U.S. patent application number 12/788881 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for woven fabric belt for a machine for the production of web material, especially paper or cardboard.
Invention is credited to Johann Boeck.
Application Number | 20100258259 12/788881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40263549 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100258259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boeck; Johann |
October 14, 2010 |
WOVEN FABRIC BELT FOR A MACHINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF WEB MATERIAL,
ESPECIALLY PAPER OR CARDBOARD
Abstract
A woven fabric belt for a machine for the production of web
material, especially paper or cardboard, includes a web material
side first fabric layer and a machine side second fabric layer,
with threads extending in machine direction and respectively with
threads extending in cross machine direction, whereby the first
woven fabric layer and the second woven fabric layer are connected
with each other by paired binder threads, whereby the binder thread
pairs tie off with threads of the second fabric layer extending in
one direction of machine direction and cross machine direction in
such a way that in the second fabric layer--in the other direction
of longitudinal direction of the belt and cross direction of the
belt--consecutive groups of threads which are gathered by the
binder threads and extend in the one direction are formed and/or
whereby inside one field of repeat extending in the second fabric
layer in machine direction and cross machine direction the threads
of the second fabric layer which extend in the other direction of
machine direction and cross machine direction tie off at the
threads of the second fabric layer extending in the one direction
in order to form respective tie-off points on a side facing away
from the machine contact side in such a way that at least one group
of tie-off points is formed within the field of repeat which press
the threads of one group of threads of the second fabric layer
extending in the one direction against each other in the other
direction.
Inventors: |
Boeck; Johann; (Fornach,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAYLOR IP, P.C.
P.O. Box 560, 142. S Main Street
Avilla
IN
46710
US
|
Family ID: |
40263549 |
Appl. No.: |
12/788881 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/EP2008/064863 |
Nov 3, 2008 |
|
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12788881 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
162/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21F 1/0045
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
162/289 |
International
Class: |
D21G 9/00 20060101
D21G009/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2008 |
DE |
10 2008 000 088.4 |
Claims
1. A woven fabric belt for a machine for producing a web of fibrous
material which is one of paper and cardboard, said woven fabric
belt comprising: a first fabric layer which is woven and forms a
web material side of the woven fabric belt; a second fabric layer
which is woven and forms a machine side of the woven fabric belt,
said first and second fabric layers including a first plurality of
threads extending in a first direction, a second plurality of
threads extending in a second direction, and a plurality of binder
threads which are paired with one another to form a plurality of
binder thread pairs, said first direction being one of a machine
direction and a cross machine direction, said second direction
being a remaining one of said machine direction and said cross
machine direction relative to said first direction, said first
plurality of threads extending in said first direction including a
third plurality of threads of said second fabric layer extending in
said first direction, said second plurality of threads extending in
said second direction including a fourth plurality of threads of
said second fabric layer extending in said second direction, said
first fabric layer and said second fabric layer being connected
with each other by said plurality of binder thread pairs, at least
one of: (1) said plurality of binder thread pairs tying off with
said third plurality of threads of said second fabric layer
extending in said first direction in such a way that in said second
fabric layer, in said second direction, consecutive first groups of
said third plurality of threads which are gathered by said
plurality of binder threads and extend in said first direction are
formed, and (2) inside one field of repeat extending in said second
fabric layer in said first direction and said second direction said
fourth plurality of threads of said second fabric layer which
extend in said second direction tying off at said third plurality
of threads of said second fabric layer extending in said first
direction in order to form respective tie-off points on a side
facing away from a machine contact side of the woven fabric belt in
such a way that at least one second group of said tie-off points is
formed within said field of repeat which at least one of (a)
presses respective ones of said third plurality of threads forming
one said first group of said third plurality of threads of said
second fabric layer extending in said first direction against each
other in said second direction, and (b) presses respective ones of
said fourth plurality of threads forming a group of said fourth
plurality of threads of said second fabric layer which extend in
said second direction against each other in said first
direction.
2. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein said first
groups of said third plurality of threads of said second fabric
layer extending in said first direction which are arranged adjacent
to each other in said second direction include a same number of
threads of said third plurality of threads.
3. The woven fabric belt according to claim 2, wherein each of said
first groups of said third plurality of threads of said second
fabric layer extending in said first direction includes two said
threads of said third plurality of threads.
4. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein, in a
respective one of said plurality of binder thread pairs, one said
binder thread progresses alternately on said machine contact side
of a respective first said first group of said third plurality of
threads extending in said first direction, and another said binder
thread of said respective one of said plurality of binder thread
pairs progresses on said machine contact side of a respective
second said first group of said third plurality of threads of said
second fabric layer which follows said respective first said first
group.
5. The woven fabric belt according to claim 4, wherein, with said
plurality of binder thread pairs which are located immediately
after each other in said first direction, one said binder thread of
one respective said binder thread pair progresses on said machine
contact side of a respective said first group of said third
plurality of threads of said second fabric layer which extend in
said first direction, and one said binder thread of a following
respective said binder thread pair progresses on said machine
contact side of another respective said first group of said third
plurality of threads of said second fabric layer immediately
following in said second direction and extending in said first
direction.
6. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein said second
plurality of threads extending in said second direction includes a
fifth plurality of threads of said first fabric layer extending in
said second direction, two threads of said fifth plurality of
threads of said first fabric layer which extend in said second
direction and two threads of said fourth plurality of threads of
said second fabric layer which extend in said second direction are
provided between two of said plurality of binder thread pairs which
are located following each other in said first direction.
7. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein each said
second group of tie-off points includes a first tie-off point and a
second tie-off point, wherein, in each said second group of tie-off
points, said first tie-off point and said second tie-off point are
formed in said second direction on both sides of said respective
ones of said third plurality of threads forming one said first
group of said third plurality of threads of said second fabric
layer which extend in said first direction and which are pressed
against each other by each respective said second group of tie-off
points.
8. The woven fabric belt according to claim 7, wherein said first
tie-off point and said second tie-off point are formed by
immediately adjacent ones of said fourth plurality of threads in
said second fabric layer which extend in said second direction.
9. The woven fabric belt according to claim 8, wherein each said
second group of tie-off points includes a third tie-off point and a
fourth tie-off point, wherein, in each said second group of tie-off
points, said third tie-off point and said fourth tie-off point are
formed in said first direction on both sides of said first tie-off
point and said second tie-off point and in said second direction
between said first tie-off point and said second tie-off point.
10. The woven fabric belt according to claim 9, wherein said third
tie-off point and said fourth tie-off point are formed at
immediately adjacent ones of said third plurality of threads
extending in said first direction of a respective said first group
of said third plurality of threads of said second fabric layer
which extend in said first direction.
11. The woven fabric belt according to claim 9, wherein a
respective one of said plurality of binder thread pairs is located
between said immediately adjacent ones of said fourth plurality of
threads of said second fabric layer which extend in said second
direction and which form said first tie-off point and said second
tie-off point.
12. The woven fabric belt according to claim 7, wherein within one
said field of repeat each of said fourth plurality of threads of
said second fabric layer extending in said second direction is tied
off at respectively only one of said third plurality of threads of
said second fabric layer extending in said first direction, thereby
forming a respective one of said tie-off points.
13. The woven fabric belt according to claim 7, wherein within one
said field of repeat respectively only one of said fourth plurality
of threads of said second fabric layer extending in said second
direction ties off at each of said third plurality of threads of
said second fabric layer extending in said first direction.
14. The woven fabric belt according to claim 7, wherein between two
successive said tie-off points in said second direction of each one
of said fourth plurality of threads of said second fabric layer
extending in said second direction each one of said fourth
plurality of threads progresses on said machine contact side of
said third plurality of threads of said second fabric layer
extending in said first direction.
15. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein said
respective ones of said third plurality of threads forming one said
first group of said third plurality of threads of said second
fabric layer extending in said first direction which are pressed
against each other by said second group of tie-off points in said
second direction are gathered into one said first group by
respective ones of said plurality of binder threads extending in
said second direction.
16. The woven fabric belt according to claim 1, wherein said first
direction is said machine direction which is consistent with a
longitudinal direction of the woven fabric belt, said second
direction being said cross machine direction which is consistent
with a cross direction of the woven fabric belt.
17. The woven fabric belt according to claim 16, wherein said first
direction is consistent with a warp direction and said second
direction is consistent with a weft direction.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of PCT application No.
PCT/EP2008/064863, entitled "A FABRIC BELT FOR A MACHINE FOR
PRODUCING WEB MATERIAL, IN PARTICULAR PAPER OR PAPERBOARD", filed
Nov. 3, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The current invention relates to a woven fabric belt for a
machine for the production of web material, especially paper or
cardboard, including a web side first woven fabric layer and a
machine side second woven fabric layer, in each instance with
threads extending in longitudinal direction of the belt and threads
extending in cross direction of the belt, whereby the first woven
fabric layer and the second woven fabric layer are connected with
each other by paired binder threads.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A woven fabric belt of this type which can, for example, be
utilized as a forming fabric in a machine for the production of
paper or cardboard is known from DE 10 2006 008 812 A1. Due to the
structure of the fabric belt comprising two fabric layers the
possibility is created to provide a very finely structured woven
structure at a web contact surface--for example in the form of
linen weave--consisting of the threads which extend in machine
direction and cross machine direction of this fabric layer and
which has only a low tendency of marking. Due to the uneven satin
weave at the machine side on the other hand and at the same time
because of an uneven distribution of the binding locations of the
paired binder threads which provide the connection between the two
woven fabric layers a high load capacity, especially in regard to
contact with various idler rollers and drive rollers, is provided
on the machine side.
[0006] What is needed in the art is a fabric belt for a machine for
the production of web material whereby an increased stability can
be achieved through the utilization of thicker threads in the
composition of a machine contact surface, without increasing the
thickness of the entire structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a fabric belt for a machine
for the production of web material, especially paper or cardboard,
including a web material side first fabric layer and a machine side
second fabric layer, each with threads extending in machine
direction and respectively threads extending in cross machine
direction, whereby the first fabric layer and the second fabric
layer are connected with each other by paired binder threads,
[0008] whereby the binder thread pairs tie off with threads of the
second fabric layer extending in one direction of machine direction
and cross machine direction in such a way that in the second fabric
layer, in the other direction of longitudinal direction of the belt
and cross direction of the belt, consecutive groups of threads
which are gathered by the binder threads and extend in the one
direction are formed, and/or [0009] whereby inside one field of
repeat extending in the second fabric layer in machine direction
and cross machine direction the threads of the second fabric layer
which extend in the other direction of machine direction and cross
machine direction tie off at the threads of the second fabric layer
extending in the one direction in order to form respective tie-off
points on a side facing away from the machine contact side in such
a way that at least one group of tie-off points is formed within
the field of repeat which press the threads of one group of threads
of the second fabric layer extending in the one direction against
each other in the other direction, and/or press threads of a group
of threads of the second fabric layer which extend in the other
direction against each other in the one direction.
[0010] In the inventive fabric belt therefore, groups of threads
extending in one direction are generated, whereby in these groups
due to gathering of the threads or the compression of the threads
against each other the distance between the threads is smaller than
the distance between the individual groups. Consequently,
comparatively thin threads can be used for the threads of the
second fabric layer which extend in the one direction and which,
due to gathering into groups, appear to be "thicker threads" and
which then produce a very stable machine contact surface together
with the threads of the second fabric layer extending in the other
direction which can indeed have a larger cross sectional dimension,
without the disadvantages that are normally associated with the
utilization of very rough fabric structures with thicker
threads.
[0011] In order to be able to produce an even structure in the
other direction it is suggested that groups of threads of the
second fabric layer extending in the one direction which are
arranged adjacent to each other in the other direction include the
same number of threads.
[0012] The inventive aspect of gathering individual threads of the
second fabric layer extending in the one direction into groups
which are then interwoven with threads of the second fabric layer
which extend transversely or in other words in the other direction
can be utilized especially advantageously if each group of threads
of the second fabric layer extending in the one direction includes
two threads.
[0013] For example, the interaction of the binder thread pairs with
the threads of the second fabric layer which extend in the one
direction can be such that in a binder thread pair one binder
thread progresses alternately on the machine contact side of one
group of threads extending in the one direction, and the other
binder thread progresses on the machine contact side of the group
of threads of the second fabric layer following the one after the
next one extending in the one direction.
[0014] In addition it is possible that with binder threads which
are located immediately after each other in one direction one
thread of one pair of threads progresses on the machine contact
side of a group of threads of the second fabric layer which extend
in the one direction and alternatively one thread of a following
pair progresses on the machine contact side of a group of threads
of the second fabric layer immediately following in the other
direction and extending in the one direction. In this way it can be
avoided that--with the same pair of binder threads--in the
transition from the first to the second fabric layer and vice versa
crossover points are created between two immediately adjacent
groups of threads of the second fabric layer which extend in the
one direction. On the contrary, such a crossover point can be
located on a web side of an additional group of threads of the
second fabric layer.
[0015] In addition, in order to produce a very finely structured
web side contact surface two threads of the first fabric layer
which extend in the other direction and two threads of the second
fabric layer which extend in the other direction may be provided
between two binder thread pairs which are located following each
other in the one direction. It should be pointed out here that
obviously the number of the specifically available threads in the
one direction of the first fabric layer, or the second fabric layer
respectively can be selected to be different. This will depend upon
how strong the mutual binding together of the two fabric layers
needs to be.
[0016] For gathering of individual threads into a respective group
through the provision of defined tie-off points it is suggested
that in each group of tie-off points a first tie-off point and a
second tie-off point are formed in the other direction on both
sides of the threads of one group of threads of the second fabric
layer which extend in the one direction and which are pressed
against each other by this group of tie-off points. Here it can be
provided that the first tie-off point and the second tie-off point
are formed by immediately adjacent threads in the second fabric
layer which extend in the other direction.
[0017] Moreover, such a group of tie-off points may include a third
tie-off point and a fourth tie-off point which are formed in the
one direction on both sides of the first tie-off point and the
second tie-off point and in the other direction between the first
tie-off point and the second tie-off point. Here, it may be
provided that the third tie-off point and the fourth tie-off point
are formed at immediately adjacent threads extending in one
direction of a group of threads of the second fabric layer which
extend in the one direction.
[0018] The groups of tie-off points provided according to one
inventive aspect may, in addition to the previously discussed
aspect of formation of threads extending in the one direction, also
include the effect of a group formation of threads extending in the
other direction. Due to the crimping occurring at the tie-off
points--not only of the threads extending in the other direction,
but also of the threads extending in the one
direction--particularly those threads extending in the other
direction which are positioned between two tie-off points and which
are located in the one direction at a distance to each other are
pressed against each other. In other words, particularly those
located between the third and the fourth tie-off points.
[0019] In order to be able to further positively utilize this group
formation effect of threads extending in the other direction it is
suggested that a binder thread pair is located between the threads
of the second fabric layer which extend in the other direction and
which form the first and the second tie-off point. In this manner
the binder threads of a respective binder thread pair are tightly
gathered and thereby also supported by those threads which are
gathered by two or more tie-off points into groups extending in the
other direction and which are then located adjacent to each other
in the one direction.
[0020] The second woven fabric layer, in other words the fabric
layer which also provides the contact with the various idler or
drive rollers can for example be arranged so that within one field
of repeat each thread of the second woven fabric layer extending in
the other direction is tied off at a single thread of the second
fabric layer extending in the one direction, thereby forming a
tie-off point, and/or that within one field of repeat a single
thread of the second woven fabric layer extending in the other
direction ties off at each thread of the second woven fabric layer
extending in the one direction.
[0021] It is further suggested that between two successive tie-off
points in the other direction of a thread of the second woven
fabric layer extending in the other direction this thread
progresses on the machine side of the threads of the second woven
layer extending in the one direction. In this way it can be assured
that those threads of the second woven fabric layer which in the
inventive arrangement can be selected with larger dimensions, in
other words greater thickness, do in fact also provide the machine
contact surface in essential areas.
[0022] The gathering of the threads extending in the one direction
into individual groups which preferably extend completely in the
one direction over the entire belt is accomplished especially
efficiently in that threads of one group of the second fabric layer
extending in the one direction which are pressed against each other
by a group of tie-off points in the other direction are also
gathered into one group by binder threads extending in the other
direction.
[0023] The one direction can for example be consistent with the
longitudinal direction of the belt, whereby then the other
direction is consistent with the cross direction of the belt.
Production technological reasons preferably further provide that
the one direction is consistent with a warp direction and the other
direction is consistent with a weft direction.
[0024] The current invention is explained in further detail with
reference to the enclosed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a top view of four immediately adjacent fields of
repeat of a machine side woven fabric layer, viewed from the
machine side;
[0027] FIG. 2 is an illustration representing the progression in
two adjacent fields of repeat of the paired binder threads which
are allocated to each other; and
[0028] FIG. 3 is one field of repeat of the tie-off arrangement
shown in FIG. 1 and shows the progression of the threads in a web
side fabric layer and a machine side fabric layer and the
progression of the paired binder threads which are allocated to
each other and which hold together the two fabric layers.
[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate
the tie-off principle of the current invention by depicting the
progression of the various threads of two woven fabric layers of a
fabric belt which may for example be used as a forming fabric. B1,
B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7 and B8 identify the threads of a machine
side fabric layer 100 which, in FIGS. 1 through 3 extend from left
to right and which--in a fabric belt--preferably extend in cross
direction of the belt CMD. T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8
identify the threads extending in the same direction, in other
words in cross direction CMD of the belt of a web side material
layer 102.
[0031] In the machine side fabric layer 100 threads 2, 4, 6, 8, 10,
12, 14, 16 extend in the longitudinal MD direction of the belt. The
longitudinal direction of the belt MD is also consistent with the
machine direction. Likewise, threads 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15
of the web side fabric layer 102 extend in longitudinal direction
MD of the belt. For example threads T1-T8 follow each other in
longitudinal direction MD of the belt in the web material side
fabric layer 102 in a respective field of repeat which defines the
smallest repeat unit in longitudinal direction MD of the belt and
in cross direction CMD of the belt.
[0032] After each two threads T1, T2 extending in cross direction
CMD of the belt in the web side fabric layer 102, and likewise two
threads B1 and B2 in the machine side fabric layer 100, a pair of
binder threads Bi1, Bi2, Bi3, Bi4, Bi5, Bi6, Bi7, Bi8 which are
allocated to each other follows. This means that within each field
of repeat there are several successive binder thread pairs Bi1-2,
Bi3-4, Bi5-6, Bi7-8 located in longitudinal direction MD of the
belt. In each pair of binder threads the individual binder threads
change over (as shown for example in the binder thread pair Bi1-2)
at the cross over points K between the web side fabric layer 102
and the machine side fabric layer 104. In the area where the
respective binder threads Bi1 or Bi2 are tied into the web side
fabric layer 102 they form a linen weave together with threads 1,
3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 which extend in the longitudinal direction
MD of the belt, resulting in a very finely structured web contact
surface on the web material side 106. Binder threads Bi1, Bi2, Bi3,
Bi4, Bi5, Bi6, Bi7, Bi8 also serve in a structure creating capacity
so that each binder thread pair Bi1-2, Bi3-4, Bi5-6, Bi7-8 in the
web side fabric layer 104 in fact replaces a complete thread which
extends in cross direction CMD of the belt.
[0033] In the machine side fabric layer 100 threads B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, B6, B7, and B8 which extend in cross direction CMD of the belt
progress essentially on a side facing the machine side 108 of the
respective threads 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of this fabric layer
100 which extend in longitudinal direction MD of the belt. However,
inside a field of repeat each of the threads B1-B8 extending in
cross direction CMD of the belt ties off at a tie-off point X above
one of the threads 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of this fabric layer
100. "Above" in this instance means that the tie-off occurs on the
side facing away from the machine side 108 of a respective thread
extending in longitudinal direction MD of the belt, as is indicated
for example by the tie-off point X of thread B1 in FIG. 3. In the
locations where these threads B1-B8 do not form tie-off points X
they progress or float on the machine side 108 of threads 2, 4, 6,
8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of this fabric layer 100 which extend in
longitudinal direction MD of the belt. Herewith a satin weave is
realized--in the illustrated example of a field of repeat with
eight adjacent threads it is an eight-time satin weave--which
provides that almost the entire machine contact surface on the
machine side 108 is provided by evenly progressing thread segments,
so that on the one hand a very smooth even machine contact surface
is produced and thereby on the other hand also the wear resistance
is increased.
[0034] It can be seen, especially in FIGS. 1 and 3 that with the
respective binder thread pairs Bi1-2, Bi3-4, B5-6, Bi7-8 the
respective binder threads Bi1, Bi2, Bi3, Bi4, Bi5, Bi6, Bi7, Bi8
tie off with respective threads of the machine side fabric layer
100 which extend in longitudinal direction MD of the belt at
locations where they are not tied into the web side fabric layer
102 in such a way that they are gathered into respective groups G1
of threads extending in longitudinal direction MD of the belt. It
can be seen from binder thread pair Bi1-2 that threads 4, 6 of the
machine side fabric layer 100 which extend in longitudinal
direction MD of the belt are gathered by binder thread Bi2, whereas
threads 12, 14 are gathered by binder thread Bi1 into a group G1.
The binder thread pair Bi3-4 which follows in longitudinal
direction MD of the belt likewise gathers threads 8, 10 into a
group G1 with binder thread Bi3, whereas binder thread Bi4 gathers
thread 2 of this field of repeat with thread 16 of an immediately
adjacent field of repeat into a group G1. The next following binder
thread pair Bi5-6 again gathers threads 4, 6 or 12, 14 into a
respective group G1.
[0035] This results in the structure which can also be seen in FIG.
1 whereby groups G1 of threads extending in longitudinal direction
MD of the belt are gathered by a respective binder thread pair
Bi1-2, Bi-3-4, Bi5-6, Bi7-8 so that a respective binder thread
extends on the machine side 108 of these threads or of this group
G1 of threads. A group of threads extending in longitudinal
direction of the belt which are not tied together by this pair of
binder threads is located between two such progressions at each
binder thread pair, for example binder thread pair Bi1-2, so that a
respective binder thread extends along the machine side of these
threads. In the case of binder thread pair Bi1-2 shown in FIG. 3
these would for example be threads 8, 10 or 16, 2. Whereas threads
4, 6 and 12, 14 are moved closer to each other in cross direction
CMD of the belt by this binder thread pair Bi1-2 in that they are
squeezed together by binder threads Bi1, B2 extending on the
machine side 108. A similar effect also occurs with threads 8, 10,
or 16, 2 respectively which are pushed away from threads 6 or 12 as
a result of binder threads Bi1, Bi2 crossing above these threads 8,
10 or 2, 16.
[0036] In longitudinal direction MD of the belt immediately
adjacent binder thread pairs Bi1-2, Bi3-4, Bi5-6 alternate in
gathering threads which extend in longitudinal direction MD of the
belt into groups G1.
[0037] The result is a structure of groups G1 on threads extending
in longitudinal direction MD of the belt which are represented here
by threads 4, 6 or 8, 10, or 12, 14 or 16, 2 respectively (in the
adjoining area of two fields of repeat). These groups G1 extend in
the entire longitudinal direction MD of the belt through the field
of repeat. The distance of threads which extend in longitudinal
direction MD of the belt inside a respective group G1 with threads
4, 6 or 8, 10, or 12, 14 or 16, 2 is thereby smaller than the
distance between the individual groups G1. These groups G1 thereby
have the effect of a virtual "thicker thread" above which a
respective thread B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8 extending in cross
direction CMD of the belt ties off in order to form a respective
tie-off point X. Despite utilization of comparatively thinner
threads 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of the machine side fabric layer
100 which extend in longitudinal direction MD of the belt it is
therefore possible to utilize comparatively thicker threads B1-B8
extending in cross direction CMD of the belt which then also
provide an accordingly higher wear resistance.
[0038] As indicated in FIG. 2, this progression of binder threads
Bi1-Bi6, or the location of their crossover points K which are
identified in FIG. 2 by a star, causes the formation of ribbons of
crossover points K extending in longitudinal direction MD of the
belt and located at threads 1, 3 or 9, 11 respectively of the web
side fabric layer 102, whereas no crossover points K occur at
threads 5, 7 or 13, 15 respectively.
[0039] A further contribution to the formation of individual groups
G1 of threads in the machine side fabric layer 100, which in spite
of comparatively thinner thread material appear as a thicker
thread, is achieved by the defined positioning of the tie-off
points X of threads B1-B8 which extend in cross direction CMD of
the belt. Below this is explained with reference to FIG. 1 and
specifically the field of repeat on the bottom right.
[0040] Here one can see two encircled groups G2 of tie-off points X
which exert such forces upon threads 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of
the machine side fabric layer 100 which extend in longitudinal
direction MD of the belt that likewise threads 4, 6, or 8, 10, or
12, 14 or 16, 2 respectively are pressed against each other. In
such a group G2 there are two tie-off points X1, X2 which are
located on both sides of the two threads which are to be gathered
into a group G1. In group G2 which is located on the right in FIG.
1 the tie-off point of thread B3 above thread 10 can be considered
as a first tie-off point X1, whereas the tie-off point of thread B2
above thread 16 can be considered as a second tie-off point X2.
Thread B3 hereby exerts a force upon thread 12 which presses it in
the direction toward thread 14; whereas thread B2 exerts a force
upon thread 14 which presses it in the direction toward thread 12.
An additional pair of tie-off points X within such a group G2 is
positioned so that in longitudinal direction MD of the belt it is
located on both sides of the previously addressed first or
respectively second tie-off points X1, X2 however, in cross
direction CMD of the belt it is located between these two tie-off
points X1, X2. The tie-off point of thread B1 above thread 12 can
therefore be considered for example as a third tie-off point X3 of
group G2, whereas the tie-off point of thread B4 above thread 14
can be considered as a fourth tie-off point X4. The third tie-off
point X3 causes a force which spreads threads 10 and 12 apart,
whereas the fourth tie-off point X4 produces a force which spreads
threads 14 and 16 apart.
[0041] This explanation illustrates that each of these groups G2 of
tie-off points X within one field of repeat presses two threads
which extend in longitudinal direction MD of the belt and which at
the same time are also gathered by a binder thread pair into a
group G1 of threads extending in longitudinal direction MD of the
belt against each other. The two effects generated by the binder
threads and the tie-off points therefore support each other.
[0042] An additional effect caused by the provision of the tie-off
points X in defined positions is that not only the formation of
pairs of threads 2-16 which extend in longitudinal direction MD of
the belt is supported, but also that adjacent threads B1-B8 in
cross direction CMD of the belt are gathered into groups or pairs.
At the left edge of FIG. 1 this point is illustrated by brackets
capturing threads B2, B3 or respectively B4, B5 etc. This effect is
produced when in each respective group G2 the third tie-off point
X3 and the fourth tie-off point X4 are positioned so that between
them threads also progress which extend in cross direction CMD of
the belt and which will be or have been combined into a pair. The
crimps produced at the respective tie-off points X are present not
only at the threads extending in cross direction CMD of the belt.
Threads 2 through 16 extending in longitudinal direction MD of the
belt are also crimped at these tie-off points--in other words they
are deflected from their straight progression and with this crimp
produce a force in longitudinal direction MD of the belt which is
exerted upon an immediately adjacent thread extending in cross
direction CMD of the belt. For example, as a result of this
crimping, thread 12 of fabric layer 100 which ties off with thread
B1 at the tie-off point X3 presses thread B2 in FIG. 1 which is
immediately following in longitudinal direction MD of the belt
downward. Accordingly thread B3 which extends in cross direction
CMD of the belt is pressed upward due to the crimping of thread 14
at the tie-off point X4, so that threads B2 and B3 are moved closer
to each and for example threads B1 and B2 are spread apart by group
G2, especially by the tie-off points X3 and X4.
[0043] The current invention utilizes this effect in order to
arrange a pair of binder threads between two such threads which
extend in cross direction CMD of the belt and which form a thread
group which in the previously described example is the pair formed
by binder threads Bi1 and Bi2. Threads B2 and B3 which are herewith
to move closer toward each other form a protection especially at
the machine side 108 for the binder thread pairs gathered there so
that these are subjected to a lower stress, especially in
interaction with the various rolls which drive or guide a belt of
this type.
[0044] It is pointed out in this context that FIG. 1 clearly shows
that groups G2 are repeated in cross direction CMD of the belt and
that in each such group 2 the same threads which extend in cross
direction CMD of the belt are gathered into a pair by means of the
respective third tie-off point X3 and the fourth tie-off point X4.
It is further pointed out that in the previously discussed groups
of tie-off points four such tie-off points do not always need to
necessarily be available from which two primarily form the thread
pairs or thread groups which extend in longitudinal direction MD of
the belt and two primarily form the thread pairs or thread groups
which extend in cross direction CMD of the belt or support the
respective pair formation. Groups G2 of tie-off points, each
consisting of only two such tie-off points could also be provided,
whereby individual groups G2 more intensively support the formation
of pairs in the one direction and other groups G2 more intensively
support the formation of pairs in the other direction.
[0045] Also clearly recognizable in FIG. 1 is an additional special
effect in the formation of pairs of threads B1 through B8 which
extend in cross direction CMD of the belt, in interaction with
binder threads Bi1-Bi8 which extend in the same direction, whereby
the tie-off points X which contribute to the pairing formation
within a respective group B2--in other words especially tie-off
points X3 and X4--are located exactly at the threads extending in
longitudinal direction MD of the belt which are captured into a
pair by a respective binder thread. This means that everywhere
where a binder thread Bi1-Bi8 progresses on the machine side of
threads 2 through 16 of the fabric layer 100 which extend in
longitudinal direction MD of the belt and where it is very exposed
in regard to a critical wear and tear sensitive interaction with
driving or idling rollers the threads B1-B8 which extend in cross
direction CMD of the belt and which gather this binder thread are
pressed toward each other by the tie-off points X3, X4, thereby
producing an effective protection at precisely this critical
location for a respective binder thread.
[0046] In the previously described example of a fabric belt the
longitudinal direction MD of the belt , in other words the machine
direction, can be consistent with the warp direction during the
manufacture of such a belt, whereas the cross direction CMD of the
belt, in other words the cross machine direction, can be consistent
with the weft direction. Obviously, this can also be vice versa. It
must also be pointed out that the number of threads in a respective
group G1 can differ from the illustrated example. However it has
been shown that based on the selection of groups G1 with two
threads each, the desired effect of gathering or pressing toward
each other can be achieved especially efficiently, especially in
conjunction with an 8-time satin weave of the machine side fabric
layer 100. It is also pointed out that essentially groups G1 are
oriented such that they extend in cross direction CMD of the
belt.
[0047] While this invention has been described with respect to at
least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of
the appended claims.
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