FR2466556A1 - MULTI-FRAME FABRIC PRODUCED ON A KNITTING-SEWING MACHINE AND METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING SAID FABRIC - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-weft fabric produced on a knitting and sewing machine and a method and machine for producing such a fabric are disclosed. Said fabric comprises a flexible substrate in the form of two superimposed weft layers 2, 4 or more each consisting of one or more continuous and parallel yarns 8, 9 oriented obliquely across the width of the fabric 1, and a single system of columns of binding yarns running along the fabric 1, each column comprising several rows of stitches fixing the superimposed layers against a relative movement by reverse loops and by segments in the place of said fabric. Application to the manufacture of a fabric with several decorative wefts. (CF DRAWING IN BOPI)

Description

The present invention relates to fabrics which are produced on

  "sewing-knitting" type machines such as a "Malimo" machine. More particularly, it relates to a new improved fabric of the "Malimo" type and a process and a machine used to produce it, said machine comprising a special carriage for weft threads which makes it possible to obtain fabrics of the "Malimo" type with drawings which have not been possible so far. îo The "Malimo" fabrics comprise for example a flexible substrate, such as a layer of threads or weft strands substantially parallel from one edge to the other, which are united in a coherent structure by threads

  relatively thin tying. In case the flexible substrate

ble consists of a layer of weft threads, it is

possible to obtain a more or less openwork fabric by

  sliding the spacing of the individual wires. This stuff not

woven type "sewing-knitting" as well as other

  can be carried out on machines of the "Malimo" type using the methods and apparatus described in US Pat. Nos. 2,890,579;

  NO 3,030,786; NO 3,253,426; NO 3,274,806; NI 3,279,221

NO 3,309,900; NO 3,389,583; Nu 3,392,078; NO 3,440,840

  NI 3,452,561; NI 3,457,738; NI 3,460,599 M N 3,540,238

NO 3,541,812; NO 3,567,565; NO 3,592,025; NO 3,672,187

  Nu 3,677,034; Nu 4 144 727 and NO Re 25 749.

The possibility of easily mass-producing a basic fabric in a variety of designs is

extremely important to the commercial success of the stuff.

Although it is possible to produce nonwoven fabrics

  on "Malimo" type machines at relative speeds-

  compared to the production of fabrics /

there has been a lot of interest in improving this characteristic

  advantageous with greater flexibility in

in the drawings, not only with regard to the combinations

sounds of densities, sizes and colors of the components of the fabric, their spacing, and the voluntary omission of one or more of them, but also with regard to

  the spatial configuration of the fabric components.

In particular, it would be useful to have fabrics of the "Malimo" type with even greater flexibility,

  especially when it comes to creating visual effects

exceptional soils. The present invention makes it possible to produce a greater variety of drawings, in which

several layers of weft threads are generally laid out

ment in the width or transverse direction of the fabric obliquely or at different angles to the longitudinal direction. Until now, there have been no means or processes for achieving such an effect.

  on "Malimo" machines at industrial production speeds

trielle. Accordingly, the subject of the present invention is fabrics such as those produced on knitting-sewing machines having greater

flexibility with respect to the patterns formed by the frame.

  The invention also aims at a machine and

  a process for the production of fabrics on three-dimensional machines

sewing machines offering more possibilities

to the patterns formed by the frame.

  According to its essential characteristics, the present invention relates to such fabrics linked by sewing such as fabrics of the "Malimo" type having a remarkable design and which cannot be produced until now as well as an aesthetic appearance, said fabrics being produced in using a machine and a method in which the flexible substrate is deposited during the formation of the fabric in the form of two

layers or more of weft threads parallel to lar-

  geurs predetermined obliquely in the width direction of the fabric and in superimposed relation. Such a variation in the configuration of the flexible substrate cannot be obtained using conventional machines of the "Malimo" type, the design of which inherently limits the fabrics produced to structures in which the flexible substrate is arranged in the form of a single layer in adjacent or successive bands of a single width and at a determined angle (generally slightly offset

  with respect to the perpendicular to the direction of advance of the elements

sewing or tying).

  In particular, the fabrics produced on knitting and sewing machines according to the present invention comprise two or more superposed weft layers of the same width or of different widths, each of them

consisting of one or more parallel textile threads

the lines extending obliquely across the width of

  the fabric (i.e. from one edge to the other) and in the-

  which elements of a weft layer can be more or less offset from a position parallel to the elements of another weft layer. Each fabric includes

also a single system of binding wire columns extends

in the lengthwise direction of the fabric, each column comprising several rows of meshes which are in engagement with the superimposed layers of weft and which fix them against a relative displacement, loops of the binding thread are finding the wrong side of the fabric and the diagonal strands of said rows lying at the place to link the superimposed layers of weft into a coherent fabric having a thickness twice as large as that of the weft of conventional bonded fabrics by sewing, or more. The binding thread crosses the individual weft threads arranged obliquely at a large number of randomly placed locations to better retain the components

  of the fabric against relative displacement.

According to one of the embodiments of the invention

tion, the fabric comprises two superimposed layers of weft, at least one of which advantageously contains several threads which are arranged for example towards the back of the fabric with respect to the other layer of weft, and in which the layer of weft d upside down or base constitutes the "base layer". Preferably, the fabric comprises three or more superposed layers of weft threads, for example, at least one of the weft layers containing several threads and being preferably arranged towards the back of the fabric relative to the other layers. weft. In the case of fabrics having the appearance of an openwork "home spun" texture which is characteristic of sheers or draperies; the parallel wires constituting each of the weft layers can be more or less spaced apart in order to obtain such an effect. In addition, the invention makes it possible to produce various designs with colored and / or textured weft layers which are not diluted on the base layer. For example, the present invention makes it possible to place a layer consisting of one or more threads on the top of the weft threads of the base layer instead of mixing and diluting them in the latter. In addition to the various superimposed weft layers

  mentioned above, the flexible substrate may optionally include

a previously knitted or previously woven fabric, an elastomeric foam sheet, a fibrous mat (for example a non-woven fibrous mat bonded by spinning) or any other continuous sheet or flexible structure capable of being sewn using a binding and thus fixed to the other components of the fabric without significant reduction in strength, according to the procedures described in

aforementioned patents and which are now known to specialists

lists.

  In general, the machine of the invention

tion represents an improvement over previous machines of the sewing-knitting type which include mechanical sewing elements commonly used on such machines. These elements and their mode of operation are well known to specialists, and they include a comb-shaped plate bar and a comb-like slat with spikes which together define an elongated space or work area for forming the fabric therebetween, a device for distributing a flexible substrate to said working area and a row of spiked and barbed needles (that is to say barbels) and corresponding metal closing wires, the combination of which with a row of thread guides acts so

that the needles pierce the substrate by making a

  alternately through the fabric formation space

between the plate bar and the spike bar.

  This action causes the tying thread to form a

single system of longitudinal columns (in the ma-

  chipe) are each including many rows of mail-

  them along the fabric, for example according to a configuration

  chain stitches or semi-simple stitches. In particular

Binding, the improvement according to the invention resides in the nature of the dispenser or supplier device which is intended to distribute the flexible substrate to the working area of the machine for the formation of the fabric, device which comprises two or more, preferably three or more than three comb-shaped carriages, of identical or different widths, preferably from 10 to 45.7 cm,

  each carriage being intended to perform an alter-

  native in synchronism with the other trolley (s), so that a weft layer of predetermined width and constituted by a group of one or more continuous threads

parallel is moved independently in effect

killing a reciprocating movement between and across two endless parallel rows of hook assemblies (which will be referred to as "weft hooks") in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the weft hooks (c ' that is to say transversely to

direction of distribution of the weft layers to the forming area

  the material). Whereas earlier "Malimo" type machines were only able to simulate a pose

  double weft (by operating the machine slowly-

frame wagon), the present invention

tion allows a real laying of multiple wefts with new decorative effects of the fabric thanks to the present

machine with several independently driven carriages.

In the event that it is desirable to produce fabrics having a layer of warp yarn superimposed on the flexible multi-layer substrate, the machine can be equipped with any desired supplier of warp yarns in order to distribute jointly with the flexible substrate and superimposing them the latter, one or more warp threads in a generally longitudinal direction. The warp threads are then joined to the substrate by the system

  abovementioned columns of tying yarn in the forming area

  tion of the fabric of the machine. Such warp yarn distribution techniques are described, for example, in the United States patents NO 3,672,187, NO 3,677,034 and NO 4,144,727 mentioned above. It is understood that the presence or absence of warp threads or other textile components-as well as their distribution or their

  configuration on the fabric do not constitute

  important features of the present invention which resides in the nature of the flexible substrate of the fabric and in

its means of application as described in this memo.

In the method of the invention, the multiple weft layers of the flexible substrate are arranged so as to be distributed to the elongated space for forming the fabric or work area by several comb-shaped carriages, each of which is animated. independently of a reciprocating movement between the parallel rows of weft hooks and across them, so as to transport a separate layer of weft threads to the movable rows of hooks in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of distribution of the substrate to the work area. At the same time, the hooks move in the direction of distribution of the substrate to the working area. Preferably, the carts are

synchronized by an appropriate gear, so as to move

  see in synchronism with each other, in order to obtain any one of a number of designs in the flexible substrate. The weft layer which is deposited first on the movable hooks (that is to say the farthest "upstream" from the sewing elements of the working or fabric forming area) constitutes the layer back or bottom. The weft layer (s) which are deposited later or downstream on the hooks are superimposed on the layers applied previously. For the implementation of this concept, it is possible to deposit, for example, one or more weft threads of a given texture and / or color using a carriage located downstream 7- so as to deposit it on a base or base layer, and without mixing it (i.e. without diluting it) in the latter which consists of threads of a different color and / or texture and which is deposited by a carriage located upstream. In addition, while the upstream carriage can be moved alternately between the rows of hooks at a given speed corresponding to the linear speed of the hooks so as to give the base layer a "full" effect or a uniform density. , the second trolley or downstream trolley can be made to cross the distance between the rows of hooks at another desired speed independently of the first trolley or upstream trolley. In this way, the weft thread (s) of the upper layer can be laid across the width of the fabric so that they are not substantially parallel to the threads of the base layer. Thus, as a result of the perpendicular (transverse) reciprocating movement of each carriage relative to the direction of movement of the hooks, the resulting fabric according to the invention is characterized by several

  superimposed layers of sensitive continuous textile components

  parallel which extend obliquely across the width of the fabric. According to the synchronization of

  trolleys, the threads of a weft layer can be dis-

laid on the resulting fabric in a direction which is more or less oblique to the threads of at least one

other layer.

  The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by way of non-limiting examples and in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view showing

  a fabric according to the invention which has two super layers

  weft threads; Figure 2 is a plan view of a fabric according to the invention comprising three superimposed layers of weft yarns Figure 3 is a large-scale view of part of the fabric of Figure 1 surrounded by a circle dotted 3-3; and Figure 4 is a partially schematic view of a knitting and sewing machine using a machine

  several weft carriages according to the invention.

  Reference will be made to FIG. 1 which represents a part going from one edge to the other of a fabric 1 comprising a continuous layer of "background" weft 2 and an upper layer or weft drawing 4. As As shown in FIG. 3, the layers-2 and 4 are superimposed and linked together in a coherent fabric by a single network 5 of binding threads forming columns of meshes extending in the direction of the length of the fabric 1. Each column consists of several rows of meshes which are engaged with the superimposed layers of weft 2 and 4 and fix them against a relative displacement. The configuration of the network 5 of binding threads can be in the form of well-known chain stitches or semi-simple stitches, the latter being preferred when the fabric additionally contains longitudinal warp threads. Such warp threads do not constitute a characteristic of the fabric shown in the drawings, except that some of these threads 6 can be incorporated in the fabric near the

edges 7 to increase resistance along the edge.

The weft layer 2-consists of several parallel and continuous threads 8 extending in one direction and in the other across the width of the fabric 1 in a slightly oblique or diagonal direction (i.e. who is

  not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fabric). Ega-

Lement, the weft layer 4 consists of several different parallel and continuous son 9 extending in one direction and in the other across the width of the fabric 1 in a direction which is more strongly oblique or in

diagonal than the wires 8 of layer 2. The number and the gap

  adjacent layers 8 of layer 2, which are deposited

during each movement of their corresponding upstream carriage

  are coordinated with the frequency of the alter-

  native to the carriage and with the speed of the weft hooks towards the working area of the knitting and sewing machine, so that this weft is laid down in such a way as to simulate the appearance of a solid or continuous background on which the strips are placed relatively narrow of the weft layer 4, so as to obtain a nice effect of zig zag drawings of the weft layer 4 which is in relief on the contrasting background layer 2. It is in this sense that the frequency of the reciprocating movement of the upstream carriage distributing the weft threads 8 depends on the movement of the hooks and the sewing elements of the knitting and sewing machine while the frequency of the reciprocating movement of the downstream carriage distributing the weft threads 9 is independent of

this movement.

  FIG. 2 represents a part going from one edge to the other of a fabric 10 comprising a continuous layer of weft 11, a layer of weft intermediate design 12 and a layer of weft upper design 13. The layers 11, 12 and 13 are superimposed and are linked together in a coherent fabric by a single network of binding threads of the type described above which is engaged with the superimposed layers and fixes them against a relative displacement. Layer 11 is made up of several

parallel and continuous threads and generally corresponds

  rale to the base layer 2 previously described with reference to FIG. 1, so as to simulate the appearance of a background

solid or continuous on which the relative bands are deposited

layers 12 and 13 to give the effect

desired set of a diamond design, as shown.

  Layers 12 and 13 consist of an identical or different number of continuous threads having identical or different colors and / or textures and extending in one direction and in the other across the width of the fabric

  , each of them in a more strongly inclined direction

born or oblique as the wires of the base layer 11 and

either at the same angle or at different angles

  rents. In this way, the frequencies of the movements al-

  of the carriages of the weft layers 12 and 13 are respectively independent of the frequency of reciprocating movements of the carriage of the base layer 11 and can be made or not independent of each other, this latter relationship being a function of the desired design which must be produced by the two weft layers

drawing 12 and 13.

  Looking at Figure 4, a knitting machine-

  seam 20 comprises a station 21 for forming a half-knitted fabric and a device 22 for distributing the substrate which is intended to bring a flexible substrate, such as several continuous weft threads 23 delivered by a beam (norn shown), to the station of fabric formation. The dispensing device 22 comprises two endless parallel rows of weft hooks which are well known to specialists. An optional supplier of warp threads (not shown) can optionally be provided for distributing together with the substrate and superimposing

to the latter several warp threads generally along the

  dinals to be assembled with the substrate at training station 21

of the stuff.

The station 21 for forming the fabric comprises for example a comb-shaped plate bar and a 2z slat with spikes also in the form of a comb to define between them an elongated space or work area across the width of the machine. to form the fabric. A row

  spiked or spiked needles and barbs at each of-

which is affiliated with a metallic closure wire, is 22 intended to penetrate into the weft 23 of the substrate and the optional warp threads in cooperation with a row of guides intended for sewing or binding threads 24, in order to sew several chains in the sense of chain that unites and maintains the components of

  the fabric into a coherent nonwoven structure 25.

  The machine of the invention comprises, according to the embodiment of FIG. 4, three weft carriages 26, 27 and 28 in the form of a comb which are intended to receive weft threads 23 from a perforated plate 29 and distributing them to opposite rows 22 of weft hooks moving in one direction and in the other between said rows in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to that in which the rows advance

-: 2466556

the substrate to the station 21 for forming the fabric.

  Carriages 26, 27 and 28, which are the downstream carriages,

intermediate and upstream respectively each have a comb 51 which serves to maintain several weft threads in separate and spaced relation to be applied to the hooks

  rows 22. For this purpose, two presser feet are available.

advantageously placed on either side of each carriage to press the weft threads 23 and engage them in the hooks of the rows 22. The presser feet are coupled

end-of-travel detection devices, for example

full of buffer elements so as to raise the foot

presser near the row of hooks while lowering

sant the foot opposite said row, -so that the carriage pushes the son over the hooks. This coupling can be carried out conveniently by rack and pinion gear trains. Adjustable pad

can be provided to adjust the precise action position -

presser feet.

According to the invention, the carriages 26, 27 and 28 can be adjusted independently to deliver

  the weft threads in rows 22 of hooks in three layers

separate rooms. Carriages 26, 27 and 28 can be

  conveniently animated by an alternating movement by cour-

  synchronization ribbons (not shown) and guided by rollers 30 on rods 31 fixed to support elements designated for example by 32. The synchronization belts are driven and guided by pinions which rotate close to the support elements 32. Each the driving pinion is conveniently driven by a transmission chain whose movement can be controlled by a device known to specialists. For example, a suitable transmission assembly intended to drive each weft carriage to animate it with a reciprocating movement essentially comprises a cam arm fixed to a large toothed wheel to animate vertically with a reciprocating movement a horizontal bar whose movement is communicated to a rotary shaft by means of chains and sprockets not shown. The shaft is rotated alternately dextrorsum and sinistrorsum when the bar is moved down and up respectively. The alternating rotation of the shaft in turn drives the chain by means of the aforementioned sprockets. By an appropriate choice of gear ratios, each carriage can be driven in synchronism with the machine and / or the other carriages or

any desired fraction or multiple of its speed.

  In this way, by using a weft thread of one type in the carriage 28 and threads of other types in the carriages 26 and 27, it is possible to obtain a large

diversity of new fabrics and new designs.

  It goes without saying that many modifications

can be made to the fabric, machine and process

  dice described and represented without departing from the framework of the inversion

tion.

13z

Claims (19)

  1. Fabric produced on a knitting machine sewing such as a "Malimo" machine and presenting a right and wrong side, fabric characterized in that it comprises door: (a) two or more of two superposed weft layers (2, 4) each consisting of one or more continuous and parallel threads oriented obliquely across the width of the fabric (1); and (b) a single system (5) of columns of yarns tying extending along the fabric, each column comprises   nant several rows of meshes which are engaged with the superimposed layers and fix them against a   relative displacement by loops of the binding wire at the towards the fabric (1) and by diagonal segments of the say rows of the binding wire at the location of said fabric (1). 2. Fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two superimposed layers (2, 4) of weft threads (8, 9). 3. Fabric according to claim 2, characterized   in that at least one of the weft layers contains more some sons.   4. Fabric according to claim 3, characterized in that at least said weft layer (2) containing several threads (8) is disposed behind the other layer of weft (4).   5. Fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises three superimposed layers (11, 12, 13) of weft threads.   6. Fabric according to claim 5, characterized   in that at least one of the weft layers contains more some sons.   7. Fabric according to claim 6, characterized in that said weft layer (11) containing several   thread is arranged behind the other weft layers. 8. Fabric according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the threads of one weft layer are not parallel to those of another layer weft. 9. Method for producing a fabric of the type linked by sewing on a knitting-sewing machine both a comb-shaped plate bar, a pointed batten, also in the form of a comb, the bar and the batten defining an elongated zone for the formation of the fabric therebetween, a device intended to deliver a flexible substrate to the working area, a row of spiked and barbed needles which is parallel to the working area and a row of thread guides cooperating with the needles to form a single system of columns of binder yarn, each column comprising several rows of stitches along the fabric, the needles passing through the substrate while being reciprocated through the working area, a process characterized in that it consists in: delivering the substrate to the elongated area for the formation of the fabric in a form comprising two or more of two superposed weft layers each constituted by a group of one or more continuous and parallel threads oriented obliquely between two parallel and endless rows of hooks e t engaged with them by a corresponding number of trolleys in the shape of a comb, each of which independently moves a group of one or more continuous and parallel wires by animating it in an alternating movement between the rows of hooks and across them in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of distribution of the substrate to the elongated working area for the formation of the fabric, said hooks moving in the direction of distribution of the substrate to the extended work area. 10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the substrate is distributed to the working area for the formation of the fabric, in a form comprising two overlapping layers of weft yarn.   11. Method according to claim 10, characterized   in that at least one of the weft layers contains more some sons.   12. Method according to claim 11, character-   se in that at least the weft layer containing several threads is animated by a comb-shaped carriage in an alternating movement between the rows of hooks before the other weft layer is transported to hooks by the other cart. 13. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the substrate is distributed to the working area elongated for the formation of the fabric in a com   taking three overlapping layers of weft yarn. 14. The method of claim 13, character- in that at least one of the weft layers contains several sons. 15. The method of claim 14, character- dried in that at least said weft layer containing more   sieurs fils is moved alternately by a comb-shaped carriage between the rows of hooks before the other layer of weft is transported to hooks by the other cart.   16. Method according to any one of the claims.   cations 9 to 15, characterized in that the threads of a weft layer are moved between the rows of hooks and across the latter, so as to be arranged on said hooks in a direction which is not parallel to the   yarns of another weft layer placed on said cro-   chets. 17. Machine intended for producing knitted fabrics of the half-simple type, comprising a bar with comb-shaped plates, a slat with points also in the form of comb, the bar and the slat defining between them an elongated working zone for the formation of the fabric, a device for distributing a flexible substrate to said working area, a row of spiked and barbed needles which is parallel to the working area and a row of thread guides cooperating with the needles to form a single system of columns of tying thread, each of which comprises several rows of stitches along the fabric, the needles being intended to pierce the substrate and to be moved alternately in said working area, machine characterized in that the device (21) for distributing the flexible substrate comprises two or more than two comb-shaped carriages (26, 27, 28) intended to perform a reciprocating movement in synchronism to move independently t the flexible substrate in a form comprising a corresponding number of superposed weft layers each consisting of a group of one or more parallel and continuous wires animated in an alternating movement between two parallel and endless rows (22) of hooks and across the latter in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of distribution of the substrate to the elongated working area (21), said hooks moving in the direction of distribution of the substrate to said area working (21). 18. Machine according to claim 17, charac- in that the device (21) for distributing the flexible substrate includes two comb-shaped carriages.   19. Machine according to claim 17, character-   in that the device (21) for distributing the flexible substrate comprises three comb-shaped carriages (26, 27, 28).