EP1290253B1 - Machine for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising a fibre dispersing chamber whereof the front wall is porous in the lower part - Google Patents

Machine for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising a fibre dispersing chamber whereof the front wall is porous in the lower part Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1290253B1
EP1290253B1 EP02724389A EP02724389A EP1290253B1 EP 1290253 B1 EP1290253 B1 EP 1290253B1 EP 02724389 A EP02724389 A EP 02724389A EP 02724389 A EP02724389 A EP 02724389A EP 1290253 B1 EP1290253 B1 EP 1290253B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
machine
nonwoven
front wall
dispersion chamber
forming
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EP02724389A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1290253A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Louis Dupont
Xavier Catry
Marc Brabant
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Asselin Thibeau SAS
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Thibeau SA
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
    • D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
    • D04H1/732—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged by fluid current, e.g. air-lay
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01G—PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF FIBRES, e.g. FOR SPINNING
    • D01G15/00—Carding machines or accessories; Card clothing; Burr-crushing or removing arrangements associated with carding or other preliminary-treatment machines
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01G—PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF FIBRES, e.g. FOR SPINNING
    • D01G25/00—Lap-forming devices not integral with machines specified above
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
    • D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
    • D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
    • D04H1/736—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged characterised by the apparatus for arranging fibres
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
    • D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
    • D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
    • D04H1/74—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being orientated, e.g. in parallel (anisotropic fleeces)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of the manufacture of a nonwoven by aunterlic route. Its main object is a machine for the formation of a nonwoven by aunterlic route, which has been perfected so as to reduce the risk of formation of defects in the nonwoven.
  • airlay a technique of manufacturing a non-woven airway, which is commonly referred to as "airlay” technique.
  • This technique is essentially characterized by the dispersion in a chamber and the projection on a mobile receiving surface of individual fibers by means of a high velocity air flow, said receiving surface being permeable to air, and allowing the formation and transport of the nonwoven.
  • the fibers undergo, during their course in the air flow, a random dispersion, which is commonly called “random" effect, and which advantageously contributes to obtain a homogeneous nonwoven, the mechanical properties of which are very good. isotropic.
  • the dispersion of the fibers is carried out in a vertical dispersion chamber which overcomes the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven.
  • the fibers are fed to the upper part of the dispersion chamber, being transported to the periphery of a rotating cylinder, and the air flow allowing the dispersion and transport of the fibers to the formation surface and transporting the nonwoven, is created inside the dispersion chamber so as to be substantially tangential to the cylinder and to assist in detaching the fibers from the periphery of the cylinder.
  • the rotating cylinder which allows the introduction of the fibers into the dispersion chamber, is rotated at high speed, so as to also allow an ejection of the fibers inside the dispersion chamber, under the effect of the centrifugal force.
  • the dispersion chamber comprises two longitudinal vertical walls which extend parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, and two rear and front walls, which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt, and which are referenced respectively (77) and (78) in Figure 3 of US-A-3,512,218.
  • back and front are taken with reference to the direction of movement of the forming surface and non-woven transport.
  • the introduction of the fibers into the dispersion chamber is carried out by means of two referenced rotary cylinders (52) and (54) in the figures of this patent.
  • the "airlay" airflow, for dispersing and transporting fibers to the conveyor belt is created by means of a referenced suction box (102), associated with fans that make it possible to create a flow suction through the conveyor belt, and over substantially the entire horizontal section of the dispersion chamber, and recycle the sucked air by the discharge in the upper part of the dispersion chamber.
  • the fibers introduced inside the dispersion chamber are dispersed and projected against the surface of the conveyor belt, and accumulate on this surface in the form of a nonwoven. This nonwoven thus formed is conveyed by the conveyor belt, outside the dispersion chamber, passing to the right of the front wall of this chamber, a space being provided between the lower end of the this front wall and the surface of the conveyor belt.
  • a first constraint for the designers of this type of machine is to prevent air from being sucked from outside the dispersion chamber and entering the dispersion chamber passing between the walls of the chamber. and the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven.
  • a second constraint is to limit the risk of attachment of non-woven fibers on the lower end of the front wall of the dispersion chamber, during the passage of the non-woven to the right of this wall.
  • the lower edge of these walls is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven, and is provided with a seal, coming against the forming surface and transport.
  • a front wall which has a slope change at the bottom, which results in an enlargement of the section of the dispersion chamber, taken in a plane parallel to the formation and transport surface of the dispersion chamber. nonwoven.
  • the inner face of this lower part of the front wall of the dispersion chamber thus forms with the formation and transport surface, a funnel (channel whose section, taken in a plane transverse to the formation and transport surface, decreases gradually), which allows a progressive guide of the nonwoven to the exit of the dispersion chamber.
  • the lower part of the funnel-shaped front wall has a substantially arcuate shape.
  • the outlet of the aforementioned funnel has a low height, which is in practice fixed so that in operation the nonwoven is slightly compressed in Release the funnel, which ensures a sufficient air tightness.
  • this height of the outlet of the funnel is adjustable, so as to allow adjustment of the thickness or weight of the nonwoven.
  • the aforementioned funnel at the front wall of the dispersion chamber is obtained by virtue of the implementation, in the lower part of this front wall, of a plate substantially in the shape of an arc and referenced (81) in Figure 3 of this patent.
  • This plate is pivotally mounted so as to allow the aforementioned adjustment of the outlet section of this funnel.
  • the present invention aims to provide a machine for the formation of a nonwoven by a crizlic route, which has been improved so as to produce a nonwoven of better quality having a number of aforementioned defects, and in the best of case free from any of the above defects.
  • the front wall of the dispersion chamber is porous in its lower part.
  • FIG. 1 shows a complete production line of a nonwoven comprising, at its inlet, a conventional feed chimney 1, which in operation is fed at the top with fibers, and which delivers on a conveyor 2 a fiber pile mat (not shown). Downstream of the conveyor 2, the line comprises a card 3 of traditional design, which feeds an output machine 4 according to the invention for the production of a nonwoven by aeraulic route.
  • the card 3 comprises an input feed roller 3 has, associated with a takerin 3 b.
  • the takerin 3 b used for supplying fiber, a first rotating carding cylinder 3c, more commonly called “front end", and whose surface is coated in the usual manner of a card clothing allowing it to resume fibers of the periphery of the breaker cylinder 3 b .
  • On the periphery of the carding cylinder 3 b are mounted conventional doffer means, that allow to work the fibers taken into the cylinder card clothing 3c, so as to individualize and to parallelize.
  • these combing means are constituted by several successive pairs of a stripping roll 3 d and a worker roller 3 e .
  • the second carding cylinder 3 g still commonly called “large drum” or “main drum”, is also coated with a card lining or the like and is provided on its periphery with combing means (3 d , 3 e ) identical to those equipping the first carding cylinder 3 c .
  • the card 3 has a double output, each card outlet consisting of two successive cylinders 3 h and 3 i . This type of card exit is already known and described in particular in the European patent application EP-A-0 950 733, to which the skilled person can refer.
  • the machine 4 for producing a nonwoven by aerodynamic means which is described in detail below, is not necessarily implemented with an upstream card, but may be implemented generally with any upstream fiber feeder device, this device may or may not as appropriate have a function of working and working fibers.
  • this card is not necessarily identical to that of Figure 1 which is given by way of non-limiting example. Indeed, depending on the type of fiber and the desired degree of processing, it is possible to envisage a longer card using a larger number of successive carding rolls, or on the contrary a shorter card using a single cylinder. carding.
  • the rollers 3 d and 3 e could be arranged by being juxtaposed one behind the other alternately, according to a configuration commonly called "Garnett".
  • rollers could also be replaced by any means of different structure, and fulfilling the same function, that is to say, to individualize and parallelize the fibers transported by the carding rolls.
  • these rollers 3 d and 3 e could be replaced by static plates, more commonly known as “carding plates”, mounted on the periphery of the carding cylinder, and having a plurality of carding points in the form for example of grooves or splines.
  • the machine 4 for manufacturing a nonwoven by air means comprises a conveyor 5 employing a porous conveyor belt 6 mounted stretched on drive rollers 7.
  • the upper run 6 a of this conveyor belt 6, which in the particular example illustrated is substantially horizontal, is driven at predetermined constant speed in the direction of transport shown in Figure 1 by the arrow D.
  • This upper strand 6 has an air permeable surface, which allows the formation and transport of the nonwoven.
  • This chimney 8 essentially comprises a front wall 9 and a rear wall 10, which extend transversely to the direction of movement (D) of the conveyor belt 6, and two longitudinal walls connecting the two front walls 9 and rear 10, and extending substantially parallel to the direction of displacement (D), that is to say in a plane parallel to the plane of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.
  • This chimney 8 forms a chamber 11 for dispersing the fibers. This chamber is open at both its upper ends 11a and lower 11b.
  • the machine 4 comprises a cylinder 12, said cylinder thereafter "Dispenser", which allows the supply of fibers to the dispersion chamber.
  • This dispersing cylinder 12 is adjacent to the two cylinders 3 i of the card outlet 3, and allows to recover and superimpose on its periphery the card webs, from the card 3 and transported on the periphery of these two cylinders 3 i .
  • the disperser roll 12 is preferably provided on its periphery with a covering whose teeth or spikes 12 has ( Figures 3 and 4) are oriented towards the front (that is to say in the direction of rotation of the cylinder) .
  • This dispersing cylinder 12 is further provided to be rotated with a circumferential speed greater than or equal to the circumferential speed of the two upstream cylinders 3 i .
  • This cylinder 12 can be driven directly in rotation by a motor whose rotor is coupled directly to the rotation shaft of the cylinder 12, or be driven indirectly, its rotation shaft being mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft of one of the cylinders of the card 3 (for example the carding cylinder 3 (g ) a properly sized mechanical transmission system with gears and belts.
  • this dispersing cylinder 12 is driven at high speed, so that the fibers which are taken in its lining tend to come out of this lining under the action of the centrifugal force.
  • Machine 4 also comprises an air supply channel 13, whose open upper end 13 a communicates with the open air, and the lower end 13 b of which is connected to the open upper end 11a of the dispersion chamber 11.
  • a box (or box) suction 14 which defines an internal chamber 14 a which is connected to a fan (not shown) by a conduit 15 ( Figure 1).
  • the internal chamber 14a is depressurized. It thus forms a suction chamber and makes it possible to create, through the upper run 6 a of the conveyor belt 6, a suction which generates inside the dispersion chamber 11 a substantially vertical flow of air, indicated by arrows in figures 3 and 4.
  • this suction is created over the entire section (taken in a plane parallel to the strand 6a of the conveyor 6) from the lower open end 11b of the dispersion chamber 11, that is that is to say on a surface which extends in the direction (D) over a width l (FIGS. 3 and 4) and in the transverse direction over the width L of the conveyor belt.
  • the front wall 14b of the suction box is translatable in the direction (D) so as to allow a case-by-case adjustment of the width (I) of the suction surface, which makes it possible to adapt the suction zone to different sections of dispersion chamber.
  • the fibers which are conveyed inside the dispersion chamber 11, at the periphery of the dispersing cylinder 12, are detached from the lining of this cylinder by the action of the air flow created inside the the dispersion chamber 11, which air flow is substantially tangential to the tips 12a of the trim cylinder disperser 12.
  • a high rotational speed of the disperser roll 12 also facilitates the detaching of the fibers under the action of the force centrifugal.
  • the fibers are thus ejected in an individualized manner inside the chamber 11. These fibers are dispersed by the flow of air over the entire horizontal section of the dispersion chamber 11 and are projected by the air flow on the Upper strand 6 at a distance from the conveyor belt 6.
  • a nonwoven is thus formed inside the chamber 11 and at the surface of the conveyor belt 6, which nonwoven is conveyed by the conveyor belt 6 to the conveyor belt 6. outside the dispersion chamber 11, passing right of the front wall 9 of this chamber.
  • the front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber is formed in the upper part of a solid plate 16, which is flat and impervious to air, and in the lower part of a curved thin sheet 17, having a substantially arcuate profile. circle, and of which the part 17a closest to the upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6 (that is to say in the illustrated example the lower end portion of the sheet 17) is oriented substantially parallel to the strand top 6a of the conveyor belt.
  • This sheet 17 is an insert and fixed on the lower edge of the sheet 16 by any appropriate means and for example by screws 18 or rivets.
  • the rear wall 10 of the dispersion chamber 11 is formed of a solid thick plate 19, which is impervious to air.
  • the two sheets 16 and 19 are not perfectly vertical and parallel, but slightly divergent from each other (FIG. 4 / angles ⁇ and ⁇ of the sheets 16 and 19 with respect to the vertical), so that the dispersion chamber 11 forms a cone whose cross-section (taken in a plane parallel to the upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6) increases towards the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6.
  • the sheet curve 17 enables a change of slope in the lower part of the front wall 9, the inner face 17b of the sheet 17 forming the upper side 6a of the conveyor 6, a funnel 21 for guiding the nonwoven formed to the exit of the dispersion chamber. This advantageously limits the risk of attachment of non-woven fibers on the front wall 9, and in particular on its lower edge.
  • this thin plate 17 is flexible and in the absence of non-woven is, at its lower end 17a in contact with the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6.
  • the nonwoven (W) raises the sheet 17 by slightly modifying its curvature, said sheet coming to exert on the nonwoven a low pressure force, which compresses it slightly. It is thus avoided in operation that the suction flow created by the suction box 14 does not generate a flow of incoming air that would penetrate inside the dispersion chamber 11 passing between the lower end of the wall front 9 and the upper strand 6a, such air flow being detrimental to the quality of the nonwoven.
  • the lower edge of these walls is positioned adjacent the upper strand 6a, and is equipped with a seal 20 which is applied on the upper strand 6 a .
  • the front wall 9 is porous to the air in its lower part, that is to say in the particular example illustrated in its funnel portion 21.
  • This porous zone extends over substantially the entire width (L) of the front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber 11 ( Figure 2). More particularly, this porosity is obtained by multiple micro-perforations made in sheet 17.
  • the sheet 17 is impervious to air, on a first referenced sector (B) which extends over a short length from the lower edge 17c of the sheet 17, and is porous on its remaining surface (sector referenced A) which extends to the upper plate 16.
  • the height h (FIG. 4) between the sheet 17 and the conveyor belt 6, at the level of the boundary between the porous zone ( A) and nonporous zone (B) corresponds in practice to the maximum thickness of accumulation of fibers inside the dispersion chamber.
  • a sheet 17 is used micro-perforated over its entire surface, and the bottom portion (B) non-porous is obtained fixing on the inner face of this lower part a coating 22 ( Figure 4) closing off airtight micro-perforations.
  • a coating 22 with a lower coefficient of friction (compared to the coefficient of friction of the internal face of the sheet 17), such as for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
  • the suction created by the suction box 14 inside the dispersion chamber generates through the micro-perforated portion (A) of the sheet 17, a flow of incoming air coming from the outside, in the form of a plurality of mini-jets of air, distributed over all the width (L) of the wall
  • This air intake advantageously makes it possible to maintain an orientation of the air velocities in the funnel 21, which is essentially transverse (that is to say vertical in the illustrated example) to the formation surface of the nonwoven (upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6) with a small horizontal component for these air velocities.
  • the porosity in the lower part of the front wall 9 makes it possible to obtain, in the funnel part 21, a rectification of the air velocities, which consequently have a larger vertical component, which limits the phenomenon of formation of the aforementioned defects.
  • the air velocities in the funnel 21 of the dispersion chamber have a larger vertical component and a lower horizontal component, than the respectively vertical and horizontal components of the air velocities which would be obtained in the funnel 21 with a front wall 9 (sheet 17 in the example shown) impermeable to air.
  • micro-perforated plate 17 may be replaced by any equivalent wall, porous or microporous . It could be a flat sheet, or a flat sheet in the central part and ending with lower and upper end portions substantially in a circular arc.
  • the sheet 17 could, in the absence of non-woven, not being in contact with the conveyor belt, a slight gap being for example provided between the lower end 17a of the sheet 17 and the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt.
  • the height of this space is adjustable, so as to adjust the thickness or the weight of the nonwoven at the outlet of the dispersion chamber 11.
  • the sheet 17 could be porous over its entire surface; the disadvantage of this variant, however, compared to the implementation of a sheet 17 whose lower end portion is impervious to air, is the increased risk of attachment of the nonwoven on the front wall at the outlet of the dispersion chamber 11.
  • the porous portion (A) of the front wall could extend over a more limited area (that is to say on a lower sector not reaching the lower edge of the plate 16), and / or the front wall 9 could be made in one piece.
  • the air supply channel 13 opens in the open air in the upper part.
  • the air sucked by the suction box 14 could be used in a closed circuit by being completely or partially repressed inside the channel 13.
  • FIG. 5 shows another variant embodiment of a nonwoven production machine of the invention, in which, compared with the variant of FIGS. 1 to 4, the porous part of the front wall 9 is made in the form of a hollow porous hollow tube or cylinder.
  • the axis of rotation 22 a of the tube or cylinder 22 extends transversely to the direction of movement (D) of the conveyor belt 6.
  • this tube or hollow cylinder 22 comprises a cylindrical thin sheet 23, for example made of stainless steel, and micro-perforated over its entire surface, said sheet 23 being fastened to two end flanges 24
  • the assembly is mounted on a rotating shaft.
  • This shaft 25 is provided to be rotated by means of a motor (not shown) via a belt type transmission system 26.
  • the cylindrical plate 23 is mounted above the upper run 6 a of the conveyor belt 6, so that it comes into contact with the upper run 6 a along the tangency generator T.
  • a small gap could be provided between the upper strand 6a and the cylindrical plate 23, this space being sufficiently small for the nonwoven product is compressed as it passes under the roller 22.
  • the cylindrical plate 23 is rotated in the same direction as the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6, and a circumferential speed at least equal to the linear speed of said upper strand 6a.
  • the cylindrical plate 23 could be rotated so that its circumferential speed is slightly greater than the linear speed of the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6.
  • the plate 17 or the cylindrical plate 23 was made of thick stainless steel 300 ⁇ m; the rate of opening of the micro-perforated sheet (ratio between total open area and total area) was about 25%; each micro-perforation had a substantially circular section, with a diameter of the order of 320 microns.
  • a brush 27 is fixed on the periphery of the cylinder 22. It allows to scan the outer surface of the sheet 23 during the rotation of said sheet. This brush 27 thus removes from the sheet 23 the fibers or dirt that can be deposited on and be driven by the sheet 23. This brush 27 is optional.
  • a suction box 28 is mounted immediately downstream of the cylinder 22, and allows, in operation, to suck the nonwoven at the outlet of the nipping zone ( T) between the cylinder 22 and the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt, in the plating against the upper strand 6 a.
  • This suction is implemented over the entire width of the nonwoven.
  • the suction zone 28 extends over a length L.
  • the position of the suction box 28 is preferably adjustable. This suction makes it possible to obtain a better transfer of the web beyond the cylinder 22.
  • FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a nonwoven production machine of the invention, which differs from the variant of FIG. 5 only by the use of a cowling 29, allowing enclosing the cylinder 22 in a chamber 29 which comprises a top portion an air inlet opening 30 width (e) is preferably adjustable.
  • This opening 30 extends in the direction of the axis of the cylinder 22 (direction transverse to the plane of Figure 5) over substantially the entire length of the cylindrical plate 23).
  • This cowling 29 makes it possible to obtain a better orientation of the flow of air sucked through the cylindrical plate 23.
  • the front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber 11 has a plate 9A which extends in the lower part beyond the cylinder 22, the lower edge 9b of the plate 9a being located at a height (h) of the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6.
  • the plate 9a is deflector office and enables in operation to limit the risks of over-accumulation of fibers immediately upstream of the cylinder 22.
  • the height (h) can be adjusted on a case by case by the skilled person.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Nonwoven Fabrics (AREA)
  • Spinning Methods And Devices For Manufacturing Artificial Fibers (AREA)
  • Preliminary Treatment Of Fibers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a machine (4) for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising: a surface (6a) for forming and conveying the nonwoven, which is permeable to air; a dispersion chamber (11) above the forming and conveying surface (6a); means (12) for supplying the dispersion chamber (11) with fibres designed to form the nonwoven; and means (13, 14) adapted to generate, inside the dispersing chamber (11), an air stream for dispersing the fibres inside the chamber and projecting them on the forming and conveying surface (6a). The front wall (9) of the dispersing chamber (11) is porous in its lower part, and preferably has in its lower part a slope modification such that its internal surface (17b) forms a funnel (21) with the forming and conveying surface (6a).

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine de la fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique. Elle a pour principal objet une machine pour la formation d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique, qui a été perfectionnée en sorte de réduire les risques de formations de défauts dans le non-tissé.The present invention relates to the field of the manufacture of a nonwoven by aeraulic route. Its main object is a machine for the formation of a nonwoven by aeraulic route, which has been perfected so as to reduce the risk of formation of defects in the nonwoven.

On connaît depuis de nombreuses années une technique de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique, qui est communément désignée technique « airlay». Cette technique se caractérise essentiellement par la dispersion dans une chambre et la projection sur une surface de réception mobile, de fibres individuelles, au moyen d'un flux d'air haute vitesse, ladite surface de réception étant perméable à l'air, et permettant la formation et le transport du non-tissé. Les fibres subissent, lors de leur parcours dans le flux d'air, une dispersion aléatoire, qui est communément appelée effet « random », et qui contribue de manière avantageuse à obtenir un non-tissé homogène, dont les propriétés mécaniques présentent une très bonne isotropie.It has been known for many years a technique of manufacturing a non-woven airway, which is commonly referred to as "airlay" technique. This technique is essentially characterized by the dispersion in a chamber and the projection on a mobile receiving surface of individual fibers by means of a high velocity air flow, said receiving surface being permeable to air, and allowing the formation and transport of the nonwoven. The fibers undergo, during their course in the air flow, a random dispersion, which is commonly called "random" effect, and which advantageously contributes to obtain a homogeneous nonwoven, the mechanical properties of which are very good. isotropic.

En pratique, la dispersion des fibres est réalisée dans une chambre de dispersion verticale qui surmonte la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé. Généralement, les fibres sont alimentées en partie supérieure de la chambre de dispersion, en étant transportées à la périphérie d'un cylindre rotatif, et le flux d'air permettant la dispersion et l'acheminement des fibres jusqu'à la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé, est crée à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion en sorte d'être sensiblement tangentiel à ce cylindre et d'assister au détachage des fibres de la périphérie du cylindre. De préférence, mais non nécessairement, le cylindre rotatif, qui permet l'introduction des fibres dans la chambre de dispersion, est entraîné en rotation à vitesse élevée, en sorte de permettre également une éjection des fibres à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion, sous l'effet de la force centrifuge.In practice, the dispersion of the fibers is carried out in a vertical dispersion chamber which overcomes the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven. Generally, the fibers are fed to the upper part of the dispersion chamber, being transported to the periphery of a rotating cylinder, and the air flow allowing the dispersion and transport of the fibers to the formation surface and transporting the nonwoven, is created inside the dispersion chamber so as to be substantially tangential to the cylinder and to assist in detaching the fibers from the periphery of the cylinder. Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotating cylinder, which allows the introduction of the fibers into the dispersion chamber, is rotated at high speed, so as to also allow an ejection of the fibers inside the dispersion chamber, under the effect of the centrifugal force.

Une machine permettant la fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique est par exemple décrite dans le brevet US-A-3 512 218. Dans cette réalisation, la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé est réalisée au moyen d'une bande transporteuse poreuse. La chambre de dispersion comprend deux parois verticales longitudinales qui s'étendent parallèlement à la direction de déplacement de la bande transporteuse, et deux parois arrière et avant, qui s'étendent transversalement à la direction de déplacement de la bande transporteuse, et qui sont référencées respectivement (77) et (78) sur la figure 3 du brevet US-A-3 512 218. Dans le présent texte, les termes « arrière » et « avant » sont pris en référence au sens de déplacement de la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé. L'introduction des fibres dans la chambre de dispersion est réalisée au moyen de deux cylindres rotatifs référencés (52) et (54) sur les figures de ce brevet. Le flux d'air « airlay », pour la dispersion et le transport des fibres jusqu'à la bande transporteuse, est créé au moyen d'une boîte d'aspiration référencée (102), associée à des ventilateurs qui permettent de créer un flux d'aspiration à travers la bande transporteuse, et sur sensiblement toute la section horizontale de la chambre de dispersion, et de recycler l'air aspiré en le refoulant en partie supérieure de la chambre de dispersion. En fonctionnement, les fibres introduites à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion sont dispersées et projetées contre la surface de la bande transporteuse, et s'accumulent sur cette surface sous la forme d'un non-tissé. Ce non-tissé ainsi formé est acheminé par la bande transporteuse, en dehors de la chambre de dispersion, en passant au droit de la paroi avant de cette chambre, un espace étant prévu entre l'extrémité inférieure de cette paroi avant et la surface de la bande transporteuse.A machine permitting the manufacture of a nonwoven by aerodynamic means is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 3,512,218. In this embodiment, the surface for forming and transporting the nonwoven is produced by means of a porous conveyor belt. The dispersion chamber comprises two longitudinal vertical walls which extend parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt, and two rear and front walls, which extend transversely to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt, and which are referenced respectively (77) and (78) in Figure 3 of US-A-3,512,218. In the present text, the terms "back" and "front" are taken with reference to the direction of movement of the forming surface and non-woven transport. The introduction of the fibers into the dispersion chamber is carried out by means of two referenced rotary cylinders (52) and (54) in the figures of this patent. The "airlay" airflow, for dispersing and transporting fibers to the conveyor belt, is created by means of a referenced suction box (102), associated with fans that make it possible to create a flow suction through the conveyor belt, and over substantially the entire horizontal section of the dispersion chamber, and recycle the sucked air by the discharge in the upper part of the dispersion chamber. In operation, the fibers introduced inside the dispersion chamber are dispersed and projected against the surface of the conveyor belt, and accumulate on this surface in the form of a nonwoven. This nonwoven thus formed is conveyed by the conveyor belt, outside the dispersion chamber, passing to the right of the front wall of this chamber, a space being provided between the lower end of the this front wall and the surface of the conveyor belt.

Une première contrainte pour les concepteurs de ce type de machine est d'éviter que de l'air soit aspiré depuis l'extérieur de la chambre de dispersion et pénètre à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion en passant entre les parois de la chambre et la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé. Une deuxième contrainte est de limiter les risques d'accrochage des fibres du non-tissé sur l'extrémité inférieure de la paroi avant de la chambre de dispersion, lors de du passage du non-tissé au droit de cette paroi.A first constraint for the designers of this type of machine is to prevent air from being sucked from outside the dispersion chamber and entering the dispersion chamber passing between the walls of the chamber. and the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven. A second constraint is to limit the risk of attachment of non-woven fibers on the lower end of the front wall of the dispersion chamber, during the passage of the non-woven to the right of this wall.

Pour résoudre la première contrainte au niveau des parois longitudinales et de la paroi arrière de la chambre de dispersion, le bord inférieur de ces parois est positionné à proximité immédiate de la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé, et est pourvu d'un joint d'étanchéité, venant s'appliquer contre la surface de formation et de transport.To solve the first stress at the longitudinal walls and the rear wall of the dispersion chamber, the lower edge of these walls is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the formation and transport surface of the nonwoven, and is provided with a seal, coming against the forming surface and transport.

Pour résoudre la deuxième contrainte, on utilise une paroi avant qui présente en partie basse un changement de pente, qui se traduit par un élargissement de la section de la chambre de dispersion, prise dans un plan parallèle à la surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé. La face interne de cette partie basse de la paroi avant de la chambre de dispersion forme ainsi avec la surface de formation et de transport, un entonnoir (canal dont la section, prise dans un plan transversal à la surface de formation et de transport, décroît progressivement), qui permet un guidage progressif du non-tissé jusqu'à la sortie de la chambre de dispersion. De préférence, la partie inférieure de la paroi avant formant entonnoir présente une forme courbe sensiblement en arc de cercle.To solve the second constraint, a front wall is used which has a slope change at the bottom, which results in an enlargement of the section of the dispersion chamber, taken in a plane parallel to the formation and transport surface of the dispersion chamber. nonwoven. The inner face of this lower part of the front wall of the dispersion chamber thus forms with the formation and transport surface, a funnel (channel whose section, taken in a plane transverse to the formation and transport surface, decreases gradually), which allows a progressive guide of the nonwoven to the exit of the dispersion chamber. Preferably, the lower part of the funnel-shaped front wall has a substantially arcuate shape.

Pour résoudre la première contrainte précitée au niveau de la paroi avant, on s'assure que la sortie de l'entonnoir précité présente une hauteur faible, qui est en pratique fixée de telle sorte qu'en fonctionnement le non-tissé est légèrement comprimé en sortie de l'entonnoir, ce qui permet d'assurer une étanchéité suffisante à l'air. De préférence, cette hauteur de la sortie de l'entonnoir est réglable, en sorte de permettre un réglage de l'épaisseur ou du poids du non-tissé.To solve the aforementioned first constraint at the front wall, it is ensured that the outlet of the aforementioned funnel has a low height, which is in practice fixed so that in operation the nonwoven is slightly compressed in Release the funnel, which ensures a sufficient air tightness. Preferably, this height of the outlet of the funnel is adjustable, so as to allow adjustment of the thickness or weight of the nonwoven.

Dans la machine décrite dans le brevet précité US-A-3 512 218, l'entonnoir précité au niveau de la paroi avant de la chambre de dispersion est obtenu grâce à la mise en oeuvre, en partie basse de cette paroi avant, d'une plaque sensiblement en forme d'arc de cercle et référencée (81) sur la figure 3 de ce brevet. Cette plaque est montée pivotante en sorte de permettre le réglage précité de la section de sortie de cet entonnoir.In the machine described in the aforementioned patent US-A-3,512,218, the aforementioned funnel at the front wall of the dispersion chamber is obtained by virtue of the implementation, in the lower part of this front wall, of a plate substantially in the shape of an arc and referenced (81) in Figure 3 of this patent. This plate is pivotally mounted so as to allow the aforementioned adjustment of the outlet section of this funnel.

En fabriquant un non-tissé avec une machine du type de celle décrite dans le brevet US-A-3 512 218, on a pu constater que des défauts de faible dimension apparaissent de manière aléatoire dans le non-tissé. Ces défauts se traduisent par la formation dans le non-tissé de petites zones de sur-accumulation de fibres ; ces zones sont longilignes et orientées essentiellement selon la largeur du non-tissé.By making a nonwoven with a machine of the type described in US-A-3,512,218 it has been found that small defects occur randomly in the nonwoven. These defects result in the formation in the non-woven of small areas of over-accumulation of fibers; these areas are elongate and oriented essentially according to the width of the nonwoven.

La présente invention vise à proposer une machine pour la formation d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique, qui a été perfectionnée en sorte de produire un non-tissé de meilleure qualité présentant un nombre de défauts précités moins élevé, et dans le meilleur des cas exempt de tout défaut précité.The present invention aims to provide a machine for the formation of a nonwoven by aeraulic route, which has been improved so as to produce a nonwoven of better quality having a number of aforementioned defects, and in the best of case free from any of the above defects.

Cet objectif est atteint par la machine de l'invention, qui est connue, notamment par le brevet US-A-3 512 218, en ce qu'elle comporte :

  • une surface de formation et de transport du non-tissé, qui est perméable à l'air,
  • une chambre de dispersion surmontant la surface de formation et de transport,
  • des moyens permettant d'alimenter la chambre de dispersion avec des fibres destinées à former le non-tissé,
  • et des moyens qui sont aptes à créer, à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion, un flux d'air permettant de disperser les fibres à l'intérieur de la chambre et de les projeter sur la surface de formation et de transport.
This object is achieved by the machine of the invention, which is known, in particular from US-A-3,512,218, in that it comprises:
  • a surface for forming and transporting the nonwoven, which is permeable to air,
  • a dispersion chamber surmounting the formation and transport surface,
  • means for supplying the dispersion chamber with fibers intended to form the nonwoven,
  • and means which are able to create, within the dispersion chamber, a flow of air to disperse the fibers within the chamber and project them onto the forming and transporting surface.

De manière caractéristique selon l'invention, la paroi avant de la chambre de dispersion est poreuse dans sa partie basse.Characteristically according to the invention, the front wall of the dispersion chamber is porous in its lower part.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description ci-après de plusieurs variantes préférées de réalisation d'une machine de formation d'un non tissé selon l'invention, laquelle description est donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une ligne complète de production d'un non-tissé mettant en oeuvre une machine de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique, conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une représentation en perspective simplifiée des parties essentielles de la machine de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique de la ligne de production de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale de la machine de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique de la ligne de production de la figure 1
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale simplifiée et agrandie de la machine de la figure 3,
  • la figure 5 représente de manière schématique une deuxième variante de réalisation d'une machine de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique conforme à l'invention, et mettant en oeuvre un cylindre poreux ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de détail du cylindre poreux de la machine de la figure 5,
  • et la figure 7 représente de manière schématique une troisième variante de réalisation d'une machine de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique conforme à l'invention
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of several preferred embodiments of a machine for forming a nonwoven according to the invention, which description is given as a non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a complete line of production of a nonwoven using a machine for manufacturing a nonwoven by the aerodynamic route, according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective representation of the essential parts of the aerated nonwoven manufacturing machine of the production line of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the machine for manufacturing a nonwoven by the aerodynamic route of the production line of FIG. 1
  • FIG. 4 is a simplified and enlarged cross-sectional view of the machine of FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a second variant embodiment of a machine for manufacturing a nonwoven by aerodynamic means according to the invention, and using a porous cylinder;
  • FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the porous cylinder of the machine of FIG. 5,
  • and FIG. 7 schematically represents a third variant embodiment of a machine for manufacturing a nonwoven aeraulic way according to the invention

On a représenté sur la figure 1, une ligne complète de production d'un non-tissé comportant en entrée une cheminée d'alimentation 1 usuelle, qui en fonctionnement est alimentée en partie supérieure avec des fibres, et qui délivre en sortie sur un transporteur 2 un matelas de fibres en bourre (non représenté). En aval du transporteur 2 , la ligne comprend une carde 3 de conception traditionnelle, qui alimente en sortie une machine 4 selon l'invention permettant la production d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique.FIG. 1 shows a complete production line of a nonwoven comprising, at its inlet, a conventional feed chimney 1, which in operation is fed at the top with fibers, and which delivers on a conveyor 2 a fiber pile mat (not shown). Downstream of the conveyor 2, the line comprises a card 3 of traditional design, which feeds an output machine 4 according to the invention for the production of a nonwoven by aeraulic route.

Dans l'exemple particulier illustré, la carde 3 comprend en entrée un rouleau alimentaire 3a, associé à un cylindre briseur 3b. Le cylindre briseur 3b permet d'alimenter en fibres, un premier cylindre de cardage rotatif 3c, plus communément appelé « avant-train », et dont la surface est revêtue de manière usuelle d'une garniture de carde lui permettant de reprendre les fibres de la périphérie du cylindre briseur 3b. Sur la périphérie du cylindre de cardage 3b, sont montés des moyens peigneurs usuels, qui permettent de travailler les fibres prises dans la garniture de carde du cylindre 3c, en sorte de les individualiser et de les paralléliser. Dans l'exemple illustré, ces moyens peigneurs sont constitués par plusieurs paires successives d'un rouleau débourreur 3d et d'un rouleau travailleur 3e. En aval de ces moyens peigneurs, les fibres sont reprises de la périphérie du premier cylindre de cardage 3c, et sont transférées en l'état à la périphérie d'un second cylindre de cardage rotatif 3g, par un cylindre de transfert 3f, encore appelé « communicateur ». Le second cylindre de cardage 3g, encore communément appelé « grand tambour » ou « tambour principal », est également revêtu d'une garniture de carde ou similaire et est pourvu sur sa périphérie de moyens peigneurs (3d, 3e) identiques à ceux équipant le premier cylindre de cardage 3c. La carde 3 comporte une double sortie, chaque sortie de carde étant constituée de deux cylindres successifs 3h et 3i. Ce type de sortie de carde est déjà connu et décrit notamment dans la demande de brevet européen EP-A-0 950 733, à laquelle l'homme du métier pourra se référer.In the particular example illustrated, the card 3 comprises an input feed roller 3 has, associated with a takerin 3 b. The takerin 3 b used for supplying fiber, a first rotating carding cylinder 3c, more commonly called "front end", and whose surface is coated in the usual manner of a card clothing allowing it to resume fibers of the periphery of the breaker cylinder 3 b . On the periphery of the carding cylinder 3 b are mounted conventional doffer means, that allow to work the fibers taken into the cylinder card clothing 3c, so as to individualize and to parallelize. In the illustrated example, these combing means are constituted by several successive pairs of a stripping roll 3 d and a worker roller 3 e . Downstream of these means doffer the fibers are taken from the periphery of said first carding cylinder 3 c, and is transferred in the state at the periphery of a second rotary carding cylinder 3 g, f 3 by a transfer cylinder , still called "communicator". The second carding cylinder 3 g , still commonly called "large drum" or "main drum", is also coated with a card lining or the like and is provided on its periphery with combing means (3 d , 3 e ) identical to those equipping the first carding cylinder 3 c . The card 3 has a double output, each card outlet consisting of two successive cylinders 3 h and 3 i . This type of card exit is already known and described in particular in the European patent application EP-A-0 950 733, to which the skilled person can refer.

La machine 4 de production d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique qui est décrite en détail ci-après, n'est pas nécessairement mise en oeuvre avec une carde en amont, mais pourra être mise en oeuvre d'une manière générale avec tout dispositif amont d'alimentation de fibres, ce dispositif pouvant ou non selon le cas avoir une fonction d'ouvraison et de travail des fibres. Lorsque la machine 4 est prévue en aval d'une carde, cette carde n'est pas nécessairement identique à celle de la figure 1 qui est donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif. En effet, en fonction du type de fibres et du degré d'ouvraison souhaité, on peut envisager une carde plus longue mettant en oeuvre un nombre plus important de cylindres de cardage successifs, ou au contraire une carde plus courte mettant en oeuvre un unique cylindre de cardage. Par ailleurs, les rouleaux 3d et 3e pourraient être disposés en étant juxtaposés les uns derrière les autres de manière alternée, selon une configuration communément appelée « Garnett ». Ces rouleaux pourraient également être remplacés par tout moyen de structure différente, et remplissant la même fonction, c'est-à-dire permettant d'individualiser et de paralléliser les fibres transportées par les cylindres de cardage. En particulier, ces rouleaux 3d et 3e pourraient être remplacés par des plaques statiques, plus communément appelées « plaques cardantes », montées à la périphérie du cylindre de cardage, et comportant une pluralité de points cardants sous la forme par exemple de rainures ou cannelures.The machine 4 for producing a nonwoven by aerodynamic means which is described in detail below, is not necessarily implemented with an upstream card, but may be implemented generally with any upstream fiber feeder device, this device may or may not as appropriate have a function of working and working fibers. When the machine 4 is provided downstream of a card, this card is not necessarily identical to that of Figure 1 which is given by way of non-limiting example. Indeed, depending on the type of fiber and the desired degree of processing, it is possible to envisage a longer card using a larger number of successive carding rolls, or on the contrary a shorter card using a single cylinder. carding. Furthermore, the rollers 3 d and 3 e could be arranged by being juxtaposed one behind the other alternately, according to a configuration commonly called "Garnett". These rollers could also be replaced by any means of different structure, and fulfilling the same function, that is to say, to individualize and parallelize the fibers transported by the carding rolls. In particular, these rollers 3 d and 3 e could be replaced by static plates, more commonly known as "carding plates", mounted on the periphery of the carding cylinder, and having a plurality of carding points in the form for example of grooves or splines.

La machine 4 de fabrication d'un non-tissé par voie aéraulique comprend un convoyeur 5 mettant en oeuvre une bande transporteuse 6 poreuse montée tendue sur des rouleaux d'entraînement 7. En fonctionnement, le brin supérieur 6a de cette bande transporteuse 6, qui dans l'exemple particulier illustré est sensiblement horizontal, est entraîné à vitesse constante prédéterminée dans le sens de transport indiqué sur la figure 1 par la flèche D. Ce brin supérieur 6a forme une surface perméable à l'air, qui permet la formation et le transport du non-tissé.The machine 4 for manufacturing a nonwoven by air means comprises a conveyor 5 employing a porous conveyor belt 6 mounted stretched on drive rollers 7. In operation, the upper run 6 a of this conveyor belt 6, which in the particular example illustrated is substantially horizontal, is driven at predetermined constant speed in the direction of transport shown in Figure 1 by the arrow D. This upper strand 6 has an air permeable surface, which allows the formation and transport of the nonwoven.

La machine 4 comprend également une cheminée verticale 8, qui surmonte le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6 et qui s'étend sur toute la largeur (L) de ce brin supérieur 6a (figure 2). Cette cheminée 8 comporte essentiellement une paroi avant 9 et une paroi arrière 10, qui s'étendent transversalement à la direction de déplacement (D) de la bande transporteuse 6, et deux parois longitudinales reliant les deux parois avant 9 et arrière 10, et s'étendant sensiblement parallèlement à la direction de déplacement (D), c'est-à-dire dans un plan parallèle au plan des figures 1, 3 et 4. Par soucis de simplification et de clarté du dessin, ces deux parois longitudinales n'on pas été représentées sur la perspective de la figure 2. Cette cheminée 8 forme une chambre 11 de dispersion des fibres. Cette chambre est ouverte à ses deux extrémités supérieure 11a et inférieure 11b.Machine 4 also comprises a vertical shaft 8, which surmounts the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6 and extends over the entire width (L) of the upper strand 6a (Figure 2). This chimney 8 essentially comprises a front wall 9 and a rear wall 10, which extend transversely to the direction of movement (D) of the conveyor belt 6, and two longitudinal walls connecting the two front walls 9 and rear 10, and extending substantially parallel to the direction of displacement (D), that is to say in a plane parallel to the plane of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4. For the sake of simplification and clarity of the drawing, these two longitudinal walls n ' it is not shown in the perspective of Figure 2. This chimney 8 forms a chamber 11 for dispersing the fibers. This chamber is open at both its upper ends 11a and lower 11b.

Au niveau de l'extrémité supérieure ouverte 11a de la chambre de dispersion 11, la machine 4 comprend un cylindre 12, dit par la suite cylindre « disperseur », qui permet l'alimentation en fibres de la chambre de dispersion. Ce cylindre disperseur 12 est adjacent aux deux cylindres 3i de sortie de carde 3, et permet de reprendre et de superposer sur sa périphérie les voiles de carde, issus de la carde 3 et transportés sur la périphérie de ces deux cylindres 3i. Le cylindre disperseur 12 est de préférence pourvu sur sa périphérie d'une garniture dont les pointes ou dents 12a (figures 3 et 4) sont orientées vers l'avant (c'est-à-dire dans le sens de rotation du cylindre). Ce cylindre disperseur 12 est en outre prévu pour être entraîné en rotation avec une vitesse circonférentielle supérieure ou égale à la vitesse circonférentielle des deux cylindres amont 3i. Ce cylindre 12 peut être entraîné directement en rotation par un moteur dont le rotor est couplé directement à l'arbre de rotation du cylindre 12, ou être entraîné indirectement, son arbre de rotation étant couplé mécaniquement à l'arbre de rotation de l'un des cylindres de la carde 3 (par exemple le cylindre de cardage 3g) par un système de transmission mécanique à engrenages et courroies judicieusement dimensionné. De préférence, en fonctionnement, ce cylindre disperseur 12 est entraîné à vitesse élevée, de telle sorte que les fibres qui sont prises dans sa garniture ont tendance à sortir de cette garniture sous l'action de la force centrifuge.At the open upper end 11a of the dispersion chamber 11, the machine 4 comprises a cylinder 12, said cylinder thereafter "Dispenser", which allows the supply of fibers to the dispersion chamber. This dispersing cylinder 12 is adjacent to the two cylinders 3 i of the card outlet 3, and allows to recover and superimpose on its periphery the card webs, from the card 3 and transported on the periphery of these two cylinders 3 i . The disperser roll 12 is preferably provided on its periphery with a covering whose teeth or spikes 12 has (Figures 3 and 4) are oriented towards the front (that is to say in the direction of rotation of the cylinder) . This dispersing cylinder 12 is further provided to be rotated with a circumferential speed greater than or equal to the circumferential speed of the two upstream cylinders 3 i . This cylinder 12 can be driven directly in rotation by a motor whose rotor is coupled directly to the rotation shaft of the cylinder 12, or be driven indirectly, its rotation shaft being mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft of one of the cylinders of the card 3 (for example the carding cylinder 3 (g ) a properly sized mechanical transmission system with gears and belts. Preferably, in operation, this dispersing cylinder 12 is driven at high speed, so that the fibers which are taken in its lining tend to come out of this lining under the action of the centrifugal force.

La machine 4 comprend également un canal 13 d'amenée d'air, dont l'extrémité supérieure ouverte 13a communique à l'air libre, et dont l'extrémité inférieure 13b est raccordée à l'extrémité supérieure ouverte 11a de la chambre de dispersion 11. A l'opposée du canal 13, sous le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6 est montée une boîte (ou caisson) d'aspiration 14, qui délimite une chambre interne 14a qui est raccordée à un ventilateur (non représenté) par un conduit 15 (figure 1). Lorsque le ventilateur est en marche, la chambre interne 14a est mise en dépression. Elle forme ainsi une chambre d'aspiration et permet de créer à travers le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6, une aspiration qui engendre à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11 un flux d'air sensiblement vertical, matérialisé par des flèches sur les figures 3 et 4. Cette aspiration est créée sur toute la section (prise dans un plan parallèle au brin 6a de la bande transporteuse 6) de l'extrémité inférieure ouverte 11b de la chambre de dispersion 11, c'est-à-dire sur une surface qui s'étend dans la direction (D) sur une largeur l (figures 3 et 4) et dans la direction transversale sur la largeur L de la bande transporteuse. De préférence, la paroi avant 14b de la boîte d'aspiration est translatable selon la direction (D) en sorte de permettre un réglage au cas par cas de la largeur (I) de la surface d'aspiration, ce qui permet d'adapter la zone d'aspiration à différentes sections de chambre de dispersion.Machine 4 also comprises an air supply channel 13, whose open upper end 13 a communicates with the open air, and the lower end 13 b of which is connected to the open upper end 11a of the dispersion chamber 11. at the opposite channel 13, under the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6 is mounted a box (or box) suction 14, which defines an internal chamber 14 a which is connected to a fan (not shown) by a conduit 15 (Figure 1). When the fan is running, the internal chamber 14a is depressurized. It thus forms a suction chamber and makes it possible to create, through the upper run 6 a of the conveyor belt 6, a suction which generates inside the dispersion chamber 11 a substantially vertical flow of air, indicated by arrows in figures 3 and 4. this suction is created over the entire section (taken in a plane parallel to the strand 6a of the conveyor 6) from the lower open end 11b of the dispersion chamber 11, that is that is to say on a surface which extends in the direction (D) over a width l (FIGS. 3 and 4) and in the transverse direction over the width L of the conveyor belt. Preferably, the front wall 14b of the suction box is translatable in the direction (D) so as to allow a case-by-case adjustment of the width (I) of the suction surface, which makes it possible to adapt the suction zone to different sections of dispersion chamber.

En fonctionnement, les fibres qui sont acheminées à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11, à la périphérie du cylindre disperseur 12, sont détachées de la garniture de ce cylindre par l'action du flux d'air créé à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11, lequel flux d'air vient sensiblement tangenter les pointes 12a de la garniture du cylindre disperseur 12. Une vitesse de rotation élevée du cylindre disperseur 12 permet également de faciliter le détachage des fibres sous l'action de la force centrifuge. Les fibres se trouvent ainsi éjectées de manière individualisée à l'intérieur de la chambre 11. Ces fibres sont dispersées par le flux d'air sur toute la section horizontale de la chambre de dispersion 11 et sont projetées par le flux d'air sur le brin supérieur 6a distant de la bande transporteuse 6. Il se forme ainsi un non-tissé à l'intérieur de la chambre 11 et à la surface de la bande transporteuse 6, lequel non-tissé est acheminé par la bande transporteuse 6 à l'extérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11, en passant au droit de la paroi avant 9 de cette chambre.In operation, the fibers which are conveyed inside the dispersion chamber 11, at the periphery of the dispersing cylinder 12, are detached from the lining of this cylinder by the action of the air flow created inside the the dispersion chamber 11, which air flow is substantially tangential to the tips 12a of the trim cylinder disperser 12. a high rotational speed of the disperser roll 12 also facilitates the detaching of the fibers under the action of the force centrifugal. The fibers are thus ejected in an individualized manner inside the chamber 11. These fibers are dispersed by the flow of air over the entire horizontal section of the dispersion chamber 11 and are projected by the air flow on the Upper strand 6 at a distance from the conveyor belt 6. A nonwoven is thus formed inside the chamber 11 and at the surface of the conveyor belt 6, which nonwoven is conveyed by the conveyor belt 6 to the conveyor belt 6. outside the dispersion chamber 11, passing right of the front wall 9 of this chamber.

La paroi avant 9 de la chambre de dispersion est formée en partie haute d'une tôle épaisse pleine 16, qui est plane et imperméable à l'air, et en partie basse d'une tôle mince courbe 17, présentant un profil sensiblement en arc de cercle, et dont la partie 17a la plus proche du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6 (c'est-à-dire dans l'exemple illustré la partie extrême inférieure de la tôle 17) est orientée sensiblement parallèlement au brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse. Cette tôle 17 est une pièce rapportée et fixée sur le bord inférieur de la tôle 16 par tout moyen approprié et par exemple par des vis 18 ou rivets.The front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber is formed in the upper part of a solid plate 16, which is flat and impervious to air, and in the lower part of a curved thin sheet 17, having a substantially arcuate profile. circle, and of which the part 17a closest to the upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6 (that is to say in the illustrated example the lower end portion of the sheet 17) is oriented substantially parallel to the strand top 6a of the conveyor belt. This sheet 17 is an insert and fixed on the lower edge of the sheet 16 by any appropriate means and for example by screws 18 or rivets.

A l'opposé, la paroi arrière 10 de la chambre de dispersion 11 est formée d'une tôle épaisse pleine 19, qui est imperméable à l'air. Les deux tôles 16 et 19 ne sont pas parfaitement verticales et parallèles, mais divergent légèrement l'une de l'autre (figure 4/ angles α et β des tôle 16 et 19 par rapport à la verticale), de telle sorte que la chambre de dispersion 11 forme un cône dont la section (prise dans un plan parallèle au brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6) est croissante en direction du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6. On obtient ainsi une meilleure dispersion des fibres.In contrast, the rear wall 10 of the dispersion chamber 11 is formed of a solid thick plate 19, which is impervious to air. The two sheets 16 and 19 are not perfectly vertical and parallel, but slightly divergent from each other (FIG. 4 / angles α and β of the sheets 16 and 19 with respect to the vertical), so that the dispersion chamber 11 forms a cone whose cross-section (taken in a plane parallel to the upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6) increases towards the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6. Thus, a better dispersion of fibers .

La tôle courbe 17 permet de réaliser un changement de pente en partie basse de la paroi avant 9, la face interne 17b de la tôle 17 formant avec le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6, un entonnoir 21, qui permet de guider le non-tissé formé jusqu'à la sortie de la chambre de dispersion. On limite ainsi avantageusement les risques d'accrochage des fibres du non-tissé sur la paroi avant 9, et notamment sur son bord inférieur.The sheet curve 17 enables a change of slope in the lower part of the front wall 9, the inner face 17b of the sheet 17 forming the upper side 6a of the conveyor 6, a funnel 21 for guiding the nonwoven formed to the exit of the dispersion chamber. This advantageously limits the risk of attachment of non-woven fibers on the front wall 9, and in particular on its lower edge.

Dans l'exemple particulier illustré, cette tôle mince 17 est flexible et en l'absence de non-tissé vient, au niveau de son extrémité inférieure 17a, au contact du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6. En fonctionnement (figure 4), le non-tissé (W) soulève la tôle 17 en modifiant légèrement sa courbure, ladite tôle venant exercer sur le non-tissé une faible force de pression, qui le comprime légèrement. On évite ainsi en fonctionnement que le flux d'aspiration créé par la boîte d'aspiration 14 ne vienne engendrer un flux d'air entrant qui pénétrerait à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11 en passant entre l'extrémité inférieure de la paroi avant 9 et le brin supérieur 6a, un tel flux d'air étant préjudiciable à la qualité du non-tissé.In the particular example illustrated, this thin plate 17 is flexible and in the absence of non-woven is, at its lower end 17a in contact with the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6. In operation (Figure 4), the nonwoven (W) raises the sheet 17 by slightly modifying its curvature, said sheet coming to exert on the nonwoven a low pressure force, which compresses it slightly. It is thus avoided in operation that the suction flow created by the suction box 14 does not generate a flow of incoming air that would penetrate inside the dispersion chamber 11 passing between the lower end of the wall front 9 and the upper strand 6a, such air flow being detrimental to the quality of the nonwoven.

Egalement, pour éviter que le flux d'aspiration créé par la boîte d'aspiration14 ne vienne engendrer un flux d'air entrant qui pénétrerait à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion 11 en passant entre le brin supérieur 6a et l'extrémité inférieure des parois arrière 10 et longitudinales de la chambre 11, le bord inférieur de ces parois est positionné à proximité immédiate du brin supérieur 6a, et est équipé d'un joint d'étanchéité 20 qui vient s'appliquer sur le brin supérieur 6a.Also, to avoid that the suction created by the flow aspiration14 box does not come generating an air stream entering that penetrate inside the dispersion chamber 11 by passing between the upper strand 6a and the end lower rear walls 10 and longitudinal of the chamber 11, the lower edge of these walls is positioned adjacent the upper strand 6a, and is equipped with a seal 20 which is applied on the upper strand 6 a .

Selon une caractéristique essentielle de l'invention, la paroi avant 9 est poreuse à l'air dans sa partie basse, c'est-à-dire dans l'exemple particulier illustré dans sa partie formant entonnoir 21. Cette zone poreuse s'étend sur sensiblement toute la largeur (L) de la paroi avant 9 de la chambre de dispersion 11 (figure 2). Plus particulièrement, cette porosité est obtenue par de multiples micro-perforations réalisées dans la tôle 17.According to an essential characteristic of the invention, the front wall 9 is porous to the air in its lower part, that is to say in the particular example illustrated in its funnel portion 21. This porous zone extends over substantially the entire width (L) of the front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber 11 (Figure 2). More particularly, this porosity is obtained by multiple micro-perforations made in sheet 17.

De préférence, tel que cela est illustré sur les figures annexées, la tôle 17 est imperméable à l'air, sur un premier secteur référencé (B) qui s'étend sur une faible longueur depuis le bord inférieur 17c de la tôle 17, et est poreuse sur sa surface restante (secteur référencé A) qui s'étend jusqu'à la tôle supérieure 16. La hauteur h (figure 4) entre la tôle 17 et la bande transporteuse 6, au niveau de la frontière entre zone poreuse (A) et zone non poreuse (B) correspond en pratique à l'épaisseur maximale d'accumulation des fibres à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion.Preferably, as shown in the accompanying figures, the sheet 17 is impervious to air, on a first referenced sector (B) which extends over a short length from the lower edge 17c of the sheet 17, and is porous on its remaining surface (sector referenced A) which extends to the upper plate 16. The height h (FIG. 4) between the sheet 17 and the conveyor belt 6, at the level of the boundary between the porous zone ( A) and nonporous zone (B) corresponds in practice to the maximum thickness of accumulation of fibers inside the dispersion chamber.

Dans une variante de réalisation, on utilise une tôle 17 micro-perforée sur toute sa surface, et la partie inférieure (B) non poreuse est obtenue fixant sur la face interne de cette partie inférieure un revêtement 22 (figure 4) venant obturer de manière étanche à l'air les micro-perforations. De préférence, il s'agissait d'un revêtement 22 à plus faible coefficient de friction (comparativement au coefficient de friction de la face interne de la tôle 17), tel que par exemple du polytétrafluoroéthylène (PTFE).In an alternative embodiment, a sheet 17 is used micro-perforated over its entire surface, and the bottom portion (B) non-porous is obtained fixing on the inner face of this lower part a coating 22 (Figure 4) closing off airtight micro-perforations. Preferably, it was a coating 22 with a lower coefficient of friction (compared to the coefficient of friction of the internal face of the sheet 17), such as for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Dans une autre variante, on pourrait également utiliser une tôle 17 micro-perforée uniquement dans la partie poreuse (A) de la paroi avant 9. Dans cette variante, il peut également être avantageux d'utiliser un revêtement 22 à faible coefficient de friction afin d'améliorer le glissement du non-tissé par rapport la paroi avant 9.In another variant, it would also be possible to use a sheet 17 micro-perforated only in the porous part (A) of the front wall 9. In this variant, it may also be advantageous to use a coating 22 with a low coefficient of friction so that to improve the sliding of the nonwoven relative to the front wall 9.

En fonctionnement, l'aspiration créée par la boîte d'aspiration 14 à l'intérieur de la chambre de dispersion engendre à travers la partie (A) micro-perforée de la tôle 17 un flux d'air entrant en provenance de l'extérieur, sous la forme d'une pluralité de mini-jets d'air, répartis sur toutes la largeur (L) de la paroi tôle 17. Cet apport d'air permet avantageusement de maintenir une orientation des vitesses d'air dans l'entonnoir 21, qui est essentiellement transversale (c'est-à-dire verticale dans l'exemple illustré) à la surface de formation du non-tissé (brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6) avec une faible composante horizontale pour ces vitesses d'air.In operation, the suction created by the suction box 14 inside the dispersion chamber generates through the micro-perforated portion (A) of the sheet 17, a flow of incoming air coming from the outside, in the form of a plurality of mini-jets of air, distributed over all the width (L) of the wall This air intake advantageously makes it possible to maintain an orientation of the air velocities in the funnel 21, which is essentially transverse (that is to say vertical in the illustrated example) to the formation surface of the nonwoven (upper strand 6a of the conveyor 6) with a small horizontal component for these air velocities.

Comparativement, dans l'hypothèse où on utilise en guise de tôle 17, une tôle pleine imperméable à l'air, on observe dans l'entonnoir 21 des vitesses d'air qui ont de plus en plus tendance à s'écarter de la verticale plus on s'approche de la tôle 17, les vitesses d'air à proximité de la sortie du non-tissé (zone de pincement du non-tissé entre la tôle 17 et la bande transporteuse 6) présentant une composante horizontale importante. Or ces vitesses d'air à forte composante horizontale sont la source de défauts dans la structure du non-tissé. Ces défauts se matérialisent sous la forme de zones courtes de sur-accumulation de fibres, qui sont locales, orientées sensiblement selon la largeur du non-tissé. et qui se forment de manière aléatoire dans la surface du non tissé.Comparatively, in the case where sheet metal 17 is used, a solid sheet that is impermeable to air, air funnel 21 is observed in the funnel, which increasingly tends to deviate from the vertical. the closer we get to the sheet 17, the air velocities near the exit of the nonwoven (nonwoven nipping zone between the sheet 17 and the conveyor belt 6) having a large horizontal component. However these air speeds with a high horizontal component are the source of defects in the structure of the nonwoven. These defects materialize in the form of short areas of over-accumulation of fibers, which are local, oriented substantially along the width of the nonwoven. and which form randomly in the surface of the nonwoven.

De manière avantageuse selon l'invention, la porosité en partie basse de la paroi avant 9 permet d'obtenir dans la partie entonnoir 21 un redressement des vitesses d'air, qui présentent de ce fait une composante verticale plus importante, ce qui limite le phénomène de formation de défauts précités. En d'autres termes, en fonctionnement, les vitesses d'air dans l'entonnoir 21 de la chambre de dispersion présentent une composante verticale plus importante et une composante horizontale plus faible, que les composantes respectivement verticale et horizontale des vitesses d'air qui seraient obtenues dans l'entonnoir 21 avec une paroi avant 9 (tôle 17 dans l'exemple illustré) imperméable à l'air.Advantageously according to the invention, the porosity in the lower part of the front wall 9 makes it possible to obtain, in the funnel part 21, a rectification of the air velocities, which consequently have a larger vertical component, which limits the phenomenon of formation of the aforementioned defects. In other words, in operation, the air velocities in the funnel 21 of the dispersion chamber have a larger vertical component and a lower horizontal component, than the respectively vertical and horizontal components of the air velocities which would be obtained in the funnel 21 with a front wall 9 (sheet 17 in the example shown) impermeable to air.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à la variante préférée de réalisation qui vient d'être décrite en référence aux figure 1 à 4. En particulier, la tôle micro-perforée 17 peut être remplacée par tout paroi équivalente, poreuse ou micro-poreuse. Il pourrait s'agir d'une tôle plane, ou encore d'une tôle plane en partie centrale et se terminant par des portions d'extrémité inférieure et supérieure sensiblement en arc de cercle.The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment which has just been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In particular, the micro-perforated plate 17 may be replaced by any equivalent wall, porous or microporous . It could be a flat sheet, or a flat sheet in the central part and ending with lower and upper end portions substantially in a circular arc.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation, la tôle 17 pourrait, en l'absence de non-tissé, ne pas être en contact avec la bande transporteuse, un léger espace étant par exemple prévu entre l'extrémité inférieure 17a de la tôle 17 et le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse. De préférence, mais non nécessairement, dans ce cas la hauteur de cette espace est réglable, en sorte de régler l'épaisseur ou le poids du non-tissé en sortie de la chambre de dispersion 11.In another alternative embodiment, the sheet 17 could, in the absence of non-woven, not being in contact with the conveyor belt, a slight gap being for example provided between the lower end 17a of the sheet 17 and the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt. Preferably, but not necessarily, in this case the height of this space is adjustable, so as to adjust the thickness or the weight of the nonwoven at the outlet of the dispersion chamber 11.

Dans une autre variante de réalisation, la tôle 17 pourrait être poreuse sur toute sa surface ; l'inconvénient toutefois de cette variante, comparativement à la mise en oeuvre d'une tôle 17 dont la partie d'extrémité inférieure est imperméable à l'air, est l'augmentation des risques d'accrochage du non-tissé sur la paroi avant en sortie de chambre de dispersion 11.In another variant embodiment, the sheet 17 could be porous over its entire surface; the disadvantage of this variant, however, compared to the implementation of a sheet 17 whose lower end portion is impervious to air, is the increased risk of attachment of the nonwoven on the front wall at the outlet of the dispersion chamber 11.

Dans une autre variante non représentée sur les figures, la partie poreuse (A) de la paroi avant pourrait s'étendre sur une zone plus limitée (c'est-à-dire sur un secteur plus faible n'atteignant pas le bord inférieur de la plaque 16), et/ou la paroi avant 9 pourrait être réalisée en une seule pièce.In another variant not shown in the figures, the porous portion (A) of the front wall could extend over a more limited area (that is to say on a lower sector not reaching the lower edge of the plate 16), and / or the front wall 9 could be made in one piece.

Dans la variante préférée de réalisation qui a été décrite en référence aux figures 1 à 4, le canal 13 d'amenée d'air débouche à l'air libre en partie supérieure. Dans une autre variante de réalisation, l'air aspiré par la boîte d'aspiration 14 pourrait être utilisé en circuit fermé en étant en tout ou partie refoulé à l'intérieur du canal 13.In the preferred embodiment which has been described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the air supply channel 13 opens in the open air in the upper part. In another variant embodiment, the air sucked by the suction box 14 could be used in a closed circuit by being completely or partially repressed inside the channel 13.

On a représenté sur la figure 5 une autre variante de réalisation d'une machine de production de non-tissé de l'invention, dans laquelle, comparativement à la variante des figures 1 à 4, la partie poreuse de la paroi avant 9 est réalisée sous la forme d'un tube ou cylindre creux 22 poreux rotatif. L'axe de rotation 22a de ce tube ou cylindre 22 s'étend transversalement à la direction de déplacement (D) de la bande transporteuse 6.FIG. 5 shows another variant embodiment of a nonwoven production machine of the invention, in which, compared with the variant of FIGS. 1 to 4, the porous part of the front wall 9 is made in the form of a hollow porous hollow tube or cylinder. The axis of rotation 22 a of the tube or cylinder 22 extends transversely to the direction of movement (D) of the conveyor belt 6.

Plus particulièrement, en référence à la figure 6, ce tube ou cylindre creux 22 comporte une tôle mince cylindrique 23, par exemple en acier inoxydable, et micro-perforée sur toute sa surface, ladite tôle 23 étant fixée sur deux flasques d'extrémité 24. L'ensemble est monté sur un arbre 25 rotatif. Cet arbre 25 est prévu pour être entraîné en rotation au moyen d'un moteur (non représenté) via un système de transmission de type courroie 26.More particularly, with reference to FIG. 6, this tube or hollow cylinder 22 comprises a cylindrical thin sheet 23, for example made of stainless steel, and micro-perforated over its entire surface, said sheet 23 being fastened to two end flanges 24 The assembly is mounted on a rotating shaft. This shaft 25 is provided to be rotated by means of a motor (not shown) via a belt type transmission system 26.

En référence à la figure 5, la tôle cylindrique 23 est montée au-dessus du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6, de telle sorte qu'elle vient au contact du brin supérieur 6a selon la génératrice de tangence T. Dans une autre variante, un très léger espace pourrait être prévu entre le brin supérieur 6a et la tôle cylindrique 23, cet espace étant suffisamment faible pour que le non-tissé produit soit comprimé lors de son passage sous le cylindre 22.With reference to FIG. 5, the cylindrical plate 23 is mounted above the upper run 6 a of the conveyor belt 6, so that it comes into contact with the upper run 6 a along the tangency generator T. In another Alternatively, a small gap could be provided between the upper strand 6a and the cylindrical plate 23, this space being sufficiently small for the nonwoven product is compressed as it passes under the roller 22.

En fonctionnement, la tôle cylindrique 23 est entraînée en rotation dans le même sens que le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6, et avec une vitesse circonférentielle au moins égale à la vitesse linéaire dudit brin supérieur 6a. En particulier, la tôle cylindrique 23 pourrait être entraînée en rotation de telle sorte que sa vitesse circonférentielle soit légèrement supérieure à la vitesse linéaire du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuses 6.In operation, the cylindrical plate 23 is rotated in the same direction as the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6, and a circumferential speed at least equal to the linear speed of said upper strand 6a. In particular, the cylindrical plate 23 could be rotated so that its circumferential speed is slightly greater than the linear speed of the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6.

Dans un exemple précis de réalisation donné à titre indicatif, la tôle 17 ou la tôle cylindrique 23 était en acier inoxydable d'épaisseur 300µm ; le taux d'ouverture de la tôle micro-perforée (rapport entre surface totale ouverte et surface totale) était d'environ 25% ; chaque micro-perforation présentait une section sensiblement circulaire, avec un diamètre de l'ordre de 320 µm.In a specific exemplary embodiment given as an indication, the plate 17 or the cylindrical plate 23 was made of thick stainless steel 300μm; the rate of opening of the micro-perforated sheet (ratio between total open area and total area) was about 25%; each micro-perforation had a substantially circular section, with a diameter of the order of 320 microns.

Selon une caractéristique additionnelle, dans la variante de la figure 5, une brosse 27 est fixée sur la périphérie du cylindre 22. Elle permet de balayer la surface extérieure de la tôle 23 lors de la rotation de ladite tôle. Cette brosse 27 permet ainsi de retirer de la tôle 23 les fibres ou saletés qui peuvent se déposer sur et être entraînées par la tôle 23. Cette brosse 27 est facultative.According to an additional feature, in the variant of Figure 5, a brush 27 is fixed on the periphery of the cylinder 22. It allows to scan the outer surface of the sheet 23 during the rotation of said sheet. This brush 27 thus removes from the sheet 23 the fibers or dirt that can be deposited on and be driven by the sheet 23. This brush 27 is optional.

Selon une autre caractéristique additionnelle, dans la variante de la figure 5, une boîte d'aspiration 28 est montée immédiatement en aval du cylindre 22, et permet, en fonctionnement, d'aspirer le non-tissé en sortie de la zone de pincement (T) entre le cylindre 22 et le brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse, en le plaquant contre le brin supérieur 6a. Cette aspiration est mise en oeuvre sur toute la largeur du non-tissé. En outre, la zone d'aspiration 28a s'étend sur une longueur L. La position de la boîte d'aspiration 28 est de préférence réglable. Cette aspiration permet d'obtenir un meilleur transfert du voile au delà du cylindre 22.According to another additional characteristic, in the variant of FIG. 5, a suction box 28 is mounted immediately downstream of the cylinder 22, and allows, in operation, to suck the nonwoven at the outlet of the nipping zone ( T) between the cylinder 22 and the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt, in the plating against the upper strand 6 a. This suction is implemented over the entire width of the nonwoven. In addition, the suction zone 28 extends over a length L. The position of the suction box 28 is preferably adjustable. This suction makes it possible to obtain a better transfer of the web beyond the cylinder 22.

On a représenté sur la figure 7 une autre variante de réalisation d'une machine de production de non-tissé de l'invention, qui se différencie de la variante de la figure 5 uniquement par la mise en oeuvre d'un capotage 29, permettant d'enfermer le cylindre 22 dans une chambre 29a qui comporte en partie supérieure une ouverture d'admission d'air 30 de largeur (e) de préférence réglable. Cette ouverture 30 s'étend dans la direction de l'axe du cylindre 22 (direction transversale au plan de la figure 5) sur sensiblement toute la longueur de la tôle cylindrique 23). Ce capotage 29 permet d'obtenir une meilleure orientation du flux d'air aspiré à travers la tôle cylindrique 23.FIG. 7 shows another alternative embodiment of a nonwoven production machine of the invention, which differs from the variant of FIG. 5 only by the use of a cowling 29, allowing enclosing the cylinder 22 in a chamber 29 which comprises a top portion an air inlet opening 30 width (e) is preferably adjustable. This opening 30 extends in the direction of the axis of the cylinder 22 (direction transverse to the plane of Figure 5) over substantially the entire length of the cylindrical plate 23). This cowling 29 makes it possible to obtain a better orientation of the flow of air sucked through the cylindrical plate 23.

Dans les deux variantes des figures 5 et 7, la paroi avant 9 de la chambre de dispersion 11 comporte une plaque 9a qui se prolonge en partie basse au delà du cylindre 22, le bord inférieur 9b de cette plaque 9a étant situé à une hauteur (h) du brin supérieur 6a de la bande transporteuse 6. Cette plaque 9a fait office de déflecteur et permet en fonctionnement de limiter les risques de suraccumulation de fibres immédiatement en amont du cylindre 22. La hauteur (h) sera réglée au cas par cas par l'homme du métier.In both variants of Figures 5 and 7, the front wall 9 of the dispersion chamber 11 has a plate 9A which extends in the lower part beyond the cylinder 22, the lower edge 9b of the plate 9a being located at a height (h) of the upper strand 6a of the conveyor belt 6. the plate 9a is deflector office and enables in operation to limit the risks of over-accumulation of fibers immediately upstream of the cylinder 22. the height (h) can be adjusted on a case by case by the skilled person.

Claims (15)

  1. Machine (4) for manufacturing a nonwoven (W) by airlay technique, of the type comprising:
    - a surface (6a) for forming and conveying the nonwoven, which is permeable to air,
    - a dispersion chamber (11) surmounting the forming and conveying surface (6a), and comprising a front wall (9) and a rear wall (10),
    - means (12) to supply the dispersion chamber (11) with fibres intended to form the nonwoven,
    - and means (13,14) able to set up an airflow inside the dispersion chamber (11), allowing the fibres to be dispersed inside the chamber and to be propelled onto the forming and conveying surface (6a),
    characterized in that the front wall (9) of the dispersion chamber (11) is porous in its lower part.
  2. Machine as in claim 1, characterized in that the dispersion chamber's front wall (9), in its lower part, has a change in slope so that its inner surface (17b) forms a funnel (21) with the forming and conveying surface (6a).
  3. Machine as in claim 2, characterized in that the dispersion chamber's front wall (9), in its lower part, has a curved profile, its part (17a) closest to the forming and conveying surface (6a) of the nonwoven being oriented substantially parallel to said surface (6a).
  4. Machine as in claim 3, characterized in that the dispersion chamber's front wall (9), in its lower part, has a curved profile substantially in an arc of a circle.
  5. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the front wall (9) is flexible in its lower part.
  6. Machine as in claim 5, characterized in that when there is no nonwoven present, the lower end (17a) of the front wall is in contact with the forming and conveying surface (6a) of the nonwoven.
  7. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the porous part of the front wall (9) of the dispersion chamber is made of thin, micro-perforated sheet metal (17).
  8. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the front wall (9) of the dispersion chamber is impermeable to air over a part (B) which extends from its lower edge (17c).
  9. Machine as in claim 8, characterized in that on the inner surface of the front wall (9), at its lower part (B) impermeable to air, a covering (22) is attached having a lower coefficient of friction.
  10. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the means (13,14) enabling an airflow to be set up inside the dispersion chamber(11) allowing the fibres to be dispersed inside the chamber and propelled onto the forming and conveying surface (6a), comprise a vacuum chamber (14a) setting up a vacuum across the forming and conveying surface (6a).
  11. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the porous part of the front wall (9) is formed of a rotating, hollow tube or cylinder (22).
  12. Machine as in claim 11, characterized in that the tube or cylinder (22) comprises a micro-perforated cylindrical metal sheet (23).
  13. Machine as in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it comprises means (25,26) allowing the cylindrical metal sheet (23) to be driven in rotation in the same direction as the forming surface (6a) and at a circumferential speed at least equal to the linear speed of said forming surface (6a).
  14. Machine as in any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises means (28) for aspirating the nonwoven on exiting the dispersion chamber (11).
  15. Production line for a nonwoven using an airlay technique characterized in that it comprises a carding unit (3) supplying fibres to a machine (4) for manufacturing a nonwoven in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14.
EP02724389A 2001-04-26 2002-03-28 Machine for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising a fibre dispersing chamber whereof the front wall is porous in the lower part Expired - Lifetime EP1290253B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0105635 2001-04-26
FR0105635A FR2824082B1 (en) 2001-04-26 2001-04-26 MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A NONWOVEN BY AIR, COMPRISING A FIBER DISPERSION CHAMBER THE FRONT WALL IS POROUS IN THE LOW PART
PCT/FR2002/001104 WO2002088441A1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-03-28 Machine for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising a fibre dispersing chamber whereof the front wall is porous in the lower part

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1290253A1 EP1290253A1 (en) 2003-03-12
EP1290253B1 true EP1290253B1 (en) 2006-11-02

Family

ID=8862728

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02724389A Expired - Lifetime EP1290253B1 (en) 2001-04-26 2002-03-28 Machine for making a nonwoven by airlay technique, comprising a fibre dispersing chamber whereof the front wall is porous in the lower part

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1290253B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE344340T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60215735D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2824082B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002088441A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2817837C1 (en) * 2023-07-20 2024-04-22 Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт авиационных материалов" Национального исследовательского центра "Курчатовский институт" (НИЦ "Курчатовский институт" - ВИАМ) Device for producing nonwoven heat-insulating material

Families Citing this family (4)

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FR2853331B1 (en) 2003-04-01 2005-06-24 Thibeau MACHINE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF A NONWOVEN BY AIR, PROVIDING MEANS FOR DEGRESSIVE SUCTION
FR2879628B1 (en) 2004-12-16 2007-03-09 Thibeau Soc Par Actions Simpli METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING A NON-WOVEN MATERIAL, AND THEIR APPLICATION TO THE TRANSPORT OF A NON-CARDED NON-WOVEN FABRIC OR A NON-WOVEN FABRIC PRODUCED BY AERAULIC METHOD
DE202016105337U1 (en) * 2016-09-26 2018-01-17 Autefa Solutions Germany Gmbh Aerodynamic web forming device
DE102017006235A1 (en) * 2017-07-03 2019-01-03 Hubert Hergeth Dual fleece formation

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US3512218A (en) * 1968-01-19 1970-05-19 Curlator Corp Machine for forming random fiber webs
SE343243B (en) * 1970-10-14 1972-03-06 Ingenioersfa B Projekt Ab
US3972092A (en) * 1973-03-01 1976-08-03 Rando Machine Corporation Machine for forming fiber webs
US3914822A (en) * 1974-03-14 1975-10-28 Rando Machine Corp Machine for forming random fiber webs
JPS61119724A (en) * 1984-11-14 1986-06-06 Toshio Moro Apparatus for producing imitation cotton and the like
DE3901313A1 (en) * 1989-01-18 1990-07-19 Hollingsworth Gmbh FLEECE CREAM
US5316601A (en) * 1990-10-25 1994-05-31 Absorbent Products, Inc. Fiber blending system
FR2777575B1 (en) * 1998-04-17 2000-07-07 Thibeau METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR THE FORMATION OF A FIBROUS VEIL BY AERAULIC WAY

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2817837C1 (en) * 2023-07-20 2024-04-22 Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Всероссийский научно-исследовательский институт авиационных материалов" Национального исследовательского центра "Курчатовский институт" (НИЦ "Курчатовский институт" - ВИАМ) Device for producing nonwoven heat-insulating material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2824082A1 (en) 2002-10-31
DE60215735D1 (en) 2006-12-14
WO2002088441A1 (en) 2002-11-07
FR2824082B1 (en) 2003-10-10
EP1290253A1 (en) 2003-03-12
ATE344340T1 (en) 2006-11-15

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