KR102373501B1 - Synthetic fibre and an artificial lawn comprising such a fibre - Google Patents

Abstract

A synthetic fiber of monofilament type for use on artificial lawns, in particular on artificial turf playgrounds, wherein said synthetic fibers have a curved cross-section, wherein said synthetic fibers are less than 8, preferably between 4.5 and 3.8, and more preferably has a centerline arc length for a maximum thickness between 4.4 and 4.0, wherein the peripheral surface of the fiber is given a wavy pattern.

Description

SYNTHETIC FIBRE AND AN ARTIFICIAL LAWN COMPRISING SUCH A FIBRE

The present invention relates to synthetic fibers and artificial lawns comprising such fibers. More particularly, the present invention relates to fibers of the grass-like monofilament type having a curved cross section and to an artificial lawn, in particular an artificial turf athletic field comprising such fibers. will be.

Natural turf is often used intensively, and as a result of which others, such as the effects of various weathers, withstand a lot of damage. A number of artificial lawns have been introduced to provide an alternative to natural lawns. These artificial lawns are used both indoors and outdoors. A well-known example of such an outdoor artificial turf is an artificial turf playground, for example for playing soccer, field hockey, tennis, American football, and the like. For example, WO 2010/082816 A1 under the name of the same applicant discloses such an artificial lawn.

Artificial lawns, such as artificial turf playgrounds, cost less to maintain and can be used/played-on much more intensively than lawns made of natural grass. However, artificial lawns must have certain properties so that they can withstand the loads they receive as a result of heavy use. In addition, they should have a natural appearance.

A problem with synthetic fibers used in artificial lawns is that they tend to be oriented flat with respect to the ground surface during use. This can cause so-called "bare patches" on the lawn, thereby increasing the risk of injury, reducing playing characteristics, and/or lessening the natural appearance, etc. can cause

At least in particular, to overcome these problems, a thick layer of infill can be provided on the artificial lawn. A thick layer of such filler material is disclosed, for example, in EP 1158099 A2. However, installing this thick layer of filling is more labor intensive than installing a natural lawn. In addition, the non-homogeneous use of the lawn over time results in a less uniform distribution of the filler material, resulting in significantly higher maintenance costs.

An alternative for a thick layer of filler is to provide an artificial lawn with synthetic fibers with increased stiffness and resilience. This result can be achieved by changing the chemical composition and/or processing method. However, this is undesirable as it may result in a more complex production process and/or a rough artificial lawn with an increased risk of injury.

Another solution to the problem as described above is to adjust the geometry of the synthetic fibers, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2010/082816 A1. The fibers disclosed herein have such a geometry that they have increased resistance to loads applied thereon when exercising in the field. However, the surface of the fiber is smooth, and in combination with the chemical compositions used, it gives rise to a shiny, unnatural and synthetic appearance. WO 2005/005730 A1 discloses the inclusion of stiffness-enhancing agents. These agents, ie the protrusion ribs, show a light scattering effect that increases the stiffness/elasticity of the fiber and, due to its non-smooth surface, reduces the shiny appearance of the synthetic fiber.

Due to the presence of thickened or narrowed portions of the fibers described in both documents of WO 2010/082816 A1 and WO 2005/005730, so-called “spines” or “buckles”, they may cause cracking or splitting of the fibers. When a possible load is applied thereon, a concentration of material stresses will inevitably occur.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved synthetic fiber for use in artificial lawns. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to also provide a synthetic fiber having an improved natural-looking appearance and a reduced risk of worn flats due to splitting of the fibers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved synthetic fiber for use in artificial lawns. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to also provide a synthetic fiber having an improved natural-looking appearance and a reduced risk of worn flats due to splitting of the fibers.

A synthetic fiber of monofilament type for use on artificial lawns, in particular on artificial turf playgrounds, wherein said synthetic fibers have a curved cross-section, wherein said synthetic fibers are less than 8, preferably between 4.5 and 3.8, and more preferably has a centerline arc length for a maximum thickness between 4.4 and 4.0, wherein the peripheral surface of the fiber is given a wavy pattern.

It is to provide a synthetic fiber having an improved natural-looking appearance and a reduced risk of worn flats due to fiber splitting.

1a-1b show preferred examples of synthetic fibers having a central arc length to maximum thickness ratio according to an aspect of the present invention.
1c-1d show preferred examples of synthetic fibers having a circumference given a wavy (wavy) pattern and a central preferred length to maximum thickness ratio according to one aspect of the present invention.
2-11 show a synthetic fiber according to other aspects of the present invention, wherein the fiber has different cross-sectional shapes and the fiber is given different shapes around the circumferential surface;
12 and 13 schematically show some examples of artificial lawns comprising synthetic fibers according to the invention.

summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a synthetic fiber of monofilament type for use on artificial lawns, in particular for use on artificial sports lawns, wherein the synthetic fibers have a curved cross-section. , where the synthetic fiber has a central arc length (L) ratio (L/T) to maximum thickness (T) of less than 8. More particularly, in a further aspect, the ratio of center arc length (L) to maximum thickness ((L/T) is between 4.5 and 3.8, more preferably 4.4 and 4.0.

In a further example, the synthetic fiber has a convex surface radius (R1) ratio (R1/R2) to a concave surface radius (R2) of less than 0.9. More particularly, the ratio of the convex surface radius R1 to the concave surface radius R2 (R1/R2) is between 0.6 and 0, even more particularly between 0.35 and 0.

In a further example, the synthetic fiber has a linear mass density between 1000 decitex and 2500 decitex.

Synthetic fibers with stiffness-enhancing agents are known from WO 2005/005730 A1. These agents are arranged as protrusion ribs and increase the stiffness of the fiber. The stiffness-enhancing agents are provided at the central axis of the fiber or at both ends of the wings of the fiber. These stiffness-enhancing agents increase the stiffness of the fiber on the one hand and increase the risk of cracking or splitting of the fiber on the other hand. However, this is an undesirable side effect of this design. During play, the fibers are exposed to a large load applied to them. As a result of this large load, the fiber exhibits material stress, which is concentrated at the weak point of the fiber. These weak points are the points where stress concentrates due to the non-smooth surface of the fiber. Because the ribs added to the fiber show a non-smooth transition at the point where the rib shape protrudes, the concentration of stress at this point causes the fiber to crack or split, either directly during use of the playground, or subsequently inevitably. .

Known prior art fibers, such as the fiber known from WO 2005/005730A1, have a specific thickness to center line arc length ratio, which, among other things, is related to flexibility, elasticity and flexural strength. Determine the properties/properties of the fiber such as flexural strength. For curved cross-sectional fibers, this thickness is the maximum thickness and is located in the central portion of the fiber (see eg “T” in FIGS. 1A-D ). The center line arc length is the length of the center line (see eg “L” in FIGS. 1A-D ). The centerline of curved fibers of a certain curvature or radius, the length of which is greater than the width (W) of the fiber (over all). The ratio of the fiber according to the present invention is determined by the length of the central arc line, not the width of the fiber.

The synthetic fiber according to the first aspect of the invention has an L/T ratio of less than 8, preferably between 4.5 and 3.8 and more preferably between 4.4 and 4.0. According to a further aspect, the fibers have an R1/R2 ratio of less than 0.9, preferably between 0.6 and 0, and more preferably between 0.35 and 0. According to a further aspect, the fiber has a linear mass density between 1000 decitex and 2500 decitex.

Studies have shown that such a synthetic fiber according to the first or first and further aspects of the present invention has improved aesthetics (eg, appearance) and mechanical properties, and is closely related to natural It has been shown that they are made to look like turf. On the other hand, prior art synthetic fibers exhibit a non-optimal stiffness to the load applied thereon, and have an L/T, R1/R2 ratio within the range of linear mass densities, as described above, in one aspect of the present invention. Synthetic fibers according to the present invention have an optimal stiffness which is increased to the load applied thereto. The fibers exhibit an increased and more optimal combination of elasticity, flexibility, strength and stiffness.

In a further example, the curved cross section has a central portion having a tapered edge having a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness. The fiber geometry of this fiber thickness bond provides a desirable balance of stiffness and flexibility along with that of the fiber's bending resilience, preventing flat orientation on artificial lawns.

In a further example, the cross-sectional shape has a cross-section of a circular segment shape, and in another example, the synthetic fiber has a curved convex side and a side formed by a straight line. Synthetic fibers according to aspects of the present invention may be given a convex side and any other side anywhere between a straight line and a strong concave line.

According to one aspect of the invention, a synthetic fiber, which is given a wavy pattern around a circumferential face, has an increased stiffness, compared to prior art fibers, for example the fiber known from WO 2005/005730, This is because all the waves (waves) in the pattern act as stiffness enhancers. A further advantage lies in the smooth transition of surface contours with many wavy patterns. This wavy pattern exhibits increased stiffness without the risk of increased fission or splitting of the fibers. All rods applied to the fiber during use are divided along the entire surface of the fiber by many waves. Because of this enhanced stress distribution, there are no stress concentration points on the surface of the fibers. Therefore, it is for fibers with these wavy patterns that are less likely to split or crack. In a further example, the wavy pattern may also be arranged and extend continuously in the longitudinal direction.

For the production of synthetic fibers, the choice of chemical composition is limited. Several polymers can be used for the production of fibers. For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof may be used. When a fiber is produced from these compositions, it has a shiny effect on its surface. This shimmering effect gives the fibers an unnatural appearance. As certain chemical additives are added to the composition to reduce this effect, it also changes the inherent properties of the fiber to an undesirable effect. However, fibers with a wavy patterned surface provide an answer to this problem. No change in chemical composition or use of additives is required. Waveforms on the fiber surface have a significant light scattering effect, so the fiber has a more "dull" appearance. The wave patterned surface reflects light in different directions, causing a light scattering effect. The synthetic fiber may be given either a circular segment-shaped cross-section or a cross-section having a convex side and a side formed by a straight line.

The fiber properties of the artificial fiber according to one aspect of the present invention, having a curved cross-section having tapered edges having a maximum thickness central portion and a wavy pattern around it, vary the amount of corrugations and/or It can be further optimized by adjusting its size/dimensions. Increasing the amount of undulations increases the light scattering effect, making the fiber more matte and thus a more natural appearance. Increasing the size/dimension of the undulations (waveforms) leads to an increase in the stiffness of the fiber, as the undulations (waves) act as stiffness enhancing means. Larger waves will have a greater stiffness-increasing effect.

In a further example, the wavy pattern is a sine wave pattern. The advantage of a sine wave is that it exhibits a smoother wave transition between the antinodes of the pattern. Thus, the fibers do not lose stiffness and can withstand larger loads without increased risk of splitting/cracking.

In yet another example, the wavy pattern is a sickle-shaped pattern. When the surface of the fiber is given a sickle-shaped pattern, more of the surface of the fiber is embossed, ie sunken. Most of the turning on the light on the surface of the fiber is to turn on the fiber at the embossed locations. These rays are reflected, but not back towards the light source, they are reflected towards different positions within the embossed sickle shape. In this way the light sources are scattered, causing a shadow casting effect, which reduces the gloss, giving the fiber a more natural appearance.

In yet another example, the wavy pattern on the convex side of the curved synthetic fiber has the same number of antinodes as on the concave side of the curved synthetic fiber. Also, the antinodes of the wavy pattern on the convex side of the curved synthetic fiber may be positioned opposite the nodes of the wavy pattern on the concave side of the curved synthetic fiber.

In another example, the wavy pattern on the convex side of the curved synthetic fiber has a greater number of antinodes (antinodes) than on the concave side of the curved synthetic fiber.

In another example, the number of antinodes on either the convex side or the concave side does not exceed at least 4 or 30.

In another example, at least some of the waves of the wave pattern have different dimensions.

By changing the dimensions of the waveforms, the properties of the fiber can be changed. By combining different sizes, protrusions, dimensions, etc., a combination of effects can be achieved. For example, large waves may alternate with smaller ones to combine different effects such as stiffness, light scattering effects, fiber elasticity, etc.

In another example of the present invention, there is provided a synthetic fiber of the monofilament type for use on an artificial lawn, in particular a sports lawn, wherein the synthetic fiber has a curved cross-section, wherein the synthetic fiber A wavy pattern is provided on the surface around the . In addition, the wavy pattern is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fiber. In a further example, the wavy pattern is a sine wave pattern or a sickle June 30, 2011 shape pattern.

The present invention also provides, in one example, an artificial turf, in particular an artificial turf playground, comprising a substrate having artificial fibers according to any of the above-described features combined therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are shown in the following description with respect to the accompanying drawings, presented only by way of drawing, which is not intended to limit the invention.

detailed description of the drawings

In order to better understand the present invention, components and the like are denoted by the same reference numerals in the descriptions of the drawings below.

1a shows a cross-section of an example of the invention, wherein a synthetic/artificial fiber reference number 10a, for example a synthetic turf athletic fiber, is described, which is preferably of the monofilament type obtained by an extrusion process.

The amount of curvature or radius of curvature 10a6 of the fiber 10a shown in FIG. 1a affects the properties of the artificial turf where it is provided. Increasing the curvature will increase the flexural stiffness of the fiber, as a result of which the fiber 10a does not have an unnecessarily flat orientation in the artificial lawn of which it forms part. However, increasing stiffness may decrease the play characteristics of the artificial turf, as it may lead to an increased risk of injury when playing on it, particularly when a sliding tackle occurs on it. .

However, reducing the stiffness will tend to give the fibers a flatter orientation while playing on the artificial turf. As a result, the functionality of the fiber with respect to the play characteristics of the artificial lawn will be lost. In the field "bare" patches will appear and the risk of injury is increased there.

Selective stiffness is therefore required on the one hand to prevent flat orientation and on the other hand to provide a relatively soft player-friendly artificial turf which nevertheless has a low risk of injury. An artificial fiber having these properties is in the example of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1A-1D .

Figure 1a shows that the fiber 10a has a curved formation, the curve radius 10a6 of Figure 1a is only representative. The present invention is not limited to the curvature shown in FIG. 1A , and it is also contemplated that more or less curved fibers are included in the examples of the present invention. The ratio between the concave surface radius 10a7 (R2) and the convex surface radius 10a8 (R1) is, in this example, less than 0.9, preferably between 0.6 and 0, more preferably between 0.35 and 0. The fiber shown in FIG. 1b has a flat surface at its concave side R2.

Besides stiffness, other properties of the fibers also affect the playability of artificial turf playgrounds. The fibers used herein to provide a natural-like artificial turf playground should also have optional flexibility and elasticity. Flexibility can prevent the fibers from splitting or cracking when subjected to high material stresses when play is made thereon. Resilience is necessary for the fiber to regain its upright orientation after the impact of forces applied thereon during play.

The fiber 10a shown in FIG. 1a tapers in the vicinity of the edges 10a1a, 10a1b and reaches its maximum thickness in the central portion 10a1c. The fiber 10a shown here has relatively thin edges 10a1a, 10a1b. Increasing this thickness will increase the stiffness of the fiber. The edges of 10a1a and 10a1b are preferably round. The fiber 10 according to the invention therefore not only has non-sharp edges which have a positive effect on the play characteristics, it also reduces the risk of injury, for example when sliding or tackling.

The centerline arc length 10a6 of the fiber 10a disclosed in FIG. 1a is the middle, central portion of the fiber It is clearly larger than the thickness T10a3, measured at 10a1c. The centerline arc length 10a6 is determined by, and is defined as, the length of the dotted line Rc 10a6 from one end of the fiber 10a1a to the other 10a1b. According to the present invention, the ratio (L/T) between the centerline arc length 10a6 and the maximum thickness 10a3 is less than 8, preferably between 4.5 and 3.8, more preferably between 4.4 and 4.0.

The linear mass density of the fibers according to one aspect of the invention and the preferred example disclosed in FIG. 1 is in the range between 1000 decitex and 2500 decitex. Since the central arc line length to thickness depends on the texture of the fiber, the thickness of the fiber or the central arc line length according to an aspect of the present invention is one of the decitex and the central arc line length and thickness. can be calculated when given

The aforementioned properties can vary, and an optimal combination of stiffness, flexibility and elasticity can be achieved according to an aspect of the invention, wherein the fiber is a fiber 10a having an L/T ratio as described above; , the fiber 10a shows improved properties. The study especially shows that the stiffness of the fiber 10a according to these aspects is significantly increased compared to the prior art fibers. The fiber 10a properties not only achieve sufficient elasticity and flexibility, but also exhibit flexural stiffness so that, in the case of the synthetic turf playground fiber of which the fiber 10a forms a part, it does not assume an unnecessarily flat orientation on an artificial turf or artificial turf playground. do, it is like that.

Such fibers according to one aspect of the invention and also according to FIGS. 1A-1D are preferably made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyamide, copolymer, or a blend of one or more of these polymers. In possible examples of the synthetic fiber, the fiber could thus be made of rubber, which is a permanently elastic synthetic polymer, or a synthetic (co)polymer, which will remain within the elastic range under load. there is.

The aforementioned properties can be varied and an optimal combination thereof can be achieved according to an aspect of the invention, wherein the fiber as shown in FIG. 1c is given a wavy pattern around its perimeter surface. 10c. The waveform pattern is provided with nodes 10c9b and antinodes 10c9a. The fiber 10c shown in FIG. 1c has unequal amounts of nodes 10c9b and antinodes 10c9a on both sides. The concave side of the fiber 10c, the side being above the central part 10c1c of the fiber 10c, is in this preferred example provided with 7 nodes 10c9b and 6 antinodes 10c9a. The convex side of the fiber 10c, the side being below the central portion 10c1c of the fiber 10c, is in this preferred example provided with 11 nodes 10c9b and 10 antinodes 10c9a. The nodes 10c9b of the fiber serve as stiffness-enhancing means, the size, amount and location of which can be varied to affect the stiffness required for a particular artificial lawn.

The way that the fiber 10c is provided with a corrugated surface increases its natural appearance. Light rays impinging on the surface of the fiber 10c are directed in a direction different from the direction in which they originated. Parallel rays impinging on a fiber 10c according to the invention having a corrugated surface will be directed in different directions. The amount of waves/antinodes and nodes and the size/dimension of the waves affects this light scattering effect. Studies have shown that fibers 10c according to the invention given a wavy pattern as shown in FIG. 1c have an increased light scattering effect and thus have this natural appearance more closely resembling real grass.

In Figure 2, a different and further example of the invention is shown, wherein the fiber 20 is provided with a wavy pattern that is a sinusoidal pattern. This pattern has a smoother transition in-between the positive 21a and negative antinodes 21b. The nodes 21c disclosed in FIG. 2 have no sharp edges. The smooth transition between the antinodes (positive 21a, and negative 21b) prevents the fiber from splitting or cracking, where an increased lifetime is achieved.

The fiber 20 shown in FIG. 2 has relatively small sharp edges 20a and 20b and an optimal L/T ratio of 3.8. However, this ratio is at most 5, preferably between 3 and 4.5, more preferably between 3.5 and 4, and as indicated above it is optimal at a ratio of 3.8. The concave side of the fiber 20 is provided with eight nodes 21c and seven antinodes 21a, 21b. In this figure, 10 nodes 21c and 9 antinodes 21a, 21b are provided on the convex side of the fiber 20, the other side under the central portion 20c of FIG. 20 .

3 , another example of the present invention is disclosed, wherein the fiber 30 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 31c and positive antinodes 31a. This pattern lacks the negative antinode, the sinusoidal negative side. The advantage of this pattern is that, as each positive antinode 31a functions as this stiffness enhancement means, it has a greater amount of stiffness enhancement means provided around it. In this example, the fiber 30 has relatively thin rounded edges 30a, 30b. The L/T ratio of the fiber 30 shown in FIG. 3 is at its optimum at 3.8.

7 (positive) antinodes 31a and 8 nodes 31c are provided on the concave side of the example of fiber 30 shown in FIG. 3 , and on its convex side of the fiber 30 9 (positive) antinodes 31a and Ten nodes 31c are provided.

4 discloses another example of the present invention, wherein the fiber 40 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around it. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 41c and negative antinodes 41b. These wavy patterns are. Because of its shape, it is expected that rays will be focused on the negative antinode 41b waves. As a result, a shadowing effect is achieved which increases the natural resemblance of the fiber 40 by giving it a more "dull" appearance. The L/T ratio of the fiber 40 shown in FIG. 4 is its optimum at 5.1. The concave side of one example of the fiber 40 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with 7 (negative) antinodes 41b and 8 nodes 41c. On its convex side, the fiber 40 is provided with 9 (negative) antinodes 41b and 10 nodes 41c.

5 , another example of the present invention is disclosed, wherein a fiber 50 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter. The wave-like pattern consists of nodes 51c and both negative antinodes 51b and positive antinodes 51a. This wavy pattern will have the effect of casting a shadow, which differs on the concave side of the fiber 50 relative to the convex side of the fiber 50. The fibers 50 may be provided in bundles on an artificial lawn or artificial grass field, and they tend to have different orientations with respect to each other. When looking at an artificial lawn or playground provided with these fibers 50, they appear to have different colors, which increases their natural appearance.

The L/T ratio of the fiber 50 shown in FIG. 5 is its optimum at 4.3. 7 (negative) antinodes 51b and 8 nodes 51c are provided on the concave side of an example of the fiber 50 shown in FIG. 5 , and on its convex side, the fiber 50 has 9 (positive) antinodes Fields 51a and ten nodes 51c are provided.

6 shows an example of the present invention, wherein the fiber 60 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter. The waveform pattern consists of both nodes 61c and positive antinodes 61a on its negative side with negative antinodes 61b on the positive side. This wavy pattern will have the effect of casting a shadow, which differs from the convex side of the fiber 60 on the concave side of the fiber 60. The fibers 60 tend to have different orientations with respect to each other and thus appear to have different colors, which increases their natural appearance.

The L/T ratio of the fiber 60 shown in FIG. 6 is its optimum at 4.3. 7 (positive) antinodes 61a and 8 nodes 61c are provided on the concave side of an example of the fiber 60 shown in FIG. 6 , and on its convex side, 9 (negative) antinodes in the fiber 60 Fields 61b and ten nodes 61c are provided.

Another example of the present invention is disclosed in FIG. 7 , wherein the fiber 70 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter, but the fiber, in cross-section, appears flat from the plate side. The wavy pattern, which in this example is a sinusoidal pattern, consists of both positive antinodes 71a along with nodes 71c and negative antinodes 71b. Such a sinusoidal pattern will reduce the risk of splitting or cracking due to a smooth transition at the nodes. The L/T ratio of the fiber 70 shown in FIG. 7 is its optimum at 2.7. The flat side of one example of the fiber 70 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with 7 (both positive and negative) antinodes 71a, 71b and 8 nodes 71c, on its convex side, the fiber 70 has Nine (both positive and negative) antinodes 71a, 71b and 10 nodes 51c are provided.

An example of the present invention is disclosed in FIG. 8 , wherein the fiber 80 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter, but the fiber, in cross-section, appears to be flat on one side. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 81c and positive antinodes 81a. The L/T ratio of the fiber 80 shown in FIG. 8 is its optimum at 2.7. The flat side of this example of the fiber 80 is provided with 7 (positive) antinodes 81a and 8 nodes 81c, and on its convex side, the fiber 80 has 9 (positive) antinodes 81a and Ten nodes 81c are provided.

9 , another example of the present invention is disclosed, wherein the fiber 90 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter, wherein the fiber, in cross-section, appears to be flat on one side. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 91c and negative antinodes 91b. The L/T ratio of the fiber 90 shown in FIG. 9 is its optimum at 2.9. The flat side of this example of the fiber 90 is provided with 7 (negative) antinodes 91b and 8 nodes 91c, and on its convex side, the fiber 90 has 9 (negative) antinodes 91b and Ten nodes 91c are provided.

10 , another example of the present invention is disclosed, wherein the fiber 100 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter, wherein the fiber, in cross-sectional view, appears flat from one side. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 101c and both positive and negative antinodes 101a, 101b. The L/T ratio of the fiber 100 shown in FIG. 10 is its optimum at 2.9. The flat side of this example of the fiber 100 is provided with 7 (negative) antinodes 101b and 8 nodes 101c, and on its convex side, the fiber 100 has 9 (positive) antinodes 101a and 10 Nodes 101c are provided.

11 , another example of the present invention is disclosed, wherein the fiber 110 has a curved cross-section with a wavy pattern around the perimeter, wherein the fiber, in cross-section, appears flat from one side. The waveform pattern consists of nodes 111c and both positive and negative antinodes 111a, 111b. The L/T ratio of the fiber 110 shown in FIG. 11 is its optimum at 2.9. The flat side of this example of the fiber 110 is provided with 7 (positive) antinodes 111a and 8 nodes 111c, and on its convex side, the fiber 110 has 9 (negative) antinodes 111b and Ten nodes 111c are provided.

12 and 13 show some examples of artificial turf fields, such as artificial turf playgrounds, in which synthetic fibers according to the present invention can be used. In both figures, the artificial lawn comprises a backing 1 and therein (the fibers 10a-d, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 ). , 100 and 110 ) are attached to the positions indicated by reference numeral 3 , for example by tufting or weaving. The extruded synthetic fibers 2 may each be attached to the backing 1 or may be, for example, bundles of twisted fibers 2a-2c. In FIG. 13 , the backing member has an open structure, and consists of supporting yarns 1a-1b in the form of a grid, to which synthetic fibers 2 are attached.

Claims (12)

A monofilament type synthetic fiber (20, 70) for use in artificial lawns, wherein the synthetic fiber has a curved cross-section, one side of the cross-sectional shape includes a convex side, and the other side comprises a concave side, wherein the synthetic fiber has a ratio of centerline arc length (L) to maximum thickness (T) of between 4.5 and 3.8;
At this time, the peripheral surface of the synthetic fiber is provided with a sine wave (wave) pattern,
the curved cross-section has a central portion having a maximum thickness T and tapered edges 20a, 20b, 70a, 70b having a minimum thickness,
The wavy pattern is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the fibers,
the antinodes of the wavy pattern on the convex side are located opposite the nodes of the wavy pattern on the other, concave side of the curved synthetic fiber,
wherein the wavy pattern on the convex side of the curved synthetic fiber has the same or greater number of antinodes as the wavy pattern on the other concave side of the curved synthetic fiber;
Synthetic fibers (20, 70).
The method of claim 1,
Synthetic fibers (20 and 70), with a ratio of centerline arc length (L) to maximum thickness (T) between 4.4 and 4.0.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
the synthetic fiber has a ratio of a convex surface radius (R1) to a concave surface radius (R2) of less than 0.9;
In this case, the convex surface radius R1 is the radius of a circle in which the convex surface is a part of the circumference of the circle,
The concave surface radius (R2) is the radius of the circle where the concave surface is the part of the circumference of the circle,
Synthetic fibers (20, 70).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Synthetic fibers are synthetic fibers (20, 70) with a linear mass density between 1000 dtex and 2500 dtex.
delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
A synthetic fiber ( 20 , 70 ) in which at least some of the undulations of the wavy pattern have dimensions different from other undulations seen around the same perimeter of the cross-section of the fiber.
delete The method of claim 1,
The artificial lawn is a synthetic fiber (20, 70) that is a sports lawn.
An artificial lawn comprising a substrate with artificial fibers according to claim 1 or 2.
An artificial turf playground comprising a substrate having artificial fibers according to claim 1 or 2.

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