Embossing device and embossing method

Abstract

The invention relates to an embossing device (4) and an embossing method for a web of material (2) made of a textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber web, with an embossing tool (5) that embosses and optionally perforates the web of material (2) with fluidic negative pressure and / or fluidic positive pressure. The embossing tool (5) has an embossing body (7) with a perforated body shell (9) against which the web of material (2) rests.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an embossing device and an embossing method having the features in the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] Embossing devices with embossing rollers are known in practice. These rollers act on a cooled web of textile fiber material, in particular a nonwoven fiber mat. These embossing rollers are heated. DE10132563 D1 deals with the colorless patterns of a web of fabric on a screen drum with a perforated sheet metal casing, which is achieved by means of overpressure and / or negative pressure.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to demonstrate an improved embossing technique.

[0004] The invention solves this problem with the features in the main claim.

[0005] With the claimed embossing technology, i.e. the embossing device and the embossing method, greater efficiency can be achieved with regard to function and quality of the embossing process as well as construction and energy expenditure. Embossing can be carried out for various purposes, e.g. to strengthen and possibly also perforate the web of material or for decorative purposes. The web of material preferably consists of a textile fiber material, which can be e.g. a nonwoven fiber fleece. In the claimed embossing technology, the web of material is embossed by an embossing tool with fluidic negative pressure and fluidic positive pressure. The web of material is embossed and possibly also perforated with a fluid flow, namely a gas flow. For this purpose, the embossing tool has an embossing body with a perforated cylinder jacket against which the web of material rests.

[0006] The fluidic pressure can act from the inside of the embossing body and / or from the outside. The fluidic pressure or the fluid flow moves the exposed area of ​​the web into the underlying through-hole in the body shell and in the process plastically and permanently deforms this area of ​​the web, forming a local bead or calotte. The direction of curvature of the deformation and the fluid flow are in the same direction. A sharp, particularly jet-like, and possibly very hot fluid flow is particularly advantageous for perforating local deformations of the web, e.g. those already created by negative pressure on the embossing body and located in the perforation there. In particular, a nozzle or aperture of the overpressure device can emit a thin, preferably hot, fluid flow that perforates a possibly already deformed area of ​​the web.

[0007] The embossing body is designed as a rotating embossing roller. At the perforation of the body shell, the web material is locally drawn into the interior of the embossing body or body shell, where it is deformed and solidified. The perforated cylinder shell has smooth walls on the outer side facing the web.

[0008] The fluid flow has a higher temperature than the material web being exposed to it, which delays cooling of the material web and maintains its plastic deformability for longer. This can be advantageous for multi-stage embossing and / or subsequent perforation.

[0009] According to the invention, a negative pressure applied to the embossing body from a preferably controllable negative pressure source, in particular a suction device, is sufficient.

[0010] On the opposite side of the web, or outer side, overpressure from a controllable overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, acts. This allows a fluid flow, namely a gas flow, to be directed against the embossing body and the web adjacent thereto, causing or supporting the aforementioned deformation of the web in the perforation of the embossing body. In a further modification, only one such overpressure or one overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be present.

[0011] Furthermore, the use of a counter body is advantageous. This body rests against the free outer surface of the web, allowing the web to be held and, if necessary, clamped between the embossing body and the counter body at a contact point. The counter body can be smooth-walled on the outside. It can also have perforations adapted to the perforations of the embossing body. This allows the generation and direction of a fluid flow from the counter body through the web into the embossing body. This can ensure particularly favorable and permanent deformation of the web.

[0012] A counter body is also advantageous for a targeted temperature influence of the material web at the contact point and / or for tempering the fluid flow.

[0013] The vacuum and / or overpressure sources can be arranged separately or, if necessary, connected to a circulation system. The fluid flow can be circulated and, if necessary, also treated. The fluid flow can be conditioned as needed, e.g., with regard to temperature and / or humidity. Furthermore, it is possible to supply ambient air to the counter body additionally or alternatively.

[0014] One or more counter-bodies can be assigned to the embossing body. In a multiple arrangement, the counter-bodies can be of the same or different designs. They can, for example, have different perforations, especially different hole sizes. They can also be equipped with or without a blowing device, especially for perforating.

[0015] By perforating the embossing body and, if necessary, the counterbody, a desired embossed pattern can be created in the web. This not only strengthens the web but also allows for decorative or other effects. Furthermore, by adjusting the perforation, the shape and size of a fluid deformation, especially embossing, of the web can be influenced and adjusted.

[0016] The claimed embossing technique can be performed inside or outside a heating device, in particular an oven, for thermally bonding the material web. The preferred embossing outside and in close proximity to the heating device has the advantage that the heat and temperature present in the material web can be utilized to achieve a plastic and permanent deformation of the material web and the fiber material it contains during embossing. A temperature difference between the material web and the embossing tool can be advantageous in this process. With a cooling device for the embossing tool, the temperature difference can be optimized, controlled, and regulated.

[0017] The claimed embossing technology is particularly suitable for a continuously moving web of material. The design of the embossing tool with a cylindrical embossing body and, if necessary, a correspondingly designed, preferably cylindrical, counterbody is particularly advantageous. Furthermore, synchronized drives for the said embossing and counterbody, or a shared drive, are advantageous.

[0018] The embossing device can be a standalone unit that can be assigned to a heating device for the web, e.g., a thermobonding oven. This can be done as original equipment or as a retrofit or conversion. A positioning device is advantageous for spatial allocation. The embossing device can also be combined with the heating device to form a heat treatment device.

[0019] To efficiently utilize the thermal energy present in the web, the embossing device can be positioned very close to the heating device, particularly by being attached to it. The close proximity of the heating device and embossing device saves not only energy but also space and construction costs. Alternatively, a greater distance between the heating device and embossing device is possible, with an additional heating medium interposed. A recording device for process parameters, particularly temperature(s), allows for optimal control of the embossing process. A cooling section of any type can be connected to the embossing device.

[0020] The embossing process allows the aforementioned strengthening of the web to be achieved. This also brings advantages for guiding and transporting the web. The embossing process, which immediately follows the heating process, allows the web to be mechanically stabilized quickly and effectively, making it easier and safer to guide and transport. Undesirable deformation of the web on transport sections downstream of the heating device can be avoided.

[0021] A particular advantage of the claimed embossing technology lies in the possibility of increasing performance and increasing the speed of the moving web. Due to the thermal energy already contained in the web, a brief spatial and temporal exposure of the web to the embossing tool and the fluidic negative pressure and / or positive pressure is sufficient for the embossing process. The deformations introduced into the web are quickly fixed by thermal adhesion or fusion of the fibers. The temperature difference between the web and the embossing tool and / or fluid flow mentioned above is particularly advantageous for this. The fibers in the web can therefore be carried along or deformed by the fluid flow without the risk of adhesion and are only fixed at the end of the embossing process. In addition, fiber flyaway is prevented by the embossing body and, if applicable,the counter body is prevented, especially if the web has already been pre-consolidated by the heating device and the fibers it contains have been bound.

[0022] In contrast, previously known embossing systems with heated embossing rollers have significantly reduced performance and efficiency. The heat transfer from the embossing roller to the web takes a certain amount of time, which significantly reduces the possible web speed.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0024] The claimed embossing device and the claimed embossing method can have the following configurations, which can be used individually or in combination with one another.

[0025] The embossing tool can have an embossing body with a perforated body shell against which the web of material (2) rests.

[0026] The embossing tool can also have a counter body with a perforated body shell, which is arranged opposite the embossing body transversely to the web of material.

[0027] The perforated body shell of the embossing body of the embossing tool can be designed with smooth walls on the outer side facing the web.

[0028] The embossing body, in particular the embossing roller, can be partially covered or wrapped by the web.

[0029] The embossing device has a controllable overpressure source, in particular a blowing device, which generates a fluid flow, namely

[0030] Gas flow is directed against the embossing body and the web of material lying there.

[0031] The overpressure source, in particular blowing device, can be fluidically connected to a preferably hollow counter body, in particular a rotatable counter roller.

[0032] The overpressure source, in particular the blowing device, is fluidically connected to a nozzle or aperture directed towards the embossing body and the web of material lying there.

[0033] The overpressure source, in particular the blowing device, can be fluidically connected to a preferably hollow counter-body.

[0034] The nozzle or orifice can be located in the counter body. It can preferably be arranged stationary there.

[0035] The nozzle in the counter body can be directed on the outlet side towards a contact point between the embossing body, counter body and web.

[0036] The embossing device can have a preferably controllable vacuum source, in particular a suction device, which is fluidly connected to a preferably hollow embossing body.

[0037] The negative pressure source, in particular a suction device, and the positive pressure source, in particular a blowing device, can be fluidly connected to one another by a fluid return.

[0038] The negative pressure source, in particular a suction device, and the positive pressure source, in particular a blowing device, of the embossing device can be connected to form a circulation device.

[0039] The embossing device can have a fluid treatment for the supplied or circulated fluid flow, in particular gas flow.

[0040] The perforation of the embossing body and the perforation of the counter-body can be coordinated with each other and arranged in alignment at the contact point between the embossing body, counter-body and material web for the passage of a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow.

[0041] The perforation of the embossing body and, if applicable, the perforation of the counter body can be arranged and designed to form a desired embossing pattern.

[0042] The embossing body and the counter body can have a common drive technology or a synchronized drive technology.

[0043] The embossing device has a conveying device for the preferably continuous conveying of the web of material.

[0044] The embossing device can be designed and configured for a hot web, with the embossing tool having a lower temperature than the web. The embossing device can include a cooling device for the embossing tool.

[0045] The embossing device may have an adjusting device for advancing the embossing tool to the material web. In the claimed heat treatment device, the embossing device may be arranged directly behind the heating device.

[0046] In the claimed heat treatment device, the embossing device can be attached to the heating device. In the claimed heat treatment device, a cooling section for the material web can be arranged downstream of the embossing device.

[0047] The invention is illustrated schematically and by way of example in the drawings. In detail: Figure 1: a schematic representation of a fiber treatment plant with an embossing device and a heat treatment device, Figure 2: a variant of the fiber treatment plant of Figure 1 , Figure 3: a fragmentary view of an embossing device on a heating device, Figure 4: a partial and enlarged view of the embossing device of Figure 3 , Figure 5: a variant of a roller pair and Figure 6: a variant of the embossing device of Figure 3 and 4 .

[0048] The invention relates to an embossing device (4) and an embossing method for a material web (2). The invention further relates to a heat treatment device (1) formed by an embossing device (4) and a heating device (3), as well as to a heat treatment method. Finally, the invention also relates to a fiber treatment system (29) having such an embossing device (4) and optionally also a heat treatment device (1). The invention also includes a fiber treatment method carried out in the fiber treatment system (29).

[0049] In the illustrated embodiments, the web (2) consists of a textile fiber material. This is preferably a nonwoven fiber material, e.g., a nonwoven fiber mat. The fiber material preferably consists of short, chopped fibers. The fibers can be synthetic fibers, in particular so-called BiCo fibers or bicomponent fibers. Alternatively, natural fibers or fiber blends are also possible.

[0050] Figures 1 and 2show variants of a fiber treatment system (29) for producing and processing such a web of material (2). In an input-side web generator (30), e.g. a carding machine or an airlay machine, a single-layer or multi-layer fiber web is produced which forms the web of material (2) in the early stage. The fiber web is then fed to a web layer (31), e.g. a cross-belt layer, and laid there to form a multi-layer fiber web. This can then be thermally bonded in a heating device (3). This process is also referred to as thermobonding. The heated fibers in the web of material (2) melt at least partially and adhere to one another or bond with one another.

[0051] The hot web (2), moved in the transport direction (25), then passes through an embossing device (4) in which the web (2) is subjected to a mechanical embossing process carried out using fluidic negative pressure and / or positive pressure in the manner described below. In this process, impressions can be introduced into the web (2). The web (2) can also be perforated. A cooling section (28) for the web (2) can be connected to the embossing device (4). Furthermore, any desired further processing, in particular cutting, winding, storing, or the like, is possible.

[0052] In the variant of Figure 1 The embossing device (4) is located in the immediate vicinity of the heating device (3). It can be located directly behind the heating device (3) or attached to the heating device (3). In the variant of Figure 2a larger distance is provided between the heating device (3) and the embossing device (4). If this leads to excessive cooling of the web (2), an additional heating means (34) can be arranged in the intermediate space and connected upstream of the embossing device (4). Alternatively or additionally, one or more other measures can be taken to maintain the web temperature advantageous for the embossing process.

[0053] In Figure 1 A positioning device (33) for the embossing device (4) is also schematically shown. This allows the embossing device (4) to be adjusted along one or more spatial axes, particularly in height and / or horizontal distance, and adapted to the heating device (3) and, if necessary, the position of the web of material (2). The positioning device (33) can also be present in the other embodiments.

[0054] The heating device (3) and the embossing device (4) can together form a heat treatment device (1). The embossing device (4) can be an integral component of the heat treatment device (1). Alternatively, it can form a separate structural unit.

[0055] Figure 3 and 4show the heat treatment device (1). The heating device (3) is designed, for example, as an oven with a surrounding housing (26) and heats the web of material (2). This can be done, for example, with a hot gas. The heating device (3) and / or the embossing device (4) has a conveying device (22) for the preferably continuous conveying of the web of material (2). Alternatively, the conveying movement can be discontinuous, in particular intermittent. The web of material (2) is transported in the transport direction (25) and leaves the heating device (3) and the housing (26) through an outlet (27). The additional heating means (34) can also be designed as an oven or, alternatively, as radiant heating or in another way.

[0056] The conveyor device (22) can be constructed in several parts. For example, in the furnace area, it comprises a circulating and preferably continuously driven endless conveyor belt (24) on which the web of material (2) rests. In the area of ​​the embossing device (4), the conveyor device (22) comprises a web guide (23) with several, at least partially driven, deflection and drive rollers for the web of material (2).

[0057] The embossing device (4) has an embossing tool (5) for carrying out the embossing process on the moving web (2). During the embossing process, plastic or permanent deformations are introduced into the web (2) by fluid means. These are local and discrete deformations. They can be formed as indentations on the exposed side, in particular the top side, of the web (2). The indentations can also be perforated. For example, through holes can be introduced locally in the end or peak area of ​​the indentations, which are designed as limited depressions.

[0058] The embossing device (4) is designed and constructed for a hot web (2). The embossing tool (5) can have a lower temperature than the hot web (2). The embossing device (4) and the embossing tool (5) are adapted to the web (2) and the web material, preferably fiber material.

[0059] The embossing tool (5) embosses the material web (2) using fluidic negative pressure and / or fluidic positive pressure. In particular, the embossing tool (5) embosses and, if necessary, perforates the material web (2) using a fluid flow (6), which is preferably embodied as a gas flow, in particular as an air flow. Alternatively, the fluid flow (6) can contain a liquid.

[0060] The embossing tool (5) comprises an embossing body (7) with a perforated body shell (9) against which the web of material (2) rests. The embossing body (7) can have any suitable shape, e.g., a cubic or cuboid shape. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the embossing body (7) is designed as a rotating embossing roller with a perforated cylinder shell (9).

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, the web (2) emerges from the outlet (27) of the heating device (3) preferably in a straight line, e.g., in a horizontal direction. It can be detached from the conveyor belt (24) after the outlet (27) and then reaches or onto the embossing body (7) following in the transport direction (25). The web (2) can be deflected and contacted by the rotating embossing roller (7) shown over a larger angular range or wrap angle of, e.g., approximately 90° or more. Figure 3 , 4 and 6 show different designs.

[0062] In the illustrated and preferred embodiments, the embossing tool has a counter-body (8) which is arranged opposite the embossing body (7) transversely to the web of material (2). A gap is formed between the embossing body (7) and the counter-body (8), through which the web of material (2) is guided. Here, a contact point (32) between the bodies (7, 8) and the web of material (2) can be formed, at which point the web of material (2) can be guided and, if necessary, clamped. The contact point (32) can be designed as a contact surface or contact line, depending on the body geometry. The embossing body (7) can be arranged above or below the web of material (2). This also applies if no counter-body (8) is present. Several counter-bodies (8, 8') can be assigned to one embossing body (7).

[0063] The counter body (8) also has a cylindrical shape and can be designed as a rotating counter roller. It can also have a perforated body shell (11). The counter body (8) can be designed as a hollow body. In a modification of the illustrated embodiment, the counter body (8) can have a different shape, e.g., cubic or cuboid.

[0064] The contact point (32) or the gap is located, for example, approximately in the middle of the web wrap on the embossing roller (7). The counter roller (8) is arranged, for example, diagonally below the embossing roller (7). The rollers (7, 8) rotate in opposite directions and move circumferentially at the contact point (32) in the running direction (25) of the web (2). The rotationally symmetrical bodies (7, 8) can be located radially opposite one another, for example. In the embodiments shown, the body shells (9, 11) of both bodies (7, 8) have a smooth wall or surface on the outer side facing the web (2) or the contact point (32).

[0065] The embossing device (4) has a preferably controllable vacuum source (14) that is fluidly connected to the preferably hollow embossing body (7). The vacuum source (14) is designed, for example, as a suction device. The vacuum source (14) applies a vacuum to the perforation (10) of the body shell (9), which sucks the adjacent web material into the perforation (10), thereby deforming it into a bead. The hollow space can be present in the embossing body (7) or, if necessary, only in the body shell (9).

[0066] In the embodiment shown by Figure 3The embossing device (4) further comprises a preferably controllable overpressure source (15) which directs a fluid flow (6) against the embossing body (7) and the web of material (2) lying thereon. The fluid flow (6) can be designed in various ways, e.g., as a continuous curtain or in the form of discrete flow strands or fluid jets. The overpressure source (15) is designed, e.g., as a blowing device which emits a gas flow, in particular an air flow. The fluid flow (6) can alternatively be formed by a liquid in the manner mentioned above.

[0067] The negative pressure source (14) and the positive pressure source (15) can be arranged separately from each other and can be independent of each other with regard to the fluid flow and, if necessary, also the temperature control. Figure 3 shows such training.

[0068] In the other embodiment of Figure 4The negative pressure source (14) and the positive pressure source (15) can be fluidically connected to one another by a fluid return line (18). The fluid flow (6) is thereby circulated in a substantially closed circuit. The negative pressure source (14) and the positive pressure source (15) can also be connected to form a circulation device (16). They can form a structural and device-related unit, e.g., in the form of a blower or fan with suction and blowing sides.

[0069] In one variant, the fluid flow (6) can have a lower temperature than the material web (2) being acted upon. For example, it has the external ambient temperature outside the heating device (3) or can be cooled with a cooler, e.g., a heat exchanger. The lower temperature is advantageous for the formation and subsequent solidification of the aforementioned material web deformations at the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). The fluid flow (6) directed toward the perforation (10) can support the deformation of the material web area adjacent there. For this purpose, it can have a relatively large flow cross-section.

[0070] The embossing device (4) can further comprise a cooling device (20) for the embossing tool (5). This can be, for example, an air or water cooling system, with which the embossing body (7) and / or the counterbody (8), in particular their respective body shells (9, 11), are cooled. The cooling device (20) can be present in addition to any cooling of the fluid flow (6).

[0071] The embossing device (4) can have a fluid treatment system (19) for the supplied or circulated fluid flow (6). The fluid treatment system (19) can, for example, filter or otherwise purify the supplied or circulated fluid flow (6). If necessary, it can also provide for its conditioning, in particular cooling, dehumidification, or the like.

[0072] The overpressure source (15), in particular the blowing device, is fluidly connected, for example, to a nozzle (17) directed toward the embossing body (7) and the adjacent web (2). In the illustrated embodiments, the nozzle (17) is preferably arranged stationary in the hollow counterbody (8) and is directed, on the outlet side, toward the contact point (32) between the embossing body (7), the counterbody (8), and the web (2).

[0073] The nozzle (17) emits the said fluid flow (6) through the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) and the material web (2) as well as the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). For this purpose, the nozzle (17) is directed with its outlet opening preferably radially against the body shell (11) of the counter-roller (8). The outlet opening can be designed in any suitable manner. It can also be adapted to the perforation(s) (10, 12). It can be designed, for example, as a continuous slit or as a series of discrete, small, point-shaped or slit-like outlet openings. The outlet opening can be present singly or in multiples.

[0074] The perforations (10, 12) of the embossing body (7) and the counterbody (8) can be coordinated with one another. They have one or more passage openings in the body shell (9, 11) for the fluid flow (6). Furthermore, they can have a uniform opening distribution and be aligned for the passage of the fluid flow (6). For the passage of the fluid flow (6), the openings of the perforations (10, 12) are aligned at the contact point (32) of the preferably synchronously rotating rollers (7, 8).

[0075] The openings of the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7) can, in the embodiment shown, be Figure 4 larger than the openings of the perforation (12) of the counter body (8). In the variant of Figure 5 The openings of the perforations (10, 12) are of equal size. The proportions of the openings of the perforations (10, 12) can be varied and adjusted to achieve the desired deformation or perforation.

[0076] The size and shape of the openings in the embossing-side perforation (10) determine the shape of the plastic deformations of the web produced during the embossing process. The shape can be arbitrary, e.g., point-shaped with a circular, oval, or primatic outer contour, or rod-shaped, cross-shaped, or wave-shaped, etc. The negative pressure and / or positive pressure or blowing pressure pushes the web into the openings of the perforation (10), thereby deforming it into a bulge. The fluid flow (6) can also flow through the deformed web areas in the manner mentioned above, potentially perforating them.

[0077] Figure 5 shows this arrangement of embossing body (7), counter body (8) and a web of material (2) located between them at the contact point (32). Figure 5On the left side, it also illustrates the formation of the bead-like deformation of the material web (2) caused by the fluid flow (6) into an opening in the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7). For the sake of clarity, this deformation is not shown for the other openings.

[0078] Figure 5 also shows a pairing and design of embossing and counter body (7,8) and their perforation (10,12) primarily intended for embossing bead-like deformations.

[0079] The perforation (10) of the embossed body (7) and, if applicable, the perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) can be arranged and designed to form a desired embossed pattern. The perforations (10, 12) can, in particular, consist of a uniform or irregular matrix of perforation openings. The perforation openings are distributed over the surface of the respective body shell (9, 11). The distribution can, for example, be according to Figure 4 and 5be uniform, with several axial rows of holes extending over the entire body length being arranged evenly distributed over the body or cylinder circumference. In another embodiment, the rows of holes can only extend over a portion of the body length or can be interrupted if necessary. Furthermore, several perforations can be arranged in a different pattern and distribution, which may be arranged only locally on the body shell and surrounded by solid shell areas. Such local clusters of perforations can be arranged multiple times over the body shell with a uniaxial or multi-axial offset, e.g. with offset in the axial and circumferential direction of the rollers (7, 8). The perforation design can also be changed if required. The respective design of the perforation arrangement can serve both deformation and strengthening purposes as well as decorative purposes.

[0080] The embossing body (7) and the counterbody (8) can have a common or synchronized drive mechanism (13) for their movement, in particular rotation. The drive mechanism (13) and the contact or clamping contact, on the one hand, drive and advance the web of material (2). On the other hand, the aforementioned aligned arrangement of the perforations (10, 12) at the point of passage of the fluid flow (6) is ensured.

[0081] The drive system (13) can comprise one or more drives, in particular rotary drives. A suitable control system (not shown) can be provided to control the drive system (13) or its drive(s). The other components of the embossing device (4), in particular the overpressure and / or vacuum source (14, 15), can also be connected to this control system.

[0082] In the embodiments shown by Figure 3 and 4The nozzle (17) locally directs a defined fluid flow (6) against the perforated body shell (11) of the preferably rotating counter-body (8). Discrete flow strands emerge from the openings of the perforation (12), each directed toward an opening in the perforation (10). Ambient air can also be drawn in by a vacuum in the embossing body (7) or its body shell (9).

[0083] The negative pressure in the embossing body (7) creates a bead-like deformation in its perforation (10), which can be further perforated with a sharp fluid flow (6) from the nozzle (17). In the case of a perforation (12) of the counter-body (8) with relatively small openings, the bead-like deformation is smaller or flatter than in the case of a larger perforation (12) according to Figure 5 .

[0084] Ambient air can be drawn in through the gap at the contact point (32) and / or from a hollow counter-body (8) through its perforation (12). The drawing in of ambient air outside the contact area (32) of the bodies or rollers (7, 8) can be prevented, e.g., by appropriately covering the perforation(s) (10, 12) of the embossing body (7) and / or the counter-body (8).

[0085] In another and in Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the same effect can be achieved by a diaphragm (35) arranged in the hollow counter-body (8), which has only a local diaphragm opening at the contact point (32) of the bodies (7, 8) or the passage point of the fluid flow (6). In this case, the overpressure source (15) can build up an overpressure in the entire hollow interior of the counter-body (7) or of a possibly multi-layered and hollow body shell (11).

[0086] In a further embodiment, the counter body (7) can be omitted, leaving only the nozzle (17). Furthermore, it is possible to provide only one overpressure source (15) or one underpressure source (14). In the latter case, the negative pressure in the embossing body (7) or its body shell (9) can primarily draw in ambient air.

[0087] In a further embodiment according to Figure 4 The overpressure device (15), in particular its nozzle (17), can emit a sharp and preferably jet-like fluid flow (6). The same can be achieved by appropriately designing the opening of the diaphragm (35).

[0088] The discrete fluid jets, each directed toward an opening in the perforation (10), have a very small diameter and can have a particularly high speed. This can be achieved by a particularly small opening diameter of the perforation (12) of the counter body (8) and / or by a corresponding orifice design of the nozzle (17) or the aperture (35).

[0089] The fluid jets are aimed at the central area of ​​the significantly larger openings, e.g. by a factor of 10, of the perforation (10) on the embossing body (7) and the local deformation of the web of material (2) there, which is primarily generated by negative pressure and possibly cooled and solidified by ambient air. The sharp fluid flow (6) or the fluid jets can be heated and have a high temperature, which also thermally deforms the impacted fibers of the web of material and, for example, melts them. They can perforate the impacted deformation areas. The sharp fluid flow (6) or the fluid jets can act like a jet knife. For this purpose, it is advantageous to apply the fluid to the web of material (2) in the central area of ​​the wrap around the embossing body (7).

[0090] Furthermore, in a further variant not shown, a different shape and arrangement of the counter-body (8) is possible, e.g., designed as an embossing roller with preferably radial pin- or needle-like projections of a coordinated number and distribution. These engage in the openings of the perforation (10) and mechanically support the deformation process induced by fluid and negative pressure on the embossing body (7) and / or cause perforation of the deformations.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiments, the components of the stamping tool (5) are each provided individually. Alternatively, multiple arrangements are possible. In particular, several nozzles (17) can be arranged in the counter body (8) or freestanding.

[0092] The embossing device (4) can have an adjusting device (21) for the delivery of the embossing tool (5) to the material web (2). This allows the embossing body (7) and / or the counter body (8) to be adjusted as required. The controllable adjusting devices (21) are in Figure 4 indicated schematically by arrows.

[0093] How Figure 3 and 4 As can be seen from the drawings, the embossing device (4) is arranged behind the heating device (3) in the transport direction (25) of the moving web of material (2). It is located close to the outlet (27). In the illustrated and preferred embodiments, the embossing device (4) is arranged directly behind the heating device (3). Preferably, the embossing device (4) is attached to the heating device (3) and its housing (26). The web of material (2) emerging from the outlet (27) therefore runs directly into the embossing device (4). The web of material (2) does not cool down or cools down only insignificantly on this short path.

[0094] The embossing device (4) forms a reinforcement device for the web (2). The web (2) is mechanically stabilized and reinforced in the manner mentioned above by the mechanical embossing and / or perforations. In the transport direction (25) behind the embossing tool (5), the mechanical strength, in particular the tensile strength in the running direction, is so great that the web (2) can be guided over deflection and drive rollers of the web guide (23) and driven with a clamping connection or, if appropriate, with a positive connection, with a corresponding roller design.

[0095] The embossing device (4) and / or the heat treatment device (1) can have a Figure 3indicated detection device (32) for one or more process parameters. This can be, for example, the temperature of the web (2) and / or the embossing tool (5). Furthermore, the web and / or tool speed, the web structure, etc. can be detected. The detection device (32) can have one or more suitable sensors or similar detection means for parameter detection, e.g. a temperature sensor, a thermal imaging camera or the like. Furthermore, a control system (not shown) is provided, to which the detection device (32) and the other driven components of the embossing device (4) are connected. A connection option can also exist for the other components of the heat treatment device (1) or the entire system. The control system controls and regulates the embossing process and, if necessary, other processes or devices.

[0096] Figure 6shows a variant of the embossing device (4) or the embossing tool (5), in which two or more counter-rollers (8, 8') are assigned to one embossing roller (7). The counter-rollers (8, 8') are arranged one behind the other in the running direction of the web (2) and distributed around the circumference of the embossing roller (7). The counter-rollers (8, 8') can have different perforations (12, 12'). The size and distribution of the openings of the perforations (12) of one counter-roller (8) can, for example, be as described above and in Figure 5 The openings of the perforation (10) of the embossing body (7) correspond as shown. The openings of the perforation (12') of the counter roller (8') following in the direction of web travel are smaller than the openings of the perforation (10) of the embossing roller (7). They can be similar to the embodiment of Figure 4correspond. The small openings of the perforation (12) are arranged at the contact point (32) in an overlapping, preferably centrally aligned, manner opposite the openings of the perforation (10). The small openings and / or a nozzle (17) (not shown) each emit a sharp fluid jet that penetrates and perforates the respective associated and already existing deformation of the web (2).

[0097] Figure 6 also shows the stationary arrangement of an orifice plate (35) instead of a nozzle (17) on the counter roll (8). The counter rolls (8,8') are Figure 6 connected to a circulation device (16) and are jointly supplied with a fluid, in particular air, which is preferably supplied under pressure and circulated.

[0098] The supplied fluids can, as in Figure 6shown, be conditioned in the same way, in particular at a certain temperature. Alternatively, the fluid supplied to the counter roller (8') for perforation can have a higher temperature.

[0099] Furthermore, in variation to Figure 6 Instead of the circulation device (16), each counter-roller (8, 8') can be assigned its own overpressure source (15). In a further modification, it is possible to dispense with a separate fluid supply or a separate overpressure source (15) for a counter-roller (8) and to generate the fluid flow (6) only with the negative pressure in the embossing roller (7). Ambient air is sucked into the counter-roller (8) by this negative pressure. For the direction and control of the fluid flow (6), it is useful to supply the ambient air axially and to Figure 6shown aperture (35). In a further variation, a fluid supply with overpressure via a blowing device and additional supply of ambient air is possible in a hollow rotating counter-roller (8, 8').

[0100] Furthermore, it is possible to arrange Figure 6 can also be transferred to other, e.g., cubic shapes of embossing and counter bodies (7, 8, 8') with appropriate adaptation. The material web (2) can also be moved discontinuously.

[0101] Modifications of the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. In particular, the features of the embodiments and their modifications can be combined with one another in any desired way, and in particular, even interchanged.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiments, the embossing device (4) comprises a single embossing tool (5). Alternatively, a multiple arrangement of embossing tools (5) may be present.

[0103] The embossing body (7), in particular the embossing roller, is partially covered or wrapped by the web of material (2). Alternatively, a tangential alignment is possible. The embossing body (7) and, if applicable, the counter-body (8) do not have to be part of the web guide (23). They can also have a body shell (9, 11) that is differently shaped in the contact area, in particular a flat one. They can be cyclically advanced to the web of material (2), in particular a flat section of the web, for embossing and then removed again. In this and other cases, the web of material (2) can be moved discontinuously. It is also possible to switch the vacuum source (14) and / or the overpressure source (15) and to have them act intermittently.

[0104] Furthermore, it is possible to design the embossing device (4) as an independent and separate unit. It can also be spaced further from the heating device (3) in the transport direction (25) of the web of material (2) than in the illustrated embodiments. The conveyor device (22) is adapted accordingly.

[0105] With a standalone arrangement of the heating device (34), the distance from the heating device (3) can be selected to be just large enough to prevent heat loss in the web (2), which would be detrimental to the embossing process. Thermal insulation can prevent or minimize heat loss from the web (2) and allow for larger distances. In a modification of the exemplary embodiments, additional machine parts or components can also be arranged between the embossing device (4) and the heating device (3), which subject the web (2) to additional treatment.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiments, a single web of material (2) passes through the heating device (3) and the embossing device (4). Alternatively, a multiple arrangement of webs (2) is possible. In particular, several webs of material (2) can be transported separately through the heating device (3) and brought together at the embossing device (3) for a common embossing process. Furthermore, it is possible to assign one embossing device (4) to several heating devices (3).

[0107] In the exemplary embodiments, the material web (2) has a continuous, mat-like structure, with its width being greater than its thickness. It can have a substantially flat and homogeneous surface on one broad side before entering the embossing device (3). Alternatively, the material web (2) can be formed from individual parallel strands. The claimed embossing technique and, if appropriate, the heat treatment technique are also suitable, with appropriate adaptation, for material webs (2) made of a different material, e.g., a strip or foil made of metal, plastic, or the like. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0108] 1Heat treatment device 2Material web, fleece 3Heating device, oven 4Embossing device, bonding device 5Embossing tool 6Fluid flow, gas flow 7Embossing body, embossing roller 8Counter body, counter roller 8'Counter body, counter roller 9Corpus shell, cylinder shell, embossing roller 10Perforation 11Corpus shell, cylinder shell, counter roller 12Perforation 12'Perforation 13Drive 14Vacuum source, suction device 15Overpressure source, blowing device 16Circulation device 17Nozzle, blowing nozzle 18Fluid return 19Fluid preparation 20Cooling device 21Adjusting device 22Conveying device 23Web guide 24Conveyor belt 25Transport direction, running direction 26Housing 27Outlet 28Cooling section 29Fiber treatment system 30Pile generator, card 31 Fleece layer 32 33 Contact point positioning device 34 Heating medium 35 Aperture

Claims

1. Embossing device for a web (2), composed of a textile fibrous material, in particular a nonwoven fibrous fleece, or of a strip or sheet composed of metal, plastic or the like, wherein the embossing device (4) comprises an embossing tool (5) for embossing the web (2), wherein the embossing tool (5) embosses the web (2) using fluidic negative pressure and fluidic positive pressure and using a fluid flow (6), namely a gas flow, - wherein the gas flow (6) has a higher temperature than the impinged web (2), - wherein the embossing tool (5) has an embossing member (7) formed as a rotating embossing roller having a perforated cylinder shell (9), the web (2) bearing against the cylinder shell (9) thereof, - wherein the perforated cylinder shell (9) is formed with a smooth wall on the outer side pointing towards the web (2), - wherein the embossing device (4) has a controllable negative-pressure source (14), namely a suction device, which is fluidically connected to the hollow embossing member (7), - wherein the negative-pressure source (14) applies a negative pressure to the perforation (10) of the cylinder shell (9), which sucks the web material bearing thereon into the perforation (10) and in so doing deforms it in a bead-like manner, - wherein the embossing device (4) additionally has a controllable positive-pressure source (15), namely a blowing device, which directs the gas flow (6) against the embossing member (7) and the outer side of the web (2) bearing thereon, - wherein the blowing device is fluidically connected to a nozzle (17) or aperture (35) which is directed against the embossing member (7) and the web (2) bearing thereon, - wherein the embossing device (4) has a conveying device (22) for the preferably continuous conveyance of the web (2).

2. Embossing device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the embossing tool (5) perforates the web (2) using the gas flow.

3. Embossing device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the embossing tool (5) also has a counter member (8) which has a perforated casing (11) and is arranged opposite the embossing member (7) transversely with respect to the web (2).

4. Embossing device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the counter member (8) is formed in a corresponding cylindrical manner and as a rotating counter roller.

5. Embossing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blowing device is fluidically connected to the preferably hollow counter member (8), and wherein the nozzle (17) or aperture (35) is preferably arranged fixedly in the counter member (8).

6. Embossing device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the nozzle (17) or aperture (35) in the counter member (8) is directed on the outlet side against the perforated casing (11) and emits the fluid flow (6) through the perforation (12) of the counter member (8), wherein the nozzle (17) in the counter member (8) is directed on the outlet side against the contact point (32) of the embossing member (7), counter member (8) and web (2).

7. Embossing device according to either of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the nozzle (17) or aperture (35) emits a thin, hot, fluid flow (6), which perforates a deformed region of the web (2).

8. Embossing device according to one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the perforation (10, 12) of the embossing member (7) and of the counter member (8) are coordinated with one another and aligned for the passage of a fluid flow (6), in particular gas flow, wherein the perforation (10) of the embossing member (7) and optionally the perforation (12) of the counter member (8) are arranged and formed for the formation of a desired embossing pattern.

9. Embossing device according to one of Claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the embossing member (7) is assigned a plurality of counter members (8), which are of identical or different form, wherein they for example have a different perforation (12), in particular different hole sizes.

10. Heat treatment device for a web (2), composed of a textile fibrous material, in particular a nonwoven fibrous fleece, or of a strip or sheets composed of metal, plastic or the like, wherein the heat treatment device (1) comprises a heating device (3) and an embossing device (4) for the web (2), characterized in that the embossing device (4) is formed according to at least one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the embossing device (4) is arranged within the heating device (3) or downstream of the heating device (3) in a transporting direction (25) of the moving web (2).

11. Fibre treatment installation for a web (2), composed of a textile fibrous material, in particular a nonwoven fibrous fleece, or of a strip or sheets composed of metal, plastic or the like, wherein the fibre treatment installation (29) comprises a web producer, in particular a card or carding machine, a nonwoven laying machine and a heat treatment device (1) for the web (2), characterized in that the heat treatment device (1) is formed according to Claim 10.

12. Method for embossing a web (2), composed of a textile fibrous material, in particular a nonwoven fibrous fleece, or of a strip or sheets composed of metal, plastic or the like, by means of an embossing tool (5), wherein the web (2) is embossed by the embossing tool (5) using fluidic negative pressure and fluidic positive pressure and using a fluid flow (6), namely a gas flow, - wherein the gas flow (6) has a higher temperature than the impinged web (2), - wherein the embossing tool (5) is formed according to Claim 1.

13. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the web (2) is embossed and optionally perforated using a gas flow, wherein the web (2) is arranged at a contact point (32) between an embossing member (7) having a perforated casing (9) and a counter member (8) having a perforated casing (11).

14. Method according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a local deformation of the web (2), said deformation being produced by negative pressure on the embossing member (7) and located in the perforation (10) therein, is perforated by a sharp, in particular jet-like, and very hot fluid flow.

15. Method according to Claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that a plurality of webs (2) are transported separately from one another through the heating device (3) and are brought together at the embossing device (3) for a common embossing process.

16. Method according to Claim 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that the embossing method is carried out within or outside and downstream of a heating device (3), in particular a furnace, for the thermoconsolidation of the web.

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