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EP1009871B1 - Methods and devices for producing a streamlined lap and a continuous textile product - Google Patents

Methods and devices for producing a streamlined lap and a continuous textile product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1009871B1
EP1009871B1 EP98909539A EP98909539A EP1009871B1 EP 1009871 B1 EP1009871 B1 EP 1009871B1 EP 98909539 A EP98909539 A EP 98909539A EP 98909539 A EP98909539 A EP 98909539A EP 1009871 B1 EP1009871 B1 EP 1009871B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fleece
output conveyor
web
folds
segments
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98909539A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1009871A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Pierre Bioul
Michel Pene
Bernard Jourde
Robert Jean
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Asselin Thibeau SAS
Sommer Industrie
Original Assignee
Asselin SA
Sommer Industrie
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1009871A1 publication Critical patent/EP1009871A1/en
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Publication of EP1009871B1 publication Critical patent/EP1009871B1/en
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01G—PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF FIBRES, e.g. FOR SPINNING
    • D01G25/00—Lap-forming devices not integral with machines specified above

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for producing a sheet of fibers with non-uniform thickness profile.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for create a continuous textile product with a profile transversal non-uniform.
  • the present invention also relates to a device spreader spreader and a device for manufacturing a continuous textile product for the implementation of these processes.
  • the veil is deposited in segments tilted alternately in one direction and the other, which overlap.
  • the folds between successive segments are aligned along the lateral edges of the produced web.
  • Such a sheet generally has a thickness profile uniform throughout its width.
  • FR-A-2 234 395 teaches the speed relationships to be respected in the spreader for to control the thickness of the tablecloth.
  • the sheet may have a profile of variable thickness in varying the speed of the carriage which lays the veil in a variable point of the width of the exit carpet, by relative to the speed of the carpets that convey the veil to this cart. If in a given position of width of the tablecloth, the cart moves at a higher speed to that to which he unwinds the veil, the veil is stretched and this reduces the thickness of the web at this location. If, on the other hand, the speed of the carriage is lower than speed of unwinding, the veil is deposited in a form compressed which increases the thickness of the tablecloth at this location.
  • This method of profiling the tablecloth has certain limitations. Stretches and compressions of the veil do. can be positioned precisely because there is a distance between the point where the sail comes out of the carriage and the place where it is deposited on the exit conveyor. In addition, particularly with certain types of fiber, tensile or compressive stresses imposed on the sail tend to be transmitted to certain regions of the veil, just before or just after the zone for which specific traction or compression was desired. Finally, the traction or compression imposed on the sail does not may not without risks exceed certain limits.
  • DE-C-100 658 and DE-A-195 27 416 disclose processes in which two successive laps are performed. To prevent the longitudinal edges of the first tablecloth form transverse edges on the second web, said longitudinal edges are made bevel. For this, some of the folds between segments of the first topping are slightly shifted laterally towards inside the first tablecloth. The goal of this provision is obtaining a final textile product having a regular longitudinal profile. The product from second topping has a uniform transverse profile.
  • DE-A-42 34 354 describes a deposit of sails elementary elements with staggered edges, so as to elementary veils between them. This results in a thickness and a reduced surface weight, along the edges, which must be removed by a section designated by the reference "T", so that the product which is then needled has a uniform transverse profile.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a process and a device to achieve more efficiently a web of fibers and a continuous textile product with a profile of thickness and / or uneven surface weight, in particular staggered, across the width of the web.
  • the method for producing a layer of fibers having a stepped profile in depositing on an exit conveyor of the sail segments successive transversals connected to each other by folds made alternately in one direction and the other by inversion of the transverse direction in which the veil is deposited, a process in which different locations of the conveyor width of exit some at least successive folds of the same direction, is characterized in that pleats positioned according to minus one line between the lateral edges of the tablecloth form a shoulder between two longitudinal zones of the tablecloth.
  • the method to create a continuous textile product with a profile cross-section of non-uniform thickness in which a layer of fibers by depositing on an exit conveyor of a crosslapper, transverse web segments successive connected to each other by folds made alternately in one direction and the other by inversion transverse direction in which the veil is deposited, while positioned in different locations exit conveyor width at least some of the folds successive ones of the same meaning, is characterized in that the non-uniform profile of the web is substantially preserved in transverse orientation of the continuous textile product until the end of a subsequent consolidation step.
  • the amplitude of a segment will be called the distance between the two folds delimiting this segment.
  • the successive segments can have different amplitude and do not all cover the same region of the width of the output conveyor.
  • the number overlapping layers of sail is not the same in all regions of the width of the web.
  • the fold position can be chosen with a relatively high accuracy, the profile of the resulting sheet respects clear and precise way the desired theoretical profile.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for to produce a sheet whose profile has at least one variation of relatively abrupt thickness.
  • the lapping spreader shown in perspective in the figure 1 includes a feed mat 1 which collects the veil of fibers 2 resulting for example from a not shown card and carries it in the enclosure 3 of the spreader, where the veil is folded into a sheet 4 coming out of the enclosure 3 by an exit conveyor 6.
  • the carpet feed 1 is driven at a speed that is typically a constant speed in the direction of the arrows 7 penetrating the fiber web 2 in the chamber 3, by means of an electric motor 8.
  • the output conveyor 6 is driven in the direction of the arrows 9 making out the layer 4 of the enclosure 3, by means of an electric motor 11.
  • the rotational speed of the motor 11 can be constant, or, alternatively, vary for example like this is described in FR-A-2 234 395.
  • the pinch zone 16 ends between a cylinder of guide 17 supporting the feed belt 1 and a guide cylinder 18 supporting the rear carpet 12, which define between them a slot of unwinding of the veil 2 opening down over the exit conveyor 6.
  • the longitudinal direction of the carpet 1 and the rear carpet 12 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6.
  • the reel slot 19 is therefore parallel to the direction longitudinal of the exit conveyor 6.
  • the circuit followed by the feed belt 1 and the back carpet 12 to the interior of the enclosure 3 is not represented in all because it can take any known form, for example, according to FR-A-2 234 395, EP-A-0 517 563, FR-A-2,553,102 etc ...
  • the two cylinders 17 and 18 defining the slot of 19 are carried by a topping carriage 21 which is only very schematically represented in FIG.
  • carriage 21 is coupled to a drive means 22 such an endless toothed belt bypassing two pulleys 23, 24.
  • One of the pulleys 23 is connected to the shaft of an electric drive motor 26 capable of operate in both directions, to be able to move the trolley 21 back and forth parallel to the direction transverse of the output conveyor 6 as illustrated arrows 27.
  • Two guide rails, of which only one 28 is shown in Figure 2 to simplify this, can be provided on both sides of mats 1 and 12 for support and guide the carriage 21 in its movement of and comes according to the arrows 27.
  • the carriage 21 may comprise rollers rolling in the 28. Any other appropriate means of guidance is possible.
  • the drive motor 26 of the topping carriage 21 is controlled by a control unit 29 itself connected or part of a programming desk 31 ( Figure 1).
  • the control unit 29 defines at every moment the speed of the motor 26, and therefore on the one hand the amplitude of the movement back and forth of the topping carriage 21 and on the other hand the laws of speed and acceleration of the carriage, in particular during slowdown, shutdown and re-acceleration in the opposite direction at each change of direction of the carriage 21.
  • the veil 2 follows between its entry into the enclosure 3 by means of the feed belt 1 and its exit through the unwinding slot 19, a path of variable geometry, which passes through an upper carriage (not shown).
  • the purpose of these provisions is to achieve inside the enclosure 3 a variable accumulation of sail 2, to make an adaptation between the location fixed where the veil 2 penetrates at constant speed into the machine by the feed belt 1 and the location variable where the slot 19 unwinds the veil 2.
  • This adaptation can be achieved by a simple mechanical coupling between the two carriages as described in FR-A-2,553,102.
  • more sophisticated commands described in particular in FR-A-2 234 395 make it possible to establish a speed report variable between the two carriages to control the thickness deposition of the veil 2 on the output conveyor 6 despite the inevitable variations in the absolute speed of the trolley of 21.
  • mechanical coupling between the two trolleys is not planned.
  • the unit of control 29 has a link 32 with an engine drive the upper carriage to drive the truck superior in a coordinated manner with the trolley of 21.
  • the control unit 29 is connected to the motor 13 to control the speed of the rear carpet 12 of way it equals the speed of carpet 1 at all instant in the pinch zone 16.
  • the FR-A-2 553 102 shows however that in certain configurations of machine where the pinch zone makes a turn around of a guide cylinder, both mats can be driven by the same engine coupled to this cylinder and suitably speed-driven in correlation with the back and forth movements of the lapper carriage 21.
  • a segment 2b is in formation, it started by a fold 2ab which separates it from segment 2a which has just been finished, and it will end with a 2bc fold in the other meaning, ie to the left, which will separate him from segment 2c next.
  • the folds are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6 and the web 4.
  • the folds of the same meaning that succeed each other along the tablecloth 4, instead of being all superimposed along a corresponding lateral edge of the tablecloth as the state of the art taught, are at otherwise offset laterally with respect to other.
  • the folds 2ab to left of the tablecloth and 2da to the right of the tablecloth are adjacent to the respective lateral edge of the web 4, while that the folds 2cd and 2bc are shifted towards the inside of the tablecloth 4.
  • the topping is performed in a repeating pattern comprising the four aforementioned segments 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d defined by the folds 2da, 2ab, 2bc and 2cd which delimit them.
  • the repetitive execution of this lapping pattern produces, in the example shown, four rows of folds, corresponding respectively to folds 2ab and 2da forming the edges side of the tablecloth 4, and two rows 2bc and 2cd located at a certain distance from the longitudinal edges of the tablecloth.
  • a central zone 4a located between the folds 2bc and 2cd the thickness of the sheet is maximum because all segments are present.
  • Figure 3 shows the folding diagram of the sail 2 on the output conveyor 6.
  • Figure 4 shows the profile of web obtained, with a shoulder 4ab and 4ac between the central zone 4a and each lateral band 4b, 4c.
  • the shoulders 4ab, 4ac form along the folds 2cd and 2bc respectively.
  • the thickness variations of the tablecloth correspond to variations in surface weight corresponding along the transverse profile of the web.
  • a programming step is added during start-up preparations of the spreader by means of the programming panel 31.
  • This step is to ask the user to define the sequence of races that the lapper carriage must perform to produce the topping pattern.
  • the user may have to define for example the number of market reversals of trolley (number of pattern folds) and the position of each of these reversals (position of the folds of the pattern) relative to the transverse dimension of the conveyor of 6. Taking into account such instructions by the spreader and in particular by the control unit 29 is within the reach of the skilled person since the spreaders of the trade are able to work in different tablecloth widths.
  • the lateral edges of the veil 2 do not form any variation in thickness along the sheet 4.
  • the user chooses the speed of the output conveyor 6 by displaying the choice of the value "n".
  • n 4
  • the spreader executes four lapping patterns while the output conveyor 6 advances the web 4 on the distance L.
  • each pattern includes four segments it there is therefore, in every point of the length of the sheet, sixteen sail thicknesses in the central zone 4a and, by therefore, only eight thicknesses in each band lateral 4b, 4c.
  • each pattern of topping includes a segment (2a) extending over the entire width of the web, a segment (2b) covering only the central zones 4a and one of the lateral bands 4b, a segment (2c) covering only the central zone 4a, and a segment (2d) covering only the central zone 4a and the other sideband 4b.
  • each tablecloth pattern comprises six segments 2a-2f, among which segments 2f and 2a cover the central zone 4a and one of the sidebands 4b; two other segments successive 2c and 2d cover the central zone 4a and the other sideband 4b, while segments 2b and 2e do not cover as the central area 4a.
  • the profile obtained is similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, except that the thickness of the lateral bands 4b and 4c is equal to third of the thickness of the central band 4a.
  • each pattern of topping corresponds to two successive layering patterns of FIG. 3 with the only difference that fold 2cd is moved from the shoulder 4ab to the lateral edge of the tablecloth.
  • the segments 2c and 2d which are connected by this fold are lengthened correspondingly.
  • the fold 2gh corresponding to the other fold 2cd of the two patterns of successive layering of Figure 3 still extends along of the shoulder 4ab.
  • the tablecloth is thus made asymmetrical shown in Figure 8, where the band 4b extending between the folds 2cd and 2gh is a one and a half times thicker than the other sideband 4b, which is, as before, half as thick as central area 4a.
  • FIG. 9 shows that it is possible avoid having to make segments covering only the thicker central area 4a.
  • the tablecloth pattern is consisting of pairs of segments 2b, 2c; 2nd, 2f corresponding to a round-trip of the veil between one of the side edges of the web and shoulder 4ac respectively 4ab furthest from this edge. These pairs are separated by segments 2a; 2d covering the whole width of the tablecloth.
  • Figures 9 and 10 also shows that the 4ab and 4ac shoulders layout is not necessarily symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tablecloth.
  • all the folds in one of the senses 2ab, 2cd are adjacent to a first edge lateral of the tablecloth.
  • One 2bc folds in the other direction is adjacent to the other side edge of the web.
  • the other fold 2da in said other direction coincides with a shoulder 4 of formed by the web between a lateral extra thickness 4d, and a thinner zone 4e of the web.
  • the extra thickness 4d is adjacent to the first side edge of the web between the folds 2ab and 2cd on one side, and the folds 2bc on the other.
  • FIG. 13 and 14 shows that it is possible to realize a thickness 4d and respectively 4f along each side edge of the web, from other of a central zone 4th less thick.
  • the reason for tablecloth is composed of two half-motifs each of which is the same as in Figure 9 except that segments 2b, 2c, 2h and 2i covering only a portion of the width of the web, from one of the side edges thereof, have a amplitude too small for them to overlap segments 2e, 2f, 2k and 21 covering only part of the width of the web from the other side edge thereof. he there is therefore in the central zone 4e only segments 2a, 2d, 2g, 2j covering the entire width of the web.
  • the sideband 4d is delimited by a Shoulder 4de relatively abrupt because the folds 2bc and 2hi that form it in every tablecloth pattern are exactly Bunk.
  • the shoulder 4ef separating the other lateral band 4f of the 4th central zone is softened as it there is a slight lateral shift "d" between folds 2ef and 2kl which form this shoulder.
  • the two half-patterns of the Figure 13 are identical.
  • the excess thicknesses 4d and 4f are offset towards the inside of the sheet by corresponding shift of segments 2b and 2c as well as folds 2ab, 2bc and 2cd which delimit them.
  • segments 2e and 2f and the folds 2de, 2ef and 2fg which delimit them.
  • the layering pattern includes folds 2gh, 2hi, 2ij and 2ja adjacent to the side edges of the web, as well as segments connecting these folds together and with the rest of the tablecloth pattern.
  • the profile obtained is the one represented in FIG. 16, with weak sidebands 4b and 4c.
  • Figures 17 and 18 corresponds to another embodiment to form two ribs 4d and 4f each located at a certain distance from the longitudinal edge of the web.
  • the reason for topping is a half pattern of Figures 13 and 14 but in which segment 2a is replaced by three segments 2g, 2h and 2a. Segment 2h has a terminal zone which overlaps the 2nd and 2nd segments and another area terminal that overlaps segments 2b and 2c to form the extra thicknesses 4d and 4e respectively, which can therefore have a very small width for the same reasons as the excess thickness 4a of Figures 9 and 10.
  • Each end of the segment 2h is connected with the edge opposite side of the sheet by a fold 2gh and respectively 2ha and a segment 2g and 2a respectively.
  • Folds 2gh and 2ha form the outer longitudinal edge of the ribs 4d. and respectively 4f, while the folds 2bc and 2ef define the inner longitudinal edges of said ribs.
  • Figures 19 and 20 is identical to that of Figures 17 and 18 except that in each pattern of topping, each pair of segments 2b, 2c; 2nd, 2f does not covering only one lateral band and an adjacent rib 4b and 4d; 4f and 4c is replaced by two superimposed pairs 2b, 2c and 2j, 2k; 2nd, 2f and 21, 2m. This has the effect of make the sidebands 4b and 4c thicker than the central area 4a.
  • Figure 21 illustrates that at the exit of the crosslapper 41, which may be that of FIGS. 2, the sheet 4 with in the example three zones 4a, 4b, 4c separated by two shoulders 4ab and 4ac is guided by appropriate means symbolized by reference 44, to a consolidation machine 42, typically a needling machine.
  • the means 44 are at least partly constituted by the conveyor 6 of the crosslapper 41.
  • the non-uniform profile staged produced by the spreader 41 is still in transverse orientation when passing through the needling 42. This means in particular that the sheet 4 does not undergo any intermediate treatment such as second topping that would change this orientation.
  • the product textile moves in a straight line from the exit of the crosslapper 41 at the entrance to the needling machine 42.
  • the textile product obtained has a profile in which found essentially the resulting profile of the glaze, with in the example three zones of continuous thickness 43a, 43b, 43c separated by two shoulders 43ab and 43ac, although that the needling has considerably compacted the profile.
  • the invention is not limited to examples described and represented, the purpose of which is not to make an exhaustive list of possibilities but to show by which means the relative thicknesses, the symmetries and dissymmetries, the number of thickness ranges different, and the mode of transition between two beaches of different thickness, can vary almost to infinity by the methods and devices according to the invention.
  • the invention is compatible with any provision varying the thickness, especially the degree positive or negative stretching of the veil deposited on the output conveyor. This allows to combine the variations thickness more or less abrupt due to the invention with more gradual variations between different points of the width of the same zone of thickness defined by the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a stretcher comprising a carriage (21) subjected to a back-and-forward motion (2) for depositing in successive segments (2a ... 2d) a web of fibres (2) on an outgoing conveyor (6) moving along a direction (9). In order to produce ranges of different plies in the transverse profile of the lap (4) formed on the outgoing conveyor (6) by the web deposited in mutually overlapping segments, the points of inversion of direction (21) in the backward and forward motion of the carriage are different. As a result the successive folds (2ab, 2cd; 2bc, 2da) of the same direction are differently positioned, and the number of web plies in the lap is not the same over the whole width of the lap. The invention is useful for streamlining the lap freely and accurately.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé pour réaliser une nappe de fibres à profil d'épaisseur non uniforme.The present invention relates to a method for producing a sheet of fibers with non-uniform thickness profile.

La présente invention concerne aussi un procédé pour réaliser un produit textile continu ayant un profil transversal non-uniforme.The present invention also relates to a method for create a continuous textile product with a profile transversal non-uniform.

La présente invention concerne également un dispositif étaleur nappeur et un dispositif de fabrication d'un produit textile continu pour la mise en oeuvre de ces procédés.The present invention also relates to a device spreader spreader and a device for manufacturing a continuous textile product for the implementation of these processes.

Pour réaliser une nappe de fibres, destinée en général à un traitement ultérieur, notamment un traitement de consolidation par aiguilletage, il est connu d'utiliser un étaleur nappeur qui a pour fonction de plier en zigzag sur un convoyeur de sortie, un voile composé de fibres longitudinales.To produce a sheet of fibers, generally intended for subsequent treatment, including treatment with consolidation by needling, it is known to use a spreader spreader whose function is to fold zigzag on an exit conveyor, a veil made of fibers longitudinal.

Dans cette machine, le voile est déposé en segments inclinés alternativement dans un sens et dans l'autre, qui se chevauchent. Les plis entre segments successifs sont alignés le long des bords latéraux de la nappe produite.In this machine, the veil is deposited in segments tilted alternately in one direction and the other, which overlap. The folds between successive segments are aligned along the lateral edges of the produced web.

Une telle nappe a en général un profil d'épaisseur uniforme sur toute sa largeur. Le FR-A-2 234 395 enseigne les relations de vitesse à respecter dans l'étaleur pour maítriser l'épaisseur de la nappe. Selon le EP-A-0 315 930, la nappe peut avoir un profil d'épaisseur variable en faisant varier la vitesse du chariot qui dépose le voile en un point variable de la largeur du tapis de sortie, par rapport à la vitesse des tapis qui acheminent le voile jusqu'à ce chariot. Si en une position donnée de la largeur de la nappe, le chariot se déplace à une vitesse supérieure à celle à laquelle il dévide le voile, le voile est étiré et cela réduit l'épaisseur de la nappe à cet emplacement. Si au contraire la vitesse du chariot est inférieure à la vitesse de dévidement, le voile est déposé sous une forme comprimée qui augmente l'épaisseur de la nappe à cet emplacement.Such a sheet generally has a thickness profile uniform throughout its width. FR-A-2 234 395 teaches the speed relationships to be respected in the spreader for to control the thickness of the tablecloth. According to EP-A-0 315 930, the sheet may have a profile of variable thickness in varying the speed of the carriage which lays the veil in a variable point of the width of the exit carpet, by relative to the speed of the carpets that convey the veil to this cart. If in a given position of width of the tablecloth, the cart moves at a higher speed to that to which he unwinds the veil, the veil is stretched and this reduces the thickness of the web at this location. If, on the other hand, the speed of the carriage is lower than speed of unwinding, the veil is deposited in a form compressed which increases the thickness of the tablecloth at this location.

Ce mode de profilage de la nappe présente certaines limitations. Les étirements et compressions du voile ne. peuvent être positionnés de manière précise car il y a une distance entre l'endroit où le voile sort du chariot et l'endroit où il se dépose sur le convoyeur de sortie. En outre, notamment avec certains types de fibres, les contraintes de traction ou de compression imposées au voile tendent à se transmettre à certaines régions du voile, déposées juste avant ou juste après la zone pour laquelle une traction ou une compression déterminée était souhaitée. Enfin, la traction ou la compression imposée au voile ne peut pas sans risques excéder certaines limites.This method of profiling the tablecloth has certain limitations. Stretches and compressions of the veil do. can be positioned precisely because there is a distance between the point where the sail comes out of the carriage and the place where it is deposited on the exit conveyor. In In addition, particularly with certain types of fiber, tensile or compressive stresses imposed on the sail tend to be transmitted to certain regions of the veil, just before or just after the zone for which specific traction or compression was desired. Finally, the traction or compression imposed on the sail does not may not without risks exceed certain limits.

Le DE-C-100 658 et le DE-A-195 27 416 décrivent des procédés dans lesquels on exécute deux nappages successifs. Pour éviter que les bords longitudinaux de la première nappe forment des rebords transversaux sur la seconde nappe, lesdits bords longitudinaux sont réalisés en biseau. Pour cela, certains des plis entre segments du premier nappage sont légèrement décalés latéralement vers l'intérieur de la première nappe. Le but de cette disposition est l'obtention d'un produit textile final ayant un profil longitudinal régulier. Le produit issu du deuxième nappage a un profil transversal uniforme.DE-C-100 658 and DE-A-195 27 416 disclose processes in which two successive laps are performed. To prevent the longitudinal edges of the first tablecloth form transverse edges on the second web, said longitudinal edges are made bevel. For this, some of the folds between segments of the first topping are slightly shifted laterally towards inside the first tablecloth. The goal of this provision is obtaining a final textile product having a regular longitudinal profile. The product from second topping has a uniform transverse profile.

Le DE-A-42 34 354 décrit un dépôt de voiles élémentaires à bords décalés, de façon à imbriquer les voiles élémentaires entre eux. Il en résulte une épaisseur et un poids surfacique réduits, le long des bords, lesquels doivent être éliminés par une coupe désignée par la référence "T", de sorte que le produit qui est ensuite aiguilleté a un profil transversal uniforme.DE-A-42 34 354 describes a deposit of sails elementary elements with staggered edges, so as to elementary veils between them. This results in a thickness and a reduced surface weight, along the edges, which must be removed by a section designated by the reference "T", so that the product which is then needled has a uniform transverse profile.

Le but de la présente invention est de proposer un procédé et un dispositif pour réaliser plus efficacement une nappe de fibres et un produit textile continu avec un profil d'épaisseur et/ou de poids surfacique non uniforme, en particulier étagé, sur la largeur de la nappe.The object of the present invention is to propose a process and a device to achieve more efficiently a web of fibers and a continuous textile product with a profile of thickness and / or uneven surface weight, in particular staggered, across the width of the web.

Suivant un premier aspect de l'invention, le procédé pour réaliser une nappe de fibres ayant un profil étagé en déposant sur un convoyeur de sortie des segments de voile transversaux successifs reliés les uns aux autres par des plis réalisés alternativement dans un sens et dans l'autre par inversion du sens transversal dans lequel le voile est déposé, procédé dans lequel on positionne en des emplacements différents de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie certains au moins des plis successifs de même sens, est caractérisé en ce que des plis positionnés selon au moins une ligne située entre les bords latéraux de la nappe forment un épaulèrent entre deux zones longitudinales de la nappe.According to a first aspect of the invention, the method for producing a layer of fibers having a stepped profile in depositing on an exit conveyor of the sail segments successive transversals connected to each other by folds made alternately in one direction and the other by inversion of the transverse direction in which the veil is deposited, a process in which different locations of the conveyor width of exit some at least successive folds of the same direction, is characterized in that pleats positioned according to minus one line between the lateral edges of the tablecloth form a shoulder between two longitudinal zones of the tablecloth.

Suivant un deuxième aspect de l'invention, le procédé pour réaliser un produit textile continu ayant un profil transversal d'épaisseur non uniforme, dans lequel on forme un nappe de fibres en déposant sur un convoyeur de sortie d'un étaleur-nappeur, des segments de voile transversaux successifs reliés les uns aux autre par des plis réalisés alternativement dans un sens et dans l'autre par inversion du sens transversal dans lequel le voile est déposé, tandis qu'on positionne en des emplacements différents de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie certains au moins des plis successifs de même sens, est caractérisé en ce que le profil non-uniforme de la nappe est sensiblement conservé en orientation transversale du produit textile continu jusqu'à l'issue d'une étape ultérieure de consolidation.According to a second aspect of the invention, the method to create a continuous textile product with a profile cross-section of non-uniform thickness, in which a layer of fibers by depositing on an exit conveyor of a crosslapper, transverse web segments successive connected to each other by folds made alternately in one direction and the other by inversion transverse direction in which the veil is deposited, while positioned in different locations exit conveyor width at least some of the folds successive ones of the same meaning, is characterized in that the non-uniform profile of the web is substantially preserved in transverse orientation of the continuous textile product until the end of a subsequent consolidation step.

On appellera "amplitude" d'un segment la distance entre les deux plis délimitant ce segment.The amplitude of a segment will be called the distance between the two folds delimiting this segment.

Selon l'invention, les segments successifs peuvent avoir une amplitude différente et ne couvrent pas tous la même région de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie. Le nombre d'épaisseurs de voile superposées n'est pas le même dans toutes les régions de la largeur de la nappe. Comme la position des plis peut être choisie avec une relativement grande précision, le profil de la nappe obtenue respecte de manière nette et précise le profil théorique souhaité.According to the invention, the successive segments can have different amplitude and do not all cover the same region of the width of the output conveyor. The number overlapping layers of sail is not the same in all regions of the width of the web. As the fold position can be chosen with a relatively high accuracy, the profile of the resulting sheet respects clear and precise way the desired theoretical profile.

L'invention convient tout particulièrement pour réaliser une nappe dont le profil présente au moins une variation d'épaisseur relativement brusque.The invention is particularly suitable for to produce a sheet whose profile has at least one variation of relatively abrupt thickness.

Toutefois, il est possible d'adoucir les changements d'épaisseur en décalant légèrement les uns par rapport aux autres les plis de même sens situés à la limite entre deux zones ayant une épaisseur différente.However, it is possible to soften the changes of thickness by slightly shifting with respect to other folds of the same meaning located at the boundary between two areas of different thickness.

Pour réaliser une surépaisseur entre deux zones moins épaisses, il est possible de réaliser des segments ne couvrant que la surépaisseur, donc limités par un pli le long de chacun des bords longitudinaux de la surépaisseur, et d'autres plis de plus grande amplitude couvrant la surépaisseur et les deux zones moins épaisses adjacentes. Mais il est également possible de réaliser une surépaisseur entre deux zones moins épaisses sans former aucun segment dont l'amplitude coïncide avec la largeur de la surépaisseur. Pour cela, on réalise certains segments partant d'un bord de la surépaisseur et couvrant celle-ci et la zone moins épaisse adjacente à l'autre bord, et d'autres segments partant dudit autre bord et couvrant la surépaisseur et l'autre zone moins épaisse. Ceci est commode pour réaliser des surépaisseurs très étroites, en forme de nervure.To achieve an extra thickness between two zones less thick, it is possible to make segments not covering only the overthickness, so limited by a fold the along each of the longitudinal edges of the overthickness, and other folds of greater amplitude covering the overthickness and the two adjacent less thick areas. But it is also possible to make an extra thickness between two thinner areas without forming any segment of which the amplitude coincides with the width of the extra thickness. For that, we realize some segments starting from an edge of the overthickness and covering it and the area less thick adjacent to the other edge, and other segments starting from said other edge and covering the extra thickness and the other area less thick. This is convenient for making very large oversizes narrow, rib-shaped.

Suivant un autre aspect de l'invention, le dispositif étaleur nappeur comprenant :

  • un convoyeur de sortie
  • un chariot mobile transversalement au-dessus du convoyeur de sortie ;
  • des moyens pour actionner le chariot suivant des courses dans chaque sens de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie, séparées par des inversions de sens de marche ;
  • des moyens pour alimenter le chariot avec un voile continu;
  • des moyens portés par le chariot pour dévider le voile sur le convoyeur de sortie ; et
  • des moyens de profilage de la nappe produite sur le convoyeur de sortie, pour donner à la nappe produite un profil transversal étagé,
est caractérisé en ce que en fonctionnement pour la production d'une nappe les moyens de profilage positionnent en des emplacements différents de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie les points d'arrêt du chariot entre un même premier sens de marche et un même deuxième sens de marche du chariot, de façon à définir sur la largeur de la nappe au moins deux zones d'épaisseur différente séparées par au moins un épaulement.According to another aspect of the invention, the lapping spreader device comprising:
  • an exit conveyor
  • a carriage movable transversely above the output conveyor;
  • means for actuating the carriage in strokes in each direction of the width of the output conveyor, separated by direction reversals;
  • means for feeding the carriage with a continuous web;
  • means carried by the carriage to unwind the web on the output conveyor; and
  • profiling means of the sheet produced on the output conveyor, to give the sheet produced a stepped transverse profile,
is characterized in that in operation for the production of a web the profiling means position at different locations of the width of the output conveyor the stopping points of the carriage between the same first direction of travel and the same second direction of walking of the carriage, so as to define the width of the web at least two zones of different thickness separated by at least one shoulder.

Suivant encore un autre aspect de l'invention, le dispositif de fabrication d'un produit textile continu comprenant:

  • un étaleur nappeur de production d'une nappe;
  • une machine de consolidation placée en aval;
  • des moyens de guidage pour guider la nappe de l'étaleur-nappeur à la machine de consolidation; l'étaleur-nappeur comprenant :
  • un convoyeur de sortie ;
  • un chariot mobile transversalement au-dessus du convoyeur de sortie ;
  • des moyens pour actionner le chariot suivant des courses dans chaque sens de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie, séparées par des inversions de sens de marche ;
  • des moyens pour alimenter le chariot avec un voile continu;
  • des moyens portés par le chariot pour dévider le voile sur le convoyeur de sortie ; et
  • des moyens de profilage de la nappe produite sur le convoyeur de sortie,
   les moyens de guidage étant agencés pour que le profil transversal de la nappe sortant de l'étaleur-nappeur conserve son orientation transversale jusque dans le trajet à travers la machine de consolidation,
   est caractérisé en ce que en fonctionnement pour la fabrication d'un produit textile les moyens de profilage positionnent en au moins deux emplacements différents de la largeur du convoyeur de sortie les points d'arrêt entre un même premier sens de marche et un même deuxième sens de marche du chariot.According to yet another aspect of the invention, the device for manufacturing a continuous textile product comprising:
  • a lapping spreader for producing a web;
  • a consolidation machine placed downstream;
  • guide means for guiding the web of the crosslapper to the consolidation machine; the spreader-lapper comprising:
  • an exit conveyor;
  • a carriage movable transversely above the output conveyor;
  • means for actuating the carriage in strokes in each direction of the width of the output conveyor, separated by direction reversals;
  • means for feeding the carriage with a continuous web;
  • means carried by the carriage to unwind the web on the output conveyor; and
  • means for profiling the web produced on the output conveyor,
the guide means being arranged so that the transverse profile of the web emerging from the crosslapper maintains its transverse orientation into the path through the consolidation machine,
is characterized in that in operation for the manufacture of a textile product the profiling means position in at least two different locations of the width of the exit conveyor the stopping points between the same first direction of travel and the same second direction trolley.

D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description ci-après, relative à des exemples non-limitatifs.Other features and advantages of the invention will again be apparent from the following description relating to non-limiting examples.

Aux dessins annexés :

  • la figure est une vue en perspective d'un étaleur nappeur selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique partielle du chariot de nappage et du convoyeur de sortie de l'étaleur nappeur de la figure 1, en fonctionnement ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe selon III-III de la figure 2 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique montrant le profil de nappe obtenu avec le motif de nappage illustré à la figure 3 ;
  • les figures 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 sont des vues analogues à la figure 3 mais relatives à d'autres motifs de nappage ;
  • les figures 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 sont des vues analogues à la figure 4 mais relatives aux motifs de nappage illustrés par les figures 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 respectivement;
  • la figure 21 est une vue du dispositif de production de produit textile continu selon l'invention; et
  • la figure 22 et une vue permettant de comparer le profil transversal du produit textile à la sortie de l'étaleur-nappeur et de la machine de consolidation, respectivement.
In the accompanying drawings:
  • the figure is a perspective view of a lapper spreader according to the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view of the lapping carriage and the exit conveyor of the lapping spreader of FIG. 1, in operation;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view along III-III of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the sheet profile obtained with the lay pattern illustrated in Figure 3;
  • Figures 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 are views similar to Figure 3 but relating to other lapping patterns;
  • Figures 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 are views similar to Figure 4 but relating to the layering patterns illustrated in Figures 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 respectively;
  • Figure 21 is a view of the continuous textile product production device according to the invention; and
  • Figure 22 and a view for comparing the transverse profile of the textile product at the output of the crosslapper and the consolidation machine, respectively.

L'étaleur nappeur représenté en perspective à la figure 1 comprend un tapis d'alimentation 1 qui recueille le voile de fibres 2 issu par exemple d'une carde non représentée et le transporte dans l'enceinte 3 de l'étaleur, où le voile est transformé par repliage en une nappe 4 sortant de l'enceinte 3 par un convoyeur de sortie 6. Le tapis d'alimentation 1 est entraíné à une vitesse qui est typiquement une vitesse constante dans le sens des flèches 7 faisant pénétrer le voile de fibres 2 dans l'enceinte 3, au moyen d'un moteur électrique 8. Le convoyeur de sortie 6 est entraíné dans le sens des flèches 9 faisant sortir la nappe 4 de l'enceinte 3, au moyen d'un moteur électrique 11. La vitesse de rotation du moteur 11 peut être constante, ou, en variante, varier par exemple comme cela est décrit dans le FR-A-2 234 395.The lapping spreader shown in perspective in the figure 1 includes a feed mat 1 which collects the veil of fibers 2 resulting for example from a not shown card and carries it in the enclosure 3 of the spreader, where the veil is folded into a sheet 4 coming out of the enclosure 3 by an exit conveyor 6. The carpet feed 1 is driven at a speed that is typically a constant speed in the direction of the arrows 7 penetrating the fiber web 2 in the chamber 3, by means of an electric motor 8. The output conveyor 6 is driven in the direction of the arrows 9 making out the layer 4 of the enclosure 3, by means of an electric motor 11. The rotational speed of the motor 11 can be constant, or, alternatively, vary for example like this is described in FR-A-2 234 395.

A l'intérieur de l'enceinte 3 est installé un autre tapis - ou tapis arrière - 12 qui est entraíné en rotation par un moteur électrique 13 couplé à un cylindre de guidage fixe 14 du tapis 12. Sur une partie de leur trajet à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 3, le tapis d'alimentation 1 et le tapis arrière 12 sont adjacents l'un à l'autre pour former ensemble une zone de pincement 16 dans laquelle le voile de fibres 2 est tenu entre les tapis 1 et 12. Dans la zone de pincement 16, les tapis 1 et 12 se déplacent à la même vitesse grâce à une commande appariée des moteurs 8 et 13.Inside the enclosure 3 is installed another carpet - or rear carpet - 12 which is rotated by an electric motor 13 coupled to a guide cylinder fixed 14 of the carpet 12. On part of their journey to inside the enclosure 3, the feed belt 1 and the rear carpet 12 are adjacent to each other for together form a pinch zone 16 in which the fiber veil 2 is held between mats 1 and 12. In the pinch area 16, the mats 1 and 12 move to the same speed thanks to a paired motor control 8 and 13.

La zone de pincement 16 se termine entre un cylindre de guidage 17 supportant le tapis d'alimentation 1 et un cylindre de guidage 18 supportant le tapis arrière 12, qui définissent entre eux une fente de dévidement du voile 2 s'ouvrant vers le bas au-dessus du convoyeur de sortie 6. En vue de dessus, la direction longitudinale du tapis d'alimentation 1 et du tapis arrière 12 est perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale du convoyeur de sortie 6. La fente de dévidement 19 est donc parallèle à la direction longitudinale du convoyeur de sortie 6. Le circuit suivi par le tapis d'alimentation 1 et le tapis arrière 12 à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 3 n'est pas représenté en totalité car il peut prendre n'importe quelle forme connue, par exemple d'après le FR-A-2 234 395, le EP-A-0 517 563, le FR-A-2 553 102 etc...The pinch zone 16 ends between a cylinder of guide 17 supporting the feed belt 1 and a guide cylinder 18 supporting the rear carpet 12, which define between them a slot of unwinding of the veil 2 opening down over the exit conveyor 6. In top view, the longitudinal direction of the carpet 1 and the rear carpet 12 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6. The reel slot 19 is therefore parallel to the direction longitudinal of the exit conveyor 6. The circuit followed by the feed belt 1 and the back carpet 12 to the interior of the enclosure 3 is not represented in all because it can take any known form, for example, according to FR-A-2 234 395, EP-A-0 517 563, FR-A-2,553,102 etc ...

Les deux cylindres 17 et 18 définissant la fente de dévidement 19 sont portés par un chariot de nappage 21 qui n'est que très schématiquement représenté à la figure 2. Le chariot 21 est couplé à un moyen d'entraínement 22 tel qu'une courroie crantée sans fin contournant deux poulies de renvoi 23, 24. L'une 23 des poulies est reliée à l'arbre d'un moteur électrique d'entraínement 26 capable de fonctionner dans les deux sens, pour pouvoir déplacer le chariot 21 en va et vient parallèlement à la direction transversale du convoyeur de sortie 6 comme l'illustrent les flèches 27. Deux rails de guidage, dont un seul 28 est représenté à la figure 2 pour simplifier celle-ci, peuvent être prévus de part et d'autre des tapis 1 et 12 pour supporter et guider le chariot 21 dans son mouvement de va et vient selon les flèches 27. De manière non représentée, le chariot 21 peut comporter des galets roulant dans les rails 28. Tout autre moyen de guidage approprié est envisageable.The two cylinders 17 and 18 defining the slot of 19 are carried by a topping carriage 21 which is only very schematically represented in FIG. carriage 21 is coupled to a drive means 22 such an endless toothed belt bypassing two pulleys 23, 24. One of the pulleys 23 is connected to the shaft of an electric drive motor 26 capable of operate in both directions, to be able to move the trolley 21 back and forth parallel to the direction transverse of the output conveyor 6 as illustrated arrows 27. Two guide rails, of which only one 28 is shown in Figure 2 to simplify this, can be provided on both sides of mats 1 and 12 for support and guide the carriage 21 in its movement of and comes according to the arrows 27. Not shown, the carriage 21 may comprise rollers rolling in the 28. Any other appropriate means of guidance is possible.

Le moteur 26 d'entraínement du chariot de nappage 21 est piloté par une unité de commande 29 elle-même reliée ou faisant partie d'un pupitre de programmation 31 (figure 1). L'unité de commande 29 définit à chaque instant la vitesse du moteur 26, et donc d'une part l'amplitude du mouvement de va et vient du chariot de nappage 21 et d'autre part les lois de vitesse et d'accélération du chariot, notamment lors du ralentissement, de l'arrêt et de la réaccélération en sens inverse à chaque changement de sens du chariot 21.The drive motor 26 of the topping carriage 21 is controlled by a control unit 29 itself connected or part of a programming desk 31 (Figure 1). The control unit 29 defines at every moment the speed of the motor 26, and therefore on the one hand the amplitude of the movement back and forth of the topping carriage 21 and on the other hand the laws of speed and acceleration of the carriage, in particular during slowdown, shutdown and re-acceleration in the opposite direction at each change of direction of the carriage 21.

De manière très connue de l'homme de métier, et en particulier d'après les documents déjà mentionnés de l'art antérieur, le voile 2 suit entre son entrée dans l'enceinte 3 au moyen du tapis d'alimentation 1 et sa sortie à travers la fente de dévidement 19, un trajet à géométrie variable, qui passe par un chariot supérieur (non représenté). Celui-ci porte d'autres cylindres supportant les deux tapis 1 et 12, et il est actionné en va et vient parallèle à la direction transversale du convoyeur de sortie 6, donc parallèlement au mouvement de va et vient du chariot nappeur 21. Le but de ces dispositions est de réaliser à l'intérieur de l'enceinte 3 une accumulation variable de voile 2, pour réaliser une adaptation entre l'emplacement fixe où le voile 2 pénètre à vitesse constante dans la machine par le tapis d'alimentation 1 et l'emplacement variable où la fente 19 dévide le voile 2. Cette adaptation peut être réalisée par un simple couplage mécanique entre les deux chariots comme le décrit le FR-A-2 553 102. Des commandes plus sophistiquées décrites notamment dans le FR-A-2 234 395 permettent d'établir un rapport de vitesse variable entre les deux chariots pour maítriser l'épaisseur de dépôt du voile 2 sur le convoyeur de sortie 6 malgré les inévitables variations de la vitesse absolue du chariot de nappage 21. Pour réaliser de telles commandes plus sophistiquées, le couplage mécanique entre les deux chariots n'est pas prévu. Au lieu de cela, l'unité de commande 29 comporte une liaison 32 avec un moteur d'entraínement du chariot supérieur pour piloter le chariot supérieur d'une manière coordonnée avec le chariot de nappage 21. En outre, l'unité de commande 29 est reliée au moteur 13 pour piloter la vitesse du tapis arrière 12 de façon qu'elle soit égale à la vitesse du tapis 1 à tout instant dans la zone de pincement 16. Le FR-A-2 553 102 montre cependant que dans certaines configurations de machine où la zone de pincement effectue un virage autour d'un cylindre de guidage, les deux tapis peuvent être entraínés par un même moteur accouplé à ce cylindre et convenablement piloté en vitesse en corrélation avec les mouvements de va et vient du chariot nappeur 21.In a manner well known to those skilled in the art, and particular from the already mentioned documents of art previous, the veil 2 follows between its entry into the enclosure 3 by means of the feed belt 1 and its exit through the unwinding slot 19, a path of variable geometry, which passes through an upper carriage (not shown). This one door other cylinders supporting the two mats 1 and 12, and it is operated back and forth parallel to the transverse direction of the output conveyor 6, so parallel to the movement of the carriage lauter 21. The purpose of these provisions is to achieve inside the enclosure 3 a variable accumulation of sail 2, to make an adaptation between the location fixed where the veil 2 penetrates at constant speed into the machine by the feed belt 1 and the location variable where the slot 19 unwinds the veil 2. This adaptation can be achieved by a simple mechanical coupling between the two carriages as described in FR-A-2,553,102. more sophisticated commands described in particular in FR-A-2 234 395 make it possible to establish a speed report variable between the two carriages to control the thickness deposition of the veil 2 on the output conveyor 6 despite the inevitable variations in the absolute speed of the trolley of 21. To carry out such orders more sophisticated, mechanical coupling between the two trolleys is not planned. Instead, the unit of control 29 has a link 32 with an engine drive the upper carriage to drive the truck superior in a coordinated manner with the trolley of 21. In addition, the control unit 29 is connected to the motor 13 to control the speed of the rear carpet 12 of way it equals the speed of carpet 1 at all instant in the pinch zone 16. The FR-A-2 553 102 shows however that in certain configurations of machine where the pinch zone makes a turn around of a guide cylinder, both mats can be driven by the same engine coupled to this cylinder and suitably speed-driven in correlation with the back and forth movements of the lapper carriage 21.

Quelle que soit la variante technologique mise en oeuvre, l'action combinée du mouvement de va et vient du chariot nappeur 21, de circulation des tapis 1 et 12, et d'avancement du convoyeur de sortie 6 selon la flèche 9, provoque le dépôt du voile 2 sur le convoyeur de sortie 6 selon un zigzag formé de segments successifs désignés par. les références 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d dans l'exemple des figures 1 à 4, limités chacun par un pli dans un sens et un pli dans l'autre sens. Les segments s'étendent transversalement sur le convoyeur de sortie, en faisant toutefois un angle différent de 90° par rapport à la direction longitudinale du convoyeur de sortie 6. Ces segments successifs qui se chevauchent obliquement les uns par rapport aux autres forment la nappe 4. Une telle nappe est destinée en général à un traitement ultérieur de consolidation, tel qu'un traitement d'aiguilletage (non représenté). Par exemple, à la figure 2, un segment 2b est en formation, il a commencé par un pli 2ab qui le sépare du segment 2a qui vient d'être terminé, et il se terminera par un pli 2bc dans l'autre sens, c'est à dire vers la gauche, qui le séparera du segment 2c suivant. Il y a également des plis 2cd, dans le même sens que le.s plis 2ab, et séparant les segments 2c des segments 2d, et des plis 2da, dans le même sens que les plis 2bc, et séparant les segments 2d des segments 2a. Les plis sont parallèles à la direction longitudinale du convoyeur de sortie 6 et de la nappe 4.Whatever the technological variant implemented the combined action of the movement of lapper carriage 21, for circulating mats 1 and 12, and advancement of the output conveyor 6 according to the arrow 9, causes the deposition of the web 2 on the output conveyor 6 according to a zigzag formed of successive segments designated by. references 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in the example of FIGS. at 4, each limited by a fold in one direction and a fold in the other way. The segments extend transversely across the exit conveyor, while making an angle different from 90 ° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6. These successive segments which overlap obliquely with each other form the web 4. Such a web is generally intended subsequent consolidation, such as a needling treatment (not shown). For example, Figure 2, a segment 2b is in formation, it started by a fold 2ab which separates it from segment 2a which has just been finished, and it will end with a 2bc fold in the other meaning, ie to the left, which will separate him from segment 2c next. There are also 2cd folds, in the same direction as folds 2ab, and separating segments 2c from segments 2d, and folds 2da, in the same direction as the folds 2bc, and separating segments 2d segments 2a. The folds are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6 and the web 4.

Conformément à la présente invention, les plis de même sens qui se succèdent le long de la nappe 4, au lieu d'être tous superposés le long d'un bord latéral correspondant de la nappe comme l'enseignait l'état de la technique, sont au contraire décalés latéralement les uns par rapport aux autres. Ainsi, dans l'exemple représenté, les plis 2ab à gauche de la nappe et 2da à droite de la nappe sont adjacents au bord latéral respectif de la nappe 4, tandis que les plis 2cd et 2bc sont décalés vers l'intérieur de la nappe 4.In accordance with the present invention, the folds of the same meaning that succeed each other along the tablecloth 4, instead of being all superimposed along a corresponding lateral edge of the tablecloth as the state of the art taught, are at otherwise offset laterally with respect to other. Thus, in the example shown, the folds 2ab to left of the tablecloth and 2da to the right of the tablecloth are adjacent to the respective lateral edge of the web 4, while that the folds 2cd and 2bc are shifted towards the inside of the tablecloth 4.

Toujours dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 1 à 4, le nappage est effectué selon un motif répétitif comprenant les quatre segments précités 2a, 2b, 2c et 2d définis par les plis 2da, 2ab, 2bc et 2cd qui les délimitent. L'exécution répétitive de ce motif de nappage produit, dans l'exemple représenté, quatre rangées de plis, correspondant respectivement aux plis 2ab et 2da formant les bords latéraux de la nappe 4, et deux rangées 2bc et 2cd situées à une certaine distance des bords longitudinaux de la nappe. Dans une zone centrale 4a située entre les plis 2bc et 2cd l'épaisseur de la nappe est maximale car tous les segments sont présents. Au contraire, entre les plis de même sens 2ab et 2cd, donc dans une bande 4b située le long du bord gauche de la nappe à la figure 2, seuls les segments 2a et 2b sont présents. De même, dans une bande 4c adjacente au bord droit de la nappe 4, entre les deux autres types de plis de même sens 2bc et 2da, donc de sens opposé aux plis 2ab et 2cd, seuls les segments 2d et 2a sont présents. Dans ces deux bandes 4b et 4c, l'épaisseur de la nappe est donc deux fois moins grande que dans la zone centrale 4a.Still in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the topping is performed in a repeating pattern comprising the four aforementioned segments 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d defined by the folds 2da, 2ab, 2bc and 2cd which delimit them. The repetitive execution of this lapping pattern produces, in the example shown, four rows of folds, corresponding respectively to folds 2ab and 2da forming the edges side of the tablecloth 4, and two rows 2bc and 2cd located at a certain distance from the longitudinal edges of the tablecloth. In a central zone 4a located between the folds 2bc and 2cd the thickness of the sheet is maximum because all segments are present. On the contrary, between the folds of same meaning 2ab and 2cd, so in a band 4b located along from the left edge of the water table in Figure 2, only the segments 2a and 2b are present. Similarly, in a band 4c adjacent to the right edge of the web 4, between the two other types of folds in the same sense 2bc and 2da, so meaning opposite folds 2ab and 2cd, only segments 2d and 2a are here. In these two bands 4b and 4c, the thickness the water table is thus twice as small as in the central area 4a.

La figure 3 visualise le schéma de pliage du voile 2 sur le convoyeur de sortie 6. La figure 4 montre le profil de nappe obtenu, avec un épaulement 4ab et 4ac entre la zone centrale 4a et chaque bande latérale 4b, 4c. Les épaulements 4ab, 4ac se forment le long des plis 2cd et 2bc respectivement. Bien entendu, la netteté avec laquelle apparaissent les épaulements 4ab, 4ac est exagérée à la figure 4, surtout tant que la nappe 4 n'a pas subi de traitement de consolidation et de compactage tel que l'aiguilletage. Les variations d'épaisseur de la nappe correspondent à des variations de poids surfacique correspondantes le long du profil transversal de la nappe.Figure 3 shows the folding diagram of the sail 2 on the output conveyor 6. Figure 4 shows the profile of web obtained, with a shoulder 4ab and 4ac between the central zone 4a and each lateral band 4b, 4c. The shoulders 4ab, 4ac form along the folds 2cd and 2bc respectively. Of course, the sharpness with which appear the shoulders 4ab, 4ac is exaggerated at the Figure 4, especially as long as the water table 4 has not undergone any consolidation and compaction treatment such as needling. The thickness variations of the tablecloth correspond to variations in surface weight corresponding along the transverse profile of the web.

Pour que l'étaleur nappeur exécute le procédé de nappage qui vient d'être décrit, une étape de programmation est ajoutée lors des préparatifs de mise en fonctionnement de l'étaleur au moyen du pupitre de programmation 31. Cette étape consiste à demander à l'utilisateur de définir la séquence de courses que le chariot nappeur doit effectuer pour produire le motif de nappage. L'utilisateur peut avoir à définir par exemple le nombre d'inversions de marche du chariot (nombre de plis du motif) et la position de chacune de ces inversions de marche (position des plis du motif) relativement à la dimension transversale du convoyeur de sortie 6. La prise en compte de telles instructions par l'étaleur et en particulier par l'unité de commande 29 est à la portée de l'homme de métier puisque les étaleurs du commerce sont capables de travailler en différentes largeurs de nappe. Comme les règles pour concilier les impératifs de mouvement alternatif du chariot de nappage 21 avec ceux de l'alimentation en continu du voile 2 par le tapis d'alimentation 1 sont connues sous forme d'équations notamment d'après le FR-A-2 234 395, l'homme de métier sait concevoir une unité de commande 29 capable de calculer pour chaque course différente du chariot 21 les commandes correspondantes à appliquer à chaque instant aux différents moteurs de l'étaleur-nappeur.So that the lapper spreads the process of topping that has just been described, a programming step is added during start-up preparations of the spreader by means of the programming panel 31. This step is to ask the user to define the sequence of races that the lapper carriage must perform to produce the topping pattern. The user may have to define for example the number of market reversals of trolley (number of pattern folds) and the position of each of these reversals (position of the folds of the pattern) relative to the transverse dimension of the conveyor of 6. Taking into account such instructions by the spreader and in particular by the control unit 29 is within the reach of the skilled person since the spreaders of the trade are able to work in different tablecloth widths. Like the rules to reconcile imperatives of reciprocating the topping carriage 21 with those of the continuous feeding of the veil 2 by the feed mats 1 are known as equations especially according to FR-A-2 234 395, the skilled person knows design a control unit 29 able to calculate for each different stroke of the carriage 21 the controls correspondents to be applied at each moment to different spreader-lapper motors.

Connaissant la vitesse d'alimentation du voile 2, la distance totale que le chariot de nappage 21 doit parcourir pour exécuter le motif de nappage, on connaít le temps nécessaire pour exécuter le motif de nappage. Il est souhaitable que ce temps corresponde à la division par un nombre entier "n", du temps nécessaire au convoyeur de sortie 6 pour se déplacer sur une distance "L" (figure 2) correspondant à la dimension du voile 2 mesurée selon la direction longitudinale du convoyeur de sortie 6. Ainsi, comme on peut l'observer au bord droit de la nappe 4 à la figure 2, chaque nouveau segment de voile 2 que l'on rencontre sur le dessus de la nappe lorsqu'on parcourt longitudinalement la nappe coïncide avec un segment identique qui se termine sur la face inférieure de la nappe. Avec une telle configuration, le nombre d'épaisseurs de voile est le même le long de chaque ligne longitudinale de la nappe 4. Autrement dit, les bords latéraux du voile 2 ne forment aucune variation d'épaisseur le long de la nappe 4. Lors de la programmation, il est avantageux que l'utilisateur choisisse la vitesse du convoyeur de sortie 6 par affichage du choix de la valeur "n". Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 1 à 4, n = 4, c'est à dire que l'étaleur exécute quatre motifs de nappage pendant que le convoyeur de sortie 6 fait avancer la nappe 4 sur la distance L. Comme chaque motif comprend quatre segments il y a donc, en tout point de la longueur de la nappe, seize épaisseurs de voile dans la zone centrale 4a et, par conséquent, seulement huit épaisseurs dans chaque bande latérale 4b, 4c.Knowing the feeding speed of the sail 2, the total distance that the topping carriage 21 must travel to execute the topping pattern, we know the time necessary to execute the topping pattern. It is desirable that this time corresponds to the division by a integer "n", the time required for the conveyor to exit 6 to move a distance "L" (Figure 2) corresponding to the dimension of the sail 2 measured according to the longitudinal direction of the output conveyor 6. Thus, as can be seen at the right edge of the tablecloth 4 at the figure 2, each new segment of sail 2 that we meeting on the top of the tablecloth when browsing longitudinally the web coincides with a segment identical that ends on the underside of the tablecloth. With such a configuration, the number of thicknesses sail is the same along each longitudinal line 4. In other words, the lateral edges of the veil 2 do not form any variation in thickness along the sheet 4. When programming, it is advantageous that the user chooses the speed of the output conveyor 6 by displaying the choice of the value "n". In the example represented in FIGS. 1 to 4, n = 4, that is to say that the spreader executes four lapping patterns while the output conveyor 6 advances the web 4 on the distance L. As each pattern includes four segments it there is therefore, in every point of the length of the sheet, sixteen sail thicknesses in the central zone 4a and, by therefore, only eight thicknesses in each band lateral 4b, 4c.

Dans l'exemple des figures 3 et 4, chaque motif de nappage comprend un segment (2a) s'étendant sur toute la largeur de la nappe, un segment (2b) ne couvrant que les zones centrales 4a et l'une des bandes latérales 4b, un segment (2c) ne couvrant que la zone centrale 4a, et un segment (2d) ne couvrant que la zone centrale 4a et l'autre bande latérale 4b.In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, each pattern of topping includes a segment (2a) extending over the entire width of the web, a segment (2b) covering only the central zones 4a and one of the lateral bands 4b, a segment (2c) covering only the central zone 4a, and a segment (2d) covering only the central zone 4a and the other sideband 4b.

Dans l'exemple représenté aux figures 5 et 6, chaque motif de nappage comprend six segments 2a-2f, parmi lesquels les segments 2f et 2a couvrent la zone centrale 4a et l'une des bandes latérales 4b ; deux autres segments successifs 2c et 2d couvrent la zone centrale 4a et l'autre bande latérale 4b, tandis que les segments 2b et 2e ne couvrent que la zone centrale 4a. Le profil obtenu est semblable à celui des figures 3 et 4, excepté que l'épaisseur des bandes latérales 4b et 4c est égale au tiers de l'épaisseur de la bande centrale 4a.In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each tablecloth pattern comprises six segments 2a-2f, among which segments 2f and 2a cover the central zone 4a and one of the sidebands 4b; two other segments successive 2c and 2d cover the central zone 4a and the other sideband 4b, while segments 2b and 2e do not cover as the central area 4a. The profile obtained is similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, except that the thickness of the lateral bands 4b and 4c is equal to third of the thickness of the central band 4a.

Dans l'exemple des figures 7 et 8, chaque motif de nappage correspond à deux motifs de nappage successifs de la figure 3 avec comme seule différence que le pli 2cd est déplacé de l'épaulement 4ab jusqu'au bord latéral de la nappe. Les segments 2c et 2d qui sont reliés par ce pli sont allongés de manière correspondante. Par contre, le pli 2gh correspondant à l'autre pli 2cd des deux motifs de nappage successifs de la figure 3 s'étend toujours le long de l'épaulement 4ab. On réalise ainsi la nappe dissymétrique représentée à la figure 8, où la bande latérale 4b s'étendant entre les plis 2cd et 2gh est une fois et demie plus épaisse que l'autre bande latérale 4b, qui est, comme auparavant, deux fois moins épaisse que la zone centrale 4a.In the example of FIGS. 7 and 8, each pattern of topping corresponds to two successive layering patterns of FIG. 3 with the only difference that fold 2cd is moved from the shoulder 4ab to the lateral edge of the tablecloth. The segments 2c and 2d which are connected by this fold are lengthened correspondingly. By cons, the fold 2gh corresponding to the other fold 2cd of the two patterns of successive layering of Figure 3 still extends along of the shoulder 4ab. The tablecloth is thus made asymmetrical shown in Figure 8, where the band 4b extending between the folds 2cd and 2gh is a one and a half times thicker than the other sideband 4b, which is, as before, half as thick as central area 4a.

L'exemple des figures 9 et 10 montre qu'il est possible d'éviter d'avoir à réaliser des segments ne couvrant que la zone centrale plus épaisse 4a. Le motif de nappage est constitué .de paires de segments 2b, 2c ; 2e, 2f correspondant à un aller-retour du voile entre l'un des bords latéraux de la nappe et l'épaulement 4ac respectivement 4ab le plus éloigné de ce bord. Ces paires sont séparées par des segments 2a ; 2d couvrant toute la largeur de la nappe. On peut ainsi réaliser une surépaisseur 4a ayant une largeur très réduite sans que le chariot nappeur doive à aucun moment effectuer une course aussi réduite entre deux inversions de son sens de marche. Une telle course réduite du chariot nappeur pourrait provoquer des anomalies de dépôt du voile 2.The example of Figures 9 and 10 shows that it is possible avoid having to make segments covering only the thicker central area 4a. The tablecloth pattern is consisting of pairs of segments 2b, 2c; 2nd, 2f corresponding to a round-trip of the veil between one of the side edges of the web and shoulder 4ac respectively 4ab furthest from this edge. These pairs are separated by segments 2a; 2d covering the whole width of the tablecloth. We can thus realize a excess thickness 4a having a very small width without the lapper cart must at no time run a race also reduced between two reversals of its direction of travel. Such a reduced run of the lapper carriage could cause anomalies of deposition of the veil 2.

L'exemple des figures 9 et 10 montre également que la disposition des épaulements 4ab et 4ac n'est pas nécessairement symétrique par rapport à l'axe longitudinal de la nappe. The example of Figures 9 and 10 also shows that the 4ab and 4ac shoulders layout is not necessarily symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tablecloth.

Dans l'exemple des figures 11 et 12, tous les plis dans l'un des sens 2ab, 2cd sont adjacents à un premier bord latéral de la nappe. L'un 2bc des plis dans l'autre sens, est adjacent à l'autre bord latéral de la nappe. L'autre pli 2da dans ledit autre sens coïncide avec un épaulement 4 de formé par la nappe entre une surépaisseur latérale 4d, et une zone moins épaisse 4e de la nappe. La surépaisseur 4d est adjacente au premier bord latéral de la nappe entre les plis 2ab et 2cd d'un côté, et les plis 2bc de l'autre.In the example of Figures 11 and 12, all the folds in one of the senses 2ab, 2cd are adjacent to a first edge lateral of the tablecloth. One 2bc folds in the other direction, is adjacent to the other side edge of the web. The other fold 2da in said other direction coincides with a shoulder 4 of formed by the web between a lateral extra thickness 4d, and a thinner zone 4e of the web. The extra thickness 4d is adjacent to the first side edge of the web between the folds 2ab and 2cd on one side, and the folds 2bc on the other.

L'exemple des figures 13 et 14 montre qu'il est possible de réaliser une surépaisseur 4d et respectivement 4f le long de chaque bord latéral de la nappe, de part et d'autre d'une zone centrale 4e moins épaisse. Le motif de nappage est composé de deux demi-motifs dont chacun est le même qu'à la figure 9 excepté que les segments 2b, 2c, 2h et 2i ne couvrant qu'une partie de la largeur de la nappe, à partir de l'un des bords latéraux de celle-ci, ont une amplitude trop faible pour qu'ils chevauchent les segments 2e, 2f, 2k et 21 ne couvrant qu'une partie de la largeur de la nappe à partir de l'autre bord latéral de celle-ci. Il n'y a donc dans la zone centrale 4e que les segments 2a, 2d, 2g, 2j couvrant toute la largeur de la nappe.The example of Figures 13 and 14 shows that it is possible to realize a thickness 4d and respectively 4f along each side edge of the web, from other of a central zone 4th less thick. The reason for tablecloth is composed of two half-motifs each of which is the same as in Figure 9 except that segments 2b, 2c, 2h and 2i covering only a portion of the width of the web, from one of the side edges thereof, have a amplitude too small for them to overlap segments 2e, 2f, 2k and 21 covering only part of the width of the web from the other side edge thereof. he there is therefore in the central zone 4e only segments 2a, 2d, 2g, 2j covering the entire width of the web.

Selon une autre particularité de ce mode de réalisation, la bande latérale 4d est délimitée par un épaulement 4de relativement brusque car les plis 2bc et 2hi qui la forment dans chaque motif de nappage sont exactement superposés. Au contraire, l'épaulement 4ef séparant l'autre bande latérale 4f de la zone centrale 4e est adouci car il y a un léger décalage latéral "d" entre les plis 2ef et 2kl qui forment cet épaulement. A part ce décalage entre les plis 2ef et 2kl, les deux demi-motifs de nappage de la figure 13 sont identiques.According to another particularity of this mode of realization, the sideband 4d is delimited by a Shoulder 4de relatively abrupt because the folds 2bc and 2hi that form it in every tablecloth pattern are exactly Bunk. On the contrary, the shoulder 4ef separating the other lateral band 4f of the 4th central zone is softened as it there is a slight lateral shift "d" between folds 2ef and 2kl which form this shoulder. Apart from this difference between folds 2ef and 2kl, the two half-patterns of the Figure 13 are identical.

Dans l'exemple des figures 15 et 16, qui ne sera décrit que pour ses différences par rapport à un demi-motif des figures 13 et 14, les surépaisseurs 4d et 4f sont décalées vers l'intérieur de la nappe par décalage correspondant des segments 2b et 2c ainsi que des plis 2ab, 2bc et 2cd qui les délimitent. Il en va de même pour les segments 2e et 2f et les plis 2de, 2ef et 2fg qui les délimitent. En outre, le motif de nappage comprend des plis 2gh, 2hi, 2ij et 2ja adjacents aux bords latéraux de la nappe, ainsi que des segments reliant ces plis entre eux et avec le reste du motif de nappage. Le profil obtenu est celui représenté à la figure 16, avec des bandes latérales 4b et 4c de faible épaisseur, une zone centrale 4e d'épaisseur moyenne et, entre la zone centrale 4e et chaque bande latérale 4b ou 4c, une surépaisseur 4d ou 4f formant une sorte de nervure plus ou moins large selon l'amplitude donnée aux segments 2b, 2c , 2e et 2f.In the example of Figures 15 and 16, which will not be described that for its differences with respect to a half-ground of FIGS. 13 and 14, the excess thicknesses 4d and 4f are offset towards the inside of the sheet by corresponding shift of segments 2b and 2c as well as folds 2ab, 2bc and 2cd which delimit them. The same goes for segments 2e and 2f and the folds 2de, 2ef and 2fg which delimit them. In addition, the layering pattern includes folds 2gh, 2hi, 2ij and 2ja adjacent to the side edges of the web, as well as segments connecting these folds together and with the rest of the tablecloth pattern. The profile obtained is the one represented in FIG. 16, with weak sidebands 4b and 4c. thickness, a central zone 4th of average thickness and, between the central zone 4e and each lateral band 4b or 4c, an excess thickness 4d or 4f forming a kind of rib more or less wide depending on the amplitude given to the segments 2b, 2c, 2e and 2f.

L'exemple des figures 17 et 18 correspond à un autre mode de réalisation pour former deux nervures longitudinales 4d et 4f situées chacune à une certaine distance du bord longitudinal de la nappe. Le motif de nappage correspond à un demi-motif des figures 13 et 14 mais dans lequel le segment 2a est remplacé par trois segments 2g, 2h et 2a. Le segment 2h a une zone terminale qui chevauche les segments 2e et 2f et une autre zone terminale qui chevauche les segments 2b et 2c pour former les surépaisseurs 4d et 4e respectivement, qui peuvent donc avoir une très faible largeur pour les mêmes raisons que la surépaisseur 4a des figures 9 et 10.The example of Figures 17 and 18 corresponds to another embodiment to form two ribs 4d and 4f each located at a certain distance from the longitudinal edge of the web. The reason for topping is a half pattern of Figures 13 and 14 but in which segment 2a is replaced by three segments 2g, 2h and 2a. Segment 2h has a terminal zone which overlaps the 2nd and 2nd segments and another area terminal that overlaps segments 2b and 2c to form the extra thicknesses 4d and 4e respectively, which can therefore have a very small width for the same reasons as the excess thickness 4a of Figures 9 and 10.

Chaque extrémité du segment 2h est reliée avec le bord latéral opposé de la nappe par un pli 2gh et respectivement 2ha et un segment 2g et respectivement 2a. Les plis 2gh et 2ha forment le bord longitudinal extérieur des nervures 4d. et respectivement 4f, tandis que les plis 2bc et 2ef définissent les bords longitudinaux intérieurs desdites nervures.Each end of the segment 2h is connected with the edge opposite side of the sheet by a fold 2gh and respectively 2ha and a segment 2g and 2a respectively. Folds 2gh and 2ha form the outer longitudinal edge of the ribs 4d. and respectively 4f, while the folds 2bc and 2ef define the inner longitudinal edges of said ribs.

L'exemple des figures 19 et 20 est identique à celui des figures 17 et 18 excepté que, dans chaque motif de nappage, chaque paire de segments 2b, 2c ; 2e, 2f ne couvrant qu'une bande latérale et une nervure adjacente 4b et 4d ; 4f et 4c est remplacée par deux paires superposées 2b, 2c et 2j, 2k ; 2e, 2f et 21, 2m. Ceci a pour effet de rendre les bandes latérales 4b et 4c plus épaisses que la zone centrale 4a. En outre, les plis 2bc et 2jk ; 2ef et 21m, qui limitent du côté de l'intérieur de la nappe les paires superposées, sont décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre de façon que les épaulements 4de et 4ef entre la zone centrale 4e et les nervures 4d et 4f respectivement soient adoucis en biseau comme le montre la figure 20. The example of Figures 19 and 20 is identical to that of Figures 17 and 18 except that in each pattern of topping, each pair of segments 2b, 2c; 2nd, 2f does not covering only one lateral band and an adjacent rib 4b and 4d; 4f and 4c is replaced by two superimposed pairs 2b, 2c and 2j, 2k; 2nd, 2f and 21, 2m. This has the effect of make the sidebands 4b and 4c thicker than the central area 4a. In addition, the folds 2bc and 2jk; 2ef and 21m, which limit the side of the interior of the water table superimposed pairs are shifted relative to one another so that the shoulders 4de and 4ef between the zone center 4e and the ribs 4d and 4f respectively are beveled as shown in Figure 20.

La figure 21 illustre qu'à la sortie de l'étaleur-nappeur 41, qui peut être celui des figures 1 et 2, la nappe 4 avec dans l'exemple trois zones 4a, 4b, 4c séparées par deux épaulements 4ab et 4ac est guidée par des moyens appropriés symbolisés par la référence 44, à une machine de consolidation 42, typiquement une aiguilleteuse. Les moyens 44 sont au moins en partie constitués par le convoyeur 6 de l'étaleur-nappeur 41. Le profil non uniforme étagé produit par l'étaleur 41 se trouve encore en orientation transversale lors du passage à travers l'aiguilleteuse 42. Ceci signifie en particulier que la nappe 4 ne subit pas de traitement intermédiaire tel qu'un second nappage qui changerait cette orientation. En particulier, vu en plan comme à la figure 21, le produit textile se déplace en ligne droite de la sortie de l'étaleur-nappeur 41 à l'entrée dans l'aiguilleteuse 42. Des traitements intermédiaires entre l'étaleur-nappeur 41 et l'aiguilleteuse 42 ne sont pas exclus : il peut s'agir par exemple d'un pré-aiguilletage, d'un stockage intermédiaire, etc... Mais il importe que le profil transversal du produit entrant dans l'aiguilleteuse 42 conserve la trace du profilage transversal réalisé par l'étaleur-nappeur 41. Ainsi, à la sortie de l'aiguilleteuse 42, le produit textile obtenu a un profil dans lequel on retrouve pour l'essentiel le profil résultant du nappage, avec dans l'exemple trois zones d'épaisseur continues 43a, 43b, 43c séparées par deux épaulements 43ab et 43ac, bien que l'aiguilletage ait considérablement compacté le profil.Figure 21 illustrates that at the exit of the crosslapper 41, which may be that of FIGS. 2, the sheet 4 with in the example three zones 4a, 4b, 4c separated by two shoulders 4ab and 4ac is guided by appropriate means symbolized by reference 44, to a consolidation machine 42, typically a needling machine. The means 44 are at least partly constituted by the conveyor 6 of the crosslapper 41. The non-uniform profile staged produced by the spreader 41 is still in transverse orientation when passing through the needling 42. This means in particular that the sheet 4 does not undergo any intermediate treatment such as second topping that would change this orientation. In particular, seen in plan as in figure 21, the product textile moves in a straight line from the exit of the crosslapper 41 at the entrance to the needling machine 42. Intermediate treatments between the crosslapper 41 and needling 42 are not excluded: it may be for example a pre-needling, a storage intermediate, etc ... But it is important that the profile transversal product entering the needling machine 42 keeps track of the transversal profiling performed by the spreader-lapper 41. Thus, at the exit of the needling machine 42, the textile product obtained has a profile in which found essentially the resulting profile of the glaze, with in the example three zones of continuous thickness 43a, 43b, 43c separated by two shoulders 43ab and 43ac, although that the needling has considerably compacted the profile.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples décrits et représentés, dont le but est non pas de faire une liste exhaustive de possibilités, mais de montrer par quels moyens les épaisseurs relatives, les symétries et dissymétries, le nombre des plages d'épaisseurs différentes, et le mode de transition entre deux plages d'épaisseur différente, peuvent varier quasiment à l'infini par les procédés et dispositifs selon l'invention. A titre de simple exemple, on pourrait à partir de la réalisation de la figure 11, obtenir une nappe ayant trois épaisseurs différentes qui décroissent du bord latéral gauche au bord latéral droit de la nappe. Il suffirait pour cela qu'un pli 2bc sur deux soit décalé vers le bord latéral droit de la nappe, ou qu'un pli 2da sur deux soit décalé vers le bord gauche de la nappe. Le cumul de ces deux possibilités permettrait même de réaliser quatre épaisseurs progressivement décroissantes.Of course, the invention is not limited to examples described and represented, the purpose of which is not to make an exhaustive list of possibilities but to show by which means the relative thicknesses, the symmetries and dissymmetries, the number of thickness ranges different, and the mode of transition between two beaches of different thickness, can vary almost to infinity by the methods and devices according to the invention. As of simple example, one could from the realization of FIG. 11, obtain a sheet having three thicknesses different from the left side edge to the edge right side of the tablecloth. It would be enough for that a fold 2bc out of two is shifted to the right side edge of the sheet, or that a fold 2da on two is shifted towards the edge left of the tablecloth. The combination of these two possibilities would even achieve four thicknesses gradually decreasing.

L'invention est compatible avec toute disposition faisant varier l'épaisseur, en particulier le degré d'étirement positif ou négatif, du voile déposé sur le convoyeur de sortie. Ceci permet de combiner les variations d'épaisseur plus ou moins brusques dues à l'invention avec des variations plus progressives entre différents points de la largeur d'une même zone d'épaisseur définie par l'invention.The invention is compatible with any provision varying the thickness, especially the degree positive or negative stretching of the veil deposited on the output conveyor. This allows to combine the variations thickness more or less abrupt due to the invention with more gradual variations between different points of the width of the same zone of thickness defined by the invention.

Claims (23)

  1. A method of producing a fibre fleece (4) having a stepped profile by depositing on an output conveyor (6) successive transverse segments of web (2a, 2b, ...) connected to one another by folds (2ab, 2bc, ...) produced alternately in one direction and then in the other by reversal of the transverse direction in which the web (2) is deposited, a method comprising the step of positioning at different locations in the width of the output conveyor (6) at least certain of the successive folds of same direction (2ab, 2cd, ... ; 2bc, 2da, ...), in such a way that said folds comprise inwardly shifted folds located along at least one line located between the side edges of the fleece (4), characterized in that the shifted folds are so positioned that they form a shoulder (4ab, 4ac, 4de, 4ef) between two longitudinal zones (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) of the fleece (4).
  2. A method of producing a continuous textile product having a transverse profile with a non-uniform thickness, in which there is formed a fibre fleece (4) by depositing on an output conveyor (6) of a crosslapper (41) successive transverse segments of web (2a, 2b, ...) connected to one another by folds (2ab, 2bc, ...) produced alternately in one direction and then in the other by reversal of the transverse direction in which the web (2) is deposited, while positioning at different locations in the width of the output conveyor (6) at least certain of the successive folds of same direction (2ab, 2cd, ... ; 2bc, 2da, ...), characterized in that the non-uniform profile of the fleece (4) is substantially kept in a transverse orientation of the continuous textile product until the end of a later step of consolidation.
  3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the later step of consolidation is a step of needling.
  4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the textile product, as seen from above, moves along a straight line from the exit of the crosslapper (41) to the consolidation step.
  5. A method according to one of claims 2-4, characterized in that the transverse profile of the fleece is essentially conservated in the consolidated textile product.
  6. A method according to one of claims 2-5, characterized in that folds which are shifted sidewardly inwardly of the fleece are positioned thereby to form a shoulder (4ab, 4ac, 4de, 4ef) between two longitudinal zones (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) of the fleece (4).
  7. A method according to one of claims 1-6, characterized by the possibility of producing said fleece with said profile being dissymmetrical (figures 7-12).
  8. A method according to one of Claims 1-7, characterized by programming a lapping pattern corresponding to a certain number of successive segments for which there is defined the position of the extremities of the said segments corresponding to the folds of the web (2), such that at least two folds of the same direction are offset with respect to each other in the transverse direction of the fleece (6), and in that the fleece is produced by the repetitive execution of the lapping pattern.
  9. A method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the speed of the output conveyor (6) is adjusted such that the displacement of the output conveyor (6) during the execution of a lapping pattern corresponds to 1/n times the width (L) of the web (2), "n" being an integer.
  10. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in order to produce an extra thickness between two thinner zones of the profile of the fleece, there is deposited two kinds of segments of web, each of the kinds of segments consisting of segments limited by a fold adjacent to one of the respective longitudinal edges of the extra thickness and extending over the thinner zone remote from this edge.
  11. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in order to produce an extra thickness adjacent to at least one thinner zone of the profile of the fleece, there are produced segments which are delimited by two folds each located along one of the longitudinal edges of the extra thickness and other segments covering the entire extra thickness and extending into the thinner zone beyond one of the longitudinal edges of the extra thickness.
  12. A method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the extra thickness is located between two thinner zones and at least certain of the said other segments extend beyond the extra thickness on both sides of the latter into the two thinner zones.
  13. A method according to Claim 11, characterized in that the extra thickness is adjacent to an edge of the fleece and the said other segments are limited by a fold extending along the said edge of the fleece.
  14. A method according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that there is produced a progressive change of thickness between two zones in the width of the fleece by producing superimposed segments of web limited along the change of thickness by slightly offset folds of the same direction.
  15. A crosslapper device comprising:
    an output conveyor (6);
    a carriage (21) which is transversely movable above the output conveyor;
    means (22, 23, 26) of actuating the carriage to move in accordance with travels in each direction (27) of the width of the output conveyor (6), separated by reversals of travelling direction;
    means (1, 12) of supplying the carriage with a continuous web (2);
    means (17, 18) carried by the carriage (21) for feeding the web onto the output conveyor (6); and
    means of profiling the fleece produced on the output conveyor, for producing the produced fleece with a stepped transverse profile,
    characterized in that in operation for the production of a fleece the profiling means locate at different locations in the width of the output conveyor the stopping positions of the carriage (21) between a same first travelling direction and a same second travelling direction of the carriage, thereby to define over the width of the fleece at least two zones (4a-4f) of different thickness separated by at least one shoulder (4ab, 4ac, 4de, 4ef).
  16. A device for producing a continuous textile product comprising :
    a crosslapper (41) for production of a fleece (4);
    a consolidation machine (42) positioned downstream;
    guiding means (44) for guiding the fleece (4) from the crosslapper to the consolidation machine;
    the crosslapper (41) comprising :
    an output conveyor (6) forming at least part of the guiding means (44);
    a carriage (21) which is transversely movable above the output conveyor;
    means (22, 23, 26) of actuating the carriage to move in accordance with travels in each direction (27) of the width of the output conveyor (6), separated by reversals of travelling direction;
    means (1, 12) of supplying the carriage with a continuous web (2);
    means (17, 18) carried by the carriage (21) for feeding the web onto the output conveyor (6); and
    means of profiling the fleece produced on the output conveyor, the guiding means (44) being arranged in such a way that the transverse profile of the fleece (4) leaving the crosslapper (41) keeps its transverse orientation up to the path through the consolidation machine,
    characterized in that in operation for the production of a textile product the profiling means locate in at least two different locations in the width of the output conveyor the stopping positions between a same first travelling direction and a same second travelling direction of the carriage.
  17. A device according to claim 16, characterized in that the consolidation machine is a needling machine.
  18. A device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that said locations differ in such a way as to define over the width of the fleece and then of the continuous textile product at least two zones (4a-4f) of different thickness, separated by at least one shoulder (4ab, 4ac, 4de, 4ef).
  19. A device according to one of Claims 15-18, characterized in that the profiling means comprise:
    means (31) of programming a sequence of travels defined by the positions of their extremities with respect to the width of the output conveyor; and
    means (29) of controlling the carriage such that it repetitively executes the sequence of travels.
  20. A device according to one of Claims 15-19, characterized by means of causing the output conveyor (6) to progress by L/n during the execution of each sequence, in which expression "L" is the dimension of the web measured parallel with the length of the output conveyor (6) and "n" is an integer.
  21. A device according to one of claims 15-20, characterized in that the profiling means are capable of providing the fleece with a dissymmetrical profile (figures 7-12).
  22. A textile product composed of transverse web segments connected to each other by folds which are alternately formed in one direction and then in the other, and thereafter consolidated, in particular by needling, characterized in that some of the folds are offset sidewardly inwardly of the continuous textile product so as to reside along a shoulder (4ab, 4ac, 4de, 4ef) extending between zones (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) having a different number of superposed segments.
  23. A textile product according to claim 22, characterized in that the transverse profile of the product is dissymmetrical.
EP98909539A 1997-02-19 1998-02-16 Methods and devices for producing a streamlined lap and a continuous textile product Expired - Lifetime EP1009871B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9701937A FR2759710B1 (en) 1997-02-19 1997-02-19 METHOD AND SPREADER-TAPER FOR PRODUCING A PROFILED TABLECLOTH
FR9701937 1997-02-19
PCT/FR1998/000287 WO1998037264A1 (en) 1997-02-19 1998-02-16 Methods and devices for producing a streamlined lap and a continuous textile product

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1009871A1 EP1009871A1 (en) 2000-06-21
EP1009871B1 true EP1009871B1 (en) 2005-02-02

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EP98909539A Expired - Lifetime EP1009871B1 (en) 1997-02-19 1998-02-16 Methods and devices for producing a streamlined lap and a continuous textile product

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EP (1) EP1009871B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2001511855A (en)
AT (1) ATE288509T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2280956A1 (en)
DE (2) DE1009871T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2237835T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2759710B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1998037264A1 (en)

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DE202014100908U1 (en) 2014-02-27 2015-05-28 Autefa Solutions Germany Gmbh carding

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FR2789410B1 (en) * 1999-02-08 2001-06-22 Cera MAT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND NEEDLE CARPET, ESPECIALLY FOR SUCH A MAT
CN100429343C (en) * 2003-12-31 2008-10-29 美商.V.F.T.有限公司 Method, structure and forming device for fabricating flat tubular structure with extensibility and high expansibility using long staple as raw material
US8541076B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2013-09-24 V.F.T. Inc. Stretchable high-loft flat-tube structure from continuous filaments
AU2004200737B2 (en) * 2004-02-18 2010-04-15 V.F.T. Inc. Stretchable High-Loft Flat-Tube Structure from Continuous Filaments
DE602004003127T2 (en) * 2004-04-15 2007-08-30 V.F.T. Inc., Montebello Stretchy, voluminous, flat tubular structure made of endless filaments
DE102006010069A1 (en) * 2006-03-04 2007-09-06 Rosink Gmbh + Co Kg Device for depositing strip material
JP5671259B2 (en) * 2010-05-27 2015-02-18 株式会社クラレ Manufacturing method of base material for artificial leather
JP5863692B2 (en) * 2013-03-22 2016-02-17 日本板硝子環境アメニティ株式会社 Fabrication method of fiber mat type sound absorbing material

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DE4234354A1 (en) * 1992-10-12 1994-04-14 Dilo Kg Maschf Oskar Mfg. felt of great width with longitudinal fibres - using stable fibre web of comparatively small width, which is transported continuously and deposited into several layers laying on top of each other
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Cited By (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202014100908U1 (en) 2014-02-27 2015-05-28 Autefa Solutions Germany Gmbh carding
WO2015128391A1 (en) 2014-02-27 2015-09-03 Autefa Solutions Germany Gmbh Carding apparatus and carding method
US10443155B2 (en) 2014-02-27 2019-10-15 Autefa Solutions Germany Gmbh Carding apparatus and carding method

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ATE288509T1 (en) 2005-02-15
DE69828889D1 (en) 2005-03-10
EP1009871A1 (en) 2000-06-21
FR2759710A1 (en) 1998-08-21
WO1998037264A1 (en) 1998-08-27
CA2280956A1 (en) 1998-08-27
DE1009871T1 (en) 2001-03-01
FR2759710B1 (en) 1999-04-30
DE69828889T2 (en) 2006-03-23
ES2237835T3 (en) 2005-08-01
JP2001511855A (en) 2001-08-14

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