1 m and 5 m. At least on its inflow side 7 and a downstream side 8th is the manifold 2.4 each with a pipe coupling or ge according to drawing with a flange connection 9 equipped so that to the flange connection 9 ever another line or valves can be connected. The manifold 2.4 is in a holder 5 height and / or side adjustable added.

The supply of steam is carried out according to 1b through a first upstream, parallel manifold 2.6 that has several connection lines 2.7 with the third manifold 2.4 connected is.

Furthermore, the cross section in the region of the underside of the manifold 2.4 with the nozzle openings 2.2 flattened ( 3b ) or conically dented or concave ( 3c ) be formed.

After an example not shown in the drawing, the nozzle openings 2.2 in one, two or more rows in the manifold 2.4 be arranged.

The manifold 2.4 can be acted upon with a vapor pressure between 5 and 30 bar or 10 and 25 bar. The setting of the vapor pressure can be changed by means of a control device not shown in the drawing.

The distributor device 2 is designed so that it emits the steam jet over its entire working width with approximately the same temperature and / or the same pressure on the nonwoven or the web.

In the area of the end or in the area of the downstream side 8th the distribution device 2 is a steam outlet 3.2 provided so that when commissioning the system cold air from the distributor device 2 can be pushed out when the distributor device 2 is applied with water vapor. In this way, the system is brought to the required operating temperature with little energy in a very short time. To the steam outlet 3.2 can also be a control valve or a controllable depending on one or more parameters steam-release valve 2.5 be connected.

It is particularly advantageous if the distributor pipe 2.4 is formed as a single-walled tube and the nozzle openings 2.2 directly in a housing wall 2.1 are admitted.

The path G _L = A + L of the steam jet is defined by a length 2.3 the nozzle opening 2.2 or the distance between the inlet side of the nozzle openings 2.2 in the housing wall 2.1 and the outlet end of the nozzle openings 2.2 and the distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings 2.2 in the housing wall 2.1 and determines the point of impact of the steam jet on the product to be acted upon or the fleece.

A very good steam jet treatment is achieved in that the total path G _L = A + L of the jet of steam 0.1 mm and 10 mm or between 0.1 mm and 0.5 and 8 mm or between 0.1 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm or between 1 mm and 2 mm plus length of the nozzle opening 2.2 in the housing wall 2.1 is long. Within the nozzle bore, the vapor pressure is reduced by the dynamic pressure loss until it is virtually depressurised at the exit from the nozzle bore, but still retains its kinetic energy. Only when the nozzle jet the nozzle bore 2.2 its kinetic energy also decreases as the beam gradually widens fan-shaped. Therefore, it is advantageous that a distance A between the outlet end of the nozzle openings 2.2 in the housing wall 2.1 and the point of impact of the steam jet on the goods to be acted upon or the fleece is as small as possible.

In the 1b and 5 is a second embodiment of the device 1 for solidifying fibers and / or webs formed from filaments.

The distribution of the steam takes place via the first manifold 2.6 that over the connecting lines 2.7 to a second manifold 2.9 is connected, with the third parallel to the first and second manifold 2.6 . 2.9 extending manifold 2.4 connected is. The distribution pipes 2.4 . 2.6 . 2.9 can have differently shaped cross-sectional shapes.

This is particularly advantageous for large web widths, if high quality nonwovens should be produced or the resulting from small amounts of steam vapor pressure so low that will give a uniform vapor distribution over the width is no longer guaranteed. By this gradually Distribution, a particularly good degree of distribution is achieved.

To 1b can in the first manifold 2.6 In addition, constrictions may be provided, which are the cross section of the manifold 2.6 continuously or stepwise to an inflow side 7.1 and 7.2 change or reduce. The cross-sectional change can be made with the help of a cone-shaped Einbauköpers 2.10 can be achieved, which is designed as a solid body or closed hollow body and flows around the steam. As a result, the pressure and steam distribution in the manifold can be improved.

In addition, cone-shaped or internals 2.10 with similar shapes in the first manifold 2.6 be provided to improve the distribution of steam. Through at both ends of the distributor device 2 provided steam supply according to the arrows 7.1 . 7.2 becomes a uniform vapor pressure distribution in the manifold 2.6 ensured.

On the steam outlet 3.2 can thus be dispensed with, since the steam is no longer along but transverse to the manifold 2.4 spreads and when starting the entire device, the condensate formed or residual air remaining in the manifold very well down from the nozzle holes 2.2 can be displaced.

In 6 is another embodiment of a device for solidifying fibers and / or webs formed from filaments 1 shown. Here is the needling device between two very closely adjacent guide rollers 4.1 of the structuring tape 4 intended. The distance is chosen so that only one needling device between the guide rollers 4.1 can be provided.

According to another embodiment, not shown in the drawing, two or more needling devices or the associated distribution pipes 2 between two guide rollers 4.1 be provided.

After these deflecting rollers 4.1 Further needling devices can be provided, which can act on the nonwoven fabric either only from one side or from both sides.

With the superabsorber used here as fibers or powder or Superabsorbent polymers, hereinafter referred to as SAP, are plastics, which are capable of many times their own weight - up to 1000 times - at liquid mostly water or to absorb distilled water.

The Product is here as a white, coarse-grained Powder with particle sizes of 100-1,000 μm (= 0.1-1.0 mm) used. The powder is mostly in the manufacture of diapers but also of products for feminine hygiene, incontinence care and in small quantities also in cable sheathing for deep-sea cables use. The powder or SAP can according to the invention on the Surface of the fleece applied and with the help of a covered second layer, the two layers in one step needled according to the invention.

The superabsorber is a copolymer of acrylic acid (propionic acid, C ₃ H ₄ O ₂ ) and sodium salt (sodium salt of acrylic acid, NaC ₃ H ₃ O ₂ ), it being possible for the ratio of the two monomers to vary from one another. In addition, a so-called core crosslinker (core-crosslinker, CXL) is added to the monomer solution, which connects the long-chain polymer molecules formed in places with each other by chemical bridges (they "crosslinked"). These bridges make the polymer water insoluble. When water or aqueous salt solutions penetrate into the polymer particles, it swells up, tightens this network at the molecular level and the water can no longer escape on its own.

When The most important superabsorber here is the so-called surface postcrosslinking (Surface Cross-Linking, SXL) called. This is another chemical Applied to the surface of each particle and through a reaction taking place under heat a second network only knotted on the outer layer of the grain. This prevents by an equally occurring tightening at Liquid absorption even under pressure an escape of the recorded solution. This is z. B. important in diapers, which should not leak again when the baby sits on it.

With a total thickness of the web between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm, the basis weight is advantageously between 35 g / m 2 and 45 g / m 2 and at ei ner total thickness of the fleece of 0.5 mm 40 g / sqm.

• a) die aus einer Abgabeeinrichtung 10 auf das Förderband 4 aufgegebenen Filamente werden mit Hilfe einer Kalandereinrichtung und/oder Kompak-tiereinrichtung (6) verdichtet,
• b) das verdichtete Vlies oder die Bahnware (11) wird einer oder mehreren Vernadelungseinrichtungen (1, 1.1) zugeführt und mit Hilfe des gasförmigen Mediums wie Inertgas, Luft und/der Heißdampf bei einer Temperatur, die oberhalb der Sättigungstemperatur liegt, von einer oder zwei Seiten bearbeitet,
• c) je nach Feuchtigkeitsgehalt wird das Vlies oder die Bahnware (11) einem Trockner (12) und dann einer weiteren Bearbeitungseinrichtung und/oder Abgabestation oder einer Aufwickeleinrichtung (13) zugeführt.

The fleece or the web can be produced according to the following process steps:

• a) from a dispenser 10 on the conveyor belt 4 discontinued filaments are removed by means of a calendering device and / or compacting device ( 6 ) compacted,
• b) the compacted web or web ( 11 ) one or more needling devices ( 1 . 1.1 ) and processed by means of the gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or superheated steam at a temperature which is above the saturation temperature, from one or two sides,
• c) depending on the moisture content, the fleece or the web ( 11 ) a dryer ( 12 ) and then a further processing device and / or dispensing station or a winding device ( 13 ).

The Total thickness of the nonwoven can under one-sided solidification under 1.2 mm or a thickness of 0.2 to 1.0 mm or from 0.3 to 0.8 mm or from 0.4 to 0.6 mm. For solidification on both sides these values may be higher.

In 7 There are various possible variations of the arrangement of the device parts of the apparatus for solidifying fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments according to 1 or 6 shown schematically. The vertical arrows correspond to the manifold 2 or the needling device for solidifying fibers and / or formed from polymer filaments nonwovens or the web with the aid of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or water vapor, over the numerous nozzle openings 2.2 having, hollow-shaped distributor device 2 impinges on the web. The reference number 3 corresponds to a solidification drum or patterning drum, which may be associated with one or more beam hardening devices.

The manifold 2 may be isolated and this may be provided with a sheath, not shown in the drawing, which the manifold 2 into the area of the nozzle openings 2.2 completely surrounds. The steam comes from an evaporator and is overheated as superheated steam to the manifold 2 directed.

1

contraption for the consolidation of fibers and / or of filaments fleeces

1.1

Further Apparatus for solidifying fibers and / or filaments formed fleeces

1

Distribution device, Water vapor needling device, distributor tube

2.1

housing wall the distributor device or the distributor tube

2.2

Nozzle opening, nozzle bore

2.3

length the nozzle bore, L

2.4

third manifold

2.5

Control valve, Steam release valve

2.6

first manifold

2.7

connecting line

2.8 2.9

second manifold

2.9 2.10

An assembly unit, conical part

2.10 2.11

lifting device

3

Solidification drum Textured drum, structuring tape

3.1

suction

3.2

Vapor outlet

4

Vernadelungsband, Structuring tape, conveyor belt

4.1

deflecting

5

bracket the distributor device or the distributor tube

6

compacting, compacting

7

inflow

7.1

Arrow, 1st inflow side

7.2

Arrow, 2nd inflow side

8th

outflow

9

flange

10

Application site, Carding, spunbonded, (filament)

11

Fleece, broadloom

12

dryer

13

wind-up, dispensing station

A

distance

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1553222 A1 [0002]

Claims (31)

Contraption ( 1 ) for consolidating nonwovens or webs formed of fibers and / or polymer filaments by means of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or water vapor, which is supplied via a plurality of nozzle openings (US Pat. 2.2 ) hollow-shaped distributor device ( 2 ) is conducted onto the nonwoven, characterized in that the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in a housing wall ( 2.1 ) of the distributor device ( 2 ) are arranged and a distance A between the outlet end of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) and the point of impact of the steam jet on the goods to be acted upon or the fleece between 0.5 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 50 mm. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor device ( 2 ) as a manifold ( 2.4 ) and the distance A between 0.5 and 50 mm is adjustable. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the distributor device ( 2 ) or the manifold ( 2.4 ) provided nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) are arranged in one or more adjacent rows. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the distributor device ( 2 ) or the manifold ( 2.4 ) provided nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) of a row opposite the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) of the adjacent and parallel row are arranged offset. Contraption ( 1 ) for consolidating nonwovens or webs formed of fibers and / or polymer filaments by means of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or water vapor, which flows over the numerous nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) hollow-shaped distributor device ( 2 ) is directed onto the nonwoven or the web, characterized in that the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) of the distributor device ( 2 ) are arranged and have a distance A between 10 and 50 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, less than 2 mm or between 0.5 and 1 mm to the surface of the treated web or the web, wherein at least the water vapor by means of a heater on the Saturation temperature is also heatable and the distributor device ( 2 ) or the manifold ( 2.4 ) is adjustable laterally or in its longitudinal direction or transversely to the direction of movement of the web and / or in the direction of the web or the web. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor device ( 2 ) and / or the manifold ( 2.4 ) is driven to oscillate by means of an adjusting device. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor device ( 2 ) as a manifold ( 2.4 ) is formed, which is acted upon by superheated steam. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distributor tube ( 2.4 ) can be acted upon by a vapor pressure between 5 and 30 bar or 10 and 25 bar. Device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that a length ( 2.3 ) of the nozzle opening in about the thickness of the housing wall ( 2.1 ) corresponds. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor device ( 2 ) is designed such that it emits the steam jet over its entire working width with approximately the same temperature and / or pressure on the nonwoven or the web. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in the region of the end or in the region of the downstream side of the distributor device ( 2 ) a steam discharge opening ( 3.2 ) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the steam discharge opening ( 3.2 ) a control valve or a controllable depending on one or more parameters steam release valve ( 2.5 ) connected. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply of steam through a first upstream, parallel manifold 2.6 that has several connection lines 2.7 with the third manifold 2.4 is connected takes place. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor tube ( 2.4 ) is formed as a single-walled tube and the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ), wherein the path G _L = A + L of the steam jet through the length ( 2.3 ) of the nozzle opening ( 2.2 ) or the distance between the inlet side of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) and the outlet end of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) and the distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) and the point of impact of the steam jet on the goods to be acted upon or the fleece is determined. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the path G _L = A + L of the steam jet between 0.1 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm or between 1 mm and 2 mm plus length of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) is long. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cross section in the region of the underside of the distributor tube ( 2.4 ) with the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) flattened or conically dented or concave. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device or needle-punching device for the consolidation of fibers and / or webs formed from filaments ( 1 ) between two guide rollers ( 4.1 ) a Strukturierbandes ( 4 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) for solidifying fibers and / or filaments formed from stainless steel filaments and is accommodated in two or more brackets. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in one, in two or more rows in the manifold ( 2.4 ) are arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) have an outlet diameter between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm and the hole spacing between the nozzle openings between 0.3 mm and 5 mm or between 1 mm and 5 mm or between 1.2 mm and 2 mm or between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor device ( 2 ) or the manifold ( 2.4 ) has a length between 1 m and 5 m and at least at one ( 7 ) and / or downstream side ( 8th ) with a pipe coupling or a flange connection ( 9 ) Is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distributor tube ( 2.4 ) in a holder ( 5 ) height and / or side adjustable is added. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of devices ( 1 ) for the consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments with the aid of a gaseous medium of a structuring drum or a structuring belt ( 3 ) assigned. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nonwoven via the structuring band or the patterning drum ( 3 ) slides and the product is applied by means of the steam jet from the back and thereby surface pattern and / or protruding from the web or raised elements or imprints are formed. Contraption ( 1 ) for bonding fibers and / or webs formed from polymer filaments with the aid of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, hot air or water vapor, which flows through the numerous nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) hollow-shaped distributor device ( 2 ) is directed to the web or web, characterized by the following features: a) the nozzle orifices ( 2.2 ) are in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) of the distributor device ( 2 ) and the distance between the outlet end of the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) and the point of impact of the jet of steam on the product or web to be loaded is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm or between 0.1 mm and 8 mm or between 0.1 mm and 5 mm or between 0.5 mm and 3 mm or between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular between 1 mm and 2 mm, b) in the region of the end or in the region of the downstream side ( 8th ) of the distributor device ( 2 ) is the drain opening ( 3.2 ) provided for the gaseous medium, c) the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) have an outlet diameter between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and the hole spacing between the nozzle openings is between 1 mm and 5 mm or between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, d) the distributor tube ( 2.4 ) is formed as a single-walled tube and the nozzle openings ( 2.2 ) are directly in the housing wall ( 2.1 ) of the manifold ( 2.4 ) taken in. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gaseous medium is superheated steam and the distribution of the superheated steam via the first distributor pipe ( 2.6 ), which via the connecting lines ( 2.7 ) to a second manifold ( 2.9 ) connected to the third parallel to the first and second distributor pipe ( 2.6 . 2.9 ) extending manifold ( 2.4 ) connected is. Device according to one of the preceding claims or according to claim 20, characterized in that in the first distributor pipe ( 2.6 ) additional constrictions are provided, the cross section of the first manifold ( 2.6 ) continuously or stepwise to inflow sides ( 7.1 . 7.2 ) change or narrow. Device according to one of the preceding claims or according to claim 20, characterized in that the cross-sectional change with the aid of a cone-shaped Einbauköpers ( 2.10 ) is achieved, which is designed as a solid or closed hollow body and are flowed around by steam can. Device according to one of the preceding claims or claim 20, characterized in that the device essentially consists of a delivery point ( 10 ) of the endless filaments or staple fibers onto the conveyor or needling belt ( 4 ), from a compacting device ( 6 ) and a downstream in the conveying direction hardening drum or patterning drum ( 3 ), via which the conveying or Verna delungsband ( 4 ), wherein the device or needling device ( 1 . 1.1 ) for the consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments ( 11 ) between the two guide rollers ( 4.1 ) of the structuring tape ( 4 ) is provided. Device according to one of the preceding claims or claim 20, characterized in that the device or needling device ( 1 . 1.1 ) for the first consolidation of fibers and / or filaments formed from filaments ( 11 ) at least between two very close together, a Kompaktierband ( 6 ) to the hardening drum pressing deflection rollers ( 4.1 ) of the needling tape ( 4 ) is provided and after these guide rollers ( 4.1 ) Further needling devices are provided, which act on the web only from one side or from both sides. Process for the production of a nonwoven fabric with a device according to claim 1 or one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following process steps: a) the process from the delivery device ( 10 ) are fed to the conveyor belt by means of the calendering device and / or compacting device ( 6 ), b) the compacted web or the web ( 11 ) one or more needling devices ( 1 . 1.1 ) and processed by means of gas jets of a gaseous medium such as inert gas, air and / or superheated steam at a temperature which is above the saturation temperature of one or two sides, c) depending on the moisture content, the web or the web ( 11 ) a dryer ( 12 ) and then a further processing device and / or dispensing station or a winding device ( 13 ).