Article for protection against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, method for manufacturing such an article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arcs, comprising a multilayer fabric (100) including a first woven layer (110), a second woven layer (120), and an intermediate layer (150) disposed between said first and second woven layers (110, 120), at least one of the first and second woven layers comprising flame-resistant yarns, at least partially. Advantageously, the intermediate layer (150) includes intermediate elongated elements (130, 140, 150) comprising flame-resistant fibers and / or flame-resistant yarns, at least partially. The present invention also relates to a protective garment comprising said multilayer fabric (100), as well as a method for manufacturing the multilayer fabric (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of articles for protection against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, as well as clothing articles for protection against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc comprising said protective articles.

[0002] The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing articles for protection against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc. Previous technique

[0003] Protective articles against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, and clothing articles including them (such as protective and intervention clothing), must have many properties, in particular protection against radiant heat and against convective heat, good thermal stability of the constituent materials, meet strict non-flammability criteria, and in addition possess good aesthetic qualities and resistance to use (e.g. resistance to abrasion, tearing, wear in general).

[0004] An electric arc is a visible electric current in an insulating medium (gas, air, etc.). The arc is created by the ionization of the insulating medium (usually air); this ionization occurs more readily when the conductive surfaces are close together. Once ionized, the gas creates a conductive channel that carries away the remaining charge present on the initial surface.

[0005] Electric arcs produce extreme temperatures, for example, on the order of 15,000 to 20,000 degrees Celsius. The electric arc produces a very powerful blast that generates the sudden emission of blinding light and intense heat, and can thus cause very serious, even fatal, burns.

[0006] An arc flash can be caused by many factors or events, such as: unintentional contact between a tool and live parts; a tool falling to the ground, creating a spark that forms an arc discharge; faulty equipment due to poor maintenance or design; the use of tools that produce sparks; the presence of corrosion on contact surfaces; loose contacts; faulty or damaged insulation; the presence of dust and condensation on insulating materials (dust and / or moisture is / are a path for electric current and can / can cause bypasses, creating an arc discharge); improper conductor installation, for example, when conductors of different phases are installed too close together; improper installation of arc-resistant materials; and poor work procedures.The possibility of an electric arc flash occurring increases when live conductors or circuit elements are exposed or when safe work procedures are not followed.

[0007] Thus, for high levels of protection against electric arcs: for example for category 4 of the American standard known as "open arc" or for class 2 of the standard known as "box test", solutions are proposed based on several distinct and stacked textile layers, for a total surface mass generally between 360 g / m² and 500 g / m², or even more.

[0008] For firefighter intervention clothing items meeting the EN ISO 469 standard (for levels 1 and 2), particularly those dating from July 2020, only items comprising several distinct and stacked textile layers with a total surface mass generally between 400 g / m² and 500 g / m² for level 1 and generally between 500 g / m² and 650 g / m² for level 2 are proposed. For example, a multilayer complex includes an outer fabric, a waterproof-breathable membrane associated with a substrate, a thermal barrier, and finally a finishing lining.

[0009] The European standard EN ISO 469 specifies the minimum levels required for protective clothing worn during firefighting operations and / or related activities.

[0010] The finishing lining protects the inner face of the protective clothing item, and / or improves comfort if the inner face comes into contact with the skin.

[0011] Protective clothing for firefighters is often tested to continuous exposure to convective heat at over 80 kW / m² and must remain as functional as possible.

[0012] A protective garment against risks associated with high-energy electric arcs (greater than 25 cal / cm² and potentially extending up to 100 cal / cm²) is subjected to temperatures that can exceed 15,000°C and to the electrostatic force of the arc similar to an explosion.

[0013] Assembling the various layers of a protective garment is complex. These layers can be joined by gluing and / or sewing; however, the gluing methods, sewing threads, and perforations caused by the seams must not compromise protective performance or comfort. Furthermore, the resulting assembly must be sufficiently flexible for use, particularly in the garment itself.

[0014] We are constantly seeking to improve these items in terms of weight, appearance quality, ease of manufacture, and mechanical and / or thermal resistance.

[0015] We are also looking to improve the protection offered against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc by such protective items. Description of the invention

[0016] The present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a protective article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arcs. This article comprises a multilayer fabric including a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and an intermediate layer situated between the first and second woven layers. At least one of the first and second woven layers comprises flame-resistant yarns, at least partially; in particular, each of the first and second woven layers comprises flame-resistant yarns, at least partially. The multilayer fabric includes a warp direction and a weft direction. The intermediate layer includes intermediate longitudinal elements comprising flame-resistant fibers and / or flame-resistant yarns, at least partially; in particular, these intermediate longitudinal elements extend in the weft direction.

[0017] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated element(s) of the middle layer, positioned between the first and second woven layers, create a separation between them by a specific thickness corresponding to the thickness of said intermediate elongated elements. It has been observed that this arrangement limits the areas of direct contact between the first and second woven layers, these contact areas forming points of weakness that facilitate the diffusion of energy from an electric arc from the outer face of the first woven layer to the outer face of the second woven layer.

[0018] It has been observed that the intermediate layer comprising interlocking or at least sufficiently close intermediate elongated elements makes it possible to form a substantially continuous screen improving resistance to the electric arc.

[0019] Furthermore, this arrangement allows for the creation of a multi-layered, unit-woven fabric in a single piece, thus eliminating the need for layering and bonding the different layers together. This naturally improves resistance to delamination between the various woven layers.

[0020] It is thus possible to obtain a multilayer fabric whose surface mass is reduced compared to the complexes of the state of the art, with at least equal performance in terms of resistance to electric arc and / or protection against heat / flames. Protective equipment against flames and / or heat and / or electric arcs

[0021] Advantageously, the protective article comprises an outer face, in particular the front face, and an inner face, in particular the back face, substantially opposite and / or substantially parallel to each other.

[0022] Advantageously, the first woven layer includes an outer face forming all or part of the outer face of said protective article.

[0023] Advantageously, the second woven layer comprises an outer face forming all or part of the inner face of said protective article. Multilayer fabric

[0024] Advantageously, the first woven layer is oriented / arranged to be positioned in operation towards the flames and / or electric arc and / or heat, possibly fulfilling the function of an outer fabric.

[0025] Advantageously, the intermediate layer provides the function of a thermal barrier.

[0026] Advantageously, the second woven layer is oriented / arranged in operation towards the subject (i.e., the body of the wearer of the protective equipment and / or clothing) to be protected from flames and / or electric arcs and / or heat, and may also serve as an internal lining. The multilayer fabric comprises a weft direction (W) and a warp direction (H), in particular substantially perpendicular to the weft direction.

[0027] The weft yarns of the first and second woven layers, and preferably the intermediate longline elements, extend in the weft direction.

[0028] The warp threads of the first and second woven layers extend in the warp direction.

[0029] Advantageously, the first woven layer, and / or the second woven layer, comprises (is / are formed) each of the warp yarns, in particular non-flammable at least in part, and / or weft yarns, in particular non-flammable at least in part.

[0030] Preferably, the warp and / or weft yarns of the first woven layer and / or the second woven layer are flame-retardant yarns at least in part.

[0031] In one embodiment, the protective article further comprises an inner lining, in particular one that is at least partially superimposed on the second woven layer, and optionally an outer textile, in particular an outer fabric, in particular one that is at least partially superimposed on the first woven layer. Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises at least three woven layers, in particular consisting essentially of the first and second woven layers and the intermediate woven layer.

[0032] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric does not exhibit dimensional shrinkage under the effect of high temperature (e.g. greater than or equal to 100°C) and / or does not form pocket(s) under the effect of high temperature (e.g. greater than or equal to 100°C).

[0033] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is a unit-woven construction fabric.

[0034] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is monolithic.

[0035] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric is woven in a single piece. Advantageously, the first and second woven layers and the intermediate woven layer are of unit woven construction or are woven together by means of one or more woven yarn(s).

[0036] A unit-woven construction fabric is understood to be a fabric obtained directly from a loom and / or monolithic. Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, preferably comprising at least 40% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, more preferably at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 60% by mass, more preferably at least 70% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, possibly at least 90% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0037] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric comprises flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, preferably comprises at most 60% by mass of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, more preferably at most 50% by mass, preferably at most 40% by mass, more preferably at most 35% by mass, of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part.

[0038] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric, or the first woven layer and / or the second woven layer and / or the third woven layer, comprises at least 5% by mass, preferably at least 10% by mass, of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part.

[0039] In one embodiment, particularly for protection against electric arc, the multilayer fabric comprises from 15% by mass to 80% by mass of aramid fibers and / or yarns, preferably at least 30% by mass of aramid fibers and / or yarns, and optionally (mod)acrylic and / or cellulosic fibers and / or yarns (in particular present from 5% to 30% by mass).

[0040] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass greater than or equal to 200 g / m², more preferably greater than or equal to 250 g / m², preferably greater than or equal to 280 g / m².

[0041] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 600 g / m², more preferably less than or equal to 550 g / m², preferably less than or equal to 450 g / m², in particular less than or equal to 420 g / m².

[0042] For example, multilayer fabric has a surface mass greater than or equal to about 300 g / m² and less than or equal to about 400 g / m².

[0043] In one sub-variant embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises (or the first layer, and / or the second layer, and / or the third layer each comprise): from 20% to 80% by mass, at least 45% by mass, of aramid fibers and / or aramid yarns, for example of the order of 45% by mass to + / - 10% of aramid fibers and / or aramid yarns; and / or from 15% to 60% by mass, in particular from 15% to 30% by mass, of modacrylic fibers and / or modacrylic yarns, preferably of the order of 20% by mass to + / - 10% of modacrylic fibers and / or modacrylic yarns; and / or 15% to 60% by mass, preferably 15% to 30% by mass, of cellulosic fibers and / or cellulosic yarns, possibly treated with flame retardants, preferably of the order of 20% by mass to + / - 5% of cellulosic fibers and / or cellulosic yarns, in particular cotton; and possibly antistatic fibers and / or antistatic yarns, in particular 0.5% to 3% by mass of antistatic fibers and / or antistatic yarns;and possibly 5% to 30% by mass of flammable synthetic fibers and / or flammable synthetic yarns, for example polyester and / or polyamide, in particular polyamide such as PA 6-6; preferably of the order of 10% by mass to within + / - 5% of flammable synthetic fibers and / or flammable synthetic yarns.

[0044] The percentages indicated are percentages calculated in relation to the total mass of fibers and / or yarns of the multilayer fabric, of the first layer, or of the second layer, or even of the third layer.

[0045] Preferably, the aramid fibers and / or aramid yarns in the multilayer fabric are para-aramid fibers and / or yarns, meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns, polyamide imide fibers and / or yarns, or polyimide fibers and / or yarns, or a mixture of the latter.

[0046] Preferably, the weft and / or warp yarns of the first, or second, layer are spun yarns of fibers comprising the fiber distribution described in the previous sub-variant embodiment.

[0047] In a first advantageous embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises first and second layers of warp yarns and first and second layers of weft yarns.

[0048] Advantageously, the first woven layer includes, in particular, is formed by, the first layer of warp yarns woven with the first layer of weft yarns.

[0049] Advantageously, the second woven layer includes, in particular, is formed by the second layer of warp yarns woven with the second layer of weft yarns.

[0050] Advantageously, a multilayer fabric is a double-weave fabric. Advantageously, the weave structure or binding method of the double-weave fabric, or multilayer fabric, is determined so as to allow the separation of the first and second woven layers by the intermediate layer and thus to arrange the first and second layers in the woven structure so that their specific characteristics / functionalities are used in the most efficient way possible.

[0051] In a second embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises a warp yarn layer and first and second weft yarn layers. Advantageously, the first woven layer comprises the first weft yarn layer and the second woven layer comprises the second weft yarn layer.

[0052] In particular, the first woven layer comprises, in particular, is formed by, the warp yarns woven with the first weft yarns, warp yarns from said warp yarns are also woven with the second weft yarns, or the second woven layer comprises, in particular, is formed by, the warp yarns woven with the second weft yarns, warp yarns from said warp yarns are also woven with the first weft yarns.

[0053] In a third embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises a weft layer and first and second warp layers. Advantageously, the first woven layer comprises the first warp layer and the second woven layer comprises the second warp layer.

[0054] In particular, the first woven layer comprises the weft yarns woven with the first warp yarns, and weft yarns from said weft yarns are also woven with the second warp yarns; or the second woven layer comprises the weft yarns woven with the second warp yarns, and weft yarns from said weft yarns are also woven with the first warp yarns. Advantageously, in the second and third embodiments, the multilayer fabric is a double-sided fabric. Intermediate elongated elements

[0055] Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal elements include, in particular, intermediate longitudinal forage elements (ILFs), and possibly intermediate longitudinal bridging elements (ILFs) (in particular as described below).

[0056] Advantageously, the intermediate layer comprises, or is essentially made up of, intermediate elongated elements, in particular ELIFs and / or ELIPs.

[0057] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated elements, in particular the intermediate elongated forage elements and / or the intermediate elongated bridging elements, comprise, or are, elongated elements selected from: knitted chains; felt strips; braids; yarns, in particular spun fiber yarns and multifilament yarns; rovings each comprising several yarns, for example twisted yarns or parallel yarns; a cable (for example, cabled yarns); or a combination thereof; preferably yarns and rovings of several yarns.

[0058] Preferably, the intermediate longline elements, in particular bridging and / or filling, are spun fibers and / or multifilament yarns, more preferably spun yarns of non-flammable or flammable fibers or in a mixture of the latter; non-flammable or flammable multifilament yarns or in a mixture of the latter; or a mixture of the latter.

[0059] Advantageously, the intermediate longline element(s) extend(s) in the weft direction and / or in the warp direction of the multilayer fabric, preferably in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0060] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated elements comprise, or are, spun fibers comprising aramid fibers and / or aramid multifilament yarns, in particular selected from meta-aramids, para-aramids, polyamide imides, polyimides, or a combination thereof.

[0061] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated elements comprise, or are, spun yarns of aramid fibers.

[0062] In one embodiment, the intermediate elongated elements comprise microfibers and / or microfilaments, in particular aramid microfibers and / or microfilaments, especially para-aramid and / or meta-aramid.

[0063] Advantageously, the presence of microfilaments and / or microfibers in the intermediate layer allows it to filter fine particles, i.e., to retain them within the intermediate layer and prevent them from contaminating the wearer's skin. This arrangement also advantageously eliminates the need for a waterproof / breathable membrane that currently performs this function.

[0064] Preferably, the intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular bridging and / or forage) comprise, or are, intermediate longitudinal elements having a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, more preferably less than or equal to 300 tex, preferably less than or equal to 250 tex, possibly less than or equal to 200 tex or less than or equal to 150 tex or less than or equal to 120 tex.

[0065] Preferably, the intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular bridging and / or forage) comprise, or are, intermediate longitudinal elements having a linear mass greater than or equal to 30 tex, more preferably greater than or equal to 40 tex.

[0066] In one embodiment, the intermediate longitudinal elements comprise, or are, intermediate longitudinal elements having a linear mass ranging from 40 tex to 80 tex. Advantageously, the multilayer fabric then meets category 3 of NFPA 70E described below.

[0067] In one embodiment, the intermediate longitudinal elements comprise, or are, intermediate longitudinal elements having a linear mass ranging from 80 tex to 120 tex. Advantageously, the multilayer fabric then meets category 4 of NFPA 70E described below. First woven layer / Second woven layer / Intermediate woven layer

[0068] Advantageously, the first woven layer, and / or the second woven layer, and / or the intermediate woven layer (in particular the intermediate longitudinal bridging and / or filling elements), each comprises, non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, preferably each comprises at least 40% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, more preferably at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 60% by mass, more preferably at least 70% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, possibly at least 90% by mass of non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0069] Advantageously, the first woven layer, and / or the second woven layer, and / or the intermediate woven layer (in particular the intermediate longitudinal bridging and / or filling elements), each comprises flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, preferably each comprises at most 60% by mass of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, more preferably at most 50% by mass, preferably at most 40% by mass, more preferably at most 35% by mass of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part.

[0070] In one embodiment, the first woven layer, and / or the second woven layer, and / or the intermediate woven layer (in particular the intermediate longitudinal bridging and / or filling elements), each comprises at least 5% by mass, preferably at least 10% by mass, of flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part.

[0071] In a first example, the second woven layer comprises predominantly by mass cellulosic fibers and / or yarns, possibly treated with flame retardants, particularly viscose and cotton, or a blend thereof. For example, the second woven layer comprises at least 50% by mass, and in particular at least 80% by mass, of cellulosic fibers and / or yarns. Advantageously, the second woven layer forms an internal lining for the garment according to the invention.

[0072] In a second example, the second woven layer consists mainly of modacrylic fibers and / or yarns by mass. For example, the second woven layer comprises at least 50% by mass, and in particular at least 80% by mass, of modacrylic fibers and / or yarns.

[0073] In a third example, possibly in combination with the first or second example, the first woven layer and / or the intermediate woven layer (in particular the intermediate longitudinal bridging and / or filling elements) each comprise predominantly by mass aramid fibers and / or yarns, in particular selected from meta-aramids, para-aramids, polyamide imides, polyimides, or a combination thereof. The second woven layer may alternatively comprise at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 80% by mass, of aramid fibers and / or yarns.

[0074] In one example, the mass compositions of aramid fibers and / or yarns, possibly (mod)acrylic fibers and / or yarns, and cellulosic fibers and / or yarns, of the first and second woven layers, and possibly the woven intermediate layer, are identical to within + / - 10%. This arrangement helps to avoid / limit excessive differential shrinkage during washing.

[0075] Preferably, the first woven layer comprises non-flammable warp yarns at least in part having a linear mass ranging from 10 tex to 70 tex.

[0076] Preferably, the first woven layer comprises non-flammable weft yarns at least in part having a linear mass ranging from 10 tex to 70 tex.

[0077] Preferably, the second woven layer comprises non-flammable warp yarns at least in part having a linear mass ranging from 10 tex to 70 tex.

[0078] Preferably, the second woven layer comprises non-flammable weft yarns at least in part having a linear mass ranging from 10 tex to 70 tex.

[0079] Preferably, the first layer and / or the second layer comprise each of the warp yarns which are at least partly non-flammable and / or of the weft yarns which are at least partly non-flammable having a linear mass (t1 in tex) lower, in particular less than or equal to 20% (t1 ≤ t2*0.80), more preferably less than or equal to 50% (t1 ≤ t2*0.50), than the linear mass (t2 in tex) of the intermediate longitudinal elements, in particular of bridging and / or filling. Fibers / yarns of the multilayer fabric, or of any of the first woven layer, the intermediate layer, and the second woven layer

[0080] Preferably, the multilayer fabric, and / or the intermediate layer, and / or the first and / or second woven layer(s), comprises (each) yarns that are spun fiber yarns and / or multifilament yarns and / or monofilament yarns, preferably spun fiber yarns and / or multifilament yarns, again preferably spun fiber yarns.

[0081] The said wires may be non-flammable, flammable, non-flammable at least in part, or flammable at least in part.

[0082] Fiber yarns may comprise, or be formed from, non-flammable fibers or flammable fibers, or a mixture thereof.

[0083] In this text, a non-flammable yarn is understood to mean at least partly a yarn comprising non-flammable filaments and / or non-flammable fibers and possibly flammable filaments and / or flammable fibers, or a yarn formed only of non-flammable filaments and / or fibers.

[0084] In this text, a flammable yarn is understood to mean at least partly a yarn comprising flammable filaments and / or flammable fibers and possibly non-flammable filaments and / or non-flammable fibers, or a yarn formed only of flammable filaments and / or flammable fibers.

[0085] The fibers in this text are preferably in the form of spun fiber yarns.

[0086] Preferably, the first layer comprises, in particular is formed of, warp yarns and / or weft yarns which are non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0087] Preferably, the second layer comprises, in particular, is formed of warp yarns and weft yarns which are non-flammable yarns at least in part.

[0088] Preferably, the multilayer fabric and / or intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular of filling and / or bridging) and / or the first and / or second woven layers comprise (each) flame-retardant fibers and / or flame-retardant yarns at least partly selected from: flame-retardant treated cellulosic fibers and / or yarns; modacrylic fibers and / or yarns (possibly flame-retardant treated); polybenzoxazole (PBO) fibers and / or yarns; polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers and / or yarns; aramid fibers and / or yarns, in particular para-aramid fibers and / or yarns (for example, DuPont's Kevlar®, Teijin's TECHNORA® or TWARON®), and / or meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns (for example, DuPont's Nomex®, Teijin's CONEX®, or Unitika's APYEIL®), and / or polyamide imide fibers and / or yarns (for example, KERMEL's Kermel®), and / or polyimide fibers and / or yarns;high or very high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and / or yarns treated with flame retardants; phenolic fibers and / or yarns; pre-oxidized fibers and / or yarns; carbon fibers and / or yarns; mineral fibers and / or yarns, or a mixture thereof; preferably aramid fibers and / or yarns (such as the aramids mentioned above).

[0089] Preferably, the multilayer fabric and / or intermediate longitudinal elements (in particular of filling and / or bridging) and / or the first and / or second woven layers comprise / include (each) flammable fibers and / or flammable yarns at least in part, in particular also comprise / include (each) non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part (such as those mentioned above).

[0090] Preferably, said flammable fibers and / or yarns, at least in part, are cellulosic fibers and / or yarns, for example viscose or cotton, polyamide fibers and / or yarns (for example polyamide 6-6), polyester fibers and / or yarns (for example polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate), polyolefin fibers and / or yarns (for example high or very high molecular weight polyethylene), (mod)acrylic fibers and / or yarns, or a mixture thereof, preferably cellulosic fibers and / or yarns, for example viscose or cotton, or polyamide fibers and / or yarns (for example polyamide 6-6). Advantageously, para-aramid fibers and / or yarns have at least one of the following properties: a tenacity greater than or equal to 16.5 cN / dtex, preferably less than or equal to 50 cN / dtex, in particular ranging from 15 cN / dtex to 20 cN / dtex; an elongation at break greater than or equal to 1%, in particular less than or equal to 10%, especially less than or equal to 5%; a Young's modulus greater than or equal to 60 GPa, especially less than or equal to 80 GPa; a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 450°C; a density greater than or equal to 1.40g / cm3< and less than or equal to 1.50g / cm3<.

[0091] Advantageously, meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns have at least one of the following properties: a tenacity greater than or equal to 2 cN / dtex, preferably less than or equal to 20 cN / dtex, in particular less than or equal to 10 cN / dtex; an elongation at break greater than or equal to 1%, in particular less than or equal to 50%, more particularly less than or equal to 35%, in particular greater than or equal to 15%; a degradation temperature greater than or equal to 350°C, in particular less than or equal to 500°C; a density greater than or equal to 1.3 g / cm³ and less than or equal to 1.4 g / cm³. Definitions

[0092] Non-flammable fibres or non-flammable yarns or yarns that are at least partly non-flammable include: fibres, yarns, or at least a non-flammable part of each yarn, having a limit oxygen index (LOI, or Low Oxygen Index) greater than or equal to 21%, preferably greater than or equal to 25%, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 30%, in particular measured according to standard EN ISO 4589-2, in particular dating from 2017. In particular, said standard is entitled "Plastics - Determination of combustion behaviour by oxygen index - Part 2: Test at room temperature".

[0093] In particular, ISO 4589-2:2017 specifies a method for determining the minimum volume fraction of oxygen, in a mixture with nitrogen, that will promote the combustion of small, vertical test specimens under specified test conditions. The results are defined as oxygen index (OI) values.

[0094] Flammable fibers, or flammable yarns, or yarns that are at least partially flammable, are defined as fibers, yarns, or at least a flammable part of each of said yarns, having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 21% or less, preferably calculated according to ISO 4589-2:2017. In this text, cellulosic fibers and / or yarns are defined as fibers and / or yarns made of natural cellulosic material (e.g., cotton, linen), or of regenerated or artificial cellulosic material (e.g., viscose), or a combination thereof.

[0095] ELI in this text refers to an intermediate longline element, and ELIF or ELIP refers to an intermediate longline element of forage or bridging.

[0096] It is understood by the multilayer fabric, or one of the woven layers, or an intermediate elongated element, or any component, to comprise x % by mass of specified fibers and / or yarns that the ratio of the total mass in said specified fibers and / or yarns to the total mass of the multilayer fabric, or one of the woven layers, or the intermediate elongated element, or said component, is equal to x% (mass fraction).

[0097] A component (fibers, wires, etc.) is understood to be the majority by mass in a given set when that component is the one whose mass fraction is the most important compared to the other mass fractions of the components that make up the set; this mass fraction may be greater or less than 50%.

[0098] A weft thread, for example, an intermediate elongated element of forage or bridging, is understood to be caught by a warp thread of the first woven layer when said weft thread passes under said warp thread (and therefore does not emerge outside said warp thread, and thus not on the outer face of the first layer, at the point where it is caught). If this weft thread passes over a warp thread of the second woven layer, then this weft thread is left behind by the warp thread of the second woven layer (the weft thread does not appear on the outer face of the second woven layer at the point where it is left behind).

[0099] A weft thread, for example, a long, intermediate bridging or padding element, is understood to be left by a warp thread of the first woven layer when said weft thread passes over said warp thread (and thus emerges on the outside of said warp thread, i.e., on the outer face of the first woven layer at the point of the leftover). If this weft thread passes under a warp thread of the second woven layer, then it is caught by a warp thread of the second woven layer, and if it passes over a warp thread of the second woven layer, it is left by said warp thread of the second woven layer.

[0100] The concept of underside or topside is appreciated by looking at the multilayer fabric according to the outer face of the first woven layer or according to the right side of the multilayer fabric.

[0101] In general, it is understood that a weft yarn X is taken by a warp yarn Y means that the weft yarn X passes under the yarn Y.

[0102] We understand from the weft threads and / or warp threads of the first, or second, layer are woven together that they form picked and / or dropped threads between them.

[0103] We understand from the weft and / or warp threads of the first, or second, layer are woven with intermediate longline elements that said weft and / or warp threads are in connection (or held) with said intermediate longline elements following a weaving step of the multilayer fabric.

[0104] The number of weft yarns separating two intermediate longline elements (in particular bridging and / or filling), or the percentages by number of warp yarns and / or weft yarns of a given layer forming leaves and / or catches with other yarns are calculated on the weave structure of the multilayer fabric, i.e. the weave structure presenting the smallest weave ratio or the smallest repetition pattern of the interlacing / weaving method of the yarns of the multilayer fabric with each other. Testing methods

[0105] To ensure the performance level of a protective item, or protective clothing item, against the thermal hazards of an electric arc, it can be tested in two distinct ways: with the constrained arc test (also known as the box test), or the free arc test (also known as the open arc test). The manufacturer has the choice of test method.

[0106] The constrained arc test is carried out using the method described in standard NF EN IEC 61482-1-2, specifically entitled "Live work - Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc - Part 1-2: Test methods - Method 2: Determination of the arc protection class of materials and clothing using a directed and constrained arc (test enclosure)," notably dated February 2015. In particular, during the constrained arc test, also called arc in a test enclosure, the multilayer fabric or garment is exposed to an electric arc with a power of 4 kA (class 1) or 7 kA (class 2). Heat transmission is evaluated to ensure that it does not cause second-degree burns. The protective article or the multilayer fabric, or the garment comprising said multilayer fabric or protective article, must retain its integrity (i.(no torn seams) and the closures must be functional (no deterioration).

[0107] Depending on the results, the protective article or multilayer fabric is classified as Class 1 or Class 2 (the highest level). kA is the unit for kiloampere. The open arc test is performed using the method described in standard NF EN IEC 61482-1-1, specifically the section entitled "Live work - Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc - Part 1-1: Test methods - Method 1: Determination of the assigned arc value (ELIM, ATPV and / or EBT) of clothing materials and protective clothing using an open arc," specifically the 2019 version. In particular, during the open arc test, the electric arc resistance is expressed as an ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) and / or EBT (Energy Breakopen Threshold) in cal / cm² (calories per cm² of multilayer fabric or protective article).

[0108] The ATPV value designates the maximum thermal energy that the multilayer fabric, or protective article, can withstand before the user risks suffering second-degree burns.

[0109] The EBT value designates the level of heat before the multilayer fabric, or protective article, degrades (opening area of ​​at least 1.6 cm²) and generates exposure that can lead to second-degree burns.

[0110] The open arc test method is the most popular because it allows for a precise assessment of the level of protection offered by personal protective equipment (PPE), both in terms of the materials used and the multilayer fabric / protective garment. With precise resistance performance measurements, it is easier to select the appropriate multilayer fabric / protective garment against electric arc for the work environment and its associated risks.

[0111] The NFPA 70E standard (Handbook for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) defines different protection thresholds according to electrical hazards at work.

[0112] For risks related to electric arcs, the NFPA 70E standard defines 4 performance categories: category 1 with an ATPV > 4 cal / cm 2< ; category 2 with an ATPV > 8 cal / cm 2< ; category 3 with an ATPV > 25 cal / cm 2< ; and category 4 with an ATPV > 40 cal / cm 2< .

[0113] Preferably, a multilayer fabric, or a protective article, or even a garment, according to the invention, satisfies category(ies) 3 and / or 4. Preferably, a multilayer fabric, or a protective article, or even a garment, according to the invention, has an ATPV > 25 cal / cm 2<, more preferably has an ATPV > 40 cal / cm 2<, in particular measured according to the free arc test carried out with the method described in standard IEC 61482-1-1, in particular dating from 2019.

[0114] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric, or protective article, or clothing article, according to the invention, has an HTI24 greater than or equal to 9 and / or an HTI24-HTI12 greater than or equal to 3, in particular measured according to standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020.

[0115] In particular, the aforementioned standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020, is entitled "Protective clothing for firefighters - Performance requirements for protective clothing for firefighting".

[0116] Preferably, a multilayer fabric, or a protective article, or even a clothing article, according to the invention, has an RHTI24 greater than or equal to 10 and / or an RHTI24-RHTI12 greater than or equal to 3, in particular measured according to the standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020.

[0117] Preferably, said multilayer fabric conforms to level 1 of the NF EN 469 standard, of July 2020, in new condition.

[0118] In another embodiment, the multilayer fabric, or protective article, or clothing article, according to the invention, associated with a textile layer, in particular woven, comprising non-flammable fibers and / or yarns, has an HTI24 greater than or equal to 13 and / or an HTI24-HTI12 greater than or equal to 4, in particular measured according to standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020.

[0119] Preferably, the multilayer fabric, or protective article, or clothing article, according to the invention, associated with a textile layer, in particular woven, comprising non-flammable fibers and / or yarns, has an RHTI24 greater than or equal to 18 and / or an RHTI24-RHTI12 greater than or equal to 4, in particular measured according to standard NF EN 469, dated July 2020.

[0120] Preferably, said textile layer, in particular woven, associated with the multilayer fabric according to the invention, comprises at least 15% by mass, preferably at least 30% by mass, of aramid fibers and / or yarns (i.e. meta-aramids and / or para-aramids and / or polyimides and / or polyamide imides), and optionally at least 15% by mass, in particular at least 30% by mass, of cellulosic fibers and / or yarns which may be mixed with (mod)acrylic fibers and / or yarns, in particular viscose and / or cotton fibers and / or yarns, more particularly flame-retardant.

[0121] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises elongated bonding zones spaced apart, particularly extending in the warp or weft direction, especially in the weft direction, in which yarns A selected from the flame-resistant yarns, at least partially, of the first woven layer are directly interlaced with yarns B selected from the flame-resistant yarns, at least partially, of the second woven layer. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the creation of elongated recesses, each delimited between two adjacent elongated bonding zones, particularly extending in the weft or warp direction of the multilayer fabric, and more particularly in the weft direction.

[0122] Preferably, the A yarns of the first woven layer are warp yarns and the B yarns of the second woven layer are weft yarns, and the B yarns are left by the A yarns, i.e. the B yarns pass over the A yarns.

[0123] Alternatively, the A yarns can be weft yarns of the first layer, and the B yarns are warp yarns of the second layer, and the A yarns are taken with the B yarns of the second layer, i.e. the A yarns pass under the B yarns. Preferably, the multilayer fabric includes long-lined housings, or longitudinal pockets, extending in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric, and repeating in the warp direction of the multilayer fabric, in particular over the entire height of the warp direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0124] Advantageously, the long, narrow housings, extending between the first and second woven layers, each receive one or more intermediate long, narrow element(s), in particular one or more intermediate long, narrow fodder element(s), notably at least two intermediate long, narrow fodder elements.

[0125] Advantageously, the said ELIFs separate the first and second woven layers and thus give them a thickness linked to the linear mass of the ELIFs.

[0126] Preferably, the ELIFs are arranged freely in the long, narrow housings; in particular, they are not directly interlaced with wires of the first layer and / or wires of the second layer.

[0127] This arrangement prevents the intermediate long strands of forage from being crushed, thus maintaining a significant and constant thickness to form the thermal barrier of the intermediate layer.

[0128] Preferably, the ELIFs extend in the weft direction, and are taken by the warp yarns of the first layer, and are left by the warp yarns of the second layer.

[0129] In particular, the multilayer fabric includes long, linear bonding zones arranged substantially parallel to each other. For example, the intermediate long, linear element(s) each have a linear mass greater than or equal to 150 tex, in particular less than or equal to 300 tex, especially in the order of 200 tex to within + / - 50 tex.

[0130] For example, the number of intermediate elongated elements extending in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 10, specifically ranging from 3 to 7.

[0131] This minimum linear mass allows for good performance, and in particular to reach categories 3 and 4 of the NFPA 70E standard (or even level 1 of the EN NF EN 469 standard).

[0132] Advantageously, the longitudinal pockets (or long-lined housings) have a shape substantially like flat tubes, notably extending in the weft direction.

[0133] In particular, the long, narrow dwellings each have a shape roughly resembling a sausage.

[0134] Preferably, the longitudinal bonding zones include portions of yarn A and / or portions of yarn B, preferably portions of yarn A from the first woven layer, extending between the first and second woven layers.

[0135] Advantageously, the long, linear bonding zones extend substantially over all or part of the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0136] Advantageously, a longitudinal bonding zone, in particular each longitudinal bonding zone, comprises A yarns, in particular warp yarns, of the first layer, directly interlaced with B yarns, in particular weft yarns, of the second layer so as to form a set of taken and / or left arranged according to the longitudinal direction of said bonding zone, in particular in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0137] Preferably, the first layer comprises at least one weft yarn C, and even more preferably two or more adjacent weft yarns C: passing over a warp yarn A of the first layer, or forming a weft with a warp yarn A of the first layer, said warp yarn A also forming a weft with at least one weft yarn B of the second layer, in particular said leftover formed on the second layer with said at least one weft yarn B is substantially opposite the leftover formed on the first layer by the weft yarn(s) C.

[0138] This arrangement advantageously covers the warp threads of the first layer on its outer face, thus filling the gaps created by the elongated bonding zones. The raised areas on the outer face of the first woven layer are therefore minimized. This also allows for the concealment of a material with an unattractive color and / or lower wash resistance.

[0139] Preferably, two adjacent longline bonding zones of the multilayer fabric are separated by at least 5 weft yarns of the first layer, more preferably at least 10 weft yarns of the first layer, in particular by at most 30 weft yarns of the first layer, more particularly by at most 20 weft yarns of the first layer, especially by at most 15 weft yarns of the first layer.

[0140] Preferably, two adjacent longline bonding zones of the multilayer fabric are separated by at least 15 weft threads of the first layer to within + / - 5 weft threads.

[0141] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 450 g / m².

[0142] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass greater than or equal to 300 g / m², even more preferably greater than or equal to 350 g / m².

[0143] For example, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass of 395 g / m² < + / - 20 g / m² < to the nearest.

[0144] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises longitudinal bonding zones spaced apart from each other, in particular extending in the warp or weft direction of the multilayer fabric, in particular in the weft direction, each comprising at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element, in particular an intermediate longitudinal bridging element, selected from the intermediate longitudinal elements, said at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element being directly interlaced with C yarns selected from the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the first woven layer and with D yarns selected from the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the second woven layer, in particular the C yarns and the D yarns not directly interlacing.

[0145] Advantageously, the first and second woven layers are bonded, notably substantially exclusively, in said bonding zones by means of intermediate longitudinal bridging elements. Advantageously, the first and second woven layers are not directly bonded by the interlacing of warp and / or weft yarns of the first layer with warp and / or weft yarns of the second layer.

[0146] Advantageously, the degree of interlacing (or crossing) between the weft yarns and / or warp yarns of the first layer with the warp yarns and / or weft yarns of the second layer is less than or equal to 5%, in particular less than or equal to 1%, preferably substantially zero.

[0147] The bond ratio is understood to be the ratio between the number of interlacings and / or wefts formed between warp and / or weft yarns of the first layer and warp and / or weft yarns of the second layer, and the total number of interlacings and / or wefts formed by the warp and weft yarns of the first layer. This arrangement improves the flatness of the outer faces of the first and second layers, particularly the flatness of the outer face of the first layer, and thus eliminates the formation of longitudinal hollows since there is no creation of elongated, sausage-shaped pockets, while maintaining the first and second layers separated from each other by the thickness of at least the intermediate elongated elements.

[0148] This results in an improvement in resistance to electric arcs by limiting the propagation of energy from the first layer to the second layer.

[0149] Preferably, said at least one intermediate bridging longline element is directly interlaced with C yarns selected from the warp yarns and / or weft yarns, preferably selected from the warp yarns, of the first woven layer, and with D yarns selected from the warp yarns and / or weft yarns, preferably selected from the warp yarns, of the second woven layer. Advantageously, the intermediate bridging longline elements are bridging ducts inserted along all or part of their length in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric, more particularly along at least 80%, or at least 90%, in particular substantially about the entire length, in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0150] Advantageously, the long, linear bonding zones extend substantially over all or part of the weft direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0151] In particular, the multilayer fabric includes long, linear bonding zones arranged substantially parallel to each other, and in particular which are repeated along the length in the warp direction of the multilayer fabric.

[0152] For example, the number of intermediate elongated elements extending in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric is greater than or equal to 5, in particular greater than or equal to 7, more particularly less than or equal to 15.

[0153] In one sub-variant embodiment, the intermediate longitudinal elements are intermediate longitudinal bridging elements.

[0154] Advantageously, in this case, the intermediate layer consists essentially of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements. Advantageously, two adjacent intermediate longitudinal bridging elements are separated by at least one weft thread of the first layer, preferably separated by at most 20 weft threads of the first layer, more preferably separated by at most 15 weft threads, preferably separated by at most 10 weft threads of the first layer, more preferably separated by at least 3 weft threads of the first layer.

[0155] Advantageously, two adjacent intermediate bridging longitudinal elements are separated by at least two weft threads of the first layer, possibly by 5 weft threads of the first layer to within + / - 3 weft threads.

[0156] The aim is to arrange the intermediate longline bridging elements so that the empty spaces between them are reduced, thus forming a continuous screen preventing contact between the first and second woven layers.

[0157] Preferably, in this case, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 400 g / m², for example, from 360 g / m² to within + / - 20 g / m². Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass greater than or equal to 200 g / m², and even more preferably greater than or equal to 250 g / m².

[0158] This design provides good results for protection against radiant and / or convective heat, particularly for heat and / or flame protective clothing, notably for firefighters. In this case, the intermediate layer acting as a thermal barrier can include air gaps between the intermediate bridging elements. The air in this application also provides protection against radiant and / or convective heat.

[0159] Furthermore, it is possible to achieve category 3 or 4 arc resistance, with a reduction in surface mass of approximately 10% of the multilayer fabric compared to a multilayer fabric comprising long, sausage-shaped or flat tube-shaped housings.

[0160] In another sub-embodiment, the intermediate layer comprises one or more intermediate longitudinal forage elements arranged between the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements. This arrangement, which will be described in more detail below, further improves the flatness of the outer face of the first layer, enhances the maintenance of a consistent thickness for the intermediate layer, and virtually eliminates gaps between the first and second layers, thus improving resistance to electric arcing.

[0161] In one embodiment, the C yarns are warp yarns, and form swages with at least part of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements with which they are woven, and the D yarns are warp yarns and form swages with the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements with which they are woven.

[0162] Preferably, the first layer includes at least one weft yarn, more preferably at least two adjacent weft yarns, passing over at least a part of each of the leftovers, in particular each of the set of leftovers, formed by the ELIPs with the C yarns of the first layer.

[0163] This arrangement advantageously covers, on the outer face of the first layer, the leftover warp threads of the first layer, thus filling the gaps created by the elongated bonding zones. This arrangement also allows for the concealment of unsightly ELIPs (extra-longitudinal plywoods) or those with poor colorfastness to washing.

[0164] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric includes at least one elongated housing, in particular extending in the weft direction, said at least one elongated housing extending between two adjacent elongated bonding zones and between the first and second woven layers and having an internal volume receiving one or more intermediate elongated element(s) of fodder, in particular two to five intermediate elongated elements of fodder, chosen from among the intermediate elongated elements.

[0165] This arrangement further improves the flatness of the outer surface of the first layer and the continuous shielding effect of the intermediate layer. This results in good arc flash resistance (achieving category 3 or 4) while further reducing the surface mass of the multilayer fabric. This improves comfort and flexibility of the garment, and reduces costs (as less material is used). Indeed, the linear mass of the intermediate longitudinal elements (bridging and padding) is lower than the linear mass of the intermediate bridging longitudinal elements in a multilayer fabric variant consisting solely of bridging longitudinal elements. In the latter case, the linear mass of the bridging elements must be increased to fill / pad the intermediate layer. This results in a reduction of approximately 20% in surface mass while maintaining equivalent performance.

[0166] Preferably, the intermediate elongated forage elements are placed freely within the elongated slots; in particular, they are not interwoven with wires from the first layer and / or wires from the second layer. This arrangement prevents the intermediate elongated forage elements from being crushed, thus maintaining a significant and consistent thickness to form a solid screen of uniform thickness for the intermediate layer.

[0167] Preferably, two adjacent longline bonding zones of the multilayer fabric are separated by at least 3 weft yarns of the first layer, in particular by at most 30 weft yarns of the first layer, more particularly by at most 20 weft yarns of the first layer, especially by at most 10 weft yarns of the first layer.

[0168] Preferably, two adjacent longline bonding zones of the multilayer fabric are separated by at least 5 weft threads of the first layer to within + / - 3 weft threads.

[0169] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass less than or equal to 400 g / m², even more preferably less than or equal to 350 g / m².

[0170] Preferably, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass greater than or equal to 200 g / m², even more preferably greater than or equal to 250 g / m².

[0171] In one example, the multilayer fabric has a surface mass of 320 g / m² < + / - 20 g / m² < to the nearest.

[0172] In one embodiment variant, the ratio of the number of intermediate longitudinal forage elements (ELIF): number of intermediate longitudinal bridging elements (ELIP) varies from 3:1 to 1:1, particularly in the weft direction.

[0173] Thus, in the weft direction, there are 1 to 3 intermediate elongated core elements for every 1 intermediate elongated bridging element. Advantageously, the intermediate elongated core elements are freely arranged within the intermediate layer, i.e., without being directly interlaced or pinched with yarns from the first and second woven layers. Advantageously, this arrangement allows for the formation of a continuous and solid intermediate layer while optimizing the surface mass of the multilayer fabric.

[0174] Preferably, the intermediate elongated elements of forage (ELIF) extend in the weft and are taken by the warp yarns of the first layer (i.e., the ELIF pass under the warp yarns of the first layer), and are left by the warp yarns of the second woven layer (i.e., the ELIF pass over the warp yarns of the second woven layer).

[0175] In one variant, the number of intermediate elongated elements per cm in the weft or warp direction of the multilayer fabric, in particular in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric, is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 15, in particular greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 12, in particular less than or equal to 10.

[0176] In one variant, one or the intermediate linear element(s) have (each) a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex, more preferably less than or equal to 250 tex, preferably less than or equal to 200 tex, more preferably less than or equal to 150 tex.

[0177] In one example, the intermediate layer includes intermediate longitudinal elements, in particular bridging and / or forage, having a linear mass greater than or equal to 30 tex, in particular greater than or equal to 40 tex, and less than or equal to 80 tex.

[0178] In particular, the multilayer fabric has a category 3 electric arc resistance. This provision applies in particular when the multilayer fabric includes ELIF and ELIP.

[0179] In one example, the intermediate layer comprises intermediate longitudinal elements, particularly bridging and / or filling elements, having a linear density greater than or equal to 80 tex. In particular, the multilayer fabric has an arc resistance of category 4. This provision applies especially when the multilayer fabric comprises ELIFs and ELIPs, or possibly only ELIFs.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first woven layer is the right side of the multilayer fabric.

[0181] In one embodiment, the second woven layer is the reverse side of the multilayer fabric.

[0182] In one embodiment, at least 5%, preferably at least 20%, by number of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, each form at least one left with an intermediate longline bridging element, i.e. each pass under an ELIP.

[0183] Advantageously, at least 20% by number of the flame-retardant warp yarns, at least in part, of the first woven layer each form a loop with one ELIP for every 1 to 15 ELIPs taken up by said warp yarns, preferably for every 10 ELIPs taken up by said warp yarns of the first layer. In a sub-embodiment (exemplified in a non-limiting manner on the figure 7), at most 30% by number of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer each form at least one left with an intermediate longline bridging element, in particular for one to 15 ELIP which are taken by said warp yarns of the first layer, preferably for one to 10 ELIP which are taken by said warp yarns of the first layer.

[0184] Advantageously, at least 50% by number, in particular between 60% and 85% by number, non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer exclusively form bridgings with intermediate elongated bridging elements, i.e. pass over the ELIPs, or do not form bridgings with an ELIP.

[0185] Advantageously, between 15% and 35% of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, form a one-to-ten ratio with the intermediate longline bridging elements, in particular form a one-to-five ratio with the intermediate longline bridging elements, for example a one-to-two ratio.

[0186] In a sub-variant of implementation (exemplified in a non-limiting way on the figures 8a , 8b , And 8c), at least 60% by number, preferably at least 80% by number, in particular all, of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, each form at least one lay with an intermediate elongated element. Advantageously, at least 80% by number, in particular substantially all, of the non-flammable warp yarns at least in part of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, form a lay for 1 to 10 strands with the intermediate elongated bridging elements, in particular form a lay for 5 to 10 strands, for example a lay for 6 to 8 strands.

[0187] In one variation, two adjacent warp threads of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer, each form at least one weft thread with an intermediate bridging element, and these two weft threads are offset by at least three weft threads of the first (or second) layer, preferably by at least five weft threads of the first (or second) layer, and even more preferably by no more than 15 weft threads of the first (or second) layer, for example, by no more than 10 weft threads of the first (or second) layer. This arrangement advantageously balances the multilayered fabric and controls the splaying of the different threads so that they are similar, thus facilitating weaving.

[0188] Preferably, the intermediate longline bridging elements form leaves with warp yarns from the first layer, or the second layer, which are arranged along lines extending diagonally with respect to the weft direction of the multilayer fabric, for example extending along a direction D forming an interior angle between 30° and 60° with respect to the weft direction (T) of said fabric.

[0189] Preferably, lines extending diagonally are approximately parallel to each other.

[0190] In one variant, the second woven layer is the reverse side of the multilayer fabric, and at least 5% by number of the warp yarns of the second woven layer form at least one interlock with an intermediate bridging elongated element.

[0191] In one variant, the multilayer fabric includes intermediate elongated elements of forage, selected from the ELI, forming strands, notably substantially exclusively, with the C warp yarns of the first layer, and forming strands, notably substantially exclusively, with the D warp yarns of the second layer.

[0192] In one embodiment, at least a part, in particular at least 80% by number, more particularly substantially all, of the intermediate elongated bridging elements each form floats of at least three warp or weft yarns, preferably of at least 6 warp or weft yarns, of the first woven layer or the second woven layer, in particular of no more than 60 warp or weft yarns, more particularly of no more than 40 warp or weft yarns, even more particularly of no more than 30 warp or weft yarns, of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer.

[0193] Preferably, at least a part, in particular at least 80% by number, more particularly substantially all, of the intermediate elongated bridging elements each form floats of at least 10 warp threads, more preferably of at least 15 warp threads, of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer.

[0194] Advantageously, the intermediate elongated bridging elements form sufficiently long floats so that they are not crushed and thus contribute to forming a continuous and voluminous shield for the intermediate layer. This arrangement helps to improve resistance to electric arcing.

[0195] In one variant, an intermediate longitudinal forage element, in particular at least 80% by number of the intermediate longitudinal forage elements, each has a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

[0196] For example, one ELIF, or 80% by number of the ELIFs, each have a linear mass greater than or equal to 150 tex, especially when the multilayer fabric includes longitudinal pockets / sausages (and does not include ELIPs).

[0197] For example, one ELIF, or 80% by number of ELIFs, each have a linear mass less than or equal to 150 tex, notably ranging from 40 tex to 120 tex, when the multilayer fabric also includes ELIPs.

[0198] Advantageously, at least some of the intermediate elongated elements have linear masses (tex) greater than the linear mass of the warp yarns and / or weft yarns of the first layer and / or the second layer.

[0199] This arrangement allows the thickness of the intermediate layer to be increased, and thus the first and second layers to be spaced apart from each other in a regular manner.

[0200] This arrangement helps to improve the flatness of the outer face of the first layer.

[0201] In one variant, an intermediate longitudinal bridging element, in particular at least 80% by number of the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements, each have a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

[0202] For example, one ELIP, or 80% by number of ELIPs, each have a linear mass less than or equal to 150 tex, notably ranging from 40 tex to 120 tex.

[0203] The advantages described in the previous paragraph are also present.

[0204] In one embodiment, the multilayer fabric comprises a first end surface and a second end surface substantially opposite the first end surface, the multilayer fabric having an average thickness μm measured between the first and second end surfaces. The point thickness measured between said first and second end surfaces is greater than or equal to 0.50 μm and less than or equal to 1.5 μm. Due to its construction, particularly when intermediate longitudinal bridging elements are used, the multilayer fabric exhibits a substantially constant thickness, and therefore substantially flat external faces without hollows or surface defects.

[0205] This feature, as mentioned above, helps to improve resistance to electric arcs in particular.

[0206] Preferably, the average thickness (em) is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm, more preferably less than or equal to 2 mm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0207] In one example, the average thickness (em) is greater than or equal to 0.8 mm, specifically less than or equal to 1.20 mm.

[0208] The multilayer fabric according to the invention has a substantially constant, but low, thickness and a reduced surface mass, offering performance equivalent to prior art protective fabrics. These advantages improve comfort (greater flexibility, lighter weight) and reduce manufacturing costs (less material, fewer woven units). The average thickness is calculated by averaging 15 point thicknesses measured on the multilayer fabric. These point thicknesses can be measured on a photograph of a cross-section of the multilayer fabric using a graduated ruler.

[0209] In one embodiment, at least one intermediate longitudinal forage element (in particular at least 80% by number) has a linear mass T1 (tex), and at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element (at least 80% by number) has a linear mass T2 (tex), and the ratio T2:T1 is within the range from 0.5 to 4, in particular from 0.8 to 2, more particularly from 0.8 to 1.5.

[0210] Advantageously, the intermediate, elongated forage elements are not pinched and constrained by bonds with yarns from the first and second woven layers and are therefore left with more loft. To obtain a thick yet flat multilayer fabric, it is advantageous for the intermediate elongated forage elements (ELIPs) to be larger to achieve a volume equivalent to the intermediate elongated forage elements (ELIFs), particularly when a bonding zone comprises a single ELIP.

[0211] In one embodiment, at least one of the yarns, or at least one of the intermediate elongated elements, selected from: the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the first woven layer, the non-flammable yarns at least in part of the second woven layer, and the intermediate elongated elements, in particular of filling and / or bridging), comprises at least one infrared-absorbing charge such that said at least yarn, or said at least one intermediate elongated element, has a reflectance less than or equal to 50% for a wavelength of 1000 nm.

[0212] Preferably, said charge is a carbon black charge.

[0213] Preferably, the intermediate elongated elements comprise, or are, wires comprising at least one infrared-absorbing charge such that said wires have a reflectance less than or equal to 50% for a wavelength of 1000 nm.

[0214] In the event of damage to the first woven layer under the effect of an electric arc for example, the protection provided by the intermediate layer against the aforementioned risks is improved.

[0215] Preferably, infrared reflectance is measured with an infrared spectrophotometer, for example those marketed by ThermoScientific.

[0216] The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a protective garment against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc, in particular a work or intervention jacket or trousers, for example a jacket or trousers for a firefighter, comprising a protective article according to any of the embodiment variants with reference to the first aspect of the invention, in particular the garment comprises an external end face and an internal end face, the first woven layer being oriented towards the external end face of said garment and the second woven layer being oriented towards the internal end face of said garment.

[0217] In a first embodiment, the garment also includes an internal lining arranged opposite, possibly directly opposite, the external face of the second woven layer of said protective article.

[0218] Preferably, the inner lining forms the inner end face of said garment.

[0219] In a second embodiment, possibly in combination with the first embodiment, the garment also includes a waterproof and breathable membrane, possibly associated with a substrate, positioned directly opposite the outer face of the second woven layer, possibly positioned between the second woven layer and the inner lining. The membrane may face outwards or inwards.

[0220] For example, the waterproof-breathable membrane is oriented directly opposite the outer face of the second woven layer.

[0221] For example, the garment comprises, from its outer end face to its inner end face: a multilayer fabric according to the invention; a waterproof-breathable membrane possibly associated with a breathable substrate (for example the waterproof-breathable membrane then the substrate or vice versa the substrate then the waterproof-breathable membrane); an inner lining.

[0222] When the breathable waterproof membrane is combined with the substrate, they are preferably laminated together.

[0223] When the waterproof-breathable membrane is not associated with a substrate, it can be associated directly with the outer face of the second layer of the multilayer fabric or be associated directly with the inner lining (the inner lining preferably forming the outer end face of the protective article).

[0224] In another example, the article of clothing comprises, from its outer end face to its inner end face: an outer textile layer, for example an outer fabric; a waterproof-breathable membrane possibly associated with a breathable substrate (for example the waterproof-breathable membrane then the substrate or vice versa the substrate then the waterproof-breathable membrane); a multilayer fabric according to the invention, the second woven layer preferably forming an inner lining.

[0225] When the breathable waterproof membrane is combined with the substrate, they are preferably laminated together.

[0226] When the waterproof / breathable membrane is not bonded to a substrate, it can be bonded directly to the outer face of the outer textile layer, or directly to the outer face of the first woven layer of the multilayer fabric. Preferably, the second woven layer of the multilayer fabric forms the outer end face of the protective garment. In another example, the garment comprises, from its outer end face to its inner end face: an outer textile layer, for example an outer fabric; a multilayer fabric according to the invention, the second woven layer preferably forming an inner lining.

[0227] Preferably, the multilayer fabric, particularly the middle layer, includes microfibers to provide particle filtration. Preferably, the garment does not include a waterproof / breathable membrane.

[0228] The present invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a method for manufacturing an article providing protection against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc according to any one of the embodiments referred to in the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps: A weaving step: of a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and an intermediate layer woven with said first and second woven layers and comprising intermediate woven longitudinal elements, said intermediate layer being arranged between said first and second woven layers so as to form a multilayer fabric, at least one of the first and second woven layers comprising flame-resistant yarns at least in part. The multilayer fabric comprises a warp direction and a weft direction, and the intermediate longitudinal elements comprise flame-resistant fibers and / or flame-resistant yarns at least in part, in particular said intermediate longitudinal elements extending in the weft direction.

[0229] The present invention relates, according to a fourth aspect, to the use of a protective article according to any of the variant embodiments with reference to the first aspect of the invention for the manufacture of a protective clothing article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc, in particular according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0230] The embodiment variants with reference to the first aspect and / or the second aspect and / or the third aspect of the invention can be combined with each other and with the embodiment variants according to a fourth aspect of the invention. Description of the drawings

[0231] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached figures, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1represents, in perspective and schematically, a first example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 represents, in perspective and schematically, a second example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 represents, in perspective and schematically, a third example of a multilayer fabric according to the invention; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a photograph of a fourth example of multilayer fabric according to the invention viewed from the front face, or from the outer face of the first layer of said multilayer fabric; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a photograph of the fourth example of multilayer fabric also shown on the figure 4 , and viewed from its reverse side, or from the outer side of the second layer of said multilayered fabric; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6schematically represents a first example of a weave structure for a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in the figure 1 ; Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 schematically represents a second example of a weave structure for a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in the figure 3 ; Fig. 8A ] there figure 8A schematically represents the first part of a third example of a weave structure for a multilayer fabric according to the invention, such as the multilayer fabric shown in the figure 3 ; Fig. 8B ] there figure 8B schematically represents the second part of the third example of weaving pattern shown in the figure 8A , the second part following the first part; [ Fig. 8C ] there figure 8C schematically represents the third part of the third example of weaving pattern shown in the figure 8BThe third part follows the second part.

[0232] The warp threads of the first woven layers are represented with a dotted line on the figures 6 , 7 And 8A , 8B And 8C . Description of the implementation methods

[0233] The first example of a 10-layered fabric shown on the figure 1 includes a first woven layer 15, a second woven layer 20, and an intermediate layer 25 woven with the first and second woven layers (15,20), and comprising intermediate longline elements 30, in particular intermediate longline elements of fodder 32.

[0234] Advantageously, the multilayer fabric 10 and the intermediate elongated elements (30,32) include spun yarns of non-flammable fibers at least in part.

[0235] The multilayer fabric 10 includes a weft direction (T) and a warp direction (C).

[0236] Advantageously, the first layer 15 comprises warp yarns, in particular non-flammable at least in part, woven directly with weft yarns, in particular non-flammable at least in part, of the second layer 20 so as to create long-line bonding zones 40, extending in the weft direction T, directly bonding the first and second woven layers 15 and 20 together.

[0237] Advantageously, these long-line solidarity zones 40 form long-line housings 45, in particular substantially in the shape of a sausage or a flat tube, each comprising one or more intermediate long-line fodder elements 32, for example two intermediate long-line fodder elements 32.

[0238] There figure 6 represents an example of a weave structure 50 suitable for weaving multilayer fabric 10. The left part 52 of the figure 6is a way of representing a weave structure, i.e., the way the threads are woven together. The right-hand side 54 of the figure 6 is the representation of fabric 10 seen according to a cross-section of the latter, the bonding corresponding to that shown on the left part 52. Conventionally, a weave is represented according to the method of representation illustrated on the left part 52. The weave 50 represents the smallest pattern of repetition of the interlacing method of the threads of the multilayer fabric 10 with each other.

[0239] On the right side 54, the warp yarns are represented in the warp direction (C) (solid and dotted lines) while the weft yarns are represented in the weft direction (T) (small circles for the weft yarns of the first and second layers and larger bold circles for the ELI, here ELIF).

[0240] On the left side 52, the letters E in the direction of the columns and rows represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 16 with the weft yarns 17 on the right side of the multilayer fabric 10 corresponding to the outer side of the first woven layer 15 or first end side of the fabric 10. The letters e in the direction of the columns and rows represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 21 and the weft yarns 22 on the wrong side of the multilayer fabric 10 corresponding to the outer side of the second woven layer 20 or second end side of the fabric 10. The letters i in the direction of the rows represent the movements of the ELIF 30,32 with the warp yarns 16 and 17.

[0241] A white square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 30,32 and a black or hatched square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate longitudinal element 30,32.

[0242] The first layer 15 comprises warp yarns 16 and weft yarns 17, and the second layer 20 comprises warp yarns 21 and weft yarns 22. Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal elements of forage 30,32 are arranged freely, that is, without being directly interlaced with yarns 16,17 of the first layer 15 and yarns 21,22 of the second layer 20.

[0243] On the right-hand side 54, it is not possible to insert all the wire references for readability reasons.

[0244] Advantageously, a longline housing 45 is delimited between two adjacent longline solidarity zones 40, and includes two intermediate longline fodder elements 30,32.

[0245] Advantageously, a longitudinal bonding zone 40, extending in the weft direction T, comprises two warp yarns 16 each forming a weft 18 directly with a weft yarn 22 of the second layer 20. These warp yarns 16 and these weft yarns 22 are non-limiting examples respectively of yarns A and yarns B defined in this text.

[0246] Advantageously, a long-lined housing 45 has a height or width, substantially in the warp direction C, between 5 and 25 weft yarns 17 of the first layer 15, in particular of the order of 14 weft yarns at + / - 3 weft yarns.

[0247] The multilayer fabric 10 comprises a first end face 12, or outer face of the first layer 15, and a second end face 14, or outer face of the second layer 20. The multilayer fabric 10 has an average thickness e m10 of about 1 mm at + / - 0.5 mm.

[0248] In this specific example, the first layer 15 and the second layer 20 have substantially the same composition: the yarns 16, 17, 21 and 22 are each a spun yarn of (at least partially flame-resistant) fibers having a number (Nm) of about 55 / 2 (i.e. about 36 tex) and comprising about 35% meta-aramid fibers at + / - 5%, 30% modacrylic fibers at + / - 5%, 25% cotton fibers at + / - 5%, 10% polyamide 6-6 fibers at + / - 5%, and possibly 1% antistatic fibers. In particular, the intermediate longline elements 30,32 can each be a spun fiber yarn (non-flammable) having a number (Nm) of 10 / 2 (i.e. about 200 tex) and comprising about 50% to + / - 10% of aramid fibers (for example a mixture of para-aramid and / or meta-aramid and / or polyimide and / or polyimide fibers) and about 50% to + / - 10% of flame-retardant treated regenerated viscose fibers.

[0249] For example, the multilayer fabric 10 has a surface mass of 395 g / m² ± 10 g / m². Preferably, the multilayer fabric 10 has a weave of 39 warp threads ± 20% by 49 weft threads ± 20% per cm².

[0250] The multi-layer fabric 10 is preferably used in a clothing item for firefighters.

[0251] It is thus noted that although the multilayer fabric 10 has a reduced and fairly homogeneous thickness, the external face or first end face 12 is not flat and has hollows at the longitudinal bonding zones 40. The fabric 10 exhibits good performance under electric arc conditions, allowing it to reach category 2, or even possibly 3. However, the longitudinal bonding zones 40 in which the first and second layers 15 and 20 meet are areas of material loss, and therefore of weakness, particularly under electric arc conditions.

[0252] The multilayer fabric 10 has a unit-woven construction, making it lightweight compared to state-of-the-art textile composites weighing over 500 g / m². The construction of the elongated housings 45 also allows for the free placement of intermediate elongated elements with a high linear mass, enhancing the thick screen effect of the intermediate layer 25. The multilayer fabric 10 offers good protection against heat and flames.

[0253] The multilayer fabric 60 shown schematically on the figure 2comprises first and second woven layers 65 and 70, and an intermediate layer 75 comprising intermediate longitudinal elements 78, in particular bridging elements 80, more particularly arranged along the weft direction T of the multilayer fabric 60. Advantageously, warp yarns of the first layer 65 are directly interlaced with intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 80, forming loops with the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 80. In parallel, warp yarns of the second layer 70 are also directly interlaced with intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 80, forming loops with said intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 80. Advantageously, the first and second woven layers 65 and 70 do not comprise yarns directly interlacing with each other, so that the external faces of the first and second layers 60 and 70, respectively, are substantially flat.Preferably, the longitudinal bonding zones 85 each include an intermediate longitudinal bridging element 78, 80. The warp and weft yarns of the first and second layers 65 and 70 can be similar to the yarns 16, 17, 21, and 22 described above. The multilayer fabric 60 advantageously comprises a first end face 62 corresponding to the outer face of the first layer 65 and a second end face 64 corresponding to the outer face of the second layer 70. The average thickness e m60 is the distance separating said end faces 62 and 64. It is noted that the outer faces 62, 64 are flatter than the outer faces 12, 14 of the fabric 10 thanks to the advantageous method of bonding the first and second layers 60, 70 to each other indirectly via the bridging elements 80.This arrangement improves arc flash resistance (achieving categories 3 and 4) while reducing the surface mass of fabric 60, which is, for example, approximately 360 g / m² to + / - 10 g / m². The fiber composition of multilayer fabric 60 is similar to that of multilayer fabric 10. The yarns of multilayer fabric 60 are similar to the yarns of fabric 10, the difference being the ELIPs (longitudinal fibers) which have a lower linear mass than the ELIFs (longitudinal fibers) of fabric 10, in this specific example between 40 and 120 tex.

[0254] The 100 multilayer fabric shown schematically on the figure 3advantageously comprises a first end face 112 corresponding to the outer face of the first layer 110 and a second end face 114 corresponding to the outer face of the second layer 120. The average thickness e m100 is the average distance separating said first and second end faces 112 and 114. The outer faces 112, 114 are flatter than the outer faces 12, 14 of the fabric 10 thanks to the advantageous method of connecting the first and second layers 110 and 120 to each other indirectly via the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140. Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 delimit between themselves longitudinal housings 165, each receiving one or more intermediate longitudinal forage elements 130, in particular two forage elements 130 each. The longitudinal housings 165 are in particular delimited between two zones of long, adjacent lines of solidarity 160.This arrangement advantageously improves the flatness of the outer faces 112, 114, since the intermediate layer 150 is filled with intermediate elongated elements 130, 140, forming a virtually continuous screen. Furthermore, it allows for a better distribution of the linear mass of the intermediate elongated elements between the intermediate forage elongated elements 130 and the intermediate bridging elongated elements 140 in the intermediate layer 150, compared to the multilayer fabric 60, which comprises only intermediate bridging elongated elements 78, 80, regularly separated by junctions between the first and second woven layers. This arrangement thus results in a multilayer fabric 100 that is lighter than the multilayer fabric 60.Advantageously, the 100 multilayer fabric has a surface mass of approximately 320 g / m², with equal performance in terms of electrical resistance (categories 3 and 4) and protection against heat and / or flames compared to the 60 multilayer fabric.

[0255] THE Figures 4 and 5 are photographs of a fourth example of multilayer fabric that could correspond to multilayer fabric 100, so that the references of the latter are repeated on the Figures 4 and 5 .

[0256] There figure 4 is a photograph representing an example of the multilayer fabric 100, viewed from its first end face 112 or outer face 112 of the first layer 110. The right part of the first layer 110 is removed on the figure 4In order to visualize the intermediate layer 150, it is noted that the intermediate layer 150 comprises intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 forming longitudinal bonding zones 160 and intermediate longitudinal forage elements 130, in particular two, arranged between the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140. Advantageously, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 are bonded to the second layer 120 by means of warp threads of said second layer 120 forming swages 125. The swages are spaced apart so as to form portions of floats 116 within the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 and thus not to crush said bridging elements 140 too much in order to leave volume to the intermediate layer 150.It is also advantageously noted that the intermediate longline elements of forage 130 are freely arranged in the weft direction T between two intermediate longline bridging elements 140, i.e. that the ELIF 130 are taken by the warp threads of the first layer 110 and are left by the warp threads of the second layer 120 in order to preserve their initial volume as much as possible, and not to crush / compact them.

[0257] On the figure 5The multilayer fabric 100 is visible along its second end face 114, i.e., along the outer face 114 of the second layer 120. The right-hand side of the second layer 120 is removed to visualize the intermediate layer 150. On the lower part 170, the intermediate longitudinal forage elements 130 are removed, and only the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 are visible. Thus, between two adjacent intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140, longitudinal spaces 165 are visible. On the upper right-hand side 180 of the photograph, the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 and forage elements 130 are visible. Advantageously, the intermediate longline bridging elements 140 are secured to the first layer 110 by means of warp threads of said first layer 110 forming strands 115.We also find portions of floats 116 formed in the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 140 between each left 115. The floats 116 extend opposite a determined number of weft yarns of the first and second layers 110,120, for example between 10 and 15 weft yarns of each of said layers 110,120.

[0258] There figure 7 represents a second example of a 200 weave structure according to the invention suitable for the implementation of a multilayer fabric such as the 100 multilayer fabric shown in the figure 3 The 200 weave structure of the figure 7 is the smallest repeating pattern of the weaving of the 210 multilayer fabric threads between them.

[0259] The left-hand section of the weave 202 is an initial representation of the interlacing of the threads. The weave ratio is 8 warp threads to 12 weft threads for the first woven layer 220, and the weave ratio is 8 warp threads to 6 weft threads for the second woven layer 240. The weave ratio for the ELI is 4, specifically 2 ELIF and 2 ELIP.

[0260] The letters E, in the direction of the columns and rows, represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 225 with the weft yarns 228 on the right side of the multilayer fabric 210, corresponding to the outer side of the first woven layer 220 or first end face of the fabric 210. The letters e, in the direction of the columns and rows, represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 245 and the weft yarns 248 on the wrong side of the multilayer fabric 210, corresponding to the outer side of the second woven layer 240 or second end face of the fabric 210. The letters p and f, in the direction of the rows, represent the weaving movements of the ELIP and ELIF yarns, respectively, with the warp yarns 225 and 245.

[0261] A white square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate 250 linear element and a black or hatched square represents a warp yarn (represented respectively with a solid line and a dotted line) forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate 250 linear element.

[0262] The right-hand side 203 of the weave structure 200 is a different representation of the interweaving of the threads. The warp threads 225 and 245 are represented as longitudinal lines extending in the warp direction C, substantially perpendicular to the weft direction T, passing over or under: weft threads 228, 248 represented by small black circles, or intermediate elongated elements 250 represented by larger, bold circles. The weave of the first layer 220 is shown alongside the weave of the second layer 240, and so on until the weave ratio is reached.

[0263] The multilayer fabric 210 includes an intermediate layer formed by the intermediate elongated elements 250 distributed into intermediate elongated bridging elements 254 and forage elements 256.

[0264] For the sake of simplicity, references 225, 228, 245, 248, 254, and 256 are not shown for each yarn or ELI. The intermediate bridging longline elements 254 are shown approximately on the same row in the weft direction, as are the intermediate forage longline elements 256.

[0265] It is thus noted that advantageously the intermediate longline elements of forage 256 are taken by the warp wires 225 and are left by the warp wires 245. The ELIF 256 are therefore arranged freely in the longline housings 262 delimited each between two adjacent intermediate longline bridging elements 254. The elongated housings 262 have a width measured in the warp direction corresponding to a determined number of weft yarns 228 or 248, for example between 2 and 10 weft yarns 228 or 248. In this particular example of weave 200, the warp yarn 225 of the first layer 220 on column C1 forms a left 226 with an intermediate elongated bridging element 254, and the warp yarn 245 on column C8 of the second layer 240 forms a taken 246 with the same intermediate elongated bridging element 254.The same arrangement is found, with the left 227 and the taken 247 formed respectively by the warp wire 225 on the column C3 and the warp wire 245 on the column C10 with an intermediate longline bridging element 254. Thus, of the 8 warp wires 225 arranged on the columns C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, C11, C13 and C15, only the warp wires 225 arranged on the columns C1 and C3 each form a single left with the intermediate longline bridging elements 254, all the other warp wires 225 forming taken with the intermediate longline bridging elements 254.Advantageously, on the portion 203 of the represented weave, approximately 25% of the warp yarns 225 of the first layer 220 form a weft (226,227) with the bridging elements 254 (and are non-limiting examples of the C yarns defined in this text) and approximately 75% of the warp yarns 225 of the first layer 220 do not form any weft with the bridging elements 254, or form exclusively bridging elements 254. Thus, in this specific example, a warp yarn 225 forms approximately one weft every approximately 3 weft yarns 228.

[0266] In this specific example, a warp yarn 245 forms approximately one weft thread every approximately 6 weft yarns 248 (this warp yarn 245 is a non-limiting example of a yarn D defined in this text). During the weave repetition, the wefts 226, 227 and wefts 246, 247 will shift to subsequent columns of the fabric 210 so that the wefts, respectively, are arranged diagonally in the fabric 210. On the finished fabric 210 (in which the weave pattern is thus repeated several times), all the warp yarns 225 of the first layer 220 form wefts (226, 227) with bridging elements 254, and all the warp yarns 245 of the second layer 240 form wefts (246, 247) with bridging elements 254.But on the smallest weave ratio, we observe that the bridging elements 254 form few wefts with the warp yarns 225 and few hooks with the warp yarns 245 of the first and second layers 220,240 so as to keep the first and second end faces substantially flat, without hollows related to deformation in the longitudinal bonding zones between said first and second layers 220,240. In particular, between two wefts 226 and two hooks 246, we observe portions of floats of the intermediate longitudinal bridging element 254 of approximately 3 and 6 weft yarns 228 and 248 respectively.The intermediate layer thus includes bridging elements 254 forming leaves with the warp threads 225 and catches with the warp threads 245 in order to allow just the bonding between the first and second layers 220,240 by optimizing the flatness of the end faces and without compacting / crushing the intermediate longline bridging elements 254 and forage 256 in order to provide an improved arc flash protection screen.

[0267] THE figures 8a , 8b And 8C represent respectively a third example of a weave structure according to the invention, cut into three parts following one after the other (8a then 8b then 8c). This third example of a weave structure is suitable for the production of a multilayer fabric such as the multilayer fabric 100 shown in the figure 3 The 300 weave structure depicted on the figures 8A , 8b And 8Cis the smallest repeating pattern of the weaving of the 310 multilayer fabric threads between them.

[0268] The left-hand section of the weave 302 is an initial representation of the interweaving of the threads. In particular, the weave ratio is 8 warp threads to 48 weft threads for the first woven layer 320, and 8 warp threads to 24 weft threads for the second woven layer 340. Specifically, the weave ratio for the ELI is 16 ELI in the weft direction, i.e., 8 ELIP and 8 ELIP. The letters E in the direction of the columns and rows represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 325 with the weft yarns 324 on the right side of the multilayer fabric 310 corresponding to the outer side of the first woven layer 320 or first end side of the fabric 310. The letters e in the direction of the columns and rows represent the weaving movements of the warp yarns 345 and the weft yarns 348 on the wrong side of the multilayer fabric 310 corresponding to the outer side of the second woven layer 340 or second end side of the fabric 310.The letters p and f in the direction of the rows represent the weaving movements respectively of the ELIP and ELIF with warp yarns 325 and 345.

[0269] A white square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate 350 linear element and a black or hatched square represents a warp yarn forming a weft with a weft yarn or an intermediate 350 linear element.

[0270] The right-hand side 303 of the weave structure 300 is a different representation of the interweaving of the threads. The warp threads 325 and 345 are represented as longitudinal lines extending in the warp direction C, substantially perpendicular to the weft direction T, passing over or under: weft threads 324, 344 represented by small circles, or intermediate elongated elements 350 represented by larger, bold circles. The weave of the first layer 320 is shown alongside the weave of the second layer 340, and so on until the weave pattern is reached. The warp threads 325 are represented with a dashed line and the warp threads 345 with a solid line.

[0271] The multilayer fabric 310 includes an intermediate layer 360 comprising the intermediate longitudinal elements 350 distributed into intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 354 and forage elements 356.

[0272] For the sake of simplicity, references 324, 325, 344, and 345 are not shown for each yarn. The intermediate bridging longitudinal elements 354 are shown approximately on the same row in the weft direction, as are the intermediate forage longitudinal elements 356.

[0273] It is thus advantageously observed that the intermediate longitudinal elements of the forage 356 are not caught by the warp threads 325 and are left free by the warp threads 345, and are therefore freely arranged in the longitudinal slots 362, each delimited between two adjacent intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 354. The longitudinal slots 362 have a width measured in the warp direction corresponding to a specific number of weft threads 324 or 344, for example, between 1 and 10 weft threads 324 or 344, in this specific example, 6 weft threads 324 and 3 weft threads 344.

[0274] In this particular example of weave 300, all the warp threads 325 of the first layer 320 on the odd-numbered columns C1, C3, C5, C7, C9, C11, C13, and C15 form the leftovers 326, 327, 328, 329, 331, 332, 333 with the intermediate bridging long-strand elements 350 (these warp threads 325 are non-limiting examples of the C threads defined in this text), and all the warp threads 345 on the even-numbered columns C2, C4, C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16 of the second layer 340 form the leftovers 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, and 377 with the intermediate bridging long-strand elements 354 (these warp threads 345 are non-limiting examples of the D threads defined in this text).

[0275] In this specific example, a warp yarn 325 forms approximately one weft thread every approximately 48 weft yarns 324, and a warp yarn 345 forms approximately one weft thread every approximately 24 weft yarns 344. During the repetition of the weave, the weft threads 326-334 and the weft threads 370-377 will shift to the following columns of the fabric 310 so that the weft threads and weft threads of the ELIPs 354 are arranged diagonally in the fabric 310. It can thus be observed that the bridging elements 354 are only slightly left by the warp yarns 325 and slightly picked by the warp yarns 345 so as to maintain first and second end faces that are substantially flat, without hollows due to deformation in the bonding zones between said first and second layers 320,340.

[0276] Furthermore, between a left 326 and a taken 370 on the same row in the weft direction T, portions of floats of the intermediate longitudinal bridging element 254 of 3 warp threads 325 and 3 warp threads 345 are observed. The intermediate layer 360 thus includes bridging elements 354 forming lefts with the warp threads 325 and takens with the warp threads 345 in order to allow just the bonding between the first and second layers 320,340 by optimizing the flatness of the end faces and without compacting / crushing the intermediate longitudinal bridging elements 354 and forage 356 in order to provide an improved arc flash protection screen.

[0277] Compared to 200 multilayer fabric, 300 multilayer fabric is less prone to pilling / blistering during washing, and therefore offers better wash resistance. This is because, in 210 multilayer fabric, only some of the warp yarns interact with the ELIP (Extended Layer Infill). In 310 fabric, all warp yarns in the weave pattern are directly interlaced with the ELIP in turn. This ensures a consistent yarn length throughout the multilayer fabric, resulting in uniform tension for all warp yarns in the first woven layer and the second woven layer, regardless of the ELIP's linear density.

[0278] In conclusion, multilayer fabrics of the type 10 multilayer fabric provide arc flash protection of category 2 or 3. In the specific construction described above, an ATPV of 24.4 cal / cm² was obtained. The thickness of this type 10 fabric is not sufficiently consistent; flat, sausage-like tubes form at the direct bonding between the first and second layers. It was observed after the arc flash test that the areas not covered by the intermediate elongated forage elements (and therefore at the bonding points) are charred up to the second end face of the fabric.

[0279] The fiber composition of the 100, 210 or 310 multilayer fabric is similar to that of the 10 multilayer fabric. The yarns of the 100, 210 or 310 multilayer fabric are similar to the yarns of the 10 fabric, the difference being in the ELIP and ELIF which have a lower linear mass than the ELIF of the 10 fabric, in this specific example between 40 and 120 tex.

[0280] Multilayer fabrics of types 100, 210, or 310 advantageously allow the first and second woven layers to be joined indirectly via longitudinal bridging elements, so that the first and second layers are woven independently of each other. Advantageously, the first and second woven layers are separated from each other by a nearly constant thickness of the intermediate layer formed by the longitudinal bridging and filling elements. The multilayer fabric thus includes compartments defined between the bridging elements, and these compartments are filled with longitudinal filling elements having a linear mass close to that of the bridging elements. This arrangement advantageously creates a unique three-layer fabric, such as a double wall.These tissues achieve ATPV arc resistance values ​​greater than or equal to 25 cal / cm2<, in particular greater than or equal to 40 cal / cm2<.

[0281] In addition to arc flash protection applications, the multilayer fabrics according to the invention can be used in other fields. For example, for the manufacture of firefighters' turnout gear or police riot control clothing. In these cases, protection against thermal risks associated with arc flashes is not required, but rather protection against convective (direct contact with a flame) and radiant (proximity to a fire) heat sources. The thickness achieved in these multilayer fabrics is indeed conducive to thermal protection.

[0282] For riot control clothing worn by police officers, the first woven layer of the multilayer fabric may include meta-aramid fibers and / or yarns, particularly for their abrasion resistance and maintenance of a professional appearance after washing, and the second woven layer and / or intermediate longitudinal lining and / or bridging elements may include predominantly para-aramid fibers and / or yarns, particularly for mechanical strength, thermal insulation and protection against mortar fire which represents a new threat to law enforcement.

[0283] For this latter risk, the thermal and mechanical resistance of the integrated multilayer fabric is particularly effective. Furthermore, in the event of burning residue remaining on the first end face of the multilayer fabric (or facing), the advantageous structure of the multilayer fabric with an intermediate layer comprising longitudinal intermediate filling and / or bridging elements is particularly beneficial because there is no issue of thickness continuity for protection against the risks of convective heat.

Claims

1. Article providing protection against heat and / or flames and / or electric arcs, characterized in that said article comprises a multilayer fabric (10,60,100,210,310) comprising a first woven layer (15,65,110,220,320), a second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340), and an intermediate layer (25,75,150,360) disposed between said first and second woven layers, in that at least one of the first woven layer (15,65,110,220,320) and of the second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340) comprises non-flammable yarns at least in part (16,21,225,245,325,345;17,22,228,248,324,348) in that The multilayer fabric (10, 60, 100, 210, 310) comprises a warp direction (C) and a weft direction (T), and in thatthe intermediate layer (25,75,150,360) comprises intermediate longline elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) comprising non-flammable fibers and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, in particular said intermediate longline elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) extend in the weft direction (T).

2. Protective article according to claim 1, characterized in that the multilayer fabric (10) includes long-line bonding zones (40) spaced apart from each other, in particular extending in the warp or weft direction, in which yarns A (16) chosen from the non-flammable yarns at least in part (16,17) of the first woven layer (15) are directly interlaced with yarns B (22) chosen from the non-flammable yarns at least in part (21,22) of the second woven layer (20).

3. Protective article according to claim 1, characterized in thatThe multilayer fabric (60, 100, 210, 310) comprises longitudinal bonding zones (85, 160) spaced apart, in particular extending in the warp direction (C) or the weft direction (T), each comprising at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element (78, 80, 140, 250, 254, 350, 354) selected from among the intermediate longitudinal elements (78, 250, 350), said at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element (78, 80, 140, 250, 254, 350, 354) being directly interlaced with C yarns (225, 325) selected from among the flame-resistant yarns at least in part (225, 228, 325, 324) of the first woven layer (65, 110, 220, 320) and with D yarns (245,345) chosen from the non-flammable yarns at least in part (245,248,345,348) of the second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340).

4. Protective article according to claim 3, characterized in thatThe C yarns are warp yarns (225,325), and form strands (226,227,326,327,324,329,331,332,333) with the intermediate longline bridging elements (250,254,350,354) with which they are woven, and the D yarns are warp yarns (245,345) and form strands (246,247,370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377) with the intermediate longline bridging elements (250,254,350,354) with which they are woven.

5. Article of protection according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in thatthe multilayer fabric (10,100,210,310) includes at least one longline housing (45,165,262,362) in particular extending in the weft direction, said at least one longline housing (45,165,262,362) extending between two adjacent longline bonding zones (40,160) and between the first (15,110,220,320) and second (20,120,240,340) woven layers and having an internal volume receiving one or more intermediate longline fodder element(s) (32,130,256,356) chosen from among the intermediate longline elements (30,250,350).

6. Protective article according to claim 5, characterized in that The ratio of the number of intermediate longline elements of forage (130,256,356): number of intermediate longline elements of bridging (140,254,354) varies from 3:1 to 1:

1.

7. Article of protection according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in thatthe number of intermediate elongated elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) per cm, in particular in the weft direction of the multilayer fabric (10,60,100,210,310), is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 15, in particular greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 10, an intermediate elongated element (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) having a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

8. Protective article according to claim 3, possibly with any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the first woven layer (65,110,220,320) is the right side of the multilayer fabric (60,100,210,310), and in thatat least 5% by number of the warp yarns (225,325) non-flammable at least in part of the first woven layer (65,110,220,320) each form at least one leftover (226,227,326,327,324,329,331,332,333) with an intermediate longline bridging element (250,254,350,354).

9. Protective article according to claim 3, possibly with any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the second woven layer (70,120,240,340) is the reverse side of the multilayer fabric (60,100,210,310), and in that at least 5% by number of warp yarns (245,345) of the second woven layer (70,120,240,340) form at least one strand (246,247,370,371,372,373,374,375,376,377) with an intermediate longline bridging element (250,254,350,354).

10. Protective article according to claim 3, possibly with any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in thatat least part of the intermediate longline bridging elements (80,140,254,354) each form floats (116) of at least three warp yarns (225,325;245,345), or weft yarns, of the first woven layer (65,110,220,320), or of the second woven layer (70,120,240,340), in particular floats with at most 60 warp yarns (225,325;245,345), or weft yarns, of the first woven layer, or of the second woven layer.

11. Protective article according to claim 5, with any one of claims 2 to 4 and 6 to 10, characterized in that an intermediate longline element of forage (32,130,256,356) has a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably greater than or equal to 80 tex, more preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

12. Protective article according to claim 3, possibly with any one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in thatan intermediate longitudinal bridging element (78,80,140,250,254,350,354) has a linear mass greater than or equal to 20 tex, preferably less than or equal to 300 tex.

13. Protective article according to claim 3, possibly with any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the multilayer fabric (60,100,210,310) comprises a first end surface (62,112) and a second end surface (64,114) substantially opposite to the first end surface, in that said multilayer fabric (60,100,210,310) has an average thickness e m measured between the first and second end surfaces, and in that the point thickness measured between the said first and second end surfaces is greater than or equal to 0.50 e m and less than or equal to 1.5 * e m .

14. Protective article according to claim 5, possibly with any one of claims 2 to 4, and 6 to 13, characterized in that at least one intermediate longitudinal element of forage (130,256,356) has a linear mass T1 (tex), in that at least one intermediate longitudinal bridging element (140,254,354) has a linear mass T2 (tex), and in that The T2:T1 ratio is within the range of 0.5 to 4, in particular from 0.8 to 2, more particularly from 0.8 to 1.

5.

15. Article of protection according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in thatat least one of the yarns (16,21,225,245,325,345;17,22,228,248,324,348), or at least one of the intermediate elongated elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356), chosen from: the yarns that are at least partially non-flammable (16,225,325;17,228,324) of the first woven layer (15,65,110,220,320), the yarns that are at least partially non-flammable (21,245,345;22,248,348) of the second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340), and the intermediate elongated elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356), includes at least one infrared-absorbing charge such that said at least one wire, or said at least one intermediate linear element, has a reflectance less than or equal to 50% for a wavelength of 1000 nm.

16. Protective clothing against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc, in particular work or intervention jackets, for example, firefighter's jacket, characterized in thatsaid clothing article comprises a protective article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, in particular the clothing article comprises an outer end face and an inner end face, the first woven layer (15,65,110,220,320) being oriented towards the outer end face of said clothing article and the second woven layer (20,70,120,240,340) being oriented towards the inner end face of said clothing article.

17. Method for manufacturing a protective article against heat and / or flame and / or electric arc according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in thatIt comprises the following steps: - a weaving step: of a first woven layer (15, 65, 110, 220, 320), a second woven layer (20, 70, 120, 240, 340), and an intermediate layer (25, 75, 150, 360) woven with said first and second woven layers and comprising intermediate elongated woven elements (30, 32, 78, 80, 130, 140, 250, 254, 256, 350, 354, 356), said intermediate layer (25, 75, 150, 360) being arranged between said first (15, 65, 110, 220, 320) and second (20, 70, 120, 240, 340) woven layers so as to form a multilayer fabric (10,60,100,210,310) of which at least one of the first and second woven layers comprises non-flammable yarns at least in part (16,21,225,245,325,345;17,22,228,248,324,348), in that The multilayer fabric (10, 60, 100, 210, 310) comprises a warp direction and a weft direction, and in thatthe intermediate longline elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) comprise non-flammable fibres and / or non-flammable yarns at least in part, in particular said intermediate longline elements (30,32,78,80,130,140,250,254,256,350,354,356) extend in the weft direction.

18. Use of a protective article according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for the manufacture of a protective clothing article against heat and / or flames and / or electric arc.

Images