EP3167114A1

EP3167114A1 - Extruded paper machine clothing and method for the production thereof

Info

Publication number: EP3167114A1
Application number: EP15725247.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jürgen ABRAHAM; Antony Dr. Morton
Original assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
Current assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
Priority date: 2014-07-10
Filing date: 2015-05-11
Publication date: 2017-05-17
Also published as: US20170183819A1; CN106661835A; DE202014011338U1; US10501889B2; DE102014213444A1; WO2016005083A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a clothing for use in a machine producing and/or processing a fibrous material web which extends in a longitudinal and widthwise direction, wherein the clothing has a base structure which, when the clothing is used as intended, substantially provides for the dimensional stability in the longitudinal and/or widthwise direction thereof, wherein the base structure comprises a band-shaped and single-piece lattice structure consisting of a plurality of strands of material arranged next to one another in the widthwise direction of the clothing surrounding a first polymer material, the lengths of which extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the clothing, and a plurality of second material strands and/or droplets arranged next to one another surrounding a second polymer material, which contacts the first material strands at contact points and connect them together in such a manner that the first material strands and the second material strands and/or droplets together form the band-shaped and single-piece lattice structure, and wherein the lattice structure is produced such that the first material strands and the second material strands and/or droplets are a. deposited by extrusion of the first and second polymer material in a liquid or pasty state onto a deposition surface to form at least one section of the lattice structure or the lattice structure in the liquid or pasty state, b. the first and second polymer material is solidified, whereby the at least one section of the lattice structure or the lattice structure is converted from a liquid or pasty state to a solidified stable and self-supporting state and, at the contact points, a bonded connection is produced and c. the at least one section of the solidified lattice structure or the lattice structure is removed from the deposition surface.

Description

EXTRUDED PAPER MACHINE SCREENING AND METHOD FOR

THEIR MANUFACTURE

The invention relates to a covering for a fibrous web, in particular paper, board or tissue web, producing and / or processing machine and a method for their production. The fabrics known today are usually produced by textile manufacturing processes, i. For example, by interweaving warp and weft threads and / or needling of one or more nonwoven fabric layers. The textile manufacturing processes are time consuming and therefore costly. For this reason, alternative production technologies for the production of the above-mentioned clothing have been proposed again and again in the past.

For example, it is proposed in EP1567322 to produce a covering for a paper, board or tissue machine by the so-called SDM (selective deposition modeling), in which the covering is constructed of polymer layer for polymer layer. Although such a manufacturing process is very flexible, but has the disadvantage that the layered structure of the fabric is time-consuming and the fabrics produced with it do not have the required strength for use in a machine producing a fibrous web.

For example, in US Pat. No. 6,733,833, it is proposed to extrude material strands of polymer material onto the upper side of a textile strip, the strands of material then providing the topographic structure of the upper side of the covering , Such extruded surface structures can be easily and quickly produced, but are so far produced for purely decorative purposes on the textile tape to provide a fabric in which the tissue paper produced on this tissue has a certain feel and appearance.

It is the object of the present invention to propose a covering and a method for the production thereof which has a load-bearing basic structure with a lattice structure that can be produced quickly, flexibly and cost-effectively. The object is achieved by a conveyor belt according to claim 1 and a method for its production according to claim 12. After the first independent aspect of the invention, a covering for use in a fibrous web producing and / or processing machine is proposed, which extends in a longitudinal and a width direction, wherein the fabric has a basic structure, the intended use of the fabric whose dimensional stability in the Substantially provides longitudinal and / or width direction. In this case, the basic structure comprises a band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure, which has a plurality in the width direction of the fabric juxtaposed first comprising a first polymer material strands extending in length substantially in the longitudinal direction of the fabric and a plurality of juxtaposed second, a second polymer material comprising material strands and / or drops which contact and interconnect the first strands of material at points of contact such that the first strands of material and the second strands of material and / or drops together form the band-shaped and one-piece grid structure. The lattice structure was made by forming the first strands of material and the second strands of material and / or drops a. deposited by extrusion of the first and second polymer material in the liquid state on a support surface to form the band-shaped lattice structure in a liquid or pasty state, b. the first and second polymer materials were solidified, whereby the

Lattice structure transferred from the liquid or pasty state in a solidified stable and self-supporting state and at the points of contact a cohesive connection was made and

c. the solidified band-shaped grid structure was removed from the shelf.

The invention proposes a covering in which the lattice structure of the load-bearing basic structure was produced by an extrusion process. Such a lattice structure produced by an extrusion process can be produced quickly, flexibly and inexpensively. Since in an extrusion process in the production of the material strands simultaneously with the liquid or pasty polymer material and reinforcing yarns and / or fibers and / or particles can be extruded, which then at least partially in the polymer material embedded, can be generated with this method, a dimensionally stable and the tensile load in a string receiving grid structure.

According to a second independent aspect of the invention, a method for producing a fabric for a fibrous web producing and / or processing machine is proposed, wherein the fabric has a basic structure, the intended use of the fabric whose dimensional stability in the longitudinal and / or width direction in Essentially, wherein the basic structure has a band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure and the method for producing the band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure comprises the following steps:

a. Providing a shelf with a first and second direction, b. Providing a first and second polymer material in the liquid state,

c. Extruding the liquid first polymer material by means of at least one nozzle in such a way that a plurality of first material strands juxtaposed and spaced apart in the second direction are formed on the placement surface, each extending in length substantially in the first direction, d. Extruding the liquid second polymer material by means of at least one nozzle such that a plurality of second material strands and / or droplets juxtaposed and spaced from each other in the first direction are formed on the first material strands contacting and interconnecting the first strands of material at points of contact the first strands of material and the second strands of material and / or drops together form at least a portion of the lattice structure,

e. Transfer of the at least a portion of the lattice structure from a liquid or pasty and unstable state to a solidified and self-supporting state

1. solidification of the first polymer material,

2. solidification of the second polymer material as well

3. effecting a material connection between the first and second polymer material at the contact points and f. Removing the at least a portion of the solidified band-shaped lattice structure of the storage surface.

The invention proposes a method for producing the conveyor belt according to the invention, in which the load-bearing structure comprises a lattice structure produced by an extrusion process. Such a lattice structure produced by an extrusion process can be produced quickly, flexibly and inexpensively. Since in an extrusion process in the production of the material strands, reinforcing yarns and / or fibers and / or particles can be extruded simultaneously with the liquid polymer material, which are then at least partially embedded in the polymer material, a dimensional stability and tensile load in a covering can be achieved with this method receiving grating structure are generated.

Preferably, in particular the longitudinal direction of the covering or basic structure is the intended machine direction and the width direction of the covering or basic structure the intended transverse direction of the machine when the covering is used as intended in the machine for producing a fibrous web. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the fabric and the basic structure coincide as the width direction of the fabric and the basic structure coincide. It should also be noted that the length of the respective structure or fabric is their respective extent in their longitudinal direction and the width of the respective structure or fabric their respective extent in the width direction.

For the purposes of the invention, a material strand is to be understood as meaning a section of material which has a length which is at least 100 times greater than its height and width.

For the purposes of the invention, a drop of material is to be understood as meaning a section of material in which one of the dimensions of height, length and width is at most 10 times larger than the other dimensions of height, length and width. The longitudinal edges of the relevant structure (ie grid or basic structure) or covering should be understood to mean the edges which extend in the longitudinal direction extend the relevant structure or fabric and limit these in width. The transverse edges of the relevant structure (ie grid or basic structure) or covering should be understood as meaning the edges which extend in the transverse direction of the relevant structure or covering and bound them in their length.

If, in the context of the present invention, the length of the lattice structure is mentioned, then its extension in the longitudinal direction of the basic structure and covering is to be understood. If, in the context of the present invention, the width of the lattice structure is mentioned, then its extension in the width direction of the basic structure and covering is to be understood.

The lattice structure according to the invention is always band-shaped, i. in the form of a band, and in one piece, i. from a piece that can be converted only by their destruction in several pieces trained. The terms "lattice structure" or "band-shaped lattice structure" or "band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure" are therefore to be understood as synonymous in the context of this application.

Of course, the band-shaped and one-piece grid structure must not be made in its entire length and width before it is removed from the shelf. Thus, it is also conceivable that several sections of the grid structure are produced successively following, which together result in the integral and band-shaped grid structure. Thus, it is conceivable that only a portion of the grid structure is extruded several times in succession, which is subsequently solidified and then removed from the shelf. It is also conceivable that the grid structure is first completely extruded before it is solidified and removed from the shelf. In the context of the invention, the lattice structure or the portion of the lattice structure is then finished when it solidifies and the cohesive connection is made and taken from the shelf or can be taken. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. In this case, the band-shaped lattice structure can be produced with a length and / or width which corresponds at least to the length and / or width of the basic structure to be produced and also to a lesser length and / or width than the basic structure to be produced. In the former case, the grid structure can then be assembled to the length and / or width of the basic structure. Furthermore, the basic structure can be formed (completely) by the lattice structure and, for example, when the lattice structure is already produced, for example, endlessly. If the grid structure is made flat with at least the length and / or width of the basic structure, this can be made up to the length and / or width of the basic structure and connected to the two longitudinally spaced transverse edges by means of a seam connecting means.

In the second case, i. in the case where the width of the band-shaped lattice structure is smaller than that of the basic structure to be produced, the basic structure can be formed from the band-shaped lattice structure by helically winding the band-shaped lattice structure with windings which propagate in the longitudinal direction of the basic structure and progress in the width direction. Alternatively, the basic structure can be formed from the band-shaped lattice structure by the basic structure being formed by a plurality of widthwise juxtaposed strips of the lattice structure, which are connected to one another along their longitudinal edges.

Preferably, both the first strands of material and the second strands of material and / or drops are substantially, i. built up to more than 50 wt.% Of the first and second polymer material. Specifically, the first strands of material may be formed by at least 60% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, of the first polymer material. Furthermore, the second material strands and / or droplets may be formed by at least 60% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, by the second polymer material.

With regard to the manufacturing method, preferably the first direction of the depositing surface and the longitudinal direction of the fabric to be produced coincide, as the second direction of the depositing surface and the width direction of the fabric to be produced coincide. Furthermore, the length correspond to the Basic structure of the length of the clothing and the width of the basic structure of the width of the clothing.

The depositing surface used in the method can be provided, for example, by a depositing belt or a depositing roller having a circumferential direction extending at least in sections in the first direction, which circulates in its circumferential direction during the extrusion.

A specific embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the first and second polymer material is extruded by means of the at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle and the deposition surface move in such relative to each other during the extrusion in the first and / or second direction.

Here are several possibilities conceivable, of which some are enumerated below, the list is not exhaustive.

Thus, it is conceivable that the storage belt or the storage roller extends in the width direction at least over the intended extent of the clothing in the second direction. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the at least one nozzle is moved in the extrusion in the second direction. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the storage belt or the storage roller extends in the width direction in the second direction only over part of the intended extent of the clothing. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the at least one nozzle and the storage belt or the storage roller are moved in the extrusion in the second direction.

Specifically, a plurality of nozzles arranged side by side in the second direction can be used to extrude the first strands of material, by means of which the first polymer material is extruded simultaneously. Further, for extrusion of the second strands of material and / or droplets, a plurality of nozzles juxtaposed in the first direction may be used, through which the second polymer material is extruded simultaneously. Alternatively, for extrusion of the second drops of material, a plurality of nozzles juxtaposed in the second direction -these may in particular be the same nozzles through which the first strands of material are produced-are used, through which the second polymer material is simultaneously extruded. If several nozzles are provided, 1 to 20, in particular 3 to 8, nozzles are preferably arranged side by side per centimeter, through which the respective polymer material can be extruded.

The solidification, in particular crosslinking, of the first and / or second polymer material can be effected, for example, by the action of temperature and / or by electromagnetic radiation, for example infrared radiation (IR radiation) or ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation), and / or by chemical Activation done.

In general, it should be noted that there are several possibilities for the sequence of the method steps. In general, it should also be noted that process steps a) and b) always represent the first steps, which are then followed immediately by steps c) and / or d). Furthermore, it is generally to be noted that method step f) preferably always takes place after method steps e1 to e3). Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the method steps e1) to e3) take place simultaneously, i. the solidification of the two polymer materials and their cohesive connection occur simultaneously.

To increase the strength of the connection between the first strands of material and the second strands of material and / or drops, it may be useful if they are also positively connected in addition to the material connection. This can be done, for example, when solidifying the polymer materials by being pressed into each other. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention therefore provides that in method step e1) and / or e2) additionally a positive connection between the first material strands and the second strands of material and / or drops takes place at the contact points.

It is conceivable, for example, that method steps c) and d) and then method steps e) and f) are performed first (Berne: e) comprises method steps e1) to e3)). , Alternatively, it is conceivable that after the Process step c) the process step e1), then the process step d) and after this the process step e2) is performed.

In order to be able to absorb the tensile forces occurring in the machine with reduced elongation of the grid structure, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the first strands of material extend in a straight line in their length. Furthermore, it may be useful in this context if the first strands of material extend at an angle of a maximum of 15 °, in particular a maximum of 10 °, obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the covering or base structure.

Depending on the specific requirements for the fabric according to the invention, the distance (= free space) between two adjacent first material strands may be different. It is conceivable in this context, in particular, that two adjacent first strands of material in the width direction 0.1 to 20 millimeters, preferably less than 10 millimeters, especially less than 5 millimeters are spaced from each other. The first strands of material and / or the second strands of material and / or drops may in particular have a height of 0.1 to 5 millimeters, in particular 0.5 to 2.0 millimeters.

Furthermore, a second strand of material or a plurality of second strands of material and / or droplets may extend between two adjacent first strands of material. Specifically, for example, between each two adjacent first strands of material run a second strand of material, following a zig-zag pattern or a serpentine pattern, alternately between the first two strands of material reciprocating in the longitudinal direction of the fabric progresses and with the first two sections of material at points of contact is connected cohesively. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that between each two adjacent first strands of material a plurality of second strands of material and / or drops extend, which are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the fabric and extend in length from one to the other of the two first strands of material.

To produce a zig-zag pattern or a hitting line pattern, it is conceivable, for example, for the second polymer material to be extruded, which oscillates at least one nozzle back and forth in the second direction and rotates the deposition belt or the deposition roller in the circumferential direction. The second strands of material and / or droplets may extend between the first strands of material without crossing them. For this purpose, it is necessary in the production of the lattice structure that the second strands of material and / or drops are deposited between the first strands of material. It is also conceivable that the second strands of material extend between and intersect the first strands of material. For this purpose, it is necessary in the production of the lattice structure that the second strands of material, the first strands of material are placed crossing on the support surface. In the latter case, the second strands of material may extend in their width in the width direction of the fabric over more than two first strands of material.

It is also conceivable that one or more second strands of material and / or drops extend between two adjacent first strands of material.

The second material strands extending between the first material strands can form a right angle with their longitudinal direction to the longitudinal direction of the first material strands.

Furthermore, the first and / or second strands of material may have a rectangular or round cross-sectional shape.

In particular, it is advantageous if the first and / or second polymer material is formed by PET and / or PU and / or silicone and / or PA and / or PPS and / or PEEK. The above-mentioned materials are easy to extrude and provide good properties in terms of abrasion resistance, hydrolysis resistance, elasticity and the like for use in fabrics.

Depending on the specific application of the clothing, it is conceivable that the first and second polymer material is the same polymer material or that the first and second polymer material are different polymer materials.

To increase the stability in the longitudinal direction of the fabric, it may be particularly useful if the first material strands comprise at least one yarn and / or at least one fibrous and / or particulate filler, which is or are at least partially embedded in the first polymer material. To produce such a reinforcement with yarn, it is conceivable, for example, for the respective first material strand to be produced by each extruding the at least one yarn in the solid state together with the first polymer material in liquid or pasty state through one of the at least one nozzle. The fibrous and / or particulate filler may also be added to and mixed into the mass of liquid first polymer material to be extruded.

To increase the stability in the width direction of the clothing, it may be particularly useful if the second material strands comprise at least one yarn and / or at least one fibrous and / or particulate filler, which is or are at least partially embedded in the first polymer material. Alternatively or additionally, it may be expedient if the second material drops present alternatively or in addition to the second material strands comprise at least one fibrous and / or particulate filler, which is or are at least partially embedded in the first polymer material.

Analogous to the embodiments of the production of the reinforced first strands of material, the second strands of material and / or drops can be produced.

In the present case, a yarn is to be understood as meaning a line-shaped textile structure whose length is at least 30 centimeters. In the present case, a fibrous filler is to be understood as meaning a linear textile structure whose length is a maximum of 10 centimeters, in particular a maximum of 2 centimeters.

Preferably, the at least one yarn is formed by at least one drawn monofilament or multifilament. It is conceivable in particular that the at least one yarn comprises or is formed from a polymer material, such as PE, PET, PA, PPS, PEEK or glass or carbon or aramid or a combination thereof. The fibrous or particulate filler may also comprise or be formed from the above-mentioned materials.

The lattice structure may, for example, be designed to be open in the longitudinal direction of the fabric, with-viewed in the longitudinal direction of the lattice structure -an end-side and one end-side transverse edge. In such a lattice structure, for example, each first strand of material extends in its length over the length of the lattice structure and the basic structure has, in addition to the lattice structure, a seam connecting means by which the basic structure is endlessly feasible by bringing the two transverse edges together and connecting them together by means of the seam connecting means. In this case, the seam connecting means can be embodied, for example, in the manner described in German Patent Application No. 10 2013 215 779.7. Of course, other possibilities of forming the Nahtelements are conceivable.

In the production of the lattice structure, it is conceivable that the first material strands are extruded simultaneously on the intended width of the lattice structure. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the first material strands are extruded simultaneously only on a part of the intended width of the grid structure. Preferably, it is especially provided that in each case only a portion of the lattice structure, based on the intended width and / or length of the produced lattice structure extruded or extruded, solidified and materially bonded before an adjoining other portion of the lattice structure extruded or extruded, solidified and cohesively connected.

Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first and the second strands of material to be deposited on the depositing belt or the depositing roller to form the at least one section of the grating structure and to be removed again from the latter at the earliest after completion of one revolution of the depositing belt or one rotation of the depositing roller. As a result, the lattice structure can be produced as an endless belt.

To produce the lattice structure, it is conceivable for the first and the second strands of material to be deposited on the deposition belt or roller to form the at least one section of the lattice structure and to be removed again from the latter prior to completion of a circulation of the deposition belt or one rotation of the roller become.

The grid structure may be wound on a roll after removal from the deposit belt or roll. Such a lattice structure in the form of a roll can subsequently be made up to the desired length and / or width and subsequently processed further. The at least one band-shaped lattice structure can be produced with a length and / or width which corresponds at least to the length and / or width of the basic structure to be produced. However, the at least one band-shaped lattice structure can also be produced with a lesser length and / or width than the basic structure to be produced.

In a case in which the lattice structure, for example, has a greater length and / or width than the basic structure to be produced, the lattice structure can be tailored to the length and / or width of the basic structure.

The lattice structure may, for example, be manufactured or formed endlessly, with a length and width corresponding to the length and width of the basic structure. In this case, various possibilities are conceivable.

For example, in this context it is conceivable that each first strand of material runs helically in its length and forms turns which run in the longitudinal direction of the covering and advance in the width direction of the covering. To produce the helical structure, it is conceivable, for example, that during the first polymer material extruded, the at least one nozzle moves in the second direction and the storage belt or the storage roller rotates several times, so that the first material strands together form a helical structure with Circumferential direction of the storage belt or the storage roller extending and progressing in the second direction or width turns.

Furthermore, it is, for example, conceivable that each first material strand forms in its length a loop which runs closed in the longitudinal direction of the clothing and the individual loops are arranged next to one another in the width direction of the clothing. To produce such a structure, it is conceivable, for example, for the first strands of material to be deposited on the depositing belt or the depositing roller so that each first strand of material forms a loop which runs closed in the circumferential direction of the depositing belt or the depositing roller, with the individual loops in the second direction are arranged side by side. For this purpose, during the production of each first strand of material, the at least one nozzle and the delivery belt or the delivery roller in the width direction are not moved relative to each other, while the delivery belt or the delivery roller rotates at least once in the circumferential direction. If the grid structure is made flat with at least the length and / or width of the basic structure, this can subsequently be assembled to the length and / or width of the basic structure and brought together for endless movement, the two mutually longitudinally spaced transverse edges and the transverse edges connected by means of a seam connection means become. In this case, the lattice structure is, for example, as a rolled product.

If, for example, the lattice structure is produced with a smaller width than the basic structure, then this is generally available as rolled stock. To form the basic structure, various possibilities are conceivable in this case. If the width of the band-shaped lattice structure is smaller than that of the basic structure to be produced, then the band-shaped lattice structure can be helically wound, with windings which circulate in the longitudinal direction of the basic structure and progress in the width direction of the basic structure.

Alternatively, the basic structure can comprise or be formed from a plurality of strips of the band-shaped lattice structure which are arranged side by side in the width direction of the basic structure. For this purpose, for example, in a first step, a plurality of strip-shaped strips of the lattice structure are provided, the length of which corresponds to the length or substantially to the length of the basic structure to be produced. In a second step, these strips are then placed together along their longitudinal edges and joined together.

In a further step, the two transverse edges of the structure produced in the previous step are then brought together and joined together directly or by means of a seam connecting means,

However, the grid structure can also be made as an endless loop with a smaller width than the basic structure. In this case, the grid structure is not available as a roll product. In this context, for example, it is conceivable that the basic structure comprises or is formed from a plurality of endless loops of the band-shaped lattice structure, which are arranged next to one another in the width direction of the basic structure. For this purpose, for example, the endless loops of the band-shaped lattice structure are placed along each other along the longitudinal edges and connected to each other. Furthermore, the basic structure may be formed by the grid structure. This is the case, for example, when the basic structure is formed by a helically wound lattice structure.

Specifically, the fabric can be formed essentially by the basic structure. The term "essentially" is intended here to express that the fabric has no further layers which are arranged on the top and / or bottom of the lattice structure. This means that, if the transport belt is used as intended, the top side of the lattice structure will be the one with the fibrous web Other components, such as a seam bonding means, for example in the form of two suture spirals and a connecting spiked wire, or the like, may comprise the conveyor belt.

Concretely, the conveyor belt may, for example, be a dryer fabric or a forming fabric for a paper, board or tissue machine.

As an alternative to the above, the covering may comprise the basic structure as well as at least one layer of non-woven fabric and / or foam. In this case, the conveyor belt is not provided substantially by the basic structure, but in addition to the basic structure at least one nonwoven and / or foam layer which is arranged on the top and on the bottom of the grid structure. In this case, the covering may, for example, be a press felt for a paper, board or tissue machine.

The invention will be further explained with reference to schematic drawings. FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the method according to the invention for

Production of the fabric according to the invention

Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a partial aspect for producing a

Lattice structure or a part thereof

3 shows a second embodiment of a partial aspect for producing a

Lattice structure or a part thereof FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a partial aspect for producing a lattice structure or a part thereof,

Figure 5 shows various embodiments of the lattice structure of the invention

Covering in plan view and Figure 6 different embodiments of the cross-sectional shape of the grid structure of the invention covering.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing the fabric according to the invention

At a first processing station, shown in FIG. 1a, a grid structure 100 is produced by a method comprising the following steps. The workstation shown in FIG. 1 a for extruding the grid structure 100 is shown in plan view in FIG.

In the present case, a deposition surface formed by a deposition tape 1 is provided, which has an extension in a first and a second direction, wherein in the present case the circumferential direction of the deposition tape 1 extends in sections in the first direction and the second essentially in the width direction CD of the grid structure to be produced. The storage belt 1 is guided around a roller arrangement formed by two spaced-apart rollers 3, 4.

The first direction extends essentially in the longitudinal direction MD of the lattice structure 100 to be produced.

A first and a second polymer material in the liquid or pasty state is provided, which can be extruded onto the storage belt 1 by means of an extrusion device 2 comprising a plurality of nozzles 2a, 2b.

In the present case, the first and the second polymer material are the same polymer material, namely polyurethane.

The extrusion device 2 may in this case comprise a plurality of first nozzles 2a arranged side by side in the second direction and a plurality of second nozzles 2b arranged juxtaposed in the second direction. By means of the first nozzles 2a, the first polymer material in the liquid state is extruded onto the depositing belt 1 in such a way that a multiplicity of first material strands 101 arranged next to one another in the second direction and spaced from one another are formed on the depositing surface 1, which essentially each substantially extend in length in the first direction MD extend.

By means of the second nozzles 2b, the second polymer material is extruded in such a way that a plurality of spaced-apart second material strands 102 are contacted on the first material strands 101 at contact points and connected to each other such that the first strands of material 101 and the second strands of material 102 together form the grid structure 100.

During the extrusion process, the two polymer materials are extruded by means of the nozzles 2a, 2b, the first and / or second nozzles 2a, 2b and the deposition surface 1 moving relative to one another during the extrusion in the first and / or second direction. This is done by the storage belt 1 on the one hand during the extrusion in its circumferential direction and the first nozzle 2a does not move, thereby the first material stretches extending in the first direction MD 101 101 are formed, and by the storage belt 1 on the one hand during the extrusion in his Circumferentially circumferential and the second nozzle 2b oscillate back and forth in the second direction CD, whereby the second material strands 102 extending in zig-zag lines between the first material strands 101 are generated, which do not cross the first strands of material 101.

In the present case, the second material strands 102 extend in zig-zag lines between the first material strands 101, wherein the second material strands 102 do not intersect the first material strands. In the present case, the first and second strands of material 101, 102 are applied simultaneously to the depositing belt 1.

Furthermore, the first and second strands of material 101, 102 are extruded simultaneously on the intended width of the grid structure 100, wherein the width of the grid structure 100 is smaller than the width of the base structure 104 to be produced. The respective first material strand 101 is produced in the present case by extruding in each case at least one yarn in the solid state together with the first polymer material in the liquid state through one of the nozzles. As a result, first material strands 101 are formed, each comprising at least one yarn, wherein the at least one yarn of the respective material strand is at least partially covered, at least partially, in particular over its entire length of the first polymer material. The at least one yarn may in this case contain or be provided by at least one drawn monofilament or a multifilament. After the extrusion process, the portion of the lattice structure 100, which is still in a liquid or pasty and therefore unstable state, is converted into a solidified and self-supporting state by solidification means 5 by solidifying the first and second polymer materials and effecting a material bond between the first and second polymer materials the points of contact. The solidification of the first and second polymeric material can be effected by the action of temperature and / or by electromagnetic radiation and / or by chemical activation. Here, the solidification of the two polymer materials and their cohesive connection at the points of contact can take place simultaneously. After solidification of the portion of the grid structure 100, this is removed from the storage belt 1 and fed to a roll 6 and wound on this. By the process described herein, the grid structure is produced as a roll product.

In the present case, the lattice structure 100 has a width which is less than the width of the basic structure 104 to be produced. For this reason, in the processing steps shown in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c, the grid structure 100 produced and present in rolls is further processed into the basic structure 104. For this purpose, the lattice structure 100 is first cut to length with a cutting unit 7 (see FIG. 1 b) and then the strips obtained therefrom in the width direction of the basic structure 104 to be produced are arranged alongside one another along the longitudinal edges and connected to one another. This results in a flat formed intermediate product composed of a plurality of strips of the lattice structure 100 with a transverse edge 105 and 106 on the other end side Basic structure 104, a seam connecting means 107 comprising the seam connecting elements 107a, 107b is arranged at the two transverse edges. To make the basic structure 104 endless, the two transverse edges 105, 106 are brought together and joined together by means of the seam connecting means 107 107, as shown in FIG. 1 d.

In the extrusion and subsequent solidification process shown in FIG. 3, a lattice structure 100 whose width is smaller than the width of the basic structure 104 to be produced is likewise produced. For the production of the basic structure 104 with the desired width and length, this is done immediately following the Generation of the grid structure 100, the grid structure 100 helically wound around two spaced-apart rollers 8, 9, with circumferential in the circumferential direction MD of the base structure 104 and progressing in the width direction CD of the basic structure 104 turns.

For producing the lattice structure 100 of FIG. 3, as in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a first and a second polymer material is provided in a liquid or pasty state, which is extruded onto the deposition belt 1 by means of an extrusion device 2 comprising a plurality of nozzles 2a, 2b.

In the present case, the extrusion device 2 comprises a plurality of first nozzles 2a arranged side by side in the second direction CD and a plurality of second nozzles 2b arranged juxtaposed in the first direction MD.

By means of the first nozzles 2a, the first polymer material in the liquid state is extruded onto the depositing belt 1 such that a plurality of first material strands 101 arranged side by side in the second direction and spaced apart from one another are formed on the depositing surface 1, which essentially each substantially extend in length in the first direction MD extend.

By means of the second nozzles 2b, the second polymer material is extruded in such a way that a multiplicity of second material strands 102 spaced from each other in the first direction are formed on the depositing surface 1, which touch and cross over the first strands of material 101 at points of contact and connect them to each other Material strands 101 and the second material strands 102 together form the grid structure 100. In the extrusion process, the two polymer materials are extruded by means of the nozzles 2a, 2b, wherein the first and / or second nozzles 2a, 2b and the support surface 1 move relative to each other during the extrusion in the first and / or second direction. This is done by the storage belt 1 on the one hand during the extrusion in its circumferential direction and the first nozzle 2a does not move, thereby the first material stretches extending in the first direction MD 101 101 are formed, and by the storage belt 1 on the one hand during the extrusion in his Circumferentially circumferential and the second nozzle 2b move in the second direction CD on the intended width of the produced grid structure 100 from left to right, whereby the CD extending second material strands 102 are generated, which intersect the first material strands 101.

Furthermore, the first and second strands of material 101, 102 are extruded simultaneously on the intended width of the grid structure 100, wherein the width of the grid structure 100 is smaller than the width of the base structure 104 to be produced.

In the extrusion and subsequent solidification process shown in FIG. 4, a lattice structure 100 is produced whose width is equal to the width of the basic structure 104 to be produced.

Furthermore, the first and second strands of material 101, 102 are extruded simultaneously on only a portion of the intended width of the grid structure 100.

For this purpose, the lattice structure 100 is helically extruded on a storage surface formed by a storage belt 1 and subsequently solidified until a lattice structure 100 having the width and length of the basic structure 104 is produced, before the lattice structure 100 is removed from the storage belt 1. As the first polymer material is extruded, the first nozzles 2a in the second direction CD either move only from left to right or right to left, ie without oscillation, while the deposit belt 1 rotates several times in the circumferential direction MD, so that the first strands of material 101 together form a helical structure, with extending in the circumferential direction of the storage belt 1 and progressing in the second direction CD turns. FIG. 5 shows a top view of various embodiments of grating structures 100 according to the invention.

The lattice structure 100 of FIG. 5a is formed by first material strands 101 and second material drops 103 connected thereto, which extend between the first strands of material 101 but do not intersect these.

The lattice structure 100 of FIG. 5b is formed by first material strands 101 and second material strands 102 connected thereto, which extend in zig-zag lines between the first material strands 101, but do not intersect these.

The lattice structure 100 of FIG. 5c is formed by first material strands 101 and second material strands 102 connected thereto, which extend perpendicular to the first material strands 101 and between them, but do not cross them.

The lattice structure 100 of FIG. 5d is formed by first material strands 101 and second material strands 102 connected thereto, which extend in a circle between the first strands of material 101, but do not intersect these.

FIG. 6a shows embodiments of the cross-sectional shape of the first material strands 101 of the lattice structure 100 of the fabric according to the invention. The first material strand 101 shown in FIG. 6 a has a circular cross-sectional shape with a monofilament yarn 105 which is completely embedded in the first polymer material 106. The first material strand 101 shown in FIG. 6b has a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a monofilament yarn 105 which is completely embedded in the first polymer material 106.

Claims

Patent claims

I .Covering for use in a machine producing and/or processing a fibrous web, which extends in a longitudinal and a width direction, the covering having a basic structure which, when the covering is used as intended

Essentially providing dimensional stability in the longitudinal and/or width direction, the basic structure comprising a band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure which has a plurality of first material strands arranged next to one another in the width direction of the covering and comprising a first polymer material, the length of which extends essentially in the longitudinal direction of the covering Covering extend and has a plurality of second material strands and/or drops arranged next to one another and comprising a second polymer material, which touch the first material strands at points of contact and connect them to one another in such a way that the first material strands and the second material strands and/or drops together form the band-shaped and one-piece Form a lattice structure, and wherein the lattice structure is produced by the first material strands and the second material strands and / or drops

a. by extruding the first and second polymer material in a liquid or pasty state onto a storage surface to form at least a section of the lattice structure or the lattice structure in a liquid or pasty state,

b. the first and second polymer material was solidified, whereby the at least one section of the lattice structure or the lattice structure was transferred from a liquid or pasty state to a solidified, stable and self-supporting state and a cohesive connection was established at the points of contact and

c. the at least one section of the solidified lattice structure or the lattice structure has been removed from the storage surface.

2. Covering according to claim 1, characterized in that the first material strands are formed to at least 60% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, by the first polymer material and / or that the second Material strands and / or drops are formed to at least 60% by weight, in particular at least 80% by weight, by the second polymer material.

3. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material strands extend in a straight line in their length.

4. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lattice structure is designed to be endlessly closed in the longitudinal direction of the covering, with each first material strand running helically in its length, with encircling in the longitudinal direction of the basic structure and progressing in the width direction of the basic structure

convolutions.

5. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lattice structure is designed to be endlessly closed in the longitudinal direction of the covering, with each first strand of material running around its length in a closed manner in the longitudinal direction of the covering

Loop forms and the individual loops are arranged next to each other in the width direction of the basic structure.

6. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic structure is open in the longitudinal direction of the covering, with one end and one other end

Transverse edge, wherein each first strand of material extends in its length over the length of the base structure and wherein the base structure, in addition to the lattice structure, comprises a seam connecting means, through which the base structure can be made endless by bringing the two transverse edges of the lattice structure together and connecting them to one another by means of the seam connecting means.

7. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the second material strands and / or drops extend between the first material strands without crossing them or that at least some of the second material strands cross the first material strands, in particular at right angles cross.

8. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second polymer material is the same polymer material or that the first and second polymer material are different polymer materials.

9. Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first material strands and / or the second material strands each contain at least one yarn, which is at least partially covered by the first or second polymer material at least in sections.

10. Covering according to , characterized in that the band-shaped lattice structure has a smaller width than the basic structure or that the band-shaped lattice structure has the same width as the basic structure.

1 1 . Covering according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band-shaped lattice structure has a smaller width than the base structure and the band-shaped lattice structure is helically wound, with turns running around in the longitudinal direction of the base structure and progressing in the width direction of the base structure.

12. A method for producing a covering for a machine producing and/or processing a fibrous web, the covering having a basic structure which, when used as intended,

Covering whose dimensional stability in the longitudinal and / or width direction essentially provides, and the basic structure comprises a band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure, which has a plurality of first material strands arranged next to one another in the width direction of the covering, comprising a first polymer material, which are in its

Length extend substantially in the longitudinal direction of the covering and a plurality of second material strands and/or drops which are arranged next to one another and comprise a second polymer material and which touch the first material strands at points of contact and connect them to one another in such a way that the first material strands and the second material strands and/or drops together form the band-shaped lattice structure and the method for producing the lattice structure includes the following steps:

a. Providing a storage surface with a first and second direction, b. Providing a first and second polymer material in a liquid state,

c. Extruding the liquid first polymer material by means of at least one nozzle in such a way that a plurality of first material strands arranged next to one another in the second direction and spaced apart from one another are formed on the storage surface, each of which extends in length essentially in the first direction, i.e. Extruding the liquid second polymer material by means of at least one nozzle in such a way that a plurality of second material strands and/or drops are formed on the storage surface, arranged next to one another in the first direction and spaced apart from one another, which touch the first material strands at points of contact and connect them to one another in such a way that the first material strands and the second material strands and/or drops together form at least a section of the band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure,

e. Transferring the at least one section of the lattice structure from a liquid or pasty and unstable state to a solidified and self-supporting state

1. Solidifying the first polymer material,

2. Solidifying the second polymer material and

3. Effecting a cohesive connection between the first and second polymer material at the points of contact and

f. Removing the at least one section of the solidified band-shaped and one-piece lattice structure from the storage surface.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the first and second polymer material is extruded by means of the at least one nozzle, the nozzle and the storage surface moving relative to one another in the first and/or second direction during the extrusion.

14. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the method steps e1) to e3) take place simultaneously.

15. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the method steps e1) and e2) or the method steps e2) and e3) take place simultaneously.

16. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 15, characterized in that in method step e1) and / or e2) there is also a positive connection between the first material strands and the second polymer strands and / or drops at the points of contact.

17. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 16, characterized in that after method step c), method step e1), then method step d) and after this method step e2) is carried out.

18. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the storage surface is provided by a storage belt or a storage roller with a circumferential direction extending in the first direction, which rotates in its circumferential direction during extrusion.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the first direction is essentially the longitudinal direction and the second direction is essentially the width direction of the lattice structure.

20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 19, characterized in that while the first polymer material is being extruded, the at least one nozzle moves in the second direction and the deposit belt or the deposit roller rotates several times, so that the first material strands together form a helical shape Form a structure with turns running in the circumferential direction of the deposit belt or the deposit roller and advancing in the second direction.

21 .Method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the first strands of material are deposited on the deposit belt or roller in such a way that they together form at least one helix which rotates in the circumferential direction of the deposit belt or the deposit roller progressing in the second direction

has turns.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the first strands of material are placed on the storage belt or roller in such a way that each first strand of material forms a closed loop in the circumferential direction of the storage belt or the storage roller, the individual ones Loops are arranged next to each other in the second direction.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 22, characterized in that while the second polymer material is extruded, the at least one nozzle oscillates back and forth in the second direction and the deposit belt or the deposit roller moves circumferentially in the circumferential direction.

24. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 23, characterized in that the first material strands are extruded simultaneously on the intended width of the lattice structure or that the first

Material strands are simultaneously extruded over only part of the intended width of the lattice structure.

25. The method according to one of the preceding claims 12 to 24, characterized in that the first and the second material strands are deposited on the deposit belt or roller to form the at least one section of the lattice structure and before completion of a revolution of the deposit belt or a revolution of the - roller can be removed from this/this again.