U.S. patent application number 14/888922 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for method for producing a woven fabric.
This patent application is currently assigned to MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS GMBH. Invention is credited to Alexander EHRLICH, Christian HARTMANN, Frank THIEL.
Application Number | 20160083875 14/888922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50685918 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160083875 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THIEL; Frank ; et
al. |
March 24, 2016 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING A WOVEN FABRIC
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for producing a woven fabric
by means of a device, wherein in one weaving step respectively one
shed is formed by means of warp threads, through which shed a weft
thread is introduced and the weft thread is pushed in the direction
of a woven fabric edge by means of a weaving reed. An angle for
entering a weft thread is variably adjusted by means of a weft
thread entering device. According to the invention, the angle of
the weft thread to be entered in relation to the warp threads is
adjusted between 40.degree. and 90.degree. by means of an
adjustment unit, wherein the weft thread entering device is
positioned by means of an electric drive via a gear with respect to
the predetermined angle.
Inventors: |
THIEL; Frank; (Schlitz,
DE) ; EHRLICH; Alexander; (Kuenzell, DE) ;
HARTMANN; Christian; (Kuenzell, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS GMBH |
Fulda |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS
GMBH
Fulda
DE
|
Family ID: |
50685918 |
Appl. No.: |
14/888922 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/059296 |
371 Date: |
November 3, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
139/419 ;
139/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 13/002 20130101;
D03D 41/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D03D 13/00 20060101
D03D013/00; D03D 41/00 20060101 D03D041/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2013 |
DE |
10 2013 208 452.8 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a woven fabric by means of device,
wherein in each weaving step a weaving shed through which a weft
thread is inserted is formed by means of warp threads, and the weft
thread is displaced in the direction of a woven-fabric periphery by
means of a weaving reed, wherein by means of a weft-insertion
device an angle for insertion of the weft thread is variably
adjusted, wherein the angle for insertion of the weft thread in
relation to the warp threads by means of a readjustment unit is
adjusted between 40.degree. and 90.degree., wherein the
weft-insertion device in relation to the predetermined angle is
positioned by means of an electric drive by way of a gear unit.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle for beating
the weft thread against the woven-fabric periphery in relation to
the warp thread is variably adjusted.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the readjustment unit
is automatically displaced in the direction of the warp threads so
as to depend on a length of the woven fabric.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a beating movement of
the weaving reed against the woven-fabric periphery is generated by
means of at least one cylinder-and-piston unit of the readjustment
unit.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
cylinder-and-piston unit is pneumatically activated.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weft-insertion
device is displaced in the direction of the warp threads so as to
depend on a length of the woven fabric.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weft-insertion
device and/or the readjustment unit are/is actuated by means of a
control unit.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein automatic positioning
of the readjustment unit in relation to the woven-fabric periphery
is performed by means of signals detected by a detection unit.
9. A woven fabric which is produced by means of a method as claimed
in claim 1, wherein the weft threads in relation to the warp
threads run at an angle between 40.degree. and 90.degree..
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing a woven
fabric, wherein in each weaving step a weaving shed into which a
weft thread is inserted is formed by means of warp threads and the
weft thread is displaced in the direction of a woven-fabric
periphery by means of a weaving reed.
[0002] Weaving machines for producing woven fabrics and such woven
fabrics are known from the prior art. At least two thread systems
intersect in a perpendicular manner during weaving, wherein the one
thread system is the warp system and the other thread system is the
weft system. Pre-tensioned warp threads form a carrier sheet into
which weft threads are successively drawn in from one woven-fabric
selvedge to the other across an entire weaving width which is
formed by means of the warp threads. For example carpets, wall
coverings, woven composite fabrics, woven rubber backings, and
other industrial textiles are producible by means of weaving.
Weaving machines are typically used for making woven fabrics on an
industrial scale. The warp threads here are guided from a rear side
of the weaving machine toward the front, wherein the weft threads
are in each case conveyed from one side to the other between the
warp threads forming the so-called weaving shed. In the completed
woven fabric, the warp threads are held together by means of the
weft threads.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 1,280,461 A1 describes a device for producing
a woven fabric having warp threads forming a weaving shed and weft
threads which are inserted into the weaving shed by means of a
weft-insertion device. Furthermore, a weaving reed for beating the
weft threads in the direction of a woven-fabric periphery are
provided. The weft-insertion device is configured in such a manner
that an angle for inserting the weft thread and for beating the
same is adjustable within a range of approximately 45.degree.. To
this end, a screw connection which is guided in slots is
provided.
[0004] The invention is based on the object of stating a method for
producing a woven fabric which in relation to the prior art is
improved, and such a woven fabric.
[0005] The object in terms of the method is achieved by the
features stated in claim 1, and in terms of the woven fabric by the
features stated in claim 9.
[0006] Advantageous design embodiments of the invention are the
subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0007] A method for producing a woven fabric provides that in each
weaving step a weaving shed through which a weft thread is inserted
is formed by means of warp threads, and the weft thread is
displaced in the direction of a woven-fabric periphery by means of
a weaving reed. Here, by means of a weft-insertion device an angle
for insertion of the weft thread is adjusted. According to the
invention the angle of the weft thread to be introduced in relation
to the warp threads by means of a readjustment unit is adjusted
between 40.degree. and 90.degree., wherein the weft-insertion
device in relation to the predetermined angle is positioned by
means of an electric drive by way of a gear unit.
[0008] On account thereof, that the angle for weft insertion is
variable adjusted, the weft threads are interwoven into the woven
fabric according to that angle. It is possible in this way for the
weft threads rather than the warp threads to form a supporting
structure of the woven fabric.
[0009] On account thereof, that an angle of the weft thread to be
introduced in relation to the warp threads is adjusted between
40.degree. and 90.degree. by means of a readjustment unit, it may
be substantially ensured that the angle is precisely adjusted
during an entire production process and that the weft threads in
relation to the warp threads run at one and the same angle.
[0010] In order for the desired angle for weft insertion to be
adjusted, the weft-insertion device is in particular positioned by
means of a turntable, on which the weft-insertion device may be
disposed, and by means of a sprocket. Moreover, a scale by means of
which the respectively adjusted angle is displayed may be
provided.
[0011] For example, the method makes it possible for a woven fabric
having weft threads which within the woven fabric run obliquely to
the warp threads to be produced such that process steps, in
particular in the rubber-processing industry, such as the
perpendicular disposal of the two types of threads in the prior
art, are no longer required. For example, the process steps
involving diagonal cutting of blanks and the subsequent joining of
the tailored woven-fabric layers prior to vulcanizing may be
dispensed with.
[0012] Since joining of tailored woven-fabric layers is not
required in the case of a woven fabric produced in this manner,
there is also no joint seam which may form unevenness and/or an
abutment joint in the woven fabric.
[0013] In one advantageous embodiment of the method an angle for
beating the weft thread against the woven-fabric periphery in
relation to the warp thread is likewise variably adjusted. The weft
thread is thus not only introduced into the weaving shed so as to
correspond to the adjusted angle, but is also beaten up against the
woven-fabric periphery of the woven fabric at this angle, on
account of which the woven fabric is configured in a particularly
homogeneous manner.
[0014] Particularly preferably, the readjustment unit is
automatically displaced in the direction of the warp threads so as
to depend on a length of the woven fabric, so that no deployment of
personnel is required for positioning the readjustment unit.
Moreover, on account of automatic positioning the readjustment unit
is always in an optimal position in relation to the weaving shed in
order for the next warp thread to be inserted.
[0015] A beating movement of the weaving reed against the
woven-fabric periphery is generated by means of at least one
cylinder-and-piston unit of the readjustment unit, so that the
respective weft thread is precisely beaten up against the
woven-fabric periphery so as to be independent of the adjustment of
the angle, on account of which the woven fabric is homogeneously
configured.
[0016] In one potential embodiment, the at least one
cylinder-and-piston unit is pneumatically activated, on account of
which a piston for generating the beating movement is moved by
means of compressed air from a cylinder of the cylinder-and-piston
unit. On account of the cylinder-and-piston unit being activated by
means of compressed air, advantageously no hydraulic fluid and thus
no hydraulic pump and/or a pressure reservoir are required, such
that the pneumatic solution is a comparatively cost-effective
alternative.
[0017] Particularly preferably, the weft-insertion device is
displaced in the direction of the warp threads so as to depend on a
length of the woven fabric, on account of which the respective weft
thread is inserted into the weaving shed in an optimal manner. The
weft-insertion device in the case of this embodiment is preferably
linked to the readjustment unit, such that both the weft-insertion
device as well as the readjustment unit may be displaced and
positioned in an optimal manner so as to depend on the length of
the woven fabric.
[0018] In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the method
the weft-insertion device and/or the readjustment unit are/is
actuated by means of a control unit. On account thereof, production
of the woven fabric may be performed in a largely fully automatic
manner so that a comparatively minor deployment of personnel is
required.
[0019] Furthermore, automatic positioning of the readjustment unit
in relation to the woven-fabric periphery is performed by means of
signals detected by a detection unit. The detection unit is
preferably connected to the control unit so that positioning of the
readjustment unit may be automatically performed by means of
signals detected by the detection unit.
[0020] The invention moreover relates to a woven fabric which is
produced by means of the above-described method. The weft threads
here are introduced into the woven fabric in such a manner that the
weft threads in relation to the warp threads run at an angle
between 40.degree. and 90.degree..
[0021] In such a fabric the warp threads rather than the weft
threads, as is known in the prior art, form a supporting structure
of the woven fabric.
[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in
more detail in the following by means of drawings, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 schematically shows a readjustment unit of a device
for carrying out a method for producing a woven fabric; and
[0024] FIG. 2 schematically shows a plan view of the device for
producing the woven fabric.
[0025] Identical and equivalent parts are provided with the same
reference signs in all figures.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a readjustment unit 1 of a device 2 for
producing a woven fabric 3 having obliquely running weft threads
3.1, which is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2.
[0027] Weaving machines for producing woven fabrics 3 which are
formed by warp threads 3.2 and weft threads 3.1 are known from the
prior art.
[0028] The warp threads 3.2 are tensioned and fixed on the weaving
machine, wherein in each weaving step by means of the warp threads
3.2 a weaving shed into which a weft thread 3.1 is introduced and
is guided from one woven-fabric selvedge to the woven-fabric
selvedge lying opposite thereof is formed. In such a woven fabric 3
the weft threads 3.1 run perpendicularly to the warp threads 3.2,
forming a supporting structure of the woven fabric 3.
[0029] In the rubber-processing industry, woven fabrics 3 specified
in this manner are cut to blanks in a diagonal manner at a
predetermined angle, and the woven-fabric layers which have been
cut to form parallelograms are subsequently joined together, in
particular by means of adhesive bonding. On account thereof,
undesirable abutment joints and/or unevenness may be created,
whereby tires and inner tubes, for example, are produced by means
of such joined-up woven-fabric layers.
[0030] In order for a number of process steps, in particular
diagonal cutting and joining, in the rubber-processing industry,
for example, to be able to be reduced, it is provided that the weft
threads 3.1 are introduced into the weaving shed at a predetermined
angle in relation to the warp threads 3.2 between 40.degree. and
90.degree.. It is moreover provided that the weft thread 3.1 which
in each case has been introduced at the predetermined angle by
means of a weaving reed 5 is also beaten up against the
woven-fabric periphery of the woven fabric 3 at this angle.
[0031] To this end, the device 2 for producing a woven fabric 3 has
a weft-insertion device 4 which is illustrated in more detail in
FIG. 2 and which is connected to the readjustment unit 1.
[0032] The readjustment unit 1 is disposed above the warp threads
3.2 and has two cylinder-and-piston units 6, wherein in each case
one cylinder-and-piston unit 6 is linked to one end 5.1 of the
weaving reed 5. In particular, an exposed end of a piston 6.1 is
linked to the weaving reed 5, wherein the cylinders 6.2 are
fastened to a retaining element (not shown in more detail). For
example, a threaded rod for adjusting the relative position of the
two cylinder-and-piston units 6 to one another is disposed between
the retaining element and the respective cylinder-and-piston unit
6. The pistons 6.1 of the cylinder-and-piston units 6 are moved in
relation to the cylinder 6.2 when the threaded rod is rotated, on
account of which the weaving reed 5 is also moved. The
cylinder-and-piston units 6 here are pneumatically activated, that
is to say by means of compressed air.
[0033] Alternatively, the cylinder-and-piston unit 6 may also be
activatable hydraulically, by motor drive and/or in any other
suitable manner.
[0034] An angle of the weaving reed 5 in relation to the warp
threads 3.2 is adjustable by means of the retaining element to
which the two cylinder-and-piston units 6 are fastened, so that the
weft thread 3.1 which is in each case inserted into the weaving
shed by means of the weaving reed 5 is beaten up against the
woven-fabric periphery according to that angle. As described above,
an angle between 40.degree. and 90.degree. is adjustable so that
the weft threads 3.1 are interweavable into the woven fabric 3 in
an obliquely running manner. The weaving reed 5 by means of the
readjustment unit 1 is moved in such a manner that the respective
weft thread 3.1 is positively beaten up against the woven-fabric
periphery so as to be independent of the adjusted angle.
[0035] The pistons 6.1 are extendable from the cylinder 6.2 and
retractable thereinto, on account of which the weaving reed 5
performs a reciprocal movement and, in order for the woven fabric 3
to be formed, beats the weft thread 3.1 which has been introduced
in the respective weaving step up against the woven-fabric
periphery. The reciprocal movement of the weaving reed 5 is
performed in the direction of the progression of the warp threads
3.2, so that the warp threads 3.2 are guided in a linear
manner.
[0036] A displacement path of the pistons 6.1 for beating up the
warp threads 3.1 is between 7 cm and 10 cm, for example, so that
the respective piston 6.1 is extendable from the cylinder 6.2 by
between 7 cm and 10 cm. The two cylinder-and-piston units 6 are
actuated by way of signals from a detection unit (not shown here),
in particular a proximity switch which may be disposed on a
secondary shaft of the device 2.
[0037] The retaining element to which the cylinders 6.2 of the
cylinder-and-piston unit 6 are fastened is displaceably disposed on
the device 2, so that the readjustment unit 1 is positionable so as
to correspond to the length of the woven fabric 3. The readjustment
unit 1 here is connected to a control unit (not shown) and is
actuated by means of the latter, so that positioning of the
readjustment unit 1 is automatically performed.
[0038] In one preferred embodiment the weaving reed 5 is connected
to a so-called weaving sley which is a component part of the
weft-insertion device 4, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. The
weft-insertion device 4 in particular is configured as a so-called
gripper device.
[0039] The gripper device has a feeding gripper element 4.1 and a
receiving gripper element 4.2. The weft thread 3.1 for insertion
into the weaving shed is fixed to the feeding gripper element 4.1
and is guided by means of the feeding gripper element 4.1 to the
center of the weaving shed. There, the weft thread 3.1 is
transferred to the receiving gripper element 4.2, by means of which
the weft thread 3.1 is guidable to the woven-fabric selvedge.
[0040] The weaving sley and the weaving reed 5 are configured so as
to be unipartite and to be positionable in relation to the warp
threads 3.2 at a predetermined angle between 40.degree. and
90.degree. by means of the readjustment unit 1. On account thereof,
the weft thread 3.1 is inserted into the weaving shed and beaten up
against the woven-fabric periphery by means of the weaving reed 5
at this angle.
[0041] The weft-insertion device 4 in relation to the predetermined
angle is positionable by means of an electric drive by way of a
gear unit, wherein to this end the weft-insertion device 4 and the
readjustment unit 1 may be disposed on a turntable which is linked
to a sprocket in order for the corresponding angle to be adjusted.
Preferably a scale by means of which the respective and momentarily
adjusted angle is displayable is provided.
[0042] The embodiment of the device 2 for producing the woven
fabric 3, which is shown in FIG. 2, has a warp-thread system 7, the
weft-insertion device 4 on which a warp-thread lifting device 8 is
disposed, a fabric take-off 9, a fabric stand 10, and a winding
device 11 for winding up the finished woven fabric 3, wherein the
cylinder-and-piston units 6 and the weaving reed 5 are not
illustrated.
[0043] The warp threads 3.2 by means of the warp-thread system 7 of
the device 2 are capable of being provided in a tensioned manner
for the weaving operation, wherein the warp threads 3.2 extend
across a predetermined portion of the device 2.
[0044] The weft-insertion device 4 is actuated by means of the
control unit and automatically positionable depending on the length
of the woven fabric 3.
[0045] As described above, the weft-insertion device 4 has the
warp-thread lifting device 8 by means of which a predetermined
number of warp threads 3.2 are liftable in order for the weaving
shed for the insertion of a weft thread 3.1 to be formed. The
weaving shed here, as does the weft-insertion device 4, extends
obliquely to the warp threads 3.2
[0046] Moreover, the weft-insertion device 4 is linked to the
readjustment unit 1 (not shown), wherein the readjustment unit 1 is
disposed so as to be parallel with the weft-insertion device 4.
[0047] The produced finished woven fabric 3 is removed from the
device 2 by means of the fabric take-off 9, and by way of the
fabric stand 10 is guidable to the winding device 11 in order for
the woven fabric 3 to be wound up. The warp-thread system 7 and the
fabric take-off 9 are fixedly positioned and communicate with one
another, so as to enable the woven fabric 3 to be woven at a
predetermined weft-thread density and warp-thread tension.
[0048] The winding device 11 may be embodied as a batching motion
winde or as a center winder, for example, wherein the winding
device 10 is disposed so as to be parallel with the fabric take-off
9.
[0049] In order for the angle at which the weft threads 3.1 in
relation to the warp threads 3.2 are introduced into the weaving
shed and are beaten up against the woven-fabric periphery to be
adjusted, the weft-insertion device 4, together with the
warp-thread lifting device 8 and the readjustment unit 1, is
adjustable in relation to the warp threads 3.2 between 40.degree.
and 90.degree..
[0050] Adjustment of the angle is preferably performed
automatically by means of the control unit.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0051] 1 Readjustment unit
2 Device
[0052] 3 Woven fabric 3.1 Weft thread 3.2 Warp thread 4
Weft-insertion device 4.1 Feeding gripper element 4.2 Receiving
gripper element 5 Weaving reed 6 Cylinder-and-piston unit
6.1 Piston
6.2 Cylinder
[0053] 7 Warp-thread system 8 Warp-thread lifting device 9 Fabric
take-off 10 Fabric stand 11 Winding device
* * * * *