Process and apparatus for producing a coated woven or knitted fabric

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing a coated woven or knitted fabric (10). A step (S1) comprises providing a woven or knitted fabric (14). A further step (S2) comprises providing a first carrier material (18). A further step (S3) comprises providing a coating material (22). A further step (S4) comprises applying the coating material (22) to the first carrier material (18) so that the first carrier material (18) is at least partially coated with the coating material. A further step (S5) comprises combining the woven or knitted fabric (14) and the first carrier material (18) at least partially coated with the coating material (22). A further step (S6) comprises establishing contact between the woven or knitted fabric (14) and the coating material (22). A further step (S7) comprises at least partially transferring the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) onto the woven or knitted fabric (14) by establishing a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature in order thus to provide a fabric (10) coated with the coating material (22). The invention further relates to an apparatus (1) for producing a coated woven or knitted fabric (10).

Description

[0001] Method and device for producing a coated fabric or knitted fabric

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the production of flexible connecting straps comprising a woven and / or knitted fabric. In particular, the invention relates to a method for producing a coated woven or knitted fabric, as well as to a device for producing a coated woven or knitted fabric.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] For the production of coated fabrics, processes can be provided in which the fabric is filled or coated using a direct wet process. In particular, dipping processes can be used in which the fabric is immersed in liquid coating material and then provided with a coating. However, such a process can be complex under certain circumstances. Furthermore, such a process may not be able to achieve a uniform coating quality. In particular, the fabric itself does not have a flat surface, so that the coating application can vary across the fabric surface, which can ultimately lead to unevenness. Such unevenness can also be visually visible, so that the coated fabrics may no longer be suitable for certain applications with high optical requirements.

[0006] Description

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to improve the surface quality of coated fabrics. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] According to one aspect, a method for producing a coated fabric is specified, in particular a method for producing a coated fabric for a connecting tab with which a plastic data page of a passport book can be connected to the passport book, for example by sewing. In one step of the method, a fabric is provided. In a further step, a first carrier material is provided and in a further step, a coating material is provided. In a further step, the coating material is applied to the first carrier material such that the first carrier material is at least partially coated with the coating material. In a further step, the fabric and the first carrier material at least partially coated with the coating material are brought together.In a further step, contact is established between the fabric and the coating material, which coats or wets the first carrier material. In a further step, the coating material is at least partially transferred from the first carrier material to the fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thus providing a fabric coated with the coating material.

[0010] The above-mentioned procedural steps can be performed in the specified order. Additional optional intermediate steps or parallel steps to the above-mentioned steps may be provided, which are explained in more detail below.

[0011] The method according to the invention makes it possible to improve the surface quality of a coated fabric by reducing or eliminating unevenness on the surface of the coated fabric. The method according to the invention includes measures in which the coating material is applied to the fabric using an indirect wet process. This allows for a uniform and consistent application of the coating material and thus the coating of the fabric, which ultimately improves the surface quality of the coated fabric.

[0012] As already mentioned above, the process can be used to produce a coated fabric for a connecting plate. The connecting plate produced in this way can thus consist of the fabric and the coating material after production.

[0013] Providing the fabric may comprise providing the fabric in the form of a fabric layer, wherein the fabric is, for example, a synthetic fabric or a natural fiber fabric. The fabric may be an open fabric, for example, made of thermoplastic synthetic threads, which are preferably made of polyester or

[0014] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The fabric thickness can be in a range of 50 pm to 150 pm, preferably in a range of 63 pm to 100 pm and particularly preferably in a range of 70 pm to 90 pm. The mesh size of the fabric can be in a range of 30 pm to 190 pm, preferably in a range of 45 pm to 170 pm and particularly preferably in a range of 50 pm to 155 pm. The open area of ​​the fabric, which defines the percentage of all mesh openings in relation to the total fabric area, can be in a range of 20% to 70%, preferably in a range of 22% to 55% and particularly preferably in a range of 25% to 55%.

[0015] The coating material can be a varnish or an adhesive that is applied in liquid form to the first carrier material. The coating material can comprise polyurethane (PLI, crosslinked, uncrosslinked), modified acrylate, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The coating material can be applied to the first carrier material using a rotating roller, wherein the coating material wets a roller surface so that the first carrier material, which can also be guided over the roller, comes into contact with the coating material and is coated. In particular, the first carrier material can be guided over the roller surface, whereby it comes into contact with the coating material conveyed by the rotation of the roller.Due to the continuous rotation of the roller and the relative movement between the roller and the first carrier material, the fabric can be coated, i.e. wetted, with the coating material at least on one side and over its entire surface.

[0016] The first carrier material can be in the form of various web materials, for example, a standard web material that is coated with coating material using the aforementioned indirect wet process and then bonded to the fabric under pressure and / or temperature. It can be provided that the first carrier material, if it is in the form of web materials such as film, remains on the coated fabric after the fabric has been coated. However, it can also be provided that the first carrier material, if it is in the form of, for example, siliconized web material or silicone paper, is removed from the coated fabric after the fabric has been coated.

[0017] The first carrier material can form a first carrier material layer, wherein the first carrier material layer is coated on one side and over its entire surface with the coating material. After the first carrier material has been coated with the coating material, the actual coating of the (raw) fabric can take place, wherein the coating of the fabric with the coating material comprises transferring the coating material to the fabric. In this process, the fabric meshes can be filled with coating material. Alternatively, a coating application can be created on one side of the fabric that completely covers the fabric on that side.

[0018] The at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric can be achieved by setting a predetermined pressure, for example by pressing the fabric and the first carrier material coated with the coating material together. The coating material can be arranged between the first carrier material and the fabric. Thus, the coating material can come into contact with the fabric at least on one side, wherein the meshes of the fabric layer can be filled with coating material during the transfer of the coating material to the fabric. In addition, an application layer can form on one side of the fabric layer, which essentially covers or coats the fabric layer on one side. In this way, the coated fabric can ultimately be provided.It should be understood that during the transfer of the coating material to the fabric, a temperature higher than ambient temperature may be provided, so that curing or drying of the coating material occurs, which can lead to adhesion of the coating material to the fabric. Thus, during the coating of the fabric with the coating material, an adhesive bond can be established between the fabric and the coating material. After such an adhesive bond has been established between the fabric and the coating material, the first carrier material can be peeled off the coated fabric and thus removed, as explained in more detail below.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the first carrier material is removed from the coated fabric.

[0020] This process step can take place after the coating process, i.e., after at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric. The coating material itself remains on the fabric. The adhesive force between the coating material and the fabric can therefore be greater than the adhesive force between the coating material and the first carrier material, so that the first carrier material can be detached from the coated fabric after the coating process. Removal can be achieved by peeling the carrier material layer off the coated fabric.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the removal of the first carrier material from the coated fabric is carried out by applying a separation force, wherein the separation force has a value range of 6 N / 4 m to 600 N / 4 m, preferably a value range of 50 N / 4 m to 500 N / 4 m or particularly preferably a value range of 100 N / 4 m to 450 N / 4 m.

[0022] These release force or release value ranges enable the first carrier material to be removed from the coated fabric without detaching the coating material or parts of it from the coated fabric.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first carrier material comprises a siliconized web material or a silicone paper.

[0024] In one example, the first carrier material consists of the siliconized web material or the silicone paper. Preferably, a silicone-coated carrier material with a defined release force is used. These carrier materials are preferred because they offer a release force suitable for the processes described above. However, as an alternative to paper, film can also be used as the first carrier material for the silicone coating.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric has an application weight (dry application weight) of 5 g / m 2 up to 150 g / m 2 , preferably a value range of 10 g / m 2 up to 100 g / m 2 or particularly preferably a value range of 15 g / m 2 up to 70 g / m 2 on.

[0026] In this way, the fabric can be filled and coated with the coating material, creating an adhesive bond between the fabric and the coating material. Furthermore, a thickness of the coated fabric that is preferred for the intended use of the coated fabric can be achieved. According to one embodiment, the coating material is in a liquid state when contact is established between the fabric and the coating material.

[0027] This may mean that the coating material is in a wet state or in a melted state when contact is established between the fabric and the coating material. The at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric may therefore occur in the liquid or wet state or as a melt of the coating material.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises preventing a phase transition of the coating material into the gaseous state during the at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric.

[0029] A coating unit may be provided, which is designed to establish contact between the fabric and the coating material that coats or wets the first carrier material. However, the aggregate state of the coating material is preferably maintained in the coating unit. This may mean that the coating material is transferred from the carrier material to the fabric in a liquid state, and in particular, does not evaporate and / or sublimate.

[0030] It can be provided that drying or solidification of the liquid coating material only occurs after the coating material has been transferred from the first carrier material to the fabric, for example, after the fabric has been coated with the coating material. In other words, it can be provided that the coated fabric first leaves the coating unit and is only dried after a certain period of time has elapsed. For example, in the coating unit, lacquer or adhesive is first transferred to the fabric as a coating material, with the coated fabric being dried in a subsequent step, and the carrier material being removed in a further step.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises drying the coating material after the coated fabric has been produced.

[0032] Drying of the coating material preferably occurs only after contact has been established between the fabric and the coating material and the coating material has been at least partially transferred from the first carrier material to the fabric. In particular, it can be provided that drying of the coating material is avoided during transfer of the coating material from the carrier material to the fabric. In particular, an active drying step before producing the coated fabric can be avoided. A drying step can instead be provided only after leaving the coating unit. In other words, the fabric web, i.e., the fabric, can be fed into the wet coating compound and only then dried.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises enabling crosslinking or post-crosslinking of the coating material after the production of the coated fabric and before removal of the first carrier material from the coated fabric.

[0034] This can mean that the coating material is at least partially transferred from the carrier material to the fabric, and the carrier material is not subsequently separated directly from the coated fabric. In particular, it can be provided that the fabric coated with the coating material is temporarily stored together with the carrier material, for example, wound up, before the carrier material is removed from the coated fabric. This allows the coating material to undergo crosslinking or post-crosslinking during intermediate storage, whereby a gradual curing takes place, during which remaining molecular chains in the adhesive or varnish that have not yet fully set are crosslinked.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises intermediate storage of the coated fabric after the provision of the coated fabric and before removal of the first carrier material from the coated fabric.

[0036] During intermediate storage, however, the carrier material may in particular still be connected to the coated fabric, i.e. adhere to the coated fabric. The removal or separation of the carrier material from the coated fabric can preferably only take place after the expiry of a period of time provided for the post-crosslinking process. This period of time can be, for example, one day, two days, three days, four days, five days, six days, seven days, eight days, or even more days. In any case, immediate separation of the carrier material from the coated fabric should preferably be avoided in order to enable post-crosslinking of the coating material. As described above, the carrier material has a defined release force, wherein the carrier material is in particular only peeled off from the coated fabric after the expiry of the said period of time.

[0037] In other words, the process preferably comprises a siliconized carrier, i.e., a siliconized carrier material, with a defined release force. The carrier is not removed immediately after coating the fabric, but rather, the entire process, i.e., the fabric coated with the coating material and the carrier, is first wound up. The wound material is thus temporarily stored. After the material has been post-crosslinked, it can be separated from the carrier after approximately one week.

[0038] The method according to the invention can thus involve wet-coating a siliconized carrier material with the coating material, for example, adhesive or varnish. The fabric can then be inserted into this combination of siliconized carrier material and coating material, and only then can the entire assembly be dried and thus solidified, thereby crosslinking the adhesive or varnish. The entire assembly can then be temporarily stored together, for example, in a coiled form, to allow the adhesive or varnish to subsequently crosslink. After approximately one week, the carrier material can be removed from the coated fabric.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the coated fabric is stored temporarily for a period of at least 72 hours, preferably for a period of at least 120 hours, particularly preferably for a period of at least 168 hours.

[0040] This allows complete cross-linking of the coating material before the carrier material is detached from the fabric coated with the coating material by applying the release force.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the fabric comprises at least partial transfer of the coating material to a first fabric side of the fabric in order to thus provide a fabric coated on one side with the coating material.

[0042] In other words, the coating material can be applied to only one side of the fabric layer, wherein only the first carrier layer coated with the coating material is pressed or pressed onto the first fabric side in order to produce the coated fabric.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the method comprises further steps. In a further step, a second carrier material is provided, and in a further step, the coating material is applied to the second carrier material, so that the second carrier material is at least partially coated with the coating material. In a further step, the fabric and the second carrier material, which is at least partially coated with the coating material, are brought together. In a further step, contact is established between a second fabric side of the fabric and the coating material, which coats or wets the second carrier material.In a further step, the coating material is at least partially transferred from the second carrier material to the second side of the fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thus providing a fabric coated on both sides with the coating material. In a further optional step, the second carrier material is removed from the two-sided coated fabric.

[0044] These further process steps can be carried out in the order mentioned and can, in particular, represent parallel steps to the process steps listed above for producing the coated fabric. All of the above-mentioned properties and processes with regard to the first carrier material can also apply to the second carrier material. In particular, the second carrier material can also comprise a siliconized web material or a silicone paper. Likewise, the predetermined pressure referred to here can correspond to the predetermined pressure already introduced above and / or the predetermined temperature referred to here can correspond to the predetermined temperature already introduced above. In other words, the first and second fabric sides can be coated simultaneously under the predetermined pressure and / or the predetermined temperature.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the at least partial transfer of the coating material from the first carrier material to the first fabric side of the fabric takes place simultaneously with the at least partial transfer of the coating material from the second carrier material to the second fabric side of the fabric.

[0046] In other words, the coating of the fabric can be carried out by simultaneously pressing the first carrier material onto the first fabric side and the second carrier material onto the second fabric side, wherein the coating material is arranged between the respective carrier material and the fabric side. According to one embodiment, in a further step, the coating material is directly applied to the second fabric side of the fabric by establishing contact between the second fabric side of the fabric and the

[0047] Coating material. In a further step, the coating material is at least partially transferred to the second side of the fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thus providing a fabric coated on both sides with the coating material.

[0048] As an alternative to using a second carrier material for the coating, as described above, the second side of the fabric can also be coated directly with the coating material without using a second carrier material. In other words, a direct wet process is used for the second side of the fabric, in which the coating material is applied directly to the second side of the fabric.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the method comprises, in a further step, drying the coating material after the coating material has been applied to the first carrier material and before contact is established between the fabric and the coating material.

[0050] The method described herein can, for example, also be used for film coating the fabric. The coating material described herein can be formed by a web material, such as a (plastic) film. Such film coating can, in particular, be carried out by means of a web material which is applied to the first carrier material, for example silicone paper, by wet coating and then dried. Two work steps may be necessary here. In particular, liquid plastic, which later forms the coating, is first applied to the first carrier material or the silicone paper. The plastic is then dried on the first carrier material, whereupon the first carrier material, together with the dried plastic layer, is pressed together with the fabric under pressure and / or temperature. During this pressing together, the fabric is in turn coated with the plastic layer orthe plastic film, in the same way as explained above. Such a foiling can also be done as part of a double-sided coating or foiling of the fabric.

[0051] According to one aspect, the use of a coated fabric produced by the method according to the invention as described herein can be provided for a flexible connecting tab for connecting a plastic data page to a passport book. Furthermore, the coated fabric can be used to produce a portable data carrier, such as a chip card or an identity card with a chip.

[0052] According to one aspect, a device for producing a coated fabric is specified. The device comprises a fabric feed unit for providing a fabric, a carrier material feed unit for providing a first carrier material, a roller for providing a coating material, and a coating unit. The carrier material feed unit is designed to guide the first carrier material over the roller in order to at least partially coat the first carrier material with the coating material. The fabric feed unit is designed to guide the fabric to the first carrier material that is at least partially coated with the coating material. The coating unit is designed to establish contact between the fabric and the coating material, which coats or wets the first carrier material.The coating unit is further designed to transfer the coating material at least partially from the first carrier material to the fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a coated fabric.

[0053] According to a further aspect, a method for producing a coated

[0054] Knitted fabric, in particular a method for producing a coated

[0055] Knitted fabric for a connecting tab, with which a plastic data page of a passport book can be connected to the passport book, for example by sewing. In one step of the method, a knitted fabric is provided. In a further step, a first carrier material is provided and in a further step, a coating material is provided. In a further step, the coating material is applied to the first carrier material such that the first carrier material is at least partially covered with the coating material. In a further step, the knitted fabric and the first carrier material at least partially coated with the coating material are brought together. In a further step, contact is established between the knitted fabric and the coating material, which coats or wets the first carrier material.In a further step, the coating material is at least partially transferred from the first carrier material to the knitted fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature in order to thus provide a knitted fabric coated with the coating material.

[0056] The features and properties described herein with respect to the process for producing the coated fabric are analogously applicable to the features and properties with respect to the process for producing the coated knitted fabric.

[0057] According to a further aspect, a device for producing a coated knitted fabric is specified. The device comprises a knitted fabric feed unit for providing a knitted fabric, a carrier material feed unit for providing a first carrier material, a roller for providing a coating material, and a coating unit. The carrier material feed unit is designed to guide the first carrier material over the roller in order to at least partially coat the first carrier material with the coating material. The knitted fabric feed unit is designed to guide the knitted fabric to the first carrier material, which is at least partially coated with the coating material. The coating unit is designed to establish contact between the knitted fabric and the coating material, which coats or wets the first carrier material.The coating unit is further designed to transfer the coating material at least partially from the first carrier material to the knitted fabric by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a coated knitted fabric.

[0058] The features and properties described herein with respect to the device for producing the coated fabric are analogously applicable to the features and properties with respect to the device for producing the coated knitted fabric.

[0059] Short description of the characters

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an apparatus for producing a coated fabric.

[0061] Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a coating unit during the production of a one-side coated fabric.

[0062] Fig. 2B shows a side view of a coating unit during the production of a one-side coated fabric.

[0063] Fig. 3 A shows a perspective view of a coating unit during the production of a two-sided coated fabric.

[0064] Fig. 3B shows a side view of a coating unit during the production of a two-sided coated fabric.

[0065] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of components of a process for producing a one-sided foiled fabric.

[0066] Fig. 5A shows a flow chart for a method for producing a coated fabric.

[0067] Fig. 5B shows a flowchart for a method for producing a two-sided coated fabric. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0068] The illustrations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following description, they refer to identical or similar elements. Identical or similar elements may also be designated by different reference symbols.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a device 1 for producing a coated fabric 10. The device comprises a fabric feed unit 12 for providing a fabric 14. For example, the fabric 14 can be provided in the form of a flexible fabric ply or a flexible fabric layer. The device 1 further comprises a carrier material feed unit 16 for providing a first carrier material 18. The first carrier material 18 can also be provided in the form of a flexible carrier material ply or a flexible carrier material layer, wherein the first carrier material can be a siliconized web material, in particular a silicone paper. In the example shown, the carrier material feed unit 16 has a first roller 16a or deflection roller 16a and a second roller 16b, via which the first carrier material 18 is conveyed into the area of ​​a third roller 20.

[0070] The third roller 20 is designed to provide a coating material 22. In particular, the third roller 20 is designed to convey the coating material 22 onto the first carrier material 18. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the third roller 20 conveys the coating material 22 from a container 21. In doing so, the third roller 20 is at least partially immersed in the liquid coating material 22, wherein the rotating movement of the third roller 20 wets the surface or outer surface of the third roller 20 with coating material 22 from the container 21. Likewise, the first carrier material 18 is guided over the third roller 20, so that the rotation of the third roller 20 causes the coating material 22 located on the roller surface to come into contact with the first carrier material 18. In doing so, the first carrier material 18 is at least partially coated with the coating material 22.The first carrier material 18 coated with coating material 22 can then be guided around a fourth roller 23 before being conveyed into a coating unit 24.

[0071] The second roller 16b and the fourth roller 23 are arranged opposite the third roller 20 such that the first carrier material 18 is pressed down onto the third roller 20 by means of the second roller 16b and the fourth roller 23, as shown in Fig. 1, so that surface contact between the first carrier material 18 and the third roller 20 is ensured. The respective directions of rotation of the second, third and fourth rollers 16b, 20, 23 are indicated by arrows in Fig. 1. After the first carrier material 18 is stripped off the third roller 20, it is finally at least partially or even completely coated, i.e. wetted, with the coating material 22. In one example, the carrier material layer of the carrier material 18 is provided with coating material 22 on one side.

[0072] The first carrier material 18 coated with coating material 22 is then conveyed into the coating unit 24, where it is combined with the fabric 14. The coating unit 24 can be designed to establish contact between a first fabric side 14a of the fabric 14 and the first carrier material 18 coated with coating material 22, in particular to establish contact between the first fabric side 14a of the fabric 14 and the coating material 22 itself. The coating material 22 is arranged between the first carrier material 18 and the fabric 14. This enables a transfer of the coating material 22 to the fabric 14.The coating unit 24 can in particular be designed to transfer the coating material 22 at least partially from the first carrier material 18 to the fabric 14 by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a coated fabric 10.

[0073] After the coated fabric 10 has been dispensed from the coating unit 24, as can be seen in Fig. 1, the coated fabric 10 is still provided with or glued to the first carrier material 18. Since the first carrier material 18 should preferably not remain on the fabric 10 coated with coating material 22, a detachment unit (not shown in Fig. 1) can be provided, by means of which the first carrier material 18 can be separated, i.e. detached or peeled off, from the coated fabric 10. In one example, the separation force for separating the first carrier material 18 from the coated fabric 10 is set such that the coated fabric 10 is not destroyed by parts of the coating material 22 being detached from the fabric 14, but rather only the first carrier material 18 is detached from the coated fabric 10.

[0074] In the example shown, only the first fabric side 14a was coated with the coating material 22. In a further example, however, it can be provided that the second fabric side 14b of the fabric 14 is also coated with coating material 22. In this case, the coating of the second fabric side 14b can be carried out in the same way as the coating of the first fabric side 14a. The device 1 can accordingly be supplemented analogously to the above description for feeding a second carrier material coated with coating material 22, wherein, for example, a mirror image of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is possible in order to enable coating on both sides.

[0075] Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of a coating unit 24 during the production of a one-sided coated fabric 10. In this case, a carrier material layer of a first carrier material 18 can be at least partially coated with a coating material 22 or wetted by it. The coating material 22 in this case can be a web material made of plastic. This wetting process is not shown in Fig. 2A. The first carrier material 18 or the carrier material layer coated with the coating material 22 is introduced into the coating unit 24, which in the example shown in Fig. 2A is formed by two opposing rollers 25, 26. Likewise, a fabric layer of the fabric 14 is introduced into the coating unit 24 at the same time.In this case, the carrier material layer of the first carrier material 18 coated with the coating material 22 and the fabric layer of the fabric 14 are guided together through a gap formed between the two rollers 25, 26.

[0076] Fig. 2B shows a side view of the coating unit 24, wherein the gap between the two rollers 25, 26 can be seen. The two rollers 25, 26 exert a compressive force on the carrier material layer coated with coating material 22 and the fabric layer, thereby pressing both material layers together. This enables at least partial transfer of the coating material 22 from the carrier material layer to the fabric layer of the fabric 14, for example by setting a predetermined roller pressure and, if necessary, additionally by applying a predetermined temperature. By transferring the coating material 22 to the fabric layer, an adhesive bond is established between the coating material 22 and the fabric, thereby producing a fabric 10 coated with the coating material 22.It can again be provided that the first carrier material 18 is removed from the coated fabric 10 after coating, as described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0077] In Fig. 2A it can also be seen that only a part of the fabric 14 or the fabric layer is provided with the coating material 22, so that an uncoated fabric region 11a and a coated fabric region 11b are created.

[0078] Fig. 3 A shows a perspective view of a coating unit 24 during the production of a two-sided coated fabric 10. In this case, a carrier material layer of a first carrier material 18a can be at least partially coated with coating material 22 or wetted by it. Furthermore, a carrier material layer of a second carrier material 18b can be at least partially coated with coating material 22 or wetted by it. This wetting process is not shown in Fig. 3 A. The first carrier material 18a coated with the coating material 22 and the second carrier material 18b coated with the coating material 22 are introduced into the coating unit 24, which in the example shown in Fig. 3 A is again formed by two opposing rollers 25, 26. Likewise, a fabric layer of the fabric 14 is introduced into the coating unit 24 at the same time.The two carrier material layers of the first carrier material 18a and the second carrier material 18b, respectively, coated with the coating material 22, and the fabric layer of the fabric 14 are guided together through a gap formed between the two rollers 25, 26. The coating material 22 is provided between the carrier material layer of the first carrier material 18a and the fabric layer of the fabric 14. Likewise, the coating material 22 is provided between the carrier material layer of the second carrier material 18b and the fabric layer of the fabric 14.

[0079] Fig. 3B shows a side view of the coating unit 24, wherein the gap between the two rollers 25, 26 is visible. The two rollers 25, 26 exert a compressive force on the two carrier material layers coated with coating material 22 and the fabric layer, by which all material layers are pressed or compressed together. This enables at least partial transfer of the coating material 22 from the carrier material layers to both sides of the fabric 14, for example by setting a predetermined roller pressure and, if necessary, additionally by applying a predetermined temperature. Thus, the first side 14a of the fabric 14 and the second side 14b of the fabric 14 (cf. Fig. 1) can be provided with the coating material 22.By transferring coating material 22 to the fabric layer on both sides, an adhesive bond is established between the coating material 22 and the fabric 14, resulting in a fabric 10 coated on both sides with the coating material 22. It may again be provided that the first carrier material 18a and / or the second carrier material 18b is removed from the coated fabric 10 after coating, as described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0080] In Fig. 3A, it can also be seen that only a part of the fabric 14 or the fabric layer is provided with the coating material 22, so that an uncoated fabric region 11a and a coated fabric region 11b are created. This can apply to both sides of the coated fabric 10, although in Fig. 3A this can only be seen for one side of the coated fabric 10. Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of components of a process for producing a fabric 10 with a film on one side. The device 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 and / or the method described below with reference to Figs. 5A and 5B can, for example, also be used for filming the fabric 14. The coating material 22 described herein can be formed by a web material, such as a plastic film.Such foiling can be carried out in particular by means of a web material 22, which is applied to the first carrier material 18, for example silicone paper, by wet coating and then dried. First, the coating material 22 in the form of liquid plastic, which later forms the coating, is applied to the first carrier material 18 or the silicone paper. The plastic is then dried on the first carrier material 18 before the first carrier material 18, together with the dried plastic layer, is introduced into the coating unit formed by the rollers 25, 26 (see arrows 30 in Fig. 4). Only when the first carrier material 18, together with the dried plastic layer, is introduced between the rollers 25, 26 is a pressure and / or a temperature applied, whereby the fabric 14, which is simultaneously guided between the rollers 25, 26, is brought into contact with the dried plastic layer.During this contact, the fabric 14 is again coated with the plastic layer or plastic film. The result is a fabric 10 coated with the plastic layer, i.e., the coating material 22. The first carrier material 18 can then be removed from the coated fabric 10, as already explained.

[0081] Fig. 5A shows a flowchart for a method for producing a coated fabric. The method is, for example, a method that can be carried out with the device 1 of Fig. 1 to produce the coated fabric 10. In a step S1, the method comprises providing a fabric 14. A further step S2 comprises providing a first carrier material 18. A further step S3 comprises providing a coating material 22. A further step S4 comprises applying the coating material 22 to the first carrier material 18 such that the first carrier material 18 is at least partially coated with the coating material 22. A further step S5 comprises bringing together the fabric 14 and the first carrier material 18, which is at least partially coated with the coating material 22. A further step S6 comprises establishing contact between the fabric 14 and the coating material 22.A further step S7 comprises at least partially transferring the coating material 22 from the first carrier material 18 to the fabric 14 by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature in order to thus provide a fabric 10 coated with the coating material 22.

[0082] In a further optional step S8, the first carrier material 18 can be removed from the coated fabric 14 after the at least partial transfer of the coating material 22 to the fabric 14 has been completed.

[0083] In a further optional step S4a, drying of the coating material 22 can take place after the application of the coating material 22 to the first carrier material 18 and before the establishment of contact between the fabric 14 and the coating material 22.

[0084] In a further optional step S7a, a phase transition of the coating material 22 into the gaseous state can be prevented during the at least partial transfer of the coating material 22 from the first carrier material 18 to the fabric 14.

[0085] In a further optional step S7b, drying of the coating material 22 may be provided after the production of the coated fabric 14.

[0086] In a further optional step S7c, enabling post-crosslinking of the coating material 22 can be provided after the provision of the coated fabric 14 and before removal of the first carrier material 18 from the coated fabric 10. In a further optional step S7d, intermediate storage of the coated fabric 14 can be provided after the provision of the coated fabric 14 and before

[0087] Removal of the first carrier material 18 from the coated fabric 10 may be provided.

[0088] The steps S7b, S7c and S7d can therefore follow step S7 in terms of time.

[0089] Fig. 5B shows a flowchart for a method for producing a two-sided coated fabric. This method can be provided in the form of parallel steps or in the form of additional steps to the method steps described in Fig. 5A. In a step S20, the method comprises providing a second carrier material. A further step S40 comprises applying the coating material 22 to the second carrier material, such that the second carrier material is at least partially coated with the coating material 22.

[0090] A further step S50 comprises bringing together the fabric 14 and the second carrier material at least partially coated with the coating material 22. A further step S60 comprises establishing contact between a second fabric side 14b of the fabric 14 (see Fig. 1) and the coating material 22. A further step S70 comprises at least partially transferring the coating material 22 from the second carrier material to the second fabric side 14b of the fabric 14 by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thus providing a fabric 10 coated on both sides with the coating material 22.

[0091] In a further optional step S80, the second carrier material can again be removed from the two-sided coated fabric 10.

[0092] In a further optional step S70a, a phase transition of the coating material 22 into the gaseous state can be prevented during the at least partial transfer of the coating material 22 from the second carrier material to the second fabric side 14b of the fabric 14. In a further optional step S70b, drying of the coating material 22 can be provided after the production of the two-sided coated fabric 10. In a further optional step S70c, enabling post-crosslinking of the coating material 22 can be provided after the provision of the two-sided coated fabric 10 and before removal of the first carrier material 18 from the two-sided coated fabric 10.In a further optional step S70d, intermediate storage of the two-sided coated fabric 10 can be provided after the provision of the two-sided coated fabric 10 and before removal of the first carrier material 18 from the two-sided coated fabric 10. Steps S70b, S70c, and S70d can therefore follow step S7 or S70 in terms of time.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing a coated fabric (10), comprising: Providing a fabric (14, S1); Providing a first carrier material (18, S2); Providing a coating material (22, S3); Applying the coating material (22) to the first carrier material (18) so that the first carrier material (18) is at least partially coated with the coating material (22) (S4); Bringing together the fabric (14) and the first carrier material (18, S5) at least partially covered with the coating material (22); Establishing contact between the fabric (14) and the coating material (22, S6); at least partially transferring the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thus providing a fabric (10) coated with the coating material (22) (S7).

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Removing the first carrier material (18) from the coated fabric (10, S8).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the removal of the first carrier material (18) from the coated fabric (10) is carried out by applying a separation force, the separation force having a value range of 6 N / 4 m to 600 N / 4 m, preferably a value range of 50 N / 4 m to 500 N / 4 m or particularly preferably a value range of 100 N / 4 m to 450 N / 4 m.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first carrier material (18) comprises a siliconized web material or a silicone paper.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the fabric (14) has an application weight of 5 g / m 2 up to 150 g / m 2 , preferably a value range of 10 g / m 2 up to 100 g / m 2 or particularly preferably a value range of 15 g / m 2 up to 70 g / m 2 has.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coating material (22) is in a liquid state when contact is made between the fabric (14) and the coating material (22).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Preventing a phase transition of the coating material (22) into the gaseous state during the at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the fabric (14, S7a).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Drying or solidifying the liquid coating material (22) after the production of the coated fabric (10, S7b).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Enabling post-crosslinking of the coating material (22) after providing the coated fabric (10) and before removing the first carrier material (18) from the coated fabric (10, S7c).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Intermediate storage of the coated fabric (10) after the provision of the coated fabric (10) and before removal of the first carrier material (18) from the coated fabric (10, S7d).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate storage of the coated fabric (10) takes place over a period of at least 72 hours, preferably over a period of at least 120 hours, particularly preferably over a period of at least 168 hours.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the fabric (14) comprises at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) to a first fabric side (14a) of the fabric (14) in order to thus provide a fabric (10) coated on one side with the coating material (22).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Providing a second carrier material (S20); Applying the coating material (22) to the second carrier material so that the second carrier material is at least partially coated with the coating material (22) (S40); Bringing together the fabric (14) and the second carrier material (S50) at least partially coated with the coating material (22); Establishing contact between a second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14) and the coating material (22) covering the second carrier material (S60); at least partially transferring the coating material (22) from the second carrier material to the second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a fabric (10) coated on both sides with the coating material (22) (S70); Removing the second carrier material from the double-coated fabric (10, S80).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the first fabric side (14a) of the fabric (14) takes place simultaneously with the at least partial transfer of the coating material (22) from the second carrier material to the second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: directly applying the coating material (22) to a second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14) by establishing contact between the second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14) and the coating material (22, S60); at least partially transferring the coating material (22) to the second fabric side (14b) of the fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, thereby providing a fabric (10) coated on both sides with the coating material (22) (S70).

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Drying the coating material (22) after the coating material (22) has been applied to the first carrier material (18) and before contact is made between the fabric (14) and the coating material (22, S4a).

17. Apparatus (1) for producing a coated fabric (10), comprising: a fabric feed unit (12) for providing a fabric (14); a carrier material feed unit (16) for providing a first carrier material (18); a roller (20) for providing a coating material (22); a coating unit (24); wherein the carrier material feed unit (16) is designed to guide the first carrier material (18) over the roller (20) in order to at least partially coat the first carrier material (18) with the coating material (22); wherein the fabric feed unit (12) is designed to guide the fabric (14) to the first carrier material (18) at least partially coated with the coating material (22); wherein the coating unit (24) is designed to establish contact between the fabric (14) and the coating material (22);wherein the coating unit (24) is designed to transfer the coating material (22) at least partially from the first carrier material (18) to the fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a coated fabric (10); 18. A method for producing a coated knitted fabric (10), comprising: Providing a knitted fabric (14, Sl); Providing a first carrier material (18, S2); Providing a coating material (22, S3); Applying the coating material (22) to the first carrier material (18) so that the first carrier material (18) is at least partially coated with the coating material (22) (S4); Bringing together the knitted fabric (14) and the first carrier material (18, S5) at least partially covered with the coating material (22); Establishing contact between the knitted fabric (14) and the coating material (22, S6); at least partially transferring the coating material (22) from the first carrier material (18) to the knitted fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a knitted fabric (10) coated with the coating material (22) (S7). Apparatus (1) for producing a coated knitted fabric (10), comprising: a knitted fabric feed unit (12) for providing a knitted fabric (14); a carrier material feed unit (16) for providing a first carrier material (18); a roller (20) for providing a coating material (22); a coating unit (24); wherein the carrier material feed unit (16) is designed to guide the first carrier material (18) over the roller (20) in order to thus at least partially coat the first carrier material (18) with the coating material (22);wherein the knitted fabric feed unit (12) is designed to guide the knitted fabric (14) to the first carrier material (18) at least partially coated with the coating material (22); wherein the coating unit (24) is designed to establish contact between the knitted fabric (14) and the coating material (22); wherein the coating unit (24) is designed to transfer the coating material (22) at least partially from the first carrier material (18) to the knitted fabric (14) by setting a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature, in order to thus provide a coated knitted fabric (10).

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