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.

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

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..