BE1023088B1 - SHOCK-DAMPING PROTECTION STRUCTURE SUITABLE FOR BROSSE AND / OR FRAGILE PRODUCTS - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a shock absorbing protective structure suitable for friable and / or frangible products, said structure being made of a spacer fabric comprising at least a first (11) and second (12) fabric, each fabric (11; 12) made up of one or more multiple fabric layers, and wherein both fabrics (11; 12) are joined together by binder threads (114).

Description

shock-absorbing protective structure suitable for brittle and / or fragile products

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shock-absorbing protective structure, a method for forming such a structure and the use of the spacer fabrics as a base material for shock-absorbing applications. The invention is especially useful as a protective material for brittle and fragile materials and products during, for example, transport or during processing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fabrics are often used in various fields of application such as interior applications, protective clothing or transport applications. A fabric can be used as a material per se, or as a component in a multi-layer structure or as a component in a final product. Often a fabric will serve as a supporting element, not only for an application to protect an object, but also to act as a coating support.

A fabric as a supporting element in the transport world can be found in, for example, the tarpaulin materials with which trucks are equipped. These are coated, technically flat fabric. The flat fabrics provide the final shape and support for the tarpaulins. You can also find a fabric as basic material for transport bags. Not only bags in which general cargo is transported (letters, loose goods), but also as carrier bags in which individual elements (eg car spoilers) can be transported as a recliner. Again these are almost always flat fabrics that are used to provide these transports.

However, these flat fabrics do not have the ability to absorb vibrations and shocks associated with transporting objects. Some materials that are intrinsically tear-sensitive and valuable want to be able to transport and process in a shockless, vibration-free manner. Flat fabrics are not sufficiently equipped for this. Distance fabrics do have the ability to absorb shocks. There is sufficient evidence in the literature that spacer tissues can absorb shocks. US8298644 describes a floor mat for a vehicle made from a spacer fabric such as possibly a 3D knit. The 3D aspect of the mat ensures that the vibrations linked to driving are absorbed. US2014304877 describes the use of a spacer fabric or a knit fabric in body-protective bullet-proof vests. The spacer tissue must thereby help to absorb the mechanical shock of projectiles. In this case, the spacer tissue dampens part of the shock. US 5908673 describes the use of a spacer fabric for use as a damping material as a wave barrier mat. The spacer fabric ensures that part of the impact is absorbed.

In the above inventions, spacer fabrics are made per se and processed in various applications. However, none of the spacer fabrics is equipped to deal with the transportation, processing, and support of crack-sensitive, valuable materials.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a shock and vibration-damping protective structure with the possibility of protecting materials that are susceptible to breakage or cracking. This structure must be able to transport, store, absorb vibrations during processing and reinforce valuable materials without damaging the valuable materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, this invention shows a protective structure with the features of claim 1. The preferred embodiment of the structure of this invention is defined in the dependent claims and the description below. This invention further relates to a method for forming a shock-absorbing protective structure.

A protective structure according to an embodiment of the invention has an improved shock and vibration-damping character. The structure shows high strength in three dimensions. This is favorable for using the spacer fabric as protection for the transport, processing, support and application of valuable materials.

The spacer fabric used in this invention (1) is a woven fabric that contains at least two layers (11, 12), each layer containing a number of weft (111) and warp (112, 113) threads. These fabric layers (11, 12) are connected by connecting threads (114) which are alternated with weft threads (111) of the different layers. So the connecting wires are interwoven with the different fabric layers.

In addition, the weft threads (111) are preferably of a different material than the warp threads (112, 113) and the connecting threads (114). The material used in the weft threads ensures that the spacer fabric can handle shear stresses and shocks that occur during the transport of valuable materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 4 show schematic sections of spacer fabrics. This cross-section is always taken in the warp direction of the spacer fabric. In each of the figures at least 2 or more fabric layers (11, 12, 13) can be seen schematically, with weft threads (111) being schematically visible in each fabric layer. Each fabric layer also has warp threads (112, 113). Connection wires (114) can be found between the fabric layers. The whole is in each case a spacer fabric (1). The figures are mutually distinctive.

Figure 1 is a schematic section of a possible structure of a spacer fabric with a constant thickness.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section of a possible structure of a spacer fabric with a constant thickness. However, several tissue layers (11, 12, 13) are present here.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of a possible structure of a spacer fabric with a constant thickness. In this case, however, several tissue layers (11) and (12) are present in the outer sides of the spacer fabric.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a possible structure of a spacer fabric with a constant thickness. Several connecting wires (114) are present here.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The spacer fabric (1) for this invention comprises at least a first (11) and a second (12) fabric layer. These layers are woven layers and contain a number of weft (111) and warp (112,113) threads, which determine the weft and warp direction of the spacer fabric.

The different fabric layers (11, 12) are mutually separated layers. They are connected to each other by connecting wires (114). These connecting threads are woven into the fabric layers between the weft threads (111) of the different fabric layers. The connecting wires (114) are also known by alternative names "spacer wires" or "pole warp wires". However, the term connecting wires is used in this text.

In a preferred embodiment, the connecting threads (114) are woven into the fabric layers with a weave pattern comprising (a) one or more alternations between the connecting threads and the weft threads (111) of the first fabric layer (b) a transition from the connecting threads to the next fabric layer, (c) one or more alternations between the connecting threads and the weft threads (111) of the next fabric layer. Optionally, the sequence (b) and (c) is repeated a number of times until a spacer fabric with a sufficient number of tissue layers is obtained. This depends on the required shock-absorbing properties and is not limited to a specific weight and tensile strength of the spacer fabric.

In the figures with the schematic section of the spacer fabrics, only two warp threads (112, 113) are indicated in the fabric layers (11, 12). However, the spacer fabrics in an embodiment of the present invention may comprise more than two warp threads. One or more connecting wires (114) are indicated in the schematic cross-sections of the figures. In a spacer fabric according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, one or more connecting wires may therefore also be used. This can be seen in Figure 4 where different connecting wires (114) are present. This makes it possible to more actively damp the shear forces that are present during transport, processing and other actions.

In the schematic sections of Figures 1 and 2, only one row of weft threads (111) is shown in the fabric layers (11, 12). In a spacer fabric according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, however, one or more rows of weft threads can be interwoven with the warp threads. This is specifically shown in Figure 3, where one fabric layer has two rows of weft threads (111). Due to this construction of several rows of weft threads, the final spacer fabric will be able to provide greater shock absorption.

The weave structure of each fabric layer (11) can be any weave pattern known in the art, for example a weave pattern as shown in Figure 1. Depending on the final application, a twill weave, a satin weave or a low-density warp and / or weave weave or weft threads.

The thickness of the spacer fabric (1), defined as the distance between the outer surfaces of the two outer fabric layers (11, 12), can vary from 0.2 to 1000 mm, preferably from 1 to 100 mm, and most preferably from 5 up to 60 mm. This thickness can be adjusted and changed at any location in the fabric.

As a result, the thickness can be adjusted at any location in the warp direction of the fabric. This thickness transition is preferentially gradual in nature.

The distance between two fabric layers, defined as the distance between the outer surfaces of two consecutive fabric layers, can vary from 0.2 to 300 mm, preferably from 1 to 100 mm, and most preferably from 5 to 60 mm. This distance can be adjusted and changed at any location in the fabric. As a result, the distance between two fabric layers can be adjusted at any location in the warp direction of the fabric. This thickness transition is preferentially gradual in nature.

The weight of the spacer fabric can vary from 50 to 4000 g / m2, or preferably from 100 to 600 g / m2 or most preferably from 200 to 400 g / m2.

The diameter of the wires used in the fabric layers can vary from 0.005 mm to 1.00 mm, or preferably from 0.01 mm to 0.30 mm, or most preferably from 0.08 mm to 0.20 mm.

The diameter of the connecting wires used between the fabric layers can vary from 0.005 mm to 1.00 mm, or preferably from 0.01 mm to 0.30 mm, or most preferably from 0.08 mm to 0.20 mm.

Each of the weave and connecting threads of the spacer fabric may consist of bands, monofilament or multifilament threads. It is also possible that the warp, or weft, or connecting threads are different in character. For example, a warp thread can be a multifilament thread, while the connecting thread is a monofilament. Each of these wires can also have different properties, such as the chemical composition or physical properties.

To operate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the threads of the spacer fabric are of interest. In order to have a sufficiently strong spacer fabric that can adequately damp the shocks and vibrations, the correct materials for the wires must be used. In a preferred embodiment, the wires from the spacer fabric consist at least of two distinguishing materials. The threads used in the weft threads (111) on the one hand and the warp threads (112, 113) and connecting threads (114) on the other hand are preferentially distinctive or each contain at least 2 distinctive materials. The distinction ensures that the wires have different rigidity moduli, so that they can adequately absorb the shear stresses during transport.

Each of the warp weave (112, 113) and connecting threads (114) may consist of one or more materials from different ratios selected from (1) natural threads such as and not limited to, cotton, wool, flax, kenaf, other bast fibers, silk or (2) ceramic threads such as and not limited to basalt fibers, glass fibers or (3) metallic threads such as and not limited to stainless steel fibers, copper fibers or (4) synthetic threads such as and not limited to polyamide, polyester, carbon, aramid, polyurethane, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride or various copolymers and blends of the foregoing. Each of the warp (112, 113) and connecting threads (114) may consist of mutually distinctive materials. Ceramic wires such as glass fibers or basalt fibers are preferably used.

Each of the weft threads (111) of the spacer fabric may consist of one or more materials from different ratios selected from (1) natural threads such as and not limited to, cotton, wool, flax, kenaf, other bast fibers, silk or (2) ceramic threads such as and not limited to basalt fibers, glass fibers or (3) metallic threads such as and not limited to stainless steel fibers, copper fibers or (4) synthetic threads such as and not limited to polyamide, polyester, carbon, aramid, polyurethane, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride or various copolymers and mixtures of the foregoing. Each of the weft threads (111) from the different fabric layers (11, 12) can consist of mutually distinctive materials. Synthetic threads such as polyester are preferably used.

Each of the fabric layers (11, 12) may have an open space formed by holes in the woven structure. This can vary from 0% to 95%, preferably from 20% to 80%, depending on the technique used. The spacer fabric may contain holes in the woven structure of the fabric layers with a size in the range of 50 to 1500 µm, preferably from 300 to 1000 µm. The different fabric layers in this invention can have different gradations in open space.

The spacer fabrics are characterized by various mechanical parameters, such as, for example, the tensile modulus, the strength, elongation at break, tear strength.

Spacer fabrics preferentially of this invention have high strength. This strength is expressed as tensile strength of the fabric. According to this invention, it should preferably be at least 10 N / mm 2, measured in the weft or the warp direction of the fabric. The tensile strength is preferably at least 30 N / mm 2.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the spacer fabrics are further processed in a packaging material for valuable, crack-sensitive, materials. These valuable materials include natural stones such as granite and marble, ceramic materials such as glass and porcelain. As packaging material, the spacer fabrics provide a shock and vibration-damping function and also absorb the shear stresses associated with transport. This processing can be done, not limited to, impregnating the spacer fabric with self-curing coatings such as acrylic coatings, polyvinyl chloride coatings, polyurethane coatings, polyester coatings, epoxy coatings, phenolic resins, other synthetic or natural resins.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the spacer fabrics are further processed as a protective material for processing valuable, crack-sensitive materials. Operations include sawing, milling, grinding, placing natural stones, (locally) reinforcing natural stone, moving or loading ceramic materials. As protective material, the spacer fabrics provide a supportive function, as well as impact protection for all mechanical vibrations associated with the above operations. The processing into the protective material can be done, not limited to, impregnating the spacer fabric with self-curing coatings such as acrylic coatings, polyvinyl chloride coatings, polyurethane coatings, polyester coatings, epoxy coatings, phenolic resins, other synthetic or natural resins or the injection of natural or synthetic foams.

Specific examples of the spacer fabrics (1) suitable for use in accordance with the present invention are summarized in Table 1.

• PET means a 100% multifilament polyester thread • GL means a 100% multifilament glass thread • Aramid means a 100% multifilament aramid thread • MONO means a 100% monofilament polyester thread • GL / PET means a multifilament thread consisting of multifilament glass and polyester in every possible ratio • Flax means a 100% multifilament flax thread • Basalt means a 100% multifilament basalt thread • Carbon means a 100% multifilament carbon thread.

EXAMPLES

Specific examples of spacer fabrics according to the invention are shown in Table 1.

The example below describes how to make a packaging material suitable for transporting porcelain trays. Porcelain is a ceramic material that is very sensitive to micro-cracks that expand further and can break the material in its entirety. Porcelain wants to come into contact with vibrations and shocks as little as possible.

The spacer fabric according to the invention AW001 is a spacer fabric in which both the connecting and warp threads consist of multifilament glass wire. The connecting threads used have a lower dtex than the used warp threads. This is because the physical strength in the two-dimensional fabric surface must be higher than the strength in the dimension of the connecting wires. The weft threads used for this spacer fabric are multifilament glass threads. The whole is impregnated in an epoxy resin, in this case paint epoxy from Vosschemie. After curing, an impregnated spacer fabric is hereby obtained which can effortlessly absorb shocks occurring during the transport of ceramic materials such as porcelain.

Claims (12)

C O N C L U S I E S A shock-absorbing protective structure suitable for brittle and / or breakable products, characterized in that said structure is made from a spacer fabric comprising at least a first (11) and second (12) fabric, wherein each fabric (11; 12) composed of one or several fabric layers, wherein both fabrics (11; 12) are connected to each other by means of connecting wires (114). Shock-absorbing protective structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first (11) and second (12) fabric is adjustable according to the chain direction. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance between the first and second fabric can be varied between 0.2 and 1000 mm. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second fabric comprises warp and weft threads, wherein the warp and weft threads are made of a different material. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second fabric comprises warp and weft threads, wherein the warp and weft threads are made of the same material. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the warp threads and the said connecting threads are made of multifilament glass thread. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protective fabric is impregnated with a hardening material. Shock-absorbing protective structure according to claim 7, characterized in that the curing material is epoxy resin. Method for forming a shock-absorbing protective structure, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: - forming a spacer fabric comprising at least a first (11) and second (12) fabric, each fabric (11; 12) built up from one or more fabric layers, wherein both fabrics (11; 12) are connected to each other by means of connecting wires (114); - impregnating the formed fabric with a hardening material; - curing the impregnated fabric. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the curing material is epoxy resin. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the connecting threads and the warp threads and weft threads of the first and second fabric are made from a multifilament glass thread. Use of a spacer fabric impregnated with a hardening material comprising at least one first (11) and second (12) fabric (12), each composed of one or more fabric layers, the two fabrics being connected to each other by means of connecting wires (114) as a shock-absorbing protective structure for brittle and / or fragile materials.