WO2012110740A1

WO2012110740A1 - Fabric testing machine designed in particular to determine the acoustic properties of a fabric

Info

Publication number: WO2012110740A1
Application number: PCT/FR2012/050320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maxime LARDEUR; Nicolas SENIE; Jérémy BENOIT; Nicolas Bouche
Original assignee: Decathlon
Priority date: 2011-02-14
Filing date: 2012-02-14
Publication date: 2012-08-23
Also published as: FR2971590A1; FR2971590B1

Abstract

The subject of the present invention concerns a testing machine (100) for fabric (MT) in the form of a sleeve comprising a first end (E1) and a second end (E2), said testing machine (100) having: a) a first holding means (10) designed to receive and hold the first end (E1) of the fabric (MT) in position, and b) a second holding means (20) designed to receive and hold the second end (E2) of the fabric (MT) in position, the first holding means (10) being positioned with respect to the second holding means (20) such that the first holding means (10) is able to rotate about an axis (X) formed by the second holding means (20) in a circular movement (MC).

Description

TEST MACHINE FOR CONFINED FABRIC ESPECIALLY

TO DETERMINE THE ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF A FABRIC Technical Area

The object of the present invention relates to the field of testing machines, and more specifically to the field of fabric testing machines.

The object of the present invention relates more specifically to a test machine for testing tissue in the form of a sleeve comprising first and second ends.

The object of the present invention finds a particularly advantageous application for determining the acoustic properties of such a fabric.

The test machine according to the present invention, according to this advantageous application, thus makes it possible to determine the acoustic properties of a fabric, in particular in order to validate or not the use of this fabric for a specific use.

Other advantageous applications may also be envisaged in the context of the present invention.

State of the art

Depending on their destination and end use, it is desirable to have a garment made of a material or fabric that is more or less noisy.

As an example, it can be understood that a hunting jacket or a military jacket must have acoustic characteristics that allow its wearer a great deal of discretion.

Indeed, the movements of a fabric such as a movement relative to a friction or wrinkling can cause noise that is not acceptable if the wearer is in a situation that involves the strictest discretion.

In the same way, a clothing for the practice of a sport such as the fitness has to present a certain discretion on the acoustic level, the noise emitted by a wrinkling of fabric during a movement that can be very unpleasant for both the wearer of the garment and the people around him.

It is therefore interesting to be able to test the tissues in order to determine their acoustic properties.

There exist in the state of the art interesting solutions for such tests.

Among the existing interesting solutions, WO 96/22526 discloses a test machine configured to test the acoustic properties of a fabric.

This machine is mainly interested in the measurement of the sounds emitted by a fabric, and in particular the sounds emitted during a twist of this fabric.

For this purpose, the machine comprises specially configured means for measuring sounds of the "swiwhing sound" or "crumpling sound" type.

More specifically, the machine consists of tissue holding means consisting of two hollow cylinders which are facing one vis-à-vis the other.

The first cylinder remains fixed, while the second cylinder is able to rotate on itself thanks to a shaft arranged with a motor and a transmission member.

The test machine according to this document is intended to operate two types of tests:

The first test is a test in which the second cylinder turns 180 degrees in one direction and then 180 degrees in the other direction.

The second test is a test in which the second cylinder rotates 360 degrees in one direction or the other.

In other words, for the first as for the second test, the test machine in this document is configured to allow twisting of the fabric.

Indeed, the cylinders being facing each other on the same axis, and the second cylinder rotating relative to the first cylinder along this same axis, the first cylinder drives the fabric in a movement which is a movement corresponding to a simple twist, and not a crumpling motion.

The Applicant observes that such a movement is not realistic, and does not simulate sufficiently accurately and realistically the movements that are actually made by the wearer of a garment during a physical activity.

The Applicant further observes that such a movement does not make it possible to create enough noise.

Thus, the Applicant considers that the tests performed with the test machine according to WO 96/22526 offer first results which are certainly interesting, but which may be inaccurate or inaccurate.

The Applicant thus observes a manifest defect in terms of suitable test machines for this purpose: the Applicant considers that the state of the art does not propose satisfactory solutions allowing a simple and automatic (or semi-automatic) test to determine in particular the acoustic properties of a fabric, and make it possible to simulate as realistically as possible the relative movement of a fabric, in particular during a physical activity such as, for example, walking or running.

Summary of the object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective solution to the aforementioned problems among other problems, cost and manufacturing issues obviously being considered in the subject of the present invention.

One of the technical problems that the object of the present invention solves therefore consists in proposing a solution aiming at a realistic simulation of the movement carried out by a garment or at least a portion of clothing, in particular during the practice by its wearer of a physical activity. such as for example walking or running; such a movement of the fabric is described here, in the context of the present invention, crumpling motion. For this purpose, the subject of the present invention relates to a fabric testing machine.

More specifically, the test machine according to the present invention makes it possible to test a fabric in the form of a sleeve comprising first and second ends.

Of course, the test or other forms of tissue equivalent to a sleeve can also be performed by the test machine according to the present invention.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises a first holding means configured to receive and hold in position the first end of the fabric.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises a second holding means configured to receive and hold in position the second end of the fabric.

According to the present invention, the first holding means is arranged with the second holding means such that the first holding means is rotatable in a circular motion about an axis formed by the second holding means.

In other words, the circular movement of the first holding means relative to the second holding means is a circular translation which allows the first holding means to rotate about the axis formed by the second holding means.

This relative movement of the first means with respect to the second means allows the wrinkling of the fabric at its two ends, this so-called wrinkling movement corresponds to a very realistic movement which corresponds closely to the movement actually achieved by a garment or a portion of clothing during the practice by its wearer of a physical activity such as walking or running.

Advantageously, the first holding means is configured so that the circular movement of the first holding means around the axis formed by the second holding means is a uniform circular motion. Alternatively, this movement can also be an accelerated movement or slowed or jerky.

Advantageously, the first holding means is configured so that the circular movement of the first holding means around the axis formed by the second holding means has a predetermined frequency.

Preferably, this frequency is substantially between the order of 10 to 50 rotations per minute.

Advantageously, the second holding means is fixed.

Advantageously, the first holding means is mounted fixed on itself so that, during its circular movement about the axis formed by the second holding means, it does not turn on itself.

This advantageous characteristic ensures a good reliability and a good realism of the tests carried out by ensuring a good training of the fabric, and by optimizing the creasing movement realized.

Alternatively, during its circular movement, the first holding means can be configured so as to be able to rotate about itself at a determined angle of rotation which is preferably substantially between -15 ° to + 15 °.

This alternative configuration offers a degree of freedom or tolerance that allows for example to test fragile tissues, or in any case, which prevents tearing of the fabric during a crushing movement too violent.

Advantageously, the first holding means is eccentric with respect to the axis formed by the second holding means according to a determined distance, called the offset distance.

Preferably, this off-center distance is substantially between 1 and 60 millimeters.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises a first adjustment means configured to adjust the offset distance. Advantageously, the first holding means is spaced apart from the second means for maintaining a determined distance, referred to as the horizontal distance.

Preferably, this horizontal distance is substantially between about 160 to 240 millimeters.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises a second adjustment means configured to adjust the horizontal distance.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises an acoustic probe which is configured to measure the sound emitted by the fabric during the circular movement of the first holding means with respect to the second holding means.

Preferably, the first and second holding means each comprise a cylinder, preferably a metal cylinder.

According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the cylinder of the second holding means, said second cylinder, is hollow, and comprises in its interior the acoustic probe.

Alternatively, the cylinder of the first holding means, said the first cylinder, is hollow, and comprises in its interior the acoustic probe.

This configuration in one variant as in the other ensures an accurate measurement of the sound emitted by the fabric, without any unwanted noise, and being closer to the fabric.

Advantageously, the test machine according to the present invention comprises a processing module configured to process the emitted sound measured by the acoustic probe so as to determine at least one acoustic property of the fabric.

Preferably, the processing module is able to interrogate a database comprising at least one acoustic data relating to a predetermined acoustic property, then to compare the measured emitted sound with the said at least one acoustic data in order to determine the property or properties. acoustic of the fabric. Of course, it is understood that other equivalent methods of treatment may also be considered in the context of the present invention.

Advantageously, the first and second holding means respectively comprise a first and a second securing means configured to allow the joining of each of the ends of the fabric with the first and second holding means respectively.

Advantageously, the first and second holding means each have a coating in a material such as for example rubber to prevent possible slips and / or deterioration of the fabric.

Advantageously, the first and / or second holding means comprise (s) at least one through-hole to allow the pressure inside the fabric sleeve to be regulated, this regulation preferably being effected according to the atmospheric pressure.

Correlatively, the object of the present invention also relates to the use of a test machine as described above for testing a fabric in the form of a sleeve comprising first and second ends.

Thus, the object of the present invention, by its various functional aspects, its advantageous characteristics, and the specific arrangement of the first and second holding means between them, makes it possible to simplify and automate the tests in order to make it possible to simulate realistically the relative movement or movements of a garment or a portion of clothing made (e) at least partially by a fabric sleeve, and measure the acoustic properties accurately.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b to 4 annexed, which illustrate an embodiment thereof which is devoid of any limiting character and on which: - Figures la and lb respectively show schematically a sectional view and a side view of a test machine according to an advantageous embodiment.

FIG. 2 schematically represents the circular movement of the first holding means of a test machine according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically shows another sectional view of a test machine according to FIG. 1.

- Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a test machine according to Figures 1 and 3.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

A test machine according to an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1a and 1b to 4.

In the embodiment described here, the object of the present invention relates to a test machine 100 for fabric T in the form of a sleeve MT comprising a first El and a second E2 ends.

Of course, as mentioned above, it is conceivable to use the test machine 100 to test fabrics in other equivalent forms.

In any case, in the example described here, the textile products tested are samples in the form of a rectangular strip sewn along their small end so as to form a sleeve MT.

In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1a and 3, the test machine 100 according to the present invention comprises a first holding means 10 which is configured to receive and hold in position the first end E1 of the fabric MT.

In the embodiment described here, the first holding means 10 comprises a cylinder C1, here called first cylinder C1.

In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1a and 3, the test machine 100 according to the present invention comprises also a second holding means 20 which is configured to receive and hold in position the second end E2 of the fabric MT.

In the embodiment described here, the second holding means

20 comprises a cylinder C2, here called second cylinder C2.

In the example described here, the second cylinder C2 is a hollow cylinder.

Preferably, the first C1 and second C2 cylinders are made of a rigid material such as for example a metal or a metal alloy.

Thus, thanks to this cylindrical shape of the holding means 10 and 20, the user in charge of the conformity and validity tests of the fabric MT positions each of the ends E1 and E2 of the fabric sleeve MT around the cylinders C1 and C2.

The first and / or second holding means includes (s) at least one through-hole (not shown here) to allow the pressure inside the MT fabric sleeve to be regulated at atmospheric pressure.

In the embodiment described here, the first 10 and second holding means respectively comprise a first 11 and a second

21 securing means here consisting of circular ribbon clamping means 11 and 12 which allow the user to secure each of the ends E1 and E2 of the fabric MT respectively with the first 10 and second retaining means.

In the example described here, it is a tape-type clamping means of the key-ribbon type. Of course, other clamping means may also be considered in the context of the present invention such as for example so-called conventional straps or straps type of grasshopper straps.

In the embodiment described, the first 10 and second retaining means each have a coating in a material, said non-slip, with non-slip properties such as for example rubber.

Thus, by placing the ends E1 and E2 of the fabric MT respectively on the first C1 and second C2 rolls so that the fabric MT is in contact with the anti-slip material, and by joining the MT fabric to be tested on the cylinders C1 and C2 using the ribbon wrenches 11 and 12, the MT fabric is correctly positioned and will not move during the test or tests to be performed.

Other preoperative settings of the test machine 100 are still to be made by the user who must perform the tests.

In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in particular in Figures 1a and 1b, it is possible to adjust the offset distance (of) of the first holding means 10 relative to the axis X formed by the second means. 20. In the example described here, it is a slide system with locking means in position.

For this purpose, in the embodiment described here, the test machine 100 comprises a first adjustment means 30 which is configured to adjust this offset distance (of).

Preferably, this offset distance (of) can be understood, thanks to the first adjustment means 30, between of the order of 1 to 60 millimeters.

According to this offset distance (of), the fabric MT will be more or less creased during the test or tests, such an adjustment of the offset distance (de) advantageously allows to vary the noise emitted by a fabric during the test or tests.

Another setting of the machine 100 is also to be expected.

This is the adjustment of the horizontal distance (dh) between the first holding means 10 and the second holding means 20.

In the embodiment described here, this adjustment can be achieved by a second adjustment means 40 which adjusts the horizontal distance (dh) so that it is between about 160 to 240 millimeters . In the example described here, it is a slide system with locking means in position.

Once the different settings relating to the offset distance (of) and the horizontal distance (dh) are made by the user, the test (s) of the MT fabric can be started. For this purpose, as a reminder, allow to realistically simulate a movement corresponding as much as possible to the relative movements of a garment or a portion of clothing made of a fabric during the practice by its wearer of a physical activity. such as for example walking or running is one of the objectives of the present invention.

For this purpose, in the embodiment described here, the first holding means 10 is arranged with the second holding means 20 so that the first holding means 10 is able to rotate about the axis X which is formed by the second retaining means in a circular motion MC.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the second holding means 20 is fixed, and the first holding means 10 is fixedly mounted on itself so that during its circular movement, it does not turn on itself.

The circular motion can also be described as circular translation.

In the embodiment described, the drive of the first holding means 10 relative to the second holding means 20 is provided by a drive means consisting for example of an electric motor.

In the embodiment described here, this circular movement MC is uniform.

In the embodiment described here, the revolution frequency of the circular movement MC is substantially between about 10 to 50 rotations per minute.

It is one of the objectives of the present invention to permit precise determination of the acoustic properties of an MT fabric.

For this purpose, the test machine 100 according to the present invention comprises an acoustic probe 50 which is located in the hollow of the second cylinder C2 and which is configured to measure the sound emitted S by the fabric MT during the circular movement MC.

In the embodiment described here, the Applicant has established a specific database BD which includes several acoustic data SI, S2 and S3 relating to predetermined acoustic properties PI, P2 and P3 of a fabric: an acoustic data SI relating to a so-called "very noisy" fabric for the acoustic property P1, an acoustic data S2 relating to a so-called "low noise" fabric For the acoustic property P2, and an acoustic data S3 relating to a so-called "stealth" fabric for the acoustic property P3.

The test machine 100 comprises a specific processing module 60 which is able to interrogate this database BD, and which compares the measured emitted sound S by the acoustic probe 50 with the different acoustic data S1, S2 and S3 of the base BD. .

This comparison makes it possible to establish a correlation between the measured measured sound S and the data S1, S2 and / or S3.

The result of this comparison then makes it possible to determine the acoustic property PI, P2 or P3 of the fabric MT as a function of the sound emitted S measured by the acoustic probe 50 during the circular movement of the first means 10 relative to the second means 20.

Thus, thanks to the different technical characteristics of the test machine, it is possible to simulate a wrinkling movement of the fabric MT, to measure the sound emitted S by the fabric during this movement, and finally to determine the acoustic properties PI, P2 or P3 of the MT fabric, this for technical validation to make for example technical clothing or clothing for the practice of a sport or leisure.

It should be observed that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no case this description is of any nature limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims that follow.

Claims

A fabric test machine (100) (MT) in the form of a sleeve comprising a first (E1) and a second (E2) end, said test machine (100) comprising:

a) first holding means (10) configured to receive and hold in position the first end (E1) of the fabric (MT), and

b) a second holding means (20) configured to receive and hold in position the second end (E2) of the fabric (MT),

the test machine (100) being characterized in that the first holding means (10) is arranged with the second holding means (20) in such a way that the first holding means (10) is rotatable, according to a circular translation movement (MC), about an axis (X) formed by the second holding means (20).

2. Test machine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first holding means (10) is configured so that the circular translation movement (MC) of the first holding means (10) around the axis (X) formed by the second holding means (20) is a uniform circular translational movement.

Test machine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first holding means (10) is configured so that the circular translational movement (MC) of the first holding means (10) around the the axis (X) formed by the second holding means (20) has a predetermined frequency, said frequency preferably being between approximately 10 to 50 rotations per minute.

4. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second holding means (20) is fixed.

5. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first holding means (10) is fixedly mounted on itself so that, during its circular translational movement ( MC) around the axis (X) formed by the second holding means (20), said first holding means (10) does not turn on itself.

6. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first holding means (10) is eccentric with respect to the axis (X) formed by the second holding means ( 20) by a determined distance (of), said eccentric distance, said offset distance (of) being preferably substantially between 1 to 60 millimeters.

7. Test machine (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a first adjustment means (30) configured to adjust the offset distance (de).

8. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first holding means (10) is spaced from the second holding means (20) at a determined distance (dh), said horizontal distance, said horizontal distance (dh) being preferably substantially between the order of 160 to 240 millimeters.

9. Test machine (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a second adjustment means (40) configured to adjust the horizontal distance (dh).

10. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic probe (50) configured to measure the sound emitted (S) by the fabric (MT) during movement of translation circular (MC) of the first holding means (10) relative to the second holding means (20).

11. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first (10) and second (20) holding means each comprise a cylinder (C1, C2), preferably metal.

12. Test machine (100) according to claim 11 attached to claim 10, characterized in that the cylinder (C2) of the second holding means (20) is hollow, and comprises in its interior the acoustic probe (50).

13. Test machine (100) according to claim 10 and according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a processing module (60) configured to process the emitted sound (S) measured by the acoustic probe (50) so as to determine at least one acoustic property (PI, P2, P3) of the fabric (MT).

14. Test machine (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the processing module (50) is able to interrogate a database (BD) comprising at least one acoustic data (SI, S2, S3) relating to a predetermined acoustic property (PI, P2, P3), then comparing the measured emitted sound (S) with said at least one acoustic data so as to determine the acoustic property (PI, P2, P3) of the fabric (MT) .

15. Testing machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first (10) and second (20) holding means respectively comprise a first (11) and a second (21) means securing device configured to allow the joining of each of the ends (E1, E2) of the fabric (MT) with the first (10) and second (20) holding means respectively.

16. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the first (10) and second (20) holding means each have a coating in a material such as for example rubber for avoid any slipping and / or deterioration of the fabric.

17. Test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first (10) and / or the second (20) holding means comprises (s) at least one through hole to allow to regulate the pressure inside the fabric sleeve (MT) with the atmospheric pressure.

18. Use of a test machine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 for testing a fabric (MT) in the form of a sleeve comprising a first (El) and a second (E2) ends.