EP0082794A1 - Device for the production of a fleece made of parallel yarns, and method for the production of various complex articles made with such a fleece - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for producing a weft web constituted of parallel spaced apart yarns. According to the invention, the yarns are distributed around two continuous endless belts advantageously parallel and supporting a number of pins. The weft yarns are distributed in such a way that the feeding end of the distributing elements describes by its rotation a plane which cuts through the pulleys supporting the lateral yarn-positioning, securing and advancing means; the pins provided on said lateral means being fixed laterally and the weft yarn, when deposited, resting on the outer faces of the supporting pulleys.

Description

The present invention relates to an improved device for the formation of a sheet made up of parallel threads, spaced from each other, extending transversely with respect to the length of said sheet; it also relates to a device making it possible to produce complex articles directly, in particular non-woven textile grids, one of the constituents of which is formed by such a ply.

In the following description, such a ply will be designated by the expression "weft ply" and the yarns constituting it by the expression "weft son".

Many devices have been proposed to date for producing weft plies which are intended to be associated with longitudinal parallel threads (warp threads), so as to form articles commonly designated by the expression "nonwoven textile grid ". In these articles, the threads of the weft ply and those of the warp ply (s) are joined together not by interlacing as in a conventional fabric, but by joining the threads at their point of overlapping, for example by gluing, welding ...

Furthermore, such weft plies can also be used for the production of knitted articles produced according to the technique known as "front weft insertion", a technique which consists in incorporating over the entire width of the knitted fabric, during its manufacture, a weft thread in each row of stitches or according to a determined rhythm.

A well-known technique for producing such weft plies is described in particular in French patents 1 335 418, 1 367 567 and 1 537 811. In general, according to this technique, a plurality of weft threads are distributed around of spikes arranged on two endless chains (or belts) spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the sheet that is to be formed. According to this technique, the weft yarn distributor element is arranged above the two chains without. end comprising the pins and is constituted by a rotating assembly which, during its rotation, deposits the wires between and around said pins.

Such a device is complex, in particular by the fact that it requires particular guide members for positioning the weft threads around the pins when it is desired to obtain sheets made up of threads that are strictly parallel to one another. Furthermore, maintaining the weft threads around the pins is fairly difficult to achieve, the threads being able to escape easily from the pins.

Comparable solutions are also described in United States patent No. 3,340,584 and French patent 2,270,185.

According to these documents, the wire distributing element is constituted by one or more endless belts distributing one or more wires by revolution around two lateral belts, spaced apart, on which pins are fixed as previously serving to hold the ends of the wires frame. As with the aforementioned patents, the maintenance of the weft threads around the pins is not perfectly guaranteed and the risks of escape are high.

US Patent 3,594,256 describes a solution in which one (or more) weft thread (s) are distributed by means of a rotary rotating arm which, with each revolution, passes in front of spaced pins intended to maintain thread. However, the pins are not carried by belts but are mounted on a drum inside which they can be retracted to allow escape of the complex formed. Again, the maintenance of the ends of the weft son is not perfectly assured and, moreover, the wefts are not spaced regularly from each other.

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior techniques. In general, the device according to the invention aims to solve the problem of maintaining the ends of the weft threads in the devices according to which the weft ply is produced by distribution around pins supported by two endless belts. It also makes it possible to solve the problem of maintaining the parallelism between two consecutive frames and especially of a regular and constant spacing between said frames.

The problem of maintaining the ends of the weft loops had previously been raised and resolved by French patent 2,419,991 (corresponding to USP 4,249,981). If the solution described in this document is satisfactory when the deposition of the weft threads is carried out intermittently, it should however be noted that such a solution still has a certain number of drawbacks. First of all, it is difficult to envisage applying it to the techniques according to which the weft threads are distributed in a continuous movement. Furthermore, the advance of the lateral belts being carried out intermittently, the production speed is thereby reduced and above all, it cannot be envisaged to associate such a device with an installation working continuously such as for example a machine. paper mill.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to solve these problems.

• - des éléments de distribution, d'au moins un fil de trame, provenant d'une source d'alimentation fixe ou synchronisée avec lesdits éléments de distribution, ces éléments étant animés d'un mouvement continu,
• - des éléments de positionnement, de maintien et d'avance de ladite nappe de fils de trame ainsi réalisée, qui se présentent sous la forme de deux bandes sans fin continues, avantageusement parallèles, espacées l'une de l'autre d'une distance égale à la largeur de la nappe que l'on désire former et qui sont commandées en synchronisme avec les moyens de distribution du fil de trame, lesdites bandes supportant des picots autour desquels sont distribués les fils de trame.

In general, the invention therefore relates to a device for producing weft plies made up of parallel threads spaced apart from each other, device of the type comprising:

• distribution elements, of at least one weft thread, coming from a fixed or synchronized power source with said distribution elements, these elements being driven by a continuous movement,
• - positioning, holding and advancing elements of said weft son ply thus produced, which are in the form of two continuous endless bands, advantageously parallel, spaced apart from each other by a distance equal to the width of the ply which it is desired to form and which are controlled in synchronism with the means for distributing the weft yarn, said strips supporting spikes around which the weft yarns are distributed.

• - que l'extrémité de sortie de l'élément distributeur de fil de trane décrit, lors de sa révolution, un plan sécant des poulies . supportant les éléments latéraux de positionnement, d'avance et de maintien des fils de trane,
• - que les picots autour desquels sont distribués lesdits fils de trame sont fixés latéralement sur les éléments sans fin, de positionnement, de maintien et d'avance.
• - que lors de la dépose entre les picots, le fil de trame prend appui sur les faces extérieures des poulies support des éléments latéraux, la longueur de la corde d'appui sur ces poulies étant deux fois plus grande d'un côté que de l'autre.

The device according to the invention is characterized by the fact:

• - that the outlet end of the trane wire distributor element describes, during its revolution, a plane intersecting the pulleys. supporting the lateral elements for positioning, advancing and holding the winch wires,
• - That the pins around which the said weft threads are distributed are fixed laterally on the endless, positioning, holding and advancing elements.
• - that when depositing between the pins, the weft thread is supported on the outer faces of the pulleys supporting the lateral elements, the length of the supporting rope on these pulleys being twice as long on one side as l 'other.

In other words, in accordance with the invention, during the removal if, for example, a single weft thread is distributed, said thread will be deposited on one of the sides, straight for example, so as to pass under two spikes while on the other side, left in this case, it will be distributed so as to pass under four spikes.

• - de guides latéraux fixes sont prévus à proximité des éléments de positionnement, de maintien et d'avance, de manière à guider avec précision le fil de trame entre les picots lors de la dépose,
• - une pluralité de fils de trame sont distribués au moyen d'un ensemble tournant constitué par exemple par des ailettes rotatives, une couronne équipée de guide-fils, les fils étant distribués sur la moitié de la périphérie desdits éléments de distribution,
• - l'espacement entre les picots n'est pas identique sur toute la longueur des éléments de positionnement, de maintien et d'avance, mais est réalisé de telle sorte que si n fils sont distribués, n espacements soient égaux à la distance souhaitée entre deux trames consécutives, l'espacement suivant étant réduit d'une distance égale à une fois l'épaisseur des picots.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device also has the following additional characteristics:

• - fixed lateral guides are provided near the positioning, holding and advancing elements, so as to precisely guide the weft thread between the pins during removal,
• a plurality of weft threads are distributed by means of a rotating assembly constituted for example by rotary fins, a ring fitted with thread guides, the threads being distributed over half of the periphery of said distribution elements,
• - the spacing between the pins is not identical over the entire length of the positioning, holding and advancing elements, but is made so that if n wires are distributed, n spacings are equal to the desired distance between two consecutive frames, the following spacing being reduced by a distance equal to once the thickness of the pins.

• - la figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention permettant la formation d'une nappe de trame par distribution d'un fil de trame,
• - les figures 2 et 3 illustrent plus en détail, également en perspective, la dépose d'un fil de trame entre les picots de l'un des éléments latéraux de positionnement, d'avance et de maintien des fils de trame,
• - la figure 4 et la figure 5 sont des vues détaillées, montrant de manière plus précise la structure d'une nappe de trame réalisée conformément à l'invention et plus particulièrement le positionnement desdites trames latéralement autour des picots de maintien,
• - la figure 6 est une vue agrandie montrant la variation dans l'espacement entre les picots de manière à obtenir des trames régulièrement espacées les unes des autres,
• - la figure 7 est un diagramme volontairement déformé, montrant une nappe de trame réalisée conformément à il invention par distribution de huit fils de trame par révolution de l'organe distributeur,
• - la figure 8 est une représentation schématique d'une installation complète conforme à l'invention pour la réalisation d'une grille textile non tissée,
• - la figure 9 est une vue schématique illustrant un moyen pour provoquer l'échappement de la nappe de trame formée des picots de positionnement et de maintien.

The invention and the advantages which it brings will however be better understood thanks to the description which follows and which is illustrated by the attached diagrams in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a device according to the invention allowing the formation of a weft ply by distribution of a weft yarn,
• FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate in more detail, also in perspective, the removal of a weft thread between the pins of one of the lateral elements for positioning, advancing and holding the weft threads,
• FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are detailed views showing more precisely the structure of a weft ply produced in accordance with the invention and more particularly the positioning of said wefts laterally around the holding pins,
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the variation in the spacing between the pins so as to obtain frames regularly spaced from one another,
• - Figure 7 is a deliberately distorted diagram showing a weft ply produced in accordance with it invention by distribution of eight weft threads by revolution of the distributor member,
• FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a complete installation according to the invention for producing a non-woven textile grid,
• - Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating a means for causing the escape of the weft ply formed by positioning and holding pins.

If reference is made to the appended diagrams, the invention therefore relates to a device allowing the production of weft plies made up of parallel threads spaced from each other.

This device is of the type comprising on the one hand, distribution elements (1) of at least one weft thread (2) and, on the other hand, positioning, holding and advancing elements on the web of weft yarn made, in the form of two continuous endless bands (3-4) preferably parallel, spaced from each other by a distance equal to the width of the web that is desired forming and which are controlled in synchronism with the distribution means (1) of the weft threads (2). In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the positioning elements (3-4) consist of two endless belts driven by an intermediary of two pulleys (5-6) carried by a single driven shaft (7) by a motor (8) associated with a speed variator (9) making it possible to adjust the synchronism between the advance of the elements (3-4) and the movement of the distribution member (1). In practice, the two belts (3-4) are of the same length and additional tensioning elements can be provided to guide them and / or keep them under tension.

In the present case, the distribution means (1) consist of a rotary vane inside which the weft thread to be distributed passes, but, of course, any other equivalent means could be used, for example of the type constituted by an endless belt or a rotary crown provided with wire guide elements. Since such distribution elements are well known to technicians, they will not be described in detail in the following description. Similarly, when several weft threads are distributed simultaneously, it is obvious that the supply of said weft thread to the distribution means will be carried out so as to prevent the threads from becoming tangled. These means being also well known, they will not be described in detail.

• Tout d'abord, l'extrémité de sortie (10) de l'élément distributeur (1) de fils de trame (2) décrit, lors de sa révolution, un plan sécant des poulies (11-12) supportant les courroies (3-4).

In accordance with the invention, in order to ensure perfect retention of the ends of the frames around the pins as well as a constant spacing between two successive frames, the device according to the invention has the following characteristics:

• First of all, the outlet end (10) of the weft yarn distributor (1) (2) describes, during its revolution, a plane intersecting pulleys (11-12) supporting the belts (3 -4).

Furthermore, the pins, designated by the general reference P, will be arranged laterally on the endless elements (3-4) and project beyond the surface of the pulleys (11-12).

Finally, when depositing between the pins, the weft thread (2) is supported on the outer faces of the support pulleys (11-12), so that the length of the support rope on one pulleys, (11) for example, twice as large as that on the other pulley (12). This is obtained, in a simple manner, by using two pulleys (11-12) having different diameters, the pulley (12) being in this case half the size of the pulley (11).

Thanks to such a removal system, the weft threads are maintained perfectly, taking into account that after passing between the pins P, the thread rests on the surface of the belts (3-4) and surrounds said pins P as illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

In order to obtain perfect parallelism between the weft threads as well as a constant spacing over the entire length of the sheet formed, the removal is carried out as follows. By way of simplification, the deposition process will be described for the distribution of a single weft thread, the invention however being applicable in the case where it is desired to distribute a plurality of threads one after the other.

This deposition process as clearly shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 is as follows.

If we consider that the starting point is constituted by position A in FIG. 2, the wire is deposited at the front of the pin P1. Due to the continuous advance of the belts (3-4) and the rotation of the distributor element 1, when this element arrives at point B (see Figure 3), the wire (2) is then deposited behind the pin P4.

On the pulley (11), the wire therefore surrounds four pins at each passage of the distribution element.

On the other hand, on the right side, the wire; is distributed on the pulley (12) around only two pins taking into account that this pulley (12) has a diameter twice as small as the pulley (11). The removal is carried out on the pulley side (12} first behind the pin P4 then in front of the pin P3.

In the next round, at point A, the thread is deposited in front of needle B3 then, at point B, at the back of the pin P6 and, on the side of the pulley (12) first of all at the back of the pin P6 then at the front of the pin P5.

A weft web is obtained having the texture illustrated in FIG. 5.

In order to obtain a regular and constant spacing between each of the deposited frames, the pins P are irregularly spaced from one another, as shown in FIG. 6.

In the case where a single frame is deposited., The spacing El between the pin P1 and the pin P2 is equal to the desired distance D between two frames reduced by once the thickness d of the pins, while between the pin P2 and pin P3, the distance E2 between each pin is equal to the desired distance D between two frames increased by one time the thickness of said pins. It is easily understood that thanks to such a distribution, a strictly constant spacing is obtained between each of the frames.

Furthermore, it should be noted that such a device can be used to distribute, for each rotation of the dispensing member, more than one frame at a time. This is clearly shown by the diagram in FIG. 7 which is the representation of a weft ply obtained in accordance with the invention by distributing eight weft yarns. In such a case, the eight wires are distributed regularly over 180 ° of revolution.

As in the case of the distribution of a single wire in order to obtain a rigorously constant spacing between two consecutive wefts, the pins will be, at regular intervals, more or less spaced by a distance equal to the thickness of a spike depending on whether two consecutive wefts are arranged in opposite directions.

FIG. 7 explains by itself the way in which a weft ply obtained in accordance with the invention is made up by the distribution of eight elementary wires. Of course, in this FIG. 7, the proportions have not been respected, the central part being greatly reduced and the lateral parts being, on the contrary, enlarged to better show how the different wires are positioned relative to each other.

The device according to the invention also makes it possible to produce various complex articles comprising such a weft ply.

Figure 8 illustrates a complete installation, seen from the side, making it possible to continuously manufacture non-woven textile grids, the weft ply formed being associated with warp plies.

Such an installation comprises, upstream of the distribution means (1) of weft threads (not shown), an assembly for the storage of food reels. This assembly is constituted, for example, by an assembly rotating in synchronism with distribution means (1), conventional assembly which will not be described in detail and which supports the food reels (not shown for simplification purposes). The distribution means (1) deposit the weft threads on lateral elements for positioning, advancing and holding the threads of the type of those described above and which are illustrated in FIG. 1. After removing the weft threads, two warp plies (22-23), one upper (22), the other lower (23) are brought on either side of the weft ply formed. The assembly passes through a gluing system (24) so that a binding material is deposited on the warp and weft threads. The grid formed then passes over a drying drum (25) and then over return elements to be returned at (26). In such an installation, the drum-dryer (25) is preferably arranged above the conveyor elements. This allows, as shown schematically in Figure 9, to obtain an automatic and easy exhaust of the ends of the frame loops. Indeed, due to the presence of the lower warp ply (23), the weft threads are raised when the grid surrounds the drum (25) and the lateral belts (3) and (4) are twisted, which allows the exhaust of the ends. Of course, such an embodiment is not limiting and other means making it possible to cause the ends of the weft threads to escape. Thus, it could be envisaged to have two lateral belts (3-4) slightly convergent. Likewise sons of selvedge could possibly be incorporated inside the weft loops. It could also be considered to cut the ends.

The above examples clearly show the advantages provided by the invention and in particular the fact that during the production of the weft ply, we obtain perfect retention of the ends of the formed loops as well as a parallelism and a constant spacing between each weft. .

Such an installation can be used not only to make non-woven textile grids, but could be associated with paper machines, knitting looms ...

Claims (3)

1 / Device for producing weft plies made up of parallel wires spaced from each other, device of the type comprising: distribution elements (1) of at least one weft thread (2) coming from a fixed or synchronized power source with said distribution elements, these elements (1) being driven by a continuous movement, - elements for positioning, holding and advancing said web of weft threads thus produced, being in the form of two continuous endless bands (3-4), advantageously parallel, spaced from one another d '' a distance equal to the width of the sheet which it is desired to form and which are controlled in synchronism with the distribution means (1) of the weft thread (2), said strips (3-4) supporting pins P around from which the weft threads are distributed,
characterized by the fact: - that the outlet end (10) of the distributor element (1) of weft thread (2) describes, during its revolution, a plane intersecting pulleys (11-12) supporting the lateral elements (3-4 ) positioning, advancing and maintaining the weft threads, - that the pins P around which said weft threads (2) are distributed are fixed laterally on the endless elements (3-4), - that during removal between the pins P, the weft thread (2) is supported on the outer surfaces of the support pulleys (11-12) of the lateral elements, the length of the support rope on these pulleys being twice larger on one side (11) than on the other (12). 2 / Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacing between the pins P, is not identical over the entire length of the positioning, holding and advancing elements (3-4), but is designed so that if n wires are distributed, n spacings are equal to the desired distance between two consecutive wefts, the following spacing being reduced by a distance equal to once the thickness of the pins. 3 / Device for the formation of a complex article comprising a weft ply obtained by the implementation of the device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that after depositing weft son on the side elements (3-4), two warp plies (22-23), one upper (22), the other lower (23) are brought on either side of the weft ply formed, the assembly then passing through a gluing system (24) then on a drying drum (25) preferably placed above the conveyor elements (3-4), the lower warp (23) causing the ends of the weft loops to escape automatically pimples P.

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