EP4001486A1 - Embossing device and embossing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an embossing device (4) and an embossing method for a web (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber fleece, with an embossing tool (5) which embosses the web (2) with fluidic negative pressure and/or fluidic positive pressure and possibly perforated. The embossing tool (5) has an embossing body (7) with a perforated body casing (9) against which the web (2) rests.

Description

The invention relates to an embossing device and an embossing method with the features in the preamble of the independent claims.

Embossing devices with embossing rollers are known from practice, which act on a cooled web of textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber web. These embossing rollers are heated.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved embossing technique.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the main claim.

With the claimed embossing technology, i.e. the embossing device and the embossing method, a higher efficiency in terms of function and quality of the embossing process as well as construction and energy costs can be achieved. Embossing can be carried out for different purposes, e.g. to strengthen and possibly also perforate the material web or for decorative purposes. The web of material preferably consists of a textile fiber material, which can be a nonwoven fiber fleece, for example.

In the case of the claimed embossing technique, the material web is embossed by an embossing tool with fluidic negative pressure and/or fluidic positive pressure. The web of material can in particular be embossed with a fluid flow, preferably a gas flow, and possibly also perforated. For this purpose, the embossing tool has an embossing body with a perforated body shell, against which the material web rests. The fluidic pressure can come from the inside of the Embossing body and / or act from the outside. The fluidic pressure or the fluid flow moves the material web area that is acted upon into the underlying through-hole of the body casing and deforms this material web area plastically and permanently, forming a local bulge or a dome. The buckling direction of the deformation and the fluid flow are in the same direction.

A sharp, in particular jet-like, and possibly very hot fluid flow is particularly favorable for perforating the local deformations of the material web that have already been generated, for example, by negative pressure on the embossing body and are located in the perforation there. In particular, a nozzle or screen opening of the overpressure device can emit a thin, preferably hot, fluid flow that perforates a possibly already deformed area of the material web.

The embossing body can have any suitable shape and is preferably designed as a rotating embossing roller. At the perforation of the body shell, the web material is drawn locally into the interior of the embossing body or the body shell and is deformed and solidified in the process. The perforated body shell is preferably smooth-walled on the outside facing the material web.

The fluid flow used for fluidic embossing, in particular gas flow, can have a lower temperature than the material web that is acted upon, in particular the area of the material web that is acted upon by pressure or through which flow occurs. This temperature difference is favorable for the formation and hardening of the local deformation. On the other hand, said fluid flow can have the same or a higher temperature than the material web acted upon, as a result of which cooling of the material web is delayed and its plastic deformability is maintained longer. This can be used for multi-stage embossing deformation and/or be beneficial for a subsequent perforation.

In a simple embodiment, a negative pressure applied to the embossing body from a preferably controllable negative pressure source, in particular a suction device, can suffice. In another embodiment, an overpressure from a preferably controllable overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can also act on the opposite side of the material web or the outside. As a result, a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, can be directed against the embossing body and the web of material lying there, which causes or supports the said deformation of the web of material in the perforation of the embossing body. In a further modification, only one such overpressure or one overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be present.

Furthermore, the use of a counter-body is advantageous, which bears against the free outside of the web of material, so that the web of material can be held at a contact point between the embossing body and the counter-body and can be clamped if necessary. The counter-body can be designed with smooth walls on the outside. It can also have a perforation that is adapted to the perforation of the embossing body. This allows the generation and direction of a fluid flow from the counter-body through the web into the embossing body. This can ensure a particularly favorable and permanent deformation of the web.

A counter body is also advantageous for a targeted influencing of the temperature of the material web at the contact point and/or for temperature control of the fluid flow.

The underpressure and/or overpressure source can be arranged separately or possibly also connected to a circulating device. Said fluid flow can be circulated and possibly also processed. The fluid flow can be conditioned as required, e.g. with regard to temperature and/or humidity. Furthermore, it is possible to additionally or alternatively feed ambient air into the counter-body.

One or more counter bodies can be assigned to the embossing body. In the case of a multiple arrangement, the counter-bodies can be of the same or different design. For example, they can have different perforations, in particular different hole sizes. They can also be equipped with or without a blowing device, in particular for perforating.

With the perforation of the embossing body and, if necessary, the perforation of the counter-body, a desired embossing pattern can be produced in the web of material. In this way, decorative or other effects can be achieved in addition to strengthening the web. In addition, the shape and size of a fluidic deformation, in particular embossing, of the web can be influenced and adjusted by matching the perforation.

The claimed embossing technique can be carried out inside or outside of a heating device, in particular an oven, for thermosetting the web. The preferred embossing outside of and in close proximity to the heating device has the advantage that the heat and temperature present in the web of material can be used to achieve a plastic and permanent deformation of the web of material and the fiber material it contains during embossing. A temperature difference between the web and the embossing tool can be advantageous here. With a cooling device for the embossing tool the temperature difference can be optimized as well as controlled and regulated.

The claimed embossing technique is particularly suitable for a continuously moving material web. The formation of the embossing tool with a rotating and preferably cylindrical embossing body and possibly a correspondingly formed, preferably cylindrical, counter-body is of particular advantage. Furthermore, synchronized drives for said embossing and counter bodies or a common drive are favorable.

The embossing device can represent an independent structural unit that can be assigned to a heating device for the material web, e.g. a thermobonding oven. This can be done by way of original equipment or retrofitting or conversion. A positioning device is advantageous for spatial allocation. The embossing device can also be combined with the heating device to form a heat treatment device.

The embossing device can be arranged very close to the heating device for efficient utilization of the heat energy present in the web of material, in particular it can be attached to it. The close association of heating device and embossing device saves not only energy but also space and construction costs. Alternatively, a greater distance between the heating device and the embossing device is possible, in which case an additional heating means can be interposed. A detection device for process parameters, in particular temperature(s), allows optimal control of the embossing process. Any type of cooling section can be connected to the embossing device.

The embossing process can be used to achieve the strengthening of the web of material mentioned at the beginning. This also brings benefits with the leadership and transportation of the product line with itself. The material web can be mechanically stabilized quickly and effectively by the embossing process that follows immediately after the heating process and can then be guided and transported more easily and safely. Undesirable deformations of the web on transport routes behind the heating device can be avoided.

A particular advantage of the claimed embossing technology lies in the possibility of increasing the output and increasing the speed of the running web. Due to the thermal energy already contained in the web of material, it is sufficient for the embossing process to subject the web of material to the embossing tool and the fluidic negative pressure and/or positive pressure for a short time and space. The deformations introduced into the material web are quickly fixed by thermal adhesion or fusing of the fibers. The temperature difference mentioned at the outset between the material web and the embossing tool and/or the fluid flow is particularly favorable for this. The fibers in the material web can thus be taken along by the fluid flow or deformed without the risk of adhesion and only fixed at the end of the embossing process. In addition, fiber fly is prevented by the embossing body and, if necessary, the counter-body, particularly if the web of material has already been pre-consolidated by the heating device and the fibers contained therein are bonded.

In contrast, the previously known embossing devices with heated embossing rollers have a significantly reduced performance and efficiency. The heat input from the embossing roller into the web takes a certain amount of time, which significantly reduces the possible web speed.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The claimed embossing device and the claimed embossing method can have the following configurations, which can be used individually or in combination with one another.

The embossing tool can have an embossing body with a perforated body shell against which the web (2) rests.

The embossing tool can also have a counter-body with a perforated body casing, which is arranged opposite the embossing body transversely to the material web.

The perforated casing of the body of the embossing body of the embossing tool can be smooth-walled on the outside facing the material web.

The embossing body, in particular the embossing roller, can be partially covered or wrapped by the material web.

The embossing device can have a preferably controllable overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, which directs a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, against the embossing body and the material web lying there.

The overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be fluidically connected to a preferably hollow counter-body, in particular a rotatable counter-roller.

The overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be fluidically connected to a nozzle or diaphragm directed towards the embossing body and the material web lying there.

The overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be fluidically connected to a preferably hollow counter-body.

The nozzle or screen can be arranged in the opposite body. It can preferably be arranged stationary there.

On the outlet side, the nozzle in the counter-body can be directed towards a contact point between the embossing body, counter-body and material web.

The embossing device can have a preferably controllable vacuum source, in particular a suction device, which is fluidically connected to a preferably hollow embossing body.

The negative pressure source, in particular a suction device, and the positive pressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be fluidically connected to one another by a fluid return.

The vacuum source, in particular a suction device, and the overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, of the embossing device can be connected to form a circulating device.

The embossing device can have a fluid preparation for the supplied or circulated fluid flow, in particular gas flow.

The perforation of the embossing body and the perforation of the counter-body can be matched to one another and aligned at the contact point of the embossing body, counter-body and material web for the passage of a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow.

The perforation of the embossing body and, if applicable, the perforation of the counter-body can be arranged and designed to form a desired embossing pattern.

The embossing body and the counter-body can have a common drive technology or a synchronized drive technology.

The embossing device can have a conveying device for the preferably continuous conveying of the material web.

The embossing device can be provided and designed for a hot web of material, with the embossing tool having a lower temperature than the web of material.

The embossing device can have a cooling device for the embossing tool.

The embossing device can have an adjusting device for feeding the embossing tool to the material web.

In the heat treatment device claimed, the embossing device can be arranged directly behind the heating device

In the claimed heat treatment device, the embossing device can be attached to the heating device.

In the claimed heat treatment device, the embossing device can be followed by a cooling section for the web of material.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Faserbehandlungsanlage mit einer Prägeeinrichtung und einer Wärmebehandlungseinrichtung,

Figur 2:

eine Variante der Faserbehandlungsanlage von Figur 1,

Figur 3:

eine abgebrochene Darstellung einer Prägeeinrichtung an einer Heizeinrichtung,

Figur 4:

eine ausschnittsweise und vergrößerte Darstellung der Prägeeinrichtung von Figur 3,

Figur 5:

eine Variante einer Walzenpaarung und

Figur 6:

eine Variante der Prägeeinrichtung von Figur 3 und 4.

The invention is shown by way of example and schematically in the drawings. Show in detail:

Figure 1:

a schematic representation of a fiber treatment plant with an embossing device and a heat treatment device,

Figure 2:

a variant of the fiber treatment plant from figure 1 ,

Figure 3:

a broken representation of an embossing device on a heating device,

Figure 4:

a detail and enlarged view of the embossing device from figure 3 ,

Figure 5:

a variant of a pair of rollers and

Figure 6:

a variant of the embossing device from figure 3 and 4 .

The invention relates to an embossing device (4) and an embossing method for a web (2). The invention also relates to a heat treatment device (1), which is formed by an embossing device (4) and a heating device (3), and a heat treatment method. Finally, the invention also relates to a fiber treatment plant (29) with such an embossing device (4) and possibly also a heat treatment device (1). The invention also includes a treatment method for fibers carried out in the fiber treatment plant (29).

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the material web (2) consists of a textile fiber material. It is preferably a nonwoven fibrous material, e.g. The fiber material preferably consists of short cut fibers. The fibers can be synthetic fibers, in particular so-called BiCo fibers or two-component fibers. Alternatively, natural fibers or fiber mixtures are also possible.

Figure 1 and 2 show variants of a

Fiber treatment plant (29) for producing and processing such a web (2). A single-ply or multi-ply fiber web, which forms the web (2) in the early stage, is produced in a pile producer (30) on the input side, e.g. The fibrous web is then fed to a fleece layer (31), e.g. This can then be thermally solidified in a heating device (3). This process is also known as thermal bonding. The heated fibers in the web (2) melt at least partially and adhere to one another or connect to one another.

The hot web (2) moving in the transport direction (25) then runs through an embossing device (4) in which the web (2) is subjected to a mechanical embossing process that is carried out with fluidic negative pressure and/or positive pressure in the manner described below. Here impressions can be made in the web (2). The web (2) can also be perforated. A cooling section (28) for the web (2) can be connected to the embossing device (4). Furthermore, any further processing, in particular cutting, winding, storing or similar possible.

In the variant of figure 1 the embossing device (4) is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the heating device (3). It can be arranged directly behind the heating device (3) or attached to the heating device (3). In the variant of figure 2 there is a greater distance between the heating device (3) and the embossing device (4). If this should lead to excessive cooling of the web (2), an additional heating means (34) can be arranged in the space and upstream of the embossing device (4). Alternatively or additionally, one or more other measures can be taken to maintain the material web temperature that is advantageous for the embossing process.

In Figure 1 is also a schematic

Positioning device (33) for the embossing device (4) shown. The embossing device (4) can thus be adjusted in one or more spatial axes, in particular in height and/or in the horizontal distance, and adapted to the heating device (3) and, if necessary, the position of the material web (2). The positioning device (33) can also be present in the other exemplary embodiments.

The heating device (3) and the embossing device (4) can together form a heat treatment device (1). The embossing device (4) can represent an integral part of the heat treatment device (1). Alternatively, it can form a separate structural unit.

figure 3 and 4 show the heat treatment device (1). The heating device (3) is designed, for example, as an oven with a surrounding housing (26) and heats the web (2). This can be done with a hot gas, for example. The heating device (3) and / or Embossing device (4) has a conveying device (22) for the preferably continuous conveying of the web (2). Alternatively, the conveying movement can be discontinuous, in particular intermittent. The web (2) is transported in the transport direction (25) and leaves the heating device (3) and the housing (26) through an outlet (27). The additional heating means (34) can also be designed as an oven or alternatively as a radiant heater or in some other way.

The conveying device (22) can be designed in several parts. In the oven area, for example, it has a revolving and preferably continuously driven endless conveyor belt (24) on which the web (2) rests. In the area of the embossing device (4), the conveyor device (22) has a web guide (23) with a plurality of at least partially driven deflection and drive rollers for the material web (2).

The embossing device (4) has an embossing tool (5) for carrying out the embossing process on the moving web (2). During the embossing process, plastic or permanent deformations are introduced into the web (2) in a fluidic way. These are local and discrete deformations. They can be in the form of embossings on the side that is acted upon, in particular the top side, of the web (2). The embossings can also be perforated. In this case, for example, local through-holes can be made in the end or crest area of the embossing designed as limited depressions.

The embossing device (4) is provided and designed for a hot material web (2). The embossing tool (5) can have a lower temperature than the hot web (2). The embossing device (4) and the embossing tool (5) are attached to the web (2) and the web material, preferably fiber material, adapted.

The embossing tool (5) embosses the material web (2) with fluidic negative pressure and/or fluidic positive pressure. In particular, the embossing tool (5) embosses and, if necessary, perforates the material web (2) with a fluid flow (6), which is preferably in the form of a gas flow, in particular an air flow. Alternatively, the fluid flow (6) can contain a liquid.

The embossing tool (5) has an embossing body (7) with a perforated body casing (9) against which the web (2) rests. The embossing body (7) can have any suitable shape, e.g. a cubic or cuboid shape. In the preferred embodiment shown, the embossing body (7) is designed as a rotating embossing roller with a perforated cylinder jacket (9).

In the embodiment shown, the web (2) emerges from the outlet (27) of the heating device (3) with a preferably straight extension and, for example, in a horizontal direction. It can be detached from the conveyor belt (24) after the outlet (27) and then arrives at or on the embossing body (7) following in the transport direction (25). The material web (2) can lie against the rotating embossing roller (7) shown and be deflected over a larger angular range or angle of wrap of, for example, approximately 90° or more. figure 3 , 4 and 6 show different embodiments.

In the preferred embodiments shown, the embossing tool has a counter-body (8) which is arranged opposite the embossing body (7) transversely to the web (2). A gap is formed between the embossing body (7) and the counter-body (8), through which the web (2) is guided. Here a contact point (32) of the body (7.8) and the web (2) are formed, on which the web (2) can be guided and possibly clamped. Depending on the geometry of the body, the contact point (32) can be in the form of a contact surface or contact line. The embossing body (7) can be arranged above or below the web (2). This also applies if there is no counter-body (8). Several counter-bodies (8, 8') can be assigned to an embossing body (7).

The counter-body (8) also has a cylindrical shape and can be designed as a rotating counter-roller. It can also have a perforated body casing (11). The counter-body (8) can be designed as a hollow body. As a modification of the embodiment shown, the counter-body (8) can have a different shape, e.g. cubic or cuboid-like.

The contact point (32) or the gap is located, for example, approximately in the middle of the wrapping of the web on the embossing roller (7). The counter-roller (8) is arranged e.g. diagonally below the embossing roller (7). The rollers (7, 8) rotate in opposite directions and move circumferentially at the contact point (32) in the running direction (25) of the web (2). The rotationally symmetrical bodies (7, 8) can be located radially opposite one another, for example. In the embodiments shown, the casings (9, 11) of both bodies (7, 8) have a smooth wall or surface on the outside facing the material web (2) or the contact point (32).

The embossing device (4) has a preferably controllable vacuum source (14) which is fluidically connected to the preferably hollow embossing body (7). The vacuum source (14) is designed, for example, as a suction device. From the vacuum source (14), a vacuum is applied to the perforation (10) of the body shell (9), the adjacent web material in the Perforation (10) sucks and deformed like a bulge. The cavity can be formed in the embossing body (7) or possibly only in the body casing (9).

In the embodiment shown, FIG figure 3 the embossing device (4) also has a preferably controllable overpressure source (15), which directs a fluid flow (6) against the embossing body (7) and the material web (2) lying there. The fluid flow (6) can be designed in different ways, for example as a continuous curtain or in the form of discrete streams of flow or fluid jets. The overpressure source (15) is designed, for example, as a blowing device which emits a gas flow, in particular an air flow. The fluid flow (6) can alternatively be formed by a liquid in the aforementioned manner.

The negative pressure source (14) and the positive pressure source (15) can be arranged separately from one another and can be independent of one another in terms of fluid routing and possibly also temperature control. figure 3 shows such training.

In the other embodiment of figure 4 the negative pressure source (14) and the positive pressure source (15) can be fluidically connected to one another by a fluid return (18). The fluid flow (6) is thereby circulated in an essentially closed circuit. The vacuum source (14) and the overpressure source (15) can also be connected to form a circulating device (16). You can form a structural and device-technical unit, for example in the form of a blower or ventilator with a suction and blowing side.

In one variant, the fluid flow (6) can have a lower temperature than the material web (2) to which it is applied. For example, it has the external ambient temperature outside of the heating device (3) or can be cooled with a cooler, for example a heat exchanger. The lower temperature is advantageous for the formation and subsequent hardening of the deformations of the web of material mentioned at the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). The fluid flow (6) directed against the perforation (10) can support the deformation of the material web area lying there. For this purpose, it can have a relatively large flow cross section.

The embossing device (4) can also have a cooling device (20) for the embossing tool (5). This can be air or water cooling, for example, with which the embossing body (7) and/or the counter-body (8), in particular their respective body casing (9, 11), is cooled. The cooling device (20) can be present in addition to the cooling of the fluid flow (6), which may be present.

The embossing device (4) can have a fluid preparation (19) for the supplied or circulated fluid flow (6). The fluid treatment (19) can, for example, filter or clean the supplied or circulated fluid flow (6) in some other way. If required, it can also take care of their conditioning, in particular cooling, dehumidification or the like.

The excess pressure source (15), in particular the blowing device, is fluidically connected, for example, to a nozzle (17) directed towards the embossing body (7) and the material web (2) lying there. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the nozzle (17) is preferably arranged in a stationary manner in the hollow counter-body (8) and is directed on the outlet side toward the contact point (32) of the embossing body (7), counter-body (8) and web (2).

The nozzle (17) emits said fluid flow (6) through the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) and the web (2) and the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). For this purpose, the nozzle (17) is preferably directed with its orifice radially against the body casing (11) of the counter-roller (8). The mouth opening can be designed in any suitable manner. It can also be adapted to the hole(s) (10,12). For example, it can be designed as a continuous slit or as a series of discrete small point-like or slit-like orifices. The mouth opening can be single or multiple.

The perforation (10, 12) of the embossing body (7) and the counter-body (8) can be matched to one another. They have one or more passage openings in the body casing (9, 11) for the fluid flow (6). They can also have a similar distribution of openings for the passage of the fluid flow (6) and can be arranged in alignment. For the passage of the fluid flow (6), the openings of the perforations (10,12) in the preferably synchronously rotating rollers (7,8) each coincide at the contact point (32).

The openings of the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7) can in the embodiment shown by figure 4 be larger than the openings of the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8). In the variant of figure 5 the openings of the holes (10,12) are the same size. The proportions of the openings of the perforations (10, 12) can be varied and adjusted to achieve the desired deformation or perforation.

The size and shape of the openings in the perforation (10) on the embossing side determine the shape of the plastic material web deformations produced during the embossing process. The shape can be arbitrary, eg punctiform with circular, oval or primatic outer contour or rod-shaped or cross-shaped or wave-shaped etc.. The material web is pressed into the openings of the perforation (10) by the negative pressure and/or the positive pressure or blowing pressure and deformed like a bulge. The fluid flow (6) can also flow through and possibly perforate the deformed material web areas in the manner mentioned.

figure 5 shows this arrangement of embossing body (7), counter-body (8) and a web of material (2) located between them at the contact point (32). figure 5 also shows on the left side the formation of the bead-like deformation of the web (2) by the fluid flow (6) in an opening of the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). For the sake of clarity, this deformation is not shown for the other openings.

figure 5 also shows a pairing and design of embossing and counter bodies (7,8) and their perforation (10,12) primarily intended for embossing bead-like deformations.

The perforation (10) of the embossing body (7) and, if necessary, the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) can be arranged and designed to form a desired embossing pattern. The perforations (10, 12) can in particular consist of a uniform or non-uniform matrix of perforation openings. The perforation openings are distributed over the surface of the respective body shell (9,11). The distribution can, for example, according to figure 4 and 5 be uniform, with several axial rows of holes extending over the entire body length being distributed evenly over the body or cylinder circumference. In another embodiment, the rows of holes can only extend over a portion of the length of the body or, if necessary, can also be interrupted. Furthermore, can several perforation openings may be arranged in a different pattern and a different distribution, which may only be arranged locally on the body shell and surrounded by solid shell areas. Such local clusters of perforation openings can be arranged several times over the body shell with a uniaxial or multiaxial offset, eg with an offset in the axial and circumferential direction of the rollers (7, 8). The perforation design can also be changed if necessary. The respective design of the perforation arrangement can serve both deformation and strengthening purposes, as well as decorative purposes.

The embossing body (7) and the counter-body (8) can have a common or synchronized drive mechanism (13) for their movement, in particular rotation. On the one hand, the material web (2) is driven and moved on by the drive technology (13) and the contact or clamping contact. On the other hand, the aforementioned aligned arrangement of the perforations (10, 12) is ensured at the passage point of the fluid flow (6).

The drive technology (13) can have one or more drives, in particular rotary drives. A suitable controller (not shown) can be present to control the drive technology (13) or its drive(s). The other components of the embossing device (4), in particular the overpressure and/or underpressure source (14, 15), can also be connected to this controller.

In the shown embodiments of figure 3 and 4 the nozzle (17) locally directs a defined fluid flow (6) against the perforated body casing (11) of the preferably rotating counter-body (8). Discrete streams of flow, each directed towards an opening in the perforation (10), emerge from the openings in the perforation (12). Ambient air can also be sucked in by a negative pressure in the embossing body (7) or its body casing (9). will.

The negative pressure in the embossing body (7) produces a bead-like deformation in its perforation (10), which can also be perforated with a sharp fluid flow (6) from the nozzle (17). In the case of a perforation (12) in the counter-body (8) with relatively small openings, the bead-like deformation is smaller or flatter than in the case of a larger perforation (12) according to FIG figure 5 .

The ambient air can be drawn in through the gap at the contact point (32) and/or out of a hollow counter-body (8) through its perforation (12). Ambient air can be prevented from being sucked in outside the contact area (32) of the bodies or rollers (7, 8), e.g. by appropriately covering the perforation(s) (10, 12) of the embossing body (7) and/or the counter-body ( 8th) .

In another and in figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the same effect can be achieved by an aperture (35) arranged in the hollow counter-body (8) which only has a local aperture at the said contact point (32) of the bodies (7, 8) or the passage point of the fluid flow (6). having. In this case, the overpressure source (15) can build up an overpressure in the entire hollow interior of the counter-body (7) or in a possibly multi-layered and hollow body casing (11).

In a further embodiment variant, the counter-body (7) can be omitted, with only the nozzle (17) being present. It is also possible to provide only one overpressure source (15) or only one underpressure source (14). In the latter case, ambient air in particular can be sucked in by the negative pressure in the embossing body (7) or its body casing (9).

In a further embodiment according to figure 4 the overpressure device (15), in particular its nozzle (17), can emit a sharp and preferably jet-like fluid flow (6). The same can be achieved with a corresponding design of an opening in the screen (35).

The discrete fluid jets, each directed against an opening in the perforation (10), have a very small diameter and can have a particularly high speed. This can be achieved by a particularly small opening diameter of the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) and/or by a corresponding opening design of the nozzle (17) or the screen (35).

The fluid jets are aimed at the central area of the significantly larger, e.g. by a factor of 10, openings of the perforation (10) on the embossing body (7) and the local deformation of the web (2) that is primarily generated by negative pressure and possibly cooled and solidified by ambient air. . The sharp fluid flow (6) or the fluid jets can be heated and have a high temperature, which also thermally deforms and e.g. melts the fibers of the material web that are hit. You can perforate the hit deformation areas. The sharp fluid flow (6) or the fluid jets can act like a jet knife. For this purpose, it is advantageous to act on the material web (2) in the middle area of the wrapping on the embossing body (7).

In addition, in a further variant that is not shown, a different shape and arrangement of the counter-body (8) is possible, which is designed, for example, as an embossing roller with preferably radial pin-like or needle-like projections with a coordinated number and distribution. These engage in the openings of the perforation (10) and mechanically support the fluidic and negative pressure on Embossing body (7) caused deformation process and / or cause perforation of the deformations.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the components of the embossing tool (5) are each present individually. Alternatively, multiple arrangements are possible. In particular, several nozzles (17) can be arranged in the counter-body (8) or free-standing.

The embossing device (4) can have an adjusting device (21) for feeding the embossing tool (5) to the web (2). As a result, the embossing body (7) and/or the counter-body (8) can be adjusted as required. The controllable adjusting devices (21) are in figure 4 indicated schematically by arrows.

As figure 3 and 4 illustrate, the embossing device (4) is arranged in the transport direction (25) of the moving web (2) behind the heating device (3). It is located close to the outlet (27). In the illustrated and preferred exemplary embodiments, the embossing device (4) is arranged directly behind the heating device (3). The embossing device (4) is preferably attached to the heating device (3) and its housing (26). The web of material (2) emerging from the outlet (27) thus runs directly into the embossing device (4). The web (2) does not cool down over this short distance, or only cools down to an insignificant extent.

The embossing device (4) forms a

Solidification device for the web (2). The web (2) is mechanically stabilized and strengthened in the manner mentioned by the mechanical embossing and/or perforations. In the transport direction (25) behind the embossing tool (5), the mechanical strength, in particular also the tensile strength in the running direction, is so great that the web (2) guided via deflection and drive rollers of the web guide (23) and can be driven with a clamping connection or, if necessary, with a corresponding roller design with a positive connection.

The embossing device (4) and / or

Heat treatment device (1) can be an in figure 3 indicated detection device (32) for one or more process parameters. This can be, for example, the temperature of the web (2) and/or the embossing tool (5). Furthermore, the path and/or tool speed, the path structure, etc. can be detected. The detection device (32) can have one or more suitable sensors or similar detection means for parameter detection, e.g. a temperature sensor, a thermal imaging camera or the like. There is also a controller, not shown, to which the detection device (32) and the other driven components the embossing device (4) are connected. A connection option can also exist for the other components of the heat treatment device (1) or the entire system. The controller controls and regulates the embossing process and, if necessary, other processes or devices.

figure 6 shows a variant of the embossing device (4) or the embossing tool (5), in which two or more counter-rollers (8, 8') are assigned to an embossing roller (7). The counter-rollers (8, 8') are distributed one behind the other in the running direction of the web (2) and on the circumference of the embossing roller (7). The counter-rollers (8, 8') can have different perforations (12, 12'). The size and distribution of the openings of the perforation (12) of a counter-roller (8) can, for example, in the above and in figure 5 way shown correspond to the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). The openings of the perforation (12') of the counter-roller following in the direction of web travel (8') are smaller than the openings of the perforation (10) of the embossing roller (7). You can of the embodiment of figure 4 correspond to. The small openings of the perforation (12) are arranged at the contact point (32) in each case in an overlapping manner, preferably in centric alignment, opposite the openings of the perforation (10). The small openings and/or a nozzle (17) (not shown) each emit a sharp jet of fluid which penetrates and perforates the associated and already existing deformation of the web (2).

figure 6 also shows the stationary arrangement of a diaphragm (35) instead of a nozzle (17) on the backing roll (8). The counter-rollers (8,8') are in figure 6 connected to a circulating device (16) and are supplied together with a fluid, in particular air, which is preferably supplied under pressure and is circulated.

The fluids supplied can, as in figure 6 shown, conditioned in the same way, in particular tempered. Alternatively, the fluid supplied to the counter-roller (8') for the perforating can have a higher temperature.

Furthermore, in a modification figure 6 instead of the circulating device (16), the counter-rollers (8, 8') can each be assigned their own overpressure source (15). In a further modification, it is possible to dispense with a separate fluid supply or a separate overpressure source (15) for a counter-roller (8) and to generate the fluid flow (6) only with the negative pressure in the embossing roller (7). Ambient air is sucked into the counter-roller (8) by this negative pressure. To direct and control the fluid flow (6) it is useful to supply the ambient air axially and the in figure 6 use the panel (35) shown. In a further variation, a counter-roller (8, 8') rotates in a hollow Fluid supply with overpressure via a blowing device and additional supply of ambient air possible.

It is also possible for the arrangement of figure 6 also be transferred to other, for example cubic, forms of embossing and counter-bodies (7,8,8') with appropriate adjustment. Here, the web (2) can also be moved discontinuously.

Modifications to the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. In particular, the features of the exemplary embodiments and their modifications can be combined with one another as desired, and in particular can also be interchanged.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the embossing device (4) has a single embossing tool (5). Alternatively, a multiple arrangement of embossing tools (5) can be present.

The embossing body (7), in particular the embossing roller, is partially covered or wrapped by the material web (2). Alternatively, tangential alignment is possible. The embossing body (7) and possibly the counter-body (8) do not have to be part of the web guide (23). They can also have a body shell (9, 11) that is shaped differently in the contact area, in particular flat. They can be intermittently delivered to and removed from the material web (2), in particular a flat material web area, for embossing. The web (2) can be moved discontinuously in this and other cases. It is also possible to switch the negative pressure source (14) and/or the positive pressure source (15) and have them act intermittently.

It is also possible to design the embossing device (4) as an independent and separate structural unit. It can also be spaced further away from the heating device (3) in the transport direction (25) of the web (2) than in the exemplary embodiments shown. The conveyor (22) is adapted accordingly for this.

In the case of an independent arrangement of the heating device (34), the distance from the heating device (3) can be chosen just large enough that no heat loss that is detrimental to the embossing process occurs in the material web (2). Thermal insulation can avoid or minimize heat loss from the material web (2) and allow larger distances. In a modification of the exemplary embodiments, further machine parts or components can also be arranged between the embossing device (4) and the heating device (3), which subjects the material web (2) to an additional treatment.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, a single web (2) runs through the heating device (3) and the embossing device (4). As a modification of this, a multiple arrangement of material webs (2) is possible. In particular, several webs of material (2) can be transported separately from one another through the heating device (3) and brought together at the embossing device (3) for a common embossing process. It is also possible to assign one embossing device (4) to several heating devices (3).

In the exemplary embodiments, the web (2) has a coherent, mat-like structure, the width of which is greater than the thickness. Before entering the embossing device (3), it can have a substantially flat and homogeneous surface on one broad side. The web (2) can alternatively of individual parallel strands are formed. The claimed embossing technique and possibly the heat treatment technique is also suitable, with appropriate adaptation, for webs (2) made of a different material, for example a strip or foil made of metal, plastic or the like.

REFERENCE LIST

1

heat treatment facility

2

Web, fleece

3

heater, oven

4

embossing device, solidification device

5

embossing tool

6

fluid flow, gas flow

7

Embossing body, embossing roller

8th

counter body, counter roll

8th'

counter body, counter roll

9

Body shell, cylinder shell embossing roller

10

perforation

11

Body shell, cylinder shell backing roll

12

perforation

12'

perforation

13

drive

14

Vacuum source, suction device

15

Overpressure source, blowing device

16

circulating device

17

nozzle, blow nozzle

18

fluid return

19

fluid treatment

20

cooling device

21

adjusting device

22

conveyor

23

web guidance

24

conveyor belt

25

direction of transport, running direction

26

Housing

27

outlet

28

cooling line

29

fiber treatment plant

30

Florproducer, card

31

fleece layer

32

contact point

33

positioning device

34

heating means

35

cover

Claims (18)

Embossing device for a web (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber fleece, with an embossing tool (5) for embossing the web (2), characterized in that the embossing tool (5) presses the web (2) with fluidic vacuum and / or fluidic overpressure characterizes. Embossing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the embossing tool (5) embosses and optionally perforates the web (2) with a fluid flow (6), in particular a gas flow. Embossing device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the embossing tool (5) has an embossing body (7) with a perforated body casing (9) against which the web (2) rests, the embossing tool (5) preferably also having a counter-body ( 8) with a perforated body casing (11) which is arranged opposite the embossing body (7) transversely to the material web (2). Embossing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing body (7) is designed as a rotating embossing roller with a perforated cylinder jacket (9), the counter-body (8) being correspondingly cylindrical and designed as a rotating counter-roller. Embossing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossing device (4) has a preferably controllable vacuum source (14), in particular a Suction device, which is fluidically connected to the preferably hollow embossing body (7) and/or the embossing device (4) has a preferably controllable overpressure source (15), in particular a blowing device, which generates a fluid flow (6), in particular a gas flow (6) , against the embossing body (7) and the material web (2) lying there against. Embossing device according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the fluid flow (6), in particular the gas flow (6), has a lower or a higher temperature than the material web (2) to which it is applied. Embossing device according to one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the overpressure source (15), in particular a blowing device, is fluidically connected to a nozzle (17) or diaphragm (35) directed towards the embossing body (7) and the material web (2) lying there preferably the overpressure source (15), in particular the blowing device, is fluidically connected to the preferably hollow counter-body (8) and the nozzle (17) or diaphragm (35) is preferably arranged in a stationary manner in the counter-body (8). Embossing device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the nozzle (17) or screen (35) in the counter-body (8) is directed towards the perforated body casing (11) on the outlet side and the fluid flow (6) through the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8 ) emitted, the nozzle (17) in the counter-body (8) on the outlet side being directed towards the contact point (32) of the embossing body (7), counter-body (8) and web (2). Embossing device according to one of Claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the nozzle (17) or screen (35) emits a thin, preferably hot, fluid flow (6) which perforates a possibly deformed area of the web (2). Embossing device according to one of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the perforations (10, 12) of the embossing body (7) and of the counter-body (8) are coordinated with one another and arranged in alignment for the passage of a fluid flow (6), in particular a gas flow, the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7) and optionally the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) being arranged and designed to form a desired embossing pattern. Embossing device according to one of Claims 3 to 10, characterized in that the embossing body (7) is assigned a plurality of counter-bodies (8) which are of the same or different design, for example having different perforations (12), in particular different hole sizes. Heat treatment device for a web (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber fleece, with a heating device (3) and an embossing device (4) for the web (2), characterized in that the embossing device (4) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 11 is formed, wherein the embossing device (4) is arranged within the heating device (3) or in the transport direction (25) of the moving material web (2) behind the heating device (3). Fiber treatment plant for a web (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber fleece, with a pile producer, in particular a card or roller card, a web layer and a heat treatment device (1) for the web (2), characterized in that the heat treatment device ( 1) is formed according to claim 12. Method for embossing a web (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber fleece, with an embossing tool (5), characterized in that the web (2) is embossed by the embossing tool (5) with a fluidic vacuum and/or fluidic excess pressure . Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that the web (2) is embossed and, if necessary, perforated with a fluid flow (6), in particular a gas flow, the web (2) at a contact point (32) between an embossing body (7) with a perforated body shell (9) and a counter-body (8) with a perforated body shell (11). Method according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that a local deformation of the material web (2) produced by negative pressure on the embossing body (7) and located in the perforation (10) there perforates through a sharp, in particular jet-like, and possibly very hot fluid flow becomes. Method according to Claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that a plurality of material webs (2) are transported separately from one another through the heating device (3) and brought together at the embossing device (3) for a common embossing process. Method according to Claim 14, 15, 16 or 17, characterized in that the embossing method is carried out inside or outside of a heating device (3), in particular an oven, for thermosolidification of the material web.

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