Penetrating hot air device with tensioning cam mechanism

Abstract

A through-hot air device for drying or bonding paper or nonwoven products is provided. The device includes a through-hot air roller, a first tensioning plate configured to hold a wire mesh sleeve, the wire mesh sleeve is configured to extend around the roller, and the first tensioning plate includes at least one tensioning arc segment. The device also includes a first cam mechanism associated with the at least one tensioning arc segment, wherein the first cam mechanism is configured to move the tensioning arc segment to adjust the position of the tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller, so that as the roller and the first tensioning plate rotate around the first axis, the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates in part to a through-air apparatus and method of use for manufacturing a product. The through-air apparatus includes a tensioning cam mechanism. Background Art

[0002] The term "through-air technology" is used to describe systems and methods that enable air to flow through paper or nonwoven webs for the purpose of drying or bonding fibers or filaments. Examples include drying nonwoven products (e.g., tea bags and specialty papers); drying and curing debonded fiber masses, filter papers, and resin-treated nonwovens; thermally bonding and drying spunbond nonwovens; drying hydroentangled webs; thermally bonding geotextiles with or without bicomponent fibers; drying and curing interlining grades; and thermally bonding absorbent cores with fusible bondable fibers. Drying toilet tissue is another application for through-air technology.

[0003] Systems and methods related to through-air drying are often referred to by using the acronym "TAD." Systems and methods related to through-air bonding are often referred to by using the acronym "TAB."

[0004] Through-air hot air equipment generally includes a fan / blower and a rigid, air-permeable cylindrical housing (i.e., a roll) that is configured to rotate about its central axis. A paper or nonwoven web is partially wound around the cylindrical housing, and as the web travels around the rotating housing, air flows through the wall of the cylindrical housing to treat the web. The wall of the cylindrical housing typically has a plurality of openings to allow air to pass through. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for matching the diameter of a tensioning ring in a through-air drying or bonding system with the diameter of a through-air roller is provided. The method comprises: a) providing a through-air roller having a tensioning ring attachment lug, the tensioning ring attachment lugs being arranged circumferentially around each end cap of the through-air roller, the tensioning attachment lugs being equipped with a rotating cam mechanism; and b) providing a plurality of tensioning ring segments, each tensioning ring segment having a wire support surface and an assembly flange, the tensioning ring segments forming a continuous tensioning ring when assembled, wherein the assembly flange is in direct or indirect contact with a cam mechanism on each tensioning ring attachment lug, so that the radius of the continuous tensioning ring can be locally adjusted by rotation of one or more cam mechanisms. The method also comprises: c) rotating one or more cam mechanisms to adjust the tensioning ring segments so that the tensioning ring is concentric with the through-air roller.

[0006] On the other hand, a through-hot air device for drying or bonding paper or nonwoven products is provided. The device includes a through-hot air roller configured to rotate about a first axis, wherein the roller has a first end and a second end. The first end of the roller also includes a first tensioning plate, which is configured to hold a wire sleeve, which is configured to extend around the roller. The first tensioning plate includes at least one tensioning arc segment. The first end of the roller also includes a first cam mechanism associated with at least one tensioning arc segment, wherein the first cam mechanism is configured to move the tensioning arc segment to adjust the position of the tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller, so that as the roller and the first tensioning plate rotate about the first axis, the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a through-hot air device for drying or bonding paper or nonwoven products is provided. The method includes providing a through-hot air roller configured to rotate about a first axis, wherein the roller has a first end and a second end. The method also includes: providing a wire mesh sleeve around the roller, the wire mesh sleeve having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the wire mesh sleeve extends onto the first end of the roller; and fixing the first end of the wire mesh sleeve to the first end of the roller between a first tensioning plate and a first clamping plate, wherein the first tensioning plate includes at least one tensioning arc segment. The method also includes rotating a first cam mechanism associated with at least one tensioning arc segment to move the tensioning arc segment, thereby adjusting the position of the tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that as the roller and the wire mesh sleeve rotate about the first axis, the wire mesh sleeve is concentric with the roller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a penetrating hot air device according to one embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a prior art through-type hot air device;

[0010] Figure 3 is a detailed view of a tensioning cam mechanism on a through-type hot air device according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another view of the tensioning cam mechanism is shown in FIG.

[0012] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tensioning cam mechanism taken along line AA shown in FIG.

[0013] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a tensioning cam mechanism on a through-type hot air device according to another embodiment;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another view of the tensioning cam mechanism shown in FIG. 1 ; and

[0015] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the tensioning cam mechanism taken along line AA is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a through-type hot air device configured to make paper or nonwoven products. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that, according to the background of using the through-type hot air device, the through-type hot air device can be configured as through-type hot air drying (TAD) and / or through-type hot air bonding (TAB). Those of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the through-type hot air device can be used to make its final finished product form as rolled-up paper or nonwoven products. It should also be recognized that the product may not be rolled up and / or may be cut into the final finished product. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the through-type hot air device can be configured to make paper or nonwoven products, including but not limited to various films, fabrics or web-like materials, and the device can be used to include various processes that may include mass transfer, heat transfer, material displacement (material displacement), web processing and quality monitoring, and these processes include but are not limited to drying, thermal bonding, sheet transfer, water extraction, web tensioning and porosity measurement.

[0017] The web (i.e., product) is usually in sheet form and partially wound on a cylindrical shell (i.e., a through-type hot air roller). In one embodiment, the web is wound around a portion of the roller, ranging from 5° to 360°, and usually around the roller between 180° and 300°. The cylindrical wall of the through-type hot air roller usually has a plurality of openings configured to allow air to pass through. The device may include a fan / blower to circulate air over the product, and the through-type hot air roller is usually positioned in a hood to optimize airflow characteristics. As the product travels around the rotating shell, the fan / blower circulates air through the wall of the cylindrical shell to process the product. In certain embodiments, a heater may be provided to increase the temperature of the air circulating through the through-type hot air roller.

[0018] Figure 1An exemplary through-type hot air device 100 is shown in FIG. As shown, the through-type hot air device 100 includes a through-type hot air roller 120 configured to rotate around a first axis 130. The through-type hot air roller 120 has a first end 122 and a second end 124. The end of the roller can be connected to a motor and a drive assembly (i.e., a drive side), and the opposite end can be referred to as a trend side or a floating end. The through-type hot air device 100 is typically a very large machine. For example, the length L of the through-type hot air roller 120 can be between 1 foot and 30 feet, and the radius R of the through-type hot air roller 120 is between 1 foot and 10 feet.

[0019] The cylindrical wall of the roller 120 may be formed of an open rigid structure to allow air to flow therethrough. In one embodiment, the through-type hot air roller 120 may be a HONEYCOMB available from Valmet, Inc. like Figure 1 As shown, the apparatus may include an exhaust opening 230 and a vacuum source 220 such that air flows through the cylindrical wall of the roller 120 and out through the exhaust opening 230 .

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the apparatus 100 may also include a sleeve 160 extending around the through-hot air roller 120 to provide support for the web 140 (i.e., the product). The sleeve 160 may be made of a flexible material and may be sheet-like. It is typically made of a wire mesh having openings that are smaller than the openings in the through-hot air roller 120. Figure 1 As shown, the sleeve 160 may substantially cover the penetrating hot air roller 120. The wire sleeve 160 is fixed to the penetrating hot air roller 120 and is configured to rotate with the penetrating hot air roller 120 about the first axis 130. The sleeve may be made of various metal or plastic materials known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The wire mesh sleeve 160 can be installed on the roller 120 after the initial assembly of the through-type hot air device 100. In addition, the wire mesh sleeve 160 may need to be replaced periodically during the service life of the device and / or may also be changed according to specific product applications. As explained in more detail below, various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to improved techniques for fixing the wire mesh sleeve 160 to the roller 120.

[0022] Generally, the sleeve is completely wrapped around the roller 120 and attached to the first and second ends 122 of the roller 120. The flexible mesh sleeve 160 should be tensioned at each end to provide a smooth cylindrical surface to support the product. Typically, a plate is provided on each end of the roller 120 to secure and tension the mesh sleeve. Figure 1As shown, the through-type hot air roller 120 may include a clamping plate 170 (also referred to as an end plate or clamping ring) positioned at both the first end 122 and the second end 124. The clamping plate 170 may be an annular component coupled to each end of the cylindrical wall of the through-type hot air roller 120. The wire mesh sleeve 160 may extend through the cylindrical wall of the through-type hot air roller 120 and surround the clamping plate 170 on each end of the through-type hot air roller 120. Figure 2 As shown and as described in more detail below, tensioning plates 172 may also be positioned on both ends 122, 124 of the roller. The wire mesh sleeve 160 may be inserted between the clamping plates 170 and the tensioning plates 172. The tensioning plates 172 may be otherwise secured / fastened to hold each end of the wire mesh sleeve 160 between the clamping plates 170 and the tensioning plates 172.

[0023] The clamping plate 170 and the tensioning plate 172 may be formed of at least one arc segment or a plurality of arc segments, each arc segment together forming an annular shape fixed to each end of the through-type hot air roller 120. A plurality of bolts / screws may be provided to fasten the tensioning plate 172 to the clamping plate 170, thereby fixing the wire mesh sleeve 160 between the plates.

[0024] Figure 2 A close up end view of a conventional method of the prior art for securing a wire mesh sleeve (not shown) to each end of a roller 120 is shown. As described above, the wire mesh sleeve is held between the clamping plate 170 and the tensioning plate 172, and bolts 178 can be tightened to secure the two plates 170, 172 together. The anti-rotation plate / bracket 174 is coupled to the tensioning plate 172 by bolts / screws 178 extending through slots in the bracket 174. As shown, a square lug 180 is positioned within a groove 176 in the bracket 174 and is used to secure the wire mesh sleeve between the two plates 170, 172. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of the bracket 174 and the square lug 180 (i.e., jack stop) nested within the bracket groove 176 is configured to limit rotation of the tensioning plate 172 about the axis 130. As shown, with the square lug 180 positioned within the square bracket groove 176, rotation of the lug 180 is prevented. These brackets 174 and square lugs 180 are spaced about the generally circular perimeter of the tensioning plate 172 , for example approximately every 30°, to secure the wire mesh sleeve 160 to the first and second ends 122 , 124 of the roller 120 .

[0025] The present disclosure relates to an improved way of incorporating a wire mesh sleeve 160 into a through-type hot air roller 120. In particular, the inventors have recognized that Figure 2In the conventional method of fixing the screen sleeve 160 to the through-type hot air roller 120 shown in FIG, there is no way to center and / or adjust the position of the tension plate 172. As discussed above, the roller 120 has a cylindrical wall with a substantially constant radius R (see FIG. Figure 1 ). It is generally desirable to match the radius of the tensioning plate 172 to the radius of the roller. Problems may arise if there is one or more tensioning plates with different radii. Slight changes in radius may not be noticeable when the device is stationary. However, after the wire mesh sleeve 160 is installed on the roller 120, the change in the radius of the tensioning plate may cause the tensioning plate 172 and the wire mesh sleeve 160 to have an oval or egg shape when rotated about the axis 130. This may be undesirable for several reasons. First, this uneven shape may look problematic to the end user. Second, this uneven shape of the wire mesh sleeve and tensioning plate may cause uneven wear on certain portions of the wire mesh sleeve. This may result in more frequent replacement of the wire mesh sleeve, resulting in more downtime and increased costs.

[0026] As set forth in greater detail below, aspects of the present disclosure relate to improvements to the bonding of the wire mesh sleeve 160 to the roller 120 such that the tensioning plate 172 and the wire mesh sleeve 160 have a more uniform circular shape when rotated about the axis 130 to match the constant radius of the roller 120. This may be desirable because it may help to more evenly distribute stresses in the wire mesh sleeve 160 around the entire sleeve. This may extend the life of the wire mesh sleeve, resulting in less frequent replacement of the wire mesh sleeve, less downtime, and cost savings.

[0027] As described below, various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a tensioning cam mechanism that can be used to adjust one or more tensioning ring segments 372 so that the tensioning ring is concentric with the penetrating hot air roller 120. As described below, the rotation of the cam mechanism can adjust the position of the tensioning ring segment to change the radius. As described below, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments in which the cam mechanism is in direct contact with the tensioning ring segment. As described below, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which the cam mechanism is in indirect contact with the tensioning ring segment. As also described below, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments in which there is a single tensioning arc segment and the tensioning cam mechanism can be used to align the center of the single tensioning arc segment (forming a tensioning plate) with the center of the penetrating hot air roller. In addition, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments in which there is at least one tensioning arc segment, as well as embodiments in which there are multiple tensioning arc segments forming a tensioning plate, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0028] Figure 3-Figure 5 An embodiment of the new through-type hot air device is shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 31 is a close-up end view of a portion of one end 122, 124 of the through-type hot air roller 120. Figure 2 , this embodiment includes a tensioning plate (formed by at least one tensioning arc segment 372, also referred to as a tensioning ring segment), which is used to hold the wire mesh sleeve 160 to each end 122, 124 of the roller 120. The roller may include a clamping plate, and the tensioning plate may be fixed to the clamping plate to fix the wire mesh sleeve 160 between the tensioning plate and the clamping plate. As described above, the tensioning plate and the clamping plate may be formed by one or more segments, each of which together form an annular shape fixed to each end of the penetrating hot air roller 120. A plurality of bolts / screws may be provided to fasten the tensioning plate to the clamping plate, thereby fixing the wire mesh sleeve 160. The first tensioning arc segment 372 (i.e., the tensioning ring segment) and the first clamping plate arc segment 370 are Figure 3-Figure 5 Shown in.

[0029] like Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the device includes an attachment lug 302 having a cam mechanism 300 associated with a first tensioning arc segment 372. The cam mechanism 300 is configured to move the first tensioning arc segment 372 to adjust the position of the first tensioning arc segment 372 relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller 120 so that the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller as the roller 120 and the first tensioning plate rotate about the first axis 130. In an illustrative embodiment, the cam mechanism 300 is rotatably attached to the attachment lug 302. Each tensioning arc segment 372 may have a wire mesh sleeve support surface 374 and an attachment flange, wherein the attachment flange is in direct or indirect contact with the cam mechanism 300 on each attachment lug 302.

[0030] As shown, the cam mechanism 300 is configured such that rotation of the cam mechanism 300 adjusts the position of the first tensioning arc segment 372. As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, there is direct contact between the cam mechanism 300 and the tensioning arc segment 372. In another embodiment described below, there is indirect contact between the cam mechanism 300 and the tensioning arc segment 372. In both configurations, movement of the cam mechanism can adjust the radial position of the tensioning arc segment 372. This ability to independently adjust each tensioning arc segment 372 can minimize or even eliminate the need for rotation of the cam mechanism 300 and the tensioning arc segment 372. Figure 2 It should be understood that although Figure 3Only one attachment lug 302 and one tensioning arc segment 372 with a cam mechanism 300 is shown, but the present disclosure contemplates configurations with multiple cam mechanisms 300 and multiple tensioning arc segments 372 spaced about the first axis 130 of the roller. In addition, the present disclosure also contemplates configurations with a single tensioning arc segment. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the single tensioning arc segment can be substantially annular in shape.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the cam mechanism 300 is eccentric so that its rotation axis 310 is not located at the center of the cam mechanism 300. Therefore, the distance between the cam rotation axis 310 and the outer surface of the cam mechanism is not uniform around its periphery. In one embodiment, one of the outer surfaces of the cam mechanism is in direct contact with the surface of the tensioning arc segment 372. Therefore, as the cam mechanism 300 rotates about the cam rotation axis 310, the cam mechanism 300 can initiate the movement of the tensioning arc segment 372.

[0032] like Figure 3-Figure 5 As shown, the device may include an anti-rotation plate / bracket 174 coupled to the tensioning arc segment 372 by bolts / screws 178 extending through slots in the bracket 174. Figure 2 As discussed, the bracket / plate 174 has a groove 176. The cam mechanism 300 can be positioned within the groove 176 of the bracket 174, and the anti-rotation plate 174 is configured to limit the rotation of the tensioning arc segment 372 about the axis 130. In this illustrative embodiment, the cam mechanism 300 is indirectly in contact with the tensioning arc segment 372 (i.e., the tensioning ring segment). The cam mechanism 300 is configured to directly contact the anti-rotation plate 174 (which is coupled to the tensioning arc segment) so that rotation of the cam mechanism 300 causes the tensioning arc segment 372 to move.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the cam mechanism 300 is positioned in the groove 176, so that as the cam mechanism 300 rotates around its cam rotation axis 310, the outer edge of the cam mechanism contacts the surface of the groove 176, thereby moving the tension arc segment 372. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that as the cam mechanism 300 rotates, the distance between the rotation axis 310 and the outer edge of the surface of the cam mechanism contacting the groove 176 changes, thereby adjusting the position of the tension arc segment 372 so that the radius of the tension ring can match the radius of the penetrating hot air roller 120.

[0034] Figure 3-Figure 5A first attachment lug 302 with a first cam mechanism 300 and its associated first tensioning arc segment 372 is shown. A second lug and a second cam mechanism and its associated second tensioning arc segment may also be provided to adjust the position of the second tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller as the roller and the first tensioning plate rotate about the first axis. It should be understood that the second tensioning arc segment may be adjacent to the first tensioning arc segment. It should be understood that multiple lugs and cam mechanisms and multiple tensioning arc segments may be spaced around each end 122, 124 of the roller 120 to couple the screen sleeve 160 to the roller. Multiple tensioning arc segments (i.e., the first tensioning plate) may together form an outer circumference of the screen sleeve 160, which may be adjusted to approximate the outer circumference of the roller 120.

[0035] In addition, in one embodiment, the second opposite end 124 of the roller further includes a second tensioning plate configured to hold the wire mesh sleeve. The second tensioning plate can be substantially similar to the first tensioning plate on the first end 122 of the roller, and the second tensioning plate can include at least one tensioning arc segment or a plurality of tensioning arc segments that together approximate the outer circumference of the second end of the roller. The plurality of tensioning arc segments can include a third tensioning arc segment, and a third cam mechanism is associated with the third tensioning arc segment, wherein the third cam mechanism is configured to move the third tensioning arc segment to adjust the position of the third tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the second end of the roller so that as the roller and the second tensioning plate rotate about the first axis, the second tensioning plate is concentric with the roller.

[0036] Now turn to Figure 6-Figure 8 , shows another embodiment, which also includes an attachment lug 302 having a cam mechanism 300, the cam mechanism 300 is configured to adjust the tension arc segment 372. Some components of this embodiment are similar to Figure 3-Figure 5 The embodiment shown in and described above is basically the same. Figure 6-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , rather than indirect contact through the anti-rotation plate 174, there is direct contact between the cam mechanism 300 and the tensioning arc segment 372. In particular, the tensioning arc segment 372 includes an opening / hole 390 therethrough, and the cam mechanism 300 is positioned within the opening 390. Figure 6 As shown, the radius of the hole 390 is slightly larger than the swept radius of the rotating cam mechanism 300. As discussed above, the cam mechanism is eccentric so that its cam rotation axis 310 is not located at the center of the cam mechanism 300. Therefore, the distance between the cam axis 310 and the outer surface of the cam mechanism is uneven. As the cam mechanism 300 rotates about the cam axis 310, the cam mechanism 300 contacts the surface of the hole 390, which directly initiates the movement of the tensioning arc segment 372. In this embodiment, the inner surface of the hole 390 is the attachment flange of the tensioning ring segment.

[0037] Figure 6-Figure 8 The embodiment shown does not include Figure 3-Figure 5 However, it should be understood that the anti-rotation plate / bracket 174 shown in FIG. Figure 6-Figure 8 In the embodiment shown in , with the cam mechanism 300 positioned in the hole 390 , the size and shape of the hole 390 in the tensioning arc segment 372 is configured to limit rotation of the tensioning arc segment 372 about the axis 130 without the need for a separate bracket.

[0038] In one embodiment, the end of the cam mechanism 300 is formed into a hexagonal shape. Cam mechanisms with ends of other shapes are also contemplated, as the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Countless different shapes of cam mechanisms will be able to adjust the position of the tensioning arc segment when rotated so that the tensioning plate is concentric with the roller 120.

[0039] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method for matching the diameter of a tensioning ring in a through-air drying or bonding system with the diameter of a through-air roller. The method includes providing a through-air roller 120 having a tensioning ring attachment lug 302, the tensioning ring attachment lug 302 being arranged circumferentially around each end cap of the through-air roller 120, the tensioning attachment lug 302 being equipped with a rotating cam mechanism 300. The method also includes providing a plurality of tensioning ring segments 372, each tensioning ring segment having a wire mesh support surface 374 and an assembly flange, which segments form a continuous tensioning ring when assembled, wherein the assembly flange is in direct or indirect contact with the cam mechanism 300 on each tensioning ring attachment lug, whereby the radius of the continuous tensioning ring can be locally adjusted by the rotation of one or more cam mechanisms 300. The method also includes rotating one or more cam mechanisms 300 to adjust the tensioning ring segment 372 so that the tensioning ring is concentric with the through-air roller 120.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cam mechanism 300 rotatably attached to each tension ring attachment lug 302 is in direct contact with the tension ring segment. In addition, the assembly flange of each tension ring segment may include one or more holes 390, the radius of which is slightly larger than the sweep radius of the rotating cam mechanism 300. During the assembly process of multiple tension ring segments 372, the tension ring attachment lug 302 with the rotating cam mechanism 300 is inserted into the hole 390 in the tension ring segment 372, and after all the tension ring segments 372 are assembled to form a continuous tension ring, the individual cam mechanism 300 is rotated to cause the local continuous tension ring radius to change, thereby achieving the continuous tension ring and the radius matching of the penetrating hot air roller 120.

[0041] In another embodiment, the cam mechanism 300 rotatably attached to each tensioning ring attachment lug 302 contacts the tensioning ring segments indirectly through, for example, the intermediate anti-rotation plate 174 .

[0042] Aspects of the present disclosure also relate to a method of assembling a through-air hot air device 100 for drying or bonding paper or nonwoven products. The method includes providing a through-air hot air roller 120 and providing a wire mesh sleeve 160 around the roller, wherein the through-air hot air roller 120 is configured to rotate around a first axis 130, wherein the roller has a first end 122 and a second end 124. The wire mesh sleeve has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the wire mesh sleeve extends onto the first end of the roller. The method also includes fixing the first end of the wire mesh sleeve to the first end of the roller between a first tensioning plate and a first clamping plate. The first tensioning plate includes at least one tensioning arc segment 372. The method also includes rotating a first cam mechanism 300 associated with at least one tensioning arc segment to move the tensioning arc segment 372, thereby adjusting the position of the tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that as the roller and the wire mesh sleeve 160 rotate around the first axis 130, the wire mesh sleeve is concentric with the roller.

[0043] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize various other devices and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein using only routine experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented only by way of example and are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents; the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those specifically described and claimed. The present invention relates to each individual feature, system, article, material and / or method described herein. In addition, if these features, systems, articles, materials and / or methods are not inconsistent with each other, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials and / or methods is included within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0045] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used in the specification and claims, should be understood to mean "at least one," unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0046] As used in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so conjoined (i.e., elements that are present in conjunction in some cases and separate in other cases). Other elements may optionally be present in addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

[0047] All references, patents and patent applications, and publications cited or referred to in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A penetrating hot air device for drying or bonding paper or non-woven products, the penetrating hot air device comprising: a through-type hot air roller configured to rotate about a first axis, wherein the roller has a first end and a second end; The first end portion of the roller further comprises: a first tensioning plate configured to hold a wire mesh sleeve configured to extend around the roller, the first tensioning plate comprising at least one tensioning arc segment; and and a first cam mechanism associated with the at least one tensioning arc segment, wherein the first cam mechanism is configured to move the at least one tensioning arc segment by adjusting the eccentricity of the first cam mechanism to adjust the position of the at least one tensioning arc segment relative to the outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller as the roller and the first tensioning plate rotate around the first axis.

2. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, further comprising: A wire mesh sleeve extends around the roller, the wire mesh sleeve having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the wire mesh sleeve extends over the first end of the roller and is held by the first tensioning plate such that an outer circumference of the first tensioning plate forms an outer circumference of the wire mesh sleeve.

3. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the roller further comprises: A first clamping plate is configured to hold a wire mesh sleeve around the roller, wherein the first clamping plate is positioned adjacent to the first tensioning plate such that a wire mesh sleeve can be held between the first tensioning plate and the first clamping plate.

4. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The through-hot air device is configured to dry the TAD with through-hot air.

5. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The through-air hot air device is configured to through-air hot air bond TAB.

6. The through-type hot air device according to claim 1, further comprising an anti-rotation plate associated with the at least one tension arc segment, wherein: The anti-rotation plate is configured to limit rotation of the at least one tensioning arc segment about the first axis.

7. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 6, wherein: The anti-rotation plate includes a groove, and wherein the first cam mechanism is configured to be received within the groove.

8. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The first cam mechanism is rotatable about a first cam mechanism axis, and wherein the cam mechanism is eccentric such that the first cam mechanism axis is not located at the center of the first cam mechanism.

9. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 8, wherein: The end of the first cam mechanism is hexagonal in shape.

10. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one tensioning arc segment includes a hole extending therethrough, wherein the first cam mechanism is configured to be received within the hole.

11. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The first tensioning plate includes a single tensioning arc segment.

12. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 1, wherein: The first tensioning plate includes a plurality of tensioning arc segments including a first tensioning arc segment and a second tensioning arc segment, wherein the at least one tensioning arc segment is the first tensioning arc segment.

13. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 12, further comprising: a second cam mechanism associated with the second tensioning arc segment, wherein the second cam mechanism is configured to move the second tensioning arc segment to adjust a position of the second tensioning arc segment relative to an outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that the first tensioning plate is concentric with the roller as the roller and the first tensioning plate rotate about the first axis.

14. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 12, wherein: The second tensioning arc section is adjacent to the first tensioning arc section.

15. The through-type hot air device according to claim 12, further comprising a plurality of cam mechanisms associated with the plurality of tension arc segments, wherein: The plurality of cam mechanisms are configured to move the plurality of tensioning arc segments to adjust positions of the plurality of tensioning arc segments relative to an outer circumference of the roller.

16. The through-type hot air device according to claim 11, wherein the second end of the roller further comprises: a second tensioning plate configured to hold a wire mesh sleeve configured to extend around the roller, the second tensioning plate comprising a plurality of tensioning arc segments that together approximate an outer circumference of the roller, and wherein the plurality of tensioning arc segments comprises a third tensioning arc segment; and a third cam mechanism associated with the third tensioning arc segment, wherein the third cam mechanism is configured to move the third tensioning arc segment to adjust a position of the third tensioning arc segment relative to an outer circumference of the second end of the roller so that the second tensioning plate is concentric with the roller as the roller and the second tensioning plate rotate about the first axis.

17. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 12, wherein: The plurality of tensioning arc segments together are substantially annular in shape.

18. The penetrating hot air device according to claim 11, wherein: The single tensioning arc segment is substantially annular in shape.

19. A method of assembling a through-air hot air apparatus for drying or bonding paper or nonwoven products, the method comprising: providing a through-type hot air roller configured to rotate about a first axis, wherein the roller has a first end and a second end; providing a wire mesh sleeve surrounding the roller, the wire mesh sleeve having a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the wire mesh sleeve extends over the first end of the roller; securing a first end of the wire mesh sleeve to a first end of the roller between a first tensioning plate and a first clamping plate, wherein the first tensioning plate includes at least one tensioning arc segment; and A first cam mechanism associated with the at least one tensioning arc segment is rotated to move the at least one tensioning arc segment using adjustment of the eccentricity of the first cam mechanism, thereby adjusting a position of the tensioning arc segment relative to an outer circumference of the first end of the roller so that the wire mesh sleeve is concentric with the roller as the roller and the wire mesh sleeve rotate about the first axis.

20. A method for matching the diameter of a tensioning ring with the diameter of a through-air hot air roller in a through-air hot air drying or bonding system, the method comprising: a. Providing a penetrating hot air roller having a tension ring attachment lug, the tension ring attachment lug is circumferentially arranged around each end cap of the penetrating hot air roller, the tension ring attachment lug is equipped with a rotating cam mechanism; b. providing a plurality of tension ring segments, each having a wire mesh support surface and an assembly flange, the tension ring segments forming a continuous tension ring when assembled, wherein the assembly flange is in direct or indirect contact with a cam mechanism on each tension ring attachment lug, so that the radius of the continuous tension ring can be locally adjusted by rotation of one or more cam mechanisms; and c. Rotate the one or more cam mechanisms to adjust the tension ring segments so that the tension ring is concentric with the penetrating hot air roller.

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