U.S. patent application number 14/888902 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-24 for device for producing a fabric and 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, Frank THIEL.
Application Number | 20160083876 14/888902 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50685917 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160083876 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
THIEL; Frank ; et
al. |
March 24, 2016 |
DEVICE FOR PRODUCING A FABRIC AND FABRIC
Abstract
The invention relates to a device for producing a fabric,
wherein, in each weaving step, a shed can be formed by means of
warp threads, through which a weft thread can be led, and the weft
thread can be pushed in the direction of a fabric edge by means of
a reed. Here, a weft thread insertion device is provided, by means
of which an angle of insertion of the weft thread and/or beating up
the same at the edge of the fabric can be adjusted variably in
relation to the weft thread. The invention further relates to such
a fabric. According to the invention, the weft thread insertion
device for adjusting the angle of insertion of the weft thread has
at least one adjusting unit, which is coupled to the reed, wherein
the adjusting unit comprises two piston-cylinder units, which are
each coupled to one end of the reed.
Inventors: |
THIEL; Frank; (Schlitz,
DE) ; EHRLICH; Alexander; (Kuenzell, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS GMBH |
Fulda |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
MEHLER ENGINEERED PRODUCTS
GMBH
Fulda
DE
|
Family ID: |
50685917 |
Appl. No.: |
14/888902 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/059294 |
371 Date: |
November 3, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
139/419 ;
139/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 13/002 20130101;
D03D 41/00 20130101; D03D 13/004 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 208 449.8 |
Claims
1. A device for producing a woven fabric, wherein in each weaving
step a weaving shed through which a weft thread is insertable is
configurable by means of warp threads, and the weft thread is
displaceable in the direction of a woven-fabric periphery by means
of a weaving reed, wherein a weft-insertion device by means of
which an angle for insertion of a weft thread and/or for beating
the latter up against the woven-fabric periphery in relation to the
warp thread is variably adjustable is provided, wherein the
weft-insertion device for adjusting the angle for insertion of the
weft thread has at least one readjustment unit which is linked to
the weaving reed, wherein the readjustment unit and the angle to be
adjusted therewith are adjustable by means of an electric drive by
way of a gear unit.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle of the
weaving reed in relation to the warp threads is adjustable by means
of the readjustment unit so as to be between 40.degree. and
90.degree..
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the readjustment unit
comprises a retaining device which is displaceable in the direction
of the progression of the warp threads.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the readjustment unit
comprises two cylinder-and-piston units which are in each case
linked to one end of the weaving reed.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
cylinder-and-piston unit is pneumatically activated.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weft-insertion
device and/or the readjustment unit are/is displaceable in the
direction of the progression of the warp threads.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weft-insertion
device and/or the readjustment unit for actuation are/is connected
to a control unit thereof.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a detection unit for
positioning at least the readjustment unit in relation to the
woven-fabric periphery is provided.
9. The woven fabric which is produced by means of a device 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 device for producing a woven
fabric, wherein in each weaving step a weaving shed through which a
weft thread is insertable is configurable by means of warp threads,
and the weft thread is displaceable 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, supportive backings, woven composite fabrics 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 device 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 device 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 device for producing a woven fabric provides that in each
weaving step a weaving shed through which a weft thread is
insertable is configurable by means of warp threads, and the weft
thread is displaceable in the direction of a woven-fabric periphery
by means of a weaving reed. A weft-insertion device by means of
which an angle for insertion of a weft thread and/or for beating
the latter up against the woven-fabric periphery in relation to the
warp thread is variably adjustable is provided. According to the
invention, the weft-insertion device for adjusting the angle for
insertion of the weft thread has at least one readjustment unit
which is linked to the weaving reed.
[0008] By means of the device the weft threads are insertable into
the woven fabric at an angle which in relation to the warp threads
is in particular adjusted to be less than 90.degree.. Since the
weft threads within the woven fabric are disposed so as to run
obliquely to the warp threads, the weft threads advantageously form
a supporting structure of the woven fabric.
[0009] For example, using the device it is 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.
[0010] Since joining of tailored woven-fabric layers is not
required in the case of a woven fabric produced by means of the
device, there is also no joint seam which may form unevenness
and/or an abutment joint in the woven fabric.
[0011] A further advantage of the woven fabric produced by means of
the device is the draping capability of a woven composite fabric
for molding.
[0012] By means of the readjustment unit the angle in relation to
the warp threads, in particular a beating angle of the weaving reed
by way of which the weft thread is displaceable or beatable up
against the woven-fabric periphery, respectively, is
adjustable.
[0013] The readjustment unit and the angle to be adjusted therewith
are adjustable by means of an electric drive by way of a gear unit.
A respective momentary angle is preferably displayable by means of
a scale, wherein the readjustment unit is centrally mounted so that
a rotation point is disposed in the center of the readjustment
unit. The readjustment unit and/or the weft-insertion device are/is
preferably disposed on a turntable which is linked to a sprocket so
that the readjustment unit and/or the weft-insertion device are/is
rotatably mounted for adjusting the angle for weft insertion.
[0014] It is also conceivable that the readjustment unit per se is
configured by the gear unit which is linked to the electric
drive.
[0015] The readjustment unit is preferably configured such that an
angle of the weaving reed in relation to the warp threads is
adjustable so as to be between 40.degree. and 90.degree.. A woven
fabric having weft threads which run obliquely to the warp threads
may thus be produced, on account of which the weft threads
advantageously form the supporting structure of the woven
fabric.
[0016] The readjustment unit particularly preferably comprises a
retaining device which is displaceable in the direction of the
progression of the warp threads. On account thereof, it is
particularly advantageously possible for the readjustment unit to
be displaced according to the progress of the woven fabric being
produced so that the weft threads are introducible at the adjusted
angle across an entire length of the woven fabric.
[0017] The readjustment unit advantageously comprises two
cylinder-and-piston units which are in each case linked to one end
of the weaving reed. By means of the cylinder-and-piston units the
respective weft thread is beatable up against the woven-fabric
periphery, wherein to this end a piston is movable by a
predetermined distance out of a cylinder which is fixedly disposed
on the retaining device.
[0018] In one advantageous embodiment the cylinder-and-piston unit
is pneumatically activated so that the piston is moved by means of
compressed air. On account thereof, compressed air is exclusively
required for moving the piston so that such a cylinder-and-piston
unit is a comparatively cost-effective functional component.
[0019] One further alternative or additional embodiment provides
that the movement of the weaving sley and its weaving reed may be
carried out by means of a gear unit. This may have a positive
effect on the frequency of the weft insertions.
[0020] One further preferred configuration of the device provides
that the weft-insertion device and/or the readjustment unit are/is
displaceable in the direction of the progression of the warp
threads. Particularly preferably, both the weft-insertion device as
well as the readjustment unit are displaceable, so that it is
possible for the weft-insertion device and the readjustment unit to
be correspondingly positioned. On account thereof, the weft thread
is insertable into the weaving shed and subsequently beatable up
against the woven-fabric selvedge by means of the weaving reed
which is linked to the readjustment unit. It is thus possible for a
substantially homogeneous woven fabric having obliquely running
weft threads to be formed.
[0021] Particularly advantageously the weft-insertion device and/or
the readjustment unit for actuation are/is connected to a control
unit thereof. Accordingly, production of the woven fabric may be
performed in substantially fully automatic manner by means of the
device, on account of which no deployment of personnel, for example
for positioning the weft-insertion device, is required.
[0022] A detection unit for positioning the readjustment unit in
relation to the woven-fabric periphery is preferably provided,
wherein the detection unit is advantageously connected to the
control unit so that positioning of the readjustment unit is
automatically performable by means of signals detected by the
detection unit.
[0023] The invention moreover relates to a woven fabric which is
produced by means of the above-described device. The weft threads
here are introduced into the woven fabric in such a manner that
said weft threads in relation to the warp threads run at an angle
between 40.degree. and 90.degree..
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be explained in
more detail in the following by means of drawings, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 schematically shows a readjustment unit of a device
for producing a woven fabric; and
[0026] FIG. 2 schematically shows a plan view of the device for
producing the woven fabric.
[0027] Identical and equivalent parts are provided with the same
reference signs in all figures.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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 introducible and
is guidable 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Alternatively, the cylinder-and-piston unit 6 may also be
activatable hydraulically, by motor drive and/or in any other
suitable manner.
[0036] 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 beatable 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 movable in such a manner that the respective
weft thread 3.1 is positively beatable up against the woven-fabric
periphery so as to be independent of the adjusted angle.
[0037] 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
performable 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.
[0038] A displacement path of the pistons 6.1 for beating up the
warp threads 3.1 is 10 cm, for example, so that the respective
piston 6.1 is extendable from the cylinder 6.2 by 10 cm. The two
cylinder-and-piston units 6 are actuatable 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] It is also possible for weft insertion to be performed by
so-called weaving shuttles. This results in the advantage of a firm
woven-fabric selvedge being configurable on the woven fabric 3.
[0043] 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 insertable into the weaving shed and
beatable up against the woven-fabric periphery by means of the
weaving reed 5 at this angle.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] The weft-insertion device 4 is actuatable by means of the
control unit and automatically positionable depending on the length
of the woven fabric 3. 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
[0047] 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.
[0048] The produced finished woven fabric 3 is removable 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.
[0049] The winding device 11 may be embodied as a batching motion
winder or as a center winder, for example, wherein the winding
device 11 is disposed so as to be parallel with the fabric take-off
9.
[0050] In order for the angle at which the weft threads 3.1 in
relation to the warp threads 3.2 are introducible into the weaving
shed and are beatable 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..
[0051] Adjustment of the angle is preferably performable
automatically by means of the control unit.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0052] 1 Readjustment unit
[0053] 2 Device
[0054] 3 Woven fabric
[0055] 3.1 Weft thread
[0056] 3.2 Warp thread
[0057] 4 Weft-insertion device
[0058] 4.1 Feeding gripper element
[0059] 4.2 Receiving gripper element
[0060] 5 Weaving reed
[0061] 6 Cylinder-and-piston unit
[0062] 6.1 Piston
[0063] 6.2 Cylinder
[0064] 7 Warp-thread system
[0065] 8 Warp-thread lifting device
[0066] 9 Fabric take-off
[0067] 10 Fabric stand
[0068] 11 Winding device
* * * * *