DE2238590A1 - Disposable sanitary towels - controlling fibre deposition density along towel by varying pneumatic fibre supply stre - Google Patents

Abstract

Disposable sanitary towels or diapers are produced in an apparatus including an endless belt (e.g. formed of polyurethane) having air impermeable portions and differentially air permeable sections in the form of moulds defining the shape of the appliance, the moulds being filled with cellulose fibres which are deposited at differential rate at the central and end portions of the appliances as the moulds are passed over a suction box or boxes, the compacted appliances being removed from the moulds and may be enclosed between covering sheets.

Description

Method and apparatus for producing individual fiber pads The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming single fiber cushion.

In the present application means including the claims the term shape "in relation to the structure of a fiber pillow consistently refers to shape of the pillow in top view.

Furthermore, in the present application, one means only the Claims the expression Protil relating to the description of the structure of a fiber cushion the-verinderllche weight distribution of the fibers in the pillow, in such a way that the Cushion has a predetermined area with a fiber weight per unit area, which is determined by the fiber weight per unit area in at least one other The area of the pillow distinguishes many hygiene products - such as disposable diapers, Sanitary napkins and the like are made using an absorbent Fiber pillow as one of the elements of the construction.

In many cases, this pillow must have a certain shape, which can be produced reproducibly in economical mass production. the U.S. Patent 2,940,133 (Heritage) discloses an apparatus for making individual Fiber pad, namely a drum condenser on which the fiber pads are formed. The condenser has covers to form air-permeable surface parts, which determine the shape of the cushions to be formed. The air-permeable surface parts are separated by air-impermeable surface parts, which are essentially in the lie on the same level as the air-permeable surface parts. It's tough, reproducible using an apparatus of the type disclosed in this patent specification Manufacture fiber pillows with the special shape of the air-permeable surface parts.

A major reason for this difficulty is that it is in air suspended fibers initially on the covered air-impermeable surface parts of the condenser are directed by the applied from the interior of the condenser Vacuum deflected towards the perimeter of the uncovered air-permeable surface parts will. The air suspension of the fibers hits the at different angles Boundary areas of the aerodynamic surface parts and causes a rule loosely Deposition of the fibers near the peripheral parts of the uncovered areas of the Condenser.

This random deposition leads to distortions of the shape of the sun formed fiber cushions.

In other devices for forming fiber pillows according to the prior art The technique was drum condensers with three-dimensional, the cushion receiving Compartments are used that extend inwardly from a peripheral surface. Such devices are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,518,726 (Banks) and in U.S. Patent 1,950,765 (Winter).

These trough-type condensers - just like that of the Heritage patent - have a number of shortcomings. In order to achieve controlled cushion formation, the Air suspension of the fibers either tangential or at right angles to the mold run of the be directed pillow-forming arrangement. Is the air suspension of the fibers tangential directed towards the mold run, a cloud of suspended air forms above it Fibers. This cloud can be controlled in the compartments that hold the pillows lead by means of a vacuum source arranged under the mold barrel Partial vacuum generated.

If the air suspension of the fibers is directed at right angles to the mold run, the fibers can also be easily directed into the compartments that hold the cushions, to achieve a controlled cushion formation. Is the iuurtsuspension of the fibers other than tangential or right-angled with respect to the cushion-forming arrangement directed, arises at the leading or trailing edge of each compartment an uncontrolled uneven fiber distribution, depending on the specific orientation of the flow of fibers suspended in air with respect to of the compartments. Theoretically, at some point during the pillow formation no compartment or no single cushion-receiving surface of a drum condenser each completely either tangential or perpendicular to the flow of those suspended in air Fibers directed. They come in handy at some point during the pillow formation only about 900 of the circumferential surface of a drum condenser with respect to the flow of air-suspended fibers so directed that there is sufficient control of the Cushion formation can be achieved.

Devices with drum condensers are subject to speed limits due to the fact that at any given point in time a substantial part of the The surface of the condenser is not oriented so that there is no control over it bar Have pillows trained. To the performance of devices with drum condensers to increase, the condenser must run at very high speeds and / or have a very large diameter, at 900 of the condenser circumference a represent a large area on which several individual cushions can be formed. When drum condensers are operated at high speed, the fibers however, thrown off the condenser by centrifugal forces and therefore cause uncontrollable fluctuations in the shape of the cushions formed. Big drum capacitors are cumbersome to handle and difficult to assemble on a bearing axis. If such a condenser has to be replaced, for example to replace a fiber pad To produce a different shape, heavy equipment - such as cranes - must be used will. If you set up the drum condenser segment by segment, it is not a heavy device necessary. However, assembling a segmented condenser is time consuming and poses the additional problem of effective mutual sealing of the segments.

In U.S. Patent 3,518,726 (Banks), each pillow receiving compartment in the circumferential direction a variable thickness, which results from the formation of each compartment with curved side panels and a substantially flat perforated bottom panel results. In this construction, the pillow-receiving compartments are thicker in the middle than at the opposite ends; take the pillows formed in such compartments the profile of the compartments. The Banks drum condenser is only poor Versatility, as only cushions of a certain profile are produced on it leave, i.e. a pillow in which the fiber weight per unit area is in the average Area is higher than in the end areas. To fiber pillows with a different profile the drum condenser must be exchanged for one, its surfaces a compartment whose profile is intended for corresponds to the pillow to be made. This changing the condensers is tedious and difficult as mentioned above.

Furthermore, the specific configuration of the compartments can be different for different Profiling surfaces quite complicated and for drum condensers only become difficult to execute.

In many applications it is desirable to form a fiber cushion, which is profiled in the cross machine direction, i.e.

a fiber pad in which different predetermined areas with different Fiber weights per unit area in the cross-machine direction spaced from one another lie. The Banks device is designed only for the formation of fiber pillows, which are profiled in the machine direction.

Banks does not suggest an arrangement with fiber pillows running across are profiled to the machine direction.

In the Banks device, the pillows are quite easy to attach Remove from the drum condenser, as there are lichen connections between adjacent cushions exist. When one of the pillows is lifted out of its compartment, the pillows become of the neighboring compartments due to the tab connections. One educates If the fiber cushions emerge as individual separate elements, the difficulty arises Removal of such cushions from the three-dimensional compartments of the drum condenser on. In order to remove the individual cushions from the compartments, this has to be done through the undersurface The vacuum applied to the compartments must be switched off. When this happens, it starts air moves between the fibers of the pillow and expands it so that it adheres to the Perimeter side walls that form the compartments, abut. This creates expansion a friction sole with the side walls and prevents easy removal of the Pillows from the compartments.

An apparatus having a pillow-forming arrangement with essentially linear shape, which is said to be able to reproduce pillows of special shapes is disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,949,646. The device of this patent uses a three-dimensional cover frame arrangement with individual cover elements, which have openings that determine the shape of the cushion to be formed. Under the three-dimensional cover frame arrangement runs synchronously with this a conveyor, which is provided with holes along its entire length, i.e. it does not have any covered air-impermeable areas and uncovered air-permeable areas. Each Cover element has a pillow-forming opening; the areas outside this opening are riddled with holes. The fibers carried by an air stream are from above of the cover elements directed towards the conveyor and the cover elements. The in the Fibers entering the openings of the cover elements are deposited on the conveyor, where they form cushions, the shape of which generally corresponds to that of the openings. the remaining fibers are deposited on the perforated areas of the cover elements and are therefore not used for cushion formation. The ones on the riddled ones Fibers deposited in areas of the cover elements must be returned to the material circulation, to ensure optimal utilization. The devices for recirculation of the fibers lead to a complicated facility and a high cost.

The device of US Pat. No. 2,949,646 does not use a vacuum source, around the cushions formed on the conveyor at the point of separation of the conveyor from to hold the three-dimensional cover frame assembly. So there may be some distortion or even a destruction of the pillow occur when the adhesion of the fibers to the Cover frame assembly is stronger than on the conveyor below.

The through the conveyor parts under the perforated areas of the Air directed towards the cover elements can lead to the fibers coming out of the through the openings of the cover elements solve certain areas and between the conveyor and the perforated parts of the cover elements get caught.

This loosening occurs because the areas of the conveyor are those under the perforated parts of the cover are not against the passage of air are covered. These loosened and stuck fibers adhere to the developing ones Cushions, change their shape and thus prevent reproducible formation of fiber pillows of a certain shape.

U.S. Patent 3,501,813 (Lee et al.) Discloses an apparatus for manufacturing a continuous profiled fiber web with a longitudinal central area with a greater fiber weight per unit area than the longitudinal side areas. The device according to Lee uOaO requires the use of baffles that the Hold air suspension of fibers within a channel in order to bring them to the central area to direct a perforated conveyor on which the fiber web is to be formed. This deflection increases the volumetric flow rate of the deflected Part of the air suspension of the fibers. Allegedly, among other things, this is increased at Lee Flow rate is balanced by placing valve openings in a rear The vacuum box located next to the conveyor can be controlled accordingly, so that the area the vacuum box, which is located under the central area of the perforated conveyor, which can accommodate increased air flow.

The Lee et al device has several shortcomings. First, that yields Use of baffles to deflect the air suspension of the fibers is a more complex one Device as such, in which no impact devices are required.

Second, need if a continuous fiber web with another Profile to be produced, the baffle plates within the Channel through which the air suspension of the fibers flows, can be rearranged. These Reinstalling the baffle plates can be a difficult and time consuming task. In some cases the baffle plates cannot be readjusted in such a way that the formation a continuous fiber web of a desired profile becomes possible. That's why If the Lee device lacks, among other things, the desirable versatility, which would allow continuous fiber webs with many different profiles easy and simple to manufacture.

U.S. Patent 3,598,680 (Lee) discloses an apparatus for forming continuous fiber webs with a longitudinal central area with a higher Fiber weight per unit area as the side areas. This device is available as a Improvement of the above-mentioned device according to Lee et al uses separate fiberizing devices and separate chambers to make the continuous to produce profiled fiber webs. This device also lacks versatility in the production of continuous fiber webs with many different profiles species. In order to change the profile of a continuous fiber web, the system must to be largely rebuilt. For example, the chambers have to be in different places implemented so that they are above other areas of the holed conveyor come to rest on which the path is to be formed. This leads to a great deal Effort in modifying the machine and is therefore highly undesirable.

The apparatus or method of the Lee et al.

and Lee relate to the formation of continuous profiled webs and in no way disclose a method and / or apparatus for forming individual Fiber pillows with the desired shape and profile that are easy to use and allow it to vary reliably.

The Lee et al. or Lee requires the formation of separate fiber strips, which each other in certain Overlapping areas to form a thickened area, i.e. an area with higher fiber weight per unit area than in the non-overlapping areas the stripe. In other words, the Lee et al. And Lee procedures require the formation of at least part of a thickened area at the same time the formation of another area whose fiber weight per unit area is lower is than the thickened area. Because of this, certain stages depend on the Web formation according to the patents for Lee et al. O and Lee from the covering effect, i.e. the drag effect of a part of the web that occurred during a previous one Stage of orbit formation in a specific area. In a later At sodium formation, the fibers are initially in a non-formed Deposited area of the web because of the opposition to the air flow in such a non-formed area is considerably less than in one partially trained area of the railway. As the formation of the pathway increases the resistance to the air flow as a result of the fiber structure in this Area too, and the air suspension of the fibers splits up, causing the fibers be deposited in various predetermined areas. This division of the Air suspension of the fibers cannot be controlled because the changing W; resistance properties, which result from the fiber structure in various predetermined areas Do not simply have it determined or checked during the formation of the path.

If the fiber weight per unit area continues in a given Range yourself the fiber weight per unit area in another specific range approaches, a self-balancing effect occurs, which destroys the track profile and thus leads to a non-profiled web in which the fiber weight per unit area is uniform. That in the patents according to Lee et al. or Path formation methods disclosed by Lee thus include controlled formation profiled cushions in which the fiber weights in different certain Areas differ, but are almost the same, and close different degrees the production of all profiles difficult - except for those with which the differences in fiber weights per unit area in each predetermined Areas are extreme.

According to the present invention it is proposed a device for the formation of individual fiber cushions, characterized by a cushion-forming arrangement with spaced, three-dimensional, pillow-receiving compartments, which are separated from each other by airtight areas and each of them has the configuration of the fiber cushion to be formed therein and by a air-permeable bottom surface and air-impermeable side surfaces are formed, extending outward from one side of the bottom surface, with parts of the Side walls are movable relative to each other and to the floor surface to release of the formed pillow from the pillow receiving compartment to facilitate ch, and dur means for feeding and accumulating fibers into the pad formation area in the cushion-receiving compartments to produce fiber cushions of the desired configuration to train.

The device for forming fiber pillows has a pillow-forming device Arrangement with spaced apart three-dimensional pillow-receiving pads Compartments on, with adjacent compartments by air-impermeable areas are separated from each other. Each compartment is the shape of one to be trained therein Fiber cushion and is made by a lower air-permeable surface and air-impermeable Formed side walls which extend outward from the air-permeable surface and are arranged adjacent to them. The side walls allow positive control the Shape of the cushions to be molded, thus eliminating distortion of the cushion shape along the perimeter. The side wall parts forming the compartments are relative to one another and movable to the lower air permeable surface to release the formed To facilitate pillows from the compartments.

The device according to the invention includes a drive device for moving a substantially rectilinear mold run of the cushion-forming arrangement through a pillow formation area. By using an essentially straight line During the mold run, the device according to the invention can be operated at high speed without the adverse effects of centrifugal forces occurring, which are peculiar to the devices with drum condensers.

The pad formation area contains a fiberizing device to the Separate fibers from the fed fiber mat individually and an air suspension of the isolated fibers to form. The pad forming area also includes one Vacuum device, which is arranged behind the mold run, in order to create a partial vacuum, with which the air suspension of the fibers is guided into the pillow-receiving compartments is where the air of the suspension is withdrawn through the lower surface and the Fibers of the suspension settle within the compartment surround to form the fiber pillows to form the desired shape. As the pillow receiving compartments in the pillow formation assembly according to the present invention separated from one another by air-impermeable areas are, the vacuum device behind the mold run draws the air suspension of the fibers only in the pillow-receiving compartments, but not in the air-impermeable areas. As a result, the fibers drawn into the pillow-receiving compartments do not tend to to shift sideways and distort the shape of the full fiber cushion to cause. Farther is the amount of fibers that are nonetheless does not deposit on the air impermeable areas of the pillow formation assembly so large that special devices would be required to return the fibers.

In a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention In accordance with the invention, the cushion formation arrangement comprises an endlessly mounted cover frame arrangement and an endlessly stored covered conveyor. The cover frame assembly has frame members with side surfaces, the spaced openings of the contain general shape of the fiber cushions to be formed, as well as side surfaces, which form the side walls of the pillow receiving compartments. The covered conveyor has spaced air-permeable surfaces with the general shape of the fiber cushion to be formed. The air-permeable surfaces form the lower one Area of the pillow-receiving compartments and are air-impermeable from each other Areas separated. The cover frame assembly becomes synchronous with the covered conveyor moved to form a linearly extending mold run through the Pillow formation area is guided, with the from the side surfaces of the frame members Openings formed the air-permeable surface parts of the covered conveyor overlay. A sealing device is provided on the bottom surface of the frame members, that as the conveyor and cover frame assembly pass through the pad formation assembly against the conveyor to ensure that there are no fibers between the frame members the cover frame assembly and the covered conveyor get caught.

The side surfaces of the frame members that form the side wall portions of the pillow receiving Form compartments are relative to each other and to the lower air-permeable surface of the covered conveyor moved by the cover frame assembly at the discharge end of the forrrr run separated from the covered conveyor will. To this Thus, the cushions formed are only of a substantially flat surface of the covered conveyor and can easily be put on an Abnalime conveyor transferred, which is arranged on the downstream side of the cushion formation area of the device is.

A vacuum device is arranged behind the covered conveyor, the one at the downstream end of the pad forming area where the cover frame assembly dated from covered conveyor is separated, continuous suction through the air-permeable Generated areas of the covered conveyor. BeauSschlagung with an induced draft ensures during the separation of the cover frame assembly from the covered conveyor, that the cushions remain on the conveyor but not on the cover frame assembly adhere, and also ensures that the adhesion to the conveyor is the shape of the Fiber cushion not destroyed.

Part of the present invention is a novel cover frame assembly as well as a drive and a connection system therefor. The cover frame assembly consists of frame members that are removably attached to support members. The frame members can be interchanged to provide openings of different shapes when using fiber pillows different shapes are to be formed. The support members are in desired Assignment connected to one another, namely by a large number of connecting links, of which juxtaposed are connected by pins that are located from a chain into aligned openings in the adjacent links extend. The connecting links are connected to one another to a rotary and translational movement between them and so a change in the bond length of the Drive and the connection system if the system is around and spaced rollers arranged on the outlet side of the straight mold run turns.

A second, preferably used embodiment of the device according to the present invention includes a cushion formation assembly having a relatively thick (1/4 to 1 inch = 6.5 to 25.4 mm) flexible substrate that is directly attached to attached to an endless conveyor, this flexible substrate replaces the one in the first Embodiment of the present invention used cover frame assembly and has cut-out areas to protect the air-permeable surfaces of the conveyor, which form the lower air-permeable surfaces of the cushion-receiving compartments, to disclose.

The areas of the flexible substrate that are created by removing sections are formed forming the side walls of the pillow receiving compartments, being juxtaposed Compartments are separated from each other by airtight areas.

The air-impermeable areas can be through the flexible substrate form; if this itself is air-permeable, the area of the conveyor can be which lies under the flexible substrate, with a suitable air-impermeable Cover material - e.g. neoprene. The pillow formation arrangement is in the sense of a Endless movement mounted around spaced rollers and essentially forms one rectilinear form run to the shortcomings of conventional systems with drum condensers to avoid. A vacuum device is arranged under the mold barrel Air suspension of the fibers in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the invention pulls into the cushion receiving compartments.

The pad formation assembly includes a straight pad transfer path, which is opposite the straight mold run and the shaped cushions from this to a second conveyor receiving the cushions. When rotating the During the transfer run, the flexible substrate expands at its discharge end by one the spaced rollers and runs into the inlet end of the mold run a. This expansion caused a reciprocal movement of the die pillow-receiving Compartments forming side wall parts in order to remove the finished fiber cushions from the compartments of the transfer run and a relatively easy transfer of the finished cushions onto the conveyor receiving the cushions. One such movement of the side wall parts is extremely beneficial for removing the Pillows from the pillow formation arrangement.

The invention also relates to a device and a method for the formation of individual shaped profiled cushions.

Such a device is essentially identical to the first and the second embodiment of the invention and further comprises a profile covering device between the suction device and the mold run of the pad forming assembly is arranged. The Profilierabdeckeinrichtung prevents the formation of a hot vacuum through various predetermined areas of the pillow receiving compartments during different stages of pillow formation, thus making a different effective volumetric air flow "through the various predetermined areas. In this way, the fiber weight per unit area differs from that in one predetermined range of grain deposited by fiber weight per unit area, that is deposited in a second predetermined area.

In this application and the claims, the term "effective" means volumetric air flow "the total volumetric air flow through a predetermined Area of each pillow-receiving compartment to set a desired 'aser weight per To evoke area unit. Another effective volumetric air flow It through different predetermined areas of the pillow receiving Compartments can be reached by one of the following names: (1) You will see the same volumetric Air requirement per unit of time through a suction device for different periods of time through various predetermined areas of the pillow-receiving compartments, or (2) one sees a different volumetric air requirement per unit of time by a suction device for the same or different guide spans by different ones Predetermined areas of the pillow-receiving compartments.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a novel one Process for the formation of individual profiled fiber cushions in which the fiber weights different per area in different predetermined areas, but hub can be held together. The formation of a profiled fiber cushion It is not possible to control within tight tolerances by leaving open ones Provides areas of different sizes through which by means of a suction box Draw air through various predetermined areas of the pillow receiving compartments can, in which different fiber weights are to be deposited per unit area. According to the state of the art and its method for forming profiled tracks one has the open areas of different sizes by means of a vacuum source Air is drawn, realized by taking the density of the open area in a perforated element placed over a vacuum source changed and also adjusted the valve openings associated with the vacuum source.

Except in the case of extremely light fiber deposition, the resistance, to which the flow of air through a pillow-receiving compartment is exposed, significantly beelnfluffl vom of the basic weight of the pillow balloons, ng partially formed path in the compartment. Furthermore, the effect on the fiber distribution is by varying the size of the open area through which one can use a vacuum source Air can be drawn, not as essential as the effect of a partial formed fiber web. On the basis of these two discoveries, the applicant was recognized that the only effective means of achieving different area-specific Fiber weight in different predetermined. Areas of a fiber cushion when adhered to Narrow tolerances consists in each predetermined area with certain area-specific Fiber weight essentially independent of any other predetermined range with a different area-specific fiber weight. After the novel Applicants' method according to the present invention becomes an induced draft source Completely covered in relation to all areas of each cushion-absorbing compartment, except for the area where an area eSms fiber cushions with a certain area-specific Fiber weight is to be formed. After completing the training in this area is, the vacuum source is completely covered under the now formed area, and then the vacuum is applied to a second area of each cushion receiving member Compartment to a predetermined area with a different areal specific fiber weight to train. That deposited within a predetermined area of each compartment Areal fiber weight can be controlled by keeping the time during the this predetermined area is exposed to the vacuum and the volumetric air requirement per unit of time of the vacuum source. Because at a given time one Maintain partial vacuum through only those areas of each pillow receiving compartment will that record the same weight per unit area that can be deposited in any predetermined area of the pad Accurately control fiber weight per unit area by measuring the volumetric air requirement the vacuum source and the predetermined time it is applied to the partial vacuum sets each predetermined area of each compartment.

The volumetric air requirement of the vacuum source and the application time can be depending on the fiber weight per unit area, which in a predetermined Area of the pillow-receiving compartments to be deposited within a set a wide range. The volumetric air requirement per unit of time of the vacuum source However, it should not be so high that the fiber layer becomes excessively matted or so far compressed that there is no more air before a complete formation of the cushion to be drawn through this; can.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings described.

Fig. 1 is a section through a device uc along the invention the line 1-1 of Figure 2; Fig. 2 is a section through a device according to Found along line 2-2 of Figure 1; Fig. 3 is a section through a device according to the invention along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged one View of the telephoto in block form in FIG. 1; Fig. 5 is a broken away isometric view of a pad formation assembly with a cover frame assembly and a covered conveyor as used in the device according to the invention will; Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing the details of the separation of the cover frame assembly Fig. 4 of the covered conveyor in an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a product being placed in an apparatus after. of the invention can be produced; Fig. 8 is a schematic illustration the drive device, the covered conveyor and the cover frame assembly moved synchronously to each other; Figure 9 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the second, preferably used embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the boxed portion of FIG. 9; Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the box labeled "11n" Part of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is an isometric view of a fiber pillow; which can be produced with a device according to FIG. 9; Fig. 13 is a broken away isometric view of parts of the apparatus of Fig. 9, diq for formation the fiber pad of Figure 12 is used; Figures 14A, 143 and 14C show the cross-sectional profile of the fiber cushion shown in FIG. 12 during successive stages of the creation of the oil according to the preferred method of the present invention; Fig. FIG. 15 is an isometric view of another fiber pad that interacts with FIG Can produce the device according to Figure 9; Figure 16 is a broken isometric view Representation of parts of the device of FIG. 9 for producing the device shown in FIG fiber pillow shown; Figures 17A, 17B and 17C are cross-sectional profiles of the one shown in Figure 15 fiber pad shown during successive stages of manufacture the preferred method of the present invention.

According to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a device 10 for the formation of fiber cushions a fiberizing device 12, which the fibers a layer of porridge and isolated from these fibers in a pillow picture, skanimer 14 forms an air suspension. A vacuum box 16 is behind a mold run 18 a covered conveyor 20 arranged, which together with a cover frame assembly Figure 22 illustrates a novel pillow forming system in accordance with the present invention. In operation, the vacuum box 16 sucks the fibers suspended in the air, s which are located in the chamber 14, on the covered conveyor 20, whereby on this Form fiber cushions (e.g. 134 in Fig. 7) and from there to other processing facilities be guided.

FIGS. 1-5 explain the novel cushion-forming system of the present invention which, as previously mentioned, includes the covered conveyor 20 and the cover frame assembly 22. The covered conveyor 20 includes Spaced, air-permeable areas 28. The air-impermeable areas generally delimit the configuration or shape of the air-permeable surfaces 26 corresponding to the configuration or

Match the shape of the fiber pillows to be trained. he covered sponsors 20 consists of a glass fiber sieve web, the air-impermeable areas 28 of which are made of consist of a semiconducting Deflon coating that is essentially smooth with the Surface of the sieve web completes. The Deflon coating dissipates the static Charges that accumulate on the fibers when the fibers are formed. It can be also use covers other than Teflon; however, preferably they should be able to dissipate the static charges on the fibers, although this is not absolutely necessary. The cover frame assembly 22 of FIG. 5 consists from a plurality of frame members which are arranged in groups so that the side surfaces of the frame members of each group form openings 30 which form the shape of the pillow being trained. Each group of frame members consists of the vertical frame members 32 and the transversely extending frame members 34o The transverse frame members are attached vertically by screws 38 and 40 spaced, horizontal support members 36 attached. Every transverse Frame member 34 has a curved projection 42 which is either integral with it or is attached to it by suitable means (not shown).

The horizontal support members 56, which are vertically spaced apart of each group of frame members are bifurcated and form the legs 45 that form the grip around the upper or lower end of a frame support and actuator 46 (FIG. 5). The lower surface of the leg 45 rests on the shoulders 47, 49 at the bottom or the upper end of each link 46.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, are Adjacent groups of Baenliedern at a distance from each other by a Series of frame supports and actuators 46-48-50-52 with each other connected ie from Fig. 5, these links are interconnected by pins 60 connected through aligned openings 62 and 64 on the upper or lower winds of each link extend. As from lig. 3 are the the various links interconnecting pins 60 with driven nice 66 connected and stand out from them.

Each driven chain 60 runs around a driven sprocket 68 and a free running gear 70 (Figs. 1 and 2). At the opening 64 in each link acts it is an elongated hole so that the individual links move in a straight line to one another can. This rectilinear mutual movement of the limbs is necessary in order to to allow the chord length to change as the gears 68 and 70 revolve.

The driven gears 68 are on a driven shaft 72 attached, which is rotatably mounted in Lagerblöcten 74-76 (Fig.2). On the yourself End of driven shaft 72 extending through bearing block 76 is a gear wheel 78 attached (Fig. 2 and 8), over which the svelle 72 by means of a to be described later Drive system is driven. The free-running gears 70 sit on one Freewheel shaft 80, which is stored in the Laerblöcen 82-84 (Fig.2).

The covered conveyor 20 runs endlessly around one on a drive shaft 88 fixed roller 86 (Figs. 1 and 8) and a pair of idle rollers 90-92 (Fig.1). The covered conveyor 20 is provided with a number of openings 94, which extend along its edges and the protruding pins 96 on the driven roller 86 (Fig.2).

Number and arrangement of the gears and rollers over which the covered Conveyor 20 and cover beam assembly 22 are running, as well as the details the drive arrangement are not essential for the finding and can also be provide otherwise.

Referring now to Fig. 8, the details of the function de drive control mechanism for synchronizing the movements of the covered Conveyor 20 and cover frame assembly 22 described. A source of strength like e.g., a motor (not shown) drives a gear 98.

A chain 100 runs around the sprocket 98 and a sprocket 102 on the the driven shaft 88 is attached and thus drives it. As already described is also the driven roller 86 driving the covered conveyor 20 on the Shaft 88 attached. Rotation of shaft 88 thus drives roller 86 and consequently the covered conveyor 20.

Furthermore, a gear 104 is mounted on the shaft 88 and drives as a result of the rotation of the shaft a gear 106 - with which it meshes. On gear 106 a gear 106 is attached and rotates with it, and about gear 108 as well the gear 112 runs a chain 110 which drives the gear 112. The gear 112 in turn drives via a gear 113 an output gear 1-14 with a Rotational speed synchronous with the input speed of gear 112 is.

The output gear 114 drives a chain 116 that is associated with the gear 78 (Fig. 1 and 8) is connected and on the driven shaft 72 (Fig. 2 and 8) sits around the shaft i2 and the driven gears 68 connected to it to drive. The gear 113 allows the rotation of the shafts to be phased 72 and 88 if the air permeable surfaces 26 of the covered conveyor are not more with the openings 30 which form the frame members of the cover frame assembly 22, are aligned. After a certain operating time of the device such Alignment errors due to the tolerance fluctuations of the various components of the Pillow formation assembly 24 occur. by in this case the gearbox 113 energized, the cushion formation assembly 24 is controlled so that the through the Frame members 24,26 formed Openings 30 over the air-permeable Surfaces 26 (FIG. 2) come to rest when the covered conveyor 20 and the cover frame arrangement 22 run through the pillow formation chamber 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the device lo.

The covered conveyor 20 and cover frame assembly 22 operate together to form three-dimensional pillow-receiving compartments to avoid the unwanted Eliminate effects on the edge areas of the pillows, with which expected must be if the pillow without side edging on a substantially flat surface.

Furthermore, the three-dimensional kiseenaufnahmsndsn compartments are running in a substantially straight mold run 18 through the outer formation chamber 14 to circumvent the difficulties of the drum condensers discussed above have been.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the lower surfaces of the vertical and horizontal frame members 32,34 have suitable resilient seals 118. These Seals 118 lie on the surface of the covered conveyor. 20 and worry for intimate contact between the frame members of the cover frame assembly and the covered conveyor.

This sealing arrangement has proven to be extremely beneficial when one wants to prevent fibers between the frame members of the cover frame assembly and the covered conveyor. When this happens, cause this Fibers undesirable distortions in the configuration or shape of the finished pillow.

The fiberizing device 12 according to FIG. 1 is via a channel 120 with of the cushion formation hammer 14 connected. Any suitable fiberizing device can be used here T such as Joa, Hammermill, etc. - use in the device 10 of the invention. In the preferred embodiment of the Invention becomes a porridge layer in a Joa fiber with a rotating fiberization roller ("lickerin roll ") in order to separate the fibers from the layer from the fiberization roll Centrifugal force causes the fibers in a stream of air through the anal 12 into the cushioning chamber 14 (Figures 1 and D).

The pillow forming channel, he 14 - see Fig. 3 - is made of nylon sealing elements 122 sealed, which are connected to the side walls that form the chamber 14 are. These sealing elements are located during the vertical movement of the links 46, 48, 50 ,, 52 to these and ensure a tight seal of the chamber 14. The Sealing elements can be made of any suitable material that the can fill out the mentioned function.

The pad formation chamber 14 is supported by U-members 124; she is split to make room for the mold run 18 of the cover frame assembly 22. The driven chains 66 against the outside of the chamber 14 to prevent the fibers in the chamber settle in them and so the operation of the device affect.

The vacuum box 16 (Fig.1) is on that side of the covered Conveyor 20 brought on, which abut the cover frame assembly 22 in a sealing manner Sides facing. The induced draft through the power 126 (Fig.1nd 2) draws air through the air permeable surfaces 26 of the covered conveyor. This induced draft directs the fibers into the cushion receiving compartments of the cushioning assembly 24 to form the cushions in the compartments. Since the construction draft only passes through the Air-permeable surface parts 26 pulls, only a few fibers adhere to the air-impermeable Areas 28 of the conveyor. So it will essentially be alone the chamber 14 directed grains are used for cushion formation and are not stored useless on the stripped parts of the conveyor 20 but the vacuum box is on its lower ante by a wall 128 and at its upper end by the driven one Roll 86 completed. The driven roller 86 is perforated and creates one direct air flow connection from the outer surface of the roll to the vacuum box (Fig. 1 and 6), whereby a steady induced draft through the conveyor 20 st takes place when the Side surfaces of the frame members move relative to the air-permeable surfaces 26 of the covered conveyor 20 when the cover frame assembly 22 is at separates the upper end of the mold run 18 (Fig. 6) tangentially from the covered conveyor, This support because of the vacuum ensures that the pillow is on the covered Conveyors remain and because of a stronger adhesion to the cover frame assembly 22 as not being consumed or destroyed at the conveyor 20, by separating the Cover frame assembly 22 from conveyor 20 can remove the fiber pads from the conveyor easily transferred to a take-off conveyor 129 which maintains them their spatial distance to the shown note processing equipment (not shown) also gives where the individual cushions with other elements to manufacture Product can be put together. For example, the pillows can be placed between cover sheets inserted to produce disposable diapers.

In order to smooth the surface of the fiber cushions that are formed, a fiber smooth gliod 180 (Fig. 1) is provided. This has a large number of the foregoing Fingers 132 which slide along the surface of the pillow as it rotates and so those Perform smoothing. This facility is with machines conventional for fiber web production and known to those skilled in the art.

The kbde ckraliniengl ieaer 52,34 - see Fig. 7 - are used for production of fiber pads 134 having a central region 136 of reduced thickness, the especially as an absorbent part in disposable diapers or the like. are suitable. The water cushion 134 is made from 100% short cellulose fibers less than 6.35 mm in length, as they are used for paper production, i.e. for example wood pulp fibers and cotton linters or mixtures of such short fibers with.

longer reinforcing fibers of textile length.

The various frame members 32, 34 can be lragged by their lraggied 36 remove and replace with others who have differently shaped openings to produce differently designed fiber pillows. For example, can be used for manufacturing diapers for boys may require a different pillow shape than for girls. If the frame members are changed to form a differently shaped cushion, must be replaced from the covered conveyor. In the preferably used The embodiment of the invention is that formed by each group of frame members Opening identical in each case.

However, it is within the scope of the invention to include groups of frame members to used, the differently designed openings aufwei'sen to fiber pillows of different To form shape.

The device 10 of the present invention can be used for animal production of fiber pillows of various shapes for a range of uses and is extremely useful in use cases where re 'predictable' results are either desirable or necessary. are. Furthermore can. the device 10 according to the present invention between the vacuum box 16 and the mold run 18 of the cover frame assembly 22nd Record Profilierabdeckelemente to by various predetermined Areas of the cushion receiving compartments have different volumetric air flows to produce and thus to produce profiled fiber cushions. The details of the Profiling device are preferably used together with the second embodiment the invention described, it should be noted that these features can also be provided in the device 10 described above.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9 as a device 200 for the formation of shaped profiled fiber cushions. The device can use to create fiber pillows of a variety of shapes and profiles. However, the device described in this application is used to manufacture molded ones profiled pillow for use in various disposable diapers, intended for boys or girls. Such diapers are described in U.S. Pat. 168 159 of 2.8.1971. This application also discloses parts of the device 200, which are incorporated in the following description, and proves that the device 200 is the invention of Charles G. Kolbach, who all in the present Filing invented claimed objects.

The device 200 has a fibrous part 202 with a rotatable Fibing roller 204, which is arranged within a chamber 206. The fiberization roller 204 is conventional and has a plurality of teeth that are on the Roller casing are arranged and individual fibers are torn out of fiber mats 208 urrl 210; these fibers are then entrained in a current of air in the chamber 20o. If desired, only needs a fiber mat in the fiber, Y part introduced and it is also possible to have more than two mats of fiber material to introduce. Next-Ilin the fiber part can be used to different Mixing fibers - e.g. short grains from eapier production with longer reinforcement fibersii of textile length.

Chamber 206 is at its downstream end through a novel movable pad formation assembly 212 completed that endlessly around on Spaced rollers 214 and 216 runs. At least one of these rollers is driven, to move the assembly 212 in the direction indicated by the arrow 218. The pad formation assembly 212 has an upper rectilinear run 220 on which cushion formation takes place, as well as a lower rectilinear run 222 for cushion transfer on. Below barrel 220 and in its immediate vicinity is a multitude of vacuum boxes 224, 226 ', 228 arranged, which together with the profiling masks in the to be described Work wisely.

The novel cushion formation arrangement 212 - see Fig. 9 by 13 - has a relatively thin mesh net conveyor 230 on which a relatively thick flexible substrate 232 is attached. Preferably it is the conveyor 230 around a woven element with openings that are small enough to allow during the 'cushioning of the fibers on its surface to hold the air that the fibers carry, but let through. Other sponsors - such as

nonwoven conveyors and rilit perforated flexible belts - can also be used. The flexible substrate has a thickness in the range from 1/4 "to 1 inch (6.35 to 25.4 mm), but preferably 1/2" to 3/4 "(12.7 up to 19.05 mm). The flexible substrate 232 is attached to the conveyor by means of a suitable adhesive 230 attached, but must be flexible enough that when going around the roll 214, 216 without putting undue strain on the front 230. When this happens the conveyor may break.

Preferably, the flexible substrate 232 is impermeable to air and has Cut-outs to form the three-dimensional pillow receiving compartments 234. Each pillow receiving compartment 234 has an air-permeable bottom surface 236 which is formed by the conveyor 230, as well as side wall parts 238 from the surfaces of the flexible Substrate 232, which are left after removing the cutouts.

The flexible substrate 232 can be made of soft rubbers - such as e.g. Natural guo; - create. Although natural rubber is not semiconducting, normal rubber allows Moisture content of the air suspension of fibers compensates for the static charge of the fibers in contact with the pad-forming arrangement flexible substrate 232 made of a foam material such as non-crosslinked Polyurethane from Scott Paper Company. This not network-like tangled polyurethane foam is air permeable. if such a foam is used, the conveying areas, which lie under the foam, with a suitable airtight material such as Keoprene covered.

When using an air-permeable foam as a flexible substrate material The side walls 238 are also covered with an air impermeable material such as keoprene covered.

The flexible substrate 232 can be attached to the Conveyor 230 can be attached. In some cases one can have a surface of the substrate make them sticky by heat or chemical treatment, these being sticky surface then takes care of the 13eL-affixing of the substrate on the conveyor. Used as a substrate material If the flexible polyurethane foam mentioned above is used, it can be attached to the conveyor 230 with a polyurethane adhesive such as a glue from Bostik A and B (80/20) from the Quelcor Adhesive Compahy, Swartnmore, Pennsylvania. All constructions of the pillow formation assembly 212 have three-dimensional pillow receiving compartments 234 with an air-permeable bottom surface 236, which are separated from one another by air-impermeable areas that generally form a circumferential configuration, which corresponds to that of the fiber cushions to be formed.

In the preferably used embodiment of the present invention the device 200 has opposite vacuum sources 235,237, the outside of the chamber 206 are arranged at their outlet-side end. The upper vacuum source 235 removes asers adhering to the airtight areas of the assembly 212. The partial vacuum generated by the lower vacuum source 237 is in these areas because of the impermeability of air in these areas. When passing through a The cushion receiving compartment 234 between the vacuum sources is created over the fiber cushion no pressure gradient as those created by the upper and lower vacuum boxes Induced drafts are essentially the same and cancel each other out. If wanted, a source 239 of positive pressure outside of the chamber 206 can directly replace it upstream end to be arranged to Faserrl (1LS the pillow-receiving compartments blow out that got stuck there from the cushions previously formed in it are.

Profiled pillows are made by placing profiling masks between the barrel 220 of the pad formation assembly 212 and the vacuum boxes 224,226,228. These profiling masks prevent the passage of air through the air-permeable Floor surface 236 of each pillow receiving compartment 234 in different areas the same in order to be effective in these different predetermined areas to generate volumetric air currents and thus different aser weights accordingly to be deposited on the predetermined surface parts.

Fig. 12 shows a fiber layer 242 in the form of a profiled fiber cushion, which can be produced by means of the device of the ig.9. This fiber pillow w is essentially an egg timer shape with a central portion 244 of reduced thickness 244 on. In the middle part 244 a higher fiber weight per unit area is deposited than in the end regions 246 and 248, in which the fiber weight per unit area is the same in each case. The fiber layer 242 listed as an example has a central part 244 having a basis weight of about 30 oz / yd2 (1016 g / m2); the end portions 246,248 have a basis weight of approximately 20 oz / yd2 (677 & / m2). The fiber pad 242 becomes used in particular for a small diaper as described in the BS-Anr. 168 159, which has already been mentioned is described.

According to FIG. 13, the fiber cushion 242 is formed by Profiling masks 250, 252 and 253 between the mold run 220 of the pad formation assembly 212 and the vacuum boxes 224, 226 and 228 inserts. The profiling mask 250 has a open-meshed air-permeable elongated central part 256 and air-impermeable elongated end portions 258 and 260.

Furthermore, the profiling mask 252 also has an open-meshed one air-permeable elongated central part 262 and air-permeable elongated end parts 264 and 266.

Schlieivlicl has the profiling mask 254 an air-impermeable elongated central portion 268; and open mesh air permeable elongated end portions 270 and 272.

The vacuum boxes 224, 226 and 228 are connected by lines 274 (from 13 shows only one), connected to an exhaust fan or the like. Each connection conduit 274 can be provided with a valve to control that of the exhaust fan to adjust the volume of air drawn through the associated vacuum box. Alternatively such valves can be omitted and a fan can be added to each of the vacuum boxes assign to independently control the air volume drawn by the respective liter to be able to. If the volumetric air requirement of each vacuum box is to be the same, leave use a single trigger, and the valves in the pipes 274 can be omitted. In order to make the plant as versatile as possible make, each of the connecting lines 274 is provided with a control valve, so that the volumetric air requirement of each vacuum box can be controlled depending on the RuX.

To form the fiber pad 242 of FIG. 12, the around the fiber pad 242 pad formation assembly 212 at a substantially constant speed the profiling masks 250, 252, 254 are driven as indicated by the arrow 218 in FIGS. 9 and 13 shows.

As shown in Figures 9, 14A and 14B, the air suspension is from Fibers due to the application of the general vacuum by the cushion receiving Compartments 234, the titer of the vacuum boxes 224, 226 and 228 are essentially split into separate streams 276, 278 and 280. The vacuum boxes 224 and 226 direct jic fiber streams 276 and 278 substantially only into the central portion 279 of each pillow-receiving compartment, when it airs over the vacuum boxes (Fig. 14A and 14B). The fiber streams 276 and 278 are essentially only in the central part 279 of each compartment, as the end parts of the frofilier masks 250 and 252 over the vacuum boxes 224 and 226 to prevent the fiber streams from entering the End portions of the cushion receiving compartments 234 are pulled. It does occur - cf. 14A and 14B - in the end portions 281 and 283 of each pillow receiving compartment 234 a fiber scattering in the formation of the bit part 244 of the fiber cushion 242 on. However, this is extremely small - by weight less than 1 oz / yd (33.82 2 g / m2) - and of course, if at all, almost no effect on air resistance the end portions of the cushion receiving compartments. Therefore, this affects fiber scattering the subsequent formation of the ends 246 and 248 of the cushion 242 is not essential. The formation of the middle part 244 of the fiber cushion 242 thus takes place completely and regardless of the formation of the end portions 246 and 248 of the cushion.

According to FIGS. 9, 13 and 14C, the fiber stream 280 is when overflowing the Vacuum box 228 essentially only engages end portions 281 and 283 of each pillow receiving Compartment 234 led to the end portions 246 and 248 of the fiber pad 242 completely and substantially independent of the formation of the central portion 244 of the fiber pad to train. This formation of the end parts 246 and 248 takes place by covering the Vacuum box 228 against air penetration by means of the elongated central part 26S of the Profiling mask 254 in an area immediately below the central part 279 of the cushion receiving compartment 234 is located. while moving each part over the Vacuum box 228 may be in the middle portion 244 of the fiber pad in fiber scattering may occur to a certain extent. This fiber scattering is, however, insignificant and has no effect on the basis weight of the previously formed middle section 244 of the fiber pillow.

Since the central portion 279 of each pillow receiving portion 234 is partially vacuum is exposed longer than the end parts 281 and 283, there results profiled fiber cushions 242 with higher fiber weight per unit area in the middle part 244 than in the End parts 246,248 by one for all vacuum boxes for the same volumetric Air requirement.

min different effective volumetric air flow can be for the various predetermined areas of the cushion receiving portions achieve the means already explained. There is then a fiber cushion at where the: U'aser weight per unit area in the predetermined ranges, respectively is different. The specific volumetric air requirement by each of the vacuum boxes, and the time of exposure to the partial vacuum for the various areas of each The compartment's pillowcases can be varied to accommodate a wide variety of different To create profiled fiber cushions. These parameters can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art determine. The critical criterion for setting the 'mentioned parameters is excessive in a predetermined area of each pillow receiving compartment Compaction: to prevent the fibers. This would leave the air at stepping through this Area before the complete formation of the fiber pillow in this area. If the air is prevented from doing so, through a partially formed area of the pillow pass through, the fibers are no longer deposited in this area would be necessary for its completion.

Referring to Figure 15, a fiber sheet 282 can be made by using the method and apparatus of the invention; begins, the cushion formation assembly and the profiling masks are designed differently than for the manufacture of the fiber cushion of Fig. 12. The fiber light 282 has a main fiber pad 284 and a minor fiber pad 286 on. The main fiber pad has a front end portion 288 in which the fiber weight per unit area is largest, i.e. over 30 oz / yd2 (1016 g / m2). In a middle part 290 of the main fiber pad, the fiber weight per unit area is less, for example 20 oz / yd2 (677 g / m2); the secondary fiber pad 286 now has the same fiber weight per unit area as the middle part 290. The rear end part 292 of the main fiber pad has the lowest fiber weight per unit area, i.e. 17 oz / yd, for example (576 g / m2). The absorbent layer 282 described above is particularly useful as an absorbent one Part of a boys' disposable diaper as described in U.S. Pat. 168 159 is described in more detail.

16, the pad formation assembly 294 faces formation of the fiber layer 282 main compartments 296 and secondary compartments 298, the latter being transverse are aligned with the main compartments @. Above vacuum boxes 224, 226 and 228 lie the profiling masks 300, 302 and 304, respectively. The cushion formation assembly moves at an essentially constant speed in the direction indicated by the arrow 218 Direction one after the other over the covered vacuum boxes. The main fiber pad 284 Forms in each case in the main compartment 296, the secondary fiber cushion 286 in the lifting compartment 298 off. The preferred method used to form the fibrous layer 282 is different from the method shown in Fit ". 12 for forming the Fäserschioht 242. According to this method, which is preferably used, predetermined areas of the fiber cushion with a certain fiber weight per unit area completely and substantially independent of the formation of any other predetermined area produced with a different fiber weight per unit area.

According to FIGS. 16 and 17A, the formation of the secondary fiber cushion 286 occurs and the middle part 290 of the main fiber pad, v. if the transverse main and secondary compartments pass over vacuum box 224. The vacuum box 224 is covered, to allow air to pass through the front and rear end portions 301, 303 each to prevent the main compartments. When the vacuum box 224 overflows, inden occurs front and rear end parts 301, 303 of each main compartment a certain fiber dispersion As already mentioned, this fiber scattering has hardly any effect on the Air resistance of the front and rear end portions of the pillow-receiving compartments during the subsequent formation of the front and rear end portions 288 bw. 292 of main fiber pad 284.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17B, the central portion 290 of the Main fiber pad 284 in a central portion 305 of each main compartment 296, if that runs over the vacuum box 226. D: 'r' vacuum box 226 is covered to allow air to pass through dur;:; l all areas of the main and secondary compartments - except for the middle section 305 - to prevent. Here, too, in other parts of the pillow-receiving compartments Overflow of the vacuum box 226 a slight fiber scattering occur.

However, this fiber scattering has no effect or impairment the subsequent formation of the other areas of the fiber layer 282 is only insignificant.

16 and 17C, the rear end portion 292 of the main fiber pad is formed 294 in a rear end part 303 of each main compartment 296, if this is silver the vacuum box 228 is running. The vacuum box is covered to allow air to pass through in all areas except that which is below the rear end area 303 each main compartment 296 lies.

In forming the fiber layer 282, all areas are skin-absorbing Compartments exposed to partial vacuum for the same period of time. A different one effective volumetric air flow through the areas of the cushion receiving compartments can be achieved by adding to the vacuum boxes 224, 226 and 228, respectively, for one veins volumetric air requirement. this is within the scope of the present invention, depending on the fiber weight per unit area, which is in a certain area of the Fiber layer is to be applied, further vacuum boxes and additional cover means to be provided. It is also within the scope of the present invention by which already procedures explained to provide different volumetric air flows. The criterion for the formation of the fiber cushions according to the one preferably used Embodiment of the invention is that each area with a certain area-specific Fiber weight completely and essentially independent of the design of each other area with a different area-specific fiber weight must be formed. as already mentioned, the parameters of the application time with the partial vacuum and the specific volumetric air demand applied by the vacuum boxes be chosen so that it is possible within a given range the desired Applying fiber weight per unit area without converting the fibers into a mat condense, through which already before the full training air can no longer pass through this specific area.

13 and 16, each of the profiling masks is provided at one end a handle 306 or other gripping arrangement for their removal to allow if they are to be replaced or removed entirely. By substituting or the excepting of the profiling masks, the device 200 can be used for the Manufacture of many different absorbent cushions with a profile structure or use a certain shape without a profile. In the manufacture of disposable diapers for boys and girls are the method and device for inserting the absorbent Pillow identical between cover sheets. Because of this, the following description is limited to the method and device for inserting the fiber pillow (12) between cover sheets for the production of disposable diapers, which are particularly suitable for ür ilridchen are suitable.

9 and 10, the fiber pads 242 - in the shape of Ijatten made of cellulose fibers of the length suitable for papermaking - an exposed one Upper surface covered by the teeth or bristles of a rotating smoothing device 308, which is arranged at the outlet end of the chamber 206. The fiber pillows are then passed around the bulb 214, where they are covered with a top layer 310 in Bertthrung which are guided to the cushion formation assembly 212 by means of a free-wheeling roller 308 will. The cover layer 310 cooperates with the cushion part structure so that the fiber pads 242 are maintained in their pillow receiving compartments. The top layer 310 moves synchronously with the cushion member assembly 222 to a position where them with theirs lower transfer flow 222 comes into contact. Farther The cover layer 310 becomes of an upper cushion receiving run 312 of a conveyor 314 supported. Cover layer 310 and the overlying fiber pads are on the transfer conveyor 314 conveyed via a vacuum box 315, which immediately is under the upper pillow receiving runner 312 of the transfer conveyor. By A partial vacuum is applied to the vacuum box 315, which is applied over the fiber pad Pressure gradient created by which the adhesion of the fiber pad to the barrel 222 of the pad formation assembly 212 is transferred to the run 312 of the transfer conveyor 314. This partial vacuum acts through the cover layer 310, which is a fibrous air-permeable layer Web is involved, and the fiber pads 242 are relatively thick to prevent the Air drawn by the vacuum box easily passes through the pillows. on this creates the above-mentioned pressure gradient over the fiber cushions; it stays maintained when the pad formation assembly 212 begins, at the end of the expiration of the Carry run 222 to run around the idler roller 216 to run the carry run from the Cushion receiving barrel 312 of the transfer conveyor 314 to separate.

11 illustrates the separation of the fiber pads 242 from the pad formation assembly 212 promoted by the movement of the side wall part held by the flexible substrate 232 is formed, relative to the bottom surface 236 and to the other side wall parts, when the pad formation assembly 212 stretches about the support roller 216. The new The position of the side wall part is indicated in FIG. 11 by "238". The compartment is through So this process is opened in order to easily release the fiber cushion from the compartment can without distorting or destroying its shape. The fiber pads 242 are placed on the cover layer 310 when this is transferred from the transfer conveyor 514 submitted will. At a suitable gluing station 316 between adjacent cushions For example, an adhesive is applied to the upper exposed surface of the deck light 310. Then, on the outlet side, the gluing station on the fiber pad becomes a liquid-permeable one or impermeable cover layer 318 applied to form a composite structure, which consists of the fiber cushions and the top layers on both sides. This composite structure is then fed to a subsequent processing station (not shown) where it is divided into individual disposable diapers and folded as it is according to the state known to the art.

Claims (39)

Patent alls prilche 1. Device for the formation of individual Faserkisseij, ekeiizeichnet through a Kiaseibildungsanordnungy with superimposed, three-dimensional cushion-receiving Compartments which are separated from one another by airtight areas, wherein that cushion receiving compartment has the shape of the fiber cushion to be formed therein and by an air-permeable bottom surface and an air-impermeable side wall device which extends outward from the bottom surface, with parts this side wall device are movable to each other and relative to the floor surface, to facilitate the release of the finished pillow from the pillow receiving compartment, and further characterized by drive means for moving the pad forming assembly along a predetermined against through a pad forming area, and by means for feeding fibers into the pad formation area where they are incorporated into the pad receiving areas Accumulate compartments to form fiber pillows of the desired shape. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pillow formation arrangement has a substantially rectilinear mold run on which the fiber pads are formed with the drive device operating the rectilinear mold run moves the pad forming area. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the device comprises a vacuum device in order to be permeable from one side of the air Areas for air through the air-permeable areas of the kisenaufnemenden compartments to pull when the air-permeable surfaces pass through the pad formation area. 40 Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that they are profiling masks having between the substantially rectilinear mold run and the vacuum device are arranged and cooperate with this by being in different predetermined Areas of the pillow-receiving compartments have different effective volumetric capacities Air currents have to form individual pillows at which the fiber weight per unit area in a predetermined range differs from the Yaser ratio per unit area in another predetermined area. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the one predetermined area and the other predetermined area do not overlap each other. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the profiling mask device cooperates with the vacuum device to each Time the passage of air through a moving over the vacuum device to allow the pillow-receiving compartment, only through those areas of the cushion-receiving compartment, in which essentially the same fiber weight per, Area unit is to be deposited. 7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that that the brofilier mask device cooperates with the vacuum device to the formation of a predetermined area of the pillow with an essentially essential constant fiber weight per unit area completely independent of the formation another area of the fiber pad xylitol has a different fiber weight per unit area allow z. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in that the cushion formation arrangement comprises a conveyor and a movable cover frame arrangement, the air-permeable surfaces of the conveyor being replaced by air-impermeable areas are separated, the movable cover frame assembly having frame members whose sidewalls. Form spaced openings, the shape of which is that to be generated. Pillow corresponds, with these openings from each other around essentially the same Distance to distance is the distance between the air-permeable surfaces of the conveyor, and wherein the drive device is the conveyor and the movable Cover frame assembly moved synchronously through the pad forming area that the openings formed by the side surfaces of the frame members above the air-permeable Portions of surfaces of the conveyor lie around the side wall assembly of each pillow receiving To form a compartment. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover frame arrangement and the conveyor is substantially rectilinear; L; 'IuJ-'e have that within of the pillow formation area lie tightly against one another. 10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it has sealant on the frame members that sealingly contact the conveyor, when this and the cover frame arrangement lie on top of one another through the kiss formation area be moved. 11. Device; naG) -I one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that that it has a vacuum device in order to from one side of the Luftdurc '; air through the air-permeable surfaces of the cushion-receiving surfaces Compartments to pull when the air-permeable surfaces through the pillow formation area to run. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the Drive means the conveyor and the cover frame assembly in close contact with each other along a substantially rectilinear run through the pad formation area moves and at the end of this range the cover frame assembly and the conveyor from each other separates, wherein the vacuum device is arranged so that during the separation of the conveyor from the cover frame assembly air through the air permeable surfaces of the conveyor to hold the cushions on the conveyor. 13. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that that the cover frame assembly has support members and the frame members are removable are attached to the support members, so that frame members of different KomSiguration Can be attached to the drag links to customize the configuration of the surfaces of the frame members to vary openings formed, the support members to each other at a distance are connected to each other by supporting members, 14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that adjoining members are aligned with Openings are provided to accept pins extending from a chain, to connect the links together. 15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that at least Some of these openings are elongated holes to allow rectilinear movement of the links to allow each other. 16. Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that that the openings lying next to one another at a distance form the frame members by supporting members as well as by means that connect the supporting members to one another connect, connected to a relative straight line and rotatable between to allow the limbs. 17e device iiach claim 16, characterized in that the adjoining limbs with aligned openings are verserlerl and themselves Extending pins from a chain through the aligned openings; to connect the links together and to connect the links with the chain, wherein the drive device drives the chain to move cier links and to control the cover frame assembly. 18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that at least Some of the openings of the links are elongated holes to allow rectilinear movement of the To allow limbs to each other. 19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that it at least one pair of rotatably fixed and spaced gears, wherein the chain endlessly circulates the gears and the drive device at least one of the gears drives. 20 »Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushion formation arrangement comprises a flexible substrate adhered to the conveyor, the conveyor the air-permeable Podenfluche d created, and the flexible substrate directly has surfaces adjoining the circumference of this air-permeable surface which form the side wall device. 21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the flexible substrate forms air-impermeable areas, the adjacent separates pillow-holding compartments 22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, characterized by a vacuum device, which from one side of the air-permeable Areas for air through the air-permeable areas of a conveyor mold run pulls as the pad formation assembly passes through the pad formation area. 23. The device according to claim 22, characterized by profiling masks between the mold run and the vacuum device to cooperate therewith and a lower different effective volumetric air flow through different ones create predetermined areas of the cushion receiving compartments to create individual cracks to form where the fiber weight per unit area in one of the different predetermined areas is different than the fiber weight per unit area in one other of the various predetermined areas. 24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the eire predetermined area and the other predetermined area do not overlap each other. 250 Device according to Claim 24, characterized in that the Profiling masks cooperate with the vacuum device at every point in time the passage of air through a cushion that moves over the vacuum device Compartment only in those predetermined areas of the covered compartment to allow in substantially the same fiber weight per unit area to be deposited. 26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the Profiling masks work together with the vacuum device to form a a predetermined area of the fiber cushion with a constant fiber weight per unit area to be allowed completely independently of the formation of other predetermined ones Areas of the fiber pad with a different fiber weight per unit area. 27. Device according to one of claims 20 to 26, characterized gekennzeichrlet, that the pillow formation arrangement has a substantially rectilinear shape, on which the fiber pads are formed, the drive device being operative moves the substantially rectilinear mold run through len pad forming area. 28. The device according to claim 27, characterized gekennzeichnsat that the Pillow formation order an opposite of the substantially rectilinear mold run, has substantially rectilinear carry-over run, including a carry-over conveyor, its essentially straight, cushion-receiving run in the immediate vicinity Proximity of the transfer run of the pad forming assembly, and by means which is the adhesion of the felt cushion from the transferring to the cushion receiving Transfer run. 29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that the the barrel transferring the cushions and the barrel receiving the cushions are arranged in relation to one another are that during the transfer of the adhesion of the base cushion from the cushion formation assembly There is no significant movement of the finished fiber cushion to the transfer conveyor. 30. Device according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that that the transfer conveyor is air-permeable and the device; for transfer the adhesion of the cushions from the run that transfers the cushions to the one that receives the cushions Barrel has a vacuum device, which is arranged on the cushions on the running barrel and a partial vacuum is applied to it. 31. The device according to claim 30, characterized by means that an air-permeable fibrous web to an exposed surface of the flexible substrate to create an enclosure for the pillow-receiving compartments, and through Means that the fibrous web between the transferring the pads of the pad-forming assembly runs and guide the run of the transfer conveyor receiving the cushions, the vacuum device a suction through the air-permeable fiber web and the absorbing the cushions The run of the transfer conveyor creates the adhesion of the finished pillow from the Pillow formation to protrude to the air-permeable fiber web. 32. Method of forming individual fiber pads using the Apparatus according to claims 1 and 4, wherein the pads have different predetermined areas have and the fiber weight per unit area in a predetermined Each pillow differs in area from the fiber weight per unit area at least one other predetermined area, characterized in that one Fibers can be entrained by an air stream to create an air suspension within a chamber of the fibers attached to a bundle through the mold run of a cushioning assembly is completed, which extends downstream along a predetermined path moved, with the pillow picture order of the three-dimensional, has cushion-receiving compartments, each of which is inter alia through an air-permeable Ground surface can be formed by w; iterhin by a first predetermined Area of each cushion receiving compartment creates a first effective volumetric air flow, to shape one pre-determined area of the pillow, and by making a second effective volumetric air flow generated, which differs from the first effective volumetric Airflow is different and through a second predetermined area each cushion receiving Compartment extends to at least one further predetermined area of the fiber cushion to train. 33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that the first and the second predetermined area of each pillow receiving compartment is different from one another overlap. 34. The method according to claim 32 or 55, characterized in that the first and the second effective volumetric air flow during different, of non-overlapping periods during the pillow formation. 35. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that because an air-impermeable areas are provided on the ivissen formation arrangement, which Surfaces have, oie from the general plane of the air-permeable floor surfaces extend out to side walls of the three-dimensional pillow-raising compartments with the first and second effective volumetric air flows forming the fibers essentially only lead into the pillow-receiving compartments. 36. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that that the mold run of the pad formation assembly on a downstream and moving in a substantially linear predetermined path, wherein the pad forming assembly an opposite, essentially rectilinear one that surmounts the cushions Has barrel, and that you have a straight, the cushion receiving barrel of a Pillow transfer conveyor generally parallel to the run transferring the pillows the cushion formation assembly and a partial vacuum through the cushion receiving Run generated to the adhesion of the finished Fassdssen from the cushion transferring Run the cushion formation assembly on the cushion receiving run of the cushions transferring sponsor. 37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that one air-permeable absorbent fibrous web between the run carrying the cushions the pad formation assembly and the bag receiving run of the transfer conveyor leads, whereby the i'eilvakuum the adhesion of the fiber cushions to the air-permeable Fiber web transfers 38. The method according to claim 37, characterized. that the transfer of the pillow formation arrangement at the downstream end of the removes the cushion-receiving barrel of the transfer conveyor and through the partial vacuum maintains the cushion-receiving run of the transfer conveyor during the separation, to hold the finished fiber cushions on the air-permeable sheet. 39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that one Distance between the transfer run of the pad forming assembly and the pad receiving one The run of the transfer conveyor provides for one essential movement: the fiber cushion relative to the carry-over run and the cushion-receiving run, if the Adhesion of the fiber cushions passes over to the air-permeable sheet.